THE OTAGO WEST COAST EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

Westport Times, Volume 1, Issue 133, 3 January 1868, Page 3

THE OTAGO WEST COAST EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

We take the following account of the Otago West Coast Exploring Expedition from the Southland Times ": The paddle-steamer Greelong, Captain Hart, with his Honor the Superintendent of Otago and party, arrived alongside the Campbletown wharf at four p.m., on the 15th, on the return passage from the West Coast. The Geelong passed this port on Friday night, the 6th inst., for the westward, with favorable weather, which continued until the 13th inst., when thick easterly weather was experienced. On the up voyage, called at Preservation Inlet, and found Messrs Hutchinson and Coates just returning from an exploring expedition round the coast at Dagg's Sound. They reported having been compelled to take shelter in a cove for five days through stormy weather; and found no coal at Coal River, but a beach of hornblende. On Chalky Island, washed ashore, this party had discovered a figure-head, representing a sailor, with the head knocked off, apparently having belonged to a large ship. In this locality a large collection of new plants and shrubs was procured. His Honor the Superintendent and party, in boats, explored Preservation Inlet, and discovered there and along the coast-line granite formation, similar to Aberdeen, and in great abundance, and easy of shipment. On inspection, Chalky Island proved to be composed of sandy clay slate, and not chalk, as has hitherto been supposed. This slate will probably, at some future time, be found useful for paving purposes. The Greelong then steamed through Dusky Sound, and passed out by Breaksea Passage. In the sound the party ascended a mountain, estimated to be 3300 feet in height. The view inland from its summit showed nothing but broken mountain peaks. A record of this visit was placed under a large slab, and the mountain named Mount

Duncan, and the range Maeandrew Range. A party landed in surf boats at Transit Beach, south of Milford Sound, to prospect, but did not find any auriferous indications. The vessel next anchored in Freshwater Basin, in Milford Sound, and the party explored the country. The scenery in this part is reported to be indescribable, and one of the grand sights of the world. Next proceeded to the provincial boundary in Big Bay. The river hero, the Awarua, was found not available for the steamer. No people were seen here, although some stores were found near the shore. The steamer then returned to Martin's Bay, and a party crossed the bar in a" boat with the greatest ease, the channel being both straight and commodious, and perfectly available for such steamers as the Geelong -the head of the lake is also accessible by steamers or sailing craft. This bar is pronounced superior to either the Grey or Hokitika. At this place, between the sea and lake, is a considerable quantity of bush land available for settlement, the timber being heavy, with luxuriant vegetation, and a fine climate. From this locality is the best track to Lake Wakatip, and the impressions were that this place was altogether a most favoaable spet for settlement. An accident here occurred, which nearly had a fatal termination. A boat going ashore to fetch one of the party, attempted to cross the bar at the wrong time of the tide, and was capsized. The crew were twice washed off the keel, to which they clung, and one man nearly drowned ; but all were rescued by a boat which had been sent back for provisions. After spending three days about Lake M'Kerrow, the party returned to the steamer, which then left for South. A number of rabbits turned loose in Milford Sound and Martin's Bay. On arrival at Presertion Inlet, they found the party in charge of the coal discovery, thinking of abandoning it, as, although the superficial indications are promising, it is doubtful whether the field is sufficiently extensive for the necessary outlay to open and work it. There are many parts of the coast, between Dusky and Big Bays, pronounced to be available for settlement, the soil being good, and abundance of fish. Through the Geelong not being taken over the bar in Martin's Bay, the party of diggers on board had no proper opportunity or time to thoroughly prospect the place; the question, therefore, of its auriferous nature, remains nndecided. The Geelong put in to this port for a supply of coal, which she received this morning from the s.s. Taranaki, alongside the wharf. She sailed again for Dunedin 11 a.m.