LATEST FROM THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

Westport Times, Volume 1, Issue 136, 7 January 1868, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

KABAKA GOLDFIELD. {From the Special Correspondent of the New Zealand Herald.) Shorland, Dec. 30, 1867. If swarms of mosquitos and legions of blowflies could add to the comforts of life we should have a great deal of comfort here, at the close of the year of grace 1807. As many flies I have often, seen in the hush before; but the mosquitos, here beat anything of my previous acquaintance. They murder sleep up in the ranges and gullies, and many are obliged to abandon their claims during the night so as to try and get a, little rest. The weather for the past few days has been most oppressively hot, the thermometer some days days Standing art US in the sun. The digging news is next to niL Little actual work is being done upon any of the claims, but some preparation, is being made to go on full speed at the close of the holidays. A good many are going and coming to and from the Tapu Creek, yet we have heard of no find so large as that which I see reported in Auckland. But, on the other hand, every report that I hear from there is most encouraging.. The gold from the Tapu is not so very much different from that found by Mulligan's party while sluicing in the Waiotahi Creek, and it is said by some that there are not more than three claims that will pay ; but precisely the same thing was said of this field, and it may be equally true of the Tapu. A great many parties have' been back in the ranges, having a look at the country rather than prospecting during the holidays. I have not seen one of these parties who are not more sanguine of our prosperity from the opening up of the back country than they are even from the present workings. There was a very narrow escope of a " burn out" the other day at Barry's. Hunt's were clearing and firing some scrub, the fire ran towards Barry's, and but for the very prompt action the tents and fixings would have gone. I understand that Mr Mackay will return about New Year's Day, and there is a report current that a second "Warden has been appointed for this field. I am afraid the Provincial Government has commenced at the wrong end. While,the salary paid is so low, it would have almost been better to pay the present "Warden a higher salary

than his present very insufficient one, and put a little more work upon him for the present. We are all in great expectation of our Caledonian Games turning out a success, and are actively discussing the hiped and quadruped chances.