CALEDONIAN.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 350, 14 September 1868, Page 2

CALEDONIAN.

(from orn own correspond gnt.) September 12, 1868. At Deadman's Creek Terrace, Thompson and party have gone in 400 feet with their tunuel, and passed a branch run of gold, but not of a very productive character. They are now trving Avith their new mates, Berrill and party for the same run of gold as that struck by Simon and party, the prospectors of this terrace. M'Farlane and party have gone in 350 feet, but will have to penetrate some distance before they can reach the lead, which they hope to come to in a fortnight. Simon and party have their tunnel in 300 feet, and their wash dirt which at first was only an inch in thickness, is now two feet thick, and is also of a very rich class, and will pay at least £ls a week. They have got 30 feet of ground for washing their tailings which they purpose doing by making long boxes and paving them with stones about half a foot in length, and then letting the weather take effect on them before they wash them. At present they are occupied in making preparations for washing, which they hope to be prepared for in four or five days. Mr Simon has sold a sixth share in this claim for £llO to Mr Michael Dowd, who is a shareholder in a claim towards the Waimongoroa, out of which he and his mates have been making more than wages, in some instances they have got small nuggets in their claim about 7 or Bdwts. in weight. Wape and party, who are in 350 feet, and further on towards the Fair Downs, have struck gold, their wash dirt is at present very thin, but is improving as they go on. Mee and party who are also at work in this direction, have struck gold, and I believe of a payable class. They were in a distance of 400 feet when they came on washdirt.

M' Clusky and party who are in the 10th claim, have also come on gold, but the merits of their wash dirt have not as yet been tested properly. In Simon and party's claim they have gone thirty feet across the washdirt, and one portion of it leads towards the Caledonian, and the other in the direction of the Fair Downs, the gold is very fine, and appears to be the same as the Caledonian. There is little doubt but that this lead goes oa towards the Waimangoroa, and it is more than probable from the fact, of Dowd and party finding coarse gold in that direction, the gold will become heavier as they near the reef, several parties are thinking of going further north, and putting in tunnels, with

the hope of striking heavy gold. The difficulty which always presents itself is this direction, is the outlay and difficulty of bringing provisions to the workings. However gold has been now struck a short distance from the quartz reef, and I hope some parties will set in to prospect during the coming season, which I may presume will be fine.

At Giles' Terrace, M'Kensie and party are putting in a tunnel which is to be 1600 feet in length, they have for the past fourteen days made a progress of 200 feet, which speaks well for their future exertions, and if they continue at that rate, they will be only a short time reaching thespoL.the lead is supposed to be in, they commenced on a very low level, but now think they ought to have lower.

Davis and party hope to be washing in a day or two, and busy making the necessary preparations. Perry ana party are also washing and with a splendid return for their labour.

Washing is also going on in the claim known as Williams and party. Some of the other claims commenced putting in new tunnels on lower levels. In every instance they found they were too high. This will no doubt necessitate a great deal of labour, but it will turn out the best plan in the end.

Building has not as yet ceased on Giles* Terrace. Another store is being erected which will make the fifth on the terrace, and I would say too many for the requirements of the population. The business community have been more considerate to each other on Deadman's Terrace, where there are only two stores, a baker, and a butcher, with a greater extent of district to supply. I have been informed, that on Mr Lowe's return, he purposes having a track made to Giles' Terrace, which is very much wanted, as from the late rain the present track is nearly impassable for horses or men. On German Terrace, Langrish and party have ceased working, in consequence of some legal proceedings relative to extended ground which they hold. They have been twelve weeks working, and and during that time put in two tunnels of 150 feet in length each, besides driving thirty feet across in one with the hope of coming on the same lead as that of Evans and party, of Giles' Terrace, which they hope to strike on the north end of German Terrace.

Homer and party will be ready to wash in a few days • also, Cook and party, who are on the same run of gold at the south end of G-erinan Terrace.

At the Caledonian, Marshall and party's claim continues to maintain its rich character, and they are well rewarded for their perseveranee in working for it. The portions of the Caledonian track which were only timbered by the late contractor, have on one part been gravelled, and will be finished in a few days by Mr Maloney, the contractor. The late rain has rendered it necessary for him to timber several portions of the track which sunk, and in a short time this road will be in a firm state, and one of the best tracks (as far as Long's accommodation house) about the district.