DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN THE FIJIS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 447, 6 January 1869, Page 3

DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN THE FIJIS.

(From the Fijian WeeMyNews') . "We Rive insertion in another column to a letter respecting; an allegerl discovery of gold on the Navua River, Viti Levu. Without questioning: the fact, or the credibility of the parties named—who aro totally uuknown to us —we feel it our duty to warn our readers not to rush to hasty conclusions in the matter. We believe we are correct in stating that, although much attention has of late years been given to the subject, by persons qualified to judge, no authentic or well-es-tablished instance has been known of any of the precious metals having been found in the Group. Indeed some go the length of saying there cannot possibly he gold, from the geological configuration of the Islands. This opinion, however, docs not count for much, as we know of gold having been found in many places in New Zealand under circumstances contrary to all preconceived geological ideas. We understand that much of the country in the interior of Niti Levi;, and in several islands to ttu> windward of the Group, is similar in formation to gold-produc-ing countries; immense quantities of quartz are to be met with, but none as yet have been found auriferous. The beaches of many of the Islands are similar to those on the West Coast of New Zealand, being composed of ironsand, in almost inexhaustible quantity. With respect to the formation of a prospecting: party, we have no hesitation in saying, that in no instance have subsidised parties given satisfaction to those concerned. Private enterprise has always been more successful in discovery ; and, we should suppose the reward in prospect would be quite sufficient to incite the settlers near to form themselves into a party, when the place could be readily tested. We have been informed, however, by a I settler who knows thelocality indicated, that it looks very unlikely for a goldfield. The following is the letter referred to: —"Stk, —l saw the other day, when down the coasr, a small piece of gold which was found by Mr Gourney, he says on the Navua river. Would it not be a good plan to get up public subscription towards sending a few experienced men to prospect the said river? Mr Gourney tells me he will point out the spot where he found the I gold.—l am, &c, H. T. Coitmeline."

Brigham Yoima, having lost a " quantity " of wives from a malady fenown to cattle herdsmen as pleuropneumonia, has just, "annexed" five ladies newly arrived from England.