THE MONSTER NUGGET.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 474, 6 March 1869, Page 3

THE MONSTER NUGGET.

(From the Dunolly Express.) I The " Welcome Stranger" was found by two men, named John Deeson and Richard Oates, on Friday last, Feb. 5, 1869, near the Black Reef, Bulldog Grully, Moliagul, a short disdance from Wayman's Reef, and only about a mile from the celebrated Gripsy Diggings. Deeson and his mate have been working in the ground for several years past, and, asis well known, had got, in digging parlance, so " hard up " as to have been refused credit of a bag of flour a week or so ago, and we believe the very day before the discovery were reminded by a tradesman that they were indebted to him a few shillings. Still they persevered, until on the day named, Deeson, in working round the roots of a tree, about two inches below the surface, struck something hard with a pick, and exclaimed, " D —n it, I wish it was a nugget and had broken the pick." Stooping down to examine the obstacle, he found that the object of his dearest wishes was lying at his feet, and it seemed as if the monster was so large as to be immovable. It was, however, at length released from its virgin soil, and carefully removed. The question then arose as to what was to be done with it, and the first intention was to convey it to Melbourne. When the men got to Dunolly with their prize, they were advised to take it to the bank, and forthwith carried it to the London Chartered. The news of the discovery soon spread, and the bank was crowded with eager spectators, amongst whom were a number of Chinamen; and a constable was sent for to guard the prize. The weight in the gross, was then found to be 2101b. troy, and preparations were at once made to break the mass to pieces and smelt it. The appearance of the " Welcome Stranger" in its pristine state was something wonderful, and it seemed impossible to realise the fact that so great a mass of gold could be collected in one lump. But bo it was. Many efforts were made to lift it, and many exclamations of surprise expressed at its immense weight and compactness. A sledge hammer and cold chisels were brought into requisition, and several of the latter broken in the attempt to reduce into fragments the " Welcome Stranger." It was found to be as solid as it looked; and as chip after chip, and piece after piece was severed from it, its appearance was as clean as a well cut Cheshire cheese. At length, after no less than five hours hammering, the monster was pounded up and smelted, the resnlt being 2,2680z lOwt 14gr of solid gold, exclusive of at least a pound weight, which was given by the delighted finders to their numerous friends, who who were each anxious to retain a piece of the largest mass of gold the world has yet seen. Over L 9,000 were advanced on the nugget by the bank.

Boat cannot put off.—Two lights vertical; upper red, lower white. "Wait till daylight, boat will put off then, weather permitting.—Two lights vertical: upper white, lower red. Keep to sea, but to sea. —Two white lights horizontal, with red light between them, to be used for vessels approaching or at anchor. (a) from vessel. Will wait till daylight.—Two lights vertically ; upper white, lower red. Cannot wait.—Two lights vertical ; upper red, lower white. Cannot keep to sea, cannot put to sea.—Two white lights horizontal, with a green light between them. waterman's signal. A ball will be exhibited oil a staff in some conspicuous place, near the usual landing, to signifiy when the bad weather fares way be charged, as per local regulations.