THE RUSH TO THE HAAST.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1118, 24 October 1873, Page 2

THE RUSH TO THE HAAST.

The Westland Register says :—We conclude, from a careful perusal of Mr Warden Tizard's leport, not that the Haast is a failurej but that it is at present an incipient goldfleld, requiring careful and industrious prospecting. The concluding paragraph points out this in the most significantly practical manner, for it states that the late discovery is the consequence of making Matthies's track from the Haast to Bruce Bay. Other tracks will lead to other discoveries, as well a* widen the sphere of search. Instead of the prospectors alone, it is probable a few scores of miners are left behind to prosecute earnestly their work, and others will certainly follow them. Sufficient stores will be opened to supply these men with necessaries at moderate rates, and the true character of the country will ere long be determined. But it is necessary that the G-overnment should adopt the Warden's" suggestions, rind get tracks Cut in various directions! We learn from experienced miners that the districts looks promising for quartz reefs, and as the mountain range approximates to the coast and may be reached with comparative ease* it is possible that here may be found the key of the treasures which lie hid in the less accessible country more immediately to the eastward of Hokitika. Two facts have certainly been determined by this rush—first, the bona fides of the prospectors ; and, secondly, that there is

more of tho precious metal in and about the neighborhood. After all it is possible that, both for tho mining population and for tho interests of this special district, it is better that the Haast goldfleld should be gradually developed, rather than be suddenly overrun by superfluous thousands, ot whom only a small per centage could by any possibility earn wages sufficient to pay for the means of living. Such a prosperity could be but fictitious, while* with a goldfield extending ita area aud population by equal steps, wo may hope to do a safe and profitable busiuess, without the usual drawbacks of n largo deduction for bad debts and reckless trading.