OUR GOLD FIELDS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1614, 3 September 1861, Page 5

OUR GOLD FIELDS.

The news from the Gold Fields is of the same character as that hitherto received. The arrival of the Escort in town with 5056 ounces on Wednesday last, produoed quite a sensation ; and about another 1000 ounces have been brought in by ptivate hands during the last ten days. This gives between nine and ten thousand ounces as the produce of the Melds whioh has arrived in town ; but we are informed tbat great dissatisfaction was expressed on the diggings that further convenience for the receipt and conveyance of the gold had not been made by the Government-— the diggers now becoming uneasy at tbe quantity of gold necessarily left in their hands. After allowing the Escort to come back twioe, with very little gold in proportion to the quantity obtained, it was not unreasonable for the Government to avoid unnecessary expense, by sending a less number of paok-horses on the last occasion. Two of the Gold Field Police horses were taken, and two hired to meet the emergency. The Commander of the Escort has requested au addition to his force, whioh we understand is to be granted, notwithstanding the faot that the expenditure on the Gold Fields and Police is extremely heavy. An addition to our population of about two hundred persons has been made during the week by the arrivals of small sailing craft, and the Wonga Wonga from the neighbouring provinces. Nearly three thousand persons are estimated to be working, chiefly in Gabriel's Gully, the alluvial flat at the head of whioh has been taken up, — although it was supposed from the I trot - nature of th© -ground -th_t-tt-.wo.nl—-'. 1 nt>t be worked until summer. Californian pumps are at work in considerable numbers, and apparent super-abundanoe of water has facilitated the process of wash-' ing. The gold brought in by the last Escort is heavier and less water worn than that at first received, and the finds by those who are fortunate are greater than at first jr but as tbe prizes become larger so do the blanks inorease in number. Some of the most fortunate at first are still keepiug up their rate of success. One party of seveu have in three weeks obtained 270 ounces ; 3 mon obtained 93 ounces in 15 days; one man aud his son have made about £500 in a month. Tbe most successful party that we have heard of is that of Peter Liudsay, who have made nearly £1000 per man since the diggings began. This is even better than " Peter's Manuka." Prospeoting is being oarried on with success, but tbe precise results are kept quiet. The weather has been severe and wet. The price of provisions may be quoted as follows :— Flour, Is. per lb.; ooffee, 3s. 6d.; sugar, ls. 6d. ; butohers meat, beef Is., mutton 1 Id. to ls. OJd. The roads are still very bad, and no effectual remedy can be applied until dry weather sets iv.