OTAGO.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1977, 31 October 1863, Page 3

OTAGO.

Our files from this Province are to the 26th inst.

NEW GOLD FIELD,

A new gold field 35 miles from Dunedin had been discovered, and a rush had taken piece. Mr Warden Williamson who had baen sent out to examine its capabilities, furnishes the following report: —

" West Taiera Gold Field, 21th October, 1863. " Sir, — I have the honor to report that according to instructions I proceeded to the West Taieri Gold Field on the 23rd inst. (October.) " On my visiting the ground I found upwards of 1000 miners centered at Nichol's Gully, the gully in which the prospecting claim was granted. The deposits are very lich in this gully; gold has been traced from tlie creek into the hills on either side. The depth of wash dirt varies according to the undulations of the reef, being from six to twelve inches. As the hills rise the depth of sinking becomes greater. The deepest claim I have seen in which gold is being procured is sixteen feet, bottoming on to soft blue slate. The washing is soft cement and red gravel. Some of the yields have been large. All who have claims here are doing well ; the gold is generally distributed. Occasionally rich deposits are formed where the reef dips, as much as fiveor six ounces has been washed from a tin dish. The miners do not hesitate to show their geld (which is coarse and crystallised, or tell of their success. Many parties have divided from ten to twelve ounces per man for a days' work. "In many instances fabulous quanttties are named, which I have no doubt in many cases been got, but judging from the cheerful manner the miners work, I should say they are generally doing well.

i' There are several gullies in the district similar iv formation to Nicholl's Gully' where gold is found in more than payable quantities, the most particular being Sailor's Gully, Blackmail's Guliy, and Tucker Guliy, In Sailor's Gully large fiuds are said to have been got, and from the disputes nlready requiring my presence, I should judge the miners hold a favorable opinion of it. In Blackmail's Gully I saw seven ounces procured by two men in one day.

'• Ou the hill at the entrance to the township, a Quartz Reef has been opened. The prospectors previous to my arrival applied to the Sergeant in chaoge ibr a prospecting claim ; they liave not yet renewed the application. " From the general appearance of the countiy I am of opinion that a large portion of it is auri ferous, in a greater or less degree ; as the gullies join the Deep Stream, the gold becomes fine and not so rich as at the source, where it is coarse and shotty, pieces weighing from oue to two ounces having been found. " There aye numerous parties coming on to the ground, distributing themselves in the gully. I will not be over-estimating the population at 2000. " I have the honor to be, sir, " Your obedient servant, " Chas. Williamson; "Vincent Pyke, Esq., JIM,, " Gold Fields' Secretary, Dunedin." THE ESCORT. The Escort arrived in town this afternoon, bringing the following quantities: — oz. dwts. Queenstown 3949 11 Arrow River 1483 10 Danstan 7490 15 Teviot 949 10 Mount Ida 2805 0 16,678 6 Daily Telegraph, 23rd inst.