70

PELORUS GOLD FIELD,
PROVINCE OF MARLBOROUGH.

WARDEN’S WEEKLY REPORT,
WEEK ENDING 30TH JULY, 1864.

SINCE the last Report, owing principally to the continuance of fine weather, the workings of river claims have been pushed on vigorously. Extensive “wing dams” have been rapidly run out in many shallow points of the Wakamarina, and everything has been favourable to the satisfactory working of the ground so reclaimed. Large finds have been reported: miners seem to have more confidence in the stability of the season, and a great deal of work has been the consequence. Former spots, pronounced then too deep to be conveniently wrought, have been brought to good account; and fluming is carried on in many places, and will most likely prove remunerative. The head of the river, commonly called “the Forks,” has attracted a considerable number of miners. The left hand branch particularly has turned out very rich, and extensive works are now carried on at both branches. The terrace situate at the head junction of the two streams has not been tried yet, but has all the appearance of being highly auriferous. The precipitous nature of the river banks, and the abundance of timber thereon, greatly favors fluming wherever it has to be resorted to; and there is little doubt that, before long, mining operations on the river will be carried on accordingly. Several miners have anxiously applied for monthly protection for deep races at present unworkable. Should the body of water become reduced, they intend spending much time and labour in trying to get to the bottom. Terrace working has been encouraged—a few grants of extended ground to parties sinking on prospect were given some days ago, and already an old “diversion” of the Wakamarina has been profitably struck.

Deep Creek is still rewarding the fortunate holders of claims in its bed; and tunnelling has been commenced on one spot already,—a portion of the terrace on which the township is built is being driven, and as much as 24lbs. weight of gold has been got by one party in ten or twelve days. Some payable gold having been got on several terraces, great hopes of alluvial workings proving remunerative are entertained, and the attention of a large number of diggers has been turned towards prospecting higher up. The roads are still in a dreadful state, and the transit from Deep Creek to the Forks is at many places almost impassable for pack horses. The workings are fast gaining up the river, and the population that has gone up lately must be considerable. “The Forks” will turn out good gold, without doubt; both in the alluvial and in the river experienced miners find signs that speak well of the up country.

A township is likely to form itself on some of the small flats adjoining the “Forks”; and it might be advisable to choose the site before the spring sets in. “Deep Creek” township is assuming daily more importance, and it would appear advisable to lay off as soon as possible, suitable lines of streets; as the present ones are almost impassable, being very narrow (in places 4 feet 6 inches wide) and very tortuous and steep.

Estimated population:—From Deep Creek to the Forks, (included) about 1200.
At Deep Creek and below, 1600.

Owing to the nature of the country a fair estimate would be difficult to be arrived at.

W. H. PILLIET,
Deputy Warden.

Printed for the Provincial Government, by COWARD AND MILLINGTON, Government Printers for the time being to such Government.