KIANDRA.
FROM OUR SPECIAL COMMISSIONER
No. 2.
-- Since my last I have been over the greater part of these diggings,
and I now propose forwarding you the result of my observations. It was generally
supposed that at the present time Kiandra would boast of a large mining population, but
the last few days seem rather to have diminished than increased it; hut for what reason I
am at a loss to discover. For I unhesitatingly assert that, for the number of men engaged
digging at the present time there is not a field in the whole of the colonies that produces
equal results. Where the amount of gold is obtained that is weekly sent from this place is
difficult to state, for the very highest estimate of men working is 1200; in fact, my own
observation lead, me to believe that there is not even this number This statement, I have
no doubt, will surprise many but not more than it does me, for I certainly expected to find
a far greater working population. I will now endeavour to account for this state of things.
The bulk of the men arriving here -- and this applies to the Victorian miners in particular
-- are so disappointed at the appearance of the place, being so totally different to any
field in Victoria, that they are more disposed to take the accounts of the men knocking
about the township and the various public-houses, than commence working. Within the
last few days upwards of fifty men to my own knowledge have left not one of whom has
done a day's work. Many arrive here with the idea that this place is similar to the
Victorian fields, that a large extent of alluvial ground on which "pick and shovel "
men can turn into work, sink holes and drive in the bottom; at present such is not the
case, and this in a great measure determines many to return. Nearly all the ground that is
payably worked is by means of sluicing, and to those who have not been so engaged, it
presents obstacles and difficulties, and requires the outlay of a little money before men
can expect to get gold. That the hill sinking here will be of considerable importance, I
have little doubt; the holes bottomed on the New Chum Hill having established the fact
that the gold is not confined to the creeks and rivers. Two of those already bottomed
turning out very rich -- as much as one ounce to the dish. My own opinion is that the
gold found in the river will be traced into this hill. Should such prove the case, we may
expect a continuation of this lead to a considerable extent.
To those miners who are acquainted with the Jim Crow Ranges, in the neighbourhood of
Daylesford, Victoria, the high ranges running on the side of Spring Creek, that have been
so profitably worked by means of tunnelling, many parts of this place present a very
similar appearance; and if the same means of trying these hills are adopted, I have but
little doubt most profitable results will follow. To those miners engaged in the various
districts of Victoria sluicing, this place has advantages both with respect to gold and
water not generally possessed there.
There are about 150 men engaged about ten or twelve miles from here, on the
Murrumbidgee, and report says they are generally doing well. I started for the purpose of
visiting the place, and when within about three miles of it, was obliged to return, in
consequence of the Tantangara Creek being bank and bank high. I hope next week to be
enabled to send you particulars. On the Rocky Plains several men are at work in the river,
but at present the bulk of them are only tucker claims -- two only being of any account
-- and these yield from £10 to £12 per week per man.
-- On this place, so long deserted, a small population is now
engaged paddocking the old ground -- two small rushes have taken place on the camp
side of it, a party of Victorian miners having obtained a very good prospect in a small
gully that runs into it; they have commenced sluicing, and have informed me that they
can make £1 per man a day.
-- There is but a small population at this place, and those are mostly
waiting the result of the tunnel that is being put in one of the hills, the storekeepers at this
place having subscribed for the purpose -- an example the people of Kiandra would do
well to follow.
-- This place presents the nearest approach to the generality of the
Victorian fields -- the sinking varies from three to twelve feet, and although the bulk of
the miners only own to tucker claims, there have been several very rich claims. A great
many are now engaged sluicing. Three puddling machines are now working, with very
satisfactory results. Nothing here that goes less than from 3 to 5 dwts. to the load is
considered payable; there is a great extent of ground that will be puddled and sluiced. To
those puddlers who are engaged working ground in the different parts of the colonies at
from ¼ to 1 dwt. to the load, this place deserves their attention. But, while stating these
facts, I must caution them that their expenses will be greater -- wages, stores, and horse
feed being considerably higher; for, with all the talk about "tucker"
claims,
men are not to be got for less than £4 per week, many parties paying £5.
-- The men working on this híll are all satisfied. There are continual
disputes about the water and ground -- two or three claims being very rich. There will
not be a foot of ground on this hill, which is of considerable extent, but what will be
worked.
An idea may be formed of the returns of some of the claims on this place; four men
yesterday dividing £460 for a fortnight's work -- £115 per man -- not very bad.
-- I have little to add with respect to this place, every hole
bottomed proving it to be one of the richest spots yet worked on Kiandra; the depth of
wash and splendid yields proving it.
The intelligence received here from Sydney of the report of the export duty on gold has
given general satisfaction.
Government having promised £200 towards the erection of an hospital, a meeting of the
committee was held on Tuesday, and it was arranged that a public meeting should be held
on Monday next, for the purpose of placing the claims of the institution before the public.
The police are on the alert here -- one or two of the most notorious vagabonds having
been sent to Goulburn gaol to rusticate for six months, and several others have received
warnings.
£3 11s. to £3 12s.
-- The escort to-day takes 1409 ozs. 6 grs., and £1338. Considering
the weather we had at the commencement of the week, and the number of men working,
it will, I think, bear out my previous statement, that no other field produces such
satisfactory results.
Weather fine,
A land sale was held at New Providence, on Monday and Tuesday last, with the
exception of those lots on which buildings are being put up, there was little or no bidding.
I enclose particulars :