KIANDRA.
FROM OUR SPECIAL COMMISSIONER
No. 9.
-- The escort left on Saturday, with 1499 ounces 15 dwts 4 grains, and
£1481. During the last week, very little work has been done; the bulk of the above gold, I
believe, having been sold by parties in their hurry to get away to Crackenback. This will
show that the diggers here, generally, are not so bad off as many would wish to represent.
Many that left are now making their way back, and cursing their luck in giving up good
claims for an uncertainty. But should another rush be talked about next week, we should
witness just the same excitement and indiscretion, for to attempt to reason with a digger
when most extravagant reports are given, without any authority, of any new place, would
be only waste of time. So eager are they to be first on the spot, that without waiting for
any information, they chance it; the general idea amongst diggers being -- first there first
lobs. It is only when they return disappointed and disgusted, that they seem to have any
reason at all; and, generally, it does not last very long, for, at the first talk of any rush, the
same mania seizes them, and they argue that although the last was a shicer, it is no reason
why the present one should be, and they chance it again, But there is nothing different in
this, for, to those acquainted with the gold-fields since their first discovery, the same
features have always been prominent; -- and so long as there are diggers, I expect it
always will.
On Saturday, I saw a very pretty nugget, weighing about 7½ ounces, that was obtained in
the river, and out of another claim one of 18½ ounces; these were both free from quartz,
there was also another with quartz, which on being broken up produced £154.
Near the Britannia dam I also saw about two ounces of gold washed out of half a dish of
dirt. While such, gold is to be obtained here, there is little fear of the place being deserted.
The hospital is now complete. It is situated on the camp side of Pollock's Gully; it is a
very substantial building, with every convenience; there are public and private patients'
rooms, also a dispensary and detached kitchen; the fireplaces and chimneys are erected
with rubble and brick tops, and are without doubt the best and safest on Kiandra with the
exception of the Post and Telegraph Offices, which are considerably larger; it is the first
building here. The committee and architect deserve great praise.
As an instance of what some people are doing here, I may mention that I have just learnt
that a party living at the same hotel in which I put up lost week, obtained £200 worth of
gold.
Fraudulent Insolvency. -- In the report of the trial of Matthias Nowland, convicted on
Monday before the Chief Justice of fraudulent insolvency, there is an error in the
evidence given by Mr. William Douglass, which we wish to rectify. He is made to say
that he sold a house in Sydney-lane to the prisoner for £150, and took security for £75.
The transaction was, in thin wise -- he sold the prisoner two tons of sugar, and as a
security for the money, £150, took a house in Sydney lane belonging to the prisoner, and
which house was only valued at £75. In connection with this case, it is worth placing
upon record the manner in which this man Nowland was entrapped and brought to justice.
He was a confectioner, carrying on business on Brickfield-hill, and being embarrassed,
listened to I the suggestions of a certain person who recommended him to convey a
portion of his stock-in-trade and implements to a hiding-place, and then take the benefit
of the Act. Nowland pursued this plan, and had the goods conveyed to a house in Botany.
street, over which was the name of Daniels and Co. It would seem that Daniels and the
son of the prisoner were to carry on business in this house. The old man then filed hiğ
schedule, and thinking he was thus secured from danger, took to drinking in the joy of his
heart, and went one night and kicked Daniels out of the house. There-upon Daniels went
to Mr. Douglass -- a large creditor of Nowland's -- and exposed the whole plot. But
previous to this and before Nowland filed his schedule, Mr. Douglass received an
anonymous letter informing him that for the sum of £2 the writer would inform him
where Nowland had concealed his property. Upon, this information Mr. Douglass acted,
and proceedings were taken which eventually resulted in Nowland's conviction. His son,
who was charged with taking away property attached by the Insolvent Court, stood his
trial yesterday, but was acquitted. This case shows that even under our present Insolvent
Law a man cannot always rob his creditors with impunity.
-- The second annual meeting of this society
was held in the Schoolroom adjoining the Congregational Church, Pitt-street, yesterday
evening. Tea was provided on the occasion, and a very large number of persons availed
themselves of the opportunity of being present. The large schoolroom barely afforded
accommodation for so many, but all were attended to. The tare was all that could be
desired, and the arrangements appeared to give general satisfaction. After tea a public
meeting was held, the Rev. W. Cuthbertson in the chair. After the usual devotional
exercises, and a short address from the chairman, the secretary, Mr. A. Allen, read the
annual report. From this it appeared that the society had been successful beyond
anticipation. Monthly prayer meetings, conducted .by the members, had been held during
the last nine months; they had been well attended, and good had resulted. The several
quarterly meetings were alluded to as having been interesting and conducive to the
progress of the society. The objects of the society were also explained, the especial object
being to provide books and other requisites for the native children at the Mission Station
on the island of Mare. A letter had been recently received from a missionary on the island,
acknowledging the receipt of type, school bell, pictures, and collection of toys for the
children, sent down by the society some time ago, and tendering warmly expressed
thanks for the same. The report closed with expressions of thankfulness for past success,
and hopefulness with regard to the future. The treasurer, Mr. A. Hunt, then read his
financial report, from which it appeared that upwards of £60 had been collected during
the year. At present there was a balance of upwards of £80 in the hands of the treasurer.
The adoption of the report was moved by Mr. J. Fair- fax, and seconded by the Rev. W.
Slatyer, in short and interesting addresses, after which it was put and agreed to. Prizes of
books were then distributed to the two boys who had collected most money during the
year, and likewise to the two girls who had done the same. At this juncture a distribution
of oranges took place, followed by appropriate addresses from, the Revs. Messrs. A.
Buzacott and S. C. Kent, The proceedings, which were deeply interesting throughout,
were brought to a close by the doxology and benediction, before ten o'clock.
-- This talented family gave one of their clever
entertainments at the Temperance Hall, yesterday evening. The attendance was
moderately numerous, and the efforts of the different performers to please were received
with general satisfaction.