South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Tuesday 26 December 1871, page 4


THE NEW GOLD MINING REGULA-TIONS.

The Act under which gold mining is carried on in South Australia came into operation on the 13th of January, 1871, when it was assented to by the Governor.

By that Act authority was given for the issue of ' miners' rights' and leases for gold mining purposes, subject to regulations to be framed by the Executive. All previous legislation on the subject' was repealed, and, except under then existing rights, no person could thereafter work for gold in the province unless provided with a miners' right, licence,, or i lease, 'subject to the provisions of this Act and of the legulations to be made hereunder.' Under these circumstances it would appear a matter of some consequence that the regulations necessary for giving effect to the law should have been issued without delay ; whereas it was only during the past week that any such have been gazetted. It might be of some little interest to the Crown lawyers to consider the legality of licences issued during the year, and the position of persons who have been acting on the faith of such licences. In the meantime, however, and especially bearing in mind the renewed activity indicated by recent reports from various gold-producing districts, we are more concerned to examine these longdelayed regulations, and to enquire how far they are adapted to the requirements of the colony. Are they as great an improvement on the previous regulations as the enlarged experience of our Government officials, and the growing importance of the interest involved would lead us to expect?

In point of length there is not much difference between the two codes. As, however, a considerable number of new conditions and varieties of tenure have been created, notably in relation to the Northern Territory, it is clear that much of the old verbiage must have been left out. This, assuming that all necessary provisions are inserted, which we shall enquire into presently, shows a commendable desire on the part of the framers to simplify in a matter iu which simplicity is a prime re-quirement. As to the composition of the regulatiors, it is clear, on comparison, that the experience of the older auriferous colonies has been to a great extent utilized, regard being had to the different con-ditions existing here. Especially we notice a tendency to adapt the By-laws of the Gipps Land Mining Board, which are necessarily more liberal than those of Ballarat and the other old-established fields, while at the same time the regulations under review are unaccountably less liberal in some respects even than the latter. A comparison between our own new and old regulations will give, however, a better idea of the progress now effected, and to do this more clearly we will postpone for a while the consideration of those applying to claims north of the twentysixth parallel of south latitude— in other words, in the Northern Territory. Taking first 'alluvial claims,' we find that on this class of diggings, while prospectors have a right of search over the same extent of ground as before within a limited dis-tance of known payable workings, they have the hitherto unknown privilege of testing 250 yards square if two miles, or 500 yards if five miles from such workings. They may also secure 100 and 200 square yards as working claims at these respective distances. The size of ordinary alluvial claims is in-creased from seven yards square to 10, and of river and stream claims from 15 yards frontage by 20 feet to 20 yards frontage by 20 yards. Cement ground entitles the claimant, under certain restrictions as to occupation and working, to 15 yards by 10 yards for each person. Holders of adjoining claims may amalgamate ; while to encourage and simplify the operations of Companies, or of combined working parties subscribing capital, proof of which by statutory declara-tion has to be lodged with the Warden, the provisions to meet these cases are still more liberal. In addition to the area to which each registered workman employed on, or in connection with such claim, is entitled under his miner's right, the Company will be en-titled to 50 square yards for a capital of £250, of which £100 is paid up; 75 yards for £500, with £250 paid ; and 100 yards for £1,000, with £500 paid. This seems a reasonable concession to persons prepared to embark their capital in these more hazardous forms of gold-mining, especially as the em-ployment of a sufficient number of men is made imperative. These ' extended areas,' as they are called, as well as the special

recognition of cement claims as such, consti-tute new and desirable features in the scheme. Under the old regulations the important subject of quartz-mining was dismissed very briefly, if not very intelligibly, as follows :— 'A reef claim to consist of 100 yards by 50 yards on either side of a reef or supposed line of reef.' We have now prospecting claims containing an area of 200 yards by 250 yards, over which trials of the reef may be made, and which must be distant at least 700 yards from the nearest occupied reef. There are also the ordinary quartz claims, to be 100 yards in length on the supposed line of the reef, by a width of 250 yards across its course. Provision is made for the union of not more than eight adjoining claims, which may be worked as one, but the number of men employed must be the same as though they were working on the separate blocks. A temporary amalgamation is also permitted, which may be continued or annulled at the wish of the parties, when payable gold has been struck. A most im-portant branch of the document now dealt with is that relating to the issue of goldmining leases, power to grant which was specially provided in the existing Act. Ap-plications for areas not exceeding forty acres may be made to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, through the Warden of Goldfields, in a form which among other things must specify the number of men intended to be employed. We do not find, as in the case of the 'extended areas,' that any stipulations are made as to the number of men or amount of capital to be employed, but, as it seems, the will of the Commissioner is the sole test for accep-tance or rejection of the proposal, at a fixed rate of 10s. per acre. This power, though at present probably looked on as amounting to very little, seems rather too uncontrolled when we consider that in the event of valu-able discoveries being made it might involve the unconditional alienation of large blocks to the detriment of the individual digger. The occupation conditions for the ordinary claims are similar to those previously in force, with some slight alterations in the direction of liberality ; and a suspension for a reasonable time is allowed under proper restrictions. As has been intimated, the northern por-tion of the colony comes in for its special share of attention, and with the strong feeling commonly entertained that valuable auriferous country is to be found within its limits, such action cannot be said to be pre-mature. The prospecting party supposed tobe preparing for their departure, in charge of Mr. Westcott, will now at least know what slice of any lucky discovery they may make will fall to their share. Whether they intend taking a Warden with them, lest by accident they might exceed the regulation number of yards allowed for a pro-specting claim, or whether they would con-stitute themselves a Mining Board, 'with the consent of the Warden,' and frame By-laws for their own guidance, does not appear. At any rate, Wardens, Mining Boards, and all are duly provided for in our regulations, and we suppose will become established facts at aome period subsequent to

tire first gold rush to Port Darwin. Pending such an occurrence, prospectors must understand that on reefs they are entitled to claims of exactly double the dimensions of those allowed in this part of the colony, while alluvial-prospecting claims are to be 1,000 yards long by 200 wide if on a river, and 400 by 200 yards elsewhere. Alluvial and river-working claims are to be respectively 160 feet by 75 feet, and 100 by 30 yards. The terms for leases, which we take to be the most likely form of tenure to be applied for, seem at first sight fairly liberal. The Government may grant a lease of three 40-acre sections, together or separate, for a rental of one shilling per acre. A subsequent clause in the same section of the regulations, how-ever, speaks somewhat ambiguously about a first year's rent of ten shillings per acre, while the form of application for lease, as given in Schedule N, includes a statutory declaration by the applicant that he has spent £450 in a bona fide manner on the lands applied for — whether one section or three, we presume, makes no difference— and binds him to expend not less than £150 per annum on each lease of 40 acres. If this is intended to be the rule, it seems strange that it should be relegated to the schedules, which few people would look at, at all events till they were about applying for their lease, when they would find to their astonishment that they had missed the essential portion of the conditions. There are the usual clauses regulating sites for machinery, residences, &c, and referring to water rights and privileges, and other matters necessary to the well-being of the miner and for the protection of his neigh-bours. Most of these latter seem modelled on the By-laws in force on the New South Wales fields, and would appear to meet the ends in view. On the whole, these regula-tions are much in advance, both in intelligi-bility and liberality, of those previously in force, and, though we believe there is still room for improvement in the latter respect, they should give material aid in the en-couragement of this industry. One of the clauses provides for the hoisting of a red flag on the discovery of payable gold on a deep lead, and we trust the time may not be distant when 'red flags' may form a pleasing feature of many a landscape in South Australia. That such paying deep leads will be found when energy and capital are brought to bear on the search for them we can entertain no doubt. The Australian and- European Tele-Graph. — It has been fully understood for some time that we should be unable, notwith-standing he exertions which have been made, to have our land line from Port Augusta completed so as to join the sub-marine cable at Port Darwin on the 31st December. This we were bound to do by the contract entered into, and we should therefore become liable to the penalties agreed upon, which, it will be remembered, were not in the shape of money fines, but of extensive powers to be conceded to the Cable Company, enabling them to make other arrangements to complete their line of communication. The day after the arrival of the English mail we announced that a communication had been received from the British -Australian Telegraph Company, proposing an extension of time on certain conditions, the nature of which had not transpired. The Government, having had the matter under consideration, have decided upon agreeing to the proposal made by the Company, and we are now able to state the terms. The telegram from the Directors of the Company stated that they had heard it was likely to be six months before our land line would be finished. Under these circumstances, their cable being ready, they asked that the South Australian Government should guarantee them 5 per cent, interest on their capital from the 1st of January, 1872, until the line is complete. In return, they agree to credit us with all the earnings of the cable, and to give up any rights they might have under the 12th Article of the agreement. Taking into consideration the desperate efforts Queensland has been making to de-prive us of the alliance with the Cable Company, and the fresh negotiations she might very probably open to secure some permanent advantage from the delay on the Port Darwin side, we think the Government have acted wisely in accepting the alternative offered. We are not in a position to state the precise sum per annum claimed for demurrage, but if the work progresses as Mr. Todd hopes, the amount we shall have to pay will not be very great. We notice by our intercolonial telegrams that the Sydney Government, no doubt in conjunction with Queensland, have already sent to the other Colonial Governments a proposal for establishing communication by means of steamers running from Port Darwin or some point on the line of telegraph to Normanton, whence the messages would be sent on to Brisbane and the other capitals. The 12th Article, from the liabilities of which South Australia will be freed by the payment of interest, is as follows : — ' If the land line is not complete and open for traffic on the thirty-first day of December, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, or if haying been completed and opened for traffic, the traffic over any part thereof is any time hereafter interrupted during thirty-five conse-cutive days, or during different portions amount-ing in the aggregate to seventy days of any consecutive three hundred and sixty-five days, the Company may at any time thereafter lay down and complete, and thenceforth maintain and use a line of tegraphic communication between their cable at Port Darwin and Burke-town, in the Province of Queensland, or between their cable at Port Darwin and any point on the northern coast of the province of South Aus-tralia,' with suitable stations, buildings, and works by such route, whether wholly overland, or wholly in the sea, or partly overland and partly in the sea, as the Company shall in their absolute discretion select as the best route for a direct telegraphic communication between Port Darwin and Burketown, or such other point on the northern coast of the province of South Australia; or may land a cable at Port Darwin, connecting that place with any other part of Australia; and, if they think fit, may abandon any station they may have selected under the authority contained in the first article of this agreement for the land end of their cable in or near Port Darwin, and surrender the land taken for the same to the Government, and select, and take, and retain and use another station for landing their cable in or near Port Darwin and for the offices and works in connection therewith, and may take, use, and for ever retain such land within the province of South Aus-tralia as they may reasonably require for any of the purposes aforesaid, but so that all the provisions hereinbefore contained with respect to land to be taken by the Company for the purposes of their station at or near Port Darwin shall extend to the land to be taken by them under this article: Provided always, that should any such telegraphic line as mentioned in this article be constructed and worked by the Com-

pany, the Company will transmit messages for the Government on as favourable terms withregard to fees, rates, or dues, and with regard to promptitude and regularity of transmission, as shall be applicable to any other Government or private messages.' Christmas Day.— December 25 was observed much the same as Christmas Day usually is. It was kept as a close holiday, and spent for the most part in quiet enjoyment. The Albert Bells rung out early in the morning, and soon the city wore its holiday attire. The streets were thronged for some hours in the forenoon, and many people visited the hills, the Bay, the Semaphore, or favourite resorts in the suburbs, while other folk, instead of an outing, made merry with their friends at home. The weather was exceedingly propitious, being cooler than is often experienced at this time of year, and that no doubt caused more than the usual number to seek out-of-door pleasure. Service was held, according to custom, in several of the churches, and considerable congregations attended. The inmates of the various Government institutions were not forgotten. Those in the Destitute Asylum were treated to a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, with ale, of which Mr. J. Primrose and Messrs. Syme & Sison each gave a barrel. The occupants of the Gaol were regaled in a similar manner, the beer being supplied by Mr. W. K. Simms and Mr. Primrose. We pre-sume that at the Industrial Schools and other establishments Christmas cheer was also pro-vided. Presents of fruit were sent to several institutions. Man Overboard.— In all the records of that painful occurrence the falling of a seaman over-board, it seldom happens that there is a success-ful rescue; but in a case which occurred during the passage of the Lammermuir, from Mel-bourne, by judicious tactics a fellow-creature was saved. On Thursday the vessel was bowling along at eight knots an hour, with all plain sail set, when an apprentice named Thompson fell over the side. The alarm was given, a life-buoy thrown, and now was shown the effect of a few simple rules which the master has had stuck up in the forecastle for his sailors' guidance. One hand was at once started aloft to keep his eye on the lad, who was bravely swimming after the ship. The helm was jammed hard down, and as the vessel came to the wind the watch on deck stood by to shorten sail, while others lowered a boat and pulled away after the swimmer. The signals arranged were most simple, viz., a flag at the gaff end, indicating to go straight ahead ; when lowered half-way, meaning to pull star-board; and if taken down, pull to port. Mean-while the ship came round on the other tack, and another hand was sent aloft on the foremast to keep an eye on the life-buoy, which was the best indication of the spot where the youngster was lost. The vessel gradually gathered head-way, and eager hands lowered a second boat, which was guided in the same manner, and in about half an hour was rewarded by picking up the lad. So expeditiously and systematically was the manoeuvre executed that in about threequarters of an hour the boats were triced up and the Lammermuir was on her course. To the master's simple signals may be ascribed the rescue of young Thompson, and it would be well if other vessels followed the example, so as to be ready for such emergencies. The Old Lunatic Asylum.— On Saturday evening Mrs. A. J. Baker gave a Christmas treat to the inmates of this establishment. The large and handsome room of the institution was beautifully decorated with evergreens and flowers. There was a considerable number of visitors, among whom we noticed Mr. A. J. Baker and Miss Baker, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Spence, the Rev. J. C. Woods and Mrs. Woods, Dr. Davies, Mrs. Davies, and Miss Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. Rymill, Messrs. J. Cumming, G. Gardner, and A. M. Woods. Dr. and Mrs. Paterson were also present. Mrs. Baker had a stall covered with articles useful, ornamental, and amusing, which she called upon the inmates to purchase, they having been previously supplied with small sums for the purpose. Her kind request was readily responded to, and it was pleasant to look at the happy faces of the buyers as they selected the articles most pleasing to them. These were provided by Mrs. Baker and her friends, some of the contractors for the establishment, and several tradespeople in Rundle and King William streets. The demeanour of the patients was extremely orderly, few shewing any signs in their behaviour of their sad malady. The meeting was closed by the Rev. J. C. Woods proposing thanks to Mrs. Baker for her great kindness in getting up the evening's amusement. This was carried, the inmates applauding heartily. We under-stand that a similar entertainment will be given by the same lady at the Parkside Asylum. The Young Australian, for Port Darwin. — This tug has served the shipping in the colony 18 years, and during that time has towed some of the largest vessels which have arrived. The demand for a steamer for the Northern Terri-tory induced Captain Wells to part with her, and within nine days she has been refitted and started for her new sphere of action. In order to be prepared for the voyage by way of the Leuwin, she has been fitted as a fore-and-aft schooner, and sup-plied with about 70 tons of coals. When favourable winds prevail the floats of the paddlewheels will be unshipped, and the vessel will depend on her sails, but when the wind is ahead her steam-power will be in quest. Under these circumstances she is expected to make the voyage in 25 or 30 days, and her master has been promised a good premium for speed. While the Young Australian sails by way of Cape Leuwin, the Omeo will start about January 1 via Torres Straits, and it is expected that they will both reach the Northern Territory about the same time. So decided were the endeavours to dispatch the former steamer that the Presi-dent of the Marine Board was afloat in the Gulf

on Saturday night at 9 to take off the necessary papers to the vessel. The Governor's Yacht.— The Edith re-mained weather-bound at the Semaphore Jetty till Sunday, when she cast off from the moorings and proceeded on her cruise. A strong southerly breeze was blowing before, and there was a heavy sea down the Gulf, so that her remaining moored during the rough weather was a wise precaution. The Ketch Race. — The preliminaries for this event have proceeded so prosperously that at a general Committee meeting held on Thursday, the Secretary stated that £70 had been already subscribed. This sum, being in addition to the entries, will leave a handsome balance, and the eagerness with which the masters have joined in the affair is a sufficient guarantee that the con-test will be exciting. Out of a list of nine vessels of the sort seven will appear at the start, the only absentees at present being the Tasman and Strathmore, both of which have prior engagements. The President of the Marine Board has intimated that his absence will be unavoidable, because he has to inaugurate on that night the light on Cape Jaffa. Captain Tapley has therefore been invited to act, with Captain Bickers as Judge. It has also been arranged that the vessels shall be allowed all ordinary plain sail, and the whole are to start from their own anchors. Fine weather and a moderate breeze are now alone needed to tnsure a full day's enjoyment. New Year's Day Races.— Entries for various races, and acceptances for others, were posted at the Hamburg on Saturday evening at follows :— Maidens. Mr. T. Gepp's br.g. Moro. Hon. J. Baker's b.g. Don Giovanni, 4 yrs. Mr. J. Burgess's b.m. Medea, aged. Mr. H. McEnhill's b.g. Flying Dutchman, 6 yrs. Mr. C. Mallen's c.f. Irish Queen, 3 yrs. Handicap Steeplechase. Mr. M. Muffins's b.g. Lightfoot, 12 st 1 lb. Selling Stakes. Mr. J. Heed's br.g. Stag, aged, £30. Mr. T. Jackson's b.m. Slender Sally, 6 yrs., £10. Mr. T. Gepp's br.g. Moro, £30. Mr. J. Burgess's b.m. Medea, aged. Mr. H. McEnhill's b.g. Flying Dutchman, 5yrs.,£30. New Year's Handicap. Hon. J. Baker's b.g. Paul Jones, 6 yrs,, 9 st. Mr. J. P. Williams's b.g. Pew, aged, 7 st. 10 lbs. Handicap Hurdle Race. Mr. M. Mullins's b.g. Lightfoot, aged, 11 st. 1 lb. Mr. J. Burgess's b.m, Medea, aged, 9st .

Another Case of Sunstroke. — George Thomas, aged about 45 years, who was in the employof Mr. Hermann Grosser, Bagot's Station, near Kapunda, had a sunstroke on December 21, which resulted fatally. He was winnowing wheat when he was struck, and his being affected was first noticed about 4 o'clock by a fellow-labourer, who saw him shivering, and asked if he was ill, but was answered ' No.' About 4.30 he went to the machine and com-menced working, but after about 10 minutes' time staggered and fell. The man was then taken into the shed, the inmates of the house were apprised of the circumstance, and Mr. Grosser, who was at Stockwell, was sent for, but before he arrived Thomas had expired. An inquest was held next day by Mr. H. Kelly, J.P., and a Jury of 13, with Mr. M. Green as Foreman. The verdict was— 'The Jury are of opinion that the deceased George Thomas came to his death from the excessive heat of the weather.' Rider— 'He had received every attention from Mr. Grosser and his friends.' Sudden Death.— On Sunday about 7.45 p.m. Ann Webster, an elderly person, fell down near Dr. Fisher's, on North-terrace, and died in a few minutes. Two men had previously heard her say, 'I was going to Mr. Gurner's, the dentist, but now I am dying.' She was re-moved to the Hospital ; but no inquest was held, as Dr. McIntyre, who had been attending her for some time, certified that she died of disease of the heart. English and Australian Copper Company. —Mr. E. Cooke, having received his formal appointment to the management of this Com-pany by the latest mail, invited the employes to celebrate the event and Christmas Eve by spending on Saturday a social evening together. Between 60 and 70 of the smelters and other workmen sat down to a plentiful spread at Mr. T. Yeo's Hotel, Port Adelaide. Mr. J. Thomas, head refiner, took the chair; and Mr. Lewis Thomas, charge-maker, the vice-chair. After the loyal toasts, ' The memory of the late Manager, Mr. J. Hamilton,' was drunk in silence. Mr. Lewis Thomas then pro-posed 'Health and Happiness to the new Manager, Mr. Ebenezer Cooke,' and expressed the satisfaction of the men generally that one so much respected had received the appoint-ment. Mr. Cooke, in responding, referred to the duties which employers and employed owed to each other, and the necessity of mutual esteem and good feeling. He then proposed ' Prosperity to the English and Australian Copper Company,' which had brought money into the colony at the time of the greatest de-pression, and not been discouraged when times were bad. The health of the London Directors and officers, Mr. V. Lawrence, the newlyappointed Accountant, colonial officers and workmen, Captain Killicoat, Captain J. Opie, absent friends, Mrs. Cooke and the ladies of South Australia, the leading colonial interests, the Host, and the Press were honoured. Songs were interspersed, and the party separated at a reasonable hour, after spending a very pleasant evening. Returning Colonist.— We learn that Mr. D. Cudmore, one of our earliest colonists, who arrived here in 1836, is returning to these shores in the Collingrove. His visit to Europe was undertaken for the benefit of his sight, which is now much improved. Self - Stabbing. — On Sunday evening, December 24, Henry Davis, gunsmith, of South-terrace, stabbed himself in the side with a knife. He was taken to the Adelaide Hospital by the police. It is believed that he was suffering from the effects of drink. No doctor was sent for by the family, nor was any-thing done for him till he was conveyed to the Hospital. The injuries received are not re-garded as serious, and the man's recovery is therefore probable. Works of Art.— Mr. R. E. Minchin will open an exhibition of pictures to-day in the Victoria-Chambers, King William-street. The exhibits consist of a number of water-colour drawings of New Zealand scenery and a collec-tion of paintings. Camels.— On Friday morning a troop of 30 camels, in charge of three Affghans, who hare re-entered the service of the Hon. T. Elder for a further term of three years, started from Wal-laroo for the Far North. Mount Gambier Baptist Church. — The Watch states that the Rev. D. Badger, the Chairman of the Baptist Association, who arrived in the town a few weeks ago to ascertain if the Baptist congregation could be reunited, left for Adelaide on Monday, overland. His object has been satisfactorily realized. Holiday Amusements. — The following entertainments aie advertised for this week— To-day at Mintaro, Christmas festival and picnic (to be continued to-morrow and Thursday), Town Hall, Norwood, Christmas readings, music, &c, proceeds in aid of Clayton Manse Fund; Greenock, picnic and ball; Town Hall Exchange Room, quarterly soiree of the Total Abstinence Alliance; Thursday, Melrose, races (to be con-tinued on Friday); Glenelg, annual sports; Reedbeds, athletic sports; Port Adelaide, ketch race; Exhibition Building, Oddfellows' picnic and ball; the Society of Arts' Exhibition at the S. A. Institute. Real Estate Sale. — The Freeman-street Chapel premises and land, which were passed at auction on Friday, were subsequently sold for £1,050, to Messrs. A. Simpson & Son, who purpose converting the building into a tin and ironwork factory. (From Saturday's Evening Journal.] Bishop Shiel.— The Irish Harp writes:— ' We have authority for saying that a formal representation to Cardinal Barnabo, Prefect of the Congregation of the Propaganda in Rome, respecting the proceedings of the Right Rev.

Dr. Shiel towards the sisters or St. Joseph, and other grave matters materially affecting the welfare of this See, was forwarded by the last English mail to Rome. The duplicate will follow in due course by the next outgoing mail. Letters from Sydney inform us that the visit of the Right Rev. Dr. Murray, Bishop of Maitland, to Europe, has special reference to the recent actions of the Right Rev. Dr. Shiel and his advisers in Ade-laide; and that His Lordship is charged with missives on the subject from the ecclesiastical authorities in Sydney to the proper tribunals in Rome.' Ulooloo Diggings.— Mr. William Armstrong, of Hindmarsh, formerly a Victorian digger, has called at the' Register Office to state his ex-periences on this gold-field and show the results of his latest three days' work. He mentions, that he some time ago visited Jupiter Creek, but has not till now had much faith in South Australian gold-fields, he is, however, satisfied that Ulooloo is the best poor man's diggings the colony possesses. Mr. Armstrong went there a month ago, and was so much pleased with the appearance of the country that he determined to settle there for a time, and with his mate put up a hut. The week before last they got half an ounce of good clean gold, last week 15 dwts., and during Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday obtained 16 dwts., or a little over £2. He is so satisfied with the value of his claim, and the prospect of doing well, that he has come down to spend Christmas in good spirits, and intends then returning and thoroughly developing his block, which is only a spur, where the sinking does not exceed 12 feet. Between 35 and 40 men are on the spot, all of whom, it is believed by our informant are making sufficient to pay expenses, while several are at least securing wages. Living expenses are very moderate, provisions being cheap, Mr. Arm-strong quoting 8s. per week as ample to cover the cost. The workings are a couple of miles from the creek, and 2s. for a load of 25 buckets is paid for the cartage of water to wash the stuff with. It is represented that no person without a few pounds in his pocket should go to the locality, but any one who can afford to spend time in a thorough search has the probability of being rewarded with a moderate return, and the possibility also of good finds. Price of Land.— The following information may be interesting as showing the price obtained for some of the best land in the North under the auction system previous to the introduction of credit terms and conditions:— Hill River Run, Hundred of Milne, 49,825 acres, £74,383 ; Hundred of Andrews, 42,677, £69,827, giving an average of £1 11s. 2d. per acre. On the Gum Creek Run, Hundred of Hanson, there have been sold 64,708 acres for £96,551, being an average price of £1 9s, 10d.