Adelong history: news reports about developments at Adelong

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Adelong history

Who first discovered gold in the Abercrombie hills is shrouded in mystery but the explosion of the Abercrombie and Tuena Goldfields and the tales of the lawless men who would rather steal than dig form a fascinating part of history.

With the early colony in a depression, the discovery of gold in 1851 sent the region into a flurry of activity with hopeful souls flocking in from all parts with the dream of striking it rich. Tuena very quickly became a melting pot of European and Chinese cultures, pioneers and entrepreneurs, lawmen and outlaws.

Following a stint on the famous Californian Goldfields, Edward Hargraves in his role as Commissioner of Crown Lands, was sent to the Abercrombie in June 1851 to investigate reports of gold mining and so began the hunt for gold in the rivers and creeks throughout the region. It was reported that the name “digger” was a misnomer because gold was so plentiful it was being gathered rather than dug and people were nearly mad with excitement.

By late 1851, hundreds of people were leaving the Turon and Ophir goldfields for Tuena however most of the hopefuls were from Goulburn.

“These several large purchases has filled the town with excitement. Those who had hitherto resisted the fever have fallen under its influence, and are “off.” Goulburn will be shortly left without a male inhabitant. We have heard of several remarkable instances of success at Tuena.”

18 November 1851

On Wednesday evening, two of our spirited townsmen -viz., Mr. S. Davis, of the Australian Store, and Mr. N. Mendleson, of the Goulburn Hotel, having visited the Braidwood diggings, re turned to this town, each having purchased 600 oz. of gold…

On the same day, Mr. John O’sullivan also purchased 108 oz. : so that in one day there arrived in this town above 1100 ounces of the precious metal. We have also to notice the purchase, by Messrs. Benjamin and Moses, of 102 oz. from the Abercrombie, and also of 75 oz. from Tuena by the same firm.

These several large purchases has filled the town with excitement. Those who had hitherto resisted the fever have fallen under its influence, and are “off.” Goulburn will be shortly left without a male inhabitant. We have heard of several remarkable instances of success at Tuena.

We will give oiW to show the prolific character of the soil in that lue iii ty One Joe Cramp dug and washed six buckets of soil, and obtained 8 oz. The gold obtained is of a coarse grain, of a flat oval shape. Mr. P. Davis, when at Major’s Creek (Bal raid diggings), stepped into one of the holes out of curiosity, and saw something shining, which, on being picked up with h!s finger, proved to be small nuggets. While there he witnessed a “ transaction” which we beg to re cord:

One James Cavanagh bought ¿V>m S. Johnston his share of a claim-that is, the third part of it-for £80, and the day before this he got 19 ounces as his share of the product of same claim ; thus realizing in a few hours about £150, and this was independent of a quantity of dug soil, for which he refused £00.

Gannon and his party of three got, in two days, £72 3s. 6d. worth of gold ; Wood’s party of five got 13 lbs. in a fortnight ; Macintosh’s party of four got 30 ozs. in one day. In some places the metal is found like cracked corn.

A woman (the wife of a shepherd, who is em ployed at the rate of £15 per annum), who could not get any help_ to rig her out for the diggings, contrived to rig herself out, and in the first week obtained £47 worth of gold. Our informant could not say whether the cradle used on the occasion was the identical one used when formations made their appearance in byegone days.

One of the diggers while employed in excavating was buried in the hole by the bank giving way. We need hardly say that his brother diggers acted the part of the good Samaritan, and relieved the poor fellow from his perilous situation. Both Mr. Mandel son mid Mr. Davis are sanguine of finding gold in this neighbourhood in such quantities as to pay the working, and intend to go out prospect ing in a day ir two.

We hope their exertions will be crowned with more success than has hitherto attended those who have tried to pro cure the hidden treasure : for it is not enough for parties to say that they have found gold, for it can bo found in every part. When we hear of parties giving out that they have dis covered gold, we infer that their discovery is of such a character as will prove a profitable working gold field, and not consist in specs which require the aid of a magnifying glass to sec.

“The in telligence from the Tuena diggings, (about sixty miles from Goulbourn,) is most astounding.

Douglas’s party of four got six and a half ounces out of one pint pot of debris, and that ‘was dug with a knife ; they got fourteen ounces the same day out of a two-quart can of debris, the total of one day’s digging was twenty-six ounces, and twenty-four next day, and the one subsequent twenty.”

22 November 1851

The in telligence from the Tuena diggings, (about sixty miles from Goulbourn,) is most astounding.

Douglas’s party of four got six and a half ounces out of one pint pot of debris, and that ‘was dug with a knife ; they got fourteen ounces the same day out of a two-quart can of debris, the total of one day’s digging was twenty-six ounces, and twenty-four next day, and the one subsequent twenty.

It is said they cleared £400 in one week. Cramps’ party of four got eleven ounces on Monday last ; Evans offered them £50 for their claim and was refused. Stevenson’s party of three got ten ounces on Monday last ; all the holes were opened in one day.

Some are getting two and three ounces per day, some as high as five ounces and up to that just noticed. The road is excellent to that place from Goulburn ; it is the same road as was taken by some in going to the Turon.

It is heavy coarse gold that is obtained at Tuena. One ounce of the precious metal has been brought in this evening from Turl Turl, by Dr. McKenzie of that place, which is the first specimen from that locality.

Since our last report, Mr. S. Davis, has purchased sixty-six and a half ounces ; Messrs. Benjamin and Moses have purchased forty eight ounces from Tuena, and thirty-seven ounces from Braidwood, and one ounce from Turl Turl ; Mr. Emanuel one hundred ounces.

M’Collins, fifty-four ounces. The govern ment are very tardy in their arrange ments in reference to the escort for the southern mail. Are they waiting till some villanous transaction takes place ?

We have been requested to state, in reference to the paragraph headed “ bushranging,” in your issue of the 14th, wherein it is reported, on the faith of a writer at Braidwood, “ that it was believed at Bungonia that there were fifteen bushrangers on the road between Bun gonia and the diggings at Braidwood,” that our chief constable has endeavoured to come at the truth of the report, and he states that there is no truth in the statement as far as he can learn.

“A party from California had obtained 80 ozs. in 12 days from the Tuena Creek, of coarse nuggety gold, very similar to that produced at Ophir …”

“No more convincing proof of their general good luck can be afforded than in the fact that their licenses were cheerfully paid. In every case where common industry is exercised good wages are obtained by the Tuena diggers, but large earnings are by no means uncommon.”

6 March 1852

The news from the Abercrombie is also of a cheering character, a party from California had obtained 80 ozs. in 12 days from the Tuena Creek, of coarse nuggety gold, very similar to that produced at Ophir.

Another party of two had procured 24 ozs. in a fortnight, on a newly discovered point, about a mile and a half from Mr. Smith’s head station, underneath a bald hill, which by good judges is supposed to be very rich.

Where- ever the ground in this vicinity has been tried, gold has been found in such quantities as to afford a abundant as- surance of success to the miner.

17 April 1852

TUENA CREEK (From the Bathurst Free Press)

Our intelligence from Tuena Creek is of a very encouraging character.

Although fewer in number the diggers- are certainly more pro sperous than at any previous time, and we believe a larger number of licenses than on any former occasion have been obtained by Mr. Commissioner Green during, his recent trip.

No more convincing proof of their general good luck can be afforded than in the fact that their licenses were cheerfully paid. In every case where common industry is exercised good wages are obtained by the Tuena diggers, but large earnings are by no means uncommon.

Many parties are making two to four ounces of gold per day. Mr. Lee’s party have been making sometimes three and frequently four ounces per day on Sheep Station Point, and others are equally success ful.

Since Tuena was made a Police station matters have proceeded much more peaceably than was formerly the case. Although not suppressed, sly-grog-selling is conducted in a more stealthy manner, and public decency a little more respected. Mr. Fox, chief consta ble of Carcoar, accompanied by one or two of his subordinates, visited the place a short time ago, and squared accounts with a few of the illicit tapsters.

“The diggers, according to all accounts, are doing well on the ground recently opened up. The lo cality of this field is stated to be a few miles on the Goulburn side of Tuena.

“We have now to announce that another discovery has been made on a spot a short distance beyond the old diggings, which promises to turn out well.”

5 SEPTEMBER 1855

TUENA GOLD FIELDS.

Mr. James Bright, store keeper, of Tuena, arrived in town on Thursday, bring ing with him a splendid sample of gold, weighing up wards of 289 ounces, which has been purchased by Mr. F. S. Solomon.

The greater portion of it, ob tained from the new diggings, is of a course nuggety description. The gold was kindly shown to us by Mr. Bright, and we were very much pleased with the ex hibition.

The sample contains some very fine nuggets, one of which weighed over three ounces. Amongst the rest, was a small parcel of the precious metal, from the new gold field, the discovery of which we an nounced in our last.

This gold presents all the appear ance of the Ovens dust, both as to colour and quality.

We believe it is the intention of Mr. Solomon to have it properly assayed in Sydney, so that its relative value may be correctly ascertained. Fresh discoveries have been made in this district since the date of our last re port.

The diggers, according to all accounts, are doing well on the ground recently opened up. The lo cality of this field is stated to be a few miles on the Goulburn side of Tuena.

We have now to announce that another discovery has been made on a spot a short distance beyond the old diggings, which promises to turn out well. We have made arrangements for pro curing authentic intelligence from this quarter, which, according to present appearance, holds out good hopes of profitable employment for a much larger population than is at present settled there.

“Our population is rapidly on the increase, and as the yields are no wise diminishing, we may expect considerable further augmentations.

Amongst the most recent arrivals I may mention several parties from Sofala, experienced diggers, who, attracted to this quarter by the richness of our deposits, have abanoned the more popular goldfield.”

13 JUNE 1856

THE TUENA GOLD FIELDS.

OUR population is rapidly on the increase, and as the yields are no wise diminishing, we may expect considerable further augmentations.

Amongst the most recent arrivals I may mention several parties from Sofala, experienced diggers, who, attracted to this quarter by the richness of our deposits, have abanoned the more popular goldfield.

They have marked out claims at the New Flat, and commence to work upon them on Monday next. People are complaining here of a want of water to carry on their washing, ana many piles of, to all appearance, excellent stuff aie heaped up awaiting the rising of the creek. Sluicing, which was considered so profitable, has almost been put a stop to, owing to the remarkable dryness of the season. A shaft is being struck at a new spot, on a flat near thoso that have turned out so well, and “ a prospect,” consisting of a little more than eight dwts. was washed out o? a tin-dish. The owners of this claim arc Americans, who appear to consider no work too laborious to them. The patience of the Califomi» diggers is most remarkable. Nothing appears to daunt them. Unlike those of our own country, they appear never to expect to get gold without considerable labour and self-denial. Another thing may be said of them : they are, generally speaking, a very sober class, and stick close to their work, without missing a day, even under the powerful influences of disappointment and success. Crampton’B party are still doing wonder«, and claims in their vicinity are yielding excel- lent returns. Alick Bloomfield, with his party, hat been eminently successful. They have cleared sonw what about £70 to £80 a week a man, and they con- sider that their claim will not be worked out for the next fortnight. Young Munoz and Charley Payne’s boy are still doing well ; the hole from whence they got the prospect I mentioned in my last letter has turned out according to their expectations. The weather has been very cold for the last weeh The climate here is always warmer than that of Goul- burn, and, possibly, for that Teason we feel the winter season severer than you do. But amidst the gullies of the Tuena there is none of that cold west wini which is so searching in your town. Trade is very prosperous ‘here ; both the stores arc doing first-rate. The unwrought gold is the general medium of exchange, and réalises within 9d. or Is. of the Goulburn price { a high figure, when the risk of transmission, is token into consideration. “ The number of licenses issued this month is up- wards of 400. A great many persons have armed since tho day of issuing, who are permitted to try their luck and mark out claims until the 15th. Wits the exception of a few scrimmages amongst drunk«* people, the diggings are remarkably quiet. The rain has begun to set in, it is now pouring dow» with every chance of a continuance. Digging “P***” tions are of necessity suspended, but fortunately the majority of the diggers have made sufficient money to keep them comfortably during this compulsory nu pension. THE TUENA GOLD FIELDS. A correspondent of the Goulburn Chronicle, writing from these diggings, says : The rain has plentifully supplied us with water for sluicing, but the rise in the creek had not been by any means disastrous. When the swell took place there was “ hurrying in hot haste” to remove tents and digging apparatus, but the alarm was false. There are evidences of a change, but I can assure you that we have no more water than we know what to do with. Several sluices are being again fixed, which have for several months been lying idle on the banks of the creek. This looks like work, and probably in my next communication I shall have the pleasure of informing you that considerable yields are being procured. Bloomfields party have been even more prosperous in their claim the last few days than they were last week. On some occasions latterly nearly 40 ounces per diem have been taken out. Cramp’s hole is still as rich as ever. Enfield and a party of two have been prospect ing on the ranges, and have washed several small nuggets out of a very small portion of earth by means of a tin dish. The Germans I mentioned in a late com munication have sunk two holes on the flat opposite Bright’s, and have found nothing. Although this may appear discouraging, it must be remembered that the place which is turning out so profitable was tried without success two years ago. I learn that some par ties, after “ looking” at Tuena have gone back to Goulburn, expressing themselves as utterly disgusted with our diggings. 1 would strongly recommend such persons to abide awhile with ns, and keep steadily to their work, and then probably they would give a dif ferent tale. The business at the various stores and public-houses is very brisk ; a good sign that the diggers are in possession of plenty of gold. Our ar rivals are from 36 to 40 a-week, and the departures very few. TUENA GOLD. – On the 11th instant, says the same paper, Mr. McAusland, of Tuena, brought into town 138 ounces of gold, which he disposed of at the rate of £3 15s. 6d._ per ounce to the Union Bank-an ad vance, we believe, of 3d. per ounce on previous sales.

“This really is a goldfield not to be despised. During the winter months, it is true, complaints were to be heard. These are not good winter diggings the quantity of water being too great; but in dry weather, from all I can gather, there are few to excel them in New South Wales.”

30 december 1855

30 December 1856 TUENA GOLD FIELDS.

I send this in by private hand, as I was too late for the post.

Since my arrival here. I have done my best to scrape together some useful information for your columns.

This really is a goldfield not to be despised. During the winter months, it is true, complaints were to be heard. These are not good winter diggings the quantity of water being too great; but in dry weather, from all I can gather, there are few to excel them in New South Wales.

There are now about 300 actual diggers scattered about at various points of the gold country, describcd under the general head of Tuena Creek. Pennyweight and Bright’s flats are now the favourite spots, where the principal part of the population is collected. The former place, resident diggers say, is all the go. At the edge of the Creek, Spring’s party, one day last week, washed out 50 ounces. Graham’s party are doing a “stunning stroke.” Armstrong’s and Mile’s parties, on the rising ground, may be instanced, too, amongst the very lucky ones. The bed claims are expected to turn out well. There has been been a bit of a rush to where the 43-ounce nugget was found lately, but none of the adventurers have as yet done anything very great. At Bright’s Flat, several parties are doing well, Bob Kemp’s espe- cially. The men are now working the bed of the creek, but the water is very troublesome. Californian pumps are now a la mode. Near the Commissioner’s Camp a few people are doing a tidy thing. The whole of Pennyweight Flat, and indeed a great portion of the ground now being worked, is the pro- perty of private individuals. The Gold Export Duty Bill will not therefore act very advantageously. On Crown lands the miner will only have to purchase a yearly miner’s right ; but on private ground he will have (according to the system which obtains here) to pay a license fee of one pound. This, you will readily see, in addition to the miner’s right, and the half-a-crown export duty, will prove a heavy tax. I think private proprietors will have to make a great reduction, if they would see an increased population, or rather if they do not desire to bring about a dimi- nution. There was some talk of calling a meeting on the subject ; but this has not yet been done. On other gold fields the Government contribute to the support of a Minister of religion. I hope you will advocate the appointment of one here. In Braidwood there are three Ministers specially for the gold-fields ; and I am strongly of opinion that there ought to be one in this place. The Government too should grant a site for a cemetery, which is much needed. These matters should be looked to by the powers that be. At present marriages must be solemnised and the baptismal rites performed either at Bathurst or Goulburn. As for burials-bodies are committed to the earth in a decent manner, it is true, but the solemn service for the dead cannot be properly peformed. A christening party left for Goulburn, this day week. Then with regard to education : there are numbers of children here, but no school. Avery large revenue is derived from this gold-field, and we are, I think, fully entitled to assistance from the educational grant. Surely no Government ought to neglect so important a matter. I tell my fellow-diggers that they have only to ask and have. Let them try. I have no time to write more at present, but you shall hear from me occasionally-at all events, when anything striking turns up.-Chronicle.

With Tuena well established as a goldfield of significance and substance by the mid 1850s, its mid term future at least seemed assured.

From its origins as an alluvial gold centre, reef mining operations commenced in the latter part of the 1850s in common with a general trend across the NSW fields at this time to focus more directly on the rock matrix from which the alluvial gold had originally come.

This dominant focus on reefing was to define the district into the 1860s and 70s, with a particularly striking event occurring with the opening up of the Trunkey Creek goldfield just north of Tuena in the 1870s.

But, from all tho information we can gather in respect to the ground lately opened out at Trunkey Creek, the probability is that a quartz country will shortly be developed that will transcend in richness anything that has yot been seen in Now South Wales.

25 JUNE 1869

THE GOLD FIELDS. TRUNKEY CHEEK.

Disappointment has boon so often experienced in relation to gold discoveries in the neighbourhood of Bathurst, that it is difficult to awaken interest in any now indications of auriforous deposits.

But, from all tho information we can gather in respect to the ground lately opened out at Trunkey Creek, the probability is that a quartz country will shortly be developed that will transcend in richness anything that has yot been seen in Now South Wales.

_ Somo idea may bo formed of tho opinion held by’ private individuals of tho character of the discovery, and tho rapidity with which thoy have acted, when wo state that, though only three or four wooka have olapsod sines tho prospectors first mado thoir good fortuno known] negotiations havo beon entered into with Victorian specu- lators, who immediately dispatched a gentleman well versed in mining matters to inspect tho locality and maka whatever arrangements might, ia his judgmont, soont necessary.

This gentleman is Mr. Emmett, an old resident, of Bendigo, and tho result of his visit is that machinery to the value of threo or four thousand pounds will shortly bq landed on tho spot, when oporotious will bo vigorously commenced. Mr. Emmett has succeedol in effecting arrangements to amalgamate six of tho principal claims (including tho prospectors’), in ono company, tho repre- sentatives of each claim to hold a certain number of shares] according to mutual agreement.

It will thus bo seen that , all tho pecuniary risk falls to tho share of Mr. Emmett and his co-partners in Melbourne ; but ho is so favourably im- pressed with tho indications ho has seen-tho gold in tho stone, and the clearly defined natura of tho roof-as to banish from his mind all questions of doubt as to ultimata success in tho realisation of extraordinary returns.

Mr. Emmett is no uovico at gold-mining, and his opinion upon subjeoU pertaining thereto has, to our own knowledge, been grounded upon years of practical exporienco on old Bendigo} and it moy bo interesting to know that it is his belief, from what ho has Been of tho neighbonrhood of Trunkey, that w6 havo a gold-field hero that will, ero long, turn out-wé give his own words-’ a second Ballarat.’

Timo will tell! During tho last week, though operations on the reef havo been in abeyance, awaiting tho arrival of Mr. Commissioner Johnson to soltlo disputes, gold boa beon found in soveral new places, each causing a now rush. Tho first now dis- covery was made by William Wright, at tho back of * Ona Ey o’ (about midway between that pHco lind Dorset’s selection), and situated a diatanco of threo-quarters of a milo from tho prospectors’ claim on tho muin reof, and in an incredibly short spaco of timo all tho ground within a quarter of a milo on each side-north and south-was pegged off.

Another rush was caused by a discovery at the back of Spark’s, about half a milo south of tho prospectors’ olaim, and a great deal moro ground was immediately taken up. All along tho lino of tho main roof it is estimated claims have beon taken up for a distanco of threo and a half miles; and, besides this, another rush has takon placo, away from tho reef, on tho other side of tho Mountain Run road. Tho population is fast increa

sing, and buildings aro going up in overy direction. Messrs. Cnard, Tough, and Goldeby aro erecting stores, and tho latter is also carrying on a butchery. About twenty substantial huts havo been Eut up, and as many moro will bo so far completed as to bo abitablo Ibis week. A blacksmith is at work on the ground, and seems to havo his hands full. Mr. Mylo charane has pegged off a sito for a crushing-machine, and in all directions tho placo is full of bustlo and activity. Last week soveral Bathurst people visited tho locality,_ more apparently from motives of curiosity than a desire to speculate.

Mr. Johnson started on Monday for the roof, and was yesterday, wo believo, engaged in the settlement of disputes. When theso preliminaries aro sottlod, work will commence in earnest, and it will not be long before somo decisive proofs aro obtained of tho valuo ot this now Ml Dorado” j

“The yield of the 12 cwt. of stone crushed from the reef at Trunkey set our miners on the alert, and on the day referred to a reef was discovered in the garden lately the property of Mr. Neilsen.

The stone raised from within five feet of the surface contains thick streaks of gold; in fact, one piece about the size of a man’s fist was adjudged to contain o dwts. of gold.”

30 JUNE 1869

THE GOLD-FIELDS. TUENA.

The correspondent of the Goulburn Herald writes:

Though last we are not least in the estimation of reefers, as the result of last Saturday proves. The yield of the 12 cwt. of stone crushed from the reef at Trunkey set our miners on the alert, and on the day referred to a reef was discovered in the garden lately the property of Mr. Neilsen.

The stone raised from within five feet of the surface contains thick streaks of gold ; in fact, ono piece about the size of a man’s fist was adjudged to contain o dwts. of gold.

Parties who have visited Trunkey state that the stone raised there equals that of the reputed Eldorado. Wo need not advise parlioB to refrain from coming here until I cnn plnGe beforo the public more fully particu- lars which cnn be relied on.

“I beg to report the discovery of a very rich goldfield, at Trunkey Creek, about thirty-eight miles from Bathurst and sixteen miles from Carcoar.

“Mr. Johnston, Gold Commissioner, informed me that there is nothing to equal it in the Western district.”

RICH GOLD DISCOVERY AT TRUNKEY CREEK.

Sir,—I beg to report the discovery of a very rich goldfield, at Trunkey Creek, about thirty-eight miles from Bathurst and sixteen miles from Carcoar.

Mr. Johnston, Gold Commissioner, informed me that there is nothing to equal it in the Western district. The field consists of rich quartz reefs, and the country has been marked off for a distance of six miles–the whole auriferous.

Fresh reefs are being discovered daily. I have no doubt a large population will collect, and a permanent township be formed.

“ I have sent senior-sergeant Grainger to the locality for a few days, and propose visiting the place myself next week, when I will furnish you with a further report. I may add that several Ballarat miners have been on the ground, and pronounce it similar to Clunes. They are going to erect machinery with as little delay as possible. “I think I shall be obliged to form a police station at Trunkey, which will entail no further expense than house and stabling. “I have the honour to be, Sir, “Your most obedient servant, “ C. T. J. Lydiard, Superintendent. “ To Inspector-General of Police, Sydney.” Trunkey Creek has, until recently, been little known, and is not generally shown on the maps. It is in the county of Georgiana, and not far from Tuena. The district is thus described in “Bailliere’s Gazetteer”:– “ Tuona, 34- 6’ S. lat., 149. 21V K long. {Co. Georgiana), , is n poBtal township in tbo electoral and polico districts of Carcoar. It íb eituntod on tho Tuena Creek, about 4| miles distant from its junction with the Abercrombie Uiver, which runs about 5 miles N. of Tuena, and traversos tho ‘ district from E. to “W. Jt is of considerable magnitude, und at times, during the floods, rises to a height of thirty feet above its usual level. It abounds in cod fish, perch, and bream. Many valuable rubieB havo been found in its bed. The locality is mountainous for many miles round, and is rich in gold, silver, copper, and iron ; also, in marble and limestone. The district is agricultural and mining. It produces in perfection wheat, and all other cereals ; also, potatoes of the best quality, and vegetables in abundance The fruits aro of the finest flavour, consisting of applos, pears, peaches, plums, apricota, almonds, and splendid crspcB. Tobacco also grows to perfectiyn. Its minos are both alluvial and quartz ; they have beun very rich, and ure still undeveloped for want of capital. Tho Aber- crombie diggings, N. of Tuena, vary in distance from 6” to 25 miles. Trunkey, further N., is 8 miles ; Junction Point, S., 10 miles ; and Isabella Creek, N.B., 16 milcB. The nearest places ure-Laggan, S.E., 33 niilcB ; Binda, S., 25 miles; Bigga, AV., lo miles; and Hockley town- ship, N.B., 30 miles. Tlio communication is by horeo mail to Binda, twice a week ; to Bigga, once ; Laggan, onco ; and Iiocklov, via Long Swamp, onco. “With Sydney, 170 miles W.S.W., the communication is by horso mail to Goulburn, Ihence to Picton by mail coach, and thence by rail ; or by horse to Bathurst, thencoby coach to Penrith, and thence by rail. Tbo hotels are tho Gold Digger’s Arms and tho Traveller’s Rest. The carrying ?trade of Tuena, fioni Goulburn and Bathurst, also from Sydney, is by horse teams and bullock drays, chiefly boloug ing to the neighbouring sottlers. Tuena is undor the control of a bub-coDimissioncr of gold-fields, who ia also police magistrate for tho district. Tho aurrounding oountry is yfry mountainous, and is composed of Blate, granite, and immense mountains of quartz and granite; also heavy spurs of iron ore, rich in minerals, which aro yet to bo brought to light by the miners. Slato is found live milcB from Tuena. Tho population number obout 1500 persons, including Ibu diggina. Ono of the most beautiful sights in tho neigh- bourhood is the Grovo Creek C«vob, about twolvo miles from Tuena ; it has attracted thousands of visitors, which tho vaiious signatures and hieroglyphics in charcoal boar witness to. The creek runs throngh the caves ; its sublimity cannot be described by pen, nor can words eloquent enough express the grandeur of the scene, which the eye alone can convey to the mind. The petrified waters have hardened to stone, and are fantastically suspended from the roof in all kinds of grotesque shapes, and on a very bright day are dazzling to look on. Near the mouth of the cave are several chambers, which run a considerable distance into the mountain, and are said to have been at one time the stronghold of several highwaymen.”