A correspondent writes as follows : — This field which has been so much talked of and written about lately is at a very low ebb at present. There are now less than thirty men on the field, and of that number more than half are unable to work owing to the high state of the creeks and the surplus water in the ground. On this account a good number had to leave who will probably return in the summer when the days are longer and the ground drier. It is difficult to estimate the actual return for the amount of labor expended, as the men are in most cases very reticent ; and those who are inclined to talk over-estimate the gold won. On the whole, lam inclined to think that tucker is about all that can be made at present; but under favorable circumstances from 5s to 6s a day might be made almost anywhere on the field. Mr Smith still collects the 2s 6d a week from each man on the field, irrespective of i his returns. The chances of Greenfield ever ! being proclaimed a goldfield are getting more remote daily. This is a bit of hardship for those who are not able to work, and 1 think some concession ought to be made to meet such cases. One thing we have to be thank ful for is the facilities in the way of stores, etc., and the cheapness thereof. It would surprise you to know that nearly all provisions can be obtained here three times a week at less cost than in some of your towns— notably in Lawrence, Milton, or Balclutha. I might mention that Messrs May and party and M'Gowan and Taylor have just completed a somewhat lengthy tailrace to their respective claims. It is to be hoped that they will have good returns to recompense them for their pluck and enterprise. The one drawback here is the absence of fuel of any kind. We have to depend on the driftwood fromthe river, and this is not too plentiful either. If this should meet the eye of Messrs Tyson and Dunlop, of the Black 3 cleugh sawmills, they might take the hint and throw a few slabs into the river at their mill.
