At the back of the main streets is an extensive canvas town, which I have no doubt will in time give way to wooden build ings. Under the guidance of a practical digger, I first visited the British claim on the Jlfaraka flats. The original shaft is now down 95 feet (I speak of Sunday last). They still continue to get the colour, but it is light. The men engaged are greatly troubled with water : it seems difficult to keep the shaft clear. The other shaft is down 85 feet, and gold of a more nuggety character was struck at 80 feet. JS"o matter how this sinking may turn out, the parties deserve well of the public for their perseverance, and it -would be well if the Auckland people sup ported them a little better. Bob Burns Hotel .reef, or leader I should say, was next visited. I got a specimen from the casing, and there was gold slightly scattered through it, but light. However, as they get further into it I trust they may get better stuff. I next visited Mulligan's claim ; this at present I cannot say much about. The Parnell reef was the next visited, and the ownei s I must say have been very fortunate, a good many of the party having sold their shares in the claim for £60, £70, £80, £90 a piece. The parties mostly hail from Howick, though, in saying they have been fortunate, I may have been wrong, for perhaps it would have been better for them to have held on to their claims, as I was allowed to strike out several specimens, which are certainly rich. Townley's adjoins this claim, and is likewise rich, they having from four to five tons of quartz ready for crushing. I next proceeded JtoTookey's reef ; an extraordinary looking olace it is, it being an overhanging cliff which, has to be propped. The gold in the leader is -nore nuggety than any I obtained throughout the day. Mr. Tookey's party de serve to wii , a large amount of work having been done h»>re, and I trust he may be success ful. I saw ioz, that had been refined for a ring and locket : it is light in colour. 