Australian Diamonds.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 20, 30 March 1870, Page 3

Australian Diamonds.

The statement of a orrespon lent of the Sydney Empire, as to the products of the Mudgee gold and silver mines, having been called in question by a local. newsp t.p ir, a meeting was hell on the "20th February at Two-mile Flat, to tase the subject into consideration, at which resolutions were passed confirming the statement made by the Empire's correspondent, and appointing a committee to collect statistics. Already a list has been made up of 36 persons, who certify to having found diamonds, in all about 2000, of which some 600 have been sold in the colony, and 1200 sent to Melbourne. Besides this, there are many diamonds in the hands of the Chinese and others, of which no accurate account could be obtained. By Sydney papers to hand we perceivo that Hennessy and party, working at Twomile Flat, have brought to the surface several loads of washdirt, and they anticipate that their next washing will show astonishing results. They have been offered (and have refused) by Mr J. C. Hinsch, of .Sydney, the sum of £2OOO cash for their lease of eight acres ; the proprietors ask £4OOO for a one-half interest; they decline to dispose of the whole for any amount. Scott and party, just before the days, washed twelve lods, and obtained 110 diamonds, washing 3| dwts., equal to 261 carats ; yield of gold, one ounce. The lot has since been disposed of for the Melbourne market. They state their earnings to have beon £4O a week per man.