"AULD LANG SYNE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 122, 25 May 1934, Page 10

"AULD LANG SYNE."

WAIHI OLD TIMERS.

GOLD RUSH IN OHINEMURI. REMINISCENCES AT REUNION. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. Reminiscences of the early days of Waihi and the opening of the Ohine--111 uri goldfield, including the first prospecting on the outcrop of the famous Martha lode, were recalled at a large gathering of old identities yesterday afternoon, which was organised by the Mayoress, Mrs. W. M. Wallnutt. Among those present at the gathering were Mr. H. Gordon, aged 79 years, who participated at the official opening of the goldlicld in 1875 by the warden, Colonel Fraser, at Mackaytown, when 000 excited men, on foot and horseback, crossed the river antl made for prospectors' claims on the side of Karangaliake Mountain, and Mr. W. S. Nieholl, of Waitckauri, a veteran prospector, aged 82 years, who struck the first payable ore in the Martha lode in the year 1878.

Mr. Nieholl said his rich patch was only a few hundred feet away from the tunnel driven by the late Mr. John McCombic.

The gathering took place in the Miners' Hall, the Mayor presiding. Afternoon tea was served, and a concert programme was given under the direction of Mrs. Jones. A message of congratulations was read from Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P. The ceremony of cutting large iced cakcs by the oldest guests was performed by Mrs. Jowsey, aged 83 years, and William Roveroft and Robert McClinchy, each aged 85 years. Canon Kyall gave a brief address on behalf of the clergy of Waihi. Ihe guests were also entertained by the screening of a' picture entitled "Called Back" under the direction of Mr. M. Allen.

The presentation of a silver matchbox was made to Mr. Nieholl by the Mayor. The gathering, which was the first of its kind in the district, was a great success.