A PIONEER PROSPECTOR.

Evening Star, Issue 21641, 9 February 1934, Page 1

A PIONEER PROSPECTOR.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —How true is the old saying that the world is only a small place after all. In Tuesday’s ‘ Evening Star ’ you have an interesting story headed ‘ Gold Rush: Penniless Prospector’s Find.’ I had the honour and pleasure of knowing Mr Frederick P. T. Struben, described as the pioneer prospector of the Witwatersrand and the founder of the world’s greatest gold-mining industry, well. When Mr Strnhen retired from the Rand goldfields he came to Torquay, in Devonshire, and there built a wonderful mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, which he named Kya lami, employing a large staff of indoor and outdoor servants. This lovely home became one of the show places of the district. F. P. T. Struben took a keen interest in the social and parliamentary work of the country. He built and spent large sums of money on a beautiful hall, which is .named the Struben Hall, for the Conservative Party f that town. He also contested the seat for Parliament as a Conservative, the sitting member then being a Radical, Sir Francis Layland Barratt, and was only defeated by a small majority. Just prior to my leaving for this country Mr Struben bought Spitchwick Manor, a lovely old country mansion situated at Widdecomhe, on the moor (Dartmoor). The writer was often m touch with him, as F. P. T. Struben was keenly interested in horticulture, and often paid a visit to the gardens of which I was in charge. It can be truly said that F. P. T. Struben spent his hard-earned wealth wisely and well. He was of a kindly disposition, and many a lame dog was helped over the stile. It was said of him that he never turned away a deserving case, and always remembered his old friends of earlier days.—l am, etc., Frank: S. Pkruktt. February 8.