ECHOES OF EARLY DAYS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11449, 25 February 1931, Page 5

ECHOES OF EARLY DAYS

WEST COAST DIGGINGS

ROUGH AND READY METHODS

About 186-5 there was a great exodus of diggers to the .West Coast, writes Mr? Gilkinson in his book about the early d;agings, and a storekeeper named William Theyers, of Manulierikia, found that a number of liis debtors were slipping away without paying up. He was a young and powerful man. and he found. it necessary to ride after departing diggers and collect- his account. One morning he heard that a big Irishman from the Old Man Range was removing himself to other scenes, omitting to square his bills. Theyers mounted his horse, and picked up Charlie Nieper, who had his hotel and butcher’s, shop at Butcher’s Gully. They rode fast, aud overtook their mail. He declined, with much strong language, to pay up. Thevers said: “We’ll see about that. Hold my horse, Charlie.” Then followed ‘ a punching match. The storekeeper emerged on top from tlio rough and tumble encounter. aud the digger handed out- the money and Theyers gave him a receipt. Then said Theyers to Nieper: “I’ll hold the horses, Charlie, and you get your account.” The big man again refused to pay, aud Nieper threw off his coat and tried a round, but being a small, light man, found he had no chance of success.

Tlieyer: Comp and hold the horses again, Charlie, and I’ll quieten him for you. The Digger : “Oh, if I have to fight you again, I may as well pay him too.” - . ■ ;■ •