THE GREAT MOLIAGUL NUGGET.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1030, 13 March 1869, Page 2

THE GREAT MOLIAGUL NUGGET.

(From tbe 'Dunolly Express,' Feb. 12.) The Dunolly district, after having turned out a multitude of nuggets that puts every other goldfield in the colony in the shade, has at length, in the words of the Melbourne journals, " beat the world " in producing the largest mass of gold on record (in modern times). The "Welcome Stranger " was found by two men named John Deeson and Bichard Oates, on Friday last, February 5, near the Black Heef, Bulldog Gully, Moliagul, a short distance from Wayman's Heef, and only about a mile from the celebrated Gipsy Diggings. Deeson and his mate have been working on. the ground for several years, and, as is well-known, had got, in digging parlance, so " hard up " as to have been refused credit for a bag of flour a week or so ago, and we believe the very day before the discovery, were reminded by a tradesman that they were indebted to him a few shillings. Still they persevered until on the day named, Deeson, in working round the roots of a tree, at about two inches below the surface struck something hard with a pick, and exclaimed, " D — n it, I wish it was a nugget, and had broken the pick." On stooping down to examine the obstacle, he found that the object of his dearest wishes was lying at his feet, and it seemed as if the monster was so large as to be immovable. It was, however, at length released from its virgin soil, and carefully removed. The question then arose as to what was to be done with it, and the first intention was to convey it to Melbourne. When the men got to Dunolly with their prize, they were advised to take it to the bank, and forthwith carried it to the London Chartered. The news of the discovery soon spread, and the bank was crowded with eager spectators, among whom were a number of Chinamen ; and a constable was sent for to guard the prize. The weight of the nugget, in the gross was' found to be 2101 b. troy, and preparations were at once made to break the mass to pieces and smelt it. The appearance of the " Welcome Stranger," in its pristinic state was something wonderful, and it seemed impossible to realise the fact that so great a mass of gold could be collected in one lump. Many efforts were made to lift, and many exclamations of surprise expressed at its immense weight and compactness. A sledge hammer and cold chisels were brought into requisition, and , several of the latter broken in the attempt to reduce into fragments the " Welcome Stranger." It was found to be as solid as it looked, and as chip after chip and piece after piece was dissevered from it, its appearance was as clean as a well-cut Cheshire cheese. At length, after no less than five hours' hammering, the monster was pounded up and smelted ; the result being 2,268 ounces 10 dwts. 14 grs. of solid gold, exclusive of at least a pound weight, which was given by the delighted finders to their numerous friends, who were anxious to retain a piece of the largest mass of gold the world has yet seen. Over £9,000 were advanced on the nugget by the bank, the final value awaiting the result of assay. Several interesting incidents might be published in connection with the finding and finders of this nugget. Oates has, we believe I neither kith nor kin with whom to share I his prize, bufc probably soon will have.