The Ensign. FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1911. THE JUBILEE OF GABRIELS.

Mataura Ensign, 26 May 1911, Page 4

The Ensign. FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1911. THE JUBILEE OF GABRIELS.

The celebrations which hare .been in progress at Lawrence during the past, week came to a close to-day,, and tho pioneer miners arc dispersing to their homes. The jubilee of the discovery of gold at Gabriel's was an exceedingly happy thought of tho Mayor of Lawrence (Mr J. Robertson), who has occupied the position lor several years. He was a boy when Gabriel Read made his appearanco at his lather's house, and he assisted the famous prospector to ascertain the whereabouts of another prospector who was said to be working in the district. Mr Robertson has resided in Tuapeka ever since, and it was fitting that he should be Mayor of Lawrence during the jubilee year. Much hard work had to bu- undertaken by Mr Robertson and the energetic committee who assisted him before the function could be held, but every obstacle was overcome and the gentlemen responsible for the management of the various displays deserve the greatest credit for their foresight and attentiveness. The residents of Lawrence vied with each other in their endeavor to make the old people enjoy their holiday, and that this desire was accomplished was proved by tlie spontaneous subscription raised

to make a suitable present to Mr Robertson. The discovery of gold at Tu;ipeka completely revolutionised the condition of New Zealand. Prior to that event settlement certainly progressed, but it was at an extremely slow rate. The advent of thousands of enterprising miners galvanised the slow-moving colonists and trade increased a thousandfold. From the date of tho important discovery made by Gabriel Read to the present time there have been many "rushes" in New Zealand, but iioih 1 will bear comparison with that one for its important bearing upon the welfare of the community. The little town of Lawrence is not a progressive one. Its population is a decreasing quantity, and when the much-discussed railway up the Molyneux Valley is an accomplished fact it will fade away to a wayside village unless some more permanent industry is developed to attract and keep the people. The miners have constructed and maintained large water-races which have enabled them to wash the golden grains from the river-flats and hillsides. As mining further decreases in importance these streams of water might well be turned to profitable account if factories wcro established in the vicinity of Lawrence. These waterraces are capable of furnishing several thousand horse-power. Some of them have been brought in at a high elevation, and the tremendous force exerted | by the jets of water which rush from the nozzles of the hydrants is easily realised by the onlooker. When this power is not required for sluicing it will bo available for the generation of electricity or other power to be transmitted or used on the spot. The climate of portion of Tuapeka is admirably adapted for fruit culture—especially the apple. It is regrettable that more attention has not been paid to this important industry by the residents, who would have had in it profitable and congenial occupation when mining , wanes. The jubilee celebrations will have served to attract attention to this prosperous locality and to the possibilities there are for industries other than mining. The conformation or the country is such that it can never hope to support an agricultural population. During the past week many old friends have met and talked of auld lang syne, and this reunion will be among the most enjoyable in which the old pioneers have taken part.