THE EARLY SETTLERS' PICNIC.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XL, Issue XL, 3 February 1911, Page 2

THE EARLY SETTLERS' PICNIC.

The following is the BpeeoMfelivared by Mr Hugh Wilson at the^picnic of the Maniototo Early Settlers' Association last week: — Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, —At this, the first reunion of the early settlers of Maniototo, a few observations referring to the discovery of gold in the early sixties, and conse- y - qaent settlement in the district, may not be considered inappropriate. The discoverers of the " Hogburn," as it was then called, a by no means euphonious name, were Messrs William C. Parker, R. B. Parker, Peter Warren, Edward Scolon, and W. Parker. They started from the Nevis-"dig-gings, punted the Molyueaux River ultimately camping at Blacks, now known as Ophir, named after the runholder Mr Charles Black. The following morning saw them on the track, but they had not proceeded far when they were informed that a party of four men bad been seen washing gold at Dunstan Creek, now well known as St. Batfaans, and where, at this time, they agreed to go. They changed their . minds afterwards, pushed on toward the Hogburn, and duly arrived at Eden Creek, where entertainment was provided by a man named Love, who kept a shanty in an isolated place in a gully running out from the Mount Ida Mountain. Irf the morning our prospectors travelled up the Eweburn Creek along the ranges to the source of the Hogburn. They then turned back asfar as Coalpit Gully, where they prospected for a week. They afterwards retraced their steps to Hogburn Main Gully

where, in a small feeder known as Booth sor Paradise Gully, near the rifle butts, the first gold was discover* ed. This was on the 20th May, 1863. Our prospectors immediately pegged out an extended claim, rode to the Dunstan—now Clyde—where the Warden was located, and where the application waa granted on the 4th of July, 1863. The first prospect went three grains to the dish. A rush set in from all sides especially from the Kyeburn, where mining had been carried on for some time previously. Among the first to arrive with stores wes Mr Fagan, of Waikouaiti, who afterwards owned the Gridiron Hotel in Dunedin. Hotels, or accommodation houses common to the gold rushes in these days were erected. The first death was a man named Stockings, who died from the effects of cold and exposure, which took place in the Ancient Briton Hotel kept by Mr Collett, an ancient Biiton.

The winter of 1863 was very severe and great were the hardships and privations experienced living in calico tents without fuel of any kind, except spear grass and matagouri. A kerosene lamp was a luxury, and it was no unusual sight to see a dozen extended hands being warmed around one lamp. Population soon flocked to the field. The first warden was Mr Hardeastle. 7 His clerk was Mr Roach, who gave the name to the gully at the back of the. town where the Fire Brigade staton is situated. About this time bank agencies were opened—the New Zealand, under the management of Mr Shaw, the Union with Mr C. C. Bowman as manager, and the Bank of New South Wales under the control of Mr G. A. Preshaw. Gold "was purchased in considerable quantities, and money was plentiful. Large hotels and dance houses were erected— " Old Mears," the " Wonder of the World," put up an immense slop store, and Kilgour drove a roaring trade at the Old Victorian Hotel, since occupied by the" late Mr W.J. Millar, and now the site of the County Council offices. It was in this hotel, and in front of a billiard table, that the first sermon was preached, and by a bishop. All denominations attended, and evinced their satisfaction with the service by throwing heaps of coin on the table. The post office business was conducted by Mr L. W. Basch, a well known storekeeper in those aays, and for several years, or until the first post office was erected in 1869 under the " charge of Mr W. Wilkie. With a view to business a Dr Smith put in an appearance prior to this; but-the place proved too healthy; his patients were few; so he took to digging, which proved more remunerative than doc-

toring. The Hogburn was not the only place in which goldmining operations were carried on in the district. The search for the yellow metal was being followed at . Clarke's, Hyde, Macraes, Hills Greek, Sowburn, Hamilton and other places adjoining. These " rushes " attracted the attention of- man£ 0 f the Hogburn miners to these fields, and also on the West Goast. In September, 1863, Serjeant Garvey, of the Otago Police Force, lost his life in the snow on his way to Hogburn from Clarke's (Mount Blister) About this time an event occurred which startled the town and district from its monotony. The hotel at Eden Greek was stuck up. It may be mentioned that the bank managers or their clerks conveyed the gold to the Dunstan in gunny bags, gin cases, etc., where it was handed over.to the police escort for Dunedin. The wily bushrangers, becoming acquainted ~ith the prevaling custom, determined

lo relieve ihese officials of their responsibility, so they tied up the eaterprising publican, and travellers' .on the road, until, it is stated, about 30 people were locked up in the house including the late Mr C. Woodney,' who at that time was negotiating'for the purchase of the busiuess. It got about that something - was wrong at Eden Greek, and Mr McTavish. wfco was in charge of the gold, was persuaded not to venture. He wisely took the hint, saved tbe bullion, and perhaps his life. The goldfields at Dunstan Creek had become of such import- fc anoe that the Provincial Government of Otago appointed a" Sub-Warden to that place in the person-of Mr George Stevenson, while Mr Hardcastle was transferred to Queenstown, Mr Charles Broad being appointed his successor, with headquarters at Hamil-

fast rising intoan important golSfieids district with a tendency to overshadow the Hogburn. Ihe population at Hamilton continuing to increases, a newspaper, " The Hamilton Mail," was started by Mr" Rossiter, and three banks,—the Union, New

Ze lland and New South Wales—were erected. Our late enterprising townsman _Mr E. T. George built a substantial hotel containing all the seductive element and fittings such as was seldom seen on any goldfield. Such were the attractions at Hamiltons that the Hogburn was almost depopulated —every miner who could possibly leave having rolled up his swag and cleared for this new El Dorado. At this time, in addition to Hamiltons,

rich finds of gold were being obtained at Macraes, Hyde and Fullerton's. Propctors were so encouraging at the former place that a company was

formed with a large capital to construct a water-race, about 40 miles in ength, lifting the water from the

sources of the Shag River, on to Fulserton's and Macraes goldfield. After I thousands of Rounds had been expended it was found that the levels were incorrectly taken, and the company collapsed. The population at Dunstan Creek had increased to such an extent that Mr Warden Hiekson was appointed to administer the law at that place. Hills Creek was at this time making its reputation, and was considered a very, lively place indeed, containing two banks and ten public houses, with dancing saloons. The Woolshed Diggings near Hills Creek was sending out some very" heavy gold, including some big nuggets. Here it was that our indefatigable veteran Mr R, Johnstone, associated with Frank Mansfield and Mr Pole, assisted to bring in a large race to work the adjoining ground, an enterprise involving a large expenditure, and should have been more remunerative to the plucky pioneers. As before mentioned, the attractions of the neighbouring goldfields had nearly depopulated the" Hogburn. Two of the banks, the Union and New South Wales, closed their doors; business was at a standstill/and gold production reduced to a minimum. But soon a change came over the scene. Through the energy: and perseverance of a number of optimistic miners, who had every confidence in the richness of the ground in and around the Hogburn, and who had not been attracted to the adjoining rushes, water-races were being cut and water brought on to the field. The water so obtained was sold at" £5 per Hogburn head, and rich finds were the reßult. £l2 10s per head would be the price then paid for the same quantity which now costs 108. Population again flocked in, and in 1865 it was larger than ever. The

warden's quarters _.\vere shifted from Hamiltons, the banks were reopened, business became . brisk, and all were prosperous. So much so that the first race meeting was inaugurated to celebrate the New Year of 1865. The race course was down the flat, terminating at George's Victoria Hotel. In August, 1866, a number of the townspeople determined to build a church; or some place where they mignt meet to worship. Subscriptions for the purpose were called for, and the iron bulding now used as the Athenaeum was erected. It was named the " Union Church " on account of the unity of the members of the various denominations who contributed. This little

church was opened by the great and

reverend Bishop Selwyn, who preached the opening service, taking for his text "Be ye charitable." ! What wilh the opening of the church, the presence of the Bishop, and the spirituelle of the scene, it is stated that many of the hearers clid not return to their respective places of abode until late, delighted to see that their good work had been so happily accom-

plished. It was in the summer of .1867 that the first Chinaman made his appearance in the district. His visit was looked upon with disfavour, many of the miners freely expressing their intention not to allow him to work. 'His arrival soon became known, a com-

mittee was formed and appointed to wait upon him, and to suggest a speedy departure; but before this

British mode of procedure could be carried out, the venturesome Celestial was seized and his pigtail cut off. An empty barrel was obtained, the poor wretch unceremoniously thrust into it, and rolled up and down the main street. The Chinaman was afterwards allowed to make his escape, but in a demented state.- The Provincial Government took the matter up, and offered a substantial reward and a free pardon for the discovery of the offenders, but without success. In 1868 Warden Wood was removed to Swi.tzers, Warden W. L. Simpson relieving, until Warden Lowther Broad was appointed. On his (Mr Broad's) - removal to Nelson Warden H. W. Robinson, from Clyde, was appointed Warden and Resident Magistrate of the Mount Ida district. Prior to these removals the famed Hamiltons "goldfield was on the decline. The last resident Government official- —Mr D. Barron, surveyor, late Commissioner of Lands—removed his headquarters to this township, and "the Hamilton police camp, under the charge or Sergeant Finnegan, was closed. In the last week of 1868 Messrs Hugh Wilson and Henry Charles Herslett, after a three days' journey from Dunedin, arrived in the district, and started the " Mount Ida Chronicle " newspaper, the first issue appearing in Februai-y, 1869. In this year the Maerewhenua goldfield was discovered, which was tacked on to the Mount Ida district.

The warden—Mr Robinson—had many uripleasant experiences in negotiating Pass to attend the courtthere. Sn»V toles weie ultimately erected to ■ guicfe travellers. Mr D. F. Main, a runholder in Strath-Taieri, was elected as our first member in the Provincial Council, and afterwards in the General Assembly. Sir Julius Vogel's— then Mr—great Public Works and Immigration Scheme, . to borrow ten million pounds, was inaugurated in 1871. With the object of getting a fair proportion of this loan the Mount Ida Progress . Committee was constituted with Mr Hugh Wilson as secretary. The executive wet * Messrs J, G, Bremner,

Walter Inder,. E. T. George, R. Glenn and J. Brown. The aim and object of this corrmittee was the development of the goldfield. After strenuous exertions, ably assisted bv Mr de Lautour, our future M.H.R., their efforts were successful, and the construction of the Mount Ida water-race and sludge channel was authorised at a cost of £70,00.0. I will not trespass further on your time. Many other matteis of interest are necessarily omitted, such as obtaining thp mail coach to pass through Naseby, telegraphic communication with Dunedin, the agitation for the opening of lands for settlement, the eager deßire to acquire lands when opened. The opportunity to settle in the district was |>iven, and many of the miners exchanged the pick and the shovel for the plough and the raising of sheep and cattle. Before concluding, I have to acknowledge my indebtedness for the periods of early history to Mr W. C. Parker, one of the early pioneers, and also to my valued friend Mr Wm. Grummit, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, who have both passed over to the great majority.