Silver Discovered At Puhipuhi 50 Years Ago

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1940, Page 4

Silver Discovered At Puhipuhi 50 Years Ago

Puhipuhi as a silver mining field loomed very large in the history of Whangarei towards' the close of last century following the discovery of silver 50 years ago.

In fact, the “Northern Advocate” oi that period bore the sub-title “And Official Gazette for the Puhipuhi Mining District,” Brochures and publications of the period were almost monopolised by advertisements telling the reader how to get to Puhipuhi and its potentialities.

Thus is the field described in one brochure issued about 1891, when there were over 50 claims and a host of registered companies, three of which had a capital of £25,000: “The Puhipuhi silver field is situated in the heart of a great kauri forest, the finest, it is thought, in New Zealand. “The silver lodes are found in great razor-back-like spurs, spreading out from a volcanic tableland of about 3000 acres.

“These spurs are often 600 to 700 feet. above the creek levels and afford ample ‘backs’ for milling. Accidental Discovery. “The tableland itself is over 1300 ft above sea level and from the site of the proposed township of Puhipuhi a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding country is obtained, embracing the Pacific Ocean, which is not more than seven miles distant, and the great mountain ranges of the North.

“The discovery of silver was made accidentally. “It is years ago since silver was first known to exist in Puhipuhi. “The first stone was brought in by Mr George Fraser, junr., and given to Mr Clark-Walker, who handed it to his father, who was a chemist, to assay.”

No gold was found in the stone, but a good percentage of silver. The land then belonged to the natives. These Mr Clark-Walker Induced to bring in stone from time to time, and had it assayed and again got silver. Subsequently, and after the sale of Puhipuhi to the Government, the natives sold a block on the northern side to Mr John Conyngham, who was somewhat captivated with the idea of opening up a bonanza in the unknown North.

The Thieves’ Track,

Mr G. Clark-Walker, who was later on associated in business with Mr Conyngham, went out to see the natives to be shown the quartz. On one of his visits to the field he fiiet a gumdigger named William Wilson, who, at the time, was, amongst others, being “chivvied” by the forestranger, gum-digging in the forest being permitted only in the winter months, and no one being allowed to camp on any Government land within one mile of the forest.

Wilson asked for permission to camp on Conyngham’s block so that he could make incursions to the forest for gum without the ranger seeing him, and offered, in return, to prospect for quartz. This agreement was entered into, and John Collins joined Wilson. From time to time they brought into Whangarei quartz from the bush, notwithstanding that the Government ranger was continually on their track. However, they managed to elude him by what is still known as “the thieves’ track.” Good Silver Stone Found.

Good silver stone was found by q prospecting party, and an association was formed comprising the following: Messrs J. Conyngham, G. ClarkWalker, W. Wilson, John Collins, Chas. Wilson, E. Smith and John Fraser (foundation members), Neil McLean, W. E. Barton, W. A. M. Bain, Jas. Harrison, J. P. Tucker, W. A. Carruth, Bradley, D. Gordon, John Morrison and H. R. Cooke.

The history of the field is rich in sensations and surprises. The Government almost drove the prospectors frantic with rage on more than one occasion, and after having proved the field they were ordered to leave the forest. This was on January 15, 1890.

The action of the Government came as such a surprise that indignation meetings were at once held at Whangarei, Hikurangi and Kamo, and committees were formed for the purpose of sending men to the field in defiance of the Government, and to collect funds to defray all prosecutions. The action of the Government was inexplicable, for all along rich assays of the stone were being obtained, ranging up to lOOOozs to the ton. Defence League Formed. But the Hon. E. Mitchelson, nevertheless, wired: “Government do not consider prospecting advisable during summer months.” A defence league was at once formed to rush the field and hold it. Mr R. Thompson, M.H.R., went, with Messrs W. E. Barton and R. H. Holman, to see for himself the position of affairs, and the Government actually committed the idiotic farce of prosecuting these gentlemen for trespass.

The case broke down, and the law prosecuting people for going into the forest was found to be ultra vires.

“Air Line” Road. The next trouble was to get a road to Puhipuhi. The Government would not assist, and the determination of the people of the district was again made manifest by their making the “air line” track, some ten miles, by voluntary labour and subscription. Mr Dan Wilson headed this movement, and carried the tracks through during the vilest winter ever recorded. Traces of gold were also found in subsequent assays. Those connected with the field in the boom were nothing if not optimistic, and many of the mines were named after the most famous in the world. For instance, there was the “Comstock,” “Silver Fleece,” “Caledonia,” “Monowai,” “Golden Crown” and “Ophir.” One brochure contained a photograph of a large battery being erected near the workings.

The plant was estimated to cost £2OOO.

Thirsty miners were well catered for on the field by the Comstock Hotel, conducted by Mr J. O'Brien.