LIFE ON THE GOLDFIELDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 14 May 1909, Page 2

LIFE ON THE GOLDFIELDS.

George Lightband remained with hi> father till 1851, when he caught the gold fever. " In that year, accompanied by Mr H. D. Jackson (afterwards hif brother-in-law), and Mr W. C. R> ley (of Collingwood), he left for tho Victorian goldfields. There he spent two years, into which were crowded many stirring adventures and exciting experiences, and returned to Nelson in 1853. Two years later, the gold fever still on him, he went to Collingwood tc prospect for gold, and was successful to such an extent that the field was opened v pa sa payable goldfield. A year later Collingwood had a population of 2000 souls. A bonus of £500 had been offered for the discovery of a payable goldfield, and Mr Lightband's case was pleaded before arbitrators, and though the arbi trators considered that the condition." had been complied with, for tome reason the money sias never paid. The ladies of Nelson made and presented Mr Light band With a Rritish- Ens^n, ana thi.= floated over his tent while he occupied the position of Honorary Warden on the Collingwood field, The cpde of law? governing the new field were drawn up by Mr Lightband, and were based on the experience he had gained on the Victorian goldfields-. The galdfields life opntinucd tp hold a fascination for Mr Lightband, and lie was milling in various parts of New Zealand for many years. About 1863 he was appointed Warden of the Grey mining district, and as showing the esteem in which he was held it may be mentioned that on leaving Greymouth he was presented by the miners and residents with a testimonial and a purse of 100 sovereigns.