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Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 11 June 1924, Page 5 (Supplement)

Opals.—ln 1907 excitement was caused in Timaru by announcements that an opal field had been discovered at the western end of Mount Peel. Mining leases were obtained, a, mild rush set in, and the formation, equipment, and setting out of parties were keenly observed and much talked about. Specimens were exhibited, large pieces, which were truly opal rock, but only “mother of opal,” the same kind of mineral, but lacking the minute internal Assuring which gave the precious opal its play of colours. Specimens of precious opal were also exhibited, as having come from Mount Peel, and were used to persuade people to invest in mining shares. But men who returned from the field explained that if these specimens were brought from Mount Peel they had first been taken there, and they were identified as Queensland opals. A good many people enjoyed (?) a lengthened picnic in the hills, and that was the only benefit resulting from the rush.