The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THE KUMARA JUBILEL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THE KUMARA JUBILEL

I In the early sixtie.s the. gold rush it. the Coast set in. 'The finding of gold in the vicinity of Hokitika in 180-1 led to the establishment of the gold-min-ing industry on a very active basis, tint if was not till tin 1 early part of 187 G that the gold-field of Kumara — the greatest alluvial gold-field in liio history of Now Zealand came to light. The date of the birth of Kumara is an uncertainty. The prospectors me said to have been occupied on other pursuits than gold-mining and great secrecy was observed in their operations. Alining was a lesser part ot their occupation, if is said; or in modern language it was a camouflage for other work probably even more profitable. Bo that as it may, the men discovered the lead of gold which was to prove valuable, and which led to the establishment of the town and the prosperity of the district over many years. Now, after fifty years, the community is to gather together to celebrate the birthday—or rather period of the opening of the Kumara goldfield. It is interesting to recall that the population jumped to big figures, with many hundreds of men on gold. The town grew as the lead was followed further hack, and the whole locality became a great hive of industry. .Many of the present generation tan carry their memories hack to the brave days of old when the gold miner was the stable support of the Const.. Many can recall the early history of Kumara, and knew intimately the men who wore in the forefront in those days, making history for New Zealand. With Kumara of course is associated indelibly the name of Rcddon—the democratic Imperialist of these southern seas. Mr Seddon obtained about the first- news of the discovery of gold at Kumara. Ho was then in business at Big Dam, a mile or so away from what is now Goldshorougli. Next to the prospectors, Mr Seddon was the second man on the fold, and the first following the prospectors to apply for mining rights. Finding the mineral worth of the district to ho substantial lie was one oT tho first to settle there. The main road to Greymoutli became the first street, and was known as Main Street. The second street was named after Mr Seddon, who resided well up tho street, near tho break, where the first gold operations were located. Mr Seddon became established there and his success was in keeping with the progress of the place. Ho became a useful public man, and there began his career which was to place him in tlio post of the first man in New Zealand. Kumara must owe a great deal to Air Seddon, as Air Seddon owed a. great deal to Kumara. Tie well repaid tho debt. He settled there and with his family never turned Ills hack on the town or the people, however successful he might have been off the Coast. It was a trait of his character never to forget old friends and old faces, and one of the pleasantest parts about Ah' Seddon was to see him revisiting old haunts and renewing old acquaintances. At such times the man in him was fully declared. So it is that in recalling the early history of Kumara, it seems fortunate indeed that Afr Seddon was at hand at the outset to help shape tho destiny of the place. His service and his worth to Kumara it would be difficult to estimate, but they were great, certainly. Air Seddon had about him colleagues, too, who kept him on his mettle. Good men, too, hut- not destined to go as fUr as

Mi' Scildoii; but who played their part right nobly as useful cogs iu the wheel making for the steady advancement of Kumara. As to the gold miners whose labor built up the fortunes of the place, they were a noble band, typical of a class who were useful pioneers of the digging days. They were men (and women, too) who made light of privations and natural difficulties, if the reward they sought was there for their labor. Hokitika has its memorial to the pioneer miner, and it would bo mete were another monument erected at Kumara to the memory of those who braved every difficulty to carry the torch of civilisation to this outpost of settlement. Kumara to-day and fifty years ago is a difficult picture in many respects. When we consider the improved means of access and the modern methods of occupation. it- can lie only wondered at, that in so short a time, the pioneer miners of Kumara accomplished so much. Their achievement is all to their credit. A town was hewn out of the hush. An industry was established which created great- affluence and helped the colony 'tremendously. The opening of Kumara resulted in a mighty effort which assisted New Zealand greatly. With these thoughts in mind, memories will be recalled at this time of those who served so well, and played so noble a part. AM honor to the pioneers. To those who return on a brief visit n. hearty welcome will he extended, and to the townspeople generally, best wishes for the jubilee celebrations.