THE BRAVE DAYS OF OLD.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1933, Page 3

THE BRAVE DAYS OF OLD.

(To tlio Editor), Sir, —It r i,i interesting to see that mining io to be revived again at tne Aylmer Lead. In the brave days ot old, 1 recall the half-way house at Bill Hannan’s was a busy spot. It was near the Totara Lagoon where Bill was the boatman. As showing what a centre it- was I recall‘ a race meeting being held in the paddock when and bridles, and other riding accessories- were the trophies, and great events they were, 'there in the evening, in the barn, a ball was held. Tne hail was decorated with greenery—the budding scenic reserve being desecrated for the purpose. Folk went from Hokitika by boat to Mahinnpua landing and walked through to Hannah\j where a festive dav or night were passed.

As to mining, good gold was recovered along the beaches in those -days, and the Aylmer Lead was also women with good results. Later C. Holley and mate worked the ground, and had a very payable claim. Charley Duncan and his mate were each good boatmen,' arid they 'were- rival rowers bn the lake',' and often had a boat race to town, and also hack if the load of necessaries were not too great. Afterwards, Mr Mclntosh and others had a claim, While Mr Skene and others invested money in mining in that locality. There are heaps of tailings about the lakeside to indicate how general the mining Was. In meet cases the workings were shallow, because water beat the parties: Various con. trivances were introduced to try and heat the water, but with very little success. The ne\v venture will have electricity as an available power, and if the deeper leads are tapped they should be richly gold hearing, nr, are the deep leads at the bottom of the Rimu dredging area' whibli is similar country, and on the hill taken from Craig’s freehold'(where'the deposit of gold was rich) through the dredging area, out to Mahinapua and Aylmer Lead. lam etc, ‘ EARLY" BTRI>.