A FORTUNE IN GOLD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5255, 23 March 1928, Page 4

A FORTUNE IN GOLD.

FOUND ON NEIGHBOUR’S CLAIM.

GOLDMINER DIES AT NINETY.

The death of Mr Alexander Ross, one of the oldest pioneers of the Thames goldfields, recalls a romantic story of the early days—a story that has ever been a favourite in Thames when mining reminiscences are exchanged. Tlie late Mr Ross, of Coromandel, was. tlie victim of one of the most tantalising fates ever known among gold-seekers. There are many strange stories of miners who never struck it rich, and among them is that of the deceased. The goddess Chance passed him by, but threw, wealth into his neighbour’s lap with lavish hand.

Mr Robs was., with his late partner, the discoverer of a patch of gold which panned out no less, than, £370,000 to its owners in under five years—but not to Mr Ross and his partner. Ross and hig mate, Goulhurst, had tribute in 1885 on a lihe of what was known later as the Hauraki reef. They had sunk a shaft to reach their own tribute, and through the- nature of the country had to go through a. neighbour’s ground to get to their own claim. ...

The mining inspector after going through their work condemned it, and instructed them to put in a tunnel and rise to attain their own ground through Legges’ tribute. They did so, and. d'scovered a golden patch, which was afterwards known as Legges’ reef and later as Hauraki reef. Not one penny-piece for themselves ever came to the finders. Ross and Coulthurst, but they put into the p'ockets of the owners pf the tribute through which they had to go a sum close upon £400,000'- Their own claim was a failure, and they had the mortification of enriching neighbours through their discovery without benefiting themselves. The late Mr Ross was over 90 years •of age.