CURIOUS DISCOVERY OF GOLD.

Kumara Times, Issue 1090, 29 March 1880, Page 3

CURIOUS DISCOVERY OF GOLD.

+ A singular discovery of gold, which may, perhaps (says the Post of March 29th) lead to important results, was made a few days ago in Wellington. On Saturday last Mr G. Edmonds, a well-known retired master mariner, purchased at Mr M'Lean's auction mart, on Lambton Quay, three live ducks. One of them he killed on Monday, and proceeded to dress it himself. On opening and washing the gizzard Mr Edmonds fancied he heard something chink in the basin. Examining the water he found two small pieces of dull yellow- metal about twice the size of a pin's head. A closer search broulit to light five more pieces of a similar description. They all present a solid waterworn appearance. The whole seven may weigh possibly one

pennyweight. Mr Edmonds submitted the metal to experienced persons, who at once pronounced it to be gold of a very good quality. Of course, the question which immediately suggested itself was—where did the ducks come from ? Mr M'Lean, it appears, received them from Messrs Parsons and Maxton's poultry breeding establishment at Brigbtwater, Nelson. Mr Parson's has been informed of the discovery, which is beyond doubt of a genuine character, and, it is understood, will at once take steps to prospect the creek which runs through the property. At present no gold has been discovered in the locality, but there are goldfields at no great distance. Should this circumstance lead to a new rush, it would not be unprecedented in the annals of the goldfields of the colony, for, if we are not mistaken, a somewhat similar find in a duck's gizzard led to the discovery of the Taieri goldßelds, in Otago.