Page:Old Westland (1939).pdf/281

Rh It is of historical importance to note that Kumara was not discovered as the result of intensive prospecting—but more by accident than design, for when a party of would-be “moonlighters” were excavating before putting in the necessary foundations for an illicit whisky still they discovered highly payable wash dirt, and at once abandoned the venture in hand for the more profitable (and lawful) occupation of gold digging. This romantic occurrence took place on the south bank of the Taramakau River, not far from where all that remains of the once prosperous Dillman’s Town now stands. It was naturally a secluded spot—far from the madding crowd removed, and here the fortunate discoverers opened up a claim, which they hoped to work quietly and thus avoid the inevitable rush to the new El Dorado.

But, alas, they were not to remain long in seclusion, for a prospector travelling along the Taramakau saw them engaged in developing their claim, and actually overheard discussions pertaining to its richness. Losing no time, he set out for Stafford Town, the then centre of a highly productive field. Here resided Richard John Seddon, at this time a mining advocate and storekeeper, who was informed of the incident under discussion, and in due course he pegged out, applied for, and was granted a claim at the new diggings.