Page:Rambles on the Golden Coast of New Zealand.djvu/146



ARLY in 1870, the reported discovery of a silver mine at Mount Rangitoto, in the Totara district, created quite a furore in Hokitika and throughout the whole of the southern portion of the West Coast. It had been reported that a rich lode of silver had been struck by some lucky prospectors, that a small quantity had been forwarded to Melbourne for assay, and that the reports received were of the most glowing character, far exceeding all expectations. For some time the excitement regarding the discovery was intense. Here, it occurred to me, was an excellent opportunity for an exploring ramble to the mountain-top, another holiday exploit on the Golden Coast, in search of a second metal—silver. Not that there was apparent reason for doubting any portion of the statements made by the prospectors in respect to their discovery of a silver mine, but simply from a feeling of curiosity, and a belief that an intimate acquaintance with the facts and circumstances to be obtained by a personal inspection of the ground would be more convincing than the most reliable testimony of those who might be more directly interested in the value of the discovery than myself, I resolved upon visiting the then newly discovered Rangitoto silver mine.

Meeting the prospectors, James Palmer, James Bevan, and Edwin Kenway, on the Hokitika race-course on the 13th of March 1876, I arranged to start for the mine on the following morning, in company with any of the party who would consent to take the part of guide. Palmer, who had already been designated by his working mates as the captain of the party, accepted the position, and we closed an agreement of partnership for the limited term of one week, more or less, with the several conditions that, provided always, etc., the creeks and crags, and all manner of things adjacent thereto, which were described as “middling rough,” and that such means and ways as are regulated only by the ethereal elements, should favour so early a dissolution between us. This we concluded, not by affixing our autographs or seals, but in presence of two attestors, with whom we retired to Hansen’s booth, after losing a sweep on the previous race, to pledge in wine and words, if not in deeds, the fulfilment of the contract. The two witnesses to this agreement were Peter Adamson, formerly of Okarito, and Robert Acres, or better and favourably known in those days as “Waitaki Bob,” both of whom subsequently became our travelling companions, as well as our sleeping partners, as will hereafter be narrated. Next morning found Palmer and myself, true to our pledge, on board the Ross mail coach at nine o’clock. After leaving the Post Office we were driven round to the Cleveland Hotel, in Revell Street, where our party was further augmented by the presence