Plans to celebrate gold rush

Promote Dunstan is spearheading plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of gold being found in the Cromwell Gorge.

The discovery of gold by Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reilly in August 1862 led to the development of Clyde and Alexandra, and the occasion will be marked during 2012.

Promote Dunstan secretary Louise Joyce, of Earnscleugh, said about 25 people attended a public meeting in Clyde on Monday night to discuss initial plans for the anniversary.

"Clyde, along with St Bathans and Ophir, is one of the most authentically preserved and significant gold-rush settlements in New Zealand," she said.

Lawrence community members were planning their own celebration of the 150th anniversary of gold being discovered near the town, which would take place in 2011, Ms Joyce said.

"The gold rushes started in 1861, with Gabriel Read's discovery in Lawrence, and this was followed a year later when Hartley and Reilly made their huge strike along the old Cromwell Gorge. As early as 2002, the 150th anniversary was identified by the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust as being of importance and a cause for celebration," she said.

Ms Joyce said celebrations for the 140th anniversary almost 10 years ago included rides on an old coach from St Bathans to Clyde, a street parade in the historic precinct with wagons and horses, and a market day.

People at the meeting suggested similar activities, as well as a weekend in 1860s costume, photographic displays, and a memorial plaque for all goldminers at Clyde's cemetery, as many - both Chinese and European - lay in unmarked graves.

In the next few months, a committee would be established so plans could be confirmed and put into action, she said.

Ms Joyce said the trust, Promote Alexandra, local masonic lodges, schools, and organisers of the annual Cavalcade could also be involved.

"In 2012, the cavalcade finishes in Cromwell so maybe there could be a special trail over the Old Dunstan Rd. We could work in conjunction with Cromwell's promotions group as well," she said.

Ms Joyce said local winegrowers could develop an anniversary label for Clyde's annual wine and food festival in autumn, and a booklet could be made to tell the stories of people living within the area.

"We want to collect as much historic information as possible about houses, properties, and previous occupants - even recipes from the early days, grocery receipts, photographs, or stories associated with properties. They will be incorporated in a booklet marking the 150th anniversary, and we'll put information on our [Promote Dunstan] website as well," Ms Joyce said.

Celebrations could be staged throughout 2012, and culminate on the true anniversary of Hartley and Reilly's discovery, at the end of winter, she said.

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz