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Circa 1839-40 Ernst Dieffenbach comments on the characteristics of the copper mine. "The Gulf of Hauraki contains a number of islands, of which Aotea or the Great Barrier, at the entrance to the gulf…is nearly 80miles in circumference, contains much kauri-forest, and possesses an excellent harbour at its north-western extremity; it is called Great Barrier Harbour, and has only lately been discovered. From Great Barrier I obtained specimens of a copper ore in a matrix of a decomposed micaceous slate. Some of the specimens contained nearly 25% of copper; the rest was sulpher, iron and silica. I could not ascertain the extent and position of the vein in which it occurs; but, from the nature of the surrounding rock, I do not think it improbable that a mine of some importance will be found. The island is claimed by europeans. Barrier Island is the property of a merchant in sydney and some europeans live there."
Source: Dieffenbach, Ernst, Naturalist for the NZ Company in his book 'Travels in New Zealand' p282, London, Murray, 1843. 1843 11/1/1843 (or thenabouts) E.J.Wakefield comments on Nagle showing him copper ore while on board the Colonial brig ‘Victoria’. “It was at this time I saw some New Zealand copper-ore. Captain Nagle, the commander of the Government brig, was the owner of part of the Barrier Island in the Gulf of Hauraki, on which a very promising mine had been discovered. About 100 tons of ore have since been forwarded to England through Sydney. I believe a company of Sydney capitalists has been formed to work the mines; but their means are so limited that their operations appear to be suspended for the present.”
Source: ‘ADVENTURE in NEW ZEALAND from 1839 to 1844’ Vol. II, 1845. Chapt. XIII p327. (Facimile edition) Note- EJW is commenting in 1845 so would have been aware of the operations as at that time-ie the suspended nature of the operations. dja
Bandeith arrives with miners and Rory O'More damaged unloading it. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.-The Bandeith, from Sydney, has arrived at the Barrier Island, with the promised party of miners for that place. The Bandeith had on board a press and types for Dr. Martin, which was put on board the Rory O'More, to be landed at Auckland. Unfortunately, the schooner grounded and sus-tained considerable injury, and both press nnd types were condemned as useless. Source: Colonial Times, (Hobart) Tuesday 7th February, 1843 page 3
Captain Nagle forwards news of the copper mine and shipping movements in early 1843. New Zealand Extracts Great Barrier (From the Auckland Times) Captain Nagle and his friends have furnished us with information respecting progress of the Copper Mines at the Barrier and we are happy to say that their advance far exceeds the most sanguine expectations. Large blocks of ore are daily obtained, of a quality unparalleled in the richest mines in Cornwall. The harbour itself affords conveniences and advantages to the shipping interest which hitherto have not been sufficiently known, but which are now beginning to be appreciated, as shown by the following list of vessels which have entered Port Abercrombie, Great Barrier Island, from the 1st January to the 1st of March, in the present year. Jan 2, schooner Three Bees, and cutter belonging to HMS Tortoise, Jan 6, brig Tryphena, from Sydney, with a cargo of cattle and sheep; Jan 14, brig Tryphena from Port Jenkinson [present day is known by its Maori name of Kaiarara Bay, Jenkinson is a family connected to Captain Nagle - dja]; Jan 20 yacht Albatross, and schooner Hannah; Jan 23 schooner Rory O’More and Chapman. Feb 1 Tryphena from Auckland and Coromandel Harbour; Feb 3 brig Luna from the Bay of Islands; Feb 1 Rory O’More from Auckland; Feb 12 schooner Maria, Feb 23 HMS Tortoise launch, Feb 22 schooner Chapman from Bay of Islands, Feb 20 schooner Otea from Miner’s Bay with copper ore, Feb 24 Rory O’More from Coromandel. March 2 Maria from Bay of Islands, March 5 Otea from Miner’s Bay with copper ore, March 9 HM Col. brig Victoria from Auckland, March 10 Rory O’More from Bay of Islands, March 13 Rory O’More with copper, March 16 Chapman from Tauranga, March 19 Tortoise launch and Rory O’More from Miner’s Bay with copper ore. Source: The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 9th May 1843 p4
Report on Barrier mine and news of imminent launching of the brig Terror to be used to carry Barrier copper ore. Barrier Copper Mining Company - By a recent arrival from the Barrier, we are happy to hear that the operations at the mines are going on vigorously. Upwards of 200 tons of ore are now ready for shipment to Sydney by the Tryphena, daily expected. The ore is daily improving in quality and quantity the deeper the mines are wrought. The only cause of regret is that the times do not admit of the employment of a greater number of workmen. …………………………….. New Vessel - We understand that Mr. Peter Abercrombie is now building a vessel upwards of a hundred tons burden at Coromandel Harbour from native timber. She is built after the new and improved plan, being very long in the keel, and of narrow beam. She is expected to be launched on the first of January, and will most likely be employed in conveying copper ore from the Barrier mines to Sydney. Source: The Southern Cross 2nd December, 1843.
Mineral Resources of New Zealand - We are in receipt of a private letter from Sydney, of date the 10th September, enclosing the prospectus of a company just then formed, with the object of immediately working the copper mines of the Great Barrier Island at the mouth of the Thames. The to sail [sic] from Sydney on the 16th September, the “N. Zeal. Gazette” indeed mentions that the “Bandeith” had been laid on for Auckland, to sail from Sydney on the 16th September, and that she was to bring 22 cabin, and 20 steerage passengers, the object of whose visit was exclusively directed to work the copper mine of the Barrier. - It will be perceived from the prospectus, that experienced Cornish miners had been engaged in sinking and driving on the site of the mines, and had succeeded in discovering some rich veins of copper ore; and, as the result of their experiment, carried to Auckland nearly a ton of copper ore, found to contain from 40 to 60 per cent of pure copper - a produce more than four times the average of that of the Cornish mines. - Considering the proverbial uncertainty of mining speculations, the adventurers act wisely in restricting their liabilities in the first place to the sum of 2,000, and guaranteeing that within 12 months the option shall be given to all the shareholders, at a public meeting, to withdraw from the concern, if, on a full and detailed report of proceedings during the interval, it shall appear inexpedient to continue operations. Monthly reports are also to be furnished to the managing committee, by the resident agent on the mines. For full information on the plan and objects of the company, we refer our readers to the prospectus. We wish the speculation all success. Ib. Source: The Southern Cross 9th September, 1843 page 4, column 1.
1844
Wanted. Fifty Maoris for the Great Barrier Island: to be employed at the ship building yard, or in the Mines. For particulars apply to H.R Cretnay, Queen-street, Auckland, or to Captain Nagle, Great Barrier Island. November 8, 1844. Source: The Southern Cross. Saturday, November 9, 1844. 1845Barrier Island
Source: Letter from Peter Abercrombie on Great Barrier Island 19th January 1845 to Donald McLean in New Plymouth District. National Library- Object #1022316 from MS-Papers -0032-0141
William Abercrombie clears out the mine at Great Barrier Island following Maori intimidation. Auckland …. ….Among the other signs of the times, the Terror, one of our regular traders, and, we believe, built in New Zealand [it was built by Peter Abercrombie at Coromandel] took her departure on Sunday for Sydney. She has in all sixty passengers. Her spirited owner W. Abercrombie, Esq., departs in her. She calls at the Barrier to clear out all the sundry remains of the mining concern, in consequence of Maori intimidation. Thus painfully is the work of years of studious and competent industry overthrown by the effects of ignorant and upstart egotism. Source: The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 3rd May, 1845 p33 1857
Notice of prospectus having been issued for the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company Money-Market & City Intelligence The prospectus has been issued of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company with a capital of £50,000 in £5 shares. The object is to develop a land and copper mining property of 24,269 acres called the Great Barrier estate, situated on the coast within 55 miles of Auckland, New Zealand. The sum to be given for it is £30,000, one third in paid-up shares. Source: The Times, Thursday, May 7th 1857. Page 7. Issue 22674
1858
Notice of first General Meeting of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company Classified Advertising The Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company (Limited) - Notice is hereby given that the FIRST GENERAL MEETING of shareholders of this Company will be held on Friday the 7th day of May, 1858 at No. 9, Great Winchester street, in the city of London, at 1 o’clock precisely. By order of the Directors, J.H. Murchison, Sec. Source: The Times, Monday, April 26th, 1858 page 5. Issue 22977.
1859
Notice by the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company of a call on shares The Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company (Ltd) - Notice is hereby given, that a CALL of 10s per share has been made on the shares in the above Company PAYABLE at the Commercial Bank of London, Lothbury, in the city of London, on Saturday, the 13th day of April, 1859. By the order of the Directors J.H. Murchison, Secretary. 117, Bishopsgate street within, April 4, 1859. Source: The Times, Wednesday April 6th, 1859, page 4. Issue 23273.
Notice of a dividend issue by the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company. Money-Market & City Intelligence At a meeting of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company today, Colonel Bazalgette, in the chair, a dividend was declared, at the rate of 10 per cent, on all shares issued prior to the 1st of March. The balance of profit for the past year was £1,722 , and, after providing for the dividend and certain appropriations for the reserve fund, directors’ remuneration, etc., a sum of £27 remains to be carried forward. Source: The Times Tuesday, May 31st, 1859, page 5. Issue 23320.
1862 THE GREAT BARRIER COMPANY. (LIMITED.) The Great Barrier Land, Harbour, and Mining Company (Limited), although well known in the English share market, is comparatively unknown in this province. The older settlers, no doubt are familiar with the facts in relation to the mining operations on the Great Barrier Island but few of the later arnvals have given the subject any consideration, or have had the means of ascertaining the nature of these operations for themselves. We purpose directing attention to this Company at the present time, not with the view of wnting a retrospective narrative of the working of the mines, or of the manner m which the estate ultimately came into the possession of a joint-stock company, incorporated under the provisions of the Limited Liability Act, 1856, but solely to inform the public of the nature and aim of the works about to be begun and continued on the Great Barrier Island and which must largely affect Auckland if the anticipations of the Company be at all legalised. The Barrier Company are in possession of a freehold estate of about 26,000 acres on the Great Barrier Island about 55 miles from Auckland. This property has been in their possession rather more than two years, and being desirious to turn it to the best account, the trustees and directors have sent out to this colony a gentleman under whose management they hope to deyelop the wealth which they reasonably believe their estate will yield if judiciously dealt with. Mr. Allom has now gone to the Great Barrier to carry out his plans in detail, and we may therefore write the more freely on the subject. It would hardly be fair to state that the most important feature in these plans is that of developing the minerals, but undoubtedly this is one element in the operations of the Company on which its success must depend. The copper mine on this estate has been worked already with varying success. The quality of the ore is superior, as shown by the price it fetched in the English market; and Captain Ninnis reported in 1855, that there was little difficulty in working the mine and obtaining ore of an average value of £30 to a cubic fathoms. This mineral wealth, which amounts to many thousand tons of ore, singularly free from mundic, will yield a handsome revenue, and provide employment for a considerable body of miners. But the operations at the copper mines were lately suspended, owing to the Company requiring their remaining capital for the development and improvement of the estate, in the clearing of laud, and purchase of sheep and cattle. There is no doubt but the managers of the Company I looked upon the mines as of rather a speculative character, judging from past results ; but the observation of practical men warrants a further trial, as they state, in corroboration of what Captain Ninnis reported, that there are indications that lead to the belief that it will be very valuable, and a capital of from £30,000 to £50,000 will be forthcoming, we have been led to understand, within the next six months to give these mines a fair trial. We rejoice at this, for our belief is, from the information we have received, that the mines have never been fairly tried. But the Company have set themselves assiduously to the reclamation of the property, with the view of making it useful for the sustenance of life. Farms have been established at Kaikoura — a breakwater in the harbour of Port Fitzroy — Mohunga, Kaiarara, and Kiwiriki. These are but beginnings j and although the experiment has been successful hitherto, a large additional outlay of capital will yet be necessary to create a speedy return, which might be looked for in the future, in the natural order of things. Several thousand pounds sterling have already been expended in establishing these farms. There is an extensive forest of kauri pine on the estate of the Great Barrier Company, from whence there is water-carriage down the Kaiarara river to the harbour of Port Fitzroy. The company are now erecting a steam saw-mill at a point where there is about fourteen feet water, so as to avail themselves of the timber, and to afford easy means of shipment. A great deal of firewood also finds its way from the Great Barrier Island to Auckland, and steps have been taken to develop to its utmost this trade, so that there will be a constant intercourse between this city and the island. Another thing which the Company have set themselves to accomplish, is the formation of a settlement at the from which, more especially, the whalers may obtain supplies. Allotments, in the township and farms adjoining, will be leased to desirable settlers on favourable terms, and every effort will be made to induce the whalers to call at Port Fitzroy and obtain fresh meat, vegetables, and ship stores, instead of going north to the Bay of Islands. No doubt if such a community was located on the Great Barrier there would be little difficulty in the way of repairs, as shipwrights always find their way to newly formed seaports. This will depend very much, however, on the success that attends the establishment of farms and in clearing the estate, as well as in the concentration of a mining population in the island. At all events the undertaking deserves attention at our hands. It is closely identified with our own prosperity; and in the event of the establishment of the Panama route, we do not believe there is any great stretch of imagination in supposing that the Great Barrier Island, looking at its position, will be fixed on as the steam packet station, or port of call, on the route between Sydney and Panama. Source: Daily Southern Cross 7th February, 1862. P5
First publication of share offering of ‘The Otea Copper Mining Company’ Classified advertising The Otea Copper Mining Company (Limited). In 25000 shares, of 2 each, 5s per share to be paid with application and 5s per share on allotment. Under the Act of Parliament each shareholder is liable only for the amount he subscribed for. Directors Col. Bazalgette, Esq., Chairman of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company (Ltd). Charles Martin Esq., (Messrs Blogg and Martin) Bucklersbury. Parke Pittar Esq., (Messrs P. Pittar and Co.) 26 Gresham St. Joseph Thompson Esq., 43 Glocester Terrace, Hyde Park. Philip Wright Esq., late of Auckland, New Zealand. Solicitors- Messrs Bischoff, Coxe and Bompas, 19 Coleman St. E.C. Consulting Mining Engineers - Messrs Phillips and Darlington, Moorgate Street Chambers, Moorgate Street, E.C. Bankers - Bank of London, Threadneedle Street, E.C. Auditors- To be appointed at the first General Meeting. Brokers - London, Messrs J.C. and C.W. Morice, 4 Warnfordcourt, E.C. Manchester, J. Gorton Esq., Newmarket Chambers, Aberdeen, H. C. Oswald Esq., Marischall St. Secretary and Offices - J.H. Murchison Esq., 117 Bishopsgate Street. within The object of this company is to purchase and work a copper mine situate of the north of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand at present the property of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company (Ltd). The operations hitherto carried on have been on a limited scale and chiefly above the adit level, nevertheless nearly £30,000 worth of copper ore has been sold from the mine. To supply the necessary machinery, and to open out the mine properly so as to yield remunerative results demands more capital than the Great Barrier Company is in a position to lay out, that company requiring its resources for the development and improvement of its larger estate. At the office can be seen the Reports and letters of experienced practical authorities, three of whom have recently carefully inspected the mine. Captain Holman estimates (in his report of 21st March 1861) that there are probably “Over 3000 tons of ore, fully 15 per cent for copper, available” above the adit level. In his letters of 28th May and 27th November 1861, he increases his estimate of the possible yield of this ore ground to 4000 tons, if the powerful crusher he recommends be erected. The lode has been sunk upon for 20 fathoms under the adit; and Captain Holman says that, “if only a permanent increase in the yield of ores takes place throughout the vein, such as seen in the 12-fathom level, where the quality of the ores is quite equal to the general shipments, the future value of the mine would be very great.” Capt. Holman also remarks that in working the mine, “the materials required will be few in number. Steel for borers, with powder and fuze, include the chief items for quarrying. On the dressing floors steel hammers and sledges, with riddling and jigging sieves; for the crusher the usual wearing parts; while, for the engine, wood is abundant and easily procured. The value to be attached to Capt. Holman’s statements and opinions can be inferred from the very high testimonial in his favour by Mr Humphry Willyams, the well-known copper smelter, given at the end of this prospectus. It will be seen that Mr Willyams expresses himself in strong terms, founded on his knowledge of Capt. Holman for many years, and his employment of him on many occasions in all parts of the world. Captain Rowe states that “the shaft, which has also been sunk on the course of the lode, has throughout been in orey ground of more than average quality. The level (12 below adit) has been driven in a zig-zag direction, and whenever it has intersected the lode the ground has been of the usual character, but beyond the point where it communicates with the shaft there is decided improvement. The lode itself appears to be more concentrated and the ground favourable.” He strongly recommends that the shaft should be sunk 50 fathoms, “as there cannot be two opinions, but that present appearances indicate improvement in these directions.” And he considers that “but a slight improvement in the lode to make the Barrier an exceedingly valuable mining property.” He also believes that “there are thousands of tons of ore that may be returned profitably.” Capt. Treuren states “It is seldom that in Cornwall better indications (at depth of the adit) for a profitable mine are found: the depth of the adit is about 30fms, and I believe the 20 fms of that would come away on tribute…..I feel confident that the large quantity of ore already obtained from the mine cannot be there alone, and from the ground now opened, I believe a great quantity of ore can still be raised.” The whole of the papers and reports respecting the mine having been laid before Captain James Richards (the Managing Agent of the celebrated Devon Great Console Mines), his report on the same can also be seen at the office. He remarks, “As far as I can judge from the different reports, and especially from the one published in the Mining Journal of 20th July (Captain Rowe’s report) I think this mine holds out more than the ordinary chances of success.” The mine being close to the sea, the ore is at once put from the dressing floors into barges which takes it alongside the ships, consequently there is no land carriage, generally a very heavy item in the costs of foreign and colonial mines, while the freight home (in the wool ships) has varied from only 2s6d to 12s6d per ton, making the mine, in these respects, like one at home, with the additional great advantage that the quality of the ore is more than double the average of that of the copper ores of this country. A provisional agreement has been made with the Great Barrier Company for transferring the mine and plant (including two steam engines) with 300 acres of land to this company, on the following very moderate terms, namely £15000 (5000 paid-up shares, and £5000 in money) and a royalty of 1/20th on the ores sold. The Great Barrier Company intend to retain these paid-up shares as an investment. All preliminary, legal, and other expenses up to and including registration, promotion of the company, and broker’s commission, have been defined and agreed for at 5 per cent, upon the nominal capital of the Company. As soon as the necessary capital is subscribed for, the requisite machinery will be ordered and sent out. It is also proposed to appoint Captain Holman the Managing Agent of the operations, which he has offered to undertake at a reasonable salary, and as he is already in the colony the expense of sending out an agent will be saved, and no time be lost in carrying out the objects of the company. Looking, therefore, at the large quantity of productive ground already laid open (which by Capt. Holman’s estimate of the quantity of ground its produce may be valued at about £50,000, the quality of the ore, the advantage as to carriage and freight, and the short time required to put the mine in full work on a greatly extended scale, it is evident that such an opportunity seldom presents itself for obtaining early and highly remunerative results. The Company is divided into 25,000 shares of £2 each, and being established under the Limited Liability Act, no shareholder will be liable for more than the amount he subscribes for. A deposit of 5s per share is to be paid in to the bankers, who will give a receipt for the same, and the application for shares in the accompanying form can then be sent to the office or to the brokers. A further sum of 5s per share will have to be paid on allotment but in case no shares are allotted and unless at least one half of the shares are subscribed for, the deposit will be returned in full. If only part of the shares applied for are allotted the balance of the deposit will be applied towards the second 5s on the number allotted. No further call will be made for at least 12 months, and it is believed the £10,000 will be ample to fully develop the mine, leaving a large capital in reserve to meet any contingencies, and if found desirable to smelt the ores, or reduce them to regulus in the colony. A large number of the shares being already taken, applications (in the form annexed to the prospectus) may be made for the remainer which will be allotted in the order they are applied for. The Directors will be prepared to receive applications from parties desirous of paying up their calls in full, on which interest will be allowed at the rate of 5 per cent per annum. Prospectuses with forms of application for shares can be obtained at the office or from the brokers. Among other testimonials in favour of Capt. Holman the following have been received from Mr Humphry Willyams, banker, Truro, and a partner in the well-known copper smelting firm of Messrs Sims, Willyams and Co. Carnanton, 5th October, 1861. It gives me great pleasure to reply satisfactorily to your inquiry about Capt. Holman. I have known him for a great many years and have employed him on many occasions and in all parts of the world. He is an extremely intelligent, judicious and trustworthy man - sober and honest ton the fullest extent, and I consider him to be fully competent to be entrusted with the management of any mining undertaking. H. Willyams.
Miner’s Bank, Truro, 23rd October, 1861 I sincerely wish for your success in your proposed undertaking, and I take the present opportunity of confirming my previously expressed opinion of the judgement and ability of Capt. Holman of which I have had many years experience. H. Willyams
Truro 6th November, 1861. You are at perfect liberty to publish my letter respecting Capt. Holman. My opinion of him exceeds what I have expressed on paper. H. Willyams J.H.Murchison Esq. Source: The Times Wednesday, May 14th, 1862, page 4. Issue 24245.
The Otea Copper Mining Company advertises shares Classified advertising. The Otea Copper Mining Company (Limited). - In 25,000 shares of £2 each. 5s per share to be paid with application, and 5s per share on allotment. Under the Act of Parliament each shareholder is liable only for the amount he subscribes for. Directors Col. Bazalgette, Chairman of the Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company (Ltd). Charles Martin Esq., (Messrs Blogg and Martin) Bucklersbury. Parke Pittar Esq., (Messrs P.Pittar & Co) 25 Gresham Street. Joseph Thompson Esq., 43 Glocester Terrace, Hyde Park. Philip Wright Esq., late of Auckland, New Zealand. Solicitors- Messrs Bischoff, Coxe, and Bompas, 19 Coleman Street, E.C. Consulting Mining Engineers - Messrs Philips and Darlington, Moorgate St Chambers, Moorgate E.C. Bankers - Bank of London, Threadneedle Street, E.C. Auditors- To be appointed at the first General Meeting. Brokers - London, Messrs J.C. and C.W. Morice, 4 Warnfordcourt, E.C. Manchester, J. Gorton Esq., Newmarket Chambers, Aberdeen, H. C. Oswald Esq., Marischall St. Secretary and Offices - J.H. Murchison Esq., 117 Bishopsgate Street. Within ABRIDGED PROSPECTUS The object of this company is to purchase and work a copper mine situate of the north of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, and from which nearly £30,000 worth of copper ore has already been sold. The ore still available above the adit level alone is estimated at 4000 tons, of full 15 per cent produce or at even present low prices nearly £50,000, and with proper development in depth is confidently believed that the property will become “exceedingly valuable”. There is no land carriage (a very heavy item of expense in almost all foreign and colonial mines) and the freight to London, in the wool ships, varies from 2s6d to 12s 6d per ton. More powerful machinery, and a different and extended system of working are required to make the mine remunerative, for which purpose capital is now being raised. There are 25000 shares of £2 each, a deposit of 5s per share to be paid with the application and also 5s on allotment; no further call to be made for at least 12 months. A Considerable number of the shares being already taken, applications (in the form annexed to the prospectus) may be made for the remainder, which will be allotted in the order they are applied for. Detailed prospectuses with forms of application for shares can be obtained at the office, or from the brokers.
Source: The Times Friday, May 23rd, 1862 p4. Issue 24253.
1863
Report from Manager to London directors Of Great Barrier Land Harbour and Mining Company. Money Market & City Intelligence Thursday evening “Great Barrier” New Zealand “The directors have despatches from their manager to the 20th of October. He reports the progress in the erection of the sawmill as most satisfactory. It is expected that the sawmill will be ready to be worked by the end of March, or sooner. The manager proposed to have not less than 500,000ft of timber ready for it as a commencement. With regard to the farms the sheep are increasing considerably in value, both as to quantity and price. The question of the Panama route is again being generally agitated in the colony. It is considered the Port Fitzroy, on the Great Barrier Island, would be in the most direct line of route as the port of call for New Zealand. The local papers give a report on the subject by Colonel Smyth, who states that the direct line from Sydney to Panama, vid Auckland, would be augmented by about 100 miles by the necessity of having to round the northern extremity of New Zealand. It appears that 50 miles of this would be saved by having the terminus at the Great Barrier Island (say at Port Fitzroy); and, moreover, the risk, difficulty, and delay of having to navigate the narrow entrance to the Waitemata would be avoided. This, to a large ocean steamer, would be of great importance. The manager of the company considers that no other port in New Zealand offers such facilities for the suggested line of steamers to call at. He adds that Port Fitzroy would easily float the Great Eastern.” Source: The Times January 16, 1863 Page 5, Issue 24457
1864
A shareholder of the Otea Copper Mining Company complains bitterly Money-Market & City Intelligence The following relates to the Stock-Exchange Committee and the Otea Mining Company. “City, May 16. “Sir- The remarks in your City Article of today relative to the conduct of the Stock-Exchange Committee in the case of the Otea Copper Mining Company are very just. Reasons for refusing the settlement have been stated by parties who could have got their information only from members of the Committee, and the directors have not only offered full explanations on any point, but have also informed the Committee that the only reasons they have heard assigned are absolutely false. Statements have also been made relative to the allotment by at least one member of the Committee which are not founded on fact and I have reason to believethat he has been informed of this and that his assertions are disproved by the documents of the company, which the directors have offered to show; and yet they persist in refusing to see the directors or to receive any explanations, or to reopen the matter in any way. Surely, if the Committee wish to act fairly, they would only be too glad to have a proper investigation, so that, if possible, they may justify their decision. It is high time that some step were taken to prevent any institution in the City of London from acting in a manner so dangerous to public morality. The Committee is composed of brokers and dealers in shares, and if they give no reasons for their decisions when their justice is called in question, they must not be surprised if others give the reasons for them. “A Shareholder in the OTEA COMPANY. Source: The Times Tuesday, May 17th, 1864, page 9. Issue 24874.
1865
Mrs Allom gives birth to a son on Great Barrier Island Births On the 16th of October, 1864, at Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, the wife of Albert J. Allom, Es., of a son. Source: The Times, Friday, January 13th, 1865, page 1. Issue 25081
1896
Copper Mining at Great Barrier A party of miners has started to recommence copper mining at the Great Barrier. Source: Colonist 28th May, 1896. Page 3.
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