Page:Our New Zealand Cousins.djvu/271

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Our New Zealand Cousins.
255

"In the more important centres, when the miners were beginning to see how simple and practical were the methods of testing ores, they began to form themselves into clubs (subscribing usually 1l. each) 'to procure the appliances necessary for carrying on the testing of ores after my departure. Before the end of April ten of these clubs were in existence, with their chairmen and secretaries, and funds subscribed, with a membership ranging from thirteen to thirty-five each, total membership about 200. At two other places, clubs were being formed when I was just leaving the coast. The following are the centres where clubs are now in existence:—Reefton, Boatman's, Lyell, Westport, Waimangaroa, Greymouth, Kumara, Hokitika, Ross, Goldsborough; and in process of formation at Dillmanstown and Rimu. Public meetings were held in most of the centres to apply to the Government and the University of Otago for assistance in the way of instructors and facilities for procuring appliances at the smallest cost.

"During my whole visit I received the warmest support, not only from the miners and the civic authorities, but also from the clergymen of all denominations, medical men, and druggists. The press also very heartily advocated the movement, and published elaborate reports of the processes of testing. During my visit to the coast, as well as to the Otago gold-fields, I was strongly impressed with the large field open for teaching to crowds of