THE CHARLESTON BANKS
over the Brighton business in February, 1869. The Charleston Argus of 16th March, 1867, stated that this bank was then “moving to Carter’s Corner”—that is, to Section 115. Where the first premises were situated is not clear, but one informant states that its temporary building was on Section 72, very shortly afterwards occupied by the Bank of New South Wales.
BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
This bank was situated on Section 72 at the corner of Prince’s Street West, south side, and Greenwood Street South, at the beginning of the cutting that led to Constant Bay. It was opened in these premises in 1867, but in its later years removed to Section 407 in Camp Street North. It closed in 1895. It was at first a gold-agency under Mr. Hugh Jones (1867 to 1868 or later) but was later converted into a branch under Mr. Edward Williams, who remained until 1885. In 1867-1868 Mr. John Pickering was accountant. From 1885 to 1888 Mr. A. H. Vernon King was manager; 1888 to 1891, Mr. J. Lundon; 1891 to 1895, Mr. W. J. N. Blaxall. In February of 1869 the branch at Brighton was closed and its business transferred to Charleston branch. The branches at Hokitika and Westport were opened in 1864.
UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA.
This bank was situated on Section 114 at corner of Prince’s Street West, south side, and Rotten Row South, west side. Hardly any records are obtainable. It opened in 1867, and in 1875-1878 was in charge of Mr. T. Bowman. Mr. Charles Godso, later manager of Maori Chief Battery, was smelter in 1869. The premises were later occupied by the Charleston Herald newspaper.
TREATMENT OF GOLD.
As stated elsewhere herein, the gold found about Charleston was fine, and caught upon mercury-coated copper plates or upon fabrics. Copper plates were scraped with broad scrapers or chisels, and the amalgam therefrom required only to be retorted and smelted. Fabrics (cloths) were rinsed daily or more frequently in a trough (often improvised from a
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