The Star Lead was officially declared a lead in November 1871 by Commissioner Browne. Payable gold had to be found before a lead could be declared and Prokopius Constantinidi, or "Con the Greek" had been prospecting it for 12 months before then.
Source: Peter Johnson
Star Lead Mine, Gulgong, 1895
Source: SLNSW PXA 7764 - Box 2
View of the Star Lead Gold Mining Company's No 1 Mine, 1897
Mining poppet head, Gulgong
Source: Photo by Barbara Gurney
An original mining poppet head can be seen in the background of this photo. It is in the vicinity of the Gulgong rubbish tip and is thought to be East Star Lead.
Billy Oldfield, one-time garbage collector, and Cindy (horse), pre-1970s
The passenger is thought to be Ted Curry.
Source: Photo by Barbara Gurney
Source: Photo by Barbara Gurney
Billy Oldfield's cart, now in the Gulgong Pioneers Museum
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - [LOCATION]
About three-quarters of a mile to the east of the Black Lead is situated the Star Lead, the prospecting area being held by 'Con, the Greek ' and party. They are now sinking the fourth shaft in their search for the gold. About twenty-two claims are being shepherded on this line, of which No. 6 and 7 amalgamated are sinking.
The principal event of the week has been the alleged discovery of payable gold in a flat separate from the Happy Valley Lead by Homer's free selection. It has been called the "Star" lead by the prospector, the persevering "Con the Greek," who for the past 12 months has been prospecting the locality without success until the present find.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 42, 2 December 1871
