Adams Lead, Gulgong
Adams Lead Reserve
Today, Adams Lead is a Crown Land reserve located just to the South West of Gulgong. The area contains mature remnants of Grassy Box Woodland, historic goldfield diggings and mullock heaps and a small water body.
There has been a great excitement in Gulgong this last few days, and a sound of revelry by night, nor has it yet returned to its normal state; for verily the commissioner has at length visited us. Gulgong is grateful, but excited. The commissioner arrived about noon on Monday last, and the town presented a gay and lively appearance. Flags were waving from nearly every place of business, and there was a giant roll-up of diggers in the town to meet him. Mr. Johnston lost no time in getting to business; having lunched at Mr. Selff's he proceeded without delay to the deep lead, escorted by a small army; the deep lead men in the van, block claim men bringing up the rear, and there was a mighty sound of many voices, like the rushing of a hollow wind through a pine forest, for each and every one was arguing the case for the last time prior to the decision. At least two thirds of the miners rolled up to the deep lead, and the crowd was large and varied. There were representatives of every European country, and many others. Many wore spectacles and many were spectacles to behold; a perfect sea of moustaches and felt hats was visible, and the scene was highly refreshing and quite colonial.
Mr. Commissioner Johnston opened the proceedings by taking evidence as to the payable nature of Adams's prospecting claim, which evidence being satisfactory, other witnesses unconnected with the claim were examined, and proved that a defined run of wash exitsted. He then explained the law relating to frontage and block claims, and stated that he would not disturb the holders of block claims who had pegged into the wings of the frontage claims prior to Gulgong being declared a gold-field. This gave great satisfaction to many, and much cheering followed. Defining the area of the prospecting claim was the next thing. After a considerable infliction of evidence, a large proportion of which was voluntarily given by lusty lunged and excited partizans on either side, five and twenty at a time shouting from the body of the crowd, the commissioner awarded the prospectors (R. and A. Adams and party) a double claim for six men or 480 feet on the length of the lead. This gave satisfaction generally; some grumbled, but so it ever will be—it is impossible to please everybody. He then mounted the heap by the windlass, which was already occupied by many of the fair sex, and officially declared the lead. Mrs. Angove then christened the lead (by breaking a bottle of wine against tha flagstaff) "Adams's lead;" and the scarlet flag was gaily hoisted amidst thunders of cheers, Sundry bumpers were charged and emptied to the success of the lead, in which all cordially joined. Three cheers were then given h artily for the ladies, coupled with the name of Mrs. Angove. This lady was the donor of the flag, which was tastefully embroidered. She also provided the wherewithal to drink the toasts. Her spirited conduct is much admired, as was also the quality of the spirits she furnished for the occasion. About 600 were present at the declaration. Ashton's Circus band was in attendance, and discoursed sweet music at intervals.
Immediately this ceremony was concluded, the surveyor went to work laying down the base line a quarter of a mile on either side of the base pegs being allowed for frontage, while the commissioner had his work to do settling disputes; and they were not few, I assure you. The township has also been surveyed, and a centrally situated piece of ground left for church and school purposes.
The present rainy season is much against mining operations, although furnishing plenty of water for washing purposes. About 500oz of gold was sold in the town last week. Several nice parcels have found their way here from Tallawang; the proprietors being probably tempted by the price now ruling here L3 16s 6d.
Saveral tons of quartz have been sent from the Surface Hill here to Chappell's crushing machine; it is anticipated that it will yield well.—Correspondent Western Post, August 18.
