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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mines Department

Mines Department.

Mines Department (Hon. James McGowan. Minister of Mines). The Auckland branch of the Department of Mines has more than once been brought into unusual prominence by the revival of the gold-mining industry, more particularly in the Hauraki Peninsula, where the Department has had, on short notice, to make roads and prospecting tracks, and assist in the establishment of schools of mines in new centres of activity. The Department's area of operations in the Auckland district has greatly increased of late years, and now embraces the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula from Cape Colville to Tauranga, Great Barrier Island, Puhipuhi, and, prospectively, the virgin hill country of the Uriwera. Besides what it does for gold-mining, the Department has to give careful attention to the prosecution and development of important coalfields in the Waikato and northern districts, which contain extensive coal measures.

Mr. James Coutts, Inspector of Mines for Auckland District, came to New Zealand in 1865, and settled in Papakura, near Auckland, where for a while he carried on farming on a small scale. In September, 1867, after having spent a short time mining at Coromandel, and subsequently making a second attempt at farming, Mr. Coutts settled at the Thames, and has been intimately connected with mining ever since. The “Cambria” and “Deep Level Cross” are among the mines managed by Mr. Coutts, who, in June, 1895, undertook the general management of the Taitapu Gold Estates Company, Ltd., near Collingwood, Nelson. In May of the following year, however, Mr. Coutts resigned that position and entered the public service as Inspector of Mines. For nearly twenty years he sat as a member of the Thames County Council, in which he represented Waiotahi riding. He was a member for some years of the Hospital and Charitablo Aid Boards, and occupied the position of chairman for three years. Of Mr. Coutts's popularity in his public and private positions, there is abundant proof. On severing his connection with the Thames County Council he was presented with a beautifully illuminated address, and a shield containing the portraits of the councillors. At the same time his mining friends gave him a handsome testimonial and a souvenir in the shape of a splendid gold watch and chain, and after his short stay at the Taitapu he was similarly honoured by being presented with a very fine tea and coffee service. Mr. Coutts was born in Peebleshire, Scotland, in 1842, and began his mining career in the coal mines on the estates of
Mr. J. Coutts.

Mr. J. Coutts.

Captain Beresford. At the age of twenty-one he had charge of the mines, and, after holding the position for two years, he came to this Colony.

Mr. Charles Robinson, Custodian of the Government Buildings, Auckland, was born in Wellington in 1850, and was educated at private schools. Mr. Robinson spent some time on stations in the North Island, and in 1869 served with the late Hon. John Ballance in Titokowaru's War. He was under fire on several occasions, and received the New Zealand War Medal in recognition of his services. In 1870 he was appointed second steward of the “Luna,” and, in March of the same year, was promoted to the position of chief steward, being transferred to the “Hinemoa” six years later. Mr. Robinson left the latter vessel in 1887 to enter the barracks in Wellington, and three years later received his present appointment. Rescuing a child from drowning in the Wellington Harbour in 1886, he received for this act of bravery the Royal Humane Society's Medal.

Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Message in 1874, and has three sons, all of whom possess exceptional musical talent.

Mr. Robert Cliffe, Custodian and Gardener at Government House, Auckland, was born in Lincolnshire, England, and educated
Mr. R. Cliffe.

Mr. R. Cliffe.

at Ulceby Junction. On leaving school he learned the profession of gardening, and was for some time gardener to Lady Bennett, of Ulceby. He then went to Canada, page 187 where he remained two years, but, wishing to visit New Zealand, which was then much talked about, he came to Auckland. Shortly after his arrival, his professional skill as a gardener secured him the appointment of gardener and curator to the Auckland Acclimatization Society, with which he remained for twenty-three years, and only resigned when the society transferred its operations to Rotorua, as he did not wish to leave his Auckland associations. In 1889 Mr. Cliffe was chosen for and appointed to his present position, and the now charmingly kept grounds about the Auckland Government House testify to his ability and taste. Mr. Cliffe was married previous to his departure from England.
One of the Oldest Streets in Aukland.

One of the Oldest Streets in Aukland.