Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. John McCombie

Mr. John McCombie, only son of the late Mr. Alexander McCombie, Aberdeen, Scotland, commenced goldmining at the Thames in July, 1867, when he was seventeen years of age. Thence he went to the West Coast alluvial diggings, and for some time travelled to and fro between the different mining centres in the South Island, and Australia, dividing his time between mining and cattle trading. In 1875 he returned to Auckland when Ohinemuri was opened for goldmining. He was one of the first on that field, and took part in the celebrated “rush” to Karangahake. In 1878 he discovered, opened up, and took out the first crushing from the now famous Waihi Company's lode, Waihi, and subsequently located the Silverton mine in the same district. He afterwards went prospecting at Karangahake, and, in the year 1882, unearthed the lodes now being worked upon in the Woodstock mine. When the Woodstock was floated into a company. Mr. McCombie was appointed managing director, and later on general manager, a position which he held till May, 1898—period of ten years. At present he is managing director of the Maratoto Gold Mining Company's property, upon which a mill comprising fifteen head of stampers has been erected, and the outlook for which is most promising. Throughout his career Mr. McCombie has been a constant contributor to the Press over the pen-name of “Aboriginal.” His articles have been devoted chiefly to mining subjects, but he has occasionally written short stories and sketches of life on the goldfields. Mr. McCombie was for years a member of the Thames County Council, in which he represented Ohinemuri, when that district was governed by that body. Mr McCombie is married, has five children, and resides at Rocky Nook, Auckland. He is a foundation member of the Australian Institute of Mining Engineers, and he is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Mining Engineers.

Hanna, photo. Mr. J. McCombie.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. J. McCombie.