Gold Discovered.

In the early days Otago had a hard struggle, but its original settlers were of the right stamp, full of grit and honest Scots courage. Gradually settlement was pushed out, and though progress was very slow it was sure. In 1857-8 there was a considerable addition to the population as the result of the work of Mr. James Adam, who was sent Home to induce more people to come out. Eight ships, five of which sailed from Scotland, two from London, and one from Plymouth, brought 2017 new settlers during the year 1858. Three years later gold was discovered, and the Gabriel's Gully rush soon resulted in Dunedin becoming the centre of a whirl of excitement. Estimated at 12,691 in 1860, the population jumped in the following year to 20,269. Gold was discovered at other points, and the influx of people made a wonderful difference to the province. Trade developed at an astonishing rate, and at one time Dunedin became the most important distributing centre in the colony.