Marsden, Greymouth, Grey District, West Coast Region, New Zealandi

Regional Level Types
Marsden	- not defined -
Greymouth	- not defined -
Grey District	District
West Coast Region	Region
New Zealand	Country

The small gold mining settlement here has long gone, and now denotes a forested and rural area in the upper New River valley, 25 kilometres south south-east of Greymouth.

Nephrite jade. Pounamu is the Maori name given to it, commonly called greenstone in New Zealand, but more accurately nephrite jade. Visitors usually only need to travel a short distance here before finding some shop selling jade pendants and carvings. Most are found as loose boulders in certain areas of New Zealand, rather than the jade coming from a mineral structure at a specific location.

Arguably the finest quality jade has come from the Marsden area. Jade in the area is generally found as elongated, or slightly flattish boulders, and are difficult to recognise in the field, as they are covered by a thick rind of yellowish-brown oxidised material. Sawn in half the rock shows zoned colour changes to a core of dark green jade. Some contain cream coloured markings which is known locally as 'flower jade'. The markings can be found near the edge of the boulders, in the vicinity of internal fractures, and occasionally throughout, and are part of the oxidising process. Inclusions range from tiny black flecks, to soft porous areas unsuitable for carving.

Historic gold dredging around Marsden, turfed up many nephrite boulders, but they were little valued at the time. Due to the rock's heat resistance, they were often used in camp ovens, fireplaces, and in one case as a blacksmith's forge.

Since 1997, the fossicking for nephrite jade on the South Island requires the permission of the Ngai Tahu, a business and cultural organisation representing Maori tribes on the South Island.

Gold. Gold dredging was prevalent around the New River valley at Marsden from the turn of the 20th Century into the 1930's. Some scars remain, particularly a large area just east of the former Marsden gold mining settlement.

In 1900, three dredging companies, named the Marsden No. 1 Gold Dredging Company, Marsden No. 2 Gold Dredging Company, and Marsden No. 3 Gold Dredging Company were floated, with small amounts of capital. Dredges were built in the area, and operations commenced, but for only a short time.

No. 1 suffered several court cases after not paying suppliers. Its claims covered the river bed and neighbouring alluvial flats of the Fuschia and Nemona Creeks. The No. 2 and No. 3 company claims bordered No. 1's claims, with No. 3 centred on Cards Creek. No. 3 was delayed when parts needed for the erection of the dredge went missing on transit to New Zealand. In 1902, the company was reconstructed, and then in 1903 was placed into voluntary liquidation.

Also in 1901, the Cornwall (late Foley's Creek) Gold Dredging Company, moved the Brandy Jack's plant to their new claim in the Marsden area. New River Consols is also noted as having a claim in the area at the time. The Yellowstone Dredging Company was further up the New River valley, on Eight Mile Creek, working its junction with the New River.

The Nemona Gold Dredging Company was floated in 1936. The following year the dredge sank, and had to be re-floated. Operations ceased in 1939, re-started shortly after, with the dredge sinking again in Cockeye Creek in 7 feet of water. The company was then fined 130 pounds in 1941, when it proceeded to clear part of a state forest for dredging operations.

The West Coast Associated Dredges Limited also started mining in the area in 1939.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References