The Goldsworthy brothers (and James Gribble, a brother-in-law): prominent Hauraki miners

Abstract

This paper gives a basically chronological account of the lives of five prominent miners, all born into mining families. Most began their mining on the Thames field, becoming mine managers and even company directors. Some were involved with the Te Aroha rush, and all worked on the Waiorongomai field. They would mine throughout most of Hauraki into the early twentieth century, usually separately from their brothers or brother-in-law but sometimes with the latter. Because of their positions, most opposed the miners’ union’s desire for increased wages. Their personal finances were usually comfortable, although as this could not be guaranteed four out of the five also farmed to a greater or lesser extent. In their earlier days most were active sportsmen, but in the long term mining affected their health, one dying of miners’ complaint as a direct consequence of his chosen career.