Pay Dirt

Discover the gripping narrative of 'Pay Dirt: The Westland Goldfields', a captivating diary recounting the gold rush era in West Canterbury. This essential paperback, published by Canterbury University Press, showcases the remarkable journey of English settler William Smart, who ventured into the uncharted wilderness in search of gold in 1862. With dimensions of 170 x 240 mm and 160 pages of detailed accounts, this book offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past, providing an eyewitness perspective on early P?keh? interactions with M?ori during this transformative period. Through Smart's compelling writing, readers will experience the adventure of braving the treacherous environment and the isolation faced by prospectors. His manuscript not only tells his story but serves as a critical historical document about the gold discoveries that shaped the region. The rich commentary by Hilary Low enhances Smart's personal account with insights into the broader context of gold prospecting and the relentless pursuit of wealth. Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in New Zealand’s gold rush, 'Pay Dirt' brings to light themes of ambition, struggle, and the complex relationships that characterized this era. Perfect for collectors and scholars alike, this book is a must-have addition for anyone passionate about New Zealand's cultural heritage and the captivating tales of fortune seekers in the Westland Goldfields.

Author: Hilary Low Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 17-10-2016

‘Pay Dirt: ‘The Westland Goldfields’, from the diary of William Smart’ is the fascinating story of how payable gold was discovered in West Canterbury, and of claims to the government’s rich gold reward. It tells how English settler, William Smart, left Christchurch in 1862 to prospect for gold in the uncharted wilderness of the West Coast. Then, in 1887, long after the Canterbury government granted another prospector the reward, which Smart regarded as rightfully his, he was provoked to write his own ‘history’ of the early gold discoveries. ‘The Westland Goldfields’ was his attempt to set the record straight; but, incidentally, he produced a unique eye-witness account of early P?keh? on the Coast, prospecting alongside M?ori, braving the hazardous environment, isolation and ever-present risk of starvation - before the region was overwhelmed by the gold rushes of the 1860s. Smart’s account, together with his drawings, is published here for the first time. Hilary Low has done a superb job of presenting Smart’s manuscript, and complementing it with a lively commentary on Canterbury’s quest for its own goldfield, and the extraordinary saga of its gold reward - a tale of hope and persistence, lies and fraud.