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Collecting,
preserving and sharing the history
of Costerfield and surrounding areas
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The following is an excerpt of an article written by G.W. Robinson, from the McIvor Times, 1921. It gives a brief overview of the origins of the town
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REMINISCES OF COSTERFIELD: The following, excepting a few lines, was written a few years ago: - Costerfield (Parish and Township) about 7 miles to the east of Heathcote, opened in about the early sixties, derived its name from the original shareholders in the famous Costerfield Gold and Antimony Mine, viz., the brothers Allan and Peniston Coster and Edwin Field, William Youle also being a shareholder. The mine was afterwards formed into a company and paid good dividends for many years, with Edwin Field as manager and Thomas Lang as legal manager. During the time of the early prosperity of the mine, Costerfield was a well populated and thriving town. Other goods mines were subsequently opened, with good results, including the Bombay mine. A marked return of prosperity to Costerfield has taken place; for a number of years the mines have been the property of the Costerfield Mining Co. (an English Co,) being highly remunerative under the very capable management of Mr J.J. Doyle, and employing a large number of men. Costerfield at one time was called the Antimony, and was also known as Upper Costerfield. The reef of the famous Antimony Mine was discovered by Mr John McNicol, a very old and respected resident of Costerfield.
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The writer, and his brother, Mr C.J. Robinson, of Rushworth visited the reef when it had only been opened up for a few feet, they having ridden to it through the bush, and the original shareholders tents were convenient to the mine, where enormous blocks of antimony were lying on the surface. The locality, however, was soon transferred into an active mining town.
The Costerfield Goldfield Common Regulations were advertised on October 26, 1866 – Mr James Butler being the secretary. Mr George Hall was an early Registrar of the Common. For some years Costerfield has had a Mechanics’ Institute and Hall, and a State School.
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SOUTH COSTERFIELD: South Costerfield is situated about a mile from Costerfield. The Alison was an important mine here at one time, being worked for many years, in addition to other mines in the locality. Dr C. Robinson, of Heathcote, purchased an interest in the Alison mine for a considerable amount, some years after it was opened, when Mr Ross was manager. He also purchased into the Maori Tom reef at Major’s Line. Dr Robinson and Mrs Robinson were interested in the gold and antimony Mine. Mr William J. Von Der Luft, of Heathcote, was a holder of many shares in the Costerfield Gold and antimony mine.
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