Coopers Terrace

John Augustus Miller was born about 1834 in Heligoland. His parents were from Hamburg, Germany. Heligoland is a small archipelago in the North Sea. While it is now part of Germany, it was historically a part of Denmark, and from 1809-1890 was part of Britain. John’s parents went to Heligoland shortly before his birth so he could be a British citizen and avoid conscription into the German Army.

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 2584, 23 SEPTEMBER 1903, PAGE 31 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19030923.2.122.1)

John Miller went to Australia sometime around 1856 when the gold rush was taking place in Victoria. No shipping records have been located to determine when John arrived in either Australia or New Zealand, and no newspaper articles show John being present in Australia during the 1850s.

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 2584, 23 SEPTEMBER 1903, PAGE 31 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19030923.2.122.1)

Although no shipping records can be located to confirm John’s arrival in New Zealand, he first appears in the 1865-1866 electoral roll as living on the Arrow River in a dwelling house so he likely arrived a short time before that. He is also mentioned in November 15th, 1865 in a letter to the editor as a member of the committee by the miners to represent them.

Source:

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1865-1866 (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1836/images/31832_226036__0004-00259)
• LAKE WAKATIP MAIL, ISSUE 269, 25 NOVEMBER 1865, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LWM18651125.2.6)

“THE MINING CONFERENCE.

(To the Editor of the Otago Witness .)

Sir — Now that the delegates are elected and about to meet, to assist in framing a new code of mining rules and regulations, suggestions from practical miners will not be out of place, and I hope that they may come forward plentifully.

A great cry has been raised about depasturing cattle and sheep on Goldfields, injuring water-races. From my own observations, I must say that these damages are rather more imaginary than real, both considering the frequency of their occurrence and extent. To come to something like a satisfactory conclusion, stock- owners and miners entering upon this subject should remember that their interests are identical, for beef and mutton are as necessary to the miner as almost the gold itself. Like it, he likes to get it as cheap as possible and this cannot be accomplished if he throws difficulties in the way of sheep and cattle owners. On the other hand, if there were not miners that earned a sufficient amount of wages to enable them to pay so much per pound for their produce, the rearing of it would prove but little beneficial to stockowners, and, therefore, they should take all possible precaution not to injure the miners’ works in any way.

But to hold stockowners responsible for any casual damage that cattle may do, would be unjust; still some compensation for damage, especially when repeatedly occurring to the same race, should be secured to race-holders, always paying due attention to priority of tenure.

The great question before the Conference, in my opinion, should be the combination of labor and capital, upon a clear, easy, and distinct basis, so as to avoid at once litigation and monopoly. It is strange that this important point has been totally overlooked by all legislators, that drew up the former bye-laws of Otago. Such a system as is known by “backing” in Victoria, would suit the requirements of the Otago Goldfields extremely well, and which has been in vogue there ever since the earliest days of its Goldfields.

The system is simply this: any party of miners wishing to undertake a work of more than common magnitude, whether prospecting new ground or working old and abandoned claims on an improved and enlarged scale, which would require considerable preliminary labor and expense should be entitled to double the quantity of ground as provided by the bye-laws; or in other words, say two men be allowed to represent four shares, two of which are held by any party agreeing to supply the two working shareholders with the necessary funds, &c, to carry on the work until payable gold be found, when the two sleeping shares will have to be represented by bona fide miners. This arrangement should not be confounded with the furnishing system, also introduced on the Victorian Goldfields, and which has created a vampire brood that has only done harm to its mining interest. The backing system has been the means of discovering some of Victoria’s best quartz reefs, as also of some of its latest great rushes; for instance, Indigo and Rutherglen Leads, &c. , and there can be no doubt that it would prove highly beneficial to Otago, especially when its peculiar physical features are taken into consideration, which necessitate so much more prospecting than did the continuous golden leads of Victoria.

Another subject that wants considerable alteration and extension, is the existing rule referring to protection. Firstly, the period of protection should be extended to at least three months at a time, instead of as now, one month, with fortnightly renewals after its expiration. Secondly, a miner should be allowed to hold another claim, provided he hold only one claim protected at a time. There are three months in every year, during which a great number of miners are unable to prosecute their work; as, for instance, those engaged in ground sluicing, in all high and exposed situations, and they are forced to spend this time in wasteful idleness; whereas, if they were allowed protection to their claim, they could turn that time to some account, by prospecting. &c, in their neighbourhood. Besides, this rule, if introduced, would give miners more encouragement to start large undertakings. Mining speculations, like other affairs, often present unforeseen obstacles in their prosecution; and to provide against these, miners, when they have expended their last shilling, without accomplishing their object, should be allowed to recruit their funds by any possible means, and not be restricted to the alternative of leaving altogether say six or eight months’ labor, or linger on as best they can. This is now the case, and is the best way to keep any party from taking in hand a job that requires much labor and expense, and. hence much of the stagnation in mining matters as well as in trade.

I am fully aware that objections may be raised to both propositions put. But I do not recommend new rules for experiment, and no one who has had an opportunity of seeing how both systems work in Victoria, will deny that they contributed immensely to develop the resources of that Colony; and I am persuaded, that if introduced with proper and liberal rules, more will be accomplished in Otago by them than by direct encouragement to prospecting. The opening up of new Goldfields is as much the work of chance as is the discovery of monster nuggets, and miners, as a rule, are too much interested in both, to need much spurring; only give us a fair chance and we will do more than if forced and pushed.

Nearly all joint stock companies that have of late years failed, owe their failure either to bad management, or natural difficulties coming in their way, both obstacles which bona fide miners would readily overcome; and most of the ground these companies operated upon, will yet be made productive by miners, assisted by capitalists, if the Government will only consent to their amalgamation. — I am,

&c. John A. Miller. Arrow River, 28th February, 1868.

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 849, 7 MARCH 1868, PAGE 4 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18680307.2.11)

In March 1873, John writes a letter to the editor of Lake County Press, criticising an anonymous resident for challenging the Arrow River United Gold Mining Company.

“Venom.

Sir,—There is in our midst an individual, or individuals, whose delight is seemingly to flourish their bad qualities before the eyes of the public. Such individuals are “Inquirer” and “A Would-be Shareholder.” It will be in the recollection of your readers that “Inquirer” a short while ago wanted to know what the Committee of the Arrow District Miners’ Association did with the money he and others had subscribed, and was informed by the Secretary of that body that he could inspect the books at any convenient time. Yet. would you believe it? no “Inquirer” has, up to date, presented himself for such a purpose, and your correspondent thus proves himself a coward who, under protection of your promise of secrecy, would not hesitate to throw a slur upon a body of well intentioned men, but who has not the courage to show his face.

“A Would-be Shareholder” is another of the same class. What can it matter to him who, in a company like the Arrow River United Gold Mining Company, holds the shares? If he is not satisfied with the prospectus and thinks the scheme not worth his money, let him stand back; others with more faith and enterprise will not be afraid of supporting the undertaking. Such persons as “Inquirer” and “ Would be Shareholder” may do a vast amount of harm, if they are not curbed, I do not mean to say they should be debarred from giving expression to their opinions, but they should temper these expressions with charity. In the case of the Arrow River United Gold Mining Co, such effusions may do a great deal of injury to people outside the district, and may possibly delay the development of a valuable tract of country. It is indeed a pity that this flat was not long ago been taken in hand, as there can be no doubt that the old Arrow River bed goes through it, by Mr R. Watson’s farm, and empties into Lake Hayes—a distance say of four miles. The vituperations of your correspondent might have the effect of such being proved to be a fact to be retarded.

Looking upon the effusions above referred to psychologically, they furnish a striking example of the inefficiency of the educational system of the present day, and demonstrate the necessity for a change. Supposing the writers to be Christians, it would be worth knowing where such amiable traits of character were imparted to them, and by what particular sect or creed they were inculcated. Can it be wondered at that Spiritualism is making proselytes wherever it makes its appearance, when the teachings of Christian doctrines leads to such results? Yours See.,

John A. Arrow Falls, March 26th, 1873.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 95, 28 MARCH 1873, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18730328.2.7)

The following week, “A Would-Be Shareholder” responded:

“Sir.—l was sorry to see from your last paper that my remarks about the intended Arrow River United Gold Mining Co. had mused the virtuous indignation of the President of the Arrow Miners’ Association, Mr John A. Miller. I hasten to calm Mr Miller’s troubled spirit, and to assure him that I utterly disclaim the honor of being one “ whose delight seemingly is to flourish their bad qualities before the eyes of the public,” and am not so fond of parading my good qualities before the public eye as some people are. I may may [sic] also explain to Mr Miller what he seems to have altogether overlooked in his charitable spirit, vis., my object in writing upon the matter at all. It was simply to learn, if possible, on what grounds of equity the promoters of the company claim 3000 paid-up shares in the concern, as they have done nothing entitling them to such a large slice of fortune—if one may except the pegging out and applying for a number of acres, and issuing prospectus of the projected company. Mr Miller, so far from imparting the desired information, does not even touch upon this part of the matter. He is content to preach a sermon on charity, psychology, and Spiritualism subjects very good in their place, no doubt, but with what bearing on the Arrow River United Gold Mining Co. I fail to see. Mr John A. Miller may be a believer in the “ new and beautiful faith,” or any other visionary project; but I am afraid the more practical of his fellow-men in this district have neither sufficient faith nor charity to subscribe £3000 unless they have a clear knowledge of what quid, pro quo they are to receive. I assure Mr Miller, in conclusion, that, equally with himself, am I anxious to see the Arrow Flat tested; but if this cannot be done by a more liberal process than seems to animate the promoters of the A.R U.G.M. Co, then I will “stand back,” and see whether others with “more faith and enterprise will support the undertaking.” The result will show whether my enquiries are so unjust, and my motives so uncharitable as imputed by Mr John A. Miller.- I am, &c.,

A Would-be Shareholder, Arrow River, March 31.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 96, 4 APRIL 1873, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18730404.2.14.1)

John Miller, together with John Flynn and Carl Hein, for a special claim related to 15 acres of auriferous land near Arrow Falls.

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, VOLUME III, ISSUE 108, 27 JUNE 1873, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18730627.2.8.1)

John Miller is appointed as the presiding officer for Arrow Ward in the Council.

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, VOLUME III, ISSUE 140, 6 FEBRUARY 1874, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18740206.2.3)

John Miller resigns as a member of the committee and is selected to take the role of Librarian and Secretary.

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, VOLUME VIII, ISSUE 410, 20 MARCH 1879, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18790320.2.6)

“PROPHETIC SHAKESPEARE.

In October 1880, John Miller registered the Golden Link Gold-mining Company. The company’s intended operations were at Sawyer’s Gully, Macetown. Shareholders in the company were John Orson McArdell (auctioneer, Invercargill), William Mackay (farmer, Arrowtown), Rochard David Owen (hotelkeeper, Arrowtown), and William Scoles (hotelkeeper, Arrowtown).

Source: OTAGO DAILY TIMES, ISSUE 5844, 30 OCTOBER 1880, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18801030.2.26.5)

“HOW TO MEASURE QUARTZ.

The following appeared in a recent number of the Otago Witness :~Stope asks: (1) How can I measure quartz in the win or lode? (2) What measurement goes to the ton in the vein? (3) How can I measure quartz in the paddock — that is, broken quartz? (4) What measurement in the paddock goes to the ton ?

— We have submitted your queries to Mr JA. Miller, of Arrowtown, who replies as follows (1) Multiply the width of the shoot of quartz by the depth, and the result again by the thickness of the lode; the result will be the cubic contents of the quartz. Example : Say a shoot has been proved to a depth of 60ft and is 80ft wide, the stone being 2 1/2 ft thick. Then 60 x 80 ==1800 x 2 1/2 =12,000 cubic feet, or 4000 cubic yards. (2) In the vein half a cubic yard, or 13 1/2 cubic feet, may be allowed to a ton weight. Molesworth gives the weight of a cubic yard of quartz at 41cwt, or 4592lb per cubic yard. Rankin allows 165lb to a cubic foot of quartz, or 455lb (?) per cubic yard. All quartz, however, varies much in weight, according as it is drossy or dense. (3) This question is difficult to answer, as the necessary calculation depends upon the shape of the paddock. To proceed you must ascertain the three dimensions of your paddocks— that is, its length, width, and depth — and multiply these sums as in the above example; but observe that all the measurements must be made at right angles to the base of your calculation. To keep tally of the quartz in your paddock it is always better plan to ascertain how much quartz your truck holds, and then keep an account of the number of trucks emptied into the paddock. (4) A cubic yard of broken quartz is generally allowed to weigh a ton, though in practice it will be found to be often a great deal heavier.”

Source: TE AROHA NEWS, VOLUME V, ISSUE 244, 3 MARCH 1888, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TAN18880303.2.15)

Together with David Grierson and Rudolph Platow, John Miller applies for a special claim for tunnelling on 35 acres of land.

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, VOLUME V, ISSUE 309, 30 AUGUST 1888, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18880830.2.9.1)

“The following patents have been applied for…

John Augustus Miller, of Arrowtown, goldminer, for the saving of gold, silver, copper, tin, pyrites, or any other metallic ore, to be called ‘The Witness Gold and Ore-saving Apparatus’”.

Source: EVENING POST, VOLUME XXXVII, ISSUE 110, 10 MAY 1889, PAGE 2 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18890510.2.16)

John Miller applies for a patent for a device to save metallic ore. Later the same year he applies for a patent in New Zealand as well.

John Miller applies for a special claim to mine 209 acres near Naseby using ground sluicing.

“APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CLAIM.

Otago Mining District, 12th September, 1830.

To the Warden at Macraes–I hereby apply for a special claim for gold-mining purposes, under the provisions of the Mining Act, 1886, of the lands hereinafter described.

Dated at Naseby this 12th day of Sept., 1880.

JOHN AUGUSTUS MILLER, Applicant.

By his Solicitor, S. E. McCarthy.

Name and address in full of applicant—John Augustus Miller, Nenthorn.

Stylo under which it is intended to conduct the business —Alpha Gold-mining Co., Limited.

Locality where the land applied for is situate— Comprising south-eastern portion of Horse Flat, Macraes, extending west of Chinaman’s claim to near Turnbull’s Creek.

Extent of land applied for—2oo acres.

Amount of capital proposed to be invested— £6000.

Proposed mode of working the land— Ground sluicing.

Term for which license is required –21 years.

General remarks–The applicant applies for a large area, as if his application is granted he will be carrying on mining operations under circumstances of extraordinary difficulty and involving the expenditure of considerable sums of money.”

Source: MOUNT IDA CHRONICLE, VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 1034, 28 SEPTEMBER 1889, PAGE 4 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MIC18890928.2.19.1)

John Miller lodges an extended claim at New Chum Gully and water race at Bennett’s Gully.

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 589, 25 JANUARY 1894, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18940125.2.13)

“ARROWTOWN.

September 18. — The chief topic of conversation in our midst this week has been of the removal by death of our respected townsman, John Augustus Miller. It is the lot of but few, especially in a remote country place, to be as well known and as much revered as Mr Miller was. Having been connected with this paper for such a number of years, and having contributed largely to other papers and journals circulating freely in this district, the public were well acquainted with his opinions — opinions that were at all times freely expressed, although perhaps not always popular in the public sight. It is rare indeed to find a journalist who has the courage to express his convictions in such an explicit manner as the late writer of these notes. The life and times of deceased are known to most of’ the leaders of these columns; still, it has been such a prominent and diversified life that it will bear repetition. Although the son of German parents, John Augustus Miller was born under the British flag. A touch of romance surrounds his birth. His parents, natives and residents of Hamburg, removed shortly previous to his birth to Heligoland, at that time a British possession, the object of this being that in the event of a son being born he would be exempt from compulsory military service, conscription then, as now, being the law in Germany. After receiving a liberal education, Mr Miller was apprenticed to the sail and tent making, this trade afterwards proving of much value to him in his golddigging days in the colonies. At the news of the discovery of gold in Australia, he was seized with the desire to try his fortune in the wonderful treasure land of the south. Arriving in Victoria about the year 1856, he followed most of the most important rushes, searching for the precious metal with varying success, and what is of more importance to the many who have benefited by his great knowledge of the subject, obtaining practical knowledge of mining and fostering his inclinations towards his favourite study, geology. On the news of gold being discovered in New Zealand, he left Australia for this colony, and since then he has resided continually on the goldfields, devoting his time to mining and improving his knowledge of the English language and literature. Well informed on a great variety of subjects, his writings have been of an extremely broad range. Mining, geology, botany, fiction, art, and literature have all been written on in such an explicit and lucid manner as to show his extensive grasp of the subjects treated. In his contributions to this page, in treating of local matters, although not always taking the popular view of things, he kept public needs prominently to the fore, and there is no doubt his contributions were universally looked for and appreciated. As a citizen and neighbour he was exemplary. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he had gained the full confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. For some considerable time he had been suffering from a painful complication of troubles, and underwent an operation in the Frankton Hospital, this extreme measure proving but a temporary relief. After a brief return to semi-active life, during which he resumed his contributions to this page, he became an inmate of the Arrow Hospital, and seemed to be slowly but surely recovering his health. He had improved so much that about three weeks ago he returned home, where he continued to make headway. On Saturday week last, however, he caught a chill, which settled on the lungs. He was removed to the hospital on Friday. All that medical skill could do was done to arrest the malady, but it was not to be, and deceased passed quietly away at 3.30 on Sunday morning. Through all his painful and trying illness he exhibited the greatest patience and fortitude, and though at times but partly conscious, evinced the greatest gratitude for any little kindness tendered. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon, many coming from a great distance to show the last marks of respect to deceased. The Rev. D. K. Fisher conducted an impressive service at the graveside, and feelingly referred to deceased’s long and interesting career.”

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 2584, 23 SEPTEMBER 1903, PAGE 31 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19030923.2.122.1)

John Miller wrote a will, clearly identifying who he wanted his belongings and property to be passed to. However, the will was not dated so was rejected by the Trustee and it was determined that he died intestate. A scanned copy of the probate is available but the will itself is not scanned. The NZ Archives site states that there are several pages that have been fused together and it is possibly these that include the will. A request has been sent to NZ Archives for any information on whether the original will which was rejected by the Trustee can be scanned.

“ARROWTOWN.

December 19.—

When the late Mr J. A. Miller died it was found that the document he had left as his last will and testament was to practical purposes useless, as he had neglected to have his signature attested in a legal manner, in the presence of two witnesses. For a man who held the religious beliefs that deceased held the witnessing was worded decidely peculiarly: “Signed in the presence of Almighty God John Augustus Miller”. The intentions of the testator being so explicit in regard to the distribution of his property, and his wishes in that respect being so well known, it was tried to prove the will, but in this the trustee was unsuccessful. I understand the person to whom the house left has a document in his possession which makes the transfer amount to a deed of gift. It is doubtful, however, what the result will be – whether he will come into possession or no. My reasoning mentioning the matter at all in these notes is to draw attention to the necessity of first making a will and secondly of seeing that the document is made out in a legal manner. Few know the world as the late Mr Miller knew it. His experience in all subjects was unlimited, and yet even he made this great mistake in a matter of much importance. His purpose and intentions were so plain, he had so carefully divided his belongings, and had doubtless pictured the beneficiaries in the enjoyment of them and what is the result? — everything in the hands of strangers.”

Source: OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 2597, 23 DECEMBER 1903, PAGE 30 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19031223.2.75.2)