January 1, 1868 - Samuel Cooper discovers gold on the German Reef site
An article published in 1883 states that Samuel discovered gold in 1868 at the German Hill site. This later article (from 1883) is quoted in a future post (see entry for 1883).
Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, VOLUME I, ISSUE 45, 5 OCTOBER 1883, PAGE 8 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18831005.2.20)