Buried treasure

About 30 people attended the official unveiling of a plaque and burying of a time capsule at the entrance to Gabriel's Gully at Lawrence yesterday, including (from left) Clutha district councillor Geoff Blackmore, Lawrence resident Kim Murtagh, chairwoman of the Gabriel's Gully 150th celebrations organising committee Gaye Cowie, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, chairman of the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Company Eddie Fitzgerald, and chairman of the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board Geoff Davidson.

Ms Murtagh said she spent six months collecting items for the capsule.

"It's a lovely balance of excellent things which give a snapshot of Lawrence." Items included a book about Gabriel Read written by Ernie McCraw, newspaper clippings about Lawrence, and meat prices from the local butcher.

May 25 marked the official 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully. The day began with the planting of an oak tree in the gully, followed by a commemorative luncheon, and finished with the opening of a stamping battery in the gully's car park.

The 150th celebrations were held at Lawrence on Otago Anniversary weekend earlier this year, when similar festivities were also held in Dunedin.