James Archibald Sligo, (1862-15/10/1922). "early on the Nenthorn field"

NB: The reference to Australian First Nations people is a reflection of the era in which the following story was written.

OBITUARY.

MR JAMES A. SLIGO. 

Mr James Archibald Sligo, a partner in the well-known firm of Messrs Sligo Bros., sharebrokers, died at 7 p.m. yesterday. The deceased had boon in failing health for some time past, but refused to lay up until 10 days ago. Mr Sligo was closely associated with mining in the South Island over a long period of years. Born in Ballarat, Victoria, his boyhood was passed on his father’s farm at Mount Bealibo. In 1879 his parents sold out, and came on to Dunedin. Mr James Sligo was attracted to Macetown, and took a position under Mr David Watt, who was then manager of the Maryborough crushing plant. In the course of time he secured interests in several of the reefs in the district, and he and his partner owned a controlling interest in the Old Golden Hind mine. Later he spent a good deal of time prospecting in various parts of the Wakatipu and on the Old Man Range. He was early on the Nenthorn field, and became interested in several of the mines, and owned the last public crushing plant that worked there. When Coolgardie was booming he and his mate crossed over to Perth, and there secured a team and provisions and started into the interior to locate a younger brother, who, with a party, was prospecting somewhere “out beyond.” After a strenuous journey he found his brother and party time 150 miles north-east of Coolgardie, at a place called Mount Margaret. They discovered several promising lodes, one of which dollied from £20 to £30 value per ton. A larger capital than they could command was necessary to develop the lodes to advantage, and they decided to accept an offer from a strong syndicate for the purchase of their interests in several lodes. Deceased and his brother decided to return to New Zealand, and some time later entered into business here. He had many thrilling experiences while travelling through practically unknown tracts of bush in Western Australia. The blacks at this time were fairly troublesome, and a good deal of caution had to be exercised. From his boyhood onward Mr Sligo had a great love for horses, and was never without several. He bred and owned some fast trotters, and as an official of the Forbury Park Club worked assiduously to popularise the sport and conserve its best traditions.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/10/1922.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.