Discovery sheds light on Glen Afton’s mining history

A century-old battery pack from a mining lamp is on its way to its new home, following its rediscovery by a Waikato District Council consultant. 

The Thomas A. Edison, Inc cap lantern battery pack was originally discovered on the rocky bed of the Waitawhera Stream at Glen Afton during a twin culvert replacement back in 2015/2016 before being placed into storage. 

Jared Phipps from Beca, who had done work for Council on the culvert, recently rediscovered the container in pretty poor shape following a recent renovation at a property. 

He took the time to clean it up, do some research and pop it into a presentation box. 

“I thought it would a great display item at Council or a museum showcasing some of the district’s mining history,” he said. 

Glen Afton resident Russell A Webb, is very excited by the find as he started work in the Glen Afton mine back in the 1960s. It has brought back fond memories. 

“When we left the bath house in the morning, we went down to the lamp cabin to get our lights.  The battery hooked on to your belt and the lead went up your back. On the back of the black miner’s hat there was a clip that the lead went into. The light clipped into the front of your miner’s hat,” he said. “On the initial walk into the mine, most people would hold the light in their hand because the roof was so low, and the lamp would otherwise hit the roof. Once the roof of the tunnel got a bit higher, we would attach the lamp to our hats. 

“Generally, we would have no trouble with the battery running out. On a typical shift we would start walking in at 8am and be back outside just after 3pm. Occasionally, if it seemed like the light was getting dim, we would telephone the deputy’s cabin. He would organise a new light to be put into a skip and sent down.” 

On reception of the artefact, Council contacted members of the Glen Afton community and it will now be displayed at the Glen Afton and Pukemiro Community Hub, formerly The Blue Rooms, when it opens in August 2025.