Page 174 - Volume 1

The Kimihia school is circled to the left and the mining village of seven houses is arrowed just below it. In
the middle distance, just over the ridge where Kimihia Road runs, is the shallow body of water of Hakanoa
Lake. This lake is used for boating and yachting.
The mine pit was off-limits to the children of the district, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying the
wild nature of the pit edges. On summer days the heavy tyres of the earthmoving machines pounded the dry
soil until a fine dust called ‘bulldust’ was generated. This had the consistency of talcum powder and provided
the ultimate sensation as it flowed between the toes of the barefooted explorers. On fine days the dust coated
everything in sight and the householders were compelled to keep their windows closed in a vain attempt to

keep the dust from getting inside the houses.