| Canvastown | |
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Canvastown
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Marlborough |
Canvastown is a locality at the point where the Wakamarina River joins the Pelorus River, in Marlborough, New Zealand. State Highway 6 runs through the area. Rai Valley is 17 km to the northwest. Havelock is 10 km to the east.[1][2]
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The town was founded in 1864, after gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley. Up to 6000 miners came to make their fortunes. Where there had previously been a Māori pā, streets of tents sprang up providing tents, restaurants and taverns to a population of about 3000 people. About 25,000 ounces (710,000 g) of gold was recovered in 1864.[3] The surface gold was worked out within two years and most of the miners moved on to new gold discoveries on the West Coast.[4][5] Steam dredges continued to work the river into the 20th century.[6]
Canvastown School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 5 and a roll of 29.[7] The school was founded in 1877[8] and celebrated its 125th Jubilee in 2002.[9]