In November 1861 it had identified that there may be gold in the area, and a small but payable field known as the Highlay Diggings was discovered in the winter of 1862 six miles to the east, midway between Hyde and Macraes.
In November 1861, it was determined that gold might be present in the area, and a small but profitable gold mine called the Highlay Diggings was discovered in the winter of 1862, six miles east, halfway between Hyde and Macraes.