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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
St. Bathans
St. Bathans , which is in the county of Maniototo, lies at the foot of the Maniototo and Dunstan ranges, connected by Mount St. Bathans, which rises to a height of 6,600 feet. It was formerly known as Dunstan Creek, but was re-named by the Otago Lands Department after St. Bathans, in the Island of Iona, in Scotland, famous in the days of the early Christians. In the spring of 1863 the Provincial Government sent a number of prospectors to St. Bathans, under the charge of Mr. Payman, and from that time the district has been noted as a successful goldfield. Formerly there was a great number of miners on the field, but the claims are now worked on a much larger scale by hydraulic sluicing and elevating. The surrounding country, a series of ranges, is held chiefly in large sheep runs.
St. Bathans lies 114 miles north-west from Dunedin, and is thirteen miles distant from the nearest station on the Otago Central railway, Rough Ridge. A daily coach service from St. Bathans connects with the trains to and from Dunedin. The town, which is 1,850 feet above sea level, possesses a dry and invigorating climate; good fishing is obtainable, and during the winter season the Scottish game of curling is a favourite pastime. The Roman Catholics have a place of worship at St. Bathans, and in another building, given by Mr Dalgety, proprietor of the Hawkdun run, Anglican and Presbyterian services are held in turn. A local cottage hospital is subsidised by the Otago Central Hospital Board. St. Bathans has also a public school, post and telegraph office, a branch bank, public hall, and a Masonic Hall. Several social and athletic clubs are established at St. Bathans, and there are also good stores and hotels.