Rees had moved from Queenstown to a new homestead near the Kawarau Falls by the time his settlement with the Provincial Council was announced.

The Rees–Gammie–Grant partnership was formally dissolved in July 1865 and WG sold his Kawarau Falls and town properties a year later.

There is evidence that the partnership had come under stress, not only from the sudden loss of grazing to mining but also from outbreaks of disease among the sheep, and the failure of Gammie’s investment in a costly country house and farm in Oxford – Shotover House.

In April 1867, the Wakatipu community gathered to say farewell to W.G., and Frances. They presented the departing couple with a purse of sovereigns that would be smelted and reshaped into a silver tea service. An illuminated scroll expressed their sentiments:

“The interest you have at all times shown in the welfare of the district cannot be too highly estimated, and the services rendered by your charity and kindness too warmly appreciated by us.”

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