'how new goldfields were discovered' vs 'how goldfields that had been discovered'

[Jenny1202]

(1)When the news spread (how new goldfields were discovered ) in Nome, Alaska, thousands abandoned Dawson, the site of previous gold rush.
(a) how new goldfields were discovered
(e) about how goldfields that had been discovered

the correct answer is (e), I chose (a) , could you explain that?

(2) (a)(Desprite) its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette (b)(lost) 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, (c)(was losing) (d)(as much as ) $200,00 a year. (e)( No error.)

the anser is (b), but i chose (c ) please also explain this one.
yes, english is not my first language.
Thank you!!

[Alan]

Hi Jenny,

I find both answers offered as correct a little strange.

In this sentence: 1)When the news spread (how new goldfields were discovered ) in Nome, Alaska, thousands abandoned Dawson, the site of THE previous gold rush. I would say: 'were being discovered'

and in this sentence: (2) (a)(DESPITE) its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette (b)(lost) 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, (c)(was losing) (d)(as much as ) $200,00 a year. (e)( No error.) I would say: 'has lost 70% since 1920' 'and by 1955 was losing ..'

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple