1858
Alluvial gold is gold that has been eroded free of its original rock casing and distributed along river systems. Reef gold however is the “motherlode” – the original rock source from whence all the riches came.
Prior to 1858 most of the real excitement on the diggings in NSW and Victoria had come from alluvial gold discoveries. Rich though these may have been, it usually doesn’t take too long for a determined mining community to pick an area clean.
Reef gold though has no such limitations as you can keep tracing the gold bearing veins down deep into the earth, extracting and crushing the ore and hence getting the gold from its source.
1858 was the year when the gold changed its focus – when the real excitment came from the potential of exploiting these vast gold reserves.
Left: Quartz crushing and amalgamating mill, 1857.
Reproduced courtesy State Library of Victoria Image No: mp016899.
Interestingly it was not companies that first saw the rewards to be had from reef gold, but rather small syndicates of miners working together in a group much as they had to progress their alluvial gold claims.
10th February 1858
But would it last? Many was the budding rush that failed to live up to expectations.
Fast forward several months to the middle of winter and it was apparent that Adelong was indeed a prospect with substance.
In an extensive account of the new operations there the crucial role of support services in the form of quartz crushing machines that could process the miners’ ore stands out as a pivotal factor in the field’s development.
10th February 1858
The intelligence from the Southern gold-fields generally show a tendency in the digging population to those fertile regions, where nothing is required but numbers.
The reflux of people across the frontier of Victoria will only restore us our own, and bring back the 30,000 missing – unaccounted for in the census.
We have received by last post some very encouraging facts, which we proceed to lay before our readers. They come from an authority entitled to absolute trust. The mining population on the Tumut gold- fields is 816. Of these 500 are actual miners, 35 hold trading licenses, and 68 are engaged in business pursuits. At the newly discovered quartz reefs there are already 333 miners, with their families – altogether 513 souls.
Many who in June last had not as many shillings, have earned over their sustenance from £5 to £1500.
They have raised about two thousand tons of quartz, which, estimated at the low average of six ounces to the ton, is equal to about 48,000. This awaits the erection of quartz crushing apparatus, already in progress. Two engines will soon be set up.
The shafts at this place are sunk from 30 to 100 feet. Since April the Police Escort has conveyed 8645 ozs. of gold on its bi-monthly journeys.
There is a large block of land in the course of the Adelong never yet disturbed, highly auriferous; and the abundance of water will enable the miners to pursue their operations without vexatious delays.
To ascertain the value of quartz now quarried, four hundred-weight was submitted as follows to the small crushing machine now at work, which can only be termed a prospecting one, crushing from three to four tons weekly.
The whole process of crushing, washing, amalgamating, and smelting or sublimating costs £4 per ton to the quartz proprietor. …..
10th February 1858
The first perception to adjust was the notion that all the gold worth having lay south of the border in Victoria. This had seen a mass exodus of miners from the NSW fields and many north of the border were keen for them to return and work the local fields to the state’s advantage.
Hence as news came in from Albury of a steady stream of Victorian miners heading over to Adelong, the news was welcomed indeed.
10th February 1858
The news of the value of the quartz veins has travelled far and wide through the Victorian goldfields, and the consequence has been that large numbers of miners have found their way across the boundary of this and the neighbouring colony, and have spread themselves far and wide over that part of tho Tumut district that is known from actual experience to be auriferous.
In this way the gold-fields and quarts veins of that locality are certain to get a fair trial of their value.
So great has the migration been, that the Border Post, a newspaper published at Albury, a town on the boundary of tho two colonies, already begins to see the time when we shall have back from Victoria the fifty thousand souls that her extensive auriferous deposits attracted from our soil.
We are not quite so sanguine as our contemporary, though at the same time we are quite prepared for the advent of a largo population upon these really valuable gold- fields.
A guess at the value of the quartz may be made from the following extract from the Border Post . There are 500 diggers busily at work on the reef, which is about eight miles from tho Tumut.
They have collected 400 tons of quartz for crushing. Some has been already crushed in a very primitive manner, and yielded 30 ounces of gold to the ton.
At this rate, which is considered far below what the average is likely to turn out, and taking the value of gold at £3 15s., the quantity ready for the mill, we have a value in round numbers of £45,000.
6th July 1858
The first perception to adjust was the notion that all the gold worth having lay south of the border in Victoria. This had seen a mass exodus of miners from the NSW fields and many north of the border were keen for them to return and work the local fields to the state’s advantage.
Hence as news came in from Albury of a steady stream of Victorian miners heading over to Adelong, the news was welcomed indeed.
6th July 1858
We take the following from the Goulburn Chronicle of Saturday :- The mineral riches of this colony are immense. They await only the hand of enterprise and labour to develop.
… And of the treasures awaiting us in the masses of quartz, hardly yet touched, the Adelong Reef is the most striking example.
But recently opened, and its capabilities hardly yet tested, it has shown to us that a mine of Wealth remains yet unworked.
It already figures handsomely in the escort returns, and the day is not far distant when the Adelong will be regarded as one of the most important gold-fields in New South Wales.
In that remote and hitherto little known region are at this moment the germs of a numerous, wealthy, and powerful community. A few years hence, and we shall see it the centre of a most flourishing population, the home of thousands, and one of the most important seats of industry in the colony.
Miles upon miles of the gold bearing quartz are yet untouched, while around lie immense tracts of the most fertile agricultural land: the district has thus within itself the elements of abiding prosperity and future greatness.
The interest with which intelligence from the Adelong is read, and the daily increasing importance which the district assumes, will be sufficient apology for us in laying the following facts, derived from authentic sources, before our readers. Mining at the Adelong is divided into two branches.
There are the ordinary diggings along the course of the creek, and there are the quartz reefs. The latter branch is by far the most important; and to this we shall in the present instance chiefly confine our attention.
The discovery of the Quartz Reef at Adelong will be fresh in the mind of the reader, as will also the glowing anticipations which were at once formed of its richness. Those anticipations, though not at once realised are in gradual process or fulfilment, and in the end they will be found not to have exceeded the reality.
But the operation of quartz-mining is arduous, and the discovery took time to test. At first the miners were content to wash out the loose earth or “ tailings,? leaving the quartz stored up till opportunities served for crushing it. Labour alone was found insufficient to the task of developing the riches of those mines; she cried for her sister, Capital, for assistance. The cry has been answered, though not vet fully, sufficient, however, has been done to prove how much more may yet be accomplished. The first men of enterprise to respond to the call of the diggers were Messrs. Mandelson, Emanuel, and Co., who, at a great expense, took up from Sydney a large crushing machine, worked by steam power.
This has now been some time in operation, and was the first means of satisfactorily proving the richness of the reef. There are now two other crushing machines at work, driven by steam power. One of these is the property of a fortunate miner named Williams, and was brought from Sydney ; the other was brought from the Goulburn River, on the Port Phillip side.
The engine by which this machine is driven is said to be of a description very superior to those sent up from Sydney, both as regards economy of fuel and efficiency or working. There is also a small machine, worked by a water-wheel. Two of Berdan’s patent, worked by hand power, are also in operation. These are chiefly used for letting specimens.
Besides the machines actually in operation, others are in progress of construction. One is being erected by an ingenious German, after a plan of his own devising. The chief material used is timber; and though many doubt his success, he is himself quite sanguine of being able, with his machine, to crush a ton an hour. His machine is to be driven by water power.
Another crushing machine of 10-horse power is in course of erection by Messrs. S. Emanuel, jun., Doyle, and Moon. This enterprising company are cutting a race several miles in extent, to bring the water to where their machine is erecting, and thus, by the use of water power, dispense with the expensive agency of steam.
They have fourteen men at work on the race, which will probably cost over £200. Another company, Messrs. N. Mandelson, jun., Leman, and Carmichael, are in course of erecting a 16-horse power crushing machine, also to be worked by a water-wheel. This machine will be at work in about a month. A steam crusher of 20-horse power is likewise expected shortly from the Port Phillip side.
Thousands of tons or quartz are already quarried, and lying waiting to be crushed. The present machinery, though -working night and day, is insufficient to meet the requirements of the diggers. When, however, the additional machinery comes into operation, it may be well believed that the escort returns from this gold field will swell to an extent that will fix the attention of the colony. The prospects of quartz mining in this locality are exceedingly good.
The reef has latterly been struck in a new place higher up, where the surface quartz yields from an ounce and a half to two ounces to the ton. This is a good indication of the richness of the underlying mass. Two new reefs have also been opened near Tumut, and they also present similar indications. The population on the reef is now estimated at one thousand, exclusive of several hundreds who are working at the old diggings on the creek.
Additions are constantly making to the population, considerable numbers coming from Victoria. A capital element in the population is formed by the presence of a considerable proportion of Americans, whose energy is proverbial, and who are among the most enterprising miners on the reef. They are sufficiently numerous to get up a grand celebration ball on the anniversary of American Independence, on Monday next, and we are told that they are sufficiently liberal to invite their fellow-residents to their entertainment free of cost.
Some Chinese are on the Reef, and few of them having good claims , but in general the work is too hard to suit their taste. In truth the operation of quartz mining is no child’s play. It demands capital, enterprise, and perseverance. The shafts have in many cases to be sunk 20, 30, and 40 feet before bottoming, and this has to be done through hard rock, which has to be removed by blasting.
All day long the booming reports of the blasts strike the ear. The farthest distance yet sunk, we believe, is about 80 feet. In some cases the quartz lies on the surface, but this has to be removed to get at the richer portions.
The surface quartz usually yield about two ounces to the ton ; the mundic or underlying quartz sometimes as high as 10 or even 15 ; the average of the whole may be estimated at 5 or 6.
At present the diggers do not think the surface quartz worth crushing, but by and by it will no doubt be used. Respecting the richness of this quartz field, an American miner of experience asserts his belief that it is superior to any in the sister colony ; for though in Victoria richer spots of quartz are found, yet nowhere is it so uniformly distributed.
In the Adelong Reef, we are assured, there are no “blanks ;? all the claims realise more or less. One or two instances of good fortune have been related to us.
A miner named Brien sold 190 tons quartz and half shares in two claims to a miner named Don for £3,000. The purchaser has crushed 100 tons of quartz, and has realised his outlay, and has 90 tons of quartz and his two half-shares left as profit on the transaction.
The vendor, Brien, we are informed, went to the reef without money, and has left it worth six or seven thousand pounds. Another fortunate miner, named Williams, who some time ago was indebted nearly a thousand pounds, has not only cleared off his debts, but has purchased a crushing machine, which is at work on the reef, and he has 600 tons of quartz remaining, which will realise from six to ten ounces to the ton. From six tons of tailings he turned out 86 ounces.
Not many months ago he offered to sell half his claim for £50. Of course every man who goes to the Adelong gold field expects to realise a fortune, and unless he has some capital, and can join in a company, he must not think of quartz mining on his own account.
An industrious man who is capable of manual labour is sure to obtain employment, and by steadiness and sobriety he may shortly save money ; to become an employer in his turn.
The rate of wages paid to men on hire is from £3 10s. to £4, the latter most frequently. Provisions are plentiful, and by no means extravagantly high.
A gentleman who has recently visited the district describes the country as a ‘beautiful country, with a fine climate, plenty of good land, and inexhaustible quartz reefs.’ Some time ago we were asked what sized claims were allowed on the Adelong.
We are now enabled to answer the question. Each man is allowed ten feet square. Two working together twenty feet square ; four, forty feet square, and so on. The rate at present charged for crushing by the proprietors of the machines, is £6 10s. per ton.
The value of the gold, from some cause or other, varies in different samples as much as 3s or 4s. an ounce. The cause of this is not clearly made out, but it is probably owing to some foreign substance being less perfectly separated from the gold in some cases than in others.
We have been told that considerable quantities of the gold are melted in crucibles, and sent off to Victoria and sold as Port Phillip gold, thus realizing a higher price.
QUARTZ REEF, Adelong.- A gentleman just arrived in town from this locality informs us that people are fast flocking there from all quarters, and that these diggings are fast going ahead.
A deal more ground than formerly is now being worked Altogether there are about a thousand miners on the field. Another portion of the reef has been discovered, striking out in another quarter, and is turning out well.
There are two steam quartz crushing-machines in full operation, and Mandelson’s is reported to be working admirably.
Two machines, to be worked by water power, are about to be put up. Of these, Carmichael and Lemon’s will probably be at work in about six week, part of the machine being up already. There was a rush last week to Reedy Flat.
The gold found there is round, like shot. Parties are doing well. On the whole, though business among the storekeepers is reported to be dull, these digging are progressing with great rapidity, and in a very satisfactory manner.-Goulburn Herald.
Adelong may well have been the byword for reef mining in NSW in 1858, but it was by no means the only locale exciting attention.
23rd February 1858
A feature of the discoveries at Bald Hills was the fact that “The opinion amongst the working miners is, that the gold is likely to extend to a depth of 100 to 150 feet, and that it will therefore last for some time.”
This indeed was the essence of reef mining operations – their good prospects had the potential to “last for some time” and around such resources stable communities could grow.
6th July 1858
Gold in considerable quantities has since been turned np. One man picked seven ounces of gold in one day out of the earth dug from a claim belonging to a person named Phillips, the whole of which had apparently just been disengaged from the quartz.
Others had been equally fortunate, and appearances indicated a very rich re turn upon the labour employed. The opinion amongst the working miners is, that the gold is likely to extend to a depth of 100 to 150 feet, and that it will therefore last for some time.
Men are daily flocking in from the neighbouring diggings, and on Thursday last there was a large influx of Chinamen, who commenced work in good earnest, and with a prospect of doing well.
The great drawback at present is the scarcity of water, which is also very bad as well as scarce. At Tamba- roora it is hardly drinkable, and unless rain shortly visits, the district there will be an entire absence of the indispensable element.
Owing to this circumstance the pud- dling machines are at a stand-still. A beautiful sam- ple of the gold yielded from the new find, weighing about 2 ozs. was shown us yesterday by Mr. Turnbull of the firm of Smith and Turnbull, storekeepers of the Bald Hills, and we have, since had an opportunity of inspecting several other samples from the same locality, all of which bear evidence of a late release from their. rooky mother.
Since the above was written we have been informed that some little excitement had arisen at the new diggings in consequence of a number ot claima having been granted to the supposed dis- coverer by the resident Commissioner in considera- tion of the fact of the discovery.
A protest against this proceeding numerously signed by the diggers was handed in to the Commissioner, in which exception to the grant was taken on the grounds that Rolly was not the discoverer, but that the discovery was made by a person named Withers, who was also the discoverer of the quartz vein, at Tambaroora, known as Sergeant’s Vein, a piece of gold in quartz having been found by him upon the surface.
The claims, it appears, were ultimately resumed by the Commis- sioner, and the excitement ceased. Important results are confidently anticipated by the experienced miners who have settled upon the new find.
5th July 1858
One of the problems with testing and developing promising reef mines is that the distribution of reef gold is notoriously unreliable to predict.
One minute it’s there – dig down a bit further and it’s disappeared! In this environment, the early promise of Tuena’s reef gold fell short of expectations but people were still hopeful – and there was always the new find of a rich alluvial lead to hope for. Oh – and did we mention Adelong? Certainly no goldfield report seemed to stay away from it for long
5th July 1858
Of course, some were blanks, one or two very good, but the most of them payable; but what brought the excitement to fever heat was a report that Simm’s party, on Douglas’ flat, had bottomed, and struck it heavily on Saturday morning last, and out of one corner of their claim obtained about one pound weight; and I am happy to say that the report has turned out correct, and that the pound does not, as usual, dwindle down to two or three ounces.
We must certainly say that if there is a man in Tuena deserving of good luck, it is George Simms, for we think no man on the creek has shown more perseverance than he has. He had done nothing but sink shicers(?) since he got the big nugget two or three months ago, but, after working on this flat for weeks, using every exertion to overcome the water, immediately he is successful, in come two or three parties to claim the ground ; and how it will be decided is not yet known.
If the ground were Government property, it would be soon settled by our commissioner, Mr. J. H. Griffin, J.P, ; but it is private ground, Mr. Smith, of Mulgunyah, being the proprietor.
Two of the claimants left on Saturday afternoon for that gentleman’s residence, and the result is not yet known. Query-If Simms had not “touched it,” should we have heard anything about these other claimants?
As regards the Reef, there is nothing of any consequence to say. The Adelong party have gone to another place to try to find one that will pay. The only party at present at work on the Reef is Harrall’s. They appear as if they were determined to give it a fair trial ; we wish, them every success, as it will be the best thing that ever happened to Tuena if the Reef should turn out payable.
P.S.-Tuena Tele- gram ! -Simm’s and Jasper’s claims are to be put to the decision of the diggers. Betting, 6 to 1 on Simms. Another correspondent, of same due, says : Great excitement has been caused here by the discovery of a rich lead of gold on Douglas’ Flat, by Mr. George Bottom’s party.
They have been perseverlng for the past two months in trying to bottom on the gold, and only succeeded in reaching the desired spot on Friday last, when they obtained prospects from 1oz. to 1½ oz. to the bucket, and yesterday they dished out nearly one pound weight of gold. This is the best piece of ground that has been opened here for a length of time. The sinking is about 22 feet, with 8 feet of water to contend with. We have had no rain of any account for some time ; consequently the puddling machines are all at a standstill for want of water, and several of the large waterholes in the creek are drained empty.
Quartz Reef, Adelong.-Never did diggings of an early un- promising nature realize the ardent wishes of the many and the prognostics of a few in a greater degree than do our own Adelong. It is but a year or two back that a few parties made their “pile”’ on the creek, and then abandoned it as “worked out ;” and the very small number who were left to toil, scarcely made bread and cheese upon the banks of as rapid a stream as may be found in the colony.
Little more than a twelvemonth has shown a fact well known to the scientific — viz., all gold is derived from quartz, and where before mother earth scemed to have yielded her last tribute, matrix quartz has supplied her place.
A new township is in course of being laid out on the banks of the creek, but pending that a township of considerable importance is forming on the course of the reef itself; and no one who had some few months ago crossed the wild cattle track on the Tumut side of the Adelong would recognise the locality, now so thickly studded with slab and bark huts, canvas flies, &c., &c. Population increases, and I think your friends the Chinamen, of whom you speak, have gone further up the creek, as I meet them occasionally wending that way.
There is a great talk about establishing a local Court among the diggers, but nothing has hitherto been decided upon. Now reefs, or rather new spurs of the old one, are being tried with success, and on the whole this locality is pronounced the finest auriferous country yet discovered. In short time we shall have eight gold-crushing machines at work ; we have four already, one a double one. And, of course, the usual number of public-houses are creeping in.
I think our Adelong is hurting the Tumut, for if you enter that township you discover it to be remarkably dull, and most of the proprietors of stores absent from their places of busi- ness. The weather is delightful, and if the mundic burners would desist from impregnating the air with noxious gases, we should be in perfect health. A little timely rain, with which we have been visited, bids fair to augment our next season’s grass crop. — Correspondent of Goulburn Herald. Mxrrbndkk.-These diggings havo lately taken a favourable turn, nnd aro rapidly improving. New grottnd has been opened In all directions, and the yield of gold Is very satisfactory.
A very rich spot, about three miles from the township, has been discovered, and has proved very rich, the gold being of a fine scaly nature, much resembling that of the Upper Meroo. Last night one party bottomed a shaft only about four feet deep, and obtained nearly two ounces; tbc gold appeared to lend up the ridge, and If this proves correct a very largo yield may be the consrquence ;
It only requires a population of thrco or four thousand to fully dcvelope the resources oflhi» extensive field, and If a few of the unem- ployed cf Sydney were to locate themselves here, I have no doubt they would materially better their condition, s-ores are plentiful and cheap, and gold Belling at 74s. per ounoe.-Mudgee JTcuxpaper. Quartz Srs.ctMF.NS.-Messrs. S.’ Emanuel and Sons received in chargo this week, for transmission to Sydner, somo nine or tem. specimens of quartz (weighing altogether about half a hundred weight) from the Adelong Quartz lteef.
The gold is diffuse;) moro or less throughout theo mosses, and In many places Is seen beau- tifully disposed in groups of small glittering points, forming a fine contrast with the white of the quartz. These specimens are cal- culated to glvo a marked Impression of the richness of the reef from which they mere obtained.-Ooulburn Chronicle.
Important from mu Adkloso.-Discovkky op Nkw Rrkps. -Wo receive I by lust night’s mail, information from a gentleman at Adelong that two new quartz reefs havo been discovered, about six miles from Tumut. A party of men nicked up three or four tons of the quartz off the surface, with the moss growing on it. The gold could be seen in the quartz, mid on being crushed it turned out theo and four ouuecs to tho ton-a very good yield for surface quartz.
A grout many claims havo already been taken out on thoo new reefs. Another crushing machine, we leam, has got to work ; and the escort Is soon expected to reach two thou- sand ounces.-Goulburn Chronicle,
A Nsw Gold-Field.-Wo wcro yesterday shswn by Mr. Thomas Ilowarth a very fine sample of coarse nuggety gold. It was pro- cured from a new and apparently rioh gold-field, which has Tery recently been discovered at Wallawah, fituatcd about thirty-five miles from Dathust, to the left of the Sydney Road, between the Cullcmitdgee and Dalhunty creeks.
There arc, at the present time, about forty persons at work on the ground, who aro doing well-somo remarkably so. The sinking is very shallow, In many cases under fifteen inches, and none exceeding six feet. Till very recently, the greut drawbaok has been the want of water.
That obstado Is now ovcrcomoby the rain which has fallen within the last two or three days. But although this has been tho case, Mr. Ilowarth assures us that three lad’, who had to carry their washing stuff in bags for n considerable distance, were enabled to make from an ounce to an ounce and three-quarters per day. Mr. Ilowarth also stales from the present yield, and the faot that there Isa quartz vein running from Wallawah direct to the Turon, ho believes tht.t this field will turn out one of the richest and largest in this colony.
We trust it moy be so-Bathurst Times. Caloola and Brown’s Crkkk Dinoi.sas.-Thero are about fifty men at work on these creeks, the m.ijorlty earning fair wages, and in ono instanco which has come to my ears, two men have lately obtained upwards of 7 ounces in the week.-Bathurst Times.
CrtEinWE CnsxK.-Ttío latest account from this locality inti- mates that the diggers, although not making fortunes, are earn- ing wages. This, at least, Is satisfactory. The truthfulness of the reports that have been furnished to u« lately from these dig- gings has been’challenged by two or three writers, who havo cha- racterised Chcshlro Creek as a ploce where scarcely a spec of gold could be seen-evidence certainly that it was not a rich gold-field.
Wo were, however, not disposed to give entire credence to such derogatory accounts, whilst people continued to work there. Gold had been found In Cheabiro Creek, hus been found there since, and we hope will continue to bo found thcro. Whilst diggers can carn wages, they should never think of leaving a plucc ; for a single drive of the pick may, In a lucky moment, re- veal to’ them o fortuno ; but though they may never make such a hit, tbey can have no reason to murmur while they are able to obtain a living.-Bathurst Times.
Kino’s Plains Diooisas.-Wo were shown yesterday »omo very rich specimens of gold obtained from tho quartz reef near tho half-way house, between Carcoar and Bathurst. MoBt of the European diggers have left thii locality lately, and with it a good deal of washing stuff, on account of the scarcity of water. There aro now besides a few Europeans, about a hundred Chinamen at work on tho reef ; and it is believed that the rain which is now falling will cause a good manv to return.-Hathurst Times. Tambaroora.-
The rush to the Bald Hill Reef has greatly thinned the European population of Tambaroora, and now the traders have almost become professors of the Asiatic gibberish. The number of Chinese on these diggings doubles that of Europeans, There are hundreds of Celestials on this ground, who work without a license; and I have heard the Commissioner say publicly that he could not do anything to them. Now, if a Christian arrives here to-day, he must to-morrow take a license. out, else he will be fined £5, or get fourteen days in the lock-up.
21st June 1858
One consequence of the rise in reef mining prospects was the issue of producing the supporting equipment – especially “quartz crushing machines” – to allow the fields to develop. This in turn helped create demand that stimulated industrial developments in Melbourne and Sydney.
21st June 1858
The random method of hunting for and washing alluvial drifts is being gradually abandoned as uncertain and unsatisfactory, and an increasing number of those who have mado op their minds to a life on the gold-fields, and who have a little capital to start with, prefer to betake themselves to sys- tematic quartz-crushing.”
That there is still much gold left among the ordinary workings, there can be no doubt, and the occasional dis- covery of such monster nuggets as that which was recently turned up will always keep some miners sinking and burrowing for them.
But these great prizes are few, whilo the blanks drawn in the lottery are many. The steady and certain profits of continued attention to quartz-crushing has attractions for those who prefer a safe calculation to a risk, while the pur- suit is not altogether destitute of the excitement of great and sudden gains.
There have been some yields from quartz quite as surprising and as satisfactory as the discovery of many of the exhibition nuggets. Starting from small be- ginnings, often a failure at first from the ex- pensiveness and inefficiency of the machinery employed, quartz-crushing is assuming daily greater dimensions in Victoria, and promises completely to eclipse in its results the achieve- ments of former years and of common digging.
It will add to the stability of the colony and confirm its reputation for wealth ; for, as the quantity of auriferous quartz is practically inexhaustible,, not only will the annual yield be increased, but it will be assured and made reliable.
Great fluctuations in the amount of gold produced will probably be avoided, and the value of the- yearly export will be sufficiently determined to be relied upon by commercial men with tolerable certainty. The Legislature has recognised the change in the methods of working the gold-fields that is taking place, and laws have been passed to regulate mining partnerships, S3 well as to grant leases of sufficient areas of auriferous land to justify the importation and erection of adequate ma- chinery.
In California, quartz-crushing has for some time past been steadily on the increase, and perhaps to this cause it is to be attributed, that with a smaller population than Victoria it yet keeps pace with it in the production of gold. The Anglo-Californian companies were all failures, and their promoters lost all that they ventured. None of them, we believe, continue their operations at the present time. They began too soon, before the true conditions of success were understood. But the miners on the spot, by local companies, have gradually restored the credit of quartz-crushing, and proved its profit- ableness, and at the present time it is said that no method of disposing of surplus profits is more general among the miners, or found more profitable than an investment in quartz mills on promising claims, or in the construction of aqueducts necessary to feed the scattered machines with water. For some reason or other New South Wales is behindhand in this department of industry.
That the colony possesses great resources in gold, there can be no doubt, and even at the present time the escort returns alone show an annual production of more than two hundred thousand ounces. No such rich alluvial deposits aa have made Victoria famous, and determined the rush of population thither, have been as yet discovered on this side of the border.
Perhaps there are none such, though it is impossible at present to tell. But there is no reason to believe that for the extraction of gold from quartz this colony offers fewer inducements than other gold countries. Tho quartz veins abound ia every direction, and if they werev worked to anything like the same vigour that is bestowed an similar spots else- where, they would yield a corresponding result.
No doubt, nearly all of the capitalist companies that were formed in the early days of the poid mania were failures in this colony, just aa they were in Victoria and California, and on this ac- count enterprise in this particular direction has been damped.
But there is no valid reason why hore also, as well as there, ultimate success should not follow early failure. The field is a wide ono, and in the present dull state of trade invites enterprise. A few weeks ago there appeared in the Ballaarat Star a detailed account of the Port J Phillip Company’s quartz works at Clunes-an ? ¡ establishment the largest of its kind in Australia, and which, though absorbing a considerable amount of capital, is worked to a ptofit, and offers a model worthy of imitation.
Tho works have cost from fourteen to fifteen thousand pounds, and are still being extended. There ia a Chilian mill capable of crushing five tons of quartz per day, and driven by a steam engine of fourteen horse-power.
Thc engine is also em- ployed to pump the water required to work the mill, the total quantity of which used for all purposes in the establishment is said to be two hundred and fifty gallons per minute. But the Chilian mill, though once a favourite appa- ratus, is found to be inferior to thc stamping machines.
It collects the gold somewhat more completely, but it is more tedious and costly in operation. There are three stamping maehinea erected, and a fourth is to bo constructed.
Two of those machines contain twelve stamp-heads, and the other contains eight. The threo are driven by two engines, ono of ten-horse power, and the other of twenty-horse power.
There are also kilns for calcining the quartz, and a retort for separating the quicksilver from the gold. A workshop for the construction and repair of the machinery is attached to the pre- mises. The first and smallest battery in thia mill was »et to work in May, 1857. In the following June the second was erected, and in October the third was completed.
Up to the 27th of March, 1858, the Company had crushed 7615 tons of quartz, the average yield of which has been from 1 oz. 8 dwts. to 1 oz. 12 dwts. per ton. The machinery, we believe, is tho property of an English company-one that after the exer- cise of much patience has thc prospect at last of reaping an ample reward. The reef is worked by a local company of miners, who have made an agreement for the extraction of tho gold.
The original contract price for crushing and cleansing was three pounds per ton, but the improvements that have been made in the mill has allowed of a reduction in tho price to fifty shillings for calcined quartz, and forty-five shillings for quartz of a certain fineness.
The success of this mill has lately attracted in Vic- toria the attention that it deserves, and before long it will probably have several rivals. Were similar facilities afforded for crushing the quartz in places in this colony where it has been proved to bc rich, the escorts would soon begin to tell a different tale. The ar! ide above referred to will be found in this day’s Herald.
MACHINERY AND THE GOLD-FIELDS.
It is very common for our English readers to imagine that we are almost entirely dependent upon Great Britain for that machinery to which we must look ultimately for the full df-velopment of our gold-fiel Is, and the augmentation of our natural force ; but it is a mistaken idea.
Enterprise in this colony ia not con- fined to the bridging over of boys or tho construe ion of railways and telegraphs.
Our foundries and our workshops “arc able to pioduc» to perfection those multiplier« of power which, according to Emerson,’”’ havo added 250-fold to the force of the British workmen.
Messrs. P. N. Russell and Co. have been for j ears manufac- turing quartz-crushing machines in considerable num- bers. They have made many for our Victorian neigh- | hours, and, possessing, as these machines do, «11 those , improvements in detail which experience has sug- gested,- wirhout departing from the old principle of rollers and stumpers,-thny have obtained a name which, is exceedingly creditable, and must be very 1 gratifying to the gentlemen connected with the firm.
I A plentiful supply^ of fuel, its superior quality and its comparative cheapness, is no doubt greatly in favour of the successful manu- facture of machinery in this colony, but the immense cost of getting it to our diggings, in consequence of har] roads, is at present a serious drawback.
But now that the importance of facile communication is brought most forcibly under ihe notice of the public, we may hope that this obstacle will not be allowed much longer to stop in any gTeat degree the prognss, among other things, of machinery.
It is machinery that has fully developed the gold-fields of Cali- fornia j machinery is developing the rich mines of Viet« ria ; and it is now universally acknow- ledged that New South Wales only requires the appli- cation of well directed force to prove that her auri- ferous fields will yet supply wealth sufficient to enrich a nation ; and in that force, no doubt, machinery will be the most powerful auxiliary.
As yet the gold- fields of this colony have been almost untried, but the steady increase in quantity of the precious metal, which has lately come down from the various diggings, is a proof that they Ore beginning to be better appreciated, and before long it is to be hoped [ that/we shall have brought to bear on them vigorously ¡ thaPatirdy power and mcchanicol force which they ‘ require in order to their full development.
There can be no difficulty about the machinery, for we have the enterprise and’ the raw material in the colony. Our attention has been particularly directed to several machines which ere now being made for the gold- fields of New South Wales, by Messrs. P. N. Russell and Co,, where quartz-crushing is at last becoming popular.
These machines are expected to pound from ten to twelve tons per day; and, in case of emergency, there is provision mado for an additional pan and rollers, by means of which they would probably be able to pulverise half’as much again.
The engines tare on the horizontal principle, and advantage has been taken of nil those late improvements which have brought machinery to such a state of perfection as we now find it.
Each machine consists of an engine (mostly 10-horse) and boiler, two batteries of stampers, and a pair of rollers. The shafting is of turned iron, and driven from the engine by spur gear, nnd the framing is of hardwood. Thero are eight stampers – four work- ing in each mortar, nnd they are lifted by iron cranes.
The four stampers which iii st descend upon the quartz are made of ironbark (timber), with cast-iron shoes, each weighing one hundred weight. The mortars (in which the stampers work) are also cast-iron. They are fed from behind by means of a sloping channel, and the opening in front is covered by a sieve for the pounded quartz to pass through.
When the roughly crushed rock falls through tbe sieve, it is re- ceived by a shaft which passes it into a pan, where it ?is pulverised-the gold mixed with the mercury, and ¡the inferior snkatances washed away. Thi» pan is “about six feet in diameter, and has . large sheet of i iron all round it to prevent the splashing.
The rollers are so constructed as to catch the waste oil which would otherwise interfere with the amalgama- tion ; they are quite plain, and the arms on which they revolve are secured by joints to a cast-iron centre, and, last of all, there is a retort for separating the quicksilver from the gold. As a whole, these machines are beautiful in construction, and that they perform their work well, there can be no doubt, from the numerous orders which have been received. The manufacture of these machines forms only a small part of tho business carried on in the establishment to which we have alluded, and the requirements they fulfil, both in reference to public and private works, are alike evidence of the wonderful progress of New South Wales. |
All in all this excitement and surge in mining prospects proved to be a very timely one for NSW gold.
11th August 1858
As a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald announced in August, there was no longer any doubt that a new goldfield did indeed exist up at Rockhampton.
11th August 1858
Working men themselves state that they can with facility wash out from the value of l6s. to 25s. per diem, and Gladstone and the neighbourhood is almost deserted by residents for the gold-fields.
A report carne in yesterday that six men in five days obtained l½ lb. but there is much reserve and evasion in obtaining extended information.
The general im- pression seems that these are the most remunerative diggings that have as yet been worked, and excitement runs high in this and the neighbouring districts.
These natural developments will go far to place our noble harbour on its proper footing, and I hope yet that ers long Brisbane will be spared the blushing honour of being the capital of the Northern Districts. The credit or the first discovery of a gold-field un- doubtedly falls upon Captain O’Connell.
He it was who first brought down samples of gold that he had procured there, and, at a public meeting, urged the organising of a party for further search, and, indeed, engaged a man expressly to visit the spot and complete the search he had already initiated.
There is now a great demand for surveyed land in the town of Rockhampton, and a Government sur- veyor is now laying out allotments there, which I presume will command a high price.
I shall be happy to give you further information from time to time, and remain, Yours, obediently, A LOOKER-ON.
22nd September 1858
As a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald announced in August, there was no longer any doubt that a new goldfield did indeed exist up at Rockhampton.
22nd September 1858
To the Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. I Sib,-At this moment, when the minds of the community are agitated and excited by the attractions of the gold-diggings, it becomes a question of great moment to the interests of all, and to the ultimate prosperity of New South Wales, that the relative merits of the two abovenamed fields should be fairly weighed and analysed.
The fact of the Fitzroy dig- gings presenting an opportunity to shipowners and agents to lay on vessels, and thereby afford great facilities and encouragement to the digging population, whose erratic tendencies bave hurried them off without the bona fide information to warrant such an exodus, has hid the effect of inducing many persons in profit- able and steady employment to forego those advan- tages, and incur the risks, disease, and uncertainty, of an unknown, distant, and, as yet, mediocre- gold- field.
The intelligence respecting the finds’ii Bur- rendong, as received both from public and private sources, go to prove the existence of most lucrative diggings on our own soil, and in comparative close proximity to this city; and when the climate of the western part of this colony is contrasted with that of the districts so far north as Port Curtis, there can be no doubt in the mind of any reflective or discreet man that at present the advantages are greatly on the side of Burrendong, especially as the opinions cf expe- rienced miners and geologists have been fully borne out by the late startling yields narrated in your issue of to-day.
Trusting that these few lines will have the intended effect of directing inquiry into the compara- tive merits of the two fields, the result of which will probably have a beneficial influence upon the future of this colony and- community. I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, DISCRETION. I i Sydney, September 20th.
21st September 1858
And it’s true, Burrendong was the lead article in the gold news features at that time with some spectacular returns of alluvial gold being recorded.
News from the other western and southern NSW goldfields was also strong – ipso facto – if you’re thinking of heading north in search of greener tropical goldfields – don’t!
21st September 1858
The exercise’ of a proper amount of caution is absolutely necessary in mentioning the number of ounces and the size and weight of nugget lumps reported from Burrendong last week.
Oral and written reports say that as much ‘as 482 ozs. 12 dwts. of gold has been obtained out of four buckets of stuff, and that nuggets of 12 and 19 lbs. weight have been turned up, but the available ground was instantly taken up, and many are disappointed.
It would be better eventually for the community if reports of this kind were balanced by accounts of the corresponding Manns experienced by unsuccessful adventurers. It is high time, however, that the Western D ¡atrios should attract attention from the over-crowded gold-fields of Victoria, where tiie requisite capital in many instances is lying dor- mant.-Bathurst Free Press.
The news from the various gold- fields this week is very encouraging. On the Turon and Wattle Flat nil is life and activity. At the latter place the population, since the late- -mina ia increasing, and *I have’ heard that several nice, nuggets have been dug up.
Oakey Creek and Palmer’s Oakey are continuing much the samp, and according to accounts paying those who go there handsomely. The Cheshire Creek diggings’ are still occupied, and those at work are sup- posed to be doing first-rate. The partieB who are working on the Winburndale Creek are also doing well.
On Monday evening “ Harry the Frenchman,” who has been working on the creek these eight months past, sold to Mr. Bowman, of the Shearers’ Arms, 1 oz. 9 dwt. and 4 gre. which he said he got in nine dayB. I have seen the gold, it is of a very nuggetty cheraoter. I have been speaking to Mr. Harry, and he tells me that there are several other points on the creek as good as his, and if properly worked by a per- severing party, would yield handsomely.’ On the banks of the Macquarie, between the junotion of the Winburndale and the Lower Turon, several parties have again resumed operations ; some doing well, while others are only making wages.
Above Stoney Creek, on the river near Mr. Piper’s station, new spots have been found, but yet I believe nothing more than wages has been got.-Bathurst Free Preis. T
oron.-The twenty-two feet sinking in the bank at Circus Point, some five miles below Sofala, is turn- ing out exceedingly well to the fortunate holders. We know of a party of three miners who netted, in four weeks, as much of the precious metal as realised to them in value £900 sterling.
Subsequently, one of the party, a German named Gard, sold his share of the claim for £80. This is, perhaps, the most success- ful claim we have heard of at this particular part of our diggings, but many others ore doing a first-rate stroke,, Deeper sinking, -we leam, further ia the bank, does not tnrn out so well. Parties who have not been here since the opening of this gold-field till now, remark the progress made for the better in the appliances and mining tactics of the diggers, by whioh they effect a great saving of gold, and lessening of labour,-Bathurst Times.
Tuena Creek.-I understand that these diggings are progressing fast. Lankey’s party lately found two nuggets, one weighing 8 lbs., and the other 9 ounces. The party consisted entirely of Welshmen, and they have done so well, as to be enabled to leave for WaleB, with an abundant “ swag ¡” others are also doing well, among them I may particularise Harry Brown, Sims and Smithers’ party.
One ¡ndhidual, commonly known as “ little Joe Walker,” sold a fonrth share of abed claim for £50. The Chinamen who abound here are also doing well, one p«ty having obtained 6 lbs. in one week.-Bathurst Free Press. Nuqoeis pnoM Bunoonia.-Two beautiful speci- mens of sold from Bungrnia may be seen at Mr. J. Jones’s, Royal Hotel, Goulburn.
They were purchased by Mr, Jones from John Jobbson, sanior, who, toge- ther with his son, has been at work on the new dig- gings. The two nuggets weigh together about an ounce, are partially impregnated with quartz, and are exceedingly rich in colour and appearance.-Goulburn Chronicle. Tueka Gold.-Mr. Moss Marks reports the pur- chase of í2 ounces of gold, the produce of Tuena. I
t is rumoured that two Tuena diggers, who went down to Sydney a few days ago, took with them besides a quantity of dust, an 8 lb nugget. We are unable to Vouch for the truth of the rt-port.-Goulburn Chronicle.
5th July 1858
But surely all this is something of a major over-reaction from the commentariat at that time. New goldfields after all were nothing new for NSW and Victoria. Why should the emergence of one such a long way off trouble them?
Perhaps it was just at this time that reef mining was begining to assert itself and thoughts were increasingly turning to developing communities rather than running shanty towns that talk of a northern El Dorado proved so disquieting.
5th July 1858
WE gather from the Melbourne Press that the migration to Port Curtis has produced in many minds very serious forebodings.
Those who had looked closely into the history of gold mining were thoroughly aware of the tendency of ,tbat employment ; its social and commercial conse- quences, its effect upon permanent investments, its influence on the stability of cities.
It requires, indeed, but little reflection to obtain a clear view of those steps by which population is gathered or scattered, and by which great empo- riums of trade flourish and decline.
A people who produce manufactures, or who carry on fisheries, as at Newfoundland-or who grow cotton, as the Americans-or sugar, as the ? West Indians-may, from a permanent demand, calculate upon a lasting market, and from the reproductive nature of their industry, the means of supplying it. They have, indeed, vicissitudes,’ for nothing is unchangeable.
But when gold is the chief produce.of a country, the question of total, desolation or slow decline is,only one of time;_ Those who gather the, golden, harvest, reap lit once and for ever.
Thus, in South America, we have seen cities of enormous opulence, upon which all the architectural resources ,of theil” day were ex- pended, and ? where wealth has been employed with a sumptuous profusion’ which produced .astonishment even in Europeans : yet these cities, after the desertion of their neighbouring mines-being generally situate in desert regions -fell into swift decay, and present to the view the most mournful spectacles,-’ a city ‘blending in its scenes the relics of an era of grandeur and luxury with the pinching poverty and squalid indigence of a sinking generation.
In this the contrast between the North Ameri- can cities and the Southern mining provinces is extremely striking. There are cities in the North American wilderness with which” few could< compare in England a century ago. They have sprung up in months. Their inhabitants, except the mere children, are all strangers to the soil’. They have brought everything into th« depths of the desert. Every day increases their opulence and expands thoir resources. But the assurance of permanence is in the nature of their calling. Even though they may depend upon trade, that trade is dependent upon ‘ the annual produce of the earth. It is founded on the increase of flocks and herds-in the peltry of the hunter-in the lumber of the back- woodsman-in the produce of innumerable agricultural operations. Because it is so, no man doubts that another generation will see the interior ot the wilderness opening to further adventure, and presenting new centres of commercial energy, or that the increase of this occupation will draw back upon the cities now established a still larger share of wealth and prosperity. In this colony our chief dependence is upon the wool. The capital and enterprise of that branch of industry is at the very foundation of our colonial existence. It is possible, no doubt, that other interests may arise of equal worth. They have not yet arisen. Whatever be the disadvantages of pastoral pursuits-real or imagined-at least it* is ex- empted from the most serious drawback, and will continue to be equally productive until super- seded by something still more desirable and per- manent. The Melbourne Press has learned in the migration to Port Curtis how exciteable and loose is the population of a gold country. This migration represents a vast amount of disap- pointment-unsuccessful toil-and hope de- ferred. These persons could not be the destitute. The sum paid for their passage precludes the idea. They must have been generally people who might have remained some time longer where they were ; but it is clear that there is nothing in the calling of a gold-digger to fix him to any place or to impose upon him any of those restraints which, however painful sometimes they may seem, are frequently necessary to keep us from running to destruction. We fully recognise and appreciate the inter- mediate services rendered by the gold digger to the Australasian colonies. It must be sheer blindness that would overlook the great fact that we are by a sudden spring mounted from tens to hundreds of thousands of people. But this does not alter the fact that there is a strong tendency to shift the sphere of gold digging-that the exhaustion of one field natur- ally leads to the movement of the people towards another, and that thus all the fixed property gathered in the various stages of their location is liable to be depreciated-in some instances to be rendered almost valueless. Where taxes are based upon ordinary indus- try ; when the surface of the land is the chief source of a people’s wealth, we may calculate that the revenue will not materially change ; but what can be said where the shifting of a population is not half so difficult as the removal of an army-when the men, whose labour sup- plies the chief element, can, at an hour’s notice, strike their tents ; shoulder their tools and march from one border to another ? We say that it is not by any means astonishing that those who have seen what can be done by a mere rumour without consistency, and question by the authorities from its earliest diffusion, should feel alarm ; they can form some idea of what would be the stampede should a really great discovery, in some neighbouring territory, attract the masses of the people. These are considerations well worthy all who affect to influence the destinies of a country. Instead of confining their enthusiasm to big nuggets and rich quartz, it is vastly important ‘ that they should take into account whatever may tend to give a fixed character to the masses of the people. A city, dependant upon the gold-fields, may, for a time display all the signs of overflowing abundance. Its streets may be thronged ; its revenue may be such as to accomplish great local works ; everything may show signs of strength and advancement ; but if behind it there be nothing better than the success of the diggor, whose success becomes less probable at every step of his progress, a time of revulsion may come, and statesmen will find, too late, that they have built their fabric upon the sand.
With thoughts turning increasingly to the role community development needed to play in the next stage of goldfields development, the focus on just what type of communities people wanted also came to the fore.
13th September 1858
An authorative voice on the involvement of Chinese miners on the western diggings at this time comes from the Gold Commissioner’s reports. These comment that “The Chinese population continue quiet, and, with the exception of giving great trouble in the collection of their license fees, are well conducted. The European miners are generally contented, and doing well. They bear very little good-will towards the Chinese, but I apprehend no serious disturbance among them at present.
13th September 1858
25th June 1858
But what did the Chinese themselves make of all this? How did they respond to the hostility that so widely met their arrival? In a remarkable letter published in the Herald in June the editors explain that with “so much having been said and written against the Chinese, it is only fair play to allow them an opportunity to say what they think proper in their own defence. “
25th June 1858
1st July 1858
In response to the “Chinese question” and the fact that NSW was out of step with Victoria and South Australia in relation to discouraging “celestials” immigration, a bill was introduced to Parliament in winter to bring the state into line with its southern neighbours.
1st July 1858
The word “ ship* shall mean any sea-goingyessel of any kind or descrip- tion. The word “ tonnigo” shall signify tonnage according to the measurement fixed by the Merchant Shipping Act 1851.
And tho word “ Chinese” shall mean any native of China or its dependencies or of any island in the Chineso’Seas not born of British parents or any porson bora t£ Chinese parents.
2. The master of every (hip having pasiongers on board 6hall immediately upm arrival at any port in Now South Wales distinctly sjecify and state in a list to be then delivered to»the Collector or other Chief Officer of Cus:oms at the port of arrival whether any and which of such passengers ate Chinpse and in de ault of his so delivering such list such master shall be »ole to a penalty not exceeding two hundred pounds.
3. If any- ship shall arrive in any port in New South Vales having on board a greater number of passengers ittludlng the master and crew and cabin passengers ri m the ProPnrtion of ono person to every two tons of ne tonnage of such ship and any of such passengers .hil be Chinese the owner chartere» or master of such shipjhall be liable on conviction to a penalty not ex- ceeding ten pounds for oaoh passaogar.so carried in extern.
4. in arrival in any port of Now South Wales of anv shp having any Chinese on board beforo any such Chinesi arc permitted to land and before making any entry th» master shall pay to the Collector or other proper tftlcer of Customs a rate of ten pounds for every ainh Chinese and no entry shall be deemed to have bee* legally made or to have any legal effect whatever Motil such payment shall have been made and if an) master shall neglect to pay such rate as ¿fpresatd oi shall land or permit anv such Chinese to lajpß at »nv place in New Sonth Wales before such payment shell have been “InatTe arid with the intent of evading the payment of any such rato such master shall on conviction be liable to a penalty not exceeding twenty poundi fcr each Chinese so landed or permitted to land in addition to the amount of such rate and in every such case in addition to the pecuniary fine hereby imposed upon the master the ship ihall be forfeited and may be seized condemned and disposed of in the same manner as ships forfeited for a breach of any law relating to the Customs of this colony.
6. The Colonial Treasurer shall keep a separate account of all moruya levied under this Act and all such moneys Shall be applied to the purposes of this Act.
6. The Governor-»-ith the advice of the Executive Council may make st^h rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the registration of such Chinese and genenily for the management and good government nf the Chinese inhabitants of the colony and _ all such rules and regulations shall be published in the Gi:ette previously to their taking effect and shall X^ laid beforo Parliament within fourteen days after Ue same shall be made if Parliament be then sitting au* if not then within four- teen days after tho commtqeement of its next session.
7. All proceedings for penalti«, or forfeitures under this Act shall be had and taken Vn a summary way beforo any two or more Justices ,f the Peace and in proceeding for any penalty rate *uty or forfeiture under this Act it shall not be ne>«ssary to lay or file any formal information ant no complaint conviction or other proceeding under, thiB Act shall be quashed or set aside or deemed voiior insufficient for want of form only or to be removed oiremovable by certiorari or any other writ or process whatsoever into the Supreme Court and in such proceeding, tho prose- cutor or informer shall if not otherwise disqiaUfied bo a competent witness.
8. In any proceedings nnder this Act evidence that any person arrived in New South Wales fron China or its dependencies or any of the islands of the Chinese seas shall be sufficient proof unless the contrtry ho shown that any such person is a Chinese withiy the meaning of this Act.
9. AU penalties recoverod under this Act shall he divided and paid (after deducting the charges of pi-i. secution and other contingent expenses) as follows :-i. That is to say one moiety to the Colonial Treasurer foi the purposes of the General Revenue of the colony and’ the other moiety to the person or persons suing for such penalty or penalties.
10. The certificate mentioned in the sixth section of the Act of Council eleventh Victoria number thirty- nine shall not hereafter be issued or granted to any Chinese within the meaning of this Act. 11. This Act shall come into operation from and after the first day of January 1859 and may be cited as the *’ Chinese Immigration Act of 1858.”
8th November 1858
While the bill was passed in the lower house it was rejected later that year by the Legislative Council. In a full acount of the matter in November, the Herald explained to its readers why the bill was rejected.
Additionally it noted “that legislation founded upon the antipathy of races is un-Christian and un-English – that before we apply coercion or restriction we should prove a case. No case has been made out.”
8th November 1858
Except Mr. Hunt, we believe no regular supporter of the Ministry voted for the measure.
An erroneous inference might be drawn from this fact. The rejection of the Bill was not really due to a dislike of the policy it embodied, but to the prevalence of an impression that it would be far better to defer for a few months the adoption of a decided policy than to pass a Bill which would be finally un- satisfactory to all parties, and which was not ca’culated to effect any of the objects which it was designed to fulfil.
The Government, in frrming the bill, had no intention to prevent the influx of Chinese. The object was to regulate that influx and to extract from it a revenue which might obviate the evils supposed to attend upon it.
Thus the original fee proposed did not greatly exceed what might be deemed a fair contribution towards special expenses incurred by admission.
It was during the progress of the bill, and in consequence of the arrival of several vessels, that an excitement arose in the House which led to the alteration of its clauses so as to affect the spirit of the measure. Several gen- tlemen were for excluding the Chinese altoge- ther ; others were alarmed by the loud decla- mations of certain of their constituents ; while some were desirous of placing the co.onies in harmony, by thus enacting for this country a law similar to those which prevail in Victoria.
Experience has shown us that no mischief has been brought on this country by the present amount of Chinese immigration. On the contrary, although the ordinary digging population has been agitated to a great extent, deserting for the last two or three months the gold-fields, in pursuit of shadows-a large increase is shown in the quantity of gold brought down by the escorts.
The conduct of the Chinese has belied the calumnious representations respecting them. Speaking generally, they have conducted them- selves with perfect good order.
Reports which have reached us imputing to them conspiracies and what not, have turned out to be mere vapour. Though they have passed through the country by thousands, we have heard of none of those atrocities which we should infer from the representations of their enemies.
Our readers must not imagine that we are de- sirous of seeing this colony inundated by a Chinese population,-that we are opposed to any law which may be requisite to regulate this kind of immigration.
Such are not our views. All we maintain is, sudden legislation was dangerous -that it was unnecessary-that legislation founded upon the antipathy of races is un- Christian and un-English-that before we apply coeioion or restiiction we should prove a case. No case has been made out.
The strongest argument which we have found in favour of laws decidedly restrictive is that such is the state of the popular mind-so low is our British civilisation-so ferocious are the antipathies of our race-so reckless are we of all the obligations of our faith-so utterly unjust in interpreting in our own favour the rights of free intercourse, and in denying them the moment they interfere with our prejudices-that to preserve the Chinese race, from injury – to prevent their suffering personal wrong from these antipathies -it may be necesssry to bend to the ignoble spirit of the times ;-to tolerate the passing of prohibitory laws, rather than surrender these foreigners to an odious persecution.
We have no doubt that it will form one of the staple topics of our hustings, and that men who intend to obtain the suffrages of a popular constituency will bend lower and still lower, in order to catch the praise which sweeps along the ground.
One great reason, however, which might have induced any man in the Legislative Council to postpone the Chinese Bill, was the state of the law in Victoria.
It seems to be highly desirable that the two colonies should have a similar policy. This was one of the main arguments in favour of the bill; but since this measure was introduced the Government of Port Phillip have given notice of a measure to reconsider and consolidate the laws which relate to the Chinese.
Sufficient time has elapsed since the first agitation to have given an opportunity to the people to reflect. Whatever are the inconveniences connected with the Chinese immigration, they must have been already discovered. The defects of the laws, either from their insufficiency or from the impossibility of carrying them out, must have been already discerned.
A time comes, too, when a community no longer yields to the im- petuosity of popular impulse, and subsides into something like a calm consideration of facts. We may thus hope that the Chinese question of Victoria will be entertained in an enlightened spirit-that the legislation will be worthy of a Chtistian people-that whatever restrictions and burdens are imposed upon the Chinese will be such only as are really required for the protection of the colony at large.
If such shall be the character of the Victorian legislation, we can do nothing better than copy from their statute book, and thus bring into harmony the two colonies. It would be worth while even to adopt their views upon some points where we may not be equally clear of the necessity or propriety, than to allow the conflict of interest and policy to arise between the different communities.
Thus, by the time the new Parliament meets there will be an opportu- nity to survey the whole question in the light of the Victorian laws. We hope, however, that the Press of Victoria will discharge its high functions in a manner enlightened and humane.
If this be the case there will be no difficulty to obtain something like a calm consideration of the subject from the Legislature. The people of Victoria should recollect that their position ought to give them a commanding influence in the general Legislation of the Australias, but that to exercise that influence they must act with intelligence and discretion. ^
In public affairs they must take care to initiate nothing that will not bear the teBl when it comes before the tribunal of the world. It is thus that men who occupy conspicuous positions in a leading colony may either make it a guide or a beacon-either a by-word or a praise.
Upon this subj-ct the Victorian people have larger experience than ourselves. Let them show how they can smooth the path of colonization and haimonise the interests of mankind without sacrificing any real element of colonial pros- perity. These vast regions, fit for the occupa- tion of millions of men, have great varieties of climate, e.oil, and general circumstances.
It certainly iB not designed by Divine Provi- dence that a handful of men should engro.s the occupation of countries in- tended to satisfy the wants of millions, and favoured by nature to meet all the cli_natic variations of the human species.