1860
A feature of the late 1850s may well have been the rise of reef gold mining prospects and the consequent development of settled communities, but this was only half of the story. Not everyone wanted a settled existence on the fields.
Many still sought out the boom times of a new alluvial goldfield where they could make their fortune with little capital, a moderate amount of work and a bit of luck. Unfortunately amongst the diggers of good repute that favoured this lifestyle, there was also a very significant number of nere-do-wells ever willing to put their own self-interest above all other concerns.
Unfortunate also was the fact that the alluvial mining community included the increasing number of Chinese then flocking into NSW. With existing animosity and resentment already widespread against the Chinese this was a powderkeg ready to blow should any newly discovered field be rich enough to attract a real crowd.
Left: Diggers of low degree S.T. Gill 1853.
Reproduced courtesy National Library of Australia nla-pic.an:7537603
Suddenly there it was, the new decade just one month old and the next big thing had arrived – Kiandra.
Alluvial gold miners twitchy to be first on the ground swooped on the news and the rush was on – as well it needed to be. These were still the summer months when it was just another patch of ground to be worked. Things however would be very different come winter when a thick blanket of snow reminded everyone this was an alpine goldfield.
4th February 1860
“There have been 1500 persons pass through Tumut these last four days, and they are still going. But they are going to a very cold place, for there is ice there now half an inch thick…” –
4th February 1860
THE accounts which continue to reach us from various quarters in reference to tho new diggings at the Snowy River justify the opinion previously formed that a really payable gold-field had been struck.
Gibson’s Plain is now the great point of attraction, and the prospects of the new diggings form the chief topic of conversation. By this time there must be several thousands of persons on the ground.
Tumut and Adelong, Cooma and Bombala, Queanbeyan and Braidwood, all furnish streams which swell the living tide setting towards the Australian Alps… , and even from Goulburn and the more distant Tuena a similar movement has commenced.
In the absence of any direct communication from the scene of operations, we have endeavoured to collect such infor- mation as we think may be relied on. The following is an extract from a letter received by a respect- able tradesman in Goulburn, from his son at Tumut, January 31.
He says :-” I write to tell you a little about the rush to the Snowy River Diggings, fifty miles from here. People are going there in dozens, night and day; there are not above twenty men left on the reef, and not many more here at Tumut.
There is no mistake about its being a flrst-rate diggings. A neighbour of mine come back last week from there ; he saw seven ounces washed out in the afternoon by a party of five men, and a nugget more than an ounce. Parties from the Reef went to see it, and came back and sold their claims for £150, that a few days before would have fetched £1000. I expect to go next week
My man is gone to get a claim. Every one that comes back gives a good account. A customer of mine has a daughter living up there. She sent him word that two men from her place were getting 30s. per day with a tin dish.” We have seen also a letter from a storekeeper in Tumut, dated January 31.
Speaking of the new diggings at the Snowy River, he says.-”They are getting gold there and no mistake.
There have been 1500 persons pass through Tumut these last four days, and they are still going. But they are going to a very cold place, for there is ice there now half an inch thick. There are dozens out looking for dray-roads to the nen diggings. I have been out these four days, and succeeded in finding a dray-road.
I am pay- ing £50 to cut down one belt of timber. Every one says I will not got in ; but I will. I started three drays last night. Each dray has ten bullocks and sixteen hundredweight of loading—quite enough.
The men who are cutting the road forfeit £50 if they do not take the drays in in ten days.
I am nearly sold out in Tumut. There is not a man left in the town, publican or storekeeper, except “old codgers.” Even our doctor bought a pick and shovel.
The people have all gone mad about the new diggings. It’s no use about my telling the quantity of gold they are getting. Every one is getting it.” We learn that a letter has been received in Goulburn from a party now at work on the new diggings.
The party consists of four, two of whom are from Goulburn. The letter states that in four days’ work the party had made £35 worth each ; and as support- ing this statement we may add that the letter contained a remit- tance of £20, to assist friends to join tho party, and in consequence two have left Goulburn for that purpose.
The gold was obtained in the bed of the river, and the party had commenced working into the bank, but with what success we are not yet aware.
In consequence of the sudden rush of population to a spot hitherto uninhabited, there is of course some difficulty in obtain- ing supplies, and prices of provisions are likely to be very high. We hear that flour was £30 per ton.
This has had its effect on the surrounding markets, and settlers are indisposed to part with their wheat except at high rates. Fuel seems also to be some what scarce on the diggings ; wood has to be brought from a considerable distance, and it is stated that a person engaged carting wood was getting £3 a load for it.
25th February 1860
In short order the name Gibsons Plains started to crop up alongside Kiandra as a more geographically appropriate name for the new diggings.
Lest anyone doubt that these grounds were the real deal one report asserted that “We have unmistakeably entered a new era in the history of gold mining in the Southern Districts. So widespread and deep-seated an excitement has not possessed the minds of our people since the early days of gold mining…”
25th February 1860
We have unmistakeably entered a new era in the history of gold mining in the Southern Districts. So wide spread and deep seated an excitement has not possessed the minds of our people since the early days of gold mining…
And it is satisfactory to find that there is really a basis for this excitement that it is founded on no illusion like that which led thousands to Port Curtis to meet dissapointment and misery. The concurrent testimony of men of expe- rience is that one of the richest and most extensive gold- fields ever discovered in New South Wales is just now in course of development.
Nay, the more sanguine even challenge for it comparison with the richest fields of Victoria. Without going so far as this, we think there is abundant cause for congratulation in the fact of this discovery, which by the way has occured most opportunely and will have a very material effect in rousing the colony from the depression under which it has for some time suffered— a depression due in no small degree to the unhappy entanglements of our system of Government.
But the bounty of nature compensates for the blunders of human legislation. It is to be hoped that a wiser use will be made now of the opportunity offered, than has been the case in past time ; that we may be enabled, by giving every rea- sonable encouragement and protection to the miner, and by affording him facility for the invest- ment of his earnings in land, to retain amongst us at least the major portion of that valuable population which the new discovery is certain to attract to this territory.
From the prevalent impression that operations at this new gold-field must cease by the end of next month, an impression which appears to have taken firm hold of the official mind, we think there is danger that the Government may be less prompt in providing for the acquirements of the population in this region, than they otherwise would be.
They may think it right to delay the making of permanent arragements till the ensuing spring. The arrangements already made are in this view, we are aware of a temporary nature.
But we think there is a fallacy in this. At present it is a matter of opinion only how for it may be practicable to work the Kiandra gold- field, during the winter season. The experiment has never been tried.
But it will be tried during the coming season. There are men on Kiandra now as we are informed, who have already made up their minds to face the winter. We may be sure that where plenty of gold is to be had, the weather that will deter men from getting it must be something of an extraordinary character indeed.
It is to be borne in mind too, that persons going now for a temporary visit from the warmer parts of the colony would be certain to form quite an exaggerated notion of the severity of the cold at Gibson’s Plains, and but a limited conception of the power of the human frame to accommodate it- self to circumstances. Much will depend, too, on the degree of preparation.
We apprehend substantial huts will have to take the place of calico tents, and that those who really mean to face the rigour of the approaching season will take precautionary measures in providing themselves with suitable clothing and other accessories of comfort. But supposing the diggers are eventually driven from the plateau on which they are now located, can there be a doubt, looking to the nature of the country and the discoveries already made, that they will find a few miles lower down, other diggings sufficiently remu- nerative to keep them profitably employed in the interim.
There is every reason to believe that this will be the case. The present discovery is but a pre lude to others. In either event, Government must be prepared to provide for the requirements of a large population in the neighbourhood of the newly- opened field. We understand arrangements have already been made for the establishment of a branch escort to Tumut, which will come into operation at once. There is another want that should be supplied with- out delay.
At present postal communication with the new diggings is of a most uncertain and unsatis- factory character. Some sort of postal service should be at once established. There can be no excuse for deferring this to the spring.
THE SNOWY RIVER DIGGINGS. — The Goulburn Chronicle having stated, in a late issue, that the newest route to the Gibson’s Plain Diggings was via Goulburn, Mr William Prescott writes, on the 6th instant, from Eden, Twofold Bay, to the editor of the Chronicle, setting him right upon that point. He says :— “ Giving you every credit for your advocacy of your own fair town (and certainly it does deserve a large share) permit me to say that you have fallen into a great error, I will not say willfully, and to inform intending diggers from the Sydney side that Twofold Bay is the most direct, cheapest, and nearest route, both for travellers and goods intended for transit to that locality.
Eden possesses natural ad- vantages not to be found in any other port on the coast, in its commodious harbour, accessible at all times for vessels of the largest class, its acknowledged superior hotel accommodations, its capacity of receiving stores, and every attention paid to the transit of goods by teams continually travelling ; and when it is considered also that the latest and most reliable information respecting the gold fields can be furnished, combined with the access from Sydney by steam in from twenty to twenty four- hours, and not two days as stated by you, together with its short distance from the gold- fields of from 120 to 130 miles, intending travellers will I am sure see the advantages to be gained by the Twofold Bay route. The A. S. N. Co. have placed their large and efficient fleet on the berth calling at Eden going to and returning from Melbourne ; one of these, the City of Sydney, arrived here yesterday, and after landing her cargo and pas- sengers she proceeded on her voyage to Melbourne.
The steamer Tasmania a regular trader between Sydney, Hobart Town, and Eden, together with a numerous host of sailing vessels. will render the means of transit easy and frequent. I at the same time must join issue with the various correspondents whose communications have lately ap- peared in the local and metropolitan press, and caution persons from a distance who have not been accustomed to a rigid atmosphere against being too precipitate in their movements.
The winter, unless a very mild one, will certainly prevent parties from working in the snow, which is very severe it that place for months. As early as the month of April I have known the snow to fall, and continue at inter- vals until September, which latter month would be the most favourable time for intending diggers to prepare. They would then have the fine weather before them whereas parties going now from a dis- tance would have the fall of the summer season and a dreary wintry prospect to contend with.”
28th February 1860
“On a close inspection of the various claims, I found that the majority of those in the creek were held by the miners of Tumberumba, and others from the heads of the Tumut, the accident of living nearest of course giving them the first advantage in the rush …”
28th February 1860
MESSRS Brush and MacDonnell yesterday exhibited at their establishment in George-street some very fine samples of gold from the Snowy River.
The window was crowded all the day long by eager spectators, and there can be no doubt that in many instances the sight of the precious metal dispelled all thoughts of the frost, and completely melted the snow.
Many were the expressions of confidence in the richness and extensiveness of the field, and the severity of the weather was spoken of perhaps too lightly…
The gold consisted of two parcels, sent to Messrs Prince, Bray, and Ogg, weighing 30 ozs. 19 dwts. and 7 grs.; and 67 ozs. 14 dwts. from Twofold Bay, to Messrs Levy. But, in addition to this, there was the first receipt of the Gold Commissioner for the remittance of 200 ounces per escort. It is as follows : “ Kiandra, February 18, 1860.
“ Received from Messrs D. and J. Pollack two bags of gold, weighing 290 ozs. 2 dwts. 12 grs., addressed to the Deputy Master of the Mint, proceeds to be paid lo the Manager of the Union Bank, Sydney, to the credit of Messrs D. and J. Pollack, Snowy River Gold-fields.”
“We hear that a letter has been received in town from a digger, who states that he was seven days getting to the Snowy River, having been detained two days in crossing a large stream of water which flowed across their route; that the claims along the river are nearly all taken up, and that, most of the diggers were making at the rate of £50 per day.
This last statement, however, should be received with much caution. He states that the weather is very severe, and also that he and his party at the time of writing had not secured a claim.
Mr Nathaniel Weight, who reached Sydney from the Snowy River on Wednesday morning, has favoured us with the following particulars. Accom- panied by a companion, Mr Joseph Peters, he landed at Nelligen from the Hunter steamer, and proceeded thence on foot to Cooma, a distance of 100 miles; thence to Russell’s station fifty-eight miles, crossing the Snowy River twice.
Leaving Russell’s, a tramp of twelve miles brought them to the base of the mountains, on the other side of which the diggers were at work. Mr Weight estimates the number on the ground at about 1000, but numbers were arriving daily.
There was no flour, tea, or sugar to be had at any price, nor could a pick or shovel be obtained. For these reasons, and finding that he could effect no good by remaining, Mr Weight at once determined to return home till the spring of the year.
The cold is much felt by the miners, and fire wood, which has to be carted for a mile, was selling at £3 and £4 a load. Mutton and beef were reason- able, the former selling at 5s. per quarter, and the latter at 4d per lb. Mr Weight would advise no one to start till August or September next. We have been informed on respectable authority that a man with his son, who went up to the Maneroo district a few weeks back seeking work, returned to Sydney yesterday from the Snowy River diggings, bringing with them 81bs. weight of gold, and that he intents purchasing a dray, and return immediately with his family.
(From the Special Reporter of the Adelong Mining Journal.) On a close inspection of the various claims, I found that the majority of those in the creek were held by the miners of Tum- berumba, and others from the heads of the Tumut, the accident of living nearest of course giving them the first advantage in the rush; in a spirit of acquisitiveness easily pardonable under such circumstances, they had marked out claims for themselves in utter disregard of how many feet constitute a yard, claiming as their right not only the bed, but either bank from range to range.
It may be imagined that such an arrangement, however satisfactory to themselves, was not so to those who might be quite as enterprising, but who happened to live a little further off, and the arrival of Commissioner Lynch, from the Adelong, with a force of troopers, was a source of considerable pleasure to many.
Without any hesitation he announced his intention of measuring out claims from the centre of the bed of the river, allotting to each man thirty square feet; the camp immediately became a lively source of application, for one-half the river was ren- dered vacant by his decision, and fortunate many a man deemed himself as he clutched the magic permit bearing the real signature of our commissioner; but miners are no excep- tion to ordinary men, and often receive rude lessons, that betwixt the cup and the lip there is many a slip.
Hastening with their various grants to the river, and presenting them to its occupants as possessors, they very naturally demurred to such an extensive deprivation of what they considered their property, and, fully understanding the advantages of organisation, in a body left their claims, and, proceeding to the commissioner, endeavoured to prove by every law, human or divine, that it was utterly imposslble to work the river under the rules he had prescribed, and requested him to come and judge for himself.
In the language of a witty miner, the community became at once divided into splitters and fencers, and upon the commissioner appearing upon the bank of the river, the contending parties, mustering in about equal num- bers, kept up a discussion decidedly more energetic than polite, as to the possibility of carrying out the commis- sioner’s decision. Wisely refraining from giving his opinion in their excited state till ten o’clock in the succeeding day, he left what to him must have been any- thing but a pleasant scene. The morning came, and he addressed the assembled crowd. In these words, as near as I could catch them: “Owing to the physical formation of the river. I find that my first resolution of dividing its bed cannot be carried out, since I should require a troop of dragoons to keep the peace in some portions of it.
As my wish is not to govern you by dragoons or mounted troopers, but by reason and common sense, I revoke my first decision, leaving the entire bed of the river to its present occupants, and granting the immediate banks to those whose permits can now be altered.” A sudden elongation of the visage might be noticed upon the part of those who deemed them- selves the fortunates of yesterday; but miners are an elastic body – the laws that rule the deposition of gold are so many and so strange, it might often prove that the run passed through the banks, and the decision once given was immediatey accepted.
A miner, whose wit might be forgiven, but whose profanity was decidedly unpardonable, seemed to utter the sentiments of his class, as be waved a permit, whose value, in exchange phraseology, was “nil.” Lynch gave, and Lynch has taken away, blessed be the name of Lynch, too little of a miner to say whether the river, or more properly, the creek, ought to be divided or not, although the weight of impartial testimony most certainly tends to its non- division. I can only imagine that her Majesty’s authority, in wild scenes like these, would lose nothing if those who represent her were to examine and deliberate before publicly deciding, but once having uttered a decision resolutely to adhere to it.
The first small crisis in the history of these diggings having passed over, all seemed to set earnestly to work, the fortunate discovery of a large extent of surface diggings between the stores and the river giving ample occupation for all surplus population. I should be inclined to think that, for its area, it is the richest surfacing yet discovered; instances are numerous of parties making even by the tin dish from two to four ounces per man per day. Moran, Elliot, Price, Regan, and their respective parties are amongst some of the most successful claims.
Reports as to the constant finding of nuggets of all sizes are constantly flying through the diggings; the largest that I have seen was procured by John Hall, an Adel- long miner. Its weight was forty ounces, and but slightly inter- mixed with quartz; it was extracted with one or two coarse pieces of gold from a bank claim. Those from two to ten ounces appear too numerous to mention. I am happy to ray that the extreme scarcity of supplies is fast falling away, The pack-horses of the Tumut storekeepers gave it a first decided check, and now that the possibility of drays reaching the diggings, through the road opened by Messrs. Man- delson, Brothers, and Co., Tumut, is clearly proved, I have little doubt that the combined energy of Tumut, Cooma, and Yass tradesmen, will keep us pretty fairly supplied. The storm that occurred last week must teach the few who cherish the idea of wintering upon the plains the fearful risk they run, and if in summer time, the tempest can blow with such violence they need but little imagination io guess what it must be when winter holds its iron reign, a sheer act of madness on the part of any who attempt it.
We are now without authority to rule us; our two gold com- missioners of Adelong and Tumbarumba, accompanied by all the force, except two mounted troopers, took their departure this morning. A slight manifestation of feeling was shown as they passed the hill where most of the tents are congregated, of that usual uncomplimentary character called “jeeing;” with the knowledge that more than two thousand people were congregated there, – that an amount of ill-feeling existed regarding the divi- sion of claims, – that more or less gold was upon the person, or stored in the tent of every miner, – that drinking was fearfully in the ascendant, and that Adelong and Tumberumba were equally deserted, it did seem strenge to many that the discretionary power so profusely exercised in the previous week did not at least suggest the propriety of one staying, to give the weight of his presence to the efforts ol the two solitary troopers.
The Rev S Fox, of Tumut, preached in the morning, but the majority of the miners appeared unfortunately intent upon other affairs, and the presence of Mr Yates, the manager of the Bank of New South Wales, at Adelong, was certainly more attractive, since it seemed to promise an outlet for the perfect plethora of gold that exists here; he. however, persisted in his resolution to buy none, and the complaints of the miners regarding the slow operations of the banks were very numerous.
I have no hesita- tion in sajing that, independent of that conveved by the commissioner, more than one-thousaud ounces could have been purchased from £3 8s. to £3 10s. per ounce. Towards the evening the usual consequences attendant upon the known absence of authority began to show itself: fighting, drinking, rowing became the order of the day, or rather night, and up to four o’clock on Monday morning we were favoured with sights and noises that might have astonished the eyes and shaken the ears of the Prince of Pandemonium.
On Mon- day I accompanied a party of prospectors to a creek some seven miles from the site of the present diggings; in several smaller ones intervening gold was discovered; at the farthest, four men were contentedly working, and every one seemed satisfied that though the lateness of the present season might prevent it now, yet that the whole of the ground over which we passed would be ultimately worked out next spring. Reports have reached me of very rich hill sinkings being discovered, and many are starting to find them; upon my informant I can rely, and he promises to furnish me with full particulars upon his return; the established diggings upon the creek, and surface hill, are still doing first rate – and the yield of some of the claims are astonishing. Scully and party are still reaping a golden harvest, doing, to use his own words, better than ever. One party has, I hear, sold out for £250.
From Saturday’s Goulburn Chronicle. The laboure of tho bardy and adventurous diggers on tie oWk plateau of the Australian Alps, aro at length he-ginning to t»ll in sides smaller quantities In otner directions ; so that we shall not bo overstating tho amount In putting tho produce of the now diggirgs, up to tho c mmenccment of this week, at 6«00 ounoca. In other words, that Utile shirt of £ij,000 had already been added lo tlio wealth of the community.
Toe discovery Is proved thus to bo a moBt valuublo ono, and wo o innot but »¿ree ?with a correspondent in our last issue, that tho discoverers, Messrs. Pollock, are entitled to some subitantial roward, In re- cognition of lho service they have rendered the oolonj. Wo append from various sources, information relative to tho new gold-field. A fi ¡end in Corma, writing on Monday last, the 20th instant, elotes that during the past few day» diggers had passed through Ctoma for Gib un’s Pluin to tho number of fifty or sixty daily. Gold wa« coming into Cooma in «‘galores;” ho saw 20 lbs. weight en Monday at Mr. Halnes’s and about as much more in otber places.
A gentleman who had esme in from Bombala stated that “lots” of the precious metal had found its way to that ploce. The writer odds as an instance of success on tho diggings, that O’Brien’s party of six ha»e been getting 15 oz?, a day. Another correspondent, writing from Cooma on the same day, says:-’-This town has at present quite a lively and bustling ap- pearance, ov,ing to the great number of persons passing through to th» Snowy River diggings. We notice a few returned and disap- pointed diggers, but they arc for the most pirt men without tools »r money, and without the necessary protection from the weather in the shupe of clothing, tents, &o., and we cannot wonder that these men, with emply stomaohs, are driven away by the lato cold weather which has provailcd at these diggings, but they one and nil say there is plenty of gold, but nothing to eat.
There uro now in tho possession of one of iho storekeepers in this town fourteen psundu of tho precious metal, nine pounds of which wore ptrchaecd from one man, and we are aware that otber Btorc kee pera and publicans bave
In their possession lots from 100 ounces downwards, mostly taken in exchange fur goods urgently required at tbo diggings, und no doubt that, when the diggers are drrtcn by the cold weather to those milder parts, prospecting UB , they come, they will bring down largo quiutitios of gold with them, and verv likely difcovor winter diggings, for you ojn notput a spade into any part of the Maneroo diggings without obtaining the eolour of gold.” Large quantities of suppll s from various quarters aro by this time reaching the diggings, and the high prices of provisions and otber anieles lately obtained there will in all probability rapidly decline.
A gentleman at Tumut, writing on Wednesday last, the 22nd instant, anticipates that some of the speculators will “ blto their fingers,” and that the diggings will soon be glutted wiih every commodity. He slates that no less than thirty teams would arrive on the ground from Tumut during the week, la ad- dition to the large numbers starting from other quarters. Already, he says, mining tools are cheaper on the diggings than in Tumut. He adds that drays can now go in easy from Tumut in nine daya, with twenty-five owt. to thirty ewt. ; carriage, 20s. per cwt. Writing on Wednesday last, our Queanbeyan correspondent says :-” Yesterday morning, Mr. A. Levy, of this town, received per mail from Cooma Beven pounds weight of the Snowy Blver gold, which was brought down by the mail driver.
It is to be oped that until some protection Is afforded to the roads people will not hasard such an amount of wealth, particularly as we bad ono ease of sticking-up on the road at Gary’s dp already.” Our Gundaroo correspondent, writing on the 22nd Instant, says. -” The whole talk here now is the diggings at Gibson’s Plain. Every one is off to the diggings. Every day you will see drays Îmssing for the same destination. We sha’l shortly have no one eft, if people keep leaving here as fast as they have been doing for the past five days. Flour has got up to a very high price. Wbett Is at a premium. Flour, I believe, on tbe diggings ia £120 per ton. I learn this from a person just returned. The same person says gold i< plentiful ; every one getting it ; but provisions scarce, flour in particular ; he says he saw as much as 3s. given for a pint pot full of flour, and all they bad amongst nine men fur three days was three pounds per day.
He states the weather to be very cold, but not to prevent persons irom working. It re- quires a person to take provisions with him, and not to depend on the stores there. Business is dull in Gundaroo ; the stores I be- lieve are not doing anything worth speaking of. It looks now very much like rain, and I am afraid we are going to have another heavy fall of it.” We have been favoured with a copy of a letter received by a gentleman in Goulburn from one of the party known as Mandel – son’s party, which started to form a dray road from Tumut to Gibson’s Plain, an enterprise which was attended with success.
The letter ia dated Gibson’s Plain, February 17th, 1860. The writer says : “I have much pleasure in informing you of my safe arrival on the diggings, after a long delayed journey. We started from Tumut on the 31st January, and we are now on the diggings ; out of which time we were delayed five days at the Broken Cart Creek, and three days by bullocks lost. It is a first-rate bush- road, but we had to cut miles of scrub; now any one can find the road. After we storied, two carts and one bullock dray pulled us up, making our party twenty-four, all good work- ing hands.
Two accidents occurred on the journey, – one man hurt his ankle, and another got crushed against a sapling and broke his collar-bone. We doctered him up between us, and started him on a-head. There are sixteen teams on our tracks, and I know of nine from Tumut, so that by the time they arrive the road will be well beaten. The worst of the road is the swamps; the hills are nothing. Each of our teams had on from eighteen hundredweight to a ton; that was only for the first trip; two of them have been started back to-day. The road comes in at Mr. Brookes’s station, Tommoroumen; then they come on our tracks, now called Mandelson’s road; and well they may call it Mandelson’s road, for he paid £50 to be piloted through. The men were just starting for the diggings, and instead of going on their journey, agreed to take him through.
They earned their money. You may call them good bushmen, for they know the scrub as well as a kangaroo. Mr George Jones, sir. Thomas Jones, and Mr Joseph Brookes were the men, and they deserve great credit. We expected that the drays would break down the scrub, but we were mistaken, and we had to turn to and cut through. The only stoppage now is the logs, and I believe they could all be cleared in three weeks. We were hardly prepared for being out so long, and I believe not a man in the party has tasted beef these ten days.
The only thing we caught to eat was a porcupine; he went very well, but there was hardly enough of him Mr Mandelson started ahead of the drays two days since, but on his arrival at the Long Plain he was informed that the drays could make a short cut by coming in at the Long Plain instead of Yarngobilly.
He accordingly started into the scrub to find the drays, but to his great surprise he had to remain two days and two nights in the bush; the scrub was so thick he could not make head-way. To-day he pulled the drays up on the plain, and found that our pilots knew the track and took it, and by so doing saved seven miles.
There is one great point in this road. In coming from Tumut or Yass you have to go down the Big Hill instead of up. If the road was bad, the carriers would not go back so quick. But not alone the road, the grass and water are so good. Horse-drays can come this route in five days comfortably with 25 cwt.; a good road could be made for £100 – that is, to clear away the timber, logs, &c., that lie across the track. By this route, bear in mind, the drays get right on to Gibson’s Plain.
The weather on the journey was very cold, but on arriving at Gibson’s Plain we found it colder still, and a constant wind all day; men with their hats soused over their eyes to keep it off, and blankets to keep them warm. All that are at work seem to be doing well, but they will have to clear out in about a month or six weeks – they can’t stand the snow. It comes rather sharp on people from warm places. I should not advise any of our old Goulbournites to go this season, as it is rather late. When they do start the nearest way will be, first to Yass, then to Tommoroumen station, then take Mandelson’s tracks; from there all the trees are marked from the south corner of the fence.
Although the road from Yass to Tommoroumen is very rough, Mr Brookes has taken thirty-five cwt, in five days from Yass to his place. The dis- tance is 45 miles by the Weejasper; they can then make the dig- gings in six days more – that is, with bullock drays. From Tom- moroumen to the Emu Flats is eighteen miles; from Emu Flats to Broken Cart Creek is fourteen miles; from Broken Cart Creek to Pigeon Square, ten miles; from Pigeon Square to the Long Plain, ten miles. Long- Plain is where every one must come out, starting from Yass or Tumut.
The plain is six miles across; and after crossing it, the distance to the diggings is ten miles. The description of the plain is very much like Mr Bradley’s or Mr Faithfull’s Plain, towards Gundary; quartz strewed about, and slate rock rising out of the ground, pointing north ard south. Excuse the scrawl and paper; I have been writing on a sheet of bark, and the weather is very oold.” [from the Goulburn Herald.) Our Queanbeyan correspondent writes:
“ The last mail has brought several letters from our townsfolk to their friends. I am in possession of one written by Mr Gifford to his wife; be writes : ‘ I have a good claim in the bed of the River, but must abandon it for the present through the late floods; but I have no doubt of its value when able to be worked. Everything is very dear. On Thursday, man obtained a nugget four pounds weight, and ever since the same gentleman has been drunk. I have been informed since that be sold it for £100.
The Messrs Hutchinson write at the same time con- veying the pleasing intelligence of the success of their party, con- sisting of four, who have in four days obtained fifteen ounces, and that in dry diggings, having had to abandon their claims in the River for a time. Other letters I have seen, conveying news equally flattering, but recommending people who have not em- barked not to do so until the spring, as it is evident these diggings cannot be worked in the winter. As for our town, it seems to be turned upside down.
The rush is increasing tenfold. Such appears to be the activity this week that the storekeepers can hardly afford to take their meals, being constantly employed attending to the requirements of the passing diggers. A store- keeper told me this morning that he could not get supplies fast enough from Sydney to meet the present demand.
At the same time there were no less than six drays standing at his door. To- day I found a difficulty to get into another store, the doors being so completely besieged by diggers and their horses. By the next mail we expert more startling news stil.
The excitement has cause a great rise in all sorts of provisions here – flour about 3 1/2s. per 100 lbs., and beef 3d. per lb., and both articles being very scarce.” Our Cooma correspondent writes: During the last few days the rush to the diggings has greatly increased. The reports on the whole are very good; but still there are numbers who are almost starving. I know a party of six who have been getting twelve to fifteen ounces a day, and another party of those who are getting five ounces a day. Mr Samson Hain showed me an ex- cellent sample to-day of about twenty pounds in weight, and I also saw fifteen ounces brought in by one man.
It is a very coarse nuggety gold, but rather dirty in appearance. By all accounts, the Kiandra gold-field has done good to other diggings, as a gen- tleman who came from Bombala to-day, told me that the Delegate diggings are fuller than ever, and the returns and individual success better. He also states that large quantities are coming down by way of Bombala, Mr Kidd, of Albury, is about opening a public-house there, and has already sent out timber, sashes, and doors.
The following are the prices of goods and rations on the diggings: flour, 1s. to 1s. 3d. per lb.; sugar, 1s.; tea, 4s.; cheese, 1s. 6d. to 2s.; butter, 3s.; meat, 4d. to 5d.; long handled shovels, 20s. each; short-handled ditto, 12s. 6d.; picks, 12s.; prospecting pans, 10s; tobacco, 7s.; and other things in proportion.” (From, the Yass Courier.) During the past week the through traffic at Yass has been very great. Hundreds of persons have travelled through the town onwards to the Snowy River, a large number of whom came from the Bathurst district. Whole crowds of Chinamen are also wend- ing their way to the diggings.
The impression is that hundreds of these celestials will die from the extreme cold said to prevail in the district. From Yass, a great many persons have taken their departure, also allured by the fame of Gibson’s Plains. On Wed- nesday, Messrs H. Godfrey and Co. despatched four teams laden with supplies, and accompanied by a dozen persons on foot; on the previous Saturday, Mr C. S. Quail and his sons left with a team carrying tools, provisions, &c; on Thursday, Mr J. Cottrell, of the Southern Store, loaded and started two teams, which were accompanied by two or three belonging to other parties.
These have gone by the Murrumbidgee road, and crossed the river safely yesterday morning. On the same day Mr H. Turner, storekeeper, started with a couple of teams. The numbers leaving with pack horses it is impossible to estimate; but all day long, and during the whole of the past week, parties of from half-a-dozen to twenty persons were to be met en route for the diggings.
It is calculated that some fifty tons of flour have been dispatched within the last eight days from this district alone. We also learn that Mr F Smith, Superintendent for Mr Bradley, at the Maneroo, had last week thirty tons of flour on hand, and that he had forty tons then on the road from Sydney. Mr Wright, of Queanbeyan, has fifty tons on the road, and 100 tons ordered.
The population on the diggings is estimated at over 3000, and notwithstanding the immense quantities of supplies being for- warded, we learn that provisions of every description continued both scarce and dear. The weather has set in very cold, and great hardships are likely to be endured from the inadequate arrangements made by very many persons previous to their starting for the diggings. The wonderful finds reported to have been made are almost beyond credence.
A Mr Smith of Adelong was in Yass yesterday. He reports that he and his mate obtained 394 ozs in seven weeks; a seven lb. nugget and four lbs of small gold is reported to have been taken from one hole four feet deep; three miners from Adelaide are said to have got 147 lbs of gold which they had placed in charge of the police for safety; John Mobbs, a person known in the Yass district, writes that his party secured in three days’ washing, 3 1/2 oz 17 dwts., and that this is nothing compaired to what some others obtained; one man named Moody, washed 19 1/2 ozs. with a tin dish in one day.
A report prevailed on the diggings that a nugget weighing 124 lbs. had been discovered, but this appears to require confirmation, and it is also stated that a party of four persons had realised £1400 per man. Mr Thomas Davis’ party are still averaging 25 ozs. per day. The extreme richness of the diggings has been satisfactorily proved; but it should be remem- bered that some five or six weeks hence the locality will probably not be inhabitable. Next spring will be the time for commencing operations extensively, and at that time the influx of population to the district will doubtless be immense
A gentleman just arrived from Albury informs us that about 150persons were daily crossing from the Victoria side of the Murray, on their way to the Snowy River, and the arrivals from Victoria by the steamers which call at Twofold Biy are very large indeed.
1st April 1860
Suddenly however it seemed the southern El Dorado was not quite the city of gold everyone had first imagined it to be.
Come April Fools Day the human tide already seemed to have turned and be flowing in the opposite direction away from the frosty alpine meadows. Kiandra and environs was still there as a viable goldfield of course – just not quite as overwhelming as first thought – and then also there was the approaching winter.
1st April 1860
The new rush twenty miles below Russell s, has resulted, according to the testimony of some returned diggers, in another disappointment. There is gold there it appears, but is obtainable in such very small quantities that men can barely earn rations.
The place has been well tested in all directions by some 200 or 300 ot a population, but up to the present time nothing lias been done worth speaking of.
A few patches are said to have yielded tolerably well, but taken as a whole, the rush has’turned out a failme.
A man who came into Kiandra for the purpose of asking the Commissioner’s aid in deciding the ownership of some disputed claims, 5s of opinion that the place will yet turn out well.
He and his mates have ‘a hole which pays Ihem from ¿ oz. to 1| oz. a day-at least sohe says, and in support of his assertion he was -able to produce a _ small quantity of gold. There is no commissioner or other official on the spot yet, nor do I think the Kiandra establishment will be able to sendany one over.
The population at the new diggings is not likely, however, to increase, for the present at least, as the people who ave now leaving Kiandra are, for the most part, proceed ing homewards. The owners of the river claims here are strenuously exerting themselves to finish up by the close of the present month, and in order to do this many of them have put on men at wages, while others, doubtful of the ?weather holding np so long, are selling out their shares.
Many speculative individuals, puipose remaining on the ground, in the hope of being able to secure something good when the approach of winter causes the present occupants to leave. Races are being cut round Hie hills to carry water to the surfacing ground, the whole of which will be washed over in sluices.
It is likely, moreover, that the tailings and stuff thrown up in opening the bed-claims will all be washed again in like manner, so soon as the season permits – the presumption being that much gold has been thrown away in the first working.
As an instance of this I may mention that a splendid nugget of 23 ozs. 8 dwts. was found on Thursday by a brother of mine, who was working with his party (Messrs. T. Nunan, D. Forrest, and Rossiter) in a gulch about half-a-mile below the rich workings on the river.
This nugget had been struck and broken by a pick, and afterwards thrown up amongst some stones and dirt from the claim. The persons who struck it (we have since heard) found a nine ounce piece, and finding no more, they departed, leaving this fine specimen in the manner I have ‘described.
From the general appearance of the nugget, it would seem to have formed part of a large cake of gold which lias been broken by the pick into several pieces. The lucky finders are now endeavouring to come urion the remaining portions, which they believe they will find if they are not beaten by the water, which is very troublesome in this particular spot.
The men whom I have fre- quently mentioned in connection with a large race abont a mile and a half up the river, have opened some portions of the river bank during the week, but have not yet commenced washing. On the lower part of the river the claims are being vigorously ?worked, but it is impossible that all the ground can be worked out before the winter-some parties having as much as twenty or thirty yards of their claims untouched.
A week’s rain would bind them completely up, and unless, therefore, they put on men or enlarge their companies, they will shortly find themselves brought to a stand-still by tho flooding of the river. Just now, they are pretty much in the position of the dog in the manger. T
hey have exces- sively large claims, cannot work them them- selves, and will not allow any one else to do so, except upon the most exorbitant terms.
We, of the Snowy River, were gratified on Wednesday evening last, with a magnificent view of that beautiful phenomena, the Aurora Australis, or southern lights. I doubt if it has ever been seen to greater perfection.
For some i three hours the whole volume of the heavens from south-east round to south-west was illumined with a rich crimson light, radiating fionx a bright circle of blue which rose as it were directly from the pole. At intervals, the odylic rays would shoot upwards till they seemed to reach the milky way-the stars, meanwhile, shining through the crimson curtain with peculiar brilliancy.
Subsequently, the crimson colouring melted into purple, then into a blight green, and finally, died away in a succes- sion of changes, embracing all the hues of the rainbow. Some of the diggers “were a little alarmed at the appearance of this lumi- nous visitation, but beyond a dayis rain, on Thursday, no remarkable change of weather has taken place. There is now (Sunday), however, every indication of heavy rain, the surcharged clouds hanging over the mountains with a very dark and threatening aspect.
Since posting my last letter, I have travelled for some distance up and down the Snowy River, and have visited that remarkable spot known _ as Lob’s Hole-one of the most romantic and picturesque localities to be found in any part of Australia. The fine timber which grows there contrasts strongly with the snow crushed trees found on these mountains and on the table land around, while the change of temperature which is cxpeiienced on descending the mam- moth ravines, proves conclusively that snow seldom or never enters there.
In the val- ley which is situate at the extremity of the vast gulch, copper has been found, and, from the fact of there being quartz ridges on the sum- mits of the sunounding mountains, it is not im- probable that Lob’s Hole also contains gold.
The road to Tumbarumba passes through the hole, and I need scarcely say it is a caution to travellers ; it ia hard to tell, indeed, which is worst.-going down or coming up. I shall en- deavour to furnish a fuller description of this singular locality at a future time.
My other travels were devoted to an inspection of the dig- gings down the river. They extend for several miles, but it is onlv within a space of three or four “miles that the claims yield profitably. In some places the work is very heavy, the miners being ob- liged to blast away the rock piecemeal from the river bed in order to get at the primitive deposits. With the decrease of population I am happy to say there is also a decrease of crime and disorder, though not to a very great extent.
A man named James Crawley has been committed to’ihe Goulburn Assizes for horsestealing, and another worthy named Noles has received sentence of six months’ imprisonment for larceny. Noles was a grog-seller, and a man of known bad character- His trip to the Snowy has pioved anything but a successful venture. Only last_ week his wife died in a “t_ of delirium tremens, brought on by «rink, and he is now consigned to durance vile, with the knowledge that all his grog, his tools, his tent, and stock-in-trade have been confiscated to her Majesty the Queen. A .medical map, lately connected with the Duncan Dunbar, was robbed, and severely maltreated the other night, a short distance from the town- ship, his assailants having blacked both his eyes, and otherwise disfigured his countenance, after robbing him.
Two or three persons are in custody at the camp, on various charges, chiefly under the Vagrant Act. The thimble rigs and card-sharpers have taken alarm at recent proceedings, and are particularly careful in keeping out of harm’s way. The volunteer police, or Protection Committee, have men employed^- watching at night, and their assist- ance has no doubt been useful in preventing many robberies.
In connection with this protection movement, I may observe that the decision of the Government respecting the establishment of a winter encampment is anxiously looked for by the storekeepers and others who puiposo wintering here. Mr. James Pollock is about applying to the Government for the gold reward in respect to the discovery of the Snowy River Diggings.
He feels confident that he will be able to pro . duce conclusive proof that he was the first individual who found gold here, and made the discovery public.
The committee appointed some time since to investigate the claims of the different claimants has decided that the weight, of testimony is in his favour. They purpose communicating the result of their deliberations io the Colonial Secretary by the next mail.
Since his return, Dr. Lynch has been fully occupied by Court work-the civil business, if I may so call it, having been pretty heavy. He leaves to-morrow in command of the escorts to Tumut. During Iris absence, Mr. J. I. Lynch will have the entire control and management. The office, under present circumstances, I can assure you is no sinecure.
There is enough work to occupy at least three or four persons. With the exception of a fall in the price of flour (now quoted at 8d.), there is no change in the list of quotations previously forwarded. A ton or two of blasting powder would find ready sale just now, if it were here. Since writing the above, I learn that the man Crawley managed to effect his escape from’the camp tins morning at daybreak.
The circum- stance is not to be wondered at when the strength of the present police force is con sideredT How the man got rid of his handcuffs is a mystery. Mr. J. I. Lynch paid a visit to the Nine-mile Rush yesterday. He reports about 800 or 1000 persons there-some of them doing very well. The place lies due S. from this. I shall try and send full particulars in my next. This is the nish which has been so much talked of latterly, and which has been kept so great a secret.
What the Kiandra discoveries did do beyond any measure was to put southern NSW gold firmly into the headlines and to set up a major new pulse of goldseekers flowing into the region.
10th July 1860
The first news of the discovery came from the adjacent town of Binalong in July where an urgent request for mining equipment was received.
As the letter said “there is a second Snowy just broke out .. but the Snowy will be nothing to it”
10th July 1860
One was an order to a mercantile house for a number of tents and canvas to be dispatched immediately. The following is an extract from a letter received by a gentleman in town. Binalong,
July 6. There is a second Snowy just broke out, about ten or twelve miles from Murrumburrah. It is the opinion of many hero that the Snowy River will be nothing to it. This accounts for why I am so anxious about your despatching the tools as soon as pos- 1
24th July 1860
News soon followed that both this new field on White’s lambing station and the nearby Demondrille Creek were promising, but it was still too early to consider that a full scale rush was on.
In all 100 people were on the field then including a party of Chinese miners.
24th July 1860
The new diggings, if they may be so called, are on White’s lambing station, twenty-two miles from Murrumburrah,
lhere are a number of China- men there, and our informant was given to under- stand that the population amounted to about 100 per- sons in all.
The sinking is to the depth of twenty teet, when the lend, which consists of blue clay, is reached. There is on an average about three feet of washing stuff.
The sample of gold shown to us by Mr. Murphy on 1 hursday was rough and nuggetty. On the same dtiy that gentleman deposited in the bank for tinnsmission to the Mint, two bogs of gold dust, procured at the diggings on Demondrill Creek.
One of the bags weighedarfourteen ounces, the other ten and a-half ounces. The grains were very fine. The lot was purchased by Mr. English and Mr. Kennedy from some Chinamen.
Some months since Mr. Murphy delivered at the Mint a parcel of nearly 100 ounces, which had been procured from the same place, and the returns exhibited that it was worth £3 lCs. 4d. per ounce.
White’s lambing station and Demondrill Creek are divided from each other by ‘ a range, and they are twenty-two miles apart. The bed-rock of the latter place is granite. How- ever flattering this account of both places may be, we do not consider that either have been sufficiently tested to warrant “ a’rush,”-Yass Courier.
4th August 1860
Within a month though the news was beginning to build of the potential of the new find – and indeed of the district.
Just down the road at Gundagai new gold discoveries at Stony Creek were also beginning to gain attention.
4th August 1860
Mr. Michael Sheedy called at our office on Monday last, for the purpose of showing us a very excellent sample of gold, weighing 7 1/2 ounces, procured from Lambing Flat.
The colour is very bright, and many of the grains appear to have been flattened by igneous action. Lambing Flat is thirty-two miles from Binalong, and about twenty miles from Murrumburrah, and is situate on Mr. James White’s squattage.
Mr. Sheedy says that it is about four weeks last Friday when he and several other persons were out looking for horses : they camped at this station.
An American who acted as cook, and who was familiar with the appearance of many other gold- fields, was struck with the appearance of the place ; he washed a few spadefulls of the surface earth, and succeeded in getting a good prospect of gold.
The horses having been procured, Mr, Sheedy and party started for Binalong, and a few days afterwards returned with six men, well supplied with tools and provisions, determined to test the auriferous quality of the place.
They com- menced working, but in a few days some of the party had to leave the place, on account of the influenza.
In the second dishful washed was a nugget of 7 dwts. There were about fifty persons at this place when Mr. Sheedy left on Sunday last, but some had come badly supplied with tools and provisions, and had been compelled to leave to procure them.
The sample shown us was procured by a party of four, in three feet sinking in the creek. Gold is also found by surfacing. A good prospect has been found within three or four miles from Lambing Flat.-Yass Courier.
14 August 1860 OUR GOLD-FIELDS.
SPRING CREEK DIGGINGS-During the last week several parties have passed by this way on the road for the diggings at Spring Creek, or Lambing Flat.
A large number of Chinamen have commenced on the creek, and all arc doing well…
Within the last few days, several of the parties have turned out three ounces a day. There are at present 150 men at work. There is plenty of gold for miles around, but at present it is all surfacing. One hole was bottomed, but was of no account.
Large numbers of cradles are on the ground, and anything that is required. Some of the gold has found its way to Binalong, Mr. Miles Mur- phy being the purchaser.
It is the opinion of all that the gold is superior in value to that at the Snowy River diggings.
GOLD FROM LAMBING FLAT.-On Thursday last, Mr. Enright received a parcel of gold weighing 10 ozs. 3 dwts. from Mr. Miles Murphy of Binalong. It is from Lambing Flat, which promises to turn out a payable gold-field.- Yass Courier of Saturday.
STONY CREEK.-A- correspondent of the same journal, writing from South Gundagai, says :-The recent discovery of gold at Stony Creek has already been chronicled by you, and I have waited to ob- serve whether the diggings there were likely to be- come permanent before reporting on them. There are now four parties in full operation, all of whom report favourably of the new field.
Two have em- ployed themselves in the bed of the creek, while the others are engaged in. dry sinking in a blind creek lending into the main stream. Many would-be diggers have been to see it, and have left in disgust. One in- formed me that it was a Chinaman’s lead, “ two specks and a floater.”
This opinion he arrived at after half-an-hour’s trial of it with a tin dish. The men who originally opened it, and who have worked in Victoria since her gold-fields have been opened have no intention of leaving. I do not wish to bring a man to the diggings and deceive him, and have only to say that those at work are satisfied, and fully believe that they will open a payable gold-field.
So just what was the overall state of the NSW diggings at this time?
By late August for example, reporters were still wary of giving the new gold finds north of Murrumburrah at Lambing Flat a tick as the next big thing.
They could however confirm that with 50,000 ounces of gold already on its scorecard, Kiandra would always count as a major find – even if everyone upped and left there and then.
21st August 1860
This it must be said was not going to happen. As those who decided to stay at Kiandra over winter hunkered down and waited for spring to come in order to resume mining, the Chinese on the diggings showed their resourcefulness by taking on a winter job of providing a human carrier service for goods and materials onto the snow-locked fields.
Interesting also is the arrival of new names like CARCOAR and BUNDA in the main news section of the gold field reports.
21st August 1860
Gold-fields, however distant, will attract a certain set of folks, who believe in their “ luck,” – as they phrase it, and are possessed with a strong conviction that they will some day stumble upon nuggets and a fortune
Advice is thrown away upon them, and experience preaches in Vain.They must suffer. It is curious to observe in contradistinction how the Chinese adapt themselves to adverse circumstances at Kiandra.
Mining being just now impossible, we find that these fellows instead of prowling about and loafing, have organised themselves as carriers of goods and provisions from the township (Russell’s station) to Kiandra, – a distance of thirteen miles.
They sling the goods upon poles which they then shoulder, and carry along “with great alacrity. They earn good wages by this meanB, and bring in provisions, &c, when horses and mules would be useless on account of the snow.
Europeans would scarcely be able to endure this strain upon the shoulders, Tmt the Chinese are to the manner bom, and ?carry heavy burdens with facility.
It is worth aioticing that at these diggings the Chinese are located by themselves, on ground appointed by ‘ he Chief Commissioner. This was done to ‘ lessen the chances of collision with Europeans, who complain of the Chinamen on account of their dirty habits, and particularly for defiling water-holes.
As to their dirty habits, we are aware that Chinamen wash their feet with far greater regularity than their faces. But that may be a peculiarity of theirs. It cannot be denied, however, considering that leprosy exists amongst them, that it is a wise precaution to make them encamp by themselves.
At Murrumburrah, further south, towards Yass, some new ground has been opened, but the result is not sufficient to warrant a rush of population. The gold found is rough and nuggetty, and the sinking is about twenty feet.
In the north-west, at Murrindee, about 200 ounces a week Í3 ‘ produced, i
At the Carcoar and Bunda fields there are some i two hundred Chinamen, who are working steadily, and making fair wages. At Carcoar on the flat land, the gold is fine-in the hilly country, nuggetty.
At Maitland Bar, near , Mudgee, a forty-five ounce nugget was lately unearthed, but these diggings are not much thought of at present. The Bathurst diggings are increasing their yield, and great hopes are entertained of a quartz reef there, which, hav- ing been tested, shewed a very good average of gold to the ton.
At Spring Creek diggings, in the south, a large number of China- men are at work, and some of them average three ounces a-day. Gold is reported to be plentiful for miles around, but none was found by sinking – as surface dig- gings, therefore, they will soon be worked out.
At Adelong, a recently-discovered quartz reef is highly spoken of, and is said to go far to prove the theory that a large hill in that lo- | cality is traversed by a succession of auriferous I veins. The remainder of the diggings are not worthy of extended notice. The diggings at Kiandra have already yielded some 50,000 ounces of gold. If not another ounce were to be procured, they would still have had a most beneficial effect upon the Southern I country in particular.
They have already given a stimulus to trade in the metropolis and the in- land towns lying on the route to the Snowy, and further, have tended to create ports on the sea coast which before were almost deserted.
Eden for instance, a port nearly midway between Sydney and Melbourne, where diggers land coming from Victoria bound for the Snowy, has grown into quite a bustling place since Kiandra has become famous. Buildings are springing up in every direction, and something of the activity is observable there which caused San Francisco to rise out of the plain almost in a day. In addition to this, the country about the Alps will be taken up for agriculture and squatting, and thereby the general prosperity of the colony will be augmented.
Our English readers will be able to compre- hend how these new diggings have attracted the people, when we inform them that from the 16th July to the 20th July, there crossed the border into New South Wales from Victoria alone, 14 wagons, 110 drays, 230 horsemen, and 500 pedestrians. And this is only a portion of the migration which has been setting in towards the Snowy. Lately, it has suffered a check ; but next month, will probably see a stampede un- equalled in this colony at all events.
25th September 1860
Come springtime, and those on the Kiandra field however had some serious competition for the label of the next big thing in southern NSW.
By then the Lambing Flat diggings were getting a reputation for just how extensive the distribution of gold across the region seemed to be and how relatively easy it was to obtain it – quite a heady mix this when the news got out.
25th September 1860
The diggers continue to find new ground every day, and it is expected that the richest part of the neighbourhood has not yet been struck.
Provisions are cheap and pro- curable in abundance. Additions to the population are occurring every day; the greater part of the arrivals being from the Bathurst country.
There are a great many Chinese on the ground, and the labour being light, this place, is likely to become a favourite with them.
It is much to be desired that the Execu- tive would proclaim Lambing Flat a gold-field, as then the gold-mining regulations would be brought into operation, and persons would go to work in con- structing dams and cutting races.
But at the present time, as there is no protection, and therefore no en- couragement for such laborious undertakings, the diggers are only scratching about, and not turning the ground to its most profitable use.
Several miners who have tried the place are of this opinion, and state ‘ that were it proclaimed they would remain. We have no doubt that Mr. Commissioner Beckham, who is anxious to promote the interests of the diggers, will urge the Government to take the necessary step. Gold here is worth £3 15s. an ounce.- Yass Courier.
8th October 1858
By October Lambing Flat was really beginning to make a stir with one pundit predicting it would produce more gold than any other goldfield in NSW.
Small wonder then that people were really starting to stream in. Significantly fears were already being expressed about the general lack of water however, and it was the absence of this precious resource that would help fuel tensions on the field.
8th October 1858
A correspondant writes :It is our impression that the country at and around Lambing Flat will produce more gold than any other goldfield in New South Wales
The opinion that there will not bo a sufficiency 01 water I« rc_| absurd. Those who have seen the richest gold-fields lu Victo.il and New South Wales muBt recollcot that previous to their bd’4 worled there was no oppcaranco of water oa uj of them, and that when they were worked then was always an abundance, if not superabundance Ii only requires a thousand perrons to comu on this M and work It properly, and then we shall not hear any eomplii« about a want of water.
LAMMING FLAT DIGGINGS.-
Mr. Elijah Howard of Tumut has returned from a brief visit to these diggings, and altogether reports favourably of them. He considers there is about 1500 persons at work there, whose success is more or less great.
It is his impresslon that the field will be workable during the entire summer with a little economy with respect to the water.
There are a good many earning from £3 to £5 a week per man, some of course tiding lees, as on all other gold fields, and some doing more. The diggers were demanding £3 an ounce for thoir gold in hand, which he believed must amount fullv to 1000 ounces, but no buyers to any extent at that price.
On Monday last there was a rush to the head of Spring Creek ; the first hole sunk there produced a prospect of IS dwts. The following lottcr has been rcoolved from o townsman .
“Laming Flat, September JO.-I arrived on these diggings last Tuesday, and I have not as yet tinned to, but have spcnt my time overlooking tho work of others this week, the diggings are not what people supposed them to be , but there is one thing in their favour, it is such a splendid-looking auriferous country for miles around.
There are a great number of diggers flocking here every day.There are now upward of a thousand people on the mines.
Wc have no commissioner at present. The sinking in Chance Gully is frcm six- to ten feet, and in other parts from twenty to twenty-live feet.
The avorage yield is from about one to three pennyweights of gold I per tub. Tho gold is very fine and scaley, and fetches £3 14». per ounce. There are nothing but cradles and I dishes used here, which causes a deal of this kind of gold to be ‘ wasted.
The water is too muddy and scarce for sluching. The diggers ore all of opinion that it would pay well if thorc was plenty of water.
In my opirlon the water in Chance Gully, if wo have not rain occasionally, will be due up in a months timo.
There ure often new rushes from one place to another. A quartz reef has been struck on the ri60 of the hill from ClianceGullv, and c1 uni all around it were taken up immediately , I had a look at the quariz, and it shews well; you can sec the gold, which is quite visible in it.
These diggings extends for miles round, and it is supposed that something very remunerative will turn up after a while. The avcrago earnings arc from £1 to £1 per man.
Exactly what was it about the new field at Lambing Flat that set it apart from those numerous big new discoveries that had gone before?
27th August 1860
Also noted in this report was the fact that “In New South Wales, the last few years show so considerable an increase in the yield of gold, with almost an absence of machinery, the average earnings per man being far above the Victorian diggers it is not very surprising under these circumstances that there are thousands of diggers in Victoria at the present time eager to get to New South Wales.”
27th August 1860
I will give a short account of the present state of the Victorian gold fields which, perhaps, may interest some of your readers, and in a measure prove that “ all that glitters is not gold.”
During the last few years I have been to the majority of rushes that have taken place in Victoria and have had an opportunity of seeing the condition of the gold-diggers.
As a class, I have no hesitation in saying that they are the poorest in the colonie… they are the hardest working and the worst paid; and, I believe, if it was anything but gold they were looking, for that not one-half of the present mining population could exist, for it is the talismanic sound of gold that keeps thousands working in the vain hope that one day they will get sufficient to repay for all.
Gold-digging in Victoria during tho last few years is very different to what it was previously.
It is now a question of machinery and large working companies. Not of rich ground, when quartz will pay at half an ounce to the ton. Companys crushing and amalga- mating for the public at 10s. per ton, hundreds of puddling machines working and paying wages out of dirt that averages from one-half to one penny- weight to the load.
It will be seen that what a digger calls a pitchhole, is a very rare occurrence. Yet with all the amount of machinery and the increase of population, the gold-fields ot Victoria since 1856 show a very great decrease, and this year in particular -for it was expected with the companies that were so quickly formed some time since, whose shares were Eo eagerly taken up, the introduction of such an amount of machinery, that the yield of 1860 would at ihe least equal 1859 ; but up to the present date it falls very far short-a decrease of upwards of 5000 ounces weekly.
Should tie decrease continue at this rate for a few years, diggers-that is, men working alluvial claims-will become a rarity, and gold digging will become what it eventually must (for every year proves it), a question of machinery and wages.
And much as I may be opposed to the system myself, I think that the settlement of large populations in the interior so engaged will be far more beneficial to the colonieB than the roving habits and misery entailed upon a very large proportion of the gold-diggers of the present day.
In New South Wales the last few years show so considerable an increase in the yield of gold, with almost an absence of machinery, the average earn- ings per man being far above the Victorian diggers it is not very surprising under these circumstances that there are thousands of diggers in Victoria at «ho present time eager to get to New South Wales ; and whether Kiandra tums out a payable field or other, wise, there are thousands that will never return to Victoria, but will try some of the older fields ; for it is n singular fact that, with all the excitement with respect to Kiandra, the other fields still keep up their returns, and it behoves the Govcrrmênt of New South Wales to give every assistance in their power, so far as information is con’ceihed, und so endeavour-to keep^ a laTge pro – portion of the population that certainly will flow into New South Walts in the course of the next few months. Trusting there is nothing in this letter that will in- duce “any one to turn gold-digger, or make to the Snowv River.
7th February 1861
As a speech given at Lambing Flat early the following year was to explain however, the general state of NSW goldfields was poor … “instance Kiandra, Araluen, Turon, Meroo, Tambaroora, &c., in short, gentlemen, they are all in a state of insolvency and the only solvent one is the one on which we are striving for an honest livelihood.”
7th February 1861
We are now, I may safely say, on the only gold-field in New south Wales which has the appearance of being a permanent one — the only one on which the hard-working miner (the mainstay of the colony can eke out more than a bare subsistance. (Hear, hear.)
You are, no doubt, aware of the state the other gold-fields are in — instance Kiandra, Araluen, Turon, Meroo, Tambaroora, &c., in short, gentlemen, they are all in a state of insolvency, and the only solvent one is the one on which we are striving for an honest livelihood.
(Hear, hear.) Now the livelihood is about to be torn from your grasp; but how, and by whom! By the Curse the plague of the country, namely Chinamen. (Shouts of “Never. never; down with them.” I am certain that the Burrangorang gold- fields will be a diggings for years, capable of supporting thou- sands upon thousands of poor men. (Hear, hear.)
But how long will they continue to be the support of thousands who have no other way of gaining homes: livelihood but by begging, if the Chinese are allowed to pour in upon us in such countless numbers. Why, six months will smother them.
What, tben, are they to do! Where are they to go! God help the poor men who have wives and families depending on them for support at such a time.
Well, I will answer,—why, starve (Great uproar, and execrations at the Chinamen.) Mr. Stewart then in a humorous vein sug- gested a remedy, by telling them if they were good working men they might obtain seven or ten shillings per week from the squatter, with rations,—which produced a tumult of hisses, groans, and anything but flattering exclamations. In conclusion, he said—It doesn’t require second sight to see into the future.
It is quite evident to all what the result will be if we do not take some measure to stop this gross outrage upon our rights. (Hear.) Then, men and fellow-miners, let us assert our rights before God and man—in the clear face of day—like free-born Britons and prevent ourselves from being trampled to the dust like dogs. (Great confusion.)
But, gentlemen, I would strongly advise you to keep within the bounds of the law and not commit a breach of the peace. (Cheers from the Commissioner and numbers In the crowd.) Mr. Stewart then read the following resolution:— Since the Government will not protect us, ourselves, families, society, and necessary occupations from the incursions of a race of savages, we bind ourselves, to a man, to do so: and for that pur- pose we intend to give all Chinese or descendants of that race two days notice to quit the Burrangong gold-fields; and in the event of their not complying with that request, to take such measures as shall satisfactorily rid the mining community of the Barran- gong for ever of pests and nuisances.”.
Amidst the greatest excitement and confusion a respectable miner named Dayton seconded the resolution. Several other speakers endeavoured to be heard, but an over- powering majority were for instant action, and “no notice” was the general cry.
With the general state of alluvial mining on the NSW fields being sluggish, and Kiandra failing to live up to its early promise, it’s easy to see why the rich prospects of the Lambing Flat field excited such attention.
This at the very time when the future viability of the self employed, small scale alluvial miner was being questioned amidst the likelihood of NSW following Victoria down the path of independent diggers becoming a mere labour force to further the interests of mining companies.
Passionate stuff this and any wonder that when one threw in the vexed issues of the Chinese presence on the new fields, people seized upon it as the pivotal issue around which to condense a broader sense of ‘they dun me wrong’. This in turn ushered in a very tragic ten month period on the new Lambing Flat field as the first racial riots erupted there at the start of summer 1860.
18th December 1860
The first news of a major incident at Lambing Flat broke in the Sydney media just prior to Christmas.
18th December 1860
INFORMATION was brought to Yass on last Wednesday forenoon that some of the European population on Lambing Flat, after the occurrences of Sunday last, as reported in our last issue, attacked a party of Chinese, and maltreated them to such an extent as to cause the death of at least one of their number.
Some reports say two of the Chinese were killed. We are informed that the “ tails “ of the unfortunate Celestials were cut off in so barbarous a manner as to detach the skin from the back of the head ; and further, that the brutality was carried to the length of cutting the ears off of several. We can scarcely give the reports credence, and sincerely hope, for the reputation of the miners on Lambing Flat, that the whole statement is unfounded ; but the particulars have been repeated to us by two or three respectable persons, and hence our giving it publicity. It is certainly to be regretted that the Government have been so laggard in afford- ing needful protection to life and property on the diggings, the sole staff, only very recently appointed, consisting of a Commissioner and two mounted troopers, who are stationed some twelve miles distant from the locality where mining operations are carried on.
RUMOURED ATTACK ON THE CHINESE ONE OR TWO KILLED.
INFORMATION was brought to Yass on last Wednes- day forenoon that some of the European population on Lambing Flat, after the occurrences of Sunday last, as reported in our last issue, attacked a party of Chinese, and maltreated them to such an extent as to cause the death of at least one of their number.
Some reports say two of the Chinese were killed. We are informed that the ” tails ” of the unfortunate Celestials were cut off in so barbarous a manner as to detach the skin from the back of the head ; and further, that the brutality was carried to the length of cutting the ears off of several.
We can scarcely give the reports credence, and sincerely hope, for the reputation of the miners on Lambing Flat, that the whole statement is unfounded ; but the particulars have been repeated to us by two or three respectable persons, and hence our giving it publicity.
It is certainly to be regretted that the Government have been so laggard in afford- ing needful protection to life and property on the diggings, the sole staff, only very recently appointed, consisting of a Commissioner and two mounted troopers, who are stationed some twelve miles distant from the locality where mining operations are carried on.
22nd December 1860
Significantly it was soon followed up by a series of reports from Yass questioning the veracity of the claims. It was noted that “one Chinaman lost his life from the buffeting he received. Some others had their pigtails cut off, and were somewhat injured, but there does not appear to have been any premeditation in the affair.”
Maybe – maybe not. The Yass Courier was after all noted for its partisan support of the miners. Certainly come the new year and further disturbances there was no doubting the premeditation evident in the attacks on Chinese.
22nd December 1860
The news from the diggings fines onr last is of the same favou-ttblo oboraoter as that formerly reported. The miners ara steady at work, and meet with a satisfactory reward for tbeir labour?.
Heavy finds and hngo nuggets are not the “ order of the day” at Ibu Lambing Flat, but with a certain and a fair return for tboir labour, the’diggers aro earnestly and continually at work, and the only dissatisfaction which exists ia at the Government for having hitherto ignored their neoesslties in the way of police protection and poalal communica- tion.
Tho reported rfinturbaocea eei m at last to have caused a little aotlvity amongst tho authorities, SR Captain Zouch and six mounted troopers left Yass laBt Monday morning for the diggings. “With a population of between three and four tbouaand persons on the ground, it is- surprising tbat no stepB bavo yet been taken to secure the regular and frequent delivery of letters, and we ‘ hope the Poslma-ter-General will see tho necessity of at once bestiriing himself lo bave Ibis very neoei-sary right ex- tended to the digging population on the Lnmbing Flat.
Some short time since, Mr. J. Garry annonnoed his in- tention to rnn a ooaob twice a.woek from Binalong, via Marrnmburrah, to the Lambing Fiat ; and two other oonviyanees ‘ are advertised to rnn from Burrowa, via Marengo, to tho diggings, a’so twioe a-week.
With three conveyances on the. road, we oannot tbink that the ex- pense of having the mails regularly oonveyed to the Lambing Flat can be any consideration, and we sincerely hope that this matter will be at onoa atlended to.
Doubts still exist aa to the truthfulness of Hie re- ported murder of the two Chinamen. Two gentlemen who left the diggings on Sunday last, state that tbey beard nothing of tbe ooourrtnee while on the field, and are disinclined to believe the statement.
Others ‘lately re tnrned admit having heard a rumour to that effect, but ara not’prepared to vouch for its trutbfnlneaB. Probably the mail due to-morrow (Thursday) will put us in poa soasion of our correspondent’s letter, and enable us au-Fix this text thoritatively to oantradlot or confirm tbe report.
The Yass Courier of Saturday last atates that the former reports as to the riots at Lambing Flat and the murder of two Chinamen, &c.,were’exaggerated. It add» that on the evening of the day on which the Bparring saloons were destroyed by the Vigilance Committee and their owners driven off the diggings, the mob fell across some Chinese, who certainly received more kicks than half-pence.
Tnoy got knocked about a good deal, and one Chinaman lost his life from the buffet» he received. Some other» had their pigtail» cut off, and were somewhat injured, but there does not apnear to have been any premedi- tation in the affair. “It is singular that, although it wa» known that the Chinaman had come by hi» death by violence, no coroner’» inquest or magisterial inquiry was held on the body.