Gold was discovered in the Goulburn district in 1851 and at first the town shared in the boom. People from Braidwood and other centres flocked in and the stores did a wonderful trade.

27 May 1851

GOULBURN.THE YELLOW FEVER.

Goulburn has been smitten by the raging mania for the sordid dust. The discovery of a field of gold at Summer Hill Creek has caused wonderful excitement in this township …

When the mail from Sydney arrives, and the newspapers are distributed, the latest intelligence from the diggings is eagerly sought for. At corners of the streets groups of persons are occasionally seen harkening to one who is reading for the information of the rest.

Smiths are busy making picks for those intending to be off; bakers are busy baking biscuit both for the journey and for “ the field.”

Flour has risen £5 per ton ; tea, sugar, and salt are up ; so that whether we go or stay, we are all brought more or less into the vortex occasioned fay tie (for t

We believe sup plici of different kinds arc about to be sent off j some individuals started this day for the scene of “glittering prospects;” some of them have left well paid work for the uncertain product at the diggings. A meeting of the most in fluential and respectable inhabitants was held this evening, at the Goulburn Hotel, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the precious metal exists in such quantities in this district as to render it a profitable enterprise, Dr, Waugh was called to the chair, and who stated the object of the meeting.

It was unanimously determined to open a subscription to raise a handsome sum (£200) to be given as a reward to the first who shall discover gold in this district. Several of those present put down their names for from £5 to £20; £80 was subscribed in the room.

2 July 1851

GOULBURN. GOLD FOUND AT THE SHOALHAVEN GULLEYS.

A party of about six residents of Bungonia, went out last week in quest of the precious metal, one of the party was Mr. Wallis, who having been to the Ophir diggings making observations, brought them into active operation, he having succeeded in procuring gold from the banks of the Shoalhaven River.

The place where it was found is about two miles above where the Jerrena and Bungonia Creeks flow into it, and about 40 or 50 from the sea, and 7 from Bungonia.

Mr. Wallis has brought in the portion which was obtained to Mr. Mendleson, the secretary and treasurer to the committee appointed at the meeting, recently held for the purpose of offering a reward to those who discovered a gold field in the police district of Goulburn; the portion was tested by Mr. Dibdin and found to be genuine; it is flake gold, and was washed from debris taken out about two feet from the surface.

There is to be a meeting of the committee to-morrow, when, we believe, Mr. Commissioner Lockhart, who has been out prospecting at the Abercrombie, and has also found the precious metal there, will be present to detail the nature of his discovery, and the features of the country where he found it.

Mr. Lockhart has forwarded the portion found to the Government. We have also seen a letter from Mr. Levey, of Queanbeyan, stating that gold had been found at the Tindery Mountains, thirty miles from that place.

We believe Mr. Davis’ party did not succeed at the “Dead Man’s Creek,” and have removed to the Gundaroo Range, which skirt Lake George, Capîain Hovell having directed the party thither, having discovered indications in that quarter ; the community is in a state of commo tion on every hand.

Although Mr. Davis’ party did not discover the “real thing,” they have sent in some excellent specimens of copper ore, and made other discoveries of an interesting nature, which may, at a future day, turn out to advantage. The present object is to obtain the one thing-gold ! gold ! gold !

19 July 1851

GOULBURN: GOLD AT BUNGONIA.

You must have heard that a rich and extensive gold field has just been discovered in the Shoalhaven River, near this township; a sample of the gold sent to Goulburn to be tested has been pronounced by Mr Dibdin, the chemist, to be a first-rate sample of pure gold.

Mr. Wallis, the young man who discovered it, stops with me ; he is now down in the gullies with one of my boys. I was at the river myself three days last week, and saw the gold in every washing. I gave a sample to Mr. Samuel Davis, of Goulburn, who was down with me, and sent a few grains of it to’ Mr. Cooper, of Budjong, father to the Messrs. Cooper, Waterloo Warehouse.

Several per sons who have returned from Bathurst say that they were there for several days without seeing any gold, but we have it in every washing. It is found in minute particles as yet, but every person thinks that as soon as the parties can get down any distance the result will be highly satisfactory ; for my part, I really believe that the Shoalhaven River, with its mountains and gullies, are as rich in mineral as any part of the colony, plenty of the best firewood, and in the season plenty of the finest fish ; besides, the climate down there is much more warm than here, being about fifteen hundred feet below us.

Mining in the summer must pay at all events, for then the water will be low, and the miners can get at the bed of the river in several places, and still have plenty of water to wash at all times, which will give it a superiority over all the other gold fields.

(From another Correspondent.) July 15. -Gold has been discovered in the Shoalhaven River, near Bungonia. Myself and a party from this township would have started this week for the Bathurst side, but were resolved to give the Shoalhaven a trial before our departure.

Accordingly, a party went down on the 1st instant, amongst which was one of my boys and Mr. Wallis, who was a long time at Lake Bathurst, and had just returned from the Summerhill Creek.

The first panfull of earth taken off the surface was washed, and gold with emery remained at the bottom, the gold in small particles. On Monday week, they took a sample (about a quarter of an ounce) to Goulburn, had it tested by Mr. Dibdin, the chemist, who pro nounced it to be a first rate sample of pure gold.

I was at the river myself three days last week, and saw that every washing left lelt more or less in the pan, sometimes as many as thirty specks or particles, but most of them very minute ; I gave a sample to Mr. Samuel Davis, of Goulburn, who was down with me, and I sent a few grains to -, who was anxious to know whether the reports in circu lation were true.

It is now placed beyond a doubt that gold exists in the Shoalhaven River. It remains to be seen whether in large quantities ; everybody here thinks that as soon as the parties now at work can get down any distance, the result will be very satisfactory.

Seven persons who have been at the Bathurst mines say they were sometimes for days without seeing any gold, but we have it in every washing. Mr. Oakes is at the river to-day, and in all proba bility will bring his party to work there. Should we be fortunate enough to find it in large quantities I shall not fail to let you know.

22 July 1851

GOULBURN: DISCOVERY OF GOLD AND RUBIES AT THE DEADMAN’S CREEK.

(From the Goulburn Herald.) Mr. Davies, who has been superintending the party fitted out by Mr. Samuel Davis of the Australian Stores, for the purpose of searching for gold in the district of Goulburn, returned to town yesterday afternoon, with the happy tidings that he had found the precious metal in the Deadman’s Creek, a water-course which divides the Great Southern Road, about six miles east of Gunning, and flows by a circuitous route into the Fish River

The part of the creek at which the specimens Mr. Davies brought to town were found, is only a short distance above the crossing place ; but it has been stated to us, that every spot that was tried upwards, produced more or less of the metal.

The distance from Goulburn is twenty one-and-a-half miles, a pleasant ride through a remarkably level country. Besides gold, Mr. Davies brought in with him a number of rubies, which he found when emptying the cradle.

Some of these stones are of an uncom monly large size, and we dare say of consider able value. Amongst the specimens was a transparent colourless substance – a perfect prism, which has all the appearance of the adamantine spar, and which very likely it will prove to be.

Mr. Davis has stated to us that the creek in which these precious deposits were discovered has a very rapid descent, and although it is at the present moment too much swollen to allow of successful digging, a few days of fine weather will so reduce the quantity of water that a number of men can profitably employ them selves on it.

Some of the holes in the course are of considerable extent and depth, and re tain during the driest seasons a vast quantity of water. This will prove a great benefit to the diggers who will doubtless congregate on the creek in the summer time.

With respect to its capability of affording room to a number of diggers, we have the authority of a person who has visited both California and Ophir for stat ing that ten thousand individuals could readily find working space in this auriferous locality.

The account of the progress of Mr. Davies’ party from first to last is highly satisfactory and we are confident our readers will feel grateful to the originator of the expedition as well as to the director of it, for the valuable discoveries that through their instrumentality have been made so close to Goulburn.

23 July 1851

NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR. GOULBURN.

Another Gold Discovery.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. George Parfitt brought in 35 grains of gold, obtained by him, Mr. John Cartwright, and Mr. Adam Taylor, at the crossing-place of the Fish River, some distance from any place where it had previously been obtained.

The portion brought in was lodged in the hands of Mr. N. Mandelson, the treasurer of the Gold Discovery Committee.

Police. We are happy to be able to state that two additional troopers have been sent here from Sydney by Mr. Commissioner Spain, to reinforce our police ; he has also sent in structions to purchase four horses for the use of our constabulary.

Those just sent, and one called in from Braidwood, with the two at present here, are to proceed immediately to the Crookwell, and from thence to the Bur rowa and the country around Gunning, for the purpose either of securing or driving out the gang of bushrangers which infest these place»s.

APPREHENSION. – It will be remembered that one Heffernan was bailed up about two months ago, and robbed of a considerable sum | of money, and that one of the party, named Grant, was tried and convicted at the last Quarter Sessions.

Another of the party was lately apprehended, called Murphy, who, at the time of the robbery, was known by Heffer nan, and reported as such ; he is now identified as the man he meant when he reported the robbery.

About two weeks ago, a man named Cane, of Lake George, having been to Sydney to sell some fat cattle, was returning, when he was stopped at Bargo by Murphy, and robbed of £20. He is said also to be the man who lately fired at the constable at the Burrowa. Our Chief Constable has six charges against Murphy.

Bad State of the Southern Road. We have travelled on the Great Southern Road more or less for the last ten years, but never did we see it in such a bad condition ; in fact, every year it is becoming worse and worse.

The partial repairs made from time to time only serving till the first heavy rain, when these repairs are all swept away. Between Goulburn and Marulan there are several places where the mail sinks up to the axletree ; but the worst part of the road is that at Paddy’s River, and between the apology for a bridge there and the hanging rock at the foot of Cordeaux’s, it is also in a fearful state ; the bridge there, and those along the whole line of road between Goulburn and Razorback, are in a most dilapidated state, many of them fallen down, and every time a vehicle passes the loose saplings and pieces of fencing have to be regulated, to prevent the horses and the vehicles going down.

It is said that £80 has been voted by the Executive for the purpose of repairing about as many miles of the road; no doubt it will, as far as it goes, help to stop up a few of the ruts, but twice eighty could be spent on one hundred yards on each side of Paddy’s River to make anything like a job of it.

Repairs are being made at the Ploughed Ground (Grey’s). Unless they are proceeded with in places equally bad, Mr. Justice Dick inson’s carriage may be left in some of the sloughs of despond through which his way passes when coming to the ensuing assizes. In many places the road has been ploughed eighteen and twenty-four inches deep. The whole line of road is discreditable to the Government.

16 August 1851

GOULBURN.

Much has been said of the various discoveries of gold in this district, but the quantity hitherto obtained has been so very small that there was a danger of losing it while being inspected but we have now to record a sale of the precious metal obtained at the Abercrombie by Mr. W. Payne and two lads named Douglas.

The gold is very superior, Throe and a half ounces were pur chased from them by Messrs. Benjamin and Moses, of this town, this evening. They were about twelve days in procuring it.

Mr. Brown, son-in-law to Mr. Maurice, of Binda, has come in this evening, with about 7 ounces, also obtained at the Abercrombie, about foi ty miles from Goulburn, and in the police district thereof, It was procured, not from the bed bat from the banks of the river ; he has earned, with all the disadvantages he had to contend “with, more than 15s. per day.

He intends wait ing on the “Gold Reward Committee’!-to . morrow to claim the reward. Mr. Brown’s ‘ sample eonsihts of small nuggets, granular pieces, and dust.

Therojs a. distance of 35 . miles between wliereTayne~and~th~eT)öugläsesf and Mr. Brown found their respective portions. ; The latter says that he prospected 75 miles, and found gola in every direction.

Not only is it found in the Abercrombie, but also in all the tributary streams. Some portion of that now brought in was obtained 900 f-et | above this water mark !

The gold excitement ia incrcas’ng ; one of our townsmen, Mr. Daw ‘ son, has Ju&t; returned from Summerhill, where he and another mau have, in the space of eleven wettku from the time they left till their return, and each of them have earned £-50 over and above their expenses.

They have brought one fine nugget of 13J ounces ; it is a very surpris ing lump. Dawson’s hut is regularly besieged by visitors requesting a sight of his prize. Dr. Nicholson has arrived, und, in per ambulating the town, went into the stores of Mr. S. Duvicb and inspected the specimens of precioitB stones obtained by Mr. W. Davis at ‘ tho Dead Man’s Creek, and the Doctor’s opinion is that one of them is an amethyst.

2 September 1851

GOULBURN. More Gold Discoveries.

Intelligence of the precious metal being found about 20 miles from Braidwood has been received here. The mountain and the creek where it is found is called Arraluen which latter runs towards the coast, emptying itself into the Moruya, and this latter disem bogues itself into the sea at Broulee.

We be lieve Mr. J. Howdon was the first to discover the auriferous character of the country. The water in the -creek was very high and inter fering with the operations of the diggers.

We have been given to understand that notwith standing the impediment, they have been able to make it pay ; one man in an afternoon ob tained as much as he afterwards sold for 20s.

It is also said that gold has been discovered on the Mount Enington Estate, (about 12 miles from Braidwood), the property of Dr. Nichol son.

The intelligence from the Shoalhaven gullies is very interesting. Mr. Martyn told us yesterday that Mr. Wallis’ party of four were averaging an ounce per day. Mr. Leslie Duguid and a party had arrived from Sydney, and it was expected they would be induced to settle themselves down in the same localitv as Mr. Wallis.

2 September 1851

GOULBURN. More Gold Discoveries.

Intelligence of the precious metal being found about 20 miles from Braidwood has been received here. The mountain and the creek where it is found is called Arraluen which latter runs towards the coast, emptying itself into the Moruya, and this latter disem bogues itself into the sea at Broulee.

We be lieve Mr. J. Howdon was the first to discover the auriferous character of the country. The water in the -creek was very high and inter fering with the operations of the diggers.

We have been given to understand that notwith standing the impediment, they have been able to make it pay ; one man in an afternoon ob tained as much as he afterwards sold for 20s.

It is also said that gold has been discovered on the Mount Enington Estate, (about 12 miles from Braidwood), the property of Dr. Nichol son.

The intelligence from the Shoalhaven gullies is very interesting. Mr. Martyn told us yesterday that Mr. Wallis’ party of four were averaging an ounce per day. Mr. Leslie Duguid and a party had arrived from Sydney, and it was expected they would be induced to settle themselves down in the same localitv as Mr. Wallis.

21 October 1851

ABERCROMBIE: (also ARRALUEN: SHOALHAVEN.)

EVERY day is adding to our population, and amongst those who are arriving are many long practised in the art of gold digging and washing …

We may therefore hope that operations will be carried on more systematically than I heretofore, and that the groat drawback to I success, namely-acquaintance with the modus . opcraiuli of gold seeking, will no longer exist, i

During tho last eight days several parties from the Turon have visited us, and they all concur in the opinion which has already been ex pressed of the richness of these diggings. As I yet Tar^hish is the favoured spot, but for what | reason I know not, as the upper parts of the j river present more favourable indications of] mineral wealth.

At the confluence of the I main river with the Bolong,_somc parties have been working, and considering thoy are new hands, arc doing very well ; they never get less than half an ounce a day, and sometimes a great deal more.

An old Ophir hand rode past our camp the other day, having been further up the course of the river : he says h is satisfied that the diggings will be more pro_ fitable than any yet discovered, but does no1 anticipate that much good will bo done unt. a large body of men come to work on tlii ground, and that will not be the case until thee water fails at the Turon, which in all proba bility will be about Christmas.

He had with him two small nuggets, which he procured by picking up the earth close to a large body of rocks^ William Payne and party have been very successful, having got about seven ounces in eight days. Evana party have alao been making £1 a day each man ever since they have been here.

Mr. Macdonald, a publican, living in your town, has just arrived, and in the first two hours washed half an ounce ; at the next hole a party got in the samo time no less than two ounces. Mr. II. Wilson, alio from Goulburn, is hero with two hired men; he has only just set in to work, but in the hour or two he has been at it he got two small nuggets.

I wish I could i induce some more of yuur Goulburn people to 1 come up here ; there is now an immense field open for them, from which to choose eligible spots, and by ascertaining valuable localities they would be able to make a mint of money by selling claims when the crowds from the Turon arrive ; and come here they muBt, in the course of a few weeks.

Provisions are very moderate. Mr. Browne keeps an assort ment of all necessary articles, and retails them out at prices at which no gold digger can grumble. I will write you again by next opportunity.

ARRALTJEN. The miners here aro doing as well as ever. none making less than 10s. a day, and the major part upwards of 20s. On Monday last, a party of five procured ten ounces, and another party, consisting of a similar number* twelve ounces ; others are doing equally well.

Three gentlemen, residing in the vicinity of Braidwood, lately netted £3G worth in three days, but they could not stand the hard work, and therefore were obliged to abandon their diggings. There are about one thousand per sons here, and, considering the great excite ment of the scene, they behave with wonderful decorum.

Major Creek, October 15.-These diggings aro proving good. There are about 400 per sons hero at present, the number increasing fast.

Any who are willing to work can do well here. Some are gathering as much as from £4 to £5 worth a day. Many of the cradles arc too narrow, the gold being very fine dust washes out of them. A man named Kelly died here very suddenly on Thursday last, leaving a wife and three children to lament their loss.

A liberal subscription has been made for them. Gold has been found in another creek near this, and some aro doing very well there. Appleby and his party aro still successful, I know a party who, in two hours on Saturday last, got 6 ounces from two cradles of earth. Walker and Lemon, £5 worth in the same time.

On Monday, two little boys got two ounces in a short time ; there aro many others doing as well. Those who are not doing much are either too lazy to work or know not how. There aro about 100 diggers’ at Arraluen, between the upper and lower dig gings ; they are doing very well, and will do better as soon as the water lowers.

I expect you have heard of gold having been found in the township of Braidwood ; it was only a hoax played on the inhabitants by two well known gents, who contrived to put some of the Arraluen gold in the dishes when they were« washing the earth at the waterhole. It set the whole township mad for a while, till the trick was discovered. You might have seen old and young, tailors and shoemakers, march ing to the waterhole with tin dishes of earth, but the water soon cooled them. Mr. Com missioner Hardy arrived at the diggings to day with a party of police ; he will issuo licenses to the diggers.

THE SHOALHAVEN. All the parties working here have left for the Arraluen, with tho exception of Gale’s party, who are still digging and delving, but I cannot hear with what success. Although de serted, I cannot subscribe to the opinion that seems to be implied, that this is not a gold field. Time, however, will show.

On Tuesday last, J. R. nardy, Esq., Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Gold District, Mr, Assistant Commissioner M’Lean, and Captain M’Lean (Principal Superinten dent of Convicts), with a posse of mounted po lice, passed through Marulan en route from Sydney to Braidwood. Mr. M’Lean is to bo stationed at the Arraluen diggings, with a po lice sergeant and a body of troopers. Licenses will be issued on the 1st of next month.