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Life on the Diggins (Mainly Trials)
A. Miscellaneous;
Victoria Colonist 11 August 1851, 2/2-3:
CLUNES GOLD DIGGINGS.
To the great consternation of the diggers, Capt. Dana took yesterday a census of all persons on the field.... Some difficulty was experienced in this return, as the people supposed that it was done with the view of issuing licenses and imposing a toll. I can however state on an undoubted authority, that it is not the intention of the Government to adopt any such measure, at any rate for the present. Mr. Wright and Captain Dana have sent a joint report to head-quarters, in which they state that the diggers would not be able, under existing circumstances, to pay any tax; indeed the amount would be so trivial as scarcely to be worth collecting.
Geelong Advertiser 26 August 1851, 2/3: [from Geelong Advertiser correspondent A.C. at Buninyong]:
Geelong is going out of town—and coming to Buninyong, bricks and mortar are deserted for tarpaulins, comfort for inconvenience, ease for hardhip, ordinary travail for hard labour, and all is set at naught and succumbs to the desire for gold, gold that is to be rent from the bowels of the earth. Neither rain, or storm, overpowers the desire, the cry is still ‘they come, they come.’ First a party of stragglers trudge through the slough with untiring energy, some few still with ‘swag at back,’ others shouldering guns and forming the advance party, a sort of picquet to the baggage coming on, anon a solitary horseman rides through the township and asks ‘how far is the diggings’ and so all wend to the Caravansery at the foot of ‘Hiscock’s diggings’ and swell the gipsy looking encampment formed there; some sanguine, others desponding according to temperament, but all hastening to the same point, with the same desire and object in view. It is evening, the cradle rests, the dippers and the tin dishes are thrown aside for the night, the horses are turned adrift, and the busy workers have retired to their tents, the line of which may be seen and traced by blazing fires. Tea, beef, biscuit, and damper, all, or some of which forms the evening’s refection, are then partaken of, pipes follow, and a deep slumber ends the eventful day ...."
Argus 20 September 1851, 2/5:
THE BALLARAT DIGGINGS.
(From a Correspondent of the Geelong Advertiser.)
As there are many intending gold diggers it may be advisable to state the requisites imperatively demanded to prosecute such business successfully. First of all, they must be made of gutta percha, impervious to wet, and have the stomach of an ostrich to digest any aliment, or be content with none for an indefinite time; they must have an elastic constitution, adaptive to all circumstances, except comfortable ones—these may be left out of the category for the present. A gold digger must be a Jack of all-trades; he must be able to strip bark, fall [sic] a tree, and saw it, dig sods, make embankments, put up a hut, mend your clothes, draw firewood after chopping it, bake boil and roast, use a pick, and spade, delve, dig, and quarry, load, and unload, draw a sledge, and drive a barrow, cut paths, make roadways, puddle in mud, and splash ankle deep in water, with occasional slushings from head to foot, bear sleet and rain without flinching during the day, and sleep in damp blankets during the night, thankful that they are not entirely saturated—if ye can do all this, and have spirit enough to attempt it, and endurance enough to carry it on for three months, why there is gold and rheumatism in store for you. If you have a strong constitution, it will make you hardy, but many will be spoiled in the experiment. Such are the scenes, that I have witnessed, and endured, and call on others to prepare themselves for the like. Perhaps it would be advisable to get a coating of gutta percha, which was recommended by a philanthropist at home to the starving peasantry of Ireland, in the supposition that waterproofing the external skin would prevent perspiration, and thus preventing the exudation of the animal juices, would supersede the necessity of applying them which would cause a great saving of potatoes—a grand triumph of science during a famine.
The weather is dismally wet and cold. Yesterday closed with a heavy fall of sleet, accompanied with thunder and lightning. The roads [at the diggings] are as bad as though the Town Surveyor [of Geelong] had been effecting improvements here. Were he up at the diggings, I would show him a road that my brother commissioner and self made from our allotment to our water hole, (for we have secured a water privilege from "our hut,") which is as passable as Malop street [in Geelong], and not quite so mountainous as Moorabool-street [also in Geelong]. We commence operations on Friday, and intend to employ the interregnum in finishing our hut, and studying Isaac "Barrow’s" works, and Bogatzki’s Golden Treasury.
It is an axiom that "you must go abroad to get news of what is happening at home," which both Argus and Herald verify. The assault mentioned in the former paper, is incorrect, exaggerated, and mischievous, and the news from the gold field via Bacchus’ Marsh, in the latter, may be catalogued ditto. As to the assault the man was not a gold digger, nor connected with gold diggers, his eye is not cut, or injured in any way, nor has he been robbed of any gold at all. The whole fact is, the man was struck in the poll with a stone, by a small man, who ran away after the mischief was done, so much for that. Secondly.—On the mutton question, it is a gross libel to state that Mr Yuille’s sheep have been stolen. Gold diggers have not time to steal, and no inclination, even if they had time—and, finally, no sheep have been stolen—"Revenons a nos moutons, mon ami." Thirdly.—With regard to the "sad doings" in Buninyong. The statement is a mere chimera—Buninyong is happy and chirping, its peace only disturbed by the influx of "diggers" to weigh their gold, and procure requisite necessaries. Fourthly, and lastly—The speculations on the probable fate of the constable stationed at the diggings, in case of a row, is entirely gratuitous, inasmuch as there is no officer there at all.
Geelong Advertiser 14 October 1851, 2/2-3:
THE DIGGINGS.
We can now speak of the Diggings in the vicinity of Buninyong, from personal inspection; but after the day’s ride down do not feel inclined to be prolix.
The population of male adults is immense, and if there were the usual proportion of women and children, Ballarat would be as populous as the metropolis was when the census was taken. There are, we should say, about a thousand cradles at work, within a mile of the Golden Point, at Ballarat. There are about fifty near the Black Hill, about a mile and a half distant, and at the Brown Bill Diggings there are about three or four hundred more; to say nothing of hundreds on the ground not yet set at work. Allowing five for each cradle, the population within a radius of five miles must be a population of about seven thousand men.
The number of licenses taken out is comparatively small, except at Golden Point. No one thinks of taking out a license, unless his claim is very promising, and he is afraid of interlopers.
The yields of some claims continue to be great. The majority of those who are steadily at work are satisfied with their gains or their prospects, as the case may be. Great numbers go to work with too much eagerness, throwing aside stuff that would well pay for washing. They dig deeply in search of the rich vein, and when they get down fifteen or twenty feet without reaching it, get disgusted, and rush to another spot to enact the same piece of folly.
The conduct of the authorities is very bad—very arbitrary. The government is without system. There are no published regulations. The law of the Commissioner and his subordinates is neither more nor less than Lynch-law, and the miners are advised to resort to the same in their dealing with each other.
There have been, considering the mode of operations, few accidents as yet. One man was killed by the falling in of a bank he was undermining. Another was seriously injured by the falling of a tree. One death from apoplexy occurred. But in such a population so employed deaths must be frequent in future, and a graveyard will be required.
The miners have no confidence in the government escort, and as it is only a day’s journey to Geelong, they prefer carrying the gold themselves. In the New South Wales diggings the case is different, and therefore no correct comparison can be drawn between the reports of the quantities brought by escort.
arrivals from the diggings. Numerous parties arrived in town, from Ballarat yesterday, and the accounts given by persons, some of them of much respectability in the town, in some points are of a conflicting nature, but they all agree in saying that gold is only to be obtained after an immense quantity of labour of so laborious a kind that those unaccustomed to out-door work could not stand it for a period of time—that gold is plentiful enough in places, and that some are lucky, and others very unfortunate,—that those who labour hardest are not always sure to get the prizes, as some who are lucky rather than the hard worker fall in for the gold. We are sorry to add that the report circulated respecting accidents to three persons at the mines is correct—one poor man was killed, and another severely injured by the earth falling on them, another dropped dead, and one was nearly killed by a tree falling on him. We hope, in future, to hear of more caution being exercised by those who dig for gold near trees, to prevent accidents which may occur by their falling on neighbouring diggers.
Geelong Advertiser 11 November 1851, 2/5-7:
MR. TIMOTHY BROWN’S EXPEDITION
TO THE DIGGINGS.
BY GEO. WRIGHT.
OH , Ballarat! oh, Buninyong!
These household words of fair Geelong,
The mention of whose magic names
Have banish’d far more aches and pains,
Hush’d more complaints, and cur’d more ills,
Than all our doctors’ draughts and pills;
For nuggets make old hoary men
Feel themselves hale and young again:
Gout flies in terror from the joint,
At the bare thought of Golden Point.
Inspired afresh they start and stare,
Rush from the cushion’d easy chair;
Not that they care a straw for wealth,
But somehow they believe their health—
(The thing has lately been discover’d)—
Their health can never be recover’d,
Unless they go
A month or so
For change of scene and change of air;
And digging is a thing so rare,
Of every exercise the best,
For op’ning a contracted chest,
Giving the patient’s lungs more room to play,—
In short, it does one good in every way;
So off they go (these invalids) and toil,
Like frighten’d wombats grubbing in the soil.
But I’ve a tale, founded, of course, on facts,
Of "moving accidents" and sad mishaps,
Told in rough couplets of disjointed rhyme;
I would improve it, but I have not time;
The escorts’ list of treasure drives one crazy,
And the hot weather makes me awful lazy.
I wrote it at the diggings, as ’twas told,
And whence I brought rheumatics and a cold,
A dislocated knee, and empty purse,
A thankful heart that matters were no worse.
In Geelong town, that place of renown,
Lived a draper youth named Timothy Brown,
A spruce young buck, and rather tall,
Who won the smiles of the ladies all,
E’en starchy prudes would sometimes stare
At Tim’s white hands and curly hair;
And there was not a knight of the yard in town
But envied the charms of Timothy Brown;
But he heard the tale so often told
Of Ballarat and the sands of gold,
So leaving awhile the ladies’ loves,
Abandoning laces, tapes and gloves,
Threw down his scissors, threw down his stick,
Purchas’d a cradle, a spade and pick,
Rigg’d himself in a shirt of blue,
A leather belt, and pistols too,
And in gear of a digger about the town
Sported his figure did Timothy Brown.
Next slowly along the miry way
Started the team and loaded dray,
’Twas piled with cradles, kettles and pans,
Flour, tea, sugar, biscuit and hams,
Spades, bedding, tubs, crow-bars, and bundles of gear,
Too num’rous and varied for mentioning here.
Now Timothy and his party (four,)
March’d nimbly on to arrive before
At the golden hills, and on the way
Talk’d much of nuggets, quartz and clay,
Of ounces avoirdupois and troy,
And forward gazed with shouts of joy,
When o’er the forest calm and still
Loom’d Buninyong’s round wooded hill.
Hurrah! cried Tim, for Buninyong!
Let’s make straight for it, we can’t be wrong;
And they left the road, so eager were they
To reach the mines by the shortest way:
They travell’d the Bush twelve miles or more;
Poor Timothy limp’d, his feet were sore;
He split his boots to ease his pain,
And often wished he was home again.
He lagg’d behind, and the distance still
Increas’d between them at ev’ry hill;
Yet he rallied to keep his friends in sight,
But among some gullies he lost them quit.
He shouted and coo-ed, but all in vain,
Only laughing echoes replied again,
Evening drew on her dusky veil,
And darkness fell on hill and dale;
From pool to pool, from stone to stone,
Crept hapless Timothy all alone,
Scrambling through scrubs all dark and wild,
Through swamps and rocky ravines toil’d,
Mid shrieking night birds and croaking frogs,
A storm came on him among the bogs.
He heard around dry branches break,
And fearing to get a shattered pate,
Worn with toil and scared with fright
In a hollow burnt stump he passed the night.
Deep moan’d the wind among the trees,
Poor {J}im assailed by ants and fleas,
Curs’d gold with a curse (not loud but deep)
He feared to walk and he could not sleep,
And at dawn of day in a dreary fog
He crawled like a lizard out of the log.
Hungry and cold he travel’d away,
O’er ranges, through gullies, the live long day;
As evening came he reach’d again,
A beaten track upon the plain.
Some lights a-head, his heart grew light,
He hoped at the diggings to sleep that night;
But alas at the end of half an hour
{J}im found himself at O’Meara’s door,
Eleven short miles from Geelong town,
Oh! a dismal figure was Timothy Brown,
His boots and tights were a total wreck,
The rim of his hat hung round his neck.
O’Meara surveyed his form and phiz,
And said a heart more hard than his
Would be softened to pity and melted down,
To sympathy’s oil for poor Timothy Brown,
So the worthy Boniface said {c‘}ome in,
Tho’ minus gold t’would be a sin
To withold [sic] a bed or deny a feed,
To fellow creature in time of need.’
He spread his table with homely fare,
And by the fire side drew a chair,
With a rib of beef when left alone
Make awful havoc did Timothy Brown.
The sun had mounted well the skies,
Ere Tim from slumber open’d his eyes,
Debating the question in his brain,
Whether he’d best go home again,
But resolved once more to start away,
And try to overtake the dray.
But first he sat him down to think
And begging paper, pens and ink,
He scribbled many a tender line
On love and gold, and all in rhyme,
So pat, so quick, words jingling came,
Hearts followed darts—flame followed flame,
Loves and doves, and breeze and trees
Ne’er poet wrote with greater ease—
And then he told how Jones and Snooks,
And that low knave (his rival) Brooks,
Had started with him yesterday,
And in the bush had run away;
Then told how he, in forests wild,
The dreary hours of night beguiled,
By singing to the howling wind
The charms of her he left behind—
He told how and he was at starting
How deep his anguish at the parting,
"But oh! sweet Kate, when next we meet,
I’ll lay my nuggets at thy feet,
And win thy confidence and trust
With glittering gifts of yellow dust."
First rate, thought Tim, that’s nicely done,
I hardly think the rhyme’s my own
He read it thrice down line by line,
And liked it better every time—
This billet he addressed, when done,
(Hope-street, Ashby,) Kate M’l’hun.
So after breakfast he thanked the host,
And gave him the letter to send to post,
And promised moreover the bill to pay
When next he came along that way.
Said O’Meara, "Take no short cuts, d’ye, [sic] hear,
They rarely turn out half so near;
There lies the road, depend upon it;
You’re never safe unless you’re on it.
I’ve taken you in, for I have a doubt
Your mother scarcely knows you’re out.
Look well to your friends, or, perhaps, you may
Be taken in in a different way."
So once again on the way from town
Started our luckless Timothy Brown.
Footsore and sad he hobbled along
The rugged track to Buninyong,
And sturdy trampers askant [sic] did eye
And quiz poor Tim as they trudg’d by.
In Corduroy Creek he found the dray,
Bog’d to the axles, the bullocks astray,
By a burning log to sleep lay down,
Wet, cold and weary, poor Timothy Brown.
Next morning he swallow’d a pot of tea,
And a lump of damper and beef had he,
For the driver came, the team was found,
And the load once more reach’d solid ground.
But, alas! poor Tom got his ancle sprain’d,
And arrived at the Diggings so badly lam’d,
That his friends agreed to give him ease,
Tim should be cook as long as he’d please.
But the dray had not come, so begging they went
Among their friends, from tent to tent.
Three weary days thus passed away,
And on the fourth in came the dray;
The tent was rigged, the bunks were spread,
And Timothy’s maiden damper made,
But his mates at dinner time hungry came,
And each in turn the cook did blame.
Cried one—"This tea is bitter as gall,
The fool has boiled old leaves and all[.]"
Roared another—"To rags this mutton’s boiled;
This damper’s burnt, and the doughboy’s spoiled,"
In brief all matters to rehearse,
Affairs each day grew worse and worse,
Tim had some desperate efforts made,
At wheeling a barrow, and using a spade:
Now plying the pick, now rocking the fradle,
Stirring the puddling, or working the ladle,
But above or below, at work or at play,
Tim found himself always in somebody’s way;
He rue’d [sic] leaving Geelong, and mused how to act,
Most safely and quickly to take himself back,
For fourteen feet below the ground,
Our jolly diggers, no gold had found,
Tim voted the gold fields a perfect hoax,
And tried in vain his friends to coax,
To pay him back a half his share
Of cash advanc’d, to bring them there;
But they would not agree, we would have been glad
Said they, but the hole has turn’d out bad;
So if you don’t like it, of course you may,
Cut the concern, and go your way.
But we shall tarry and try it on,
At least till all the rations are gone.
Well, it don’t suit me, said Tim, I’m sure,
That curs’d crow-bar makes my hands too sore,
And miserably soak’d, all day I’ve stood;
Rocking the fradle, knee deep in mud,
Now mucking at cooking, and slushing all day;
Now delving thro’ dirty rocks and clay;
Besides, I’ve an impression strong—
On principle the thing is wrong.
I’ll do no more such work as that,
For all the gold in Ballarat.
If I can borrow, one pound five,
To-morrow, sure as I’m alive,
I’ll cut my stick, for sweet Geelong,
And on this dirty Buninyong,
It’s [sic] black grim tiers and swampy plain
I trust no more to look again.
Gold digging—bah! Its [sic] all my eye,
And that you’ll say lads, by and bye.
What have we for our fortnight’s toil?
We’ve turn’d up tons on tons of soil,
Gone down thro’ gravel, clay and quartz,
And rocks and earth of other sorts,
And the reward of all our pains,
Is in that pill-box, just five grains,
They own’d Tim’s statement was too true,
The nuggets were but small and few;
But added, since we’ve rations here,
We’ll try again, and persevere;
But as you do not like the job,
We’ll lend you five-and-twenty bob,
Which paid at Jamieson’s will cover,
A passage down, in the Red Rover,
Bravo, says Tim that’s very fair,
Once in Geelong adieu to care;
And when it rains and blows my hearties
I’ll think of your poor digging parties,
Who, shivering under wretched roof
Of canvas semi waterproof,
Are braving tempest cold and wet,
In hopes of gold you’ll never get.
While I at Bray’s or Towle’s or Turpin’s,
Shall have a billet snug I’m certain.
Hear as I fasten up the shutters,
The water rushing thro’ the gutters,
Then tea and toast in parlour warm,
I’ll taste, and never heed the storm,
You’re welcome to your golden joys,
Your Duffs, and Jonny cakes, and Dough Boys,
Your vile Lob Scouse, and milkless teas,
Your endless bacon fry and cheese.
Your dreary nights and weary days,
Your barb’rous semi-savage ways;
Farewell to all your toil and strife,
And welcome quiet cleanly life.
Now, Tim his homeward trip begun,
Just two full hours before the sun,
Had night’s dark drap’ry upward roll’d
And tip’d the hills with radiant gold.
Once more upon the road to town,
Oh! A happier man was Timothy Brown.
But gloomy vagrant thoughts would run,
Toward the cot of Kate McPhun,
Fears his reception might be cold—
Without his promised gifts of gold!
But now arrived again in town
He sought employment up and down,
In vain, and on the second day,
Tim o’er the gully, took his way,
Sweet Katy’s constancy to prove,
And soothe his worrows with her looks of love,
But strange to say tho’ he at Katy’s door
Knocked till he made his knuckles really sore;
Yet no one answer’d tho’ he knew he’d seen
Kate at the door as he came o’er the green.
The postman as he sadly strolled along
Gave him a letter just from Buninyong;
T’was [sic] from Bill Jones commencing thus, Dear Tim,
I’m glad to say the hole that we were in—
When you left here, has just turn’d out first-rate;
As you’ll admit, when here the fact I state;
That speaking within reasonable bounds,
We dug out the next day about twelve pounds,
Or ounces just one hundred forty-four—
And in the hole there’s heaven knows how much more.
Postscript, by Jingo, Tim, I fear your done;
Ned Brooks, is gone to capture Kate McPhun,
I know she loves you, but it may be told,
Your charms, are not so strong as Brook’s [sic] Gold.
Tim thrust his hands into his pockets deep;
And sought a lonely spot to walk and weep,
He rued he’d been to Ballarat at all,
But, that he’d left so soon, was worst of all.
... ... ... ... ...
Oh, ye gold hunter’s [sic] who may see or hear,
Poor Tim’s sad tale as ’tis .......ied here,
Leave not a half dug hole least you refret it,
Nor promise any dust until you get it.
This Tim resolves, and you’ll agree the plan
Proves him a wiser if a sadder man.
Geelong Advertiser 1 December 1851, 2/5-6:
FOREST CREEK DIGGINGS, MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(From the Correspondent of the "Argus.")
November 27th.
There have two children died on the Creek since my last, from dysentery, and boards are so scarce that boxes are bought to make coffins of.
Geelong Advertiser 5 December 1851, 2/2:
BALLARAT DIGGINGS.— A serious outrage occurred on Saturday last at Ballarat. A tent occupied by Mr Patterson of Geelong was entered about eleven o,clock at night by three men, whose faces were disguised by being blackened from the chin upwards to the nostrils. The inmates of the hut were in bed at the time the robbers entered. Patterson was seized by the throat by one of the gang who presented a pistol at him, whilst another searched him. Patterson had sixteen ounces concealed inside his Guernsey, which during the scuffle that ensued he seized a favorable opportunity to slip from him, into a cask containing sugar and some other articles. The thieves decamped taking with them one ounce of gold, a five pound note, an order for one pound, and a brace of pistols. One of the scoundrels finding that he was baulked of his prey, threw a large stone at Patterson as he was sitting on the side of his bed, which he narrowly evaded by stooping down.— Another outrage attended with serious consequences occurred since. Three men who had been boasting of their gains, were waylaid near the swamp, and maltreated to such a degree, that the life of one of them is despaired of, and the other lies grievously wounded.
Geelong Advertiser 18 February 1852, 2/3-4: [from the Geelong Advertiser correspondent, A.C.]:
FRIAR’S CREEK.
Two meetings have been held in the Golden Gully to devise the best means for protecting the holes at night, which has resulted in the appointment of night watchmen armed, who are drafted from the respective parties in the locality for that service. The diggers are now convinced that to themselves they must look for protection, and without such precaution as above stated, there is no safety for property at all against the hordes of thieves infesting the diggings, who have and still do set law, order, and decency at defiance. For the protection of the honest man there is not the shadow of authority; he is driven back to first principles, and is obliged to repel brute attack by brute force. Society ere long will be resolved into its primitive elements, and thieves and honest men be warring like hostile tribes. Men are becoming accustomed to acts of violence, that but a few months ago they would have shuddered to contemplate. Pistols and guns are now familiar weapons, handled with the greatest nonchalance, charged and placed conveniently for use within arm’s reach of the sleeping man to be used as emergency may require, and as many guns are discharged preparatory to reloading every nightfall, as would provide arms for a small army. Use is everything, and hence a pistol is as common as an extinguisher was wont to be, and like an extinguisher is the last thing handled before turning in. Not a night passes without disturbance and robberies. Grog shops vomit out their besotted occupants brimful of blasphemies and obscenity, the staggering drunkard is watched, waylaid, robbed and maltreated; the proceeds ill-gotten are ill-spent, gambling precedes thieving, tossing up coppers for pound notes leads to fighting, and that to robbing again, and so the round of vice circles continually. Thieves are linked together in strong concert for evil; honest men are disunited and become their prey[;] and the government stands by listless as a disinterested spectator, having no community of feeling with either party and reckless whether vice or virtue gained the predominancy. True, when urged by some extraordinary outrage, if any outrage can be extraordinary where the whole gamut of crime has been run down, the government officers will burn down a tent and destroy the spirits, but a remedy to the present state of affairs must not be sought in a bonfire or the destruction of a gallon or two of rum[:] the disease is too dangerous, and deeply rooted to be eradicated by sacking a tent or firing a case of gin.
The government has deserted its people. It may be asked in excuse for its lethargy what can it do in the present juncture of affairs? Can you point out any remedy, any mode of action that it can follow,—if not, why grumble? To these queries it may be replied with justice, that a government which cannot provide for an emergency, but is only equal to the common jog-trot pace of every day circumstances, is a government only in name, and fails in the very essential requisite of its constitution, wanting which it is worthless—a mere mumbo jumbo of shreds and patches, and no more. What avail excuses when life and property is unsafe? The doctrine of I can’t help it, never saved an individual, nor will it serve a government. "Laisser aller" is the motto of a sluggard; a regime of this kind might suit a nation of Sloths; but where enterprise is rife and crime culminating, the reins of government may be snatched from a sleepy "Rip Van Winkle" of a driver, and assumed by some one more capable of managing the restive teams. If the government sleep much longer—but that cannot be except the gold has mesmerised them, and if I mistake not Dr Elliotson believes it to possess that power, and if so there will be a second edition of the "Seven Sleepers of Christendom," and there is "no help in them."
On Thursday, another seizure of spirits was made on Friar’s Creek, four men were taken and handcuffed, two were afterwards released, one was detained on a previous charge of rescuing a prisoner, and the fourth man seeing the police busily occupied, very coolly walked away towards some tents at the base of a high range, up which he started with the handcuffs still upon him, and made his escape without being observed by the vigilant officers. The same evening a party of police paid a visit to another tent suspected of being a sly-grog selling establishment, which was searched, but nothing was found to implicate the parties residing there. A crowd had collected, the police were jeered at for their ill success; one of the police asked for some water, which the occupant of the tent refused to give him, some wrangling ensued, the crowd increased, and amongst others was a young man named George Stratford.
Argus 16 March 1852, 2/3: [EDITORIAL: on the purported prevalence of lynch law at the diggings]:
THE DIGGINGS.
For the last few weeks there have been endless discussions, reports, and counter-reports, as to the real state of affairs at Mount Alexander. Rumours of the most frightful outrages have been met by statements that there is less crime at the gold fields than there is in the towns. One day furnishes a report of the diggers having been at last irritated by the want of legal protection, into acts of Lynch-law, such as have never yet disgraced a British Colony. The next day supplies a contradiction from some source or other, by which the offence against the law is proved to have been impossible.
It is useless to enlarge upon the importance of gaining really accurate impressions as to what the social condition of the diggings actually is. That it is very different to what it ought to be, or to what, under proper management, it would be, there can, alas, be no doubt whatever. So well informed are we kept by constant contact with such as have just returned, that we feel convinced that our estimate of the tendency to lawlessness and outrage has not been far from a correct one. It is far from our wish to make things worse than they really are. We are quite aware of the injury which the acquisition of a bad name would inflict upon any country, and we yield to no one in the sincere wish to avert that or any other evil from the "model colony." But we do not consider ourselves justified in concealing the truth. We will be no parties to covering down the smouldering fire, and saying, all is safe! It shall not be through our agency that they can say elsewhere, that things are so bad in Victoria that they dare not publish them in the newspapers. To know an evil is one step towards curing it; and whatever ills, misfortune, or bad Government bring upon us, will best be met and rectified by looking them full in the face, by taking the bull boldly by the horns, than by shrinking from their contemplation, and attempting to deny their existence.
Thanks to the mismanagement, the vacillation, the niggardliness, the down-right imbecillity of the Executive, the diggings have long been, and now are, in a very critical state. Thanks to that Executive, Lynch Law has been introduced; hitherto indeed we would hope, and as far as we know, in some of its milder forms, but still Lynch law in all its hasty anger, in all its wild ferocity. The reports of lives having actually been taken by hanging and drowning, we believe to have been exaggerated; but short of the destruction of human life, we have it from eye-witnesses of the first respectability, that in the endeavour of the diggers to check outrage amongst them, the ordinary forms of law have been set aside.
How far, how often, to what extent, will never be thoroughly known. Amidst a varied population, scattered over a vast extent of country, without coroner, with few and inefficient police, much crime may be perpetrated which never sees the light of day. A pick, a spade, a night walk of a mile into the bush, and the only evidence of a deed of blood may be hid for ever! whilst the occupant of the very next tent may snore out the night contentedly, and point to the crimes of Melbourne and Geelong with perfect horror.
To do something to clear up the doubts that exist upon the subject, and to afford to this public, and any other public that may feel any interest in the real condition of the richest gold mine in the world, we have despatched a gentleman to Mount Alexander as a special commissioner for this journal, with instructions to make a complete tour of the various places where the search for gold is carried on; to inform himself accurately of everything of interest at each; and to furnish full and authentic reports of what he sees and hears. Our emissary is a gentleman long known to us, and as a man of intelligence and integrity, we can pledge ourselves to the truthfulness of his statements.
Argus 30 April 1852, 2/4:
GEELONG.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT .)
Wednesday, 28th April.
I have heard to-day that the body of one of the unfortunate Chinamen who lately arrived here in the Amazon, and who, along with several others was started up the country about a fortnight since, has been found on the plains not far from the Wardy Yallock. The poor fellow is supposed to have died from exhaustion, but it shows a most scandalous want of feeling on the part of whoever was in charge of the party to allow the dead body to be devoured by birds of prey or dogs. These unfortunate creatures [i.e. the Chinese], after being enticed to leave their native country, should not be treated here by men who make a boast of their own civilization, as though they were not better than dogs. These poor ignorant people have not by any means the same power of defending themselves from bad treatment that our own country men have, and the man would be a monster who would impose upon them, or neglect to supply their natural wants. I hope, therefore, that the neglected case referred to may be found to have been exaggerated, or if correct, that the man in whose charge the party were, may meet with the disgrace and punishment he deserves.
Geelong Advertiser 10 September 1852, 2/1-2: [from the Geelong Advertiser correspondent, A.C.]:
EUREKA. In the main[,] society is as good here, as could be anticipated from a promiscuous assemblage from everywhere. Crime is not frequent but occasional—"fossicking" is more prevalent than agreeable, and attended sometimes with unpleasant results, and if persevered in, may end one of these days fatally to the nocturnal despoilers of honest men’s property. A curious incident occurred on Friday night[:] two men happened on a rich hole, and resolved to "tiger it"—so they set-to with the intent of working all night. About half-past twelve o’clock, one of them was working at the windlass, and had just unhooked the bucket, from the rope, and was turning round to empty it, when he found a double-barrelled fowling piece presented at his head.
"Good God!" said the digger.
"If you open your mouth again, I’ll riddle you," politely intimated the ‘fossicker.’
"Don’t!" said the digger.
"Get into the bucket," said the ‘fossicker,’ quietly, "we don’t want your hole—come, in yere go, and I’ll lower you down to your mate."
"Well! but, how shall I get up again," naturally enquired the digger, as he found himself gently disappearing into the bowels of the earth.
"All right!" said the ‘fossicker[.]’ "I’ll haul ye up, when we’ve done."
And down went the digger bump to the bottom, and in about an hour, true to his word, the "fossicker" returned, and wound up the poor bewildered digger to the upper world, and then left him, with a caution not to open his mouth too wide until breakfast time.
An affair of a more serious nature occurred last night. A store on the diggings belonging to Mr. Scott, was rushed at a late hour, by armed men. A scene of great confusion ensued during which a pistol loaded with ball was fired, the discharge from which grazed the face of one of the inmates of the store. The alarm frightened the depredators, who made off into the darkness, frustrated in their object.
A rumour which I have not heard verified was current this week, that a German had been found in the ranges, with his throat cut[;] so many strange stories are told of Germans everywhere, that the very mention of them is enough to throw discredit on any statement. The story had reached the Commissioner; but true, or false, it remains as it began, a story spoken of, but not believed.
The eraly [early] part of the week was very stormy and cold; fine weather has followed, and by present appearances likely to last awhile, if so, water will soon be very scarce in the ranges, and "stuff" must be carried to the Leigh; drays and carts will then be in requisition, and if numbers pour in, as certainly they will, there will be a scene at Eureka, that will require another communication to do justice to.
A.C.
N.B.—Paul Gooch’s Store was entered on Friday night. The depredators stole 42 ozs. of gold, several sides of pork, and took away other property to the amount of two hundred and fifty pounds.
Geelong Advertiser 14 September 1852, 2/1-2:
EUREKA DIGGINGS. The active chief constable, Mr. Smith accompanied by serjeant Simpson, and five mounted troopers scoured the diggings on Monday last, and succeeded in apprehending two men, who are believed to be the parties who made the murderous attack on Scott’s store, to which I referred in my last letter. A more diabolical outrage was never perpetrated. The men went into the store under the pretence of looking at some boots, when one of them drew a pistol, and deliberately fired it at young Scott, grazing his cheek whilst the other rushed the elder Mr. Scott, passed the counter, and but for the noise would have effected their object.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY , That I, J. S[cott], on Saturday evening, September 4, 1852, whilst serving at the counter, three men came into the shop, and asked to look at some boots; whilst showing the boots, one of the men pulled out a pistol, and fired it at my head; they all jumped over the counter at the same time, and on the scuffle knocked me down, I got up and found one of the men engaged with my father, and I took a pistol from him, and they got away from me.
(Signed) J.S.
Geelong Advertiser 14 September 1852, 2/2:
THIS IS TO CERTIFY , that I P.S., on Friday evening, September 3, 1852, whilst working at my hole, four men came up to me at the hole, and went into the next hole to me, when I informed my mate that there were men going into the next hole, and I told him that I would go and inform the party that belonged to the hole. When I attempted to go I was stopped by a man with a gun, and was told that if I moved, or stepped one foot he would blow my brains out; and forced me back to the hole, and pulled up the rope so that I could not get up until they had removed the stuff that they had stolen out of the hole.
(Signed) P.S.
Geelong Advertiser 14 September 1852, 2/2:
Appended is a price current, furnished by the chief store-keeper on the ground.
Flour. ..................... £7 and £8 per bag
Sugar,........................ 9d per lb
" ............................... 8d by the bag
Tea, .......................... 2s 6d and 3s per lb
Tobacco, .................. 8s per lb
Salt, .......................... 6d; fine, 1s
Blue shirts, ............... 8s each
Bacon,....................... 2s 6d per lb
Ham, ......................... 3s
Manila rope, ............. 2s 6d per lb
Shovels and spades ... 10s 6d to 12s 6d
Cheese, ...................... 2s 6d per lb
Geelong Advertiser 14 September 1852, 2/2:
EUREKA DIGGINGS. A melancholy occurrence took place on Thursday last, a poor little child, about three years of age wandered from its parent’s tent, and was missing for some hours, when it was discovered in a well-hole, dead. The shrieks of the mother at the loss of her offspring were appalling.
Geelong Advertiser 24 September 1852, 2/1-2:
EUREKA.
(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)
A cold blooded murder was committed sometime during last night (Sunday.) A man was found in his bed, shot through the head. Some parties with whom the deceased had a serious quarrel the preceding day are suspected of the crime. It is reported that the man kept a sly grog shop, if so, drink was probably the origin of the quarrel. When taken to excess, it then "prompts deeds, eternity cannot annul." What a farce it is for us to pay for police protection, when the few allotted to us live some miles from the populous diggings, and cannot therefore be at once sent after any murderer or robber.
I am told by a highly respectable party just come up, that a large gang of the most notorious characters are on the way hither. They are principally men, who figured strongly a few months ago on Murderer’s Flat, Friar’s Creek. An increase of crime and lawlessness may now be anticipated, unless the authorities at once take vigorous measures to prevent it.
Provisions continue plentiful at same rates as last stated. Digging utensils are very scarce.
Geelong Advertiser 24 September 1852, 2/2:
DIED.
At Mount Alexander, on the 16th instant, of Dysentery, CHARLES WILLIAMS ,
formerly of Hardwick-street, in the City of Dublin, Wine Merchant.
Geelong Advertiser 2 October 1852, 2/2: [from the Geelong Advertiser correspondent at the Eureka diggings, A.C.]:
A decision was given by Mr. Commissioner Cockburn, on Saturday, in a case of undermining, which has met with general approbation, and is likely to put a check to a most unjust practice very prevalent on the diggings, and very serious in effect where the sinking is deep. In the case referred to a man had gone down and undermined to a great extent by running a shaft, and then working off from it at right angles beyond his boundary. Another man contiguous had sunk some thirty feet, and was just on the point of bottoming it, when the bottom fell out, and he found what he had looked forward to as the reward of his labor had been clandestinely removed. He went to the Commissioner, who, after investigating the affair, fined the underminer ten pounds, and after ordering him to leave a stack of earth excavated, further forbid the guilty party going down into his hole again.
Geelong Advertiser 2 October 1852, 2/2:
SUPREME COURT.
Thursday, September 30, 1852.
BEFORE THE FULL COURT SITTING IN BANCO.
In the case of "Cummings v. Branton," who were partners in digging for gold at Bendigo, it appeared that on the 21st of June Cummings{,} left for Geelong with the horse, dray, and 21 ounces of gold, to buy provisions. The party waited the prescribed time for him and during it obtained some four pounds weight of gold. After remaining seven weeks, from Cummings’ departure, at the diggings, the party broke up, having obtained nine pounds of gold, and returned to town; this gold was disposed of to the benefit of the respondent (Branton) who refused to share any of it with the complainant. The latter accordingly obtained a conditional rule calling on the respondent to show cause why an account, &c., should not be had.
The Chief Justice delivered the judgment of the Court, to the effect that the conditional rule obtained be discharged with costs.
The force of this judgment is, that Branton is free from any claim of Cummings on the gold obtained by him from the time of Cummings[’] departure for Geelong.
Argus 2 October 1852, 4/1-2:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
Forest Creek, 27th. September, 1852.
The long-noted gang of night-fossickers, at Fryers’ Creek, have removed their quarters to Moonlight Flat, and scarcely had their tent pitched on Friday night last before they commenced operations on some of the good holes. On Saturday last two lads, working in Moonlight Flat, missed their washing stuff from the hole, and upon enquiry were informed that some parties were seen to carry it away on the previous night, and deposit it in a tent of night fossickers. The tent being pointed out to them, they informed the police, and upon a search being made, it was discovered in one corner covered over with blankets. The police immediately took one man in charge, who said he was cook to the party, and knew nothing of the affair. The other inmates of the tent, seven in number, escaped. Subsequently to the capture of this man, on Saturday night, the two lads, who sustained the loss, and were the cause of the apprehension of this man, were threatened by his accomplices that they would shoot them. The diggers in the neighbourhood are becoming alarmed for the safety of their property and lives, and knowing it is utterly useless to trust to the protection of the very inefficient police we have here, I hear are about calling a public meeting this day, to take steps towards forming protection societies. However alarming this step may appear, I do not see any other course they can pursue. They cannot trust to the police, who occasionally pass their way searching for unlicensed diggers or sly grog shops, once or twice a week. They [the diggers] are openly told by these rascals [the stuff stealers] that they will shoot them; and they are not safe in the possession of their claims. They must do something for themselves, and they are at length determined so to do. It might be said, why do they not catch the robbers and hand them over to the police. Are they to risk their lives first, in endeavouring to capture these vagabonds? And secondly, in keeping them till opportunities offer for handing-them over to the police, who are few in number and reside a distance of some miles off; and in the meantime run the risk of being beset by the accomplices of these vagabonds, who are, by the way, some thirty or forty in number? Taking into consideration the insecure state of life and property both here and on the roads, it is no wonder the diggers turn their attention to protecting themselves.
The mail has not arrived, I believe in consequence of heavy rains on the roads on Thursday and Friday last. The weather again changed here on Saturday last, and we had a heavy fall of rain for a few hours, again clearing up on Saturday night, continuing fine up to this date.
A young lad, working in a deep hole, by some means fell from the top and broke his leg on Saturday last.
There is a report of a man being found murdered in his tent at White Horse Gully, Bendigo, having his throat cut. Not having heard particulars I cannot state it as a fact.
Geelong Advertiser 8 October 1852, Supplement 1/1:
EUREKA.
(Per favour of the Geelong Advertiser.)
SIR , Within the last fortnight great numbers have flocked to these diggings from all quarters, especially from Geelong and Bendigo, which no doubt will result in some new diggings being discovered, as at present a few are doing remarkably well, whilst the majority are blanks. At one time forty feet was considered too deep by parties sinking—but now seventy feet is not too deep.
Another matter of far deeper importance, and to which I would call the especial attention of the Ministers of the Gospel of all denominations, is, that week after week passes over our heads without our having the privilege of hearing "The glad tidings of salvation." Whether this sad deficiency is generally known to the ministers in Geelong and Melbourne, I cannot presume to say; but certain it is that a Christian man has always claimed a large and attentive audience, and I believe always will, should we ever live to see the day when the ministers will again see it their duty as well as their privilege to provide a spiritual teacher, or teachers, for the digging population.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
W.M.H.
Geelong Advertiser 8 October 1852, Supplement, 1/2:
A simple act of justice was done by the Commissioner, on Wednesday last; a covetous digger had driven on a neighbour’s ground, and took out valuable stuff therefrom; the Commissioner was called upon to prevent his further encroachment, and not only did so, but fined him £10, and ordered him to return the stuff to the owner of it. Parties are said to be getting considerable quantities of gold by washing the tailings of the cradles of other people; as much as six ounces per day have been got. This easy way of doing business is either practised by parties too lazy to work, or discouraged from sinking further holes by previous want of success. The greater number of cradles lose a little gold, and consequently they are not so much in use now as formerly. As quick a process, and more sure, is by puddling the stuff to reduce it to about two dishfuls, and then wash it from the tub into the dish.
The gang of marauders alluded to in a former letter, have already commenced their depredations. Last night two men went to a tent, one cut open the back of the tent and seized one of the inmates by the hair of the head, and tried to cover his mouth while the other went in by the front and attempted to rob him. The man, however, managed to cry out, which aroused some of the neighbours, and frightened the robbers away; although every exertion was made in search of them, no one could be seen. The man who was seized, had on his person about seventy pounds weight, it must therefore have been some one living near the tent, who were aware of the fact of the man having such a quantity of gold in his possession.
Geelong Advertiser 29 October 1852, 2/3:
ROBBERY.
A party of miners belonging to Geelong, of the names of Webber, Roberts, and Durant, realized at the Little Bendigo between Ballarat and Creswick’s Creek, 30 lbs. weight in gold and £240 in cash. Of this property Webber became the treasurer, and decamped last Monday, taking with him the whole proceeds. His victims followed him into town, but arrived a day too late to do any good, as the bird had flown.
Argus 15 December 1852, 4/6:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 13th December, 1852.
A most shameful case of being worried by dogs occurred here on Saturday night. A digger was going to a store on that night, with the intention of buying some potatoes, when he was attacked by two dogs (mastiffs) and literally torn to pieces, being bitten in a most shameful manner. The dogs got the poor fellow on the ground, and in a helpless state to defend the attacks of both of them. He succeeded in cramming one fist down the throat of one of the dogs, which partially defeated his attacks, but at the sacrifice of his hand. When assistance arrived, he was found in a pitiable condition, and perfectly helpless. He is now lying in a precarious state. Several of the stores and tents on these diggings have dogs which are very dangerous to be allowed at large. Not many days ago, I apprehended serious consequences from the attacks of a dog, not a hundred miles from this office.
Argus 28 January 1853, 4/5:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
Forest Creek, 24th January, 1853.
Two villainous looking scoundrels in handcuffs, and in charge of the police, passed down the Creek yesterday. I have not as yet heard the nature of their offence.
Another detachment of the 40th Regiment passed the Argus office this forenoon: their uniforms and accoutrements shone brightly in the sun, and presented quite a gay and novel appearance in this part of the world.
As Mr. Thomas went to his claim early this morning he discovered that the night fossickers had been playing their usual pranks by taking away a quantity of stuff. After taking the stuff, the rascals "made tracks" as the Yankees have it. Fortunately for Thomas they also left tracks, which being followed, by the assistance of the police, led to their apprehension. They had taken three pounds-weight of gold, which was returned to the owner, Thomas.
DANIEL BUNCE .
Argus 28 January 1853, 4/5:
SCRAPS FROM THE OVENS.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Spring Creek, Jan. 25, 1853.
A matter most particularly affecting the interests of the diggers is now exciting considerable attention on the Ovens gold fields. Several of the neighbouring squatters have taken it upon themselves to say that diggers shall not be allowed to turn out their horses to graze in the neighbourhood of the diggings, without paying them certain fees for so doing. Now it has always, since diggings commenced in the Colony, been tacitly understood that diggers paying for licenses were permitted to turn out their horses to graze, without craving the permission of the so-called "lords of the soil," and that in the vicinity of the diggings the Impounding Act was virtually suspended. In this neighbourhood, however, certain squatting gentlemen have thought fit to collect the horses grazing in the bush, and to drive them away in mobs to their home-stations, when they herd them out during the day, and place them in paddocks at night—refusing to give them up to their owners till certain fees more or less exorbitant are paid to them. Some parties in ignorance of the law in this case made and provided, have been induced to pay these fees, but others have consulted the Impounding Act, which clearly declares it illegal to detain stray cattle in a private paddock beyond three days. I am acquainted with a case myself in which the owner of a horse last week demanded his horse from the paddock of a neighbouring squatter (who is also a territorial magistrate). The stockman in charge refused, in his master’s absence, to allow the horse to be removed: the owner of the horse is, however, determined to have his horse given up to him without paying the charges demanded, and will, if another application is not attended to, bring the matter before the Police Bench. It is also proposed among the diggers to petition the Lieutenant-Governor to enquire into the proceedings of the squatters in this neighbourhood, and either to suspend the Impounding Act within certain limits, or to set apart a reserve for the diggings, as promised in a late official communication to the diggers at Mount Alexander.
Argus 7 February 1853, 5/1-2:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 3rd Feb. 1853.
The principle items of news this week consist of bloodshed and robberies. On Sunday night last, Sergeant Whiteley, of the Sawpit Gully police, proceeded to Kyneton to apprehend a man named James Stewart, late clerk to Mr. Walter Smith, auctioneer, on a charge of embezzlement; and on his return, when near the Back Creek, he was pounced upon by two armed men from behind two trees, who, after using him very violently, robbed him of a few pounds in money, a revolver, a Government pistol, and his horse, leaving him on the road nearly dead. On the intelligence reaching the Sawpit Gully police-station, a party set out to bring him home; and he now lies in a deplorable situation. This case is the more provoking, from the fact of Sergeant Whiteley having received some rough handling some weeks ago. The horse has since been recovered. The robbers are known to the police, and will doubtless ere long be in custody.
On Monday last a man was shot by his mate. The circumstances are these:—It appears that three men, James Smart, John Carter, and another, were mates digging together, and residing in a tent on Montgomery Hill, Forest Creek; and on that day, Smart and Carter being in the tent about eleven o’clock, a quarrel ensued, and Carter fired a shot out of a double-barrelled gun at the former, after which he walked out of the tent, leaving his victim for dead. The contents of the gun took effect in Smart’s right cheek, and passed out at the left, shattering the jaws, and in fact the whole of his face, tearing the mouth for about an inch and a half on each side. The distance Carter stood from Smart at the time he fired the shot could not have been more than a yard or a yard and a half. Nothing more was heard of the unfortunate victim until six o’clock that afternoon, when a man named Keith met Carter, and some conversation ensued in which Carter detailed his account of the affair. Keith, on hearing what Carter said, immediately repaired to the tent of Smart, and there he found him lying on the ground, weltering in his blood. Keith then ran over to Dr. Weston’s residence, and requested his attendance on Smart, which he (Dr. W.) complied with. On his way to the tent, Dr. Weston met Mr. Shadforth, the Police Magistrate, whom he{,} informed of the circumstance, at the same time requesting him to take a look at the unfortunate man in order to take his evidence in case it should be necessary. When these gentlemen reached the tent, an unparalleled sight met their view. Smart was lying on the floor insensible, with his face shattered to pieces, and the wounds covered with maggots from the blow-flies. Smart had been in this position from eleven o’clock, a.m., to six o’clock p.m. Carter, in the meantime, was enjoying himself with liquor. When taken into custody, he stated that Smart having robbed him, he shot him. On being questioned by Mr. Shadforth, Smart stated that he gave Carter no cause whatever for what he had done, nor had he robbed him; in fact, he had no money or gold whatever. Carter and the other mate having been taken into custody,, and Smart having no money or friends, Dr. Weston was obliged to obtain the services of a man to attend him that night. Next morning two constables were sent from Castlemaine to attend him. Dr. Weston has continued his attendance, and is of opinion no hopes can be entertained of recovery. It would appear a very hard case that Dr. Weston, a gentleman of the most extensive practice on these diggings, should be called upon to undertake Smart’s case, when there is a Government Doctor within a mile of the spot. Of what use is a Government Doctor, with a large salary, when a private gentleman is called upon to take a case in hand, with no hopes of being remunerated for his services; more especially, a gentleman of Dr. Weston’s standing, who in reality can boast of having no time to spare from his extensive practice. I do not mean to say that Dr. Weston, or any other gentleman, in case of emergency and from a feeling of humanity, would refuse a visit or two for the benefit of a fellow creature, but when it assumes the character of a patient requiring his attendance perhaps every half hour with no remuneration for his services, how is it possible such can be the case when there is a gentleman on the spot receiving a salary from the public monies? For what? for not giving his attendance in such cases as Smart’s. I have this day heard from Dr. Weston that Smart is worse, and his recovery still more hopeless.
I have just heard of another case of bloodshed in an affair of honor, but in consequence of the lateness of the hour (six o’clock), and the distance to the spot, I can only give you what I have so far learned. It appears that four men, a party of diggers, were conversing together in their tent, at Fryer’s Creek, yesterday (Wednesday), when a quarrel ensued between two of them, and it was decided upon between them, that they should fight a duel, with pistols in the tent. Neither of them being backward, two shots from each being fired, the result was that one was shot dead on the spot. An inquest was held this morning, the verdict I shall endeavour to furnish in my next. The two other mates, although present, did not interfere in the arrangements.
The following is the calendar to be gone through at the next Criminal Court sittings, which takes place at Castlemaine on Wednesday next, the 9th inst. :—
List of prisoners, awaiting their trial in Castlemaine Gaol, and to appear for trial, at the Circuit Court, to commence Wednesday, 9th February, 1853:
1. Joseph Orange, assault and robbery.
2. William Dixon, felony.
3. George Robinson, stealing money, &c.
4. James Pearse, stealing money.
5. James Green, horse stealing.
6. Joseph Taffe, stealing gold dust, &c.
7. Patrick Murphy, stealing gold dust, &c.
8. Joseph Darwin, stealing gold dust, &c.
9. Abraham Gunn, stealing money.
10. John Smith, presenting a pistol, with intent to shoot.
11. William Clayton, entering a dwelling, with intent to rob.
12. James Sawyer, rescuing a prisoner.
13. Henry Tingey, stealing gold.
14. John Farrell, felony.
15. Daniel Sams, felony.
16. Frederick Bowman, shooting with intent.
17. George Adams, alias Jos. Thompson, felony.
18. Charles Hamilton, felony.
19. Robert Henry, assault.
20. Edward Edwards, assault.
21. Patrick White, attempt to steal a horse.
22. William Reeves, shooting with intent.
23. William Jordan, horse stealing.
24. John Thomas, stealing, with firearms.
25. James Wilson Wallace, shooting with firearms.
26. Edward Goldsmith, shooting with firearms.
27. William Marrs, resisting the police.
28. Thomas Prior, harbouring a bushranger.
29. Abraham Hands, felony.
30. John Byrnes, assault with firearms.
31. Daniel Duffy, assault and robbery.
32. Edward Sturt, horse stealing.
33. Thomas Young, assault and robbery.
34. John McQuaed, stealing gold.
35. Charles Lewis Davies, obtaining money under false pretences.
36. Charles Fitzroy, felony.
37. Andrew Johnson, felony.
38. James McGlashen, felony.
39. John Shannon, rescuing a prisoner.
40. Matthew Moran, rescuing a prisoner.
41. Francis Martin, felony.
42. John Ryan, felony.
43. William Silvester, felony.
44. William Maxwell, uttering a forged ten pound bank note.
45. Francis Clarke, assault and robbery.
46. William Jones, assault and robbery.
47. John Greenhall, assault and robbery.
48. William Eldridge, assault and robbery.
49. J.K. Langdale, stealing gold dust, &c.
50. David Grogan, stealing gold dust, &c.
Argus 2 April 1853, 3/1:
MISSING FRIENDS.
John, Robert, and James Sprowle, supposed to be at the Mount Alexander diggings, are hereby informed that their father John Sprowle, died at Stone-Quarry, on the 7th December, on his return home from Sydney. A communication from their widowed mother to this effect has reached Dr. A.R. Macdonald of Knockand, who takes this, the only method in his power, of conveying to them the melancholy intelligence.
Argus 4 April 1853, 2/7:
MISSING FRIENDS
EDMUND FREEMAN , you are most earnestly requested to come to your Wife and two little girls, who are just arrived on the Bendigo, from Adelaide; apply to Dr. Ladbury, Bendigo Dispensary, near the Commissioner’s Tent.
Argus 4 April 1853, 3/1:
MISSING FRIENDS
ALGOA BAY .—E. Chowles is wintered in German Gully, Fryer’s Creek; any friends will find him in a round tent, with a red and yellow flag.
Argus 14 April 1853, 4/6-7:
BALLARAT CORRESPONDENT. I am sorry to say that there are on these diggings several bad characters denominated by the colonial phrase "flash mobs," but what in England would be better known by the name of "area sneaks," who nightly prowl about in search of plunder to the annoyance of every respectable person, though the individuals alluded to are perfectly harmless in all other respects. I wonder the diggers do not do as the Californians did,—drive them off the diggings. It is almost impossible for the police to interfere, as, if they were taken before the Commissioner, no specific charge could be produced against them,—a thing much to be lamented.
Argus 20 April 1853, 4/3:
THE GOLD SWINDLERS.
After having so incessantly warned the more ignorant, or more careless of the diggers, of the gross frauds perpetrated upon them by many of the gold purchasers now swarming our streets, it is with considerable pleasure that we notice that one at least of the herd has met with his deserts, and is now fairly sentenced to five years upon the roads.
The man who has been the means of thus bringing one of these rascals to justice, deserves the thanks of the community; and if amongst the thousands of fraudulent transactions which have taken place, any other gold-seller can sheet home a similar charge against any of these swindlers, we hope that the success of the present experiment will encourage him to proceed. The mal-practices of this sort have long been a disgrace to the colony; and some of the evil-doers would be justly served by being sent to keep company with their old associated.
Argus 20 April 1853, 4/7:
SUPREME COURT.
APRIL CRIMINAL SITTINGS
Tuesday, April 12th, 1853.
(Before His Honor, Mr. Justice Williams.)
The adjourned sessions were resumed this morning, at ten o’clock, when His Honor took his seat on the bench. The Attorney-General conducted the prosecution for the Crown.
Before the following jury:—William Stewart Fyfe (foreman), Peter Gay, Patrick Garraty, John Gummer, James Goodwin, Michael Geraghty, James Graham, Clark Freshnay, Gregory Gorman, Robert Gallagher, William Garfield, William Fulton.
GOLD SWINDLING.
Aaron Gainsboro was charged with stealing a quantity of gold, the property of John Conlon, and pleaded Not Guilty. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Wrixon and Dr. McKay, (the former the learned Judge of North County Court, and the latter Crown Prosecutor for the same district). The facts of the case have already come before the public through our columns. Conlon, a most respectable young man, who has been a storekeeper at Bendigo and Forest Creek, lately arrived in Melbourne, and went to the Private Escort Company to obtain the gold he had deposited at the branch office Bendigo. Returning through Elizabeth-street, and close to the Escort Office, he was met by a person who invited him into the prisoner’s shop to sell his gold. He consented, and immediately after his entrance the door was closed, and Conlon saw four or five persons in the shop. He was offered 6d. per ounce over the market price. The gold being weighed, was found less than what Conlon expected by 8 dwts., and he insisted on having his proper weight. Prisoner then emptied the gold from the scales into a scoop, and then placing his thumb on one corner of the gold-scoop, in a peculiar manner, known to the trade, kept back about half-an-ounce. Conlon became enraged at this, and using some violent language, the prisoner thrust the scoop under the counter, and drew forth an empty one. Whilst Conlon was endeavoring to obtain the first scoop, the prisoner spilt the contents of it on the floor, and told him to pick it up. The prosecutor refused to do so, and going to Mr. Ritter, the well known gold purchaser, the gold was found deficient by 18 dwts.
Mr. Wrixon cross-examined the prosecutor and elicited that he had not weighed the gold since he had put it in his bag at Bendigo; that the escort weighed bag and all, without attention to great minuteness; that gold was at the time £3 16s. 9d. per oz., and that the prisoner had offered him £3 17s. 3d., as he was very much in want of gold.
Mr. Wrixon, in an able speech, addressed the jury for the defence, and commented on the testimony of the prosecutor, his evident vindictiveness in the transaction, his violent conduct, the unstained character of the prisoner, the largeness of his money transactions, and the absurdity of thinking that a man like the prisoner would, for so small an amount as a few pennyweights of gold, risk his liberty and character. He called the following witnesses:—
David Austin, a lad, who described himself as a general dealer, was present on the occasion, and thought the transaction a bona fide one.
Reuben Marks, an assistant of the prisoner, was likewise present, and took notice of the violent conduct of the prosecutor. Did not see any gold spilled on the ground. The prisoner had offered several times to pay for 36 oz. 8 dwts. The prisoner did not cover any gold with his thumb.
This witness was cross-examined by the Attorney-General, and described himself as a helper of the prisoner. He could not recollect what he had said to the detective, Stapleton, when the latter asked him, "Who had weighed the gold?" Cannot swear he did not tell Stapleton it was a young man who had weighed the gold. Cannot swear the contrary either.
David Charteris McArthur is the manager of the Australasian Bank. Does not know the prisoner. Never heard his name to his knowledge (bank-book handed in).
The Attorney-General objected. Because a man may have £20,000 to his credit, it does not follow that he cannot rob persons. Evidence jected.
David Cashmore had known the prisoner for fourteen years; that is, he had rented a house from witness for three months, and paid his rent honorably. Had known prisoner ten years ago in Sydney.
James Levi, who styled himself a gold-digger, had been in the shop of the prisoner before Conlon came in. Had sold gold a few minutes before to the prisoner, and was sitting down putting the money he had received for it in his pocket. He had seen what had occurred between the prisoner and the prosecutor.
This was the case for the prisoner.
The Attorney-General replied, and His Honor having summed up, the jury deliberated in the box for a short time, and then found the prisoner Guilty.
His Honor, in sentencing the prisoner, said, it was of the greatest consequence that parties convicted of any fraud tending to injure the gold-producing community of the country should be punished with the utmost rigor of the law. The sentence of the Court is, that the prisoner be kept to hard labor on the roads of the colony for a period of five years.
Before the following jury:—George Gallpin, (foreman), James Graham, Patrick Garraty, Richard Guthridge, Alexander Goergeson, Richard Grice, Michael Geraghty, James Fulton, James Girvin, Thomas Fulton, Patrick Geraghty, Peter Gay.
MALICIOUSLY CUTTING AND WOUNDING.
William Maloney, Daniel Noonan, James Maddigan, and John Maloney, were placed at the bar, charged with having, on the 14th day of March, wounded and cut one Edward Connor. The prisoners respectively pleaded Not Guilty, and were defended, Maddigan and W. Maloney by Mr. Wrixon and Mr. Stephen. Mr. Ireland appeared for the prisoner John Maloney.
This was what is generally called an Irish row. On the day in question, a Sunday, the prisoners were drinking in a tent in Madman’s Gully, Bendigo. Some quarrel having arisen touching nationalities, the prisoners rushed from their tent, and with true Irish excitement, accompanied, however, in the present instance with an Irish brutality, beat every one in their way, shouting as they advanced on their way, "Hurrah for Tipperary!" Chance brought a poor fellow named Connor in the path of the madmen, and on him they all fell with fiendish fury. One of them beat him on the head with a spade-handle; another struck him with an axe-handle; a third, not having any weapon in his hand, danced upon his body in ancient Hibernian style. The man was left for dead, and is still unable to leave the diggings from the effect on his health.
Mr. Ireland made quite the speech of the day in defence of his client, John Maloney. He trusted that the jury would remember, if they expected to see Irishmen free from the influence of passion, excitement, and whiskey, they should find a verdict that would denationalise the nation. Mr. Ireland concluded a powerful speech, though brief, in which he trusted the jury would not content itself with a bare recommendation to mercy, but acquit the prisoner altogether.
Mr. Wrixon addressed the jury in defence of his two clients.
Mr. Stephen addressed the Court on a point of law.
His Honor having summed up, the jury returned the verdict of Guilty against all the prisoners. They were severally sentenced to be kept to hard labor on the roads for a period of two years.
Argus 26 April 1853, 4/4-5:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
Forest Creek 21st April, 1853.
Unless fresh localities are opened and the present rush from this place ceases, to use an Irishism, "nothing will be heard but silence" at Forest Creek. To the lovers of botany, however, I beg to state for their guidance that many new and interesting species may now be collected; the hills are becoming gay with a variety of shrubby and herbaceous plants. Among the first and gayest are to be enumerated the genus accacia or wattle, as it is colonially termed; one specimen with cicacious [?] foliage and an abundant display of pale lemon-colored and richly-scented blossoms, has been common and in full blow for the last six weeks. Two species of Leucopogon, the red and white epacris (alba and coccinea)[,] Eriostemon, Boronia, Ca[indeciperable] pubescens, or wine-glass, (a parasite which is clinging to and distroying [sic] the vitality of every plant to which it clings for support, and for which it has most deservedly, or undeservedly, earned for itself the term "emblem of ingratitude,") accacia latifolia, golden wattle, Galium[,] Pterostylus, and three others of the Orchidaceæ, Levanthis, a mistletoe peculiar to the Eucalypti, with rich long crimson tubular epacridaceous blossoms. The never-failing and generally- dispersed Gnaphalium, with its yellow, harsh, and everlasting blossoms. This will, I feel assured, prove a sufficient botanical dose to those who care more for nuggets than plants, for one sitting. The sure precursors of winter have already set in in the shape of white frosts and biting cold mornings, particularly unpleasant to those who are not provided with warm tents and a good supply of blankets. From a late visit to Melbourne, I have been enabled to pay a visit to what is called Canvass Town, on the south bank of the Yarra; and as the result of my visit, I beg to assure those parties who have a particular desire to see what the diggings are like, and for no other purpose, that by a walk through the centre of the tented street, and imagining the land on either side to be turned up into a series of holes, they will have a fac-simile of Forest Creek, without the trouble of a journey thither.
On Tuesday evening tea and bread-and-butter was dispensed to the children at the school when they were examined, on which occasion they acquitted themselves much to the credit of their master, Mr. Leete. The neat manner in which they were dressed, and their good and orderly conduct, were equally creditable to their parents. A very able and pleasing address was made to them by Mr. Smedley, one of the vice-patrons of the board.
MOUNT ALEXANDER PRICES CURRENT. —Flour, £8 per bag; bread, 1s. 6d. a loaf; butter, 3s. 6d. per lb.; bacon, 2s. 6d. do.; ham, 3s. do.; cheese, 3s. do.; sugars, 6d. to 10d. do.; tea and coffee, 2s. 6d. do.; soap, 1s. do.; salt, 1s. do.; tobacco, 7s. do.; candles, 1s. 6d. do.; onions, 1s. 4d. do.; potatoes, 8d. do.; raisins, 1s. 6d. do.; currants, 2s. 6d. do.; herrings, 6d. each; preserved fruit, 3s. 6d. per bottle.
D. BUNCE.
Argus 26 April 1853, 4/5-6:
SCRAPS FROM THE OVENS
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Spring Creek, April 23rd, 1853.
The subject of the right of the digger to turn out his cattle to graze near his tent, without incurring the liability of their being impounded by the squatter, still excites public interest here. The following is a copy of the letter received in reply to the memorial referred to in my last communication:—
Police Office, May Day Hills, Ovens,
18th April, 1853.
To John D. Owens and other Memorialists, Licensed Occupiers of Mineral Crown Lands in the District of May-Day III 1a.
Gentlemen,—We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a memorial signed by you, soliciting the attention of this Bench to its statements, and suggesting that, until certain intentions of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor have been carried out, and the miners’ rights of depasturing are fully defined, it is not expedient to establish a public pound on the Oven’s gold-field.
In reply, we beg to request that, in substantiation of the allegations of the memorial, you will endeavor to have brought before us distinct and specific information in writing of —
1. Horses having been detained by occupiers of pastoral Crown lands in their paddocks for periods exceeding the terms of the Impounding Act.
2. Owners of horses having been compelled to pay illegal fees before receiving their property.
3. Fees having been exacted by occupiers of Crown lands from the owners of cattle and sheep brought on to the gold-fields for food and depasturage in its immediate vicinity.
We make this request in the belief that such cases, if proved and represented by us to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor will expedite the satisfactory adjustment of the variances alluded to in the memorial.
With reference to the expediency of establishing a public pound on this gold-field, the Bench of Magistrates considered that in cases where the holders of depasturing licenses exercised their legal right of impounding stock in this vicinity, it would cause less inconvenience to the owners, who would probably be resident here, that they should be impounded on this spot rather than at Wangaratta, the nearest pound.
The Bench have, however, adjourned the Court of Petty Sessions convened for the consideration of the question, to Monday, the 2nd day of May next, with the view of receiving any further information or suggestions bearing on the subject.
We have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servants,
G.M. HARPER, P.M.,
J.M. CLOW, J.P.,
JOHN K. JACOMB HOOD, J.P.,
FREDERICK HALE PUCKLE, J.P.
The style of the above communication is such as to lead us to believe that the Bench are desirous to secure for the digger his rights; their Worships appear, as far as this letter goes, to be disposed to act in the matter in hand in a business like manner, and not to attempt the system of empty promises, couched in terms of hollow flummery, with which Mr. Chief Commissioner Wright tried of late with such signal want of success to silence the just complaints of the diggers. In one paragraph of their letter, the Bench appear to have inadvertently fallen into an error, as to the "legal right of holders of depasturing licenses of impounding stock [.]" This paragraph would infer, that the said holders of depasturing licenses have not the legal right of impounding cattle grazing among the tents of diggers; but, as explained by the police magistrate at the late Court of Petty Sessions, they have the power, under the existing Impounding Act, of impounding cattle, wherever found on their run. Though the digger’s right to turn out his cattle to graze has always been tacitly understood, it has never yet been secured to him by the legislature or by any distinct order of the Executive. To obtain some official order on this subject was one of the principal objects of the Diggers’ Petition of February last, and in the instructions given to Mr. Chief Commissioner Wright, when he was sent up here, the Lieutenant-Governor especially directs him to enquire into the above matter. In the Colonial Secretary’s letter of 23rd March it is stated
That any unnecessary and improper interference on the part of the adjoining settlers with the supplies necessary for the population of the gold-fields, however plausibly vindicated, would be promptly met.
During Mr. Wright’s sojourn at May Day Hills, a butcher brought a complaint to him to the effect, that a settler had made a demand on him for fees for grazing certain cattle, brought by him, as a butcher, to the diggings, and which he was about to kill for food, and that the demand was backed by a threat of impounding the cattle, in case the fees were not paid. After in vain dancing attendance at the Commissioner’s tent, and hearing a variety of fine speeches, backed by assurances that the matter should be attended to, the butcher received no definite reply, and was obliged, in order to prevent his cattle being driven to the pound, to pay the sum of Ten Pounds to the settler. Now if Mr. Chief Commissioner had done his duty, surely the matter ought to have been instantly reported to the Lieutenant-Governor, who, as the above extract states, is prepared for prompt action in such cases.
Under such circumstances it is gratifying to find the Bench of Magistrates offering to make representations to His Excellency on the variances alluded to. The memorialists will, I believe, be fully prepared with a rejoinder to the Magistrates’ letter.
THE CORONERSHIP .—Since the death of the late Dr. Green there has been no coroner for this district. Surely the matter ought to have been attended to long ago. The new Assistant Colonial Surgeon, Dr. Crawford, has been given to understand that he is not to hold the two offices. Why, then, is not some other party vested with the appointment of coroner? The circumstances attendant on Guest’s death, at Reid’s Creek, and the shameful bungling, to say the least of it, which took place regarding the inquest held on his body, and which up to the present moment has not been enquired into, though charges of suppression of evidence have been publicly made, should surely have shown our rulers the necessity of having a resident coroner on the gold-fields.
STORES .—There is still a great demand for horse food of all descriptions, but no supply. Serious apprehensions are expressed that the stock of flour will run far short of the demand during the winter; and it is said that Melbourne agents are declining to despatch further supplies of any description of stores here on account of the high rate of carriage.
Geelong Advertiser 27 April 1853, 2/2:
DARING ROBBERY.
Arthur Burrow and William Garroway were indicted for robbing William Harry Mitchell, at the Ballarat Diggings, Pennyweight Flat.
Mitchell being sworn, deposed, that he, in company with another person, called at the prisoner’s tent, to ask their way to their own encampment, on the night of the 10th of April. instant; five men were in the tent, and they all cried out to witness and his companion to "shout for something to drink:" not complying with their request, and retiring from the tent, one of those men, Garroway, seized the handle of a pickaxe, and struck witness over the back, whilst the other seized hold of a revolver, and fired at him, but missed his aim, as witness knocked the revolver, before it exploded, away from the direction of his person; witness then knocked the fellow down, when the short man, Barrow, caught hold of him by the throat, whilst two other of his companions rifled his pockets, and took away all the money that was upon him.
By Burrow.—It was about 8 o’clock at night, witness came into your tent with his companion; you were one of the men that held him down at the door of the tent, whilst the rest robbed him; recognised you by the light of the fire, which was burning alongside the tent.
By Garroway.—You were the man who struck witness with the pick axe handle.
By the Judge.—Has not the slightest doubt touching the identity of the prisoners.
Alex. McLean, being sworn, deposed—That being at Pennyweight Flat, near Ballarat, on the night of the 10th April, on his road home with the last witness, from Canadian Gully, they called at a tent to ask their way; there were four or five men in the tent, and they asked for liquor, which was refused; one of the prisoners, now before the Court, then ordered witness and his companions to leave the tent, and Burrow took up a heavy piece of wood, and struck his companion first, and afterwards struck witness; a revolver was then presented and fired at them, and their money demanded; after a considerable scuffle the last witness and himself escaped, and gave information to the police.
Burrow stated that he knew nothing about the affair, as he was the worse for drink at the time. The other prisoner made much the same sort of defence.
His Honor addressed the jury by observing that there could be very little doubt that both the prisoners were present at the tent when the violence and robbery was committed; and although some variation appears in the evidence of the two witnesses, one stating that Garroway used the pickaxe handle, and the other affirming that Burrow inflicted the blows with that instrument; still there could be little doubt but that both the prisoners were taking an active part on this occasion. As to the supposition that the two men were trespassing in the tent, it could not be reconciled with justice, should that even be the case, to subject them to such violence. It appeared to him to be another of those unfortunate instances where dram drinking had produced its baneful consequences.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty against both prisoners, and
His Honor, after severely commenting upon the enormity of the offence, sentenced each of the prisoners to 10 years’ hard labour on the roads of the colony, the first of which to be worked in irons.
Argus 5 May 1853, 4/6:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 2nd May, 1853.
A case of sheep-stealing was heard at the Police Court, Castlemaine, on Friday last, which resulted in the committal of the delinquent. The most amusing part of the affair was the detection and capture of the thief. It appears that the thief, Jospeh Flanders, went to the shop of a butcher in the neighborhood, and abstracted therefrom the whole carcass of a sheep hanging there for sale, which he carried away on his back. The night being very dark, the thief lost his way home, and found himself at the police station, at the rear of this office; and, on seeing the light, called out for assistance, upon which the sergeant at the station came out and questioned him, and finding his answers were anything but satisfactory, took him into custody. A constable was then sent off to the butchers’ shops in the neighborhood, and at length the one from whence the meat was taken was found. From the answers given by the thief to the questions of the sergeant, it was gleaned, that upon taking the carcass, Flanders intended making his way with his load to his tent at Adelaide Flat; but the night being very dark, he took an opposite direction, until he reached the police station, and, supposing it to be his tent, was calling out for his mate, when he was taken into custody.
Argus 5 May 1853, 4/6:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 2nd May, 1853.
The want of some law to suppress the illegal practising of unqualified medical practitioners ought to be remedied without delay, as the evil is felt here to a great extent. At this present day we can boast of the presence of some dozen or two of these gentlemen. Numbers of cases have come under my notice lately of death having resulted from treatment by these persons. It is all very well for the digger to shun the tents of these gentlemen when they have occasion for a medical man, if they knew of such a person being unqualified; but it often happens that the word "Doctor" or "Surgeon" is a sufficient guarantee that So-and-so is a legally qualified medical practitioner, and the mistake is often found out perhaps when too late, and thus is sacrificed the health and sometimes life of the unsuspecting. I should suggest that the names of all the medical men as gazetted be published in the local journals, which would indeed confer a benefit upon the digging community, at least, if not on the colony in general.
Argus 5 May 1853, 4/6:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 2nd May, 1853.
The Castlemaine Hospital is in progress, and will shortly be completed in a temporary way for the admission of patients. Between £300 and £400 has been subscribed on the diggings, and I was informed yesterday that His Excellency has signified his intention of giving £500 from the general revenue. His Excellency has also instructed Mr. Shadforth, the Police Magistrate here, to pay over all fines, &c., which had formerly been paid over in Melbourne, towards the Castlemaine Hospital. These fines, &c., are estimated at about £500 per annum. The completion of the Hospital will be hailed with pleasure by numbers of individuals suffering from diseases; and now that the winter has set in, canvas and calico tents are very injurious to health, more especially to those already afflicted with disease. The liberality of the celestials at Castlemaine was shown in its true light a few days ago in behalf of a young man suffering from fever (who has since died), living in a calico tent, lying on the wet ground with no other attendance than a sickly brother, and both without the wherewith to purchase the necessaries of life, much more to procure the luxuries and medicines requisite for a sick man. Dr. G.J. Jones being called in to see this young man, and hearing of his distressed circumstances, wrote a note to the Resident Commissioner at Castlemaine, requesting the assistance of the Government. This note was conveyed by the sick man’s brother, who on arriving at the Camp was shown our worthy Resident in conversation with three others. The note being handed to that gentleman, he did not condescend to reply to it, but handed it to his brothers in office, the result of which was the sum of eighteen shillings, being subscribed and folded carefully in Dr. Jones’s note, which was handed to the brother to take back.
Argus 11 May 1853, 3/3-4:
GEELONG.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Tuesday, 10th May, 1853.
The following letter has bee forwarded me for the purpose of exposing the tyranny of some officials at Balaarat. I know little of Canning, beyond that he bears a good character as an honest, industrious, and intelligent storekeeper, and that he is not a man likely to state a wilful falsehood.
The conduct of Mr. Green [the Assistant Gold Commissioner]—if Mr. Canning’s statement be true—is certainly suspicious and reprehensible in the highest degree: and Mr. Fenwick [?the Gold Commissioner] appears to have supported and encouraged him, by refusing any assistance to Mr. Canning; which in so simple a case could have been very easily done:—
SIR ,—I have been requested to lay the following circumstances before you, in order to expose the conduct of some of our men in authority up here, and to prove to the Government the total unfitness of such men for any situation of trust or responsibility. Such gross misconduct and carelessness on the part of its officers must bring any government into contempt.
About three weeks ago I sent my brother with two bags of gold to the Commissioner’s tent, to be forwarded by escort. One of the bags weighed 22 ounces 17 dwts., and the weight was marked on either. On my brother’s return with the receipts, I found that the amount on one of them was fully three ounces short. I returned to Mr. Green, the Assistant Commissioner, and apprised him of the error. He behaved with much incivility to me, and on my requesting him as civilly as a man could do to re-weigh the gold, he positively refused, and remarked that I was very impudent. I then told him I should report him. I was told I might go to the —. On apprising Mr. Fenwick of the circumstance, he went with me to Mr. Green. When the latter charged me with impertinence, and made that an excuse for refusing to weigh the gold a second time, I denied the statement of Mr. Green to his face, and begged of Mr. Fenwick himself to see the gold re-weighed. This higher official, however, peremptorily ordered me out of the tent, saying it would be a lesson for me to behave with civility. I have, therefore, no alternative but to submit in the meantime, and I wrote to my agents in Geelong to be particularly careful as to receiving and seeing the bag of gold alluded to weighed.
In a week after my interview with Mr. Fenwick, I returned to Mr. Green with a bag containing 43 ounces of gold, also to be forwarded per escort. While writing out the receipt for this, I remarked in a half-familiar tone, "See you don’t make the same mistake with this lot that you did with one of my last two." He looked at me, and asked if I was so-and-so. I told him I was, and he desired me again not to be impudent. On handing me the receipt I found 33 ounces instead of 43 entered on it. I immediately said, "Why you are determined to cheat me if you can." Mr. Green replied, "It’s all your fault, you should not have bothered me while I was writing it." He then snatched it from my hand, and tore it up, before I could prevent him, and wrote me out another. I then told him, that through the first error I should be compelled to go to town at considerable expense, and that if the gold was short, as represented on the receipt, I should sift the affair to the uttermost, and sue him for all my expenses. On coming to town, I find that the amount of gold entered on the parchment attached to the bag is 23 ounces—not the correct weight I sent at first, 22 ozs. 17 dwts.; and what is still more singular, I find the full weight twenty-three ounces contained in the bag. I have been put to enormous expense, all through the conduct of Messrs. Fenwick and Green; have been compelled to leave my business at the diggings; have lost a horse I was compelled to borrow on the occasion, for which I must pay £60; and all this through the reckless ignorance and haughty folly of thesee apologies for Government officers.
If such men be not immediately removed from office, everything up here will run into confusion and disorder. The diggers and traders will, to a man, despise and distrust them; and the Government will share in the general obloquy.
I am, Sir, Yours obediently,
J. CANNING,
White Flag, Balaarat Flat.
Buninyong, 6th May, 1853.
Argus 11 May 1853, 3/4-5:
MOUNT ALEXANDER
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, May 9th, 1853.
Robberies are becoming very frequent. On Monday last two men went into the tent of a woman and robbed her of 17 ounces of gold during the absence of her husband. The brutes, not satisfied with their spoil, proceeded to violate her person. They are committed for trial.
Tent robberies are occurring every night, and it is becoming quite fashionable for the thieves to gain admittance into tents by representing themselves as police, from the fact of the police being in the habit of searching for sly-grog at any hour of the night. On Friday night, a young man, living in a tent at Golden Point, and being the only occupant, was surprised to see three strangers enter his tent, and after commanding silence, telling him they were police, and were going to search his premises. They then asked him for his trousers, which he handed to them, and from which they took £30. On seeing this, he said, "Oh, is that the sort of police you are! I see." The reply was, pointing three revolvers at his unfortunate head, "Yes, and if you don’t keep quiet, you will see." After which they decamped. Three other tents were robbed on the same night, in the same locality. On Saturday night a tent belonging to a man named Rollason was attempted; but owing to a similar attempt on the previous night, Mr. Rollason had barricaded the door, and on the present occasion the noise awoke him, and jumping out of bed, he rushed to the door, pointing two revolvers, demanded who was there, which was answered by the word "police." Mr. Rollason having warned them not to enter, or he would fire, called out for assistance, which brought some of the neighbors. On the arrival of assistance, the robbers were asked what they wanted, to which they replied, "Hold your tongue, or we will put the handcuffs on you. We are plice." But upon being requested to produce their handcuffs, to guarantee their being such, they decamped. In all there were seven in number—two standing at the door, and the remaining five some distance off.
A melancholy suicide occurred here on Monday last. A young man named Henry E. Este went into the tent of a Mr. Baptist, trussmaker, Castlemaine, and during the temporary absence of Mr. Baptist, cut his throat in a frightful manner with a knife which he had been sharpening a few minutes previously. On the return of Mr. Baptist he found Este dead. The deceased was a very respectable young man, a creole by birth, and had been a Baptist preacher. No reason can be assigned for his conduct, and it is confidently asserted that he was not laboring under a fit of insanity.
Argus 12 May 1853, 3/3:
MISSING FRIENDS
EDWIN STANLEY will find his mother Lois Stanley, late of Hope Valley, Adelaide, at Eagle Hawk Gully, Bendigo, who wishes him to come immediately, as his Father is dead.
Geelong Advertiser 18 May 1853, Supplement 1/1-2.
I have to report a most serious disturbance that has completely shaken the equilibrium of the gold fields during the last few days. For some time past it has been the custom, upon any sly grog seizure being made, to pull down the delinquent’s tent about his ears; and as the seizures always occur during the night, great inconvenience has been experienced (as in the case of Mr. Henry, lately reported) ro any lodgers who may happen to be sleeping in the suspected habitation. On Saturday night, the 7th inst., it appears that information was given to the camp by one Mangon, of his having purchased grog from one McMahon, an old resident at Castlemaine, and landlord of the "Mount Alexander Coffee Rooms." Mr. Christian, inspector of the police, immediately posted down with a body of mounted troopers, and ere half an hour elapsed, the work of demolition commenced. Four of the largest and best furnished tents on the Forest Creek diggings were pulled down in quick succession, and families turned out of their homes during one of the most inclement nights yet felt this season. No respect for person or sex was shown: one of our most respected ministers being abused by the constabulary in a most disgusting manner, for his efforts to afford respectable females the comforts of a fireside. M{c}Mahon’s trial came on the following Monday; I subjoin a short account. During Sunday the excitement was most painful; so determined were the diggers to oppose these tyrranical proceedings that volunteer bodies of men were being drilled, in something like order, in various districts of the diggings.
Argus 26 May 1853, 5/1-2:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 21st May, 1853.
A tea-meeting and concert in commemoration of the opening of the Castlemaine Free Hospital, was held in the building on Tuesday night last. The place was crowded to excess, a great number of the visitors having come from a distance. The singing and addresses from the different speakers gave every satisfaction. The building for the present purpose is erected with weatherboard, with patent felt roof, and in size 40 feet by 20, with detached kitchen, surgery, surgeon’s room, &c. It is intended, as soon as necessary, to erect additional buildings for the accommodation of a greater number of patients.
An instance of the cautiousness required by parties burning charcoal fires in the tents occurred here on Friday night last, and through the want of which, the Rev. Mr. Cheyne, of Castlemaine, had a very narrow escape from suffocation. Mr. Cheyne had a charcoal fire made on the lid of a camp-oven, the door of the tent closed, and had commenced writing, when Mrs. Cheyne and children went out. On the return of Mrs. Cheyne she found the Rev. gentleman lying on the floor in a state of insensibility, being almost suffocated. Dr. Souther, who was sent for, promptly attended, and Mr. Cheyne recovered. Had Mrs. Cheyne’s entrance been delayed for five minutes longer, no hope whatever could have been entertained of saving Mr. Cheyne’s life.
Mr. Chief Commissioner Wright arrived here on Thursday last; the Government no doubt thinking that during the present disturbed state of the diggings the presence of the Chief Commissioner of Gold Fields will have a salutary effect.
A man named George Lewis was shot at Mount M’Ivor on Saturday last in an attempt to escape from the custody of a mob. It appears that Lewis and his two mates were identified by some diggers as three men who had robbed them a short time previous, and on making the discovery, some of the diggers went to the police, while others, armed with double-barrelled guns, went to apprehend the robbers. In the meantime Lewis’s mates made their escape, and on the arrival of the diggers, they only found Lewis in the tent and brought him out. On turning to go into the tent for some bedding, he was shot through the body and left arm. He expired a few hours after. An inquest was held on the body. Another man was shot accidentally by one of the police, the ball grazing the man’s forehead, with only a slight wound. The diggers, thinking the shot was fired intentionally, were about hanging the constable, until they were made satisfied that it was only accidental.
Argus 26 May 1853, 5/1-2:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, 21st May, 1853.
Provisions and other stores I found not so exorbitant, being almost on the same scale as charged at Bendigo, with a downward tendency. The following is the price current:—
Flour, £12 10s. the bag, or 1s. 3d. per lb.; tea, 3s.; coffee, 3s.; sugar, 1s. 3d.; salt, 1s. 6d.; soap, 1s. 6d.; butter, 5s. 6d.; oatmeal, 1s. 6d.; cheese, 3s. 6d.; ham and bacon, 3s. 6d.; raisins, 2s.; currants, 3s.; sperm candles, 4s.; hops, 4s.; jams, 3s. per lb.; pickles, 3s. 6d. per bottle; bread, 3s. the two pound load; dishes, 12s.; buckets, tin, 14s.; shovels, 15s.; picks, from 14s. to 18s.; blankets, from 20s. to 80s. per pair; trousers, woollen cord, 35s.; molesking, 14s.; coats, 50s.; shirts, 4s. 6d. to 6s.; boots, from 30s. to £5; mutton, hind quarter, 5s. 6d.; fore quarter, 4s. 6d.; gold, £3 12s. to £3 12s. [the ounce].
Argus 26 May 1853, 5/2-3:
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek, May 12th, 1853.
Mr. Kane, the acting Inspector of the National Schools, paid us a visit again on Sunday last, having on the road a large tent capable of holding 100 children, which it was his intention to have placed at Golden Point.
At a meeting held at the National School tent, at Forest Creek: present Messrs. Smedley (in the chair), Thornhill, Bunce, and Kane, it was considered desirable from the very small number of people at present residing at Golden Point, and from the large and densely populated gold-fields at Bendigo, to forward the tent to the latter place.
It was also resolved that as the school-tent at Forest Creek was only capable of holding 60 pupils, and as the new tent would hold 100, Mr. and Mrs. Leete be removed to Bendigo, where there was a larger call for their services, and Mr. Francis take charge of the school at Forest Creek. It is but justice to Mr. and Mrs. Leete to state that when they were informed of the new arrangement, a well merited and handsome compliment was paid them by the local patrons, for their efficient conduct of the school at Forest Creek.
It is gratifying to find that the broad and liberal system of national education is obtaining a very liberal degree of encouragement, as compared to what is awarded to the more narrow and prejudiced system called denominational. An instance of this occurred at Burnbank, where, although an appeal had been made to the residents by the Rev. Mr. Cheyne for assistance towards the erection of a school upon the denominational system, £20 was the extent of the donation for that purpose, ten guineas of which were furnished by one gentleman. Mr. Kane, however, subsequently had no sooner made an appeal to the good people at that neat little township for assistance on the national system, than he met with a response as sudden as it was creditable to the donors, in the shape of a sum not less than in the round hundreds.
Argus 10 June 1853, 4/5-6:
THE DIGGINGS
(FROM OUR SPECIAL COMMISSIONER)
Creswick’s Creek
The Wardy Yallock diggings attracted, as you are aware, nearly a thousand persons about a fortnight since to that locality: nine-tenths of these returned disheartened after prosecuting a brief research; but the remainder, more persevering and energetic, continue at their work, and are meeting with tolerable success. As the diggings there, however, will not justify the employment of a Commissioner in their present infantile state, Mr. Sherrard, J.P[.], one of the Commissioners at Balaarat, proceeds thither to-day to issue licenses, and hear and adjudicate upon complaints{,} It is to be hoped that this recognition of the place as a source of revenue, will be followed up by making it an out-station of police in dependence on the camp at Balaarat. Of the necessity of such a measure I saw ample grounds during my peeps here and there last week among the disjointed members of the Mount Franklyn diggings. To the well-disposed these gathering spots are either a winter haven of comfort and content, or a hell, to enter which is to &q
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