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If you refer to the Budawangs Sketch map, you’ll find this mine located near Mare’s Hill, which I believe should be spelt Meares. The first reference to the mine was in the Braidwood Dispatch of 28th April, 1897:
“DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE
NELLIGEN.
(From Our Correspondent)
“Discovery of a New Gold-Bearing Reef. - Last week Mr. Couits, who has been prospecting the ranges back of Brimbramalla [Bimberamalla] for some months, discovered a gold-bearing reef in hitherto unworked country. The new find is under the Corrockbilley [Currockbilly] Range, about twelve miles north of Brimbramalla [Bimberamalla]. The reef, which is the first clearly defined one running north and south up that way, is three feet wide and can be traced for some distance, and gold is plainly visible in the surface stone. The Importance of this find cannot be over estimated, as it gives a largely increased area to the Brimbramalla [Brimberamalla] fields, and will thus lead to systematic search and probable discovery of interjacent reef. Mr. Couits, who represented Mogo as delegate at the last Miner’s Conference, is a thoroughly practical man, and in his opinion mining at Brimbramalla [Brimberamalla] is only in its infancy. This new find is close to permanent water. And should results justify expectations a battery will soon be on the spot.”
 It was not until May 1903 that any further news of the find was reported, when a three months suspension of labour conditions was granted to Meares and Stevenson for Prospecting Protection Area No. 81. In July of the same year a Machinery Area (2 acres) and Lease (5 acres)were taken out by George Hastings Meares, of Belowra, Alexander Stevenson, of Nelligen, and Mary Ann Meares, of Cliff Lodge in Glebe Point, Sydney.
On the 19th of March 1904 the Braidwood Dispatch reported:
“A new discovery has recently been made about ten miles to the east of Brimbramalla [Brimberamalla] proper, at a place called Belowra Creek, immediately under the main dividing range, the Mongarlowe country on the tableland being on the west side. Stephenson and Wallace have put up a 5-stamp battery to crush the stone raised raised from their claim, which is said keeps it fully employed. I did not visit the place, but this is said to be the best show of any in this part.”
The same correspondent also noted the old track across the mountains:
“.....It is only a short distance from McLeod and Stephenson’s claim at Belowra Creek (no connection with Bolaro) to Bob’s Creek, a tributary of the Little River [Mongarlowe River] through the gap there, which is, indeed, an old blackfellow’s track from the table land to Milton, and Mr. Wallace, who lives at Little River, walks home every Saturday afternoon or every other Saturday in a very short time.....”
In 1905 the Annual Report of the Department of Mines stated:
p. 21.
“At Bolowra [Belowra] Creek, about 12 miles north from Brimbramalla [Brimberamalla], G. H. Meares has continued operations under great difficulties. Bushfires destroyed the logging of two shafts; also tool sheds and tools. Water for crushing could not be obtained for at least six months of the year. The quartz has yielded about half an ounce to the ton by battery treatment. A picked parcel sent to Cockle Creek yielded 5 oz. 3 dwt. of gold per ton.”
On the 1st of May 1906 Stevenson sold his share in the mine to George Meares who, on the following day, sold half of his interest to Joseph Saunders of Nowra.
The Annual Report for 1907 noted:
p. 25.
“G.H. Meares has met with disappointing returns from his mine at Bolowra [Belowra], Clarke’s Hill. The ore treated amounted to 140 tons, and the yield obtained was 42 oz., valued at L150. It is stated by the owner that he intends to abandon operations.”
The next Annual Report, 1908, stated that the mine was closed.
The NSW Post Office Directory, 1909, lists the following information under the town of Nelligen:
“Belowra Mining Company.
Meares, G.F. Mine Manager
Stevenson, Alex. Squarer
Meares, G.H. Mine Owner”
According to Lease Plan G 15612, GL 29 Clarkes Hill, Meares and Party’s lease was cancelled on the 20th of July 1910. On the 27th May, 1933, the lease was taken up by J. Allen, Application number 18 at Batemans Bay. Allen held the lease for seven years until the 22nd September 1940 when it was cancelled. No records survive, if any, relating to the mine during this period. It is said that a battery was still on the ground in the 1960’s but this has been removed since then to who knows where by persons unknown.
Belowra Mine Map
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