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This account is taken from Australia As It Is: Its Settlements, Farms. and Gold Fields, Vol. I, by F. Lancelott, Esq., published by Colburn and Co., London, 1852. This account makes no mention of Surveyor McBrien’s discovery on the Fish River in 1823.
pp. 274-296.
“THE existence of gold formations in the mountain ranges of Australia has been predicted by most of the scientific adventurers who have explored those regions. Indeed, years back geologists who had never visited Australia, expressed their convictions that the ranges bounding the crest of New South Wales, collectively named the Australian Cordillera, must be auriferous; so remarkably similar are they in their geological formation, their latitudinal direction, and their general characteristics to the gold-bearing regions in Siberia, California, Borneo, and other places.
“In 1839, the intrepid and scientific explorer, Count Sterzelecki [Strzelecki] endeavored, but in vain, to awaken the attention of the colonists to the subject. For several years afterwards, a shepherd named M’Gregor, was in the habit of occasionally bringing pieces of gold to Sydney; but he refused to state where he procured them. In 1841 the Rev. W.B. Clarke, of the parish of St. Leonard, near Sydney, a divine of eminent geological and scientific acquirements, found gold in the very basin of the Macquarie river, which he exhibited to the Government and other influential persons, and in the public journals pointed out the very regions where it was found; but no one attempted to profit by the disclosures which he made, cautiously considering that the country was still a penal settlement. He subsequently communicated to the Geological Society his conviction that gold, copper, and lead, were in considerable abundance in the schists and quartzites of the mountain chain. This intelligence awakened the attention of Sir Roderick Murchison to the subject, who announced to the Geographical Society in 1845, and afterwards to the Geological Society of Cornwall, that auriferous alluvia would probably be found in abundance at the base of the western flanks of the dividing ranges in eastern Australia, and strongly advised that the British Legislature should send out competent persons to explore those regions. Colonel Helmerson, who is well acquainted with the Ural gold districts, suggested the same idea at St. Petersburg.
“In 1846, Sir T. Mitchell, while exploring the interior, procures several rich specimens of gold embedded in quartz, which he stated could be obtained in abundance; he, however seemed it advisable not to notify the region. In 1849, a Mr. Smith, of Berrima, exhibited a lump of gold to the Colonial Secretary, and offered to name the locality of the aurifera on the receipt of a reward from the Government, but this was refused and Mr. Smith kept his secret.
“In the papers relating to Crown Lands, presented to Parliament at the commencement of the session of 1851, there is a dispatch from Sir Charles Fitzroy, the present Governor of New South Wales, to Earl Grey, containing the following passage: - ‘A specimen of gold, weighing about three ounces and a half, was lately exhibited to me. I have not been able to learn the precise locality where it was found, except that it is in the western side of the great dividing range in the Sydney, or middle district.’ The specimen of gold here mentioned by Sir Charles Fitzroy, was not, as some have conjectured, one of those pieces sold in Sydney by the shepherd M’Gregor. I myself found it in the river Turon, near the junction with the Macquarie. I also procured scale gold, and copper ore, but I prosecuted no further search, as the Government disregarded my statement of the richness of the district; and some even pronounced me an enemy to the colony, for daring to discover the alluring metal.
“This treatment, although unpleasant, was precisely such as I had expected to receive at the hands of the wealthy and the influential colonists, whose present interest it was to prevent the diversion of the already limited supply of labour to new objects, and to gold mining particularly, as they pondered on the possibility of the labourer deserting the flocks, the herds and the corn fields, and rushing to the diggings, immediately an El Dorado was proclaimed in New South Wales. But although they turned a deaf ear to the pleadings of science and enterprise, and sceptically pronounced the gold brought in by persons from the bush as jewels and watch cases, that had been hidden by thieves, they could not check the progress of discovery.
“Mr. F. Forbes, who, in 1850, died in California, published a pamphlet in Sydney, in 1849, in which he affirmed, on scientific data, the existence of gold formations in Australia. About this period, several promising out-croppings of copper and lead were discovered; and the fact that the country was rich in minerals became so evident, that the colonial executive requested the home Government to send out an efficient geologist to examine the country, and accordingly the appointment was conferred on the eminent Mr. Stutchbury, formerly curator of the Bristol Museum, who departed for Sydney, in Spetember, 1850.
“In January 1851, Mr. E.H. Hargraves, a poor but shrewd adventurer returned from California to Sydney, and although unsuccessful in his search for gold in the valley of the Sacramento, had earned there much valuable information, and was so struck by the great similarity between the the geological structure and general aspect of the Californian gold districts, and the mountain regions in the vicinity of Bathurst, over which he travelled sixteen years previously, that he determined without delay, to prosecute a diligent search for the golden treasure. Availing himself of the previous scientific demonstrations and discoveries of the Rev. W.B. Clarke and others, he explored the locality where the precious metal was said to be most abundant, an ascertained the existence of gold sands in twelve different places, and satisfied himself of the richness of the district. Previous explorers, from lacking sufficient acumen, had not succeeded in benefiting either themselves or the colony by their golden discoveries; but Mr. Hargraves was too clever a tactician to fail in so important an undertaking. After several personal interviews, he addressed the following letter to the Colonial Secretary:
“ ‘Sydney, April 3, 1851.
“ ‘Sir,
“ ‘With reference to my interviews with you regarding the discoveries recently made by me of the existence of gold on Crown lands in the interior of this country, and to your suggestion that I should communicate to you in writing mt views on the matter; I beg leave to state, that I embarked in the discovery at my own expense as a speculation, and as a means of bettering my fortune in the vent of my search proving successful. I have succeeded beyond my expectations; and, so far, the great hardships, expenses, and exercise of my skill have been rewarded; and further, that within the period of my explorations (the last two months) I made very satisfactory discoveries of the existence of the precious metal in several of localities on the Crown lands above referred to, and that my first discovery was made on the 12th February last.
“ ‘I have the honour to submit for the early consideration of the Government the following propositions, viz., that if it should please the Government to award to me, in the first instance, the sum of L500 as a compensation, I would point out the localities to any officer or officers they may appoint, and would undertake to realize to the Government my representations, and woud leave it to the generosity of the Government, after the importance of my discoveries and disclosures have been ascertained, to make me an additional reward commensurate with the benefit likely to accrue to the Government and the country.
“ Requesting the honour of an early answer. Address to me East Gosford, Brisbane Water.
“ ‘I have, &c.,
“ (Signed) ‘EDWARD HAMMOND HARGRAVES.’
“To the foregoing letter the Colonial Secretary returned the following answer:
“ ‘Colonial Secretary’s Office.
“ April 15, 1851.
“ ‘ Sir,
“ ‘In reply to your letter of the 3rd instant, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that his Excellency cannot say more at present than that remuneration for the discovery of gold on Crown lands referred to by you, must entirely depend on its nature and value when made known, and be left to the liberal consideration which the Government would be disposed to give it.
“ ‘ I have, &c.,
“ (Signed) ‘ E. DEAS THORNTON.’ [THOMSON]
“On the 30th of April, Mr. Hargraves addressed from Sydney the following letter to the Colonial Secretary:
“ ‘ Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, and in reply, beg to say that I am quite satisfied to leave the remuneration for my discovery of gold on Crown lands to the liberal consideration of the Government. The following are the localities where it exists: viz., Lewis Ponds and Summerhill Creeks, Macquarie, and Turon Rivers, in the districts of Bathurst and Wellington. I am now awaiting his Excellency’s pleasure as to the mode of testin the value of my discovery.
“ ‘Please address, care of Samuel Park and Co., George Street.
“ ‘I have, &c.
“(Signed) ‘EDWARD HAMMOND HARGRAVES.’
“Having received a guarantee of a government reward in the vent of his discoveries proving valuable, Mr. Hargraves’ next step was to persuade persons to commence mining operations. This he accomplished most successfully, by publicly announcing his discoveries in a lecture delivered in the town of Bathurst, on the 8th of May, and by establishing companies of miners, to whom he took upon himself to give a government authority to dig for the precious metal, as the following letters from Mr. C.H. Green, Commissioner of Crown lands to the Colonial Secretary, will show:
“ ‘Bathurst, May 8, 1851.
“ ‘Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to report that a Mr. Hargraves has been employing people to dig for gold in the Summer Hill Creek in this district, and they have succeeded in procuring several ounces. I have conceived it to be my duty to proceed to the spot, and serve notices to all the parties to refrain from further operations; and in the meantime, I shall feel much obliged for further instructions on this particular point. The excitement consequent upon the report of gold having been found in considerable quantities is very great; and I would beg to suggest that some stringent measures should be taken to prevent the labouring classes from leaving their employments to search on Crown lands. And I would respectfully submit, that perhaps the procuring of a license to dig might in some measure restrain the shepherd and others from leaving their masters suddenly; and I have every reason to believe that, should should [sic] the report gain ground, this will be the case to an extent which will be attended with great losses to the stock-holders.
“ ‘I have, &c.,
“(Signed) ‘CHAS. H. GREEN,
“ ‘Commissioner of Crown Lands.’
“ ‘To the Honourable the
“Colonial Secretary, Sydney.’
“ ‘Bathurst, May 13, 1852. [sic]
“ ‘Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to report, for the information of Her Majesty’s Government, that in accordance with the intention expressed in my letter of the 8th instant, I proceeded to the spot where the gold-diggers were at work. Upon my arrival at the mine, I found seven or eight persons at work there; and having given them notice to desist from their search, they produced a letter signed by Mr. Hargraves, purporting to authorise their working, and to prevent other parties from digging in the same neighbourhood. I did not see any authority from the Governor to Mr. Hargraves, empowering him to grant such licenses to others. Having performed ehat I conceived to be my duty in the above matter, I must now request his Excellency’s further orders as to my proceedings.
“ ‘The excitement at Bathurst among all classes is intense, and to complete it, a man has brought in a piece of gold valued at L31, and weighing 13 ounces. The specimen I have seen to-day. Hundreds are either gone, or preparing to start fro the ‘diggings.’ where I fear the scenes once enacted in California will soon be acted over again. Parties are taking arms with them; and unless some very speedy measures are adopted, I fear they will set any regulations that may hereafter be promulgated at defiance, as up here we have not the means of enforcing them. It would, I imagine, be only through the assistance of the respectable portion of the diggers, aiding the executive, that any system of licenses ever could be carried out.
“ ‘I have, &c.,
“ ‘CHAS. H. GREEN,
“ ‘Commissioner of Crown Lands.’
“Pending these proceedings, Mr. Stutchbury, the colonial geologist, was despatched to Bathurst, to test the value and importance of the alleged gold discovery, and he confirmed, in the most full and satisfactory terms, the truth of Mr. Hargraves’ statements.
“A few hours after reaching Summer Hill Creek, Mr. Stutchbury addressed the following letter to the Colonial Secretary:
“ ‘Summerhill Creek, May 14, 1851.
“ ‘Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to inform you (hastily, to save a post), that having been two or three hours at the gold diggings, I have seen sufficient to prove to me the existence of grain gold. Of course, I cannot say more at the present moment, but will write again by the next mail.
“ ‘The number of people congregating requires from the authorities some prompt measures regarding power to work, &c. Immediate power should be given to some person to act temporarily.
“Mr. Hargraves will remain at Gengong until he hears further from you. If I may be allowed to suggest, I think, from Mr. H.’s experience, you could not at the first moment engage a better person to carry out your view suntil matured measures can be brought into operation.
“ ‘I have, &c.
“(Signed) ‘ST. STUTCHBURY.’
“Five days after writing the above, Mr. Stutchbury dispatched the subjoined to the Colonial Secretary.
“ ‘May 19, 1851.
“ “Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to inform you, that since my last communication gold has been obtained in considerable quantity, many persons, with merely a tin dish, or other insufficient apparatus, having obtained 2 or 3 ounces per day.
“ ‘The number of persons engaged at work in and about the diggings (that is, occupying about one mile of the creek), cannot be less than 400, of all classes.
“ ‘Report speaks of parties being at work in various places. I have no doubt of gold being found in greater or less quantities over a vast extent of country; it is accumulating in the low grounds at the present time, as I have found it far above the flood-line of the creek in various places, proving it to originate in the ranges and to be washed down by the rains.
“ ‘I fear, unless something is done very quickly, that much confusion will arise in consequence of people setting up claims, &c. At present everything is quiet, many people are entirely without food, and stores are not to be got, although I hear that some are on the road, which I hope will speedily arrive.
“ ‘I shall consider it my duty to remain here until I hear the intention of the government respecting this very important business.
“ ‘Mr. Teely will be able to give you particulars, as I understand he proceeds immediately to Sydney.
‘ ‘I have, &c.
“(Signed) ‘T. STUTCHBURY.
“ “Excuse this being written in pencil, as there is no ink in this city of Ophir.’
“Mr, Hargraves, having, by the successes of hundreds of diggers, fully demonstrated the great value of his discoveries, and established New South Wales as a gold mining colony, wrote to the Colonial Secretary as follows:
“ ‘Wellington Inn, Gengong, May 18, 1851.
“ ‘Sir,
“ ‘I have the honour to inform you that I have placed myself at the disposal of Mr. Stutchbury, and pointed out the gold country. He has expressed himself perfectly satisfied of the correctness of my statements to the government. The effect of my appearance in the district has caused a little excitement among the people; and at this time, at the lowest estimate, I should say 500 men are actively engaged in mining with success, some have made very large amounts. Anticipating the government would take immediate measures to regulate the mines, I have remained here at the suggestion of Mr. Stutchbury; and should the government require my services in carrying out their measures, I trust I shall be found, from my great experience in gold mining in California, fully equal to the task. Inferring such might be the case, I have not, either directly or indirectly, speculated in any way during the excitement; and now await his Excellency’s pleasure as to the amount of compensation for my discovery, and further, if I shall be honoured with an appointment.
“ ‘I have, &c.,
“(Signed) ‘EDWARD HAMMOND HARGRAVES.’
“On the 3rd of June, the New South Wales Government rewarded Mr. Hargraves with the sum of L500, for his valuable discoveries, and at the same time appointed him a Commissioner of Crown lands, at a yearly salary of L500, for the express purpose of continuing a search on behalf of the government, for further fields of employment for the gold diggers.
“The arrival of considerable quantities of lump and grain gold, caused a great sensation in Sydney; and the report of Mr. Stutchbury, which reached Sydney on the 22nd of May, was so conclusive as to the extent and richness of the mines, that a proclamation, which had been prepared for some time, was on that day issued, declaring the tight of the Crown to all precious metals, and prohibiting all persons from searching for, or carrying off the same, except under regulations to be shortly promulgated. This measure of the government increased the excitement, and hundreds flocked out of Sydney for the diggings, regardless of the toil, the privations, and the exposure to the comparatively inclement winter of the Bathurst regions.
“Finding all efforts to check the search for gold in vain, the government lost no time in establishing regulations to preserve good order among the miners, and to render the auriferous soil a just source of income to the Crown lands’ fund. Immediately after the issue of the proclamation claiming all precious metals as Crown property, the following announcement appeared in the ‘Official Gazette.’ [Government Gazette]
“Licenses to Dig and Search for Gold.
“ ‘Colonial Secretary’s Office, Sydney,
“ ‘May 23, 1851.
“ ‘With reference to the proclamation issued on the 22nd May instant, declaring the rights of the Crown in respect to gold found in its natural place of deposit within the territory of New South Wales, his Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to establish the following provisional regulations, under which licenses may be obtained to dig, search for, and remove the same.
“ ‘1. From and after the 1st day of June next, no person will be permitted to dig, search for, or remove gold, on, or from any land, whether public or private, without first taking and paying for a license in the form annexed.
“ ‘2. For the present, and pending further proofs of the extent of the gold field, the license fee has been fixed at 30s. per month, to be paid in advance; but it is to be understood that the rate is subject to future adjustment, as the circumstances may render expedient.
“ ‘3. The licenses can be obtained on the spot from the Commissioner, who has been appointed by his Excellency the Governor to carry these regulations into effect, and who is authorized to receive the fee payable thereon.
“ ‘4. No person will be eligible to obtain a license or the renewal of a license unless he shall produce a certificate of discharge from his last service, or prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that he is not a person improperly absent from hired service.
“ ‘5. Rules adjusting the extent and position of land to be covered by each license, and for the prevention of confusion, and the interference of one license with another, will be the subject of early regulations.
“ ‘6. With reference to lands alienated by the Crown in fee-simple [freehold title], the Commissioner will not be authorized for the present to issue licenses under the regulations, to any person but the proprietors, or persons authorized by them in writing to apply for the same.
“ ‘By his Excellency’s command,
“ ‘E. DEAS THOMSON.’ “
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