One page document . An extract from Dickers Mining Record, Vol.1 No. 1 November 23, 1861, page 2. The demise of some mining companies is discussed. Companies mentioned are McNair's Specimen Hill and the Nelson Reef with their expensive machinery and brillian prospects but who look for an early dividend. 'Those who have any knowledge at all about mining know how unreasonable such expectations are'bendigo, mining, neson reef, mcnair's specimen hill

The Kelly family lived at 'Norwood', 103 Wills St. Bendigo. Whole family buried together in Bendigo Cemetery. Michael Peter Kelly bd. 23.9.1929 MON H4. Margaret Jane Kelly wife of Michael Kelly died 25.8.1912. bd. 28.8.1912. Daughter Rita bd. 21.1.1898 Son Roy (Robert Dennis) Kelly died 22.9.1943 bd. 23.9.1943. Daughter Doris May Kelly bd. 19.1.1967 Daughter Madge Annie Kelly bd. 6.6.1963. No records found of a marriage for Roy, Doris or Madge. Michael P. Kelly was born in Galway, Ireland and died in 1929 aged 76. He had been in Victoria for 59 years. For 50 years he had been closely associated with Bendigo mining companies, and was a leading investor. He joined the Bendigo Stock Exchange in 1880, had been chairman of the exchange multiple times. Director of the Farmers & Citizens' Trustee Co. and of the Sandhurst Building Society. Refs: Obituary The Argus 24.9.1943. The Argus 23.9.1943 (obit. of Roy Kelly). National Archives WW1 enlistment records Robert Dennis Kelly Reg. No. 10874. TROVE Bendigonian 29.7.1915. Bendigo Advertiser 27 August 1912. Bendigo Advertiser 21.1.1898 and 22.5.1900. Bendigo Cemetery records.Full length studio portrait male & female photograph. Captioned Miss Doris Kelly, Mr Roy Kelly, 103 Wills Street Bendigo. Bartlett Bros, Sandhurst printed on cover. Nill reverse. See Research field in 1342.5 (Michael Kelly) for information on the Kelly family.Bartlett Brosphotograph, person, male/ female

Book; hard cover (blue) containing paper pages with miscellaneous items of interest to McColl Rankin 7 Stanistreet. Eg. Plant purchases prospective share applicants etc.MCCOLL RANKIN STANISTREETorganisation, industry, mines & mining, mccoll rankin stanistreet

The Kelly family lived at 'Norwood', 103 Wills St. Bendigo. Whole family buried together in Bendigo Cemetery. Michael Peter Kelly bd. 23.9.1929 MON H4. Margaret Jane Kelly wife of Michael Kelly died 25.8.1912. bd. 28.8.1912. Daughter Rita bd. 21.1.1898 Son Roy (Robert Dennis) Kelly died 22.9.1943 bd. 23.9.1943. Daughter Doris May Kelly bd. 19.1.1967 Daughter Madge Annie Kelly bd. 6.6.1963. No records found of a marriage for Roy, Doris or Madge. Michael P. Kelly was born in Galway, Ireland and died in 1929 aged 76. He had been in Victoria for 59 years. For 50 years he had been closely associated with Bendigo mining companies, and was a leading investor. He joined the Bendigo Stock Exchange in 1880, had been chairman of the exchange multiple times. Director of the Farmers & Citizens' Trustee Co. and of the Sandhurst Building Society. Refs: Obituary The Argus 24.9.1943. The Argus 23.9.1943 (obit. of Roy Kelly). National Archives WW1 enlistment records Robert Dennis Kelly Reg. No. 10874. TROVE Bendigonian 29.7.1915. Bendigo Advertiser 27 August 1912. Bendigo Advertiser 21.1.1898 and 22.5.1900. Bendigo Cemetery records.Full length studio photograph of young woman. Written caption on reverse. Mrs Margaret Kelly, 103 Wills Street Bendigo. Dark long sleeved dress. Printed on Front. Academy of Photography, Hansen, Bendigo. Margaret Kelly died 25.8.1912. See Research field in 1342.5 (Michael Kelly) for information on the Kelly Family.Hansen Bendigophotograph, person, female

Documents: Records Red, White and Blue Extended G.M. Co. NL - loose leaf attached in Manilla folder (beige) Companies Act 1938 Rules & Regulations of Red White and Blue Extended GM Co N\L (2 copies) inserted in each folder. Rules and Regulations stapled into folder.MCCOLL RANKIN & STANISTREETorganization, business, gold mining rules and regulations, mccoll rankin & stanistreet

document: McColl, Rankin & Stanistreet: Deborah United Gold Mining Co. NL. Green folder containing correspondence. On front of folder ' New Moon 6 August Full Moon 21. 'Deb. United Records' Contains dissolution of company 14.4.1959, letter re voluntary liquidation 27 Nov. 1958, Directors report 31 August 1958 and 18th. October 1957. List of shareholders 31st August 1957 Shares.organization, business, deborah united gold mine nl, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet: deborah united gold mining co. nl, gold mining, shares, shareholders

Dicker's Mining Record and Guide to the Gold Mines of Victoria; showing the bearings, depths, thicknesses and underlies pf the Auriferous Lodes. The progress and cost of works in operation; containing also a variety of valuable interesting and statistical information. Vol. 11 - 1862 - 3. Published by the proprietor, Thomas Dicker with 276 pages. Green hardcover bound in leather with gold lettering and paper.Thomas Dickergold mining, mining equipment, mining records, mining, gold mines, mining statistics, mining companies.

Document. Exercise book - blue lined pages Battery & Mine. Records of Stock of Central Nell Gwynne Gold Mining Company. Dated 17/2/1950.McColl, Rankin & Stanistreetorganization, business, central nell gwynne, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet, central nell gwynne, gold mining, records of stock

HISTORY OF THE BALLARAT OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION HOMES AT CHARLES ANDERSON GROVE, LAKE GARDENS One of the original objectives of the Association was “to provide the shelter of a house for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years.” While the first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925 the Association had previously provided relief for needy pioneers from the time it was formed in 1883. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxes of groceries to deserving pensioners and in some cases payment of burial costs. Records indicate that in September 1922 three of the pensioners being assisted by the Association were accepted as residents in the newly erected Hassell Homes in Gillies Street (now demolished-opposite the High School). The first site for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Old Colonists' Association was temporarily reserved from sale in October 1891. The site was approximately 28 acres in area in Mt Clear nearly opposite Midvale Shopping Centre in Main Road. The site was heavily timbered and when cleared over 260 tons of wood was sold to the Woah Hawp Gold Mining Company. A set of gates were erected but no homes built, although a plan for this reserve was drawn which showed twenty buildings ranging from one to four unit per building. The reserve was revoked in November 1909. The second site temporarily reserved in November 1909 as an Asylum was in Alfredton and consisted of some 7 acres and was adjacent to land reserved for an Abattoirs for the Ballarat Council. The reserve was revoked in February 1912 as it was deemed more appropriate to be added to the Abattoir site. Council suggested four (4) other sites in exchange for this land and they were inspected by the President, Vice President and Secretary on 22 December 1912. The first site inspected was land on the west side of Creswick Road opposite the brick kilns (now occupied by the showgrounds and oval). The land was described as being good quality, well fenced, no trees, good drainage and ample acreage but some distance from trams. The second site was Perry Park which was described as being good land, well fenced, having frontage to Gillies Street, good drainage and about 26 acres (but subsequently reduced to 10 acres). It was closely planted with Pinus Insignias and Wattle and had easy access from the Botanic Gardens tram. The third site was the North West portion of Victoria Park (corner of Sturt and Gillies Street) and was described as good land, well fenced and drained and well located. The fourth site was the South West corner of Victoria Park and known as Pound Paddock (corner of Winter Street and Gillies Street). It was considered to be low lying and too close to the Abattoir, and was also a considerable distance from trams. While the third site was recommended as the most suitable for the erection of homes it was considered unwise from the point of view as citizens to reduce the acreage of the park and therefore it was recommended that the Perry Park site be asked for as the most acceptable to the Association for the building of homes. The site was eventually temporarily reserved for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Association in April 1914 with the gates from Mt Clear having been removed to the site a year earlier and eventually erected in 1917 for £12.10.0. In the same year the first 290 pine trees were advertised for removal in July and sold for £16. A sign indicating that the site was reserved for the erection of cottages was erected in September 1917. Stripping of the wattle bark (for tanning) and the cutting of the wood occurred in November 1918 with the land then being leased until it was required for the construction of the first homes in 1924. While the site was the third to be reserved it was the only one which was used for its intended purpose. It was named as Charles Anderson Grove in honour of Charles Anderson who joined the Association in 1918 and was President of the Association from 1942 to 1944. A number of cottages in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village of Gillies Street, Ballarat.charles anderson grove, old colonists' club, ballarat, old colonists' association, old colonists' homes, retirement village

Information relating to Charles Anderson and Charles Anderson Grove, Lake Gardens, Ballarat. The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages a 27 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. HISTORY OF THE BALLARAT OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION HOMES AT CHARLES ANDERSON GROVE, LAKE GARDENS One of the original objectives of the Association was “to provide the shelter of a house for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years.” While the first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925 the Association had previously provided relief for needy pioneers from the time it was formed in 1883. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxes of groceries to deserving pensioners and in some cases payment of burial costs. Records indicate that in September 1922 three of the pensioners being assisted by the Association were accepted as residents in the newly erected Hassell Homes in Gillies Street (now demolished-opposite the High School). The first site for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Old Colonists' Association was temporarily reserved from sale in October 1891. The site was approximately 28 acres in area in Mt Clear nearly opposite Midvale Shopping Centre in Main Road. The site was heavily timbered and when cleared over 260 tons of wood was sold to the Woah Hawp Gold Mining Company. A set of gates were erected but no homes built, although a plan for this reserve was drawn which showed twenty buildings ranging from one to four unit per building. The reserve was revoked in November 1909. The second site temporarily reserved in November 1909 as an Asylum was in Alfredton and consisted of some 7 acres and was adjacent to land reserved for an Abattoirs for the Ballarat Council. The reserve was revoked in February 1912 as it was deemed more appropriate to be added to the Abattoir site. Council suggested four (4) other sites in exchange for this land and they were inspected by the President, Vice President and Secretary on 22 December 1912. The first site inspected was land on the west side of Creswick Road opposite the brick kilns (now occupied by the showgrounds and oval). The land was described as being good quality, well fenced, no trees, good drainage and ample acreage but some distance from trams. The second site was Perry Park which was described as being good land, well fenced, having frontage to Gillies Street, good drainage and about 26 acres (but subsequently reduced to 10 acres). It was closely planted with Pinus Insignias and Wattle and had easy access from the Botanic Gardens tram. The third site was the North West portion of Victoria Park (corner of Sturt and Gillies Street) and was described as good land, well fenced and drained and well located. The fourth site was the South West corner of Victoria Park and known as Pound Paddock (corner of Winter Street and Gillies Street). It was considered to be low lying and too close to the Abattoir, and was also a considerable distance from trams. While the third site was recommended as the most suitable for the erection of homes it was considered unwise from the point of view as citizens to reduce the acreage of the park and therefore it was recommended that the Perry Park site be asked for as the most acceptable to the Association for the building of homes. The site was eventually temporarily reserved for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Association in April 1914 with the gates from Mt Clear having been removed to the site a year earlier and eventually erected in 1917 for £12.10.0. In the same year the first 290 pine trees were advertised for removal in July and sold for £16. A sign indicating that the site was reserved for the erection of cottages was erected in September 1917. Stripping of the wattle bark (for tanning) and the cutting of the wood occurred in November 1918 with the land then being leased until it was required for the construction of the first homes in 1924. While the site was the third to be reserved it was the only one which was used for its intended purpose. It was named as Charles Anderson Grove in honour of Charles Anderson who joined the Association in 1918 and was President of the Association from 1942 to 1944. CHARLES HENRY GRATTAN ANDERSON C.H.G. Anderson (Electoral Returning Officer) was elected to membership of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat, in October 1918. He was elected to the Association Committee in 1926, and appointed Treasurer of the Association on the resignation of F. Ellis until the end of the financial year in 1933. In 1936 Charles Anderson indicated he would not be available for the President's Chair and that he would retire from the Committee owing to pressure of work. C.H.G. Anderson was welcomed as a new member of the Association in 1938, and served as President of the Old Colonists' Association from 1942-1944. Midway through 1949 Charles Anderson was appointed Members Secretary and Manager of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Club at £5.0.0 per week and 10/- for entertainment, to commence work prior to 01 August 1949. He was to do 30 hours per week and be present on Friday and generally on Saturday nights. In 1957 a minute of sympathy was extended to Club Manager Charles Anderson on the loss of his son. In 1958 a bonus of £20.0.0 was paid to Charles Anderson in recognition of his service in assisting the Secretary/Manager taking over under difficult conditions. In March 1964 the Shire of Ballarat would not permit a private road to be named Anderson Grove as Anderson Street already existed in Ballarat but Charles Anderson Grove was deemed acceptable. A recommendation of the Committee was put to the AGM in 1967 that Charles Anderson be made a Life Member. In 1969 an Association meeting observed a minutes silence in memory of Chas Anderson. Charles Anderson was also a Committee member of Ballarat Mechanics' Institute from February 1940 to February 1970. He was President in 1948. Black and white photographic portrait of Charles Anderson.charles anderson, charles anderson grove, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat mechanics' institute, hassell homes, woah hawp gold mining company, firewood, retirement village

The register records the purchases and sales of shares in the Spring Gully Freehold mine company. Individual names are listed and the date of purchase and sale are recorded against the names. The dates covered are fom 1900 to 1914Large share register book. Brown hardcover with the words ''share register'' printed on the spine. The book has 251 double pages, only the first 73 are used. share register, mining, spring gully freehold

Book of shares receipts. The receipts are numbered from 1751 to 2000 only the first four are detached, all are blank. The words on the receipt are: extended St. Mungo Gold Mining Company No-Liability St. Mungo's Reef, Eaglehawk. Registered under the mining companies' act, 1871. Capital: pounds 7,500 in 30,000 shares of five shillings each.st.mungo mine, gold mine, shares receipts

Book of shares receipts. The receipts are numbered from 1701 to 1750 only the first seven are detached, all are blank. The words on the receipt are: extended St. Mungo Gold Mining Company No-Liability St. Mungo's Reef, Eaglehawk. Registered under the mining companies' act, 1871. Capital: pounds 7,500 in 30,000 shares of five shillings each.st.mungo mine, gold mine, shares receipts

This Sandhurst gold mine was registered in 1864 although its head office was in Melbourne. The first manager was Edwin Chaplin. It had an initial nominal capital of 11,200 pounds raised through 224 shares of 50 pounds each. It was liquidated and delisted on the stock exchange in 1951.Two typewritten letters, one dated 8th May 1925 and the other 22nd June 1925. Both letters are addressed to Mr. M. Kelly, Beehive chambers, Bendigo. The first one advising that enclosed is a statutory declaration in connection with the scrip certificates for 200 shares that have been lost. The second one advising of two cheques for 25 pounds enclosed as payment of dividends. Both letters are signed by the manager of the Hercules Gold Mining Company Mr. Stanfield.hercules gold mining company, shares

John S Wearne First Manager of the Specimen Hill Co. W.H. Thomas Manager from September 1873. OBITUARY. Residents of the Borough of Eaglehawk will regret to learn of the death of Mr. John Wearne, a former well-known member of that community. The late Mr. Wearne, who was 68 years of age, came to Victoria in 1857. He was the first manager of the Specimen Hill mine and was also largely interested in several other mines in the district. Some considerable time ago he retired from active pursuits, and went to reside at Strathfieldsaye, whence he removed to Ascot Vale some years ago, where he lived until his death, his remains were brought to Eaglehawk by the mid-day train yesterday and conveyed to the family vault in the Eaglehawk Cemetery, many friends joining the cortege. Six members of the family survive — two sons and four daughters — Mrs. Wearne having pre-deceased her husband some time ago. OBITUARY. Article - Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918)Saturday 22 September 1906 - Page 5 Mining Company Pay book for a mining company. Dated from January 7, 1871 - February 12, 1876. Ledger format with six Columns - Name, Occupation. No. of Days, Rate, Amount, Signature on Receipt of Wages. First page lists J.S. Wearne as Manager, C. Palmer as Underground Manager, Miners - Rodda, Johns, Wearne, Kneebone, Trengove, Duncalf, Tresize. The ledger is in very poor condition and has been used by a child for drawing and writing practice.wages, mining, specimen hill mine

The Spring Gully Gold Mining property consists of Gold Mining Lease No. 2986, Castlemaine, of about 21 acres situated on the Emu Reef, in Spring Gully Fryers. There are two shafts, distant about 300 feet from each other. From one of them large quantities of gold were obtained in former years by previous companies. ( Prospectus of the Spring Gully Mining CompanyMaroon hard cover book, brown leather binding on spine and corners, three hundred and eighty pages. Written on spine of book in gold leaf : 'Minute Book'. Handwritten minute entries from 14th September 1903 to 30th August 1915. Affixed to first page, newspaper clipping from the 'Herald' 13/9/05, with information about the Spring Gully Mine Fryerstown. Page eighty-one has two quotes affixed from 'The Yarraville Chlorination and Ore Reduction Works' High Street Yarraville, July 1905, for works associated with pyrites and blanket sand. Page nine, a handwritten letter affixed to minutes, applying for a block of land 250 feet north of main shaft. Signed by J.S. Potter, H. Hancock, G Murray and T. Tumney. 1.Page one hundred and one: three quotes from 'Edwards' Metallurgical Works' Specimen Hill, Bendigo for pyrites and blanket sand. 2.Page one hundred and fifty five: handwritten letter (copy) from A. Schonfelder re shaft work on the mine and mention of tributors 3. Affixed to inside cover: letter from the 'United Shire of Mount Alexander' April 15th. 1907, regarding the reconstruction of the Vaughan bridge over the Loddon River. 'the benefit that the mines in your district derive from the bridge being open for wood waggons and this being the main traffic and this being the principal cause of the bridges present condition'. 4. Prospectus of the Spring Gully Mining Company, Spring Gull, Fryerstown, two page folded document enclosed inside back cover of book. Prospectus incomplete. (10746.93a) 5. Carbon copy of letter to D.E. Williams Esq, Castlemaine from GlenAthol, Casewick Road, London, January 25th, 1907 regarding two gentlemen who were 'called upon to carry the 'Spring Gullys' through - Mr. H. 'is making a determined effort to bring the matter to a successful issue' Letter signed by George Allan. (10746.93b. 6. Carbon copy of letter from E. Williams, London re proposed new company to acquire the properties of Spring G.M. Coy, Spring Gully G.M. Coy. No. 1, Sth Spring Gully G.M. Coy, Sth Spring Gully G.M. Coy Extended (10746.93c) 7. Handwritten letter to the Chairman and Directors of the Spring Gully G.M. Co. re the appointment of 'Mr. Samuel Morse Battery Manager at once, or accept my resignation as Mining Manager, for we can't agree any longer' Signed by A. Schonfelder. 8. Notice of extraordinary meeting of shareholders in Spring Gully Gold Mining Company No Liability, 22nd November 1906 at Beehive Chambers, Bendigo. Signed W.G. Blackham (Blackham & Garvin) Manager of the Company. (10746.93e) The Minute Book is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of mining documents.bendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, castlemaine, spring gully gold mine, fryertown

Dark green hardcover register, buff binding on spine and corners, two hundred and seventy pages. 'Minute Book' written in gold print on spine of book. Written in blue pen on inside front page: ' The Great Columbian Mining Company No Liability' Minutes entered date from 30th March 1904 to 6th September 1911. Minutes signed by James Hedley. Documents inserted in minute book, additional to minute content: 1. List of unpresented cheques (no date on list) 2. Petition by John William Allen, Manager, Bank of Victoria, View Street, Bendigo to 'wind up' the Great Columbian Mining Co. Dated 18th September, 1911. 3. From Great Columbian Mining Co., Inglewood, Butler and Sons account 4. List of Great Columbian Mining Company N.L. shareholders 5. Mine Manager's Report half year ending 6th September 1911 6. Directors' Report, 6th September 1911 7. Two letters from Fred. Douglas Jones, Barrister and Solicitor, Albion Chambers, Bendigo regarding cheques 'being returned unpaid' by Bank 8. Judgement from County Court Bendigo, 19th September, 1911, against the Great Columbian Mining Company, defendant. Plaintiffs, George Victor Lansell; George Wooten Lansell and Richard Hartley Smith Abbott 9. McColl and Rankin, Legal Managers, Accountants, invoice to Great Columbian Mining Co., 31st December 1911. 10. Letter, J. Stagg, Inglewood to McColl and Rankin, re settling up of accounts for the Great Columbian Mining Co., Inglewood 11. Great Columbian liquidation, Ingleoowd, Feb 19th. 1912 to R.A. Rankin Esq., re sale catalogue articles. Enclosed Mr. Butters charge for hire of horse and dray ((not in book) Signed J. Cavanaugh 12. Invoice from McColl and Rankin to the Great Columbian Co., for cash advances, 31st December 1912 13. Great Columbian Mining Co., statement of having received 'one receiver and mountings in good condition' signed McCulloch Carrying co., L. Lee, 5/2/12 14. Account Richard Linton, Manufacturers Agent, Queen Bridge Square, Melbourne to Great Columbian Mining Co., Inglewoodbendigo, mccoll and rankin, margaret roberts, great columbian mining company, inglewood,

The Ballarat School of Mines was the first School of Mines in Australia and was established in 1870. 22 page booklet titles 'The Ballarat School of Mines: A Statement of the Objects and Resources of the School.' The book has a number of illustrations including the interior of the Ballarat School of Mines Laboratory, and the former Ballarat Circuit Court House. It includes a statement of the formation, progress, and present position of the School of Mines, Ballaarat. The image of the Ballarat School Mines Assay Room shows assay furnaces, crucibles, chimney, and teacher Joseph Flude on the far right. This room is now is a building known as the 'Old Chemistry Building'. Plan and elevation of the new Metallurgical Laboratory and Proposed Chemical Laboratory is depicted.On front cover "Recorded in M-A" "1873"ballarat school of mines, assay, courthouse, joseph flude, crucible, furnace, flude, warrington rogers, brough smyth, harrie wood, wood, james bickett, bickett, redmond barry, somerville learmonth, metallurgy, chemistry, laboratory, examinations, mining engineer, assayer, inorganic chemistry, underground managers, captains of shift, engieners, enginedrivers, louis balhausen, james campbell, l.s. christie, j.j. casey, alexander dempster, g. higinbotham, james martin, alexander millan, malcolm morrison, band of hope and albion, city of ballarat mining company, city of canterbury gold mining company, egerton mining company, el dorado gold mining company, golden reef gold mining company, happy valley company, hope quartz mining company, long tunnel gold mining company walhalla, hopewell quartz mining company, imperial quartz mining company, student numbers, fees, magdala quartz mining company stawell, mariners and sloane's quartz mining company, new north clunes company, park company, temperence quartz company, tookey quartz company new zealand, walhalla gold mining company, matthew seal, harrie woodmuseum, duke of cornwall claim, john lynch, robert m. sergeant, engineers, f.w. niven, william henry barnard, ballarat school of mines museum, museum, ballarat school of mines library, donations of specimens, mining

BHS CollectionGreen cover, maroon binding on spine, 93 pages of which 11 are used. Dates of invoices from 1911 to 1913. 'Bendigo Tailings Company, No Liability, Invoice Book" bendigo, gold mining, tailings, bendigo tailings company, invoice

The largest gold mine in the area originated from a find in 1862. The mine was closed January 20, 1915 when a fire destroyed nearly all the above ground plant. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p75 Beneath Mine Hill, as locals call it, runs a network of tunnels once of central importance to the fledgling township of Diamond Creek. These are relics of gold mines, which transformed early Diamond Creek.1 The tiny settlement of about 20 families soared to more than 200 because of gold. For around 50 years, from 1862, gold mining was Diamond Creek’s major source of employment. On September 7, 1854 The Argus newspaper reported a find of a four pound (1.8kg) gold nugget in Nillumbik (an early name for Diamond Creek). Exactly where, is not known.2 The largest mine in the district, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, apparently originated from a find in 1862. It is said Joe and Dave Wilson were visiting former tailor then cook, Charles Orme, at the southern end of Fraser Street. Sitting on a stump outside the front gate on land belonging to Dr A. E. Phipps the Wilsons found a vein of gold-bearing quartz, which led to the discovery of four quartz reefs varying in width to eight inches (20cm), running north and south. A reef found at the foot of the hill opposite Challenger Street became the Union Mine. This reef was traced south to Allendale Road where a small mine began operations.3 Other smaller mines later operated as well. Dr Phipps immediately began to mine and also built the Diamond Reef Hotel as a boarding house for miners. But Charles Orme, who owned the land alongside, leased his mine to Dr Phipps probably because of insufficient funds and business skills. By mid 1865 the mine had produced 2530 ounces of gold – a 100% profit on the original outlay. Of course there were problems. When the local dam dried up a Blake pump was installed to draw water from the creek. The Union Mine operated under the Diamond Creek Gold Mine management except when disputes sometimes resulted in separate management. However disagreements had to be resolved as the Union Mine depended on Diamond Creek Gold Mine pumps to remove underground water from common reefs. In 1912 the main shaft of about 380 yards (350m) employed 200 men recovering an average of 5000 ounces (141.7kg) of gold a year. But not everyone did well out of gold. Records of failed mining companies in the Victorian Public Record Office, reveal that owner Dr Phipps leased his Right to others. Companies came and went over the next 40 years, most sponsored by Melbourne businessmen who sold shares to gullible locals and then became insolvent. Although there were some good profits, financial returns were haphazard until 1905. Some local residents, who were share holders in short- term companies, became well-known names in modern Diamond Creek such as Scott, Haley, Butler, Alder, Ryan, Wadeson, Reeves, Alston, Paul and Edwards. Gold mining was brought to a disastrous end on January 20, 1915 at 3 pm, when fire destroyed nearly all the above-ground plant. Fortunately no lives were lost. But reopening the mine was almost impossible because of the increasing depth of water in the main shaft. The closed mine destroyed the livelihood of 200 families and the debris took many years to clear.4 In 1946 the Diamond Creek Gold Mine was reopened by the Golden Hind Mining Company, but money ran out before the 600 feet (182.8m) or so of water could be removed. Gold remains in the mine but enormous capital would be needed to buy the land, equipment and to remove the water. Today 12 known sealed shafts along the ridge of the hills on private property extend west for around one kilometre from the corner of Fraser and Haley Streets, crossing Norma and Fyffe to Dering Streets. As recently as 1987, heavy rains revealed a former Union Mine shaft in the Georgiadis family Fyffe Street back yard.5 Allendale Mine, south of Allendale Road, is still open and one of the Union Mine’s main drives (horizontal excavation) remains unsealed, on the Creek Reserve.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, diamond creek, diamond creek mine, fraser street, gold mining, james cook drive, mine hill

Maroon hard cover book, buff binding on spine and corners of cover. Two hundred and seventy pages. Written on first page: ' The Great Columbian Mining Company No Liability'. Minute book forms part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of Mining records. Preliminary meeting of shareholders was held at City Chambers, High Street, Bendigo on 12th September 1898; James Hedley Chairman. The Minute Book is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of mining documents.bendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, mccoll and rankin, city chambers bendigo, the great columbian mining co.

Blue hard cover book, maroon binding on spine and corners of cover. 'Minute Book' written in gold on spine. Two hundred and two pages of which sixty nine are used. First entry dated 14th December 1914 for meeting held at the office of the Company at 39 Queen Street, Melbourne. Loose documents held in Minute Book of Oswald Gold Mine: 1. Receipt for monies received from Messrs McColl, Rankin and Stanistreet from F.G. Smith and McEacharn, for 20 pounds 2.Charge for petty cash, stamps for Oswald Gold Mine, Dr. to McColl Rankin and Stanistreet 3. Five proxy forms The Minute Book is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of mining documents.bendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, oswald gold mine n.l., castlemaine

Maroon soft cover book. Inside front cover 'Journal' printed in black pencil. Six pages of financial records entries for Catherine Reef Extended Mining Co. dating from December 12th, 1905 to 17th April, 1911. One page of financial records for Kingsleys Reward Mining Co. N.L., showing unalloted shares, uncalled capital and mine account . Mine Manager's book forms part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of Mining records.bendigo, margaret roberts, legal managers, mine manager, east moon gold mining company n.l., e.g. robertson mine manager, alfred jorgensen contractor, paddy's gully shaft, derby shaft, hustler's shaft,

'A communication from Mr. A.T. Balaam asking that the Central Board of Health be communicated with on the subject of arsenical fumes from the furnaces of the Bendigo Tailings Company at Quarry Hill, where pyrites are to be treated, was also referred to the Mayor.' Bendigo Independent, City Council, p9. 31st May 1913. 'Tenders are invited by the Bendigo Tailings Company for the purchase of two complete cyanide plants, first class assay plants, stores and equipment. Full details may be obtained from the Manager, Mr. J.J. Stanistreet.' Bendigo Independent, p4, 3rd March. 1916.Dark green hard dover book, maroon binding on spine. One hundred and sixty six pages of which ninety three are used. On front cover, white label with 'Double Ledger' printed in black. On front page, a purple stamp: ' Bendigo Tailings Company, No Liability' Alphabetical index in front of book detailing names and pages of transactions. Example for 'L' entry: lease rents; Langdon S.J.; Lansell G.V., L.N. and E; land. Entries in book date from 1912 - 1913. Ledger forms part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of Mining records.bendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, bendigo tailings co. n.l., mccoll rankin and stanistreet, arsenic

Dark green hard cover book, buff binding on spine and corners of cover. . Two hundred and seventy pages of which thirty five are used. Inside front cover, label affixed to marbled page: ' Sands and McDougall, Manufacturing Stationers, 365 Collins Street, Melbourne' Handwritten on page one' The Southern Garden Gully and Deborah Company N.L.' Handwritten entries of first meeting held on 16th August 1906, to last meeting July 1907. Meetings held at Messrs McColl and Rankin's office, City Chambers, High Street, Bendigo. Minute book forms part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of Mining records.bendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, mccoll and rankin, city chambers bendigo, southern garden gully and deborah company, james hiers mccoll