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 CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2002. Hard yakka: miners in front of the Central Nell Gwyne Mine in Bendigo. The man second from left is Delty Arthur Robins, who was the underground manager of the mine. He brought the first gold to the surface. Date unknown. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Four men working underground. Possibly manager inspecting workings, dressed in suit jacket and hat. Miners wearing hard hats.mine, gold, mine manager/3 workers, bendigo mines-jack hattam collection.

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

Handwritten notes and typed copy of same, on a gold robbery at the 180 Mine. One man was arrested and two escaped. The engine driver was also arrested as an accessory to the crime. The underground manager, Mr John Baxter decided to set a watch and the men were caught red-handed. The Det-Sgt was reduced in rank and transferred to Melbourne. He knew the men would be coming up at a certain time. He didn't have sufficient police to surround the mine and he did not take any lanterns. Albert Richardson Collection. document, gold, lansell's big 180 mine, lansell's big 180 mine, robbery at the 180 mine, bendigo advertiser mon jan 11th 1897 page 3, mr lansell, john baxter, edward west, mr northcott, det-sgt griffin, const. davidson, const. mallon, mr edwards, mr grenfell, long gully fire brigade, victoria quartz mine, bendigo advertiser tues jan 12th 1897, mr thomas, bendigo advertiser mon jan 18th 1897 page 3, alfred rogers, mr pellow, james trahair, bendigo advertiser fri jan 22nd 1897, bendigo advertiser fri feb 26th 1897, bendigo advertiser fri april 2nd 1897

Photocopies of documents relevant to Richard E Reed, Underground Manager, Great Extended Hustlers Mine. Circa 1914 1. Certificate of Service for Richard Reed 2. Two letters of reference 3. Two letters of commendation for Richard Reed for his actions during the Great Extended Hustlers Mine disaster. 4. Letter informing Richard Reed that his bravery would be rewarded by giving him a government position. 5. Extract of Birth entry for Richard Reed. Born 23.12.1869 to Richard Reed and Emily Veale. 6. Copy of a wedding group. Undated with no names. Possibly Richard Reed?family history., genealogical records

Seven men were killed at the Great Extended Hustler's mine disaster on 2nd May 1914 by an explosion of dynamite occurring as the men were waiting at the plat to ascend the mine at the end of their shift. No blame was attached to anyone in the findings of the inquisition. It was unknown what caused the dynamite to explode. This document formed part of the research done at the time of the 100 years commemoration of the mine disaster, held at Hustlers Hill in 2014. One page photocopy of the report of the proceedings before Coroner inquisition held at Bendigo on the 3rd, 9th and 12th of May 1914, to inquire into the deaths of the miners William Crowther Blair, John Henry Campbell, Frederick James Chinn, Matthew George Forster, Leslie Duncan Martin, William Ryan and Herbert John Thomas who were killed 'by an explosion of dynamite at the Great Extended Hustlers Mine, Bendigo on 2nd. May 1914. Richard Ernest Reed, the Underground Manager, was commended for his bravery. The Juror's names were : Samuel Glen, miner; Frederick Osborne, miner; Francis Pinder, miner; Harrison Kidd, miner; James Chapman, miner; Killian Brophy, carpenter; Henry Eames, butcher; William Sinclair, carpenter. great extended hustlers, goldmining, accidents, coronial inquest, crowhter, blair, campbell, chinn, forster, martin, ryan, thomas, richard reed, 1914

Handwritten names of some of the men who worked at Hercules Mine, Long Gully. Written at the top is Driver Bill Tonkin. Before 1942 when Mine closed. The names are: Back Row - 1. Harry Harward, 2. Bonnie Bentley, 6. Archy Dumble, 7. Tom Kitt, 8. Charlie Ellis, 9. Dick Fraser, 12. Billy Goat Johns, 13. Jack Waterson, 14. Tom Bennetts - Blacksmith. 2nd Row - 4. New Williams, 5. Patsy Palmer, 6. Dave Hughes, 8. Tom Henderson, 9. Charlie Davey - Driver. 3rd Row - 1. Fred Batten, 2. Mick Meager, 7. Tom Hicks, 8. Tonkin. 4th Row - 1. Roy Rosewarne, 2. Gordon Ennor, 3. Taff Hawkins, 4. jack Trevena, 5. John Ennor - Manager, 6. Charlie Clapton, 8. Harry Pinder - Underground Manager. Written underneath is: Some Names of Men who worked at Hercules Mine, Long Gully. Paper is mounted on bright green paper which is mounted on orange card and laminated.bendigo, history, long gully history group, bill tonkin, harry harwood, bonnie bentley, archy dumble, tom kitt, charlie ellis, dick fraser, billy goat johns, jack waterson, tom bennetts - blacksmith, ned williams, patsy palmer, dave hughes, tom henderson, charlie davey - driver, fred batten, mick meager, tom hicks, tonkin, roy rosewarne, gordon ennor, taff hawkins, jack travena, john ennor - manager, charlie clapton, harry pinder - underground manager, hercules mine

Sir Arvi Hiller Parbo: A.H. Parbo joined Western Mining Corporation in 1956 and over the next 12 years held the positions of Underground Surveyor, Underground Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, and Deputy General Superintendent. He was appointed General Manager in 1968 and became a Director in 1970. He was appointed Deputy Managing Director in 1971 and became Managing Director in the same year. In 1974, Parbo was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Western Mining Corporation. Western Mining Corporation Limited (WMC), incorporated on 2 March 1933, was active in minerals exploration and production in Australia and elsewhere until taken over by BHP Billiton in June 2005. A comprehensive history of the company has not been published, but there is a great deal of published and unpublished material recording various aspects of its activities. This list shows what is known to be available, and where. Arvi Parbo, Melbourne, June 2012 The Name of the Company: For legal, tax and accounting reasons on 19 November 1979 Western Mining Corporation Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Mining Corporation Holdings Limited. On 16 November 1995 the name Western Mining Corporation Holdings Limited was changed to WMC Limited. In December 2002 WMC Limited demerged into two companies: WMC Resources Limited and Alumina Limited. WMC Resources Limited was taken over by BHP Billiton in June 2005. Alumina Limited continues as a public company. Source: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-495696799/viewTwo copies of letter sent from Western Mining Corporation dated 18th November, 1974, to: a. Mr. Ken Harris. from A.H. Parbo, Managing Director, thanking him for his letter and notes re Bendigo Mining b. Mr. J.H Lalor, Regional Exploration Manager, Eastern States, informing him of Ken Harris' notes of the Bendigo goldfield.bendigo, gold mining, exploration, bendigo, western mining corporation, bendigo goldfield, mining, ken harris, a. parbo, fosterville

The booklet comprises of a series of papers published in the Ballarat Star, with some revisions. The Administrative Council hoped the publication would increase interest in Technical Education, especially the Art of Mining. He would also hope the public would recognise the Ballarat School of Mines as an institution adapted to supply technical education. The Ballarat School of Mines Council listed at the front of the book includes: Redmond Barry (President and Trustee), Judge Rogers (Vice-President), Somerville Livingstone Learmonth (Trustee), Rivett Henry Bland (Trustee), Charles Gavan Duffy, John A. MacPherson (MLA), William McLellan (MLA), Duncan Gillies (MLA), F. McCoy (University of Melbourne), John I. Bleasdale, W.H. Barnard, James M. Bickett, Henry Richards Caselli, P. Chauncy, J.M. Davey, Joseph Flude, R.F. Hudson, Robert Lewis, James Oddie, Robert M. Serjeant, J. F. Usher, John Walker, J. Williamson, Mayor of the City of Ballaarat, chairman (for the time being) of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. The President of Examiners was Judge Rogers, and the Honorary Auditor was Richard Ford.Stapled, brown soft covered booklet of 48 pages. Section I outlines the establishment of the Ballarat School of Mines, the buildings and land used by the school, describes in detail the former Ballarat Circuit Court and describes the lecture rooms. Section II describes the Ballarat School of Mines Museum, including a description of exhibits. Section III describes the lecture hall, and the apartments on either side of the hall, including the office of the registrar W.H. Barnard, mathematical classroom, chemical laboratory, and metallurgical laboratory. Section IV outlines the subjects offered by the Ballarat School of Mines, including Mathematics taught by John Victor of Grenville College, who had been educated at Trinity College Dublin. Mining and Land Surveying was taught by C.W. Thomas. Mr Croll taught mechanical drawing, followed by Jonathan Robinson of the Union Foundry, and finally S. Keast. It then lists some text books used in the school. Section V mentions the School Council, lack of funds, future directions, mining laboratory. Vi- Describes the land and out buildings, and the proposed building for metal and wood turning, brass foundry, blacksmith, working engine, etc. This section describes some large donations to the school - 50 pounds from the Misses Meglin of Melbourne, 10 pounds 10 shillings to the 'Pyrites fund' by the Walhalla and Long Tunnel Companies in Gippsland. Section VII covers the teaching of chemistry by Joseph Flude. Section VIII outlines the metallurgy classes and the process of assaying. Section IX covers telegraphy taught by Mr Bechervaise Section X describes the examination process at the Ballarat School of Mines. Examiners in mathematics were G.J. Russell (Buninyong) and John Lynch (Smythesdale), mining and land surveying John Lynch and P.C. Fitzpatrick (Ballarat), Principles and Practice of Mining R.M. Serjeant (Band and Albion Consols), Mechanical Engineering John Lewis (New North Company Clunes, Mineralogy and Geology G.H. F. Ulrich, Assayign and Chemistry J. Cosmo Newberry, and Telegraphy R.L.J. Ellery (government astronomer) and Sam W. Macgowan. Underground managers and captains in quart mining was examined by Henry Rosales (Walhalla Company), and alluvial mines by Messrs Bockett, Kent, Martin and Mitchell. Engineers and Engine driving was examined by W.H. Keast,Peter Matthews, Jonathan Robinson and J.M. Troup. Section XI - Covers Annual reports of the school, and honorary correspondents of the school including: John Day (Geelong); R. Evan Day (London); W.W. Evans, M.J.C.E. of New York; J.Y. Fishburne, M.B. of Ararat; Felice Giordano, Inspector of Mines, Italy; Julius Von Haast, Ph. D.F.R.S., Government Geologist of Canterbury; James Hector, M.D., F.R.S., Government Geologist of Wellington, New Zealand, W.F. Hopkins (Grant); Charles A. La Trobe, C.E. (Engineer-in-Chief International Railway Plant, London); Archibald Liversidge, F.G.S. (Professor of Mineralogy and Reader in geology at Sydney University; J.J. Macgregor, M.D. (Creswick); J.T. McKenna (1st class of SMB underground management - Northern Territory); Henry Rosales, M.E. and M. (Walhalla); Harrie Wood (SMB founder and Under-secretary for Mines, Sydney); John Walthew (Stockport, England) .2) Signed 'E.J. Tippett', former President of the Ballarat School of Mines Council melbourne, mla, ballarat school of mines, redmond barry, j f usher, james bickett, w f hopkins, rivett henry bland, s m b, judge rogers, somerville learmonth, charles gavan duffy, gavan duffy, john macpherson, william mclellan, duncan gillies, f mccoy, university, john bleasdale, henry richards caselli, henry caselli, p chauncy, j m davey, joseph flude, r f hudson, robert lewis, james oddie, robert m serjeant, john walker, j williamson, richard ford, ballarat court house, assay, john victor, grenville college, trinity college dublin, c w thomas, jonathan robinson, union foundry, s keast, blessdale, john day, r evan day, w w evans, j y fishburne, felice giordano, julius von haast, james hector, charles a la, trobe, archibald liversidge, j j macgregor, j t mckenna, henry rosales, harrie wood, john walthew, fees, frederick mccoy, w.h. barnard

Black and white image - very faded - of miners from the New Red White and Blue Mine, and North Deborah Mine. Men are standing in front of large mullock heaps, sitting in front and standing on slope of mullock heap behind. Very large group of men dressed in working clothes. On top of image in biro New Red, White and Blue North Blue, 2 and 3 Blue, 1923 On back of image: written in biro are names of men. New Red White and Blue Consolidated Mining Co., North Red White and Blue No. 2 north of main shaft, No. 3 Blue, south of main shaft, Quart Hill, Adams Road. Names of miners written in back in pen: (no order given) New Red, White and Blue Consolidated Mining Co., North Red, White and Blue No 2 north of main shaft, No 3 Blue South of Main Shaft, Quartz Hill, Adams Road, (Golden Square). Mine managers: W Brimacombe, Fred Woods, Bob O'Brien, John Saunders, George Kinsgley, Jim Arthur, Bill Bren, Charle Cheetham, Tom Rowe (Snr), Grimshaw Hayes. Underground managers - shift bosses Bill Crosman, Steve Rothenberger, Tom Turner, Jim Chapman, Snowy Read, Jim Poole, J Champman, Bil Leggo, Gus Vlaminck, Biven Shelton, Ted Connors. (Photo) Phil Lanyon, Jack Plant, Jim Plant, Tom Turner, Tom Rowe (Sen) Bob O'Brien, Jim Buller, Arthur Webster, C. Neeman, Jack Craven, Peter Millar, Engine Driver Fred Watson, P Hopley, Jim Purdy, Jack Bottom, George Ross, Dave Rigbye, Gill Dupey, Fred Smith, Er Smith, Dick Plowright, Charlie Rickards, H. Stevenson, Sal Smith, Bill Harris, Frank Greig, C. Reid, Bill Leggo, Jim Poole, George Moore, W. Webb, Windy Hurst Shaft repairing: Harry Shelton, Bil Beveridge, Ted Porter, Joe? Harry Pollard, W. Polglase, Dave Lyke, Bill Del, W. Boland, Jack Hosking, Polshaw, Pomp Davidson, Jim Lesley, Dan Scully, Cliff Barton, George Barton, Tom Crowther, Bill?, Jack Hosking, Ern Rushmeyer, George Hocking, W. Benbow, Joe Hocking, Jim Jose, Jack Jose, Herb Bill, Dick Arthur, Taff Hocking, Charlie Dean, pat Doyle, Peter Doyle, Bob Davey, Roger Trewarne, Wilf Watson, Bill Hatfield, Dick Lanyon, Hughie Atherton, Ashley Rigbye, John Purdy, Bill Watson, Jim Watson, Perce Johnson, Russ Champan, W. McNamara, W. Nievandt, E. Jobe, Bill Yates, Yate McBeth, Alex Eadie, Jim Eadie, Jorgensens, Leo Atherton, Ted Comners, 2 Battery: Mears, Bill Dewar, Dave Luke, Allan Arthur. Deutchman, Les Balle, Perce Balle, Bob Hunter, Ray Jackson, Cec Waterman, George Randall, Ted Porter, Yate McBeth, W. Lamont, D. Rigbye, J. Purdy Platman North Blue 14 years (7.7.1920 - 1.11.1940) Engine Drivers: Fred Watson, Jack Plant, Harry Hanson, Anthony Hall, Jack Botton, Harry Nicholas, John Teasdale.bendigo, mining, red white and blue

The Ballarat School of Mines was established in 1970 and was the first school of Mines in Australia.A number of Ballarat School of Mines Annual General reports bounds in a dark blue hardcover with black leather spine. Includes some illustrations such as the Ballarat School of Mines Senior Staff.mining, mining alumni, geometry, steam, botany, ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, j f usher, andrew anderson, chemistry, metallurgy, a e c kerr, henry j hall, veterinary science, robert e weir, assaying, mineralogy, petrography, algebra, trigonometry, applied, mechancis, land surveying, mine surveying, dynamics and heat, sound and light, magnetism and electricity, carpentry and joinery, architecture, photography, john warrington rogers, james bickett, thomas wanliss, henry cuthbert, museum, william huey, steele, and, gas, engines, mine managers certificate, john m sutherland, charles e campbell, cyanide plant, mining laboratory, samuel thornton, daniel walker, percy osborne, robert allan, hubert murphy, charles deane, ernest trend, thomas evans, alfred johnston, boer war, richard maddern, underground, ferdinand krause

Establishment and Functions Prior to 1860, the Chief Secretary's Department had been responsible for the administration of the gold fields and associated mining activities. In November 1860 a Commissioner of Mines was appointed and a Department was established under his administration. For the period November 1861 to June 1863, the Postmaster General was responsible for the Mining Department. A Minister of Mines was again appointed in 1863. Responsibilities of the Department of Mines were: 1. Regulation of mining and related public works activities through the issue of miners rights, business and residence licences, mining leases, mineral and other prospecting licences 2. Superintendence of the activities of mining surveyors, registrars, wardens and Mining Boards. 3. Investigation of the state's geological structure, mineral wealth and underground water resources 4. Development of the mining industry 5. Supervision of the safe working of mines, machinery and quarries including checking the credential of mine managers, inspectors and operators 6. Regulation of the disposal of sludge and other waste products 7. Administration of the Victorian Mining Accident Relief Fund. Arising from its initial responsibility for the supply of water on the gold fields, the Department became responsible for rural water supply from the mid 1860s. Statutory responsibility for rural water works during this period rested with the Board of Land and Works. In 1865 the Waterworks Act gave the Board power to construct waterworks, purchase land, levy charges and lease or sell works, while the Public Loans Act 1865 empowered it to provide loans to local water trusts for waterworks. The actual administration of these statutory provisions was undertaken by the Victorian Water Supply Department which operated from 1865 to 1889 as a sub-department of the Department of Mines, from 1889 as a department in its own right, and from 1895 to 1909 as a sub-department of the Department of Mines and Water Supply. For a brief period from 1891 to 1893 the Department of Mines was also responsible for forests and, until 1880, for the Schools of Mines subsequently transferred to the Education Department. In 1895 the Department of Mines and the Victorian Water Supply Department were amalgamated to form the Department of Mines and Water Supply. A snapshot into social history around the 1930s when the Department of works and the Mines Departments were still linkedReceipt Book for the Department of Works; Mines. Receipt No 2801 - 3000. 1st receipt Number 2801, "18th July 1936, for Rent of Cottage: 14 days for 2 pounds, 2 shillings. The inscription on the back is signed by J F Condau in 13-3-33Printed on spine "GENERAL RECEIPTS / 15 / 2801 / TO 3000" Printed on each receipt 'DEPARTMENT OF / PUBLIC WORKS. / MINES." Fill in using ink pen "(DATE) 18th July 1936 / (TO) - - - shields' / BEING) Rent of / Cottage: 14 days / (TO) 17th July / @ (symbol for pound) 1-1. p. week / . (symbol for pound) 2:2:-"Inside cover there is some red pencil writing, words and figures unreadable. Handwritten on back cover "Numbers checked / and found corredt / J S Coudou (?) / 13-3-33" One some receipts "Wharfage / S.S. Koonara"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, department of works: mines, receipt book, rent 1936, imperial currency, living costs 1936, department of works, department of mines, j f condou, 1933, 13-3-33

"Mr. J. B. Rankine, the inspector for the Dundas goldfield, entered upon his duties on June 4, 1897. He states that his preliminary examination of the mines in active operation on the field, which was of a hurried nature, revealed in several instances a very unsystematic method of mining, which must have been attended with grave risk to the workmen had it been allowed to continue. The underground workings in one, particular mine which he inspected, and wherein a large number of men were employed, were of such a serious and dangerous nature that immediate steps and measures had to be taken to secure the ground for the safety of the men so employed. Without entering on this occasion into the question of culpability, he desired to place on record that the manager had shown a readiness and willingness to carry out his (the Inspector's) instructions. (West Australian, 21 February 1898)Handwritten letter on folded, lined paper. The letter was written in Norseman and relates to school fees for the Ballarat School of Mines. Norseman Oct 17 98 F.Mmaretll esq Registrar Ballarat School of Mines Sir Yours of the 1st instant to hand and I have much pleasure in forwarding you a cheque for L8.8.0 the account of school fees. Your remarks re telling the Minister are really too funny to be taken seriously. the remind one of kids at School "If you don't give me my marbles ill tell your father" however you have been very patient in the matter + I don;t grumble. Hope school is doing well + maintaining its good name, My kind regards to proff Smith + other enquiring friends Yours very truly J.B. Rankinej.b. rankine, dundas goldfield

Ray Beer was an employee of the Central Deborah Gold Mine. February 15th 2009: Bendigo Advertiser: 'MINING stalwart Raymond Beer has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind an extended family and a legacy in Bendigo’s mining history. Ray was mine manager at the Central Deborah Gold Mine - appointed in 1978 - and led the team that made possible the underground project at the second level. He had a vision to allow visitors to go underground and experience Bendigo’s mining heritage first hand. Ray was responsible for developing the new battery, shaft and poppet head to make this a reality. It took persistence and lots of hard work. Friend and work colleague Bill McNamara said Ray was as good as 10 men. His enthusiasm and work ethic were unprecedented. Ray will be sadly missed by his wife, Thelma, six children, 15 grandchildren, seven brothers, three sisters, his extended family, and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, tenacity and strength of character. In recognition of his contribution to Bendigo’s mining history, after more than 20 years of service at his retirement, a bronze life-sized statue was unveiled in his honour'. Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph. Ray Beer, underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine, standing alongside wooden sign 'Murrell's Corner'. Sign is placed horizontally on timber supports, side of drive visible in background. Ray is wearing bib and brace overalls and hard hat with a belt around his waist. He is giving a 'thumbs up' sign. gold mining, central deborah gold mine, ray beer, mine manager

Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph, looking from bottom of lift shaft towards the surface; light visible at top of shaft. Lift cables and safety mesh on sides of shaft. gold mining, central deborah gold mine, ray beer, mine manager

Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph. Two men with hard hats and lights, inspecting quartz outcrop on wall of drive at Central Deborah Gold Mine.gold mining, central deborah gold mine, ray beer, mine manager

Black and white photograph. Two underground miners inspecting a promising sample from a strong quartz vein at the face. Photo is duplicate of image published in the Bendigo Advertiser (no date). Text on newspaper image: "Deep in the Williams United mine at Eaglehawk miners examine promising samples from a strong quartz vein at the face. To the left is Western Mining's Bendigo residential manager Colin Cruickshank and to the right underground shift boss for the mining contractors, Eltin Pty Ltd Wetner Borchert".gold mining, underground, quartz vein, williams united gold mine, eaglehawk

In 1917 Bendigo Amalgamated Goldfield Ltd was formed from the amalgamation of 35 companies with operations on the Garden Gully, Sheepshead, Deborah and Derby lines of reef hoping to increase profits of these existing operations through economies of scale. This was difficult to achieve as the shafts involved were spread throughout the goldfield. Diamond drilling and good geological practices were introduced (Pabst was Chief Geologist) leading to some exploration success. However costs were rising rapidly and in 1923 the directors, deciding that mining would soon become unprofitable, dissolved the company returning assets to the original vendors. J.H. Lenten, Mine Manager, received his second class Mine Manager's certificate in September, 1914 at an examination held at the Bendigo Law Courts. One hundred pages of fortnightly manager's reports for Bendigo Amalgamated Goldfields N.L., Sheepshead Shaft. Reports consist of two pages for each fortnight, signed by J.H. Lenten, Mine Manager. Dates of reports range from November 20th, 1917 to 5th May 1920. Categories reported on include: development, stoping, tons from tributors, tons Company's stone, plant and machinery, underground workings, number of rock drill shifts, firewood used, coal burnt, and general remarks. charcoal burnt., lifting waterbendigo, margaret roberts, , goldmining, bendigo amalgamated goldfields, sheepshead shaft, j.h. lenten, mine manager

Black and white photograph. Two underground miners inspecting a drive at Williams United Gold Mine, Eaglehawk 1987. Colin Cruickshank Manager of Western Mining on right of image. Timbering and rock bolt on wall behind. gold mining, underground, quartz vein, williams united gold mine, eaglehawk, colin cruickshank, western mining gmc

Black and white photocopy of newspaper article. Two photos and text: 'Two underground miners standing in front of a diamond drill operating at the Williams United Gold Mine, Eaglehawk. Western Mining's Bendigo residential manager Colin Cruickshank on left hand side and Dexter Broughton working on the drill'. gold mining, underground, quartz vein, williams united gold mine, eaglehawk, colin cruickshank, western mining gmc, diamond drill, dexter broughton

Black and white photograph: underground mine photograph, two men standing in front of lift shaft. Colin Cruickshank, Manager, Western Mining standing on right of image. David Horsfall, reporter from the Bendigo Advertiser, standing on the left. Mine cage in immediate background. gold mining, underground, williams united gold mine, eaglehawk, western mining gmc, mine shaft, mine cage, colin cruickshank, david horsfall

Three New Bendigo Gold Project newsletters, dated November 2000, June 2002 and April 2003. November 2000 newsletter is headed ' Phase One of Decline Complete' Articles include description of works, rehabilitation work, exploration drilling - underground and surface drilling and dewatering and safety. Map showing decline development superimposed on street map on back of sheet. June 2002 newsletter, headed 'Environmental Manager Joins the Team' describes the appointment and previous experience of Philipa Varris. The newsletter includes information on water treatment plant, new shaft below the surface and provides a personality profile of John Cahill (Frank) the Senior Geologist. April 2003 newsletter, headed 'Bendigo Mining Seeks Site Expansion for Production' provides facts on the Swan Decline, a mine public open day, bird watching at Woodvale, the advisory board and a personality profile on Phil Walklate, project draftsman. A decline development map is provided on bottom right of sheet. bendigo mining n.l., bendigo, mining, gold, kangaroo flat, new bendigo gold project, drilling, rehabilitation, bree darcy, sam mcgowan, marilynh sprague, philipa varris, swan decline

Napoleon Lease no.11111 is situated immediately south from the Golden Square railway station. It embraces an approx length of 36 chains of the Napoleon Anticline. The old Napoleon shaft, the depth of which is 1020 ft, occupies a central position in the area of about 43 acres. The accompanying sections, which are prepared from mine Managers plans, illustrate the extent of previous underground operations and indicate points at which future prospecting may be advantageously continued. The no.10 (920 ft) south level connects with the main Napoleon shaft no.5 level (479 ft) appears to present the best opportunity for testing the prospects that are believed to have been inadequately investigated by the Bendigo Mines Limited in recent years.Map drawn on heavy paper. Printed on bottom of plan" Transverse Section Napoleon and Nell Gwynne Lines of Reef' and 'J.J. Caldwell, District Field Geologist, Mines Department, Bendigo. 14.1.46'. Napoleon anticline and Central Nell Gwynne anticline marked on map. Map is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection of mining documents. gold mining, bendigo, napoleon gold mine, nell gwynne, reef lines, j.j. caldwell, 1946

Two testimonial issued October 17th 1914 to John Lonsdale. One handwritten by the New prince of Wale mine manager certifying that John Lonsdale had been working under ground for seven years and that he has thorough knowledge of mining. The second a testimonial for Second Class Certificate of service certifying that John Lonsdale hs performed the duties of underground foreman at the New Prince of Wales mine in Eaglehawk.person, certificate, john lonsdale

Ray Beer was an employee of the Central Deborah Gold Mine. February 15th 2009: Bendigo Advertiser: 'MINING stalwart Raymond Beer has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind an extended family and a legacy in Bendigo’s mining history. Ray was mine manager at the Central Deborah Gold Mine - appointed in 1978 - and led the team that made possible the underground project at the second level. He had a vision to allow visitors to go underground and experience Bendigo’s mining heritage first hand. Ray was responsible for developing the new battery, shaft and poppet head to make this a reality. It took persistence and lots of hard work. Friend and work colleague Bill McNamara said Ray was as good as 10 men. His enthusiasm and work ethic were unprecedented. Ray will be sadly missed by his wife, Thelma, six children, 15 grandchildren, seven brothers, three sisters, his extended family, and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, tenacity and strength of character. In recognition of his contribution to Bendigo’s mining history, after more than 20 years of service at his retirement, a bronze life-sized statue was unveiled in his honour'.Colour photos : 2 photos, same image of Ray Beer, holding a gold ingot. Ray dressed in hard hat, casual clothing. Written on photo ' Ray Beer with 201 ozs of gold A.1. Mine, Gaffneys Creek'bendigo, mining, gaffneys creek, ray beer, central deborah gold mine

One page letter from Department of Industry, Technology and Resources to George H. White, Development Manager, Western Mining Corporation, Eaglehawk, re mining lease no. 1345, Bendigo Gold Project. Approval of a working proposal for evaluation at the Carshalton Shaft has been sought by Western Mining Corporation. The Department of Industry, Technology and Resources 'hereby approves the proposed underground exploration at South Carshalton Shaft including the dewatering activities outlined in your report dated July 1987'. The Minister for Planning, Jim Keenan, has exempted the exploration works from the Environment Effects Statement. Shire of Strathfieldsaye have issued a planning permit. western mining corporation, department of industry, technology and resources, dewatering, carshalton shaft, environment effects, shire of strathfieldsaye