Historical information
This miner's right is a copy from an original held by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The original was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.
Physical description
Digital copy of an original Gold Lisense made out to William Fittall Junior.
Inscriptions & markings
Ballarat Victoria Gold License
No. 215 Jany 4 1853
The Bearer Wm Fittale [sic] Jr
having paid to me the Sum of One Pound Ten Shillings, on account of the territorial revenue, I hereby License him to dig, search for, and remove Gold on and from any such Crown lands within the Dist of Ballarat
as I shall assign to him for that purpose during the month of January 1853 not within half-a-mile of any Head Station, This License is not transferable, and to be produced whenever demanded by me or any other person acting under the authority of the Government, and to be returned when another License is issued.
Chas Wale Sherard Commissioner.
Regulations to be observed by the persons digging for Gold or otherwise employed at the Gold fields.
1. Every licensed person must always have his License with him ready to be produced whenever demanded by a Commissioner, or Person acting under instructions, otherwise he is liable to be proceeded against as an unlicensed person.
2. Every person digging to Gold, or occupying Land, without a License is liable by law to be fined, for a first offence, not exceeding five pounds; for a second offence not exceeding 15 pounds; and for subsequent offence, not exceeding 30 pounds.
3. Digging for Gold is not allowed within ten feet of the edge of any Public Road, nor are the roads to be undermined.
4. Tents or Buildings are not to be erected within twenty feet of each other, or within 20 feet of any Creek
5. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of Sundays.
