Physical description

Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. ''Rates of carriage to Mount Alexander had generally ranged between £10 and 20 per ton. As winter drew on, these rates, began alarmingly to advance. The Bendigo goldfields . . . Were at this time the great focus of attention. To this locality, where it was said 40,000 persons were at one time assembled during the month of June, the rates of carriage rose successively to £80, £100, and £120 per ton, and contracts were said to have been freely made at still higher rates, even at £150 per ton. £3 to £4 per week with rations were promptly given to good bullock drivers who were disposed to undertake the protracted and adventurous charge of a provision dray. At the diggings, the course of prices had been for some time on the upward move, in anticipation of the winter's scarcity. A tent full of stores was second only to a tent full of gold itself. Flour which could be purchased in Melbourne at £24 per ton was sold at Bendigo for £20 per bag of 200lbs., or at the rate of £200 for the ton of 2,000lbs., weight'' Markings: 40 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.

Inscriptions & markings

hanimount