MEMORIES CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY Gold Discoveries IN VICTORIA
(By an Old Identity).
(Written for the Southern Cross.) [all rights reserved.] CHAPTER X.
Lost in the Bush.—A Trying Experience.—Thoughts on Ol» World Miseries.—ln the Gold Region.First Prospects.
As arranged, we struck camp shortly after daylight next morning, and took the direction of SpringCreek pointed out by our visitor of the previous evening. Our route lay some 18 miles through Bullarcok Forest —then one of the most densely timbered pieces of country iu the colony. But little traffic had passed through it, and as no rain had fallen for several weeks, after proceeding some five miles, we completely lost the footprints of the horses that our informants had ridden, and which we depended upon to guide us throughout our journey. Bullarook at that time was a favourite haunt of wild cattle, and we noted their tracks leading in many directions. Taking the plainest and easiest to traverse, we plodded on for several hours, but as the hoof impressions crossed and re-crossed each other, we began to entertain misgivings that we would not see Spring Creek as soon as we had expected when starting. It was a fine bright morning when we left Ballan, but we had now no sun or other indication to guide ns. No cheery light penetrated through the dense foliage of the tree-tops. We appeared, in fact, to be passing through an immense vault, supported on lofty timber piles. At the time I write of perpetual twilight reigned in almost every part of the forest. It was difficult even to see the track we were following. There the sun was hidden by day and the moon by night, and as two could not walk abreast owing to the closeness of the trees to each other, we kept on in single file. Burns, on whom we mainly depended as our guide, kept the lead, while the writer, being well in the rear, could discern that he was taking no definite course —in fact that he was travelling in circles every mile or so. I did not apprise him of this discovery, as owing to the heavy weight he carried, he appeared irritable and peevish. Each of us had a sixty pound swag, and the close atmosphere and rank smell of decayed vegetable matter would have been trying to men even without encumbrances. Hoping that we would at least come across some creek where wild cattle would be accustomed to make for water, we floundered on until about three o’clock in the afternoon, when we unexpectedly emerged into an open space where a number of trees had been felled. A deserted hut stood in the centre, and in a hollow in proximity to it we discovered-, to our delight, a stream of ice cold crystal water oozing from under an immense granite boulder. No beverage that had ever passed the lips of any of the party could have afforded refreshment equal to that experienced on quenching our thirst at that spring. It was an opportune discovery. Profuse .sweating, weakness, and the impure atmosphere we had been inhaling for the previous nine hours, had told heavily against us, and from the sickly hue on the face of each, it was evident that even old colonists would not have enjoyed, many days’ immunity from malaria in such a locality. From various indications it was apparent that illicit distillation had been carried on there up to a short time before our arrival. Except from its unhealthy position, it was in all respects suitable for the work. Illicit distillation was at that period common in closely timbered places where good water was procurable, but the authorities had too much in hand in connection with
goldfields management to give the subject the attention it received a few years later. We started in the morning with a limited commissariat, being unwilling to increase the weight of our burdens. With the exception of tea and sugar, we had only sufficient for the midday meal, anticipating that we would reach the cattle station in the evening, where necessary supplies could be obtained. Being now, after our weary journey, much in need of food, notwithstanding a few words of warning from one of the party that it would be well to reserve a portion of our stock in case we got “ bushed ” for any length of time, a majority favoured the idea of a good “ square meal,” and of taking our chance for next day’s supplies. This was Burns’s suggestion. Being regarded as an authority on all bush subjects, besides acting as providore for the party, he easily persuaded the others to fall in with his views. Like all old hands, ; he was improvident —his motto being “ sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Accordingly, all the scanty stock of solid food we had brought with us was consumed that evening, and we decided to remain there until next morning. That night we had a smoke for “ supper.” And here let me remark that in the present crusading days against the use as well as the abuse of strong drink and tobacco, but few can understand the amount of solid comfort and- consolation derivable from a stick of tobacco and a cutty pipe by people having the misfortune to be in the position we were then in. We were enabled thereby to calmly consider our awkward situation, and ultimately we decided to retrace our journey of the previous day with the hope of again coming upon the horses’ foot-prints. With only a pannikin of tea for breakfast, we again took to the sombre shades of the forest. For some miles we were enabled to keep in view the previous day’s footprints of the party, especially in hollows, which were generally soft and left plain impressions. But as the morning was cloudy, greater difficulty than heretofore was expeiienced in distinguishing the tracks, and about an hour after starting we finally lost them. Burns then seemed to lose confidence, and proceeded onwards wherever the widest opening could be discovered through the trees. When the captain “loses his head,” the crew generally become demoralised. That was our case. None but Burns had done previous travelling of that description. If we had the sun or a running stream of water to guide us, no difficulty would have been experienced in extricating ourselves from the dilemma we were placed in. But there was a monotonous sameness in all directions, and we soon became conscious that we were lost in the bush. It was necessary, however, to keep moving. The knowledge that we had no food w r as a powerful stimulant in that direction, —even although we had no definite point to make for. In this way, resting at short intervals, most of the day passed. Twentyfour hours had elapsed since our last meal, and we had done exhausting work during that time. No water had been met with since leaving camp, and thus we did not even enjoy the luxury of a drink of tea. Our position was deplorable, and we (|ecided to light a fire, and rest until next morning. Having still about a pound of sugar left iu a small calico bag, w r e agreed to apportion each his share of it. It had become moist through heat, and in a condition of paste. It w r as equally divided, but was of no avail to satisfy our intolerable thirst. To appease it, we stripped the bark from some of the young saplings, and by licking the moisture from the inside and chewing gum leaves, we managed to keep our mouths cool, and to some extent mitigate our sufferings. No refreshing rest to invigorate us for next day’s anticipated journey was vouchsafed us, and feverish, fitful snatches of sleep were all that we could obtain. There was no absence of life in the forest after darkness set in. The melancholy howl of the
dingo, the screams of flying foxes and ’possums, and porcine grunts ot wombats were heard in every direction, and if we had either a dog or a gun we could have subsisted for some time. The only weapons in our possession were a pair of single-barrelled pistols, and with these we assayed to shoot a wombat that came close to where we were lying, and appeared amazed at the strange intruders on its domain. But the only result from the report was a hoarse growl as it scattered into the shades of the forest. Nearly forty hours had elapsed since we tasted satisfying food, and we had undergone an immense amount of fatigue and anxiety. Most of the time we had also been without water. About half a billyful had been brought with us from the spring the previous morning, but it lasted only a few hours.
I judged that we had lain around the fire some nine or ten hours when, almost simultaneously, the notes of animal life ceased, and a dim light began to steal under the tops of the trees, denoting the dawn of another day. The only sounds then to be heard were the heavy, feverish breathings of my companions, and their uneasy movements. I had no inclination for sleep, and was revolving in my mind some feasible way to extricate ourselves from our terrible position, when a distant shrill note broke upon my ears. At first 1 thought it was the usual morning call of the laughing jackass;, and paid little attention to it. But after several repetitions at regular intervals, there suddenly flashed through my brain visions of home, kindred, and childhood. Starting upright, all my senses were awakened and strained to again distinctly hear the sound. It was not long in coming. The clear clarion notes of chanticleer again and again reverberated through the arches of the forest, and I am free to say I felt soft —for I knew we were spared the terrible fate we had been anticipating. None of the other members of the party had heard the sounds—indeed, with the exception of Burns, they had apparently sank into a hopeless state of apathy, and I think they would have preferred to die quietly there rather than again face the ordeal of the previous two days. Drawing off their blanket coverings, I asked them to listen. There was no mistaking the resonant notes —now ,answering each other from two different quarters —and fresh life and energy were immediately restored to all of us. Were it not for that welcome and timely signal it is more than probable we would have been hopelessly lost, as Burns had made up his mind to endeavour to get back to the deserted hut and spring when it was daylight, and where he went those who were able would follow. But the chances were ten to one against us finding it.
Burns volunteered to make for the direction whence the sounds proceeded. No time was lost in preparation, as the cheery voices of the birds were the best guides we could have, and might cease at any moment. Nearly two hours elapsed, and we were again beginning to feel anxious when the crackling of branches and the sound of footsteps reassured us, and Burns appeared, carrying a bag of food, and what was of much greater value to us, a can of water.
As an experience such as that narrated has an educational use, it may be admissible to here enlarge upon it. Those born in these favoured colonies who have not passed through ordeals akin to the one described can scarcely comprehend, when reading of the widespread miseries and destitution that prevail in the Old World and America —and in some degree in Sydney and Melbourne —what hunger, thirst, and privation mean in their true sense. While perusing such statements in the daily newspapers but a dim perception is obtained of the harrowing scenes that are constantly presented to view in London and other Old-World large cities of wild and starving multitudes of men,
Imploring with fear and dread Permission from their fellow-clay To work or slave for bread—
—or of the bare, fireless garrets where Rachels -without food, bedding, halfnaked, and, bereft of hope and comfort —weeping over, their famishing children. If you have not felt agonising tortures from thirst, adequate gratitude can scarcely be experienced for the bounteousness with which this God - gifted country is supplied with pure, wholesome water. If the miseries of exposure have not been undergoue you cannot fully realise the . utter heartlessness of certain landlords in unroofing the cabins of Irish peasants and Scottish crofters and in mercilessly driving them out, with their families, on a cold wintry day to perish by the wayside. If you have not endured any of these privations you canuot fully understand why the toilers in European countries and America are becoming imbued with socialistic and anarchical doctrines why labour is asserting the right to participate in the gifts intended by a beneficent Creator for the whole human race, and not merely a portion of it why exalted potentates in some countries dare not leave their palaces without detectives or military guards and why the ideal happy future of humanity predicted by thoughtful men is not the improbability that certain people would make believe. The vast wealth that has been created during the past half century from lands, industries, mines, and monopolies has fallen into the hands of very few people, while around them are hundreds of thousands of starving fellow-mortals. Ho prophetic gift is needed to see that ere the expiry of many years this state of things must terminate, and the relations between capital and labour in the old world become more equitably adjusted. It is to be fervently hoped that the final settlement may be of an amicable nature. But with such opposing interests at stake there, who can hope for it ? By the enaction of a Compulsory Arbitration measure to regulate trade disputes. Hew Zealand has been placed in advance of all other countries in form of government. Pierce opposition will be manifested to prevent that and other beneficial labour legislation being inaugurated in older countries, but the ultimate result cannot be doubted. The masses are getting educated, and will not be content always to receive stones for bread. Heither Maxim guns nor thrust of bayonet can stay the onward march of thought and progress. The handwriting is on the wall, and ere the termination of another quarter of a century, unless the present social system in the Old World is completely re-organised so as to admit of a “ live and let live ” policy, a cry will resound throughout its length and breadth ■ — “ Overturn ! Overturn ! ” The daily cable messages that we read of brutal outrages by Anarchists and collisions between the military and unemployed and famishing workmen are but premonitory warnings of the storm that is likely to burst , with irresistible fury ere long, and overwhelm thrones and dynasties. But it will prepare the way for industrial peace and a purer and a happier destiny for the human family. I make no claim to special foresight in thus predicting an upheaval of society by continued callous indifference to the miseries of myriads of fellow-mortals in the large cities of Europe and America. Ripe age, experience, powers of observation, and ability to retain in mind the principal events affecting human progress during six decades of time warrant me in recording impressions conveyed from daily press messages from lands afar, and they are wedged into these “ Memories ” with a view, if possible, of assisting to impress upon those who have amassed wealth as well as those entrusted with legislative powers the responsibility that rests upon them of seeking to ameliorate the condition of the tens of thousands of famishing fellow-creatures to be met with in the great European and American cities, and to a limited extent in these colonies.
Not sowing hedgerow lexts and passing by, Nor dealing goodly counsel from a height, That makes the lowest hate it; But a voice of comfort and an open hand , to help. The privations and up-hill contests incidental to pioneer work have been acquaintances of mine, and as they have enabled me to realise the hard realities of want experienced by others, I trust a generous interpretation may be placed on the motives that prompt these remarks.
While partaking of the food brought by Burns, we learned from him, as I had suspected, that we were [back again at Ballan, and that for two days we had been travelling in circles in the forest. He further stated that another party had come through from Spring Creek, and that the site of the new field was then known in the township. Where we had spent the previous miserable night was not more than a quarter of a mile from our old camp, and we immediately set out for it. For two days we remained there effecting internal and external repairs, and once more took to the track through the forest. This time we had no difficulty in finding our way. Rain had fallen, and the hoof marks made by the horses of the late party that came from the field were easily discernible. About noon we came on two miners enjoying the usual mid-day meal and smoke. They were on their way from the newly-discovered ground in Jim Crow, and although reticent as to the success they had met with, encouraged us by stating that it was a good “ poor man’s diggings.” Early in the evening w r e sighted the cattle station, where we liberally regaled ourselves with milk and other delicacies —treats that some of us had not enjoyed since leaving the Old Country. The owner of the place was a man some fifty years of age, and had evidently been a long time in the colony. He appeared to keep a close watch on the movements of Burns. Judging from the way in which he regarded him I concluded he had either seen him before, or had suspicions as to his true character. He appeared to exhibit the professional keenness of a detective looking at a “ suspect.” We received directions from him how to make for Spring Creek, but were informed we need not go so far to obtain gold, as about three miles from the station we would cross another creek which, if we followed down some distance, would lead us to fresh auriferous ground that had been opened up within the previous few weeks. It was almost solely in the possession of Irishmen, friends and relatives of a neighbouring runholder, and as far as he (the cattle man) could learn, they were all doing well. We decided to visit that place in preference to Spring Creek, and after resting a short time we followed a sheep track that brought us to the crossing referred to. There we camped for the night. Close by there was evidence that some party had been prospecting. Having made all snug for the night, I decided, while daylight lasted, to try my prentice hand at gold-seeking. Wherever soil was taken from the banks or bed of the creek, gold was procurable in small quantities, but not sufficient to enable a man to make what was then regarded as wages an ounce a day. Hoticing that the further I searched up the creek the gold became coarser, it was agreed to make further trial in that direction next morning. The knowledge that we were in the neighbourhood of auriferous ground, and that fair remuneration at least could be obtained for our toil, together with our picturesque surroundings, and the hollow booming sounds of kangaroos coming down the sides of the ranges to water at the creek, kept most of us awake the greater part of the night. Where now stands the thriving town of Daylesford, with its banks, newspapers, imposing public edifices, and direct railway communication with all parts of Victoria, was, at the period of which I write, the haunt of wild cattle, kangaroos, and dingoes. I have been working for a full month in the lonely gullies there without seeing a single human being except
the owner of the station and my mate. It was a valuable piece of country notwithstanding. It was not heavily timbered; the locality was healthy; there was abundance of feed for cattle; and, even in midsummer, a bountiful supply of pure water could be obtained. With these advantages, gold could be obtained almost anywhere that would give an industrious man from £lO to £2O and even £SO a week. There were no “ jewellers’ shops ” as on Ballaraf, Bendigo, Forest Creek, and other places ; but to compensate, the precious metal was widely distributed, and anyone willing to work could have done well there. I was fortunate in my prospecting operations, seldom bottoming a shaft without getting from it a satisfactory show of gold. But strange as it may appear, it was the eneduragement met with in these searches that prevented me from reaping a full share of the advantages so freely offered. It was new ground, and I felt that a rush might set in any day, and so instead of settling down steadily to work, and following up the good prospects obtained, I was ever looking for something better. It was a case of the old adage —“ Much would fain have more.”
Previous to my arrival I had not the slightest idea how to systematically search for gold, beyond a description of the method adopted in California I had cut from an old newspaper, and had carefully preserved. 1 was out at daylight the next morning, and having once more perused the cutting referred to, and taken in its instructions—one part of which was that wherever slate bars ran across watercourses in auriferous country a search should be instituted w T ith shovel, dish, and pick I -wended my way up the creek.
I have in mind now that first walk np Sailor Creek. It was a lovely morning. Nature was clothed in her most enchanting spring attire. The sweet scent of wattle-bloom pervaded the air, and thousands of wild duck, cockatoos, magpies, lowries, and almost every other description of Australian fauna were revelling in the trees or on the edges of the creek. The aspect in every direction was pleasant, and I felt happy and hopeful. What a contrast to the place a year or so later, when countless mounds of yellow soil had taken the place of the green swards of the flats I traversed that morning, and crime revelry, drunkenness, and blasphemy desecrated its tranquil surroundings. There, every prospect pleased. And only man was vile.
I had travelled about half-a-mile from our camp along the margin of the creek, and came upon a steep gully. There the hills had closed well into each other, and the flat narrowed. I was on the look-out all the time for the bars referred to, but discovered none until I came to this spot. Here I noticed the face of a slate roof protruding through the side of the opposite bank, and apparently cut across as if the action of water for past ages had been operating upon it. I instinctively felt that if gold was obtainable anyw'here it would be there ; nor was I mistaken. The first panful of earth produced two dwts. There was no stripping. I had only to take the stuff from the side of the bar with the shovel. It is needless to say I was pleased with my discovery. I experienced a common failing in humanity, that my cleverness in so quickly lighting upon gold would raise me in the estimation of my companions, and that 1 was a more important personage than when I rose in the morning. In a short time I had nearly an ounce of the precious metal, and returned to the camp. All hands were still inside the tent, and I placed the dish with the gold in a conspicuous place. The first to come out was Burns. A greedy, avaricious expression settled on his features as he surveyed it. Then, noticing my self-satisfied look, he took in the situation, and by a loud exclamation of colonial slang brought out the others. As expected, all particulars were eagerly inquired for, and I received congratulations on my good fortune. I am free to say that I then
inwardly regarded myself as more sagacious than my companions a piece of pleasant self-conceit that cost me heavily later on. (To be continued.)
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Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 29, 13 October 1894, Page 6
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4,095MEMORIES CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY Gold Discoveries IN VICTORIA Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 29, 13 October 1894, Page 6
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