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Period: to
Australian Gold Rush
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First Gold Findings
First official reports of the finding of gold in Australia by J McBrien. The information was suppressed. -
Another Secret Keeped
Geologists P E Strzelecki and Rev W B Clarke find gold near Hartley. -
The Convicts Stopped
Transportation of convicts to NSW ceased. -
News Of A Gold Rush
Gold discovered in California (announced in December 1848). -
The People Run Away
Californian gold rush. A great many Australians sailed for California. -
One Step Closer To A Gold Rush
Governor Fitzroy approached the Colonial Office, advocating a policy for the exploitation of mineral resources. He requested a geologist, which led to the appointment of Samuel Stutchbury. This gave approval for the mining of mineral resources. -
Edward Hargraves
Video Edward Hargraves returned from California and washed gold at Summer Hill Creek, Ophir. Although he showed little skill in discovering new fields, he received recognition and financial rewards. The early rush to the NSW fields led to a serious decline in the population in Victoria, so a reward was offered for the discovery of gold in that region. Several claimants came forward, and by the end of 1851 the incredibly rich Ballarat and Bendigo fields. -
Here Comes More People
Chinese On The GoldfieldsProspectors started arriving from overseas. Approximately 100 000 arrived in 1852. Ships' crews deserted. Women were left while their husbands went in search of gold. Australia's population went from 404 276 to 1 097 305 between
1850 and 1860. Small gold deposits were discovered in New Zealand. -
A Finacial Relief
The licence fee in NSW was reduced to 10/- a month after near riots at Turon. Victoria followed suit a few months later. -
The Eureka Stockade
Video Discontent with the licensing system and lack of political rights came to a head in the Eureka Stockade. An inquiry followed. -
'Miners Right'
In Victoria, the licence was replaced with the `Miner's Right', costing 1/- per annum and carrying the right to vote. An export duty of 2s 6d per ounce was placed on gold instead. -
New South Whales Follow Victoria
NSW adopted similar changes in licensing and voting to Victoria. -
Gold In Another River
A small deposit of gold was discovered north of Fitzroy River in north Queensland. The few acres were soon exhausted by the arrivals. 5000-6000 footsore and penniless diggers had to be helped to return to Victoria or to the inland NSW goldfields. -
Chinese on The Goldfields
An influx of Chinese miners meant that by 1860 one fifth of all adult men in Victoria were Chinese. -
Racium Happens
Lambing Flat riots, in which whites attacked Chinese miners. -
WA Finds Gold
Gold discovered at Coolgardie, WA. -
Qld Gets Fame Too
A valuable gold field discovered in Gympie, Queensland. -
WA Does it Again
Gold discovered at Kalgoorlie, WA.
