-
Gold Was Found
Gold is discovered at Buninyong and at Golden Point, Ballarat. The Colony of
Victoria has insufficient funds and no organization to cope with a goldrush.
Governor La Trobe introduces the Gold Licence system. -
First Gold comisioner arives
F.C.Doveton (Ballarat’s first Gold Commissioner arrives in Ballarat) -
Licence Fee Reduces
The Licence fee is reduced to 2 pounds for 3 months. The reduction is well
received on the goldfields and reduces some of the tension between the diggers
and the authorities. -
Diggers have a Meeting
A meeting of up to 10,000 diggers is held near the Eureka Hotel to protest against
Bentley’s acquittal. The meeting results in the burning of the Hotel. The police and
military cannot settle the crowd and Commissioner Rede is pelted with eggs. -
Licence Fee increeced
The Licence fee is increased to 4 pounds for 6 months and 8 pounds for 12months.
Many diggers are finding the Licence fee expensive and unfair, particularly to those
not finding gold. They are unhappy with the treatment received from the police and
government authorities who they believe are corrupt. Other diggers wish to
purchase land for farming if they can’t find gold, as well as wanting the right to vote
at elections. (“No taxation without representation”) Only landowners can vote
at this ti -
licence fee increased adding to miners grievances
Many diggers are finding the Licence fee expensive and unfair, particularly to those not finding gold. -
Police reenforcements arive
Police reinforcements arrive and a detachment of the 40th Regiment arrive a few
days later. -
Licence hunt crack down
A Licence hunt occurs in the morning at the order of Commissioner Rede. The
diggers refuse to show their Licences and pelt the troopers with rocks as they enter
the diggings. Rede reads the Riot Act and troops fire a volley over the diggers
heads. Approximately six diggers are arrested and taken to the Government Camp.
In the afternoon work is suspended on the Eureka Lead. Another meeting is held
on Bakery Hill and Peter Lalor becomes leader of the diggers and calls for
volunteers. Hundreds of v -
Stockade Strengthened
The Stockade is strengthened with the arrival from Creswick’s Creek of 300-400
volunteers. The arrival of this group who require to be armed, fed and housed
places great strain on the resources of those at the Stockade.
Major General Sir Robert Nickle leaves Melbourne for Ballarat with 800 men.
Raffaello Carboni, George Black and Father Smyth meet with Commissioner Rede
to present a peace proposal. Rede rejects the deputations request. -
Stockade Begins
In the early hours of Sunday morning led by Captain Thomas, a well armed
contingent of more than 296 soldiers and police proceed to the Eureka Lead to
attack the Eureka Stockade.
At dawn the Stockade is attacked and a brief battle follows. Twenty two diggers and
seven military are officially listed as being killed. Many others are wounded.
Approximately 120 diggers are arrested and marched to the Government Camp. -
Meeting held with 6000 Melbourne residents
A group of 13 prisoners is charged with treason.
A meeting of approximately 6000 Melbourne residents congregate around St.Paul’s
Cathedral to condemn the actions taken by the Government and the administrators
in Ballarat.