Eureka 30, 1884

Background

The fifth paper of the series on The Eureka Stockade appeared in the Ballarat Star newspaper on 21 June 1884.

By 31 May 1884 almost 200 pounds had been collected for a monument to be raised on the site of the Eureka Stockade. Four 64 pounder cannons were presented by Sir Frederick Sargood, the Minister for Defence.

EUREKA STOCKADE, 1854

To Mayor Councillors Town of Creswick Gentlemen

OFFICE: LYDIARD STREET BALLARAT, APRIL 1884

A meeting of Citizens was held at the Royal Hotel, Ballarat, on Wednesday, April 16th, for the purpose of taking steps to secure the erection of a suitable MEMORIAL to make the site of the conflict that took place on Sunday Morning, December 3rd, 1854, between the Diggers of Ballarat, and the Government Forces. The Committee confidently appeal not only to the Pioneer Diggers of Ballarat, but to the native youth of Victoria to assist them to carry out this long deferred, but much desired work. The blood spill at the Eureka Stockade served to stimulate and advance the cause of civil and political liberty throughout Australia, and to that sacrifice the free and enlightened constitution now enjoyed is, to a great measure, virtually due. To indelible perpetuate the memory of this fact in a proper manner, so that future generations may not forget what they owe to the past, is the object that the Committee have in view; they solicit your cordial sympathy and support, and trust that the thirtieth anniversary of the Stockade in December next, will witness the unveiling of a Memorial that will not only be a credit to Ballarat, but a fitting tribute to the heroic self-abnegation and valour of those who fell at its base.

I have the honor to be, Your most obedient servant,

A.T. MORRISON, Hon. Secretary.

EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL

CHAIRMAN:- COUNCILLOR ROBERT LEWIS. J.P

COMMITTEE:- JOHN HICKMAN, J.P., MAYOR CITY OF BALLARAT.

JOHN FERGUSON, J.P., MAYOR TOWN OF BALLARAT EAST

J. NOBLE WILSON, J.P., CHAIRMAN BALLARAT WATER COMMISSION

COUNCILLOR CHARLES SALTER,

“ JOSEPH ROFF

“ THEOPHILUS WILLIAMS

MR. W. H. BECHERVAISE

“ E. W. SPAIN

“ CHARLES DYTE

“ JOHN HALL

HON. SECRETARY & TREASURER COUNCILLOR A.T. MORRISON, J.P.

EXTRACT FROM THE “BALLARAT COURIER:” APRIL 18. “ A feeling of real pleasure has been aroused among the pioneers of the goldfields by Wednesday evening’s meeting; and this is no wonder for it calls to mind an event which had everything to do with the formation of the free institutions which we now life under, and with a great deal of other progress which we all now witness. It was a rebellion against stupidity, stubbornness, and tyranny in high places, but it was no rebellion against the Queen and the British connection; so that no matter how loyal a person’s feelings may be, he can conscientiously support Wednesday evening’s project. Everybody can give their money, much or little, to enable the Eureka Stockade to be commemorated by a monument on the spot, because while everybody in the colony has benefited by that struggle, nobody’s loyal scruples are assailed by such a step being taken. Young, middle-aged, and old may all well put their shoulders to the wheel in such a case, give what they can afford in the shape of money, because the event to be memorialised is one which in some way or other has conduced to everybody’s advantage. Wednesday’s meeting has put the monument idea into such an excellent shape that it cannot fail to be a success; and it will be a red-letter day in the calendar of the whole colony when the structure has been completed.”

Also See

Commemoration

Alexander Morrison