Difference between revisions of "Eureka 30, 1884"

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The Ballarat ''Courier'' also published updates on the building of the Eureka Stockade Monument. Transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe. <ref>''Ballarat Courier'', 21 October 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 27 October 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 29 October 1884. Page 2; ''Ballarat Courier'', 3 November 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 4 November 1884. Page 4.</ref>
 
The Ballarat ''Courier'' also published updates on the building of the Eureka Stockade Monument. Transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe. <ref>''Ballarat Courier'', 21 October 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 27 October 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 29 October 1884. Page 2; ''Ballarat Courier'', 3 November 1884. Page 4; ''Ballarat Courier'', 4 November 1884. Page 4.</ref>
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==The Last License Hunt==
 
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THE EUREKA STOCKADE
 
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THE LAST LICENSE HUNT
 
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(BY ONE OF THE INSURGENTS)
 
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No. V
 
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Five Hundred Pounds had been offered for the capture of Vern, and £400 for Lalor and Black, but there was no man who knew of their place of concealment base enough to betray them.  About the beginning of February, 1855, the diggings were very lively, and large quantities of gold were obtained on the various leads.  The ground was exceedingly rich about the [[Gravel Pits]], [[Red Streak]], and [[Eureka]].  Money was plentiful, and diggers and business men were doing well.  Everybody was settling down quietly to his ordinary occupation, full of hope for the future.  The claims in those days were very small, 34 feet square for eight men. So it became customary – owing to the great expenses of sinking a shaft – for one or two in a party to “shepherd” a couple of claims until the lead was proved near enough to warrant a shaft being sunk.  A large number of claims had been taken up on the flat at the foot of the Red Streak.  As the lead had not yet been proved near by, the “shepherds” had a jolly time of it, some sinking an inch per day in their shafts; dressing a part of a log or a slab; playing cards with brother “shepherds”, telling long-winded yarns, or any other amusement to while away the time.  I was one of the shepherds on the flat at that time.  One hot morning we were lounging under the shade of a “fly,” when we were startled by a brother shepherd arriving on the ground with a Government proclamation in his hand, which he had torn from a stump on his way from home.  The proclamation was read and consisted of a notice calling on the diggers to taking out their licenses, and informing them that the police would be out on a given date to search for unlicensed persons.  This was a pretty state of affairs, after all we had suffered.  The same abominable practice of digger-hunting was to be resumed and persisted in.  Haines, who had stated in the House when the address to the Governor was debated, that the grievances of the diggers were about being enquired into, was now in power, having succeeded Forster.  But “enquiring” into the grievances, appeared to be the limit of their intentions, as there was now not now the slightest evidence of their intention to redress them.  The starling notice calling on the diggers to take out their licenses was signed “Charles Wale Sherard.” The question now arose, What’s to be done?  After some time spent in discussion, it was unanimously decided that the order should not be obeyed, and that a meeting should be called on [[Bakery Hill]].  A Cornishman and I were deputed to take immediate steps for calling a meeting. We immediately consulted two of the old leaders, but we got little assistance from them.  They were marked men, and as the State trials had not yet come off, they were afraid to make themselves conspicuous.  We went to Fletcher’s printing office, and ordered 100 posters, headed “The License Hunt Again,” calling on the diggers to attend a public meeting on Bakery Hill next day at 11a.m.  My Cornish friend and I got each a billy of paste, and took different  routes with 50 posters each under our arms, and wherever we found a Government proclamation we posted one of our notices alongside as near as possible, or above if there was room.  That was my first and last attempt at bill sticking, and I flatter myself that it was a most successful one.  The appearance of the two notices caused an immense excitement among the diggers, and the opinion appeared general that the Government order should not be obeyed.  I went up to the camp in the morning, a few minutes before the Government offices opened, to reconnoitre.  I found about a score of the ultraloyalist or weak kneed men of the day around the door of the office, where the licenses were issued.  I then returned to Bakery Hill, quite satisfied with what I had seen.  On getting to the top of the hill I could see there were thousands of diggers wending their way toward the old trysting ground.  The vast multitude assembled round a bullock dray, and it was some time before a chairman could be induced to preside over the meeting, which was one of the largest ever held on Ballarat.  It was considered there were 15,000 men present at that meeting.  A chairman was appointed after a little delay, the notice calling the meeting, and the Government proclamation were read.  A large number of the new officials were present. Mr Foster, superintendent of police, and Messrs Daly and Templeton were conspicuous in their uniform. A resolution was submitted to the meeting, declaring that no more licenses would be taken out.  The resolution was seconded by someone in the crowd.  They both advised the diggers to take out licenses, as they believed the obnoxious licensing law would soon be repealed, and for the sake of peace they should take out licenses once more.  Mr Daly asked them to take out the license for three months, and promised to use his best influence to get the money returned if the licensing law was repealed in the meantime.  The vast multitude listened in silence to the officials and treated them respectfully but when they finished, a loud negative went up from the assembled multitude.  The chairman put the resolution to the meeting and an immense forest of hands was held up in its favour.  Of that large meeting there were only about 100 hands held up against it.  The chairman declared the resolution carried by an immense majority, which announcement was received with loud cheers by the meeting.  Another resolution was submitted, declaring that no resistance whatever was to be offered to the police, and that every man was to go quietly if arrested.  This resolution was carried by acclamation, and gave rise to a good deal of hilarity in the meeting.  Some of the diggers enquired factiously, “How are they off for room in the logs?”  the meeting now quietly dispersed, a few of us congratulation ourselves on the very satisfactory results.  A number of the leading inhabitants who were spectators, and the officials, went their home, while those who were instrumental in getting up the demonstration lingered  behind, anxiously thinking of the morrow.  That night was a sleepless one to many of us, and morning dawned with the nerves of many strung to the utmost tension.  Every man went to his post, that is, to his work, excepting the week kneed ones, who either went for licenses or hid themselves to watch the events of the day.  About mid-day word came round that the police were on the move.  We soon saw about a dozen [[police]] coming up through the holes on the flat, unarmed, without any weapon, offensive or defensive, to be seen.  They came quietly up, and something like the following passed between them and the diggers; - “Have you got a license?”  “No.” “Arrah, now, thin, you divil, shure you bad better go and get one.”  The police returned to the camp without a single prisoner.  Thus ended the last “digger hunt” in Victoria.  The blood of the patriots had not been shed in vain.  We had not fought and suffered with redressing the wrongs of our fellow citizens.  Young Victoria owes a debt of gratitude to the men of ’54.  The peace, protection, and unfettered liberty we now enjoy were baptised with the blood of the martyr-patriots who fell at Eureka.  No man was ever asked for a license after this.  The license law was abolished immediately, and a miner’s right at £1 per annum established instead, and all laws treating the digger as an outlaw were repealed, and he has been treated ever since like any other member of the community.  History has already taught us that English statesmen of the past never granted justice or reforms to colonial communities until blood was shed.  I have worked on Ballarat with a man who was transported to [[Van Diemens Land]] from [[Canada]] for taking part in a rebellion in that country.  Reforms were immediately granted there the same as here, after blood had been shed over it.  Soon after this the State prisoners were brought to trial in Melbourne.  The first put on his trial was a coloured man.  An immense concourse of people hung round the Courthouse anxiously waiting to hear the result.  After a long trial the prisoner was acquitted and discharged.  On emerging from the Courthouse he was put in a chair and carried round the streets of the City in triumph with the greatest demonstrations of joy. The whole of the State prisoners were shortly afterwards acquitted.  This was the “last feather that broke the camels back.”  The haughty spirit of Sir [[Charles Hotham]] could not brook this.  His tyrant spirit would not bend.  It broke.  He never recovered the shock and died at the end of the year 1855 of a broken heart.  Official arrogance now became toned down to a normal standard.  The duties of “Policeman X” were confined to those for which police were invented, and he became altogether a model policeman.  The bitter animosities of the past soon died out, and a bright future began to dawn and remove the sable clouds that hung over Ballarat.  The law began to be administered on the lines of justice and equity.  The digger could now appeal to the tribunals with full confidence that he would receive justice.  He was a new man altogether.  He was placed on the same footing as Her Majesty’s other subjects, and not treated as an outcast and a vagabond.  I have often been asked the question, was it well that the insurrection was put down?  I can now sit down and calmly review the 30 years that have almost expired since the eventful 3rd December.  After considering the good Government that has prevailed in our adopted country since then and the unfettered liberty enjoyed by every man, no matter how humble his station, in life, I can say yes; unhesitatingly, yes.  In conclusion, I may state that I have never before published any statement or narrative of the stirring early times of Ballarat.  Mine was a humble part in the tragic drama.  My name does not appear in any of the records of the time, excepting in the list of those captured on that eventful morning. In all human probability these papers would never have appeared if I had not, accidentally seen an article in the ''Ballarat Star'' containing a few kindly remarks on the men of 1854.
 
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Transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe<ref>''Ballarat Star'', Saturday 21 June 1884, p. 3</ref>
 
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==The Eureka Monument==
 
==The Eureka Monument==
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:A.T. MORRISON,
 
:A.T. MORRISON,
 
:Hon. Secretary.
 
:Hon. Secretary.
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EXTRACT FROM THE “BALLARAT COURIER:” APRIL 18.
 
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.”
 
“ 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.”
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Revision as of 12:33, 1 July 2023

Background

The fifth paper of the series on The Eureka Stockade appeared in the Ballarat Star newspaper on 21 June 1884.[1]

The Ballarat Courier also published updates on the building of the Eureka Stockade Monument. Transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe. [2]

The Eureka Monument

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.


Alexander Morrison, the first secretary of the movement for a monument at Eureka. Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collection
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.”


Ballarat Courier October to November

Ballarat Courier 21st October 1884 Page 4

THE EUREKA MONUMENT. TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER. SIR,—Now that the time Is fast approaching for the unveiling of the Eureka monument, I would like to make a suggestion to all those concerned in this movement, more so to the committee of management of the monument funds, viz., the committee should try if possible to make, that day a grand gala one, and one that should not be easily forgotten by the young old identities hereafter. My suggestion is this, Sir—That all the aborigines that may be in the colony of Victoria should be invited to Ballarat to take part in the procession, as that would be a great attraction and a novelty within itself, and let the rising generation see them have one grand corroboree. The chance will never occur again, seeing that our sable brethren, like the old identities, are fast dying out. The existing Government would, I believe, grant them free passes for the occasion if application was made for that purpose. Moreover, the guns should be fired off at intervals to denote the time the monolith was unveiled. I think the idea is not out of place.—Yours, W. .B. PERRY. Grant street.[3]


Ballarat Courier 27th October 1884 Page 4.

EUREKA STOCKADE TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER SIR,- I think the suggestion pointed out by Mr Perry a very good one, respecting the aboriginals being brought to Ballarat to take part in the procession to the site of the Eureka monument, seeing they are so closely connected with the old pioneers in the history of this colony, and are becoming now very the last type of the human race, i.e., “The darkie and the digger.” It would be a great treat for the young of this town to witness a grand corroboree – a sight they have not yet beheld, nor are they likely again to do so. Yours, &c., OLD IDENTITY[4]


Ballarat Courier 29th October 1884 Page 2.

The stonework of the Eureka Stockade Memorial is now nearly completed, and the four cannon will be placed in position in the course of a few days.[5]


Ballarat Courier 3rd November 1884 Page 4

EUREKA STOCKADE MEMORIAL

SIR, - In a few more days the stonework of the memorial will be placed in position, and, so far as the funds at the disposal of the committee admit, the work will be considered finished, and awaiting the opening ceremony on Wednesday, 3rd proximo. It is to be regretted that may old Ballarat identities, who are acquainted with all the circumstances relating to the Stockade, have not thought fit to assist the present attempt to make the site, whilst others, who have been very liberal in their promises of support, have failed to the redeem the same with current coin. It was the earnest wish of the committee to have the memorial crowned, with a massive monolith, but their means were inadequate, and they had almost become resigned to the hard necessity of the case, when Mr Martin Loughlin came forward, and generously gave a cheque for £50, a gift for which every member of committee, and myself individually, tender our hearty and grateful thanks. It is possible that some other citizen may desire, in a lesser degree, to emulate Mr Loughlin’s generosity; if so, let the gift be prompt, so that the work may not suffer by delay. – Yours, &c., A.T. MORRISON, Hon Treasurer. 31st October[6]


Ballarat Courier 4th November 1884 Page 4

EUREKA MONUMENT FUND TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER

SIR – I am very proud to see that our worthy fellow citizen, Mr Martin Loughlin, has been so liberal in subscribing £50 towards the erection of the Eureka monument. It only wants a few more of his stamp to come forward to make the object a success. I was surprised to see by Mr Morrison’s letter in to-day’s issue that so many had promised and not performed, for this grand object. What, Sir, is a man but his word; his honor depends upon it. I say again, that the 3rd of next month should be a red-letter day, in Ballarat, at least; as freedom was fought for, and obtained, by some of the Old Identities who are in Ballarat at the present time. After a lapse of thirty years, I say “more power to them”. The same blood courses through their veins now as then, and the 3rd December, 1854, will never be forgotten, by them, at least – no, Sir – not as long as they are above ground. And being a historical event also, it should be an eventful day, not easily to be forgotten by the rising generation at least. – Yours, &c., W. B. PERRY Grant Street[7]


Ballarat Courier 25th November 1884 Page 4

THE EUREKA MEMORIAL TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER

SIR, - Can anybody inform me what the Stockade committee are doing? Are they going to have a grand demonstration on the 3rd of December, or not? I have heard nothing about the doings of the committee since the memorial was commenced. They appear to be very inactive. The guns are still at the Eastern station; to all appearance likely to be there for the next twelve months. – Yours, &c., STOCKADE[8]


Ballarat Courier 26th November 1884 Page 4

THE MONUMENT FUND TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER

SIR,- I am very sorry to hear that the funds are still inadequate for the completion of the Eureka monument. I think still, Sir, if the committee were to fall in with my views respecting the aborigines being brought to Ballarat, it would have a tendency to augment their funds materially. They could be al brought to Ballarat in twenty-four hours from any part of Victoria through the police and railway departments, the Government permitting, of course. They should be here to take part in the procession along with the old identities to the monument, seeing that they are so closely allied with them. The chance will never occur again in the history of this colony. They shoul dbe taken to the Eastern Oval in the evening, and let them have one grand corroboree for the edification of the rising generation. Further, Sir, if the fire brigades would lend their torches for the occasion it would have a better effect within the circle of the lights. Let a small fee be charged for admittance. I think then it would be a success. – Yours, &c., W. B. PERRY. Grant street.[9]


Ballarat Courier 29th November 1884 Page 2

The committee of the Eureka Stockade memorial met last evening; Mr Ferguson in the chair. Accounts amounting to £51 8s were passed for payment, and the tender of Rowsell and Son, for additional stone-work, was accepted. In consequence of unavoidable causes it was found impossible to get the work completed by the 3rd proximo, the anniversary of the Stockade. It was decided that at three o’clock on the afternoon of that day the committee should pay a formal visit of inspection. The presence of any of the old identities will be welcome.[10]

Also See

Commemoration

Alexander Morrison

References

  1. ↑ Ballarat Star, Saturday 21 June 1884
  2. ↑ Ballarat Courier, 21 October 1884. Page 4; Ballarat Courier, 27 October 1884. Page 4; Ballarat Courier, 29 October 1884. Page 2; Ballarat Courier, 3 November 1884. Page 4; Ballarat Courier, 4 November 1884. Page 4.
  3. ↑ Ballarat Courier 21 Oct 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  4. ↑ Ballarat Courier 27 Oct 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  5. ↑ Ballarat Courier 29 Oct 1884, p. 2, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  6. ↑ Ballarat Courier 3 Nov 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  7. ↑ Ballarat Courier 4 Nov 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  8. ↑ Ballarat Courier 25 Nov 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  9. ↑ Ballarat Courier 26 Nov 1884, p. 4, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
  10. ↑ Ballarat Courier 29 Nov 1884, p. 2, transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe

External links

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