Gold License

Gold License, 1852 University of Ballarat Historical Collection.

Gold License Regulations

It was illegal to dig for gold without a current license.

Any adult male on the goldfields was required to hold a current license whether they were searching for gold or not.

In 1852 the regulations printed onto the license were:

1. Every licensed person must always have his License with him ready to be produced whenever demanded by a Commissioner, or Person acting under instructions, otherwise he is liable to be proceeded against as an unlicensed person.

2. Every person digging to Gold, or occupying Land, without a License is liable by law to be fined, for a first offence, not exceedign five pounds; for a second offence not exceeding 15 pounds; and for subsequent offence, not exceeding 30 pounds.

3. Digging for Gold is not allowed within ten feet of the edge of any Public Road, nor are the roads to be undermined.

4. Tents or Buildings are not to be erected within twenty feet of each other, or within 20 feet of any Creek

5. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of Sundays.

In 1854 the regulations on the license were:

1. This license is to be carried on the person and produced whenever demanded by any Commissioner, Peace Office, or other duly authorised person, and is not transferable.

2. No Mining will be permitted where it would be destructive of only line of road which it is necessary to maintain, and which shall be determined by any Commission, nor within such distance around any store as it may be necessary to reserve for access to it.

3. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of Sundays.

4. The extent of claim allowed to each Licensed Mine is twelve feet square, or 144 square feet.

5. To a party consisting of two Miners, twelve feet by twenty-four, or 288 square feet.

6. To a party consisting of three Miners, eighteen feet by twenty-four, or 432 square feet.

7. To a party consisting of four Miners, twenty-four feet by twenty-four, or 579 square feet : beyond which no greater area will be allowed in one claim.

Gold License, 01 May 1854, University of Ballarat Historical Collection.

Gold License Fees

A Victorian Gold License cost 30 shillings per month (or one pound ten shillings for two months. In 1854 it was possible to purchase a gold license for a three month period for two pounds.

Reform

The Gold License was replaced with the Miner's Right on 01 May 1855.

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--Clare K. Gervasoni (talk) 17:11, 12 June 2013 (EST)