Hillsborough was a
mining town in NE Victoria. It has been deserted since, I think,
the
1920s. It is situated about 12 miles south of Yackandandah,
just
back from the escarpment overlooking Bruarong in the valley.(see
map
and photos). It is not far north of Mount Stanley (six k?). The
bush around has been logged, but the area of the town was
excluded from the leases, so has not been touched.
Gold was found in Yackandandah in 1852.
Mining
commenced in Hillsborough in early 1865. All the mines are
described as
"reefs", so from the map and geography, I assume they were
originally
found outcropping on the escarpment. The one mine location I have
seen
near the town is right on the crest of the escarpment.
Question
The parents behavior in the Petition looks aggressive, but W B
Mitchell
was involved in the committee that built the school in
Bethanga a
few years later. Do we know who built the Hbro school and when? It
was
probably built by the citizens?
Answer
(1) The local citizens raised funds for the school. John
Brown
called for tenders for the erection of the school in October 1867,
and
the Hillsborough common school committee was gazetted in November
of
that year, along with the proposed site at Hillsborough. An
advertisment in Jan 1868 called for the hiring of a male teacher,
and
the school committee had completed the purchase of a building by
this
time; I believe they purchased an old hotel and moved it to the
site,
however I cant find the name of the old hotel.
Anthony
(2) Mrs Kennedy's hotel. Can't remember off the top off my
head,
but think it was called the 'New Era". In the school records you
can
see the plans of the hotel.
Apparently, later on it was moved down to Bruarong to Charles
Martin's
orchard property where it was used as a shed.
Ronda
Anthony Bigelow is currently writing a book on
Hillsborough, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has
knowledge or photographs of early Hillsborough. (Contact
us).
The following collection of items was supplied by Ronda Shambrook
unless otherwise indicated.
Mitchell Family History Note
In looking at the school correspondence below,
Arthur Welshman married William Burton Mitchell's daughter
Margaret
(Dinah). Family oral history said he was "head of a private school
in
Melbourne". Could be, but in 1885 he was teaching at Back Creek
school,
which would have been about as low on the totem as you could get?
More
research on Arthur is warranted. We have a possible contact
with
a
descendant of Arthur's brother James, who may be able to help.
Mary
Welshman was the 'sewing mistress' at the Hillsborough School at
one
stage.She was Arthur Welshman's sister. (
Ronda)
.
In her letter 5 May 1885 to Inspector Rix, Emma
Anderson states that Arthur Welshman's "mother is Mrs McGowan the
Post
Mistress here and his wife's parents lives next door". It seems
that by
1885, Minnie Mitchell had married Arthur Welshman, and WB
Mitchell's interest in removing Mrs Anderson is clear. ( Margaret,
ie
Minnie was born in
1858.)
Hillsborough Document Extracts
1867 -
Hillsborough
school potential students
12 Mar 1867 -
Coaching Accident
14
May 1867 - Amateur Concert at Hillsborough
16 Jul 1867 - Death of
Patrick Setbright
1875 - Inquest:
John Dunn
29 Jun 1877 - The inquest on
Joseph Moyle
1881 - School Staffing
9 Aug 1882 -
Robertson, Welshman Letter
15 Jan 1883 - Gift Tree
1885 - Petition to
remove
Head Teacher
9 Mar 1886 -
Fire at
Wilberforce's Crushing
Mill
1 Oct 1888 - Rifle Shooting
Teacher
7 Mar 1891 -
Hillsborough State School Picnic
6 May 1893 - Hillsborough Picnic
6 Sep 1893 -
Beechworth Show Holiday Letter
29 Mar 1895 -
B.H.
Stone obituary
1894 - Pupils
4 Mar 1896 - Poor
Results letter
1897 - Inspector’s comments –
Margaret Waterson
25 Nov 1897 - Obituary for Arthur Clingin (brother of
Archibald Clingin who discovered gold at Hillsborough)
5 Mar 1908 -
Edward Kelly Obituary
(no,
not the Edward Kelly)
21 Nov 1911 -
Thomas Jardine Folster Inquest
24 Jun 1916 - Death of Elizabeth Ralph
7 Sep 1916 - A Visit to
Hillsborough
Acknowledgements
References
1867 - Hillsborough school potential
students
The following parents/children were mentioned on the list of
prospective families attending the proposed Hillsborough School
6th
August 1867:
J. Hawkins, George Hawkins age 10, CofE
W.Shugg, William Shugg age 4, CofE
E.Morris, Annie age 8, Edward age 7, CofE
Wm Armstrong, Mary Ann 6, Jane 4, Pres
Anne Welshman, Arthur 9, James 7, Mary Ann 5, CofE
John Brown, John 13,Mary Jane 12, William 10, Catherine 9,
Isabella 7,
Frederick 5, CofE
Walter Barnett, Charles 8, W
Alfred Day, William 14, Jane 8, CofE
Ellen Kennedy, John 9, James 6, Ellen 4, CofE.
Hawkins, Shugg and Morris lived 1/4 mile from the town, and the
others
lived in the township.
12 March,
1867,
Coaching Accident
On Friday
last, as
Messrs Crawford
and Connolly’s coach was proceeding to Hillsborough, on reaching
a very
steep sideling, one of the horses, a young one, suddenly became
restive, and commenced kicking and plunging at the most furious
rate. The driver immediately applied the break, but owing
to the
velocity with which the vehicle was proceeding, the break gave
way, and
the horses bolting, considerable damage was done to the
conveyance
before they could be pulled up. Fortunately no one
was
injured, although considering the nature of the road where the
accident
took place, those in the coach must have had a narrow
escape. No
blame can be attached to the driver; on the contrary those who
were
present say that the greatest credit is due to him for his
coolness and
presence of mind, and for the way he stuck to the reins even
when in a
very dangerous predicament. (Ovens and
Murray
Advertiser)
14th
May, 1867 - Amateur Concert at Hillsborough
On Friday
evening
last, a first rate
concert was given by local amateurs at Mrs Kennedy’s “New Era
Hotel,”
in aid of funds of the projected Hillsborough Common
School. The
attendance was very good, fully 100 persons, a considerable
number of
whom were females, were present. The net cash results are
₤12 15s. Great praise is due to the promoters of
the
school, and also to the ladies and gentlemen who took part in
the
concert.
All them,
evidently, did their best
to provide a pleasant evening’s amusement, and were successful
beyond
their expectation. The singing was for amateurs, decidedly
good
throughout. The local songs of Mr. Thomas Felton were
received
with quite a storm of applause, and the duets sang by Miss
Cheetham and
Mr. Thomas Mitchell were also well received. The whole of
the
amateurs well deserve the thanks of the community for their
services in
a good cause. (Ovens and Murray
Advertiser)
Comment LJR:
Anthony supplied the above press item. I like the "a considerable
number of whom were females".
Always an issue in newly established mining town?
16th July 1867, Death of
Patrick
Setbright
Pioneer Index : 1867 #9579 Age
40 (b.
Clar), Patrick Setright, son of Martin SETRIGHT & Mary ERLS
Yackandandah Cemetery Details
Patrick Setright Age 34 Miner of Hillsborough, parents Martin
Setright
& Mary Erls, Burial Date 16th July 1867 Roman Catholic Row 3
22/616
(no headstone).
Informant David Flynn
Inquest Index CD :
Hillsborough 1867 #546 ‘Fall Down Shaft’
Obituary – Likely Source
‘Ovens & Murray Advertiser’
The
death of Patrick Setbright caused
by the accident at the Homeward Bound Company's claim
Hillsborough on
Monday last created quite a sadness throughout the district
where the
unfortunate man resided for upwards of ten years and was
consequently
well known and deservedly respected as a hardworking
quietly-disposed honest man. The particulars respecting
his death
can be learned from the evidence taken at the inquest held on
Tuesday
morning before deputy-coroner Dr Muller a report of which is
forwarded
herewith. On Tuesday afternoon his remains were buried in
the
Yackandandah Cemetery.
Yackandandah is proverbial for
largely attended funerals and Patrick Setbright's wasmore than
usually
numerous. There could not have been less than 200 horseman
that
came all the way from Hillsborough and a great many more joined
the
cortege at the township of Yackandandah. The poor fellow
had only
been working at the Homeward Bound a fortnight I am told and had
made
arrangements to leave the colony in about 6 weeks for Canada
intending
to join two of his brothers who reside there.
1875 Inquest:
John Dunn
These men were on the jury at
the
inquistion into the death of John Dunn at Hillsborough 1st
October 1875:
Peter Devlin, Patrick Grealey, Hance McGowan. Edward Kelly.
Henry Grey,
James Wilberforce. Brainerd Stone, George Marchallsea, Giovanni
D'Alberti, William Dugdale, William Thomas, John Jewitt
These men gave evidence:
John Blewett, Kenneth Cameron
Back Creek, Yackandandah
1881 School Staffing
Mary Welshman applies for and gets workmistress Position
Arthur Welshman lobbies for Head Teacher Position
Some extrordinary Postal and Administrative
turnaround..On this topic, Fred Mitchell can recall seeing
somewhere a
coach timetable for a four times a day service from Hillsborough
to
Beechworth. Beechworth would have had a rail link to Melbourne by
then.
Details of letters
August 9th 1882 - Robertson, Welshman Letter
Hillsborough
Sir,
I have the honor to report that, on Wednesday 9th instant I was
unable,
owing to illness, to teach, but Miss Welshman, who holds
"Licence",
conducted the school as usual.
I have the honor to be
Sir, Your obedient servant,
Thos. H. Robertson
Jan 15th 1883 - Gift Tree
Hillsborough
Hillsborough School No 889
Sir,
I have the honour to make applications for permission to use the
above
school room on the evening of Friday the 26th for the purpose of
conducting a Gift Tree in aid of the funds of the local Cricket
Club.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
G A Wilberforce, Hon
Sec, C.C.
1885 - Petition
to
remove
Head Teacher
Some Hillsborough citizens petitioned for Emma
Anderson's removal as Head Teacher. Henry Rix, Inspector of
Schools
conducts an enquiry which supports Mrs Anderson. The report
contains
the various submissions
received.
Details
9th March 1886 - Fire at
Wilberforce's Crushing
Mill
Mr Wilberforce's quartz crushing
mill
situated at Clear Ck Hillsborough on Sunday last had a narrow
escape
from being destroyed by fire. IN accordance with his usual
custom
Mr.
Wilberforce early on Sunday morning strolled down to the mill
which he
had left all right the previous evening and was astonished
to
find the
place in flames. He immediately ran back to his residence
a short
distance away and gave the alarm when several members of his
family
turn out and by energetic action managed to save the property
from
complete destruction. Fortunately there was a plentiful
supply of
water and the rain which had fallen the previous day prevented
the
flames from spreading rapidly; the damage done being confined to
one of
the walls of the mill building and the partial destruction of
some of
the bed logs off the engine, which will necessitate the
boilers
and
other machinery being taken out to put in new logs. The property
was
insured in the Norwich Union Company's office for which Mr. A.
W.
Foster is the Beechworth agent. Incendiarism is suspected and an
investigation into the circumstances connected with the
fire is
being
made. (OMA)
1st October 1888, Rifle Shooting
Teacher
State School No 889
Hillsborough
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt
of your
communication of
27th ult, in reply to my letter of 22nd ult. relative to leave
of
absence for the forthcoming V.R.A. matches, informing me that
"leave
can only be granted provided it can be done without business
being
thereby interfered with".
It was with great surprise that I read this announcement, as I
obtained
leave of absence from this school last year, and understood that
it was
a long-established custom to grant leave to enable teachers to
compete.
As the entries closed before I received your
reply,
and not for a
moment doubting that leave would be granted, I forwarded my
entries to
the Secretary of the V.R.A. to the amount of 4:1:6 and I must
lose this
amount and the chance of competing if leave be not allowed.
Will you, Sir, be good enough to consider my case, and under the
circumstances grant the required leave.
Relative to business being thereby interfered with, I beg to
state that
the school, with your sanction, could be efficiently carried on
by my
wife, assisted by Miss M. Waterson - a young lady I am training
for
Certificate of Competency.
Trusting that this application will receive
your
favourable
consideration and that you will let me know the result at once,
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
William P. Dawson, H.T.
(Yes, he was allowed to go, leaving his wife (not a teacher) in
charge,
with the help of fifteen year old Margaret Waterson.)
March 7, 1891 - Hillsborough State School Picnic
(by Surmisor)
Of course I went to Hillsborough, and, as a
natural
sequence, had a
good time in that charming city of the hills. One gets
into an
entirely different atmosphere, both geographically and socially,
in
that altitude. The various sports, the results of which I
append,
seemed to please the numerous visitors from Stanley,
Yackandandah, and
other hamlets in the vicinity. The lady secretary (Miss
Madge
Kelly) was eminently efficient. The tables were attended
to by
Misses Folster, McKibbon, Michell, Ralph, McGowan and
Waterson:
Messrs Stone and Blewitt brewing the tea. Dancing was
indulged in
up to "wee sma' hoors," in the schoolroom, Mr. Chas. Harridge
officiating as M.C., and Mr Thomas Nicholl supplying the
music.
Messrs Tresize and Michell favored the company with various
vocal
selections, which were well received.
A long list of results follows, including the
following names:
Clingin, Wilberforce, Mummery, Folster, Johnston, Thomas,
Jannon,
Priestly, Burns, Buckley, Lee, McGowan, Crawford, Tresize,
Waterson,
Bigelow, Kinchington, Bruestdt, Stone, Ralph, Mongan.
The judges were Messrs Clingin, McGowan and
Martin,
and the
handicappers Messrs A. Stone, W. Waterson and
R.McGowan.
(Ovens and Murray
Advertiser)
May 6th, 1893 - Hillsborough Picnic
The annual
picnic
and ball in aid of
the prize fund of the Hillsborough State School took place on
Friday,
21st April There was an excellent attendance, visitors
being
present from all parts of the surrounding district, including
Yackandandah and Stanley. During the afternoon all kinds
of games
were indulged in, whilst the school children were also studied
in
regard to races. Altogether a most enjoyable afternoon was
spent. In the evening a dance was held at the state
school, when
there was again a good attendance. At midnight
refreshments were
served out, and dancing was afterwards resumed, being kept up
till
daylight. Mr Nichol of Allans Flat supplied the music, and
Mr
Harridge of Stanley acted as M.C. The head teacher, Miss
Waterson, of course had the lion's share of the work in getting
up the
picnic and ball, but she was ably backed up by the following
ladies:-
Mrs Waterson, Miss Stone, Miss McKibbon, Miss Ralph, Miss
Crawford, and
Miss McGowan. (Yackandandah
Times)
6th September 1893 - Beechworth Show Holiday Letter
Hillsborough S School No 889
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter
referring to a holiday
which I took on the 10th March 1893. I was under the
impression
that the Beechworth Show was allways a Public Holiday in this
district,
and that pay was not deducted on such days; or otherwise I
should not
have taken it.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your most obedient servant
Margaret Waterson
March 29, 1895, B.H.
Stone
obituary
STONE - On
the
24th inst., at his
residence Hillsborough, after a long and painful illness, Brainard Heber
Stone,
aged 68 years. A colonist of 43 years.
ONE MORE TO
THE
MAJORITY
Death have
removed
another of those
who have been so long connected with the district as to have become
recognised as
part and parcel of it. After a lengthened illness of a more or less
severe character which has extended over several years, MR Brainard
Stone, of
Hillsborough, passed peacefully away on Sunday last in the presence of is
wife and family. Mr. Stone was amongst the earliest of those who
found
their way to the Ovens diggings when mining was in it preliminary stages,
and
after working on Spring Creek and the 9 Mile, he made his way to
Yackandandah, and was amongst the very first to prove that gold was to be found
there. Some years ago impelled by the old enterprising spirit, he
removed
to Hillsborough and settled there with his wife and family.
Latterly
he has suffered from a severe affection of the ear and head and tis eventually
led to
his death. Whilst resident in the neighborhood of Beechworth Mr
Stone
was one of the first to join the Oddfellows Lodge upon its
establishment
and he never severed his connected with it. He was a full benefit
member at the time of his death and during his long and painful illness he had
a very
convincing proof of the advantages
to be derived from his membership. The funeral took place
on
Monday and many of his brethren
of
the Beechworth Lodge regretted exceedingly
that they did not hear of the event till it was too late for them to show by their attendance
that they
respected the deceased and deeply sympathised with his wife and
family. If notice had been given many of the members of the Local Beechworth
Lodge
would have followed the remains of their deceased brother to the grave.
Yackandandah Times,
4th March 1896 - Poor Results letter
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the reasons that the
school
passed poorly in
last examination is as follows:
The attendance was poorly for several months before the
examination,
and it was mostly always the bright children that were absent.
In reference to the Grammar and Arithmetic subjects, I beg to
state
that I have several very dull children that Mr Rix mentioned in
his
report. They all belong to one family- one in the third
class
alone made the Grammar and Arithmetic in that class weak.
The
same occurred in the IV class, as the boy was also alone in this
class.
In the II class the Arithmetic should have been better in one
case -
another child is exceptionally dull, the other little child
attends
very badly as she comes from a great distance.
In reference to the VI class girl, I did not expect her to pass
well as
she was always exceptionally dull, having a weak intellect.
The two boys in the V class that got certificates, I certainly
expected
to do better in Grammar, but the other boy in the V class,
Grammar is
always his weak subject.
The VI class girl is now left, and I trust that with the
children now
remaining, that a more satisfactory examination may take place
next
time.
I was greatly disappointed at the exam myself as I worked very
hard
with my scholars and I expected it much better in some cases.
Trusting more satisfaction will be got next time, and I am now
working
hard with the children.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
Margaret Waterson
1897 - Inspector’s comments –
Margaret Waterson
Comments from the Inspector on
Margaret Waterson's teaching record (from Hillsborough)
Margaret Waterson was 19 years old when she took charge of the
Hillsborough school.
1892: Has not had much experience yet in managing a small
school. She seems willing and desirous of improving the
school. 65
1893: Show very fair ability as a teacher and has the
school
under good control. There is a pleasant tone pervading the
school. 70
1893: Has done fairly good work. Very fair year,
though not
so good as I would have expected from the manifest interest she
has taken in her work. 61
1894: Apparently diligent, but not very energetic. Very
fair, 66.
1894: Diligent, but lacks skill. Fair, 58.
1895: Fair, does not show much improvement. 59
1895: Diligent, but lacks skill. Some of the pupils
are
dull and hard to teach. 54 fair.
1896: Not a skilful teacher, but a distinct improvement
noticeable at this visit. 62, fair.
1897: Not a strong teacher, but a willing worker.
65.
The school closed at the end of 1897.
Margaret went to Tawonga, where the inspector wrote: 'Has
worked
well, and had more success than at her last school. 71
good'.
Nov 26th 1897 - Obituary for Arthur Clingin
(brother of
Archibald Clingin who discovered gold at Hillsborough)
Mr. Arthur
Clingin, one of the oldest residents of
Hillsborough, joined the great majority on Tuesday morning,
somewhat
suddenly. He had been ill for about two years from
consumption,
but the progress of the disease was very slow, and although he
was not
able to work there was a prospect of his living for some years;
in
fact, last week he was apparently no worse than twelve months
previously. On Tuesday morning he got up as usual and went
to the
garden. He returned to have a wash before breakfast, when
he was
seized with a fit of coughing. The violence of the
coughing broke
a blood vessel and Dr Crane was sent for. However, before
medical
assistance arrived he was lifeless. The deceased was
highly
esteemed in all parts of the district and had always been a
general
favourite. He was 52 years of age, and came to the colony
in
1862. He worked at Pettifords Hill for about twelve
months, when
he went to the Indigo diggings, returning to Pettifords Hill a
few
months later.
Mr. Archibald Clingin, his brother, then joined him
and
they went to Kinchington's Creek. Whilst there Mr
Archibald
Clingin and a man named Brown were prospecting in the adjacent
ranges
occasionally and one Sunday in 1865 they came across the
Homeward Bound
Reef at Hillsborough. Mr Arthur Clingin, his brother and
Brown
then devoted their attention to the newly discovered reef.
It was
a veritable gold mine, and turned out over a ton of gold over
the next
few years. Mr Arthur Clingin got married soon after the
finding
of the Homeward Bound Reef, and settled down at Hillsborough
where he
resided ever since. Deceased leaves a widow and family of
10,
eight boys and two girls, the eldest being 25 and the youngest 6
years
of age. The eldest, Mr Jas. Clingin is in the store of Mr
D.
McLeod of Kiewa, another son, Frank, is in the Tallangatta Post
Office,
and three others are mining at Eskdale. The funeral took
place
yesterday and was largely attended by friends from all parts of
the
district. The burial service of the Church of England was
read by
the Rev. F.Vauston. (Yackandandah
Times)
Email from Ronda
I received this article from a friend
(undated) but it would be late November, early December as the
deaths
occured late November 1897. All three buried at
Yackandandah
cemetery. The woman
mentioned as
losing both her husband and father is Annie Colville, nee
Waterson who
was the wife of William Colville and the daughter of Hugh
Waterson.
Arthur Clingin in the
Benambra and Bogong Advertiser
1994
-
Pupils
The following pupils were
enrolled at
Hillsborough State School No. 889 on 5th April, 1894
(Head office in Melbourne was looking at closing the school)
Mary E. McKibbin born 1886, distance from school 3miles
Albert Clingin b. 1889
1/4
mile
Stanley Ralph B 1886 1/4
mile
Alexander Mc Cullough b. 1886 1/4 mile (only a
visitor)
May Clingin b. 1886 1/4 mile
Wolesly Ralph b. 1885 1/4/ mile
Gordon Ralph b. 1885 1/4 mile
Reginald McMillan b. 1884 3
miles
(only a visitor)
Henry Stone b. 1883 1/2 mile
Alfred Crawford b. 1881 1/4 mile
Walter Clingin 1883 1/4 mile
Martha Waterson 1880 5 miles
William Crawford 1879 1/4 mile
Percy Clingin 1882 1/4 mile
Amelia Ralph 1878 1/4 mile
Violet Waterson 1883 5 miles
Names of children who have exemption certificates (Nil)
Nearest existing school other than this (Stanley 5 miles)
Names of children likely to attend in the immediate
future: Cyril
Trezise 3 yrs 6 months
State of buildings: fairly good condition
Character of roads in locality: Very rough and during
winter very
bad indeed.
Margaret Waterson (teacher)
March 5th 1908 - Edward Kelly Obituary
The death of
Edward Kelly, which occurred in the Beechworth hospital on
Saturday last, removes another old identity who was associated
with the
mining interests of the district. The deceased was 74 yrs
of age,
and resided in the district for a number of years prior to
taking up
his quarter at Hillsborough where he was associated with Mr.
J.C.
Bigelow and others in various reefs. (Yackandandah
Times)
21st Nov 1911 - Thomas Jardine Folster Inquest
Proceedings before Coroner
Inquisition (Without a Jury)
An Inquisition for our Sovereign Lord King
Edward,
taken at Beechworth
Victoria, the twenty first day of November A.D. 1911, in the
second
year of the Reign of our said Lord the King, before me William
Johnston
Bowen Gentleman acting Coroner of our Lord the King for
Victoria, upon
the view of the body of Thomas Jardine Folster then and there
lying
dead.
Having duly inquired upon the part of our
Lord the
King when, where,
how and by what means the said Thomas Jardine Folster came by
his
death, I say that the said Thomas Jardine Folster died at
Beechworth on
the twenty first day of November 1911 from contusion of the
spinal cord
& haemorrhage caused by falling tree the result of a bush
fire at
Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon November 19th 1911.
In witness whereof I the aforesaid Coroner
have to
this Inquisition put
my hand and seal on the day and year and at the place above
mentioned.
W.J. Bowen J.P.
Acting Coroner.
Coroner’s Inquest
This Deponent James Folster on his oath
saith, I am
a miner and carter
residing at Hillsborough.
On Sunday evening last on hearing cooeeing I
went
towards my brother’s
house and met his wife and with her went to where my brother was
lying
in the paddock. Near him was a tree which had recently
fallen. I asked him what was the matter and he said he
thought
his neck was broken. He was dribbling(?) a lot. A
bush fire
had been burning in the paddock. I got a stretcher and we
carried
him home. Dr. Walker was sent for. Deceased could
not give
any account of how the accident happened.
James Folster
Taken and sworn before me on the 21st day
November
1911 at Beechworth
W.J. Bowen J.P.
Coroner’s Inquest
This Deponent Herbert Frederic Walker on his
oath
saith, I am a legally
qualified medical practitioner residing at Beechworth.
On Sunday evening last I was sent for to go
to
Hillsborough to attend
to Thomas Jardine Folster. When I saw him he was lying on
his
back in bed very quiet but was able to answer when I spoke to
him. He was not unconscious.
After examining him I came to the conclusion
that he
was suffering from
some spinal injury. He was completely paralysed in both
legs and
partly in both arms , a loss of sensation in the skin all over
the body
except the upper portion of the chest and arms and the
head. I
did not then make an exhaustive examination as con???? to keep
him as
still as possible. I ordered his removal in the hospital
and
since he has been there he has been under my observation and I
have
examined him carefully. There was very little external
mark. I think death was caused by contusion of the spinal
cord
with haemorrhage into its substance causing lobar respiratory
failure. It could have been caused by a blow from a
falling
tree. He died this morning about 11 a.m.
H. Frederic Walker
Taken and Sworn before me the 21st of
November 1911
at Beechworth
W.J. Bowen J.P.
Coroner’s Inquest
This Deponent Mary Campbell Folster on her
oath
saith, I reside at
Hillsborough.
The deceased Thomas Jardine Folster was my
husband. On Sunday evening last he left home about 4.30
p.m. and
went up the paddock about a quarter of a mile. About half
an hour
after I heard some one cooeeing up the paddock. After half
an
hour I went up the paddock towards where I heard the cooeeing
and saw
my husband lying on the ground. There was a tree lying at
his
feet, it had recently fallen. There had been a bush fire
in the
paddock. I spoke to him and said “Where are you
hurt?” He
said he thought his neck was broken. I tried to raise his
head to
put something under if and he told me to leave it along and let
him lie
down. He asked me to go for his brother. I cooeed
for his
brother and went to meet him and we took him home on a stretcher
and
sent for a doctor and Dr. Walker came. He kept asking if a
tree
had fallen on him. Next morning we took him to the
Beechworth
hospital.
I have no doubt the falling of the tree was
the
cause of his death.
Mary Campbell Folster
Taken and Sworn before me the 21st day of
November
1911 at Beechworth.
W.J. Bowen. J.P.
24th June, 1916 - Death of Elizabeth Ralph
The death
occurred
somewhat
unexpectedly at Beechworth, on Thursday, 2nd June, 1916, of Mrs
Elizabeth Ralph, a well known and highly esteemed resident of
Hillsborough for many years. It appears that Mrs Ralph,
who was
70 years of age, had occasion to consult a Medical Man.
She was
not considered dangerously ill, but decided to remain in
Beechworth for
a few days, to be near her medical adviser. She gradually
faded,
and passed away on Thursday, to the regret of a large circle of
friends. (Ovens and Murray Advertiser)
7th September 1916 - A Visit to
Hillsborough
By
The Unknown
Last Sunday
found
me in the hills
enjoying the most delightful of weather we have had for this
year. The objective of our journey was Hillsborough where
existed
some years ago a mining township of considerable
proportions.
Here we expected to obtain a fine view of snow clad alps, which
we did,
and a remarkably gorgeous and fascinating picture it proved to
be, like
a tankard in the sky, flowing over with silver froth.
Sport also
was expected, but no foxes and few rabbits were espied.
Not being
a sporting enthusiast I wandered around the old township and
noticed
the evidences of a long stretch of occupation and civilization,
now
extinct. Two of the oldest inhabitants, Mr & Mrs
Ralph, have
gone the long journey, the latter only recently. We note
in our
tour around a number of holes sunk in search of the golden
metal.
In several cases a good deal of stoping had been done, and no
doubt
there are a few reefs still uncovered. From a mining point
of
view there was nothing encouraging to view in their little short
and
narrow lodes. The neighbourhood however looks promising
and there
have been large lodes found adjacent. The hill would
warrant a
geological survey. However, the Mining Department is a
decadent
and moribund institution and shows no interest in the
co-ordination of
scientific and systematic research of lodes in known auriferous
areas. Subsequently we find our way to the Homeward Bound
mine,
which appears to have become a newer and more prosperous looking
proposition than when viewed last by the writer. The
cyanide
plant outside the mine gives the visitor an idea of the vast
advance
made in gold recovery. Here there are a succession of
immense
iron vats each one of which would enclose many tons of sand,
which I
learn is extremely valuable. The manager points out the
difficulties there have been in installing this treatment plant,
built
on firm foundations with lever timber floors, how the cyanide
drains
through the zinc boxes and is pumped back to the solution
tank.
Originally the solution passed through charcoal beds, but zinc
shavings
have replaced this earlier method. Improvements in the
battery
machinery have been introduced, commencing with stamper boxes
and the
gearing of the pulleys. Two new concentrating tables have
been
put in, with convenient water supply. Beneath these tables
are
further canvas tables designed to catch escaping mineral which
is of
considerable value. The sand is then conveyed by water
sluice or
launder to two reception tanks which are filled with sand
alternately,
the water from which filters through and runs back along a
wooden
aqueduct to a settling tank whence it is pumped back to a tank
above
the battery and used again. As the water does not come in
contact
with the earth in its round journey, by the time it has been
pumped out
of the settling tank it is tolerably clear. Mr Rogers is
only
waiting to cyanide the heap in front of the battery, so as to
fit in
the final ?? of his installation when the battery will commence
to
talk, and judging from appearances will talk this time to the
tune of
profit. To be noted also are very large stacks of
firewood, which
being cut green and stacked is of excellent steaming
quality.
Also a fine stack of charcoal which is of a character far
superior to
the rubbish which has hitherto mostly resulted in a collection
of dross
only useful for paving tracks. New pumps are being
installed. Inside the mine a revolution has taken
place.
The track has been improved to the face and the manager revers
grimly
to certain premeditated intention on his part in regard to
improving
the grade of a portion of the tunnel known as the switchback
when
possible. Inside he has now a large reservoir of broken
quartz
ready for the battery and a method of stoping that ensures a
continuous
supply without the necessity of breaking a ton of useless
mullock for
filling purposes. Ultimately an opening will be made
with
the surface workings, and the distance to daylight is only a
matter of
feet. The question of conservation of water sufficient to
run a
20 head battery is under consideration. The mine produces
plenty
of water. More than enough comes from it to keep the mine
going,
but unfortunately it cannot by suspended in the air until
required,
although nature obliges in this direction occasionally.
Before
winter Mr Rogers propose to have a reservoir of sufficient
capacity
made where the sand heap at present exists. When a person
views
the immense difficulties that have been overcome in the
alterations one
naturally looks for evidence that the directors have at least
decorated
the manager with a DCM medal. He has not limited himself
into any
8 hours a day or even 6 days a week. He sententiously
remarks
that the mine managers like farmers break the Sabbath because
they have
no souls to lose. Mr Rogers has been managing mines for
years,
and he has no doubt the Homeward Bound will be a profitable
venture to
the shareholders and become a leading gold producer in
Victoria. (Yackandandah
Times)
Acknowledgements
I am indebted to Geoffrey Craig of Stanley for his help in a
letter (1989) and his book (1996). I believe he has
subsequently
died, but would be delighted to be told that is not true.
I am indebted to Ronda Shambrook and Anthony Bigelow for
supplying
the above material. The items were supplied by Ronda Shambrook
unless otherwise indicated.
References
OMA - Ovens and Murray Advertiser
Books by C F Craig
Hillsborough: Dedicated to the Pioneesrs of
Hillsborough:
Stanley, Hurdle Flat Hillsborough:
At the Hill - History of Hillsborough:
Research Notes
You should get Arthur Welshman's teaching record, it would answer
a lot
of questions for you. It is on film at the PRO, and will
tell you
everywhere he taught, inspectors comments etc. (Ronda)
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