Back in the 1870s around what we now know as Rushworth, Colbinabbin, Corop, Stanhope and Murchison, it was time to “move over” for all squatters and gold diggers; the land selectors were on their way.
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It was the period that would establish farming as the primary activity of the area.
The decade has been reviewed in a new book, A Colourful Chronicle of Challenges — From Gold Rush to Land Rush in Waranga Shire 1870-1880, written by local historian Alan McLean.
A few thousand diggers came in a great rush in the 1850s, after gold was discovered at the Dry Diggings and the Wet Diggings in late 1853.
These became Rushworth and Whroo.
The 1870s saw a more permanent rush, the scramble to secure the best land for farming and grazing.
Some selectors were destined to succeed; some of those families are still represented in the area.
Murchison became more than a river crossing.
Corop was briefly the second-largest town in the shire. It was much larger than Colbinabbin, while Stanhope was still a squatter’s run.
Mr McLean’s book sets out to answer some key questions about this important period.
How did the mining continue in the 1870s?
What role was played by the Chinese gold-seekers?
Who were the selectors and how did they apply for the land, and arrive to settle?
How was the timber cleared?
How did the newcomers adjust to the local climate?
What were the workplace dangers?
How did people handle horse-based travel on rough and hazardous tracks?
What were the dangers associated with water, fire and getting lost in the bush?
What challenges arose in creation of schools and churches?
How did the courts cope?
How did people create their own entertainment, and take part in sports and picnics?
How were the destitute cared for by their community?
What role did alcohol play in the lives of some of the local people?
Did Ned Kelly and his gang pay a visit?
How important was the region’s newspaper, the Waranga Chronicle?
“I have found these topics to be most interesting, as they relate to real people facing real obstacles,” Mr McLean said.
“I have tried to place the information on the record, and some of the big events of the decade are worthy of a book in their own right.”
The 1870s set up the Waranga district’s future, but not before the bold pioneers overcame a colourful chronicle of challenges.
Mr McLean has been busy in lockdown; he has also published a revised edition of his first book, 100 Years of Mysteries in the Rushworth District.
Originally prepared in 2015, the 2020 edition has included eight “new” old mysteries dating back to 1854 that have come to light in the past five years.
On story tells of a police raid on a hotel trading after-hours in Rushworth.
A man who bolted out the back door in the dark fell down a disused mine nearby.
A lone digger, he was not missed.
Some 17 days later a man noticed his dog showing keen interest in the shaft.
Investigation found the miner, just alive, at the bottom. He survived after treatment at Mooroopna hospital.
One can only imagine the worldwide media interest if the same event occurred today.
How did he survive?
Now that is a real mystery.
Both books are available for just $20 each. Both have had limited print runs, so local history buffs may need to be quick off the mark.
Mr McLean can be reached by phone on 0412 143 660 or by email at alanlmclean@bigpond.com