“Books have been written about gold fields that prospered, like Ballarat, Beechworth and Bendigo, but the gold fields that faded away have had little coverage,” he said.
‘‘This book gathers up the eye-witness accounts of the hectic early years when diggers rushed to Whroo seeking the fortune in gold, which the first reports suggested ‘was there for the taking’.
“It is a book about people, the men who worked on the surface and those who went deep underground, looking for veins of quartz brought up for crushing in the search for what was once the world’s most valuable metal.
“The book has gathered up newspaper reports of the day, revealing the dangers in the mines, the loss of life and the injuries, and the hazards of horse travel on the rough tracks.
‘‘Also included is information about the school, the churches, the concerts and the dancing as people made their own entertainment, often to raise funds for a worthy cause, like a bereft family.
“The picnics and the sports, the role of the Chinese, and the impact of illness sweeping the township regularly taking the lives of small children, the crimes and the punishment are key features of the early years.
‘‘Strange to say, there was serious talk at one stage of a railway line being constructed to Whroo.“
Rushing to Whroo, 1853 to 1880 is the sixth book written by Alan on Rushworth and district’s early days, joining his other publications:
• 100 Years of Mysteries in the Rushworth District
• Order In The Court — Crime and Punishment in the Early Years of the Rushworth District
• Grass-seeds and Thistles — the Early Years of Moora, Wanalta and Gobarup
• The Walls Have Spoken — the First 150 Years of the Shire Hall at Rushworth
• A Colourful Chronicle of Challenges — from Gold Rush to Land Rush in Waranga Shire 1870 to 1880.
The book can be purchased directly from Alan for $25 plus postage and packaging. If anyone has any inquiries, Alan can be contacted at 0412 143660.
