Alexandra Times at KellyGang 30/8/1873
GOBUR
This village has undergone some strange changes since first we knew it. About five years ago, three or four drays with beds underneath, and at few sheets of bark in the shape of human habitations, with here and there a tent, were the first steps in the way of commencing a township. Hotels, stores, and comfortable dwellings speedily followed, and within twelve months the place grew to such dimensions, that Alexandra got jealous; and it was thought that Gobur must in a short time become the centre of population and the seat of government of the Alexandra Shire. Through jumpers and Melbourne mining swindlers, a great change came over the place. The mines were abandoned; the population gradually dwindled away; the houses became tenantless; and the once busy, prosperous Gobur was reduced to a few individuals, who could not conveniently get away, and who still hoped and believed that the township would again rise Phoenix-like from its own ashes., To visit Gobur any time during the past two years, was enough to produce a fit of melancholy, that was not easily shaken off. The place now begins to show signs of returning life and vigour. The sad, care-worn countenances of the old residents are chancing. What do you think of Gobur now ? they ask with it cheerful smile - We are right this time and no mistake! Of course, everybody always thought that the Godfrey's Creek lead would turn out right some day; however, we have now the fact before us, that the Gobur lead is right, and that over four miles it has been proved payable, and where the ground has been opened up, promises to give splendid dividends for years to come. About five miles of the creek has been taken up in leases. Companies are now at work, others are being formed; and altogether there are the most favorable signs of progress and rapid improvement. It has often been said that "experience teaches' - if so, then there are a few lessons which the people of Gobur should know well. Amongst these, this ought to be deeply impressed on their minds; Did not in any way encourage jumpers, especially where there is a reasonable prospect that the labor covenants of leases will be complied with. Those who can should work the ground themselves, and not let it fall into the hands of unprincipled Melbourne speculators, who have already given the place such a bad name, by floating companies merely for speculative purposes. Large holders of leased property should offer a portion of their Interest to capitalists on reasonable terms, solely for the purpose of erecting machinery, and effectually working the ground, so that those who invest their money may got good returns. If these and a few other considerations are observed, the errors of the past may be avoided, and local shareholders and the public generally will reap a rich return from the recent development of the Gobur load.
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