Alexandra Times at KellyGang 26/4/1872 (2)
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BROADFORD
This township is situated about eight miles below Tallarook, and is two or three times larger than that township. It is surrounded by a fine agricultural district. Its main support has been the road traffic, and now that has been cut off by the railway its future prospects are somewhat gloomy. Some of the residents of this place are quite alive to the importance of brining, the Goulburn traffic to the Broadford station, but, unfortunately for them, the Broadford Road Board are by no means a happy family, and are continually pulling in opposite directions. One. member would cut down the Murchison hall if necessary, and remove every impediment that stands in the way of leading the Goulburn traffic to Broadford. Another can see clearly that making such a road would be an extravagant and useless expenditure of the funds of the Board, and that the individual proposing it is actuated by the most unworthy and selfish motives, and that he is only making an ass of himself. Other members of the Board follow in, the same strain until the Chairman can stand it no longer; he gets up, puts on his hat, and leaves the Board. As there is no quorum left, the business (?) is over. There are many people in the Broadford district who feel the importance of getting even a portion of the Goulburn traffic, and would be glad to see part of their rates spent in improving the road about the King Parrot Creek and other places; but the men who represent their views in the Broadford Road Board are in the minority at present.
SKETCH OF DOINGS AT GOBUR
By One of Us
I have been engaged for some time past in the contemplation of men and things in this rather small, but interesting, and lively community. The constantly clanging aspects which the former have presented, sometimes serious, sometimes laughable, have kept my mind in a pretty constant state of excitement, as the feelings of pleased surprise and hearty approbation have alternated with those of indignation, amused contempt and unmitigated abhorrence. But what have the feelings of my mind to do with matters interesting to the Goburites and the general public ? Much every way, chiefly in that opinion rules tie world, and I merely give expression to the feelings and opinions of very any besides myself in this little world of Godfrey's Creek.
Some months ago Godfrey's Creek was what is, called very low - no mining going on, no business worth mentioning, and every one was asking every other what was to be done. Some recommended a general exodus, and a grand conflagration of the houses on the departure of the townspeople. Some were for making a general mutter of the inhabitants, and then committing suicide on each other. like the "Doleful Familee" in tile song. All were in a state bordering on despair, and “desperation on every countenance " The place was experiencing a crisis, and one of no ordinary kind. Many men and many families. had already gone away, seeking fresh fields and pastures new; more open and other families wore going, and to the people remaining things were looking what is generally ?.
In the midst of this critical state of affairs, the Exchange Company Gobur (late Working Miners) agreed with a party to work their leased ground on tribute. The: tributers-three in number-made up a small company, of working miners, namely, eleven men, themselves included, to work the ground; but possessed as these were of strong arms, good wills, and stout hearts, there was weakness in the region of their pockets, and miners as a rule cannot work without food for themselves and their families, or tools, materials, &c.
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