The Argus at KellyGang 31/8/1861
THE GOULBURN GOLD FIELDS
The following report of these diggings has been sent to the Mining Board:
Melbourne; 22nd August, 1861 .
Sir,-Having visited the. Upper Goulburn mining branch of the Beechworth district, in my capacity as warden, as, directed, by your instructions, I do myself the honour to report thereon.
I have also forwarded a report to the Chief Secretary, embodying my views as inspecting superintendent of police, and generally upon matters appertaining to those gold-fields.
1st. I have reported upon the advisability of a bi-weekly mail to Drummond's Point, on Gaffney's Creek,
2nd. As to police protection and the formation of an escort from the junction of the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers to Longwood, via Mansfield Merton, to join the main Beechworth line of escort.
3rd. As to the desirability of surveying and selling the piece of ground at the junction of the above-named rivers for a township.
4th. To proclaim such township as a place for holding a petty session.
5th. The appointment of a warden for these gold-fields, who would also act as police magistrate, both at Mansfield and the Jamieson,
Also a clerk of petty sessions for those places, who would, in conjunction with such duties, also act as warden's clerk and gold receiver.
6 th. Generally upon the route to the Upper Goulburn gold-fields, prospects, population, &c.
I trust it may be considered unnecessary for me here to report fully upon the above-mentioned matters, but simply to confide myself to those points in that report that appertain more especially to your department.
I entered the Benalla district at 'Seven Creeks,' and from there to Mansfield , via Merton.
There are many routes to Jamieson Flat, Gaffney's Creek, and to the Upper Goulburn, but the most practicable is by way of Merton and Mansfield to Jamieson, and thence by 'Flour Bag' to Gaffney's Creek.
The road from Longwood to Mansfield is over the Big Hill, and into Melton, twenty-five miles; from Melton to Mansfield, twenty-five miles; from Mansfield to Jamieson, twenty-five miles; and from the latter place to Drummond's Point, or Gaffney's Creek, about twenty-six miles.
There are two tracks to the Upper Goulburn from Jamieson, and by both the River Jamieson has to be crossed. One runs directly through the town, across the river, and up the back of the mountain opposite; the other crosses the Jamieson, about a quarter of a mile higher up, and then round the mountain-a mere sideling, which in wet weather is very dangerous to travel. About twelve miles from the Jamieson, the track passes through a flat called 'Flour Bag,' where are two lodging houses, or 'shanties,' and a butcher's shop, and where the packers and travellers generally stop the night, on their journey up. Thence the track proceeds to Wright's' Crossing, and from that point there are two tracks - one, the now track, up the mountain till it joins the old track, and on to the Upper Goulburn; the other, the old track, by Gaffney's Creek, on to Drummond's Point, and over Gaffney’s and Raspberry Creeks. By the old tacks, after crossing Gaffney's and Raspberry Creeks, there is another track up the spur of the mountain, till it joins the new track. I would recommend the new track as about the best. From the junction of the old and new tracks the path then proceeds along the mountains (on either side of which are working), past a store named 'Phil's,' and on to Cherry's Point, which is the highest point at present where stores can be procured. I understand that the firm of Perkins Brothers intend shortly to erect a store and publichouse at this point.
There is a summer track from Mansfield , known only to a few, and considered a shorter and better road than the present. It is reported to be not more than twenty or twenty-five miles, running about ten miles east of Mount Buller to the Upper Goulburn.
There is another road by Yea, but which is passable only in summer; and also one by the Big River to Drummond's Point, by which also packers carry goods to the Upper Goulburn .
The township of Jamieson is situated on a flat, at the junction of the Jamieson and Goulburn Rivers. The Jamieson is the farthest point that drays can be taken. From there to Gaffney's, Raspberry, Baker, and other creeks, and to the Goulburn, everything has to be packed on horses or on men's shoulders.
The population of the Jamieson is about 400, composed, of two publicans, storekeepers, and people engaged in packing goods up country, &c. The little township every morning about ten o’clock presents a most busy and animated appearance, for then the packers are preparing to start. The horses are generally accoutred with old military or troopers' saddles, loaded each with about two hundredweight, and each with a bell around its neck, which tinkles as it moves.
The population is fast increasing, and as this is, the last level piece of country, I would recommend that the township be surveyed and sold.
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