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Gold is discovered at Buninyong and at Golden Point, Ballarat. The Colony of
Victoria has insufficient funds and no organization to cope with a goldrush.
Governor La Trobe introduces the Gold Licence system. -
F.C.Doveton (Ballarat’s first Gold Commissioner arrives in Ballarat)
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Bendigo’s Red Ribbon Movement is active on the Goldfields. Miner’s wear a red
ribbon to demonstrate their opposition to and non payment of the Licence fee. -
A monster meeting is held on Bakery Hill attended by more than 10.000 diggers.
The deputation of diggers report on the outcome of their meeting with Governor
Hotham. The Flag of the Southern Cross is flown for the first time. A number of
diggers burn their Licences. -
In the early hours of Sunday morning led by Captain Thomas, a well armed
contingent of more than 296 soldiers and police proceed to the Eureka Lead to
attack the Eureka Stockade. -
A group of 13 prisoners is charged with treason.
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The members of the Gold Fields Commission meet with Governor Hotham and
recommend that the Gold Licence be abolished. -
Members of the Gold Fields Commission recommend to Governor Hotham that a
general amnesty for all those connected with the Stockade uprising be declared.
He refuses their request. -
The final report of the Gold Fields Commission is presented to Governor Hotham.
The report advocates that: the Gold Licence be replaced by an export duty on gold,
the introduction of a miners right which would give the franchise to the holder and
the abolition of the Gold Commission. These recommendations were subsequently
implemented.