Shipping Intelligence. Arrivals. Waratah, steamer, 350 tons, Capt. Bell, from Melbourne, 22nd instant. Passengers Mrs. Blackstone, Mrs. Birmingham, Miss Goodman, Messrs. J. Hoyes, W. A. Blow, W. Snodgrass, Learmonth, Davis, Jervis, C. Swan, and twenty-four in steerage. A. S. S. Co., agents. (*The S.S. Waratah has been called “Australia’s Titanic” as it disappeared off the coast of South Africa in 1909).

Park Hall, near Appin, the country residence of Sir Thomas Livingstone-Mitchell, being named and modelled after Park Hall in Stirlingshire, Scotland, the seat of the ancient and honourable family of Livingstone. He has endeavoured to reproduce in New South Wales his old home in the “land of mountains and of flood.” A prince demesne surrounds the modern Park Hall, presenting, in its diversified beauty of tree and lawn and underwood, all the appearance of an English park, while in extent it is rivalled but in few instances, the visitor having from the entrance-gate to the mansion a good ride of five miles. We trust that Sir Thomas Mitchell may long live to enjoy his property in a country which he has so eminently served. (*Our famous Australian explorer was brought up under the care of his uncle Thomas Livingston and has been described as possibly being a distant cousin of the Livingstone-Learmonth family).

Bushrangers Hold Up Ercildoun: Having heard that a sale of sheep had taken place at Buangor, two bushrangers visited that station hoping to find a large sum of money ready for their taking; fortunately the owner had taken the precaution of banking the proceeds from the sale. Rev. Alexander Adam recorded events at the time as was told to him by the Clarkes: –

The bushrangers suddenly appeared with guns and ordered all the people present into the storeroom where they were all secured to various fixtures by ropes. This done Mrs. Clarke was set free and was told to show them where her jewels were and then to prepare them a dinner of the best and wait upon them while they ate it. This was washed down with liberal supplies of brandy. Then they destroyed all the guns and pistols they could get, went to the store-room to tell Mr. Clarke to prepare for death as they meant to shoot him before they left – but they afterwards relented – most likely they only meant to give him a fright.

One unfortunate traveller turned up during these proceedings wishing to buy some hay for his horse – they ordered him into the store and tied him up, robbing him of £7 in his possession and then in the afternoon they started towards Mt. Cole Station, now Eurambeen. Mr. Stewart, a nephew of Colin Campbell, and son of General Stewart, a Colonial experience young man on the station, who was bailed up among the rest, managed to get free and set the others free and then went to Challicum, a neighbouring Station, and borrowed a horse and gun and went off in pursuit. He sighted the men as they entered the forest, and then the sun went down and he returned to Buangor, and early next morning he started once more in pursuit. He rode towards Ercildoun, Mr. Learmonth’s station, and strange to say he came upon the two men just as they were approaching the station. He rode hurriedly past them, warned Mr. Somerville Learmonth, yand then mounted his horse and returned to meet his men. The older man fired at him but the horse threw up his head and caught the ball and fell and Mr. Stewart with him. ‘Now I have you’ said the bushranger taking aim once more, but the gun missed fire, on seeing which he cleared off, and the other, a younger man, with him. Without loss of time a message was sent to Mt. Mitchell, the owner of which, sent to Lexton for the Police and they accompanied by as many as could be got from Mt. Mitchell, went off towards Ercildoun, and with Mr. Learmonth and his men they formed a cordon, expecting to intercept the bushrangers before they could escape. It was not long before they caught sight of the older and more dangerous man and he presently saw that the game was up and surrendered to the Police. They took him to Avoca where the Stipendiary Magistrate resided, and from where he was shifted to Castlemaine, but there he escaped and was never heard of more – the younger man was never seen.

(*And in another bushranger incident, one unlucky man, the third son of a Scottish settler named George Taylor, had lost his arm in a fight with bushrangers, for which he received an extra 500 acres in compensation, but he was later killed by Aboriginals.)

The Royal Melbourne Show was originally called the Pastoral and Agricultural Society of Australia Felix in 1840. It has been held every September sometimes extending into October and runs for a period of 10 days. In the olden days there were ploughing matches held by the Moonee Ponds Farmers Society that went on to become the Port Phillip Farmers Society. In 1861 there was The Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society that later became the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society Inc. These shows have always played an integral role in bringing the country to the city in Australia, and the Royal Melbourne show has held a Spring Show almost every year since 1858 and attracts crowds of around half a million people every year.

10th July 1856 – The Ballarat Agricultural Society held its very first event, a ploughing match held at Learmonth between 20 ploughmen. (*The Ballarat Agricultural Show Society evolved from the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society to become such a significant event that it has now become an annual public holiday in Ballarat.)

Open Column. Letters from Joseph and Francis Longmore to the Surveyor-General of Victoria regarding the ‘unrighteous surveys lately made in the parishes of Ercildoun and Smeaton’ and that ‘the determinations seems to be to completely shut out competition, so that we may one of these days have a Lord bearing the title of “Earl of Ercildoun.”’ They further requested that an inquiry be made into the conduct of the Acting Surveyor in order that he may have an opportunity of satisfying them and the people of the locality that he has not been guilty of corrupt practices. Details of the Burrumbeet enquiry penned by “One of the People” stated that the investigation was to be private, but, by some means, the Messrs Learmonth found their way there, as also did their overseer; one other party applied to be admitted, but was refused. The Court also ruled it that the Learmonth’s should remain, upon what principle of justice to the public, it is difficult to understand. If the inquiry is intended to elicit the truth, should it not be conducted in a fair and impartial manner?

Government Land Policy. Extract……“Messrs. Learmonth selected their pre-emptive right, at some distance from there, thereby securing in that quarter 640 acres at the upset price of £1 per acre. The site of their Homestead is also surveyed as a lot of 640 acres, on which is placed the moderate sum of £4,589 for improvements. An easy and pleasant method of securing two pre-emptive rights, which we most earnestly recommend to the attention of the electors of Emerald Hill, or to those of any other constituency, whose sweet voices (Surveyor-General) this gentlemen of such decided bucolic tendencies may solicit.” As a result of these words, the author was advised that 7 lots had been withdrawn in order that they could be subdivided into sections of 80 to 100 acres, and that a badly needed road be marked along lots 12 and 13 on the northern boundary.

In Joseph and Francis Longmore’s letter he states that –
It is a fact, sir, that out of about 3,000 acres at that time withdrawn only 640(!) have been subdivided into small farms, another 640 acres have been cut into two lots, and to add to the gross insult that has been put upon the people, 7000 acres more are now in the market in the same locality, nearly all in 640 acre lots. In fact the determination seems to be completely shut out competition, so that we may one of these days have a lord bearing the title of “Earl of Ercildoune.” It is true that some small farms are in the survey alluded to, but Learmonth’s wire fence runs all through them and £75 per mile has been laid on it for compensation.

The Recent Land Sales at Ballarat. A letter also criticising the method of sale of land to the Learmonths. Part of the letter states that – “Again, Sir, the Messrs. Learmonth are allowed section 82,640 acres, for their pre-emptive right – they have chosen that section – they do not live on it, neither, as I believe, are there any improvements on it, save a part of their wire fence. Having that section, what right had any surveyor to give them the benefit of another section, (sec. 8) with the full amount of their improvements (£4,599) on the whole section, that giving them a double pre-emptive right. Why were not these improvements included in a smaller piece, say 90 or 100 acres. The very fact of the Learmonths wanting a double pre-emptive right goes so far to prove what I before stated – that the land is good.”

The Burrambeet Inquiry. (Burrumbeet spelt with ‘a’.) (To the Editor of the Star.)
SIR, The committee of inquiry, to investigate the charges brought against the parties who surveyed the land at Ercildoun, sat this day, on the Camp. The investigation was to be private, but, by some means, the Messrs Learmonth found their way there, as also did their overseer; one other party applied to be admitted, but was refused. The Court also ruled it that the Learmonths should remain, upon what principle of justice to the public, it is difficult to understand. If the enquiry is intended to elicit truth, should it not be conducted in a fair and impartial manner? Should it be intended for a contrary purpose, the attempt will fail, for the matter will be put, at once, into the hands of a member of Parliament for further inquiry. Yours truly, One of the People.

How the People’s Land Is Confiscated – A Specimen. “Every hundred pounds that a tradesman, a mechanic, or a digger has saved in the hope of some day buying him a home, and becoming an owner of the soil in this glorious Southern land, will be there, in globo, at the command of the Government, – that is, at the command of a conspiracy of squatters. It states that it was rendered utterly impossible for them to compete in such extensive purchases with the wealthy squatters – the Messrs. Learmonth; and these gentlemen accordingly carried off the splendid prize of some 15,000 or 20,000 acres of the very finest lands in the colony, situated, too, in the centre of the great markets, supplied by the principal gold fields, at the upset price of £1 per acre. For, although the diggers attended the sale, the large size of the blocks prevented even an attempt at competition, there being few of their class, whether diggers or farmers, in a position to pay down £600 or so on the spot for a Homestead. Besides, the Messrs. Learmonth had made assurance doubly sure against all competitors by having some wire fencing, and some shepherds’ huts, outhouses, and other such “improvements” as they are facetiously termed, valued at such a high rate, that whoever should get the lands thus burdened, even if he obtained them at one penny an acre would find the price preposterously exorbitant – the usage being, as it is well known, to pay down on the fall of the hammer the full amount of the valuation. There was no competition therefore, and Messrs. Learmonth accordingly walked out of Carver and Dalton’s sale-rooms the undisputed lords of 20,000 acres of the best land in Victoria.” Of course the question of bribery or corrupt motives comes in to play too, but it mentions that the “wily Learmonth’s understood their game a little better than to manipulate the thimble-and-pea with the subordinates…” It also states that Mr. Surveyor-General Clarke was an old Tasmanian acquaintance and friend of the Learmonth’s. The second last paragraph states – “The whole affair speaks trumpet-tongued of the iniquity of the present land-system, which Capt. Clarke hopes, through the apathy of the public, and the indifference or ignorance of the members of the Legislature, to perpetuate, by his 2d. per acre seven years’ leases.”

Agriculture. Captain Clarke mentioned in the Legislative Assembly the other evening that there was at the present moment upwards of one million of acres of surveyed land for sale. This sounds well, but we should like to know what rule has been observed in the sub-division of this large area of territory; whether the memorable Ercildoun precedent has been followed, or whether a preference has been shown for the interests of the community, over those of the Learmonths, the Urquharts, the Clarkes, the Hentys, et id genus omne by dividing the land into moderately sized blocks, suitable for small farms, and ranging, according to the quality of the soil, from forty or fifty acres up to two or three hundred…….. It goes on to state – “Dazzled by the tangible, directly-appreciable, and attractive results of mining pursuits in this colony, and discouraged by an unwise and obnoxious land system, we have too much overlooked the importance of agriculture as an agent for the production of wealth; and concentrating our attention up the symbol, have not paid sufficient attention to the things signified. And hence have arisen those anomalies, which also arose in California, but have since ceased to exist there.”

Physical Changes. Mr A. J. Learmonth has very kindly placed the following information, gathered through a series of observations, at our disposal: – “When this part of Port Phillip was explored in January, 1838, there was no fresh water in any of the lakes. A pool of water, intensely salty, was hidden among reeds near the influx of the Burrumbeet Creek, and very few spring were discernible. For some years our sheep and cattle were supplied only by the water of these springs, distributed in troughs. This was the case in 1840. Lake Burrumbeet was then covered with wiregrass and reeds. We burned it off that summer, and fed three flocks of sheep upon the ground now covered with water. The lake filled gradually, for I remember that in 1844 I rode in for swans’ eggs to a mud bank, at least half-a-mile from the present shore. This lake and the Cockpit are the only reservoirs in this neighbourhood, which we consider permanent. All the others, Lake Learmonth, the White Stone Lagoon, the Horse Lagoon, and the network of shallow lakes upon the plains, become completely dry, or recedes into detached pools of salt and muddy water every ordinary summer. The last two seasons have been moister than any of the preceding seventeen years of our experience. There are springs here, which never dry; others again recede with the regress of summer, disappear, and exhibit the remarkable phenomenon of re-appearance before the autumn rains, heralding their advent by several weeks. The volcanic soil of this portion of the district is supported by gravel upon imperious clay, frequently pierced by igneous rock. From this rock the springs issue. The hurricane on Black Thursday blew down a tree near the summit of a volcanic hill, and opened a spring which, still flows. The soil is so porous that we have difficulty in rendering watertight the artificial reservoirs we make. I am disposed to class the newly discovered country of South Australia with the large and well grassed but imperfectly watered district, which forms the northwestern portion of this province. The stunted gum and mallee described by Mr Goyder and Mr Hack, give little promise of permanent water. Their descriptions remind me of the shores of Lake Tyrrel, and the transitory lagoons filled by the overflow of the Wimmera, Avon, and Avoca. These lagoons are full at the present time; the abundant rains of the two last seasons have filled them. We know that their depth will not supply the evaporation of two years, and the gnarled gum trees growing in the water show, by their age, that there have been long periods of comparative drought in the climatic cycles of this continent. The periods of extreme and calamitous drought recorded in New South Wales, were in 1827-28, and again in 1837-38. The discovery of Burrumbeet occurred at the close of the latter, and a comparison of this fact with the date of Captain Sturt’s discovery of the northern shores of Lake Torrens, then unwatered, may produce inference of value to the latter. My brothers, who, in company with other settlers, were the original explorers of this district, are at present in England. My own recollections of the country do not extend beyond 1844. I am, therefore unable to furnish more particular records. So desolate did this country appear in January 1838, – without water, without grass, a bush fire having recently swept it – that they named the Peak of Ercildoun, Mount Misery, and passed on to the more abundant springs of Buninyong.”…Want of water has hitherto been one of the most serious drawbacks to the profitable occupation of the country. In many cases it prevents it altogether…

The Argus (Melbourne) 24 September 1857 and
The South Australian Register 30 September 1857
The Murray Cod. We have much pleasure in being able to state that the experiment of introducing the Murray cod into the lakes of this district will shortly be made. Mr. A. J. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, has taken up the matter, and will provide a horse and cart and the equipment’s necessary for the undertaking; and though unable to superintend the affair in person, he has procured the co-operation of one or two gentlemen who, we have no doubt, will bring it to a successful termination – Ballarat Star.

Interesting Arrivals. A few months later the newspaper reported that Mr. Learmonth had procured three couples of larks, and one couple of thrushes, which he took out to his residence on Saturday last. We hope that they will “multiply and replenish,” and by their pleasant melody, be the means of solacing the care of many an anxious worker in this land of the south.

Local and General News. Inquiry. An inquest was held at Ercildoun on the 13th instant, before Dr. Clendinning, the coroner, on the body of William Douglas, who came by his death in the following manner: Deceased was engaged breaking in horses for Mr Learmonth, and on the morning of the 14th instant had one in hand, which he was about to mount; the animal reared, and the deceased, having the bridle reins in his hand, pulled the horse back on himself, his head and face striking the ground, and the withers of the horse coming right on his chest. Deceased never spoke or moved afterwards, but breathed for about an hour, and gradually sank till midday, when he died. Two witnesses deposed to the circumstances of the accident, and the jury returned a verdict in accordance therewith.

The year 1858 was also extremely significant as the great Welcome Nugget was found on June 10th weighing 68,956 grams containing an estimated 68,272 grams of pure gold. Quartz mining took off in the 1860’s as the shallow alluvial deposits began to run out after 10 million grams of gold were transported under police escort to the Melbourne Treasury, and an enormous amount was not recorded as per the law, and was sold on illegally. Ballarat’s last mine closed down in 1918 and it has been calculated that the total value yielded would be worth around the remarkable figure of $10,000,000,000.

Births. On the 27th ult., at Ercildoun, Burrumbeet, the wife of Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of a daughter. (She tragically died, at 15 days old and is buried in the Ercildoun Cemetery and her headstone reads – In Memory of the Infant Daughter of Thomas & Louisa Learmonth. Born 9th February Died 24th February 1858 Aged 15 days. “It is well with the child? It is well.”)

£50 Reward. Whereas several Head of Cattle have been lately stolen from our Paddock at the Black Hill, near Lake Burrumbeet, the above reward will be paid to anyone who will give such information as will lead to the conviction of the offenders. T. & S. Learmonth. Ercildoun, 9th October, 1858.

Chinese Mission. The second annual meeting of the Ballarat Chinese Evangelization Society was held on Thursday evening… The missionary Lo Sam Yuen was present at the beginning of the meeting, but was obliged to retire from indisposition. After singing and prayer, the chair was taken by Mr. James Oddie, who briefly recapitulated the circumstances attending the formation of the society, and its subsequent operations. The Mission had had to work against the current, but was in a hopeful condition nevertheless. Opposition brought out perseverance and faith. He liked to have to fight sometimes in an unpopular cause, and he thought the friends of the Mission had reason for congratulations on the whole. The prejudice against the Chinese was wearing away, and that was advantageous to the Mission… The sole object of the Mission was “the enlightenment and instruction of the Chinese colonists in the sacred and soul-saving truths of the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ.” For that purpose Bibles and religious books had been circulated; and the catechist, Lo Sam Yuen, addressed his countrymen every Lord’s Day, besides visiting and conversing with them on weekdays. He had visited the camps at Red Hill, Magpie Eureka, Canadian, Little Bendigo, and Golden Point no less than 436 times, visited 1061 tents, conversed with 9165 persons, distributed 669 books, and employed 1253 hours in the active duties of his mission. Through the removal of Chinamen from the Red Hill neighbourhood, the chapel had been thinly attended of late. The open-air meetings, however, at the Eureka and Golden Point had been numerously attended; and the agent had visited the sick and dying Chinamen in the Hospital, some of whom he hoped had been visited “with a ray of light upon their path in the valley of the shadow of death.” Thus there was hope the work was “making progress, removing superstitious prejudices, exciting a sprit of enquiry, and leading not a few to thoughtful reflection upon the unsatisfactory nature of their antiquated system of religion, and the solid abiding consolation imparted by a reception of the Gospel of Christ.” While the agent had had to “pass through severe relative trials in the loss of his beloved partner, denied access to him by imperial edicts, separated from his children, his parents suffering persecution for the profession of their son, and oppressed with many anxieties in reference to the perpetuity of the mission, arising from pecuniary liabilities, — he had yet prosecuted his work with unabated ardor and devotedness. At the beginning of the year there was a balance against the society of £147 15s 4d, but meetings were held in the Wesleyan, St Paul’s and the Presbyterian churches, and much sympathy was manifested. The Geelong Committee had remitted £138 7s 5d, and Thos. Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, had subscribed the liberal sum of £100.

Local and General News. Importation of Swans. Two fine English swans passed through Ballarat on Saturday last, on their way to Ercildoun, where we understand they are to remain to ornament the ponds on the property of Mr Learmonth. This is the second time Mr Learmonth has added to our stock of birds, for about eighteen months ago he imported a quantity of English songbirds. (*It was reported that the white swans failed to thrive on Lake Wendouree, as they were harrassed by the native black swans).

Advertisement. Twenty Pounds Reward. Strayed or stolen from the Paddocks at Ercildoun, Burrumbeet, a white gelding upwards of 15 hands high, JB on the shoulder, and with a small bay spot over the near nostril. This horse is well known in the neighbourhood as belonging to the Rev. Mr Mackie, of Lake Learmonth. Also, a bay gelding, black points, star on the forehead, branded M on shoulder. If strayed, whoever will return these horses will be handsomely rewarded; and if stolen, a reward of £20 will be given for such information as will lead to the conviction of the offenders. Thomas Learmonth.

LOST from Ercildoun, near Lake Burrumbeet, a White Swan, lately imported from England. Whoever will return it to the undersigned will be handsomely rewarded. Thomas Learmonth.

The Burrumbeet and Lake Learmonth Agricultural Society’s Annual Ploughing Match. Excerpt…Nothing daunted by the storm, we found a considerable number of persons on the ground, and within 13 minutes of the hour appointed for starting, some ploughs commenced to cut the green sward. The land – a fine piece of gently sloping meadow, of rich black soil, forming part of the splendid estate owned by Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun – was in first-rate condition, and admirably suited for the work.

Advertisements. To Builders – Tenders required (labor only) for additions and improvements upon Ercildoune House, for Thomas Learmonth, Esq. Plans and specification to be seen, on and after Saturday, 29th, at J. A. Doane’s Armstrong street. Tenders to be sent in not later than Wednesday, 2nd November. The lowest tender not necessarily accepted.

Between 1858 and 1872, Thomas, Somerville and even Andrew had children born at Ercildoune, totalling 12 in number, so that’s a total of 16 family members living there, counting Thomas and Louisa and Somerville and Maria. Andrew and his wife Frances most likely only stayed there when Thomas succeeded to his family’s Park Hall estate and took on the name Livingstone.

News and Notes. Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, with his well-known liberality, has contributed £20 towards the erection of a Church of England place of worship at Lake Learmonth.