…There was a special general meeting of the Mechanics’ Institute last night, when Mr Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, was unanimously elected trustee, in the place of the Rev. Cooper Searle, resigned…

The Mechanics’ Institute is keeping up its position and its lectures too, and bids fair to be a permanent and useful institution. The site reserved by the Government in one of the very best places in Ballarat is still waiting the operation of the builders. A motion for a grant in aid has been made in Parliament, and it is hoped it will be successful. In the meantime, a building fund has been begun, to which Mr Thomas Learmonth, an old settler at Ercildoun, has presented successively the munificent sums of £50, £20, and £10 besides for books. This example is the more noteworthy as our wealthy townsfolk have as yet done little or nothing in aid of this valuable institution. The lecturers for the past month have been a Mr Edwards, who lectured on “phrenology” and on “the Treatment of Crime,” illustrating his addresses by busts and charts, and more recently, we regret to say, by appearing before the Police Court under a warrant for failing to maintain his wife and children in Melbourne. During one of his lectures, Mr Edwards declared that he had no “philoprogenitiveness,” but “positively hated children,” a striking illustration of which he afforded through the intervention of the police, and which may serve for a most apposite self-quotation in future platform efforts of the lecturer. The Rev. Mr Potter was the other lecturer, and he took for his subject “Byron, Shelley, and Tennyson,” on whom he passed some discriminating criticisms, and from whose works he made some recitations illustrating the special peculiarities of each author. The next lecture is announced to be by Mr W. B. Withers, on the “Mining History of Ballarat.”

Agriculture. It was reported that the State of New York has sent 17 volumes of its Transactions, besides pamphlets and reports, to be forwarded to Mr. Thomas Learmonth, as a mark of respect and a slight recognition of his standing as an agriculturist and stock raiser in Australia. The Secretary of the New York society expressed a “hope that this will be the commencement of an exchange of agricultural information in all its departments between Australia and America.”

First-class Investments. Town, Suburban, and Country Properties. Lot 15 – a superb investment – is a share in the Buninyong Gold Mining Company, Scotchman’s Lead, Learmonth’s Paddock.

Births. On the 5th inst., at Ercildoun, the wife of Thomas Learmonth, Esq. of a son.

News and Notes. We understand that Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, will lay the foundation stone of the new Presbyterian Church, Buninyong, on Wednesday next.

T. Learmonth was elected a Trustee of The Ballarat Mechanics Institute.

Benevolent Asylum Committee. A letter was read from Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, enclosing cheque for £15, being a portion of the prizes received by him at the late agricultural show. Received.

Agriculture in the Western Districts of Victoria – reports that “the large and important agricultural district surrounding Ballarat is principally peopled by Scotch farmers, and a few English, and the better class of Irish farmers, whose knowledge of agriculture is not alone practical, but considerably so, and who appear to be a thrifty well to do population, evincing much industry, and a decided penchant for agricultural shows, dinners, trials of reaping machines, ploughing matches, the importation of blood and draught stock, &c. The farms range from 80 to 500 acres and upwards, and in the midst of those are the farmsteads, in many respects models of neatness, both internally and externally. The district is thickly populated as are some agricultural districts in England, and the farmer when comfortably settled on his land turns his attention to the erection of churches and schools, and devises ways and means to build the one and support the other, and make the necessary provision for pastor and teacher, and hence it is that in such districts as Learmonth, Miner’s Rest, Burrumbeet, and Coghill’s Creek, temples have been raised devoted to Christianity and education. Villages, too, are springing up in the agricultural districts, and within an area of 12 miles we have no less than nine flour mills, either erected and in full work, or else undergoing enlargement – a circumstance which will at once show the growing importance of the district.”

Learmonth. Church of England. With his well-known liberality, Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, has intimated to Mr Morton, one of the trustees of the Learmonth church, his intention to give a further sum of £20 towards the liquidation of the debt on the Church of England here. He has already contributed a similar sum to the original building fund. Mr Learmonth is not a member of the Church of England, a fact, which renders his present donation worthy of more special notice.

News and Notes. It is refreshing to find that there are in our midst, even among a much reviled class, persons “who do good by stealth and blush to find it fame,” and of this number may be reckoned, Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, has taken under his charge the unfortunate lad who lately fired several stacks of corn on the farm of Mr. McLean, at Learmonth. Mr. Learmonth has been in communication with the authorities of the Geelong Orphan Society for some time, and has made arrangements for the reception of the boy into that institution. We are informed that Mr. Learmonth has three of these outcast boys at his station, and that he has about 20 more at various institutes in the colony, for whose support and clothing he pays a handsome sum annually.

During a visit I paid to Ercildoun, Mr Learmonth showed me a young tree, which he had brought from the East, which seems to be especially adapted to this climate. Its growth is rapid, its form picturesque, its verdure vivid, while the leaf, which is as large as that of the Damascus fig, is beautifully shaped, and so firm, close, and hardy in its texture as to be little influenced by the hot winds. This is the Oriental sycamore, and from the tree in his possession Mr Learmonth is about to strike half a dozen shoots, and hopes eventually to have a little nursery of them.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 22 February 1861 has a special correspondent reporting on “self-made men” who have sprung from the “down-trodden classes” as described by a Mr. Don, who “have achieved a competence by hard work, persevering thrift, and patient effort” and they mention a man who came out from Scotland some years ago as a Government immigrant, and landed at Geelong with half-a-crown in his pocket, and made his way into the interior and obtained situation as a shepherd upon a squatter’s station. Of course this was not at all the correct thing, according to modern notions. He should have loitered about the sea-port town, and assisted to organize a public meeting to call upon the Government to provide himself and his shipmates with employment, or to present them with a grant of land; failing which, he should have denounced them as members of a kid-glove aristocracy, who wished to degrade him and his friends to the condition of Russian serfs. However, he applied himself to diligent labour, cultivated a little patch of garden ground in the vicinity of his hut; sent in the vegetables to Ballarat, and husbanded the proceeds of the sale, as well as his own earnings, until he found means to purchase a few acres of land. These he tilled, improved, augmented, until at length he found himself the owner of a farm of 300 acres and on the high road to prosperity. He goes on to state that “this shows what has been done (long before free selection and deferred payments were ever heard of) by men who preferred working to talking, and instead of becoming political brawlers and stump orators, cultivated the virtues of industry, frugality, and self-denial.” There is some charming scenery at Ercildoun, and the mountain which perpetuates in Victoria the name of a spot so intimately associated with the traditionary and ballad lore of Scotland, is eminently picturesque; and the nearer you approach it the more romantic is its aspect. From the summit crop out huge masses of granite, square in form, with horizontal seams, and as grey and weather-stained as an old Norman keep. So closely do these masses of rock resemble new masonry, and especially such masonry as you find in the Cyclopean walls of Fiesole, that you can scarcely disabuse your mind of the impression that it is some dismantled old hill-city like Urbino or San Marino, in Italy, which crowns that light timbered eminence. In the valley below, Mr. Learmonth, acting upon the suggestion of Major Cotton, is constructing a series of reservoirs, for the collection and storage of the rainfall of the uplands; and the method is so simple, and the cost so trifling, that I am sure he would be conferring a service upon the community by publishing a detailed statement of both. From Ercildoune to Lake Learmonth your track lies through a splendid country, the soil a rich chocolate, and the crops very heavy. Much of the land belongs to Mr. Learmonth, and is leased by him to tenant farmers, upon what appears to be easy and mutually beneficial terms. On the margin of the lake, whose waters are contracting, in proportion, it is said, as cultivation is extending on the surrounding land, is a small township, containing numerous places of worship – so numerous, indeed, that, so far as my recollection serves me, there is one chapel to every house and a half; but I suppose remote districts furnish their respective quotas of worshippers, otherwise it struck me that, so far as the spiritual wants of the local population are concerned, they might be adequately provided for in one building, successively occupied by preachers of different denominations; just as, in some of the Swiss cantons, a Protestant clergy-man does duty on a Sunday morning, and a Roman Catholic priest on a Sunday afternoon, in the same church, without either of them leaving any taint of heresy in the atmosphere, to corrupt the faith or impair the devotion of dissentient believers. When the railway is opened to Ballarat, and there is a greater influx of visitors to Lakes Learmonth and Burrumbeet, it is to be hoped that the hotel accommodation in the neighbourhood will be improved. At present, judging from the establishment I visited, uncleanly habits appear to be assiduously cultivated by one, at least, of the innkeepers of the district.

Learmonth. (From our own Correspondent.) Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, with his usual liberality in all matters in which the welfare of this district is concerned, has, at his own expense, retained the services of Signor Martelli, an eminent water works engineer, to report on an additional supply of water for Lake Learmonth. It was also fortunate that Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, the tenth son of Henry Calvely Cotton, a British general and irrigation engineer devoted to the construction of irrigation and navigation canals throughout the British Empire in India, was a brother-in-law of Thomas having married Elizabeth Learmonth in 1841. His father Henry was the uncle of the noted Field Marshal Lord Stapleton Combermere, 1st Viscount of Conbermere Abbey.

Learmonth. (From our own Correspondent.)
The Lake. On Friday last Signor Martelli, the waterworks engineer, alluded to in my last communication, commenced his survey of the neighbourhood of Lake Learmonth, with a view to ascertain the best means for obtaining a permanent supply of water. He was accompanied on his preliminary inspection by Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, who is well known to the public as the active and warm-hearted supporter of any scheme for the improvement of the district, or for the benefit of those residing in it, and by G. G. Morton, Esq., who has for some time past devoted much time and attention to the water supply of the Lake, and whose energy and zeal in all matters connected with the welfare of Learmonth are well known…

News and Notes. We observe in the journals received by the last mail that Colonel Cotton, the eminent engineer, has received the honour of knighthood. Colonel Cotton is a brother-in-law of Mr Learmonth, Ercildoun, and a few years prior to the discovery of this goldfield resided for some time in this district, when he designed and carried out the large dams for the purpose of water supply on what was then Mr Learmonth’s property at Buninyong, and now belonging to the Buninyong Mining Company. He was also the engineer or originator of the large irrigation reservoirs in Tasmania, and may thus be said to be the ‘father of irrigation’ in these colonies.

The Buninyong (Gold Mining) Company broke into wash dirt in their Durham shaft on Friday, at a distance of 64 feet from the shaft. The company obtained 861oz. of gold last month, and 135oz. last week. Shares (40ths in the company) are now quoted at £1500. (*Buninyong Gold Mining Co. operated on land, 1,140 acres in size, originally settled by the Learmonth brothers which formed a portion of the valley where the Leigh River flows, with possible geological indications of having been an ancient river or arm of the sea into which the waters of the auriferous district of Ballarat probably found an outlet, and to where its prolific deep leads are trending – Ballarat & District Industrial Heritage Project. In 1859 the Buninyong Gold Mining Co. began mining the Scotchman’s Lead (buried river) and they took out 40,000 ounces of gold worth approximately $50-$60 million back in the year 2000 –The Miners’ Church, Buninyong, Information)

Advertisement. To Butchers. Fat Cattle. Alexander Kelly will sell, at Bath’s Hotel Sale Yards, on Thursday next, the 9th instant, at Two O’clock sharp, 30 prime fat cattle. From the Messrs. Learmonths’, Ercildoun Paddocks.

Meeting at Mount Bolton. A public meeting of the inhabitants of the parishes of Addington and Ercildoun, which had been convened by printed placards, was held at the Royal Standard Hotel, on Monday, the 6th instant… The Chairman then called on the secretary to read the committee’s report, and the following petition, which had been prepared in accordance with the directions of the previous meeting: –
“To the Honorable the Chief Secretary. The humble petition of the inhabitants of the parishes of Ercildoun and Addington, in the county of Talbot, praying that the Government will separate the afore-mentioned parishes of Ercildoun and Addington from the Ballarat Road Board District, and join them with that of Lexton. The reasons why your petitioners urge this prayer are – Firstly: That the portion of country sought to be separated from the Ballarat Road Board District appertains really, naturally, and commercially to Lexton. Secondly: That the inhabitants of the above parishes have no interests in common with the rest of the Ballarat district, inasmuch that all the produce grown by your petitioners is conveyed to the up-country markets; whilst, on the other hand, the bulk of produce in other portions of the district is conveyed to the Ballarat markets; in consequence of which your petitioners are paying rates to make roads they do not use, whilst the roads by which all their business is carried on remain untouched, and almost impassable, inflicting very serious injury on your petitioners and a large portion of the community. Thirdly: That the boundary road between the Ballarat and Lexton districts is the only line of communication between the above parishes and the Maryborough, Black Creek, and other north-western gold fields; but that in consequence of its being a boundary road, nothing whatever is done to it, whereas, should the prayer of this petition be granted, it would become a central road in the Lexton district, and would be immediately made by that Board”… Moved by Mr Beattie, seconded by Mr McQueen – “That Messrs Thomas Learmonth and L. Wilkinson be deputed to wait on the Chief Secretary to present the petition; and that in case Mr Learmonth declines to act on such deputation, that Mr Wilkinson alone be the representative of this meeting.” Carried.
The meeting then broke up, but owing to the disgracefully impassable state in which the Government still allows the main Lexton road near Mount Bolton to remain, and the darkness of the night, the majority of those present were compelled to remain at the place of meeting till an early hour on Tuesday morning.

The Chamber of Commerce. Correspondence. From Mr Learmonth, of Ercildoun, stating that he lived too far from Ballarat to act on the Exhibition Committee, and declining to act thereon. Received.

The Railway to Ballarat.
The Chairman now called on Mr Dyte to move the following notice of motion which he had given – “For the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of opening the railway to Ballarat, and that such means be adopted by the Government to complete the viaduct over the Moorabool, so that no delay may take place at that end of the line.”

Excerpts – While the ploughman or the shepherd in the mother country earns a miserable pittance, which barely suffices to procure him the common necessaries of life, he fares sumptuously in Victoria, and receives, in addition, a stipend more than equivalent to that of Goldsmith’s curate. Even the colonial hut-keeper is capable of earning from £20 to £25 a year, in addition to rations and free quarters; and any one who has seen much of life in the bush will readily acknowledge that the position of the hut keeper is infinitely preferable to that of numbers of well educated people belonging to the classes of impoverished gentility in England. In comparing the relative wages of artisans in the mother country and here, it is necessary to take into consideration the purchasing power of the money they earn… In all other respects the condition of the operative classes in Victoria is far superior to that of men of their own grade of life in Great Britain; while the political privileges and the educational advantages enjoyed by our population can scarcely be exceeded in any part of the world.

Ballarat District Road Board. Meeting. Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, having been introduced to the Board, stated that he desired to request a reconsideration of a resolution passed at the last meeting relative to the opening of a road adjoining part of his land, and while doing so was anxious that it should be clearly understood that he did not desire to ask any favor from the Board, neither would he wish to be treated differently from other ratepayers, but as he allowed the public the privilege of passing over his land where there was no road, and as the road proposed to be opened ended in a lagoon, he thought that by permitting him to keep a gate across the road, which would always be unlocked and available for the public to pass through, the Board would be simply returning him an equivalent for the use of his land beyond. The Chairman (after the road referred to had been pointed on the Board’s plan of the district by Mr Learmonth to the members present) stated that in accordance with their bylaw the Board could not rescind a resolution without first making a call of the whole Board. Moved by Mr McLean, seconded by Mr Sheahan – “That a call of the Board be made for the next meeting, to consider Mr Learmonth’s request.” Carried.

District Road Board. Call of the Board – Mr Learmonth’s Application.
Excerpts – The business was to consider and order on the propriety of allowing Mr Learmonth to keep a fence on a road near the Cock-pit Lagoon. Mr Learmonth said the road he had applied for was not a thoroughfare, but was only to allow the people to get water from the lagoon. Mr. McPhllimy said there were many cases hanging on that of Mr Learmonth’s. Many fences pulled down had been put up again, and he thought that the owners might keep them up if the privilege was granted to Mr Learmonth… Mr Learmonth said that he would give up his privilege on any complaint being made. Mr Cowan contended that the putting up of the gate would prevent persons going with their cattle to get water at the lagoon; at all events it would put them to the trouble of opening the gate, which they ought not to have. The motion was carried that they could not allow for any roads to be shut up.

Rewards. Fifty pounds for the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons who set fire to the bridge over the Honeysuckle Creek, on the Sydney-road, on the 17th May. One hundred pounds for the apprehension of the person or persons who set fire to certain stacks in the farmyard at Ercildoun, in the Ballarat district, on the night of the 14th May.

Benevolent Asylum Committee. From T. Learmonth, Esq.,
Ercildoun, acknowledging his appointment as trustee. Received.

Presentation to the Rev. Mr Stevenson. Excerpt – It had been arranged to seize the opportunity offered by the occasion for making a presentation to the Rev. Mr Stevenson, of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, who is employed and paid by Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, to minister to the district, a gentleman whose well known Christian philanthropy is no less an honor than a blessing to the country…

The Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s Annual Exhibition. Excerpt – Indeed the exhibition, properly speaking, was one of sheep, and the quality of those exhibited, especially by Mr Currie and Mr Learmonth, was first-class, and, as may be imagined, these two gentlemen carried off several of the prizes. A Merino ram exhibited by Mr Currie attracted considerable attention. It was only sixteen months old, of an extraordinary size, and was the heaviest animal of his age at the exhibition. His wool too, was of a choice description, and remarkably fine. Some Merino ewes exhibited by the same gentleman were of a very large size, and their fleeces of a first rate quality. Mr Learmonth’s Merino rams and other sheep also received marked attention, and were awarded a large number of prizes. It has been acknowledged that during the last few years this department of stock has been considerably improved by judicious crossing. Some Leicester and German rams were exhibited, but were not in such esteem as the Merinos……….

A sale was held after the judges’ awards were presented at The Western District Pastoral & Agricultural Society’s Annual Exhibition held in Skipton, of which Mr. Colin Campbell was President and Thomas Learmonth, Vice Chairman. He stated that if all the successful competitors responded to George Russell’s proposed health of the “Successful Competitors”, it would not be anything strange. He said the show of this year had been a great improvement upon former ones, and he hopes this success would continue. With regard to wool, he thought that the animals exhibited that day, as well as the wool, were a great improvement upon former years. One of Mr. Currie’s rams that was exhibited, weighed no less than 165lbs weight, although it was only sixteen months’ old. A Mr. Thompson also responded, as well as Mr. Currie, the latter remarking that meetings of the present description were calculated to do an immensity of good. He had been successful that day with Merino sheep, and he was confident that this species of sheep was adapted for the climate of the colony. Many persons looked on this class of sheep as small and ill, but he was convinced that little attention would make them equal to the other sheep exhibited, whether Leicester or any other sort. (*Mr. Currie’s son Sir Henry Alan Currie, became the third owner of Ercildoune in 1920.)

Thomas Learmonth entered Wrestler, his imported Clydesdale in the Horses Class plus 2 Colonial mares bred at Ercildoun, and 3 fillies. He also entered one imported bull and two cows bred at Ercildoun in the Cattle Class, 12 pens of merino rams and ewes, and one imported German ram and one merino fat wether in the Sheep Class and two exhibits of mangold wurtzel in the Agricultural Produce Sections. The final results were £10 for the best mare of the draught breed, above three years old, and £5 for the second best of this class, £6 for the best colonial bred filly, of the draught breed, under three years old, £3 for the second best of this class, £5 for the best Hereford bull, above two years old, £3 for the best Hereford cow, above three years old, £2 for the second best of this class. As for the sheep he’d entered he won £10 for the best three merino rams of any age, £10 for the best five Merino ewes, £10 for the best five two-toothed Merino rams, £5 for the second best five of this class, £2 for the third best give of this class, £4 for the second best five two-toothed ewes, £2 for the five best Merino wethers, as fat sheep, £5 for the best ram in the yard, and £2 for the best dozen root of mangold wurtzel in the Agricultural Produce Section.

*This is a root vegetable also known as Mangelwurzel or Beta vulgaris, and it is a European heirloom vegetable dating back to 1767. It can grow up to 24 kilos and is grown to feed cattle and pigs, but it can also be eaten by humans, but not surprisingly it can also be turned in to a ‘potent alcoholic beverage’ and aparently there was a recipe for Mangelwurzel beer included in the 1830 recipe book called The Practice of Cookery! The Brisbane Courier (Qld.) 19 June 1866 recommends growing the Mangold Wurzel as a winter crop so that they would be better able to encounter those comparatively barren periods which occur about the last month of our year. It is mostly by the means of the swede turnip and wurzel that the English farmer is able to stall or yard feed, and keep in a fair condition during the long winter and spring, those cattle whose droppings are so necessary to maintain the fertility of his holding. It keeps for a longer period than the turnip and if left in the ground will keep till well on in summer, and it appears to be altogether exempt from the attacks of the aphis, and aparently all other vermin according to the writer ‘Edinensis’ of Bulimba. He says that the harvest would be from 20–30 tons per acre in a good season.

*Sadly there were no entries in the knitted Merino socks section!

News and Notes. At the Agricultural and Horticultural Society’s Show held at Geelong on Thursday last, Mr. Thomas Learmonth, Ercildoun, gained the gold medal (first prize) for a pen of five merino ewes in the wool.

To Butchers, Fat Calves and Fat Pigs. Alexander Kelly will sell at Bath’s Hotel Sale Yards, on Thursday next, 19th inst. At two o’clock sharp, 30 head fat calves. Also, 15 prime fat pigs, from the station of Messrs. T. & S. Learmonth, Ercildoun.

The Agricultural Society’s Exhibition. Excerpt – Thomas Learmonth’s imported Hereford bull bred at Ercildoun attracted considerable attention, and was awarded a Gold Medal. He exhibited two pens of Colonial bred Merino sheep, and two purely bred Merino rams of extraordinary size and beauty. The Hereford cow “Countess” was considered a remarkable beauty. His Colonial draught mare won Silver in the Best Colonial draught animal as did a draught filly by the imported horse “Bothwell” (two entries), as did the Draught Gelding by Bothwell (two entries), as did a filly by Bothwell, and Silver for the imported Hereford Bull “George Powell”, the Hereford Bull “Blucher”, the Hereford cow “Beauty” and the Hereford Cow “Countess.”

Births. Learmonth – On the 26th ult., at Ercildoun, the wife of Somerville Learmonth, Esq., of a son.

£50 Reward – Whereas some fat cattle were stolen out of one of our paddocks in the month of January last, a reward of fifty pounds will be given to any one who will give such information as shall lead to the conviction of the offenders. T. and S. Learmonth. Ercildoun, 12th February.

Cobb and Co. Coaches placed an Advertisement in The Star newspaper stating that their coaches could travel from Ballarat to Melbourne in 9 hours.

Births. On the 6th June, at Ercildoun, the wife of Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of a son.

News and Notes. The thistle nuisance is much complained of and mentions that the tardy action of the Government through the Board of Agriculture is very generally censured. We are glad to hear that Thos. Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, has thrown out some valuable suggestions to the farmers about Lake Learmonth, relative to making a vigorous effort to eradicate, or at any rate to check, the spread of the thistle in the district without waiting any longer for Government aid.”

Also reported in the newspaper that day was that “The Clerk of the Plank Road Racecourse writes to inform them that the sport there is getting fast and furious – more so, in fact than is either safe or agreeable for those who may have occasion to travel along the course, especially at night. Aparently a mail driver was bringing the mail for that night on horseback from Buninyong, when he was rendered hors de combat by a four wheeled wagon driven at top speed on the wrong side of the road, the shaft of the wagon ripping open a valuable mare belonging to Mr. Casey, the mail contractor, and bringing the unfortunate rider to the ground with such force as to hurt and bruise him severely.” The guilty party had aparently driven off as fast as the horses could gallop and it states “The residents like well enough to see a trotting match in daylight now and again, or a few of our western magnates come down to air their gentility, but the reckless driving of the waggoners has long been a crying evil, and requires abatement.” (*It appears that Road Rage was alive and well even back then!)

On this date it was reported by Sydney telegram published in The Age, that the escort from the Lachlan, on its way down, has been stopped and robbed by Gardiner and his gang, consisting of 12 men. From a few particulars that have come to hand, it appears that a regular fight took place, in which all the troopers but one were wounded, and the robbers came off victorious, carrying away all the gold. The quantity is not yet known here, but there is no doubt that the booty was very large.

The Representation of Ripon. The requisition to Mr. George G. Morton, calling on him to become a candidate for the representation of Ripon and Hampden, has been very extensively signed in the Ballarat agricultural district, and the names of Mr. Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, and Mr. Bath, and other large landed proprietors, have been added to it within the last few days.

Application has been made to government to proclaim Lake Burrumbeet and its tributaries under the provisions of the 11th section of the new Act for the Protection of Fisheries (25 Vic. No. 152). The section referred to imposes a penalty not exceeding £10 and the forfeiture of his net, on any person laying down, using, or fishing with any kind of net, in the Yarra Yarra, Plenty, Werribee, or Salt Water rivers, or their tributaries, or in any other river, lake, creek, stream, or pond to which the Governor by proclamation shall extend the provisions of the section. Some years ago, through the private enterprise of Mr T. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, aided by the Municipal Council of Ballarat, Lake Burrumbeet was stocked with fish, which have till lately remained unmolested, but during the last month a party of men camped on the south side of the lake are said to have been actively employed with nets in the removal of a large quantity of fish for sale. The name of one of the men has been obtained by the police, and steps are being taken to prosecute the parties concerned for not having registered themselves as required by the Act. The camp alluded to has suddenly been removed, and the nets for the present cannot be found.

Victoria at the Great Exhibition. Awards of the Jurors. Medal to Learmonth, T. and S., Ercildoun: Length, condition, and general combing properties of wool. J.L. Currie of Larra, Cressy also won a medal for length, condition, and general combing properties of wool. (*It is stated that Currie’s sheep, in a decade, rivalled the Learmonths.)

Victoria at the Great Exhibition. Awards of the Jurors.
Section B – Other Animal Substances used in Manufacture. Medals. T. & S. Learmonth, Ercildoun – Length, condition, and general combing properties of wool.

Port Phillip Farmers’ Society Annual Show. There were altogether about ninety entries under the heading of horses. The number of beasts coming under the signification of cattle was about seventy-two. Thomas Learmonth won first prize with his imported Hereford bull Egremont, calved 13th November 1856, and he came first and second with his merino rams, bred at Ercildoun, shorn 2nd November, 1861. J.L. Currie placed third. The pure Merino ewes, bred at Ercildoun, shorn 4th November 1861 received first and third prizes. His four year old Clydesdale broodmare Nancy came second, and his Victorian bred broodmare in foal to Bothwell came 3rd.

*The egg category sounded quite intriguing with the description that – “the eggs were such as are never to be found in a poulterer’s shop with most of the hen eggs being bigger than ordinary-sized duck eggs, the duck eggs being as large as goose eggs, and the goose eggs might very readily be supposed to have been laid by an ostrich” – according to the reporter. In the extra stock were exhibited three of Mr. Edward Wilson’s imported stallion asses – “very sagacious and hardy-looking quadrupeds, which excited no small degree of curiosity.”

Advertisement. Imported Clydesdale Horse Wrestler. A few Mares can still be received at Ercildoun, at £4 4s each.

Advertisement. Bothwell. This celebrated pure Clydesdale Stallion will travel this Season in the districts of Burrumbeet and Ascot, as follows: – Every Monday, commencing on Monday, the 22nd September, at Mr. D. Clyne’s Farm, Burrumbeet, Tuesday, at Swan’s Two Bridges Hotel. Wednesday and Thursday, at Mr. James Clyne’s Mount Blowhard. Friday, at Sheehan’s Victoria Hotel, Coghill’s Creek, and Saturday, at Wrights Mount Bolton Hotel, Springs. Terms – Four Guineas each mare; including paddocking, Five Guineas. Mares to be removed on notice being given, otherwise three shillings per week will be charged. All money to be paid to the groom at the end of the season. Bothwell was imported in 1858 by Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, from when he was purchased by his present proprietor. He is a sure foal getter, and his stock is very promising. David Clyne, Burrumbeet Proprietor.

There is also an Advertisement for the now widely known store, David Jones, Criterion House, Ballarat, stating that they have just opened a large and varied assortment of Spring Novelties, in dresses, mantles, lace shawls, collars, and other articles of fashionable attire for ladies’ and gentlemen’s wear, including a beautiful assortment of Summer Tweeds. They had also just received 300 Shepherd’s Plaid Long Shawls and 275 Plain Llama Long Shawls. (*The Plaid Long Shawl was also known as a ‘maud’ and was commonly worn as an outer garment by the Scottish shepherds or common man as it provided warmth amongst the Border Hills and protection from the elements as it could be used as a blanket at night. It was very useful and so large it could also be re-arranged to create pocket like areas for carrying food, and other provisions, and even lambs.)

Ballarat Agricltural Society’s Exhibition. Second Day. Mr. Thomas Learmonth, whose exhibitions were the best in the show, for the five best Merino Rams, was awarded the silver medal, and for the second best five – £2. He won first prize with five Merino Rams in the wool and for the best twelve Merino Ewes in the wool. He also received the silver medal for an aged Hereford Bull and he had the best, aged Hereford cow. The imported mare Nancy attracted considerable attention and won the gold medal, and the judges remarked that the animal was the best and/or finest that they had ever seen in the colony. His colonial draft mare Sally Lee was awarded first prize as the best in this class. In the draught horse stock he had the best imported draught entire Clydesdale horse, Wrestler, and he successfully entered two exhibits by Bothwell in the best three-year-old draught filly.

Superior Heavy Draught Colts and Fillies. From the station of Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth of Ercildoun. Alexander Kelly is instructed by Messrs T. and S. Learmonth to sell by auction, at Craig’s Royal Hotel Sale Yards, on Saturday next, the 1st November, at twelve o’clock, 25 Colts and Fillies, the Produce of the Imported Horse “BOTHWELL.” The Stock bred by the Messrs Learmonth is so favorably known in this district that any comment by the auctioneer would be superfluous.

Country Markets. Deniliquin Stock Report. There are no transactions to report; those who want to purchase are looking out for very superior store cattle, and prime lots of store bullocks, or well-bred spayed cows along are saleable. Our Swan Hill correspondent reported on the 23rd as follows: –

21st October, 350 fat cattle, Storton and Hewitt’s, passed from the Darling. 22nd, 2900 fat sheep, (Burkett’s) from the same place. 23rd, 220 fat cattle (Morris’s from Yangah); and 630 Herefords, (Learmonth’s) from Ercildoun, near Ballarat, for Nyang Station. – Pastoral Times, 31st October.

Pure Blood Colonial-Bred Rams. J. H. Clough and Co. have been instructed by the breeders, Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, to offer for Public Competition, at their wool warehouses, Collins-street west, on Friday, 12th December, at half-past eleven o’clock precisely, 70 pure merino rams, in their wool, bred at Ercildoun. These rams will be chiefly two-tooth, with the exception of 10 or 12 (which are 12 months old, and the progeny of a very fine imported Garman ram); they are all pure Australian merinos, without admixture of any cross, and have been kept pure for upwards of 25 years, when the original sheep were imported into Tasmania by the late Mr. Furlonge, from the Electoral Flocks in Germany. After the above remarks by the breeders, it is unnecessary for the auctioneers to do more than simply refer to the fact that the Ercildoun stock has obtained the reputation for quality, length, and quantity of wool, together with size of carcass, of being the best in the colony; and that the present opportunity is one which may seldom offer again for securing really good and acclimatized sheep.

News and Notes. On Tuesday last, a social gathering of the congregation at Wycliffe Church was held at Learmonth in a spacious temporary building erected for the occasion on the Church of England reserve at Learmonth. The building which measured some sixty feet in length by twenty-five in width, was furnished with five long tables, surrounded with benches, calculated to seat from two hundred to two hundred and fifty persons. The Sunday school children were first entertained at four o’clock with a very substantial tea, after which several races were got up by the boys, the winners being presented with cricket bats, balls, &c., which had been liberally supplied for that purpose by Mr Thomas Bath, J.P., of Ceres. At seven o’clock the congregation of the Church and their friends, assembled to the number of about two hundred persons and partook of refreshments supplied in the greatest profusion by the following ladies who presided at the several tables… The tables were adorned with splendid bouquets of flowers, from the gardens of Mr Thomas Learmonth of Ercildoun, and those of other gentlemen of the district. The Learmonth singing class, under the management of its instructor, Mr Boyd, had volunteered its valuable assistance to enliven the evening, and astonished all present with the efficiency attained by its members during the short period the class has been in existence. Mrs Wollaston presided at the harmonium during the evening. The several clergymen present delivered interesting addresses during the evening, and the usual vote of thanks to the ladies was afterwards carried with much enthusiasm. The gathering did not disperse till after ten o’clock, all present evidently much pleased with the evening’s entertainment. (*This article relates how important the Church was to communities back then).

Rainfall at Ercildoune. Mr Thomas Learmonth, J.P., has obligingly forwarded the following memoranda of a register of rainfall kept by him at the foot of Ercildoun.
Height at an elevation above the sea of about 1500 feet: –

There in 1858 fell 22.96 inches
There in 1859 fell 22.46 inches
There in 1860 fell 28.18 inches
There in 1861 fell 28.77 inches
There in 1862 fell 20.53 inches

From the above it will be seen that the past year has been unusually dry.

Agriculture. Excerpt – The exhibition of wool for two silver cups offered for competition by the Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society was held at the stores of Messrs. Clough and Co., Melbourne. A silver cup worth £50 was the prize awarded for the most valuable bale of eighty ewe fleeces and this was won by T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, near Buninyong. The judges valued the wool at 2s 9d per lb., but they said it might fetch any price as it was a fancy article. One of the judges said he would have given 3s per lb. for it. The Learmonth brothers also won another handsome silver cup valued at L30 for the best sixty ewe fleeces of greasy wool with a bale of magnificent wool of superior breeding, quality, and length – a finer bale of greasy wool had never been witnessed before. Thomas Shaw and J.L. Currie took out the next placings. (*Messrs. Learmonth declined to monopolize both first and second prize, and the cup for greasy wool was awarded to Mr. Thomas Shaw.)

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 26 February 1863, (The Ballarat Star 23 February.)
A person renting a farm of eighty acres from Mr. Learmonth who was the holder of a twenty-acre allotment licence, was given the present of the eighty acre farm worth £10 an acre, that he was only renting, for surrendering to him the twenty acres that he held under the occupation licence.

A thief entered the outhouse belonging to Mr. Thos. Learmonth, at Ercildoun and stole an English saddle and a single-reined bridle.

News and Notes. A correspondent writes that the children numbering nearly 50 at the Ercildoun School underwent a thorough examination by the Rev. Mr. Stevenson of Ercildoun, in the various branches of education, viz., English, reading, grammar, writing, arithmetic, geography, dictation and Latin, and displayed much proficiency in these departments. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are credited with being a blessing to society, and especially to the youth of the locality, where it is their lot to reside.

Board of Agriculture Annual MEETING…makes mention that one acre in Tasmania would fatten 17 sheep in 6 months.

Advertisement for Heavy Draught Brood Mares, Broken-in, Light Harness, and Saddle Horses, Unbroken Colt and Fillies. It states that these horses are for sale because Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth were giving up breeding. For Sale are 10 first-class heavy draught brood mares, 10 horses broken to harness and saddle and 10 Colts and Fillies suitable for coaching, light harness, and saddle.

Learmonth Police Court. Before Messrs. Thomas Learmonth (Chairman), George G. Morton, Thomas Bath, and John Blunden, Justice of the Peace. A case concerning malicious destruction of trees that resulted in bail would be taken and that each prisoner in his own recognizance of £200 and two sureties in £100, and the prisoners were removed in custody and ultimately forwarded to the Ballarat Gaol.

Wanted a party of men to erect a dry stone fence at Ercildoun, near Burrumbeet. For particulars apply to Mr Learmonth, at the Enterprise Works, Golden Point.

Learmonth’s Merino Rams. To be sold by auction at Skipton. 400 of their prime Merino two-tooth rams. These rams are guaranteed of the purest blood, and are considered the finest lot that have yet left the Ercildoun paddocks.

Births. Learmonth – On the 20th inst., at Ercildoun, the wife of Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of a daughter.

Ballarat Livestock Market. Messrs Power, Rutherford, Ettershank and Co. Report Re Fat Cattle. Market very full with principal prime quality. Amongst the lot was a mob from the run of T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun, very prime and heavy, mostly pure bred Herefords; and certainly some of the lots penned were never excelled in the Ballarat yards. One pen of eight realized £10 5s, which we do not consider a high price, taking the excellency of the bullocks into consideration.

Advertisement. Wanted. A party of Three Men to dig about 20 chains of water channel, at Ercildoun. Apply at Enterprise Works, Ballarat.

Smeaton Spring Hill and Bullarook Agricultural Association. Second Prize Draught Mare with or in foal – £2 Ercildoun bay mare ‘Vandy’, by George Buchanan. Second Prize Dry Draught Mare ‘Rose’ by Bothwell. First Prize for a colt by Wrestler and Second Prize for a filly by Wrestler, both entries in Yearling Colt or Filly. Second Prize – Best foal by any sire.

The Late Intercolonial Sheep Exhibition. Messrs. Learmonth and Mr. Shaw obtained the champion prizes for the best colonial bred ram and ewe and removed their sheep entirely from the exhibition in order to afford other parties a chance of the smaller prize. It was shown that next to our own sheep, those of Tasmania held the highest place, for they in their turn beat all the imported sheep exhibited from the choicest flocks of Europe. One Tasmanian breeder mentioned that he was competing with donkeys as the Victorian sheep were much larger and had finely developed symmetrical frames because of the advantage of climate, as both the Tasmanian and Victorian wool were similar in fineness, closeness and length of staple. It stated that wool had increased in price by nearly 100% as in 1845 wool price averaged 11d per l lb. and this had increased to 1s 8d in 1860.

The Buninyong Gold Mining Company, Buninyong. Of all the peculiarities of Australia that serve to distinguish it from other countries of the world, perhaps not the least remarkable by which it will be known in after ages will be its freedom from tradition. Excerpts – In the absence of old traditionary lore, the tendency most persons have, more or less, to find occasional recreation in knowledge of that description discovers here no other outlet but in the tales of early settlers and the one who will recount some of his early experiences when, long before the aura sacra fames (= the accursed greed for gold) attracted later adventurers to the colony – he first took up ground that may have turned out to be a rich gold field, and on which in so brief and interval as it is, a large city of town may have since been built, is almost sure to find at least a few not unwilling listeners. The site occupied by the company we are about to describe was originally Messrs. Learmonth’s pre-emptive right and enclosed the home station. With the intention of taking up a run near Buninyong, Thomas pitched his tent, or rather camped under a tree, on the banks of a large water hole that has been formed by the junction of the Dog Trap Creek with the river Leigh, and not many hundred yards from where the Buninyong Company’s Durham shaft has been sunk. The Messrs. Learmonth extended their runs to the Burrumbeet Plains and Ercildoun, the whole of the country to the White Stone Lake, the Springs (now called Waubra) and Lakes Learmonth and Burrumbeet being occupied by them.

As many as 60,000 sheep were shorn in one season at the home station at Buninyong, all the flocks from Burrumbeet and elsewhere being brought there for that purpose. The woolshed, 200 feet long by 40 feet wide, and well built, was esteemed a model by the whole surrounding district. In those early times no demand existed for the meat that was produced in such large quantities. A choice leg of mutton was worth a sixpence, and a living sheep two shillings. The Messrs. Learmonth were among the first who tried to increase the profits of the sheep farmer by exporting the tallow, capable of being procured in such abundance, and in 1849 they erected a large melting establishment, for the purpose of boiling down the carcasses. The arrangements were very complete, the timber growing on the station being formed into casks; and the refuse of the carcasses after the tallow had been withdrawn, was used in fattening a large herd of swine and in manuring the land for cultivation. The building at present used as a soap-boiling and fell-mongering establishment, still surpasses all others in the district, even in its altered uses. A flourmill was also connected with the, that served for all the neighbouring stations. The motive power employed was steam, the engine being constructed on the direct rotary principle, one of the very few ever introduced and used in the colony. A large dam that still exists was made at a favourable spot on the creek, about a mile from the station. Its position and capacity are such – that a running stream of water at an elevation sufficient to flood the whole of the buildings, can be obtained throughout the summer. The natives at the first appearance of the whites were not very troublesome, at the same time it was thought advisable, without being unkind, to keep them at a respectful distance. A few sheep were occasionally missed, but no harsh measures had been resorted to stop the depredations. On the night of the 4th April, 1838, however, the whites at the home station were aroused from the “sweet sleep of the laboring man” for such a squatter’s life was in reality in those days, by the sad intelligence that Teddy, one of the shepherds, had been murdered by the blacks. The poor fellow’s mate had walked in from the hut by moonlight to tell of his companion’s fate. The spot where the hut stood – between Ballarat and Smythesdale, and about due west from Sebastapol, still records the sad tale, being named after the incident quoted, the “Murdering Valley.” The black, who committed the crime was caught, brought to the head station at Buninyong, and fastened by a chain until means could be found of bringing him to justice. Escaping from custody, but unable to detach the chain from his body, he plunged encumbered as he was into the River Leigh, on his way to his old haunts; the stream being flooded at the time the weight of the chain sank him before he could reach the other side, and he was drowned.

Three changes of sites were made altogether by Messrs. Learmonth before the present one was entered upon. The first store on the site of the present township of Buninyong was erected in somewhere about 1844 or 1845, and kept by Mr. Veitch, and the first church and school, under the auspices of Mr. Hastie, about 1847. The foregoing is the history in brief of Buninyong up to the time when the busy hum of the diggers began to be heard. The first Victorian alluvial gold-field of sufficient importance to create confidence in the minds of the public was discovered on the 10th August, 1851, on Learmonth’s run, about a mile and half from the township, by a person named Hiscock, after whom the diggings were named. Gold was early traced on the station, even quite close to the house, but it was then deemed a very unwelcome discovery, and kept as quiet as possible. It was not till auriferous leads were found to enter the property from several different quarters that permission was given to mine on the land itself, and then only on a limited scale. This portion of narrative brings us down to the period when the first projectors of the Buninyong Gold Mining Company began their operations. Hitherto the land had been occupied solely in growing wool from the ordinary sheep, the miner was now to come in and divide the heritage with the squatter, that he might search for and recover the far famed Golden Fleece.

Origin of the Buninyong Gold Mining Company.
In the autumn of 1857, a lead of gold was struck, coming from the Hard Hills, near Buninyong, passing through a private property and into a portion of the Buninyong Station known as Learmonth’s paddock, comprising 146 acres. The privilege to extend over three years, of mining for gold in this paddock was obtained from Mr. Thomas Learmonth on the following terms –
Videlicet – five per cent on the gross yield of gold for the first year, seven and a half for the second and third, and a rental of 50s per week over the whole term. A company was formed under the above title, consisting of twenty-seven shareholders, in consideration of having brought the negotiations with Mr. Learmonth to a satisfactory termination.

Yield of Gold. The yield of gold from Learmonth’s Paddock, between the dates November, 1857, and March 1862, the period the shareholders of the Buninyong Company were at work upon it, was 23,272 oz. 9 dwt. 12 gr., sold for L92,387 17s 6d. Remarks – When the extent of ground and the secure title by which it is held are taken into consideration, the Buninyong Gold Mining Company, with its valuable property, if not the most important, may be reckoned, perhaps, the most extensive alluvial mining adventure in the whole of Victoria. It was no inconsiderable responsibility that was incurred at so early a period as 1858 – the purchase, for mining purposes alone, of 1163 acres, at a cost of L20 per acre. Although a Crown Grant was as good as a title to the land as could be held, it conferred no ownership in the gold, and it was never expected, at that time, encroachers from the outside could be baffled altogether in any other way than by a resort to the stratagems of the mines. No one then ever thought of having recourse to the law on such a point. The only law then considered was the legendary nine points that possession gave, and certainly those inside had always the advantage over those outside when once the former were down to the gutter.

Advertisement. Heavy Draught Horses. Hepburn and Leonard will offer at their New Yards in Bath street, opposite Craig’s Royal Hotel Bazaar, on Saturday, the 6th February, by instructions of Messrs T. & S. Learmonth, 25 head of heavy draught colts and fillies, from their celebrated stud at Ercildoun. The auctioneers have much pleasure in recommending this fine lot of horses, as they are satisfied, from the great attention that the Messrs. Learmonth have paid to their breeding, and from the fact of their having imported from time to time from Scotland, some of the best sires and dams that could be obtained, of the pure Clydesdale breed, that they are not to be surpassed in the colony.

Advertisement. Hepburn and Leonard will Offer, on the above date, at their new yards, at Ballarat 25 head of heavy hairy-legged draught horses. By instructions of Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun. This fine lot of horses require no comment, as Messrs. Learmonth’s stud are now so well known as second to none in the colonies.

Advertisement. For Sale – several Farms at Windermere.
Apply to Mr. Learmonth, Ercildoun.

Wood’s Point Quartz-mining Company. We, the undersigned, being a majority in number and value of the shareholders in the Wood’s Point Quartz-mining Company, hereby consent to the said Company being Registered under the provisions of the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1864 ; and we authorise William Hayward Laby, the present manager of the company, to sign the memorial for the purpose of such registration. Dated this 15th day of June, A.D. 1864.
Signatures – Colin Ferguson McDougall, Edwd. McDermott, agent for Fitzherbert Dermott, Charles R. Godkin, Timy. Hurley, Timy. Hurley agent for John O’Donoghue. All witnessed by Wm. H. Laby.
Memorial of Registration.
Of the Wood’s Point Quartz-mining Company, of Wood’s Point. I, the undersigned William Hayward Laby, hereby make application to register the Wood’s Point Quartz-mining Company, “registered” under the provisions of the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1864 ; and I do solemnly and sincerely declare that the following statement is, to the best of my belief and knowledge, true in every particular, namely:

1. The name and style of the company is “The Wood’s Point Quartz-mining Company.”
2. The place of operations is on the Morning Star Hill, on the left-hand branch of the Goulburn River, about half a mile from the township of Wood’s Point.
3. The nominal capital of the company is 17,600 pounds, in 704 shares of 25 pounds each.
4. The amount already paid up is 12,672 pounds.
5. The name of the manager is William Hayward Laby.
6. The office of the company is at the mine of the company.
7. The names and several residences of the share-holders, and the number of shares held by each at this date, are as follows :

Coling Ferguson McDougall, Wood’s Point
Timothy Hurley, Wood’s Point
Fitzherbert Dermott, St. Kilda
Alfred Chenery, Mansfield
Henry Casey, Wood’s Point
Charles Robert Godkin, Wood’s Point
Andrew James Learmonth, Ercildoun
David O’Connor, Wood’s Point
John O’Donoghue, Wood’s Point
Dated this fifteenth day of June, A.D. 1864.

William Hayward Laby, Manager. Witness to signature – Fred Vester?, solicitor, Wood’s Point.

Excerpt – Half a dozen English sparrows were liberated by the Acclimatisation Society on Saturday, in Lyons Street.

Council of Ballaratshire. Correspondence No. 5.
From Messrs T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, making application that the Council would recommend to Government the sale of certain roads at Ercildoun (under the provisions of the Land Act, 1862), ending in and wholly surrounded by their purchased property.

The Fencing and Impounding Acts – Excerpt – Mr. Thomas Learmonth took the chair and said the circumstances of the country were so changed since the passing of the Fencing and Impounding Act that it had been generally felt that some alterations in those acts were very desirable, if not indispensable. There was nothing in the Fencing Act to show what “secure fencing” was; and farmers were now also beginning to find it desirable to keep sheep, but the other act did not provide for the impounding of sheep. Anyone reading the police reports would see disputes were continually arising between neighbours as to what a secure fence was. His own idea was, that the burden of making secure fences should lie upon the owner of the land.

The Fencing and Impounding Acts. Meeting of Farmers. Excerpt…the chair was taken by Mr Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, J.P. As exemplifying the interest felt in the business for consideration, we may state that a very large portion of the district was represented at the meeting. Among those present were Messrs Fisken, of Lal Lal, President of the Buninyongshire Council; James Robertson, J. P., of Mount Mitchell, President of the Lextonshire Council; Thomas Waldie, of Mount Rowan; J. Dalgleish, President of the Ballarat Agricultural Society; J. Baird, J.P., President of the Ballaratshire Council; Duncan Robertson, A. Nicholsonson, of Ascot; J. Laidlaw, J.P.; J. McPhillimy, J.P.; D. Clyne; D. Swan, of Windermere; G. Innes, of Buninyong; D. McArthur, of Mount Rowan; W. Ecclestone; Donald Gunn, of Cardigan; J. McIntosh, J.P.; G. G. Morton, M.L.A.; J. Oddie, J.P., & c. Excerpt…The report, as already published in our columns, was then read by the chairman, who suggested that it would be desirable to discuss the two subjects separately. He thought that it should be held that fencing was a necessary thing, without which there could be no profitable occupation of the land. In France, the holdings were so small that the holders really could not fence, and thus women were seen knitting stockings and herding cattle, but he presumed that that style of agricultural life would hardly be acceptable or profitable here. It had been said that it was oppressive to compel holders to fence, but he would not see how that could be. It was an injustice to the adjoining neighbour if a holder, for want of fencing, allowed his cattle to trespass, and as to the relative duties of landlord and tenant they were for private arrangement, and were apart from the actual business of the meeting…

Some few years ago a number of Murray cod were placed in Lake Burrumbeet, and in a pond belonging to Mr. Learmonth, at Ercildoun. Since that time there has been much speculation as to whether the fish had survived their sudden transportation from their native haunts. Sundry boatmen about the lakes have once or twice stated that they had seen some of the fish; but the evidence, on the whole, was not held to be very satisfactory, and the fate of the cod was still in debate. On Sunday last, however, very decisive evidence was obtained that some of the fish had survived, in the shape of a Murray cod weighing nine pounds, which was captured in Mr. Learmonth’s pond. The fish was sent to our office on Monday, by Mr. T. Learmonth, as an evidence of the success of the experiment, and received a cordial welcome by all persons interested in the development of our resources and acclimatization. This discovery in Mr. Learmonth’s pond goes far to show that the fish placed in Lake Burrumbeet have also survived, and doubtless before long, now that one discovery has been made, we shall hear more of the long missing fish, about whose fate many persons have been very much interested.

At the Skipton Show. Hepburn and Leonard are in receipt of instructions from Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, to sell by auction, (after the Show), on Thursday, 3rd September, the imported Clydesdale Stallion, Wrestler. Also, the imported Clydesdale dk brown Mare. Pedigree and other particulars of the above can be had from the auctioneers. H. and L. will also offer several other imported horses for sale at the above place and date.

S. Goujon, Sharebroker, Sturt Street. Mining Shares for Sale: –
Golden Stream, Scarsdale; Try Again, Daylesford; Grand Junction, Springdallah; Recompense, Sulky Gully; Durham, Swamp; Prince of Wales, Cobblers; Great Extended; Leviathan, Napoleon; Duke of Cornwall, Durham; Albion, Sebastopol; Robin Hood, Lucky Womans; Victoria, Clunes; Prince of Wales, Cobblers; Grand Trunk, Springdallah; Great Extended, Blanket Flat; National, Durham; Albion, Sebastopol; Fear Not United, Daylesford; Omega, Springdallah; Beaufort Junction; Cosmopolitan, Golden Point; Band of Hope, Little Bendigo; Working Miners, Sebastopol; Luck’s All, Scarsdale; Scarsdale Extended, Scarsdale; South Grenville, Durham; North American, Lucky Woman’s; Waverley, Springdallah; Bonshaw, Winter’s Flat; Buninyong; Learmonth’s Paddock, 5 shares each: 100.

The latest news regarding the Acclimatisation of Murray Cod, a number of which were placed in Lake Burrumbeet, and in a pond belonging to Mr. Learmonth, at Ercildoun, made it in to some of the New South Wales and South Australian newspapers too. It was reported that one weighing 9 pounds was captured in the Ercildoun pond and that – “the promoters of the experiment must feel much gratified at its success, and we hope that it will be an inducement to further efforts to place fish in other suitable places.”

Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society. More success at the Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society Show for the Ercildoun Sheep and Bothwell the Stallion.

William Bruce gave notice that he is applying to the Justices sitting at the Court of Petty Sessions for a Certificate authorizing the issue of a Beer License for a house situated at Ercildoun known as the Ercildoun Store.

Advertisement. Sheep Shearers wanted at Ercildoun, Burrumbeet.
T. and S. Learmonth.

Ballarat Agricultural Show. The Learmonths, usually amongst the principal exhibitors, did not enter any cattle or sheep in the Ballarat Agricultural Show.

Saturday, 21st January. To Farmers, Dealers, and Others. Heavy Draught Horses. Hepburn and Leonard have received instructions from Messrs T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun, to sell by public auction, at their yards, opposite Craig’s Royal Horse Bazaar, on Saturday the 24th instant, at twelve o’clock, 20 Head of First-class Heavy Draught Colts and Fillies, by the celebrated Entire Horses, Wrestler and Bothwell. The character of the above horse stock is too well established to need further comment.

Intercolonial Wool Show. First prize of £20 in Class I for the most valuable sixty ewes’ fleeces of washed wool awarded to W. Degraves & Co. Second prize of £10 awarded to T. & S. Learmonth. First prize of £20 in Class II regarding weight in lb. per bale, as equal to 12 months growth of wool, awarded to T. & S. Learmonth.

Ballarat Live Stock Market. Horses. Besides the usual supply of inferior stock, a few lots of a better class were yarded, among them a small lot of draught colts from the well known stud of Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun, for which we had a lively competition, with very satisfactory results to the owners, considering the general tone of the horse market. Prices for 13 head medium to heavy draught ranged from £14 10s to £37 10s average £23 10s.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 24 February 1865, The Bendigo Advertiser (Vic) 28 February 1865. Commercial Intelligence. Messrs Cunningham and Macredie report having sold Messrs Hervey and Cockburn’s stations Groongal and Bringagee, on the Murrumbidgee, with 7000 cattle and 30,300 sheep, to the Messrs Learmonth, of Ercildoun, for the sum of L109,300.

CSU Regional Archives & University Art Collelction –
The Learmonth brothers bought the lease to Groongal, and between 1868 and 1875 built an imposing two storied brick on a commanding site overlooking the Murrumbidgee River. They steadily acquired freehold title to some 300,000 acres (470 square miles approximately), embracing Groongal, Wyvern and Bringagee. In 1893 these three runs were carrying 45,000 breeding ewes. Groongal has a long history of riparian irrigation with Somerville Learmonth obtaining a license in 1898 under section 12 of the 1896 Water Rights Act.

Exhibition of Wool – The Intercolonial Wool Show. The result of the competition in the first class is favourable to the superiority of the French over the Australian sheep, and, also, that coarse wool is the most profitable to grow. The prize has been adjudged to the Rambouillet wool of Messrs. Degraves and Co., which, while of less value per lb. by 3½d than that of Messrs. Learmonth (who takes second place), has the advantage of heavier weight, and in consequence can fetch £2 per bale more than its rival. In the second class – fleeces in grease – Mr. Shaw, although noted for his purebred Australians, has to yield precedence to the Messrs. Learmonth. Mr. Shaw’s wool it appears is valued at only 10d. per lb. because of the great quantity of yolk which it contains, whilst Learmonth’s is valued at 1s 0¾d. The prize for washed fleece wool of the highest value per lb. will go to Tasmania, the winner being Mr. R.C. Kermode, who carries it off with his bale of mixed Australian and German, a superior wool to which has perhaps not been seen in the colony, and for some particular trade, might realize a very extraordinary price. The value placed upon it is 2s. 3½d. No doubt the absence of limit as to the number of sheep from which wool might be taken, and the size or weight of the pieces composing the bale, had something to do with the value of the exhibit.

Ballarat. A warrant has been issued for the apprehension of two bullock drivers, who are stated to have left a log burning on the Ercildoun run. Several old colonists here said that the heat of Monday was quite equal to that of ‘Black Thursday’, but the fact of so much ground around Ballarat being at present clear of timber prevented the fire from being felt so oppressively as on that historically dangerous day.

Sir Charles Darling at Ballarat. His Excellency Sir Charles Darling is now paying his second state visit to Ballarat.

Agricultural. The frightful bush fires, which raged throughout this district on Monday, 27th February, have created havoc, not only on pastoral but on agricultural lands, to a very large extent. Many farmers have had the whole of their crops, and others a portion of them, destroyed, and in several instances, houses, barns, and fences were also consumed. Several of the district squatters have been heavy losers in having their sheep burned, and the Messrs Learmonth, of Ercildoun, lost a flock of 1000 during the time the grass on their run was on fire.

The Port Phillp Society’s Annual Grain Show. The lack of grain entries was aparently very disappointing and it stated that the farmers who grow first-rate grain and root and similar things, do not care aparently to let it be known how they excel their fellows. Special mention was made of the quality of the cheeses and a few of the dealers present agreed in paying them the highest possible compliment by saying that they might easily be sold as English, and a cheese from a Warrnambool resident carried off first prize. The curers of ham had not yet reached perfection in their business. The white wine was made in 1864, principally from a variety of the Riesling, with a small proportion of the white Shiraz, and was in wonderfully good condition for a white wine of one year old. Two small packets of hops were sent down by Mr. Learmonth, from Ercildoun, but the flowers were small, and those of this year’s gathering had been somewhat scorched in the drying. The sample of last year’s growth was however, of better flavor and aroma.

Dr. Mueller sent in a collection of “useful plants” including arrowroot and ginger, liquorice and cotton, the veritable tea plant, besides sweet potatoes and some very fine leaves of different sorts of tobacco.

Prarie grass was the only grass able to withstand six months of heat and drought and had gained for itself the character of being absolutely the only imported grass able to withstand both together for any length of time. The English grasses and the clovers have had a severe trial this year, and all have failed except where the soil is unusually deep or moist.

Local Government Conference. Thomas Learmonth, J.P., presided over the Local Government Conference Committee Meeting.

Thomas Learmonth donated £10 to the Deaf and Dumb Institution for Maintenance.

Marriage. On the 10th July, at the Manse, Learmonth, by the Rev Robert Hamilton, Mr William Bruce, store-keeper, Ercildoun, to Janet, daughter of Mr Samuel Cowan, of Ayr, Scotland.

Stock and Stations. Ballarat – Messrs. Learmonth’s Rams. King and Cuningham have received Instructions from Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun, to sell by Auction, at the Exhibition-yards, Ballarat, on Thursday, 7th September, 200 pure-blood Ercildoun rams, two tooth, 200 half-blood Ercildoun rams, two tooth. These sheep have never been diseased. About 10 pens of the choicest will be offered in lots of twos and threes. Attention is directed to the facilities offered by the railway for the transit of stock to different parts of the colony.

The Australian Merino in America. Mr. Thomas Learmonth has kindly handed to us some documents relative to a shipment of Victorian Merino sheep, taken by Dr. Kenworthy to New York some time ago. Dr. Kenworthy placed the sheep in the hands of Mr. Randall, the author of several excellent works on sheep breeding and management, and editor of the Rural New Yorker. Previous to the arrival of the sheep, Mr. Randall published the following notice respecting them in the Rural New Yorker: –

New Importation of Sheep – An American gentleman, Dr. Charles J. Kenworthy, who has resided for some years in Australia, is now on his return from that country, and is bringing with him specimens of merino sheep from the three most celebrated flocks of Australia – those of Mr. Learmonth, Mr. Currie and Mr. Shaw – all pure descendants of the Camden flock. The Camden flock was established with sheep purchased by Mr. Macarthur from the Negretti flock introduced from Spain by George III, King of England. The sheep being imported by Dr. Kenworthy are, in all instances, the pick of the flocks, and in several instances the same ones which have received the first prizes at the great intercolonial and other shows. They were sheep which money could not buy, but were generously presented to their present owner by the distinguished breeders named. As soon as we ascertain their safe arrival, we shall give a full history of the sheep and the importation. We have received specimens of their wool. It is essentially different from any we have seen grown in the United States. We often see that which is as fine in the diameter of the fibre, but for softness and style, it is almost incomparable – and then, at a year’s growth, considerable of it, is four inches long. For delaines of exquisite quality, and for any other fabrics, which require a staple of remarkable quality and length combined, we have nothing like it. If then these Australian Merinos succeed in our country, they will render us, in time, independent of other countries in the production of the materials for fabrics, which we now must import and pay for in gold in other countries. Let us then welcome these strangers to our shores. They will compete with nothing, which we now possess. There is abundance of room for them, and for every other breed of stock, which meets any want of the American people. If we find them unconformed to American ideas of Merino Breeding, let us neither ridicule nor condemn them, until we have paused for intelligent experiment to decide whether they are useful. We hope they will be here in time for exhibition at the New York Spring Show and Fair in May next.

The following letter from Mr. Randall describes the shearing of the sheep and its results: Cortland Village, New York, 25th May, 1865.
My Dear Sir, – I came from my farm late last evening, where I have been superintending the shearing of some sheep. Yours were sheared on Monday. I think I have left the memorandum of the weight of fleeces at the farm. The heaviest fleeces were from the Learmonth ewes. One I think yielded 4lb. 9oz. The ram yielded over 5lbs.

Advertisement. Sale of Messrs. Learmonth’s Rams. 200 pureblood Ercildoun rams, two tooth, 200 half-blood Ercildoun rams, two tooth. These sheep have never been diseased. About 10 pens of the choicest will be offered in lots of twos and threes. Attention is directed to the facilities offered by the railway for the transit of stock to different parts of the colony.

Another advertisement was for a horse called Darkie. He was described as “A fine upstanding well bred brown horse, perfectly quiet to ride, and in single and double harness. The horse was exhibited in Melbourne and cost £200. He carried Gardiner all through his bushranging career.”

Ballarat Ag. And Pastoral Society Annual Show.
Class a – Draught Horse Stock. Thomas Learmonth is listed as one of the Judges in the Draught Horse Stock Class at The Ballarat Agricultural Society’s Annual Show.

King and Cuningham are instructed by Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, to SELL, deliverable after shearing 5000 full-mouthed ewes, in lamb to pureblood Ercildoun rams. These ewes are open for inspection now, and will be ready for delivery in December. The rams will not be put amongst them until they are approved. Early application is therefore necessary. Apply at our offices, 67 Bourke-street west, Melbourne.

The Melbourne correspondent of the Hamilton Spectator says – “Unhappily, we find that dry seasons in this country come at intervals, and continue from 3 to 5 years. Looking at a letter written in 1858 by an old settler, Mr Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, Burrumbeet, I find him stating that the years 1837-1841 were extremely dry. In 1837 to 1838, he says – ‘The Moorabool did run in these years, and the Leigh and Barwon only a few weeks, and then not more than knee deep. There was a very severe drought in the New South Wales district at the time, and large quantitites of sheep and cattle died in consequence. This colony did not suffer in the same degree ; but, as I have already stated, there were five years consecutively that were extremely dry.’”

News and Notes. We are informed that Mr Thomas Learmonth, J.P., Ercildoun, has within the last week received numerous private solicitations from several parts of the Ripon and Hampden electoral district to allow himself to be placed in nomination for that district at the general election. Though Mr Learmonth has expressed a disinclination to enter into a political contest, his friends continue to urge him very strongly to comply with their request, and it is not improbable that his name may be announced in the course of a few days as a candidate for parliamentary honors. We are sorry to see that gentlemen of position display a desire to avoid taking part in political action, even at the present time, and we can only say, that if they will not take part in the business of the country they have no right to complain if it is carried on by inferior and unscrupulous men, who will promise anything to get returned.

Victoria. Excerpts – According to the Grenville Advocate, Mr. Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, has re-considered his determination, and will contest Ripon and Hampden with Mr. Longmore, whose supporters are about to present him with a considerable sum of money…

(Mr. T. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, has, in a most gentlemanly letter, declined to stand for Ripon and Hampden; but he hopes that a class of men will be returned at the next elections that will not set law and order at defiance, but will be sufficiently intelligent to comprehend the result of their own acts. )

News of the Day. Excerpt – Mr. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, has at length consented to oppose Mr. Longmore at Ripon and Hampden, but it is generally understood that he is leading a forlorn hope.

By Electric Telegraph. Ripon and Hampden, Mortlake, Wednesday. The candidates nominated for this constituency are Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun and Frances Longmore, of Ballarat. The polling will take place at Burrumbete, Camperdown, Carngham, Darlington, Lismore, Miners’ Rest, Mortlake, Raglan, Skipton, Streatham, Terang, and Wickliffe. Mr. Learmonth arrived here this morning, with a large escort of electors. There was great confusion and much annoyance, owing to the Ministerial arrangements as to the election. A telegram has been received from Mortlake, to the effect that a protest has been entered, by Mr. Longmore, against Mr. Learmonth’s nomination being accepted, on the ground that the returning officer had failed to give notice of the election, as required by law. This is said to be “a dedge.”

Letter from Thomas Learmonth. To the Electors of Ripon and Hampden. Gentlemen, It is with much reluctance, and only at the urgent request of many friends, whose good opinion I value, that I have consented to relinquish the habits and pursuits of private life, which are more congenial to me, and for which I am better fitted than for those of public life, in order to solicit your suffrages at the ensuing election. I do so as a perfectly independent man – bound to no party whatever. I have no favor to gain, nor have I any private interest to seek.

I present myself to you, as an advocate of free trade, believing that the protection of some must mean the injury of others, and that more industry and capital are unfettered, and the greater will be the general prosperity of the country. If, however, it so happens that exceptional circumstances should cause the people of this colony to desire a measure of protection, let them have it, only I say that such alteration in our fiscal policy should be carried out calmly, wisely, and with deliberation. It should not be brought about with unseemly haste or by party violence – much less by striking at the independence of the judges or by setting aside the decisions of the courts of law, a reverence for which is taught to every Englishman as the surest safeguard of our lives and liberties. I desire neither to think nor speak bitter things of one party or another, but I trust that truly conscientious men may be placed in the direction of affairs at the present moment, and that wisdom may be given them wisely to deliberate and decide affairs so as to truly promote the peace and prosperity of the country. It is in this way I desire to act and not in any spirit of opposition to those who now hold the reins of Government either in their public or private capacities. On the various political topics of the day, such as the Land Act, the Local Government Act, &c., I hope to have an early opportunity of addressing you. I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, Thomas Learmonth. Ercildoun, 14th December, 1865

A list of 120 signatures were printed stating that “The undersigned hereby agree to act on a committee to promote the return of Mr. Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, as representative in the Legislative Assembly, for the electoral district of Ripon and Hampden, at the coming general election.