JOHN RIGG, SQUATTER, 1805-1863

GRAIN MERCHANT TO GRAZIER

John Rigg was born near the township of Kirkcudbright in 1805. His parents were James Rigg and Grissel McTaggart. Old Parochial Records do not reveal his date of birth, but he was baptised in the parish of Twynholm on 8 January 1805. His baptism record reveals the address of his father as "Banks of Bishopton" which was a tiny settlement to the North of Bishopton Farm, on the River Dee estuary. Banks of Bishopton was about one mile to the north-west of the township of Kirkcudbright, across the River Dee and a short distance to the North of Kirkchrist cemetery, where many of the Rigg family were interred. The lands of Bishopton were owned by the Duke of Selkirk.

JOHN RIGG'S FAMILY AT KIRKCUDBRIGHT

John Rigg's parents were JAMES RIGG (1766-1841) and his second wife, GRISSEL (GRACE) MCTAGGART. His paternal grandparents were JOHN RIGG (1731-1811), who died at Buittle on 9 March 1811, and his wife ANNA who died on 4 May 1821 at Buittle.

JAMES RIGG (1766-1841) was baptized at Kirkconnel on 12 June 1766; he died at High Banks farm, Kirkcudbright, on 16 January 1841 aged 75.

James Rigg married:

1. Margaret Brackenrigg who died 15th March 1794 aged 24 years

2. Grissel McTaggart (or Taggart) 15th October 1796 at Kelton; she died on 9th July 1837 aged 72

James Rigg and Margaret Brackenrigg had two children, Thomas 1789-1853 and James who died at Boreland on 25th November 1831 aged 39. James married Marian (or Mary Ann) McLure (or McClure), daughter of John McLure, merchant of Kirkcudbright, on 20 January 1817; [1] she died aged 70 on 24 August 1860.

The baptisms of James and Grissel Rigg's children were registered in the parish of Twynholm, Kirkudbrightshire:

SARAH baptised 7 May 1797

MARGARET baptised 14 April 1799

MARY HERRIOT (or Harriet) baptised 19th April 1801; married Malcolm McInnes 1847; [2] died 12th December 1879 aged 77. She had no children.

CATHARINE baptised 3rd February1803; died 5th May 1854 aged 49

JOHN Baptised 8th January 1805; married Isabella Campbell McTaggart 10th April 1838; died 20th June 1863 at Donnybrook, Victoria

ANNA baptised 26th April 1807

GRACE baptised 14th July 1809; married Alexander Mitchell; died 1880

WILLIAM baptised 18th April 1813; died 30th October 1892 aged 78; married Jane Williamson who died 16th July 1905 aged 81

John Rigg's younger brother William and his wife Jane Williamson had the following children:

JAMES ALEXANDER RIGG born 1862; [3] died at Sunnybrae, Buittle, on 11th Sep 1927 aged 64 years

WILLIAM RIGG born 1864; died at Kirkcudbright 1925

MARGARET "MAGGIE" BRECKENRIDGE RIGG born 1866; died at Castle Douglas 16th July 1941 aged 75 years

[1] Carlisle Patriot 1 February 1817 page 3

[2] Malcolm McInnes born at Inverness c.1805, died at Keppel Street, Carlton, 29 April 1865 from liver disease; arrived NSW c.1837 then at Port Phillip c.1842. Shopkeeper; bankrupt 1863; no children BDM Vic Reg No 4596/1865

[3] PO Directory: Sunnybrae, Buittle Road

HIGH BANKS FARM

John Rigg's father died at High Banks farm, Kirkcudbright, in 1841 and his brother William continued as the tenant farmer at High Banks until his death in 1892. High Banks is situated about one and a half miles ESE from the town of Kirkcudbright. The proprietor of High Banks farm was then the Earl of Selkirk.

Fascinating prehistoric markings are to be found on a rocky outcrop in a paddock at High Banks Farm.

DIRECTIONS TO HIGH BANKS FARM: Travel South out of Kirkcudbright on the A711 for 1 mile; turn left 0.1 mile after Mutehill into a lane which follows the Buckland Burn; after 1.4 miles to a T intersection at Buckland Bridge, bear right then 0.2 miles on the right is an unmarked track leading to High Banks Farm House which is 1 mile at the end of the track.

NETHERLAW HOUSE

Netherlaw House was the home of John Rigg's sister Grace Mitchell. Her husband, Alexander Mitchell was the tenant farmer. Sir Robert Abercrombie of Birkenbog [1] was the proprietor of this impressive three-story country house. The property was situated on the Grange burn, about two kilometres to the south-west of the Rerrick church ruin. On 7 June 1865, their daughter Mary Harriet Mitchell (born 1841) married Rev. Patrick McNeil of the Free Church, Auchencairn, at Netherlaw House.

[1] OS Name Books Kirkcudbrightshire 1848-1851 Volume 159 OS1/20/159/14

SHIP OWNER

Family tradition holds that John Rigg sailed to Australia in his own ship. Unfortunately, there is no formal record of his arrival in the colonies. [1] He departed Scotland some time after his first child was baptised on 5 March 1839.  The issue of a Pasturage Licence is documented in the 9 September 1840 issue of the Port Philllip Gazette. The NSW Government census for the year 1841 records John Rigg as the householder at "Bank Vale", to the North of the fledgling settlement at Melbourne. By the time the census was taken on 15 March 1841, he was already well established in residence in a completed timber dwelling.

John Rigg was the part owner of at least two ships which were registered in his name at Kirkcudbright, the Cartico [2] and the St. Mary's Isle. [3] The Cartico (or Scartia) was a sloop of 41 tons burthen, built in 1825 at Kelton, with the following measurements and features: length 44 ft. 8 in., beam 15 ft., depth of hold 6 ft. 6 in.; running bowsprit, one deck, one mast, square stern, carvel built, no galleries, no figurehead. The St. Mary's Isle was a schooner of 38 25/35 tons, built in 1836 at Kirkcudbright by James McEason: length 41 ft. 8 in., beam 13 ft. 8 in., depth of hold 7ft. 3 in.; standing bowsprit, one deck, two masts, square stern, carvel built, no galleries, billet head. She was lost on a voyage from Glasgow to Kirkcudbright in 1843. In 1836, John Rigg was registered as the sole owner of the St. Mary's Isle but by 1838 the ownership had been transferred to his brother-in-law, Alexander Mitchell, a farmer of Netherlaw, Rerrick, who married John Rigg's sister, Grace. [4] John Rigg held a quarter share in the Cartico which was registered in Kirkcudbright in 1836. The other owner was Marianne McLure of Boreland, the widow of his elder half-brother, James Rigg. The registration registers for the Cartico and the St. Mary's Isle record John Rigg's occupation as candle maker and grain dealer. John Rigg's half-brother James was also a grain dealer. [5]

John Rigg married Isabella Campbell McTaggart, who was born in Jamaica, the daughter of a plantation owner. They were married at Kirkcudbright on 10 April 1838 and their first child, Grace, was baptised at Kirkcudbright on 5 March 1839. Their second child, James, was born in Donnybrook, Port Phillip, on 20 June 1841.

On 5 March 1840, a Mr Rigg, with several other passengers in steerage, arrived at Hobart Town from Port Phillip in the Barque Wallaby, together with 37 head of cattle. [6] [7] It is likely that this Mr. Rigg was John Rigg, seeking to import sheep from Van Diemen's Land. Rigg's return voyage to Port Phillip is not reported.  The Wallaby, a barque of 284 tons, was built at Port Arthur in 1838 and was advertised as being "admirably adapted" for the transport of stock. [8] The Wallaby traded between Hobart Town and Port Phillip under Captain Bayley (1813-1875). [9] On 11 February 1840 the Wallaby had arrived at Port Phillip with a cargo of 1703 sheep from Launceston.[10] Neither the owner or the destination of this consignment is identified. On 10 April 1840, the Wallaby departed Hobart Town on a whaling voyage, returning in October. [11]

John Rigg's elder sister Mary may have accompanied him in his voyage to the colonies. As a middle-aged spinster, she married Malcolm Mcinnes in 1847. He was born in Inverness and had emigrated to New South Wales in about 1837. He arrived at Port Phillip in about 1842 and traded as a shopkeeper and spirit dealer in Geelong. By 1863 Malcolm McInnes was insolvent and he died in 1865 from liver disease. Mary returned to Scotland, where she died in 1879 at Netherlaw House, the home of her sister Grace.

[1] Ships part owned by John Rigg, Cartico and St. Mary's Isle are not recorded by Marten Syme in his encyclopaedic Shipping Arrivals and Departures Victorian Ports Volume I 1798-1845, or in Nicholson's Shipping Arrivals and Departures Tasmania Volume II 1834-1842

[2] Collin, David R., Kirkcudbright Shipping 1300-2005 Kirkcudbright History Society and The Stewartry Museum 2007 page 234

[3] Collin, ibidem, page 242

[4] Directory to Noblemen and Gentlemen's Seats, Villages, Etc., In Scotland 1852

[5] Death notice, The Dumfries Weekly Journal 6 December 1831

[6] Austral-Asiatic Review, Tasmanian and Australian Advertiser (Hobart Town) 10 March 1840, page 1

[7] True Colonist Van Diemen's Land Political Despatch … (Hobart Town) 13 March 1840, page 4

[8] The Port Phillip Herald Volume I Tuesday February 8 1840 page 1 Advertisement

[9] Crowther, Dr. W.E.L.H., in A Survey of the Ships' Logs and Journals and Maritime Material in the State Library of Tasmania, Volume 106. Part II, Section I, Crowther Collection, State Library of Tasmania Section III, Whaling Voyages of the Ships of the Bayley Brothers, page 67

[10] Port Phillip Gazette (Vic.), Saturday 15 February 1840, page 2

[11] Crowther Ibidem

THE BANK VALE PASTORAL RUN

Bank Vale was a pastoral run on the eastern banks of the Deep Creek, a tributary of the Saltwater River, about twenty miles north of Melbourne and just beyond the future village of Mickleham. The Bank Vale run was established in the late 1830's by the Scotch Company which had been formed by a group of traders in Hobart. W.J.T. Clarke had provided financial support and by early 1841 Clarke had taken over the Bank Vale run and installed John Edols as his overseer. [1] The Scotch Company was dissolved in March 1839. [2] Clarke's homestead property, which is known as Marnong, was situated in the south-western portion of the run. By July 1841, Clarke had installed his brother Lewis on the Plover Plains run (originally known as Mortimore's station), to the west of Deep Creek, and Clarke later took over the Hill Head run, to the north of Plover Plains.

John Rigg's station was situated to the North-East of Bank Vale Station. However, the general region to the East of the Deep Creek became known as "Bank Vale" and John Rigg came to be identified as the proprietor of the "Bank Vale Estate." Kerr’s Melbourne Almanac and Port Phillip Directory for 1841 has John Rigg living at "Mercer's Vale" (later known as Beveridge).  [3] That entry relates to August 1840. The 1841 census has John Rigg living at "Bank Vale." In August 1850, John Rigg placed an advertisement in the Melbourne Daily News to recover a stolen mare and foal. He then identified his property as the "Station of Bank Vale." [4]

By 1851 John Rigg had acquired land holdings on the eastern side of the old Sydney Road, in the adjacent parishes of Mickleham and Darraweit Guim, amounting to over 750 acres.

To the East of the Rigg property was Rocky Water Holes, later to be known as Kalkallo. By the late 1840's, Rocky Water Holes had grown into a thriving settlement, with two inns, a post office, watch-house and a flour mill. A correspondent, writing to the Melbourne Argus in December 1849, reported that no less than ninety-eight drays, laden with wool, had passed through the settlement that week. [5] The Rigg children probably attended the private school at Rocky Water Holes which was run by a Mr. Creighton.

"MR. RIGGE'S STATION"

Within five years of the foundation of Melbourne, John and Isabella Rigg were established as squatters and sheep farmers. Their sheep station was situated nineteen miles north of the Melbourne township and occupied land to the east of Deep Creek, the eastern arm of the Salt Water (Maribyrnong) River.

From 1836, licences could be obtained to depasture livestock outside the boundaries of settlement for a fee of £10 per annum. [6] In September 1840, John Rigg was first granted a licence to depasture stock in the Melbourne District for the year commencing 1 July 1840. [7] [8] Thereafter, the licence was renewed annually. [9]

The region which John Rigg farmed was known informally as "Bank Vale" but the land which John Rigg farmed was separate from the Bank Vale pastoral run which had been established by the group of businessmen in Hobart.  An early route to Sydney traversed a ridge to the east of the Deep Creek and became the Old Sydney Road.  John Rigg placed an advertisement in the Argus on 30 August 1850 regarding a stolen mare and foal 30 August 1850 in which he provided his address as "the Station of Bank Vale."

John and Isabella Rigg's homestead was situated to the east of the Old Sydney Road, on a prominence which became known as Rigg's Hill. The Rigg homestead was a timber building which had been erected by March 1841 and was situated on the highest point in Section 2, known as “Rigg Hill.” [10]  Their house would have offered a commanding view to the East and to the North, across Mercer's Vale, a broad shallow valley which stretched northwards towards Beveridge and is now cut by the Hume Highway. The region was known as Mercer's Vale, named after George Mercer who was an associate of the Port Phillip Association. At the front of the house was an orchard, planted with fruit trees. At the rear, adjoining the house, were stables, a stockyard and milking yards. [11] The precise site of the Rigg homestead is revealed in a map of the Parish of Darraweit Guim known as "SYDNEYD2" (see below). [12] The Rigg's property was surveyed in 1851 by Assistant Surveyor H.B. Foot and the map shows two buildings, side by side, labelled as "J. Rigge's Station" in Section II of the Parish, close to the boundary with Section 30 of the Parish of Mickleham. A shallow rocky outcrop which has been partly excavated is all that can now be seen of the homestead site.

[1] Clarke, Michael, 'Big' Clarke, Queensberry Press, 1980 pages 81-82

[2] Advertisement Port Phillip Gazette Vol 1 Number 24 6 April 1839

[3] Kerr, William, Kerr’s Melbourne Almanac, And Port Phillip Directory, For 1841; A Compendium Of Useful And Accurate Information Connected With Port Phillip Kerr And Holmes Melbourne Facsimile reprint Lansdown Slattery & Company 1978

[4] The Melbourne Daily News 3 September 1850 page 2

[5] The Argus 20 December 1849 page 2

[6] NSW Gov Gaz 5 October 1836

[7] Vic. Gov Gazette 9 September 1840 pasturage licence

[8] N.S.W. Government Gazette 1840 page 864, Colonial Secretary's Office List dated 7 September 1840

[9] Port Phillip Government Gazettes 1843; 19th November 1844 page 209; 26th November 1845 page 485; 24th January 1849 page 39

[10] The Argus Wednesday 24 August 1859 page 6 

[11] The Age 15 May 1860 page 2

[12] PROV VPRS 8168/P2/SYDNEYD2

SURVEYING OF THE REGION KNOWN AS THE BANK VALE ESTATE

John Rigg established his sheep station on pastures to the East of the Deep Creek on land which was later included within the parishes of Mickleham and Darraweit Guim. This country had not been settled when it was first surveyed in 1839. In 1837 Robert Hoddle was appointed Principal Officer of Surveys and Commissioner of Crown Lands  at Port Phillip. In January 1839 Hoddle engaged a draftsman from Sydney, David Kemp, as one of his assistant surveyors to survey the branches of the Saltwater River. Hoddle was concerned about the lack of training which had been provided to his new staff and wrote to the Surveyor-General on 14th December 1838, complaining “I regret that you could not send Officers of experience to this part of the Colony”. [1] Kemp surveyed the Deep Creek, the Eastern division of the Saltwater River in January and February 1839. No sheep stations were then noted in the pastures which John Rigg would later acquire; Kemp described the land as "lightly timbered" and "good sheep pasture." The first map of this part of Deep Creek, known as "Loddon 72A" was created from Kemp's Field Book "Salt water River Jan to May 1839". [2] Hoddle was sufficiently impressed with Kemp's work that he wrote a letter of recommendation to the Surveyor-General on 22nd May 1840: “with feelings of pleasure I have to report most favourably of the exertions of Mr. Kemp who is much improved in his Drawing and may be considered eligable (sic) to be appointed as Resident surveyor”. [3] Sadly, Kemp had a short career. He was promoted and transferred to New Zealand where he died in a boating accident in 1841 at the Bay of Islands.

[1] Outward Letter Books Surveyor-General's Department PROV VPRS 6/P2/Volume 1

[2] PROV VPRS 16685/P1/15 Bundle 100 Book 1286

[3] Outward Letter Books Ibidem

THE ROCKY WATER HOLES PASTORAL RUN

The pastoral run established by John Rigg run has been referred to as the Rocky Waterholes Run [1] and also as the Darraweit Guim Run (valuation of his pre-emptive claim; grant of Pre-Emptive right 1852).

A list of approved claims to lease pre-emptive rights (under the 22nd Clause of the Regulations of 29th March 1848) was published in the Port Phillip Government Gazette on 30 January 1850: John Rigg was applicant number 42. He had applied for six 640 acre lots in an unnamed parish, situated “west of Kalkallo” (page 111) but this entry is annotated “1 section for 12 months". The price was to be 20 shillings per 640 acre Section.

In a letter to Superintendent La Trobe dated 17 July 1851, John Rigg did not refer to his Pastoral Run by name: he referred to his "run near the Deep Creek". However, his homestead property was generally known as Bank Vale Station. His property was to the west of the settlement known as "Rocky Water Holes" and has been referred to as the Rocky Water Holes Run. Billis and Kenyon record the name of Rigg's pastoral licence as "Rocky Waterholes" from 1840 and then "Bankvale" from 1845 (they use the name "Barkvale", which was a transcription error in the original document). [2]

Pastoral Run papers held in the Public Record Office of Victoria include copied descriptions of Runs inserted in leases issued under the 22nd clause of the Regulations of the 29th March 1848 for the year 1853. The entry for John Rigg for 1852 reads: "County of Bourke Parish of Daraweit Guim Being the homestead section of the Rocky Water Holes Station situated in the Deep Creek area" but the entry is not indexed as such. [3]

[1] Payne, J. W., The Plenty A Centenary History of The Whittlesea Shire Lowden Publishing Co. Kilmore 1975

[2] Billis, R.V. and Kenyon, A.S., Pastoral Pioneers of Port Phillip Melbourne 1932

[3] PROV Pastoral Run Papers. Copied by Ancestry.com, 020-040 (frame 308/600)

JOHN RIGG'S PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHT AT DARRAWEIT GUIM

The scheme of Pre-Emptive Rights was established in 1847 by Order-in-Council to allow squatters in the Port Phillip District security of tenure and the right to secure portions of the land which they had settled and developed.  The minimum upset price was £1 per acre.

John Rigg wrote to Superintendent La Trobe on 17 July 1850 in relation to his leasehold: [1] [2]

17th July 1850

Mr. John Rigg with reference to his

former application to purchase

a portion of his Run

                             Melbourne 17 July 1850

Sir,

          I beg leave to state that I applied

under the Notice of 21st. November 1848, for

30 Acres out of each 8 sections of my licensed

run near the Deep Creek about 22 miles from

Melbourne, and I have since had the

quantity of my Homested (sic) increased to 320

acres, which Mr. Foote the Government Surveyor

has lately measured.

         As my improvements contain upwards

of £250 I trust your Honor will have the

Kindness to allow me to remain in

possession of the Homestead and contiguous

sections at present leased to me, until

the land is offered for sale.

                                I have the honor to be

                                                   Sir

                                  Your obedient humble Servant

                                                               John Rigg

His Honour

C. J. La Trobe Esqr

Superintendent

&c  &c  &c

Inscription on the reverse:

Was Mr. Rigg one of those

who were strictly authorised

to make the application under

the Nov. notice. If so I shall have

his case submitted with

the others

(signature)

26th July 52

The Surveyor in Charge

Referred for the report of the Surveyor in Charge

for the Superintendent

Supt. Office                 (Signature)

18 July 1850

Mr Foot has been instructed  to measure 320 acres

at Mr Rigg’s homestead which will be recommended for

sale, when the value of the imrovements can be added

to the upset price –at present Mr Rigg only holds three sections,

the other five having been leased to other parties under the pre-emptive

right Clause 16

Survey office                                                                      Robert Hoddle

22nd July 1850                                                                          Surveyer

The adjacent parishes of Mickleham and Darraweit Guim were first surveyed in 1850 by Henry Boorn Foot who had been appointed as assistant surveyor to Robert Hoddle in 1849.

On 31st May 1850, Hoddle wrote to Foot: “As you are in the neighbourhood I request you will mark out the land required by Mr Jno Rigg viz. 320 acres to 640 acres so as to include his homestead and improvements” R.H. [3] The actual area of the Rigg homestead block was 451 acres.

On 17th October 1850 Hoddle wrote to Superintendent La Trobe, advising that he had instructed Mr Foot to mark out a parish to the West of Kalkallo “named Mickleham by Your Honour.”  A plan and description of the Parish of Mickleham was then forwarded to the Surveyor General on 21st October 1850 on the “Shamrock.”

On 26th December 1850 Hoddle wrote to H.B. Foot Esq., Assistant Surveyor, at Deep Creek,

with instructions to proceed with his party to the parish of Mickleham and to continue the survey of the land on either side of the Deep Creek “marking out the head stations of Messrs. Rigg, Brock & Clarke in sections of 640 acres shewing their huts and improvements.” [4] 50/694

On 22nd March 1851, Hoddle reported to the Surveyor General, Sydney: “I have the honor to forward a plan of the lands measured by Mr. Assistant Surveyor Foote, in the parish of Darraweit Guim together with the several descriptions for your approval” (sent via the Shamrock Steamer).

The plan of the parish of Darraweit Guim derived from Foot's 1851 survey, known as Sydney D2, reveals the exact site of the homestead of "J. Rigge" which is located in Section II of Darraweit Guim. [5]

Under the system of Pre-emptive rights, John Rigg's land holding at Darraweit Guim was defined as follows:  “Description of the Land in Darraweit Guim granted to John Rigg under the Regulations of 8th December 1851 … Bourke 451a. 3r. four hundred and fifty one acres and three roods parish of Darraweit Guim, portion 2, bounded on the South by a road 1 chain wide bearing West 78 chains 75 links, on the West by a road 3 chains wide bearing North 45 degrees East 25 chains, North 23 degrees, East 31 chains, North 28 degrees East 39 chains on the north by part of portion 6 bearing east 31 chains 50 links and on the East by portion 1 bearing South 79 chains 50 links” [6]

 On 31st December 1851, Robert Hoddle wrote to John Rigg, care of Jackson, Rae & Co Melbourne, to inform him that his homestead block was about to be offered for sale: “I have to acquaint you that the portion No. 2. in the parish of Darraweit Guim containing 451 acres-3 roods on which your homestead and improvements are situated has been advertised for sale on 29th proximo. In the event of your wishing to purchase the same you will forward your application to the Colonial Secretary in order that the above lot may be withdrawn and valued to you in the usual manner. R. H.” [7]

On 20 December 1851 C. J. La Trobe proclaimed the sale of so-called “waste lands” to take place on 28 January 1852 which included portions 1, 4 and 6 of the parish of Darraweit Guim which were purchased by W.J.T. Clarke. [8] Portion 2 was under pre-emptive leased to John Rigg and was not offered for sale. Portion 3 was offered for sale on 18 June. [9]

Portion 30 of the parish of Mickleham, 316 acres, was sold at a Government Land Sale on 29 January 1852 for £1 per acre. The Argus reported “the purchaser’s name we could not learn.” [10] The purchaser was in fact John Rigg, as recorded in the PROV Register of Crown Grants [11]  (John Rigg Mickleham Allotment 30 316 acres; Date of Deed 16th April 1852; sent to Treasurer November 1852)

John Rigg's original pastoral run was a good deal more extensive than the landholdings which he purchased in 1852 in the parishes of Mickleham and Darraweit Guim. Apart from his homestead section, the whole of John Rigg's original run was leased to a John Robertson from 1 January 1851 under the 16th clause of the regulations of 29 March 1848. [12]

The Electoral Roll for 1856, East Bourke, Donnybrook Division, lists number 1532, John Rigg Deep Creek, farmer freeholder, house and 767 acres of land.

[1] PROV Pastoral Run Files 50/937

[2] PROV VPRS 5920 Pastoral Run Number 77 Letter from John Rigg to C. J. La Trobe 17 July 1850

[3] PROV VPRS 6/P2/Volume 3 50/275 Outward Letter Books Surveyor-General's Department

[4] 50/694

[5] PROV VPRS 8168/P5/SYDNEY D2 Plan of the Parish of Darraweit Guim, inscribed "Surveyed by H. B. Foot Assistant Surveyor 1851" and signed “Accompanying Description and my Letter No. 51/207 dated 22 March 1854 Robert Hoddle Surveyor”

[6] PROV VPRS 14147/P1/1 page 11

[7] Letter 51/931

[8] Victoria Government Gazette 21st January 1852

[9] Argus (Melbourne), Saturday 15th May 1852, page 4

[10] Argus (Melbourne), Friday 30th January 1852, page 2

[11] VPRS 11866 P1 unit 2 Book E Page 18 (Land sale 29th January 1852

[12] PROV Outward Letter books Surveyor-General's Department Letter 51/75 from Robert Hoddle to John Rigg dated 29 January 1851

SUMMARY OF JOHN RIGG'S LAND PURCHASES

1852 Sale of Crown Land, Melbourne, Country Lots, 29th January 1852 County of Bourke, Parish of Mickleham, 316 acres Purchaser John Rigg, residence Darraweit Deposit £31/12/- Total £316 [1]

1852 Date of Sale 29th January 1852 Grantee John Rigg Parish of Mickleham Allotment 30 316 acres [2]

1852 Report of Suburban & Country Lands selected by right of Pre-emption from 1st May to the 30th June 1852 under the Government Notice of 8th December 1851 County of Bourke, Parish of Darraweit Guim Allotment 2 451 acres 3 roods price £1 per acre.

Date of sale 29th May 1852 £451-15 [3]

1854 J. Rigg proprietor of 451 acres, Section 2 Parish of Daraweit Guim date 13.4.1854 [4]

1854 Pre-emptive grant John Rigg Parish of Darraweit Guim Allotment 2 451 acres 3 roods Deed dated 13th April 1854 [5]

1852 Sale of Crown Land, Melbourne, Country Lots, 29th January 1852 County of Bourke, Parish of Mickleham, 316 acres Purchaser John Rigg, residence Darraweit Deposit £31/12/- Total £316 [6]

John Rigg's original ownership of the property is later confirmed in the prospectus for the Bank Vale Mining Company. [7]

[1] PROV VPRS 11862/P1/3 Volume 3 Page 63

[2] PROV VPRS 11866/P1 Volume 3 page 18 (Registration Book No 6)

[3] PROV VPRS 11862/P1/4 page 46

[4] Map of the Parish of Daraweit Guim, County of Bourke, Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne January 1956

[5] PROV VPRS 11866/P1 Volume 3 page 208 (Registration Book No 21 page 35)

[6] PROV VPRS 11862/P1 Volume 3 Page 63

[7] Argus (Melbourne), Thursday 25 August 1859, page 3

JOHN RIGG’S LAND DEALINGS WITH W.J.T. CLARKE AND OTHER SPECULATORS

According to Billis and Kenyon, John Rigg was registered as the proprietor of the Bank Vale pastoral run in 1845 (mis-represented as "Bark Vale"). [1]

In May 1852 John Rigg had paid just over £450 for his homestead property, lot 2 of the Parish of Darraweit Guim, as his pre-emptive right, at the price of £1 per acre. In 1852 he also purchased section 30 of the parish of Mickleham for £316. [2] The two lots combined were known as the Bank Vale Estate.

Thereafter, John Rigg purchased property on the eastern bank of the Deep Creek from William John Turner Clarke and took out a mortgage on his Bank Vale Estate. These transfers and transactions are documented in the Memorial Books of the Registrar-General's Office which are held in the Public Record Office of Victoria. [3]

On 28 February 1853 John Rigg increased his Darraweit Guim land holdings to include pastures with a Deep Creek frontage when he purchased from W.J.T. Clarke and his wife Eliza 600 acres on the western side of the old Sydney road (portions 3 and 4 of Darraweit Guim) for £2400. [4] Thomas Turner a'Beckett is named as the third part in this transaction but his part is unclear. A'Beckett was a lawyer and Member of the Legislative Council. His brother, Sir William a'Beckett was the first Chief Justice of Victoria. To finance this land purchase from the Clarkes, Rigg took out a mortgage on the properties. Clarke provided a mortgage for £1200 on 24 November 1853 [5] and the transaction was further facilitated by a "Conveyance of Equity of Redemption" applied to the same properties, dated 22 December 1853, for which Clarke paid Rigg £1200. [6]

On 30 May 1854 John Rigg also took out a mortgage on his Bank Vale Estate and borrowed £1200 from Mary Jackson, Henry Budge and John Edward Irving Dickson. [7]

A biography of W.J.T. Clarke was published in 1980 by his great grandson, Michael Clarke. In a comprehensive review of his ancestor's land dealings, Michael Clarke recorded details of his interactions with John Rigg which are not strictly accurate. In his biography, 'Big' Clarke, Michael Clarke claims that W.J.T. Clarke sold some 700 acres of his Bank Vale station, situated North of Mickleham and to the East of Deep Creek to John Rigg whom he condescendingly dismisses as “a humble wheat-farmer.” [8] Michael Clarke claims also that W.J.T. Clarke objected when Rigg advertised parcels of land for sale in 1859. John Rigg had in fact purchased a 600 acre property on the Deep Creek from Clarke and that property which comprised sections 3 and 4 of the parish of Darraweit Guim was indeed mortgaged to Clarke. However, the land which Rigg had advertised the sale was part of Rigg's own Bank Vale Estate, not the land he had purchased from Clarke on the Deep Creek. Clarke was never the land owner or mortgagee of the property known as the Bank Vale Estate and which comprised portion 30 of the parish of Mickleham and portion 2 of Darraweit Guim. John Rigg had been the landowner of that estate from the outset.

After securing the properties with a Deep Creek frontage from Clarke, Rigg had his Bank Vale Estate surveyed for subdivision and advertised the property for sale by public auction to be held on 7 December 1854. [9] On 22 December 1854, the firm Rae, Dickson & Co. gained control of the whole of Rigg's original Bank Vale property (portion 30 parish of Mickleham and portion 2 of Darraweit Guim) from John Rigg. In a Conveyance of Equity Redemption, Thomas Rae, John Edward Irving Dickson and Warrand Carlile Dickson (trading as Rae, Dickson & Co.) transferred £2726/8/10 to John Rigg. In this transaction, Thomas Rae, acting as an individual, contributed the princely amount of ten shillings, paid to John Rigg. [10]

On 2 August 1858 the Bank Vale Estate was transferred by a conveyance of Equity of Redemption from Rae, Dickson and Co. to Hugh Glass, a squatter and land speculator. [11] By 1862 Glass held land leases exceeding half a million acres and was considered the wealthiest man in Victoria. [12 ]

By 1859, the Bank Vale Mining Company had become the proprietor of the Bank Vale station, of 757 acres, comprising land Section 30 Parish of Mickleham, County of Bourke, and Section 2, Parish of Daraweit Guim. [13]

The Bank Vale estate, comprising 757 acres, was ultimately sold by auction by the Bank Vale Mining Company on 22 May 1860 for £ 2 10s. per acre. [14]

INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE ACQUISITION OF THE BANK VALE ESTATE

The firm of RAE, DICKSON AND COMPANY were general merchants and candle manufacturers in Queen Street.  The partners were Thomas Rae, John Edward Irving Dickson and Warrand Carlile Dickson who became the mortgagees for John Rigg's Bank Vale Estate.

THOMAS RAE 1819-1862 was member of the Legislative Council of Victoria from 1855 to 1856. Together with Clarke, he was a director of the ill-fated Bolinda Mining Company and was lampooned in the Punch "soup plate" spoof (see below). Expertise in the field of gold prospecting was implied in the prospectus for the Mining Company (see below) but Rae had no background in geology or mining. He was a soap and candle manufacturer who had received only a basic education in Glasgow, where he had commenced an apprenticeship in engineering. [15] 

JOHN EDWARD IRVING DICKSON and his brother WARRAND CARLILE DICKSON were partners in the firm of Rae, Dickson and Company. MARY JACKSON was their sister. John Dickson was a commission agent and became a director of the Bank Vale Mining Company. He died on 12 January 1862 aged 33 years. Warrand Dickson 1830-1864 was also a commission agent. By 1863, he was insolvent, with debts in excess of £3000, the cause of his insolvency being "unfortunate mercantile speculations and bad debts." [16]  Mary Jackson was the widow of wealthy merchant James Jackson, who died at sea in 1851.  James Jackson was a soap and candle manufacturer, with a business was in Flinders Street. She died at Bournemouth aged 73 in 1891. [17] 

HENRY BUDGE was a warehouse proprietor and investor who died in 1867. He was a family friend of the Jacksons.

HUGH GLASS 1817-1871 was a squatter and land speculator. By 1862 he held land leases exceeding half a million acres and was reputed to be the wealthiest man in Victoria at the time. [18] 

[1] Billis, R.V. and Kenyon, A.S., Pastoral Pioneers of Port Phillip

[2] Argus 30th January 1852, page 2

[3] PROV VPRS 18873

[4] PROV Registrar-General's Office Memorial Book 21 Number 371

[5] PROV Registrar-General's Office Memorial Book 21 Number 372

[6] PROV Registrar-General's Office Memorial Book 21 Number 373

[7]  Memorial Book 14 Number 953 Memorial Mr. Jno Rigg to Mrs My. Jackson and others 25 July 1854

[8] Clarke, Michael, ‘Big’ Clarke Queensberry Hill Press 1980

[9] The Age 1 December 1854 page 7

[10] Memorial Book 21 Number 321

[11] Memorial Book 928 Number 66??(check this ref)

[12] Leader 13 September 1862 page 1

[13] The Argus Thursday 25 August 1859 page 3

[14] The Argus Wednesday 22 May 1860 page 4

[15] Obituary Age 13 December 1862 page 5

[16] The Age 26 May 1863 page 7

[17] James Jackson probate file PROV VPRS 7592/1/4

[18] Leader 13 September 1862 page 1

JOHN RIGG'S ATTEMPTS TO SELL HIS BANK VALE ESTATE

Over the years, from 1854 to 1858, John Rigg made repeated attempts to defray costs by advertising portions of his Bank Vale Estate for sale. After having the Bank Vale Estate surveyed for subdivision, John Rigg advertised his property for sale by public auction to be held on 7 December 1854. The land was described as "of superior quality and well adapted for farms and market gardens" and, "having a good supply of water from the Deep Creek". [1]

Argus (Melbourne), Friday 28 July 1854, page 9

To Farmers and Others. For Sale 763 Acres of superior Agricultural Land, situated on the Deep Creek, within two miles of the township of Kalkallo, Sydney Road, and within twenty miles of Melbourne.

The Title is a grant from the Crown.

The Sydney Road is being formed and metalled the whole distance, and will shortly be completed.

The land will either be sold in one lot, or in portions to suit market gardeners or small farmers.

Price and terms, which are liberal can be ascertained on application to Messrs RAE, DICKSON and CO., Queen street; or to JOHN RIGG, Esquire, Bankvale, near Kinlochewe, who can show intending purchasers the ground.

Argus (Melbourne), Thursday 30 November 1854, page 2

THURSDAY, 7th DECEMBER.

Important Sale of Bank Vale Estate.

To Agriculturalists, New Arrivals, Market Gardeners and Others.

W.M. TENNENT and CO. have received instructions to sell by public auction, at their rooms, Collins street, on Thursday, 7th December, at twelve o’clock,

All that valuable estate known as Bank Vale, being portion of the property of J. Rigg, Esq.

This truly valuable estate is distant from Melbourne only twenty miles, and within one mile of Donnybrook, to which township it derives the advantage of a good metal road. The land is of superior quality, and well adapted for farms and market gardens, having a good supply of water from the Deep Creek.

The timber on the ground would pay for fencing, &c. and all necessary improvements.

The whole of the above valuable estate has been subdivided into suitable farms, as per lithographic plans to be now had at the rooms of the auctioneers, so that intending purchasers may proceed at once to the ground and satisfy themselves.

Terms: -One-fourth Cash, the remainder by bills at six, twelve, and eighteen months, with 8 per cent interest added.

By 1858, John Rigg appears to have had enough of farming.  In July 1858, he advertised for sale 230 acres of his homestead block (section 2 of Darraweit Guim), to be subdivided into allotments ranging from 2 ½ to ten acres. [2] The sale was advertised to take place on 9 September 1858 but did not go ahead. W.J.T. Clarke's biographer, Michael Clarke, alleged that the land offered for sale was heavily mortgaged to Clarke, who halted the sale. [3] However, it was Clarke's former lands on the Deep Creek which were mortgaged to Clarke, whereas Rigg was attempting to sell allotments from his original 757 acre farm, the "Bank Vale Estate." Instead, Rigg became involved in Clarke's gold mining deception. Clarke re-acquired the title to Rigg’s farm and sold the 757 acres to the Bank Vale Mining Company syndicate for £15,000, comprising £8000 in shares and £7000 in cash.

When it became clear that the mining venture had failed, the Bank Vale Mining Company advertised Rigg's former Bank Vale Estate as available for leasing for grazing purposes:

"BANK VALE MINING COMPANY’S OFFICE, 99 Collins-street west, October 10, 1859.-TENDERS will be received at the above office until Saturday, the 22nd inst., for LEASING PORTION of the BANK VALE ESTATE, about 740 acres, for grazing purposes; also separate Tenders for the existing Crops of Wheat, Potatoes, &c., particulars of which may be obtained on application to the undersigned. The directors do not bind themselves to accept the highest tender. J. A. HUXTABLE, Secretary." [4] 

1859 Bank Vale Mining Company is the proprietor of Bank Vale station, of 757 acres, comprising land Section 30 Parish of Mickleham, County of Bourke, and Section 2, Parish of Daraweit Guim. [5]

The Bank Vale property was advertised for sale at public auction held on 22 May 1860, under instruction from the trustees of the bank Vale Mining Company. The property was described in most glowing terms as "a very valuable productive agricultural and grazing estate of 767 acres, riding over undulating hills and dales, and beautifully grassed slopes. 567 acres are fenced in, and 200 acres, more or less, are in cultivation." [6]

The Bank Vale estate, comprising 757 acres, was sold by auction by the Bank Vale Mining Company on 22 May 1860 for £ 2 10s. per acre. [7]

Argus (Melbourne), Saturday 7 February 1857, page 8

FARM for SALE, Twenty miles from town, consisting of 320 Acres of rich soil, portion of the Bank Vale Estate, near Kalkallo. A. E. Wheatley 60 Queen-street.

Argus (Melbourne), Wednesday 28 July 1858, page 3

PRELIMINARY NOTICE.

Important Unreserved Sale of Part of the Bank Vale Estate, the Property of John Rigg, Esq., acknowledged to be the Finest Farming Land in the Donnybrook District.

H. BIERS and Co. have been favored with instructions to subdivide and SELL the property, being part of Section 2, parish of Darraweitguim, in allotments suitable to purchasers.

Plans are in preparation and may be had in a few days with further particulars at the office of H. Biers and Co, auctioneers, surveyors and estate agents, 44 Elizabeth-street, opposite the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank.

Age (Melbourne), Tuesday 31 August 1858, page 7

THURSDAY, 9th SEPTEMBER. At the Newly-Discovered Donnybrook Goldfields. Unreserved Sale of Part of Portion 2 of the Parish of Darraweitguim, About Two Miles from the Townships of Donnybrook and Deepdene, And well-known as the Bank Vale Estate. MESSRS H. BIERS and CO. have been favored with instructions from John Rigg, Esq., to subdivide and sell by auction, at the Hall of Commerce, Collins street west, on Thursday, 9th September, All that portion of section No. 2 of the parish of Darraweitguim, containing 230 acres, more or less, most beautifully situated between Donnybrook and Deepdene, about twenty miles from Melbourne, with a frontage to the Broadmeadows road, and admitted to be the best agricultural land in this district, which can boast of some of the finest farms in the colony. The section has long been known as the Bank Vale Estate, and celebrated for its excellent crops. It is now destined to become as well known throughout the colony as it has hitherto been in its more immediate vicinity, owing to the recent development on the adjoining section of one of the richest quartz reefs yet discovered. Aware that a reef of such richness in close proximity to his properly will attract a large population the proprietor has determined to offer the same for public competition, and for this purpose has had it subdivided into lots, varying from 2 1/2 to 10 acres each, thus providing those great desiderata near a gold field, viz., such conveniently sized freeholds as may enable the miner to provide himself with the necessaries and comforts of a home at a short distance from his occupation. The land is undulating and combines richness, fertility, and beauty to an extent which it would be difficult to equal in any other part of the colony, while the fact of its being within a short distance of the Deep Creek ensures to the purchasers a never failing supply of the purest water. Persons desirous of inspecting the property can reach it by coach twice a day. The title is guaranteed unexceptionable. Lithographic plans can be obtained at to offices of the auctioneers, 44 Elizabeth street, the — Inn, Donnybrook, or of John Rigg, Esq., Bank Vale Estate.

Argus (Melbourne), Friday 17 September 1858, page 8

BANK VALE ESTATE, between Deep Creek and Donnybrook- Remaining unsold, FARMS, from 2 1/2 to 10 acres each, fronting the Broadmeadows-road, adjoining Mr. Rigg’s farm. Low price. Easy terms. Lithographed plans can be bad of H. Biers and Co., 44 Elizabeth-street.

Argus (Melbourne), Monday 22 November 1858, page 3

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Farms at Donnybrook, and Growing Crops.

H. BIERS and CO. have been favored with instructions from John Rigg, Esq., to SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION, on and adjoining his farm, on Tuesday, November 23, at 1 o’clock prompt, 40 acres of growing oats, in two lots.

Also, A few remaining 5 acre farms, which, together with the crops, are beautifully situated on the best portions of the Bank Vale section

Title guaranteed.

Terms at sale.

Plans and further particulars at the Auctioneer's offices, 44 Elizabeth-street.

Argus (Melbourne), Thursday 25 November 1858, page 8

BANK VALE ESTATE, Rocky Water Holes. - FARMS, all sizes, cheap. Credit. H. Biers and Co., 44 Elizabeth-street.

[1] The Age 29 November 1854 page 2

[2] The Age 31 August 1858 page 7

[3] Clarke, Michael, ‘Big’ Clarke Queensberry Hill Press 1980

[4] The Argus 12 October 1859 page 6

[5] The Argus Thursday 25 August 1859 page 3

[6] The Age 15 May 1860 page 2

[7] The Argus Wednesday 22 May 1860 page 4

LIFE AND DEATH AT BANK VALE

In 1839 Lady Franklin, the wife of the ill-fated Sir John Franklin, made a celebrated journey overland from Melbourne to Sydney. In April 1839 her party traversed the pastoral holdings of James Malcolm in the district which became known as Craigieburn. Travelling north through the wide valley of the Merri Creek, known as Mercer's Vale, her party stopped at the station of Mr. Augustus Thom on 8 April.  Mr Thom's homestead was near the present settlement of Beveridge. The pasture which John Rigg farmed was on the western slopes of Mercer's Vale and his holdings were situated in the future parishes of Mickleham and Darraweit Guim. Lady Franklin's party very likely traversed the track which became the Old Sydney Road, but the Bank Vale run was not mentioned in Lady Franklin's diary.

The NSW Government census return for 1841 which was taken on 15 March 1841 has John Rigg and his family living in a completed timber residence at "Bank Vale", together with four shepherds and a stockman. Ten people were living at the property:

Census Return No. 40

Householder: John Rigg

Residence: Bank Vale

Dwelling built of wood and completed

10 persons living in the house:

Males: 5 aged 21 and under 45- 2 married and 3 single

Females: 3 aged 21 and under 45- two married; 2 aged under 2 and born in the colony (note John Rigg’s eldest daughter, Grace, was born at Kirkcudbright on 5 March 1839)

Religion: 2 Church of England, 5 Church of Scotland, 3 Roman Catholic

Employees: 4 shepherds and 1 stockman or agricultural worker

John Rigg is the first householder to be recorded in residence on the Bank Vale Estate which comprised Section 30 of the Parish of Mickleham and Section 2 of the parish of Darraweit Guim.

One of John Rigg's shepherds was David Patullo. In Sutherland's Victoria & Its Metropolis, David Patullo is described as "a native of Scotland, who landed in Melbourne in December 1841 at the age of 24 years. He was first employed as shepherd, with Mr Rigg of Donnybrook, for four years, during which time he picked some specimens of stone, which he thought contained gold, but on showing them to his companions, he was laughed at, and consequently thought no more of the matter. It however turned out, that he was right, for the spot proved afterwards to be part of the Bolinda gold reef. He purchased 12 acres of land and a team of bullocks, and engaged in teaming and farming for two years, after which he rented 165 acres and went into farming on a larger scale for the following six years, also doing sheep shearing in his spare time. In 1851 he went to the diggings with but little success and returned to farming. In 1853, bought Craig Bank Homestead Bulla (640 acres) where he has farmed and grazed ever since, owning besides his farm at Bulla, a large tract of land, in South Gippsland. He was married a few months prior to leaving Scotland to Agnes Paton, a native of Kinross and has a family of eighteen children, eleven of whom are living and he has twenty grandchildren." [1] Patullo died in 1890 aged 73.

There was an economic downturn on the early 1840's. During that time John Rigg's income probably derived mainly from his wool clip. The Port Phillip Gazette of 28 January 1845 reported that John Rigg had exported eight bales of wool, bound for London.

HUNTING

A meeting of subscribers to the Mercer's Vale Hounds was convened at the Kinlochewe Inn on 6 January 1847 to decide the programme for the ensuing season. [2] During the winter of 1847 the Mercer's Vale Hounds conducted a series of hunt meetings which were held at a number of locations including the Kinlochewe Inn, Mount Aitken, Headlam's Station on Emu Creek and at Rocky Water Holes on the Sydney Road and as far afield as Brock's station Bullanda and Colonel Anderson's property on the Goulburn River. [3] The hunt officials are not recorded but the Rigg family were involved in equine sport and were very likely involved with the Mercer's Vale Hounds. A hurdle race was reported on John Rigg's property in 1858. John Rigg rode in the race himself, along with his eldest daughter Grace (see newspaper report below). [4]

1850 was a year of exceptional heat and drought. On Thursday 2 February 1851 a scorching Northerly wind foreshadowed a devastating inferno swept through the pasture lands of Mercer's Vale.  One quarter of the Colony was burnt. The village of Kinlochewe was burnt to the ground. Fences on the Deep Creek were burnt but houses were saved. [5] There is no report of the effect of the conflagration on the Rigg properties.

In 1853 John Rigg pursued a successful court action against Alexander Mollison for allowing scab-infested sheep to be driven across Rigg's pastures (see article below). [6]

A nineteen-year-old lad died in John Rigg's house at Bank Vale on 9 May 1853. [7] George Lowther Johnstone may have been employed as a farm hand but may have been a visitor or family friend. His burial record describes his profession as "Gentleman." [8] He was born in 1834 at Kirkcudbright, where his father, Bryce Johnstone, was a solicitor. He was a nephew of Alexander Johnstone J.P., a pastoral pioneer in the Western District who, in 1841, with his associates, had set up the Carranballac station, to the west of Skipton. The cause of George Johnstone's untimely death is unknown.

The discovery of gold on Rigg's station sparked a minor gold rush but his farming venture floundered and the Rigg's Bank Vale property was advertised for sale in December 1854. Then followed a series of transactions which placed John Rigg at the mercy of the land speculator J.M.W. Clarke. In July 1858 John Rigg advertised for sale allotments from Section 2 of the parish of Darraweit Guim, his homestead property. [9] 

John Rigg was a trustee of the land at Donnybrook reserved for the Presbyterian Church which was erected after his death. [10]

Despite financial hardship, John Rigg remained in permanent occupation of the Bank Vale Estate which he continued to farm until his death in 1863. He died aged 58 years at Bank Vale, Darraweit Guim, on 20 June 1863 from a short illness labelled as “disease of the brain.” He was buried in the Donnybrook cemetery on 23 June 1863. There is no headstone and no record of his interment survives.

SHEEP SCAB

The Argus Friday 2 September 1853 page 5

THE SCAB ACT. -The long pending complaint made by Mr. John Rigg, against Alexander P. Mollison, M.L.C., for having knowingly permitted scabby sheep belonging to him to be driven over land in the occupation of Mr. Rigg, without having given the necessary notice, came on for hearing at the District Court yesterday. Mr. Trenchard, the solicitor, appeared on behalf of the complainant. The defendant conducted his own defence. Messrs Payne, Thomas, and Goodman were the Justices on the bench. A great many witnesses were examined, among whom were several neighbours of the parties, who are sheep farmers, and one of the defendant’s shepherds. The case occupied a very great length of time. The evidence taken amounted to proof of the facts that the sheep were the defendant's property; that they were infected with the scab, that they were driven over Mr. Rigg’s ground by Mr. Mollison’s direction, or with his consent, and that he must or ought to have known that they were then scabby. Mr. Mollison called no witnesses, and offered no further defence than his own assertion that he did not know the sheep were scabby. The magistrates took about twenty minutes then to make up their minds, and then announced that a majority of the Bench imposed a fine of £100. As soon as the case was disposed of, Mr. Trenchard called another case, growing out of the same transaction, in which Patrick Madder and George Denham, two of Mr. Mollison’s shepherds, were the defendants. The complaint against them was for having driven the sheep as is above stated. Madder was said to be too unwell to be able to attend. The other defendant, Denham, was present. Mr. Rigg proved the necessary facts against the accused, and the Bench imposed a fine of £5.

HURDLE RACE AT BANK VALE

Age (Melbourne), Monday 2 August 1858, page 9

BANK VALE HURDLE RACE.

Upon Saturday last an interesting hurdle race was got up at Bank Vale, the farm of John Rigg, Esq., near Donnybrook. The course selected was a very fine one, and about a mile and a half to two miles in length. Five horses were entered, and as all the riders (with but one exception) were thorough amateurs, and what our sporting contemporary would call "green at the business," much fun was anticipated, and many were the predictions that there would be "lots of spills." But fortunately the spectators were doomed to disappointment in this respect as there was but one fall during the whole race. At about half-past three o'clock the horses came to the post, and after a beautiful start, the following was the result: —

Miss Grace Rigg's ch mViolet (Mr. J. Edwards, jun.) 1

Mr G. M. Abbott's bl m Maid of the Mill (owner) 2

J. Rigg's b g Napoleon (Mr Charles Wintle) 3

J. Rigg's b m Jessie (owner) 4

M. Rigg's b m Kitty (owner) 5

Violet was the first to show the way. She cleared the first leap (a high brush fence) in beautiful style, closely followed by Abbott on Maid of the Mill. Jessie was the third over. Kitty fell and threw her rider, and as Napoleon was close behind her, he had no alternative but to clear the fence, rider and all, which he did in a manner that called forth the admiration of all the spectators. Kitty was soon re-mounted but never showed after in the race, coming in last. Violet struck rather heavily against the second fence— leaving a gap which Abbott took advantage of. Napoleon here collared Jessie, and a pretty race ensued between the four. Violet, however, maintained a slight lead up the hill, and took the third leap about a length in advance. She struck the top rail with her hind feet, and completely splintered it. Mr Edwards, however, kept her upon her legs, and she and Maid of the Mill soon took a decided lead. Violet took the fourth jump about two lengths in advance, and upon nearing home a desperate struggle ensued, the chestnut mare, however, winning by a length. Mr Wintle cleverly landed Napoleon a good third. Several small matches were then run, and at dusk the gentlemen riding, and the visitors accepted the hospitality of Mr Rigg, and spent a pleasant evening. 

[1] Sutherland, A., Editor, Victoria and Its Metropolis 1888 page 433

[2] Port Phillip Patriot 5 January 1847 page 2

[3] Meets were advertised in the Port Phillip Patriot

[4] Age 2 August 1858 page 9

[5] Argus 10 February 1851 page 2

[6] The Argus Friday 2 September 1853 page 5

[7] The Argus Monday 11 May 1853 page 4

[8] BDM Registry Victoria Death Registration Number 5632/1853 Burials in the Parish of St James for 1853 number 2166 page 152

[9] Argus (Melbourne), Monday 12 July 1858, page 2

[10] Victoria Government Gazette 1864 Number 52 page 118

THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD AT BANK VALE

One of John Rigg's shepherds, David Patullo, claimed to have discovered gold in John Rigg's paddocks. Patullo was employed at Bank Vale from 1841, for a period of four years.

In 1852 John Rigg was mining for gold-bearing quartz near his homestead at Darraweit Guim. At the height of the Port Phillip gold rush, a party travelling to the Bendigo goldfields passed by John Rigg's station and saw a dozen men digging for gold a short distance from the Rigg's homestead: a news correspondent reported that he had stayed at Rigg's station en route from Flemington to the Bendigo goldfields: on 11 September 1852 he and his party "Came to the Rocky Waterholes’ Plain, where we met a bullock driver, who informed us that gold had been found within a few miles on a station belonging to Mr. Rigg. We determined upon inspecting the new gold field, and leaving the others with the cart, three of us started in search of it. After going about half a mile we came to Rigg’s house, when we were directed to the diggings, about a quarter of a mile distant. When we got there, there were about a dozen men, two of whom only were at work, the rest having come like ourselves to see the place. The two men who had discovered the gold informed us that they had been working there about a fortnight-no one knowing it until the day before. They had sunk several holes on the top of a pretty high hill-the gullies as yet being too wet to allow of a hole to be sunk in them. From what we could learn from themselves, and from washing several tin dishfuls of earth taken from the bottom of the holes, which they had sunk, it did not appear to us that much could be done in that spot, although it seems very probable that a rich gold field will be discovered somewhere in the neighbourhood. About four feet below the surface there was a vein of quartz, which was extraordinary rich in ore. Every stone that we broke was dotted with minute specks of gold. One of the men showed us a piece that he had obtained from one of the holes about the size of a pea. The soil through which they sunk was decomposed slate resting on a bed of pipeclay. The appearance of the country around is very picturesque, particularly near the banks of the Deep Creek-gently sloping hills, dotted with umbrageous gum trees, and covered with a thick sward of grass as green as emerald. Went back to our mates, intending to proceed about half a mile further before we pitched our tent. Crossing a flat we were obliged to divide the load into two, but notwithstanding this we got bogged, and were obliged to unload and take the horses out. Camped on Rigg’s station. Five miles. The mosquitoes very troublesome, which one would not expect at this time of the year.

12th (Sunday). Staid at encampment. Some went out to inspect the new diggings and returned, bringing with them several pieces of quartz full of specks of gold. The majority, notwithstanding, determined on proceeding to Bendigo in preference to stopping to give the place a trial." [1]

In March 1857, one of Rigg’s workmen found gold when he was quarrying stone on squatter Clarke’s land on the opposite side of the old Sydney Road from the Rigg homestead. [2] Clarke financed Rigg in sinking a shaft on Rigg’s own property and an auriferous quartz reef was found.

A piece in the Melbourne Age of Thursday 2 September 1858 reported the finding of gold early in 1857: "About eighteen months ago, Mr Rigg, of Deepdene, obtained permission from W. J. T. Clarke, Esq., to quarry some stone suitable for building purpose from the adjacent land belonging to that gentleman. One of the men who was employed quarrying for the stone brought Mr Rigg a lump of quartz weighing about four pounds, which was thickly impregnated with gold, stating that he found it near to the spot where he was employed. Mr Rigg was previously aware that the land around his farm was auriferous, but had not before obtained such convincing proof."

In 1856 a geological survey of the Darraweit Guim and Merriang districts was undertaken by assistant surveyor Norman Taylor. A map was published in 1862, depicting an auriferous quartz vein running north across the road from Broadmeadows (the old Sydney Road) from Rigg Hill (Section II of Darraweit Guim) into Clarke's adjoining Sections III and IV, the vein described thus: “Auriferous quartz vein worked in 1852. Average yield 4 ozs per ton from 4 tons crushed in Melbourne. Bolinda Mining Co. formed to work this vein in 1859” [3]

The following report appeared in the Melbourne Age on 2 September 1858, page 5:

QUARTZ REEFS NEAR DONNYBROOK

We stated about a fortnight ago, that some gentlemen belonging to this city had been experimenting upon the quartz reefs near Donnybrook, with very encouraging results. We have since obtained further reliable information and are now in a position to state that the reefs have afforded undoubted proofs of extraordinary richness. The experiments we allude to were made with a view of fairly testing the average yield of the reef, and though the machinery employed was not the best of its kind, being only temporarily erected for experimental purposes, still the result showed an average of about thirty to thirty-five ounces per ton. One parcel of quartz that weighed about eleven cwt, yielded nearly sixteen ounces, or at the rate of twenty-nine ounces per ton. Owing to the disadvantages under which these experiments were made, the loss of fine gold may be safely estimated at ten per cent., and were this allowance made in the above case the results may be calculated at about thirty-two ounces per ton.

These reefs are situated in the ranges to the left of the Sydney road, and are distant about three miles from the township of Donnybrook, which place is, perhaps, better known under its old name of the Rocky Water Holes. The circumstances which led to their discovery were as follows: - About eighteen months ago, Mr Rigg, of Deepdene, obtained permission from W.J.T. Clarke, Esq., to quarry some stone suitable for building purpose from the adjacent land belonging to that gentleman. One of the men who was employed quarrying for the stone brought Mr Rigg a lump of quartz weighing about four pounds, which was thickly impregnated with gold, stating that he found it near to the spot where he was employed. Mr Rigg was previously that the land around his farm was auriferous, but had not before found such convincing proof. This discovery was soon noised abroad, and several miners who had received permission from Mr Clarke to enter on his lands, sunk shafts and found gold; subsequently, however, want of means forced them to abandon what they declared to be a most encouraging prospect. At that time quartz reefs were not considered to be desirable investments. The locality, however, was repeatedly visited by parties of miners, most of whom expressed their conviction that the reefs would amply repay the expenses of working, but, like their predecessors, want of the necessary capital deterred them from prosecuting a search. About twelve months ago, Mr Rigg obtained Mr Clarke’s consent to search for a paying reef; and, after sinking some trial shafts, discovered one which promised a yield of

about fifteen to twenty ounces to the ton; but on following it, the vein was soon exhausted. Mr Rigg, however, continued his search, and has discovered several small but rich veins, that have yielded an average of about thirty ounces per ton. He has succeeded in tracing indications of the main reef, of which the above were apparently the leaders, for a considerable distance through his own property, which lies immediately south of Mr Clarke’s land. We had an opportunity yesterday of inspecting a heap of quartz that has just arrived in town from these reefs. Almost every piece contains gold more or less, the metal showing itself in what is called fine gold, being in particles the size of coarse gunpowder, although occasionally pieces are met with of a much larger size.

The reef in question, which we have had an opportunity of personally inspecting some weeks ago, possesses all those favourable indications that are said to accompany paying reefs. It runs very nearly north and south, and has marked traces of the presence of iron, giving it that rusty colour which is considered to be an encouraging sign. The quartz is of a milk-white opaque color, while all the leaders that have been come across indicate the proximity of a large reef. The search for gold, particularly in quartz reefs, has always been attended with a considerable degree of uncertainty. It is impossible therefore to say what results might attend the further development of the reefs in question, but, as far as it is possible to judge, the present indications are very encouraging; and we are inclined to think our citizens have good reason to congratulate themselves on the discovery of a rich auriferous quartz district within twenty-five miles of our city.     

This report presaged Clarke's infamous venture into the field of gold mining and was doubtless published at Clarke's instigation. The Bolinda Mining Company was formed in 1859. The prospectus for the Bolinda Mining Company gave glowing accounts of a very rich gold-bearing reef on the property. At the same time, the Bank Mining Company was launched, with a similar promise of the potential riches to be earned.

W.J.T. Clarke's biographer and descendent, Michael Clarke, wrote that Clarke's involvement in gold mining was "accidental" and that it was in a "rare fit of rashness" that Clarke promoted the Bolinda and Bank Vale Mining Companies. [4] Clarke was known as a shrewd and aggressive businessman and it was considered uncharacteristic for him to speculate in a gold-mining enterprise. Clarke sold his land to fund these enterprises, allegedly in return for shares and cash. The fabulous gold reef which had been promised failed to eventuate; John Rigg had worked out the thin vein of gold-bearing quartz which he discovered. Commercial quantities of gold failed to eventuate and both companies collapsed and were quickly wound up early in 1860.

[1] Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser Saturday 16 October 1852 page 4

[2] Flett, James, The History of Gold Discovery in Victoria 1970

[3] PROV VPRS8168/P2, MD3C; DARRAWEIT GUIM MERRIANG

[4] Clarke, Michael, Clarke of Rupertswood 1831-1897 The Life and Times of William John Clarke First Baronet of Rupertswood.

THE BOLINDA MINING COMPANY

A Prospectus of the Bolinda Mining Company was published in August 1859. [1] W.J.T. Clarke was a director. The directors were proprietors of 1688 acres of land on the east bank of the Deep Creek which comprised Sections 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 of the parish of Darraweit Guim. The Prospectus claimed there was a "very rich auriferous quartz reef" parallel to Deep Creek and running the whole length of the property. One of the co-directors was Thomas Rae of the firm Rae, Dickson and Co., general merchants and soap and candle manufacturers. In a letter to Clarke which was quoted in the Prospectus, Rae maintains that specimens of gold-bearing quartz had been picked off the ground at Clarke's property adjacent to Rigg's farm. Rae's qualifications as a geologist are not reported but he alleged that he took the specimens to Melbourne, where he pounded them with a hammer and washed the crushed ore in a common soup plate. He claimed that the gold content measured 130 ounces to the ton.

The venture failed and shareholders demanded that Clarke take back the land which he had sold to the Company and which the prospectus had valued at £33,000. At that same meeting in February 1860, Rae produced a letter of support from John Rigg dated Bank Vale, Feb. 3, 1860 and addressed to Thos. Rae, Esq. which read:

" Dear Sir, -I see from yesterday's Argus that you are suspected of not having got the quartz mentioned in your letter to Mr. Clarke which appeared in the prospectus of the Bolinda Mining Company, from the land now belonging to that company. As I know such suspicion to be groundless, I send the following statement, which you can make any use of you think proper.

"The quartz above referred to I saw taken out of a reef on the Bolinda property, with the exception of about two tons my son saw taken out while I was in Melbourne. I saw it bagged up, conveyed to my house, and there burned. I, also, after burning, saw it bagged, put on drays for Melbourne. I then superintended the crushing and washing of the same, and every evening, after weighing the gold washed off, I took it up to your office, and deposited it in your safe, the weights being marked on each separate parcel. So that I can vouch for the correctness of your statement in the Bolinda Mining Company's prospectus.

" I am, dear Sir, yours truly,

"JOHN RIGG." [2]

PROSPECTUS OF THE BOLINDA MINING COMPANY [3]

CAPITAL, £50,000, In 20,000 Shares, of £2 10s each. Deposit, £2 per share.

Provisional Directors: W.J.T. Clarke, Esq. James Stewart, Esq. J.G. Francis, Esq. Robert Turnbull, Esq. Thomas Brown, jun., Esq. Thomas Rae, Esq.

Bankers: National Bank of Australasia.

Solicitors: Messrs Smith and Willan. Honorary Secretary: Thomas Brown, jun., Esq., 42 Elizabeth street. Melbourne, August 3, 1859.

The provisional directors of this Company and others are co-proprietors of a block of land, containing 1688 acres situate on the east bank of the Deep Creek, about 22 miles from Melbourne, comprising the following sections, in the parish of Darraweitguim, in the county of Bourke, viz : — Section No. 3, containing 397 acres. ,,4, ,, 203,  ,,5, ,, 349, ,,8 ,, 380, ,,9, ,, 359 ,, Total  1,688 acres.

The land has a frontage of upwards of 2 1/2 miles in a straight line to the Deep Creek, with an average depth of more than a mile. Throughout the entire length of the land a very rich auriferous quartz reef has been traced, running nearly north and south, and parallel to the general direction of the Deep Creek. Seventeen tons of quartz taken from near the surface of section No. 3, and crushed in Melbourne, yielded an average of over 7 ounces of gold per ton, the machinery used being of the rudest kind, and a considerable quantity of gold having been consequently lost in the process of extraction. (See Mr Rae’s letter at foot.) It is proposed to form a company for the purpose of working this reef, commencing immediate operations upon the spot -where the quartz proved so rich near the surface. The immediate proximity of the Deep Creek (which affords an unlimited supply of water at all seasons) is a most valuable feature in this undertaking. By the use of simple mechanical means immense water-power may be obtained whereby the great expense attending the employment of steam-power may be either reduced or avoided altogether. The ascertained richness of the quartz already obtained, and the auriferous indications presented along the whole length of the land, fully justify, in the opinion of the Provisional Directors, their confident expectation of realising most satisfactory results. The great extent of the quartz-reef affords the prospect of disposing hereafter of portions of it to other companies upon very advantageous terms, and those portions of the land not considered auriferous are valuable for agricultural purposes. The owners of the property propose to assign their interest therein to the company for the sum of £33,000, which will be paid to them by 16,600 shares in the capital stock of the company, upon which the deposit of £2 per share will be regarded as paid up. Applications for the remaining 3500 shares upon which a deposit of £2 per share will be required, will be received by the Provisional Directors up till five o’clock on the evening of Friday, the 6th instant. Allottees of shares will be required to pay the deposit and execute the deed of settlement, as approved and adopted by the Provisional Directors, prior to their having any of the rights of shareholders. In conclusion, the Provisional Directors beg to append the following letter from Mr Thomas Rae, of the firm of Rae, Dickson, and Co.: -

To the Hon. W.J.T. Clarke.

Dear Sir, — Referring to the conversation I had with you yesterday, I now beg to lay before you a short statement regarding the quartz found on your land adjoining the Deep Creek, and near to Donnybrook, on the Sydney road. In November, 1857, I was on a visit at Mr Rigg’s farm, whose land is contiguous to yours. I learned then that on your land there were indications of the existence of gold-bearing quartz. Specimens were shown me which had been picked off the surface of the ground. A few pounds weight of these I brought to town, pounded them with a hammer, washed the stuff in a common soup plate, and found the product to be at the rate of 130 ounces of gold to the ton. I presumed the specimens were picked, and thought nothing about the matter for a month. At the expiry of that time I was again at Mr Rigg’s. I found that gentleman had been prospecting, and that he believed he was about finding a paying reef. I brought about 20 lb weight of the quartz to town, smashed it up with my own hands, and washed it. The yield was upwards of 100 oz to the ton. In February, 1858, I requested Mr Rigg to send me down 1 cwt of the quartz. He sent it down. I crushed it in a hand mill. The exact product of gold I have no note of, but I sold it to Mr Khull for £22 twenty-two pounds) sterling. I informed Mr Rigg of the result, and he went on digging, as I understand, with your assistance. About July last year I was again at his place. I met you there. Some 10 tons of quartz had been raised. I agreed to make a rude machine to test it. About a fortnight afterwards I sent up the machine. I went up, erected the crusher, and worked it for fully three days. I pounded, very roughly, about 11 cwt of quartz. Two bags were picked of what was supposed to be the richest, two of the poorest, and one of medium quality. The pounded stuff was simply washed in tin dishes, and the product of the 11 cwt was about 18 ounces of crude gold, which was smelted into an ingot, now in your possession, weighing upwards of 14 ounces. You then arranged that all the quartz that had been raised should be sent to town. I was to see to its being crushed. About 17 tons were crushed. Nearly one-half went through the amalgamating process; the other half was washed over shoots covered with blankets. The result from the washing was more favorable than that from the amalgamating process. The exact difference I cannot state, but it was considerable, and the quartz submitted to each process was taken indifferently from the lot. I have no account of the exact number of ounces of pure gold extracted from the 17 tons of quartz, but the net result was upwards of £480 (four hundred and eighty pounds) sterling. One day’s washing, about 5 ounces, was lost. Adding the value of that amount to the net return, the value realised per ton of quartz would he very close on £30 (thirty pounds) sterling. I may state that 12 months ago I took up an experienced quartz-reefer with me to your diggings. I got him to dig out some of the quartz with his own hands. He predicted that the reef would produce from 8 ounces to 10 ounces of gold to the ton; his prediction has so far proved correct. He tried the washing-stuff, and declared it be very valuable in deed. I remain, yours truly, THOMAS RAE, Melbourne, July 30, 1859.

Applications for shares to be addressed to the Provisional Directors, care of Mr. E. Khull, sharebroker, Collins-street west.

Form of Application.

To the Provisional Directors of the Bolinda Mining Company.

Gentlemen, — I hereby request that you will allot me   shares in the Bolinda Mining Company, and I hereby agree to accept the same, or any less number that may be allotted to me, and to pay on demand the deposit of £2 per share in terms of the prospectus of the company, dated the 3rd of August,

Name in Full

Residence

Designation

Signature

Dated at

THE BANK VALE GOLD MINING COMPANY

A prospectus of the Bank Vale Mining Company was also published in August 1859: “The projectors of this Company are proprietors of the block of land being Section 30, parish of Mickleham, and portion of Section 2, parish of Darraweit-guim, county of Bourke, containing 757 acres, adjoining the property of the Bolinda Mining Company, near Donnybrook, on the Kilmore-road, and about 22 miles distant from Melbourne. The original proprietor, Mr. John Rigg…” [4]

Name in Full

Residence

Designation

Signature

Dated at

PROSPECTUS OF THE BANK VALE MINING COMPANY AND REPORT FROM J. BRACHE, MINING ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR [5]

PROSPECTUS of the BANK VALE MINING COMPANY.

Capital, £30,000,

In 12,000 shares of £2 10s. each. Deposit £2 per share.

Provisional Directors.

Andrew Paton, Esq., St. Kilda. M. Mitchell, Esq., of Messrs. De Pass Brothers and Co. J. D. Dutch, Esq, late of Messrs. J. F. Dow and Co. Charles Heape, Esq., of Messrs. Heape Brothers. John Wilson. Esq., of Messrs. Wilson, Buchanan and Co. John E. J. Dickson, Esq., of Messrs. Rae, Dickson, and Co.

Bankers.

Bank of Australasia.

Solicitors.

Messrs. Duerdin, Bronckhorst, and Palmer.

Honorary Secretary.

Andrew Paton, Esq.

Melbourne, August 23, 1859.

The projectors of this Company are proprietors of the block of land being Section 30, parish of Mickleham, and portion of Section 2, parish of Darraweit-guim, county of Bourke, containing 767 acres, adjoining the property of the Bolinda Mining Company, near Donnybrook, on the Kilmore-road, and about 22 miles distant from Melbourne.

The original proprietor, Mr. John Rigg, who was the first prospector of the Bolinda Reef, has traced that reef into and through the property now offered to the public. Shafts have been sunk, quartz of great richness has been obtained, and experienced miners state distinctly that an inexhaustible supply of the same may be got from the Bank Vale property.

The richest reef yet discovered of the Bolinda Company is within 200 yards of the boundary of this property, and crops out through its full extent north and south.

There is an abundant supply of water on the land for all mining purposes; and as the Deep Creek is close at hand, and easily accessible by a road through the Deepdene Reserve, as well as by another Government road, every facility exists for the prosecution of the most extensive mining operations.

The land is well timbered, and will supply fuel to the Company for years to come.

It is proposed to form a company for the purpose of working the reefs (see report appended), and the proprietors of the land are prepared to assign their interest in the same to the Company for the sum of £15,000, to be paid them by 7,500 shares in the capital stock of the Company, upon which the deposit of £2 per share will be considered as paid up.

The Provisional Directors have pleasure in referring to Mr. Brache’s report annexed, which has been since confirmed by other practical men.

Applications for the remaining 4,500 shares, upon which a deposit of £2 per share will be required, will be received by the Provisional Directors up to 5 p.m. on the evening of Monday, the 20th inst., addressed to the Provisional Directors, care of Messrs. Wm. Clarke and Sons, stock and share brokers, Melbourne, and allottees will be called upon to pay the balance of deposit and execute deed of settlement, as approved and adopted by the Provisional Directors, prior to their having any of the rights of shareholders.

A preliminary deposit of 10s. per share to be forwarded with letter of application, or paid to the brokers at time of application; and the balance of £1 10s. per share subject to call on demand after allotment.

BANK VALE ESTATE.

REPORT.

Sirs, -In accordance with your instructions, I proceeded this day to survey the Bank Vale Estate, situate about 22 miles to the north of Melbourne, in the parish of Darraweitguim, between the townships of Donnybrook and Deepdene, and adjoining to the southward the estate of the Bolinda Mining Company.

I considered it advisable to examine the workings and mining capabilities of the Bolinda Estate first in order to obtain the necessary information to serve me as a guide in my observations on the Bank Vale Estate; although a survey of the former estate was not included in my instructions.

I must confess I found myself agreeably surprised with the splendid prospects of the Bolinda Mining Company, for, previous to my visit I had been some-what sceptical in my belief as to the auriferous character of the locality.

The quartz reef mentioned in Mr. Rae’s letter to the Honourable W.J.T. Clarke has been prospected for upwards of a mile in a north and southward direction; and, from the information I derived on the spot, so far the results have been most satisfactory.

This reef has varied in thickness along the surface from 1 to 3 feet.

It is the same reef which has been subsequently successfully traced through the entire length of the Bank Vale Estate in a north and south direction.

Everywhere in traversing the Bolinda Estate I found the clay, slate, sandstone, and quartz (silicean) formation; and there is no doubt in my mind that many other quartz-reefs will be found on further prospecting.

So extensive is this mining property, that the expenditure of even half-a-mlllion of capital might be advantageously applied under skilful management, in order to develope its mineral wealth; in fact, a property with less indications of mineral wealth would receive the largest support of mining capitalists in Great Britain, or on the Continent of Europe.

The engineering facilities of the mining property of the Bolinda Estate form a principal feature of its value. Inexhaustible water supplies may be obtained, at convenient spots, by damning up the deep gullies which intersect the estate, whilst the Deep Creek, a never-failing stream, will afford water-power to any extent.

The height of the present quartz-workings on this estate is fully 400 feet above the creek, rising to this altitude within the distance of half a mile, so that tunnels or adits may be driven to great advantage, both for mining and drainage purposes, from the level of the creek in an east and west direction, which would intersect the quartz-reefs running through the estate.

After having thus superficially reconnoitred the Bolinda mining property, I passed over the Bank Vale Estate to the southward, and made a careful and detailed survey of its mineral character and mining capabilities.

The Bank Vale Estate is a continuation of the same formation which characterises the Bolinda Estate: its surface features comprise two bold hills, rising to an altitude of about 450 feet above the Deep Creek on the west side, and about 250 feet on the east side, above the basalt plain at Donnybrook. The highest point of this property is at a spot where Mr. Rigg’s dwelling house is situate; and on both slopes of the hill, to the east and west, the clay, slate, sandstone, and quartz formation, is particularly striking to the eye. It is on the western slope of this hill, about 300 yards to the north-west of Mr. Rigg’s residence, where the quartz-reef of the Bolinda property, which was found so productive in gold, enters within the boundaries of the Bank Vale Estate. Here a shaft, 112 feet deep, has been sunk on the reef, which dips, almost vertically, about 1 foot on an average in thickness, and has proved auriferous throughout the entire depth of the shaft. This reef has been laid open at the surface about 200 yards in length. A party of Germans, who have obtained a lease of 10 acres of the Bank Vale Estate, have sunk a shaft of 180 feet in depth in search of the same reef; but, owing to their unskilful operations, they have, as yet, met with no satisfactory results. On the centre of the same hill, about 40 yards to the northward of Mr. Rigg’s residence, another shaft has been sunk to the depth of 25 feet, and a reef of about 1 1/2 feet has been laid open. The quartz from this reef contains very fine gold. About 100 yards from the latter to the north-eastward, another quartz-reef of about 9 inches thick has been laid bare to the depth of 10 feet; and about 50 yards to the eastward of the latter I traced a quartz-reef projecting at the surface of the ground about 1 foot in thickness.

Next I proceeded to a point situate about half-a mile to the northward of Mr. Rigg’s residence in the Government road which separates the Bolinda from the Bank Vale Estate. There, by a succession of surface trenches, a mass of quartz conglomerate (cement) has been laid open, consisting of irregular loose masses in which several specimens of gold have been found. I concluded, from the appearance of this conglomerate that a quartz-reef must be near this spot, a conclusion fully warranted when I found afterwards a quartz reef, 1 1/2 feet thick, on the eastern slope of the estate, near the upper end of Mr. Rigg’s wheat-field, which has been prospected and gold found. This reef lies to the southward of the conglomerate last mentioned.

After my survey of the northern portion of the estate, I proceeded to the southern portion, or second hill, divided from the first hill by a capacious gully. No workings as yet have been made in this locality, but the surface features are the same as those of the first hill already mentioned-quartz was here and there visible; and the five quartz reefs already mentioned and described as existing in the first hill, will also be found eventually to run through the second hill in their southward course.

I next proceeded to the lower part of the eastern slope of the estate, to a spot fully half a mile to the eastward of Mr. Rigg’s residence, where, in ploughing, detached masses of quartz have been turned up, and where I had least expected to meet with any quartz reef. A shallow trench disclosed here a quartz reef 1 1/2 feet thick, from which gold has been obtained.

This concluded my observations on the mineral character of the property, which, on the whole, is very satisfactory. Not fewer than six parallel reefs have been prospected in the Bank Vale Estate; from four of which gold has been obtained. Some of these reefs lie to the eastward of the Bolinda Estate, and consequently leave in their northward course the latter estate to the left, without passing through it. Moreover, the existence of quartz-reefs on the lower part of the eastern slope of the Bank Vale estate, and the great denudation force to which these reefs have been apparently exposed, leads me, with strong probability, to anticipate auriferous alluvial deposits in this locality, should it be carefully prospected hereafter.

Thus the auriferous character of the Bank Vale Estate is fully established; and it remains now only to apply judiciously a certain amount of capital to work advantageously this mining property.

The engineering facilities of the ground are fully equal to those already mentioned in my description of the Bolinda Estate; water supplies may be cheaply obtained from an immense drainage area by dams, whilst to the westward the Deep Creek, as in the Bolinda Estate, is easily approachable; tunnels or adits running at right angles to the course of the reefs, as above mentioned in my description of the Bolinda Estate, may here also be applied with equal advantage.

I do not hesitate to state it as my opinion, that the issue of the survey fully guarantees advantageous results from the application of large capital-say £50,000-in the working of this mining property, which l have no doubt might be secured under skilful management.

In conclusion, therefore, I have to recommend that, in the first instance a trench be cut in an east and westward direction, across the whole width of the estate, at its highest altitude; and that this trench be sunk to the solid rock (clay, slate, or sandstone), in order to lay bare the surface of all the quartz-reefs running in a north and south direction through the property. This would serve to indicate the best position of any shaft that might be required hereafter. Next, I would suggest the construction of a tunnel or adit, in the line of the above-mentioned trench, commencing at a point about 15 or 20 feet above the lowest level of the eastern boundary of the estate; and further to facilitate the construction of this tunnel, one or more shafts may be sunk in the line of the latter. In this manner all the quartz-reefs might be fully explored at a depth or more than 200 feet below the summit of the first hill. This tunnel would necessarily form the principal mining feature of the property, and would be found the cheapest and most expeditious mode of exploring the same and would also constitute the most convenient means for the extraction of the minerals, and serve as a conduct for the future drainage of the mine.

Before leaving this subject, I beg most earnestly to draw your attention to the fact, that in commencing mining operations on so large a property as the Bank Vale Estate, consisting of 767 acres, all depends upon the skill with which the preliminary works of a mine are planned and conducted; and if patience and perseverance are combined with these, and no overdue sanguinary expectations are fostered at the commencement, it cannot but prove, in my belief, other than a most valuable and permanent investment to capital hereafter.

I have the honour to be, Sirs,

Your most obedient servant,

J. BRACHE,

Mining Engineer and Surveyor, of Leicester and Brache.

To the Proprietors of the Bank Vale Estate.

66 Temple court, Collins-street west, Melbourne,

August 10, 1859.

Form of Application.

To the Provisional Directors of the Bank Vale Mining Company.

I hereby request that you will allot me shares in the Bank Vale Mining Company, and enclose £  being amount of 10 shillings per share as preliminary deposit thereon; and I also hereby agree to accept the same, or any less number that may be allotted to me, and to pay on demand the balance of deposit of £110s. per share, in terms of the prospectus of the Company, dated Melbourne, August 23, 1859.

Name in full

Residence

Designation Dated at

(Signature)

THE AFTERMATH

The Bank Mining Company venture failed and the land of the Bank Vale Estate, comprising 757 acres, was sold at auction by the Bank Vale Mining Company on 22 May 1860 for £2 10s. per acre. [6] A final dividend of 7 shillings per share was declared and made payable from 23 July 1860. [7] Pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of Victoria, the whole of the landholdings of the Bolinda Mining Company, amounting to 1688 acres in the parish of Darraweit Guim, were advertised to be sold by public auction on 6 September 1864. [8]

Argus (Melbourne), Monday 5 March 1860, page 4

There has not been any movement to record in the money market. The principal feature of the week has been the number of general Meetings held by mining joint-stock companies. The shareholders of the Bolinda Mining Company re-assembled on Tuesday, but, in consequence of the absence of the chairman, a further adjournment took place. It appears probable that some settlement will be arrived at between the original shareholders and the projectors, and that the estate, when wound up, will yield a dividend of 10s. in the pound. This result, it is needless to say, was not predicted in the prospectus, which spoke of a very rich auriferous reef two miles and a half long, several samples having been tested by Mr. Thomas Rae and found to yield upwards of 100 oz. to the ton. At the height of the mania, after the allotment of the shares, it will be remembered that a notice to the effect that, after a careful "experiment," by Mr. Charles J. Hodgson, it was found that the assay of Bolinda quartz "gave an average of 39 1/2 oz. to the ton rock." At this time, the Bank Vale Mining Company was also being got up. It was launched on the market with promises equally glowing to those which attended the birth of the Bolinda Mining Company. The estates are contiguous, and extraordinary yields of the Bolinda quartz were pointed at as inducements for capitalists to join in the scramble for Bank Vale shares. Fortunately for the public, discredit was thrown on these glowing accounts by a portion of the press. Inquiries were instituted; no more gold was found in paying quantities, either on the Bolinda estate or the Bank Vale estate; and now the companies formed to work the highly auriferous quartz-reefs are undergoing the process of being wound up. Men of standing in commercial circles lent their names without hesitation to both these companies. Some of these have suffered in reputation inconsequence, while those who were duped have been taught a lesson in joint-stock enterprise which they will be slow to forget. At the meeting of the Bank Vale shareholders on Friday, hopes were held out that a dividend of 10s. in the pound would be realised. The conduct of the shareholders was very extraordinary. From the opening to the close the meeting was merry in the extreme, and paragraph after paragraph of report which extinguished all hope of success for the project, gave occasion for repeated bursts of laughter. The feeling which led to this was something akin to this: "We have all been most thoroughly done, and we may as well laugh at ourselves, as others outside are sure to laugh at us." It must be asked, however, whether the tone of public morality will not be lowered by such conduct if repeated too frequently? There are grave questions of blame attachable more or less to all who have been mixed up in these bubbles which cannot be treated with levity, if the commercial character of the colony is to be upheld. 

Argus (Melbourne), Tuesday 31 March 1863, page 4

The preliminary steps have at length been taken to wind up the Bolinda Mining Company. This company, it will be remembered, was started in 1859, and the glowing prospects held out, the rush for its shares, and its utter failure, gave it a pre-eminence among the extraordinary associations the mania of the day called into existence. Latterly, when efforts have been made to dissolve the company, a difficulty has been experienced in obtaining a quorum; but yesterday a full attendance was obtained, and an extraordinary meeting was held. The proceedings were of a formal character. Mr. E. Turnbull was appointed chairman; and Mr. C.W. Ligar proposed a resolution, “That the Bolinda Mining Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the seventy-third clause of the deed of settlement, be dissolved.” Mr. B. Weymouth seconded the resolution, which was agreed to nem. con. A poll was then demanded by Mr. Hornby, and was appointed to take place to-day between the hours of ten and four, at the company’s offices, 21 Queen street where the meeting was held. Upon the motion of Mr. Lowry, seconded by Mr. J. S. Butters, Messrs. Dickson and Ashwood were appointed scrutineers; and the meeting then adjourned until to-day.

Age (Melbourne), Monday 22 August 1864, page 2

TUESDAY, 6th SEPTEMBER. Freehold Land, the Property Of The Bolinda Mining Company, Situate in the Parish of Darraweit Guim, County of Bourke. TO BE SOLD pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of the colony of Victoria, made in a cause of Francis v. Turnbull and Others, with the approbation of Frederick Wilkinson, Esq., the Master in Equity of the said Court, by Mr A. FRASER, at the sale rooms of Messrs Fraser & Co., 33 Collins street west, Melbourne, on Tuesday, the 6th day of September, 1864, at twelve o’clock at noon, All those pieces or parcels of freehold land containing 1688 acres, being Portions 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9, of the parish of Darraweit Guim, in the county of Bourke, and colony of Victoria. The above land will first be offered for sale in one lot, but if not sold it will then be offered for sale in five lots, as follows: — Lot 1. Portion 3, containing 397 acres, more or less. Lot 2. Portion 4, containing 203 acres, more or loss. Lot 3. Portion 5, containing 349 acres, more or less. Lot 4. Portion 8, containing 380 acres, more or less. Lot 5. Portion 9, containing 359 acres, more or less. Particulars and conditions of sale may be had, gratis, at the office of the said Master in Equity, Latrobe street, Melbourne; of Messrs Klingender, Charsley & Liddle, solicitors, Bank place, Melbourne; of Messrs Parton & Hellins, solicitors, Queen street, Melbourne; and of the auctioneer, at his office, 33 Collins street west, Melbourne. 

CLARKE AND RIGG RIDICULED

By October 1859, it had become clear that the gold mining ventures had failed. The directors of the Bolinda Mining Company were accused of perpetrating a great fraud and Clarke and Rigg were ridiculed at shareholder meetings. [9] The Argus described the prospectus for the Bolinda Mining Company as a "fine work of fiction." [10] 

On 3 March 1860, an extraordinary meeting of shareholders of the Bank Vale Mining Company was called to consider winding up the company.  John Rigg was mocked when he made the claim that he had once found a good quantity of gold on his property, more than enough to cover his expenses. [11]

Thomas Rae M.L.C. was one of the directors of the Bolinda Mining Company. In a letter attached to the Mining Company prospectus he explained how he had washed a sample crushed ore from Clarke's property in a common soup plate and obtained a remarkable amount of gold.  Clarke and Rae were lampooned in the February 9 1860 issue of the Melbourne Punch which featured a willow pattern plate as a parody of Rae's soup plate (see below). The Punch plate depicts W.J.T. Clarke taking off over the Deep Creek with a bundle of cash (from land he sold to the mining scheme), as Mr. Rigg looks on from the Bank Vale Estate. [12] John Rigg also attracted the satirist's attention: in a nonsense verse, Rigg is likened to Montague Tigg, the mendicant scoundrel who formed a sham company, featured in Charles Dickens' The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit.

[1] Age 5 August 1859 page 2

[2] Argus 29 February 1860 page 5

[3] Age 5 August 1859 page 2

[4] Argus Thursday 25 August 1859 page 3

[5] Argus Friday 26 August 1859, page 3

[6] Argus Wednesday 22 May 1860 page 4

[7] Argus 26 July 1860 page 3

[8] Age 22 August 1864 page 2

[9] Argus 1 February 1860, page 7

[10] Argus 2 February 1860 page 4

[11] Argus 5 March 1860, page 6

[12] Melbourne Punch No. 237 Vol. X February 9 1860 pages 21 and 22

THE FAMILY OF JAMES RIGG 1766-1841

KIRKCHRIST (THE STELL) CEMETERY TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS

In memory of two James's, infant sons of James Rigg in Boreland of Kirkcudbright. First James died 28th Jan. 1826, aged 8 months. The second died 21st March 1827, aged 1 month. Also the said James Rigg, who died 25th Nov. 1831, aged 39 years. Also Mary Rigg, daughter of the said James Rigg, who died 6th December 1836, aged 19 years. And John, his son, who died at Castle Douglas, 9th June 1844, aged 20 years. And William, his son, died 16th January 1850, aged 23 years. Also Mina, his daughter, who died 2nd July 1845, aged 22 years. Also Mary Ann McClure, his spouse, who died at Kirkcudbright 24th August 1860, aged 70 years

Erected by James Rigg in High Banks, in memory of Margaret Brackenrigg, his spouse, who died 15th March 1794, aged 24 years. Also Grace McTaggart, his spouse, who died 9th July 1837, aged 72 years. Also the above James Rigg, who died there 16th Jan. 1841, aged 72 years. Also his daughter, Catherine, who died 5th May1854, aged 49 years. Also his daughter Mary Harriet Rigg, widow of Malcolm McInnes, Geelong, died 12th Dec. 1879, aged 77, and was buried here. In hope of a joyful resurrection.

In loving memory of William Rigg, who died at High Banks on the 30th Oct. 1892, aged 78 years. Also Jane Williamson, his wife, who died at High Banks, on the 16th July 1905, aged 81 years. Also James Rigg, their son who died at Sunnybrae, Buittle, 11th Sept. 1927, aged 64 years Also Margaret Breckenridge Rigg, their daughter, who died at Castle Douglas Cottage Hospital, 16th July 1941, aged 75 years.

OLD RERRICK CEMETERY

Sacred to the memory of Alexander Mitchell, farmer in Netherlaw, who died on 5th May 1871, aged 76 years. And of his children, Grace who died on 7th June 1840 aged 6 years, Alexander who died on 4th Oct'r 1846 aged 10 Months, Arthur Corson who died on 22nd Dec'r 1852 aged … months. Grace Rigg, wife of Alexander Mitchell, who died on 24th May 1880, aged 68 years. John Rigg Mitchell, who died at Ormonde, New Zealand … February 1890. James Mitchell, their eldest son, who died 10th January 1914, aged 75 years.