Four Mile Flat, later known as Homebush, was first settled in 1854 following a rush to a rich claim nearby.
Mount Alexander Mail (Vic.), Saturday 24 June 1854, page 5
NEW DIGGINGS. — The Four-mile Flat diggings are situated about eighteen miles from Castlemaine, between Simpson's station and Carisbrook. The miners now at work exceed 1000, and it is reported they are doing very well. This new gold field has been placed under the supervision of Mr. Daly, late of Tarrangower, who will be prepared to issue licenses, receive gold for escort and deposit, and transact all the usual business of a gold commission camp, by next week.
Planned development began in June 1860 when, following a second rush to the diggings, Homebush was surveyed and its streets laid out. At the time of the 1861 census there were 211 dwellings and 567 people: 411 males and 156 females.
lithographed at the Office of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, January 20 1863.
In the collection of the State Library of Victoria
Homebush Mining Companies:
- Working Miners # 1 estab. 1875 Mr. James Pearce Mgr.
- Golden Lake Co. estab. 1876
- Working Miners # 1 restab. 1877/78 Mr. T Walters Mgr.
- Working Miners # 2 estab. 1879
- Amalgamated Working Miners # 1 & 2 estab. 1880
- Son’s of Freedom Co. estab. 1872 [very small]
- Try Again Co. etab. 1873 [very small]
Other mines in the area:
- Phoenix
- Excelsior
- Wilson & Shiell’s ,
- Iron Bark Gully
- North Homebush
Ore was mixed with cyanide solution in large tanks to separate the gold from the waste. Cyanide leaching was efficient and lower ore grades could be treated profitably. There were several tanks at Homebush.
Homebush owed its existence entirely to the mines: when the gold ran out and the mines closed the town rapidly declined and died. All that remains of a once-flourishing community is a school building and some mullock heaps (mine tailings).
See also:
