Dr. Bruhn advised that some of the samples, especially the grey ones, be tested, for he was sure they contained other metals besides gold. Where he had obtained them was ground of moderate elevation—a few hundred yards from Cameron's, on the Deep Creek. T h e spot bi-forked into distinct deposits, and the openings embedded in a kind of basaltic production, were evidently the result of some subterranean fire action. H e was of opinion that the rocks went down to a considerable depth. All his specimens were superficial, for none were obtained at any depth. O f the grey metal he had formed sanguine expectations; there was an immense quantity of it, and he believed it to be argentiferous as well as auriferous. Dr. Webb-Richmond, with Messrs. Hood, Walsh, and F. Baird, were deputed an Examining Committee, and retired to get through their work. In half an hour it was reported that in the grey specimens iron only could be detected; but the milk white ones contained gold in abundance. After some discussion it was decided, as the best m o d e of adjudging to w h o m the reward should be paid, to intimate to the public where gold was to be found, by w h o m the question would be soon practically determined. It would never do to act upon the opinion or report of two or three individuals. O n the motion of Mr. Hood, seconded by Mr. Walsh, it was agreed " that the Committee give notice to the public that gold had been found at the Deep Creek on the Yarra, and the Deep Creek at the Pyrenees." T h e following special announcement appeared accordingly in next morning's newspapers :—GOLD. The Committee appointed to promote the discovery of a Gold-field in the Colony of Victoria, have the satisfaction of announcing that unquestionable evidence has been adduced, showing the existence of gold in considerable quantity both at the Deep Creek, on the Yarra (near Major Newman's run), and also at the Deep Creek on the Pyrenees, near Mr. Donald Cameron's house. WILLIAM NICHOLSON, Melbourne, 16th July, 1851. Mayor, Chairman of the Committee.
After the lapse of a few days, a Mr. Pearson arrived in town, with the information of the existence of gold northward to Cameron's, on Deep Creek, and about 15 miles from Burnbank. It was to be found along the creek for more than half-a-mile, and consisted of fine dust, and particles not larger than the fourth of a pin's head. S o m e 300 or 400 persons had visited the place, but could not remain through want of provisions. T h e soil was very black, and the adjacent rocks were white flint. H e saw pieces picked up, weight y2 and 3/£ of an oz. T h e few stores in the neighbourhood were wretchedly supplied. A s the month progressed the gold news increased—in fact, the whole air was surcharged with accounts of some kind or other averaging five hundred fictions to one reality. O n the 22nd the Melbourne Morning Herald printed the annexed extract from a letter to Messrs. Charles Williams and Co., Melbourne, from M r . T h o m a s Clapperton, dated Burnbank, 19th July, 1851. The "Diggings" are going ahead again; the diggers are in great spirits, our old cook has gathered an ounce. When they are provided with proper implements they expect ten times the present produce per man. In spite of the extreme severity of the weather, there are daily arrivals. There are forty to-day on the ground. Warren, a shoemaker is so sanguine that he expects to realize two thousand pounds at Christmas ; and " will not put an awl in leather again " such are his expressions. Eaton is to commence cradling to-day under the directions of Esmonds, who arrived to-day. P.S.—Ten o'clock Sunday morning,—David Anderson has returned from the " Diggings," and says the cook has washed 2lA oz. in a week.
The next day was issued the following bulletin with reference to some of the exhibits of the recently-held Committee meeting:— Swanston Street, Melbourne, Dear Sir, 22nd July, 1851. I have carefully assayed the samples of gold you gave me, and find it virgin (that is 24 carat fine). It is thefinestI ever saw, and worth in London 83s. 6d. per oz. I am, Sir, Yours truly, Mr. H. J. Hart, H. W A L S H . Hon. Sec, Gold Committee, etc.
