| Back to search results » | Back to search page » |
|
CHINESE HAND-PUDDLERS AND HUTS SITE
LocationLINCOLN GULLY ROAD CRESWICK, HEPBURN SHIRE LevelHeritage Inventory Site |
Statement of Significance
No other records of hand-drawn mills are known in this area, but similar-sized mills are reputed to have been used in other gold-rush areas and countries, e.g. The Arastre mills used by Mexicans in California (Figs. 13 & 14). Thus the site is unique in this area, and with simple protection and interpretation, would contribute valuably early mining sites, techniques and cultural development of the Creswick goldfield – where gold extraction was very dependent on efficient water use and innovation. The connection of the site to the extensive ‘Creswick water race distribution system’ built in the 1850-1870s is important, and the dam to the west of the site, and various large and small water races could be presented as very visible as structures that were vital parts of mining settlement history (Davies et al 2014; Turnbull 2012). The differences between the more normal ‘horse drawn gold puddling mills’ and these ‘miniature’ hand drawn mills provide a stark example of the large differences in mining methods used by miners from different backgrounds on the Goldfields (see video by Henderson and Van Beverin 2018).
Group
Mining and Mineral Processing
Category
Gold Mining Site