McMahon's Reef and Cunningham's Creek goldfield
| McMahon's Reef Diprotodon & fossil marsupials | McMahon's Reef Goldfield & History |
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| McMahon's Reef public school, circa 1950s. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
McMahon's Reef is located adjacent to the easterly road travelling south between Harden-Murrumburrah and Jugiong, near the Murrumbidgee River on the southwestern slopes of New South Wales, Australia. From 1871 through to the early 1950s it operated as a small, at times active, goldfields town with a school, post office, stores, hotels, up to 100 houses, and a collection of mining-related infrastructure. Prior to that it was a rural area with Cunningham's Creek dissecting it as it flowed towards south the Murrumbidgee. Little evidence of the town's industrial past remains, amidst the farm houses, equipment sheds and rollings hills which support wheat, sheep and cattle. A drive past along McMahon's Reef Road, and glance westerly towards the Cunningham's Creek catchment, reveals little of the vibrant history of rural dynasties, itinerant workers, and fortunes won and lost. Today the palette is a dominant brown or emerald green, dependent on the season and prevailing weather pattern, with splashes of canola yellow ever more common. The ambience is quiet and rural. If one looks closer, some of its often noisy history is revealed in the form of remnant chimney stacks standing forlornly on the sides of hills, slag heaps and brick and pise foundations scattered about, and a landscape pock-marked with filled-in mine shafts and the scars of mining, both alluvial and underground. All of this brings joy to the few industrial archaeologists, local history buffs and family historians who have ever heard of McMahon's Reef, or its alternate name Watson's Reef.
Below is a collection of historical references, images and accounts recording the evolution of McMahon's Reef from rural settlement through industrial and back to rural. The primary sources of information include the National Library of Australia's TROVE database, family historians such as Jen Chambers, and Barry McGowan's Lost Mines Revisited: Historic Mining Communities of the Monaro, Southern Tablelands, and South West Slopes Districts of New South Wales, which highlights the relationship between gold mining and community development (McGowan 1996). Images and reminiscences were also provided by members of the Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society Facebook page during March 2023.
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| Map of the McMahon's Reef area (McGowan 1996). |
It should be noted that the names and precise locations of various buildings at McMahon's Reef during its lifetime remain unclear due to the passage of time and paucity of records. A number of locations are suggest in McGowan (1996) and various Department of Lands parish maps, some of which are reproduced below. However, they do not always align with contemporary reports in newspapers and more recent reminiscences by past and present residents. For example, it appears that the Australian and Currency hotels mentioned in various accounts were the same structure, with an adjoining post office at one stage, and all owned by M.J. Cahill. An 1898 town map, reproduced below, shows the precise locality of these two buildings. Another hotel, location unverified, was known simply as McMahon's Reef hotel, whilst one report cites five different hotels in operation at various times. The local school house was a separate building with a teacher's residence eventually built and (possibly) attached. It is variously known in the records as Cunningham Creek Public School, Watson's Reef Public School, or Marshal McMahon's Reef Public School. As a result, there is some confusion in subsequent maps regarding the precise
location of the various buildings. Much of this confusion will be addressed as this article develops and the information at hand is refined.
Chronology of McMahon's Reef
1835
- 9 November, Sydney Morning Herald: Notice is given regarding a herd of cattle for sale and then grazing at the locality called Cunningham's Creek, near the Murrumbidgee River.
A mixed Herd of Cattle, consisting of Three Hundred and Fifty Head. Mr. Lyons Begs to inform the Public that he has received instructions to submit to public competition, in about six weeks hence, unless previously disposed of by private contract, A Valuable Herd of Cattle, consisting of One Hundred Milk Cows, Two Hundred and Fifty Bullocks, Heifers, and Steers. Further particulars will appear in a future advertisement. The Cattle are now depasturing at Cunningham's Creek, near the Murrumbidgee.
1848
- 4 October, Sydney Morning Herald: Claims to leases of crown lands beyond the settled districts (Lachlan District) include:
- 111, Henry O'Brien, Jugeyong. Estimated area, thirty thousand acres
- 139, S.K. Salting, Bouyeo. Estimated area, sixteen thousand acres
- 140, S.K. Salting, Cunningham Creek. Estimated area, fifteen thousand acres
- 141, S.K. Salting, Cullinga. Estimated area, sixteen thousand acres
S.K. Salting was an English investor and absentee landlord.
1850s
- View looking west of an early slab dwelling (built circa 1850s) with stone chimney and iron roof, located adjacent to Cunningham's Creek bridge, which can be seen in left background. This was later the home of Valentine Fairall, before being burnt down and replaced.McMahon's Reef goldfield would be located to the right of the background.
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| Slab hut. Later Valentine Fairall's house. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
1860
- The Cunningham Plains estate owned by G. and W. Salting of Leeds, England, comprising 60,000 acres in 1860. It was located on three sides of the future site of McMahon's Reef. (See under 1905 for detail).
1862
- 11 June, Yass Courier: Reports of Chinese, European and Australian gold miners visiting Cunningham's Creek diggings, located approximately 2 miles (5 kilometres) from Murrumburrah, south east of the famous Lambing Flat (Young) goldfield.
The Murrumburrah Rush. — New Gold-Fields South. — In a recent number we stated that a rush had taken place to a locality this side of Lambing Flat. From the Burrangong Courier correspondent we gather the following particulars respecting it: — "A great number of miners have visited the rush, many of them hard-up, and in the majority of cases they have left the place after a few hours stay. The small flat on which the Chinese are at work, and where they first struck payable gold, is situated on a bend of Cunningham's Creek, about three miles from the township of Murrumburrah. Immediately above the flat a few European parties are at work on rising ground. The sinking in the flat is about 20 feet, with a full share of water. One of them, who spoke tolerably good English, informed me that the ground was no good, but they sometimes got 6d. to three buckets, and sometimes 1s. to four buckets. Supposing these statements to be true, it must be remembered that the bucket shown to me was a very small one, and would not contain much more than half the quantity of the buckets employed by the Europeans. The European prospectors, who are Italians, got 7 dwts. 18 grs. of gold from about four tubs of dirt on bottoming the shaft; they have two feet of wash-dirt, and a dishful of it, taken promiscuously out of the heap, yielded about 2 1/2 dwts. The gold is large, flat, and waterworn, and appears to be very pure: the miners say it is splendid gold, and that there is nothing equal to it nearer the [Lambing] Flat. It is generally believed by the miners that the bed of the creek is rich, and many seemed inclined to try it, but had not the means to do it, and to procure the necessary appliances for going into wet creek digging. A party sank, or partly sunk, a shaft on the edge of the creek, but failed to bottom it in consequence of the excess of water. They judge, however, that in the bed of the creek the sinking would be from 10 feet to 12 feet; and it was proposed to the tradesmen of Murrumburrah, that, if they would subscribe about £20 to supply eight men with rations, &c., for a fortnight, eight of the miners on the ground would undertake to bottom a paddock in the creek. Mr. Dillon, of the Commercial Hotel, offered to subscribe £5, but others did not evince the same liberal spirit, and I do not think the project likely to be carried out. There were on the ground about fifty Europeans, the chief part of whom were looking on, and seemed dissatisfied with the place. Yet it was generally admitted by them that it looks a promising part of the country for gold. Some of those who were leaving told me that they were obliged to go away because there was no store on the ground, and that it took too much time to go to the township for provisions. Now, from all I have seen and heard, it appears to me that a very extensive auriferous district exists in the neighbourhood of Murrumburrah, and that it only wants a little enterprising spirit on the part of those chiefly interested in the advancement and prosperity of the place to commence in right earnest the development of its golden resources." The same journal gives later particulars from the Murrumburrah, Cunningham Creek, Reedy Flat, and Began Began rushes: — "Numbers of miners continue to arrive at the Murrumburrah diggings, attracted by the extravagant reports that have reached Lambing Flat with reference to the richness of the new El Dorado. The fact is that the country where gold has hitherto been procured is very difficult of access, and not very sanguine expectations have yet been realised. There is no store on the diggings, and miners experience great difficulty in procuring the necessaries of life. When the permanency of the field has been established, I have no doubt that numbers of small storekeepers will find it to their advantage to establish themselves in business in the locality; but at present all men hang back, and the miners have none but themselves or their own energies to depend upon for the development of the resources of this district. That gold in large quantities exists there, no practical miner can doubt. At Cunningham Creek there is a considerable body of miners at work: where the gold is the ground is exceedingly wet; and men without means to set up expensive machinery can do but little good for themselves on the creek. All agree as to the richness of the bed of the creek, and regret their inability to work it. We feel assured that if a company possessing a moderate amount of capital, sufficient to erect a good pump to be worked by a couple of horses, were to commence here, good payable gold would be obtained. At Pye's Gully, near Reedy Flat, on the main road to Jugiong, there are several parties at work, and a tolerable prospect had been obtained. The prospectors bottomed at 20 feet, and washed out 1 dwt. to the dish. They are much annoyed with water, however, and propose going elsewhere. At Began Began there are about two hundred Chinamen at work, up to their necks in water. This place is about six miles from Jugiong, and appears to present strong indications of gold. At one claim, five Chinamen are employed bailing out the water during the day, while five others relieve them at night. The washing stuff is rich, however, and John appears anxious to monopolise the field for himself. There are two parties of Europeans prospecting, but as their means are limited they will not be able to remain long in the locality if dry sinking is not struck on the higher ground. The country for sixteen miles in the direction of Jugiong from Murrumburrah is all of the same character. High boulders of granite, with deep gullies and steep banks, give the place a wild and desolate appearance, and commend it to the practical miner. Gold may be obtained along the whole line of road. On the hills, however, the washing stuff is hardly remunerative, while in the gullies and creeks machinery only can keep down the water. I would advise no man who cannot command capital to go either to Murrumburrah, Cunningham's Creek, Reedy Flat, or Began Began; but to those who can muster sufficient means to start on a considerable scale, I would say, 'Leave Lambing Flat, and go to one or other of those places at once.' Between Cunningham's Creek and Reedy Flat I noticed a quartz reef running north and south for about fifty yards. The stone on the surface looked well; and, I fancy, is worth testing: but here, again, capital is required, and that appears to be a very scarce commodity indeed on all the New South Wales diggings."
- 30 October, Maitland Mercury: Gold at Cunningham's Creek.
Gold at Cunningham's Creek.- Mr. Hall, of Cunningham's Creek, being satisfied that a payable goldfield exists in that neighbourhood, has employed a party of men to prospect the ground. In the first hole put down, wash-dirt was found near the surface sufficiently good to pay for sluicing. At a depth of ten feet much coarser gold was struck. The water the party have to contend with has for a short time delayed further operations.
1863
- 29 August, Yass Courier: Daniel McCarthy, of the Bird in the Hand inn at Jugiong, and later of McMahon's Reef, is robbed by bushranger Ben Hall and his gang, then operating in the Cunningham's Creek region.
1864
- 17 November, Sydney Morning Herald: Ben Hall and his gang of bushrangers are pursued by police in the vicinity of Cunningham's Creek and Jugiong.
1868
- 8 July, Yass Courier: Report of likely goldfield in the Cunningham's Creek area and recent diggings.
Murrumburrah. July 4.... There have been rumours afloat lately or some little rush to alluvial diggings in the neighbourhood of Bagan Bagan. It is likely enough, as alluvia workings have been carried on in that direction previously. Indeed, the country for many miles round Murrumburrah was, in ancient times — i.e. some six or eight years since — largely and profitably worked. On the Demondrille Creek, nearly opposite to the present reefs, there are numerous holes, and I am told that eight years ago there was a thriving population of miners there, of some four or five hundred. Again, about six years ago there was a collection of alluvial miners, some two miles below this town, on the Murrumburrah Creek, who appeared to be doing remarkably well while they stayed, but the superior attractions of the Lachlan and Lambing Flat, and perhaps the patchy nature of their own ground, induced them to leave. Down to the present time there is one party, if not more, engaged in working the alluvial deposits down the creek. The colour of gold can be easily found almost anywhere, according to report, and, if worked systematically, it is probable that both the Murrumburrah and Demondrille Creeks down to their junction, and thereafter the Cunningham Creek, would return good profits to the miner.
1869
- 18 September, Burrangong Argus: Report on cattle stealing at the Salting estate, Cunningham's Creek.
1870
- 6 December, Yass Courier: Recommencement of gold mining at Cunningham's Creek.
Murrumburrah, December 3. - I am told that a party of men from Young have found some ground about three miles hence, on Cunningham Creek, that with sluicing will pay very handsomely, and that they are determined to cut a race from a point somewhat above Murrumburrah to carry water to the ground. The race, with its windings, will be about eight miles long. There is still some sluicing carried on by a party of Chinamen on the Demondrille Creek, and by one or two Europeans higher up.
1871
- 7 March, Yass Courier: Sluicing works from Murrumburrah south to Cunningham's Creek.
The party of miners who are constructing a race for sluicing ground, some three miles hence down the Cunningham Creek, are now very near the main road; they have done about two miles of the race, or more perhaps, and reckon that they have still five or six miles to carry it. The race is about 2 feet wide, and in some places they have to cut down pretty deep to keep the necessary slope for the water. In one or two places they have to carry the aqueduct over creeks at a sufficient height. It certainly speaks well for the enterprise, patience, and perseverance of these men, and I trust they will be well rewarded. A very small proportion of gold, when generally distributed through the soil, is found to give good returns in sluicing operations.
- May: The Marshall McMahon reef was discovered in May 1871 by John Evans (Welsh Jack) on the sheep run of Mr C. Ward, 16 km southeast of Murrumburrah. Leases were taken out in June by John Ryan and Patrick Heffernan, who knew Evans and had previously worked the Morning Star mine at Sebastopol, north of Junee. Mining commenced in July 1871 at the eastern end of a northwest trending alteration zone in the Young Granodiorite. Test samples were sent to Thomas Kirkpatrick’s crushing plant at Junee and the results were sufficiently encouraging to convince Kirkpatrick to move his machinery to the new site in September. Ryan and party worked the deposit to a maximum depth of 18 m with a team of 10 men, producing greater than 120 kg (3,860 oz) of gold from 1,910 tonnes of ore. (McQueen 2022)
- Marshall McMahon's (Ward's) Hotel, McMahon's Reef, commences operation. Proprietor: Phillip Brady.
- 20 June, 19 July, 1, 15, 22 August, 31 October, 14 November, 8 December, Yass Courier: Reports on initial development of the McMahon's Reef field.
- 5 July, Sydney Morning Herald: The Gold Fields report includes references to McMahon's Reef.
Cunningham's Creek. - A trial crushing (says the Burrangong Argus of the 1st instant) has been made at Kirkpatrick's machine, Junee, of some quartz taken from the Marshal McMahon's Reef, by Ryan and party. Two tons and a few hundredweights of stone, picked from a leader, yielded at the rate of about 10 oz. to the ton; and something over 7 tons taken from the reef gave 2 1/2 oz. to the ton. The result of crushing to the fortunate party was over 43 oz.
- 12 July, Sydney Morning Herald: The Gold Fields report includes references to McMahon's Reef.
From Junee we hear that some 200 tons of quartz from the Marshal McMahon reef has yielded 10 oz. to the ton.
- 16 August, Sydney Morning Herald: The Gold Fields report includes references to McMahon's Reef.
Cunningham Creek - A correspondent of the Mining Record, writing from this field on the 3rd instant, says - Marshal McMahon's reef is situated about ten miles SE of Cunningham Plains, and about two miles from the junction of the Cunninghame River, on Mr C. Ward's run and about twelve miles from the Murrumbidgee. It was discovered in May last by Messrs Ryan and Heffernan, the prospectors of the Morning Star Co's claim at Sebastopol. The reef is about three-quarters of a mile long and runs N.E. by S E. The original prospecting claim was taken upon the north end of the roof, the gold being first discovered at that end, and a rush immediately took place, nine claims being marked off south of the prospecting area. The south end, however, was soon found to be the best. Ryan and Heffernan marked off claims all along the line of reef, down to No.7. On this claim they set into work, and soon discovered rich gold. The other claims were held and partially worked, but during the time the trial crushing from No.7 was being ascertained at Junee, most of the claims were abandoned, but after the result of the crushing the claims were all taken up again, and have been steadily worked over since. It is not often that the tail end of a reef is the best, but in this case it is. The reef is on a newly formed hill, about half a mile from the main creek. The blow is very large all the way down the north end, and continues so towards the south to the fall of the hill, where the reef disappears underground and does not show again until you come to Nos.6 and 7. No.3 has the last of it, which, by-the-bye, is a good claim for the size of it, but it is only four men's ground. I suppose you saw the account of the trial crushing at Junee. The main reef went 2 1/2 oz. and three tons of stone from a leader some distance from the reef went 10 oz. to the ton.
- 1 October: Cunningham [Cunningar] post office opens, located north of McMahon's Reef.
- 31 October, Yass Courier: Crushing of ore begins at Cunningham's Creek and McMahon's Reef.
Murrumburrah. [From our Correspondent.] October 28. — On Monday last the machine at McMahon's reef began crushing; the results showing very satisfactorily. A lot of fifty tons from Pyke's claim has given 1 oz. to the ton; 50 tons from Heffernan's claim, No.7, is now being operated on, and from the appearance of gold on the plates, bids fair to yield much more than an ounce. I heard that 90 ozs. of amalgam was taken from the machine after sixteen hours crushing, so that if the remaining stone runs equally, the return may be reckoned at 3 ozs. or over to the ton. It is determined to take 50 tons from each claim in turn. There is a great quantity of stone at grass, end plenty more at the depths to which the claims have been sunk, some fifty feet, so that we may conclude that the reef is an established fact of no mean importance. In alluvial, I may say that the parties engaged both at Connaughtman's Creek, and elsewhere seem to be doing pretty well. This day week a party of five, who are engaged in sluicing at the Rocky Ponds, brought 30 ozs. into town, the result of six weeks work. This party is working not many miles from McMahon's reef, and about a mile above the junction of the Rocky Ponds with the Cumbramurra River. The people who have been working at a race to carry water to an auriferous point of land on the Cunningham Creek have, after many months of labour, discovered that they will have all their work to do over again, having got into a mass of rocks that they can neither turn nor get through. Or at least the expense of getting through the rocks would appear to be greater than to make a new race. So I understand it is their intention to begin again at a point higher up the creek, and carry the race to a greater elevation. Of building going on, I may mention that Mr. Dillon is making a considerable addition to his new cottage, which has been taken as a store by Mr. Ritchie, of your town. The building was occupied as a store by Mr Walker, but never had anything in its frontispiece to show that it was a store. It is now conspicuously lettered as tho " Murrumburrah Store." A new black smith's shop has arisen opposite Mr. Murphy's Hotel, and report has it that Mr. Murray has it in contemplation to erect a couple of brick cottages ere very long.
1872
- Cumbermurrah Goldfields proclaimed, which includes Cunningham's Creek and McMahon's Reef.
- Marshall McMahon's Hotel, McMahon's Reef. Proprietor: Phillip Brady.
- 3 February, Australian Town and Country Journal, report on Cunningham's Creek field.
- 16 March, Australian Town and Country Journal, report on Cunningham's Creek field.
- 26 April, Yass Courier: Report on gold mining.
Marshall McMahon's Reef - We are informed that a Mr Irwin, of Sydney, has lately visited McMahon's Reef, near Murrumburrah, and that arrangements have been made as to the purchase of the claim there known as Heffernan's. A considerable amount of gold has already been obtained from stone raised from this claim, and the crushings recorded from time to time have yielded a very payable quantity of gold. It is said that a company is to be formed in Sydney to carry on operations.
- 14 May, Yass Courier: Mining report.
The Cumbamurra Falls.— This place still continuous to give good wages. Sluicing the river bed is the principal occupation of those employed. Leases of eight acres to the river bed have been taken up, and the parties are sanguine as to the value of their property. No doubt there is more gold obtained thereabouts than I am informed of. The alluvial gully near McMahon Roof is returning good pay to those employed. They average from £3 to £5 per week per man. There are many other gullies in that locality no doubt equally good if they were prospected. It is most likely these will be opened up during the winter months. Marshal McMahon Reef. — I have been informed that the claim of Messrs. Ryan and Heffernan is about to change hands, but from the secret manner in which the negotiations are carried on, it is hard to ascertain whether or not a sale is likely to be effected.
- June: In June 1872, facing difficulty with water inflow and more refractory pyritic ore [Ryan and party] floated the mine as the Heffernan’s Gold Mining Company, with nominal capital of £20,000. By this time there were about 100 people at the locality, and a small settlement was established featuring the Marshall McMahon hotel and a general store. The new company operated the mine with a declining gold production until March 1873, when Kirkpatrick shifted his crushing and amalgamation plant to Coolac. (McQueen 2022)
- 7 June, Sydney Morning Herald: Sale of gold mining company at McMahon's Reef.
Prospectus. Heffernan's Gold Mining Company, McMahon's Reef, Murrumburrah. Capital, £20,00 in 20,000 shares of £1 each. Five shillings per share on application, five shillings per share on allotment, five shillings per share on issue of scrip, and the balance after the first dividend has been declared. Trustees: John Frazer, Esq., J.P. / Henry Prince, Esq., J.P. / A. H. C. Macafee, Esq. / W.J. Watson, Esq., J.P. (Messrs. Watson Brothers, Young.) Brokers: Melhado and Curtis. This Company is proposed to be formed for the purchase and working of Messrs. Ryan and Heffernan's celebrated Quartz Mine, on the Marshal McMahon Reef, near Murrumburrah. This claim is hold under lease, and consists of five acres, having 300 feet on the base line of reef, and the reef has been found on the surface the whole distance. This reef was discovered in June, 1871, and since that date, although imperfectly worked, and never more than ten men employed at any time in raising stone, has produced quartz (not including a large quantity now on the surface) which yielded as follows: 903 tons produced .... 2487 oz. 13 dwts. gold / 600 tons poor stone produced .... 560 oz. 16 dwts. gold, giving a net profit for nine months of £7380, after paying all expenses of opening and working the mine. Seven shafts have been sunk on the line of reef, and payable stone found in each, the deepest of which is sixty feet, and the last crushing of 230 tons from this depth yielded 602 ounces of gold. The reef has averaged about two and a half feet thick, and widens as the shafts get deeper, it being nearly four feet wide in the sixty feet shaft. An immense quantity of stone probably more than 2000 tons is in sight, and can be brought to the surface in a very short time, and at a trifling expense as compared with what it has hitherto cost, the mine being now opened and in working order. There is now at grass about 700 tons quartz, which the proprietors have commenced to crush. This stone has been taken from that portion of the claim which was considered the poorest, but is expected to yield from 1 oz. to 1 1/2 oz. to the ton., the proceeds of which, less expenses of crushing, the proprietors will hand over to the Company, thus a dividend, it is believed of 10 per cent, at least, will be paid, probably within six weeks, on the full amount of capital, and before it is all called up. The mine being now in full working order, and opened the full length of the claim, with about thirty miners constantly employed, at least one hundred tons of stone could be raised and crushed weekly, which, taking at the low average of 12 oz to the ton, would yield a net profit, after paying all expenses, of from £350 to £400 per week. All working utensils and a large quantity of timber and other material now on the ground will become the property of the Company. This is a genuine and bona fide investment, and satisfactory reasons can be given for the formation of the Company, and attested documents can be seen in proof of the foregoing statements, and use other information, on application to the Brokers of the Company. A very elaborate report of the mine is at our office, 165 Pitt-street, for perusal. Early application for shares is necessary as 12,850 have already been taken up, and the balance will only be open for subscription up till Wednesday, the 12th June. Melhado and Curtis, Brokers.
- 18 June, Young Courier: Report on mining at Marshal McMahon Reef.
- 2 July, Yass Courier: Mining report.
The Kangaroo Reef. [From our Correspondent]. 29 June. Mining matters are wearing a brighter aspect since the formation of the Marshall McMahon Reef into a company .... The Marshal McMahon Reef. — The stone at present passing under tho stampers from Nos. 6 and 7 is said to be going very well. I cannot vouch for this statement, as just at present stories are conflicting. The labour employed on these claims was deemed not to be consistent with economical management. The number of hands was thought to be insufficient, and consequently twenty additional men have been set to work. In a claim like this there can be no doubt that "the more labour the larger and more frequent dividends."
- 3 July, Ovens and Murray Advertiser: Returns from the Marshal McMahon reef, Murrumburrah, show that two hundred and forty nine (249) tons of stone yielded four hundred and twelve and half ounces (412 1/2 oz.) of gold.
- 6 August, 3 September, 1, 8, 18 October, Yass Courier: Goldfields reports.
- 10 August, Australian Town and Country Journal: Visit to McMahon's Reef.
A Tour to the South [By our special correspondent] Jugiong to Murrumburrah. .... The morning following my arrival an opportunity was afforded me of seeing the auriferous back country, including the great Marshal McMahon reef, Cunningham Plains, and Murrumburrah, Mr. Macansh drove a good pair of horses and we started shortly after breakfast. For several miles the road was "up hill and down dale" with Red Bank house in view from every proud little hill rising in imitation of the big one, on which the residence is erected. Then we passed a cultivated field, along a substantial fence, and down a spur to Cunningham's Creek, 5 miles distant, where Marshal McMahon's reef crops out. "The Reef" is one of those quiet, unassuming little places, where large yields and little fuss is made. There are about 100 people living on the reef, which has only been opened a few years. There is one hotel, called the Marshal McMahon (Ward's) built of pisé, and a general store. The reef is worked a few hundred yards below the hotel. It runs north-east and south-west; its width varies from one to five feet. The following statistics, obtained from Mr. Kirkpatrick, the proprietor of the crushing machine, will show the actual return of gold obtained from the reef. The first crushing took place on October 20th, 1871, since which time the following quantities of gold has been taken: 51 tons, No.8, yielded 74 ounces; 417 tons, No. 7, yielded 1167 ounces; 117 tons, No 6, yielded 123 ounces; 118 tons, No.6, yielded 119 ounces; 235 tons, No.7, yielded 602 ounces ; ; 160 tons, No.7, yielded 375 ounces; 183 tons yielded 177 ounces. This return is up to April in the present year; and the work has been done by only six or seven men. The reef was the property of Heffernan, O'Brien, Ryan, and a few others, but, in consequence of the difficulty experienced in keeping down the water, these working men sold to a company, who are about to work it. The ground in the vicinity of the reef is unquestionably very auriferous, and, beside the Marshal McMahon, favourable prospects were obtained from other reefs in the district, notably, I am informed from those known as the Kangaroo and Albert. Before leaving the reef, we proceeded to a pleasant little cottage, the property of our hospitable and honest Scotch friend, Mr. Thomas Kirkpatrick, an old resident on the Grenfell diggings. He conducted us to his quartz-crushing machinery, which is erected on the bank of the creek, a short distance from the cottage. The machinery is acknowledged by practical miners to be one of the best gold savers in that part of the colony; and I was personally pleased with the excellent plan and arrangement of the stampers and tables. Many improvements on former systems are observable. The engine is one of P.N. Russell and Co.'s twelve horse power, and the boiler is sixteen horse-power.
- 14 September, Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee Advertiser: Report on worker health care contribution.
The men employed by Heffernan's Company, Marshal McMahon reef, have on the suggestion of Mr. W.J. Watson, each undertaken to contribute a shilling per week, sixpence of which is to go to the funds of the local Hospital, and the remainder towards a benefit fund. We think the miners of Adelong might advantageously follow this example, at least as respects contributing to the only hospital in their vicinity open for their reception in cases of sickness or accident.
- 1 October, Young Courier: Mining report.
The stone from No. 6 Marshal McMahon is under the stampers, and is said to be going very well, but to my thinking, from the appearance of the tables, it will prove a long way short of previous crushings. No. 7, however, is raising some splendid quartz, and I am much mistaken if, when crushed, it will not tell a pleasing tale to the scripholders in the way of a handsome dividend.
- 9 October, Sydney Morning Herald: Gold mining report.
Mining News. Gold. .... A cake of gold, from Heffernan and Company, Marshal McMahon reef, was brought into Burrangong on September 30. It weighed 138 oz 5 dwts and was the produce of 288 tons of stone. Our own correspondent from the Marshal McMahon, sends us the following, dated Thursday, 3rd instant:- "200 tons, the last crushing, from the Heffernan Gold Mining Company, was concluded on Wednesday, and went in or about 3 oz to the ton. The exact yield cannot be accurately noted, as the silver is not all retorted yet. This stone, as well as that which preceded it for some time past, was taken from the upper portion of the claim, known as No.6. The reef died out here, or rather dwindled to a few inches at the depth of 60 feet, but is making again with a very fine appearance. A quantity of poor stone, some 200 tons, lies at the shaft, and, by being intermixed with the better sort has reduced the yield. They are pushing down the well in the main shaft, in No.7, on the down hill side, and consequently cannot attend to raising quartz, but as the manager, Mr Kerr, is pressing on the work vigorous!), a block tested to go 12 oz. with a face 30 feet deep, and a reef 2 feet wide, will be some available. The machine is now engaged on the poor stuff I referred to, which looks like 7 dwts to the ton. There was a prospect of eight tons tried on Monday, from a parallel vein, which gave a total of 5 oz. This vein is two feet wide. On the whole the concern promises fairly at present, and hopes are rife that richer finds will be again struck at a lower level. The greatest depth attained yet in 114 feet.
- 1, 22 November, 24 December, Yass Courier: Goldfield reports.
1873
- Marshall McMahon's Hotel, McMahon's Reef. Proprietor: Roderick Lawler.
- School begins at McMahon's Reef with 18 students (Gray 2006).
- 7 January, Yass Courier: Report on horse racing.
Racing. — There was some good sports at McMahon's Reef on New Year's day. There was a large attendance, and all the events were well contested. The first race was won by Mr. Lawler's Creole, beating three others; the second race, by Mr. Frazer's True Blue, beating four others ; the third race, by Mr. Hadwick's Rocket, beating two others ; the fourth race, by Mr. Lehane's Robin Hood, beating three others; the fifth race, by Mr. Thompson's Young Tiger, boating two others.
- 18, 21 February, 7, 21 March, 9 May, Yass Courier: Goldfield reports.
- 22 February, Australian Town and Country Journal: Report on the 1872 Annual Report of the Commissioner for the Southern Goldfields.
- March: Thomas Kirkpatrick removes his crushing and amalgamation plant to Coolac.
- 6 March, Empire: Mining Intelligence.
- 10 May, Gundagai Times: Mining News.
- 13 May, Yass Courier: Races to come off 24th May, 1873, at Marshal McMahon's Reef. Programme will appear in next issue. R.J. Lawlor.
- 14 June, Australian Town and Country Journal: Goldfield report.
- 4 July, 16 September, Yass Courier: Goldfield reports.
1874
- Work ceases at Cunningham's Creek mine.
- School at McMahon's Reef has 29 students.
- 25 April, Australian Town and Country Journal: Goldfield report
- 3 July, Yass Courier: Goldfield report.
1875
- School at McMahon's Reef closed, converted to provisional school only.
- William J. Watson acquires the Heffernan Gold Mining Company.
- 3 April, Gundagai Times: On Thursday some twenty-five tons weight of machinery, portion of the crushing plant lately on the Marshal McMahon's reef, and purchased by a Victorian company established at Kiandra, passed through town 'en route' for that place.
1876
- School at McMahon's Reef closed.
1877
- School at McMahon's Reef closed.
- 25 April, New South Wales Police Gazette: Arrest of Daniel McCarthy of Jugiong, later of McMahon's Reef: Daniel McCarthy, sen., charged with stealing a sheep (recovered), the property of B. M. Osborne, Esq., J.P., Redbank, has been arrested by Senior-constable Jones and Constable John, Jugiong Police. Committed for trial at Gundagai Sessions. Bail allowed, — self in £80, and two sureties in £40 each.
1878
- 9 February: Cunningham post office operates. Renamed Cunningar in 1919.
- 22 March, Gundagai Times
: Report on the court at Gundagai outlining a litany of offenses by members of
the McCarthy family at Jugiong (Daniel Snr., Daniel Jnr., John, Callahan
and ), including obscene language, drunkenness, horse stealing and
animal abuse. Shortly thereafter Daniel McCarthy and family move to McMahon's Reef.
1879
- 16 July, Burrangong Argus: Report on 'Sebastopol', west of Harden, near Stockinbingal.
Sebastopol. [From a Correspondent]. Several new reefs have been opened out inside the ground of the Old Morning Star claim, and a "six-acre lease" has been applied for, taking in all the old ground. The new reefs run parallel to and are not a continuation of the old line. The one open to the north-eastern side of the Morning Star apparently demands most attention, as stone is being raised for a trial crushing. Gold in visible in the quartz and some excellent prospects have been obtained by the prospectors, one of whom, Mr. John Evans (Welsh Jack) was the discoverer of the "Marshal McMahon" some years ago. Mr. Heffernan J.P., Messrs. Cummings, O'Brien, and Nicholls have all an interest in this lease. The width of the reef is 2 feet, and if the stone crushed well it ought to be a very payable investment, and perhaps give new life to mining operations. Both miners and farmers have worn long faces of late and would be glad to feel the cheering influence which surrounds a good reef.
1880s
- Legend told by Joe Fairall that of the approximately 400 miners who were seeking gold in the McMahon's Reef area during the 1880s, many were so poor that standard dress was shirts made out of flour bags from the Allsopp mill at Murrumburrah (HMHS Bulletin, October 1972).
1881
- William J. Watson floats the Watson's Reef Gold Mining Company Ltd.
This company spent £6,000 developing the mine and erecting a new plant with a 24-hp portable engine, 15-head stamp battery, percussion separators and a roasting furnace to assist in processing the gold-bearing pyrite concentrates. The company used a ‘chemical treatment’ of the concentrates, probably an early chlorination process, and although this proved a technical success it was not profitable, and the company consequently collapsed (McQueen 2022).
- July: Printing machinery for the creation of the Murrumburrah Signal is mistakenly sent to McMahon's Reef instead of Murrumburrah. Eventually located and first issue printed on 8 August.
- 16 August: Cunningham post office.
- 3 December, Evening News: Mining News.
1882
- 10 June, The Burrangong Argus: Report on death of three miners at Watson's Reef:
Tragic Occurrence.— A shocking mining accident, which has been already reported in our telegraphic columns, happened on Monday, at Watson's Reef (the old Marshall McMahon), Cunningham Creek, when three men, William Anthony, Thomas Hopkins and Edwd. Jackson, met with a sudden death. From particulars given at the inquest on Thursday, it appears that the present workings are near to some old workings, in which it was known that a great depth of water existed, but as it was reckoned that there was at least eighteen feet of unworked ground between the former and the latter, no precautions to prevent such a catastrophe as that which happened on Monday had been considered necessary. The three unfortunate men it seems were at work in a level at a depth of one hundred and seventy eight feet, when the manager, who was near the top of the shaft, heard a noise which made him suspect that the water had broken in below, and upon a couple of men descending, it was found that this was the case, and that the water had risen to the height of thirty-five feet in the shaft. The engine was then started pumping, but it was not until four o'clock on Wednesday morning that the water was lowered sufficiently to enable the bodies to be recovered. The breaking in of the water must have been very sudden, for the body of one of the men, Hopkins, was found in a perfectly natural position, and holding a drill in one of the hands. All the bodies, we are told, presented an appearance strangely resembling life, the skin showing no pallor, and the features appearing like those of healthy men in a state of repose. Anthony, who had lately come from Adelong, had only on the fatal day commenced work in the mine. Jackson, the only one married, leaves a wife and children. The verdict returned was to the effect that the occurrence was accidentally caused, no blame being attached to any person. Mr. Slee, Inspector of Mines, has subsequently inspected the workings, but the nature of his report has not yet transpired.
1883
- McMahon's Reef worked 1883 - 1892.
- Cunningar Proprietary Gold Mining and Chlorination Company (CPGMC Co.) operates around this time, and later the Crown Point Company.
- 9 October: School at McMahon's Reef was given full-time public school status and called Watson's Reef Public School. A pise building was erected during 1883 for £73.13.0 by John O'Mara of Harden.
1884
- 14 March, Evening News: Mining News.
- 17 May, Murrumburrah Signal: Goldfield reports.
- 31 May, Murrumburrah Signal: Goldfield reports.
- 15 October: First school teacher, Mr Oliver Barberie arrives at McMahon's Reef. Salary £9.13.0.
1885
- From 1885 until 1891 the Cunningar Quartz Mining Company operated the mine together with a separate tribute company after 1888. The tributers conducted the mining and operated the processing plant. At first, the pyritic ore was treated by smelting in a Campbell Probert smelter with gold extraction into molten lead. In 1886 the company invested in the latest pyrite concentrating equipment and employed around 100 men in the mine and plant. A chlorination plant using the recently developed Newberry-Vautin process was completed in 1887. Two years later the Cunningar Quartz Mining Company and the tributing company were amalgamated and floated as the Cunningar Proprietary Gold-mining and Chlorination Company N.L. By this time, the mine extended to 61 m depth with four levels. Two separate reefs were being worked, the Main Reef which varied from 1-3 m wide and a narrower, parallel quartz-rich reef to the west. A total of 14,000 tonnes of ore had been raised from the mine and 622 kg (20,000 oz) of gold produced. Floating of the new company provided additional capital to extend the mine workings and make other improvements. By 1891 operations had ceased, possibly due to less than expected gold recovery from the refractory ore and financial difficulties for the company (McQueen 2022).
- 12 March, Murrumburrah Progress Committee makes representations to the local MLA Slattery or a post office at McMahon's Reef, to operate by Mr Murray out of Dillon's store.
- 4 July, 8 August, 31 October, 12 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Goldfield reports.
- 2 October, NSW Government Gazette: Tenders called for conveyance of mails - To and from Murrumburrah and Marshal McMahon Reef, once a week, on horseback.
- 21 November, Petition supporting Mr Murray operating post office at McMahon's Reef. Confirmed later that month.
1886
- 1 January: Marshall McMahon's Reef conveyance of mail commences, and post office opened.
- Ms Halloran employed as a teacher at McMahon's Reef until end of 1888. No school building or residence.
- February: Currency Hotel in operation, by Mr Cahill, plus a bakery.
- 20 February, Murrumburrah Signal: Community report.
- 28 June: Murray resigns as post master and Cahill takes over.
- 11 September, Murrumburrah Signal: Goldfield report.
1887
- Clorination plant completed.
- 3 June, Argus: Mining Meetings - Cunningar, Murrumburrah.
1888
- August: Money order facility introduced to facilitation mining and wages operation for workforce of c.100.
- 3 November, Murrumburrah Signal: Goldfield report. Local population c.300. New pise hotel erected by Mr Boniface. Three stores and 50 students.
- 8 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Gold! Gold! Gold! report.
1889
- Cunningar Proprietary Gold-mining and Clorination Company formed.
- 15 April: Letter from teacher Ms. Halloran to Department of Education describing her problem with parents. Mr Manson subsequently employed as the teacher at McMahon's Reef, to replace Ms. Halloran.
- 22 June, Freeman's Journal: School Changes - Miss O'Halloran has been removed from Marshal McMahon's Reef to Dinga Dinga; Mr. Manson, of Redman's Creek, near Burrowa, goes to Marshal McMahon's Reef.
- 24 August, Murrumburrah Signal: Murrumburrah Progress Committee makes representations to the local MLA for a school house and teacher's residence at McMahon's Reef. Crooked Mick report.
- 1 September: Notification regarding Temporary Common.
1890
- 1 March, Australian Town and Country Journal: Goldfield report.
- 15 March, Murrumburrah Signal: Letter re school.
- April: Teacher Mr Manson replaced by Mr Mutton.
- 5 April, Murrumburrah Signal: ...
- 12 July, Murrumburrah Signal: Public meeting held to elect the trustees of the Marshall McMahon temporary common.
1891
- Operations of the Cunningar Proprietary Gold-mining and Clorination Co. cease.
1892
- 3 April: Land set aside at McMahon's Reef for a Common.
1893
- October: Money order facility withdrawn as CPGMCCo. operations cease.
1894
- 11 September, NSW Government Gazette: Tenders called for conveyance of mails - To and from Cunningham and Marshal McMahon Reef, twice a week.
1895
- Injection of British capital and formation of the Crown Point Gold Mining Company, leads to reopening of the mine.
- The Australian hotel, McMahon's Reef, proprietor: Michael Joseph Cahill.
1896
- Crown Point Gold Mining Co. begins operations.
A new plant was erected in 1896, that included a Blake’s stone breaker, crushing battery, Kropp’s mill, Merton patent furnace and a new chlorination plant. This venture proved to be a fiasco. After most of the company’s capital had been expended on the new plant, operations were delayed, awaiting the sinking of a new shaft to 122 m.199 Foundations were laid for the head frame in early 1899 before the company succumbed to financial difficulty and was liquidated at the end of the year (McQueen 2022).
- New school building of weatherboard and galvanised iron building constructed in 1896 by A. Mackintosh, Murrumburrah, at a cost of £95. An inferior job was done. Average attendance at this time was 32 students.
- 10 June, Burrangong Argus: Mining report.
Mining Spec. Now that a London syndicate has got hold of the big mining reef at Marshal McMaben Reef the chances are they will not give it up until they thoroughly test its worth. Whether their speculation will bring sorrow or joy remains to be seen, but we (Murrumburrah Signal) sincerely trust it will be the latter. We are informed that most of the money spent at this place in the past was sunk in endeavouring to secure proper machinery for the treatment of the stone, and that the funds had really been exhausted before the desired object was achieved. However, the present holders evidently feel confident that they know and can get exactly the right sort of machinery for the purpose, which is of the Krupp kind, and will shortly arrive from Germany. Under the new process we are informed that the stone will not leave the machine until every particle of gold is taken out of it. There are already between 30 and 40 men employed out at the Reef, and the amount of money paid away in wages must reach something like £150 per fortnight. With the advent of the new machinery it is estimated that twice the present number of men will be employed there.
- 22 August, Cootamundra Herald: Marshall McMahon Reef report, extracted from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Marshall Macmahon Reef. Among the many centres along the line of and contiguous to the Murrumbidgee watershed, in which an active revival in gold mining enterprise is now taking place, is the Cunningham creek district, or, as it is commonly called, the Marshall Macmahon, from the mine of that name, situated about 12 miles from Murrumburrah. Though this reefing undertaking is an old identity, and has struggled with varying fortunes for a considerable time, it was only after being shut down for about four years that it was recalled to vigorous life. This event took place about nine months ago, when an influential corporation under the name of the Crown Point G.M. Company, Limited, mainly composed of English shareholders, took it in hand. Their enterprise bids fair to prove a satisfactory success. The essential of practical management has been provided for by the new company in the appointment of Mr. E. W. Ditchburn, from Ballarat, a gentleman of extended mining experience in Victoria. The company's lease contains two main parallel reefs, running about east and west, the one carrying chiefly free gold, and the other pyritous, well mineralised, and more or less refractory ore. The company has decided on a scale of operations which will not only ensure the thorough treatment of their own ores, but includes a wider view. The surrounding district for a radius of many miles is a promising reefing country, and the enterprise of the Crown Point Company, in the erection of extensive reducing and concentrating works capable of treating large quantities of ore, aims at encouraging mining in this district, and will afford a great stimulus to reefing operations. The plant will consist of a set of Merton furnaces, capable of roasting 100 tons of ore per week; a Krupp mill, with the latest improvements, of similar capacity; a complete chlorination plant, capable of being used also with little alteration for cyanide treatment, together With concentrating pans, filtering vats, and other accessories. It is claimed that the Krupp mill is equally suitable for wet or dry treatment. There are several thousand tons of pyritous tailings at present on the surface from the old stamper battery, formerly at work here, as well as from the Huntington mills, which were also tried some years ago; these will pay for treatment. As regards the stone itself, the company is fully satisfied, from assay results, that its enterprise will be justified. The pyritous reef carries its iron and minerals well distributed; and the other reef consists of a grey, kindly grained porphyry, which should be a fairly free milling ore, and has yielded very satisfactory trial assays. Stone is now coming to the surface from the 200ft. level on this reef, which is the only one at present being worked. Developments on the pyritous reef are being delayed pending the completion of the reducing machinery. It is contemplated adding to the plant a stamper battery, so that nothing will be wanting to supply every possible requisite for the treatment of ores. When everything is in full Working order it is probable that the mine will employ about 100 hands. Alluvial mining in the locality has lately received a great stimulus, and though the district has always afforded employment to a number of men, it was never more active and prosperous than at present. The old system of creek bed fossicking has given place to more extensive operations, and a good many parties are profitably working alluvial deposits in the gullies and terraces. About 100 men altogether are engaged in alluvial digging.
- June: School Inspector reports 51 students, comprising 31 rural and 20 mining.
- 25 September, Burrowa News: Goldfield report. Includes reference to rush at Cunningham's Creek, 1 mile from McMahon's Reef.
1897
- Robert Etheridge Junr., The discovery of [Diprotodon] bones at Cunningham Creek, near Harden, N.S. Wales, Records of the Australian Museum, 7 January 1897, 3(1), 9-10. The complete text is reproduced below (there were no illustrations):
The Cunningham Creek Gold-field is situated about fourteen miles south-east of Murrumburrah and Harden. The "diggings" lies along both sides of the creek, above and below the Jugiong Road-crossing to Cunningham Plains, reaching almost down to its junction with the more important Jugiong Creek. The whole of this district is composed of grey granite cropping out here and there in bosses and tors, otherwise a thick granitic detritus hides the bedrock completely, and in consequence a subsequent denudation has given rise to gently rolling downs and hills. It is in this detritus that the bones of extinct Marsupials have been found for some time past, generally lying immediately above the auriferous wash-dirt of the old subsidiary branches of Cunningham Creek. The claim of Messrs. J. F. Wilson and Party, who first reported the discovery, is situated on the north bank of the creek, the shaft mouth being about seventy feet above the creek bed, and on the Cunningham Creek Common, barely a mile south-west of Cahill's [Currency] Hotel. The shaft is down sixty feet in fine granitic detritus, interspersed with large boulders of granite. The bones are usually met with at fifty-eight feet from the surface, and, as before stated, immediately above the wash-dirt, but from the wet nature of the ground, they are all very rotten, and difficult of extraction and preservation. The wash-dirt appears to be of poor quality, although containing a few gem-stones, running in narrow gutters between hard granite bars. The bones procured were chiefly those of Diprotodon. Through the courtesy of Mr. W. T. Ditchworth, the Manager of the Crown Point Gold Mining Co., Ltd., I was able to inspect the workings of the Marshall-McMahon Reef, where a quartz lode carrying free gold, and another with very refractory ore, are worked. I was fortunate enough to obtain good specimens for our collection.
- 15 January, Burrowa News: The application of Thomas Ryan for a conditional [liquor] license at McMahon's Reef was withdrawn.
- 5 March, NSW Government Gazette: McMahon's Reef Common, balance sheet for 1896.
- 15 October, Burrowa News: Residential lease forfeited.
Forfeiture of a Residential Lease. — The residential lease specified hereunder has been declared forfeited through non payment of rent and non-fulfilment of conditions; the forfeiture will take effect at the expiration of thirty clear days from 9th October : — Nicholson Alexander, of Marshall McMahon's Reef, 10 acres, Cumbamurra Gold-field, parish Cumbamurra.
- 2 November, NSW Government Gazette: Tenders called for conveyance of mails - To and from Murrumburrah, Cunningham and Marshal McMahon Reef, three times a week.
- 15 December, Daily Telegraph: Winding up of the Crown Point Gold Mining Company.
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Sheriff's Office, Sydney, 9th December, 1897. Merton V. The Crown Point Gold-Mining Company, Ltd. Ditchburn V. Do. Do. Watkins V. Do. Do. Booth and Others V. Do. Do. On Saturday, the 18th day of December, at 11 o'clock a.m., unless the Writs of Fieri Facias herein be previously satisfied, the Sheriff will cause to be Sold by Public Auction, at the Mine of the Defendant Company, at Marshal McMahon Reef, near Murrumburrah, All the Right, Title, and Interest of the Crown Point Gold-mining Company, Limited, the Defendant Company herein, of, in, and to all the Mining Plant and Machinery, including Dry Crushing Mill (by Krupp, large size), Engines, Boilers, Mining and Crushing Machinery, and Chlorination Plant, etc., etc., etc., said to be in, upon, or about the Mining Property of the said Company, situate at Marshal McMahon Reef, near Murrumburrah. - Terms, Cash, Cheques Not Taken. C.E.B. Maybury, Sheriff.
 |
| McMahon's Reef, remains of gold mine workings (McGowan 1996). |
1898
- 6 January: 5 acre paddock added to school grounds.
- 21 January, NSW Government Gazette: McMahon's Reef Common, balance sheet for 1897.
- 28 January, NSW Government Gazette: Election of Marshall McMahon's Reef Common Trustees - John J. Walsh, Michael J. Downey, John
O'Mara, Agustis P. Hayward, William McDeed.
- 12 March: Village of McMahon proclaimed.
- 23 April, Murrumburrah Signal: Cunningham Creek Public School to be fenced. Teacher: Miss Reardon.
- 16 May: Map of the Village of McMahon and Suburban Lands, Parish of Cumbamurra, County of Harden, Land District of Borrowa, Department of Lands, Sydney. Includes precise location of various buildings.
 |
| Map of Town of McMahon, 1898. |
- 31 May & June: Parish of Cumbamurra, County of Harden, Land District of Borrowa maps, Department of Lands, Sydney. Includes the town of McMahon's Reef and variations in the ownership of the land at the time.
 |
| 1898 Parish Map. |
- July: Only 4 children out of 51 at school due to influenza.
- 1 September, Daily Telegraph: New South Wales Fields - Harden.
- 22 October, Murrumburrah Signal: Gold mining on Cunningham Creek.
- 5 November, Murrumburrah Signal: Alleged Theft of Gold. Report on McMahon's Reef theft.
 |
| Remains of School Master's residence. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. Original residence moved to 151 Albury Street, Harden. |
- 12 November, Murrumburrah Signal: Gold mining at Cunningham Creek report. Ore sent to Dapto smelting works for processing.
- 3 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Tom Berry’s tent fire at Cunningham Creek.
- 31 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Report from Cunningham Creek.
Cunningham Creek. (From our correspondent). Some nice rain fell last week, and it has done much good in the matter of supplying water. Up to recently the sand had to be scooped back in order to get sufficient water for stock. In the matter of mining, I regret to bear that the application made by the dredging party has been refused by the Department, — Dunbier, Armstrong and party are still getting good results; and Brown and party are working away, sometimes with good returns, but mostly very patchy. There are about a dozen men about Surface Hill getting gold, and some lower-down are equally successful. The Crown Point mine is still dormant, only bailing water. During the last 13 mouths about £2000 worth of alluvial gold has been won from Cunningham Creek, and this does not include the gold got by men unknown to me. There are three local gold buyers here, and a lot of gold is also sold in Harden and Murrumburrah. The field is now keeping some 40 or 50 miners, so that there are worse places than Cunningham Creek. A young man at Surface Hill received a snake bite at about 9 o'clock on the night of the 17th instant, but I believe he is now alright. There was a ball out here a short time ago and there was a large attendance of both adults and juveniles. Everything passed off well, though I fail to see any sense in parents allowing children to remain up so late. It is a with regret that I have to announce the removal of Mr Corbet, our popular school teacher, from our midst. He has been promoted, so that there is much honor as well as sorrow attached to his departure. With regard to the practise of stealing water from the school tanks, I consider it a great shame for children, some of whom have to travel three miles, to arrive at the school and have no water to drink. One or two persons have been caught and cautioned, but evidently without the desired effect, so that I think it is quite time some action at law should be taken with regard to this matter.
 |
| McMahon's Reef (McGowan 1996) |
1899
- The Australian hotel, McMahon's Reef, proprietor: Michael Joseph Cahill.
- 14 January, Murrumburrah Signal: Report from Cunningham Creek.
Cunningham Creek. (From our Correspondent.) The holidays passed off very quietly here. Some of our folk went to the Murrumbidgee and caught a nice lot of fish. Sickness of all kinds is prevalent here just now, and all about the district families are laid up with either measles or bronchitis. During the holidays Mr Wilshire, J.P., and Mr Badger, (late manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank at Binalong) were driving home from Jugiong to Beremangra, when the horse took fright at a log and capsized the sulky. Mr Wilshire had his thigh broken, but I am pleased to hear he is now progressing very favorably. A young man at Coppabella recently had his jaw broken through a kick from a horse. Grey, Nash, Armstrong and party now constitute a party, of seven or nine, and have taken up the mine on Cunningham Creek where Brown and party some 12 months back knocked off work. There is fair gold to be had but the mine is very difficult to work, on account of the water and drift. They are going to dam the creek. The depth of the ground is about 20 feet, and they intend stripping it, as is done on the Araluen digging, by the aid of two engines and pumps. I wish them every success with their enterprise, as it is a big undertaking for so small a party. It is with regret that I have to record the death of an old identity of Jugiong Creek, near Redbank, in the person of Mr Daniel McCarthy, snr. He lived in the Gundagai and adjoining districts for something like 48 years, and at one time kept the old Bird-in-Hand Hotel (since closed) at Jugiong, and also had a flourishing store business at the same place. He was well-known on the southern road, being one of those who never refused to help a man in need. Though he made a good deal of money, he lost it or most of it through being stuck up by bushrangers on two occasions, and also through the terrible floods experienced in the past. He was living at Cootamundra when there was only a shepherd's hut there, and he was one of the second or third exploring party that went down the Murrumbidgee. He was several years at Yass with Hume and O'Brien. Deceased was a native of Cork, Ireland, and had reached the ripe old age of 89 years when he peacefully passed away on the 5th instant. He leaves a sorrowful wife, six sons and two daughters behind him, and the whole of the children, all grown up, reside within a few miles from where he died. Mr McCarthy was a good Roman Catholic, and died fortified by all the blessing of his holy religion. Father Donovan, parish priest of Gundagai, attended him for some time previous to his death. May he rest in peace.
- 11 February, Murrumburrah Signal: Report from Cunningham Creek.
Items from Cunningham Creek. (From our Correspondent.) Cricket - On Saturday next a team from Coppabella are to meet the Marshal McMahon Reef willow wielders in a friendly contest, and much interest is being taken in the result of the game. Of course a Supper is to be provided for the visitors, and no doubt a really jolly time will be spent. Social - There was a Surprise Party at Mr J. O'Brien's, of Cunningham Creek, the other night, when visitors from tho Reef, Cooney's Creek, and Coppabella put in an appearance. With such a party of young and jovial spirits, it goes without saying that a most enjoyable time was spent, and it will probably not be long before a similar honor is bestowed on another popular resident not very far distant. And quite right, too, for in such places as this, the folk cannot too frequently meet socially together. Religious - The Rev. W. Gardner, Presbyterian minister from Murrumburrah, held Divine Service in the engine shed at McMahon's Reef on Sunday afternoon, and he seems to be genuinely earnest Christian minister, though one or two females of his congregation might have shown more respect to him than they did. A cloth placed over a deal box did service for a pulpit for him to preach from, and he got along very well indeed. It is Mr Gardner's intention, I believe, to hold Service here every month, and I think it would be a good thing if ministers of other denominations followed his example at least in this respect. There is a good road from the town here, and as horses and buggies are always available, I think clergymen might visit us at least once every two months. Mining Matters - Dunbier and party are still obtaining fair results; also Brown's party; and at Surface Hill there are a few getting from five to six weights. Grey, Nash and party are cutting a channel 300 yards long, 20 feet across the top and 2 foot at bottom, and are making a dam across the creek to carry the flood and other surface water out of the main channel. After this is done — which will take some 2 months — they intend to start stripping where the supposed gold is. Of course they will then have the under current to contend with and it remains to be seen if they will be able to overcome this difficulty. There is talk of the Crown Point Company shortly calling tenders for another shaft. The same company are crushing some 50 or 60 tons of quartz that was left by the last manager. Similar stone that was sent to the Dapto Works is believed to have gone 25 weights to the ton, which if true, should be highly satisfactory. M.J. Cahill and party are at work, or about to start a leader or reef in O'Brien's paddock on the Cunningham Estate. Kneebone and Nicholls are about to make another application for a lease of 2 miles by 2 chains wide of Cunningham Creek to dredge for gold, and this time the application will be backed up by a petition signed by a majority of 6 to 1 bona fide miners at this place, Murrumburrah and Harden. Some of those who have signed the petition are men who have been working the wet ground for the last two years, using pumps and engines out of number trying to deal with water in the low ground, but they are satisfied they cannot conquer it and express the opinion that there is no other way to successfully do the work except by dredging. These men too are no birds of passage, but have been living about the Creek for the last 20 or 30 years, and failed to conquer the water difficulty by the ordinary mode of mining. The applicants for the lease are not, I am sure, trying to injure other miners in any way. They will expend from £1,000 to £5,000 in machinery, which will be brought to the Creek, and they bind themselves in the petition to give miners and others free access to water for legitimate mining purposes. Should they be successful it will probably mean other similar ventures starting in the district, and will prove a boon and not — as some contend — an injury to the working miner.
- 11 March, Murrumburrah Signal: Illegal entertainment at Cahill's hotel.
Police Court. Thursday, March 9th, 1899. (Before the P.M. and Mr O. J. Dillon, J.P.). The police proceeded against Michael J. Cahill for having dancing and music on his licensed premises at McMahon's Reef. Mr Foley appeared for the defendant. It was shown that the amusement was of an impromptu character, and Mr Cahill expressed much regret at the occurrence and promised that no such proceedings would be again allowed on his licensed premises. A letter was read from Mr J.J. Walsh, J.P., who resides near Mr Cahill's hotel, giving a high character to the manner in which Mr Cahill generally conducts his business. Sergeant McIntosh said the Police had no desire to press for a heavy penalty. Fined £2, with 5s 6d costs of court.
- 18 March, Murrumburrah Signal: Report from Cunningham Creek.
Cunningham Creek. (From our Correspondent). Progress. There is talk of a public meeting being held here shortly to elect a now Progress Committee, as the previous one has ceased to exist for some time past. We want some official body to look after the wants of the place, and it also strengthens the hands of the Parliament representative to ensure necessary concessions from the authorities in Sydney. Cricket. The McMahon's Reef cricketers are to play the return match against the Coppabella willow wielders on Saturday, the 18th inst., when no doubt a very pleasant time will be spent. Judging from the last match, the Reef players should score a victory. Christianity. Some time back I remember a controversy going on in the metropolitan daily papers about sending missionaries to China to Christianize the heathen Chinese. One correspondent declared there was plenty of work to do nearer home, and this opinion I strongly endorse, for to my own knowledge out here, where we are only a few miles from all ministries of religion, there are a couple of large families some of whom are not yet christened. Many of the children are allowed to go about at all hours and where they like. A few of those are females from 9 to 12 years old. They bath in the creek and dam in open daylight, and don't seem to care whether anyone sees them or not. What price manufacturing evidence to make a case against some of our innocent youths? An officious officer — or anyone else, for the matter of that — could work it up splendidly. Mining. Dunbier, Armstrong and party have worked out the top end of their claim to the old Tangye claim, and lately have been engaged shifting their engine and pump closer to the bank of the creek. They have sunk another shaft, and are looking for the run of gold they were on before. Grey, Nash and party have finished their by wash to take the surface water from the dam and have made a start to strip. They have an 8-horse power engine and pump. J. Sheehan and party have taken up the Jubilee claim, near Brown's party, and have an engine and pump. They are about bottoming a shaft. Brown's party have been getting very good gold, on and off, for the last three-weeks or so. A good many loads of stuff have been washed at Surface Hill since the last rains, but I have not heard whether the results were satisfactory or not. At Rocky Ponds, some three miles from here, Edgworth Brothers have a very good claim, the dirt going from 4 to 5 dwte to the load. Giles and party are getting 3 and 4 dwts. There is no extent of ground for any more claims, and I might also odd that the ground being worked is between two old sluicing claims. Tho Crown Point Gold Mining Company are erecting a foundation for new poppet heads, to be put up over a new shaft the intend sinking. Some 7 or 8 men are employed on the work at present. The other day Mr Weekes, Warden from Yass, was out to inspect the creek applied for by Nichols and Kneebone as a dredging lease, and I believe there was no objection by any party here. In my reports of mining it must not be thought the gold won has been got out of the creek, as so far [it is by shaft] except at a place close to Murrumburrah.
- 3 June, Murrumburrah Signal: Report on sport and dance events.
Sports and Dance. Our Cunningham Creek correspondent sends us an account of the sports and ball held at McMahon's Reef on the 24th May last. The weather was delightful, and about 300 people attended the sports. Everything passed off satisfactorily, though the rider of a horse got his leg injured. The hammer and drill contest caused considerable enthusiasm, and it was pretty smart work to get through 9 1/2 inches of hard granite rock in ten minutes. On the whole the day was a very enjoyable one indeed. The ball at night was also tip top and attended by about 40 couples. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion, the music was A1 and everything was done by the management to provide comfort and pleasure for patrons. Messrs Corbett and Dunbier are especially deserving of thanks in this connection. A splendid supper was provided by Mr Cahill, the popular host of the Australian Hotel, and Mrs and the Misses Cahill had the tables laid out in such a tempting and charming manner, and were so attentive to their guests, that they earned the thanks and hearty congratulations of all concerned. Some very nice dresses were worn on the occasion, and it was in every sense a great success. Following are the results of the sports: — Opening Handicap of 100 yards— Stuart 1, P. Barry 2. Sheffield Handicap of 120 yards — W. Chamberlin 1, Stuart 2, P. Barry 3. Horse Jump — G. Reid's Donald (4ft 6in) 1. Handicap Hack Race — R. Fallon's Sunbeam 1, L. Ryan's Mermaid 2. Hack Race of 1/2 mile — Cooney's Mermaid 1, Cluney's Rosebud 2. Throwing at the wicket — J. Long, R. Chamberlin and M. Dargan divided. Quoit contest — W. Armstrong and C. McGarvey divided. Sack Race — O. McCarthy 1. Hammer and Drill Contest — Waugh and Quilty 1, T. and J. Adams 2, Armstrong and Meldrum 3.
- 24 November, NSW Government Gazette: Notice re Commons.
Department of Mines and Agriculture, Stock and Brands, Sydney, 24th November, 1899. Extended Commoners' Boundaries at McMahon's Reef. His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, directs it to be notified that all the residents or inhabitants of the age of 16 years and over within the boundaries of reserve 25,796 for Gold-mining Purposes, notified 24th. March, 1897, and who have been duly enrolled as Commoners will be entitled, to the use of the Temporary Common at McMahon's Reef. John L. Fegan.
- 1 December, New South Wales Government Gazette: Crown Point Gold-mines.
1900
- 10 April, New South Wales Government Gazette: Registration of office in the matter of the Crown Point Gold Mines Limited for the purposes of the Companies (Death Duties) Act, 1899.
- July-September: School closed due to whooping cough.
1901
- The Australian hotel, McMahon's Reef, proprietor: Michael Joseph Cahill.
- Old pise school, used as a weather shed, is demolished and replaced by a verandah.
- Crown Point Gold Mining Company closes down. Minor refinement of tailings continues through to 1907.
- 22 February, NSW Government Gazette: Election of Marshall McMahon's Reef Common Trustees - John J. Walsh, Michael J. Cahill, Michael J. Downey, Donald Giles, John O'Mara.
- 8 March, NSW Government Gazette: McMahon's Reef Common, balance sheet for 1900.
- 8 March, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: McMahon's Reef polling place.
- 22 May, NSW Government Gazette: Annual lease of 500 acres by Michael J. Cahill Junr., Marshall McMahon's Reef, Land District of Boorowa, Parish of Coppabella, County of Harden, £12.10 pa.
- 8 November, NSW Government Gazette: Registration of the Cunningham Creek Pioneer Pump Dredging Company, with a nominal capital of £14,000 in 28,000 shares at 10/- each. First manager: W.J. Corbett. Applicants to register the company: M.J. Cahill, Australian Hotel, McMahon's Reef; G. Long, hotel keeper, Harden; W. Gray, McMahon's Reef; Alexander Middleton, McMahon's Reef; W.A. Boxall, Cowra; T. Ryan, Cumbamurra Station; W.J. Corbett, McMahon's Reef.
1902
- 5 July, Gundagai Times: On Saturday next Mr. C. Dillon, Murrumburrah, will auction, at McMahon's Reef, mining engines, billiard table, 4-head battery, etc.
1904
- 22 January, NSW Government Gazette: Notice of meeting to elect trustees for the McMahon's Reef Commons.
- 5 February, NSW Government Gazette: Election of Marshall McMahon's Reef Common Trustees - Peter Murphy, John O'Mara, Michael J. Downey, Leo Murphy, Robert Hardy.
1905
- January: 1 extra acre added to school grounds for playground.
- 17 May, Australian Town and Country Journal: Cunningham Plains homestead report, previous to the subdivision and sale of the estate.
"Cunningham Plains" homestead. Situated about four miles distant from the township, this magnificent homestead is one of the landmarks of the district. The station, owned by Messrs. G. and W. Salting Brothers, and managed by Mr. R. Futter, consists of 52,000 acres, upon which, at present, are 49,000 sheep, together with a number of cattle and horses. Some 16,000 ewes are lambing, and last year 54,000 sheep were shorn here. In addition to grazing, Mr. Futter has about 1500 acres of land under cultivation, and everything on the property looks splendid, in spite of the fact that 35,000 acres of grass and 120 miles of fencing were destroyed during the recent fires. In the face of this calamity, evidence of clever management is furnished by the fact that Mr. Futter only found it necessary to rent grass for 12,000 sheep, there being plenty of feed for the remainder on the estate.
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| Sale of Cunningham Plains Estate, 11 December 1907, subdivision plan. |
1906
- 16 June: Teacher's residence opened. Built by W.S. Millard for £349.12.0. Average attendance at school was 41 students.
- 8 August, NSW Government Gazette: For Gold Mining Lease / Burrowa / W. Cross / McMahon's Reef, Cumbamurra, 8 acres.
- 28 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Annual concert held for McMahon's Reef Public School in Jack Ward's woolshed.
1907
- Final notice of tailings production at McMahon's Reef utilising the cyanide process.
1909
- Wash house added to teacher's residence.
- Name of public school changed from Watson's Reef to Marshall McMahon's Reef.
- 2 September, Catholic Press: Obituary of Mrs. W. J. Ward (b.1873), of Cunningham Creek Station.
- 2 November, The Gundagai Times: Death of Mrs. Daniel McCarthy of McMahon's Reef.
A residence of the district for from 50 to 60 years, Mrs. McCarthy, widow of the late Daniel McCarthy, who some years ago kept the old Bird-in-Hand hotel, Jugiong, died at her home, Jugiong Creek, Redbank, yesterday morning, from senile decay, at the ripe age of 80 years. The remains will be interred in the Jugiong cemetery today, and the funeral service, will be conducted by Father Donovan. The deceased reared a large family.
1910
- 12 January, NSW Government Gazette: Notice re meeting to elect McMahon's Reef Common Trustees for next three years.
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| View of the Cunningham's Creek wooden bridge, looking south towards Jugiong, circa 1910. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
1911
- 9 June, Burrowa News: Marriage on 24 May at St. Mary's, Murrumburrah, between Edward Morris and Hannah Fairall, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Jas. Fairall of McMahon's Reef.
1912
- 21 August, NSW Government Gazette: Walter Coulson, teacher, McMahon's Reef, promotes to Class IIB, For Good Service.
- 5 December, Murrumburrah Signal: Death of old resident.
Obituary. On Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Mr. Brady passed away away at the residence of Mr. W.J. Ward, McMahon's Reefs. The deceased gentleman had been ailing for sometime, and the cause of death was senile decay. Mr. Brady, who was 84 years of age and a very old resident of McMahon's Reef, where he was held in the highest respect and esteem. He was an uncle of Mr. W. J. Ward, and Mrs. John Bourke. The funeral takes place this afternoon.
1913
- 26 February, NSW Government Gazette: Notice re meeting to elect McMahon's Reef Common Trustees for next three years. Peter Murphy, Chairman of Trustees.
- 10 December, NSW Government Gazette: Notice re intestate estate of Daniel John Pittman, late of McMahon's Reef, Murrumburrah.
1914
- 27 February, Burrowa News: Marriage at St Patrick's, Gundagai, of John Carr of Jugiong to Miss Ellen Fairall, daughter of Mr Valentine Fairall of McMahon's Reef. Miss Mabel Fairall was bridesmaid and Mr Andrew Fairall was best man.
- 2 October, Burrowa News: Land Board allocations at McMahon's Reef.
Binalong Land Board. Monday, September 28..... For six blocks from 60 to 130 acres each at McMahon's Reef, there were 24 applications. Mr, Robert Gibson, of Harden, appeared as Agent, for 19 of these. In all fifteen went to ballot. The following were successful in the order named : — Edwin Wilson, Block C, 115ac. Daniel Michael McCarthy, Block D, 130ac. Matthew Turnbull, Block E, 120ac. Thos. Friend, jun., Block A, 80ac. Martin Albert Murphy, Block F, 94ac. Albert Wm. Burt, Block B, 80ac. There was no appearance for Messes. Turnbull and Burt. Their applications were consequently postponed. Messrs. Michael Goodwin, Arthur Jas. McCarthy, and Daniel McCarthy left their applications in. Refund of deposits granted in all other cases.
1919
- 21 February, Burrowa News: The following McMahon's Reef landowners were fined by the Rabbit Inspect for failing to deal with rabbits on their property: T. Ryan, A. Lawford, M. Murphy, Valentine Fairall and W.J. Ward.
1920
- Photograph of students and teacher at Mr Maloney McMahon's Reef public school, 1920. According to Lorraine O'Keefe Brookes, the children in the photograph are as follows:
First (Back) Row: Jack Ward, ? ?Goodwin, Bill Ward, Josephine McCarthy, Alice McCarthy, Jim Callan.
Second (Middle) Row: Nell Wilson, Dot Hendren, Thelma Tobin, Maurice Collins, Tess Maloney, her father School Teacher Mr Maloney and his son Billy Maloney.
Third (Front) Row: Sandy Fairall, Tom Friend, Ted Wilson, Claude Friend.
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| Students at McMahon's Reef public school, 1920. Source: Lorraine O'Keefe Brookes, Facebook. |
- 5 June: Death at Waverley of M.J. Cahill, born at Burrowa on 14 October 1848 and former resident and hotel proprietor at McMahon's Creek. Reference: The Catholic Press, 1 July 1920.
1921
- Name of public school changed from Marshall McMahon's Reef to McMahon's Reef Public School. Average of 14 students. Closure during 1921 due to low numbers.
- 1 December, Murrumburrah Signal: "Ratepayer" asked that an inspector be sent along, as rabbits were becoming very bad on McMahon's Reef Common. The [Young Pastures Protection] Board declined to recognise an anonymous correspondence.
1925
- Pise hotel at McMahon's Reef licensed up until this date (HMHS Bulletin, October 1972).
- 5 July, Burrowa News: V. Fairall issued with a notice to destroy by the Rabbit Inspector.
- 11 September, Burrowa News: 3rd Annual Ball by the GUOOF at the Mechanics Hall, Binalong, included Miss McCarthy of McMahon's Creek, dressed in jade green silk, with marrinette ostrich trimmings.
- 25 December, Burrowa News: Report on wool sales - Jas. H. Fairall, McMahon's Creek, A9F 23 1/2d, AF 22 1/4d, P 19d.
- 31 December, Freeman's Journal: Obituary of Mr. William Joseph Ward.
1926
- 22 January, Burrowa News: Demondrille Shire Council report.
Improvements Needed. Cr. Flanery1 stated that Mr. Fairall had requested him to bring before the notice of the Council, the necessity of having repairs made to the crossing in the creek at McMahon's Reef. The Engineer was instructed to inspect the crossing and have it repaired.
- 9 July, Burrowa News: Events at McMahon's Reef.
McMahon's Reef. (From Our Correspondent.) A dance in aid of the Galong Town Queen's candidature (Miss Tessie Cusack) was held in Mr. Ward's wool shed on Saturday night last, and was a great success, despite the inclemency of the weather. Tip-top music was supplied by Mr. Sid Cross, extras being played by Mr. Whyte and Mr. Charles Kemp. The duties of M.C. also fell to Mr. Whyte. Ah excellent supper was served at midnight. A Monte Carlo Waltz was won by Miss Thelma Sargent and Mr. Jack Strachan. Mr. Mark Hardy, on behalf of Miss Cusack, thanked those present for their hearty support, and all those who helped with the arrangements. A team of tennis players from Galong will visit here on Saturday afternoon next, in a match against the local players.
1927
- 24 June, Burrowa News: Benefit Social held in Jack Ward's wool shed, McMahon's Reef.
1929
- 15 February, Burrowa News: Share Farming Dispute. Between Daniel McCarthy and the estate of W.J. Ward, requesting payment for fallowing land at McMahon's Reef. McCarthy lost in the Yass court case.
1931
- Marshall McMahon Gold Mining Co. operates through to 1932.
Activity at McMahons Reef after 1900 was restricted to cyanide treatment of tailings until the economic depression of the 1930s prompted renewed interest in gold mining. In July 1931, the Marshall McMahon’s Mining Company N.L. was formed by a syndicate of local miners and investors from Queanbeyan and Canberra. With scant capital of £250 the company did not last long and was bankrupt the following year. Over this short period the company had managed to sample the dumps and old stopes, retimber two old shafts to the water table and sink a new shaft to 15 m on a site 100 m southeast of the old main shaft. (McQueen 2022)
- New McMahon's Reef Gold Mining Co. begins operations and continues through to March 1942.
- 2 July, Murrumburrah Signal: Death of 76 year old Daniel McCarthy Jnr., long time resident of McMahon's Reef. See also Cootamunda Herald.
- 24 July, Burrowa News: Death of Daniel McCarthy Jnr. (1856-1932) of McMahon's Reef.
Mr. Daniel McCarthy, of McMahon's Reef, in the Harden district, died in hospital on Saturday after a very short illness. Born at Jugiong 76 years ago, he was 16 when the bushrangers, Ben Hall and Johnnie Gilbert, visited his father's hotel, seized all the ready cash, and stole a good racing mare also. In the "seventy" flood, the young McCarthys were carried on their mother's back to safety.
1933
- 28 August, Sydney Morning Herald: McMahon's Reef post office burns down. Replacement erected, constructed from iron and wood.
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| Former McMahon's Reef post office building, October 2022. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
- 2 October: McMahon's Reef post office name changed.
1934
- 18 January, Murrumburrah Signal: Mining equipment sent to McMahon's Reef.
- 21 June, Freeman's Journal: Obituary of Owen McCarthy Snr., son of Daniel McCarthy.
Obituary. Mr. Owen McCarthy. Quite a gloom was cast over the little village of McMahon Reel' when the news of the sudden death of Mr. Owen McCarthy, sen., on Thursday, May 3, became known. Deceased succumbed to a heart attack. The third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McCarthy, of the Jugiong Hotel, he could relate stirring stories of the bushrangers visiting their home. After marrying Elizabeth Harbridge of Binalong in 1884, deceased went to McMahon's Reef where the gold mine had just opened. Deceased settled on the land about a mile from the village and carried on farming and grazing very successfully on the property, 'East Grove,' until the time of his death. He is survived by a widow and seven children and 10 granddaughters. Mr. O. McCarthy, jun., Mr. Jack McCarthy and Mr. Arbrose McCarthy reside at McMahon Reef; Mrs. Hendren at Goulburn, Mrs. Emms at Arncliffe, Mrs. Bailey at King's Cross, and Mrs. Gildea at Lakemba. One sister, Mrs. Daley (Harden) and two brothers, Thomas (Harden) and James (McMahon's Reef) also survive. Deceased was a keen sportsman and a prominent figure at the Test matches in Sydney. He was active up till the time of his death, and was out riding the previous afternoon. On Friday the funeral left the homestead for the Catholic Cemetery at Murrumburrah. It was one of the largest seen in the district, over 70 cars forming the cortege, and it was representative of the high esteem in which deceased was held. Rev. Father Shannon read the last prayers at the grave, and deceased was laid to rest beside his youngest daughter Olive, who predeceased him 14 years ago. He was one of the pioneer Catholics of the Murrumburrah parish.
- 21 September, NSW Government Gazette: Registration of New McMahon's Reef Gold Mine company.
- October: New McMahon's Reef Gold Mining Company formed.
In October 1934, a second company, entitled the New McMahon's Reef Gold Mine NL, was formed by a Yass syndicate with nominal capital of £3,200. This company developed a new section of the line of lode, 300 m west of the old McMahon's Reef workings. This section of lode had been discovered by Percy Smith of the Lone Hand Syndicate in 1931 and a shaft had been sunk to 31 m. The new company re-timbered a second shaft just west of this main shaft and by 1937 had driven 70 m west on the 55 m level. Parcels of ore grading 24.5 g/t were sent to Port Kembla for treatment. All interests of the company were then transferred to F.P. Townsend and development work was confined to driving and cross-cutting on the 55 level. Almost all this work was conducted with aid from the Prospecting Vote, Additions were made to the plant in 1938 to increase production and the mine was let to tributers. Production during this period was spasmodic with about 365 t of concentrates sent to Port Kembla yielding 14.2 kg (456 oz) of gold. Operations ceased in 1941 due to WWII. (McQueen 2022).
- 8 October, Yass Tribune-Courier: New McMahon's Reef Gold Mine.
1937
- Photograph of Joe Fairall on a buggy.
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| Joe Fairall, 1937. Source: Jen Chambers. |
c.1940
- Photograph of Louis, Joe and Theresa Fairall (brothers & sister) , and cousin Jerry Fairall at Cunningham's Creek, McMahon's Reef, circa
1940.
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| Members of the Fairall family at Cunningham's Creek, c.1940. Source: Jen Chambers. |
1942
- Mining halts at McMahon's Reef.
- 19 January: Parish of Cumbamurra, County of Harden, Land District of Borrowa map, Department of Lands, Sydney. Includes the town of McMahon's Reef and land allocation.
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| 1942 Parish Map. |
c.1945
- Photograph of David, Ray (aged about 2-3) and Joe Fairall skinning rabbits, Daisy Bank, McMahon's Reef, circa 1945.
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| The Fairall boys skinning rabbits, c.1945. Source: Jen Chambers. |
1946
- 27 November, Cootamundra Herald: McMahon's Reef annual school picnic was held in the school grounds and all had an enjoyable day.
1947
- 24 October, The Land: Report on woolshed dance.
..... Recently I went to a woolshed dance at McMahon's Reef. Were any of the Galong district Bees there? Despite the fact that the shed was miles from nowhere and conditions fairly primitive, it was a howling success and I enjoyed it immensely, as did everyone else.
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| Jack Ward's wool shed, circa 1998. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
1948
- 16 August, Cootamundra Herald: Report on woolshed dance.
The McMahon's Reef Parents and Citizens' Association held a most successful dance in Mr. Jack Ward's woolshed, in support of the school's effort to raise funds for the United Nations' Appeal for Children.
- 8 September, Cootamundra Herald: Mr E. Crawford, former teacher at McMahon's Reef school, has been transferred to the Albury district.
- Final closure of McMahon's Reef Public School. Correspondence schooling from then until provision of a bus in 1950 to take children to Murrumburrah Public School.
1953 |
| Valentine & Hilda Fairall |
- 11 June, Murrumburrah Express: Obituary of Valentine Fairall (c.1882-1953), grandfather of Jen Chambers.
Obituary - Valentine Joseph Fairall. The death occurred recently at his residence "Daisybank", McMahon's Reef, of well known district resident Valentine Joseph Fairall, at the age of 71 years. Deceased was born at Jugiong, came to McMahon's Reef at an early age and lived there until his death. The late Mr Fairall is survived by his widow and nine children. They are William (Queensland), Joseph, Louis and David (McMahon's Reef), Laurie (Holbrook), Russell (Lake Illawarra South), Mary (Mrs K Maher, Harden), Betty (Mrs H Packham, Harden), and Theresa (Mrs G Peet, Harden). Four brothers and four sisters also survive the late Mr Fairall. They are John and James (Harden), Edward and Andrew (McMahon's Reef), Mrs Bridget Cross (Harden), Mrs Nell Carr and Mrs Mabel Slattery (both of Young) and Mrs Hannah Try (Merrylands). A sister Isobelle predeceased him. After a service at St Anthony's Harden, the late Mr Fairall was interred in the Catholic portion of the Murrumburrah Cemetery, Rev Fr O'Connor officiating. Pall-bearers were Laurie, Louis and Russell (sons), Messrs Keith Maher and George Peet (son-in-laws) and Gerald Fairall (nephew). Many Mass cards and floral tributes were received.
Reminiscences by Jen Chambers, March 2023:
My grandparents that lived [at McMahon's Reef] were Valentine Joseph & Hilda Cora Fairall (nee Cameron). Valentine was born at Redbank in 1882. According to his obituary he came to McMahon's Reef at an early age. Maybe between 1889-1894? His sisters were born in 1894 registered at Murrumburrah. According to the electoral roll he was living with his parents at "Fairview", McMahon's Reef, in 1913. Valentine and Hilda married in February 1914. Their house burnt down at Daisy Bank and they rebuilt the house. His parents Valentine & Isabella Teresa Fairall (nee Henderson) were married at Gundagai in August 1876. On the marriage certificate their usual place of residence was Jugiong for both of them. The family have lived in the area for quite some time. We have a line of Valentine's so it can get a bit confusing. My grandfather Valentine died before I was born.
c.1956
- Laurie and Joe Fairall riding a tractor, Daisy Bank, McMahon's Reef, circa 1956.
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| Tractor and car, Daisy Bank, McMahon's Reef, c.1956. Source: Jen Chambers. |
1959
- Mining carried out through deep shafts which extended up to a couple of hundred feet below the surface. Material was loaded into small carts that were pulled out of the mine via line.
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| Miners shacks, McMahon's Reef, circa 1959. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
- 16 July, Harden-Murrumburrah Express: Youth Injured in Mine Accident.
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| Ray & Eric Fairall, 1959. |
A 17 years old youth whose leg was fractured in two placed in a mine accident at McMahon's Reef on Saturday showed great courage and gave every help to Ambulance Officers and others in their difficult task of hauling him to the surface. The injured youth Ray Fairall was taking the place of his father who was unable to work that day because of an attack of influenza. Fairall and another man were working in the mine shaft about 180 feet below surface level. They loaded the trolley and it was being hauled to the top by the winch. About half way up the cable snapped and the trolley rolled down the incline. Fairall’s work-mate managed to jump clear as the trolley reached them, but it struck the youth a glancing blow on the left leg, snapping the bone at the shin and just below the knee. Fortunately, a good portion of the trolleys load spilled, otherwise the greater weight may have caused a more serious accident. The local ambulance was summoned and Officers Cecil Short and David Carson rushed to the scene just before 2pm. They descended the mine but found they could not get the big stretcher down and had to ascend again to get the emergency stretcher. After making Fairall as comfortable as possible the officers transferred the youth to a stretcher to which he had to be strapped preparatory to attempting the difficult ascent. They then obtained the help of three other men to get the injured lad up an unenviable and arduous task which took more than an hour. During this time, Fairall showed great pluck and fortitude and gave every assistance to the Ambulance Officers and helpers. He was taken to the District Hospital and admitted.
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| McMahon's Reef mine shaft with rail cart, where the Ray Fairall accident occurred. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
c.1960
- Photograph of trucks carrying hay, McMahon's Reef, circa 1960.
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| Hay trucks, c.1960. Source: Jen Chambers. |
- Photograph of Stella Cameron standing next to a utility, with the school master's residence in the background. The Cameron family lived in the house after the school closed in 1948. According to Jen Chambers, Stella’s husband Bob (Owen) and her father’s mother were brother and sister.
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| Stella Cameron at McMahon's Reef, circa 1960. Source: Kathy Cameron. |
c.1962
- Photograph of festivities on the old school grounds at McMahon's Creek.
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| Social picnic, McMahon's Reef, circa 1962. The old school can be seen in the left background. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
1964
- Photograph of the remains of the old pise Australian / Currency hotel, McMahon's Reef. According to Jen Chambers, the floor boards were pulled up by her father around the time that the family lived in the property seen on the left edge of the photograph. The children then collected coins that had fallen through the cracks over the years.
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| Remains of old hotel, McMahon's Reef, 1964. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
1966
- 31 October: McMahon's Reef post office closes.
1972
- 17 September: Excursion by members of the Harden-Murrumburrah
Historical Society to McMahon's Reef. Tour guide was Joe Fairall. Refer Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society Bulletin, 20, October 1972. The following reminiscences by Joe Fairall's daughter Jen Chambers were recorded in March 2023:
I was talking to my younger brother Eric and he remembers our father doing that gold panning for the Historical Society. My father made a slouch box and we would go down to Cunningham Creek and manage to get small pieces of gold. He and Lyle Spencer also went opal mining and they made some jewellery with the gold and opal pieces set in a clear resin. I don’t have any with me to take a photo of. There is gold out there - probably not enough to make you rich, but we had fun finding some.
c.1975
- Photograph of Jean Fairall milking a cow at the family house Glenore, McMahon's Reef. Reminiscences by her daughter Jen Chambers:
Mum milked the cows everyday. We kept full cream milk for drinking, she separated some so we had cream and also made butter from the cream.
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| Jean Fairall in the milking shed, Daisy Bank, c.1975. Source: Jen Chambers. |
- Photograph of Daisy Bank, McMahon's Reef, home of the Fairall family. Since demolished.
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| Daisy Bank, 1975. Source: Jen Chambers. |
1995
- Reunion of students of McMahon's Reef Public School. Brief history of the school complied (Gray 2006).
2006
- 15 May: Theresa Peet (Fairall) and Mary Maher (Fairall) speak to the Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society on the history of McMahon's Reef. Refer HMHS Bulletin, 397, May 2006. Article includes photographs of children at the school.
- 26 May: Model of McMahon's Reef school donated to the Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society Museum by Mrs. Joan Browne. Constructed by former pupil Joe Browne prior to 1947 (HMHS Bulletin, 300, May 2006).
2021
- Legacy Minerals begins preliminary investigations into the mining of gold at McMahon's Reef and Harden (Legacy Minerals 2021 a & b).
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| Aerial view, McMahon's Reef gold field, looking north, Google maps, 2021. |
2022
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| Remains of pise hotel, October 2022. Located to the left, and south of, the former teacher's residence. Source: Jen Chambers, Facebook. |
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References
Clift, D.S., The McMahon's Reef Gold Mines - a compilation, Geological Survey Report, New South Wales Department of Mines, No. GS 1970/676, October 1970.
Gray, June, History of McMahon's Reef School [Compiled 1995], Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society Bulletin, 397, May 2006.
Legacy Minerals (a), Prospectus - Gold & Copper: Focused on Discovery in the World Class Lachlan Fold Belt, 15 July 2021, 262p.
----- (b), Legacy Minerals completes successful IPO, 13 September 2021.
McGowan, Barry, Lost Mines Revisited: Historic Mining Communities of the Monaro, Southern Tablelands, and South West Slopes Districts of New South Wales, Canberra, 1996, 236p.
-----, Dust and Dreams: A regional history of mining and community in south-east New South Wales, 1815-1914, PhD thesis, Australian National University, June 2001, 378p.
McQueen, Kenneth George, Mining History of the Northeast Lachlan-Macquarie Region, New South Wales, Researchgate [website], November 2022, 56p.
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Acknowledgement
In the compilation of this article I would like to thank Robyn Atherton, President and Research Officer, Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society for providing information on the possible location of the bone collection site, including a number of documents on the history of McMahon's Reef. Also to Helen Maskell-Knight of Jugiong for her ongoing general assistance, including knowledge of the McCarthy family history, and for Jen Chambers, a descendant of the Fairall family.
| McMahon's Reef Diprotodon & fossil marsupials | McMahon's Reef Goldfield & History |
Last updated: 31 March 2023
Michael Organ, Australia (Home)
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