Researching Bendigo rate records

We have been heavily reliant on historical Bendigo rates records for researching the Firns family in the region. 

Rates are one of the oldest forms of taxation used in Australia. Their annual collection means many councils have a yearly record of each property and its owner. The records often include the owner’s name, address, occupation, property valuation, rate amount payable, and date range. 

New Chum miner, George Firns, is an example of what can be revealed about a person’s life through these valuable records. 

George Firns in the rate records

The 1856 rate books reveal that George Firns was a miner at New Chum, paying 25 pounds per year in rates. His entry shows an impressive array of activity occurring, including land, a dam, erections, and puddlings (which would include a sluice box for recovering gold).

What is puddling? 

Puddling involved mixing earth and water to a muddy slush, usually powered by a horse walking in a circular motion. The mud was washed out continuously - with more earth added - leaving the heavier gold and rock pebbles to be hand-picked later. Quite simply, it was a gold concentration method on a larger scale than just hand panning. 

The erections were not defined but possibly included tents, as leaving a claim at the end of a day was risky - others could sneak in overnight. 

In 1856, there were 123 mining or living locations at New Chum. George’s rate number at the time was 1286, reflecting the chaotic spread of tents and diggings rather than a neat row of houses. As a result, it is difficult to find who his immediate neighbours were. The activity and equipment listed for Firns suggests they had been operational for some time - perhaps several years. Most of the other 123 rates entries were more basic and less established.

George had an advantage: the Firns were boat builders and experienced timber workers (from Staffordshire), and at that early point in time timber was readily available.

Transporting gold

By 1857, records show George owned a wagon, no doubt used for runs to Melbourne, Ballarat, and Glenlogie. He also carried gold to Melbourne and Ballarat for New Chum miners who trusted him. The gold was wrapped and placed in a bucket of lard or axle grease which was attached to the underside of the wagon. Unlike others, he was never robbed. George was of the view that robbers would not fondle through such a messy mix!

George and wife Sarah had seven children, including Thomas (whose family is pictured at top). His sons also worked in Bendigo’s mines. Across historical rate records, you can trace Firns family milestones, revealing marriages, deaths, births of children, occupations, and residences. 

Other family history sources

There’s so much more that can be found within other regional records, as well as sources outside of PROV. Here are some useful resources: 

• Trove for newspapers and articles
• Old family photo albums (check the backs of photos…before they disappear!)
• Chase family members who may have stories to hand down
• Ancestry, Family Search, and Victoria’s Births, Deaths and Marriages website 
• Family reunions - invite the oldies with stories to tell!

Rate records

Learn more about rate records.

Find a full list of Bendigo rate records on the PROV catalogue.