Heritage Sunday

A series of informal talks on local subjects of historic, cultural or natural heritage. Accompanied by a long table lunch.

5th September 2010

At The Old Cheese Factory
Reidsdale (Irish Corner)

Irish Miners in Araluen: the 'Pick Handle' Election of 1869
by Dr Christine Wright

Life on the goldfields was often traumatic and turbulent, and a good illustration is the tale of the 1869 election for the seat of Braidwood. There were three candidates: Michael Kelly, Dr George Alley and Edward Greville.  Kelly and Alley were locals, but Greville was a rank outsider from Sydney.   On polling day, a mob of over 200 Irish gold miners armed with pick handles threatened anyone who arrived to vote for a candidate other  than their man, Kelly. The local police sergeant attempted to control the crowd, but was unable to do so, and the polling booth was closed at 2pm. The next day, the returning officer arrived from Braidwood with a strong force of both mounted and foot police. Violence again erupted, and some who wanted to vote for Greville decided to head up the hill to vote at Major’s Creek, but Kelly’s men headed them off.  What were the consequences of this riotous election, and what does it tell us about the miners in Araluen and the Irish in particular?

Dr Christine Wright has affiliations with both the Australian National University and the National Museum in Canberra.  She was President of the Braidwood Historical Society from 2003-2008.

The Talk Starts at 11.30am
Followed by an Irish inspired Long Table Lunch.

Irish Beef & Bacon Stew with Nettle Colcannon Cakes
and Beetroot and Bean Salad, topped with crumbled Irish Cheddar
Followed by Lemon Irish Whiskey Cake and Guiness Ice Cream.

$33.00

A vegetarian option is available on request.

Bookings Essential.
02 48461999, 0407 292 181, pickhandle@braidwoodmade.com.au