Gold rush

• Neralie Shuker, Grade 5
• Poetry
• 2004

In the 1800’s gold was discovered
While the Ballarat road was being made.
It was kept as a secret by order of the Government
For all land belonged to the Crown.

But later on, Edward Hargraves rode into Ballarat
He found gold and the gold rush began.
People from all different nations came to seek their fortune
However most people on the gold fields were poor.

To dig for gold, you needed a licence
They asked two pounds a month.
After a while the diggers got mad
They started to take matters into their own hands

They thought they should have their rights
So the Eureka stockade took place
For thirty minutes the diggers fought against the police
It was a fight for freedom, an important part of history.