Peter Schmich will be guest speaker at Orange and District Historical Society's mining meeting at the Gladstone Hotel on Wednesday, August 25. He will be talking about the long history of mining at Cargo and surrounding areas.There will also be contributions from a number of Cargo district residents who will be attending the meeting.
Alluvial gold was first discovered at Cargo in 1868 in Long Gully, which prompted a rush of 500 miners. Further gold was discovered in 1869 and the area was declared a goldfield. In 1872 more gold was discovered over the hill to the west at Gum Flat and further enhanced the settlement. Hotels and stores and a school were established as the population increased.
There was a quiet period after 1879 but the field was revived with the injection of much new capital into the Ironclad mine. Significant mining petered out in 1904 but there is still hope that the Ironclad will someday reopen.
At its peak Cargo had three hotels, various stores and a flour mill. There were numerous churches and schools at Cargo and Gum Flat, where there was also a butter factory. Cargo is located where the old Three Chain Road from Orange to Nanima near Canowindra crosses the Ironclad Range.
The meeting will take place at the Gladstone Hotel function room on Wednesday, August 25 at 7 for 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome. There is a small charge of $3 for members of Orange and District Historical Society and $5 for non-members, to cover costs. Light refreshments will be served.
If you have any inquiries or would like to attend the meeting, please RSVP to Phil Stevenson on 6362-3257, mobile 0402 412 188 or email ibiswines@bigpond.com