Mining and Geology

Beaconsfield Gold [Tasmania] – Janet Kerrison – First Edition 1963

Published a few time by the local community Rotarians. First edition 1963. Card covers, unpaginated but 45 pages, illustrated nicely from historic images. We have a copy of a later printing …

Set before the re-opening of the mine and the later terrible accident which culminated in maybe the greatest Australian mine survival story.

Starting with the gold rush in 1877 to the delightfully named Brandy Creek … by the 1890’s a substantial mine was in operation, with its enormous 180 foot chimney stack. The mining technology in place by the turn of the century was second to none.

As with many mines, reserves became depleted and the mine was wound down during WWI. Locals rumours abounded for years that there was a high grade parallel lode. So true that after this publication the mine was re-opened as mentioned above … and then again.

Mailing costs will be reduced on this item

Beaconsfield Gold – the back history and it’s significant – First printing

$25.00

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Report on Iron Ore Deposits – Yampi Sound (Western Australia) – A Montgomery -1920

Original report of the Department of Mines of Western Australia dated 1920. Authored by A Montgomery State Mining Engineer.

Yampi Sound is in North Western Australia and the ore bodies investigated at Cockatoo Island and Koolan Island are not only impressive in terms of scale but in terms of grade (65% straight out the ground). Koolan was been and continues to be exploited, currently successfully by Mt Gibson Mines. Cockatoo is underway yet again but the path looks a little treacherous for the incumbent.

32 pages octavo, in thick card covers, Annotated at front as a gift from Alfred Jones, Queensland Minister for Mines in September 1921 to Jack Reid mining identity.

A super report and despite being ex library (cancelled stamp at front) is scarce and near impossible to come by – why do they let these things go. The charts / diagrams on separate loose sheet in the wallet at the back are of good quality and include a facsimile of the Admiralty Chart of the broader locale; A map from Campbell’s Report of 1908; Map of Koolan Island; Longitudinal and Cross Sections of the main bed at Cockatoo Island and Koolan Island Main Lode.

Not sure, but one can’t help thinking that the information gleamed from these reports which started with pencil and paper gets to the point quickly and more economically than today’s plethora of multiple dimensional graphic and seismic analysis … and the accommodation has definitely gone upmarket – at least at Cockatoo!

Yumpi sound almost all iron ore – still going.

$120.00

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The Mount Bischoff Tin Field [Tasmania] Geological Survey Bulletin No 34 – A McIntosh Reid – 1923

Appears to be a very scarce item. Comprehensive report by the then Government Geologist.

Printed in Hobart by John Vale. Card covered perfect bound vii, 171 pages then 5 folding coloured plates of maps, plans etc other illustrations in the text some from period photographs. Complete and in very good condition.

Carries the huge personal bookplate of Tasmanian tragic R H Green – we say that from the super Thylacine incorporated therein. Likely the well known author of numerous books on the fauna etc of Tasmania.

After a good Introduction and set of preliminary papers we have an excellent History in precis. Then the usual professional sequence – Geography, Geology, Economic Geology, Mining Properties – numerous and taking up the bulk of the report before summary descriptions of photographs, photomicrographs (minerals) and the list of plates.

The plates comprise … Geological Sketch Maps of the Waratah District and the Mt Bischoff Area, Plan of Underground Workings at Mt Bischoff, Geological Sketch Sections of same and a Flow Sheet of the Mill.

Special Report on the Mighty Mt Bischoff – Great Maps etc

$120.00

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Strahan and Macquarie Harbour – Tasmania’s Eldorado

Subtitled … The Commercial Port for the Western Mineral Fields and … the Gem of the States for Tourists and Travellers. Unsurpassed for Scenic Grandeur and as a Health Resort.

Originally published by John Ware of Strahan in 1908 and nigh impossible to get. This like for like facsimile was produced by the western Pioneers’ memorial Museum in 1981. Printed by Walch, Hobart.

Small format, staple bound card covered. Altogether 84 pages, heavily illustrated from period photographs. The last 24 pages with period advertisement as per the original – amazing in themselves.

Well what a vibrant area it was and Strahan was full steam go ahead just after the turn of the previous century. In those days the Union Line brought two stack steamers to Strahan from Hobart, Launceston and the Mainland … they also embarked on voyages connecting New Zealand the South Sea Islands and Vancouver, via Fiji. The Macquarie Harbour Hotel had sixty rooms available.

Mining booming … the previous years returns had show 20,548 oz gold, 1,810,559 oz of silver, 7,682 tons copper, 7,400 tons lead, 5,158 tons galena and zinc, tin etc

It was all go on the West Coast in 1908.

$40.00

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The North East [Tasmania] – Owen Reid

A scarce illustrated history of the North east of Tasmania produced under the auspices of the Education Department in 1977.

Staple bound, large size, card covered, 62 pages with 52 illustrations taken from period photographs … including Bert Hinkler with his aircraft (after his solo England – Australia flight) at Scottsdale and an image of the grandest tree you will ever see. Timber, Mining and the Railways feature well.

Divided into almost equal parts – early Days and then St Helen’s and the Fingal Valley.

The Tasmanian North East – a rich history not to be missed – super illustrations

$35.00

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Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

A pretty good example of a low speed air meter by top maker Baird & Tatlock. Likely designed for and used in the coal mining industry.

In its original felt lined leather case with attachment screwed to case lid as required. The only blemish is a pressure crack on the face and some paint loss on the blade casing.

The instrument still works well which is somewhat unusual as discard was one way these instruments left their place of work.

The instrument comes with a sliding braking system which protects the delicate gearing. Overall a good example now hard to find

Measure air flow for accuracy and pleasure

$180.00

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Beaconsfield Gold [Tasmania] – Janet Kerrison – First Edition 1963

Report on Iron Ore Deposits – Yampi Sound (Western Australia) – A Montgomery -1920

The Mount Bischoff Tin Field [Tasmania] Geological Survey Bulletin No 34 – A McIntosh Reid – 1923

Strahan and Macquarie Harbour – Tasmania’s Eldorado

The North East [Tasmania] – Owen Reid

Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

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