Ballarat
Deep Lead Sinking

Mining Rules and Regulations
1851

information provided by Jenny Fawcett

1.	 When a claim is marked out the party must drive substantial 
	posts in at each corner measuring at least three feet above 
	ground and to be renewed from time to time if necessary. 
	The party doing so first giving information to those connected 
	with the claims immediately.

2.	On the removal of the corner post of a claim by any other party,
	notice shall be given to the Commissioner by the party agrieved 
	within 24 hours after such removal has been noticed.

3.	Shafts to be sunk in the centre of all claims unless the party
	brings to the notice of the Commissioner that they are unable
	to do so.

4	When a party is shepherding a claim, one man of the party must
	be at the claim daily from 9 - 12 o'clock,and 2-4 o'clock except
	on Saturday when they need not attend after 12 o'clock.

5.	When a shaft has been sunk to the main drift,the party must work
	night and day until the claim is worked out,and should they stop
	for 12 consecutive hours the claim will be forfeited

6	When a party has sunk their shaft to the main drift all claims
	within six, on the supposed line, and three to the right and
	left of any shaft that is bottomed on the lead, must be worked
	night and day till the claims are worked out, and should any
	such claim not be worked for 12 hours consecutive it will be
	forfeited unless the party is prevented by some unavoidable 
	accident.

7. 	That no less than three men be at the windlass at any one time 
	for bailing during working hours.

8.	In cases of complaint of encroachment a written order signed
	by the Comissioner to be sent to the parties to discontinue
	driving till he comes and in the event of that order being 
	disregarded the claim shall be forfeited.

9.	Evidence to be taken on oath if requested by either party.

Slabs	When a claim with slabs in it is legally taken possession of,
	the slabs become the property of the person having taken the
	claim, provided they give compensation in new slabs or money to 
	be decided by two disinterested miners, with the approval of
	the Commissioner.

Encroachments

	That in cases of encroachments, three disinterested miners shall
	be chosed who shall not be objected to by either party and one
	miner by the Commissioner to measure the drive and take the
        bearing and extent of the encroachment.

	Robert Rede
	Resident Commissioner
	Government Camp
	10th October 1851