'There were hundreds and hundreds of new-chums... Some of these were laden like bees with bedding and provisions. One young man was actually moving along under the following items. He had on his back a huge swag, containing bedding and blankets. On his breast hung clothes. Beside this hung on one side of the carpet-bag, stuffed probably, with clothes. Beside this hung on one side of the carpet-bag an extra hat, a bundle tied up in a handkerchief; and on eht other side of the carpet-bag - of all things in the world - a heavy stoneware filter! He was bound for Bendigo, one hundred miles! How far he would proceed before flinging away the filter, we felt curious to know.'

Text: Land, labour and gold, or, Two years in Victoria : with visits to Sydney and Van Diemen's Land Author: William Howitt Image: Diggers on the way to Bendigo Artist: S.T.Gill Return to New Chums and New Arrivals