THE EUREKA STOCKADE PART I

In mid 1854 Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe was replaced by Sir Charles Hotham as the new Governor, a career naval man who enjoyed playing the martinet. When Hotham discovered that about half the miners were not paying their licence fees, he ordered that this be strictly enforced. The police, called "traps" by the miners, were ordered to check the licences twice a week.

The murder of a miner, James Scobie, at the Eureka Hotel, at Ballarat, by the publican J. F. Bentley and his associates on the night of 6-7 October 1854, who were subsequently found to have no case to answer by the court just added fuel to the fire that was set to erupt on the Ballarat goldfields.

This so enraged the diggers that they met on 17 October 1854 to discuss the matter. The more moderate amongst them urged that lawful means by used to bring the matter before more competent authorities and this was agreed to. It wasn't long before Henry Westerby, a well-known trouble-stirrer inflamed by drink, suggested that they "smoke" Bentley out. At this critical time, Commissioner Rede, commissioner of the goldfields decided to show his authority by sending a detachment of soldiers to parade at the edge of the mob.

With the help of some mates, Westerby set fire to the hotel, which burned to the ground in a matter of two hours. Bentley escaped the flames and the mob.

When the news reached Melbourne, the Governor ordered that Bentley and his accomplices stand trial for the murder of Scobie and that Westerby and his accomplices also be arrested for burning the hotel.

These events coupled with the grievances over the licences set the stage for what was to follow.

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