Tasmanian Bush Heritage
On 28 May 1882 a woman died on Tasmania’s West Coast and was laid to rest nearby. No doctor attended her, no police constable, magistrate or registrar was notified.1 No priest officiated at her funeral. None of these positions existed on the Heemskirk Tin Field. There was nothing but a scattered population of mostly Cornish … Read moreDigging up Mrs Williams, or the phantom of the Heemskirk tin boom
Eddie Firth and I have been visiting the old Barn Bluff mine for years. At first glance there isn’t a lot to see. But a close look reveals a lot of history. The most evocative reminder of its history is a few grainy photos. Some show men proudly staring at the camera. They are frozen … Read moreThe Barn Bluff Copper Mine – The Huts
Recently a little piece of unexplained history solved itself. Decades ago, I saw a fern-shrouded water-filled hole in the bank of Douglas Creek near New Pelion Hut. It was full of small branches and leaf litter. However, boards around its square sides showed that it was not natural. It intrigued me and I wanted to … Read moreThe Mine Shaft near New Pelion Hut
Another Barn Bluff Copper mystery Eddie I’ve been lucky enough to know Eddie Firth for years. He is a great walking companion; extremely experienced, easy to get along with and an infectious enthusiasm for the history of Tasmania’s high country. In many ways he is part of this history. Many would know him from his … Read moreEddie and the water wheel