Readers will be familiar with troublesome potholes on many of the roads around Daylesford. But perhaps our current difficulties are not as great as troubles suffered by some travellers in1864.
26 June 1864
“On Thursday evening an accident happened to Cobb’s coach from Malmsbury that was attended by very curious results to the passengers. When nearing Kangaroo Hill about three miles on the Malmsbury side of the Loddon, the axle, through no fault of the driver, broke. The passengers were therefore compelled to follow the vehicle to Glenlyon, the nearest place where it could be repaired.
While doing this, Mr. Hill, contractor for the new Colonial Bank and Miss Long, wandered in the bush without a light until daybreak. Mr. Ferguson (the man who later bought worthless Cornish and York stocks from Mr. Wheeler), brother-in-law of Mr. Brocklehurst, rather than wait, attempted to walk in from Glenlyon to Daylesford and dislocated his shoulder from falling in a hole. Mr. Kreckler, Mr. Gutheil and others wisely remained till they could ride and reached the town without further mishap at about half past 12 am.
Mr. Hargreaves, who was unable to find a seat at Malmsbury, also got bushed endeavouring to find his way here on foot.”
A salutary lesson for all travellers today!!
Extract from Mud, Blood & Gold – Daylesford, The Early Years by Les Pitt. Daylesford & District Historical Society Inc. 2020
