6^th June 1853 - The Bendigo Petition

The Anti-Gold License Association was formed by GE Thomson, Dr Jones and Edward Brown. Over 23000 signatures were gathered, plus 8000 from McIvor to be taken to Melbourne. The signatures collected at McIvor (Heathcote) were lost after the robbery on 20^TH July 1853 of the gold escort at Kyneton. 2230 ounces of gold was stolen.

13^th July 1853 - a further meeting at Castlemaine.

1^st August 1853 -The Petition, now of some 30 metres in length and bound in green silk was sent to Melbourne. The petition’s demands included:

1. To direct that the License Fee be reduced to Ten Shillings a Month.
2. To direct that Monthly or Quarterly Licenses be issued at the option of the Applicants.
3. To direct that new arrivals or invalids be allowed on registering their names at the Commissioners Office fifteen clear days' residence on the Goldfields before the license be enforced.
4. To afford greater facility to Diggers and other resident on the Goldfields who wish to engage in Agricultural Pursuits for investing their earnings in small allotments of land.
5. To direct that the Penalty of Five Pounds for no-possession of License be reduced to One pound.
6. To direct that the sending of an Armed Force to enforce the License Tax be discontinued.