Great Redan Extended Company

The Great Extended Redan Company was a gold mining company in Redan, 1857-1866>

Site
The company had two shafts. One is the centre of Talbot Street, between Darling Street and Bell Street. The second shaft was under Ferguson Court.

Map
No. 1 shaft, Talbot Street:

No. 2 shaft Ferguson Court:

Background
February 1857 - Local Court: "Application was made for amalgamation of (Claims) 42 to 51 Redan, under the name of the Great Redan Extended Company.--Granted."

History
May 1857, a Ballarat company was advertising it had made a boring machine for the mine: "Boring Machines. WILLIAM STEVENSON & SONS BEG to inform the miners of Ballarat, and surrounding districts, that they are open to take contracts for making Boring Machines, with their improved drills, augers, tubing apparatus, &c., complete, and they invite inspection of the Boring Machine which they have made for the Great Redan Extended Gold Mining Company, Redan Lead, Ballarat."

June 1857
"The Great Redan extended miners are also in a fair way of doing handsomely. They are now down some one hundred and seventy feet, including seventy- five feet in the second rock. Shares run high, say from £70 to £90."

June 1858
In June 1858 mines on the Redan lead were having problems with water: "The Golden Gate and Extended Companies are still fighting away in the face of great difficulties. As we have erewhile reported, the flood of water in these claims has been very great, and new machinery had to be obtained, besides delays suffered in repairs of puddling. Now, however, things are getting somewhat into better shape, and we trust soon to hear of good progress being made towards the bottom."

January 1859
"The Great Redan Extended Company have been somewhat delayed by the breaking of a large spur-wheel which they had cast, but have repaired damages, and are at work again. This company have a great deal of water to contend with."

1864
1864 Mining Surveyors Reports: "The Great Redan Extended Company retains its position as one of our first gold yielding claims; although a few breakages and consequent stoppages have during the past quarter caused their returns to appear low, great confidence is felt in the claim. For the quarter, 4,023 ozs. of gold have been raised, making a total of 15,872 ozs for the year. Nothing further has yet been proved respecting the quartz reef in this claim, as the low level drive has not yet been carried to the lode."

July 1866
GREAT REDAN EXTENDED COMPANY. An extraordinary meeting of the Great Redan Extended Company was convened to be held on 2nd July at Craig's hotel; business-to amend clause 18 of the deed of association and to appoint directors in place of those disqualified. Mr Theophilus Williams was voted to the chair. The Melbourne shareholders were represented by a deputation from their number armed with numerous proxies, but on counting these and the number of persons present it was found that out of 358 proprietors only 140 were present by proxy or in person, whereas the deed required an absolute majority in number and value. After some conversation, in the course of which several shareholders declared that there was no meeting, it seemed probable that a break-up would ensue. At this stage the chairman ruled that there was not a quorum sufficient to discuss any alteration in the deed. He thought, however, that it would be necessary to appoint directors, at least to serve until the general meeting shortly to be held. A long discussion took place on the appointment of directors, the chairman stating that he was ready to receive nominations. Two or three shareholders objected that there was no meeting, but the clause of the Act relating to directors being consulted, it was found that the majority in number and value of those present at any extraordinary meeting could proceed to elect directors whenever such meeting was called. Nominations for the board were then received as follows:-Messrs Gerrard, Deas, Grimmett, and Kirkness, of Ballarat; and Messrs Morris, Carfrae, and Goold, of Melbourne. The election was for seven directors, and was understood to be only for the term extending to the next general meeting, which will take place in a fortnight; a show of hands may be then taken as to which should retire. The proposition being put, the show of hands was unanimously in favor of the seven gentlemen named being elected. A shareholder asked whether it was the policy to conserve the funds, or expend the last shilling in dividends. The chairman replied that he was in favor of conserving the funds and not paying any dividends at present, so as to carry on the permanent works as well as possible. In answer to questions, the chairman stated that there were £1200 to the company's credit. The yield for the past week was 96 oz, and for the previous week 96¾ oz. Mr Morris asked for an explanation of the report of 11th July, 1865, to the effect that five years' work were left in the claim. Three months afterwards the term was reduced to three years, and the speaker, on enquiring of the manager, was told that it might last eighteen months. This was a few months ago. The Melbourne shareholders wanted the truth. Which was correct ? The chairman explained that he had not been a director at the first-named period. The mining manager was present and would answer the question. Mr Dodgson mentioned that a director had told him in Melbourne that whatever others did he would stick to his shares. To the speaker's astonishment he had lately found that that director had sold out. Mr Dodgson declined to give the name though pressed for it by Mr Brennan. Mr Fern, mining manager, here stated that he never said that the mine would last five years or three years. He had said nine months ago that the claim would last about eighteen months, and he found he was about right. Mr David Robertson said the report produced by Mr Dodgson did not emanate from the directors but from the legal manager at the time of the meeting, and from him alone. The directors could not deny it, nor say whether there were twenty years' work or one. The mining manager further explained that he had stated the number of feet of the gutter worked out, but he did not report on the measurement of the other ground. Mr Robertson further explained that the width at some places was 600 feet, and other parts had unexpectedly narrowed down to 40 feet. In reference to selling shares, he himself had been one of the largest shareholders, and might have sold out at £30, and would have done so had he thought there was only eighteen months' work. The speaker proceeded to explain what trouble there had been to get a board. Mr Stevenson, here exclaimed that Mr Robertson had no right there, as be was not a shareholder. This created a little confusion, after which Mr Robertson continued to complain that Melbourne shareholders expected too much of the directors, and ought to have attended the quarterly meetings. In answer to Mr Dodgson, Mr Robertson stated that he could not tell whether the mining manager assisted them in calculating the extent of ground. Mr Fern here said it had not been part of his duty. Mr Robertson next went into an explanation of how the new run on the reef had lengthened the work of the claim by six months. He defied any living man to tell what ground might be left in a claim. He had stuck to the claim till shares were down to £3 10s, and that showed he had kept confidence in the claim. To save himself he sold, to get some money out of it, and was he not right? He sold out to save himself. Mr Dodgson here explained that it was Mr Robertson who had let him into that mine, and had told him that he would stick to his shares. (Laughter.) Mr Sprigg thought Mr Robertson ought to feel humiliated at these disclosures made, Mr Robertson now denied Mr Dodgson's assertion, to which the latter gentleman made a pointed rejoinder, and the chairman had to call both to order. Mr Robertson stated that he thought the block claims might yet be good, and he would, he hoped, be again in it. (Laughter.) The chairman said that in justice to the last speaker he must explain that it had been through Mr Robertson's exertions that the block claims had been obtained. Mr Spence asked if the new shaft had been begun. The chairman said men had been put on that day. Mr Lawrence explained his position as at present a Melbourne man, and the dissatisfaction existing there in regard to the management of the company, in which he himself concurred. In answer to enquiries as to the position and title to the block claims, the chairman explained the position of the block claims to be east of the Newington and Koh-i-noor claims. On the other side was the Band of Hope and the St George. The ten block claims lay between. Mr Robertson said the rumours about these claims in Melbourne were very injurious. The chairman explained that the block claims were really secured, but he would not answer any more questions respecting them; it was not advisable. Mr Morris asked for an explanation in regard to dividends in arrears. He held a number of complaints, about a dozen, some that dividends were twelve months in arrear, some six months, and others three months. Mr E. Jones, legal manager, explained that he had been overwhelmed with business. It had been decided by the board that shareholders should attend at the office to receive their dividends. There were 140 shareholders in Melbourne, and he had done his best to oblige all, but he had attended to the largest shareholders first. Latterly, the dividends had been paid through the National Bank. The details of the complaints were here read by Mr Morris, some being that late dividends had been received without some former ones which were due. The legal manager explained that the overdue cheques lay in the safe at the office and funds to their credit in the bank, besides the sum lying to the credit of the general fund. Mr Robertson corroborated this, the chairman remarking they had been looking for them. Mr Morris denounced such a state of things. The fact of the manager having too much to do was no excuse; he ought to have assistance. As to the objection of insufficient addresses being furnished they would take their chance of the simple address of " Melbourne". He, however, acknowledged that the last two dividends had been more regularly paid. The legal manager, in reply, said he had found when he took office that a great many dividends were lying in the company's hands, and he had had a great deal of trouble to discover in some cases what dividends were really due. Mr Lee said that after having written for his dividend several times, and got no answer, he thought he would go and fetch them, and Mr Jones had then informed him that his duties embraced looking after block claims, attending courts, keeping accounts, making transfers, paying dividends, and many other things. He must in justice to Mr Jones, say that he had at once paid his dividend, and he could not really blame him. A shareholder asked that a plan of the block claim should be shown, showing also the new shaft. The chairman said that would be for the forthcoming board of directors to attend to. Mr Robertson asked if the other special business lapsed. They would never get such another meeting together. Mr Morris, in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, said the alteration of the 18th clause might not now be so important, as they had three Melbourne directors. He thought some good had been done. The speaker had made a few more remarks on the proper estimation of the value of thoroughly business-like management, both as to ability and honesty. The chairman, in returning thanks, gave a little gentle advice, as he termed it to Melbourne shareholders-not to be too ready to estimate things by looking to the Corner instead of the merits of the claim. The tugs at the telegraph wires had too much influence on some of them. Mr Morris briefly replied, and the meeting broke up.

1868
In June 1868, a special meeting of the shareholders agreed to wind the company up, and sell the assets, as the chances of finding more gold was not likely: "GREAT REDAN EXTENDED COMPANY. A special meeting of shareholders was held at the Unicorn hotel on Friday evening, to consider the future operations of the company, Mr Gerrard in the chair. The report submitted by the directors was to the effect that they had considered it advisable to call the meeting in order to lay the position of the company before the shareholders, and they would then, be able to advise as to future operations. In consequence of the non-payment of calls by shareholders, and in order to prevent any further liabilities being incurred, work was suspended at the mine on Wednesday, the 11th inst., and all the air-pipes and rails from the different levels were brought to the surface. The working plan could be inspected, from which, together with the old plan, they could learn the extent of driving, boring, &c., that had been performed since the shaft was sunk, and which showed that 3295 feet of main drives had been constructed, 729 feet of prospecting drives, 444 feet of blind shafts, 63 feet of chambers, and 546 feet of boring. The assets were—Claim, plant, and machinery, at present market value, 1500l; firewood, props, laths, air pipes, rails, &c., 610l — 2150l, and uncalled capital, 32,750l. The liabilities were—National Bank mortgage account 1000l; trade accounts, &c., 488l 18s 6d, total, 1488l 18s 5d. A discussion ensued, and it appeared that prospecting operations had proved that no paying reef-washes existed, and the hope of getting a quartz reef of payable character had for some time been the only inducement for continuing operations. It was now considered that it was not worth while prospecting for the quartz reef any longer. It was mentioned that Melbourne shareholders were in favor of having the company wound up, and the chairman and manager had attended in Melbourne to explain matters. A motion authorising the directors to wind up the company, and dispose of the property of the company was unanimously carried. The meeting then adjourned."