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The 1850's

1850 - Monday, August 5

The Australian Colonies Government Act receives the Royal assent providing for the Australian colonies to secure their self-government and for the Port Phillip District to be separated from New South Wales and be termed the 'Colony of Victoria'. The Act also grants representative governments to South Australia and Tasmania.

1850 - Monday, November 11

Arrival of the ship, 'Lysander' at Melbourne with first news of Port Phillip's Separation from N.S.W.

1850 - Thursday, November 14

Prince's Bridge, over the Yarra River in Melbourne, opened.

1851 - Saturday, February 1

Anti-transportation groups meet in Melbourne to lobby for permanent end to shipping of convicts to eastern Australian colonies.

1851 - Thursday, February 6

Ten die in devastating 'Black Thursday' bushfires around Melbourne.

1851 - Sunday, March 2

The first census of Victoria was undertaken, revealing a total population of 77,345.

1851 - Wednesday, March 12

Melbourne Chamber of Commerce established.

1851 - Tuesday, July 1

Separation Day Writs issued for election of Legislative Council of Victoria; this triggers separation of Port Phillip District from New South Wales and creates the independent Colony of Victoria. Public holiday declared.

NSW Governor Charles FitzRoy issued writs for elections of a new colony 'Victoria'.

Port Phillip changed its name to 'Victoria'.

1851 - Wednesday, July 2

A shepherd finds gold near Ballarat and within days gold discoveries are made throughout Victoria prompting a huge explosion in the population. The colonys population of 76,162 in December 1850 rose to over 500,000 by the end of the decade.

1851 - Tuesday, July 8

Victorian Premier John Murray was born.

1851 - Tuesday, July 15

Charles Joseph La Trobe appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria.

1851 - Monday, August 4

The first gold was discovered at Clunes in Victoria.

1851 - Friday, August 8

Gold was first discovered at Buninyong in Victoria.

Victorian Premier Sir George Turner was born.

1851 - Monday, September 1

Licences first issued to Gold Diggers in Victoria.

1851 - Monday, September 8

Gold was first discovered at Ballarat in Victoria.

1851 - Thursday, September 11

Elections were held for the first Legislative Council of Victoria. The Council was made up of ten members appointed by La Trobe and twenty elected members, only seven of which represented Melbourne and Geelong. Office bearing nominees included Colonial Secretary William Lonsdale, Solicitor General Redmond Barry and Attorney General William Stawell.

1851 - Monday, October 6

The Melbourne Academy, later Scotch College, the city's oldest public school, opens on temporary premises.

1851 - Tuesday, November 11

The first Legislative Council of Victoria met at Saint Patrick's Hall in Bourke St. Members were sworn in and Dr James Frederick Palmer was elected as the first speaker.

1851 - Thursday, November 13

The official Opening of Victoria’s first Legislative Council was celebrated.

1851 - Friday, November 14

Legislative Council of Victoria establishes its first two committees: a Standing Orders Committee and a Library Committee.

The Victorian Parliamentary Library was established through the creation of a Library Committee.

1851 - Monday, November 24

The first piece of legislation from the Council, 'An Act to Interpret and Shorten the Language of Acts of Council' receives Charles La Trobe's assent only eleven days after the formal opening of the Victorian Parliament.

1851 - Monday, December 1

Surveyor-General Robert Hoddle recommends an irregular piece of land located between the town and East Melbourne (located between Spring and Evelyn Streets, Albert Street and Gisborne Street) be used as a suitable site for the new legislature.

1851 - Friday, December 12

Standing Orders were adopted, the rules and protocols that govern Parliament. John Barker was appointed the Clerk of the Legislative Council, Captain Conran the Serjeant-at-Arms and Charles Ridgway the Librarian

1852 - Wednesday, January 14

William A'Beckett was appointed first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Melbourne fails in its bid to become Australia's capital.

1852 - Sunday, February 29

Sir Frank Gavan Duffy, Chief Justice of the High Court, was born in Dublin, Ireland.

1852 - Sunday, July 25

The first Government gold escort left Bendigo Creek for Melbourne via Castlemaine with 20,937 ounces of gold.

1852 - Wednesday, December 15

The Secretary of State sent an invitation to Victoria to draft its own Constitution.

1852 - Friday, December 24

Bushranger, Captain Frank Melville, was taken prisoner with an accomplice near Geelong.

1853 - Saturday, January 22

An Act establishing the University of Melbourne was passed by the Victorian Legislative Council and received the Royal Assent.

1853 - Wednesday, April 13

Regulations were published (in the Govt Gazette) under which a public competition was to be conducted in order to discover designs for Legislative Council chambers and a Government House.

1853 - Tuesday, July 26

Lieut Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe began sending out letters to various early settlers of the Port Phillip District seeking information on how they came to the district and their experiences of settlement.

1853 - Saturday, August 27

The Argus announced that Smith and Pritchard had won first prize for their Legislative Council design. John George Knight and Thomas Kemp won first prize for the Government House design.

1853 - Thursday, September 1

Constitution Select Committee formed to report on a Constitution for Victoria.

1854 - Wednesday, January 4

Legislative Council confirms desirability of using the in-fill site between the town and East Melbourne as a Parliamentary precinct for legislative purposes (note that the area was not formally reserved until 1984).

1854 - Monday, January 9

The first branch of the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank was opened in Melbourne by F.A.Walsh.

1854 - Monday, January 30

First Cobb and Co coach leaves Melbourne for Bendigo, Victoria.

1854 - Friday, March 24

An Act to Establish a Constitution in and for the Colony of Victoria or more commonly the first 'Constitution Act' was passed in the Victorian Legislative Council. This set out the principles and methods for Parliament and would comprise two houses the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly.

1854 - Saturday, March 25

The Draft Constitution Bill was reserved for Royal Assent and sent to England on same day.

1854 - Saturday, April 8

The Legislative Council agree with Surveyor General Robert Hoddle in siting a new Parliament House on the eastern boundary of the town at the corner of Spring and Bourke Street. The design of the building was originally decided by a public competition however, the Council, unimpressed by the winning plans, chose a design by the colonial architect Charles Pasley.

1854 - Tuesday, April 11

The issue of the building placement was resolved when the Council voted 19-11 in favour of placement at the eastern intersection of Bourke and Spring Streets, "opposite the eastern extremity of Bourke Street".

1854 - Friday, May 5

La Trobe retired as Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Victoria.

1854 - Saturday, May 6

Victorian Premier George Michael Prendergast was born.

1854 - Wednesday, May 31

First draft Constitution Bill arrives in England.

1854 - Thursday, June 22

Captain Sir Charles Hotham, R.N., K.C.B. arrived in Melbourne to became Lieutenant-Governor for the Colony of Victoria.

1854 - Monday, July 3

The Foundation Stone of Melbourne University was laid by Governor Sir Charles Hotham.

1854 - Tuesday, September 12

The first locomotive steam railway line in Australia was opened in Victoria between Melbourne and Sandridge (Hobson's Bay), a distance of two and a quarter miles, inaugaurating Australia's railway age.

1854 - Saturday, September 30

The first cricket match was played at the Melbourne Cricket Club on the MCG.

1854 - Saturday, October 7

Gold digger, James Scobie murdered near the Eureka Hotel.

1854 - Tuesday, October 17

Riot and burning of Bentley's Eureka hotel.

Melbourne's The Age newspaper was published for the first time.

1854 - Wednesday, November 29

The Oath of Allegiance was stated by Peter Lalor and sworn by miners at Bakery Hill, Ballarat ("We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties").

1854 - Thursday, November 30

First Reform League of Victoria established at Eureka Stockade. Diggers burn Government licences.

The Southern Cross flag was first raised at Bakery Hill, Ballarat and later that day at the Eureka Stockade.

1854 - Friday, December 1

Eureka Stockade was constructed.

1854 - Sunday, December 3

Soldiers and police attack the Eureka stockade, forcing over 100 men to rise up and subsequently face arrest over the next few days. About 30 miners and six soldiers were killed. 13 miners were charged with high treason.

1854 - Monday, December 4

Governor Hotham declared Martial Law in Ballarat following the Eureka Stockade rebellion.

1854 - Thursday, December 14

First sitting of the Gold Fields Commission.

1855 - Wednesday, January 10

The Gold Fields Commission recommended a general amnesty for all those connected with the Eureka Stockade.

1855 - Friday, January 26

Work commences on foundations of Legislative Assembly.

1855 - Wednesday, March 21

Raffaello Carboni tried for treason over his involvement in the Eureka Stockade.

1855 - Thursday, May 10

The first draft Constitution Bill for Victoria was introduced into House of Commons.

1855 - Tuesday, May 22

Captain Sir Charles Hotham, R.N., K.C.B. became the first Governor of Victoria under Responsible Government.

1855 - Saturday, May 26

Major General Sir Robert Nickle, leader of the troops at the Eureka Stockade rebellion, died at Jolimont, Melbourne.

1855 - Monday, June 11

The Chinese Act was assented to, limiting the number of Chinese immigrants entering the Colony of Victoria.

First Opera 'Norma' was performed in Melbourne at the Olympic Theatre.

1855 - Friday, June 29

The first Constitution Bill for Victoria was amended and passed in the House of Commons.

1855 - Friday, July 13

The first Constitution Bill for Victoria was passed in the House of Lords.

1855 - Saturday, July 14

Raffaello Carboni elected to the local court at Ballarat to adjudicate mining disputes.

1855 - Monday, July 16

The first Constitution Bill for Victoria was granted Royal Assent.

Melbourne's Theatre Royal - built at a staggering cost of 95,000stg - is opened, quickly bankrupting it's owner.

1855 - Tuesday, October 23

News received in Victoria that its first Constitution Bill had been granted Royal Assent.

1855 - Wednesday, October 24

New Gasworks to be run by The Melbourne Gas and Coke Company were opened on 2 hectares at the old racecourse site at a cost of 66,000 pounds.

1855 - Saturday, November 10

Peter Lalor and J.B. Humffray (key participants in the Eureka Stockade) elected to the Legislative Council.

1855 - Friday, November 16

First tender issued for works on the Parliamentary reserve (fencing of the reserve). Contracts were let for the "Fencing in with corrugated iron, the site of the Houses of Parliament". (The tender was won by A. Thomson for a sum of 1,320 pounds.)

1855 - Thursday, November 22

The first tender was issued for work on Parliament House (construction of Assembly foundations).

1855 - Friday, November 23

The 'Act to Establish a Constitution in and for the Colony of Victoria', the first Constitution Act, was formally proclaimed by Sir Charles Hotham. Responsible Government now existed in Victoria and a public holiday was declared.

1855 - Wednesday, November 28

William Haines appointed Chief Secretary of first Ministry under Responsible Government. The first Ministry appointed by Sir Charles Hotham chosen from the ranks of the Council but not elected. The Ministry would govern until an election could be organised. The leader of the Ministry was given the title Chief Secretary, rather than Premier.

1855 - Friday, November 30

William Clark Haines assumed office as Victoria's first Chief Minister (Premier).

1855 - Wednesday, December 19

A bill was passed through Victorian Parliament on voting procedures, with the notion of the 'secret ballot' introduced. 'An Act to Provide for the Election of Members to Serve in the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Victoria' was passed and three months later gains Royal Assent. The 'secret ballot' was introduced throughout the democratic world and for a while was known as the "Victorian ballot".

1855 - Wednesday, December 26

The eventual design of the Parliament was left to two employees of what was to become the public works department, John George Knight and Peter Kerr. The first foundation stones were laid on Boxing Day 1855.

Foundations commenced for Victorian Legislative Assembly Chamber by W.C Cornish and Co.

1855 - Monday, December 31

Captain Sir Charles Hotham, R.N., K.C.B. dies in office as Governor of Victoria.

1856 - Tuesday, January 8

The City of Melbourne was first lit with gas.

1856 - Monday, February 11

The Melbourne Public Library was opened.

1856 - Wednesday, March 12

The Election Regulation Bill was passed, providing for elections for new Victorian Parliament.

1856 - Thursday, March 13

The Victorian Electoral Bill was passed, providing for a secret ballot.

1856 - Tuesday, March 18

Foundations commenced for Victorian Legislative Council Chamber by W.C Cornish and Co.

1856 - Wednesday, March 19

The Electoral Act was assented to, making Victoria the first colony and first legislature in the world to adopt the secret ballot.

1856 - Thursday, March 20

Dissolution of first Legislative Council of Victoria.

1856 - Friday, April 11

At a public meeting in Melbourne, Dr Thomas Embling coined the slogan 'Eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest'.

1856 - Monday, April 21

Stonemasons strike whilst building the Legislative Assembly chamber at Parliament House. Stonemasons working at Melbourne University joined them and downed tools to marched to Parliament House. This action resulted in Victorian workers gaining the eight hour day.

1856 - Wednesday, April 23

Contractors instructed by the Victorian Government to accept eight hour day and allow stonemasons to proceed with construction of Parliament House, Melbourne.

1856 - Monday, May 12

The Eight Hour day was recognised and a large procession marched through Melbourne to Cremorne Gardens.

1856 - Wednesday, May 28

Royal Commission appointed to examine and report upon the best means of clearing the Murray River.

1856 - Sunday, August 3

Alfred Deakin was born. At 22 years and 11 months, he was Victoria's youngest MP.

1856 - Tuesday, August 5

Elections for Legislative Council commence.

1856 - Tuesday, August 26

Victorian Premier Sir John Bowser was born.

1856 - Wednesday, September 17

Victorian Premier Sir William Murray McPherson was born.

1856 - Tuesday, September 23

Elections for Legislative Assembly commenced.

1856 - Thursday, November 6

Names of newly-elected Members of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly published in the Government Gazette.

1856 - Friday, November 21

Members of the first Parliament of Victoria sworn in. Sir Frederick Palmer sworn in as Victoria's first President; Sir Francis Murphy as Victoria's first Speaker.

Opening of 1st Victorian Parliament.

The first Victorian Hansard of the Parliamentary debates appears as a separate published book. Prior to this, parliamentary proceedings were reported in The Argus newspaper.

1856 - Tuesday, November 25

Formal opening of the new Parliament of Victoria by the Acting Governor, Major-General Edward Macarthur (on the third day of Parliament convening).

1856 - Wednesday, November 26

First select committee formed to investigate the condition of Victorian penal conditions.

1856 - Friday, December 26

Sir Henry Barkly, K.C.B. was sworn in as Governor of Victoria

1857 - Wednesday, February 25

The 1st Act of the Victorian Parliament, 'An Act for Defining the Privileges Immunities and Powers of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly of Victoria Respectively', known as the Privileges of Parliament Act 1857 was given royal assent. This act defined the privileges, immunities and powers of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly.

1857 - Wednesday, March 11

Victoria's first Premier, William Haines, retired from office, having served 468 days

John O'Shanassy assumed office as Victoria's second Premier.

1857 - Thursday, March 26

John Price, Inspector General of Penal Establishments in Victoria, was beaten up by convicts working in a gang at Point Gellibrand, Williamstown.

1857 - Wednesday, April 29

Victoria's second Premier, John O'Shanassy, retired from office after serving for just 50 days.

William Clark Haines assumed office for his second term as Premier.

1857 - Monday, August 10

Gas lamps replaced oil lamps in the city of Melbourne.

1857 - Thursday, August 27

Property qualifications for members of the Legislative Assembly were abolished.

1857 - Tuesday, November 24

Prorogation of First Session of first Parliament of Victoria.

Universal manhood suffrage was granted for Legislative Asembly elections provided the voter registered and lived within the electorate for a minimum of six months.

1857 - Thursday, December 31

The Yan Yean Reservoir was opened.

1858 - Wednesday, March 10

Premier of Victoria, William Clark Haines, retired from office, having served 316 days.

John O'Shanassy assumed office for his second term as Premier of Victoria.

1858 - Wednesday, June 9

The `Welcome Nugget' was found in a trench on Bakery Hill, Ballarat, by Richard Jeffrey and party of the Red Hill Co. It was the second largest gold nugget ever found and weighed 2217 oz (62.85 kg).

1858 - Tuesday, July 6

Victorian Premier William Hill Irvine was born.

1858 - Thursday, July 15

Royal Commission on the defences of the colony established.

1858 - Saturday, August 7

The first game of football using what was to be termed Australian Rules was played in Yarra Park east of Melbourne between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar school teams. 40 players on each team and a pitch 800 metres long.

1858 - Monday, November 8

Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the best method of removing the sludge from the gold fields.

1858 - Thursday, December 9

Royal Commission on the defences of the colony presented its final report to Parliament.

1858 - Friday, December 17

Parliament reduced sitting terms for members of the Legislative Assembly from five years to three years with the passing of the "An Act to Shorten the Duration of the Legislative Assembly"

Parliament passed the "An Act to Alter the Electoral Districts of Victoria and to Increase the Number of Members of the Legislative Assembly" to increase numbers in that house from 60 to 78 being elected from 49 districts.

1859 - Thursday, February 10

Royal Commission into the best method of removing the sludge from the gold fields presented its final report to Parliament.

1859 - Tuesday, March 22

The Political Labour League of Victoria, the first political party dedicated to the working class in Australia, was founded in Melbourne.

1859 - Friday, April 1

Royal Commission on the defences of the colony - appointed to consider the best mode of carrying out the recommendations of the Defences Commission of 1858. (Exact date uncertain.)

1859 - Tuesday, May 24

First Australian Trades' Hall opened at Melbourne.

1859 - Tuesday, July 12

The first football match was played at the MCG between Melbourne Football Club and South Yarra.

1859 - Thursday, July 21

The first Melbourne Fire Brigade was established.

1859 - Tuesday, August 9

Dissolution of 1st Victorian Parliament.

1859 - Friday, August 26

A general election was held in Victoria.

1859 - Thursday, October 13

Opening of 2nd Victorian Parliament.

1859 - Thursday, October 27

Premier of Victoria, John O'Shanassy, retired from office, having served 597 days.

William Nicholson assumed office as Premier of Victoria.

1859 - Sunday, December 25

The ship 'Lightning' arrived at Port Melbourne with a cargo including wild rabbits for Thomas Austin of 'Barwon Park' at Winchelsea, Victoria, which in time were to escape and breed, helping to start the rabbit problem of later years.