6 Head Gold Crusher

THE HISTORY OF THE 6 HEAD CRUSHER

By Herb Cann

This crusher was first assembled sometime before 1899 at the foot of the hill south of where the Blackwood Caravan Park is presently located. It was used to crush alluvial rock from the creek bed before extraction of gold. The crusher was driven by a large waterwheel fed by water from the gullies to the west of Blackwood.

In about 1899, Mr Alex Byres, Mr Jack Byres, Mr Charlie Gribble and my father Herb Cann owned the Rip Van Winkle gold mine located on the hill above the Caravan Park. They were getting very promising prospects and took over this crusher which over the next few years was responsible for the recovery of many thousands of ounces of gold.

Many years later, in about 1934, my father, then a partner in the Easter Monday Mine, arranged for the crusher to be removed to the Easter Monday Mine where it was used briefly but then stood for many years.

In about 1950 I purchased the crusher for its sentimental value from a scrap metal dealer who had acquired ownership of it. Eventually, in about 1980, my son, Ken Cann, and I moved it to my property, where it remained until 1995 when it was erected for display here in the Blackwood Township.

Many thanks to Ken Whiffen, Ken Cann and their associates who were involved in the crusher’s renovation. Great credit to all concerned.