CHAMPION BATTERY
FEATHERTOP TRACK HARRIETVILLE, ALPINE SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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CHAMPION BATTERY - History
Heritage Inventory History of Site:
The Champion Reef was discovered in 1866. In 1871, it was taken up by Osborne & Co. and yielded 1685 oz (averaging 3 oz per ton) before the gold cut out in 1874. The mine was reworked briefly in 1881-2, and again in the early 1890s. In 1920, the mine was reopened and a Pelton-wheel-powered battery erected. The old No. 2 tunnel was extended, but no gold was forthcoming. Work ceased in 1925. The mine was further tried in 1945, again without success.CHAMPION BATTERY - Interpretation of Site
It is possible that the site contains the complete iron-work of a Cornish battery, but this oculd only be established by excavation of the site. The battery appears to have been originally erected to crush for an upper adit of the Champion on the hillside above (not visited). Connection was probably by inclined tramway. The battery is probably the earliest one erected at the mine, c. end of 1868.
Heritage Inventory Description
CHAMPION BATTERY - Heritage Inventory Description
The Champion battery consists of three head of stamps (and a Pelton wheel?).
Heritage Inventory Significance:
The site consists of a cutting into the hillside beside Champion Creek, that contains the archaeological remainsof an early Cornish Battery. Also visible is a water wheel pit, a hut site with stone fireplace ruins, and sundry scrap metal associated with the treatment works.
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CHAMPION BATTERYVictorian Heritage Inventory
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