The Overlanders to Diggings

Empire, Sydney

17 May 1852

Goulburn:-

A number of persons have let here, lately for the Port Phillip Diggings; some with the intention of searching for gold, and others, to make a market of various commodities.

Five or six parties are buying up fat cattle, working bullocks and horses, expecting to realise large profits by their sale at the Melbourne market.

The consequence is that animals of this description are rising in prices and becoming scarce.

I have known as much as £4 a head having been given for good working horned cattle, and 50s. to 60s. for fat beasts.

As no one from this quarter fancies to run the risk of taking over mixed herds, we shall be left all the culls to eat during the next eight or nine months.

One must bid farewell to a good rump steak for a season.