What were the conditions like in the gold fields?

Conditions on the Australian goldfields were harsh. The main source of discontent was the miner's licence, which cost a monthly fee of 30 shillings and permitted the holder to work a 3.6 metre square "claim". Licences had to be paid regardless of whether a digger's claim resulted in the finding of any gold. Frequent licence hunts were conducted, during which the miners were ordered to produce proof of their licences.

Conditions were also crowded and unsanitary. Not only did the miners work their 3.6 metre square claim, they lived in and on it. Some of the goldfields had nothing more than open latrines, while creeks were used for washing everything.