Rutter’s grave – Dollypot

OVER THE PLATES
A Lonely Grave.

Dear “Non-Com.”-The last resting place of many early goldfields pioneers may be found north, south, east and west of the Eastern Goldfields auriferous belt, but few, if any, will be found in a more distant and isolated spot than that which is known as

“Rutter’s Grave.”

At the present day, the dingoes and kangaroos roam over the conspicuous diorite and granite hills that surround the spot, and the long high range of hills that trends for about eight miles north of this lonely grave may be seen from a distance of 35 miles over the low-lying spinifex plains on either side. The highest point in this range is 1,900 feet above sea level.

The grave is the resting place of an adventurous, determined gold-seeker who feared nothing and staked all, even his life, in the hope and belief that gold would be found in those hills that were beckoning him on. Leaving behind him the little civilization that existed around Laverton in 1894, the district unmapped and waterless as far as was known, did not deter him from exploration of a further 100 miles eastwards in one long journey, from which he was never to return.

After 42 years the district remains in its wild state just as he entered it. Gold was found after his death four miles north of his grave, and at a distance of eight miles north two prospectors are working a show at the present time. Between the grave and Laverton, there is one solitary homestead today. A long slab of upended granite rock placed by some kindly hand is the headstone, with the name “Rutter, died Aug 1894.” I am not sure if the month is August or September, but I have visited the place on three occasions.

No greater monument could be wished for than the high towering walls of granite that surround the little valley in which his body rests. In a good season nature’s garden of wildflowers, of all colours, coupled with the white everlastings and Sturt peas, grow in profusion around and over the grave, and the shallow soak named after him is the watering-place of the Java sparrows, galahs, and parrots, whilst close by is the friendly shade of the bushman’s friend, the Kurrajong.

Note: Rutters Grave is that of William ‘Billy’ RUTTER aged 40yrs, the grave is located on White Cliffs Station.

by PILOT, Laverton.