Holding yard were set up every ten miles along the road for saddled horses to be rested.

No theft ever occurred of horses or saddles in this lifeline to the remote mountain areas

When a medical emergency occurred a rider could change horses every ten miles in a rapid dash to fetch the doctor, followed by another dash back with medical help.

Babies were born in tents on the gold fields and even in the villages, people lived under canvas.

Permanent tents had wooden floors but were intolerably hot in summer and freezing in winter.

Life was perilous and many babies died.

The death of a child was faced by many young mothers who had no family support, but were sustained by a strong community network, bonded together by hardship.

People who grew up in those difficult days look back upon their childhood with fondness and say that they were happy carefree days with plenty of adventures for growing children.