It sounds like the plot of a country caper, but in December 1876, Mooroopna’s Commercial Bank really did lose a small fortune in the Goulburn River.
The trouble began when reports circulated that the bank manager had drowned and that money and valuable deeds had disappeared into the river. Fortunately, the manager was alive and well — but the bank’s cash was not so lucky.
The bank’s Shepparton agency operated each morning, with its cash then carried back to Mooroopna for safekeeping.
On this fateful Friday, the horse pulling the buggy was crossing the river by punt when it somehow got the reins under its tail. Cue panic.
The horse kicked wildly, leapt over the side and took the buggy with it.
A box containing £900 in notes, gold and silver went straight to the riverbed. The ledger floated to safety, while the unfortunate clerk narrowly escaped by tumbling onto the punt as horse and buggy disappeared.
The horse and buggy were later recovered, but the money remained missing.
Professional divers were brought from Echuca, attracting hundreds of spectators eager to see whether Mooroopna’s underwater treasure would be recovered.
Despite an extensive search, the gold remained elusive.
For the bank manager, it was undoubtedly a stressful episode. For everyone watching from the riverbank, however, it must have been quite a spectacle — and one with a decidedly sinking feeling.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact the centre on 4831 8659.
