Hi Linda and other listers A few dates to consider 20 Aug 1860 Burke and Wills expedition left Melbourne for the Gulf of Carpentaria. 28 Aug 1860 A riot occurred and Parliament House Melbourne was attacked and stoned by irate citizens during a debate on the controversial land bill. 02 Sep 1861 The first bridge across the Murray River, at Albury, was officially opened. 18 Sep 1860 The Nicholson Land Act was passed by the Victorian parliament providing for free land selection after survey. 26 Nov 1860 Richard Heales assumed office of Premier. 13 Apr 1861 The outbreak of hostilities was precipitated by the fall of the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The civil war had begun. 24 May 1861 Australia's first public Museum of Art was opened in Melbourne public library by the Governor Sir Henry Barkly. 15 Sep 1861 Alfred Howitt's expedition found John King, sole survivor of the Burke and Wills party that reached the Gulf of Carpentaria. 07 Nov 1861 Four thousand spectators were at Flemington racecourse to see seventeen horses (not to mention the jockeys) contest the first Melbourne cup. 14 Nov 1861 John O'Shanassy assumed office of Premier. In this day and age when the rail network is being privatised, it is interesting to note that the network was in fact set up by private enterprise in the first place, and there was a lot of activity in this direction in 1860 and 61. Apart for the rail link to Gippsland which we are already familiar with, the rail helped to open up the rest of the suburbs. 03 Sep 1860 Geelong and Melbourne Railway Co. was bought by Government. 24 Sep 1860 Melbourne and Suburban Railway Co.'s. Line was extend from Richmond to Pic-Nic (near Burnley) 01 Nov 1860 Melbourne and Essendon Railway Co.'s. line was opened. 22 Dec 1860 Melbourne and Suburban Railway Co.'s. line was extended from Cremorne (near River Yarra) to Windsor. 28 Feb 1861 Branch railway from Newmarket to Flemington racecourse was opened by Melbourne and Essendon Railway Co. 13 Apr 1861 Railway line was extended from Pic-Nic to Hawthorn by Melbourne and Suburban Railway Co. 08 Jul 1861 Government railway was extend from Sunbury to Woodend. 21 Dec 1861 Railway line was extended from North Brighton to Brighton Beach by St. Kilda and Brighton Railway Co. Regards Brian