In June 1881, Hiram announced to a Council meeting that he was with the assistance of the Shire Secretary John W. Morton, preparing a history of Beechworth from the first discovery of gold up to the present time and it would be printed and distributed at Hiram's own expense. This work was done on the occasions of the International Exhibition and the census taken in April 1881. Attention to the resources and capabilities of the various districts of the Colony at the Exhibition, induced some Municipalities to issue pamphlets of a historical character. Hiram and John's book "A Historical Sketch of the Town of Beechworth and the District comprised within the United Shire of Beechworth" was such an endeavour from the introduction - "These productions are interesting and useful for, while they institute comparisons, they prevent from falling into oblivion names and events worthy of a more deserving fate. Those who enjoy the advantages flowing from settled institutions inaugurated by their predecessors should not allow such precedents and examples to be forgotten." I have a copy of this if anyone is interested. Many names mentioned, particularly in relation to council matters Denise