Above: From a wonderful collection of photographs held by the State Library of NSW comes this photo of Mitchell Street, Bourke, in c. 1870, as Oscar Hughan would have known it.
The latest Bourke news is, by mail, up to the 31st April, but we have through other means, intelligence eight days later. A private letter tells us that there were seventy hours of most terrible rain. It was reported that Mr. C. Guinness, of Jandra, had lost a number of sheep. We are glad to be able to contradict this story. Ten sheep will cover all the Jandra losses. 10,000 were overtaken on the plains by the flood, but by dint of great exertions the flocks were driven safe to the high ground. All the Jandra sheep are now on the elevated red ground. We hear the whole country around Bourke was "three or four feet deep in a sea of mud of the stickiest description, and when there was not this, there were sheets of water.”
- Town & Country, June 4, 1870
BOURKE. (From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Captain G. Johnson arrived in the Maranoa on Tuesday with a general cargo, all for Becker Co. The loading was in excellent order. Captain Johnson manages somehow to be always first in these waters, and is always welcomed cordially. The Jupiter, Captain King, has passed upwards. The Jolly Miller, Captain Johnson, arrived today. The Albury is on her way up. The river is falling here, though we hear it is rising upwards. The country everywhere is truly glorious. Cattle from the herds of Sharpe, Payne, and Williams have started for market.
Mr. J. E. Kelly has arrived from the Warrego. On his way in he had a terrific conflict with a snake, some twelve feet in length. He was riding along the mulga, when suddenly his horse came to a dead halt. Looking down, the horrified rider saw the slimy folds of the monster under his horse's belly. Paralysed he sat, not knowing whether the monster intended to scale the trembling animal he bestrode. It was an awful moment. A profuse sweat broke out, as it were, on every part of the horse's body, while its ears were laid almost flatly upon his neck. In dreadful suspense, the rider sat for some moments, when, on the serpent gliding into the scrub, the horse, actually heaving a deep sigh, shot from the place. Returning, Kelly, with plenty of courage, dismounted, and grasping an apparently sound stick, made an onslanght on the retreating monster. As the stick descended on the body of the foe it broke, causing no injury, when, quick as thought, the snake threw its horrid folds backwards, literally brushing Kelly's shoulder as they passed. Now was the critical moment - no cudgel was at hand, and the assailer became, the assailed. Swiftly remounting his horse he was safe, and followed by the snake hissing and furious, he procured a young sapling which some bullock team had left upon the road. He again dismounted, and boldly waited for his scaly enemy, keeping this time in front. By a well-directed blow the reptile was killed, and his skin now testifies the courage of the victor.
No Wednesday's mail yet - can't imagine why it's so late. The Wilcannia mail came in on Friday; due on Sunday.
No mails - imagine all the mailmen drowned. River falling rapidly. - May 4.
-Maitland Mercury, June 9, 1879.
DUBBO. Saturday.
We have received news from Bourke to 30th May. The river Darling rose fifty feet above the summer level. Bourke township, however, has not been flooded. There were no mails received from 15th March to 13th May. The country is in a dreadful state. The roads are impassable. Many steamers have come up. Supplies are sold whole sale in Bourke, and at a cheap rate. Flour is quitted at £12 per ton, and ale and porter at 13s per dozen. Reids, of Tarcoon, has been washed out, and is now at Pink Hills.
Reports speak of the upper rivers again coming down. If this should be the case the Bourke people will have to go to West Bourke.
A large quantity of sheep and cattle are en route from the Warrego, the Paroo, and the Darling. - Town & Country, June 18, 1870.
From Bourke we have news to the 3rd June. The Darling rose fifty feet above summer level, and although there was every likelihood of a flood, yet the water did not go into Bourke. The Upper Darling country is in a terrible state of wetness. The roads are almost impassable, and on the back block stations rations are getting unpleasantly scarce. The flood caused Reid, of Tarcoon, to shift to the Pink Hills. Several steamers have made journeys to and from Bourke and Adelaide. The road between Paroo and Bourke is in a dreadful state. Locomotion is all but impossible. – - Town & Country, June 25, 1870
BOURKE MAIL. - A brother of the mail contractor, writing from Bourke, under date 30th May, says: - "We have reached Bourke after a great trial. The roads are very boggy from the Pink Hills to about half- way to Gongoglan - you cannot walk. We got the four horses bogged, and were five hours in getting them out of that mess. We were lucky, for three men came and assisted us. We bogged up to our waists; but you are aware of all this. Our horses are in fine condition. A coach cannot travel. Come through yourself. There are passengers, but it is impossible to take them at present."
A gentleman who left Bourke last Sunday week, and who arrived in Dubbo yesterday, confirms the above. At Bourke they have been better off than we anticipated. They have provisions, &c., at Sydney prices. Billiards and grog are at Bourke sure indications of business of another kind being done somewhere.
-Town & Country, June 25, 1870.
BOURKE ( from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We are much as usual. Business is, I think, a little less dull.
The river is lowering very slowly, but as the rain has cleared away we soon expect to be rid of the dread of floods.
A man named Gadd started with a team for Lodnapps, having on board grog for his mates. The fiery liquid was consumed on the road, delirium set in, the wrong road taken, the team finally abandoned, and the unfortunate wretch lost. One of his mates- H. Simpson-got on his tracks with blackfellows and searched for days, but in vain, for the poor fellow, the rain putting out all tracks The case was reported to the police, and it is feared the man has perished from wet, cold, and hunger. He was forty-nine-years of age, and a native of England.
Mr. Salmon, from between the Paroo and Cuttaburra, has just arrived, and he states Christian's “Slough of Despond " is a perfect road to the highways of the bush just now, and as to going into the scrub, it is a case of premature burial.
The Maranoa is expected hourly. June 3.
- Maitland Mercury, June 28, 1870.
GREAT FLOOD AT BOURKE. - The Bourke mail has just arrived. All at Bourke were flooded out, and had to take refuge at Mount Oxley; but I am glad to hear no lives were lost.
- Town & Country, July 9, 1870.
BOURKE. (From the Dubbo Dispatch)
July 6.-Thank God, our sappers and miners are paid off, the waters having taken a down- ward turn. Two feet more would have driven us to the new township. All fear of flood is over, although there is a vast collection of waters in the country. Rain still hangs about, and the morning which welcomes us with sunshine and blue skies is often the herald of blackness towards night.
The steamer Goolwa, Captain Murphy, has actually taken on board, from Ross and Co's stores, about forty tons of merchandise for the Culgoa and other rivers, so that we are now exporters.
So we have lost Prince Charley for good, and a King is to reign in his stead. We are sorry that he has left us, but glad that he has got into deeper waters. He was ever first to promote our interest, and spared no trouble to aid all legitimate movements. I remember him lighting up the court-house for a lecturer, whose wants had been unattended to by those whose business it was to look after the affair. He had a joke and a smile for all, and was a beggar of the finest water. Somehow, he made us shell out ere we were aware of our acts. The Mechanics' Institute may claim him as its founder, while for the Public School, &c., &c, he worked hard. I trust more will be done for Bourke through him than from any other source.
Bourke has gone mad, and her madness has taken an aquatic turn; in fact, you might say she is suffering from water on the brain. We have now quite a fleet of boats, and yesterday (Mon- day) the commodious new boat, The Nancy, manned by a splendid set of fellows, viz, Messrs. T. Belcher, P. Murray, W. Bennett, and A. Seymour, was matched against Mr. C. Guinness's boat My Debtor, pulled by her owner and Dr. Roberts. The course was from Garretts Folly (the first cutting) to the pier in the centre of the town-distance, about a mile. At about three p m., a crowd was on and around the steamer Goolwa, watching the convoy of boats pulling up towards the starting place, many beautiful ladies making the scene more civilised and happy. Looking anxiously up the magnificent sweep of the river, the sharp flashing of oars met the eye, and voices rang out " here they come," and come they did : the commodore's boat hauling along like a young Behemoth, while the light craft, her antagonist, bounded forward like an excited porpoise. With a quick stroke the Nancy's men lay to their work, while the Dr. and his companion pulled a deeper and longer stroke, but labouring in the wash of the Nancy. As they neared home it was hard to say which was to pull off the money; but the Nancy having the inside running, and being well steered by E. Fradgely, she was hailed the victor by a short distance. A second race was then pulled by the winning crew in the same boat, against Mr. Graham's Louisa, the oars being manned by her owner and Mr. J. E. Kelly, over the same course. This was a quicker race, but was hauled off by the Nancy. So desperate was the struggle, and so gamely pulled the owner of the small craft, that he stepped on shore almost blind. Other races are on the tapis. On Sunday, as a friendly spurt was being pulled, the Protest was very nearly swamped, and her crew drowned, by her coxswain (H. Cornish) cruelly perching them among the branches of a tree. So tremendous was the crash that with difficulty she was righted.
A man named Beard died suddenly at Beemery, near Toorale, last week.
There has been gold brought in from the South by one of our townsmen, and a party is to be despatched to test the ground next week. The sample is rough, quartz-mingled gold, and the locality has long been spoken of as a likely gold deposit. I hope there will not be fools among you who will read this as a veritable discovery of a gold field. Let me first find out the truth ere they move in the matter, and not afterwards, as is always the case, blame the reporters. Wait, and I will let you know all that is worth knowing, be it good or ill. We all hope it may turn out well.
We are expecting Mr. King, the new P.M, and Mr. Tarleton, Church of England minister.
Business is a little more lively, but still dull as a temperance meeting.
River falling about two inches per twenty four hours. No mails from the S W. and W.
Mrs. J. Brown died suddenly last week. Colds are very prevalent.
July 9.-More showery weather, and with it cold. River still falling, and trade ready for burial.
Many have gone to test the truth of the gold report. Nothing is known what the probable result will be; a few weeks will decide. Heaven grant it may be a success, for we are on our last legs.
Thomas Moses came in from Gundabooka, and reports a man, seemingly crazy, wandering about the bush between the mountains and the river; also of the finding of a human skeleton by a lubra, fifteen miles from the river. Some time ago three men (J, Foot, W. Duncan, and Blair) were supposed to have perished at Gundabooka Mountains. It is the general opinion that these remains belong to one of the unfortunates.
The Warrego is again coming down a boomer, and the Paroo and neighbouring rivers are full. It is raining in the Paroo country. Teams without number are stuck-up and cannot travel.
We are to have a new gaol, thanks to the Cowpers. Let others say what they list, we believe in them, and doff our bonnets to their zeal in our cause. Young Charles was to have had a dinner ere he left, but he flitted like a tenant who quits without warning, and we could not but imagine he was to return; but as fate willed it otherwise, we submit, and give him our hearty applause for what he has done, and God speed him in his future steps.
The mails from Walgett came in last night. McIntyre reports the route in a frightful state. He has had to swim three rivers or creeks in seventy miles. The contractor, Howlett, deserves our thanks in securing such men as McIntyre to carry the mails.
Mr. Becker's 250 fat cattle were sold at Menindie for £7 10s., the highest price yet received this season. They were a splendid mob.
The Namoi is coming down furiously. The Booligal mail came in a day or two ago. The Warrego mail runs very regularly, crossing up to the new township in boats.
(From another Correspondent)- Not Oscar Hughan.
June 29_The Darling is now as high as it was in the flood of '63, that is about three feet below its banks, or coming into the town, and five feet below the big flood of '64. It is falling at present slowly, but as the principal tributaries upwards are subsiding rapidly, we may, without we soon again have general rains throughout this colony and Queensland, rest assured that we have done with everything, in flood shape at least, for the present. I do firmly believe, though, that a continuation of the weather that we have had throughout the colony and Queensland, since the beginning of the year till the end of it, would totally depopulate the Darling frontage. In proof of this, we can see well-defined water-courses, known as billabongs, fully six feet above the present flood level, and the channels of those billabongs appear at least ten feet deep ; then to rise them to their banks, would require some sixteen feet more water than we have now; and if we had that quantity, every plain and flat for fifty miles on either side of the Darling would be submerged. Plains, I don't care where they are, unless they are tablelands, are subject to inundation ; and squatters, especially on the Darling, should be always prepared to remove their stock from them at a moment's notice.
Without exaggeration, I believe there are one hundred thousand fat sheep (the majority from Queensland), and all bound for Melbourne market, on the west side of the Darling, and several large lots of fat cattle. If the Darling continues anything like as high as it is at present during the winter, I cannot see what's to become of these stock, when it does become crossable. We will see sheep, unless the meat preserving companies keep them up, at a lower figure than ever. In the mean time, the stock owners on the east side of the Darling must meet a high market in Melbourne.
Several steamers have reached here with suitable cargoes, the whole of which they have
discharged in our port. Rations and general station supplies were never sold here at such prices, thanks to competition. "No more monopoly" is the cry, and I re-echo it, and would advise squatters, and all in the district to keep it in view. Only fancy flour at from £12 to £15 ; sugar, £35 to £45; tea, £7 to £10 ; salt, £8 to £12, and so on. Upon my word it's a glorious state of things. It's all the same, I think though, at what tempting prices goods are offered just now; the roads are impassable for horsemen, much less for teams to come in to load, and business appears at a dead stand-still. It will, I opine, revive when the weather clears up and the roads improve.
We are exceedingly sorry for the loss of Mr. Cowper, our late P.M. During the time he was here, he did a great deal of good for the place, and had many matters of importance, such as a public school, a district court, a larger gaol, &c., in hand, and I have no doubt he would have succeeded in getting some of them.
I am glad to learn that many squatters throughout the colony intend holding meetings as soon as possible, at convenient townships and places, for the purpose of discussing matters affecting their interests, and communicating their wants, &c, to the Sydney Pastoral Association. This is a step in the right direction, and I trust it will have some good results. As we are, and have been, dragging along with Mr. G. W. Lord representing us, it is something beyond endurance.
-Maitland Mercury, July 26, 1870.
BOURKE (from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch]
The Ariel steamer, Captain Anderson, arrived at the Queen's wharf on Tuesday, with a general cargo- potatoes were sold at 12s per 100 lbs. We have nothing to complain of as far as provisions are concerned.
The waters are slowly descending seaward, but the roads are in a very bad state, and the back water is still a great impediment to the mailman. All the Sydney mails are now in. The Booligal route is behind time. The Brewarrina letters go and come as well as can be expected by persons of healthful brain. The Fishites complain of what they know nothing. Often, their mail is not started, awaiting other incomings, and it is unfair to croak before the time comes.
There is literally no news from our supposed Eldorado, either good or bad, and anyone starting thence without communication from me deserves to reap a harvest of ashes.
On Sunday the day broke cold, with a cuff or two of frost; and looking forth towards the river, I saw some men dancing about as nimbly as water-rats. Wondering what could be the cause of such unheard of activity on the Sabbath, I posted to the spot, and there, dashing about in the water, were two men, apparently as happy as wooing grampuses. The cause of their delight was a beautifully painted boat receiving baptism. Her name is "Eldorado," and a very pretty specimen of a craft she is. She is built by Messrs. Ramsay and Windsor, and considering it was their first attempt, she reflects very great praise on them.
The Goolwa has gone to Wilcannia, but returns directly. Her passage up the Culgoa was an affair of peril. Men overboard-men holding her funnel up-and at times steaming up a tree. At any rate, she has the honor of carrying the first steam-driven keel in these waters.
Health of the place all right.
The rain is pouring down, and we may expect more mail stoppages.
Tuesday, 8 p m.- July 12: A correspondent, writing on the 14th regarding the diggings says :-" Some time since several prospecting parties left here for a place near the Gundabooka Mountains, and about forty miles from here ; when it was stated a good sample of gold was obtained, and in paying quantities. The place has been well tried by persons of practical experience, and has not even shown the colour. Good news travels faster than bad, so I trust you will kindly insert this, and so deter many from leaving permanent employment under the impression of meeting with a success. Instead of that, they will only augment the number of the unemployed, and, in many cases, I am sorry to say, starving travellers up and down the Darling. Old miners have been out, whose report may be relied up."
- Maitland Mercury, August 4, 1870.
Our Bourke news is to the effect that "the daily waters are slowly descending seaward, but the roads are in a very bad state, and the back water is still an impediment to travelling. On the 12th there was heavy rain." – Town & Country, August 6, 1870.
BOURKE (from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We have had more rain, and in still lingers about. The mails, considering the horrible state of the roads, are running very well, and those who complain want a trip or two to silence their foolish clamour.
Mr W W Davis purchased the cattle I spoke of from Mr Cecil Guinness, of Jandra - July 19
The Kennedy has returned, and will wait for the wool of 30,000 sheep, to be shorn at the western township, they belong to Mr Skinner.
The roads are in a fearful mess. Travelling next to impossible. We have had daily rain, but it seems to have cleared up.
The diggings, so far, a perfect hoax, none of the many men there finding the color. Gold has been sent to Mr Becker, from lower down the range, and report speaks well of the find, but we give it little credence.
Shearing will doubtless be very late this season, owing to the waters.
Health of the town better. I wish I could say as much for trade
The Bogan is again rising We are about at a standstill. I mean the Darling waters
Saturday's mail came on Monday night. The Jolly Miller passed up yesterday.
There are no mails from the Warrego. A man named Wilson was brought in by Trooper Smith from Brewarrina. He is charged with stabbing a man at Cooklerina.
The river is as sullen as a bad tempered woman, rising and falling inch by inch. There are tens of thousands of sheep travelling on the back runs
Most of the diggers are in, but without a speck of the yellow stuff- July 26.
-Maitland Mercury, August 13, 1870.
The Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch writes:-"The diggings so far are a perfect hoax. None of the many men there finding the colour. Gold has been sent to Mr. Becker, from lower down the range, and report speaks well of the find, but we give it little credence.”
- Town & Country, August 13, 1870.
All hopes of gold at Bourke are at an end, says the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, and the paragraph in the Herald was a gross mistake. The man who reported the finding of the gold and misled hundreds, has gone up the Bogan, and it speaks well for the morality and humanity of our district, in spite of the Pastoral Times picture, that his head is still ornamented with the usual number of ears. It was a disgraceful hoax, and the perpetrator certainly deserved charming with the magic of a stockwhip.
- Town & Country, August 20, 1870.
THE BOGAN: “Old Fladgely," the reputed gold-finder on the Darling, has arrived here. He had, I understand, to clear out of Bourke for rising such a false report; but he says he was instigated to do so by certain parties in Bourke. "Whoever these parties are, they certainly de- served a good sousing. About twenty-four hours soaking them in the Darling would do the country a service. But how those unprincipled men mixed up Mr. Cowper's name, and that of Mr. Byrnes, the Crown lands commission, in their lying conviction, I know not.
- August 27, 1870
BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Thank heaven, the weather smells warm and fine, and the roads getting travellable-consequently business is more animated.
The river is again rising, and many hint at a high flood, but this is not believed by the old chums.
The steamer Kennedy and barge have been actively engaged for some time crossing sheep from the west to the eastern bank, all en route for Melbourne They are conveyed from the new township to a landing two miles lower down, and the despatch with which they are crossed reflects great credit on all concerned. Commodore Becker is agent for the various owners who have passed their sheep over, and whose names are as follows –Paton’s 7000 fat; Doyle’s 10,000; Scott's 10,000; Mcintyre’s 15,000- this lot is superb- Farmer’s 3500. With those the following are to come over Guiness’s 7000; Hawkins’ 19 000; Skinner’s 23,000; and Paterson’s 15,000; the rate per 1000 for crossing is £310s, and without trouble they transport 5,000 daily The plan adopted is a most capital one. The barge is lashed to the side of the steamer, and the whole made into a small Smithfield. The plan answers splendidly.
The roads, Brady tells me, are in a frightful state. Jones’ coach was at Enaweena on the 4th instant, getting on very slowly.
Robert Clark died suddenly the other day from congestion of the brain -August 10
There is very little to notice this week. The steamer Princess Royal has arrived, and departed downward. The weather is charming, and the Sydney mail two days late, so they must have had some strange weather somewhere.
Business is brisk again. Mr Becker is erecting a large store for the stowage of 200 tons of flour.
We are to have a new brick post-office built -and not before it is needed, for the way that department has been palmed off on the public is anything but creditable to the colony and satisfactory to the people, but no more of this.
The Goolwa steamer has just returned from her second trip up the Culgoa.
The two men arrested for having meat in their possession on Jandra Run received from the outraged law six months' hard labour. Their names are Miller and Thompson-very respectable looking men.
A man named Simpson in a row had his knee injured, and proceeded to Swan Hill Hospital per steamer Jupiter.
Shearing will commence at Jandra on the 22nd instant. Mr Skinner is shearing at the new township.
48,000 sheep have been crossed from West Bourke, and, to the credit of all concerned, only seven sheep were lost.
Captain Murphy, of the Goolwa, states the Culgoa rising. The people of that ilk thought his visit a God-send. He intends starting back again directly.
We are doing a little in the theatrical line. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are amusing us with selections from popular plays.
Mr. Joseph Lunn has leased the punt for a rental of £50 per annum.
I am sorry to say that Mrs. James Foott is leaving Bourke. The good this lady has done among our children time will tell. It is a public loss this lady's departure; for years she has attended the Sabbath Schools of this place. No matter what weather assailed she was at her post, nobly doing a duty the world took little note of. She takes with her the love of every child, and the respect of every adult.-August 17.
-Maitland Mercury, September 1, 1870.
At Bourke, the weather was fine, and roads getting travelable. The river was, however, on the rise, owing to the rush of waters from the north. The steamers are busy, going to and fro, and supplies are plentiful and cheap. Sheep for Melbourne were being crossed in large numbers by steamer. The weather at Cannonbar has been fair and the grass is beginning to grow luxuriantly everywhere. A correspondent says that "if only the warm weather were to set in now, there would be an abundance of feed in all directions. The roads are something like passable. The Bogan and Gunningbar are both within their banks. Shearing has commenced at Enaweena (Ryrie and Alexander's)."
- Town & Country, September 3, 1870.
-
BOURKE ( (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We have had more rain, and consequently the roads are again very bad. The Sydney mailman (Payne) came in without bags on the 27th instant, so that two mails are due from that city.
A man from Beemery, on the 26th instant, swimming one of the creeks, narrowly escaped drowning. He lost everything he was possessed of. Mr McNoll, of the Model Hut, generously gave the rescued man a change of raiment.
You have given publicity to a report utterly void of foundation relative to foot-rot being on the Culgoa. Now, this is as absurd as it is untrue. Did ever anyone see a sheep affected with that disease up to the knees ? The inspector has waited upon me, and offered to give clean bills for all sheep which have passed his district.
The mails are beginning to run nearer their time, and we hope, ere long, to have few complaints on this topic.
The weather is delicious. The Jolly Miller brought her crew from Jandra to attend divine service on Sunday. The Rev Father McAuliffe has returned from his downward journey. The Rev W. W Tarleton, Church of England Minister, is expected weekly, so our spiritual needs are fully met.
The steamer Kennedy is still crossing sheep, one of which, belonging to Mr Mcintyre, was killed by Mr H Colless, and weighed 98 lbs when dressed. The flocks, taking them all in all, looked splendidly well. The Ariel steamer is expected in a week.
The river is slowly falling. Shearing will be in full swing in about ten days -August 31.
-Maitland Mercury, September 15, 1870.
BOURKE (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch).
The river is still falling here slowly. No mails are in from below. Rain set in this morning and is still falling. The roads again are very bad.
6000 sheep, belonging to Mr Gavert, are to be shorn at West Bourke. Mr Skinner is well
on with shearing there. The steamer Kennedy is waiting for his wool.
Part of Moore’s loading for Ross and Co, came in yesterday. It started from Sydney on
the 23rd December. Sheep are still approaching from Queensland. September 3.
-Maitland Mercury, 22 September, 1870.
.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
The River is again rising, and we are not altogether sure we are not to have another flood.
We were favored last night with a display of the modern Valentine Vox’s performances. About ten o’clock people were darting about the streets, shooting along the river with lights flashing and oars splashing at a great rate. They were in search of an unfortunate brother, who was sinking into a liquid grave. There were cries for help and cries for pity-cries which assured the drowning wretch that help was at hand- cries which awoke the echoes from apparently baffled mercy. This little jolly game was kept up for a considerable time, and at last it leaked out that the gentleman we last heard of in Queensland had been doing the cute Bourke ones. There is no doubt the gentleman clever, but had he been overhauled last night his laughter would have melted into grief.
I am sorry to record the death of a fine little boy, the son of Mr Pierce Barton. He was thrown from his pony, and dragged by the stirrup until his sinless soul had joined the ransomed ones.
All land put up the other day was sold, Mr. Becker being the chief purchaser.
The Goolwa, after a splendid trip to Walgett, goes back again on Monday.
A copper mine has been discovered. Particulars in my next.- September 16.
-Maitland Mercury, October 4, 1870.
BOURKE. (From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
I am delighted to inform you that at last, in spite of our great cry about gold and precious stones, which was but empty, we can now boldly lay claim to a marvellously rich tract of copper bearing country. Mr. Charles Campbell, an intelligent Dane, coming from the Lachlan to the Darling, rode on to this valuable discovery, and on his arrival, made known his fortune to Mr. J. Becker and myself. He brought with him some rich specimens, one of which, with the aid of a frying pan and the forge bellows, we roughly melted, and procured an abundance of copper, whitish in color and very hard, promising, I should fancy, a large percentage of silver. To use his own words, hundreds of thousands of tons of such ore can be procured on the surface. The country is about 100 miles from Bourke, and Bourke will be made the centre of operations. A party of gentlemen start tomorrow. Mr. Becker was to have been of their number, but circumstances have prevented this. I am sorry this is the case, for he is the most likely man in the place to see at once the importance of the discovery. Mr. Campbell has men already there at work securing water. You need have no hesitancy in giving this all the publicity you please. - Sept 10.
-Maitland Mercury, October 6, 1870.
BOURKE ( from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
All I have to say is that the river is falling rather fast, that the weather is magnificent, and trade brisk.
No further news from the copper fields.
Shearing is progressing well, and the chance the steamers have of getting their wool down is capital.
To show you what can be done here in good seasons, Handcock, at Oxley’s tableland, has three acres of splendid potatoes as any man could wish to see, with pumpkins in amazing quantities. And in speaking of Mount Oxley s tableland or the mountain, I advise all teamsters who wish to reach Bourke on sound road to keep to the north side of the Mount. This is benefiting every traveller, either on horseback or with wheels.
The steamer Jupiter arrived this morning from the Murray (Captain King), and has made as usual a good trip. The Goolwa has gone upwards-Sept 24.
The weather is deliciously fine, and the warm heat of summer is calling out the flowers. The river is descending slowly towards the sea, and business is tolerably good. Mr H. Hann swam over about 1000 head of cattle on Thursday last, and, considering the place, or rather the badness of the place of crossing, it was a good feat. All went well. The herd is from the Burdekin, and they are in excellent form, many of them fat enough for an alderman's banquet. Next week Salmon's and Hill's sheep will be crossed by the Kennedy steamer. This mode of bridging the river has become very popular. Shearing is rapidly approaching to a close, and the yield of wool is grand.
I am thankful that at last we have an educated Churchman among us. The Rev W. W.
Tarleton, B A , is at last located among us, and from all which has transpired all will be sunny weather with him. The rev gentleman's address to the district is much praised as an honest conversation from man to man.
At the Police Court on Friday, there were sixteen cases between masters and servants, but from the slight penalties inflicted, the magistrates must have thought, as I did, that Jack was as much to blame as John.
The roads are getting good, and the mails ought now to run well. I have said but little of their delays during the bad weather, but should they not now do their duty, the Post master General will hear of it from me. The downward mail is running very badly, that of Brewarrina very well.- October 1.
-Maitland Mercury, October 13, 1870.
BOURKE. October 1.
We, at least, have every appearance of fine weather. The roads are not sufficiently dry to permit of loaded drays travelling. The Sydney mail still arrives very irregularly.
All the large sheep establishments are busily engaged shearing; one or two of the small sheds are finished.
About 150,000 Queensland sheep have crossed the river here during the last two months, per steamer Kennedy, the majority of which are en route for the Victorian market. Many of them wore shorn here, and there are still several mobs of said family undergoing the operation in and around town. The bulk of these sheep have gone direct from here to Bulligal, on the Lachlan. The distance is said to be only about 200 miles, while by any other route it would be at least three times as far; some money though will be required in making water improvements before this road will become permanently useful.
The river has been navigable for the last six months, and has every appearance of so continuing till the end of the year, consequently station supplies of every description are very cheap, and can be bought at a slight advance on Sydney prices ; in fact, cheaper at times. I have seen not bad flour offered at 20s per bag (£10 per ton.) Ration sugar has been sold at £33; tea at £6 15s.
The price charged per ton for carriage of wool from any point of the river not exceeding a hundred miles above here to Adelaide, is, for greasy, £4 10s ; washed, £6; To Victor Harbour, greasy, £3 10s ; washed, £5. To Melbourne, greasy, £6 10s ; washed, £8 10s.
This season, although excessively wet, has not been a bad one for the squatter; he never had such a favourable one since the settlement of the district, or an opportunity of making such handsome returns.
The town itself since the arrival of the last English telegram in re the war, owing to our principal storekeeper being an enthusiastic and good hearted Prussian, has been almost submerged in champagne. While under the influence of this delightful beverage, I would imagine, I have seen him charge the walls of a billiard-room, cue in hand, much to the disgust of the marker, and positive destruction to the tips; in fact every board in the room was, one would think, a Frenchman in his eyes, and consequently received a death thrust. I don't know how the said gentleman would have worked had a real live Frenchman entered the room; but I can fancy how he would have felt at least five minutes later.
Another enthusiastic Prussian in his hurry to lower the Union Jack and hoist the eagle in its place put his foot on the former to tear it from the pole. A solitary Englishman was standing by, to which circumstances the Prussian was indebted for immediate exchange of his head for the place of his heels. This is as the story goes, I cannot vouch for its truth, all I do know is that the eagle took Jack’s place; but I doubt very much that this would have been permitted even in Bourke had Old Jack stood on public ground. It is, indeed, a blessing that we have no Frenchmen here, perhaps though if we had there would be less bombast.
The good old days of the Darling are returning again. The days of old John Rutherford, of Beemery, when twenty to thirty “jolly good fellows," woke snakes. There are about that number in town now. Last night James Gordon, Esq., J. P. (a boy of the old school) gave a tip-top spread at Colliss’s Hotel. I need not describe anything that Mr Colliss undertakes to do, if you only say I don’t care what it costs, as was the case in this instance. It was a splendid affair; Pipers No. 2, in any quantity. The health of the host was drunk with enthusiasm. The Union Jack floated at one end and the Prussian eagle at the other end of the table; but after the champagne commenced to operate some boy let go a greasy napkin at the eagle which produced a shindy. At three o’clock general pool was the order of the day. So Bourke is looming up in her old shape again. A little recreation after a year’s scorching does a fellow good.
- Town & Country, October 15, 1870 (also appeared in The Empire, 17 October, 1870. Until this date, the Empire had not published any items written specifically from Bourke for the year 1870, nor were any published after). The Maitland Mercury also published part of this article, but did not print any of Oscar’s banter about the French and Prussians.
BOURKE.
(From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The shearing is far advanced, and not a little trouble has arisen between the employers and employees, no fewer than sixteen cases in court from the neighbouring stations. It seems the rule this season for shearers to feel dissatisfied.
Howlett, the mail contractor from Breewarrina, found a saddle, and various other equipments used by a horseman on an island formed by the Bogan. He gave information to the police. It is supposed a man has been drowned, for the spot where the articles were found is seldom ridden over, and surrounded by deep water.
Mr. Lyons crossed the Mara, Lower Darling, with the thoroughbred horse Sluggard; he goes out to the Paroo. From what the papers state of his excellencies, this distict will reap much good from this importation.
Mr. Horsfall, scab inspector, has started to see what truth there is in the foot-rot report, and will probably publish the record of his journey. He declares there is no such complaint among the sheep passed by him, and as Hawkins’ lot passed Bourke, there must be a grave mistake somewhere. Owners of sheep passing this way have no need to fear the welfare of their property.
The steamer Wentworth (Captain G Johnson) has made another three weeks' trip from the Goolwa. The Kennedy starts downward very shortly.
Hill shears at Jandra.
Mr Grant, the new P M, has arrrived. October 12.
-Maitland Mercury, October 27, 1870.
BOURKE. (from the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
A man named W Jackson, in or lately in the employ of Mr H G Salmon, was killed at West Bourke yesterday. His head was brought in contact with a tree while furiously riding, and concussion of the brain was the result.
We have had more glorious ram, and likely to have a continuance of it. I was out in the Bush on Sunday, and for magnificent scenes of plentious grass and flowers, I think the present season beats all that we have had during the last seven or eight years. Clover, oats, grass, and sunlike flowers, actually impede your horses progress, being frequently up to the girths. If the gifts of God can make the settler happy, happy he must be.
The Kennedy has not yet gone down, but will start directly.
Business is dull.
The river is rapidly falling, but there will be water enough for some time for the passage of the boats.
Mr Charles Campbell, the discoverer of the copper, informs me that he and his men dispatched a large brown coloured snake, said to be harmless by the Mulga blacks. In length it measured 17 feet 2 inches, and was 31 inches in girth.
We are awaiting anxiously for the result of the assay of the ore taken hence to Sydney by Mr J Becker. Gundabooka, I fancy, will now be the river depot for the carters.
The upward mails are running well. October 19.
-Maitland Mercury, November 3, 1870.
- Town & Country, June 4, 1870
BOURKE. (From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Captain G. Johnson arrived in the Maranoa on Tuesday with a general cargo, all for Becker Co. The loading was in excellent order. Captain Johnson manages somehow to be always first in these waters, and is always welcomed cordially. The Jupiter, Captain King, has passed upwards. The Jolly Miller, Captain Johnson, arrived today. The Albury is on her way up. The river is falling here, though we hear it is rising upwards. The country everywhere is truly glorious. Cattle from the herds of Sharpe, Payne, and Williams have started for market.
Mr. J. E. Kelly has arrived from the Warrego. On his way in he had a terrific conflict with a snake, some twelve feet in length. He was riding along the mulga, when suddenly his horse came to a dead halt. Looking down, the horrified rider saw the slimy folds of the monster under his horse's belly. Paralysed he sat, not knowing whether the monster intended to scale the trembling animal he bestrode. It was an awful moment. A profuse sweat broke out, as it were, on every part of the horse's body, while its ears were laid almost flatly upon his neck. In dreadful suspense, the rider sat for some moments, when, on the serpent gliding into the scrub, the horse, actually heaving a deep sigh, shot from the place. Returning, Kelly, with plenty of courage, dismounted, and grasping an apparently sound stick, made an onslanght on the retreating monster. As the stick descended on the body of the foe it broke, causing no injury, when, quick as thought, the snake threw its horrid folds backwards, literally brushing Kelly's shoulder as they passed. Now was the critical moment - no cudgel was at hand, and the assailer became, the assailed. Swiftly remounting his horse he was safe, and followed by the snake hissing and furious, he procured a young sapling which some bullock team had left upon the road. He again dismounted, and boldly waited for his scaly enemy, keeping this time in front. By a well-directed blow the reptile was killed, and his skin now testifies the courage of the victor.
No Wednesday's mail yet - can't imagine why it's so late. The Wilcannia mail came in on Friday; due on Sunday.
No mails - imagine all the mailmen drowned. River falling rapidly. - May 4.
-Maitland Mercury, June 9, 1879.
DUBBO. Saturday.
We have received news from Bourke to 30th May. The river Darling rose fifty feet above the summer level. Bourke township, however, has not been flooded. There were no mails received from 15th March to 13th May. The country is in a dreadful state. The roads are impassable. Many steamers have come up. Supplies are sold whole sale in Bourke, and at a cheap rate. Flour is quitted at £12 per ton, and ale and porter at 13s per dozen. Reids, of Tarcoon, has been washed out, and is now at Pink Hills.
Reports speak of the upper rivers again coming down. If this should be the case the Bourke people will have to go to West Bourke.
A large quantity of sheep and cattle are en route from the Warrego, the Paroo, and the Darling. - Town & Country, June 18, 1870.
From Bourke we have news to the 3rd June. The Darling rose fifty feet above summer level, and although there was every likelihood of a flood, yet the water did not go into Bourke. The Upper Darling country is in a terrible state of wetness. The roads are almost impassable, and on the back block stations rations are getting unpleasantly scarce. The flood caused Reid, of Tarcoon, to shift to the Pink Hills. Several steamers have made journeys to and from Bourke and Adelaide. The road between Paroo and Bourke is in a dreadful state. Locomotion is all but impossible. – - Town & Country, June 25, 1870
BOURKE MAIL. - A brother of the mail contractor, writing from Bourke, under date 30th May, says: - "We have reached Bourke after a great trial. The roads are very boggy from the Pink Hills to about half- way to Gongoglan - you cannot walk. We got the four horses bogged, and were five hours in getting them out of that mess. We were lucky, for three men came and assisted us. We bogged up to our waists; but you are aware of all this. Our horses are in fine condition. A coach cannot travel. Come through yourself. There are passengers, but it is impossible to take them at present."
A gentleman who left Bourke last Sunday week, and who arrived in Dubbo yesterday, confirms the above. At Bourke they have been better off than we anticipated. They have provisions, &c., at Sydney prices. Billiards and grog are at Bourke sure indications of business of another kind being done somewhere.
-Town & Country, June 25, 1870.
BOURKE ( from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We are much as usual. Business is, I think, a little less dull.
The river is lowering very slowly, but as the rain has cleared away we soon expect to be rid of the dread of floods.
A man named Gadd started with a team for Lodnapps, having on board grog for his mates. The fiery liquid was consumed on the road, delirium set in, the wrong road taken, the team finally abandoned, and the unfortunate wretch lost. One of his mates- H. Simpson-got on his tracks with blackfellows and searched for days, but in vain, for the poor fellow, the rain putting out all tracks The case was reported to the police, and it is feared the man has perished from wet, cold, and hunger. He was forty-nine-years of age, and a native of England.
Mr. Salmon, from between the Paroo and Cuttaburra, has just arrived, and he states Christian's “Slough of Despond " is a perfect road to the highways of the bush just now, and as to going into the scrub, it is a case of premature burial.
The Maranoa is expected hourly. June 3.
- Maitland Mercury, June 28, 1870.
GREAT FLOOD AT BOURKE. - The Bourke mail has just arrived. All at Bourke were flooded out, and had to take refuge at Mount Oxley; but I am glad to hear no lives were lost.
- Town & Country, July 9, 1870.
BOURKE. (From the Dubbo Dispatch)
July 6.-Thank God, our sappers and miners are paid off, the waters having taken a down- ward turn. Two feet more would have driven us to the new township. All fear of flood is over, although there is a vast collection of waters in the country. Rain still hangs about, and the morning which welcomes us with sunshine and blue skies is often the herald of blackness towards night.
The steamer Goolwa, Captain Murphy, has actually taken on board, from Ross and Co's stores, about forty tons of merchandise for the Culgoa and other rivers, so that we are now exporters.
So we have lost Prince Charley for good, and a King is to reign in his stead. We are sorry that he has left us, but glad that he has got into deeper waters. He was ever first to promote our interest, and spared no trouble to aid all legitimate movements. I remember him lighting up the court-house for a lecturer, whose wants had been unattended to by those whose business it was to look after the affair. He had a joke and a smile for all, and was a beggar of the finest water. Somehow, he made us shell out ere we were aware of our acts. The Mechanics' Institute may claim him as its founder, while for the Public School, &c., &c, he worked hard. I trust more will be done for Bourke through him than from any other source.
Bourke has gone mad, and her madness has taken an aquatic turn; in fact, you might say she is suffering from water on the brain. We have now quite a fleet of boats, and yesterday (Mon- day) the commodious new boat, The Nancy, manned by a splendid set of fellows, viz, Messrs. T. Belcher, P. Murray, W. Bennett, and A. Seymour, was matched against Mr. C. Guinness's boat My Debtor, pulled by her owner and Dr. Roberts. The course was from Garretts Folly (the first cutting) to the pier in the centre of the town-distance, about a mile. At about three p m., a crowd was on and around the steamer Goolwa, watching the convoy of boats pulling up towards the starting place, many beautiful ladies making the scene more civilised and happy. Looking anxiously up the magnificent sweep of the river, the sharp flashing of oars met the eye, and voices rang out " here they come," and come they did : the commodore's boat hauling along like a young Behemoth, while the light craft, her antagonist, bounded forward like an excited porpoise. With a quick stroke the Nancy's men lay to their work, while the Dr. and his companion pulled a deeper and longer stroke, but labouring in the wash of the Nancy. As they neared home it was hard to say which was to pull off the money; but the Nancy having the inside running, and being well steered by E. Fradgely, she was hailed the victor by a short distance. A second race was then pulled by the winning crew in the same boat, against Mr. Graham's Louisa, the oars being manned by her owner and Mr. J. E. Kelly, over the same course. This was a quicker race, but was hauled off by the Nancy. So desperate was the struggle, and so gamely pulled the owner of the small craft, that he stepped on shore almost blind. Other races are on the tapis. On Sunday, as a friendly spurt was being pulled, the Protest was very nearly swamped, and her crew drowned, by her coxswain (H. Cornish) cruelly perching them among the branches of a tree. So tremendous was the crash that with difficulty she was righted.
A man named Beard died suddenly at Beemery, near Toorale, last week.
There has been gold brought in from the South by one of our townsmen, and a party is to be despatched to test the ground next week. The sample is rough, quartz-mingled gold, and the locality has long been spoken of as a likely gold deposit. I hope there will not be fools among you who will read this as a veritable discovery of a gold field. Let me first find out the truth ere they move in the matter, and not afterwards, as is always the case, blame the reporters. Wait, and I will let you know all that is worth knowing, be it good or ill. We all hope it may turn out well.
We are expecting Mr. King, the new P.M, and Mr. Tarleton, Church of England minister.
Business is a little more lively, but still dull as a temperance meeting.
River falling about two inches per twenty four hours. No mails from the S W. and W.
Mrs. J. Brown died suddenly last week. Colds are very prevalent.
July 9.-More showery weather, and with it cold. River still falling, and trade ready for burial.
Many have gone to test the truth of the gold report. Nothing is known what the probable result will be; a few weeks will decide. Heaven grant it may be a success, for we are on our last legs.
Thomas Moses came in from Gundabooka, and reports a man, seemingly crazy, wandering about the bush between the mountains and the river; also of the finding of a human skeleton by a lubra, fifteen miles from the river. Some time ago three men (J, Foot, W. Duncan, and Blair) were supposed to have perished at Gundabooka Mountains. It is the general opinion that these remains belong to one of the unfortunates.
The Warrego is again coming down a boomer, and the Paroo and neighbouring rivers are full. It is raining in the Paroo country. Teams without number are stuck-up and cannot travel.
We are to have a new gaol, thanks to the Cowpers. Let others say what they list, we believe in them, and doff our bonnets to their zeal in our cause. Young Charles was to have had a dinner ere he left, but he flitted like a tenant who quits without warning, and we could not but imagine he was to return; but as fate willed it otherwise, we submit, and give him our hearty applause for what he has done, and God speed him in his future steps.
The mails from Walgett came in last night. McIntyre reports the route in a frightful state. He has had to swim three rivers or creeks in seventy miles. The contractor, Howlett, deserves our thanks in securing such men as McIntyre to carry the mails.
Mr. Becker's 250 fat cattle were sold at Menindie for £7 10s., the highest price yet received this season. They were a splendid mob.
The Namoi is coming down furiously. The Booligal mail came in a day or two ago. The Warrego mail runs very regularly, crossing up to the new township in boats.
(From another Correspondent)- Not Oscar Hughan.
June 29_The Darling is now as high as it was in the flood of '63, that is about three feet below its banks, or coming into the town, and five feet below the big flood of '64. It is falling at present slowly, but as the principal tributaries upwards are subsiding rapidly, we may, without we soon again have general rains throughout this colony and Queensland, rest assured that we have done with everything, in flood shape at least, for the present. I do firmly believe, though, that a continuation of the weather that we have had throughout the colony and Queensland, since the beginning of the year till the end of it, would totally depopulate the Darling frontage. In proof of this, we can see well-defined water-courses, known as billabongs, fully six feet above the present flood level, and the channels of those billabongs appear at least ten feet deep ; then to rise them to their banks, would require some sixteen feet more water than we have now; and if we had that quantity, every plain and flat for fifty miles on either side of the Darling would be submerged. Plains, I don't care where they are, unless they are tablelands, are subject to inundation ; and squatters, especially on the Darling, should be always prepared to remove their stock from them at a moment's notice.
Without exaggeration, I believe there are one hundred thousand fat sheep (the majority from Queensland), and all bound for Melbourne market, on the west side of the Darling, and several large lots of fat cattle. If the Darling continues anything like as high as it is at present during the winter, I cannot see what's to become of these stock, when it does become crossable. We will see sheep, unless the meat preserving companies keep them up, at a lower figure than ever. In the mean time, the stock owners on the east side of the Darling must meet a high market in Melbourne.
Several steamers have reached here with suitable cargoes, the whole of which they have
discharged in our port. Rations and general station supplies were never sold here at such prices, thanks to competition. "No more monopoly" is the cry, and I re-echo it, and would advise squatters, and all in the district to keep it in view. Only fancy flour at from £12 to £15 ; sugar, £35 to £45; tea, £7 to £10 ; salt, £8 to £12, and so on. Upon my word it's a glorious state of things. It's all the same, I think though, at what tempting prices goods are offered just now; the roads are impassable for horsemen, much less for teams to come in to load, and business appears at a dead stand-still. It will, I opine, revive when the weather clears up and the roads improve.
We are exceedingly sorry for the loss of Mr. Cowper, our late P.M. During the time he was here, he did a great deal of good for the place, and had many matters of importance, such as a public school, a district court, a larger gaol, &c., in hand, and I have no doubt he would have succeeded in getting some of them.
I am glad to learn that many squatters throughout the colony intend holding meetings as soon as possible, at convenient townships and places, for the purpose of discussing matters affecting their interests, and communicating their wants, &c, to the Sydney Pastoral Association. This is a step in the right direction, and I trust it will have some good results. As we are, and have been, dragging along with Mr. G. W. Lord representing us, it is something beyond endurance.
-Maitland Mercury, July 26, 1870.
BOURKE (from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch]
The Ariel steamer, Captain Anderson, arrived at the Queen's wharf on Tuesday, with a general cargo- potatoes were sold at 12s per 100 lbs. We have nothing to complain of as far as provisions are concerned.
The waters are slowly descending seaward, but the roads are in a very bad state, and the back water is still a great impediment to the mailman. All the Sydney mails are now in. The Booligal route is behind time. The Brewarrina letters go and come as well as can be expected by persons of healthful brain. The Fishites complain of what they know nothing. Often, their mail is not started, awaiting other incomings, and it is unfair to croak before the time comes.
There is literally no news from our supposed Eldorado, either good or bad, and anyone starting thence without communication from me deserves to reap a harvest of ashes.
On Sunday the day broke cold, with a cuff or two of frost; and looking forth towards the river, I saw some men dancing about as nimbly as water-rats. Wondering what could be the cause of such unheard of activity on the Sabbath, I posted to the spot, and there, dashing about in the water, were two men, apparently as happy as wooing grampuses. The cause of their delight was a beautifully painted boat receiving baptism. Her name is "Eldorado," and a very pretty specimen of a craft she is. She is built by Messrs. Ramsay and Windsor, and considering it was their first attempt, she reflects very great praise on them.
The Goolwa has gone to Wilcannia, but returns directly. Her passage up the Culgoa was an affair of peril. Men overboard-men holding her funnel up-and at times steaming up a tree. At any rate, she has the honor of carrying the first steam-driven keel in these waters.
Health of the place all right.
The rain is pouring down, and we may expect more mail stoppages.
Tuesday, 8 p m.- July 12: A correspondent, writing on the 14th regarding the diggings says :-" Some time since several prospecting parties left here for a place near the Gundabooka Mountains, and about forty miles from here ; when it was stated a good sample of gold was obtained, and in paying quantities. The place has been well tried by persons of practical experience, and has not even shown the colour. Good news travels faster than bad, so I trust you will kindly insert this, and so deter many from leaving permanent employment under the impression of meeting with a success. Instead of that, they will only augment the number of the unemployed, and, in many cases, I am sorry to say, starving travellers up and down the Darling. Old miners have been out, whose report may be relied up."
- Maitland Mercury, August 4, 1870.
Our Bourke news is to the effect that "the daily waters are slowly descending seaward, but the roads are in a very bad state, and the back water is still an impediment to travelling. On the 12th there was heavy rain." – Town & Country, August 6, 1870.
BOURKE (from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We have had more rain, and in still lingers about. The mails, considering the horrible state of the roads, are running very well, and those who complain want a trip or two to silence their foolish clamour.
Mr W W Davis purchased the cattle I spoke of from Mr Cecil Guinness, of Jandra - July 19
The Kennedy has returned, and will wait for the wool of 30,000 sheep, to be shorn at the western township, they belong to Mr Skinner.
The roads are in a fearful mess. Travelling next to impossible. We have had daily rain, but it seems to have cleared up.
The diggings, so far, a perfect hoax, none of the many men there finding the color. Gold has been sent to Mr Becker, from lower down the range, and report speaks well of the find, but we give it little credence.
Shearing will doubtless be very late this season, owing to the waters.
Health of the town better. I wish I could say as much for trade
The Bogan is again rising We are about at a standstill. I mean the Darling waters
Saturday's mail came on Monday night. The Jolly Miller passed up yesterday.
There are no mails from the Warrego. A man named Wilson was brought in by Trooper Smith from Brewarrina. He is charged with stabbing a man at Cooklerina.
The river is as sullen as a bad tempered woman, rising and falling inch by inch. There are tens of thousands of sheep travelling on the back runs
Most of the diggers are in, but without a speck of the yellow stuff- July 26.
-Maitland Mercury, August 13, 1870.
The Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch writes:-"The diggings so far are a perfect hoax. None of the many men there finding the colour. Gold has been sent to Mr. Becker, from lower down the range, and report speaks well of the find, but we give it little credence.”
- Town & Country, August 13, 1870.
All hopes of gold at Bourke are at an end, says the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, and the paragraph in the Herald was a gross mistake. The man who reported the finding of the gold and misled hundreds, has gone up the Bogan, and it speaks well for the morality and humanity of our district, in spite of the Pastoral Times picture, that his head is still ornamented with the usual number of ears. It was a disgraceful hoax, and the perpetrator certainly deserved charming with the magic of a stockwhip.
- Town & Country, August 20, 1870.
THE BOGAN: “Old Fladgely," the reputed gold-finder on the Darling, has arrived here. He had, I understand, to clear out of Bourke for rising such a false report; but he says he was instigated to do so by certain parties in Bourke. "Whoever these parties are, they certainly de- served a good sousing. About twenty-four hours soaking them in the Darling would do the country a service. But how those unprincipled men mixed up Mr. Cowper's name, and that of Mr. Byrnes, the Crown lands commission, in their lying conviction, I know not.
- August 27, 1870
BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Thank heaven, the weather smells warm and fine, and the roads getting travellable-consequently business is more animated.
The river is again rising, and many hint at a high flood, but this is not believed by the old chums.
The steamer Kennedy and barge have been actively engaged for some time crossing sheep from the west to the eastern bank, all en route for Melbourne They are conveyed from the new township to a landing two miles lower down, and the despatch with which they are crossed reflects great credit on all concerned. Commodore Becker is agent for the various owners who have passed their sheep over, and whose names are as follows –Paton’s 7000 fat; Doyle’s 10,000; Scott's 10,000; Mcintyre’s 15,000- this lot is superb- Farmer’s 3500. With those the following are to come over Guiness’s 7000; Hawkins’ 19 000; Skinner’s 23,000; and Paterson’s 15,000; the rate per 1000 for crossing is £310s, and without trouble they transport 5,000 daily The plan adopted is a most capital one. The barge is lashed to the side of the steamer, and the whole made into a small Smithfield. The plan answers splendidly.
The roads, Brady tells me, are in a frightful state. Jones’ coach was at Enaweena on the 4th instant, getting on very slowly.
Robert Clark died suddenly the other day from congestion of the brain -August 10
There is very little to notice this week. The steamer Princess Royal has arrived, and departed downward. The weather is charming, and the Sydney mail two days late, so they must have had some strange weather somewhere.
Business is brisk again. Mr Becker is erecting a large store for the stowage of 200 tons of flour.
We are to have a new brick post-office built -and not before it is needed, for the way that department has been palmed off on the public is anything but creditable to the colony and satisfactory to the people, but no more of this.
The Goolwa steamer has just returned from her second trip up the Culgoa.
The two men arrested for having meat in their possession on Jandra Run received from the outraged law six months' hard labour. Their names are Miller and Thompson-very respectable looking men.
A man named Simpson in a row had his knee injured, and proceeded to Swan Hill Hospital per steamer Jupiter.
Shearing will commence at Jandra on the 22nd instant. Mr Skinner is shearing at the new township.
48,000 sheep have been crossed from West Bourke, and, to the credit of all concerned, only seven sheep were lost.
Captain Murphy, of the Goolwa, states the Culgoa rising. The people of that ilk thought his visit a God-send. He intends starting back again directly.
We are doing a little in the theatrical line. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are amusing us with selections from popular plays.
Mr. Joseph Lunn has leased the punt for a rental of £50 per annum.
I am sorry to say that Mrs. James Foott is leaving Bourke. The good this lady has done among our children time will tell. It is a public loss this lady's departure; for years she has attended the Sabbath Schools of this place. No matter what weather assailed she was at her post, nobly doing a duty the world took little note of. She takes with her the love of every child, and the respect of every adult.-August 17.
-Maitland Mercury, September 1, 1870.
At Bourke, the weather was fine, and roads getting travelable. The river was, however, on the rise, owing to the rush of waters from the north. The steamers are busy, going to and fro, and supplies are plentiful and cheap. Sheep for Melbourne were being crossed in large numbers by steamer. The weather at Cannonbar has been fair and the grass is beginning to grow luxuriantly everywhere. A correspondent says that "if only the warm weather were to set in now, there would be an abundance of feed in all directions. The roads are something like passable. The Bogan and Gunningbar are both within their banks. Shearing has commenced at Enaweena (Ryrie and Alexander's)."
- Town & Country, September 3, 1870.
-
BOURKE ( (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We have had more rain, and consequently the roads are again very bad. The Sydney mailman (Payne) came in without bags on the 27th instant, so that two mails are due from that city.
A man from Beemery, on the 26th instant, swimming one of the creeks, narrowly escaped drowning. He lost everything he was possessed of. Mr McNoll, of the Model Hut, generously gave the rescued man a change of raiment.
You have given publicity to a report utterly void of foundation relative to foot-rot being on the Culgoa. Now, this is as absurd as it is untrue. Did ever anyone see a sheep affected with that disease up to the knees ? The inspector has waited upon me, and offered to give clean bills for all sheep which have passed his district.
The mails are beginning to run nearer their time, and we hope, ere long, to have few complaints on this topic.
The weather is delicious. The Jolly Miller brought her crew from Jandra to attend divine service on Sunday. The Rev Father McAuliffe has returned from his downward journey. The Rev W. W Tarleton, Church of England Minister, is expected weekly, so our spiritual needs are fully met.
The steamer Kennedy is still crossing sheep, one of which, belonging to Mr Mcintyre, was killed by Mr H Colless, and weighed 98 lbs when dressed. The flocks, taking them all in all, looked splendidly well. The Ariel steamer is expected in a week.
The river is slowly falling. Shearing will be in full swing in about ten days -August 31.
-Maitland Mercury, September 15, 1870.
BOURKE (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch).
The river is still falling here slowly. No mails are in from below. Rain set in this morning and is still falling. The roads again are very bad.
6000 sheep, belonging to Mr Gavert, are to be shorn at West Bourke. Mr Skinner is well
on with shearing there. The steamer Kennedy is waiting for his wool.
Part of Moore’s loading for Ross and Co, came in yesterday. It started from Sydney on
the 23rd December. Sheep are still approaching from Queensland. September 3.
-Maitland Mercury, 22 September, 1870.
.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
The River is again rising, and we are not altogether sure we are not to have another flood.
We were favored last night with a display of the modern Valentine Vox’s performances. About ten o’clock people were darting about the streets, shooting along the river with lights flashing and oars splashing at a great rate. They were in search of an unfortunate brother, who was sinking into a liquid grave. There were cries for help and cries for pity-cries which assured the drowning wretch that help was at hand- cries which awoke the echoes from apparently baffled mercy. This little jolly game was kept up for a considerable time, and at last it leaked out that the gentleman we last heard of in Queensland had been doing the cute Bourke ones. There is no doubt the gentleman clever, but had he been overhauled last night his laughter would have melted into grief.
I am sorry to record the death of a fine little boy, the son of Mr Pierce Barton. He was thrown from his pony, and dragged by the stirrup until his sinless soul had joined the ransomed ones.
All land put up the other day was sold, Mr. Becker being the chief purchaser.
The Goolwa, after a splendid trip to Walgett, goes back again on Monday.
A copper mine has been discovered. Particulars in my next.- September 16.
-Maitland Mercury, October 4, 1870.
BOURKE. (From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
I am delighted to inform you that at last, in spite of our great cry about gold and precious stones, which was but empty, we can now boldly lay claim to a marvellously rich tract of copper bearing country. Mr. Charles Campbell, an intelligent Dane, coming from the Lachlan to the Darling, rode on to this valuable discovery, and on his arrival, made known his fortune to Mr. J. Becker and myself. He brought with him some rich specimens, one of which, with the aid of a frying pan and the forge bellows, we roughly melted, and procured an abundance of copper, whitish in color and very hard, promising, I should fancy, a large percentage of silver. To use his own words, hundreds of thousands of tons of such ore can be procured on the surface. The country is about 100 miles from Bourke, and Bourke will be made the centre of operations. A party of gentlemen start tomorrow. Mr. Becker was to have been of their number, but circumstances have prevented this. I am sorry this is the case, for he is the most likely man in the place to see at once the importance of the discovery. Mr. Campbell has men already there at work securing water. You need have no hesitancy in giving this all the publicity you please. - Sept 10.
-Maitland Mercury, October 6, 1870.
BOURKE ( from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
All I have to say is that the river is falling rather fast, that the weather is magnificent, and trade brisk.
No further news from the copper fields.
Shearing is progressing well, and the chance the steamers have of getting their wool down is capital.
To show you what can be done here in good seasons, Handcock, at Oxley’s tableland, has three acres of splendid potatoes as any man could wish to see, with pumpkins in amazing quantities. And in speaking of Mount Oxley s tableland or the mountain, I advise all teamsters who wish to reach Bourke on sound road to keep to the north side of the Mount. This is benefiting every traveller, either on horseback or with wheels.
The steamer Jupiter arrived this morning from the Murray (Captain King), and has made as usual a good trip. The Goolwa has gone upwards-Sept 24.
The weather is deliciously fine, and the warm heat of summer is calling out the flowers. The river is descending slowly towards the sea, and business is tolerably good. Mr H. Hann swam over about 1000 head of cattle on Thursday last, and, considering the place, or rather the badness of the place of crossing, it was a good feat. All went well. The herd is from the Burdekin, and they are in excellent form, many of them fat enough for an alderman's banquet. Next week Salmon's and Hill's sheep will be crossed by the Kennedy steamer. This mode of bridging the river has become very popular. Shearing is rapidly approaching to a close, and the yield of wool is grand.
I am thankful that at last we have an educated Churchman among us. The Rev W. W.
Tarleton, B A , is at last located among us, and from all which has transpired all will be sunny weather with him. The rev gentleman's address to the district is much praised as an honest conversation from man to man.
At the Police Court on Friday, there were sixteen cases between masters and servants, but from the slight penalties inflicted, the magistrates must have thought, as I did, that Jack was as much to blame as John.
The roads are getting good, and the mails ought now to run well. I have said but little of their delays during the bad weather, but should they not now do their duty, the Post master General will hear of it from me. The downward mail is running very badly, that of Brewarrina very well.- October 1.
-Maitland Mercury, October 13, 1870.
BOURKE. October 1.
We, at least, have every appearance of fine weather. The roads are not sufficiently dry to permit of loaded drays travelling. The Sydney mail still arrives very irregularly.
All the large sheep establishments are busily engaged shearing; one or two of the small sheds are finished.
About 150,000 Queensland sheep have crossed the river here during the last two months, per steamer Kennedy, the majority of which are en route for the Victorian market. Many of them wore shorn here, and there are still several mobs of said family undergoing the operation in and around town. The bulk of these sheep have gone direct from here to Bulligal, on the Lachlan. The distance is said to be only about 200 miles, while by any other route it would be at least three times as far; some money though will be required in making water improvements before this road will become permanently useful.
The river has been navigable for the last six months, and has every appearance of so continuing till the end of the year, consequently station supplies of every description are very cheap, and can be bought at a slight advance on Sydney prices ; in fact, cheaper at times. I have seen not bad flour offered at 20s per bag (£10 per ton.) Ration sugar has been sold at £33; tea at £6 15s.
The price charged per ton for carriage of wool from any point of the river not exceeding a hundred miles above here to Adelaide, is, for greasy, £4 10s ; washed, £6; To Victor Harbour, greasy, £3 10s ; washed, £5. To Melbourne, greasy, £6 10s ; washed, £8 10s.
This season, although excessively wet, has not been a bad one for the squatter; he never had such a favourable one since the settlement of the district, or an opportunity of making such handsome returns.
The town itself since the arrival of the last English telegram in re the war, owing to our principal storekeeper being an enthusiastic and good hearted Prussian, has been almost submerged in champagne. While under the influence of this delightful beverage, I would imagine, I have seen him charge the walls of a billiard-room, cue in hand, much to the disgust of the marker, and positive destruction to the tips; in fact every board in the room was, one would think, a Frenchman in his eyes, and consequently received a death thrust. I don't know how the said gentleman would have worked had a real live Frenchman entered the room; but I can fancy how he would have felt at least five minutes later.
Another enthusiastic Prussian in his hurry to lower the Union Jack and hoist the eagle in its place put his foot on the former to tear it from the pole. A solitary Englishman was standing by, to which circumstances the Prussian was indebted for immediate exchange of his head for the place of his heels. This is as the story goes, I cannot vouch for its truth, all I do know is that the eagle took Jack’s place; but I doubt very much that this would have been permitted even in Bourke had Old Jack stood on public ground. It is, indeed, a blessing that we have no Frenchmen here, perhaps though if we had there would be less bombast.
The good old days of the Darling are returning again. The days of old John Rutherford, of Beemery, when twenty to thirty “jolly good fellows," woke snakes. There are about that number in town now. Last night James Gordon, Esq., J. P. (a boy of the old school) gave a tip-top spread at Colliss’s Hotel. I need not describe anything that Mr Colliss undertakes to do, if you only say I don’t care what it costs, as was the case in this instance. It was a splendid affair; Pipers No. 2, in any quantity. The health of the host was drunk with enthusiasm. The Union Jack floated at one end and the Prussian eagle at the other end of the table; but after the champagne commenced to operate some boy let go a greasy napkin at the eagle which produced a shindy. At three o’clock general pool was the order of the day. So Bourke is looming up in her old shape again. A little recreation after a year’s scorching does a fellow good.
- Town & Country, October 15, 1870 (also appeared in The Empire, 17 October, 1870. Until this date, the Empire had not published any items written specifically from Bourke for the year 1870, nor were any published after). The Maitland Mercury also published part of this article, but did not print any of Oscar’s banter about the French and Prussians.
BOURKE.
(From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The shearing is far advanced, and not a little trouble has arisen between the employers and employees, no fewer than sixteen cases in court from the neighbouring stations. It seems the rule this season for shearers to feel dissatisfied.
Howlett, the mail contractor from Breewarrina, found a saddle, and various other equipments used by a horseman on an island formed by the Bogan. He gave information to the police. It is supposed a man has been drowned, for the spot where the articles were found is seldom ridden over, and surrounded by deep water.
Mr. Lyons crossed the Mara, Lower Darling, with the thoroughbred horse Sluggard; he goes out to the Paroo. From what the papers state of his excellencies, this distict will reap much good from this importation.
Mr. Horsfall, scab inspector, has started to see what truth there is in the foot-rot report, and will probably publish the record of his journey. He declares there is no such complaint among the sheep passed by him, and as Hawkins’ lot passed Bourke, there must be a grave mistake somewhere. Owners of sheep passing this way have no need to fear the welfare of their property.
The steamer Wentworth (Captain G Johnson) has made another three weeks' trip from the Goolwa. The Kennedy starts downward very shortly.
Hill shears at Jandra.
Mr Grant, the new P M, has arrrived. October 12.
-Maitland Mercury, October 27, 1870.
BOURKE. (from the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
A man named W Jackson, in or lately in the employ of Mr H G Salmon, was killed at West Bourke yesterday. His head was brought in contact with a tree while furiously riding, and concussion of the brain was the result.
We have had more glorious ram, and likely to have a continuance of it. I was out in the Bush on Sunday, and for magnificent scenes of plentious grass and flowers, I think the present season beats all that we have had during the last seven or eight years. Clover, oats, grass, and sunlike flowers, actually impede your horses progress, being frequently up to the girths. If the gifts of God can make the settler happy, happy he must be.
The Kennedy has not yet gone down, but will start directly.
Business is dull.
The river is rapidly falling, but there will be water enough for some time for the passage of the boats.
Mr Charles Campbell, the discoverer of the copper, informs me that he and his men dispatched a large brown coloured snake, said to be harmless by the Mulga blacks. In length it measured 17 feet 2 inches, and was 31 inches in girth.
We are awaiting anxiously for the result of the assay of the ore taken hence to Sydney by Mr J Becker. Gundabooka, I fancy, will now be the river depot for the carters.
The upward mails are running well. October 19.
-Maitland Mercury, November 3, 1870.
Above: A view of Mitchell Street, Bourke, in c. 1870. Oscar may have even been amongst the group of people gathered for the photographer...we will never know.
Source: State Library of NSW.
BOURKE ( From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We were visited on Thursday by one of the most severe downpours that I have witnessed for many years. The water is actually lying about in sheets. The river rose some four inches, but I do not think sufficient to enable the Goolwa, a little steamer that is stuck on the Brewarrina rocks, to get afloat. I never knew the Darling to have fallen so rapidly. Fancy, in three weeks it went down from a banker so as to render navigation most difficult.
The Kennedy took away a large cargo of wool, I would say something under a thousand bales. Great quantities are still left behind, and I sadly fear will be left, as shearing is a very long way even yet from terminating .By the time all the wool is off, if the river continues to fall at her present pace, all navigation will be impossible.
I hear that Mr. John E Kelly has bought 2000 maiden ewes from Milroy establishment at 6s. cash. - October 22.
-Maitland Mercury, 12 November, 1870.
BOURKE (From a Correspondant of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
This is the 9th day of almost incessant rain, and there is about as much likelihood of it clearing up fine as there is of New South Wales producing a thoroughly clever statesman. The rain has beaten Farnell's outpour on things in general, which general signifying nothing.
The Princess Royal is here again, and reports the Lower Darling in a high state of flood. The river here fell, then rose, and is now on the balance.
News from the copper field is most cheering; the only regret is that Mr. Becker took the ore he did for assay, as that now procured below the surface is twice rich. Should this discovery prove as valuable as is expected, and I think there is no question about it, another township will start into being. The site will be somewhere near Gundabooka. Smelting works are to be erected between Tooralie and that station.
Wednesday's mail is just in. Travelling is frightfully bad. The rain has cleared away, but not before laying prostrate many of our small detached buildings. Both brick and wood have fallen to the number of about six.
Mr. Joseph Sharpe, of the Warrego, broke his leg at Monkey, through falling off a coach. The poor old gentleman was en route for Sydney.
New potatoes are being sold here of excellent quality, but rather expensive.
The manner the grass is growing is something marvellous.
About twenty-five tons of wool (scoured) are ready at Neileyambo. It is the heaviest clip ever known on the river, and has been prepared by Mr. J. S. Wall in excellent form.
Mr. Becker is busy with the brick foundation of a very large storehouse, and the Post-office, also brick, will be started directly. It is the intention of Mr. Becker to make this office worthy the name and importance of such a place.
The river is again falling - October 29.
The weather whispers of hot days; the river is again rising ; but the roads are pleasingly dry. On Nov. 3rd, Mr. Lunn, of West Bourke, by means of an impromptu bridge formed of planks and barrels, crossed at Bourke 1,000 of Mr. Skinner's sheep, and the whole affair was most successful. Not a sheep was lost or hurt; and the time taken in crossing was exactly three hours.
The mails are again behind time, but floods are the assigned reason.
The advent of the income tax is greatly relished by the majority of people here, and how any reasonable thinking man can throw a stone at it is marvellous. For my part I wish I had to pay Mr. Samuel £20 or £30 per annum towards the £200,000. What is wondered at is that this common sense movement never before was laid before the house.
The Prussian success is filling the hearts of the Teutons here with joy indescribable. We have only one Frenchman here, and his existence is about as jolly as that of a frog's under a harrow. It's a good job there are not more muscular representatives from the Belle Isle, or we should have other battlefields to chronicle.
The Jolly Miller, Captain Waters, went up to the Fisheries yesterday. The Goolwa got up steam for Beemery on Monday. I am really sorry to report the capsizing of the Kennedy, barque, laden with 150 hales wool, twelve miles from Combedone. I have not been able to learn how much damage has been sustained, but I doubt it has been serious. Mr Lydia has started upward.
There is nothing to note from the police court. What a moral set we are! Upon my word it is a fact, not so much as a man up the mountain.
Nov 5.
- Maitland Mercury, November 17, 1870.
BOURKE (From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
The weather is very hot, but the grass is as green as a new chum.
McNevin's 500 fat cattle, in charge of Fletcher Smith, left Tharalagoona (Warrego), about the 2nd instant. They go down the Paroo to Melbourne. Skinner's 10,000 sheep are going up the Bogan.
News from the copper field informs us that the lower they go down the more rich and plentiful the ore becomes.
The Jolly Miller, from Brewarrina, goes down to-day with Beemery wool; also many bales from Tarcoon (Ross and Reid's).
A glorious dinner was given at Tattersall's by one of our leading visiting squatters, on Saturday evening. The medical, judicial, theologic and mercantile interests were well represented.
Nothing doing at the court. Of a verity, some government people are well paid for having nothing to do.
The river is again rising, and floods are reported upwards. It will not be for lack of steamboats, if any wool is left to rot on the river banks this year. The Warrego and Paroo are in a high state of flood.
New potatoes are being sold by our Tartar friends. The crop of hay this season is just as thick as you like.
The mails are again very uncertain, but as the time bills say " Floods," we can't complain.
As I post this, it is raining.-November 12.
-Maitland Mercury, December 1, 1870.
BOURKE. (From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
We have more rain, and today the weather is very unsettled. The roads again are very bad, and the river is rising rapidly.
Grass was never more abundant.
Mr Skinner crossed 10,000 sheep, not 1000, they are now on the Pink Hills, going up the Bogan.
Mr Horsfall has returned, and no foot rot where it was said to exist. The report caused some uneasiness, and Mr Little, of the firm of Beaumont and Little, Talawanta, accompanied the inspector to Mr Harding, the gentleman who it was alleged had bought Mr Hawkins's ailing sheep. That gentleman purchased 130 sheep, not 300, which had become a little scalded by the continual wet, but as for foot rot, there is not a single sign.
1000 head store cattle are coming down the Warrego, for Towns and Co's runs, on that river and elsewhere The 500 market cattle crossed the Warrego in high flood in perfect safety. There are some good cattle among them but the majority are not what will be jumped at in a Melbourne market.
At the Court-house all is quiet.
No fresh news from the copper field.
The weather is cold enough for fires at night. Reed, at the Mount, has cut a splendid crop -of oaten hay.
J E Kelly's Hotspur, which was stolen some two years ago, was brought into town by Sam Davis, from far up the Warrego. At Sam’s appearance no one thought fit to claim the horse. He is now training for the Brewarrina Races, and if he don’t astonish some of the Fishites there will be good horses at the meet.
There is literally nothing to interest anybody connected with Bourke
The river is rising rapidly, and from reports we may have another flood.
The Rev P. R Davern is here located, and a school is opened under his guidance. Let us hope our children may from this date start on a more intellectual path than the one they have been travelling.
I have spoken before of the feed everywhere now found, but it has accumulated to positive prodigality.
The Wilcannia mail is very irregular, and murmurs deep and long are the consequence. The people argue that if private persons can travel, the mails should be made to meet their contracts. Complaints will be lodged before the General Post office department. -November 22.
-Maitland Mercury, December 8, 1870.
BOURKE (From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
The mail is again behind, I mean that from Dubbo, and if Mr Colless started per coach on the day the mail should have left, there can be no earthly reason for this delay. Mr Jones arrived early this morning, and surely a horse can travel as fast as a coach. The mail may not have left the same day from some cause, but if it did, it should have been in Bourke before the coach. These delays are most annoying to all parties, but especially to business men. The banking people, for instance, labour under great difficulty. They wait and wait for mails, which being so often behind time, that they have no time to answer correspondents with that care which is so necessary in their affairs. The down river mail is running very badly. The Warrego mails arrive punctually, as do those from Brewarrina, when there is really no serious difficulty, but of course these deliveries are insignificant compared to those from Sydney. I don’t write this from any wish to complain. I know that the men on this end of the route travel well, but there is a hitch somewhere, and the sooner it is uncoiled the better.
Mr McNevin, Beemery, has concluded to finish shearing at West Bourke.
There are 10,000 sheep passing Thuralagoona for Milroy.
The steamer Maranoa went yesterday up to Beemery.
Business is pretty lively. Building seems suddenly to have stopped, if I may except an edifice going up for Dr Roberts.
Men from the copperfield say there is as much ore as you like, of splendid richness.
The river is at a pause. Weather cool, and rainy looking. November 26
Weather fine.
The Maranoa, full of wool from Beemery, went off to-day.
No Sydney mail since Wednesday last. Loud complaints.- November 30
We are completely invested by an army of locusts. They literally appear like a heavy fall of snow, and-what is strange-they move always together, sometimes going west, and sometimes east. The wind has nothing to do with this, for they as often go into the wind's eye as otherwise. It may be fancy, but the grass seems to have suffered from their marching and counter-marching.
The weather is delicious.
Mr McNevin is preparing to shear 25,000 sheep at West Bourke. They come from Belalie.
-December 3.
-Maitland Mercury, December 15, 1870.
BOURKE (From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
Today tenders are called for the conveyance of a fortnightly mail from this place to Hoodsville, on the Paroo. The present line of postal communication is 200 miles down the river, west, and then about the same distance up the Paroo to the north. This will make eight mails leaving Bourke weekly. We're getting out of our grub formation fast.
The bricks are being made for the new gaol, and, from what I know of the makers, good ones may be confidently anticipated.
A report came in from the country of Mr. J. E. Kelly, on the Warrego, that a man from Mudgee, named James Ryan, had been killed from a horse; but as Dr. Roberts, whom I saw last night, and Sergeant Cleary, have not been summoned, I deem it an idle piece of folly. It is very wrong for persons to promulgate stories void of truth. It may appear funny to them, but to some waiting and watching eyes it may bring tears. No wanderer is so bad but some would sigh should misfortune assail him.
The weather is rather warm, 100 degrees in the shade.
The river is stationary, and high.
Riding along the road to Moculta (Barton's), you may see bunches or patches of oats-tame ones, I mean-growing girth high, in all the glorious luxuriance of the Hunter slopes.
A complimentary dinner is to be given tonight to Mr. Walker, of the Commercial Bank. Mr. Collets, who is getting famous in these matters, provides the nourishment both solid and liquid.-Dec. 5th.
At the Police Court, since my last, two men were convicted and fined £2 15s. 10d. for assaulting a Chinaman.
The weather is rather hot, 100 in the shade. The Goolwa has again arrived at West Bourke from Brewarrina.
The river is high and stationary.
Mr. Walker has departed; and his successor, Mr. Beasley, with his wife are now the occupants of the Bank.
The report of Ryan's death on the Warrego was without foundation.
The up river mails are doing their work faithfully; also those running to the Warrego.
There is a rumour that fresh tenders are to be called for our gaol. We trust that the work will be pushed ahead for the benefit of officers and prisoners, the present abode being not one whit too comfortable.-Dec 10.
-Maitland Mercury, December 22, 1870.
AUSTRALIAN POETS.-Among these I have noticed the success of some and the misfortunes of others of late; but without alluding to misfortunes, it may be here stated that there is a very excellent poet residing in Bourke, named Oscar Hughan, the poet laureate of Northern Riverina. His pleasing effusions may be read weekly in the Dubbo Dispatch. I have read most of them during the last two years, and found them at all times a source of delight. If those little gems were collated and revised by the author-a stranger to me-and published in a neat volume, I am convinced that thousands who never heard of his name would soon rank him among the sweetest, the most tender and beautiful of Australian Poets. And for all I know it may be doing service to a man, whether rich or poor, who has well earned his North-western reputation as a poet of great worth, and as having been the source of many agreeable reflections to hundreds of people in this district.
- Town & Country, December 31, 1870.
Above: The Commercial Bank, the very first built in Bourke. This photo was taken in the early 1870s. Souce: National Library of Australia.
Above: The old Bourke Court House during the 1870s, prior to the building of a far more substantial building. It was here that Oscar would have worked as bailiff of the small debts court.