1867-Oscar's writings.

1867.
BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
We had a slight rainfall on the 23rd instant but without any prospect of a continuance. The feed is however abundant, and I am happy to report that water is also plentiful.
Stock are beginning to move from Messrs Keighran and Lascelles' Bunnawanna station . 1500 head of cattle are leaving for Melbourne today in charge of Mr McIntyre,600 head of which are reported fat.
A large amount of sympathy for the loss of, and admiration for the bravery displayed by, Mr. J. G. Grenfell is expressed in Bourke, where the unfortunate gentleman was universally and deservedly popular. There is no doubt that the inhabitants of Bourke will not be behind hand in aiding by their subscriptions the testimonial movement initiated by the Dubbo people.
December 24, 1866.
-Maitland Mercury, January 10, 1867.

OSCAR”S BACK!!!!!!!
BOURKE.
I have been some time from this delightful district, and on my return I find the drought of last year repeated in all its miseries. Intolerable heat, with an almost total absence of forage, are the peculiar charms to delight the traveller in our ilk. Our horses are becoming candidates for the knacker's cart, and what is worse than all we have failed to provide anything like a sufficient supply of hay or corn; in fact, there is no grass to be had. Mr. Harris, of the "Royal," is paying £10 per ton in the bush for what anything but a Darling horse would imagine sticks; and men are a long while making up their minds about procuring even that. Now last year at this time hay could be obtained ; but I am told by men who have ridden days in search of it, that it is almost impossible to find a load. Stations on the Ballonne and Warrego are being deserted, and sheep are travelling to obtain a bare existence. The mercury is standing by my glass 112, and it has been such for some time, without the faintest sign of change.
I am sorry to say that the B R. Co. woolshed at Dunlop is a mass of charred ruins, together with 800 bales of wool.
From Mount Murchison, I hear very flattering reports, and I think it will outstrip Bourke in a short time. There are two public-houses with stores, &c., &c., and quite a large population. It is very finely situated, and will command all the Paroo and Bulla trade. Its distance from Bourke is 200 miles downwards, and it saves a tremendous round to the settlers on the above named rivers.
Our public works-" Heaven save the mark !"-are silent as the grave. The doleful punt, weeping pitch upon the stocks-an emblem fit for the energy of New j South Wales-stands on the opposite bank, waiting for the next flood (sometime in the next seven years) to be an article of service.-We have another large hotel building, which will make four, and various other places are going up ; but no school-house or church, though we have enough children to fill a good-sized hall,-but I suppose our youth are too far in the interior to need culture, and, as for religious requirements, why the poor blacks are not quite converted yet.
-Maitland Mercury, February 7, 1867.

BOURKE.
We yesterday had three or four hours' rain, but it passed away, and we are as dry as ever , one thing, however, the mercury fell from 92 to 57 in the shade, and it has remained very cool since. It was quite laughable to see the rush for coats, which said garments had been huddled away for months.
Business is very dull indeed and in fact there seems to be a general stagnation everywhere; rain, rain, is the only thought, and until it comes things must remain as they are.
The Culgoa ran a week or two ago, but it has not affected the Darling without it be in placing there hundreds of thousands of dead fish.
14,000 of Beaumont's and Little's sheep passed en route home, going close past our houses, nipping every vestige of vegetation. Another lot of sheep have at length left the township reserve, having been camped there for months. On what tenure a squatter brings his sheep upon a township reserve I can't for my life see, but we have a commissioner and a crown land bailiff, and they ought to know.
Our mail came in on horseback this trip, just after Sullivan's coach drove in, with passengers from Dubbo. I did not hear what had become of the mail trap.
Travellers from the Warrego give a dreary prospect of the affairs of that district; I mean as regards water. There has been talk for a long time about wells, which the Government were about to sink; it would be well were the work commenced.
The state of our hospital is in a deplorable condition, and it is to be closed I hear. This is a great pity, but those to whom it is the greatest boon are its most niggard supporters. I speak now of the working man. Where he finds an excuse I don't pretend to know, if he has one; but this I do know, he spends every shilling over rum, and forgets that the evil day may come, or has already fallen, on some of his mates. Ask him to shout, and he will, while there is a shot in the locker, but request him to become a yearly subscriber to the most useful institution in the world, and he "doesn't live here," or he is " going away," &c., &c, is almost the certain answer you receive. The health of the town is excellent, and the town itself is growing up fast. Our Chinese garden of five or six acres looks remarkably well, all considered; they are a patient, contented people, and are moving out north. On the Paroo I believe there are many, and even further north, and they are very good shepherds.
From Mount Murchison the news is very encouraging.
At our police court today, a man was sentenced to a term of two months' imprisonment for riotous and other uncultivated practices, such as objecting to be waited on by the police &c. Now this poor devil is a bushman, which is, I think, synonymous to a sailor. He makes long voyages into the interior for months-he is away from all social restraint. He returns to life, I may say, and, in the excitement of the hour, commits a sin against the laws of refinement, which, without doubt, deserves its punishment-but a punishment to be tempered by mercy.
A man the other day waited upon Dr. Roberts, desiring admission to the hospital, pleading illness as the cause of the demand. The Dr. examined the hopeful patient, and pronounced him quite unfit for medical attendance, assuring the gentleman that hospitals were founded for the sick and needy, and not for scheming pretension. In spite of this the sick man takes possession of the hospital, daring Mr. Meadows to turn him out, using the most filthy and obscene language. The doctor was sent for, and finally the police, to whom he swore, defied, and resisted. He was, in the end, taken to the lockup, and in the morning was simply ordered to leave the town. He left the court-house, swearing vengeance against the doctor's bottles.
Bourke, Feb. 22.
-Maitland Mercury, March 5, 1867.

BOURKE.
From chilly weather we have again emerged into excessive heat. Clouds gather, and threaten rain, and, save a few drops, we are still badly off as ever, and no prospect of a respite-however, we must hope. Business is dull, but we have one consoling fact, that a change will be to our advantage.
The remains of an unfortunate man were brought in by our sexton Graham, from Waraweena. A stockman on that station found the body, and at once reported it. Dr. Roberts examined, and reports the deceased, a young man with brown hair and red whiskers, his death taking place about ten weeks previously. A small sum of money and a few papers were found in his clothes, but nothing positively that I can learn as to name has been elicited. It is supposed that he must have wandered from Bourke in a semi state of delirium tremens, and thus have perished-another victim to the abominable idol, rum. This seems more than probable, as the river was within a short distance of the scene of suffering and death.
I am really grieved to inform you that our hospital, for the want of money, was closed today. This is not only to be lamented as a bar placed against the suffering, but it is a glaring shame to the hundreds of men who live in and around the district. Perhaps this step may rouse the working man to a just sense of his duty, and cause him to uphold an institution which to him alone confers its chief good; he cannot expect the inhabitants unaided to provide him, when helpless, with an asylum. Our people have been generous, but "The camel's back is broken," and the recipients must help themselves. What can our working classes be thinking about? They didn't think at all, or this state of things would not exist. Before we had an hospital all were ready with support, but the fabric once raised has been allowed to crumble away, and many will rue the thoughtless apathy which has blinded them to their own interests.
Mr H. Kelly, poundkeeper, unable to keep impounded horses in forage, is about discontinuing taking them under his charge until rain sets in. This is not only wise, but humane.
I see that a gentleman, through the Pastoral Times, gives a very glowing description of the township of Mount Murchison. We don't pretend to know his motives when he states that it exceeds Hay, an old township on the Murrumbidgee, as regards buildings &c , &c ; but we know this, that the Darling River township will be some time ere it has a bank, telegraphic office, &c., &c., However, the people of that ilk are getting along pretty well, and should the reports of gold finding eighty miles out from the mount prove true, Hay may have to give precedence, but not till then.
There is little or no stook on the move about here.
The Brewarina races are postponed. This postponing process seems a complaint among the Fishites, and allow me to say that it is subjecting a number of persons to expense and inconvenience. Horses are got up and prepared for the event, and lo! the usual put-off. We hope that this will be the last time we shall be disappointed.
Mr D Sullivan still comes in punctually with his passenger coach, and, considering the dreadful state of the roads, reflects great credit on him. Thomas Lynch, mailman to Dunlop Range, took his mail out his week on his own back. This will tell you about the want of horseflesh. We deplore the want of that necessity, but admire the servant who was determined not to let his office be unfilled.
I had almost forgotten to inform you that a very sad accident happened to Mr. F.D. Langstaff, of the Commercial Bank. He, with a friend, were out duck shooting one day last week, when from some cause or other the barrel of his gun burst, shattering his left hand in a very terrible manner. He was 3 miles from assistance, but he came in with wonderful pluck, underwent an operation, and is now doing bravely. One finger is entirely lost. We hope this affair will cause gentlemen to keep their guns in proper trim, for although in this case the weapon was none of the best, had it have been cleaned probably no accident would have happened.
February 28, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, March 12, 1867.

BOURKE.
The weather, which for two days has been threatening rain, I am afraid has again cleared up for fine weather, though I should imagine that much wet has fallen to the south-west. I can say nothing in favour of trade.
The P. I. Co.'s sheep are about travelling, and, should the drought continue, I fear other stock will have to follow their example.
A messenger from Buckenbee arrived in hot haste on Wednesday, with intelligence that some bushrangers had plundered Mr. Suttor's station, firing three shots at the unfortunate cook. Whether the man was wounded or not has not transpired. At the receipt of the news, sergeant Hawthorn, an energetic and much respected officer, started down the river, and there is no doubt, should chance afford him an opportunity, he will render a good account of himself.
A man named Bursby, better known here as Harry Bryan, died at the Royal Hotel to-day, from bronchitis. He had been ill some considerable time, and it gives me infinite pleasure to record the generous attention paid to the sufferer, although a stranger. Dr. Roberts day and night was by his side, administering both spiritual and physical comfort ; while Mr. and Mrs. Harris and Peter Lawson, all strangers, were unwearied in their attentions. I should not have mentioned these particulars, but such disinterested conduct is rarely found in the bush.
From Mount Murchison there is nothing further about the newly-discovered gold field. Should anything of importance reach here I will let you know it.
The Warrego is still in a glorious state of dried-up water holes and deserted stations.
March 8.
-Maitland Mercury, March 19, 1867.
BOURKE.
The weather is still warm and without the least sign of rain. Business is dull, as usual, and altogether we are are in a very dozey state.
Sergeant Hawthorn, after a four hundred miles ride, succeeded in arresting the embryo bushranger who fired at Suttor's cook. He was splendidly armed, both with weapons and impudence; he was brought before Mr Garrett, and remanded until next week. This would-be Turpin gives the name of Thomas Watson, but names, you know, in this colony, are about as reliable as Saxby's predictions. The prompt manner in which this gentleman was qualified for one of her Majesty's gaols, gives us assurance that should any other hero attempt to disturb the peace of the river, our police will attend to his wanderings with the most parental care.
There are various reports from Mount Murchison, but from them "all success" cannot be the adopted watch- word, and I should advise all men to think ere they start for this district. Wages are low, and every article of use is excessively dear.
Bourke, March 16.
-Maitland Mercury, March 26, 1867.

BOURKE.
The old complaint again this week-want of rain, and not enough grass anywhere near water to keep a family of grasshoppers, starved horses, or no horses at all ; and, should this weather continue much longer, we shall have to imitate the Yankees at Bull Run. But then the question thrusts itself before you, like one of Dante's ghosts, muttering-"Go! but whither? there's the rub" -for the country, for hundreds of miles round, is as bad off as we are, and we might perchance rush from the sword on to the bayonet. I here is one blessing attending the footsteps of our squatters-their sheep had plenty of fat to start with, and that alone has saved them even till now; but the caloric is fast disappearing, and then they'll die quick enough. Let us trust it may rain-that is the only thing that can put motion into the dry bones of our trade. The mail from Dubbo comes in by some means or other. No man, unless utterly compelled, would undertake a journey from hence to Sydney at present.
At the police court, on Tuesday, 21st instant, Watson the bushranger was placed at the bar, charged with highway robbery under arms. Mr. W. J. Henderson, of Neebambo, swore to being robbed by the defendant, also to his firing two shots at the cook, who escaped injury. The prisoner pleaded guilty very coolly, and was remanded to answer other charges.-We are much gratified by hearing that Mr. Henderson, fully appreciating sergeant Hawthorn's conduct in capturing the prisoner, handed him the generous present of £21. " Non verbis sed rebus" should be the donor's motto.
Two other men are on remand concerning some cheques which look rather unhealthy, amounting to £16 0s. 8d.
There's a tangle in our pound arrangements, which is to be unravelled in sixteen days.
Information was received the other day from Gundabooka, that a man had died in rather an uncared-for condition. A notice is sent down for a full explanation. Should anything transpire unusual, you will be apprised.
On the 21st, we had a partial eclipse of the moon.
March 23.-Clouding up-threatening rain; weather warm.
-Maitland Mercury, April 4, 1867.

BOURKE.
There is nothing new to say about the weather, only that it is sultry in the extreme
On the 26th instant, Mr. Joseph Becker, Government Auctioneer, sold the Bourke Hotel, lately held by Mr F. Bond. The purchaser was Mr. John E. Kelly ,the amount realised was £2100.
At the police court, on Friday, Ah Hook and Ah Sang were brought up charged with resisting constable Morgan in the discharge of his duty. The former was fined £5, the latter £2. This decision caused a great deal of surprise, considering that the resistance was made with fire- arms, besides the trouble in effecting the capture. The circumstances of the case are these.-A girl named Annie Wilson had been taken from her guardians somewhere up the country, by one or both the prisoners. A warrant was obtained by the parents of the girl, and the Romeos were met with at Bemery, 40 miles above Bourke, where the resistance took place. Sergeant Hawthorn was apprised of the matter, and started off at once, bringing in the three parties. The girl is remanded to be dealt with. The constable, Morgan, there can be no doubt, is certainly a most humane man, or he would certainly have appealed to his own weapons when confronted by that of the Chinaman.
The two men, James Wilson and James Keily, have been committed in connection with the two cheques mentioned last week.
For a long time we have wondered how it was that the tribe of useless curs which infest Bourke, rendering night hideous and day dangerous to equestrians, were allowed to annoy and jeopardise the public. But we find there is no provision made to stay the evil. If any place needs clearing of this nuisance it is Bourke.
A day or two ago Mr. Bond was fined £6 for allowing Orpheus to be upon his premises without permission. The bench at the same time expressing their disapprobation to musical exhibitions in general. A few days later an application by another hotel keeper was made for the privilege, and the same bench, without a demur, granted it.
The Sydney mail arrived on Thursday, about seven o'clock p.m., nineteen hours late. The cause of detention, we are told, was a shower of rain, which fell at Richardson's on the Bogan. I presume, should there be a couple of days wet, it would be behind nineteen days.
March 29th.
In looking over the mail, 16th instant, I came across a very eulogistic article relative to the Barrier Ranges gold field, or rather the gold-field which has entered into the minds of many, both in this and the adjacent colonies. Now people in Melbourne or Adelaide may know more about the affair than those living in the vicinity, and from their reports they undoubtedly must, but allow those who know what they are writing about to proclaim it an ignis fatuus. There are people in Bourke who know the country well, some who have just returned from the paper Eldorado, and their accounts are enough to frighten a Chinaman. Three unfortunate fellows have already perished in their mad pursuit of nothing, and even were gold to be found in that locality, such is the desert-like character of the country, that even a thorough local bushman would light his pipe a good many times before he started The Pastoral Times, from a reliable correspondent informs the public (by way of caution, we presume) that the "Lower and Middle Darling are infested with gangs of the greatest rascals in Australia'' We don't deny that we have plenty of law-breaking men among us, but if the correspondent would look about him, he could find, much nearer Sydney and Melbourne, gangs of more desperate rascals than were ever found on the Darling. We can, by way of allaying any fears which those gangs of rascals may have inspired in the breasts of the timid, affirm that we seldom or ever hear of any violence being committed, and this is saying a great deal, considering the almost total absence of police.
It is the opinion of the whole district that the Barrier Ranges are a decided humbug. At any rate, there will be time enough for persons to start when they are certain of a partial success. Wilcannia, Mount Murchison, gives no promise of emerging from the grub to the splendid butterfly it was to be a short time since. A great falling off in trade and general activity has lately taken place.
-Maitland Mercury, April 11, 1867.




BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
We have not participated in the rain that has fallen so heavily between Dubbo and here; nevertheless it has done us a great deal of good. Our teams will now be able to travel and probably the travelling sheep which do so much damage to the frontages of the Darling will turn in the direction of the Bogan and Marrah Rivers now that feed and water is so abundant there.
We were despairing a week ago of being able to keep up communication with the metropolis but our fears are now happily at an end.
The people of this town having waited patiently for the Police Magistrate to carry his promise of resigning into effect if he did not get a removal see now, to their disgust that the happy event is as far distant as ever. They have determined to endure the yoke no longer for his decisions in the Small Debts Court yesterday have decided the people upon the course they have to pursue.
I have just heard that there has been a shower or two of rain down the Darling but it did not reach Wilcannia or Mount Murchison.
A disgusting case of rape took place at Wilcannia a few days ago. The victim is the daughter of the offender and only I3 years of age. The particulars are not fit for publication.
April 1867
[The course alluded to above respecting the decisions of the Police Magistrate was the holding of a public meeting on the 5th April, Dr Roberts in the chair, when a resolution was carried: That this meeting, taking into consideration several decisions lately given by Mr Garrett, is compelled to express a total want of confidence in his administration of justice. A petition to the Attorney General was also agreed to be forwarded requesting him to call for and enquire into the depositions in certain cases ]
-Maitland Mercury, April 18, 1867.

BOURKE.
I don't know if there are, but there should be, a Te Deum sung in every home in this district for the gracious ruin commenced falling at ten o'clock yesterday (I0th) and it is falling still (five o'clock p m.) Heaven knows how much it was needed, and I trust its arrival will put a fresh impulse into our trade. The river has risen about two feet, and we expect it will come down. The rain falling here is not partial, but from all quarters we hear of its presence.
The Barrier Range gold-field, as far as we know, is a vision of some distempered brain. Wilcannia is dull, and getting duller.
A petition, to be forwarded to the Attorney General in connection with our police magistrate, is being numerously signed , and I hear a counter blast is being prepared by the opposing party.
The Warrego, Cuttaburra, Paroo, and Bulla rivers have all been favored with rain, and the feed, I hear, is very good. The Queensland Government are about reinstating the scab inspectors of the boundary; at least such is the report. They were, you will recollect, removed some months ago. What the return of these officers means of course we don't know. We have no scab near us, in fact we never hear of the disease. The mill arrived this week before its time. The rain still continues, though it appears breaking up.
April 11.
Saturday -Weather still cloudy and threatening. No rise in the river since yesterday.
I am sorry to report the death of Mr James Little, I believe a native of Aberdeen, Scotland. The unfortunate gentleman was bathing near the old Fort in company with Mr Harley of the P J Co , when from some unknown cause he sank in deep water, and never rose. Mr Harley, who is a powerful swimmer, bravely endeavoured to regain his body, but it had sunk beyond his reach; the blacks afterwards recovered it. The Police Magistrate viewed the body which was buried at Bourke, attended by a numerous train of friends. The deceased was a man of more than average intelligence and respected by all. The awfully sudden manner he sank, no more to rise alive, has caused a good deal of speculation as to its positive cause; but as Dr Roberts was not called on to report, we are of course to be satisfied with speculation. April 13.
-Maitland Mercury, April 23, 1867.

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.
SNAGGING THE DARLING.
(To the Editor of The Maitland Mercury )
Sir-I have just left Captain George Johnstone, of the steamer Albury, and from him have learned something which, if not known by the Government of New South Wales, may be of service in determining the policy to be adopted relative to our river traffic, which is now, and has been for a very long time, in a state of inglorious rest.
I need not recur to the dreadful state of trade, both pastoral and commercial, consequent upon this evil, or of the wide extent of country paying tribute in the shape of high carriage and scarcity of goods, of the loss of our trade, which is now done through Queensland. I will simply state that an outlay of from £3000 to £4000, according to the captain's estimate, would open a passage for boats of light draught-such, for instance, as the J. and M , belonging to his firm, and which draws only ten inches at almost any time of the year.- As the bed of the river is now blocked up with trees and rocks, it requires a considerable flood to render assistance to the inhabitants of this district ; whereas, could boats of the J. and M. construction find a channel, the depth of water would be but a small consideration.
Captain Johnstone, under the supervision of the Adelaide Government, is now clearing out part of the Murray, and the manner in which he tended his services shows that he at least is fully aware of the importance of river communication. There are others who would gladly do all that in them lay to promote the same end. His crews, boats, tugs, blocks, tackle, &c., &c, were placed at the disposal of the said Government, at a very low marketable value, and under his guidance the obstacles in that part of the route are being rapidly removed. Respecting the Darling (and few men know more of its impediments), his idea is that under heads thoroughly competent, workmen be placed in different parts of the river. And he speaks very positively that a passage sufficient for the travel of such boats mentioned above could be speedily formed, for certainly not more than £4000. The opinion of a man who has spent years in wriggling steamers up and down this stream ought certainly have weight; and his estimate of cost is likely to be correct. But even supposing it should be a little under, we have no right to be pressed down by this legislative incubus. I believe a sum has been voted for this measure ; but here the project seems to have stopped, which truth is anything but creditable to those entrusted with our welfare. We have had plenty money thrown away upon phantom surveys, where the intelligent parties commenced at the bottom instead of the head or middle of the river, having to pull up a strong and rapid current-on monumental punts and collapsed excavations, which, completed, would confer but a shadow of a benefit - while the most vital act of improvement is left untouched.
We hope something will be speedily done in this matter, for as the case now stands, we might as well be under the protection of her Majesty the Queen of Madagascar. It is not a single town, or a community of towns, which has a right to demand colonial aid in this undertaking. The residents of thousands of square miles east, west, and north, have the same just demand-a demand springing from the absence and inability to procure the general articles of life, save at a ruinous price, and often not at all-of the inconvenience, danger, and delay in the transportation of produce-and the drifting of trade into the Northern colony. This last reason one would imagine enough to arouse to action, for a country or province without trade is like a king without a crown, unhappy in itself, and contemptuous to others.
The number of steamers now rotting idly on the Darling are the following, representing at least £30,000 : Mooljewanke, 2 barges ; Lady Augusta, 2 barges ; Goolwa ; Endeavour, 1 barge ; Maranoa ; Albury, 2 barges ; Queen.
I would say, in closing, that the present exceedingly low state of the river offers a most favourable opportunity for operations. More could be done now in one week than in two weeks when the water is higher.
0. H **
Bourke, April 3rd.

-Maitland Mercury, April 27, 1867.

BOURKE.
More good news. The river is rising, and we have every promise of the steamers coming up. Grass is rapidly springing, and the face of nature is again clad in emerald robes
Mr R S Kelly, at the court on Tuesday, the 16th instant transferred his title to the Old Bourke Hotel to Mr J E Kelly. It is the intention of the former gentleman, we are informed on most reliable authority, to commence business in another locality We wish him success. Mr F Bond also transferred his license to Mr J J Free. The town is violently agitated at present with the magisterial squabble; the result of the affair will transpire in due time.
There is nothing from the Barrier Ranges, and never will be, at least of a cheering character; we may have to record the deaths of a few unfortunate fellows.
A little mob of fat cattle came in from the Warrego, in charge of Mr John Bend, and were sold at a good price in Bourke.
I believe Brewarrina is getting up a petition in connection with the removal of our P.M.
Mr J Becker is, I am happy to say, again at business, after an illness of about six weeks.
Our new bank is going up, and I have no doubt we shall be lively again.
April 20, 1867.
On the spur of the moment, on Friday, a match was got up between Messrs. Free, Nugent, Jones, and Dockard, for a sum of money which, though large, did not transpire; suffice that several Commercials were staked by the sharpshooters. The distance was one hundred yards; and if we were to judge from the efficient firing the competitors would do honour to the Royal Horse Marines. The target-one of your Mercuries placed on a gigantic gum tree, escaped perforation for nine shots, when the veritable Jones managed to place a bullet within ten inches of the centre. The money was taken by Nugent and Free, and by Jones in his match with the stalwart blacksmith. Several other matches were afterwards shot, the principal being Professor Owen Smyth, Joshua George Free, Esq., Alfred Hooley, Esq., and Captain Dunn. This exhibition was a little more army like-Mr. Alfred Hooley actually hitting the Mercury, and winning the stakes. Professor Smyth, in his attempts to hit the target, very nearly struck a man some hundred yards down the river. At any rate, the affair caused a deal of sport and no bloodshed. A comfortable sojourn to our host Free's wound up the affair. Another match is to be shot on Monday.
April 20.
-Maitland Mercury, April 30, 1867.

BOURKE.
April 26 - I am delighted to say the river is still rising and news came in last night that the inhabitants of the upper rivers are leaving their homes. The steamers are now, I think, certain of coming up.
A terrific thunderstorm from the north passed over us last night, saturating the ground, which, with the rain we had before, has caused the grass to spring splendidly; in fact the country is clad in emerald robes. This must produce a different slate of things.
The Fishites have again postponed their races, and, as we have said before, it is a shame. If they have no funds why publish that they have. A gentleman, a friend of mine, at a good deal of expense, trained two horses for these shadowy affairs, and he may now turn his steeds into the bush.
The Barrier Ranges have ranged themselves among the things that were. But there is this comfort, no one need now fear to tackle a journey, plenty of glorious feed.
27th- twenty feet more of rise will flood Bourke, rising about 10 inches per diem , punt being caulked.
-Maitland Mercury, May 9, 1867.

BOURKE.
The weather is deliciously fine, warm during the day and chilly at night. The river is still rising, and reports speak of as much as three feet in twenty-four hours at the Fisheries. Mr. Becker has received advices from Mount Murchison (Wilcannia), that steamers are awaiting the flood to steam upwards. Grass and herbs are getting abundant; and, taking things for all in all, everything looks prosperous.
Seven teams laden with wool started on Wednesday belonging to Maitland ; among them Collier, Hayes, Donahue. All have wool on; and their bullocks look remarkably well.
A leader in the Dubbo Despatch, the purport of which was a letter written by our P. M. condemnatory of its reporter's remarks on his late decisions, has literally set the town in a blaze.
The bank is going up, with other buildings-one a fine brick mansion, to be the private residence of Mr. Becker. Bourke, in fact, is growing quite a place. 'Tis true our inns are rather too numerous; the Bourke Hotel is crowding up to the old fort, while the Royal is actually treading on the heels of the Victoria. But with these we have the baker, butchers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, bootmakers, saddlers, tailor, perfumer, watchmaker, storekeepers, boardinghouse-keepers, soda water-makers, &c., &c., all finding ample employment.
The monumental punt is to be launched on Monday. She is all ready for baptism-what the name is to be is not known, but I presume it will be the Betsy or Mary Jane of days gone by.
At the police court, on Tuesday, Mr. Chambers, of Fosralle, was fined £5 for an assault. Some cases of drunkenness were also disposed of. Today William Tuck, butcher, was fined £5, and forfeited his license; sergeant Hawthorn was the prosecutor; the charge was the slaughtering of a beast without the required notice being given.
There is still no visible sign of either a church or school. But the people are getting married pretty fast, and some of these solemn events, are anything but creditable to the parties concerned, after the excitement of a bottle of rum-the cause of future years of misery.
From the Warrego, everything pastoral is favourable. The Barrier Range phantom seems to have descended into the shades from whence it came.
A considerable squabble took place last night under the verandah of the Victoria. It appears that several of the townspeople had assembled for some reason or another, probably for the purpose of partaking a glass of wine, when Mr. Garrett suddenly appeared among them, ordering them to leave the premises; this they refused to do, alleging as a reason for their non-compliance that it wanted twenty minutes to twelve o'clock. He kindly informed them who he was, and they as politely related their names and occupations. High words were afterwards exchanged, and indeed very uncivil ones, and the law was threatened. On the morrow, however, no arrests were made. This morning we do not wonder at this for the persons alluded to to our mind had done nothing to cause an interference, they were lawfully about their business, and it was not nearly twelve o'clock. And even had it been we frequently hear a select few howling to the moon hours after twelve o'clock, even firing pistols and fighting in the same place.
-Maitland Mercury, May 16, 1867.
BOURKE.
The Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch
says -
The river is still rising at the rate of a foot daily, and should it continue at the same pace for a fortnight, we will have to betake ourselves to Mount Oxley. This, however, is improbable.
We are in expectation of a steamer, but no one looks forward to the event as in bygone days. Squatters have made up their minds to work their stations by overland carriage. The year's supplies are ordered, and the wool away; flour, too, can be bought in Orange, and delivered here, as cheap as it can be done from Adelaide, and certainly no Adelaide flour ever landed here can bear comparison with Dalton's silk-dressed first. Provisions, spirits, draperies, &c, can be bought in Sidney, and carried overland to Bourke, to compete with the steamer. It is said that the steamers have done more harm than good to this district and I endorse this opinion. When this country was first settled, we had a succession of wet seasons. The Darling was navigable for years at a time, and new-comers would not believe that it was ever known to be otherwise. They made their arrangements with Adelaide and Melbourne houses, owing to their calculations upon water carriage. This lasted for a few months, when the river fell, then the supplies were landed upon the banks of the Murray or Lower Darling, and allowed to rot at the risk of the squatter, who knew nothing of it. Their wool was stuck tor months in the river; they found themselves unable to go on without supplies , enormous rates of carriage had to be paid, and new houses and agents found in Sydney. Another rise in the river then came, and back went the squatters to the steamers again, but this time to be disappointed more than in the first instance. Land carriage has to be resorted to; it cannot be got; the demand is so great that teams must be bought at fabulous prices, or the consequences are that your sheep go loose through the bush, for no shepherd will work without rations. Had squatters made up their minds in the first instance to patronise overland carriage, then all this extra expense and inconvenience would have been avoided; there would have been by this time a regular staff of good carriers on the line between here and Sydney, and carriage would be, like all other labour, at its working price. If the Darling was permanently navigable, it would excel all other rivers in the colonies for squatting pursuits. May l8.
-Maitland Mercury, May 30, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The river is standing at about twelve feet below the bank on this side- the land on the opposite side is flooded. It is very difficult to get across owing to the number of billabongs or creeks that cross the land. The punt is still idle-of course, I mean the Government punt. Our private puntoon is kept constantly at work.
Glass's mob of store cattle (1400) passed here yesterday, en route for Nimbar, 90 miles down the river. They are a splendid lot of young cattle, and reflect credit upon the breeder, as well as the party who selected them.
Dowling's sheep (17,000), en route for Deniliquin, passed down the Paroo a few days ago. They are, I am informed, for sale.
The country all round is looking beautifully green. Since my last we have had a slight shower. The down mail was something like ten hours late, but this is excusable considering the state of the country. May 25.
-Maitland Mercury, June 6, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Since my last the Darling has been falling slowly, say at the rate of an inch daily. The steamers are coming up the river, but I believe they are a considerable distance of, and not expected in Bourke for three weeks.
The country around is looking beautiful; a black caterpillar has however made its appearance, but whether it will do any serious injury to the young herbage is not yet known. It is highly venomous ; for hours after being stung by one, my hand was itchy and swollen. Squatters are in ecstasies at the prospect of a successful season.
Mr. Shaw's sheep-30,000-for sale, en route for the Lachlan, are now on the Warrego. Owing to the high state of the river, it is intended to drive the sheep along the west bank of the Darling, until Wentworth is reached, when they will cross. I hear of 7000 more coming on in charge of a Mr. Fitzmaurice-their destination I have not been able to glean.
Our worthy Police Magistrate takes his departure, I am informed, to-day. Some think Mr. Martin has sent him an invitation to tea ; others surmise that he is going to Sydney to commence an action against a certain newspaper for libel; and others say that he is subpoenaed as a witness in a case to be tried next sittings of the Dubbo District Court.
A petition has been numerously signed by the squatters and business men of this town and district, praying that the site of the punt be removed from the east end of Bourke to the police paddock -June 1.
-Maitland Mercury, June 13, 1867.
BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
The Darling has fallen during the week six or seven feet. A steamer, the "Jolly Miller," has just arrived, and the principal part of her cargo, which consists of flour, is offering at £20 per ton. The price is, however, high. I am informed that Messrs A Ross and Co have purchased 100 tons of flour, to arrive at under £18 per ton. I hear the Albury and Providence steamers are racing for our port, laden with a similar cargo. If they do not sell at lower rates, I do not think there will be any important transactions.
A splendid lot of wethers-29,000-nearly all fat, the property of Messrs. Kent and Weinholt (in charge of Mr. Roberts, an experienced overlander) en route for some of the Victorian markets, are at present on the opposite side of the river, waiting to cross.
Squatting affairs have a more cheerful aspect generally in this neighbourhood. Mr. Cecil Guinness has taken repossession of Beemery, and I firmly believe it is his intention to make up for lost time. It is rumoured, too, that Mr. J. F. Josephson intends carrying water to his back run-Yanda-by means of an engine that will elevate the water to an iron pipe, which is to extend, with a descent, some eight or ten miles back. It will then form into a +, at each end of which will be a tank sufficiently large to water alternately three flocks of 1500 sheep. Should Mr Josephson carry his idea into effect, he will have in Fort Bourke one of the most complete runs in the colonies.
One year's lease of the Bourke Hotel was sold by auction yesterday for £420-a quarter's rent being paid by Messrs A. Merrill and Co, the purchasers. Many people laughed at Mr. J E Kelly, when, two months ago, he gave £2000 for this hotel, but time has shown that the speculation was a good one, and the money safely invested. June 8.
-Maitland Mercury, June 20, 1867.

BOURKE.
The steamers are at length here-the Jolly Miller and Albury, and would you believe that flour is actually being offered for £20 per ton, and buyers holding off! There are other boats coming up. The exceeding difficulty found in getting sale for flour &c , must be a great damper on the spirit of enterprise, which has placed food so abundantly within our reach. Fancy this time last year the price of flour being £70 per ton, and now going a begging at £20. One would imagine the station holders alone would take all that could be brought up at a fair payable price, but it seems not be. We hear that the river, which has fallen about nine feet, is again rising. This report probably has something to do with the state of trade.
Everything pastoral looks enchanting. In the back country the grass is very fine.
Mr. R. Fitzgerald showed me a specimen of coal found by him in our vicinity. He states there is quite a thick seam. He has also discovered some fine stone, but there is little chance of his being rewarded for his pains. The spirit of enterprise, if it was ever here, has fled.
The Government punt is still a useless appendage- the cutting being in such a ridiculous place that her services can never be made available in cases of flood.
On Thursday the rental of the Bourke Hotel was put up by Mr. Joseph Becker, and was knocked down to Mr. Fred Merriel for the sum of £420 annually. We have no doubt this gentleman will make it pay even at this heavy rental. He is well liked, and knows the modus operandi of these affairs.
A schoolhouse, I believe, at last is to be built-not before it is needed. It is quite painful to see the youth running into a state of primitive wildness.
Plenty of water on the Warrego high up. Very cold at night, warm during the day. June 8, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, June 29, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Despatch)
During the week this town has quite become itself again. No less than three steamers, the Jolly Miller, Providence, Albury, and a barge having arrived. The last named three have discharged all their cargoes at Messrs. Alexander Ross and Co.'s large store. Heavy goods of all description have fallen about 40 per cent. Flour is selling at £20. Business is unusually brisk; in fact the town is a perfect little port. Captain Johnson has just kindly treated the people of the town to an agreeable excursion of five miles up and down the river, in the Albury. She is a splendid steamer (of her sort), about 100 feet long, and very fast. With her barges she can manage 300 tons up, and 1500 bales wool down stream. Captain Johnson intends navigating the Culgoa River with his Gulwar, a small steamer of about 40 tons burden, not drawing more than l8 inches water. She is expected here in the beginning of the week. Her cargo is principally flour, consigned to Mr. W. G. Borren and Messrs. Colless Brothers. The steamer's supercargoes were surprised with the competition they met with in flour from the Orange market. Owing to it they were compelled to sell here at much lower prices than they obtained a hundred miles lower down.
The river is now at its best height for navigation, the water being nearly all confined to the main channel. There is (judging from reports that the Namoi and Barwon are again rising at their head), a probability of it continuing in this state until after shearing.
The Warrego is running strongly, and Mr. Shearer's dam has been washed away.
The Government punt! Why is it idle, when it is required so much? This expression is in everyone's mouth. Want of approaches is an excuse for her not being at work now. There are different sites at which she could work at the present state of the river, without any outlay of money further than stretching the wire across the river. Mr. Garrett is away. The punt, I understand, has been left by him in charge of a person named Windsor, who declares he will give any one into custody who dares to meddle with it. Notwithstanding the threat, a few of the most influential men of the district have decided upon putting her to work forthwith for the good of the community. In addition to the 86,000 sheep I mentioned in my last (that were usable to cross here), I hear of this week of 11,000 Berkleman's, 10,000 Lydiard's, and 7000 Rain's, all requiring to cross the Darling here, but unless the punt is taken by storm it is impossible for them to do so. Now is the time, too, when squatters are sending in their teams for shearing supplies from the Warrego and all other western waters.
3000 splendid bullocks, from the Port Cooper station of William Glen Walker, Esq , have arrived. They are certainly a credit to the country they came from, and a proof that Mr. Walker has commenced cattle breeding in the far North with good blood. The cattle are in charge of a Mr. Eakin, an old experienced drover, who is proud of his herd, and has taken great care of it.
Berkelman's 11,000 wethers are the best that ever crossed the Darling for market, if all I hear of them be true. They are from the famous fattening country of the Barcoo. I have often heard there was no country in any of the colonies to equal the Barcoo, and if Mr. Berkelman's wethers will average 65 lbs, I don't think there can be a better proof of it; wagers have been made that some of them die in Melbourne over 80 lbs - this is an extraordinary wager, considering these sheep have fully 1500 miles to travel to market. Lydiard's 10,000 are, I am informed, going to the head of the Lachlan. Rain's 7000 are, I am given to understand, for sale at Deniliquin.
The Walgett mail has just arrived. The Darling, upwards, has risen three feet.
I think the sooner the Government is made aware that there is no Registrar of Births, Deaths, or Marriages, at Bourke, the better.-June 15, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, July 6, 1867,

BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
We have had two more days heavy rain, and I need hardly say that water is most abundant. Grass is also plentiful; in fact, you might lose yourself in it only for the numbers of Queensland sheep passing en route for market, which crop it quickly.
Another lot of Mr. Scott's, say 10,000, fat wethers, and 6000 of the same description belonging to Cobb and Co , have arrived this week. The whole of these sheep want to cross ; in fact, Messrs. Cobb and Co.'s must, and they are only waiting on the other side until some bold spirit takes the initiative in setting the Government punt at work. For my own part, I see nothing dangerous in the matter. It is a crying shame that so many as 130,000 sheep should be forced to go some 200 miles out of their road. The town of Bourke, too, is deprived of the business it would do if these sheep were permitted to cross, The punt, I may state, is in perfect working order, and no approaches are at present necessary.
The Gulwar steamer (forty tons) arrived at Bourke on Saturday last, and started on Monday on a navigation expedition up the Culgoa. Her cargo was principally jam, salt, sugar, and a little flour. The Wentworth steamer, of the same burden and size as the Albury, arrived on Tuesday last, and delivered her cargo, consisting of flour, groceries, and beers, to Mr. J. E. Kelly. Best brands of Adelaide flour are offering at £20 per ton, and Mr. Kelly is selling Orange seconds at £15.
The total freight landed at Bourke by the five steamers already arrived was about 200 tons-150 of which went to Alexander Ross and Co., and 50 to Mr. J. E. Kelly.
Business is brisk, and more steamers, freighted for A. Ross and Co., are expected. Some steamers bringing goods to this port for sale, have, I understand, gone back, having heard that this market was completely glutted with supplies of all descriptions. Many customers of Dubbo and Orange houses have come here to buy.
Great things are expected when Parliament opens. Some are sanguine enough to expect that Bourke will get District and Quarter Sessions Courts, a new Police Magistrate, and a working punt. With all these advantages this township will become, what was predicted years ago-a second Deniliquin. June 22, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, July 11, 1867.

BOURKE.
A correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch writes as follows;-
Since my last, the Bogan and the Culgoa steamers with their barges have arrived. The Frances Cadell, too, is close at hand with three hundred tons of goods Supplies of every description are offering at extremely low rates. I did not anticipate such competition in the steamer trade when I said in a previous communication "that flour could be bought in Orange and landed as cheap as the steamers could do it" Carriers from Orange are offered a present of their loading, and I understand that Mr M E Kelly has made an offer to this effect to some teamsters who have been on the road since January last. This, I hope, will act as a warning to many speculators who are loading teams for here.
Since May, twelve or fifteen boats, carrying 1000 tons of cargo have arrived in our port. Just fancy this quantity of groceries, station supplies, and flour coming unexpectedly to Dubbo, and offered for unreserved sale (provided it realised anything over seaport price), and you would be just in our position.
-Maitland Mercury, July 25, 1867.

BOURKE.
We may now be considered ready to meet a few years' famine. Every kind of goods is abundant, and I should think prices will be a little more reasonable than heretofore ; flour at any rate is selling at £20 to £25 per ton. No less than five steamers have been here, and one has, I understand, gone up the Culgoa. The river subsided to some extent, but it is now coming down again; in fact from the immense quantity of rain here and above, another great flood is not it all impossible. Grass is most abundant, and all nature seems exalting in plenty. The mournful punt is still in a state of inactivity, and must remain so until the shameful blunders connected there-with be remedied. Had she been in working order since the flood hundreds of pounds would now have been paid into the treasury ; when will such dogberry proceedings be at an end.
3000 fat wethers from Mr. Josephson's run passed here en route for Sydney last week, to be followed by 3000 more; they are a fine lot. It is the intention of the owners of this station to set things in a more payable shape, and every pound expended in improvement will return a liberal interest.
The mail is now six days late. What on earth has become of it is a mystery. A few hours or even a day, we have got used to; but six days is rather too much for even a modern Job, if such an individual could be found on the Darling. There is nothing, we are certain, which lies in the power of the contractor which has not been resorted to in order to meet his engagements ; but no man can do impossibilities. He is labouring against every sort of obstruction, and until these matters are righted the mails must be late.
The lagoon is rising, and so are all the rivers upward. I paid a visit to the little township of Gongolgan, called by some Batfield, but for what reason no one knows, save the diffusion of unmusical sounds. It is situated on the Bogan, about seventy miles from Bourke. The situation is remarkably pretty, being open box forest, with a fine red soil, well grassed; but I am sorry to see that the axe has been too freely at work, and wide desolate patches are seen which should be beautified with trees. There is a comfortable inn kept by Mr. Joseph Whye, which bears the unusual sign of the " Lame Horse," though the painter has failed to convey a just copy of the afflicted animal. Whye's hospitality, however, is quite sound. There is also a store, the poundkeeper's establishment, with Larymore's station opposite, making up a pretty little scene. And the best of all is that the whole is, I learned, out of reach of flood water.
Teams continue to pour into Bourke with flour, the carriage being about what you can buy the flour for from the steamers.
Merrill seems determined to make his speculation in the Bourke Hotel a payable one. He is civil, attentive, and obliging-qualities which could be advantageously admitted as adjuncts to our public-houses in general. June 29, 1867.
The river continues navigable, and a slight rise has taken place. Fresh steamers are arriving daily. Captain King, of the Francis Cadell-a steamer that would not disgrace the Hunter-anchored in our port at eight o'clock this morning. This boat surpasses everything I have yet seen on the Darling. Her length of beam is about 150 feet, her engines are 100 horse power, and she is of 300 tons burden. She brings over 160 tons with her, and 1000 bags of flour. The Gulwar, after a successful trip up the Barwon to Breewarina, has returned, and been chartered by Mr, W. G. Borren, of Milroy, to go with supplies to his stations. She takes forty tons of goods from the stores of Messrs. A. Ross and Co. About 40,000 sheep have crossed in the Government punt since my last. A person requiring to use the punt must enter into a bond of £1000 to do no damage to it. There are about 60,000 sheep still to cross. The river is rising ten inches daily at Bourke; five at Beemery ; two at Breewarrina; and less upwards. Three steamers are expected this week. Lydiard's sheep (previously reported) have crossed, and are now making for their destination. In addition to defraying the working expenses, the owners of stock have to pay £2 into court for every thousand sheep they cross in the Government punt-Bourke Correspondent Dubbo Dispatch, July 22.
-Maitland Mercury, August 8, 1867.

BOURKE.
( From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Nothing of importance has occurred during the week. The Darling is at a standstill-neither rising nor falling. Rain is now threatening.
Ravin's and Berkleman's sheep are attempting to cross, but the river is yet too high. Without doubt, Berkleman's sheep are the finest I have ever seen ; and I feel certain that some of them will go 85 lbs. when they reach Melbourne.
The punt will I understand be set to work immediately after the appointment of Messrs. Becker, Hughes, and Kelly as trustees, is confirmed by the Government. August 10.
-Maitland Mercury, August 22, 1867.
BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Three steamers-the Maranoa, Kelpie, and Gulwar- arrived here last week, and remained some days in harbour. This gave Bourke a truly seaport appearance. It looks strange enough to see a steamer so far inland, but to witness four together, with the usual quantity of small boats, &c., is rather an unusual sight. The Maranoa and Gulwar (both the property of Messrs. Johnston and Murphy) took their departure on Wednesday, after discharging their large cargoes of goods. The townspeople were again treated to an agreeable excursion of ten miles on the water ; but better than the ride was the generous hospitality with which the guests were treated. Everyone felt highly delighted with Captain Murphy, who spared no expense or trouble. The Kelpie cleared out and started downstream on Thursday.
Mr. Josephson, the Australian Pastoral Investment Company, and Mr. Smith, of Gundebooka, are getting along with the shearing most rapidly. The A.P.I Co. have 50 men on the floor ; their wool is shipped as quickly as it is shorn on one of the barges belonging to Captain King.
Mr. Ravin's 8000 wethers are safely across the river. They are a fair lot, half of them being fat.
Mr. Berkleman's Barcoo donkeys-wethers is no name for them-are now getting across in the punt. These are the sheep that have been detained on the Warrego. I have been induced to go ten miles expressly to see these sheep, and I may honestly say that such a sight never met my eye before. Most of them are old wethers of immense frame, and as fat as pigs ; in fact too fat to eat.
Mr. Walker's sheep are lambing on the Warrego, at Cunnabrulla (one of Messrs., Cobb and Co.'s stations.)
We sorely feel the want of a registrar of births, deaths, and marriages here. One couple, it is said, have jumped the broomstick ; another couple have been waiting about a week for the return of our worthy P.M. ; two or three deaths have occurred, and I don't know how many births. May I ask will people be fined if they apply at the police office for the purpose of registering, and they find there is no registrar ? Why Mr. Garrett carried his commission in his pocket when he left a Clerk of Petty Sessions behind, is what we ask each other.
The Walgett mail has just arrived. The steamer Maranoa was waiting to hear the state of the river upwards before venturing over the Fishery rocks. August 17.
-Maitland Mercury, August 29, 1867.


BOURKE. (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, Aug. 30 )
The rapidity with which the river has fallen during the week has surprised me. It is now twenty-five feet below high water mark; but it is still twelve or thirteen feet above navigable height.
The Maranoa, steamer, Captain Murphy, leaves here in the morning for Mr. J. F. Smith's Gundabooka station, at which place she will take aboard some of the season's clip, and will, in all probability, finish loading on her way down, as many flock-owners have been some time shearing, being most anxious to avail themselves of water carriage.
The A.P.I. Co, or old Bogan River Company, have now seventy-two shearers at work, and Captain King's boat lying at their shed is filling fast. Owing to this firm being in a position to charter steamers on their own account, they have (through Mr. Foott) succeeded in arranging for the dispatch of two thousand bales to a Victorian port at £6 per ton. ,
Messrs. Edwin Hughes and Co.'s wool scouring establishment is now in full working order. Mr. Josephson's clip is fast being reduced to pure wool. I have not ascertained exactly the loss of weight, but I should say about 52 per cent. Here is a saving (calculating an overland carriage, at 2d. per lb.) of 8s. 8d. per cwt. Besides, the wool is prepared by professional men for the English market as well as it could be done in the metropolis-I might say better than in many establishments in the vicinity of Sydney, for wool scouring depends greatly on the water supply and nothing could be better than the Darling water at the present time. It is beautifully soft and sufficiently clear, whereas the water has been used twice at many places on the coast. At the Bourke establishment, the wool, after coming out of the soak-pool, is placed in the middle of the stream, and allowed to stop there, until it is cleaned of every particle of dirt. Messrs. Hughes and Co. neither buy nor deal in wool-they simply class, scour, and screw-press it at so much per lb; and squatters, therefore, are given no grounds for distrust. The advantages offered by the establishment have never, I am sorry to say, been properly appreciated in this district; and it is for this reason that I now speak on the subject. The greatest drawback hitherto to the prosperity of the Darling district has been the cost of the transit of our exports to market. Many a thousand pound has been paid for the carriage of dirt from here to Sydney, and at the same time we had every facility nature could bestow on us at our fingers' ends, did we choose to avail ourselves of them.
Berkleman's sheep are now making the best of their way up the river. One of them, exhibited at Kelly's, weighed 86 lbs.
Zouch's horses sold pretty well. Twelve realised over £8 per head; but some were good draught horses and hacks. McDonald's lot, from Bathurst, were disposed of at fair rates. There is no sale for weeds.
-Maitland Mercury, September 5, 1867.
BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
Business is unusually dull, owing, I suppose, to our neighbours being engaged shearing.
The river remains in a perfectly navigable condition for boats of under 500 tons. The Culgoa and Lady Augusta are expected hourly. We feel very much alarmed at the detention of the Frances Cadell. Up to the 26th instant, she was not heard of at Wilcannia. Her owner, Captain King, has gone down the river to meet her. It is to be hoped that she has met with no accident.
Dowling's 2400 fat wethers, for Mudgee market, crossed here on Thursday; 2000 of them are prime sheep.
With this, I send you an extract of a letter received by Mr. J. E. Kelly, from Mr. T. G. Dangar, M.P., respecting telegraphic communication to Bourke. You will perceive that Mr. D. imagines that there will be but little difficulty in obtaining guarantees. Mr. Kelly informs me that out of some dozens of responsible men who have been asked by him would they act, only one has consented to do so. ' ' August 3.
The following is the extract mentioned by our correspondent:
" No doubt you saw in the Maitland Mercury, of the 30th May last, my correspondence with the Government, relating to the extension of the telegraph from Tamworth to Bourke, via the Namoi and Walgett. A perusal of that correspondence will give you every particular.
"The Bathurst people do not like the idea of the telegraph going to Bourke this way, but you will find it considerably the cheapest.
"The rule laid down by the Government is, that any place requiring a line must guarantee 5 per cent, on the cost of construction and the working expenses of the station-less the profits. This seems to be a wise regulation; otherwise every petty town would require it, without any consideration as to whether it would pay or not. Every rule has an exception, and I think this should be one of them, for I do not consider it a local line, but a national one. So strongly did I feel on the subject that I determined to ask the House to sanction the necessary sum to meet the expenditure. Messrs. Robertson, Garrett, Lord, White, Furlonge, Lloyd, &c, agreed with me, and would have supported me.
" If it can be done otherwise I prefer it, for the Government are likely to oppose such a grant in the present financial condition of the country.
"I may add, in no case yet where a guarantee has been given, have the guaranteers been called upon-telegraphs paying so well.
"The risk and responsibility are but trifling among so many, and the advantages very great.
" I am now happy to say that the Gnnnedah and Narrabri people have taken the matter up, and already procured from the stockowners, &c., the necessary guarantee-ten at Narrabri having come forward, the Government need only five ; but the more the better. It will only require the bond prepared, and the money will be placed on the Estimates, and line tendered for.
"The Wee Waa people will no doubt soon bring it there, and the Walgett inhabitants get it that far. I am doing all I can to put these people in motion. There will only then remain for the Bourke people to take it down : and I feel sure they will not be behind the others in so doing. I think there will be less trouble in getting a guarantee at Bourke than any other place, there being so many influential people around it, and the Warrego should join, it being their heaviest point, and eventually Queensland will bring their lines to Bourke.
"If Brewarrina wishes for a station, they should join in the guarantee, or get a separate one.
"Now, I wish on receipt of this, feeling assured the interest you feel in the matter, that you would consult with the Bourke people and influential residents, and call a meeting to obtain a guarantee from ten, if possible. If you send me this, I will undertake to get the sum placed on the Estimates, and line tendered for, as soon as the Gunnedah, Narrabii, Wee Waa, and Walgett people send their share."
-Maitland Mercury, September 14, 1867.

OSCAR”S BACK....AGAIN!!
BOURKE.
After an absence of nearly three months, I am now writing of the town soon to be second to none in the north-nest. You would be absolutely astonished at the change in affairs brought about by the arrival of the steamers, and to what importance this place must attain could the river navigation be secured to the inhabitants. In the face of this fact it is strange that nothing is attempted to accomplish this work, but it seems that we must be buried in Cimmerian darkness until the very bulk of our growth forces itself into notice.
To give you a faint idea of the imports by the river, over 600 tons, and as much as 100 more by drays, to the firm of Becker and Co., have been received since the steamers' advent ; and yet this vast collection is held by one trading house. Let people who have eyes, but see not, proclaim the sterility of the district, and its claim to apathy on the part of the parental governing nursing of the country; but we shall grow until our height will outgrow the shadows of prejudice and the ignorance of misrule. Mr. Martin wisely stated in the house some time ago, in relation to a question as to whether it would not be advisable to constitute Bourke a court of assize, that "were it so proclaimed, a jury could not be empanelled." What the learned gentleman actually meant is not quite plain. Did he suppose it was a lack of population, or a want of moral tone which refuses to convict ? Whichever way he may view our position, in his conclusions relative to our non-fitment to find juries, he is in error. We have sufficient numerical force to meet such a contingency, and many a culprit who is now at large, or waiting the arrival of home decisions, would long have been forgotten as a punished criminal, had he been confronted by the strict probity which could be selected from the inhabitants of Bourke. The simple fact is, we must heap Ossa on Pelion ere we are entitled to attention.
I have mentioned in former papers our need for educational instruction; and while Mr. Johnston is making reports of different scholastic systems as existing in and about the metropolis, our fifty or sixty children are literally left to starve for want of teachers. There is no use on this subject to wield the pen kid-gloved-the truth stares you in the face; at each and every place you meet these neglected innocents. It is painful, humiliating, and a reproach, that our children are almost in a state of nature, as far as schooling is concerned. I did hope that I should find this important work progressing ; but instead of intelligent, respectful, obedient youths, you are saddened by bold, uncivil, Godless, untrained boys and girls; and what the harvest from such a sowing will be, the past history of the colony too loudly answers. I hope something will be done in this case.
Without a thorough means of education in secular affairs, our religions position is even worse. We have no church, chapel, or place set aside for the worship of God ; 'tis true a consumptive bell calls about half-a-dozen together on the Sabbath to hear our beautiful prayers- anything but beautifully read; and even this observance is as destitute of religious fervour as can possibly be imagined. Preachers are sent among the blacks, and much written of the success attending their efforts. Why is not something at least attempted among the poor whites and their sadly neglected children. A white's eternal welfare is surely as much to be desired as that of his tawny brother.
In all peenniary affairs Bourke is certainly advancing rapidly. The wool-scouring establishment of Hughes and Co., situated about a half mile from the centre of the town, is worth more than a passing remark. On Friday I paid it a visit, and was, I confess, a little surprised at its extensiveness. A shed, fitted up with bins, &c, &c, for the reception of the different qualities of wool, whose floor is on a level with the floor of drays, is one hundred feet long by twenty, weatherboarded, and roofed in with corrugated iron. A powerful press is at the end of the building. At the river banks are furnaces, boilers (in which water, soap, &c, is boiled, or the fleeces soaked).
Stages, on which the washed wool is left to drain after being conveyed by cars up an inclined tramway, stand on the upper banks. Water is conveyed by horse power into the boilers. In the river is a huge floating floor, surrounded by large boxes, perforated into which the dirty fleece, after being soaked, is placed, and you would be astonished what a change is produced in this little vat ; the fleeces go in in masses of filth, and are taken out like swathes of snow. From this place the wool is again conveyed by rail to the top of the bank, where, after a little preparation, it is spread out upon canvas to the sun. At the time of my visit there was about an acre thus exposed to the light and air, and beautifully white the whole appeared. It is estimated that about 58 per cent of dirt is extracted by the scouring process; so I need not dilate on the saving of carriage; this is patent to the most superficial. Besides this, the wool is all classed by a gentleman of skill ; so that each particular market is at once supplied. Some twenty-five to thirty men are employed by the firm ; and, on the whole, it promises to be a most complete system. Other plant is on its way to enlarge the working machinery ; and when this arrives, forty to fifty bales per diem can be prepared for market. I hope the firm will meet with perfect success, for it not only deserves it as establishing a new industry, but by forwarding the wool-growing interest in the district. Should a boiling-down company be started, which is not at all unlikely, the two companies could work together with advantage.
A dairy is about starting, and I have no doubt it will be a payable undertaking, providing good cheese and butter are produced. Cheese is now selling at Is. per lb., and butter at 2s. 6d.; at least our auctioneer, Mr. F. Bond, put off some at that figure. He also sold a fine lot of horses from the Macquarie, belonging to Mr. Webster; they realised £13 per head. Also a small lot of prime cattle to Nowland and Cutts, at £6, from McKenzie's, on the Warrego; also five head horses for £125; these horses were very fine animals, and would have realized more money in Melbourne.
The rain has just commenced falling, and as our people are all busy with hay-stacking, it comes rather untimely.
A grand marriage supper was given at the Royal Hotel (Harris's), the other day, when the eleemosynary liquids flowed to a great extent, and several indulged too freely in the witcheries of the Circean cup; however, as it was at Hymen's Court, it was overlooked.
A man named Dow, lately working for Mr Joseph Becker, left his work a few days ago, and has not since been seen. Fears are entertained of his safety.
The river is falling, but still the steamers are running. The Culgoa is now up the river, and the Francis Cadell is expected soon.
No fat stook on the road.
Jones, of Berresford and Jones' firm, is now running the mail most punctually; and, taking all the obstacles he has to contend with, deserves the warmest thanks of the public.
The sanitary state of the town is very good.
Sept. 13.
P.S.-The Twist, steamer, will be here to-morrow. Sept. 14.

{From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch,)
The Feriot steamer is close at hand. I think I hear her blowing off steam now. The Francis Cadell, Captain King, left on Wednesday. She took a thousand bales of the season's clip with her to either Victor Harbour or the Gulwa. Her owner feels so confident of being able to make another trip to Bourke before the river falls that he has left a barge behind to fill with wool. The Gulwa made a successful run to Walgett. She returned on Saturday, and discharged her down cargo here, and has again gone to Beemery and Breewarrina for wool, shearing having commenced at the above stations.
14,000 mixed sheep, in charge of Mr. Delhunty, crossed here on the 6th instant. They have taken the Bogan route; Deniliquin, I understand, is their destination.
Business is unusually dull. Mr. Bond sold a few of Mr Webster's horses at good rates; others of the same mob found no buyers, owing to their unfitness for the market.
There was a report circulated here to the effect that the Government did not intend replying to or taking any notice of the petition in re John Garrett, P.M. The petitioners began to feel disgusted, when a letter arrived from Sydney, which states that the matter would have been brought before the Assembly only for the Attorney General promising that the Government would give a reply in a week.-September 12.

-Maitland Mercury, September 26, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.) I
The Wentworth people will be sorry to hear that the river is still falling. It is only five or six feet above summer level. The Gulwa still remains at Beemery and Breewarrina, taking in wool. The Culgoa passed down with a hundred bales a few days ago. The Francis Cadell took away eight hundred bales of the A.P.I Co's wool, and about six hundred bales of the river wool. Under the skilful management of Mr. R. M. Hughes the Company's shearing is progressing rapidly. Since the 2nd ultimo up to the present time, the greater portion of the sheep have been shorn. September 12.
-Maitland Mercury, October 3, 1867.



BOURKE.
All our people are very busy mowing, and stacking hay. Mr. Kelly, I believe, has as many as twenty-five men employed. Now is their time. An unlimited quantity of splendid oats(native of course) are waiting the gathering in. One would scarcely believe it, but such is the fact, and it actually comforts the souI to see the boundless acres of splendid pasture. This is a delightful season, and gardens are cropping up everywhere, smiling content and plenty to the husbandman. In such weather as we have had lately any earthly thing will flourish-I mean in the floral or agricultural line-and yet it is a rare thing to see a knot of flowers; they are too spiritual as yet for the people of Bourke. In Mr. Becker's garden some time ago there were cotton blossoms, but then they were a commercial speculation, ending in snowy pods of the raw material; but tine will change this.
On Thursday a meeting was convened by Mr. Colburn, Inspector of Schools, to feel the Bourke pulse relative to scholastic affairs. Mr. John Garrett acted as chairman, and after a little preliminary talk, the following gentlemen were voted as a committee:-Messrs. Harris, Merriel, Garrett, Miller, Dockett, Hubbard, and Adolphe, with power to add to their number. Mr. Miller showed by well timed remarks that such an institution was not only absolutely necessary, but it would reflect a credit on the town from which it emanated. A subscription was set on foot on the spot, and although the company was not very numerous, £53 17s was subscribed, only a fraction (let me state) of what will be added. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Garrett, and the meeting closed sine die.
River slowly subsiding. Sept. 20th, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, October 10, 1867.

BOURKE.
Since my last there is little to say relative to stock, or the general appearance of the country; grass is abundant, and shearing is closed in many sheds. Our hay- makers are still very busy, and I have no doubt that ere they cease their labours upwards of 300 tons will be secured among the townspeople. The mail has failed to reach us entirely this week, owing, it is said, to floods. Tho Walgett mail, however, came in tonight, and I saw a copy of the Mercury, dated 26th ult., but no intimation of such visitations. Last week we waited twenty hours for the letters, and this week there is no arrival, save by the above-mentioned route. The Murrumbidgee steamer will arrive here about Monday next.
Speaking of the steamers, I was much amused by a report in the Dubbo Dispatch, relative to our "shipping." We have as much claim to the term shipping as a crow has to the plumage of the oriole, or Pan's pipe to the majesty of the organ.
We have surveyors here, whose decisions are to decide the future home of that awful punt of ours. There are whispers abroad of partiality against reason and economy, but, without it be made public, of course I know nothing of it.
A man was brought down from Breewarrina, named McHugh, the charge being unsound mind. He was admitted to bail, and, in default, three months in the Dubbo asylum for idle personages.
Mi James Foott has gladdened the hearts of all our vegetarians by opening a market garden, assisted by Celestials. All kinds of that alimentary supply are in abundance.
POLICE OFFICE.-On Tuesday, before John Garrett, P.M., Messrs. D. Byrne and Foot, Thomas More, a dilapidated specimen of Darling chef de cuisene, appeared as plaintiff in a case of wages, against Mr Edwin Hughes; the sum in dispute was 5s., and after 40s worth of evidence pro and con was taken, a verdict was returned in favour of the defendant, who then brought the charge against the former plaintiff for leaving his hired service without giving proper warning. Verdict for plaintiff, with costs of court.
A meeting was held at the court-house-Mr John Garrett in the chair-when the former motions in connection with the public school were voted to stand as laid down at that time. Mr John Garrett was voted secretary and treasurer. Mr Alfred Merrill was appointed collector of the money already subscribed. The funds to be paid into the Commercial Bank to the credit of the Bourke Public School. Mr. George Harris moved that circulars be printed, and Mr. Garrett was desired to have the movement carried out.
-Maitland Mercury, October 15, 1867.

BOURKE.
The change we have had since Monday is something remarkable. On Sunday the weather was oppressively warm, the mercury going above 80, and tonight (Wednesday) it is as boisterous as mid winter-chillingly cold winds, accompanied by fierce rain. The roads are in a fearful state, and the mail, due at 2 p.m., has not arrived. This is a great annoyance, and ought to be remedied, for if we are to wait on every change in the atmosphere for our letters, nothing can be relied upon. No one blames the contractor, for we know he does his utmost to meet his engagements; the fault lies in the letting of the contracts. The Government economy is so grinding that no margin is left for contingencies such as the present state of the country. I hardly think the Victorian postal arrangements would be allowed to be suspended for an indefinite period on account of unfavourable weather.
Our people are now on the alert for a favourable school house, and some have proposed the transformation of the defunct hospital building to that purpose. I am delighted to find a combating opinion on this matter, and a meeting is to be held as soon as possible to reorganise, if possible, that most useful institution. There is a good deal spoken of the working man's apathy in this affair, and he is not half as generous as he should be ; but I think the cause of failure in this particular Iies in his penetration as to the way the money collected was expended. There was a certain mystery in the whole arrangement, which excited his suspicion, and suspicion made him grudgingly cautious. I for one feel convinced that, under an intelligent and humane committee, an asylum for the sick and suffering can be supported in Bourke; and I hope a few benevolent men will exert themselves to this object. Sept. 25.
Thursday (to-night) a meeting was called by the sonorous tones of Mr. Bryce, our bellman, to be held in connection with the hospital, the proceedings fully bearing me out in my opinion relative thereto. Mr. John Garrett occupied the chair, and opening the meeting said " You all know the purpose for which we are assembled tonight, viz., to resuscitate if possible the hospital from the grave of oblivion. On the 28th February last that institution was closed, burdened with a debt of £400 or £500, having on hand about £100; £275 was received from Government, and this money was paid away as far as it would go among the creditors, who received about 15s in the pound. At this junction Mr. Joseph Becker had procured a writ against the treasurer, Dr. Roberts, for the sum of nearly 200 pounds, which judgment he now holds, and unless the said claim, which no one can oppose justly, be liquidated, the building, erected at great cost, must be sacrificed. He had no doubt whatever that were a sufficient sum guaranteed to Mr. Becker the execution would be stayed. The chief cause of the present embarrassment, it was said, was the inability to raise funds. He considered it no such thing; there would be no difficulty whatever, under proper management, to meet all exigencies connected with that asylum; but there has been great blundering somewhere. He did not impugn any one branch, but that bungling and mismanagement was the cause of failure was patent to all. As one instance he would cite the fact of 25 per cent being paid to a collector, when such an office ought to be almost gratuitous. He had received £700 at the commencement of the institution simply through circulars. The debt now hanging over us amounts to about £270."
Dr. Roberts said that he did not think the circular system was adequate for the collection of money to be devoted to this purpose; many of his letters had remained unanswered. He had heard complaints out of doors, and he did not hesitate to say that the institution had been carried on without any well arranged ____, and men complained that they did not know what became of their money. We now propose to lay before the public a new code of operations, and the present committee bind themselves to have the same carried out to the letter. The doctor then read to the meeting a series of rules for the management of the hospital. He further stated that three gentlemen-Messrs. Panker, Hill, and Jones-would act as collectors without percentage; Mr. Panker as far as Mount Murchison, Mr. Hill the Warrego, Mr. Jones the Bogan, and himself the Culgoa and Bree,-Mr. Walker, of the Commercial Bank, said he proposed that this meeting proceed to raise sufficient funds to pay off the Hospital debt, and to the reopening of the same. He could say nothing to those present to convince them of the necessity of such an institution; it was not only a charity which should be in active force, but it was a reproach to the community to leave it in its ashes. He did not advocate one man paying more than his just share, such being in direct opposition to both equity and Scripture; and he felt that a more beautiful structure would arise (Phoenix like) from the ruins of the former. The vote was carried.
Mr. Garrett moved that the committee be increased, when the following gentlemen were voted to the office -Messrs. Harris, Murriel, Windsor, and Mathews. Mr. Walker moved that the rules drawn up and read by Dr. Roberts be adopted -Carried.- Mr. F. Bond asked Mr. Becker how much would satisfy him should the meeting succeed in raising funds .-Mr. Becker generously agreed to accept £50, providing the Hospital be again opened, and the like amount every six months until the debt was paid off.-Dr. Roberts here offered his services at one-half the salary paid to the first surgeon. Both these offers were received with applause. -Mr. J. E. Kelly, in a sparkling address, strove to exculpate the former committee from blame.-Two subscription lists were here opened-one for the defraying the annual expenses of the Hospital, the other for the liquidation of the old debt-and although there were but few present, nearly £100 was collected. A vote of thanks was passed for the kind attention of Mr. Garrett, and all departed well pleased with the evening's work.
The Pride of the Murray is at Tooralie, with sixty tons of fencing wire; she is expected up at Bourke. September 27, 1867.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.) The country continues to look magnificent. The anticipated rise in the river caused by the flood in the Namoi, will prolong the navigation of the Darling until all the year's clip is away. Messrs. Williams Brothers, of Kennedy's Camp, on the Warrego, have (it is reported here) obtained £13 per head for 100 bullocks in Adelaide These gentlemen drove their cattle some 1400 to 1500 miles to market, and never yet sold for less than £9 10s. This fact speaks well for the grazing capabilities of the Warrego -Sept. 28.
October 5th.-Judging from the reports that the Macquarie is flooded, there is every probability of a fresh rise in the river. Owing to the state of the roads, the Sydney and Dubbo mails have not yet arrived. The Walgett mail has arrived, but brings no intelligence of floods in that direction.
The Pride of the Murray arrived on Sunday. Her cargo consisted of iron fencing for the A.P.I. Company. She left on Tuesday with a full cargo of wool.
A gentleman named Harley, who is instructed by the Government to decide upon a site for the punt, arrived by the Pride of the Murray. It is said that he is favourable to the site below Bourke, where the river can be crossed in one stream.
-Maitland Mercury, October 17, 1867.
BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
I hear very favorable reports of the system of spout washing introduced at Mr. Borron's establishment on the Culgoa. The machinery is, I understand, very simple and inexpensive. By it the wool is scoured on the sheep's back, and the fleece comes off remarkably clean. As I intend visiting the Culgoa next week, I shall make it a point to see the apparatus and judge for myself.
The rivers are all rising again. There is no doubt of the wool being sent by steamers, if the rise is sufficient; and, judging from reports, I have but little doubt of it.
Shearing is nearly finished at every station in the district, and squatting affairs are looking up considerably. The markets of course are operating against every squatter, and it is very disheartening to those who have waited so long for a good harvest, to find now that the market is glutted.
A most destructive storm passed over Bourke on Tuesday night last. At about two o'clock in the morning the greater portion of the inhabitants were startled out of their beds by a most fearful hurricane, which rose suddenly and continued for an hour, blowing before it everything in the shape of temporary buildings; carrying high trees out by the roots, and actually setting them down some distance from the stumps. The roofs were blown off all Mr. Kelly's stables, and from two cottages. Messrs. Alex. Ross and Co.'s immense iron store, containing a great deal of flour, &c, was actually blown to tatters. Some of the iron rafters were carried hundreds of yards. Blacks' fires were blowing about in all directions in a most dangerous manner. Mr. Kelly, in attempting to put one out, was blown off his feet, and could not walk back to his house, so strong was the breeze. -October 12.
-Maitland Mercury, October 24, 1867.

BOURKE.
Oct. 20.-There was very little to report when I left. The river is falling, so I fear we shall have but few more steamers up for a while. Business is pretty brisk, and forage abundant. We are striving to re-open the hospital, but I fear, from the apathy of all classes, it will prove abortive. The very men-the working ones I mean-are the most deaf to the call, so they will have the penalty to pay.
Oct 25.-I am now writing from the Culgoa River, a point which is crossed coming from Bathurst to gain the Warrego. There has been much discussion as to which is the most desirable route, by Beemery or Golgorgan. Now it appears to me the former is certainly the least expensive, as far as well sinking is concerned, and is by far the best course to pass over. Cross at the Junction Inn, on the Bogan, to Beemery, and from thence to Leadaknapper-a fine water reserve-and thence to Conn's hut on the Warrego.
When I arrived here (and that means Colless's Stores and Inn), I found a great assembly of gentlemen, attracted by the annual races. On visiting the stables, I was quite astonished at the quality of the horses-some of them fit for any racecourse in the colony, and most of them in splendid condition. When the bell rang, I strolled to the racing ground, and was again surprised at the neat and strictly correct costumes of the riders, and their riding was not a whit behind their attire. A match was run on the following Monday, between Mr. Henry Colless's bay horse Why Not, as perfect a picture as can be seen for many a mile of this place, and Mr. Peberdy's brown horse Caustic, for £60 a-side, 1 ½ mile, when the gallant bay carried old Jack Shaw easily past the winning post. Another match followed for £20 between Mr. Albert Hooley's Miss Tell, and Colless's Sailor. Here young David pulled the mare through capitally.
During the three days' racing open house was kept by the Messrs. Colless, who also from some source provided two bands, brass and string, with a company headed by the comical Bryce. Dancing and singing were the order of the day, and not so much as a dog-fight disturbed the harmony. Altogether the pleasantest three days I ever spent in the wild bush were spent on the Culgoa.
A report has just come in that Becker and Co.'s store at Bourke is burnt. I hope this is not true.
Oct 28.
[Our correspondent will see that we had in our last number a report of the races at Colless's, from our Walgett correspondent.]
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
On Monday, the 21st ult., as the day was dawning, I made a start for Colless's, on the Culgoa. I succeeded in getting across the river, after drowning one of my best horses, an animal worth £30. This being the second valuable horse I have lost, owing to the Government punt not being at work, I think it high time the boot pinched me. What in the name of all that is good and holy did the Government build this Bourke punt for? Was it to be looked at, or to be tied up in the sun, and allowed to shrink and warp into all shapes, while the public are compelled to endanger their property in a little puntoon, about 12 feet by 8, strung round with casks to keep it afloat. The trouble and danger attached to crossing loading or horses on the present substitute for a punt has had the effect of causing many travellers to go round by Beemery, where there is a really good punt, belonging to Mr. Cecil Guinness, and consequently Bourke is deprived of a good deal of trade. Is it not absurd that the Government punt, or the public punt-an article so much required, should be five years in course of erection; and when it was finished to be looked at for five more, while valuable horses and loads of goods are allowed to go either to the bottom of the Darling, or get so damaged that it would matter little if they did. I am of opinion that the more we put up with from the present Government, the more they impose upon us. Two petitions have been sent to the Minister for Works, begging of him for what we have a right to, viz, to put the punt to work immediately; but we received no answer-at all events to the principal request contained in the petition. Over the river at last I proceeded along the road to the newly-laid out town-West Bourke. A magnificent site it is, too, for a town, being some eight feet higher than East Bourke, as I presume we will have to call this town ere long. There are, and always were, arguments as to which was the right side of the river to have the town so; but now that we have Bourke on either side I presume all parties will be satisfied.
The country on the other side, as far as Colless's, looked splendid; all ana-branches and billabongs of the river are full of water. I arrived at Messrs. Colless Brothers Hotel on Tuesday. It is beyond a doubt one of the best bush houses in the interior of the colony; in fact, it would be a great credit to a town of far more pretensions. I inspected the wool washing apparatus of Mr.W.G. Borron, and found it to be one of the simplest things of the sort I ever saw. Each man can do about 120 sheep daily; and as a proof of how they are scoured, I enclose four samples of different qualities. About 1500 sheep are turned out daily by 12 hands. This speaks volumes for the establishment. I will describe, for the information of your readers, as nearly as possible how the pool is made. The water is elevated by means of a Californian pump to an elevation of four feet into a tank of about 1000 gallons ; there is a spout from the tank which runs out across the water in several places, and there is a crack in the spout about the length of the sheep's back ; through this crack the water is forced with such strength by the weight of the water above that the sheep would be drawn under, never to rise again, if it were not held by two men, and turned about under the stream.
At Beemery shearing is progressing favourably. Mr. Guinness has shifted the old station formed by Mr Rutherford to the wool shed, and Beemery is some distance from where it was when I last saw it. There is a splendid stook of hay there; I think a larger one than any in Bourke.
The steamer Culgoa has arrived during the week, and gone on to Beemery for wool. The question now arises (since carriers have been brought down to their level), which is the best way for us to send our wool. Mr. Guinness and Mr. Borron have decided in favour of dray carriage, at the present rates of 6s. to Orange, and 4s. from Orange to Sydney. If the steamer does not charge more than £7 per ton, there are heaps of charges for wharfage, insurance, &c., which tell up. The Albury is expected daily. She was last seen about 150 miles down the river. Her captain is working day and night to get up before the river becomes too low.
Nov. 2.
-Maitland Mercury, November 14, 1867.
BOURKE.
I have only this hour arrived from the north-east, and have but little news that I can send you readable, this mail, as it leaves in a few hours. One thing, however, I cannot let pass without mention-that is the tea meeting originated by Mrs G. Harris and Mrs J. Reed. At first the idea was laughed at as Utopian by those for whose benefit it was mooted. However, in spite of ridicule, these two earnest ladies went about the work, and succeeded admirably. Not only were their own friends appealed to to take tickets, but the rough bushman handed out his money until a sum of £25 9s. 6d. was actually raised. This done, the court- house was obtained from Mr. Garrett, and the manual part of the affair was commenced ; huge tables were taken from the Royal, the residence of Mrs Harris, with the other necessary appliances, and on Monday, the 11th instant, a superb repast was ready for the subscribers. All passed off with wondrous glee and satisfaction, and at its conclusion Mr. Garrett, in behalf of the ladies, thanked the company for their attendance, and the movers of the affair for the energy and charity displayed by the two above-mentioned ladies, and I think they richly deserved the tribute.
The Goolwa is at Beemery, taking in wool. She will likewise take Mr. Borron's from Bunawana.
The river is slowly subsiding.
Weather fearfully hot-109° m the shade.
November 13.
-Maitland Mercury, November 26, 1867.
BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The weather has become most intensely hot here recently; for several days the thermometer has been rising to 110 in the shade. Our green fields and back water- holes are rapidly succumbing to so fierce a sun. The bends or angles of the river which are protected by the tall umbrella-topped gums peculiar to the Darling, still remain like cultivated paddocks of barley, and will come in most opportunely for the flocks that are to lamb during this and next month.
The Frances Cadell cleared out on Wednesday last with a few hundred bales of wool. The remainder of her cargo will be completed lower down the river. I opine that she is the last boat we will see this season. The river continues to fall fast, and at present there is not the slightest probability of another fresh. This, however, is no serious loss, for the whole of the year's wool is away, and there is an abundant supply of rations, &c., forward. Nov. 16.
-Maitland Mercury, November 28, 1867.
BOURKE.
The weather is fearfully hot, so much so that it is a positive infliction to leave the shelter of one's roof. Business is rather dull, and we expect it to remain so until the races. Speaking of this event, we had a very gentlemanlike meeting relative thereto the other night, when one person, after indulging in the vernacular peculiar to any place but Billingsgate, was forcibly ejected, and another ought to have been disposed of in the same way. It seems strange that men who should know better lay themselves open to public reproach.
A small mob of rams, in charge of Mr. Fitzmaurice, passed here on Sunday, en route for Cannonbar.
The barge of the Francis Cadell is lying off the town.
I was up at the Chinaman's garden yesterday, and was greatly surprised at seeing a fine sheaf of heavy-eared wheat, grown on the spot. It has been the idea that this grain would not flourish on the Darling, but like many other ideas born at Bourke, it has been proved false.
We have now quite a glut of music in town, brass and string, the chief performer being Mr. G. De Vere, whose performances on the violin are quaint and wonderful, in every possible position. Ha produces sweet sounds till you are lost in astonishment at what practice will do.
I have been informed that Mr. D. Jones, of Walgett, has taken umbrage at my remarks on Mr. Jones of the Bogan mail, mistaking them as directed towards him. I am sorry that the error should have caused David a single pang, for I look upon him as the model mail contractor of this district
Horses are coming in for the races, and we may expect a great meeting. November 23.
-Maitland Mercury, December 5, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
A day’s rain would be very acceptable just now. So intense has been the heat that the slightest breeze rises a cloud of dust sufficient to choke one.
The Darling since my last has fallen rapidly ; and its navigation for some time will be impossible.
The Ballo, Paroo, Bow, and Warrego wool is daily arriving, and keeping Messrs. E. Hughes and Co.'s wool scouring establishment busily employed.
I hear Mr. W. sly has purchased Messrs. Mackay Brothers' herd of cattle on the Bogan. The herd is not very extensive, but what it loses in numbers it gains in quality.
Business in Bourke is dead and buried; and I attended the funeral and assisted at the obsequies. Messrs. A. Ross and Co. have no less than three public-houses in their hands for sale. There are in Bourke five licensed grog-shops, and three private establishments, where a shepherd or "any oder man" can take his bottle of lemonade or ginger beer slightly ‘qualified’ ; and hence I may say-looking at the subject from a supply and demand stand point-that money making by grog retailing has seen its day here. Nov. 23.
-Maitland Mercury, December 7, 1867.

BOURKE.
The mails are running delightfully regular. I am very glad to say the report of the fire at Becker's Stores was foundationless; and should such a misfortune occur every means in our power is put to use. There are ten large iron tanks, holding 4000 gallons of water, in various parts of the premises, beside a small engine.
Business is pretty stirring. Becker has now on hand a year’s supply, which he procured at very low carriage. We have buildings going up rapidly. The new brick Bank building for Mr. Henry Walker, a gentleman much respected, will be ready for business in seven or eight weeks from date. We are now buying meat at very low rates-beef 2d, mutton 3d; the rival firms appear each determined to beat the other from the field. The wool washing is in full force, and gives very great satisfaction. The hospital, I imagine, will be opened about January.
Our town just now is very racy ; horses in fanciful clothing are to be seen almost anywhere, and our races to come will be very excellent no doubt.
The Police Court.-On Thursday, Robert Dickson was fined £3 for an assault on Mr. James Millar; paid, - Wallard was likewise constrained to hand over to her Majesty's officer the sum of £2 for his too close relationship with "Old Tom." These sums go, I hear, to the hospital fund.-On Friday, a case of wages was heard before John Garrett, Esq, and Messrs. Vincent Dowling and Frost; verdict for plaintiff, 20s. costs of court -Just at the close of the court trooper Thurstan brought into town a Chinaman in irons on a charge of murder. He had come from Brewarrina, when to his surprise the dead man was found alive and kicking in Bourke. Of course the manacled Celestial was unbound.
A land sale was held at the court house on Monday, when some very spirited bidding took place, showing that not all the old vigour, as the Fishites have hinted, has left the little town of Bourke, and even if it had we had it to lose. The proceeds amounted to about £7 5s.
At this very moment the place is made hideous by a pack of prowling dogs which attack and annoy day and night. Why this nuisance is not removed the police perhaps know best. We have plenty of them to remove this and many other evils.
The weather is fearfully hot-112° in the shade. Nov. 29.
-Maitland Mercury, December 10, 1867.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
Several steamers are reported to be in the river lower down; but there is not the slightest possibility of (during the present state of the water) their getting up more than one or two hundred miles past Wentworth.
Wool is arriving daily from the Bulloo and Warrego. Land carriage has again to be resorted to, and I am happy to say at such rates that if the despatch is as it should be, there will not be such a great disparity between water and land carriage. I may quote carriage at 13s. per cwtt. to Sydney ; carriers not bound to time.
I hear of a sale of six thousand of Mr. Josephson's sheep to Mr. James Glass. Mr. Campbell has arrived to take delivery. There is no doubt about their giving satisfaction,
A race meeting was held at Merriel's Bourke Hotel, on Wednesday night. More squabbling between the treasurer and secretary occurred, when both tendered their resignation, which was accepted by the committee, and Mr. Joseph Becker was appointed to hold the joint office of treasurer and secretary.
Business has assumed a more lively aspect. Our publicans, after all, were not so anxious to part with their hotels ; as a proof, an offer was made of £2300 for one of Mr. John E Kelly's hotels, but it has been declined- £700 more being required. Dec. 1.
-Maitland Mercury, December 12, 1867.

BOURKE.
Police Office, Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Thomas Telford was placed at the bar, charged with stealing nine one-pound notes from the person of a man named Iron. Senior-constable Hawthorn sworn, stated: I am constable in charge of the police stationed at Bourke ; I arrested the prisoner on the 30th November ; he was given into my charge by Iron, on the charge of stealing nine one pound notes, on the 29th or the morning of the 30th; I searched him and found the sum of £1 4s. 6d. in silver; on enquiry, I find that Iron has left the town. Discharged.
James Cummins, a respectable-looking man, pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness, and paid £2 fine. George Barry pleaded guilty to the same charge, and was sentenced to seven days' retirement.
Friday -Before J. Garrett, Esq.- John Peters was charged with wilfully pulling down and destroying one panel of fence, belonging to the A. P. I. Co. Thomas Grany sworn : I am storekeeper to the A. P. I. Co., on the Warrego ; on the 25th of last month I rode over to the Spring where I found Peters camped with his team ; one panel of the fence was taken down and Peters’ bullocks in the enclosure ; this enclosure belongs to the A.P.I, Co, ; it is free selected ; there is no water outside the fence ; the nearest water is the Warrego, about two miles and a half.
E. J. Bloxham sworn: I am superintendent-general to the A.P.I. Co. ; I know the fence in question-it is on block 16, East Warrego ; the land has been selected by me ; I took it up in Jan, 1866; the necessary deposit has been paid; the fence broken down was put there to keep cattle from the springs. By the Bench : The fence was in proper condition before this trespass; a mob of cattle could not water at the spring without injuring the embankment. Verdict 5s., £2 4s. 6d. costs, and £2 to the offended dignity of the law.
James Tobin was then charged with trespassing on the same ground. F. Barslem, an overseer of the company, prosecuted, and Tobin was fined 18s. 6d. He had refused to give his name when asked, which the bench intimated to the astonished culprit made him liable to a fine of £10 in the first case; his worship told his audience that a second offence of the same nature would entitle the offender to twelve months' imprisonment and to be publicly whipped.
Trade very fair; weather fearfully hot; rain much needed. Saturday, Dec. 7.
-Maitland Mercury, December 19, 1867.

BOURKE.
I do not know when, this letter will appear, if at all ; by some unaccountable means my communications either do not see the light at all, or they show themselves when they are "flat, stale, and unprofitable." My letter which should have been read this week is somewhere else. During the present week there is very little to relate. The police office has bad to dispense its blessings to a few cases of copious drinking, and to one of a too fond love of using the black thorn.
The river is low, and the various steamers spoken of by the Dubbo Dispatch are anchored in the imagination of the writer.
The nuisances I spoke of last week, I am glad to say, have to some extent been removed by the police, and we trust they will not weary in well doing.
A match for £10 was run this morning, between Mr. Albert Hooley's Barmaid and Mr. James Foott's Tiger. The Tiger won with ease. We have about twenty race- horses in town, and fine sport is anticipated.
Snakes are very numerous. We were routed from our propriety the other night by Mrs. Harris's Chinaman cook, who had caught one of these monsters nobblerising out of his milk can. He had pinned him to the wall with a broomstick, and unfortunately the reptile escaped. Mr.Bevis, of the A. P. I Co, had a fine horse which he was riding at the time, bitten the other day above the shoulder blade. He states the animal died in a few minutes after the bite.
We have another mail coach running from Bourke to Wilcannia; the proprietor is Mr. M. Dashan, mail contractor ; and in speaking of the mails, punctuality is the order of the day.
From the Warrego the news is cheerful; grass and water in abundance.
Dec 13, 1867.
-Maitland Mercury, December 24, 1867.

BOURKE.
Without exception, this Friday, the 19th, is one of the most intolerable days I recollect. In the Royal Hotel bar-without exception the coolest house in the town- the mercury stood, at 6 p.m., 114; in fact, the very snakes postpone their glidings until after dark. And, in speaking of those reptiles, I was told by Mr. Bevar, one of the Company's overseers, that he was riding in the moonlight a few weeks ago, when he saw a huge snake in an attitude of attack on the near side of his horse. In his flurry he pulled the near rein, which brought his beast directly on the enemy, which struck the horse just above the knee pad of the saddle; he likewise stated that in a very short time, some ten minutes, his horse was dead. Several of these monsters have been seen about the township, and I assure you I look well about me after dark.
The Mount Murchison mail has just arrived, and the mailman reports three steamers there, the Endeavour, Teviot, and Gulwa. Two men are also absent in the back country, south-east from the river. Twelve days have elapsed since they were heard of, and it is supposed they have perished. Their names are William Duncan and James Blair. Another man named John Foot has been lost some four weeks.
1 am grieved to report the death of Mr. Henry Watson, clerk to Mr. James Foott, who was drowned in the Darling the day before yesterday. It appears he was sitting on some rocks by the side of the water, and while his companion was bathing he slipped in, and rose a corpse. He was an intelligent young man, and his untimely end has cast a shadow over the whole township.
Our races are drawing to a proximation. Twenty-two horses are in town.
We had a concert on Wednesday evening, which for a bush township was really excellent. The useful Bryce transformed one of Kelly's rooms into a very nice little theatre, with real foot-lights, &c, &c. The company consisted of the following gentlemen:-Messrs Cass, Wilkie, Devere, Burbank, and Bryce, and sweet was the music they discoursed. G. Cass, without exception, is the finest player of the concertina I have heard for many a day, and the manner in which he rendered an imitation of the church chimes brought down a thunderous applause of a very large and respectable house; he also played selections from Trovatore, &c., &c, with like success. Wilkie sings very sweetly and correctly, which is a great thing to say so far away from civilisation as we are supposed to be.
I have just heard, via Mount Murchison, that a paper is about appearing at Wentworth, edited by Mr. Clarkson, The more the better, if they are legitimate.
Mr. Foott sold some horses for Mr. Wilde, on Thursday ; they were a good lot, but found few buyers, save at very low rates. Mr. Joseph Becker puts up a lot of superior cattle tomorrow.
There is nothing of interest at the police court to relate.
The mails, one and all, are running splendidly.
- Maitland Mercury, December 31, 1867.