Oscar the Jounalist in 1869

1869.
THE CAPTURE OF RUTHERFORD,THE BUSHRANGER.
(From the Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
I heard by the up mail from Wilcannia that Rutherford, the bushranger, stuck up a station called Falarah, on the lower Darling and took two horses. Afterwards he visited one of Mr. Acre's stations, twelve miles from Buckenby, and took another horse. He kept the super all night in handcuffs, and told him that his mate, who was shot by McCabe, became such a burden that he could no longer keep his company, and he murdered him between the Lachlan and the Darling ; he further stated that he had a very hot time of it lately - the police of Booligal and Euston pursued him hotly. He said he would leave Acre's horse at Josephson's, on the Darling. This occurred on Friday last, the 19th. Our police, on their own responsibility, bought fat horses, and started on the 22nd down the river, in hopes of meeting this notorious ruffian. - December 23
-Maitland Mercury, January 7, 1869.

CAPTURE OF RUTHERFORD, THE BUSHRANGER.
There is no mistake about constable Cleary. He has proved himself again to be made of game stuff. He started from here, as I informed you in my last on the 22nd, and rode to Toorale, 55 miles down the river, where he received every assistance from F. Chambers, Esq , the gentleman now in charge. Mr. Chambers supplied him with information, and gave him a pair of horses and two black boys. He then, in company with constable Johns, started for the back country, known as Gundabooka Mountain. After going eight miles, they got on tracks which they followed 35 miles to a station belonging to Mr. J. F. Smith. In the creek before they came to the station they found a flea- bitten grey mare, and at once identified her to be the same as that stolen from Acre's. They then stealthily approached the hut, and rushed it, but the bushranger was not there. They then followed the creek up six miles further, and into a deep gap in the mountain, where there was another station. Mr. Smith came out and met the police, and informed them that Rutherford had only just gone up the mountain. They followed him, and after going a few hundred yards saw him sitting on a shelf about a hundred yards above them, he having by some means succeeded in getting his horse up to such a height. They being without rifles were unable to fire, and Rutherford rode off. Cleary followed him, and eventually got close enough to get a shot, and availed himself of the opportunity, the volley bringing down the bushranger's horse. Rutherford then rolled over behind a shelf of a large rock, and the place being impassable for horses, Cleary with his black trackers started on foot down the rocks after Rutherford, who, however, got fully one hundred yards ahead of Cleary, and then the chase commenced; but the scrub and the rocks aided the ruffian in getting out of sight. The darkies kept constantly and perseveringly (urged on by Cleary) on the tracks for two days, when they noticed the tracks become suddenly fresher, and the signs of bare feet. The boys, however, lost the tracks, and went around to endeavour to pick them up again. Cleary, almost exhausted by this time, looked about and saw a large cave in a rock in the mountain, into which he looked, and there to his delight discovered a pouch and a pair of pistols lying. He considered for a while, beckoned the trackers to him, sent one for the remainder of his party, and kept tho other with him to keep watch. When they arrived he went into the cave, and found Rutherford lying therein in a state of nudity. He seized and handcuffed him, and accused him of shooting M'Cabe at Shearer's. His reply was: " I am .Rutherford ; I shot McCabe ; I am sorry enough for it. He shot me. Look at the marks I have got." Through his wrist, muscle of arm, and shoulder there were bullet marks.
When I wrote this morning I forgot to state that the prisoner afterwards denied being Rutherford, although he at first said he was such. This much, however, there is no doubt about. He answers Rutherford's description in every particular. He says it was he who shot McCabe, and that it was he who was wounded in the affray.
A petition is on foot, praying Cleary's promotion to Sub-Inspector.
A blackfellow was brought up this morning before Messrs. Foott, Dowling, Hughes, Becker, and Byrne, J.P.'s, charged with attempting to commit a rape on Mrs. Stuart. Prisoner was both deaf, dumb, and paralysed. Eliza Stuart, a half caste, swore that prisoner flung a nulla nulla at her, put his hands on her mouth, and held her by the throat. She screamed out and got away. The bench was unanimous in opinion that no attempt at rape had been committed, and discharged prisoner. Bourke, December 26.
-Maitland Mercury, January 7, 1869.

BOURKE.
Police Court.-Before Messrs. Becker, Dowling, Byrnes, Hughes, and Foott, J.P.'s. During the last week we have had our usual number of not over respectable cases. Among the number was an attempted rape by a sable biped of this colony. The case was very weak, and the noble savage was sent to his run rejoicing. There were other cases of assault and obscene language; all of these were adjusted by the bench.
Christmas passed much more merrily than was anticipated. At the Royal there were all the old English sports, and everyone was in as good humour as possible. Among the sports was the veritable greasy pole, ditto pig, sacks, barrows, &c., &c. A good deal of money was subscribed by Mr. Harris.
It was yesterday (Tuesday) unbearable through the heat, but just before sundown a magnificent torrent of rain fell. The sun went down lurid red, and clouds have been hovering round, which promise what we sorely need-two or three days' rain. There's no use talking of travelling stock; -it is as stale as a fortnight's old bun, and just about as interesting,-it is everywhere, if water is to be had; and if I were asked to define nowhere, I should answer a place where travelling sheep have never been. Happy new year. Wednesday, Dec 30
-Maitland Mercury, January 12, 1869.


THE CAPTURE OF RUTHERFORD.
SERGEANT CLEARY'S EVIDENCE.
Our Bourke correspondent, under date Dec. 30, furnishes us with a copy of senior-sergeant Cleary's evidence as to the pursuit and capture of Rutherford, alias Dr. Pearson, the bushranger, and supposed murderer of McCabe. As it differs somewhat from the account we have already published from the Dubbo Dispatch, we give it in full.
The case came on before the Bourke police bench, on Monday, Dec. 28.
On Monday, the 28th, a very valuable Christmas box was presented by senior-sergeant Cleary to the town, in the person of Dr. Pearson, an individual about 28 years of age, of rather a respectable appearance, and as much cool impertinence as would suffice for half-dozen common men, and the supposed murderer of the unfortunate McCabe, at Shearer's hotel, on the Warrego. But here is the sergeant's evidence: On Monday, the 21st instant, from information received that Messrs. Field's and Acres' stations, on the Darling River, had been stuck-up by a man who called himself Thunderbolt, the following morning I started, with constable Johns, for the scene of action ; I arrived at Tooralle about seven p. m., and there waited for a black who was out looking for horses, and who had seen a man on horse-back the Monday previous, about five miles towards the Gundabooka Mountains, the black- fellow stated the man was armed with gun or rifle, and riding a grey horse ; I procured the black- fellow from Mr. Chambers, and started in pursuit of the man ; found the tracks of one horse, and ran them to the Gundabooka Mountains ; we came to a hut and a small waterhole, and saw a flea-bitten mare close to the hut, apparently very hard ridden ; constable Johns rushed the hut and found it empty ; we then started for another hut, distant about six or seven miles, and came in sight of it about half-past five (Wednesday) ; a horse was tied to the verandah ; constable Johns rushed this hut, with the tracker, when I saw a man rush out to meet them ; this man turned out to be Mr. Smith ; he said Thunder- bolt had just left for the range, to water his horse, that he was well armed, and advised us to be cautious ; I turned round, and on the range saw a man riding a black horse ; Mr. Smith said "There he goes ;" constable Johns and tracker parted in pursuit ; we followed his tracks for half-an-hour among the rocks, sometimes riding at other times dragging our horses along, on foot ; we caught sight of him doubling us ; we dismounted, but he had seen us, and galloped down on the opposite side of the range into a deep gully. Our horses' feet by this time were suffering much from the rocky state of the ground; we then returned to the hut, and took up a position among the rocks to watch a horse the black said belonged to prisoner, but it was a horse coming in to water. I turned and saw a horse ridden towards the hut. I said, "That's him." The black said "No," but we at once started at a rapid pace. The prisoner was riding at racing speed towards the hut. We tried to cut him off from the hut, and he made for the ranges. We were then 300 yards from him. I called to him at the top of my voice to "stand, and fight like a man," at the same time I sent a bullet after him. Johns did the same ; we fired again and again, when suddenly the prisoner rolled from his horse on the off side ; I said he is wounded ; he then turned and placed his hand to his breast ; we dismounted ; he then aimed a pistol at Constable Johns ; I believe he did not fire ; he then scrambled behind a large rock quite near; I left my horse, and fired my fourth shot at the retreating fugitive ; we stopped about a minute to breathe ; the black following here called out, "He is mounting the range;" we then made a dash for his horse, which we secured, with bridle, saddle, water-bag, and a loaded single barrel gun. We returned to the hut with the horses, watching them all night; all the horses on the station were alike yarded. On the following morning I put the trackers on the trail, and followed them throughout the day in different parts of the mountains; we again returned to the hut with all the horses, and again kept a strict watch. The next day, the 25th, we were again on his tracks; I then gave constable Johns charge of all the horses, saddles, &c., &c., and directed him to keep Mr. Smith's company with the other men on the station, and that I would follow the trail myself, forming a code of signals, showing him how to act; we followed the footprints till about half-past ten, leaping from rock to rock. The blacks were here at fault for quarter of an hour ; one then said "White fellow close up, bael boot, sit down”; I was above him when he said this, looking down the different caves and gullies, and as I gained a shelf in the rock, I saw a pistol and a large pouch ; I then returned to the top of the rock, took off my boots, and signalled the blacks to join me : they did so ; I despatched one of them for constable Johns and the horses, myself and Tommy keeping watch near where I found the pistol ; in an hour I was joined by Johns, Mr. Smith, and another man; I signed to Johns not to come up ; he took off his boots, and we crept to the place where I had found the pistol ;Tommy here said that he could see a naked leg between the crevices of the rock, and that it moved ; I said we must rush the place ; crawled to the rock under which he was, and jumped down to where he was, one taking one end and the other the other, and then I called on him in the Queen's name to stand, each of us covering him with our revolvers ; the prisoner said "Yes, I will ;" I said to Johns "handcuff him ;" one of his hands was thrown up ; he was then secured ; he was quite nude ; I disarmed him of a revolver loaded and capped in six chambers ; also, a single pistol loaded and capped, a pouch containing a bag of powder, box of caps, 28 bullets, and 7 revolver bullets ; I gave him the usual caution, and asked his name ; he replied, '"My name is Rutherford, Thunderbolt's mate ;" I then charged him with shooting Senior constable McCabe on the 6th of October last, on the Warrego River ; he said, "Yes, I am the man who shot McCabe ; I am sorry for it, and must suffer for it ; "we then gave him water, and started for the horses ; and on the way down he said his name was Pearson, and was a doctor by profession. I left the Mount at five o'clock on Friday evening, travelled all night, and arrived in Bourke on the 26th at six a.m. The prisoner declined answering any questions, save one which was whether he was not quite exhausted when taken. He replied that he was; the prisoner then said the police had shown more pluck than is generally displayed, and that they treated him with extreme kindness. He is remanded till Monday next. During this hearing he remained as cool as a spectator at a theatre, glancing back unflinched stares from all who sought his gaze ; but once only did his lip quiver and the moisture dim his restless eye, and that was as he looked upon the wretched tatters that covered him and his naked bruised feet.
-Maitland Mercury, January 12, 1869.



DUBBO. Monday.
[Herald.] - The Lower Darling mail has been stuck up, between Menindie and Wentworth, by a man calling himself Rutherford. £800-worth cheques, mostly belonging to Ross and Co., were taken. Mr. McCrae, superintendent of Torale, was the only person unmolested. The bushranger went with the mail to the next public house, ordered dinner, and dined with McCrae and the mailman. Pearson says that Rutherford is a most bloodthirsty scoundrel; that when chased by the Booligal police, he proposed to sneak up to the police camp, and shoot the constables while sleeping. Rutherford left the mail with the expressed intention of sticking up the Booligal coach. The police are in pursuit.
The drought continues; no sign of rain; grass and water failing fast in the back country.
-Maitland Mercury, January 21, 1869.



The Bushranger Pearson.-The Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch gives much the same report respecting the appearances of this captured bushranger, before the Bourke bench, that our own correspondent has done. He adds few minor details, as follows:-Pearson was the taller of the two bushrangers, and is 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, a young man of 28 years, with powerful shoulders, and an active and hardy appearance. He has since said that after he was shot by McCabe he managed to walk about two hundred yards away from Shearer's, and he then fainted ; his mate was after the horses at the time, and he was fully 20 minutes lying insensible, during which time a child might have captured him. He has been remanded again for eight days.
A letter has been addressed to Senior-sergeant Cleary, signed by eight magistrates, and about sixty of the most influential gentlemen of the district, expressing their admiration of his conduct, and stating that it would afford them much pleasure to see him promoted. There were about £40 or £50 subscribed, which, I understand, will be presented in the Bourke Court House in the course of a week or so. It is not agreed what the present testimonial is to consist of. Some say a silver mounted Tranter revolver, with inscription, and watch; others that the money itself should be given.
-Maitland Mercury, January 21, 1869.



BOURKE.
MORE BUSHRANGING. - RUTHERFORD NOT CAPTURED. - In spite of the glowing telegram in the Sydney Morning Herald, vide Dubbo Dispatch, this notable made himself very conspicuous at Red Cliff, some 40 miles below Menindie, on Wednesday last. I glean this information from a passenger in today's up-mail. When a short distance from Brittan's public house, the mail coming up the river was met by a man at full speed well armed. On reaching the coach, he said "Bale up, bale up," presenting a revolver, and asking Mr. McCrae, of Zooralle, who was a passenger, if he was armed. That gentleman replied in the negative, pulling out his pocket-book, and handing it to the guerrilla.
Mr. McCrae asked him to return the book and papers therein, which he did after a little demur. He then ordered them into the river, where the mail bags were despoiled ; Rutherford, as he said, being no scholar, installing Mr. McCrae pro tem as his clerk. Ruthlessly were the letters cut and hacked, but on Mr. McCrae appealing to the spoiler's feelings relative to the trouble it would cause in thus adding confusion to robbery, each letter was replaced in its original envelope. The mailman handed over his effects, but the gallant rover refused them, saying it was such as his clerk he intended to rob, asking that gentleman where the money was he had received for his sheep; he was informed that it was half way towards Melbourne. He was then requested to hold the horses while Moody, the driver, repacked the bags. This pleasant duty performed, Mr. McCrae was asked to "shout;" they repaired to the public house, and the stimulants being absorbed, Rutherford then asked his ledger- keeper, Mr. McCrae, to take the head of the table, and they would have dinner. The meal of love being finished, Rutherford returned the compliments of drinks, when some voracious suctorial asked McCrae to shout again. This greedy request roused the virtuous indignation of the sensitive freebooter, who declared that McCrae should not be imposed upon, adding that he was off to stick up the Booligal mail. Landlord Brittan here told his armed friend that he had ruined him, adding "I sent £70 away to meet bills, and you have taken it." Rutherford, in the true Quixotic spirit, laid upon the counter a huge heap of money, bidding him take his own there from, but the coveted sum was not there. Rutherford during the scene was told that his mate had been taken by sergeant Cleary; he expressed sorrow, but added "he was no use to me, and we parted." He likewise admitted shooting McCabe, but said he did it to save his mate, who had missed that unfortunate officer. Previously to this about this same spot, the down mail was robbed of over eight hundred pounds. Senior-constable Johnson, of Mount Murchison, well armed, took passage in the mail to meet our worthy disturber of the peace.
Some pernicious scoundrel wantonly destroyed 300 head of growing cabbages belonging to Mr. Kelly; that gentleman offered £50 for the discovery of the man.
Weather very hot. Jan. 13, 1869.
Our Bourke correspondent, under date Jan 20, reports that the bushranger Pearson was again brought up before the Bourke bench, and that constable Williams, Dr. Roberts, and some others were examined as witnesses. Pearson was then fully committed for trial, at the Bathurst Circuit Court.
No sign of rain up to that time.
The remainder of the report we must postpone till our next.
-Maitland Mercury, January 28, 1869.

BOURKE
POLICE COURT
(Before Messrs. Foott, Becker, Guinness, and Byrnes, J.Ps.)
Before the business of the court opened, sergeant Cleary addressed the court relative to the reported evidence in the case of Pearson the bushranger, which appeared in your issue of the 12th instant and which report was pronounced not in accordance with the evidence given. The Chairman said he had read the report in the S. M. Herald, and he considered it incorrect. He thought, with his brother magistrates, that a reporter's duty was to chronicle what was said, and no more, thereby giving every man his due. He was sorry that the report in the Mercury was inaccurate; that journal was highly respectable, and the fault must lie with the reporter. As to senior-sergeant Cleary, they considered him a brave intelligent officer, who did his duty to the best of his ability, and justice should be done him and every man. The telegram which also appeared in the S. M. Herald vide the Dubbo Dispatch, was likewise utterly without truth; there was no "desperate encounter," no "bushranger's horses shot," and no "Rutherford taken." He did hope that in future reports would be taken with a little more care. The report was then read; after which the clerk's copy, and the following mistakes rooted out, and for the benefit of sergeant Cleary (whom we all admire), I trust you will publish them:-
Instead of "constable Johns rushed the hut," put "myself and constable Johns'," this mistake occurs three times. " I sent a bullet after him," should be "I discharged my revolver at him ;" " quite near," "quite convenient;" "forming a code of signals," " I would wave my handkerchief, from the rock ;" " leaping from rock to rock," "Stepping." &c., &c. And now comes the gravest charge- "I cautioned the prisoner;" this is certainly a great error, for the charge of murder had not been made up to this point. There is another mistake (typographical), which was not commented on. I am exceedingly sorry this little tempest burst forth in such fury, when the report of the capture of Rutherford (utterly untrue) was allowed to blow over like a summer breeze. I hope, however, this rebuke will be serviceable to me and others. Constable McManas, Dr. Roberts, and some others were examined on Monday and to-day, and the prisoner was committed to Bathurst.
There is no new from down the river. Business is dull.
Becker has just erected a huge frame over-topping his stores, on which four iron tanks are placed, holding in all 1,000 gallons of water; by screwing on piping, he can thoroughly drench every part of his premises in case of fire. This is invaluable.
A testimonial is being got up to present to constable Tobias Johns. It is to be accompanied with a saddle, bridle and breast plate.
No sign of rain; water on the Bogan is drying up fast. All kinds of cattle are looking wretched.
Flour, £50 per ton; bread, 8d. 2lb. loaf; meat, 4½d per lb. Jan, 20, 1869
-Maitland Mercury, January 30, 1869.

BOURKE.
Yesterday, after an eclipse of dust, which came as usual from Gundabooka, the clouds rolled up from the same quarter, and anyone would have sworn that our cruel drought had broken up ; but we thankfully received about thirty drops of rain to the acre ; and today the fierce sun is smiting everything with pain-sheep are crawling about in thousands more dead than alive, while the river is lined with dead and dying horses and cattle; the poor brutes go for drink, get bogged, and die. It would move the icy heart of a Nero to see the terrible state of things out here; each man and woman talks of nothing else but rain. Three years have elapsed since we had rain to supply our wants, and each month passes with vain promises, and we seem as far away from it as ever. Men are actually afraid to go from the river, there is such an awful danger in the waterless wastes. James Brown, of Bourke, bullock-driver, was brought in very nearly dead from Oxley's Tableland ; he went out cutting grass, the water-cask got upset, and he was alone with the grim terror. He was found, I am informed, by some of Barton's men, in a fearful state; he is slowly recovering.
Flour has gone up to £60 per ton, and when there are plenty people who cannot afford to buy a cabbage, this is a very nice price. Everything, from coach-fare to meat, is at war prices; and money never was so scarce. Work there is none; men have no heart for putting forth their energies. If ever there was a place to turn good Christians into Pagans this is the one; broiling, tormenting heat, from October to the end of March often. Think of this, ye who live in favoured places, and murmur no more. Jan. 30, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, February 11, 1869.

BOURKE.
I am thankful to say that the weather is far cooler, though the moisture is still as badly needed; the stock are in as fearful a state as can well be, trade is quietly giving up the ghost, and the old maxim " Aurora mentis amica," with a good many would be useless, for there is little or nothing to be eaten. And yet we are better off than our neighbours. Walgett and Brewarrina, judging by their own scribes, are in a sad plight, while Willcania is retailing meat at sixpence, so I hear.
Josephson's sheep are at large, and I dare say it is as well, but when mustering takes place (should ever such a thing be brought about) there will be found short tallies by all who have adopted this system.
Dr. Roberts, accompanied by constable Laughnane, proceeded to the grave of Mrs. Gribble, (who, you will recollect, perished some time ago on the Ledanapper road), in order to disinter the body. Some tale or other about a sum of money the dead should have had in her possession, is, I believe, the cause of this movement. The result of the post mortem is not known.
Mr. Becker has placed about his stores some huge iron tanks, to act in case of fire; this is a wise proceeding.
Joseph Lunn, at the police court, before Mr. J. Foot, chairman, and Mr. J. Becker, J.P., was fined £5 for illegally using a horse. No other cases of note.
The roads are lined with carriers unable to push down. The hospital is still doing well.
Bourke, Saturday, Feb. 6th, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, February 23, 1869.

BOURKE.
(From the Dubbo Dispatch.)
I am informed, upon unquestionable authority, that there has been a heavy fall of rain on the Lower Cuttaburra, and on parts of the Paroo. The Warrego, too, has in places been likewise favoured; also at Waganorra, in Queensland, there have been a few splendid showers ; but on the whole the rain has been very partial in that locality. There has not been a drop in Bourke, or downwards, although it came as it were to the threshold of our doors.
All the tanks at the mountain (Oxley) have been filled; and it rained, more or less, all the way up the Bogan to Duck Creek, where it came down in torrents. Frogs, mosquitoes, grass, and rain, all must have fallen together, for all were there ten hours after the appearance of the rain, in thousands. I thought the frogs and mosquitoes had perished out of existence. As for grass any one would have sworn that it was as totally eradicated along the frontages of the river and edges of the roads as it had been in Sydney streets; but back I assure you it has come, from where God knows. Up it jumped six inches in less than 24 hours. Duck Creek ran three parts bank high, so did Crooked Creek, and a portion of the Bogan. The rains appeared to have extended from three miles below Warren downwards, reaching more or less the Bogan, Gunningbar, Duck Creek, Crooked Creek, and a portion of the Mara Creek, to within twenty miles of Bourke.
They have had a fine thunderstorm along the Bogan. Barton's and Oxley's table land have been very fortunate in this respect of rain.
The mercury stood at 107 yesterday; and it is even hotter today. Horses and cattle dying, and the dead are lining the river. Feb. 10.
-Maitland Mercury, February 25, 1869.

BOURKE.
There is little to relate of town gossip. On Saturday last, after a great deal of promise, the rain fell in quite delightful quantities; but it won't do much good just here. At Oxley's, the Pink Hills, Culgoa River, and downward from here, the rain has fallen in great abundance. But the accounts you hear are so tinged with romance that you can rarely place full confidence in them. However, rain has fallen, and feed I hear is springing gaily out back.
Mr. John Whitmore, of the Culgoa, whilst engaged in the storm of Saturday, was rendered insensible by lightning, which shattered a tree close to where he stood. Nothing serious.
Mrs. McLean died of consumption on Tuesday last. A little girl of eleven years is thus left without a protector.
The Court house is remarkably quiet.
There is no rise in the river. The Sydney mail via Dubbo was only about twenty-eight hours late on Saturday, and thirty-two or so on Wednesday, and then the letters could not be got at the office till the Friday following. Oh, New South Wales! you are a model colony, a gem of the purest lustre. All the other mails are running well. Feb. 17.
(From the Dubbo Dispatch, February 26 )
BOURKE.- There have been some splendid showers on the Culgoa, which have run that creek in places ; grass is springing nicely. Beemery has been particularly favored. The Bogan run, and many of the holes were filled. There is also water at the mountain, at Handcock and Mackay's tank, to last six months. This is a God-send, indeed, as there was a good supply of old grass in that vicinity. I hear that Gongolgan is as dry as ever; so, indeed, is the country all the way up to Richardson's, when a decided improvement can be noticed, which becomes better as you near Cannonbar, at which place there is a spring of nine inches in the grass; and Duck Creek has run three-parts bank high from about eight miles below Warren. All the crab holes on the plains between Warren and Cannonbar are now full, and I am informed that neither Warren nor the Macquarie, from Warren to Dubbo, have participated in the recent rains - February 20.
-Maitland Mercury, March 4, 1869.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch. )
I have received information to the following effect, from the mail contractor between here and Walgett :-The river at Moorabee is three parts bank high, and rising fast; grass along the frontage is springing beautifully. A leading firm states that if the above report is true they will in five weeks hence sell flour at £15 instead of (as at present) £50 per ton. Since my last there have been twelve hours' steady rain, which has improved matters here considerably. Grass, I hear, has sprung splendidly at the mountain, and on the Marrah and Lower Macquarie. February 27.
-Maitland Mercury, March 11, 1869.

BOURKE.
At the police court we have had a rather heavy fortnight. One case of horse sweating was disposed of yesterday for a fine of £10. There is a party of fellows who seem to glory in riding other people's horses, and should the bench drop it on heavy when they do catch a delinquent, it would benefit all who have horses dragging out a miserable existence. The police black tracker is now in custody on the same charge; his case will be tried on Monday.
The wife of Mr. John Wilson, formerly of the B.R. Co., was found in a deep waterhole, a little below Fort Bourke -nine miles below us. Of the causes of this suicide, for such it is deemed, I know nothing.
The weather is hot, and rain is as much needed as ever ; in fact, what fell in the late storms has done us little or no service. There is no water between here and the Warrego. The Government tank at the Lake is perfectly empty ; Mr. Hurshem, residing there, carts water sixteen or seventeen miles. We are in a dreadful state, and not the faintest sign of improvement; our rations hold out well, and our gardens are in splendid order. Mr. W. Davis, our butcher, told us today should the weather continue dry for another fortnight, he should have to succumb. This is rather startling, for he is a man of great energy, and consequently not easily daunted. Hay is being procured at something like £ 12 to £14 per ton.
I am sorry to say the Bogan mail, from some unaccountable cause or causes, is almost always behind time, sometimes thirty hours. Today’s mail, due at 7 a.m., is not yet here, 8 p.m ; the Walgett line runs very well indeed, as does the Wilcannia route. From that town distressing news comes up the river, and some say they will all soon stampede. Badly off as we are the grim wolf is far from our doors. The flood is coming down the Darling, it is now, 40 miles east from us, half bank high. The health of the place is good, and the hospital is in a flourishing state, all connected therewith giving satisfaction. You would be surprised to learn the number of tons of goods on the road to Bourke, but they can't move until it rains.
Should an enterprising statesman wish to see what the saltbush people have to contend with, now is the time, it is fine fun to jog along the roads when the grass grows green, and the rivers flash here and there to the traveller's sight. But with fifty, sixty, and seventy mile stages without a drop of the blessed boon, is another thing; not, I am afraid, to be thought of by the city gentry. If ever a region was adapted for individuals of the Mark Tapley genius, this is the spot.
The skin of a huge brown snake was picked up by a man named Bourke, measuring over 12 feet, the other day. Nice neighbours, eh! these, with mosquitoes, and other midnight vampires, make us excessively jolly. Most of the sheep around are turned loose to make the best of it.
A man named Witmarsh was struck by lightning, on the Culgoa, during the last storm. He is recovering.
The quickest route from Maitland to this part of the river is via Walgett. Feb. 27.
-Maitland Mercury, March 13, 1869.

BOURKE.
A correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch writes :- The body of Mrs. Wilson was found in a deep waterhole below Fort Bourke this morning. The remains will, I hear, be brought to Bourke for interment.
The flood, so rumour says, is at Beemery half bank high. This will be gladly hailed at Bourke, for the water in the river is getting very bad. The news from Wilcannia is very gloomy, and in fact, from all the townships the cry of suffering is heard from some actually in want. Now we, though badly enough off, are some hundreds per cent, better situated than our neighbours; we have plenty of flour, and though our beef is what would not suit a City Alderman, still we have enough of it such as it is ; while vegetables are most abundant. We have six or seven gardens, and all flourishing. Mr. Becker expects loading in shortly, so the few articles of which we are in need will soon be at hand. No signs of rain; days warm, but the nights are comfortably cool.- February 26.
On March he says the river has risen about two feet. The mail last trip 28 hours late.
-Maitland Mercury, March 18, 1869.

BOURKE.
The weather is literally hot as ever. Last week the mercury pumped up to 110° in the shade, and the clammy depressing warmth is felt more than in the height of the summer; this is owing chiefly to the cool nights. There is some comfort if not aid in the accounts of the drought being broken up, and of the abundance of grass in some parts of the country ; if it is so, the recipients should return their unqualified thanks to heaven for favours received. As to our delightful district, the cry is still for rain ; what fell a week or so ago has not altered our position a bit ; the earth still wears a most desolate appearance, and nature seems lying in her shroud of death. The river, however, has risen about ten feet, and our people count surely on the steamers. God grant they may come, for not more earnestly did Wellington wish for the arrival of the Prussians at Waterloo than does every man pray for cheaper clothes and food. Money is more scarce than ever known, and all articles are alarmingly dear. Bread, for instance, 8d. per 2 lb. loaf ; tea, 3s. ; fair sugar, 8d. ; meat, 4d. to 5d., &c, &c. The water has ceased to rise, but 10 feet is supposed sufficient to bring up freight. A barge with 380 bales of wool, which barge has been lying here for many and many a month, has gone down.
A report came into town on Saturday that Bob, a Murray blackfellow, on his road to his own towri, was brutally speared in the side with a jag spear by a pernicious villain named Simon. Now this black Gloster has murdered and attacked more than two or three, which can be well proven, and yet he is allowed to mingle with the people of Bourke as though he were a poor harmless white. My informant, Mr. Arthur Ward, dragged forth the weapon with sheer force, breaking one jag in the wound ; so that, although blackfellows recover from wounds which would kill three Saxons, we may, as the Yankee has it, consider him " rubbed out," for certain ; for not only is the wound almost through the body, but the poisonous nature of nearly all our woods used in making weapons is nearly always fatal. The outrage took place at night, 15 miles east of Toorallie. If this scoundrel is not brought to account for this last deed, there will be another brilliant spot on the shield of this intelligent colony. In Queensland the grass would have grown over this murderer's grave six or eight years ago. Rifles and revolvers are a harsh remedy, but it has been proven times out of number that nothing else will do. I know several people who once talked of "the poor blacks," but have learned the use of the leaden bolus when applied to such brutes as Mr. Simon.
Information has come up from Toorallie that a Chinaman named Ah Poon, engaged as a shepherd at the Cap, left his flock at night sometime in last September, leaving his wages, which report says amounted to five months' earning. He had a considerable sum of money upon him when he disappeared ; there is a great excitement among the Chinese population here, numbering, would you believe it, to sixty or seventy persons. A reward of £5 is offered by his relatives for any information regarding him. That such a time should elapse before any step was taken to find the lost man is as strange as to where he can have got to; probably he is dead in the bush, or he may have met with foul play.
There was also brought in from the Warrego a rumour that the hon. Mr. Ellis, whilst making a road out across some back country, had been lost ; I cannot vouch for the fact, but the gentleman who gave the news must have had some foundation for it.
Three waggons arrived with flour from Dubbo; their horses looked well, showing that travelling can be done when corn is carried for them; but for a man to suppose the poor brutes can do continued work with the sticks and stones they find in the bush to eat, he must be little short of a fool, and if his speculations fail it serves him right.
Saturday morning's 7 a.m. Dubbo mail came in with passengers at 10 on Sunday night.
There is little of importance to report from the court house : Mr. John Garrett, P.M., is expected soon, and a very good job he is coming ; somebody is wanted to set to rights the wrongs of this delectable place.
Monstrous hot, with as little sign of rain as there was a year ago. Monday, March 15th, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, March 30, 1869.

BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The river is going down so alarmingly fast that we despair of the steamers, without another flood. The weather has been very hot, and rain seems to have fallen all around us-at Oxley's very abundantly - but we still are panting for the refreshing showers. There is no feed near Bourke, but at Redbank, 40 miles downward, grass is abundant from the late rains. The people here have given up hoping, after the late disappointments, for never gathered over a place more rain-like clouds than have visited us lately.
I saw a gentleman from the Warrego the other day, and he gives a dreadful account of things there. There is scarcely a pound of flour on the river till you get very high up, and water never was so scarce. On the Paroo they have had rain, but it is next to impossible for horses to get into Bourke from that river. March 19.
-Maitland Mercury, April 8, 1869.

BOURKE.
There is no doubt now but the drought has vanished. Grass is everywhere, causing the heart to be glad; on the river it is six to eight inches high. The rain we have had has been very abundant, and still hangs about.
I am sorry to say that on Monday last the little daughter of Mrs. Wilson, who was drowned at Fort Bourke some time since, met a similar fate here as she was going home from school. John Lundy died at Terralgoona from breaking a blood vessel ; he was late in the employ of Mr. Charles Cowper.
At the police court, yesterday, before Messrs. Foott, Byrnes, and Becker, Henry Colliss and H. Pardy were charged with assaulting Alfred Merriel. It appeared that Merriel had taken charge of the Wilcannia mail bags from the post-office, and was about starting from Colliss's house when that gentleman, being the agent, and Merriel not the regular mailman, thought that the latter had no right to the bags, and demanded them, which demand was refused, with the assurance that nothing but force should take them from his (Merriel's) possession. Sufficient violence was resorted to, and then the assistance of senior sergeant Cleary and the postmaster was called into requisition, and the mails were handed over to Mr. Bobant. The majority of the bench thought that no assault had been committed, in as much as Colliss had a right to take the mail. The chairman, Mr. Foott, argued that that question rested with the Postmaster-General, that the assault complained of was what they had to consider, and not the right Colliss had to detain the bags. A good deal of evidence and explanation was heard, the defendants showing that no actual violence was used, but simply a sort of see-saw game with the bags, in which pastime the complainant fell behind the bar-one of the defendants' party admitting that be pushed Merriel down. The Court retired for a few minutes, and on their return the Chairman said that as for himself he considered an assault had been committed, but as his brother magistrates thought differently, and they being the majority, the case would have to be dismissed.
In the Small Debts Court, on Monday, Alex. Ramsay v. Henry Johnson, £8 16s., for labour and materials. In this case there was a vast amount of words, and, as the bench said, some very hard swearing. It appeared that the plaintiff had done some work on a cottage belonging to defendant, but it transpired that a third party had engaged the plaintiff, with the understanding that the bill was to be deducted from the rent. Case dismissed.-Johnson v. Ramsay, £5 12s. 6d., board and lodging. Verdict for plaintiff, £4 12s. 6d.-Robinson v. D. Solomon, £8 12s., board and supplies. Verdict for plaintiff, with costs.-Celina Marshall v. M'Lean, wages, £9 10s. Verdict for plaintiff, £6 10s., with costs.-M. Robinson v. J. Sowden, £10, for watch lost by defendant, it being stolen from his shop. Verdict £5, and costs.
Fourteen thousand sheep, late O'Shannasy's, are crossing on their way down the river. This run is to become a cattle station.
No news of the steamers. The river is getting low again. Flour is nine pence per pound. We have another butcher, thank Heaven; he starts to-morrow. Another baker is much wanted. Three mails due from Sydney. April 10, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, April 22, 1869.

BOURKE.
(Abridged from our correspondent's report)
The weather is all that could be desired, and grass is abundant everywhere. The cattle begin again to look like cattle, and man himself is grateful and contented. The river is rising rapidly, so that steamers can now come, which they may do in numbers, for hundreds of tons will be wanting for the back country. Conley and Woods' teams, heavily laden for Mr. Becker, came in on Saturday ; drays are arriving from all the north-west rivers, and Bourke will doubtless shortly be flourishing.
Talk as people may about the gardening skill of Chinamen, the garden of Mr. Horsfall puts them to the blush. Fruit trees of all kinds are in splendid condition, the quinces being particularly fine. When it is considered, the torrid heat and the years of drought, it must be conceded that Mr. Horsfall has accomplished a great deal. His garden is about two acres in extent, and is kept in splendid order by the labour of one Englishman. Of course more labour was required for the original formation of this oasis in the desert, and many hundreds of pounds were expended.
Bourke has now a gaol and it is to be hoped that a few of the offensive obstructors of the town will be removed.
Tenders are called for tanks between the Culgoa and Warrego rivers, the one at the lake has fallen in at two or three places.
At the police court, on Friday, Charles Hallard was charged with working a horse belonging to Cecil Guiness, Esq., of Beemery. The case was proved, and Hallard was sentenced to be imprisoned with hard labour in Bourke gaol.
Senior-sergeant Cleary left Bourke for Bathurst on the 11th April with the bushranger Pearson, who, although pale, looked as hardened as ever.
On Tuesday a Murray native, named Abram, was brought before the bench, charged with being of unsound mind. At the commencement of his malady he was very violent, but is now recovering slowly. He was remanded for a week.-Charles Spencer was summoned by W. Brandon, for unlawfully detaining a horse; the animal was ordered to be returned by the first of June.-Patrick Lennard v. Adolph, for wages. Verdict for plaintiff; 20s. and costs. These parties had barely left the yard of the court house, when they came to blows. They were conveyed by the police to the lock-up, and were afterwards bound over to keep the peace.
The river is still rising rapidly, and there can be little doubt about the steamers coming up. It is very fine and warm. April 20, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, May 6, 1869.

BOURKE.
The Maranoa steamer, Captain Johnson, is expected at two p.m. today, and several other boats are close in her wake, and not before time, when bread was about rising to a shilling per 2-lb. loaf. For my part I would live on fat hen, pigweed, or any of the gratuitous gifts found in the bush, before I would patronise such a system. Ninepence, in mercy, is enough, when everybody is struggling for a bare living; but Captain Johnson and his fellow mariners have lifted the threatened yoke. The river is rising still, and some predict another big flood.
The cutting-the second one I mean-begun under such flattering promises of success, is now fretting away piecemeal, and before the flood is over it will have gone like the tenant who quits without warning. I wonder what genius will undertake the next, if we are ever to have another ; but with our two failures I should imagine the Government would cry " hold enough."
There are waiting for loading, to the north and north-west, teams capable, combined, of taking one hundred tons out of Bourke.
It commenced raining last night, and is still looking very like more. I don't know when you will get this if it goes by the Bogan mail; you should send via Walgett. Grass and herbs are gloriously everywhere.
Our police court has nothing to tempt a man from his work. I wonder if our population is considered worthy a P.M. We stagger along through the mazes of the law, like a lot of Ceylon elephants hauling logs of teak through the swamps: they are very sagacious animals, but they make considerable unavailing noise.
The Celestial part of our body politic received a little bastinadoing the other day, in the shape of a fine of £33 14s. 6d. for the harmless amusement of dice, &c, &c. Why this gambling has not been put down before seems strange, when it has been carried on as openly as the purchase of bread and beef. It must be the colour; for should a white man be caught rattling the dice box or shuffling the pasteboards, he would in all probability figure at the police court.
Constable Black returned to-day from the Irara, where the body of a drowned man was found and buried, some weeks ago, by a teamster. It is some time since there was sufficient water there to drown a rat, much less an unfortunate mortal. I have not heard the trooper's report.
The Maranoa was safely moored to the ruins of our last cutting about three p.m. There was quite a crowd to see her, and everyone (if I may except a few) hailed her with delight. We may per chance get a potatoe now-'tis some time since we saw one. Bourke, May 4
-Maitland Mercury, May 18, 1869.

BOURKE.
(From our own Correspondent.)
Our famine is over; the Jupiter and the Wentworth, steamers, have left for the Murray this morning, and the Albury is expected in a day or so. Flour has been bought as low as £2 per bag; potatoes brought about 18s. per cwt., and fine ones they are. It is the intention, I believe, of these owners to return if possible; at any rate we have plenty of rations. There is some talk of another baker starting: should it turn out true it will be a great boon, although bread is down now to 6d , thank God ; may it never exceed this price. Meat is pretty high considering, but there is some talk of cheaper flesh.
We are to have a grand ball on the 24th instant, in honour of our noble lady the Queen's birthday.
The Sydney mail still arrives deliciously late; it is only now, at seven p.m., thirty-six hours late.
There is quite a stir among the teamsters, but the lowness of the prices offered for carriage is causing much grumbling and hanging back.
The country looks delightfully green, though the grass has not shown to a great extent, the chief forage being herbs; but should we have rain in June or July we shall have plenty. The days are pleasantly warm, but the nights are rather sharp, but no frost. It is confidently hoped a new life will be put into the various departments of trade, which of late have been very much depressed.
The Government have commenced clearing our streets by means of gaol labour; three men are now employed removing trees, &c. ; one came in the other day from Brewarrina, and is to work twelve months for horse sweating.
We have now two billiard tables-one at Kelly's, the other at Colliss's-and very nice affairs they are.
The Warrego at Ford's bridge is bank high. The Darling here is lowering fast. Thursday, May 13.
-Maitland Mercury, May 27, 1869.

BOURKE.
Since the departure of the Jupiter and Wentworth steamers we have had no others, and the river is going down alarmingly fast. Other boats are expected, but it is a query if they will reach here. The weather is deliciously fine, and no frost up to date.
At the police court today, before Messrs. Foott and Becker, Thomas Dodd, Richard Jones, and David Neil, of the Culgoa River, were placed in the dock, charged by sergeant Byrnes, of Breewarrina, with slaughtering a black bullock, the property of the Messrs. Peperdy; also with taking two calves the property of the same parties. There was a long evidence taken, and the accused were remanded for eight days, bail being refused.
An examination of the children under the care of Mr. Rosenthall took place last week, in that gentleman's private schoolhouse; there was a large attendance of adults, and the manner in which the children passed their ordeals was highly satisfactory. It was the general remark that the progress made by most of the scholars under that gentleman's guidance was wonderful; poetry and prose were read in some cases almost faultlessly. There is some talk of getting up a testimonial to the teacher, who richly deserves it; he has been but a few months here, and has already made his presence felt most favorably. The children were afterwards treated to a picnic, where old and young enjoyed themselves heartily. Mr. Becker provided the necessary carriage accommodation for the children.
Business is looking up. The Temple of Fashion (Nancarrow's) is going under a thorough repair, and when the teams arrive consigned to this firm, the building will have a claim to the term " Temple of Fashion." A great many teams have gone out and more to follow. We could do with three or four steamers. At the Fisheries they are badly off.
P.S.-This morning's seven a.m. mail from Sydney not in-eight p.m. May 20.


(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
I can report very little of interest this mail. Rations are plentiful, thanks to the steamers, and everything is rapidly assuming a cheerful aspect.
The captains of the steamers plying on the Darling River report favourably of the snagging operations, carried on under the management of Mr. Francis Napier, C.E. The Darling, from Wentworth to a distance of about 300 miles upwards, is almost completely clear of snags, and this portion of the river looks clean and tidy. Once clear the river as far as Menindie, and the cost comparatively will be trifling thence to Mount Murchison and Fort Bourke. This is a work of much importance to the settlers, and it is to be hoped the Government will not fail to carry on the work until completed. May 22.
-Maitland Mercury, June 3, 1869.

BOURKE.
We have had another fine shower, and the grass is still growing. The Gulgoa steamer is expected today; I believe she has taken the cargo from the Albury. There is, it is said, not sufficient water for so large a vessel.
There is some talk of Mr. Charles Cowper, jun., being our chief magistrate; this appears to give general satisfaction, for he is looked upon as a very strict dispenser of justice in its legitimate sense.
The Queen's Birthnight ball came off at Tattersalls last night, and reflects much credit on everyone concerned. Mr. Walters removed the billiard table from Colliss' large room, which was splendidly lighted, and from various sources he decorated it in a most artistic manner; the musicians sitting on a raised dais, canopied by the immortal Union Jack, while artificial flowers and sweet-smelling evergreens made the place a perfect pagoda of enjoyment. At nine o'clock the music, led by Mr. Walter Campbell in his usual masterly style, called the dancers to their stations, and I was quite astonished at the number of good-looking and well dressed ladies. It would be difficult to pick out the belle of the ball among them without a little heartburning; but a married lady was the one lifted to that honor. At twelve we proceeded to the supper room, where the cooks had sent a most excellent and abundant repast. After the appeals of hunger were satisfied, Mr. Henry Colliss proposed the health of her Majesty the Queen and Royal Family; this was drank with the true ring of loving British subjects. Several other toasts were pledged, among them Lady Belmore and the ladies of Australia. The ball room was sought again after this, and merry feet and happy hearts kept time to the music ' till a short time before daybreak. At the commencement of the second part a verse or two was read by Mr. Walters, which I send :
To-night we meet upon this festive scene
To celebrate the birthnight of our Queen,
A Queen beloved in every clime on earth
For gentle bearing, courtesy, and worth.
And while to music's soft and melting strain
We weave the dance, a gay and happy train.
Let no ill-feeling chill the joyous hour.
Or pluck from mirth's bright crown a single flower;
For every smile give one back in reply,
And let sweet friendship beam from every eye ;
That when the hour Is past we all may speak,
And say our hearts put music in our feet.
I need not say this exhortation was fully carried out ; not one single affair appearing to mar the gathering.
The Albury has just arrived (Captain Johnson).
A man named Kirk, at the mountain yesterday, met with a very severe accident by being caught in his dray wheel. It is a very dreadful accident. Bourke, May 25.
-Maitland Mercury, June 8, 1869.

BOURKE.
You will see by the papers that Mr. Charles Cowper, jun., is to be our Police Magistrate and not before time. All that I have heard of the gentleman who is to sit in our seat of justice shows him to be well fitted for the responsible office. And I sincerely hope that Bourke has thrown off entirely her fretful moments relative to the officers appointed to look after her welfare.
(Senior sergeant Cleary is at the head of our police force, and the most law-breaking among us award him the merit of being a " thorough" man of business. The staff under him are also men of respectability and prowess, so that on that score we have nothing to murmur at. If every township could claim such men, the police force in New South Wales would be in higher favor with the people. Let us hope that the motto, " Vis unita fortion," may be in future felt as a truth among the Bourkites.
I am sorry to inform you that our respected C.P.S, Mr. H Bobart, met with rather a severe accident the other day. He was out riding, when his horse came in contact with an unruly cow, the shock bringing the rider to the ground, breaking the small bone of the right arm. He is, I am glad to say, doing well.
The Weather is very cold, both by day and night, frosts appearing often. Business is slightly agitating towards improvement. No steamers are expected without another rise in the river. The back countries are in splendid grassial condition, though rations are still scarce.
I heard that the accomplished Rutherford was on the upper part of the river, and Cleary was off like an Armstrong 300-pounder. Should they meet there will be blood spilt. Whether this be true about Rutherford is only conjecture, for if this freebooter is at all the places assigned him he must be omnipresent ; however, I trust Cleary may draw a bead upon him.
The parties locked up for the cattle-killing arrangement on the Culgoa, were liberated after some weeks of remands, but in justice to Sergeant Byrnes, of Brewarrina, the prosecutor, he left not the slightest pebble unturned or uplifted to ensure conviction. This officer, I learn, is a valuable appendage to the Fishites, who are strangely innocent of knowing anything of Coke and Blackstone.
Mr. Colliss has commenced finishing his brick building, which when done, will be an ornament to the town. We have now two kneaders of dough, and they seem to be doing a good business, charging 6d. the 21b. loaf.-I have just heard that the river is rising at Beemery, that splendid station of Mr. C. Guinness.
Mr. W. W. Davis has been mustering at Yambacoona, and got together a splendid lot of cattle, which I hear are to go to Mr. Kelly's country, between Bourke and Booligal. June 12.
-Maitland Mercury, June 24, 1869.

BOURKE.
The weather lately has been very wet, yet no one complains. The river is again rising, and more steamers, it is to be hoped, will soon be here, they are needed. It is now time that something if anything is to be done with the splendid country owned by the squatters, of this district; but there seems no rustling among the dry bones. Must this sepulchre for ever lie a lifeless mass of inanity? We have heard that heaven assists those who help themselves. We pitied the pastoralist in time of famine; and now should the golden minutes be allowed to pass uncared for, who will have to suffer ? and who will be to blame ? They seem to ignore Longfellow's Psalm of Life; their acting is of the most bird like character-hopping from spot to spot and trusting to Providence. This is a very fine way of meeting death and starvation should you not starve under the operation. What is wanted, instead of this milk and water order of things, is a little of the real beef and mutton strength which once shoved the Danes back into their boats, and left the conquered conquerors. We have had a severe lesson read us. Let us see if it will remove the evils under which we suffer.
I forgot to say before that the Government, with its usual generosity towards its dusky children, has forgotten (for of course it can be nothing short of an absence of memory) that the shivering natives are minus their annual amount of manufactured wool. Poor devils, in the cold frosty nights and mornings they are about as happy as a party of representatives picnicking under the lea of an iceberg. We trust that the needed blankets will arrive in time for the summer months.
Adolph's stores open tomorrow, and I must say the whole concern is the most substantial affair in Bourke. Nancarrow Brothers are about putting an addition to their present premises. This will make three very good general stores, and we trust that a little rivalry will benefit the community, for there is a good large per centage yet to be cast off the price of things.
The health of the place is really splendid, in fact with all our annoyances I have never been in a place where sickness is so little suffered.
The hospital still is carried on under Dr. Roberts, and all give entire satisfaction. The wardsman and matron, Mr. and Mrs. Rielly, evidently strive to make the unhappy creatures as much at home as possible. I was there last week, and found everything scrupulously clean, the patients cheerful and contented.
It is now raining lightly. The mails, or I should say, the mail Bogan, is running well-the other mails always did. June 25.
-Maitland Mercury, July 13, 1869.

BOURKE.
Police Court.-We have lately had rather more than our usual amount of cases at this institution, made up of small debts, charges of robbery, abusive language, insanity, &c, &c, but nothing startling.
The most important item of Bourke news is the purchase by Messrs. Nancarrow, late of Maitland, of J. E. Kelly's extensive and splendidly situated premises, known as the "Old Fort Hotel," situated in Mitchell street. The old tavern was itself a very large affair, containing all the requisites of a thorough country inn, with large store attached, billiard-room, spacious stables, coach-houses, kitchens, &c, &c., all fitted up in the most modern style; but when you add to all this the splendid brick building, built four or five years ago, I think, including dining-room and sitting-room, ten or eleven apartments, most handsomely furnished and finished-you have at once one of the most select and generally useful houses out of the cities. The purchasers take possession in September next.
The river is almost as high as when the steamers came last, but from the best information I can glean there are no steamers this side of Wilcannia. 8000 sheep, from Beemey, went by in the charge of Mr. Hawkins last week for Melbourne. Good news still comes in from the back country. In regard to the steamers, the manner in which they dispose of their cargoes does but little good to the poor man. One buys it all, and after a few weeks of comparatively low charges, the sliding scale system goes up again, and he is as dependent as ever. Fancy one man, with his banking account large, taking the whole of a cargo of potatoes ; while the poor devil, with a few pounds in his pocket, having for his share the sight of them being conveyed to their depot. It is about time the necessaries of life were cheapened. Flour is from £3 to £3 10s. per bag, and labor-skilled labor I mean- is worse paid here than in Melbourne or Sydney. As to manual labour, there are more men walking about idle than I ever saw. I saw a man yesterday who had walked from the Lachlan, and he assured me that he had expended, in provisions for himself and the hungry unfortunates he had met on the road, £15, " and that, sir," he concluded, " without a glass of grog."
Mr. W. W. Davis has just come from his second mustering. I don't know the result, but something very satisfactory. July 6th, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, July 20, 1869.

BOURKE.
[From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch]
We have had two wonderful escapes from accidents. Mr. William Howlett, mail contractor, was the other day placing up some stockyard rails, when a furious bullock rushed at him, causing the rail he held to come in contact with his head, doing that figurative member considerable damage, but nothing serious. - The other was a capsize. Mr. Richard Simms, of Warren, was driving three horses out of town on Sunday, when, from some cause or other, the waggon came in contact with a formidable stump, the consequence being an "eternal smash." When assistance arrived the vehicle upturned was lying bodily on the driver, who, strange to say, was released without apparent injury.
There is free selection going on about 70 miles below, at a place a mile or so from Louth.
Mr. Doohan, the downward contractor for the mails, has put 100 fresh horses on his line, so that we may expect a continuance of his excellent management.
The river is lined with men, and it is reported that Mr. Cowper, sen., who is now in Bourke, intends following Robertson's system of reduction in the expenditure of the stations under his charge. At Beemery shepherds are to receive £30 per annum, and shearers 15s per hundred. I can't vouch for the truth of this; but I got it from pretty good authority. If it is the case, the price of clothes, &c., must come down.
At the Mountain (Oxley's) the selectors are busy, and two very good buildings are going up.
News from the Warrego is good. Mr. William Shearer, of the Warrego Inn, has a most abundant supply of water, and as the Government tank makers have gone out, we hope that no more deaths by thirst will have to be recorded.
To show you what a country this is in the wet or moderate seasons, green peas were hawked about this morning for sale. We have tried the sweet potatoe, but I think, from unskilful treatment, the result was not as good as was anticipated. Everything else is plentiful to repletion.
Horses are very cheap, that is the usual class of animals offered, and will be while we have such capital feed.
It would rather surprise you to see the numerous buggies and well-mounted horses which turn out in Bourke on a Sunday. It does one good to see them; but the young bucks would do well not to ride through the town as fast as they do sometimes, as there might be an inquest some day to attend. Gentle riding is more refined, and must be more pleasant to their lady companions than the Johnny Gilpin style sometimes displayed. July 29.
-Maitland Mercury, August 12, 1869.

BOURKE.
There is very little to chronicle from this delightful place.
There have been two steamers here since my last-the Goolwa and the Kennedy; the latter is still upwards, while the Jupiter is somewhere below Tooralli, unable to come up; her cargo, or a great deal of it, is put ashore to be conveyed by teams.
Business is still labouring under difficulties, and a want of the true commercial spirit is much needed among us. There is nothing but grumbling, and still no remedy has appeared. What is needed is a population with its mind made up to make the district its home. Our people are like sailors visiting a foreign port: they squeeze all they can out of it, and then sail for other havens ; and not only does this retard a township's progress, but it inflicts a grievous blow upon the bona fide residents. For these birds of passage, who come with their wants provided, have not to shell out their coins for Bourke merchandise, and consequently they tender their labor or skill for a much lower rate of wage than the anchored resident can. This I have noticed has been one great evil which has been inflicted on Bourke and the district since I have known it. So much for our monetary system,-and our social and religious states have likewise not a very healthy tone. I can't say how long, it is such a length of time, since we heard the voice of a clergyman, and when you come to think how many there are here who in all probability have never heard the blessed Book expounded, you must need exclaim " the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few." I often read of the heathen and their teachers, and of the goodly numbers brought into the true fold; would it not be as much a victory to purge this river clean of its ignorance and profanation, as in baptising Mungo Pungo of the South Sea Islands ? Here is a field for any Christian philanthropy, with an unlimited amount of material-children literally starving for the revealed word. It is not a grateful thing to record of one's adopted town, but a more lax state of religious education I never knew, and as a natural consequence veneration for parents and respect for strangers is almost out of the question. Should we go on as we are now doing, Bourke in a few years will be notorious. And this town is not isolated, all the townships are pretty near alike in Riverina North. Sunday after Sunday passes away, year rolls after year, and still no sacred teacher. How often do I get the answer, when asking the name of a child from its parents, " Oh, it's not christened," and yet we number 400 to 500 souls. I think if we were living in John Wesley's days he would have found us out. It almost appears to me that we live out of the Christian world. There was some talk of the Revd. Mr. Byrnes coming to dwell among us, but that seems to have passed, like all other of our great reforms.
A report came in from the West bank of the river on Wednesday, that the body of a murdered Chinaman had been found. Our police, ever on the watch, soon discovered that there was no truth in the report. And in speaking of the police, I wonder if Mr. Robertson intends his retrenchment plan to work among our troopers-and I mean all those who reside within 200 miles of us. Why, the £25 allowance for horse and forage, &c, &c, would not supply the horse with bush hay in seasons such as we generally have. Last summer hay was sold at £25 per ton. It is very evident that the gentlemen know nothing of this part of their territory. I have known oats sold at £1 per bushel often. Then how in the name of reason can a man provide himself with a good horse, saddle, &c, and forage for his animal, for £25 per annum. And another thing, the duty of our police is far more onerous than elsewhere; there is no borrowing a horse down here. Duty calls our officers away, perhaps 200 miles, with 50 or 60 miles without water; they must go on, there is no calling at the roadside inn, the desert is before them and must be crossed, and one horse would endanger the rider's life. We all know that travellers never start with one horse, if it is possible to procure two. There is food and blankets, and very often water, to carry; and one horse, save he be kept at a walk, would knock up in a day. I should hope there will be some amendment to the determination made as regards our police ; they have much to do, and should not be hampered by legislative blundering.
Mr. Sam Tiers, at Tattersall’s, is astonishing and delighting the natives with his legerdemain and Irish comic singing. In the latter he is certainly the most talented songster we have had. His brogue is racy and true, and his facial powers are ludicrous in the extreme.
Mr. Cowper has entered upon his magisterial duties, and all goes on smoothly. There is little of importance to note at the police court.
Nancarrow's teams are on the road from Sydney, with twenty or thirty tons of goods for his new store. Mr. Harris, of the Royal, is about building a room forty feet by twenty; this will be a great boon to the town.
Shearing is in hand nearly everywhere here. Josephson's sheep passed downward today. Nights extremely cold, with frost. Bourke, August 5th, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, August 19, 1869.

BOURKE.
( From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
Both up and down the river the click of the shears is now to be heard, and the sheep are to be seen scampering, about without their fleece. Wool-scouring has also commenced, and I believe on a better and more reasonable scale than hitherto adopted. Carriage,-that is local carriage-is down to a reasonable price, 25s. per ton being the figure given from Beemery to Bourke, a distance of forty-five miles. The Kennedy (s)found her way up there last week, and attempted to get up to Beemery (for which place she had a cargo), but the water was too shallow, and she is now stuck about half-way between here and there. The Jupiter (s.), grounded above Mathew's, or better known as Upper Dunlop, where she is now discharging her cargo. Teams are being dispatched from Bourke thither. Another rise in the river is anticipated, but people always think as they wish. If we get it it will do an infinite amount of good.
As far as I can judge, the squatters of this part of the colony are commencing to learn how to manage property economically. The pruning knife has been to work in earnest, especially in the way of labour ; and if wool would only look up again, stations here would be as good and sure an investment as anything I know of.
A great many cases have come on in the Police Court recently; and our Police Magistrate doubtless finds more to do than he ever anticipated, especially as he has to visit Brewarrina and Gongolgan every month. -Aug 4.
-Maitland Mercury, August 19, 1869.



BOURKE.
Wool is pouring into this place from Beemery, and there is little doubt that the wool washing establishment here will do well here this summer, and, as a consequence, the town derive much benefit.
Speaking of Beemery, there has been a regular mutiny among the shearers. Mr. C. Cowper, sen., you are aware, has arrived thither, with the intention of setting that household in order, retrenchment being the chief instrument in that gentleman's hands. Of course this is looked upon as an innovation, and the mover is held up as one detrimental to the workers' interests. This evil spirit manifested itself, I think, on Monday last, the workmen refusing to proceed with the shearing unless a higher rate of wages was tendered them; this request was refused, with the usual dignity of Mr. Cowper's proceedings, when a demand was made for a settlement for the labor performed, which was backed by force-Mr. Cowper being hauled, pushed, or jostled into his office, and cheques demanded with threats. Of course this little demonstration had as much effect with the ex-premier as the bellowing of a bull would have against a mountain. Calm and serenely resolute the roughly-handled magistrate sat him down amid the storm, so stoically calm indeed that one of the Red Republicans remarked, " He takes it d- quiet." This impassiveness had its effect; the clamouring horde dispersed without their bank orders; they probably found that there was such a thing as law, and that they had outraged it. But some of their number, more radical than the rest, demanded rations, which, if not given, were to be pillaged from the store. This modest request was likewise treated as the money order was, and not a slab which sheltered the provisions lost a splinter. Warrants are out for some of the ringleaders, who have vanished like a hideous dream. The remainder have returned like sensible men to their duty.
At the court-house to-day there was a little fracas between Mr. Billyard and the magistrates, the former certainly overstepping the boundary of prudence. We don't imagine for a moment he cares for any bench of magistrates, but the court-house is not the fittest place to proclaim it, and we must say the P.M. evinced much forbearance in not having the affair more abruptly terminated.
Last night the town was frightened from its propriety by hostile meetings of blacks. The battle ground was directly opposite the ferry, and from the number of passengers conveyed to the western side of the river by our accomplished Charon, we should think an encounter such as this would be devoutly wished for every day by venerable Peter. We visited the scene after the battle, and found two heroes hors-de-combat-one with a spear completely through his foot and arm, with sundry other wounds, the other with a terrible gash, seven inches in length, along the spine, received from a boomerang, with enough contusions from " bandys" to knock a prize-fighter out of time. One of the gentler sex was the cause of this blood-spilling, and strange to say that the cries of the warriors wounded could have been heard full half-a-mile. They usually bear pain with a redman's fortitude.
Mr E. Rich, of the firm of W. Shearer and Co., arrived here a few days ago, with a fine assortment of goods. It is their intention to visit Bourke every two months, and should they do business as on their first visit they will be always welcome.
SHARPE V. LYONS AND MARTIN -We have been informed that this case, about to be tried in Brisbane, has been settled out of court. The action was for false imprisonment.
Gundewera Smith passed here today, with 500 prime bullocks, en route for Melbourne.
Mr. Colliss's new house is assuming a tangible shape, under the able directions of Mr. H. Pasco.
The Jupiter has not arrived at Bourke, and we suppose she will not come unless there is a rise in the river.
The weather is getting very warm, the mercury going up to 80 degrees.
There are notices up about town threatening persons with prosecution should they be discovered laying poison in the street. This has been done by some pernicious person, and dogs destroyed. We have dogs enough and to spare, but if valuable animals are to be endangered to bring destruction on worthless mongrels, the sooner the police are brought into action the better. Many a poor old shepherd brings in his dog, which to him is more valuable than a horse, and to deprive him of his assistance is to take his bread away.
There are two gentlemen in Bourke who are interested in the traction engine movement. A race was run today for ten pounds, between Sam Davis and a gentleman named Simon. It was a hundred yard spurt, and resulted in a dead heat; the time was very good for the bush-about twelve seconds. They will run again. 14th August.
-Maitland Mercury, August 26, 1869.

BOURKE.
The river is rising. The Kennedy (s.), has arrived downward, and will load with all dispatch for Adelaide. The weather is very fine with a promise of rain, which would doubtless give us what we most need-grass for mowing.
In my last I spoke of persons distributing poison in the public resorts of this town, and I will now give you a case which might have been attended with serious results. Mr. Thomas Walters, the other morning, was surprised to find two puppies and a kitten, playmates of his infant daughter, lying at his doorway dead, and in close proximity a piece of poisoned meat. We will suppose that they had allowed their child (which is a customary thing almost for all parents to do) on this particular morning to crawl about the place; the deadly portion would have lain in the reach of the little wanderer, and with the proclivity children have in conveying almost everything to their mouths, ten chances to one the innocent would have shared the fate of its playfellows. And then the sequel-would not the voice of accusation have been lifted against the parents? Who would believe that there lived a man or woman guilty enough to assassinate a babe. Would not rumour with her thousand tongues circulate to the colony the strange and pitiable tale, adding, and working up a case too fearful to dwell upon! The child had perished, but who were the destroyers ? I need not speculate, there is not too much charity among us ; in the sunniest light, we can put the picture there would be a desolate home, a bereaved mother, and a little grave in the cemetery. As I said last week, notices are posted up threatening prosecution to any persons found toying with this fatal drug, and I trust there will be no more cause of complaint. It is asked where the strychnine is procured ; and many wonder how it is obtained. The question is easily answered: nearly every shepherd who comes into town could supply sufficient poison to kill half the people. There is not sufficient guard placed upon it by superintendents and overseers, and it is positively wonderful that more crimes are not committed by its aid. A man would be looked upon as dangerous were he to appear in our midst hung round with loaded pistols and gleaming knives, but he passes unobserved with a more terrible enemy to life rolled up in his swag. I don't know, but I imagine, should human life be sacrificed by the careless or wilful laying of this deadly agent, the offending party would stand a very fair chance of being tried for murder.
A billiard match is to be played at Mr. Kelly's, to-morrow night, between Mr. Thomas Walters and Mr. William Aaron, for £20. The game is to be 1000 up; no points given; the first 500 to be scored on Kelly's table, and the other 500 on that of Mr. Colliss. There is a good deal of money on the event, as each gentleman has many admirers.
Mr. J. R. Lawrence, Crown Lands' Bailiff, who has been stationed here more than two years, is removed to Armidale. During his stay here he has by his courteous behaviour gained many friends.
A messenger from Louth has this evening (Friday) brought up news of Mr. T. Mathews's death.
Shearing is over at Toorallie; they denuded about 50,000 sheep.
James Russel has been sentenced to six months' hard labor for larceny from Mr. Acres' Buckenbee station. The police have been accused of bungling in this affair, but the magistrates by their verdict have proclaimed them right.
Business is moving trippingly along. Much wool is arriving at the washing establishment.
Saturday.- River still rising. Rain expected. BILLIARDS.-Upwards of sixty gentlemen were admitted to Kelly's billiard room, on presentation of shilling tickets, and among the rest I found myself, after proving my eligibility in the shape of a silver token, and at twenty minutes to eight p.m. the first game of 500 points was commenced by Aaron giving the customary miss. This was followed by a miss from Walters ; Aaron then made a break of 17, with some very pretty cannon play. Walters then followed with a break of 27, and good round play for fours and sixes brought the game up to 62-63, when fortune seemed to turn her back upon Tom Walters, whose breaks were now the very essence of cross luck, and when the first 100 was called for Aaron, 69 stood to Walters' score. Time, forty minutes. There was little change during the next 200, Aaron generally ending his 100 with 30 or 40 to the good; but in the fourth hundred Walters improved his position, the score standing, Aaron 400, Walters 378. Luck now smiled on Walters, who had up till now been fighting a hard up-hill fight, but still as cool as a "sherry cobbler." Some splendid hazard play was in this 100 made by him, a break of 29 being scored, and the game stood 431 v. 393. Aaron still continued to elicit admiration from those present for his masterly cannons, when the marker's voice called 500 for Walters; the scores being 500 against 427. A cheer rang through the room as Walters was declared the victor. There was as much as £100 staked on the event of this first trial; the second will be decided on Monday at Tattersall’s.
A thunder storm passed over Bourke on Sunday; much rain still threatening. 1700 store cattle (Adams, Culgoa River) passed in charge of Mr. Chippendall, Saturday, for Stoughton's, Lower Darling. August 20th, 1869.
- Maitland Mercury, September 2, 1869.

BOURKE.
The weather has turned very warm, and people begin to think of our burning summers; up to the present date we have nothing to complain of. Business is pretty brisk, and a good deal of work of one sort and another is going on. May this state of affairs last and improve. Shearings will be brought to a close at Beemery some time this week.
I am sorry to report the death, from inflammation of the windpipe, of senior-sergeant Cleary's son, who died on Wednesday morning, aged 2 years and 4 months. This is the second child he has lost. The health of this place is good.
The people of Bourke were grieved, and very much annoyed at a report in one of your contemporaries, relative to a person named _____, or Heny, who was arrested by sergeant Byrnes on a charge of cattle stealing, which alleged act was committed some two years ago. We always imagined a man guiltless until guilt was proven against him; in this instance, however, the unfortunate is disposed of in a manner not at all creditable to a man's sense of charity or idea of justice. Were the party a stranger, and he had gone among strangers to be tried, we should deem him, as the article indicates, a thorough rascal; as it is, he has resided in Bourke a very long time, and one and all award him a character which few of our native young men can boast. He was sober to abstemiousness, quiet and retiring to a degree, and obliging to all. He has been entrusted with the Sydney mails for nearly a year, by Messrs. Berresford and Jones, and has in every way gained the good will of all here ; in fact it is the intention of the people to send a written character for presentation to the Mudgee bench-
" Let justice be done tho' the Heavens fall."
The second game of billiards between Messrs. Aaron and Walters came off at Tattersall’s on Tuesday evening, being postponed from Monday on account of the indisposition of Mr. Aaron. At ten minutes to 8 p.m. the game was opened by the latter gentleman with a miss in baulk, and in the first and second hundreds there was nothing but ordinary play, the chief characteristic being caution on both sides ; one break of 19 was made by Walters, who won the first 100, the game standing 100 to 87 ; time 42 minutes. The following is the score as each hundred was called. Tom Walters, 101 v. 83, 101 v. 39, 102 v. 49, 500 v 394. The last two hundred were played by Walters in a very fine manner, his losing and winning hazards eliciting universal admiration. Aaron's cannons to, were a fine piece of mathematical skill, but he was not fortunate enough to pull through, though he played with cool judgment and unflagging pluck to the last. His style reminded me of the movement of light cavalry, there was a marvellous dash and rapidity of movement, but the steady, slow, heavy hazard playing of Walters bore all down before it. I hope someday to see these gentlemen play a cannon game.
DIAMOND FOUND IN BOURKE.-A report reached me yesterday that a diamond had been picked up by Mr. Ramsey, near Tattersall's, and being more or less gem infected, I hastened to ascertain the truth, when I found that the report was correct. An undoubted stone had been found by the above-named gentleman, who kindly handed it to me for inspection, and I found it a genuine article, which had been lost by Mr. Colliss's glazier. I bowed to the company and vanished.
All parties owning horses are about grass cutting; but there promises to be a hitch in the affair. The squatters are going to stand upon their bonds, refusing countenance to the transaction. It will be tried, however, come what may.
Our new butchers, Williams and Stenning, slaughtered a cow the other day, weighing nearly 800 lbs. This is the finest beast we have had here for many a long day.
There is very little of interest going on at Court these days, but all is in order for what may appear.
ACCIDENTS.-A messenger came in from William Shearer's, Warrego, for Dr. Roberts; a little son of the above has been most seriously burned. A shepherd's wife also, at Bunawanna, has likewise been sadly injured by fire.
A TEAMSTER IN CRINOLINE.-We were somewhat startled the other day-and it takes something to surprise a Bourkite- to see a female driving a loaded team through the streets. She was drawing loam to some bricklayers, at work at Windsor's; but being more expert, I assume, with the thimble than the whip, she managed to capsize the concern, narrowly escaping a dreadful crushing. I hope this will be a warning to female Jehus.
At the police court, on Friday, Mrs. Daniel Hubbard was brought before Mr. C. Cowper PM, charged by Mr. Joseph Becker with wilfully damaging property belonging to plaintiff. It appeared that a certain allotment of land had fallen into possession of the plaintiff some time ago, which formerly was held by the Hubbard's. The plaintiff, however, had allowed them to use it as a milking yard, and when notice was given that the favor was withheld, and the entrances closed, the defendant, with the determination of a Jack Shepherd, smashed, wrenched, and tore open the gateway-hence the arrest. The accused pleaded guilty, assuring the bench she would repeat the offence as soon as liberty was given her. Mr. Becker not wishing to press the charge, she was fined five shillings, with a caution, or 24 hours; the fine would have been paid but she refused to accept the offer, and returned to her regal apartment. As she was being removed her husband, a meek irresolute being, who was standing at the court-house door, received from the excited wife a regular plumper on the nasal organ as earnest, I suppose, of what will follow after the expiration of the 24 hours.
The report is that all the employees at Beemery are leaving, not a hoof of the old servants are to remain. August 29.
-Maitland Mercury, September 9, 1869.

BOURKE.
The weather is really delicious, and the late rains have made the oats spring with some show of promise for our summer forage; but there seems something which is not altogether according to true fellowship among us: several of our near squatting neighbours I hear have refused the townspeople the privilege of mowing. If this report is true, it is a very narrow-minded piece of business, for there are thousands of acres of mowable feed literally given to the whirlwind. I rode over miles of it on Sunday last. I can't imagine any person without cause withholding this great benefit from the horse-owners of Bourke. I feel confident no set of men would carry out the fable of the dog in the manger from a mere whim or selfish feeling. At any rate we shall soon see, for scythes are coming forth for the bush harvest in earnest.
Goods continue to pour into Bourke, from the intercepted steamer Jupiter, and to a stranger business would be deemed of the liveliest description, but there is very little going away. I don't at all understand this, for the back rivers are not very plentifully supplied.
Shearers are passing in good numbers upwards. Milroy commences soon: they are washing with warm water and soap, being determined to prepare their wool as fit for market as possible. The report of the dismissal of the Beemery employees is correct. We have a real live newspaper proprietor here, in the person of Mr. Thomas Manning, who is quite enthusiastic about the prospects of Bourke, and some sanguine temperaments are actually talking of a newspaper for this place; but I am confident we are not ripe enough for such an institution. Should one start into life its name should be the " Whirlwind ;" it might create a little stir among the salt bushes, and its stay would be as transient. Starting a journal is about as easy as taking an army into the field; the difficulty is in the keeping of it there. Holloway would be a customer.
I am thankful to say that Mr. C. Cowper has given permission to some of our people to cut hay. Others have flatly refused, and there is a good deal said of free selecting the needed pastures. I believe there are men living parsimonious enough to extract the saline property from their tears (if they ever shed any) could they do it.
On Monday there is a heavy court day, but chiefly cases of not very serious character-one, I believe, of dog poisoning; this case will doubtless be dealt with as it deserves.
The name of the woman burned at Cocklerina(not Bunawanna) is O'Brien ; she is fearfully injured. Mr. Shearer's child, too, is sadly burned.
Several auction sales have taken place lately. On Saturday last Mr. James Foott disposed of a consignment of soft goods, furniture, horses, &c, &c., while Mr. Becker sold some fine onions, potatoes, and other dairy produce, as our Lancaster bellringer chanted it for the information of the public.
There is a moving among the dry bones, and a Mechanics' Institute is mooted. There is little doubt such a thing is much needed, but I am afraid the idea will pass like a tenant who quits without warning.
The last of Beemery wool came in to-day.
Weather fine and and warm. Sept. 5, 1869.
P.S -Another disgraceful cemetery affair has occurred at the burial of a child, when the grave was found so shallow that its male friends had to deepen the last resting place ere the body could be laid away. How long will such shameful things be permitted among us ? When will the dead be reverentially cared for?
-Maitland Mercury, September 19, 1869.


BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, Sept. 17.)
A man named James Clarke recently met with a sudden death at Milroy. He was engaged dam-making, and at the time of his death was excavating some earth. He had two or three drives made, and was repeatedly cautioned against his danger. He, however, persisted in excavating, and the consequence was a large body of earth fell on the poor fellow, and crushed him to death. An inquiry was held by Mr. Borron, J.P. Deceased was a native of Bathurst.
It is in contemplation to shortly hold a meeting for the purpose of forming a Mechanics Institute or Literary Association.
The country around Bourke is looking splendid; the plains are covered with wild oats, herbage, &c. Each day may be seen bullock drays laden with this "bush hay " coming into town.
A preliminary meeting was held at Colless's Tattersall’s Hotel, on Tuesday, to take steps for the preparation of a programme for the annual races to be held at Bourke next December. Great enthusiasm was evinced, and upwards of £90 were subscribed in the room. A secretary and treasurer were appointed, and the meeting adjourned until the following Tuesday.
Mr. McNevin, formerly manager for Mr. Forlonge on the Lachlan, has succeeded Mr. Guinness as superintendent at Beemery, and Mr. E. D. Stuart has taken the place of Mr. McCrae at Toorale. Both gentlemen are said to be competent managers.
6000 fat sheep (Josephson's) have left Jandra for Melbourne. Mr. Williams and Messrs. Cobb and Co. are mustering on the Warrego for the Melbourne or Adelaide markets.
-Maitland Mercury, September 23, 1869.

BOURKE.
The weather is charmingly fine; it commenced raining on Tuesday at 9 a.m. and continued to fall very steadily until Wednesday night. Everybody feels confident of summer grass now. Thursday was a regular November day in London, foggy enough for one to cut. Now the sun is quite fierce, and gives us a gentle reminder of our summers.
Six loads of wool, Josephson's, scoured by T. Topham, passed here on Friday. Bourke is still alive and business pretty good.
To show you our liveliness a meeting was held at Tattersalls a few nights ago to consider our racing prospects, when a sum of £89 was subscribed by a few gentleman present. The second meeting was held at Kelly's, and three prizes named to be run for on the 26th and 27th January, 1870. NB.-Maiden Plate, £40 ; Town Plate, £50; Handicap, £70. So you see we have not been dead but dozing.
A man, whose name I could not learn, was killed at Warrawena last week, by earth falling upon him.
The Hospital is firmly established, and floats bravely under the captainship of Dr. Roberts, and in connection with this institution I must tell you a very nice little piece of practice which was accomplished there a few days ago. A certain sick man ailing internally was admitted, and remedies applied which should have relieved the sufferer, were he really such. There was no organic disease, and our disciple of Galen imagined a delicate operation viz., hypodermic injection of morphia, might prove efficacious, and the patient was accordingly put through the drill, something after the style of the famous Robert Liston, who was never noted for squeamish feelings in severing or flaying a limb. The operation over, the afflicted one was informed that on the morrow, should he be no better, a more severe application would be resorted to; but strange to say, a miracle had been achieved-the ailing was hale, the aching had ceased, and though he did not literally take up his bed, he walked away as merrily as a bird upon the wing, and I dare say he will never resort to the tender mercy of a hospital doctor again, unless he is a fitting candidate.
On Friday, at the police court, Herbert Harris, a boy, was charged by James Anderson, gaoler of Bourke, with having conveyed to a man in his custody a certain quantity of spirituous liquor mixed with coffee not supposed to be partaken of by persons under the argus glances of the law. The beverage, from its alcoholic aroma, attracted the too susceptible nose of Master Seacoal, who at once dashed upon it with the sagacity of a pointer setting a partridge, and had it conveyed to the doctor's for analysis. One respiration of the doctor told too truly against the villainous compound, and it was impounded in the gaol to await its trial. Mr. G. Harris, the respected parent of the lad, stated that the offending jug had been used in drawing off very strong brandy, of which he assured the court he had a fine store, and that the pestilent agent must have been in the jug when the cook poured in the highly-Savoured mocha. The jug was passed in turn to each of the magistrates' nasal organs, and the contents shaken and sniffed as a horse sniffs when thirsty the watery air. One of them, I verily believe, would have set aside the injunction relative to touching and tasting had not the eyes of the admiring populace been upon him. The potency of the draught was evidently satisfactory, and the P.M. said that the one to blame in the case was the warder, who should have locked the innocent up who brought the comfort, and then have brought the case before him. There was no doubt on his mind as to the presence of spirit in the mixture; but as the father had shown, or striven to show, how the coffee had been impregnated by the fiery agent, he should dismiss the charge ; but should another case come before him, he would take no excuse.
SUNDAY. -The weather is very boisterous and cold.
There is a commotion in town relative to some loud talk affecting the upper stratum of Bourke. As slander is a great agent here, it seems that the very streets shout out its whereabouts; mongers in scandals are sure to feel their withers wrung sooner or later. There is enough substantial evil with men and women without conjuring up ideas as shadowy as the Thane's Dream. But there is one comfort " Be ye pure as snow and chaste as ice, yet shall ye not escape calumny." Sept. 14.
-Maitland Mercury, October 5, 1869.

BOURKE.
The Children.-I have before spoken of the young among us, and I will not leave off until I have done what writing can towards improving the innocents growing into boyhood and girlhood. There is literally a cry of earnestness going up for help, we have had people here converting or pretending to convert the blacks, but who has seen a teacher with the true love of the Divine Master walking among the neglected children of white fathers and mothers? Is it that the magic touch of god is absent, or is it that we are too distant from the chime of blessed bells, that no loving step has entered the fold of our straying lambs? True we live in the byeways of the world, but Christ's disciples are commanded therein to go, aye even to the utter-most parts of the earth. Let no one wonder at what may be, let them rather blush that such things are, and purge from ignorance our inland towns. Make education secular, and spiritual, compulsory, that the coming age may rise and bless us in the gate. Anything but this vital point finds rapport. Racing, boating, or any of the physical enjoyments, find liberal patrons, while the most essential art of our being lies like Lazarus full of sores, begging to be fed. It is a scandalous shame that it is thus. On Thursday I attended an examination of the children under the charge of Mr. Rosenthral, and from first to last was extremely gratified to find a portion of our youth living under the teachings of so worthy a master. There were about twenty-five children present, besides a number of adults, who were delighted at the progress made by the little flock in all of their trials both in reading and spelling, &c. They were wonderfully perfect in the former branch, some of the pupils were very good. H. Nancarrow read the "Better Land," with really some touches of oratory, while the Misses Harris and Mullens acquitted themselves very well. A very little girl, Kate Kelly, also showed much aptness in spelling and reading; while Peter Cleary, no higher much than the table, could have beaten half the old ones at any of the above branches. I had no idea that so many good-looking intelligent children lived here, and it is a wonder Mr. Rosenthral is no more encouraged ; he has been here but a short time, and his skill or aptitude in training children is admitted by all who know him. Were he placed at the head of our public school it would be an immense benefit to parents. I hope to see this accomplished ere long. I shall in a future paper speak more of this matter.
Police Court, Saturday.-Two men Kelly and Nagles-were charged by John Norman with robbing him of seven £1 notes. The robbery was supposed to have taken place at Colliss's. The men were known to be lime- burners, apparently without money, but they had exchanged two or three notes at different places, and money was found upon them, but as the prosecutor could not swear to the money found, they were discharged. The bench (Mr. James Foott) severely censured the landlord for allowing men, while in a state of oblivion, to lie exposed to the sun's heat, assuring him if he observed it again he would oppose his license, or that of any other publican who allowed an unconscious man to be uncared for about their premises.
Dancing at Tattersall's -There was one of these interminable balls, which so affect this place, and which seem like the toil of Sisyphus never to have an end. Litigation has a termination, and so do curtain lectures but these waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles, seem like the hills everlasting. Well at this particular dance there were dances of less polite nature.
Much hay is coming in and more wool is going out; the river is low, and the weather getting exceedingly summery; rain is looked for. Mr. Roberts is passing with sheep.
The woman O'Brien, who was burned, still lingers on the selvage of life and death.
Thomas Lynch, of Campadore, is seriously injured by a horse throwing and jumping upon him.
A meeting was held in the court-house, Mr. C. Cowper, jun, in the chair, relative to the intended Mechanics' Institute. A committee was appointed.
Nancarrow's "frigates" have not arrived. I suppose we shall soon hear buggies spoken of as cutters or yachts. Sept. 26, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, October 7, 1869.

BOURKE.
Thankful am I to report another beautiful downpour of rain, and we can now confidently hope for a fine pasturage for our torrid months. People have been very busy among the hay, and many tons are now gracing our town ; but it seems just as men were beginning to be hopeful and grateful an evil demon has stepped in and " nipped our root". The Government servants have pounced upon a quantity of mown grass in the imperial name, for it grew upon a government reserve, though for what use this reserve has been, save for the carpet of sheep, does not appear; the acres in question are situated many miles from Bourke, and had not the scythe laid the forage low, the heat would soon have converted it into dust. I wonder what is to be done with the hay : put up for sale, or handed over to sergeant Cleary for the use of the police horses ? I would hint that there is plenty to be done if the commissioner and his merry men are troubled with ennui, and I think they are, or ought to be, without hunting men out of their senses with doing that which, not enriching them, but maketh others poor indeed. There is one very clever idea in connection therewith: the mowers were allowed to proceed until some tons were ready for the waggons before the official kite swooped upon the prize. Much good may it do all concerned in the affair.
A BAILIFF IN HOT WATER.-At the police court, on Tuesday, Alfred Merriel charged David Soloman with obstructing him in the execution of his duty. He had a levy to make on Henry Solomon for £13 16s. 10d., and on his seizing a waggon a scuffle took place. This was witnessed by a lawyer, a senior-sergeant, a constable, and many other less prominent members of society. A lock and chain were brought to the scene by order of the defendant, and which were, in the bloodless struggle, dashed upon the ground by the excited bum. The lawyer here advised the defendant to keep possession of the waggon by force, but to use no violence if possible.
-Senior-sergeant Cleary, on oath, deposed :I was present at the time of the scuffle; I saw a man bring the lock and chain, and advised him to have nothing to do with it, or he might get into trouble ; I considered the bailiff in possession before the struggle took place. Mr. Billyard for the defence, contended that the waggon was the property of the defendant, and not of Henry Soloman, and that he had a perfect right to resist anyone who interfered therewith. It was shown that a dissolution of partnership had taken place some two years ago, which was duly published in the S.M.H, and that Henry Solomon had no part or parcel in the business. After a deal of law quoting and references, the case was postponed until the afternoon, when the defendant was fined 1s., and dismissed.-
On Friday, before the P.M., C. Cowper, Esq, and J. Byrnes, Esq., J.P., M. Jefferies was summoned for an assault. The prosecutor did not appear, and the defendant was discharged. There was other business before the court, which will be disposed of on Tuesday next.
CAUTION TO PARENTS.-A little child was choked almost to death on Thursday by swallowing, or attempting to swallow, a heart-shaped, lozenge. Had the child not have been observed just at the time, it would undoubtedly have perished. Children are fond of sweets, but they should be broken up small if danger is to be avoided.
TERRIBLY SUDDEN DEATH.-On Monday Mrs. James Stewart, who was purchasing articles of housewifery in the town at ten a.m., expired about one p.m. of the same day. Dr. Roberts made a post mortem examination, and found that death proceeded from disease of the heart. This sudden death has made us all exclaim, "In the midst of life we are in death." Many persons followed her remains to their last sleep.
Goods are coming in fast, and wool is going out in large quantities.
We have a brewery established here, if a sign board, illuminated with tobacco pipes, flaggons, and foaming spruce beer, go to make one. This announcement is on one door post, while the other is ornamented with the intelligence that gentlemen's apparel is made up by an individual inside, while on one end of the house is a partially written sign, which hints something of Burton's ale. What the other end will announce we wait patiently to learn-perhaps it will be spirit-rapping.
Mr. Stenning slaughtered a moderately sized cow the other day, and the caul fat weighed the extraordinary weight of 84Ibs.
The wool washing is in active operation. Some of Nancarrow's loading has arrived. Weather again beautifully cool. Potatoes would now fetch a good price. A Mrs Warner fell and broke her arm today. All the mails are running splendidly. We have now a practical watch and clock maker in the person of Mr. P. Young and our horologues have now no excuse in outrunning or lagging behind the sun. If you order dinner at a particular hour you have now some small chance of getting it to time. This gentleman has long been wanted, and he doubtless will flourish, as he thoroughly understands his business. October 3, 1869.

-Maitland Mercury, October 14, 1869.

BOURKE.
POLICE OFFICE, TUESDAY.
(Before the Police Magistrate, C Cowper, sen., R. Hughes, D. Byrnes, and J. Josephson, J P.s).
An auctioneer's license was granted to Mr. W. W. Davis, on the application of Mr. Billyard.
TRANSFER or LICENSE.-This was also a postponed case, the application being opposed by Mr James Foott, J.P. After a long discussion, and evidence being called, the transfer of license was granted costs, £2, were awarded to the applicants.
OPENING BALL AND DINNER -A grand ball and sumptuous dinner was given by the firm of Nancarrow on the occasion of their opening their new place of business. About 100 partook of dinner, while the ball was attended by all the pretty women in Bourke, who made the most of their charms by appearing splendidly dressed. The dancing was kept up until late in the morning, and not a single incident occurred to mar the festivities; everyone seemed to enjoy themselves to the very height of enjoyment. Toasts and speeches were made during the evening, when the health and prosperity of the new proprietors was drunk in sparkling rosy wine, with much good will. The Nancarrows are much liked, and will, without doubt, do well.
I don't know if New Zealand has disappeared, vide Saxby, but we have had very remarkable weather, boisterous and showery in the extreme, and colder by 30 degrees than last year at this time.
A lot of horses were seized by Senior-sergeant Cleary yesterday, the owner having no papers. A man was arrested too concerning some little signature. The case will be beard on Monday probably.
There is a little on dit going about town concerning our ex-Premier. It appears that the Hon. C. Cowper was at the wool wash the other day, inspecting the works, when he was invited by Mr. F Edwards to descend rather a steep bank. This solicitation was gracefully declined with these words-" They call me ' Slippery Charley,' Mr. Edwards, and I feel sure that I should bear out the cognomen were I to attempt the descent."
700 head of horses are going down the Warrego for Adelaide, belonging to Payne and Williams. A banking company has seized some 3000 sheep, being shorn below the township, under Mr. Pike's superintendence. 3000 cattle for O'Shanassy's run, are en route for Fort Bourke ; they are coming down the Warrego. Mr. Barton, I learn, intends shearing next week.
Hay is coming in in large quantities. Father McAuley is among us, and £200 or '£300 is subscribed for a chapel. It Is estimated that there are three Protestants to one Roman Catholic here, and still no minister or place of worship thought of by the former.
Bourke, Oct 11th, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, October 21, 1869.

BOURKE.
Well, after all opposition, the Nancarrows have hung up their colours at the fore, and seem to be doing a splendid trade, but of course they want time to show what is to be done. The billiard room is under the charge of that droll fellow Leon Tiers, who seems to combine all the funny accomplishments with those of more solid character; he plays a fine game of billiards, is a good magician, a capital comic singer, and as a character deline tor he has few equals. He sang the Irish auctioneer and magistrate the other night to a house full, his make up was irresistible, and above all his gentlemanlike behaviour to his patrons is worthy of notice, in fact it would be a very difficult task, to find in a country place like this, two billiard rooms so scrupulously polite, the one under the above named gentleman, the other that of honest Tom Walters; I wish I could say as much for all places of public resort, but I can't. Let us hope they may take a pattern from the billiard rooms.
We have at last a clergyman amongst us of the Protestant faith but without the power of either marrying or christening. Dozens of poor lambs would have been received into Christ’s fold today, Sunday, had this been otherwise. Will no good man come here? Have we forever to be pleading the light has gone out of the land! Could no minister be called from the South Sea to take his residence here? He certainly would fare as well in the world's daily bread as among the semi-savages.
The weather is remarkable. Rain again last night, fine today with wind.
Mr. John E Kelly has bought the stations formerly belonging to L. Hughes and Co, situated on the Bokira, with about 4000 sheep.
We have about eight stacks of bay in town, counting a small cock at the bank, and still more is to come in.
POLICE COURT.-On Tuesday, Thomas Mullens was fined 10s for charming his better half with the magic of a switch. Nothing of more note.
I see by correspondence from Brewarrina that Mr. C. Cowper's absence as Police Magistrate is much lamented. For their benefit I can say that that gentleman is not supposed to sit there except by especial invitation, and if it is too much for the dignity of the Fishites to ask his presence, they ought to be left to the guidance of their own local luminaries. Perhaps they have an idea that the hero John will create a P M. from their number. There is much ambition in that ilk, and they don't believe a bit in the cardinal's advice to Cromwell.
October 17, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, October 30, 1869.

BOURKE.
A meeting was held at Nancarrow's hotel last week, to take steps which might lead to the discovery of the origin of the late fire. Dr. Roberts, who was in the chair, said that they had met to show their sympathy to Mr. Nancarrow in his misfortune in losing his stack of hay, evidently the work of some pernicious rascal. They could not but admire the philosophic manner in which the loser had borne his loss. Mr. Becker moved that a committee be formed to receive subscriptions, to be used in the shape of a reward to any person or persons giving such information as should lead to the conviction of the incendiaries, and, before the meeting dissolved, nearly £200 was subscribed, and a reward of £150 is now offered for the apprehension of the guilty parties. Mr. Joseph Becker very kindly offered one half of all the hay he has secured, at the price it cost to procure, to Mr. Nancarrow; and everyone in town is loudly indignant at the outrage. May the golden application have the effect of bringing the pestilent persons to compt. There is one thing-sergeant Cleary will sleep with one eye a little more open than usual (he never closes both), and as he is very sagacious something may turn up where we least expect it.
They have had fine rains on the Bulloo; grass is everywhere abundant; down the river, like- wise, the gentle fluid has clad the plains in verdure. Back from Yanda (Cobb and Co's ), in a southerly direction, I am told the grass is as green as Erin's banner ; this is something most unusual, and makes the pastoralist's heart rejoice.
I have just received intelligence, vide Mr. Malpas, of the Paroo, of the almost certain death of a young man named Robert Turner Eves, I think of Maitland. The poor fellow left Bourke some few months ago to travel down the Darling, and up the Paroo, with a tinsmith named Brandon. All went well until they arrived at Mr. Malpas's hotel, 150 miles from Wilcannia, where they lost their horses. The landlord lent Eves horses to seek his own, and the search was maintained for three weeks without success. At the end of this time a man, called Black Charley, took their cart forty miles higher up the river to a place named ______. What took place there I am not aware ; however, the lost man started thence on foot, to seek his missing animals, and has never since been seen, though all inquiry has been made. Now any one that knows that horrible country, must come to but one conclusion: the bones of the wretched sufferer must be lying amid the burning sands of the Mulga scrub, stretching out to the West, as it were to eternity. No water, no hope, no shelter from the bleak, barren desolateness, which reigns supremely there The river runs sluggishly to the south, through dense, dark scrub, while the traveller, turning his back to it, sets out towards a region infernal ; mile after mile of sand, hills strewn with burnt mulga, with here and there a scalded bed of ancient waters,-is all he meets ; and so horribly uniform is everything that is met, that a stranger has but a slender chance of regaining the sluggish river running to the South. Heaven is merciful, and Eves may not have wrestled with death in its most agonising throes, but it is the opinion of every bushman that he is another victim to the absence of water.
A lecture was delivered by Mr. Oscar Hughan, for the benefit of the hospital. The chair was occupied by C. Cowper, Esq., junior. There was a very good attendance, considering the apathy of those whose duty it was to see that everything was in readiness for the lecturer. At eight o'clock, the time advertised for the lecture, not a light was to be seen in the Court- house, and not until Mr Cowper waited on Mr. Nancarrow were the requisite articles supplied. I do not want to find fault, but as this lecture was the first ever given in Bourke for the hospital, and a move in the right direction, it was surely the duty of the hospital committee to see that nothing marred the attempt. The lecturer very eloquently showed the baneful effects of " The abuse of Wine," the subject under consideration, and received a hearty vote of thanks from the attentive audience. The chairman, in a neat speech, called on the ladies in particular to rally in support of the charity, assuring them that they had but to act and they would draw the male population after them; but I am afraid the icy coolness of those who should be warm in the undertaking has done much to damp the ardour of those who would do their best towards making Bourke not merely a place of eating and drinking. Mr. Cowper was warmly thanked for the interest shown in the cause.
Two mobs of fat cattle are going down the Warrego, for Victoria, belonging to Cobcroft, and Glen Walker.
POLICE OFFICE.-Jane Tully was again remanded for eight days, pending the charge of perjury brought against her by senior sergeant Cleary. Mr. Billyard, her solicitor, asked that as the witnesses were not present the case as before the court be dismissed, and after action taken. The sergeant, however, could not see it in this light, and Mrs. Tully was remanded on her former bail.
.Slander.-John Nugent v. D. A. Byrnes: This was a case in which the defendant was accused of calling the plaintiff a dishonest person. Much evidence was taken, and a certain screw wrench figured very prominently, and was in fact the cause of the proceedings. The case was dismissed. Nugent was then arraigned for unlawful detention of the said wrench; more evidence, and a dismissal, the defendant having to fork over the wrench.
Weather warm and dry. Nov. 8, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, November 18, 1869.