Oscar Hughan, Bourke Correspondent in 1866.

1866.

WARREGO.
The weather is still hot, without the faintest sign of rain. Station after station is being deserted, and in a month's time there will be a general turnout. I speak of country downwards from Culla Mulla, and even there, though there is water, feed is alarmingly scarce. Six or eight thousand of Mr. Vincent Dowling's sheep moved from the Culla Burra to the Paroo, passing up the Warrego from the Company's cattle station. They had but three or four small waterholes to call at, but instead of watering and passing on, giving other travellers a chance, the gentleman in charge has literally ruined what little water we had on the road, staying two or three days where he had no right to stay but one. The consequence is, all communication with Bourke in a few days will cease. This conduct has greatly annoyed everyone here, and justly too. The blacks are giving trouble at West's, on the Yougha. The troopers have not been yet to Mr. Birkett's ; expected daily. December 27.
-Maitland Mercury, January 9, 1866.
BOURKE.
This is Christmas Eve, and such an eve it has never before been my lot to pass-all is "flat, stale, and unprofitable." The weather is cool; but in spite of the fair promises of rain, all is still parched and desolate, and sad tidings come In from all quarters. Rations here are getting alarmingly scarce, in spite of our store- keepers' efforts to supply the district.
At the police court, before John Garrett, P.M., and Messrs. Cowper and Foote, James Glass was committed last week to stand his trial for an attempt at bribery. At the same sitting, John Nugent was fined £2 for using obscene language in a public place.
Our new lnspector, Mr. Zouch, has shown himself diligent in bringing the Bourke Hotel into court for disorderly conduct; fined £1.
A race was run the other day by one of your talented runners, who imagined Bourke not fast enough for his speed. There were two races-the first for £20, a dead heat; the second for £10, on the following day, when Hurry Kelly made a fine race of it, and won by about five feet.
I am sorry to record the death, on Friday last, of Arthur Bloxham, Esq. The cause of death was a general decline of all the physical powers. His funeral was largely attended.
On the Darling, on Tuesday night, the beloved wife of James Darling, in the firm of the B.R. Co., departed this life, leaving a large family.
-Maitland Mercury, January 11, 1866.
BOURKE.
Christmas is over, and perhaps a duller one has not been spent here. Owing to the almost total absence of horse feed, our annual races did not take place ; but many of our people made themselves pleasure on Mr. Bond's really fine billiard table.
Last night Edward Soloman was arrested by sub-Inspector Zouch, on a charge of horse-stealing. The case will come before the court tomorrow.
The memorable punt, as I have before said, will be in readiness in about ten or twelve years, if they continue working on her.
I have just read a letter addressed to the Pastoral Times, from the Warrego district, complaining of the lock of working men, and advising such to push up thence. Now, there is certainly no employment on that river, at least from 200 to 300 miles from its junction with the Darling. In fact there is not an inhabited place until you arrive at Culla Mulla, 200 miles from Bourke. So you see what a snare and a delusion such nonsense is as is published by the journal mentioned.
The weather is intensely hot-126° in the shade. We have had no rain, and not the faintest sign of any. All is as dry as a baker's oven. Stock is dying everywhere, and no prospects of anything better.
Bourke, January 6.

(From the Empire's Correspondent.)
Breaking Up Of McIntyre’s Party In Search of Leichardt.-On Sunday night (30th December), a party arrived in Bourke, from the Bulloo, who report that McIntyre's party had separated ; that they had lost the whole of the horses-40 in number. Mr. McIntyre and part of his men had made for Cooper's Creek, with the camels; the doctor and the other portion of the men had returned to the Bulloo, having, it is said, travelled 300 miles on foot to reach that river. They made a station, I think, belonging to McKenzie and Wallace, in a very exhausted condition, so much so that one of the men, after partaking of some food, dropped down dead. The failure of this undertaking, in which so large a portion of the Australian public felt such a deep interest, is attributable to the dryness of the season; or, in other words, the want of water, that has so often frustrated attempts to pass over this island continent. It would appear from this that the drought has extended far beyond the boundaries of New South Wales.
-Maitland Mercury, January 30, 1866.

DUBBO (From the Dubbo Dispatch)
At Bourke provisions had risen to almost fabulous prices; £120 had been offered and refused for a ton of flour. The Pastoral Association (late Bogan River Company) had dismissed one hundred of its men, and placed their employees upon short rations, viz,, four pounds of flour per week. The rain, however, will obviate this, and we hope in our next to be able to report that the necessaries of life can be obtained on the Darling at reasonable rates.
-Maitland Mercury, February 8, 1866.

BOURKE.
The news this week, though very meagre, is still happily of an agreeable character. We have had plenty of rain. A faint tinge of emerald hue is to be seen where the dull russet in the past was only visible. That this rain will do good cannot be questioned, but nothing short of a week's steady gentle downfall can place us where we were before the drought. Business is, as it were, paralysed from untoward causes, but yet there is plenty of speculation in the place when a field is opened.
Tenders are at length called for the cutting connected with the ‘punt'. [I am literally ashamed to spell that word ; not but that ‘punt’ is a sound good enough in its way, but the tomfoolery connected with it makes it simply ridiculous]
Edward Solomon, after many remands, was on the 16th instant, sentenced to hard labor for twelve months, under the Sweating Act. Without referring to the case in point, I am very glad that our magistrates see the abortive idea of simply fining a man for sweating or killing your horse ; and trust the borrowers of other men's cattle will learn the difference between meum and tuum.
A robbery was committed yesterday on the property of Mr. William Maher. It appears that the victim was encamped cIose-or in Bourke-and in the morning he was minus fourteen pounds. Inspector Zouch started after two men, who had been in the said Maher's company, and very promptly brought them back from the Bogan.
Bourke, Jan. 27.
WARREGO.
I am really thankful to have to record a most beneficial rain in this district. The rivers are full, the grasses wave loftily over hill and plain, and in places where sadness and despondency reigned, joy has turned these out of doors. All has put on such a totally different dress that the spectator can scarcely realise it. All hearts should feel humbly thankful.
Rations are very scarce, but now no fear exists to impede traffic; and if the enterprise of Sydney will send us food we will take it from them readily, and pay them too.
The blacks are quiet, and the police at Charleville very efficient. I am glad to be able to state this, as so many unfavorable reports have appeared in print relative to the corps in question.
The Cuttaburra and Irara are running, the Bough Creek full, and doubtless the Paroo. The Lower Warrego is a continuous chain of water, though not running.
20th January, 1866.
-Maitland Mercury, February 13, 1866.

THE WEATHER AT FORT BOURKE:-In all November the average heat was 104 in the shade. In December cooler weather set in, but on several days the thermometer rose to 110. Our correspondent writes that it has been 150 in the sun. Verily, Englishmen must be salamanders, our correspondent being out daily riding long distances. -Riverine Advertiser.
-Maitland Mercury, February 17, 1866.

BOURKE.
The effects of our late rain are already apparent. Grass is springing up rapidly ; and we only want the steamers up to make us all right.
Inspector Zouch arrested two men at Kelly's, named Baker and Walton, for absconding from their services in the B. R Co, They were fined £4 each, and costs.
A person named Charles White rode into a camp of police, and was very naturally arrested by them, seeing that a warrant was out for his apprehension. He had with him two horses of doubtful origin-one a D4, belonging to Hill, on the Warrego. He will be had up on Friday.
An unfortunate man, named Burns, late in the employ of James Foote, was brought into town by George Burgess, in a state of great suffering. He is now in the hospital. Great indignation is expressed for the alleged heartless manner he had been treated in when unable even to walk.
A gentleman, Mr. C. Huddy, has just told me that the Warrego at Culla Mulla is a banker.
Feb. 1, 1866.

BOURKE
The river still keeps the steamers from me township, and we are almost as badly off for food as they were in Ireland some years ago; yet everybody seems pretty jolly, and takes to the pigweed quite naturally. Business as a matter of consequence is very dull, but better days all think in store for Bourke.
The weather lately has been fearfully hot, not warm; but thank heaven the grasses are springing up.
Our population is increasing, and I have no doubt we shall be something some day.
The Queensland Government have put a mail to the boundary between us and them, and I think it time our Government acted likewise. It is much needed; and did they study the interests of these districts, it would be done at once.
WARREGO.
The country is looking most splendid : all the rivers are full, and the grasses waving like wheat fields.
I am grieved to record the untimely death by fire of Mrs. Sweeney, formerly living with Mr. John Cameron, on the Cuttaburra. The clothes of the unfortunate creature caught fire whilst cooking in the open air, and death ended her sufferings on the twelfth day from the accident. I do sincerely hope that all who read this will take a warning therefrom. Nothing can be more dangerous than moving round a flaming fire in the open air, and the only wonder is that no more sad results are recorded. Three very young children are by this melancholy case left to the mercy of a wide world. All that unceasing attention and Christian care, on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, could prompt, was tendered, but their exertions failed to save. February 14.
-Maitland Mercury, March 6, 1866.

BOURKE.
The weather is very warm during the day, but the nights are cool and refreshing. Grass is plentiful, and the gardens looking well; in fact, one of these (that of Mr. James Horsfall ) is a perfect little gem, and reflects great credit on that gentleman for his toil and perseverance. Melons and cucumbers (the latter as fine as I have ever seen in the bush) have been brought to table weeks ago ; peas, beans, &c., are found in abundance. This one instance shows what can be done by energy, and I hope the rest of our householders will follow the good example. Mr. Bond has two Tartar gardeners, and ere long vegetables will be as plentiful as they have hitherto been scarce I trust. Numerous arrivals of flour, &c, have again filled up our store-rooms, and all thoughts of starvation are at an end.
Business is rather dull, but a reaction is looked for shortly.
Last Sunday a man named Fitzgerald, a deserter from H.M. A., was arrested and conveyed to the lock-up by Mr. Inspector Zouch for a savage attack on a person known as "Jemmy the Jockey." The weapon used in the affair was a clasp knife, with which were inflicted some very fearful stabs about the head and neck. The wounded man was taken to the hospital. This delinquent is a stranger, and let it be borne in mind that almost every crime committed here is the act of visitors, and that to charge us with their deviltries is both untrue and unjust. We are called 'Flash Bourke," but the flashness comes here to burn out its outrages not from our own population, but from the surrounding districts. We have had other police business of minor character, but to record the petty doings of Smith and Jones is only waste of time. There is a rumour here that the police are to be removed. This must be a mistake. Surely there is not enough of insanity among our senators to sanction such an act. Better for the community to send a stronger force than weaken that which we have. Should such a piece of madness take place, I shall have to order a bowie knife and pistol, and the sooner we look abroad for Mr. Judge Lynch the better.
March I0, 1866.

WARREGO.
There is nothing wanted up this river but rations and enterprise; grass is abundant, water from the head to the foot of the river, and yet-under that bane of nearly all the colonies, "Tis near enough," or "It will serve our time," all seems anything but what it should be. Months come and go, and still you mark little or no improvement-still the same dull round from year to year. Let us hope this state of things will not last forever.
Thomas Poole, late in the employ of Mr. Sullivan, Paroo River, was found about twenty miles back from Culla Mulla, towards Sharpe's station, brutally murdered. The head had been severed and taken away, and only from the clothes worn by the dead could the body be identified. It appears that Poole left the station of Mr Sullivan, having in his possession £90, and that another man, upon whom suspicion rests, is supposed to have killed him for the money. He is now, in all probability, in the hands of the police, and there is said to be strong circumstantial evidence again it him. I will let you know more should the Charlieville mailman condescend to come to Belalie.
I don't know if all departments in the canny colony of Queensland are conducted in the same manner, but a more disgraceful neglect of duty it would be hard to find. Not once this year has a mail come from head quarters, though there is not the slightest obstacle to cause delay; all the rivers are down, grass is in abundance, and the weather beautiful. What the Postmaster General intends doing we can't even guess, but we hope something will be done, and that fresh tenders and liberal pay will be given to someone who understands the mail business in all its branches. Warrego, 10th March.

-Maitland Mercury, March 29, 1866.

LOCAL NEWS.
Bourke Mails -Tenders are Invited in the Gazette of Friday from persons disposed to contract for the conveyance of mails 1. To and from Bourke and Belalie (Warrego River), once a fortnight ; or-2. To and from Bourke and Cameron's (Cuttaburra Creek), once a fortnight.
-Maitland Mercury, March 27, 1866.

BOURKE.
We may now be said to have regained our feet; rations are plentiful, and business seems to have taken a more busy turn. The weather is dreadfully hot, and the river is very low.
The man Fitzgerald is committed for stabbing "Jemmy the Jockey," and I hope he will be taught the lesson that Englishmen abhor the knife.
A death occurred at the Bourke Hotel yesterday. Name of deceased, Thomas Parkinson. Cause of death, general debility. He was buried in the usual way ; and, in speaking of this, I would hint to the Christians of Bourke that a little more Christian ceremony relative to the interment of the dead would certainly be more decent, and more in accordance with the piety shown on Sunday mornings with the bell tolling and best clothes glistening in the sunshine.
The punt is nearly ready for the river, and now another obstacle presents itself to make the affair mythical-I allude to the cutting or approaches, which have been tendered for at such a ridiculous sum that even the generous Martin Government will never place us in a position to cross the river by punt. And in speaking of the Martin Government, it is to be devoutly wished that a District Court be established at Bourke. Some may jeer at the idea, but did they know how much it is wanted, they would agree with me. The fact is, prosecutors cannot or will not spend the time in going hundreds of miles to convict, and thus the scoundrel escapes, and well he knows the fact.
We are to have races on the 24th of May. The sum to raced for will be three or four hundred pounds ; and, thanks to Mr. F. Bond, we shall probably have the best meeting ever seen on the Darling.
March 24, 1866.
-Maitland Mercury, April 3, 1866.

BOURKE.
The weather is still very warm, and the river low enough in all conscience sake. The grasses are again becoming rather dry, and a little more rain would do immense good ; but we don't intend complaining, for we have plenty of rations and other good things, and all seems pretty healthy by way of trade.
Inspector Zouch started today with the choice spirits committed for trial, on their road to join the Queen's brigade.
Our leading men are busily engaged in storing hay, determined, let us hope, no more to be compelled to take to the "butchers' knives and the tussocks on the banks of the river."
Our race meeting promises to be the best yet in Bourke. The Town Plate, I believe, will be for the sum of £75 ; the Maiden Plate about £60. These prizes should collect good horses, and as we have fine stabling, good trainers, and abundance of corn, &c, &c, they doubtless will.
I am sorry to say that Mr. Fanning, lately of Dubbo, lies very ill here. He was taken suddenly ill yesterday, and is a little better to-day.
I am thankful to record that at last we have an excellent bootmaker resident among us, in the person of Mr George Burgess, formerly of the Wee Waa. From work we have seen turned out by his workmen and self, we can predict him success.
That unfortunate punt is still out of her element, and from the amount tended for the approaches I am afraid she will continue a monument of the progressive spirit of N.S.W.
There are plenty of rumours of bushrangers in our vicinity, and should they visit us I fancy they would not take much away, if they managed to take themselves off. But can we wonder at the audacity and success of these misguided men, when such opportunities to rapine are afforded.
Kelly some time ago visited Bourke-a warrant then being out for his arrest. He sported among us a whole week, traded horses with one of our astute troopers, and was allowed to depart to dye his hands deeper in guilt, thereby adding shame to the colony, and additional expense to the country. March 31.
WARREGO.
On this river there have been several robberies by armed men. From Mr. Hill's station they clad themselves from the store, in robber fashion, armed themselves with rifles and revolvers, and then finished off with four D4 horses, saddles, bridles, &c. It may grieve them should they read this to learn that a very considerable sum of money could have been had for the asking. But to say the most of them, they are cowards and bunglers, Falstaffs in bravery, Jack Straws in pilfering. The police are, I hope, on their tracks, and l do hope in this instance they will not be lost sight of in the bush; for should they be as paltry in defending their booty, as they were in obtaining it, a few resolute girls could bring them in.
Sheep are gradually getting down the river ; Mr. C. Cowper has 12,000 on his run, while many stations above him have more or less. 'Tis a great pity they cannot be taken in from this colony; could they, the district would soon assume a different shape. March 31.

-Maitland Mercury, April 12, 1866.

BOURKE.
I am glad that the weather is getting a little cooler, but we are sadly in want of rain, and, what is worse, we I have little indications of having any. Business is dull, but still our township is building up fast.
The contract for the punt is let out at so much per yard; and although it will not take as much money as the former tenders named, I fancy that the firm of Day and Martin, of the metropolis, will be thinking of some other little tax-say upon toothpicks -to make up the deficiency.
Two or three racehorses have already arrived, and let them come, we can give them all excellent accommodation.
The man White, in custody for having horses in his possession, has been again remanded. This makes I don't know how many, but so many that I've forgotten the number, for the appearance of the prosecutor, who, if he is near, ought to be made to attend, for 'tis unjust to keep a poor devil two or three months in gaol waiting the convenience of any body. There is some bungling somewhere. Our police have not yet returned.
A poor fellow on Sunday last met with a fearful accident; his name is Richard. He was riding one of those curses of the bush-yclept a buckjumper-and was thrown, smashing the right arm above the elbow. Mortification set in the following day, when it was successfully removed by Dr. Pechey, and the unfortunate is doing well. One would think examples like these would teach lessons, but they have as much tendency that way as the Government has toward inland improvement.
Bond's teams from your way are close to Bourke. April 24.
P.M.-We have had very slight shower this evening.
-Maitland Mercury, May 3, 1866.

WARREGO.
I am thankful to inform you that we have been visited with about twenty hours of splendid rain, which was much needed, and should the frost keep away we may soon expect a good supply of grass.
There is little of interest going on around, as the murders which were reported some time ago-one on Mr. Pearson's run, the other on the Paroo-are still enveloped in mystery ; but that both cases are foul deeds everyone believes, and until the Queensland Government places the district in a more safe position crime will continue. Hundreds of miles have to be travelled ere you can find a judgment seat, and then it is as likely as not that there are no magistrates. We want police camps along the river to keep in check the characters who make this river their rendezvous.
There is a stir among the settlers, and several mobs of fat cattle are now on the road for market-that of Mr. Henry Williams being a very good lot. 16,000 fat sheep, belonging to Messrs. Turnbull and Dunne, are now over the boundary. West Bowera, belonging to Mr. George Pearson, has changed hands-Mr H. Williams being the purchaser.
I have heard of another unfortunate man having perished at Leadnapper, but don't vouch for the fact.
Lambing has commenced, and promises well.
There has been a good deal of sickness on and about the river. Mr. George Pearson has lost two fine children, a boy and a girl, from diphtheria.
The blacks surrounded Mr. Birkett's stockman, James McPherson, the other day, and, had not another white man appeared, the case would doubtless have been serious.
Weather cold. May 17, 1866.
-Maitland Mercury, June 12, 1866.


BOURKE.
I am sorry to say that an accident occurred to Mr Auguste Becker last week. Whilst out shooting, by some means his gun was discharged, and the contents of one barrel lodging or injuring the breast. Dr. Peechy is looking after him, and he will doubtless do well.
Mr. Zouch has returned from the Paroo, where the man was found shot. No clear evidence elicited. May 4, 1866.
[This letter was delayed, probably by a mail robbery, -Ed. M.M.]
(from a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
About a fortnight ago I had occasion to go as far as Warren, and I am happy to add that on my return home we had twelve hours' heavy rain, and have since heard that higher up the Bogan the rain was more plentiful, extending from the Pink Hills, 50 or 60 miles above Gongolgan, No doubt it will cause a spring in the grass; at any rate, a plentiful supply of water. The sheep and cattle in that locality are in fine condition. Horse teams, with a little fodder to help them to a few camping places, where grass is plentiful, can brave easily.
The Bourke poundkeeper is reaping a fine harvest in consequence of the scarcity of grass in the immediate vicinity of Bourke. The squatters are compelled to keep their respective runs clear from all interlopers; and horses and cattle meet with a hearty welcome at the yards of Mr. W. W. Davis.
Horse sweating, I am sorry to say, is not decreasing. A man named James Lunn was lately convicted of this offence at Bourke and sentenced to three months' imprisonment in Dubbo gaol.
I regret to state that our respected police magistrate Mr. Garrett, has retired from his duties here. His furniture, &c, was disposed of by the hammer, and realised very handsome returns.
The government punt will shortly be launched, which will doubtless prove another boon to the advancement of our township.
The contractors for cutting the approaches to the river are Messrs Phillips and Boyd, men of the right stamp, well adapted for the carrying out of such a contract faithfully and expeditiously. This will be a source of great benefit to the Warrego and Culgoa squatters; that part of the country is in great repute, being well suited for sheep and cattle.
The weather has suddenly changed and has become intensely cold. Bourke, June 1.
-Maitland Mercury, June 21, 1866.

BOURKE.
Our races are over, with all their turmoil, speculation, &c, &c, and we turn again to sober pursuits-official, mercantile, and manual. Of the races themselves I shall say nothing, as I observed quite an army of reporters in the field, and doubtless every event, even to the peculiarity of each horse, will be duly chronicled. I am happy to say, however, that everything went off for such a time of mirth very quietly. Two or three accidents occurred-one to Mr. S. Hendel, the mail contractor, which is rather of a serious description. His elbow, I learn, was dislocated, and his wrist broken. We are all sorry, for Hendel is a hard-working, enterprising man. Much money was exchanged at this meeting, and Bourke may fairly be said to be a racing town. Mr. F. Bond gave the dinner, and for the bush it was the best sat down to. Everything was in profusion-vegetables, meats, pastry, fruits, &c, &c, and all dressed in the most artistic style.
The cutting for the punt is going on rapidly, and now that there is but little water in the river, will soon be ready for the punt.
We have now three public-houses, a tailor's shop, bootmaker's mart, with baker, saddlers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, a Chinese gardening establishment, and one of the best stores on the river. Mr. Garrett has gone away to recruit his health: I have not heard if any other magistrate is to fill his place. The Commercial Bank is doing a very good business, with a certainty of increase (I don't speak here feelingly). Mr. Charles Capper, the manager, is deservedly much respected. All we want is a school, to take the numerous children from the street. Trade is tolerably brisk. Good fat sheep are en route to your market, belonging to Messrs. Turnbull.
Weather very fine. Bourke, May 31.
-Maitland Mercury, July 3, 1866.

WARREGO.
The weather on this river is very fine, and feed abundant. Lambing is in full operation, and very fine prospects are anticipated. Rations are alarmingly scarce, and labouring men are far in advance of the demand.
News arrived here last night that the Bulla blacks attacked Mr. William Sly, spearing his horse, and that a lesson has been gently taught them not likely to be forgotten. I am glad to say that an energetic officer, with a sergeant and a troop of black troopers, are stationed on the Yougha Creek, and their presence has had a beneficial result already. Mr. Gilmour, the officer in charge, succeeded in arresting a man named Patrick Sweeney, who for many months past has been leading a doubtful life, on a charge of horse stealing. I should have said that he received him from Mr. Charles Cowper's stockman Beatson, who had captured the man prior to the trackers coming up; but there is little doubt but that the police would have succeeded in taking him, for a better lot of men were never in the saddle after a fugitive. Much praise is also due to Mr. Cowper for the strenuous efforts he and his man used to frustrate the thief. I sincerely hope the Queen will have the benefit of his services for a few years.
Another man, named John Richard Henry Davis, alias Roughy Jack, alias Ginger, was taken to Charleville by the same escort, for taking from Mr Cowper's black fellow a certain horse which turned out unworthy keeping. He was sent with Sweeny to judgment. Thus two gentlemen the river can very well spare are removed.
A man named Carrol was summoned for selling grog and another named Mulholand was taken in irons to Charleville. Why this should be no one could see the reason, as the youth was simply the driver of the team, and in no way connected with the grog. We thought only criminal delinquents were thus treated. I will send you a report of the proceedings, if possible. The mail is running very punctually. Culla Mulla, August 17th, 1866.
-Maitland Mercury, September 6, 1866.


BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Pastoral Times.)
August 20.-Things are beginning to take a turn for the better up in this quarter. Rations, which have been such a scarce article, are now a little more plentiful, but still many are suffering, especially those travelling with stock. We hear that there are large lots of sheep on their way to the Melbourne market. I hear to-day that there are 16,000 wethers on the Warrego, in charge of Mr. Euston Bloomfield ; I am told they are the finest lot of sheep, both for condition and carcase, that have travelled, and having good feed all the way they ought to arrive at your market in prime order. I believe there is a gentleman back on the Narran, travelling with another lot of sheep for the Melbourne market ; and a lot of 4000 went down the other day to the Sydney market in first-rate condition. Various lots of cattle have also passed. A Mr. Stewart has just gone past with a fine lot of store cattle, 1200, the pick of three stations on the Balonne.
-Maitland Mercury, September 18, 1866.

WARREGO.
The proprietors of this district will be pleased to hear that a fine rain fell last night, which will do much to give us a fine spring grass. Mr R Richards has just gone down with a splendid mob of fat cattle en route for Sydney.
The men who were arrested for horse stealing &c., &c., last week, were fully committed for trial, so we have two less of that class among us.
The man for sly grog selling was fined £30, and everything forfeited. This no doubt is as it ought to be, in the item of the £30, but why a man carrying on the roads for another party should be made to lose his dray &c when no charge could be brought against him, we don't understand. It may be law, and if it is, it is all right, but there is certainly one thing which is evidently wrong: this man was taken by the sergeant of police, handcuffed, and otherwise used as though charged with a very criminal offence; in fact, he was cruelly used, in not being allowed even to wash himself free from the hated irons. He was chained to the saddle from Culla Mulla to Charleville, a distance of 150 miles, lying down at night and rising with it, and having to saddle his horse without assistance. And yet the offender was simply a beardless boy, in charge of three armed troopers. We can't see the need of such petty persecution; and if it is lawful that such things are allowed, the sooner the Act is amended the better. This poor boy was far more abused than were the two notorious scoundrels taken up the week before.
Culla Mulla, Sept. 23, 1866
The weather is beautiful. We have had plenty of rain, and feed is abundant. I am sorry to say that rations are very scarce. Lambing is going on very successfully, and everything promises well for the future. There are two or three mobs of cattle being collected for market, and fine cattle they are. I have heard nothing of any disturbances, either white or black. The mails from Bourke to Charleville run very regularly Mr. William Howlet runs from Bourke to Belalie where he is met by Edward Fromes, both men being very attentive and obliging. I like to mention such a state of things, as you often meet with a contrary state of things. Mine host of the Warrego Inn is now fully under weigh, and if civility and attention meet reward, he will be successful. Sept. 24.
-Maitland Mercury, October 4, 1866.

BOURKE.
( From the Empire's correspondent )
Long Chase After Horse Stealers- Mr sub-inspector Uhr, of the Queensland police force, arrived in Bourke on Wednesday, 26th ultimo, having in charge a man of the name of Duffy, who had, in company with another, stolen two horses from the neighbourhood of Burke Town on the Albert River, and these horse stealers had in their progress taken numerous horses from other persons than those first named. The particulars of Mr Uhr's journey may be interesting to your readers, as an instance of perseverance rarely to be met with, and under difficulties of no ordinary character. The facts appear to be these :
In July last, the two men in question, had been drinking in Burke amongst the rowdies who are usually found in newly settled places. When their funds were exhausted, they made free with two valuable horses, and took their way for the New South Wales boundary. As soon as the loss was discovered, an information was laid and a warrant granted by the police magistrate (W. Landsborough) for their apprehension, and put into the hands of sub-inspector Uhr. In the execution of the duly, he left Bourke alone, taking up the tracks of the offenders, followed them up the various watercourses until he reached the Bulloo. Previous to this he had received information from different persons of their passing, and also that the two had parted. However, when he got to Messrs. Cox and Dowling's station on the Bulloo he found one of these worthies, Duffy, who had just disposed of one of the stolen horses to a stockman there, and was in the act of mounting to show that the horse was not a bucker. He was known to the sub-inspector, who immediately arrested him, and found in his possession six horses on the whole, some stolen from parties on the Barcoo. He obtained the assistance of another man, and followed the tracks of the other to Collis’s public house on the Culgoa, where he had been, but found that he had left for the Narran. His horses were knocked up, so he came on to Bourke in order to get his warrant backed for execution in New South Wales and other purposes. A second warrant had been granted by a Mr Lambert on the Barcoo, for their depredations on the Barcoo. If I were to leave off here there would appear nothing extraordinary in the above recital more than that to be met with in like cases; but in this the fact is, that one single individual should enter upon the pursuit of two offenders against the law over a countryside uninhabited for a great extent, or at least the stations being at a great distance off each other, the entire distance not being less, taking into account the detours, of two thousand miles, accomplished in something like forty days. To conclude my narrative, I may observe that the prisoner was brought before the Police Magistrate, who is a Queensland magistrate, here and evidence of the arrest being taken, he was remanded to Springsure, in Queensland, in the neighbourhood of which the witness of the robbery on the Barcoo resides.
State of The Country -The late rains have had the most beneficial effect on the country, the feed being most abundant and from all the information I can gather the lambing has been of a most unprecedented character. The shearing is general over this district, indeed on one station, that of Mr Josephson, is completed and the wool already on the road to Sydney. This expedition in getting the wool away, in this instance at least, arises from the fact that a large number of carriers were in the neighbourhood, having brought stores to Bourke.
Police -We have had three additional stations formed in this district, one at Gongolan, one at Brewarina, and one at Mount Murchison, Mr Superintendent Lidiard having visited us for the purpose; consequently the number of the police stationed at Bourke will be reduced but the whole of the places named are in the police district of Bourke.
Mail Coach -The mail coach running from Bourke to Dubbo continues to run with regularity and is a great boon to the community. Although there may not be many passengers, yet one or two a week must pay the contractor pretty well, for even when the mail was carried on horse-back, it required two horses for the purpose, and no more are required for the coach they run. The fare is £4 10s to Canonba, £3 10s to Dubbo, thus making £8 for the whole distance of three hundred miles.
It is some time since I wrote you as to the state or progress of our town. Well, it continues to increase in building and population. We have two stores, three public-houses, one baker, three butchers, saddler, wheelwright and blacksmith, two lodging-houses, a branch of the Commercial Bank, a non vested National school, and steps are being taken for the erection of a building for a vested one, and only held in abeyance until the result of legislative action be known as to the bill introduced by the Colonial Secretary. In addition to this public movement, there is one for the establishment of a Church of England clergyman, and a very promising subscription list is now going around for the purpose. This movement originated on the visit of the Rev Mr Greenway to Bourke. I ought to mention that accommodation for the police is now being carried out, as well as the erection of a residence for the gaoler-our lock up is to be proclaimed a gaol-and the fencing of the lock-up.
Punt.-The punt which has for so long a period been on hand, has been completed for some months, but the low state of the river prevented it being launched, and although there may be water sufficient for the purpose now, action has been delayed owing to the insolvency of the contractor. The approaches are in an advanced state, and probably in another month may be completed. When completed it will be a great benefit to those who do business with Bourke from the north, and in Queensland, which is considerable, for they have now to pass over in a boat, which is both tardy and injurious to the goods.
Assessment Court -A court for the assessment of Runs was opened on the 25th, J G. Grenfell, Commissioner of Crown lands representing the Government, and closed on Saturday. As a finale to the week’s proceedings, the gentlemen visitors at Bourke improvised a negro concert, which was held in the Court-house, on Saturday night, for the benefit of the hospital. The court was crowded, and at 5s each , the amount reached £26. It went off very creditably, and said much for the amateurs engaged-on so short a notice.
Oct. 1
The S.M. Herald's Bourke correspondent, under date 20th ultimo says -Last week our town was visited by the Rev Mr Greenway, of the Newcastle diocese. Two services were held on Sunday, the 23rd, in the Court- house; both services were well attended, especially that in the evening. On Tuesday night a public meeting was held in the Court-house, for taking steps to provide a fund for the support of a clergyman of the Church of England, for the district of which Bourke is the centre. Mr Vincent Dowling in the chair. A series of resolutions were adopted, and the meeting addressed by several gentlemen in support of the object. A committee was then formed and a subscription list opened, when about £100 was subscribed. The promoters are sanguine of success.
-Maitland Mercury, October 13, 1866.

NEWS.
Bourke Notes -The Pastoral Investment Company expect to send to market this season upwards of 2000 bales of wool. There is no chance of the Darling being navigable to Bourke this year. The country around is beautiful, and, to use one informant's words, "it looks better now than it has at any time in the knowledge of a white man." The town is in a very flourishing condition, and large improvements are in contemplation.-Dubbo Despatch, Nov 2.
-Maitland Mercury, November 8, 1866.


MOUNT MURCHISON.
(From the Bourke correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, Nov. l8.)
A friend of mine has just handed to me a brief account of the new township at Mount Murchison, named by the Government, "Wilcannia." The following extract is from a letter dated October 31 :-
"I arrived here a few days ago, and having for some months previously heard wonderful accounts of the new town, I must say they were not exaggerated; in fact, it is now what Bourke was two years ago. From the vast amount of its resources, I, with others far more competent to decide, predict it to be the emporium of a district. My chief reasons for making the assertion are-Firstly: A quick and never failing water transit from Adelaide to Menindie, distant from the Mount about 106 miles. Secondly; There are four main roads leading to the township, vis., one from Booligal on the Lachlan, one from the back country over the Barren Range leading to Adelaide, also, one from the Paroo, Toola, Bulla Bulla, Upper Warrego, and intervening country. The large amount of river traffic must necessarily tend to make Wilcannia a place of considerable importance. Buildings are going on rapidly, and all appears to be activity. Teams constantly coming in, loaded with supplies from the steamers now lying at the township; namely, the Maranoa, Lady Augusta, Mulgewa, and the Albury, bringing up general stores.
-Maitland Mercury, November 24, 1866.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, Nov 30.)
In a letter which I received from a friend of mine, written from Mr. Orr's station on the Bree, last week, it is stated that part of the country is in a deplorable condition for want of rain. The waterholes are drying up. Mr. Hughes, with all his sheep, has left the station owing to the want of water, and is now located within a mile of Bourke. The stock in the vicinity of Mr Orr's station are about being removed from the same cause. Equally discouraging accounts have reached me from the Warrego, and, it is certain, that if we do not soon have rain, the results will be most disastrous. It will be a difficult matter to get supplies out there, as there will be no water within fifty miles of Bourke, unless rain comes during the next week.
Business in Bourke has been unusually dull the last two months. Flour may be quoted at £40 per ton.
The reserve in the town of Bourke has been surveyed, and is to be sold next week, a large amount of competition is anticipated. I hear, however, the sale of this reserve has caused much dissatisfaction among the holders of property in the front street, who think that a reserve once laid down in the town map should be irrevocable.
-Maitland Mercury, December 6, 1866.