Oscar Hughan's Life in 1868.

1868.
BOURKE.
The Iron-clad Minstrels are singing at Merrill's hotel, and cleverer performers I never heard out of the great cities. James Newton has one of the sweetest voices ever listened to, and as a violinist he has scarcely an equal in this country. Coglan is a capital nigger, and Newton's brother is excellent on the various instruments he is master of. They are well patronised.
A report came in last night that Thunderbolt had plundered Barton's station, nine miles above this place; the police are off, to what purpose time will tell.
Mr. Joseph Becker sold a small mob of horses during the week at very low rates.
No sign of rain, though it is much needed. Our cabbages are about as digestible as petrified oysters, and everything else is parched and withered.
Mr. R. Nancarrow held a sale of drapery here yesterday. Dec. 27.
Dec 28 - Weather cooler. No news from Sergeant Hawthorn or the bushrangers who stuck up Barton's, robbing and threatening to shoot some of the inmates. He will do his duty we all know.
- Maitland Mercury, January 7, 1868.

BOURKE RACES.
(from our special correspondent)
First Day.
Maiden Plate:
Mr Kelly’s Hotspur 1
Foott’s Tiger 2
Burgess’s Caustic 3
Selling Race:
Paddy-Two-Sticks 1
Darby The Blest dis.
Second Day
The Handicap.
Mr. Colless's Why not, 8st. 6lb. 1
M'Mahon's Kangaroo, 9st. 2
Saunders' Cossack 9st. 91b.. 3
M'Kenzie's Sir Charles 10st. 41b. 4
The Shorts.
Mr. Kelly's Hotspur. 1
Colless's Why-not. 2
M'Mahon's Hermit. 3
The Darling Stakes,
- Freeman, 10st 1
Foott's Tiger 11st 2
Hooley's Barmaid, 8st 3
Beaten Purse.
Mr. Burgess's Caustic 1
Saunders'Cossack . 2
M'Mahon's Hermit 3
Hack Race.
Mr. Holden's Slasher. 1
Beating a large field.
The above is the two first days' racing; the third day's racing will come off tomorrow (Boxing Day). There is a large gathering of people and excitement runs high. The Castlereagh horses are in bad condition (Kangaroo and Hermit) Whynot looks every inch a race horse, and reflects credit on Shaw's training. The white horse is reported lame, but he may show tomorrow in the handicap. The Warrego horse Sir Charles is a fine animal, and raced gallantly, well repaying Mr. M'Grath for his trouble.
Hotspur, the winner of the Maiden Plate, is a very showy horse, of aristocratic descent, and changed hands after his victory for £150, the purchaser being Mr. H. Colless. It's a perfect mistake to send town second-rate horses up here to race-they cannot meet or contest with the wiry and acclimatised local horses. Second-rate Randwicks have got but a poor chance at these bush races; the beat and fodder kills them-to wit, Hamlet, Meteor, Canuto, Kangaroo, Hermit Ac-they have all suffered defeat at, one meeting or another upon this
river.
The steeplechasing goes on tomorrow, it is to be hoped without accident. Last races one horse was killed through the jumps, and his rider considerably injured. Everybody here seems jubilant, and old Sol in his attentions is positively overpowering.
Since the above was in type, we have received a report of the races from our usual Bourke correspondent. We append from his report the account of the third day's racing, the Steeplechase :
Bourke, Saturday, Dec 28.-After all, the Steeplechase was run, seven horses coming to the starting point, viz-, Mr Foott's Tiger and Dolo, Kelly's Hotspur and Doctor, M'Kenzie's Brady, and Holden's Slasher. About five o'clock Billy Hooks took his flag, and drawing up his nags got them away in splendid style. Dolo was first at the leap, and refused, then Tiger, and the others in succession, excepting the Doctor, who was ridden by Harry Grieves, and was kept well behind; while all the others were kicking and rearing about, the old chestnut was put to his leaps, which he topped like a bird, never refusing or touching one, winning the £40 in the slowest hand-canter. Dolo did manage to bundle over one leap, but that was all; not one of the others followed.
-Maitland Mercury, January 7, 1868.

BOURKE RACES.
(from our special correspondent.)
THIRD DAY
Free Handicap, of 50 sovereigns with 2 sovereigns sweeps, two miles.
Mr. M'Mahon's Kangaroo, 8st. 91b. (Mann) 1
J. E Kelly's Hotspur, 9st. 51b. 2
Colless's Why Not, 9st. 61b. 3
Hurdle Race of 40 sovs, with sweep of 2 sovs., 1 ½ miles,
heats; over four leaps; carrying 10st. 7lb. each.
Mr. Kelly's Draught Horses (Greaves) 1
Foott's Dolo. 2
Foott's Tiger. 3
Six started for the Hurdle Race, but with the exception of the horses placed, declined the jumps. No accident occurred, if we except a slight contretemps occasioned through Dolo making his calculations too early at the first jump. Certainly the least said about this race the better, as the manner in which it was performed was far more ridiculous than creditable.
A match, between Kangaroo and Hotspur, for £20 aside, 1 ¾ miles, also took place, the result being a victory for Kangaroo.
This day's racing concluded the week's fun, and if " All's well that ends well," as old Will Shakespear tells us, then the Bourke races of 1867 were a complete success.
-Maitland Mercury, January 14, 1868.



BOURKE.
POLICE OFFICE, DEC. 27. (Before J. Garrett, Esq., P.M, and Messrs.Commissioner
Byrnes and Foott.)
John French was charged by James Reed with stealing a bay mare, his property. - James Reed on oath deposed: I am a labourer, and live at Bourke ; yesterday I saw the mare in question with prisoner at Harris's tavern; I asked him where he got her; he answered he had come by her honestly, and had a receipt, but refused to show it ; I then gave him into custody ; when at the police barracks he offered to show it ; I have not seen the mare for six months ; I left her at Mount Murchison in charge of one Alexander; who was to sell her ; I value the mare at £6. By the prisoner: Alexander is a bullock-driver, and assists a butcher - Constable McElligot sworn : I am stationed at Bourke; I arrested the prisoner on the 26th on a charge of horse stealing ; I gave him the usual caution, and lodged him in gaol ; I found some papers on searching him, among them the receipt marked A for the mare in dispute ; on the 27th the prisoner handed me eight one-pound notes produced. - The prisoner, in his defence, showed clearly to the Bench that he had come legally by the horse ; and after a caution to persons foolish enough to take receipts without being witnessed, especially when the seller could only sign with a cross, the Bench discharged him.
He was then arraigned on a charge of violently assaulting the police while in the execution of their duty. Constable McElligott, whose left visual organ was in half-mourning from the embraces of the captive, was the prosecutor. The defendant pleaded guilty, averring that drink was the whole cause of it. The P. M. pretty plainly informed him that he could not suppose he was to be allowed to play any of his madmen's tricks just when it suited him, and that he was not drunk enough for his physical powers to be in the least affected. Fined £4, or three months in the Dubbo gaol. - A third charge was then put in, that of making " ole clo" of the constable's uniform ; fined £3 10s, or one month in the same asylum. Both fines paid.
DECEMBER 31.
(Before J. Garrett, Esq, P.M.)
BUSHRANGING.- James Byrnes, sworn : I am senior constable, stationed at Brewarrina; from information I received whilst at Bourke that a robbery had been committed with arms on the station of Mr. Russel Barton, on the Dry Bogan, I proceeded there, and was informed by Mrs. Barton that a robbery had taken place with violence; I then proceeded with sergeant Hawthorn to the Junction Inn, thirty-five miles higher up the river ; I learned there that a man with a double barrelled gun, capped, had bailed up the place, and that Richard Jones had rushed the robber, tied him up, but that he had escaped in the night ; I took charge of his horse, and arrested the prisoner next day, near Milroy, on the Culgoa River ; this was on the 29th ; I charged him with the robbery at Barton's, and at the Junction Inn ; I cautioned him ; he said, "I did not use any violence at Barton's, and I don't know anything of the Junction Inn - it was all the fault of grog ; "I received from John Colliss, of the Junction Inn, on the 30th of December, a double-barrel gun, and a box of caps (produced) ; the gun was loaded ; I drew the charges; in the right hand barrel were thirty-three buck shots, and in the left barrel sixty-five [charges handed in] ; I searched the prisoner, and found on him 1s.6d in silver, 4d in copper, two stamps, and a seaman's discharge ; this is made out in the name of Charles Gardener ; he told me that was his name ; the horse is outside the court, and belongs I believe to Mr. Commissioner Byrnes ; I pray for a remand. Remanded until Thursday. The prisoner is quite a youth, and seems to treat the matter with the utmost unconcern.
MUSIC AND DANCING WITHOUT AUTHORITY. - Senior- sergeant Hawthorn appeared against Stephen Hendle, landlord of the Stockman's Inn, charging him with the above offence, stating on oath : On the 23rd instant, I heard music and dancing at Hendle's booth, on the Race- course ; I told him to stop it ; he said he had the privilege of music, but not dancing; he said he would stop if Kelly did ; he did not desist. Fined the full penalty (£10), and coats, with option of appeal. - A second charge of the same nature, for the following day, brought the same fine. - Kelly was to have been heard for the same offence, but sickness prevented.
SLY GROG SELLING. - Senior-constable Byrnes v. William Windsor. - Defendant pleaded not guilty. Senior- constable Byrnes sworn: I know nothing of the matter from my own knowledge. By defendant: There were twenty or thirty men at your place on the 25th instant; the day I was at your house : I did not see a drop of grog ; there were men there threatening the informer. The informer, Kaymes, on oath said : I live on the banks of the river ; I know the defendant, he is a boarding- house keeper ; his name is W. Windsor ; I was at his house on the 25th ; I was there to breakfast and dinner ; I had something to eat and drink ; Windsor showed three bottles of brandy to his boarders ; I received a half-crown's worth of grog from Harry Cornish ; he is Windsor's partner ; I think I got several nips during the day; sometimes I paid for it and sometimes I did not ; I got ginger beer or lemonade to soften it ; Windsor did not sell me any grog that day. By defendant : I once lived at Wilcox's ; I left there for knocking him down ; I had my breakfast and dinner at your place ; I have not paid for the meals ; I had some grog ; I did not pay for it ; I asked Cornish for some money and grog ; he refused to give me any more tick ; this put me in a passion and I gave information ; I owed you 15s. on the 2nd of December. The constable strove here to cross-examine the witness, but the bench ruled it down. - R. Dickson sworn : I am a bookmaker, and live at Bourke ; I know the defendant ; I was at his house on the 24th ; I slept there that night ; before I left on the 25th, at nine in the morning, I did not have any grog there; I said I was summoned on the case ; Windsor never said anything about it to me ; I did not see any grog there on Christmas Day - James Irwin sworn : I saw the defendant make a present of grog to his boarders ; I never paid him for any drink. Case dismissed.

JANUARY 3RD
(Before John Garrett, Esq., P.M.)
Charles Gardner, on remand was placed in the dock, charged with robbery under arms. Jane Barton, sworn : I am the wife of Russel Barton, residing on the Dry Bogan ; on Thursday, the 26th of December, the prisoner came to our station, a little after one o'clock p.m ; he opened the door, and demanded arms, with a knife in his hand ; it was a sharp-pointed butchers' knife ; he said "Bail up, I want arms, that is all”. I told him to be off. I would not give him the gun, and shut the door; he said if I did not give up the gun he would set the place on fire; he then asked our Chinaman cook for the gun, caps, powder, and bullets ; he then said "You need not be afraid, I will not harm you, all I want now is a horse ; he went to catch a horse but did not succeed, and wanted the blacks to help him ; they had all run away ; he then ordered the Chinaman to go ; the next thing I saw of the prisoner he was leading the horse up the river ; he saddled him and rode away ; I never saw him after until now ; I cannot swear to the gun ; I think it is the one ; I will not swear to the caps ; the man at the bar is the same who came to my house on the 20th December last. –
Chin Yun, sworn by blowing out a lucifer, said : I have seen the man before at Mr. Barton's station ; the day after Christmas Day he came into the kitchen ; he asked me for a gun ; I told him I had none ; he told me to get one quick ; he then went to the house ; I followed him ; I asked missus for the gun ; she had shut the door ; she was frightened ; he then said if she did not give him the gun he would set the place on fire ; she then gave me the gun, and I gave it to the man ; he then asked for powder, caps, and bullets ; he said he would not hurt anybody, but he must have a horse ; I said I would ask missus ; she said, help him, and see what horse he takes ; he then went to catch a horse, but could not ; he then came for the blacks, but they all ran away, and he told me to help him ; I went with him ; he caught a horse, the one out- side the court; the gun is the same one missus gave me; so is the box of caps ; I saw him saddle up the horse, and ride away. –
Russel Barton, sworn: I am a squatter, and live on the dry Bogan ; the gun in the court is my property, its value is £5 ; I have seen the prisoner close to my place ; he was camped there 23rd 24th December, in company with a tinker and watch-maker ; the horse outside the Court is the one taken from my place on the 26th; I saw him that morning ; he belongs to Mr. Commissioner Byrnes. –
Dick Jones, sworn : I am stockman to Mr. Collis, on the Culgoa; I know the prisoner; the gun in Court is the one I took from him at the Junction Inn, about half past six p.m ; it was capped when I took it from him ; I will not swear to the horse at the Court-house door ; it is like the one tied up at the Junction Inn. The prisoner, who declined to say anything, was fully committed for trial at the Bathurst Quarter Sessions.
FORGERY. - William Stephens was placed at the bar, charged by constable McElligot with forgery. He stated on oath: I arrested the prisoner at A. Merriel's hotel, where he had offered two cheques, stating that he wished them cashed; I acted on the advice of Mr. Merriel when I arrested the prisoner ; he said he had received the cheques in part payment for horses sold ; I searched him, and found a purse and a pocket knife. –
Albert Hooley, sworn: I am a billiard marker, and live at Bourke ; I have seen the prisoner before ; on the 31st of December he brought to Merriel's hotel two cheques, and asked if I could do anything with them ; the cheques produced are the same ; he said he could find no one who knew the signatures ; I told him to go to the Bank ; Mr. Merriel then came in ; and this is all I know of the matter. By the prisoner : You asked me if I could do anything with them ; I did not fetch in Mr. Merriel –
Alfred Merriel, sworn : I am landlord of the Bourke Hotel ; I saw prisoner in my bar on the 31st of December ; my attention was called to some cheques by A. Hooley ; I asked him what was wanted, and he said, " Can you do anything with these ?" handing me two cheques ; I looked at them, and thought they had been written by the same hand, and on the same day, and with the same ink ; the cheques in court are the same ; he said he should like to get one of them cashed, as he was in a fix ; he called again after dinner, and Mr. McElligot took him into custody; I gave the prisoner neither food or grog - Remanded for eight days.
As I anticipated, Mr. Kellys £20 was mulct to-day, the 4th of January. He was brought up under the same clause as Hendle, but not, like that gentleman, did he submit quietly to his punishment; three different charges were heard, and a more tedious hearing I never heard ; and the report, did I send it, would require an extra sheet. Witnesses out of number were produced, and the defendant strove to show that it was a case of animus prepense. The Police Magistrate showed a great deal of patience, and the cross-examination of the troopers by Mr Kelly was very amusing. He was fined, however, £21 and costs, with the option of appeal, which he assured the bench was his intention.
The weather is fearfully hot again - 112° to-day.
Business rather dull; but we must expect a reaction after the bustle of last week. There is any amount of flour in town, which, considering the upward tendency of the article inside, is a source of great satisfaction.
Mr. Beale, the photographer, has astonished the natives by his faithful pictures; they excel many I have seen in town. Whether it is our delightful heat or his cleverness which attains such perfection I don't pretend to guess, but his portraits are splendid.
The Ironclads have left for Dubbo, after doing a fine business. Good fortune attend them, as it should such excellent musicians. One and all of them are much above anything seen in these parts, and their visit will long be remembered as one of the daintiest treats.
Mrs. William Shearer, of the Warrego Inn, late of Seymour, Victoria, died suddenly the other day, of disease of the heart. She was a lady much respected for her extreme kindness and attention to all classes.
ERRATUM. - The Bourke land sale amounted to £750, not £7. 5s.
January 8th, 1868.

(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
A young man named Watson, in the employ of Mr. James Foott, was drowned here on the 16th December. Accompanied by a man named Hooley he went to bathe. After being in the water a short time Hooley got out, and whilst dressing himself saw Watson sitting on a rock in the stream. A moment afterwards he looked again for Watson, but he was not to be seen. Neither Hooley nor Watson could swim. Some blacks, who happened to be near, rescued the body from its watery grave. Dr Roberts was immediately called, and was most energetic in his attempts to restore animation, but without avail. There was not a post mortem examination held, as our Police Magistrate did not deem it necessary to call medical evidence. So poor Watson met with his death, probably from sun-stroke or drowning, but of the real cause we are ignorant.
About three weeks ago three horses were stolen from Mr. C. W. Hughes' Charlton station; they have since been recovered by Russell Barton, Esq.
Three men were recently lost from Matthews' public house on the Darling. No tidings of their whereabouts are known.
-Maitland Mercury, January 16, 1868.

BOURKE.
Police Court.
Sticking-up.-Charles Gardener was placed at the bar, charged with sticking-up the Junction Inn, on the Bogan River. William Marsh, on oath, said I am cook at Mr. John Colliss's, on the Bogan River ; I know the prisoner; I remember the 26th of December; I saw him at Colliss's inn ; he came there on horseback; I was at the end of the verandah ; he got off his horse; he had a gun in his hand; I cannot swear to the gun ; he ordered me into the house, and said “Bail up;" I told him to wait till I had curled my hair ; he then went into the house ; I followed him, when Richard Jones snatched the gun from him, and the prisoner ran away ; Jones followed and brought him back, and he and I, with the servant girl, tied him to the verandah post; he was untied in the morning ; I slept by him; I did not see any one untie him ; he went away, and there was no second attempt to capture him.-By the prisoner: Yon were loose about daylight. Other witnesses corroborated this evidence, saying additionally that the prisoner demanded what money the landlady bad, and likewise swore to the gun. Fully committed to Bathurst.
The Missing Men -Nothing has been heard of the men mentioned last week, but I have received the following from Mr. Thomas Mathews :-John Foott, it appears, left a back station belonging to Mr. Mathews named Wittagoona, in search of cattle, some two months ago ; he has not since been heard of. Three weeks later William Murray (alias Duncan) and Mr. Blair left the same place, in quest of horses; they were so confident they had the tracks of the animals they were after that they left the camp without water or anything else; they never returned. The hutkeeper, Charles Williams, anxiously awaited their appearance four days, and then went in to the river (sixty miles) to report. On arriving there Sergeant Hawthorn was awaiting Murray to show him the bones of a man named Moore, a Maitland bullock driver, who perished there some six years ago, and which had been found by Murray. The poor fellow never tendered his services, and it is the opinion of all bushmen here and there that he must have perished that most awful of all deaths-death for want of water. Several parties have been out in search for him in vain.
Another Bush Calamity.-News came in yesterday from the Warrego that the wife of Mr. John Cameron, late of the A. P. I. Co, had wandered into the bush, and (when found) was in a state bordering on insanity. It appears, from what I have been able to glean with a good deal of care, that Mr. Cameron had taken up country north-west from the Warrego, and that he had left his wife and children for a short time on what he considered permanent water. On his return, on entering his house, he discovered the breathless body of his eldest child, between two and three years of age, with no water at the place and his wife absent. Search was at once made, and the unhappy mother was found in company with a lubra, as above stated ; the other child, an infant, was alive. This is an outline of this most awful calamity. It is useless to guess anything relative thereto. By the next mail we shall learn more.
A complimentary dinner was given at Merriell's Hotel, to Mr. Henry Bohant, C.P.S., the other evening, on his return to Bourke. The happiest of New Years were given him by all present, and a most pleasant evening was spent. In a neat speech the recipient thanked his hosts, and hoped that many such friendly meetings would take place ere the new year waxed old.
Bourke, after the races, is as dull as an oyster bed ; weather nice and cool, but no rain.
Mr.Lawrence, our acting P.M., was presented by Mr. Joseph Becker with a splendid arm chair, for his especial use in the police office.
The hospital will open on the 1st February.
The educational sensation seems to have wasted its sweetness on the desert air.
January 11th, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, January 21, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
I am happy to inform you that we have had four or five hours' rain, which will do much to improve the general aspect of the country in this neighbourhood.
News has just come up the river that the rain has been heavier there than here.
January 18.
-Maitland Mercury, January 30, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent Dubbo Dispatch.)
A meeting of the subscribers to the Bourke Hospital was held on the 30th January. H. Walker, Esq., was voted to the chair. The Committee presented the following report for 1867 : - It stated that since February last, attempts had been made to raise funds, and as in most cases the public have refused to subscribe till the institution was again opened, the Committee had notified their intention of re-opening it on the 1st February next. A collector has been appointed, who is to visit the Paroo, Warrego, and neighbouring districts forthwith. At the last annual meeting, which took place on the 28th of February last, the Treasurer's report showed a balance in hand of £85 15s. 7d. When the Government grant was received in May a Committee meeting was held; and a dividend of 15s. in the £1 paid on all accounts except sundry small debts, amounted to £15 3s. 6d., which were paid in full, and the account due to Messrs. Ross and Co. Prior to the receipt of the Government grant, Messrs. Ross and Co. had sued the Hospital Committee for the amount of their claim ; it was considered advisable by the committee that no dividend should be paid on this account until proceedings were stayed. The proposal made to Messrs. Ross and Co. was rejected; the case proceeded, with a verdict obtained, and the account increased in costs. The treasurer's present report shows a balance in hand of £84 4s. 9d., and there are further subscriptions amounting to about £90, which will be paid as soon as the hospital is re-opened. The subscriptions received during the year amounted to £155 11s. 4d. £50 has been paid off Messrs. Ross and Co.'s account, as determined at the last meeting of contributors, leaving a balance against the institution of £150. It was resolved that the report read be adopted; and gentlemen were proposed and duly elected to act as the committee for the ensuing year.
On Sunday evening last a prisoner named Stephens escaped from the lockup. He was pursued by constable McKillicut, but succeeded in getting clear away; he swam the river with, it is supposed, the irons on one leg. He has escaped twice from the Queensland police. He was confined here, charged with forging and uttering valueless cheques.
I have also to record the death of James Batten, jun., late of Mudgee. He has been resident in this district for the last five years, and was highly respected by all who know him. The funeral service was read by Mr. Shuttleworth. It is a lamentable fact that here is a population of about 400 or 500, and when any death occurs we have to appeal to some kind hearted individual to read the burial service. A minister is sadly wanted here. - Feb. 1.
-Maitland Mercury, February 15, 1868.

WARREGO.
I am writing this at Tickerman, one of Mr. Williams' stations on the above mentioned river, and finer country and more luxuriant grass I never saw; it is positively delightful to ride through such magnificent pasture. I should be more happy to chronicle the delightfulness of the society found in these regions. Horse stealing is on the increase, in spite of the many police quartered on the river. Mr. Williams had a fine race horse stolen from his stable a short time ago, and one prisoner has just gone down to Bourke on the same charge, passing another on route to Charleville, while warrants are almost as plentiful as the most depraved could desire. But the activity of the local magistrates must in a short time end this dark picture, and I must say that there are several energetic and intelligent men in this department dwelling on the creek.
The news from Gympie Creek gold field is stirring the minds of the laboring population, and the report (mind I vouch for nothing more than the report) of a very large nugget being found has started men in droves southward. Everybody on the river received the intelligence as true, and as for myself I believe gold is being found by thousands.
In speaking of the prisoners en route "to Bourke and Charleville, I could not but notice the manner in which they were secured. Security, of course, is necessary ; but chains which would hold a mustang are surely not needed to confine a man guarded by revolver and Black's carbines. The mode of chaining is by riveting a strong circlet of iron round the ankle of each foot, and coupling them by chains passing under the horse's girth. Should the quadruped fall, judge and jury could be dispensed with, for death or fearful mutilation must result. It is a pity that mercy should not temper justice.
The weather is intensely hot-."warm" is not the word to convey the idea. To give you an example : the other day a gentleman gave me a letter to deliver at Cullamulla ; on taking the missive from my pouch I found it covered with oil ; I wondered at the event, and searched for the cause, and found that it proceeded from a box of matches, literally turned to fluid by the heat.
There is a good deal of sickness here just now, taking the form of low fever.
Cullamulla is proclaimed a township, and a public house and stores are going up; Mr. Thomas Reynolds is mine host, and Walsh and Wilmott, from Brisbane, are the merchants.
More rain threatening. Feb. 26, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, March 21, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The river is still falling, and there is no sign of a rise. Rain, which is much wanted, fell in very small quantities two days ago, but not enough to do any good.
The township is very dull, but nevertheless buildings are going up in all directions. It was only last week that the new bank premises were finished. The new bank is a splendid building, and a credit to Bourke.
On Tuesday evening a meeting was held at the Court house, in order to petition the Government to grant the inhabitants of Bourke the present reserve as a common. There was a very small attendance, as it did not seem to suit the views of the promoters of the movement that the public generally should know anything about It, The proceedings were short and sweet, as everything had been cut and dried by those behind the scenes. A slight objection was made that the large landholders had no notice of the meeting, and a proposal submitted that it should be adjourned for a week, but this was overruled. However, as the object of the meeting was one which interested all parties, the petition was the next day unanimously signed by the landholders in the township.
Mr. August Becker, late of Wilcannia, has started as auctioneer, stock, station, and general commission agent here.
At the police court, before the Police Magistrate, D. A. Byrne, and James Foott, Esq., J P., Charles W. Hughes, J.P., squatter, of the Bogan, was summoned for refusing to pay a shepherd's wages. Mr. Hughes raised an objection that the magistrates had no jurisdiction in the case, inasmuch as he was not summoned to the nearest court. The objection was sustained by a majority of the bench, the Police Magistrate dissenting.
The news of the recovery of the Prince was bailed with universal satisfaction. April 11.
-Maitland Mercury, April 23, 1868.
BOURKE.
I have been absent from Bourke some time, and have returned to find financial and pastoral affairs in a sad plight; as to the former, big cheques are as scarce as policemen in a row. Buildings are struggling up, but there is a certain draw backwards in the scene which is quite affecting to delicate nerves. As to the former, I may almost say with your Walgett correspondent that it is a case of ‘in extremis’.
Our pasturage has dwindled down to a few dry lifeless tufts of something which it would puzzle the great Caxton himself to name; and to make the matter worse, we are infested with sheep almost up to our very doors. What those most concerned can be about in allowing such a state of things to exist is more than any sensible man can define. Heaven knows our boundaries are scant enough during this terrible time, and yet these woolly caterpillars are allowed with impunity to deprive us of the little feed we have. But I suppose it is right, as Pope has it; but allow me to say there is no wonder that so many men are searching for bullocks and horses, which generally are found in the pound, situated only two miles from town, in a nice snug place, on the river's bank. There is much just complaint among the owners of these animals, who generally are hard-working men. I shall in a future paper speak more of this delightful institution.
The bellman, with an energy almost supernatural, endeavoured to collect the patriotic to a meeting to be held to consider the desirability of contributing funds for the Alfred Hospital ; but his eloquence was in vain ; no charitable shadows thronged to the call, and those whose benevolence is awakened must pour forth their munificence in secret.-Our own little hospital is heading the current of hard times bravely, under the present committee; and so long as they act the people feel certain of a successful result.
At sundown tonight the clouds gathered darkly, and the expectant eye was turned wistfully to the sky, hoping for rain ; but, alas, a storm of wind from the south and west dissipated the clouds, and our hopes departed with them.
The news of O'Farrell's execution was hailed with universal thankfulness, showing that although so thoroughly " bushized " as we are, we love the Queen and respect the laws. Divine service was held in the Court-house the other day, to offer prayers to that Almighty Power who stayed the would-be murderer's arm. A great number attended.
The first of May has broken upon us as clear and fine as scorching December. A furious wind raged all night, and the rain, if at one time near us, is now hundreds of miles away. Mr. W. Bradley has started 8000 sheep down the river, in charge of Mr. Henalle, and other stock must soon take the road; Mr. Sharpe, Bough Creek, is mustering fat cattle. In speaking of the back country, the water is scarcer now than in the last terrible drought.
We have several fine gardens in Bourke, but the most extensive and best cultivated one is that belonging to Mr. James Horsfall, and his example, were it followed by others in the district, would in a few years place fruit in the reach of all. He has nearly all kinds of fruit trees of the temperate zones, and a good many of the tropical, thriving splendidly, whilst vegetables of all kinds grow to perfection under his care. A year or two ago the clever ones of Bourke preached the impossibility of producing these articles here, but this gentleman has dissipated the illusion-finer melons, or of sweeter flavor, I have never seen in any market. The only thing which proves refractory is the potato: this tuber we cannot coax on to the table. Success attend him.
Mr. Bradley, of Yanda, was out In the back country off the Darling South the other day, when, after driving a long distance, one of his horses died, and he had to walk in to the river, twenty-five to thirty miles. He arrived at his station greatly exhausted.
From a Government tank on the Warrego road, an old man, formerly of Adelaide, and whilst there a bridge builder, and known as Jack or "Old Jack, the Bridger," wandered into the bush, and must have perished. He was tracked some miles without success.
Horses are very, very cheap-shillings buying them now in lieu of pounds. Provisions here are very high, considering the state of things.
Our immortal punt is still resting idly on the wave- ripple I should say.
The mails, one and all, are running to perfection, which, considering the scarcity of grass, is very creditable.
At the police court, before Messrs. John Garrett, P M , and James Foott, J.P., F. Heron was arraigned for sly grog selling. The case was postponed until Tuesday.
The health of the township is not very good.
A dinner is to be given tonight, Friday, to Mr. Edward Bloxham, late of the A.P.I. Co., at Kelly's Hotel. He leaves the district much respected by all classes.
Bourke, Friday, May 1.
-Maitland Mercury, May 12, 1868.

BOURKE.
TERRIBLE SUFFERING.
A MAN FORCED TO DRINK HIS HORSE'S BLOOD.
(From the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The following account of terrible suffering has been suppled us by a Bourke correspondent, who writes :- "The report I send you today will serve to show what a man may endure in these sterile regions. I have had many cases of hardship to record ; but this of Mr. W. B. Bradley's, of the firm of Cobb and Co, is certainly one of the most fearful I have ever known. Men have wrestled with the terrible agony and died, but since I have been on the river, no one has gone through as much, and lived to relate the event. I shall nothing extenuate or set down, but as nearly as possible tell the tale as I have gleaned it from the sufferer himself.
He says: “ I started from Yanda on the Darling about the 9th of April last, with a buggy and two horses, for Gidyagabambo, back country belonging to us south of the Darling, a distance of eighty miles without water. I had horses I depended on, but after going thirty miles through the bush one of them knocked up and I had to camp. When I started I had only two bottles of water, which were now consumed. This camp I considered about thirty miles south of Toorale; I say south, but having no compass cannot be certain. I started next morning, one horse still very well, and went seven miles; I believed myself too much to the east; changed my course due south or what I supposed south, and travelled between forty and fifty miles, and found myself among mountains. These mountains or high ridges running in all sorts of forms and directions, caused me to admit that I was in unknown country-and no water. The day had been very warm, and a painful sensation in the throat and tongue was felt; the horses were completely done; here I camped. By daybreak I was after the horses, and found they had left me in the night; found their tracks, and with much toil (for I had eaten nothing since I started, in fact, hunger I never felt) ; followed them for ten miles in a N.W. direction. About 10 o'clock I came up to my best horse, the other nowhere to be seen; and I being in a fainting state from thirst, opened with my knife the neck vein, and drank more than a quart of blood. This horrible draught gave me much relief, but it was voided almost as soon as taken. There I rested, being quite exhausted, my poor horse never leaving me; in fact, whenever I lay down, which I did towards the end of the journey every mile or so, he would stop, come back, and neigh. When I again started, I led him N. W., the course he was going when I recovered him; this point I felt sure was the nearest to the river. About 3 o'clock I found a kurragong tree, and as well as I was able-for my knees trembled and my arms felt powerless-stripped away some of its bark, which I chewed, and found the sweet moisture of much benefit in clearing my throat and tongue; and I feel convinced should anyone be in the like strait and have strength to procure plenty of this bark, it would preserve life for a day or two. At 4 p.m. I again drank blood with the same result; my poor horse, Sydney, a TAS, now literally staggering. All day it had been very hot and at night it became quite cool, and I resolved to long- hobble my horse and follow him ; the reason of my hobbling him was that, weak as he was, he could out-walk me, and even then I had to follow the sound of the chains. After going about six miles thus, he started into a reeling canter and stopped in a dry creek called Mulrayna: here I knew where I was, and followed him to Marrandina and lay down; when I again started the horse was gone. Ten miles had now to be got over, which took about seven hours, when I reached one of my own tanks at Nulltrania, fifteen miles from the Darling, where I had sheep. The horse, Sydney, likewise found the tank, drank, rolled, and, died; the other horse got in the next day and, plunging headlong into the water, was drowned.”
-Maitland Mercury, May 21, 1868.


BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
On Friday, the 1st of May, the private friends of E. J Bloxham, Esq. (late manager of the A.P.I. Co.) comprising the principal squatters in the neighbourhood, and the residents of Bourke, assembled at Kelly's Old Fort Hotel, for the purpose of giving that gentleman a complimentary dinner previous to his leaving the district. Seldom perhaps did the Old Fort Hotel see in its walls such a select party. August Becker, Esq., occupied the chair, and after the usual toasts, he proposed the health of the guest of the evening, to which Mr. Bloxham responded in a speech which deeply moved those present. The party only broke up late in the night to assemble again in the morning to escort Mr. Bloxham a part of the road. What our district has to thank Mr. Bloxham for everybody knows, and it is with the deepest regret that we see one depart from us who struggled so bravely with all the difficulties which befall squatters in forming stations in the outlying districts of the colony. May we soon be able to welcome him again amongst us, and may his future efforts be successful, were the wishes of every gentleman who saw him leave Bourke.
No rain yet. May 14.
-Maitland Mercury, May 28, 18868.

BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Rain-glorious rain-has fallen in copiousness over our parched and barren plains. The stockowner's thoughtful brow has smoothed its furrows, and every heart is warm with gratitude and hope. On Tuesday, at sunset, the welcome clouds gathered darkly in the S E., and ere long the health-giving drops descended, accompanied by lightning and thunder. During the night it poured down splendidly, and dawn revealed a delightful state of mud.
All day Wednesday it threatened more, and a few slight showers fell towards night. The weather now is very cold; and I am afraid unless it turns warmer the grass will not spring ; but let me not croak.
Bourke is again holding up her crushed hopes, and private houses are under way and gardens are abundant We are rather overcrowded with birds of Paradise, i.e. Celestials ; at any rate we don't want any more. Fences are going up everywhere, and if you don't look out pretty sharp Becker's iron wire will pull you up
An unfortunate man named William Waters was sometime ago confined in the lock-up, being unfit, through mental infirmity, to take care of himself. There can be no doubt he is literally mad, and very difficult to manage -biting and tearing anything that comes in his way, refusing food, &c. During the period of his first confinement let me testify to the brotherly forbearance and care bestowed on him by Sergeant Cleary and his associates. This unhappy man was discharged the other day ; let loose upon the town, when the fierce spirit again took possession of him, and the police had once more to take him to his old quarters. Why not remove him to some place of proper treatment at once before he either kills himself or some of his keepers.
12,000 sheep (Sharpe's and Acre's) past here last week en route for Sydney, and 4000 of Bradley's today (Friday.)
There is to be a great change on Hill's country on the Warrego. Mr. James Tyson, of the Murrumbidgee, has purchased the whole of that country, and is in treaty for some belonging to the A.P.I. Co. 13 dams have been marked out on various creeks, and the wealthy proprietor talks of cutting a canal from the Warrego to the Cuttaburra-eight or ten miles. This is something like squatting. -May 21.
-Maitland Mercury, June 4, 1868.

BOURKE.-A correspondent writes:-As I anticipated, the grass is very tardy in making its appearance; and while the weather remains cold, as it is, we may expect no feed. Stock is lining the rivers up and down, and lambing operations must of necessity be conducted at great disadvantage. There has been much more rain towards the north, but even there some of the standard waterholes are dry.-Mr. J. Becker sold at auction, on Friday, a load of potatoes ; and what do you imagine they realised per bag of 100 lbs ? why as high as 36s. News came in from the Warrego that a man had been killed by the owner of some horses, who detected him lifting them, and throwing a stone killed him on the spot. May 30.
-Maitland Mercury, June 11, 1868.




BOURKE.
Notwithstanding the downpour of rain which has visited this district, we are still without grass, and shall continue so unless warmer weather sets in. The town ship is thriving excellently well, and many buildings are in progression. Gardens are plentiful, and consequently vegetables are abundant. The news from the back country north is very disheartening. Stock is travelling almost everywhere, and what is to be done the wisest dare not hazard opinion. A lot of 1100 cattle passed here on Wednesday for Medindie; they belong to J. Phelps, Esq , Albermale. There is a good deal of fencing going up about town, chiefly belonging to Mr. J. Becker.-The hospital is going on well, and gives much satisfaction. The punt is still a bone of contention; meetings and speeches, none of the first water, are made, and applications sent to the Government for its removal to the police paddock.
William Waters, of unsound mind, was started to Dubbo yesterday (Monday), in charge of constable Loughnane.-Thomas Mathews was brought before the bench for having unlawful possession of a horse belonging to Mrs. Tully; ordered to give up the animal and pay costs. Another charge of similar nature was preferred against him, and put off till the 7th July.
I am sorry to say that the wife of Mr. John Collies died from consumption on Wednesday afternoon. She was a lady much respected by all, and she leaves a young family to lament her loss.
Kilpatrick, laden, is close to Bourke The river is very low.-The blacks are luxuriating in new blankets, and not before they were needed, for it is very cold at night -The mails are very punctual, and each contractor is most civil and obliging.
A new township, called West Bourke, is to be offered for sale in lots on the 19th. Much dissatisfaction is felt at the short notice extended to the public, for the sale will be over before many hear of it.-Hay is getting scarce, but there is still some left for the weary horse - A Mutual Improvement Society is being held here. There has been a great rumpus on the Bogan relative to an act of impounding said to be illegal. It will be settled next month. The cattle of the defendant were travelling on a road on the west side of the river, lately disused, but which was once the only road. The merits of the case will be sifted, and may show what roads stock are confined to in passing along river frontages. Weather fine, though it threatened rain on Tuesday. June 13, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, June 23, 1868.




BOURKE.
A correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch, writing on July 10 describes the weather as being very cold, and rain was hanging about. Forage was getting very scarce, and the river was low, with no signs of rising. Business was dull; two out or five public houses had retired into private life. There were a great number of travellers passing up and down the Darling, but there was little or no work to be obtained. Shearing would, however, soon commence, when the wool-washing establishment was expected to throw fresh impetus into the affairs of Bourke.
-Maitland Mercury, July 21, 1868.

PRICE OF LAND AT BOURKE-A correspondent of the Bathurst Free Press writes that on Monday and Tuesday last a sale of Town Allotments took place in the Court House. The land is situated at West Bourke, a township laid out on the right bank of the Darling, about three miles above Bourke, which I suppose must now be called East Bourke. The new township is nearly on a ridge of high ground formerly known as "The tailing yard," and during the great flood of 1864 was the nearest dry ground to Bourke, and from whence the supply of fresh meat was brought. It is in the line of road to the Orange and Queensland, as well as the road to the Culgoa and the higher part of the Darling. On Monday there were 40 half-acre lots put up, and 37 sold at prices ranging from £4 (the upset price) to £50, and the total receipts amounted to £950. On Tuesday, there were 30 half acre lots put up, and the whole of them sold, the lowest £10, the highest £60 1s ; total amount realised, £616 1s, 3d. The grand total for the two days’ sale being the handsome sum of £1206 11s 3d; or something like £36 per acre.
-Maitland Mercury, July 23, 1868.

BOURKE.
The cold, which has been rather severe lately, has given place to a genial warmth, and we may expect plenty of forage soon. The river is very, very low, yet the water is perfectly good. From the Warrego, high up, sad news is brought in by reliable persons. Stock is everywhere on the move; but on the Bulloo and some parts of the Cuttaburra there has been plenty of rain, and there is plenty of feed.
Bourke is progressing very satisfactorily; many brick buildings are up and in hand. The Tattersall's Hotel (Colless's) is to be a very fine building. There is a change in the price of grog, sixpence now being the charge at Kelly's, and plenty too, as the times go.
A mob of 8000 sheep passed down the river a few days ago; they are from the Bulloo, belonging to Dr. Hutchinson and Wallace.
Our people are now plentifully supplied with vegetables, potatoes among them; these always fetch a high price, and no one need fear to bring them.
The new township West Bourke seems likely to supersede the old town, and I must say that it is infinitely superior as a site; it is eight or ten feet higher, with a get-away almost in any point. The sale realised something like £1500.
We had a sale of bacon, cheese, &c, last week, and the prices they brought were very low-6d for bacon, 5 ½ d for cheese (and good cheese, too).
I see that there is a likelihood of the order nuisance being rooted out. Your Walgett correspondent is quite correct in his remarks thereon. Drunkenness is often a case of nolens volens with the unhappy bushman; the change he receives is, out of the place, utterly worthless, and he takes it out in drink.
Our mails are running very punctually. The punt, of which so much has been said, is rotting in the river, and the cutting is being rapidly refilled. Something ought to be done soon, one way or the ether, in justice to the Government.
The police office is very quiet; so much the better. July 17, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, July 30, 1868.

August- no reports from Bourke by either correspondent.

BOURKE,
(From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Rain would do a great deal of good. There is a young shoot which requires a little more moisture, and we would have abundance of grass.
Shearing is progressing rapidly at Beemery. Over fifty thousand sheep are already shorn, and about 200 bales of wool scoured, ready for the road, at the establishment of Messrs. Edwards and Robinson (late Edward Hughes and Co), I understand, with the new apparatus, the wool is better done this year than last.
At Mr. J. Josephson's Jandra Station, over 8000 are done. The portable scouring machinery of Messrs. Barton and Topham is working admirably.
River rising. It ¡s thought it will reach eight feet above low water mark.
Tenders are invited till 1st September from persons willing to lease the Government punt. I understand, that pending further instructions from the Hon. the Minister for Works, the trustees will set it to work in the centre of the town. They will also cause temporary approaches to be cut. This idea seems to give general satisfaction to all but a gentleman, who owned two fine allotments on the threshold of " Garrett's folly," as is now called the site upon which that gentleman expended some two or three hundred pounds. Aug. 23.
-Maitland Mercury, September 1, 1868.

BOURKE.
(from the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The country upwards to Walgett still remains in a very sad condition. The little rain that has fallen recently has not put any water back, and the country being so thickly stocked, the frontage has not had a chance of recovering.
The great squatter-James Tyson, Esq., of the Lachlan and Edwards -has taken delivery of A.P.I. Co.'s runs on the Cuttabura. He, I understand, proposes expending £10,000 upon water and fencing improvements. This gentleman, it will be remembered, purchased some time ago the stations formerly the property of Mr. T. G. Dangar, and afterwards Mr. H. Hill on the Warrego. They join the Cuttabura runs, so Mr. Tyson is now in possession of a large and valuable run capable, he considers, of grazing 30,000 cattle, when improved.
The Hon. John O'Shanassy, Esq., of Melbourne, has taken delivery of the A. P. I. Co.'s Fort Bourke station, consisting of a frontage to the Darling, opposite to Bourke, of about thirty-five miles, and back to the Warrego. This is also a splendid run, and when Mr. O'Shanassy has, as he intends, removed the fencing to the boundaries of the run, and made some back water improvements, it will be rendered infinitely more valuable.
I hear the shareholders of the Co. have retained Toorale and Dunlop. Those runs consist of a frontage of about seventy miles to the Darling, and sixty to the Warrego. I think they have about 160,000 sheep still left, which will make even yet a monster affair, and I have no doubt if properly managed will in future be made to pay well.
Another great boon to the district has sprung up during my absence. I allude to the tank at the Lake on the Warrego, between Bourke and Shearer's. It is slabbed and puddled right through, covered in on the top, and will contain some hundreds of thousands of gallons and cost a trifle under £1,000. I believe Mr. Berslem, who intends erecting an inn at the spot, has obtained charge of the tank from the Government. There can be no two opinions about this being the greatest benefit ever conferred upon the back-country people by the Government. I understand that a similar tank will be put down at Lednappa, or on the road to Warrego-where there will be another inn erected.
Shearing is almost concluded at Josephson's and Beemery. Wool from the back country is now commencing to arrive. Some teams from the stations of Messrs. Salmon and Co. just unloaded.-September 4.
-Maitland Mercury, September 15, 1868.

BOURKE.
Bourke, could you see it now, and five years ago as it was, you would hardly believe your vision. We have fine brick buildings, a bank, hotels, boarding-houses, and all kinds of necessary trades represented save a tailor. The punt at last has a destination; it is to be in the centre of the town, and a fresh cutting will have to be made; It is much damaged by heat since launched. I should imagine the population here at about 350, and still we
have no clergyman or public school.
Our gardens are all in splendid order, and hundreds of choice fruit trees are in bud, but we are later than you.
There are two wool-washing establishments now-that of Messrs Robinson and Hughes, and the one belonging to the firm of Barton, Topham, and Co.) Both are in full swing, and turn out their charge capitally. The latter firm is moveable, they wait on you at your shed.
I am sorry a very dry and bare summer is anticipated. The little green feed we have is oats, and a few hot days will bake it. We had an hour's or two rain on Monday night, but it is worthless; nothing but a couple of days will do. There is this certainty, that unless rain comes to make fodder, we shall be in a nice fix next New Year's Day; there is not much hay with us now. On the Warrego and the north-western rivers, grass I hear is more abundant. The price of alcohol is lowered to 6d. at last, and not before time, for money is as tight as a sealed up bottle. Other things of domestic use, such as meat, &c, are pretty reasonable; but dress, &c, it according to the times shamefully dear. Horses, too, are very cheap. Our health is much affected by a sort of whooping cough; some children have already died.
At the police court on the 1st a navvy was tried for beating and kicking another in the most ferocious and savage manner. The prosecutor was in court, and his face bore ample testimony of the cowardly outrage. The offence was fully proved by a townsman who saw the whole proceedings. The man was left for dead; and when the whole court was on the qui vive for a sentence of at least six months, £5 was the punishment inflicted.
The weather is very warm, and those dear companions the flies are again making their presence felt.
Last week about 900 magnificent Rambouillet rams, in the charge of Mr. James Paterson, were safely crossed en route for the Thompson, Queensland. They are from the establishment of Messrs. Salting and Co, lately under management of Mr. John McAnsh ; they are three quarters and seven-eighths bred. These rams wore purchased from D. H. Campbell, Esq , and are remarkably fine ; and as fresh and good blood is needed in the north, we have no doubt they will be sold (at least those under offer) at a good price. They are in splendid condition, which, considering the scarcity of grass, reflects great credit on the gentleman in charge. There is no other stock near Bourke.
The mails are running well.
Business dull. Weather seemingly set in for summer. Josephson's shearing is finished, as also McLeod's, Bunawana; Beamery will soon be clear. Most of the wool is in Bourke. September 5th.
-Maitland Mercury, September 22, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
I learn from a gentleman who has just arrived from Brewarrina that a splendid shower has fallen up the river; and as low down as Beemery, it came down in torrents for an hour and a-half. Worse luck, we have not participated in the blessing; but we needed it not so badly as our up-the-river neighbours, and it is a great consolation to know that we are likely to be spared a visit from their starving stock.
Shearing supplies are being despatched from here from the back country; wool, too, is commencing to arrive in great quantities for scouring. It seems strange that squatters on the Bogan can do better by forwarding their wool to Bourke to be scoured, and despatched for town, than by saving carriage by forwarding it a hundred miles nearer to the metropolis from their own stations. But it is a fact that a saving is effected; the wool in the first place is got up in a truly first-class manner at a price below what it would cost upon the station to do it indifferently. Again, as to carriage, there is always such a quantity of carriers here, and competition is so great, that the rate from here to the metropolis is lower than from many places one hundred and fifty miles nearer town ; we are only paying now 13s per cwt. from Singleton, and from 10s. to 11s. down for wool. One hundred miles nearer town carriers, I understand, will not look at these prices ; this is a proof of the many advantages arising from making a depot of one particular place.
At Beemery shearing was to have finished last evening ; and Colless's Culgoa races were to have come off today ten miles from Beemery.
Topham and Barton's portable wool-scouring staff, after finishing at Josephson's, passed here last week en route for Messrs. Richardson Bros., Duck Creek, at which place I believe they will have a hundred thousand fleeces to do.
Now that we have seen this experiment tried so successfully, we say it is a wonder some such idea never occurred to us before, for nothing yet invented is calculated to benefit the squatter more, and at the same time remunerate the proprietors, than this new idea of getting up wool. In a year or two I expect to see sheep washing in the old style totally abolished in these districts, and some dozens of portable plants substituted, then every wool grower can avail himself of the advantage of sending his wool away at its best. The cost of obtaining from the metropolis a thorough practical wool sorter and scouring apparatus has, I am certain, deterred most of our wool growers from getting up their wool on their stations fit for the English market ; but now these obstacles have been overcome by the introduction of a system by which the wool is classed, scoured, and pressed in a manner hitherto unseen by many of us, and at the reasonable rate of a penny half-penny per lb., just about the amount it used to cost here not many years ago to have the big dirt knocked out of it, with the view of saving carriage to the seaport. Messrs. Barton and Topham propose classing, scouring, and pressing next year at about a 1 ¼ d. per lb., and I dare say when their men from constant practice become well up in their work, they, like a practised washerwoman, will be able to earn more at that rate than green hands at double the price. To squatters on the back creeks, or anywhere where there is not a good supply of fresh rain water, I recommend scouring at the nearest establishment. Certainly there may be a hundred miles or so carriage for greasy wool to be considered, but this is a mere nothing compared with 600 or 700 miles; and the manner in which they are taken in when submitting dirty wool to the Sydney market.
-Maitland Mercury, September 29, 1868.

BOURKE.
The weather has been threatening rain for two or three days, but still we have no rain. The days are unnaturally hot. Business is very dull. The new township is going on rapidly; fencing and houses will soon be showing what the energy of our people can do. A new punt is to be built, privately, at this place; our Government affair is now being put in order. Mr. Richard McDonald is busy at the cutting, which is now in the centre of the town.
A most melancholy case of drowning was brought to light on Saturday morning. John Gallagher, lately of Bathurst, became delirious from drink, and the police refusing to take him under their charge, the poor fellow wandered into the river and met his death. There is great indignation felt towards the police, who were on two occasions waited on relative to the lost man.
The rain seems just sitting in earnestly (eight p.m ); may it continue. Shearing is over in many of our sheds. The Culgoa races came off on Thursday and Friday. I have not heard the result. Mr. Doyle is an extensive winner. Sept. 20, 1869.
-Maitland Mercury, October 6, 1868.

BOURKE.
The correspondent of the Dubbo Despatch gives full particulars relative to the death of a man named John Gallacher, who was found dead in the river a quarter of a mile above Bourke. It appeared the deceased had been suffering from delirium tremens from the effects of drink, and it was supposed that he got drowned during an attack of that nature. The correspondent points out as a suspicious circumstance that the deceased must have had about £60 only five days before his death, and yet there was not a farthing found upon his dead body.
-Maitland Mercury, October 15, 1868.


BOURKE.
We have had today a change in the weather-a most delightfully violent storm of wind and dust from the west-in fact all the week has been stormy, and many dwellings up the river have been seriously damaged by the wind ; Beemery, Warrawena, and Breewarina, being some of the places visited. As to rain, there seems tonight not the slightest signs apparent, huge water-promising clouds over about, but, like Tantalus, we are still parched. The news from the north is very gloomy-no water; none in the Warrego nearer that the DZ hut, one hundred miles from here. Feed is scanty enough, and still New Year's Day is a long way in the future.
I see that Messrs. Garrett and Robertson have been far north. 'Tis a pity some of our legislators do not come among us, just to see what we have to put up with. How the mail contractors will do without a change 'tis hard to anticipate; at the best they are but half paid. There is to be a by-weekly mail via Walgett
The new township is going a-head famously, several houses are up and in course of construction. Some of our Rothschilds are pooh-poohing the idea of any place supplanting our mushroom village, but let another big flood arrive and they will skedaddle to the sandhills like hunted emus. Business in Bourke is about as lively as the inside of a church on Saturday night. The only person doing active trade is the baker, who lately lowered the price to 6d. the 2 lb, loaf ; the consequence is that he has more than he can do, and to obviate the difficulty he talks of raising it again to 9d. ; but should he do so, he will find every man and woman a baker.
Last Friday was, as is supposed by many, an unlucky day. George Kelly, in crossing the river, overturned his dray, smashing it and seriously injuring two bullocks ; shortly after Mr. Brennan, whilst crossing to Reedy corner, upset horse and dray, making splinters of a lot of furniture. The next accident, a quarter of an hour afterwards, occurred to Mr. Harry Grieves, whose horse fell with him heavily. But no person was badly hurt. Mr. G. Beed's horse towards evening also fell in a hole. And, to wind up, the camp of Mr. James Reed at West Bourke got on fire while the men were away, and consumed a tarpaulin ; luckily a person saw the flames in time, or the whole effects must have been destroyed.
There was a meeting relative to our races held at Tattersall’s last night ; I was not able to learn the particulars.
1500 cattle, Tyson's, are en route from the Warrego to the Lachlan. The pound is to be removed into the township ; there is much grumbling about this wise institution. The wind is again howling, and there is a likelihood of a rough night. R. McDonald is making a capital job of the cutting.
Oct 3, 1868.
I was down at the wool-washing establishment belonging to Messrs. Hughes and Co., and under the sole care of Mr. Robinson, whose knowledge of and attention to his profession has given universal satisfaction to every individual having business transactions with the firm. As to the washing of the fleece, it is as perfect as water and alkalis can make it, and the classing of the clips is so correct that letters from wool-brokers in Melbourne have been read testifying to the ability of the classer. About 900 bales have been turned out this year, and wool is still coming in from the back country. There can be no doubt but the firm is an institution most creditable to the projectors, and a source of great economy to the sheepowners of this district. I would just mention that they turn out sixty or seventy bales a week, so that you will see it is not a miniature affair.
Thick rain-like clouds are tantalising us with watery display,-but such-like signs here are about as much to be depended on as a jealous woman's smile. The weather is fearfully hot-about 98 in shade; pretty well for October, eh? .
There is another "public" going up at Ford's Bridge, 40 miles north-west from Bourke. There will be a collapse among some of them some day. Butchers have again raised beef to 4d. per lb.
Mr. Henry CoIliss seems determined to take root in our soil : bills stare you everywhere in the face with the pleasing intelligence that 6d. .purchases a nobbler of genuine spirits at Tattersalls ; a feed for nil to those who have no money.
The Co’s sheep are travelling for breath-N.B., feed; 15,000 went down last week, and 15,000 more next week, making in all about 65,000-a nice drain on the squattages below. No wonder sheep-farming is a dull trade. -A meeting was held at Tattersalls, when officers were appointed to draw up the programme for New Year's Day Races.-River very low. The cutting is getting uglier as it approaches completion; I can't say the committee showed much engineering skill in adopting the present plan.-Dry news from the north ; they are drawing water 15 miles to the Lake. Not a drain in the Government tank,-Shearing is about finished.
Oct. 10, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, October 20, 1868.

BOURKE.
The case of shooting on the Warrego last week was about correct. Sergeant M'Cabe is slowly getting well. The trooper who was in his company is said to have proved wanting in courage. We have just sent away James Barran and Harry Power to Wellington on a charge of robbery. The weather is disgustingly hot; cloudy, but not a drain of moisture.- I think it is about a "cooker," as they say with us, relative to rain. Stock is all over the country.-Mr. Becker has reduced the price of general stores about 20 per cent. This is a great benefit to all-The cutting is nearly finished, and gives satisfaction.-We want a tailor, a tinsmith, and a butcher. -Not a drop of water in the Government tank at the Lake. Feed very spare at Bourke.
Oct. l8, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, October 27, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From a Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Down as well as up the river is commencing to look wretched. The summer has set in with a vengeance; and unless we have a good fall of rain before the end of November, I expect to see the greater part of the sheep travelling ; but goodness knows where they are to travel to, as the country is nearly all alike so far as I can see.
A few days ago the dead body of a man was found near Combedore, one of Mr. Hugh Glass's stations down the river. It was floating in the stream with a bridle around the neck. I understand the body, which was in a very decomposed condition, so much so that it was impossible to identify it, was buried upon the spot without any inquiry.
The punt cutting is almost completed. At present a dray can cross easy with four horses and load. - October 21.
-Maitland Mercury, November 5, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
A public meeting, convened by John Garrett, Esq. P.M., was held in the Court-house, on the 26th, for the purpose of petitioning the Government to grant all the unleased land adjoining Bourke as a temporary common ago, and also dedicating a portion or all of the same as a permanent commonage. There can be no two opinions as to the necessity of having these lands placed in the hands of trustees, for the protection of the townspeople and back squatters; and in fact all trading with Bourke. As it is at present, our neighbouring squatters run their sheep in many instances up to our doors, and trample down in a few weeks all the long grass which would come in so splendidly for teams in such seasons as the present. It is now out of the question to think about getting anything to eat for a team on the reserve. Squatters think it legitimate game, and embrace the first chance of helping themselves to it even before they are suffering in the slightest degree on their own runs for feed. How butchers' cattle can live here I cannot conceive. Messrs. Garrett, Walker, and Horsfall have the getting up of the petition in hand, and I have no doubt will lay the matter clearly before the Minister for Lands.
There is a very fine lot of Mr Joseph Sharp's cattle here from the Warrego, en route for the Melbourne market. I think they comprise 250 head. Mr. Keele, of the Bulloo, informs me that his cattle averaged £10 in Adelaide, after driving them some 1100 miles in the present condition of the country. What must they have been when they started? There must be something exceedingly superior in this Bulloo and Warrego country, or cattle would never travel such a distance, and then remain in condition to realise such, high prices. - 28th
October.
-Maitland Mercury, November 12, 1868.

BOURKE.
We are still in a baker's oven-136° yesterday in the sun, and hotter today, and probably will be more so tomorrow. There is about as much sign of rain as there is of a statesman appearing in N.S.W. Our hay is nearly devoured, and what we shall do no one knows. As I write this the heat seems to smite you like the strength of a strong man. The butcher has just passed, using a huge punka, so you may imagine what we have to endure. The river is as low as it can be without coming to a halt altogether, and business seems to keep pace with the same.
I hear that the Warrego mail is taken by James Sellers once a week for the sum of £149 10s.
A meeting was held in the Court-house on the 26th instant, to petition Government for an extension of commonage. Several gentlemen spoke, among them Mr. Joseph Becker, who quite astonished us by the firm and good common sense way in which he argued our right to more reserve. The Government will be asked for protection against the encroachments of the bordering squatters with a much greater scope of country; this, if the powers which be are just and sensible, will be acceded.
From the Warrego news is as gloomy as a hearse. Water is the need, and should we be kept much longer without it, we'd better do what the Yankees did at Bull Run.
A man named John Burns, about forty years of age, died very suddenly at Mr. W. Shearer's. He had travelled from the Irara (twenty-five miles) without water, and after supper lay down in a private room. When he was called on to retire for the night he was found to be a corpse.
We have had several police cases, but about as interesting as a meeting of kangaroos.
We are to have races- that is, if we are alive-on the 1st and 2nd of January. J. G. Jacobs is training a good looking mare for the Maiden, called Sunbeam.
The cutting is progressing, and speaking of this I should thank Mr. J. E. Kelly for the humanity displayed towards the workmen thereon. He has caused them to work early and late in the cool sides of the day, and lay by in the awful heat. This is wise. Men may move about, but they can't work during these hours.
A mob of fat cattle (Sharpe's, Bough Creek) left here for Melbourne, yesterday. The mails are running well. The new township seems very placid in its movements. Messrs. Wallan and Dunn are now doing all our saddling. They are thorough workmen.
A capsize from a boat took place last Sunday when four gentlemen had a narrow escape. Captain R. Dunn, by his skilful boatmanship, saved the party. Mr. H. Brown, one of the party, in his terror of drowning, said that if he was drowned he would summon the letter of the boat.
Mr. J. E. Kelly has purchased a great deal of country between Bourke and Booligal and Bourke. He informs me that there are plenty of springs and waterholes, some permanent. October 31, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, November 19, 1868.

BOURKE.
(From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The inky rain-portending clouds have vanished like the gloomy witches in Macbeth ; and we are now enlivened by Bay of Biscay sort of squalls, which think no more of rolling over a house or fence than a trooper does toppling over a drunken man. I don't speak of our officers, for they are endowed with a great deal of forbearance towards these unfortunates. Our skies are as brazen as copper, though everyone is looking pleadingly for rain.
Eight thousand sheep (Josephson's) start up the river in a few days; twelve thousand of the A. P. I. Co. have been at the Mount impounded for being too far from the road. How the poor half-starved animals can be kept in the boundaries is to me a marvel. Dunlop's shearing is finished, and a heavy clip they had. More sheep from thence are to start on the road, making, I have been told, close upon eighty thousand travelling.
Business is about as dull as the last oyster on a coster monger's barrow. Every branch of trade is opening its hands to grasp- nothing. We have one moiety of comfort-a change must be for the better.
The cutting is winding its dreary coils towards completion. The pseudo township is gasping for vitality.
The mails are running as punctual as one of Benson's best repeaters. This is saying a great deal, looking at the state of the country.
Mr. Surveyor Ray is now cutting a new road across the Pink Hills. It will be much shorter than the present one. The mails now come that way. Another, starting from the Mount, is to be cut, which will be much shorter still. November 15.

-Maitland Mercury, November 26, 1868.

BOURKE
The same old tale to repeat about the weather, not the slightest sign of rain, and I might almost add feed also. Trade is gasping for a bare existence, and consequently we are not quite as joyous as a wedding party. What's to be? is the universal question and echo answers " What ?" Now is the time when men bitterly repent past extravagances, and add other stones to that awful floor which is spoken of as paved with good intentions. Now, when the clutching fingers of actual need press tightly round the throat do men look backward to the moments fled, and I'll warrant few only now will learn wisdom. Even now you see daily the shadow of what Bourke used to be; I say the shadow, for the sums now squandered are but small, but still the sailor-like dissipation which clings to the bushman is seen every hour; but the carouse only lasts for days instead of weeks. There has been much said of the condition of the bushman, of the privations he is forced to bear, of Squatters' cruelty, &c., &c '; but the whole is answered in the word "rum," and God only knows when a remedy will be found. Should there be any virtue in Dr. Ballow's powders, which are said to cause a loathing for strong drinks, then that gentleman has done more benefit to the world than fifty Howards. Few men drink for the positive love of grog, for when removed from its presence they never as much as think of it ; but as the scent of blood to the tiger, so is the taste of this pernicious evil.
POLICE COURT.-Last Tuesday, before S Garrett, Esq., and Mr. Foot, J.P., a case was brought by the town bailiff against J. M. Morton, when the chief witness for the defence was one Joseph Britt, who on being asked if he knew the Lord's Prayer, answered "No." He could neither read nor write, and knew nothing of hell nor of God's vengeance. He was ordered from the box, and a verdict given against the defendant,-Two other men were punished severely, N.B a fine of £4 each, or two months in prison, for riding a horse both at the same time: This custom ought long since have been stopped.-
On Saturday, the 14th, before S. Garrett, Esq., and Messrs. Becker, Dowling, Byrnes, and Foott, two men were committed to Wellington, for uttering forged cheques on M. O'Shanassy, of Fort Bourke. The forgery was a most rascally attempt, and Mr. Garrett justly said, I think, "that any who would take such an imitation, knowing the original, deserved to lose their money."
A horse, saddle, and bridle were stolen from Kelly's last night.
Eight thousand of Mr. Josephson's sheep pass up in a day or two, in charge of Mr. Henry Foott. Others are going downward-number, 90,000.
The mails are running very well.
From the Warrego, sad news. Tiarinburra, Tyson's, quite dry, (stood all the big drought); Bellalie, ditto ; Horse Station, nearly; and Carley Lagoon (never dry before), I was told by a party just come in, has scarcely any water left; while Waughanura (Mr. Cowper's), a splendid boomi, cannot last another fortnight,-they are preparing to flit. They are carting water 15 miles, and charge, I am informed, 1s. a bucket. I only speak from report. The Darling, at the new township, is about four inches right across. Nov. 16, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, December 1, 1868.



BOURKE.
We have had some delightfully uncomfortable weather lately, hot enough to roast a salamander, interspersed with refreshing showers of dust, but no rain, though we have been dismally threatened therewith. However, on the Bogan I hear a good deal of water has been placed; it was badly needed. From the Warrego things can’t be much worse, not as much for want of feed as water.
Shearing you may say is over, and for all that Bourke is terribly dull.
Adolph's store is nearly finished, and the workmen engaged there have faithfully done their work. Mr. Hubbard, the builder, may well be proud of his work.
Stores are much more reasonable than formerly, and since Messrs. Nancarrow and Bond have opened their Temple of Fashion we may hope for a still further reduction.
Bread has again gone up to 7d; meat is low, considering the drawbacks attending slaughtering. They are now killing cattle which travelled within eighteen miles of Burke’s grave. They have been nearly five months in hand, and the one killed last night weighed over 90O lbs; what must they have been when they left Cooper's Creek ; it speaks volumes for that country. Messrs. Tuck and Davies attribute the condition of these cattle in great measure to their extreme gentleness.
Our worthy P.M. has left for Sydney.
Several racehorses leave for Brewarrina tomorrow; there will have to be good nags there if some of ours don't carry away their prizes. Our races come off on New Years Day.
Carriers are receiving a much higher scale for carrying, and they deserve it. River dry at the new township. No sign of rain.
Thermometer about 102° in shade. Nov. 26th, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, December 3, 1868.

BOURKE.
The Weather: -As this is the most important item in our needs, I am sorry to say that we are still actually suffering almost unendurable inflictions from heat, wind, and dust. Today it was 110° in the shade, and that too a dead, overpowering, prostrating heat; and as to the dust, we are at times under a total eclipse. If a people had ever to bear atmospheric infliction, we do. Wander where we may, save in a garden or two, which to maintain their freshness drink up thousands of gallons of water each day, nothing but bareness meets the gaze till the heart grows sick with want deferred. How will it end?
11,000 sheep went up to Beemery a day or two ago, in charge of Mr. McNall; others are on the tramp.
Business is a little better than it has been; there are plenty of stores in stock and Mr. Becker has, I hear, thirty teams on the road close to Bourke. The song of the Fishites has ever been hard times; but since Mr. Colliss's mare, Hard Times collared all their money at their last races, we should fancy they would sing, " Hard Times, come again no more."
Laughnane was fined £1, with costs, for worshipping too fervently at the shrine of Bacchus. John Nugent £5, for an assault. James Brown £2, for the same offence, and bound over to keep the peace for six months, in £20.
Constables Johns and Laughnane managed in a very clever manner to lose one of two prisoners on their way for trial, at the Pink Hills. Sergeant Cleary, when the news came in, almost lost his senses; he is better. The Walgett mailman tells me tonight the runaway has been retaken.
You see we have a new magistrate in the person of Mr. Joseph Becker, who is respected for his unbiased justice. It is a pity he did not sit on the bench years ago.
The sublime idea of the Pastoral Times relative to Thunderbolt being at Wilcannia, and robbing Mr. Colliss of his racing saddles-if he did Colliss knows nothing of it. It's a racy article all through.
The wind is blowing a young sirocco. They have had a little rain up the Bogan. We had about fifty drops this afternoon, but the dust now is lying thick enough upon the table to nurture a crop of mustard and cress. Wool is also coming in from the Warrego. The news is getting quite serious. God grant it may rain for at least three days; nothing less can pluck us from our misery.
A grand dress ball came off on Tuesday last, strange as it may appear, in this out-of-the-way place, where six years ago a woman was a sort of Rara avis, and people ran forth to get a glimpse of fluttering petticoats; but such is the fact. For about a week previous there was an unusual attendance at the " Temple of Fashion " of the fair sex. Gay-coloured silks, snow white muslins, soft rich velvets, with brilliant flowers, were to be met, and nearly every house you might call at gave promise of something uncommon. As a natural consequence, I received a kind invitation from Mr. Colliss, of Tattersalls, to visit his new room, and dressing myself in gorgeous array, I entered the ballroom, just as the orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Walter Campbell, commenced its delightful strains. The room itself, with its splendid lamps and chaste decorations surprised me, but the group of fair women and fine-looking men amazed me. Dance after dance was gone through, and I think it would be impossible to find a more perfect group of dancers. There were two or three ladies who, of course, had each a fair claim to be termed the belle of the ball. A delicious supper was provided, and not a single jar of any sort marred the amusement. Some thirty couple sat down, and each face wore the smiles of unalloyed joy. The whole affair reflects much credit on Mr. Colliss, for no one but himself would have thought it possible to bring about such a consummation. At early sunrise each sought his home, having never enjoyed so much real enjoyment. We trust this will not be the last, although it is the first dress ball within hundreds of miles of this place. December 4, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, December 15, 1868.

BOURKE.
HOSPITAL DEATH -Robert Wilson, a young man aged twenty-four, admitted from Beamery, died today from inflammation of the lungs. It appears he had, during a violent perspiration, entered the river to bathe; hence his death. A post mortem was held, and the above verdict returned. This is the first case of the sort happening here.
The hot weather continues-a little less like a furnace but still hot enough to delight the chilliest of salamanders. We begin to think our present uncomfortable state semi-eternal.
The water in the river has risen about three feet, but it is very clear yet, so we may expect a greater altitude.
A new billiard table was opened to the public, at Tattersall’s, to-day. It is from Thurston's factory, London, and came out in most perfect order, not so much as a lump of chalk being broken. There was a great meet, and all were well pleased. It is a very pretty little room, and under it, beneath the ground, is to be fitted up a unique bar, to be baptised "The Shades."
Monday, Dec. 7.-The weather is much cooler, but still we have no rain.
SUPPOSED DEATH IN THE BUSH.-Intelligence has been brought in that a man named Smith, in company with an elderly lady, were lost somewhere near Neily's Camp, on the road from Conn's hut, on the Warrego to the Culgoa. It appears they left Bourke some days ago, and reached Conn's hut all right. Here the fatal mistake was made. Instead of keeping the river road, which in one mile would have brought them to Shearer's public-house, they kept to the right, and steered out into a desert, the end of which lay seventy miles before them, and no water. I forgot to say that the woman's name is Gribble. At night they camped without water, and in the morning their horses were gone; Smith went out, and returned unsuccessful and exhausted. After a little rest, the man, accompanied by the woman, again went forth, and never returned to camp-they were lost. I can't tell you the particulars, but the man, after frightful suffering, laid himself down across a road, and was picked up by a horse-man, who galloped to Shearer's. This gentleman sent his buggy, and took the almost senseless man to his home. Blacks were at once despatched to find the other lost one; they came upon her tracks, but could not follow them for want of water. They returned, and Mr Shearer at once sent a horse-dray with water, leaving it for the use of the searchers. Vain search, I feel; the man was nearly dead, and how would it fare with a poor old lady- This is the fourth death-for no one who knows that horrible country as I do can expect ought else-that has occurred between these two rivers. Mr. Shearer's kindness is loudly applauded.
Dec. 9.
-Maitland Mercury, December 17, 1868.

BOURKE.
POLICE COURT, DECEMBER 5.
(Before Messrs. Becker, Guinness, and Foott, P.M.
James Oak v. D. Jones, mail contractor. This was a case of wages, the plaintiff claiming five pounds for labour done as ____ in defendant’s employ. Plea, that he wished the case to be settled at Brewarrina, as he could prove the plaintiff had grossly neglected his duty. Mr. Foott objected to this, as Bourke was the defendant's home, at which he resided two or three days in the week. The plaintiff had left his service by his own will. It was finally arranged that the plaintiff wait until the 8th, when Mr Jones will be ready with his proofs of negligence, during which time the plaintiff, whether he has money or not, must wait.
John Bleaker, 40 years of age, was brought before the court, charged by Senior-sergeant Cleary, of being an incapable ; he was arrested by that officer on the previous day, considering him to be of unsound mind, and incapable of taking care of himself. The unfortunate Lunarian appeared quite calm and sensible.
Dr Thomas Edward Roberts, sworn : I am a legally qualified practitioner: I am at present unable to state positively whether the deceased's mind is shaken ; it may be feigned ; I should require three or four days to determine. At this juncture the unfortunate addressed the bench in a rambling incoherent speech, the substance of which was that a certain Ferguson, on the Dawson, had been hunting his life for two or three years, having made 160 attempts; he begged to be protected from the infernal doctor, &c., &c. He was removed in an excited state by two policemen.
MONDAY, DEC 7.
(Before Messrs. Becker, Guinness, and Foott, J.Ps.)
Jane Tully, an infuriated laundress, sought to recover the sum of 30s., which G. Jacob persistently refused to pay. The lady, with very forcible language, endeavoured to convince the bench that she had performed the lavatory requirements of the defendant for some considerable time, receiving not so much as thanks. The accused assured their Worships that when his clothing was returned be would willingly pay the claim, but as he had seen his property on backs they were never meant for, he considered he was acting right in not settling the account. The Bench ordered the payment of 15s when the said clothes were returned.
James Irwin summoned James Sparks for impounding eight bullocks, his property, in which act he had by over driving, &c., &c, seriously injured one. It transpired that Alfred Eccles, who is in the employ of Sparks, was ordered to drive the cattle to pound, a distance of about twelve miles, and being a youth, very zealous in these little matters, committed what was complained of. There was a charge of thirteen or fourteen shillings for care and sustenance, but it turned out that all they partook of in the shape of nutriment were the posts and rails of the yard. The Bench severely censured both the driver and pound keeper, and inflicted a fine, with costs, of £3 15s. There is much complaint relative to this glorious institution. But I can't write of all the cases-there were several others-and if I did I don't suppose you have space for them, but the people here are going mad. I can safely say that we have had more court work these last ten days than in four times that number of days previously. December 9, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, December 22, 1868.

BOURKE.
Yesterday, Tuesday, we were again visited by millions of acres of dust. About 10a.m. the wind came in soughing angry gusts from the west, increasing up to 3 p m., when the climax of the scene was reached. Some time before this a vast dense ocean of lurid red came rolling in upon the town ; when a mile or so from the place it had the appearance of a volcano's fires under a terrible eruption ; the heat at the time was 108 deg. in the shade, heightening the simile. On came the rolling, wrestling pyramids of sand, making as it were a palpable road from earth to sky ; and men as it neared them looked forth with a feeling of awe, the same which they experience when gazing on Martin's pictures. Now it crushed in upon us; the sun was hid, or struggled through the suffocating mass; darker and fiercer it poured onward, till the scene was nearly as gloomy as midnight. Lamps were lighted, making the confusion more ghastly. It seemed as if nature was expiring, and the smoke of her dissolution covered the world. Lashed by the hurricane, the innumerable columns, mid the crashing of trees, and the rattle of falling brickwork, passed; and the rain, not in drops, but sheets, fell, as though the flood-gates of heaven were unhinged. This was succeeded by a pulseless calm, as if the elements had wearied themselves by their violence. During the night the winds were again unloosed, and the deep diapason of the thunder crashing among sable clouds, caused us to hope for rain : a little fell, the thunder ceased, and morning dawned as tranquil as a dream.-
Wednesday : A few hours since the rain beat into rest the persecuting dust, and now it is again among the clouds, the wind blowing half a gale from the W.S.W.
The corpse of Mrs. Jane Gribble was found by the blacks between Neily's Camp and the Warrego. No dog or other animal had desecrated the remains ; no money or papers were found. The body was placed in safety for police inspection; I do not think they have gone out. The deceased once resided at Windsor. We trust this fourth death will be a warning to travellers crossing this desolate track; let them ponder the awful danger. I say awful, for what can be more horrible than death by thirst. A simple taking the wrong road brought death to one, and terrible suffering to the other. Men in a strange country cannot be too exact in finding out the proper ways, the course of the creek or river they are on, and having this in mind, acute observation would soon show them when they deviate from the right road.
Part of the Bank kitchen (brick) fell yesterday, when the cook had a narrow escape from falling bricks.-The Court House has not been much patronised lately.-The mails are running well.-No water at Ford's Bridge, Warrego River; things look fearful ; I have heard that Charleville must be deserted.-Ten or twelve teams of Mr. J. Becker's are in, and numbers more close up. Dec. 16, 1868.
-Maitland Mercury, December 26, 1868.