1864.
BOURKE.
Since my last we have had another steamer, and Bourke may be compared to Egypt after the seven years of plenty. Not that we have any Josephs among us; would that we had, and our court business would have a briefer life of it than it has. Law, like the small-pox, must be contagious-breaking out in unlooked for places, blazing forth Iike the fiery cross of the Scottish clans, and each party as rancorous.
Trooper Maxwell has just arrived with a prisoner who was captured near Dubbo, on a charge of horse stealing. This arrest cannot be too highly applauded, for it is seldom that such promptness is exhibited ; I mean, of course, so far from Bourke. Among the defendants in the Small Debts Court is Mr Edward Smith Hall, who is summoned for trespass; and when you think that a period of four months, or thereabout has been the length of their visit-I mean the cattle, numbering 1000 head- the most bitter enemy must admit that forbearance and forgiveness is one of Bourke's prerogatives.
The weather is again very not, and the river very low, but in spite of the heat Christmas claims its worshippers. Up and down the street (forgive the term!) are merry talkers, and not very moderate drinkers, while the air is alive with laughter and jest. But Boxing Day promises the most. We have horses of all colours, shapes, and heights-all thoroughbred, and all certain to win -visiting the course to train. Perhaps you thought we hadn't such an appendage of civilization; but we have, and I expect to see some real good sport upon it.
Many of the cattle around are now tainted with the fatal disease. Whether it will be stayed remains to be seen. .
We had per steamer a few bags of potatoes, which fetched a good price; but should a lot of good ones arrive they would command any price.
Bourke, Dec. 24, 1863.
-Maitland Mercury, January 5, 1864,
BOURKE(From the Empire's correspondent.)
DEC. 24.-STEAMERS.-The Albury arrived at Bourke, downwards, on the 13th, with wool from stations above Bourke, and left on the following day. On the 15th the Gundagai arrived, and discharged nearly 100 tons of goods, and left to take in wool lower down, the river on
the following day. It was necessary to be quick in their movements, as the river was getting very low, and a few days' delay might have prevented them getting over the shallow places lower down. At 'the time I write (21st) the river is at a standstill.
LAND SALES-On the 18th and 19th a land sale was held in the Court-house, on which occasion thirty-two town lots were sold. The greater number were sold at the upset price of £4 for the half-acre, but for some lots there was a sharp competition-one lot at £16, one at£15, one at £14, one at £9, and a few a little above the upset price. Four suburban lots and six country lots were also sold at the upset price. Several lots sold at the first sale, in September last, have changed hands at a considerable advance on the original cost.
WEATHER.-The, weather for the present month, so far, has been much cooler than the corresponding month last year. On the 13th, the barometer went down to 29 5, and continued thus low for two days, during which time we had strong gales from the westward, and the thermometer stood to 77 on Monday, and on Tuesday 70, since which it has been gradually rising, and is now 97. For the same period last year it varied from 100 to 112, so you may judge the change is very acceptable.
TRADE.-We have now resident among us two manufacturers of cordials, but how long they will able to remain, and obtain a living, I know not. I should think one must succumb to circumstances; and it may be just possible-for we are an imbibing set-that he may get a living while the hot weather lasts. We have had for some months a town butcher, and I think he has been doing a good business-at least, I hope so-for it is a great convenience. It may appear very strange, when I tell you, although this is a great sheep walk, our butchers have not served us with any mutton yet. Nothing but beef; but I think they must soon alter, as the presence of disease among the cattle makes us rather squeamish about beef.
NEW YEAR'S RACES.- The racing portion of the community are just now busy with their preparations for the races, which are intended to be run on the first and second of next month. The race committee met on Saturday evening last, when £100 were collected, which, with the entrance money, they think will ensure the attendance of some good horses. Several are in training for the occasion.
HORSE STEALING: - About six weeks since a warrant was granted by this bench for the apprehension of Thomas Newton, who was described as about thirty years of age, and having a wooden leg. On the 19th he was apprehended by senior constable Collett, one of the Canonba police, within three miles of Dubbo, from which place he was remanded to Bourke, where he arrived yesterday, and was brought up this morning, before the police magistrate, and remanded for eight days, for further evidence. There are two charges against him of the same kind. There is no lock-up between here and Dubbo, 300 miles, so that escort duty is somewhat of a fatiguing and onerous character, having to camp out; but in the case above-named the duty was somewhat lightened by the prisoner having a wooden leg, so that when they camped the constable had only to say "Now, Tom, unscrew your leg" and he was safe.
THE RIVER. - The river has again risen about two feet.
-Maitland Mercury, January 7, 1864.
BOURKE.
Our river lately seems as fickle as a woman's mind, and is actually rising again, though none believe it will continue. For a day or two we have been threatened with rain, and at length it has descended in a gentle, continuous fall; is advent has caused many a face here to look sorrowful especially those who are the owners of weedy horses; while those possessed of nags, with plenty of bone and muscle, literally revel in the moisture.
On Friday our races commence, and, from the arrivals, we expect fine sport. The gentlemen from “Windmill Corner”- Mr Rutherford’s place, and so named for the peculiar propensity the inhabitants of that ilk have of blustering (alias “blowing”) – have arrived with several fine looking animals; while on the bends of the river are some very queer-looking customers, undergoing a course of training; however, I will send you a memo of the events.
I am sorry to have to report that a man broke his leg the other day, and another one dislocated his ankle, or something of the sort, but each were the fruits of “skylarking”- I don’t know another term by which to express the senseless prancing and kicking of thoughtless men. Both cases were attended by our doctors Campbell and Cheshire, and, thanks to their skill and attention, the men are doing well.
On the 2Gth, Collins, of the Marra Creek, publican, was arraigned before J. Garrett P.M, and. J. Foot, J.P, on a charge of robbery from the person. The evidence was most conflicting; however, under the circumstances a committal was the only means left the bench, and a remand to Bathurst was returned. Another case of horse-stealing will be heard tomorrow. Thomas Newton is remanded for another three days.
The weather has changed to burning heat, and the river is again falling.
December 30, 1863
-Maitland Mercury, January 14, 1864.
BOURKE.
The past week has closed with little of interest save the racing events given below. Mr. Medley departed from us on Friday, and I assure you there was not a single being on the township but felt an unfeigned sorrow at his leaving. There was a land sale at Breewarina, 70 miles from Bourke, last week which realized about £ 100. Mr. Bobart, our gentlemanlike clerk of the court, officiated as auctioneer, and (although not having the experience of Mort or Brewster) he gave perfect satisfaction, notwithstanding his indisposition, brought on by the excessive fatigue he has lately undergone in his official capacity. Mr. Becker, of the firm of Rosa and Co., disposed of a lot of horses belonging to Powell, of the Bogan, at pretty fair prices-but horses here, without they are first-class, are not easily sold, except at low figures.
THE RACES
On Friday, our first racing day opened brilliantly fine, and the attendance proving numerous, fine sport was anticipated and realized.
The first race ran was-
The Maiden Plate, value £30 ; one mile and a-half ; with a sweep of £2 for the second horse.
Mr. J. Kelly's g g. Greybeard (O'Neal) 1
J. Foott's b.g. Skipper (Foott) 2
Fleming's b.g. Scrubber (Hall) 3
Spillsbury's Dozey.
J. Foott's rn.g. Sloucher (Barton)
Sly's b. Black-eyed Boy (Newton)
Neville's b.g. Creeper (Neville)
Nolan's br.g. Tomboy (Nolan)
A good start being, after some little delay, effected, the whole got off well together, Tomboy cutting out the running at a rattling pace, closely waited on by Skipper, followed by Greybeard and Creeper, but at the half mile Tomboy showed a wonderful lack of training, which soon placed him in the rear guard for the rest of the race. Grey Beard, Skipper, Creeper, and Scrubber now bade good morning to the rest of the field going at a fair pace, and keeping well together. At the quarter mile post from home the flogging commenced, and a splendid struggle for the finish was made by Skipper and Grey Beard-the latter winning the race by a short head. Scrubber and Creeper about two lengths behind. Grey Beard here exchanged hands for a good sum, Mr. St. John being the purchaser.
Second Race.-The Publican's Purse of £20; mile heats.
Mr. Spillsbury's b.g. King John, 5 years (Neville) 1
Foot's br.g, Tall Hoy, aged (Barton) 2 2
Kelly's g.g. Nip Nip, 5 yrs.
Davfs' b g. Tommy Tittle, aged
Nolan's br.g Tomboy, aged.
This race was from the start between King John and Tall Boy, the latter being the favourite at even money; but King John, like his predecessor, proved hard to shake off, and the tall'un had to succumb, after a fine race.
Third Race -Ladies' Purse, value £15 ; distance, mile and a distance.
Mr. Kelly's gr.g. Nip Nip, aged (Barton) 1
Spillsbury's g.g. Romeo (Neville) 2
Second Day.
First Race -Maiden Plate, value £40 ; weight for age second horse to save his stake ; two miles, one event.
Mr. Kelly's g.g. Greybeard, aged (Kelly) 1
Foott's b.g. Skipper, aged (O'Neal) 2
Spillsbury s br.g. Dosey aged 3
Sly's b.g. Black-eyed Boy aged 4
At starting, the grey, from his former performances, was the favourite among the Bourkites, but the Skipper among the Windmill Comer boys was the pet of the field, and a deal of money changed hands, the odds being on the bay. After many false starts the whole field got away handsomely, the grey leading at a terrific bat, with the bay at his girth. Half-way round they had the field to themselves, and a prettier piece of racing was never seen on the Darling before. Both severely punished, and each answering gamely the call of whip and spur. They passed the distance post, the bay slightly in advance; nearing home he increased the gap, when his friends, in a burst of enthusiasm, caused him to swerve from the course, thus dropping the laurel in the second of victory.
Second Race.-Squatters' Purse, value £20, mile heats ; winner of Town Plate 7 lbs. extra.
Mr. Fleming's b.g. Scrubber, aged (Neville) 1 3
Kelly's g.g. Greybeard aged (Kelly) 2 1
Spillbury’s b.g. King John aged 3 2
Neville's b.g Sleepy-head aged
Sam's g.g. Whalebone aged
Foott's r.g. Sloucher aged.
This race, like the rest of the meeting, was well contested ; but the Scrubber, being a dead take in in point of speed, succeeded in carrying away the prize.
Third Race.-Stockman's Purse, value £15, catch weights ; second horse to save his stake ; horses to be approved by stewards ; mile heats.
Mr. Sly's b.g. Tommy (Neville) 1
Kelly's ch. m. Ooley. (Hobby) 2
Kennedy's b.g. Boko (Nolan) 3
In this race Tommy was too sly for his opponents, and came in an easy winner.
Fourth. Race,-The Consolation Stakes, value £20, 1 1/2 mile, weight for age ; open to all horses not having won a prize.
Mr. Foott's b.g Skipper (Barton) 1
Spillbury's Romeo 2
Nolan's br.g. Tomboy (Nolan) 3
This race was easily won by Skipper, and thus ended one of the most pleasant, quiet, and sober race events that it has been our lot to attend. There was not a single jarring element throughout the whole affair, and too much praise cannot be given to the numerous visitors for their decorous conduct. Dinners were served by Kelly and Sly in a most hospitable manner, and the week closed with a smile of pleasure on every lip. Grey Beard and Skipper are matched for £50; tomorrow the event comes off.
-Maitland Mercury, January 21, 1864.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDANTS.]
BOURKE.
Since my last communication I have been down to Minindie, a distance of three hundred miles, and am sorry to inform you that pleuro-pneumonia has made its appearance among the herds of some of the down-river settlers, and much anxiety is felt by some on its account. The sheep, however, are in fine condition, many flocks having a large percentage of lambs; this arises from the abundance of grass and rain with which we have been blessed. The pasturage is really wonderful; for miles I rode through feed literally rattling at the stirrup-irons, the road in many places being completely blotted out, while the wongo wongo pigeon in tens of thousands rose continually before you. What sport the gunner could find among them only those who have been startled by their flight can form any idea. The country, in fact, seems laughing with health and plenty. The river is again rising, at the rate of about nine inches per twenty-four hours, and it is thought another flood is upon us. The weather is rather warm, but we have had plenty of rain, especially about Mount Murchison.
A herd of fat cattle the property of Mr. Joseph Smith passed here last week, en route for some of your markets. There is a report that Mr. Hugh Glass has 50,000 sheep on the road to this river; the precise locality they are to occupy is not yet known.
There is despatched by this mail a memorial, signed by all the principal settlers hereabout, begging the Government to consider the case of Messrs, Ross and Co., and Mr. John Kelly, merchants and innkeeper, who under the sanction of the district and governmental surveyors, erected buildings to the value of 2000 pounds, on land since proclaimed as an hospital grant. There are two cogent reasons why the gentlemen in question should not be removed-one that it would be unjust to deprive them of their homes; the other, that the site selected for the repose of the sick and suffering should be as secluded and peaceful as possible, and not within twenty yards of a public-house, where tumult and noise must constantly occur. We all trust that the justice and humanity of the gentlemen in Sydney will accept a more suitable abode for the needy, and leave the petitioners undisturbed. When this is done the hospital, so much needed here, will soon have a substantial form, for there is not a man within a hundred miles but will give his mite for its erection.
The contractors are at work, and our town is quite busy; in fact there is hope for the "desolate waste on the banks of the Darling." Mr. Horsfall, of Yanda, twenty-five miles from Bourke, a gentleman of the genus Hugh Millar, whilst about his run fell upon a fine collection of rock salt and other minerals, which he has sent to Melbourne, and he seems quite certain that many valuable deposits will be found in this locality. More of this hereafter.
Bourke, Feb. 5,1864.
The river is again at a stand, in fact it has gone down a few inches, so that our hopes for another steamer are crushed. We had a shower last night, and the weather is delightfully fine, reminding you of the Indian summer on the Hudson. The town is rather dull as far as money is concerned, but the sound of the hammer and the ring of the anvil speak of prosperity. Dowling's sheep (11,000) were crossed here yesterday on their road to the Kuttaburra, and such were the excellent arrangements suggested by Mr. Horsfall, of Yanda, that the whole were crossed in a low hours, with only three deaths. There was a meeting held at Kelly's last week to consider the best means to provide water between this place and the Warrego, but such was the Dogberry sort of proceedings adopted that we were unable to learn more.
A shepherd of Mr. Foott's summonsed his master for wages, but, owing to the absence of sundry sheep, the case was not decided.
M. Hubert, the French naturalist, is at Mount Murchison, busily collecting specimens. An amusing affair took place on the Para in connection with this gentleman. Among his camp equipage he has numerous bottles filled, or partly filled, with beetles, &c, &c, preserved in brandy : these were on this occasion left in reach of some wandering votary of Bacchus, who, deaf to the pleadings of science, in one fell swoop deprived the embalmed inserts of their spirituous tomb, leaving them a prey to " time's wasting fingers."
We have had several matches between horses which figured at our last race meeting, and some good racing was enjoyed. The first of these was a match for £25, between Mr. Hendel's brown horse Tomboy, and Mr. Foot's roan horse Sloucher; the brown was the winner. He ran two more matches the same day, for £20 and £25, winning one. Another match was made between Mr. Joseph Becher's cream mare German Sausage, and Hughan's mare Bertha, which ended in a sad defeat for the cream.
And now I have to record the painful part of my letter, as it forms one of the most fearful phases in an Australian life-perishing in the bush. These words, wherever seen, arrest the most careless trifler, and cause him for the moment to reflect. Lost in the bush-not as the writer in the Herald has it in his glowing letter headed by the dreaded lines, but a horrid, awful, terrible reality. News came in the other day that the remains of a man were lying between the Culgoa and the Warrego; and search being made there, in all the horrors of dissolution lay the victim to drunkenness and thirst. It appears the unfortunate man-a native of the Isle of France-had been drinking at Collis’ public-house, and in a fit of insanity left for the Warrego, in company with three or four others. During the journey he became violent, and with little of the feelings which should live in the heart of every bushman, all save one left him in the desert. This one, whose name is Peacock, and who was in the employ of Mr. J. Rutherford-to his honour be it spoken-kept to his mate, who now had become raving, several times thrusting a knife with deadly intent against his protector. Weary at length, the miserable man craved water; none was near. Nature sank, but still water was the coveted drink. Taking the knife from his hand, Peacock started forward for the prize. Miles had to be passed, and 'ere he returned his mate had ceased to suffer. Sargeant Hogan and trooper Griffiths gave the remains burial, and thus another
Lone bark has put out in the dark,
For the islands of rest ;
And another green sod has been turned on a breast
In which dwelt the spirit of God.
Another is found asleep underground,
Unshrouded, uncoffined, unknown;
And he who would find by gravestone or bust
The urn where his dust is reposing
Will search, but In vain,
For the link in the chain,
Which was lost in the earth o'er him closing. O.H
P.S.-From some unexplained cause the Sydney mail has not arrived. Doubtless they have a reason of some sort or another for the delay ; all we hope is that Mr. Gilbert and such like gentlemen have not arrested its progress.
We have just learned that a young man on the Culgoa was killed by a horse lately. We hope this will be a warning to the flash riders, who swarm in this locality, whose idea is that everything manly and brave is constituted in making horses assume every shape and position save that intended by nature.
The camel has again made its appearance, and is in a lamentable state of ill-condition, not having a vestige of hair upon its body, save a ruff round the neck and a patch on the hump. The manner he is allowed to wander about the country is something extraordinary, especially as he does not belong to New South Wales; if he is not speedily taken care of, he will die-not from want of pasture, but society. Feb. 11, 1864.
(from a correspondent of the S. M. Herald.)
A public meeting was held at the Old Fort Hotel on the 4th instant, of gentlemen connected with the squatting interest and those in business in the township, Mr. Vincent Dowling, J.P., in the chair. The object of the meeting will be gathered from the following resolutions.
1. Moved by Mr. Beker, seconded by Mr. J. E. Kelley. “That it is expedient to open out a road from Bourke to the Warrego, striking that river at the junction of Irara, by the nearest practical route to that point, and that wells or tanks be formed in the most eligible places."
2. Moved by Mr. Sams, second by Mr. Sly, "That subscription lists be now opened for carrying out the object named in the above resolution."
3. Moved by Mr. Kelley, seconded by Mr.Sly, "That the following gentlemen form a committee to solicit subscriptions from parties interested in the above-named road, viz,, Messrs. Dowling, Becker, Sams, Sly, Kelley, Rutherford, and Garrett."
4. Moved by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Becker, "That Mr. Garrett be the treasurer."
5. Moved by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mr. Samsc, "That Messrs. Dowling, Kelley, Sly, and Becker, be the road-committee, Mr, Dowling to be manager of the road work."
It may be some information to your readers to remark that the present road to the Warrego from this neighbourhood is a very circuitous one. Travellers from the eastward of Bourke, going that way, must make the Culgoa either by the way of Beamerry, forty miles above Bourke, or cross the Darling at Bourke-in either case the distance must be eighty miles or thereabouts, whilst the road contemplated will be under thirty miles. There are no difficulties to overcome but want of water, and it is proposed in the first instance to throw up some dams on natural hollows, and tank one well. If they succeed in the latter case, then they will have more sunk, for that source will be more to rely upon than surface water collected by dams or tanks. Some of the gentlemen present were sanguine about the wells. It will take a goodly sum of money to accomplish this, but from the great importance of the road to the stockowners to the north, not only those within the boundary of New South Wales, but those in Queensland also, there can be little doubt the necessary funds will be forthcoming. This will doubtless be the leading route for travellers and stock into Queensland, as the Government punt at Bourke-for which timber is now being cut-will afford facilities for crossing the Darling that are not to be found in any other part of that river. £102 was collected at the meeting.
-Maitland Mercury, February 27, 1864.
BOURKE.
Since my last there is little of moment to record in connection with the township proper. Business is rather dull, but this is all that may be expected after a month's bustle and excitement.
An enquiry (magisterial) is to be held at Bourke touching the death of Scott, the unfortunate who perished on the Warrego, as stated in my last. You will see that the investigation takes place here, whereas many who are summoned are miles and miles away, and consequently will have to leave their occupations to attend this appeal. It is a thousand pities such affairs are not conducted in the locality where the scene transpired; one man then would be put to a little trouble, and not the mass; but I presume it is the law of N. S.W.
Referring to this sad case, there are two others of equal horror reported from the same river. Some time ago a gentleman in the employ of Walker and Hewett, left the head station for one in the back country, and not returning, the camp of the blacks was searched, and there the bloodstained pistol of the missing one was found. On this becoming known, the men shearing at the place, so we are informed, volunteered to scour the country in search of their fellow servant or his murderers. This proffered assistance was not accepted on the ground that if the affair were to meet the knowledge of the men travelling thitherward, it would turn the tide of labour to more peaceful districts. The blacks were found guilty of a murder, and the affair passed into oblivion. Mouths after, however, the horse ridden by the deceased turned up, then the saddle, and lastly the mortal remains of the poor wretch himself. About half a mile from a waterhole, and the same distance from the saddle, which was found in a tree, lay the wreck of what a few months before had been a strong athletic man. No marks of violence or violent struggle were visible; not a single article had been taken from the dead. Death held possession of all the living left on that fatal spot. This, we think, dearly exonerates the natives from participating in the deed laid to their charge; and we cannot but think that had a search been made the lost one must have been found. We have men here who have tracked a man 70 miles through an unknown country, and at the end of that distance found the object sought. We cannot but think that Mr. Robinson, or Robertson, late of Victoria, might have been saved had the dictates of our common humanity been listened to.
The other case is similar. A poor sick shepherd in the same employ left his hut to walk for assistance, and losing his way, lay down almost within cooee of this dead overseer, and passed away. There seems to have been shameful neglect in some quarter.
A match was made last night between J. Kelly's bay horse Scrubber and Mr. J. Foot's roan horse Sloucher, for £50, one mile and a-half heats, weights for age, to come off May 24th. The merits of both these horses doubtless will cause a great muster at Bourke on the eventful day.
The plague among the cattle still increases. Several were shot here last week much affected.
The Sydney missing mail arrived to-day (Tuesday), but nothing is known relative to the delay.
Bourke, Feb. l8.
-Maitland Mercury, March 3, 1864.
FORT BOURKE Via Orange (from the Herald & Empire)
The rains to the westward and on the coast ranges are telling on the Darling River, which is now swollen to the dimensions of the flood of last year. The country round Fort Bourke is nearly covered with water, and the loss to the pastoral interest will be very great.
-Maitland Mercury, March 24, 1864.
BOURKE.
SUPPOSED MURDER,-A correspondent writing from Bourke, on the 8th instant, supplies us with lengthy details anent a supposed murder, which has created considerable sensation in that district. From want of space we are compelled to abridge his letter. He says:
A German, named Charles Vardune, left the employ of Mr. John E Kelly about eight or ten weeks ago, and went down the river, taking with him a bay horse and a black mare, and having about £17 in cheques in his possession. On the 19th of February Mr. Kelly’s attention was directed by a man named Broughton to a horse standing outside his door, and he was asked if the horse was worth £11. He looked at the animal a few minutes, and then said it was Charley the German's horse. A man named James Stewart, who was standing alongside, and who was offering the horse for sale, said, "You are right ; I bought the horse from old Charley for £11, down at Mr. Bartlett’s. I left old Charley at work down there."
Mr. Kelly expressed his opinion that the animal was worth £16, and Broughton became the purchaser at £11. This Stewart had arrived at Bourke the day before this transaction, and placed in the hands of Mrs. Kelly, to take care of, a cheque of £18 5s., drawn in favor of Charles Vardune, one in favor of James Stewart, and one for £4 6s, nil drawn by Mr. Bartlett ; also a £5 note, making, altogether, £43 ; and on the following day he withdrew his money, and placed it in the hands of Mr. Sly. Five days afterwards he was married to a servant of Mr. Kelly's. He also sold a black mare for £7. With his wife, Stewart remained about two days longer in the township; he appeared to our informant a mysterious character- was never drunk, but always poking about as if half-stupid. The newly-wedded pair left town in a cart together, on the 27lh of February. On the evening of the same day, some men who had been working down the river for Mr. Bartlett arrived in the township, and from them it was ascertained that old Charley and Stewart had been working at Bartlett's station, and were paid off together, the former by a cheque for £18 5s and the latter by a cheque for £15 13s., which Stewart gave to the German in payment for the black mare, and received a cheque of £4 6s, in change. Both had started for the township ; and the men who gave information, on their way up, enquired about the two ; at Cumbledore they heard that Charley and Stewart passed together about a week before; at the next station (30 miles distant) they learnt that Stewart passed alone, riding a bay horse and lending a black mare saddled. Further on these men met Stewart coming away from the township with his bride. He first pretended not to know them ; when they asked about old Charley, Stewart told them he had crossed the river at Tooralie and gone up the Warrego. When these men arrived in the township they told their story, and heard the one Stewart had given there.
Suspicions were aroused, and connected with the fact that Old Charley refused a great price at the station for the bay horse, which Stewart said he bought for £11, a warrant was prepared for Stewart's apprehension for horse-stealing. Whilst this was being done, a young man named Burk arrived in the township and gave information that the body of a man had been found in the river on the Bourke aide of Cumledore. The head had been out off, and the body cut open from chest to groin, and the entrails had been taken out so that the body would sink. On the information of Burk a warrant charging Stewart with murder was issued by Mr. Garrett, P.M.
About eight o'clock the same night Mr. Kelly and senior-constable Hogan started in pursuit of Stewart; they rode fifty miles that night, and camped about a mile from the man they wanted. They were well armed, and early in the morning they arrested him whilst he was dressing himself-Mr. Kelly covering him with a revolver whilst Hogan handcuffed him. They told him the charge; he did not answer, but his countenance betrayed fear and terror as if guilty. The cart was searched, and a blood-stained shirt was found. He was brought safely to the police barracks at Bourke, and heavily ironed. He underwent a preliminary examination, and has been remanded for a fortnight. The police magistrate went down the river to make enquiries and examine the body; he was accompanied by a man who can identify the poor Gorman in any state, by marks on the body, or color of hair-also the clothes he wore when he left Bartlett's.
Upon their arrival at the place where the body had been raised from the river and buried on the bank, they were disappointed-a flood had come on, and the river had risen twenty or thirty feet, covering the grave with about eight feet of water. From the description given of the body by the men who buried it, there is no doubt that it was old Charley's; a pair of boots taken off the feet have been identified as those he wore when he left Bartletts in company with Stewart. The rise in the river has obliterated the marks where the body had been dragged. Judging from the state of the rivers further up, twelve or eighteen months may elapse before the body can he recovered, but the head may turn up sooner.
The cheque of £18 5s, which Stewart had, has been identified as the one paid to the German at Mr. Bartlett's, and the money he gave into Mrs. Kelley's care when he arrived in Bourke, tallies closely with the amount the German possessed. It was ascertained that he also had a £5 note. Our informant remarks that the police and residents of the district are ever ready to assist in repressing crime, and no wrong-door need think of living amongst them or going unpunished.
The same correspondent furnishes the following information :
We will have abundance of grass this season, the rains have been so favorable. No one is afraid of the flood down here; every one rather likes it, especially squatters-the higher the better, the further it will go out back-the sheep will keep behind it; and as it goes off abundance of the best of grass and wild clover will spring up, which reminds me of the lucerne paddocks on the Hunter in a good season. I have made hay of this clover, which I believe to be superior to lucerne hay grown in any part of the colony ; any horse will eat it in preference to the best Adelaide oaten hay.
Mr. Vincent Dowling had succeeded in crossing about twenty thousand sheep over the river before it attained a great height ; they proceed out along a new line, marked by myself, to the Warrego. The Warrego, travelling this line, is only forty miles from here, and Mr. Dowling's stations on the Cuthaburra only seventy miles. By going either of the old routes you add about sixty miles to this journey.
A meeting of subscribers for the purpose of making a permanent supply of water half-way between here and the Warrego was held at Mr. J. E. Kelly's place, on the 4th of last month. About £130 was collected in the room. A great number of interested gentlemen not being present, a circular was sent to them to forward their subscriptions to the treasurer. It is little use for me to describe in what way the opening of this line of road, with a certainty of getting water for teams every stage, tends to benefit the inhabitants of the Warrego and Paroo-this being the great depot in the centre of the river for the steamers, where you can buy flour and other rations within £10 per ton of Maitland prices; and till the Darling ceases to be flooded, for years, at this place, Bourke, a squatter can supply himself with rations and almost every other requirement at prices which will pay him. At this meeting Vincent Dowling, Esq., was elected manager of the work; John Garrett, Esq., treasurer; Messrs. Joseph Becker, William Sly, and J. E. Kelly a committee of management ; and I trust in a few months that the work will nearly be finished. March 8.
-Maitland Mercury, March 24, 1864.
BOURKE.
(From The Correspondent of The Empire.)
April 25th.-The flood with which this portion of the colony bas been visited is now subsiding. The town of Bourke has been submerged since the 14th March, but I am happy lo say that, excepting the cost that our two publicans have been put to in the creation of dams to protect their property, little damage has been done. The water is now below the banks about one foot, and we may expect a more rapid decline. The communication with the town has been by boat, and this is confined to the bringing in of the mails and the adjoining station, belonging to Mr. Josephson. At this station they had to leave the house about the same time that the water came on the township, to a higher piece of ground a few hundred yards away. In accomplishing this they used a small iron boat belonging to the station. The ground was but of small extent, but it certainly was sufficient for Mr. Foot's family, and one of his employees and family. Shortly after their first removal, and when it was uncertain how long they would be able to remain on the spot -which was but little raised above the water-two men in their employ absconded with the boat, taking with them sundry little matters out of the house and store. Of course they went down the river. This was a most diabolical act, leaving eight females and children, and five men, without the means of moving from where they were, whatever might have taken place. Access to the station by a billabong, from whence their stores were to be taken, was cut off. This boat was used also to take out stores to the shepherds who had their sheep out on the plains ahead of the water, some ten miles distant. Fortunately that same day a gentleman from the station lower down arrived in a boat, and thus they were provided with the means of communicating with the station and the outlying flocks. Mr. Foot has taken out a warrant for the apprehension of the two worthies, and it is to be hoped they will soon be taken, and meet with that punishment they so richly deserve. One of them is said to be respectably connected in Victoria, and was employed as ration carrier. As above mentioned, our communication with the surrounding country is cut off. I cannot give you any information as to the probable extent of the damage to the stock, but I am disposed to think, considering the immense flocks depasturing on the Darling, it will not be great. We had a good fall of rain last week, which did not increase the comforts of our position. The weather is at present fine and cool, the thermometer being as low as 60, which will soon free us from those minor pests, mosquitoes.
-Maitland Mercury, May 12, 1864.
I have just landed from the Warrego, after an absence of about two months. I say landed, as to arrive in anything save a boat or canoe would be impossible. But, thank heavens, our invader is retiring without having done us any very serious harm, save an infinite amount of work in the shape of earth works, which surround, to the height of three or four feet, Sly's and Kieley’s covering-in ground-at the former gentleman's residence to the extent of half an acre, in which horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, cocks, hens, birds, men, women, and children, making altogether a most amusing family. Too much praise cannot be given to the travellers who fortunately were there, for even against their untiring efforts the waters one night nearly surmounted their labours. For miles the waters literally raged round them ; but they worked on, and were rewarded by being left in possession of the only dry refuge for miles. Our mails, of a natural consequence, have been delayed, but not to the extent one would imagine, our own authorities going out in boats to Oxley's (twenty miles) ; but how they arrived with the bags there is a mystery. The Walgett mail, ridden by Mr. David Jones, having to pass some infernally bad country, besides the Castlereagh, the Merri Merri, Macquarie, Marra, and Bogan rivers. We don't fancy praising public men, but when we observe such a thorough desire to please, we think it only just to give vent to our appreciation. The Settlers on the Darling are serious losers in many instances, but their total sacrifices are not yet known. Sly and the rest of the people were very kind to their numerous visitors, and, in short, a general good feeling was displayed by all. The water has gone down about six feet, and is falling slowly. No news of steamers, and no report of human loss, save on the Warrego, at Wiseman's, he losing three men and 10,000 sheep. Weather fine and dry.
Bourke, April 30, 1864
-Maitland Mercury, May 19, 1864.
THE WARREGO.
To readers of the public journals, especially those devoted to squatting interests, in which enthusiastic and obliging auctioneers proclaim to the admiring world this, that, and the other run of surpassing utility and fattening quality, the above-named river may not be an actual myth; but very few, even of the gentlemen alluded to above, have the faintest idea of its whereabouts, capabilities, or fattening qualities-I mean tho district which goes under the cognomen of "The Warrego." For the general information of your readers, I forward the accompanying description of this portion of the Australian group.
Starting from Fort Bourke, the depot and river port of the country north of the Darling, you cross that river by private punt-a public one is in course of building, the Government having granted £1000 for that purpose some time since. A ride of three miles through box scrub brings you on to a good rood running N.W. over fine plains slightly broken; these continue for twenty-five miles, when you enter a thick belt of gidjee, on the western side of which, about forty miles from Bourke, running nearly north and south, flows the Warrego, or, as the natives call it, Cuttylah (the former name, I learned, was bestowed by one of Kennedy's blacks). From Bourke to this point, in summer time, you find no water ; but a project for sinking wells or tanks has been set afoot by some of our enterprising men, and which, if carried out, will prove of immense benefit to all parties who have rolling property on the roads - saving the journey from Bourke to Tooralie fifty miles, the spot where the Warrego enters the Darling. The trammelling and cramping influences of the Queensland legislature in arresting traffic from this colony has had its weight in crushing the undertaking, but it, without doubt, will have a successful consummation.
Following the Warrego up, you are at this point not a little puzzled in allowing yourself to accede the name of river to such a rambling, scrambling, shapeless mass of channels, swamps, and islands. Take for example an unlimited number of English osier beds, (I mention England as it is the only place in which I have seen them), and string them together, substituting reeds, rushes, lignum, and long grass, for the pliant osier wand, and you form a pretty correct idea of the lower part of this stream. Continuing north over a road which for curves, circles, angles, and all the horrors of serpentine tracks, can be matched against any thoroughfare in the world, you arrive in forty miles at Conn's hut, once the scene of a terrible murder by blacks. Fifteen miles higher up is Bellalie, a sheep station belonging to Mr. John Rutherford, a good man and true ; and at this point you detect a very marked change in the aspect of the country ; it becomes more open, and the grasses are more abundant, and of rarer quality, instead of the river being pushed in as it were by sand hills thickly covered with mulgoa, whose cold pitiless green fails not on all occasions to call up painful recollections of human sufferings and sinkings in the wilderness. I know of no scrub so utterly desolating and deadening to the observer. You look into its solemn silent depths, and nothing but the gloomy and sepulchral meets the eye. The mallee has its terrors, this its horrors. The bright healthy green of the former's foliage promises hope even to the end but to seek for comfort in the mulgoa would be to look for life and warmth in a grave.
About sixteen mites from Bellalie runs the boundary line, and eight higher up " Dangar's Horse Station," and here the river takes a shape, running between defined banks, and of some width; the plains, too, stretch farther back, till at Mr. Tom Smith's cattle station, eighty miles from the southern boundary, a more beautiful pastoral scene I never rode over. Back from the river-which widens as you ascend-in an unbroken course, stretch the rich level plains for miles, reminding you of nothing so much as waving seas of wheat ere it has burst into ear ; here and there are small dumps of yellow jacket, gidjee, cedar, pine, and beefwood, or the more imposing bloodwood towering over all, making a scene of beautiful –as complete and useful-as the most exacting could desire. This magnificent state of things continues as you go north ; but let no one fancy that this delightful stale of things has not its other side. Like the apple of Istkahar it has its sour as well as its sweet side. There are times of drought, which science will overcome, and inundations in the lower regions are far from improbable ; but in no country where I have been have there been so few drawbacks to prosperity.
The Warrego has its source in the ranges which separate the eastern from the western waters, and the centre whence the Maranooa, Ward, Langlo, Nivo, Salvalor, and other rivers derive their source. Between parallels 27 and 28 the Warrego presents a noble appearance, being nearly a quarter of a mile wide in true banks; tributable by the Langlo and Ward to the W; the Angellala, Hogethella, and numerous other tributes flow to it on the E. From the 28 parallel S, the flat country commences. Below this too are many other rivers-such as the Meraparoo and Cuttaburra, to the W- which flow into the Paroo. To the E affluents and debouches are more in number-as the Nooramal, Huerulgunna, Tuen, and the Barrancam-the two former flow towards the Culgo, but many are swallowed up by the immense plains. On the ranges at the head of the river, Sterculia de la Bechiae and Callitria Pyramidalis abound, with the usual varieties of the Eucalypti. Of the grasses you find the several varieties, Antistherium and Panicum Laevinode being abundant, also Atrilleae, and a great variety of salsalaceous plants. These grasses and plants are not confined to the high latitudes, but are plentiful everywhere. I forgot to state, when speaking of the mulga, that I found shellac of the finest description upon it - but whether it can be gathered in sufficient quantities to make it of commercial value I am unable to state. The flora, too, of this country is rich in many brilliant plants I have never seen elsewhere. There is one much resembling Cineraria Cadn__sii ; another shrub with leaf, blossom, and seed closely resembling the laburnum ; another bearing a sweet little flower, the exact blue of the Salvia; where, too, you will find white and lavender Gloxinia, one of the form and color of the Bignonia. But the most beautiful one that came under my inspection was one I gathered from a tree growing in the sand, in form like Veronica, three times its size, and of s splendid orange and pale yellow tints, emitting a faint pleasant odour. I have no doubt the botanist would find much to reward his labor in this region.
Of the fertility of the soil, and its adaptability for agriculture, I have abundant vouchers. In Mr Rutherford's garden, at Bellalie, were radishes a foot long and six inches in diameter, which were only three weeks planted; everything else having the same rapid growth. Wm Bright, the gardener, is most enthusiastic as to the capabilities of the soil, and declares it will grow any "mortal thing." There reptilia very numerous, and arrive at ponderous size. There are the usual varieties seen in the other colonies, but I saw one which to me is new: his form is slim, generally from six to seven foot, very active, pugnacious, and fatal in his bite; his body is a light red up from the tail to the neck, which is surrounded by a brilliant ring of scarlet, the head of a deep black.
The ornithologist would find little to engage his attention, as far as birds of glowing plumage, most of them running brown or dun. There is, however, a mammoth owl, being as large as a turkey; his body is white, having a broad red frill of feathers round the neck, which, coupled with the actual size of the head makes him one of the ugliest of the feathered race. There is also a parrot peculiar to this river, called the crimson wing, a very beautiful bird. There is also the jolly magpie, quarian, and cockleveria.
The blacks inhabiting the river and its branches, taking them on the whole, are a finer race than many in other parts, though they are as unsophisticated as well may be ; they are destitute of clothing, and their worleys or gunyahs are as primitive ; yet they do not seem to suffer from exposure. Their food consists of rodents, reptilia, and herbage, such as portulac, nardoo, manoor (a root of fine flavour, growing in sand hills, which they roast and find a fine substitute for potatoes). They are not at all averse to a fat bullock, and many a fine beast falls 'neath their spears. Unlike other natives that I have seen, they are nocturnal in their movements-seldom acting save in the dark. They appear harmless; but, from past collisions and present intimidations, we may ere long find this a conclusion without foundation : and should there be blows struck we know where they will fall first. There are parties who believe in the attachment and gratitude of the aboriginal, when, in fact, no such a feeling exists among them. To place confidence in his fidelity is to fire powder and expect no explosion. He will assume for the nonce all you desire; receive your benefits, however liberal, with the same feeling a chained wolf would his meal of carrion ; he may even smile and pronounce you good ;-and the next hour his spear will be lifted against you. Firmness, a stern line of demarcation, justice, and decision in all things, are the only weapons that can be used with success. Vacilate, humour him, forgive him even for an omission of duty, and you'll repent the day.
The climate of these parts is far preferable to that on the Darling or Murray, the heat being always accompanied by cooling winds, and although the days may be a little warm, the night always brings refreshment and repose. The present month (April) is deliciously fine as the rarest clime in Europe; and although the mosquitoes and flies are anything but amusing, their dominion only lasts about two months, and soon men's hands and tongues will find other uses than in killing and condemning them to places not to be mentioned in a polite paper. On the whole I think this a splendid district, and, if the blundering of the Governments do not hobble too closely the fetlocks of speculation, will be the richest bovine depot in this latitude. But at present all is at a halt. The probationary acts forbidding sheep or cattle to cross the boundary under any circumstances is the fable of the frog and the ox, as time will prove, if the fiat of the Queensland law-makers be not removed or modified. To imagine it possible to prevent the importation of disease, by simply forbidding the conveyance of animals into the country, is as fallacious as it is absurd. Stray cattle have no knowledge of lines, palpable or imaginary, as the appearance of the scourge has already proven. We will not suggest a means more workable, but there are several. Let us hope that something will be done to remove the stagnation which now pervades all things, and bring to the country abundance and activity where privation and idleness now prevail.
Oscar Hughan.
Bourke, April 30th, 1864.
-Maitland Mercury, May 19, 1864.
BOURKE.
We again begin to wear the same features as of old save that the flood, like time ravaging a beautiful face has made our township look rugged ; but the sunshine is rapidly smoothing away our wrinkles, and we shall soon be green again -of course we mean the country. The river has gone down most wondrously fast, considering the amount of back water that had to be taken away, and is now many feet within its banks. The Albury, steamer, has been up with abundant supplies, but the prices of articles in Bourke are rather appalling, considering the ways and means of our people. I shall in a future paper speak more of this at large.
A seizure of grog was made by the police, but the case fell through, as the captain of the steamer had purchased it for the party to whom it was delivered. This is not the only case before the bench lately. There have been several ; and with some of the principals litigation seems to have become a mania. Byron says, "Tis pleasant sure to see one's name in print," which I alter to, "'Tis pleasant sure to see one's name in court."
On Monday there is to be a race between Keely's Skipper and Foote's Sloucher, for £50. I will forward the result. We are growing quite racy. I have not heard of any very serious losses down the river yet, and it is not generally believed that many sheep have been lost. The weather is very fine and warm, and in a week or two the roads will be as firm as ever.
June 2nd.
-Maitland Mercury, June 16, 1864.
BOURKE.
The weather is still beautifully fine, the river lowering rapidly, and without a steamer appears soon she will be unable to reach us. Business is pretty brisk, considering all things, and the people seem to have made up their minds to be as happy as possible. I am sorry to state that Beemary has been a heavy sufferer by the inundation, as also Mr. Cruikshank ; some of the horses belonging to Beemary must have swam seven miles to a place of safety. The whole herd at one time was supposed to have perished.
There are now stationed at Bourke no less than five police officers, who have a glorious time of inactivity- nothing ever taking place to call their talent into operation.
A letter was sent in to the bench by the residents of the town and district this week, begging that a fixed day or days be set apart for the holding of the petty sessions court-their opinion being that in order to receive the consideration due as freeholders and residents, there should be one or more magistrates whose homes and interests are in their midst. There has been a lack of confidence growing of late among the population, and a meeting to consider it will be heId on the 14th inst. It is a great pity that in a small community like ours such a course should be necessary.
From the Warrego sad accounts of pleuro among the cattle come in from time to lime. What active operations the Government intend is not known, but the inspectors are on the boundary.
I am happy to inform you that Mr. John Dowling and his "murdered men" are in excellent health. How such rumours get into print is a mystery, seeing that the penny-a-line system is not in fashion here. The Western Post, I think, was the parent of the report, and it would be better were its contributors a little more truthfully posted up ere they give such heartrending narratives of murder to the public. Should the blacks commit any of their deviltries in that locality I will let you know.
The sheep owners will commence shearing early in August, and a fine clip is expected.
Bourke, June 10.
-Maitland Mercury, June 21, 1864.
BOURKE.
The past week has been one of events, most of whom, I am sorry to say, of a nature not in accordance with the march of culture and civilisation, on which we are too apt to hang our hopes and promises of the future -On the 11th instant, James O'Neil was committed to Bathurst for trial, on a charge too heinous to mention.-
On the 13th, James Jefferies was committed to Wellington, on a charge of stealing, the property stolen being a horse, saddle, bridle, firearms, &c &c , which were taken from a hut on the Gundabooka run. This, I hope, will be a warning to others who fancy the property of men who labor hard for all they have. On the 16th, Joseph Becker preferred a charge against David Kissock, for insulting language. The bench inflicted a fine of £2 on the defendant.-The same day Patrick Early summoned his employer (Bowman) for wages amounting to £40. Mr. Little appeared for the defendant. Verdict for the plaintiff. Early was then placed before the bar, charged with neglect of duty, in that he abandoned 1681 sheep, valued £840. Case dismissed. Another count charging him with the same offence, was put in by Mr. Little, for which the court sentenced him to fourteen days' hard labor. William Smith was placed at the bar, charged with assaulting Peter Holmes. This quarrel was the renewal of an ancient feud, for which the defendant was fined £5 and costs. This was rather a serious case. Dr. Pechey was called in, whose evidence was in favor of the prisoner, who was therefore let off by the payment of a fine. It seems to me that a more stringent means ought to be put into force to check these brutal and savage attacks, for as the case now stands a man having a few pounds in his pocket may with impunity half maul a man to death.
Today a case was decided, in which Smith, carpenter, summoned Mr. Aberdeen, superintendent for Mr. Hugh Glass, for wages. This was a case in which the decision of Mr. Garrett makes it appear that a superintendent becomes liable for a debt contracted by a manager whom he succeeded. This may be all right, but it seems very odd that Aberdeen should be responsible for Boyd's debts. You see that we have not been idle at the police-office, but I am very glad to say that all the delinquents are strangers to Bourke.
Tho race between Mr. John Kelly's horse, Scrubber, and Mr. Foott's horse, Sloucher, for £100, came off on the 6th. There was a great deal of money placed on this race, and the fanciers of the roan (Foott's horse) were considerably taken in. Tho distance run was one mile and a half, heats, which resulted in an easy victory to Kelly. The first heat was ran in 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Among the other novelties at Bourke is a cricket club, which, for an infant, is remarkably strong ; and you must not be at all surprised to see us by-and-bye challenging all sorts of clubs.
The Bourke Hospital, I am thankful to inform you, will soon be in existence. This is an institution much needed.
The letter I mentioned last week, handed in to the bench, begging that a fixed day be appointed for the hearing of civil cases, was discussed by Messrs. Harriot, Hughes, and Foott, the people having their wishes gratified.
I am happy to say that at last we have a medical man settled amongst us ; his name is Pechey, and from report he is a clever man.
There are no steamers expected ; the river is low, and the weather dry.
Bourke, June 19.
-Maitland Mercury, July 5, 1864.
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