BOURKE. July 3.
Specimens from the S.C A Mine been brought into Bourke, and if they are a fair sample of the ore there found, and it lies in any quantity, the shareholders may rejoice. Up to the present there has been nothing tangible, but many people think a good lode will be struck. The one at hand is rich, and resembles that found at Cobar, and it is argued that if such good rock is found at the surface, it is a most excellent sign tor the wealth beneath. We may be said to suffer a copper fever. All people are more or less affected. The report which appeared in the Herald, stating that steamers were preparing to leave Bourke, was simply an untruth. No rise has taken place, or is, unfortunately, likely to take place, which would lift a washing-tub over a reef a foot high. The report, doubtless, had its motive, but it reflects but little credit on the truthful side of the reporter.
I am thankful that one or two biped nuisances have been brought to their senses in the lock-up of late. It was a hundred to one whether a woman if she left her home, returned without being grossly insulted by a pack of drunken rowdies, who fancy that manly bearing depends on low blackguardism. I trust the police will actively do their duty, or Bourke will soon be a byword for open barefaced obscenity.
The weather is fine.
- Town & Country, July 13. 1872.( Empire July 15)
BOURKE. July 10.
The first half-yearly meeting of the Cobar Copper Mining Company was held at Tattersall's on Tuesday evening ; Mr. J. Becker, chairman. The secretary, Mr. A. Ogilvie, read the report to the numerous company present, and it could but afford them very lively satisfaction. A balance to the credit of the company of £5959 18s 9d was shown which, considering the difficulties the mine has to contend with, is a large sum. Captain Lean's report of work done was also very encouraging, while the percentage in the yield of the mine was much more than was anticipated. There are but nine miners at work, and the quantity of ore raised plainly shows the richness of the mine; within six months 120 tons have been sent to Adelaide, which gave 30 per cent fine copper; (30 tons of the same class is now at hand, and in addition 200 tons of inferior ore is lying ready for smelting. This is intended to be done at the mine, the prospects of a still greater richness is manifested the further the work is proceeded with. It was decided that the blocks to the north of the mine, which might be deemed necessary for the company's plans, should, if possible, be purchased; and several gentlemen were appointed to ascertain the amount likely to be required to secure the country needed. The result of their labours will be laid before the directors at a future time. There is no doubt now of the wonderful wealth of this mine. The specimens brought in from C.S.A. mine, or where the mine is to be, are rich, and great are the expectations there.
Rain commenced early this morning and continued long enough to do a vast deal of good.
There is a movement again on foot relative to the Public School which ought to have been established here years ago. What the result will be time will show; but it is a palpable disgrace that we have no such place here. There seems a fatality among those who start the business of schoolmaster in Bourke, some have mistaken their vocation, some were unfitted by nature for the task, and some stopping only a short time disappeared to the disgust of confiding creditors. One of these was found the other morning to have "gone from our gaze like a beautiful dream." His absence is mourned by several.
- Town & Country, July 20, 1872 (Empire, July 19)
BOURKE.
July 21.
The rage for copper is increasing. On the 18th instant the applications for land were really astonishing ; it was estimated that L1000 was in the court-house ready to be staked on blocks coveted by the assembled crowd. Cheques were starting about, of all colors and amounts, and the clerk had more to do than an ordinary man should be called upon to perform. However, he got through somehow, and the sum of L570 was paid into the treasury coilers.
A stranger passing along our highways (I won't dignify them by the name of streets, though they bear high sounding titles) would be puzzled to know the meaning of various tracings in chalk on the dry hard soil, some in squares, others angular, while others appeared in circles and half circles, dotted over with the letters N. S. E. W., with here and there a deep line running through their centres. These are primitive charts of the country, rich, or supposed to be so in the coveted metal-copper. Whatever will be the destiny of these blocks time will show; the State, at any rate, is reaping a harvest of gold out of the copper mania, and it may do something towards causing the Government to consider that we are entitled to a little more attention than has ever been bestowed upon us. Year after year rolls in and out, and excepting what the sternest necessity calls for, we are left as we were- in the long ago. Our children are wandering about without school; our supposed streets arc a disgrace to a place of so much importance; the hospital, it is said, must shortly close for want of Government support, and the river lies at our doors simply a gigantic ditch; while the prices of food are of course going up weekly, and trade between the colonies is at a dead standstill. Thousands of tons of copper could be sent at once to market were the means of conveyance offered – as it is it we must pile it, and our wool on the river's bank, and wait until Providence, in a monstrous flood, comes to our relief, unless the heads of the Government step in and remove the burden; for a sum less than half the amount paid to " the defenders of a colony" without enemies. A channel could be opened from Wentworth to Bourke, whereby steamers of shallow draught could reach us at any time, and our trade would then assume a healthy permanent attitude. As it is we live by spasmodic starts, lively as bees at one time mid then snailing away our existence. Mr. Banks and his fellow workmen have it in their power to make for themselves a name worthy the highest stretch of ambition, in doing what others have left undone, and which, when done, would be but justice awarded to those who have paid the uttermost farthing to the national exchequer.
SHEARING.-This important task will commence in about a fortnight, and it is supposed a great scarcity of shearers will be found this year, in fact, men are very hard to find just now for general manual work; but don't let anyone be led away by this report, and fancy their services may find a warm welcome on the Darling. Long before the ink is dry which covers this, intelligent men may be as plentiful as snags in our now useless river, and after a toilsome march to reach this district disappointment may greet their arrival. All must bear in mind that our rivers are not what they were six or seven years ago; cheques are few in number, and their sums too small to back up the Champagne shouts of the past. Sergeant Cleary is to leave us after all, and we are sorry that such is the order from headquarters, for it may be a long time ere an officer find the same respect and confidence that is shown towards him. His conduct since he has been in Bourke proves him excellently fitted for the office he holds. He is urbane without allowing familiarity, and just without being harsh. These two traits it would be well if others imitated; it would serve more than any other thing to remove the feeling of antipathy often shown in this colony towards the blue uniform.
Mr. R. Kerrigan, with his wife and family, had a most merciful escape the other day. They were within a few miles of Bourke when one of the horses he was driving placed his foot over the pole. In the flash of a match, horses, waggon, wife, and children, were in a confused mass of ruin: the little two-year old boy actually lying between the kicking and plunging animals, while the body of the vehicle lay upon Mr. Kerrigan and his wife. The leathern springs held on, and in some wonderful manner the whole affair became disentangled, and each of the passengers escaped with simple bruises. The waggon was made matches of, but no serious wound was received by man or horse. Mr. Kerrigan states that it occurred in less than ten seconds time.
Mr. T. F. Watt, scourer, commences at Beemery, with about 100,000 fleeces in a short time; after that, Jandra 40,000; then Yanda, (Cobb and Co.,) 25,000 ; and will probably then proceed to Gundabook. The wool promises well, and it is expected that it will be turned out better this year than for a long time. It is more free from dirt and seeds than heretofore.
We have more rain, and as soon as the weather sets in warm we shall be pushed aside by grass and herbage, saying nothing about mosquitoes. Mr. Powell has gone by with horses, and a good lot they are. Weather splendidly fine.
An adventurer who professed to cure diseases of the eye and ear induced a number of poor greenhorns to travel hundreds of miles in the hope that such a man as he promised himself to be would at least be able to do something for them. Alas! they came back as they went-only sadder and wiser, perhaps, but most certainly with lighter pockets instead of light hearts.
I notice in your answers to correspondents a question, and your reply as to the origin of the word "Bosh." I may tell you that the word belongs to the Turkish language and simply means what is equivalent to our white lie or humbug. An old Turk, when in doubt as to the truthfulness of what you are telling him will growl out Bosh-Bishall, turn away, and take a comforting draw at his hookah, to console him for the injury done his feelings by humbugging him.
- Town & Country, August 3, 1872 (Empire, August 2)
BOURKE. July 31.
The mania for copper-bearing country is as strong as ever. Many acres were taken up on Thursday last, and in all probability many more will pass to the public tomorrow. A new mine has been discovered south of Cobar, of which much is spoken. To give you an idea of the feeling here, I may say that two of our townsmen chipped from some ore piled in Bourke, a small specimen, and showing it to one of the keenest men about town, with the assertion that it had been found within fifty miles of the river by a man wearing a tall hat. The most intense excitement was produced in the mind of the individual, "Where is the man with the tall hat." Messengers were started to ferret out the gentleman under the Yankee hat-the post-office, all the hotels, the land office, and in fact every corner of the town was ransacked-in the mean time a cheque for £50 was drawn as a bait to hook the discoverer. One of the presenters of the specimen had disappeared ; this looked ominous; he had gone with the stranger to his copper deposit. This was clear, other scouts were sent off to bring the "Man who wore the Yankee hat" in, dead or alive. All in vain- the hat made no appearance, and not until the next day was the keen man's confession made, that he had been the victim of misplaced confidence. He has gone to his usual avocations, determined never to believe in tall hats again. I have told this truth to show how virulent the fever is. The shares of the C.S.A. are going steadily up, and from report, not without cause, their county as it is broken up, promises remarkably well.
Buildings of brick are going up in various parts of the town, and were the tons of muddy slush removed our main street would look quite respectable. There is talk of a tramroad to Cobar, but unless a little more Victorian energy is displayed I fear that it, like the telegraph, will be a long time ere it be accomplished. We talk, and talk, and talk again, but that is about all. We are badly provided with active motive power. You know the gaol is finished, and a good little building it is, but there is no notice of its being used. For the sake of the unfortunate prisoners, I hope before the hot weather sets in they may be removed thither. There is a strike among the shearers; 20s per hundred is demanded. The Beemery shed was left, but I do not know if shearing has commenced there. I have heard that at this place 22s 6d was asked; men are scarce, and it is natural that wages should rise. Fortunately for the squatter, he has had glorious seasons lately, and can, I suppose, afford to give an advance in pay.
A magnificent mob of 600 bullocks, from the Flinders, in charge of Mr. M'lntyre, brother of the explorer, are going down the Paroo; 200 of them are something far above common fat cattle.
The Sydney mail was not delivered again on Saturday much to the annoyance of everybody. The Bathurst papers always come, but from some cause the Sydney bag is often left behind. A petition, asking a tri-weekly mail, is being signed, and if the importance of a place goes for anything it will be granted. The postal service is increasing most rapidly, and the present position of it is not sufficient. Seventy-two mails arrive and depart monthly, and the number of letters actually posted in the town exceed 2000 monthly.
Mr. Watts' plant has gone to Beemery, and scouring will commence directly. The fleece is off the sheep's backs, and speaking of wool reminds me that although the nights are bitterly cold; and have been for months, the unhappy blacks stand shivering in the blast looking in vain for the whiteman's gift of blankets. It is a great shame; but so it ever is, the winter is over before these fast-disappearing people can nestle for a little warmth under the Government blankets. No rise in river; weather dry but cold. – Town & Country,August 10, 1872(Empire August 9)
BOURKE. August 7.
Shearing and wool washing are now in full operation, and a most satisfactory result may be anticipated. The trouble with the shearers cleared away like a very small fog in presence of the sun. A feeling of dissatisfaction has crept among this class lately, in so much that public complaint is made through the columns of our "local." A writer, signing "A Shearer," calls upon his fellow-workmen to resist the co-operation of a local firm who have, among other legitimate operations, undertaken to shear and wash their neighbours' sheep. While they confined themselves to the single condition of washing wool, all was well; but so soon as the other item was introduced, there is mutiny hot and expressive; though it seems very strange that one man's money is of less value than another's. If a firm combine to shear as well us scour, and pay the same market value for labour as the rest of employers, where results the grievance ? Every man has a positive right to embark in any legitimate calling he may deem beneficial to himself, and so long as he acts honestly and fairly, what reason is there that you or I hoist the flag of rebellion ? "A Shearer " does not complain of any loss or injury he has sustained at the hands of the Barton Brothers; but he thinks because they are squatters, butchers, wool scourers, &c, they have no business to tack on sheep-shearing to their other duties, and calls on the wool-gatherers to show their ill will by refusing to work for them. I trust that our workmen have too much good sense to refuse good wages for the stupid reason that a co-operative body tends them. When that body inflicts a wound it will be time to wince.
There are some fine specimens of copper ore on view from the C.S.A. company, and there is no doubt if the directors do their duty to the shareholders in an intelligent, energetic manner, there will be nothing to complain of. It is regarded by the majority of scrip holders that a mistake was made in the issue of 40,000 shares instead of 20,000. 640 acres taken up last Thursday, and tomorrow there will be another rush. The cartage of copper ore will commence directly from Cobar, many teams being put on at the C.S.A. There are six miners at work, but to do the work well four times that number is needed The lack of miners is a great drawback to the various enterprises. The work goes on too slow. I hope this will be soon remedied. There is no report of water coming down, and we now despair of being able to ship one to the smelting works for some time.
A prospector has just come in from the copper mines. He reports that he has discovered gold. He, of course, is chary of information, but that he has found gold I am positive. This is what has long been thought would take place, by men well up in the science of gold-bearing country. Silver specimens have also been obtained.
The skeleton of a man was found the other day, a short distance from Dunlop, eighty miles down stream, another unfortunate, probably perishing from lack of water.
Sub-inspector Keegan has relieved senior-sergeant Cleary, for whom a testimonial has been subscribed. The sergeant proceeds to Narrabri.
Mr, George Harris, of the Royal, has purchased the Commercial Inn, and the Royal, I hear, is to be converted into the public school house; so much the better, it is high time the children had such a place to go to.
At the police court there has been nothing of note to report.
Weather fine.
- Town & Country, 17 August, 1872 (Empire August 19)
BOURKE. August 15.
On Monday night between 11 and 12 o'clock there was a great running to and fro through Bourke. Boats were hurriedly put off from the jetty, lights carried by anxious men were flashing along the banks of the river, and the cause was that Richard Bolton, a man in the employ of Mr. Surveyor Harris, in attempting to cross the stream had gone down with the frail canoe. The police, headed by Inspector Keeghan, actively did their duty, assisted by several private gentlemen, working until early in the morning to recover the body, in vain. As soon as the sun was somewhat warm, the blacks were brought to the scene, and after a few minutes diving one of them, Lumpy, shot up with a boot in one hand. "White fellow sit down," he said pointing downward to the deep water. A rope was taken from one of the boats, and two of the blacks diving together, the white solemn face of the dead was soon in the sunlight. A murmur of applause broke from the crowd on the banks, and the poor wreck was taken to the Commercial Inn, where an inquest was held und a verdict of accidental drowning was given. The deceased was about forty years of age, and, pitiful as it is to record it, drink was the accursed cause of the affair.
Shearing and scouring is in full operation. The weather is remarkably cold; ice each morning being found on buckets &c.
Building is rapidly going forward, and a line of coaches runs now to Cobar.
From the C. S. A mine cheering news is brought and great expectations are founded upon it.
The remains of Hugh Cameron, the man found near Dunlop, were buried here last week. His name was inscribed on a tin billy found at his side, a portion of which was worn bright by the endeavours of the unfortunate being to find water in the land. He left no tale of the agony passed ere the spirit fled to the presence of Him who called it into life.
At a meeting held at the Royal Hotel last week, the following business was transacted in relation to division of the Bogan Electorate, Mr. G. Harris, chairman:-"That a division of the existing Electorate of the Bogan into two or more districts, is, in the opinion of this meeting, advisable and advantageous, and that in any revision or amendment of the Electoral Act, Bourke should be the place of nomination for one electorate, which should, as near as practicable, embrace the territory within the following boundaries :-Commencing at the boundary of the colony of Queensland, on the west side of the Narran River ; thence by that river to its junction with the Barwon ; thence south, by the west side of the Macquarie River to Mount Foster; thence in a south-south-westerly direction to a point where the Lachlan River is intersected by the 146th parallel of longitude; thence north-westerly to Mount Macpherson, and by the 144th parallel of longitude to the Queensland border; then easterly to the point of commencement." A memorial embracing the above was adopted for transmission to the Legislative Assembly, through the member of the district-Geo. W. Lord.
- Town & Country, August 24, 1872 (Empire, August 23)
BOURKE. August 21.
From copper, the tongue of Bourke has turned to the nobler metal-gold. On Sunday the place was in a feverish ferment. A man had brought in a hat full of wonderful specimens. There was no doubt of the realty of the precious mediums. Miner's rights were the universal theme, and much law was expounded as to how far the digger could push his demands. Rouse's paddock rushed was the precedent held up. Books treating of the gold-fields took the place of the Bible on last Sunday, and a happy stroke of good fortune has made many poor men rich. One enthusiast actually twitted people with the fact that when he was needy no one called on him, but now his house was sought by all classes. He did not think poor mortal that it was the yellow god supposed to be in his house which was drawing the visitors towards him. Things went on pretty well for about thirty hours, when our alchemist proclaimed on the house top that the shiny substance so much coveted was a sham and a cheat; Acid and fire had torn aside the glittering vision, and with a dogged silence the gold-fields regulations were put aside. At any rate, if there is any comfort in this fact, many old hands have pronounced the stranger gold.
Many people are still busy among the copper lodes, and forty acres were taken up at Mount Oxley on Thursday. This is about thirty miles from the river, and should it prove correct, it will be a great find. We have had a three-feet rise in the river, but it is expected it will go down at once to its former level. Barton Bros have gone to Gundabark to scour their wool.
Bread has risen from no actual pressure to 7d per two pound loaf, the salutary baker may find when he endeavours to catch such big fishes that other nets may be let down in our waters. We paid 6d when flour was below £20 per ton without murmur and as soon as a little rise takes place, we are called upon to make it good. If the cheap flour had given us cheaper bread we should not grumble, but it is not fair to tax us at both ends of the market. A man named Wilson dropped dead at Tattersall’s Hotel on Sunday evening. The cause was apoplexy. Weather boisterous, dry, and cold.
- Town & Country, August 31, 1872 (Empire, same date)
BOURKE.
September 5.
We are indebted this 5th of September to a fine rain, which was needed and which of course will do much good. The river has risen a little, but not sufficient to float the steamers here, which is much to be deplored, for flour and other things have risen in price, and the poor man's purse has not swollen in the same proportion.
A party of copper seekers came into town on Friday from the south, after prospecting country taken up by them the week previous. They were very modest, simply saying they were quite satisfied with their bargain; they brought in some unmistakeable proofs that copper exists on their land, and men are going out to open the hill, and in all probability I shall have a good account to give in a week or two, at any rate there will be nothing said, until proof certain of paying metal is obtained.
There was a mistake in the gentleman's name now wool scouring at Beemery, it should have been Thomas F Wall. Things there are going on well at Gundabooker, the men are all on the strike; the reason is not yet known. Many teams heavily laden for Ross and Co, have arrived.
I was at the great Cobar last week, and such a mass of copper staring above the ground it would be difficult to find. Captain McLean is much shackled by various impediments which ought not to exist, and which it is to be hoped will soon be removed. I will forward a description of this remarkable mine in a future paper; it is worthy of special notice. The C. S. A. mine is being worked, and time may prove it a marvellous place; at present there is not enough brain and muscle on the ground, but more of this anon.
Mr. G. Harris has entered his new house, and it will be known henceforth as the Royal. This house has had three baptisms since it has been opened, may the last be the sticking one. We expect the Inspector of Schools every day, when it is to hoped our neglected children will find a fold in which to gather together.
- Town & Country, 14 September, 1872 (Empire, same date)
BOURKE.
September 11.
You have seen doubtless the report of an extensive gold-field having existence in this district, and although that which glitters is sometimes gold, let no man be deceived with excessive joy at hearing that the precious metal is near Bourke. I saw specimens brought in which one and all declared gold, then the few wise men amongst proclaimed it otherwise, with a good deal of ill nature. Now again they declare the discarded glitter to be the veritable article. With these shifts of opinion may not the former verdict be taken up again! Gold has been received in Bourke from Sydney, so the report speaks, obtained from stone found to the south. If this is so it speaks but little for the judgment of the miners and those who work among crucibles amongst us. What I advise is caution. Time will show the birth-place of the precious one; and until it is known, it is nothing but madness for men to act in the matter. Land is still being taken up for copper, and a party starts this week for Coogar where very promising specimens have been obtained close to the surface. Coogar is about thirty miles north of Cobar, in the same line, and a hill of a mile from north to south higher than Cobar, with every indication found there. Slate, quartz, and iron-stone reefs, boldly shown, run through the hill, while at the north end is a vast upheaving of slate mixed with quartz and iron. Timber is abundant, and great hopes are entertained that rich ore will be speedily found.
I have just returned from Beemery where shearing and scouring is in full work ; the latter operation has been somewhat retarded by rain, but all again is smoothly running. There will be nearly 100 tons of wool washed here, and for cleanliness and absence from burr and seeds will show to much advantage. Mr. Wall has a well organised band of workers, and the manner they perform their labour show that even here discipline and prompt action can be found. While the men are at work, there is nothing but work done. At stated periods they have their spells for smoking, &c, and as surely as the watch tells of this cessation ending the master's voice is heard, and labour again goes on in its steady earnest grooves.
The telegraph operations seem to have come to a dead stand. All that you can see is the Government superintendents and surveyor taking their ease; while squatters, storekeepers, carriers, and labourers of all grades, are looking for money which is so far in the prospective that each and all despair of ever seeing it; the contractors are absent, and altogether a more disgraceful state of affairs in connection with a Government tender never existed. At first the work was to have been commenced at Bourke and Narrabri. Five miles at each end to be completed per week- so said the tender. This would have given us telegraphic communication in about seven months. Now what has been done? They commenced at Walgett instead of Bourke, worked until the seven mouths, then another extension of three mouths, making in all twelve mouths, und finally collapsing altogether, after completing the line to Piliga-a distance of, say eighty miles, leaving the other 200 miles without the faintest sign of completion, although wire supplied by the Government has been, so I am informed, lying unused there three months. Nor is this all. At our end of the line there is no sign of finishing the work. In fact, it is reported that 190 poles, sufficient for seven miles, have been sold to an innkeeper on the Culgoa, for fencing purposes. Whether this is true or false the report has reached the Government superintendent stationed near Beemery, who has threatened prosecution should the poles be removed. Mr. Cracknell is expected daily at Beemery, and when he comes he will find the toughest snare to unravel he has ever had. The busiest period of the year has passed-that is the wool harvest ; and had the wire been ready for use scores of pounds would have been placed by its agency to the public credit.
- Town & Country, September 21, 1872 (Empire, same date)
BOURKE.
September 12.
The weather is deliciously fine, warm days and delightful nights ; feed of every description is abundant and we start on our summer journey with bright tokens of plenty.
A party of miners left yesterday for Googar, and it is confidently expected that rich copper will be struck in a few days. Surface indications are plentiful, but these will not now do. Should the ground turn out as expected, I fancy men from Melbourne will have the handling of it, and should they, there will be a little more mining energy displayed than hitherto.
We had a noisy meeting on Monday night, relative to the proposed Public School for this place; the "Old Royal" was in the market for that purpose, but the idea did not meet with approval. A petition is to be sent to Government, praying that a site be granted on the present water reserve, which is a central position and well-adapted for a school. For its first use, that is, a water reserve, it is simply worthless, no stock being able to get near the river owing to the steepness of the banks. I will not say anything respecting the proceedings at the meeting-the local paper this morning has handled the matter well. Tho police inspector, with his men, were there, and it is the wonder of all present that their services were not demanded. Mr. R. Barton has since purchased the Royal, to be converted into a soap and caudle factory, and it may be in the interim rented as a school: let us hope it may, for such a place is urgently needed. There is nothing fresh about the extensive gold-field said to exist near Bourke.
Mr. E. Barton's men were brought before the Bench, charged with absconding from their duties, but from the loose manner the men had been engaged, they were discharged. Our ferryman was also placed before the P.M., charged with illegally demanding and taking toll from Mr. G. Harris. It appeared that some horses had crossed the river near the punt by swimming, and a boy was despatched to recover them; he was stopped, and the toll demanded. In giving judgment, the P.M. said, that anyone could cross horses or cattle within a foot of the punt, providing no boat, &e., belonging to the ferry be used. The defendant had rendered himself liable to a penalty of £5, but he should fine him a nominal sum of one shilling and costs of court, and assured the defendant that the next time he was brought before him on such a charge, he should indict the full penalty.
River very slowly rising.
- Town & Country, September 28, 1872 (Empire, same date)
An advertisement in the Australian Town & Country of November 25, 1876, a table revealed that in 1872 Oscar Hughan selected two blocks of ground at Bourke in partnership with others, and one in his own name. Firstly, on September 5, 1872, with J.K Moore and C. Cooper Oscar selected a 40 acre block, then on October 7 1872 he joined with his brother Robert Alexander Hughan (R.A), J. McKinlay and T.Griffin to select another block of 40 acres.
BOURKE.
September 25.
The "Royal" building, now the property of R. Barton, Esq., is under offer to the Council of Education, at a rental of L80 per annum. It is to be hoped the offer will be accepted, for the non-existence of a school in a place like this is as deep a disgrace as can be laid to the intellectual force of a civilized community. We are to have a concert tomorrow in aid of our hospital. It will be a success, for musicians are the singers, and their former performances gave such unqualified pleasure, that a crowded house will be a certainty.
From the mines little beyond the death-in-life style of doing business is reported. But a movement is now being made, and not a moment too soon, to lop away the useless incumberances which have made us almost a bye-word among men for sloth and stupidity. There is enough copper staring at you above the surface, to enrich half-a-dozen companies, and still dividends are in the mists of the dim future. Yesterday a black fellow, belonging to Fort Bourke station, played such tricks on horseback us will not be soon forgotten, he was mounted upon a very young horse, and if ever strong drink made man a beast, it did on this occasion. The poor animal was beaten and kicked until he could not move, while the torrent of licentious language of the blackfellow caused spectators to shudder. This scene was carried on in the midst of men, women, and children, and strange to say, the ruffian was not interfered with by the police or anybody else. Surely a peace-officer's duty is to maintain the peace and good order of a community. The river is still rising slowly, but above, at Walgett, the mailman reports a rise of five feet in twenty-four hours. There has been rain at the mines, but to what extent it is not yet, known.
You will have seen the price realized by the Cunnuamulla cattle. Bullocks, L10 5s 6d ; cows, L8 8s 6d. This was the mixed lot spoken of as passing downward to market. Had they been termed prime I wonder what they would have fetched.
A parcel of gold has been sent from Sydney-so report has it-taken from stone found at the copper mines here, giving a little over 18oz to the ton. The return of the gold is a truth, but from what stone I cannot, of course, undertake to say.
Weather-after a very hot day or two-cool and refreshing,
Pasturage abundant.
- Town & Country, October 5, 1872 (Empire, same date)
