STABBING AND SUICIDE (From the Bourke Correspondent of The Dubbo Dispatch)
On the 20th June, a messenger was sent in from Beemery to Mr. A. O. Grant, coroner, demanding his presence at the above place in company with trooper Percival. The magistrate at once started for the scene of violence. On arriving, he found that a Chinaman, named Ah Sam, had been most frightfully stabbed by another Chinaman, named Chang Yadd, who was then lying dead from wounds inflicted upon himself. It seems that deceased had engaged to work as a gardener in the place for a salary of £40 per year: not giving satisfaction, or from some other cause, give up his situation to Ah Sam, who, it is said, undertook the gardening at a lower wage, and had in some manner fancied, or in reality -traduced him in the eyes of his master. Be this as it may, in the darkness of Saturday night, the 17th instant, the discharged gardener sought the hut of his victim, and, with a tomahawk, commenced his fiendish work of annihilation. The hut where Ah Sam lay was of very small dimensions, and consequently space was needed for the swing of the deadly weapon, or the miscreant may have been grappled with by the assailed; for little is positively known of the manner of the outrage. The hatchet was, however, thrown away, and the deadly knife was brought into requisition. How the alarm was given-how Ah Sam escaped from the vengeance of his countryman, I have been unable to learn. He did escape, however, with ten or a dozen desperate wounds, and is now in the Hospital. The following evidence was given before the Coroner, and a verdict of felo-de-se returned. Senior-constable McElligott, of Brewarrina, deposed that he received a letter from Mr. McNevin, and went at once to Beemery, accompanied by senior-constable Murphy, of Gongolgon ; on arrival, he was informed by Mr. McNevin that he had found Chang Yadd on Sunday in a dying state; that he admitted having stabbed Ah Sam on the previous night; that he had taken poison, and afterwards stabbed himself; he saw the deceased in a hut on Monday night ; Constable Murphy was with him ; he appeared in a very weak state ; I examined a wound in the side, and saw some fat protruding ; he said he had tried to kill Ah Sam, and then himself ; he said he had taken poison in four pieces of meat, but that he had vomited it up ; I was not in uniform ; the deceased called me " doctor" ; he was attended by two of his countrymen; constable Murphy, with myself, thought it was best not to remain with him, as our presence might excite him ; next morning I went to the hut with Mr. McNevin ; deceased said he was very weak, and had no use of his arms or legs ; his voice was strong; Mr. McNevin advised me to keep away from him, lest he should suspect me of being a constable ; everything was removed which was considered dangerous ; ' I saw him alive last about 5 'o'clock that evening ; he said he was better; and thought he could go to Bourke in a few days ; on Wednesday morning, shortly after sunrise I saw him hanging from a tree, dead; the rope was tight under the chin and behind the ear, but no slip-not ; his feet were about six inches from the ground, and close to him was an empty oil can upset, and a small piece of board lying against it ; naked feet marks were on the board ; the tree was but a yard or two from the hut; there had been no struggle or marks must have been seen in the damp ground ; I feel certain the man killed himself ; I believe he made use of the can to suspend himself ; I think if I had taken him into custody at first it would hare excited him, and caused his death ; the wound was on the right side, just below the last rib, and was a very bad one ; I was afraid if he got excited he would tear the wound open. Mr. Thos McNevin, J.P was examined at length, but nothing further of importance was added to the first witness's evidence.
-Maitland Mercury, July 6, 1871.
BOURKE.
(from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
The Steamers Jupiter and Express hare just arrived, with general cargo. The river is pretty low, but there is no anxiety on the part of the captain as to getting back.
The lambing may be said to be over, and a more satisfactory one has never been known in this district. The percentages will be very high.
The bonded store, as we call Mr Booker’s new place, is ready for goods. Its length is 110 feet by 25 feet. The floor is of the most solid construction, while the brickwork, standing on a stone foundation, rendered water tight by Roman cement, to a height of about 30 inches, is the best piece of work ever done on the river. The whole is covered in with zinc, the rafters, collarbraces, &c, being thoroughly bolted throughout. The whole is a credit to the contractors, Messrs Ramsay and Peck, the latter the stone and brick work. It is to be opened by a bachelor's grand ball.
There is more trouble in that unhappy country, Queensland. Two other Bourke teams have been seized for carrying goods to the needy inhabitants.
A meeting of gentlemen interested in the Cobar copper mine held a meeting the other night, and the shares was eagerly bought at £15 per share, one gentleman speculating nearly £500. They have been busy with acids this week, and 80 per cent copper has been recorded. We have caught the Wilcannia disease, and can talk of nothing in which copper does not figure.
Weather dry and cold -July 1st.
-Maitland Mercury, July 13, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
The weather is delightfully fine. The steamers have all departed, but the Princess Royal is expected to-morrow.
At the Police Court there has been nothing done of interest. The license of Nancarrow’s Inn has been transferred to Mr W Batten.
The property for sale by Mr J Booker, for the assignees of the late Mr Kerrigan, was not sold on Wednesday last, there were no liberal buyers.
The Rev Father Kelly has returned to Bourke, where his presence will be hailed with joy by many. The school in connection with his church is doing great good, and it is a pity that other Christian circles have not established similar places for the youth of their flock.
The post-office clock is in its place, and all wrangles about time are at an end.
Mr Weckstead Barton is now the butcher- in -chief of this place, and Mr W W Davis I hear has purchased the Old Fort Hotel -July 15.
-Maitland Mercury, July 27, 1871.
BOURKE (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
The lambing may be now considered at an end, and all are busy getting ready for shearing. The percentage of lambs this year has been very high- 90 and 100 per cent being the average- but on some stations a much higher rate has been returned. At Mooculta (Mr Barton’s), for instance, there had been much speculation relative to the increase and to end controversy, I passed a day among the lambs, and was utterly astonished at their number .For example, one flock of maiden ewes give 112 ¼ per cent, while another flock of older sheep produced 129 3/5 per cent. Great as the result was, the proprietor Mr R Barton, was in no way astonished; in fact, he argues that in this district everybody, with a certainty, can secure one lamb for each owe, if proper treatment is used.
Topham and Co’s wool scouring plant started for the Paroo today. They are engaged for the second year by Messrs Hood and Torrance, and it is more than probable that they will stop at Salmon’s, after they have finished the Hoodville clip. I was speaking to this firm as to the necessity of establishing a boiling down concern at Bourke, as I have always thought it would be a most remunerative enterprise, and was informed by them that the moment a consignment of sheep or cattle is sent to them for the purpose of being reduced to tallow they are prepared with all the necessary appliances. I am certain that thousands of sheep at hand, if submitted to this process, would return a more favourable margin than if sent to market alive. It is strange that our flockmasters have never thought of this method to rid their runs of the surplus fat.
The steamer, Princess Royal, arrived yesterday with a general cargo. Most of it is purchased by Barton of Mooculta.
At last we have photographers among us who are entitled to the name. Messrs Cardwell and Thrower, from Victoria, are producing splendid pictures.
A soap and candle factory I hope shortly to name among our industries, and a tannery is likely soon to be in existence.
Mr Curry, schoolmaster connected with the Roman Catholic Church, is about leaving. This will be a serious thing for the children as they will then have no teacher. Mr. Curry is very skilful, and the children under him improve rapidly. When will this schoolless state of things end ? A hundred bairns and no school-what a disgrace to prosperous Bourke. -July 24
-Maitland Mercury, August 3, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
At the Police Court, on Wednesday, a case was decided by the Police Magistrate in favour of R. McDonald, who claimed 1100 feet of timber, seized by the bailiff under instructions from M. Good, and supposed to belong to J Brown. Ownership was proved by McDonald, and costs to the amount of £7 awarded.
On Friday evening a most respectable circle of ladies and gentlemen met at the Court House to listen to what was advertised as a lecture for the benefit of the Public School. Mr Russell Barton introduced the lecturer in a sensible speech, in which he alluded to the remarks passed by the Pastoral Times in connection with the people of Bourke and district, and added the present meeting was a direct refutation of the insidious attack. Mr A O Grant, P M, then read from manuscript his lecture, after which a vote of thanks was passed, and the worthy Bourkeites retired to their happy firesides.
Tenders are called for building the Roman Catholic Church. The plan has been sent from Sydney; it is a vastly pretty building, but too costly for the present state of affairs.
The highest bidder for the Government punt was Mr. R. Maxwell; his bid was £106 for one year. This is £66 in advance of last year’s rent. May he be successful.
There is a great disquiet in town consequent upon an alteration in the arrival of the Sydney mail. A memorial is being signed, begging that no departure from the old time bill be made. The postal work of the district is in perfect order now, and it is argued that any change will overturn the system so smoothly conducted.
Thirty tons copper ore from Cobar will meet the Princess Royal at Louth, and in a few weeks we can speak authoritatively as to the value of mines. Shares are looked eagerly after, with an upward tendency.
We may soon expect to number among our industries a soap and candle factory, also, tannery. Mr R Barton will shortly visit Dubbo for the purpose of gaining information relative to the latter business. Soap, candles, and cheap leather would be some of the blessings we have looked for long and patiently.
Weather remarkably fine; river low, but rising upward. -July 29.
-Maitland Mercury, August 10, 1871.
BOURKE (From Our Correspondent of Via Dubbo Dispatch )
The weather has grown warm but we have had no rain and the weather prophets predict a fine summer.
There has been nothing of stirring importance to report.
The Goolwa has come up and the Princess Royal gone down. The latter is now owned by Ross and Co. She is a vessel of about 50 tons burden, and will prove a valuable auxiliary to the firm.
On Friday the respected wife of Mr Joseph Lunn, innkeeper, died rather suddenly from inflammation of the lungs.
The town is very healthy and probably will remain so if some of the many clothes lines left across the streets by thoughtless people don t lay someone up.
The Warrego races are over and the Bourke horses pulled off two of their principal prizes. A match is made for £50 between Flying Jib, now belonging to Bourke, and Hotspur. They will raise the dust on the 6th instant.
Joseph Gilbert for robbery was committed for trial at the next Bourke Sessions.
A mob of horses from Menindie Station were put up for sale by auction by Mr A Becker on Saturday.There was but little bidding.
You will see that Ross and Co’s cattle again topped the market and people may say what they like about the North country being too far from markets -there is no such country in the colonies. Every blade of grass or tuft of herbage is of the finest fattening description and let those who doubt it mark the prices given for stock from these districts.
The town is full of squatters and a fine manly lot of fellows they look. The appraising of runs has brought them in. About thirty sat down to dinner under the “vine and fig tree” of Mr J Becker on Thursday. Dancing, musical, and social parties seem to be becoming fashionable. So much the better; life isn’t so remarkable for its sweetness that friendships need no strengthening.
Mr McIntyre from the Warrego was thrown from his horse and seriously injured. Dr Yule is in attendance.
The Pontoon Bridge that was put down on paper for Brewarrina will in all human probability remain but there.
Mr Russell Barton has disposed of the entire interest he had in station, wool-scouring. &c, in this district to his brother, Mr Wickstead Barton.
Bourke is without her public school and she is without her tailor. A good tradesman would find this a field for a liberal harvest but he must be good or he will waste his time in coming –August 5.
-Maitland Mercury, August 17, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
Jandra commence shearing on the 14th. The clip will be heavy, but I imagine the fineness will differ from weight.
Mr Becker, with several other gentlemen, have gone to the copper mines. Shares have advanced 100 per cent since the assayer's account of specimens sent to Adelaide has been made known. I forward return verbatim -
Laboratory, South Australian Institute
Adelaide 26th July 1871
GENTLEMAN-The copper samples result as follows –
No 1: 36½ per cent fine copper
No 2: 47% fine copper.
No 3: 46½ % fine copper
No 4: 51½% fine copper
No 5: 49½ % fine copper.
I return specimens numbered to agree with description. These are valuable ores; will smelt easily, produce fine metal and if near water carriage, and abundant in quantity, constitute a most important discovery. No 4 is a remarkable red carbonate of copper. –G. FRANCIS.
Description of minerals handed to me by Captain King:-
No 1-Three surface stones hard and irony, with carbonates intermixed
No 2- Blue carbonate
No 3-Carbonates and oxide, copper and iron, large stones
No 4-Red sparkling stone
5-Red oxide and iron, with green carbonate of copper.
G. FRANCIS.
I need say nothing now of the positiveness of Cobar, and am only sorry I'm not among her shareholders.
The new hotel for the Old Fort, which has taken the cognomen of the " Commercial," under the supervision of Mr W. W. Davis, was opened on Monday night with the most sumptuous supper and surroundings which have ever been in Bourke; as many as 100 persons of both sexes sat down at one time beneath the spacious verandah, decorated for the occasion. The speeches were sparkling as the wines. -Aug 12.
-Maitland Mercury, August 24, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Shearing is now the chief business of the river. In many sheds the ancient shears are at work as in the days of Abraham. There are not so many taskless men walking about as usual. A heavy clean clip will be returned.
The Ariel steamer was at Buckambee last week, so we may expect her shortly.
The river is rising, and from above we learn the rivers are full, so that the wool may yet reach market by water.
Tin Young, a Chinese merchant of great intelligence, purchased some books a while ago, which treat of the final state of the spiritual part of mortals. He has studied it so well that the poor fellow is converted with a raving madness. They confined him with great trouble in the lock-up on Thursday night. Dr. Boberts is in attendance
Another mine, so report has it, thirty miles nearer Bourke, has been found.
We have six cases for the next assizes. I am afraid His Honor will never receive a pair of gloves from our court.
A little rain is now needed to help us through the hot weather when it comes.
The alterations of the mails between here and Sydney, are causing much annoyance. The Commercial Banking Company are going to lay it before the Postmaster-General.
The party has just come in from the mine, and reports gold-bearing quartz reefs in any quantity. One gentleman of education says it will be the most valuable discovery of minerals ever yet found in the colony, if he may judge from appearances. A quantity of quartz will be sent down to Sydney directly. The gold may be seen in small particles -August 21
REAPPEARANCE OF SNAKES -The unusually warm weather has already tempted the heat loving reptiles out of their winter quarters, and last week Mr Single succeeded in dispatching a large black snake nearly seven feet in length.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT-On Friday last, as a man named Patrick Dunn, in the employ of Mrs Davis, was riding along the Postman's Track at Doughboy Hollow, the horse shied, and Dunn was thrown against a stump and much injured. His head was frightfully cut from behind the ear right round to the temple, and although his face received no damage, it was completely blackened by the force of the contusion. Dr Gordon was speedily in attendance, and the case is progressing favourably.
-Maitland Mercury, August 31, 1871.
BOURKE (from the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch.)
The Jupiter has passed upward to Beemery for wool, and as the river is rising, they probably will take down a full cargo. On her way up, fifty cases of brandy, and two hogsheads rum, were seized and sold. They were consigned to Ross and Co , but neglect of Captain s King’s agent in not attending to the bills of lading caused the loss. This is to be regretted for the captain is one of the most respectable owners of river craft out of Adelaide.
William Carrol, a servant in the employ of Mr Thomas McNevin, of Beemery, was drowned on Thursday, in the Darling. The unfortunate young man was at work crossing sheep for the shearers, and by some means fell from the punt, and a strong current swept him completely away before help could be rendered. His body had not been recovered on Friday, but the whole shed of shearers turned out, and in all likelihood it has been secured. The deceased had been a long time on the station, and was universally respected.
I am sorry to inform you that the Rev Father Kelly met with a rather severe accident on Wednesday. He was starting for the north country, when his horses bolted, smashing the vehicle into pie, and breaking the rev gentleman’s collar bone.
We are to have a paper all to ourselves soon, and it is to be hoped that its presence will purify and keep clean the district over which it is to watch. A really good journal is a blessing and contra wise.
The gaol is approaching completion, but no inspector yet has said if the work is to be pronounced good or not.
The Government have notified the return to the former time table for the Sydney and Bourke mail. This gives general satisfaction.
At a meeting held in connection with the public school, nearly £200 was subscribed and it is to be hoped that a something more than guessing will now be done.
The weather is setting in very warm, grass is looking like drought. Rain would do us much good.
Thrower and Cardell, the photographers, have taken most of our handsome faces, and buildings, and are now going to St George s Bridge: they are excellent.
A meeting of the shareholders in the Copper Mine was held tonight at Tattersalls Hotel, Mr D. C Byrne in the chair. After the minor business of the Company was dispatched, Messrs Beasley, Faunce, and Ogilvie were formed into committee to prepare a draft of deed of settlement. It was also decided that Mr P Green, of Ross and Co, be empowered to engage a manager, with what miners it may be deemed necessary, from South Australia. Mr Green is a gentleman of great practical experience, and the meeting expressed itself thankful for the services offered. The next action taken was in regard to opening a road direct from Bourke to the mine, and £200 were voted by the share holders, to which is guaranteed by the town £250 more, sufficient to construct five tanks of one thousand yards each. Messrs Collins, Bradley, Barton, Murray, and Smith are appointed a committee to decide the route to be taken, and the best means to secure water, with power to act. A public meeting will be held next week, when the people s pulse will be felt relative to the road. About £200 are already down. I may add that 80 to 100 tons of ore are ready for carting at the mines. Shares going up.
Fifty bales of wool ready for shipment at Beemery; Jandra shed very forward. -August 26.
-Maitland Mercury, September 7, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
On Saturday last a very numerous party, in carriages and on horseback, met and escorted the Church of England Bishop into the town, and on Thursday a company nearly as numerous accompanied him out of the town. On Sunday service was held in the court-house, and, for the first time since preaching has been known in Bourke, the building was unable to contain the hearers. Bishop Marsden preached from the Lord's Prayer a sound, eloquent sermon, which was followed by all with an eagerness which spoke well for the interest awakened. People may say what they will, but a good voice, well-rounded sentences, and reading shown as an art, have wondrous power on the hearer. Nine ladies and one gentleman received confirmation.
On Monday a subscription dinner was provided at Tattersalls, in honour of our right reverend visitor, and, as far as wine and viands went, it was a most glorious affair. The whole of the hotel was engaged for the occasion. Speeches were made, but as I was not within the charmed circle, the colony will have to do without them. Some dissatisfaction has been expressed by many of the townspeople as to the exclusive way in which the dinner was got up, and there is talk of an indignation meeting.
On Tuesday a tea meeting was held in the assembly room of the Royal, decorated for the occasion by Mrs. Harris, who also provided the tea. About 120 persons were present, and, from the manner in which it went off, it must have been highly acceptable to Dr Marsden, as mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and children met him with sincerity and love as their Bishop, not their guest. Many speeches were given, and all heartily enjoyed themselves. The company would have been greater had the Monday night's affair not transpired- I thank Mrs. Harris for the diligence and taste displayed in the getting up of the feast.
The Jupiter has this minute gone past with nearly 400 bales wool; she will pick up 800 more at Tooralie. This is the first load of the season. The washers at Jandra have been on the strike this week, this will probably throw that shed back somewhat.
The river is falling.
Mr Paterson, the inspector, has arrived.
I am sorry that unless it rains, and that hard, there will be no water from Bourke to the Springs on the Warrego. The tanks paid well for by the State are all falling or fallen in, and an unshapely excavation will be all that marks the place where once the precious liquid lay.
News from the mine is good; plenty of ore is being lifted. The Road Committee report excellent watersheds on the way thither.
As the steamer Jupiter was passing Mr J Flanagan’s dairy today, Mrs Flanagan accompanied by two children, proceeded to loosen a rope stretched across the river that the ship might pass. Fouling it, however, the tree to which it was fastened, with the mother and little ones, were plunged into the stream. All saved, but through what means I have not heard. Dr Roberts was quick in attendance. - September 9.
-Maitland Mercury, September 21, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch).
On Wednesday, at the courthouse, Mr A. O Grant, PM, in the chair, the members of the Mechanics' Institute invited the public to a taste of their quality as readers. The whole affair went off better than could have been expected, and if a little more study and determination to become popular were shown, there is no doubt popularity would be won.
The steamers Kennedy and Express are here.
The tender accepted by the committee for the building of the Roman Catholic Church is that of Mr M. Robinson.
A great deal of wool will go down unwashed, although Mr J. T Wall, with a staff of sixty to eighty men, has been hard at work for some time at various stations. 17,000 were turned off at Marra in a little over three weeks, and 40,000 at Buckenbee in a little over a month. Of course, two sets of men were employed at the two different sheds. The washing army are now at Yanda, from thence they will march to Gundaboka, and then probably end with what may
be left at Tooralie. Shearing is at an end at this place-about 100,000 being shorn. The wool scoured by Mr Wall is pronounced beautifully white, with all the properties first-class wool possesses. There can be no question now as to Mr Wall’s claim of being the scourer of the river.
The weather is very warm, and rain is greatly needed.
Dr Yule is to take charge of the Hospital during Dr Roberts' absence at Bathurst. Report rings golden bells in praise of the skill and humane kindness of the Brewarrina MD.
Much copper is being raised at Cobar, and teams are plying between Louth and the mine.
The Inspector has passed the work at the gaol, and it is to be hoped the unhappy prisoners will soon have more comfort in the way of lodging -September 16.
-Maitland Mercury, September 28, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
It had been raining since Monday. Everything was muddy, wet, and melancholy. Men walked about in the cold looking up towards the dense clouds, which hung low and cheerless over the plains on Wednesday morning; and a man lay on the premises of Mr Barton's butchery establishment with his head crushed through by a rifle bullet. Joseph Wright, a faithful servant, had commenced his daily work as usual-had visited most of the townspeople -and had gone home, carrying with him the intent of a determined crime. Shortly after breakfast a loud report issued from the skillion of the butcher's shop. The unfortunate man had made the first attempt and had failed, the bullet passing through the roof; and here came a little wonderment. A man was in the shop, with nothing but an open door between him and the insane self-destroyer, and instead of the lunatic being seized he is allowed to reload the terrible weapon, prepare a loop of string in which to place his foot after the string is attached to the trigger. This is all done in the cool business- like way of an everyday act. Another person by this time is near, but to take the rifle has a death in its iron lips which is promised to the first who interferes. All ready,-"Here's to my wife and children," escapes the lips of the mad man,-a little jerk and a loud report followed by a thud and a crash of wood, and Joseph Wright is dead. At the inquest a verdict of temporary insanity was given. No definite reason is known which could have produced this terrible result, but a lowness of spirits has been marked as attending the unhappy fellow.
We have had four days and five nights’ rain, which is as great a boon as we could have prayed for. Shearing has been delayed, but the summer months are now robbed of their terror. In spite of all this wet and mud the mails run punctually as one of Benson's Best.
Mr Christian's sheep are on the west bank, above the new township. What his movements are, I cannot say.
News from Cobar is very cheering. The lode is richer as they go down.
Mr Robinson's tender for the Roman Catholic Church is accepted, and the church, when completed, will be worthy of places of greater pretensions
A coach starts from Bourke to Wilcannia on Tuesday. It will convey the down mail- There is much illness, in the shape of colds.
The Goolwa, Express, and Kennedy (steamers) have passed downwards.
Weather fine and cold. - September 23.
-Maitland Mercury, October 5, 1871.
No comments:
Post a Comment