MELANCHOLY AFFAIR.-" I have just been favoured" (says the Bourke correspondent of the Maitland Mercury) " by Mr. H. Bobart with the following melancholy record, found by Jack, a blackfellow, coming in from Mr. J. E. Kelly's, Warrego country, and which was written in a pocket-book, and hung up in a tree close to the mournful remains of the wretched sufferer. You will observe how minutely the dying man notes the circumstances of his fatal mistake and awful position. And it is strange that there are no dates.
Salmon's team left Bourke on the 30th January last. The faithful black who brought in the information to the police, and who deserves to be rewarded, says that ' there is no head-no shirt-and that he was cobborn frightened.' The black was journeying through the bush, or this fearful event, like many others, would have lain unrecorded :-
' George Ford : Lost in the bush three days without water. I think I shall hang myself tonight if it don't rain ; it looks likely to rain, at present it is very hot, I think it is far better to die at once, than to lie at the mercy of the crows and ants,-too weak to keep them off. I may thank my own foolishness for the present state of affairs. I left Bourke and put up for the night at Lunn's Inn, left there at daybreak, and went past the Warrego-road, where Salmon's teams were camped, when I struck out for the Warrego-road, and crossed it, thinking it an outside river road ; thought I could make the Warrego by keeping a north west course ; lost my horse the first night, and now I am sure to perish before I can pull water, without it rains, then I would try. I can only just walk now, so it would be only folly to try without rain. I leave ten one pound (£1) notes, and 9s in silver, one new pair of boots, two shirts, two pair pants, and the dark bay cob, branded A over N near shoulder."
- Town & Country, April 1, 1870.
"MELANCHOLY AFFAIR."
To the Editor.
SIR,-Your issue of this day contains the report, under the above heading, as furnished by the Bourke correspondent of the Maitland Mercury, of the death of an unfortunate man, one George Ford, who was lost in the bush. In the account it is remarked that "It is strange that there are no dates given." As I happened to be in the immediate neighbourhood at the time, I can furnish you with the correct date of the melancholy occurrence. It will, I think, be found recorded in the police office at Bourke, that I found a saddle, pair of red blankets, two shirts, two pairs trousers, one pair boots, books, tea, sugar, and a box of pills, upon which was written " Take three daily, Mr. Ford," at about thirteen miles south-east of my Pirilie Station, on tho Warrego, on the 25th October,1868.
I may further state that I followed Ford's tracks for nearly thirty miles. I came across them in a dense scrub, and at once concluded that they were those of a man who had lost his way, and I therefore followed in the hope of affording assistance, until I came to a place where he had camped about a fort night before. At this place I found his saddle, &c, &o. The course he appeared to be taking was equidistant from the Rivers Warrego and Darling, and going parallel with them. Finding it impossible to continue the track where Ford went in search of his horse on foot, I returned to the station and reported the matter to the police magistrate. I subsequently made inquiries respecting Mr. Ford, and found that he had left Bourke on or about the 6th October, and that his description was follows :-Five feet nine inches high, dark complexion, hip put out; supposed to be well connected ; last employed on Mr. Tyson's stations.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. KELLY.”
-April 1, 1870.
BOURKE (From the Correspondence in the Dubbo Dispatch.)
At the police court on Tuesday (before the P.M, with Messrs. R. M. Hughes, Byrne, and Finlay), Timothy Keating was again brought to hear the evidence of Edward Rich and James W. Sellers, the two men who were at the Lake at the time Stookin, the missing man, was last seen. Edward Rich deposed : I am a hawker, and live at Eulo, in Queensland; know the prisoner before the court ; remember the 28th of February ; was on the Lake that day camped, about 150 yards from the prisoner's house ; was about starting between seven and eight in the morning of that day; turned and saw two men fighting ; ran up, and saw the prisoner and a man named Tom quarrelling ; don't remember the words used ; Tom showed me a book, and asked me to add up some figures, and to add three pounds for rent ; when Tom mentioned the rent, the prisoner said he had nothing to do with that ; the quarrel began again, when the prisoner made a blow at Tom with his fist, and Tom fell over a log ; the prisoner then kicked him; James Sellers and myself then parted them; then spoke to Tom, and told him to settle it quietly, or clear out; he said if I would wait, he would catch his mare and go; he went to catch his mare, and the prisoner followed him ; Sellers and I went to the dray ; a few minutes afterwards Sellers told me prisoner had followed him with a tomahawk ; I came to a little rise and saw prisoner walking quietly with something in his band towards some horses ; Tom was running in a different direction about 600 yards away ; followed him about a quarter of a mile ; sang out to him, hut he did not answer ; he was crying and holding his hands over his heart, saying " Oh my God " or " Oh my heart," I can't say which; shouted for him to come back to the Lake, and I would wait for him ; he made no answer for several minutes, but kept walking and crying ; told him he would be lost in the bush, and that if he did not come, I would go for the police ; he turned and said, " I am all right, Mr. Rich, I know every inch of the country;" he then showed me a mark on his arm, and said, " That's what the b___ y wretch did with a hammer ;" then left him ; as I was nearing my dray, I saw the prisoner leading up a mare ; when I reached the house he was saddling up ; asked him why he had had a row ; he told me Tom owed him money, which he declined to pay; then left.
By Senior-sergeant Cleary : Cannot positively swear that I heard the cry of " murder;" I believe I did; while the prisoner was saddling up, he said " Why did he sing out murder;" saw a tomahawk standing by a post; this was close to where he was saddling up ; did not see the prisoner leave the place; saw no one at the place but myself, Sellers, prisoner, and Tom; the kick I mentioned, if it took effect, would be in the lower part of the stomach. By the prisoner : I don't remember your falling with Tom ; don’t recollect any distinct charge you made to Tom about the book ; you told me if I saw Tom to tell him to come back; don't remember your saying anything about money at all. By the Bench : While he was following Tom, he was saying that he should not catch the mare ; he was excited; since then have been 220 miles into Queensland ; made inquiry everywhere, but heard nothing of the missing man, who was not as powerful a man as the prisoner. James Walker Sellers, in substance repeated what the witness Rich had said, being however confident as to the cries of “murder," and also to the prisoner's carrying a tomahawk when he followed the missing man. Senior-sergeant Cleary stated that the scene had been searched for a circuit of nine or ten miles without anything being discovered; that the place was very scrubby, and abounded with long grass; officers too had been on the different rivers, and strict inquiry made without avail; nothing whatever is known of the man in question ; eight or nine days had elapsed from the 28th of February to the time he received information, consequently all tracks were obliterated. Remanded for a week. There is one strange thing about this case. The absent man had a black dog, which disappeared at the same time as his master, and returned at the end of two days, I am informed, and went away again. If this is true, it would suggest the master lying helpless somewhere. I trust the cloudy look of this affair will be made as clear as sunshine. The men we have here now will not shrink from toil to find out if a foul deed has or has not been committed.
The steamers Jupiter and Princess Royal have arrived, and the Albury is coming up.
15,000 sheep crossed on Wednesday. They will be shorn here. One of the boats will probably wait for the wool.
The police are again at the scene of the supposed murder.-March 25.
-Maitland Mercury, April 6, 1871.
BOURKE ( from the Dubbo Dispatch Correspondence.)
A meeting was called by Mr. A. O. Grant, P.M., at suggestion of several of our principal men, which took place on Thursday night in the Court House, and was very numerously and respectably attended. The object of the gathering was to take immediate steps for establishing a provisional school. Mr. Grant was voted to the chair, and, in a few facetious remarks, made known the purport of the assemblage. He said that some time ago a sum of about £200 had been subscribed towards the founding of a public school; but as the cost of the building proposed by the Educational Board was of so lavish a description, the affair had fallen through, much to the sorrow of parents, and to the non-advancement of the children. He spoke of the terrible want of such an institution in Bourke as a school, and as it seemed unlikely that one of a public character would be obtained, they had met to take steps to create one of a provisional nature. The Rev. R. Johnston, Wesleyan minister, was then introduced. The Rev. gentleman said that since his advent to Bourke he had done his utmost to forward the interest of the young and, there being no school, he had opened one himself. The average attendance daring the past few months had been about l8 ; but, however keen his will was in this matter, he found that it much interfered with the duties he owed to the adult population. He had been at Warren, and whilst there had made some partial arrangements with Mr. Groat, a certified teacher and a man capable in every way to benefit the Bourke community. He had offered the Wesleyan Meeting House as a school, with a small house attached as master's residence, for the term of one year, provided the people would place the House in habitable repair. This was what was sought at the present meeting, and he hoped that nothing would be lacking to secure the services of Mr. Groat. The estimated sum for repairs was £50, and should the meeting conclude to accept his offer at the end of one year the premises could be rented for a very small sum weekly. The Rev. W. Tarleton spoke of the vital importance of a school for the rising generation, for from it all that could come of progress must be expected. The plea that Bourke was poor could not be put in. Bourke was rich enough to raise money whenever the people acted, and he trusted the offer of Mr. Johnston would be at once seized. Other gentlemen spoke, and all were in favour of the arrival of Mr. Groat. A subscription was opened, and £40 given cheerfully. After the usual forms were gone through, a board of five chosen, &c, &c., the meeting broke up, and I hope in a mail or two to chronicle a thorough schoolmaster turning up among us.
The river has risen 6 or 8 inches. Weather warm and fine.
Mr. Becker's splendid brick store is going skyward fast, and the plans of the new Post Office are ready. -April 1.
-Maitland Mercury, April 15, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Dubbo Dispatch correspondent )
The Albury arrived with gaol plant, and went back next day. The Jupiter and Princess Royal are waiting for wool. The first steamer took about 100 of our people up the river to a picnic, where all heartily enjoyed themselves. Not a single charge of discontent was anywhere to be seen. Mr. G. Harris thanked Captain King for his kindness in giving the use of the boat, on behalf of the company. The jolly sailor said, in reply, that at any time, when not otherwise engaged, his boat was at the service of the people of Bourke, who were a good-tempered lot, and he should always be proud of doing them a service. The Princess starts on Monday for a similar fete. May all pass off as pleasantly as the last trip.
River still navigable. Weather delicious. Police Court silent. Father Kelly is expected daily.-April 8.
-Maitland mercury, April 20, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Correspondence in the Dubbo Dispatch.)
Sweet as the smiles of woman dawns each glorious day. We are enjoying literally an Eden of delicious weather.
On Easter Monday, the Princess Royal conveyed 131 happy mortals to a picnic up the river, and I can tell you Bourke may be proud of her fair women and children, leaving the men out. We all went ashore seven miles above the town, and what with the viands dancing, tumbling, and cricket, a day has never been spent here more sensibly jolly. Captain King, Mr R Deane, the engineer, in fact all on the boat, the cabin boy included, were heartily thanked, and all went home happy as the birds.
The man Wilson, arrested by Trooper Hurlsberg on suspicion of sheep-stealing, has been committed.
Race horses are coming in, and from what is known we shall have twenty five to strive for the liberal prizes. We have a few first-class jockeys, a capital racing committee, and expect the most successful meet ever seen here.
The officers appointed to take the census have finished, and now the jury for the approaching District Court are to be called upon. It is to be hoped that the presence of a judge will elevate and tone our district.
There is nothing more from the Queensland Revenue police, but it is devotedly wished that to check this injustice New South Wales will impose a tax on every hoof which seeks a market in our borders. It is a selfish, brainless piece of work, seeing that colony pours her thousands and tens of thousands of sheep and cattle into our markets. I am not vindictive, but had I a voice in the matter these disturbers of peaceful intercourse would soon be packed off to Brisbane. We want revenue, and here is a just method of receiving it. Suppose each Queensland squatter had to pay for the privilege of eating our grass, and realising prices (which he could never do in his own country) in our towns and cities, would they not, think you, allow a few drays to pass into their deserts unmolested. We have by our energy fed their border for years, in fact, had it not been for us, the Warrego would now be a howling wilderness. April 15
-Maitland Mercury, April 27, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Dubbo Dispatch Correspondence.)
The steamers are all gone, but we expect another in a week or two, should there be water sufficient to bear them up.
A very amicable " tea fight" was held in the Wesleyan meeting-house, where some fifty old and young enjoyed themselves, and benefited the society to the amount of £7.
I was 100 miles down the stream last week, and no pen can convey the utter plenteousness of the grass. Mile on mile and miles again of feed reaching to the stirrup-irons; plains thick and waving like an English harvest field. Blessed season this.
The races are drawing close. Horses are arriving, and on nearly all the stations near are signs of preparations. I fully expect thirty horses, and right ones too. The day of racing was to be on the 11th; but as the Court opens on the 10th, the stewards have very wisely, I hear, postponed it until the following Monday, when the Judge and jury can enjoy themselves.
Mr. Meredith crossed 10,500 of the finest sheep which we have ever seen on Tuesday. They belong to Galbraith, of Geelong, and did he know how splendidly his flocks look after their long journey from the Peak Downs, he would treat Mr. Meredith to a new suit .And passing from sheep to cattle, Mr. John Birkett crossed 1800 head of the primest quality; he passed at Louth without losing a hoof. Of course, in such a mob there are many young and store ones, but from the herd might be taken 400 head which would top the Melbourne market this year.
What Mr. Tyson's idea is of rushing such magnificent beasts to any place but market is the wonder of all; but they are on the road to the Lachlan. His conviction is, I have been told, that beef cannot be taken at advantage from our district runs. This is a mistake, as the Bulloo River cattle, the farthest out, generally top the market.
I saw a letter from Mount Margaret, in which the writer, a regular pioneer, and a terror of all blacks, states his certainty of a white man being with the blacks beyond where Gilmour and his troopers went, and of the determination of the tribe not to part with him. At any rate, he states that there will have to be a little more daring displayed before he is taken.
The gaol work is progressing.
A blackfellow of H. G. Salmon's, whilst shooting, shattered his arm to such a fearful extent that Dr. Roberts had to amputate it, which he most skilfully did.
Oats would find purchasers at 12s per bushel just now.
Mr. A. O. Grant preaches tomorrow, so we expect a homely practical discourse.
Mails running well. April 22.
-Maitland Mercury, May 4, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Dubbo Dispatch Correspondence.)
Senior sergeant Cleary has just returned from Toorallie, having in his company a native of China, whom he arrested for stabbing Mr. Henderson, superintendent of the above-named station. I have not learned the full particulars, but this gentleman has been wounded in the back by this son of a sun, and although not in positive danger, the assailed has had a very narrow escape. We shall see what can be done with this knife loving gentleman.
Another case of supposed murder has been discovered on the Mara Creek, the victim being a white man, whose body has been found in the Creek. Four blackfellows are in the keeping of Constable Murphy, of Gongolgan.
I hear the steamer Jupiter is fast on the rocks near Yanda. If this is true, it is no blame in her captain He waited day after day beyond his allotted time for steaming, and then left without the whole of his freight.
The river is lower, and still falling. Weather deliciously warm.
We shall have a heavy sessions, eleven civil cases, and seven or eight criminal charges. Our respected P.M. will be at Brewarrina on the 11th May. So that his honor Judge Josephson will not be received by our chief magistrate.
The town is full of race horses, and capital sport is certain.-April 29.
-Maitland Mercury, May 13, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch )
At the police court on May 5th (before the P.M. with Messrs. D. A. Byrne and M. O'Shanassey), Ah Sing, on remand, was charged with the stabbing of Mr. Henderson, at Tooralie. The evidence showed that for no apparent reason the prisoner plunged the knife into his victim's back. The police, headed by Sergeant Cleary, were at the scene the same day, although it is situated 50 miles down the river, and the offender was arrested and brought to Bourke, where he will be tried before his Honor Judge Josephson, who arrived yesterday, attended by Mr. Docker. It is a matter of surprise and thanksgiving that Mr. Henderson was not mortally wounded. He ran a narrow chance.
Race horses are literally pouring in. There must be close upon thirty here now. Tattersalls is the favourite resort.
The Jupiter, steamer, after much trouble, has passed downward.
The weather is remarkable for fineness.
Coming down the Bogan the other day, I was somewhat astonished at seeing an army of insects, resembling the wood louse, travelling in a S.E. direction. When I first saw them they were crossing the road in five dense black lines, slightly curved, looking like immense serpents. The very horses noticed the unusual appearance of the scene. After passing what seemed the main body, they still moved across the track for a distance of two miles. Half that distance they were as innumerable as the earthly atoms over which they passed.
River low. -May 6.
-Maitland Mercury, May 20, 1871.
The Bourke Correspondent of the Western Examiner says :-During the past week we have been threatened with rain, but it has all cleared off, and now we have real summer weather. Some of the squatters are wishing for rain, as supply just now would prevent them from bringing their stock on to the frontage. The river still continues falling, so much so that I am of the opinion that we have seen the last of our steamers for this season. 15,000 sheep, Crawford's, recently shorn at Jandra, passed Bourke on the 2nd, in charge of Mr Burne, en route for Crayway Creek. This gentleman brought them from the north of Queensland, and from the condition they are in, after their long journey, they reflect the greatest credit on him as a drover.
11,000 wethers, Mr. J. E. Kelly's, from Pirilie Station, crossed on the 4th, bound for Melbourne, in company of 2500 of Mr. Russell Barton's. 2000 mixed store cattle, equal numbers, have gone up the river, bound for Dubbo, or a market-Mr. Greaves, Melbourne, owner.
- Town & Country, May 20, 1871.
BOURKE ( From the Correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
On Tuesday the first District Court of Bourke was opened by his Honor Judge Josephson.
Barristers in attendance-Messrs. Docker and Murray; Solicitors-Messrs. Brown and Melville. Punctually at 10 a.m, the Judge took his seat. The place was crammed to inconvenience. It is devoutly hoped that on the next visit of his Honor more commodious offices will be provided for his accommodation. Twelve cases were on the sheet, eleven of which were disposed of the first day.
The Court of Quarter Sessions was opened on Wednesday punctually at 10 a.m. Mr. Murray prosecuted for the crown, Mr. Docker was the other barrister, while Messrs. Brown and Melville represented the houses of Thompson and Pigou, aud Chambers. Some time before the appointed hour for the opening of the court the place was swarmed with witnesses, jurors, and spectators, and to the persons who have sneeringly remarked that Bourke could not form a jury, the sight of 40 or 50 well-dressed and intelligent men assembled to act in that capacity would somewhat have staggered Seven prisoners were arraigned for offences, viz.:-Martin Power, stealing from the person ; John Lynn, ditto ; William Thomas, ditto: Thomas Dillon, ditto; Ah Sing, cutting and wounding; Thomas Stewart, alias Mason, larceny; Andrew Pott, saddle stealing The last prisoners were also tried for horse stealing, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. George Wilson, for sheep stealing, remanded till next Sessions, with Martin Power, for robbing. On Saturday the sentences which follow were passed: John Lynn, larceny, l8 mouths' hard labour in Bathurst Gaol; William Thomas, larceny, 12 months; Ah Sing, cutting and wounding, three years' hard labour; Thomas Stewart and Andrew Pott, saddle stealing, l8 months' hard labour, and the like sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in escaping from the Wilcannia lock-up. At noon,, on Saturday, the Sessions closed, everything being done to the full satisfaction of his Honor the Judge, who complimented the Police Magistrate on the efficiency of his officers. The first appearance of the C.P.S in the robe of new dignity has a greater claim than that he performed his duties with some ability. He commenced and finished like one to the manner born. All feel the benefit conferred on Bourke, and hope for no more courteous gentlemen than the Judge and his companions in the future.
I am sorry to chronicle the death of Mr. Andrew Suttor, which took place on Friday morning. His burial was attended today by many sincere friends.
Bourke, and especially the Post-office people, may thank Mr. J. Becker for a large and handsome clock presented by him to the post-office. Persons need not go on tick for time in future.
Bishop Quinn is expected to-night.
The races are put off until Monday, on account of rain which has fallen plenteously.
A call for tenders for drawing in copper ore from Cobar is out.
The steamer Jupiter, though fast four or five times, I learn is all right. - May 13.
-Maitland Mercury, May 25, 1871.
BOURKE RACES (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch)
The races of 1871 in Bourke may be truth fully recorded as the most successful event in sporting matters which has ever been known on the Darling, and for hundreds of miles round. For three or four days previous to the 15th the weather threatened to put out all hopes of this year's races, and many gentlemen who had brought horses looked like the weather-very gloomy and cheerless. The 11th and 12th were the advertised days for racing, but so very heavy and wet was the course, and so many persons were engaged at the Sessions, that the 15th was chosen. During Sunday the rain had fallen at intervals, and many an anxious eye was looking out for the rain's dispelling stars, but few went to sleep with very sanguine expectation of a dry Monday. The morning came wrapped in as thick a coat of fog or mist as a smuggler could desire, and not until nearly eight o'clock did hope beat without a doubt. Then the glorious old Sun arose in the majesty he puts on in those parts, and the mists rolled away like the visions of foul dreams. Long before noon, the appointed time for the Maiden Plate, the rough road to the racecourse was being pulverised by the wheels of carriages of all descriptions, from the modest wheelbarrow to the ponderous turn out of Charley Beresford; horsemen in brand new costume; footmen with happy honest faces; women in bonnets, hats, billy cocks, and bell toppers, looking, as they were destined to be, the fairest part of creation. At the course four booths waved the proud banners of the empire, while here and there the ruddy apple, the luscious orange, or the lusty melon, showed that luxuries have at last found us out . A little before the starting time the vicinity of the saddling paddock resounded with the cries of men eager to hazard their tens and fifties in the coming strife. Upwards of £3000 was lost and won during the week. I am not going to write a long article, I shall simply say that we enjoyed ourselves to our heart's content-that no serious mishap occurred-and that every person met his liabilities as become honest loyal gentlemen.
For years past the Warrego horses have been held in rather low estimation, in fact it has been hinted to owners on that and the neighbouring rivers that they were afraid to pit their horses against those south of the Border. They did it this time, however, to a pretty tune, and it will some time ere we forget the Messrs Nutting, Williams, and Sullivan. We were tried, and found wanting at every point. However, next year we must be more fit or submit to defeat with the same grace and generosity as on the present occasion. The officers advertised to the various posts filled them with integrity and zealousness .
For the Maiden Plate six were brought to the inspection of the public, and with excellent judgement they were launched on their journey. I don't intend taking up your space by describing how many cuts of the whip and how many digs of the insulting spur each horse was subject to. I shall only say that the first race of the meeting went to the Warrego, pulled off by Sullivan ‘s Tricolor, ridden by Ord, New Chum second A good round sum changed hands on the race. The Squatter’s Purse was won by our old friend Ferry’s Adeline, ridden by himself, with the Wilcannia Hard Times second, ridden by O Donnell. The Central Handicap had six candidates, and was a really good struggle among really good horses. It was fast, taking the ground into account, and although Physician came in first, the race fell to Mr William's Capsicum, the former horse running foul, little Whynot was third. The next race was the Prince of Wales Stakes, and was another gift to the Warrego Tricolor, with Bolero, a river companion, second. This was the first day's sport, and although some unlooked for results took place, everyone, from the man with a heavy book to the humble half crown sweeper, went home happy as a mudlark.
The second day commenced with the Steeplechase, and as four good horses and some of the best cross country riders this side of the line were to ride, it was considered the "event" of the meeting. There were twelve four feet jumps in three miles, and jumps which had to be cleared or no passage. The following horses were brought to the post; Mr Nutting's Elastic; Mr S Smith s Railway Harry; Mr O’Shanassy's Sportsman , and Mr Neville's Chief Justice. After a little play they were started, and they all came past the grand stand with a heavy powerful rush. At the first leap Chief Justice baulked, the others all going over, Elastic bounding like an India rubber ball. At the third leap, Sportsman, well ridden by T Dwyer, and Elastic, splendidly guided by A F Sullivan, were on pretty equal fooling, both horses doing their work honestly and well. On went the Railway, boldly ridden by Sidney Smith, but, in taking the ground, from some cause, the rider went to the earth. Quick as thought (for there were men to assist in cases of need) the bay horse was jumping after the two leading horses, Chief Justice still refusing his leaps, although, when he chose, he flew them like a bird. Up the straight the leading horses came without a scratch, both riders making one think of the daring horsemen of the old country -over the fifth leap and safe-the sixth and seventh, and up into the straight, " Beautifully ridden", “Bravo", " The Warrego Horse”, " The Darling Prad” broke from the crowd as they passed the stand for the second time, over again in company-not a length dividing them. Sportsman and Elastic made for the home stretch over and not a fall, though Sportsman at times struck heavily with his knees. Over again, and but two leaps more-over and into the straight, Sportsman leading by a few feet. The last leap is at hand-will they fall ? Every man was silent as the grave as the horses and riders flew to their last leap. The pace was terrific, and with as it were a single bound, the strong stubborn barrier was cleared; then the final rush, both at the whip, and their spurs flashed in the blinding sun. Another prize gone to the Warrego country. Loud and genuine was the applause given to Sullivan, and his young rival. Sullivan rode like a Centaur, and Dwyer rode like a true steeplechaser. The Bourke handicap was won by Flying Jib, another northern horse, with Bolero second, and Capsicum third. The Ladies Purse fell to Capsicum, Lonsdale running second. The Forced Handicap was won by Flying Jib, Adeline second , and the Consolation Stakes by Hard Times, Physician second.
On the third day we had more steeplechasing, in which there was some good riding, and the £50 was pulled off by Sportsman, Elastic not going; then a handicap of intense interest, the horses being so splendidly weighted-the Messrs Sullivan, O Shannassy, and Ross Reid put the weights up, then hack races until dark.
On the fourth day, we bad a match for £20, between H. Colliss's Playboy and Williams's Capsicum, half a mile, 12stone up. Playboy was ridden by John E Kelly, the bay by James Williams. Mr Nutting started them finely, and the distance was covered in 52 sees ,Capsicum winning by a short head. Then the Farewell Handicap -won by Hard Times, with New Chum second. This was the last of a most glorious meeting. The settling was without a murmur, and the ball at Colless’s perfect.
River rising fast -May 19
-Maitland Mercury, June 1, 1871.
BOURKE.
(From the Dubbo Dispatch Correspondent}
I told you last week that a party had gone out to Cobar, the name given to the copper deposits south of Bourke. In that party was a man named Vascoe, a practical and intelligent miner. From a letter sent in by him to Mr. Jos. Becker, I have learned the following relative to the mine. The lode of grey oxide of copper in width is from twenty to thirty feet, by a length of about 250 feet on the surface. They had sunk to a depth of ten feet, and the deeper they go the richer the ore is found. I can positively assert, he concludes, that every ounce of 50 per cent can be obtained with a great promise of 70 or 80 per cent. It is now the purpose of the shareholders to forward fifty or one hundred tons to Adelaide, as a test of what the mine is really capable of. It turned out, as it was surmised, in regard to what was sent down before, viz, that a vast quantity of worthless stone was forwarded from all parties. The certain success of the project is sure.
The mails from Walgett are not as punctual as formerly. This is from some cause upward.
I send you the census return for the district of Bourke, which may be of interest. At any rate it will show gentlemen that the supply of blankets provided for the blacks is not sufficient. I should not have spoken of this had not the representation of a gentleman of Bourke been made, but an idle calculation of on enthusiast.
The 639 blocks put down as wild, simply mean unemployed-but the poor devils are as cold as those who find shelter with their white brethren, and it is to be desired that the next dose of manufactured wool will be a little more bulky.
Henry Nancarrow, son of the innkeeper, broke his arm this afternoon.
All the horses which were here have gone northward to Cunnamulla.
The river has risen here about twelve feet, and the steamers will be up shortly.
The gaol is being put up fast, and, when completed, will be a fine addition to the place.
There is more talk about a school, but I've said so much about what was going to be done
in that matter that I’ve become like the traditional child and the fire. When the building is being built I shall again hope.
The post office will be commenced next week, and the large clock will be so placed in a sort of niche that all the town may mark Time s onward march.
Weather very cold.
CENSUS FOR THE DISTRICT OF BOURKE
Town of Bourke: 203 males; 116 females Total: 319.
Suburb of Bourke: 58 males; 21 females; Total: 79
West Bourke: 30 males; 15 females; Total: 45.
Brewarrina: 62 males; 33 females; Total: 95.
Gongolgon: 31 males; 34 females; Total: 65
Warrego (Pastoral District): 489 males; 135 females; Total: 624.
Albert Pastoral District: 165 males: 49 females; Total: 214
Wellington pastoral District: 52 males; 30 females: Total: 72
Totals: 1090 males; 423 females Total: 1513
639 aborigines, wild.
-Maitland Mercury, June 22, 1871.
BOURKE (From the Correspondence of the Dubbo Dispatch)
Several cases, but of no general importance, were before our police court, last week.
You have heard of the robbers taken at Oxley's. It was a very energetic affair, and Inspector Stephenson deserves much praise. Had he not nipped them in the bud, there is little doubt but a rescue of the prisoners sent from Bourke would have been made. I am sorry that Sergeant Cleary met with some severe bruises from a fall from his horse.
Mr. G. Harris has been thrown from Payne's coach, and much shaken. The horses bolted into the bush without a driver.
The school committee are making up their minds relative to the purchase of the building, once the Victoria Hotel, to be converted into a school. Mr. Becker has offered two acres of land at almost a gift within 300 yards of the town, and a new brick building could be erected for a little more than the Victoria would cost to buy and place in repair. It's a great pity Mr. C. Cowper went as he did. Had he remained three months longer, a school would be a prominent feature in Bourke.
Shearing at Toorallie will commence on the 24th of next month, when 110,000 will be shorn.
Buckenbee and Mara 70,000, Yanda and Gundabooka, 26,000 and Neileyambo will follow, and all this wool is to be scoured.
Mr T F Wall, a gentleman who has been most successful these last three seasons in getting up wool, has the above number of fleeces to prepare for market, and the universal satisfaction he has given on former occasions argues well for the coming clip.
The Ariel, Vesta, and Jolly Miller steamers, have been here. The latter has passed upward to Beemery with forty ton freight.
The weather is to night setting in for rain.
The following is a return of live stock for this district –
Warrego Pastoral District: 2020 horses; 24,845 cattle; 411,704 sheep; 651 pigs; 439,220 total.
Albert Pastoral District: 490 horses; 8,643 cattle; 141,891sheep; 231 pigs; 151,255 Total.
Wellington Pastoral District: 401 horses; 11,406 cattle; 1500 sheep; 0 pigs; Total: 13,301
Totals: 2,911 horses; 44,888 cattle; 555,095 sheep; 882 pigs; Total: 603,776.
The agricultural return of holdings in cultivation above one acre show-in the Warrego district, 2 acres vineyard and garden, 4 acres oaten bay, Albert and Wellington districts are represented by nil -June 17.
-Maitland Mercury, June 29, 1871.
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