A correspondent at Bourke writes :-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 as 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.
- Town & Country, October 7, 1871.
BOURKE (From the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch).
After our five days’ rain, the grasses are again growing sweetly fresh.
At the copper mines, and on the lower part of the river, more water has fallen than with us.
A prospecting party in search of gold has started out, equipped by Mr M Good. They proceed towards the Gundabooka Ranges. It is likely they may open fresh fields of enterprise. It is ardently to be hoped that Mr Good's speculation may amply reward him.
Jandra shearing is over, and some six loads of wool are en route for Orange. Kelly's shed is likewise closed, and it is a pity the river is too low for the clip to be taken away per steamer. The steamers Kennedy and Express fouled the Rocks below Tooralie, but got off, I learn, safely.
We have had nothing at the police court of any moment and I think even the Pastoral Times must admit that our district is singularly free from crime, when it is known that very many men up to say two months ago were literally hungry, and seeking in vain for work, some of them travelling as much as 800 miles on foot. All, save a very jaundiced mind, must confess our charges before the police are so positively few. People in the cities fancy that such a thing as actual want is unknown in the interior, but they err; hundreds are every night camping along our rivers, without money, food, or work. In many cases this is self imposed, but in others no lack of will to labour leaves the footsore wanderer destitute.
The Nancarrow Brothers are commencing to build a new place of business; when they open, we shall have four storekeepers.
Should there be a clever dentist in your district who to change of scene would add a certain monetary success, let him come to Bourke. Such profession has never yet been here, and I can assure five years' grinding at damper and salt meat has made sad havoc in our dental apparatus. I don t say he would find a gold field, but one of ivory he may confidently depend upon. A tailor too could flourish his shears to a lucrative tune; fancy 500 people and no tailor. It is almost as bad as having no school, and that institution seems yet to be but in the chaotic chances of the future.
Mr H. G Salmon was entertained at Tattersall’s by a number of his friends, on Tuesday, on the eve of his departure. In speaking of these dinners it is surprising where the delicacies come from. Dinners are by some means or another provided in a style which Sydney need not feel ashamed of.
A youth was arrested yesterday by troopers Percival and Hurlsbury on a charge of illegally using a horse, but as he is remanded until Tuesday, I am silent until then.
Weather getting warm.- Sept 30.
-Maitland Mercury, October 12, 1871.
NOTE: At this point we notice a change in the Bourke news as printed by the Maitland Mercury. They cease stating that their information comes from “the correspondent of the Dubbo Dispatch”, and recirculate news instead from “The Western Examiner”. Similarly, the Town & Country Journal dedicates more space to Bourke, and their Bourke articles are most definitely penned by Oscar Hughan. I will include several of the Western Examiner Bourke articles as published by the Maitland Mercury, then transcribe solely the Town and Country articles written by Oscar.
BOURKE (From a correspondent of the Western Examiner)
The river is very low.
The weather during the past week has been very cold; sharp, cutting winds-winter over again; it is also threatening to rain.
Everything in the way of business is very quiet, so much so that we wonder where people and money have got too.
A few new buildings are in course of erection. Mr M Robinson has commenced the erection of the Catholic Church, which will be an ornament to the town. Mr Nancarrow is building a new store in Mitchell street, opposite the Commercial Bank; Mr Alex. Ramsay is the contractor.
No stock passing, nor can I hear of any moving anywhere near here.
Shearing is going on at R. Barton's (Moculta), Ross Reid's (Sarcoon) on the Bogan, and J E Kelly's Esqs, Pirlie, Warrego. Most of the other stations have finished.
The steamer Kennedy got fast on the rocks at a place called Acre's Fishery, 130 miles below Bourke, and knocked a hole in her bottom. I understand that the wool has been unloaded and taken on by smaller steamers, only a small portion was damaged-at least so says my informant.
I am sorry to say that nothing is yet done towards opening a public school; the Catholics are the only people in Bourke who consider their children worthy of education. They do find a teacher for them, and I wish them every success.
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH -The tender for the extension of telegraphic communication from Narrabri to Bourke has been accepted some time since, but there is no sign at this end of the line either of the contractor, surveyor, or men. I wonder is this line going to die a natural death. I expected to have been able to send you a few lines along the wire on the early part of 1872, but I am afraid the notion was premature. - October 7th.
-Maitland Mercury, October 26, 1871.
BOURKE. October 18.
We have again had a delicious rain of some hours’ duration, and can now look the coming hot weather in the face unflinchingly. The country is running over with fresh green grass, and our cattle, sheep, and horses are in splendid fettle. The steamers have ceased running, the water in the river being too low to waft them over shoals or rocks which, had we been living under the shield of the Victoria Government would have been removed in the years long dead. So long back as 1866 Captain George Johnson, of the steamer Albury, a man practically acquainted with the rivers, offered to make a passage for the conveyance of boats of small draught for a sum not to exceed £4000. This gentleman had men and vessels ready for the work ; and being acquainted with every obstacle in the river, he knew what was to be done, and would have done it, and the proposition fell as little heeded as a dead twig falls beneath the touch of an opossum's foot, and now we may wait the uprising of the streams and pay scandalously high for whatever we consume. In fact it seems fated that Bourke should be called upon to hand over more money than any other town in the colony for whatsoever she may need. Battleaxe is now flourished above the drinker's at ls per nobbler, or whatever else a small medium of that fluid is called, and were you to ask for a reason why twelve pence should be deemed a fair market value for the stimulant I presume an answer is prepared. Beef, mutton, and pork, too, are higher than they ought to be in the midst of the herds and flocks which grow fat at our very doors, and arguing from these facts people dwelling in Bourke should receive far higher remuneration for work performed than is paid for a corresponding labour done elsewhere
Our sessions are drawing near, and you will find that a heavy criminal list will be chalked down against us. And when it is considered that the offenders are drawn hither from a radius of hundreds of miles the fact is not wonderful. I think there are eleven criminal charges, and about three in the district court; one a heavy one for damages sustained by depastured sheep. Tho sum claimed is 200 pounds, and doubtless the professional men will figure in it. James Brown Sawyer was, this morning (Wednesday), committed for cutting and wounding Richard McDonald on the day previous at a place known as the Island, twenty miles above the township.
Yesterday the people were literally shocked by the sudden appearance of an unfortunate man carrying deeply embedded in the muscles of his left shoulder the barbed head of a terrible spear. It appears that on the Saturday evening previously at Bringingabbah, a station between the Cuttabuna and Paroo, he had been attacked by an enraged blackfellow, who aimed the weapon at the whiteman's neck, but having seen its flight he shifted just in time and received it with terrible force in the shoulder. After being struck, the weight of the spear (ten feet in length) kept his body in a doubled position until some friendly hand cut it to within eight or ten inches of the wound. They then endeavoured to drag it out, breaking two saddle-straps in the vain attempt. Riding to Bourke was then the only thing to do, and the brave fellow did it without a murmur; he arrived with the wood firmly rooted in the flesh, and upon seeing him a thrill of pain flushed every heart. Luckily Dr. Yule was present, and he had the sufferer conveyed to the hospital where the offending spear was skilfully and quickly removed. The bone was slightly injured, and had the man not been in most robust health, death would have taken place ere he had reached Bourke.
In connection with the Mechanics' Institute, Mr. Alexander Ogilvie delivers a lecture on Lord Clive, and from the intelligence of the lecturer we expect a literary feast. Mr. Dickson, from Walgett, has settled here as schoolmaster, and believe me he has a field full of weeds to cultivate. The Cobar copper mine is flourishing. The manager with his staff of practical miners is expected in a day or two.
We are to have races at the end of the month. £80 are waiting, and horses are getting ready. If we can't raise money for school purposes we can for the training of horses. .
Father Kelly has returned from a most successful journey; he has been away raising funds for the new church.
Our new post-office is to be commenced at once. Mr Becker has been undecided of late as to the purport of the Government, but as the telegraph-office will not, and justly, be in connection with the post-office, there is abundance of work among letters, &c., without other things.
-October 28, 1871
BOURKE.
(From a correspondent of the Western Examiner)
The wool damaged by the striking of the steamer Kennedy, on the Rocks, amounts to about 20 bales only, as it was all in the grease. 13 bales belonged to Tooralie, and 7 bales, J. E Kelly, Pirilie. I understand that the whole has been insured.
The Rev. Mr. Johnstone, Wesleyan minister, has left Bourke to attend the Conference.
A Mr. Dixon, from Walgett, has been installed by the Wesleyans as schoolmaster in their church. About 20 scholars at present attend. I have not yet had an opportunity of criticising this gentleman's ability is the matter. A Public School has been talked of for years past.
There will be twelve or thirteen criminal cases for trial next month at our Quarter Sessions, besides some rather heavy civil ones. I am afraid that his Honour will not live to receive white gloves from Bourke.
Last week we had some nice showers of rain around Bourke. Culgoa, Biree, and Bokira, Upper Barwon, and the Bogan, fell in for their share. The district of Bourke is like a wheat field, knee deep in luxuriant grasses.
Milroy finishes shearing next week, the most of their wool is on the road. Mr J E Kelly finished yesterday at Pirilie.
A parsonage (Anglican) is to be built at once. Subscriptions are coming in freely.-October 2oth, 1871.
We have had one or two very warm days this week, but on Thursday last a smart shower fell, which cleared the air, and left us downright cold. Today it is quite warm again, but threatens a thunderstorm.
A match for £10, between Mr C Warren’s New Chum and Mr J E Kelly’s Hotspur, 1 mile, each carrying 9st 51bs, came off on the Old Course on Friday last. There was a good muster, betting was rather in favour of New Chum, as he was to be piloted by Sam Davis. A good start was effected, Hotspur taking a slight lead past the stand, and increased the distance to two lengths at the back of the course. Here Davis called on his horse, and a good struggle ensued for a quarter of a mile, with both at the whip, when Davis brought New Chum home a winner by two lengths. Several matches, on a smaller scale, made up the day's sport.
The Gongolgan races come off on the 2nd November, and a very good day’s sport may be expected.
A few day s ago, Mrs. James Reed, of Mount Oxley, 20 miles from Bourke, showed me some butter made on the Yankee system, recommended by the Town and Country Journal. Three pints of cream were placed in a cloth and buried in the garden about 2 feet, but before the three days allowed, curiosity compelled them to see what it was like; it was found to be nearly all good butter. I am using some of it now, and it is superior to the churned butter, being firmer and sweeter. I would advise all parties living in warm climates to adopt this plan.
A man named Charles Stewart was received into the Hospital during the past week, who had been speared by a blackfellow on the Parroo. It appears that Stewart was cooking for the shearers, and went out to the fire used for cooking, and while in the act of stooping a spear was driven into the thick part of the shoulder. The spear being jagged, it could not be drawn out, so it was cut off as short as circumstances would allow. Dr Youl has been compelled to cut the flesh part of the shoulder open to extract the point of the spear, and Steward is now doing well. The blackfellow escaped.
The committee of our hospital will be compelled to try the same plan as the people of Dubbo, or close this institution. A great deal of apathy exists, the squatters around only want asking to adopt this sensible plan, to secure a large income. Oct 28,1871.
-Maitland Mercury, November 9, 1871.
MAKING BUTTER ON THE AMERICAN SYSTEM.-The Bourke correspondent of the Western Examiner writes as follows to that journal :-A few days ago, Mr. James Reed of Mount Oxley, 20 miles from Bourke, showed me some butter made on the Yankee system, recommended by the Town and Country Journal. Three pints of cream in was placed in a cloth and buried in the garden about two feet, but before the three days allowed, curiosity compelled them to see what it was like; it was found to be nearly all good butter. I am using some of it now, and it is superior to the churned butter, being firmer and sweeter. I would advise all parties living in warm climates to adopt this plan.
- Town & Country Journal, November 11, 1871
BOURKE QUARTER SESSIONS (from the Dubbo Dispatch)
The Bourke Quarter Sessions commenced on the 8th instant, before Judge Josephson, Mr E. B Docker prosecuted for the Crown. The following are the cases disposed of -
George Watts pleaded guilty to obtaining money under false pretences. Sentence Six months' imprisonment in Bourke gaol.
William Hopkins was convicted of obtaining money by false pretences. Sentence Two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in Darlinghurst. There was another similar charge against the prisoner, which was not proceeded with.
Henry Johnson was convicted of stealing a saddle. Sentence Twelve months in Darlinghurst. Same prisoner convicted of stealing a horse. Sentence two years in Darlinghurst, to commence at the expiration of the previous sentence.
Thomas Wells convicted of stealing from the person. Sentence Two years in Darlinghurst.
On the 19th, the court was occupied with two cases, in which the prisoners cross-examined the witnesses, and addressed the jury at great length.
James Seymour, who described, himself as a botanist, was convicted of stealing a cart and harness. Sentence Two years in Darlinghurst.
Michael Griffiths, charged with stealing, and entering a Chinaman’s hut with intent to commit a felony, was acquitted.
On November 10th, Joseph Gillott was found guilty of feloniously receiving a stolen cheque. Sentence Twelve months in Bathurst gaol.
James Brown, charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, was acquitted.
George Wilson, on bail, charged with sheep-stealing, did not appear when called. The recognizances were ordered to be estreated, and a warrant to be issued for his apprehension.
In the case of Martin Power, charged with stealing from the person, the prosecutor, William Fraser, did not appear, and as he had already been remanded from the last Court for the same cause, he was now discharged on his own recognizances. Power complained very much of the treatment he had been subjected to, stating that he had received the cheque he was charged with stealing in the ordinary course of his business. He had been in gaol since the 28th January, being unable to find bail.
-Maitland Mercury, November 23, 1871.
BOURKE ( From the correspondent of the Western Examiner).
On Sunday last we had a fine shower of rain, and today the heat reached 90 degrees in the shade, although a cool morning and evening. The down river mailman says that the rain fell heavy at Tooralie and Gundabooka.
Most of the wool has left at satisfactory prices; by horse teams, Milroy to Sydney or Muswellbrook, 12s-, 13s, by bullock teams; Yanda, 8s 6d. I think this is to Orange only, as I hear 7s 6d offered from Bourke; altogether, I may say, that the clip has left this part of the world.
There are no potatoes in town. A few would bring extreme prices now, as the last were worth 20s per cwt. Flour, no doubt, will rise, but from reasons that I stated some time back, the storekeepers will not give their prices. When the local journal starts here the inside world will know more of prices and things than I do.
I saw in your journal a reference to the high price obtained by Mr. Pitman for his wool, and all the credit given to Havilah. I do not wish to detract from that stud, but I must say I know that the late Mr. W. Lawson, of Flyer's Creek, and Mr. Macansh, of Eumurramurrah, had something to do with it, and Mr. Pitman would confer a favour if he would give the history of the crossing of his sheep the last ten years.
Mr Curran has, during the past week, erected on the river floating baths for ladies and gentlemen. Anyone coming to Bourke can have a real luxury for one shilling. You cannot say we do not try to go ahead. November 1st, 1871
The remainder of the week has been very warm. A large bush fire has been raging for some days past in the neighbourhood of Mt Oxley, as most of the country is unoccupied. Today it is raining steadily, but not heavy.
No stock passing. 8000 mixed fat sheep leave Yanda (Cobb and Co's) and Jandra (Furlonge’s) in about 11 days, for Melbourne. Mr Alex Imlay in charge.
I hear that the trespass case between two of our squatters, on the list for trial this session, damages £200, has been settled, defendant paying £25 expenses, which have been generously given to our public buildings and charities.
At eight o'clock this evening (while writing) it is raining heavily, and the streets are full of water.
His Honor Judge Josephson has not yet arrived He is expected tomorrow.
Our newspaper is supposed to make its appearance next month. Mr. Moore, who has just returned from Wentworth, speaks very highly of the support he has received from our Western neighbours. November 4th, 1871.
-Maitland Mercury, November 23, 1871.
BOURKE.
November 18.
On Tuesday morning the town was startled from its propriety by the rushing forth of armed policemen from the gaol -tall men and short men, men in slippers and men in boots, some with pistols, others with handcuffs, but all rushing frantically towards a retreating figure wearing a white covered hat, and making fast for the river. That person was Botanist Seymour, sentenced by Judge Josephson for robbery at Neilyambo: he had managed to evade the warder's eye, and slipping over the wall was for a few minutes at liberty. He was soon, however, surrounded and taken to his forsaken nest. He left on Friday, escorted by senior-sergeant Cleary, for his new home near Sydney.
At the police court, on the same day, the police magistrate sat to hear a case of assault, which was settled out of court.
The mining captain has arrived at Louth with his force of miners from Adelaide, and we are all anxiously waiting his report concerning the copper deposits. Another locality I hear has been found close to Bourke, which is a rich one. Mr. G. Gibbs, who equipped a prospecting party in search of gold a few weeks ago, speaks positively of ultimate success. This party was reported as a party sent out by Mr. Good, but this was a mistake, Gibbs being the leader of the affair. He was in town on Tuesday making up supplies for a six months' trial. Other men besides the first party have joined the undertaking. The shareholders of the copper mine have sent an agent to meet the manager ; he will proceed to Coban, one hundred miles from the river, towards the Lachlan, and in all probability I shall be able to send you a sketch of the place.
The weather is such as has never been known by white men up to date: we have not had what we call a really hot day, while the nights are positively cold, In fact you can wear winter coats without discomfort. The river is low.
I gratefully chronicle the lowering of the price of meat. The late charges were a burden too great to be borne, and another butcher is about sharpening his cleaver, to be used in Bourke.
No stock moving. Mails from the north, east, and south running perfectly.
- Town & Country, December 2, 1871
NOTE: The Maitland Mercury for December published only two news articles about Bourke, both taken from the Sydney Morning Herald. Bourke’s first newspapers, The Central Australian and the Bourke Telegraph, started early in1872, and the Maitland Mercury mainly used these papers as its source for Bourke news from this point. The Dubbo Dispatch was still quoted on several occasions, though.
BOURKE. November 29.
COBAR COPPER MINE. - Before saying anything of the position and probable success of this mine, I wish to inform the public that the copper mine, named by the shareholders Cobar, is quite distinct from the deposit spoken of by the Wilcannia correspondent, and who leads the uninformed to note the arrival of a mining captain and crew from Adelaide. Now, to let Caesar have his due, this captain and his crew have been imported by the shareholders of Bourke, and his experience and labour are to develop the resources of the Cobar mine without in any way touching the Wilcannia property. I trust this may remove any doubt which may have crept into calculation of distant shareholders. At a meeting of the share- holders, held at the Commercial Tavern, on Tuesday, the following paper (somewhat abbreviated) was read by the secretary from Mr. Thos. Lean, the mining captain:
' Gentlemen, - I arrived at Cobar on Friday, and according to your request inspected the mine, situated in an undulating country about eighty miles south-east from the right bank of the Darling. Starting from the south, there is an excellent natural road, with permanent water half way, and with an outlay of £150 water can be secured throughout the entire distance. On examining the mine I found thrown up a large deposit of rich oxide mixed with green carbonate of copper and gossan above grass for a distance of fifty-three by eight yards. A continuation of the lode running through the centre of the company's property, which has every appearance of a large champion permanent lode, and in my opinion will yield large deposits of rich ore. In addition to this, there is another large parallel lode distinctly seen at grass about thirty fathoms east of the main lode, and which I have no doubt will make rich ore in depth. About 240 tons of ore have been quarried by four or five inexperienced hands in about three months, beside a large quantity of useful ore for smelting purposes, and there are hundreds of tons could be raised without sinking two fathoms. I have seen nothing to equal this deposit of ore, since the Burra Burra, of S. A., was discovered. The deposit at Gray's shaft much resembles this, but was not so large. The lode is running about north and south, through a nice congenial killow of clay-slate strata. There is also an abundance of excellent timber for mining purposes, and wood fuel, and clay I believe well adapted for making fire bricks.'
After pointing out the most beneficial way for the company to work the mine, etc., Mr. Lean concludes with saying that if the mine is carefully managed, it will prove a source of great wealth to the company. Shares are up to £100.
BOURKE RACES FOR '72.-At Tattersalls, on Monday, a skeleton programme for next year's races in April was drawn up ; a Steeple with eighteen four-feet jumps, for £70, is one item. I will send the full bill in my next.
The whole of the plant for the publication of the Telegraph has arrived, and a very cxcellent outfit it is :-Typo, cases, press-in fact, everything new ; and with the present subscription list, provided a really competent man sits in the editorial chair, success must attend its issue. It is ardently hoped that it will earn and sustain that position which a journal should fill :-The exponent of truth, told, in graceful and manly diction.
STOCK.-550 store cattle are passing up the Bogan. They are in charge of Mr. Brodie and have travelled from the Flinders. 4000 store sheep from Yandra ; 6000 fat ones from Cobb and Co., Yanda, have started for Melbourne.
Mr. J. F. Wall is ending his scouring season at Gundabooka. The 1000 fleeces at this place make the number about 100,000 scoured by this firm alone, and on the river he uses soap and hot water, and is pronounced by all as a most pains taking and successful scourer. There seems a fatality in the building of the long-talked-of post-office, and if it lasts in the same ratio of time it has taken to commence its erection, it will outlast the pyramids. The weather is rather warm, but still a most remarkable season: No mosquitoes, few flies, and no actual red-hot days with blinding dust. Seven or eight horse-teams arrived on Monday to Ross and Co. We know the telegraph will come here some time or another, for we saw the fact in the Gazette, but for any other indication you might as well look for genius in a Paroo blackfellow. It was so stated that the line was to be started at each end of the line; they may have done so at the Walgett side, but not a fraction of work has been done near us. There is a meeting to-night at which will be chosen a commonage committee. A new arrival was apprehended by Constable Porcival, charged by the Queensland Gazette with obtaining goods under false pretences-to wit, with a £50 valueless cheque. He was liberated in a £200 bail. Another gentleman was fined 18s for using offensive language in the hearing of the public.
- Town & Country Journal, December 9, 1871
BOURKE. December 6.
Last week a meeting in the court-house was called to appoint trustees for the Bourke Commonage, when the following gentlemen were elected :-R. M. Hughes, H. C. Bebart, J. Becker, W. Wallace, J. Flannagan. It is to be hoped that wise regulations will be adopted, for this same commonage has been severely abused.
At the Small Debts Court, on Monday, J. F. Wall by T. Murray, for a debt of £9 19s 6d, verdict for defendant. Ross and Co. v. J. Miller, debt £7, no appearance of parties. J. Curran v. Josephine Malvey, defamation, charge withdrawn. E. Bourke v. Michael Robinson, £10, for work, postponed until January 1st, for evidence. In speaking of evidence, it is very patent to all that too great a scope for irrevelent matter is extended to both plaintiff and defendant. A court of law shorn of the lightest feather of its dignity, loses in an exact ratio the respect due thereto.
The young daughter of J. E. Kelly, aged about eight years, received at her father s station, a very severe kick in the face, from a semi-pet foal, and had Mr. Kelly not skillfully stitched up the wound, a disfigurement for life would have resulted. Guardians of children cannot be too careful in keeping their innocents from oven the shadow of harm.
The weather is hot from Tartarus, and leaping like a tiger upon us at a bound. We feel it sadly, the mercury has been up to 110 in shade. Bush fires are reddening the night's skies all round. On Sullivan's station on the Bogan, much fencing is destroyed, and when the Sydney mail passed, the fire raged at Louth, seventy miles below Bourke.
A. O. Grant accompanied by Dr. Roberts, held an inquiry touching the death of Mrs. Thomas Mathews, who had died from the effects of poison, taken in a fit of insanity.
The bellman has just gone round, in the employ of Mr. Dwyer, informing the public that meat henceforth will be sold all round at 2 1/2 d per pound ; a slight difference from 5d. Mr. Dwyer has the thanks of everyone in the place, for until he cut down the abominable price charged, many poor homes felt the want of meat. There are other things wanting a downward twist. Of course in many things carriage has to be added to Sydney prices, and it tops up heavy. I hope in future the beefstake will reach every household however poor, as it ought, in a country actually bursting with rich pasture.
Mails running punctually.
-December 16, 1871
BOURKE.
To the Editor.
Sir,-Among the country items in your weekly issue of the 2nd instant is a statement from a correspondent headed 'Bourke,' from which it would appear that a Mr. G. Gibbs was the first person to send out a prospecting party in search of gold from Bourke. This is incorrect, your correspondent, Matthew Good, being the first person to equip and send out a party in search of gold from Bourke. And furthermore that neither Mr. G. Gibbs nor the ‘Yorkies' (the latter being well known in this town) have no interest in the prospecting party sent out by your correspondent.
MATTHEW GOOD. Darling River, 9th December, 1871
-December 30, 1871
BOURKE. December 20.
The weather is as hot as the most torrid salamander could desire, the mercury rising as high as 111 in shade. Last night, however, we had a plentiful rainfall accompanied for hours by lightning, &c, and we expect cooler hours to follow.
The jury list was regulated by the P. M., in connection with the following J.Ps :-Messrs. R. M. Hughes, J. Becker, D. A Byrnes, and M. O'Shanassy. Some names were erased, and others appended, and a most respectable and intelligent body of jurors are now at our disposal. There has been nothing doing at the police-court worth noting.
The required £200 in connection with the Public School has been forwarded to Sydney, and it is much to be desired that a place of instruction will now rescue our children from the by-ways of ignorance, if not vice. It is marvellous that Bourke has been thus long without an institution for the training of her children, it is not that she is poor, oh, no! If £400 is needed for racing purposes, how soon the lists are filled up.
There is no news from the copper-field. A road direct from Bourke has been tracked out ; the distance being under 100 miles, through country unimpeded by any obstacle.
The business men complain of dull times, and to an extent Bourke is quiet, but compared to places of louder lungs, we are prosperous.
An examination of the children under the care of Mr. Carry took place in the Roman Catholic school room, on Wednesday, when prizes of merit were distributed to thirty one children. There was a large attendance of parents and friends, and the greatest credit is due to the master in the manner he has brought forward his charge in the various branches of primary education, each of which was gone through with a success which was most pleasant to the visitors, and which must have been flattering to the teacher. The scholars are from all denomination, and it must be admitted that much good has been done by this school. About £30 was subscribed towards a testimonial to be handed to Mr. Carry.
Fires have been tearing abroad, until last night, when it is to be hoped the rain crushed it out. Moocutto Run, (Barton's) has suffered much, and it is believed to have been the work of some pernicious scoundrel who it is to be hoped will be brought to account.
-December 30, 1871
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