1872- October through to the end of the year

BOURKE.    October 3.

The river rises slowly and the steamer Goolwa goes downward with copper ore, but it is feared that steamers will not come up; more’s the pity, for the price of food is getting alarming. As to the weather, it is simply delicious. .

There is little to record relative to the mines. There is to be a change in the working of the Cobar mine, and not before it was time, for if ever work was performed according to the hen and chicken style, it has been there. In fact as I have before said, there is a woeful lack of that which makes public companies respected and shareholders glad. Let us hope experience may pave a better and consequently a speedier road to fortune. There is enough copper looking into the skies at Cobar to set up half a dozen companies.

I am sorry to tell you that the Rev. Mr. Nugent met with rather a severe accident last week in falling from his horse, but he is now progressing well.
A pastoral association, as you will have seen, is to be founded here ; the wonder is that such an institution was not in existence years ago. It is guided by intelligent hands, and it will do much good to the district.
The hospital concert was given on Thursday night, the hall was crowded, and from the price of tickets, 7s 6d, 5s, and 2s 6d, there must have been a large sum taken. Of the concert itself I shall say nothing but this, that we have plenty of resident talent, both ladies and gentlemen, to render most excellent music, from Beethoven to Glover, not mind you by a parrot process, but by cultured education. There is not a town in the colony of equal population which can produce more thorough musicians, and yet this glorious art is not fostered and presented as true lovers delight to nurse and hear it. It is pitiful to hear splendid voices running riot for want of training-!o know that feeble efforts are only made when great services should be proudly given.

We had a grand kangaroo hunt on Monday. A goodly field of ladies and gentlemen met "at the white gate to chase the bounding doe," but somehow or other, like many other attempts, the affair was as icy cold as December in the old country. One, mark me, one consumptive 'caudal appendage’ was secured. With this trophy the gallant hunters returned; the dogs had gone before.

We are now being under the town common laws and regulations regarding our stock, and before this was our privilege we fancied our troubles would cease with the appointment of a town herdsman. I am sorry this is not the case; consequently I suppose serious action will be taken. A man named C. Tompson, had his leg broken badly a day or two ago. He was in the employ of Mr. J. E. Kelly.

Report has just come in that the up rivers are coming down high.

-        Town & Country, October 12, 1872 (Empire, same date)

BOURKE.  October 9.

Last night we and a glorious downpour of rain, and today it is hanging darkly around. The steamer Goolwa will have abundant water to take her to the Murray if needed. We expect other boats up shortly, and when they arrive it will be a blessing, for living as we do with less of comfort than any other people who have so much to be proud of, the advent of steamers is a real boon. It is thought and much hoped that the rain has gone to the mines, for they are in much need of it.
A case of defamation of character was heard before the P.M. on Monday. The parties in question were of the gentler sex, one of whom had accused the other of violating the commandment which forbids peculation. Four witnesses (all females) were subpoenaed, but they failed to grace the Court with their presence, and a writ of attachment was handed to the bailiff for each of the non-attenders. This had the effect of placing them before the P.M., who very justly and firmly showed them the danger they ran in disobeying the summons of the Court, as each of them were liable to a fine of £2 or fourteen days in gaol. They were admonished and forgiven, and I don't think the offence will be repeated here again. The charge was proved and the husband of the accused mulct in £11 8s. or thereabouts. The ferryman was also adjudged to pay costs of Court in demanding fare where no fare was due. It is about time this gentleman knew the law relating to Government ferries. Three or four times he has been before the Bench grumbling about straws; may this be the last.
Shearing and scouring is over at Beemery, and the wool en route for Orange. No time has been lost, and the whole being done in a few weeks is praiseworthy to all.
Mr. T. F. Wall the scourer, moves now to Yanda (Cobb and Co.'s). The wool from Jandra is also on the road.
The race between Mr. O'Shanassy's Toryboy, and H. Colliss's Flying Jib for £40 aside, one mile, catch weights, transpires next Thursday. The horse that beats the Jib for a mile will have to scratch gravel.

[With reference to that part of our Bourke correspondent's letter of September 11th, inserted in our issue for September 21st, which refers to the slow progress being made in the construction of the line of telegraph, and reflects unfavourably on the contractors, we have received a letter from one of them in which we are assured in the most positive terms that there is not the slightest ground for the statements made by our correspondent. Should this be the case we much regret that our columns should have been made the medium for publishing statements not only unfounded but calculated to do serious injury to the parties referred to. Our correspondent, we feel assured, will, when made aware that he acted on false information, be ready to explain and apologise for the mistake. -ED.]

-        Town & Country, Saturday 19 October 1872 (Empire, October 21)

BOURKE.

October 25.
I am sorry to report the non appearance of rain at the mines. It passed in a deluge from west to east, about 50 miles south of this place, leaving a distance of 170 miles, waterless. This is much to be deplored, for it has thrown a gloom over prospecting, which will be sometime clearing away.

The party working at Coogar have been driven in just as they were on the lode, and you may believe me, who has been in the country, and seen the indications that splendid ore of great extent will be found at this place before long. The proprietors, with Mr. J. F Wall at their head, will cut a road from the mine to Redbank, thirty-five miles below Bourke, on country never flooded and distant from the work at the outside sixty miles-fifty-five will be about the distance. In connection with this hill of copper, quartz reefs of great width run through the property, and specimens rich in gold broken from surface stone have been brought in; two gentlemen have gone out today (Tuesday), and will bring in other specimens, which I will forward. With this post I send a piece of what is pronounced “silver ore." Should it turn out such, you will confer a great favour on the people here by testing it. Another great discovery is made. Mr. Raugh, mining manager at Kerrigundi, reports most positively of the quick discovery of copper on that ground. There is no news from Cobar. Mr. Bloxham has started with his caravan of miners for the south Cobar, and there is little doubt if energy be thrown into the work, their efforts will be successful. Should rain not fall at Coogar, Mr. Wall will take out iron tanks, and water will be carted until a supply is obtained either by wells or tanks. Mr. Becker has sent an order for a small crushing machine, and when it arrives we can soon test our gold deposits.

The river is rising, and the steamers may now be looked for as a certainty. So much the better. We want many things not to be had here, such as steel, tanks, powder, fuze, &c, &c. not forgetting cheap flour.
Last night Mr. Alex. Ogilvie was bitten by what was at first supposed to be a serpent, but in all likelihood it was a scorpion; his foot and leg swelled much, and there was great inflammation and pain. Ammonia was applied at once, and doubtless in a great measure counteracted the poison. Now that the days have summer in them, no one should be without ammonia, as it is a great antidote.
A load of potatoes was sold the other day at twenty-four shillings per cwt., so you see what we have to pay for the commonest necessity. The Walgett mail due yesterday at 2 p.m., not yet arrived (3 p.m ) and we expect a great rise in rivers above. Wall's wool-scouring establishment passed yesterday en route to Yanda, Cobb and Co.'s After this clip is finished the spirited owner turns his strength towards the Coogar mines. I may say mines for both copper and gold have been found.

Wednesday, 3 p.m.-No Walgett mail, now forty-nine hours late. Great floods are expected in the Upper Darling. Weather very hot; no sign of rain, and river still rising; fourteen feet above summer level. Ten copper miners arrived per mail last night. Of course we are glad to see them. Would they numbered one hundred.

-        Town & Country, November 2, 1872.

 BOURKE.  October 30

The weather yesterday was dreadfully hot-99 in the shade. The river is at a stand about fourteen feet above summer level, but we expect more water. The steamers are on the alert for a start up, and we expect them in about three weeks.

The Council of Education has decided upon renting the Old Royal for a temporary Public school, the people paying a third of expenses occurring thereto. This is, I trust, the first positive step towards what we have so long needed.

A meeting of the shareholders of the C. S. A. Copper mine was held on Wednesday, when it was arranged to hand over the mine to the Sydney shareholders. The Bourke share holders chosen were Messrs. G. S. Gibb, H. Collis, and W. W. Davis. Other business was done satisfactorily to the share holders here, and it is to be devotedly desired that the gentlemen to whom this mine is entrusted will leave nothing undone whereby it may be developed.
At the Police court on Friday, before Messrs. Hughes, chairman, George Jones, an elderly larrikin, was committed for attempted robbery. His mate, another bird from tho same tree, was discharged, there being insufficient evidence to convict him. John Smith was also acquitted on a similar charge. Inspector Keegan brought the prisoners before the Bench, and deserves thanks for the intelligent manner in which he nipped in the bud crime which unchecked would have grown into a most noxious flower. On Monday Conrad Costello was bound over to keep the peace towards Mr. Wickstead Barton, for threatening, among other things, to burn down his woolshed. He was bound over in a sum of £40. On Tuesday the same choice specimen of a bushman was brought up under the Masters and Servants' Act, by Mr. Russell Barton. It transpired in evidence that the defendant had, with others, signed a most excellently-worded document to shear in the shed of plaintiff, and were all employers to have such instruments signed and carried out, it would tend much towards the prevention of vice and cruelty. In the agreement referred to, fines were inflicted for swearing, drunkenness, taking spirits to the shed, knocking off at unappointed hours, kneeling on sheep while shearing, or wounding the same. This last rule is not half stringent enough for the wretch who to vent his ill-humour will mangle the helpless brute he is shearing. I would mention that all fines levied are paid into the Hospital Fund. Well, Mr. Conrad Costello was charged with gross neglect of duty, in so much that five sheep had died from his ill treatment: these were sworn to, and that ninety to 100 have perished from his violence at other seasons. There was much discussion over the case. Shearer was fined 35s, and the agreement cancelled. He should have had a stripe for every sheep he maimed.

The weather is again cool, grass delightfully green, and we should be happy had we cheap flour and potatoes.-  Town & Country, November 9, 1872 (Empire, same date)

BOURKE;  November 6.

The river is still rising with much water above to come down, steamers on the move for their upward trip, weather warm and dry. I can say nothing of a cheering character from the mines, want of water is badly felt.
We have about ten horses in training for the spring races, and all are going well. A man has been committed from Wilcannia to Bourke, for the " murder" of a race horse. From what I hear, the animal had been stolen and for fear of detection, he caused the destruction of the animal. The horse was taken from Wee Waa, and was once the property of Mr. Maiden.
  The best and most honestly built building in town was taken possession of by Mr. C. Warren on Monday, to be used as a butchering establishment. The property belongs to Mr. J. Becker, was built by Mr. A. Ramsay, and is a credit to all concerned. The walls are eighteen inch brick, and the coolness of the place is delicious. Other brick places are going up for the same owner, which, when finished, will also be most excellent abodes. No office for the telegraph is in preparation so it is presumed we must wait patiently for the time when we can bid the lightnings carry our thoughts.

We fancied we were to have had a light business this session and I had put away 5s. 6d., the price of kid gloves here, for a pair for his Honor Judge Josephson, but I shall have to change the colour now, we have, I think, eight cases.

-        Town & Country, November 16, 1872 (Empire, same date)

 

BOURKE.  November 20.

The river is going seaward rapidly, but steamers are near at hand. The Jupiter is expected tonight (Tuesday) ; this I trust, in conjunction with the entire population, will lift the burden of high prices from our shoulders.

The late appointment as postmaster still excites discussion; another meeting was held last night in reference thereto, and much plain truth was spoken; there was a large attendance.
The steamer Providence was blown to match-wood a few miles from Menindie last week ; the captain, engineer, cook, and a fireman, were ushered into the presence of their Maker, and two others terribly wounded. It is stated here that the boiler was allowed to get red hot, and in this state water was poured in, and an explosion, as a matter of course, was the consequence. The Tooralie wool (insured) is at the bottom of the river, beside that from Gundabooka, but this latter was at the risk of the owners.
A bazaar was held in aid of the Church of England, and a large sum was realised.
Our Spring races passed off tamely enough, and save that everybody behaved himself sensibly and soberly, there was nothing worthy of record. Mr. James McHall, riding Chief Justice, was fallen on at the second hurdle, and sustained severe injury. His collar bone was broken, and one or two ribs but notwithstanding this he bravely remounted and rode until nature gave in, and he fell from exhaustion. In this race there were mishaps enough to suit the most sensational, only one rider keeping his seat throughout.

I have a few opals sent from Springsure, Queensland. They were found in the main thoroughfare. The specimens are small but real.

The weather has been cloudy for two days, and rain threatening, which is much needed, but I fear we shall have to watch and wait ere it falls.

Mr. Wall has finished scouring at Yanda, and will not work among wool again until next January, when he goes to Jandra. His plant is very superior, and the manner he turns his fleeces out gives universal satisfaction.

Our Quarter Sessions are over. No case in the District Court, which speaks well for our people. In the Criminal Court seven cases were disposed of, the Crown, through Mr. Isaacs, complimenting the jurymen provided by Bourke as intelligent, conscientious, and faithful men. Bourke is a bad place for a guilty man to come to.

No news from the mines.

-November 30, 1872.

 

BOURKE.  Nov. 25.

Fourteen hours rain has crowned our summer with plenty, and those who had murmured at the apparent dryness, now know that they murmured without cause. I have not heard from the mines, but it is confidently thought to have reached them, and I hope soon to send you cheering news. The steamers Jupiter and Riverina have been here, but have not thoroughly filled our storehouses. Others are close at hand. The river is receding rapidly, 200 bales of wool from the barge Venus have upset below Tooralie, from which place it started.

A man named Seymour, a printer, has died from the accident on board the Providence.

Business is brisk, taking all things into consideration. 850 sheep are en route from the Paroo to Mooculto (Barton's) where they are to be shorn, and the wool scoured. This is the 10,000 reported by the Telegraph as going to Hoodsville. There is little in stock to report. Tyson, from the Cuttaburra, sends in a large mob of cattle to the Murrumbidgee directly. There is sad news of the grasshopper pest on the Macquarie, and I hear they marched upon the Bogan. Heaven blow them from our district. I do not hear a word of our telegraph that is to be. A pole floated past the other day, and is all the indication we have had of its existence. We may see another in a few weeks, if we look out sharp.

-        Town & Country, December 14, 1872 (Empire, December 16)

 BOURKE. December 18.

WEATHER.-After much rain, cool and fine, river rising fast; now about sixteen feet above Summer level. The steamer Maranoa is expected daily. Two skeletons have been found-one in Bourke, an aboriginal; and one at Oxley, a white ; the latter is supposed to have perished for want of water. God help the hapless wretch lost in our back country in times of drought! There is little chance of life for him. A few years ago deaths happened often from being lost and beaten down by heat; now we have examples that even at this hour poor helpless humanity lays its weary load down in the silent solitude of the desert, and after unrecorded agony of mind and body goes, unseen und unknown, to the shoreless sea of eternity. Since I have been at Bourke fourteen men are known to have perished; and God only knows how many unmarked have fought the terrible battle.
About 900 head of cattle belonging to Mr. Tyson wore seized by Mr. J. E. Kelly as trespassers on his Cuttabanee country, and despatched to pound. The person in charge, Mr. W. Hood, was arrested under warrant, obtained by Mr. R. Frew, superintendent of Tyson's country, but the charge fell through, and although Mr. Kelly did not carry out the impounding, Mr. Hood will probably take steps to recover damages for false imprisonment.
The rain, and we have had plenty, has not gone out to the mines as heavily as was needed, although they secured a little water.

News came in yesterday that another wonderful lode had been struck at Cobar. This is only report, mind. From Coogar, 30 miles north of Cobar, gold has been found in quartz, with copper close to it. Mr. Wall is bringing in specimens today; my informant says they are splendid. Iron tanks will now be taken out, and work will be pushed ahead. The reef from whence the gold was taken is 2 feet wide at surface, widening as it goes down. Tenders for the fencing in of the mine-tanks on the Cobar road are called for, and not before any one might have seen that to save the water that must be done. Had we had the summers of the past, the company would not now have had one drop of water on the road.

 The Sydney mail arrived yesterday, three mails being then due, and the whole business transaction of the place nearly stopped. Were it impossible for the mails to run without great risk and danger, it would be different, but when our friends arrive from tho south-eastern towns almost daily, we naturally ask why the malls are behind.

130 head of Bowen Downs cattle, from the main mob, a good rate was obtained, the buyers being Barlow Brothers, and Mr. C. Warren.

-        Town & Country, December 28, 1872 (Empire, same date)

  BOURKE.   December 4.

We have had a great deal of rain, and it is not yet over. At Cobar the tanks have been partly filled, and as a consequence a great impetus is given to mining. The proprietors of Coogar will now go out, and both gold and copper will be found ere long. The South Cobar Company expect hourly to strike copper, and the United Gold Company have sent into Bourke one hundred weight of stone which it is judged will give six ounces to the ton.

The river is still filling, but we seem certain to have another rise, for the rivers above are overflowing, the Sydney mails are arriving late, and the state of the roads is such that it is an utter impossibility to keep time. The Goolwa steamer is expected every day and several others are behind moving upwards.

Yesterday a small swarm of locusts made their debut here, but the cold rain seems to have stayed their progress.

Bourke is full of business, and all seem prosperous. Buildings are going up, and we shall be something more than a Stygian swamp ere long. Three years ago in conversation with a journalist relative to the starting of a paper I told him I did not think the place ripe enough, now I can see room for one; there is no doubt if a high toned clever and impartial journal started into life at this moment it would reap an abundant harvest. You may fancy me too sanguine in that matter, but a population like ours needs two mediums whereby its wants und wishes may be made public. Everyone here has something to say and likes to say it without let or hindrance.

I did not mention the following act before, and do so now to show what a man can endure, and live. Some little time ago Mr. Ephriam Smith started on horse-back for Hood and Torrance's station, on the Paroo. On this road he had the misfortune to lose his horse, and in seeking him lost himself; for a fortnight he travelled to and fro' he knew not whither, without one particle of food. On the fifteenth day, lying down on a road to die, he was found without coat, boots, or hat, in a state of semi-insensibility. Food was given him, and he recovered. The poor fellow says he could not make himself believe that succour was near even when the horseman was at his side, who gave him food, he had been so often deceived by delusive appearances during the terrible journey. I forgot to say he had neither matches nor tobacco, a fearful privation for a bushman. I asked him if during all this time he partook of no sort of food, and he assured me he tasted nothing. The station he was taken to was Brindingablah and the treatment he received there was such as calls forth his warmest thanks; everyone did all that in them lay to restore him to health, and he wishes herein to express his gratitude.

-        Town & Country,December 28, 1872 (Empire, same date).