1873.(Oscar Hughan’s second
child, a daughter named Myrtle Mary, was born in Bourke in 1873)
BOURKE: January
8.
The New Year was ushered in more clamourously than
ever- amidst every conceivable sound, from the thud of a brick on a man's
skull, to the melodious sound of cracked bells and discarded tins of all sorts.
The police were in the midst of the uproar, beating a rather inglorious flight,
leaving behind them sundry insignia of office.Another steamer arrived yesterday ; the "Maranoa” went down same day. Three other boats are on their way up. The river is still rising, and from reports from upwards, a high flood may be expected. At present it is not within ten feet of last flood, when people made ramparts round their houses. It commenced raining last night, and looks like more rain. News is in that the South Cobar Co. have struck at eighty feet, blue carbonate of copper, and all looks prosperous. The Coogar people send out men and teams tomorrow. Grass hoppers all vanished. Mails still irregular, and while our district is so neglected in wet weather, we must wait and watch for the mails.
-January 18, 1873.
BOURKE: January 22.
The river is full and steamers come and go, but save in the price of flour we pay as shamefully high as ever. The weather is warm, but grass is green as an emerald; in fact there was never so propitious a year for the squatter.
We have had several cases at the police-court, one in which Robert Kerrigan, and his stockman, James Fawlkner, were committed for trial on a charge of cattle-stealing. Mrs. Swift was summoned for deserting five small children who have been wandering homeless about town some days. The father has lots of money, which according to sub inspector Keegan, was being spent on women of infamous character, while by the husband's admission, there was not a stain upon the wife's reputation. It was arranged that three boys go to the father, and the two girls to the mother, she receiving the 30s per week.
I am thankful to say that water in abundance has fallen at the mines. Mr. Bloxham informs me that all the tanks at Cobar are full, while those on the road are flooded. Miners have gone to Coogar, and in a week or so, I expect their scrip will go up; some have been sold at £6. Men have also gone to the C. S. A. mine, and good will be reported thence ere long. The South Cobar have struck blue carbonate of copper and all expect this country will turn out splendidly.
The premises rented for the public school, under the direction of Mr. Alexander Ogilvie, are being prepared for the children and we hope soon to welcome a first-class teacher or teachers from Sydney.
Our town is being overrun with Bathurst burr, and
why the hard labour prisoners are not made to hack it down, before it pushes us
out of doors, is hard to say. These gentlemen once on a time, worked in our
streets, but of late they have as little to do as the burrs themselves.
Inspector Keegan showed me a line specimen of maize
grown in his garden, which proves that the Darling, in spite of what people
have said, can produce this cereal- grapes, peaches, and apricots, have done
well here this summer; but the price (2s per lb for grapes. 2s per dozen for
peaches), puts them out of the reach of most people. We hope Mr. Horsfall next
year, will be able to sell more cheaply.-February, 1873.
BOURKE.
January 29.
The river after falling a little is again rising,
and many think we shall have a high flood, but I do not. The Albury steamer
arrived yesterday. From the mines, good news comes. The Cobar declared a dividend of 25 per cent with a surplus of £5000 for future work. The South Cobar is reported to have struck copper, and Captain Goldsworthy is confident the mine will prove rich as its northern namesake. Men have gone to Coogar, and at any time good tidings may come thence. Messrs John Collins and Connolly have discovered and taken up ground, bearing silver and lead, so report states. The C. S. A. will soon be again busy, and that this property will be found worth holding to, there is no sort of doubt.
We shall soon be a mining district. Cobar is even now quite a little town, and it is to be hoped the mail will soon be running thither. We have no mails from the Warrego, and water is supposed to be the cause; the Walgett mail is also long behind time, and the same may cause the delay, for this contractor is a punctual postal servant. I forgot to say the Jupiter is daily expected.
On Tuesday the crusade commences against the New Year jubilants; eighteen summonses are out. How the matter will end I know not, there are such various editions of the affair that, until the court sits, it impossible to guess the verdict.
I am thankful that Mr. O'Brien, the national school teacher, has arrived. He is young and highly intelligent, and every father and mother who love their children hail his presence with joy. And now I must tell you of other arrival, Mrs. Malpas of the Paroo River, has actually taken to her husband's station a hive of English bees. The distance the little workers were carried was over 700 miles, occupying about thirteen weeks. Their mistress allowed them a ramble each day to feed, and twice on their journey they swarmed, but her woman's energy and patience each time recovered them, and she now can proudly boast of doing the district a rich benefit. When she lelt Maitland she ordered her people at Cawarra on the Paroo, to plant, extensive beds of flowers ; this was done, and on their reaching home they had abundance of sweet food. Much thanks to you, Mrs. Malpas, may your life be ever honeyed with health and peace. Weather cloudy and rain expected.
-February 8, 1873.
BOURKE. February
5.
The hearing of the New Year’s night offenders
commenced on Tuesday; sixteen persons being arrainged, two being absent, for
whose appearance warrants were at once issued. Punctually at ten o'clock Alex.
O. Grant, ESQ, P.M., and Mr Thomas M'Nevin, J.P., took their seats, and
sub-inspector Keegan began the case. The account of the riot was long, and
minute, and for seven hours he was in the witness box. Mr. Foster appeared for
the defendants, except Mr. A Ogilvie, who ably defended himself. The Court sat
until six p.m., and was then adjourned until nine o'clock on Wednesday. I may
here state that a good deal of interruption took place during the day from
persons who should have known better. The P.M. promptly restored order, and he
deserves great credit for the sauvity of temper he maintained during the day.
When a number of townsmen are brought up, such as we have now before the bench,
there is naturally a vast amount of feeling excited. It is much to be deplored
that the scenes complained of occurred at all, for most of the defendants are
respectable law-abiding persons, much respected for their natural goodness of
heart, and however the affair terminates all will regret that Bourke, of all
orderly places, should be the theatre of such scenes Of course the police are
much blamed, but in Mr. Keegan's evidence it appeared that ministers of
religion, a magistrate, bankers, and businessmen had complained of the
proceedings of last New Years night, and
one father of a family had declared his intention of defending himself against
such conduct even with his life. Now, I have been here since Bourke had a tin
can to beat, and 1 feel certain that but for some untoward event a collision
with the police could not have taken place. Tomorrow may see the end of this
unhappy affair, at present the police are giving evidence.The Princess Royal, steamer, arrived on Monday with a full cargo. The river is now falling slowly.
The public school, a most appropriate building with spacious playground, opened on Monday with an attendance of 40 children. This number in all probability will swell to 60 or 70 by the end of the month. Let us hope the parents of these children will act in concert with their teacher, and then all must go well. We have been without a school already too long, and it will not do to cramp the efforts of the muster.
News continues to come in from the mines of a cheering description. South Cobar shares are going up rapidly, and much ground has been taken up lately for further operations.
The bones of a man were brought in from the two water holes, twenty miles south of Bourke. The doctor supposes them dead about three years, and doubtless this is another terrible struggle ending in death with the demon thirst.
The prisoners have been removed to the new jail, and a very nice building it is.
A match for L20 aside was run last week between Mr. Warren's Flying Jib and Mr. Davis's Hard Times. It proved hard times for the Jib.
-February 15, 1873.
From the mines good tidings come. The Coogar people have brought in some fine gold-bearing stone, which has been sent to Messrs. Mort and Co., for crushing. A small piece crushed here gave an average of 9oz 6dwt 16gr per ton. If the crushing in Sydney aproximate to this, we may depend upon good gold country; but a company of capitalists must be formed before anything can be done successfully.
The Telegraph steamer arrived on Tuesday, but, save in the price of flour, she might as well be in the Gulf stream. Everything we consume is famine priced; for instance, coffee 2s per lb, and washing blue the same price; while jams are ls6d the lb tin; and if household necessaries are high, drugs, &c., are higher. A man cannot afford to be sick in Bourke; and this reminds me that scarcely a household in the place has escaped serious attacks of illness. Man, woman, and child are alike suffering. Some whole families are down. The nature of the complaint is akin to pleuro, and in many cases very severe, although, through the constant vigilance of Dr. Roberts, who has earned for himself, by his kindness and skill in this malady, the praise of the entire place, there have been no deaths. It gives me much pleasure to record a fact like this.
Mr. W. B. Bradley sold a large herd of fat cattle last week to be delivered at Cunnamutta, 200 miles north, to Mr. A. Parker, for the large sum of £7 15s per head. What think you of that for the Queensland country? Coongooloo Williams also disposed of 200 on the station at £7.
Our school is going on finely.
Weather very hot and moist. Rain needed.
-March 15, 1873.
The stone sent from Coogar for last crushing, gave 10 oz 2 dwt. 10 gr. per ton, and for surface stone is considered good. The Company will have to sink tanks; there is much prospecting going on, and when the rain comes on we may expect rich discoveries. Land is still being taken up.
Horses are in active training for the May races. Mr. Sydney Smith has had the misfortune to lame, I am afraid permanently, a most valuable steeplechaser. He has another up for the handicap that won't be in the rear far. I forgot to say that we have had three horses struck dead by the awful heat.
The steamer Wentworth is daily expected. Bailey was committed for the New Year's night riots yesterday, he was arrested under warrant. There are whispers of another journal starting in Bourke. The Bathurst burr harvest is over, and next year some will lament that steps were not taken to stamp the invader out. The prisoner Smith, who very uncivilly left the protection of the gaoler, has not been shaken hands with by the police since. Smith had no business to go away, but if the Government will put an eight feet wall as the only preventative against a prisoner escaping, they must expect occasional stampedes. The May Session will be a heavy one, oven without Smith. There is a marked change in the demeanour of our children since the public school opened, Mr. O'Brien is a competent teacher, and well liked by his charge.
-March 22, 1873
This town is now absolutely without a policeman, and last night there were great rushings to and fro for one, but of course without success, and the offender escaped punishment. We cannot be as bad as the timid make out, when the entire place is left to the mercy of the lawless.
The river is again rising, and as the Queensland waters are again coming south, we may expect another small flood. Two steamers-the Wentworth and Goolwa-are here. Tho town is full of racehorses, and we look forward to true sport.
Mr. O'Brien has opened an evening school, but I am sorry he has not met with the success such an undertaking deserved. There are plenty in need of teaching, but some how or other they do not attend.
Messrs. Barton and Topham have advertised for 40,000 bricks, and next August a soap and candle factory will be one of our institutions; they will likewise have erected a most perfect wool-scouring apparatus, and there is little doubt they will succeed.
Lately we have been invaded by hordes of mice. They are a great pest.
Weather very hot.
Mr. R. M. Hughes is about building a large store; whether for a receiving or retail establishment I do not know, but hope for the latter, as the people are ground into the dust by the high price of every article consumed.
The whole of the talk now is about the coming trial, if they are to be tried, of the New Year's Eve rioters. The whole affair is much to be regretted, for some most untoward event must have taken place, causing a Bourke crowd to ruffle a policeman's feathers. It is very like loading a 300lb Armstrong to end the nocturnal visit of some cheese-devouring mouse. Our sessions will be heavy.
Report came in yesterday that the dead bodies of a man and dog had been found in the back country.
-March 29, 1873.
BOURKE. April
2.
The event of the week has been the accident and
death of Mr. J. F. Wall, the wool scourer. He was thrown from a buggy between
Yanda and this town, sustaining a frightful dislocation of the ankle, the bone
protruding three or four inches. He was attended first by Dr. Roberts and
afterwards by Dr. Yule from the fishing village, who replaced the joint, and
did all that could be done to save the patient but death took place on
Wednesday last, and he was buried on Thursday. A post-mortem was made of the
body, and the cause of death returned was "died from exhaustion.'' In this
case there has been much feeling expressed, one doctor declaring gangrene and
mortification present in the injured limb, the other, Dr. Yule, denying this.
At the adjourned inquest to-day, it transpired that the latter gentleman,
although a qualified practitioner, is not registered as such in New South
Wales, and the Attorney-General is to be sought in the matter. It is a great
pity Dr. Yule has neglected this necessary form, for it may cause a very
skilful man trouble and annoyance.The Albury (s), arrived last night, and on her passage from Buckenbee, 130 miles below Bourke, an unfortunate woman threw herself overboard, carrying with her a child. It is stated that the paddle-wheel passed over them, and they were seen no more. Her name and destination 1 have not learned.
Flour has been sold at 30s per bag, and still bread is at 6d per 21b. How long are we to pay this shameful price. At Dubbo they are selling at 4d, and I question if flour is as cheap there as here. The bakers have struck in England; it is high time the customers followed their example here.
You made a mistake in the Coogar crushing trial : instead of l0oz 2dwt l6gr, it should have been loz 2dwt l6gr.
The weather is now deliciously fine, and we can depend on seven months of pleasantness.
The night school of Mr. O'Brien, as I stated before, is not as well attended as it should be, and one cause I have been told is the coldness shown by some who have the care of many of the young people.
The police pounced upon a parcel of gunpowder-it may have been and probably was blasting powder-belonging to Ross and Co., considering, I presume, that it endangered the valuable lives of the inhabitants.
I forgot to recount a feat of hard riding in connection with Mr. Wall's death. A messenger, Mr. Donald Morrison, started to Brewarina, a distance of seventy miles, for Dr. Yule at about 2 p.m., returning with the doctor the following morning about 9 am. They were detained at Beemery and elsewhere about five hours, thus doing the 140 miles in about fourteen hours. This, in the dark, was a fair piece of riding. A purse of £25 was made up on the spot for Morrison on his return. This will tell you something of the soundness of our people's hearts. I must also thank Mr. H. Colliss, of Tattersall's, for his fatherly care and solicitude towards the deceased; in fact, each, and all did what in him lay to prove that we are not so lost to human insensibilities as some would paint us. Let whatever comes in the shape of suffering, and our hands fly open by mutual accord, rioters though we be. The place is full of racehorses ; and I hear that nine will start for the steeple. Chief Justice, that good, bad horse, is up and looking well, and if the villain only jumps as he can jump, he will make tracks for the rest to follow.
Another unfortunate died, lacking water, a few miles from Louth, some days ago. The poor wretch had plenty of money in his pocket, and died wanting a draught of simple water. All known of him is, that his name was Bill.
-April 12, 1873.
BOURKE. April 10.
At the police court today, before A.O Grant and D.A
Byrne, Esquires, William Lancaster and J.G Taylor, lately from Dubbo, as
answering the description of the two men who robbed the house of Mr. Gramyer.
On the 17th of April last, Taylor had engaged with Mr. Colliss as barman;
Lancaster, who is known as the champion billiard player on Home Rule, had not
formed any engagement. A good deal of evidence was taken which appeared to
justify Officer Reegan in the action taken by him, and they are remanded.By today's mail the death of a late resident, Mr. James Scott, was brought, and much sorrow is felt. The flags were lowered to half mast, and universal sympathy is expressed towards the deceased gentleman and his greatly respected wife whose good deeds still live amongst us.
I am sorry that water is again getting short at Cobar, but this rich company have the means of averting such a state of things, and if to save a few pence they have to lose hundreds of pounds, it serves them right. A well has been in course of sinking more than a year, and they are not down, so I am told, 200 feet. God has given them abundance of copper and they seem to wait, for a like blessing in constant rain.
Seven or eight heavily laden teams arrived today for Ross and Co. We are in a ferment at the acts of a neighbouring super, in impounding the town horses, and it will be brought into court by Mr. Alex. Ogilvie to try the legality of the proceeding. We pay a town herdsman to look after our animals, but in spite of this we are constantly annoyed by being told that they are in the pound. We have a goodly number of young Cossacks riding about among our stock, and some of these have a carte blanche to drive from the Jandra run any stock they may find thereon not belonging to the station. This sheep farm adjoins the town common, and if these boys can first hunt our horses over the boundary and then into the pound- the sooner the Jandra run is free selected the better. If the horses do eat a few mouthfuls of grass now and then, it should be borne in mind by the impounder that whole flocks of his sheep have drunk tanks of water dry, which belong to the masters of the trespassing cattle, and not a hoop was arrested.
The property of the late J. P. Wall has been taken possession of by the Curator of Intestate Estates, and all claims against the deceased must be paid before H. C. Bobart.
Rain is much needed. Report says that the Coogar people have some splendid stone on the road from the mines.
-April 19, 1873.
BOURKE. April
23.
Weather deliciously fine. Boats still running, and
bread still at 6d per loaf of 2 lbs, while flour is down at 17 pounds. R. M.
Hughes and Co.'s store, a splendid building of iron fifty by thirty-six feet,
is complete, and when all is in working order we trust our wants will be
supplied at something like a fair rate of profit to the seller. The Roman Catholic
Bazaar is soon to be held, and from the activity of the Bourke ladies to make
it a success, with the really valuable assortment of merchandise to be offered
for sale, it must be a grand affair. The chapel of this denomination in the
course of building is again at a stand from some misunderstanding between the
contractor and the workmen, but it is to be hoped the trowel will soon be again
at work. A tender for 1000 yards of stone for the making of our town passable
in wet weather, will soon be published, and in a few weeks we may laugh at
stormy days. A young man named Allan Williamson, was drowned at West Bourke last
week. He was a skillful swimmer, and cramp is supposed to have been the cause
of death.The Cobar proper has struck the lode at their southern boundary, adjoining the South Cobar. The Coogar Co. have 1000 lbs of rich quartz (gold) on the road to Bourke. Much rain has fallen at the mines, which was needed. We have had also splendid rains here, and grass begins to grow green again.
At the Brewarrina Races our horses did not do as well as I imagined they would. The Warrego horse Bolero was the hero; he is matched against Ferry's Physician in a three-mile trial, after our next races. It is a weight for age race, and I fancy the Dr. will pull his colours home first.
Buildings are still going up. Mr. R. Nancarrow is adding to his premises, while Mr. Merriel is erecting a private house in Merlin-street. The public school is giving general satisfaction, but there ought to be a greater number than sixty children in attendance, if all who need instruction in our midst were forced to appear there. I am sorry to say that Mr. James Horsfall, the first person who demonstrated that gardening could be profitably carried on in Bourke, is very unwell. The leases of our two publicans were objected to by Inspector Keegan, under instructions from higher sources. They were granted however, with the remark from the P.M. that there was no doubt the party in question could do much which was not done, to preserve the peace of the town. Rain threatening.
-May 3, 1873.
BOURKE. April
20.
There is little to chronicle this week except a
change in the proprietorship of our local journal. It has passed into the hands
of Messrs. A. Becker and H. G. Salmon, two gentlemen of education; but of their
ability as journalists, I know nothing. This, however, we may rely upon, that
intelligence and culture will be brought to bear in their attempt to establish
a paper in this district.From Cobar, splendid samples of the new lode have arrived, and seventy per cent copper is what it is believed it will yield. From South Cobar too, cheering news is heard. Fort Bourke, the Northern Cobar, Mount Taber, and other ground will, it is said, soon have men at work, while the C.S & A will also have a man who will demonstrate this mine to be a valuable one. The Mount Oxley Co. are likewise sending men out to break ground. The Coogar people have brought in 700 or 8001bs of gold bearing quartz. The stone is good and gold is plentifully sprinkled throughout.
In your last a mistake was made, in speaking of the death of Mr. Foott, Scott was substituted.
I am afraid we shall have no other steamer until a fresh rise in the river takes place. The Jolly Miller is a few miles below and cannot advance.
I have just heard that our rioters of New Year's Night are to be tried in Bourke, which will make our sessions very heavy.
Mr. Sydney Smith's horses have arrived from Gundabook, as also Mr. Williams’ from the Fishing Village. They are all at work, and if number will make our racing good, we shall have excellent sport. And here I will again protest against the custom, indulged in at Bourke, of following the contending horses round the course.It is a nuisance for those at the winning post, and an interference with those riding. I don't know if the stewards have the power to stay the evil; if not, if the respectable thinking men on the course would abstain from this practice, the untamed Cossacks could easily be brought to a sense of duty. In the steeplechase of every year, as soon as the start has been effected, nothing else but a cloud of dust, raised by the tag-rag following the racing horses, can be seen from the grand stand until the horses come home. If there is power on the part of the stewards to strangle this pest, I ask them respectfully to use it. Weather fine and cold.
-May 10, 1873.
The Criminal Court commenced the following day. Nine cases were disposed of. The New Year's rioters were bound over to appear here next sessions, or wheresoever the Attorney-General may determine. All went off with perfect concord. Robert Kerrigan, for cattle stealing, was found not guilty by a jury who were within a pin's point of being locked up for the night. The evldence was entirely circumstantial, and thus the accused was allowed to return to his family. Ah Sam, for assault with an axe, received six months hard labour in Bourke. John Whelan, for attempting suicide, one month hard labour in Bourke. Sarah
Woolfery, for the same crime, imprisoned until the
rising of the Court. Sam Charlie, larceny, discharged, the principal having
died. William Burns, stealing a £10 cheque, 18 months hard labour in Bathurst.
Joseph Morris, horse stealing, the came sentence. Charles Staton, escaping from
police, discharged. A fiendish attempt at knifing was made by a man named
Edward Stafford on Friday night; his intended victim was James Maxwell, son of
our puntman. He had a most narrow escape. The prisoner is committed for trial.
The Roman Catholic Bazaar commenced on Monday ; and
such a display of rich and costly material, and the assembled beauty of the
vendors could not be found in any other country town within 200 miles. Mrs.
Becker's stall was simply regal, and about £50 was taken the first night. Mrs.
John McNevin, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Cohen, and Mrs. Beazely, did a
splendid business; while Mrs. Keegan, with her beautiful daughters in company
of the Sisters Grant, were too irresistible for the visitors :-men, who had
buttoned firmly their pockets, went home without the smallest fraction of a
shilling.
THE RACES.-The first day's was all that good racing
and delicious weather could give; the attendance was not so large as the money
run for would have justified us in expecting, and a sad tameness was the order
of things on the race course. The racing was good, but the usual delays made
what should be sport, a burden, and the same stampede round the course in the
wake of the running horses, offered the same disgusting scene as usual. I had
spoken to some of the stewards, but it would seem, by their apathy, as if they
liked this blotting out of the running from start to finish. The Publicans'
Purse of 20 sovs, after a splendid race, was won by Old Physician, ridden very
well by Sam Davis, Infant a good second. The Handicap of 100 sovs, fell to the
Warrego horse, Bolero, Morgan second. Sydney Smith's Monkey, by galloping 1 1/2
mile to a false start, was thrown out of
the race, and had Morgan had a stronger hand upon him, in all probability the
stake would have been left with us. The Steeplechase was contested by four
horses; Chief Justice, Sportsman, Bally, and Blackboy. A good start sent the
lot away at a terrific pace, and each horse simply fenced splendidly, the Chief
jumping like a caraboo, and leading at a hurricane pace. The first four jumps
were permitted to be seen, and then the rabble veiled the whole scene in a
dense cloud of dust. The second time round the Chief came down heavily, but was
soon up and on to his horses, in fact too soon, for there was a good deal taken
out of him in this spurt; on they came, turning the corner for home, at a
telling pace. Chief leading, Sportsman second, and Bally third, splendidly
ridden by John Dwyer; the Chief sprang over the third fence from home, and with
top speed, made for the next ; this he unfortunately struck and fell very
heavily. He was only a few rods from the winning post, and before the game
brute could rise, the brown Bally was past the post, closely followed by Sportsman.
This was a great bubbling over among the betting men, for the Chief had the
race from first until his fall, and had Mr. A.F. Sullivan been on good
Sportsman, the stakes must have fallen to him. The Miners' Purse of course fell
to Mr. Colliss's pretty little Why Not. Thus ended the first day's sport, and I
may here state that not a single riotous person was seen during the day, and,
although we had plenty of police present, they were only asked to enjoy
themselves.
The stable of Mr. M. O'Shanassy, at Bourke, by some
pernicious villian, was set on fire and burned to the ground with L100 worth of
merchandise. This is the third fire which has taken place at this gentleman's
station, and if a fourth occurs it will have to be the stock-yard, that being
all that is left. Some of the jury spoke harshly of the couduct of the police
in not finding out the incendiary, but it is all very well, and it is a
favourite practice with some men to shy miles at the blue coats, and very often
without cause. In this case, all that could have been done was done, and it is
to be hoped that future operations may bring the skunk to justice. The
Bourkeites have offered one hundred pounds reward to effect this object.
From the little fishing village, the Rev. Mr.
Glasson came, and preached most eloquently on Sunday last. It is to be hoped he
will be permanently stationed here, where there is such an abundant harvest
waiting to be gathered. Our friends, the Wesleyans, made a mistake, it seems to
me, in making Breewarrina his home. There is four times the population in
Bourke, which is the centre of Cobar, and the former place.
The second night of the bazaar was as successful as
the first, but why on earth tobacco is allowed to burn, and why smokers have
not a little more respect to ladies and children, is hard to understand.
Morgan, the racehorse, has been disqualified in all
his engagements, for running under false colours.
Weather delicious but very warm for time of year.
Bread still 6d per 2lbs. On Monday we had a total eclipse of the moon. It
lasted over an hour, and as seen through a moderate glass, it showed like the
glow of a distant bush-fire.
-May 24, 1873.
BOURKE. May
20.
Our second day's racing was nearly as good as the
first, the company quite as numerous, and weather fine. The Maiden Plate, the
first event, for a prize of £30, deserves not the name of a race. Two horses
started, Sheet Anchor and Julia. The race was so slow that they were
accompanied nearly all round the course by a hack of no pretensions. When they
came into the straight running, the Anchor moved a little faster, and
eventually won the Stakes. The Handicap Steeple chase brought the following
horses to the flag:- Sheet Anchor, Sportsman, and Lucky Baldy. A good start was
effected, and so far as could be seen through the dust caused by those who
followed the race, each horse fenced well. Sheet Anchor it was thought was the
winner, but at the second jump from home he fell, where Sportsman also baulked.
Baldy was splendidly ridden by Howard, and came in a winner. The Cup was
contended for by Mr. M'Nall's Physician and old Bolero, their owners riding. It
was a well ridden race, and Bolero added another honor to his name. The forced
handicap was taken by that old villain Why Not.
On the third day we had many exciting contests, with
Baldy and Sheet Anchor again contesting another steeple chase. The race was
fine, the horses leaping each hurdle like two machines. Neck and neck they came
into the straight, Howard riding magnificently at the second jump from home.
Baldy made a rush, followed by Sheet Anchor. This little dodge of Baldy's won
him the race, for in taking the leap Sheet Anchor came down a tremendous smash,
and Baldy landed a winner. A match was then run for £20, between Hotspur,
Flying Tile, and Monkey, Hotspur winning.
A second match was then run between Mr. H. Colliss's
Physician, and Mr. J. Connolly's Morgan, for £50 a-side. It was fine racing,
and old Physician being excellently ridden by Sam Davis, banked the stake to
his master's credit. There was more racing on the 4th May, but I think you have
had enough. But before closing this subject, I may say there was not the
faintest sign of riot or disorder, not a single case of drunkenness, and no
fighting.
1 am sorry to record the death of Thomas Edward
George Roberts, which took place at his residence on the 17th instant. For some
years past he has been the only medical man in Bourke, and from his kindness of
manner, and anxious watching of those who came under his care, he had endeared
himself to all. The cause of death was said to be exhaustion and general
debility. The Bazaar in aid of the Roman Catholic Church has been a great
success. The infant daughter of Mr. P. Murray was buried yesterday. The new
captain has gone to the C. S. A. Mine, and reports favourably. A party start
tomorrow to open new ground taken up by Oscar Hughan and Co., and known as
Memita, from which place the most promising stone has been brought, consisting of
blue and green carbonate. The mining country land is still being taken up, and
before long we shall be ranked a first-class mineral district.
A man in the employ
of Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., named Cummins, was thrown from his horse on Monday,
near West Bourke, and seriously injured. Dr. Yule attends him. A meeting of the
Coogar shareholders was held at the Royal on the 19th, when the desirability of
purchasing a crushing plant was discussed. The stone brought in from the mine,
about 100
lbs, is to be forwarded for crushing to Adelaide or
Ironbarks, as soon as possible. The race balls, one given by tho bachelors at
the Royal, the other at Tattersall’s, were well attended. The Steeplechase horse
Baldy, winner of all the events at Bourke, has been purchased by Mr. Joseph
Becker. Weather deliciously fine. Rain needed. River low.
-May 31, 1873
From the Sydney newspaper ‘Empire:
I am sorry to record the death of Thomas
Edward George Roberts, which took place at his residence on the 17th instant.
For some years past he has been the only medical man in Bourke, and from his
kindness of manner, and anxious watching of those who came under his care, he
had endeared himself to all. The cause of death was said to be exhaustion and
general debility. The Bazaar in aid of the Roman Catholic Church has been a
great success. The infant daughter of Mr. P. Murray was buried yesterday. The
new captain has gone to the C. S. A. Mine, and reports favourably. A party
start tomorrow to open new ground taken up by Oscar Hughan and Co., and known as
Memita, from which place the most promising stone has been brought, consisting
of blue and green carbonate. The mining country land is still being taken up,
and before long we shall be ranked a first-class
mineral district.
-June 2, 1873.
BOURKE.
May 28.
There has been another devil's piece of work
done at Tooralie in the shape of a huge fire. The magnificent wool shed at that
station is a mass of charred timber. They have a supposed villain tied up by
the neck, so it is said, awaiting the magistrate and jurors. I am going as one
of these intelligent men, so shall tell you my opinion of it next week. This is
the fourth fire within a very short time, all of them evidently the work of
some arch-fiend. Mr. O'Shanassy lost all they could consume at Fort Bourke
station, and now the red glare has sprung up again forty miles lower down the
river. If the suspected turns out the right man he will receive all justice
from Bourke, but not one scruple of mercy. Somehow or other we have a deadly hate
against all such sneaking snakeish acts. The Roman Catholic bazaar brought to the funds L 351 17s 6d, Mrs. Becker's stall taking the largest sum, and Mrs. Thomas M'Nevin the next, and considering the inferiority of her wares, she must be a most excellent saleswoman to come within L20 of the Ll61 taken by the former lady. There is also L800 10s 5d in hand towards building the English church, beside shares in the various mines given with no spare hand, for instance Mr. R. Nancarrow gives forty shares, in the C.S.A. mine which, taken at the price quoted, L5 10s, would give L220. All the members of this church are actively engaged in the erection of a building worthy their choice.
I told you last week of the death of Dr. Roberts. I must now tell you that our hospital is without its medical attendant, and should any unfortunate enter its walls now, requiring medical skill, heaven bless him. We have several cases of very severe sickness in town, and many among them are thankful that Dr. Yule, from the fishing village, is at present here, and had we been unassisted we should have had other graves to have dug last week. Mr. John E. Kelly has sold all his property on the Warrego. Mr. R M. Hughes has taken delivery for the owners; and Mr. Kelly leaves Bourke no more to return, He was among the first to wrest from the blackfellow, what we now call our homes, and to him and men of his stamp, civilisation is indebted for the pushing outward of her standard.
A man named G. Goldfinch dangerously stabbed himself at Cobar a day or two ago. Dr. Yule has gone to him. Another man named Nicholas Duggan came in on Sunday, having ridden 150 miles in a dreadful state of suffering, from the bite of some venomous thing that inflicted the wound while the poor fellow was sleeping in the bush. His body was in a fearfully swollen state, he was bitten in the groin. When the doctor visited him was doing well
Potatoes sold here on Monday at 22s per 112lb. Think of that, and pity us.
Nothing of note at the police court.
-June 7, 1873.
BLACK DOGS -Sometime ago a young girl was by these vermin sadly torn about, and would have been eaten had not assistance promptly been given. Of course there was a general rising against the mongrels ; many died, and a universal banishment was ordered. The girl did not die; although she suffers from the attack, and in all likelihood always will, but the brutes were again allowed to increase and take up their abode in the town us before. Constant complaints were made but with little hope of mending the matter, and now another child has been made the object of these curs’ rage. Yesterday a little girl was pounced upon and badly bitten in the thigh, and for the sake of these poor little innocents, I hope our police will stamp out this dangerous pest.
SICKNESS.-The past two months have brought more sickness to Bourke than ever we had before, and we began to wonder if our town, formerly so wondrously free from ailments had passed into another condition. Strong men and women have been stricken down without apparent cause or warning, and their complaints seemed to be of a totally different form to any seen before, and this has made me ask if all this may not have been evinced by our own want of sanitory care. The weather has been unusually hot, and the heaps of filth lying where it has no earthly business to be, in some instances in the public street, is not at all likely to improve matters. I could find several places which, were they in almost any other town than Bourke, would have to be removed. Perhaps a small invasion of malignant fever would act as a spur to this end.
THE BAZAAR.-I overlooked in my report of this affair, and for which I am really sorry, the names of two or three ladies who for months had rendered very valuable assistance. The wife of the Rev.Tarleton worked long and well; while the Misses Burton and Littler, and Mrs. George Harris helped to make up the happy scene before described.
THE MINES: Good news continue to come in from the south. Rain in vast abundance has fallen at Cobar; and report speaks of fresh copper being found in Becker's shaft. The new captain at the C. S. A speaks highly of the prospects of that place. Highland Company have taken up 120 acres, from which was brought magnificent surface specimens of blue and green carbonates. Collins' Company, near Lindera, are turning up fine ground. Barco, about 40 miles east of south from Cobar, stands very highly in our opinion. I saw a gentleman from thence last week, and he says we may depend on it as being first-class. Specimens from this mine I have seen, and no ore can be richer. The gold companies are inactive, but steps are being taken to open this industry. Dr. Yule has been asked to take charge of the mining population, each miner paying so much weekly. There are now two public-houses, butchers' shops, &c, at Cobar, and the inhabitants cannot be far short of 200.
Weather fine, after two days' rain. River low. 10,000 store sheep left Tooralie on Saturday for the Yanko, Mr. O'Brien in charge. Fifty miles of wire fencing on this station (Tooralie) just began.
-June 14, 1873.
BOURKE. June
10.
It is now raining, and has been for two or three
days, and the grass is growing green; there is no sign of a rise in the river,
which is to be deplored, for our necessaries will in their absence go up again
to the old high rates.I am sorry that a disease similar to diphtheria is attacking our children, but Dr. Yule is here, and in his skill we have every faith. A poor fellow was brought up from Ladito with a compound fracture and dislocation of the left arm. This accident took place a few days since, and was only set today. This will give you some idea what men suffer in the bush.
The troop of directors have come in from the mines, and give glowing accounts of the prospects of the various properties. The Captain of the C. S.A. states his opinion that in a very few weeks a lode will be found. I forward you for analysis two specimens, one from Barco, which is said to contain gold as well as copper ; the other, No. 1, is from some place near Bourke, and shows a vein 5 inches wide. No one here knows what the mineral is, and you will confer on many an obligation by sending the contents of the specimens forwarded. Mr. Parker is here among the fat cattle. 400 have gone from Warraweena, and men have gone to the Bullo for others. The telegraph of which so much has been said, and so little done, remains still an unaccomplished fact. Six months may see us in possession of the blessing. The wife of H. C. Boleart. C.P.S., has been so seriously ill that her life was despaired of. She has now much improved, and may be said to be out of danger.
There is a road, so it is said, to be opened from Cobar to Buckinbee (Acres), 130 miles below Bourke, for a depot for the South Cobar copper. This may seem to the Sydney share holders a good scheme, but they may find out that they have made a mistake. Had they an unlimited quantity of copper, and it was advantageous to send it to Adelaide they would be right, but it will never pay to carry it unsmelted this far, and this they will find. The sensible process of smelting must be resorted to, and why works have not been erected months ago is a mystery ; they have abundance of wood and clay for all purposes, and still they pay L300 per ton for bringing the stone to the river, and then freight to Adelaide, &c. &c.
The rider of Baldy in the last races was named Harrad, not. Howard. I mention this, for the man, both as trainer and rider, deserves recognition.
The steamer Marmion, with 300 tons of loading for R.M. Hughes, is at Wilcannia. The buildings of Mr. Becker, in Mitchell-street, were handed over to their owner last week; they are substantial structures, and the builder, Mr. Robinson, has faithfully done his work.
[In respect to our correspondent's letter, in our
issue of the 14th instant, relative to the case of Frawley, found guilty by a
coroner's jury of wilfully setting fire to the Tooralie wool shed, we have
received a long letter from a correspondent who signs himself "Fair
Play," pointing out that the evidence on which Frawley was committed, was
very slight and circumstantial and even then only that of a blackfellow. We do
not think it necessary to publish the letter, for although it strongly censures
our Bourke correspondent, we cannot see how he has deserved it, for there is no
very material difference between the two accounts.-ED.]
-June 28, 1873.
The weather is fine after much rain.
At Cobar last week that distinguished personage Judge Lynch appeared at our copper mines. It transpired that a party of Cornishmen with others not of that country were wiling away the time with the game of Pocco, when words produced blows, and the Cornish spirit of 'Cousin Jack' got the better of him, and a general attack was made upon a man who had excited animosity, but who seeing how the wind lay followed the old saw: "He who fights, &c," but falling over a stump his foes came up to perform a war dance upon him, when he was rescued by a well directed cudgel aimed at one of the dancers. Both the deliverer and rescued thereupon took refuge in the scrub. The next part of the performance was the sacking of a public-house. After which Mr. Lynch determined to hang the two who were absent in the scrub. One of the mining captains, however, warned them of the consequence, and no further outrage was committed. How the offenders are to be brought to book with the small police force at our disposal is hard to say. It is scarcely to be believed that we have but two within Wilcannia and the Fishery, a distance of nearly 300 miles. I find that I have offended the people of the Fishing village by hinting the advisability of Mr. Glasson being stationed at Bourke, and without questioning the need they have of a clergyman. I still repeat that if a sacred teacher's mission lays where the harvest is most abundant, Bourke or Cobar is the field. Already there is a cry from the mines for a minister, and as the population there is nearly three times that of the Fishery, they have a stronger claim upon the consideration of any who may visit this district.
I am glad to report that after a long period of
absolute silence the trowel is again at work at the Catholic Church and I am
told that in a few months, should the bricklayers condescend to earn really
good wages, the place will be ready to receive the people.
Today, Tuesday, the long expected telegraphic wire
actually arrived and was placed upon the poles, so you see we have the body of
a blessing, how long the breath will be ere it is is bestowed is a matter of
speculation. I give it four months.
We are to have a second butcher, and not before he
was needed, it has been the complaint that the price of meat at 4d all round
was a losing game, this is easily summed up, and a school-boy can show that a
vast profit has been made.
10,000 store sheep crossed en route for Melbourne on
Thursday, Mr. Brown in charge. 11,000 on Saturday, Mr. Cox in charge. 11,000
half fat to-day, Mr. Steward in charge. 500 cows will be taken delivery of by
R. M. Hughes at Bourke in a day or two; they pass on to Queensland.
A man was brought in from the Fishery tonight, under
sentence for vagrancy. He is the point of death, nature being completely worn
out.I have not been able to learn his name. On Saturday the little son of Mr.
John Bailey was drowned in the Darling. .
From the mine good news comes; water is abundant,
and prospects are bright.
I am pleased to record the fact that a visible
improvement is seen in the children now attending the Public School. Mr.
O'Brien is much liked by the young people, and has a happy method in his manner
of teaching. The mail which arrived yesterday, Monday, was six days late. This
must be from delays above. Our mailman in an old and faithful servant, and we
all know he does his level best to make time. The health of the town is better.-July 5, 1873.
POLICE COURT.-Frederick Rice was on Monday brought
before the Police Magistrate, and D. A. Byrne, J.P., charged with selling
spirituous liquor without a license. There was a good deal of talk about a
teapot, in which it was stated the fiery element was poured, but as nothing
positive was brought forward to show that defendant had really done the bottle
trick from the teapot, he was supposed innocent. A charge was then laid against
him for disposing of colonial wine in smaller quantities than is allowed by the
Act ; here he was less fortunate, a fine of £5 being inflicted. On Tuesday a
batch of miners charged with assault, and other dread acts, were placed before
the same magistrates, but as the prosecutors were absent the charges were laid
aside. The Crown, however, has called upon nine of the number to appear on the
5th August next to answer the charge of riot; bail was allowed and speedily obtained,
themselves each in £40, with a security of £20. It is a great pity the case could
not have been proceeded with, for these men have already been taken from their
work distant 120 miles, and as they justly say it is very hard for them to be
put to unnecessary expense. Mr. Forster applied for the remand on behalf of the
Crown, and argued at some length with the bench, who evidently wished the
business to be proceeded with, that it was usual where witnesses were not present
to remand until they be brought,
A CONFIDING SNAKE.-The other evening when the shades
of night had fallen darkly upon the rain soaked streets, a youth named Charles
Smith was proceeding to the bosom of his family along Mitchell-street, when
near the Bank and passing a verandah whose roof juts over into the street, he
saw what he imagined a piece of rope dangling from the shingles, and in the
playful way boys have, he thought what fun it would be to pull the man's waggon
rope into the mud; his fingers grasped the tempting bait, but only for a
moment, there was an unusual coldness about the affair which caused both his
eyes and fingers to open, and well they might, for the supposed rope was a
snake 5 or 6 feet long. When the truth became fully known to the sportive lad,
the way the vermin was treated was a caution to snakes.
THE FLOOD.-The water is rising rapidly and almost
everybody predicts an overflow for Bourke. All reports from above show that a
vast body of water has to visit us, and should the Queensland Rivers add their
burden we are in great danger. The Culgoa is rising slowly, the river is now
within 6 feet of the last flood, when many had to dam their houses. All we have
here by way of boats are 3 or 4 small ones. The Government punt has been taken
a mile or so down the stream, where it will remain until a steamer comes to
pull it back to its appointed place, so that partial dread of an overflow of
flood water, we are without the noble craft provided us by the Government.
THE MINES-Mr. Jones, Secretary to the South Cobar, has
returned from his trip looking for a practicable road by which to convey
loading from the mine to Buckenbee. (Acre's,) And he says it is impossible to
form a route from Witagoona thither, so that the ore will go to Louth. This
place is about 65 miles above Acre's and 70 below Bourke. There can be little
question that Louth, provided a safe depot be formed, is the most practicable
road. It is 20 to 30 miles nearer the mines than Bourke, and 70 by the road
nearer Adelaide, escaping some most difficult pinches in the river. Teams will
start at once removing copper to Louth. One carrier has taken a contract for conveying
60 tons. Some time since 16 cwt of surface stone was forwarded by Mr. Good for
crushing to Sydney, and it has given 13 dwts to the ton. This is hailed as a
most excellent yield, for it is stated that thousands of tons of the same stone
can be collected on the surface of the ground selected. The wetness of the
weather of late has made travelling for laden teams an impossibility. A string
of copper waggons are becalmed between this place and Cobar.
STOCK.-The drove of cows consigned to R. M. Hughes
to be forwarded to the north has arrived, how they are to cross the river at
least for a long time to come is a mystery. George MC Intyre, a steady faithful
driver, has them now in charge. 20,000 sheep from the Barcoo are crossing at
the police paddock if they are crossed safely the owner may think himself
lucky, for water behind them is everywhere. News has reached Bourke that the
Messrs Doyle near Walgett have lost 2500 sheep by the flood,
MAILS-Of course our papers and letters come at all
times, in all shapes, but I cannot see how, under the present state of things,
it can be otherwise. Those from the south and west are punctual, but at present
they have no water to contend with. Steamers expected in about a week.
LAND SALE- Mr. A. Merriel sold at auction the other
day 3 allotments of land in Merlin-street for one hundred pounds cash, They are
½ acre lots, and situated far away from the business thoroughfares. This shows
that Bourke may yet be a place somewhat different from Mr. Robertson's description.
-July 12, 1873.
BOURKE: July 16
The flood is in the town, but nothing serious is
likely to happen at present, as the water has ceased to rise, not that we are
not prepared, for we have trenches hundreds of yards in length-we dammed us
heartily us we do all other things. There was a general movement last week for
the high country, but the absent ones will soon return. The mails are, as a
natural consequence, running anything but up to time, but it is quite near
enough for N S.W.
From the mines there is no news of importance, but
it seems a settled thing that Louth is the correct river depot for ore going to
Adelaide. One firm, in an advertisement for the purchase of copper, offers 5s
per ton for it, delivered at that place. Mr. Jones, the Secretary for the
Southern Cobar, is of opinion that a road cannot be found to strike the river
at Acres's, but the trial he gave it ought not to be considered conclusive. He
was out but a short time, and under the guidance of a Mudgee blackfellow. Now a
black is all very well for some things, but not in opening a new road. A white
man acquainted with the country, should go out prepared to pass a month in the
bush, and the country must be something beyond what I heve seen, if a track
cannot be found.
The steamers are expected very soon. The report that
a large number of Beemery sheep had been lost is unfounded.
Whilst reading the large increase in the colony's
revenue, I could but turn to the telegraph posts, and wonder some of the money
has not been expended in perfecing the undertaking. The winds sigh and moan along
the idle wires, whose termination is among gum leaves in front of Tattersall's.
There is no office, should an operator appear ; and, as to taking his
implements into the post-office, it was just impossible. It is high time a building
fit for such work was built. We have suffered quite long enough at the
post-office. It is simply a nuisance to go for letters, supposing you have to
wait, which you very often do, for a long time. If it be summer, you stand
sweltering under a blistering sun, and in winter you shiver in the cold, or
curse your fate in drenching rain.
I hear that that three or four of our respectable
gentlemen were pounced upon yesterday, by Inspector Keegan, indulging in the
innocent pastime of 'heading 'em’. The gallant officer took possession of four
half-crowns, it is said, and I dare be sworn that he will drop them into one of
the Hospital boxes. I am pleased to chronicle the strengthening of our police
force. We are now, in times of peace, able to call out one inspector, one
sergeant, and one full private. If police protection at the mines is to be
thought anything of, surely our condition is pitiable. I have been informed
that the P.M. is to visit these turbulent parts soon, and hold a court there.
If so we shall have another, or perhaps two other blue coats; as it is, our
police have too much country to look after, and were we not the most quiet
people in existence, this would have been demonstrated years ago.
An excellent organ for the Roman Catholic Chinch has
arrived, also a first-class billiard table for the Bourke Club ; and last, but
not least, a new butcher, Mr. Topham, has commenced business, although, I
regret to say, the price has not been lowered.
-July 26, 1873.
BOURKE. July 23.
Thankful am I that the flood which caused us so much
alarm has done its worst. The eastern end of the town in under water which,
though but shallow, is most unpleasant and it will be some time ere pleasant walking
can be attempted. The weather is very fine, and we look forward to abundant
grass for the summer. All our stock has been removed to the back country, save
a few horses, &c.
On Tuesday the Jolly Miller steamer, Captain J.
Johnson, arrived with goods for the new firm, R. M. Hughes, and other boats are
steaming upward.
A meeting of gentlemen was held last Wednesday at
Tattersalls when the advisability of sending for a crushing machine was
discussed. The meeting was influentially attended, and it was determined to
order a stamp battery at once by which the numerous reefs in the district may
be tested. Mr. E J. Bloxham was appointed secretary, and a more thorough business
man could not have been found. He argued that without the means to try the
reefs, our undoubted wealth is simply the talent hid in the napkin, and such
was his power of persuasion that scarcely a man in town but who has put in a
venture. Mr. J. Becker has generously promised to pay freight from Ballarat the
town from whence the machinery comes. In less than three months we expect to
own all that is necessary for crushing, and you must not be surprised to hear
of Bourke, being the depot of a large gold-yielding country.
The mail from Wilcannia, due on Sunday, has not yet
arrived, while that from the Fishing Village has not been seen for about a fortnight.
But it is water which is keeping them, for when there are open roads these
contractors do their duty honestly.
It is said that a banquet is to be given on the
arrival of the telegraphic apparatus. I am afraid the chickens are not yet
hatched that will grace that table.
Kerrigan's Warrego Inn was stuck up by bushrangers
some days ago. I have not heard the particulars. Two allotments of land, No. 3,
were sold by Mr. Merriel for £100 cash.
-August 2, 1873.
BOURKE. July 30.
As rapidly as the waters rose they are as suddenly
falling, and all fear of discomfort has passed. The Jolly Miller (s.) arrived
on Wednesday, and landing cargo for R. M. Hughes, immediately resumed her
voyage downward empty, although many tons of the Cobar prepared copper were
lying on the bank- ; the reason of this it seems is the determination of certain
steamers not to carry save at a higher rate of freight than that received
formerly, allowing 5s per ton to ore taken in at Louth. I cannot tell you the
nature of the combination , or how many owners have entered into it, but the
" Jolly Miller" steamed from Bourke empty, though I shouldn't think
her captain was over and above hilarious on the occasion.
A day or two ago a brace of unsuspecting sportsmen
were fined £2 each for disturbing the echoes with gunpowder on the Sabbath. I
have nothing to say against the sentence. The inspector posted notices to the
effect that the law would be enforced against offenders in this matter, and it
was.
This evening an alarm of fire was raised, and it was
soon made manifest that the residence of the P.M. ablaze. A rush was made to
the place. Mr. Alex. Ogilvie, bearing a huge ladder, nimble as a London
lamp-lighter, being captain of the brigade. A copious supply of water soon
dimmed the cracking element, and nothing more serious than a demolished chimney
was sustained. Had the occurrence taken place after the inmates had gone to
rest, the result might have been total destruction and death. It is absolutely
marvellous that fire has not left its ravages in Bourke years ago. Most of the
fireplaces are simply wood, and if once a dwelling was kindled we have no
power, save a few buckets, to stop the flames. We have willing hands and daring
hearts, but they alone are useless. It is a wonder that our storekeepers and house
owners have not seen the wisdom of securing an engine. Perhaps when a mass of
charred ruins lies where once a rich stock of merchandise was stored the idea
of such a thing may be entertained.
We have had no mail from Wilcannia since last
Saturday fortnight, and what the reason can be, if the mailman is not drowned,
none can guess. Of course the waters are abroad; and we make allowance : but
sixteen days late is putting the last strain upon the camel's back.
Nine years ago an ignorant foreigner was threatened
with a six months' imprisonment and a whipping for chopping down a decayed
tree. At the time we thought the P.M. spoke rather strongly, but had his threat
been carried out we should not now look like a harrow turned upside down, and
the persons who have of late felled many a noble tree would have paused ere the
axe was swung. We have little enough of shade, we and the cattle within our
gates during the fierce heat of summer, to spare one poor little patch, and the
man who lessens our shadows should be tied out in the sun for an hour or so
while the people are eating their Christmas dinner. Large tracts of wooded land
which would have covered you, even from the eye of a blackfellow, are simply
now abominable prospects of hacked and jugged stumps. Even the place where our
lost friends are laid to aleep is invaded, and leafy coverings, doubtless of
much value to some, are lopped away. In fact, should the practice not be ended,
we shall soon be a howling waste.
The bushrangers who commenced their havoc a long way
north, came into New South Wales, via the Bulloo and Paroo rivers, coming as
near Bourke as Kerrigan's inn on the Warrego, which was at first said to have
been taxed, but it does not now seem to be true. They went thence across to the
Culgoa. It is much to be regretted our police were not on the road to meet
these three embryo highwaymen; and had information been received, they
doubtless would have welcomed them warmly at the border. Mr. Tyson's station on
the Cuttaburra, ten miles from the Queensland Border Customs Station, was
plundered, and several others farther north.
Weather fine.
-August 9, 1873.
BOURKE. August 5
The steamer Excelsior, with a general cargo for the
firm of R. N. Hughes, arrived on Saturday, landed much merchandise, and was then
chartered by the same firm to proceed upward to Walgett, if the water permits
her thus high to go. She is one of the finest boats which have been here, and
belongs to the Copper Combination fleet; in fact all the vessels on the river
save two, are under the same flag.
At the Court of Petty Sessions on Monday, there was
rather a curious case, which may serve as a precedent. A shearer named Thomas,
engaged with a Mr. Borton to shear until the whole of that gentleman's sheep
were shorn, signing an agreement to the effect that if he left before without
giving notice he would be subject to a penalty of 5s per day for every day he
was absent. This agreement, which was not produced, the plaintiff admitted
signing; but had no copy, as the defendant refused to give one. There was also
an oral agreement that for all time lost from any want of effort on the
defendant's part, to keep the shearers fully employed, a payment of 10s per day
was to be paid the man kept idle. The sheep were boxed or mixed with others,
the wool got wetted, and two days were lost in getting things in order, and the
10s per day refused. On this the man demanded a settlement, and left, finally
sueing his master for the balance of his wages-L8 odd. The plea put in in the
first instance was not indebted, and a postponement asked for and obtained ;
when the case was again called, another postponement was asked, with permission
to amend the plea. There was a good deal of discussion as to an amendment being
allowed, but finally it was granted, provided it related to money in the shape
of a set-off, and the case was again remanded. The third time it was heard, and
the defendant claimed L10 for 40 days that the plaintiff absented himself.
Verdict for defendant.
Nine rioters from Cobar were committed for trial at
our next Quarter Sessions, but allowed bail. Mr. Poster appeared for the Crown,
and applied for the discharge of one of the prisoners, on the ground that there
was no charge against him. The P. M. demurred, and said he considered that if
there was no charge against the man, there should be more care shown in laying
information. The case, which was one of a disgraceful character, went on, and
the supposed innocent was found about as lively in ill-doing as the rest.
Mr. M'Intryre, with 16,000 sheep, is on the other
side of the river, not knowing which way to turn. He will cross here if
possible. Mr. M. Good, in Mitchell-street, is at work now raising a fine stone
and brick edifice, and close to him another brick building is going skywards
for Mr. W. Carney; but I am sorry to inform my Catholic friends that quiet
again reigns at their half-finished place of worship here. There seems a
fatality about this building; the people to whom it belongs are constantly goading
on the work, and yet it forever lags. The Anglican Church will be finished first
yet, if the dry bones don't soon begin to stir. The plans of the last named
place of worship are here, and tenders will be called next week, I hear, for
its erection.
The police have gone to Harley's Springs, on the
Warrego, where they have an unfortunate terribly stricken with insanity. The
trustees of the Bourke Common have very justly given the town herdsman an
assistant, and things will go smoother than of late. The flood has of course
made things in a muddle, but they will soon right themselves. One rider was
insufficient to perform the duty satisfactorily to himself or others. Flour is
worth Ll8 per ton, potatoes the same, apples, L1 5s per box. Weather warm, and
threatening rain. No mail. Due on Sunduy, at 6 p.m, from Wilcannia.
WEDNESDAY.-Steamer Jupiter, Captain King, arrived,
with part of smelting plant for Cobar proper. The Kennedy is on the road with
remainder. Expected daily. Raining.
-August 23, 1873.
BOURKE.
September 4.
Last night we had a thunderstorm, which lasted many
hours, accompanied by delicious rain. The thunder was very eccentric, at times
it would crack, crack, just at your ear and roll away to the south with loud
reverberations, starting again far away in the north-east or west, dying away
altogether, and perhaps an hour after rumbling up again in any of the four
points, to die away in the long away distance. The fears expressed about our
summer feed are now over.
Mr. Copas, an Adelaide nurseryman, brought per
steamer Maranoa some thousands of plants and shrubs, and as it was a venture
which was much ridiculed by his friends, I am right glad it turned out a very
profitable speculation. Every root was sold, and planting is going on at an immense
rate, and should care be taken, for the whole bulk of plants and shrubs arrived
in excellent condition, we shall soon be able to sit under our own vines and
fig-trees. Mr. Copas intends transplanting his garden to Bourke, where, in a
year or two, he says he can sell grapes at 2d per lb, with plenty of profit
margin. Ho will have a steam-engine somewhere in the river, and with that he
can grow anything that ever flourished in the light and heat of the sun. May he
prove to the sceptical what irrigation and soil like ours can do.
On Monday a match over hurdles was run between Baldy,
ridden by that good rider Harrad, and Hi-Over, ridden by Mr. W. T. Foster. Baldy,
as usual, was victorious; but had not Hi-Over fallen, such was the clever
jockeyship of Foster, that the race might have been other wise recorded.
I am unfeignedly glad to state that the whole batch
of absconded Cobar rioters have been arrested at Redbank, by Sergeant Toohey and
constable Prior, both active, intelligent police-officers. They are not yet in,
but report says they are in safe keeping,
We had a steamer race for L100 last week, and the
favourite, the Princess Royal, beat the Excelsior by nine and a quarter minutes in a distance of
about sixteen miles.
Work is again being done at the Roman Catholic
Church, and it is devoutly hoped it will be finished ere more idle time is
spent.
M'Intyre's 20,000 sheep are on their road to Melbourne,
having crossed safely.
The Maranoa's cargo was for R. M. Hughes, who offers
for sale on her arrival the express steamer and cargo. Business in tolerably brisk,
but from the mines, save that now country has been taken up, little is heard.
The Coogar Company are awarded the claim taken up by Ramsay, one of the proprietors,
under his miner's right; and the hitch in their affairs is straightened.
-September 13, 1873.
BOURKE.
Saturday.-The steamers Albury and Maranoa will load
down with wool and copper ore. Great satisfaction is felt at the opening of the
telegraphic communication between this place and the metropolis. The event will
be celebrated by a public banquet and ball.
156 messages have been dispatched and received
during today and from 10 to 12 o'clock last night. Messages have been received
from the Governor, Colonial Secretary, and from the neighbouring colonies.
-September 20, 1873.
Friday.-Captain Sunman, of the steamer
Kennedy, has been committed for trial at the November Quarter Sessions for
landing some blasting powder for the mines without having the kegs branded. The
prosecution is instigated by the sub-inspector of police, it has been
understood here that special permission was given by the New South Wales
Government to allow the powder to come up before the Adelaide people would ship
it. Should the Attorney General prosecute, Captain Sunman will be detained in Bourke with his steamer til
November, at a very great expense and hardship. The Darling is falling slowly.
The weather is very hot, the thermometer being 92'
in the shade.
-September 27, 1873.
BOURKE. September
15.
The report received of the capture of the absconded
Cobar rioters, I am sorry turns out untrue. Our troopers have returned
unsuccessful, having followed the fugitives to Hay, a distance of 400 miles or
more. Some blame the police, but had they not been taken a long distance upon a
wrong trail, and by one of the bailsmen, probably the defaulters would now be
in Bourke.
The Kennedy, steamer, arrived today (Tuesday) with a
large quantity of powder, bricks, and other material for the mines, and the
Express, steamer, a few hours later. The water still keeps abundantly high for
traffic.
On Saturday the Albury steamer carried a large and
happy company of ladies and gentlemen up the river, picnicing; and in the
evening a grand banquet, in honour of the telegraph opening to Bourke, was held
at the Royal, Mr. Cracknell being the guest of the evening. All went merrily as
a marriage bell, until the noon of night had passed, when a gentleman, with
great want of taste, proposed the health of the Bourke rioters and their
triumphant victory. This called forth a speech, in which words were used, and
accusations made which had much better been left unsaid. This subject has been
harped upon until it stinks in the nostrils, and when we all had fondly believed
it dead and entombed.
A new place of entertainment was opened last week by
Mr. G. Reed-the Bourke Hotel-making three inns now in Bourke. A supper of
unusual goodness was spread before the guests, who did justice to it. One of
Alcock’s tables was put up at Tattersall yesterday, and a most excellent table it
is.
A meeting is called tonight to lay out the programme
for the Spring races.
The 600 head of cattle passing through R. M Hughes'
hands, crossed safely, en route for Queensland. The gentleman in charge of
Aarons' 10,000 sheep was fined by the Court for coming on to the common without
giving notice. A fine of L20 could be inflicted, so that drovers will do well
in complying with the rule laid down in this matter. The mails are running
better, if I may, except that from Wilcannia, but, as the road is now it is
simply impossible to keep time: in any seasons, it is a fearful mail to run,
but when the waters are out it is not to be done at all.
Did you ever know a printing office to be robbed?
I've known mice starved out of them, but our local office has been lately
plundered, and much damage done to type, &c &c,, evidently by someone
who knows what type is.
-27 September, 1873.
BOURKE. Sept.
23.
The case of landing gunpowder from the steamer
Albury, laid against Mr. A. Ogilvie and afterwards brought against Capt. G
Johnson, was heard and dismissed last week. Another case was brought before the
bench on Friday, in which Capt. Sunman, of the steamer Kennedy, was defendant.
The powder in this instance was put ashore some distance out of town, after the
defendant, according to evidence, had waited upon the police to learn if any
infringement of the law would be made in the disembarkation ; no advice was
tendered by that body, and the powder was put ashore. Mr. Foster defended the
act ; the inspector for the prosecution. There was much evidence taken, and the
bench, Messrs. D. A. Byrne and Russell Barton, at its conclusion, could not
agree, and the former J.P. left the bench, when Capt. Sunman was committed to
take his trial at our next sessions.
A dove, from Biloela, was yesterday sent for trial,
for concealing the birth of a child. In evidence the names of some prominent
citizens of Sydney appeared in a most unsatisfactory manner; the girl had lived
with them some considerable time, had been taken before a medical man by her
mistress, discharged and returned to the island, and thence sent to Bourke. She
states that the matron was ignorant of her condition; and as we have only the
girl's statement of what took plane whilst in service ; but if all is true, and
as it was given in evidence, it will in all probability be seen into. I don't
envy the parts played by those whose names were brought before the court. The
medical evidence was of so uncertain a character, owing to the decomposition of
the body, that the jury did not feel justified in returning a verdict of manslaughter.
James Conners, brought in by the Queensland police,
stands remanded, charged with stealing a racing mare from Winbar.
The Rev. G. N. Glasson, from the Fishing Village,
preached here twice on Sunday, and lectured on Monday night, on Woman's Work,
for the benefit of the Mechanics' Institute. By the way, I see that “the
Fishers" have established an institute of this nature, and have more than
twenty members, most of them ladies. What pleasant meetings they must have.
230 rams, the property of Mr. Russell Barton,
passed, en route for Mooculta, today. They are from the flocks of Mr. Fisher,
South Australia, and are, without exception, the sheep of the river. The little
flock cost in Adelaide L 1150, and the Mooculta wool will soon be lifted to the
top rung of our ladder by the expenditure. They arrived in excellent condition,
and were worth a long ride or walk to see. I hope their enterprising owner will
reap an abundant reward.
Our ball in honour of the telegraph completion was
very pleasantly attended; handsome women, richly and becomingly dressed, were
plentifully seen, moving to music's witching voice ; and had not the spirit of
"I am better than you," crept in, the whole affair would have been
simply a scene of unmingled joy. As it is, a better feeling has sprung up with
regard to those who elevated their heads too high. A public ball room, of all
other places in the world, ought to be free from unnecessary parade of social
position, and it is strange that among a community where all are labourers, in
one sphere or another, and where the old country ideas of birth and ancestry
ought to be kept in the back ground, that such feelings should take shape. We
were termed by the first Napoleon " a nation of shopkeepers." If this be true of those of whom he spoke, how
much more is it verified in the towns and cities of our colonies?
Weather fine; grass plentiful.
-October 4, 1873.
BOURKE.
October 1
There is very little worth recording this week. Shearing
is going forward, and the season's clip is pronounced excellent. Pasturage is rich
und abundant. The Jupiter, S. King, commander, arrived on Saturday night,
fifteen days from Goolwa. The Maranoa, laden with wool, went down today, and
the Express and Vesta are upward. From the mines, all that is heard is that
operations are being suspended until smelting is commenced, when it is said
fresh activity will be seen. The crushing plant will be here shortly, and then
we shall have another branch of industry. Our soap factory will turn out its
first two tons of soap in a day or two, and all connected with this enterprise
may be congratulated, and it is devoutly hoped it may pay the spirit which called it into
being.
Mr. Russell Barton, of Mooculta, has just received from the stud of Mr.
Fisher, South Australia, a magnificent cart stallion, which will supply a want
very much needed in this neighbourhood. 110 rams, part of those purchased by
the same breeder,- from the colony, passed en route for Gundabooka last week.
They are certainly the best sheep we have on the river. Business is lively,
building going on in different parts of the town. Mr. Nancarrow's brick
building in Mitichell street, reflects great credit on all concerned. This
gentleman, in connection with Mr. Alexander Ogilvie, purchased last week the
Express steamer and barge, and intend doing with her a river trade. There has
been much sickness in the place, and still we have no medical man; and so long,
I presume, as fatal accidents, and deathly maladies, keep away, the needed
appendage will not be added to our town. There is little wonder the working man
refuses to give his tribute to the hospital, when that institution is left to
take care of itself, month after month. We are to have races during the
sessions week. Weather fine. River falling.
-October 11, 1873.
BOURKE. October 14.
THE COPPER MINES.-Last week there were
rumours from the South Cobar which made heavy shareholders shiver in their stockings. They had been driving a long time
unsuccessfully for a new lode, and the Jonahs of the district hinted that the
affair was a collapse. This dread has now been annihilated. After driving 100
feet from Hardy's shaft, a magnificent deposit has been struck. The ore is the
richest yet found in these parts, being 60 per cent, at a low estimate. It is
the grey kind, and what is visible is 7 feet thick, with no sign of wall. This
has made the fainting pluck up heart, and shares have risen. The
Captain-Goldsworthy-an excellent miner, is now convinced that he is director of
work of a splendid property. Thirty men will now be put to the fuse and gad.
Another tank is to be sank : and all looks as cheering as the most exacting can
wish. From 19th July last to end of September, 65 tons of ore have been carted
to Louth, 23 of these have been shipped to Adelaide. Since then 30 tons more
have reached the river, and 21 shipped to market. The smelting works of the
company have arrived, and a great part of them are already at the mine. When
the fires will be lighted I cannot say, as a difficulty relative to bricks has
to be got over-building material I mean. A report from the C. S. A. came in
that copper had been struck there. This I do not give as a fact, but I can say
that their captain, Mr. Tonkin, is most sanguine as to ultimate results. Fresh
ground was taken up last week near Mopone, 7 miles north of Cobar. The crushing
plant is expected soon, when the gold country will be proved, and I trust
satisfactory to all.
There are now at our wharf-if I may dignify
our landing place by that title-four steamers, the Ariel, Goolwa, Black Swan,
and Express. The town is full to the throat with goods of all sorts, and
business men have nothing to complain of.
Mr. Douglass's 14,000 sheep crossed here
last week, and today (Tuesday) 3080 for Russell Barton's station were safely
crossed.
The sessions will commence on the 7th
November, and in both courts there will be heavy work. It is to be hoped it
will be moderately cool, for in our sugar box of a court house, packed with
sweltering humanity, the mercury up to 170, is a roasting process to sit
there uttering maledictions to the
flies, and wondering how his Honor and other gentlemen feel pressed down by
their awful wigs.
I am sorry to say that our Sub-Inspector of
Police is suffering from severe illness; in fact, there has been much sickness
here of late, and still Bourke has no medical man. Dr. Yule, from the Fishery, luckily came
down, or what the hospital patients and others would have done can only be
guessed at. At any moment the skill of a surgeon may be required. As it was, on
Sunday last, the steamer Kennedy having brought from Beemery a man frightfully
smashed up by a horse, and still no apparent effort is made to fill up the gap
made by Dr. Roberts.
The weather is growing hot, and rain is
beginning to be needed.
Our soap establishment is a success. Soap
superior to any imported from Adelaide is offered for sale by Mr. Topham by the
tons weight. He has been at much expense in adding this new industry to the
district, and I hope he will be liberally rewarded.
-October 25, 1873.
BOURKE.
Saturday .- A copious fall of rain has taken place at the mines.
The South Cobar tank is full; and the prospects all round are cheering.
-November 15, 1873.
BOURKE. November 4.
I was at Cobar last week, and was underground at the old and young
Cobar, namely, the Southern mine; but I shall speak of those things anon; I can
say, however, that the last named
mine is a most wonderful one, the lode on the 23rd October was
twenty-one feet wide, and the men were working night and day to reach the
walls. How much wider it will turn out to be no one can tell, as it is, from
its marvellous richness, the mine of the colony; and, it is much to be regretted
that the Victorian spirit of development is not among our people. The curse of
the whole affair is the almost total absence of water. Fancy a concern with
wealth, you may say exhaustless, depending on the contents of a few iron tanks;
there are other holes made to contain the precious fluid but they are dry as
bath brick, and all for want of what might have been provided. How senseless is
the cry that the ground won't hold water; a sponge won't in its natural state, but
man could even make it retain moisture. I tell you, sir,
that were these mines in the hands of men delving at Ballarat or
Sandhurst, water would be supplied, even were they compelled to fetch it from
the Darling. From Cobar to Louth, a distance of about ninety miles, although
there are magnificent water sheds, there is not enough water to moisten a
robin's beak, if I may, except that found at Wittagoona, Mathews's station,
about half way ; and this is amid a chaos of rocks which horses and cattle
cannot reach unaided. On the Bourke road there are tanks, and at present there
is water, but unless it soon rains it will be as desolate as the other land.You
go about forty miles on this track without it, as it is, and arrive at the
mines with little prospect of finding a drink. When the publicans are paying
from £4 to £6 per tank, you can fancy the state of things. There are two public
inns, very well conducted indeed, but the proprietors are crippled; the
butcher, Mr. Warren, has turned his
cattle adrift and has to travel eighty miles per week to supply the inhabitants
with mutton, they paying 6d per lb for it, in fact all is dead as the splendid lode
of the Southern Cobar. I was told by a most respectable lady, one of the mining
captains' wives, that she has thrown
aside clothes for the wash, and has been compelled to wear them again unwashed.This
will give you a pretty fair idea of the whole scene; but I shall write more
fully of Cobar another time.
The weather is very hot and rain much needed. Our Sessions commence
on Friday, and a heavy calendar we have.
I have to record the death of an old colonist, Mr. James Horsfall.
His death took place at his residence on Friday last. He arrived in the
colonies as far back an 1839, and he became a large station holder on the
Richardson, Victoria. In 1861 he removed, as superintendent for one of Cobb and
Co.'s stations, twenty-five miles below Bourke, and in a few months later was
appointed scab inspector by the New South Wales Government, which position he
held up to the time of his decease. As an officer he was energetic and
honourable ; and as a man, kind, affectionate, and respected by all. He was
born at Saddleworth, Yorkshire, and at his death was sixty one years of age.
The Excelsior steamer, which was stranded on a mudbank, having
taken a wrong channel, is again afloat, and is expected daily. The Princess
Royal, steamer, went down last week.
A man named Neil Monahan, was found dead the other day at the
hospital fence ; he was a patient, and had a permit, as is the custom here, to
leave the grounds. His death was from heart disease, accelerated by alcoholic
drink. The jury put in a rider to their verdict that patients should not be
allowed to wander from the institution ; but as there is no medical man, what
can be done? I say again, for the sixth time, that this thing is becoming a
bye-word of reproach. On the 17th May, death removed Dr. Roberts, and on the
4th of this November, Bourke and her hospital take care of themselves.
We have many horses in training for the spring races, and, from the
prizes, good running is looked for.
Six thousand sheep from Queensland, in charge of Mr. R. Hewett,
arrived in splendid condition, and were purchased by Mr. Dunn, of Pirilie. A
large and fine mob of cattle were purchased from Mr. Russell Barton by Mr. Officer.
They have gone downward.
-November 15, 1873.
The Cobar Mines, Bourke.
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
November 21.
I was out at Cobar last week, and although there is a vast amount
of wealth beneath the surface, it seems from the stagnant state of things,
likely to remain there. What can have taken possession of all prompting power seems
a marvel, even to people living out of Victoria. I say this, for were these
mines in the hands of her capitalists you would certainly not have to pay for a
drink of water for your horses. Old Cobar is quite at a stand still, and her
manager, Mr. Thomas Lean, is "monarch of all he surveys." At the
South Cobar there is still action, though even there it is of a languid
description, as the subjoined report of the actual state of things will show. I
was down at both mines and can therefore speak fearlessly of the genuineness of
them. Cobar itself is now a village of some importance. Two most excellent
inns, the Cobar and Tattersalls, kept respectively by Mr. R. Peake and J. Cohn.
I was a good deal surprised at the well appointed accommodation offered by each
; but when visitors have to pass without a halt owing to the absence of water,
you cannot find fault at the shilling charged for a whiff at Henessey. The
butcher goes forty miles out and forty in for mutton. The beef has been turned
adrift weeks ago, while the original Scotch pie which once reared its savory
head, has sunk into but a memory of the rainy time. Beside the two public
houses, is another temple dedicated to the god of grapes solely. It is called
by its accomplished owner, Mr. Brasnall, the Crystal Fountain, and if only the
crystal water bubbled up, it would be a most enjoyable place.
Since I was there rains have fallen but, as usual, in patches. The
south mine getting the thickest patch. The C. S. A., seven miles north, are
well supplied, and the tanks along the Bourke road have been replenished. Taking
the residents at Cobar as a population, they are kind, attentive and liberal,
and if I could so order it, they should have their chief wishes fulfilled.
viz., a week's rain.
The following report on the South Cobar you may rely upon
:-Becker's shaft, 115 feet deep, lode north side of shaft in stopes 25 feet
wide, which will go about 18 percent of copper throughout. The lode coming
south from Becker's shaft, average 10 feet. Sinking from the bottom of 15
fathom level between Becker's and Hardie's shaft going through good rich
ground. Stopes in back of 15 fathom level in Hardie's shaft. Will go about 40
percent, of copper ; width of lode 10 feet. Splendid course of ore in bottom of
15 fathom level at Hardie's shaft. Lode being about 8 feet. The lode in 23
fathom level at Hardie's shaft, 20 feet wide, and that has been broken down
will go fully 60 per cent of copper, the greater part of it will go a higher
percentage, as we are now breaking a great deal of ruby oxide of copper, and I
will try to send some to you by this mail as specimens. I intend to sink
Hardie's shaft to act the double purpose of a well and drawing shaft, as we are
now 150 feet deep and it is the most likely place to get water. We are sinking
a shaft named Gorman’s shaft near the south boundary with good indications of
copper, and I have every reason to believe that we shall have a rich lode in
this shaft as we have already found some good specks of copper. I can trace
that lode right through the South Cobar property, then into Mr. Ogilvie's property,
through the Fort Bourke. Upon the whole 1 believe South Cobar to be one of the
richest copper mines yet discovered in Australia, and I am convinced it is a
permanent one; as regards low priced ore, say 18 percent. I nor no man can estimate
the quantity.
Smelting works are of the most vital consequence, and should not be
delayed an instant longer than can be helped.
Our races are over, and so are the sessions, each event going off
smoothly. The town is full of people and none complain of dullness. The weather
which has been until yesterday very cold, is now making up for it, being very
hot and dry, and rain is much needed. Socially we are about the same as usual.
I saw a strange operation performed on the road towards the place.
A child had been born to a lubra whiter than it had any right to be, and over a
terrible smoke the unhappy waif was being rubbed with grease. On making enquiry
what the odd application meant the mother replied, "Too much like white
feller, baal like 'em flour bag," so these poor creatures were intent upon
making the stranger of their own hue. If I had had a bottle or two of hair dye
I certainly, to stop the little sufferers cries, should have applied the fluid.
-November 29, 1873.
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