1871

See also: 1871 Plan of Gulgong

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

• Auctioneers:—
• Crossing and Cox, Mudgee and Gulgong;
• Blackman and Conway, Mudgee and Gulgong.
• Blacksmith. &c.:—
• J. Warry, Queen street, near Driscoll's.
• Coach and Buggy Builder: — 
• J. G. Gellatley, Market street, Mudgee.
• Hotel-keepers: —
• Wm. Hill, Maitland Hotel, Mudgee;
• S. Malone, Farmers' Arms, Mudgee;
• Geo. McQuiggin, Bushmen's Home, Mudgee;
• B. Franca, Mudgee;
• Carter (from London) Mudgee;
• W. J. Wills, Mudgee;
• W. Woods and Co., Gulgong and Three Mile;
• W. Woods and Co., Perry street, Mudgee.
• Soap and Candle Manufacturer:—
• H. Dean, Mudgee.
• Tailors:—
• Sherry and Nellthorpe, Mudgee;
• J. Stewart, Mudgee.
• Tin Smiths and Galvanised Iron Plate Workers:—
• F. Schlachter, Mudgee:
• W. Branscombe, Mudgee.
• Watchmakers and Jewellers:—
• S.E. Tuckerman, Belmore Hotel, Gulgong;
• Hughson's Hotel, opposite the Telegraph Office, Gulgong.
• Produce Dealers:—
• Blackman and Conway, Mudgee and Gulgong.
• Solicitors:—
• Geo. Davidson, Herbert street, Gulgong.
• Saddlers:—
• E. Murphy, next Hughson's Hotel, Mudgee.
• Storekeepers: —
• H. Wilson and Co., Church street, Mudgee;
• H. Wilson and Co., Three Mile;
• W. Kellett, Mudgee and Three Mile.

Source: 'Gulgong Advertiser' of November 2, 1871 as reproduced in  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative Thu 30 Jun 1932 Page 12

1871 - CENSUS (GULGONG, GUNTAWANG, BIRAGANBIL)

ADAMS	John Bede	Gulgong
ANDERSON	Peter	Gulgong
BULLOCK	Charles	Gulgong
BULLOCK	William	Gulgong
BURROWES	John	Gulgong
BUSSELL	Frederick	Gulgong
CLARKE	George	Gulgong
DEITZ	Joseph	Gulgong
DONOGHUE	Malachi	Gulgong
DONOGHUE	Joseph	Gulgong
DUNN	Patrick	Gulgong
EAGAN	Michael	Gulgong
EAGAN	James	Gulgong
EAGAN	Patrick	Gulgong
GILLET	John	Gulgong
HEALEY	James	Gulgong
HOLBUND	John	Gulgong
HOLBUND	John	Gulgong
HOLLOW	James	Gulgong
ISBESTER	Thomas	Gulgong
M'AULEY	John	Gulgong
M'AULEY	Arthur	Gulgong
MOFFIT	William	Gulgong
O'BRIEN	Timothy	Gulgong
O'DONNELL	Owen	Gulgong
O'DONNELL	Garrett	Gulgong
ROBINSON	Christpher	Gulgong
RODY	Gustavus	Gulgong
RODY	Hugh	Gulgong
ROGERS	Terence	Gulgong
SHERROCK	Robert	Gulgong
SHERROCK	Thomas	Gulgong
SHUTTLEWORTH	William	Gulgong
SMITH	Jesse	Gulgong
STOTT	George	Gulgong
UPHAM	Thomas	Gulgong
WILLIAMS	John	Gulgong
WILLIAMS	Joseph	Gulgong
WILLIARDT	Christopher	Gulgong
BEST	William	Guntawang
CHANDLER	Lewis	Guntawang
DOLE	Joseph	Guntawang
FLOOD	James	Guntawang
FLOOD	Thomas	Guntawang
FLOOD	Phillip	Guntawang
HINKELL	Kasper	Guntawang
HOWITH	William	Guntawang
IRVINE	William	Guntawang
JONES	George	Guntawang
LESTER	William	Guntawang
MARTIN	William	Guntawang
NAUGHTON	Michael	Guntawang
PETERS	David	Guntawang
POTTERTON	William	Guntawang
RAYNOR	Henry	Guntawang
ROBINS	Walter	Guntawang
ROUSE	Richard	Guntawang
ROUSE	Richard	Guntawang
ROWE	John	Guntawang
TUCKERMAN	William	Guntawang
WHITE	Henry	Guntawang
M'DOUGAL	W.W.	Guntawang        Rd

 

AITKEN	James	Biraganbil
COCKEL	Evan	Biraganbil
COPLIN	Thomas	Biraganbil
EVELIGH	Alexander	Biraganbil
FARQUET	George	Biraganbil
GREY	Alexander	Biraganbil
HARVEY	Thomas	Biraganbil
HOLMES	James	Biraganbil
INDER	Edward	Biraganbil
INDER	Charles	Biraganbil
JOHNSON	John	Biraganbil
JOHNSON	John  jnr	Biraganbil
KELLY	James	Biraganbil
LANE	William	Biraganbil
M'BEAN	Hugh	Biraganbil
MARTIN	John	Biraganbil
MAYBURY	Alfred	Biraganbil
MAYBURY	Francis	Biraganbil
MAYBURY	William	Biraganbil
MAYBURY	William       jnr	Biraganbil
MORLEY	George	Biraganbil
MOLLOY	Benjamin	Biraganbil
MOOY	Jacob	Biraganbil
NEILSON	Robert	Biraganbil
PAUL	George	Biraganbil
PEARSON	Samuel	Biraganbil
PRICE	John	Biraganbil
RAE	William	Biraganbil
REEVES	George	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George     Henry	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George	Biraganbil
ROUSE	Richard	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George     Henry	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George  Moore	Biraganbil
ROUSE	Richard	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George	Biraganbil
ROUSE	George	Biraganbil
ROWE	George	Biraganbil
ROWE	George	Biraganbil
SAUNDERS	Thomas	Biraganbil
SAUNDERS	Thomas      jnr	Biraganbil
SPARROW	Phoenix	Biraganbil
THOMAS	Charles	Biraganbil
WADE	Cornelius	Biraganbil
WILLIAMS	Francis	Biraganbil
WILLIAMS	Joseph	Biraganbil

SELECTED ARTICLES FROM 1871

JANUARY - Gulgong

SINCE this new and thriving gold-field, which is situated some sixteen miles from Mudgee, was visited by your able mining reporter some four months' since, streets have been laid out, dwelling places of all kinds and sizes-from the calico and bark hut to the decent looking store and diggers hotels have been "raised," to meet the wants of the ever-increasing population, which bids fair to be a large one ere all the precious metal, and possibly precious stones, are unearthed. There is every reason to hope from the known auriferous character of the country around Gulgong, the coarse gold being found in the hills, combined with an abundant indication of gold-bearing quartz, that the deep ground which lies under the alluvial flats among the hills will prove extensive and payable, and support a large population for a length of time. That this is the opinion of the experienced miners collected here is unquestionable; and the settlement everywhere going on proves their faith in their opinions. The field continually affords reason to believe that a thorough and patient prospecting of the district around will be well repaid by the discovery of new hills and new leads, which may at length elevate the Gulgong Gold-field into the front rank of alluvial gold-fields in New South Wales.

ON A NEW RUSH - ARRIVAL OF THE MAIL

The above illustration gives an idea of the anxiety of the intelligent miner to learn the "news" upon the arrival of the mail. The reader will understand how the musical notes of the mailman are welcomed by all parties on a gold-field; by the banker, to learn that his exchanges and gold-dust came duly to hand; by the officials of Government, to learn their movements have been approved by their superiors; and, besides these, there are the storekeepers, tradesmen, mechanics, and the numerous miners, all eager to learn " how the world jogs on," and a scramble frequently takes place for the extra numbers of the Town and Country.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 21 Jan 1871 Page 16

JANUARY - GULGONG

Every day brings in the mail coach from Sydney fresh batches of diggers, bound for this western El Dorado. The best proof of its stability is the confidence expressed in it by the old residents of this district. Mr B. Norton [Naughton] has taken the Royal Oak Inn, formerly occupied by Mr Smith, about halfway between Mudgee and Gulgong, which he is fitting up in the most complete manner, including commodious stabling accommodation, intending to make it a halfway house of call. There is no doubt his enterprise will be rewarded, as he is well and favourably known to a large number of the diggers.

Mr J D Little, of Tattersall's Hotel, intends running a fast coach regularly to Gulgong, and also a conveyance for luggage, parcels, &c.

Altogether, it looks very much as if Gulgong is going to turn out what has long been prophesied concerning it—one of the largest diggings in the colonies. There are now nearly 3000 people on the ground, their numbers are increasing every day, and the prospecting area is unlimited.

Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Sat 28 Jan 1871 Page 3

JANUARY - VALUABLE RAM - We have been informed that the Honorable William Busby, of Cassilis, has just taken from Havilah a magnificent Saxon merino ram, for which he paid Mr N P Bayly one hundred and twenty guineas. We believe this is the largest price ever paid for a colonial bred ram in New South Wales.

Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Sat 28 Jan 1871 Page 3

JANUARY - FRACAS

A fracas took place at Gulgong on Tuesday night, amongst a mob of men who wanted to compel a publican to supply them with drink without payment.

One man was accused of stealing a bag of gold from a digger, and was arrested and chained to a log; but during the night he contrived to escape, and, to show his contempt for the law, robbed the police sergeant.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 21 Jan 1871 Page 7

FEBRUARY - GULGONG GOLD-FIELDS.

Parties intending to visit this rising gold-field are recommended to patronise Little's, Tattersall's Hotel, Church and Short streets, Mudgee, where every accommodation can be obtained, and from which a fast coach starts every day direct for Gulgong, Terms moderate.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 25 Feb 1871 Page 2

MARCH - [TOWN LOTS]

Mr. Sharpe, the Government surveyor, is busy laying off the town lots at Gulgong, and authoritatively defining their boundaries, previous, we presume, to their being appraised and alienated. The new streets

laid off by Mr. Macarthur are being rapidly built on, and it is, therefore, likely that a welcome addition to the public income for 1871 will be derived from the sale of the town lots.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 11 Mar 1871 Page 6

MARCH 9TH - A VISIT TO THE GULGONG GOLD-FIELD.

[FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

THROUGH the kindness of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Milne, I was invited to a seat in Mr. Milne's waggonette on an excursion to the diggings. We started about half past 6 a.m., arriving at Green Swamp— a distance of seven miles—in about an hour, the rain of the previous day having made this part of the road rather stiff. Having disposed of our loading, we at once started for the diggings. The road from this place—after passing Slasher's Flat, and rounding the wool-washing establishment of Messrs. Atkinson aud Dean—lies over box ridges, and nearly all up hill to the diggings. We passed several farms on the right, which, to judge by the luxuriant crops of corn on the ground, must be a very rich soil. The distance from Mudgee by this road is about eighteen or nineteen miles. On nearing the diggings we met the funeral procession of the late commissioner, being accompanied by a van, two spring carts, and several Mudgee gentlemen on horseback.

From this till we arrived on the diggings we were continually meeting horsemen going to join the melancholy procession and escort it into Mudgee. About nine o'clock we arrived at our destination, and putting up at Mr. W. Self's hotel, we breakfasted; we then started on our tour through the diggings. I was much struck with the number of new buildings going up on all sides, and consider it augurs well for the stability of these diggings, they being mostly of sawn timber and weatherboards. Out of respect to the late commissioner, the banks and business places were closed till twelve o'clock. About 1900 diggers followed the body off the field, and the most general remark was 'we have lost a good man.' Nearly all the business men of Mudgee have branches here; some have removed altogether, and all seem satisfied with the prospects before them.

We first went down the old workings for about a mile and a half, and on looking at some of the deserted holes about twelve feet deep, I saw the bottom consisted of a soft greenish rock; those few that were working had evidently gone through that bottom as I saw quantities lying round the shafts; this may encourage some to try this ground over again. The washing is done mostly by pug-mills, several of which I saw at work. But the supply of water in the dam was getting very low. For waiting to see these wash out, I could nly know the returns as I was told, between from three to five ounces to the load. The whole of this street is lined on both sides with stores, publics, hairdressers, and shoemakers shops, billiard-rooms, chemists, and restaurants, boarding-houses, and small fruit shops. The goods are all as cheap as, and in some instances cheaper than can be obtained in Mudgee. I must not omit butcher's and baker's who seem to be driving a roaring trade, and also the lemonade manufactory. The machine is rather small for the consumption, which obliges them to be constantly at work. Returning to the main centre about 12 o'clock, we paid a visit to the theatre, the proprietor of which, Mr. Cogden, kindly showed us over, the stage and appurtenances being very tastefully got up by, I understand, a scene-painter from Dubbo.

Returning to Self's hotel, we dined about 1 o'clock, the viands being excellent, well-cooked, and plenty of them. Here we met the gentlemen managing the banks, a clergyman and several Mudgee gentlemen discussing the beauties of gastronomy. There are branches of three banks here, tbe N.S.W., the Joint Stock, and Oriental; all seemingly satisfied with their share of the business. After dinner we started for the celebrated Black Lead (if lead it can be called).

The appearance both of the sinking and of the wash-dirt is totally different on this lead to the old workings. Here the soil is more red, and the clay of all shades of red, yellow, and white, one in particular as white as chalk and very conspicuous amongst all the others. The stores and public houses on this line are all in various stages of progression, very few being completed. The extent of this line down to Mr. Charlton's store is about two miles, taking outside line of road, all proved ground, and will take eighteen months or two years to work out. The depth of shaft is from 110 to 150 feet, washdirt about four feet thick, and returns from three to five ounces to the load. Mr. Charlton told me about 300 shepherds pass his place (a neat little iron store), and that No. 68 was being shepherded, which allowing ten claims to the mile would make over six miles in a northerly direction yet to sink upon. Between this last claim and Mr. Deitz's, celebrated for the sixty ounces in one bucket of earth, there is a great extent of untried ground, which will take years to work out.

A great deal of activity exists in the share market, and plenty of disputes for the commissioner to decide. On my return I came across Mr. Thompson, of the Mudgee gun notoriety, busy putting up a workshop and lathe; he also intends erecting a pug mill to be worked by engine. We returned again to Mr. Self's and putting the horses to the waggon left the diggings about 5 o'clock, reaching Mudgee about half past 7, after a very pleasant trip. Not far from where we met the late commissioner's funeral in the morning, we met the empty coffin on its way back to the diggings, the body having been taken out at the Green Swamp, and placed in a leaden coffin for transmission to Parramatta for interment, leaving Mudgee in Smith's van, about 4 o'clock.

It is reported that Mr. Riley of Louee, near Rylstone, intends throwing open his ground to the diggers, good gold having been found there lately; several are on the ground waiting the arrival of that gentleman. This is about seventeen miles from Mudgee, in an easterly direction. If this is the case it will relieve the Gulgong, as the sinking will not be very deep, and plenty of water close at hand. Very little shallow ground has been found at Gulgong. Mudgee, March 9, 1871.

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Tue 21 Mar 1871 Page 3

MARCH 20TH [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

Nothing in the shape of new finds has occurred since my last, still in expectancy of something daily turning up out of the many undeclared loads that at present are being prospected. Of course, while miners are persevering, sinking and driving, it is open at any moment for new auriferous ground to be discovered, and I sincerely trust that some industrious party will be rewarded, as they well deserve, by turning up trumps in the the shape of a second Black Lead. Every miner knows that it is not always the first prospector of a gully that bottoms upon the gold; many try the ground as well as their circumstances permit, then leave the gully not sufficiently provod; yet their inclination would lend them to do further work, but having no encouragement, and perhaps their means running short, obligate them to retire, and possibly some one more fortunate (with the previous party's labour and experience before them) turn to and pop a shaft down upon the gold.

Therefore, to intending prospectors, I would advise them that before expending time and money in trying new gullies, some distance away, they would be better employed in thoroughly proviug the old—that is, some of the lately abandoned ones, as I believe are in the vicinity of gold, such as Gulgong Reef, Black Lead, &c. We could all quote many payable workings being opened by the second or third prospectors, the first, or even the second party abandoning the gully just the time they should stick to it.

Talleywang, which is about six miles distance from here is what is technically termed a poor man's diggings, that is, it will keep him poor—a mere tucker arrangement, with the odd chance of a small patch—the patches being few and far between. There is a population of about four hundred, and daily increasing. Sinking is shallow.

The All Nations Gully (undeclared load), lying east north-east from Gulgong, distance, two miles and a half, still the favourite, a little gold has been obtained but no payable. The upper prospectors are a pushing energetic patrty, they are at present driving, and this week is expected to solve the grand secret—I wish them luck.

The Black Lead has looked dark and gloomy for this fortnight or more, but it is in the catalogue of events to appear bright and cheering—which it will immediately number 12 bottoms upon the lead, or some other fortunate number. Activity and energy is displayed in searching for the lead from number 11 to numbor 23. Number 24 shepherding begins, that is playing uchre, and pitching at the mot. The frontage claims upon the lead seem to contain nearly all the run, the blocks outside, east and west, being more or less duffers. The Parramatta lead mentioned in last week's repurt is in the mining phraseology up a tree, only one hole besides the prospectors finding a little gold, and that claim much shallower in depth, a payable run may be found, but I have "little opinion" of it. A great many ideas are expressed by experienced miners regarding the probability of where the black lead will be found. Some say to the eastward of number 11, and others to the west, my own opinion is that the lead will be found shortly, whatever croakers may affirm to the contrary, and no matter which course it takes. The lead is at a standstill, which has been the case of many a good lead before, when, unexpectedly, some claim strikes the gutter, when immediately every one says "I told you so, I thought it would go that way." A block claim bottomed end of last week upon gold, west of 11 north, assisting theoretical gentlemen with the idea that the lead from 11 north might be traced westerly. The washings for the past week are:—Morris Welsh's block—about 100 loads, over 1 oz to the load, and 4 feet wash. Davis's block—also payable and satisfactory washing. No 1 north—crushing payable. No 4 north—27 loads—59 oz. No. 10 north—53½ loads—139 oz 13 dwts. 20 grs. No 5 north—payable washing (this claim having been in dispute, decline stating the returns). Mate's block, west of No. 1 south—a party of five rose 60 loads last week, and have commenced to wash, the quantity of wash-dirt making it a good claim. Some little difficulty was experienced in arriving at the amount realised out of the various washings, on account of the races and the two holidays ordered by Commissioner Johnson; but in my next I shall endeavour to particularise, to prevent errors cropping up.

Our township—Quartz Hill, named the Red, wherein is situated Deitz's original prospecting claim—has been the scene of attraction; a rich find, being in a small quartz vein, full of the precious metal, over 200 oz were obtained in different dishes, and as much as 70 oz in one dish. Two or three other claims, north and south of the prospectors, are searchmg and persevering. No doubt, if an engine was upon the ground, it would pay well. A large amount of quartz is lying about upon the surface, and miners would be more encouraged, having the knowledge that their labour would not be thrown away without having a trial. There is talk of a rush to Eurongilly. The district was never of much consequence as a gold producer. A few are leaving for it, but the arrivals more than equal the departures.

Among other gratis sights, mentioned in my last, to be seen in our streets (a sensational event in its way, and also an acknowledged institution), is the arrival of Tarrant's coach from Mudgee, every evening about 8 o'clock; there are other coaches besides Tarrant's, but Tarrant's is the coach, being the best known and largest upon the road.

The knight of the whip is careful, attentive, and civil, and immediately upon the rumble of the wheels being heard, and the huge caravan-looking vehicle looms in sight with its two lamps brightly burning, then these gentlemen miners, distracted with having nothing to do, waiting patiently for something to turn up in their favour, seize this, their rightful and undisputed opportunity, to pop out from all sorts of imaginable places—from under verandahs, from public houses, billiard-rooms, and elsewhere, flocking down the street after the coach in a kind of a quick march, jog-trot, be-in-time sort of a step, awaiting its being pulled up in front of Angove's store, which, when done, they, the miners, pronounce sentence according to the evidence then heard and seen. The sides and back part of the coach is surrounded by individuals, who close up in that peculiar manner known only to the mining community, and, I think, I can safely assert, cannot be equalled or excelled by any other class. Our worthy Jehu, holding the reins in one hand (while his youthful head man unharnesses the horses), and his head in the other hand, trying to collect his scattered wandering thoughts, most probably recollecting something that he had forgot, and that recollection immediately being everlastingly banished from his memory by the innumerable questions pitched in all manner of keys—all being asked at one time, and each and all expecting to be replied to first such as, " Did you bring that for me, Tarrant—and what did he say?" are the telegrams up; and "Has Mr. Brown come?" &c. However, Tarrant pulls through it all, and manages at the same time to keep one eye and one hand open—the hand receiving the scattered half-crowns from his passengers, and with a "Thank you, sir".

While the above is occurring in the fore part of the coach, a little arrangement is going on at the rear portion, where there is a dense crowd who gaze earnestly (as well as the darkness will enable them) into the body of the coach, endeavouring as much as possible to see who they are, what they are, and if possible find out where they come from. An inquisitive race are the gold-miners, which is not the only acquisition they are possessed of. Gallantry and an unfailing devotion to the fair sex is another, and their admiration cannot be exceeded; should fortune so favour them that their gaze should alight upon a lady passenger or two then they rest not till they succeed in learning whether those ladies are young or old—esteeming them both greatly, but yet, I must say, a prejudiced class are miners, showing a partiality and a greater amount of sympathy for the younger and best looking lady of the two.

The gentlemen passengers seeing the mass of human beings that are taking a sight at them, not to be abashed or confused, and also to give a notion that they are perfectly at home and comfortable anywhere—jump off the coach as smart as possible, catching hold of their luggage or what-not, walking off with a jaunty springing step, and going quickly in a direction nowhere,—attempting to delude the lookers-on with the idea that they know the run of the place, and have been upon Gulgong before.

There are also (winding-up the coach business) a few more who hail the arrival of the coach as an advent perhaps slightly conducive to their welfare. There are the Sydney Mail and Town and Country gentlemen rushing about in a frantic manner, informing the bystanders that both papers are sixpence a copy this week—emphasising the this week—leaving his hearers to ponder and imagine whether the price will be ninepence or fourpence the next week, or whether they will be given away gratis. The local pieman also issues his notice—that they are all hot, pies all hot—and if that does not take sufficiently well, further announces as a greater inducement that they are smoking hot. The Champion bellman and his rival take advantage of the gathering, and are in close proximity, shouting and clashing, both with bell and voice—and a peripatetic individual with stentorian voice who perpetually informs you relative to the quality! Oh, the quality, no matter whether it is oysters or peaches he refers to. And last, but not least, two or three guardians of the peace are about, slightly quickening their measured tread, and following with the gathering, scrutinising carefully, and trusting that something might occur in their line, thinking, probably, that same audacious scamp might have the indiscretion or misfortune to alight into their care and custody and where, for the present, I must leave coach, passengers gazers, and the local fraternity.

Concerning local topics, which are a trifle dull, I must not omit the one which occurred a fortnight previosly, relating to the sale of the Sydney Mail and Town and Country Journal. The business done in the sale of those papers received a blow from which it never will recover. There are trouble and expense in fetching the papers from Mudgee consequently the price of the Mail was sixpence, Town and Country ninepence. The issue of the Mail having been altered (a new series), the price of that paper was also to be the same as the Town and Country. When, lo and behold! an energetic individual, possibly imagining that the local celebrities in the paper line were making a good thing out of it, plunged himself into Mudgee, and arriving in Gulgong with a quantity of papers some little time before the advent of the ancient and original paper men, began to propagate and distribute the diffusion of useful knowledge for the low charge of six pence a copy, much to the horror and disgust of the other paper gentlemen (including a youthful new arrival, who started that week with fourteen dozen of mixed) ultimately knocking himself, paper men one and all, into the orthodox cocked hat, out of which they have never recovered, and, to the best of my belief, are all still there. I may say that the papers can be sold for sixpence a copy, provided they come direct from Mudgee, by coach, instead of being packed on horses, as they have been done hitherto.

Commissioner Johnson has arrived, being in charge of the Western Gold-field. I have not heard any murmuring or dissatisfaction. The duties are not quite so onerous as they were previous. Miners as a body are soon aware of the presenceof what is termed a good commissioner. Commissioner Johnson may arrive at that excellence, but to do so he must be firm and resolute, not vacillating, or paying the slightest attention to a one-sided argument and predisposed, before hearing the other, being given only to strict justice—not saying that he is the law, but that he is the servant and fulfiller of the laws. Give me the commissioner who is guided by no one—taking no man's advice—being acted upon only by his own common sense and judgment, in connexion with the rules and regulations before him, and more and most particularly never condescending, too concilliatory, or too much "Jack and Tom"—using too much freedom. If a commissioner does so he will be sure to be the less respected. I have seen many gold-commissioners, but the one who will study the miners' interest, being perhaps necessarily harsh, but just, is the gentleman who is spoken well of, and the best liked by experienced miners.

St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, so also have the Gulgong Races; and the latter went off—as up-country races generally do—rather so so. The weather was dubious upon Friday, but no one could say it was dubious upon Saturday, as it rained very heavily all the morning; the weather lightened a little about 2 o'clock, and the second day's races struggled through in the afternoon. It was hard and heavy work for the horses, the ground being soft, boggy, and wet. The riders looked smart enough at the start but coming in they were as black as sweeps. Upon Friday the racecourse was well attended, about four thousand upon the ground, wandering about in that restless, in active vacant manner which is peculiar to the enjoyment of admirers and attenders of races. There was a fair amount of money spent, and a fair amount made. The principal booths did a good business in the refreshment of the body, being crowded all the day through. The usual fraternity that are to be seen at races were well represented.

The general kick over was given by the zealous officers of the force to the temporary office of the over and under gentlemen. The ugliest aunt sally that could be seen any where was there, with the inevitable pipe, oftener between her teeth than knocked from them. There were many roulette boards, with many speculative admirers gathered around, and one in particular, with a lady manageress, who, with great command and volubility of speech, told you there was threeto one upon the crown and feather, level betting upon the greys, and level on the bays, when one grey wins three greys win, and so on; but in my ignorant way there seemed to be more losers than winners. Also, there were other sports or swindles, the latter being synonoymous terms at races, which I have not space to relate about, but will finish in mentioning that the usual spills took place; also two or three fights got up, and as quickly crushed by the well-organised force in attendance; and that some horses won that were expected to lose, and more horses lost which were supposed to win. Generally speaking, the races went off quickly and soberly, and a general feeling of satisfaction and relief when they were all over.

Upon town talk I have very little to say. Certainly the "Sign of the Times" is anyone's sign. The store is a fine building, and a large business is done, the interior reminding me of a Gundaroo or Bungendore store, with a quantity of glass and chamber ware facing one as he enters. The "Wonder of the World" throws the greatest light upon Gulgong township; a fine erection, good and cheap goods, well laid-out, and splendid lights, commanding the largest amount of sight-seers and lookers-on in Queen-street.

Booth will open in his new premises, just finished—a large zinc store—early next week. Tarrant's Tattersall's Hotel, in Herbert-street, is nearly finished—the finest, without exception, and will be the hotel of the place.

Building is still energetically being carried on in the different streets, and to recapitulate all would be tedious. Every trade and calling is well represented, and unless more golden ground is opened, those who are here will find plenty to compete with them, whatever calling theirs may be. Our old friend Mr. Manson is looking around, but as yet is undecided, exercising that caution and prudence characteristic of his nationality. Nothing comes after dogs and monkeys, so it seems, as we have not been favoured by any professional arrivals this lost week or two; Cogdon's is the only legitimate place of amusement, the company mostly playing to good houses, changing the performances to suit the tastes of his audiences. I may suggest that the camp buildings are still in progress, and no doubt, if the steam is put on (and by the time the rush is over) all will be completed.

That never-failing topic, the weather, is what I call wretched, one day hot, sultry; the next cold, wet, miserable and fine again for a day or two; another dose of rain, and so on. I thought I was climatised, but find I am not; from last Morch to the present month I do not recollect two weeks' consecutive pleasant weather.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 25 Mar 1871 Page 4

APRIL - [THE RUSH]

Parties of diggers continue to arrive daily at Mudgee, on their way to Gulgong, which is still preserving its character as a rich field.

A new newspaper has just been commenced, entitled the Hill End and Tambaroora Times, which is published at the latter place.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 8 Apr 1871 Page 6

APRIL - GULGONG [FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

THE above place is about eighteen miles from Mudgee and is reached by what is known as the "Pipeclay-road," which passes through the old Pipeclay diggings, and for several miles is a very rough, and in wet weather must be a very boggy road. There are many industrious settlers located along this road; but they have nothing to thank the paternal Government of this colony for in the shape of road-making. If the crops are good, they are carried at a snail's pace through mud, and go floundering in and out of holes, bogs, ruts and through dangerous creeks and rivers, having no indication as to the height of the water; such valuable but simple matters, like direction posts and mile notices, being too good, and the cost of such too small for the wise-acres who are perpetually fighting for the Government salaries they so wretchedly earn as Ministers of the Crown. The second is a good bush road, via Green Swamp, first run over by miners. It is better for the traveller to go the latter road, and return by the former, if Mudgee is his head-quarters; but only then if the weather is fine, or his trusty nag and machine may "come to grief."

For several miles before reaching this gold-field the thousands of trees that are seen "barked," sufficiently indicate the approach to some large township, and as you wind your way round the trees and over long hills of easy ascent, the calico tents and the bark huts of the toiling diggers are met with in all directions, until the seat of the principal field is in view. The field is many miles in extent, covering many hills of various sizes, several being large ones, with the expected gold-bearing quartz cropping out all over them. The views from almost every point are good; some of them would form good Australian pictures for our cottage walls, many of them being on the slopes of magnificent hills.

Let the reader imagine hundreds of men in various-coloured attire; some with the dish, the cradle, the windlass and other machines at work; the many shaped huts and tents; the handy wife of the honest digger, moving about in her coloured dress; the clothesline full of white linen, crimean shirts, and coloured blankets, studded amongst the everlasting gum, box, or ironbark trees—with those pets of the miner and his wife, the useful milking-goats (in hundreds), and their trusty dogs. And many such pictures are to be obtained at Gulgong. But a view of the two principal streets would surprise the Sydney merchant who had never seen a gold-field.

Stores, public-houses, and other business places cover not less than three-fourths of a mile in extent; and the question will soon be settled if there are not too many for the field? The storekeepers bear well-known names —several from Mudgee, others from Grenfell, and the now defunct gold and diamond field, the Two-mile Flat; beside others who, not wishing to be "behind the times," are still building, and selling "sub-rosa" for Sydney firms. The large trade transacted in the earliest days of the "rush" to this field by those well-known diggers'—storekeepers, C. Young and his neighbour, Angove, I am afraid will prove disastrous to many who envied them their hardly-earned profits. If the present Minister for Lands would but apply his "Permissive" bill to store-keepers, or "protect" the Sydney merchants by limiting the stores to a given number of the inhabitants, many of our own anxious traders would escape great losses.

There are enough stores and stock on this field for 10,000 inhabitants; while from some defect in the gold-fields regulations, from the poor prospects of the field, the numbers are decreasing, and may not be over 2000 at the present time.

Most of the buildings are slab or bark, with weatherboard fronts; but several substantial looking and well built iron stores of large dimensions are there—the three banks (Oriental, Joint Stock, and New South Wales) being miserable looking huts, involving great discomfort to the several officers of such. Why don't the directors of the several banks, when they determine to open on a gold-field, give Hudson, Brothers, or Dean (the builders) orders for a small but comfortable wooden house, and send it off ready to be put up? The firms I have named will make them offices and houses complete, from £30 upwards, and much of the inconvenience necessarily pertaining to a gold-field would be avoided by their officers. And why the Government should not do likewise, I know not.

The police have very arduous duties to perform at all new rushes, and the manner in which they are huddled together is a disgrace to their superior officers who allow it. I saw the police quarters at Gulgong, a place only fit to hold two horses, in which there were four troopers and one or two prisoners. And this open-slabbed hut was the only place the police had to keep their papers, to sleep in, and to cook and feed in—in short, it was their parlour, their kitchen, their office, their bedroom, and their lock-up! It is neither safe, nor is it respectable, that such should occur; nor would it be so unless some of their principals were blockheads.

There are, as usual, many inns and hotels—the three principal belong to Mr. Self and the two brothers Driscoll, who do all they can to make such temporary buildings as comfortable as possible, and that is but little. At some of the inns the "loafer"—and on this field they can be counted by hundreds—gets his night's drink cheap by taking the lead at the several "free and easies," and attracting many real diggers from their natural rest beyond midnight with his wretched attempt at singing. Imagine hardworking men listening to a lot of wretched rhymes, badly pronounced by a lot of idle, dirty, and loathsome loafers! At one of these low inns, in a room the roof of which was only some-twelve feet high, and the windows and doors were closed, over thirty voices were shouting the following chorus in an atmosphere polluted by vile oaths, obscene language, and the filthy breath of drunkards whose daily meals are never taken without onions—pickled or raw! The first two words were given out at the highest pitch of each voice:

Oh my! glory allebeluyah!

Gulgong is the happy land!

We'll sing the jubely,

And Beelzebub defy,

And all join the allebeluyah band!

The local police are ably supported by two Sydney detectives, one of them having gained his early experience as a London "Bow-street officer;" and it is well such is the case, it being unsafe to travel after dark beyond the two principal streets, except in company.

"Squezzing" (or garotting) and blows from heavy sticks are the methods used by a lot of cowardly villains, who have not manliness enough in their composition to face their fellow-men openly, who are too lazy to work, and whose punishment when taken should be the "cat"—the only fit instrument for cowards. One case occurred within the last fortnight, and the garotter, with the money he had taken from his victim, were in the hands of the two detectives in some three hours afterwards.

There are two fashionable hair-dressers: one is a "coiffer" from Paris! the other a "Mr. Cetta, from London!" and those who are unfortunate enough not to be able to read or write can have their letters read to them and answers written (under the strictest bond of secresy) for some nominal price. Oh, ye working men, and all others in this colony, see that everyone of the rising generation attends the invaluable public school, and thus blot out the necessity for that secret profession—the letter-writer of our gold-fields.

The place is kept pretty lively of an evening by the noises at the free-and-easies, the occasional rows from the cowards before referred to meeting with men who dare contest their manhood; and the "star variety troupe" who perform nightly, in the assembly room—a slab and bark building, in which some six performers appear; but from what I was compelled to hear, as I passed the outside, had I not better experience of a married life I should certainly hesitate before I attempted the state of matrimony the third time. The piece that evening was "Thrice Married," but the loud and discordant noises—perhaps it was eloquence—were not very assuring to those who might be contemplating such a third hazard.

Another, and a more pleasing, lively scene—and especially to the lover of billiards—is to be witnessed at Driscoll and Redman's Hotel. The billiard-room is crammed, and the taller people look over heads, through the doorway and windows, to witness the well known New Zealand boy, young Weston, handle the cue...

But besides the above, the most lively things are the industrious fleas. Do what you will, in your bedroom in the house, or on the field, they are never still, they are always on the move; men, women, and children are perpetually disturbing them at their everlasting meals they are in myriads. While you rub a few off your legs their relatives are attacking your arms, back, and other parts of your body. It is a perfect scratch all day and night; and when you strip for a sponging you appear marked all over, like a flea-bitten horse. They worry the horses, get into your buggy, and I saw one nearly drowned in some gravy on my neighbour's plate, at dinner-time. He—a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals—lifted what he thought was a fly out of his plate, but was equally pleased to discover the nimble flea hop away; and a Gulgong flea does not belong to the Tom Thumb tribe. They are not so large as grasshoppers, but considerably larger than the smart and lively flea of more civilized regions.

The court is held in the assembly rooms, the police magistrate sitting in front of a table on the stage; the prisoner appears, escorted by the police, the chiefs of which have side seats to watch the proceedings. The solicitors (if any) and the audience, or public, are seated on raised seats—-the lower portion being planks run across gin cases, soap boxes, &c. The British coat-of-arms, in bright colours, is over the representative of justice, the bright golden lion and unicorn frowning upon all below them. It is here the impartial judgments of gold commissioner Johnson were heard by me during one hour, on a Tuesday not long since. But, ye Bible-distributors, ye subscribers to the useful Bible Society, what say you, when I tell you that the court was stopped while two policemen went in search of a Bible, and they had to ask in several stores and in several hotels before one could be found, and when found it was at the bottom of a box where it had lain—time unknown!

Although there must be gold enough to support some large number on a field where Sanders obtained six pounds to a dish of dirt, and Fox and Co. found so much, I could not learn where the prospects were for so large an outlay, as witnessed in the large stocks and numerous stores.

[Written by] PERAMBULATOR.

P.S.-The interests of the miners are well looked after by the editor of the Gulgong Guardian.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 15 Apr 1871 Page 14

APRIL - [FAMOUS GULGONG]

A Correspondent sends the following description of the "famous Gulgong" to the Braidwood Dispatch:

"We got into the famous Gulgong at 8 in the morning, and I never saw a place so much like what the Happy Valley was in its palmy days. The principal street is Queen-street [Mayne], with a couple of trees in the middle of it. There are public houses, stores, three banks, built of bark; butcher's, baker's, barber's, auctioneer's, and all sorts of business places. It is almost impossible to walk up the street in the evening, for there are thousands roaming about them, and all night. There are a a great many robberies committed at all hours, in fact, it is not safe to carry a pound about you. There is great poverty stalking abroad, and I am afraid there will he much more unless the prospectors strike upon more gold. There are about 6000 persons here, and I am sure there are not more than 500 at work, but the few who are at work are getting gold in abundance. Gulgong is a most beautiful country and climate, splendid land but poorly watered. There are three doctors, a nice chemist's shop, and the Gulgong Guardian, which I send you. There are any amount of criers in the streets. Flour is 21s. per cwt.; a great quantity arrives from Sydney and Wellington. I would strongly advise any one who is making a crust to stop where he is, as this place is completely overdone, and a very great number are begging their way up."

Source: Wagga Wagga Advertiser and Riverine Reporter (NSW : 1868 - 1875) Sat 15 Apr 1871 Page 2

MAY - NEW BANK]

The Bank of New South Wales are about to erect bank premises at Gulgong, an evidence, it is to be presumed, of the stability of the gold mining in that district.

Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Tue 30 May 1871 Page 3

JUNE - [ATTEMPTED BURGLARY]

The West Coast Hotel, Gulgong, was burglariously entered on Friday night; the three burglars were captured.

Source: Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 - 1950) Tue 6 Jun 1871 Page 3

JUNE - STICKING-UP A COACH

It will be seen on reference to our telegraphic news that the coach running between Mudgee and Gulgong was stuck up near the latter place on Thursday evening, by four armed men, who succeeded in looting a considerable sum of money and articles of value from the passengers. For some time past this species of outrage has been very rare on our roads, and lest it should again become rife it is to be hoped every effort will be made to run down the robbers.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 3 Jun 1871 Page 6

JUNE - STICKING-UP OF TARRANT'S COACH BETWEEN GULGONG AND MUDGEE.

Considerable surprise was created in town on Thursday evening by the report that Tarrant's coach had been stuck-up and the passengers robbed. From Mr. Tarrant we (Mudgee Advertiser) gleaned the following particulars of this out rage:— While ascending the steep hill, on the summit of which is situated the old Gulgong reef, the horses going at a walking pace, four men rode down the hill abreast, at a sharp canter, and in the orthodox style ordered Mr. Tarrant to 'bail up. ' The men had their faces covered, and carried out their attack in a cool, business-like way. There were four passengers in the coach, and all were plundered, one asserting that he had lost £90, another £25. Mr. Tarrant was not asked to contribute. After the robbery had been completed, the gang rode on down the hill and the coach continued its journey to Gulgong.

As this is the first real attempt at reviving bushranging in this district, it is to be hoped that no exertion will be spared by the authorities in tracing the offenders. There are several peculiarities in the case that it is not desirable to publish at present which leads to the conclusion that the attack was carefully planned, and that information had been obtained that guided the prepetrators of the robbery.

On the same night three men attempted to burglariously enter the West Coast Hotel, in Herbert-street north, but were gallantly met by Mr. Gless, the landlord, when a sharp set-to occurred, which ended in the capture of this trio of housebreakers. Mr. Gless had secured one of the ruffians, when he was attacked by the other two, and the uproar having attracted the attention of the police, the other two were

quickly secured. It is creditable to the zeal and vigilance of the police stationed here that the offenders were so quickly captured.

Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 10 Jun 1871 Page 10

JUNE - The Gulgong Gold-field. [BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

I do not think your readers, either in Sydney or the country, have the remotest idea of what Gulgong is at present; for, though knowing somewhat of rushes, I was myself quite astonished when I arrived on Monday on the great gold-field of the Western district. My want of knowledge may be attributed to the meagre accounts that, from time to time, I have read in the press ; and I may here say that, having had ocular demonstration, and experienced myself in the true state of facts, I have come to the conclusion that, by some means or other, a very erroneous estimate has been formed, by people at a distance, of the immense importance of this golden territory. You can take for facts what I shall tell you, and my recollections of other gold-fields, large and small, is sufficiently vivid to enable me to form a pretty just opinion here. I landed in the Gulgong township between 1 and 2 p.m. of Monday, from the buggy of a mercantile friend, who had kindly driven me over from Mudgee; and found quarters at Tarrant's Tattersall's Hotel, in Herbert-street. There were many people in the streets, and the aspect of the place generally reminded me forcibly of what Forbes was just about the time when the first great golden holes were at work, and a month or two before the height of that Lachlan excitement. The same style of buildings in the shape of public-houses and stores; the same kind of signboards, painted by the self-same hands; the same class of "shepherds" collected in the streets, or in the "bars." All these, of which I had lost sight since the early rush to the Lachlan El dorado, were present to my view as I drove down to mine hostelrie on Monday, and little enough changed since last we met. I soon found a host of old acquaintances, and wasn't long before a programme had been chalked out for showing me round the field and posting me up in its main points of interest. Here, before proceeding into details, I must congratulate you on the popularity of the Town and Country Journal; everywhere I find it read by miners and business men; and I have to return many thanks to all classes of the population of Gulgong for their kindness in rendering me assistance whenever I needed it. The gold-field has now assumed very large proportions; and from the extent of country precisely similar to that in which the richest gold is being found, there seems every probability of permanence in the working. On all sides of the township leads, or supposed ones, are being worked and shepherded; and as already gold has been discovered in payable quantities on all sides of this centre, there is little fear of anything like a collapse for some time to come. The great attraction is, at present to "The Black Lead," where the gold is found in large quantities, there being several exceeding rich claims; and here I had a capital opportunity of judging from actual observation, as I was three days present at the washing out of No. 3—so far, the richest claim discovered. The first washing out of this ground averaged 11oz to the load, and what I saw operated upon which was some outside dirt, went about 4oz. The sinking is perfectly dry, and the depth of wash from two to three and a half feet; so that in the large-sized claims now granted (about double what they were at Forbes) twelve or fifteen hundred loads of dirt may be calculated upon. I saw also a washing up from another claim—8 and 9 amalgamated—which was very satisfactory, though not equal to Riordon's, the one already described. Some time since it was though that the gold on this lead ran out at about No. 11 or 12, because the miners had come upon a bluestone rock at a shallow depth; but after going some twenty-five or thirty feet through this, the auriferous deposit has been found below, and the coarse gold is now proved to run on as far as No. 16, the last claim on gold up to the present, and where the prospects taken off the bottom are very good indeed. Since gold has been struck in this claim (16), there has been good traffic in shares lower down, and as far as No. 25 it is considered a good thing to buy ; for I believe there is no doubt that such a run of gold as this on the Black Lead cannot be near its end while it remains coarse, and in such quantities as it is found now. Of course, as the frontage claims block off, block claims are taken up within the previously tabooed parallels; and, altogether, this portion of the field bids fair to last a considerable time, and support a large population. The day I arrived at Gulgong payable gold was struck on the Great Western, which lies on the other side of the township from the Black Lead, on the way to the Guntawang paddock; and here again, from the look of the country, there should be an extensive and permanent digging. Adams and party after whom Adams's Lead was named, and the original prospectors of the deep ground, are working at the foot of the original diggings, with good success, making a third direction in which gold is being found; and at all the points I have mentioned (except the Great Western, where only the prospectors have gone down) there are many other claims on gold besides those specified above. Three miles on the road to Mudgee is the "Three-mile Rush," where I saw flags flying, indicating that the claims are on payable gold; and at this spot those who are lucky enough to have an interest think themselves well in, as I know from having conversed with many. The "Coming Event," another new lead, runs from the direction of this "Three-mile" towards the lower end of "The Black Lead," and between them lies The Happy Valley; and as the township forms a centre surrounded by the different workings I have named, it will be seen that gold lies all round it. The Coming Event commenced a washing the day before I left ; but I do not know what the result was, neither do I think the owners expected a large return. The last escort of 2800 ounces ought to show that something in the shape of profitable mining is being done; but, of course, as on every other field, there are plenty of men getting nothing. Just at the back of the town, and in fact running down into the two main streets, is a quartz hill, which has been partially worked, but as yet not in a way to test it. Gold has been found both in the surface quartz and by sinking, and though, so far, no defined reef has been discovered, all the miners who have worked the ground feel certain of the existence of one close at hand. Steps were initiated for getting machinery on the ground, but no decisive action has been taken; and as the stone can be carted and crushed a few miles away for £1 a ton, it would seem for the present the better plan not to go to the expense of a battery, while the existence of a reef is uncertain. I did not go to the digging in Mr. Rouse's paddock at Guntawang; but there are about thirty claims being worked there, and about two-thirds are on gold; and when I see that the quartz hill at Gulgong has diffused its gold in all directions from the matrix, and further, that in two of these directions the precious metal is already found three miles away in paying quantity, I feel quite justified in expecting the intermediate country on those sides, as well as that within the same radius on the others, to yield a supply of gold for a very large population. At present the Gulgong field is in its infancy. The description of gold is coarse, waterworn nuggets, with some cement, but very little quartz mixed with it; and it is of the best quality, the banks giving £3 17s an ounce for it on the spot. The price charged by the puddlers is 4s a load, out of which they pay 2s for carting, and some old Forbes acquaintances, whom I found proprietors of the machines where the No. 3 stuff was put through, told me that they did fifty loads a day in the two machines. As I said before, I look for this to be a great gold-field possibly as permanently payable as any other in New South Wales, and that many of the Black Lead claims will yield at the rate of £4000 a man to parties of four, I have no doubt. The look of the wash now being taken out low down the lead gives no reason for thinking that that portion is not as rich as higher up. For putting me in the way of gaining information, I have much to thank Mr. Stacey of the Oriental Bank, and Mr. sub-inspector Medley; and wherever I went, the claimholders gave me all facility, among which latter I must particularly mention the men of No. 3, who were excessively obliging. And so, having thus shortly described the gold-field as it is, I will tell you something of the township of Gulgong. This consists mainly of two streets running at right angles, and within a trifle of north and south and east and west. In one of these—Queen-street, which runs up from what were the original diggings, in the direction of the Quartz Hill, are situated the three banks Oriental, New South Wales, and Joint Stock; the principal shops (some of which, as I will presently describe, would astonish the ladies and gentlemen who "do George-street"); the theatre, and several hotels. Among these in this street, the principal being those of Messrs. Selfe, Driscolls, and a fine new house now in course of erection by Mr. M. Ward. In "Herbert-street," which runs down from the Quartz Hill to the head of the Black Lead, there are lots of hotels, at the head of which stands "Tattersalls" ; and some stores, among these being conspicuous, the branch of Messrs. Dickson and Son (presided over by Mr. M. Walker), which is close down to the main diggings, well situated, and apparently well stocked. Opposite to Tattersall's, Mr. Coleman, from Brickfield-hill, has a drapery store, and Mrs. Coleman had her window well dressed with really beautiful bonnets. Hereabouts, too, are some fancy shops, where pocket-books, knives, tobacco, and such articles,—luxuries to some, necessaries to others—are supplied at reasonable rates, and of good quality; and it reminded me of old times when I sought the establishment of "Professor Vallou," and treated myself to a "nice easy shave." The time to see Queen-street (some call it Main-street) is at night, crowded for a quarter of a mile with miners, and its shops well lit. Here is Mr. Booth's drapery establishment, which, for the quality of its stock and beauty of its "fixtins," if not for its size, would not be put to shame alongside of Farmer and Painter's. It is excellently lit of an evening; and your Sydney belles might receive cum grano what I could tell them about the beautiful shawls and mantles I saw there. The owners of this fine shop are about erecting another alongside, in which they will keep other descriptions of goods, and it is not too much to say that they are very sanguine of success in this extra spec. Mrs. Angove, on the opposite side of the way, having been the earliest in the field, has established a good name among the diggers, and is doing a capital general business; in fact, so far as I could judge, I should say the best on the field. There are the usual amount of other stores; but these are the principal; and in the same street Messrs. Sippel, Brothers have a tobacconist's shop on a very creditable scale; while Mr. Tissington does the photographing business in a manner to gain a good share of support. The hotels of Mr. Selfe and the two Messrs. Driscoll do a large amount of business, and do it well, the first named having the leading business of the street; but Mr. Selfe unfortunately sold the corner of his ground, and so spoiled the stand. Had he kept it he might have had the finest bar and premises ever seen on a gold-field. The accommodation at this hotel is really excellent. On the little corner sold by Mr. Selfe, Mr. Barnes, the chemist, of Mudgee, has put up a branch establishment, which is well fitted up, and stocked with every thing usually seen in such shops; and a most remarkable fact I noticed is, that sundry and divers commodities in every-day use are here to be bought at Sydney prices. Far from the least creditable places in Queen-street are the butchers shops, which for cleanliness and quality of the meat are not to be surpassed in Sydney; and though I saw three, among which is little to choose, I must give the palm to that of Mr. Leggatt. By-the-bye, the beautiful beef I saw comes from Guntawang and Biragambil, the establishments of the Messrs. Rouse, which I shall describe fully in my next, after having as I hope had a good look at them for myself. If I've left the Tattersall's of mine host Tarrant till the last, it isn't because it's least in my thoughts, or least in importance on the field. Far from this. Well, I stayed at "Tatt's" of Gulgong, and the only thing I was sorry for was that the landlord hadn't more rooms. I was well lodged, well fed, well waited on. The quality of everything was good. One never rang twice, or was kept waiting for his boots; and while the efforts to please were unremitting, I was quite astonished at the smallness of the charges—moderate anywhere—but absurdly so on a golden rush. The stables of Tattersall's are something to talk of. In my experience of gold-fields in their palmy days (by which, of course, I mean their most crowded), I never saw such stabling; and it really was a treat to see the bedding and forage that were all ready when the nags arrived. I'm not here speaking only of the racing nags, for I've seen lots of such in my time that would have given some thing for such beds to lie on as the buggy horses had at Tattersalls. I've done with the praising of quarters, and sorry for it too; but though I hate finding fault, I can't some times help it. The official arrangements are the most prominent where a large body of miners and business people have to be attended to, and the usual crowd of hangers-on have to be kept in order; and if ever officials had a difficult task imposed on them by the head-quarters, those of Gulgong are they. The police magistrate, as your readers are aware, is also gold-fields commissioner, and performs other duties galore; but strange to say, he has no quarters of any kind. No office wherein to write and receive persons on business; no safe to keep his books in; no court-house in which to hold judicial sittings; but he must work all day, without the least security that on the morrow the records of most important business may not have been appropriated. I was almost inclined to laugh when I saw Mr. Browne sitting in front of the green drop-curtain of the theatre, with the pianoforte doing duty as a table for him to write on. I believe I should have laughed outright, but that there was a draught coming in at my old friend's back fit to cut him in two, and holes enough were in the roof to have caused drowning in a moderately heavy shower. Positively the state of things is scandalous. Mr. Browne does immense work, and does it well ; the people all have confidence in him, and he has the firmness, the discretion, and the savoir faire to act up to his position; but unless he is allowed the proper conveniences for doing justice to the position and the people equally, the Government can not expect things to go on as well as they hitherto have gone. Quarters are what are wanted, and those in power may rest assured that the work can be well done, and will be also, if the proper facilities are given in the shape of convenience. The police come next, and to the position of the officer in charge the same applies as to deficiency in the quarters. The police barracks are wholly inadequate for the purpose; the men have to eat, and drink, and sleep, and take informations, and registrar brands, in one room; and presently after, you will see the police magistrate hearing a case there, with the plates and dishes on one side, and the office books on the other. The whole thing is absurd. How Mr. Medley has managed to do it is a puzzle which some "aulder mon" than I must solve; for he has not half the police the gold-field should have; and yet a more orderly gold-field I never saw. After going over it carefully, I have no doubt there are 7000 people there, to which are apportioned, I think, about eight policemen all told; and this when the Government are making a fine revenue out of the field, with every probability of a regular increase for some time yet to come. I was quite glad to see how quickly robberies were discovered; but it's only giving a premium to bushrangers to allow the police officer no men for patrols. Nothing is so easy as to draw £1500 a year in Sydney, and fancy Gulgong like the street of George; but those who do this should have some consideration for the man who, on a couple of hundred a year, is answerable for the safety of business people's property among a population of 6000 or 7000 well-intentioned miners, and the usual few hundreds of ill-intentioned followers. But if the Government are short-sighted, what shall I say of the banks? I'll guarantee that some of our Sydney banking chiefs wouldn't keep their horses in such quarters as I saw occupied by Mr. Stewart, of the Joint Stock, while confined to his bed with a very serious attack of colonial fever; and Mr. Stacey, of the Oriental, who has just recovered from a like attack, is no better housed. These gentlemen have on their shoulders all the anxiety inseparable from the safe custody of a thousand or two ounces of gold in a bark hut; and they are liable to all the ills consequent on wet and cold, while looking out day after day and hour after hour for some one coming to ease them of their charge. It isn't as if it took an age to put up a building, for some private individuals have stores built in a marvellously short space of time; but somehow, "out of sight out of mind" seems as natural to Sydney bankers as to Sydney Governments, and nothing is done. This doesn't apply to the New South Wales, for which a good banking-house is going up; and I hope, when next I go to Gulgong to see my other friends in the moneyed interest similarly treated. The place was well off for amusements last week; having, besides others, Ashton's Circus, which drew well; but the great attraction was the Cameron troupe, with young Allan Cameron, who is really a wonder, as a juvenile singer of characteristic songs, and I should expect would be a great star at your Prince of Wales Opera-house. His father, who has been so long and favourably known as "The Old Musketeer," has taught his son well; and the youngster is by no means slow to learn, for he sings and acts capitally. The rest of the troupe are good, and take well; and besides these I heard Professor Saunders on the harp, who is quite thrown away at Gulgong. The press seems always left for the last notice at all entertainments; and, in conclusion, I have to compliment an old friend of yours on his success as proprietor of the Gulgong Guardian. Mr. De Courcy Browne has had long experience of gold-fields, and I was glad to see that in his present capacity he appears to have the confidence of miners, as well as the respect of all other residents. Here, then, I say good-bye to Gulgong, with many thanks for the many kindnesses I received there as the representative of the T. and C. —June 3,1871.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 10 Jun 1871 Page 6

JUNE - GULGONG DIGGINGS.—Spring-carts will leave the Sportsman's Arms, 256, Pitt-street, on THURSDAY, June 15th, carrying passengers and swags for Gulgong Diggings, at £1 10s per head. Apply early.

Source:  The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 14 Jun 1871 Page 1

JULY - NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Writing to a townsman Mr. James Jackson, formerly resident for years in Gundagai, but now managing Mr. C. H. Witton's store at Gulgong, expresses a very favorable opinion of this new gold-field. The last escort, he says, took 3733 ozs. of gold to Sydney, and one bank held a portion back. In six months hence he expects the average yield of gold will be largely increased. A squatter named Rouse seems to be making well out of the gold-field. The letter we refer to states that the lead of gold runs through his purchased land, and that he receives £20, £50, and in some cases £100 from claim-holders for permission to work there, besides getting one-fifth of the gold they obtain. To ensure his receiving his full allowance the astute squatter has the wash-dirt washed at his own puddling machine. Trade seems to be brisk at Gulgong, which is more than can be said of many other localities, and the afternoon and evening appear to be the favorite times for making purchases and transacting business generally. We trust Mr. Jackson may progress favorably in his new location.

Source: The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931) Sat 29 Jul 1871 Page 2

AUGUST - [POPULATION]

A correspondent from the Gulgong says the population is still on the increase. The number now on the goldfield he estimates at over eight thousand persons.

Source: Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 - 1950) Fri 25 Aug 1871 Page 2

OCTOBER - GOLD-FIELDS.

It is notified that Mr. Lester Stuart Donaldson, clerk of petty sessions, has been appointed mining registrar at Gulgong, in accordance with Gold-fields Regulations of 24th September, 1869.

Source:  Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Wed 11 Oct 1871 Page 2

OCTOBER - [MINING]

Sydney, October 17 th.

The depressing influences of the exodus to the Currajong rush, the want of rain, and the non-discovery of any new workings likely to afford employment to the claimless miner, have resulted in the dullness that has prevailed at Gulgong, during the past week, which has been a very quiet one. Speculation in mining ventures, says the local paper, is but a ghost of the past, and will not revive until something like a substantial payable workings is discovered, for which happy result many hope, but few try. 

The long and anxiously expected rain has not yet come, much to the disappointment of the owners of puddling machines, whose supply of water is being rapidly used up, those situated on Reedy Creek excepted. The lead principally talked of during the week has been the 'Caledonian,' which is situated on the northern boundary of Rouse's 4000 acre paddock. A claim known as No. 16 in the paddock has bottomed on payable gold at 116 feet, and a trial washing of eight loads yielded 2 oz per load. The prospectors of the Caledonia have also bottomed a shaft at 118 feet, and are currently believed to be on the same lead of gold. No. 12 north on this lead has hoisted the flag, and are obtaining payable prospects, which has had the effect of raising the drooping spirits of claimholders, and giving an impetus to speculation. We still hold our expressed opinion that the Caledonian has its name to make. On the Canadian lead there is some little improvement, though the lead is not extending with the quickness that was naturally expected from the facilities existing. The great depth of washdirt in the claims on gold loads to the belief that a long continuous lead will be proved to exist, and though private properties bars the way, many are determined that the ground shall be thoroughly tested. At Rapp's Gully, mining matters are rather quiet, consequent on the want of rain to fill the dams now erected, and set the puddling machines going to reduce the large paddocks of wash dirt that are to be seen on the claims on gold. This locality is much thought of, and some hundreds have settled down, determined to wait until a plentiful supply of water will enable them to thoroughly test their claims. There are a couple of parties prospecting for reefs in the range from which the gully has received its gold, so far without reporting a find. On the Black Lead, No. 18 W, has bottomed, but not on gold; the party are now driving westerly, and fully expect to be able to hoist the flag in a few days. No. 31 It has also bottomed off the gold, being much too shallow, The intervening claims between these numbers are now going through the basalt rock, and do not calculate on pricking the bottom for the next five or six weeks.

Litigation is still the order of the day on the Happy Valley lead, and likely, to be so until a more workable set of regulations are enacted. The frontage system has not been an unmixed blessing on this gold-field. On the Helvetia, Star of the South, and other leads in their vicinity, there is nothing to report. The prospectors of the Durham lead have raised funds by public subscription, to crest a whim on their claim, to enable them to more effectively contend with the water and test the value of their ground, which many experienced men think will prove right. 

Population is still pouring in from Sydney and as very few are leaving for Currajong, the streets are gradually assuming their old crowded aspect, though not so much as formerly.

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Thu 26 Oct 1871 Page 3

OCTOBER - TO MUDGEE and GULGONG.—SMITH'S Five horse VAN leaves Wallerawang twice a week, carrying passengers and light goods at moderate charges. For further particulars, apply to John Pope, 195, York-street.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 28 Oct 1871 Page 9

NOVEMBER - COMMERCIAL

Heavily laden vans with goods from Sydney pour into our principal streets nearly every hour in the day, which constantly reminds one of the great population centred at Gulgong whose wants must be supplied. No wonder that the Treasurer reports a favourable state of the revenue when such a vast quantity of dutiable goods are consumed upon our gold-field.

Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 25 Nov 1871 Page 4
 

GLORIOUS NEWS FOR WIDOWS

In the Western District we find a gentleman advertising for second hand ducks. This must certainly apply to widows, and if there are any in Gulgong, the present chance should be immediately taken advantage of.

McLENNAN AND JONES'S REPORT

We sold this week 12 saddle hacks from 20s to 55s, 2 draught horses from £7 10s to £9 5s, 2 saddle horses with saddles and bridles from £2 17s. 6d to £4 10s, 2 drays £7 10s to £8 10s, ½ ton cheese 4½d per lb, 2½ tons potatoes £6 per ton, bacon and butter scarce. 

Share Market.— This week more active. Sold 1 share in Saunders' prospecting quartz claim for £160. Enquiries for shares on Black Lead below 18 in demand. In 21 and 22 under offer at £400 and £300. Several small town properties sold at reduced prices. Central business sites dull at sale.

RUTLAND AND DAY'S REPORT

We have sold a galvanised iron house for £19; for carts and horses we obtained extraordinary high prices. We sold a hotel, which fetched a good figure; we also sold the stock in trade of a storekeeper, fetched the highest price ever known in Gulgong. We are much in need of business sites, and our previous week's report will show the high prices we obtained for them.

STAR DRAMATIC COMPANY

This company has during the past week, been performing at the theatre back of Ward's public house, to fair average houses. On Tuesday evening the piece called 'Black-eyed Susan' was introduced, the part of William being taken by Mr Flynn, and that of Susan by Miss Morgan. We do not know the name of the party who took the part of Bailiff, but we think the allusion to Billygoat Hill and the Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser, however witty they were intended to be, were entirely out of place in the piece. We recollect seeing Mr T. P. Cooke play in 'Black-eyed Susan' on the London boards many years ago, and we certainly do not recollect, either Billygoat Hill or Mercantile Advertiser being introduced; it is true we were young at the time, and might have forgotten the circumstances.

RICH POOR GOLD-FIELD

It may appear paradoxical, yet is nevertheless true, that Gulgong is the richest and yet at the same time the poorest goldfield now existing in New South Wales. As far as riches are concerned, it appears gold to the value of nearly £200,000 has been raised on this field during the last 6 months, but, however rich it has been in gold, yet it is steeped in poverty as regards education. There are at the present time hundreds of children running wild in Gulgong, as ignorant as Kangaroos, without school houses or teachers. It is true there are some bark places called schools, but nothing at all situated to the requirements of the gold fields. The public seem apathetic as regards education, but it is high time they awoke from their apathy; the children of the present generation will be the parents of the next, and it is easy to perceive what will be their state without education. We hope the people of Gulgong will at once see the necessity of educating their children, and lose not one moment in providing a public school worthy of so rich a place, and let it be as rich in educational means as it is in golden treasure.

Source: 'Gulgong Advertiser' of November 2, 1871 as reproduced in Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Jun 1932 Page 12

NOVEMBER

GULGONG. (From the Dubbo Dispatch.)

The town of Gulgong is somewhat like Sofala—you do not see it till you are in it. It lies nestled in a valley, with hills surrounding it. On the sides of those eminences and down in the valleys below, the skill and energy of the gold-hunter have been employed. The via sacra, of the place is Queen street, called, I suppose, in honour of the good and gracious monarch of the Empire. It is a narrow irregular street —as sinuous in its windings as a snake. It bears a strong resemblance, so far as it goes, to what Ranken street was in the bright days of the Forbes rush, when the South Lead men were unearthing gold by the hundredweight, and the weekly escorts reached 16,000 ounces and over. Indeed, Queen-street is a miniature Ranken-street. There are the same old names on the signs —the same class of buildings, and the same men parading the streets on Saturday night. Walking along, I met old friends on every side—now it was a Dubbo emigre, and anon a digger whose South or North Lead pile had been expended in the development of Thames quartz-reefs, sunk in a bubble company, or "knocked down" at a public house bar.

I saw Gulgong's Saturday night. It was, like on every diggings, where 8000 or 9000 people are congregated, a somewhat lively affair. The main street was tolerably crowded; the theatre, at which the evergreen Joey Gougenheim played (whose impersonation of pretty Nelly Gwynne affected me once more than anything I know of), was crowded to suffocation. The hotels, those especially in the heart of the business—Selff's, Harford's, Hill's, Driscoll's, and Tarrant's—were well patronised—the billiard markers were pretty busy, and here and there Cheap John men launched forth in tones of fervid eloquence on the excellence of their wares. "Prawns" were shouted as regularly as in the metropolis, and, to be sure, on the side of the street were to be seen the inevitable galvanic battery and the strength testing machine. The rifle was cracking at several galleries; and all the while the crowd swayed backward and forward —tramped with measured tread up and down the street. The newsvendors (who, by the way, I noticed were nearly all countrymen of Bismarck), plied with remarkable energy their trade. On every side, in a strongly marked Teutonic accent, you heard "Sydney Mail, Town and Countery Journal, Freeman's Journal,—who calls de Mail?" After the theatre was closed, horns sounded: and coaches rushed about excitedly in all directions, while drivers lustily drew attention to the fact that they were bound for "Adams's," "Three Mile," "Canadian," or any of the very many suburbs of Gulgong, where mythical leads are daily looked after from 9 to 11 by gentle Arcadians. At twelve o'clock all was still. The streets were empty the houses closed, and all signs of that life which was so active half an hour previously, as dead as Caesar or a door nail, which, according to De Quincey, is next to Gilman's Life of Coleridge, the "deadest of things dead."

One notable feature in connection with Gulgong, compared with other gold fields I have visited or resided on, is the total absence of dancing rooms. These rooms are invariably the haunt of the "loafers" and the nurseries of vice and crime, and I think it was a wise policy on the part of the authorities withholding music licenses. Gulgong is well supplied with Churches. The Church of England denomination have a nice building, so have the Catholics and Wesleyans. The Presbyterians are about to erect a place of worship. Up to the last week or so, Mr. Pickering has been administering to the spiritual wants of the Anglicans, but he has been succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Butcher, who has just arrived from England in the Nevada. A testimonial worthy of Gulgong and highly complimentary was being raised when I was on the field, for presentation to Mr. Pickering. Father Dunne (assistant of the Rev. Mr. O'Donovan, of Mudgee) attends to the Catholic population; and a very worthy man and earnest preacher, the Rev. Mr. Craig, of Wagga Wagga, is in charge of the Presbyterian mission. Who the Wesleyan minister is I don't know—I met each of the other reverends but not him. Gulgong has a Hospital also, and very quickly it was raised. The prompt manner in which it was erected speaks volumes for the generosity of the diggers and business people. A month or so back, there was no sign or talk of it, yet now an Institution for the sick and destitute has been raised, and on a hill overlooking the town it stands out proudly, a fitting memorial of (to slightly alter the poet's reading) "man's humanity to man."

The orderly character of the field is simply wonderful. This is entirely owing, I have reason to believe, to Sub-Inspector Medley' admirable management, ably seconded as he is by his lieutenant, Sergeant O'Donnell, whose old Forbes experience now stands him in good stead. On Sunday morning I noticed a bit of a "mess" in Queen-street, at the Star Hotel, but it was a very simple affair, and the offenders were quickly borne off to the "logs." The Police Court business is pretty heavy, but is more of the civil—if any law business may be called so—than criminal. The C.P.S., Mr. L. S. Donaldson, J.P., formerly of Cowga, Bogan River, seems to have enough to do, but he is quite able for the work, and brings to his aid an unquestionable amount of ability. It strikes me very forcibly if the Civil Service was generally composed of such men as "Dictator" there would be little need for test examinations, and the work of the offices would be efficiently executed. If Mr. Donaldson remain in the Government employ, I predict for him a prosperous future, for no matter how much kissing goes by favour, abilities such as he possesses must be recognised. The law is well represented by branches from the principal Mudgee offices—evidently the most popular practitioner being Mr. Russell, of Mr. Davidson's establishment. The College of Surgeons has also some of its children to the fore. Dr. Ramsay (well-known in Dubbo) and Dr. Bellinfante (the gentleman who dispenses alternately law and physic and affects philological disquisitions) seem to be the best known and most commended. There are many on the field, calling themselves medicos, but the Medical Board knows them not; and as medical quackery is just at present being found out, I think the soi disant practitioners have to use all their wits to gain a living. There are three banks on the rush—the Oriental, which has a very nice office near Selff's—is under the management of Mr. Stacey—a name well known and respected by all old Forbes men.

The Gulgong, as a gold-field, is undoubtedly the nearest approach to the Lachlan we have yet had in New South Wales. The deep lead sinking is the same in both places, but I cannot yet be persuaded that the Happy Valley, with all its riches, and all the talk about it, is equal to the famous South Lead. The only two gutters in which anything like good gold has as yet been found are those known as the Black Lead and Happy Valley. On No. 18 of the former they struck very heavy deposits a few days back. A bucket of dirt, it was reported, gave 33 ozs. This is a magnificent yield, if it be correctly stated. There is some talk of Happy Valley functioning with the Black Lead, near 18 or 19, but, of course, this is more speculation, which has no other foundation than that the strata in the claim were becoming suspiciously like the Happy Valley strata. There are any number of other leads, or supposed leads. Rouse's Paddock workers have come on water, and drums will most probably have to be used. They have got gold, but not heavily, in the Moonlight, Caledonian, and Rapp's Gully. Speculation is rife but this is an unhealthy sign. I don't care about seeing too much of this sharebroking gambling on a gold-field. It doesn't argue well for the stability of a rush. It looks too much like as if everybody was trying to take in his neighbour. The prospects of the field can't well be guessed at even. There is a large extent of country yet unprospected, and if the whole of it should prove payably auriferous, there is no question that Gulgong will eventually be the most extensive field opened. The place has more chances of permanence than Forbes. There are payable quartz-reefs in the vicinity—and the Lachlan had none of those. The Britannia was the only "stone hill" near, and it made more "calls " than paid dividends to the shareholders. I am anxious to know how the Royal Commission, recently appointed, will report. Like all such Boards, I am afraid, however, it will result in a great deal of talk and very little wool. The miners and the business people of Gulgong have very little faith in the Commission. Perhaps they are right. One word in conclusion. I would advise all who have anything to do elsewhere not to throw it up for the Gulgong. Of course those who are idle may as well be doing nothing there as anywhere else; they have the chance, too, of coming on, to use a turf phrase, "the real good thing." Gulgong is overdone at present—both in a commercial and gold-mining sense, and people should, before flying to it, as I regret to say, many are doing, attracted by the riches in the few "jewellers' shops" on Black Lead and Happy Valley, wait for its development. Six or nine months more will prove its permanent character, for the pick and shovel are busy in every nook and corner—in every hill and gully.

Source:  Wagga Wagga Advertiser and Riverine Reporter (NSW : 1868 - 1875) Sat 18 Nov 1871 Page 4

DECEMBER 

It appears that at Gulgong there are eleven different leads, on which over two hundred claims are being worked. On, some of these leads the yield averages 3 oz. 2 dwts per load, in some instances it is stated to be as low as 3 to 5 dwts. per load. The population of Gulgong is estimated at 10,600. From the period of the escort being established up to the present time, the total yield has been 65,306 ounces. The Commissioners consider that without further discoveries the present importance of the place cannot be maintained for more than twelve months. They also remark upon the good order that prevails among the

population.

Source:The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Thu 21 Dec 1871Page 2

Gulgong is about to throw off the shabby garb under which it has so very long existed, and assume an appearance of respectability, an appearance somewhat in keeping with its vast treasures. The old style of bark building is now nearly a thing of the past, and the imaginative powers of the artist are drawn into requisition day by day; in fact, the very society of this place has undergone a change. The great mass of idlers that were to be seen loitering about the corners, or lazily parading the streets, have nearly all shifted their pegs, and now may be seen the bustling man of business, or the industrious miner, fleeting along like so many steam engines, no doubt each one intent on his own particular mode of adding to the £ s. d. column.

Our new theatre is going ahead rapidly, and will be finished in a few days. It is anticipated that it will be one of the best out of Sydney. The new Court is going up — and down, too, at times. A great portion of the work was completed some time since, but a gust of wind brought the ponderous frame to earth.

The new Catholic Church—a magnificent building—is nearly completed. It is of the Gothic order of architecture, and is really beautiful, and considered to be one of the finest ever erected on a gold-field. It would, in point of style and finish, leave in the shade many of our metropolitan churches. Much credit is due to the good and indefatigable pastor and his flock for raising to the glory of God an edifice worthy of the object. It was designed and erected by Mr. P. W. Kelliher; and so highly pleased are the committee with the manner in which the work has been executed, that it is their intention to give Mr. Kelliher a complimentary dinner.

And while speaking of business, I may mention that our old friend McDonough is building a new public house in Queen-street, next Cogdon's, where he will be most happy to meet all his old friends. Mr. Selff's new two-story house is in full swing, and no doubt driving a good trade.

The Masonic ball came off on Tuesday, 21st inst., with great eclat. A fire broke out during the evening in the ladies' dressing-room; and were it not for the prompt assistance that was rendered, might have ended more seriously. The origin of the fire is not quite known; but it is asserted by some that the delicate creatures in waiting were affected by the fragrance of the consumables in the adjoining hall, and dipped their tapers a little too near the tapestry.

A meeting was held at Selff's to take steps toward the establishment of a Public School. Another meeting was held at Driscoll's, Warburton Hotel, to consider the advisability of giving pecuniary aid to the discoverer of the water at Happy Valley. This meeting was adjourned until Monday.

On Saturday morning an accident occurred in No. 2 Claim, North Black Lead, by which a man named Bell was killed on the spot, and another named Lennan so seriously hurted that he had to be removed at once to the new hospital, where he lay for some time in a most precarious condition. Hopes, however, are now entertained of his recovery. The remains of the unfortunate man were removed to the last resting place on Sunday morning, followed by a large concourse of people. The greatest sympathy was manifested by the inhabitants for the poor sufferers. The hospital, which has been open a short time, has nothing very inviting about it, and yet, unfortunately, it seems to be only too well patronized.

THE LEADS. — Con, the Greek, is at last rewarded for his perseverance. He has struck gold on the Star at last; and I have been informed that the prospects were from 1½ to 2 dwts. to the dish. The Caledonian, or Ovington's Lead, is quite the rage. Only a week ago and shares were at a discount. Now, however, prices are stiff, and likely to remain so. No 2 Claim, on the lead, is turning out beautiful, and is considered to be one of the richest on the field. The prospects average about 5 dwts. to the dish, and the full of a small paper candlebox gave the magnificent return of 15 dwts. On the Moonlight, sinking is vigorously proceeded with. There was a rush to a place about seven miles from here on Saturday, the sinking being only six feet, and the prospects about ½ dwt. to the dish. Yet it seems to be thought very little of, and many have returned.

The weather during the past week has been very hot and oppressive. Rain is much wanted; all our dams are nearly dry. If it does not rain here long, we may expect to have a very dull Christmas.

AMUSEMENTS. — For some nights past, Mr. Morton Tavares and Miss Surtees have been playing before a Gulgong audience at the Theatre Royal, and certainly did not receive that amount of patronage one might expect. This was in a great measure caused by the increased price of admission, but, as they have since been lowered to the old figure, we may expect to see bumper houses. The Panopticon has been exhibiting in Herbert-street during the week to fair houses, and it is really very good. The mechanical figures are excellent, and the scenery very natural. The singing of Mr. Brown was very comic — rather so — that sort of singing that would make a man step outside and have five minutes intermission; and I think the manager is standing very much in his own light in not doing away with this part of the entertainment. Certainly, no person of respectability would invite a female to a place when such low songs are sung.

Source: The Irish Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1871 - 1872) Sat 2 Dec 1871 Page 5