GULGONG CHINESE HISTORY

INDEX

• AH LUM
• AH MAN
• A SAC
• ON HING
• SUN TONG LEE
• WINN HONG
• WILLIAM SAM, BOARDING HOUSE
• SAM HAND, BOARDING HOUSE
  
  See also: LOCAL CHINESE DEATHS 1870-1910

The following Chinese names were listed among the 275 signatories on the 1873 petition to have Gulgong declared a Municipality:

• On Hing, Gulgong, merchant
• Ah Pooey, Herbert-street, storekeeper (X his mark)
• E. Sung, Herbert-street, storekeeper
• Sun Tong Lee, Herbert-street, merchant
• Sing War, Herbert-street, storekeeper

NEWS ITEMS

The following newspaper extracts shed a little light on the Chinese community in Gulgong during the gold rush years and into the next century. The vast majority of these were contributed by Ruth Davis of Gulgong who typed them up from microfiche files.

1871_____________

1871 - ILLEGAL DETENTION

Ah Sam v Charles Pain -The defendant is a publican at Two Mile Flat and the complainant is a Celestial gardener in the same locality, over a mare.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 17 10th June 1871

1871 - SUN TONG LEE.
A celestial storekeeper is opening an unusually large store next to Langdon’s Emporium in Herbert Street.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 18, 17th June 1871

1871 - Advert
SUN TONG LEE General Store Keeper Begs to inform the Housekeepers, Hotelkeepers, miners and others, that he has opened a BRANCH of his Sydney store in Herbert Street, with a choice lots of ‘choices’.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 22, July 15 1871

1871 - CELESTIAL ENTERPRISE.
Gulgong differs in a business way from any goldfield we have seen opened in this Colony since 1861, by reason of the enterprise exhibited by the Chinese Traders in competing with the European’s. In Herbert Street there are 2 Chinese stores owned respectively by Sun Tong Lee and Co. and On Lee & Co., which in size and stock compares very favourably with their European rivals. The site of the latter is the largest store under one roof on the goldfield, being 70ft long x 30ft wide. It has plate glass windows and is neatly fitted inside with counters and shelves.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 25 August 5th, 1871

1871 - GLORIOUS NEWS - 
SUN TONG LEE, General Storekeeper, Begs to inform the Housekeepers, Hotelkeepers, Miners and others that he has opened a Branch of his Sydney Store in Herbert Street, with a choice and well-assorted Stock of Groceries, Drapery, Ironmongery, Hardware, Boots, Rope Tinware at such LOW PRICES as will enable everybody to patronise him and get full value for their money. His goods are ALL NEW and of the best description. Remember—–SUN TONG LEE —Herbert Street
Source: Mercantile Advertiser, August 24 1871

1871 - "John” in Trouble

Ah Hong, a Chinaman, was charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr. Benjamin, one month Mudgee goal.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 29, 2nd September 1871

1871 - From Town Improvements
The storekeepers are highly incensed at the Chinamen coming in and monopolising the trade. We can see no present redress for it, it is well known a Chinaman can live and grow stout for two shillings a week for rice and unless the Europeans can live at a lower rate the Chinese will undersell them. But seriously speaking some check ought to be placed upon the Chinese encroachment. We hear that in Victoria they are not allowed to keep stores in a township; some such measure should be taken in this colony.
Source: Mercantile Advertiser No 5 14th September 1871

1871 - CANINE SAGACITY

Some days ago a lady, accompanied by a handsome Newfoundland dog, entered a Chinaman’s store in Herbert Street. Having completed her purchases, the lady left the store, but the dog was shut in. The noble animal sprang through the glass door. A Chinaman gave chase, swearing vengeance, and armed with a cheese knife. The general public assembled in numbers and howled with laughter as the dog vanished. The dog escaped and the European glaziers rejoiced.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 36 21st October, 1871

1871 - ASSAULTING A CHINAMAN
Isaac Fairburn charged with assaulting Ah Gow. Complainant said the defendant came to his place on Saturday last, and bought one coconut, but attempted to carry away three, when he remonstrated, the defendant knocked him down with a coconut and beat him with his fists. Constable Stapleton witnessed the assault. Fined 20/-
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 36 21st October, 1871

1871 - ON HING, O.L. & Co.
[Herbert Street, Section 5 Lot 3b 1872 (Still owner/occupier in 1876)]
Celestial Pluck - On Tuesday last a man named Durham entered the store of On Hing in Herbert Street. He had some altercation with one of the Celestials, and by way of showing his European superiority, took up a chair and broke a large plate glass window. Several Chinaman seized him and locked him in the store, whilst one of them went for the police. A crowd gathered to view their captured countryman, the police arrived and Mr. Durham was conveyed to the lock-up. Next day he came to terms with the Chinaman, paying for the damage he had done and was turned loose.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 37 28th October 1871

1871 - [ALTERCATION]

On Tuesday last a man named Durham entered the store of On Hing, in Herber-street. He had some altercation with one of the Celestials, and by way of showing his European superiority took up the back of a chair, and broke a large pane in the plate glass window. Several Chinamen seized him and locked him in the store, whilst one of them went for the police. A crowd collected, who pressed up to the glass doors to gain a view of their captured countryman. The police at length arrived, and Mr Durham was placed under lock and key at the watch house. On the following morning he came to terms with the Chinamen, paying them for the damage he had done, and was turned loose - Gulgong Guardian, Oct 28.

Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Thu 2 Nov 1871 Page 4

1871 - PAYING FOR DINNER
On Sunday, A. Sac’s in Herbert Street, was crowded with diners and most of the customers expressed satisfaction with the dinner provided. One patron, however, said the feed was no good and refused to pay more than 6d for it: ‘a piece of beef and bread without ‘pudden’ was not worth a bob’. Mr. Sac is Chinese. 

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 38 4th November, 1871

1871 - ACCIDENT
Between the Canadian and Helvetia Leads, two Chinamen driving a cart loaded with vegetables etc. Upon nearing the Wine Shop where the hill slopes, the horse shied. The Chinamen commenced to shout, but the horse it appears did not understand the Mongolian dialect, and got the bit between its teeth and bolted at a furious pace down the hill, scattering vegetables in all directions. Chinaman No. 1. jumped out landing on his back. He quickly recovered his equilibrium and took off after the cart gathering up the vegetables. The horse in the meantime made acquaintance with a stump that put the animal on his nose and shot Chinaman No. 2 through the air landing onto the stump and covering him in vegetables.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 43, 9th December 1871

1871 - Wilfully Breaking Property

John McMining broke a window of Ah Chin, restaurant keeper, Herbert Street. Defendant was drunk, had a meal then refused to pay. Order to pay for damages and compensation. Also charged with assaulting police, one month’s Mudgee gaol for this.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 44, Dec 16 1871

1872_____________

1872 – AH TIN - POLICE COURT
Ah Tin was charged with being a proprietor of a common gambling house in Herbert Street.
Keeping a Gambling House - Ah Tin charged, has common gambling house in Herbert Street. Sgt O’Donnell, with warrant from L.S. Donaldson, JP. and in the company of Detectives Powell and Hannan, plus a detachment of police, went to the place, forced opened the door and rushed in; found about 17 Chinese in the act of gambling, all were arrested All the implements and money were produced in court, but the evidence was very weak until the informer John Lingway, a Chinese, came forward and swore to the gambling in the house, and the ownership of the defendant. Detective Hannan was the first to rush into the room with Constable Oliver, Detective Powell and Sgt. O’Donnell and secured 15 of the Celestials. The informer’s evidence was very conclusive as to the gambling. The Detectives evidence proved defendant’s ownership of the house. Fined £25 or 3-month’s gaol.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 48, 13th January 1872

CHINESE IDEAS OF FINES.
The Chinese informer who gave evidence against his fellow countrymen, in the gambling case reported in Police Court, gave the police the following advise. He said ‘You Engleesman no good, you givee too muchee eatee to Chineeman; you no give eatee Chineeeman - you starvee Chineeman then he pay the fine. Engleesman know nothing Chinee country. Chineeman fine - then Chineeman starvee, Chineeman pay.’ We need not state that the police listened with wonder but refused to comply.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 48, 13th January 1872

1872 - LINGWAY JOHN
Chinese Informant in the Ah Tin Case
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 48, 13th January, 1872

1872 – AH SAM - Police Court
Ah Sam is the banker for the gambling house that was raided on the 2nd instant. Ah Teak acted as interpreter. On the 2nd instant Sgt. O’Donnell accompanied by a detachment of police raided the said gaming house. After bursting in the door, the defendants were arrested. Detective Hannan made a rush for the bank and secured a number of gambling instruments and a sum of money. Fined £8 and £2 costs.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 49, 20th January 1872

1871 - EXPLOSION OF THE CHINESE ON THE CLONCURRY DIGGINGS
Normanton, December 13, 1871.
About thirty five Chinamen left here at the beginning of last month for Cloncurry, armed to the teeth, and reached the old diggings about the 22nd ultimo. Before starting they procured miner's rights from Mr Morrissett, Police Magistrate, who promised to protect them on the diggings. On arriving they formed a camp by erecting bough gunyahs, etc, and made themselves quiet at home. About noon the same day, about 50 mounted Europeans appeared in sight, and when they got to about 300 yards from the Chinese camp, they dashed forward at a gallop, trampling underfoot the Chinese, humpies, and all, and of course spreading confusion all round for a time. The Chinese, however, quickly recovered themselves, and seizing a number of long pointed spear-like sticks, which they had apparently prepared to resist a cavalry attack, they "prodded" the horses to some purpose, and soon commenced to use their revolves. As many as two or three shots had been fired, the horses, with the exception of two or three, bolted in all directions. Horses were seen for a time on all sides galloping wildly through the bush, snorting and neighing in terror, the riders in the majority of cases having been thrown. The Chinese, seeing they had obtained the victory, followed up their advantage by using their pointed sticks against every horse they could come near, causing the quiet old nags that had stood the "shock of battle" to follow their wilder mates. It was not long before the Chinese were left in complete possession of the field. The Europeans, rallying at last, took up a position by the side of a lagoon, where they made a camp, and started ten men to the main camp for firearms and ammunition, as the only arms amongst the party consisted of two revolvers. At this moment the Commissioner and troopers arrived on the scene of action, and, pitching his camp between the two hostile parties, proceeded to remonstrate with the whites, and endeavour to make them desist from any further hostile demonstrations. They, however, paid not the least regarded to him, seeing which, he proceeded to the second camp (the whites being divided in two parties just a short distance apart). Here he got an answer, but one spoken with a determination and anything but satisfactory. "The Chinamen or us," they said, "will be stretched dead on this ground before tomorrow's sun sets if they attempt to remain!" The Commissioner said, "I cannot send them away, and am bound to protect them." Shouts now arose from the ground, "Head them! Head them!" etc. The Commissioner, deeming "discretion the better part of valor," sent a Constable to the Chinese camp, with a message that if they did not go away, the whites will kill both him and them, as soon as their arms arrived. Upon this, "John" determined to get up and start back; and that night, by moonlight, the entire party noiselessly quitted their camp, and were escorted for 20 miles along the road by four or five troopers. Next morning the Europeans, fully armed, started for the Chinese camp, and, finding "the enemy" had beat a retreat, they followed their tracks for near 30 miles; but the Chinese had too good a start, and consequently were not overtaken. Thus ended the severest battle we've had in northern Queensland. The casualties on the European side are - wounded, 2 severely in the arm; killed, nil; Chinese, not known. A number of horses were wounded more or less severely.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 57 2nd March 1872

1872 - AH CHAN, AH KIT - STEALING
Ah Chan charged with stealing a ring property of Ah Kit, married to a white woman, did not know how to treat his wife, she was sick of being chained to her bed like a dog. Ah Chan was a mutual friend and sympathetic to Mrs. Ah Kit. A great many Celestials were examined, resulting in the case being dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 67 6th April 1872

1872 - ASSAULT
Henry Falkes charged with assaulting from a Celestial vendor of vegetables named On How, over potatoes that may or may not have been bad. Case dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 68 10 April 1872

1872 - Celestial in Trouble

Ah Gong for abusive language

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 79 18th May 1872

1872 - CLEAR AWAY YOUR RUBBISH
On Kong summoned by Constable Rogers, for neglecting to keep his premises clean, he stated he visited the prisoner's premises and found a large heap of bones and putrid meat, prisoner had failed to clear it away when ordered. Fined 40/-.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 82 29th May 1872

1872 - FOUND
Two purses containing money during February and if not claimed within 14 days will be given to the Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital signed Sun Tong Lee.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 88 19th June 1872

1872 - SUN TONG LEE
SUN TONG LEE Reports that he has two purses containing money left in his store in February.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 89 22nd June, 1872

1872 - AH HONG
Ah Hug v Ah Hong - for recovery of damages for false imprisonment
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 94 10th July 1872

1872 - FALSE IMPRISONMENT
Ah Hug v Ah Hong - for recovery of damages for false imprisonment
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 94 10th July 1872

1872 - Small Debts Court

Larybein v Ah Tuck - Iron and Blacksmith Work.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 94 10th July 1872

1872 – [HOME RULE RESTAURANTS]
At the Home Rule the Chinese are providing restaurants
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 95 13th July 1872

1872 – [PARENTING]
I witnessed striking illustration of Celestial progress, on Thursday, which shows that John is rapidly becoming ‘all asame Luapeen’ It seems that a Chinaman named Ah Chow is the happy parent of a son, whom he found playing marbles in the street; and not approving of this barbarian pastime, gave him a lift under the ear, and sent him home. A Scotsman, who rejoices in the distinctive appellation of ‘Jimmy the Chief,’ evidently thinking that the chastised juvenile was not fathered by the Celestial, knocked the Chinaman down. This from a barbarian was too much for the tribal blood of the Ah Chow’s, who immediately shaped up to the Chief, and emitting a string of guttural sounds something like, ‘Wlaa hangtan ahilo’ stuck out from the shoulder, landing a heavy ’un upon what is called in P.R. circles the potato trap. A fair stand-up fight ensued, ending in honours of the battle being carried off by the emigrant from the Flowery Land, whose wounds consisted of a bleeding mouth, and a cut to the forehead. The descendant of MacCallum More had a black eye, bleeding nose, and diver’s abrasions of the outer cuticle; and, for a chief, left in field in a very undemonstrative way, a wiser — and may I say an uglier man than when he interfered in the domestic affairs of the Ah Chow’.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 97 20th July 1872

1872 - Town Talk.
I witnessed striking illustration of Celestial progress, on Thursday, which shows that John is rapidly becoming ‘all asame Luapeen’ It seems that a Chinaman named Ah Chow is the happy parent of a son, whom he found playing marbles in the street; and not approving of this barbarian pastime, gave him a lift under the ear, and sent him home. A Scotsman, who rejoices in the distinctive appellation of ‘Jimmy the Chief,’ evidently thinking that the chastised juvenile was not fathered by the Celestial, knocked the Chinaman down. This from a barbarian was too much for the tribal blood of the Ah Chow’s, who immediately shaped up to the Chief, and emitting a string of guttural sounds something like, ‘Wlaa hangtan ahilo’ stuck out from the shoulder, landing a heavy ‘upon what is called in P.R. circles the potato trap. A fair stand-up fight ensued, ending in honours of the battle being carried off by the emigrant from the Flowery Land, whose wounds consisted of a bleeding mouth, and a cut to the forehead. The descendant of MacCallum More had a black eye, bleeding nose, and diver’s abrasions of the outer cuticle; and, for a chief, left in field in a very undemonstrative way, a wiser - and may I say an uglier man than when he interfered in the domestic affairs of the Ah Chow’.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 97 20th July, 1872

1872 - Forging a Business License 

Charles Smith, a German, charged with fraudulently using an expired Business License. Those mentioned Sgt. Keenan, L.S. Donaldson, F.S. Osborne, Ah Sett [held the licence before Smith] Committed to trial at Mudgee.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 103 10th August 1872

1872 – [SUN TONG LEE – HOME RULE STORE]
SUN TONG LEE reports that he has established a branch of the store at Home Rule.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 103 10th August, 1872

Important Notice

SUN TONG LEE

IN RETURNING HIS BEST THANKS FOR THE

EXTENSIVE PATRONAGE HE

HAS RECEIVED FROM THE

INHABITANTS OF

GULGONG

AND

THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS,

SINCE HIS ESTABLISHMENT

IN BUSINESS,

BEGS TO INFORM

Such of his CUSTOMERS as have shifted to the HOME RULE, or intend to do so, that he proposes

OPENING

A

BRANCH STORE

AT THE

HOME RULE

And trusts by maintaining the same

LOW PRICES,

Keeping a First Class Article,

AND

Strict attention to the wants of his Customers,

To merit a share of the business there as has been so liberally afforded him here.

SUN TONG LEE

HERBERT STREET

GULGONG

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 106 21st August 1872

1872 – STOLEN TROUSERS
Ah Chow was brought up on a charge of stealing 4 pairs of trousers from the store of Wah Mow in Herbert St. Detective Powell approved the arrest. The prisoner was turned in by Ah Kit.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 111 7th September 1872

1872 – AH CHOW - EMBEZZLING
Ah Chow again charged, Wah Mow the [prosecutor] not appearing, case dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 112 11th September 1872

1872 - NOTICE
The Business carried on by War Mow is hereafter under the management of Wah Lung. I authorise Wah Lung, Ah Yen and Ah Mow to collect all monies that may be due to me. Wah Mow
Notice: Ah Geet has no authority to contract debts or receive money
By his Attorney, R.J. Robinson
Witness G. A. Watson
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 112 11th September 1872

1872 - NOTICE
SUN TONG LEE Begs to inform the Inhabitants of this and surrounding districts that he has no connection in any way with a person of the name of CHOEY GUY AH FUNG, at present Storekeeper at Merrendie and will not be held at all accountable for any transaction the said CHOEY GUY may choose to enter into October 9th, 1872
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 121 12th October 1872

182 - WAH SUN - Assault
Wah Sun [a Chinese hawker] v George Wye. Wah Sun swore by blowing out a lucifer, while he was putting out his wares the defendant came and knocked him to the ground. Case dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 121 12th October 1872

1872 – [MONOPOLY]
Can any European trader explain to me in a practical convincing way how it is that the Chinese have monopolised nearly all the retail store trade of the town, and are the only vendors of furniture, vegetables, and shilling meals? Is it that customers get more value for their money than elsewhere, or that they are labouring under a popular delusion on this point. One Celestial tried his hand at running a public house, but John was run out in a few weeks, because, as the said, "Cusoma wantee to muchee tick; me no savee." None have yet attained the dignity of being an Alderman in this district, though I remember a Celestial being chosen to that office by the copper miners of the Peak Downs in Queensland, and I fancy a naturalised one was made a J. P. on the Baroo. As the "Tiser" has suggested that Gulgong should be incorporated, who knows but that the local representative of O.L. On Hing and Co. may be transformed into an Alderman. What a glorious proof that would be of the equality and civil rights in this metaliferous Colony, showing how a grateful public gives honour to their Celestial benefactors, or what's all the same, thought they were. It would therefore appear to be John Chinamen's mission to puzzle the European by selling 1 pound of candles for one shilling, and a 25 pound box for not less than 13 pence per pound.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 127 2nd November 1872

1872 - ASSAULT
Ah Why v Campbell. Case Ah Way charged Campbell, a youth about 17 years old with throwing stones at him at Home Rule and cutting his eye. Several witnesses were called but there being a number of lads connected with the assault, the Bench admonished the youngsters and dismissed the case.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 128 6th November 1872

1872 - A RUNAWAY
On Thursday afternoon a horse and spring cart belonging to Mr. W. Smith of the Royal Hotel, bolted in Herbert Street, and despite every effort to stop him, he went head first into a Chinese store adjourning the Horse and Jockey Hotel and could not be extracted until a large portion of the front was cut away, much to the bewilderment of John. Little damage was done to the horse or cart.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 131 16th November 1872

1872 - ADVERTISEMENT

Chinese Stores

Home Rule

O. L. ON HING & Co.

Main Street, Home Rule

Drapery, Clothing, Groceries Ironmongery Etc.

Prices that will

DEFY COMPETITION.

One Trial will Prove the Fact.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 134 18th November 1872

1872 – [PRICE OF VEGETABLES]
The inconvenience and loss to the many has been great, while the only person benefiting seems to be Mr Lowe; for, even the Tommy-shopkeepers find that protection does not necessarily mean plenty of custom. I know one man who had to cater for some 30 or 40 boarders; for days he could get no vegetables except at the highly priced Tommy-shops, the Chinese being deterred by the poll from putting in an appearance, while at the Home Rule garden stuff was so abundant than it was spoiling for want of customers.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 132 20th November 1872

1872 - O. L. ON HING & Co.
Now has a store at Home Rule
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 136 4th December, 1872

1872 – [WIFE SELLING SCAM]
Town Talk In these dull times no doubt many men and their wives find it difficult to make ends meet. Man’s cunning, aided with woman’s wile, often devise a plan to make a rise that is startling for it novel and amusing results. It appears that an enterprising resident had tried many ways to keep the pot boiling from shepherding on the Star to teaching school, even running a coffee shop. This last effort failed, as the landlord seized his coffee can and fixtures for rent and sold him off. He had a thought which struck him forcibly, he would sell his wife for what she would fetch and make a new start. The lower end of Herbert Street is almost wholly occupied by Chinese, who deal in almost everything. One of these Celestials soon became on intimate terms with Mrs Coffee Shop, as it is not uncommon with the heathen Chinese, he asked, ‘You seller me your wife.’ After a protracted negotiation a sale was effected for £20 of good and lawful British money. A Sale note was written out, duly signed and stamped, half the money paid down, the rest to be paid when the coach left for Mudgee. The wife was told that the vendor of fruit and green groceries was to be her future lord and master.

She appeared rather glad than sorry at the change of her owners and did not resent John’s clumsy attempts at showing his devotion. Everything being arranged for a departure the seller and purchaser walked up Herbert Street to meet the coach, leaving the sold one in charge of John’s shop. The seller got on the coach, the balance of the money was handed over.

John with hurried pace hastened back to his shop to enjoy the company of his new ‘luapean wife.’ Alas! After searching the premises, no wife was to be found. A caucus of his countrymen was held but with no result, except the bought one was not to be found. You can guess the end. The bought one had flown the coup and had gone on ahead about a mile out of town, rejoined her partner, no doubt enjoyed with him their success at making a rise.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 139 14th December 1872

1872 – [GUARDIAN LIBEL CASE]
The all-absorbing topic of town talk during the earlier part of the week was the ‘Guardian’ libel case. It unfortunately happened some time ago, while I was in a Chinese in Herbert Street enjoying a shilling feed, that the Ancient Briton while ‘running’ his free gratis rag happened to stop in the doorway with his lovely countenance and with that amiable winning smile that seems to ooze from beneath his epidermis on the least provocation in fact, to order, he left a copy of his ‘Tiser’ on the table, at which Ah Mue the proprietor grinned and my brethren of the clay-stained mole skins laughed. Photo’s name came up in the remarks that followed when in a weak moment, I admitted when asked that I was that popular personage. As I always patronised this Celestial compounder of ‘dry hash’ on Saturday and Sunday. [Conversation between Photo and Ah Mue as to who was Mr. Browne in libel case, Ah Mue thought he was the Commissioner, when told he was the newspaper man Ah Mue said ’Oh, me know him, velly good fella, Commissions all asame ole woman sellum me milk.’ Also Ah Mue referred to as John or Johnny, he could be the Chinese who bought the wife, unless all the Chinese were referred as John]

I am told that the venerable Tebby in a new suit of slop black, his hands encased in black kid hovered all the weary hours of waiting between the Crown Prosecutor’s chair and the magistrate’s bench, at which His Honor presided. He was the only JP who put in an appearance and thus he was the observed of all observers an honour that I fancy carries two constructions.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 141 21st December 1872

1872 - The irrepressible Chinese

The irrepressible Chinese have taken the lead in providing restaurants, and are well patronised especially on Sunday, when the patrons have to wait their turn outside.’ One Chinese boarding house owner was overrun by miners when he advertised roast beef, pork, turkey and goose for Christmas. He needed 10 extra cooks to cater for the 200 who turned up.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, 13 July 1872

1872 - A CHINESE BOARDING HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

The Gulgong (Argus) gives an account of the Chinese boarding houses in that district on Monday last, and says:- In one establishment the benches had to be assaulted, not en masse but in battalions, by nearly two hundred ravenous diggers who had come into town to enjoy a day’s holiday. The enterprising proprietor, James Ah Sam Chung, or some name like it, publicly announced that for Kissy-mass dinner he would have rocey beef, rocey pork, rocey little pig, stuffey turkey, rocey goose, plummy puttin, cussy tard, and a variety of other delicacies which diggers get but once a year in this form. Accordingly, Ah a Sam’s bill of fare met with proper consideration, and with the assistance of about ten extra heathen cooks, he managed in two hours to appease the appetite of about the number above named. Five years ago John's bill of fare would have been despised by these men. 

Source: Queanbeyan Age, 4 January 1872, p3

1873_____________

1873 - COUNTERFEIT COIN
Ah Young charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be a half-sovereign to one Dunn Hoo at the Home Rule. Constable Fitzpatrick stated that on Saturday evening Dunn Hoo gave the prisoner into custody and prosecutor said that the prisoner had given him it in change of a one pound note; there was one good and one bad half sovereign, prisoner said ‘It no belong to me, me never had it’ the word sixpence was scratched off, so other similar coins were found but he had £11/17/10, a gold nugget and a watch and chain, here Mr. Cory produced a counterfeit similar to the other one which he had in his possession for nine months, Sun Tong Lee and On Hing becoming bailees.

Counterfeit Coin – Ah Young reappeared to answer the charge, sworn by blowing out a match. Dunn Hoo owed Ah Young 23/- for gambling debts. After severe cross examination of the prosecutor the case was dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 150 2nd January 1873 

1873 - TOWN TALK
Everyone seems to have had a surfeit of the festivities of the season and are glad the holidays are over. Even the deadheads that hang around the bars of the various publics waiting for some generous hearted imbiber to ask them to booze, have had enough and desire to lie up for a week or two. The poorest had to be content with a fried steak in their tent, to him who dined at Ah Sam’s on roasee pig, roasee duck and plum puddin.

Wife Desertion Ah Sam charge on a warrant from Sydney and the accused was remanded.

Perjury John Hong [a Chinaman] was charged with the above, in swearing that Ah Gow was present when the police entered to arrest the gamblers.

Ah Sun, sworn by blowing out a candle said through an interpreter: I am a dealer, I live in Gulgong and manage Ah Gow’s shop, I remember the Sunday morning when the Chinamen were arrested for gambling at Ah Gow’s house; I saw Ah Gow about 3 o’clock on that day, he rode away on horseback, leaving me to look after the shop, the horse did not belong to Ah Gow, it belonged to Ah Chop, who has since gone to the Turon. Ah Chop was one of the men found in the gambling house that night; Ah Gow did not come back that night; after Ah Gow went away on horseback he could not have been in the shop in Gulgong that day without me seeing him.

Chien: sworn by blowing out of a lighted match, deposed, through and interpreter: I live in Mudgee, and am a gardener, I remember Sunday 17th May, I was at Ah Foo’s place on Sunday afternoon, between 6 and 7 o’clock; I saw there Ah Gow when I went in, also En Chi and others, whose names I did not know; stayed about 20 minutes, I left Ah Gow in Ah Foo’s when I went away; I have since seen the man Ah Gow in Mudgee gaol.

En Chi, sworn, by blowing out a match, through an interpreter: I was in Mudgee on Sunday 17th May; I am a gardener, evidence same as above.

Henry Swan, sworn: I am a miner, I know Ah Gow’s place in Herbert Street; I live opposite with my father; I remember the day the police arrested some gamblers at Ah Gow’s, I saw him about dinner time, he had a saddled horse up, asked him where he was going and he said Maitland Bar, did not see him after that.

Case Dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 145 4th January 1873

1873 - SUN TONG LEE
Bailee for Ah Young when he was charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be half-sovereign to one Dunn Hoo.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 150 22nd January 1873

1873 - PERJURY­­
Dunn Hoo [a Chinaman] charged that he did commit willful and corrupt perjury in the Court House on 21st December, Sergeant O’Donnell made arrest, the prisoner gave evidence against a Chinaman named Ah Young charged with passing counterfeit coins. Remanded.

Dunn Hoo brought up again. L. S. Donaldson produced the deposition in the first charge against Ah Young. Mr. Clarke, who appeared for the prosecutor, said that the evidence that he had prepared to bring was that the prisoner was not Ah Young’s place at the Home Rule. Ah Young, sworn by the blowing out of a light and saying, “I’ll tell the truth, the whole truth, or may my soul go to hell;” he did not know the prisoner; he remembered Thursday, the 12th December well and the prisoner was not at his place on that day. More conflicting evidence. Remanded until Friday.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 151 25th January 1873 

1873 - FALSE PRETENCES
R. J. Robinson charged that he did obtain certain monies under false pretences – 1st, £3 on the 23rd December from William Leahy and on the 2nd and 28th, obtained £3 from Sun Tong Lee. Sergeant made arrest, read charges, Robinson said it was correct, the two cheques were produced, drawn upon the Commercial Bank, Sydney. Senior Sergeant O’Donnell asked for a remand to obtain witnesses from Sydney, granted with sureties of £400.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 151 25th January 1873


1873 - O. L. ON HING & Co.
Bailee for Ah Young when he was charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be half-sovereign to one Dunn Hoo.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 150 22nd January 1873

1873 - O.L. On Hing & Co. MAIN STREET, HOME RULE

BEG to inform the Public that having completed extensive additions to their store they are now prepared to supply Drapery, Clothing, Groceries, Ironmongery etc.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 152 29th January 1873

1873 - COMMERCIAL.
Business of every description is almost at a standstill; every line is completely overdone at the very lowest calculation. There is fifty per cent, more in trade than can obtain a livelihood. In the dry goods business we have three large establishments in the main street. Messrs. Booth and Co., On Hing and Co., and Sung Tong Lee and Co. These firms monopolise the whole of the drapery and grocery trade with the exception of some small parcels of goods supplied by stores at Gulgong to some of their old customers who have removed out here. In many instances goods are sold at only a shade over Sydney prices, which is attributable to the small profits with which our "celestial" friends are contented. The consequence is that all the small shops ore compelled to cave in, and John Chinaman, with their large cash facilities for the purchasing of stock are left nearly in the full enjoyment of the trade.
Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 8 Feb 1873 Page 4

1873 – [INJUNCTIONS]

Frauds of the vilest kinds have been perpetrated by means of these injunctions which are issued free gratis to anyone applying for them. Why no later than the other day Jack Curtis, the undertaker – who, now that the trade is slack, has turned deputy to the bailiff – got an injunction against a poor digger whom he says plays the piano, restraining the piano player’s mates from working for a living until the P. P. main paid a doctor’s bill. The idea was a credit to Courtis whose persuasive powers are of no mean order as witness his eloquent and indignant letter to the ‘Argus.’ I heard that the Commissioner on the application of a milk-woman, issued an injunction against a Chinese restaurant-keeper at the Home Rule, prohibiting him selling or disposing in any way of any meals or tucker until the milk-woman’s claim against him was satisfied. John with true Celestial stupidity, ‘No saveed’ and thus foiled the vendor of the lacteal fluid. As the Supreme Court has not put an injunction upon this able administrator of mining laws indulging his peculiar propensities, I wonder what his next original effort at notoriety will be.

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 157 15th February 1873

1873 - HONG JOHN - ASSAULT
Ah Ching v Daniel Russell. Ah Ching a vender of vegetables and fruit, was at Canadian on February 15th, defendant purchased a water melon from him, price 9d., defendant refused to pay and threw a fourpenny piece down, the plaintiff followed him with another Chineseman to get the balance, Russell struck him several times. Johnny Hong gave evidence. Defence said the Chinaman kicked first. Fined 40/- and Court costs or one month’s gaol, fine paid.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 159 22nd February 1873

1873 - AH CHING - VEGETABLE VENDOR
Assault – Ah Ching v Daniel Russell. Ah Ching a vender of vegetables and fruit, was at Canadian on February 15th, defendant purchased a water melon from him, price 9d., defendant refused to pay and threw a fourpenny piece down, the plaintiff followed him with another Chineseman to get the balance, Russell struck him several times. Johnny Hong gave evidence. Defence said the Chinaman kicked first. Fined 40/- and Court costs or one month’s gaol, fine paid.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 159 22nd February 1873 

1873 - AH WONG
Stealing a Purse – Ah Wong charged with stealing a purse containing £3/11/6 from the dwelling of Robert McLean residing at Caledonian Lead. Detective Hannan made the arrest. Ah Wong said he had been cooking for Matthew Orlovich but he was cooking for Mr. McLean, had purse in his possession, Remanded.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 162 5th March 1873

 
1873 - AH WONG
Stealing a Purse – Ah Wong on remand. From Ellen McLean’s evidence it appears the prisoner was engaged as a cook and at the first opportunity stole the purse and laid in a tin in the kitchen. Money was recovered. Committed for trial, bail allowed, £80 himself and two sureties of £40 each.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 163 8th March 1873 

1873 - ASSAULT UNDER ARMS
Michael Duffy, Patrick Finnegan and Augustine Gerardi were charged with assaulting a Chinese storekeeper while on the road between Home Rule and Gulgong – Mee Chung sworn said, he was a storekeeper at Home Rule and on Sunday last he was on the road to Gulgong; two others in the cart; when near Mr. Rouse’s fence he saw five men who were on horses, they came over to his cart, two on either side, Michael Duffy caught hold of the horses head, they commenced to beat him with sticks and he fell out of the cart. In answer to Mr. Clarke, the witness said he had £200 with him, he did not lose his money because a coach drove up at that time, the prisoners rode away, he would swear it was Duffy who knocked him out of the cart. Uh Long, swore by blowing out a match, said, Know Mee Chung, was in cart with him, I was driving, Gerardi stopped the horse, Finnegan had struck him several times with a stick. Ah Mung corroborated evidence. Adjourned till Friday, bail allowed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 164 12th March 1873

1873 - AH MUNG
Assault Under Arms – Michael Duffy, Patrick Finnegan and Augustine Gerardi were charged with assaulting a Chinese storekeeper while on the road between Home Rule and Gulgong – Mee Chung sworn said, he was a storekeeper at Home Rule and on Sunday last he was on the road to Gulgong; two others in the cart; when near Mr. Rouse’s fence he saw five men who were on horses, they came over to his cart, two on either side, Michael Duffy caught hold of the horses head, they commenced to beat him with sticks and he fell out of the cart. In answer to Mr. Clarke, the witness said he had £200 with him, he did not lose his money because a coach drove up at that time, the prisoners rode away, he would swear it was Duffy who knocked him out of the cart. Uh Long, swore by blowing out a match, said, Know Mee Chung, was in cart with him, I was driving, Gerardi stopped the horse, Finnegan had struck him several times with a stick . Ah Mung corroborated evidence. Adjourned till Friday, bail allowed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 164 12th March 1873

1873 – CURIOUS ASSAULT CASE
Three men named Duffy, Finnegan and Geraldi were committed by Messrs Brown and Tebbutt for trial at Mudgee next week for an assault on some Chinamen in a cart on the Home Rule road last Sunday. Owing to the unreliable character of Chinese evidence as a rule, it is impossible to say that they are telling the truth. The offence was at most simply an assault and the charge of robbery must fall to the ground. One of the Chinamen was employed by On Hing & Co. as collector and had £200 with him and probably seeing the three defendants ride up in a flash style to his cart, he may have mistaken them for a party about to stick him up and hence the melee, in which Mee Chung and party got the worst of it but in court so far have the best of it.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 165 15th March 1873

1873 - ASSAULT OF THE HIGHWAY
Michael Duffy, Augustine Gerardi and Patrick Finnegan, on remand charged with assaulting Mee Chung in company of two others, not present, and a lad named George Pickering who was discharged on application of Mr. Clarke, appearing for the prosecution. Previous evidence was read – William Frost, coach driver, stated he was driving a coach between Gulgong and Home Rule, when about half way he noticed five men on horseback around some Chinese in a cart, they were unarmed, he saw prisoner Duffy striking at the Chinese with a stick and one Chinaman fell out of the cart, heard Duffy say the Chinaman had struck him first with a whip. Gerardi was riding around the Chinese with intention of stopping the Chinaman’s horse. Mr. Clarke stated it was a cowardly attack. Robert Stone was travelling in the coach and corroborated Frost’s evidence. Mr. Spring thought the prisoners may have been drinking, and called Anne Maher who was travelling in the coach, stated she saw one of the Chinese strike Duffy first. Mr. Spring desired to call character witness but the Bench had made up their minds and committed them for trial. Bail allowed, £80 each and £40 sureties each.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 165 15th March 1873

1873 - SLY GROG SELLING
Senior Sergeant O’Donnell v Margaret Lewis, charged that she did on Sunday last at Home Rule, sold two glasses of brandy. Thomas Cummings, informer, sworn: In company of a Chinese names Jim, the defendant served them two glasses of dark brandy, they had a glass each. By Mr. Cory: How long have you been out of Mudgee gaol? Witness declined to answer. Mr. Cory: Did you tell Constable Duffy you were going to make a rise? Witness declined to answer. Mr. Cory: You expected to get part of the fine, if there was any: Witness: He did not know what the rules were, but would take whatever he could get, he worked anywhere he could, had a week’s work at Rouse’s Paddock and one week upon the road between Sydney and Mudgee with in the last six weeks, he had paid for the brandy. Jimmy Ah Chum sworn: He got brandy, Cummings gave him grog, this woman [referring to the defendant] give him pale brandy, Cummings drank him brandy, he know pale brandy, he know him brandy. By Mr. Cory: Him no drink ginger wine, him drink pale brandy. Cummings re-called, said: The brandy they both drank was dark. Mrs. David Wright of the Home Rule said the defendant was in the habit of sending to witness’s husbands hotel for a shilling’s worth of brandy; witness had never been on Mrs. Lewis’s place but did not think she kept brandy. The case was dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 165 15th March 1873

1873 – [LEADING QUESTIONS]
Chinese oaths and Chinese interpreters are very curious things in their way, requiring close examination to thoroughly understand. It does seem a parody on the solemnity of our temples of justice to see a Darwinian man and a brother grinningly blow out a match and have mumbled to him in the gutturals of the celestial alphabet of 241 letters, the word of an oath by another celestial and then to say yes or no to the question put by the advocates. It’s rather a novel way of examining Chinese witnesses to say, ‘You were with Mee Chung on Sunday?’ The reply, ‘Yes’ Did you see the three prisoners [pointing to them] on the road?’ ‘Did you see them beat him with a stick?’ ‘Yes’ is again mumbled out. It is possible if these Chinese witness had been kept outside the court and called in when wanted and asked to point out the offenders, they would fail in doing so. But for an advocate to point the offenders out and then ask a stupid looking alien, ‘Did you see them beat him with stick,’ of course he is going to say ‘Yes’ the examination becomes farcical; but our sapient P. M. did not see the impropriety of such leading questions and so they went unchecked. Our police court is a unique specimen in this way, for I’ve seen our P.M. when a case of murder was being heard before him open the ‘S. M. Herald’ and read it. He may be awfully clever and be able to hear the evidence taken, the manner in which it was given and also read the ‘Herald’ at the same time; but I don’t think he can do the former, if he can do the latter. But, poor fellow, it’s not his fault; he’s a round peg in a square hole.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 165 15th March 1873

1873 - LARCENY
A mere lad named Richard Rossiter charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 5/6, from the store of Sun Tong Lee at the Home Rule. It appeared that a number of boys entered the store at once to make purchases, one of them ran off with a pair of boots, Sun Ton Lee identified the lad. During the examination the prisoner wept bitterly. The lad stated he went to purchase a melon and saw another boy run away with the boots but he did not know him, if he did he would give his name, said he never touched the boots. Mr. Clarke made an appeal to the Bench, who discharged the boy with a caution.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 166 19th March 1873

1873 – [ASSAULT]
The sentence of six months passed on three half-drunken men charged with assaulting the Chinaman on the Home Rule Road is excessively severe; a fine of £5 would have fairly met the justice of the case. However, man is but fallible and his Honor is not the wisest of Judges so we presume those who are incarcerated must grin and bear it. We think it would be wise if his Honor could arrange for a change of districts with some other Judge, except Mr. Meymott who is too much like our own Judge for Mudgee to relish the change, we think a change necessary.

People in this district do not believe in his competency and the disorderly manner in which the grave business of his Court is transacted and his unseemly brawls with the council, have utterly destroyed all respect for Honor and his Court.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 168 26th March 1873

1873 - CHIN HING
Keeping a Gambling House - Ah Moy and Ching Hing charged with having a gambling house in Herbert Street
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 172 9th April 1873

1873 - WON CHOW - OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCES
James Hunt charged by Won Chow. Constable Stapleton made arrest. Prisoner said he knew nothing about it. Won Chow said he was the book-keeper for Chin Wah. Prisoner came on Sunday and said Mr. Hunter wanted to borrow a pound note, which he gave to him; about 5 minutes later he returned and wanted to borrow four more and said it would be paid back on Monday. Mr. Hunter stated he had not authorised the prisoner to borrow money for him, prisoner was in his employ for three months, his house adjoined Won Chow’s store. Committed for trial. Bail allowed of £80.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 172 9th April 1873

1873 - AH MOY
Keeping a Gambling House - Ah Moy and Ching Hing charged with having a gambling house in Herbert Street.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 172 9th April 1873

1873 – GAMBLING
Keeping a Gambling House - Ah Moy and Ching Hing charged with having a gambling house in Herbert Street. Mr. Cory appeared for Hing, objected to the warrant it being illegally drawn nor did it, according to the Act, describe the house; and further, it should have said, ‘Given under my hand and seal.’ This not being done the warrant was bad. Dr. Belinfante, for prosecution said that if there was any irregularity in drawing up the warrant, they would ask for an adjournment for amendment. Mr. Clarke for Ah Moy, stated that the warrant being wrongly drawn up the case must fall through, the magistrates not having the power to travel out of the four corners of the Act. Mr. Clarke said the Gaming Act was the same as the Sly Grog cases – the information had been laid by informers for the purpose of obtaining money for information, if there was any doubt and an error committed, the defendants were always entitled to the benefit of the doubt. The Bench said the objections were fatal and discharged the accused.
Gambling - Six other Chinamen appeared charged with gambling, the objection in the former case being fatal they were discharged.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 172 9th April 1873

1873 - CRIMES AND OFFENCES
James Hunt was charged before T. A. Browne, Esq., P.M., and Henry Tebbutt, Esq., J.P., yesterday, with embezzlement, from Wan Ching, a Chinaman. A case was made out, and Hunt was committed for trial; bail allowed and given, self in £90, and two sureties of £10 each. Ah Moy, a wealthy Chinese storekeeper, was charged with keeping a gambling house, and about a dozen other celestials with being present and gambling. Mr. Cory defended, and an objection to the information was held good, and the Chinese were all discharged. There is no doubt but the Chinaman are inveterate gamblers, and that there are several houses at Gulgong, where play is very heavily indulged in. There is a report in circulation that one of our wealthy Chinese storekeepers dropped £5000 at one of the tables one night last week.

Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 12 Apr 1873 Page 4

1873 - WAH SING
James Hunt guilty of obtaining the sum of £5 from Wah Sing in the name of his employer, Mr. Hunter of Herbert Street, sentence to 5 years hard labour
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 176 23rd April 1873

1873 – GAMBLING
Keeping a Gambling House - Ah Moy charged, in Herbert Street, several witness were called and caused much amusement. Dr. Belinfante for prosecution, Messrs. Cory and Clarke for the defence. Won Chow said he went there to see a man who lived in the house and not a woman who was his sweetheart, did not know who took his wife away; his mate and him had a wife each. and were not Mormons. Ah Moy kept a shop in the front, and was the master of the gambling house – Ah Coohey was asked if he spoke English, he replied, ‘No’; Ah Moy was the owner of the house. Many who were sharp cheated others, and made them poor – John Hong [a Christian Chinaman], sworn upon the Bible proved there was gambling going on for many weeks. The witness gave a graphic description of the games and said he had lost £120. Plenty of Chinese men who dressed and lived well did nothing but gamble. ‘There were about 20 Chinese present when the arrest was made’, said Sergeant Keenan. Committed to Mudgee Session.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 178 30th April 1873

1873 - A GENEROUS CHINAMAN
A few days ago, during the heavy rain and piercing winds, a poor woman might have been observed passing up Herbert Street, with an infant in her arms and another unfortunate child clinging to her skirt. Heavens knows where she was straying but her appearance was that of object poverty. A few person were looking on with pity when a Celestial was observed to hurry from his place of business with a large parcel which he gave to the woman, and at once returned to his store. The parcel proved to be a pair of superior blankets. The gift was made in a quiet manner without the slightest ostentation, that it took those who witnessed it by surprise. The donor was Sun Tong Lee, a Chinese merchant in this town, and this generous action is in the highest degree creditable to his humanity.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No.194 Wednesday, June 25, 1873

1873 - CHE FUND - CHINESE MISSIONARY
Unsound Mind - Che Fund, Chinaman, brought from Hospital, had a fever, when he became deranged. Drs. Bennett and Forbes said he was a danger to himself and others, sent to Darlinghurst. He was a Chinese Missionary and a member of the Church of England.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 196 2nd July 1873

1873 - AH MOY
Ah Moy - for keeping a gambling house, 1 month, Mudgee.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 194 25th July 1873

1873 - COMMERCIAL.

Business up to Friday during the past week, was exceeding dull, and scarcely anyone was to be
seen in the streets, but on Saturday afternoon and evening, our principal street was lined with miners, who came in from the outlying rushes to obtain the ensuing week's supplies, and I am satisfied that, nearly the whole of the population was centred in Main-street. It is astonishing to many how low prices are in the drapery and grocery lines, as many articles are sold only a shade over Sydney prices, and this can only be accounted for hy the large stocks kept by the two Chinese firms, On Hing and Company, and Sun Tong, Lee, and Company, as well as the large supply of goods kept by Booth und Co., who import themselves, and who all appear contented with small cash profits. From the central position of Home Rule there is little doubt that all the rushes surrounding it are supplied with staple articles of consumption, and if gold is struck in some of the new ground now being tested, our commercial prospects will considerably increase.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 26 Jul 1873 Page 7

1873 – ADVERTISEMENT

O. L. On Hing & Co.

Herbert Street, Gulgong

And

Main Street, Home Rule

Source: Gulgong Miner No1 29th November 1873

1873 - ADVERTISEMENT

Sing War & Co

Drapery, Provisions, Hardware, Etc.

Herbert Street, Gulgong

Source: Gulgong Miner No 9 December 21 1873


1873 – AH CHING - Chinese Funeral
We witnessed the burial of Ah Ching, the Chinaman who was stabbed by one of his countrymen in a gambling house in Herbert Street. It may be interesting to our readers to know the ceremony conducted with obsequies of our Celestial friends. The undertaker is supplied with about 3000 slips of paper, on which, is written in Chinese characters, an invitation to any person who may obtain one of them to pay a complimentary visit to the deceased man’s friends in China, should he ever visit the land. These slips are thrown by the undertaker broadcast along the road to the cemetery. The clothes, bed and bedding and all other personal effects of the deceased are taken with him in the hearse to the burial ground and there destroyed or thrown away. His body is then lowered into the grave, not waiting to see it filled in, as is customary with Europeans. Mr. J. A Courtis was the undertaker [the deceased being a Christian] also read the burial service.
Source: Gulgong Miner No 9 December 31 1873

1874_____________

1874 - CAPITAL OFFENCE
We learn that Ah Cheen, a Chinaman, was convicted on Wednesday at the Assizes in Mudgee, of murder and sentenced to death. Our readers will remember that it was a stabbing affray in lower Herbert Street over some gambling transaction. The prisoner was ably and eloquently defended by Mr. Dalley, who had been specially retained, with a fee of 75 pounds. Unless the Executive see something in the circumstances to authorise a commutation of the sentence, we believe this will be the first instance in the Mudgee district where the extreme penalty of the law has been visited upon offender. Cit Young, charged as accessory was acquitted. We learn further that it is likely that Breen, for three atrocious murders will be considered unfit to be put upon trial, on account of mental aberration. It is reported that he is a raving madman and attempted the life of one of the gaol officials.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus 16 April 1874

1874 - HUNG WAH - POLICE COURT
Banker for a Common Gambling House Hung Wah found guilty and fined 5 pounds, with the alternative of one month’s imprisonment in Mudgee gaol.
Nine other Chinese who were found on the premises of the above culprit were discharged, as the Act did not authorise the issue of warrants in their case. Summons were directed to issue.
Source: Unknown newspaper, May 19 1874

1874 – AH SUN
AH SUN manager of Ah Gow’s Shop
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 25 1874

1874 – AH SAM - WIFE DESERTION
Ah Sam charge on a warrant from Sydney and the accused was remanded.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 25 1874

1874 - WIFE DESERTION
Ah Sam warrant issued in Sydney, the wife had deserted the husband.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 4 June 27 1874

1874 - RATHER SEVERE DISCIPLINE
On Tuesday at the Home Rule Races, a flash Mongolian, who probably did not understand the rules of the course was displaying his equestrian skill on forbidden ground. The clerk rushed the unfortunate trespasser and did not spare the whip. The Chinaman’s horse unused to treatment of this sort, bolted, and soon got beyond the control of this rider, and ultimately threw him heavily upon the ground. The Chinaman lay insensible for a long time and it was thought the accident would prove to be a fatal one. After a few hours he was sufficiently recovered to be placed upon his horse by the police and nothing serious is apprehended. It is alleged that the clerk of the course was too severe and should not have followed the Chinaman and whipped his horse beyond the line of running.
Source: Unknown newspaper, June 11 1874

1874 - ROYAL GOLDFIELDS COMMISSION REPORT (June 13 1874)
As the report of this Commission has naturally created some interest on the goldfield since publication, and has, doubtless, been read by the majority of the miners, we propose, in order to enable the miners to judge of the correctness of the conclusions of the Commission in their report to give extracts of the evidence of the principal witnesses on the leading points of goldfield management. As the question "who shall frame the regulations?" is the most important one to be considered, we shall deal with it in this issue. The following is the evidence given on this point:-

Mr E.N. Emmett, mining agent, Sydney, formerly of Sandhurst, Victoria, says, "One general mining board for the Colony wouldn't be sufficient to frame the by by-laws; the board to be comprised of members returned by the various goldfields, who might sit and deliberate and draw up a code in Sydney or any central locality to be determined upon, with a barrister appointed by the Government to take care that any by-law which might be passed was not repugnant to the Act."

Mr T.F. DeCourcy Browne says, "I have been connected with the local Legislative bodies on the goldfields of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The local Courts in this Colony did not work satisfactorily. I do not think that any powers whatever should be given to the Executive Government to originate regulations either for leases or for any other kind of claim. The whole of such originating of regulations or by-laws for the working of the goldfields should, in my opinion, be vested in a Central Mining Council consisting of nine members and a chairman, the members to be returned by three mining districts, the boundaries of the districts to be the same as now existing for the present parliamentary goldfield electorates. The members to sit for two years, and every holder of a miner's right, except Chinese, to be qualified as an elector.
Source: Unknown newspaper, June 13 1874

1874 - AH NEE

Assaulting a Boy Ah Nee, a Chinese opium smoker, charge with cruelly beating a little half-cast boy, whose mother is dead and whose father left him with Ah Nee. The child’s face bore an ugly mark and Snr. Sgt. O’Donnell represented that complaint was made by Mrs. Ross about the cruel treatment of the boy. Fined 2-/-
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 30 1874

1874 – [SUN TONG LEE – PURSE FOUND]
FOUND in our STORES a purse containing money, can be claimed by giving a description, after paying the expense of this advertisement, after 14 days the purse will be handed over to the Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital. SUN TONG LEE CHINESE STOREKEEPER HERBERT STREET Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 9 1874

1874 – [PURSE FOUND BY SUN TONG LEE]
Notice I wish to advise that I have received from Sun Tong Lee, the amount of 36 pounds 5 shillings being the amount in the purse he found, which belonged to me. It is much appreciated for the trouble he went to Signed G. R. BROWNE, Gulgong
Source: Unknown newspaper, July 11 1874

1874 - MINE CHUNG - CUTTING AND WOUNDING.
Ah King Hoy, a Chinaman charged. Snr. Sgt. O’Donnell with Constable Lisson arrested the prisoner at Reedy Creek, [who was in possession of a knife] where he had cut and wounded Mine Chung. Ah King Hoy stated: ‘My wife’s mother keeps a bad house and I caught Chung in bed with my wife.’
Mine Chung stated he was in bed with the prisoner’s wife. The Case was remanded.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus. August 15 1874

1874 - AH KING HOY - WOUNDING
The Chinaman charged with wounding his countryman, Un Hing [reported previous as Ah King Hoy] appeared on bail before the P.M. this morning. Mr. Cory appeared for the defendant, Mine Chung and objected to hearing, inasmuch as another magistrate was seized of the case. It had been partially heard by Mr. Donaldson on Saturday last and Mr. Cory now quoted from a decision of the late Judge Wise that where a magistrate commences a case he must go on to the finish. On this ground the case was postponed until Friday next.
Mine Chung is the victim.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus August 18 1874

1874 – AH SAM – REWARD
Reward for lost horse from Reedy Creek. Return to AH SAM, Herbert Street.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 1 1874

1874 - AH KING HOY
Unlawfully Wounding. Hong Chong [also reported as Ah King Hoy and Un Hing] charged, on bail. Sgt. O’Donnell stated that he arrested the prisoner at Reedy Creek, for assaulting Mine Chung, prisoner said his wife’s mother kept a bad house and he found her in bed with Chung. Mine Chung sworn by blowing out a candle, he was in bed with a woman but did not if she was the prisoner’s wife or not. Margaret Ah Foo sworn, Prisoner knew well it was the defendants wife he was sleeping with. The woman is my daughter and was married to prisoner by Bishop Bailey.

Richard Boucher, employed by Ah Foo, gave immaterial evidence. Dr. Ramsay also gave evidence. Senior Constable Miller stated he knew prisoner, who was married with several children, he is of good character, he has a Hawkers license from the Mudgee Bench on 2 or 3 occasions. After much deliberation the prisoner was sentenced to one month’s hard labour in Mudgee gaol.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 17 1874

1874 - HON HONG - OBSCENE LANGUAGE
Chon Hong, dealer, Herbert Street, charged. Constable Forster stated: At lower Herbert Street, near the Horse and Jockey Hotel, crowd had gathered and the defendant used the language. Mr. Cory said that the words were used towards another Chinese man after Hong had found him in the bedroom of his wife and that he was under great provocation, fined 2/6
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, November 3 1874

1874 - Practical Joke 

At the Police Court, this morning, a youth named John Bourke was charged with stealing a silver watch chain, value 8/-, from a chinaman named Ah Lum. It appears that a lad named Welsh and another went into the shop of Ah Lum, to purchase a chain, the accused put the chain in his pocket and refused to pay, left the shop and lost the chain. Snr. Sgt. Kneepan made a search and the chain was recovered. In the absence of a second magistrate, the case was remanded.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus November 21 1874

1874 - WING WAR - EXTENSION OF BUSINESS
Mr Brown of the Black Lead has opened a new business in the store lately occupied by Wing War and Co next to Dr. Ewington’s and Mr. Ryan’s Hotel.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus December 15 1874

1875_____________

1875 - WOUNDING A HORSE
Mum Lee and Ah Look charged with offence, the horse belonged to James Cooney of Reedy Creek. Lee and Look are market gardeners and Cooney is a miner and carter, they were neighbours. Cooney had seen Mum Lee chasing the horse with an axe some months previous and on the fourth instant the horse had been found with a stab wound to the jaw. Cooney had not asked for any money, several witness for and against; but there was no positive proof and the case was dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 21 1875

1875 - AH CHONG
Assault 

Ah Chong v Sabadine, this case rose out of the previous one. Daniel Curtain gave evidence. Verdict guilty, fined 20/- and other cost amounting to 50 shillings and 10 pence or one month’s gaol.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 21 1875

1875 - CHINESE NEW YEAR
Today being the anniversary of the Chinese New Year is being observed as a general holiday by the natives of the flowery land resident in Gulgong. The morning was ushered in with a grand display of fireworks, consisting principally of Chinese crackers which if not so pretty as some we have seen, at any rate make was much noise. The rest of the day is being kept up according to Chinese ancient custom, and no business whatsoever is transacted at any of the stores.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus February 6 1875

1875 - WON CHONG - REWARD
Reward for horse lost from Reedy Creek. WON CHONG.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus February 13 1875

1875 – [FOSSICKING]
There is a rush today to some shallow ground near the junction of Warrable and Cooyal Creeks, in consequence of fair prospects being obtained by a Chinaman who was fossicking in an abandoned tunnel in one of the high banks of the former stream not far from the old Lily May. The reef here comes to the surface and dips away towards the north and east in the direction of the Red Lead and Britannia, so it is possible the gold may be trace to something good in the deeper ground.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus February 23 1875

1875 – AH SUN
Ah Sun charged with larceny, remanded in consequence that the PM was absence being away on Warden’s duty.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 6 1875

1875 - AH YIN
Brother of See Tye who was murdered by James Gatsos a Greek
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 13 1875

1875 - SEE TYE - MURDER
The coroner, T A Browne, held an inquest on the 10th and 11th instant on the body of See Tye, the unfortunate Chinaman who was cut and wounded with a tomahawk by James Gatsos. The jury, Coroner, several police and the prisoner Gatsos proceeded to the house of Ah Yin, Reedy Creek, on Wednesday evening, when it was found that certain important witnesses were not in attendance. The day being advanced the jury sworn in and proceeded to view the body, after the inquisition was adjourned till Thursday at 2 pm, at the Court House, Gulgong. On Thursday the jury Messrs John Hunter, William Selff, James F Plunkett, Henry Harrris and C L Morris having answered their names.

The following evidence was taken:-

Robert Forster, police constable stationed at Gulgong; Opposite Sun Tong Lee, in Herbert Street, I saw a Chinaman in a spring cart covered in blood from a head wound, he was removed to Hospital. I proceeded to Happy Valley in company of Constable Parker and near Trounce’s puddling machine where I saw the prisoner James Gatsos, a Greek; he stated that he had chopped down the Chinaman with a tomahawk, he said he did not know the man, we then arrested him and Senior Constable Parker took him to the lock-up. Yesterday I saw the Chinaman from the cart lying dead in a hut at Reedy Creek.

George Hopkins, sworn: I saw the prisoner hit the Chinaman of the back of head three times, he was in a spring cart, he jumped out of the cart and ran towards me, with the prisoner after him. I disarmed the prisoner and sent for the police. The Chinaman was in the habit of hawking vegetables daily, prisoner worked near the place.

Bridget Adams sworn: The Chinaman came to my house at the Happy Valley in a cart, he was talking to me when a man jumped up on the wheel of the cart and struck the Chinaman three times. I saw Mr Hopkins take the tomahawk away from the prisoner.

Wilson Ramsay sworn: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner residing at Gulgong, I saw the deceased at Reedy Creek in a hut, he was suffering from wounds to the head and arm, when I saw the deceased he was a live; the wound to the head would be likely to cause death.

Reginald Henry Kemp Bennett sworn: I am a duly qualified medical practitioner; the deceased, See Tye, was brought to the hospital on the 6th instant, suffering from wounds to the head and arm, I saw the deceased shortly before he died, he was suffering from traumatic erysipelas caused by the wounds, when I saw the deceased last there was very little hope of his recovery.

Ah Yin sworn: I am the brother of See Tye, who lived with me at Reedy Creek, I saw the deceased at 5 am and he was quite well; the next time I saw him he was wounded. Then he died in the hut. I do not know the prisoner.

Committed for trial at the next Mudgee Circuit Court, April 12.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 13 1875

1875 - NOTICE
WIN TOW and QUIE CHING are no longer Partners in Sun Tong Lee’s Business at Gulgong or Home Rule. Business will be continued by SUN KUM TIY, Sydney, March 13, 1875
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 16 1875

1875 - FEASTING THE DEAD
Yesterday afternoon about 20 or 30 Chinamen proceeded in spring carts to the cemetery. Besides the living freight, the carts contained one whole roasted pig, weighing about one hundred pounds, hampers of roast beef. Boiled eggs, cake and fireworks. They also had brandy and tea. After being at considerable trouble in making a mound over one of the Chinese graves and excavating a drain about it, they lighted some wax candles down at the foot of the grave and prostrated themselves as if in prayer. They then proceeded to partake of the refreshments and at the same time scattered the liquids, as well as the solids, over the grave. We hear that it is a custom with these peculiar people once a year to pay similar visits to the graves of their departed friends. There appeared to be a great deal of solemnity in their actions. At the conclusion, they took the roasted pig and fowls back to their carts, not having partaken of these in the cemetery. We may also mention that they erected a hardwood slab at the foot of this particular grave with the name in Chinese characters, of the deceased written upon it. In the course of time it is the custom of this singular race to take up the bones of their friends and forward them to China, from which place alone they suppose there is an entrance into the joys of a future state of existence.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus April 6 1875

1875 - CIRCUIT COURT
Sir William Manning Presiding
The whole day was devoted to:-
_?_ and James Gatsos a Greek for killing a Chinaman at Gulgong.
Mr Isaacs appeared as Crown prosecutor and Mr Buchanan defended in both cases.
In the case of McGrath who purchased a team of bullocks from some irresponsible party but who fled when he found there was difficulty apprehended and thereby gave a colour of guilt, the accused was acquitted. Mr Buchanan is much complimented for the manner in which he managed the case.
In the case of Gotsos, for killing the Chinaman, Mr Buchanan also made a powerful address. He was instructed by Messrs Dunn and Clarke, solicitors, who had prepared the case with great care. The jury retired at about 4. 30 pm and were still out when the Court adjourned at 5 pm.
The jury subsequently found that Gotsos was insane and therefore not responsible for his actions
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus April 13 1875

1875 - AH HAWK
Reward one horse near Home Rule. Return to AH HAWK Home Rule
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus April 24 1875

1875 - Naturalisation 

A Chinese shopkeeper sailing under the name of Tommy Ah Tauk, was made into a subject of Her Majesty at the Police Court on Wednesday and will hereafter be entitled to the rights of citizenship.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 8 1875

1875 - INQUEST
A Chinaman, who had been smoking opium, at the Home Rule, dropped down yesterday. Dr McMullin was called in after six hours, pronounced the man dead. Dr McMullin performed a post mortem examination, verdict was that the Chinaman died of heart disease. Coroner Browne was in attendance.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 10 1875

1875 - JIMMY the CHINAMAN
Lame v Jimmy the Chinaman. Verdict for plaintiff and costs.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 15 1875

1875 - Unclean Premises 

A Chinaman, Ah Lee charged by Constable Robert Forster with neglecting to keep his premises, a cook-shop in Mayne Street, in good order. Constable Forster deposed to the neglected state of the drain leading along the back of the premises, and the Chinaman was fined 10/-. The P M instructed the Constable to examine the premises in that quarter and prosecute for any infringement of sanatory regulations.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 22 1875

1875 - MINING OF BUSINESS AREAS
Owing to the fact that payable gold has been found on the south side of our township and traced towards and across the principal street, several disputes have arisen as to the right of the miner to enter upon business areas to mine for gold. On one allotment, on which is situated a Chinese shop occupied by Ah Hok, a party of miners proceeded to sink a shaft and not being hindered by Ah Hok & Co., they bottomed on almost payable prospect. The heathen Chinese, to this instinct, then objected to the ’Yulopean’ working any longer and speedily obtained an injunction from the acting Commissioner—Mr. Browne—restraining them from working until the dispute was heard. After being idle more than a week they finally secured the services of this hard-working officer, who decided that as really no damage could be inflicted by the miners they were to work away without paying compensation. Any business allotment may be mined upon paying compensation for the actual injury done to the area. If no real injury is likely to be done to a street allotment, it is unwise of business people to offer any factious opposition to the miners searching for gold upon it, for on their success mainly depends the prosperity of the business men. As this difficulty is one likely to crop up frequently on the Home Rule, it would be well for all concerned to bear our advise in mind and thus save much time, trouble and ill-feeling.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus August 24 1875

1875 - THE ESCORT
the fortnightly escort left Gulgong this morning, taking 16 ounces, 12 dwts and 18 grains of gold. This small parcel was forwarded by a Chinese storekeeper. Neither of the three banks made up any parcels, although, we understand, they have a considerable quantity on hand.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus August 24 1875

1875 - DEPARTURE
We understand that Mr Lee, the manager of Messrs Sun Tong Lee’s Gulgong business, leaves here for Sydney during the week and that he will not again return to Gulgong. Since his arrival in Gulgong—now some four or five years ago—he has earned the respect of all classes of the community and we feel sure that many will regret his departure, especially those who have in their time of need received many act of kindness from him.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus September 18 1875

1875 - Unsound Mind
Ah Lee re-manded to Mudgee gaol for treatment for one month.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 9 1875

1875 - SWINDLING CHINESE
We have heard of two or three cases of swindling this week in which Chinese have been the victims. In one case the party got some two pounds into ‘John’s’ debt, then purchased a clock, and then to use ‘John’s’ words graphic description—‘he went over the hill’ with his horse and dray. ‘John’ wanted to get a warrant for the runaway’s arrest; but Justice only grants summonses and so poor ‘John’ is victimised. If, in these cases warrants were allowed, it would be an improvement on the present system.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 9 1875

1875 - HOME RULE NEWS
The party of Chinese in the whim claim, in Nos 8 and 9 near the Never Sweats, are after washing up the result of five weeks work which is said to have paid them, the handsome sum of 92 odd pounds per man, clear of all expenses. The greater part of the gold is coarse, some pieces weighing as high as 5 ounces.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 13 1875

1875 - FALSE IMPRISONMENT
Louisa Norman sued John Hong for the above for 10 pounds
Louisa Norman: I am the wife of John Norman, employed as a shepherd for Mr Rouse, I lived about 15 miles from Gulgong, I was given into custody by the defendant charged with stealing a purse containing money and was locked up.
Defendant: I came to your house to purchase some butter; I did not stop at your place for fear of being insulted; I laid upon the bed but did not go to sleep; I made a fire but a girl fetched the wood.
Constable Forster proved the arrest. It was evident that the defendant was mad from drink he planted the purse, which was found by the police behind a barrel.
Verdict for the plaintiff of 10 pounds with court and witness costs.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 30 1875

1876_____________

1876 - [GULGONG RATEPAYERS]

The following Chinese people were listed as ratepayers in Gulgong in 1876: 

• Ah Shew
• On Hing
• Sun Tong Lee
• Ah Hok
• Ah Hoy
• Ah Sam
• Ah Fou
• Hong John
• Twa Tommy
• Twa Tommy
• Ah Gong
• Ah Sam
• Ah Lee
• Few John
• Ah Faur

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 15 Mar 1876 [Issue No.11] Page 77

Sun Tong Lee 

Wholesale and Retail Grocers, Draper, Ironmonger and General

Storekeepers Herbert Street, Gulgong and at Home Rule

Source: Listing in 1876 January Almanac

1876 – REWARD – LOST OPIUM
Lost between Gulgong and Coonabarabran one BOX containing opium etc. Reward paid on delivery to AH SAM, Herbert Street, Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 12 1876

1876 - UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING
Johnny Willis alias Jimmy Brown a diminutive Chinaman charged, pleaded guilty, he was undefended.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 15 1876

1876 – [HOSPITAL HILL]
Above the reef, half way to the Hospital Hill, a party of Chinese are working the alluvial claim and have a large lot of washdirt of very promising appearance to grass.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 19 1876

1876 - FIRE
The alarm was rung on Monday morning at 2.45am. The brigade mustered and took the engine out ready for action when they were informed by Sergeant Keenan that the fire was out. They proceed to the locality and found that a store occupied by a Chinaman in Herbert Street had been on fire, the weather boards in front were partly consumed and also the bark on the verandah. Before the brigade arrived Mr T Ryan with the assistance of some neighbours succeeded in saving the premises otherwise a serious conflagration might have ensued.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 26 1876

1876 - AH FOOK
Registrations—We call attention of all those interested in mining industry to the important decision given by the Warden on Thursday last. Following are the particulars: Ah You and party sued Ah Fook and party for trespass on a sinking claim. The latter had been in possession of a block claim on the Black Lead for nearly three months but owing to them neglecting to register it, they were dispossessed of it yesterday by Ah You and party, who worked it out and registered it about a fortnight ago.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 29 1876

1876 - AH YOU
Registrations—We call attention of all those interested in mining industry to the important decision given by the Warden on Thursday last. Following are the particulars: Ah You and party sued Ah Fook and party for trespass on a sinking claim. The latter had been in possession of a block claim on the Black Lead for nearly three months but owing to them neglecting to register it, they were dispossessed of it yesterday by Ah You and party, who worked it out and registered it about a fortnight ago.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus January 29 1876

1876 - AH FOOK, AH YOU
Trespass Ah You and party complained of Ah Fook and party trespassing on their block claim at the Black Lead. The trespass was ordered to be abated forthwith, as Ah Fook and party, although in possession of the ground had neglected to register the claim
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus February 2 1876

1876 - AH WHY
Ten Shillings Reward for a horse lost from Reedy Creek, apply to AH WHY.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus February 2 1876

1876 - Arson.
On the morning of the 24th January last, the premises of Ah Pooey, Chinese doctor and storekeeper, Gulgong, was discovered on fire: And at an inquest held at Gulgong, on the same date, before the District Coroner, the following verdict was returned,—“ That the place was set on fire by some person of whom there is no evidence to show.” The fire was extinguished immediately after the discovery; the amount of damage done is very trifling.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 15 Mar 1876 [Issue No.11] Page 77

1876 – JIMMY CHIN LANG - GARDEN DAMAGE
Jimmy Chin Lang sued a man named Reason for damage done to his garden by pigs and obtained a verdict 30/- with 8/- court costs.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus April 29 1876

1876 - POLICE COURT BEFORE MR DONALDSON
Illegal Detention of a Horse—Sun Tong Lee charged, the horse the property of A K McKenzie. The complainant stated that the horse in question was the property of himself and Mr Burns; he had the horse at Mitchell’s Creek last March, notified the police of his loss; defendant who stated he had bought the horse at auction on April 15 and produced receipt of same. The horse was ordered to be returned to the complainant.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 14 1876

1876 - AH TACK
Ah Tack v Curran—No parties
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 17 1876

1876 - CHU SANG JIMMY
Jimmy Chu Sang v Atkinson—Damage to garden by horses. Verdict for the complainant 20/-
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus June 17 1876

1873 - AH MOY - KEEPING A GAMBLING HOUSE
Ah Moy charged, in Herbert Street, several witnesses were called and caused much amusement.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 178 30th April 1873

1876 – AH MOW - CUTTING AND WOUNDING
Ah Mow charged, remanded owing to the absence of the arresting officer.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 15 1876

1876 – AH MOW - Police Court before T A Browne PM
Violent Assault Ah Mow charged with this crime. From the evidence Ah Sam and Ah Mow were together in a house in lower Herbert Street, the resort of Mongolian gamblers. A quarrel ensued between the two, when the prisoner threw some hot water over the prosecutor and then struck him with a tomahawk, inflicting a rather nasty wound. Constable Stapleton, Dr Ramsay and Ah Sam gave evidence and Ah Mow was committed to the Mudgee Circuit Court.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 19 1876

1876 – AH OW – POLICE COURT
Police Court before T A Browne PM
Violent Assault Ah Mow charged with this crime. From the evidence Ah Sam and Ah Mow were together in a house in lower Herbert Street, the resort of Mongolian gamblers. A quarrel ensued between the two, when the prisoner threw some hot water over the prosecutor and then struck him with a tomahawk, inflicting a rather nasty wound. Constable Stapleton, Dr Ramsay and Ah Sam gave evidence and Ah Mow was committed to the Mudgee Circuit Court.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 19 1876

1876 - AH FAUR
Notice: To the Inhabitants of the CANADIAN
AH FAUR, Having removed his Store from Tallawang to Canadian now offers for sale Grocery—Drapery Etc.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus August 5 1876

1876 - GULGONG. WEDNESDAY.
At the police court, this morning, Ah Lum, a Chinaman, was fully committed for trial at Mudgee, upon the verdict of a coroner's jury, for wilfully and maliciously setting fire to the Monde New Zealand
Hotel.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 17 Aug 1876 Page 5

1876 - MINERAL LEASE
The application of Ah Pat, Took Chou and others for a mineral lease of 20 acres at Copes Creek has been refused.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus September 9 1876

1876 - CORRESPONDENCE
Sir—I was listening to a case which was settled in the Gulgong Court before Messrs Browne and Samuel Blackman JP and cannot pass those sightseeings without notice. The case to which I refer is between some Chinaman and a puddler named J H Drew. To my knowledge Mr Drew has been in possession of the ground he occupied as a puddler for the public since March 1872 for which he paid the owners of the land—Messrs Lowe and Masters on either side of the creek a monthly fee. Twelve months after the Chinaman took up a piece of ground for the cultivation of cabbages, rhubarb etc., according to reliable authority. Nobody could object to it, providing he confined himself to the ground originally given to him by Mr Lowe. Now, as the ground on which the alleged damage was done was that allowed him by Mr Lowe, the damage might be considered a fair verdict; but as the evidence of Mr Lowe and Mr Drew went to show that the Chinaman was cultivating his vegetables on illegal ground, it certainly astonished a good few how a puddler could not be allowed to store a few weeks supply of water for puddling purposes on the ground for which he was paying private owners for the occupation thereof.

Now, Mr Editor, as I know you to be a lover of fair play, I, as a regular reader of your valuable paper, hope you will insert this for the interest of Home Rule and Lowe’s paddock population, as at present we have only one public puddler in this place and he is stopped from operating on our dirt by illegal means. It is of great consequence as verdicts like this will greatly damage the proceedings on this goldfield. I am, etc. OBSERVER.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus September 20 1876


1876 - CHU SANG JIMMY
Jimmy Chu Sang v Drew—cabbages destroyed by defendant’s ducks. Verdict for plaintiff.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 14 1876

1876 - VERDICT
Sun Tong Lee v Morris horse sold by defendant to plaintiff, later claimed by Mr McKenzie. Verdict for plaintiff.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus October 14 1876

1879____________

1879 - GULGONG - CHINESE NEW YEAR.

The Chinese new year was observed as a close holiday among the Celestials, more so than the Sabbath; not a Chinaman was to be seen with a basket or a cart; their shops were closed while they were enjoying themselves in getting drunk, smoking opium, and gambling, this being the nature of their enjoyment.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 8 Feb 1879 Page 39

1880s____________

1885 - ATTEMPTED POISONING OF A CHINESE

It was reported to police at Gulgong on Monday evening that a Chinese storekeeper, named Charley Hoy, living in Mayne Street, had been poisoned. Dr Kealy, who was called to see him, found symptoms of strychnine poisoning, rigidity of extremities and spasms. Hoy stated that he had taken some jam at dinner and he believed someone had put poison in it. The doctor administered an emetic, injected morphia, and applied the galvanic battery to the patient’s leg, which remedies gave relief. The Chinaman refuse to go to hospital.

Sun Lee was charged with administering poison to Hoy, he had been staying with Hoy and had been left in charge of the store. Hoy was not on good terms with another Chinese named Tommy Twa and Sun Lee was aware of this, told Tommy Twa that he had put the poison in the jam and if Hoy did not die he would cut him to pieces and put him down a hole. Case was postponed
Source: BC July 13 1885

1885 - ATTEMPTED MURDER

Sun Lee on remand charged with attempting murder by administering poison.

James Hirwin: I recollect Tommy Twa telling me something about Charley Hoy; I went for the Doctor but he was not home; on my return I met Mr Brigden; told him what Tommy Twa told me; we both went to Hoy’s house and found the door closed; there was no answer when we called out; I kicked the door and the prisoner came out and said Charley was not at home; from what I heard I though Charley was dead; I started to break down the door when Charley called out to come around the back way; Brigden and I went around the back and there was no light so we lit a candle; Charley was on the bed and very stiff, Brigden went for the doctor, prisoner was still in the house and said nothing, Charley said he had eaten some jam and thought that there was something wrong with it.

Miles Burns: I am the Sub-Inspector of police stationed at Gulgong. I was given two samples by Dr. Kealy and sent them to be analysed by the Government Analyst.

Prisoner committed to Mudgee Assizes

Source: BC July 29 1885

1885 - An Outcast Celestial

A Chinaman named Ah Sue was found by police on Saturday last at Reedy Creek, in a most deplorable state, suffering from opium poisoning and general emaciation. His countrymen would nothing for him. Although promptly taken to the Gulgong Hospital, he died during the night. He was aged 68 years

Source: BC November 2 1885

1886 – [CHONG KEW – FALSE PRETENCES]

A Peculiar Case of False Pretences At the Police Court on Saturday, before P Snape, PM and S T Bishop, JP., a farmer named Thomas Isbester, charges with obtaining by false pretences the some of 4 pounds 10 shillings and six pence from a Chinese gardener named Chong Kew. The evidence for the prosecution was that the prisoner purchased some vegetables from the Chinaman and tendered a cheque for the above amount.

Ah Song, Storekeeper gave evidence, he knew Chong Kew and had brought vegetable from him gave him note and coin money.

The cheque which had been good in its day, was drawn on the Oriental Bank and had evidently been found in the street, amongst papers that have been swept out of the once Oriental Bank building. Numbers of these cheques are said to be blowing about the streets of Gulgong. The evidence seemed to be quite conclusive as to the committal of the offence and the prisoner was committed. According to the local newspaper, Mr Clarke who appeared for Isbester, made a powerful address to the Bench, urging a reason for the prisoner’s acquittal that if he were committed the country would be put to the expense of prosecuting the prisoner. This is very comical if it is true. It is not all a new argument of solicitors, just the contrary; but in the face of the evidence reported as having been given it seems altogether a puzzle.

Source: BC April 2 1886

1890s____________

1890s - WINN FAMILY

The exact date of the arrival of the Winn Family is not known, but the records show that they were in the Gulgong area in the early 1890s.

The children of John and Catherine Winn were all born here and also married into local families. The only remaining descendants are Keith Buckley and his family, and grandchildren of Pearl Somerfield.

Brothers Bertie and Victor [better known as Mick] were market gardeners, on the property where they were raised. Percy had his property on the other side of the road. He was always interested in horse and dogs racing, having racehorses of his own.

Mick was a great churchgoer and had an excellent singing voice. He was on the vestry of St. Luke’s Church of England.

Pearl and Martin [known as Jim] Somerfield had a property on Barney’s Reef Road, not far from where she grew up.

The Winn Family were well liked and respected in the Gulgong District.

Source: Ruth Davis  

1887 – [MARKET GARDENS, FLOODING]
At Jackson’s Crossing on Reedy Creek the floodwaters this week rose to the Chinaman’s Gardens, 145 points of rain fell between Saturday night and Monday.
Source: BC September 1 1887

1898 - A NOVEL WAGER

The other day a customer went into a local Chinese store and purchased 28 pounds of sheet lead. The salesman Cow Lung then said to the customer ‘me bet you one pong you no cally lead to Leedy Cleek and back without dlopping it.’ The purchaser took the Chow’s wager and attended by a Chow on a horse and another on foot. It took the white man one hour, three minutes and three and three eights of a second to win the Chow’s pound.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, February 25 1898

1900s____________

1900 – [GEE LI AND THE GOVERNORS]

Gee Li was a market gardener on the Barney’s Reef Road, where the road crosses Reedy Creek, before the bridge was built and the road changed it was always known as the Chinaman’s Crossing. There was an unquestionable feud with his neighbours the Governor Family, it is said that Gee Li aware of social propriety disliked having Aborigines nearby. He annoyed them in every way he could, broke down their fences and spread malicious gossip in the hope of forcing them out. When Tommy Governor [father of Jimmy and Joe] died he was buried not far from Gee Li, who thought it was too close to his boundary and was superstitious about it—one night he broke down and removed the markers from the grave—it was the reason Jimmy Governor sought vengeance against Gee Li.

Early on Monday morning, July 30, 1900 [after the Mawbury murders at Breelong] Gee Li returned to his hut to find that the Governors had been there. He rushed to Gulgong with the news. The Governors might have been apprehended on this occasion—Gee Li was prominent on the list of intended victims. It had been proposed that fifty men under Jim Gibbons would surround Gee Li’s place and take the murderers when they appeared but there were no volunteers so the Governors came and went unhindered.

Source: True Story of Jimmy Governor by Laurie Moore & Stephan Williams

1902 - Found Dead—A Celestial’s End

A Chinaman named Ah Yok was found dead in his house in Herbert Street, on Sunday evening. An inquest was held into his death on Monday by Mr ST Bishop, a verdict of death by natural causes was recorded. The deceased was better known as Charley Yorke and came to Gulgong a few years ago. About 6 or 7 years ago he worked at Cassilis and Collaroy Station as a gardener also he was the victim of many practical jokes whilst in that town. A few years ago Charley’s wife in China hanged herself because he would not return to her, but now we presume that the pair have met in the ‘Flowery Land.’ We believe that £5 was found secreted in the deceased’s house.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, May 9 1902

1902 – [ STONE THROWING]
Ah Yan is offering a reward for the conviction of the young persons who continue to throw stones at his store.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, May 23 1902

1902 - FOUND DEAD IN A HUT—THE LONELY DEATH OF JIMMY SUE—MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY

On Monday Mr TH West teacher of the Guntawang Public School reported to the police that he had found an ancient celestial named Jimmy Sue, who for forty years had lived on Guntawang, his age was estimated as over 89 years—for years he had suffered from asthma and had depended for his living on the bounty of neighbours.

Evidence from Constable Duncan McRae—The body was quite rigid and had been dead for 8 to 10 hours and was lying near the fireplace, no signs of any violence. There was no money and or valuables in the hut or on the body—no furniture only a few boxes—the land belonged to Mr Rouse of Biraganbil.

Thomas Henry West deposed—I am the School teacher at Guntawang have known Jimmy Sue for about nine years, found him lying with his head on the hob and a handkerchief over his face, he was very old and feeble. The only other Chinese who visited him was Ah Yok from Gulgong who used to bring him a little opium. Ah Yok died a couple of months ago—he was very quiet and inoffensive and of temperate habits and had no enemies to my knowledge. Verdict by Mr ST Bishop death of natural causes.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, June 13 1902

1902 - POLICE COURT
Before Messrs TH Wilkinson PM and CE Hilton JP, the following cases were heard.

Stone Throwing

Ah Yan a Chinese storekeeper summoned Ernest Jager a lad of 14 years for throwing stones on the roof of his residence on Saturday night, May 24.
Evidence from Ah Yan—stated that he knew the boy and has seen him throwing the stones on his roof on the above date, I told Mrs Jager I would summon her boy on that morning and I told Mrs Cross to warn her boy; he was with the accused but did not throw stones. Ernest Jager stated that on the night in question he was going home with Walter Cross and another boy named Lillis and as we heard coming of Ah Yan’s and ran away but did not throw stones, I did not laugh at Ah Yan, it was Walter Cross. James Lillis stated going home with Jager and Cross—heard Ah Yan coming after them; we do not trust him; couldn’t say if Jager threw stones or not.
The PM in summing up said it was quite evident that the stones had been thrown, the boy was fined 10/- and 4/2 costs to be paid in instalments of 2/6 per week or 7 days in the cells.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, June 13 1902

1902 - GEE LI’S SECOND SCARE

As everyone knows, Gee Li the Reedy Creek, gardener narrowly escaped being tomahawked by James and Joseph Governor. In fact only for the Celestial being absent from his home when the black demons paid his home a visit, Gee Li would be in the Flowery land.

Last Saturday this son of Confucius visited Gulgong Furniture Mart and the following dialogue was heard:-

Gee Li: ‘How muchee him’ pointing to a bedstead.

Boss: ‘Two pounds’

Gee Li: ‘Gen one pound, any fellow dead on him before?’

Boss: ‘No one been dead there, only Jimmy Governor.’

Collapse of Gee Li who was on his road to Reedy Creek in the twinkling of an eye.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, June 20 1902

1902 – [ STONE THROWING]

Ah Yah is still the victim of youths throwing stones on his roof and says a married man is one of the ring-leaders and vows vengeance if caught in the act.

Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, August 1 1902

1902 – [STORE CLOSURE]
Owing to the continued stone throwing etc Ah Yan is selling his store in Herbert Street.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, August 8 1902

1902 – [STORE CLOSURE]
It is a great shame that a poor old inoffensive Chinaman such as Ah Yan is—should be continually subjected to the annoyance of having his roof fusilladed with stones. He has already summoned two lads for this foolish game and it will be very bad for the next offender that is brought before the bench on a similar charge. It appears that the boys are not the only ones that participate in this rough joke—for on more than one occasion Ah Yan has detected girls of 13 o 14 years at the same thing. He knows well the name of the female stone throwers and states that next time he catches them red-handed he will make examples of them.
Chinese General Stores, Ah Yan, Herbert Street
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, October 24 1902

1903 – [PENSION ACCESS]
Amongst the many who waited upon Mr E Richards in Gulgong was an aged Celestial, 84 years and 56 years in this country, who sought information as to the Old Age Pension, which cannot be given. Like many others, the aged Celestial never took advantage of the Naturalisation privileges and he finds himself outside the reach of the fund which is doing so much for thousands of aged men and women today.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, January 9 1903

1903 – [HIGH JINKS]
The Chinese held a gala day on Thursday it being the Chinese New Year’s Day. High jinks were held at the Reedy Creek gardens.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, January 30 1903

1903 – [MOVE YOUR HORSES]
I the undersigned have this day purchased Ah Mon’s garden, do hereby request all people owning horses depasturing on the property to remove them at once.
GEE LIY—Reedy Creek
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, March 26 1903

1903 - GONE ALOFT
on Saturday old ‘Dan’ the Herbert Street Celestial, passed to his reward at the ripe age of 86. He was a well-known character in this town and was the bosom friend of Tommy Twa, another octogenarian son of the Flowery Land.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, April 2 1903

1903 – CLOSING SALE
Mrs Ah Lum is to leave the district in a couple of months, she is disposing of her goods at cost prices.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, May 14 1903

1903 – [AUCTION]
CE Hilton has been instructed to sell by auction on July 25—shop and residence of Mrs Ah Lum who is leaving the district.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, July 16 1903

1903 – [ULAN’S CHINESE HERBALIST]
Robert Leekum, the Chinese herbalist of Ulan has quite a number of patients in this locality. There is no doubt he is very clever particularly in certain complaints—he has cured many cases that have baffled the Mudgee doctors.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, August 13 1903

1903 - SALE
Cash reduction sale now in progress—Drapery, Mercery and Jewellery—watches selling at ridiculous low prices. 
Mrs AH Lum, Herbert Street
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, December 17 1903

1904 – [MRS AH LUM IN MUDGEE]
Mrs Ah Lum is doing a nice little trade at her store in Church Street Mudgee and is quite satisfied with her change from Gulgong.
Source: GULGONG ADVERTISER, January 7 1904