Thomas Frederick DeCourcy Browne's Guardian Newspaper Office
Source: SLNSW
NEWS ITEMS
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
T. F. Browne - MINING ADVOCATE - Mining and General Agent.
OFFICE – GOLDEN AGE HOTEL, Gulgong
OFFICE – GOLDEN AGE HOTEL, Gulgong
Mining Disputes advised upon and Arbitrated. Cases prepared and Conducted. Agreements carefully prepared, registered and kept on record. Applications for any licence prepared, made and promptly attended to.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 2, 25 February 1871
1871 - Notice
The ‘Guardian’ Newspaper and General Printing Office has been removed to the new premises opposite Dr. Ramsay’s, Queen Street.
T. F. DeC Browne, Proprietor
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 3, 4 March 18711871 - [EXTENDING THE GOLDFIELD]
Mr. James Sellman proposed the first regulations follows: ‘That is being highly desirable some systematic effort should be made to thoroughly prosect this goldfield, this meeting is of the opinion that a pro-specting committee should be appointed whose duty it will be to collect donations and subscriptions and ex-pend the same by assisting approved parties of pro-spectors on such terms as the Committee shall deem best’.
The mover [a miner] said that he did not think there would be a dissenting voice that the goldfield should be extended. Many of the men present were miners in good circumstances, who should all help in having the surrounding country thoroughly prospected, as they would likely gain as much, and possibly more, than the prospectors.
He believed in the future of Gulgong and in giving help, that much good would be done in extending the area of golden ground. It was of vital importance that the busi-ness people help so as to extend the goldfields and re-tain the population. Mr. Booth [draper] seconded the resolution. Mr. Browne supported the resolution. Mr. Scully also approved and would like to see a Mining Association formed, with a fee of sixpence.
Robert Adams and Mr. Jacobs [miners] moved and seconded: That in order to carry out the previous resolution a committee be appointed, consisting of Messrs. W. Booth, C. Young, James Redmond, C. Driscoll, James Sellman W. Wesley, R. Adams, J. Scully R. Angove, with the power to add to their number.
A meeting held on Wednesday at Redmond’s Hotel, Queen Street Mr. Booth in the chair, Richard Angove, Treasurer, T. F. Dec Browne Hon Secretary, the names of 26 new members added to the committee.
A meeting held on Wednesday at Redmond’s Hotel, Queen Street Mr. Booth in the chair, Richard Angove, Treasurer, T. F. Dec Browne Hon Secretary, the names of 26 new members added to the committee.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 10, 22 April 1871
1871 - PROSPECTING COMMITTEE MEETING
W. Booth in chair. Messrs. Adams, Young, Scully, McKay, Woods, Shelly, Tarrant, Wesley, Redmond, Sellman, Driscoll, Coleman, Swan. Hon sec. Mr Browne.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 11, 29 April 1871
1871 - REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS
Until further notice all Births and Deaths can be registered at the office of Mr. de C. Browne in Queen Street, where all requisite forms can be obtained.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 11, 29 April 1871
1871 - Church of England
Pursuant to advertisement, a meeting of the members of the Church of England and all others interested was held in the Protestant Church, near the Camp Reserve, on Monday evening last, to consider the best means of enlarging the Church and of arranging for more frequent services. Owing to the steady rain that fell continuously throughout the evening, the attendance was not numerous.
T.A. Browne, Esq. P.M., was voted to the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks pointed out the necessity for an effort being made without delay to render the Church building adequate for the want of the goldfield, and if possible obtain the services of a Resident Minister.
The Reverend J. Gunther moved - "That this meeting being fully impressed with the urgent necessity that exists for the immediate erection of a Church on Gulgong, adequate to the wants of the goldfield, does hereby pledge itself to use its best endeavours to raise funds for the extension of the existing building sufficient to meet the requirements of worshippers."
The resolution was seconded by Mr Robinson, and carried unanimously.
Mr T.F. DeCourcy Browne moved "That the present arrangements for the holding of divine Service on Gulgong are defective by reason of the services not being sufficiently frequent, this meeting therefore requests that the Reverend J. Gunther, the incumbent of Mudgee, will, without delay, communicate with the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, requesting him to appoint a clergyman. If possible, to the charge of the goldfield, if not, to locate a Catechist, so as to enable divine service to be held at least once in it each Sunday."...
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 13, 13 May 1871
1871 - BIRTHS
BROWNE—May 24, at her residence, Chapel-street [Medley], Gulgong, Mrs. T. F. De Courcy Browne, of a daughter.1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
T. F. DeCourcy Browne Mining Advocate in Queen Street. (Private Office in Herbert Street)
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 20, 1 July 1871
1871 - Progress Committee
A meeting was held on Wednesday last to form a Progress Committee, Mr. DeCourcy Browne in the chair, others present Moses, Angove, Coghlan, Stewart, Scully and others.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 20, 1 July 1871
1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Gulgong Advertiser printed for the Proprietor T. F. DeCourcy Browne, Frederick Lawrence, Market Street Mudgee and published at the Guardian Office, Queen Street, Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 20, 1 July 1871
1871 - Progress Committee
A meeting was held at Redmond’s Hotel on Wednesday evening last for the formation of a Progress Committee. A large number of the businessmen and several of our leading miners attended. Mr DeCourcy Browne was voted to the chair, and on behalf on the convenors explained the objects of a Progress Committee to be a local body whose duty it is to advocate all matters affecting the progress and welfare of the goldfield, and keep its wants and requirements prominently under the notice of the Government and district members. In the absence of any workable system of municipal government, such a body was an absolute necessity in every country town, and especially so on the goldfields, the policy of the goldfields management being to obtain every fraction of revenue and give nothing in return. Gulgong is a striking instance of the wretched method of governing. Mr Moses cordially approved the idea that union was strength as he thought it is Gulgong’s own faulty if it did not get what it is fairly entitled to. After some further discussion it was moved, seconded, and carried that “The Gulgong Progress Association” be formed having for its object – the progress of Gulgong.
Mr DeCourcy Browne was elected secretary.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 20, 1 July 1871
At the Church of England, O’Neill Bros. of Queen Street catered. T.A. Browne Esq. P.M., was in the chair. Addresses given by Rev. J. Gunther, Rev. T. B. Tress of Mudgee, Mr. Pickering, resident catechist at Gulgong and Mr. De Courcy Browne.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 21, 8 July 1871
Holders of business allotments on the goldfields, which have been surveyed, and who are desirous of purchasing them without competition, can have the necessary forms prepared and forwarded on application to Mr. DeC Browne, General Agency Office Queen Street.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 23, 22 July 1871
1871 - Progress Committee
Mr. Sellman was in the chair for the meeting held last Wednesday. The Hon. Sec. Mr. DeC. Browne, stated that a resident mining surveyor, Mr. Davidson had been appointed. The suggestion was made that the Northern boundary of the goldfield be extended beyond Reedy Creek, in order to prevent ‘free selections’ being made which would debar the miner from following his occupation. The Secretary stated that the boundary was extended to the Talbragar River.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 30, 9 September 1871
1871 - Registration of Births
As there has been a Clerk of Petty Sessions appointed for Gulgong, who is also a Deputy Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, such registrations will in future will be made at his office, on the Camp Reserve, instead of DeCourcy Browne’s office.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 33, 30 September 1871
1871 - Cricket Club
A meeting of all interested in the formation of a Crick-et Club, will be held at Tarrant’s Tattersall’s Hotel on October 17th at 8pm - On behalf of the Conveners - T. F. Dec Browne
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 35, 14 October 1871
1871 - HOSPITAL BALL
The Hospital are holding a Ball to be held on Wednesday October 11, Ball Committee Messrs. Benjamin, Rossiter and Dec. Browne have sole management of the affair. Tickets will be a fixed price so as to allow everyone to attend. Tickets - Double 15/-. Single 10/-.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 33, 30 September 1871
1871 - Notice
The undersigned being about to leave Gulgong for some weeks, has appointed Mr. DeCourcy Browne as his agent. Signed, G. A. Tissington, October 20th 1871
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 36, 21 October 1871
1871 - The Government Commission.
On Monday last the members of the Government Commission appointed to inquire into the character, wants, etc. of the goldfields arrived. On Wednesday Mr. DeCourcy Browne gave evidence on the water supply of the gold fields and accompanied the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Mr. WC Bennett, to Cooyal Creek along the course of a proposed water race intended to be cut to increase the supply of water for mining purposes.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 39, 11 November 1871
Messrs. T.A. Browne, Donaldson, Connolly, Allum, Robinson, Bacon, Bunker, Ward, Matthews, John Montgomerie, Stacy, De C. Browne, with power to add to their number.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 39, 11 November 1871
1871 - Public School Meeting
Public School Meeting held at Binders hotel, for the purpose to take steps to procure a public school under the auspices of the Council of Education. TA Browne in chair. Those present – Messrs. Russell, Benjamin, Young McLennan, Naughton, Driscoll, Stacy, Stewart, Sellman, Deitz, Moss, McCulloch, Fer-rie, Scully, Hewitt, Donaldson, McDermott, Dec. Browne, Plunkett, Booth, R. Jones, Keating, Cairns, Self, Tissington, Adams and J. Hill.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 42, 2 December 1871
A Concert and Ball will be held in the Court House [Camp Reserve] on Tuesday Evening December 19, commencing at 8pm. Proceeds are to be devoted to the Church of England parsonage Building Fund.
Committee - Messrs. Allan, Donaldson and Browne
Tickets Concert only 3/-.
Concert and Ball – Single 10/-., Double 15/-
T. F. DeCourcy Browne, Hon. Sec.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 43, 9 December 1871
1871 - Deaths
Rose, only child of T. F. DeCourcey Browne at Mudgee 17 Dec. 1871 aged 7 months.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 45, 23 December 1871
1872 - Hospital Meeting
Newly elected committee of management is T.A. Browne Esq. PM. in the chair, Messrs. Donaldson, Cregan, Sellman, T. F. DeC. Browne, Hon sec. Tenders called for Supplies.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 51, 3 February 1872
1872 - PUBLIC MEETING - NEW MINING REGULATIONS
On Saturday afternoon last the adjourned public meeting, having for its object the proprietary of preparing a petition to Parliament against the new code of mining regulations, was held in front of Selff's Hotel. There were about 2,000 present...
There were 19 nominated for the committee, and the names having been put separately, the following 12 were elected: Messrs Sweeney, McLaughlin, Placket, Eddy, Dickie, Lonergan, Gillies, Newton, Duffy, Shaw, DeCourcy Browne, and T. Roberts.
Mr Placket, in an earnest practical way, moved - "that a subscription be opened to defray the expenses of the meeting and of carrying out effectively the foregoing resolutions,) and was carried unanimously.
Mr DeCourcy Brown then came forward and addressed the meeting. He said that for the first time on Gulgong he addressed a mining audience. He thanked them for choosing him one of the 12. He had heard a few bawl out lustily that he was not a miner. They must be new chums indeed who said so. He had sunk his first hole in Ironbark Gully on Bendigo, in June, 1853, and since then the had been on every goldfield from Hobson's Bay to the Gulf of Carpentaria. (cheers). He earned his bread by the pen now, but he would not turn his back on the best men in the crowd before him at putting in a set of slabs, or using the driving-pick. (cheers). He had more experience at framing mining regulations than any man in the Colo-ny. He was the principal framer of the best code of regulations ever in force in the Colony - those of the Burrangong Local Court. (prolonged cheers). He was the author of what was known as the "Extended Claims Regulations of 1864," which killed leasing, and placed the working man on a level with the capi-talists. (cheers.). It was not until Bowie Wilson re-pealed those regulations in 1867 that leasing again be-came developed. As sound and secure a title could be given under the miners right as could be demised un-der the longest lease ever drawn up. (cheers). When he went to Queensland in 1868, he was not one hour on duty when he was nominated for the Local Court there, and was elected second out of 19 candidates for nine seats. Their were 6,000 miners present at the nomination and he thought that his election in a strange Colony was something to his credit. (cheers). The heavy burden of framing the regulations of that court fell on him, and he was prepared to uphold his legislation. When he went to Gympie the miners had to pay the commissioners a half-crown registration fee. He protested against the legality of the fee, and compelled the Commissioner, by initiating criminal proceedings, to abstain from levying the fee, and at last succeeded in having £1,096 refunded to the min-ers. (cheers). Was not that something to be proud of ? Many present would remember that on Gympie the commissioners charged £1 before they would hear a mining dispute. This fee went into their private purse, and was in many cases a denial of justice. He was cho-sen to wait upon the Attorney General and the Premier to have is altered. He argued the point, and at last in-duced the Ministers to issue a circular ordering the levying of these fees to cease. (cheers). He had been well abused, his acts misrepresented, and his opinions perverted; but he paid no attention to the small fry who thus amused themselves. He had left his mark on the mining legislation of three Colonies, and on that he appealed for his justification. (cheers). He was not to be deterred from speaking his mind on any subject by the boo-hooing of any person. If he found fault with the mining regulations he was prepared to ex-plain why and to apply a remedy. (cheers). He would devote his best abilities to turn out a short, clear, and concise code instead of the ponderous jumble they now had. He condemned the new code. (cheers). He was prepared to reduce the 239 regulations to 120, without impairing their efficiency. He hoped that the committee would pull together and that heirs a result that they would prove that the miners were competent to frame the mining regulations better than anyone else. Mining experience alone did not fit a man to man to make laws. He required education to put his ideas into shape, and thus benefit his fellow miners. He would do his best to render the work of revision useful to all concerned in the prosperity of the Goldfield. (cheers).
A vote of thanks to the chairman closed a very orderly and unanimous meeting.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 68, 10 April 1872
1872 - THE GOLDFIELDS - Regulations Revision Committee
TO THE MINERS OF GULGONG
At a Public meeting held on Saturday, 6th April, a Committee of Twelve was appointed to Revise the new code of Regulations recently issued. As this cannot be done without some expense, you are asked to defray it. The members of the Committee will canvass the goldfields in the following manner:—
- Messrs. McLaughan and Dickie - Happy Valley and Star Leads.
- Messrs. Lonergan and Sweeney – Herbert Street
- Messrs. Duffy and Placket - Corner of Queen and Herbert Streets
- Messrs. Gillies and Shaw - Black Lead
The sum collected will be placed to the credit of the Committee in one of the banks, and the balance kept for any similar purpose in connection with Mining Reform, so as to avoid repeated appeals to the miners and others interested in the welfare of the Goldfields.
By order
T.F. DeC. Browne, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 70, 17 April 1872
1872 - HOME RULE DISPUTE
Mr. DeCourcy Browne received the following tele-gram at 9.20pm last night. ‘The government will decide the Home Rule dispute on Monday. Cabinet meeting called for the purpose’.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 95, 13 July 1872
The Committee of Management of the Gulgong Hospital beg to tender their grateful thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who so kindly assisted at the Amateur Entertainment given in aid of the Hospital on Thursday July 4th, by which the handsome contribution of £43/8/6 was realised. They also tender their special thanks to Mr. A.C. Cameron and Mr. J.H. Cogden on their untiring efforts to bring the entertainment to a successful issue.
T.F. DeCourcy Browne Hon. Sec.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 95, 13 July 1872
1872 - Home Rule Dispute
The decision of the Government on this irritating dispute was made known Wednesday evening by a telegram to Mr. DeCourcy Browne from Mr. Buchanan. It created intense excitement at the Home Rule, and a public meeting was called Thursday evening, report as follows received by Messrs. Sweeney and Gillies from the Principal Under Secretary, giving the decision more fully than the telegram:-
‘Colonial Secretary’s OfficeJuly 29th, 1872‘Gentleman, - With reference to the petition presented by you to the Colonial Secretary, on the 21st ultimo, from certain miners resident on the Home Rule rush and the Gulgong goldfield generally, I am now directed to inform you that the Government have determined that from No 8 shaft downwards north, the ground shall be worked on the frontage system, and the remaining portion on the block system, and that at an early date the existing Regulations will be carefully revised and measures submitted to Parliament for the amendment of the mining laws of the colony.I am further desired to state that this decision is not intended to prejudice any legal right which either of the parties have acquired, or may be advised to establish in a court of law.I have this honour, etc.Henry Halloran.Messrs Sweeney and Gillies, Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 101, 3 August 1872
1872 - Libel
T.F. DeCOURCY BROWNE proprietor of this journal, appeared to answer the charge that he did on September 1st, print and publish false, scandalous and malicious libel of and concerning the Bench of Magistrates at Mudgee and Gulgong. Mr. Cory appeared for the prosecutor [Mr. Henry Tebbutt] and Mr. Clark for the defence. Mr. Clark appearing for the defendant said he did so merely to ask for a postponement to give time for the arrival of council. Postponed until Friday.
LIBEL - Gulgong Police Court Friday 13th September
Before T.A. Browne Esq. P.M.
Henry Tebbutt and Aneas Randleson McDonnell v T.F. DeCourcy Browne
Mr. T.F. DeCourcy Browne appeared to answer the information of the above two persons, that he did on the 4th day of September print and publish false and malicious libel against the Bench of Gulgong and Mudgee.
Mr. Cory appeared for the prosecution and Mr. David Buchanan instructed by Mr. Johnson for the defendant.
Mr. Cory said that the information had been laid; that the said defendant did print and publish in his paper the Gulgong Guardian a ‘false scandalous and malicious libel of and concerning the Gulgong and Mudgee Bench of magistrates.’ He said: ‘When a person by printing or publishing brings the Bench into ridicule, hatred or contempt, that was a misdemeanour’. He then quoted the passages from the paper in question remarking that nothing could be more strong, and he only wished to produce a prima facie case, so that the Bench would commit Mr. Browne to take his trial.
E.J. Cory, sworn: had called at defendants place of business, and purchased two copies of the Guardian of the date in question; offered him 6d in payment which he received, but afterwards returned.
To Mr. Buchanan: Met Mr. Browne outside the door who said he had none in the office, but purchased the two copies of the paper from Mr. McCulloch, bookseller, next door; was engaged for the prosecution before he obtained the papers; he went to make the purchase for the present use; Mr. Browne got the papers at his request; Mr. Beal was present.
Henry Tebbutt, sworn; was a magistrate for NSW, and a justice usually sitting in appeal cases heard at Gulgong; the information read refers to the defendant; I look at the Gulgong Guardian of September 4th, and have read the leading article in that paper; it refers to the Bench, and believes it refers to him. Mr. Buchanan said he should object to this line of evidence, there being no names mentioned, and he could not see how the witness could say it referred to him.
Witness continue; The part referred to was that it had been asserted that the Bench had been packed both at Mudgee and Gulgong.
Mr. Buchanan said he could not understand how any justice could take the matter to himself, let the article be taken as it was.
Mr. Cory said that the article said one particular magistrate had got a share.
Witness continued: As one of the members of the Bench, he considered the article referred to him; knew Mr. Browne, the defendant, and had admitted to him that he was the proprietor of the Guardian.
Mr. Buchanan: ‘Oh, then if a man told you he was the Duke of Gulgong, did that follow that he was.’
Mr. Cory contended that what a man said was direct evidence.
Witness continued: Had had several conversations with the defendant, and to the best of his belief he thought he was the proprietor of the Guardian.
Mr. Buchanan objected. The registration of the paper in the Supreme Court must be produced, to prove who the proprietor was.
Aneas Randleson McDonnell, sworn, was a magistrate of NSW, and usually sat upon the Bench at Gulgong; he had read the publication etc.; it had been asserted that a magistrate had been induced to travel from his house to sit in a case, for which he received a half share in a certain claim; considered as a member of the Bench it referred to him; witness and Mr. Tebbutt generally sat upon appeal cases.
Mr. Buchanan: ‘How do you make it out that it refers to you? Did you ever travel from your own home, or get a half share.’
Witness: No; I do not believe it refers to me.
Mr. Buchanan: Does the word corruption refer to you?
Witness: No; only as regards the Bench – not myself personally.
Mr. Clark, acting for the Bench in the absence of Mr. Donaldson, read the article in question.
This was the case for the prosecution.
Mr. Buchanan, said he desired to offer a few remarks, and that what he said would be in the most respectful terms of the magisterial Bench. Some members of parliament had used all their influence in getting many of their friends made magistrates, but during the twelve years he had been in Parliament he had only made one application, an in that case he knew well the high standing of the gentleman. His Worships must be aware that appointments had been made which called for criticism. Even if their characters were unimpeachable, still they were open to criticism, and it had been decided that a vigilant and intelligent – press acted as a wholesome guard, and he could only characterise the present proceedings as an ill advised, injudicious, and impolite prosecution. The law of libel was well known, and the motive must be proved to be malicious. Taking the standard of the great country they came from. They never heard now of a criminal prosecution, where a gentleman used his intelligence in fair criticism. The civil law was so complete in this colony that several of the Attorney Generals had refused to file a bill. Mr. Plunkett and Sir James Martin had both positively refused to file a criminal proceeding and all legal men of high character had strongly deprecated criminal proceedings. Even supposing that there had been a libel proved, without a doubt, he felt certain that the present Attorney General would not file a bill, and he could upon the evidence produced demand a dismissal. He considered that magistrates should take a higher standard of their dignity than indulging in such impolite prosecutions. He instanced the criticisms that are now being made against Mr. Justice Keogh – attacks follow attacks. But even in this case no criminal proceedings had been taken. He also instanced the great Tichborne case, where Mr. Onslow had commented upon the Judge in that case. All the authorities frowned down such prosecutions as the present; and at the very threshold he hoped that such a charge at the present would be dismissed by the Bench.
The article the Bench asked was to deal with as a libel he denied to be such. Two of the magistrates ill advised, had taken the matter to themselves. Had they consulted their dignity they would, possibly, have let it pass; but they had now come before the Bench, and asked for the committal of Mr. Browne for a criminal offence.
Mr. Cory had said that Dr. Lang had been proceeded against criminally, but that was in the dark ages of the colony. There had been cases, but they had been ignominiously dismissed. The article itself contained no libel. The Press, that fountain of the production of our most learned men, the educator of our youth, and the guardian of our communities – was it to be crushed. No! It was the Press that he would defend to the last. He stood upon the technicalities, but on the broad grounds of the freedom of the Press.
The article referred to the Appeal Court, and he [the learned advocate] could say that no court was ever constituted so unjust as it was. There was no appeal from it. The magistrates presiding may give a decision radically wrong, and from it there was no escape. It had been discussed in Parliament, and at public meetings, and it was necessary that the Press should comment upon it; and Mr. DeCourcy Browne would have been a traitor to his honorable and elevated profession had he not as a journalist exposed the matter. He had discharged his difficult and onerous duties as a goldfields editor with distinguished ability, vigor, and boldness, and the miners should be proud of him, as in him they possessed a man who had a thorough comprehension of the defective working of the Goldfields Act and the Appeal Court, and one who fearlessly pointed out the enormous wrongs and the frightful injustice perpetrated upon the miners through incompetent if not partial, administration of the law. Mr. DeCourcy Browne had pointed out these abuses and wrongs in the interests of the miners – he had done so because, as a public journalist, it was his duty to society to use the vast power with which his position as a member of the Press invested him to crush out oppression and unmask corruption and scorn of honest men – and for this he was dragged before the Bench, and that, too; by a brother editor [Mr. Tebbutt] who asked that the defendant, for honestly and boldly performing his simple functions as a journalist in that noble profession to which they both belong, and to his connections with which Mr. Tebbutt took such pains to impress the community at large – for this his client was dragged there by a rival journalist , who tried to brand him a felon by instituting a criminal proceeding and consigning him to a prison when a civil action would have equally met the utmost demands of justice, even if a libel had been committed, which he most emphatically denied!
When such a gross, such an unblushing, such a transparent outrage as this ever before attempted to be perpetrated in the sacred name of Justice? Here we see the melancholy, the pitiable, the degrading spectacle of two magistrates of the Bench descending from the high pedestal on which they ought to have taken their stand, to act as prosecutors in an action instituted in the name of the Bench of which they were in numbers.
The Bench that proclaims itself to have been libeled, acts as judge, prosecutor, and witness! When proceedings such as this – so repugnant to every manly impulse, so derogatory to the dignity of justice itself – takes place in the open light of day and in the midst of an intelligent community, he would ask if any criticism by a journalist—however violent and withering and burning it might be—would be too severe for such a vile prostitution of the dignity that should clothe a magistrate—such a contemptible misuse of the powers bestowed upon him in his official capacity!
One magistrate sits in the lower court, and then transfers himself to the Appeal Court, to review his own decision, as one of the prosecutors has done. A petition had gone down signed by 2,500 miners praying that other magistrates should be appointed, and this very act alone showed discontent, and charging corruption and partiality, and the article merely repeated the words of others. Mr. Tebbutt had that day say he was often asked to sit. Was not this a confirmation of the truth!
Mr. Browne, P.M. said that he had attempted to have the case heard yesterday, but to oblige the defendant a remand was granted. He listened to the eloquent and exhaustive speech of the learned advocate, and he would have preferred that some other magistrate had adjudicated, It was well known that the Guardian had attacked him severely and continually. He had not till that day read the article, as he now never read the Guardian. He believed that the cases heard in the Appeal Court are important ones, and it was necessary that magistrates should be above suspicion. The libel was an attack on the purity of the bench, and it would be a case for a jury.
By the Bench – Mr. Browne have you any more to say?
Mr. Browne – Oh, dear, no your worship.
Bench – Do you wish the evidence read.
Mr. Browne – Oh, no; we will take it read if your Worship pleases.
The Bench – You stand committed to take your trial at the present Mudgee sessions.
Mr. Buchanan – What, your Worship? This cannot be; by the law the defendant is allowed four days to appeal.
The Bench then committed Mr. Browne for trial at next Mudgee Sessions in December next. His own bail in £100 being taken.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 113, 14 September 1872
1872 - The Libel Case
The Court House and ante rooms were crowded to suffocation and hundreds were outside listening. There could not have been less than one thousand persons in and around the building. Mr. Buchanan’s speech was several times interrupted by loud demonstrations of applause, its close eliciting a long continuous outburst, which could not be suppressed. When it was learned Mr. Browne was committed for trial there was much competition as to who would become his bail, but he was not asked for any beyond his own. A defence fund has been started, spontaneously, to defray the expenses of the prosecution.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 113, 14 September 1872
1872 - [OPINION]
The criminal information for libel against the proprie-tor of this journal - Mr DeCourcy Browne - was heard yesterday before Mr Commissioner Browne, and of course resulted in a committal for trial - the defended being graciously allowed bail on his own recognisance.
In another column will be found a lengthy summary of the case as heard in the Police Court, so that the public can form an opinion of the case, and especially of the manly, impartial, and dignified course taken by the Police Magistrate, whose remarks from the bench excited pity in the minds of all who, in the crowded court, heard him. His intelligent exposition of the law of libel, as applied to the article complained of, was unique as it was cowardly on the defendant, and was fully understood by all who heard him in its proper spirit. We felt some little curiosity as to who the informants were, and when the names of Henry Tebbutt and Aneas Randleson McDonnell were read, we felt truly gratified. The public can now judge of the fitness of these two persons to adorn the position of administrators of the law.
We here beg to thank our counsel, Mr David Buchanan, for his truly able and eloquent defence. It carried conviction to the mind of every man who heard him, saving and excepting his Worship the presiding Justice. We also beg to thank the public for its hearty expression of support by the initiation of a "defence fund." The proprietor of the Guardian is determined to see this effort to "gag the press" to an end, which cannot be done without money. He feels gratified at the movement made to hold him free of the expense incurred. So manly and encouraging an expression of goodwill will cheer him on in his efforts to elevate the character of the judicial tribunals on this goldfields that dispense "justice to the miner."
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 113, 14 September 1872
On Monday evening an enthusiastic meeting was held on the Home Rule to protest the prosecution of Mr. DeCourcy Browne. [text of original paper becomes pale]
He felt sure that the miners of the Home Rule would cast aside their little differences, and as one man roll up and support the Guardian in its outspoken denunciations of the present muddle, and cater their protests against the unjust prosecution of Mr. DeCourcy Browne, he called upon Mr. Sweeney to move the first resolution which was as follows meeting believing that the Public Press is the only channel through which the numerous grievances of the miners on this goldfield and the defective administration of the mining laws can be effectively made known, hereby resolved to support the Gulgong Guardian in its exposure of the injustice inflicted upon the mining community. And further that this meeting feeling assured that reasonable and justifiable comments through the public press are calculated to assist and accelerate the administration of justice on this goldfield regard with indignation the criminal prosecution of Mr. DeCourcy Browne for liable.
Mr. Sweeney in a forcible and telling speech of an hour’s duration, sketched the history of the mismanagement of the goldfield from its discovery, and the mode in which the Goldfields Act was administered in the vile tribunal the Appeal Court.
There must be some ground for so widespread feeling of discontent and distrust. He denounced the prosecution of Mr. Browne as a cheap attempt to ‘gag the press’. If Messrs. Tebbutt and McDonnell wanted to be whitewashed why do they not enter a civil action, which Mr. Browne could go into the witness box and be heard in his own defence. But that was not their programme. They do the thing on the cheap; makes the country pay their expenses and stop Mr. Browne from saying a word. Was that manly? Was it the act of men anxious to purify the bench, and clear themselves before the world? Mr. Browne had ever been to the front of exposing the defects on the mining laws and the blundering incapacity of those who administered them. He was worthy of support and he felt sure that he had it from every man the speaker was addressing. [remaining text too pale to read].
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 115, 21 September 1872
1872 - The Defence Fund meeting at the Home Rule
[From our Correspondent]
When I go into Parliament, I shall introduce a most wholesome measure. All Government officials, good, bad, and indifferent, residing within ten miles shall be compelled to attend all such meetings as the above, and listen to the opinions decorously but very firmly expressed of the free man from whose pockets these officials are paid; for by such a practice the good would be gratified by hearing their well merited praise, and the others receive such a warning that – if anything could – could make them endeavour at least to be more faithful servants or else ‘give place to the honester men’.
I have attended many such meetings, but I never heard more deep though quiet utterance of opinion - an utterance far more effective because certain to be respected – than that of the noisiest mob, however large and truculent. Resolution to throw off the official tyranny that has so long oppressed the miners of this goldfield was expressed in every murmur. To my great satisfaction, and I confess a little to my surprise, the miners showed a just appreciation of the value of the press as the only bulwark between themselves and justice. They seemed to feel that if the press is gagged, there remains then no really impartial arbitra-tor between them and power and hence the expressed determination to further the object of the meeting; and from that great crowd of sober earnest men, I returned home with the conviction that the imbeciles who initiated this prosecution - a movement far more calculated to bring the Bench into contempt and endure for themselves a certain and most humiliating defeat. It was a sight as Mr. Buchanan remarked, to make men and angels weep to see two men descend from the high position of their magisterial seat and whine out their little complaints on the floor of the court about an imaginary libel. Would an administrator of justice already conscious in the sight of his God, leave thus debased himself and brought a slur on his whole fraternity? I trust not. But this I know; I would not willingly rub shoulders with the men who have done this thing. I can compare the whole scene in Court to nothing more apt than two hulking school boys, coming up to the Master with a knuckle in each eye and blubbering out ‘please Sir, DeCourcy Browne has slapped us’. Thick skinned, however, as some officials are, I do not think it possible that they attend such a meeting on Wednesday and leave it with perfect indifference. The ‘still small voice’ long dormant with in them first have awakened and made itself heard, and respected at least for awhile; and hence the usefulness of the imaginary Act of Parliament before alluded to.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 115, 21 September 1872
1872 - Correspondence - The Libel Case Report
Sir, In that diminutive shade of a newspaper called the Mercantile Advertiser, the proprietor of which ‘busnacks’ about with it every Wednesday night, appears the following paragraph in it last issue:-
‘THE LATE LIBEL CASE – We were authorized to state that the speech of Mr. Buchanan in the late libel case, as reported in the Guardian is incorrect and for the most part entirely opposite to the expressions of the learned gentlemen. We do not say this was done for the express purpose of misleading the public, but as it a may have that effect, we deem it our public duty to mention the matter and state it is an untruthful report.’
First, I would ask who authorized the editor of the Advertiser [as he states with such consummated impudence] to contradict the accuracy of the Guardian’s report? Who but the learned advocate who delivered the address could give the authority and I feel certain he would have no dealings with so paltry a publication. And next, that the report in its substance is correct, perhaps without many of the bitter and truthful sarcasm's hurled against the magistrates in their administrations of the law in the Appeal Court. The best judges of its correctness are the hundreds who crowded and listened to it in our splendid Court House [which should be the Palace of Justice] and cheered the learned gentleman at the conclusion of his brilliant speech and not an eavesdropper who could only have heard each sentence after it had been filtered through the keyhole or wafted through one of the numerous cracks. Having referred to the manuscript, I find there was an error in printing and these words were omitted. The witness Henry Tebbutt, while under cross examination, said, ’Yes, I have been repeatedly asked by parties to sit in particular cases,’ and he might as well have finished the sentence and said, ‘and I did sit.’ The editor of that very circumspect little apology for a newspaper ought to be aware – although, as there is nothing bearing the most remote resemblance to ‘reporting’ required on it, perhaps he is not – that the duty of a reporter is to approach as near a possible to correctness – nothing extenuating, nor setting down ought in malice. During the few months I have been in this district I have endeavoured to perform my duty to the best of my ability, and in no one instance has the slightest insinuation been made to me relative to what is called ‘doctoring’ a report and in this important case I gave the report as full as the space available the paper would allow. This being the case, the public can now judge of the veracity of the statement above quoted.
I am, Sir, your &c HENRY BEAL.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 115, 21 September 1872
1872 - TEBBUTT AND THE LIBEL CASE
We feel that we owe an apology to our readers for boring them during the holidays with any remarks on the ‘Guardian’ libel case but one of the two prosecutors who, unasked, took upon himself the task of white-washing the district magistrates as in the last issue of that ‘pipe lighter’ called by courtesy the “Mercantile Advertiser,’ indulged in half a column of deliberate falsehoods concerning this unique prosecution, we think require refutation. Throughout this outburst this man Tebbutt impudently links his name with that of Mr. McDonnell, who as is well-known, has been absent from Gulgong and the colony for nearly two months and who regretted the part he had been inveigled into playing in this prosecution and felt keenly the contamination attached to it.
Tebbutt says he had no wish to prosecute Mr. DeCourcy Browne. The hypocritical untruthfulness of this assertion will be readily understood by every person who knows the fellow. He says a most libelous statement had been made of a certain magistrate. Before the information was made DeCourcy Browne met Tebbutt and over a glass of whiskey and water a mutual explanation ensued. Tebbutt knew perfectly well that the certain magistrate did not mean him and he never believed it did mean him. Yet the morning after the conservation and despite the influence of the soothing suction he had imbibed he made his way to the police office and laid his information. The next falsehood is that he and Mr. McDonnell instructed their solicitors to waive all proceedings if the name of the corrupt magistrate was given. The name was refused and in consequence the case was heard and Mr. Browne committed. This is a transparent lie. If by his solicitor Tebbutt means him who by falsehood and duplicity entrapped Mr. Browne into selling him a ‘Guardian’ containing the alleged libel, we congratulate him on his choice and feel certain that the old man was never so instructed. Tebbutt laid the information and how the solicitor could be instructed to waive proceedings by the informers in the manner it is sought to appear is not clear to any intellect except Tebbutt’s. Besides, the information was not for a libel on Tebbutt, but on the administration of justice, which is quite a different thing. As a crowning effort at perverting the truth, Tebbutt asserts that ‘he received a written apology from Mr. Browne, stating that the remarks contained in the paper [the so-called libel] did not apply to him,’ and that he sent this apology with a memo to the Crown Prosecutor, stating that he had no wish to prosecute Mr. Browne after he had exonerated him form the charge of corruption.’ The impudence of this statement is only exceeded by the ingenuity of the perversion of facts. Mr. Browne told Tebbutt before the information was laid that he was not charged with corruption. Mr. Browne’s counsel stated in the Police Court that he was not so charged. Tebbutt and McDonnell both swore that they did not believe they were so charged. It was stated twice in the ‘Guardian’ that the two informers were not so charged and yet this hoary headed old man has the temerity – the moral obliquity – to state that this mysterious letter from Mr. Browne led him to ask the Crown Prosecutor to be merciful. Unfortunately for Tebbutt’s veracity, the facts place the matters in a different light. On the Monday of the Sessions in Mudgee, Mr. Browne, who had been waiting about the Court House from the previous Friday, was interviewed by a legal gentleman who practices in Gulgong, who said he did not thinks the libel case would be heard that Sessions, as no bill had up to that hour been filed, and that he did not think the Crown Prosecutor had the depositions. Mr. Browne said it was a nuisance having to loiter about the Court waiting in suspense, and wished the matter was settled one way or an other as he was ready with his case. The gentleman alluded to said that he thought it could be settled, as he had been talking to Tebbutt, who said he did not want to proceed with the case; and he thought if Mr. Browne wrote a note to Tebbutt stating that the alleged libel did not refer to him, that Tebbutt, as the person who had laid the information, would ask that the prosecution might be allowed to be dropped. Mr. Browne said that Tebbutt knew full well before he laid the information that he was not the Justice referred to, but if writing the note would expedite the settlement of the case one way or another he had no objection in doing so. A note was written and it was delivered to Tebbutt by the gentleman before mentioned. This note – a copy of which Tebbutt no doubt possesses, and if it was an apology he would have published it – was sent to the Mr. Isaac, the Crown Prosecutor, with a note from Tebbutt to the effect that he desired to withdraw from the prosecution. Both letters to be given to the Attorney General. Previous to the letters being written, the Crown Prosecutor applied to have DeCourcy Browne bound over to appear next Sessions, as he was not prepared to proceed with the case. Mr Buchanan objected to that of course, as it appeared that the charge was to be dropped. A scene ensued as reported in the “Guardian” & “Argus”. It will thus be seen that the letter had nothing to do what ever with the postponement of the case.
The idea of any man, no matter who, let alone the editor of the Gulgong Guardian, apologising to Tebbutt, is so absurd as to excite a smile of derision. Neither Tebbutt or those who backed him up will get an apology from us. We have honestly endeavoured to expose the gross maladministration of the law on this gold-field. We have expressed fearlessly our opinion on the misconduct of some justices and know we echo the opinion of every intelligent man on this field. We do not retract one single word that we have ever used, feeling confident that no jury would find us guilty of libel. We write in a boastful spirit, but simply from a strong conviction that we have pursued the right path and only done our duty as a journalist, and if ever this libel case goes to trial, it will assuredly result in Henry Tebbutt being relegated to the obscurity from which he should never have emerged, and enable him then to pursue the humble and honest means of obtaining a livelihood as a vendor of penny dolls and colonial tobacco.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 143, 28 December 1872
A meeting of the supporters of the ‘Guardian’ will be held at Jamieson's Hotel this afternoon at five o’clock as per advertisement. We are pleased to find that the gagging prosecution of the proprietor has evoked much sympathy and expressions of approbation of the efforts of the ‘Guardian’ to expose the gross abuses that exist in connection with the administration of justice on this goldfield and a determination that the present state of mismanagement shall not much longer exist. The venomous outburst of the ancient Tebbutt in his little organ on Thursday last had set this second prosecution a going. Instead of meeting the proprietor of the ‘Guardian’ in a manly way, so that each side would be fairly heard, the proprietor is ‘gagged’ and the country called on to pay the expense of prosecuting him. We need say no more.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 173, 12 April 1873
On Saturday night a monster indignation meeting was held in front of Selff’s Hotel and for numbers exceeded any public meeting since the General election last year. At one time there was over fifteen hundred present, who all throughout the meeting testified their feelings by continued approbation.
Mr. J. B. Brown having been called to the chair, thanked the meeting for the honour they done him and claimed a patient hearing for the speakers.
The meeting was not for the consideration of Commissioner Browne in his private capacity, but the vindication of their rights. He then called upon Mr. Sweeney to move the first resolution, which was seconded by Mr. G. Sewell, to the following effect:-
‘That this meeting is of opinion that the efforts of Mr. Browne, the proprietor of the ‘Gulgong Guardian’ to have justice done to the miner in the administration of the law by exposing the abuses that now exist in connection with the management of the goldfield, is deserving of thanks and recognition at the hands of the miners. And this meeting, while condemning the criminal prosecution to which he is now subjected, pledges itself to aid him in his defence.
Mr. J. P. Sweeney, who upon coming forward was greeted with loud applause, said it was scarcely necessary to explain to them the steady overflow of abuses that had been exhibited upon this goldfield from its first opening, when not the least respect had been paid to the appeal of 6,000 to 7,000 miners, while the wishes of a few had been attended to and that of the many had been ignored and some stigmatised as firebrands and demagogues. The miners have always in the face of everything, asserted their rights and so long as God gave him power he would stand firmly and assert those rights. There had
been attempts made to crush the only organ that fearlessly advocated free and independent labour and the tights of privileges of the miner. He did not arrogate to himself any more intelligence than his fellow workers; but he now wished to enlist there sympathy in aiding to defend Mr. Browne against this scandalous prosecution. He was aware that many could not give much but a mite from each would soon form a fund for the defence of this journalist which had fearlessly denounced the wrongs under which they suffered. Mr. Lang, the able editor of the ‘Argus’ though crippled, had wielded his pen as free as the ink with which he wrote and had done much good in their cause. It was all very well to talk about the Tammany Ring but the fact was that they wanted it not and it must be rooted out. He [the speaker] would say would say, ‘down with the clique, for they had brought many a man down, compelling them to go to the baker and ask for credit where they would otherwise have been able to pay ready money. Backdoor work in any shape ought to be reprobated.
The honourable and learned gentlemen of the law had done almost anything they wished upon this goldfield and they would not be satisfied till they had driven all the miners into one corner. It was a known fact that till they became connected with lawyers they could always settle their disputes but from the various combinations, they were nearly all lawyers and he would say, without fear of contradiction that the lawyers had been their curse. [Hear, hear.]
From the ‘Guardian’s’ first publication it had trodden hard upon the corns of some gentlemen but what matter who it probed so long as it honestly and independently set forth the wants and wishes of the miner. [Cheers.] No doubt there are some who would like to burn the ‘Guardian,’ its owner, and every person employed on its staff, but these individuals are only those who would like to see us begging from door to door for bread. [Great cheering and clapping.] He was prepared at any time to meet them. The ‘Guardian’ had pursued one steady course in advocating the cause of the miners. [Hear, hear.]
On this occasion he asked them one and all to contribute what they could afford. In the last prosecution, who were the prosecutors? - Tebbutt and a draper shopman. [Laughter] Has Tebbutt ever been of any good to them? [A voice: No; and I should like to be his executioner, by God.] Then there was his mate McDonnell – well, poor fellow, he never was of much use. Then there came the Commissioner and magistrate. He was a tool in others hands and it was time they had changes of both Commissioner and magistrate. [Several voices: I should say so; and the sooner the better.] He [the speaker] had many times
been requested to get up a petition for the Commissioner’s removal. [Voices: So say all of us.]
Mr. Sweeney resumed his seat amidst long and continued cheering.
The second resolution was then moved by Mr. Colhoun and seconded by Mr. W. Lonergan to the following effect:-
‘That a committee be appointed to carry out the foregoing resolution by raising a Defence Fund with-out delay.’
Mr. Colhoun said he was not much of a speaker and he knew his failings. If the Commissioner knew his failings as well as he did, he would have been off the goldfield long a go. They were ruled first by a drap-ers’ clerk, then a dolls eye maker and next an overse-er of sheep. He would ask would any body of miners in New Zealand or Victoria stand or put up with the oppression brought to beat upon them. He had no doubt but Mr. Commissioner Browne was a repre-sentative of the squatters, and many had left the goldfields rather than be subjected to litigation and it was a positive fact that many hundreds preferred mining upon private property to avoid coming in contact with the limbs of the law. [A voice: Quite true.] He [the speaker] had known the editor and proprietor of the ‘Guardian’ for twelve years and all that time he had never deviated from advocating the cause of the miner. A criminal prosecution is now being carried out against Mr. DeCourcy Brown, the expenses being paid by the Crown to prosecute him, while the expenses of the defence were to be borne by Mr. DeCourcy Browne. The Commissioner had been guided by others who had him cornered and the prosecution had been quickly arranged. [Applause.]
Mr. Lonergan in rising to second the resolution said that they were all aware that in Victoria and New Zealand, Commissioners had been dismissed and fined for wrong administration. Here a spirit of degeneration was visible, and if a man had a stroke of luck, it was taken from him by one stroke of the pen and he could not see why Commissioners should do as they liked here. Mr. Browne, the proprietor of the ‘Guardian,’ advocated their cause and it was their duty now to come forward and help Mr. Browne through this matter. [Hear, hear.]
It was a well known fact that the lawyers hold many ¼ shares in the best claims and therefore it was the du-ty of all miners and storekeeper to support Mr. Browne through the prosecution. [Hear, hear] There was one man, who had spent the most of his time mining and after some hard labour had fallen in with a good claim, was unfortunate enough to have it tak-en from him by litigation and as a consequence is now in the Gladesville Lunatic Asylum. He would ask if this was not shameful on the part of those officials who administer the laws. [Cries of Yes, Yes.] Mr. DeCourcy Browne had opposed the Tammany of Mudgee cliques and he hoped they [the miners] would stand by him in this hour with the lawyers who attempt to gag the liberty of the Press. [Cheers.]
Mr. Sweeney again came forward and asked all those favourable to the movement to come forward and subscribe. They had been told that they should not criticise too severely the Commissioner. He would ask why? He was a public character and therefore should be criticised. This gentleman [in the opinion of a few] was treated very badly; but what privation and injustice are the miners subject to through the incompetence of that individual? He could tell them that they were enormous.
However, he would not enter into any enumeration of these instance because he thought they were al-ready too well known. As to the miserable sinner who had attacked him, he would say that he had been 22 years mining and he denied him or anyone else to say, ‘Jim Sweeney you did me a shabby action.’ [Cheers.]
A general call for Mr. DeCourcy Browne was made, but Mr. Sweeney said it was not desirable for Mr. Browne to speak, as they had to look a little farther. Subscriptions lists were than at once opened and generally responded to. Mr. Selff was appointed Treasurer and Mr. Colhoun Secretary.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 174, 16 April 1873
The Gulgong Argus gives the following report of the above case:—
Thomas Frederick de Courcy Browne was indicted for having, at Gulgong, on the 22nd February, 1873, received and taken into his possession the sum of £5 2s. 6d., the property of Simeon Solomon Moses, his master. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. [more at source].
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Tue 23 Sep 1873 Page 3 1874 - Mining Board Election
On Monday morning last the polling took place for the election of a member for the Mudgee Division of the Mining Board, Mr. DeCourcy Browne by a large majority. The total number of votes polled was 721 which some think was very small. If it is considered that a large percentage of miners are working on private property and have no miners rights; that no aliens, women or children holding miners’ rights were permitted to vote; that the clumsy manner in which the polling places were chosen debarred a large number from voting, as for instance at Budgee, though there were was a public house on the diggings where miners could vote during the dinner hour and so lose no time, a house a mile and a half away was chosen and Henry Tebbutt placed as the presiding officer. This insult to the miners was met by a resolution of theirs not to vote at all. The miners on the Red Lead and the Rip and Tear and vicinity were compelled to travel four miles to vote and as this was a test which no candidate could reasonably ask, only a few enthusiastic supporters of Mr. Browne did do the walk. In fact, people are far from satisfied at the manner in which the election was carried out. All the causes we have stated operated against a large number of votes being recorded. There was much interest shown in the result, every candidate being hopeful of scoring a win. Betting on the result was freely indulged in, one enthusiastic backer of the winner making a good thing at taking short odds of a guinea to a pound.
The official declaration of the poll was the most extraordinary of its kind on record. It having been announced that the declaration would be made on Wednesday at noon, a number of the electors had gathered up to the Court House, expecting that the time honoured practice would be observed of the Returning Officer announcing the results, the successful candidate returning thanks and moving a vote of thanks to the R. O. for his impartial conduct of the election. Whether it was the conscience of the R. O. pricked him or that the duty of having to announce the winner was an impala table one, we give the proceedings exactly as they occurred, when it will be seen that the old custom was not observed.
A sitting of the Small Debts Court was being held with the P. M. and C.P.S. on the Bench. The last one had been heard, when the dignified voice of the P.M. heard—
‘The Small Debts Court is now adjourned and the following is the results of the polling of the Mining Board Election:- T. F. DeCourcy Browne, 397; John McLachlan, 179; James Dickie, 145. I declare Thomas Frederick DeCourcy Browne duly elected as member of the Mudgee Division of the Mining Board.’
[Exit the P.M. in a hurry, followed by the C.P.S., looking pleased.] and the Court was closed.
Polling places were—Gulgong, Home Rule, Perseverance, Mudgee, Cudgegong, Apple Tree Flat, Budgee Budgee, Green Swamp, Windeyer, Hargraves, Upper Meroo, Two Mile Flat, Canadian, Lowe’s Paddock, Merrindee, Glaziers.
Source: The Home Rule Pilot, No 3, 20 June 1874
