BISHOP'S CLIPPINGS

Samuel Trevenen Bishop was, for many years, the local correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald". It was his hobby to keep a record of every item of news that he succeeded in having published.

June 1881 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
S T BISHOP - Book Seller and Stationer - Mayne Street Gulgong

June 1881 - GREVIOUS BODILY HARM
Martin Tuxford, a youth of 19 years appeared summoned by Henry Daniel Manning.
H D Manning: I am a Gun Smith residing near the Prince of Wales Theatre, Gulgong. I had occasion to go into the back yard on reaching the closet, I saw 20 or 30 boys congregated there looking at two small boys fighting. A man named Peter Langbein was encouraging the boys. I told them they should be ashamed of themselves, Langbein using oaths said he would hit me, then struck me with his fist. As he turned away the defendant and others named Brigden, Maloney and Tompkin, attacked me. When I tried to put them out of the yard, the defendant struck me in the face with a stone in his hand, when I defended myself, my finger was disjointed. The yard alluded to was one common to other buildings as well as his own, it adjoins the Prince of Wales Theatre. The case was adjourned so as to allow the father of the defendant an opportunity to obtain legal assistance.

March 24 1882 - Police Court
Before Mr Phillip Snape PM - Refusal to Pay Wages
George Campbell sued the Mayor Zimmler and Aldermen of the Municipality of Gulgong for 35/- wages, the Mayor defended the case in person.
George Campbell: I am labourer, residing in Gulgong and worked at a dam 1½ days, I applied to the Mayor for my wages, he told me I could not be paid until the work had been passed by the Works Committee. I was not aware of this mode of payment for I have never worked for the council before, I was employed by Alderman Blanchard.
Mr William Selff rose and addressed the Bench saying he was an alderman and that it had been stated that he influenced the men in taking these proceedings and he wished to vindicate his character from the charge; but this he would say that if the men wanted him as a witness he would give evidence for them.
The Mayor vehemently protested against the indecency of one of the defendants in the case addressing the Bench for the complainant.
John Murn, for the defendants: I have worked for the council and have never had to wait for my wages.  I did not hear you say we would be paid on Thursday.
William Selff: I am an innkeeper and alderman at Gulgong. The Mayor was authorised to expend the sum of 10 pounds for cleaning out Tuxford’s Dam, by Council.
The Mayor addressed the Bench, denying such payments had ever been made as the Council Clerk and himself had carefully gone through the minute book and could find no record of any.
Mr Selff complained that the Mayor was sneering at him and that he would not allow him to do so.
Campbell on cross examination admitted that there was no refusal to pay. He was sorry that these misguided men should have been influenced by others to bring the case there.

February 1882 - Stormy Meeting

The borough council meeting was held last night, Alderman Scully, supported by Aldermen Blanchard, Selff and Rouse, proposed a vote of want of confidence in the newly elected Mayor. A violent attack was on the private life of the Mayor. An amendment by Alderman Tuxford, ‘That the motion be not entertained’ was carried. Boycotting has commenced here. It is alleged that two alderman have taken their custom away from two other aldermen who voted against them.

The vote of want of confidence in Mr Charles Zimmler, as Mayor of Gulgong on Wednesday last, had had a most ludicrous in as much that Mr Charles Zimmler by his own vote, given in his own favour, cause the efforts of his opponents to end in nothing. But however the funny proceedings may appear they are not devoid of a serious aspect. The Mayor was accused of several things which if true, unfitted him to occupy a position of distinction in the community. He did not answer or attempt to answer these charges; the whole tenor of his defence went to show that however great may have been his offences, his election as mayor by four aldermen, assisted by his own vote, condoned them, his opponent having four votes in his favour thus it will be seen that the vote of Mr Charles Zimmler made that person mayor and the vote of the Mayor, when his fitness to occupy the position was challenged, carried the day in his own favour. How is that for HIGH? How is it possible to maintain the position with dignity under such circumstances and what hope can the ratepayers have that the business of the council will proceed in an even and amicable a manner in what must be called degrading circumstance that occurred, comment on such a procedure to be of any value should be fair, consequently we will not attempt to extend it beyond the ground taken up by Mr Zimmler himself, who stated that his election condoned his previous offences. The defence if such it can be called is a novel one; but such as it is, it had been used for the purpose of retaining the mayor in the chair. If it could possibly possess force under nay circumstances, it would be in the fact of the mayor having been returned to the Council by a majority of ratepayers after they had known of the accusations but the Mayor did not pass through an ordeal of that kind, his election to the chair having been carried by his own vote, consequently the ‘condonation’ proceeded from himself. He does not say I am not guilty or wrongfully charged but he retains his seat which under the circumstances few men possessing self respect would think of retaining. It is funny—very funny.

May 1882 - [PERSONAL]
COGDEN at Dubbo Mrs H J Cogden a son

May 17 1882 - Marriage 
Marriage by special license at the residence of the bride by the Rev J S Dobson, George Sharman of Gulgong to Jane Aaron nee Cross, youngest daughter of the late Mr Robert Cross of Charlbury, Oxfordshire England.

September 16 1882 - Municipal Law Suit 
At Gulgong Police Court on Wednesday, John Scully, alderman of that borough, appeared to answer a summons charging him with neglecting to pay the rates due on a house which he is the owner. The premises were lately tenanted by one John Mahoney on whom the rate notice was served. Alderman Scully refused to pay the collector on the plea that the council ought to have distrained on Mahoney for the amount due. When the case come on Mr G Davidson, who appeared for Alderman Scully, took the objection that his client had not been served with a rate notice and therefore had no opportunity of appealing. The Bench decided to non-suit the Council. The rates in dispute were only 21/-.

Alderman Scully’s Rates—it will be remembered that at the last District Court held here, one of the causes brought before Judge Cansdell was that of the Gulgong Borough Council against Mr Alderman Scully, for the recovery of rates due on one of his properties within the Gulgong borough and that the Judge reserved his decision until he would have the opportunity of discussing the matter with his brother judges. This decision is now to hand, the verdict being for the plaintiff for the amount claimed. Hence, it evidently is not necessary to serve notice of assessment on a property owner if the occupier has been served. Mr C D Meares was attorney for the municipality and Mr Davidson for the defendant.

1882 - Slaughtering License
S T Bishop JP applied for a such license for Patrick O’Connor, [sic, Occonnell] Goodiman, granted.

October 4 1882 - Death 
Francis Woodward, a carpenter, well-known in Victoria and NSW was found dead this morning at Adam’s Lead. He has suffered for years from asthma.

1882 - New Magistrates 
Dr Charles Edward Barnard; Mr Charles Zimmler, chemist; Mr Samuel T Bishop, stationer.

B/C October 4 1882

Coroner’s Inquest Mr P Snape, PM and Coroner for the Gulgong District, held an inquest on Tuesday last, near Gulgong, upon the corpse of Frank Woodward, a farmer who died suddenly the day before. Robert Wilson deposed to finding the dead body of deceased lying on the road at 11am on Tuesday and Daniel Ryan and William Wilson gave similar evidence. Stephen Cooper, a carpenter, deposed that at 9am on the same day he met the deceased who appeared to be sober and in good health; Woodward often complained to him that he suffered from a choking sensation in the chest. Dr Barnard the Government Medical Officer, deposed, that he made a post mortem examination of the deceased and that as a result he believed death to be due to inflammation of the heart. The verdict death by natural causes.

 

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The following programme was executed by the pupils. The children were:

Uriah Bullock, Willy Peters, Joseph Rigg, Jennie Browne, Anne Redmond, Alfred Cassel, Lily McKenzie, Freddy Heard, Mary Ward, John Bishop, Rose Launders, Thomas Woodward, ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’, Leslie Ross, Daniel Barnett, James Thacker, Kate Tompkins, Elizabeth Smith, Joshua Ford, Matilda Bennett, John Smith, Sarah Appleyard, Elizabeth Tuxford, Britson Cornish, Carl Winter, Matilda Tuxford, Jane Brown.

Infants School: Albert Bennett, Charles Kent, Mary Williardt, Marion Stevenson, Emma Brooks, Caroline Pack, Veron DeBoos, Sydney Vile, Dolly Merrett, Annie Ross, Mary Cornish, Emma Brigden, Lily Peters, Henry Adams, George Farthing and Fred Darnell.

November 4 1882 - GULGONG HOSPITAL
To the Editor of the People’s Advocate
Sir, I am induced to ask through the medium of your columns why it is that the gentlemen who compose the committee of management of the Gulgong Hospital, conduct the affairs of the Institution in private, and consequently in a manner that prevents the public becoming acquainted with their proceedings. Lately certain tenders for supplies have been accepted but no persons outside the committee have an opportunity of learning who the successful tenders are and if the lowest have been accepted. The affairs of a public institution, concern the public, and the latter are entitled to know all that is doing by those placed in authority by the subscribers. A part from this I consider the best interests of the hospital would be served by giving as much publicity as possible to everything relating to it. I have no desire to censure the gentlemen composing the committee, as I believe they are actuated by the best motives in giving their time in furthering the cause of benevolence, but I do protest against the conducting the affairs after the manner of a Star Chamber. They have paid the secretary who receives a salary of 20 pounds a year for doing very little work and it is the duty of the committee to direct that he furnishes a report of the monthly meetings.
I am Sir, A SUBSCRIBER.

[The Secretary received orders to furnish reports of the meetings alluded to and for a considerable time he continued to do so but for several months no report has been sent to this office, neither has nay intimation been given of the dates of holding the meetings—ED., P. A.]

1882 - A Regretful Resignation
Mr S T Bishop, JP, the energetic and popular secretary of the Gulgong Hospital has resigned those duties on account of pressure of business. We are sure that we re-echo the sentiments of the Committee and of the subscribers to that institution when we say that his resignation is greatly regretted.  For the last seven years Mr Bishop has held the position and he retires from it with the satisfactory assurance that his labours have supplement those of a zealous committee in causing the Gulgong Hospital to be generally recognised as one of the best worked institutions in the colony. When Mr Bishop accepted office the salary was 30 pounds per year but two years ago he suggested himself the reduction of the salary to 20 pounds and gave a donation of 10 pounds to prove his earnestness in the matter. Whoever may be chosen as Mr Bishop’s successor will, we hope, labour to emanate his energy, self-denial and tact.

December 16 1882 - [ODDFELLOWS]
On Friday evening, December 16, a meeting of the Brethren of the MUOOF, was held at the Oddfellows Hall, Gulgong for the purpose of presenting an address to Dr Barnard prior to his leaving Gulgong for Europe. The hall was dressed with the special flags and banners of the Order and a large number of the Brethren were present in regalia.
Bro. William Fletcher PG, was voted to the chair and said, that he had much pleasure in taking the chair on the occasion but it was deeply mingled with regret as it was the purpose of bidding farewell to Dr Barnard. It was 8 years since the Doctor had been appointed medical officer and he was quite certain that not one of the Lodge had occasion to regret it. Speaking for himself he could vouch for the uniform attention and kindness that had been shown his family an himself by Dr Barnard. He then called on Bro. Russell to present the address, as he was the secretary he had almost daily contact with the Doctor, he then read the following:_

Loyal Happy Valley Lodge, Gulgong

I O O F, MU, No. 50.

Charles E Barnard, MD

Dear Sir, It is with feelings of regret that we hear of your departure from amongst us. You having held the position of Medical Officer of the above mention Lodge for the past eight years, we cannot allow you to leave without expressing our appreciation of your valued service.

We further hope the hand of the Giver of all good gifts may ever be ready to protect you wherever you may sojourn and that the step you are about to take may advance you social and public position.

We beg now to ask your acceptance of this testimonial as a slight token of respect in which you are held by the Manchester Unity of Gulgong.

Signed on behalf of the Brethren of the Happy Valley Lodge: W Holmes, N G; John Molloy, VG; William Seaton E S; F W Russell, P Sec.; J W Holden PG; W Fletcher PC; R W Heard and e McCulloch, Trustees.

Brother Russell then handed the address which was beautifully printed on satin to Dr Barnard.

Dr Barnard who on rising was greeted with applause, requested permission to read his reply.

‘Brethren of this Lodge—I cannot but feel highly gratified at the pleasing compliment you have just now paid me in presenting this beautiful and elegant address upon the eve of my departure from amongst you. There is scarcely a member of your Lodge that has not come under my professional care some time or other during the long period that I have been your medical officer.

Brother Heard fully endorsed the praise given to Dr Barnard also Brother Holden expressed his feelings.
The Chairman then called for the honours of the Lodge to be given to Dr Barnard which was heartily done.

December 31 1882 - Electoral Rolls
Constables Ambrose, Minslow and Bowery were appointed on Wednesday by the PM and Mr Bishop to collect the electoral roll for Gulgong.

January 6 1883 - [MISSING PERSON]
A son of the Rev Joseph Dobson, eight years old, who was missed since yesterday morning, was found this morning in a shaft 13 feet deep near the recreation ground, unhurt.

Inquest - An inquest was held by Mr P Snape, coroner at Goodiman’s Creek today on the body of a miner named William Lawrence Dobby, aged 52, who died suddenly, yesterday while rolling a log. The post mortem examination held by Dr Ryley showed the cause of death to be heart disease.

January 23 1883 - Gulgong Hospital

The annual meeting of subscribers was held last Tuesday evening where a satisfactory report of the out going committee was presented. Mr P Snape was elected as President; Mr George Ramsay, Vice President; Mr C O’Connor, secretary; and Dr Ryley, Medical Officer. Regret was expressed at the retirement of Dr Barnard, Mr S T Bishop the late secretary to whom an address is to be presented on behalf of the Committee in recognition of his valuable service to the institution.

February 7 1883 - Election
Messrs William Guinan, George Turner and John Scully were elected as aldermen and Messrs Frederick Russell and Samuel T Bishop auditors without opposition.
Mayor Charles Zimmler re-elected.

Ousted and Re-elected
At the Supreme Court Sydney on May 17 the motion by John Scully and Co to oust Charles Zimmler from the office of Mayor of Gulgong [on the ground that the council Clerk presided at the election instead of the out going Mayor] was agreed to by the consent of the parties and his Honour made the rule absolute without costs….at a special meeting on Monday last for the election of the Mayor, aldermen Tuxford, Turner, Guinan, Holland and Zimmler attended. Alderman Zimmler was re-elected without opposition.

A Victory and not a Victory
The anti-Zimmler party in Gulgong Municipal Council have gained their end—and lost it. Mayor Zimmler has been ousted after a struggle and unanimously re-elected without one. It a technical sense, the Mayor deviated from Municipal Law, but his election was secured by a majority of his brother aldermen. His opponents sought a rule nisi to oust him. Without fighting the matter out, Mr Zimmler consented to be ousted and then, like the giant of the fable whose legs grew the longer and more they were lopped, he fought for the position over again and won without a struggle. His virulent adversaries have been flabbergasted by results—left, as near the point of political death as possible. They hadn’t even the moral courage to attend and speak a word in protest against his re-election. They raised a fearful tempest within the compass of a teacup and then they acted like the timorous dog who, being force to fight killed his adversary by a ‘fluke’ and fled with his tail between his legs so great was he dismayed at the victory he had accidentally gained. They spent 50 pounds to oust the Mayor, succeeded and then had to grind their teeth in perfect harmlessness at his re-accession of office. Like the heroic General, the truculent minority in the Gulgong Municipal Council ‘with twice 10,000 men-
Marched then up the hill and marched them down again!

Concert at Guntawang
A concert was held at the School of Arts, Guntawang on Tuesday for the purpose of raising funds for the purchase of prizes for the children attending Guntawang School. A number of residents of Gulgong attended. Mr R Rouse of Guntawang in the chair, there being no printed programme announced the names. The lady vocalists were Misses Mooy, Searle, Masters and Dupain. Mesdames Dobson and Pearce playing the accompaniments. The gentlemen were Messrs Dobson, Rouse, Hamilton, Pearce, Robinson Clarke and Hill

Educational

Mr Robert Pearce the public school teacher at Gulgong has received notice of removal and leaves Gulgong at an early date for the sphere of his avocation. During his stay in Gulgong he made himself popular with the parents by his careful and efficient supervision of the pupils. As showing the hardships of the unexpected removals, which occur in the lives of State teachers, it may be stated that Mr Pearce had only been married three months and had just got a good home together when the peremptory mandate was officially communicated to him. His household effects were sacrificed at auction on Saturday and Mrs Pearce left Gulgong on Sunday morning for her old home at Ryde, pending Mr Pearce’s arrival at his new quarters.

Accident
Mr Hugh Dougherty, a farmer at Tallawang was brought to Gulgong Hospital on Saturday night with a broken thigh, caused by a tree falling upon him. He is now progressing as favourably as can be expected considering his advanced age of sixty years. Mr Doughtery is the father-in-law of Mr C Stoll Post Master at Tallawang.

March 6 1883
Mr John M’Elhone arrived here on Saturday and was escorted into town by a torchlight procession of buggies and horsemen. He addressed over 300 selectors in the Theatre, the meeting was orderly and Mr Arthur Garling, a selector was in the chair.

March 21 1883 - [INJURY]
George Smith, a well known butcher at the Canadian was thrown from his horse yesterday and seriously injured.

March 26 1883 - [FIRE]
A 2am this morning Mrs McGrath woke and found her bedroom on fire. She had barely time to escape with her child in her nightdress. The house was burned to the ground, nothing being saved but the sewing machine. The house was luckily stood some distant from other buildings and there was no wind blowing at the time. Subscriptions have been started for the relief for the family.

April 5 1883 - [HOSPITAL RESIGNATION]
Last night there was a meeting of the subscribers to the hospital for the purpose of electing a medical officer, viz Dr Ryley resigned. There were eight applications two of which were declared informal. Dr Souter of Coonabarabran was unanimously elected.

June 13 1883 - [FIRE]
At 7pm last evening a fire broke out in Robert Wilson’s house and completely gutted the inside. The buildings was saved. The cause of the fire is unknown. Nobody was inside when the fire was discovered.

July 10 1883 - [DEATH]
A magisterial inquiry was held at Goolma yesterday by the PM on the body of Thomas Martin a shepherd, who died suddenly while lighting his pipe, employed by George Whales. The cause of death due to heart disease.

August 8 1883 - [DEATH]
William Parkins an old man-of-war’s man, aged 60 who had been residing on his 40-acre selection at Goolma creek was found dead on the floor of his humpy on Sunday. When last seen on Friday he was very ill and he was to be taken to Gulgong Hospital on Monday. His wife and family were away at Walgett. Cause of death was natural causes.

August 23 1883 - [DEATH]
Death - Fyfe at Guntawang Mary Ann, beloved wife of Alexander, aged 35.

September 18 1883 - A LUCKY MAN
On Thursday last Dominico Rognini, barber of Gulgong, was walking up Herbert Street when he saw something brighter than gold lying near the gutter and upon examination found it to be a piece of gold commonly called a nugget. Upon weighing the specimen it was found to weigh about 18 dwts. It must have been deposited on the road with some tailings from a claim. This is not the first nugget which has been found near the same spot after rain and doubtless will not be the last.

Police Court
At the court on Friday before Messrs J Clement Souter and S Bishop, JP’s, Robert Campbell Brown was charged with violently assaulting his wife Annie Brown. In answering to the arresting constable when charged, the prisoner said, ‘Very well.’ Annie Brown wife of the accused, deposed that the prisoner struck her in the mouth with his clenched fist last Thursday. Witness was unwell and because she could not explain the cause of her illness he struck her. Before striking her the prisoner directed her attention to a newspaper paragraph, containing an account of the murder of a woman by a man, and told her he would serve her in the same way. In consequence of this and other threats, witness feared he would do her some bodily injury. Cross-examined by prisoner, witness said they had been married 15 years and had grown up children, that she had supported them for about 4 months as he would not do so. Prisoner in his defence said that he had an argument with his wife and complained that his children were not sent to Sunday school. She said something which annoyed him and he struck her with the back of his hand for which he was very sorry. Fined 10 pounds, in default three months in the Mudgee Gaol. The prisoner went to gaol.

September 20 1883 - Old Gulgong Reef
I visited this morning the OldGulgong Reef, distant four miles. The prospecting claim is 35 feet, the reef 18 inches wide. There are 10 tons on the surface, estimated to give 2 ounces to the ton. No.1 east and Nos. 1 and 2 west have also leaders showing gold. The Morning Star Reef, Zimmler and party, between Old Gulgong and Louisiana Reef is down 30 feet. They have a 3 inch leader carrying gold. Rich specimens have been found in the Louisiana. The crushing machine is idle in consequence of there being no water.

Coroner’s Inquest was held into the death of William Montague Cook, aged 48, tank contractor, who died suddenly on Sunday night of heart disease, at Pine Ridge, near Denison Town, yesterday. The deceased leaves a wife and eight children poorly off, a collection has been taken up.

September 28 1883 - [POLICE COURT]
Yesterday at the Police Court seven person were prosecuted by the attendance officers for not sending their children to school the requisite number of days during the last half-year as required by law. It being the first offence the defendants were fined 1/- each and costs.

October 29 1883 - Samuel Brooks, employed by Mr John Tuxford, whilst feeding a circular saw, received a frightful cut across the right hand. He was taken to the hospital where he was attended by Dr Barnard.

November 6 1883 - An influential meeting was held last night, presided over by the Mayor, Mr Charles Zimmler, at which a resolution was unanimously carried that a petition be sent to the Minister of Mines asking for the use of a diamond drill for this district and guaranteeing cost of the same.

November 9 1883 - A meeting of shareholders in the Advance Gulgong Quartz-crushing Company was held last night when it was resolved to increase the capital for the purpose of purchasing a 30 horse-power engine. The meeting made a call of 5/- per share on the original shares and resolved on the issue of 500 new shares at 25/- each. A meeting to confirm this action will be called for 23rd instant.  The battery is now crushing 100 ton tailings from Rouse’s paddock. Fogarty’s party at the Canadian washed 300 loads for ½ ounce to the load and are still raising stone. The Old Gulgong Reef will crush before Christmas

November 18 1883 - [CONCERT]
A very successful concert took place last night to raise funds for the purchase of Public School prizes.
Mr James Cosgrove, late of Merriwa, has been appointed to the charge of the Public School.

November 23 1883 - [MEASLES]
Measles are still prevalent at Biraganbil and Guntawang and the Public School there and the one at Stubbo Creek are closed.

PRESENTATION OF SCHOOL PRIZES - 
A very pleasing ceremony took place at the Canadian Public School on Friday afternoon, when the children attending the school were presented with prizes, the pupils having previously passed a very creditable examination, inconsequence of which the teacher, Mr Skillman, got up an amateur entertainment, the proceeds of which were devoted to the purpose above named and books to the amount of 13 pounds were accordingly distributed. Mr J F Plunkett, member of the District Board made the presentation and delivered an appropriate address to the pupils. Several of the parents and lady visitors were present. The proceedings were brought to a close by cheers for the Queen. The following is a list of the prizes presented:-

• 1st Class—General Proficiency: Charlotte Mayes, Henry Sadler, Thomas Mitchell, Owen McCauley
• 2nd Class—General Proficiency: Florence Scott, Charles Gates, Richard Hollow, Edward Stott
• 3rd Class—General Proficiency: Albert Gates, H Mitchell, Emily Hollow
• Special Prizes: Sewing 1st Class: Charlotte Mayers; 2nd : Elizabeth Thew; 3rd: Emily Austin
• Neatness: 2nd Class: Maria Morrissey, Grace Last; 3rd Class William Mitchell, Henry Smith
• Home Work—2nd Class: Rosanna Morrissey; 3rd Class: Frances Mitchell
• Attention—Prizes award to Dennis O’Brien and Kate Mitchell given by S T Bishop Esq JP

November 27 1883 - Late Mr R N Collins
The awful truth expressed in the aphorism …….. of life we are in death,’ more sadly realised on Tuesday afternoon, when the news of Mr Collins death gradually became public. On Sunday he seemed to be in the best of health and much as usual, never complaining of illness, Monday morning the first symptoms of the English cholera which struck him down, appeared. Despite all the best care and medical attention given, he died at 12.30pm on Tuesday. It was a time before a large portion of the town here to witness a marriage ceremony became aware of the loss of one of our best known townsmen. The late Mr Collins was in the fullest sense was respected by everyone who knew him, for a man to go through life without an enemy is an achievement in its self, this he did, and was most lovable; his disposition was kind and charitable and those whose had contact with him extended over a long course of time can never remember hearing him say anything against his neighbour. His integrity in matters of business was above reproach, his character unblemished and his memory equally revered. He was warm hearted, manly, a good man, held in much affection by his friends, patriotic and stainless character. For a long time he was engaged with Mr Schlacter.  Subsequently he went to Gulgong, and here began to exhibit these qualities in his public service which was so valuable. During his residency of this gold diggings township he took an active part in town affairs and was elected Mayor of the Municipality a position which he held for two years, earning the title of being a ‘model Mayor’. He worked and organised matters in the Fire Brigade and was captain at one time. He was also on the Gulgong Hospital Committee. A little more than five years ago he came to Mudgee where he entered into business, taking an interest in both Municipality and Fire Brigade. His wife predeceased him some 18 months ago. The funeral was well attended by members of the Fire Brigade and Oddfellows Lodge.

December 2 1883 - Mr DeCourcy Browne addressed the electors last nigh in the theatre. His speech which was principally in condemnation of the land and mining laws was well received.

December 4 1883 - Dr J R Riley was last night unanimously elected surgeon for the Hospital and Oddfellows Lodges. There were nine candidates. Mr C. Ode was elected secretary to the Hospital.

December 6 1883 - Mr Buchanan addressed a meeting last night from Moverley’s balcony and made a powerful speech denouncing the land Bill

December 9 1883 - During the thunderstorm of last evening Mrs Thomas Ward has a miraculous escape from death. The lightening struck her hand, paralysing the fingers as she was taking water from a tank. The lightening split the tank and drove a hole through its bottom.

December 12 1883 - At a meeting held last night by the shareholders in the Advance Gulgong Crushing Company an offer was made by Matthias Orlovich to rent the machine for 12 months at 3 pounds per week, this was accepted. The machine started this morning on surface stone from Red Hill

December 31 1883 - The farmers at Springfield have to fetch their water from a distance of five miles.

January 2 1884 - The Congregational annual picnic was held yesterday and was well attended. In the evening the congregation met and presented their minister, the Rev James Trevor [who has been here 10 years and is now leaving to reside at Mosman’s Bay] with a purse of 45 sovereigns.

January 3 1884 - Our correspondent at Gulgong telegraphs that the New Years Day races there came off successfully yesterday. J Griffith of Tongy Station was the winner of five out of six events, although R Rouse junior and S Blackman had horses entered. Each race was closely contested.

January 8 1884 - A rather serious accident happened here today. A Hawker’s cart came into sharp collision with an alignment post and was overturned, its occupant Mrs Maloney was thrown out on her head and seriously injured.

January 18 1884 - Presentation to Mr S T Bishop JP
A very pleasing event took place at Gulgong on Friday afternoon last when the committee and officers of the Gulgong Hospital met for the purpose of presenting an address, beautifully on satin, to their late Secretary, Mr S T Bishop.

Mr Ramsay stated that although from various causes, the presentation of the address had not taken place at the time first appointed, it being done now, showed that the feelings of the committee had not changed in their appreciation of Mr Bishop’s valuable services whilst Secretary of the Hospital. Mr Ramsay then presented the address which was as follows:

To Mr S T Bishop, late Secretary of the Gulgong Hospital: We the under signed, the Committee of the Gulgong Hospital, desire to convey to you our appreciation of your long and valuable service as Secretary and have pleasure in testifying not only to your general correctness but also to you unremitting exertions in the welfare of the Institution, the usefulness of which we feel had in no small measure been furthered by your efficiency. In conclusion we must express deep regret at your resignation of office. We are, dear Sir, George Ramsay [Treasurer] Dennis McGrath, James C Gosgrove, George Turner, Montague Marks, William Guinan, C Coghlan, Thomas McDonough, John Souter, N Langdon and John Powell.

Mr Bishop briefly thanked the meeting for their kindly feelings towards him, also for the address which he should always highly prize. His duties as Secretary had always been a pleasure to perform, lightened as they had been by aid of the Chairman and a good working committee. With mutual expressions of good wishes the meeting then terminated.

January 22 1884 - Gulgong Hospital
The annual meeting of the subscribers of the Gulgong Hospital was held, Mr George Ramsay, the Vice President, in the chair.  Mr John Holden wardsman resigned.  Those who have attend 18 meeting in the past year as follows: W Guinan, 18; G Ramsay 16; G Turner 16; R W Heard 16; A Blanchard 16; F Russell 16; E Bond 14; G Smith 13; T H Mathews 13; H Bennett 13; Rev J S Dobson 12; W Fletcher 10; Dr Souter 5; P Snape 3. In March Dr Ryley resigned as Medical Officer and in April Dr Souter was appointed.

Signed: Joseph S Dobson, Thos H Mathews and Samuel Bursill.

Mr J F Plunkett proposed and Mr Guinan seconded that the report be accepted.

The following were elected as the in coming committee without opposition:- President: Mr Snape; Vice President: George Ramsay; Medical Officer: Dr Souter; Secretary:  C Ode; Auditors: Messrs E McCulloch and F W Russell; Committee: Messrs Guinan, G Turner, R W Heard, W Fletcher, A Blanchard, E Bond, G Smith, H Bennett, T H Mathews, S Bursill and J Holden.

February 12 1884 - Gulgong polling results as follows: Richard Stear 151; Samuel Bursill 153; Alfred Blanchard 140; Charles Zimmler 123; Henry Holland 92; Montague Marks 35; William Wesley 32. The first three named were declared elected as aldermen. Auditors—Samuel T Bishop 143; Frederick Russell 137; Robert Heard 134. The first two were declared duly elected.

February 14 1884 - Gulgong—At a council meeting held on Thursday afternoon the ex-mayor [Mr Zimmler] in the Chair, Alderman Guinan proposed and alderman John Smith seconded that Alderman Tuxford be elected Mayor. Aldermen Bursill and Blanchard proposed and seconded Alderman Stear as mayor. On the question being put to the vote Alderman Tuxford had five and alderman Stear four votes. The former therefore declared to be duly elected Mayor of Gulgong.

February 20  1884 - At a special meeting of the Gulgong Hospital Committee held last night Walter Watson Ross and his wife of Sydney, were respectively appointed wardsman and matron of the hospital. There were 26 applications.

March 12 1884 - ROSTER OF MAGISTRATES
A meeting of the local Justices of the Peace was held at the Court House on Wednesday last when it was decided that the following Roster should be adopted for the attendance of Magistrates. First and third Wednesday’s in each month: Messrs G Rouse, C M Lowe, Dr J C Souter and S T Bishop. Second and fourth Wednesday’s: Messrs R Rouse, S A Blackman, R Rouse junior and J F Plunkett.

Small Debts Court

Before W D Meares and P Snape PM’s

and J F Plunkett JP

W Wade v B Campbell, half cost of dividing fence. No jurisdiction.

W Wesley v J Isbester, 3 pounds value of gate destroyed. Verdict for the defendant and 10/- cost of witness.

March 23 1884

John Ross ages 18 was drowned on Saturday in dam at Tongy Station.

April 4 1884

Accident at Gulgong—Mr Bernard Naughton, farmer of the Three Mile Flat, met with serious accident on Saturday last. He was working in a tank about four miles from Gulgong when a body of earth about two tons weight suddenly fell in, fracturing his left leg below the knee. He is now in the Gulgong Hospital doing well

April 4 1884

 

Buggy Accident—Mr Alex Mason of Rossiter’s Hotel, Gulgong, met with an accident on Friday while returning from Mudgee. He pulled up at Green Swamp, and had hardly alighted from the buggy when the horse bolted and freeing itself from the harness attempted to negotiate a stiff three-railed fence but failing fell and broke its neck.

April 18  1884

Police Court

Before P Snape PM, J C Souter and

 S T Bishop JP’s

Francis Hill charged with stealing a kangaroo dog the property of Alfred Cross. After considering evidence from William Wilson, a boundary rider employed by Mr Stewart of Pine Ridge, the Bench considered that there was no case against the accused and dismissed the charges.

Illegally Impounding William Wesley v T Isbester. The Bench addressed the parties before commencing the proceedings, as they were neighbours they should retire and endeavour to settle the affair amicably. After a few minutes they returned and informed the Bench that they had agreed to settle the case.

The example set by the presiding magistrates is deserving of special mention and commends itself to all whose duty it is to sit in judgement over quarrelsome subjects. In this instance the litigants were parties who had been in court fortnightly, at great loss, both of time and money.

Mining at Gulgong Capewell and party working in the Star of the South at Gulgong bottomed their shaft on Tuesday on gold at 87 feet. The wash is good and as the ground is dipping, operations for driving are to be commenced.

Canadian Company Mr Chappel the manager of this company has succeeded in lowering the water below the level of the old drive and the tools which were flooded out have been taken up so that in a few days work below will be proceeded with.

BC April 18  1884

The Settling up for the Ploughing Competition was held at Mr White’s Star Hotel.

May 10 1884

The Old Gulgong Reef Company last night struck a reef 18 inches thick which is estimated to yield 2 ounces to the ton.

May 12 1884

An accident occurred in Scully’s claim today when a slab fell on a miner named John French and striking him on the left hand, smashing his fingers so badly as to necessitate the amputation of his hand. The operations was performed by Dr Souter.

The Australian Joint Stock Bank has sent by escort 523 ounces 18 dwts 2 grains of gold.

May 27 1884

Late night a numerously signed complimentary and valedictory address from the residents of Gulgong was presented to Mr Cornelius Coghlan late CPS here, who has been promoted to a similar but more lucrative position at Lismore. General regret was expressed at this departure as he was a zealous officer and a good citizen.

June 17 1884

*Percy, son of John Moverly, licensee of the Albion Hotel, fell down a sawpit yesterday and came in contact with the saw, severely lacerating his back and side and exposing four of his ribs. He has a wonderful escape from death and is now doing as well as can be expected.

*Mayes and party in No2 Stott’s paddock are now washing a parcel of 300 loads of washdirt from the 120 feet level, which is estimated to yield one ounce of gold to the load.  The company’s claim at the Canadian have washed a prospect to yield over 2 ounce to the load. *Several of the old Gulgong miners have returned this week and have taken claims here.

Mid June 1884

Magisterial Inquiry ­was held on Saturday the 7th at Ulan by S. T. Bishop JP on the body of John Munday, a Sawyer, who died somewhat suddenly on the previous day.

 Matilda Richer, step-daughter: On the 29th ultimo he complained of a pain in his side, he died yesterday, he had been taking medicine prescribed by Dr Swanston from Mudgee.

Ann Munday.: I was going to Mudgee for the Priest and Doctor as requested by the deceased, I got as far as the Log Paddock when I was over taken and request to return home, my husband was dead. He had a bad accident May 28 by timber falling off a truck, one of the wheels went over his chest. The Police at Gulgong weer informed of his death prior to my arrival.

Henry Mattingle: Carter, corroborates the evidence of the accident, which occurred at Deadman’s Creek

John Clement Souter: I am Government Medical Officer for the District of Gulgong, I conducted the post mortem on the deceased, I am of the opinion the deceased died of acute inflammation of the lung possibly initiated by the accident, this was the verdict given.

July 4 1884

Patrick Sweeney has reported to the warden that he has bottomed on the Star Lead at a depth of 190 feet and that gold has been seen in the washdirt.

July 28 1884

The Public School has been closed for a fortnight on the recommendation of the Government Medical Officer, on account of sickness amongst the scholars and the Roman Catholic School has been closed for the same period. Several cases of scarlet fever still exists though there have been no deaths.

 August 1 1884

An inquest was held today concerning the death of Charles Gater of Goodiman Creek, who was killed yesterday. The deceased who was 63 years of age was driving to Gulgong and when near the town a youth fired off a gun, at which the horse took fright and bolted. In trying to pull up the horse the reins broke and after going a short distance his cart overturned and the deceased was thrown under the wheel, falling on him, broke his neck. Gater was formerly a well know storekeeper on many of NSW goldfields.

September 8 1884

*The manager of the AJS Bank has forwarded to Sydney 553 ounces 16 dwts 8 grains of gold this morning.

*Rouse’s paddock and Company, the Moonlight and Caledonian claims are all on payable gold still and are driving and opening the ground preparatory blocking out.

*The White Horse Claim at the Canadian turns out from 80 to 100 ounces per week.

October 5 1884

Mr F Cork, the School Attendance Officer, had 13 cases before the Police Court today, of parents who were summoned for neglecting to send their children to school for the prescribed number of days. All parties were fined and cautioned.

October 17 1884

At a meeting held in the Council Chambers last night, Ald. Scully presiding, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:-

Mr Zimmler proposed and Mr Stear 2nd.—‘That the meeting cordially endorse and approve of the railway policy of the Government and especially that portions which refers to the line from Mudgee to Walgett via Coonamble.’

Mr Stear proposed and Mr Langdon 2nd.—‘That the chairman be authorised to forward the above resolution by telegram to the members of the district for presentation to the Minister of Works and the Parliament.’

November 5 1884

Independent—Suicide at Cobbora

John Lewis of Cobbora was the subject of a coronial enquiry at Gulgong. Dr J Clement Souter, Medical office gave evidence, he attend the victim both at Cobbora and Gulgong. The victim kept pulling the stitches and the bandages from the wound.

Constable McKinley had the victim in gaol before he was conveyed to the hospital.

Catherine Thompson of Cobbora found Lewis with his throat cut and the blood cover knife on the floor beside Lewis’s bed.

Constable Hicks brought Lewis into Gulgong, had not looked at the wound.

Dominico Rognini, hairdresser: Shaved the Lewis in the lock-up, he had about a weeks grown of beard.

The jury retired for about 20 minutes, the verdict—That the deceased came to his death from wounds inflicted by himself, while labouring under temporary insanity and the jury added that the deceased should have been taken to the hospital on his arrival in Gulgong and they were of the opinion that the deceased had been neglected.

November 29 1884

*One of Hornsby’s machines, a reaper and twine binder, the property of Mr John Wall, was tried for the first time in this district at Mr Arthur Garling’s farm on Thursday last, when it worked splendidly all day, and without a single stoppage. The machine cuts clean, binds strongly and deposits the sheaves inn bundles as required. The sheaf carrier is a splendid piece of mechanism.

*An inquest was held yesterday at Tallawang on the body on James Ball, a travelling shoemaker, who died somewhat suddenly at a selector’s residence. A post mortem was held by Dr Souter, which disclosed the cause of death as heart disease. The deceased has a son at Jerry’s Plains keeping a hotel.

*Truant Inspector Cork had two cases at the Police Court on Thursday last, when the head of two families were fined for not sending their children to school the allotted number of days.

*Auctioneers licenses were granted to Messrs Samuel T Bishop and James F Plunkett for the ensuing year.

 

December 18 1884

St Joseph’s Convent School Gulgong

The annual entertainment, exhibition of work and distribution of prizes took place last Thursday at St Joseph’s Convent School. The room was tastefully decorated with festoons of flowers etc and the walls hung with the work of the children representing fancy and plain sewing, drawings etc, al of which was much admired by the visitors, who expressed themselves delighted and astonished at the neatness and skill displayed. By 10am the room was nearly filled and in short time there was standing room only by the door, all classes and dominations attending.

The concert programme comprised vocal and instrumental selections, the pupils who took part in the former being the Misses Nellie, Victoria and Christina Young, Emily Leitheid, Elizabeth Powell, Masters E Redmond, T Searle and C Powell. In the latter Misses Mary Bishop, Isabel Bishop, Laura Powell, Elizabeth Ryan, Hannah Curran, Ellen Curran, Ida DeBoos, Mary Orlovich, Amy Wright, Nellie McGowan, Mary McGrath, Joanna Kelly, Kate McDonough, Masters John Holden, Chris Young [aged 7 years] and Alfred Russell, W Scully, H Clarke.

Dean O’Donovan distributed the prizes as follows:- Miss Reddish, Christian Doctrine; Nellie Young, home work and lessons; Joanna Kelly, arithmetic and theory of music; Elizabeth Powell, music; Isabella Bishop, drawing and plain sewing; Master E Scully, algebra and euclid; Emily Leitheid, general improvement; Master W Scully, Latin and good conduct; Miss E Curran fancy work; Master V McDonough, arithmetic; Master H Clarke, bookkeeping; Master T Saunders application and diligence; Master Redmond, drawing and recitation; Master A Bunn regularity; Sarah Spears general improvement; Miss e Powell grammar.

Dean O’Donovan stated he was glad to see that in Gulgong there were parents who were so independent as to have the courage to show to the world their convictions in the this important matter of the education of children.

At the conclusion the children sang ‘God Bless Australia.’

December 23 1884

A coroner’s inquest was held yesterday at Goolma on the body of Henry Diehm, a selector, who died suddenly on Saturday, after a minutes illness. Dr Graham who performed the post mortem, said the death resulted form the bursting of an arterial tumour causing haemorrhage.

December 29 1884

Sports were held a t Victoria Park on Boxing Day in aid of the Gulgong Band, there was a large attendance.

January 6 1885

Cyclone at Gulgong

On Tuesday evening about 7pm we had a tornado accompanied by rain, which luckily lasted only a few minutes, but in that time it did a lot of damage. It completely demolished the R C Chapel and the wind being from the south west caught the south corner of Mr Bishop’s brick front and dashed the whole front into the street, wrecking the total length of the verandah. Mr Bishop who had been taking in some papers, had only the instant before on the verandah.

The next disaster was the total collapse of the old CROWN HOTEL a very old wooden building. The tenant, Mrs Collins was ill, but was safely removed. 

Mrs Henry Diehm who ran into the house for shelter was severely cut on the head and arm; and was taken to hospital., she is now improving.

Mr Marks verandah had a severe shaking, all the iron having to be removed and replaced.

From Mason’s Hotel a large portion of the boarded front was blown out and the roof of the stable was scattered to the four winds.

White’s stable came down and Guinnan’s wooden sign was blown over to Moverly’s and smashed up. Moverly’s billiard rooms window was driven in and a number of minor casualties occurred.

It was reported that the Public School was much damaged but this is not correct.

It will be quite a patch for the carpenters who are now all busy at repairs

January 8 1885

Dr Graham having notified to the Hospital authorities his intention to leave here, a meeting is being held to arrange for a procuring a successor.

Mrs Diehm who was hurt in the recent storm is now recovering.

January 21 1885

Police Court

Before P Snape PM and S T Bishop JP

Abusive Language –Blanchard v Hewson. Hewson went to Blanchard and used the expression complained off and in court repeated same and said they were true. Mr Davidson said the conduct was the worst that he had ever met and that the man actually seeming to glory in his obscenity. Fined 5 pounds or 3 months in Mudgee gaol, Paid fine.

 

Police v John Trebble fraudulently appropriating a Beehive. Bridget Collins deposed that her house was blown down by the storm on the 6th instant and she had to shift leaving the beehive and five fowls; valued the beehive at 20/-. John Collins her son, saw the beehive at the defendant’s place and took it home. Defendant acknowledged taking the beehive but thought the place was abandoned. Fined 2 pounds or one month gaol. Paid fine.

BC January 21 1885

Police Court

Sly Grog Selling Police v Charley Hoy. Miles Burns deposed: I am sub-Inspector of the licensing district of Mudgee; the defendant is not a licensed publican, nor the servant of one nor an agent; his house has the reputation of being a shanty; on December 29 a party gave me the grog product and told me something relative to the defendant, in consequence of which I laid this information; the liquor produced I believe to be rum. There was no one present when Middleton gave me the rum; I laid the information 7 to 8 days afterwards before Mr Bishop, served the summons two to three days after the information was laid; this case is not initiated by the police.

Henry Middleton deposed: I am a miner, know defendant, was at his place on the 29th, there was a female with me named Mrs Spencer; she asked if I was going to shout for her; we had our drinks and I put 6d worth in a bottle; it was brandy, I gave him 2/- and he gave me 6d change; the bottle I gave to Sergeant Burns. I have been in the district since 1872; I think Hoy’s house is a very immoral one; the reason I have laid this information is I thought it was time it was stopped; I work hard for my living, have not worked since New year’s Day; I am a widower; I have not been living with a woman to whom I was not married; I was at the Chinaman’s place about 1am. Went to Bennett’s hotel from Hoy’s; did not go to the Sergeant on Bennett’s instructions; I have know Mrs Spence about 7 or 8 years; I do not know if she is married or not; she is also known as Mrs Bellamy; we were both sober; I have seen prostitutes there; He keeps a store which is a blind; I do not know if I get a convection if I will get a portion of the fine or not; my motive is far higher than that.

Elizabeth Spencer deposed: I know Hoy, did not know Henry Thompson was using the name Middleton; I asked Thompson for a 1/- on the 29th and took me to Hoy’s; Hoy served Thompson liquor, who said he wanted some to take to Reedy Creek as he had been drinking over night. I met Thompson near Bennett’s; he followed me to Hoy’s, I drank gin; new him about 14 years by very little about his occupation. Mr Davidson for the defence denounced Thompson as an informer and perjurer. The Bench however considered the offence proved and fined Charley Hoy 30 pounds or three months in gaol.

January 28 1885

At the annual meeting of the Hospital the following office bears were elected:-

President: Richard Rouse; Vice President: George Ramsay; Medical Office: Dr Thomas Kealy; Secretary: Christopher Ode, re-elected; Auditors: Messrs Russell and McCulloch; Committee: Fletcher, Mathews, Smith, Heard, Seaton and Bursill.

January 29 1885

Mesrs Tuxford, Zimmler, Mason, Moverly, Heard, Holden and Mathews have been nominated to fill the three vacancies in the Municipal Council, and Messrs Bishop and Russell as auditors.

January 31 1885

For Sale or to Let

Mr James Pollock’s Talbragar Hotel and store on the Coolah Road, about 25 miles from Gulgong, and 4 miles from Denison Town, together with 80 acres of fenced land, 20 acres cleared; never fail supply of water. For particulars apply to the proprietor on the premises or to

Samuel t Bishop

Auctioneer and Commission Agent, Gulgong

BC February 2 1885

The foundation stone of the new Catholic Church was laid here yesterday by Monsignor Byrne, assisted by Dean O’Donovan.  The former was presented with a handsome mallet and a silver trowel. In his address he alluded in affectionate and touching terms to the late Bishop Quinn who was to have laid the stone. The handsome sum of 237 pounds was laid on the stone and a further amount of 104 pounds was promised. The new church is to be built in stone and is estimated to cost about 1,500 pounds. In the afternoon a young Protestant lady connected with the Public School department was baptised and formally admitted into the Roman Catholic Church.

An Elderly man named Charles Drew, employed by Mr John Williams at Cobbora, fell off the shaft of a dray yesterday, when the wheel went over both his legs breaking them below the knee. He was brought to the hospital last night. Note: Charles Drew died on March 1, 1885.

February 4 1885

Four penny weight to the load the Durham claim of Moonlight Lead washed this week 40 loads for 4 dwts to the load. It is expected to yield better than this, 1 dwts to the load. It is a Melbourne syndicate.

 February 7 1885

Messrs Tuxford, Zimmler and White were returning from the Canadian last nigh, when the buggy in which they were riding collided against an alignment post close to town and they were all thrown out of the vehicle. Mr Tuxford had his right leg sprained, Mr Zimmler’s head was badly cut but Mr White was unhurt.

Gulgong Election The following candidates were elected to the Council:- Messrs R W Heard, J Tuxford and T H Mathews.

The Recent Baptism the young lady who was publicly baptised in the RC Church last Sunday was a Miss Saunders, whose father owns the ‘Wait-a-while’ shaft. Miss Saunder’s father is Catholic and her mother Protestant.

 

A Tight Little Pub Mr S T Bishop, who sold Glazier’s Hotel at the Canadian the other day should consider he made a splendid sale of the property at 600 pounds, which price Mr John Stott paid for it. Mr Joe Deitz, when he reads this will repent having disposed of the ‘tight little pub’ three or four years ago for 250 pounds.

What Adverting Does A local storekeeper who indulges in judicious advertising and whose word is his bond, informs us that his business last year was better by 2000 pounds than that of the previous year. Considering the general depression in every branch of trade during 1884, this is a feather in the cap of the newspapers. Business people make a note of it.

BC 1885 date not on papers

Hotel Business at Gulgong Mr John Hewitt has purchased the Belmore Hotel at Gulgong, from Mr Henry Bennett, while Mr John Shannon, the owner of the Star Hotel, has become a Benedict and boniface at the same time. Mr Richard’s White lease of the Star expired on the 12th. Our correspondent ‘hopes Mr White has not totally severed his connection with the town, as he has proved himself to be a most energetic and very desirable citizen.’ The Town Band owes its existence to his go ahead.

Paradise Gained  Our Gulgong correspondent writes—The City Mutual Fire Insurance Co., presented to John Paradise the nightwatchman of Gulgong [through their agent S T Bishop] a cheque for 2 guineas for his zeal and attention to preventing several fires.

April 18 1885

To the Editor of the People’s Advocate

Sir, I do not know who is responsible for the neglect observable at the entrance gates to the cemetery. These gates give evidence that at one time they had been painted but now they look so shabby and dilapidated as to require renovating.  Surely there must e a fund available for this purpose from the fees charged for burials. I wish to know who are the custodians of that fund? Is an account ever rendered and to whom? If funds are not available let the relations and friends of those in that silent resting place subscribe and thus show their veneration for the sleepers.

Yours IN MEMORIAM

May 4 1884

A magisterial inquiry was held today, before Mr P Snape, J.P., at the Lagoons, 20 miles from here, concerning the death of John Swords, who was thrown from his horse on Monday last. Dr. Kealy’s evidence disclosed the cause of death to be concussion of the brain.

May 6 1885

Sudden illness—the young son of Sub Inspector Carter was passing through Gulgong when he became ill with inflammation of the lungs, he was attended by Dr Keally and is now on the way to recovery.

Unsound Mind—A young man named Hugh Westphalen was charge with being of unsound mind and brought before the PM Snape and JP Bishop and remanded to Mudgee gaol for medical treatment. The poor fellow thought he was in a theatre or a concert room and complained it was a ‘very poor house’ because there were only police and three or four of the general public present. Whilst Sergeant Burns was giving his evidence the unfortunate sang very nicely ‘Hear me, Norma.’  His parents are said to reside at Parkes.

Save him from his friends—Some Gulgongite is growling in the Evening News at Constable McKinlay receiving 50 sovereigns and a stripe as his share of the honours in the late shooting business. McKinlay may well yell out save me from my friends.

June 9 1885

Mr S T Bishop sold by auction the right of the publican’s booth and the fruit stall in connection of the approaching ploughing match.  The publicans showed little desire to speculate and the rights were knocked down to Mr Moverly for 2 pounds and the fruit stall to Mr Randall.

Serious Accident—Mr James Kelly of the White Horse Claim, Canadian met with serious accident on Tuesday morning last. It appears he was kneeling down cutting some leather for the pumps when the knife slipped, cutting the main artery in his thigh. Luckily Mr Orlovich was on the spot and bound up the wound to the best of his ability and had the sufferer conveyed to Gulgong, where Dr Kealy was called upon and promptly attended. The wound is a very bad one and from what we can learn will take some weeks to heal.

 June 17 1885

Mr James Kelly, manager of the White Horse Claim on the Canadian Lead, who cut his leg badly last Tuesday week, died this afternoon from loss of blood and shock to the system. The deceased was aged 27 years, was most popular amongst the miners.

June 15 1885

Police Court Before P. Snape PM and S. T. Bishop JP

Unsound mind—Alice Dow, charge on hearing evidence from her daughter Esther Dow, was remanded to Mudgee gaol for 8 days for treatment.

 

Unsound Mind—James McEwen was brought before W D Meares and R H Acheson JP’s, yesterday and was ordered to be sent to the Parramatta Asylum.

June 15 1885

 

Property at Gulgong Mr S. T. Bishop Auctioneer etc., Gulgong, reports having sold on account of Mr R Robinson, a shop on 13 ½ perches in Mayne Street, Gulgong to Mr T McCarthy for 100 pounds. The price is considered good, when the general depression is taken into consideration.

June 19 1885

Coroner’ Inquest at Gulgong

A coroner’s inquest was held on Thursday, before Mr Snape, P.M. on the body of James Kelly, who died in Gulgong Hospital on Wednesday 17 instant.

The jury were C. Ode [foreman] J. Branbrook, O. O’Brien, N. Langdon, R. Stear, A. Blanchard, J. Hewitt, H. Cameron, Thomas Eddy, R. Fogerty, W. Reed, T. McDonough.

After the jury was sworn in, Mr Ambrose Kelly brother of the deceased, asked the Coroner who the inquiry was called by. The Coroner replied that the Police had called it. Mr Kelly stated that the relatives and friends thought the inquiry needless, as they were properly satisfied with the medical treatment. The jury then went to the Catholic Chapel to view the body and on re-assembling Mr T McDonough again asked who had first moved in the matter, as Sergeant Burns had told him it was the Coroner. No definite answer was given to the question.

Miles Burns sworn: I am sub-Inspector of Police, stationed at Gulgong; I know the deceased James Kelly; I saw him at the hospital a week ago and on subsequent occasions; he was suffering a wound in the thigh; I reported the matter to the Coroner last night.

John Meally sworn: I am a carpenter and work at the White Horse Claim on the Canadian; I know James Kelly; I was working with him on the 11th when the accident happened, he took his trousers down and blood was exuding from the wound on the inside of his left thigh. I pressed the wound with my fingers and stopped the bleeding until it was bandaged up; he was then sent to the hospital.

Dr Kealy said that he could clearly see the inquiry had not originated with any view of advancing his medical reputation.

The Coroner said that Dr Kealy’s reputation as a medical man was too well established to be easily injured.

Mr Stear asked the Coroner, if he thought such was the case, why was it necessary to call an inquest.

The Coroner replied that he was pressed by Dr Kealy to do so.

Dr Kealy: Yes, after I had found out that an attempt had been made by certain parties to find fault with the medical treatment.

Thomas Burnett, deposed: I am wardsman of the Gulgong Hospital; I received the deceased into the hospital, saw a wound about 1 ½ inches long in the thigh, the wound did not bleed much after he was brought in. Dr Kealy saw him directly and sent for Dr Swanston on Saturday morning; Dr Kealy saw deceased some time 5 or 6 times a day; one night he stopped until 3am; the first time Dr Swanston came both doctors dressed the wound; Dr Swanston came three times and attended the deceased; the last time was yesterday when an operation of amputation of the leg was performed under chloroform, with the consent of the deceased and his relatives; the leg was taken off at hip joint; the patient died about a ¼ of an hour later.

Dr Swanston gave the chloroform and Dr Kealy performed the operation.

Joseph Patrick Kealy: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner, residing in Gulgong, I first saw the deceased at Mr Zimmler’s shop in Mayne Street; I had him removed to the hospital and applied the usual means to arrest haemorrhage and the patient complained of being faint, administered ammonia and brandy; the next day with the consent of the mother sent for Dr Swanston, the R C clergyman; the had a swelling of the upper thigh had greatly decreased and the temperature had fallen; calling early on Wednesday found the deceased had been vomiting very freely during the night; I ordered champagne which had the desired effect of lessening the vomiting; I was recalled to the hospital at 9am because the bleeding had started again; the wardsman had controlled it by the time I arrived; sent for the mother and the clergyman; also Dr Swanston, on examining the wound we found the tissues were infiltrated with matter; the conclusion the only hope of saving life was by removing the limb, the usual restoratives were applied but the patient died; ether was injected under the tissues and the poles of the electric battery brought over the heart, the head at the same time being lowered. There was very little blood lost in the operation, in fact it was nearly bloodless. When he was first brought in he would have lost a quantity of blood as we had to administer simulants to prevent collapse. The patient would surely have died with the operation had not bee performed.

Ambrose Kelly deposed: I am the brother of the decease, he was aged 27 years, he told how the accident occurred, he was never ill and in the best of health.

The Coroner said Dr. Drummond was present, he had been subpoenaed and would given evidence if required, he was not.

Verdict: The jury find that the deceased James Kelly, died from exhaustion immediately after an operation consisting of amputation of his left leg which had been rendered imperative by the nature of the wound, accidentally inflicted with a knife by himself.

We learn from Dr Swanston that when he last saw Kelly the leg had gangrened, he attributes death to shock consequent upon the operation and the loss of blood.

The relatives and friends of the deceased are greatly distressed at the inquest being held and the whole of the Gulgong residents consider that an enquiry was perfectly needless.

The funeral was the largest seen in Gulgong for some time, being over half a mile long and comprising 250 on foot, 44 buggies and 120 horsemen. Most of the business places were closed throughout the day. Deceased was universally esteemed.

June 26 1885

Presbyterian Church at Gulgong—The departure of Mr Beard, the Congregational Chapel has been virtually close although the Sunday School was attended as usual and a Wednesday prayer meeting held. The Rev Mr Meek, Presbyterian Minister, having been informed that there was an opening for another clergyman, arrived here with his family and has re-opened the Presbyterian Church which has been closed for several years. The Rev Gentleman, who is an eloquent and earnest preacher, has gathered around him the scattered flock and secured a large attendance of worshippers for Sunday night. Although bitterly cold and bleak the church was well filled.

Sudden Death occurred at Gulgong on Friday afternoon, when Emma, second daughter of Mr William Holmes, boot maker of Mayne Street, was seized with a fit of vomiting. Dr Kealy was promptly in attendance but she expired just before he arrived. Deceased had just returned from Sydney, where she had been treated by Dr Sedgwick for disease of the lungs and heart. The deceased had been a most active worker in the Congregational Sunday School and was highly respected. Her remains were interred on Monday in the Congregational Cemetery by the side of her mother. The cortege comprised a large assemblage of her friends, and children of all denominations. The Rev Meek, Presbyterian Minister conducted the funeral service and delivered a most impressive address. Deceased was only 23 years of age.

A Refractory Apprentice At the Gulgong Police Court before Messrs Snape and Bishop, called upon to deal with John Joseph Cunnliffe, an apprentice, aged 18, who was charged with absenting himself from the service of his master who said that he was not desirous of pressing charges and accuse promising amendment the Bench dismissed the charge. Their worships administered a severe lecture to accused and threatened him with punishment if brought before them again.

A Swearer had up—George Large charged with using profane language in Mayne Street. He pleaded guilty and expressed contrition. The Bench stated they were determined to put down the use of bad language in the streets, but in this case they would take into consideration, the penitence of the accused and the good character given by the police, fined 10/- or three days, fine paid.

An other Mining Spec Cave In—it will be remember when the when the Gulgong Quartz Crushing Co., was started to test the opinion of Gulgong miners who were positive that if the Battery was erected about Gulgong to crush cheaply, that there were plenty of reefs which would pay.  A few of the leading residents formed the company, brought 14 acres from Government, erected the battery, were simply charged a sum for crushing that would pay expenses. Numbers of reefs were then re-opened, stone raised and crushed, but, alas, it was incontestably proved that no reef [as yet, at least] has been found to pay in the district. The directors being responsible for an overdraft have no alternative but to advise the shareholders to wind up the company.

July 1 1885

A meeting of the Hospital Committee was held last night to consider nine applications for the office of wardsman and matron for that institution. Mr Smallwood and wife were unanimously chosen.

July 6 1885

Advance Gulgong on our last visit to Gulgong, we notice that another saddler’s shop had been opened next to Mr Bishop’s, in Mayne Street, by Mr George Vile, a native of Mudgee and who served his apprenticeship with Mr John Knox. From appearances he seem to have a fair share of business.

Gulgong Revisited Our old friend Mr DeCourcy Browne arrive here on Monday and from the number of ‘babies’ that were ‘kissed’ strangers would have thought that the Gulgong people were very fond of children. His stay amongst us was too short as he left again on Tuesday.

July 3 1885

Sudden Death at Gulgong—On Friday night about 10pm, Mrs Jessie Ship, niece of Mr Hugh Cameron, hotel keeper of Herbert Street, Gulgong was found dead in bed. The deceased who had been ailing for sometime, had been out for a drive in the afternoon, but feeling unwell after she returned home, went to bed. Her son going in to see if she wanted anything, found her apparently dead. Dr Kealy was sent for immediately but on arriving saw that the poor lady had indeed breathed her last. The deceased was the sister of Mrs Frank Tindall and Mrs John Christian of Broombee. A short time ago she expressed a wish to be buried in Mudgee, her remains were therefore taken there on Sunday and buried near the grave of her husband.

July 8 1885

.That Demon Drink Again John Skelton, a blacksmith at Home Rule, cut his throat last night, he had made a deep gash from his left ear to his throat and the cut was about 6 inches in length, luckily not severing any important blood vessels. He was brought to the Gulgong Hospital and is expected to recover. He has been drinking heavily of late.

Another Bereavement—Mrs Kelly has suffered another bereavement by the death of her son Ambrose, aged 22, who died after a very brief illness. He took ill on Monday morning and in spite of Dr Kealy’s medical skill and the unremitting attention of his afflicted mother, he succumbed after great suffering on Wednesday at 4pm. The immediate cause of death was acute peritonitis. Deceased was many years in the employ of Woods Bros. And after their business had been transacted to Messrs Marks & Co., he still continued in the employ of that firm, highly esteemed by their customers of that firm civility and acute perception of their requirements and respected by the firm as their trusted and honoured employee. Genuine and heartfelt sympathy is expressed to Mrs Kelly, whose eldest son James died only three weeks since, from the result of an accident.

July 10 1885

Fire at Canadian On Friday last a straw stack containing about ten tons, belonging to Mr George Smith, butcher at Canadian was totally burnt. It is supposed to have been set of fire by some children who were seen playing near it.

July 12 1885

Death through bleeding of the nose—Mrs Chene Shepherd, an old woman aged 70, resident of Home Rule, was admitted to the Gulgong Hospital on Sunday evening suffering from excessive bleeding at the nose. The nostrils were plugged up twice, but she removed the plugs each time. the old creature died on Monday morning.

Mining News We are sorry to hear that Tatton’s Claim on Home Rule is worked out. It has proved to be nothing but a pot hole, paying fairly whist the men were getting washdirt, but since it ran out the party have lost a lot of time prospecting the ground. Sinking has stopped at the Britannia claim and the engine is at work keeping the water down.

July 11 1885

Another Saudian Warrior—On Saturday afternoon the Gulgong girls were charmed with the sight of a real Saudian [in full ‘war paint’ and Khaki suit] in the person of Mr Michael Maloney, of Mayne Street. He has not been well since the landing of the troops, suffering from exposure to the wet and cold of the day. He is now all right again and appears to be a fine upright, stalwart apparently young fellow.

July 13 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 some one had put poison in it. The doctor administered an emetic, injected morphia, and applied the galvanic battery to the patients 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.

Going for the Saddlery—last Friday night a raid was made upon several Gulgong stables by some daring scoundrels. Mr William Seaton, butcher, lost two saddles and a spring cart collar, Mr John Powell lost a collar and Mr John Holden, a saddle and bridle. The last two being hotel keepers had to replace the saddles etc., taken owing to the property belonging to lodgers. The thieves must have been disturbed whilst looting Mr Seaton’s as a bridle and saddle cloth were found in the morning at the stable door.

July 13 1885

Magisterial Inquiry was held on Monday by Mr P Snape PM, Gulgong touching the death of Johanna Broglio, who died on Sunday morning.

Dr Joseph Patrick Kealy: was called to the residence of the deceased on July 12, she was already dead, there were no marks of violence on the body which was well nourished, from what I learnt from friends the cause was dysentery.

Constable Joseph Stanley?: I was informed by the doctor of the death of Mrs Broglio at Reedy Creek, there was nothing suspicious about the death.

Joseph Broglio: I am a garden, husband of the deceased, she was 55 years of age; a native of Devonshire England, she had been ill for some years with lung problems; she was ill on Saturday evening and said if she wasn’t better by Monday I would fetch the doctor; went for the doctor on Sunday, leaving Rachel Lazarus with her; she was always a very temperate woman; I always treated her kindly.

Rachel Lazarus: I am 16 years old; have lived with the Broglio’s for 6 years, Mrs Briglio was very ill on Saturday with pains in her stomach, she died on Sunday while Mr Briglio went for the doctor she died. Verdict natural causes.

July 15 1885

An old miner named John Ferguson aged 53 died in the Gulgong Hospital on Wednesday night, from an enlarge liver; he had been working on Ford’s Creek for some years.

July 16 1885

Permitted to Purchase—The under mention are notified that they are permitted to purchase land hereunder described—Patrick Toohey, village of Gulgong 1 rood 7 ½ perches, 15, pounds 15 shillings; Thomas Ogilvie, village of Gulgong 2 acres, 10 pounds; James Merreth village of Gulgong 2 acres, 17 pounds.

 

Gulgong Hospital The usual meeting of the Committee; Messrs R. W. Heard [in the chair], Bennett, Mason, Smith, Fletcher, Guinan, Mathews and Moverly. A letter from Mr G Ramsay vice president who was absent was read, re a letter from Dr Swanston which appeared in the Mudgee Independent, unjustly reflecting both on the management of the hospital and the public generally. Proposed by Mr Mathews and Mr Fletcher the opinion of Mr Ramsay be endorsed.

Hare Nuisance—Hares are being very troublesome and numerous about Gulgong. At Springfield, Mr Arthur Garling has killed lately over a dozen in his wheat paddock and Mr Thomas Smith who has a farm about a mile from town opposite the north-east corner of Mr R Rouse’s 4000 acres complains bitterly of the damage the hares are doing to his young wheat. The schoolboys have great sport on Saturdays; they go out with their mongrels and capture the hares in a manner which would make an old English hunting squire hair stand on end, for they run the hares into hollow logs then chop them out.

July 17 1885

In Memorian

It has fallen to the lot of another old Mudgee identity to depart to that bourn from which no traveller returns and amongst our old residents there are few who were held in greater esteem than Dr Wilson Ramsay, who was buried in the Church of England Cemetery, Mudgee, beside his wife and son, on the 16th. In our desire to pay a parting tribute to his memory we trust we may be pardoned if we err in matter of detail. We believe the Doctor was born in Dublin, was educated and took degrees at Trinity College there and has been a member of the medical profession for close half century. Arriving in the colony before he advent of the goldfields, we believe he was a resident of the Camden district, leaving there in 1859 to settle in Mudgee, where he continued to practice his profession until a serious attack of paralysis some years back.  Many can bear testimony to the professional assistance rendered by him and his good and philanthropy action to those whose pecuniary circumstances would have otherwise have debarred them from medical aid. For many years past he has been a great sufferer, being confined to his residence and his son being the manager of the A. J. S. Bank at Gulgong, he took up his abode there, where under the care and careful attention of his sister, son and daughter, everything was done that could be conducive towards cheering the declining years of his life, in the serious affliction under which he suffered and too much cannot be said of them for their devotion to him under the very trying circumstances of his long and serious illness. He died on the 15th, aged 68 years at his son’s residence, Gulgong. Around his grave were assembled many of his old friends and acquaintances and although he had been for many years absent from personal contact with the community, amongst our inhabitants, there existed pleasant recollections and kindly feelings towards the genial, respected and good old man who has departed from our midst.

Pharmacy Society At a full meeting of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of NSW recently, Messrs Charles Zimmler of Gulgong, T. J Leary and Thomas Williams were granted diplomas of membership.

Gulgong Quartz Crushing Co. The shareholders of Messrs R. Rouse, Guntawang, R Rouse junr., C Young, C. Zimmler, J. Tuxford, J. Powell, W. Thompson, G. Sharman, R Stear, Heard and A Blanchard, wound up the company.

Charged with attempted Suicide Before P Snape PM and J. F. Plunkett JP, William Lonergan, a well known resident of Gulgong was charge with the above. Constable James Haynes visited the accused at his residence in company with Dr Kealy, where they found Lonergan suffering from a wound to his throat which Dr Kealy dressed. He said he had fallen on knife. Dr Kealy stated the prisoner had called on him seeking an order for the hospital, he had a superficial wound on the right side of his neck, he sent for the police on account of the state he was in. The prisoner was taken to the lock-up, it is believed he had been drinking for some time and was still suffering from the effects. The Bench admonished the accused and discharged him.

Thieving at Gulgong On Monday night Mr John Holden’s hotel at Gulgong was visited by some daring thieves, who took the kitchen clock, all the household linen that had been washed during the day and some children’s suits. Some of the articles had been left in water but these were wrung out and placed in the ironing blanket and took was far as the back gate, when the thieves must have been disturbed as the articles were found the next morning. The goods taken amounted in value to over 10 pounds.

July 20 1885

Another Municipal Vacancy—At the meeting of the Gulgong Borough Council on Wednesday night the matter of Alderman [Mayor]Scully’s continuous absence from the Council was brought under notice by a motion of Aldermen Turner and Mathews as follows:- ‘That the seat of the Mayor, Alderman Scully be declared vacant, that alderman having been absent from the Council meetings for more than the consecutive months.’ The motion was carried unanimously.

Robbing a Dwelling—A very bold robbery was perpetrated at the Home Rule on Wednesday night. A Mrs Austin had locked her house, her husband being away from home, and slept at her mother’s [Mrs Drew]. Returning home next morning, she found that the house had been broken into and literally stripped of every movable object in the place, even the fowls were taken from their roost. The poor woman has lost all the clothing of her and her children all they have is what they had on.

July 29 1885

Dr Joseph Patrick KEALY

L. R., C. S. Ireland and Q. C. P., Ireland;

L. M.

Surgeon Gulgong Hospital, Government Medical adviser.

And Public Vaccinator for the Gulgong District.

Maybe Consulted Daily at

Mr Charles Zimmler’s. M. P. S.,

 Mayne Street Gulgong.

****

COPELIN June 11 1885 at Holden’s Hotel, Gulgong, of inflammation of the lungs, Sarah Ann Copelin, aged 22 years dearly beloved and eldest daughter of Thomas and Susan Wright, Cudgebegong Creek.

Thrown from his horse—last week, a young man named Henry Drew, employed at Caigan, was thrown from his horse, receiving serious injuries; the worst being a broken jaw, he is being treated by Dr Kealy.

Death—Miss Birney, sister-in-law of the late Dr. Ramsay died at Gulgong on Wednesday, 27th July and was buried in the Church of England Cemetery Mudgee, on Thursday.

 

Attempted Suicide –John Skelton on remand, charged with the above, before P Snape.

Walter Skelton: I am a labourer residing at Home Rule, the knife produce belongs to my father, I saw him inflict a wound on himself with that knife, I took it from him and gave it to the police; he has been dinking for five or so weeks and becomes violent when drinking; he never threatened to take the life of my mother but we have been apprehensive for a few weeks that he would do some injury to my mother while in drink; I have saw him strike mother.

By prisoner: I not aware of anything that excited you, here was nothing in the letter from the Post Office to make you violent, I never saw my mother strike you, I never recollect my mother leaving home.

Prisoner said that he was a quiet hardworking man and they wanted him out of the way.

Committed for trial at the Mudgee Assizes.

July 29 1885

 

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

James Hirwin: I recollect Tommy Two 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 Two 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

August 5 1885

Mining Matters Parnell and party on the Parramatta lead on 3 feet of wash, yielded one grain to the dish.

Wages Case Alexander Brown summoned Jonathan Sever, manager of Rouse’s paddock for the recovery of 16 pounds due to him for wages as a miner, the claim was proved and an order was made for the amount and cost of 4 /10 and 20/- loss of time in default levy and distress. The result of this case should warn mining managers generally that engaging miners they make themselves liable for wages.

August 7 1885

Flour Mill for Gulgong The flour mill erected at Gulgong by Mr W Lee son of alderman John Lee was set in motion on Friday. Everything was found to work satisfactory and it is intended to commence grinding in a few days.

Gulgong Flour Mill

An event of great and vital importance to Gulgong took place last Saturday afternoon being the formal opening of Mr William Lee’s flour mill. It is fully nine years since Mr John Tuxford and other thought that it would benefit the town and district by erecting a mill on the co-operative principle. With this view a meeting has called, it was well attended by business men and farmers, shares were promised to be taken, the Secretary was instructed to procure from Sydney the prices for the machinery needed for two, three and four stones the affair collapsed. About two years after a similar move was made, but owing to the apathy of farmers it again fell through. Mr Lee, who has had a large and varied experience in farming and milling machinery, evidently had great faith in the agricultural prosperity of this grand wheat producing district for he has erected a Waterous Flour Mill on Church Hill near Tuxford Dam. The vertical stones are 20 inches in diameter, with the best French burr and makes 800 revolutions a minute. It will grind 7 to 8 bushels per hour. It has an eureka smut machine with three elevators, and a 16 foot silk dresser, with all necessary bins. Splendid testimonials as to the efficiency of the machinery and the quality of flour turned out, have been sent to the agents from New Zealand, Quirindi, Brezza, Cooma and also from the ‘Times Bakery’ at Gunnedah. Great credit is due to Mr Saunders, engineer who has so faithfully and skilfully out the machinery together, for when it was started there was not a single hitch or stoppage.

On Strike the miners at the White Horse Company for wages owing. The miners at the Britannia mine at Home Rule have returned to work at a payment of 10/- per week 100 scrips each. Also 21 men sued for back wages at Rouse’s paddock amount to be paid with costs.

The Times Bakery at Gulgong [Thompson’s with a P] does a cash bizz at 2 ½ per loaf. 600 loaves are sold over the counter every Saturday.

August 7 1885

The Late Charles Stewart last week, Mr John Sullivan, monumental mason of this town, erected over the grave of the late Charles Stewart, in the Gulgong Cemetery, an obelisk-shaped monument, bearing the following inscription, which we believe was drawn up by the Inspector -General of Police:-

‘This memorial was erected by the Government to

 CHARLES STEWART

A native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Aged 56 years

who was shot dead in his house,

near Gulgong on the 10th April, 1885

during an encounter between the police and armed criminals.

August 15 1885

Getting it Right Henry Drew who was thrown from his horse at Caigen some weeks since and had his lower jaw frightfully fractured is now getting all right. Pieces of bone were taken from his jaw by Dr Kealy and a splendid job has been made of it as there is not the slightest disfigurement.

August 15 1885

Dangerously Ill Mr Thomas Myers of Lahey’s Creek was brought in to the hospital with pneumonia, whilst excavating a dam his cloths became wet through with perspiration and on coming to the surface he took a chill. Mr John Hauber of Springfield and daughter were brought into town suffering the same complaint.

Alderman Scully’s Successor The vacancy in the Gulgong Council caused by the disqualification of John Scully, has been filled by Mr William Seaton, his nomination the only one received by the Returning officer

*On Saturday last the infant son of Mr William Harcombe of Sandy Creek, aged two years was brought in to Dr Kealy suffering from severe scalds on the stomach and legs, the child was in a state of collapse and died at 9pm from shock. It appears that the little toddler stumbled whilst passing the fire place and in falling pulled a very large kettle of boiling water over that was standing on the hob.

Sorely Afflicted an aged man named Thomas Waters was brought into Gulgong on Sunday by Senior Constable Brayne from the head of the Talbragar and was at once admitted to the Hospital, suffering from a skin disease; he has been treated before with the same complaint over the years by Dr Barnard and Dr Souter

August 28 1885

Gulgong Mayor at a special meeting of the Gulgong Municipal Council held last Tuesday night Alderman George Turner was duly elected Mayor for the remainder of the municipal year, John Scully disqualified through being absent for the Council for over three consecutive months.

Very serious accident occurred at Mr Frank Morgan’s sawmill Tallawang on Wednesday to Thomas Lincoln. He was standing close to the circular saw, which had just been started when through a nut not being screwed on the saw flew from its bed and struck him on the front side of the face, cutting it to the bone and completely dividing the upper lip. Falling back on the back of his head, a scalp wound over 4 inches in length was inflicted. He was taken to Gulgong will all dispatch. Dr Kealy stitched and dressed the wounds.

August 28 1885

Broken Arm The three year old daughter of Robert Wilson broken her arm, she fell while playing.

August 26 1885

Leaving—Mr James Cosgrove, the Master of the Public School prior to leaving for Darlington, was presented today with a gold locker and an address by the school children.

Gulgong Public School  On the assembling of the children attending the Gulgong Public School after dinner on Wednesday afternoon, Mr J. F. Plunkett, a member of the School board there on behalf of the pupils, presented the head teacher Mr James Cosgrove with a very handsome gold locket and an address printed on satin [by our old friend Mr G E Shettle]. Mr Cosgrove thanked the children for such an expected manifestation of their feelings towards him. There was quite a scene in the school room, for Mr Cosgrove has so endeared himself to his pupils, that when he had finished speaking, most of the children completely broke down and cried bitterly.  Mr Plunkett kindly gave them a half-holiday.

Buggy Accident A rather serious buggy accident occurred near Gulgong on Thursday afternoon. It appears that Mrs R Rouse of Guntawang was returning home from Gulgong when the horse bolted and overturned the buggy. Mrs Rouse and the coachman were thrown out and the lady had her ankle sprained. The horse cleared out with the shafts. Fortunately the Rev Dobson came along and conveyed Mrs Rouse home.

A Narrow Escape On Thursday last Mr John Tuxford’s eldest son had a very narrow escape from a serious, if not fatal accident. He was throwing away some bales of pressed hay in a shed when the hook of the tackling broke and the bale and the boy fell a distance of 20 feet to the ground. Martin struck the large scales and severely hurt his leg and back. Fortunately the bale of hay [weighing 3 hundred weights] just grazed him and bounded over him.

Social of Gulgong A very pleasant gathering of young people was held at Mr S T Bishop’s on Tuesday night, to commemorate the 20th birthday of his eldest daughter Mary; the time of the evening was enlivened by music, singing and dancing.

Convalescent the many friends of Mr Thomas Myers of Sandy Creek will be pleased to hear he is now out of danger despaired of his many friends on Monday but thanks to the skill of Dr Kealy, the attentive nursing of the his wife, wardsman and matron a change for the better has now set in.

Death Mr John Patrick of Digilah died on Wednesday aged 71, for the last two or three months everything was done to delay the advent of the grim foe, but it was useless as there was a break-up of the system; the corpse is to be enclosed in a leaden coffin and conveyed for burial to Newcastle.

Magisterial Inquiry was held at Gulgong touching on the death of a little boy named Walter Wright aged 3 years who died on the previous day from the effects of an accident.

John McCoy: I am a constable stationed at Gulgong, about 3pm yesterday I went to Mr Spears of Mayne Street West and saw a child about 3 years of age, he was breathing, Dr Kealy was in attendance, in a very short time the child died, the child had recently been hurt.

William Wright: A am a labourer residing, yesterday I went to Tuxford’s dam for two casks of water, I had two of my children on the dray with me, on the way home I felt the front of the dray fall; I had my arm around the child; we both fell under the dray, the wheel went over my back and before I could pick him up the dray passed over his head, the other child was unhurt.

Joseph Patrick Kealy: I was called yesterday afternoon to Mr Spear’s to see the child of Mr Wright, I could see the child was dying; I examined the head and found a triangle wound, which extended to the bones of the skull. Verdict was the child died from injuries received from the wheel of a dray.

Mining at Gulgong James Stockman and party started again to work their claim on the Star Lead on Monday last. The had sunk their shaft to a depth of 173 feet but striking water they registered their claim four months since, with the intention of going to work when the extension time of Sweeney and party expired.

August 29 1885

Ex-alderman John Scully may be seen any day in Sydney doing the block with famous G A Davis. At the clubs they are know as the ‘Gulgong Twins.’

Gulgong Mining News  Darvell and party are having timber for the puddling machine cut and intend to erect it at the brick yards. Courts and party are sinking on their lease ground to the eastward of Mount Jones. Captain Bunker is working by himself at Surface Hill and it is reported that he is on a nice little patch.

August 30 1885

Sudden Death  A surveyor’s assistant, camped at the Three Mile near Gulgong was playing with one of Mr Lamrock’s son, on Sunday afternoon, when, feeling unwell, he ran into this tent and died with in a few minutes.

Death of a Rupture of the Heart Magisterial inquiry was held at the Three Mile on 31st ultimo, 1885 at the camp of Government Surveyor, Mr Conolly, before P Snape PM.

James Cottee: I am cook at Mr Lamrock’s camp at the Three Mile; about 1pm Mr Lamrock’s two sons told me Charley Thompson/Thomson was ill; I immediately went to the deceased tent and found him lying across his stretcher; I bathed his temples with water as I thought he had just fainted; having no effect I sent to Gulgong for medical assistance.; he never regained consciousness after he was taken ill; knew him about a month.

Joseph Patrick Kealy Dr.: Held post mortem, the deceased was brought from Springfield to the Gulgong Hospital; the examination showed that all the organs were health, save the heart was much diseased; death was from haemorrhage, the left chamber of the heart was completely ruptured.

Samuel Lamrock: I was in the company of Charley Thompson, last Sunday and playing with him; he lifted me up and afterwards he was talking to my brother George, he suddenly ran towards his tent; we went into the tent and he was lying on his bed gasping for breath; I went to Mr Cottee for help, I also went for my father. George Lamrock corroborate the evidence.

Verdict Charles Thompson died from disease of the heart, he was aged 31 years.

September 1 1885

Gulgong Hospital Monthly meeting present: Messrs G Ramsay [chair] Moverly, Bond, Mason, Smith, Mathews, Heard,, Guinan, T Bennett. We have much pleasure in submitting our report for the month, the number of case treated have been very large, some very dangerous, requiring continual nursing. Our nursing staff had therefore to be supplement on several occasions, as the wardsman and matron could not be perpetually at their posts. To much praise cannot be given to the officers of the Institution for their care and attention to the patients. More especially do we commend the medical offer for his kindness and attention to the inmates of the Institution at all hours, sometimes under very discouraging circumstances. We regret to state that out refusal to admit Mrs Devitt has caused us some annoyance but we feel certain that the committee will endorse our action in the matter. We report that the notice boards have been completed, the gates repaired, some repairs to the female ward, in the Wardsman’s quarters two room have been papered, one of which is to be used as an operating room when required. Ten out-doors patients have been treated, two of which have since been admitted, signed W Fletcher and George Smith, Visiting Committee. Regret has been expressed at the departure of Mr Fletcher from Gulgong, which would be deprived of his zealous assistance.

September 4 1885

The old man Thomas Waters who was brought into Gulgong from Talbragar has died form enlargement of the liver.

September 6 1885

The Gulgong Band under the leadership of our Mr Lang played on the Red Hill on Sunday afternoon.

September 10 1885

Death Patrick Toohey, a driver for Messrs Cobb and Co., was killed at Coolah today while breaking in horses.

Sudden Death Many of readers will be both surprised and sorry to hear of the very sudden of that well-known Jehu, Pat Toohey, who has for many years been driving for Cobb and Co., and who was a fine jovial fellow in the prime of life. It appears he was breaking in a pair of horses at Coolah, when they bolted; however, Toohey, after a great amount of exertion, steadied them and reached home safely, but on alighting from the coach he fell died from disease of the heart, accelerated by the excitement he had under gone. The deceased was married to a daughter of an old resident of Appletree Flat, Mr Cornelius Lyons. Since writing the above, we learn from our Gulgong correspondent that Messrs McDonough and McGrath of Gulgong, where Toohey resided were sent to break the sad tidings to Mrs Toohey. The unfortunate widow by some inexplicable presentiment, cried out as the men were approaching her residence, ‘Pat’s is dead, I know.’  She at once left for Coolah with Mr McDonough, who drove her to Coolah in six hours. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widow, who is much respected in Gulgong.

Death of Pat Toohey Our Coolah correspondent wired us yesterday; the following brief particulars of the sudden death of Mr Pat Toohey, Cobb & Co’s., driver from Gulgong to Coolah. He went out yesterday morning in the company of Messrs Seabrook and Walker for a load of wood. When they had gone some distance, Toohey was left in charge of the horses. Walker and Seabrook had hardly got off the vehicle when one of the horses became very restive, and Toohey was observed to faint. Our correspondent remarks that the cause of death is supposed to be disease of the heart. Deceased was highly respected. In the absence of a medical man and magistrate from Coolah, the inquest would be delayed.

Burns from Powder Simon Robinson, a tank sinker at Pine Ridge, Denison town was brought to the Gulgong Hospital last Friday suffering from burns the result of a powder explosion. It appears after charging a fuse he was putting back a pannikin of powder which through some cause exploded, burning Robinson’s arms and face, his eyes escaped injury.  He is now out of danger.

September 14 1885

White Horse Claim On Monday the White Horse Claim and machinery at Canadian, were sold by Mr Wells for 850 pounds the purchaser being Mr W Thompson of the Times Bakery, a most spirited speculator who will take steps to work the claim in a systematic and no doubt payable manner.

September 19 1885

Magisterial Inquiry was held at Goodiman Creek on Saturday on the body of Alfred Payne, aged 5, son of William Payne of Mudgee; the child had been ill with a cold, the grandmother sent to Gulgong for some medicine; the poor child however died on Saturday morning. After hearing the evidence of Mrs O’Connell and Dr Kealy, the Coroner decided a post mortem was unnecessary, the death was from natural causes.

Gulgong Hospital Dr Kealy consulted with Dr Diamond of Mudgee on a patient named Myers, who was admitted to Gulgong Hospital some weeks ago, they concurred on the diagnosis of the case as well as the treatment, viz, Mrs A Giradier’s little girl and expressed a like opinion.

September 21 1885

Petty Larceny Before the PM and Mr Bishop JP, Phillip Bessome was charge with the above and sentenced to two months Mudgee gaol.

 

Gulgong Mems. There are two live ‘tigers’ at Gulgong, owned by the medico’s—Dr Kealy sports a black and silver and Dr Herbert claret etc.

BC September 21 1885

At Gulgong last Sunday, Dr Byrne confirmed 150 young people. His Lordship was escorted in town by a large concourse of people.

September 28 1885

In Chambers --- Divorce Matters

Before Mr Justice Windeyer

Jane Burchall v Walter Burchall

They married 22nd August 1882 and the cruelty and adultery in August 1883, the respondent did not appear, to be dispensed.

September 29 1885

Teachers Promotion the following pupil teachers in this district have gained promotion, by examination in June last: Herbert F Milne, Mudgee, class 1; Emily C Wade, Gulgong, class 1; Adelaide Sullivan, Mudgee Class 2; Agnes Wardon, Mudgee, class 2; Norah E Saunders, Gulgong, class 3.

October 2 1885

Gazetted at Last—the official notification that Senior Sergeant Miles Burns had been gazetted last week to the rank of Sub-Inspector, he appeared in his braided uniform for the first time on Monday.

October 5 1885

Another Victim—We regret to learn the James Albert E., eldest son of Mr John Glazier of Springfield, died on Monday morning from inflammation of the lungs, this terrible complaint has carried off numbers of this district during the past few months. Master Glazier was a promising lad and only last week received intimation that he was appointed to the position of pupil teacher at the Public School. He was aged 16 years.

October 11 1885

Gulgong Public School In last Wednesday’s issue of the ‘PEOPLE’S ADVOCATE’ we noticed a paragraph referring to the arrival of Mr Stokes, the recently appointed teacher and hoping that there would be under his guidance a marked improvement in the school. As Mr Cosgrove the late teacher, on his departure was lauded as a most efficient teacher and claimed as a friend and companion by the Editor of the ‘Advocate’ the reference is that the school has deteriorated under the brief management of Mr McPhee. It is, rumoured that strained relations exist between Mr McPhee and Mr Plunkett, one of the members of the School Board, and this strengthens our opinion that no proprietor or editor of a newspaper should hold any public position that would be liable to interfere with impartial and disinterested criticism. It is to be hoped that when the School board is reorganised this will be remembered.

October 11 1885

A Regretted Departure Mr McPhee, who has been acting master of the Public School at Gulgong for some weeks, left for Sydney on Monday morning, carrying with him the good wishes of his pupils and quite a number of friends, to whom he had endeared himself during his short stay. As a teacher Mr McPhee showed that he was eminently qualified for the position, firm, yet kind to his pupils and zealously performing his duties—qualities which have won for him the commendation and approval of his superiors in the Department.

October 17 1885

Mr DeCourcy Browne addressed a meeting of electors of Mudgee last night from the balcony of Moverly’s hotel. He condemned the Land and Mining Acts, referring especially to the leasing system, which locked up land from the bona-fide miner. He was well received.

Death at Gulgong Mr R Brown, a storekeeper at Gulgong who has be a dreadful sufferer for many years died on Saturday night and was buried on Monday afternoon, he was aged 48 years.

October 17 1885

Mr H. L. Beyers addressed a big crowd at the Theatre, Gulgong, on Saturday night, the Mayor Mr G Turner in the chair. Mr Chrisitie supported Mr Beyers candidature and in doing so made a severe and scandalous attack upon Mr DeCourcy Browne.

October 23 1885

Election Results Following is a list of the votes received for the election:-

Taylor      1583                   Browne 1178

Robertson 1629                  Hurley   567

Byers     562                       Informal  22

The returning Officer stated that there were only four returns to come in, which would not effect the results. The candidates would address them. The official declaration would take place at 12 noon on Monday.

Mr DeCourcy Browne [who was received with cheers] said that to say that this was the proudest moment of his life, was simply the truth. He had for years yearned to be one of the member for Mudgee and he was delighted and honoured to be the junior member for Mudgee. They had elected him by 600 votes over the next competitor and he could not express his feelings as he desired.  He would strive to do his duty creditable alike to them and to himself. He would go in as a local member and it would be his duty to see that the wants of the district were not disregarded by the Parliament and Government, whom he would make to pay attention thereto. They might say it was easy to make promises, but he was a man of iron will and when he had made a determination was not easily turned aside, when he had taken a matter in hand. He was deeply grateful for the high honour they had done him, and he would endeavour to do his duty to all parties, and become beneficial to the electors, and he was sure his actions would be no disgrace to this great electorate.

Declaration of the Poll this took place on Monday at noon. The Returning Officer [Mr H Crossing, JP] the figures as above; he declared the three first named gentlemen as duly elected members for Mudgee. Mr Browne thanked the electors. Messrs Cassin, Wall Sheppard and Lewis returned thanks on behalf of the other four candidates. A smart passage of arms took place between Mr T Lewis and Mr Plunkett of Gulgong—the victory going to the former.

Impudent Barney on Monday morning Barney Gallagher faced the Gulgong Bench to answer the charges of over indulgence in Jim Hennessy, using obscene language, violence and indecent behaviour in the lock-up, smashing tinware and yelling like fury throughout the live-long night. It was stated that Barney, whilst maddened with drink, violently resisted being taken and kept the neighbours awake all Saturday night with yells. He very wisely pleaded guilty to all the charges and left the Court House a sadder and poorer man by 4 pounds 2 shillings, from imposed fines.

Died A very old miner of Gulgong Peter the Greek died on Monday in hospital.

Sad Death The daughter of Mr Charles New of Denison Town aged three years was severely burnt yesterday in front of the legs and body, through accidentally falling into a fire. She was brought here a 10pm last night and Dr Kealy attended her but there is little hope for saving her. Stop Press: The little girl died at mid-night.

October 26 1885

That Epidemic Still There exists at Goolma a great deal of sickness. Mrs Shearman was brought in from there on Sunday suffering from inflammation of the lungs, but under the care of Dr Kealy she was soon out of danger.

Church of England The concert at Gulgong on Monday night in aid of the Church fund was most successful in every respect and the Theatre was well filled. Miss Simpson’s singing was the attraction of the evening and Mr Fred Campbell, from Mudgee appeared in several of his character songs with success.

October 29 1885

A shed containing 70 tons of hay, the property of Mr Latimer, a publican at, Denison Town, was totally destroyed by fire at 4am this morning. The fire is supposed to be caused by an incendiary.

November 2 1885

Rare Surgical Operation –A lady residing near the Canadian Lead, who has been suffering from Hydatids for years, was successfully operated upon on Monday by Dr Kealy. The patient bore the operation wonderfully well and is expected to be much improved in health in a few weeks. This is the first operation of the kind that has been performed at Gulgong.

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 country men would nothing for him. Although promptly taken to the Gulgong Hospital, he died during the night. He was aged 68 years

November 16 1885

Died A very old miner of Gulgong Peter Luc known as Peter the Greek died on Monday in hospital, aged 57 years.

Fire at Goodiman­­ A new dwelling house, built of weatherboard and iron, just erected by Mr Samuel Bond, on his selection at Goodiman was discovered on fire on Monday morning, it burnt to the ground. There was nothing in the place but a bale of wool, which was also burnt; a dray had been left close to the house, but strange to say it was found uninjured some distance from the ruins. Mr Bond can form no idea how the fire originated. The family were to shift into the house this week.

Snakes A young man named Patrick Oliver, working a Mr Curran’s farm, Gulgong, on Monday afternoon trod on a snake about 4 feet long. It instantly turned and fastened itself on the trouser leg of Oliver, with some difficulty he was able to kick it off and dispatch it with a stick.

Smart Driving Dr Kealy left Gulgong on Thursday at 1pm to visit the son of Mr Peter Weis at Uarbry. The doctor was with the patient nearly 2 hours and back in Gulgong at 8.55pm.  The distance being there and back over 60 miles and was done easily by the same pair of horses.

Tallawang the upper part of Tallawang has been favoured with continual and heavy showers and most of the crops are looking very well. Mr Martin O’Connor estimates he will get 20 bushel to the acre. Lower Tallawang, near Gulgong is quite the reverse—most of the crops being cut for hay.

Gulgong Police Court On Wednesday last before the PM, George Basset on remand was charged with stealing a gun from Mr Yeo, at Elong. Remanded for seven days

Neglect  Mr F. A. H Cork, School attendance Office, obtained three verdicts against parents for neglecting to send their children to school the requisite number of days.

November 19 1885

Sickness is still very prevalent in and around Gulgong. Mr Patrick O’Connoll of Goodiman, was brought in with inflammation of the lungs and is in a dangerous condition. The cause no doubt, is the extraordinary sudden changes in the weather

November 20 1885

Henry Bond, aged 16 years, son of Edwin Bond was killed instantly this evening by the wheel of a water cart passing over his neck. It is supposed the horse bolted as the dray was found capsized about a 100 yards from the body.

November 21 1885

Magisterial Inquiry in the cause of the Death of Henry Alfred Bond, 15 year son of Edward Bond.

Edward Bond: My son is now lying dead in my house; he went to cart water, there were two horses in the dray; ones was not very quiet, the boy wanted to use him; he left home at 2pm, about 6pm a boy told me that the horses had run away; I went to the top of Church Hill and saw the dray turned over about 200 yards; I saw a group of boys standing around my son; I lifted his head and heard his neck grate; I knew he was dead.

Sydney Edwin Herbert: I am a medical practitioner, but not register but not registered in NSW. I was called to Church Hill about 6.30pm where a boy had met with an accident.

Dr Kealy inquired from the Coroner, if the evidence of the witness was to be accepted as skilled evidence.

The Witness replied: that he was perfectly aware that he was not entitled to give skilled evidence; he was simply giving evidence as an ordinary citizens and continued; I found the boy lying on the ground; there was a slight pulsation at the wrist, but he was in a moribund condition and died whilst I was there; I do not give my evidence as a skilled practitioner but simply as a citizen of the British Empire.

Thomas McDonough: I am a watchmaker, yesterday afternoon about 7pm, I heard a boy was injured on Church Hill; I went there and found the dray up set and assisted Mr Strange with the horses; I sent the boys there to see if the driver was hurt; they called out from about 100 yards away, that ‘he was killed’; I sent two young women there for some water, bathed the boy’s hands and face; he could not swallow the water I gave him; then gave him brandy and water; Mr Ode came by on horse back, sent him for Dr Herbert, as he was the Lodge doctor; helped take the boy to his father’s house.

Joseph Patrick Kealy: I am Government Medical Officer, and legally registered medical practitioner, being registered in NSW with the Medical Board. I requested to attend a boy on Hospital Hill as there had been an accident by Mr Ode; on my immediate arrival I found the Bond boy was deceased; on examining the body the upper portion of the spine was injured, which cause the death. Having heard Mr McDonough’s evidence I believe every that could be done, was done.

The Coroner stated that as there was likely to be some important evidence forthcoming as to the cause of the horse bolting, he would adjourn the inquiry until 11am Monday morning

November 23.

George Campbell: I am eleven years old, last Friday evening I saw two horses bolting up Church Hill; I saw something fall from the dray; the dray capsized; and I ran up with Willie Redmond and saw young Bond lying on the ground; people came to help; there some children playing about but the horses bolted before they came to where the children were.

Verdict—‘That the deceased, Henry Alfred Bond died from injuries accidentally received through thrown from a dray.

November 23 188

Police Court Before the PM and S T Bishop JP, George Basset re-appeared the charge of stealing a gun was proved, sentenced to 6 months Mudgee gaol. On a charge of horse stealing accused was committed for trial at the next Mudgee Sessions.

November 25 1885

Obscene Language Kate Devitt, charged, expressed regret and contrition and promised to take the pledge for 12 months. Fined 10/- or 3 days, paid fine.

Stealing a Gun George Basset on remand, stole gun from George Yeo of Elong.

George Yeo : I am a farmer and grazier at Elong Elong; know the prisoner, saw him last at my brother’s place, I have s shepherd named Thomas Daniels in my employ; after Basset left, Daniels reported to me that a gun was missing. I came to Gulgong and obtained a warrant,; I was with Constable Slack at Goodiman Creek when prisoner denied having the gun; I tracked him for over 50miles, his horse had only three shoes on.

Thomas Daniels: I am a shepherd employed by Mr Yeo, I do not know the prisoner, he sold me a bay horse; he was riding a big grey horse, when I missed the gun I trailed the horse, it only had three shoes on. I can not swear that the prisoner is the man that sold me the horse.

George Lawes : I am a shepherd for Mr Dent at Ballimore; I know the prisoner, he was at my place, he carried a gun and was riding a grey horse, he was going towards Gulgong.

Questioned by the prisoner: I saw you on the Ironbark Ridge on the Dubbo road.

Senior Constable Slack: I am stationed at Cobbora, from something I was told by Mr Yeo, I followed the tracks of the said horse from Elong, past Daniles’ hut, and from there to Spicer’s Creek, the horse was missing a shoe; the following day I saw the prisoner at his brother-in-laws place at Goodiman Creek; he denied stealing the gun, being at Yeo’s and selling the horse.

The prisoner had nothing to say and was dealt with by the Bench which sentenced him to 6 months’ hard labour in Mudgee gaol.

Horse Stealing George Bassett charged with stealing a bay horse the property of Michael Raven of Home Rule

Sub-Inspector Burns: I charged the prisoner with stealing the horse, he replied ‘ I bought the horse off Baker; produced the receipt; there was no one else present when the transaction was made.

Michael Raven: I am a carrier residing at Home Rule, on January 1, I was camping at Tuxford’s Dam at Gulgong , the horse is valued at 6 pounds, never sold it.

Thomas Daniels gave evidence of how he bought the horse from the prisoner.

George Yeo: Prisoner sold the horse to Daniels and he got me to make the cheque out in the name of George Smith.

Senior Constable Slack, also gave evidence.

The prisoner who during the hearing of case had shown the most stolid indifference, was committed to the Mudgee Assizes.

November 30 1885

Entertainment On Monday evening a very successful musical and dramatic entertainment was given at the Prince of Wales Theatre, by the pupils attending the Convent School, Gulgong in aid of the funds of that institution. The house was crowded in all parts, and the very creditable manner in which the different juvenile performers acquitted themselves, showed the great care and attention bestowed on them by the ladies to whom their instruction is confided. Another feature of the entertainment—and is a pleasing one—was a fact that the audience was made up of all sects of the community without distinction of creed, or class. Not everyone could be seated. Those who entrained were as follows:- Pinafore trio, Misses Bishop, Powell, Curran, Ida De Boos, Young and Ryan; Misses Mary McGrath and Clarke, song; Miss Victoria Young, solo piano; Misses Clarke and Rose Oliver, piano duet; Miss Powell, song; Miss Isabella Bishop; Master Redmond recitation; Miss Lily Clarke and Master Chris Young, aged nine years, Vocal duet; Masters T Searle and T Saunders recitation in character; Miss Nellie Young, recitation. At the conclusion of the drama Father Campion returned thanks to the audience for their attendance and their liberal support. It was a big success for the Sisters of the School, financially and otherwise.

Fire at Gulgong—On Monday afternoon a fire broke out in a Chinaman’s hut at lower end of Herbert Street, Gulgong. Before it was notice the fire had gained too great a mastery to save the building, which was built of bark and cases. Two other buildings adjacent, occupied by Chinamen, were also burnt, not a drop of water being available. Several Europeans assisted the Chinaman in endeavouring to save their goods. Mr George White fell from the rood and suffered some abrasions and Mr Hayes had his hands severely burnt.

A Broken Leg—Mrs Thomas Copelin a resident of Tallawang was thrown from her cart on Sunday whilst returning from Gulgong. I was found that her leg was broken and she was taken back to Gulgong, where Dr Kealy set the injured limb.

Dislocated Ankle—On Wednesday afternoon Mr George Sharman was at Mr P Dunn’s farm at the Home Rule when his horse suddenly reared and Mr Sharman jumped off, severely dislocating his right ankle. He was at once brought into Gulgong, where Dr Kealy reduced the dislocation.

December 3 1885

Warden’s Court Gulgong before Mr P. Snape, PM and Warden.

Robert W Reid v Sweeny and party of the Star Lead, no appearance of the plaintiff, case dismissed.

December 9 1885

Gulgong Auctioneers—Licenses were granted by the Gulgong Bench to William Wesley, J. F. Plunkett and S.T. Bishop on Wednesday last.

The Result of Climbing- late on Sunday the son of Mrs Peck of Reedy Creek aged 6 years, fell from a tree and broke both bones of his left forearm. It was about 9pm before the poor little fellow could be brought to the hospital, when Dr Kealy set the fractured limb.

Reward of 5 pounds will be paid for information that will lead to the conviction of the cowardly scoundrel who poisoned my dog on my premises on Thursday night.

S. T. BISHOP.

December 10 1885

Coroner’s Inquest at Gulgong was held touching on the death of Catherine Ellen Elliott, before P. Snape, PM and a jury.

The Coroner stated to the jury certain representations having been made to him by the Government Medical Officer, he then deem it is duty to hold an enquiry.

The jury went to the Hospital to view the body, Drs. Swanston and Diamond had not finished the post mortem, the court was adjourned to 7pm.

Mary Elliott: I am the mother of the child, she is five months old; about a week ago the child was taken ill, I sent for Dr Kealy, who visited the child and prescribed for it; afterwards I sent for Dr Herbert, who attended the child, I was satisfied with Dr Herbert’s treatment, he was very kind. A number of bottle’s were then produce, which the witness identified as being supplied by Dr Herbert; By Police: I did not administer the whole of the medicine; Mrs Scully administered some; was always there when it was given; I noticed a croupy cough the last few days.

Mary Ann Scully: Know the last witness, the child was stopping at my place; she went to serve and I looked after the child; the bottles are marked correct; the child got gradually worse until it died; the girl left her situation to attend to it; we nursed it night and day; Henry Bennett was the undertaker; I was not present when it was coffined; by Dr Herbert: I cannot say what the child was suffering from, it had pain in the belly, convulsions, diarrhoea and was croupy.

Recalled Mary Ann Elliott: Mrs Scully told me that Dr Kealy said that he would not attend the child.

Mrs Scully, continued: Dr Kealy did not tell me he would not attend the child; Dr Kealy called at my house and he referred me to Sub Inspector Burns. To Dr Kealy: You did ask me if the mother was able to pay, I said she got 15/- her week; you said the mother had best get and order; you were then going to Mudgee.

Henry Bennett: I am an undertaker; I buried yesterday a child of Mary Ann Elliott; to day I exhumed the same body and took it to the dead house of the Hospital; I am sure it is the same child I buried yesterday; I produce the certificate of death; there was a mistake in the date; I received it from the mother who got it from Dr Herbert, I think. I handed the certificate to Dr Kealy; I generally give them to Registrar.

Dr Herbert here asked the coroner by what right had Dr Kealy the certificate in his possession.

The Certificate read cause of death rickets and gastritis, signed by Dr Herbert.

Joseph Patrick Kealy: I am the Government Medical Officer and a legally qualified medical practitioner; some representations touching the death of the child were made to me yesterday and this child having died some miles from Gulgong, I was asked by Mr Bennett the Undertaker if the Coroner was satisfied with the certificate of burial; said I would speak to the Coroner on the matter, then asked him if he had received another certificate of the cause of the death of Miss Elliott’s child; he gave me a certificate; I attended the child in the first instance; found the child never suffered from the diseases mentioned in the certificate, the causes of the ailments was meningitis; the patient also suffered from vomiting, which in my opinion was due to the disease mentioned. By Dr Herbert: Saw the child on the 3rd: I am perfectly certain the child did not die from the disease mentioned in the certificate; I did not see the child in the last 6 days.

Charles Swanston: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner, residing in Mudgee; this afternoon I performed a post mortem on an infant, Catherine Ellen Elliott; I carefully examined all the organs of the body, beginning with the brain; on opening the skull I found extensive adhesions between the brain and the membranes, from the base of the skull extending across the vertex to the left side of the forehead; these parts were so adherent to the brain that I could with great difficulty separate them; the lungs were healthy, as was the stomach and intestines; I found no evidence whatever of rickets and gastritis; I believe the cause of death to be meningitis; rickets is never directly the cause of death; I have seen that in two of the prescriptions that opium had been administered, which he had seen bring on convulsions; but cannot say in this case if it did; I think opium is a very wrong thing to administer in a case when a child is suffering from a brain disease. Gastritis is a very rare case; I have given minute doses of opium but I cannot say with any beneficial results; there is a patent medicine called Steedman’s soothing powder; there is opium in them and they have caused many deaths.

James Diamond: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner, residing in Mudgee; I was at the post mortem this afternoon; Dr Swanston did the cutting and I took the notes; I corroborate generally the evidence given by Dr Swanston; I only differ from him in the description of the adhesions; the adhesions were between the membranes and the skull; it was, I presume, simply a Lapsus Lingue [here Dr Swanston stated that is what he meant]. Sufficient disease of the membranes of the brain to cause death; I do not think the opium caused the death; no sign of rickets; the bones of the child were well formed and developed; I cannot imagine how anyone could see symptoms of rickets; the lungs floated in water, showing that there was no inflammation, there was no signs of opium; death was not caused by any medication given;

I would not have subscribed them. You seldom see two medical men prescribe the same; the proportion of deaths from meningitis is much large than those who recover.

Sydney Edwin Herbert: I am a qualified medical practitioner, by virtue of diploma produced; I am not registered in NSW or at home; have private reasons for not registering; the diploma is from the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh; on the 3rd I was sent for by Mrs Scully and was shown an infant; my examination, in my opinion was that the infant was suffering from gastritis or inflammation of the stomach; the child was in severe pain and if not relieved, must succumb; I prescribed for it and gave an outside application; later in the day when I saw the infant, the inflammation had decreased and the pain less severe; I prescribed a nourishing diet; next morning the child was suffering from acute diarrhoea and going into convulsions; I then prescribed medicine No 3 to allay the diarrhoea; it was unsuccessful; on one or two occasions with slight intermission until the child died, it was attacked with laryngismus or false croup; my reason for certifying that the child died from rickets was to prevent me entering into the details of different complaints, the disease in question showing all these complaints as a part of itself; some of the symptoms of rickets were absent, but the way I described it, showed the cause of death more plainly than I could otherwise have done: I used the word rickets, as it would convey in a simple way the diseases the child suffered from; if I had put down all the disease the child suffered from it would have filled up two or three certificates.

Dr Swanston in answer to Dr Kealy, stated that he thought the extract from Dr Quains’s work, read out by Dr Herbert, would be likely to mislead the jury and that diarrhoea and vomiting would be cause by meningitis. There was no signs whatever of rickets, as for the laryngismus, it was not that all, but simply a stertorous breathing by paralysis of the soft palate due to the inflammation of brain membranes.

After a long deliberation the jury returned to court, the foreman stated that there was no likelihood of their agreeing, the Coroner then discharged them.

The foreman had stated that eleven jurors were agreeable that ‘The child died form natural causes, as disclosed by the evidence of Drs Swanston and Diamond.’

December 12 1885

Dr Herbert has left Gulgong, quite suddenly, and there are few, it is said, who lament his departure.

December 14 1885

Stabbing Case  A serious fracas occurred at Gulgong on Wednesday evening at Black Lead. A man named Thomas Ryan, whilst drunk went to the hut of Charles Smith who was at tea with his wife and assaulted them. In the melee Ryan was stabbed in wrist and thigh. As soon as possible he was conveyed to the hospital, where his wounds were dressed by Dr Kealy, who had great difficulty was the man was very violent. Smith gave himself up to the police and was remanded for 8 days.

No Charges—The Gulgong Police not caring to press charges of stabbing against Charles Smith have discharged him from custody.

December 28 1885

Death from natural Causes A magisterial inquiry held at Goolma, on the body of a child, 19 months, daughter of Sarah McKellar. The child had been ailing for 6 weeks but had not been seen by any medical man and on its death the parents informed the police. Dr Kealy performed a post mortem and found that the child died form inflammation of the lungs. The body was much emaciated. Verdict—died form natural causes,

 January 2 1886

A boy aged 7 ears, named Robert Lang was accidentally drowned this morning in a dam.

January 12 1886

A Man shot at Gulgong—a man named James Staines was shot last night at Hills’ Wine Shop, at Tallawang Bridge near Reedy Creek.  The police found Stains lying on the road near Thomas Cassidy’s house. He was taken to the hospital and examined by Dr Kealy, who found 30 shot wounds in the back, right lung being perforated. There is not much hope of recovery and the man’s dying depositions have been taken by the PM. Cassidy had been apprehended and identified by Staines as the man who shot him. Dr Swanston is now at the Hospital with Dr Kealy. It is reported that Staines forced in Cassidy’s door and that he was fired at when running away. Staines has been working with a threshing machine in the district.

January 14 1886

Marriage at St John’s Mudgee on Friday last the marriage of Mr Herbert Lowe of Goree, to Miss Mary Anne Alicia Ramsay the daughter of the late Dr Wilson Ramsay and sister to Mr George Ramsay of the Joint Stock Bank of Gulgong was celebrated by the Rev Archdeacon Bentzen. The wedding was a very quiet affair the usual exaggerations in dress etc were dispensed with. None the less were many good wishes felt by a very large circle of friends and acquaintances by who they are respected and esteemed.

Masonic Banquet

On Thursday evening the Masonic brethren of the Lodge Edinburgh, NSW Colony, with a few visitors, assembled at the festive board to mark the occasion of Bro. DeCourcy Browne’s, M. P., first visit to their lodge in the capacity of Grand Inspector of Workings of the Colony. About 25 sat down to the nice spread prepared by Host Brother Walter W. Millett at the Club House Hotel, Mudgee.

The chair was occupied by Worshipful Master, Brother W L. Nicholson, who had on his right the guest of the evening and the Vice Chair by Brother T. H. Wingham, Senior Warden. The Chairman proposed the toast to the Queen, which was drank as Mason only can, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

Brother W. Wilton proposed ‘The Grand Lodge of NSW and the Grand Lodges all over the world. The Grand Lodge of NSW had now been in existence for 8 year, during which time it had made great headway, despite opposition and he was glad to hear from their Honourable visitor that the lodges under it numbered 48.

Brother Browne, M.P., in responding, said, the founders of the Grand Lodge were desirous of establishing local self government in the colony and in this they had succeeded and if the progress already made was any criterion of the success of the next ten years, they should be glad to enrolled under its banner. The recognition bestowed upon them dispelled the abuse of all cavillers. They were recognised by 36 Gran Lodges which fact justified them in going on their way heedless of the silly slanders hurled at them.  He trusted the Lodge Edinburgh would continue to prosper and he wished it every success.

The Worshipful Master gave the toast of the ‘Worshipful Inspector of Works.’ Nothing the proposer could say in reference to Brother Browne would make them drink with greater gusto. All he would say was that on electing Brother Browne to the position the Grand Lodge had made a decided hit. In this opinion they all could bear him out, knowing full well the worthy brother’s capacity for organising and the deep interest he took in anything entrusted to him.

Brother Browne said he must ascribe the hearty and kind manner they had received the toast more to their regard for this official position then to him as a Mason [No ! No!]. the position he held was obtained by election in open lodge, not by nominalism and he presumed he was elected because of the ability he had displayed in connection with his own lodge of which he had twice been Master. He intended to do his duty to the letter, inspecting every lodge once within the year, which would necessitate some to thousands of miles of travelling.  The experience he would thus gain, he trusted to make of advantage to the lodges in general.

Brother W Sherry proposed ‘the visiting Brethren’ which was responded to by Worshipful Master, Brothers Cardwell, S. T. Bishop, of Gulgong and Dr Diamond.

Brother Millett craved the Worshipful Master permission to produce a matter not on the programme. He referred to the absent of Brother Bender who was in Germany and from a letter received by a friend that day, it appeared he was enjoying himself. He had asked to be remembered to all friends and as Brother Bender had been a good and zealous Mason he would like the company to drink his health, this was done in at heartily manner. Mr F. R. Tindall gave in eulogistic terms the toast of Worshipful Master, Brother W. L. Nicholson, which was heartily drank and appropriately acknowledged by the Brother.

During the evening several of the brethren, Brothers Cameron, Dethick, Ore, Wingham, DeBoos etc., kept the company lively with a variety of songs and at a respectable hour the assembly separated after singing ‘Old Lang Syne.’

January 19 1886

Gulgong Hospital at the annual meeting of the above, the following were elected: President: S T Bishop, JP; Vice president: F W Russell; Surgeon. Dr Joseph P Kealy; Secretary : Mr Christian Ode; Committee: Messrs Guinan, Hewitt, Moverly, Wilson, Shannon, Holland, Curran, Tuxford and Powell; Auditors: Messrs Turner and Seaton. 96 subscribers had been obtain for the coming year, there were 250 last year. Mr R Rouse of Guntawang was the previous president.

Presbyterian Tea Meeting at Gulgong was a prodigious success. The Misses Smith, Hollow and Stott sang at concert which followed.

Still Lingering—Staines, the half-caste, still lingers in the Gulgong Hospital, slowly dying from the effects of the gun shot wounds inflicted by the old man Cassidy.

Important Sale by Auction

S T Bishop has been instructed by Mr Henry Bennett [who is leaving the district] to sell by public auction on the 13th February, at his residence, Belmore Street, Gulgong, the under mentioned Property, Furniture etc:-

One acres of freehold land, with dwelling house and underground brick tank. The land is laid down with choice vines and fruit trees.

Also, well known House and Land [known as McIntyre’s] situated at the corner of Herbert and Belmore Streets.

Bedsteads, sofas, tables, chairs, whatnot, pictures, piano etc. Horse, buggy, spring cart, tools, double barrel gun, 16,00 well burnt bricks, etc.

Change of Business—Mr Stear, many years manager of Mr Thompson’s business at Gulgong, has brought out that gentleman’s interest.  With his personal popularity and commercial abilities, Mr Stear, should command a large share of public support.

January 26 1886

Dr S. E. Herbert—Friday’s Government Gazette contains a notice certifying that Sydney Edward Herbert, Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh 1879, has submitted to the Medical Board the necessary testimonials and qualifications as to entitle him to be deemed a legally qualified medical practitioner. This gentleman is at present practicing his profession at Minmi in the Newcastle District and was recently a resident of Gulgong, where is skill as a medical man obtained for him a wide spread reputation. Detractors however, unfortunately were not wanting, who spread false reports as to the genuineness of his diploma and these so exasperated the victim that he sought protection in the Supreme Court where we have been informed, his accusers will have to appear. His many friends and sympathisers in this district will now be pleased to learn that his villifiers if not silenced are at leased so far condemned as to be branded as detractors of another’s fair fame. We are also informed that considerable effort is being made to induce Dr Herbert to return to Gulgong and that it is probable he will do so in a short time.

Hospital Concert At Gulgong

On Tuesday night a concert and dramatic entertainment was given at the Gulgong theatre in aid of the Hospital, there was a bumper house. At 7.30pm the Union Band played some popular airs before the commencement of the programme.  Mr G. Skillman read a very amusing prologue written by Mr W. H. Ore of Mudgee for the occasion. Mr W. Seaton commenced the programme with a song, followed by Mr John Scully who sang ‘The Bay of Biscay’, he was recalled to perform another item. Miss Smith and Mr Tuckerman sang a duet, followed by Mr Dobson accompanied by Mrs Dobson. Mr Smith of Canadian and young Allan Cameron were the last items before interval.

The second part of the programme was a drama featuring Mrs Seaton, Messrs Seaton, Skillman, G. Parr and Master E Redmond.

Mr. S. T. Bishop gave thanks to all who performed and attended.

February 2 1886

Gulgong—As Aldermen: Messrs Francis William Seaton, Charles Zimmler, John Hewitt and George Smith. As Auditors elected unopposed are Messrs Frederick William Russell and Samuel T Bishop.

People’s Advocate of December 19, 1885 The Editor is Mr J. F. Plunkett,

Gulgong Hospital Meeting February 2, 1886, Present: Messrs S T Bishop [president] Dr Kealy, G Ramsay, J Powell, L Shannon, H Holland, J Hewitt, R Wilson, W Guinan, J Tuxford, R Stear and J Moverly. The business was the usual general run of the mill.

February 18 1886

Accident at Gulgong on Thursday the eldest son of Mr Thomas Ryan junior, met with a severe accident which resulted in a fracture of the thigh. The child with others were playing near a cart which by some means tilted and came down young Ryan. Dr Kealy promptly attended.

While there is life there is hope—It appears the half-castle Staines, for whose death the Gulgong Police have been waiting for some weeks, so that the case against Cassidy might be closed, was quite strong and able to walk about in the Gulgong Hospital yesterday. Staines is a man of strong constitution as the medical gentlemen who have seen him thought it impossible for him to live but still he hangs on, despite the fact that he received 37 slugs, some of which passed through his lungs.

Accident—Mr William Wesley, farmer of Three Mile Creek was thrown from his horse on Sunday at Slapdash Creek. The horse put his foot in a hole, fell and rolled over on poor Wesley, who was brought into the Gulgong Hospital and examined by Dr Kealy, who found that the ligaments of the right thigh were severely lacerated and torn; he is also injured internally.

Medical Dr Diamond intends practicing at Gulgong on three days per week to see patience and supply them with proper medicine at about the price that druggists charge for the medicine alone. This ought to prove a boom these dull time to parties who through inability to pay the usual medical fee are obliged to take such haphazard advice as they can get from unqualified persons.

Gulgong We notice that the People’s Advocate is angry because its representative has been refused access to the Police Court—the reason alleged misreporting.

February 22 1886

Gulgong Hospital—A special meeting of the committee was on Monday evening for the purpose to consider a complaint made by the Treasurer against the Wardsman, the result being that the Committee partly endorsed the action of the Wardsman, the Treasurer tendered his resignation, pending an appeal to the subscribers before whom all the facts will be laid.

March 8 1886

William Carnell, aged 18 years, residing at Two Mile Flat, went shooting yesterday and was found this morning lying dead, two miles from his home. The body was much burnt, apparently by an explosion of powder

March 17 1886

The shops at Gulgong were closed at noon today. A cricket match was played at Victoria Park between a local team and a team from Mudgee; the visitors were defeated by 15 runs. The day was fine and the match was witnesses by a large number of persons. Some music was contributed during the afternoon by a band.

March 25 1886

A Nasty Insinuation –Mr Trevor Jones, MLA, member for Tumut, has set himself the delicate and rather difficult task of unravelling a little matter brought under our notice previously by a Gulgong correspondent. He has given notice of the following question for Tuesday next in Assembly:-

[1]Has the Minister for Justice received a letter signed by one Robert Rutherford of Lahey’s Creek, complaining of a decision of the Gulgong Bench of magistrates in sentencing one George Bassett, on insufficient evidence to six months imprisonment for stealing a gun?

[2] Has he been informed that no such person as Robert Rutherford is residing or known in that locality?

[3] Has Mr J F Plunkett a member of the Gulgong Bench of Magistrates been charged with the writing the said letter bearing the signature of Robert Rutherford?

[4] It this is true will be cause a judicial inquiry to be held into the whole of the circumstances?

Mr Garvan, in reply to Mr Jones, said that he had received a letter, signed by one Robert Rutherford, of Lahey’s Creek, complaining of a decision of the Gulgong Bench of Magistrates in sentencing one George Bassett on insufficient evidence to six months imprisonment for stealing a gun. He had been informed that no such person was residing or known in that locality. Mr J F Plunkett, a member of the Gulgong Bench of Magistrates had been charged with writing the said letter bearing the signature of Robert Rutherford. Inquiry had already been made into the matter but as insufficient evidence was not produced to prove that Mr Plunkett was the writer of the communication referred to, the department had been unable to take any definite action in the matter. Further inquiry would however, be made without delay into the whole circumstances connected with that subject, so far as they concerned the administration of justice of Gulgong.

Telegram from Mr Plunkett to the Minister for Justice:- That I had been charged with writing said letter etc: will you inform me when, where and by whom I have been charges.

 Here the matters remains for the present.

Dedicated to Robert Rutherford

To Back Biters

In speaking of another’s faults,

Pray don’t forget your own;

Remember those with homes of glass

Should never throw stones;

If we have nothing else to do

But talk of those who sin

‘Tis better we commence at home

And from that point begin.

 

We have no right to judge a man

Until he’s fairly tried,

Should we not like his company,

We know the world is wide,

Some may have faults—and who has not?

The old as well as the young;

Perhaps we may, for aught we know

Have fifty to their one.

 

I’ll tell you of a better plan,

And one that works full well—

I try my own effects to cure

Ere I of others tell.

And though I sometimes hope to be

No worse than some I know

My own shortcomings makes me let

The faults of others go.

 

Then let us all when we commence

To slander friend or foe

Think of the harm one word may do

To those who little know.

Remember, curses sometimes like

Our chickens ‘roost at home.’

Don’t speak of other’s faults until

We have none of our own.

 

April 2 1886

Department of Public Instruction

Sydney, March 30 1886

Appointment of Board for Sub-District of Gulgong

His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive council, has be pleased to appoint the undermentioned gentlemen to form the Board for the above district, namely:-

Messrs: 

              Samuel Bishop JP

              George W Last

              Joseph Kealy

              Michael Moroney

              Arthur C Garling

              Richard Rouse JP

              James Francis Plunkett

Signed:  Arthur Renwick

 

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.

Unsure of the date as there is none

While we were in Sydney the other day met Inspector General of Police Mr Day, this gentleman started duty at Gulgong as an ordinary constable, he distinguished himself at Slashers Flat in connection with the arrest of Angel and Thurston two well know criminals, they were arrested at Stewart’s store near Belinfante Bridge, with two fellow officers.

April 20 1886

Birth Marks at her residence, Glen Ayre, Gulgong of wife of Montague Marks, a son Frederick W.

Meeting of Gulgong Hospital Subscribers—A meeting of the above was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday, Mr Bishop in the chair. The meeting was called for the purpose of filling vacancies in the committee of management, because of the resignation of the majority of the body in consequence of a censure passed on them at a previous meeting of Subscribers.  The following resigned: Messrs John Tuxford, John Powell,, H Holland, John Holden, John Hewitt, John Moverly, D Shannnon, James Curran and Robert Wilson, the above with Messrs Stear and Guinan formed the committee.

Messrs Powell, Heard, Hewitt, Holden, Smith, Blanchard, Stockman and Holland were proposed but the first five named having declined to act, the names of the remaining, three were put to the meeting and declared carried. This proceeding having been found irregular it was decided to submit the names to the ballot and they were declared elected. A discussion ensued as to whether the affairs of the Institution could not be carried on without the full committee. Much discussion. Ultimately the Wardsman Mr Smallwood moved that the question be referred to the Inspector of Charities for his opinion, 2nd F. W. Russell. Treasurer Ramsay moved that the matter be deferred until another attempt was made to complete the committee, carried. Much discussion followed as how to induce persons to act on the committee.

April 27 1886

Easter Monday—Yesterday was observed as a close holiday. Beautiful weather prevailed. The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows held their annual sports in Victoria Park, at which there was a fair attendance.

The Church of England Sunday School also held their annual picnic which was a great success and which was largely attended by all denominations.

The Oddfellow’s Ball last night at Shannon’s large room was well attended.

Small Debts Court

Before Messrs Snape, PM, Blackman and Bishop JP’s

Plunkett and Edmunds v B. McCauly claim 5 pounds 14 shillings for newspaper account, verdict for plaintiff plus costs.

Same v J. J. Davis Claim 6 pounds, printing and advertising. Verdict as above.

Same v Edwin Bond Claim 10 pounds Printing etc on account of Election of John Hurley.  In this case the Proprietors of the Peoples Advocate sued the defendant who had acted as Secretary to John Hurley at Gulgong. Bond had repeatedly endeavoured to get Hurley to pay the amount but the latter did not reply to his communications and he had failed to pay any of his liabilities to his Gulgong Committee. Verdict for the plaintiff, Mr Plunkett wavered 5 pounds of the amount if the committee paid five pounds.

May 26 1886

Gulgong can boast of its mayor and aldermen and has a newspaper called the People’s Advocate, the editor is one of the blue blood type and was there in the good old times, but like many other, his fortune slipped and he like a good captain stuck to the sinking ship—for he still remains and runs the only paper; his leads are the best part of the paper and so little transpires there is little exciting local news to chronicle, the editor has a superior education and consequently is neither narrow minded or bigoted; he is more courteous to strangers who really take an interest in the place and with pleasure explains the ‘have been days’ of Gulgong.

Apart from mining I see no reason why the rich flats and low hills cannot be used for farming purposes; the soil is rich and as Gulgong is only 18 miles from Mudgee Railway terminus; the roads are good, passing through Home Rule which is 8 miles from Gulgong; during the gold mania this place had a large population but is now similar to Gulgong without its advantages of a paper, banks and stores. Still the district has rich grazing capabilities and the stations of Messrs Rouse and family will compete favourably with many Squires Estates in England.

Bosh

June 2 1886

Gulgong Mems—Elizabeth Selff aged 67, whilst cleaning out the Presbyterian Chapel at Gulgong, fell off a stool and broke her thigh. She was taken to hospital where the limb was set by Dr. Kealy

Mr. Paul Harford’s leg has set well and he will probably be on his crutches this week. He is as jolly as ever.

June 5 1886

Masonic Installation and Banquet

On Tuesday evening annual installation of officers in connection with the Abbotsford Lodge of Freemasons NSW Colony, took place in the lodge room, Mayne Street, Gulgong. Besides members of the lodge, several of the Edinburgh Brethren were present. Past Master Brother Wilton assisted by Worshipful Master Brother W. H. Ore in the capacity of Installing Master, the following were installed:-— Worshipful Master, Brother DeBoos, Senior Master Brother Skillman; Junior Master Mitchell; Secretary/Treasurer S. T. Bishop; S.D. Brother Langdon; J.D. Brother Smith; I.G Brother D Roginini; O.G. Brother J Barnbrook. This over the W.M. announced that he would be happy to see the brethren assemble round the festive board at Host Brother Powell’s, where a spread worthy of the occasion was laid out. The usual toasts were made in the usual fashion. Brothers Bishop and R. Stoddart divided the cake. And when the company separated it was in the small hours had come round.

June 13 1886

An Interesting Meeting –We have often heard of ‘business being combine with pleasure’—or which amounts to the same thing—‘pleasure being combined with business’—but we never saw the principle carried into such full effects as it was at the meeting of the Gulgong Council on Wednesday evening last. The Gulgong Aldermen were then considering, as ours were on the same evening, the advisability of reducing the municipal salaries. Some animus seemed to creep into the discussion and one of the aldermen on pointing out that the Council only had a credit balance of 24/-, asked: ‘How the H—  could the council stand its annual expense.’ Other mirth-provoking language was used and compliments bestowed here and there at random by a few of the aldermen; so much so that the business was altogether lost sight of in the copious adulteration of pleasure or whatever it should be called—which characterised the proceedings.

July 4 1886

Buggy Accident—On Sunday evening last as Dr Kealy accompanied by Mr S Bishop and a boy named Spears were returning with a buggy and a pair of horses from Denison Town, when at the foot of the hill on the Gulgong side of Tallawang, the buggy capsized and the whole of company were thrown out but none were severely injured. On gathering themselves together they found that the pole of the buggy was broken and the harness much damaged. The only alternative they had was to lead the horse the rest of the journey to Gulgong and leave the buggy behind, they arrived at their destination about 9pm after a walk of about 4 miles. The attention of the Roads Inspector should be drawn to the danger of the washed away culvert at this spot before someone is seriously injured or there is a fatal accident.

Wednesday July 1886

Remanded Henry Bennett, 54, carpenter arrested by warrant, charged with having neglected to contribute toward the support of his illegitimate children, remanded to appear in Gulgong on Thursday. Bail was allowed, himself in 50 pounds and two sureties of 25 pounds each.

Crushed by a Tree  On Wednesday at noon Henry Haynes rode into Gulgong and reported that a man had been injured through a tree falling on him at Surface Hill. Dr Kealy at once proceeded to the spot and found a man named John Williams, a woodcutter lying amongst the braches of a large tree which had apparently just been fallen. He was at once conveyed to the Hospital where it was found he had a broken right leg, several teeth knocked ut, tongue severely cut and a fractured skull. The limb was set but the patient was unconscious to about 8am the next morning and is not expected to recover as his condition is precarious.

July 13 1886

District Court

This court opened on Tuesday, before his Honour Judge Docker.

The barristers present were Dr Edmunds and Mr J. J. Teece, the solicitors in attendance being Messrs G. Davidson, E. Clarke, C. D. Meares and Herbert A Clarke.

Kealy v Ramsay

Dr. Edmunds, instructed by Mr C. D. Meares and Mr J. J. Teece instructed by Mr E. Clarke for defendant.

The plaintiff Joseph Patrick Kealy claimed 200 pounds damages, for that the defendant, George Ramsay, falsely and maliciously spoke and published of the plaintiff the words following: ‘You are a scoundrel and a blackguard. It is a very well known reason why you did not admit Mrs McKinnon into the Hospital in the first instance. You wished to keep her in a hotel and attend her as the Government Medical Officer.’

The defendant through his Counsel pleaded:

1. Not guilty.  2. Denial of using words as alleged in plaint. 3. Words not slanderous. 4. That words which defendant did utter [not imputing an inditing offence were uttered upon an occasion when the plaintiff’s character was not likely to be injured thereby.

Council agreed to empanel the jury in the ordinary way when the following gentlemen were called without either side resorting to the privilege of challenge: Messrs G. T. James, F. A. Buchholtz, E. Daly and Maurice Vale.

              Dr Edmunds having stated the facts of the case in a clear and sincere manner, called:-

Joseph Patrick Kealy, the plaintiff who deposed he was a duly qualified medical practitioner, at Gulgong, where he had been in Gulgong since February 1885. He was surgeon to the Hospital and Oddfellows’ Lodge also Government Medical Officer for the Gulgong District. In the latter capacity he attended destitute cases when authorised to do so by the police or magistrate, for which there was a fixed scale of charges.  As medical officer of the hospital it was his duty to decide what cases should be admitted. The defendant was a bank manager and treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital. He remembered the case of a Mrs McKinnon, the wife of a man employed six miles from Gulgong. He was asked by Sub Inspector Burns to see this woman, who was lying very ill. She was brought into Gulgong on the Saturday. He carefully examined Mrs McKinnon and formed the opinion that the case was not one to be admitted to the Gulgong Hospital. He consulted by wire with Dr McLauren, of Sydney and with Dr Swanston of Mudgee. As the result of that consultation he refused to sanction a conversation with Mr Ramsay about Mrs McKinnon’s case on the April 13. He met Mr Ramsay in the street standing near one of the visiting committee, Mr Holland.

**There is a lot of, who said what, about whom, where it was said and who was friends with whom etc.; who was giving the patient brandy and on who’s authority and where it came from; those involved besides the sick woman: Messrs Stockman, Bishop, Russell, Hewitt, Marks, Wardsman Smallwood, Adams, [General manager of the Bank].**

Witness F. W. Russell, a storekeeper, knew the parties in the case and heard what took place. Dr Kealy came to him at his door showing him a piece of paper, a recommendation for the wardsman. While I was reading the paper Ramsay came down [Witness here gave a terrific speed of the conservation relative to the brandy and in connection with Mrs McKinnon’s non-admission to the hospital. Ramsay’s said, ‘The reason why you didn’t put the woman in the hospital was that you might extort money out of the Government and take their money.’ When the expressions ‘blackguard and liar’ were used I was on the verandah. When reference was made to Mrs McKinnon’s case I asked them to step in and not to make a show of themselves.

Examined by Mr Teece: There were several people about when the conservation took place outside. There was no one in the store when they went in there. I would be inclined to believe Mr Ramsay’s version of what took place.

This closed the case. At this stage Mr Teece moved for a nonsuit on the grounds that the words alleged to have been used were privileged. He argued the point at some length and cited cases in support of his contention. An adjournment was then made for lunch and on resuming His Honour went into law as it affected Mr Teece’s point, which he over ruled.

No witnesses being called for the defence. His Honour summed up greatly in the plaintiff’s favour and after a brief deliberation the jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff, damages one shilling.

Mr Edmunds asked his Honour to grant cost in the higher scale which his Honour did and allowed for costs of three witness. The jury was then discharged.

July 21 1886

Scholastic Promotions—Our readers will be pleased to hear that Miss Maud Lange has successfully passed her exams at Hurlstone College, she has obtained the highest certificate obtainable by students finishing their course. Miss Lange was been appointed an assistant at the Petersham Public School.; Miss Miller has been promoted from the Narrango Public School to Ben Buckley and Miss Garling succeeded Miss Miller. Mr George Vitnell has been appointed teacher of the half-time schools at Flat-Lands and Vincent’s Hole.

Miss Wade, pupil teacher at the Gulgong Public School has been removed to the Windsor Public School, she had been at Gulgong for upwards of 3½ years and the pupils and friends took occasion to present her with a testimonial of a chaste gold cross and necklet, a gold brooch and a purse of sovereigns, the presentation being made by Mr J.F. Plunkett. John Fletcher and Elizabeth Smith signed the address on behalf of the other pupils, which spoke in glowing terms of the teacher, who was removing to another sphere of labour near your own home. Mr Stokes the Head Teacher, very feelingly replied on behalf of Miss Wade, and then spoke to the girls saying ‘That everyone present had it in her power to attain to the proud position now occupied by Miss Wade.’

Public School Board—the first meeting of the above board for the Sub-District of Gulgong was held on Wednesday evening, at which business of a formal nature was transacted. R Rouse Esq was appointed Chairman and Mr Bishop, Secretary. Instructions were given to have an error in the name of one of the members of the Board rectified, so as to read Joseph Patrick Kealy instead of J Kealy as gazetted

July 28 1886

A Matron’s Troubles At the Gulgong Small Debts Court the other day Elizabeth Price proceed Joseph Wright, Robert Ferguson and Margaret Kelly for damages to the amount of 40/- each, alleged to have been caused through their sons having aided and abetted in shooting her boy, George Price. It was elicited from evidence that Price’s hat had been taken off his head and shot at but this amusement being considered rather tame as an military exercise, young Ferguson took the liberty of tantalising a certain very prominent portion of Price for a target with a decidedly good result so fas as the scoring is concerned and an equally bad one so far as it contributed towards honour and glory. There were 11, all told at this juvenile military encampment and the evolutions gone through appear to have been pretty lively. Ferguson, however says he understood the affair was to have been carried out on the ‘sham fight’ principle and thus thought there was only one powder in the gun when he fired at price—or Carrotty as his young friends had christened him, doubtless in military emulation of William Rufus. Hence the serious feature of the event. The Bench ordered that the youths parents should each pay 30/- and 7/4 court costs.

August 5  1886

A deputation, consisting of Messrs Young, Zimmler, Marks, Moverly, Tuxford and Russell, waited on the Warden today in favour of the revocation of portions of the goldfield for the purpose for conditional purchase

August 7 1886

He Was There

At the Mayor of Sydney’s Costume Ball, which was the finest sight ever seen under the Southern Cross, Mr DeCourcy Browne, MP, was present in the costume of ‘Royal Scholar of Trinity College, Dublin’ and of course looked immense. Mrs DeCourcy Browne was dressed as a ‘Court Lady’ of the 17th Century. The Mayor has asked for four photos of each of his quests, for album purposes. One is to be sent to the Queen, one to Lady Carrington and one each for the Mayor and Mayoress.

Out and About

A deputation of the principal residents of Gulgong have waited on Mr P Snape, Miners Warden, re-throwing open for selection the surveyed portions intended for conditional purchase.

The leg of the man John Williams who was injured by a falling tree, will have to be taken off. The bones of the break will not unite caused through the loss of blood and lowness of the system. He is just able to speak but he is not rational.

The boy Holmes who met with a very bad accident at Gulgong is now in the Hospital, his right thigh is broken

For Private Sale

The undermentioned property, now in the possession of Mr Mark Gless, situated on the Mudgee River, near Two Mile Flat:-

140 acres of land; 40 acres cleared and 30 acres under cultivation, remainder ring-barked and dead timber burnt. Conditional Lease 360 acres surveyed. Good dwelling will all necessary out-houses and sheep yards, splendid orchard, complete collection of farming implements [latest improved and 700 sheep.

Tracings of land can be seen at and all information from

Samuel T Bishop

—Auctioneer and Commission Agent—Gulgong

ALSO Mr Bishop well know Book seller and stationer of Gulgong is our agent and he will receive orders for all kinds of printing jobs which we turn out at prices far below Sydney. We wish to intimate to persons at Talbragar, Cobbora, Mendooran and other places outside that at any time they pay Mr Bishop their respective accounts owing to us, his receipt will be sufficient.

August 14 1886

The coach which left Gulgong for Cobbora on Saturday got bogged three times before reaching its destination.

The road from Gulgong to Denison Town and Cobbora are almost impassable for teams, four of them were stuck all day on Tuesday at Goodiman.

 

August 16 1886

A nice little nugget, weighing 17 dwts was sold to the Gulgong Bank of NSW on Monday. It was picked up at Sandy Creek. Payable gold is to be had somewhere about this locality.

August 25 1886

Payable Gold—Messrs M. Orlovich and Edwin Bond and William Bursill have reported to the Gulgong Warden that they have discovered payable gold in their prospecting area at Cooyal Creek adjoining Large’s selection, belonging to Mr Blackman. They obtained 7 dwts from about half a load of washdirt, depth of shaft 23 feet, sinking sandstone, which had to be blasted down to the washdirt, which is about 9 inches thick.

August 26 1886

The Gulgong PM—Referring to a paragraph in the People’s Advocate of Wednesday stating that Mr P. Snape PM of Gulgong, had applied for and obtained leave of absence preparatory to retiring on a pension, we are authorised by Mr Snape to contradict the statement as no application for the above purpose had been sent in. We regard to the unkind assertion that ‘this step has been rendered imperative owing to Mr Snape’s old age and infirmity.’ Mr Snape informs us that after adjudicating in Gulgong on Wednesday, he started for Cobbora on Thursday [35 miles], adjudicated there on Friday and returned to Gulgong on Saturday. This speaks for itself. NOTE [His age is about 60 years based on he married 1847 and died 1892]

Police Court

John Spears, a boy aged 14, was charged before Messrs P. Snape, PM and S. T. Bishop JP on Wednesday last with having carried a gun on the Sabbath. It was stated in evidence that the boy had the gun concealed up one of the legs of his trousers. Pleaded guilty. The Bench thereupon read to him the act of such offences and inflicted the minimum fine of 40/-.

Small Debts  Fyfe v Tattersall for 67/-, goods sold and delivered, verdict for plaintiff.

G. Tattersall v P. Flood, recovery of a saddle, for 50/-; it appears Tattersall’s wife sold the saddle to Flood for 40/- without the permission of her husband. Verdict for the plaintiff, the saddle to be returned of the sum of 50/-.

A Serious Accident—Thursday last a well known miner named Henry Mitchell, fell down a 40 feet deep monkey shaft, at the Nil Desperandum mine, Canadian; sustaining a lacerated wound in the head and concussion of the spine. He is thought to have come from Rutherglen in Victoria.

Who is Right? In Saturdays issue Mr W. Thompson of Gulgong, contradicted a statement which appeared in this journal as an advertisement to the effect that the Nil Desperandum miners had gone out on strike. We have receive the following communication in reference to the matter from Mr J. W. Spence, miner of Home Rule:- I read with much surprise in Saturday’s issue of your journal, a letter from Mr Thompson concerning the men that went out on strike at the Nil Desperandum. He states that the whole of the miners who were employed in the mine when it started are still at work there. Mr Thompson must know he is not telling the truth; for there is only one of the first gang of miners there at the present time. I think it does not speak well for Mr Thompson to boycott the men from getting employment in the Britannia because they do not choose to for him under wages. Mr Thompson does not know perhaps that the whole of the miners with the exception of two, agreed to strike one of the two being deaf and the other a supporter of the Canadian Publican.

Pushing Ahead-- Mr Thomas Fletcher, Manager of the Express claim at the diamond mines near Gulgong put six more men on, on Monday. The claim is looking well.

Turner and party on the Moonlight have now fixed the whip and got the ground in order; the shareholders believe they will made good wages for years.

September 8 1886

Death under Peculiar Circumstances A lad aged 13 years, the son of Mr Henry Saddler of Canadian, expired at his father’s residence on Monday. It appears that a short time ago the boy injured his leg by bringing it into collision with a piece of wood. The hurt was not such as to cause alarm to this parents but a few days after the occurrence they sought medical advice for their son who gradually grew worse and erysipelas having set in the patient succumbed. His remains were interred in the Gulgong Cemetery on Wednesday and was largely attended.

Police Court

Before Snape and Bishop

Rescuing—Cross v Isbester. Alfred Cross, Common Ranger, deposed on the August 24, I was going my usual rounds and saw three of Isbester’s horse near the Gulgong Reef, took charge of the horses for the purpose of impounding them, was in the act of driving them away when defendant came up to me and asked ‘What I was going to do with the horses´ told him that it was my intention to impound them , he said that he would rescue them, he said he could do so, tried to prevent him, he insisted on taking them and did so. Asked him his name and he said Johnny Whipcock, afterwards ascertained that it was John Isbester.

By the Bench—The horses were on the Common near the Gulgong when I effected the seizure.

By defendant—Will not swear that the horses were on leased land, will swear that they were on the Common.

James Norris, miner, states, saw Cross and Isbester at the Gulgong Reef on August 24, corroborates Cross’s evidence. Fined 5/- with court cost and witnesses expenses.

September 12 1886

As William Manuel, Public School teacher on the Upper Tallawang, was riding yesterday he struck his head against a tree and was knocked of his horse. An examination by Dr Kealy showed that his right arm was broken in three places and he had received concussion of the brain. His father who is a mining manager at Hartley Vale was telegraphed for. Mr Manuel is highly respected both for his scholastic and social attainment’s. The official report on his school was the best for the district. He was removed to the hospital this morning in an unconscious state. There are little hopes of his recovery.

Out Again  Henry Mitchell who recently fell down a shaft at the Canadian has left hospital last Sunday, perfectly recovered from the effects of the accident. His escape from death was marvellous.

September 22 1886

Mining there is little to report in this branch of industry since our last. The syndicate mines are all at work. The prospects of the Nil Desperandum mine are said to be improving. At the Empress mine, Biraganbil Estate, the manager Mr T Fletcher reports that he is raising payable stuff.  An untruthful and misleading telegram appeared in the Herald and Echo on Friday last that two loads of washdirt treated by Mr Fletcher yielded nine ounces. We are in a position to state that Mr Flecther was in no way responsible for the report.

September 25 1886

Sale Effected—S T Bishop reports having sold Mr Mark Gless’s farm to Mr John McGoldrick and the 500 sheep with lambs to Messrs Rush Brothers, at very favourable figures.

Recovering We are pleased to learn Mr Manuel who is recovering from his accident was able to be brought out on to the verandah of the Gulgong Hospital. He will be all right in a few weeks, though he is still a bit shaky on his feet. He has recovered from the injury to his head but it will be some time before he will be able to use his unfortunate right arm.

Scholastic—Mr K McDonough, pupil teacher at the local Public School, passed his examination, held in June last and will be promoted to Class 1.

October 9 1886

Post Office at Tallawang this office is again re-established to the satisfaction of the inhabitant, for since Mr C Stohl resigned, some twelve months since, they have been put to great inconvenience. A petition was drawn up and extensively signed to re-establish the Post Office and appoint Mr Michael Russell as Postmaster. The petition was forwarded to Mr DeCourcy Browne, M.P., who so forcibly represented the matter to the Postmaster General that he at once granted the prayer of the petitioners and appointed the new Postmaster to commence on the 15th instant.

November 2 1886

Magisterial Enquiry was held on Tuesday at Barney’s Reef, Tallawang, by S. T. Bishop JP, on the body of Charles Maul, aged 58, a farmer who died suddenly On Sunday morning, a verdict of natural causes was returned. Evidence given by a daughter of the deceased and Dr Kealy stated that the deceased had been ailing for some time. On Sunday at sunrise his daughter gave him a drink of water immediately after he died. The daughter remained in the house alone until her brother came home on Monday afternoon when he at once reported the matter to the Gulgong Police. The body was then in an advanced state of decomposition.

A Novel Clergyman—The Rev. McNeil took possession of the Salvation platform on Wednesday evening. He is a very fluent and dramatic speaker. During the evening he requested those who were with Christ to stand up. A few of the congregation did so, whereon he in very forcible, not very polite, non-Christian-like language told those who were sitting down that they were on the road to Sheol. ‘Beware ye of self-righteousness.’

November 1886

A short time ago it was rumoured that the Salvation Army had driven his Satanic Majesty away from Gulgong and that he was last seen travelling in the Wellington direction with his tail between his legs.

The Salvationists say that the devil hath fled

But Brigden avers they are wrong in their        head

For he went but to Wellington just for a spell

But now he’s returned to his own little hell,

Oh! Brigden, dear Brigden why don’t you get saved

And lift up the banner that nightly is waved.

Join in with the ‘lassies’ who bid you to come

and go straight to heaven and play the big drum

November 11 1886

Yesterday was a closed holiday. Sports were held for the benefit of the Hospital and the Presbyterian School picnic was well attended.

November 20 1886

Before Messrs P Snape PM and S T Bishop JP

Assault Vincent Charavigno charged with assaulting his wife by throwing a plate at her.

Dr Kealy saw Mrs Charavigno at his surgery and found her suffering from a scalp wound which might have been cause by a plate as shown by Sergeant Steele, did not consider the wound as dangerous even though it bled freely. Fined two pounds or one month imprisonment.

November 27 1886

Sergeant G Steel of Gulgong is a very efficient officer. He will be remembered as the officer who brought the culprit Newman [afterwards executed at Dubbo] to justice for the Coonabarabran murder.

Messrs Wells and party have obtained for their last week’s work at the Old Christmas Lead, Home Rule over 12 ounces of gold.

November 31 1886

Hailstorm A tremendous thunder and rain storm passed over Gulgong on Wednesday evening, sixty points of rain in ten minutes. It knocked down some of the wheat. At Two Mile Flat at the same time a very heavy hailstorm fell which cut up the fruit trees and vines.

Abstraction of a Horse Team—The brewery team of four visited Gulgong on Wednesday for the purpose of delivering beer. The horses were locked up in Mason’s yard for the night by the driver Mr Orth. Early in the morning he was aroused by Mr Mason who told him the animals were gone. No trace of the abstracted steeds could be found and though the services of the police were called into requisition they have up the present eluded re-capture. Altogether the case is mysterious.

December 1886

Strippers are universally used about Gulgong as the straw will be almost valueless.

Mr W. D. Meares, PM, will perform Warden’s and Police Magistrate duties at Gulgong during Mr Snape’s leave of absence.

December 22 1886

Quirindi-On Saturday afternoon an accident befell Mr Robert H.T. Allnutt C. P. S. of this town as he was driving form his residence near Quirindi to his office, accompanied by his two young daughters and Mr Phillip Snape JP of Gulgong. When just about entering the town the buggy capsized throwing the occupants violently to the ground. Mr Allnutt’s right ear was almost severed from his head and he was otherwise badly cut about besides sustaining a severe shock to the system. Mr Snape was bruised and much shaken. The little girls escaped with some severe bruises. Note: Robert Henry T Allnutt married Amy F Snape in 1874, she is the daughter of Phillip and Ellen Snape.

January 1887

The Police Court Gulgong

The following are the particulars of the matters transacted at the local Police Court during the year ending December 31st 1886:-

Fifty persons were brought before the court in the custody of the police and dealt with by the local Bench, 4 of those were charged with offence against the person; 7 against property; 36 against good order and three other offences.

Twelve could neither read or write; 3 could read only and 35 could read and write.

Two were under 15 years of aged; 2 between 15 and 20; 7 between 20 and 30; 5 between 30 and 40; 9 between 40 and 50; 11 between 50 and 60 and 14 over 60.

Five were discharged; 42 were summarily convicted and 3 were committed for trial.

13 natives of NSW; 3 of other Australian Colonies; 10 England; 16 Ireland; 2 Scotland; 1 Germany; 2 China and 2 other foreign countries.

Fifteen members of the Church of England; 2 Presbyterians; 3 Wesleyans; 2 Baptists; 24 Roman Catholics; 3 Pagans; and 1 no religion.

Of the foregoing there were only three Females two being summarily convicted and the other discharged.

The preponderance of old people arrested may be accounted for by the fact of a number being sent in from out stations having been taken charge of for protection and were ultimately sent to the Destitute Asylum.

In addition to the arrests thee was from 40 to 50 Summons cases dealt with

January 3 1887

The races on New Year’s Day were fairly attended and the events were well contested.

January 15 1887

Wheat buyers are only offering 3/6 for best samples. The average yield for the district is over 20 bushels to the acre. At Edwin Bind’s paddock, near town 36 bushels were obtained.

January 24 1887

Gulgong Hospital Annual Meeting

At a meeting of subscribers to the hospital on Friday night in spite of the inclemency of the weather, there was a fair attendance. The following officers were elected:- R. Rouse JP, president; S. T. Bishop JP, vice president; J.P. Kealy, medical officer; T. Mathews, secretary; committee Messrs Marks, H. Holland, Powell, Blanchard, Stear, R. White, W. Guinan, Souter, Streher, L. Shannon and Tuxford; auditors, Russell and Parr.

Messrs A Mason, H Malone, C Zimmler and C.R. Young only received 8 votes between them.

The meeting reported that in April Messrs Hewitt, Shannon, Moverly, Tuxford, Wilson, Holden and Guinan resigned and Messrs H Holland, Stockman, R Stear, G Smith, N Langdon, A Blanchard, M Marks and R Heard were elected to replace them. Dr Kealy gave his report.

 Mr J Powell moved, 2nd M Marks: Mr R Rouse for president, as he was a liberal supporter of the hospital.

Mr Stockman moved that the Chairman Bishop be elected President as he was always there and Mr Rouse was not there when wanted.

 Mr Zimmler said the duties of President had been discharged by Mr Bishop during the past year with satisfaction. They should not go out of town to find a President.

Mr Plunkett said that the proposer and seconder of the Chairman contented themselves with moving the resolution without making disparaging remarks about the other candidate he would not have risen to say a word. One contention was that Mr Rouse was not there when he was wanted. To put that remark to the test and expose its falsely he had only to remind them that some years ago when the hospital was in straightened circumstances, he applied to Mr Rouse for assistance and that gentleman without a moments hesitation gave a donation of 50 pounds. The vote recorded seven each candidate and as the chairman voted for himself instead of reserving his casting vote, he with drew his vote which was met with applause.

Mr Plunkett said he quite endorsed the action of the chairman and was so pleased with it he would moved that the chairman, Mr Bishop to be elected vice president.

Mr Zimmler: He should not accept it ! Mr Marks seconded the nomination and Mr Bishops was elected.  Dr Kealy was elected as Medical Officer.

January 26 1887

The following are nominations for aldermen:- Arthur Garling, Richard Stear, Alfred Blanchard and John Hewitt. Auditors, Samuel Bishop and Frederick Russell.

February 4 1887

There are five candidates announced for this electorate viz., Messrs A. G. Taylor, DeCourcy Browne, William Wall, Richard Rouse and John Hoare Carden. The only address yet published is that from Mr Browne, who is in favour of protection, retrenchment, revision of the land Act and the mining laws.

The Mudgee River rose last nigh and overflowed the Guntawang paddocks. Two hundred sheep belonging to Mr Richard Rouse were drowned. The flood swept away miles of fencing along the river bank.

Correspondence

We do not identify ourselves with the opinions of our Correspondent

Sir—According to one of our of our Representatives—Mr DeCourcy Browne—who occasionally enlightens the readers of the Mudgee Independent in his ‘Buzzing Around’ Protection v Free Trade is the coming question which will have to be decided at the ballot box in the approaching election. Mr Browne may think that that question will be the all absorbing one but he will find that it will not be the only one the Mudgee electors will be called on to determine. Far and above that is the competency of the men we have chosen to discharge their duty and the manner they have discharged it. That has got ‘a grip’ of us and unless Mr Browne and his colleagues hasten to satisfy us that their votes in the assembly have been given for the good of the country and not for party, they will find that ‘protection’ as against them and the abandonment of their pledges will pay ‘old Harry’ with their fancied hopes of being re-elected. I have some opportunity of judging of the feeling of the electors in reference to their representatives and can say without hesitation that two out of three will scarcely poll sufficient votes to save their 40 pounds deposit, and the third will have some difficulty to squeeze in at the bottom of the poll. The few protectionists in the town of Mudgee need not flatter themselves that their views will rule the electorate generally. When the time comes to ‘roll up’ other voices will be heard and the manhood of Mudgee will assert itself in an endeavour to send men into the legislature who will not be self seeking politicians but who will serve the country, patriotically and for the love they bear it.

Yours etc A MINER.

The Miner John Lyons—We learn from the President of Gulgong Hospital, Mr Bishop that Mr F. T. DeCourcy Browne, MP, has forwarded a cheque for two guineas through Mr W Thompson towards assisting the unfortunate miner John Lyons injured the other day in the White Horse Company Claim, Canadian. The directors have also paid the man last fortnight’s wages.

Is It Sour Grapes? The Gulgong Advocate and Western Post seem to have entered into a compact to malign and vilify the three members for Mudgee. A nasty sneering paragraph appears in our local contemporary which comes with bad grace from that quarter. As for the Advocate perhaps the least said the better. Between disappointed politicians and hungry billet-hunters the three members for Mudgee have a lively time of it. We know their maligners careers during the past quarter a century and if it were put on paper a sensational bit of reading it would prove. A correspondent to the Advocate quotes the Western Post: That correspondent it to be found in the editorial sanctum at Gulgong ! The public there are not to be gulled by these anonymous effusion’s and as for the Post the more rope it proprietor allows the editor the sooner will it pronounce its own requiem. We know full well thee are those in certain circle who never could swallow any of the trio of representatives but we opine there is a majority in the electorate who believe the members have done their best. We happen to know a little of the ins and outs of what they do for the electors. Not one of them can be charged with personal neglect, no matter how trivial and paltry the duties they are asked to perform. Possibly our contemporaries have some ‘curled darlings’ in view who wish to woo the electors of Mudgee. Time will tell.

February 10 1887

Messrs Rouse and Wall addressed a large and orderly audience last night from Moverly’s balcony. They advocated protection. Messrs Taylor, Black, and Haynes followed advocating free trade. All the candidates were well received and the usual votes of confidence were passed.

February 22 1887

A magisterial inquiry was held at Home Rule today by S. T. Bishop, on the body of Ellen Maud Randall daughter of Richard Randall. The child was missed for a short time yesterday afternoon and the mother found the body in a dam close to the dwelling house. A verdict of accidentally drowned was returned.

February 19 1887

Private Sale

One hundred and twenty three acres of first class land, divided into six paddocks, two and three rail split fences, never failing well of water, two acres of vines in full bearing, one acre twelve months growth, one acre of orchard with choice fruit trees, seventy five acres cleared. Sold on terms if required. The above sale is rendered imperative through bad health of the proprietor. Apply to JOHN HABER, Springfield near Gulgong or to S. T. Bishop, Auctioneer, Gulgong.

March 19 1887

Literary Curiosity from ‘The Advocate’

The Salvation Army

The members of the peculiar sect, had a tea party at the barracks Mayne Street on Thursday evening, when they were presented by Captain Pollard with a banner of the order. At night they marched through the town with torches to the beat of a drum with other musical instruments. In their ranks there was a conspicuous follower, dressed in Chinese attire but whether he was a true follower of the meek and holy founder of Christianity or a believer in Confucius it would be difficult to determine. He says he was at one time ‘As bad, as welly bad, as Englishman.’

April 9 1887

The Church of England Sunday School children and the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows held their annual picnics and sports tody near Homer’s Paddock. There was a procession through the town with banners and flags.

April 18 1887

A meeting was held in the Council Chambers last night in aid of the Bulli relief fund. The Mayor, Mr Richard Stear presided. Resolutions were passed that subscription lists be sent out and a concert give at an early date. A committee was formed with the Mayor as treasurer and Mr Bishop secretary.

April 22 1887

Dr Bennett  This well known and highly gifted medico arrived in Gulgong yesterday and he intends to resume the practice of his profession. His troop of friends and general public will rejoice to have a gentleman of his experience and undoubted ability amongst them. He is staying at present at Mr John Powell’s Hotel.

Election The election for the medical office for the Gulgong Hospital took place last night. There were three applicants viz., Drs Agassiz, Bennett and Floyer. The result was Floyer 50 votes; Bennett 35; Agassiz nil.

May 3 1887

Mr John Carden addressed the electors last nigh form the Commercial Hotel balcony

Important Imperative Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee

Samuel T. Bishop

Has been instructed to sell by Public Auction at Goolma on 26th Instant.

The whole of the Property of the late Peter Jourdaunt, consisting of:-

190 acres of conditionally purchases land, situated in County of Bligh, Parish of Worobil, greater portion fenced, 20 acres have been under cultivation.

There is a well-built wood house, containing 7 rooms [lately uses as a hotel] good stable and outbuildings.

Also—A Conditional Lease of 510 acres, the greater portion enclosed with substantial 6 wire fence, lately erected. Also about 670 mixed sheep in good condition, ewes with lambs. Cattle, horses, cart, harness etc.

The above eligible Property is situated on the main road from Mudgee to Wellington and at the junction of the Dubbo Road.

This advert. appeared in the Dubbo Dispatch, Advocate and Independent.

Auction Sale—S. T. Bishop reports having sold at Goolma on Thursday last 190 acres of land to C. B. Lowe, Esq at 26/- per acre and 669 sheep to Herbert Lowe Esq, at 6/9 per head. The horses and cattle brought large prices.

May 4 1887

Medial—We understand that it not Dr Kealy’s intention to leave Gulgong. Owing to some difference with certain members of the Gulgong Hospital Committee, the Doctor tendered his resignation as Medical Officer of the institution. In consequence of this the committee set about securing his successor with the result that Dr. Floyer was elected by a large majority. It is rumoured on good authority that the new comer and Dr Kealy intend entering into partnership, a notice concerning which will appear in our columns shortly.

May 25 1887

The Salvation Armies of Gulgong and Mudgee held a picnic at the Belinfante Bridge and about 300 attended.

An important decision was given today by the Bench who inflicted a fine on the Common Ranger for illegally impounding a horse belonging to a person possessing a miner’s right, the Common being within the boundaries of the Gulgong Goldfield.

May 28 1887

On Thursday morning May 26, a meeting of the brethren of the M.U.O.O.F., was held at the Oddfellows Hall Gulgong for the purpose of presenting an address to Dr Kealy prior to his leaving Gulgong.  The hall was decorated with the splendid flags and banners of the Order and a large number of brethren were present in regalia.

Brother R Stear P.G. was voted to the chair and said he was sorry that they had to part with a medical officer like Dr Kealy, who had so zealously looked after the welfare of their Society. It was the second time they had been called together to show their appreciation of their medical officer. He then called on Brother W Fletcher PG, to present the address:-

Dear Dr Kealy—Sir—It is with pleasure mingled with regret that I now present you with this address as slight token of the deep respect in which you are held by members of Happy Valley Lodge of Gulgong and I sincerely hope that you and yours may live to enjoy the pleasures of this. You have been our Medical Officer for 2 ½ years.

Signed: William Fletcher, Richard Stear, Richard White, Thomas H Mathews, James Smith, Fred J Beyers, John P Ryan, Walter Dodds, James Haynes.

Dr Kealy then replied in the usual manner

[A CARD]

Dr. J. P. Kealy

L.R.C.,S.,I; L.K. and Q.C.P.,I; L.M.

Late Assistant Physician, Provident Home Dublin

Late Surgeon Gulgong Hospital

and Manchester Unity Order Oddfellows

May be consulted Daily for the present at

Mr D. R. Goodwin’s, Chemist,

Peel Street, Tamworth.

Private Residence, Griffin Street.

Notice

I Hereby appoint Samuel T Bishop to collect all monies due to me and whose receipt will be sufficient discharge.

J. P. KEALY, M.D. Gulgong, May 27 1887

Police Court

Before Messrs P. Snape, J. F. Plunkett and

 S. T. Bishop JP’s.

Breach of the Impounding Act—Solem v Cross, Common Ranger. The evidence given by the plaintiff, a miner residing on the Gulgong Goldfield, that a horse belonging to him was running on the Common which was a part of the Goldfield, had been impounded by the Ranger. He claimed that as he was a miner he was privileged to depasture his horse within such boundaries of the Goldfield. The Trustees of the Common claimed that no stock could be depastured thereon except in conformity with their rules and regulations. Mr C. D. Mearse appeared for the Trustees and for the defence called Alfred Cross the Ranger who deposed: I produce a proclamation defining the Gulgong common boundaries. The horse seized by me, belonging to the complaint was found within such boundaries and on vacant Crown Lands. I am authorised to impound stock trespassing on the common. Mr Mearse addressed the Bench at length as a question of law.

After hearing argument the Bench unanimously declared in favour of the plaintiff and upheld the view that miners could depasture stock on the Goldfield. Defendant was dined 1/- and court costs.

June 13 1887

The annual installation of the officers of Lodge Abbotsford, No 9, NSW constitution took place last night. A number of visiting brethren from Mudgee attended. William Nicholson, Past Master of Lodge Edinburgh, acted as installing master. The following officers were installed.:- George Skillman, worshipful master; John Mitchell, senior warden; John Smith junior warden; Nicholas Langdon, senior deacon; Samuel T Bishop, secretary and treasurer; Domenicio Rognini, inner guard; James Barnsbrook, Tyler. A banquet followed, the usual Loyal and Masonic Toasts were honoured.

July 9 1887

Only a Pauper At the Gulgong Police Court on Saturday before S. T. Bishop JP, Patrick O’Brien was charged with having no visible means of support and was ordered to be incarcerated in Mudgee Gaol for one month.

Splendid Bullock bred on Mr John Tuxford’s farm, weighing 1064lbs., was shown in Mr Seaton’s shop at Gulgong on Saturday. The beef cut up well, the meat showing that marble appearance so much admired.

July 19 1887

A meeting held in the Council Chambers last night Mayor Richard Stear, presiding, to request the Government to include Gulgong in its railway extension policy.

John Haynes M. L. A. spoke strongly in favour of the request and he afterwards addressed a meeting form the balcony of Moverly’s Hotel.

An Accident­-Mrs Richard Hassall was returning home from Gulgong on Tuesday and on nearing Two Mile Flat her horse bolted capsizing the buggy and throwing Mrs Hassall and the driver violently. Both were severely cut and bruised and the buggy smashed to pieces.

July 21 1887

Unsound Mind—At Gulgong Police Court on Thursday before JP’s Plunkett and Bishop.

Thomas Ryan a well known Gulgong resident was charge with being of unsound mind.  The evidence of his son and Doctors Bennett and Floyer having been taken, Ryan was ordered to be forwarded to the Hospital for Insane at Parramatta. Poor old Tom Ryan who kept a hotel in the palmy days of the goldfield, has been out of mind for many months, necessitating constant watching. His family fearing he might do some harm thought it would be better for him and them to adopt the course they have.

That Hospital—A correspondent writing to us says: ‘I am sorry to see that an appeal has to be made again to the public for your hospital. I thinking the working expenses are too heavy. The Committee have a good practical man now in John Holden, who should be able to give a wrinkle or two.

July 22 1887

Orlovich and party at Cumbandry finished washing 36 ounces from 136 loads. There is two feet of washdirt about 40 feet wide.

July 24 1887

Wedding at Guntawang—There was quite a flutter at Guntawang on Wednesday, the occasion of the marriage of Mr John Ogilvie and Miss Emily Hinder. At 3pm the pretty little church was filled, Mr and Mrs Rouse of Biraganbil being amongst those present. The Rev. J. S Dobson performed the ceremony in an impressive manner at the conclusion of which Mr A. E. Hamilton played the ‘Wedding March.’ The wedding party then adjourned to Biraganbil where the health and happiness of the newly married couple was drunk, after which the happy pair left for Mudgee amidst a shower of rice and hearty good wishes. The bride who is very pretty was dressed in a lavender coloured costume trimmed with satin to match with veil and orange blossoms. The wedding fit out was made at the establishment of Mess Marks and Co., Gulgong. Miss Webb was bridesmaid and Mr Hawkins best man.

Our Gulgong representative attended the wedding at Biraganbil and gushes about the bride ever so much. He winds up his note thus: ‘Mr Hawkins was the best man and after the ceremony tried to get the first kiss, but didn’t.’ Fortunately ‘our own’ is a soberised Benedict, otherwise we should conclude he had ‘bested the best man.’

August 3 1887

Fire Mr Langdon had a very narrow escape last evening, a fire broke out in his shop, supposed to be caused by mice nibbling matches. Luckily the fire was at once discovered and the fire extinguished with a few buckets of water.

A Narrow Escape On Friday afternoon whilst a man named Threakson was sinking a shaft in the Combandry paddock, a lump of dirt about 3 cwt fell from the side of the shaft about 15 feet over his head and struck him on the right thigh. The man luckily standing upright at that moment, he was examined by Mr Orlovich, no bones were found to be broken.

Mr Denis Cooney has sent to say the he has been only able to work two weeks our of eight since he left Gulgong for his road contract beyond Coolah on account of the incessant rain and even now he can only take half loads of stone.

For Private Sale—a Bargain

The Blacksmith Shop known as Barnett’s, situated in Herbert Street, Gulgong with tools and stock in-trade; in full working order, together with large quantity of seasoned timber. The land has 78 feet frontage to Herbert Street and 165 feet to Little Bailey Street. For particulars apply to WILLIAM BARNETT, Proprietor or S. T. Bishop Auctioneer. [Independent]

August 4 1887

Mayor Richard Stear, presided at a meeting in the Theatre when Mr R Black M. L. A. addressed a good attendance.

August 11 1887

Gulgong Hospital There are at present two females and four males, among the latter being Mr W. Gaudry, Poundkeeper, who is not expected to recover. Note: W. Gaudry died on August 23.

Sale S. T. Bishop, Gulgong announces the sale of Mr P Snape’s [late Police Magistrate] furniture and effects at ‘Fairview’ Gulgong on September 3.

August 16 1887

Frederick William Russel has been nominated by the Governor to fill the extraordinary vacancy in the Municipal council caused by the absence of Mr Frederick Seaton.

August 23 1887

A School Master in Trouble—At the Police Court this week Walter Hugh Shaw, school teacher of Lambing Hill was summoned by Mr Andrew Diehm for illegally assaulting his child, Winifred Diehm aged 10 years on the 17th instant, the defendant pleaded not guilty. After some evidence was taken the defendant asked that the case might be adjourned to enable him to produce two witnesses.  The Bench taking into the serious nature of the charge adjourned the case until Wednesday the 31st instant.

Forging Ahead—Mr J. C. Cosgrove formerly Public School teacher at Gulgong and now of Darlington has been promoted to class 1B. Mr Cosgrove carried with him from Gulgong the good wishes of everyone

Important Auction Sale

S. T. Bishop has been instructed by P Snape Esq. to sell by public auction his residence ‘Fairview’ Gulgong on Saturday September 3 1887 the whole of his household effects, buggies horses etc.

August 26 1887

Death at Gulgong—Mr William Gaudry, Poundkeeper at Gulgong, died in the Hospital on Tuesday and was interred in the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased was a member of the Salvation Army and a large number of that body attended the funeral. The Captain conducted the service and the Rev. Mr Meek assisting.

The Price of a Swear—At the Gulgong Police Court on Saturday before S. T. Bishop JP., Frederick Price was charges with using obscene language with the hearing of persons passing in Mayne Street. Prisoner pleaded guilty, fined 10/- or 24 hours. Price evidently thought that because he was in a building and not in the street he could use any language he pleased.

September 1 1887

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.

S. T. Bishop will sell on the Saturday the furniture etc., of Mr Snape

September 9 1887

Fatal Accident at Gulgong On Wednesday morning, whilst and old and well known miner named James Fagan was repairing a stage at his shaft at the Parramatta Lead at a depth of 30 feet, a lump of earth fell and struck him on the head. He called out to be hoisted up, when about 10 feet from the top he let go his hold of the rope and fell to the bottom of the shaft a depth of about 65 feet. He was brought to the surface and taken to the Hospital, he was attended by Dr Floyer but died about an hour after admission, he was about 70 years old.

At the Magisterial Inquiry evidence was taken from Thomas Ryan, a miner, residing at Gulgong and working with Fagan at the time of the accident, Charles Smith and William Capewell. Ryan believe the victim had 30 pounds in the Bank of NSW and no relatives in the colony. Doctor Blaise Bernard Floyer also gave evidence. Verdict the death was cause by the injuries received by falling down a shaft on September 7 1887.

September 14 1887

Police Court Before Plunkett and Bishop JP’s.

Unlawful Detention of Property—Michael Atcheson a miner complained that John Hewitt, licensed victualler refused to deliver up a dray his property. The plaintiff stated that about 3 years ago he bought the dray from John Hanley and left if for safe keeping with a publican named Cameron until such time as he required it. Cameron had left his place of business and plaintiff and seen the dray in the possession of defendant who refused to give it up. Verdict defendant consented to give the dray up.

Extreme Destitution—Five Children—all female named Prykes, the family of a miner, residing at Canadian and aged respectively, twins 12 years, 8,6 and 3 years were brought before the court with view to their being sent to an Industrial School. Catherine Mitchell wife of a miner at Canadian, stated she knew the children, their mother died about a fortnight ago, their father is a live but to poor to maintain them, they have been in great distress, the neighbours had taken charge of them, I consider the there would be great danger to the eldest girls, Annie and Margaret, to permit them to remain where they reside, the youngest is a cripple. The Bench made an order for the children to sent to an Industrial.  It is believed that the appalling poverty contributed to the death of the mother. As soon as their circumstances were made known, the Police supplied medical comforts and the relief society took the case up supplying food and raiment.

Note: Charles Prykes married Mary Jane Cartwright in 1880 at Gulgong; Mary Jane had Annie and Margaret born 1876, Mary born 1878 also Charles born 1873, father not stated. Charles and Mary Jane’s issue Anna born 1880 and Eliza born 1884.

James Martins was brought up charged for drunkenness. He was locked up from Saturday night till Monday and still a fine of 10/- was inflicted

Small Debts Court

C. R. Young v Samuel Bennett – 2 pounds 12/11, goods sold, no appearance of the defendant, verdict for the amount and costs.

   September 10 1887

For Private Sale—That well known Black Mare belonging to Dr J.P. Kealy, [now in Brisbane] perfectly sound, both quiet in saddle and harness. The reason for sale are, the difficulty and risk in forwarding her to her owner. Apply to S. T. Bishop, Auctioneer.

September 17 1887

Mr William C Wall, M.L.A, address a meeting on Saturday from the balcony of Moverley’s Hotel, he was well received.

October 3 1887

Police Court Before Plunkett and Bishop JP’s.

Unsound Mind—Antonio Spomponato was brought up on remand charged as above. Dr. Florey gave evidence, had been treating the defendant, he had improved, but it could be sometime before he fully recovers, he remains under the illusion that persons are going to kill him; he also develops homicidal mania. Remanded to Mudgee for 8 days medical treatment.

NOTE: Hand written after this item is :

Last Issue of Gulgong Advocate

 

October 8 1887

Gulgong Hospital—William Parrish, Patrick Casey and Thomas Eady, three well known miners are the sole inmates of the Gulgong. They all unite in speaking in the highest terms of the attention and skill of Dr Floyer the Medical Office and the kindness shown them by the Wardsman and Matron, Mr and Mrs Strange.

Scalp Day—On Thursday last the some of 111 pounds 5/4 was paid away by the Pastures and Stock Board for the scalps of 3,859 kangaroo, 1933 hares, 473 rabbits and 30 native dogs.

Accident at Gulgong—Miss’s Terry and Lily Clarke and Mr John Powell’s children went for a drive on Sunday afternoon in a buggy. Going down a steep hill near Isbester’s at the Three Mile, the horse fell turning a complete somersault, throwing all the occupants out. Miss Terry has her arm severely cut, Miss Lily Clarke’s legs was jammed between the wheel and the body of the buggy. The shafts were broken and the harness smashed up. Mr Isbester kindly put his shafts on the buggy and after fixing it sent the young ladies and children home bruised and shaken.

October 10 1887

The Wentworth Election­—The many friends of Mr DeCourcy Browne will be greatly pleased to learn that he has been returned for Wentworth, 1407 votes, his majority being 63 over Mr Griffin, who on this occasion travelled under the Free Trade Banner. We are glad for many reasons that Mr Browne has drawn the winning ticket. In him, Mudgee has ever had a staunch friend, whether in or out the of House. On the mining and land questions he has few equals in the colony and as the amending measures dealing with these vital interests come before Parliament this session, no doubt Mr Browne will devote his experience to remedying many of the evils with which the present laws bound.

Police Court before S. T. Bishop JP

George Davidson was fined 10/- for indecency.

Rouse’s Paddock—Mat Orlovich and party finished washing on Tuesday 244 loads from Cumbandry paddock, obtaining 61 ounces and 5 dwts to the load. It will pay the shareholders good wages. Frank Tatton’s on the next claim are expected to yield much the same result.

October 11 1887

Police Court before Plunkett and Bishop

T. B. Clarke, Inspector of Nuisances charged Denis Cooney, Owen O’Brien and James Spears with allowing cattle to stray the streets of Gulgong, each fined 5/- and costs.

Mary Mills, as above allowing a pig to stray, same fine.

The old Gin who was admitted with her husband to the Gulgong Hospital on Tuesday in a dreadful condition, died on Wednesday.

Entertainment at Gulgong. On Wednesday night a dramatic entertainment entitled ‘Worth a Struggle’ was given by the G. V. Brooke amateur Dramatic Company for the benefit of the Gulgong Hospital.

*Mr H. Long was Nathaniel Scrawl, the deep dyed scoundrel of a lawyer.

*Mr G. Skillman as Dick Hazard the jolly clerk who exposes Scrawl’s villainy.

*Mr G. Ramsay played Benson the broken down old clerk who Scrawl had robbed of his legacy.

*Mr G. Parr was Titmouse the pert and saucy office boy.

*Mr F. W. Lange sated to the life Adolphus Litzsnooks the Tragedian.

* Misses Teresa Clarke and Lottie Powell were Kate and Amy Benson, the former portraying the dutiful daughter, her song ‘Killarney’ was applauded and was the recipient of an avalanche if bouquets.

*Miss Elizabeth Powell as Matilda St. Ledger, a fast young milliner.

*Miss Mary Powell as Miss May, both were successful in their respective characters.

The Union Band, Mr William Tait accompanists, Mr Joseph Hill [scenery] were all thanked by Mr R. Rouse of Guntawang.

Presbyterian Church Picnic held near Homer’s Paddock on Wednesday had a large attendance and was satisfactory.

Wedding St Luke’s Church at Gulgong was crowded on Wednesday morning, the event being the wedding of Mr John F. Bax of Mudgee to Miss Mary Louisa Snelson of Gulgong. As the young couple and their parents are well and favourably know in the district, there was a large assemblage to give them a good ‘send off’—so large in fact that a wag suggested that it would not be a bad idea to send around the plate for the good of the church. The Rev. J.S Dobson performed the ceremony. The wedding breakfast was held at the residence of the bride’s father.

October 12 1887

Bits and Pieces

*Mr W. D. Meares, P.M. visited Gulgong on Thursday and Friday last on Warden duties.

Mr Rouse of Biraganbil his purchased Dr. Keally’s black mare for 25 pounds.

*The Rev J. H. Parkinson of Bathurst, president of the District Conference will preach in the Wesleyan Church next Sunday

*Mr Charles Plunket has the plant etc of the Gulgong Advocate and will start the paper again under the title of the Mercantile Advertiser. Not Tebb’s Tiser again we hope.

*The Chairman of the Committees in the Assembly, Mr Angus Cameron, libelled the Mudgee Independent during a debate last week in the Assembly. Of course that is one of his privileges. Our Gulgong contemporary very generously say a kind word on our behalf in reply to Mr Cameron.

*Owing to changeable weather colds and bronchial affection are prevalent in Gulgong. Dr Bennett was sent for in haste on Sunday afternoon to attend to Mr George Stott of Canadian whom the Doctor found to be suffering from a very serious attach of bronchitis and congestion of the lungs.

On Wednesday last Amy Riley aged 10, died from bronchitis. The little one was a constant attendant at the Public School, although living a distance if two miles from it. She was buried on Thursday and followed to the grave by all the school children with whom she was a great favourite. Rev J. S. Dobson conducted the funeral.

November 5 1887

A meeting convened by Mayor Richard Stear in reference to the Parkes Fund was held in the Council Chambers last night and Mr G Ramsay was elected was treasurer and secretary.

November 7 1887

Gulgong Convent School the annual musical and dramatic entertainment by the pupils of the Convent School was held on Wednesday night, it was a most successful event, with the pupils performance of a high standard and the Theatre was almost inconveniently crowded in every part. Father O’Dowd thanked everyone at the conclusion and he also alluded to the number of Protestant children who attended the Convent School and deprecated the idea that their religion was in anyway tampered with. The number of Protestants who had finished their education at the to the satisfaction of their parents proved his statement.

November 9 1887

Gulgong Hospital The regular monthly meeting of the committee held last Tuesday, present: Messrs S. T. Bishop, VP., G Ramsay, White, Fletcher, Guinan, Blanchard, Streher, Powell, Stear, Marks, Holland and Dr. Floyer.  Correspondence received from executors of the late Mr T Walker, forwarding 100 pounds. The Secretary of the Hospital complained of the attack on him in the Mercantile Advertiser re-late statements of the entertainment, he had made arrangements with the Secretary of the G. V. Brooke Club that the balance from the entertainment was to be handed over to the Committee by Mr. Parr as a donation. He was exonerated from any blame. The Medical Offers reported the death of two aged aborigines and Patrick Casey from disease of the heart, the three being admitted at the instances of the Police.

November 13 1887

Flower Service—The second annual Floral Service was held at St. Luke’s Church of England Gulgong, on Sunday afternoon and the weather being fine there was a large attendance from all parts of the district. The walls of the church were tastefully decorated with scriptural mottoes beautifully worked in flowers, festoons of honeysuckle, ivy etc, were hung from pillar to pillar, each seat having a lovely wreath and the pulpit and communion were artistically dressed with floral designs, showing a wealth of colour, beautifully blended. The Rev J. S. Dobson preached an impressive address from the second chapter Solomon, 12th verse. At its conclusion he warmly thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had so lovingly and kindly decorated the house of God and invited those who brought bouquets to bring them to the Chancel so that they could be given at the end of the evening service to those who desired them. At the night the Reverend Gentleman preached from first Cor., first chapter, 18th verse and at its close notified that it was his intention to hold a Harvest Thanksgiving about February next. Mr Dobson then distributed the bouquets and wreaths to those who wished a memento of the occasion.

November 14 1887

Accident at Gulgong Mr John Tuxford junior, was thrown from his horse on Sunday through its stumbling and unfortunately he broke his collar bone.

Auctioneers At Gulgong last Thursday before W. D. Meares PM and R Rouse JP., District Auctioneer’s Licenses were granted to Messrs J. F. Plunkett and S. T. Bishop.

Gulgong Hospital the indefatigable and nonpareil Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital, Mr G. Ramsay has secured for that institution a nice slice of the Walker bequest, viz., 100 pounds which with the Government subsidy will be very welcome

November 15 1887

Mr W. Slee, Inspector of Mines and Mr C. Wilkinson, Government Geologist, arrived this morning to report of applications received for aid from the prospecting grant. This afternoon they inspected the site of the ‘Ole Solems’ application four miles west of from here.

December 17 1887

Wells and party at Home Rule who have been assisted by the Prospecting board are down 100 feet with their first shaft. Hutton and party are down about the same depth. If payable gold is struck a great impetus will be given to mining.

December 27 1887

Centenary Sports at Gulgong to be held in aid of the Hospital Mr Bishop in the chair. In the programme there will be plenty for the young people. Mayor R Stear generously offered to provide refreshments for all school children attending who will be admitted free.

January 4 1888

Police Court before W. D. Meares PM and JP’s Plunkett and Bishop

Raffling a Watch James Stockman was charged with raffling a watch, pleaded guilty and ignorance of the law. The Bench taking into consideration that similar raffling had been a common practice for years fined him 1/- and costs.

Drunk and Disorderly James Maloney, fined 20/- or 7 days.

Mr R Rouse JP., took his seat on the Bench were two Auctioneers, four Hawkers and five Slaughtering licenses were granted.

Gulgong Public Hospital Sports

S. T. Bishop

Has been instructed to sell by Public Auction at J Moverly’s Albion Hotel on the 19 instant,

              ONE PUBLICANS BOOTH

              TWO FRUIT STALLS

At the forthcoming Centennial Sports to be held at Victoria Park on January 26th.

January 17 1888

The annual meeting of subscribers to the Hospital was held last night. There was a large attendance and great interest shown. The annual reports and balance sheet were very satisfactory.  Mr R Rouse JP., was elected president; Mt S. T. Bishop vice president; Dr. R Bennett, medical officer, with 57 votes to Dr. Floyer’s 23 Mr T. Mathews the secretary has resigned and applications are being called for. Dr. Floyer reported pointed out the necessity of erecting some new out buildings in connection with the hospital in place of those now in use.  I allude to the wash-house, the Morgue and W.C.’s. The hospital is, I am glad to know in possession of ample funds, hence there need be no delay in commencing the erection of suitable offices in lieu of those that are more or less dilapidated.

On Thursday last S.T. Bishop sold by auction the right of the publican’s booths and fruit stalls for the Centennial Sports to be held at Victoria park viz. Publican’s Booth C. R. Young, 10 pounds; No. 1 Fruit Stall, Mr J. Randall, 26/-; No. 2 Fruit Stall, Mrs Lang 25/-.Accident at Gulgong A very serious accident happened on Wednesday at Gulgong to John Tuxford junior. He had just put a young horse in a spring cart when it bolted and a wheel dropping into a deep rut, the cart capsized and the rail fell across his chest, pinning him to the ground. Luckily Masters Russel and Bishop were close at hand to release him. Dr Bennett found he had broken two ribs and his collar bone. The young man is singularly unfortunate as it was only last November that the same collar bone was broken through falling from a horse.

January 22 1888

Gulgong Agricultural Association

A meeting to be held at C. R. Young’s Commercial Hotel to arrange the Ploughing Matches to be held on March 17 next. Present: Messrs Young [President], Stear, Tuxford, Marks, Kent , Williardt.

S. T. Bishop. Hon. Sec.

January 28 1888

The Centennial Sports today for the benefit of the Hospital were held in Victoria Park and were a great success. There was a large attendance of visitors from Mudgee. The trotting match was a great attraction, there were eleven starters.  Three hundred school children were marshalled by their teachers and marched through the town to the Park.

January 31 1888

Mr. T. H. Mathews was re-elected as secretary to the Hospital Committee.

February 9 1888

Gulgong The acreage under wheat in this district including Biraganbil and Tallawang is 4000 acres, averaging 11 bushels to the acre. The corn crop promises well but requires more rain. The statistics of stock here are 1300 horse, 2300 cattle, 32,000 sheep and 980 pigs. Grass and water are abundant and all the stock are in splendid order.

February 14 1888

Gulgong—The declaration of the poll for the Municipal election took place yesterday, the result:- James F. Plunkett, 85; Robert W. Heard, 82; Thomas H. Mathews, 82; John Smith, 44.  The first three were duly elected. The Mayor stated that he intended to nominate Walter James Dodds and George James Ramsay as auditors and George Smith as Alderman to fill the extraordinary vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles Zimmler.

Gulgong February 16  A special meeting of Aldermen at the Council Chambers, Richard Stear was re-elected Mayor.

February 18 1888

Having relinquished business all accounts due to me must be paid before the first day of march, next or they will be placed in the hands of my solicitor for recovery.

Also the Auction Sale of the premises, furniture and effects will be conduct by S. T. Bishop

signed: F. W. SEATON, Butcher, Mayne Street, Gulgong

Gulgong Hospital At the monthly meeting Dr Bennett Medical Office reported that since taking charge he found that the drug supply was insufficient in the dispensary, so much so that he could not make the most simple subscription, he had to send several prescriptions to Mr Souter. The late medical Officer Dr Floyer had stated in January that their was ample drugs for some time to come. Dr Bennet is to make a list of the drugs need and procurer them from Elliott Brothers. The Visiting Committee were requested to report on the morgue, wash-house and water closet

March 19 1888

Bush fires have been fiercely around the town for several day. Volunteers and the police have been working day and night to save buildings in the bush. The race course was on fire yesterday and have having been apparently extinguished, the fire broke out again at 2a.m. and burnt a quarter of a mile of fencing before it was subdued. Thousands of acres of grass has been destroyed.

April 3 1888

The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows and the Church of England Sunday School conjointly held their annual picnic at Victoria Park. They marched in procession through the town, headed by the Union Band. The sports were a success.

May 11 1888

Yesterday afternoon Mrs Mark Gless, wife of a well known storekeeper and publican took strychnine and died in a quarter of an hour. A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr J.F. Plunkett and a verdict was returned to the effect that the death was caused by poison which was self administered.

June 13 1888

 A very large meeting was held last night in Powell’s Hotel for form a Building Society. Mayor Stear was chairman and the representatives of professional and mercantile pursuits were present. On the motion of Mr M. Marks, Storekeeper and Mr R. White, Hotelkeeper, that a society be named the Gulgong and Building and Investment Society be formed.

June 19 1888

Mining News Good progress has been made in sinking main shaft of the Nil Desperandum claim at Canadian and also at Happy Valley, Gulgong good prospects are obtained.

At Scully’s Claim on the Black Lead work has been suspended, the men having finished the distance contracted for. They obtained nothing payable. Some of the party left today for Sydney.

July 30 1888

Mr George Rouse senior of Beaudesert died last night after a very brief illness. He was 72 years old was Senior Magistrate in the district. He will be buried at Windsor.

August 4 1888

Mr Gerald McDonough postal assistant here was found dead this morning in bed. The deceased retied last night as usual in apparently good health. He was 21 years of age.

Proposed Tramway from Mudgee to Gulgong

A large and influential meeting was held last night in the Council Chambers, Mayor Stear presiding. Charles Zimmler and James F Plunkett proposed: ‘That a League be formed for the purpose of agitating the making of a tramway for goods and passengers from Mudgee to Gulgong and thence to Cobbora, with branches there from to Dubbo and Wellington, the League to communicate with the aforesaid towns for the purpose of combining too have a bill passed through Parliament giving permission to run a great north-western tramway along the main roads of the Colony in the districts above stated, to act as feeders to the railway station at Mudgee, Dubbo and Wellington.’ The motion was unanimously carried.

Bush fires were burning fiercely yesterday on the ranges. A strong north-easterly gale was blowing clouds of dust and smoke over the town. It continued until daylight when the wind died away and steady rain set in, 90 points had fell by 9am.

October 13 1888

Hares are plentiful and destructive here. The farmers are compelled to put palings around their orchards and gardens. A shooting party went yesterday to Samuel Blackman’s at Cooyal and shot 145 in a few hours.

Tuxford’s Dam the sole dependence of carriers and stock around the town is now dry.

November 1 1888

 A large and influential meeting was held last night in the Council Chambers, Mayor Stear, convened to protest against the withdrawal of mail communication between Gulgong and Guntawang. Several resolutions were carried so as to prevent such an injustice.

November 27 1888

It has been very hot and dry for the last week, day and .

Bush fires are still burning around and the town is covered in smoke.

The thermometer today reached 90.

A special service for rain was held yesterday in the Church of England.

There is no water in the tank at the Public School. The Board has made arrangements for a supply.

December 1888

Is only weather reports

January 22 1889

It is reported that Mr Richard Rouse of Guntawang, Mr DeCourcy Browne and Mr Wall will nominated in the protection interest.

January 24 1889

The annual meeting of the subscribers of the hospital was held last night in the Council Chamber. Mr Richard Rouse JP was elected president; Mr S Bishop vice president; the ballot for the Medical Office resulted in Dr Bennett 81 votes, Dr Floyer 72, this was the largest number ever polled here. Mr T Mathews was re-elected as secretary.

January 28 1889

The anniversary Races under the auspices of the Gulgong Race Club came off successfully today. There was a good attendance and every race was well contested.

February 1 1889

The three protectionist candidates, Messrs Browne, Wall and Townsend addressed the electors last nigh from the balcony of Powell’s Commercial Hotel. Mayor Stear was the Chairman. Messrs R. Rouse, Guntawang and J.F. Plunkett proposed the vote of confidence.

February 2 1889

Messrs Black, Kelly and Haynes the free trade candidates addressed the electors from Moverley’s balcony last night, the Mayor presiding.

February 5 1889

Messrs Black, Kelly and Haynes delivered free trade addresses from Dodd’s balcony.

February 7 1889

Gulgong Messrs Frederick William Russell and Blaise Bernard Floyer, nominated as aldermen and have been declared duly elected, there being no other candidates for three vacancies in the council and no auditors forward.

February 13 1889

Gulgong Robert William Heard was unanimously elected Mayor. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Richard Stear, the retiring Mayor for his valuable services whilst occupying the chair for the past two years. As Mr Haynes the newly elected member was present, allusion was made to the urgent need for a water supply for Gulgong.

              February 25 1889

Gulgong Messrs Parker and Heddle struck splendid stone this morning at Salvation Hill, about two miles west from town on the Tallawang Road. They followed a leader down 9 feet where it opened out one foot wide. Of this they crushed 3 ounces and from a small quantity in the mortar broke out a number of specimens thick with gold.

March 12 1889

Robert Jones and party’s gold mine is situated on Conical Hill at the head of the famous Three Mile Gully the shaft is 35 feet and a drive about 12 feet has been put in north. The lode is composed of soft diorite and easily worked without powder.

March 20 1889

The Rev. Joseph S Dobson C. E. preached his farewell sermon on Sunday night in St Luke’s Church to a large congregation. At the close the Reverend gentleman alluded in feeling terms the regret he felt at parting with the parishioners with whom he had been connected for nine and a half years. Mr Richard Rouse of Guntawang presented him with a purse of sovereigns on behalf of the parishioners. Rev. Dobson leaves for Braidwood tomorrow and the Rev. L. Wyatt of Orange takes charge of this parish.

April 25 1889

Last night the annual meeting of the parishioners of St Luke’s Church of England, Messrs H Voss, T Matthews and H DeBoos were elected were elected Churchwardens. Messrs Rouse of Guntawang, Rouse of Biraganbil, Jones, Skillman, Hamilton, Bishop, Lambert, Lowe and Steel were elected parochial council

January 30 1891

Annual meeting of the Gulgong Hospital subscribers held in White’s Assembly Rooms, S. T. Bishop in the chair. The last committee was: R. White, W. J. Dodds, E Brown, A Blanchard, G Smith, W Fletcher, J Smith, H.D. Voss, F. W. Russell, W. C. Kemp, Dr. Harding, S. J. Pike, M. Marks, R Stear, J Souter, Dr. Kealy, Dr McDonagh, J Hewitt and R Rouse.

In January the Wardsman was reported for inattention to his duties and received notice of dismissal. Applications were invited by advertisement. Mr Strange re-applied and having tendered an ample apology which was accepted he was re-instated.  In August resigned as medical officer in consequence of leaving the district, before resigning Dr Kealy had been absence from Gulgong for some time and Dr McDonagh acted as his locum. The committee were compelled to make special arrangements with Dr McDonagh pending the appointment of Dr Harding. Elections was follows: president R Rouse, Guntawang, vice president S. T. Bishop, secretary T. H. Mathews, the committee Messrs R. Rouse Biraganbil, A Blanchard, E. Brown, W.J. Dodds, W Fletcher, J Smith, F. W. Russell, W. J. Long, E Bond, Rev. L.A. Wyatt, Rev Father Long. Auditors Messrs Bentzen and Ash.

October 9 1899

Death October 8 1899—DeCourcy Browne, Frederick Thomas in his 65th year.

Lodge Tarbolton No 12—The Officers and Brethren are kindly requested to attend the Funeral late Brother T. F. DeCourcy Browne at the Waverley Cemetery tomorrow October 10, [Tuesday] at 4 pm.

T. T. PETERSON W.M.

Funeral of the late Mr. T. F. DeCourcy Browne will leave St Thomas Church, corner of Darling and Weston Streets, Balmain, this day at quarter to 2pm. For Waverley Cemetery.

Coffill and Company

Central Office—812 George Street. Tel. 424

April 9 1901

The Gulgong Half-holiday Question

To the Editor of the Gulgong Advertiser

Sir, It’s a lot about how the voting for the above went on and on THEN with regard to all those 13 shops so particularly pointed out by the ‘Herald’ correspondent, there are only two who employ hands to any extent. The others are:- 1 produce store with 2 assistants, 1 grocer’s shop with 1 assistant, 1 Chinese Shop with 1 assistant, 2 grocers’ shops with no assistants, 1 Chinese Gambling Shop with no assistants, 1 Toy Shop no assistants, 1 Chinese Opium Shop no assistants, 1 saddler shop no assistants, this show that only 4 shops have assistants and so on

Signed H CLARKE Hon-Sec Gulgong Half-Holiday League.

 1902

Considerable excitement was occasioned on Christmas Eve throughout the district and particularly at Gulgong when it became known that Thomas Henry Wood, proprietor of the Yamble Hotel, butchery and store and two young men, named Ernest Hough and William Blaine had been arrested and conveyed to the Gulgong lock-up on a charge of alleged cattle stealing, viz., that one red bally heifer, the property of Herbert Frank McGrath of Merrendee.

Immediately after the arrest made by Senior Constable Ferris and Constable McCrae of Gulgong, Mrs Wood telegraphed to Mr C A Russell of Gulgong, informing him of what had occurred and asking him to procure bail for her husband. Upon the arrival of the arrested men in Gulgong steps were immediately taken to secure the release of bail for Mr Wood. Magistrates and Bondsmen were waiting but Senior Constable Ferris resolutely refused to bring Wood from the cell to the Court House. Bondsmen pledged 1,000 pounds to secure bail, but to no avail. The next day Christmas Day a Gulgong resident went out to Biraganbil and sought advise from Mr Leslie Rouse, solicitor upon the matter, he advised as to where to find the law relating to the question of bail. The police were however obdurate and would not bring the prisoners before the Court for the purpose of bail being granted.  The three men had to spend Christmas Eve and Day, also Boxing Day in the lock-up. At this arbitrary action of the police the Gulgong populace was highly indignant.

A large crowd assemble on Saturday when the men were to be brought before the Court at 10 am but the Court did not open until 11 am the reason being that Mr Harrison, C.P.S. was busy. While the magistrates were taking their seats on the Bench some mail arrived from Mudgee, being the warrants sworn in Mudgee on boxing Day for the arrest of the three men on Christmas Eve. The men were taken from the dock to the C.P.S. Room where the warrants were read, they were then returned to the dock

Messrs S. T. Bishop, C. E. Hilton and C. Harris J.P.’s were on the Bench.

Thomas Henry Wood was charged with receiving one red bally heifer, feloniously stolen from Herbert Frank McGrath of Merrendee well knowing her to have been so stolen and Hough and Blaine were charged with stealing the heifer.

There was a jot of discussion as to the legality of the manner in which the arrest was made and the warrant was issue

Mr Clarke for Woods asked for bail, Senior Constable Ferris strongly object but could would not reply when asked on what grounds.

The Bench granted bail, self in 200 and two sureties of 100 pounds each. Bail was forthcoming Messrs J. D. Parker and R White.

Hough and Blaine were granted the same bail.

There was a problem with Constable Ferris leaving the court with the warrants, he was requested to return them. Constable Kennedy is also mentioned.

March 3 1903

To the Editor

Sir—I noticed in your last issue that my old friend Mr G. C. Johnson has differed with you that our Mutual Friend, the late Mr G. E. Shettle was editor of the Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser. To the best of my belief George E Shettle and Henry Tebbutt started the first paper printed in Gulgong. Last April Mr Shettle sent me from Wellington a file of the Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser from No. 1 to No. 46. The imprint of No. 1 is Gulgong Printed and Published by the Proprietors, George Edwin Shettle and Henry Tebbutt at their office, Queen Street, Gulgong, NSW, August 16 1871. I arrived in Gulgong in July 1871 and remember well getting the first free copy of the Advertiser. The office was next to where Mr John B Clarke had his hotel and where he now lives. Michael Robinson a stepson of Mr Clarke learnt the type setting under Mr Shettle who certainly ran and edited the paper; then DeCourcy Browne started the Guardian. His first numbers were printed in Mudgee and brought out by coach; his printing office was in Queen Street and his private office in Herbert Street next to Alex McCulloch’s [of which I have a photograph]; then DeCourcy had the libel suit instituted against him by Commissioner T. A. Browne [Rolf Boldrewood] and gave up the paper. In the meantime John B Stormer his nephew George, Michael Robinson and George Ward, George D Lang being editor. The date of my last Advertiser is June 27 1872 so it is evident that Mr Shettle did not work on the Argus until the end of 1872 or in 1873. I know Mr Johnson will take my remarks in good part, so I need not apology to him

Yours Etc. SAMUEL T. BISHOP

April 30 1903

To the Editor

Sir—The great authority from Victoria has spoken, but what does he give more then we knew? Nothing. He says he ‘started his apprenticeship in ‘1875’: three years after the founding of Argus and I conclude, he was only a boy at the time, therefore could have known nothing of the pioneer staff of the Argus only by hearsay. As for a photo of the Gulgong Argus staff being taken in 1870 that of course is rubbish. I have a photo, showing a group of the Argus staff by Cam Baker—and he was at Gulgong after I left the field and that photo shows George Dunmore Lang [Laing as G. W. Ward has it] therefore must have been taken in ’72 or ’73 for we know Lang died in the latter year—I followed him to the grave at any rate. G. W. Ward may be a Gulgong boy, for all I know; all the same, he knows nothing of his own knowledge, of the earlier staff of the Argus when Medus was among the number. Mr. Bishop says: ‘In the meantime [meaning between July ’71 and the end of ‘72] John B Stormer started the ‘Argus’ in Belmore Street on which worked Mr Shettle [G.E. presumably] his nephew George, Michael Robinson, George Ward, George D Lang being the editor. So that there is the authority to show that G. W. Ward is wrong in being so positive that the late G.E. Shettle did not work on the Argus, Mr Bishop is working also.

As for what took place in Gulgong after 1874 I do not pretend to know; but I do know fairly well what took place in and about the town between February ’71 and the end of 1874 and I quite sure that I have seen both Shettle’s working the in Argus office. Mr Lang and I were intimate—in fact, at certain time he was very glad to get copy from me and I have been at the office at all hours when my old fried was indisposed.

To show how little G. W. Ward knew of Gulgong affairs in the earlier seventies or how lamentably bad his memory, he was ‘always under the impression that the T.F. DeC. B. and the T. A. B. libel action occurred while DeCourcy Browne was contributing to the Argus. Mr Bishop had mentioned that fact correctly and as G. W. Ward didn’t know anything about it at all, he should have remained silent. I have a number of photos of Gulgong celebrities by me—all taken by Cam Baker—and among them is G. D. Lang, two Shettles, Medus [Walter, I think] Surveyor Davidson, Honor, Allum, McDiarmid, Stewart, Stacey, Beresford Cairns, Solicitor Cory, Matt Walker, George Davidson and others.  Besides these I have several view of the town as it was in 72-3 and photos of the pegging out of Block No 7 Happy Valley, showing seventy odd pegs in one corner as taken by Cam Baker and George A Tissington.

Again it is amusing when one comes to think of it that his cock sure man in Victoria knowing so much about the Argus does not know when the Guardian started or when it ceased publication. Between you and I and the gate post, Mr Editor, G. W. Ward’s contribution as regards Gulgong’s first newspaper is absolutely valueless. What we want to know is something about the years ’71,’72 and ’73; anything concerning the later period may be interesting enough but it is outside the question. Thus so far I have the best of it for have I not furnished all that was required from persons most likely to know? The contention was that the Mercantile Advertiser not the Argus was the first newspaper in Gulgong and mine was that the Gulgong Guardian was the first—and I am right. It is useless to discuss—under the above heading at any rate—what Mr Stormer did in later years.

Yours etc G. C. JOHNSON.

May 7 1903

Glory, Hallelujah ! 7 pounds a week for 12 months while resting in gaol ! hang it all, it almost makes one’s mouth water and one is almost empted to do something to get into limbo and become notorious, of course, for it must have been the notoriety, not the excellence that paid. Why, how many are there of all the good men, whose pen-names we know, that get 7 pounds a week? But very few. There are capable writers in Sydney, whose names are household words and who strive all they can to keep out of gaol, yet cannot—week in and week out—make three pounds for seven days work. Yet Mr Croft made 7 pounds a week. And one is to induce to ask: What doing? It the man’s statement be a fact, one may pertinently ask:  Where the necessity of the 50 presentation?  It may occur to some people that those 12 months were better paid for than any other period of the ex-editor’s life; and further that his gentleman is being made just a little too much of.

August 12 1903

Death of Constable Joyce A telegram from Blackheath on Thursday reads:- First Class Constable Stephen Joyce who has been stationed here for the past two years, died last night, from pneumonia, he was aged 44. He leaves a wife and five children. The late Mr Joyce was well known Mudgee and Gulgong .

November 13 1903

Masonic Matters

Dedication of Lodge Wyaldra No 238

Away back in the seventies Gulgong possessed a Masonic Lodge which was known by the name of Lodge Abbotsford. It continued to flourish for a time but owing to prominent Masons leaving the district and the gradual decline of population it finally ceased to exist in 1889. Within the last few years it was evident that another attempt would be made to form a lodge, quite a number of Gulgongities being initiated in Lodge Edinburgh St John in the meantime. This happy consummation was realised on Friday evening last when the new lodge was dedicated and formed, the ceremony being impressively carried out by Very Worshipful Brother A. R. Cooke, acting Deputy Grand mater pro tem.

The following officers were installed:-

W.M. Wor. Bro. J. W. Duesbury

S. W. Bro. Dr. H Busby

J. W. Bro. A. E. Souter

Sec. Bro. E. Harrison

S.D. Bro. M. H. Bennett

J.D. Bro. Rev A. J. Doig

Treas. Bro. Dr. J. L. M McCreadie

I.G. Bro. D. Rognini

O.G. Bro W. Fulton

Chaplain Bro Rev F. E. Haviland

Not: this is followed by a large item on the Banquet

April 7 1904

A Contrast Two sentences delivered by the Chief Justice at yesterday’s Circuit court stand out in striking contrast. The one is that of Cecil Shervey who for stealing a small trinket was sentenced to six months imprisonment and the other that Kemple McDonough, late Council Clerk at Gulgong who for embezzling 181 pounds of the Councils money had his sentence of one year suspended under the First Offenders Act. The first one was a boy of 16 years and the latter a man of 39, with full knowledge of the morality of his acts and consequences which they entailed. The sentence of Shervey could not be suspended because he had already been convicted of a theft which took place within a few days of the one with which he had been charge yesterday. It is not our purpose to ask for mercy for the lad, although we regret that it should be necessary to send him to gaol. But if is was necessary for the well being of society that the lad who had at worst committed two thefts within a short period of time of each other should be confined in gaol, how much greater the necessity that the who for a period of at least 18 months had systematically embezzled sums amounting to 181 pounds should be punished.  We cannot see any logical conclusion to Shervey’s theft than that he should be punished, although we deplore the necessity. By the same chain of reasoning we assert that a very real wrong is done to society in general and municipalities in particular by freeing McDonough from all consequences of his crime and offering a premium to tempted Council Clerks to do likewise. It is always a painful task to insist upon punishment but we feel it a duty to assert Sir Frederick Darley was in fault in punishing the 16 year old boy for his petty thefts and allowing a greater criminal to do free.