GUNTAWANG - 1860s

NEWS ITEMS

1860 - Sudden Death, Under Suspicious Circumstances

An inquest was held at Guntawang, on Monday, the 19th inst., on the body of Hugh Frazer, a hutkeeper in the employ of Mr. Rouse, before Dr. King, the Coroner, and a respectable jury. It appears from the evidence that the deceased was hutkeeping at a sheep station, about twelve, miles from Guntawang. On Friday, the 16th inst., the shepherd went out wilh his sheep as usual, and on his return found deceased lying dead under the berth. He went with his sheep to an adjoining station, put them in the yard and stopped all night. On the following morning he reported the death of Frazer, and proposed leaving his sheep in the yard while he went into Guntawang to reportthe circumstance. It was, however, arranged that he should mind the sheep about the hut, and look after the children while the shepherd's wife went in. Mr. Thacker, the overseer, came out, and upon examining the hut he found that it had been swept cleaner than usual.

He observed holes in the earth floor indicating recent traces of blood, as if one had been filled and flowed over to the other. This he pointed out to a constable who was with him. The shepherd stated that a tilted cart had stopped there the night before, and, that deceased while talking to the owner of the cart that morning suddenly complained of being ill and in pain, and had gone to the berth to lie down. He also stated that the hut had not been swept that day. It also came out in evidence that when an axe was enquired for to open a box, the shepherd stated, that he had put it away, but did not know where; this axe was found under the bed by the side of the dead body of deceased. The body was in a very advanced state of decomposition, and Dr. Cutting was unable to find any wounds sufficient to cause death or the loss of blood supposed by the appearance of the hole in the floor. The jury returned a verdict of "Died from natural causes".

Source:  Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 - 1950) Fri 6 Jan 1860 Page 4

Source: 1861 - ALLEGED MURDER OF AN ABORIGINAL

An inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Plough Inn, Guntawang, before Mr W. King, M.D., coroner, on view of the body of John Dundar, an aboriginal, supposed to have been murdered by a man of the name of Thomas Black, who was in custody. Hugh Campbell, constable, belonging to the Mudgee police force, said, from information he had received he went to Guntawang on Monday and apprehended the person on suspicion of having murdered a blackfellow; he gave the usual caution, prisoner said that he knew nothing at all about it. Tommy Penny stated that a little before sundown they came up from the wash pen. Tommy was throwing sticks and tin kettles at one of the girls in the camp. As soon as he came up the prisoner and deceased began to fight on account of Johnny, saying "what you interfere with my little girl." Prisoner began to tear Jacky's shirt off, they fought two rounds, deceased was on the ground when his shirt was being torn. He (witness) hit prisoner, and asked him what he was fighting for, and took deceased on his lap, he did not speak, and died almost immediately; would swear that Johnny was thrown by the prisoner; Jacky had been at work all day; he was drunk, but was able to walk. Prisoner was neither sober nor drunk. The little girl was deceased's wife. He (witness) was sober, had had some three or four glasses of grog during the day, — Henry Gummer said he was taking his tea about sundown, when his little boy came in and said a blackfellow was beating a white man. Soon after, Tommy came and said, "Jacky is dead." He went with Mr Goldsmith to the camp, who told them not to bury the body. His hut was about sixty yards from the camp. He saw, as he was standing at his door, a man, but could not say it was prisoner. When he went with Mr Goldsmith, there was no one but the aborigines. White men frequently visited the blacks' camp—Mary Ann Gummer, wife of the previous witness, confirmed her husband s evidence, adding that she was almost certain that the prisoner was the man who was fighting the blackfellow, there were no other Europeans

near the place.—Arthur Thomas Piggott Cutting said he had viewed the body, and was of opinion that deceased came to his death by concussion of the brain, attended by extravasation of blood.—The jury returned a verdict that John Dundar came to his death by injuries received in a scuffle with prisoner, Thomas Black, at Guntawang, on the 26th November." Prisoner was then committed to Bathurst to take his trial for manslaughter.

Source:  The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 7 Dec 1861 Page 7

GUNTAWANG SCHOOL

TEACHERS

1861: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: __ Goldsmith   

          Local Secretary Rev J K Piddington

1861: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: Henry Goldsmith   
          Local Secretary Rev W Angwin

1863: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: H. Goldsmith

1864: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: H. Goldsmith

1865: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: Tiddy, L

1868: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: Thomas Rooke

1869: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: Thomas Taylor

1870: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: S Chandler

1871: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: David Page

1871: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: 
          David Page (Australian Almanac)
          Alfred Page (Moore's Almanac)

1872-1875: Name of School: Guntawang   Name of Teacher: A G Hamilton

Sources: Walch's Almanac, Moore's Almanac, and The Australian Almanac

NEWS ITEMS 

1869 - NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL.

In accordance with the provisions of the 24th section of the Public Schools Act of 1866, an application has been received at the Council of Education Office for the establishment of a Public School at Guntawang.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 13 Mar 1869 Page 7 

1872 - Tenders – are being called for the erection of a public school at Guntawang. We wonder when tenders will be called for the erection of a school at Gulgong. Some months have passed since a plan was sent to the Council of Education for approval, but we have not heard whether it has been accepted, rejected or dealt with in any manner.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 108, 28 August 1872

1872 - [ADVERTISEMENT]

 GUNTAWANG Mechanics’ Institute

—0—

ETHIOPIAN ENTERTAINMENT

Will be given in aid of the

ABOVE INSTITUTE

November 9th,

In the

SCHOOL BUILDING

P R O G R A M M E

PART 1

OVERTURE

Opening Chorus………..The Company

Song – “Happy are We.”

“         “Ring, Ring, de Banjo.”

“         “Gentle Jennie Grey.”

“         “Uncle Ned.”

“         “Julietta Be.”

“         “Come Love Come.”

PART 11

Violin Solo.................................Mr. H. Grimbert
Song – Mary Blane....................Mr. Harding
Flute Solo...................................Mr. Grimbert
Song – Rock me to Sleep Mother...............Mr. H. Hamilton
Song – Annie Lisle.....................Master C. Moon
Concertina Solo..........................Mr. R. Moon
Song – Mother Kissed me in my Dream....Mr. C. Hamilton
Song – Under the Willow............Mr. C. Grimbert
Song – Massa in de Cold Ground.......Mr. Harding
STUMP ORATION.............................MR. HARDING
SHOO-FLY..........................................COMPANY

Admission 1/-: Front Seats 2/-. To Commence at 8

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 128, 6 November 1872

1874 - Gazetted Notice 

His excellency the Governor has appointed Messrs. George Rouse J.P., Richard Rouse, T. A. Browne P.M. and Richard Rouse Jnr J.P. to form the Public School Board in connection with the Public School at Guntawang.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, June 27, 1874

1874 - [SCHOOL INSPECTIONS - MUDGEE DISTRICT]
Guntawang (V.) : —General inspection, 22nd May.

Numbers enrolled : —Boys, 15 ; girls, 24; total, 39.

Numbers present:—Boys, 9 ; girls, 14; total, 23.

The school is a new brick structure, well designed, suitably furnished, and well supplied with all the appliances for successful teaching. The old residence has also undergone a thorough repairing. The attendance is low and irregular. The average attendance is not nearly one-half the children residing in the neighbourhood. Punctuality is only tolerable, and cleanliness is fair. As a whole the discipline is weak. The prescribed subjects are taught, and the methods are appropriate, but, from want of thoroughness, fail to produce satisfactory results. The school has not progressed during the year, and the attainments are barely moderate.

Source:Report of the Council of Education upon the condition of the public schools. 1874

 

1880 - On Friday last Mr. Hamilton, master of the Guntawang public school, killed a brown snake 6 feet long in the playground. Several of the children were at the time playing near the spot.

Source: The Protestant Standard (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1895) Sat 13 Mar 1880 Page 9

1881 - Accepted Tenders in Connection with Public Schools
The following tenders have been accepted by the Government, viz.: ... Canadian Lead Public School, lining inside of teacher's residence - P.H. Lawson;... Guntawang Public School, fencing, erection of weathersheds, and supplying two tanks - G. T. Harvey...
Source: The Sydney Mail 2 Jul 1881

1881 - SACRED SONG.

On Tuesday evening a service of sacred song, known as "Eva," was rendered at the Guntawang School of Arts building, by the choir connected with the Anglican church. The entertainment was of a pleasing and successful character. Mr. A. Hamilton had the direction of the musical portion of the entertainment, and Mr. Warden Browne consented to undertake the connective reading.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919)  Sat 22 Jan 1881 Page 38

1883 - 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

Source: Bishop's Clippings

1890 - Guntawang Public School­­—To Parents
In answer to several enquires Mr W C Kemp has decided to boards pupils limited to four boys. Proper home comforts.
Terms: Washing, mending etc 9 guineas per quarter and for school fees, books etc. bursary etc 1 guinea extra. Parents attention is shown to the fact that a State School Bursary was recently won by the undersigned.
W. C. KEMP Public School, Guntawang.

Source: MUDGEE GUARDIAN - May 26 1890

GUNTAWANG - 1870s

Engraving: Guntawang, the Estate of Richard Rouse, Esq.
Artist unknown, circa 1874

Town and District of Gulgong

For more that twenty four years the fact has been known to some, that this district contained rich golden deposits. It was formerly apportioned of into large blocks as sheep and cattle runs, being most favourably situated for pastoral pursuits. The Messrs Rouse of Guntawang and Birganbil, were the pioneers of this section and exhibited much foresight in selecting these runs which now rank amongst the richest estates in this colony. The stations are situated only about five miles from Gulgong, and great pains and expenses have been devoted to improvements. These have not been confined to the breeding of stock but extended to horticulture and agriculture; and it is well worth a visit to witness rare trees, shrubs and flowers that have been accumulated. A moderate size river, affording abundant irrigation, runs through these properties. There are other properties, owned by these gentlemen of taste and culture, adjoining those mentioned. We believe that some of these gentlemen own estates of freehold land of at least thirty thousand acres, and some of Crown grants but most is purchased, at the rate of one pound per acre. The dwellings are mostly of a costly description and a considerable architectural description display is exhibited.

Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, August 7, 1875

Looking Backward (By W.S.) Gulgong, 1870—1937

On the top of the hill, one gets a first sight of Gulgong in the distance, and a wonderful sight it was in 1870. Nearly all of it was calico and bark, and strangely it looked with the rays of a sinking sun on it, and to my boyish eyes and ideas it seemed a wonderful place, and so it was. 

But Biraganbil and Guntawang, the home of the Rouses, was our destination, for I was with my father and a couple of stockmen to buy coach horses for Cobb and Co. As I passed those homesteads the other day I could not help thinking what a difference then and to day. Men and stock everywhere and everyone was busy; and the wonderful mobs of horses brought in from the paddocks. Aristocratic enough to bear the well known brand - a capital writing R. The great coaching company would; not have a bad horse and hardly one of the 60 head bought cost less than £40 to £80, and when they were together, what a lot of beauties they were, and hard to hold. Three extra stockmen had to be sent with them on the road. My father said the mob cost nearly £3000.

The name of the Rouses still clings around the two stations. Once when the old place was sold the name was changed to Eumaralla, and the owner was talking of his property, calling it by its new name. A gentleman asked the owner where it was and he told him near Gulgong, and it was once called Guntawang. 'You're foolish, Sir Hugh,' said the speaker, 'the name Guntawang has always gone with good horses, cattle and sheep. It is worth a fortune itself and will still be Guntawang long after Eumaralla and Sir Hugh are dead and gone; and so it will be until the end. The pillars of the front entrance gate seem still to be the same, but those men with their buggies and pairs, and the clamping trotting horses of the four in hand are but memories to the old hands of a grand past when Gulgong was in the heyday of prosperity.

Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Thu 21 Jan 1937 Page 13

1873 - GULGONG ANNUAL RACES

During my stay I paid a hurried visit to Mr. Richard Rouse's, at Guntawang, but was unfortunately obliged to start on my return to Sydney, without going to Biraganbil, whither I was also invited before coming away. At Guntawang, I saw many improvements, among the chief of which are, of course, the stables, of which the foundation only was laid when I was there before, but which are now occupied by both horses and men. In a large quadrangular courtyard are, on one side, the carriage horseboxes, built on the principle of plentiful light and ventilation, so that each horse, while indulged with plenty of room to himself, looks out over his rails, and is amused with all that goes on in the courtyard. On another side of the court, is another stable, the washing-house for carriages, rooms for the reception and custody of stores of different descriptions; and, besides these, there is a spacious coach house, large enough for several drags and buggies. Then there are quarters for a married coachman, with convenient out-offices at the back, and quite unconnected with as well as out of sight of the stable quadrangle; and also comfortable quarters for the single grooms. 

One of the great features of the establishment is the saddle and harness room, with its glass cases for the sets of four-in-hand harness, and I never remember to have seen a room better fitted for the purpose. In the front side of these buildings—that, next the house—is the large entrance gate, and facing this, over the door of the carriage-horse stables, is to be a large clock, fixed in a small turret, built as a clock tower. At the back of the carriage-horse stables, outside and independent of the courtyard is a row of single boxes for racehorses, and these have plenty of light and ventilation, as is the case with the others, and are built with due regard for comfort in every way. 

Here I saw Reprieve and Nydia, both commencing a month's spell, and having their shoes taken off, the morning I was there; Lord Lyon who has been doing the otium for 12 months; Brigadier, the imported son of King John, now presiding over the Guntawang stud; and Dabster, the hackney, who is matched to run Italian, for a century, in July. All these are looking well, and are in charge of Finlay who brought Wanderer out on New Year's Day so blooming and well, and has had Reprieve and Nydia since Randwick. Reprieve, Nydia, and Lord Lyon, will most likely join Harry Rayner's string at Mr. Rouse's Randwick training quarters in a month. At the Guntawang Farm I saw a couple of yearling fillies, one a brown of good size, by Kingston from the imported Dundee mare, a very nice filly, who ought from her breeding to be as good as anything in the land. The other is a chestnut, sister to, and very like little Wanderer; and she is herself small, but nice. 

Leaving the horses, I saw a lot of really good Shorthorn heifers, which are well worth a journey to look at, not only looking, but being, remarkably well bred. These are all descended from the original stock purchased from Mr. Robert Lowe, and they show all the marvellous quality of head and horn for which the stock of the old Lowe cows are so remarkable. I've seen nothing better among the show youngsters than some of these; and some by the imported Monmouth, who unfortunately died, do their sire great credit. Monmouth has left behind him some young bulls that are very good, and uncommonly fine in the horn. The lot of young cattle I saw at Guntawang, I consider very good. They are of good colour, with fine heads, clean horn, and no speckled muzzles; are generally good in brisket, crops, back, and handle, and do not fall away behind the shoulder. Some of the heifers are like cows, in back, hips, and flank. Time pressed me sore; and so, after a look at the imported Clydesdale "Lofty," for whom Mr. Rouse gave 800 guineas the other day, I had to close my hurried visit to Guntawang. Lofty is a short-legged compact, very strong, active horse, with tremendous depth and slant of shoulder, and wonderfully short below the knee. He has a beautiful head and neck, kind temper, walks and trots well; and he may very fairly be pronounced about as good as anything of his breed that we have seen here. 

I sadly wanted to go to Biraganbil, and see Teddington, who I hear has grown into a splendid fine horse, without a superior, among the young colonial bred stud horses of the day, all which I am quite prepared to believe of him; for I don't think there's a nicer horse in the colony, and he ought to be much sought after this coming season, for there's no better-bred horse in the country. I was, however, unable to put my intention into force, as I left the neighbourhood before the races concluded on Friday afternoon, and hadn't a moment to call my own.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 24 May 1873 Page 25

1871 - Death from Poison

We (Gulgong Guardian) have to record a sad case of self-destruction. It appears that Mr. Thacker, an old respect a servant of Mr. Rouse, at Guntawang, whilst labouring under temporary insanity, took strychnine at 2 o'clock last Wednesday afternoon. Several remedies were applied but it was half past 8 o'clock at night before Mr. Ramsay was called in, and too late to be of any avail, as the unfortunate man died half-an-hour after the doctor's arrival. An Inquest was held on the following morning, before Dr. Rowling, coroner, resulting in a verdict "that deceased died from the effects of strychnine, taken while labouring under temporary insanity,"

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 20 Sep 1871 Page 5 and NSW BDM 4521/1871

Charles Thacker, an overseer in the employment of Richard Rouse, of Guntawang, on the 13th instant, poisoned himself with strychnine, and died the same day. For years he was a hard drinker, and of late had carried the habit to great excess. When he was found to be suffering from poison, he admitted that he had taken strychnine, and did not desire that a doctor should be sent for. Dr. Ramsay, of Gulgong, however, came to see him and after some resistance administered some sulphate of copper. It had no effect, and deceased expired in about twenty minutes thereafter.

Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 23 Sep 1871 Page 946

1876 - A Contrast.

On Monday last (says the Western Post) a young girl, who had just left a situation at Guntawang, lost her purse, containing a £14 cheque, and £1 2s. 9d. in cash. Fortunately for her, Mr. Thacker, overseer for Mr. Rouse, found it, handed it to Mr. Rouse to restore to the girl, and generously refused to take any reward whatever although a reward of £1, 10s. hud been offered for it in this paper. As a contrast to the above, a youth in town having last week found the cap of a buggy wheel, waited till it was advertised for, and then had the impudence to ask 30s. as compensation for restoring it to the owner.

Source: The Newcastle Chronicle (NSW : 1866 - 1876) Wed 11 Mar 1868 Page 4

1875 - GREVILLE'S OFFICIAL POST OFFICE DIRECTORY

Source: Greville's Index 1875

Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum

RICHARD ROUSE OF GUNTAWANG

Richard Rouse of Guntawang, near Gulgong, 1865

Source: Sydney Living Museums

Richard Rouse (1842-1903) was born at Guntawang near Gulgong, NSW, He was the oldest child of Edwin Rouse (1806-1862) and his wife Hannah Terry Hipkins (1819-1907) and was a grandson of Richard Rouse and Elizabeth nee Adams of Rouse Hill in the Parramatta district of New South Wales.

Richard was born on 2 January 1842 at Guntawang, near Gulgong, NSW, eldest son of Edwin Rouse, grazier. In 1861 he managed Guntawang, 1619 hectares on the Cudgegong River and inherited it on the death of his father in 1862. His first cousin, also named Richard, (son of George Rouse) was also a pastoralist and stud-breeder and ran the property named Biraganbil.

Richard married Charlotte Emily Barnard (1844-1902) in July 1865 in Hobart, Tasmania. Their children were:

• Mabel Digby - 1867-1937
• Ernest Edwin - 1868-1934
• Florence Amy - 1874-1961
• Stanley Barnard - 1870-1930
• Marian Emily - 1872-1952
• Winifred Viva - 1882-1883

Career

Richard bred pedigree carriage horses, cattle and merino sheep and Guntawang became noted for its lavish hospitality. He also held other properties. He was also the principal shareholder in the Guntawang Freehold Gold Mining Company. He represented Mudgee in Parliament 1876-77 and 1879. In 1895 he published The Australian Horse Trade, which stressed the breeding advantages of the ’Yorkshire coach-horse’ for the United Service Institution. Rouse was a magistrate and regularly sat on the bench. He was also mayor of Gulgong in 1876 and 1899-1903 and a member of the Union Club and first president of the Gulgong Turf Club in 1871.

Source: Monument Australia

Richard Rouse of Guntawang and his wife Charlotte Emily nee Barnard, around 1865

Source: Sydney Living Museums

__________________________________

The following carte-de-visite portrait seems to be from a suite of studio portraits of Edwin and Hannah's children taken at a single session in about 1866.

Richard Rouse (?), around 1866

Source: Sydney Living Museums

NEWS ITEMS

1894 - MUDGEE. Mr. Richard Rouse's Candidature

In the Mudgee Town Hall on Friday evening, Mr. Richard Rouse, of Guntawang (who is contesting the Mludgee electorate as the chosen candidate of the protectionists), held a most successful meeting, the hall being well filled.

...

Source:  The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909) Tue 3 Jul 1894 Page 6

1902 - Obituary. - MRS. R. ROUSE.

Last week our Gulgong correspondent reported the serious illness of Mrs. R. Rouse, of Guntawang, who was afterwards removed to Sydney for medical treatment, but we regret to say that her death occurred on Monday evening. The deceased lady, who was 58 years of age, was a sister of Dr. Barnard, who at one time practised at Gulgong, and had earned for herself the loving respect of all who knew her. On Wednesday morning the remains arrived in Mudgee, and the funeral took place at Guntawang. Deceased is survived by her husband and three sons, Messrs. Ernest, Frank, and Stanley Rouse, and one unmarried daughter. Our Gulgong correspondent writes: 

"Quite a gloom was cast over the town on Tuesday morning when the news reached Gulgong that Mrs. R. Rouse, of Guntawang, had breathed her last. The deceased lady had been ailing for some time, and notwithstanding the skill of the best physicians in the State she succumbed. The late Mrs. Rouse will be greatly missed at Guntawang and Gulgong, as she was noted for kindly acts and for doing her best to relieve the suffering poor. Many telegrams and letters of condolence were sent to the bereaved husband and children, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt."

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Feb 1902 Page 13

Rouse died at Guntawang on 2 March 1903, survived by three sons and a daughter. His estate was sworn for probate at over £12,400.

Richard Rouse headstone, Guntawang

1903 - DEATH OF MR R. ROUSE.

Mr. Richard Rouse, of Guntawang, Mayor of Gulgong, died on Monday after a short illness. The deceased, who was 63 years of age, was a native of Rouse-Hill, near Windsor, where the family lived for many years. 

The Guntawang Estate, which the late Mr Rouse managed for many years, was renowned for its high-class stock, especially blood horses, many sporting silk in Mr Rouse's name. In the western districts, the deceased was well known as a successful exhibitor, and did much towards raising the standard of stock in those parts. In this connection, the name of Rouse has bsen identified for the past 50 or 60 years in various parts of the State.

Mrs. Rouse predeceased her husband about twelve months ago, but a family of three sons and a daughter survive. A brother-in-law is Mr A. A. Dangar, of Barooma, Singleton, while there are three sisters residing in England.
Source: Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954) Sat 7 Mar 1903 Page 5

1903 - The Late Mr. Rouse.

The death is reported this week of Mr. Richard Rouse, of Guntawang. The deceased gentleman was a son of the late Mr. Edwin Rouse, of Rouse Hill, near Windsor, and was a Hawkesbury native.

In 1861, shortly after leaving school, he took charge of Guntawang, and had lived there ever since. His cousin, Mr. Richard Rouse (brother of Mrs. C. Beresford Cairnes, Parramatta), who added "junior" to his name to prevent confusion, about the same time went to Biraganbil, a neighbouring station. For the past 40 years the two cousins have been engaged in breeding high-class horses, cattle and sheep, and devoting their spare time principally to sport.

Source: The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950) Sat 7 Mar 1903 Page 4

GUNTAWANG - 1880s

Guntawang Homestead

1886 - GUNTAWANG, a post-town in the electorate and police district of Mudgee, 184 miles W. from Sydney, and situated on the Cudgegong river; it has a School of Arts, Episcopalian Church, one hotel, and a public school, average attendance 38. Mode of communication is by coach to Wellington or Mudgee Railway Stations. Population about 200. Formation: basalt, slate, and sandstone.

Source: The Australian handbook (incorporating New Zealand, Fiji, and New Guinea) and shippers' and importers' directory. (1886)

This town is beautifully situated on the Cudgegong River, which is here crossed by a fine wooden bridge, on the main road from Mudgee (16 miles) to Wellington (45 miles) and 5 miles from Gulgong: Coach leaves Mudgee on Thursday and Sunday at 8 a.m., leaves Gulgong on Thursday and Sunday at 8 a.m., and Wednesday and Saturday at 5 p.m.; leaves Wellington on Wednesday and Saturday at 9 a.m, in each case reaching Guntawang same day. Guntawang and Biraganbil are two magnificent and park-like estates, on which are to be found some of the finest bred horses, sheep, and cattle in the colony.

There is an English church and a public school, the average attendance at which is 47.

Magistrates— G. Rouse, R. Rouse, R. Rouse, jun.

Postmaster— W. C. Kemp                 Stores— A. C. Fyfe, C. J. Oldag

Steam Flour Mill—G. Rouse            Miller— W. Hawkins

Source: 1886 Almanac?

DRISCOLL'S WARBURTON HOTEL

CORNELIUS DRISCOLL

Cornelius married Mary McConnell in the Bathurst district in 1862. Their children included:

• Cornelius - born 1864, Muckerawa. Wellington district
• Edward J - born 1867, Wellington
• Annie M - born 1872, Gulgong
• Agnes Mary - born 1874, Gulgong
• Mary - born 1876, Gulgong

Before moving to the Gulgong district, Driscoll conducted a hotel at Stuart Town (then known as Ironbarks). The following reminiscence, first written around 1900 by M. J. Hennessy, records that move:

Gulgong in the Roaring Days Liveliest Spot in Australia.

...brought back to memory the forms and scenes of the early 'seventies, when Old Gulgong was the liveliest spot on this continent of ours. Well I remember the night I put up at the Royal Oak in Wellington with Con Driscoll, who was then on his way from the Mookerawa to start in business at the new Eldorado [ie Gulgong]...

I intended accompanying him, and did go as far as Nanima, when I was bailed by Mr. Aarons, who was then the Squire of Nanima, to show me about sixty head of cattle he had for sale. I became the purchaser and this stopped me from proceeding further with good old Con Driscoll. However, in a few weeks after this I visited the field, when the population was estimated at something like 40,000.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 1 Oct 1923 Page 3

In 1868 Cornelius Driscoll had the licence for the Warburton Hotel at Two Mile Flat near Guntawang. It was one of only 5 hotels in the vicinity of today's town and preceded the 1870 find that started the gold rush.

In 1871 Driscoll relocated the Warburton Hotel to Queen Street Gulgong. It appears to have been run in partnership with James Redmond, because in 1873 it was referred to as "Messrs. Driscoll and Redmond's Hotel".
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 4 Oct 1873 Page 7

Driscoll's Warburton Hotel, 1872 Advert

Source: The Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser No 7, Thursday September 28, 1871 from Colleen Proctor

Source: The Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser No 7, Thursday September 28, 1871 from Colleen Proctor

NEWS ITEMS

1871 - [ADVERTISEMENT]

Driscoll’s Hotel - QUEEN STREET, GULGONG - D. DRISCOLL - Begs to announce that having now completed extensive alterations in the above Hotel, it will be found replete with every convenience for the comfort of Visitors, and hopes by strict attention to business, to merit a continuance of past favours.

The TABLE comprises all obtainable delicacies of the Season, and the Stock of Wines & Spirits is of the best brands procurable.

The extensive STABLING attached to the Hotel is under the management of an Experienced Groom.

The BILLIARD ROOM in which is the Best Table on The Gold Field is in the charge of a careful and civil marker.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 1, 18 February 1871

1872 - FRIGHTFUL MORTALITY.

The sickness now prevailing in this locality is something frightful to contemplate, and appears to be on the increase. On Sunday there were five funerals, and several on Monday, and in the evening we were told by a medical man that three others had succumbed during the day. It is an exhaustive fever, but lacks several of the characteristics of typhoid. It is what is generally called colonial fever. Amongst others buried on Sunday was Mr. C. F. Wirkers, of Pyrmont, Sydney - a gentleman who has resided here about five months, and was the proprietor of quite a number of town allotments and mining shares. He died at Driscoll's Warburton Hotel, at 2 o'clock on Saturday morning.

Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 27 Jan 1872 Page 3

1872 - [MEETING]

A preliminary meeting was held at Driscolls Warburton Hotel, on Saturday night, to consider the most appropriate way of celebrating the great festival of St. Patrick. The attendance was good, and, after a little discussion, it was decided to hold another meeting on Thursday night.

Source: The Irish Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1871 - 1872) Sat 10 Feb 1872 Page 8

1872 - [INTRUDER]

John Frazer, alias Lewis, alias Hatfield, alias Frenchy, charged with being illegally on the premises of Cornelius Driscoll, has been arrested by Detective Hannan. Sentenced to six months imprisonment in Mudgee Gaol.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 14 Feb 1872 [Issue No.7] Page 46

In 1873 Cornelius Driscoll was one of the directors of the Leased Claims Company, Red Hill.

Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Tue 1 Jul 1873 Page 3

1875 - HOSPITAL ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the subscribers of this institution took place at Driscoll's-Warburton Hotel on Monday evening, T. A. Browne, Etq., warden in the chair. The report of the committee of management and the treasurer's report for the last year was read. The report of the committee was adopted, but through the unavoidable absence of the treasurer, L. S. Donaldson, Esq., the treasurer's financial statement was postponed until a future meeting of the subscribers. The meeting then proceeded with the election of officers and committee for the present year, and a ballot being taken, the following gentlemen were duly elected:- 

• President, T. A Browne, Esq., warden; 
• Vice-President, R. Rouse, Esq., J.P., Guntawang; 
• Treasurer, A. M. Homer, Esq.; 
• Secretary, Dr. W. Ramsay; 

Committee, A. McCulloch, John Scully, Mark Smith, Robert Collin, Edward Thomas, J. Andrews, Michael M. O'Neill, Charles Cassel, Robert W. Heard, John Macdonald and Samuel Green.

There were two applicants for medical officers, Drs. Bennett and McMullen, the former gentleman being elected. A. vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, Mr. Browne, and the meeting was then brought to a conclusion.

Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 30 Jan 1875 Page 4

1875 - EXECUTOR

In the will of James Redmond, late of Gulgong, Cornelius Driscoll was one of the executors and the Reverend John Donovan, the other.

Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Tue 9 Feb 1875 [Issue No.31] Page 411

1875 - DANIEL O'CONNELL CENTENARY.

A large meeting, to make arrangements to celebrate O'Connell's Centenary, was held at Driscoll's Warburton Hotel on Thursday morning last. Mr. William Murphy, of the firm of Booth and Co., occupying the chair. That gentleman, in a short and appropriate speech, opened the proceedings by stating that he yielded to no one in his admiration of O'Connell. The services of that illustrious Irishman were not simply confined to Irishmen and Catholics, but all humanity. He advocated the emancipation of the Jews as well as Catholics, and he was an ardent supporter of the great and distinguished Wilberforce in his advocacy of the abolition of slavery. They could therefore, confidently appeal to all creeds and classes to support the present movement. O'Connell was contemporary to another eminent Irishman, Wellington, and notwithstanding the vast military services of that celebrated General he had no doubt posterity would award the palm to O'Connell as the greatest patriot and benefactor.

It was then proposed by Mr. C. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Cotton, 'That they celebrate the Centenary by a procession and picnic to the race-course, and by a ball in the evening.' A committee was then appointed to arrange all matters in connection with the celebration, and to act in conjunction with the Home Rule committee. Another motion was unanimously passed, 'That the surplus funds be devoted to the local hospital.' Another very large meeting was held on Monday evening at the same place, and a working and ball committee was appointed. It was decided that Mr. Gormley, of Tallewang, be invited to deliver an oration on O'Connell at the racecourse immediately after the arrival of the procession on the ground. This affair is likely to be a great success, and an immense concourse of people to expected on the occasion. All the friendly societies are invited to co-operate, and also the children of the various schools.

Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 17 Jul 1875 Page 3

1876 - [NEW MAGISTATES]

Last Thursday’s Gazette contained a long list of newly appointed magistrates and we are glad to find that at last Gulgong can boast of a real live JP which is not a civil servant. The two fortunate recipients of this much-coveted honour—why we know not—are Mr Plunkett and Mr Cornelius Driscoll. The former gentleman is everybody knows not new to the office, having done good service as a magistrate in the early days of this goldfield when the ‘Mining Appeal’ was a local institution in great request. Mr Plunkett’s experience of the duties of the office, coupled with his undoubted ability will make his return to the Bench a public benefit in many ways. Mr Driscoll’s elevation from the ‘Bar’ to the Bench will no doubt prove beneficial to suitors as the scarcity of magistrates to transact the business of the Court of Petty Sessions regularly and methodically has been for years a want which is now happily provided for. We were in hopes that at least half-a-dozen magistrates would have been appointed to Gulgong. We hope now to hear of the Court being opened at 11am prompt.

Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS - Saturday October 7, 1876

1877 - NOTICE.

We the undersigned, have this day entered into partnership as general storekeepers and produce dealers in Gulgong, under the style and firm of Young and Driscoll.— Dated this 1st day of August, 1877.

C. R. YOUNG.

C. DRISCOLL.

Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 10 Aug 1877 [Issue No.259] Page 3108

1878 - GULGONG. Thursday.
Mr. Cornelius Driscoll, J P., one of the oldest and most highly respected of our townsmen, is dead.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 1 Feb 1878 Page 5

1878 - DEATH - DRISCOLL

On the 31st ult., at the residence of his brother (Mr. Jas. Driscoll, of Sydney), CORNELIUS DRISCOLL, Esq., J.P., of Gulgong, aged 43 years, brother of Mr. D. DRISCOLL, of this city. Requiescat in pace.

Source: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) Wed 6 Feb 1878 Page 2

1878 - [DEATH - DRISCOLL]

There was general regret in town on Thursday morning last, when the sad intelligence was circulated that Mr. Cornelius Driscoll, of Gulgong, and well known in Mudgee, had died that morning in Sydney. Few men have ever commanded more general respect than did the deceased, and it is needless to remark that his demise has been deplored by all who knew him.

Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 9 Feb 1878 Page 38

1878 - [WILL]

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. In the will of Cornelius Driscoll, late of Gulgong, in the Colony of New South Wales, storekeeper, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given; that at the expiration of fourteen days from the publication of this notice in the Government Gazette, application will be made to this Honorable Court, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that probate of the last will and testament of the said Cornelius Driscoll, deceased, may be granted to Mary Driscoll, his widow, James Francis Plunkett, and Robert Brown, the executrix and executors named in and by such will.—Dated this 9th day of February, 1878.

Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Tue 12 Feb 1878 [Issue No.49] Page 649