Showing posts with label places. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

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: 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.
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Monday, November 29, 2021

CULLENGORAL

Cullengoral is a rural property on the Cudgegong River near Beryl, first owned by Mr Arthur Moore Rouse and later by the Foster family. There is also a house of the same name at 156 Mayne Street Gulgong.

Quiet scene on Cullengoral Station, 1907
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Wed 12 Jun 1907 Page 1513

NEWS ITEMS

1896 - [ACCIDENT]
A groom named Edward Hawkins, employed by Mr Arthur Rouse, of Cullengoral station, about six miles from Gulgong, was thrown from his horse on Tuesday and killed instantly. The deceased was 17 years of age.
Source:  Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954) Sat 21 Mar 1896 Page 5

1896 - [WALLABY DRIVE]
A wallaby drive was held yesterday's Arthur Rouse's Cullengoral Estate, seven miles from here. There were a large number of visitors from Mudgee and Gulgong. Although it was a cold and showery day 140 wallabies were shot. A great number escaped.

1901 - MOTION FOR A MANDAMUS.
Re A. M. Rouse (W. B. Sharp and another respondents). Mr G. Harris, instructed by Mr. George Davidson, of Mudgee (by Mr. A. C. Gill), appeared for Arthur Moore Rouse, games, of Cullengoral, and moved for a rule turn calling upon Thomas Henry Wilkinson, P.M., and warden of Gulgong, and William Bethel Sharp to show cause why a writ of mandamus should not issue commanding the magistrate to hear and determine a certain application, No 3, made at Gulgong, by Sharp. It appeared that Sharp applied for a lease under the Mineral Dredging Act, 1899, of certain land, belonging to Rouse, known he G.L. 4, Cudgegong River, and the Minister directed an inquiry under the Act to be made by the warden. When the matter came before the warden, Itouso tendered evidence to show the boundaries of his land and the rent and compensation to which he was entitled He also contended that he was entitled to claim up to the centre of the stream and asked the warden to assess the rent and compensation on that assumption He was requested to be certain what sum by way of rent for the land to be included in the lease applied for should be paid by the lessee to the owner, Arthur Moore Rouse, in respect of so much of such land as was not Crown lands, and as to what sum by way of compensation for the damage which would be caused by the acts done in or incidental to the carrying on of mining operations intended, should be paid by the lessee to the owner of such lands included in the lease is were not Crown lands The warden declined to enter into the matter on the basis that Rouse was the owner of the land up to the centre of the stream, as it was Crown land, and he had no jurisdiction to decide a dispute as to ownership between the Crown and private individuals He therefore decided to recommend the lease, subject to certain conditions, and applicant now moved for a rule nisi for a mandamus to compel the warden to make the inquiry on the assumption that Rouse was the owner of the land to the centre of the stream, as the river was neither a navigable not a tidal one Rule granted, returnable before a Judge in Chambers.

1902 - [DEATH ADDER]
A man named Watson was cutting out a small stump on Mr. Arthur Rouse's Cullengoral station last week, when a death adder was struck by a working tool. The adder made a tremendous spring in the air, and was immediately killed. Mr. Rouse, who afterwards saw the reptile, states that it was the largest he has ever seen, measuring 2ft 6in in length.

1903 - A Veteran Cricketer.
South Australia has its Giffen, Victoria its Bruce, New South Wales its Bannerman, but we have our own veteran here in the person of the squire of Cullengoral, who donned the flannels in the Cullengoral-Gulgong match here on Saturday. Over a quarter of a century ago Mr. Arthur M. Rouse was regarded as a tip-top bat and excellent field, and even on Saturday he showed that he knew a lot about the game. The veteran is not as young as he used to be, but his re-appearance in the arena may make a few of our old hands don the pads, and give an example to some of the young 'uns who are too slow to play anything.

1903 - SYDNEY WOOL TRADE
Our Mudgee offer ings included the well-known Cullengoral clip, a splendidly bred wool from Beryl, belonging to Mr. Arthur M. Rouse.

1904 - The Spring Ridge Races
The racing throughout was interesting, and everyone was pleased to see that sterling sportsman, Mr. Arthur M. Rouse, of Cullengoral, capture the double with the Analyst mare Misfortune, who accounted for both her races in comparatively easy fashion.

1904 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted - YOUNG WOMAN as Cook and laundress. Small family. Apply Mrs. ARTHUR ROUSE, Cullengoral, Gulgong.

1904 - Gulgong Police Court. Charge of Horsestealing. The Accused Committed.
(From our Correspondent.)
Mr. O. A. Edwards, P.M., presided at the Gulgong Police Court on Monday, when Thomas Creig was charged with stealing five draught horses, valued at £160, on or about 3rd March, tho property of Frederick Ivers, of Forbes. Sub-inspector D'Arcy prosecuted for the police, and accused was undefended.
Constable Milling, of Gulgong, deposed: On 11th inst. I went to Cullengoral Station, and saw five horses in the plough; a man named Copelin was working them; had a conversation with Copelin, and took charge of the animals; the horses outside the court are the horses in question; at 11 or 12 o'clock that night, I went to the accused's camp at Beryl, in company with Constable Scott, of Leadville; the accused was asleep in his tent, and we woke him, and told him to come out side; he asked 'who are you, the police?' and I said 'yes;' he came outside and I asked him his name and he said Creig — Thomas Creig;' upon questioning him he said he came from Dubbo on horseback, and that he had a packhorse with him; he also brought five draught horses with him; he said the horses were all bays: accused said he bred all the horses in different parts of the Dubbo district; he said he did not have a registered brand; did not know how any of the horses were branded; accused said he did not sell them but had rented them to a man named Copelin at Tallewang; he said he had come along the main road through Wellington, and had never been on the other side of Wellington (opposite Dubbo); he said he never travelled on the opposite side of the Wellington-Dubbo railway; he did not know Bodangora or Spicer's Creek, but was never over at Forbes; Constable Scott then asked him had he bred all the horses, and he replied 'No,' that he had only bred three of them, and that he had not just previously said he bred them all; Constable Scott said, 'Who did you rent these horses to,' and accused said, 'To a young fellow at Cullengoral,' and denied having previously said he had rented them to a Tallewang resident named Copelin; I then arrested him on suspicion of having stolen live draught horses, which I described to him, the property of F. Ivers of Forbes; I cautioned accused in the usual manner; accused said the horses
he rented to Copelin did not bear the brands I had described to him; I brought him to Gulgong and locked him up; about 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning I went to Cullengoral and took over the five horses from Mr. Hawkins, and brought them to the Gulgong police station; accused had a look at them, and said they were the animals he had rented to Copelin; he said he had bred the three colts, and had bought the two mares about six months ago from a carrier in the Dubbo district named Jack Masters; he said he did not get any receipts, but there were witnesses present; I then charged him with stealing the five draught horses now outside the court, the property of Frederick Ivers, of Forbes, on or about March 3rd; he made no reply; Mr. Copelin was present when I took charge of the horses at Cullengoral.
Frederick Ivers deposed: I am a carrier and reside at Forbes; on the 2nd of March last I had the five horses now outside the court in my possession; I used to work them regularly; I missed them on the morning of the 3rd March; I had worked them the day before, and since then until the 10th instant have been searching for them, travelling about from town to town; I value the animals at £100; I never sold or disposed of them, or authorised anyone to touch them; I  saw accused but once previous, it was on the 2nd March, and he was camped on the road near Forbes; the animals had been taken off the Forbes common; the horses outside the court are my horses.
Thomas Copelin deposed: I am a farmer and reside at Tallewang; I know accused as Thomas McGregor; I saw accused at his camp at Beryl, and he agreed to rent me the five horses for thirty shillings, if I taught him how to plough, and I accepted his terms; the horses were left in my paddock until I started to plough with them a fortnight afterwards; I started to plough on Thursday week and continued to plough until Constable Milling took charge of the horses; the accused, was with me whilst I was ploughing at Cullengoral; the horses outside the court are the animals accused rented to me.
Walter Hawkins and Arthur Rouse gave evidence as to the circumstances under which Constable Milling seized the horses. The witness Hawkins also corroborated Constable Milling's evidence as to what accused said when he was shown the horses outside the court.
The accused pleaded not guilty. On the application of the owner of the horses, accused was committed to Forbes Sessions, bail being allowed— self in £80 and two sureties in a like amount. Bail was not forthcoming, and on Wednesday night Constable Kennedy, of Gulgong, passed through Mudgee with the prisoner, en route for Forbes.

1904 - [SOLD]
Trebeck, Son, and Co. report June 21.— Stations: ... We have sold for A. M. Rouse, Esq., his Cullengoral property, Gulgong, consisting of 11,772 acres, 6400 sheep, cattle, horses, etc., at a satisfactory price for cash.

1904 - [PROPERTY SOLD]
Mr. Arthur Rouse's many friends in the district will be sorry to hear that he will be shortly leaving the district for the Camden side, having sold his very fine Cullengoral estate on the Cudgegong river.

1904 - [NEW OWNER]
The gentleman, who purchased Mr. Arthur Rouse's Cullengoral station, is from the Walcha district, and is a relative of Mr. A. Hooke, of Turee.

1905 - A Nasty Accident.
Last evening Mr. George Gunnell was driving a mob of horses from Cullengoral into Mudgee, when he sustained a serious fall. It was an hour or so after sundown when Mr. Gunnell was the other side of Norris' Junction Hotel, and the horses left the road. Mr. Gunnell followed them and his horse stumbled into a digger's hole, throwing the rider heavily. With considerable difficulty Mr. Gunnell made his way to the Junction, and was subsequently brought into town, when Dr. Nickoll found he had sustained a fractured collar bone and severe injury to the elbow.

1905 - BIRTHS.
DENNE.— December 26, at Cullengoral.Gulgong, the wife of D. R. Denne, of a son.

1905 - 600 Ewes.
STEWART & SMITH have received instructions from D. R. Denne, Esq., of Cullengoral, to sell by auction at the Corporation Yards on THURS DAY, 16th March, at 11 o'clock, 600 Ewes, full mouth, station bred, rams now joined with them, pure Rouse bred.

1905 - [ILLNESS]
Mr. Denne, the proprietor of Cullengoral Station, is, we regret to record, in Sydney, under medical treatment.

1905 - [IMPROVED]
We are pleased to learn that Mr. D. R. Denne, of Cullengoral, is much improved in health. Mr. W. Hawkins had the entire management of the estate during Mr. Denne's illness.
Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Jun 1905 Page 15

1905 - [FRAME FLETCHER]
At the Warden's Court, Gulgong last week, Mr. Frame Fletcher was granted an authority to enter Mr. Denne's property at Cullengoral under the provisions of the Mining under Private Lands Act. The rent was fixed at the rate of 5s per acre per annum for an area of five acres.

1905 - Accidents. 
An accident occurred to Bert Hawkins a few days ago at Cullengoral. He was out riding when, without warning, the horse commenced bucking, and bolted. The saddle girth broke causing Hawkins to be thrown violentIy against a tree. A companion, who witnessed the mishap, arriving on the scene found him unconscious. He was conveyed to the homestead, and then taken to the Gulgong hospital. Dr. McCreadie found Hawkins had sustained concussion of the brain. Careful treat ment has brought him well on the road to a complete recovery.

1906 - [SHARE FARMING]
Mr. Denne, the proprietor of Cullengoral Station, near Gulgong, has set apart a portion of his land for cultivation on the share system.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 26 Feb 1906 Page 2

1906 - [SHEARING]
Upwards of 40,000 sheep will be shorn at Guntawang this season, including the Guntawang, Upper Bomley, Cullengoral and Biraganbil jumbucks. Eighteen shearers will be accommodated with machines at the shearing, which commences on 1st October.

1906 - [DEATH]
DENNE.— On September 29, at Cullengoral, Gulgong, David Richard, eldest son of the late Richard Henry Denne, of Tia, Walcha.

29.09.06
DAVID RICHARD DENNE, grazier of Cullengoral, aged 52 years, died from "ACU NEPHRITIS ARTERIC SELEROSIS" of 2 years' duration. Informant was A W Colla of Cullengoral, no relation. (NSW BDM 12672/1906). Buried at Waverley Cemetery (C of E) on 2 October 1906.
Born in Walcha, to RICHARD HENRY DENNE, a grazier, and CATHERINE STUBBS.
Length in Colony: 52 years
Married at age 46 to FRANCIS LEONARD HOOKE.
Children: CATHERINE B (4), DAVID R (1), NONE DECD
Source: CPS and Surrounding Area Deaths to 1910

1906 - Death of Mr. D. R. Denne.
On Saturday afternoon last the death occurred at Cullengoral station, Reedy Creek, near Gulgong, of Mr. D. R. Denne, a well-known New South Wales pastoralist. The deceased gentleman, who has been in
failing health for the past 18 months, held large station property on the Castlereagh, between Coonamble and Walgett, and in the New England district. About three years ago he purchased Cullengoral from Mr. A. M. Rouse, and by reason of his ill health has resided in retirement there ever since. The remains were conveyed to Sydney on Monday night, and laid to rest in the family vault at Waverley on Tuesday. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn their loss.

1907 - [AUCTION]
IN THE ESTATE OF THE LATE D. R. DENNE - AUCTION SALE of the well-known CULLENGORAL ESTATE. SITUATED 7 miles from Gulgong, and 20 miles from Mudgee Railway Station. TREBECK, SON, and CO., Sydney (in conjunction with CROSSING and COX, Mudgee), have received instructions from the Executors in the above Estate to sell by auction, at the ROYAL EXCHANGE SYDNEY, on WEDNESDAY, 27th FEBRUARY, 1907, at noon, the above Property, consisting of 3212 acres of Freehold and 8585 acres of Annual Lease.
CULLENGORAL adjoins those well-known properties — 'Birigambil' and 'Guntawang,' so long held by the Rouse family.
IMPROVEMENTS. — Good House of 12 rooms, with all modern additions, woolshed, shearers' huts, stables, sheep dip, etc.; all sheep-proof fencing, divided into 23 paddocks. The freehold land has all been ring barked, and the most part is cleared and well adapted for cultivation. 120 acres have been let on the halves system, and 200 acres further can be cultivated; and besides this there are good box and apple tree flats and Kurrajong on the hills.
WATER. — The property has extensive double frontage to the Cudgegong River.
STOCK.— The property is very lightly stocked, with 8300 sheep, and 800 lambs, 12 horses, 6 cows.
We have every confidence in recommending buyers toInspect this Property, as it is of a CLASS THAT COMBINES AGRICULTURE and GRAZING, which is so very much sought after at the present time. It is for Sale to close a deceased Estate, and inspection is cordially invited. Any further particulars can be obtained from the Auctioneers, TREBECK, SON, and CO., Sydney; or CROSSING and COX, Mudgee

1907 - [NEW OWNERS]
The Merriwa Farmers and Settlers' Association, which is presided over by Mr. T. E. O'Brien, has only been in existence about three years, and during that period it shows a very creditable record. It has been mainly instrumental in getting over 7000 acres of land thrown open for settlement which had previously been locked up under unnecessary reserves, and brought under the notice of the Government three estates, which they considered suitable for Closer Settlement, viz, Brindley Park, Collaroy and Cullengoral. The latter estate has been purchased within the last month for subdivision by a syndicate from Geelong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 Jun 1907 Page 12
 
1907 - [IMPROVEMENTS]
A Merriwa correspondent writes to say that the new owners of Cullengoral estate are commencing extensive improvements, having just accepted tenders for over 7000 acres burning off.

1907 - A Library Establishment.
Mainly owing to the efforts of Mr E. W. Colls, of Cullengoral, a library of 100 books has been established at the Beryl Public School. Mr. Colls naturally has the sincere thanks of the teacher, Mr. P. H. Brophy, and the parents of the pupils attending the school.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Nov 1907 Page 13

1908 - Mudgee Quarter Sessions
The Mudgee Quarter Sessions began on, Tuesday last, before Acting Judge Scholes. Mr Dawson acted as Crown Prosecutor.
MALICIOUSLY KILLING SHEEP.
Michael Henry Cunningham was charged with, at Cullengoral on 12th Nov., maliciously killing a sheep the property of Henry P. B. Bradley. Accused was defended by Mr. C. D. Meares.
The following jury was empanelled: A. C. Gaskin, Wm. Sawyers, W. J. McDiarmid, Edmund Pyne, A. E. Gentle, H. Hawkins, J. G. Wurth, C. H. Tomkins, Jessie Page, jun., Henry Mack, E. drivers and W. Bryant.
Arthur William Colls, manager Cullengoral Station, deposed: I remember 12th November last; a man named Smith was in my employ; gave him certain instructions; saw him at 1 p.m. the same day; then went to Gulgong and asked Constable Ferris to come to the homestead with me; we went two miles to the dip yards; there we saw Smith, and he showed us a sheep that was shot through the head; the sheep was alive then, and it was taken to the homestead and locked in a room; I took the key; at 6 a.m. the next morning the sheep was dead; the head was taken off and boiled; the skull is produced bearing bullet marks; the skin is also produced showing registered ear mark and tar brand; accused had no permission from me to kill the sheep; he lives about two miles away with his father; there are five or six children also; I have never known them to work in any way.
John Pearce Smith, boundary rider at Cullengoral, deposed: I remember 12th November; I went mustering, and while so engaged I saw the accused; he came out of his fathers paddock; he carried a gun and had two dogs with him; I heard the report of the gun and saw the sheep fall; I had seen the accused come through the fence and I watched him go up the creek; I saw him for about 20 minutes going up the creek, but I did not see him just as the sheep was shot, for he [was then] behind a tree; I did not see the [accus]ed after the shot was fired; I did ?? hear accused giving evidence at [Gulgong] police court; the accused had a ?? e the day before the sheep was ??e was shooting wallabies.
Smith examined by Mr Meares: He was walking on one side of the creek and I was riding on the other, and as far as I know he did not see me; it is reasonable to suppose that the horse would make more noise than the man; it does appear slow travelling to only go 300 or 400 yards in 25 minutes; I never saw him after the shot was fired, although I only had ride to 80 or 90 yards on horseback; there is no reward for giving information re killing sheep.
Constable Scott, of Gulgong, deposed: I know accused Cunningham; charged him with killing one sheep, the property of Cullengoral station, on 12th Nov.; he said, 'I was not there, I was up at Goodiman bees-nesting'; he said he got no honey and nobody was with him; he said he could not take me to where he got the bees' nest; I did not hear accused give evidence at the police court.
Cross-examined by Mr Meares: Senior Constable Ferris was in charge of the case; I knew nothing of the evidence given at the court. Mr Meares asked his Honor if he thought there was sufficient evidence ??ad the case to the jury.
His Honor: I do, Mr Meares. ??he defence.
??Michael Henry Cunningham, a ??labourer, residing at Goodiman Creek deposed: I have lived in this part of the district about four months; I have never been charged with any offence before; it is not true that I shot a sheep on the 12th Nov.; I was not in the paddock at all; I do very little shooting; I knew nothing of the charge till served with summons on the Thursday morning; I told Scott I was away bees nesting; I went for a bee's nest on the morning of the 12th; we left about 9 o'clock, got the honey and brought it home; I had no solicitor appearing for me at the Gulgong police court, though there was a solicitor against me.
By Crown Prosecutor: I am living in a tent; there are ten of us; Mick Lett went harvesting ; I have been
rabbiting while there; I earned 15s to 20s a week ; we got our meat from Gulgong; I was not shooting at all on the 12th November, but Michael Lett had a rifle with him in the afternoon; Lett fired eight shots at a tree near his house about 11 a.m.; the constable did not ask me to come and show him the tree.
Michael Daniel Lett, a general laborer, and brother-in-law of the accused, residing at Goodiman, deposed: On the 14th November accused showed me a summons charging him with maliciously killing a sheep on the 12th November; he was with me from 7 a.m. till late in the afternoon of 12th; in the forenoon we went bees nesting; we robbed a nest and got back to the house about 11a.m.; I then was fixing a sight on the rifle; after dinner we went wallaby shooting, and he accompanied me to do the skinning; it would not be possible for him to be in the paddock where the sheep was shot at the time it was shot.
By the Crown Prosecutor: We all assist to keep the family; I go digging when I have no work ; I have heard that sheep have been shot on Cullengoral estate; accused has a pea rifle.
By Mr Meares: Accused was present while I was firing eight shots to sight my rifle.
John P. Smith, re-called, stated: The sheep was shot about 9 a.m.
After Mr Meares had addressed the jury, his Honor summoned up.
The jury after a retirement of three hours found the accused guilty, and he was sentenced to 18 months, imprisonment in Goulburn gaol.

1908 - [RABBIT-PROOF FENCE]
[Correspondence with Pastures Protection Board] From S. E. Rouse, of Guntawang, applying for a certificate for four miles of rabbit proof fencing between Guntawang and Cullengoral estates, so as to enable him to make application for half the cost of erection.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Feb 1908 Page 11

1908 - STATION HOMESTEAD BURNT. FURNITURE AND EFFECTS DESTROYED.
GULGONG, Tuesday. At half-past 9 last night, Mrs. Dennes' Cullengoral station homestead, a weatherboard house of 11 rooms, furniture, and valuable piano were burnt. Nothing was saved but bed clothes. Only Mrs. Dennes, her two children, and a boy were in the house at the time. The property was insured for £1500. 
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 14 Oct 1908 Page 10

1908 - HOMESTEAD BURNED DOWN.
GULGONG, Wednesday.— A disastrous fire occurred at Cullengoral Station, six miles from Gulgong, on Monday night. The fire originated in the kitchen of the homestead. Mrs. D. R. Denne and her children were in bed, and hearing a noise at half-past 9 o'clock, she got up, and found the kitchen in flames. She rushed in, and got her little children out of bed, awoke a boy who slept near the stable, and sent him for J. Smith, a station hand, living a quarter of a mile away. On his arrival, Smith rushed in and saved the beds and Mrs. Denne's clothing; but had no time to save anything else, glassware, valuable silverware, piano, and other heirlooms being lost in the blaze. The manager, Mr. A. W. Colls, was away in Mudgee at the time. The place was insured tor £1500. Cullengoral was once owned by Mr. A. M. Rouse, who sold it to the present owner. The place was of pine and weatherboard, and the flames had no difficulty in getting a hold. The fire originated in the kitchen, and must have been caused by a flaring lamp or coals from the fire. The conflagration could be plainly seen from Gulgong.

1909 - CLOSER SETTLEMENT.
CULLENGORAL ESTATE. Messrs. Trebeck, Son and Co., Sydney, in conjunction with Messrs. Crossing and Cox, Mud gee will offer the well-known Cullengoral Estate, at Mudgee on January 12. If the property is not sold as a whole, it, will he submitted in lots to suit purchasers. Full particulars may be obtained from the agents.
Source:  The Sydney Stock and Station Journal (NSW : 1896 - 1924) Fri 8 Jan 1909 Page 8

1909 - CULLENGORAL ESTATE.
Messrs. Trebeck, Son and Co., and Messrs. Crossing andr Cox, state that they offered this property by auction, in Mudgee, on Tuesday last, as recently advertised in the 'Stock and Station Journal.'
The district looked very bad, parts of it being reported worse than the 1902 drought. There was a fair attendance of buyers, who showed very little inclination to do business at the auction sale, and the bidding did not come up to the reserve.
After the auction sale, Lot 1, of 458 acrcs, was disposed of privately to Mr. H. R. Denison, of Guntawong, and the agents are in treaty now for the balance of the estate.
Source: The Sydney Stock and Station Journal (NSW : 1896 - 1924) Tue 12 Jan 1909 Page 12

1910 - [REMAINDER SOLD]
Cullengoral Estate, near Gulgong, comprising 2710 acres of freehold land, together with the annual leased land, has been sold by Messrs. Trebeck, Son, and Co., acting with Messrs. Crossing and Cox, to Mr. J. Foster, of Upper Pyramul.
Source:  The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 9 Feb 1910 Page 6

1912 - [MINING]
Our Gulgong correspondent states that applications for six dredging leases have been lodged for gold-dredging on the Cudgegong River and adjacent streams, near Cullengoral, about six miles from Gulgong.

1913 - [WATER DIVINING]
Mr. Harding, manager of Cullengoral station, is said by men of experience to be one of the best men in Australia, in the use of the divining rod. The results he achieves are almost miraculous. He can tell not only the spot, but the depth at which, the water will be found. He has been very successful in locating water in the Merriwa and Cassilis districts.

1915 - An Old Miner's End. - Dead Over a Month in a Shaft - Magisterial Inquiry Held.
An old man, named John Irwin, was found dead at the bottom of a shaft at Cullengoral on April 7th by Constable Jackson. The old man had been engaged in mining in a small way for many years. Although living at Two Mile Flat for a considerable time, he was not intimately known by any of the residents, as he practically lived a hermits life. Deceased had been missing for some time, and this caused the Police to make a search. From the state of the body it would appear that the old man had been dead for four or five weeks.
Mr. Arnott, P.M., held a magisterial inquiry at the Gulgong Court House on Saturday morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of the old miner.
Constable Jackson, residing at Gulgong, deposed: On the 7th instant I went to Cudgebegong in search of John Irwin, who was reported missing. I went to the hut and knocked, but got no reply. I went inside but Irwin was not there, and from appearances did not seem to have been there for sometime.
I inquired where Irwin was working and went to Mr. Foster's place "Cullengoral" about three miles from the deceased's residence. On top of a shaft which had been worked I saw a hat and food utensils. They seemed to have been there some time. I looked down the shaft but it was too dark to see anything. I came, back to Gulgong and reported to the sergeant. I went back to the shaft, accompanied by Mr. Dando, undertaker. James Crouch and Thomas Hughes. Dando went down the shaft with a candle and I could then see the form of a man lying on the bottom of the shaft. Deceased was lying on his back with his left hand across his chest. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Dando brought up the body to the top. The body was in a decomposed state and I could not see if there had been foul play or not. I did not know the deceased, therefore, I was unable to identify the remains. Deceased had no clothes except a singlet. I brought the body to the hospital morgue.
George Dando, undertaker, residing at Gulgong, deposed: I went to "Cullengoral" on the 7th instant with Constable Jackson. Went where there is an old mine on a hill and went down a shaft, which had been recently worked, and found the body of a man. The body was half in the drive and half out, and was lying on the back, with the left hand on the chest, and the right hand at the bottom of the abdomen. The body was on a bag, and everything looked as if the man went there to die. There were no clothes on the body except a singlet. The boots were in the drive. I did not see any other clothing. With the assistance of Mr. Hughes I bought the body to the top. The body was in a very decomposed state. I did not know the deceased. It appeared to me that the man went there to die. I saw, nothing to indicate any struggle or foul play. The shaft had a windlass and rope on it, and had been recently worked.
James Crouch, miner, residing at Beryl deposed to going to "Cullengoral" with Constable Jackson, and to the mine on the side of the hill. He knew that a man named John Irwin had been working there for some years. He was present when the body was brought to the surface, and he identified the body to the best of his opinion as that of John Irwin. Deceased was about 70 years of age. Witness often saw the deceased, who, from appearance, did not look more than 60. Deceased lived at, Two Mile Flat, and was a very quite man, living the life of a hermit. Witness did not know if deceased had any property, and as far as he knew, deceased was a very sober man.
Henry Joseph Harris, duly qualilified medical practitioner, and Government medical officer, residing at Gulgong, deposed: On; the 18th. instant at the request of the Coroner I visited: the morgue at the Gulgong Hospital, and there saw the body of a man apparently between 50 and 60 years of age, in a very much decomposed state. I could find no marks, of violence on the body, and, in my opinion he had been dead four or five weeks. I can give no opinion as to the cause of death. The body was badly affected by flies. The flesh of the face had disappeared, exposing the bones. Sergeant, Bleechmore said, from inquiries made by Constable Jackson, he learned that the deceased was at Yamble on the 27th March, and about a week afterwards was seen going towards the mine.
The P.M. said: It is hard for me to say how death was caused. I find that John Irwin was found dead at 'Cullengoral' on April 7th, but by how, when, where or why he came by his death, the evidence adduced does not enable me to say.

1934 - [DEATH OF ARTHUR MOORE ROUSE]
Arthur Moore Rouse, son of George Rouse and Elizabeth Moore, died 22 Jun 1934, aged 78. He is buried at Richmond Anglican Cemetery.
Source: Austcemindex

1945 - P. and C. Association
The sub-committee, appointed at the last meeting to inquire into the possibility of holding swimming classes near Gulgong for the local children, reported that permission was available from the Cullengoral Dredging Co. to use the weir, and that Mr. Chick had stated that he may be able to make one of his trucks available to convey the children, to the swimming pool as desired, but he wouldn't be able to do it for less than £1/10/- (this was considered reasonable by those present).
Mr. Playford reported having made enquiries from Mr. Tomlinson regarding cost of dressing sheds and lavatory accommodation, and he thought that, with the possible help of the shire council, this matter might be carried out.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Dec 1945 Page 16

Cullengoral Station and the weir site
Source: John Stephenson

Former Cullengoral Dredging Works
Source: John Stephenson

Willow Vale Cottage
Source: John Stephenson

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Thursday, November 18, 2021

AGRICULTURE

1907 - Over Old Leads. BY COTSWOLD.
II. GULGONG TO THE TALBRAGAR.
Up to the opening of the railway from Coonamble to Dubbo, practically all the traffic from the Castlereagh came to Mudgee, and still a very large portion of the Merrygoen and Mundooran traffic comes that way, though the latter is but 20 miles from Gilgandra, and is 73 from Mudgee. The advantages are a good road and very great saving in railway freights.

Local opinion seems to be that the Mudgee and Gulgong people were negligent of their best interests when the Dubbo to Coonamble railway was put through. With the construction of the Mudgee-Dunedoo railway, however, much of the intervening country will be well served. This line does not follow the main road, but runs some distance to the north-east, and advisedly so, as the good agricultural country is better tapped thereby. Gulgong itself lies to the north-east of the main Castlereagh to Mudgee road.

If the road from Mudgee to Gulgong lies through patchy country, that from Gulgong to Cobborah is still more so. Running west to join the main road some very fair agricultural land is met with, mostly held in small farms, many acquired from the Rouse family during comparatively recent years. Here the cultivation is, on the whole, pretty good, and on some farms intelligent, methodical working is strongly in evidence. Amongst the farms near the town are those of Messrs. Sloman, Smith, Cooney, W. Watt, Jackson, and Graham. These farms do not, however, by any means comprise all the good agricultural land.

Reedy, or Wyaldra, Creek may be crossed just after joining the main road, or by an earlier turning to the right, which eventually leads on to Tallewang, Dunedoo, Denison Town, Leadville, Coolah, etc. The creek, which has a very deep and wide channel, flows strongly only after heavy rains, but the amount of gravel in the bed indicates an undercurrent. After crossing, the quality of the land on the right hand perceptibly deteriorates, and what can be seen from the road is mostly suitable for grazing purposes. Mrs. Docwra and Mr. Stahl are holders of land hereabouts.

Farther on, at Tallewang, there are, however, a number of farmers who go in for cultivation with success. In most seasons, though the present one is far from being favorable.

THRIFTY FARMERS.
On the left hand, sloping up from Wyaldra Creek, however, is some very fair farming land indeed, mostly acquired from the Rouse family, and held by such persevering farmers as the brothers Campbell, Mr. Croome, etc. One Mr. Campbell has been a considerable experimenter with different varieties of wheat, no fewer than seven having been tried on sufficient scale to practically demonstrate their suitability to the district and current methods of cultivation. The popular Purple Straw has been found to do well upon the whole, while White Lammas has yielded but 12 bushels to the acre alongside of Steinwedel with 27 bushels under identical treatment and in exactly similar soil. The latter has generally been found to be ahead of Purple Straw by about five bushels, and as much as 50 bushels per acre have been obtained from a small area (12 acres). Other varieties tried have been Trilby, John Brown, Plover, and Schneider, the two latter having yielded very good results.

Mr. Croome has 560 acres, which was purchased when in a ringbarked state some six years ago. One hundred acres are under crop, principally for hay, as chaff is a profitable product. A little maize is grown, principally for home consumption. Mr. Croome's land runs right down to the creek, at the crossing of the main road, where is a small settlement and the Beryl school. Near by are one or two market gardens, prettily situated at the foot of rugged hills.

THE COBBORAH-ROAD.
On the Cobborah-road, when Reedy Creek is passed, most of the good country is left behind so far as the immediate roadside is concerned. The exceptions are at Goodiman, where Mr. O'Connell has a large holding and some cultivation; at Haley's, where new land is being brought into cultivation, and ring barking is going on; and at Faulkner's (Lackey Creek). Spring Ridge, the property of Mr. Niven, is a large holding, a very great area of which has been cleared at what must have been a very heavy cost. It lies between Goodiman and Lackey Creek. The country consists chiefly of steep ridges, with little depth of soil, but affording useful grazing ground for sheep and cattle. The picturesque and substantial roadside hotel here illustrated is located on this property. Though the country passed through is at places very steep and hilly, the road has been very well surveyed, and neither rises nor falls to any very considerable extent.

After passing Faulkner's, the country is heavily timbered, but no agricultural land is met with until one nears the Talbragar, a few miles from  Cobborah. But at a little distance on either side is sterling good agricultural land, that on the west being on Sandy Creek, which runs into the Talbragar a few miles below Cobborah, while that on the right is undulating, with a few small stony ridges. It is here, about 12 miles from Cobborah, that the Stringybark alluvial goldfield is situated, and the adjoining country is known as Tucklan.

GOOD COUNTRY.
In this bit of back country is some of the most pleasing agricultural land that it has been the lot of the writer to see. The average elevation is some 1500ft, and the rainfall about 27in, which, notwithstanding recent seasons, is generally fairly regular. The few ridges, and some timber which has been left, must assist in protecting the country from the westerly winds. Wherever one turns the useful kurrajong is to be found, and though the shapely heads of the trees evidence the recourse which has been had to them of late for fodder, this does not in any way take from the productiveness of the country in general.

Isolated from the railway, and with rough travelling tracks until the main roads are reached, productive farms are met with one after another, some of which have been occupied for many years. This country will be well served by the Mudgee Dunedoo railway when completed.

One of the older farmers, in this district is Mr. R. Ballard, of Park View, a resident of some 20 years. When he first started operations his whole capital amounted to an exceedingly small sum, but it does not appear that he has any reason to repent of his energy and perseverance. He holds upwards of 1400 acres of conditional purchase and conditional lease land, runs 1300 sheep, and crops from 100 to 200 acres each year. As showing the productivity of the land, he considers 20 bushels to the acre a rather poor crop, and has obtained an average for the year of 39 bushels, although, through delay in getting the strippers to work, a considerable loss was sustained through shedding. As illustrating his sound methods of farming, the present dry season has found him well prepared, and between hay and the carefully-preserved kurrajongs, it must be a lengthy drought indeed which will result in losses of his stock.
Source; Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Wed 6 Nov 1907 Page 34
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Tuesday, November 16, 2021

RED HILL

Red Hill is the location famously associated with a significant gold find (commonly attributed to Tom Saunders') that kick-started the goldrush of the 1870s and led to the foundation of Gulgong town. The enormous amount of gold found in the subsequent decades and the richness of the landscape for agricultural pursuits, once the gold ran out, are the reasons that Red Hill is still surrounded by a thriving township today.

The Red Hill
Source: 1887 Parish Map

Red Hill, aerial photo 1964
Source: NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal

Whim and shaft on the Red Hill Mining Companys Property, 1897
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 13 Feb 1897 Page 26


NEWS ITEMS

1870 - [EARLY RUSH]
From a gentleman who visited this spot on Friday last we have ascertained that the locality of the new rush is a place called Redhill, near Gulgong. The accounts of the number of people on the spot were greatly exaggerated in the reports prevalent in Mudgee during the early part of last week. The actual number does net exceed 200; and is probably, between 150 and 200. A very great drawback to successful working is the scarcity of water; the place not being considered likely during the late rains, when a dam could easily have been constructed. The prospectors are on what is known technically as a 'quartz blow,' and have obtained eighty ounces of gold, amongst it some fine nuggets. A large, number of claims are pegged out, the major part of them being shepherded, the difficulties experienced from want of water and other things preventing the ground from, being properly tested. There seems to be great probability that the whole district is one extensive gold-field; favourable opinions of that character have been pronounced by experienced persons.

1870 - [DEITZ AND PARTY]
At the end of last month Deitz and party discovered some surfacing at a place known as the Red Hill, about two miles from the Gulgong Reef. A rush took place, and there are now some 250 miners on the ground, a great number of them on payable gold. Some of the claims are very rich, amongst which we may mention Fox and party, whose average washing is about 40 oz. a week; Downey and party, Ryan's party, Guinan's party, and several others. The latter have a quantity of small pieces of stone stacked, each piece being more or less impregnated with the precious metal. Arrangements have been made with Mr. Chappell to crush on an early date. This party are supposed to have the reef through their claim, which promises to be surpassingly rich.

1915 - THE RED HILL
The magazine at the Red Hill, Gulgong, has been completed. The poppet timber has arrived, and a start to erect it over the main shaft has been made. This work is expected to be completed within the next week. Four extra men have been put on in order to get the shaft ready for the cage for hauling. They are also engaged in getting the shaft in order generally. The new boiler and wench are expected on the mine shortly.

1915 - The Famous Redhill Gold, Gulgong.
As a Company is now being formed to work the famous Red Hill at Gulgong, the following important report on the mine will be read with interest : —

Situation. — The property is situated on a small hill, in the town of Gulgong, N.S.W., 209 miles by rail from Sydney.

Formation. — The formation is a contact deposit which can be traced for over a mile on the surface. Strike is north and south, with two distinct walls. Diorite on the west. Silurian slate on the east. These two walls are over 300 feet apart for a length of 450 feet on the surface. The ore in this large channel is composed of veins of quartz from 2 inches to 12 feet thick, flat and running irregularly through the deposit, iron and arsenical pyrites, argillaceous rock, and a variety of rock and ore, which has been considerably changed owing to hydrothermal action, the whole now consisting of one large deposit of gold-bearing ore. There in a large quantity of free milling ore present, but the greater bulk of the values are in the form of sulphides. Two of the richest alluvial gold leads worked in N.S.W., known as the Black Lead and Adams Lead, has been worked right up on to the crown of the hill, or to the centre of the deposit. Several tons of alluvial gold had been won from the two leads, in a few years, in the early days. (16 tons of gold has been taken from these leads). It is generally considered, beyond doubt, that the source of the gold was the Red Hill. In my opinion it is correct. No doubt, great gold values are still contained in the deposit, ready for the first energetic mining company to exploit it.

Development Work Carried Out on the Property. — A number of costeans have been cut in different parts of the hill, each exposing gold-bearing ore. Several open cuts have been made in the hill showing large quantities of gold-bearing ore. The deepest open cut is 60 feet deep, 80 feet long, by 20 feet wide, all in gold ore — the bottom, two sides and two ends.

There Are Seven (7) Shafts on the property, ranging to a depth of 225 feet.
  • The Main Shaft is 120 feet deep (size, 7 feet x 3 feet 6 inches). From the 80-ft. level, a drive has been extended 52 feet, all in gold-bearing ore. It is connected by a rise to the open cut. Ore could now be won from this part of the mine at a very small cost per ton.
  • No. 2 Shaft (east of Main Shaft) is 60 feet deep. This shaft has been sunk all in gold ore. One stope is opened up at the 60-ft level, all good payable ore. This shaft is about 80 feet north of the open cut.
  • No. 3 Shaft. Depth, 70 feet. Distance north-east from No. 2 Shaft is 80 feet. A cross-cut has been extended west from this point for 30 feet, all in payable gold ore. Some 7½ dwt. specks have been obtained from this cross-cut. This shaft and cross-cut is all in good ore.
  • No. 4 Shaft. Some very rich quartz was obtained from this shaft; depth, 34 feet.
  • No. 5 Shaft. Depth, 70 feet. This shaft has been sunk on the eastern boundary or wall of the deposit. A calcite vein was cut in this skaft 18 inches wide, in places intermixed with quartz, the whole being gold-bearing.
  • No. 6 Shaft. Depth, 50 feet. All in gold ore.
  • No. 7 Shaft. Depth, 225 feet; size, 7 feet x 4 feet to the 80-ft. level; from 80-ft, level to bottom, 10 feet x 4 feet. This shaft has water up to the 80-ft. level, so I could not examine the workings which are said to be all in gold ore. The position of shaft is 250 feet north of No. 1 Shaft, which could be connected with a drive and eventually made to Main Shaft. Rich gold ore is said to have been obtained from each level driven from this shaft, right to the bottom, which is said to be in solid quartz with good gold values. The shaft was sunk with a whim, the water became too strong for further progress.
Ore In Sight. — There is over 280,000 tons of ore developed on the mine, at the present time, by estimating one-third of the full extent of the deposit to a depth of 100 feet. This ore reserve could be extensively enlarged by a small amount of development work on the mine. Numerous assays have been made and proves the ore to contain considerably more than 5 dwts. of gold per ton. By estimating the value of the ore in sight on a 5-dwt. basis, there is £280,000 worth of gold ore in sight. The mineral in the ore has been proved to contain good gold values.

Value of The Whole Property. — The probable tonnage of ore to be opened up in the mine is enormous. Rich gold chutes have been met with in the mine and are almost certain to be met with again as development progresses. There is no doubt the mine should prove a highly payable one from the commencement of crushing. Beyond that, at the present stage, it would be very hard to estimate the value of this big proposition.

Treatment. — The ore is very suitable for battery treatment, with heavy stamps, it should yield 3 dwts. gold per ton by amalgamation. The sulphides would be removed from the ore after amalgamation by concentration. The ore will then be classified into sands and slimes, the gold being extracted by the cyanide process. A battery consisting of 20 head of stamps to crush 500 tons of ore per week at 3 dwts. extraction is 75 ozs. gold per week, or 300 ozs. gold per month, valued at £4 per oz., equals £1,200, which will leave a good margin of profit after paying all working costs. You would then have the value in concentrates, sands and slimes to the good. The costs of mining and landing ore into battery bins is 2/6 per ton; crushing and concentrating 6/- per ton of ore. By increasing the size of your plant, you would increuse the output and profits in proportion.

Timber. — There is a good supply of the very best for mining purposes available.

Water. — A good permanent supply of water for all mining purposes can be obtained about 1½ miles from the mine.

In conclusion, gentlemen, I advise you to purchase this property also to erect a Twenty head Battery, Concentrating and Cyanide Plant. There is abundance of ore to start crushing on now, if the plant was ready.E. P. JOHNSON, Mining Engineer and Metallurgist, Graduate School of Mines, Ballarat.
Source: The Newsletter: an Australian Paper for Australian People (Sydney, NSW : 1900 - 1919) Sat 31 Jul 1915 Page 6



Photo of buildings on Red Hill in 1929
Source: George Johnson Photos from Gulgong Pioneers Museum

Caption: George Johnson Photos: Gold workings on Red Hill 1929. Big hole in the foreground, the cottage and buildings behind it. 
Note: Sid Johnson and his sister Venie Hancock visited Gulgong in 1929 and took these photos on Red Hill, stating that their father was in Gulgong where he was a prospector and writer.


Gold workings on Red Hill, 1929, looking south. Round Mountain in the background.
Source: George Johnson Photos from Gulgong Pioneers Museum

Red Hill School, opening of the tennis court on the southern side of the school

Red Hill School, opening of the tennis court on the southern side of the school

Red Hill Aerial Photo, 1964
Source: Spatial Collaboration Portal


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