Sunday, May 16, 2021

TUCKLAN

Tucklan is a rural district between Gulgong and Dunedoo. In the beginning, the area was named after the prolific Stringybarks in the area that were a favoured building material on the goldfields. As the goldfields grew and other settlers arrived, people decided a more appropriate name was necessary. Tucklan was said to be chosen because of the abundance of “Acacia Tucklan” or Tucklan Wattle. These trees grow to a height of fifteen feet and up to three inches through the butt. It is not a good flowering type, and it is difficult to clear, but as Tucklan is the only area of NSW known to have an abundance of this species. [There is no evidence today of a species of wattle with this name].
Source:  “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins. Shared by Darryl Pickett

For a brief period in the 1890s Tucklan was a thriving town of 3,000 people. This was due to small finds of gold in the 1890s which sparked a rush of people to the area. Tucklan was serviced by two inns, a blacksmith, a butcher and a bakery. The goldfields were abandoned around 1902 and the town declined. The Lands Department offered former miners 40-acre blocks and encouraged them to stay in the district and build houses on the land. It is unknown how many former miners took up this offer.

Sketch depicting Tucklan between 1879-1900s by D Robinson (rotated)
Source: “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins.
Shared by Darryl Pickett

Tucklan District Road System
Source: “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins.
Shared by Darryl Pickett

1871 - [TUCKLAN GOLD]

There has been considerable inquiry during the past few days for the Tucklan Scrub, consequent on the report that payable gold has been found there. A shaft is now down 70 feet, and those who have visited the locality say that it is a very likely one for gold. It is about 20 miles from Gulgong, and some months ago there was a rush to the Scrub, but without any permanent result. A couple of parties are, we understand, now out prospecting the country to the west of Tallewang, At the Three Mile rush, work is the order of the day. In a block claim three nuggets have been found, weighing 24oz 3dwt, being, with one exception, the largest ever found on the gold-field. The population on this rush, is not decreasing, and quite a township is springing up. On the whole, the prospects of the gold-field are promising, and though nothing new and startling is chronicled, work is being steadily proceeded with on all the more promising leads. Our population is increasing, a large number being New Zealanders, the majority of whom condemn the existing system of gold-fields management as slovenly, illiberal, and unjust.

1872 - [MINERS]
The Denison Town correspondent of the Western Post says:- Several parties of miners are again
trying their luck in the search of gold in the Tucklan Scrub. A party has also been sinking for the past two months near to Denison Town. They have bottomed one shaft at the depth of over 100 feet, but without success.1873 - Manslaughter at Cobbora.
The Mudgee Times reports the proceedings of an inquest which was held by T. A. Browne, Esq., Coroner, at a hut on the Tucklan Creek, on Thursday last, the 16th instant, on the body of a little boy aged six years, when a verdict of manslaughter was brought against one Patrick O'Brien, with whom the boy lived and assisted him in shepherding. The evidence adduced caused suspicion of the crime to attach to O'Brien. He stopped at this hut with the lad, whose brother stopped with his mother (a half-caste) at the Range shepherding, but all were employed by Mr. Seymour Denman.
On Monday, O'Brien went to the lad's mother, telling her the boy was burnt, stopped there that night, went back on the following morning, not calling on his master as he passed by; but the mother did, and Mr. Denman proceeded immediately to ascertain the facts when he immediately gave information to the police, which resulted on the inquiry. O'Brien states the deceased fell into the fire while trying to reach some sugar which hung near the fire, and that he must have run to where the body was seen; but on viewing the body and from medical testimony, it was clear that life had been extinct before the burning, as one arm is missing from above the elbow, and was reddish about the flesh where broken and torn. It not being probable that the deceased could have run half a mile from the hut where he was shown by O'Brien after being burnt. Suspicion strongly attaches to him as having first killed, the deceased and then burned the body so much to conceal marks of violence. He was accordingly committed to take his trial for manslaughter at the Criminal Court now sitting at Mudgee.

1890s______________________________

Tucklan-Tallawang Mail Coach
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan


Michael Holmes at the back door of Turner's Inn at Tucklan, 1920s
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

This is the back of Turner's Inn. The front of the building only had two doors, facing the General Store and Post Office. The door on the right-hand side is where the business took place and the other door opened into a large room with a slab floor and a small fireplace. This is where old-time bush dancing took place with the music played on violins, jews harps and concertinas. Some gambling took place as well. In the front garden, flowers markets a child's grave.
Source: Rita Jones as told by Deborah Robinson 1994


Gold diggers at Tucklan, 1890s
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Gold diggers at Tucklan, 1890s
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Walter Jenkins, Bus Driver 
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Tucklan gold diggers, John Smith and Ozy Armstrong
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Sleeper cutters at Tucklan, Depression years
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Old Post Office and General Store (burnt down between 1925-6)
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

1930s, Alban Jones' Post Office and General Store
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

"Mud Hut", Tucklan
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Roy Hansell on a horse-drawn sled in front of the house at the corner of Lincoln and Tucklan Road
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Roy Hansell driving a horse-drawn plough
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan


1940s - Norman Jones' tractor and plough with Rita and Hilda Pickeram
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

The former School Residence from Tallawang, relocated to Tucklan as the Post Office and Exchange and later a private residence
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan


Tucklan school students
Source: Rita Jones of Tucklan

Tucklan School, 1931
Source: “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins. Shared by Darryl Pickett

Back row: Fred Gurd (teacher), Laurie Jones, Reg Elliott, Bill Lincoln, Joan Jones, Jean Craft, Ken Rothe, Jim Watts, Herb Elliott, Tom Brennan, Jack Jones.
Middle Row: Jack Brennan, Eric Craft, Thelma Huckle, Jean Bassett, Amy Lincoln, Eileen Elliott, Doris Baggett, Josie Jones, Doris Lincoln.
Front Row: Arnold Brennan, Horace Hansell, Laurie Williams, John Curd, Mavis Skinner, Cecil Craft, Stan Rothe.


Site of Tucklan Public School
Source: Sixmaps

PROPERTIES OF THE TUCKLAN VALLEY

CRANBOURNE

In 1881, James Atkinson purchased 493 acres from the crown. On this land, he built a homestead with ironbark timber and a bull-nosed iron roof – part of which still stands today. When this homestead was built, no other house existed along the Cobbora-Mudgee road via Stringy Bark [Tucklan] until you came to Guntawang. In 1888 Atkinson sold the property - now known as “Cranbourne” to E.J. Lowe who used this block as a base to establish a large grazing area amalgamated with his Birriwa holdings.

Visible remains show that Lowe or Atkinson tried to bank the Tucklan Creek and establish a permanent water supply. All attempts appear to have been unsuccessful. The remains of substantial sheep yard suggest that “Cranbourne” was the centre of early grazing activities. It was either used as a base shearing shed, shepherds' yards, or both. In 1902 “Cranbourne” was purchased by Joseph Inder from E.J. Lowe for the price shown on the cheque butt of £1,001.00.0. One thousand pounds for the land and one pound for the exchange. A. E. Inder assumed ownership in 1911 and in 1923 constructed a new cement homestead.

Cranbourne was owned by the Inder family for several generations, including Mr. Joe Inder, great-grandson of J. Inder.

WATTLE VALE

In 1909 James Madigan took up a block adjoining “Woolandra” which he named “Wattle Vale”. Prior to this he had worked at the sawmill at Hughies Waterhole and was an expert timber cutter. He was also an expert cook as he had owned a boarding house in Mudgee before coming to Tucklan. After settling at “Wattle Pond” in 1910, he was in demand as a shearer’s cook. During the gold rush at Stringy Bark [Tucklan], fossickers had found gold in surrounding hills and gullies and a small goldfield was found at Patrick’s Creek and at the time of the Madigan family’s arrival there were still one hundred or so men fossicking for gold. Those who didn’t persevere with the gold turned to cutting ironbark for sleepers for the Gulgong-Craboon section of railway line and also for the sawmill at Hughie’s Waterhole.

During this time Mrs Madigan and her young family milked all available farm cows to provide milk for the people on Patrick’s Creek goldfields for which she charged one shilling (1/-) per gallon. The original property site remained in the Madigan family for many years and was owned by Samuel Madigan.

WOOLANDRA

About 1900, Patrick and Mary Costello from Meroo, near Mudgee, selected land on the western side of the Tucklan Valley naming the property Woolandra. About this time, James Niven of Spring Ridge established a sawmill on the property as the nearby hills were thickly timbered with ironbark, much sought after for building, railway sleepers and fence posts. The mill was located at Hughies Waterhole so named after shepherd Hughie, who had his rough bark hut nearby. It was he who discovered gold nearby on Patrick’s Creek. The Costellos held “Woolandra” until 1926 when it was purchased by the Leslie family who sold it to the Morrison family in 1987.

AVONSIDE

Reg Wisby took up land about the same time near Costello and Madigan calling the property “Avonside”. It became the location of one of the early Tucklan Valley schools known as Avonside School.

The “Avonside” property was to pass through a succession of owners and name changes. Subsequent owners were Mr Biddulp, “Bun” Keenan, Mr Cape Niely and McKechnie, and was finally purchased by Mr E.W. Perry in 1934. The property name was changed to “Yurunga” and was later owned by Miss Patricia Perry.

WOODLAND

In 1898 the successful ballot for “Woodland’ was Mr John Daniel Winter, son of a Prussian immigrant who settled in Australia some years before. An unsuccessful contender in the ballot predicted the new owner and his family would starve! He was proved wrong as the place was cleared, fenced, developed and the Winter family prospered. The original slab hut used by J.D. Winter and his family still stands today. It was built using timber from the surrounding hills and the quality of the workmanship demonstrated the skill of the bush builders.

It was replaced by a substantial concrete house, the concrete for it was hand mixed, wheeled in barrows up plankways and poured into the forming at ceiling level.

HILLSIDE

In 1919 Mr George Williams (son of Jeremiah Williams) purchased land from the Bell family of “Yarrabrae”. This block was originally owned by McDouall and then H.A. Patrick. There is visual evidence still to indicate that substantial sheep yards and a shepherd’s hut were erected and used during the ownership of Patrick or McDouall. By 1919 the cereal, wool and cattle industries had been consolidated. George Williams came to “Hillside” after his marriage to Matilda Rothe at the new Union Church at Dapper. This was the first marriage celebrated in that Church. George was perhaps the pioneer breeder of quality merino sheep in the Tucklan area.

Getting information that the well-known station “Dalkeith” intended trucking cast for age stud ewes to Homebush for disposal, George Williams went to Sydney by train and purchased a mob of these merino ewes at the Homebush sale. He trucked them back to his property and joined them to top-quality “Dalkeith” rams.

Breeding from this flock he produced top-class sheep which enabled him to win the local Agricultural bureau merino ewe competition in 1933. This qualified him to enter his team of twenty five ewes in the Farmer and Settle Newspaper's State Ewe Competition in 1934. Against entries from all over NSW, his sheep were to win the A Group, which was for graziers who ran less that 1,000 ewes. 

BOLINDA VALE

In 1897, while shearing for E.J. Lowe, Mr Ernest Swinson was informed that he was the successful contender for the ballot for “Bolinda Vale”. As Swinson was unable to be present at the ballot Mr. H.A. Patrick lodged an appeal against Swinson’s win, claiming that he was ‘dummying’ the block for E.J. Lowe. The appeal was upheld, a re-ballot ordered and Mr Michael Shannon became the new owner. As there was no home on the property, he transported his house from the Mendooran area by horse and dray and re-erected it at “Bolinda Vale”. Much of this house still stands today even though it is almost 100 years old.

After Michael Shannon was tragically killed in a buggy accident in 1907 the family subsequently leased the property to Mr Sandy Ross, a wheat farmer from Wellington. Mr. Harold Winter recalled counting sixteen horse-drawn harvesters working on “Bolinda Vale” and in seasonal times over one hundred draught horses were used. To enable Ross to farm extensively, it is recalled by old timers that over six hundred Kurrajong trees were removed. About 1920, Mrs Shannon and her family returned and remained until the place was sold to Mr. G.T. Watts in 1927.

In the 1930s, “Bolinda Vale” became a well known Clydesdale horse stud using stock imported from England and Scotland. During World War I, race meetings and other fundraising functions were held in the paddock behind the original homestead, the proceeds going to the Tucklan hall fund. “Bolinda Vale” was later owned by Ian Watts.

BELLERIVE

In 1946 “Bolinda Vale” was subdivided and part of the original holding came into the possession of W.A & N.A. Graham. This part of the property was then named “Bellerive” and  kept in the Graham family’s possession.

PARK VIEW

In 1887 Mr Robert Ballard purchased land which he named “Park View”, a fitting name for the magnificent view to the east. After operating the property for 17 years “Park View” was leased to Mr. Don Stewart and then to Mr Milo Bourke. During this time the Ballard family resided in the thriving village of Birriwa where they had built a home in 1914. The family returned to “Park View” in 1926 when they erected a new home on their land. It remained in the Ballard family until it was sold to Mr J.T. Watts in 1967.

YARRABRAE

Part of this property was originally taken up by G.H.C. McDouall and part leased by Harry Patrick of “Digilah”. We assume McDouall was of Scottish descent – hence the property name. McDouall’s land subsequently came under the ownership of Patrick and in 1908 Patrick sold the property to the Bell family, who sold the western portion of “Yarrabrae” to George Williams in 1919. This became known as “Hillside”. “Yarrabrae” has changed hand many times but has been owned by the Large brothers for over 20 years The property has always been know for its rich red soil and the abundance of Kurrajong trees, making it one of the most picturesque properties around Tucklan.

NEWLANDS, AVOCA & KILFERN

“Newlands” was originally owned by Mr George Craft and his wife Margaret who operated the property for many years during which time they raised five children. “Newlands” was passed onto George’s son, Jack, who in turn sold it to Mr Vincent Ballard in 1977. George’s brother, James, had assisted him in clearing and fencing his land and whilst working on the boundary fence, he met the new owner and neighbour Miss Margaret O’Conner. They eventually married and raised their family on “Avoca Vale”. In 1927 a Sports Day and Dance were held on the place to raise money for the Tucklan School. The program illustrates the simplicity of this entertainment.

Together they worked and prospered and in the late 1920s, they added to their original block with the purchase of land from Charles Campton. They renamed the amalgamated properties “Avoca”.

Mr Ernst Craft acquired land in 1954 and established his family on “Kilfern” which was operated by his son Paul until he sold it to Mr Ian Watts in 1989.

THE ROTHE FAMILY

The Rothe family owned 1,000 acres of land seven miles from Tucklan. As the land was only suitable for sleeper cutting and the children needed to be educated, the family moved to the village in 1921. Once in Tucklan, the family purchased 20 acres from Walter Atkins, 100 acres from Jack Rothe, 20 acres from Herb Elliott, 300 acres from Dave Whale. All those blocks were consolidated into one holding.

THE VALLEY

Michael Brennan came from county Kilkenny, Ireland in the 1860s with his parents. He married Joanna Cahill in 1886 and took up a holding he named “Tucklan Valley”, later shortening it to “The Valley”. Their son, William Patrick Brennan worked the property until Michael Athol (Mick) Brennan, eldest son of William Patrick and Mary Brennan, assumed ownership in 1960. Ill health and the terrible bush fire of 1970 forced Mick to hand over to his son John. In 1984 John purchased the adjoining property “Maradale” from Noel Cluff and he and his son, David, went on to operate the two properties together. David was the fifth generation of Brennan’s on “The Valley”

GREEN HILLS

Martin O’Connor came from the gold diggings at Parkes to take up residence on “Green Hills” which he purchased in about 1885. His son, Martin Junior, later took over “Green Hills” and married Frances English in 1914. Their wedding was the first to take place in the newly constructed Catholic Church at Tallawang, which was built from bricks made at the Green Hills kiln. Martin was a sheep and cattle dealer and built and operated the skin store at Dunedoo, situated between the Dunedoo Post Office and the Royal Hotel. “Green Hills” was sold to the Soldier’s Settlement Scheme and split up in 1947 between Alex and Jack Trengrove who came from Gilgandra. 

THE JONES FAMILY

During 1884, the Jones Brothers, Joseph, Henry, William and John settled in the Tucklan area.

Joseph Jones took up land in the Tucklan Valley which he called “Spines Cop”. This name was later changed to “Borderville” because the property was situated on the border of the Mudgee and Dubbo pastures Protection Board.

Tucklan depended largely on surface water. However, Joseph Jones’ land was one of the few places in the area that had good spring water in the gullies. Joseph and his son Vincent took advantage of this in times of drought carting and selling water to the miners for the washing of dirt and household purposes. It is said that they made more money from that enterprise than some gold-seekers made from their claims.

Henry constructed a wattle and daub house in Tucklan and used this dwelling as a general store. His son Alban and his wife took over the store and lived in the house.

Eldest brother, James, remained in Coonamble, but his son, Leo, took an active interest in the Stringy Bark goldfields as he was the NSW gold Geologist.

Willian and John also took up land adjoining Joseph. This land was passed down through generations of the Jones family and was owned by descendants of Joseph Jones – Don and Yvonne Pigram.

THE McEVOY FAMILY

James McEvoy came to the Tucklan area about 1895 to work for the O’Connor family at Green Hills. His family lived near Dublin in Ireland and it is possible that James McEvoy’s parents knew Martin O’Connor Sen., as they too, came from the Emerald Isle.

James worked for Martin O’Connor for some years and married Brigit O’Connor about the turn of the century. After residing in Bathurst for several years they returned to Tucklan about 1903 and took up land on the southern end of the valley.

“Warwick Farm” was subsequently owned by Malcolm Craft and “Spring Vale”, by Donald Lincoln.

FURTHER LAND BALLOTS

As a result of wide interest in land in the Tucklan Valley, further land blocks were surveyed and offered by land ballot in 1902. Four of these blocks were right in the heart of the valley. The ballot was held at Cobbora. One was won by George Craft. A second was drawn by Margaret O’Connor, daughter of Martin O’Connor Sen and Mary O’Connor of “Green Hills”. The block she drew became known as “Kilfern”.

A third block was won by Charles Campton. However, Campton only retained his land for a limited period and then sold it to James Craft, thereby amalgamating two of the properties that had been balloted for. James and Margaret named their amalgamated property “Avoca View”. This was later shortened to “Avoca”

A fourth block was drawn by Jack Atkins. He resided with his parents at Beni near Dubbo and called his land “Diamond Villa” and with his wife he cleared and developed this fertile property, rearing his family in the process. When his youngest son was born the Atkins family changed the name of their property to “Glen Athol” in 1906 the parents of Jack Atkins (John and Hannah Atkins) also came from Beni to take up residence on his newly acquired property.

Glen Athol in the ensuing years passed through the ownership of many different people and was at one time owned by Mr Milne Craft and his family.
Source: “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins. Shared by Darryl Pickett

1905 - SANDS DIRETORY - TUCKLAN.
226 m. W. Rail to Mudgee, thence coach.
Nearest bank, Gulgong.
  • Ah Fong  -  Grocer
  • Barrott P  - Fruiterer
  • Hansell John E - General Store
  • Holmes James - Blacksmith
  • McMullen Daniel - Blacksmith
  • New Charles - Butcher
  • Turner Francis - Grocer

1918 - [GRAZING LEASES]
In 1918, special leases for grazing from 1919 to 1932 were granted in the County of Lincoln, Parish of Yarrow (Tucklan area) to the following:
Harry Talbot - Portion 93 (31 acres)
Walter Ernest Atkins - Portion 94 (31 acres)
Alban Harris Jones - Portion 95 (31 acres)
Michael Henry Jones - Portion 97 (31 acres)
Daniel McMullen - Portion 96 (31 acres)
David Whale - Portion 98 (31 acres, 1 rood)

1924 - [GRAZING LEASES]
In 1924,  a special lease for grazing from 1924 to 1934 was granted in the County of Lincoln, Parish of Yarrow (Tucklan area) to the following:
Walter Ernest Atkins, of Tucklan, via Gulgong - Portions 86, 85 and 43 and road (area about 40 acres).


The first Elliotts in Tucklan were Samuel and Katherine Elliott. They came first to the Coolah area then Samuel was boundary rider in Denison before beginning his gold mining there. 
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Saturday, April 24, 2021

RUSSELL

Man at grave of Gussie Russell, Gulgong Cemetery
Source: Cheryl Moore, from an album of her grandfather, Ernest Raymond Davidson

Charles Augustus Russell, "Gussie", was born in 1898 in Gulgong and died on 15 February 1915. He accidently shot himself while cleaning a rifle. His parents were Charles Augustus Russell and Ellen Curran.

1915 - A Gulgong Fatality.
A wave of profound sadness passed over Gulgong on Tuesday afternoon, when it became known that Master Gus Russell, second son of Mr. Charles Russell, of the Commercial Hotel, had lost his life in consequence of a gun accident (reports the "Advertiser)". It appears that deceased came into the dining room at about twenty five minutes to two and spoke to his mother. He passed into his bedroom and in about five minutes his parents were startled by the report of a gun. Mr. Russell rushed into the room and found his son lying across a tin trunk with the top of his head blown off. With the help of Mr. Hawden, who happened to be present at the time, he lifted the unconscious lad on to the bed and summoned medical aid. Dr. Lees was quickly on the scene but found that nothing could be done, and death took place in about half an hour.
Sergeant Bleechmore also arrived and found a screw and the hammer of the gun lying on the floor. It can only be surmised that deceased had picked up the gun to examine it, when by some means he caused it to explode with such direful results. He had never handled the gun before.
The deceased lad was a marked favorite with all. During his school career (only ended at Xmas) he was a universal favorite. He excelled not only at his lessons but sport as well. At the last distribution of prizes his name was called out frequently for high marks of distinction in his studies, while upon different occasions the vote of his playmates has been that he was the most popular boy in the school. Just recently he had been admitted to the office of Mr. F. S. Stacy, as a clerk, and was already
proving himself an apt pupil.
Source: Leader (Orange, NSW : 1899 - 1945) Fri 19 Feb 1915 Page 4

1915 - SKETCH BY THE LATE GUS. RUSSELL

 

The above drawing was made by Charles Augustus Russell, who met his death at Gulgong from the effects of a gunshot wound accidentally caused, some weeks ago. Deceased was a little over 16 years of age, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Russell, of the Commercial Hotel, Gulgong. The drawing was found in one of the boy's pockets, and for one of his age is of exceptional merit. Day in and day out we read of losses sustained by parents in the deaths of their children. A mother's love, or a father's tender feeling for a child is more emphasised when the grim death has visited the household. When Charles Augustus Russell met with his untimely death some weeks back, the whole community mourned. Young "Gus" was loved by all, not by a few. Members of the community appreciated the lad's company, for his discourse was at all time enjoyable. How many youngsters of this day are so esteemed by the community? "Gus" Russell stood out, and he was bound to attract notice. At the time of his death he was 16 years and 3 months old. As a pupil at the Gulgong Public School he was very highly thought of, both by his teachers and his school companions. In his studies he displayed marked ability. Eagerness to learn was his chief characteristic when at school, and his teachers were not slow to observe that he was their smartest pupil. He was at the head of the school, leading over 200 pupils. This alone was practical evidence of the boy's ability. He was thoroughly scrupulous, and always showed marked deference to those older than himself. He won many school prizes, and gained a gold medal for the best behaved boy in the schools of the Gulgong district. There were 16 schools represented in the contest. The townspeople presented a medal, and ''Gus" Russell won it. Mr. F. S. Stacy gave a guinea for the most unselfish boy and "Gus" Russell won it.

Mr. A. E. Brigden presented 10/ to the boy who brought the most credit to the school, and again "Gus" Russell won. Mr. R. Thame presented the silver watch and chain, and "Gus" Russell was the boy to wear it. This shows how popular the boy was. The prize presented by Mr. Stacy was awarded by ballot. Alter nine years at school he left at the last Christmas vacation to enter Mr. Stacy's office, with a view to eventually studying for the Bar. His employed was very proud of him, and from the start he gave promise of a very successful career. "Gus" was very fond of music, and only a few weeks before his tragic end he joined the Gulgong Brass Band and attended his first practice a few nights before his death. Mr. and Mrs. C. Russell were in receipt of letters and telegrams from all parts of the Commonwealth, condoling with them in their sad and irreparable loss. Three hundred and fourteen acknowledgments were posted at Gulgong to sympathisers. We take extracts from two letters. The first is from an influential Mudgee body: —

"The lad was personally known to many of our members as a bright, intelligent, and genial son, with every promise of nothing but a long, successful, and useful career in front of him."

Mr. A. P. Lambert, for many years principal at the Gulgong School, but now of Otford, wrote —

"I would that words of mine could in any way soften the awful blow to you and your good wife. The loss of your bright and clever boy just at the dawn of his career is so inexpressably sad that not one but those who experienced like affliction can fully and truly realise your profound grief".

1915 - Coronial Inquiry. Verdict of Accidental Death.
An inquest was held at the Gulgong Court House on Tuesday into the death of Charles Augustus Russell.

Sergeant Bleechmore, in his evidence, stated that when he went to deceased's bedroom off the public dining room, he saw deceased lying on the bed. The top of his head was covered in bandages, which were saturated with blood. There was also blood on the pillow of the bed, and the wall showed spots of blood. The gun produced is the one which was in the room. It had no hammer on it, and he also found an empty cartridge recently discharged.

On the floor of the room he found the hammer of a gun, which fitted the gun produced. He also found a screw on the floor, which did not fit the gun, as it was too small.

Charles Augustus Russell proprietor of the Commercial Hotel and father of deceased, said that he saw his son going to his room from the back at 1.35 p.m. He called out to him, "Come and have a chat, Gus., before you go back to the office." The boy could not have heard him, as he made no reply. After about seven minutes he heard a report which he thought was from a gun. He rushed into the boy's room, and found him lying head down across a tin trunk. The gun was lying across the doorway. Witness had never seen the gun before.

Frederick William Russell, brother of the deceased said that the gun was a borrowed one. It was borrowed about two months ago, and had been in the room ever since. It was in pieces. There was no screw in it. He did not know anything about the screw produced. The gun was in good order when he borrowed it. The gun was on the bottom shelf of the wardrobe. There were several cartridges in the room. The deceased was in his usual state of health when he saw him about a quarter to eight in the morning. Deceased had never used the shot gun before, but had frequently shot with a pea-rifle.
Archibald White, certificated conveyancer in the employ of Fitzroy Stacy, solicitor, Gulgong, said that deceased was in the same office, and his manner was always pleasant and cheerful.

Dr. J. J. Lees gave evidence to the effect that at 2 o'clock on Monday he was called to the Commercial Hotel. He there saw deceased on the bed in an unconscious condition. He was alive, but there was about two-thirds or thereabouts of his skull from the forehead to the back torn away. He rendered what aid he could to the boy, who expired in about half an hour from the time he arrived on the scene. From the position of the gun he would say that the shooting was accidental.

The P.M. gave a verdict that deceased met his death from being shot by accident, self inflicted, on the day of Monday, 15th instant.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral of the late Charles Augustus Russell moved from his parents' residence on Tuesday afternoon. Members of the Brass Band, of which deceased was a member, marched, as did Messrs. Thame, Lynch, Naughton, Woodcock, Saunders and Woolly, hotelkeepers of Gulgong, and about 200 boys and girls from the Gulgong Public School, under Mr Lewis (Headmaster). Mr. Hansell and Miss Thompson also marched. All the girls wore black sashes. Nearly every business place in Gulgong was draped out of sympathy for deceased's people. The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs C. A. Russell (parents), Fred. (brother), Myra (Sydney), Cora, Freida and Nellie (sisters). The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery, Rev. H. Woodger reading the last sad rites. Mr. G, Dando had charge of the funeral arrangements. Floral tributes were received from many friends.

Source: Australian Cemeteries Index


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Monday, April 19, 2021

MAITLAND BAR

Maitland Bar was a gold-digging area on the Meroo River, outside Mudgee and just north of the gold rush town, Hargraves.

I've included brief mention here to make sense of Gulgong district articles that refer to Maitland in a way that is utterly confusing if you are picturing the Maitland city in the Lower Hunter Valley!


Here are some beautifully written articles about digging for gold at Maitland Bar in the 1850s.

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YAMBLE

Yamble cannot be found on many maps despite the homestead of the same name still standing today. See map at end of article.

Pioneer Sarah Lowe came to Mudgee in 1832 and selected a range of land, including Yamble. Her brother-in-law, Reginald Lowe, is said to have designed the Gothic style, dual-gabled, red-brick home.

Yamble homestead today (note satellite dish!)
Source: The Property Shop, Mudgee

Also part of Yamble homestead
Source: The Property Shop, Mudgee
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Some of the earliest news reports from the area (at least those available today) are unhappy tales. But the overall picture is of an area rich in mining and farming.

1869 - [FLOOD]
At Yamble, in the Mudgee district, lately, 500 sheep were swept away by a sudden flood.
Source: The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954) Sat 1 May 1869 Page 3

1878 - [DROWNING]
The body of the late James Glasson, traveller for Mr Southward, of the Mudgee brewery, was discovered a little below the Yamble Crossing, where the unfortunate man was drowned, and brought into town at the end of the past week. The funeral took place on Friday, and was hugely attended. The body was discovered on a log by Mr Charles Lowe, jun., and an inquest was held on the spot, a verdict of "accidental death" being returned.

1879 - SHEARING. 
At nearly every shed in the Mudgee district, the shearing operations for the year are completed. At Havilah, Rawdon, Dabee, Guntawang, Menah, aud Pallabucca, they are either finished or elso drawing to a close, and at Yamble and Biragambil, the bulk of the flocks are shorn.

1894 - [APHIDS]
Mr. R. Hassall, of Yamble, near Mudgee, has been experimenting, and has found that by planting onions around his peach trees they become entirely free from aphis. Trees that in previous years were almost ruined were entirely freed by this simple method from the pest this year.
Source: The Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1931) Sat 2 Jun 1894 Page 7

1895 - [GOLD]
A gold rush has taken place to Mr. C. M. Lowe's paddock at Yamble, about 15 miles from Gulgong, in consequence of Smith's party having washed eight loads for 10oz. gold.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 14 Sep 1895 Page 8

1895 - [ATTEMPTED SUICIDE]
A miner named George Brown, who attempted to commit suicide yesterday by cutting his throat while working down a shaft at Yamble diggings, escaped from the Gulgong Hospital this morning, and ran down the street naked, pursued by the police. Ultimately he was captured.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Wed 13 Nov 1895 Page 5

1895 - [ANOTHER VERSION]
George Brown, formerly mailman on the Wellington-road, now a miner, was brought to the Maitland Hospital on Monday from the Yamble rush with a cut in his throat. The patient is in a critical
condition.

1895 - [TRADE]
Messrs. Will. Thompson and George Rush are still pushing along a good trade at Yamble, where a large number of miners are still at work.
At the Yamble rush three new claims have struck gold at a depth of 15ft., and are supposed to be on an extension of the lead from Smith and party's ground. The yield is said to be about 1½ dwts. to the dish, which is very good, and we hope soon to be able to chronicle some good results from this locality.

1896 - [SHOOTING]
Mrs Lowe, wife of Mr L G Lowe, of Yamble, experienced a very narrow escape at a wallaby drive. Mr C M Lowe fired at a wallaby, and the bullet struck a rock and rebounded 30 yards and became embedded in Mrs Lowe's forehead beneath the skin. It was extracted by Dr M'Creadie.

1896 - MINING NEWS.
NEWS to hand last night (says the Gulgong ADVERTISER of November 27) states that another rush has taken place in Mr. Lowe's Yamble estate. The scene of the find is situate about a half mile below (south) of the old workings. The prospectors have struck an entirely new run of wash, in about 40ft sinking. The dirt prospects as high as 1dwt to the dish, the yield of gold bearing regular. A large number of men are already on the ground.
The Times Bakery and Produce Store, Herbert and Bayly streets, was established by the present proprietor, Mr. William Thompson, in the very early days of Gulgong. It is the principal business of its kind in the district, and, in addition to bread and produce, embraces general grocery, fine vans and carts delivering orders in the surrounding district as far as Yamble, Home Rule, Canadian, Stringybark, etc.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 13 Feb 1897 Page 28

1899 [NEW HOTEL]
Host Woods has every prospect of a real good trade at his new and twell-appointed hotel at Yamble.

1899 - Yamble Cricket.
There will be a meeting of Yamble and Two Mile cricketers at Woods' hotel on Saturday evening. A good roll up is requested.


1899 - [YAMBLE PUBLIC SCHOOL]
Mr. E. S. Tomkins, of the Yamble Public school, has received a well-deserved promotion, and is to
take charge of a school in the Singleton district. The Yamble people are losing a good citizen.
Our Two Mile correspondent writes and says that great regret was expressed out Yamble way when it became known that the highly popular school teacher, Mr. E. S. Tomkins had received notice of removal.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 17 Feb 1899 Page 16

1899 - Yamble Land.
We hear that Mr. R. Rouse intends to cut up some land adjoining Woods' hotel at Yamble, and that
Mr. J. H. McEwen is surveying the same. The land will be offered for sale shortly.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Tue 28 Feb 1899 Page 2

1899 - [SCHOOL PLANS]
Two Mile Flat parents are seeking to have a school worked half-time with Yamble school.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 10 Mar 1899 Page 9

1899 - [SCHOOL PLANS]
Two Mile Flat people want a school on the village reserve. Since Mr. Tomkins has gone, Yamble
school has been closed.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 28 Apr 1899 Page 14

1899 - [LAND SALE]
McEwen and Cox will hold a sale of 22 agricultural farms, and 12 business sites, at Yamble Hotel, on Wednesday. 31st May. The land has recently been sub-divided, and is Mr. R. Rouse's, of Guntawang.

1899 - Our Member's Outing.
Mr. Richards, M.P., returned to town on Sunday morning, after a three days run through the western localities of the electorate. At Ben Buckley on Thursday night he had a big roll up at the Messrs. Parkinson's (Mr. J. Abernethy in the chair). At Yamble on Friday the Two Mile Flat and adjacent localities bunched for a live roll up at Mr. T. Woods' hotel. Mr. W. Lovett was in the chair, and at the close a vote of thanks was moved by Mr. C. M. Lowe. 


1899 - [STILL NO TEACHER]
We would like to see Mr. Richards, M.L.A., stir up the department to appoint a new teacher to
the Yamble public school. It is months since Mr. Tomkins was transferred.


1899 - Goolma and Yamble. Development of Agriculture. A Butter Factory Wanted. Activity in Copper Mining. A Budget of News
The pastoral and agricultural outlook here is excellent since the rain. Stock is in splendid condition, and there will be a heavy clip of first class quality. The area under wheat has been considerably increased this year, Mr. C. Lowe had 100 acres in last season, and this year has cleared a lot more ground. Mr. Charles Martin is putting in a good area on his property down the river, and Messrs. J. and W. Parkinson, who have some splendid land on Ben Buckly, are also going in largely for cultivation. There can be no doubt that this is a great farming district. The seasons are wonderfully equal, Messrs. George and Charles Rush, who have been farming here for years, state that even in the worst periods of drought, they have never known a really absolute failure in the crops, such as is heard of from other less favored districts.
Talking about farming it is really extraordinary that there is no butter factory here. The country is peculiarly suitable for dairy farming as along the creeks and rivers there is a never failing water supply and splendid cultivation land. The factory has done much for every district where it has been initiated, and it ought to be easy to start one here with an assured supply from 200 to 300 cows. It would mean a certain cash market for a totally new product, and would ultimately lead to a great development...
Very general expressions of satisfaction are heard at the decision of the Department of Education to build a new school between Mrs. Williams', at Two Mile Flat, and Yamble. Mr. Geo. Rush was most assiduous in his efforts to this end, and deserves public thanks for the energy he displayed in getting signatures to the petition, armed with which Mr. Richards, M.L.A., was able to prove to the Minister, how just were the claims of this part for more extended educational facilities...
Mr. Woods is doing a nice trade the Yamble hotel, and his store and butchers' shop is very handy. Bye the bye beef is only 2½ d per lb out here. A good deal cheaper than you get it in Mudgee.
Mr. A. W. Lovett has built a blacksmith's shop next to Woods' hotel, and does a rattling good business. He also does general wheel wrighting and turns out some first class work...
The copper find at Wyadra, about a mile and a half from Yamble bridge, and opposite Brophy Bros.' property, is being opened out by Endacott and party, who have sunk about -40ft. The show looks well, and competent experts who have visited the property have no hesitation in saying that it is worthy of systematic exploration.

1899 - [TELEPHONE]
The people of Yamble, Two Mile Flat, Twelve Mile, and Goolma will be called together in a few days to further discuss a proposal to have telephonic communication. The member for the district has written a letter making suggestions, and urging unanimity.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 11 Aug 1899  Page 15


1899 - Goolma and Yamble. Death of a Well-known Resident. A Telephone Office Wanted. Mining. 
I regret to have to record the death of one of the oldest and most respected residents of this district in the person of Mr. W. McNamara, of Two Mile Flat, at the ripe old age of seventy-six. Dr. McCredie was in constant attendance, but despite all care and attention the poor old gentleman passed quietly away on Tuesday last, and was interred in the R.C. cemetery at Gulgong on Thursday, the Rev. Father Long officiating at the grave. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs. McNamara and family.
A public meeting is to be held on Saturday, the 19th instant, at Woods' Yamble Hotel, for the purpose of discussing the necessity for telephonic communication between Yamble and Mudgee. A communication has been received from Mr. Richards, M.P., stating that all preliminary arrangements had been carried out for same. It is to be hoped that the meeting will be well attended, as it is really a matter of great importance to the district.
Mining matters are somewhat brisk just at present, Endicott, Robinson and party, at their copper mine, Wyadra, have a splendid show, and no doubt after the mine has been opened out, will prove a great boon to the district. The old Bolaro copper mine at Goolma is still going ahead. Some very rich ore is being smelted just now, and should this prove satisfactory to the shareholders a good number of hands will have employment at the mine. 
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 18 Aug 1899 Page 15


1899 - Yamble.
Our Yamble correspondent writes telling us of splendid rain and improving crop prospects. The district is receiving a lot of attention from mining investors, and several were out there this week viewing the areas taken up for dredging. A meeting is to be held shortly at the Yamble Hotel for the purpose of
forming a cricket club.

1899 - Proposed Telephone to Two Mile, Yamble, &c
On Saturday night one of the largest gatherings of people that has been seen at Yamble assembled in the large room at Mr. T. Woods' hotel. Mr. Percy Lowe was voted to the chair, and having explained the object of the meeting, called on Mr. E. Richards, who was present by appointment, to enlighten those interested in the proposal to connect that part of the district by means of the telephone. Mr. Richards, explained at considerable length the result of his interviews on the subject, and invited to discuss the most important first consideration, as to the personal guarantee that would have to be provided before the telegraph authorities would undertake the proposed connection. The conditions were favorably entertained, and in a few minutes the names of twenty-eight residents of the district were given in as guarantors for whatever the annual cost of proposed service would be. The guarantors subsequently resolved itself into a committee of the whole, and on the motion of Mr. George Rush, seconded by Mr. C. M. Lowe, it was decided to recommend that the telephone' office be at Mr. Woods' store, and in charge of Mr. Woods. Mr. Woods intimated that to further the object in view, namely, general convenience, he would undertake the responsibility and provide premises for the office. The matter now only awaits official sanction.

1899 - [BIG FISH]
Some giant fish have already been hooked in the Cudgegong this season. A 401b cod was caught in the Cudgegong near Yamble, while a Mudgee youth hauled in a 13lb cod at Menah.

1899 - [DREDGING]
Mr. Garland, the promoter of the Macquarie river dredging scheme, was at Gulgong recently, and expressed a high opinion of the prospects of the Yamble dredging scheme. He says that if it turns out a quarter as good as the expert's estimate the shareholders will draw handsome cheques.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 27 Oct 1899 Page 14

1899 - [CRICKET]
The Gulgong Our Boys and Mudgee Our Boys will play a match on the Gulgong wicket on Saturday next. Play is to start at 11 a.m. A good game is expected. The Gulgong Our Boys played Yamble on the latter's wicket on Saturday, and the visitors won by 63 runs. Our Boys made 85 and 72, and Yamble 40 and 48. The best batting for the winners was done by V. McDonough 33, W. Elliott 23, G. Bellette 16, and for Yamble C. Rush 13, Manning 11, Talbott 10. Bellette, Rudder and McAteer bowled well for the winners, and Capper, Lett and McManus were most destructive for the other side.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 3 Nov 1899 Page 12

1899 - Yamble
We are waiting patiently in expectation of the telephone being established here. 'Tis said the world moves slowly — so does a Government department.
Great interest is being centred in dredging, and some our residents have got this new kind of fever. We hope soon to hear of their recovery.
Most of the wheat crops in this district will be a failure, Mrs. McNamara has, however, one of the nicest crops I have ever seen in the district, and we expect to hear of it going 50 bushels to the acre.
Mr. H. Wood is doing good biz. in his hotel and store, as also is Mr. Will Lovett at smithy.
Our sheep farmers are quite jubilant at the high price wool is realizing just now. There will be very little fruit this year.
1899 - [GOLD AND DIAMONDS]
Mr. George Rush, of Two Mile Flat, one of the promoters, was in Mudgee on Saturday, and tells us that shares are going off readily in the district for the Yamble Gold and Diamond Dredging Co. Mr. Rush assures us that this will be one of the best payable specs, in the district.
1899 - [SHARES]
Mr. C. E. Hilton is stopping in town for a few days, and is placing a number of shares in the Yamble
Gold Dredging Company. He had great success in Sydney.

1899 - A Two Mile Flat Blow. 
Out Two Mile Flat way a very heavy storm was experienced the other day. Sheds were unroofed in all directions. At Mr. Lowe's, at Yamble, a number of outbuildings were flattened, and Mr. Woods' butcher's shop next the hotel was laid low.

VO: continue news from 1900
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1970 - MORROWOLGA STATION

Morrowolga Station belonged to Mr. Hassall in 1852. A news item from that year states that the name "Morrowolga" was derived from "morrowol", the Aboriginal name for granite.

Elevated view of homestead at Morrowolga Station, Yamble, New South Wales, ca. 1970
Source: Wes Stacey

Interior view of hallway of homestead at Morrowolga Station, Yamble, New South Wales, ca. 1970
Source: Wes Stacey

Angled view of homestead at Morrowolga Station, Yamble, New South Wales, ca. 1970
Source: Wes Stacey


Distant view of woolshed at Morrowolga Station, Yamble, New South Wales, ca. 1970
Source: Wes Stacey

1886 - [WEDDING]
LOWE—HASSALL.—June 15, at Wellington, N. S. W., by the Rev. S. G. Fielding, Francis Joseph Lowe, second son of Joseph Lowe, Newstead, Bringelly, to Kate, second daughter of Richard J. Hassall, Morrowolga, near Mudgee.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 10 Jul 1886 Page 1


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1970 - POST OFFICE
Post Office, Yamble, New South Wales, ca. 1970
Source: Wes Stacey


Location of Yamble, NSW


See also: Yamble Hotel


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