Wednesday, July 28, 2021

HUGHES

Hilary Hughes
just before he joined the army
Source: Janelle Cooper

Hilary was born in Gulgong on 10 April 1921. During the Depression in the 1930s there was nothing to do around Gulgong but catch and sell rabbits. He had an uncle who worked in a big steel factory in Regents Park. He suggested that Hilary come down to Sydney to get a job. Eventually Hilary got a job with concrete constructions at Homebush. They were building a big new freezing works for the abattoirs and he worked there for a while. After that he worked with some people from New Guinea at a big mining company. It was 1940. World War II had started. Hilary worked on a big dozer in Central Park, digging deep holes which would be used to store explosives.

Meanwhile, back in Gulgong, all the young men were getting called up to fight in the war. Hilary went to Merrylands, the nearest enrolment place, and joined up himself. He did his National Service training there. We went from Wallgrove to Newcastle where we put in barbed wire all along the beaches. Then at Singleton it was very cold and Hilary got pneumonia. That put him in hospital for more than nine day which meant he was separated from his unit and had to start his training all over again. At Dubbo, Hilary and another man who had been in the army for 12 months by then, found themselves surrounded by young men who'd just signed up. They had to start from the beginning, marching around, lunging at bags of straw with bayonets. Hilary got sick of that and wanted to go back to his own unit, which by that time had moved to Western Australia. 

Hilary Hughes
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum

From 1941 to 1943 they patrolled the beaches from Fremantle to Derby. Hilary and his unit were camped not far from where HMAS Sydney was sunk. Having started in Infantry, Hilary moved into Transport. He was later in Officer's school but got kicked out of that. After a bit over 18 months in Western Australia he returned to New South Wales where they had 24 days' leave. After that he went to New Guinea. He landed at Finchhaven and experienced conditions similar to the last stretch of the  Kokoda Track.
Source: School talk at Red Hill by Hilary Hughes, 2010
 


Hilary Hughes at Two Mile Flat, 1932
Source: Margaret Ellis Hughes

Jack Hughes at Two Mile Flat
Source: Margaret Ellis Hughes


Vivian Charles "Jack" Hughes at front
Hilary Hughes at back
Source: Barbara Gurney

Signature on plastic video cover

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Tuesday, July 27, 2021

TALLAWANG NEWS

The following news items related to Tallawang were typed by Ruth Davis of Gulgong. They are mainly about HOTELS or MINING in the years 1871 to 1875. See below for additional news items.

More Tallawang News

1871_____________________________________

STICKING-UP. - A Mr. Powell, a storekeeper, on his way from Tallewang to Two Mile Flat, has been stuck up by two armed men; who, having taken him into the bush, tied his hands behind him to the wheel of the cart he had been driving. The robbers were masked, and tied a handkerchief over Powell's eyes. He had only one pound in his possession, which of course the robbers took.- Correspondent.
Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Sat 28 Jan 1871 Page 3

SEVERE ACCIDENT - On Monday, the 25th ult., a young man named Henry Trimmer, 21 years of age, while at work near Tallewang, procuring charcoal for a blacksmith, named Moran, met with a severe accident from the tree he was then burning falling on him. From what we can gather from the poor fellow himself, he remembers nothing from that time till when he was found on Wednesday, having lain all the while insensible. He was brought into Mudgee on Friday evening, under warrant signed by Commissioner Johnson, of Gulgong, and put into gaol for protection, where he was immediately visited and prescribed for by Dr Cutting. The poor fellow complained much of his spine near the loins, and the lower region of the stomach, and from his groans appeared to be suffering very much. While upon this subject we may mention that it is strange the young man was not sent at once to the Mudgee Hospital, the door of which is ever open to receive such cases, without the licence of anyone being necessary We are sure he will receive every attention from Mr Dick, the gaoler, and his assistants; but their best exertions will not meet the requirements of so serious a case.

1874_____________________________________

The rush to Tallawang, near Gulgong. still continues, and promises well. There are about a thousand men on the ground already.

Source: Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947) Thu 4 Jun 1874 Page 2

NOTICE.
A POLL will be taken for the ELECTION of a MEMBER of the MINING BOARD for the PEEL RIVER DIVISION of the Electoral District of the GOLD FIELDS NORTH, on the 16TH JUNE instant, at the following places:
  • For PART OF GULGONG and TALLAWANG GOLD FIELDS - McKay's Hotel, Tallawang; Binder's Hotel, Tallawang, New Rush.

Stolen, on the night of the 3rd instant, from a tent at Tallawang, near Gulgong, the property of Louisa Painter,— One £5 note, nine £1 notes, one sovereign, a silver lever watch, B scratched on it, bull's-eye-glass, some bread, tea, sugar, sardines, and tobacco. Watch only identifiable.


1875_____________________________________

In August, the Belinfante Bridge between Gulgong and Mudgee was officially opened, providing a safer crossing of the Cudgegong River at the crossroads to Tallwang and Wellington.
The bridge was made from ironbark and slaty gum, obtained from the Tallawang sawpits.

A Trip To Gulgong {from a Correspondent) [excerpt]
After taking an early breakfast I resumed my journey for Tallawang diggings. In about ten miles of a ride, I reached that portion of Tallawang on Kennedy Creek, where I again stayed for a few hours at host Batchelors', and strolled through the workings. The principal claim on Kennedy Creek, is worked by Mr. Samuel Clark and his brother John, and four others. This claim is remarkably rich, and the shareholders anticipate making a small fortune out of it. There are other claims which make good wages, and at present this small diggings is employing over one hundred men. Mr. Payne has a store to supply the diggers' wants, and there is also another kept by Mr. Black, and both do a very good trade. There are a good few selectors within a few miles of these diggings; thus vegetables are not scarce.

After I had lunched, I started for Cluff's Gully, distance one mile and a half from Kennedy's Creek. It is also known as Taluway, but Cluffs were the original prospectors. The principal claim on this place is the Cement-hill claim. There are six share-holders in this claim. The gold is firmly embeded in the cement, which necessitates having it crushed by a crushing machine, and for this purpose they are compelled to take it to Mr. Scully's machine on Reedy Creek, about ten miles from the claim. This is rather expensive, but the quantity of gold got in the cement pays the shareholders well. There are three other claims on this gully adjoining the Cement claim, doing very well, but the principal portions are worked out. There are two public houses on the gully; one is kept by Mr. Robt. M'Kay, and the other by Mr. James Cluff. There are also two stores, Mr. Ross's, and a Chinaman whose name I forget, the latter also keeps a butcher's shop. 

After a day's rest I proceeded to Gulgong, which is about fourteen miles from Cluff's Gully. About four miles from the latter place I came to old Taluwang. There is one public house there, kept by Mr. Peterson, but the diggers have deserted the place. The public house, however, does a first-rate trade, it is situated on the direct road from the aforementioned places to Gulgong. The whole of the country between Talluwang and Gulgong has been prospected. The grazing quality of the land is very good, and as far as my judgment is concerned it would be fine wheat-growing land. I anticipate, should the Government throw this country open for free selection, that Gulgong will be one of the finest inland towns in the colony. There are thousands of acres of splendid country in the immediate vicinity of Gulgong, which would quickly be peopled if it was thrown open for free selection. It is to be hoped that our "collective wisdom" will enquire into this matter, and if they are satisfied that the diggings are worked out, let it be thrown open for selection.

When I arrived in Gulgong I put up at host Coleman's, the Belmore Hotel, where I was made at home, both host and hostess being old friends in Muswellbrook. For quietude and comfort, the Belmore Hotel cannot be surpassed. Gulgong is built in a fine position; it is on the top of what was originally called the Red Hill, and from the town you have a fine view of the surrounding country.


1877_____________________________________

On Friday night information reached the police camp that a man had been found dead in the bush at New Tallewang, by Alexander Whitelaw, who made a statement, which was taken down. Early on Saturday morning, Mr. Cornelius Driscoll, J.P., in the absence of the Coroner, proceeded to the spot, accompanied by the police and Dr. C. E. Bernard, Government medical officer, for the purpose of holding a magisterial inquiry touching the death of a minor named Henry Turner. Sergeant Keenan, sworn, repeated the evidence given him by Whitelaw. 

Alexander Whitelaw, sworn, said: I am a miner, and have known the deceased about three years; I last saw him alive on the 23rd instant; he was then standing by his hut, and complained of being sick. I advised him to go to the Gulgong Hospital, and he said he had no means to get there; I next saw him on the 25th instant, about sundown ; he was then about twenty yards from his hut, lying dead; I called some assistance, and we carried him into his hut, and I reported the death to the Gulgong police; deceased was very poor, and had been assisted by a storekeeper named Birn with nourishment; deceased had frequently complained of late of being unwell. 

Mr. E. Barnard, Government medical officer, said he was of opinion that the cause of death was from the effects of old disease of lungs and heart. A verdict was given according to the medical evidence.

1881_____________________________________
Robert Graham has been arrested at Gulgong, for having carelessly caused a fire which destroyed two hundred bushels of wheat belonging to Mrs. Hedges, a widow, at Tallawang. At the inquest, the jury returned a verdict of incendiarism.


Mr. Lackey, in reply to Mr. Terry, said that tenders would be invited for the erection of a bridge over Reedy Creek, at Tallawang crossing, probably within a month.


1884_____________________________________

A Profitable Description of Wheat. — We learn of a farmer Tallawang way who has recently grown some purple-straw wheat, and also supplied some of the seed to a few of his neighbours. The result has been a yield of 30 bushels to the acre, while other kinds of wheat grown in the same district have only given 20 bushels. If this particular description of wheat gives such large returns, it should be worthy the consideration of our agriculturists.

1891_____________________________________
The Gulgong Advertiser says - On Monday last as Mrs. Meares, a resident of Tallawang, was carrying a small hollow log, to place upon the fire, she felt what she at first thought was a splinter sticking in her arm, and upon removing the position of the log she found that the pain was occasioned by the bite of a small ring snake. She immediately called out to some men engaged at road making in the vicinity, and one of their number, cut a piece out of her arm and after tying above and below the spot endeavoured to suck the poison away from it, but in this he was unsuccessful. Mrs. Meares after wards gradually sinking under the effects of the bite she was conveyed to Young's Hotel, Gulgong, and attended by Dr. Bennett. When she arrived she was insensible and pulseless, and Dr. Bennett finding that she was too far gone for other remedies, resolved to use the newly invented one, of injecting strychnine. In half an hour he had injected fully a grain and a half of strychnine and his efforts were rewarded by the patient quickly gaining consciousness, the one poison counteracting the other. It is the first time the Dr. has used this remedy, the result plainly showing what a successful one it undoubtedly is. It is, however, necessary that it must be ascertained beyond doubt the patient is really suffering from the bite of a poisonous snake before the remedy is used, otherwise the results would be fatal, therefore it is desirable
that it should only be used as a last resort.


1892_____________________________________
EPITOME OF NEWS.
On Thursday night (reports our Gulgong contemporary) Mrs. Ward, of Tallawang, was brought into town suffering from the bite of a black snake, which she received on the arm whilst gathering eggs from a hen's nest. She was bitten at 5 o'clock in the evening, and did not arrive in town till after 8 p.m. She was then pulseless and unable to articulate. Mrs. Artz and other neighbours had tied a ligature above the bite and sucked the part, also supplying the sufferer with spirits. All this would have been of no avail, for the patient was fast collapsing when Dr. E. R. K. Bennett successfully treated her by the new remedy of injecting liquid strychnine. The snake poison was so powerful that half a grain of the strychnine was used to counteract it.
Mrs. Ward is now rapidly recovering. This is the second remarkable cure from snakebite with this remedy cleverly affected by Dr. Bennett. Strange to say, the other case was that of Mrs. Meares, a neighbour of Mrs. Ward. Another coincidence in connection with the case is that this is the second occasion within a few years that Mrs. Ward has been bitten.


1896_____________________________________

GULGONG, Jan. 16.
Yesterday George Mack, storekeeper of Tallawang, reported that his brother Robert had been missing since Tuesday morning, when he left home with sheep. Sergeant Steele went out in the afternoon. The body was found lying on its face, decomposition having set in. A coroner's inquiry will be held.


Robert Mack left his home at Tallawang, near Gulgong, with sheep on Tuesday morning, and as nothing more was seen of him for some days search was made. His body was found in the bush, lying face down, on Thursday. He had evidently died of thirst.


GULGONG, Wednesday.
Philip Morgan, 14, son of Mrs. Morgan, of Tallawang, was killed yesterday afternoon through the flywheel of a chaff-cutter bursting. One of the pieces smashed the top of his skull. Deceased was stooping, scraping away the chaff under the machine. His father, Mr Philip Morgan, lost his right hand in the same chaff-cutter two years ago, and died shortly afterwards.

1907_____________________________________

TERRIFIC STORM AT TALLEWANG.

A terrific cyclone swept over Tallewang on Sunday morning, causing great damage. All the outbuildings at the Tallewang Hotel were completely wrecked. A hall which stood about 50 yards from the hotel was also destroyed. Sheets of iron from this building were carried fully two miles by the wind.

The hotel luckily escaped with little damage. For about a mile between Tallewang and Tucklan the road is so strewn with fallen trees as to be almost impassable. The cyclone was the precursor of a welcome fall of rain.



1908_____________________________________

Wyaldra Shire Council.

Mr. J. E. Hansell, Tallawang, wrote on behalf of residents of Tallawang, Fords Creek, Tucklan, and Spring Ridge, asking that work be carried out to the road from the main Dunedoo Road to the places mentioned. The matter was referred to the Shire Engineer for report.

Wyaldra Shire

A report was given on road from Tallawang to Sawmills, referred to in Mr. J. E. Hansell's letter received at last meeting and also referred to in petition received at this meeting. A recommendation was made that £15 be spent on the road.

Reports were made on road to Sandy Creek, also on proposed fencing at Annie’s Rock, but it was not recommended that any money be spent as suggested.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Nov 1908 Page 6

1925

Erica's Letter Bag.
Newlands Cottage, Tucklan.
Dear Erica, — As this is my first letter to you, I will write briefly, as it may not be good enough to get a place in your Children's Page. I am ten years of age, and the third eldest. I have two brothers and two sisters. I attend the public school at Tucklan, which is one and a half miles from here. I am in fifth class, and am getting along well. I go to school regularly, and mother sees that I always do my homework. She says it is the only way to become a good scholar. Our teacher is very nice, and I regret very much she will be leaving at Christmas, as she is very good and kind to us. We have Mass once a month at Tallawang, which is five miles from here. Our parish priest's name is Father Eviston. We have a good choir in our church. Aunt Agnes and one of my sisters are members. Grandfather thinks I will be a good singer.
There are a good many farmers around here, all of whom have motor cars. Ours is a Ford. They call it a tin"Lizzie." It will do me. We often go for a joy ride. Mum likes going, but dad is not too keen on it. During the last few weeks we have had three inches of rain, which, although too late for the wheat crops, has filled all the tanks and dams, and the grass looks nice and green, and the sheep and lambs are enjoying the young grass. Christmas is again drawing near, when we will be having our holidays. I will now close, wishing you the compliments of the season. ENID CRAFT.

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MINER - JIMMY BRENNAN

"Old Jimmy Brennan" came to Gulong in 1873. He was a gold miner at Red Hill. He lived on Robinson Street Gulgong in 1901 and may have been a gold buyer in Herbert Street. 

James Brennan was born in Ireland. His father was William Brennan (a labourer) and his mother was Mary Duggan/Duigan. James never married.

He died on the 18th of March, 1904. Cause of death was senile decay. He was attended by Dr McCreadie on the 17th, the day before his death. The death was notified by Matron Gilroy. James was buried on the 19th March. The undertaker was Solomon Campton. The Minister was Rev Martin Long. Witnesses were James Carroll and D McCanley.

James Brennan in the New South Wales, Australia, Land Records, 1811-1870
Name: James Brennan
Residence Date: 1861
Residence Place: Bligh, New South Wales, Australia
Purchase Date: 1861
Purchase Place: New South Wales, Australia
Description: Index to Registers of Land Purchases
Series: 13844
Box Number: 8
Roll number: 1725
29 Acres, Bligh, No. of Deed 2106
42 Acres, Bligh, No. of Deed 2105

1873 - GULGONG December 10. - ALLUVIAL MINING.
If the Perseverance Lead should be traced back into the Caledonian, as there is every prospect at present, it will be a good thing for the miners. Messrs. Warr and party, who have been working for some time upon blocks off the Caledonian, bottomed at. 104 feet last week. They know that there is a high bar between them and the Caledonian, and they, therefore, think that they are now on the easterly swing of the Perseverance. They obtained several prospect, as much as a quarter of a pennyweight to the dish, and having a foot of wash dirt, this is considered a very good claim. It is opposite No. 9 Caledonian Lead, and it is confidently believed that the Perseverance will be traced into this ground. The miners hold this opinion because the wash dirt is similar to that on the Perseverance, and not at all like that on the Caledonian. On the other end of the lead, near the private ground of Mr. Rouse, Messrs. Brennan and party bottomed and obtained a prospect of half a penny weight to the dish. It is the general opinion of the miners that there is no regularly defined lead of gold in that quarter, therefore, any party sinking a shaft in any part of the particular locality are likely to drop upon gold. Parties in No. 2 Caledonian have had a washing, with a remit of half an ounce to the load, and No. 8, Happy Valley, is payable. The principal attraction at present is down the Black Lead. There is a belief gaining ground that this lead will prove, like some of the leads on the lower diggings in Victoria, very rich as it approaches Reedy Creek.
Reefing.
I have but little to say about reefing. There are twenty reefing claims being worked, but they are not of the bogus kind usually put upon the Sydney market. They are owned and worked by practical miners, who intend to make their fortunes from them. This, your readers will perceive, is altogether a different system from that pursued in many places. The money robbed from the innocent Sydney public has served to keep those places before the public for the last twelve months, but I hope no attention of this sort will be turned to account upon this gold-field.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907) Sat 13 Dec 1873 Page 7

1874 - MINING
Gulgong. — The Argus says, the subject most engrossing the attention of miners in the immediate vicinity of Gulgong, at present, is the lead recently opened beyond Homer's paddock by Messrs James Court and party, and every new feature is watched with deep interest. There are three claims on payable gold in the shallow ground along the northerly base of the old Surface Hill — Messrs. Dyer and party, Captain Bunker and party, and Messrs. Court and party. The two former have had small lots washed during the week, and the result has been about the same as heretofore, about £5 per week to the men working. The sinking in these two claims does not exceed five feet and there is from a foot to eighteen inches of wash dirt. Messrs. Court and party are driving and getting out wash dirt. Messrs. Charles Cowan and party in the next claim north, bottomed at thirty feet, and have more than two feet of wash dirt, mixed, with which are plenty of quartz-boulders, and the prospects are sufficiently encouraging to induce them to drive out a machine of dirt. Adjoining this claim to the north is that of Charles Hamilton and party. They have bottomed two shafts in their claim at a depth of thirty-five feet, and are getting wash dirt from both. The adjoining party, north to that of Messrs. Hamilton and party, were down more than forty feet yesterday, with no sign of bottom. We may mention that the fall of ground on the surface is quite as abrupt, and perhaps more so, than on the bottom. Holes have been bottomed in a line about 300 yards below at a depth of 120 feet, where a little gold was got more than three years ago. The ground is taken up in all directions, but the general opinion seems to be that if there is a lead it will be found hugging a high reef to the westward of the present work. In the forty foot shaft above mentioned Messrs. Brennan and party bottomed last evening at forty-two feet, but got no prospects. They shifted to where gold is being got, and are sinking another shaft. German Charley and party, further down the flat, bottomed this morning at thirty-nine feet, but got no prospects. In consequence of this the ground has now been taken up all along Mr. Homer's fence, under an impression that the run of gold is further to the west. Messrs. Thomas Hughes and party, on the western slope of Surface Hill, and beyond Kitchen's machines, are busily engaged in getting out a machine of dirt; Upon the Nil Desperandum there are quite a number of parties on good payable gold. They have a good depth of wash dirt, and are, as a general thing, making excellent wages. We hear of a good patch being struck on the Perseverance during the week in one of the claims near the boundary between the private ground of Mr. Rouse and that of the Government. We are told that as much as thirteen pennyweights was got to a dish, but it is doubtful if the dirt being taken out will average anything like the prospect. Several parties are out prospecting in the gullies and flats to the north-east, or to the left of the road that leads from Gulgong to the Home Rule. There are numerous quartz reefs cropping out from the surface on the ranges in that quarter, and the colour of gold can be got in a great many places.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 12 Dec 1874 Page 15

1896 - Activity at Gulgong - Reefs and Deep Leads.
"This is where we found the rich gold in '70." said the discoverer of the Gulgong goldfield, as he stood upon Red Hill and pointed to a trench near the back yard of one of the houses. "This lode is between diorite and slate walls, and we got 500oz, out of it within 30ft. of the surface. Then the walls came together and we gave it up." This is the story of many a claim in the district, viz., very rich on top, then pinched out, or a water difficulty, then Abandonment. The Red Hill, however, though its possessors have been perished out, has always been believed in by some, and 24 years ago a shaft was sunk, near the top of the hill, to a depth of 170ft. A lode was got at that depth containing a little gold in arsenical pyrites. A drive was put in, 7ft. and then the property was abandoned. The hill is a small one, and the rocks of which it is composed are intermixed with much confusion, and quartz veins run through them in all directions.' Large bodies of diorite intrude the altered silurian rocks. It was in the surface that the rich gold was found, and the shaft sunk through the hard rock for 170ft. failed to prove anything of value. Yet over 60oz. of gold was got near by from one bucketful of stone taken from near the surface. Another attempt is now being made to find a permanent reef in this hill The old shaft has been cleaned out, and arrangements have been made to enter upon exploratory and development work. A company has recently been formed for this purpose. The capital consists of 24 shares of £50 each, eight fully-paid, up shares going to the promoters, and the rest of the subscribed capital being devoted to the development of the mine. The object of the new company is to test the lode found at the 174ft. level, and to sink the shaft a further depth. That the country is hard will be seen by the fact that the sinking of this shaft cost the former party £1100. At 80ft. a drive of 16ft. was put in, and a pyritous lode 9in. wide was struck. Assays of this gave 19dwt 12gr. gold, and 13dwt. 8gr. silver. A lode was cut by a drive put in 7ft. at the 170ft level It is said that the pyrites in this lode were not tested ;and as mush better methods of treatment have come into vogue since this work was done 23 years ago, it is considered worth while to spend sufficient money to clean out the old workings, and to continue them. The old mine was being cleaned out at the time of my visit, and the men got into the old drive and found the pyritous lodes. Considerable interest is attached to this enterprise, because should a payable reef be struck here it would probably lead to the working of a large stretch of country running between Red Hill and Louisiana, a distance of several miles in Appleyard and party's mine, give the most promising indications, and the aim of the Red Hill Company, which consists largely of local men, would, if successful, indicate a line along which auriferous reefs are likely to run. Though they have scarcely yet begun, the operations of the Red Hill, Company have attracted the attention of outside investors, and a few days ago Mr. W. F. Scott, who three year ago floated the Mount Scott Silver mining Company, south-west of Leadville, purchased from Mr. Brennan his lease on Red Hill, adjoining the Red Hill Company's property. Mr. Brennan has held this lease for 15 years, and has been working it by himself all the time, taking quantities of gold out of it, although the work done is not of a very extensive character. Then the townspeople have some enterprises on foot at Louisiana Hill. This is in consequence of favourable developments in Appleyard's Royal Mint mine, the proprietor of which, after a hard struggle for years, is now reaping some reward for his perseverance and labour. This mine is situated on the side of Louisiana Hill, one of the many hills that rise out of the plain lying between the town and ranges which encircle it. Several shafts have been sunk on this hill in past years without any permanent success following, and now Mr. Appleyard's mine is the only place on it where work is being carried on. The owner of this property has stuck to it through many difficulties. He knows what it is to come on very rich patches, to spend all the proceeds in trying to find more gold, to be 'perished out,' and to walk back to Sydney so that he might resume his trade, and save a little more money with which to return to his task at Gulgong. Now he has very encouraging indications, for he has come on a series of rich veins in the form of saddles, which occur at intervals in a lode formation about 12ft wide from wall to wall. The present shaft is down 70ft, and there is a level in 37ft. The foot wall is granite, and the hanging wall is serpentine. The veins exposed in the face are very rich, and the gold glitters brightly by the light of the candle. The lease consists of 15 acres, and the sight of rich specimens from the Royal Mint mine has led to the taking up of leases adjoining it. Dr. Bennett, of Gulgong, has two five- acre leases on one side of the mine, and Mr. Thompson has a lease on the other side. Capital is being subscribed locally to work these properties, in the belief that at depth the reef in the Royal Mint, which extends for a considerable distance in the fissure between the two formations, will contain payable deposits of gold. In Happy Valley, which lies in another direction from the town, other parties are working to find and prove reefs. One of these is the Happy Valley Gold mining Syndicate— a Victorian syndicate. One of the party worked in Happy Valley in the early days, and the party is now working where the bulk of the rich alluvial gold was found. Two shafts have been sunk to a depth of 170ft, and in one of them a drive of 64ft. has been put in, with the result that a well defined quartz reef has been struck, showing a little gold. A trial crushing of about 8 tons is bagged ready for despatch to the Tallewang battery for treatment, when the battery has a sufficient supply of water to start crushing. That reefing is only in its infancy in the district is indicated by the fact that there is no battery of any kind at Gulgong. It will cost the company 10s per ton for cartage to Tallewang, and 15s per ton for crushing. Of course if any of the reefs prove payable this is a matter that would soon be remedied, for a local battery would have to be erected. In the meantime the first thing is to find and prove the reefs. This syndicate has a capital of £400, in 400 shares of £1, and the mine is being worked by a party of four, who hold a half interest. It is seven months since operations were begun.
Another important property in which operations are being directed to the proving of reefs is that of the Gulgong Gold-mining Company, which consists of 13 acres in Happy Valley, and which is situated at the junction of the Happy Valley, the Standard, and the Times leads. This is a recently-formed company with a capital of £2400 in 24,000 shares of 2s each. The property is situated on some of the rich alluvial claims of past years, and the purpose of the company is to find the reefs. A shaft has been sunk 200ft, and 26 tons of stone taken from it was crushed at Chapple's battery, Tallewang, for a yield of 32oz. gold. The company has an area of 13 acres. The shaft is timbered to the bottom and is connected with an air shaft at 125ft. A quartz vein was followed in the 150ft. level, and the crushing of 26 tons was taken from this. In sinking from the 150ft level to 200ft numerous quartz leaders carrying gold were passed through. Assistance was granted from the prospecting vote towards the sinking of this shaft, which it is hoped will contribute something towards the solution of the question upon which the prosperity of the district largely depends. The Fairweather Syndicate, acting on the belief that the reef is on the eastern ride of the valley, have sunk two shafts, one to 100ft and one to 225ft, which is the greatest depth on the field. A drive has been put in at 225ft. in a north-westerly direction. Several veins of quartz have been passed through, but nothing definite has yet been found. Salvation Hill is a rugged ridge which received its uncommon name eight years ago when a Salvation Army soldier discovered gold upon it. Some work was done then, and 55oz, of gold was got at a depth of 12ft. Then the walls pinched in, and the party abandoned the lease. This property has not been overlooked in the revival which is going on all round, for it has been taken up by a local syndicate, and a shaft has been sunk to follow the walls down. After a distance of 10ft. had been excavated the walls opened out, and they are continuing to widen as depth is attained. It is intended to sink 100ft. if necessary. Rich specimens have been found, and there is a formation containing arsenical pyrites, of which assays will shortly be obtained. The syndicate has a 10-acre lease, and leases have been taken upon either side. There is also a quartz mine on Biraganbil station, situated close to an old alluvial rush. It is in the hands of a party, who have one shaft down 103ft., and have a promising reef. The country is soft, consisting of sandstone, altered slate and diorite, and forms a complete contrast to the hard belt of country in the other portion of the district. It will thus be seen that there are nine properties which are held for reefing purposes. Of these six are at work, and the remaining three are in what are considered to be favourable positions should those at work become thoroughly established— in which case the district will, no doubt, have a revival of prosperity of an enduring character. Apart from this altogether is the working of the deep alluvial leads. Mr. Frame Fletcher, a mining engineer and a practical man, has been endeavouring to find and work the deep alluvial leads, which it is believed probably contain large deposits of gold. Since 1891 be has had London capitalists at his back, and a large sum of money has been spent. Eight bores were bottomed in the Lagoon Paddock Company's freehold property at an average depth of 155ft. At Rouse's Guntawang paddock an English company took up a lease of 500 acres, and at the Black Lead, where good washings were obtained in the old days, a shaft was sunk, £400 being granted from the prospecting vote for the purpose. However, the only English-owned property now at work is the one under the management of Mr. Frame Fletcher on the Perseverance lead. It is called the Ida syndicate, and work is being carried on in a thorough and systematic manner. The surface works are of a first-class character, and the machinery consists of a 20-horse power engine and pumping and winding plant. There is a fine working shaft 9ft 6in. long by 3ft 6in. across in the clear, and it is divided into three compartments, one for pumping and two for winding. The pumping plant is equal to a capacity of 9000 gallons per hour. It is an 8in. draw-lift pump. The poppet legs are 50ft. high, and the trees are 25ft off the ground. Attempts had been previously made by parties of men to trace the deep lead in this locality, but they were beaten by the water. The property was taken up by Mr. Frame Fletcher on behalf of a London company, and he immediately proceeded with the erection of the machinery. By means of the fine pumping plant the ground has been thoroughly drained, but the deep leads have not yet been discovered, although a large amount of underground work has been done. At present 24 men are employed on the property, and exploratory work is being carried on vigorously. In Happy Valley the Star Gold-mining Company have a large body of wash, and have equipped the mine with winding and pumping machinery in order to cope with the heavy influx of water. At one time as much as 2500 gallons per hour were bailed out of the mine, but the now afterwards eased to 2000 gallons. This mine is on the Star lead, which has been traced from its head on Surface Hill into deep ground on the company's property. An auriferous run of gravel has been struck in an upper level, but it is the intention of the syndicate to prove the deep ground. Mining operations are being carried on all round Gulgong. At Yamble, about 15 miles down the Cudgegong, 250 men are working. This is an alluvial diggings, the sinking being from 18ft to 20ft The prospector, Mr. Smith, has a good claim, with a good body of wash. The gold is very fine, but is of good quality. Hibbard and party have a good claim at the same place. The diggings are on Mr. Lowe's private property. He charges a license fee of 10s per man per month, and the miners consider that this is a quicker and better arrangement than taking up the land under the Mining on Private Property Act would be. At the beginning of the rush 400 miners went to the scene, but of this number only 250 remain. Eighteen miles from Gulgong is the Stringy Bark field. This locality is receiving considerable attention, although operations are hampered by the scarcity of water. Eight claims are on good gold, and in numbers of others the men are making tucker, or something better. Men have been provided with passes to this place by the Labour Bureau; that is they get railway passes to Mudgee, and tramp the rest of the distance. Speaking of the field generally an idea prevails that there will be a revival in mining matters shortly, although one or two people take a pessimistic view, and declare that nothing rich has ever been found at any depth during the operations of many years, and nothing is likely to be found now. Which view is the right one only the pick and shovel will show. 
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Saturday 20 June 1896

1896 - Mining at Gulgong
We have frequently expressed the opinion says the Mudgee Western Post of last Friday that if ever Gulgong experienced a permanent revival of fame for its gold productiveness the source would be the Red Hill. That being our firm conviction; we now hail with delight the probability of that locality being given thorough development.
Had the Hill been in Victoria, then chances are that the greater part of it would, by this time, have gone through the battery. But the operations of an important character have so far been debarred by the best portion of the range being held by a "hatter" —old Jimmy Brennan — who knocked out a living, and persistently declined to entertain any offers of purchase, though he had been approached many times and by, many parties. Lately a Gulgong syndicate decided to try the ground near that held by Brennan. Whether this had any effect or not on him we cannot say, but last week Mr. W. F. Scott of the Mines Purchase Syndicate, succeeded in coming to terms with 'Jimmy,' and secured his land. The land secured by Mr. Scott comprises nine acres,
and when it is remembered that the Black Lead, Happy Valley, Adams' Lead, and Standard Lease — all wonderfully rich in gold— have apparently taken their source from the Red Hill, there should be little hesitation among speculators in snapping up shares, and giving to the ground that test which we are pretty confident, has only been wanting to make Gulgong again famous as a goldfield.
Source: The Scrutineer and Berrima District Press (NSW : 1892 - 1948) Saturday 20 June 1896

1904 - Advertising - Legal Notices
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES, - Probate Jurisdiction. In the Will of JAMES BRENNAN, late of Gulgong, in the State of New South Wales, Miner, deceased. - Application will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to JOHN BRENNAN the Executor named in the said Will; and all notices' may be served at the undermentioned address. JOHN BRENNAN, Gulgong.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 5 May 1904 Page 10
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MINER - SAMUEL SAMPER

Samper's Great Western Billiard Saloon, 
(north-west corner of Herbert & Bayly Streets), Gulgong


Samuel Samper's Great Western Store, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW

Opposite the store of Sun Tong Lee, Samper (2nd from left ?) stands in the doorway in waistcoat and hat. The other man is possibly Aneas McDonnell who worked for Samper for a time.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (Sept 2006)

Samual Samper, a miner, bought the property at the corner of Herbert and Bayly streets, Gulgong, for 8 pounds in 1872.

In 1873 Samper turned the saloon into the Great Western Hotel and it was licensed to Frederick Francke at least until 1876. The building was pulled down in 1901.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)

For the ownership of the property through to the present day, see 76 Herbert Street.


NEWS ITEMS

1872 - [Robberies with Arms or Violence]
About 4:30 P.M. the 4th instant, Mr. Samuel Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Alfred Allum, accountant, Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, were stopped about 3 miles from Gulgong, on the road to the Home Rule Rush, by two armed offenders, and the former robbed of a gold Geneva watch with three dials on it, a gold Albert chain, and locket with likeness of Mrs. Samper and child, £50 in Bank notes, and several cheques, of which particulars cannot be given at present except that four of them are indorsed "James Ross.” Mr. Allum lost nothing.

Description of offenders:—First about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, slender build, long features, black hair, no whiskers; dressed in light coloured coat, light felt hat, and white muffler; a native of the Colony; rode a roan horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver. Second about 16 or 17 years of age, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, stout build, ruddy complexion, round face, fair hair; dressed in light coloured coat, and moleskin trousers; rode a light bay horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 5 Jun 1872 [Issue No.23] Page 156 

1872 - GULGONG. Tuesday.
This afternoon, at about 4 o'clock, at a spot three miles on the Home Rule Rush road, Mr. Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Allum of the Bank of New South Wales, were stuck up by two armed bushrangers and robbed, from the former £100, and gold watch and chain worth £40. Mr. Allum had £43, but the robbers did not get it. One of the robbers appeared a boy; they wore no masks. The victims were taken three hundred yards from the road. No violence was offered, except a threat of shooting if the demands were not complied with. The police are on the alert.

1872 - Robberies with Arms or Violence
About 4:30 P.M. the 4th instant, Mr. Samuel Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Alfred Allum, accountant, Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, were stopped about 3 miles from Gulgong, on the road to the Home Rule Rush, by two armed offenders, and the former robbed of a gold Geneva watch with three dials on it, a gold Albert chain, and locket with likeness of Mrs. Samper and child, £50 in Bank notes, and several cheques, of which particulars cannot be given at present except that four of them are indorsed "James Ross.” Mr. Allum lost nothing.
Description of offenders:—First about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, slender build, long features, black hair, no whiskers; dressed in light coloured coat, light felt hat, and white muffler; a native of the Colony; rode a roan horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver. Second about 16 or 17 years of age, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, stout build, ruddy complexion, round face, fair hair; dressed in light coloured coat, and moleskin trousers; rode a light bay horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver.

1872 - LATEST INTELLIGENCE
A storekeeper named Samper and Allum, clerk of the Bank of New South Wales, were stuck up near Gulgong to-day. Samper had £100 take from him, but Allum “planted” his money, and the robbers were unable to find anything.


1872 - DARING ROBBERY.
On Tuesday afternoon, 4th June, about five o'clock, as Mr. Samper, store keeper, of Herbert-Street, and Mr. Allum, accountant in the Bank of New South Wales, were returning from the Canadian and Home Rule Rush in a buggy, they were bailed up by two men about three miles from town in the usual style, by presenting a revolver at their heads. Having been ordered out of the buggy, they had to turn their pockets inside out, and surrender the contents. From Mr. Samper £100 in notes and cheques was taken, as also a gold watch and chain, worth £40. The robbers returned him a cheque for £20 and his meerschoum pipe. From Mr Allum his watch and chain were taken, but returned to him. He had a few pounds in cash about him, but managed to secrete it so as to escape the notice of the robbers. The two robbers were young men, one being a mere lad. They were both badly mounted. When they stopped the buggy, they ordered Mr. Samper to drive it into the bush, about one hundred yards off the road. They were very determined in their manner, and the youngest apparently required but the word to lodge the contents of his weapon in one of his victims. Though Mr. Samper is the loser of a century, he saved three times the amount by his nerve and coolness. Having completed their rifling operation, they directed their victims to the road, and galloped away towards the Home Rule. The police were informed of the robbery within half an hour of its occurring, and we doubt not their usual success will attend them in capturing these disciples of Gilbert and Hall. Bushranging must be crushed at any cost. — Gulgong Guardian.

1872 - ACCIDENT
Mr Samper, who was robbed the other day between Gulgong and Mudgee of £100 and his gold watch, has had another and more serious mishap by being thrown from his horse as he was returning from the Canadian lead on Tuesday last Unfortunately the bone of one of his legs was fractured, and the ancle joint shattered, whilst his other leg also received some injury Dr Ramsay was called upon, and we are glad to hear that Mr Samper is progressing favourably.
- Western Post, June 14

1872 - [IMPORVED LANDS]
Department of Lands, Sydney, 21st June, 1872.
IT is hereby notified, that the persons mentioned in the subjoined list have been permitted to purchase, under the 8th clause of the Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1861, the portions of improved land specified against their respective names.
The deeds for these portions will be issued as early as practicable.
JAMES S. FARNELL.


1872 - CHAPPELL V. SAMPER AND OTHERS.
Mr. Darley appeared for plaintiff, Mr. M. H. Stephen for defendants.
This was a demurrer case, in which plaintiff demurred to defendants' pleadings. Plaintiff's case was, that defendants trespassed on his land at Gulgong, Wellington district, and with horses, &c, trampled down the grass, undermined, tunnelled, and dug shafts into his land, and got therefrom a large quantity of gold, which they have converted to their own use. Plaintiff claimed L1000 damages. A writ of injunction, to prevent a recurrence of such trespasses, was also sought to be obtained by this action. The defence was to the effect that plaintiff had applied for and obtained a lease of ten acres of auriferous laud, under the Goldfields Act and Regulations of 17th of February, 1870, and subject to the conditions of the said regulations, amongst which conditions was the following:—"That labour shall be employed upon the ground fourteen days after application, should no notice of objection have been received from the commissioner in charge. One man for each acre, and in a river bed two men for every hundred yards, shall be immediately employed thereon; and within one month of the issue of the lease an additional man for each acre, and in a river bed two additional men for each one hundred yards. Provided always that while steam or water power employed in draught, or driving machinery, shall be computed as equal to two men, and when other works of an expensive nature such as dams, reservoirs, or races, have been constructed a diminution in the number of men required to be employed will be allowed at the rate of two men for every £100 so expended, to be determined in case of dispute by the commissioner." The defendants plead that after the lapse of a month, whilst this regulation was in force, plaintiff neglected to fulfil the said conditions, but made breach thereof in this—that he wholly neglected to employ two men for each acre, nor did he employ in lieu thereof machinery and horse-power, nor did he expend a sufficient sum of money in the construction of any works so as to be allowed diminution in the number of his men.
Defendants also maintained, as owners respectively of miners rights, and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, that they took possession of the land as their claim and duly registered and worked the same, which are the alleged trespasses. It was now contended that, assuming that the condition above mentioned not to have been complied with, such non-compliance does not operate as a forfeiture. Also assuming that non-compliance of the conditions did work as a forfeiture of the lease, yet no one could take advantage of such forfeiture but the Crown. Consequently it was urged that defendants' trespasses did not afford any justification whatever. It was also a matter of contest whether a lease granted under the Gold Fields Act of 1866 was not subject to the above-montioned regulations. 
The Court held that the registration of claims was a mere matter of formality, and did not justify defendants' jumping plaintiff's claim. They decided that the defendants' plea was bad, therefore a judgment for the plaintiff was entered on record.
1873 - CHAPPELL v SAMPER AND OTHERS
The Attorney-General and Mr. Pilcher, instructed by Mr. W. Teale, appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. M. H. Stephen, instructed by Mr. F. Curtis, agent for Mr. Dunn, of Mudgee appeared for the defendants.
Jury: Messrs. Joseph Marshall, South Head-road, Paddington; John Mason, 39, West-street; John Macpherson, Waverley; and James McCoy, Glenmore-road.
This was an action of trespass upon a certain mining claim. The plaintiff. Mr. Thomas Chappell, sues the defendants. Samuel Samper, Lewis Whitehead, James McGrath, Michael Horsfall, and Samuel Levey, for having broke and entered his lands at Gulgong, in the Wellington district, and with feet and horses trampled on the land. Also dug shafts and undermined the same. And further, that the defendants got a large quantity of gold therefrom which they converted to their own use. Plaintiff claimed £1000 damages, and a writ of injunction, to restrain defendants from further trespasses. The defendants pleaded—1. Not guilty. 2. That the land was not plaintiff's, as alleged. Leave was granted to the plaintiff to enter another count in the declaration for special damages. The trial of this case did not conclude, as his Honor after hearing evidence for the plaintiff, became suddenly indisposed and left the bench.

1873 - REEFING.
A few tons of stone from the old Gulgong Reef were crushed about ten days ago, at Reedy Creek; 2½ oz to the ton is the reported yield, but I cannot vouch for it. The locality is in favour with experienced reefers. Messrs. Samper and Co., it is said, on the strength of the crushing, bought up all the scrip in the market, and resold at a large profit; but like the well known Hill End, all kinds of dodges are resorted to here, and your correspondent is frequently puzzled in his endeavours to obtain reliable information.

1873 - [GUNPOWDER]
Samuel Samper, summoned by Senior-sergeant O’Donnell, Gulgong Police, for having 600lbs. gunpowder on his premises in Herbert-street, Gulgong, for sale, has been fined 8d. per lb. (£12 10s. 8d.), for every lb. in excess of 224lbs. found on premises— 376lbs. confiscated.


In later years, Samper is listed in applications for various mining leases at "Mudgee River" (1874) and "Three Mile, Gulgong", "Old Tallewang" and "Gulgong" (1875). By 1878 he had mover to Cooktown, only to be robbed again!

1878 - [COOKTOWN]
Mr. Samper, formerly of Gulgong, but now a storekeeper at Cooktown, had his store burglariously entered recently by two Chinamen. He caught the leader, and handed him over to the police.
Source: Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW : 1875 - 1910) Wed 24 Apr 1878 Page 4

1882 - [SAMUEL SAMPER]
Many of the old Gulgong and Trunkey diggers will remember a storekeeper on those goldfields. Mr Samuel Samper, who carried on business for years and was extremely popular amongst the miners, for his goodness of heart and enterprise.
Those that do remember him, and we know they are legion, will be glad to learn that his investments in Port Darwin tin selections have turned out exceedingly well; and besides having sold interests to the tune of £15,000 cash, has reserved enough interests to give him a handsome income and make him a very wealthy man. Mr Samper is interested with Mr De Courcy Browne in several mining matters.

Advertisement, 1882

1882 - [SAMUEL SAMPER ADVERTISEMENT]
Formerly of Gulgong, Cooktown, &c.
Metal Banker Financial
Commercial and Mining Management Agent
11 Bridge Street Sydney
Commissions faithfully attended to. 
Indents executed. 49
Source: Temora Herald and Mining Journal (NSW : 1882 - 1883) Tue 2 May 1882 Page 1

1891 - Death of Mr. Samuel Samper.
The news of the death of Mr. Samuel Samper, one of the oldest and most respected miners in the colony, will be received with profound regret. Mr. Samper had been very ill for the past nine days suffering from a severe attack of constipation, and his condition at the first had been regarded as highly critical, but last week he seemed considerably improved. He continued to improve till Tuesday, when his condition took a sudden change, and he expired last night at his residence, 'Rosewood,' Arundel terrace, Forest Lodge.
The deceased gentleman was 48 years of age, and came to this colony from Germany when 18 years of age. A few years later he proceeded to Gulgong, and became one of the pioneers. Mr. Samper commenced business there as a storekeeper, and made himself most popular among the miners. He had a great penchant for mining, and has lived in almost every mining town in New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand. In 1872, he proceeded to Cooktown, where he opened business as storekeeper, just when the Palmer goldfields broke out. He also commenced business on the goldfields, where he proved a great friend to the unlucky miner. Mr. Samper lived many years in Cooktown, and when the township was declared a municipality, he was elected Mayor, and held that position for several years. He was also well known on the Temora goldfield. During the past 10 years the deceased gentleman has been living in Sydney, and carrying on business as a mining agent and sharebroker.
Some two years ago he started the Australasian Open Mining Exchange, in George-street, and afterwards floated it into a company, for which he held the position of caller and manager for some time. Up to the time of his death he carried on business in the exchange, where he had offices.
The name of "Sam Samper" was known to almost every miner in the colonies, and his untimely death will be a great shock to many. In his early days he lived and did business on the many goldfields of New Zealand, and in those days he made a lot of money. He married a Miss Hunt, a sister to Mr. William Hunt, a gentleman well-known in mining circles. Mr. Samper leaves a widow and a married daughter, Mrs. Parish, wife of Mr. Walter Parish, a well-known Sydney solicitor. The funeral takes place to-morrow.


1891 - [THE BULLETIN]
Samuel Samper (the first Mayor of Cooktown and of late years manager of the Australasian Mining Exchange, Sydney) died the other day, aged 48 years, sincerely regretted by all who knew him. He was a German by birth, and arrived in Australia 30 years ago, when he became a pioneer of Gulgong, and since then had “followed the goldfields” in N.S.W., New Zealand, and Queensland. Mr. Samper was a Jew, possessed of all the kindness of heart which is so often accounted a Christian monopoly, and if to him in the Great Unknown is measured out the mercy which, as a diggings storekeeper, he ever meted to the miner who was down on his luck and to the widow and children of the man who had gone under, then will Sam. —to whose ashes peace! —be happy for evermore.
Source: The bulletin. Vol. 11 No. 574 (14 Feb 1891)
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