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The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954) (about)
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Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4798163
46 corrections, most recently by A.Cain - Show corrections
MOUNT ALEXANDER.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Forest Creek. September 18th, 1854.
PRISONS.-The excitement consequent on the Governor's visit to the gold-fields having subsi- ded, it is necessary to take a retrospective view of some matters immediately connected there- with as affecting not only the district in particu- lar, but the colony in general. Any person visiting the Camp at Castlemaine will see at a single glance the numerous substantial brick buildings in course of erection there, and on inquiry he will ascertain the pruposes they are
intended for. One is the mansion of the resident Gold Commissioner, another the Officers' Mess Room, a third the Sheriff's residence, a fourth the private quarters of the Officer in Command of the Military, so., all of which are being built on a magnificent scale without any regard to expenditure, for a few individuals. Should he then direct his attention to what is being done for the many, he will see a gaol, consisting of a few miserable log huts, not inappropriately termed "pig-styes," where males and females are indiscriminately huddled togerther, without even accommodation for one-fourth of the unfortunate
beings confined within its precincts. he will perceive that there is no hospital, with the exception of a small tent containing
two stretchers, (of course sufficiently large in the estimations of some persons) to ac-
commodate such as may be afflicted with dis- ease ; and should fever or any other contagious disease break out among the subordinates they should remain in their own quarters, among the other men, whose lives would be greatly en- dangered. We can see beautiful and costly man- sions springing up, at the public expense, solely intended for the domestic comfort of a few pri-
vate individuals, discharging certain duties in their respective capacities as public servants,
whilst there are no funds available to build se- cure prisons to confine those lawless and daring
ruffians, the terror of society, who in too many
instances have escaped from the miserable holes
in which they were caged ; nor even can any be
spared to erect hospitals, so much needed, where
the sickly and infirm could be properly attended to. If human life is worth taking care of, pre- cautionary measures ought to be taken in time
against unforeseen consequences, for prevention is better than cure ; and if the majesty of the law
is to be upheld, it should be not by the mere show, but by the reality of its power, as it seems like a mockery to witness the solemnity of our judges in their respective courts in passing sen- tence on criminals, who so easily escape its ven- geance. We have often drawn attention to the inse-
curity of our prisons ; and the frequent attempts to escape, in many instances successful, have not in the least roused the apathetic movements of the Government towards preventing such occur- ances. If anything were wanting to stimulate
them, the attempt at Bendigo last week, and another at Castlemaine on Friday last, ought to be proof enough of the necessity of taking im- mediate steps against similar occurrences. Govern- ment officials are highly paid for their services
numbers of useless hands now employed could be dispensed with ; those private and expensive
mansions might very easily be done without until the tresury would be in a more flourishing
condition. A large saving of the public funds could thus be effected instead of being squan- as at present, and this, if appropriated for the erection of secure gaols or other works of per-
manent utility, would be conferring a great and lasting benefit on the community. His Excel- lency had ample opportunity to note those matters during his stay at Castlemaine, and if my informant is correct, he threw out some hints on the subject ; it now only remains, as he knows
the evil, to apply the proper cure. This subject shall again be referred to.
THE POST OFFICE-Public opinion is now so
thoroughly roused against the present Postage
Act, that it may not be amiss to give an idea of the postal arrangements. Some letters addressed to Castlemaine from Carisbrook, only twenty- four miles distant, went through the Melbourne Post Office and back here again to arrive at their destination, thus taking a circuit of nearly two hundred miles, though the real distance is, as already stated, only " twenty-four." This is cer- tainly "going round the world for sport" and back again to the starting-point, thus occupying nine days time, when the journey could be per-
formed in less that half the number of hours. It can scarcely be credited by many; but they bear date at Carisbrook Post Office of the 31st ultimo, Melbourne the 6th inst., and Castlemaine
the 9th. A little attention to this would give in-
calculable advantages to the vast population at Maryborough diggings, who as yet are deprived of the benefit of a post office.
PUBLICANS LICENSES.-The magistrates here, it would seem, are getting weary of granting licenses for the sale of spirituous liquors on Crown lands. So many public-houses having been lately erected in every direction throughout the gold
fieids, they have now determined to refuse any applicants who have not substantial buildings and extensive public accommodation. On one day they grant a license, and on the next day t following it la suspended, without any probable following it is suspended, without any probable favored parties, with that easy insinuating man- ner peculiar to themselves, and only to be guessed at by the " initiated," whisper soft words into their not inattentive ears, which have an almost magical effect in opening their eyes to trivial requirements previously unnoticed. It seems as it by some fatality they are perpetually stultifying themselves by this strange inconsis- tency in thus depriving a party of the benefits he expected to derive from the outlay of his capital in such a speculation by the withdrawal of his license as soon as granted ; and the source from which it emanates can only be known to those who may perchance get a quiet hint as to the internal construction of its machinery. Some fixed rules ought to be laid down for the guidance of those who may build public houses on Crown lands, to prevent ruin and bankruptcy, the inevitable result of a misplaced confidence in the impartial administration of justice.
THE ATTEMPTED ESCAPE.-On Friday night last one of the foot police on sentry at the gaol was suddenly roused to attention by hearing a around as if of something grating against the boards which appeared to proceed from the in- terior of the prison. He listened attentively, and the noise continuing, he gave the alarm. Mr. Foster, the inspector, was immediately on the spot, who, perceiving a scratch in the door, sound on examination the panel cut right through, by which egress was to be effected. The instrument used turned out to be the handle of an iron spoon, reduced to a proper thinness by grinding, and then jagged on one edge like a saw, which some of the prisoners, it is supposed, picked up whilst being employed at their daily
labor in the Camp, and concealed on his person. Had another hall-hour, elapsed before the dis- covery, there could be no doubt that a whole horde of ruffians would have escaped, and before this engaged in perpetratlng additional crimes, Too much praise cannot be given to the sentry, who has thus, by his vigilance, averted such a catastrophe, and saved the community, at least
for a time, from their lawless acts.
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTER HOUSES.-Two re- spectable gentlemen, the other day, on taking a ride through the bush, came across a flock of scabby sheep, about two miles from Castlemaine, which they knew from the brands to be the pro- perty of a butcher residing there. On their re- turn to the township, they immediately ac- quainted our worthy inspector, of the fact, at
the same time giving him to understand that it was usual to have them killed, dressed, and brought into town during the night time, and sold the following day as good meat,-a practice which, it is much to be feared, is carried on to an unlimited extent. What is the result? It may be asked. Why, this gentleman as yet has taken no notice of the matter, and treats it with super- cilious contempt. We do not mean to insinuate that he is ignorant of the duties he owes to the public-of the serious responsibility attached to the situation he holds; yet it would seem he cares little for the fatal results which may happen to many a human being by consuming diseased meat, which it is his particular and bounden duty by every possible means to prevent, not only from being sold, but even slaughtered, for human use. To be sure, a handsome sinecure, with the privilege of shewing off to advantage a laced cap, silver-mounted whip, and a nicely- caparisoned steed, at the public expense, are mat- ters quite enough to engross his thoughts, with- out troubling himself as to what is expected from him In lieu thereof. Certainly the Latrobian pets were safely and securely pitchforked into smug situations, but we hope soon to see the prun ing-knife employed in lopping off those rotten
branches.
THE GOVERNORS VISIT.-The following letter has been received by Pearson Thompson, Esq., who presided on the occasion of the public break- fast given to His Excellency on his visit to Cas-
tlemaine :
Sandhurst. 6th September, 1851.
Sir,-I am directed by His Excellency Sir C, Hotham to convey to you his satisfaction at the
manner in which the public entertainment at Cas- tlemaine was conducted, and over which you so ably presided. His Excellency derives great satis- faction from the loyalty of the sentiments so gene- rally expressed, and begs you to tender his thanks to the gentlemen who principally officiated on the
occasion,
I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient
Servant,
F. H. Kay, Private Secretary.
To Pearson Thompson, Esq., Chairman of the public Breakfast, Castlemaine.
PUBLIC DINNER.-A dinner is to be given on Wednesday evening next, the 20th lnst., at the Victoria Hotel, to Captain Bull, Resident Gold Commissioner, as a mark of respect and esteem for the many invaluable services rendered during his official connexion wiht this district, as also his unremitting exertions to promote the welfare of the community. Mr. Walter Smith will occupy the chair.
THE MILITARY.-A detachment of the 12th regiment arrived here on Wednesday last, to relieve the Pensioners, who left the same day for
Melbourne.
CASTLEMAINE PETTY SESSIONS.-The busi- ness transacted by the Bench was very light. William Flowers, charged with stealing some sheep, the property of Joseph Davidson, butcher, at the Fryer's Junction of the Loddon, was com- mittcd for trial. From the evidence in this case, it appeared the prisoner was in the habit of stealing numbers of sheep and killing them, there being only thirty-two of prosecutor's mis- sing, seven of which were found slaughtered on the prisoner's premises, and exposed for sale.- Mark Lawford, of Fryer's Creek, was fined £30, or four months' imprisonment, for sly-grog-sel- ing.-James Medlin had his former bail for keeping the peace estreated for assaulting Henry Jones on the same night that Lawford sold the spirits, the row between those pugilists having been the means of getting him fined.-John Bradright, charged with discharging firearms on
the township, had his bail forfeited and the pistol confiscated, under the late Towns Police Act.-Wm. Sullivan, of Fryer's Creek, publican, was fined 40s, for keeping his house open on the Sunday previous.-The same party on the fol- lowing day charged Sergeant Elsey, of Fryer's Creek Police Station, with taking "tip." ln June last the prosecutor stated he had given to the Sergeant a side of bacon and £2 us " hush" money, in order that he would not "pull", him up for "grog-selling,''of which he was aware. He uso said that the Sergeant was in the habit of re- ceiving £20 and £30 for a like business from others, as the protector of grog-shops there. The Sergent, In defence, stated the bacon was given for the use of the station, and not for himself. Here cross-fire commenced, each accusing the other with bad faith, which was immediately ended by
the Bench dismissing the case. There must cer-
tainly be a magic power in the three letters "tip" -Pierre Benoit was also fined £50 for grog-selling ; and the charge against Thomas Adams, for a like offence, was withdrawn.- Some cases of horse-stealing were remanded till
this week for further evidence.
INQUESTS.-An inquest was held on the 9th instant, at Tarrengower, on the body of H. M. Lodd Widgson, who, it appeared from the evi- dence, died from an asthmatic complaint. A verdict in accordance was returned.-Another was held on the 11th inst. at Forest Creek, on the body of Patrick Conroy, a child of eighteen months old, who fell off a dray belonging to deceased father, returning from Melbourne. Neither the father nor mother were looking after the child at the time the accident occurred, although with the dray at the moment the child fell off, the wheel of which rolled over its body and caused instan- taneous death. Verdict, "Accidental death." Another was held on tlio 15th instant, on the Ix-dy of John Amnolonoy, at Pennyweight Plat' Purest Creek, who, it appeared from the cvidena. uiducod, was on habitual drunkard, from tho ¡?fleets of which ho died. Verdict accordinglye -Another was held on the 16th instant, on James Priest, at the Camp, Castlemaine, where he had been undergoing medical treatment in the watchhouse for the previous eight days, suffering from delirium tremens, which has been returned by the jury as the cause of death. [Query.-Is there any probability of ascertaining whether the deleterious liquors supplied to the two last mentioned persons were obtained at the licensed gin-palaces, or the sly-grog-shops?] - Another was held to-day on a Chinaman, at Forest Creek, but as this requires comment, Doing so nearly allied to similar cases in Melbourne, am unavoidably compelled to postpone the evi- dence till my next.
THE WEATHER.-We have had some very heavy rains last week here, but very little has fallen in the direction of the new diggings at Mary- borough, where it is so much needed for mining operations. However, the weather does not appear to be settled as yet, so that a plentiful supply may still be expected, which would be equally beneficial to agricultural and mining