Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article811144

Tags (Keywords)

Add New Tags

Comments

No comments yet.

Add New Comment

2 corrections, most recently by anonymous - Show corrections

DISTRICT NEWS.

[FROM VARIOUS CORRESPONDENTS.]

COORANBONG.

DEATH.--The fell destroyer, who spares neither in youth nor ago, has again paid UB a visit; this time among the children. On Thuraday last a child of Mr. John Edgtton, of the Bruah, succumbed to a kind of throat or cheat disease, which baa been alarmingly prevalent among the children of this locality for some time, five deaths occurring from it in aa many months. Several children are still Buffering from the same complaint ; but I trust we will hear of no more fatal results.

While writing of sickness, I am sorry to hear that the Eev. E. M. Athy, of Kincumber, was seized with a sudden illnesa on Monday laet, when on a visit to our township. He is at present unable to leave his bed, but I trust he will soon be himself again, as he has BO endeared himself to all classes, on account of bia eterling good qualities, that a continuance of his illness would cause universal regret.

TELEGRAM OFFICE-I hear that this edi- fice will shortly be proceeded with. One day last week the men who are to quarry the stone arrived, so I suppose it will not be long before a start ÍB made. It will not be erected before it ia needed ; the present temporary premises being too small to enable our worthy operator to go about hiß work with anydegree ot comfort.

WEATHER.-Since my last we have had a slight change in the weather. On Sunday night a smart shower fell, which laid the dust but the drying winds which followed have

removed all trace of it.

SHIPPING.-Since I wrote last week the arrivals have been : The Ben on Thursday, Maggie Scott on Friday, Emily and Mary on Sunday, and Growler last night. The depar- tures : Maggie Scott, and Bon ; sailing to- morrow, Growler, and Emily and Mary.

Cooranbong, 4th Aug.

There has been a very great increase in the attendance at our Public school thia quarter, owing to the new law coming into operation ; and 1 believe we will have to go in for build- ing, aB the accommodation at present ia altogether inaulBciont-some of the classes having to be taught outaide the school.

Mr. Jehn Byron, of this place, has a sow which is a moat prolific animal. She has had four litters, and borne the following number of pigs :-The first litter 15, the second litter 19, the third litter 19, and the fourth litter l8. One of her youngstera at seven months old, when killed and dressed, weighed 175

lbB.

LITTLE KITEE.-The Enterprise Crushing Machine has arrived in Clarence Town, and tenders have been called for the conveyance

of it to Little Eiver.

EAWDON STUEASI.-I hear work is progress- ing very favorably for the erection of a crushing machine at the Kerepit Diggings, and they expect to commence operations before Christmae. Miller'a, Smith's, Ogilvie's, and other claims are looking very well, and they are expecting something satisfactory when they commence crushing.

Dungog, 5th August, 1880.

STROUD.

ACCIDENT.-On Wednesday an accident, which might have been attended with serious, if not fatal consequences, occurred to Mr. George Gorton, BOU of Mr. John Gorton, of the Washpool. By what we have learned it appears that the young man referred to had harnessed a horse in a water dray, and had seated himself on the cask for the purpose of going to the river for some water. Whilst descending the hill from the house to the river, the horse, which was a young one, be- came unmanageable, and Gorton jumped down in order to quiet the horse. In doing so however his leg caught between the cask and the framework of the dray, causing a fracture of both bones of the leg below the knee. Dr. Smith was sent for, and on his arrival reduced the fracture.

Constable Kitchens has returned to Stroud after an absence of nearly eighteen months. He was ordered away, with a great number of constablea from other places, at the time that the Kelly gang were first causing a scare on

the border.

The victim of the late assault (Mr. II. Masters) is, we understand, progressing favorably.

BANK.-Some few months ago it was ru- moured that a branch bank was to be established in Stroud. It would be a very great convenience to the inhabitants of the district. Cheques are in circulation which have been made out a long time, and change is scarce. There should be a good opening.

BANK HOLIDAY.-Monday, August 2nd. There waa a party organized by some gentle- men of Maitland and Newcastle to spend this day kangarooing and fishing, on the Karuah, near to Stroud. A party of gentle- men arrived by the Goolwa, and met a few sportsmen from thia district. As far as kangaroos were concerned, we believe that few were seen. We have neither seen, or

heard from the fish.

Stroud, August 4.

; COPELAND.

We are growing less in numbers, while Temora is increasing. One blessing ia we cannot become much leas than wo are now for some time to come, for all who are not much interested in Copeland are gone, and we Bee the papers are warning the public againBt rushing to Temora until at any rate there is plenty of water there.

The crushing of the Mountain Maid is finished, and the yield is very good, being 271 tons for a total yield of nearly 1500 ozs. The erection of Campbell's machine is nearly completed. Tassell and party, proprietors of the Centennial reef, will soon Btart carting to that machine. The Prince Charlie machine will be erected in about six or eight weeks. The Caledonian G. M. C. are reported to be on good gold again. We hope it may prove to be as good and as permanent at least as in the rosieBt days of this mine. The largest public escort taken from this field was the last, being 1731 ozs ; the next cannot be very large.

ADDBES8 TO MR. WARDEN SHARPE.

We have lost Mr. Sharpo, Warden and Police Magistrate, who has been appointed to Temora. Previous to his departure a testi- monial, of which the following ia a couy, was V "l'.'ftitd presented to him on the bench : Io a. " est Agustus Lambie Shatpe, Esq, B A., Bar

niter at Law, Police Mayistrate and Warden of the Gold Itelds of Neto South Wales,

Dear Sir,-We understand that you have been ap- pointed Police Magistrate for the Temora Gold

Field«, and that in consequence of this your efficient connection with the district ia just about to cease And we feel that we would be wanting in the dis- charge of our duty did we allow you to leave ua without a ,/ublic expression of our high appreciation

f jour worth as a public officer, and as a private gentleman

Tour duties here hav* been arduous and often verj difficult but in discharging them you hive ever buen courteous, considerate, attentive and impartial, while j our decisions have been as remarkable for their legal accuracy as for their even handed and unswerving

justice

1 his district now stands high for tue orderly and peaceful character of its inhabitants, and it is with great pleasure that we are able to assure you that thia sitisfoctorj state of pub io order has been largely brought ob ut by your Arm and able administration of public justice When in the interest of good order it lins been necfS'ary that your judgments should be severe neither fear on the < ne hand nor flattery on the oth r has ever caused you to hesitate or to falter in your duty Nevertheless, your own ku dly nature has always taught j ou to let ' Mercy tomper justice ' And it must be very gratifying to you to know na it certainly is for us to aseure you, tb it your official conduct-ministerially and judicially - Ima won lor you the universal esteem and confidence of thia community

In your capacity as a private gentleman your character stands quite as high aa in that of a public officer, and y u carry with you the hearty good wished of everjone who has had any opportunity of knowing jour worth , but you ore esteemed uio&t by thoae who know you best lo auch of us as have had t e honour to enjoy the luxurj of your private friendship jour departure from our midst wil create a void mnst difficult to fill We do however console ourselves for thia losa with the hope that jour removal to the important district of Temora may prove beneficial in every way to yourself and your

tamih

In bidding you farewell we fervently hope and pray that the highest blessings of Divine Providence moy rest upon you and all j ours now and evermore

We are, dear air,

Faithfully youra

J Waddell, Jas J Sullivan, Benjimin Benjamin,

James Baker Christopher Mcintyre Robert Sullivan, Alex Halcolm, Urank Parker, John Driscoll, C Buchmg M S Monteagresti, J F Muiphy Chas írj, A J Laurie J P

This address was signed and presented at the Court house, Copeland, on the 28th day of July, 1880

Mr Sharpe read the following reply -

Gentlemen -I feel deeply affected and grateful to you for this kind and warm testimonial that has just been read to me, and the mode you have chosen to say farewell is one I should havo preferred above

all others

It is always painful to say good bje, and the feel- ing of regret ia grfatly rdded to when leaving a place where I have received the greatest kindueas and conaideration lou have been pleased in jour addresB to apeak m the highest and most flattenni

terms of IHV administration of the dutiea allotted to me SB Warden and Police Magistrate I feel I do not deserve such high praise but it ia very pleaaant to know that the discharge of mj oihcial dutiea have given satistaction, and I may add that the orderly conduct and strong but unexpressed feeling of the people here to preserve law ond ords»- has rendered my duties very much lighter th n they otherwise would have been I an aware that sometimes my decisions may have appear*d severe But I assure you that I have at at all times tried to cast out all feeling but that ot the public good

In conclusion gentlemen, I am indeed sorry to leave j ou, and I can he rtilj assure j ou that the people of Copeland will always be gratefully remem bored bj me and mine wheiever my lot may be CBSt

Copeland, August 2

MERRIWA.

INQUEST

An inquest was held, before William Pox Parker, Esq , P M , Coroner, on view of the body of JameB Smith, at the Pipe Clay, district of CassiliB, on the 27th day of June The following evidence waB taken -

Eohert Byfield, on oath, states I am superintendent for my father, Eobert Byfield, senr I reside at Lynwood, district of Cas Bilis On Sunday, the 25th mst, about 11 30 am a man named John Neville, junr, in formed me that a woman called at his place, and repoited the death of a shepherd named Smith, who was in my father's em ployment, at the Pipe Clay In consequence of the information, I shoitly afterwards pro ceeded to the hut, where I saw the deceised, I found him lying on the bed in hie hut, I afterwards saw the wife of deceased, who informed me that he died between 10 and 11

p m on Saturday, 24th inst, I then reported the death to the police, I have known the deceased for three months, while he waa in our employment, I have just visited the body, now laying in adjoining room, and identity it as the same body that 1 saw on last Sunday I havo heard my brother state that the deceased had been suffering for some time past with some inward complaint at times he could scarcely get about, deceased had medicine supplied to him for nis comp aint, vi/, pills, chlorodyne, <fcc Deceased had notified to us that in consequence of his illness he would leave our service at the end of three months

Ihomas Edward Douglas, on oath, states I am a mounted trooper, stationed at Cassilis about nine a m yesterday I received matruc tions from senior constable Shanaghan to proceed to the Pipeclay (Mr Byfiold a) and take charge of the body of deceased, who, I was informed, died on Saturday night, in consequence I proceeded to the place where we now are, the Pipeclay, distant about 15 miles south of Cassilis, I arrived about 12

noon, I saw the body of deceased laying in

the bed where it now is, I examined the

body, and was satisfied that there were no marks of violence thereon, I afterwards asked the wife of deceased, Mrs Ann Smith, if deceased had been lately complaining of being unwell, ahe said yes, that he had been bad for the last three years, complaining of a pain in his side

Ann Smith, on oath, states I am the wife of the deceased James Smith, we were married on the 10th March, 1S51, my hus band had just turned 19 years, he was formerly a sailoi, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, my husband had very good health till about fi\ e years ago, when he complained of a pain in hie left side, this got much worse during the last BIX months , about four months ago deceased got medical advice from Dr Pratt, of Tamworth, and my hus band told me that Dr Pratt had informed him that he had heart disease , my husband com plained lately veiy much of palpititionof the heart, my husband slept very little at night, he returned about dark on Saturday e\oning from the sheep, and shortly afterwards went to bed, I was in bed also , about an hour aftorwards my husband complained of a dreadful pam in his back, I then advised lum to lay on his back, he tried to do so, but could not, deceased lately had always cold feet, on that night I put a stone bottle with hot watei in to warm his feet, about between 10 and 11 my husband all of a sudden jumped, and almost inmediately fell ofi the bed on the ground, I went to get a light, and then saw lum lying on his left side unconscious, and he died about three minutes afterwards, I then raised his head, and put a coat under it, deceased seemed to die quite easily I have always lived on good terms with my husband, he was very kind to me, we have had no issue ;

my husband used to take chlorodyne, but he never took more than 32 drops at a time ; he had used the last of the chlorodyue on last Thursday, and had not any to take after- wards ; my husband took some of Jaynes pills on Thursday or Friday night.

The jury returned the following verdict : The jury are clearly of opinion that the said James Smith died suddenly on the night of Saturday, the 24th inat., in a hut situated on Mr. Byfiáld'a farm, near Cassilis, at a spot known as the " Pipeclay," and that the cause

of his death was heart disease.

DEATH PE05I OLD ADE.

Another inquest was held by Mr. Parker at a place called Black Camp, Collaroy Eun, and l8 miles from Merriwa, on the 30th July, on the remains of John Grey, before a jury of

five.

The following facts were elicited :

Michael Doonan on oath states : I am a constable of police, and atationed at Merriwa ; about 1 p.m. I received information that a man named John Grey waa laying dead at Mr. John Hall's, selector, at Black Camp, on Collaroy Eun ; and in consequence I pro- ceeded with the coroner to the spot, a bark hut situated about 4 miles east of the Colla- roy Homestead, in the district of Cassilia ; upon going inside the said hut, I found the deceased laying on the floor in front of the fire, and close to it ; there waa a wool bale over the deceased ; the deceaaed was laying with the back to the fire, on a sheet of bark ; the body waB fully dressed ; I examined the body, but found no marka of violence thereon ; I searched the body of deceaaed, I found 8s 6d in silver, a knife, and a pipe j I should take the deceased, from his appearance, to be upwards of CO years of age.

John Hall, on oath, atates : I am a farmer, and reside at Black Camp; I engaged the deceased, whose name is John Grey, on the 16th in6t., as a shepherd, at 7s. per week and rations; the deceased was quite a stranger to

me ; 1 never saw him before this ; the de- ' ceaBed continued to ahepherd 240 Bheep up till yesterday evening ; the deceased appeared quite well up to yesterday evening, when he complained of a pain in his bowels ; he then appeared to be in great pain ; I gave de- ceased about one-third of a spoonful of pain- killer in water about 8 o'clock laBt night ; this did not seem to give him much relief ; again about 8 45 p.m. I gave deceased an- other small dose of the painkiller, and a third dose about 9.30 p m. ; I left the deceased about 10 o'clock last night, and he then ap- peared a little easier ; I called at the hut about sunrise this morning, and found the de- ceased lying on the same spot where I had left him' on the previous night, quite dead ; I reported the death to a Mr. Vigors, a near neighbour, and afterwards proceeded to Merriwa and reported the death to the police ; and about 2 o'clock to-day I returned, accom- panied by the Coroner and Constable Doonan. The deceased, John Grey, ia a native of the colony, and about GO years old ; he told me in conversation that his father was English

and his mother Scotch.

William Clay on oath states: I am a splitter and fencer in the employ of Mr. Peter Hall ; I know the deceased ; I have seen the deceased only twice before last night ; about Bundowu yesterday evening I was going round the. fence about }-mile from the hut of deceased when I heard him screaming out ; I proceeded to the hut, and found him laying down ; he complained of a pain in the bowels ; I aBked deceased if he could get up ; he said in reply that he could not ; a son of Mr. Hall's was with me at the time, and he assisted me to raise the deceaaed up, and we put him down in a sitting posture close to the fire ; I told young Hall to go and report the old man's sickness to his father ; I then left deceased ; at this time he was screaming out with pain.

The jury returned a verdict that, from the evidence adduced, they are of opinion that the said John Grey died between the hour of ten on Thursday night, the 29th instant, and six a.m. of Friday, the 30th, in a hut near the homestead of- John Hall, at Black Camp, Cassilis ; and that the cause of death was 1st, old age, decay of nature ; and, 2nd, in-

flammation of the bowels.

Meiriwa, August 5.

c & na B ?.. ¡¡t w &, EX.

We wore visited, on last Sunday night, by a thunderstorm, which, unfortunately, did not leave much rain in Camberwell. The thunder which accompanied it was very heavy, and the lightning terrifically vivid. I

am airaid if rain does not soon come the spring wheat will be of little good to ita

growers.

Eavensworth Public School ia now com- pleted, and 1 have been given to understand that it is a very handsome building. I hope it may turn out equally haudsome scholars.

J. C. Maynard, Esq., paid Camberwell Public School a visit a few days ago, in order to ascertain if a new building was required, in lieu of the present one. He thought the present one rather unsuited for the pur- pose, in consequence of its dilapidated condi- tion, but did not promise us a new building. I am sure it ia badly wanting.

I am iuformed that the young man, Jauz, whom I mentioned in my last communication is now recovering from his indisposition.

Colds are somewhat prevalent in our midst just now.

Camberwell, 4th August, 1SS0.

Nothing of any importance to note lately. On Sunday night a much needed storm raged for a few hours, giving the crops a new start, which wore beginning to look bad, owing to

the severe frosts.

Great preparations are being made for the Muswellbrook races and show. If other dis- tricts contribute as freely in proportion to their size as Denman, both events ought to be

a success.

The Courthouse, and additions to lock-up, I hope will be finished in three months at the outside. Two-thirds of the wall is now set, and nearly all the woodwork finished. Doubt- less court work will be brisk on completion " a new broom sweeps clean."

It is reported that Denman is to have a town policeman, commonly called a " peeler," to guard against inebrity, &c.

Some well meaning people in this town started a petition merely for.the sanction of a. public meeting with regard to getting a Public school here. , The meeting was sanc- tioned but never held, consequently the af- fair died a natural death for want of agita-

tion.

A public meeting was held last month, in order to appoint five Trustees for the Recreation Ground. The following gentle- men were appointed :-Messrs. A. Munro, M. Doyle, G. Koss, W". Brecht, J. T. Everingham,

whom I feel confident will carry out their plans to please the public when called upon

to do so.

The .¡School of Arts meetings are well attended', debates on various subjects being the ruling passion. On Monday night the Denman Quadrille Party held their first meeting, a good number were present. I am eure they enjoyed themselves (that is if noise has anything to do with it). I waa awakened several times from my peaceful alumber by boisterous roara of laughter intermingled with the aweet and charming notas of a"Dulcimer," more explicitly known aa the " Concertina." From hearsay the affair was conducted in a very methodical manner, and an enjoyable evening waa spent.

I noticed in Saturday's issue, a severe cut at thia town, under the heading of a " Trip to Cassilis," wherein Denman was styled as " Denman with its river-ßlaughtered mutton ;" I beg to inform the public in general that we are not in the habit of being fed on drowned mutton, thanks to our two local butchers, who both supply our wants.

Denman, August 4th, 1880.

GUULBliai« RIVER &? DISTRICT.

Another month has gone by, and with its departure has come to me the conaciouanesa of a laxity on my part in attending to ray duties as your correapondent. The truth ia that there is such a dearth of news of even the most slightly interesting character that I am at a loas what to write about I might almost sum up thus-heavy frosts, no rain, farmers grumbling. This has certainly been the driest, severest winter experienced by New South Wales for many years.

A little more than a week ago a little boy of aohie six summers, a son of Mr. Kirk's, of the Goulburn Eiver, was playing with an axe, when he unfortunately cut his little toe off. His cries quickly brought his mother to hie assistance, and she immediately bound it up. After a little search they found the dismembered toe among the chips. He waa laid up for a day or two, but is now all right again, running about.

Before closing I must not forget to thank my unknown frieud for so kindly saving me the trouble of corresponding for the month of June. " A friend in need ia a friend indeed."

Giant's Creek, 2nd August, 1880.

GUNGAL.

Having nothing of any importance to send from this neighbourhood has kept me from com- municating. However, just to let those that read your valuable journal know we are still in existence, I will send what news I can. In looking over your Saturday's issue I perceived (a trip from Jerry's Plains to Cassilis,) your correspondent, from hie writing, seemed to enjoy himself much in all parts of his jour- ney excepting Hall's Creek, which he soon and gladly passed. I will say on behalf of others that I am sorry to hear that gentleman had anything at this quiet and interesting little spot to mar his pleasure. However, we have a sum on the estimates for a bridge at this place, and when that gentleman comes again he may be the successful tenderer, and if so I hope nothing will obstruct him in his proceeding like the trip above stated.

Some time ago the sad intelligence reached here that a son of Mr. J. Daniels, who resides on Giant's Creek, had wandered away in the the bush and got lost. It appears from what I have learned that he was out playing some distance from the place with some more of the family, who came home to dinner ^ and left. The parents some time after got uneasy as to his whereabouts, and went in search, but did not succeed that evening. The search was continued throughout the night and next day, about sixty men on horseback went out, and towards midday he was trackod over several ranges down on to Hall's Creek below Gundebri. The second night advanced, but the search party being satisfied that they could not do anything better than retire for the night, had come to that conclusion, when a messenger came and informed the father

that his child was found and was then at

Mr. Thorley's, who resides near Merriwa. A shepherd boy in the employ of Mr. Eeid had found him, and thinking he was lost brought him to Mr. Thorley's, who took all the care he could of him. The little traveller had

walked nearly thirty miles over a very rough and mountainous country. I might mention, too, on news beiog received in Merriwa, Constable Doolan-Sergeant Hazard beiog absent-immediately started in company with the black trackers, which were of great ser-

vice.

SEVERE FROSTY WEATIIEII-During the past few weeks we have had very severo and t'roaty weather. The whole face of the coun- try around ua is covered with its white man- tle, resembling snow. A sudden change took place in the weather on Sunday evening : the early morn there was aa usual a heavy frost, hut towards mid-day the sun shone with great power, and it was quite warm. About sunset heavy rumbling of thunder was heard, and at dark rain set in, but only enough to lay the dust. We have had cold winds ever

since.

Wheat will be of no importance in this part if we do not soon get a change. Grass is very scarce, consequently stock are falling

away.

Our provisional school, I hear, is pro- claimed a public one; therefore, I hope soon to be able to report on us getting the neces- sary buildings, which are badly wanted both

for scholars and teachers.

Gungal, August 4th, 1S80.

ItHJBWEE,I.BSt®©K..

SCHOOL OF AKTS.

The half-yearly meeting of the members of the School of Arts was held on Tuesday, August the 3rd, in the hall of the institute, W. Bowman, Esq., in the chair. There was not above a dozen members present, owing, probably to its not having been made gener- ally known, and other causes, one of which is the little interest taken in the matter by the members. There was not enough members nominated to the office of commi'ttemen, but they had to be made up according to the rules by the retiring committee. In an in- stitution such as we have, this state of things should not exist, but I suppose the members will rouse from their apathy some of these days, and wonder why they have been in a comose state so long.

The following report, as read by the Secre- tary^ will show that the School of Arts is in a flourishing condition, notwithstanding the apathy of its members :

The Twenty-seventh Half-Yearly Report of the Mus-

wellbrook School of Arts.

Your committee, in resigning their trust into the banda of the members, haye endeavoured as briefly

as possible to lay before them a faithful account of. their labours during the post half year. Î

The.attention of your committee waa, at an early part df their tenure of offic«, given to thoCfioneidera tioripf'tba state of the building as to the iked of repair-.. It was found that the hall dtmonded prompt atten*io>, chiefly on account of the supposed unsound cmdition of the ceiling, and the delapi dated appearance of the room generally.

A careful examination of thj ceiling waa made under the committee's instructions by nn experi- enced tradesman, with a view to oscertain its actual condition. The result of that examination led the committee to decide to renew the whole of the ceiling, and a contract has been entered into to bave

it done. . ...

It waa also determined that the proscenium, which

has now by long exposure become dimmed and soiled, should be repaired ; and your committee think it fortunate th .t they were able to secure the services of the artist who executed the- existing scenery to prnoare au entirely new design.

Your committee are sanguine that when these repairs and improvements ara completed the ball of the institution (one of the most prominent parte of the building) will be so greatly improved sa fully to justify the outlay. This matter, involving a con- siderable expenditure, has received a large amount of consideration from your committee, and also from your Bub-committee, to whom it was entrusted in the first instance to report upon ; while other im- provements of a minor character have not been

overlooked.

In consequence of your committee entering upai the works above specified, it was not found expedi- ent, in the present state of the financea, to do any- thing in the way of adding to the works in the library. Chambers' Edinburgh Jownal hRS been added to the list of periodicals in uae in the read- ing room.

A dramatic club having been formed in the town apart Trim the institution, your committee, have allowed tbem the use of the hall for rebeareole, on the same conditions es the braes band, and thus some new members will be added to the list.

A treasurer not having been appointed at the half yearly meeting held in February last, a special gene- ral meeting waa called for the purpose, when Mr. B. Greig was chosen to fill the office.

There have been five regular and eight apecial meeting" of the committee during the half year with the following attendance, viz. : W. Bjwman, (Pre8ident), 4; M. Campbell, (Vica president), 7 i K. Greig, (Treasurer), 6 ; John Fer cusson, (Secretary), 12. Committee: ft. Stafford 13, E. Bowman 13, Rovd. J. S. Laing li, D. Hobart Boa 10, A, Guilfoyle 9, R. T. Keys 8, J. W. Allworth 7, H. C. Dixon 4, A. Bussell 3, E. G. D. Fitz Gerald 1.

There have brien no lectures or entiTtainmenta under the ouapices of your committee curing the patt half-year. There are now 86 members on the roll of the institution as against 75 last year.

The issue of books from the library ha3 been as follows-Cls«s E, elocution, debate, poetry, and droma, 34 ; F, fiction, 672 ; G, general, m)8celleneoua! 40 ; H. geography and travel's, 73 ; B, sea tales, 37 ; R. works of reference, nil ; D, theology and political science, 4 ; C, science and art, 5 ; total issues for the half-year, 907.

The Treasurer's report on being read shewed a balance to the credit of the institu- tion of £93 lGs Id.

The President in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet said he congratulated the members on the state of the finances, and he was sorry to see BO little interest taken in the institution as not to have enough mem- bers nominated for committee, certainly the committee have not done much in the

way of providing intellectual food, but it is very hard to get gentlemen to give lectures ; and as to other entertainments, in this town, they are a-dead letter.

Mr. Guilfoyle, in a long speech, defended the past committee from the charge of doing nothing. At the same time he must confess, as one of them, they did not try very hard to do anything in the way of lectures and enter- tainments. He supposed they worked like committees of similar institutions ; and that so long as the members (the parties most interested) did not kick up a row, no one else had a right to do so. He was sorry to

see so little interest taken in the School of Arts. For his part he would like to see a fresh batch of committeemen, just to see if more life and energy could be brought to bear on it. With these few remarks, he begged to second the adoption of the report

and balance-sheet.

Mr. Clendining ia rising to speak on the subject caused some merriment by beginning Mr. Mayor, and here he thought of himself and spoke to the subject in question. He critised the action of the late committee in regard to the ceiling of the hall being again plastered, and said if it was boarded it would have a better sound, as instance St. Alban's Church which is a boarded ceiling and one of the best sounding edifices in the colony, he also critised the committtein not trying to get gentlemen to give lectures. He knew it was no use trying to get up entertainments here, as he knew from experience that the class of people that should help to get up these kind of things wont mix with plebian blood, and therefore he held the committee blameless as far as that was concerned.

Several other members having spoken on the subject the chairman put the resolution to the meeting, when it was carried unani- mously.

The Chairman said the next business was the election of officers and committee, and as there was no opposition he declared the fol- lowing gentlemen elected to fill the offices set oppostte their names:-W. Bowman, president; M. Campbell, vice-president; E. Greig, treasurer ; John Ferguson, secretary. The following members were declared the com- mittee for the half year : Messrs. Clendining, Guilfoyle, Blomfield, E. T. Keys, Fitz Gerald, Eobertson, Laing, D. Stafford, E. Bowman, T. Allworth, with Messrs. Thomas and Humph-

ries as auditors.

The periodicals were sold for £3 2s. Gd.

Ul'l'ER HUNTER P. AND A. ASSOCIATION.

A special meeting of the Show Ground Committee waa held on Saturday last. Pre- sent-The President in the chair, and Messrs. Thrum, Blunt, Black, Campbell, E. Keys, D. Mcintyre, and James White. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary laid before the meeting the number of entries in the different classes. It was found that there would not be sufficient pens for sheep ; it was decided to erect temporary pena with hurdles, between the shed and the fence, also to divide some of the larger pens with battens. The Secretary was instructed to send a dray to Bengalla for about 40 hurdles the President could lend them, and to see if Mr. Bowman could lend them some more if they were short of them.

After some conversation about providing a place for the dogs, of which there were 27 entries, it was moved by Mr. M'lntyre, seconded by Mr. Campbell,-That the Secre- tary be instructed to get posts and battens for forming a shed, and making the divisions with hurdles, and to cover the roof with can-

vas.

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Pritchard, of Wickham, stating that Mr. Porteus had kindly lent the Association some flags. The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. A. Tomiug about some flags ; also to Mr. King, tanner, for bark.

A meeting of the general committee was held on Wednesday, the 4th. Present . The President, and Messrs. W. E. and A. Bow

man, M. Campbell,"^., Clendining, E. Keys, and D. M'Intyre. The 'minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Secretary read the following corre- spondence ¡-From A. Torning and E. Foley, offering to supply the flags for the decoration of the pavilion ; from the Public School, Gulgong, offering needle and fancy work as extra exhibits at the coming Show ; from J. M'Elhone, Esq., declining to act as jud >e of fat stock at the coming Show ; from Maitland Mercury, enclosing account for £21 S-i : from the secretary of the Muswellbrook brass band, offering to,play at the coming Show. A number of letters were read which the secretary had attended to. It was proposed by Mr. Clendining, seconded by Mr. Camp- bell, that correspondence and accounts bo received. It was proposed and seconded that the decorating of the pavilion be left in the hands of Mr. Campbell.

It waa moved by Mr. Clendining, seconded by Mr. E. Keys, that the offer of the secre- tary of the Muswellbrook brass band to play on the Show Ground during the two dayB of the Show for £14, eight performers, be ac- cepted.

The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. King, tanner, of Campbell's Hill, asking him to forward a truck load of bark for the sheep pens. The committee appointed col- lectors for the gates for the two days of the

Show.

It waa moved by Mr. Clendining, seconded by Mr. W. Bowman, that the Hon. Secretary write to the < 'ommiasioner of Eailways, urg- ing him as to the necessity of reducing the excursion rates for the coming Show to one

penny per mile ; also, to w:ite to Mr. M'El- hone, to communicate with the Minister for Works, as to the claims of .this Association to the same privilege accorded to the Northern Agricultural Association, namely, cheap fares of one penny per mile.

It was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. M'Intyre, that a water-cart be em- ployed to water the road between the park gates and the gates to the Show ground.

The committee viewed the different works going on, and were satisfied with the progress being made. -.»

Muswellbrook, August 6', 1880.

MUOGEË.

( Western Post, August 3 ;

Our readers will be very sorry to learn, as we certainly are to record, the rather sudden death of Mrs. Davidson, wife of Mr. George Davidson, solicitor, of this town. Mrs. Davidson, was in her usual health no later than last Monday, on which day she drove through town, as washer custom, in a covered buggy. On Tuesday she was taken unwell, and on Wednesday her case assumed a rather serious aspect ; both Drs. Bowling and Newton being in constant attendance from then till her'death. We believe it was not till Thurs- days night that danger was anticipated, and that at a consultation between Doctors New- ton and Eowling, on Eriday morning, it was decided to telegraph to Sydney for Dr. McLaurin, who had attended her on a pre- vious occasion. However, during Friday night, despite all medical attendance and the care of kind relatives could do, death took place; inflammation of the lungs being the causo. Mrs. Davidson, who was a daughter of the late Mr. David Watt, J.P., of Pine Eidge, was only 27 years of age at the time of her

death.

A very heavy thunderstorm took place in Mudgee on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by vivid lightning, and first large-sized hail- stones, followed by heavy rain. During the afternoon and night 7S points, or rather over three-quarters of an inch, of rain fell, '/his downpour will do good, though more is re- quired. The weather still bears a broken

appearance.

WJGW EÄGÄ. MSB.

(Uralla and lfalchi limes, AUQUSH.)

It ia again our sad duty to chronicle the death of one of tbe early settlers of this district-in fact, well nigh one of the pioneers of settlement in this portion of the colony. We allude to the death of the late Mrs. James M'Crossin, which sad event took place on Saturday afternoon last, at her residence, Uralla. The late Mrs. M'Crossin, who had reached a good age, was the second eldest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel M'Crossin. Nearly 40 years ago the late Mrs. M'Crossin carno to the colony with the rest of the family, and shortly after her arrival removed to this district-at that time, strictly speak- ing, a howling wilderness. The immediate cause of'death, we understand, was the re- sult of an accident which the late Mrs.

M'Crosnin met with about six weeks ago, when she received a bodily injury which, though it might not have proved serious to one in the vigour of life, was qu'te sufficient to prove fatal to a person who was verging on the allotted span of human life. \

EEI'ORTED DISCOVERY or GOLD NEAE BATHURST.-During the past few days rumours and contradictions, with regard to the discovery of gold a few miles from town, have been flying about in all directions, and as yet we have not been able to ascertain that any of the reported " fiuds" are richer than have been obtained about Bathurst on

scores of different occasions. Several persons, who say they know all about it, look very mysterious when questioned, and mutter disconnected sentences about " parties being on the look out," " working in secret," and " surprising results to be made known in a few days." We have heard that a party left town to prospect dowu the Macquarie last Friday, and they remained until Monday, but the result of their expedition has not been made known. Another party have also gone out to Native Dog Creek, near O'Connell, where it is stated that gold has been found within the past few days. We were informed on Monday that a man had discovered a place across the river where, after the rain, anyone could fiud payable employment is clearing " the root of all evil" from amongst the alluvial washdirfc. It is to be hoped that definite news of a cheering nature will soon be to hand, so that trade will be given the stimulus it badly needs.

Bathurst Times.

The late Bishop of Winchester (Wilberforce) occasionally took a quiet day's shooting over a neighbouring estate. He once chided the keaper for not going to church, and the man admitted the fact, but pleaded that he always read his Bible on Sunday afternoons. "And my lord," said he, "Ido not find in it that the Apostles went shooting." " No," replied the bishop, " you are quite right, but that was because there was no game in the Holy Land. They went Sailing instead."

The placidity of expression worn' by a man who is " next" in a full barber shop cannot be counter- feited.

Zoom

plus
thumb
minus
left
thumb
right
up
thumb
down