Cathy McHardy and and I were comparing some snippets of what was classed as rather lewd behaviour. Those on the list may also get a good laugh.... In Jan 1845 there was a complaint from the local Justices of the Peace - Fitzgerald and Bowman; to the Commanding Officer of the 58th Regiment stationed at Windsor. Apparently some of the military were in the “habit of bathing at all hours within the view of persons passing on the ferry” The Act of the time prevented bathing within the town limits between 6am and 8pm and they stated the practice was “A VIOLATION OF DECENCY!” Windsor Bench of Magistrates : Copies of letters,1842 - 1846 SR Reel 2739 The police are keeping a sharp lookout for persons bathing within the town limits improperly clad. A good deal of trouble has been caused lately, and having given some sharp warnings, Senr-Sergeant Boyd has now instructed his men to summons all offenders. Windsor & Richmond Gazette 22 February 1902, p 3 Complaints have been raised against people bathing in the creek within view of Mrs A Pearce’s residence. Some of them can at times be seen running about in the “nude”, and under the gaze of residents. Considering that water is so scarce in the district, it would be wise if those who indulge in this practice were stopped from polluting what is now almost a luxury. Windsor & Richmond Gazette 8 February 1902, p 4 - Riverstone News Cheers Michelle Nichols & Cathy McHardy

Dear Michelle, Thanks for that information. On the Sydney Rootsweb List Max Bancroft is posting some of the news from the Sydney Morninig Heralds of the 1880's, including daily reports from the Central Police Court, Water Police Court and another couple of courts from what we now call the inner city area. Riotous behaviour seems to be a frequent charge, and I often wonder just how riotous it was. Penalties in those times seemed extremely harsh by the standard of today. Regards,Bill In Jan 1845 there was a complaint from the local Justices of the Peace - Fitzgerald and Bowman; to the Commanding Officer of the 58th Regiment stationed at Windsor. Apparently some of the military were in the “habit of bathing at all hours within the view of persons passing on the ferry” The Act of the time prevented bathing within the town limits between 6am and 8pm and they stated the practice was “A VIOLATION OF DECENCY!” Windsor Bench of Magistrates : Copies of letters,1842 - 1846 SR Reel 2739