From Western Post, 30 March 1861: DETERMINED HIGHWAY ROBBERY The following is an authenticated account of the daring robbery committeed on Mr SHAW, gold buyer for the Bank of New South Wales. Mr SHAW, having business to transact at Tambaroora, left his residence on the Meroo about five o'clock on Saturday, and proceeded to the Devil's Hole, where he met some miners who had just returned from Lambing Flat. After a short conversation with them he continued his journey. Having rode about six miles over the high ground, he was about cantering down a short gully thickly covered with low scrub and trees, when he heard the report of a pistol, and the next moment a ball passed close to his horse's head, which caused it to shy so much that it threw him, stunning him for a moment or so. Before Mr SHAW could recover himself, a man rushed out the scrub, held him on the ground by planting his knees upon his breast, and with a loaded pistol in hand dared him to speak or to attempt to move. A second man then appeared, who commenced searching Mr! SHAW. Having secured the booty, he decamped, taking with him a belt and revolver attached. When he got a short distance, he called out all right to the other man, who released Mr SHAW, and ordered him which way to take. Both fellows were provided with horses, which they had close at hand tied up to a tree. They, however, took the precaution to secure Mr SHAW's horse, saddle and bags, &c., so as to have a good start on the road. Mr SHAW hastened back to the Point and gave the necessary information to the police. A dispatch was likewise sent to Captain BROWNE, and to Mr OLIVER, the manager of the Branch Bank at Mudgee. Search was immediately made for the men. About two miles from the place where the robbery was committed, Mr SHAW's horse was found going home, minus the saddle bag and contents. Information was likewise sent to Bathurst and Sofala. Up to the present time, no intelligence has been received respecting the robbers. There was a report that they were taken near the Devil's Hole on Wednesday, but it has not been confirmed. A reward of £60 is offered for their apprehension. They are described as being about 5 feet, 8 inches in height, and square built. They had evidently taken every precaution to prevent detection, being closely masked, with hats slouched over their faces, and speaking in assumed tones. FIRE IN MARKET STREET On Saturday night, about 10 o'clock, a fire was discovered in one of the bed-rooms in the weatherboarded house occupied by Mr BRANSCOMBE, tinsmith. Fortunately it happened at a time when several parties were about; had it occurred somewhat later in the evening, the whole of the premises would probably have been destroyed. The fire is supposed to have occurred through one of the children, who was in bed, moving a candle which had been left burning on the table near. The whole of the furniture, clothes, &c., in the room were destroyed. The child, we are happy to state, escaped unhurt. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

Hullo Albert - so GRULKE was his name after he changed it? Did he and wife die in Narrabri? IF so Gillian at kahl@northnet.com.au might find their names in the cemetery listings for Narrabri. There is a FH society at Coonamble who will research for a small payment and if you contacted the Municipal Library at Gunnedah you might get some help from their FH section. The Prickly Pear Board might have been linked with old Pastures Protection Boards, forget their new name, maybe someone on list could help with that, and you could contact the board in Narrabri and see if they have any archives. Happy hunting, Alice

Western Post 23 March 1861 Police report from 22 March (cont.) John LEWIS was charged with unlawfully assaulting Mrs MORIARTY. Mr BRODRIBB for complainant. Mr. CLARK (for TEMPLETON) for defendant. From the evidence of Mrs MORIARTY it appeared that LEWIS came to her shop on Sudnay night to light his pipe, when he was told to do so and go away. He was tipsy at the time, and Mrs MORIARTY not liking the smell of his breath, desired him to go away, which he would not do, and told her that he would give her "a lift on the lug". He then left the ship, but presently returned and struck her a blow, which cut her head open. She went to the Court-house for a constable. Her head had not been right since. W WARD was at Mrs MORIARTY's on Sunday. Did not see LEWIS strike Mrs MORIARTY, but saw her give him a slap on the face. He went out. On his return Mrs MORIARTY was on the ground with her head bleeding. Told LEWIS that as he was drunk it was very foolish of him to go into the house. LEWIS asked him if he had struck her as he was too drunk to know. Pat. LAHENE was burying fruit on Sunday night, when the row took place. Saw the woman strike LEWIS, who followed her into the shop. The Bench inflicted a fine of £5, to include professional and other costs. J SIDDARD, summoned by Mr M'ARTHUR for neglect of duty, settled out of Court. W COLEMAN, blacksmith, was charged with unlawfully discharging firearms in the town. Mr LYONS, J.P., said he as at COLEMAN's residence on Tuesday; recollected defendant leaving with a gun, and shortly after heard a report. Defendant returned home with (he thought) a gun in his hand. C RICHARDS, servant to Mr HOWARTH, saw the defendant outside the ...on the night in question with a gun in his hand; she was speaking to Mrs COLEMAN about a dog, when she saw the flash and smoke of a gun; was not more than two yards distant; a dog which ws close to her was shot in the paw. Upon speaking to COLEMAN of the danger of firing in the street, he (COLEMAN) said if she did not go away he would shoot her. Mr TEBBUTT proved that the spot in question was within the township. Mr CLARKE intimated to the Bench that Mr HOWARTH had not brought the case before the Court in consequence of any unneighbourly feeling against Mr COLEMAN, but simply as a matter of public duty, on account of the practice of discharging firearms becoming so general - a practice which, if not suppressed, would some day be attended with serious consequences, especially in places where there are so many children constantly playing about. The Bench said, taking all the circumstances into consideration, they would on this occasion inflict a fine of only five shillings, but in future would put a much higher one in force. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

Western Post, 23rd March 1861: Friday, March 22 Before his Worship the Mayor and Messrs LYONS and CADELL. Robert CAMPBELL, remanded on a charge of having a quantity of clothes in his possession supposed to have been stolen, was discharged for want of evidence. Ellen HAYES was charged with stealing a quantity of wine from the Settler's Stores. Mr CROSSING deposed that the prisoner was his hired servant and had no authority to go into his cellars. On Wednesday she was in a state of intoxication, and refused to do her work; upon speaking to her on the subject she grossly insulted him. H. BENNETT, storekeeper to Mr CROSSING, said on the evening of the day in question the woman came down the cellar with a mug for some wine; supposing her to have been sent, he allowed her to fill the mug. She had been down on former occasions. The mug of wine would be worth 1s. There being no further evidence, his Worshop addressed the prisoner to her improper behaviour and discharged her with a caution. John CORN, who has several times been before the Bench in consequence of being of unsound mind, was in consideration of his improved appearance, and his wishing to have another opportunity of obtaining work, discharged. Samuel FOWLER, alias BREMER, was summoned his apprentice. W B MAKEPIECE having been questioned by the Mayor on the nature of an oath, which the boy answered satisfactorily, was sworn, and said that in the middle of the night of Wednesday his master got up and accused him with eating the fruit, and struck him every time he answered contrary to his wish. Neither or them were dressed at the time. He was beaten again on another occasion, and availed himself the same evening of Mr FOWLER's absence while he was at chapel, and ran away. He spent the night in the fields, not liking to go home, FOLWER having often told him that if he ever ran away he would have him put in the lock up. He afterwards went home, when his mother had to send for the doctor to dress his back, which was very badly hurt with the blows he had received. At this stage of the proceedings, Mr CLARKE, who defended the case, conferred with Mr BRODRIBB, who was on the other side, which resulted in both parti! es agreeing to cancel the indentures. T BALLARD v John CRIMMINS. Case of assault. Was in consequence of an important witness named "Jack the lagger", adjourned till the 9th April. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post 23 March 1861: POLICE Tuesday, March 19 Before Messrs CADELL and LYONS BAYLY v SIMPSON, SIMPSON v BAYLY. Both cases were withdrawn. S RUTHERFORD was summoned for detaining a saw box, the property of W RAY. The parties had been working together, and requiring a box complainant ordered the one in dispute to be made, and had paid for it, which defendant denied. Case dismissed. Mr JAMES made application for T BLACKMAN being let out on bail, and explained the circumstance of his absconding on a former occasion. Mr CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) opposed bail being allowed especially as the Quarter Sessions were so near at hand. Bail refused. R ROPE was charged with killing a pig, the property of ___ TOUHY. Susan TOUHY, complainant's wife, said that on Tuesday while she was at breakfast the pig broke out of the sty; hearing the report of a gun she ran out, saw the smoke, and ROPE with a gun in his hand. She had no doubt that ROPE killed the pig; he was only three yards distant and his dog was close to it; when she got up to the pig it gave its last kick. She valued it at £4. ROPE said the pigs were a great nuisance to him; £10 would not pay for the damage they had done to his corn; they were so "flash" that as soon as they saw him they would immediately make for the creek. The pig not being more than a year old could not be worth £4. Verdict £2 10s and professional costs. James FOLEY was charged by N MACBEATH with furiously riding through Market-street, and endangering the life of a woman. Mr CADELL said the Bench were determined to do all in their power to put a stop to furious driving, not only on account of the public but likewise that of reckless riders. The full penalty was £10; in this instance they would inflict a smaller one, 20s, and hoped it would be a warning to others. John CRONEN was fined 5s for being drunk in Market-street. Robert CAMPBELL was charged with having in his possession a quantity of wearing apparel, supposed to have been stolen. C HARDY, chief constable, said he had received information that a quantity of clothes had been stolen from the residence of R F JACKSON, Menah Flat, by the prisoner. Meeting him in Market-street wearing clothes similar to those stolen; he asked him where he had got them. Prisoner replied he had bought part of them of Mr JUPP, the remainder he could give no satisfactory account as to how he became possessed of them. Remanded till Friday for the evidence of JUPP and the prisoner's mother. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post 23 March 1861: SUDDEN DEATH An inquest was held on Monday morning at the Shamrock Inn by Dr KING, coroner for the district on the body of Darby HETHERMAN. Robert TOWNSEND deposed that deceased came to his house on Saturday and complained of being very ill. He gave him a gill of brandy; he then returned to his home. On the next morning he went to HETHERMAN's gunyah to see how he was, and he found him dead. Constable MILLER said he called at deceased's residence and found in a sitting position with his head on a form. He had a short time previously been talking with him, when he said he was ill, and that he wished to go to Sydney. On searching the place he found £1 12s 6d on the bed. Dr RAMSAY was of the opinion that death resulted from natural causes accelerated, in all probability, by dysentery, from which he appeared to have been suffering at the time of his death. The jury returned a verdict "Died on the night of Saturday, the 16th instant, from natural causes". COURT OF REQUESTS (Adjourned) Tuesday, March 19 Before Messrs. LYONS and CADELL John GORDON was sued at the instance of W BEAL for the sum of £6 6s. Defendant denied owing the money, and said that BEAL was indebted to him to the amount of £15. He had received him in a state of destitution without a coat to his back; has fed, clothed, and washed for him. At the time he thought a deal of him. BEAL said he was afraid he did not think much of him now, else he would pay him for the many good turns he had done. He had worked a long time for defendant, and should be obliged to sue him for wages due; as for his owing him any money, it was a mere bubble. GORDON again denied owing the £6 6s, and entered into a long explanation how complainant had skulked about the place, eating his rations, borrowing money for the races, and never doing a stroke of work in return. The Bench dismissed the case. KING v HOLMES. This was an adjourned case. A fortnight having been granted to HOLMES to enable him to produce evidence as to the number of professional visits Dr KING had paid him during his late illness, failing to do so, a verdict was given for the amount claimed. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post 16 March 1861: Testimonial to the Rev. A M'EWAN List of subscriptions towards the Rev A M'EWAN's Testimonial from his friends on the Castlereagh River. Mr WATT's list: Hugh McMASTER, Mobla, £2 John McMASTER, ditto, £2 Duncan McMASTER, ditto £2 David WATT, Ulindah £3 Mrs WATT, ditto £2 Andrew BROWN, Caigan, £5 Robert ROBERTSON, ditto £2 John GORRIE, ditto £1 David GALLATLY, ditto £1 James FRENCH, ditto £1 John CONDIN, ditto, £1 Thomas GILMORE, ditto, 10s YANKSO, ditto, £1 CHRUSPAN, 7s 6d George LESSEN, 5s James ALLISON, Oakey Creek £2 Alexander FERGUSON, Tunderburina, £2 James M'CUBBIN, Coolah £2 David JONES, Queensberry Flat, £1 James F PLUNKETT, Talbragar £2 James GOULD, ditto, £1 John KERR, Denison Town, £2 David AULD, ditto, £1 £37 2s 6d Mr RICHARDSON's list: John RICHARDSON, Murrygon, £2 Mrs John RICHARDSON, ditto £1 Mrs William RICHARDSON, ditto £1 Alexander RICHARDSON, ditto £3 Mrs Robert RICHARDSON, £1 10s Peter RICHARDSON, ditto, £2 William MILL, ditto, £1 David STRANG, ditto, £1 Richard TAYLOR, ditto, 5s Richard GIBSON, Mundooran, 10s John NICHOLS, ditto, 10s Mary NICHOLS, ditto, 10s Margaret CAMERON, ditto, 10s E HASSALL, ditto, £1 Stephen TUCKERMAN, ditto £1 Mrs Thomas WEBSTER, ditto £1 Chas. M'CARTHY, ditto, 5s Alexander M'EWEN, Biarnble, £1 George RICHARDSON, Bidden, £2 Peter MILL, ditto, £1 William HARVEY, Armitree, £2 TOTAL £61 2s 6d ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 16 March 1861: SUBSCRIPTION In aid of placing a galvanized iron gutter round the eaves of the New Mudgee Church. G H COX £5 A B Cox £5 George ROUSE, £2 H BURROWES, £1 John DICKOSN £1 J ATKINSON £1 Mrs BLACKMAN, £1 W R BLACKMAN, £1 S A BLACKMAN, £1 Nelson LAWSON, £1 Robert LOWE, £1 Edward CLARKE, £1 John J MILLS, £1 R CROSSING, £1 Rich. HUGHSON, £1 Samuel FOWLER, £1 J W FOREMAN, £1 Wm. READFORD, £1 Thomas SINDEN £1 Mrs GARBUTT (Cooyal), £1 Thom. CHAPPELL, 11s Edward BAYLY, 6s ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 16 March 1861: Friday, March 15 Before Messrs CADELL and LYONS E BAYLY was summoned under the Impounding Act for overcharge of pound fees upon cattle which had trespassed his garden. Wm. SIMPSON deposed that the cattle in question had been drivedn down towater, and had found their way into what he called Mr BAYLY's cattle trap, or what Mr BAYLY might call his garden. He was in the habit of leaving the cattle on the banks of the river. If Mr BAYLY had a proper fence they would not annoy him. When he released the cattle he paid the fees, &c., £2 2s under protest. Constable CAMPBELL had examined the fence and considered it very insecure. J WALSH, poundkeeper, proved the impounding of the cattle; 4s per head was the highest charge that could be paid on cultivated lands. Mr BAYLY said he had for a long period been annoyed with SIMPSON's cattle; he had spoken to him on the subject, and £20 would not cover him for the damage they had done to his garden. If the fence was insecure, it was through SIMPSON's half-starved cows continually breaking it down. The Bench, taking the state of the fence into consideration, made an order for 1s per head. John CORN was again brought up for being of unsound mind. Constable CAMPBELL said since prisoner's discharge, several parties had complained to him about his being at large. He was not violent when he took him into custody. He had made a noise about 2 o'clock in the morning, and endeavoured to obtain admittance into a house, on being refused he forced his way through the window. Dr KING considered it would be better to send the man somewhere where he would be taken of. By proper attention he might ultimately recover. Remanded for a week. Hugh DOUGHERTY was charged by constable KELLY with being drunk and using obscene language in the public streets. Fined 20s. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9 March 1861: SMALL DEBTS COURT Saturday March 2 TUCKER v MERRIMAN - Claim for £6 odd for goods sold and delivered. Mr JAMES appeared for defendant. Dismissed for want of jurisdiction. WHITFIELD v MILLER - Struck out for want of parties. From Western Post, 16th March, 1861: POLICE Tuesday, March 12 Before Messrs. CADELL and LYONS J CORN remanded last week for being of unsound mind was brought up for disposal. Dr KING, who has attended CORN, said he was suffering from a softening of the brain, produced probably from excess drinking. He had not exhibited any violence during his remand, and as his master was willing to take him back he might be set at liberty. The Bench said he had improved so much in appearance they would discharge him. George FOSTER was accused by John RANDALL with stealing a quantity of fire wood. Complainant having been sworn, said he rented a paddock at Red Bank and had men in his employ felling the trees for fire wood. On the 7th instant , while the men were drawing a load of it to Mudgee, FOSTER took advantage of their absence and carted a heap away. He met him the next morning near READFORD's , and spoke to him on the subject, he replied that the wood was as free to him as it was to complainant, and that he would not pay for it. CRIMMINS and two other men could prove that he took the wood. CRIMMINS, upon being called, wished to know, before giving his evidence, who was to re-imburse him for his loss of time. The Bench informed him that as he had witnessed a wrong, like a good citizen, he was bound to give evidence. CRIMMINS: Doubtless that is all very well, but it would not feed his wife and children. He thought if a man was obliged to leave his work for the purpose of court, someone ought to pay him. This time he would give evidence, and took his place in the box, was sworn, and asked what he knew, when he replied, with much sang froid, - Nothing. He never saw Foster in the paddock taking away wood. There being no other witnesses, the case was dismissed. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March 1861: Windeyer report continued: Mrs CARTER v Mrs DIGGINGS - Assault Jane CARTER: I live with my husband at Devil's Hhole, and my information is true. On the day named I hit the defendant's little girl, and I suppose she went and told her mother. By the Bench: My daughter was out gathering mushrooms, and home with a scratched arm. She told me something and I took and gave defendant's daughter a slap on the back; Mrs DIGGINS then came and jumped over the counter at me, gave me a slap on the face and pulled my hair. She held a cleaver over my head. Her husband is a butcher, and not at home. Cross-examined by Mr BRODRIBB: I am a little injured; feel it now; I beat the child because Mrs DIGGINS never will chastise her children; cannot swear whether I used a strap or not, had one in my hand at the time. Mr BRODRIBB appealed too such members of the Bench as might be fathers, urging that defendant was justified in hitting out in defence of her offspring. Their worships coincided and dismissed the case. DUNGATE v TUCKER The plaintiff, whose wrath against his fair opponent had scarcely subsided when he entered the court, complained of a black eye inflicted by Mrs TUCKER. He said he had called as he was wont, at the defendant's house for a nobbler, and while seated, caught the child up on his knee and was playing with him, when defendant came up and abruptly demanded the child, giving him a blow on the face. By the Bench: Are you much hurt? Plaintiff: Yes I am. I have a black eye, and you can see it if you look, sir; it has been done a week now. Cross examined by Mr. BRODRIBB: Master Ernest was en dishabille; I am in the habit of playing with him dressed or undressed; he did not scream; defendant struck me, and then took him from me; I had not time to give him up before receiving the blow; it is the first black eye I have ever had from a woman; I went away without my nobbler. The Deputy Postmaster and another witness, called by plaintiff, gave testimony , varying comewhat from his own, whereupon Mr BRODRIBB addressed the Bench and gallantly brought his client out of trouble again, maintaining that Mrs TUCKER had a right to defend her darling. TUCKER v JACKSON This was an application under the Tentants' Act for a warrant to eject the defendant from a farm of fifteen acres at Waratah alleged to be held from Mr TUCKER as tenant at will. Mrssrs BRODRIBB and CLARK (for TEMPLETON) appeared for the plaintiff. Mr JAMES for the defence. Stephen TUCKER deposed that he rented some land, of which the land in question was a part, from Mr SUTTOR. That defendant is in possession, and that he demanded possession from him before laying the information. He never let the land to defendant on any agreement. Put him in possession about September, 1859. By the Bench: There is a shell of a hut on the ground. I lease the land from SUTTOR, and pay him an annual rent for it. I have received permission to mine on the land. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: I have never received or demanded any rent. He went there as my overseer. He was to receive no salary. Employed to receive miner's rights and to look after everything, for which he was permitted to erect a mill, and was to have half-share proceeds of any land that was cultivated. There has never been a settlement between us. I wrote to him demanding a settlement, and at same time told him if he required a settlement to call at my residence. Mr JAMES declined to call evidence for the defence, contending that the case for plaintiff was not made out. Mr BRODRIBB replied. The Bench, after deliberating, directed the order to issue. Warrant to lie in the office eight day. Mr JAMES gave notice of intention to give security to abide action of ejectment. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, March 9th 1861: WINDEYER From a correspondent Friday, March 1 Before Joseph COX and John MURPHY, Esqrs. PHILLIPS v TUCKER This was in information under the Towns Police Act, for the unlawful detention by defendant, Mr Stephen TUCKER, of Long Creek, of a bullock, the property of the plaintiff. John PHILLIPS having brought the beast in question, to the neighbourhood of the Court-house, Mr PHILLIPS was requested to inspect it, which he did; and on returning to the Court, said he could swear to the identity of the beast, irrespective of the brand, which, however, was his own, 1P. He had bred it and valued it at £10. Mr. BRODRIBB, for the defence, submitted to an order of restitution, declaring Mr TUCKER's intention to proceed against the party from whom he bought the animal, was delivered up at once. TUCKER v MILLER Mr Stephen TUCKER complained that James MILLER of Long Creek had committed willful and corrupt perjury. The case, out of which this proceeding arose, originated in a trial at the last sittings of the District Court, at Mudgee, wherein MILLER was the plaintiff and Mr TUCKER the defendant, whose set-off involved items of account for goods sold and money paid, amounting to about £500; among these was a sum of £20, alleged to have been paid for MILLER, at his request. MILLER disputed this, and at the trial, as well as before the arbitrator, to whom the matter was referred by the Court, entered into an explanation of the reasons why he did so, and it was alleged that, in giving this explanation, he committed perjury. Complainant having made his statement, called as his witness, Mr JAMES, solicitor, of Mudgee, who deposed that he had conducted MILLER's case at the trial, and also, before the arbitrator, Mr McAULEY, who acted under an order made by the District Court. He was examined by the Bench on the particular item of account, and the evidence given by MILLER in respect of it, and was briefly cross-examined by defendant. Mr Edward CLARKE was next called, who being asked by the Bench to give an account of the proceedings, said that to particularize would occupy a quire of foolscap. He had conducted Mr TUCKER's case before the arbitrator, and spoke to certain facts sworn to by MILLER in connexion with some timber. The arbitrator had authority to administer an oath. Mr BRODRIBB, solicitor, deposed that he was not present at the arbitration. Could speak to what happened before the contract between the parties was entered into. Defendant was then cautioned in the usual manner as to making any statement, and was much disposed of to make a speech, but eventually forebore, when the Bench, having considered, thought the evidence insufficient to warrant a committal, and accordingly dismissed the case. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From the Western Post 9 March 1861: Small Debts Court, continued: Monti SHEPHERD v John KNOX. Mr CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) appeared for SHEPHERD. This was an action for £10 to compensate plaintiff for damage he had sustained through certain slanderous expressions uttered by KNOX which had prevented him obtaining employing as a harness maker. James CHRISTIAN was called to prove the utterance of the words complained of, which were that Mr KNOX had told him that Monti had said that he (CHRISTIAN) was not able to pay his men their wages on Saturday night. Supposing they were true (which he denied), he had long before made up his mind not to give plaintiff any more work. Mr CLARKE declined going further into the case, and applied for a nonsuit, which, after some little argument, was granted. C PAIN and Wife v. Evan JAMES. CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) for plaintiff. Mr JAMES for defendant. This was action for £10 damage sustained through defendant uttering certain improper words against Mrs PAIN. Mrs PAIN deposed that on the 5th December she was at ROWELL and KELLETT's store when JAMES asked her why she had been scandalizing his wife, which led to some words between them; she denied having spiken against Mrs JAMES upon which defendant called her a b___ liar. Mr JAMES said he had spoken to Mrs PAIN about the disgraceful way she had been speaking of his wife; she immediately said it was all a ____ lie, and followed him to the desk to prolong the dispute. He admitted calling her a liar, but denied using the adjective. John STALL was present during the little quarrel. Mrs PAIN let her tongue run rather freely, he did not hear JAMES use a bad word. Verdict for plaintiff, 10s and costs. HANNERLEY v W BURROWS, for £5 for hire of vehicle for conveyance of a wedding party from Market Square to the church. Mr SIMPSON, who appeared for BURROWS, paid £2 into Court, it being the amount agreed to with Mrs HANNERLEY. Tim HANNERLEY said he was not in the habit of taking parties to church in his carriage for a less sum than £5, and that he never allowed his wife to make a bargain when he was at home. Mrs HANNERLEY next appeared in the box, fully satisfied with the respectability and importance of her vehicle, it being, in her estimation, the carriage, and that the mere idea of any one presuming to obtain its use for £2 was an indignity not quietly to be borne. She swore it was not likely she would let it go out for such a sum, especially when Tim had to get up at two o'clock in the morning to clean it for the wedding. __ COX of the diggings had given her £5 when he got married, she therefore appealed to his "reverence" whether every one else out not to pay the s! ame. J WILKINS proved that BURROWS had inquired of him where he could get a carriage for his wedding, Mrs HANNERLEY happening to be in sight he recommended her, and called her over, when she said within his hearing that they could have it in the morning for £2, and is she was in no hurry for the money it could remain upaid for three months. The bargain was at once concluded. Mrs Tim HANNERLEY then inquired whether he was going to "shout". This proved fatal to the five pounds. Verdict for defendant. SINDEN v MILLER - £5 money lent. Settled. TEMPLETON v SUMMERHEYS - £2 15s. Settled. H TEBBUTT v J TRIVES - £2 16s commission on sale. Struck out. Mick CONNELLY summoned his brother Pat CONNOLLY for £1 6s 9d for butter and milk supplied. Mick denied the account and said the bill was sent in because of the late court work. When all were on good terms his little "tots" used to go and see the woman milk the cows, when she would give them a drink; that she sometimes gave him a drop after he had gone dangling after her cows, and one day he had a morsel of butter for churning for her. Things were all right then, but now there were this way and that way and the "tother". He did not know much about law else he might have put in a set off for all the hard work he had done for her. Mary CONNELLY proved the supplying of the milk. She could not write, but she could keep an account. She did not charge for what the "tots" had sipped. Verdict for the amount. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March, 1861: FATAL ACCIDENT On Thursday, 7th instant, Dr KING held an inquest at HUGHSON's Hotel on the body of Luke REILLY. James PEARCE, being sworn, stated he went with deceased on Wednesday afternoon to Broomby for the purpose of getting in a horse. They ran him into a yard, REILLY went up to him when he received a kick somewhere about the face; he fell down, but presently rose and walked a few yards. He (PEARCE) ran to fetch a man who was near, when he got back, REILLY was dead. He then went to Mr G H COX who had deceased brought in a cart to Mudgee. James HARPER gave a similar testimony. Medical evidence was given to the effect that death was caused by the breaking of a bloodvessel and the consequent extravasation of blood to the brain. The jury returned a verdict that the ...(unreadable) SUICIDE OF A CHINAMAN Dr KING, the coroner, and a jury of seven held an inquest at the Royal Hotel on the body of a Chinaman, Gus of Jimmy. From the evidence it appeared that Jimmy was in the employ of Mr T MILLS, and had expressed a determination to die. Having eaten a hearty dinner he retired to his room, took an over dose of opium, when to bed, and refused to open the door or answer any questions put to him. An entrance was effected and a medical man sent for, who found a tumbler containing a small quantity of liquid that proved to be opium. After applying the usual remedies without effect the Chinaman died at half past 4 o'clock on Sunday. Dr RAMSAY on examining the body stated his opinion that death was caused by an excessive dose of opium and brandy. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that Jimmy GUA had come to his death by poison administered by himself. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March 1861: SMALL DEBTS COURT Monday March 4 Before E MARLAY and M H LYONS, Esqrs. Ebenezer LOVEJOY was summoned at the instance of FOLEY, the cowkeeper, to shew cause why he refused to pay the sum of three shillings which he lawfully owed for milk. Mr LOVEJOY, after stoutly defending the case, and occupying the time of the Court for a considerable time, was ordered to pay the amount with costs. FOLEY v BURGESS - This was another disputed milk score, but of a far more complicated nature, in consequence of a contra account. Several witnesses were examined, the weight of whose evidence preponderated in favour of the plaintiff; a verdict was therefore given for the amount claimed - 7s 1 ½ d. Dr. KING v T HOLMES - This was a disputed charge for medical attention. The case was adjourned till Tuesday fortnight to enable HOLMES to obtain evidence as to the number of visits Dr KING had paid him. BEAL v GORDEN, for £6 6s. Adjourned. Sandy ADAMS v BISHOP - £1 10s for money received. Plaintiff engaged to plaster defendant's house at one shilling per yard, which he was unable to fulfil in consequence of BISHOP not providing him with lime. Not being able to afford to lose any more time, he took another job, leaving the lathing he had done to be settled for at some future time. R RIGG engaged and completed the work, for which he was paid by BISHOP, who deducted 30s for the work done by Sandy. The money being due for work done, and not, as stated in the summons, for "money received", the case was dismissed. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March 1861: POLICE (cont) Friday, March 8 Thos. BLACKMAN was charged with stealing and carrying away at Cooyal one yellow and white steer on the 7th March. Mr. CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) for prosecution, Mr JAMES for prisoner. C HARDY, chief constable, was a the residence of the prisoner yesterday, when he saw him in a stock yard separating the hide from the forequarter of a calf which had just been killed. He told him that the calf was branded EB; on examining the hide he found that the brand was cut out, but afterwards picked up the piece in the yard. The brand was indistinct. The near ear was cut off the head. Having obtained a search warrant he proceeded this morning to prisoner's residence, and took him in custody. Since he saw the hide yesterday a piece had been cut out on the other side similar to that containing the brand. J GARBETT resides at Cooyal; has cattle running there branded EB, No. 26, with a halfpenny notch in the ear. They were all turned out a week since. The hide outside the Court belongs to a steer which was running with an old cow. It was branded by "Captain", a half-caste, who blotched it. The steer was the property of his wife. The prisoner has a few cattle, but none of the same brand. Mr CLARKE asked for a remand till Friday. Mr JAMES requested that the prisoner might be out on bail, which was refused. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March, 1861: POLICE Monday, March 4 Before Messrs MARLAY and LYONS John CORN was brought up supposed to be of unsound mind. Constable CAMPBELL said he took the man into custody on Friday last, considering from his manner and conversation that it was dangerous for him to be abroad. MACBEATH said since he had been with him he had been very violent; had made a great noise, and would throw anything that was given him to eat in his face; he had been obliged to fasten him down. Dr. KING had examined the man and considered him of unsound mind and unfit to be at large. His cure would depend upon the cause. J MOORE, farmer, had lately employed the man; he was strange at times, but did his work till the other day, when he got very bad and ran away. CORN gave a rambling statement of himself. Dr. KING was requested to attend him for a week when he was to be brought up again for disposal. Tuesday, March 5th Before Messrs MARLAY and LYONS Elizabeth, the better half of Johnny SCOTT, the Mudgee pieman, appeared to show cause why she should not restore two pet turkeys, the property of Mrs MOLLOY. Mr JAMES appeared for defendant. Mrs MOLLOY said she had purchased the turkeys of a friend last Sunday week; on the following Tuesday, seeing them in Johnny's yard with their tails docked, she demanded their restitution, when defendant said they were her property, and that she intended to stick to them. Mrs SCOTT declared she had bought them of a woman whom she knew by sight, but could not say where she lived or what was her name. The day Mrs MOLLOY shpoke to her about the birds she left home and had not been there since, and strange to say, the turkeys had disappeared. She had an idea where they went to. The Bench being satisfied that Mrs MOLLOY had established her claim, judgement was given for restitution in one week or their value 15s. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 9th March 1861: BIRTH On Thursday, March 7th, at her residence, Market Lane, the wife of Mr Jacob JULIAN, of a daughter. Western Post, Saturday, March 16, 1861: DEATH On Thursday, March 7th, Luke REILLY, from the county of Dublin, Ireland, from a kick by a horse, aged 20 years. Western Post, Saturday, March 23, 1861: BIRTHS On the 17th March, at her residence, Horation-street, Mudgee, the wife of Mr W B WARD, of a daughter. There were present at the time the grandmother and great grandmother, so that the child constitutes the fourth generation of the family now alive. At her residence, Burrundulla, on the 18th instant, the wife of Mr Edward SHEEHAN, of a daughter. Western Post, Saturday, March 30, 1861: BIRTHS At Mudgee, on the 24th instant, Mrs R R HUGHSON, of a son. At her residence, Glebe Cottage, Mudgee, on the morning of Monday, the 25th instant, Mrs George WALKER, of a daughter. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

From Western Post, 2nd March 1861: RYLSTONE From our Correspondent SUDDEN DEATH - An inquest was held at Rawdon, on Tuesday, the 19th ultimo, by W C WESTON, Coroner, on the body of a man named Job WHEBDY. The deceased had engaged with E K COX, Esq., J.P., to take a load of rations to one of his stations on the Namoi; about half an hour before he started he remarked to his wife, who accompanied him, that he felt pain in his inside, and that he would not take any breakfast; he and his wife started about nine o'clock a.m., WHEBDY driving the bullocks. When they had proceeded about a quarter of a mile from Mr COX's fence, the deceased tripped against a stone and fell forward; while falling, his wife heard him say, "Lord have mercy on my soul"; she ran to him and raised his head, but he never spoke again. Information was immediately forwarded to the Coroner, who proceeded at once to where the unfortunate man lay. Verdict:- Died by the visitation of God. SNAKES These reptiles are unusually numerous in Mudgee this year. A few days since, two very large blue ones were seen in Cox-street. On the same day, Mr ROWELL killed a brown one in his yard, measuring nearly five feet; a short time previously, a large one was killed near Mr BLACKMAN's house, and, on Saturday last, somme boys chased one on the bank of the river which escaped beneath the house lately occupied by Mr W LEWIS. Several very large slate-coloured ones have been seen by parties walking in the bush, near the town. ***END*** Annette Piper Please note: Every effort has been to transcribe the above information correctly, however errors may have inadvertently been made. Spelling of surnames/places as appears in original.

Robert e-mail me a copy and I will see if it is in this area. Jeanette in Mudgee