From Western Post & Mudgee Newspaper 1 June 1861: Advertisers p. 1 Bank of NSW, Mudgee, established 1817. Mudgee Branch Directors - George ROUSE, Esq., George H COX, Esq. H. OLIVER, Manager. Australian Joint Stock Bank, J F SKINNER, Manager Hughson's Commercial and Family Hotel, Corner Market and Lewis Streets, Mudgee - booking office for Royal Mail Daily Coaches and the Cheap Passenger Coach. - Rich. R HUGHSON. SMITH's Mudgee and Sydney Express Van to Sydney. READFORD's Four Horse Coach "The Native" to Sydney return. Mudgee Drug Store, Lewis Street, Mudgee - S H BARNES R. CROSSING, Purchaser of fat cattle, hides, skins, &c., and all kinds of Colonial Produce. Settler's General Store, Mortimer Street, near the Mudgee Brewery. William BARNETT, Wholesale Grocer, Merchant and Importer, Cnr, King and York Streets, Sydney. DICKSON & BURROWS, notice of arrival of season goods (blankets,f lannels, ladies mantles, jackets, ready-made millinery, 'seasonable slops'. Also notice of their West End Branch. ROWELL & KELLETT, Old Flagstaff Stores, Market and Court Streets, Mudgee - notice of new winter drapers and clothing. WILSON & PITT, 599 Brickfield-hill, Sydney - Parrafine & Kerosine Oil and Lamps. FERRIS and Son, Pitt-Street - seed wheat DURHAM & IRWIN, Auctioneers and Brokers, Circular Quay, Sydney O B EBSWORTH, Auctioneer and Wool Broker, Circular Quay, Sydney Guntawang Agency - agent for Western Post and Mudgee Newspaper - Mr GOLDSMITH. A WILLMOTT, Union Stores, Market Square, Mudgee. Notice of reopening of Stores - winter goods, drapery, grocery, ironmongery. Mudgee Steam Mills, Henry DARE - flour, bran, pollard, chaff. Mudgee Steam Flour & Saw Mills, Thomas CHAPPELL - flour, pollard, bran, grinding, dressing and smutting. E DALY, Market-street - prime beef, mutton and salt beef J UNCLES, Market Street, Mudgee, opposite Mr. HILL's bakery - timber for sale. Arthur WILLMOTT, Union Stores - Lucerne seed John SAUNDERS, Burrundulla - 20-30 tons oaten and Lucerne hay, also pumpkins. P FARRELLY, North Shore Ferry, Windmill-street, Sydney - Guano for sale. Henry DARE, Mudgee Steam Mills - seed wheat and prime oaten hay for sale. William LESTER, Market-street West, Mudgee - sale of drugs and chemicals, notice of business opened May 6th in premises above Mr J KNOX's, Saddler. W. J. Killick PIDDINGTON, Honorary Secretary, British and Foreign Bible Society - Mudgee Branch Depot at Mr J UNCLE's Market-street. Henry COHEN and Co., 245 George Street, Sydney - clothing hall Mr L O D JAMES, solicitor - removal of offices to Lamont's, corner of Market and Perry streets. Sydney Opthalmic Institution - 226 Macquarie-street, Sydney - Sir John YOUNG, Baronet (patron); Sir A STEPHEN (president); Dr. BERNCASTLE (surgeon). James DALE, Orange and Wellington - importer, saddle and harness manufacturer. p. 2 - editorial and reports only. p. 3 Mr O BE EBSWORTH's Produce Report - wool, sheepskins, tallow, hides. DURHAM and IRWIN's Produce Report - wool, sheepskins, tallow, hides, oats, wethers. Advertisement by Henry TEBBUTT re: F B GULLEY, former partner in business. Western Post and Mudgee Newspaper, Market square, Mudgee - general printing office. Mr MARLAY's lecture available in pamphlet form from Mr HASKEW at Mechanic's Institute. London International Exhibition 1862, New South Wales Branch, requesting articles for submission, Sedgewick s COWPER, Secretary. Department of Public Works, Electric Telegraph Branch - Electric Telegraph Station at Mudgee open for transmission of messages to various points and notice of Telegraphic Money Order Branch, E C CRACKNELL, Superintendent. J King LETHBRIDGE, Dunhevid, Penrith - stock agistment available. Ladies Committee of The Church of England Bazaar to meet at Mr. LAMONT's store. Mudgee Union Investment and Building Society - sale of four shares by order of the Board of Directors, Edward CLARKE, Honorary Secretary. Ploughing Challenge - "Peter ROBERTS is open to Plough E BAGNELL for £20, any time he can find it convenient". W HAZELTINE, Blacksmith and Horse Shoer, Mr. SIMPSON's Shop, Market Square, next to Carriers' Arms. "Empire" Newspaper - agent for Mudgee, R B HASKEW, Mechanic's Institute. Mr A EVERETT, New Gaol, Mudgee - wanted Carpenters. Hughson's Hotel - wanted, groom and waiter. Mudgee Emporium/ Apple Tree Flat Inn - wanted strong woman to wash and cook. Mrs CUTTING, Lewis-street - wanted, a good general servant. ASHDOWN and Co, Ironmongery Establishment, Cnr George and King Street, Sydney. G S LEATHES & Co. Notice of removal to No. 1 Wynard Street, Sydney. Association for the Suppression of Cattle-stealing, W J BRACKENBURY, Secretary, 227 George-street, Sydney. George WALKER, Auctioneer, sale by auction of bank furniture &c. at Windeyer. p. 4 Municipality of Cudgegong, call for tenders for draining Maitland Road, 152 rods and repair of Lawson's Creek Bridge; repair of Crossing at Redbank Creek. E. BAYLY, Council Clerk, Mudgee. Thomas NEW, Market Street - cheap beef. John BARRY, Auctioneer - flour for sale by bag or ton. George WALKER, Stock and Station Agent, Short-street, Mudgee - 1000 maiden ewes for sale William W LOWE, Eurunderee, young bulls for sale. Charles E S MACDONALD, Wine Merchant and General Commission Agent, 19 Jamison-street, Sydney - highest prices obtained for fat and store stock, advances made on stations, supplies of all kinds on hand. L O D JAMES, Esq., solicitor, Mudgee - Farm to let, 59 acres with house, stockyard and hut. E G ROSE, saddler, Market-street. £1 Reward for horse strayed from Mr G WALKER's paddock, £2 if stolen on conviction of thief. John C TINDALL, £2 reward for horse strayed from Mudgee. A L LEWES, £1 reward for horse strayed from Mudgee. Thomas HENSLEY, £2 reward for horses strayed from Talbragar, or £10 reward if stolen on conviction. F BUCHOLTZ, Putta Bucca, £2 reward for return of stolen tools. Samuel BLACKMAN, £2 reward for return of horse lost at Cooyal. George WALKER, Short-street, Mudgee, £1 reward for return of strayed or stolen horse. John HEALY - notice of written authority required to purchase fat stock in his name. William WILTON - notice to parties indebted to only pay monies to him. Charles SIDEY, Superintendant - notice of prosecution of trespassers on Yoolundoy or Coonamble Runs. Joseph HAYWOOD - notice of caution not to credit son John Lacy Sullivan HAYWOOD of Wellington. Charles LEE - notice of new proprietor of Oakfield Farm. Messrs DICKSON and BURROWS - copies of Western Post available at West-End Branch, Market-lane. R M BUSBY - appeal for widow of constable KNIGHT of Cassilis. Arundell EVERETT, Royal Hotel, Mudgee - wanted 15,000 best shingles; one mile post and rail fence put up. L C CHEETHAM, Bonegeabong, District of Bligh - wanted, confident horse trainer. Mrs SMITH, Carriers' Arms, Market-Square - wanted, general servant. Church of England Bazaar - call for contributions. Mr BROMLEY, Burrundulla - copies of Western Post available. Mr J SIMPSON, Howick-street, Bathurst - agent for Western Post and Mudgee Newspaper. Western Post Newspaper Office - stationery for sale. Agent for Australian Home Companion, family magazine, HASKEW. Agent for "Bell's Life", Rich. W HEARD. Department of Public Works - call for tenders contractors for new line over Cherry Tree Hill on Mudgee Road. G WARBURTON, Police Magistrate, notice of action of leases of crown lands within the settled districts. Crown Lands Sale - Rylstone, country and town lots. ROW's embrocation or Farmer's Friend, J & E ROW, Bank Court, Sydney. Alfred BURT, 129 York Street, Sydney, sole agent for NSW of Thorley's Food for Cattle. Local agents wanted. PARKER and BATES, proprietors, Kidderminsters Carpet and Floorcloth Warehouse, cnr. Market and Pitt Streets. CROSS and BLACKWELL, Oilmen and Merchants, London - Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce. Mr W RUSSELL, Keen's Swamp - agent for Western Post and Mudgee Newspaper. George WALKER, Auctioneer and General Agent - Mudgee produce circular, Mudgee leather circular. T F DOYLE, Labour Agent, Mudgee Hotel - Mudgee Labour Market rates. ***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.

Hi Listers, With the drought conditions uppermost in our minds it was with interest I unearthered this tale I had filed away. I am sure it will be of interest to those with connections to the north/west of N.S.W. it is amazing the extremes of climate to which those pioneers suffered. I have highlighted names of interest. regards, Lins. "An Account of a Relief Trip" On the 30th April,1890, Senior Constable Meehan, Constable Grey, Charles Gardiner (Pelot) and six men left Bourke in the Steamer "Cato", with one large whaleboat and two smaller boats, containing one ton of flour, five cwt of sugar, ten boxes of tea, one case of wine, one case of whiskey, one case of brandy and other provisions. Before describing the journey, I must say that during the trip from Bourke to the Junction of the Culgoa, Captain Nash, of the S.S.Cato did everything possible to make the relief party comfortable and gave us all the information that he could concerning the Culgoa River, as he took his steamer up that river as far as Luscombe's Hotel in the flood of 1886. The Captain also provided us with a bogey with which to boil our billy when hove too of a night. After wishing the crew of the Cato "Good bye", we started on our journey at 3p.m. on the 1st May, 1890, and after pulling about 15 miles we tied the boats to a tree and camped in them; our party suffered very seriously during the night from mosquitoes and spider bites. At daylight we again started on our mission of charity and at 11 a.m. came to Riley's hut on Warreena Station. The hut was deserted, there being over three feet of water in it. After a short camp we again put to sea and arrived at Luscombe's Culgoa Hotel at 1 p.m. We found Mr. and Mrs. Luscombe, three children, Miss Kate Nolen and three men. Mr. Luscombe lost all his stock with the exception of 1 calf, 1 pig, and six goats. They had lived on a pontoon for six weeks. They had made a kind of Noah's Ark and put the pig, calf and goats in it. The animals survived but lost all the hair of their legs from standing in the water. The Host and Hostess were very pleased to see us and made us as comfortable as possible by giving us a good dinner and a weedrop of Jimmy Hennessy; they did not require anything so we again set sail, and arrived at the Corella Station woolshed. After stopping for a while and finding everything alright we resumed our voyage taking the south side of the Culgoa. We met with some very thick scrub, only for the skill of Senior Constable Meehan we would have been "up a tree". After going about 14 miles darkness came on, and we again hove too, tying the boat to a tree. That night we were again troubled with mosquitoe! s, spiders and a snake. The snake slithered into the boat from the tree and was duly dispatched with an oar. The snake was relieved of his skin which was taken back to Bourke as a trophy of the Culgoa Relief Party of 1890. At daylight we again started and arrived at Grant's place near the mouth of the Birree River where it flows into the Culgoa. We found Mr. and Mrs. Grant, their son 9 years old, and an old man of seventy in an very unenviable position. They had stage rigged up between the branches of two big gum trees, and had lived there from about the 1st April until the 3rd May. There were also on the stage, 4 goats, and two dogs. Mr. Grant managed to save twelve goats out of seventy but as they only had bushes from the trees the rest had died. Mr. Grant was quite out of rations and the old man quite out of tobacco. Mr. Meehan supplied the old man with tobacco and the Grants with what provisions they needed. After a prayer for the success of the party by Mr. and Mrs. Grant, the boats moved up the Biree River and arrived at Gardiner' Horse and Jockey Inn. We found the hotel deserted. We traveled up the Biree River for several miles and camped on an island. Mr. and Mrs.Shaw were without tea, sugar and flour. At daylight next day our party again started up the Culgoa River and arrived at Lurst's Homestead lease. Mr. Lurst was flooded out but managed to save his stock. We supplied him with what he needed and resumed our trip arriving at Mr. Johnston's Homestead not long after. Mr. Johnston, his wife and seven children were without rations. We camped at Johnston's that night and next day went over to Boneda where we found a man named Riley and a widow named Mrs. McPherson, both homestead lessees. They were both flooded out and not seen anyone for six weeks, we supplied the wants and again started out reaching Little's at dark. Mr. Little had a nice little weatherboard house, high on the sandhill, he did not loose any stock but was short of rations, we camped there that night and next day repaired the whaleboat. Two men employed by Mr. Willis were camped on Little's sandhill with 3,000 sheep. They lost about 1,000 and were completely out of rations. We supplied them and started for "Home Sweet Home", arriving at Milroy Woolshed at dark. We camped there and left at daylight next morning. We got into the Darling at 11 o'clock and reached Wormall's Llandillo Island and camped there that night reaching North Bourke at dark the next day. All the relatives and friends of the people on the Cugoa were there to meet us and expressed joy at knowing all were well. Next morning at 10 a.m. we were back in Bourke once more and I trust it will be a long time before there will be any occasion for the Government to send another such expedition. All hands having done all in their power to help on this expedition.

APPEAL On behalf of the Widow KNIGHT by the sudden death (from his horse falling, causing injury which deprived him of consciousness during the few hours he survived), of her late Husband, Constable KNIGHT, left totally unprovided for, with five small children, one being in arms, and another shortly expected. Any contribution in aid will be received and thankfully acknowledged by R M BUSBY, Cassilis, May 22nd, 1861. TEN POUNDS REWARD Stolen or strayed from Talbragar in January last, a Bay Mare, branded GG on the near shoulder, O on the off shoulder, with bay filly foal at foot unbranded; also a Bay Horse Foal, blaze in face, white legs, branded M on the near shoulder. Any person delivering the above described horses to Henry FROST, Mudgee, or to the undersigned, at Talbragar, shall receive £2 if strayed, or £10 if stolen on conviction. Thomas HENSLEY. W HAZELTINE (lately in the employ of John WILLIS) Begs to inform the inhabitants of Mudgee and the surrounding districts that he has commenced business as General Blacksmith and Horse Shoer, in Mr SIMPSON's Shop, Market Square, Next to the Carrier's Arms. OAKFIELD FARM Mr Charles LEE having become the proprietor of the above farm, hereby gives notice, that all stock found trespassing thereon after this date will be impounded without respect to persons. Mudgee May 29th. TWO POUNDS REWARD Stolen from my farm, at Pipeclay, on Friday night, Two Axes, branded WILLIS, a Large Hoe, One Pick and Shovel marked F B. Any persons giving me information which will lead to conviction of the thief shall receive £2 reward; and should they be the purchasers of the tools, the money they paid for them will be refunded upon their returning them to F BUCHOLTZ, Putta Bucca. ***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 & Mudgee Guardian, 29 May 1861: POLICE Tuesday, May 28th Before the Police Magsistrate, and Mr MARLAY. Thomas COYLE having been in custody since Saturday, was fined 10s or 24 hours imprisonment, for being drunk and using obscene language in the public streets. T WATSON, a half-caste, belonging to the District of Wellington, was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment, for being found by Mr HARDY, Chief Constable, on the premises of the Rev. J GUNTHER for unlawful purposes on Sunday last, during divine service. Samuel PEGG, remanded on a charge of perjury, was brought up for final examination. Horatio THURSTON, clerk to Mr TEMPLETON, proved the receipt on the 17th instant, of a certified copy of the information given at the trial of Thomas BLACKMAN, signed by Mr GORE, Clerk of the Peace, for the Western District. This concluded the case for the prosecution. Mr JAMES for the defence, alluded at some length to the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence, the contradictory statements of the witnesses, the absolute necessity in such an important case of there being at least two witnesses to prove the material facts alledged, and that the issue of the trial of Thomas BLACKMAN was whether he was guilty of stealing, not "killing" a calf - consequently PEGG's evidence respecting his being present at the killing of the beast was immaterial. The Court was adjourned for half an hour for the purpose of allowing the Magistrate time to read the depositions, on its re-opening, the prisoner, PEG! G, and "Captain" BLACKMAN (remanded on a similar charge), were placed in the dock, and after being cautioned in the usual manner, were asked if they had anything to say why their cases should not be sent to a jury. Both prisoners declining to say anything, they were fully committed to take their trial at the next Quarter Sessions, to be held in July. Bail allowed, prisoners £100 each, and two sureties for each of £50. CASSILIS From our Correspondent May 23rd 1861 I regret to state that a melancholy accident occurred on Monday last about 5 miles from Cassilis, which terminated fatally - Constable KNIGHT, a most active and trustworthy officer, and who has had a great deal of work to do lately, had just returned from Muswellbrook, where he had been sent in charge of the Chinaman who robbed Mr PIPER's Store, when he was obliged immediately to start for a fresh horse to take to Merriwa other three persons confined in the lock-up here. He was returning on Monday afternoon from Rotherwood in company with a young man named BAILEY, when his horse fell throwing him a considerable distance over its head. From the time the accident occurred until 2 o'clock on Wednesday morning, when he died, he never once spoke or opened his eyes. He was carefully and skillfully attended by Dr. MORRIS, but all human efforts proved abortive, laceration of the brain having taken place. If constable KNIGHT erred it arose from over-zeal in the execution of his d! uty, an error which those who remain are not likely to fall into. He was a meritorious officer, respected and trusted by the better class of society, and by whom his loss will be severely felt. He was buried today (Thursday) and leaves a bereaved widow and 5 children. The thee men in the lock-up were brought here from Coonabarabran, and stand committed for the daily crime of horse-stealing. It appears that a man residing on the Bogan had a team of draught horses stolen, and the pursuit being energetically followed up, resulted in the apprehension of the men referred to. One of the men who appears to be the ringleader, boasted to one of the constables who brought them from Coonabarabran that he had £150 in "flash" cheques, id est forged ones. ***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.

Judy - there were LEMONs at Coonabarabran for a long time. Mary Jane d 11 Apr 1923, 77yrs and George d 7 Mar 1886, 41yrs and others. Could there be a connection? Alice

> > MERRIWA HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. > > The following publications are for sale on the Merriwa, Cassilis areas. . > > LURE OF THE LAND by Helen Bettington $ 12.00 >The history of the Merriwa township. > CASSILIS, THE FRONTIER VILLAGE, by Frank Hayes $ 22.00 >History of the village beginnings > DOWN CAME A JUMBUCK . by Tess O'Brien $ 22.00 > > PRACTIONER,PASTORALIST & PIONEER by Sheila Galbraith $ 48.00 > (this book about the Traill family and Collaroy Station) > plus post and package > contact Carole > > >

Thanks Jeanetter - that's great info. Saves wondering and searching for papers that are not extant etc. Regards, Alice.

Hello List, Another branch on my tree also spent time in Mudgee. My G grandmother ELIZABETH JANE BRUCE was bn c1849 in Mudgee to parents JAMES BRUCE & SOPHIA LEMON. ELIZABETH married James John Taylor 20 March 1878 at Wellington NSW. Not sure about her mother's maiden name. Elizabeth's marriage certificate only states her mother as Sophia but on Elizabeth's death certificate it states SOPHIA LEMON (informant was Elizabeth's son) I would love to hear from anyone who is researching the Bruce or Lemon? families. Regards Judy Brisbane Researching: Aughterson, Auld, Bollard, Brennan, Bruce, Cullen, Dillon/Timmons, Fisher, Flannery, Lemon, McHarg, Munro, O'Hare, O'Neil, Ree/Roe, Rogers, Stewart, Taylor

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped me with my Brennan family. I sincerely appreciate everyone's help and guidance. Cheers Judy Brisbane Researching: Aughterson, Auld, Bollard, Brennan, Bruce, Cullen, Dillon/Timmons, Fisher, Flannery, Lemon, McHarg, Munro, O'Hare, O'Neil, Ree/Roe, Rogers, Stewart, Taylor

Good morning As there has been some interest in Mudgee newspapers I thought the members of this list may be interested in the following information from the archives of the Mudgee Historical Society, I will list commencement dates and where ever I was able to find closing dates. The first one published was the, Mudgge Newspaper and Mining Register/Gazette 1857-61 . Western Post 1860-1864--1898-1907. Mudgee Times 1872-1878. Mudgee Independant(incorporating the Mudgee Telegraph)1875-1892 Mudgge Liberal& NorthWestern News 1861?-1901. Mudgee Guardian 1890( still printed now owned by Rural Press) Mudgee Mail 1931-1964* Central Tablelands Mail 1964* *these two amalgamated in 1964. One of the newspapers published in Gulgong I beleive were the Gulgong Guardian. There was a Mudgee Times but it only lasted for 3 months, sadly only odd issues of the above have survived regards Jeanette Byfield. Society Researcher.

From Western Post & Mudgee Newspaper: May 25, 1861 KEEN'S SWAMP Mr W RUSSELL, Post Master, Keen's Swamp, is appointed agent for "The Western Post and Mudgee Newspaper. May 29, 1861 MUDGEE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION List of prizes awarded: Best thoroughbred colonial cart horse - a silver medal, value £3 - Mr Richard ROUSE. Best colonial cart horse - a silver medal, value £3 - Mr C B LOWE. Best thoroughbred colonial mare - silver medal, value £3. H and E BLOOMFIELD. Best colonial cart mare - silver medal, value £3 - John M'DONALD. Best imported bull - silver medal, value £3 - Robert LOWE Best colonial bull - silver medal, value £3 - F and A COX Best imported cow or heifer - silver medal, value £3 - GH and AB COX Best colonial cow or heifer - silver medal, £3 - Robert LOWE For the best wool in pen of five rams - no award. For the best wool in pen of five ewes - silver medal, value £3 - BLOOMFIELD. For the best sow - First prize 20s., W READFORD, second prize, 10s., W KEETCH. Cochin China folws - A B COX, 20s. Spanish Fowls - A B COX, 20s. Game fowls - T NICHOLSON, 20s., W R BLACKMAN, 10s. Fancy fowls - W BURROWS, 20s Turkeys - A B COX, 20s. Geese - A B COX, 20s Ducks - H BURROWS, 20s Sack of wheat, containing not less than three bushels, of which at least thirty bushels had been grown by exhibitor, £3, J TAYLOR. Second sample, ditto, 20s. C WILLIAMS Barley - no prize awarded Oats - no prize awarded For the best two bushels of maize - First prize, A WILMOT, 20s. second prize, G H and A B COX, 10s. 56lbs best oaten hay - W READFORD, 20s. 56lbs Lucerne hay - E MARLAY, 20s. The best sample of 10lbs of artificial grasses - First prize, 40s A WILMOT; second prize, 20s., GH and AB COX. Potatoes - M'DEED, 10s Pumpkins - W LOWE, 10s. Turnips - F BUCHHOLTZ, 10s Carrots - F BUCHHOLTZ, 10s Parsnips - A B COX, 10s Magel wurzel - A B COX, 10s Hams, bacon, cheese - no award Butter - H BURROWS, 10s Agricultural implements - Robert LOWE, £3; G H and A B COX, £2. Farm servants who have been in the same situation continuously for the greatest length of time - John DILLON having been in the Mr COX's family thirty-four years, £2. Wellington HUME, twenty-nine years in same family, £1. Certificates of merit were awarded to Mr BARNES for seed and honey; Mr MILNE for cordials; and Mr STANBURY for a Chili plant. Ploughing match (horse teams) - R BAGNALL, first prize, £5; J BAX, second prize, £3; J SANDERS, third prize, £1. Bullock teams - VILES, first prize, £5; W MARSH, second prize, £3; BAGNALL, third prize, £1. ***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 & Mudgee Newspaper 22 May 1861: CASSILIS From our own Correspondent 16th May Sunday last it again rained all day, and the Munmurry, which had scarcely fallen to its usual level from the last flood, again rose and was slightly flooded. It is a remarkable fact, that there is not a drop of water in Oakey Creek, which is only distanct about 38 miles from Cassilis, although all the creeks have been more or less flooded between this and the Castlereagh; this circumstance must be attributable either to the porous nature of the soil, or to the very partial rain that has fallen in that locality. The eyes of the people have been lately turned to the village reserve at Boramble, distant from this about 4 miles, on the Mudgee line of road; all the lands belonging to Dalkeith, or as it is better known by the district name of Cassilis, being rented from the proprietor by Messrs BUSBY, who claim for the privilege of running stock the following "moderate" charges:- 20s for horses and bullocks, and 10s a head for other stock per annum, without any responsibility. These charges are considered exhorbitant by the people who have to pay them, and very moderate by the Messrs. BUSBY, who, I have no doubt, provide the wine and et ceteras used at their table from the profits of this petty transaction. It is, therefore, no wonder that the good folks here look with satisfaction to Boramble, where, with the money required to pay for their stock for 6 months, they will be able to purchase a few acres of land, and thus put at defiance the awful visitation of the collector. As no extor! tionist will loose his grasp unless under compulsion, it is understood that a counter petition will be got up by those who for the last 30 years have been running their stock "free gratis for nothing". The necessity of the case, together with the wants of the Treasury, will render any opposition as powerless as the javelin thrown by the palsied hand of Priam against the heaven-tempered shield of Achilles "Telum imbele sine ictu". IONE, the Chinaman who robbed Mr PIPER's store last month, was taken two days after at Black Creek, in the act of attempting to pass one of the stolen cheques. He was forwarded here by the Maitland Bench, and committed on Wednesday last to take his trial for the offence. He effected his escape at Wybong from one of the Merriwa constables, but was shortly after taken at Hall's Creek. He is now on his way to Muswell Brook, in the safe custody of constable KNIGHT, of Cassilis, a most meritorious and trustworthy officer, who will sooner part with his head, than part with the notorious scoundrel he has in charge. £2 REWARD Stolen or Strayed, from Merriwa, a Bay Horse, branded IC near shoulder, IC near rump, off fore foot and near hind foot white, star and snip on forehead with mealy points. If stolen the above reward of two pounds will be paid on conviction of the thief; or if strayed one pound reward on delivery to the undersigned at Cassilis. George LOVEGROVE, Cassilis, 16th May, 1861. ***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 & Mudgee Newspaper, 18 May 1861: MUDGEE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION An adjourned meeting of the Council will be held in the Town Hall, on Tuesday Next, at three o'clock. W HOWARTH, Hon. Sec. MECHANIC'S INSTITUTE A Meeting of the Members of the Mechanic's Institute will be held in the Town Hall, on Thursday Evening Next, at eight o'clock, for Public Discussion. W HOWARTH, Hon. Sec. £1 REWARD LOST, a pocket book, supposed on the Sydney road, between Cunningham's Creek and Hughson's. Whoever has found the same and will bring it to Hughson's Hotel will receive the above reward. John Lewis MEADS. BULLS For Sale, Twenty Young Bulls, got by imported Bulls, out of choice Cows. Apply to Robert ROBERTSON, Caigan, near Mundooran. 10th May. £5 REWARD Lost, from between Buttabalah and Slapdash, one hundred and twenty (120) Wethers. Any person giving information that will lead to their recovery shall receive the above reward. H W BLOOMFIELD, Louee. 22 May 1861: POLICE Tuesday, May 21st Present - The Police Magistrate, His Worship the Mayor, Messrs CADELL, MARLAY and MURPHY. Christina SIMPSON, charged with being drunk, and incapable of taking care of her child, confessed of taking a drop or two, which unfortunately went the wrong way, and got into her head. The Bench taking into consideration that she had been confined to the lock-up since Saturday, discharged her with a reprimand. Susan BURGRAVES was charged with being drunk, and using obscene language near St. John's Church, during divine service, on Sunday morning last. Mrs BURGRAVES, who told the constable she had come from Bathurst by the Telegraph, said - she had walked ten miles that morning, and had taken a glass at the house of a friends on her way to the Big Bridge. She had heard such a good account of Mudgee that she came expecting to get into good service, instead of which, they put her into the lock-up. As it was the first time she was ever in such a place, and never having been brought up before a Bench of Magistrates before she hoped she would be discharged and would promise never more to drink wine or "spriritual" drink. Mr WARBURTON said had she been only drunk, the Bench might have attended to her request, but considering the language she had used, they must inflict a fine of 10s or 24 hours imprisonment. Ren TUSH, summoned for breach of the Masters and Servants Act. Mr BRODRIBB appeared for Mr CROSSING. Mr JAMES for defendant. Richard CROSSING, on oath, stated that the person before the Court was hired by him, upon a written agreement, to work on his farm and garden. On Wednesday week he instructed him to dig certain holes a yard wide, instead of which, he persisted in making them only a foot wide; he again spoke to him, when he was very insolent, and said he knew more about gardening than he (Mr CROSSING) did, and would make the holes his own size. Finding he would not obey orders, he was requested to call at the store for a settlement of his wages and leave, this he refused to do; and as he could neither get him to work or leave, he was obliged to bring him before the Court. Defendant said - he would now agree to take his money and leave. The Bench, consequently, cancelled the agreement, and 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 Western Post, 18 May 1861: POLICE Friday May 17th Before his Worship the Mayor, G WARBURTON, Esq., P.M., and E MARLAY, Esq., J.P. James LAUGHLAN was charged by constable FARRAND with being drunk and committing a great disturbance behind the hospital. FARRAND said prisoner made use of the most disgustingly filthy language, within the hearing of his wife and other females. Prisoner denied the charge, and said he was only chastising his wife for stopping out late at night. Mr HARDY said the prisoner was a ticket-of-leave man; he was very disorderly, and had been several times before the Bench. The Police Magistrate gave him a severe reprimand and fined him 20s or three days imprisonment, promising that the next time he was brought before the Bench his ticket would be cancelled, in which case he would be handed over to the care of the Government. John PEACOCK, tailor, was summoned at the instance of S MOORE, for the maintenance of his child. Instead of appearing he sent £5, with the promise of contributing 40s monthly for its support. Tommy, alias Captain BLACKMAN (half-cast) was brought up on remand upon a charge of perjury, committed at a trial during the last Quarter Sessions. Mr BRODRIBB appeared for the prosecution, Mr JAMES for the defence. Mr HARDY, chief constable, having sworn to the correctness of his evidence last week, said he knew the residence of Mr Thomas BLACKMAN of Cooyal, and that of Mrs GARBUTT; he passed BLACKMAN's between 3 and 4 o'clock on the 7th of March; saw the stock-yard; a beast might have been lying dead in it at the time; went to GARBUTT's, where he remained half an hour; he afterwards returned and saw BLACKMAN in the yard with a beast half skinned, a boy was present; while at GARBUTT's saw defendant and two other men come in and have something to drink. [A man of the name of ROBERSTON was here requested to come forward, and was identified by Mr HARDY as one of the men]. Did not see the defendant in the stock-yard, he might have been present; was present at BLACKMAN's tri! al, who was acquitted; defendant was a witness, heard him state that the cow in question was the property of BLACKMAN. H THURSTON, clerk to Mr TEMPLETON, produced a certificate copy of the information received by post from Mr GORE, Clerk of the Peace for the Western Districts. George TAYLOR was present at the trial of BLACKMAN, when he took notes of the proceedings, a transcript of which he put into Court. John LIVENSAGE, farmer at Cooyal recollected BLACKMAN being arrested; was shearing lambs the day before with defendant; went with him and "York" to GARBUTT's for a glass; Mr HARDY was present; after staying a few minutes he returned to the shed with Captain, who did not leave before sundown. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: Works on a farm given to him by Mrs GARBUTT; there were not more than 15 sheep to be shorn that afternoon; defendant did not leave his presence; Mr GARBUTT told him he wanted him at court; did not tell him what to say or what he wanted him to prove; had not had any conversation with Mrs GARBUTT. J W ROBINSON was in the employ of GARBUTT; had charge of the shed; did not think the "Captain" was absent 10 minutes on the day in question. There was very little to do, so they spent the time "yarning". The "Captain" might have been away half an hour; did not watch him particularly. Mary BAKER, at present servant to Mrs GARBUTT; had been on and off seven years with here; had been living with a man on the Creek; knew a man of the name of WARD did not live him saw the "Captain" and two men at bar; they left together, "Captain" drew some water about four o'clock. E M'GWIRK resided now with Mrs GARBUTT having had a row with Mrs Thomas BLACKMAN; helped to kill the calf; did not see defendant that day. Had been spoken to about the case by Mrs GARBUTT and Mr JAMES. This being the whole of the evidence for the prosecution. Mr JAMES applied for a remand till Tuesday week. Bail allowed. S PEGG was next put into the dock and was remanded till same day. Bail allowed. ***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 & Mudgee Newspaper' May 11, 1861 POUNDKEEPER Mr Thomas WEBSTER has been appointed poundkeeper at Mundooran. POLICE Friday, May 10th Before the Police Magistrate, His Worship the Mayor, Messrs MARLAY, McARTHUR and DOWLING. Ellen MASON was again charged by Constable MILLER with being drunk, using obscene language, and otherwise shamefully behaving herself in Perry-street. The Bench said it was no mercy to give her a light sentence, that she deserved sending to prison for six months, but in consideration for her children, they would only give her one month. James GARBUTH was charged with stealing a variety of goods from the premises of Messrs DICKSON and BURROWS. Mr CLARKE appeared for the prosecution and Mr BRODRIBB for the defence. Mr HARDY, Chief Constable, said - the prisoner was given into his custody by Mr BURROWS, on Thursday, for stealing a pair of boots, marked No. 1. The prisoner was in the employ of Messrs DICKSON and BURROWS; after taking him into custdy he found a large box under his bed, which he said belonged to Messrs DICKSON and BURROWS, that he only had the use of it; upon searching him at the lock-up he found the key. The box, which was exhibited in Court, contained about 150 articles of various descriptions, there was likewise a cashbox found near the bed, full of articles, which he said he had picked up at the store, and 24 one pound notes. After cautioning him, he said, that a pair of gloves found in the box, belonged to Mr DICKSON, likewise a pipe, match-box, and a pair of spurs. Henry BURROWS said - the prisoner was in their employ as light porter, his duty was to have the shop swept out in time for opening at seven o'clock; from information he received he sent for the chief constable, and was present when the prisoner's room was searched; the articles in Court were in a trunk under the bed, the whole of which belonged to the firm, most of them he identified by their shop mark; when the prisoner came into their employ he was in a miserable state, and destitute of clothes; they paid him 20s per week. The property produced he valued at £50. Frederick HART, manager of the boot and shoe department, said - he missed a pair of boots on Wednesday, and informed Mr BURROWS of the circumstance; the boots in Court were the missing ones. James HARGREAVES, ironmonger to the firm, proved a variety of articles found in prisoner's room, as having been taken from the department of which he had the oversight. Mr BURROWS recalled - both boxes were the property of the firm, likewise the trousers the prisoner had on. The usual caution having been given, the prisoner said he would reserve his defence. Committed to take his trail at the next Quarter Sessions. Martin CUMMERFORD, charged by Mr SMITH with stopping the mail between Hargreaves and Mudgee. Mr CLARKE, on behalf of CUMMERFOD, said - that his client had been drinking, and was riding a young horse at the time. Mr BRODRIBB, on behalf of the complainant, said - he was willing to withdraw the charge, the defendant having offered to pay £2 to the Hosptial. Mr WARBURTON said it was a most serious offence, and one for which he could inflict a penalty of £20, even if the mail had been detained a single minute; as defendant was under the influence of drink, and had promised not to be guilty of a similar offence, they would inflict the small penalty of 10s and costs. A second case against the defendant, for an assault, was withdrawn. The case against NEWMAN, for having in his possession a horse, supposed to have been stolen, was again brought forward. Mr BRODRIBB, said - there was no evidence that the horse had been stolen; it might have been bought out of the pound. The Bench were of the opinion that the defendant should be discharged, the horse to be given up to RAYNOR. ***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 & Mudgee Newspaper from 11 May, 1861: Police, Friday, May 10th, (cont) Samuel PEGG was charged with willful and corrupt perjury on the 5th April. Mr BRODRIBB and Mr CLARKE for prosecution. Mr JAMES for the defence. Constable MOREN, said - he apprehended the prisoner on Thursday, upon warrant; on taking him into custody he said, had he committed an error when he gave his evidence, the Bench would have had some distance to go to find him. J C GARBUTT, of Cooyal, having been sworn, said, was present at the Quarter Sessions in Mudgee, on the trial of Thomas BLACKMAN, before Judge DOWLING, on which occasion the defendant gave evidence. Defendant said, on oath, that he was present at the killing of a certain beast, at Thomas BLACKMAN's; he helped to knock it down, and immediately after rode away. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: The question tried was not the killing, but he ownership of a calf; could not distinctly recollect the words used, nor say when he first thought of going into the case. The Chief Constable was in the Court at the trial, recollected defendant giving evidence on a trial, the Queen v BLACKMAN, for stealing a calf, when he said something to the effect that he came up after the calf was dead. George TAYLOR took notes at the time of the trial and read a transcript of the words, which were put into Court. E McGWIRK lives as a servant to Mrs GARBUTT; was formerly in the employ of Thomas BLACKMAN, gave evidence in the case about the killing of a calf; saw the calf killed; Mr HARDY came up about 3 or 4 o'clock; did not see PEGG there that day; the calf was killed by being first roped, and then knocked on the head; there was only a child present. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: Mr GARBUTT brought him here today; left Mrs BLACKMAN's service last Tuesday. Michael JOYCE, farmer, residing about nine miles from Cooyal, recollected the 7th March - his wife being taken ill; PEGG was living with him at the time, and on the day in question was helping to put up a new house; it was impossible for him to go to Cooyal and back between noon and sundown on that day; he slept on the premises that same night; after BLACKMAN was taken into custody he heard PEGG say that he would mount,a nd say the Mrs GARBUTT had offered him £50 if he would put a hide upon Thomas BLACKMAN's fence. G P SIMPSON, step-son to last witness; knew PEGG went to Mudgee on the 7th March for a blister, reached home about 2 o'clock, when he saw PEGG with his father clearing the ground; he was about an hour out of his sight; he had not time to go to Cooyal. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: He was about 50 or 100 yards from the house; defendant might have been away two hours without his knowing; it would take two hours to go and return from Cooyal. Remanded till Friday week. Captain BLACKMAN was charged with a similar offence. The Chief Constable said - by virtue of a warrant he apprehended the defendant at Mr S BLACKMAN's at Cooyal; he said he expected it. Case adjourned. Bail allowed, himself £80, and two sureties of £40 each. ***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.

Hi Robert The next microfilms I have access to are for the Mudgee Guardian from 1899-1910, (no 1911), then 1912. Nothing for anything in between 1864 and 1899. Regards Annette Piper ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Heal" <healr@optushome.com.au> To: <AUS-NSW-PILLIGA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 12:39 AM Subject: Mudgee newspapers > Visited the State Library today, checking Moree Champion > looked at newspaper catalog which is also available on-line > > there appear to have been a number of newspapers in Mudgee. > Western Post started in 1861, amd apparently pushed the previous > newspaper out of business as Annette Piper reported last week. > > Although this Western Post apparently continued for many years, > only issues from 1861 to 1864 plus a few scattered later issues > survived to be microfilmed, it would appear. > > There seems to be no surviving newspaper at all from the later 1860's, > at least > not in the state library records. > > Do anyone know otherwise ? > > Robert > > > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

Visited the State Library today, checking Moree Champion looked at newspaper catalog which is also available on-line there appear to have been a number of newspapers in Mudgee. Western Post started in 1861, amd apparently pushed the previous newspaper out of business as Annette Piper reported last week. Although this Western Post apparently continued for many years, only issues from 1861 to 1864 plus a few scattered later issues survived to be microfilmed, it would appear. There seems to be no surviving newspaper at all from the later 1860's, at least not in the state library records. Do anyone know otherwise ? Robert

From Western Post & Mudgee Newspaper 14 May 1861: TO BE SOLD 1 Excellent Draught Mare, 1 new colonial Saddle and Bridle, 1 Dray Harness with reins, 1 new Plough and Harrow. Apply to Mr LAVERS, Neate's Cottages, Church-street, Mudgee. FOR SALE AT EURUNDEREE Young Bulls of Durham or Shorthorn breed from ¾ and 7/8 bred cows by an imported bull of the celebrated "Booth's" stock, at the following prices: - Single one at £20; Two for £35; Three for £50, Four for £60. Early application is necessary, as only a limited number are for disposal. William W LOWE. LOST A large Bay Horse, branded on the near shoulder PD J, like IM off shoulder, white stripe down face. Also a Bay Horse branded CS near shoulder, SC off shoulder, white stripe down face. £2 Reward on delivery of the horses to T NEW, butcher, or T E MILLS, Mudgee. £1 REWARD Stolen or Strayed, from Mr G WALKER's paddock, a dark brown Pony Mare, branded SJ on the near shoulder. The above reward will be given, if strayed, on delivery to Mr E G ROSE, saddler, Market-street. £2 Reward, if stolen, on conviction of thief. NOTICE This is to give Notice that in consequence of my wife, Elizabeth ANDREWS, having left her home without any cause or provocation, I will not be answerable for any debt or debts she or any other person may contract in my name without my written authority. John ANDREW + his mark. Henry STEWARD Should This meet the eye of Mr Henry STEWARD, formerly of the Milchami, Namoi River, he is respectfully requested to communicate with Robert WOOD, of Tunnabutta. Any person informing him of this advertisement will be kindly thanked by the undersigned. The above-mentioned pary is supposed to be at Mr H BAYLY's Station, Ramparells. R WOOD, Tunnabutta, May 6. WANTED A good general servant. Apply to Mrs LAVERS, Neate's Cottages, Church-street, Mudgee. WANTED A respectable Single Man as Cook. Reference to character and competence required. Apply to Mr W LOWE, Eurunderee. ST. JOHN'S CHOIR Wanted, Three or Four Boys with good voices to join the Choir of St. John the Baptist's Church, Mudgee. Apply to Mr J T TAYLOR, Organist. WANTED A quantity of Shingles. Apply to Arundel EVERETT, Royal Hotel, Mudgee. £10 REWARD Stolen or Strayed from James COLEMAN, Pipeclay Creek, near Mudgee, on Sudnay, the 5th May, 1861, a Chestnut Horse, aged, about 16 hands high, white stripe down face, branded on near shoulder IM. The above reward will be given to any person or persons giving such information as will lead to the apprehension and conviction of the guilty party or parties and restoration of the said horse; and if strayed £2 will be given to anyone delivering the said horse to James COLEMAN, Pipeclay Creek, near Mudgee. James COLEMAN. ***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 & Mudgee Newspaper, 14 May 1861: WINDEYER From our Correspondent Fatal Affray - News has just come to hand that a Chinaman was shot by a man named TAYLOR, in the employ of Mr TUCKER, of Long Creek. It appears that several robberies have been committed of late at Mr TUCKER's premises, and in order to find out the delinquent TAYLOR was put upon the watch, having at the time a gun loaded with shot. On Friday evening, about dusk, a person was observed making his way into the premises, when TAYLOR called out to him to stop; he attempted to escape, but was overtaken; a scuffle ensued, and the gun accidentally went off, the contents lodging in the Chinaman's neck, and in a short time he expired. Medical assistance was called, but was unavailing. An inquest was held on the body by Dr KING, the district coroner, when TAYLOR was acquitted. RESULTS OF THE CENSUS, 1861 - District of Mudgee Population European origin - 5020 Chinese - 1535 Total - 6555 Of this total number 1490 resided within the boundaries of the township of Mudgee. Habitated dwellings - 1015 Of this number 298 were within the boundaries of the township of Mudgee. Number of children receiving instruction: National Schools - 370 Denominational Schools - 106 Private Schools - 79 Home Instruction - 132 Total - 687 Of these there were in the township of Mudgee: National Schools - 210 Denominational Schools - 72 Private Schools - 37 Home - 12 Total - 331 Number of children between the ages of four years and fourteen years receiving no instruction whatever - 557. Of this number, 60 resided within the boundaries of this township. ***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.