From Western Post, Wednesday, April 24, 1861: CASSILIS From a Correspondent On Wednesday morning, 17th inst., supposed to be between 2 and 3 o'clock, Mr William PIPER's store was broken into and cash, cheques and a gold and silver watch carried off. A cheque for £20, drawn by Dr. MORRIS, C.P.S., a cheque for £15 19s 6d drawn by Mr LAMBE, of Llangollen, in favour of "HANNAH", on the Bank of New South Wales, Sydney, and an order drawn by MACQUEEN on Dr. TRAILL, of Collaroy, were amongst the property taken. There were also a few smaller orders and cheques taken. An order drwawn on Burt and Co, Sydney, for £5, and a cheque drawnby constable MUNRO on account of the public service for £1 10s, are missing. No goods from the store were taken except the watches above referred to, cash being the object the scoundrel had unquestionably in view. The real value of the property missing will not fall much short of £100. The entrance was effected by removing the sash of a small back window. The follow must have done his work very quietly, as nothing was dist! urbed or carried off expect the watches and books, where he must have known Mr PIPER was keeping his money. The books were found next morning uninjured in a watercloset about fifteen yards from Mr PIPER's store. Matches had been used in the closet while the search through the books was going on. The loss to Mr PIPER would have been very serious had the books been lost or destroyed. The police have again another chance of proving to this community that they are not entirely useless. May they embrace it. CAUTION The public are hereby cautioned not to cash or receive in payment the following cheques and orders, as they were stolen from the Stores of the undersigned on the morning of the 17th instant. No. 25,668, Cheque for £20, drawn in favour of Alexander FRASER, for collecting electoral lists, dated 12th April, 1861, by John MORRIS, C.P.S. Cheque drawn by F C LAMBE for £15 19s 6d in favour of "HANNAH", on the Bank of New South Wales, Sydney. Order drawn by Alexander MACQUEEN No. 77-61, on R J TRAILL, Collaroy, for £22 5s 3d in favour of Jone (Chinaman). Payment has been stopped. (Signed) William Piper ***END*** (I finally found one of my rellies (William Piper, above) it only took wading through 7 months of Western Post newspapers!) 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, 24 April 1861: W B HUTCHINSON (editor and proprietor of the Mudgee Newspaper) was charged with publishing a gross and malicious libel against Mr W HOWARTH, editor of the Western Post. Mr BRODRIBB and Mr CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) appeared for complainant. Mr JAMES for defendant. Mr HOWARTH having been sworn, said that he was editor of the Western Post. On Saturday, April 20, he received a copy of the Mudgee Newspaper, the leader of which contained the libel he complained of, viz., that he was a blackguard, and further that "we were never found on the diggings in company with noted thieves as mates, and apprehended and dragged before the commissioner for having stolen property in our possession". He (Mr HOWARTH) had no doubt that they words referred to himself, and that they were calculated to do him serious injury. Mr JAMES cross-examined Mr HOWARTH at considerable length as to his reason for supposing that the leader referred to himself. W H BARKER proved having purchased a copy of the! paper, and Mr PORTER that Mr HUCHINSON was both proprietor and publisher. Mr JAMES addressed the Bench at considerable length, contending that it was impossible for any one to believe that the article in question could refer to complainant, and that if could not by any means hurt him, as people in Mudgee would not believe it. The Bench was unanimous in committing defendant, who was admitted to bail. W RANWELL, publisher of the Western Post, was charged with having inserted a leader in that paper containing the following paragraph:- "Our contemporary, in the warmth of his gratitude for the satisfactory state of his paper, promises wonderful things when the telegraph line is completed. Why does he not do the possible now? What has become of his Sydney correspondent? Wherefore this oracle become silent? We know: the public can probably guess. With regard to telegraphic dispatches, does our sagacious contemporary imagine that he alone will favour the public? Did it never occur to him it was possible the same means of communication might be used by others? We never boast or promise more than we are able to perform, but we shall always be able to keep ahead of our contemporary I the way of news and yet be in no danger, we hope, of walking through the Insolvent Court, and then through the town without our certificate. Our subscribers may ever depend upon us always doing what is possible and getting what is procurable. Our Sydney correspondent continues faithful to us, short reckoning making long fri! ends". The latter part of which was said to be a reflection upon William B HUTCHINSON, proprietor of the Mudgee Newspaper. Mr JAMES appeared for Mr HUTCHINSON, Mr BRODRIBB for Mr RANWELL. R PORTER having been sworn, said he was at present a farmer , had formerly been connected with the Mudgee Newspaper; had lately resided at the office; he produced a copy of the Western Post dated April 17th, which had been left on the morning of its publication at the Mudgee Newspaper. He believed that the paragraph "We never boast or promise more than we are able to perform" &c., referred to his father in law, Mr HUTCHINSON, from the fact that he (Mr HUTCHINSON) had been insolvent, and that he was proprietor of the Mudgee Newspaper. Mr HUTCHINSON was insolvent two years ago, which was about twelve months before he became proprietor of the paper. Mr HUTCHINSON's means of living he thought were limited; he depended on the proceeds of the paper. Believed that he was not possessed of any landed estates. Cross-examined by Mr BRODRIBB: Mr HUTCHINSON got his certificate almost directly after he filed his schedule. It was not generally known that he had obtained it. He (Mr PORTER) had an interest in the welfare of Mr HUTCHINSON. The publication of the Western Post had increased the circulation of the Mudgee Newspaper. W B HUTCHINSON said that the words in the information referred to him, because, previous to his becoming proprietor of the paper, he was insolvent, and that it was not generally known that he had received his certificate. Believed that the sentence commencing "Our Sydney correspondent," &c., inferred that he was not in the habit of paying his Sydney correspondent, which he had more than done, having made that gentleman a present for his services. Upon being asked for the name of the gentleman, Mr HUTCHINSON declined to answer the question as it would do him a serious injury, he having no doubt that the Western Post would be very glad to obtain the information. Mr BRODRIBB for the defence, argued that the writer of the article knew nothing of Mr. HUTCHINSON's insolvency; that the words in question referred solely to the prudent course the managers of the Western Post had determined to pursue respecting the financial conduct of their paper. The Bench decided to send the case to a jury. 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, Wed. April 24, 1861: L MOORE was charged with uttering a cheque knowing it to be forged. Constable MILLER apprehended prisoner on Monday morning on warrant. On his being searched, £3 11s and a blank cheque book was found upon him. Henry FROST deposed: On Saturday evening prisoner asked him to cash a cheque on TAILBY, which he did on his endorsing it. Mr BLOODSWORTH likewise did the same, as security for him (FROST). The cheque then produced in Court was the one in question. On Monday morning the cheque was presented, and returned unpaid. He then caused the prisoner to be taken into custody. Knew Mr TAILBY, and at the time of cashing the cheque thought it was his writing. Mr SKINNER, Manager of the Joint Stock Bank, proved the presentation of the cheque by prisoner, who said that he had advanced the money to Mr TAILBY. The cheque appeared to have been altered since, the letter y having been added. Upon telling him that it was not Mr TAILBY's signature, he admitted that he had signed it ! himself. The cheque was a second time presented, when he wrote the word "forgery" upon it. Adjourned for 14 days to allow Mr TAILBY time to come to Mudgee. Bail not allowed. Charles RAEY of Campbell's Creek, appeared to answer a charge of breach of the Reigstration Act. Mr BRODRIBB appeared for the defence. J W ALLPASS, Registrar of Births, Deaths &c., for the district of Mudgee, produced his registration book, which contained an entry of the birth of a child, in which defendant appeared as the husband of the mother. The husband of the woman had requested to examine the register and had instituted the present proceedings. He (Mr ALLPASS) could not swear who had registered the child, he having received the particulars of the birth through the post. It was not the custom to file such letters, his entering the birth being all that was required. He had no vindictive feeling against defendant, but if such cases were allowed to fall on the ground, it would completely do away with the object and advantage of the registration. The Bench were of the opinion that unless Mr ALLPASS could produce the letter, or bring forward the party who wrote it, ! they must dismiss the case. Case dismissed. Richard CROSSING appeared to answer a charge brought against him by a person named BUTLER with having obstructed the public highway known as the Wyadra road, by causing trees to be felled across it. Mr CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) for defendant. Mr CLARKE applied for a nonsuit on the ground that BUTLER, the complainant, not being able to prove that the road in question was a highway. Case dismissed. Jacob JULIAN appeared to show cause why his license, already granted, should not be re-considered. It appeard that Mr JULIAN had notice to appear in a late case, which not coming on in the usual course, Mr JULIAN went home supposing it was adjourned till the following day. Mr BRODRIBB assured the bench that it was far from Mr JULIAN's intention to treat the Bench with contempt. They therefore consented to contined the license. A second charge was then brought against Mr JULIAN for selling spirituous liquor on Sunday. Mr. BRODRIBB informed the Bench that the party was a traveller. The case was adjourned till Friday in consequence of the non-attendance of a person who had been summoned as a witness. John BARTON appeared to answer a charge brought by Mr BARRY, who objected to a license to defendant on the ground of his house being frequented by improper characters. Mr CLARK (for TEMPLETON) appeared for BARTON. Mr BARRY said he was travelling with his family when he put his horse up at the house in question. After partaking some refreshment he called for his horse, when he was insulted, ill-treated, and his saddle stolen, so that he was compelled to ride his horse to Mudgee barebacked. He had not seen the saddle since. He believed that had Mr BARTON been at home at the time he would not have allowed such shameful behaviour in his house. The Bench said, considering the character of Mr BARTON, and the fact that he away from home at the time, they would renew his license. J C GARBUTT was next called. Mr BRODRIBB explained that the applicant had only just arrived from Sydney; he would therefore wish to have the case postponed for a week. The Bench said they were of opinion that Mr GARBUTT could not hold a license and refused to adjourn 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, 24 April, 1861: POLICE Tuesday April 24 Before the Police Magistrate, the Mayor, and Messrs LYONS, MARLAY, CADELL and DOWLING. Thomas POTFIELD was charged with being drunk in Perry-street. In consideration of having been in the lock up since Friday he was discharged. John BURNES charged with being drunk and using obscene language in Market-street. Fined 10s., or 24 hours imprisonment. Daniel HEARN was charged with being drunk and using obscene language in Market-street. Prisoner said he had worked till 9 o'clock and had no place to go to but a public house. His Worship recommended him to attend the Mechanic's Institute. Fined 20s. The Police Magistrate reminded him that if he came before the Bench again and the chief constable could prove that he was a confirmed drunkard, the Bench could send him to gaol for two years. W ANDREWS charged with being drunk and assaulting the police. Constable FARRAND found prisoner drunk on Sunday; upon speaking to him he became very violent, and kicked him several times. Fined 40s., or three days. W R BLACKMAN summoned for suffering two horses to stray in the public streets. Fined 5s. and costs. W SIMPSON was summoned for allowing eleven cows on the Government reserve. Fined 5s and costs. W ARNOLD for allowing a horse to stray was fined 5s and costs. Thomas NEW for allowing a cow to stray was fined 5s and costs. Bridget M'CORMACK, charged with using obscene language, was fined £3 or 14 days. Ellen MASON, charge with using obscene language. A warrant was issued for her apprehension. ***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.

Hello I am seeking any descendants of Lionel FLETCHER, born 24th of July 1894 in Dubbo, and last known of in 1930's living in Sydney. The parents listed on his birth cert were George FLETCHER and Mary McNABB. I hope someone out there is also researching Lionel. Regards Kerrie Stephens

From Western Post, 20 April, 1861: SERIOUS ACCIDENT - We are sorry to have to record a serious accident which befell Mr WILKINS, the well known host of the Australian Arms, Cudgegong Corner. Mr WILKINS had visited Mudgee for the purpose of attending the licensing meeting on Tuesday. Other business detained him in town till the following day, when he started for home, accompanied by Mr THURSTON and another gentleman. The party were proceeding at a quick pace along the road beyond Johnny COX's when on reaching Mr CADELL's fence, near little Oakey Creek, WILKINS's horse came in contact with a tree. The horse endeavoured to avoid it, but was checked by WILKINS, who though the best chance of escape was the other side; the consequence was he was thrown, and his thigh, striking the tree, was broken. Mr THURSTON immediately started for medical aid, and was fortunate enough to find Dr. RAMSAY at home, who with Mr CLARKE proceeded to the spot. Dr RAMSAY reduced the fracture with his usual skill, WILKINS bearing ! the painful operation with so much fortitude as to be able to indulge in humorous remarks. JOHN CORN, THE MADMAN - This unfortunate fellow was sent on Friday (yesterday) by the mail, in charge of constable CAMPBELL, to Sydney. It was with great difficulty the police managed to put his clothes on. Before taking him out of the cell they had to handcuff him. He was very noisy, and addressed the people about the court with great vehemence. Upon being taken into the police yard he shouted, " Now look out all of you!" and then made a rush to escape. Three constables escorted him to the mail. He was quiet when the mail started.

From Western Post : Saturday, April 20, 1861 POLICE Friday April 19 Before the Police Magistrate, his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs CADELL, LYONS and MARLAY. E BAYLY summoned for charging excessive damages on six calves, the property of Thos. M'COY. T. M'COY swore the calf in question was his property. J WALSH poundkeeper, proved the impounding of the calves by E BAYLY, who placed upon them 4s 6d each for damages and driving; they were released under protest by Mrs M'COY. Mrs M'COY paid 27s for the purpose of releasing the calves. Could not say what part of Mr BAYLY's ground they were on. Dismissed. SMALL DEBTS COURT Friday April 19 J FREE v Jane M'KENNA - £2 2s for commission. Mr. BRODRIBB for defendant. J FREE said he was employed to purchase some hay for Mrs M'KENNA. After spending four days and riding forty miles, he was told she had obtained it some elsewhere - J CHRISTIAN called: On the morning after the burning of the hay at Oakfield Mrs M'KENNA inquired of him if he knew any one who had a stack for sale. He spoke to FREE, and afterwards heard Mrs M'KENNA give FREE instructions to try and purchase some of Mr BAYLY, and she would pay him for his services. Mr LITTLE gave evidence respecting a stack FREE had endeavoured to purchase of him. Mr BRODRIBB for defence, said, had FREE followed his instructions, he would have purchased the stack belonging to Mr BAYLY, and thus have saved Mrs M'KENNA considerable expense. Verdict for the amount. HUGO v RANWELL - 15s. HUGO not appearing the case was dismissed. H FROST v C LEE - £2 7s 6d Verdict for plaintiff. H FROST v M CONOLLY - £4 5s. Settled out of Court. H FROST v E TOUHY - £2 7s 6d. Verdict for plaintiff. H FROST v W RYAN - £2 7s 6d. Settled out of court. H FROST v. A F JACKSON - £2 money lent, &c. Verdict for plaintiff. H FROST v Samuel JAMES - Dr. Cutting applied to have this case postponed. Mr JAMES having last night had a fit of apoplexy. Granted. W RAMSAY v J KERR - £5 12s 6d. Medical attendance. Settled T KNOWLES v A COX - £2 7s agistment. Settled. J C WILLIAMS v H NICHOLAS - £9 18s 8d goods old, &c. Verdict for plaintiff J C WILLIAMS v C BATES - £8 7s 8d goods sold, &c. Verdict for plaintiff. J C WILLIAMS v E BATES - £7 3s 10d goods sold. Verdict for plaintiff. John KANE v J DUFFY - £3 10s value of a saddle. No appearance. W HOWARTH v W WILTON - £10 balance of account. Verdict for plaintiff. E CARTER v J BURGESS - CLARKE (for TEMPLETON) for defendant. £6 1s 6d for rent due to him as agent for a person of the name of MILLER. CARTER said BURGESS had lived under him, and afterwards he "let him on oath" a piece gound at 1s per week, on which BURGESS put up a tent; he eventually raised the rent to 2s 6d. Mr CLARKE having pointed out the informality in the summons, the case was dismissed. W B HUTCHINSON v P MALONEY - £5 4s for newspapers. Postponed till next month. T HOLMES v H DEAN - CLARKE for defendant. £5 for breaking in a horse. Plaintiff engaged to break in horse defenant had on trial from Mr HONEYSETT - Value £50; before the horse was thoroughly quiet, HOLMES engaged with Mr HEARD and requested that it should be handed over to TARRANT to finish. TARRANT had the horse in plough, but it was so timid that he did not venture to put it in his team, as requested; knowing its value he was afraid to run any risk. It was eventually returned to HONEYSETT, who said the horse was perfectly quiet when he handed him over to DEAN, so that he wanted no breaking-in. Mr DEAN was willing to make good his agreement; he had offered to pay £5 when the horse was quiet enough for him to manage; the last time HOLMES rode it he was afraid to get on him till he had led him from his stables to those of Mr HEARD, when the horse was placed in the stall before HOLMES would mount him; he (Mr DEAN) had too much regard for his life to ride the horse, it was! consequently returned. Verdict £3. H J LAVERS v T HAVELAND - £5 14s 6d goods sold. Verdict for the amount. H J LAVERS v J ARBUCKLE - £1 8s 9d goods sold. Verdict for the amount. H J LAVERS v Alfred JACKSON - £2 1s 7d goods sold. Verdict for plaintiff. E BAYLY v SIMPSON - £5 compensation for trespass of eleven head of cattle. JAMES for plaintiff. Mr BAYLY had suffered so much from Mr SIMPSON's cattle that he found it was no use impounding them; on the night in question eleven head had got into his garden and destroyed his peach trees, vines, &c.; he drove them to SIMPSON's and after a long effort to wake them up, an old man took delivery. He did not seek the £5 for the sake of the money, but rather to put a stop to the annoyance and loss he had so long suffered. Mr SIMPSON called witneses to prove that the cattle in question did not belong to him, and that Mr BAYLY's fence was not sufficiently good enough to keep out cattle. The case occupied a considerable time and was eventually dismissed on account of the Bench being equally divided in their opinion. W BALL v LYONS - £7 postponed. E G ROSE v A MURDOCH - £7 goods sold. Settled. T E MILLS v J KIRKNESS - £5 promissory note. Settled. W RAMSAY v W LYNES - £1 1s medical attendance. Settled. W RAMSAY v B BACHELOR - £2 7s 6d medical attendance. Settled.

From Western Post, 17 April 1861: LICENSING MEETING Tuesday April 16 Before the Police Magistrate, his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs CADELL, LYONS and MARLAY. The neighbourhood of the Court was thronged with publicans and their sureties. The first called were Mr T E MILLS, R R HUGHSON, W READFORD, G R MILLS, and J W FOREMAN, all granted. R W HEARD - Mr HARDY complained of the very bad state of one of the rooms. Upon Mr HEARD promising to have it put into repair, his licence was granted. C LEE, Hannah VILES, Patrick SULLIVAN and Jane McKENNA, granted. John SMITH - Mr HARDY complained of the bar being in a very dirty state and that the house was generally speaking out of repair. Mr SIMPSON, the landlord, said he was going to do it up, and add five more rooms to iit, when it would be second to none in the town. Granted. H FROST, John PHILLIP, Jacob JULIAN, A THOMPSON (Green Swamp), and Simon GILLIES (Guntawang), granted. W MARTIN (not appearing) was adjourned for three weeks. John BARTON, Pipeclay - Mr BARRY objected on account of the house being a resort for gamblers, and that he had been robbed there. Adjourned till Tuesday next, Mr BARRY in the meantime to file his complaint. J C GARBUTT - On the application of Mr BRODROIB this case was adjourned for a week to enable the chief constable to report upon the state of the house and stables. Cath ROBINSON (Maitland Road) and W MALONEY, granted. C LAMROCK, Mudgee Road - Mr TEBBUTT called the attention of the Bench to a letter addressed to them by the Postmaster-General. It appeard that on the day of the last mail robbery Mr TEBBUTT wrote a letter to the Postmaster-General informing him of the robbery, and left the letter with Mr LAMROCK for him to give to the mailman. From some cause or other the letter did not reach its destination; the Post-office authorities therefore wished the Bench to investigate the subject. Mr TEBBUTT said it was a matter of considerable public importance. Complaints were being made daily of papers and letters not reaching their destination, and he had determined, whenever he could make out a case, to have it thoroughly investigated. Mr LAMROCK explained giving the letter to the mailman. Mr LYONS said that he had heard that mailman say that he had received it, and had given it to the other driver. Under these circumstances Mr TEBBUTT said he should like the driver examined, who was or! dered to be in attendance next Tuesday. Licence granted. The next applications were T SHELDON and W WILKINS (Cudgegong), granted. S JAMES, absent on account of ill health, license granted upon obtaining additional surety. J SWORDS - The house not being completed, the case was adjourned for Mr HARDY to report upon it. R FROST, granted. W STANBURY and R F MILNE, confectioners' license. Granted.

From Western Post, 17 April, 1861: Tim DRISCOLL, summoned under the Masters and Servants Act for having unlawfully absented himself from his master's service. Mr JAMES for defendant. S HILL had hired DRISCOLL as a weekly servant at 30s per week; after working six weeks he absented himself one Tuesday; he was consequently obliged to hire another man. DRISCOLL said on the morning in question he had finished his work at the usual hour. Not being able to get his master out of bed, and breakfast not being ready, he though he might as well take his dirty clothes to the washerwoman. On his return HILL spoke very roughly to him, and said he must have certain work done. Not liking his dictatorial manner, he replied that the word must was not a fit word to be used to mechanic. HILL wanted him to put in another batch; this talk of a second baking made him crusty; words ensued. He asked HILL to pay him, when he said he would do so over the head. He (DRISCOLL) replied "If he was the Parramatta Don he was a thoroughbred Irish Londoner, and was ready for him any day. HILL wished to call one or two witnesses, but the Bench were satisfied, and dismissed the case.! Tuesday, April 16 Before the Police Magistrate, his Worship the Mayor and Messrs BOWMAN, CADELL, LYONS and MARLAY. M'COY v. BAYLY - Dismissed through informality. W ANDREWS and John WRITER charged with felony. Constable CAMPBELL stated that the prisoners were given into his custody on Sunday evening for robbing W HEALY of £16. On searching the prisoners he found 6s 6d on ANDREWS and 1s on WRITER. In the yard of the house he found a pickle bottle containing fourteen one pound notes concealed under some slabs. In answer to the charge both said they knew nothing about it. HEALY gave him a piece of cloth which he found in his pocket with a note rolled round it. The prosecutor not being present, his brother, Mr T HEALY said he did not consider he was able to be present in consquence of his having, as he believed, been tampered with. Remanded till tomorrow. ***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: Wednesday, April 17, 1861 POLICE Friday, April 12 Before his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs MARLAY, LYONS and CADELL W NOONAN was charged with horse stealing. Constable MORAN said the prisoner was given into his custody for having in his possession a horse, the property of W RAYNER. He said he had exchanged it with a man named CLARKE, who gave him a receipt now produced. W RAYNER deposed that his brother saw the horse a little way out of town on Wednesday. He immediately went to the man and asked him how and where he had got it from; he said he had changed, and had a receipt for it. He then went for a policeman. He had last seen the horse about six months since. It is branded CC on near shoulder, one C in circle, No. 6 on near cheek, R No. 6 on off shoulder. They both claimed the horse, as he would not given it up he gave him into custody. Had never disposed of the horse. Mr BRODRIBB addressed the Bench on behalf of defendant, asking for a dismissal of the case on the ground that NOONAN had acted truthfully and honestly; that he had produced the receipt bearing the signature of a gentleman who is known to be a large stockholder. The Bench decided to adjourn the case till Tuesday week, in order to obtain the evidence of a party from beyond Wellington. The horse to be detained and NOONAN to be allowed bail. Joseph CURRAN was summoned for unlawfully rescuing three horses which were being driven to the pound for trespassing on the land of Mr BAYLY. Mr BAYLY consented to the case being dismissed on CURRAN paying the expenses. John MacMANUS was summoned for negligently losing a quantity of sheep the property of Mr COX. Mr G H COX said defendant was a shepherd hired on a written agreement about six years since, subsequently by verbal agreement. 26 sheep were lost in October and five more in March. The man was a very good servant, but unfortunately through a grog shop being near his hut he had neglected his flock, got drunk, and consequently lost his sheep. T DILLON, overseer to Mr COX proved the delivery of the flock and its deficiency. Mr COX wished to explain to the Bench that the man had been so long in their service that hey would not have summonedhim had he called for settlement, instead of which he took out a summons against his brother for wages. Mr COX then spoke to the shepherd and afterward informed the Court that they had arranged to settle the matter. The case against J C GARBUTT for charging excess of damages on six head of working bullocks, the property of W PEARSON, was settled out of Court. John Talbot WOODS was charged by Mr H TEBBUTT with breaking open a gate and entering into a goods store belonging to the Mudgee Emporium. Mr JAMES appeared for Mr TEBBUTT, Mr BRODRIBB for Mr WOODS. Mr TEBBUTT having been sworn, said that defendant did, on the 25th February, with the assistance of a youth of the name of BARKER, break down and destroy a gate belonging to his premises in Parry-street. Was present when WOODS commenced; told him that if he forced an entrance he should commence proceedings against him; after giving this caution he left, not wishing to have any words; had no doubt that had he resisted there would have breach of the peace; had they come to blows he would not say that he should have had the worst of it. Was not aware that WOODS had ever previously used the gate. The premises were his own, and WOODS had no right to be upon them. Could not say whether WOODS had any property within the gate. Cross-examined by Mr BRODRIBB: Believed there was some hay in the stable placed there by his partner, Mr GULLEY, consequently he (Mr TEBBUTT) had an interest in it, and would not allow a pound's worth of it to be taken away. Could not say what quantity of hay was there. The chain and lock were put on the gate when Mr GULLEY left the premises. Could not say in what position WOODS was acting; had seen an advertisement stating that he was manager. Moses BAILY said he was postmaster's assistant. On the 25th February WOODS asked him to open a gate belonging to a yard in Perry-street, which he refused to do. WOODS then broke it open, and shortly after took away two trusses of hay. TEBBUTT and GULLEY had been in the habit of taking goods through the gate. Did not know if Mr TEBBUTT had lately had the management of the Emporium. Did not trouble himself about Mr TEBBUTT's affairs. For the defence, F B GULLY said, since the 10th March, 1860, the business of the Emporium had been conducted by WOODS. There was a range of buildings in the yard which had always been sued for heavy goods, and which Mr WOODS had access to till Mr TEBBUTT fastened the gate; at the time Mr TEBBUTT fastened the gate there was hay in the store purchased by himself on account of Mr WOODS, as manager, who kept the key. Cross-examined by Mr JAMES: He gave WOODS possession of the whole of the premises and stock, Mr. TEBBUTT consenting. They were partners, but were not so any longer on account of both being insolvent; could hardly be considered friends after Mr TEBBUTT had, in his usual style, threatened to shoot him. Mr BRODRIBB was about putting another witness into the box, when the Bench said there was sufficient evidence for them to dismiss the case. In consequence of a remark made by Mr TEBBUTT, Mr BRODRIBB requested that the Bench would bind him over to keep the peace towards Mr WOODS, which they refused to do, saying they were sure, after the decision in this case and the fact that proceedings had been commenced in another Court, that Mr TEBBUTT would wait for the result. ***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.

Greetings folk's I am trying to seek living descendants of the following people: PARENTS: Oscar A. KNIPE & Mary GREEN resided in places such as: Dubbo, Kempsey, Paddington, Mudgee children: 1. Doris I KNIPE (b:1896 Dubbo) Marr. Norman L DAY 1916 - Randwick 2. Thelma W KNIPE(b:1901 Paddington) Marr. Charles P. BEAVER 1926 - Redfern 3. Frances Josephine KNIPE Marr. George Patrick BURNS 1938 - Redfern 4. Mearl E - born 1897 - Dubbo 5. Coral C - born1899 - Dubbo 6. John T - born 1902 - Kempsey Hoping someone recognises the names....fingers crossed... Kindest regards Naomi - in Sydney........ :)

From Western Post, April 10, 1861: Saturday April 6 The only case tried was a second indictment against James DILLON for assaulting Mrs McKENZIE. The evidence was much the same as that given in the previous case. The jury remained a long time shut up in the little room appropriated to their use without coming to a decision, during which time his Honor disposed of a case against Chon LONG, charged with robbing Mr LUCKIE's store on the Meroo of forty ounces of gold..The jury were then sent for , who,s aying that they were not likely to come to a decision, His Honor ordered the Court to be cleared, so that they might have the use of it, where they remained till after three o'clock, when his Honor said he would follow a precendent set by Judge BRAMWELL, in England, and take the verdict of the majority, which was not guilty - there being ten for and two against the prisoner. POLICE Monday April 8 Before Mr M H LYONS, J.P. Mary HAYES, charged by Constable KELLY with being drunk in Lewis-street, was fined 10s. Not having sufficient funds, she was placed in the care of Mr MacBEATH for twenty-four hours. Tuesday April 9 Before the Mayor and Messrs MARLAY, CADELL and LYONS. James LEE was charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr Thomas MILLS on Sunday last. Mr Thomas MILLS deposed to finding the prisoner in bed with a female in his house on the evening in question. He was not lodging in the house at the time. The bench, having no power to punish the prisoner, discharged him, at the same time thanking Mr MILLS for taking such prompt steps to put down so gross an act of immorality. Mr MACARTHUR was summoned for £11 13s 4d for wages due to George RILEY, who said he was hired by a man of the name of THOMPSON to drive a team of bullocks from New England for Mr MACARTHUR. On reaching Mudgee, THOMPSON discharged him, and Mr MACARTHUR refused to pay him, saying he was not his servant. John THOMPSON: Hired complainant in consequence of one of the drivers leaving the drays; he had not authority to hire any one; on reaching Mudgee, he told RILEY to apply to Mr MACARTHUR for his wages. Mr MACARTHUR stated that he had paid extra wages to the party so that they might attend to any extra work on the road. That all this man could have done, who ws on his road to Mudgee, was to ride one of the spare horse. Remanded till next Tuesday for the evidence of the overseer. S HILL was summoned under the Masters and Servants Act for £1 6s wages due. T DRISCOLL: Was employed as a baker at 30s a week and his board. He left on Tuesday being discharged for refusing to do double duty. S HILL denied having discharged him, DRISCOLL having refused to do some necessary work, walked off and got drunk. Defendant called C POLEN, who deposed to having heard complainant refuse to "work" the bread, at the sime time offering to "work" HILL if he would jump off the cart. HILL consequently hired another man. Ordered to pay 20s and costs. BAYLY v. T COY - no appearance. W PEARSON v J C GARBUTT - Excess of damages on six head of working bullocks impounded by GARBUTT. Adjourned till Friday for the appearance of Mr WALSH, poundkeeper. J M'MANUS summoned A B COX for £21 for wages. John M'MANUS was engaged for six months as shepherd at the rate of £42 per year; his time expired on the 1st April, when he demanded his wages. He gave no notice that he was going to leave, Mr COX not requiring any. Mr COX told him that he out to deliver his sheep before receiving his wages, which were not due before 3rd April, on which day he never applied for them. Mr COX would have paid him at the time had his flock been right. Complainant admitted that he was engaged on 3rd October, and that he had not applied for the wages on the 3rd April. Case dismissed. J CRIMMINS for assaulting T BALLARD. Settled out of Court. John Talbot WOODS charged with having, on the 25th February last, with a person named BAKER, broken open with strong hand, and entered a certain messuage belong to Mr H TEBBUTT. Mr JAMES appeared for Mr TEBBUTT, Mr BRODRIBB for Mr WOOD. Owing to certain informalities the case was dismissed. It will, we understand, be brought forward again on Friday. John CORN was again brought forward for being of unsound mind. The Bench decided that for the public safety it would be better to send the unfortunate fellow to Bathurst. ***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, Wednesday, April 10, 1861: John M'EWEN, a respectable looking young man, was indicted for attacking a Chinaman named Assee, residing at the gold-fields. Asses and a brother Celestial not appearing, their recognizances were esheated, and the prisoner, who had suffered three months in confinement in the Mudgee lock-up, as admitted to bail, himself to £50, and two sureties in £25 each, to answer the charge next session. James WALSH, indicted for obtaining money on false pretences, was discharged upon his own recognizance of £50 to answer the charge when called upon, the deposition not being perfect. J C GARBUTT was indicted for stealing a number of sheep, the property of Nicholas Paget BAYLY. Mr WILD applied for an adjournment of the case till next sessions on account of not having had time to procure the attendance of important witnesses for the defence. Mr CHAMBERS opposed the application on the ground that two very important witnesses for the Crown being in the employ of the prisoner could scarcely be depended upon if the trial was postponed. His Honor thought, as the prisoner was only committed on Tuesday last, he had not had time to prepare his defence, and would therefore grant the application; the prisoner to find good bail - himself £300, two sureties of £150 each. James DILLON was indicted for unlawfully, maliciously, and feloniously doing serious bodily harm to one J McKENZIES. Mr WILD appeared for the defence. D MILLER, constable, apprehended the prisoner on the 22nd September; on taking him into custody he said he was very sorry for what had happened. J McKENZIE resides on Menah Flat; is a neighbour of the prisoner. Called on him on the evening in question for some shallots. "Yes" said he, "I'll give you some shallots"; and ran and fetched a hoe, dragged him out of the gig on to the road, knocked him down stupid, and left him for dead, where he would have been now, had not it been that his wife put her clothes around him. Cross-examined by Mr WILD: He never had any words with DILLON,and had no provocation, had a bit of a "barney" about pounding his cattle. Would swear that he never called him " a ________ old 'pounder", neither had he a "down" upon him. Was not drunk then or at the present moment; his usual drink was spirits; port wine was the "spirit" he usually drank; had lately been on the Castlereagh, where he got drunk on rum. Was not a sly grog seller. Mrs McKENZIE was with her husband at the time of the attack: they had two or three words with DILLON about some cattle; he then struck her husband with a hoe; she ran to JUPP's for assistance, leaving him all in his "gorges" on the ground; on her return she said :"O you would kill him"; he replied, "Ah, and I will kill you too, you ____, if you do not get out of the way". [Witness was very indignant with the learned counsel for presuming to ask her if she ever got drunk]. She could not say when she was last drunk, because she did not know she was first drunk. Had taken some wine on the evening in question at FOREMAN's, some brandy at READFORD's, and some wine at HEARD's. Wilson RAMSAY was sent to see McKENZIE on the night in question found him lying on a sofa apparently drunk; had a severe wound across the forehead; attended him eight days; his intellect was affected; a fall from a gig might have produced it. A t the time could not decide whether the symptoms arose from drinking or a fall. Mrs McKENZIE was very drunk. For the defence, James DILLON, a lad about eleven years of age was called: Remembered the night when the row was. Mrs McKENZIE jumped out the gig and took down their slip rails. The old man came with a whip and asked for some sage, when Mrs McKENZIE picked up a lot of stones and threw them at prisoner, who was hilling peas with a hoe; he kept lifting up the hoe to keep off the stones; the old man got behind and commenced beating his father with the whip. T he woman then in trying to snatch away the hoe gave it a jerk, which caused it to fly back and knock down the old man. No one had told him to say what he had told the jury. Mr A B COX gave the prisoner a character. Mr WILD and the Crown Prosecutor having both addressed the jury, His Honor summed up, and the jury, after a short consultation, acquitted the prisoner. ***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, Wednesday, 10 April, 1861: MUDGEE QUARTER SESSIONS Before Mr Justice DOWLING Friday April 5 Thomas BLACKMAN was indicted for stealing an ox and calf, the property of J C GARBUTT. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr CHAMBERS having opened the case on behalf of the Crown, called C HARDY, chief constable, who deposed that he went to prisoner's residence at Cooyal on the 7th March, and saw him in the stock yard in the act of separating the fore-quarter of a calf from the hide. After speaking to him about not having given notice of his intention to kill the calf, he asked him for the brands; he replied EB. On examining the hide he found the piece containing the brand cut-out; on searching for it he found it rolled up in the stock yard. The head had the near ear cut off. He said the calf was his own, and showed him some old cows branded with the same letters. He proceeded to Mudgee for the purpose of obtaining a warrant; on his return to Cooyal he found the hide pegged out and a piece cut out of it on the corresponding side similar to the piece which contained the brand. GARBUTT was then present and claimed the hide as his property. The calf was about eight months old. J C GARBUTT resides within half a mile of prisoner; had married Mrs BLACKMAN, who had cattle branded EB off rump, 26 under, with a notch in ear. On the day in question he went with HARDY and recognized the hide as belonging to a calf his property, and which he had turned out of his yard a week previously. The brand was botched. Prisoner had a few cattle branded BB with a triangle. Cross-examined by Mr WILD: Came into possession of the property through marrying the widow of the prisoner's brother. There is a dispute between her and the prisoner respecting the Cooyal estate. Had not made an offer of £50 to any one to get prisoner off the land. The property was all mortgaged to Mr WILSON, of Sydney. Had never offered to withdraw these proceedings on condition of BLACKMAN's resigning all claim to the property. Elizabeth GARBUTT: Her former husband was brother to prisoner. Knew the calf from two marks on the shoulder blades. Had seen the skin, which she thought was the same. It had to wavy white marks. Would not swear that the hide in the Court was the same. [By Mr WILD:] There was dispute between her and the prisoner; he claimed the property, and had given her notice of an action in the Supreme Court. Knew a man of the name of PEGG; he was formerly her servant; had never offered him £50 if he would hang a hide on prisoner's fence for the purpose of laying the foundation of a charge of cattle-stealing. Was on the worst possible terms with prisoner, and might have said she would get him off the ground if she could. This was the case for the Crown. For the defence "Captain" BLACKMAN, a very intelligent half-caste was called: Was born at Cooyal and brought up by Mrs BLACKMAN. Went to prisoner's on the 7th March to see about a mare he had to break in. It was about four o'clock; T BLACKMAN was killing a calf; he helped to pull it up; knew the calf's mother; had often milked her; she and the calf were branded EB; there was no 26; had heard Mrs GARBUTT say that the EB cattle belonged to Thomas BLACKMAN; they came from Mr E BOTFIELD's run on the Macquarie, who only brands ER: Mrs GARBUTT's brand is EB with 26; had always been used to cattle all his life; the brands enlarged with the growth of the beast. Sam PEGG was present when the calf was knocked down; the prisoner's boy used to milk the mother; knew the calf; would swear there was no 26 on it; heard the boy Edward ask for a piece of the hide, and saw him cut it off; a younger child cried for the ear, which was cut off for him; was offered £50 on one occasion by Mrs GARBUTT (when prisoner was passing), if he would hang a hide on prisoner's fence, as she wanted to get rid of him; would not accept it, as he had no wish to "lag" a man whom he knew was innocent. Edward M'GUIRK helped the prisoner kill the steer; it came from the Macquarie; had cut a piece out of the hide for the purpose of making a pair of hobbles; it might have contained the brands; he rolled the piece down, and left it in the yard; a dog might have run away with it; a little boy was in the stockyard, who ran away with the ear. The ear was marked. There were two cows and their calves from BOTFIELD's run; one was sold to Mr BARTON, of the Pipeclay. Lawrence MOORE knew the calf; it belonged to prisoner and was branded EB only. This being the whole of the evidence, Mr WILD eloquently and forcibly addressed the jury, Mr CHAMBERS replied; and after a careful summing up by the judge, the jury retired for about half an hour, when they returned with a verdict of acquittal, which was received with expressions of approbation, which his Honor immediately checked, saying that if it was repeated by any one, he would give them 12 months imprisonment. ***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, Saturday, April 6, 1861: WANTED A man and wife, without incumbrance, the woman as Cook and Laundress, the man to make himself generally useful. Apply to Thomas H SINDEN, Burrundulla. WANTED A young man to take orders, keep the books, and make himself generally useful. Apply to W BALL, butcher, Market-street. NOTICE The Public and Travellers, or persons seeking or pretending to look for stray cattle, are hereby cautioned not to trespass on the purchased lands of the undersigned at Merotherie on the Talbragar; and all persons are hereby cautioned against allowing cattle or horses to run on the said land, as they will be impounded without respect to persons. William BOWMAN, Mudgee, 25th March, 1861 £10 Reward Stolen or Strayed from Bundoberong, Marthaguy Creek, on or about the latter end of December or the beginning of January last, Two Horses of the following description:- One black horse, two hind feet white, branded FB near shoulder, DD of shoulder, RJ (both reversed) near hip, broken-in to saddle. Also, on bay horse about 16 ½ hands high, one hind fetlock white, small star on forehead, branded RJ2 near shoulder, broken-in to saddle. Whoever will bring the above described horses to Mr John LEES, Lower Turon, or Mr J C TIBBIT's, Bobbera, Mathaguy Creek, will received the above reward. All parties are cautioned against purchasing the above described horses. M A JACKSON, Bundoberong, Marthaguy Creek, March 18th, 1861. £5 Reward Stolen or Strayed from Mr Thomas LINCOLN's paddock, a dark bay HORSE, branded TOB under saddle near side, small star in forehead, both hind fetlocks white. £5 Reward if Stolen, on conviction of the thief, or £2 if Strayed, on delivery to Mr Thos. O'BRIEN, Wilbertree; or Messrs. ROWELL and KELLETT, Mudgee. ***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.

Michael, Goonoo Dam according to the NSW Govt. map site http://www.lpi.nsw.gov.au/geog/search/gnr_websearch.display is a discontinued name .... here are the details from the site 29254 PLACENAME: GOONOO DAM DESIGNATION: DAM STATUS: DISCONTINUED APPROX. AGD66 LAT: -32 06 30 APPROX. AGD66 LONG: 148 39 00 APPROX. GDA94 LAT: -32 06 24 APPROX. GDA94 LONG: 148 39 04 1:100000 MAP: DUBBO 8633 HTH Cheers JEnnifer --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.385 / Virus Database: 217 - Release Date: 4/09/02

Hullo list - does anyone have info re Italian POWs on properties in area during last few years of WW2. Our group is collecting information about these men hoping to publish eventually. In particular we are looking for a man called - Gaetano CARICATO who we understand worked in Purlewaugh area about 1943-1945; he also had 2 children while in Australia and we are expressly looking for information about or from these children. They would be about 60ish now. Family of Gaetano is seeking information re the family; our group is seeking information on all Italian POWs in this area. TIA, Alice.

Good morning List - I have at home here the newspapers mentioned above. I will do look-ups for specific items. Regards, Alice.

G'day Listers Seeking details about a place called Goonoo Dam around Dubbo NSW. Recent find states my CHANT family there circa 1886. regards Michael Cheeseman researching Boulton, Bunter, Chant, Cornwall/Cornwell, Freebody, Harris, Hanchard/Henshaw, Mudford, Mott, Oldfield, Sandlin, Sargeant in NSW --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 21/08/02

Marian, Could find nothing on Buggil West BUT http://www.lpi.nsw.gov.au/geog/ shows that there was a Buggil Public School (now discontinued) somewhere in the Coonamble area. HTH Cheers Jennifer --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.385 / Virus Database: 217 - Release Date: 4/09/02