From Western Post & Mudgee Newspaper, 8 May 1861: A NOVEL RACE On Saturday, considerable excitement was occasioned by a somewhat extraordinary race between two well known characters, one known as Charles FENWICK, alias Overland Charley, the other Robert SMITH, rejoicing in the cognomen of Dusty Bob. The latter, who is aged, offered to run 100 yards in Market-street for a £1 note, the Overlander to have the additional work of pulling a light cart. The race terminated in favour of the "old 'un", who won by five yards. FOOT RACE A foot race for £5 per side was run on Monday behind HEARD's Hotel, between R M'BEATH and S RUTHERFORD, the latter won by 1 ½ yards - Next Monday RUTHERFORD will run WEBSTER 100 yards for £10 per side. COONAMBLE, LOWER CASTLEREAGH RIVER From a Correspondent A great gloom was cast over this part of the district by the announcement of the fact that two very fine and healthy children belonging to those much esteemed and respected residents, Mr and Mrs James HALL, of Urawilkie, had died rather suddenly. One of them, a little girl, was attacked with what was supposed to be the Croup, when, after lingering in agony for a few days, died on Wednesday, 24th instant; meanwhile, another infant, a very fine little boy, was attacked with the same disease, and he died on Saturday, 27th instant, thus making two deaths in this much-beloved family in less than a week. The agonizing state of mind of the parents, and numerous branches of the family, at this sudden and unexpected bereavement requires an abler pen than mine to portray. May of the neighbours around attended to console those unfortunate parents for their irreparable loss, and to pay the last tribute of respect to those who had gone to their long but happy home. The amount of symp! athy shown to the family by everyone who have had the pleasure of their acquaintance, will, I hope, help to allay their sorrow for this unexpected bereavement. 28th April, 1861.