Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 13 September 1878, page 6


j COUNTRY NEWS. ' i

(FR0H,0im OWN 0OHRESPOKDBKT8.)

ARMIDALE, SBPTESIBEU* 7. *'

Wílhm tho last week we havo hod splendid soaking ratng extending over four days, and causing moderate floods all thiough tho district rho country, as if by magic, has completely changed in its appearance, and now wears a healthy verdant look which delights tho heart of overbodv, and the fearful dread has quito vanished which many people entertained of another season of drought, whioh wouldnienn utter ruin to hundreds who have barely managed to ttdo 0 ver tho past two years Foi tunately sheep owners on Now England havo discovered, though m many cases by dearly bought experience, that it is a fitnlmistal o to have lambing begin boforo tho end of September, othorwise those heavy constant rams w ould hav o proved v en disastrous to tho m creaso Asiti«, onlj a few stud and chanco lambí havo yet been dropped, and tho lambing proper will not begin for another fortnight, when theio will bo an nbundnnco of grass iho farmers aro also quito jubilant as their ci ops of ovcrv kind aro looking magnifi-cent, and as a whole they could not havo had a much bettei

season

Tew if any losses havo boon sustained amongst cither cattlo or sheep m this district Cattle aro beginning to " pickup " oven now, and sheep have kept their condition well ill this wintor, and I never remember a timo when both squatters and farmers were botter suited, or had better prospects than at tho preocnt moment As this has been a very general ram, tho prices of cattlo and sheep must go up, and owners m New England who nro over stocked through being unablo to sell dunug tho past couplo of years, will now have a good opportunity to disposo of their surplus stock, as tho millions ot 6hecp and cattlo which have died during tho laic droughts must bo replaced, and favoured districts hko ouis oro tho onlj places where stoic stock con

bo obtained

Tho onlj local institution which is in a languishing con-dition it our Joel cv Club, as I am sorrj to say it is over £400 m debt and consequent!v thoso who might other wiso take an activo intercut m its prosperity now stand aloof No move has jot been m ide to publish i programme for next races, though tho usunl time has long passed, and 1 onlv hope that tho guarantors at tho Lank maj not bf> obligedlo pa> up tho amount, as it would boavcrj pool consolation to thom to know that thoj had onlj to pay one iifththo sum our friends at Glen Inroshnd to wipe oil i. fow months ngo Poi-lmps now that wo hn\ o ev cry pros-pect of a .jood season, tho club mi0ht mal t an cflort to re-duce the li ibilitv,whuii could onsilvbo done if all thew ealthv people hero, who li! o to sec n good rice, wero onlv to sub

senbeaven smallsum tothofundsoftheclub innualh lho negotiations w hich hav o boen goui¿ on f 01 somo w i el s past betvv con tho Armidale and Ur illa and W ii b i Pastoral »id Agriculture Associations, f ii the purpose of I10U11112; alter-nate shows at each town, havo complelelj foiled, and th rt foro a show will bo held nt Armidale and mo u t;rulla twelve miles distant, which is very absurd lb v could not nDreo as to which town should have the first «¡how Amil

dolo was willing to cast lots, but as the otho s would not consent, each place must now " paddlo its own canoe "

The ploughing match which w is to hav 0 taken piace last week Ins again tulon throutrh owing to tho few enríes received, which may bo accounted foi by the hardness of the giound No ploughing match-will now tal e placo this v car

A nice little piogrnnnu" for 11 fruit and flowei show has been published, to be held on tho 27th iNovenibei, and as a largo number of ladies havo undeitaken tho cutiio manage-ment, a gioat success may conßdontly bo expected

Tho plentiful suppl) of water has on iblcd the gold minors on tho Kocl \ to begin % ishing then great 1 caps ot dut IheBullion Conipanj which started activo opeia ions only a couple of months ago lune got splendid prospects, and I hear thoy hav o got a face on then vv ork show mg fiv e feet of pa'vnblcwnsh-dut

The few peisev et ig gold minors at Cameron's Creek hav o also, at last, t,ot a su) ícicnt supplv Of vvatci, nudmobiibih engaged ciushing a liro0 heap ot quait/ Mhich has been accumulati ig foi mftny months I M ill mention the return as soon as possible

The following police-court case has boen creating a good deal of mteiest lieio diumg tho week An enormous bruto of a dog, belonging to Mi Ilibeit M'Donald, mamgei of tho Commercial Bank, M IS Iv mg across tho dooisteps of tho bank, when Mi II C Antill, tlcrk m tho lomt Stock Bank and son of the manager, M as g^ing in with tho c\ch inges, and hy somo ii cans stumbled and f111 ov cr the dog, who immediately caught hold of lum bv tlio head and toio open his lip and gum and mado two nnstv nm ki ii hu tin oat Mi Autill, sen , called on Mr M Donald and asked him to destroy tho doj, whi li he would not heat of dotug

hence tho police-court action Aftoi heiring a gurt dell of ovidenco, nud spending hours ovei tho case, (ho Bench unanimously granted ¿10 damigos, which, Mi

Antill stated, would be hinded ovei to some chaulablo institution after deducting medical and law expenses But Mr M'Donald was not satisfied with the dtcision of the

Bench, and, I understand, has instructed his solieitoi to appl) for a prohibition, which couitoof action has much surpn ed all who heard tho case, and saw i he serious and permanep1 njury which the young man had received

BATEMAN'S BAY, SEPTEMBER 7.

Let anyone in the neighbouihood of Braidwood wishing for a smell of true sea air, or for a view of the ocean, emi-grate for the purpose to Bateman's Bay, if he does not care to encounter the fatigue of a journey to Sydney. Business having brought me last week to that lovely spot, a descrip-tion of it might be pleasing to the readers of the Herald. Bateman's Bay is the mouth of the Clyde, and derives its namo from the sailor who discovered it while on the look-out aboard the Government ship exploring the shores of the newly-possessed territory and the river derives its name ("the Clyde") from its similarlity for shipbuilding capabilities to its namesake in tho old country.

The easiest and shortest road from Braidwood to the bay is via Nelligen, which village is the shipping depot of this district. The road from Braidwood to Nelligen I have already described in the issue of this journul of 25th Marsh, 1876, and it will be sufficient for me now to state that since then a great deal of public money has been spent in a judicious manner (more than I could say at the time I wrote), and the road is very much improved. The dis-tance from Nelligen to the bay, by water, is fully eight miles, owing to the sharp curves in the course of the river, but by land it is scarcely five miles if the northern road is followed, but fifteen if the southern one is travelled over. To reach the shortest road the river is crossed in a ferry, worked by Mr Templeman as a private enterprise, near the I. S. N. Co.'s receiving-store, and the summit of the oppo-site range is reached by a zig-zag road of easy gradient. In the wholo distance between the two ferries (there is ono also at the bay) there is only one small gully, bridged over by a third-class culvert, and the road is nothing but ups and downs. The soil is of a quartz of a rottem slate formation, bare of grass, but thickly covered in many places with splendid mercantile timbers. Ono hour of easy canter brings the traveller in sight of the sands and magnificent sheet of water of the bay. Near where the ferry (a free one) plies, large quan-tities of beams, logs, posts, rails, and other timbers are strewed about the shore waiting for vessels to carry them to different markets. On that spot the habitations of man are few, and not of prepossessing appearance. In one of them resides the ferry-man. A sharp cooey is sufficient to bring him to his post when hailed from tho opposite shore myself, and horse being about five minutes on the water, we safely reached the southern shore, where stands the township of Bateman's

Bay. The buildings, which are not numerous, are neat

and of substantial appearance, all of wood, either painted

or whitewashed, and mostly covered with shingles ; but some have galvanized iron instead. The most important business place is Mr. F. Guy's sawmill establishment. All round the premises are pieces of magnificent timber in different processes of becoming mercantile articles. The squared beams are in very great numbers ; rough round logs, of immense size, are waiting their turn to go through the sawmill, worked by powerful steam engines, to become planks, scantling, or small billets. Mr. Guy employs the greater part of the procurable labour of the place capable of procuring and manufacturing the timber. He ships it all in his own vessels or some chartered for the purpose, either to Sydney or some of the adjoining colonies ; but New Zealand takes the greatest shore of his produce, in the shape of railway sleepers and squared beams. There also he has built several good vessels now well known in the trade-such as the Clyde, the Frank Guy, and some smaller ones. He has now a good-sized schooner on the stocks. His residence, which is close to the works, is a neat nest of wooden buildings, having a well-kept flower garden in front, ornamented with several orange trees.

Mr. Guy has secured plenty of elbow room for himself to carry on his business without fear of encumbrance from neighbours. The next place which called our particular attention is the Public school building. It is erected from the usual plan of country schools under the Council of Education, and seems commodious, well ventilated, in a nice spot, and kept in good order. There are two public houses, a court-house and lock-up under one roof, but of places of worship the absence is very remarkable. At Nelligen there is one public-house, a court-house, and a lock-up, a Public school, but no churches. Mr. Donald M'Leod, who is the pioneer of the place, resides at the upper end of the town, and to his enterprise is greatly due the present flourishing state of the place. His home is a picture of comfort and neatness. Both shores have clean, fine sand, upon which it would be easy to erect bathing establish-ments, but as sharks of all sorts and sizes are numerous, great care would have to be taken for the safety of the bathers. Through the prolonged drought they are at the present time more daring ; and the punt man told me that on the previous day he had sent a bullet into ono of them, which was leisurely floating on the track of the ferry boat. The mouth of tho river is divided by an island, near which schnappers are to be had with the line in any quantities and of enormous sizes. It is always patronised by tourists who are not afíected by sea-sickness. There is a telegraph ofiice, a post-office, a police, and a pilot station. Neither of these did I inspect, as my stay at the bay was only of a few hours' duration. The only magistrate residing in the locality is Mr. F. Guy, Mr. M'Leod having more than once refused accept-ing the onerous honour. The only general store of any consequence is the property of Mr. Guy, who is truly "the movingpower " of the place. Every Saturday a steamer comes from Sydney bringing supplies for the River and the Braid-wood stores. In return it is freighted with sawn timber, maize, dairy produce, and fish, the latter generally caught overnight. Near Mr. Guy's establishment there is a limekiln, whose supply is procured from a splendid quarry close near it. The news of the destruction by fire of the Braidwood con-vent had reached the bay a few days before my visit, and in the short space a huge collection had been raised, which

peaks well for the liberality of the people, as the collector was not one of those interested. My business was to the mouth of the Tomican Creek, and going thither, never was I before in such magnificent forests. As soon as the lands of the bay are left behind, the quartz and rotten slate country, barren of grass, is again the work of Nature ; and having been joined by a companion-a resi-dent of the Bay- I learned from him that if the sand of the shore is mixed with equal quantity of the de-composed slate, a most prolific soil is obtained, not to be surpassed by any lime well mixed with stable manure. In itself, the decomposed slate is unproductive, as also the sand. From the bay to the Tomican the distance is twelve miles, over a mountainous country, cut in zig-zags on the face of the ranges. Very few, largo culverts are required to span the gullies, and on a wholo the road is kept in a very good state. As far as Mogo - the celebrated gold-field of days gone by - we thread the Moruya road, and near the new bridge the road turns to the left, and is hence only a bush track. The country is very rich in timber of magnitude and quality, and from all appearances the bushman's axe is well kept going. On the banks of the Mogo Creek, which throws itself into the Tomican near the sea, there are several valuable free selections, the land on the flats being of superior quality for the requirements of the yeoman. At tho Tomican, the Messrs. Jennings, Brothers, have a large sawmill, whose turn-out goes to Sydney. There, also, I saw a large vessel on the stocks being built for Mr. Kemp, timber merchant, of Sydney, and to be employed in the

timber trade.

Having with difficulty unearthed in tho scrub my quarry (being iu search of ono of my workmen), I retraced my steps towards tho bay, which I reached at about 6 p.m. At about nightfall I heard a bell tolling. As I had not taken notico of any church or chtipol in daylight, I inquired whence tho sound carno from, and was glad to hear it was tho call of tho pupils to tho night-school, kept by iho teacher of tho Publio school. It is moro than -Braidwood can boast. It is well patronised by the lads who, in day time, cam their own livings, and wh<T*tliu3 occupy their spare hours in improving their minas. After receiving this information, I ceased searching in my mind for the spring from which flows tho comfort and happy-looking state of the place. The peoplo derivo their support from the timber trado in which thoy cngago cither as contractors for the ship and millowners or as labourers. Thero being no resident lawyer near the place, the people aro neighbourly and agree well with each other. By their looks I could seo health and contentment reigned supremo, and ero many years have contributed their doings to the history of New South Wales I am convinced that Bateman's Bay will hold its rank amongst tho principal mercantile marts of this rich and happy land.

After crossing tho ferr)' on my return to Nelligen a thick mist damped my outside being ; it continued all night, and in tho morning culminated into a heavy fall, which turned out into torrents of rain when I had reached that part of the Sugar Loaf known as tho Slip, near tho great falls, audit was with joy I saw tho first lights of dear Braidwood, which placo I reached with ii drenched skin but a b'ght heart, truly

thankful for tho much needed rainfall.

BRAIDWOOD, SEPTEMBER 9.

Our pastoral and agricultural prospects havo very much improved since lost I wrote. High winds, slinrp frosts, and dry weather were working together to ruin tho squatteras weil as tho farmer and the miner ; but on Wednesday last a change for the better took placo ; towards evening a heavy sea breeze relieved us of a dry and warm atmosphere, and towards dnylight on Thursday raiu began to fall, tho clouds being driven s-wiftly by the sca-brcezo. Torrents poured all day long, causing tho gutters of tho town to overflow, tho water holes of the paddocks to bo filled, and tho crocks of tho neighbourhood to bo swollen. A,bout twenty-four hours of such weather, mid a great beat from tho rays of the sim ever since aro causing grass and .crops to spring admirably. Thç face of natm'o ia already changed, and the lato wheat crops cannot fail fi oin reviving tho hopes of tho husband-man, whilst fodder for the field cattlo will soon bo abun-

dant.

That the wealth of this district, through its gold'mines, is still unexhausted, but only dormant, was onco moro evinced on Thursday last, thanks'to the heavy downpour. In their sluicing claim, at Little River, Messrs. Dunshca and Steel havo como upon n rich loof-a lump of quartz and gold which about half-filled thoir dish. Tho lucky finders' unearthed treasure weighed 10 oz., and several prospects gavo from 1 to 5 dwts. to the dish. This rich spot is situated on Red Hill, a short distance from Sergeant's Point, and is on the same line of reefs as that known as tho Homeward Bound and the Red, White, and Blue. Several years ago tho " Homovvaid " turned out n foitune to the few nuncio who then owned it. The pieeious metal was procured in pint-pots full, the money mostly squandered as quickly as it came, so that when tho reef had to be sunk below vv«tor-mark the want of funds and experience caused (his ti uc El Dorado to betibandoncd. -Ever since, it has been held under the registration regulation by parties who aro in tho hope of one day forming' a practical working company to get out its ik'hes. Tho Rod, White, and Bluo pros-pected nearly ns well ns tho Homeward Bound, but ibero also tho water was too much for thoso who held it, and it has remained iu abeyance ever since. Now that tho precious metal has again proved its existence on that spur, wo aro in hope that capital and experience will soon visit tho spot, mid that tho immenso tronsuics which wo havo reason to believo aro thcio, but hidden, will soon bo got out, for tho general benofit of tho community. It is opposite this same hill, and on the brink of tho river that about ten years ago tho 100 lbs. lump of puro gold was got out by Mr. Anson, now of this town ; aud a party of Chinese bought a river-claim near that nugget nest for £500, out of which each shareholder re-alised enough to go back to the Flowery Land.

This year our cricketers aro early out. Last Thursday the yearly meeting for appointing officers was held, and practico lins begun in earnest. Tho first match is appointed to take place with Bungendore, who are to como here, and Goul-

burn is the next on tho list.

Since my last there has been no material alteration in our local markets ; all sorts of produce are in sufficient supply, and the number of local butchers being now reduced to two, a slight rise is this day taking place in the retail prices of moat, but not of sufficient magnitude to encourage new competition. The supply of fat stock continues plentiful and primo, and before long prices aro likely to rule easier owing to the rain of last week.

BRISBANE WATER, SEPTEMBER 10.

At the Gosford Police Court, on Wednesday, the 4th instant, before Mr. E. A. Reeve, P.M., and Mr. Thomas C. Battley, J.P., one drunkard was fined in the sum of 10s., or to be imprisoned until sundown.

On Monday, the 9th instant, there was a licensing meet-ing held, the magistrates present being Mr. E. Reeve, P.M., and Messrs. T. C. Battley and Charles Fagan, Js.P. The hearing of the application, which was for a wine license, was postponed to the 30th instant.

As stated by your special reporter, the meeting relating to the railway question, held at Gosford on the 31st ultimo, was a great success. Everyone wonders now how the matter has been allowed to slumber so long ; and but for the space so liberally granted in your journal, and your able leader on the subject, might have slumbered to the end of this

generation. The sooner the matter is seen to

by the Government, the better for the public Treasury. Some of the proposed lines, for which costly surveys are now being carried on over barren and rugged countries, will not be less than 120 miles in length, and will cost not less than £20,000 per mile, or, in all, £2,400,000, whilst the line from Wallsend to Lane Cove will not exceed 80 miles, and will probably not cost more than £3000 per mile, or, total, £240,000. It would relieve the harbour of Newcastle, retain the coal trade in the Northern districts, and open up a magnificent agricultural and mineral district that has hitherto remained valueless. It is in the interest of the Newcastle and

Wallsend people to forward the views held in Brisbane Water. I purpose, in a series of papers, giving a full description, of this immense area, comprising, probably, not less than 2000 square miles.

From Gosford to Wallsend the first property of import-ance is situated at the head of Narrara Creek, about two miles north of the former township, and is called Wyoming. It was formerly owned by Mr. Hovenden Healey, but it is now in the hands of Mr. Hugh Campbell, of Gosford. The property consists of 900 acres of alluvial land of the best description, 200 acres of which are cleared and partly under cultivation. There is on the estate a very large range of buildings, over 100 feet in length, most substantially built of stone ; it reminds one of the olden times when labour was very cheap. On one of the keystones of the centre arch, there is carved the architect's name-Longbottom, built in 1836. There is also a neat cottage, at present occupied by Mr. Earngey, road superintendent. The next estate on the route, and of which I shall speak hereafter, is that of Mr. John Fountain. From this point, the head of Narrara Creek, the main range, over which the proposed line of railway shall traverse to the Hawkesbury, a distance of about 10 miles, may be seen pretty nearly its whole length. The top of the ridge is so level, and the ground so firm, that you may gallop the whole distance. In my next will be given a description of the country to Blue Gum Flat, thence to Mr. Alison's estate, at Wyong, and the country thence to Cooranbong, all on the proposed line of railway.

DENILIQUIN, SEPTEMBER .9

Since I last wrote we have been almost without rain, only eight points having fallen. This long continuanco of fine weather is not regarded with much satisfaction, a9 the crops of wheat and other cereals-of which there aro mora this year than in any previous season-as also the grass and other horbago' are now almost at a standstill and in some cases begin to show o languishing appearance for want of a re freshingdownpour. Sheep and cattle are in splendid condition, and considerable quantities ot fat Vock pass through every week for market. Shearing is now in full progress in most of the sheds, and wool is coming in daily to the railway station, the arrivals for last week being about 1000 bales.

Stock matters continuo dull, and no sales aro reported for tho weok. In 6tock movements the following aro reported ns having passed through, viz. :-277 fat cattlo (Playfair's), 300 sheep (Nash's), 1200 ditto (R. Patterson's), and several small lots belonging to selectors. With the exception of the cattle, the obovo havo been trucked hero for tho Mel-bourne market. To-morrow (Tuesday) 100 cattlo (Cum-mings'), from Darlington Point, and another lot of 60 head (J. Wulker's) will also be trucked. .

Tho freo selectors aro evidently determined that their opinions with respect to conditional purchase -without, resi-dence, and other proposals in tho draft land bill which they regard as obnoxious and prejudicial to tho operational legitimate settlement, shall be fully ventilated before Parlia-ment commits itself to any fresh legislation on tho land question, and tho different selectors' associations in this portion of Riverina have annotated representatives to attend

tho Conference of Selectors' Delegates to meet at Sydney on the 9th instant. On Thursday last a meeting of tho Murray District Selectors' Association waa hold at Deniliquin, for tho purposo of giving final instructions to their representa-tive, Mr. R. H. Cheriton, prior to his departure to tho metropolis. Mr. Edwards will represent tho Moama, and Mr. Edward Killen tho Jerilderio associations.

Some reforms havo recently taken placo in Deniliquin of eculiar interest to householders, and especially to those who avo largo families with corresponding appetites and limited means. I refer to the reduction in tho prico of thoso two important items of consumption, bread and meat. After having been compelled to pay an excessive prico for mauy years, ono shrewd and enterprising tradesman, possibly foreseeing that patorfamilin3 would not much longer quietly 6nbmit to the exactions imposed in this respect, has reduced tho price of meat to tho extent of from ono penny to three halfpenco per pound, and bread to fivepenco per four-pound loaf. Tho other tradosmen of moro consçrvativo tendencies will of courso havo to follow suit, and now that necessity compels will probably not be Blow in recognizing tho fact that thoso happy days aro for ever gone whon they could chargo (or extort) mnepenco for a loaf of bread, which was the ordinary prico a few months ago.

Tho operations of tho Volunteer Firo Brigado so ftfr havo been rather tame. Although it is now over two months sinco tho brigade was formed, they havo not yet ttuned out for ,i systematic drill or practico in public. In fact their existence might almost havo been forgotten but for an extraordinary list of wants which they recently sent in to tho Municipal ' Council, and which, if granted, would involve an expenditure almost as large as that which was required for tho purchase of tho engine. Sorao of tho things asked for, however, tire absolutely indispensable, and, if not obtained, it may happen that tho'Council will, soino day or other, havo to bear tho deserved reproach of having burdened themselves with a white elephant. From want of sufficient lioso tho cngino woidd not be of tho slightest service in caso of liri», unless it should conveniently happen to tako placo on tho brink of the lagoon or within a tow yards of como other standing water. This is a matter which the oxerciso of a veiw small amount of reflection

combined with practical knowledge, could have foreseen and provided for when the engino was purchased. Having committed themselves to tho purchoso of nn cngino the council will deserve censuro should thoy unreasonably lose timo in obtaining tho necessary addenda without which tho firo engine is little better than a useless toy.

I norico that the committee of tho Mechanics' Institute and School of Arts, not altogether discouraged by past failures, havo determined upon engaging in another struggle for existence. At a meeting held last Thursday, it was decided to reopen the institution on the 1st proximo, and to canvas the town for members. It is to be hoped that their success will bo commensurate with their good intentions, as it ought to bo considered a reproach to us as a commu-nity that while so many public-houses aro supported, an institution of this kind," tho cost of which is exceedingly moderate, should havo to closo its doors from want of

funds.

A sad accident took placo on Saturday morning, result-ing fatally to a lino little boy, aged nino years, the son of a Mr. Hutton, a farmer, residing at North Denili-quin. Shortly before noon tho deceased aud his father were

reparing to visit a selection* few miles distant, owned by Ir. Hutton, and the deceased had occasion to go into tho loft over the stable. Soon after his parents were shocked to find tho poor boy lying dead on tho ground under the loft door. The gable cud of the stable was filled in with upright slabs, and it is supposed that one of them must havo given wny with tho deceased, as when discovered a heavy slab, which had fallen out of the gable, was found lying across his face, and had evidently caused instantane-ous death. An inquest was held this morning, when a

verdict of accidental death was returned.

Another land salo was hold on Wednesday when 11,873 acres of the publio estate was disposed of without competi-tion. Messrs. Brown and Co., of Tuppal station, took 1280 acres; Mr. R. Patterson, of Puckaiwidgee, 310 acres ; Mr. M'Crac, of Calimo, 3822 acres ; Mr. C. M. Officer, of Murray Downs, 6461 acres.

There was only ono conditional purchase mado at tho Land Office on Thursday,viz., Edward Elliott, 529 acres, county Townsend, parish Blackwood.

GRAFTON, SEPTEMBER 6.

The rain, which has long been wanted, came down copiously on Sunday last, continuing for about twelve hours. It rained again on Wednesday very heavily, and everything looks green aud flourishing.

A poor fellow, named Mullens, who was awaiting his trial in tho Grafton gaol fbr forging and uttering, died yesterday of paralysis of tho brain. Mullens belonged toa respectable family on tho Hunter, and at one time had a draper's shop in Newcastle. His crime and death afford another meloncholy warning of the evils of intemperance.

The Government intend to erect a public wharf at South-gate shortly, which will be a great convenience to tho settlers in the neighbourhood, who are compelled at present to obtain their goods from, and ship their produce at Grafton.

Mr. Turley Jones, one of the oldest residents of Grafton, died at his residence, tho Royal Hotel, Prince-street, this evening, after a long illness. Mr. Jones at one timo took a very prominent part in local affairs, and was much re-spected. «

The patent process is working admirably at Ramornie meat works, and it is to bo hoped that the company will reap more profit for their enterprise in tho future than they have done m the past. I hope to be able to send you, in a few days, some account of the meat works, and the method of preserving. _._

HILL END, SEPTEMBER 10.

Owing chiefly to the favourite (Good Hope) battery being idle whilo new pumps are erected, the quantity of stone reduced sinco niv last is exceptionally small ; but there are two parcels awaiting the stamps, notably from the Star of Peace Company (Herman's) and tho Cornish, which will bo commenced upon during tho week, that will more than average tho late tally.

During tho past three weeks, Mr. Parrott has been engaged making a survey of several claims upon Hawkins' Hill, for the purpose, it is said, of furnishing tho Department of Mines with plans and sections showing tho position and courso of the different veins, and the nature, strike, cleavage, &c, of tho' different strata traversing the belt of country in proximity thereto, and it is to bo hoped the department will publish it for the guidance of those who aro blindly confined to a rule of

thumb in their endeavours to unearth the treasures so

jealously hidden in those rock-fast hills. _ ,

With reference to my late remarks upon the urgent need of providing appliances for the separation and treatment of pyrites and pyritous vein stuff, thousands of tons of which have boen allowed to pass away without even proving its commercial value, I am reminded that the Star of Peaco Company purposo having the required means erectedin connection with the new batteiy in course of erection at tho Crown Princo claim ; and if they do, thero is every probability of a remunerative return upon the out-lay, and especially may stone to bo obtained hereafter from a greater depth be expected to contain a greater proportion of auriferous pyrites as depth increases.

Until, howover, tho means of instruction aro brought home, as it were, to the miner, and he is in possession of the practical knowledge whereby to ascertain the loss he suffers m the gold allowed to pass away in tho waste and tailings, no general interest can be awakened among those that suffer the loss ; for although severely exacting with the owners as to tho fineness and slate of gratings, and tho charge of mercury used for crushing purposes, no ono miner ever con-ceives it possible that, after all his care, tho' gold saved by simple crushing is but perhaps the one-half of that con-

tained in his quartz.

To any. who think our method of mining and treatment of auriferous ores equal to tho progress mado by our neighbours in Victoria, I would commend the perusal of the article "Reminiscences of Ballarat," in your issue of the 6th instant, in its remarks upon the School of Mines.

Tho crushings sinco the 3rd instant havo been : Excelsior Company 28 tons, one-half . oz. per ton ; Paxton's Company, 21 tons, 9 dwts. per ton ; and a trial lot for Excelsior, l8 tons, total yield 1 o/,. 7 dwts.

Through the courtesy or the telegraph station-master (Mr. Chapple) the writer witnessed-the wonderful feat of conversing by means of the telephone with people at Sofala, a distance by wire of 30 miles ; and so successful was the result that not only were the vocal and instrumental music rendered by request clearly distinguished at either end. but questions were promptly answered ; as, for instance, "What is your telegraph time?" Answer: .'Twenty-five

minutes and one-fifth past 9 " Mr Chapple has since succeeded in getting a "Coo-ee" from from Mount Victoria and intends shortly to try with Sydney.

Anent the vexed question, the bndle-tiack mail, it has become once more the topic of discussion, in consequence of the usual renewal of tenders for the mails to be conveyed dining the ensuing j car having been published in the Government Gazette, and tho oppoitunity is to bo seized, and a petition prepared m favoui of having tho mail bj this loute re-established, on condition that all postal matters (newspaper« included) sholl bo taken, otherw ise if to carry letters only, leaving tho papéis to come but threo times a week via Sofala, as previously proposed bj the depnitment, we should bo ina worse fix than wo now ure, as tho daily papers m that caso could not leach hçro until three 01 foul days after publication And it is uigedwith icnson that Saturdajs being tno onlj occasion requiring a pack-horeo to carry the " weeklies," und there being no îoturn moil on that duj, duo allowance could bo mado m tho time-table for that piiticulni dav Whilo on this subject I mnv state that tho bl idle track road lins boen discon-tinued m tho du eclion mailed along tho liver bank by the lute supoimtendent, Mi Wood, is it was found that it would tako many veais to complete and fal more money than at firot estimated, theieioio the old back is to bo followed beyond Brimbin, and tendéis aro invited for five miles from tho othei end, commeuc ng nt Stonj Cieek Werna), therefore, hopo to havo Cobb's coaches ere long established direct between hore and Bathurst, which wifl reduce the distance by at least tv entj miles

A deputation consisling of Mi Iluilej and Mi Shepherd, M P s, Mr Slacl , and Mr ISownian, waited upon the secretary for tho Post Office, in tho absenco of the Hon Postniastei-General, and ho promised to hav o the restoratiou of tins mail dulj considered

In return foi oui modest) regarding tho prospecting vote, it is said the lion member loi Wellington intends, during, tho ensuing session, to ask foi £o000 to piospect our lnlLs with tho diamond dull, which should be the ?\ery thing for us if the îeports as lo its capabilities aie true, becauso many different bores could be mado lor i fraction of the outl i) require! in siul nig a smglo sin ft

~\\ e hav o had hcavv nins dunn»- the gi cater part of hsl week, und it is now coming down steadil) Last Friday anil Satuidaj the Turon aud Macquaiie nvcis were higher than nt anv timo duimg the post thico j ear», and in conséquence the mails due at 4 30 did not nrnve until S p m

MUDGEE, SEPTEMBER 10.

Wo had another splendid fall of rain during tho past week. On last Friday morning tho Cudgegong River come

down a banker, being higher thau it has boon during thi, past four years. In tho matter of can-ying filth out of thi ' own and from off tho river bailies above, the recent rains and tho flood referred to will do great good. Unfortunate!} at present the sowcrago of tho town empties itself into the river, tho only source of water supply for thoso unpro. vided with tanks ; and it need harcUy "bo wondered at if, after a dry season, moro especially a succession of dry sea-sons, this Eourco of supply becomes very impure. "Undei theso circumstances tho inhabitants were, aud not un-naturally, very glad to seo tho recent flood, and that Üie river got a thorough clearing out. This last fall of-rain has thoroughly saturated tho district, and filled all tho creeks, waterholes, and dams to repletion, and as far as this immediato district is concernée we havo had plenty of rain for a time. But from. all appearances wo are going to havo more, as though

tile weather cleared up, and Sunday and yesterday (Monday)

wero lino days, last night a slight sprinkling agaiu fell, and tho weather is both sultry and murky, and wears a threatening appearance. From Coonamble, Brewarrina, and some of the other places outside from hero, very light rains arc reported, and nothing liko sufficient for requirements, so that if further rains como it is to bo hoped they will extend out thero, as most likely they -will. Lambing ia still going on here, and tho yield is likely to be a very good one, though it is rather early yet to give particulars. Preparations aro being made for shearing, which will soon become general in the district. There are a good many com-plaints this season of nativo dogs playing havoo among tho young lambs-moro than there have been for several years past. Iho late drought, instcadof destroying thesepests,seem9 rather to have increased them ; or perhaps, through so much stock having died in tho outside districts, the dingoes hava come inside to hunt up plunder. The late rains wili largely benefit the young wheat crops, which are looking v«ry well. A good deal of ploughing has been dono for the corn crop, and the ground is now very favourable for that purpose. A good deal of corn is likely to bo planted here this season more, in nil probability, than thero will be any demand foi

when harvested.

The annual meeting of the Farmers and Free Selectors' Association was held in tho Cudgegong Council-chambers on last Saturday afternoon, Mr. William Wilton, president of the association, being in tho chair. After some discussion, it was de'eided not to send a delegate to Sydney to take part in discussing the provisions of the draft land bill prepared by Mr. Farnell. It was also ammged to hold a show during noxt March. The annual report and balance-sheet wero adopted, thero being a sum of £58 3s. lid. to tho credit of tho society. The following officials wero re-elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. W. Wilton ; vice-presidents, Messrs. G. B. Southwick and H. Thurston; treasurer, Mr. John New-man jr. secretar)', Mr. Browne. A committeo of manage-ment of twenty-six members was also elected, and it was stated the society now possesses 201 members.

The members of the Mudgee Band of Hope celebrated their fourth anniversary by a tea and publio meeting, held in the WeslcyOn schoolroom, during tho past week. There was a large attendance. The Rev. R. Caldwell, president of the society, occupied the' chair at the public meeting. The annual report and balance-sheet were read by tho secre-tary, Mr. E. Chapman. The report showed that fifteen new memBers had j'oined during the year, tho number on the roll now being 220. Tho balance-sheetwns also satisfactory, showing a small sum to credit. Mr. J. H. M'Cartliy moved their adoption, the motion being seconded by Mr. Cassin, and both gentlemen spoke strongly in favour of temporáneo principles. Tho chairman and tho Rev. J. Dobson also delivered addresses of the s-anie tendency. During the evening some very excellent music was rendered by a number of ladies and gentlemen, Mi's. Ellis presiding at the pianoforte.

Tho annual meeting of the Mudgee Auxiliary of.the Church Society of tho Diocese of Bathurst was held in St. John's schoolroom on last Friday evening. Dr. Mariden, Bishop of Bathurst, addressed thoso present, advocating the claims of the society, and also giving some interesting details of his recent visit to England. On Sunday Dr. Marsden preached, morning and evening, in St. John's Church, and in the afternoon held a confirmation service, a large number of children of both sexes being confirmed, and the building being crowded on the occasion.

On last Sunday tho Rev. James Gardiner, M.A., recently arrived from Scotland, preached, morning and evening, in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church ; and in the nflemoona united children's service, which was very largely attended, was held by Mr. Joseph Paxton, of Sydney. The same ' gentleman also delivered a lecture in the church lost even-

ing, on "Psalmody," with illustrations on the cultivation of the voice and congregational singing.

At a meeting of the managing committee of the Mudgee Turf Club, held yesterday afternoon, it was decided to hold races, under tho auspices of tho club, on Boxing Day. During the past year or two the club has not held a meeting at Christmas, and tho decision now arrived at is likely to meet with approval among our sporting community.

The following have been the recent'Coolah stock pass-ings :-192 fat cattlo (Cook's), for Sydney, Brown in charge ; 214 fat cattlo (M'Kay's), for Maitland, Sparks in charge. The Mudgeo passings havo been :-2000 fat sheep (Ronald and Day's), for Sydney, Tompkins in charge. Another lot of 2000 fat sheep also passed through for Sydney, ownor's name not known. There is no change to report'in the fat cattlo market, which has boen well sup-plied. Tho prinoipol averages havo been fifty bullocks (Lane's) at £5 12s. Gd., and G9 (Smith's) at £6 I4s. The fat sheep market has been on tho wholo dull, with no chango to report in prices. There is no alteration to report in connection with store stock, but the late rains are likely io cause an increased demand and harden prices.

The Roumanian Parliament was closed on tho 17th July, with a message from the Prince, who says that his country has been called upon to make sacrifices in order that the Berlin Congress might preserve the peace ot Europe. As soon as the effect of those portions of tho treaty which concern Roumania aro known, another Msnoa

will be convoked..