Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 - 1864), Wednesday 15 July 1863, page 3


ROCKHAMPTON.

(From the Northern Argus.)

PLEURO ? Pneumonia.? A rumour has reached town that the above terrible disease has made its appearance among the cattle at Marlborough. It is certain that some fatal disease has broken out, which is making sad ravages among the herds of the squatters in the above locality, but whether the malady which is raging there is the same fatal and insidious scourge which was so severely felt in New South Wales, is doubtful. To inspect the diseased cattle and ascertain the true nature of the visitation Mr. Jardine, accompanied by Mr. Gregory, the veterinary surgeon, has started up to the scene of the calamity, and until his return we must be content to remain in ignorance of the full extent of the evil, and to hope that rumour, indulging its proverbial proclivities, has exaggerated ; although, we are sorry to say, that there is too good a foundation for the belief that it has not spoken falsely. However, it may turn out there will be nothing lost in the endeavour to direct public attention to the fatal consequences of the disease its rapid spread, despite the utmost care, and the singular obstinacy with which it defies the power of all remedies which have as yet been suggested either for its preven-tion or cure. The fatal effects of pleuro-pneumonia in the neighboring colonies are too fresh in public remembrance to require citation. But we would bid our friends the squatters to take warn-ing by the extent of ravage committed in New South Wales by this pastoral curse. Let them think of the devastating speed with which it spread over the land, and in its course well nigh de-cimated whole districts. There is still a doubt as to whether the disease which has appeared at Marlborough, is really pleuro-pneumonia We will hope that it is not; but, at the same time, we know that the cattle are dying by dozens there from some cause or other, and- whatever the malady may be that lins attacked them, it cannot be too soon checked. Are would, therefore, impress upon the public the necessity of furthering by every means in their power the carrying out of whatever measures Mr. Jardine may deem requisite. It will not do in a case like the present to be swayed by individual self-interest. People must be prepared to submit to some personal loss rather than allow the infliction to grow from a private misadventure into a public calamity. Whatever measures may be deemed advisable by competent judges, even though two or three herds should suffer a wholesale massacre, we would urge compliance to the very letter upon our country friends,who, we hope, are prepared to support and endorse any proceeding our Police Magistrate may

deem most advisable to arrest the disease.

Gold from Peak Downs. We have just had the pleasure of inspecting dO ounces of Peak Downs gold, which is in the possession of Messrs. Henriques and Co., and has been purchased by those enterprising gentlemen from successful diggers lately arrived in town. From that source we learn that there, is plenty more gold where the above came from, as of the present time over 800 ounces are in the hands of the diggers at Peak Downs, who number about two hundred. The above news is, we consider, amply sufficient to turn our hope respecting the success of the Peak Downs gold fields into a certainty, and it is with unfeigned delight that we make public such incontrovertible proof of the mineral wealth of Northern Queensland. We cannot refrain from adding a word or to in praise of the energy and spirit displayed by the Messrs. Henriques. Those gentlemen have infused into their actions no small portion of the " go-a bend" spirit which proved the genius of Victorian progress, and which has raised that colony to its present proud position in the commercial world. It is superfluous, however, to bestow commendation upon speculative and commercial wisdom. The Messrs. Henriques will find their best toward in the results of their enterprising

course of action.