Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Sunday 12 June 1808, page 1


SYDNEY.

Sitting Magistrate for the ensuing week, Capt.

Abbott.

Assize of bread as before.

Yesterday a Bench of Magistrates assembled; before whom the following offences were

heard -

James Tracy, for absenting himself from his master early in May and continuing absent until within a few days since. The prisoner stated, that he had, in company with two others set out to cross the mountains in quest of a hitherto undiscovered settlement; the chimerical existence of which has

proved fatal to many ignorant and credulous adventurers. He stated likewise that they had crossed three ridges of mountains and three rivers; that they subsisted during their absence upon flour with a small quantity of which they had equipped

themselves, mixed with water. His master was present at the examination and gave the prisoner a character which weighed with the Bench, in mitigation of the

punishment which his offence of absconding from his labour must otherwise have drawn upon him; but as it was necessary at the same time by example to

deter others from similar misdeeds, he was sentenced

100 lashes.

William Tracey, for having taken upon himself the name of James Tracey and fraudently obtaining a certificate of his term of transportation being expired; whereas the true James Tracey had been executed in this colony, and the prisoner himself was under sentence of transportation for life. Sentenced to 150 lashes.

James Horsell, for stealing a frock and a pair of towsers, the property of John Johnson, was committed for trial before a Court of Criminal Juristriction.

John Wright and William Atwood, charged with stealing and killing a pig the property of Matthew McDonnaugh on Wednesday night; which upon the day following was found concealed in a hole dug in the earth floor of Wright's house. By the testimony of Susannah Shaddock who was admitted Kings evidence, the fact was brought home to the parties accussed in the most decisive manner; when it appearing that Wright was already a prisoner for 14 years, and Atwood for five, they were sentenced 200 lathes each; to be puton the store, and sleep in gaol for 12 months.

Elizabeth Anderson, charged by Mr. William

Sutton, with stealing notes, his property, was fully committed to take her trial for the offence.

A charge was at the same time very properly exhibited against James Anderson, for having washed

several tanned hides in the tanks from which the

greater part of the inhabitants of Sydney are supplied

with water. This accusation was set up by

THOMAS LAYCOCK, Esq. to whom we are much indebted for his unremitting attention to these tanks, which his garden fortunately overlooks. The man

accused did not deny the charge; but declared his ignorance of any order prohibiting the inhabitants being poisoned by the contamination of their principal reservoir; he acknowledged the imprudence of the act, which he prayed the bench would attribute to heedlessness as he, being a knight of the order of St.Crispin, had accustomed himself to the use of water in which he had occasionally steeped his leather, and had never found it unsavory or

unwholesome. He had nevertheless incurred the penalty imposed by General Orders; but as this was his first offence, the bench were pleased to

mitigate the fine to one half; and, the offender was

in consequence ordered to pay 50s.

Thomas Ivory was at the same sitting brought

before the Bench, charged with having made use of contemptuous and inciting language, repecting

an Officer of the Civil Department; for which he had received no species of previous provocation whatsoever. Ivory acknowledged the impropriety of his conduct, and declared himself sorry for what he said; in consequence of which confession

the Bench, at the intercession of the Gentleman, alluded to, took bail for the good behaviour for

6 months, himself in 10£ and 2 sureties in 5£ each, and ordered the prisoner to be discharged.

The magistracy, taking into consideration the most efficacious means of preventing depredation, have ordered that all prisoners of infamous character

be obliged to sleep in the gaol - a measure that must immediately tend to the security of property; and eventually, it may be hoped, to the reformation of those whose vicious courses render this salutary regulation necessary.

Old English Customs. - Last Monday and Tuesday were devoted to the species of harmless mirth, which twice a year gives relaxation to the inferior, yet not least useful orders of the British metropolis. With what anxious expectation, rising Youth, do ye await the happy tides of Easter and of Whitsun that ye may once more enter into the Greenwich

festive lists, and break your necks in transport down her verdant hills! In exploits dangerous to bravely

vie, at once denotes true courage and sagacity; and

he that dares to tempt the precipitate descent, finds

consolation in a broken limb, and longest holds in memory the sportive season. In imitation of these annual festivals, a little fare was upon Whit-

Monday and Tuesday held between Sydney and the Brickfields; and we have the pleasure to say, that the amusements were decorously conducted and that in no single instance was the harmony broke in upon. Among the little eccentricities that were

introduced to variegate the scene, were several races; one of which was run by seven girls for a

chemise full trimmed with British blue and scarlet

ribbands.—Several races were also run by boys, for such incitements as were adapted to their age; three grimaciers exhibited their talent, with wonderful applause; a black man, throwing himself upon all fours, in imitation of the antelope

performed a thousand agile extravaganzas, to the no small gratification of a respectable number of spectators whom curosity had drawn together; and which to the amateurs of innocent pastime furnishes a diverting chit chat.

Ship News. - On Wednesday arrived the Santa Anna, captain Moody, from Norfolk Island, where she arrived the 19th ultimo, after an absence of two months and 18 days, having been driven considerably to the northward, and encountered much bad

weather.

By captain Moody we are informed, that His

Majesty's schooner Estramina had sailed from the

lsland the 19th ult. with as many settlers as she could take, for the River Derwent; and that up-wards of 40 families, with their stock and baggage were getting in readiness to embark on board the City of

Edinburgh as soon as she should arrive; which will sensibly diminish the present remaining number of inhabitants of the island, the total evacuation of

which will now shortly be accomplished.

The last maize crop there is reported to have been very favorable; though the price of that species of grain when the above vessel came away, was 7s. a bushel, and wheat considerably higher.

The American brig Eliza, captain Corey, had

touched at Norfolk, and sailed for the Fejees the

19th ultimo.