Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth, WA : 1855 - 1901), Wednesday 24 March 1875, page 3


ROEBOURNE.

[From a Correspondent.]

The weather— that subject has always a wonderful charm towards paving the way or opening a track for the commencement of general conversation — well, since Satur-

day, the weather has bean all and every-thing that the North-west squatter could desire. After a long and continuous run of dry weather, which I can assure you made everything look brown and blue enough, the spell was broken by a splendid and steady rain, which lasted for 24 hours. Of course the change made every one on the qui vive for a Willy-willy, and many were the sage conjectures and opinions passed relative to when, how, and from, where their old and dread enemy of former years would attack them; however, the atmosphere happened on the present occasion to be in a more amiable mood, and hence we enjoyed one of the calmest and finest rainfalls I have ever witnessed during my sojourn in the North-west. The grass is now growing faster than the stock can eat it; .there is almost a danger of it outgrowing the stock altogether, and giving the stockman no small task in discovering the whereabouts of the animals he may be in quest of. The above will be understood as a little exaggeration, but in reality the country does look splendid, and already is a garden of beautiful wild flowers and herbage. A number of the Roebournites, taking advantage of the change, have been experimentalizing in gardening, the most prominent of whom I notice are the Withnells. As to the success of their plans I do not venture to prognosticate, but I wish them, all success and plenty of' vegetables. I had a look in at the school. The same is still being carried on by the energetic master (Mr. A. Young), who has no small difficulties to contend against at times. I was rather amused at the rustic and somewhat comical furniture of the said school-house, and cannot help expressing surprise at the proficiency of the children, with their copies and other writing, considering the uncouth seats; that the schoolmaster has for his scholars. I believe there arc not many energetic paytons of the school, Mr. Sholl and Mr. George Fisher being the only ones I believe that have paid visits and evinced great interest in the same. Mr. Sholl kindly, submitted the children to a sharp examination the other day. I did not hear if they passed with much credit, but understand that a few of the most advanced carried home a pretty and

useful book, as a small reward most generously and handsomely presented to them-by, our worthy Resident Magistrate, Mr. Sholl, and I sincerely hope to hear of the continued prosperity of the Roebourne school. Too much praise and credit cannot be bestowed to those parfies who do take a sincere and lively interest in the cause of education, and I am sure that a school in Roebourne is not only a boon to the children who attend it, but in general appearance makes the place more worthy as a town inhabited by Englishmen. I do not know what steps our Government intend taking with regard tp the building of a place suitable for a school, but trust they will endeavor to facilitate matters in support of one to the utmost of their power, and I am certain they will meet with a spontaneous and substantial co-operation -in the matter from the general community of the North-west. Upon the arrival of the smart little cutter Gem, Captain English, universal regret was felt at hearing thar poor Harry Clarkson and his brother had met an un- timely end at the hands of the natives at Hooley's Well on the Overland Road. I hear that the Messrs. Hancock's are just on the eve of making another trip southward with the intention of trying to recover some of the stock they had un fortunately been compelled to abandon for want of water. I am afraid too much water will prove a severe check to them this time. However, I wish them a safe and prosperous journey. Before I had time to write thus far we have had another downfall of rain, and the Harding River is now rising rapidly. There has evidently been heavy rains inland. . This wall be undoubtedly the crowning season of the North-west. Already I've visions of pats of butter as big as Mount Welcome, and manufactured not far from its summit.

I do not think there are any changes of importance or remarkable events to record since the departure of the last mail Squatters are looking forward with high hopes of a prosperous lambing. Towns people are quiet, and very little business of note, on hand at present. I hear Mr. C. Zeddie is preparing to start business in the public line by opening a new hotel in Roebourne. I do not know how far Mr. Zeddie may be suited for the business, but I have every reason to believe he will do justice and give satisfaction to his customers. No doubt it will be interesting to some of your readers to know that some of the Nor-westers are eager for finding, or rather searching for gold, and to know that a party of men started from here in search of that valuable mineral, being fully equipped and taking about two or three months ration with them, together with horses and pack-saddles, but as yet nothing has been heard of their finding gold — anything more than they were more than one hundred and twenty miles from the town amongst the ranges. The leader of this expedition has been a Victorian miner for upwards of twenty years, and he informed me just before he started that gold did exist in the district, but it would never be known until some person started to give the country a fair trial, and to find out the resources of the district. February 15, 1875