• 4th June 1861 the Sydney Morning Herald announces gold has been found at Native Dog Creek [NDC]  whilst the Tuana goldfields are all but spent. It announces that NDC could well be a payable permanent gold field. This was a discovery by the Chinese miners from the April of 1861  and soon over 250 Chinese miners were at NDC.

 

• I recall a record somewhere in the history of my family search of a storekeeper Peter Ag Singh at Native Dog Creek. The store was near the 2 acre lot owned by George Bartlett today. I expect it was there during this rush.

 

• June 1861 there is a riot at Native Dog Creek called the affray or disturbance. There were many articles written on this disturbance which showcase the attitudes of the time William and Mary lived at Native Dog Creek. The first article seems to have set off a number of others and the emotive words give us an indication of the racism which was obviously rife in the goldfields:

 

ROCKLEY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

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SERIOUS DISTURBANCE NATIVE DOG CREEK, THE EUROPEANS HUNTED.

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Our township was filled with consternation at an advanced hour last night by the arrival of five men from the Native Dog Creek — fugitives from the violence of the Chinese. I have seen these men myself, and their tale, which bears the stamp of. truth throughout, is calculated to rouse the most indignant feelings in the breast of every right-minded man A serious affray between the Europeans and Chinese had taken place at the "Native Dog" yesterday about 1 p m. ; and the former, who mustered only about 80 to above 2000 Chinese, were driven off the ground, having to leave their tents, tools, &c, behind them and as my informants state, deeming themselves lucky indeed, that they saved their lives. Firearms were made use of freely by the Chinese ; a very large number of these moon-faced villains were provided with them, whilst the Europeans could only muster three pistols. It is impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty how many lives have been lost, but I am sorry to say that at least one European has been killed. This poor follow was struck down in very outset of the disturbance, his skull being cleft by a tomahawk ; and the person who told me this, and who has been an eyewitness of this foul murder, further informs me that he saw two horses (belonging to Europeans,) without their riders. What had become of them he did not know. I have made particular inquiry as to the origin of this collision, and will shortly give you the fact, as far as I can learn them. It appears that on Tuesday a few Europeans went out prospecting along the creek, and at a spot about two or three miles from the place where the main diggings are situated, they came upon a place where they found a first rate prospect. They obtained a small nugget of about 4 dwts besides a quantity of small coarse gold, and determined in consequence to pitch their tent there. They marked out their claims, but had scarcely done so, when a number of Chinamen who had evidently tracked them, tore up the pegs and forced them to leave the ground, they (the Chinese) taking possession of it. The dispossessed white men returned to the other Europeans and told the tale of their grievance, and it was determined that on the next morning (Wednesday) the whole of the Europeans should turn out in a body, and turn the Chinese invaders off. This resolution was carried out— the white men went down the creek to the spot in question and hunted the Chinamen off ; following them right into the heart of the Chinese camp. But unfortunately the Chinese were evidently prepared to have recourse to violent means fire-arms and all kinds of other weapons were produced, and the result was as above stated, that the Europeans were entirely driven off, having to run in all directions for their bare lives, and that one poor fellow (if not more) was killed. As is usual in such cases, and particularly so in this happy quarter of New South Wales, there was no police whatever on the ground. Messrs. McLean and Keightley, Gold Commissioners, were met yesterday afternoon by this party of fugitive diggers, going out to the Native Dog Creek, accompanied by two mounted troopers. What protection a small force like this can ensure, is easily seen. Mr. McLean, I understand passed through Rockley again this morning on his return to Bathurst, to obtain the assistance of a body of the mounted patrol, and in passing he despatched an express to Sergeant Middleton at Tuena, ordering the force stationed there, to proceed immediately to the Native Dog Creek. Further particulars in my next. If it is at all safe, I propose paying a visit to the locality on Saturday next; at present no one will venture out; some ten or twelve men, who were on their way, are stopping, here, waiting for further news. Thursday morning, May 23. 1831. P.S. — I had just closed, when a boy came riding breathless into the village, having been fired at by two Chinamen only about two or three miles from Rock-ley. He was proceeding with a tent to his father, who is living somewhere in the vicinity of the Native Dog Creek, when he was stopped by two Chinamen and ordered to turn back; upon attempting to go on, they fired at him, a pretty state of things this.[1]

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A following article in the Sydney Morning Herald 1st June 1861 further describes this affray as:

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THE DISTURBANCE AT NATIVE DOG CREEK.

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The following account of the disturbance at Native Dog Creek is contributed to the Bathurst Free Press by Mr. John Hughes, jun. :

As no doubt many exaggerated reports are afloat about the late disturbance at " Native Dog Creek," and as I arrived on the ground shortly after it was over, I will endeavour to give the public, through the columns of your paper, a correct version of it.

It appears that owing to mutual encroachments on each other's rights, and mutual threats to drive one another off the diggings, a feeling of hatred had been brewing between the Europeans and Chinese diggers for some time past, and after some trifling affrays on Tuesday last the Chinese were driven by the Europeans from one of the gulleys. Conflicting accounts are told as to what took place at a creek about 4 miles off, previous to Wednesday ; but that morning a party of Europeans came to the " Native Dog" with a report that about nine of their number had been driven out by the Chinese, and they returned with a reinforcement of about 40 diggers. The Chinese, to the number of about 600, were forced, hurriedly, to pick up, and were then trotted off to the ' Native Dog."

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Now, Sir, had matters stopped here but little mischief would have occurred, but, it was proposed that a party should go to the "bosses," and, to prevent any more disputes, some arrangement be entered into, by which each party should be allowed to work without interference, although a good many desired to let the matter rest as it was. But there was a third party whose sole aim was the entire expulsion of the Chinese.

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The Chinamen were camped on a flat through which the creek runs, and a range of tents 160 yards long on the lines of each side of the creek below the main camp ; into this defile the diggers bad the fool-hardiness to venture, and, when about to open the conference, a man on horseback took off his hat, waved it in the air, and hoorayed. The exasperated Chinese taking this as a challenge, would brook it no longer, and discovering for the first time, the small number of their opponents (which had been purposely exaggerated), gave a yell, that mad- the hearts of a good many quail, and immediately discharged a volley of stones at the Europeans. The man who precipitated the attack, immediately faced about, and with the rest of the horsemen, noting the part of another assemblage, played the game of " follow your leader." But the simile was carried farther, for their door of retreat like that of the Patricians was shut, the Chinese closing in and surrounding them. The horsemen charged, or rather cleared in every direction, trampling down the diggers on all sides, and after once getting clear of the Chinese, never came in sight of them again. In the meantime the fight bad become general between about 1600 Chinese and about 40 diggers on foot, and some 10 or 15 person who had no intention of taking part In the affray, but who had to fight and run to save their lives. Among the latter number was a noble specimen of Australian growth named George Davies, who had just unhobbled his horse and was bringing it up to the camp when the melle commenced. and could sorely be persuaded to turn back though riding bare-backed ; his horse fell in a hole, and he had to ward off blows from the long-handled shovels with no other shield but his muscular arm ; he was at one time surrounded by twenty Chinese, and with no weapon of defence but a stick he cleared the road in front, and received upon his brawny back the blow of the shovel. Another case was that of an old man named Donnelly, a settler in the neighbourhood, and who has a large family of grand-children. By some means he got mixed up with the fugitives, and when rescued was feebly making his way off, followed by three Chinese, who were beating him with their shovels, while his white hair was saturated with blood. I could enumerate other instances, in which parties favourable to the Chinese barely escaped with their lives., owing to the sudden onslaught of Chinese and Europeans being indiscriminately camped together, and the affray taking place at dinner time. All the Europeans say that the yelling of the Chinese was terrific.

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One young man named Baker lies in a very bad state, but the' doctor reports favorably of him. He was knocked down with a shovel, and then stabbed in the loin , a strong leather belt and a cotton handkerchief tied round his waist were put through, and the knife lodged in his hip. He has a fearful gash in the hip evidently inflicted with the same weapon, and a deep axe wound in the neck about four inches in length. An old man named Skinner lies in the same tent his injuries are mostly from spade blows on the head. One man is fear-fully bruised about the face and head, and some of his ribs are broken. There are many other Europeans badly wounded, but as they bear up they keep their woes to themselves. I only heard of one of the Chinese being laid up.

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A great farce is being enacted about so many who are said to be missing. The fact is, that as soon as the affray commenced, Europeans and Chinese not engaged in the fight " made tracks" in all directions, and are not likely to be seen again till all is quiet.[2]

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Following on from this article a second one was published with some qualifiers and an excellent description of Native Dog Creek at the time:

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THE CHINESE AT NATIVE DOG CREEK. THE LATE DISTURBANCES.[3]

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“Writing from Rockley, on the 27th ultimo, to the Bathurst Free Press, the correspondent of that journal says :

As I promised in my last, I visited Native Dog Creek on Saturday, and endeavoured to obtain as much information as possible with regard to the late disturbances, as also relative to the yield of gold, prospects, &c, at these diggings. And, first of all, allow me to express my regret at having unintentionally contributed my share to make matters appear worse than they really were. On the one hand, then, I am sorry that, writing from the information of a person who professed to have been an eye-witness of the proceedings, I have exaggerated. On the other hand, I am glad that this tale of the death of one European is exaggeration. As it is, matters are bad enough. The cause of the disturbance is stated pretty' correctly in my last. I will, therefore, not ' advert to it more than to say, that the practice of " jumping" claims had been resorted to by both Europeans and Chinese. In the affray itself firearms were not, as stated in my last, made use of. As to the casualties Dr. Sickler, who providentially arrived at the diggings two days previous to the outbreak, tells me that there are nine Europeans wounded, four of whom were dangerously hurt. In one case, indeed, that of James Baker, the doctor informs me that though Baker is now in a fair way of recovery, he had at first, not the slightest hope of being able to save his life. George Davis is severely cut about the arms and body, especially the former, which he held up to ward off the murderous blows aimed at his head with shovels, spades, &c. Donnelly and a man named McFadden are getting on well ; both were badly cut ; poor Skinner, a respectable farmer in' this neighbourhood, and a most quiet and inoffensive man, who had nothing whatever to do with the row, is just able to crawl about a little. The names of the other parties I did not learn ; however, they are doing well.

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The steps taken by the authorities to prevent any further outbreak seem judicious enough. _ A number of troopers are to be stationed at the diggings, and they are now patrolling night and day. _ With regard to any future rushes, it has been decided that the first discoverer of new ground is to have the choice of half of it for his countrymen-an arrangement at which the Chinese grumble a good deal.

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Two men-Hugh M'Guirk, and another whose name I did not learn-have been taken into custody as being the ringleaders in the late disturbance ; but, strange to say, though some of the Chinese, who were equally, as much concerned on their side in the matter, are generally known, they have not been interfered with. An idea appears to be very generally prevalent at the diggings and the neighbourhood that the authorities are leaning towards the Chinese, and showing undue severity to the Europeans. It is not for me to say how far this is founded upon fact, but it is quite certain that if the most stringent and prompt measures are not adopted to show the Chinese that they ought not to take the law into their own hands, even if aggrieved, outrages, like the late occurrence at the Native Dog Creek will become the order of the day.

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At present the diggings are quiet ; how long they will remain so is another question. In the meantime one cannot help regretting the total absence of police on the ground on Wednesday last ! -the more so as there is very little doubt that, had the Commissioners been present, or had even only a few troopers been there, the late disturbances would never have taken place. I must confess that it is a perfect mystery to me why the Commissioners and police did not arrive until Wednesday afternoon, especially as they were forewarned on Tuesday, that in all probability a disturbance would take place on the following day. I say this advisedly, as I have it on the most respectable authority. A gentleman met Messrs. McLean and Keightley on Tuesday afternoon on their road to Campbell's River, and told them that one of the Chinese bosses was there waiting to complain to them about the Europeans interfering with his countrymen, and the reply made by the above-named gentlemen was " all right, we will be with them in the morning." Why they were not there in the morning, I do not, of course, know ; that they were not so is a fact, and that their presence might have prevented bloodshed is another fact, and a very lamentable one.

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I shall now say a few words with regard to the value of Native Dog Creek Diggings as a goldfield. There can be no question they are, and will continue to be, one of the best payable goldfields in the colony. They are essentially " a poor man's diggings." Almost everyone is doing something ; and the gold is in most cases so near the surface, that it is usually a very short time indeed before new comers find something, be it ever so little. As an instance of this, I may mention that two men arrived on the ground one day last week, and set to work, having no cradle to wash the dirt, but only tin dishes, and these they had to carry a distance of above 200 yards to the water; the proceeds of their day's labour was an ounce all but four grains. It is a very good sign that the richest prospects have as yet been found in the hills and gullies, not immediately adjacent to the creek, in fact the whole country round about is highly auriferous, and in the opinion of men well qualified to judge, the diggings will in the course of time extend on the one side for miles towards Campbell's River, and on the other towards Judge Creek. Not a spot has yet been tried in the vicinity but more or less gold has been obtained. On Friday a Chinaman went prospecting to Brisbane Valley, about four or five miles off ; he sunk nine holes and found in every one a payable prospect.

A great want, and one severely felt, is the total absence of postal communication at the Native Dog Creek, and now that the gold-field is likely to become a permanent one, there seems to be no reason why, say at least a weekly mail should not be forth-with established. Very little expense indeed would be incurred by the establishment of a mail once a week in connection with the Rockley post-office.

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I will endeavour in my next to give you an accurate and plain description of the road leading to Native Dog Creek, by way of Rockley.

There are about one hundred Chinese digging at the Gilmandyke, and a large number are reported to be  waiting at Sewell's Creek, to see how things will turn out at the Native Dog ; but the report which has lately gone the round of the papers, that 300 or 400 Europeans were en route from 'Lambing Flat, I have reason to believe is untrue.

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Touching upon the origin of the riot, we find the following remarks in Wednesday's Free Press, in the form of a letter to the editor, from Mr. E M. Battye. He says, writing on the 27th ultimo : -

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"Having just returned from Native Dog Creek, perhaps a few remarks upon the riot may be acceptable. I did not reach there before Friday, when order appeared restored. I made it my business to enquire of various parties the origin of the fray, and from them I gathered that the Europeans had been the first aggressors ; that some few of them were annoyed at being discovered by some Chinamen on a new find low down the creek, who at once commenced marking out claims about them and pulling up to Europeans' pegs. This caused the Europeans to collect a force of about seventy, and drive them up the creek  not contented, however, with driving them off the disputed ground, they drove them right up to and into the principal camp on Redmond Hope's Creek, wrongly called " Native Dog Creek." Here, perhaps from the excitement of their success, they (the Europeans) cheered, and one thoughtless individual rode forward and fired off a double-barrelled gun. The instant this was done the Chinamen one and all rushed to their tents, armed themselves with every imaginary kind of weapon, such as tomahawks, spades, picks, &c, and assailed the Europeans. But those of the Europeans who had been the chief cause of this parade (it is said) fled the instant they saw the Chinese rush to arms. The Chinese, infuriated by this defiance, and cowardly display, rushed upon the Europeans, and the first they caught hold of they most brutally mutilated with their deadly weapons, amongst whom was poor old Skinner, of Campbell's River, a respectable farmer, near sixty years of age, who was at the time quietly proceeding into the township. He has got a tomahawk wound on the head, is partly scalped, and has frightful bruises about his body from, the wretches jumping on him. I am told as many as seven were seen on him at once. Then there is young Baker, a lad about eighteen ; he was attacked by seven, knocked insensible first by a tomahawk on the nose ; he has also a tomahawk wound on the left hip, .which has injured the bone considerably; and one also in the throat, laying it clean open to the jugular vein from behind the left ear round under the chin to the right side of the jaw. He had also a stab wound on the calf of the left leg. Another lad of only 13 years of age was chased, and only saved by a courageous woman from being slaughtered by three of these barbarians. The name of this woman I regret I did not learn, for she deserves to be honorably mentioned. Since my return, I have heard with regret that some one or two treat this riot with indifference, looking upon it as of trifling importance ; to such I would say, " go and visit the mutilated parties and judge for yourselves ; and if you are not that of opinion that it was the act of barbarians, you had better fraternise with Chinamen for the remainder of your days, for you are unfit for the society of Christians." These poor wounded fellows I visited myself on Friday, and was present when Dr. Sickler, whom Providence had directed to this goldfield only the week previous, dressed their wounds ; in fact, had it not been for him they must have died within a few hours, and deeply grateful ought they to be to him, as also to Mrs. Sickler, who is continually administering to their wants in the most kind-hearted manner possible. Besides these unfortunates there are five other" Europeans seriously injured, and I am told six Chinamen, but these latter received their injuries, I am informed, chiefly from one man, George Davis, who was attacked by them, and manfully stood his ground, and felled them one by one, until a blow from a weighty stone on the back levelled him. On Friday afternoon three Europeans were arrested by the commissioners, having been identified  by four Chinamen as some who took a prominent part in driving them from their ground, one of whom, I hear, has been committed to take his trial; but I hear of no Chinamen haying been arrested as yet for the murderous assault above referred to. If it arises from difficulty of identification, I would strongly suggest to the authorities to assemble the Chinese, and through their chief men and interpreters inform them that, unless the Chinamen who dealt these murderous blows on the Europeans are given up, and evidence brought forward to convict them, none of their countrymen should be allowed to dig on the gold-fields in that neighbourhood. This course might probably bring the guilty parties to justice and prevent further disturbance, To succeed thus much depends upon the judgment, firmness, and determination of the Chief Commissioner, Mr. McLean, in whom I believe all in the Western Districts have every confidence.”

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After the “disturbance”  articles were written that provided insight into what was occurring at NDC. Two months after the “disturbance” the rush was over at NDC.[4]

“ ROCKLEY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] THE NATIVE DOG CREEK DIGGINGS.

I have read with considerable astonishment a paragraph in your contemporary's issue of this day, stating that the above-named diggings were all but deserted. I have not visited the Native Dog Creek since my last but I can confidently assert that this statement is erroneous ; so far from the Euro-peans having all left, not a day passes but one or more parties arrive. A gentleman who left the creek this morning tells me that on yesterday and Monday several parties arrived from Bathurst, mentioning the names of some well known persons among them, and that there are now more Europeans than ever on the ground. As regards the Chinese every one knows the migratory character of those people ; they are continually coming and going, but except that party, mentioned in your issue of this day week, and one more party of about 40 to 50, no large mobs have as yet left. Some of the Europeans who have left have in most cases, without giving the diggings a fair trial pronounced them "no good," and among those who remain it is the custom to deal very largely in complaints that the Chinamen have got all the best ground. Now it is certainly an indisputable fact, that the China-men are, generally speaking, far more successful than the Europeans at Native Dog Creek, but I say it quite unhesitatingly, in nine cases out of ten they (the Europeans) are themselves to blame Many of them rush to the diggings with very large expectations, but very little inclination to work steadily and perseveringly ; if then after trying their luck for a day or two they meet only with an ordinary recompense for their labour, they become dissatisfied ; shoulder their swag, and are off to the next rush. Of course I do not mean to include all the European diggers under this class, but I am sorely afraid, this is one of the causes why a great many of them are not doing so well as the Chinese, who will toil hard from morning till nigh', and will cling to a spot as long as there is a chance of some-thing. l have before said that I have not since visited the diggings myself, but I have this morning received a letter from a gentleman located there, in whose word I can place the most implicit confidence. Besides, almost every word my correspondent says is corroborated by two other parties who returned from the Native Dog Creek respectively yesterday and to-day, and as the letter gives a very good idea of the real state of things there, I will take the liberty of adding a few ex-tracts from it to my communication. My correspondent says :— "The digging population here is daily increasing; although. as at all diggings, a few are leaving ; but only those who are not inclined to work for their living. The Chinese diggers are certainly setting a very good example to the Europeans, with regard to steadiness of working, activity and perseverance, which example is, however, not of much avail. I have seen many Euro-pean diggers come in the afternoon, and leave again on the next morning, expressing themselves not satisfied with the look of the country; some of those who remain, can be seen walking about with their hands in their pockets, not inclined to set in to work. If a rush takes place in a particular spot they are very busy commencing to sink a hole, but often leaving it before it is bottomed, declaring it to be a duffer. These are facts! There is a large number of holes sunk in and near the Creek, but not one is bottomed in consequence (it is said,) of there being too much water; a difficulty, which could be easily mastered, if they would all sink together The consequence will be, that after a little while, the Chinamen will jump these claims, and will get rewarded for their little trouble by taking out the gold. '' This very morning I went round with Mr ..... who is the only person on the dig-gings to whom the Chinese will not refuse to show the gold they are getting, it was about half-past 10, and there was not a man whom we visited who had not at least 3 qwts. then, while some had as much as an ounce and a half. We visited above 30 Chinese, each one had a little match-box planted under the cradle to receive the fine gold ; the nuggets they put a way ..... The diggers are very quiet now, and I do not think it likely that another riot will take place. The Commissioner has taken strong measures to prevent it, and is supported by a large force of troopers. This morning (Monday) a prospecting party of 20 diggers (Europeans) has gone out ; an under-taking supported by subscriptions among the Europeans on the diggings. I shall let you know how this party succeeds ..... There is not the slightest doubt that there is an enormous quantity of gold about here ; but it wants proper practical men to bring it to light, not loafers ..... I have seen some splendid nuggets obtained here, varying from 2 ozs. to 18 ozs. Gambling is practised most extensively among the Chinese, to the extent of hundreds of pounds, a proof that they at least are doing well ..... While writing this, I was interrupted by a visit from Mr. ..... who tells me that he has to-day seen a nugget, weighing up-wards of two pounds (26 or 27 ozs.), got within 200 yards of the police camp." These extracts will give you a very good idea of what the Native Dog Creek Diggings really are ; as I have said before you may rely implicitly upon their being facts giving the truth in every particular. Local news in my next. Wednesday, June 5th, 1861.[5]

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• June 1861 Henry Humphries attends the trial of 2 men accused of stealing 99 of his sheep from his property Essington Park on 20th December 1860 [ Essington park was previously owned by Governor King’s son]. Henry Strange and William Beal were the accused on bail. The jury after a 6 hour deliberation found the men guilty. They were sentenced to 2 years of hard labour in Parramatta Gaol. Captain King had died in 1856 and his widow still owned the 2000 acres of Essington Park in 1874. On the west side Henry Humphries bought 350 acres in 1857, part of his extensive holdings in the Oberon district. He built the present Essington Park homestead on the 350 acres in 1860[6]. Henry’s daughter Emma would marry William Henry Smith and commence the mystery of the Dix line of the family. Refer to William Henry and Emma’s chapter.

 

• On 26th June 1861 we know from an advert in the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal that a Mr Roberts was the Storekeeper at Native Dog Creek.

• On May 4th 1861 the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal reported that Mr Budden’s store had been robbed leading to requests for action on policing and a lock up at Rockley.

 

 

“ ROCKLEY [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY.—

 

A most during at-tempt at robbery with violence was perpetrated in the

very heart of our township early last evening. As Mr. Budden of the Rockley

stores  [ not the one built in 1872 ]  was putting up the shutters of the 

establishment about ½ past 7 p.m., three men came up to him and

wished him good evening. Mr. B. had no sooner, turned round

than one of the men seized hold of him, and whilst they were struggling

together another of the ruffians dealt him a violent blow on the head,

probably thinking to stun him, but fortunately failing in this design.

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The wound bled freely. I am happy to say, however, it is not dangerous.

At this juncture Mr. B., who had of course all the time shouted most lustily

far help, succeeded in breaking away from his assailants and jumped over the

fence into the garden, not however before a pistol had been fired after him, which luckily took no effect. The alarm being now effectually given the three ruffians, seeing that they were frustrated n their attempt, decamped ; unfortunately, before the assistance, which was near at hand, could arrive, and got clear away. Information of the attack was forwarded to the nearest police station (at Pye's, Campbell's River), and Mr. Commissioner Keightley caused an express to be sent off to Bathurst at once for additional police assistance, promising at the same time to go in search of the offenders as soon as daylight appeared Mr. K. accordingly came to Rockley at an early hour this morning accompanied by the whole police force stationed at Campbell's River, consisting of Trooper John Evans, solus, who by an accident, which in consequence of his multifarious duties does not often occur, happened to be at the station at the time. The troopers sent for by MK Keightley, arrived about 1 p.m ; in the meantime that gentleman and Trooper Evans, in conjunction with some of the inhabitants, commenced an active search for the malefactors, which it is devoutly to be hoped, will prove successful. This is the more desirable, as the late outrages at Caloola and Colo, followed again by this murderous attempt, prove that the neighbourhood is infested by some desperate characters, and nothing but the speedy capture of them will allay the feeling of distrust and insecurity which now prevails everywhere in the district The police protection at present afforded us, is scarcely better than nominal, and will certainly not assuage these feelings. Whether or not, the authorities will consider that enough mischief has now been done to entitle us to some con-sideration in this respect, or whether it will be necessary to see some stilt more enormous out-rage committed, remains to be seen. Quant a moi — I must confess I have considerable doubts on the subject— so much has been said and written about the matter — so many attempts have been made by us to gain this object, that it almost appears superfluous to try much more. The late Superintendent of the Mounted Patrol, a gentleman, than whom no one was better qualified to judge on different occasions expressed his opinion of the desirability— nay, necessity of the removal of the police station from Pye's to this township, and in the beginning of this sea-son, a petition numerously signed, was forwarded to our member, Mr. Driver, for presentation to the Assembly, praying that provision might be made for the erection of a lockup here. Mr. Driver, of whose presence in the Assembly, the division lists fortunately do keep us informed, wrote up to say, that the petition could not be received, as it prayed for a grant of money, but promised to do all he could for us in the matter. Accordingly in a short time after we were favoured with another missive from the honorable member, stating that he had represented the matter to the Executive, and that it had been referred to the Inspector-General of police for his report, but adding, that it was his (Mr. D.) intention to give notice of motion on it in the house. This is more than two months ago; but until now we are in a blissful state of ignorance, as to whether the Inspector-General of police has yet found time to report on the case ; nor have we been able on the strictest scrutiny to discover the promised notice of motion in the Assembly.— So much for the promises of our honorable member. It seems, that nothing remains for us now to do, but to get up another petition, which perhaps it would be best to forward direct to the Executive Government. Some notice may then be taken of our prayer and this deplorable state of things— living as we do in the midst of a populous district and surround-ed by diggings, with but the slightest protection to life and property. Again, I say, let us stir ourselves in the matter, and not rest, till we have gained our object.

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•  1861 also saw the success of a petition for funding of a national school for Rockley.

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ROCKLEY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

It is with great satisfaction that I have at length to announce the receipt of a reply to our long pending application for a grant of money to defray a portion of the cost of erecting a vested National School in Rockley. Considerable delay has been experienced in the matter ; so much so indeed that people began to wonder of late whether it had been allowed to die a natural death. However bettor late than never ; the delay is now explained and a satisfactory reply has been received ; two thirds of the estimated cost or of any larger sum that may be required to complete the premises having been granted by the Board of National Education. The local Patrons have been desired to call for Tenders, which either has been or will be done at once. An excellent and central site for the School house has been surveyed some time ago, and it is proposed to begin building operations as soon as an acceptable tender shall have been received. The building proposed to be erected is a neat brick structure, the dimensions of the school room having been calculated as for an attendance of 50 children; a Teacher's residence is also to be attached. The cost of this erection will probably exceed £300 ; two thirds of this sum (or a larger sum will be paid by the Board of National Education, while the remaining one third has to be raised by local contributions. It will therefore be necessary to raise about £110 or £120 locally. When some months ago subscription lists were opened, some £80 or £90 was subscribed in a very short period ; out of this amount comparatively little has been actually paid but I have no doubt that subscriptions will come in freely now, when people see that the matter has been taken up in right good earnest. A good schoolhouse is one of the greatest desiderata in Rockley the present accommodation being in reality little better than none at nil. It is necessary that something should be done without delay, and the matter being one of paramount interest to each and all in the vicinity, I do trust that everyone will lend a helping hand. The establishment of a good school properly conducted always confers a benefit upon the whole neighbourhood and I have little doubt that the inhabitants of this district will prove their appreciation of this benefit by coming forward liberally on this occasion. Indeed I was much pleased to remark that very recently, upon the occasion of a most melancholy event in Rockley, assistance was granted cheer-fully and promptly by one and all. It was a case in which it was evident that help was really needed, and as I have said, I am happy to say it was given at once and in the true spirit of the "good Samaritan."

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Rockley Public School was in fact founded in 1860 one year before the funds were granted and we attended their 150th celebration in honour of Joseph Ross [ Uncle Ross], Ethel Emma [ Aunty Ett] and Henry Edwin Smith [ Dad]. Lola Smith my mum and my cousin George Bartlett attended the celebrations and we placed bricks in the path in honour of our 3 Smith’s who attended the school in the 1920’s. We met Artie Nightingale a Sewell connection / relative. Artie went to school with Aunty Ett and Uncle Ross and knew Dad. He told of stories where Dad and Ett would ride the Charlton race horses to school they would get kids from the school to ride them home and frighten them with their speed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• “1861 SICKNESS.—The dreaded disease of diptheria, or, I believe, properly speaking, rather of "malignant or putrid sore throat" has again made its unwelcome appearance here. Several cases have occurred within the last fortnight, and some of them have proved fatal, a man named McManus, having in that short space of time lost three out of five children by it. Several other people, adults as well as children, have been attacked by the disease, but I have not heard of any others where the result has been fatal. It is much to be feared that the disease will spread considerably, and I would urge people in any case where the slightest symptoms of its appearance are observed, to have immediate recourse to medical aid, and not, as I am afraid is too frequently the case, treat the matter lightly, and think "Oh it's only a sore throat, brought on by a cold." There is one circumstance relative to it, which I am desirous of mentioning, though my doing so may smack of presumption. I allude to an opinion very generally current and credited here that the disease is contagious or catching. Now, such a belief — however unfounded, if it is once extensively spread may produce great mischief, and I have been at some pains to ascertain from high authorities, whether these is the least foundation for such a belief ; I can find none whatever. I would wish to impress this upon my neighbours ; I have not presumed to give an opinion but have merely stated what I firmly believe to be a fact. The weather is warm, but disagreeable, owing to the high winds we have had for some days[7].”  There were many diseases which ravaged the area and killed many children. 1866 and 1867 it was typhoid and TB and these killed 3 of the Smith children, Joseph Barsden Smith, Charles Richard and Margaret Jane.

 

• 1861 3rd April the Bathurst Free Press correspondent gives an insight into life at Rockley. The Sewells Creek diggings have 100 Chinaman there and are probably not going to yield much gold. Cooper mines are in the area and quartz mining and crushing  is being investigated. Locals are asked to assist a family who lost their house by fire and the school building is coming along nicely. Rockley pub us being built and Mr Budden takes over as postmaster.

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ROCKLEY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

The news with regard to mining matters at Campbell's River and Sewell's' Creek are not very encouraging ; at the former place there may be a digging population of about 300 Chinamen, whilst at Sewell's Creek the number does not exceed, if indeed it reaches, 100. These men are however all making good wages. I have alluded in a former correspondence to the undertaking of a few spirited speculators, who are about to erect quartz-crushing machinery, etc. at the Back Creek. I have not lately visited that locality but am informed that the proprietors of the reef have commenced operations in right good earnest, and that it is intended to send a large quantity of quartz (I am told from 10 to 14. tons) to, Mr. Campbell's mill, at Frying-pan, to be crushed. I sincerely trust that the test will turn out satisfactory enough to induce -the proprietors to erect the necessary machinery at once on the ground. There is some talk also of Quartz Crushing operations being contemplated by the owners of the Summerhill Copper Mines. There is little doubt that a very few miles from that place rich quartz veins do exist and in my humble opinion these reefs require only to be thoroughly tested to prove the fact of their proving payable undertakings. On Sunday last a fire took place at Buck's Creek, by which the house of a person named Hodge, a shepherd in the employ of Charles. McPhillamy, Esq., was totally destroyed, together with everything it contained. The family was absent but for a few hours, and on returning found their home, with the little all they possessed in the world, a smouldering ruin. How the fire originated has not been ascertained, but there is no doubt that it was purely accidental. I understand that a subscription for the relief of the sufferers has been set on foot, and I have always seen the inhabitants of this district willing to afford help when it was really needed and deserved. I trust that the appeal in this case also will not be made in vain. A-propos of subscription lists, I am happy to say that contributions to the building fund of the National School are freely corning in Between £80 and £90 have already been sub-scribed and there seems now to be nothing to hinder our having a substantial and commodious school-house before the close of the year. This is a pleasing aspect of affairs ; in the meantime other improvements are rapidly progressing in our little township. Building operations have now been begun for some weeks at Messrs. Stanger and Budden's steam-mill, and I hear that the brickwork will probably be completed in less than two months. A public-house is also being erected by Mr. Aldred of this place. Mr. Levey being about shortly to leave the district has resigned the office of postmaster, which he has held for some years, and I may be allowed to add, in which he has given universal satisfaction. Mr. Budden has been appointed postmaster in Mr. Levey's place. On Thursday the 3rd April the anniversary of the opening of the Wesleyan Chapel is to be celebrated here; a public luncheon will take place at 12 o'clock. March 30, 1861.

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• During this gold mining period the Sewell’s, which at that stage would have been Joseph and his second wife Sarah who had married William’s step brother Charles Henry, ran a store next to their home at Sewell’s Creek and a post office which is still standing. About 200 miners lived at Sewell’s Creek in these days.[8] See the chapter on the Sewell’s.

 

[1] Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal Saturday 25th May 1861

[2] https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18682178?searchTerm=disturbance%20at%20native%20dog%20creek#

[3] https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13056984?searchTerm=native%20dog%20creek#

[4] Gemmell-Smith Phillipa A Thematic History of Oberon p76.

[5] Bathurst Free Press June 5th 1861

[6] Gemmell-Smith Phillipa A Thematic History of Oberon p.97

[7] Thursday, October 3rd, 1861. Bathurst free Press and Mining Journal.

[8] Gemmell-Smith Phillipa A Thematic History of Oberon p.98

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