Empire, Thu 20 Aug 1874 ¹

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.
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(From Our Correspondents.)

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BOURKE.

Wednesday, 6.56 pm.

    A large and influential public meeting was held last night, at which it was resolved to forward to the Government petitions for a new court-house and pontoon bridge.

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The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Thu 14 Jan 1875 ²

DISTRICT NEWS.
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(From Our Various Correspondents.)
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BOURKE.
(From the Central Australian, Jan 2)

    We are able to state that tenders for the erection of a new court-house will be called for in the beginning of the year.

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The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Sat 21 Aug 1875 ³

THE APPROPRIATION ACT OF 1875.
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    The following votes in the Appropriation Act of 1875, are reprinted as having more or less local interest:—
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DEPARTMENT OF SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC WORKS.
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Public works and buildings:—
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    For erection of a court-house at Bourke............................................................................. £2000

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 1 Mar 1890 ⁴

NEW COURT HOUSE FOR BOURKE.
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A copy of the following letter, addressed to Messrs Waddell and Davies, has been forwarded to us for publication:—

Department of Public Works,
Sydney, 18th Feb, 1890.

    Sirs,—With reference to your representations in regard to the erection of a Court-House at Bourke, I am directed by the Secretary for public Works to inform you that instructions have been given to have the plans prepared with all possible speed, in order that tenders may be invited.

I have the honor to be, Sirs,
Your obedient Servant,
W BARLING,
Under-Secretary.

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The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Sat 17 May 1890 ⁵

THE FLOOD AT BOURKE.
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    The board appointed by the Government to visit Bourke during the late flood, and note its incidents, has reported to the Government. The report has been presented to Parliament. In it the members say respecting the height of the flood, that doubts exist as to whether or not it was equal in volume to that of 1864. Such floods at any rate will certainly recur, and it cannot also be expected that twenty-six years will intervene between them. The waters rose on this occasion to a height of 42 feet 7½ inches above summer level, and to a maximum height in the town of 4 feet 6 inches in the lower portions. The flood waters extended fifteen miles in a south-easterly direction, and on the opposite side of the river about two miles to the ridges. Within three miles of Bourke, on the north side of the bridge, is a plateau of land about 1000 acres in area, above the height of the highest known flood. The certainty of an inundation was known to the townspeople three weeks before it occurred, and the water remained for many days at its maximum height, falling only about two inches in three days. To save the town the people erected an embankment some four miles in length, surrounding nearly the whole of the town. The Board think that if the work had been projected on a less extensive scale, and a competent engineer placed in charge of it, the more valuable portion of the town might have been saved with the labour available. The cost of the works was approximately £3550, which sum had been repaid out of the Treasury to the Borough Council. There were contingent expenses not named. The value of rateable property in Bourke is estimated at £300,000, and of Government and non-rateable property at £48,000. The Board think the town may be preserved in future from a similar disaster, though the means most effectual and most economical must be decided after competent professional examination and report. The general impression was in favour of the erection of an embankment, say five miles in length, of sufficient height and stability. Such an embankment , with necessary openings, would cost about £20,000. The Board consider that the importance of Bourke, as the terminus of the Great Western Railway, and the centre for stock transactions with four Australian capitals, justify the specified expenditure. With regard to the projected erection of a new court house, they think the present edifice will serve for some time longer; but say that, if a new structure be erected, at any rate its floors should be placed above flood level.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 28 May 1890 ⁶

SPEECH BY MR T WADDELL, MP.
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MR DAVIS’S RESIGNATION.
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LAST night there was a large attendance of residents of Bourke at Durrington’s Hall to hear Mr T Waddell, our senior mem, speak on matters concerning Bourke, and also in Federation.

    Mr FE Bloxham, occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker.

    Mr Waddell said that his colleague, Mr Davis, has asked him to announce that he shortly would resign his seat as a representative of the Bourke Electorate, but would not do so until the electorate was in a condition for an election to take place. While he could not lame Mr Davis for taking this course, still he regretted very much that he was going to lose that gentleman as a colleague. Ever since his election Mr Davis had worked well and faithfully for the electorate, and during the passing of the Land Bill he had rendered able and good services. There was no man more popular in the House than Mr Davis, and his resignation would be received by members of the House with great regret. (Applause.)

DISTRESS IN BOURKE.

    He now wished to say a few words with reference to matters affecting Bourke. During the day he,, in company with Mr James Murphy, had endeavoured to ascertain the extent of people’s losses around the town, through the flood, but he regretted that he found it impossible to visit more houses than he did, as the ground was in such a terrible state that it was impossible to move about fast. He saw enough, however, to convince him that much distress prevailed, and that it was a matter of urgency that the funds be distributed as quickly as possible. He strongly urged on the Flood Committee the necessity of a speedy distribution. Better even to make some mistakes and get the money quickly distributed than to have a better division by taking a longer time.

THE EMBANKMENT.

    He would now briefly refer to his motion for a sum not exceeding £20.000 to erect an embankment round Bourke. He found on that occasion that the great obstacle to getting his money voted, was that it would be taken as a precedent. Within a few days between the time he gave notice of the motion and it came on for discussion, the inhabitants of two different towns who observed this notice of motion on the papers made application to the Government for similar assistance. The Government realized at once that if they sanctioned this expenditure that such towns as Grafton, Maitland, Walgett, Wagga Wagga and many others would at once make claims. They therefore felt bound to oppose the motion, but showed plainly that they wished to do what was fair and reasonable in the matter. Under such circumstances if he had refused to withdraw the motion it would certainly have been defeated, and then instead of having the Government in a friendly mood to deal with, we would have had them in anything but a humour to help us. His best friends Mr Dibbs, Mr Torpy, Mr Stokes and others hade advised him to take the course he did. His one object was to be successful in the matter. (Cheers.) The Government had shown by their actions since, that that they were sincere in their promises, as the Chief Engineer for Roads had been sent to report on the matter. Everything possible would be done to bring this matter to a successful issue. (Cheers.) Mr Waddell then referred to the matter of having additional means of escape made for the water along the railway line. (Applause.)

MODEL FARM.

    The next matter he referred to was the establishment of a Model Farm near Bourke. It was the intention of the Minister for Mines and Agriculture to have Model Farms established in different parts of the colony. In view of such, his colleague Mr Davis, and he, had waited on the Minister for Mines and Agriculture, and pointed out that the establishment of a Model Farm near Bourke would demonstrate what that part of the colony could produce by irrigation. With reference to other public works which were wanted in other parts of the Electorate and the colony, he had taken every opportunity in and out of the House to urge them forward and would continue to do so until contracts were let for all necessary work which would absorb all the labor obtainable. (Cheers.)

FEDERATION.

    Mr Waddell then in an eloquent speech which lasted considerable over an hour, gave his views on the Federation question, and explained the principles of Federation suitable to Australia as he understood it.

    The speech was a lengthy one, and as the meeting did not terminate until a late hour, we are unable to publish a report in this issue, but it will appear at length in our next.

    When Mr Wardell concluded the chairman suggested “That this meeting endorses the view of the principles of Federation expressed by Mr Waddell to-night.”

    As the chairman was calling for a show of hands, he was interrupted by Mr H Bloxham, who moved an amendment to the effect “That the Local Government Bill and the Electoral Reform Bill were far more important to Bourke as a community at the present time than the Federation Fad.”

    After the chairman had explained that Mr Waddell recognised the importance of the Bills mentioned and had clearly given his views regarding them when speaking in the House, they had nothing to do with them that evening. All that was asked for was whether the meeting endorsed the views as expressed by Mr Waddell. (Hear, hear.)

    This was put to the meeting and carried almost unanimously.

    A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Waddell for his speech was carried by acclamation.

    Mr Bloxham pressed his motion, and about half a dozen hands were help up.

    The chairman then spoke of the intended resignation of Mr WW Davis, and moved:

That this meeting hears with regret the announcement of Mr WW Davis’s intended retirement from the position of one of the Members for Bourke, and take this opportunity of recording their confidence in him, and of requesting him to reconsider his decision, with the view of retaining his seat at least until the next general election.

    Mr J Murphy seconded.

    A show of hands was taken, and the motion was declared carried unanimously.

    On the motion of Mr Waddell, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, who replied. He (Mr Bloxham) then urged upon Mr Waddell to do his utmost when in Sydney to ask the Government to have the new Courthouse at Bourke commenced at once, and also to have stables erected at the Police Barracks.

    Three cheers for Mr Waddell terminated the proceedings.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 21 Feb 1891 ⁷

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
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THE following correspondence, addressed to Messrs Waddell and Davis, MsP, has been handed to us for publication:—

    Depart of Public Works, Sydney, February 11, 1891. Gentlemen,—With reference to your enquiries respecting the matter of the new Courthouse at Bourke, the Minister desires me to inform you that he is obtaining certain information with regard to the old Courthouse, which he wishes to see before tenders are called for the new one. This is being obtained as quickly as possible, and he does not anticipate much further delay in the matter.—I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, W Barling, Under Secretary.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 20 May 1891 ⁸

LOCAL AND GENERAL.
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    OLD residents of Bourke will regret to hear of the death of Mr Alexander Ogilvie Grant who for many years held the position of Police Magistrate at Bourke. Mr Grant was an old King’s School boy. He died at his residence, Parramatta, last week, at the ripe age of 65 years. He was living on a pension, having retired from the service some years ago. Mr Grant was the father of Mr Gilbert Grant, of this town, who has very recently had a very large share of bereavement and sorrow. During the past few weeks he lost two of his children through diphtheria, and now his father has been called to rest. General sympathy is felt.

    THERE was a very large attendance at the Courthouse on Monday and Tuesday, during the holding of the District Court and Quarter Sessions. It is very evident that a new Court-house with sufficient accommodation is required. Not a sixth part of the public could gain admittance. Messrs Waddell and Davis, MsP, are working for the holding of a Circuit Court in Bourke, and we hope they will also use their influence to have the new Courthouse erected as soon as possible.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 18 Oct 1893 ⁹

THE BOURKE COURT HOUSE.
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    At last some very necessary improvements are being effected in the Bourke Court house. Ever since the building was first erected complaints have been made by different District Court Judges and Jurymen, and at one time a new court house was agitated for, the matter being carried so far as to have a sum of money placed upon the estimates, and plans for a new building drawn. These plans, however, did not appear to be up to what was required, and, probably from want of funds more than anything else, the idea of a new court house was abandoned. The next best thing, however, is being done, viz, improvements in the shape of painting and decorating, proper jury boxes, and thorough ventilation. The latter is the most important work and should act admirably. Currents of pure cool air will be distributed through the building by means of large galvanised iron pipes, 12 inches, 6 inches and 4 inches in diameter respectively. These pipes are being laid under the floor, and will enter the court room in eight different places each coming about 6 feet u the walls. At the side and rear of the building where the pipes enter, will be sprays of water turned on from the reticulation pipes, the water running about 8 feet in the pipe. The air rushing through this will be perfectly cool when it enters the different rooms into which the pipes lead. Besides those in the court room there will be one each in the Police Magistrate and Jury rooms. The sprays will be so arranged that they may be turned off and on at will, and during the winter the ventilators may be closed. There are also two ventilators in the roof of the court room, the pipes from which will extend about four feet above the roof. When completed, this work should make the court house bearable in the summer. The contractor is Mr Dunkley, Mr Parsons being the foreman.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 17 Jul 1897 ¹⁰

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
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    The following official correspondence, addressed to Mr ED Millen, MP, has been forwarded to us for publication:—
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Department of Justice,
Sydney, July 1, 1897.

    Sir,—Referring to your inquiries at this Department, I have the honour to inform you that the Minister for Justice has approved tenders being invited for the erection of the new Courthouse at Bourke, and of the old building being made weather proof pending the completion of the new premises.—I have, &c,

Geo Miller,
Under Secretary,

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 7 Feb 1900 ¹¹

THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
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THE OPENING.
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    There was a very large attendance of the public at the new Courthouse on Monday morning, the first day of the Quarter Sessions and District Court. Under ordinary circumstances the public attend the Quarter Sessions in respectable numbers—in fact the old Court was invariable crowded—but on this occasion, the opening of the new building, the crowd was a very large one. The whole of the seating accommodation for the public was occupied, the seats for jurors in waiting were full, there was a strong Bar, our local legal lights were present, and when His Honor Acting Judge Browning took his seat on the bench, he had Mr JF Kenyon, PM, and several Justices of the Peace on either side of him, while several ladies occupied seats near the south-western entrance.

    The scene was certainly one of the most striking ever witnessed in Bourke. The interior of the Courtroom is undoubtedly of very handsome appearance, and is certainly a boon to the public, while it reflects credit alike upon the architect and the builder.

    After His Honor had taken his seat, Mr Kenyon, PM, rose saying that as the representative of the Department of Justice and Deputy Sheriff in Bourke, he had very much pleasure in welcoming His Honor, Acting-Judge Browning, to Bourke, and the new court. It was a source of gratification to the people of Bourke to have such a handsome and commodious Courthouse, and he could assure His Honor that it was not evidence that crime was on the increase in the district, but simply the filling of a very long want. Bourke was a very important district, and the court accommodation had been inadequate for years past, but now, he was glad to say, that had been remedied. He had been in Bourke for nearly two years, and during that period he had had the honor of opening three minor courts, which was certainly a sign of the progress of the district, although crime was less now than it had been for years. He again welcomed His Honor to Bourke.

    His Honor said that before opening the Court and proceeding with the more serious business, he desired to thank the Deputy Sheriff for his kind welcome. He was glad to be able to congratulate him and the people of Bourke upon the possession of a Court House of such fair proportions and artistic design, and in which he had the honor to hold the first Court that day. It reflected great credit alike on the designer and contractor; and it was not only a boon to the district, but an ornament to the town itself.

    This ended the short impromptu opening ceremony, and the business of the Court was then proceeded with.

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The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 7 Jul 1900 ¹²

LOCAL AND GENERAL.
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    THE conversion of the old Courthouse into a temporary Post Office was dexterously completed by Mr Trader and Mr Lorimer, the expert foreman for Mr Douglas, on Thursday, and postal operations are proceeding smoothly in the conveniently fitted up Courtroom. A load of gravel and a lamp in front area, however, much needed, to facilitate access to the temporary Post Office.

 

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¹     Empire, Thu 20 Aug 1874, p. 2.

²     The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Thu 14Jan 1875, p. 4.

³     The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Sat 21 Aug 1875, p. 6.

⁴     The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 1 Mar 1890, p. 7.

⁵     The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, Sat 17 May 1890, p. 6. Emphasis added.

⁶     The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 28 May 1890, p. 2. Emphasis added.

⁷     The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 21 Feb 1891, p. 2.

⁸     The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 20 May 1891, p. 2. Emphasis added.

⁹     The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 18 Oct 1893, p. 3.

¹⁰   The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 17 Jul 1897, p. 2.

¹¹   The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Wed 7 Feb 1900, p. 2.

¹²   The Western Herald and Darling River Advocate, Sat 7 Jul 1900, p. 2.

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