19th Century News
Newspaper articles and advertisements that offer insights into life in Bothwell during the 1800s.
Sources Used: TROVE. Images. National Library of Australia. https://trove.nla.gov.au; FamilySearch: Australia, Tasmania, Government Gazette, 1833-1925. Images. https://www.familysearch.org.
BOTHWELL - 9 January 1835
On Thursday last, being New Year's Day, a Ball and Supper was given in the new School House at Bothwell, by the Bachelors of that district, at which there were present upwards of 60 ladies and gentlemen of respectability. How truly gratifying it is to every well-wisher of the Colony to witness these innocent and refined amusements extending even to the most distant parts of the country. We recollect when the spot on which the township stands was but a barren waste. We are assured that the assemblage of beauty and elegance on this occasion was much superior to what, only a few years ago, the whole Colony could have produced; and that the Ball and Supper, and general accommodation was provided with a taste which would not have disgraced our native country. When young men devote their attention in procuring these innocent recreations for the gratification of the fairer sex, it evinces a commendatory feeling, and inimical to that boisterous hilarity which too commonly attends the society of young men in the early stage of life.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232800405
SURVEYOR GENERAL - 18 September 1835
The Surveyor General returned this week from a visit to the Den Hill, where he has laid out, we learn, a new line of road from the Black marsh to Bothwell. By following up the valley from the former place instead of ascending by the old steep line to the left, the ascent is rendered much more gradual, and the dangerous pass of the saddle, which has been the death of so many bullocks, is entirely avoided. We trust that a sufficient force will be forthwith placed on this most desirable undertaking, by which the fine and now populous districts of the Upper Clyde and the Shannon will he made doubly valuable.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4179067
MECHANICS - 4 March 1836
We receive weekly complaints of the neglect of Government in not holding out encouragement to mechanics to settle in the country townships, by offering allotments for sale; and it is within our own knowledge that many mechanics with families have applied for the purchase of suburban allotments, for a period of nearly twelve months, without being able to obtain any satisfactory answer, and that, in situations where they are much wanted, and where they could employ their families to great advantage in cultivating their allotments. A gentleman from the Clyde, whom we have just seen, informed us that the same complaint exists in the neighbourhood of Bothwell - that it is impossible there for a mechanic or a labourer, with a family, to obtain an allotment, even by purchase from the Government; and the consequence is, that labour in that quarter is as dear as it was ten years ago. Mechanics who are employed by the neighbouring settlers, herd together in a common lodging-house or in a public-house, where they are confirmed in habits of dissipation, and mutually corrupt the morals of one another, in place of living in houses of their own, and occupying their hours of relaxation in cultivating gardens. These men finding employment in that district would, if a facility were afforded them of establishing themselves in houses of their own, most probably get married, rear families, and become themselves far more valuable members of society, and so it would be in all the townships in the interior. The population being established where it is wanted, the price of labour would be equalised, and the improvement of the Colony would proceed on a sure foundation. With reference to the case of Bothwell, which we have just quoted, it may be proper to record that while the Government have withheld their land from purchasers, an individual, named Burrell, who had a farm of several hundred acres near the township, divided it into building allotments, which he sold at an immense price; and buildings and other improvements are rapidly progressing on those allotments, while the Government Reserve remains an unprofitable waste of use to nobody except to Major Schaw. It has been hinted to us that more than one of the Police Magistrates find the occupation of the township lands to be a very good thing, and therefore have no desire to see them converted into private property by the sale of allotments. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203145790
LITERATURE - 16 September 1836
On Tuesday the 6th September instant, the First Anniversary Meeting of the Literary Society, Bothwell (the only existing Institution of the kind in the Island) took place; when the Report was brought up and read by the Secretary, the Rev. Mr Garrett. The following is a brief recapitulation of the principal topics it embraced:-
This Society was instituted by a few individuals, lovers of science, who subscribed liberally for the purchase of works in philosophy and general literature - there is already attached to the Institution a very respectable library, both of circulation and reference, in which is to be found a variety of popular periodicals of the day, as well as several British newspapers - and a considerable sum has recently been transmitted to London for the purchase of some of the most valuable modern publications - the members are also increasing. A peculiarly gratifying feature in the report is the notice of the establishment of a course of lectures on literary and scientific subjects which are to be continued; some of these have been illustrated by a series of valuable drawings and diagrams by Mr Moss, one of the founders and Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institution, Bath, and the following subjects have been already treated of:-
1st - Lecture, on the peculiar advantages of scientific knowledge. 2nd - On optics, including the anatomy and functions of the eye, by Mr Moss.
1st - Lecture, on the atmosphere and its properties. 2nd - The infinite variety which characterises the material world, by the Rev. Mr Garrett.
1st - Lecture, on the advantages of history over fiction in the communication of truth. The necessity of British subjects studying the History of England, by Robert Barr, Esq.
1st - Lecture on botany, by Dr Sharland.
These lectures have been fully attended, and taking into account the recent formation of the Society, and the very limited population of the district, the Institution may be considered as having already far exceeded the expectations of its founders. From the liberal subscriptions of some of the members and friends, the committee have been enabled to order an air pump, electrifying machine, and other necessary apparatus for the elucidation of the future courses of lectures. The report concludes by the observation that " knowing the indifference which generally pervades the population of a new country to literary and scientific subjects - the proceedings of the Society are highly satisfactory, and the committee are authorised to indulge the most flattering hopes of its permanent success and beneficial influence on the rising generation." https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232801763
EARTHQUAKE - 14 January 1837
Another smart shock of an earthquake was felt on Wednesday, in the district of Bothwell. It lasted a few seconds, and its effects were exactly as they are in the West Indies, and other countries, subject to such awful visitations. The trembling sensation caused the glasses and other utensils to fall from their places, and much alarm was consequently excited. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65954367
MORE OF THE CLOVEN HOOF - 8 June 1838
Bothwell. June 6, 1838. Sir, - The Presbyterians in this district are now beginning to feel the effects of Major Shaw's authority. Last Sunday, Mr Mayers, from Hamilton, was to have preached here at 12 o'clock, but not thinking it proper to condescend to send Mr Garrett any notice of his intention, Mr G. of course occupied his own pulpit as usual at eleven, which so enraged the magistrate that he actually advised Mr Mayers to go into the church, and take possession of the pulpit, while Mr Garrett was preaching. This, however, Mr Mayers had the good sense to refuse doing. The Major also sent notice by a constable to the ticket-of-leave men, who were mustering at the church door (being muster Sunday), not to go into the church till Mr Mayers commenced the church service. But the day being very cold, the men after waiting a long time at the door, went in just as Mr Garrett was commencing his sermon. I am confident Major Schaw is the only Magistrate in the colony who would have given such advice and such orders, but he thought the men slaves, and that they would be obliged to obey him.
It is evident the Magistrate wishes to create a disturbance in the district, and if possible to get the Presbyterians ousted from their church. He acts so that it is also evident he thinks the Presbyterians to be aliens of Great Britain, instead of British subjects. Indeed he is one of those highly honourable men that think Presbyterianism is a religion not fit for a gentleman.
But the persecution and insults we are now suffering is not from religious motives; political motives are the true cause, and no doubt he thinks it is all for the glory of god and Christianity. A truly religious man never was a persecutor; bigotry, ignorance and malice are the causes of all persecutions.
The Magistrate has given out among his very few friends that a minister of the Church of England is to be sent down from Sydney, for Bothwell, and to pass over the Green Ponds district, where there is a church but no clergyman, clearly to get possession here by any means. The late Mr Drought had fixed days - the third and fifth Sundays on which he preached here, and Mr Mayers ought to do the same, if he possesses the real spirit of Christian humility, that would 'do to other men as he would wish to be done to.' But how often do we see teachers fall very short of this precept.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203146157
NEW STORE - 16 October 1838
The Undersigned begs to inform the inhabitants of Bothwell and its vicinity, that he intends opening a store in a few days, where he will keep such articles that are to be found in country shops, as prints, calicos, muslins, hosiery, slops, ironmongery, groceries, &c., and hopes, that by strict attention to business, to merit a share of public patronage. THOMAS GABY, Bothwell, Oct. 11, 1838. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8749089
BOTHWELL - 7 December 1838
Five affidavits were made before Mr Barr last week against Major Schaw, and transmitted with a memorial and representation to the Governor. There is not a gentleman in the district acquainted with Major Schaw's conduct who is not disgusted with it and surprised that he is not dismissed long ago. Copies of affidavits and other documents connected with this man's gross malversation are preparing and shall be sent you for publication as the government will have time to answer the communications already made. The above worthy left this place eight days since, nor can anyone say when he may return. The Police business is at a standstill. Two daring bushrangers were within three miles of the township on Friday last. The notorious Coster, a prisoner, with whom Major S. has been carrying on a secret traffic in all manner of wares, put up placards the most obscene kind at the prime places of concourse, accusing the inhabitants of all manner of unnatural crimes, and thrown the township into such a state of tumult. Coster, though found guilty, was sentenced, but remanded until Major S would go to Hobart Town, on the Monday Coster was at large; when the Chief Constable was asked why a man charged with such a crime, and found guilty on his own confession, could be allowed to go at large. The answer was, I am not responsible. Major Schaw took the key of the Gaol and gave it to a petty constable who let Coster out &c. In the meantime, Major Schaw was on his way to Hobart Town, and Coster improves on the interim by getting rid of his ill-gotten gear. I think you should notice this long absence of this man, Major Schaw, from his duty.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203147258
TEN POUNDS REWARD - 28 December 1838
Whereas Thomas Gaby's shop was forcibly entered on Friday night or Saturday morning last, and goods to a considerable amount stolen, consisting of Blue Cloth Jackets, Valentia and Black Cloth Vests, Cotton and Worsted Cord Trousers; a quantity of Silk Handkerchiefs, Shirts, and other articles, - I hereby offer a Reward of Ten Pounds to any person that may be the means of bringing the thieves to justice. There was a small iron crowbar left in the shop. Edward Bowden. N.B. - This is the second robbery sustained within about one month. Bothwell, December 27, 1838. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232803438
LITERARY SOCIETY - 21 May 1839
BOTHWELL. We have much pleasure in stating that the Lectures connected with the Literary Society, of which we believe His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, is patron, have commenced, and are in progress. The introductory Lecture for the season was delivered by the Rev. James Garrett, on the 19th April, which was followed on the 23rd by a lecture from J. Grant, Esq., surgeon, on "Animal Physiology;" and on the 1st May, the commencement of a Series on the "Laws that govern the material World," was delivered by Mr P. Moss; a Lecture on the "Principles of Education," by Mr Thomas Wilkinson, is in preparation, and that gentleman will be succeeded by others who have kindly proffered their services. For the better illustrating the Lectures, the Society possesses, through the liberality of its friends, a series of Drawings and Diagrams, with Apparatus, probably unequalled in the island. The lectures are well attended, and the inhabitants of the district appear fully to appreciate the advantages resulting from such an institution.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232477234