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.
THE SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE - 6 February 1880
Our Bothwell correspondent, writing on Wednesday, says, "I was sitting in my house, which is a substantial sand cottage of six rooms, reading a book, when all of a sudden my attention was drawn from it by the whole of the floor shaking, as if occasioned by a number of persons dancing on a very springy floor. I first turned my head towards another person in the room, who happened to be standing up at the time, when in an instant my eyes were attracted to the ceiling; the whole house from roof to foundation being in a state of vibration, which lasted two or three seconds, if not more. Presently a young girl, a female servant, who was sitting sewing in the kitchen, a stone building also, detached from the house, and to which is joined a stone coach-house and three stall stable, came running into the house to enquire what was the matter. She said the kitchen shook so that she thought a large cupboard that was in it was going to fall down. The shock, I learn, was experienced more or less over the township. Two ladies from Ratho, who called at my house in the evening, informed me the shock was felt over there, and that some of the family who were engaged in reading described the sensation as though a dog was under their chair shaking himself. Mr Lloyd, the school master, actually got up and looked under his sofa to see if there was not a dog there; he experiencing the same sensation, apparently, as it was felt at Ratho. The heat here has been hot now for some days past; the mercury in my thermometer, hung up on one of the wooden uprights of the porch at the back of the house, facing the west, averaging from 80 to 90 degrees. One day it was as high as 91 at noon. A lady resident here, who has travelled considerably, and had some experiences of earthquakes in the West Indies, states that just previous to the shocks coming on, the woodwork of the building cracked a good deal. On Monday last I noticed this in my house; and in one room especially, the paper on the wall cracked so that it sounded as though the whole of it was going to fall from the wall. Thermometer, now noon, at place before mentioned, 82, but there is a bit of a breeze. A gentleman, who came down from the lakes yesterday, stated that grass fires were raging up in that quarter." https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226503595
OBITUARY - 12 November 1880
An old colonist passed to his rest on the 5th November, 1880, in the person of Mr Matthew Robinson, who died at Bothwell, where he had acted for 39 years as Council Clerk, aged 69 years. Mr Robinson arrived in Hobart Town in the year 1833, and for some time acted as assistant to Drs Rowe and McLachlin. In 1841, he obtained the appointment of Police Clerk at Bothwell, and when a change was subsequently made in the nature of the office - a Council Clerk being required under the new conditions of the district - he was chosen to perform the altered duties, and continued to do so faithfully until within five days of his death. He was also a deputy registrar and secretary of the Road Trust. His last illness was but a brief one. He was prostrated on the 22nd of last month, but afterwards rallied and went as usual to his office for two days. On the 30th, however, he had a relapse, and death put an end to his sufferings ere a week had passed away. Mr Robinson was warmly interested in the district in which he so long resided. He for many years acted as our correspondent there, and we can testify to the regularity and discrimination with which he sent for publication any matters of interest which would be likely to tend to the benefit of the district, and the colony at large. Moreover we always found him thoroughly trustworthy, and no statement of his ever needed corroboration, but was relied on implicitly as we had got to know the writer well. His death will be regretted by a large circle of friends, amongst whom we may class ourselves, as the representatives of the general public, many of whom, neither knowing nor even hearing of him, have benefited by his profitable use of his literary attainments. At the last meeting of the Municipal Council of Bothwell, the Warden and councillors spoke in high and deserved praise of one who had so long and so faithfully served the district. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8990068
BOTHWELL - 21 December 1881
Tuesday. An inquest was held at the Police Office yesterday, before Mr N. P. Allison, coroner, and a jury, of which Mr R. Allen was foreman, on the body of Alexander Timmins, aged seven and a half years, son of Mr John Timmins, storekeeper and hawker. It transpired in evidence that the boy left home between 2 and 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, without saying where he was going, and not having returned by 8 o'clock, his mother got anxious, and informed Constable Fidler, who at once instituted enquiry, and found that he was last seen alive between 7 and 8 o'clock, near the river, by a boy named Archer Alexander, to whom he said "Goodnight, I am going down to Mr Bowden's Creek to get my night lines." The constable then commenced dragging the river, but the night being so dark he had to desist till daylight, when, with the assistance of two or three other persons, who recommend the bench, Constable Burns succeeded in finding the body in about 3ft of water. The jury returned the following verdict:- The deceased was found drowned in the River Clyde, Bothwell, but by what means he got in the River there is no evidence to show. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9003720
BOTHWELL - 2 February 1882
POLICE OFFICE. Saturday, January 28. Present: Mr N. P. Allison (Warden) and Mr John Ibbott, J.P.
Henry F. Nichols, proprietor of the Crown Inn, was charged, on complaint of the Superintendent of Police, with a breach of the Licensing Act. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Perkins gave his evidence, which clearly proved the case. Mr Nichols having no witness to call, the Bench at once found him guilty, and stated that they thought it would have been much better, under the circumstances, had he pleaded guilty, in which opinion Mr Nichols seemed to concur. Fined £2, and 8s 6d costs.
William Wood Hughes was charged by the Superintendent of Police with allowing two cows to graze in the public street, on the night of 23rd inst. Plea, guilty. This being Mr Hughes' first offence, he was fined in the mitigated penalty of 2s; costs remitted.
William Jones was charged with a similar offence, and pleaded guilty, but having been several times convicted of the same kind of offence, was ordered to pay 15s, including costs.
The Warden and Mr Ibbott here left the Bench, when Mr A. McDowall and Mr William Nicholas immediately took their seats, and William Jones (the defendant in the last case) was then called upon to plead to an information, charging him with having, on the 21st inst., in a public street at Bothwell, used threatening and abusive language to William Horne. Plea, not guilty.
Mr Horne was then sworn, and according to his evidence it would appear that he was coming out of his own gate when defendant was passing by and said to him, Jones, I wish you would leave my fences alone; when defendant replied, that he would punch his head if he talked to him about his fences, to which, of course, Mr Horne demurred, hence the prosecution. The Bench found defendant guilty, and remarked that it was very improper for a strong active young man like defendant to threaten a man so far advanced in years as Mr Horne was, and fined him 5s, with 8s 6d costs, or seven days in default. The fine was at once paid.
The Court then sat for the purpose of revising the electoral roll for the district of Cumberland, there being present the following magistrates, namely: Messrs A. McDowall, John Ibbott, Wm Nicholas, and William Langdon. On the motion of Mr McDowall, Mr Langdon was unanimously elected Chairman, and took his seat accordingly.
Mr N. P. Allison, the returning officer, presented the new roll, and stated that it had been carefully prepared.
Their Worships then went through the roll very minutely, and after making a few necessary alterations, passed the same as being correct.
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. The Council met, the Warden and all the councillors, with the exception of Mr Bedford, being present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
The Council Clerk then produced the annual account showing the receipts and expenditure for the year 1881, together with all vouchers and receipts, which, after being read and examined by the Warden and councillors, was considered very correct.
Councillor McDowall then moved, and Councillor W. Nicholas seconded - That the annual accounts, as now read, be received, and passed as satisfactory. Carried.
A letter was read from the Colonial Auditor, requesting that a monthly return should be prepared by the Council Clerk, and laid before the Warden and councillors, of all revenue received by him during the month and that a copy of such returns, signed by the Council Clerk, and countersigned by the Warden, should be forwarded to him not later than the 12th of each succeeding month. The above was taken into consideration, and after a short conversation it was resolved that in future the Council should meet on the last Saturday in each month, commencing on the last Saturday in February.
A few small accounts were passed, and ordered to be paid.
Tenders for the supply of firewood to the gaol and Council Chamber were opened, and considered; Mr Robert Blake's being the lowest, namely, 6s 4d a ton, was accepted.
The Superintendent's report and returns of the duties performed by the police during the month of December was read, when it was proposed by Councillor Langdon, and seconded by Councillor Ibbott, that the report be received as being satisfactory. Carried.
After a little conversation as to the state of the finances, and the amount required to meet the current year's expenditure, it was considered that an eightpenny rate would meet all demands, and give a balance at the end of the year. Councillor Wm Nicholas proposed, and Councillor Ibbott seconded - That a rate of 8d in the £ upon the annual rateable value as shown by the assessment roll for 1882 be made upon all private property, and 4d in the £ on all Crown lands under lease within the municipality of Bothwell, for the maintenance of the municipal police force and general expenses of the municipal establishment that the period for which the same shall be made be for 12 months from January 1 last past, and that the same be made payable on 17th March next. Carried.
Mr Perkins, the valuator, then produced the assessment roll which he had prepared for the year 1882, which was read by the Council Clerk, and, after a few alterations were made by the Council, it was proposed, seconded, and carried, that the same be the assessment roll for the present year, and that a Court to Appeal against the said roll be fixed for February 25.
The Superintendent of Police brought under the notice of the Council the unserviceable state of the revolvers now used by the police, stating that he believed that good ones could be obtained through the Government at a cost of two pounds two shillings and ninepence each (£2 2s 9d), similar to those now used by the Launceston police; he had seen a sample of them, and they were really a good serviceable weapon and by the sale of the old carbines and the revolvers now in use, a large sum would be obtained that would purchase the quantity of now revolvers required. Several of the councillors said they had seen the sample spoken of by Mr Perkins, and considered it a good and cheap article. It was ultimately agreed that four new ones should be obtained, to be paid for as suggested by Mr Perkins. That being the whole of the business, the Council adjourned till Saturday, February 25.
We had a splendid rain on Monday, which was much needed, the grass and gardens about the township being very much parched up for the want of it.
Burton's Original Circus performed here on Monday night to a very good and respectable audience. The performance was gone through in a grand and masterly style, and there can be no doubt, but they are the cleverest company that have visited this place for many years. I believe they perform at Hamilton tonight, and then proceed to New Norfolk, en route to Hobart. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9005391
DEATH OF AN OLD COLONIST - 26 October 1882
On Saturday last Mr Richard Allen, senior, quietly passed over to the great majority at the ripe age of 82, and was this day (Tuesday) followed to his last resting place in the Church of England burying ground by a large concourse of old friends, who thus showed the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him. Mr Allen may well be ranked amongst the old colonists, and as one of the pioneers of the colony, for he arrived here in the year 1821. Shortly after his arrival he took up his abode in this district, where he purchased a farm upon which by industry and straightforward dealings with all his neighbours he was enabled to lay aside sufficient to support him in the declining year of his life. Mr Allen was a widower, having buried his wife some 16 years ago. He had 14 children, eight of whom are still living and fairly well provided for. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9024296
DEATH OF ANOTHER PIONEER - 14 June 1883
Another of the early pioneers of this neighbourhood has passed from amongst us. Today the remains of the late Mr John Ibbott were consigned to the grave in the cemetery used jointly by Episcopalians and Presbyterians for the past half century. The regard in which the deceased was held was evidenced by the large attendance at the funeral, many coming from a distance to pay a last tribute to the memory of one whose exemplary life had made him universally respected. Emigrating from England to this colony at an early age with his father, he not long after settled on the property which became his future home, and where he expired on the 8th instant, having attained the allotted three score and ten years. He entered his 71st year in the month of March last. His illness was of short duration, and the sudden termination was unexpected, although he had shown signs of failing strength for some months. He leaves a widow and grown-up family of three sons and one daughter married to Mr Magrath, of the post office, to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband and indulgent father. Mr Ibbott served as a magistrate of the Territory for the last 17 years, and was also a member of the Municipal Council for a number of years, an office, which he recently expressed a desire to be relieved from at the next annual election, intending to retire in favour of some younger man. Inexorable death has, however, stepped in and relieved him of this and all earthly responsibilities. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9020884
BOTHWELL PUBLIC SCHOOL. - 27 December 1884
The annual distribution of the Bothwell Public School prizes took place on Friday, the 19th inst., in the presence of a large number of the parents of the children and well-wishers. The Rev. A. Beresford, chairman of the local board, presided. The proceedings were opened by some collective singing by the children, 100 being present, accompanied on the piano by Miss S. Hughes, and the manner in which they acquitted themselves reflected much credit upon that lady. The chairman then read his report of the examination in Scripture history; and presented the prizes, which he yearly awards to the successful scholars in that subject. He also read a letter addressed to the conductor, Mr J. F. Johnston, B.A., T.C.D., from the Ho.n N. J. Brown, Minister of Lands, and member for the district, who generously gave special prizes, expressing his regret that he was unable to personally present them, and giving assurance to the children that he felt a warm interest in their progress and welfare, and hoped that before next Christmas their studies would be carried on in a more commodious and suitable building. Mr Johnston also received a letter from the Warden, Mr A. McDowall, a letter saying he was unavoidably prevented from attending, and conveying his best wishes and congratulations to the prize-winners. The absence of Mr McDowall was regretted, as he takes a great interest in the school, and annually gives a handsome donation for prizes, besides having recently erected a double swing in the girls' playground which a dozen can enjoy themselves at a time. Specimens of the girls' needlework, which were exhibited, attracted a good deal of attention from the ladies present, the mistress, Mrs Johnston, bestowing great pains upon this most important and useful subject of a girl's education. The prizes were then presented to the winners by Mrs McDougall, who had no light duty to perform, as owing to the liberality of the Warden, Mr Manderville, the Hon. N. J. Brown, Mr Williams, Mr Reid, herself, and other friends, nearly every child was presented with a token of encouragement. Mr Johnston then gave a most satisfactory report of the state of the school and the work performed during the year, and heartily thanked all friends for the kind assistance and encouragement given, and expressed the hope that as the new school would soon be an accomplished fact, the attendance would be largely increased. The chairman then gave the children some sound practical advice in his usual happy manner. After some more singing, the proceedings were then concluded by adjourning to the playground, where lusty cheers were given for the Hon. N. J. Brown, the donors of prizes, and the teachers. This terminated one of the most successful and pleasant breakings-up of the season. The following is the prize-list:
Special Prizes - Rev. A. Beresford, Scripture history: C. Bowden, F. Hughes, R. Branch, Lucy Blake, Emily Maskell, Ethel Savage. The Hon. N. J. Brown, attendance: Frank Hughes, 229½ days out of a possible 230; Lucy Branch, 223. Good conduct: Cecil Bowden, Lucy Branch. M. Mandeville. Writing (judged by donor): Letitia Johnston (girls), Arthur Sims (boys). Mrs Williams, reading (presented by donor): Letitia Johnston (girls), A. Perkins (boys). Mrs McDowall and Mrs Williams, sewing: E. Branch, A. Denholm, M. Smith, E. Maskell, Annie Woods.
School Prizes - the gift of the Warden, Mr A. McDowall: Class 7 - Home lessons: C. Bowden. Arithmetic: W. Stuart. Geography: J. Timmins. Mapping: A. Perkins. Class 5 - Home lessons: J. Stuart. English history: C. Allen. Geography: E. Sims. Reading: A. Ainsworth. Arithmetic: R. Johnston. Mapping: F. Hughes. Class 4 - Arithmetic: Lucy Blake. Reading: Lydia Hale. Home lessons: Emily Maskell. Writing: A. Hale. Special for great Improvement: W. Crockett. Writing: Annie Woods. Grammar: Ellen Branch. Class 3 - Arithmetic: C. Hornsey. Writing: Douglas McDowall. Reading: Ethel Savage. General improvement: G. Denholm, Caroline Watson, A. Blake, A. Swindells. Class 2 - Attendance: E. Nicholls. Arithmetic: A. Branch, Reading: G. Horne. Writing: T. Timmins. Second Reading: Percy Edwards. General improvement: R. Branch, Kate Bale, Ada Bailey, Leslie Blake, Louis Wylie, Arthur Ryan, B. Shaw, George Tarr, Rose Bale. Class 1 - Good conduct: Edward Lewis, Sarah Smith, and about 20 others awarded in this class. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9098125