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 - 10 April 1895
Bothwell is very dull just now, in keeping with the great depression prevailing all over the colony, and there are at the present time more unoccupied houses in the township that has been known for many years past. Amongst them is that fine building lately erected and needed as a branch of the Commercial Bank, and which was closed a week ago, is convincing proof of bad times. The late manager, Mr Charles Drake, without doubt, was a good officer, and always cautious and obliging to all who came in contact with him, and did his best to make the bank pay, but hard times have evidently been too much for him, and the directors had, therefore, to close the bank. Mr and Mrs Drake were both highly respected by the whole of the inhabitants of the district, and the united hopes of the latter are that the bank authorities may see their way to give Mr Drake another opportunity equal to the one he now loses through no fault of his own.
The threshing machine has about finished its work for the season in our district. On the whole the crops here will compare favourably with other districts. On some farms the return was low, and this, coupled with low prices, is very disheartening. Without a doubt our farmers need to be stout-hearted men the way times are.
Diphtheria seems to have left our district at last, for which we all ought to be very thankful. It should be a lesson to us all to see to our sanitary affairs better in the future. At the same time let us hope our health officers will awaken out of their lethargy, and attend to matters pertaining to their official duties. The memory of the last victim to this fell disease, Lillie Evans, will remain green for some time to come, as she, with the rest of her family, was ever to the front in matters connected with Church work and other like affairs. The family in their sad bereavement have the sympathy of all classes and creeds.
Monday, 13th inst., is the time appointed for the holding of our annual sports, which should prove interesting if the clerk of the weather proves in good temper, and grant them a fine day for the holiday.
At our annual autumn sale held recently by Messrs Roberts & Co., there was a large yarding of stock. I think on the whole, considering the times, the prices obtained gave satisfaction, though they were low compared with the prices a year or two back.
Here, as well as other places, unfavourable comments are made about the closing of our post office at 5 o'clock, thereby causing inconvenience to many. For the people living in the township it matters not, but for people living in the bush it seems hard for them to be compelled to leave off work in the middle of the afternoon and come in for the mail should they want it, whereas under the old order of things they could finish their day's work, and then get their mail and by so doing they lost no time. I do not think our country post office officials are so overworked that the change was needed. I fail to see any great benefit to the new order of things, especially as the telegraph office is open later on, thereby preventing the officials from leaving the office for more than a brief period. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9338162
BOTHWELL MUNICIPAL COUNCIL - 6 August 1895
Charities. Bothwell Municipal Council. The Warden said that although the amount allowed by the Government for the paupers in this district was small, still, with good management, the Council had yet a little in hand. He would therefore like to extend a little help to old Zac Smith at Apsley. Smith was in delicate health, and very poor, and had several little children depending on him for support. He thought they might give him a bag of flour. The council concurred with the suggestion and ordered that a bag of flour be sent to Smith. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9308285
BOTHWELL - 22 April 1897
At one time the Bothwell athletic sports were considered amongst the leading events of the country, but from one cause and another they have had to be abandoned. This is a matter of regret, as the sports were the means of bringing many visitors to our village, as well as promoting friendly rivalry amongst our local athletes.
On Sunday J. Robinson, a groom in the employ of Mr Nicholas, of Meadsfield, had his leg broken or injured while engaged taking a horse out of a buggy. Much sympathy is felt for him, as he is a very quiet, trustworthy man, and a general favourite with all who know him. It is only about two years or so ago since he had a leg broken before. This time, I am told, making the third in which he has met with a similar disaster, besides having his arm hurt and other injuries caused by being thrown from horses. In his young days he was an expert rider, but rather an unlucky one. For some years Robinson was in the employ of Mr Clarke, of Norton Mandeville, and broke in many horses for him, among others one named Comet, who, I am told, was in his day a famed race horse.
The steam chaffcutter has been up this way, but did not find very much to cut. From the look of things we will have to draw our supply of chaff from other districts.
The weather is still unfavourable for ploughing and sowing. Last week we had a few very sharp frosts, and now the order of things are cold winds, and a few flying showers. What we want is a nice steady rain. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9395682
DEATH OF MR A. MCDOWALL - 7 January 1898
AN OLD COLONIST. On Wednesday, January 6, 1898, Mr Archibald McDowall, of Logan, Bothwell, passed away after a lingering illness of a year and nine months. In March, 1890, he was stricken with paralysis, and gradually became worse until death relieved him from his sufferings. Mr McDowall was born in Leith, Scotland, on March 7, 1818, and left his birthplace with his parents and other members of the family on April 1, 1824, arriving in Tasmania on September 10. Among his fellow passengers on the voyage out were: Messrs Thomas Young (father of Russell Young), Thomas Pitcairn, John Walker, John Young (father of Mrs Tarleton) and George Burn. The family settled at Bothwell in the month of February 1825, and Mr McDowall had resided on the family property, known as Logan, ever since, with the exception of three years, when he was away in Victoria. When Mr McDowall arrived in Bothwell, the population consisted of five individuals, occupying three dwellings, viz., a carpenter's shop, owned by Alexander Deholm and a blacksmith named Andrew Reid, with their wives, and a single man named Steton. The neighbourhood then consisted of Captain Wood, of Dennistoun; the late Philip Russell; Alexander Reid, of Ratho; Robert Barr, of Fordell; Edward Nicholas, of Nant, great-grandfather of Mr Harold Nicholas; H. M. Howells, of the Shannon; Captain Clark, of Cluny; and Thomas Axford, of Thorpe, who was afterwards barbarously murdered by the notorious bushranger, Rocky Whelan, at Constitution Hill. In 1841 Mr McDowall married Charlotte Gill, aunt of Mr J. W. Gill, of Hobart. His start in life was not a bright one, but he succeeded in rearing and educating nine children, eight of whom are still surviving, the eldest at present holding the important position of Surveyor-General of Queensland. In 1857 he was asked by the Colonial Secretary to accept the office of Stipendiary Magistrate at Bothwell, which he did, and was only relieved of the duties when the people undertook municipal government. Mr McDowall had the honour of being elected the first Warden, and was elected unopposed on seven successive occasions, but finding the duties interfered with his own interests, he resigned in January, 1870. The deceased showed no desire to resume work, but being requested by a majority of his brother councillors to allow himself to be nominated, he was re-elected in 1883, and occupied the position until some years ago. At the Queen's Jubilee in 1887 he presided over and successfully carried out all the local arrangements for the celebration of the event. A lasting memento of him will always remain with the Bothwell people in the "Queen's Square" which he had planted to beautify the township, Mrs McDowall planting the first tree on August 20, 1884. Mr McDowall undertook, in company with Mr A. Mandeville, to procure some young trout for the river Clyde and the Lakes, which they successfully accomplished. Those were the first trout placed in the waters of the Bothwell district. Before this he had procured some young tench for the water on his own estate, whence they have long since spread to the river. In 1891 Mr and Mrs McDowall celebrated their golden wedding, and the latter died in December, 1893. Out of a large family of brothers and sisters, Mrs F. A. DuCroz, of Courtlands, Sussex, England, his youngest sister, is now the only member left. Mr McDowall's death will be regretted by all who knew him. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9412870
OBITUARY - 18 January 1898
With a feeling of profound regret - which is shared by all classes of our small community - I have to announce the death of an old and valued public servant, Simon Arnett. The deceased, who died on Thursday, 13th last, had been ailing for several months, his illness assuming an acute form only a few days prior to his death. Mr Arnett was an old Bothwell resident, having lived here from childhood, a period of upwards of 60 years. He served the township as councillor for 11 years, and resigning that office he succeeded the late Mr Robinson as Council Clerk, serving faithfully in that position for 17 years - up to the time of his death. The funeral on Sunday, 16th inst., was a large one - the councillors, magistrates, police, and most of the people of the township assembled to pay a last mark of respect to their old officer. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9413687
BOTHWELL - 11 February 1898
After much delay, the premises lately utilised by Mr Key as a pharmacy are to be overhauled preparatory to occupation as a new post office. The building, a commodious weatherboard structure, was erected a few years ago by the Commercial Bank at considerable expense. The Government no doubt "know their own know" the best, but many residents consider a stone building, placed more centrally, would have been cheaper, and certainly more serviceable. However, we must not "look a gift horse," etc., and should congratulate ourselves on obtaining, after many years of patient waiting, a decent post office. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9415309
THE GREAT LAKE COUNTRY - 11 July 1898
CAUGHT IN A SNOW STORM. A BRAVE RESCUE. Our Bothwell correspondent writes: The following is an authentic account from the Great Lake country, showing that a shepherd's life is not all beer and skittles. I believe the conduct of Stuart and Woolley is particularly commendable. The sufferers are slowly recovering.
On the 23rd of May last two men Edward Finlay and Dawson, both shepherds for Mr H. F. Gage, left a neighbouring hut, "The Banks," soon after breakfast, taking with them their own horses, and another horse to pack Finlay's traps from his own hut, about six miles away. Having arrived at Finlay's hut and packed their swags, they started to return, but found some sheep on their way. These they had to cross over the Ouse River, and in doing so had to walk through up to their knees. Putting the sheep in a paddock, they again started for "The Banks" but, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, but were soon caught in a severe snowstorm which the horses would not face, and, getting baffled, they wandered about until nearly 10 o'clock, when Dawson fell off his horse completely exhausted from cold.
Finlay, not caring to leave him to perish, decided to stay with him, so lay down beside him all night without fire, shelter, or covering of any sort, except snow, which was about 3ft deep in the morning. Although they had rugs on the horses, their hands were so benumbed with cold they were unable to undo them. The horses stayed with them all night, and in the morning Finlay managed to get on his legs, and, getting between two of the horses with his arms over them, got within sight of "The Banks" but in a dazed state.
Here two other shepherds, William Stuart and James Woolley, carried him in and attended to him, and then started out to look for Dawson, who they found about a mile away on the broad of his back, frozen stiff, but still alive. Putting Dawson in a blanket, which they had taken with them, they managed to carry and drag him to their own hut. No easy task when the rocky nature of the ground and depth of snow were taken into consideration, some of the drifts being 10ft or 12ft deep. Too much praise cannot be given to Stuart and Woolley for their efforts, in which they succeeded in saving life.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9424142
BOTHWELL - 11 October 1898
A concert was held on the 5th inst., at Bowden's Hall, in aid of a family in very poor circumstances, who recently sustained a sad loss by the death of their mother. The hall was well filled, as is usual here in such cases. The Rev. Webster presided. The management was in the capable hands of Mrs Allen White, who played most of the accompaniments. Messrs Tazewell & Hallam largely contributed towards a successful evening with a gramophone entertainment, free of charge, most of their items being wonderfully distinct and well rendered. A floral dance by children was greatly admired. The following ladies and gentlemen also kindly assisted in the good cause: Mrs Key; Misses Wood, and Timmins; Rev. Doctor, and Messrs Sidwell, Ainsworth, and Timmins. The use of the hall was generously given by Mr R. Bowden, of the Castle Hotel. The proceeds amounted to about £7.
We have had some rough weather lately, unfortunately for our sheep farmers, who mostly are in the middle of the lambing season. On two or three estates, notably Southernfield and The Hermitage, the loss has been pretty considerable, owing to cold rains and snow. Others have escaped lightly, and are anticipating a good marking. The crops are looking remarkably well, and our new fruit trees are quite gay with blossom.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9432465
THE NEW ASSESSMENTS - 20 May 1899
Appeals Heard at Bothwell. A sitting of the Supreme Court was held at Bothwell on Thursday, 18th inst., when the following appeals against the local assessment roll were heard and determined by His Honour Mr Justice McIntyre.
House and land, Interlaken (W. A. Kermode), reduced from £13,700 capital value to £12,000; £500 annual rateable value to £480.
Hut and sheep-run, Shannon (T. G. Bisdee); capital value of £4,000, upheld, annual reduced from £200 to £180.
House, Franklin-street (R. J. Bale); capital value reduced from £180 to £150, annual rateable value of £10 upheld.
House and land, Jean Banks (J. Doddridge), reduced from £800 capital to £500; £40 annual to £30.
House and land, parish of Henry (Bradbury's estate); capital value reduced from £1,500 to £1,200, annual rateable value of £50 upheld.
Nant & Blair (late W. Nicholas), reduced capital value from £15,000 to £13,000, annual rateable value £500 to £462.
Weasel Plains and St. Albans (late W. Nicholas), from £10,000 to £9,000 capital, and £350 to £325 annual value.
The Priory (James Williams), £600 capital and £30 annual, withdrawn.
Sonning (E. Johnson), £3,000 capital and £135 annual, withdrawn.
Hermitage (H. E. Gage), £9,000 capital and £400 annual, withdrawn.
Land, Cross Marsh (G. W. Keach), from £6,600 to £5,000 capital, and £250 to £225 annual rateable value.
Cottage, High-street (R. J. Bale), from £40 to £30 capital value, and annual rateable value of £3 upheld.
Rockford (James Williams), from £400 to £350 capital, and £23 to £20 annual rateable value.
Wetheron (Weston's estate), from £10,500 to £10,000 capital value and £449 annual rateable value, upheld.
Cluny (Weston's estate), £10,000 capital and £042 annual rateable value, upheld.
Paddock, Patrick-street (Jas. Williams), from £90 to £80 capital value and £4 annual rateable value, upheld.
Paddock, Croker's alley (Leo White), from £100 to £80 capital value, and £5 to £3 annual rateable value.
The Rectory, from £650 to £600 capital value, and £36 to £30 annual rateable value.
Cottage, Franklin-street (Jas. Williams), from £200 to £150 capital value and £10 annual rateable value, upheld.
Mr George Wilson, the Government Assessor, was present, with the local valuator, Mr W. Browne; and the Warden (Mr A. Ibbott) attended in the interest of the Municipal Council. Mr Dudley Allport (Messrs Roberts & Allport) appeared for nearly all the appellants. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9448459
BOTHWELL POLICE COURT - 4 July 1899
At this Court on Saturday, 1st inst., before the Warden and Messrs F. McDowall and E. L. Archer, Js.P., Thomas Neil, 16, was charged by Sub-Inspector Browne with having on or about June 25 last, at Hartfield, stolen a gold locket and silver watch and chain, valued at £1, the property of Mr F. McRae, of Hartfield. The accused elected to be tried summarily, and pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Browne said on June 23 Mr and Mrs McRae left home to attend a ball at Bothwell, leaving an old man and the boy Neil in charge of the house. On his return on Monday, 26th ult., Mr McRae missed the articles named and at once communicated with the police, who proceeded to Hatfield and traced the stolen property to the accused's possession. The Sub Inspector said the boy was evidently a simpleton, who had been used as a tool by two men now in custody, and as Neil was a first offender, he would ask the Bench to deal leniently with him. The accused was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, but execution of sentence was suspended under the First Offenders Probation Act 1898, on the boy entering into recognisance to be of good behaviour for 12 months, himself in £10 and his father in £10. Thomas and James Harrison were then charged by Sub-Inspector Browne with having on the same date, at HartHeld, stolen a silver watch, 5 bags of chaff, 25lb. of potatoes, 2lb. of bacon, and a dozen eggs, valued at £3, the property of Mr. F. McRae. Both the accused elected to be tried summarily and pleaded guilty. The circumstances were really the same as in the preceding case, and the Bench sentenced the accused to three months’ imprisonment in the Hobart gaol with hard labour. All the jewellery and most of the stolen goods were recovered by the police. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12744974