Art, History, Crafts, Earth Sciences, Gardening, Writing, Australian flora and fauna, severe weather, Australiana, myths and legends
Art World
Lorn Gallery
Best of The Best exhibition of local artists.
Kitty & Basket
Oil
Susanne Gorring
Frog
Acrylic
Jennie Stone
Condor’s Realm
Watercolour
Rene Brager
Oil
Sharyn Street
Artist in Residence
Sunday 29th May
Robyn Bailey demonstrated her use of oils
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It is always interesting and instructive to watch Robyn demonstrate her skills.
Saturday 4 June
On Saturday 4th June from 4pm to 6pm, we hosted our first Art Party at the gallery. Most of our artists were there, plus lots of their friends and followers. Kathy
Saturday 11 June
Gaye Shield demonstrated her talents from 11am to 3pm.
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It was a privilege to watch this very talented and prolific artist at work.
Next Artist in Residence
Saturday 2 July 2011 - Jenny Stone who will demonstrate how to paint birds. Don’t miss this one!
Parking available down behind the shops, turn right at The Avenue (the first right turn over the Belmore Bridge) then left into the car park.
Stop Press:
Maitland Mercury – watch for the new series featuring local artists
Maitland Region Society of Artists
Contact:
Kay (02) 4934 1323
Christine (02) 4934 2573
Social Art Mornings
If you live in the area and have an interest in art, the Social Art Mornings held each Monday (excepting Public Holidays) at the Rutherford Community Centre, are worth a visit. In the short time I have been attending, I have found it to be a very friendly, helpful group.
Robyn Boyd
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Marlene Harold
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Shirley Kidd
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Julie Hosking Workshop
Julie Hosking and Marilyn Foster have organized a ‘Julie Hosking Workshop’ are held at Oakwood Village 10am to 1pm, this is now a regular group so feel free to join. Julie has the art of prompting you to use art as a medium for expressing your thoughts – I warn you, your imagination may run riot!
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Ian Hull
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Carolyn Middleton
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Useful Art Websites
Brushes at Ten Paces
When 13 artists spend 14 days deep in the desert, the paint and creative energy flies. In a good way.
13 Australian artists recently travelled from the coast to Far West NSW for a 14 days arts laboratory, capturing the desert following drought breaking rain.
Helen’s eucalyptus leaf painting tip 7
What’s on in Maitland
Maitland Region Art Gallery is an excellent facility to visit and gain inspiration and maybe meet some of the artists whose work is being exhibited. Art classes are also available for adults. Don’t forget the excellent childrens’ programmes available at the gallery.
Where to access local Events
Maitland Visitor Information Centre
Maitland Mercury (Local Notices link)
Hunter Imag
Maitland Library
My Virtual Gallery
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May idrawand paint Acrylic Challenge
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In The Garden
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Autumn is quickly marching towards winter, the weeping mulberry usually doesn’t colour up until the second week in July, this year it is a month early and has almost lost its leaves. The Canadian walnut, golden in its sunset colours early in June has quickly progressed until there are now very few leaves left. During late autumn and winter many little comedies involving our feathered visitors may be observed amongst its bare branches.
I have been amused to watch Peewits in the uppermost branches calling danger in their loud ringing tones, alerting the Speckled Doves and Sparrows to the presence of either the Collared Sparrow Hawk or the Grey Goshawk spying out its next meal and causing them to make haste to their hideyholes.
Making matters worse for the hawk was the presence of a pair of Magpies who perched menacingly just above it both making repeated loud “chewlip, chewlip” sounds, for all the world looking like a pair of enforcers standing with hands on hips. This was quite unnerving for the hawks.
Natural food must be in short supply, a family of King Parrots dropped in for a feed this morning, during autumn, a flock of about thirty has been in the area. Not long after they left the group of Superb Wrens arrived and flitted around the back garden to forage, along with the usual visitors.
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The last of the rose flowers are blooming before they rest for winter, Crepescule an old climbing rose, is a mass of flower at the moment which makes the honeybees happy as there isn’t a lot around at present.
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Crepescule flower hosting both a weevil of some description and a honeybee. Little bluetongue seems to have gone into hibernation this week, it has been using the mat of grevillia leaves to hide under to keep warm and only appear when a patch of garden was in sunlight. One morning, it only had its nose visible to the world.
Community Interests
Australian Museum of clothing and Textiles Inc.
Putting on The Ritz
Fashion Parade and Cocktail Evening
You won’t believe your eyes…. with the glamour and extravagance of high end fashion presented to you by AMCAT. Carrying on the tradition of fashion parades, an indulgent grand finale filled with ever popular wedding gowns, will be the piece de resistance.
Contact: Letitia 0427 732 912
Date: 23 July 2011
Time: 5.30pm for 7.30pm
Admission: $15, Members: $12
Venue: Maitland Repertory Theatre, High Street, Maitland. 2320
From My Timeline
Below is an interesting series of photos taken at 3.15pm on 6 June 2011, it was sheer luck that I was in the right place with the camera. The rainbow effect was caused by the sun’s rays being refracted by ice crystals in the clouds.
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The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803-1842), Sunday 16 June 1805, page 2, 3
SYDNEY,
A private letter received by the Ferret from Norfolk Island, of May 23 says, “the weather has for many weeks been frightfully tempestuous, insomuch that no boat could at any time lately put off with any safety from the shore; and on the ninth of the present month it were the most ferocious and distressing appearance, exhibiting a phenomena at the same time never before witnessed. At half past four in the afternoon, then low water, the surf began to beat with unusual violence and rapidity, at frequent intervals occasioning an influx into the town of sixteen feet perpendicular height; the consequences of which were severely felt by the houses in the lower row, the backs of which were bend down and washed away with the surf, which with equal velocity returned to the low water mark. It continued thus with little abatement until one in the morning of the 12th, when happily the consternation was removed with its case, but during the continuance of which every building within possible reach of the exasperated element was emptied of this contents. A number of inhabitants have suffered by the deluge, which, had it unfortunately happened at high tide, it is supposed must have swept away the whole town of Sydney.
1806 Australia
Temperature
The monthly medium of the thermometer at noon is as follows (1806) ºF
| February : 67º to 84 March : 66º to 84º April: 65º to 83º May: 56º to 77º June: 52º to 65º July: 56º to 68º August: 56º to 75º September: 59º to 77º October: 58º to 92º November: 68º to 84º December: 65º to 103º | January: 19 º to 35º February : 19º to 29º March : 19º to 29º April: 18º to 28º May: 13º to 25º June: 11º to 18º July: 13º to 20º August: 13º to 24º September: 13º to 25º October: 14º to 33º November: 20º to 29º December: 18º to 40º |
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A sample of our weather this June 2011
East Coast Low to develop off mid north coast
Snow
Low level snow
Low level snowfalls, though rare, have recurred throughout the century, and affected a surprisingly large area of the country. Some of the more memorable events follow:
On 5 July 1900, extremely heavy snow fell over central New South Wales, and elevations as low as 800 metres received nearly a metre of snow. In Bathurst roofs, verandahs and lightly constructed buildings collapsed under the weight. Railway traffic out of Bathurst was paralysed, with passengers stranded in their carriages. Snow fell heavily to low elevations: at Forbes (240m elevation) 23 centimetres of snow covered the ground.
On 5 July 1900, extremely heavy snow fell over central New South Wales, and elevations as low as 800 metres received nearly a metre of snow. In Bathurst roofs, verandahs and lightly constructed buildings collapsed under the weight. Railway traffic out of Bathurst was paralysed, with passengers stranded in their carriages. Snow fell heavily to low elevations: at Forbes (240m elevation) 23 centimetres of snow covered the ground.
In a similar cold outbreak on 2-4 August 1943, snow fell over the eastern Riverina as far west as Lockhart. Tasmania’s Lyell and Lake Highways were closed for days, disrupting campaigning for a federal election. Heavy falls blanketed hilly parts of Victoria, and extended into northern NSW. In winter 1951 snow blanketed most of Tasmania twice within three weeks (19-20 July and 9 August), blocking roads and interrupting mail services.
On 9 August snow had to be shovelled from the streets of Queenstown (elevation 191metres). Light snow also fell in the streets and suburbs of Melbourne, and in Adelaide as well during the July event.
1913 Australia NSW BOWRAVILLE.--heavy rain fall on Tuesday night, 21 points being registered. The river is rising rapidly, and there are fears of a flood.
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On 23 June 1981, large areas of western and northwestern Victoria were mantled in white. So much snow fell at lower levels of the Dividing Range that electricity transmission lines broke under the weight. In South Australia snow fell as far north as Wilpena and Blinman. Three years later (3 July 1984) snow extended from coastal western Victoria north along the Dividing Range to Stanthorpe and Toowoomba in Queensland. Sub-zero temperatures persisted at Armidale (northern NSW) for 36 hours.
Another two years later (early 25 July 1986) many Tasmanian locations had their heaviest snow on record. Most principal roads in Hobart were closed, effectively isolating the city until almost noon. Schools were shut for the day, and mail deliveries suspended. On the same day, snow fell in Melbourne and many suburbs, causing air traffic delays of up to four hours. Melting snow (snow flakes which melted on contact with ground) was observed in metropolitan Sydney, and further north at Gosford. In southwestern Australia, there have been several occasions when wheatbelt towns have received a ground covering of snow. 26 June 1956 was particularly noteworthy, with low level snowfalls extending well north of Perth. Perhaps even more outstanding - because of the timing - were the snowfalls of 19 November 1992: virtually on the eve of summer, strong southerlies brought snow to many southern wheatbelt areas.
Finally, the not-widely-known event of 21 October, 1995 was particularly impressive for the extent of its northward penetration across central Australia, and its occurrence in late spring. Snow fell to 200 metres above sea level over South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, and Broken Hill registered a maximum of just 5°C, its lowest recorded maximum in any month. This cold snap resulted in record low temperatures as far north as Wave Hill (in the Northern Territory).
In most cases the low level snow had gone within a day, with little economic dislocation. However, in some cases heavy losses occurred among recently shorn sheep and newly born lambs.
Weather Report
Maitland Flood Mentioned
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Thursday 12 June 1913, page 10
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15426998
COASTAL GALES.
TOFUA MEETS HEAVY WEATHER.
Further gales prevailed »long the coast yesterday, and heavy seas raged from Tweed Heads to Gabo. At 6 o'clock last evening a strong gale was blowing at Woolgoolga, while moderato gales, with rain storms and rough seas, were reported from Tweed Heads, Bellinger Heads, Nambucca Heads, and Jervis Bay. Stand-off signals were still flying at Wollongong last night. The .steamer Tofua, which arrived yesterday afternoon, met a strong gale and a particularly heavy beam sea on Tuesday night. The vessel at first announced by wireless
that she would arrive at 6 a.m. yesterday. A later message postponed the prospective hour of arrival to 2 p.m.; but it was .4 p.m. before she anchored in Watson's Bay. A number of small coastal steamers were
last night still sheltering at various points along the coast.
CASINO.-Heavy rain fell on. Tuesday night, 18? points being recorded. It was still raining on Wednesday.
LITHGOW.-The weather during the past two of three days has been very wintry, with heavy rain at intervals. On Tuesday morning 20? points were registered, and a further 7 points on Wednesday morning.
MITTAGONG.-Strong, bleak winds, .accompanied by continuous rainfall, have been experienced since
Sunday night. There were also several falls of snow to a depth of 10 inches on the adjacent range and
hillsides. Four hundred and three points of rain have been registered from Sunday night to 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The minimum temperature was 33, and maximum 41. It was still raining heavily at 5 p.m. on
Wednesday.
SINGLETON.-Cold showery .weather has prevailed since Monday, with no signs of clearing. Nearly 12
inches of rain has fallen during the past six weeks. This is proving one of 'the wettest winters on record,
and the ground is in a sodden condition. The wet weather has greatly delayed sowing and cultivation, while the bitterly cold conditions and rain are curtailing the milk supply. Owing to the rain of the past three days many creeks are uncrossable.
WEST MAITLAND.-Showery weather has prevailed for the past three days, and the river is up high. Wallis and Fishery - Creeks are bank-high, and overflowing through breaches in the embankments on the adjacent farms, which still remained submerged since the late flood,
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After the rain came floods, fortunately not severe in the Hunter Valley though other areas were inundated. June 2011
All photos in this weather segment were taken in June 2011.
Local History
The old Pender and Foster’s Mill, Pitnacree, East Maitland, shown with the road to the new Harry Boyle Bridge over the Hunter River being built in front of it. Elephants were once used to move heavy logs in the mill yard.
Would you like to learn more about local history or your family history? Here are two links you might like to follow up:
Maitland & District Genealogical Society Inc.
At the Maitland Heritage Centre, Mounted Police Barracks,17 Lindesay Street, East Maitland 2320
Postal: PO Box 247, Maitland. 2320
Contact: mdgs01@tpg.com.au
Phone: (02) 4937 5301 (AH)
Maitland Historical Society
Address: 3 Cathedral Street, Maitland
Phone: 0438 623 299
Postal: PO Box 333, Maitland. NSW 2320
Health
Campbell’s Hill Orphanage - Function at Orphanage - A very happy time was spent at the Orphanage, Campbell's Hill on Saturday afternoon by the children. The occasion was a fancy dress frolic organised by Mrs. M. Heuston, Mr.s W. Keating and Mr.s Nance O 'Neill and a committee. Ir was pleasing to watch the youngsters, some of them very small indeed, enjoying themselves dancing, for their costumes on the whole, were excellent. Prizes were given for the best costumes, and the judge, Mrs. J. O'Neill had a difficult task. The winners were: Girls first prize Mary Hartigan "A Bride", second Iris Gulnane, "Ballet Dancer". Boys: Ollie Jennings, "Bubbles", In response to the call of the committee, plenty of refreshemnts were donated and were retailed. The funds of the church debt account will materially benefit by the venture. Maitland Mercury 23 August 1920
Christy - Inquest - An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Court House, Morpeth, before the District Mr. A. Vindin, touching the death of an infant, aged 3 months, son of C. Christy, who died on the morning of the 3rd instant, at the parents' residence Northumberland Street. The following Jury was empanelled, Messrs. M. Casey, H. House, G. Mainwaring, J. O'Neill, E. Whyte, P. Gallagher, F. Kearse, W. Munt, J. Quinn (foreman), J. Wright. Evidence from the mother was that the child had been sickly for some time. Dr., Alcorn proved that the child had not been ill-treated in any way. The jury brought in a verdict in accordance with this testimony. Morpeth Times Thursday March 5th 1885
Clarine Private Hospital
It appears that the history of the Clarine Hospital may extend back to the Primitive Methodist building of a chapel, which may have fronted onto Michael Street, the foundation stone was laid in 1858, and served as a chapel until it was closed due to dwindling numbers in the 1870's. It appears that the Chapel now was known as the Clarine Hall and also that the house now known as Clarne or Clarina or Nurse Sawyer's hospital, must have had a close historical association with the old chapel. Source: Council Study of Bourke Street.
Property
Paint – Another Substitute for White Lead – As our readers know, of late years many attempts have been made to produce some light-coloured substance, which shall answer to mix with paint colours, instead of white lead – principally because the white lead is considered injurious to health. Some of these attempts have succeeded well and sell largely. Another substance has lately been brought forward – styled plumbate of zinc. It is a natural mixture of zinc and lead, found (intimately compounded) in some lead mines in New Jersey, United States. It is stated to be superior to white lead in several respects, it is cheaper, covers the ground with more perfection, the same weight will cover more surface, it will wear longer in outside work, and it does not blacken or discolour as quickly when exposed to certain common gases. The Maitland Mercury Thursday 8 April 1869
Cader Idris – To Let, for five or seven years, the Estate of Cader Idris, at present tenanted by Mr. Thomas Connelly, on the Alyn River, containing 1000 acres, well adapted for a dairy or sheep run, being only eight miles from the township of Paterson, where two steamers ply weekly. There are from 60 to 100 acres under cultivation. Apply to Messrs. Mullen and Colquroun, Solicitors, Maitland. 27th September 1866. Maitland Mercury 3 November 1866.
Campbell's Hill, Named after Patrick Frederick Campbell who had five acres on the hill., News Pictorial Castle Forbes, A small agricultural settlement on the Hunter River, near Singleton., Basch: Atlas of the Settled Counties RSF919.44/ BAS 1.1B 23.10.1985.
Cedar Arm, Early name for the Paterson River.Probably originated due to the fact that the cedar cutters working in the area would camp along the river. NM 10.07.1975.
Cedar Brush, Early name for West Maitland., Hanna,C: Bandits on the Great North Road.
Business
Campbell, Mr. James, formerly of Morpeth - Mr. James Campbell, well known in the mercantile circles, having carried on extensive transactions both in the Maitland and Northern districts, and latterly in Sydney, is leaving the colony in the La Hogue, which is expected to sail on Thursday (tomorrow). Mr. Campbell, who was in the Commission of the Peace, yesterday resigned his commission preparatory to leaving for Europe. - Empire of Wednesday. Maitland Mercury 18 January 1862
Campbell, M. M. – Wool – The Undersigned is a Cash Purchaser of this season’s Clip, or will make advances on the same, consigned to his correspondents in London. M. M. Campbell, Cloth Manufactory, Sussex-street, Sydney. Maitland Ensign Wednesday 22 January 1862
Capper, E. P. & Sons, Ltd. – General Merchants and Direct importers – ironmongery, Crockery, Glasswear, Electroplate, Cutlery, Floor Coverings and Furniture, etc., West Maitland. Maitland Mercury 1 January 1919.
Carrabola - Mr. S. L. Gardner, MHR, has been informed by the Deputy-Director Posts and Telegrqphs, with reference to a communication from Mr. D. D. Crowley, Carrabolla, Upper Paterson, relative to the establsihment of a telephone office at Carrabolla, that the request has received consideration, and approval has been given to construct the line between Lostock and Carroblooa to enable telephone facilities to be established at the latter place under the name of Carrabolla. Maitland Mercury 16 April 1927
Cavalier, L. - -Optician – Visits to Maitland regularly, and can be consulted at Mr. Armstrong’s Dental Rooms, High-street, West Maitland, first Wednesday each month. Next visit January 7, 1934. Maitland Mercury, either last week of December 1933 or first week of January 1934
Cultural
Cadet Welfare - The East Maitland Citizens' Cadet Welfare Committee met in the council chambers last evening. Sergeant -Major Forsyth presided and announced apologies from the Mayor (Alderman Porter), Captain J. J. Fernon, and Alderman and Mrs. A. S. Foster. The secretary reported that all arrangements in connection with the euchre party and dance were finalised. On the motion of Miss Thompson and Mr. G. Geary, sen., it was decided that the secretary be instructed to forward a letter to Captain Fernon expressing the committee's sympathy with him in his present illness, and at the same time to convey the committee's wishes for his speedy recovery to good health. Maitland Mercury, Wednesday 25 August 1920
Challiner, Doris, as the result of a children’s concert held at her parents’ residence, High-street West Maitland, has handed one pound one shilling to the Ambulance Building Fund. Maitland Mercury, 26 July 1927
Champley, Miss Melba, who sang “Salam” with wonderful effect at the Masonic Ball , wore a beautiful Eastern frock, which added charm to the decorations of the Oriental staircase, from which she sang. Miss Champley made and designed her frock, and won first prize recently at the Palais Royal in Sydney. Maitland Mercury, 26 July 1927
Maitland Identities
Browne, Mr. J. – After a long illness, Mr. James Browne of West Maitland, died in hospital last evening. Just over twelve months ago he entered a Sydney hospital, where his leg was amputated, and when he returned home from there it was thought his illness would prove fatal in a few weeks. But for the greater part of the time since then he was able to get about and it was less than a fortnight ago that he went to the Maitland Hospital. Mr. Browne, who was 50years of age, was born at Ravensfield. He was the youngest of a family of thirteen, of whom ten survive. Included in these are Mr. Thomas Browne, of West Maitland and Mrs. M. Scobie of Oakhampton. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Browne, opened the Ravensfield quarries. The late Mr. J. Browne worked with his brother, Mr. Thomas Browne, who carries on the business of a monumental mason. He leaves four children - Thomas, Marie, Alex, and Audrey – the eldest of whom is 15, and great sympathy will be felt for them, as it is only three months since their mother died. The funeral left the Presbyterian Church this afternoon for the East Maitland cemetery. Maitland Mercury 26 July 1927
Callaghan - Thomas J. - Pioneers Death - The death of Mr. Thomas Joseph Callaghan, which occurred at his residence in Hunter-street, West Maitland, shortly before midnight on Monday, has removed on of the oldest natives of the district. He was the last member of the family of the late Mr. John Callaghan, who was one of the real pioneers of these parts. The latter arrived in Sydney from Great Britain in May 1828, in the 450 tons sailing vessel, Alexander Henry. Accompanying him was the family of the late Captain Hungerford, to Sydney, celebrated his 100th birthday a fortnight ago.
Mr. T. J. Callaghan was taken ill on Thursday night last and pneumonia supervened, and resulted in his death. He was a wonderful man in many respects and up to the end retained his faculties. His memory was most retentive, and he had a clear recollection of happenings in the district up to three-quarters of a century ago. He was born on July 26, 1836, in High-street West Maitland, in premises now occupied by A. S. Meehan and Co., but which were then the Settlers' Arms Inn, of which his father was the licensee. His father built the premises next the fire station, first known as the Plough Inn, later as the Tattersall's Hotel and more recently as the Trocadero boarding house. It was licensed for nearly 80 years, the greatest part of the time being held by the Callaghan family. Mr. T. J. Callaghan, himself was one who held the license. Previously, he was in the Metropolitan Hotel for 17 years, the Homeville and Courthouse Hotels. He retired from Tattersall's Hotel 14 years ago, since when he had lived in retirement in Hunter-street. During the whole of his life of 89 years he lived in or near Maitland. In his earlier days, Mr. Callaghan conducted farming and cattle-dealing at Fishery Creek. He was a noted horseman and recognised as a great judge of cattle. In direction his services were greatly sought after, not only in these parts but further north and in the north-west. He was a great supporter of his church and, although not taking an active part in the management of the societies associated with it, they could rely on his sympathy and assistance. He was also keenly interested in the work of assisting in recording the early history of Maitland. Having such a clear memory, he proved a great source of information, and he delighted in talking of old times.
Shortly after their arrival in Sydney, his parents came to these parts. They acquired property here and on areas which now form part of the Maitland coalfields. Parts of these in later years became the town of Abermain and Weston Soldiers' Settlements. A farm near East Greta has been held by members of the Callaghan family for nearly 100 years. He leaves two sons and one daughter - Messrs Harry and Fred and Miss Mary Callaghan. His wife died some 14 years ago. The funeral took place on Wednesday, leaving his late residence in Hunter-street, West Maitland, for St. John's Cathedral, thence to the Campbell's Hill Cemetery. The interment was made in the family vault. Rev. Father Coady officiated and when leaving the Cathedral Mrs. McGrath played the Dead March. The chief mourners were: Mr. Harry Callaghan, son, Messrs. Alfred and Arthur Callaghan, nephews, Mr.Messrs. Jack and Harry Callaghan, T. Skinner, J. Lucas, B. Bickerton, grandsons, Messrs. George Thomas and E. Cameron. Wreaths were forwarded by friends and relatives, and many messages of sympathy were also received. Maitland Mercury 29 August 1925.
Sport
Cricket – Vacy Cricket Club V Oakhampton Cricket Club – A team of Oakhampton cricketers left Maitland on Saturday last, the 5th instant, to play a match at Vacy, of which the following is a brief report: We started from Maitland about seven o’clock a.m., in one of Mr. Watson’s large and comfortable ‘buses, drawn by two pairs of horses. The morning was cold and foggy, but which soon passed away; and the glorious sun rising over the eastern hills, and shining down on the meadows beneath, and the scattered farms, with their crops of green Lucerne and golden corn, presented a most beautiful picture; and there was every appearance of a pleasant day, at the close of which it proved to be. Although the drive was a long one, it was a very pleasant one, and we were not long in reaching the spot, where we spent a most enjoyable day. We met with every kindness from our opponents, who went first to the wickets, and were all disposed of for 53 runs. At the close of our first innings, which finished for 59 runs, it being then about one o’clock, we adjourned to the residence of one of the members of the Vacy Cricket Club (Mr. Clarke), where we sat down, not to a luncheon, as one might expect on such an occasion, but to a fest, and received every attention from the ladies of the house. Shortly after dinner we all again returned to the cricket field, the Vacy men going to the wickets, and showed, as may be seen by the scores, they benefited by their short absence from the field. Time being called before the second innings was finished, it was decided in favour of the Oakhampton Club by the first innings. We arrived safely back in Maitland about eight p.m., all hands thoroughly delighted with their day’s pleasure.. Maitland Mercury circa 10 May 1883.
Cricket – On Friday and Saturday next two well-known junior metropolitan teams will visit West Maitland, and meet a team representing the Albion C. C. on the Albion Ground, play commencing at 11 a.m. each day. The match on Friday will be against the Surry United C. C., and on Saturday against the Ivanhoe C. C. Both clubs will be strongly represented. The following will represent the local team: Norman, Lipscomb, McGilnchy, Bowden, Cummins, Waddy, Giles, Hadley, McCaffery, J. Sivyer, H. Sivyer, Lindsay 12, Onus 13 – The following team will represent the Pearl C. C. at Tamworth durin the hilidays: - H. Tegg, W. Moore, J. Kerrigan, G. Moore, P. Guilfoyle, L. Moore, B. Pryor, T. Moore, G. Brunker, A. Howitt, and D. Pryor. Maitland Mercury 23 December 1890.
Religious
St. Patrick’s Total Abstinence Society - In December 1843 St. Patrick’s Total Abstinence Society, East Maitland, met to have a grand tea party in the new court house. At about seven o’ clock members of the society assembled at the Catholic school-room and about half past seven upwards of 150 members accompanied by Rev. Mr. Mahony, their president and preceded by a band, walked in procession to the court-house.
Maitland Mercury excerpts found in “Maitland in the Media” 1841 - 1845 compiled by Barbara Brown
St. John’s Young Mens’ Society – Picnic at Lochinvar – The members and friends of St. John’s Young Men’s Society assembled in large numbers on Monday at their rendezvous near the railway station at Lochinvar, to commemorate the anniversary of the colony by the enjoyment of a social picnic. On the ground was erected a large booth for the accommodation of dancing parties, who thronged thither in groups bearing along with them sundry baskets &c., groaning under the weight of some of the good things of this world, which are intended to be speedily transferred to another region when the hilarious and exhilarating amusements of the day would have given their owners a suitable appetite. Various field sports were heartily engaged in during the day, and at intervals the enlivening strains of music were kept in requisition by those who preferred to join in the merry mazes of the dance, which was agreeably diversified by every variety, even of the most refined , for the waltz to the good old Irish hornpipe , country dance, jig and reel, all of which were duly honoured and done justice to. The company did not separate until the shades of evening warned them to pick up their treaps and prepare to meet the “iron horse” which brought them all safe on shore at the West Maitland station. Thus was spent a happy day by those who were present, and by none more so than the Very Rev. Dean Lynch, who remained on the ground until all was over. Maitland Mercury 29 January 1862.
Earth Sciences
Latest World Earthquakes
Lunar eclipse: stargazers treated to spectacular 'blood red' moon
Known Floods in Brisbane
Northern Lights
Scientists predict rare solar hibernation
Solar snooze Solar experts believe the familiar sunspot cycle may be shutting down and heading toward a pattern of inactivity unseen since the 17th century.
Australiana
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| Grazing The Long Paddock |
Lively Bush Wedding – The writer (in a contemporary) was once present at a bush wedding celebration where there was some genuine amusement. The bridegroom was a stockman and the tenement for the habitation of the happy couple was only a two-roomed slab affair with bark roof, but that made no difference to the happy couple or the numerous guests, some of whom came 50 miles to the spree and who kept up the merriment for 10 days disposing of 10 gallons of rum, a box of tea, a case of assorted spirits, a bride cake, numerous rounds of beef, hams, poultry, pigs and other accessories. There was dancing every night and all night to the music of a constant screamer, and at daylight all hands retired to rest on the bank of the creek under bough gunyas; the females had their camp up the creek and the males some distance down the creek; our party had a quartz claim some four miles distant, and gave the affair best after two days’ and nights; amusement, and returned to work. It was a unique style of celebration, not a coat in the crowd, no ceremony nor civilization fixings, and it is doubtful if a happier or merrier party gathered together, despite the lack of nuptial settlements, ancestral halls or fashionable toggery. Both men and women were bush bred, and a fine, handsome, strapping lot. That was something like a wedding spree! The Morpeth and East Maitland Want 20 May 1899.
They Came on Ships From a Far Land Across The Sea
Who were these people who suddenly arrived on the shores of Australia and why did they come? James Hugh Donohoe BA, Dip. FHS in his “Stories and Tales of the Transported Convicts”, gives us an explanation.
Below is a list of countries and places our convicts came from, if you would like to learn more about them and individual stories, they may be found on a set of microfiche kept at the Maitland & District Genealogical Society which is open at the Police Barracks, Lindsay Street, East Maitland (Old Maitland Gaol Precinct), each Wednesday and Saturday.
You may notice that convicts from South Australia, Van Diemens Land and Western Australia are mentioned in the list, the law at the time stated that c convict had to be sent ‘across the sea’, if they offended again, to satisfy the law they had to be sent across the sea to another penal settlement to satisfy the requirements of the law.
There were 72 places outside of Britain and Ireland from where the convicts had been convicted and transported.
The list includes:
Amboyna, Antigua, Bahamas, Batavia;, Bengal, Berbice, Bermuda, Bombay, Burma,
Calcutta, Cape of Good Hope, Cawpore, Channel Islands, Corfu, Demarara,
Domenica, England, France, Gibralta, Grenada, Guardelupe, Guinea, Honduras,
Hyderabad, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jamacia, Lower Canada, Madras, Malta, Manilla,
Mauritius, Messina, Monserratt, Naserabad, Nevis, New Brunswick, Newfoundland,
New South Wales, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, Pondicherry, Portugal, Prince of
Wales Island, St. Christopher, St. Eustacius, St. Helena, St. Jago, St. Kitts,
St. Vincents, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South Australia, Spain, Tobago,
Trinidad, Tunis, Upper Canada, Van Diemens land, Virgin Islands, Wales, Western Australia.
The nationalities of the convicts covered 120 countries or places and there were over 60 different cultural, religious or racial groups among them. There was a Pigmy, an Eskimo, 30 slaves, 93 Prisoners of War, a French saboteur, 1,000 Jews, possibly as many as 800 Hugenots (French Protestants), Palatines (German Protestants from Catholic States), three Chinese, a Filipino, 300 Negroes, seven Arabs, three South American Indians, a Lebanese, a Persian, an Iraqui, an Egyptian, 56 French Canadian Rebels, an hundred Luddites (English factory workers who broke their machines to gain improved working conditions), Chartists who were fighting for social reforms, 20,000 Irish land reformers, Trade Unionists, and seven Greek pirates.
In other words, we have been a multicultural country since the First Fleet!
Extract from A Country childhood
Bush Hazards
Storms
Of course, there were interesting adventures along with these cyclones. When the weather was too wild, whatever children were in existence at the time were not allowed in the dairy at milking times. I remember on one of these mornings standing watching the lightning at Dad and Mum’s bedroom window in the old house, when a big red ball of lightning rolled from the electricity wires at the dairy to the connection at the house, I was so fascinated watching it that it never occurred to me until much later that it had the potential to be dangerous. Another morning I was standing at the back door watching a landslide (we didn’t miss one, if we could help it) , trees descending majestically while remaining upright, rocks rolling everywhere, when a very large rock broke away and came bounding down the hill, right in line for the kitchen door. I remember thinking that at that speed it could do some damage, and was deciding whether to move or not and mentally checking where my sister was at that moment, when it hit a soft patch of soil and slowed considerably. It ended up about 50 yards from the house.
Our storms can be interesting too. You could tell when there would be an afternoon storm, you could feel it in the air of a morning, you would watch for the first small white puff of cloud around midday which would gradually increase, cloud by cloud until the great thunderheads built up, mass upon mass. Then there would be sheet lightning through the clouds which, as the storm came closer, would develop into streaks of lightning, sometimes it was the horizontal chain lightning, others the vertical chain lightning, often with many branching. I used to stand at the windows of the little verandah off the spare bedroom and watch this wonderful display to the south. As the storm came closer and the wind picked up, things became wilder, then the rain started to fall, a white sheet way down the valley, finally as far as Uncle Joe’s, then to the road and whoosh it was around you! You would watch until it became dangerous to stay exposed because the display was so fascinating. We could always tell when the storm was going to be very bad, the cattle sheltered on the northern side of the house and whoever could, fitted in the outside loo (was also a favourite place for them and the chooks during cyclones, much preferred them to the frogs on summer nights). One fierce storm, my sister and I had been sent up to the house , the brave dogs came with us, we were all lying on the floor of Dad and Mum’s bedroom, watching the storm, when this great crack of lightning struck, it was enormous, shaped like the Amazon River, as one, dogs and us slid back under the bed and all sat looking at each other in the gloom. An arm off that lightning struck the yard heater, which Dad was in the act of turning on and gave him an electrical surprise.
Snakes
Mention must be made of the snake kingdom: brown and green tree snakes - one poor brown tree snake received an awful fright on day, I was walking a narrow track from the base of the cliff to the top of the hill, looking for a cow and not taking much notice of the track, suddenly there was a great rustling at my, for once rubber-booted feet, I jumped, it came with me and a rudely awakened snake and I were aerial dancing - it recovered first and disappeared at great speed down into the scrub, no doubt by this time we were as wide wake as each other - by the way, the cow was found. Another day, on another part of the hill, I watched as snake rubbed itself up against a rock to remove its old skin, to this time I had only seen the discarded skins.
One summer night, I walked out the lounge room door (probably to avoid having the green frogs jump on me as I walked up the kitchen path, because the blighters on that side were sitting on the pipe from the tank waiting for the beetles to fly by and I could see them coming if they jumped, on the other side they were on the roof gutter, out of sight), as I was stepping onto the sandstone step, I narrowly avoided what I thought was the ironing cord, making a note to pick it up on my return - grumbling about the laziness of some people and why they would leave it there. The purpose of the walk accomplished, I returned to pick it up - it had disappeared! - all cords were in their place; no one had picked it up - my one encounter with a juvenile brown snake.
Some of our birds
In summer there were always the swallows who built their nest on the eastern side of the dairy under the eaves, we would watch for their coming and watch the nest being built of compacted mud which was drawn from the soakage from the dairy. This nest was then lined with feathers from the fowl house and all was ready for the eggs. Duly, the babies hatched and the parents were busy feeding them with the insects around the cow yards. Willy-wag-tails also used these facilities but built their nest in a tree nearby and had the added diet to ticks from the cattle.
The cockspur bushes next to the gum tree at the western end of the dairy housed the nests of blue wrens and redheads; they also had another colony in the cockspur bushes near the old shed. Over from the rosellas near the bottom cane paddock, there is a cartwheel tree and some sallow wattles where a colony of frogmouths lived. They were totally unafraid and would let you come very close to them, if you didn’t know they were there you would never have seen them because they were the same colour as the wattle bark with similar markings and the only thing to give them away would be the blink of an eye. One day, on my way up the hill, I was lucky enough to see a mistletoe bird eating the berries, I was standing only two feet away when it landed and started to eat, I didn’t dare move and hardly dared to breathe while I watched it. It has a very specialised job to do; the mistletoe seeds are transported to other host trees by this bird. With the autumn came the tomtits, groundlarks, robins, scissors grinders, turtle doves and Hoppy the spoonbill who returned every autumn for seventeen years. Flocks of greenleek parrots were flying over on their way north. Clouds of swifts would fly through on their way to the northern hemisphere, we would see them fly back again in the spring. We were right under a migratory path. At any time of year, flocks of birds circling restlessly instead of going about their business, was a sign of some very nasty weather on the way.
Our little ground larks used to nest beside the lane every autumn. The same spot every time. I used to sit and watch them at this time as often the cows were let eat the grass in the lane for a little extra feed before they lost their milk for winter and were pastured in the hill paddock for winter where there was no frost and they prepared for calving in spring. The interesting thing was that the cows never ate the grass around the ground lark’s nest, leaving her plenty of shelter. She never minded us looking at her and her babies, either.
Quail were common up on the hill, you would hear them but rarely ever see them. They concealed themselves so well that you could hear them beside you while you cleared the pineapples of weeds with the Dutch hoe and they caught any little insects you disturbed but you never ever saw one. Pineapples were planted in a double row about 18 inches apart so the plants could support each other, the Dutch hoe would be first run down the access area between the double rows, then through the centre of the double rows (the quail would be running down the outside catching whatever you disturbed in the centre row).
Granny’s Eye View
“May you always have enough.” An old Irish blessing which in this day and age is quite thought provoking.
I remember older members of the family stating firmly that to be comfortable you don’t need to own the biggest house or the most expensive motor car or whatever, as long as you are comfortable and it suits your needs, it is enough. Today, we are bombarded from all quarters that we must upgrade whatever we have, whereas while I was growing up, you didn’t buy a new item until the old one expired and then you expected it to remain in good working order for a respectable working life – my parents first washing machine lasted thirty years doing yeoman service. Presently, you are lucky if one survives ten years and if it does you are still urged to upgrade because it doesn’t have the energy efficiency of newer models.
Why all this frantic advertising to come and buy? Surely all these sales must mean that a firm has grossly overpurchased and that you are expected to help them cover their mistake. Gran always used to say that if something has to be advertised, there must be something wrong with it, word of mouth is enough. Perhaps we are being encouraged to constantly buy to keep others in the comfort to which they aspire.
On the lighter side, having read in a recent Sunday newspaper that womens handbags are worth a considerable sum, perhaps even being worthy of insuring, a handbag was quoted as being worth $300 with some thousands worth of contents.
An entry from “My Mother’s Times” collated by Mary Murray states that a competition idea for your church bazaar could be “Ask the ladies to empty their handbags and count each item, the prize going to the one with the fewest items. Tallies may be as high as 140; so you can award the booby prize, too”
This brings me to my own handbag which seems to be increasing in weight at an alarming rate, so much so, that I had thoughts of a gnome surfing along inside in great comfort. Perhaps I had better investigate.
Here are the results of my search - medical essentials, notebook, small hair brush, glow in the dark eyeball, mobile phone, leather gloves (forty years old and in excellent condition), two Bic propelling pencils, three impressive sets of keys, small phial of lavender oil, one eye loupe, change purse, wallet. Not as dreadful as I thought it was going to be. With the removal of some old dockets and unused plastic cards there is some small weight difference. I think I see why little old ladies with handbags and or walking sticks are a danger to burglars and thieves! May I always have enough in my handbag to serve my needs and not have to worry about how much it needs to be insured for.
Stop the merry-go-round, I want to get off! There are many things in this world that are more valuable than money – watching your children and grandchildren grow up, having time with family, enjoying your pets, engaging in hobbies and interests and watching the wonders of nature. These are the really important items in life.
May there always be enough time to enjoy that which is around us that no amount of money can buy.
Technogranny
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