CHAPTER VIII. AUSTRALIA.-SYDNEY. Departure from Connobolas-Early beginning of troubles-Hasty adieusSolitary ride to Bathurst-Mr. W-Intentions of Government as regards the settlers-The bush on fire-Wardrobe for a bushman-Joined by my son- -The Sydney mail-The preacher-Scenery on the Paramatta River-Sydney-Meeting with a messmate-Ships for England-Homeward routes-Interview with the Governor, Sir George Gipps-His policy -Sir Thomas M. Brisbane-The assignment system-Anniversary of the founding of the colony-Fatal accident-Sydney newspapers-A Scotch party-The route to Britain by India-St. James's Church-Fire at Connobolas-Arrival of despatches from the English Government-Concessions to the colony-Land funds-The right of pre-emption-Assessment of stock in 1840-The wool trade-Visit to Windsor-The River Hawkesbury-Richmond—A rural cottage-Visit to Mr. of C-Roads-Campbeltown-Drunkenness-Irish colonists-The house and domain at C-Australian wines-The cow pastures-The Messrs. Mc -Foundation of the wool trade in New South Wales-Grants of land to the Mc family-Probable value of their estates-Return to Sydney-Intense heat. 13th January.-THE time had at length arrived for my departure from the mountains of Connobolas. It is always painful to part with those we love, even for a short period; it may well be imagined, therefore, that it was with no blithe heart that I prepared for a journey that was to separate me for so long a time from my sons. I left this beautiful retreat yesterday, accompanied by both of them. My eldest son was to proceed with me to 236 DEPARTURE FROM THE BUSH. Sydney; James and one of the shepherds attended us to help in pushing the heavily-laden gig over the trackless hills, until we reached the main path, by which plan we should save several miles. We had gone but a short way when the horse, which was in bad condition, and chafed in withers and neck, showed symptoms of restiveness, and soon very decidedly renounced all intention of proceeding, backing instead of pulling-a very general trick among the horses of Australia. This gibbing continued for the first seven miles, during which we had perpetually to push at the wheels and to hang him twice—as tightening a cord round his neck until he gives in, is termed. At last, when every means of persuasion failed, I resolved to walk the next seven miles to Peisley's. Here I arrived after great fatigue, from the broiling heat and sandy roads, and fortunately induced Mr. P to take a horse and assist my youths in their dilemma. They did not arrive until one o'clock, after having been seven hours accomplishing fourteen miles; and it was too late for us to proceed. We found my young friend, the brother of Mrs. B, of Boree, waiting here for us, as I had offered him a seat in my gig to Sydney. We staid all night at this excellent inn. Last evening ALast evening A left us here and rode home to forward horses, that we might not be detained in the morning. This was indeed a most illomened commencement of my journey homeward. This morning I left Peisley's at nine, and reached Bathurst at six. I left the Australian and Master Dto try the gig once more. They have not yet arrived, so that I fear they have again had to contend with the temper of my once powerful and willing "Whiteface." In pursuing my solitary way, I was glad occasionally to see one of the large wool drays, with eight bullocks, moving along, and giving PROSPECTS OF THE COLONY. 237 got life to the otherwise lifeless woods. On the road I into conversation with a gentleman, whom I found to be the Mr. W who had such a wonderful escape of his life on the Darling. He is a very fearless, resolute man, and seems to make extremely light of perils and privations that would have destroyed most persons. He was three days without water. His men rebelled, threatened, and at last lay down to die. But his moral resolution and courage saved them and himself. He describes the sensation of thirst as dreadful: at first, parchedness, so that you can scarce move the tongue; then a raking sensation in the stomach; dizziness; and lastly, dead sickness; while the tongue hangs out, black and convulsed. Mr. Wis an intelligent man: he is one of those who are not very sanguine about the resuscitation of the colony; and assuredly, if what is reported be true, the authorities seem resolved, if they can, to prevent it. By the present assessment, the settler pays upon each sheep three-halfpence : some say that this year the assessment will be doubled; others that it will be as much as ninepence a sheep. One thousand cattle require in Australia as much country as six thousand sheep, and yet the assessment for a bullock is only threepence. If the assessment be raised, the wool would hardly pay for this impost, in addition to the licences and expenses, even in good times; but at present it would be impossible. The minds of almost all in this country are filled with fear and evil foreboding; and I am persuaded government will never act so unadvisedly as to aim such a deadly blow at its welfare as this. For a great part of my way to-day betwixt Peisley's and Guyon, the bush was on fire on both sides of the dray track. Under the best circumstances, it is but a disagreeable place for a stranger to travel in, and dismally lonely; but when on fire, it is indeed horrible. The heat of the sun, and the glare of the glowing trees and grass, are scorching; and the fear that the wind may alter and send the flames raging around you, is anything but pleasant. Orders were sent from Downing-street, not long ago, to inflict a heavy punishment upon those that kindled the bush. Those who gave these orders were probably not aware that in most cases the bush takes fire spontaneously; and that here, as in other countries, the conflagration is followed by the production of a sweeter and more nutritive herbage. Some idea of the inconveniences resulting from the difficulty and uncertainty of communication here, may be formed from the fact that my heavy baggage, after two months, has not yet arrived from Sydney: but I suppose it is en route, and may meet me on my way thither, or may pass me on some of the drays for this place! The packages I had with me, my desk, &c., are in the gig, thirty-six miles behind me, with every probability of their being left there; and with me I have nothing!-a more destitute wight, I fancy, could not well be found.* I mentioned that I would give a list of the equipment necessary for a voyage to this country, and for a residence in the bush. I consider the following list ample. That a youth may not have to break into his capital on his arrival, it is perhaps as well that the whole should be got in Britain: but there are some articles just as cheap in Sydney : 50 shirts-30 of cotton check, and 20 of white cotton, for dress.-The whole ought to be cotton. 10 cotton night-shirts, and caps. 32 pairs cotton socks. 5 flannel jackets-2 of them with sleeves, in case of rheumatism. 4 pairs strong boots; 4 do. do. shoes. 1 pair slippers, for ship-board. 10 pairs trousers-5 striped duck, 5 white duck. 1 coat, vest, and pair trousers of warm woollen check, for high latitudes. I dress suit-coat, vest, and trousers, for Sydney-and 5 cotton jackets. 2 black silk neckerchiefs. 2 broad black ribbons for the neck, which are generally worn. 6 vests-3 white, 3 coloured. 10 pocket handkerchiefs-8 coloured, 2 white silk. 3 pair leather gaiters, ankle-high. 1 hair mattress, and 2 hair pillows. 1 hammock, or I passed this day with Capt. R―, whom I had known at Boree. He has a very pretty homestead and property, three or four miles from Bathurst, with a very fine garden, where grapes and all sorts of luxuries grow. The Australian and his young companion joined me this morning, having, as I expected, been obliged to leave the gig with my goods and chattels at Peisley's. Whiteface had again fairly declined business in that line, so young D-mounted him, and, with my son on his own horse, rode over to me. After spending a very agreeable day, Captain Rdrove me here in time for the mail, to which, in default of my own conveyance, I am obliged to have recourse to carry me to Sydney. I was much concerned at the hurried farewell I had taken of A- on the public road, in the midst of our calamities at Peisley's; but such flogging, and hanging, and disagreeable work as we had gone through, put us all beside ourselves. Back again I was resolved not to go: forward I could not get; and, in the annoyances encircling us, I had to say adieu. But it is not in the power of place or circumstances to diminish the affection of parent and child, where justly and deeply rooted: and after all, perhaps, abrupt separations are the best. 15th.-I and young D left Bathurst in that most villanous of machines, the Sydney mail; and, after a terrible shaking, we at last reached his destination, B—, where we put him down. At the inn at the Water of Lett, a singular looking person joined us in the mail, and wicker sofa. For those who are sickly, the sofa is preferable. 8 sheets— narrow. 8 pair slips. 30 towels. 3 blankets, and a small white cotton quilt. 1 schoolboy's Scotch bonnet. No plate of any kind should ever be taken to the bush; but a small canteen of Berlin metal, containing knife, fork, spoon, cups, plates, tea, sugar, and cream-pot, is useful and portable. |