Fix this text
ARMIDALE’S EARLY SETTLEMENT
Fix this textTHE hr*t faint i(iiminer mg* of the dawn of
Fix this textArmidale** « x stence in 1839 baa ushered in
Fix this textby the arrival of Commimionei M Donald, the
Fix this textfirst official r. preaentative of t.ie Government
Fix this textwho made his habitat on the plain row known a* the
Fix this textEast End Park, where h. eatab! died his lo ad
Fix this textquarters From thia foc us iadiat»d the admin stra
Fix this texttiv<« control of the Government, and the administra-
Fix this texttion of law and order consequent on the eetabliah-
Fix this text»”» nt of civilised society The sparaeneaa of settle-
Fix this text•'•nt on t ie tableland can lie (leaned from the scat--
Fix this text■nd or station*.” im shown on Captain
Fix this textHam Itoi’* sketch-map the 6tat authentic evidence
Fix this text< i the la <1 occtipincy in the ucinity of Armidale in
Fix this textthe year 1839 The first official document on rec-
Fix this textord u» the port of ConimiaNoner M Donald, who
Fix this textnamed our < ity Armidale” after hi* birthplace in
Fix this text' 8 Time
Fix this text•hkh work* change* ha* cff<*<ted the change from
Fix this text. ily \rmi«iale to our pre* nt Armidale.
Fix this textPublished [?]
Fix this textJohn [?]
Fix this textIt will !»»• .seen that triuidale is not indicated on the < Map • t IN3‘.i the settlement probably received
Fix this textt t« name in the early forties.
Fix this textArmidale
Fix this textin 1859.
Fix this textReminiscences of Armidale.
Fix this textArmidale, from Jessie Street East, 1913.
Fix this text[By Joseph Scholes.]
Fix this textMY expert- not of Armidale and district dates
Fix this textfrom 1847. The village at that time- con
Fix this textaisted chiefly of Beardy-street, starting at
Fix this textAllingham's mill, and running west to
Fix this textMarsh-street, where it lost itself in the territory
Fix this textknown a* Armidale Plain. The r sc--course was
Fix this textlocated on this area. It was not then fenced, or
Fix this textotherwise improved, the "track" being indicated by
Fix this texta ploughed furrow, on the inner edge of which were
Fix this textset up substantial stringy bark poire Incidentally,
Fix this textit migl be mentioned that many a jockey had good
Fix this textreuse to remember the furlong posts on the old
Fix this textrace-track. Most people then attended the races on
Fix this texthorseback, but a few came along in drays, or spring
Fix this textrerta, the "motor” craze not having developed in
Fix this textthat early period The boy* who fancied their “nags”
Fix this texta bit, used to join in the race for the last quarter
Fix this text-f a inih . taking good rare to keep inside th-
Fix this textploughed track, for fear of Jimmy Daly’s whip
Fix this textJimmy Daly was always clerk of the course, and
Fix this textwhen mounted on his grey horse, "Hell-fire Jack”
Fix this textwielded hi* formidable stockwhip in a manner which
Fix this textalmost scared to death any of the lade who ventured
Fix this textto trespass on the race-track Alaa! poor Jim Daly--
Fix this texta better clerk of the course, or a more popular fellow.
Fix this textit would be haid to hid. He was killed by a fall
Fix this textnum a horse at Tenterfield later.
Fix this textTo ivsume my reference to the town prupei
Fix this textIh< Commissioner's quirU rs were then situated in
Fix this textwhat u» now East-end Pirk. There were a few house*
Fix this text'■-altered along the < rwk, which then comprised a
Fix this textfine chain of ponds. (Ju Siuu Hill (uot "Zion,” as
Fix this textnow written , there uasau hotel, known as The Inn.
Fix this textIt belonged to the lai. Major Lnuis, and was run
Fix this text> .. man named Brux, in the Major's interest,
Fix this textBruce being chosen for the position mainly because
Fix this texthe could play the bag-pipes, an "instrument” which
Fix this textn those days appeared to possess some particular
Fix this text< ha i m for the pioneer settler.
Fix this textThe blacks used to visit Armidale in goodly num
Fix this textIm rs m Ums** day*. But, alas! thanks to the
Fix this textcivilising” influence of the white race, they are now
Fix this textalmost a* extinct as tie Do-do. 1 remember vividly
Fix this texta big tight between the New England and the
Fix this textMac-'vay blacks. The tattle was fought in the scrub
Fix this textwhere the railway enpno-aheds uow stand. When
Fix this texti< I»aill- was uv< r, they sent for the lau- Dr.
Fix this textMaikham to attond th> victims of the conflict. The
Fix this textdoctor extract-d several inches of barbed spear from
Fix this textthe leg <>f of the table warriors be brought ths
Fix this textugly implement back to town and showed it to
Fix this textmyself and others on h.s return.
Fix this textFrom 1848 to 1851, things remained pretty well
Fix this textat a standstill, excepting that a few hundred acres
Fix this textround the town were .surveyed into farms, and offered
Fix this textat suction, when prices along the creek front*
Fix this textreached as hgh as from I'lo to £l2 per acre. Then,
Fix this textan erratic kind of person, known as "Native-dog
Fix this textJack,” or ‘ Dingo Jack,” jumped into the limelight.
Fix this textHe manage to git into Parliament, and, being a
Fix this textlive, brainy fellow, soon went to the front, was
Fix this textchosen Minister for Lands, and the result was the
Fix this textRobertson Land Act of I'<6l. The rush for land in
Fix this textsmall holdings caused the squatters of that period
Fix this textmuch anxious thought. They united in a scramble
Fix this textfor freeholds. The improvement clauses in the Land
Fix this textActs, and amendments of same, compelled certain
Fix this textimprovements, via., fencing, draining, ringbarking,
Fix this textetc., the result of which quickly became apparent, the
Fix this textland-holders -squatter and selector alike—in due
Fix this texttime appreciating that, with effective improvements,
Fix this textthe carrying capacity o- their holdings could be more
Fix this textthan doubled. The Sta eeman who brought this about
Fix this textwas the late Sir John Robertson, and well he de-
Fix this textserved the recognition of his great public career by
Fix this textthe Home authorities- His Land Act has been
Fix this textpersistently mutilated and its best intentions frus-
Fix this texttrated, hut still, beyond all doubt, he was the man
Fix this textwho made the country what it is to-day. The carry-
Fix this texting capacity of Australia has been more than doubled
Fix this textsince 1861. and is capable of being more than
Fix this textdoubled again. The man standing in the valley can
Fix this text<hily see to the top of the rise in front of him ; the
Fix this textman who wishes to see the country beyond the hill
Fix this textv.. t... r r
Fix this textup and saw.
Fix this textThe Churches in Armidale some years prior to
Fix this textthe Municipal incorporation, were three in number,
Fix this textvis., Roman Catholic, C hurch of England, and Pres-
Fix this textbyterian. Ihe Roman Catholic flock had as shepherds
Fix this textthe Reverend Fathers McCarthy and Dunn. The
Fix this textRev. Father M‘Carthy was familiarly known as
Fix this text"Father Tim,” and was, I consider, the most populai
Fix this textman in town He was everybody’s friend from the
Fix this textsmallest urchin in the gutter to the stateliest dame,
Fix this textho was Father Tim.” The Rev. Father Dunn was
Fix this text<»f a different temperament- stern and distant in his
Fix this textmanner, he did his duty, but did not make friends
Fix this textoutside his own |ieople. The Church of England was
Fix this textconducted by the Rev. H. Tincombe, and afterwards
Fix this textby the R- v. S. Hungerford, of whom I have a better
Fix this textrecollection of the latter. He was an earnest, con-
Fix this textstant worker, never shirked his duties, being ever
Fix this texton the move. Bad roads, flooded rivers, long and
Fix this texttiring rides, were by him regarded as being in the
Fix this textusual routine of a parson’s work. The Rev. Morrison
Fix this textlooked after the spiritual welfare of the Presby-
Fix this textterians, being followed by the late Rev. Thos. John-
Fix this textstone. Many of the present generation know Dr.
Fix this textJohnstone as an untiring, conscientious Minister.
Fix this textHe travelled early and late, long distances in fair
Fix this textweather and foul, you would meet him on his old
Fix this textbown horse, loaded up with saddle-bags and vans*,
Fix this textjaded and tired, but never a thought of self, "Duty,
Fix this text• ver Duty,” being his motto.
Fix this textEac' Churc’.i had its school. The R.C. School
Fix this textwas conducted by old "Jimmy” Harrington, the
Fix this text( nurch of Engl, nd by Edward Baker, the Presby-
Fix this textterian by Wtn. Ewins carried on in M'llveen’s work-
Fix this textshop, in Du mar *»q street.
Fix this texti tie mails were carried by the late John Gill, the
Fix this textmode of conveyance being pack-horses. All goods
Fix this textwire brought by uullock drays, the "roads” being
Fix this textunfit for home traffic. If you needed to visit Sydney,
Fix this textor Maitland, you had to ride on horseback, or travel
Fix this textwith the wool teams to Morpeth, thence by water t<<
Fix this textInev ; u. . as many preferred to do, ride all the
Fix this textway, via Wiseman’s Ferry.
Fix this textFirewood wa, supplied by a few wood-carters, but
Fix this textmost people drew it for themselves. The Armidale
Fix this textCreek supplied most of the water required, which
Fix this textwas drawn from a deep hole near Trim’s Bridge.
Fix this textI rim s Bridge and our deep pond are now both among
Fix this textthe "have-beens.”
Fix this textThe medical faculty was represented by the late
Fix this textDr. Markham, Dr. Smith, Dr. Brereton. and. later,
Fix this textby Drs. West anil Curran.
Fix this textMost of our flour came from Maitland. Potatxxw
Fix this texteach |ierson grew his own, or went without, as none
Fix this textwere grown for sale to the public. We used to have
Fix this texta saying. "This will lie a fine country when it’s fenced
Fix this textin Little did I think to over see it fenced in. But
Fix this textI have seen it. and the old saying is true- -it is a fine
Fix this textcountry, indeed, and I am proud of it.
Fix this textTn 1863, came the Municipality, and from then
Fix this textto now I leave to some later writer to tell of the
Fix this textmaking of Municipal history.
Fix this textNomination of Alderinen.
Fix this textSATI’RDAV, 26th DECEMBER. 1863.
Fix this textAt the nomination of candidate* for Municipal
Fix this texthonors on lureday !a*t, a show of hand* was taken,
Fix this textanJ resulted is follows: Messrs. Jackes .'lO,
Fix this textAllingham 29, Fitegerald 27, Moore 26, Trim 23,
Fix this textMiUis 20. Scholes 8, Bradshaw 18, Tysoe 12, MLean
Fix this text11 Schmidt 19, ar.d Rowsell 9. Mr. C. D. Fenwick
Fix this textacted as Returni ig Officer, and there were 200
Fix this textpersons present at the Court House.
Fix this textFirst Council Meeting.
Fix this texta a INL I ES of first Council meeting, held at th«
Fix this textf <»urt Holm Armidale, on Monday, th-
Fix this text111 fourth day of January, 1864 Present:—
Fix this textAldermen John Moore, Thomas Bryan Fitz-
Fix this textgtrald, Joan Trim, George Allingham, Franklin
Fix this textJaokre, and James Tysoe. Aiderman James Tysoe
Fix this textwas «-ailed to the (liair.
Fix this textProposed by Aiderman Moore, seconded by
Fix this textAiderman Trim, and carried unanimously, "That
Fix this textAlderman Allingham be Mayor.”
Fix this textGEORGE ALLINGHAM. Mayor.
Fix this textCouncil meeting, May 2nd, 1864
Fix this textPresent: The Mayor, Aldermen Moor.. Fitzgerald,
Fix this textly>oe, Schmidt, ami Trim.
Fix this textAiderman Schnidt was declared elected, vice
Fix this textAlderman Jackre, r-signed.
Fix this textThe Mayor read over the probable amount of
Fix this text• xpendituro required for the current year: Rent of
Fix this textChambers, £25; Town Clerk’s salary, £5O; Rate Col-
Fix this textlector, £2O: Assessor, £5O; liooks, stationery, etc..
Fix this text€69/13/6; cash due l ank, £35/6/6. Total. £250.
Fix this textAssessment of property in Municipality £347
Fix this textGovernment endowment £347
Fix this text£694
Fix this textD< ducting expenses £250
Fix this textWhich leaves £444
Fix this textTo Im- < xpendod on the roads
Fix this textMoved by Alderman Moore. M«c<mded by Aiderman
Fix this textTvsoe. In consequence of the very low valuation
Fix this textmade by th- Assessoi on improved property. that the
Fix this textate be 1/- in the £, collected half-yeany.”
Fix this textGBO ALLINGHAM Mayor
Fix this textArmidale’s First Municipal Council.
Fix this textNo Photograph was obtainable of Ald. T. B. Fitzgerald who was a member of the first Council
Fix this textand Mayor for two years.
Fix this textView of Beardy-street, from Falconer-street West. 1913.
Fix this textPresent Council of the Municipality of Armidale, 1913. (Ald. S. J. Kearney, Mayor.)
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
With your Trove account you can:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3416635970
National Library of Australia. (). Armidale's early settlement Retrieved March 13, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3416635970
National Library of Australia. Armidale's early settlement : , . Web. 13 March 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3416635970>
National Library of Australia. , Armidale's early settlement , viewed 13 March 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3416635970
{{Citation
| author1=National Library of Australia.
| title=Armidale's early settlement
| year=
| section=1 sheet : ill., map ; 56 x 43 cm.
| issue=168
| publisher=
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3416635970
| id=nla.obj-3416635970
| access-date=13 March 2025
| via=Trove
}}
Citations are automatically generated and may require some modification to conform to exact standards.
Select the images you want to download, or the whole document.
You can order a copy of this work from Copies Direct.
Copies Direct supplies reproductions of collection material for a fee. This service is offered by the National Library of Australia
Out of Copyright
You may order a copy through Copies Direct or use the online copy for research or study; for other uses Contact us.
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply.
For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
Copy and paste one of these options to share this book elsewhere.