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Christmas
This festival is not of divine institution or is it easy to assign the first period of observing it, although it was certainly kept before the age of Constantine.
Much uncertainty prevails with respect to the actual day of Christ's birth; it most probably took place at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, judging from other events on record, but the season which the Church has fixed upon for its celebration, does not involve the credibility of the fact.
It was named Christmas Day from the Latin Christ Misse, the Mass of Christ, and thence the Roman Catholic Church termed the Liturgy their Missal or Mass Book, and among that sect, about the year 500, the observation or this day became general.
In the primitive Church, Christmas Day was always preceded by an Eve or Vigil; when the devotion of the Eve was completed, our forefathers used to light up candles of different sizes which were called Christmas candles; and to lay a log of wood upon the fire, called the Yule log.
A kind of baby or little image, intended to represent Jesus, and called the Yule-dough, was formerly made at this season, and presented by the bakers to their customers and in some parts of the northern counties of Britain, the people after service, would cry. " Ule, ule, ule," as a token of rejoicing and run through the streets calling,
" Ule, ule, ule, ule,
Three puddings in a pule,
Crack nuts and cry Ule."
Carols, formerly sung at this season of the year were festal chansons for enlivening the merriments of Christmas celebrity, and not such religious songs currently sung by people today under the same title of Carol, and which were substituted by those enemies of innocent and useful mirth, the Puritans.
The boar's head soused, was anciently the first dish on Christmas Day and was carried up to the principal table in the hall, with great state and solemnity, The Boar's Head Carol being sung at the time; the old song, with some variations, since the 15th century is still sung in Queen's College, Oxford, and sung annually on Christmas Day, when a boar's head is carved up as the chief dish.
These days we settle for ham.
Many Boar's Head festivals are held all over the world. This Boar's Head Fesitval held in 2010 is a preview for those who have not been to one.
The Great Barons and Knights throughout the kingdom of Great Britain, formerly kept open house during Christmas, when their villains or vassals were entertained with bread, beef, and beer, pudding and wassail cake.
A groat of silver was given to the guests when leaving.
The tradition of the silver groat or coin still remains in my own family, but with a little variation.
My christmas puddings which I make in the traditional way, as did my mother and several generations before her, on the 16 November, the feast day of St.Margaret of Scotland. It has always been on this day, for at the same time we celebrate our McAlpin Clan heritage.
I add to the puddings silver threepences and sixpences saved from the pre-decimal era, which I now have to buy back from those who are lucky enough to find one in their pudding. The little ones not minding at all about a swap for gold dollar coin.
May your Christmas be filled with joy and merriment, hope and fulfilment, family and friends and I wish you all kindness and contentment.
janilye, 2012
Christmas ! not what it used to be
Thankfully.
It is Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 1836. The heat is rather trying, 100 deg. in the shade. A number of immigrants, dressed in their best, and carrying their seats with them, are on their way to the rush hut of George Strickland in Kingston. There is no clergyman among the pioneers, but it is Christmas Day, and Sunday, so divine service must be held.
The 'gun' has already been fired intimating that the time for the service to begin has come. About 25 persons are present, all strangers in a Strange Land.
After the service, the pioneer fathers and mothers, with their children, walk back to their tents.
The sun is shining, and the birds are singing, but everything seems so strange. The previous Christmas was spent as every other Christmas had been, in the dear old motherland. It was cold and gloomy; but the yule log crackled and sparkled in the fireplace, the old home was decorated with holly. They had their Christmas dinner surrounded by the comforts of civilization.
This Christmas they are on the shores of an unknown country, living in tents and reed huts, with the heat 100 deg. in the shade. There is neither horse nor cart in the land; no baker nor butcher shops; no streets, houses, gardens, or churches. What the future has in store, these resolute men and women cannot tell. They have come to try a great experiment, to colonize a land which for ages has been shrouded in gloom.
We talk of our hardships to-day: but look at the founders, sitting down to their Christmas dinner in 1836. They are destitute not only of the luxuries, but of the very necessities of civilization.
The table is an extemporized one; the seats are boxes and packing cases; tin pannikins do duty for cups and saucers. There are no roast geese or turkeys; no Christmas tokens, or glad family reunions.
No! in place of these there is the thought of a land and of loved ones far away ? a land whose streets perhaps they will never again tread, and loved one's whom probably they will not again see.
Said one of our lady pioneers:? "It was sometimes very hard to forget all that we had left in the old country, and particularly friends, and to determine to make the best of our surroundings; but we all managed to put up with the roughness, and be contented... No one appeared to fear for the future, although, of course, no one could anticipate what the future would bring forth."
Think of the children who lived in the tents and reed huts at Glenelg South Australia in 1836. Think of the children who sat down to their first Christmas dinner then. There are no shops or stores from which father and mother have been able to buy books or toys. No fruit or lolly shops from which to purchase sweets. No trains, no traps, no horses, no streets, no gardens, no houses. They are living in tents and rush huts on the shores of what Col. Light has called Holdfast Bay. They have just returned from church service, conducted in a rush hut.
Time for dinner has come. The table is fixed up, perhaps using a few boards, laid upon cases. The cloth is spread, the tin plates and pannikins are brought in. Mother carries in some ship's biscuit and salt pork: perhaps father has been able to secure a few parrots or cockatoos, and mother has been able to make a parrot or cockatoo pie. Some have been fortunate enough to secure a piece of the cow that fell into the lagoon and had to be killed, and some perhaps have a piece of kangaroo.
Boxes and cases are drawn up to the table for seats; grace is said: and father carves and serves out the salt ship's pork. the parrot pie, or the kangaroo.
There are no French beans, peas, or cabbages, no cherries, apricots, or peaches. After dinner there are no Sunday, school gatherings, with hearty singing and bright speeches. Even a long walk is quite out of the question, for there is the danger of being lost in the bush.
Such was the first Christmas Day in South Australia.
The fathers and mothers who came to found South Australia in 1836 and who sat down to their first Christmas dinner in this land, were splendid men and women, the pick of Old England. They were really heroes and heroines, they were bold, determined, brave and resourceful. They had come to subdue a wilderness, to colonize an unknown land; they felt that their strong arms, determined wills, and faith in God would carry them through.
There was no Government to which they could run when they wanted a house built, a road made, or a bridge constructed. No; they felt that they were equal to all the difficulties of the position, and proved themselves to be so. They laid the foundations of the City of Adelaide, forded the rivers, cleared the forests, built their houses, planted their gardens, worked 14 and 15 hours a day, and were as happy as the bees who made sweet music in their gardens, or the birds that sang in their trees. The girls and boys who sat down to that first Christmas dinner were like their fathers and mothers, so they successfully laid the foundations of this beautiful and prosperous State of South Australia.
Christmas is a day to reflect, to remember your ancestors, the pioneers who took that giant leap into unknown lands across the globe.
I often hear the phrase "times are tough" used today, but look around, and thank your ancestors who overcame tougher times. Remember their bravery and sacrifice to fulfill their dreams to make a better future for their children and children's children. For you.
Merry Christmas to Scott and all at Familytreecircles
Christmas Pudding 1827
The following are the ingredients and quantities which constituted the pudding served up to the inmates of the Lambeth Workhouse Christmas day in 1827
The number of persons who partook of this dish amounted to between 700 and 800:
FLOUR. 475 lbs.
SUET. 144 lbs.
RAISINS. 300 lbs.
SUGAR. 44 lbs.
GINGER. 3 lbs.
ALLSPICE. 2½ lbs.
MILK. 108 quarts.
and 11 quarts of strong beer.
The whole whole weight of the pudding, when the ingredients were blended,
was 1,300 and a ½ lbs.;
the cost amounted to 23/- within a trifling fraction.
Also, take a look at Workhouses Up to 1834
and the staff and inmates in the 1881 Census. Also there are 'long term inmates' records of 1861
The original workhouse opened in 1726 in Princes Road. From 1871 to 1873 a new building was constructed in Renfrew Road, Lambeth. The building was eventually turned into a hospital. The workhouse's former master's house and chapel are now occupied by the Cinema Museum.
The photograph below is the new building, now
The Cinema Museum, formerly the master's house and chapel of Lambeth Workhouse.
Clarkson from Yorkshire to Western Australia.
Warning: This resource may contain references to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may have passed away
Michael and James Smith CLARKSON arrived on the brig "Tranby", in Swan River Colony in 1830 from Yorkshire, England. They were two of the six children born to Barnard CLARKSON 1748-1826 and Elizabeth, nee SMITH 1779-1833.
A third brother Charles Foster CLARKSON arrived on the CYGNET on 27 January 1833 with Charles in Steerage and his widowed father Barnard Clarkson in Cabin refer Shipping Intelligence
The three brothers were of a well known family of yeoman descent. Namely;
Michael Clarkson b: 7 June 1804 in Bubwith, Yorkshire, England and died 2 March 1871 in Toodyay, Western Australia. he married Jane DRUMMOND 1813-1905 in the Swan Colony on the 6 November 1833. Michael and brother James, were given land on the Swan River where Maylands now is and later in the year they disposed of this grant and took up another of 18,261 acres in the newly - surveyed Avon district on November 25th 1830.
The children of the marriage between Michael and Jane were:-
1.Deborah Wilberforce CLARKSON 1834?1918 m. Alfred DURLACHER 1822-1869 in Geraldton on 1 October 1864.
2.Barnard Drummond CLARKSON b: 11 Dec.1836 York d: 23 Mar. 1909 Mt.Anderson m. Isabella Jane Lukin in 1867
3.James Smith CLARKSON b:1837 d: 7 December 1910 Toodyay, m. Eliza Selina GREEN at Newcastle WA in 1872
4.Thomas Michael CLARKSON 1841 ? 1845
5.Edward Ellis CLARKSON b:1844 Toodyay d:1865 WA See notes
6.Sarah CLARKSON b: 1 Sept 1847 'Nunyle, Toodyay d: 27 July 1912 Northam. m.(1)Frederick Mackie ROE 1843-1877 in 1871 (2) Andrew DEMPSTER 1844-1909 on 21 January 1891 at Northam WA. See Notes 3
7.William Bell CLARKSON 1848 ? 1877
James Smith Clarkson b:1806 in Yorkshire, England and died in 1872 in Western Australia.
Charles Foster Clarkson b: 12 May 1812 in Holme Upon Spalding Moor, Yorkshire and died on the 16 December 1863 on the Ballarat Goldfields
It is not known what occupation Charles Foster followed but he did build himself a fine two-storeyed home on the then waterfront, on portion of the land now occupied by the Temple Court buildings.
On the 2 March 1837 Charles Foster married Hannah Eliza LEEDER 1818-1901 (the suburb of Leederville was named after her father, who was the first settler there), who had arrived from England as a small child in the ship "Rockingham" in 1830. They reared a family of seven children, five boys and two girls.
1.Elizabeth Smith CLARKSON 1838 ? 1891 m. Robert Thomas READHEAD 1829-1878 at Geraldton on 10 January 1865.
2.Hannah Eliza CLARKSON 1840 d:1915 Perth. m Edward KEY 1839-1879 at Pinjarra, in 1869
3.William Wilberforce CLARKSON b: 1843 Swan River Colony d: 1874 Hooley's Well, North West of WA, Australia (see notes)
4.Edward Winteringham CLARKSON b:1845 Swan d: 9 Nov. 1927 Dongara. m. Sarah Ann GRANT 1850-1927 in 1875
5.*Henry James CLARKSON b:1847 Swan River Colony d: 1874 Hooley's Well, North West of WA, Australia see notes1
6.Joseph Charles CLARKSON b:1849 Swan River Colony d: 1890 Perth, Western Australia, Australia see notes 2
7.Robert Leeder CLARKSON b:1851 d: 5 Dec.1907 Dongara. m. Margaret Placida MCCOURT 1847-1940 in 1889 at Karratha Station, Roebourne
At the time of the gold rush in Victoria, Charles Foster went to Ballarat and was not heard of again.
His wife Hannah next married John Enoch HAMMOND 1827-1892 and they had four children, two boys and two girls. One of the boys Jesse Elijah HAMMOND 1855 ? 1940 wrote a book called "Western Pioneers." Telling his life in the Swan Colony as well as the story of the Clarkson disaster which occurred in 1874 when William Wilberforce Clarkson and Henry James Clarkson were killed by the natives while they were searching for water whilst taking 800 cattle and 70 horses to the Murchison for stud purposes. When their bodies were found they were brought south and buried in the Greenough Flats cemetery.
Notes:1
Death of Edward Ellis CLARKSON 1844-1865
The Perth Gazette and West Australian Times (WA : 1864-1874) Friday 18 August 1865
Since our last issue we have been enabled to obtain but few particulars relative to the death of Mr. Edward Clarkson, whose murder by a party of natives at his station, somewhere about 80 miles to the Eastward of Newcastle, was then adverted to. It seems that Mr. Clarkson' s station was visited by a party of aborigines on the evening of the 31st ultimo, one of whom discharged a spear which entered just under the last rib on the right side and penetrated nine inches upwards towards the left shoulder. The lad who was hut-keeper to Mr. Clarkson was present on the occasion, and immediately seized a gun to defend themselves with but the natives took to their heels and ran away. On the next day, the 1st instant, this lad went out to look for the sheep, returning in about an hour afterwards. On his return to the station he found that the natives had paid Mr. Clarkson another visit and were in the act of torturing him, by jabbing in the arms, hands, and legs with spears, but on seeing the boy they ran away. Poor Clarkson lingered in great agony until the night of the 5th instant, when he expired, and the lad then left and made his way to an out-station belonging to Mr. Dempster, from whence information was immediately forwarded to Newcastle. Mr. Clarkson' s remains were taken to Newcastle on Tuesday evening, and we understand the Police have succeeded in obtaining the names of the murderers, and have gone to the eastward in search of them, but it is feared without much chance of success as the country is totally devoid of water.
The Perth Gazette and West Australian Times (WA : 1864-1874) Friday 1 September 1865
WE learn that the police who went in search of the murderers of Mr. Clarkson have returned unsucessful in capturing them. They ascertained that the murder was committed for the sole purpose of enabling them to appropriate the stock of flour, and that six natives only were concerned in it. The police succeeded in surprising a camp where the murderers were, but they managed to make their escape into a neighboring thicket, and their pursuers were obliged to content themselves with three poor fellows who confessed to having eaten some of the flour. They also found the gun and other articles which had been taken from the station.
The Perth Gazette and West Australian Times (WA : 1864-1874) Friday 3 November 1865
To the Editor of the Perth Gazette & W. A. Times.
SIR,-In your issue of the 21st ult., it was said that the capture of one of the natives for the murder of the late Mr. Clarkson was made by police-constable Edwards, and no mention was made of any other officer. Without opposing Mr. Edwards, but injustice to a zealous and enterprising officer, I beg to say that the capture in question was made by police-constable Charles Wisbey, who on this as on other occasions, has proved himself to be an officer of superior merit, and it is to be hoped will meet with due reward.
I am Sir, Your obedient servant, NORTHAM.
The Perth Gazette and West Australian Times (WA : 1864-1874) Friday 12 January 1866
The Trial
Ngowee, an aboriginal native charged with the
murder of Edward Ellis Clarkson.
David HACKETT :- On the 10th July last was at Mr. Clarkson' s sheep-station with Edward Clarkson; on that day I was reading at the tent about 15 yards from the hut, when I saw four natives in the act of rushing upon me, prisoner was one of them, I took up my gun and it snapped. I knew only one of the four, his name is Jack Barlem. I clubbed my gun and struck one of them, but they broke one bone of my arm and two held me down, and the others went into the hut and took flour, tea, and sugar, my gun, powder, and caps. On Monday, 31st July I saw the same four natives creeping about 200 years off, they had my gun, some spears, and dowaks. They called out to me to give them all that was in the hut or they would shoot me. I had a loaded gun, and told them they had better come and take it, and they went away in a great rage. On the evening of the same day Mr. Clarkson and myself were eating our suppers at the tent just after dark, sitting about a yard apart, when six spears came all at once, one of which struck Mr. Clarkson on the right side just under the ribs, and one grazed my right arm. I could not see the natives, but they kept about all night. I assisted Mr. Clarkson into the tent; the shirt produced is that worn by him; next morning he told me to go out with the sheep, but I did not go more than a quarter of a mile away and returned, as I thought the natives would come back, and when I got in sight I saw four natives outside the tent, one drinking some tea I had left at Mr. Clarkson' s head, the other three were jabbing their spears at him through the tent, the prisoner was the foremost of the three. I was then about 200 yards off and I fired at them. One of the natives gave a scream and they all ran away. On going in to Mr. Clarkson I found he had been speared in both hands and his thigh; there were three fresh wounds, I pulled the spears out and also cut off close to the body the spear that was in his side; I did it with a saw. The piece of spear produced is that which remained in the body and was taken out after death.
I remained with Mr. Clarkson until he died in my hut five days afterwards, and the next morning after I had covered the body up I started off to report what had taken place.
Police Serjt. Kelly :- I went to Mr. Clarkson' s station on the 11th August, found the body of Mr. E. Clarkson lying in a hut, and from the right side there protruded about one inch of the spear head produced. The body was so much decomposed that no marks of wounds remained.
Police constable Edwards :- deposed that on the 9th October, in company with P.C. Wisbey, arrested the prisoner about 100 miles from York, and told him I did so for killing Mr.Clarkson. He said he did not want to do so but Ejup made him " windang" and said that he must do so.
Jyugyuth, a native, deposed ;_ that the prisoner told him he was threatened to be shot and he speared Mr. Clarkson. He only knows what the prisoner told him, and that it was in consequence of the natives having taken the flour the gun was fired.
The deposition of this witness before the magistrate was read, and in that he is stated to have said that he was present when Mr. Clark- son was speared through the tent, but he now refused to acknowledge so much.
Jedjeeput, a native interpreter, stated that he was present in the Newcastle Police Court when the prisoner stated there that he was persuaded by other natives to spear.
The prisoner now being asked if he wished to say anything said that the natives bothered him to spear Mr. Clarkson until he agreed to it.
The Jury found the prisoner Guilty and sentence of Death was passed.
The foreman of the Jury then informed His Honor that to mark their approbation of the conduct of the young lad HACKET (14 years of age), a subscription had been entered into among them, the proceeds of which he begged to place in His Honor's hands, to apply for the boy's use in the manner he considered most ad-
visable.His Honor expressed his concurrence with the sentiments entertained by the Jury, and ob- serving that he should deposit the money in the Post Office Saving's Bank, with an addition of ?1, from himself, said that he should be happy to receive any amount which other persons might like to contribute.
His Honor then directed Hacket to be brought before him, when he addressed the lad, express- ing his own and the Jury's approbation of his conduct, and expressing a hope that his future life might be equally worthy of the approbation of his fellow men. His Honor also told him that when at anytime he wanted money for any particular purpose of which he should approve, he would let him have it from the fund.
[Since the above we understand the Government have added ?12 to the amount in His Honor's charge.]
NOTES:
William Wilberforce 1843-1874 and Henry James CLARKSON 1847-1874
[Extract from Cemeteries of Geraldton-Greenough, Mid West Heritage Series Western Australia by Gary Martin Held in the Geraldton-Greenough Regional Library The first newspaper account of a funeral held at this cemetery appeared in The Herald of 20 March 1875. The reporter wrote that a large crowd came to witness the burial of the remains of William and Henry CLARKSON. Prior to the funeral an inquest had been held at the Greenough Court House to ascertain the deaths of the brothers. The bones of the deceased (their bodies having been ravaged by wild dogs) had been found at a place called Hooley's Well on the road to Nichol Bay, and returned to Greenough where it was judged that Henry had been murdered by persons unknown and William had died of exhaustion. What is now the largest gravestone in the cemetery was erected as their memorial.]
Joseph Charles CLARKSON 1849 ? 1890 Joseph went north and entered the pearling industry at which he made a considerable amount of money and following this he settled in Perth, where he either built or bought a fashionable home.
[[Notes 2.
b] Joseph Charles Clarkson 1849-1890
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954) Saturday 15 November 1890
IN LUNACY.
(Beforethe Acting Chief Justice.)
In re - JOSEPH CHARLES CLARKSON , A LUNATIC.
Mr. S. H. Parker, Q.C., who was for the petitioner, Robert Leeder Clarkson, moved the Court to confirm the report of the Master of the Court.
The Master had, in accordance with a commission, inquired into the person and property of Mr. Clarkson, and found he was incapable of managing himself or his affairs.
He had also found as to the heir-at-law and the next-of-kin, and suggested that , Mr. George Randell was a fit and proper person to be a committee of the estate and person of the lunatic, and other matters. His Honour had, the learned counsel said, confirmed the report, but the notice of motion was given at His Honour's request, in order that it might be considered in open Court. The solicitor who instructed, him was the solicitor for the other parties who had consented to the terms of the motion. .
His Honour confirmed the report as, to the appointment of a committee and as to the general scheme for the management of the property of the lunatic. The sales of the property to be subject to the approval of the Court, with liberty to apply.]
Notes 3.
Sarah Clarkson Obituary
The West Australian Tuesday 30 July 1912
DEATH OF AN OLD COLONIST. MRS. ANDREW DEMPSTER.
Relatives, old colonists, and friends in all parts of Western Australia will learn with deep regret of the death of Mrs. Andrew Dempster. The deceased lady was 64 years of age, and of recent years had been in ill health. Her death, which took place at her residence, Chidlow street, Northam, on the morning of Saturday last, was the result of a long and painful illness, borne with great fortitude. The deceased was a native of Western Australia. She was the second daughter (Sarah), of the late Michael And Jane Clarkson, and was born at "Nunyle," Toodyay, on September 1, 1847. She had one sister (Deborah), now Mrs. Durlacher, of Toodyay, and five brothers Barnard (one time M.L.A. for Toodyay), James, Tom, Willie, and Edward, all of whom have pre deceased her. Her mother before her mar- riage was Miss Jane Drummond, and came to Western Australia in the now historic Parmelia in 1829, the Parmelia being convoyed by the sloop of war Sulphur, with Governor Stirling on board. Michael Clarkson, the father of the deceased, came to Western Australia two years later, and acquired the property now owned by the Hamersley family, and known as "Wilberforce."
In view of present land values, it is inter esting to record the fact that the price at which Mr. Clarkson sold "Wilberforce" was 1s, 6d. per acre. The Clarkson family par ticipated in much of the pioneering work of Western Australia, and like many other of the old families paid its contribution to the heavy tax of human life extorted by the young colony. The youngest son (Edward) was treacherously speared by the blacks at "Dalbercutting," near Doodlakine, in 1865, and died five days afterwards, attended only by David Hackett- a boy only 12 years old who bravely stayed with him until his death, and then made the journey through the bush alone to Buckland, near Northam. Mrs.Dempster, then a girl of 18, was staying with some friends at Geraldton, and on learning of her brother's death she took the first available ship for home. This chanced to be a whaler, and she was the only passenger. The voyage to Fremantle occupied over three weeks, and Mrs. Dempster always referred to it as one of the most trying incidents of her life.
The subject of this notice was first married on June 1, 1871, to Frederick Mackie Roe, fifth son of the late Captain Roe, R.N., (also a Parmelia passenger, and the first Surveyor-General of Western Australia, which office he held for 42 years). There were two sons of the marriage - Gus, now of the North-West, and formerly of Northam, and Willie, of Grass Valley-and one daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. F. M. Roe died in 1877 at the age of 33, as the result of an accident at his station, "Dumbo,' Wongan Hills, leaving his widow, aged 30, with three young children. She resided in Toodyay until 1891, when she was married to the late Mr. Andrew Dempster, of Muresk. Since his death in 1909 she has resided in Northam. Closely associated with the early history of Western Australia. Mrs. Dempster was related to or connected with most of the famnilies whose names are written on the records of the pioneering days of the colony-notably, the Clarksons, Roes, Drummonds, Durlachers, and Dempsters. She was best known to the present generation as the hospitable and charming hostess of "Muresk," where a warm welcome always awaited visitors and travellers. Gentle, kindly and generous of disposition, it was always her aim to make those about her happy and comfortable. She was loved by all who were privileged to know her, and will be deeply mourned by a very large circle of relatives and friends in all parts of the State. The funeral, which took place at Northam on Sunday afternoon, was very largely attended, the company that assembled round the grave in the Anglican cemetery including many visitors from Toodyay, Wilberforce, Muresk, and other districts, as well as a very large and representative gathering of Northam residents."
The photograph below of William and Henry CLARKSON
appears the book "The journal of the Brockman Droving Expedition of 1874-75 to the North West of Western"
Cock-Fighting, New South Wales.
Any article or series of articles on the "Good Old Days" that
did not treat the sports of that-period would be like a
meat pie without, the meat. I have attempted to give a complete
and comprehensive digest of the manners and customs of the people
of the times of which I write, and as cock fighting was almost an
institution in those days, some attention must be given to it.
Not many will regret the fact this kind of sport is now a thing of
the past, so far as this district is concerned?and has been allowed to
fall into oblivion along with other relics of barbarism.
From the 1840s cock-fighting was one of the most popular sports
in the Hawkesbury district of New South Wales, and in those days unless you had a
game rooster that could masacre twenty of your neighbours' domestic chooks in as
many minutes, you might as well be dead, for you were considered nobody.
But now things have changed, the cock-fighting instincts of the people
are dead, though the sleek bird still retains all the combative instincts
of the olden leaven, and would even now fight till he dropped on his own or
some other party's dung-hill. Many residents well remember the old rendezvous
of the enthusiasts of this branch of sport?in Holland's paddock,(Windsor)
facing the banks, In this paddock, where there is now a large pond, a pit
existed for many years, and at the trysting-ground large crowds of people
assembled nearly every Saturday to witness a good encounter between two
game cocks.
An edifying spectacle it must have been, truly, yet amongst the votaries of
the sport were many men who were then leading lights of the district.
For years cock-fighting was carried on in public, and was reckoned a legitimate
sport. Then the State stepped in and dubbed it unlawful; yet it was carried on,
almost with impunity, for years?but those who participated in the sport met in
some sequestered nook to hold their meetings, the ti-tree swamp on Ham Common
(Richmond) being a favourite resort.
A man named " Jacky" Carr was among the first to introduce cock-fighting into
the Hawkesbury district. He was an Englishman, and always managed to get hold of
some fine imported birds.
Amongst those who followed the game also were Frank Norris, now residing on the
Brickfields,and one of the best pugilists of his day. Also his brothers Paddy and Jim, (sons of Richard NORRIS 1779-1843)
George Cupitt 1808-1875, Charlie Eather, The Charkers,
Gaudry's and Kable's. William Hopkins 1798-1862,
Joseph and William Onus, (sons of Joseph Onus 1782-1835). Ben Richards 1818-1898, and George Bushell were
also admirers of the game-cock, and they all owned good
fighting birds. The second-named is said to have had a magnificent button-comb
bird, which ended the career of many another good one.
The Dargins, Cornwells, Dan Mayne and Jack Cribb also followed the sport.
W. Hopkins was a great breeder of these birds, and he once owned a cookoo-game,
a very rare bird which was responsible for the death of more than one man's pet.
Jim Norris also had a bird which, after winning. fourteen or fifteen successive
battles met its doom when pitted against "Daddy" Baine's in the Richmond Lane,
close to the residence of Mrs. Onus. The birds always fought with steel spurs,
and a small black red bird weighing 6? lbs, owned by George Cupitt, on one occasion
slaughtered three oponents without having his heels (as the spurs were termed) taken off.
James 'Jack' Cribb 1785-1841 always had a lot of birds, and used to spare no
expense in getting hold of good fighters to take his friends down.
He had been known to pay as much as ?10 apiece for them, and once paid that
sum for a big light-grey bird, of which everybody was afraid.
Birds weighing from 6?lbs to 7lbs were always very strong and fast fighters, whilst
they varied in weight from 5?lbs to 8?lbs. The principal breeds were black red,
duck-wing, hen-feather, and the pile. The latter breed was the progeny of two good
distinct strains, and was considered one of the gamest of the game birds.
The fighting generally carried out in what was termed "mains," i.e.,
a number (say 5 or 7) birds of dififerent weights on either side.
The birds of the opposing forces were pitted on as equal terms as possible as
regards weight, and if the result of the " main" was equal, the contest would be
decided by a "turn-out"?that is, a match between the heaviest bird of both sides.
The :mains" Comprised a party from Parramatta or Sydney on the one side, and
Windsor on the other.
Phil Williams (Sydney), the Waterhouses (Parramatta), and W. Sparks (Cook's River)
frequently brought their birds to Windsor, and were met in the fray by
Cupitt, Norris and Hopkins.
Matches for ?50 or to ?100 aside were often made, while a good deal of out
side money was also wagered
Sources:
Windsor and Richmond Gazette
(NSW : 1888 - 1954)
The Good Old Days
Yeldap.
Research and Transcription, Janilye
20 June 2012
Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery
Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery
Address: Coff Street, Coffs Harbour
and
Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery
Also known as Karangi Lawn.
Address: Coramba Road, Karangi, New South Wales, Australia
Note: A spate of thefts of bronze plaques from cemeteries in this region was reported in July 2011.
Thieves, when removing the markers, have also caused damage to the stones on which they were mounted.
If you have family graves in the Coffs Harbour cemetery, and you have not already checked, it is advisable that you check on their integrity.
More information
Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery is administered by Coffs Harbour City Council. For further information, contact Council at Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450; phone 02 6648 4000; email: coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Cometville State School Queensland 1878-1930
Cometville renamed Comet on the 19 March 1931 is 859 kilometres or 534 miles north west of Brisbane, Australia, on the Comet River which was named by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt in December 1844 after Wilmot's Comet which was visible in the Southern Hemisphere at that time.
Comet is where Leichhardt's famous "dig tree" was established to indicate to others where he had buried food and journals.
It was a very important day for the outback settlement of Cometville when the State school opened on the 23 October 1878.
Below is a list of the Head School Teachers and the years in which they served up until 1930
Samuel Clark........................ 23 October 1877 to 19 September 1879
Alexander Blyth..................... 01 January 1879 to 30 September 1879
John Boland (acting) ............... 01 October 1879 to 30 September 1881
John Hassell........................ 01 October 1881 to 02 September 1883
William Henry Allen Jeffreys........ 20 August 1883 to 31 December 1884
William Henry Smith ................ 19 January 1885 to 25 April 1889
John Mills ......................... 06 May 1889 to 25 April 1891
Phillp Henry Robinson............... 26 May 1891 to 31 December 1896
Louis Charles Francis .............. 01 January 1897 to 06 February 1898
George Henry Osmond ................ 28 February 1898 to 31 December 1900
Denis sheahan....................... 01 January 1901 to 13 March 1902
Hubert George Ladbrook ............. 07 April 1902 to 31 March 1905
Clement Bleakley ................... 01 April 1905 to 30 June 1910
Patrick Kehoe....................... 01 July 1910 to 28 February 1911
Albert Boettcher ................... 27 February 1911 to 30 March 1914
James Thiele........................ 01 May 1914 to 15 September 1918
John Henry Langford ................ 18 September 1918 to 30 September 1921
Gladys Fannv Kidd .................. 01 October 1921 to 24 January 1926
William Leslie Kemp ................ 25 January 1926 to 31 December 1929
William Charles Thomas Jordan....... 01 January 1930
The photograph below which is not all that well preserved, but I've not ever been able to find another.
Taken in the 1930s it shows the original Cometville State School in the foreground and the new Comet State School behind. after this photograph was taken the old school was removed.
The new school behind was bought in 1936 by the Country Women's Association (Gindie branch) and turned into a rest home.
Compagnoni
17 April 1880
Compagnoni Insolvent.
Those who have often partaken at public banquets of the menu provided by Compagnoni, will learn with regret that the excellent caterer's estate was placed in the Insolvency Court this morning.
5 August 1880
Compagnoni's Cafe.
ONE of the largest, and best appointed cafes in the Australian colonies is that known as Compagnoni's situated in Pitt Street, Sydney, which has been wholly
reconstructed and furnished in a most comfortable and elegant manner, reminding the visitor of the more famous establishments which line the Parisian Boulevards, and form one of the leading attractions of the French capital. At the inaugural dinner, there were present a large number of mercantile gentlemen and several members of Parliament and city aldermen. The members of the board of directors-namely, Mr. John Woods (in the chair), Messrs. Gorman, R. Nott, W. Carey, and W. Clarke, also attended. The business, which was formerly carried on by Mr. Compagnoni, is under the immediate direction of Mr. Samuel Packham, as manager. Those familiar with the old establishment will not easily be enabled to recognise it in its new guise, in consequence of the extensive alterations which have been made in the premises, including the extension and fitting up of a gentlemen's dining hall, and a handsomely decorated ladies' dining hall, the erection of a new kitchen, fitting up of lavatories, &c. The kitchen contains the latest and most approved steam cooking apparatus, and will be under the management of M. Marriette, as chef de cuisine, in which capacity he had extensive experience at the Union Club, Melbourne, and at Ballarat. Judging from the opinions expressed by visitors, we should say the new caf? has a bright and prosperous future before it. The specialist of the establishment is oysters, served up in every style.
1 October 1883
By the improvements made in Compagnoni's restaurant, Pitt-street, a decided want has been supplied to the public of this city, which has been behind some of the large towns of the sister colonies in respect to
accommodation such as Compagnoni's is intended to supply. The old restaurant was well known, but the alterations that have been made are so extensive that the appearance of the place has been entirely changed, and the accommodation for the public is more than doubled. Beginning with the refreshment rooms, it may be stated that these apartments have not only been very much enlarged by throwing back the dividing wall's a considerable distance at the rear of the building, but they have been completely transformed. As yon enter, the ladies' luncheon room is on the right hand and the gentlemen's on the left ? there being communication between the two rooms by means of spacious doorways, so that with, other means of ven tilation the place will be pleasantly cool in the summer months. The roofs are arched and con structed so as to admit a flood of light, the general effect being pleasant and cheerful. The furniture is all that could be desired, and the lavatories in connection with these rooms are fitted up with the utmost care for cleanliness and comfort, there being a servant constantly in attendance in the lady's dressing-room. The culinary apparatus is most complete, and everything is kept wonderfully clean, notwithstanding the large amount of cooking and kitchen work generally in connection, with s0 large an establishment. At the rear of the premises is the bakery, where all the confectionery is turned out, and above this a store room, in which is kept the catering part, which is very extensive, as the company does a large catering trade. Also in this direction is a dry store. certain out-buildings and a poultry yard. Indeed it would scarcely be imagined from a front view of the restaurant in Pitt-street how extensive these premises really are. Returning to the main building by a passage at the side, we enter the luncheon bar, passing by the wine and dry goods stores on the way. The luncheon bar is not quite finished, but is being fitted up with every attention to comfort and convenience. It will not be a luncheon bar in the proper sense of the term, but more of a lounge. It may be stated that Mr. James, the manager, contemplates the excellent idea of establishing a grill or chop room in connection with this part of the restaurant, and there can be no doubt that if it were esta blished such an institution would be largely patron ised. In fact, it is a matter for wonder that a city like Sydney has not properly regulated chop rooms for the use of people engaged is the city. They are common in London and other large cities, and were successfully introduced in Auckland, N.Z., years ago. If Mr. James succeeds in carrying out his idea at Compagnoni's, there can be little doubt that it would meet with success. Upstairs there are the club rooms and other apartments : and, generally speaking, the institution as altered and improved is a credit to the city.
19 November 1884
Mr. Tollemache, the enterprising manager of the Compagnoni Catering Company in Pitt-street, has further provided for the comfort and pleasure of the public by adding music to the various other attractions of the popular catering establishment under his charge. Orchestral matinees will be held three times a week from three to five in the afternoon.
Selections from the latest and most popular comic operas, and all the newest and latest waltzes will be performed by a first-class, band, under the direction of Herr Gustav Kuster. There will not be any charge for admission. Ladies or gentlemen can sit and enjoy a cup of tea or an ice, and at the same time hear some good music. A preliminary performance took place yesterday afternoon in the presence of several gentlemen, who all expressed their appre ciation of the good music which was performed. The programme for each performance will be pub lished in the daily papers. The first matinee will be held on Friday afternoon next, from 3 to 5. A large number of ladies and gentlemen will no doubt take the opportunity of apending an enjoyable afternoon in one of the coolest cafes which can be found in the colony.
2 December 1885
Licensing Court
Ernest Tollemache to Angelo Viney, Compagnoni Cafe
4 August 1886
from Angelo Viney, of Compagnoni's Hotel, Pitt-street, to Henry Adams
Footnote:
Thomas Compagnoni who started it all shot himself in his backyard
at Rosa St., Oatley on the 27 January 1911.
Convict Assignments. Our first Public Servants
Convict Assignment was like a great big rehabilitation program. It was a sort of nineteenth century 'Outward Bound'. With abrupt change, new surroundings and personal challenge, but without the floggings
John Dunmore LANG told us in 1837,that:- "when a convict-ship arrives it is the practice of the colonial government to reserve as many of the convicts, whether labourers or mechanics, as are required for the public service; the rest are assigned to persons who have previously transmitted duly attested applications for convict-servants, agreeably to a code of regulations recently established by the present Governor, and denominated the Assignment Regulation. One pound sterling is paid to Government for each convict so assigned, as the price of his bedding and slop-clothing, which he carries along with him to his future master's. If the master resides in Sydney, he is employed in the various menial capacities in which house-servants are employed in Europe; if he resides in the country, as is much more frequently the case, he is employed in tending sheep or cattle, or as a farm-servant.
The convict-servants on the different farms of the colony are usually lodged in huts formed of a split-timber, and thatched with long grass or straw, at a little distance from the proprietor's house. Two of these huts, with a partition between them, form one erection; and each of them is inhabited by four men. A large fireplace is constructed at one end of the hut, where the men cook their provisions, and around which they assemble in the winter evenings, with a much greater appearance of comfort than the sentimentalist would imagine. Rations, consisting of ten and a half pounds of flour, seven pounds of beef or four and a half pounds of pork, with a certain proportion of tea, sugar, and tobacco, are distributed to each of them weekly; and they receive shoes and slop-clothing either twice a year, or whenever they require them. Pumpkins, potatoes, and other vegetables, they are allowed to cultivate for themselves.
On my brother's farm at Hunter's River - and I believe a similar system is pursued on most of the large agricultural farms thoughout the colony - the overseer rises at day-break, and rings a bell, which is affixed to a tree, as a signal for the men to proceed to their labour. The greater number follow the overseer to the particular agricultural operation which the season requires; the rest separate to their several employments, one to the plough, another to the garden, and a third to the dairy, while a fourth conducts the cattle to their pasture. The bell is again rung at eight o'clock, when the men assemble for breakfast, for which they are allowed one hour; they again return too their labour till one o'clock, when they have an hour for dinner, and they afterwards labour from two till sunset".
* Lang makes it sound so 'Cosy' and it was for some who were fortunate to have honest and fair masters. But for a great many others it was no more than slavery where they were bullied, flogged and had their rations taken away by their cruel masters. For the ones who ran away, the outcome was often 30 to 50 lashes, 12 months in irons or the rope.
Rev. John Dunmore Lang described the conditions convicts worked under on his brother Andrew Lang's farm.
Source jenwillets.com Free Settler or Felon
Convict Ships, Entitlements and a little bit of trivia 1790
A typical layout for a convict ship did not exist. On the Neptune which was 200 tons heavier than most of the other ships, the cabins were 6 foot square and mean't to hold 6 prisoners on 18" wide beds. However often more were crammed into the cabin.
There was no ventilation and it was either hot and suffocating or cold and wet depending on the weather.
The rations issued to each mess of 6 convicts per week were as follows:-
1.16 lb. of bread
2.12 lb. of flour
3.14 lb. of salt beef
4. 8 lb. of salt pork
5.12 pints of pease
6. 2 lb. of rice
7.1 1/2 lb. of butter
Female prisoners also received a ration of tea and sugar. All prisoners received a ration, for the voyage, of 2 gallons of good Spanish red wine and 140 gallons of water.
The rations were good to adequate and the same for all onboard. However the ships masters were unscrupulous and cheated the prisoners out of their rations and sold them elsewhere for a profit. Starving them on the way out.
Upon arrival in the Colony female prisioners were issued with:-
1.1 brown serge jacket
2.2 linen shifts
3.1 petticoat
4.1 linen bonnet
5.1 pair of worsted stockings
6.1 pair of shoes
7.1 neck handkerchief
Until 1810 convicts were permitted to wear ordinary civilian clothes in Australia. The new Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, wanted to set the convicts apart from the increasing numbers of free settlers who were flocking to Australia.
The distinctive new uniform marked out the convicts very clearly. The trousers were marked with the letters PB, for Prison Barracks. They were buttoned down the sides of the legs, which meant they could be removed over a pair of leg irons.
A convict's daily rations after arriving were by no means substantial. Typically, they would consist of:
Breakfast: One roll and a bowl of skilly, a porridge-like dish made from oatmeal, water, and if they were lucky, scrapings meat.
Lunch: A large bread roll and a pound of dried, salted meat.
Dinner: One bread roll and, if they were lucky, a cup of tea.
When convicts arrived in Australia, detailed reports were compiled of their physical appearance, including distinguishing marks. At the beginning of the 19th century one in four convicts was tattooed, and although it's hard for us to fully understand what these may have meant to the individual, some are interesting, even witty comments on convict life.
Some tattoos appear to be poignant love tokens and permanent reminders of the life and loved ones they left behind.
Some are cheeky remonstrations with the officials, such as the words 'Strike me fair, stand firm and do your duty'.
Similarly, a crucifix tattooed on a convict's back would give that impression that Christ himself was being flogged, and angels were standing by with a cup to catch the blood. This implies that it is the authorities that are sinful.
Male convicts were brought ashore a day or so after their convoy landed arrival. They were marched up to the Government Lumber Yard, where they were stripped, washed, inspected and had their vital statistics recorded.
If convicts were skilled, for example carpenters, blacksmiths or stonemasons, they may have been retained and employed on the government works programme. Otherwise they were assigned to labouring work or given over to property owners, merchant or farmers who may once have been convicts themselves
Women made up 15% of the convict population. They are reported to have been low-class women, foul mouthed and with loose morals. Nevertheless they were told to dress in clothes from London and lined up for inspection so that the officers could take their pick of the prettiest.
Until they were assigned work, women were taken to the Female Factories, where they performed menial tasks like making clothes or toiling over wash-tubs. It was also the place where women were sent as a punishment for misbehaving, if they were pregnant or had illegitimate children.
Other punishments for women include an iron collar fastened round the neck, or having her head shaved as a mark of disgrace. Often these punishments were for moral misdemeanours, such as being 'found in the yard of an inn in an indecent posture for an immoral purpose', or 'misconduct in being in a brothel with her mistress' child'.
As women were a scarcity in the colony, if they married they could be assigned to free settlers. Often, desperate men would go looking for a wife at the Female Factories.
The officials had an unpleasant cure for hangovers and drunkeness, which they imposed on convicts who were overly fond of rum. The 'patient' was forced to drink a quart of warm water containing a wine-glass full of spirits and five grains of tartar emetic. He was then carried to a darkened room, in the centre of which was a large drum onto which he was fastened. The drum was revolved rapidly, which made the patient violently sick. He was then put to bed, supposedly disgusted by the smell of spirits.
To view some of my Family Tree Images