1878
4 Feb 1878 James started to Canowindra with two horses and dray to do some work in glaziers lane. Adam Potts and Alick Clearahne went with him. Commenced to rain in the evening.
5 Feb 1878 Raining heavy all day.
6 Feb 1878 James came back with the horses and dray. Briggs and I making a drain deeper. Paid Fred Lovell the full amount due to him.
7 Feb 1878 James, Fred Briggs and I clearing the drain. Eastman commenced work after dinner.
8 Feb 1878 Working at the drain. The Quirks finished stonebreaking. James and I measured their metal. Showers all day.
9 Feb 1878 James started to Cowra with two horses and dray, taking a chest of drawers with him. Commenced to rain after breakfast. Put in a drain pipe after dinner.
10 Feb 1878 Fine morning. Heavy shower in the evening.
11 Feb 1878 Briggs and I working at the drain, and Eastman after dinner. About 3 o’clock a great storm of wind and rain came on for about three hours. I never saw heavier rain. James Quirk and his intended wife Mary Carroll and Ginger Stewart went in the Broander’s wagonette to Chivers Hotel, back Creek to get married.
12 Feb 1878 Briggs, Eastman and I working all day at the drain. James Quirk and his wife and Ginger came back before breakfast. Rather a mean looking lot after being out all night.
13 Feb 1878 The Quirks finished spreading. I paid them the full amount due to them. I paid Broander his bill. I got a letter from James with six blank cheques. A letter from Minnie. No work.
14 Feb 1878 I paid Briggs and Eastman up to date. I started to Cowra on horseback. Great shower at Merriganowry. I got to Cowra at 4 o’clock. James not come from Grenfell.
15 Feb 1878 James came from Grenfell with a load of Mr Single’s furniture. Mr Single came with his family. Unloaded at Sloan’s new house.Four of our horses in Challacombe’s paddock.
16 Feb 1878 Rained all day. Assisted Mr Single to fix his furniture. Paid Moore and Austin and Rheuben. Wrote to A Lynch.
17 Feb 1878 Sunday. James started to Canowindra with one horse and cart. I started to Goolagong riding my chestnut horse and leading Tom the draught horse. I met Fred Brotherton at the Back (Creek) with a load of wheat and the wheel of his dray broken. I met james Quirk and his wife walking. Went on to Goolagong. Eclipse of the moon tonight.
18 Feb 1878 I got Briggs and another man to assist me to blind the metal.
19 Feb 1878 We finished the blinding at 12 o’clock. Cleaning up the tables in the afternoon. Paid Briggs and the man.
20 Feb 1878 Broander and Billy Robinson went in the wagonette to Canowindra races. Mr Single came at 12 o’clock. He was well pleased with the work. He gave me another piece to do in Hanley Lagoon. Mr Single went on to Forbes.
21 Feb 1878 I went to Brotherton’s camp. He came again in the evening to say that he could not go. I sent a letter to Tom Peters.
22 Feb 1878 I got a letter from Minnie. Briggs commenced to quarry. Peterson agreed to put up a culvert for 12 pounds. I to find the iron work. Broander came.
23 Feb 1878 Started to Cowra with Billy the Forbes mailman. Got to Cowra at dark.
24 Feb 1878 Sunday. Down in Challacombe’s paddock. Fine grass.
25 Feb 1878 I went to Mulyan and Warwick after the Gray mare. Could not find.
26 Feb 1878 Found the Gray mare in Warwick paddock, brought her up and put her in Single’s buggy and drove out to Avis and back. Paid George Lawrence for the hammers. Took Hartigan to the circus.
27 Feb 1878 I sold to Russell old Dick, old Prince and the Count for nine pounds and received payment. Wrote a letter to A Lynch.
28 Feb 1878 I started for Goolagong and got there at 3 o’clock. I put on a man named Fox to quarry and break two chains at 3/6 per cubic yard. Put my horses in Flint’s paddock.
1 Mar 1878 I measured the place for the culvert in Hanley Lagoon. I rode up to Glaziers Lane at Canowindra to see James. It will take him three days to have all the stone broken there. I came back to Goolagong.
2 Mar 1878 Costello drawing logs for the culvert. Mrs Broander came from Cowra. Her father Richard Duggan buried yesterday. Brought five hammers that harry Barratt at Grenfell repaired.
3 Mar 1878 Started from Goolagong after dinner. Arrived in Cowra at sundown. I went and saw Mr Single. He agreed to go to Canowindra on the 6th Instant.
4 Mar 1878 I got the Gray mare from Mr Single. She did not go well. I went to Challacombe’s paddock for his horse. Close day.
5 Mar 1878 I gave Billy Boxall my Gray mare to work in the coach to Grenfell. I lent Mr Single my horse.
6 Mar 1878 Started with Mr Single for Canowindra. He measured the stone in Glaziers Lane. We stayed at Clyburn’s all night.
7 Mar 1878 Mr Single, Clyburn and I went to inspect the new line of road via Jacks Creek. We went along the old road to where the Tenandra? road joins it, and then followed the Tenandra road to the Tenandra?? sheep station, and from there to Jacks Creek, and on to Canowindra. Killed a bullock. I paid Rue in full. Paid Brotherton one pound. Paid Kier? the butcher.
8 Mar 1878 Paid Clyburn his bill. Mr Single started for Cowra and we started with the carts for Goolagong. Put our horses in Flint’s paddock. Hennessy’s youngest son got kicked with a horse and broke his left arm at the shoulder. I saw the horse kick him. Paid Clearihne.
9 Mar 1878 I pegged out 8 chains to be formed and 10 1/2 chains of drain. Clearihne went to Grenfell to see Parker, Clerk of the Court about our copper lease at Broula Hill. Killed a bullock. Rue quarrying. I sent a cheque by Frank Flint to the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Cowra. James cut his knee with a tomahawk.
10 Mar 1878 Sunday. Adam Potts went to Cowra on my horse. I paid him £27.17.0. A letter from A Lynch about the selection. A letter from Clearihne. He is going to peg the copper lease out again and take out a fresh lease. Sent a letter to Cowra by Jack Gleeson for drills and hammer. The quarry getting hard.
11 Mar 1878 Drew in some logs for Peterson. Heavy shower at 12 o’clock. Set two men to dig a drain at 5/6 per chain. Adam Potts came from Cowra.
12 Mar 1878 Filling at the culvert. James and Brotherton driving. Tom Watt buried at Forbes today. A Potts filling carts.
13 Mar 1878 Finished at east end of culvert. Clearihne came from Grenfell. A letter from A James S Bank,Cowra, giving me credit for 26 pounds.
14 Mar 1878 Filling in at the culvert. Clearihne filling. James Lynch came with his race mare Reckless. Gleeson came but forgot the drills.
15 Mar 1878 We worked until 10 o’clock and went to the races. Poor meeting. Paid Brotherton up to date. Paid Yates to date. James Lynch won 26 pounds with Reckless and called for a dozen of champagne. Sergeant McCarty and Chapman from Cowra.
16 Mar 1878 Light showers this morning. Finished east end of culvert. Brotherton carted two loads of stone.
17 Mar 1878 St Patrick’s day.
18 Mar 1878 James and Brotherton carted 20 loads of stone. Adam Potts and Alick Clearihne forming. Signed an application for a 20 acre lease for copper at Broula Hill.
19 Mar 1878 Carted 17 loads of stone. James sick. I took his place. Adam and Alick finished forming. Lent Broander 20 pounds.
20 Mar 1878 Carted 20 loads. Adam and Alick breaking. Yates finished the drain. Paid him. Rue 3 pounds. James not at work.
21 Mar 1878 James and Brotherton carted 20 loads of stone.I assisted to load.
22 Mar 1878 Carted 19 loads of stone. Brotherton went for tools left at Byrne’s. Bill Rue commenced to break.
23 Mar 1878 Carted 20 loads of stone. No corn to be had.
24 Mar 1878 A letter from Parker, C P S Grenfell. Receipt for copper lease.
25 Mar 1878 Carted 19 loads. Peterson finished the culvert.
26 Mar 1878 Raining all day. No work. Flint brought me a cheque book from Cowra and a letter from Minnie.
27 Mar 1878 Showers all day. Bill Rue and I put a shot in the quarry. It removed a great quantity of stone. Carts not working.
28 Mar 1878 James, Brotherton and I carting logs to fill up an old (hole) we made in the road. Carted ten loads of stone. River rising.
29 Mar 1878 Carted 20 loads. River falling. Nearly overflowed the banks.
30 Mar 1878 Carted 20 loads. Paid Peterson for the culvert.
31 Mar 1878 Sunday. Measured the clearing to be done. 55 chains.
1 Apr 1878 carting 10 loads. That finished the stone carting. Carting chip and rubbish to fill up the quarry. Paid Brotherton up to date.
2 Apr 1878 James and I finished filling up the quarry. Carted 3 loads of stone. We saw a dead cod fish on a raft of timber. 100lbs in weight.
3 Apr 1878 I started to Cowra. I met Mr Murray, Mr Freehill solicitor Cowra and Mr John Toohey, Brewer, Sydney. I saw Mr Single in Cowra. He promised to be at Goolagong on Monday next. James finished walling the sides of the culvert and cut the outlet.
4 Apr 1878 Looking for the black horse in Challacombe’s paddock but could not find him. I went to the scalded plain and brought in the Gray mare and her two colts and put them in Challacombe’s paddock.
5 Apr 1878 I took a mare of Willie Watt’s down to his paddock and came through Challacombe’s paddock and saw the old black horse.
6 Apr 1878 Stayed at home. A Potts, A Clearihne, and Rue finished breaking.
7 Apr 1878 Sunday. I went to Mass. Old Jackson buried today. Mrs King and jane King came from Narrang Creek.
8 Apr 1878 Started down to Goolagong with Mr Single. He gave me some work at Merriganowry Ridge. Mr Single measured the metal in Hanley Lagoon and went ion to Forbes. We commenced to spread. I paid Fox up to date.
9 Apr 1878 James and Brotherton and I started blinding. The other men finished spreading. Paid Bill Rue up to date. Warm day.
10 Apr 1878 Finished blinding at 12 o’clock. Got Adam Potts to cut out the drains. Paid Brotherton up to date. Paid Clearihne up to date. Carts half loaded to start early in the morning.
11 Apr 1878 Paid briggs and Flint and Broander. Adam Potts went to Grenfell. James and Yates and I started with the two carts and camped at the foot of Merriganowry Ridge near Billy Martin’s place. We put our horses in his paddock. Rue came in the evening.
12 Apr 1878 Made a forge. Went up the hill and pegged out the work after dinner, forming all side cutting. Warm day.
13 Apr 1878 Cutting the hill. Adam Potts came. After dinner, Adam and I pegged out a place for a stone crossing across Stockyard Gully. We had a long walk looking for stone. The stone not good for stone crossings.
14 Apr 1878 Sunday. We found good stone up Stockyard Gully. Broander brought a pick and some tohhares??. Put our horses in Butler’s paddock.
15 Apr 1878 James and Adam Potts commenced the stone crossing at Stockyard Gully. Four of us at the cutting.
16 Apr 1878 James McInerney came with beef, sugar, candles and cheese.
17 Apr 1878 James and Adam finished quarrying for the stone crossing.
18 Apr 1878 James and Yates carted 6 loads of stone for the crossing. The pigs ate all our bread and beef. I had to cook some more for dinner.
19 Apr 1878 Good Friday. James carted 10 loads for the stone crossing. Light showers up to 9 o’clock. Cutting at the hill all day.
20 Apr 1878 James and Yates carted 10 loads of stone for the crossing. Alick, Rue and I at the cutting until 3 o’clock. Alick went to Cowra and Rue went to Canowindra. The butcher came.
21 Apr 1878 Sunday. James went to Goolagong. Alick and Rue came.
22 Apr 1878 I went to Cowra. Saw Mr Single after dark. James carted 6 loads of stone and two loads of sand. Alick sick.
23 Apr 1878 Mr Single and I went to Challacombe’s paddock and got the old black horse. We put him in the buggy and drove him to the bridge and back. Rue came to Cowra after dinner.
24 Apr 1878 I started and got to the camp at 12 o’clock. James working at the forming. Rue came from Canowindra.
25 Apr 1878 Adam Potts finished the crossing. Yates carting earth on the forming. Rue and I blasting. Adam taking down the slopes. Killed a bullock. W Ryan passed going to Cowra.
26 Apr 1878 Commenced to rain at 10 o’clock. We had to stop work. Rained all the evening. Mr Single came at 12 o’clock. He measured 18 chains of work to be done on the hill. He was well pleased with the work.
27 Apr 1878 James and Yates finished grubbing. Bill Rue and I blasting. Adam Potts and Alick Clearihne forming. Warm day. Grass growing fast.
28 Apr 1878 Commenced to rain at daylight and rained all day. James went to Goolagong. Thomas Walsh from Gulgo came back with him and stayed all night at the camp.
29 Apr 1878 Alick and Rue commenced the drain. James and Yates clrearing. Adam and I at the crossing and doing some clearing at the west end of the cutting. Young Tom Walsh’s horse got out of Billy Martin’s paddock. He got him three miles away. He started for Cowra.
30 Apr 1878 We finished at the west end. Alick and Rue at the cutting..
1 May 1878 Commenced to form at the east end of the work.
2 May 1878 Forming all day.
3 May 1878 Alick and Rue finished the drain. James and I went out in the bush and cut a hollow tree to put across the forming in place of drainpipes. Thomas Walsh of Cowra and T Walsh of Gulgo passed down in a buggy on their way to Gulgo. John Ward passed going to Condoblin.
4 May 1878 James brought in the hollow log and put it across the forming to act as a drainpipe. Working both carts. Filling up side of forming. Bill Rue went home.ogan and his family and Mrs Campbell came and camped near us all night.
5 May 1878 Sunday. Grogan started down the river. I went up to Stockyard Gully. James went to Goolagong. Rue came back. Frost and fog.
6 May 1878 Finished the forming at Merriganowry Ridge.
7 May 1878 Five of us went to Stockyard Gully. We cut a drain, four chains and all the saplings out of the road. I paid Rue, Yates, Clearihne, and Potts in full to date.
8 May 1878 Loaded the carts and started for Cowra. James driving one cart and Yates the other cart. Clearihne, Rue, and I on horseback, Adam with the carts. Got to Cowra at 11 o’clock. Put the horses in Challacombe’s paddock. Fine weather, great frosts.
9 May 1878 I saw Mr Single and agreed with him to put a set of drainpipes near S G Alford’s. I went up to the Court House to see if there were any specifications there for the telegraph line from Cowra to Grenfell. There were none.
10 May 1878 Put Tom and Jolly in Middlemiss, paddock. Wrote a letter to Andrew Lynch about my selection. Signed a voucher for a refund for a copper lease on Broula Hill. Dr Smith came from Carcoar to see Mrs Challacombe.
11 May 1878 James went to Bumbaldry for a horse of Mr Single’s. I went out to Alford’s with Mr Single in his buggy. He marked out a place for the drainpipes. I saw the specifications for the telegraph line from Cowra to Grenfell.
12 May 1878 Sunday. Adam and I went up the river to the gravel quarry. James went to Warwick for a horse of Challacombe’s. Mrs Challacombe seems worse this evening.
13 May 1878 Adam Potts and I putting bark on a shed of Challacombe’s. James took nine drainpipes out to Alford’s. We finished the shed. Warm day.
14 May 1878 James, Adam Potts and I took a horse and cart and three drainpipes out to Alford’s. Adam and I putting in the pipes James brought in the posts and ballast logs. Started home at 4 o’clock.
15 May 1878 James, Adam and I took the horse and cart out to Alford’s. It took us to 4 o’clock to finish the drainpipes. Mrs Challacombe no better.
16 May 1878 At home. Mrs Challacombe better. She came down to our place.
17 May 1878 David Middlemiss died at 8 o’clock this morning. Mrs Challacombe no better.
18 May 1878 James put the old black horse in Butler’s buggy. He went well.
19 May 1878 Sunday. I went to Mass. After dinner I went with Butler in his buggy to David Middlemiss’s funeral. About 200 people at it. He was buried in Campbell’s burial ground. I sold Butler the old black horse for four pounds ten shillings. Warm day.
20 May 1878 I went up to the Court House. I saw Mr Single there. Killed a bullock. Ryan came from Goulburn. Paid Stibbard. Frost this morning.
21 May 1878. James got in the piebald horse. The bazaar opened tonight. Mrs Challacombe seems worse tonight. Telegraphed for Dr Smith. Mrs Hartigan came. Frost this morning.
22 May 1878 James, Michael Ryan and I cut some sticks in Challacombe’s paddock for Mr Single. Dr Smith came.
23 May 1878 Clynche’s furniture sold. Bishop of Bathurst came. Alford allotments not sold. Bazaar on tonight.
24 May 1878 Queen’s Birthday. Great preparation for the concert. I’m not well today. Bridget Markham gone home. Mrs Challacombe better. A Lynch came. Races at the ‘Sheet o’ Bark’. Foot races and other sports on the Flat. About 400 people at the concert. Finished up with an Auction Sale.
25 May 1878 Raining this morning. Most all the people from the country cleared out. The Bishop started to Forbes. Father Ryan started for Carcoar.
26 May 1878 Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Mrs Challacombe better. Cloudy day.
27 May 1878 I sent away a tender for the telegraph line from Cowra to Grenfell. I went up to the Court House and heard Asmore’s? Case. He was committed to Bathurst. A fine day.
28 May 1878 Adam Potts and I agreed with Challacombe to put up a fowl house. We were getting the timber in his paddock. James carting some timber for Mr Single. A notice from Canowindra that the Gray mare was there in the pound. A child of John Hood’s died today. Old Mr Corbett of Grenfell died today. Great frost. No sign of rain.
29 May 1878 Adam Potts and I went to the paddock and aquared some logs. Adam put a frightful cut up along his foot with an axe. We had to bring him home in a dray. Dr Flocton dressed his foot. James went to Canowindra for the Gray mare. Thomas Walsh, and Thomas Walsh of Gulgoe. P Walsh, Mrs Walsh and Bridget Walsh came. James brought the Gray mare from Canowindra.
30 May 1878 James put the Gray mare in Challacombe’s paddock. Adam Potts had a bad night with his foot. Jim McCarthy and I brought in a load of logs for the fowl house. James working at Mr Single’s.
31 May 1878 Raining until 12 o’clock. McCarthy and I brought in a load of timber. James finished at Mr Single’s. James Butler paid for the old black horse. Mrs Challacombe worse this evening. Telegraphed for Dr Smith.
1 Jun 1878 No work today. James went up to Middlemiss’ paddock and saw the draught horses. T Walsh from Gulgo started to Kikiamah.
2 Jun 1878 Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Mrs Challacombe no better. James Ryan came from Forbes tonight. Adam Potts doing well.
3 Jun 1878 Patrick Walsh and Mrs Walsh started home to Kikiamah. Bridget stayed. Mrs Challacombe shifted to our parlour room.
4 Jun 1878 Getting posts ready for the fowl house . I took the bandages off Adam’s foot. The wound looks healthy. I lent Chapman cart and harness.
5 Jun 1878 No work today. Mrs Ryan came from Goulburn in a coach. Mrs Hartigan came.
6 Jun 1878 James Ryan and his son Michael started to Forbes. They took the piebald horse and the Gray mare with them. James and Willie Ryan looking for a horse. I was putting a bottom in a cart. Mrs Challacombe better. A cold day.
7 Jun 1878 I was repairing carts all day. James working at Mr Single’s. Light shower of rain. Mrs Challacombe improving.
8 Jun 1878 No work. James and W Ryan found Challacombe’s horse.
9 Jun 1878 Sunday. Raining all day. Cold enough to snow. Mrs Challacombe much better.
10 Jun 1878 I went up to Freehill’s office and got him to draw up a petition to the Minister of Lands to cancel the Reserve that I took my selection on at Broula Hill. I went to Mr Single’s place. I signed the final voucher for the Goolagong work and signed for the Merriganowry work.j and Jim McCarthy carting wood that Jack Walsh cut for a wager?
11 Jun 1878 No work today. James and McCarthy drew in two loads of wood. I got the petition from Freehill. Mrs Hartigan went home.
12 Jun 1878 I got S G Alford to head the petition. I got the chestnut horse shod. Paid Challacombe £1.6.6. The concert went off well. Raining all day
13 Jun 1878 I got four magistrates to sign the petition. Shower all day.
14 Jun 1878 James and McCarthy carting sand all day. Putting it in Challacombe’s backyard. I spread it.
15 Jun 1878 Finished carting sand. Dr Smith came. I paid Eganhis bill.
16 Jun 1878 Mass at the Chapel. Cold day.
17 Jun 1878 No work. James up at Mr Single’s.
18 Jun 1878 James brought Mr Single’s horses from the paddock. James and McCarthy drawing sand. I went up to Mr Single’Mr Single and saw the specifications for some road work coming out. I got some road work from him in the lane near the brick kilns. Mrs Challacombe recovering slowly.
19 Jun 1878 James went to Canowindra for a tea meeting.
20 Jun 1878 James came from Canowindra and he and I went to have a look at the quarry. A Middlemiss brought Tom the horse from George Campbell’s barley paddock. Getting on well with my petition.
21 Jun 1878 James and I fixed up a feeder at the work for our horses.
22 Jun 1878 James went to Bumbaldry to get two pigs for Mr Single. Bridget Walsh went by coach to Grenfell. Took some tools to the blacksmith.
23 Jun 1878 A German named Hartman agreed to quarry. We put our horses in Middlemiss’ paddock. Mrsb walking about.
24 Jun 1878 Rained until 12 o’clock. Paid P Murray his bill. Fifty six pounds. James took all the tools out to the quarry.
25 Jun 1878 James and Hartman and I went to the quarry. Hartman agreed to quarry at one shilling per cubic yard. I came back to mind the bar for Mr Challacombe. He went on the coach to carcoar for Grace Challacombe. I slept at the Royal Hotel all night. A letter from Adam Potts Fitzgibbon, Gulgong.
27 Jun 1878 James and Hartman quarrying all day. Light showers.
28 Jun 1878 James, Hartman and I quarrying all day.
29 Jun 1878 Quarrying all day. Advanced Hartman five shillings. Ther Holloway Troup performed tonight. Cold all day.
30 Jun 1878 Sunday. I went to Mr Single’s. Saw some specifications for load work.
1 Jul 1878 James and Hartman commenced to form. Hartman at 7/6 per day. Frost. Warm day.
2 Jul 1878 Forming all day. Mr Single came out and measured 8 ½ chains of work to be formed and one culvert. Frost. Cloudy all day.
3 Jul 1878 James and I forming all day. Hartman not at work. A Lynch addressed his constituents tonight at Challacombe’s Royal Hotel. Fine day.
4 Jul 1878 Hartman and Finlayson forming all day. James brought the two draught horses. We stsrted with the two carts, carting soil to fill up the ruts on the road. Edward Murphy agreed to put up the culvert for thirteen pounds. I gave A Lynch the petition. Paid Moore and Rheuben up to this date.
5 Jul 1878 James and I carted 12 loads of stone. Hartman and Finlayson forming all day. Fine weather.
6 Jul 1878 Carted 8 loads of metal. Hartman and Finlayson forming. Carting earth to make up the forming. Paid Hartman and Finlayson up to date. Dr Smith came tonight. Cold frosty morning.
7 Jul 1878 Sunday, mass at the Chapel. Frost this morning.
8 Jul 1878 Carted 16 loads of stone. Hartman quarrying. Grace Challacombe went to carcoar with Dr Smith. Frost this morning.
9 Jul 1878 Carted 16 loads of stone. Adam Potts and Adam Finlayson commenced to break. Murphy came with sawn timber for the culvert. Frost this morning.
10 Jul 1878 Carted 16 loads of stone. Murphy cutting logs for the culvert.
11 Jul 1878 rained all night. We took the horses and carts out to the work but it rained too heavy to work them. James and I cutting an outlet drain. Set Hartman to dig the side drain. Too wet for the stone breakers.
12 Jul 1878 Rained all day. I went to the Court House to see some specifications for road work between the Sheet of Bark and Danzeil’s Lane.
13 Jul 1878 Showers all day. No work. James went with McCarthy for a load of wood.
14 Jul 1878 Sunday. I went up to Mr Single’s. James went to the paddock for the chestnut horse.
15 Jul 1878 Monaghan went on horseback to Danzeils Lane.We had a look at the forming to be done there. The ground very uneven, stone scarce and hard to break and a lomg distance to cart. We got home at dark. James drew logs off the street in the morning and in the evening. Carted stone with two horses.
16 Jul 1878 I went to Mr Single’Mr Single to see if he had the specifications fot the Eugowra and Canowindra road work. He had none. I got my horse and went to Canowindra. I saw the specifications there. Stayed at Clyburn’s all night. James carting stone all day.
17 Jul 1878 Started from Canowindra and came by the new rush on the Wallaroos. No shaft bottomed yet. Called at Chapman’s and had dinner and got to Cowra at 3 o’clock.j carting stone all day.
18 Jul 1878 James and I carted 12 loads of stone. Commenced to rain and thunder in the evening and continued up to 9 o’clock tonight. James and I made out three tenders, one on the Eugowra road, one on the Mandurama and Canowindra road, and one on the Carcoar and Canowindra (road).
19 Jul 1878 Raining all day. No work. Prospectors at the Wallaroos not bottomed yet.
20 Jul 1878 Showers all day. No work. Sent in a tender for I C Contract near Egans on the Canowindra road. Paid Hartman 10/- on account.
21 Jul 1878 Sunday. I went to Mass. I was speaking to Mr Wilkinson, the Government Geologist. Posted a tender for roadwork.
22 Jul 1878 James carted 7 loads of stone. Mr Wilkinson, the Government Geologist, went to the Wallaroos rush. I saw him in the evening and gave him the stone with the fossil plant on, and the limestone with the oyster fossil. He had his man Charley with him.
23 Jul 1878 James and I carted 14 loads of stone. Hartman not quarrying. Bill Rue came. Mr Wilkinson started for Forbes via Canowindra. Weather clearing.
24 Jul 1878 James and I carting earth for forming. Rue and Hartman filling the carts. Murphy finished the culvert. Mr Single came. James took him some wood.
25 Jul 1878 James and I went out with the carts. Commenced to rain. Carting earth for the forming in the evening and one load of stone for the culvert. I bought three hammers and one pick from Alick Clearihne.
26 Jul 1878 Carting earth to the forming up to 12 o’clock. James carting stone in the evening. I kept on carting earth and carted two loads of stone.
27 Jul 1878 Carted 6 loads of stone. Too wet to after dinner to cart. We carted some earth to finish the forming. Paid Unsworth for chaff. Paid Hartman up to date. Paid Finlayson two pound on account. Paid Murphy thirteen pound for putting up the culvert and one pound for his share of the tools in the Broula Hill copper mine.
28 Jul 1878 Sunday. Found a new quarry. Cold bleak day.
29 Jul 1878 Carted 20 loads of stone. Rue and Hartman quarrying. Mrs Challacombe and Sarah O’Shaughnessy went by coach to Sydney.
30 Jul 1878 Carted 18 loads of stone. The new quarry ran out. Mr Single measured all the stone that was broken. Frost this morning.
31 Jul 1878 Carted 12 loads of stone. James started carting maintenance metal along the road for Mr Single.
1 Aug 1878 Raining all night and all day. No work.
2 Aug 1878 Rained all night and up to 12 o’clock today. Paid Robert Daly for forage.j went out to the work. River rising.
3 Aug 1878 Carted 10 loads of stone and laid on side of the road. Forming too wet. Hartman commenced to spread metal. Rue finished the quarrying in the evening. W Ryan came. Cold day.
4 Aug 1878 Sunday. Dr Smith came from Carcoar.
5 Aug 1878 Carted 11 loads of stone. I carted 6 loads of sand for the forming. Hartman and Rue finished the spreading. A Lynch, Middlemiss Adam Potts, and E A Baker , Minister for Mines came to a banquet in Cowra.There were about sixty gentlemen at it. It was a great success.
6 Aug 1878 We commenced blinding. Hartman and Rue filling the carts. James driving the carts. I was spreading the blinding. We did five chains. A Lynch and E A Baker started to Carcoar. Mrs Challacombe and Sarah O’Shaughnessy came in the Carcoar coach.
7 Aug 1878 Carted 16 loads of stone. Rue and Hartman cutting side drains at 5/6 per chain. Fine day.
8 Aug 1878 Carted 14 loads of stone. Hartman quarrying. Rue cutting side drain.
9 Aug 1878 Carted 13 loads of stone. Mr Single promised to measure the stone in the morning.
10 Aug 1878 James drew some guard logs. Rue and Hartman cutting inlet and outlet. Mr Single measured the metal that was broken. James and I clearing up the tables. Mr Wilkinson, the Government geologist, and Harrie Wood, the Under Secretary for Mines came. Lineal measurement of metal broken – 8 chains 10 yards and 70 decimals.
11 Aug 1878 Sunday. I was speaking to Mr Wilkinson at Dennis’ hotel.
12 Aug 1878 Carting blinding up to 12 o’clock. Rue and Hartman filling the carts. Carted 3 loads of stone. Stonebreaker finished. We finished spreading the road, ready for traffic. Willis’ store burnt down last night.
13 Aug 1878 James and I went out to the work. Hartmen, Rue, Finlayson and Adam Potts at the side drain. James and I finished the outlet drain. Adam Potts and I went into Cowra to see Mr Wilkinson and get his opinion about taking up a prospecting claim at Woods Flat. We came back to the work. Mr and Mrs Single went to Carcoar. Pid Potts, finlayson, Rue, and Hartman their full amounts.
14 Aug 1878 James brought in all the tools. I was at home all day.
15 Aug 1878 Rained all night and up to 12 o’clock. Waugh and vaughan came from Grenfell to hold an inquest on the fire at Willis’ store.
16 Aug 1878 Borrowed Moore’s spring cart and put Tom the horse in it and Adam Potts and I went to Broula Hill. We got some iron ore, copper ore and other specimens. The telegraph line cleared to the top of Broula Hill. We got back to Cowra at sundown.
17 Aug 1878 Paid Ryall and Unsworth. Mr Single came. Raining all day.
18 Aug 1878 Sunday. I went up to Mr Single’Mr Single to see him about getting up a prospecting party at Woods Flat. We arranged to have a meeting at Freehill’s office at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.
19 Aug 1878 We had a meeting at Freehill’s office to consider the best way to get up a prospecting party. It was agreed to take up a prospecting claim, and that six men work, and six men pay in £1.5.0 per week, making in all twelve shares. It was agreed that Mr Single and I go out to Woods Flat and peg out the ground. We went to Woods Flat to where the lead was lost and followed the supposed line down to the old Balmoral copper mine. We came back to where the McDonald were working at the head of the old lead. I went down two shafts that they were working in. The McDonalds came with us to where the lead was lost andshowed us their protection area 200 yards along the lead. We did not mark out a claim because the width was too great. We got home at 8 o’clock.
20 Aug 1878 Mr Freehill telegraphed to Harrie Woods at Parkes to know if the McDonalds could hold their ground, not having it pegged out and not working on it. I paid Rheuben , paid Egan.
21 Aug 1878 Mr Single went to Canowindra. Dr Smith came to see Pat Walsh. We put bark on our kitchen. Pat Walsh no better tonight.
22 Aug 1878 James carting maintenance metal near Lockyer’s, the Cross Keys, for Mr Single. A telegram from Grenfell about getting men for the prospecting claim. Sent reply saying twenty five shillings per week. Pat Walsh no better. Warm day.
23 Aug 1878 I went to see Pat Walsh early this morning.He seemed to be failing fast. We put some more bark on the old kitchen. A letter from grenfell – a party of four men coming to prospect at Woods Flat. Pat walsh died at half past ten o’clock tonight – inflammation of the heart.
24 Aug 1878 I sent a telegram to P Walsh Kikiamah, to W Walsh Gulgo, James Curry Carcoar, and T Bell Young. James went for John Cahill. I went up to Mr Single’s house. He made out specifications for road work Cowra to Forbes. I got a reply from W Walsh, Gulgo and T Bell, Young. I was up all night.
25 Aug 1878 We put Pat Walsh in the coffin at 2 o’clock this morning. T Walsh and I went to the burial ground. John cahill went for Mrs Markham. P Walsh, Bridget, Margaret, Thomas and Patrick Walsh came from Kikiamah. I saw Mr Wattabout my selection at Broula.
26 Aug 1878 Funeralwhere? started at 2 o’clock. 200 people at it. Fine day.
27 Aug 1878 I went with Mr Single and Alfred West along the Hovell’s creek road to see some road work to be done in the mount near porter’s selection. We got back at 12 o’clock. I went up to the Court House to see specifications for the Cowra and Forbes road.
28 Aug 1878 James carting bricks for Challacombe. P Walsh, Bridget, Margaret, Tom and Pat Walsh started for Kikiamah. I went with Mr Single to measure the work on Hovell’s creek road. I made out a tender for the Cowra and Forbes road.
29 Aug 1878 James carting bricks. The men came from Grenfell. We had a meeting at Freehill’s office and agreed to take up a prospecting claim nect to McDonald’s at Woods Flat. I paid D. Neville his bill.
30 Aug 1878 The prospectors started to Woods Flat. I put in a tender for the Cowra and Forbes work.
31 Aug 1878 I went out to Woods Flat and pegged out a claim, 1,600 feet by 600 feet. I had dinner at Tom Elwood’s place. James carted 5 loads of stone to repair Barratt’s Creek culvert. Mr Single came from Canowindra . Dr Smith came.
1 Sep 1878 Sunday. Mass at the Chapel. Murray the builder from Canowindra married today.
2 Sep 1878 Advanced one pound to the Woods Flat prospectors. Tenders opened for the Cowra and Forbes road work. All tenders went to Sydney to be approved. Percy Ryall went to Woods Flat this evening. Pat McGrath came from Kikiamah.
3 Sep 1878 I went up to Mr Single’s this morning. Raining most all day.
4 Sep 1878 Mr and Mrs Single went to Grenfell. Adam Potts came from Woods Flat. He says that Mr Young, the Geological Surveyor measured most all our claim for the McDonalds. Cowra Ryall and I went to Mr Young’s camp in the police paddock. He said that he had his instructions from Harrir Woods, Under Secretary for Mines. Ryall sent a letter to Freehill, Sydney.
5 Sep 1878 I took some iron ore to Mr Young’s camp. He said it would go 75%. Paid Austin Brothers and Moore, Butcher. It rained all day.
6 Sep 1878 Raining all day. Paid Challacombe to date. Working at my diary.
7 Sep 1878 Mr Single came from the Grenfell Show.
8 Sep 1878 Sunday. The prospectors bottomed two shafts, shallow. Freehill came from Sydney in the coach. C. Ryall gone to Grenfell.
9 Sep 1878 Atkins tuned the piano. Raining at dark.
10 Sep 1878 Raining all night. Mr Single came down to tell me that my tender for the Cowra and Forbes road had been accepted. Pat McGrath went in the coach to Grenfell. River rising.
11 Sep 1878 River rising all day. Water running over the Back Creek bridge. The Grenfell coach had to wait three hours before it could cross. Freehill and I went to D. Donnelly’sto decide upon the best place to prospect. For the 300 pound vote from the Government.
12 Sep 1878 I went to Woods Flat to see the prospectors. They had bottomed three duffers and down 30 feet with another shaft on our upper boundary. McDonalds not working. James took a copy of Hovell’s creek work.
13 Sep 1878 James carted six loads of wood for Mr Single. Getting tools ready for the Cowra and Forbes contract.
14 Sep 1878 James got the draught horses and got Prior to shoe them. Got some rations ready. The Bishop of Bathurst came, and a Marist priest.
15 Sep 1878 Foundation stone of Cowra Convent laid today. Mass in the new chapel. 600 pounds collected. I gave 5 pounds.
16 Sep 1878 Bishop Quinn started for Bathurst. Mr Young the geologist passed through Cowra on his way to Woods Flat to resurvey McDonald’s protection area, giving all the ground we had pegged at first.
17 Sep 1878 We made a start. James driving one cart and Edmund Markham driving the other cart. We got to Stockyard Gully near ‘Merriganowry’ at 3 o’clock. We put one tent up and put the horses in James Butler’s paddock. 2/- per head per week. Paid the saddler and Egan before I left Cowra.
18 Sep 1878 Finished fixing our camp. Pegged out the work. .
19 Sep 1878 We commenced grubbing. Mr and Mrs Single came in a buggy. I got my horse and went with them to Goolagong. They went on to Binda, John West’s place. I stayed at Goolagong all night.
20 Sep 1878 Raining this morning. I started to Binda. Mr Single started at 10 o’clock. We went to Gunnigle, Trigger creek. Mr Single found that a first class culvert would be too small. He said a stone crossing would do. I started back to Merriganowry. Mr Single went to Tomabil.
21 Sep 1878 We measured the work to be done at Stockyard Gully. Nine chains of metal at Butler’s shingled hut, 6 ½ chains of metal, 65 chains of clearing, 65 chains of drain. James and Edmund (Markham) and I clearing all day. Mr and Mrs Single came past going to Cowra.
22 Sep 1878 Draught horses got out of Butler’s paddock. I rode up Stockyard Gully.
23 Sep 1878 The 3 of us grubbing all day. James McInerney the Butcher came.
24 Sep 1878 grubbing all day. Great storm of wind today.
25 Sep 1878 Clearing all day. A letter from Mr Single about the Woods Flat prospect.
26 Sep 1878 The bullock driver finished drawing logs off the clearing.
27 Sep 1878 I paid the bullock driver. Showers all day. I went for my horse. I found that he had staked himself between the forelegs. The wound was full of maggots. I put some turpentine on it. No work today.
28 Sep 1878 James and Edmund (Markham) and I worked till 12 o’clock. James borrowed a horse from Pat Quinlan. He and Edmund started for Cowra taking the chestnut with them. The wound looked frightful today. I sent a cheque by James for £2.10.0. the amount due for two weeks to the prospectors at Woods Flat. Cold winds and cloudy.
29 Sep 1878 Sunday. I got the newspapers. James and Edmund came and brought Challacombe ‘s mousey mare instead of the chestnut horse. I got the Hovell’s Creek roadwork. Very cold. Light frost.
30 Sep 1878 I started to Cowra. Got there 12 o’clock. I went to Middlemiss’s paddock for a horse of Mr Single’s. I sent a letter to James Markham, Milburn Creek Copper Mine.
1 Oct 1878 Mr Single and I rode to Woods Flat – prospectors bottomed a shaft, 90 feet, no gold. Came out on the Cowra road at the peach trees. Met A. West. He told us that B.Monaghan cut his throat at Mandurama. Mrs Monaghan went by coach.
2 Oct 1878 I sent a telegram to Dr Smith of Carcoar for particulars about Monaghan. Mr Single went to Carcoar. Nellie and Kate Callaghan went by coach to Grenfell. A telegram to say that Monaghan will be forwarded to Bathurst for treatment.
3 Oct 1878 I started for the camp at Stockyard Gully. Cutting a drain in the evening. Murphy came. He agreed to put up two culverts at 13 pounds each. One at Stockyard Gully and one near Cudgelo, Hovell’s Creek road.
4 Oct 1878 James and Edmund and I cut 8 chains of drain today.
5 Oct 1878 Cutting drain. After dinner, Edmund Markham started for Milburn Creek. James and I worked up to 3 o’clock. Gorman agreed to form nine chains at Stockyard Gully at 15/- per chain. Warm day.
6 Oct 1878 Sunday. A letter from James Markham and one from Sarah O’’Shaughnessy. Thunder and lightning and a little rain after dark.
7 Oct 1878 James and I clearing the piece that is to be formed at Stockyard Gully. Gorman and son commenced to form. Edmund Markham came. James, Edmund and I cutting drain after dinner. Distant thunder.
8 Oct 1878 James, Edmund and I cutting drain all day. Great storm of wind and rain at 2 o’clock. We cut 9 chains of drain. Raining steady.
9 Oct 1878 Cutting drain up to 12 o’clock.I started to Cowra. Got there at dark.
10 Oct 1878 Rained all day but not heavy.
11 Oct 1878 I took three men to Porters Hill to see some work. They agreed to form 40 chains at eighteen shillings per chain, and 20 chains of drain. I supplied them with tools. Mrs O’’Shaughnessy and Mrs Challacombe went to Grenfell to see Hackett. He has heart disease.
12 Oct 1878 The three men started out to Porters Mount to form some road. Four of the Woods Flat prospectors came into Cowra. I paid in £2.10.0 and gave notice that I would not back them any longer. I paid £2.10.0 for Mr Single. Adam Potts went for his tools.
13 Oct 1878 Mrs Oshaughnessy and Mrs Challacombe came from Grenfell. Hackett no better. John Ryan came in a buggy with a part of James Ryan’s family. James came from the camp. Michael Ryan came with him and brought the piebald horse.
14 Oct 1878 I started and went to the camp at Stockyard Gully . Bill Edments and I cutting an outlet drain into Butler’s paddock. Boll Edments agreed to form 6 ½ chains at Butler’s shingle hut. Fifteen shillings per chain. Windy all day.
15 Oct 1878 Edmund Markham and I went in the bush and got a hollow log to put across the forming to act as a drainpipe. James came from Cowra. I started to Goolagong and came back. Adam Potts came from Cowra. Clyburn’s allotments in Canowindra sold today. Gorman finished forming.
16 Oct 1878 James took a horse and cart up to george grant’s for some tools left there. Edmund Markham and I put in the hollow log across the forming. After dinner, James and Edmund clearing at the foot of Merriganowry ridge. Gorman forming at Buggy Gully. Adam Potts and I put up a forge. McInerney, Butcher, came.
17 Oct 1878 James and Bill Edments carting earth on to the forming at Buggy Gully. Adam Potts and I commenced to quarry.
18 Oct 1878 Adam and I quarrying all day. James carting earth for Bill Edments and in the evening carting earth for Gorman. The forming finished this evening. Hackett died this morning. Sarah O’Shaughnessy and Mrs Challacombe went to Grenfell. Warm day.
19 Oct 1878 James, Adam, Bill and I quarrying. After dinner I started to Cowra and got there at 4 o’clock and went and saw Mr Single. He agreed to go to Darbys Falls in the morning.
20 Oct 1878 Sunday. Mr Single and I started for Darbys falls. We went by Cudgelo and Daly’s Springs. Called at John Jordan’s place. He was not at home. Went on to Markham’s camp. Sid Baker and Pat Markham were there. Went on to Darbys Falls. Marked the road from there towards Cowra, one mile and a half. Started back to Cowra. came by the old Kurrajong? Reef. Came through the bush from there on to the head of the Whistle Waa. We marked out a drain and some forming to be done at Porters. We got to Cowra at 8 o’clock.
21 Oct 1878 Wrote a letter to James Markham and got to the camp at 12 o’clock. James and Edmund carting stone. Adam Potts breaking. Bill Edments quarrying. Murphy commenced the culvert.
22 Oct 1878 James and Edmund carted 26 loads of stone. I went to the quarry. P.Murray came to the quarry in the evening. Murphy went home.
23 Oct 1878 Gorman and son commenced to quarry. Bill Edments and I quarrying. James and Edmund carted 28 loads of stone. Sultry day.
24 Oct 1878 James and Edmund carted 25 loads of stone. Gleeson the carrier brought some rations from Cowra. I was quarrying all day.
25 Oct 1878 Started to Cowra. Got there at 12 o’clock. Speaking to P.Murray about the Goolagong pound. Warm day.
26 Oct 1878 I went to S. G.Alford’s tosee if he would give me his vote for the Goolagong pound, but he had already pledged himself to Harry Grant. Edmund Markham went home. Paid Gorman. McInerney, butcher came.
27 Oct 1878 Sunday. Stayed at home all day. Sent the paper to the camp.
28 Oct 1878 I put in an application for the Goolagong pound. There were seven applicants and nine magistrates. There were four for Robinson and five for Harry Grant. I paid Egan his bill. I started for the camp at 12 o’clock. Edmund Markham came. Light showers all day.
29 Oct 1878 I was quarrying all day. James and Edmund carted 22 loads of stone. Gorman and son quarrying. Heavy storm passed over at dark.
30 Oct 1878 James and Edmund carted 14 loads of stone up to 12 o’clock. It then started to rain. I made a canvas bag. Murphy and English drawing timber for the culvert.
31 Oct 1878 Rained all night and day. Stockyard Gully very high the (water) ran over the metal.
1 Nov 1878 Rained all day and night. Stockyard Gully very high still. James Butler shifted out to the shingle hut. James and Edmund assisted him to get his cattle out on to the high ground, and put the horses in Billy Martin’s paddock all night. The water in the Lachlan River overflowed the banks and rising very fast.
2 Nov 1878 No rain last night. Stockyard Gully falling. The Lachlan rising. All the Merriganowry flats covered with water. The water over the handrails of the back Creek bridge. No mail up today.
3 Nov 1878 River falling. James and Edmund started to Cowra but could not cross the Back Creek bridge. Water running over the handrails. Mail went up. James and Edmund came back.
4 Nov 1878 rained all night. Mailman brought the newspapers. Gorman and son came down to work. They had word from Cowra that the waterdid not run over the banks at Cowra. James, Edmund and I went to recut the drain at Boggy Gully. A storm came. I never saw such heavy rain. All the drains ran over and took some forming away. The water in Stockyard Gully rose high again.
5 Nov 1878 James, Edmund and I cutting drains at Boggy Gully all ady. Bill Edments breaking. Gorman commenced to quarry on to Merriganowry ridge. River rose again today. We were told today that there was a great flood in Forbes. Watson beat Applitt in a foot race in Maitland.
6 Nov 1878 Cutting drain all day. Murphy working at the culvert. Harry Grant brought the Carcoar Chronicle. Tom Grant brought me a young tiger cat. James (Butler) let us quarry in his paddock. Herbert OLeary passed with sheep.
7 Nov 1878 James, Edmund and I quarrying in Butler’s paddoc. Gorman and son quarrying there too. Murphy at the culvert.
8 Nov 1878 Quarrying all day. Murphy finished the culvert. The tiger cat died.
9 Nov 1878 I quarried until 3 o’clock. I started to Cowra. James Butler came up to me on the road. We had a half mile of water to pass through at Watt’s swamp. Mrs Hackett and John Hackett staying at or place. Mrs Challacombe and Mrs Ryan living at the six acre block on top of the hill.
10 Nov 1878 Sunday. I went to Mr Single’s. He promised to start on Monday morning to Porters Hill on the Hovell’s Creek road to pass some forming. Mrs Hackett and John Hackett went by coach to Carcoar bound for Rylstone.
11 Nov 1878 A.J.C.Single and I went to Porters Hill. He passed the forming. We called at George Campbell’s coming back. In the evening I pegged out a site for a culvert on the Hovell’s Creek road near Cudgelo. Coming back, I met ned Murphy on his way to put up the culvert. Paid Monaghan and party for the forming at Porters Hill.
12 Nov 1878 Bill Robertson and I started for Merriganowry. Got there at 11 o’clock. James, and Edmund Markham carting earth for the forming in the morning. In the evening they carted stone to Boggy Gully. Gorman breaking.
13 Nov 1878 James and Edmund carted 32 loads of stone. I cut inlet to culvert and cleaning up sides of drain. One stonebreaker came from Cowra. P.Murray’s spring cart came with rations. Sultry day.
14 Nov 1878 James and Edmund carted 32 loads of stone. Gorman gave up stonebreaking, and started to quarry on top of Merriganowry ridge. I was cutting drain all day. Mr and Mrs Broander went to Cowra. Adam Potts caught a young mopoke.
15 Nov 1878 carted all the stone out of Butler’s paddock. I made a road across the gully at the foot of the hill for the carts to cross with stone. I started to Goolagong. Paid McInerney his bill. James and Edmund got bogged and broke a shaft.
16 Nov 1878 James carting. Edmund and I put in a new shaft. James and Edmund started to Cowra after dinner. I finished the shaft. Fitzgerald’s teams passed on their way to Bumbuggan/ Swamp to put up a bridge.
17 Nov 1878 Sunday. Stayed at the camp all morning. Adam Potts and I had a walk up Stockyard Gully in the evening. James and Edmund came after dark. Mosquitos very troublesome. Had to burn cow dung most all night to keep them away.
18 Nov 1878 James and Edmund carting stone to Stockyard Gully. James broke the shaft of his cart this evening. Monaghan the stonebreaker, came from Cowra. I was cleaning up the tables at Stockyard Gully. I cut a sapling to make a shaft. James borrowed some tools from Usher?. warm day.
19 Nov 1878 Edmund carting. James and I put the shaft in the cart. Hot day.
20 Nov 1878 James and Edmund finished carting stone for Stockyard Gully. I went in the bush and cut two saplings to make shafts. James brought them in with a horse and cart. James McInerney brought a new chisel from Cowra. He capsized and broke his cart to pieces. He was the worse of liquor.
21 Nov 1878 James and Edmund carted 20 loads to Boggy Gully from the top of Merriganowry ridge. I made two shafts for the carts.
22 Nov 1878 James, Edmund and I went to the Goolagong races. It was a poor meeting. I stayed at Broander’s all night. I had to sleep on an old sofa all night. No blankets. James and Edmund went back to the camp.
23 Nov 1878 I started at daylight and went down to Gunnigle Trigger Creek tp look for stone to make a crossing there. Got back to Goolagong for breakfast and got to the camp at 10 o’clock. Edmund carting stone to Stockyard Gully. After dinner, James and Edmund carting stone to Boggy Gully. Bill Edments and I started to Cowra. I paid Edments three pounds cash.
24 Nov 1878 Sunday. Agreed with Mr Single to put up a second class culvertat the foot of Merriganowry ridge, and three chains of metal at it.
25 Nov 1878 I started for the camp at 7 o’clock. I started to quarry at the top of Merriganowry ridge. James and Edmund carting stone to Boggy Gully. Edments breaking there.
26 Nov 1878 James, Edmund and I clearing timber off the road at the foot of the hill.
27 Nov 1878 Clearing off timber with Jolly the horse. Nearly finished.
28 Nov 1878 James and Edmund carting stone to Boggy Gully. I quarried six loads of stone for Stockyard Gully. After dinner, James and I measured all the work. Stockyard Gully 9 chains and 17 yards of forming and metal. Boggy Gully 6 chains and 7 ½ yards of forming and metal. And one third class culvert. And at the foot of Merriganowry ridge 4 chains of forming and metal and one second class culvert, and 72 chains of clearing and drain. James and Edmund carted six loads of stone to Stockyard Gully. I came to Cowra.
29 Nov 1878 Mr Single and I started to Darbys Falls on the Hovell’s Creek road to pass some clearing that the Markhams and young Baker were doing for me. The work was not finished satisfactorily. We instructed John Jordan to show the men what do do and to measure the work when finished. We went on to the Milburn Creek copper mine, stayed at Bayliss’ hotel. We had James and Edmund look at the smelting works. Paid James Markham twenty pounds in advance on the clearing.
30 Nov 1878 Paid E Markham 2 pounds. We came on to Cowra. Miss Purcell married to Collins this morning. Paid E Murphy fifteen pounds for a culvert.
1 Dec 1878 Sunday. I rode out to the Scalded Plain to see if there was enough vacant land there for a selection. There was some there but not enough for me. I went into Challacombe’s coming back and got my chestnut horse. He was fat. Wound on his chest not healed yet. E Markham went to the camp. Warm day.
2 Dec 1878 I took Adam Finlayson out to George Campbell’s paddock to show him some forming to be done there. Challacombe Monaghan got the clearing on the Cowra and Young road, 25 pounds per mile. I had a drive out with Mr Single. Adam Finlayson and Bill Rue agreed to form at 12/- , to quarry at 1/- per cubic yard, to break at 2/-, to spread at 4 pence. I signed for the refund for the Broula selection and passed it through the bank. Warm day.
3 Dec 1878 I got my horse shod and got to the camp at 12 o’clock. James and Adam Potts quarrying. Edmund carting stone to Boggy Gully. I started to put a shaft in one of the carts. Murphy getting timber for the culvert.
4 Dec 1878 James quarrying. Edmund finished carting to Boggy Gully at 12 o’clock and then commenced to quarry. I put two shafts in the carts. Adam Potts quarrying. Murphy carting timber for the culvert.
5 Dec 1878 James and Edmund forming at the foot of Merriganowry ridge. I was cutting drain all day. Murphy cutting out for the culvert. Warm day.
6 Dec 1878 James took the two draught horses to Goolagong to be shod. Edmund and I finished the drain. John English assisting Murphy. James Hennessy and frank Flint came from Cowra. Hennessy wanted to borrow 100 pounds.
7 Dec 1878 James, Edmund and I filling up at the culvert. Finished at 9 o’clock. Mr Single came. He measured all the metal that was broken and started back to Cowra. I was cutting side drain and let the water through the culvert. James and Edmund carted 16 loads of stone. They then went to Cowra. very sultry day.
8 Dec 1878 Sunday. Adam Potts and I had James and Edmund walk up Stockyard Gully to see some large freestone flags in the creek. We tried to get some of them out but there was too much water. James and Edmund came after dark.
9 Dec 1878 James and Edmund filling up at the culvert at the foot of the hill. I was cutting inlet and outlet to the culvert. Adam Potts spreading all day at Stockyard Gully. James and I measured all the metal at Stockyard Gully and Boggy Gully. Murphy working at the culvert.
10 Dec 1878 Monaghan and his mate agreed to fill the carts for blinding at Stockyard Gully. James and Edmund driving. I spread 9 ½ chains. Bill Edments spread his own metal. Adam Potts breaking at the foot of the hill.
11 Dec 1878 Finished blinding at Stockyard Gully. James and Edmund filling at the culvert at the (bottom) of the hill. Edments assisting them. All the metal at Boggy Gully spread. Rained from 5 o’clock until 9 o’clock. Thunder and lightning.
12 Dec 1878 James and Edmund with the two carts making up the forming. Bill Edments, Monaghan and his mate filling the carts. Finished at 3 o’clock. Edments and I filling up the ruts on the hill. All the rest blinding at Boggy Gully. Fine, cool day.
13 Dec 1878 Edmund carted two loads of stone. James blinding. Edments and I cutting inlet to culvert. James and Edmund carting stone. Monaghan and his mate and Edments breaking. I was quarrying on top of the hill.
14 Dec 1878 James and Edmund carting stone up to 10 o’clock when it commenced to rain and continued until dark. Edmund Markham went to Cowra. Paid Gorman £14.13.0. I was quarrying on top of the hill until the rain came.
15 Dec 1878 Sunday. James and Edmund little rain during the night. James making out the men’s accounts. Heavy thunder all the evening and light showers.
16 Dec 1878 James and I carted one load of stone each. Edmund came. I quarried the remainder of the day. They carted 6 loads of stone. Murphy working at the culvert. Heavy thunder all the evening.
17 Dec 1878 James and Edmund carted 24 loads of stone. I was cutting down sides of embankments to fill up ruts on the road going up the hill.
18 Dec 1878 James and Edmund carted 6 loads of stone and then started to cart to fill the ruts on Merriganowry ridge. I spread the earth.
19 Dec 1878 James, Edmund and I finished filling ruts on the hill at 12 o’clock. In the evening we carted some earth for the forming. All the metal broken this evening. Monaghan and his mate spread all the metal they broke. This has been the hottest day this year. I felt very sick today.
20 Dec 1878 Adam Potts and Bill Edments commenced to spread. James and Edmund carted 2 loads of stone to fill up at the culvert and then commenced to blind. Monaghan and his mate filling the carts. I was spreading the blinding. Finished at 12 o’clock. After dinner, Monaghan and I cutting inlet to the culvert. James and Edmund cutting out a stump. All hands came on to Boggy Gully. Set Monaghan to cut outlet to culvert and cut the tables deeper. We drew some guard logs. James and Edmund came on to Stockyard Gully and finished the drain there. We loaded one of the carts, ready to start to Cowra in the morning. Commenced to rain at bed time.
21 Dec 1878 Rained. Good shower at 6 o’clock this morning. We started from Stockyard Gully at 7 o’clock , all the work finished. James driving one cart and old Tom driving the other cart. Edmund Markham and I riding on horseback. Arrived at Cowra at 12 o’clock. Paid Bill Edments, Monaghan, Old Tom, Adam Potts, E Markham, and Daly for chaff. Put the horses in Challacombe’s paddock.
22 Dec 1878 Sunday. James could not find the saddle horses in the paddock. I was speaking to Mr Single.
23 Dec 1878 James found the horses at the back of Sloan’s paddock. I assisted Mr Single to put a horse in his buggy. E Markham gone home to Milburn Creek.
24 Dec 1878 At home all day. Mrs Wilson, the bricklayer’s wife died very sudden. W.Ryan came with a buggy and pair from the Bogan.
25 Dec 1878 Christmas day. Mass at the Chapel. Dan Neville and Mrs Neville went to Young. I went up to Mr Single’s. I got a pay cheque for six pounds, and one for Jonathan Avis for nine pounds two shillings.
26 Dec 1878 Mr and Mrs Single started for Mudgee. I went up to George Campbell’s paddock to see some forming and what stone there was quarried there. James went to the Cross Keys races. A windy day.
27 Dec 1878 James got the horse and cart and took our tents and bedding up to the bridge crossing Coota Creek going to Campbell’s. We put up the tents inside Middlemiss’ fence. Adam Potts came from Grenfell. Mr and Mrs Neville came from Young. Dennis’ bedroom caught on fire but was seen in time and put out.
28 Dec 1878 James brought the draught horses from the paddock and took a cask of water out to the work. Challacombe made some arrangement with Peter Murray about letting the Royal Hotel. Sultry day.
29 Dec 1878 Sunday. At home all day. James brought in the horses.
30 Dec 1878 James and I started with the two carts to draw stone in George Campbell’s paddock I took Adam Potts to a culvert near Cudgelo to fill up at both ends. He had to camp at Porters dam. I came back to the work in Campbell’s paddock. James carted four loads. After dinner we carted 12 loads. Edmund Markham came. B. Monaghan rode my horse to Carcoar.
31 Dec 1878 James and Edmund carting stone all day. I rode up to where Adam Potts was working. Patsy Neville came to where Adam was working, but Adam was away for water. He took £4.10.0 out of my waistcoat pocket. The waistcoat was under the culvert. Winch let me have what gravel I wanted out of his paddock. Sarah and Minnie O’Shaughnessy went by coach to Grenfell bound to Kikiamah.
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