Old news from Armidale and New England

Saturday 18 February 1888, The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser

(Uralla and Walcha Times, Feb. 15.)

Just previous to dusk on Saturday afternoon last a painful accident happened to one of the prominent performers of Messrs. Wirth Brothers’ Circus, Mr. John Walhalla (well-known in America and Australia as a clever equestrian and circus performer generally). It appears that Mr. Walhalla was charging a pistol with powder, in preparation for an act in his Saturday night’s performance, and had placed the cap on the nipple, the hammer being down ; and whilst ramming the charge home, by some unaccountable means the contents exploded. The ramrod was driven through a portion of the unfortunate man’s left hand, the member being severely lacerated, and two of the fingers injured. Much bleeding ensued, though his comrades lost no time in securing the services of Dr. Woods, who promptly attended and bound up the wounded hand. Mr. Walhalla has since suffered great pain from the injury, but it is thought that no dangerous symptoms are likely to ensue. The sufferer, whose accident was regretted by many people in Uralla, took his departure for Sydney on Monday.

At Wollun on Thursday, so we are informed, a remarkably heavy fall of rain took place, three inches falling in a very short space of time. As a consequence, creeks and gullies were quickly flooded though little damage was done to property. On Sunday a good deal of rain fell about Uralla.

On Sunday last the usual harvest thanksgiving service was held at St. John’s Church. The church was tastefully decorated with the fruits of the earth, in the shape of rich-looking vegetables tempting fruits, fine specimens of cereals, choice flowers, &c, the work being formed by a number of ladies. In the morning, in spite of the rain there, was a good congregation, and the Rev. W. J. Hugill, who officiated, preached a very interesting and appropriate sermon.

The election of Mayor of Uralla for the ensuing municipal year took place at the Council Chambers on Monday night, when all the aldermen were present. Alderman Bardsley proposed, and Alder man Pearson seconded, Alderman Everett for Mayor. The motion having been put, was carried unanimously. The Mayor-elect returned thanks in a few suitable remarks.