Old news from Armidale and New England

Thursday 20 February 1873, The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser

The extreme scarcity of news must be my apology for not sending you any.

I hear that the state of our present lock-up and the necessity for a new one are to be brought before the notice of the House ; such being the case we may probably look forward to a new one being shortly built.

A new public-house is now opened in Bendemeer, the proprietor of which is Mr. James Kennedy, who some 5 or 6 years back conducted a house in Uralla. The house is situated close to the bridge now being built below the Police Barracks.

We are indulging in an unusual abundance of fruit, grapes excepted. These are, in most cases, severely blighted, rendering them useless.

Some good-looking quartz has been discovered somewhere in the neighbourhood of Watson’s Creek, at least I was told that was the locality. I have seen a specimen, and it looks very well.

We have had a few genial showers, which have had a beneficial effect in refreshing the grass, but I think a little more rain would be of benefit.

Feb. 14.