Old news from Armidale and New England

Tuesday 27 October 1868, The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser

NEW ENGLAND.

(Abridged from the Armidale papers of Saturday.)

The drawing in a lottery in aid of the fund for erecting an Oddfellows’ Hall in Armidale, began on the 19th, and closed on the 20th. There is some complaint about delay and confusion through imperfect arrangements.

Violent Hailstorm.-On Friday night last week there was a thunderstorm at Armidale. The rain fell pretty heavily, and the hail knocked off much fruit and broke a little glass. Along a line from Mr. Markham’s to old Hillgrove the hail was heavier, and did more damage. On Tuesday afternoon a violent thunder, rain, and hail storm swept over Armidale. The hail damaged orchards, but broke little or no glass. The wind was violent, and rain fell in torrents, inundating streets, choking culverts, and sweeping through houses. For twenty years at least so much rain had not fallen here in so short a time. In about 20 minutes the fall in town was 3.28 inches, and in some places out of town about 4 inches. Some damage was done to property, and fencing was carried away. On the upper part of Saumarez Creek, hail, some of which was as large as pullets’ eggs, cut the young wheat to pieces in a belt scarcely half a mile wide, roofs were blown off outbuildings, one house narrowly escaped being crushed by a falling tree, and many trees were torn up or broken off. Some farmers who had been struggling to free themselves from difficulties have lost considerably in positive damage to their property, but it is hoped that the wheat chopped down will spring again to a crop. It did so after the great hail storm of Oct. 21 (last Tuesday was Oct. 20) four years ago. It is fortunate indeed that no loss of life has been reported. Express.

Mr. T. A. Perry, of Bendemeer, has sent the Express some wine, a sample of his first vintage at “Lumala;” a proof of the capabilities of the southern part of the tableland.

The crops about Glen Innes are reported to be in splendid condition.

Thunderbolt is said to have visited Wellingrove on the 14th, and to have spent a few hours there quietly.

MURDER.-A most diabolical murder was committed a few days back, at Furrackabad Station, by a black-fellow, on a half-caste girl about ten years of age. It seems he knocked the unfortunate child’s brains out with either a stone or a stick. An enquiry was held by order of A. F. C. Dumeresq, Esq., J.P., when Dr. Skinner held a post-mortem examination. The body had to be exhumed, and the doctor, accompanied by Constable Lowther, examined the body, when the injuries were found so great that almost instant death must have taken place. The child was well known in the town. It seems also that she had been violated. A warrant was signed by the magistrate presiding at the enquiry.- Glen Innes Cor., Oct. 19

About Inverell the lambing is over ; the average percentage is about 95; the squatters are taking great pains with their sheepwashing. The crops look well, but rain is still wanted.

At Frazer’s Creek, Messrs. Macdonald have been washing their sheep with hot water. Rain has fallen in that neighbourhood.