File 4: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 1, pp. 8096-8750, ca. 1825-ca. 1900

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down the range again to it A Mr Sargent lives there. My boy shall show you over the Creek which he did but with toy and vines called [Sawyer?] I was nearly dragged from my horse and dispaired for paying Mr Sargent a visit altogether. Give my compliments to Mr S. and tell him I will try and see him next time I come this way said L W the boy And thanking him for his help rode off for Lamford. After proceeding a considerable distance along the ridge of the range of hills I perceived a new bush road and knew it must lead to Mr Sargents so I look at the sun and thought the opportunity must not be lost It is getting late and I was benighted this way last time but I will by all means see the family or my work is will be incomplete So down a spur to Cedar Creek again and an elderly gentleman wife and sister with one grown up son welcome my visit and offered me all that they had for accomodations for the night if I would stay - The sister I must add had her own selection and was at work among corn and potatoes, The later [latter] was nearly eaten off by birds I rather think Wallabys - These people had not been long in the Colony and felt that the Country was not like Home Now I must ride fast to reach my intended destination some miles [to] go - I passed the old Lamford Station to and taking a short cut across the bust forest reached the selection of Mrs [Lalles?] near [Diest?] - A alarm had been given that a heifer was sick and all was excite= ment - and distress A maid had been

[MS 8739]

sent for but it was much doubted if he would trouble himself to come . So off we started (all ladies in question) and found the invalid safely delivered of a fine young calf to the joy and happiness of all concerned. We soon returned and sat down to tea and partook of a relish consisting of green peas and stewed mushrooms - The evening passed quickly . The passed trials and difficulties, the new hopes and expectations were all discussed and here let me state that though the days of wealth and affluence had been exchanged for toil & hardship for rustic food and raiment I can vouch that more genteel genteel and refined manners and well conducted girls children are not often to be met with [in] any family Yet the Cow yard the plough and even spliting timber are the occupation of these young Ladies - My room for the night was thoroughly ventilated by many a fissure in the slabs but the quantity of bedding dispelled the cold and made me fear that I had monopolized the greater part pertaining to the Humpy . It was late in the morning before all arrangements were complete for a future monthly service on a Sunday in that part and a start made for another day's visitation of the inhabitants The first was Mr McDonnell farm who has a commodious house and offered a room for Divine service when required which was thankfully accepted Many residents were [men here?] whom it was impossible to visit this time

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several however rejoiced to learn that a Ch of Engd [Church of England] Clergyman woud occasionally attend the locality - when long passed time the ranges were ascended and tracks sought on the South side of the Lamford basin. - No directions would ever suffice to make a particular dwelling to arrive in the east. A westerly course has more than once to be taken and all points of the compass boldly to be faced until at last a ridge and a path will lead down to some hamlet - This farm home and that farm homestead has been missed and at last some ring backed timber These a fence, a stock yard and few fruit Trees show some house is nigh - Whose can it be? Can I get quarters for the night. Where is the next farm ? are questions that hastily run through one's mind . It is This is Mr Bergin, A R. C. [Roman Catholic] family - An hospitable welcome and refreshments together with an offer of a bed soon set care at rest and relieve the weary riderAn old squatter and bushman knows well how to enjoy a chat with a stranger as if an old friend - Mr B has a large and nice family and has interested himself in getting a Primary school building which will soon be completed and of great service th to that DistrictIt has the same misfortune a [as] other Schools it is not near enough to every [body?]

[MS 8741]

Between eight and nine OClock next morning I was in my saddle again and was taken to a selector who was splitting Shingles for Schoolhouse he gave me much information abou the wants of the District. I also visited the new School where work men so l were busy at work. I wh then called upon eight more residents gave notice for Divine Service the following day and morning and afternoon . An earnest desire was expressed that I should frequently visit these people . One of them stated that his father was collecting funds for a little Church and that he hoped shortly to receive £50 for the purpose and would himself give the land required on the most suitable [indecipherable] in the District adjoining a new cemetery and where the only interment that had taken place was his own child - I had a long day's work, and a ten miles ride to reach my bush quarters before dark . I met with one man who was anxious to give me a donation as he had heard of my labours at the [Caboullini?] and presented me with half a crown from his purse - for which I gave many thanks - I soon had some tea and hastened to bed for I knew a hard days work awaited me on the Sunday -

At nine OClock I was off to my new duties and was joined [by] one and then another on horseback to attend Divine Service . A considerable number at awaited me and an alarm was expressed that the house was too small However we placed the females in the bed room while the men filled up the other room and even the large fire-place was filled with seats to the very end - The table being near the door I stood at the side of it and which commanded a view of the whole congregation and a more attentive and interesting one could of not be wished but the afternoon service was rendered still

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more remarkable by the presentation of seven children for Baptism some four and five years old who rather terrified each other by their cries and fears - Another palate of 7 or 8 await my next visit probably some little extra clothing or other preparation may be necessary for the occasion A short meeting after [original text has been crossed out] service determined the house for meeting in next time, and the unanimous approval of the state site of a little Church which it is the earnest wish of all to have at once erected

As soon as I could get away I started for Brisbane and as I had 14 miles to travel on a new road I lost no time in getting over the greater part of it before dark - A few days rest for self and horse and now acceptably

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[MS 8743]

Parsonage, Berrima .

Ode -

Delightful spot ! Exclaims the stranger, Passing by our home. How pretty is the river view Winding beneath the glade below? A nook ! surrounded by those dingy hills But interspersed with rocks, Romantic little place, And look a fountain with its ever dripping Waterfall midst ferns and shade Refreshing , yields bountiful supply of one of Gods rich gifts to man. What could the weary traveler, And dying heads mist [midst] arid plains Wish but such cool and grateful water to slash their burning thirst ? But here such want was never known To bird, or beast, or living soul.

Again the stranger turns his eye And springs [indecipherable] with iron [taste?] And others soft and sweet distil Their waters unto willow trees and shrubs and flowers And most congenial to the hearts of strangers Are the stately Elms, the Pines, and Poplars In our mother country where Their sires spread their branches wide Yielding their shade for centuries past . The hawthorn hedge, the laurels and Ivy, climbing as its wont, not ivy Mantles towers & old monastic ruins but trunks of [indecipherable] Lopped off their branches high

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[MS 8744]

And covering them with dark, rich, glossy Foliage. English looking too, are the varying Tint of green from the pale willow, maple, Sycamore and fern trees with large Palm fronds flourishing as if in native dell,

Now the stranger alights from his horse Surveys the garden watered with ever running Streams, irrigating in driest seasons Morning, noon, and night with Chinese skill Vegetables of every kind, while Fruits, all English, thicken on the trees; A thousand dozen apples weigh their branches Dawn nigh to breaking Pears await the genial warmth to ripen.- While Cherries, gooseberries, strawberries, rashberries and currants all hard passed away Yielding in their seasons a rich harvest Of all their luscious fruits. Who would not live in this small Paradise And bask in Sun shine, or lounge beneath the shady groves . The dwellings too, in keeping with this rustic Spot, are pretty gables with large bow Windows peeping through the trees and seen And Cottages of stone on either side enhance the view. The Town of Berrima at little distance off Catches the eye. A Church with minaret tower Stands opposite to through the vista While to the right along the river bank just as it turns an angle, a large Hotel Enlivens the scene on a calm summer eve When reflected as a mirror in the still water The Court house with giant Doric pillars And the pretty gate and Town of Gaol, alas Reminds us of the fallen state of man -

Last edit 20 days ago by Lucio Alvarez
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