Reliance on quality livestock during the colonial era cannot be underestimated, with the death of a good draught horse or bull sometimes tantamount to loss of livelihood.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was for this reason that the Mercury regularly chronicled the death of valuable animals in much the same fashion as a newspaper might publish an obituary today.
Such was the case in June 1873 when the Mercury "regretted having occasion to record the death" of a pedigree bull named Balco, the property of Mr ER Evans, of Dapto.
The bull was bought the previous year at a cost of 60 guineas and was so prized, a sketch of his colour, appearance and pedigree was published in the Mercury.
Balco had contracted an unknown illness and died having been reduced to a skeleton.
"The early death of this valuable animal is not only a great loss to his owner but also the whole district, which would have benefited by a diffusion of his superior blood," the Mercury said.
All was not lost, with Mr Evans in hopes that he had at least six heifers in calf by Balco.
In November 1859, a "powerful bay draught horse worth at least £40", fell into Wollongong harbour and drowned.
The horse and cart were placed into position by the driver near the edge of the wharf when the horse baulked. The cart tipped over the edge and sank to the bottom, dragging the horse with it. Two men on board a cutter, the Cecilia, named Barr and William Gougeley, got out the cutter’s dinghy and proceeded to where the horse was struggling under the water.
Gougeley dove in and in three goes succeeded in loosening the belly-band and traces until the horse was freed, too late however to save the beast.
A case recorded in January 1874 demonstrated the "proverbial fidelity of a dog under extraordinary and trying circumstances".
A shepherd at Castlereagh River went to the bush to feed his flock, accompanied by his dog. A kangaroo crossed their path
and "at the sight of sport, the latent energies of both were called into play".
Having approached the kangaroo, it was reported to have caught the master, holding him securely "as if pinioned by a hangman".
The dog attacked, succeeding in having his master released but to his own detriment. "The poor dog being left to his fate, the faithful servant was sacrificed to save his master, the kangaroo soon putting an end to him," the Mercury said.
Genealogy Search Tip
For a history of dairy farming in Australia, including changes affecting the industry in the last century, go to www.dairy.edu.au.
