Saturday, April 14, 2012

Black Creek News - 1837


IRON GANGS.

To the Editor of the Sydney Herald, October 27, 1837

Sir,

Several paragraphs having appeared in your valuable paper regarding the Iron Gangs, particularly the one situated at Harper's Hill.  I feel it my duty, as a good citizen, to corroborate the whole.  I frequently have to pass that den of infamy, and find, on most occasions, the Road Party attached to the Iron Gang in a state off great drunkenness, and a number of them prowling about, waiting an opportunity to plunder the drays.  The men in charge of their master’s team being enabled to purchase liquor of the guard stationed to protect the public from the depredations of the most depraved. Such is the scenes daily occurring, that I am compelled to make known the inattention of the Government to the vile proceedings of the party alluded to.

I have been a sufferer by them.  It has been told me by a gentleman who, I cannot for a moment doubt, that he has seen some of the men with the soldiers at Black Creek, at the late hour of twelve o'clock at night. I witnessed myself yesterday two men in a state of drunkenness at Black Creek, attached to the gang, very abusive to parties in consequence of their not being allowed to go in the tap of the Inn kept by Mr. Cohen, he not permitting them to enter, they being prisoners of the crown. Trusting this will meet the eye of the Government, and that we shall feel the benefit of their interference.

I am, Sir,

Your's,

A SETTLER. Maitland. 

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