Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW: Walter Butler- Ch. 12: Harsh treatment of employees, and Reward Notices

Walter was involved in a rather unsavoury incident involving an employee. The following report in the newspaper did not paint Walter in a humane or tolerant light:

Argus Tues 27 Feb 1849 p4-

Harsh Treatment of an Immigrant.

On Tuesday last, Mr Edward Foster, shipping reporter to the “Herald” was brought before the Police Bench, consisting of Mr J. Smith and Dr Fletcher, on summons issued on the application of a female immigrant per Manchester, named Sarah Thompson, under the following circumstances:-

Foster went on board the Manchester and engaged the girl as nurse, but on arrival at Williamstown he transferred her to Mr Butler, the publican, with whom she remained for a few weeks, not knowing exactly whom she was serving; not pleasing Mr Butler in many respects, the latter turned her out of doors at a late hour on Friday night last, when she sought the watch-house as an asylum, and remained there till morning. The Bench would not recognise Mr Butler as the employer, and ordered Mr Foster to pay the girl a month’s wages, the agreement being cancelled. Foster attempted to cast an imputation upon the young woman’s character, by asserting that several sailors had come to the house looking after her, but Mr Smith retorted by saying it was a proof he should not have sent her there.

The case indicates that Walter accused the young woman of prostitution and turfed her into the streets late at night. This was reminiscent of a similar incident involving his parents who similarly turfed a young assigned convict servant into the street late at night in 1808. Walter would appear to have held very strong views about moral issues such as prostitution, not surprisingly given his wife’s religious upbringing. She may even have had a hand in the girl’s treatment by her husband. His strong moral stance would continue when he removed to Hobart.

REWARD NOTICES

Walter also posted various rewards in the newspapers:

Argus Wed 4 July 1849 p2- (& 7 &9 July)

₤1 Reward

Lost, a bay mare, branded MKL (the MK conjoined) off shoulder, illegible brand near shoulder, white star on forehead, puff on off flank, and saddle marked.

She had been running about Williamstown.

The above reward will be paid to anyone giving information of her whereabouts to Mr Butler, Ship Inn, Williamstown.

Argus Tues 13 Jan 1852 p4-

Two Pounds Reward

Lost, at Mount Alexander, a bay mare, _ aged, branded CN on neck, and CN on shoulder off side, lame of off hind feet.

Whoever shall return the same to Mr John Reardon, Forest Creek, or to the undersigned, shall receive the above Reward

Walter Butler

Ship Inn WilliamsTown

Parties are cautioned against purchasing the above.

(NB. John Reardon was Walter’s ship’s captain of the ‘Red Rover’.)

Argus Tues 15 Feb 1853 p7-

BRIG CLARENDON

Five Pounds Reward

Stolen from the above Brig on Wednesday night last, by part crew of the barque Brighton, a Boat painted lead colour, without ship’s name; the boat not much worn.

Any person delivering the same to
Mr Butler

Ship Inn

Williamstown

Or to the vessel will receive the above reward.

Feb 11^th 1853

This advert probably referred to one of the shipping vessel masters who patronised Walter’s hotel when in port.

Whether the following report referred to our Walter is uncertain, as by this time he may have been in Hobart, and the description of being “a sailor” is questionable, although by May 1853, he was no longer a publican, but still a ship owner. (There are records of a number of Butlers named Walter in the 1860’s onwards- see Govt Gazettes.)

Argus Thurs 19 May 1853 p9

Larceny

John Doolan pleaded Not Guilty to the charge of stealing a large quantity of wearing apparel, the property of one Walter Butler, a sailor, at Williamstown.

The property was found with the prisoner, and being found guilty, he was sentenced to three years hard labor on the roads.

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Link back to Introduction chapter:
http://butlerfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/walter-butler-introduction.html

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 12: Harsh treatment of employees, and Reward Notices

REWARD NOTICES