Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW: Walter Butler- Ch. 19: Hobart- Year 1860

Council Matters- several controversies:

The Mercury in January 1860 report of the Council has Alderman Butler moving a motion for the various committees for the year, following the election of Mr Cook as the new Mayor.

The following newspaper reports for the year 1860 are taken from the Hobart Town Daily Mercury exclusively.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury, Tues January 31^st 1860

Municipal Council:

MR GALE

Ald. Butler moved that Mr Gale’s plan (for Creek improvement) be adopted and that tenders for the work to be advertised in the Hobart Town and Melbourne newspapers.

(The other aldermen opposed: Murdoch- Council had no money at hand to commence the work and objected to the plan proposed by Mr Gale.

Lewis- should be submitted to the Colonial Treasurer

Stewart- objected going to Melbourne for men when so much unemployed labor here.

Crisp- said it was mere nonsense on the part of Mr Gale to say there were nor competent men here to carry out the work.

Seabrook- thought the expense of the work was very much underrated and also objected to sending to other colonies for labor)

Ald Butler, as the mover of the original motion, remarked that the correspondence showed that the Director of Public Works had no doubt the Govt would consent to the granting of the domain required. The state of the creek had occupied the attention of the Corporation for a very long period with a vow to prevent the illness and calamities arising from it. It had been referred to Mr Gale to prepare a plan and estimate, and he had done so. As to the importation of labor from Pt Phillip, he thought they should obtain it if it would save the colony £500 (No, no). Why those who came would spend wages, and pay taxes as well as those who had been here for some time, and he believed the more imported labor brought to the colony the better, or they had better put a stop to all immigration at once.

He should adhere to his motion that the report be adopted.

(After much discussion and amendments proposed, the amendment was carried 5 to 2)

A letter was read from Mr Gale referring in terms of eulogy to the proficiency of Mr Butler, assistant in Mr Gale’s Office, and recommending an increase of salary, was also referred to the Finance Committee.

( ie. Walter’s son Walter Edmund Junior)

Ald Butler pursuant to notice moved the appointment of Mr Gale as Director of Water Works in lieu of Mr Brown.

Ald Butler moved the motion without the slightest feeling of prejudice against Mr Brown, but he thought that officer had quite sufficient to do and that it would be for the benefit of the citizens to vest the appointment in one director alone.

Ald Rheuben seconded, as he understood that Mr Brown had no objection to the alteration. It would make no alteration to Mr Brown’s salary and Ald Rheuben thought one Director of water Works sufficient as head, Mr Brown to carry out the details.

Ald Stewart opposed the motion as instead of Mr Brown being satisfied with the alteration, he was on the contrary highly indignant. It was a shabby way of endeavouring to get rid of an old and valuable officer, who had always performed his work efficiently and without complaint, and complained that Ald Butler was endeavouring to entrap the Council by the motion to pave the way for his (Ald Butler’s) son who was in Mr Gale’s office and whose salary Mr Gale had recommended to be increased.

Ald Rheuben strongly denied that any kind of trap was intended. He had the highest respect for Mr Brown but he thought the motion would prevent the clashing of Mr Gale and Mr Brown together. And Ald Stewart’s remark as to a trap was utterly untrue.

Mr Crisp opposed.

Ald Murdoch opposed the motion. The salary of the Director of Water Works was £150 a year and if Mr Gale got this appointment he would claim the salary.

Ald Lewis opposed and Ald Seabrook.

Ald Butler, in reply, said his motion had been misunderstood. His object was that there be only one Director of Water Works and if Mr Gale prepared the plan who was to carry it out? He had nothing to say against Mr Brown who had always done his duty, but was satisfied that it would be much better for the citizens that the water works should be under one head. There as no intention to deprive Mr Brown of his salary, but as to competency, if Mr Brown was competent to carry out the new scheme of water works, there was no necessity to have sent for Mr Gale. He indignantly repelled the charge made against him by Ald Stewart, and assured the Council that he was only actuated by the strongest desire to do what he considered most advantageous to the citizens.

The motion was then put and lost.

The issue with Walter Butler’s son’s employment in Mr Gales’s office continues, with allegations which Walter strenuously denies:

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Tuesday February 7, 1860

Municipal Council

MR GALE’S ASSISTANT

The Finance Committee reported on an application from Mr Gale for an increase of salary to his clerk Mr Butler, recommended that no alteration be made at present.

Ald Murdoch asked why if Mr Butler’s services were as valuable as those of any one in the Southern Hemisphere, he had been permitted to go on a pleasure excursion and be absent for a fortnight at Forester’s Peninsula.

Ald Butler replied that permission had been given by Mr Gale at Christmas, which is usual at such times, and the weather prevented his son’s return so soon as he intended. As to his son’s valuable services he left those to be judged of by such learned pundits as Ald Murdoch.

Ald Lipscombe was surprised if Ald Murdoch required any information he had not taken the usual course to obtain it and deprecated this species of attack.

The report was then received and adopted.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Thursday February 9, 1860

Municipal Council

MR GALE

A letter was read from Mr Gale stating that his engagement was for two years but as he saw the Corporation were unable to carry out their engagement to proceed with the work, he should resign his appointment on the 30^th April.

Ald Butler proposed an amendment that the resignation should be accepted at once. Ald Butler moved the amendment that the letter might be taken into consideration at once, and he did soon many grounds- He (Mr Butler) had been assailed in a very gross slander in connection with Mr Gale, and he might say in a very disgraceful manner. Mr Gale came here under an agreement to serve the Council for a certain period at a salary of £600 a year.

Ald Stewart said it was irregular to enter into a discussion at this time.

Ald Butler had moved an amendment and had a right to proceed.

When Mr Gale left Victoria for this engagement, he (Mr Butler) believed it was pretty well known to that Council that he had opposed Mr Gale’s appointment. Mr Gale had not been here very long before he (Mr Butler) put the question who was to be Director of Water Works, Mr Gale or Mr Brown, and he was told Mr Brown. He then saw some difficulty would arise. The Council then authorised Mr Gale to employ a staff, and Mr Hancock was engaged, and amongst others, most unfortunately for him, his (Mr Butler’s) son, at the enormous salary of ___ but he would speak of this afterwards. His son had not been long engaged when he was attacked by Ald Seabrook who asked how he was appointed, and for what purpose.

Ald Seabrook denied this.

Ald Butler intended to have said Ald Stewart. He had been reflected upon in a leading article.

Ald Lewis remarked that all this was out of order as nothing of this sort appeared in Mr Gale’s letter of resignation.

Ald Butler reminded the Council that he was not one of those who as Byron said liked to see themselves in print, for a book’s a book, though nothing’s in it, and he had been attacked by a local newspaper and was told by this proprietor of the newspaper, that the attack emanated from an Alderman (No, no) and he did not like to be attacked with no power to defend himself. Mr Gale had not been here three months before it was said that he had entered into a conspiracy with Mr Degraves to deprive the citizens of pure water. He denied this; it was also said that Mr Gale was in league with Mr Wilson, to deprive the citizens of pure water, and was not this enough to make any man send in his resignation. Mr Gale had been taxed with dishonesty and duplicity, and he (Mr Butler) had never spoken to Mr Gale until months after his appointment on Mr Stewart’s motion, and why he asked should he be attacked in this unmanly manner?

Ald Butler was again informed that he was out of order in making any remarks on this subject now, but continued by saying that he thought he had been unfairly treated and he would take other means to shew this, and said he was very glad to see that the ‘Advertiser’ has put the matter in something like a fair way before the public that morning.

Ald Rheuben said reference had also been made to his conduct but this was not the time for explanations.

The motion was then put and passed.

This altercation indicated a strong rift developing within the Council ranks. The matter was far from over however.

The Port Arthur Convicts Issue

Meanwhile, at the same sitting, another issue relating to the release of convicts gets Walter into more hot water:

POLICE RATE INCREASE

(Discussion on income for the ensuing year and a police rate increase of one shilling. It was agreed to increase it to 10 pence.)

Ald Butler wished it to be understood that a temporary rate would be less this year than the ninepenny rate was last year as there had been a reduction of30 per cent in the Assessment Roll which would show that the Council had no desire to impose a heavier rate upon the inhabitants than was absolutely necessary. They must have a vigilant and effective police and could not do without it, for it was the intention of the Government to place all the men who came up from Port Arthur in Hobart Town and not to let one go up into the country, and they must therefore keep up their police or what would become of the citizens? The rate was not so oppressive as it was last year, and they had the authority of Mr Forster the Inspector, that the present amount of police expenditure could not be reduced. The Committee of which he was one, had done the best they could for the interest of the citizens and instead of increasing the rate this year it was comparatively decreased.

Ald Seabrook wished to know if what Mr Butler had said, with respect to the men from Port Arthur being kept here was correct.

Ald Butler said it was.

Ald Seabrook replied that it appeared that Alderman Butler wished to tax the citizens to support British convicts which was wrong.

Ald Crisp opposed a shilling rate and wished to see it fixed at 9 pence.

Motion carried.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Friday February 10, 1860

Editor’s editorial:

CONVICTS FROM PORT ARTHUR

People are generally supposed to take a newspaper for amusement; and we doubt, therefore, whether very many of them ever honor our weekly reports of Municipal proceedings with a perusal. They are not, as a general rule, of a lively or an interesting complexion, still less can we hope to extract any knowledge or information of sufficient value to recompense us for the waste of time necessarily involved in reading them.

Sometimes, however, we are startled, we had almost said astounded, by stumbling across assertions of the most extraordinary nature, such, for instance, as the following:-

Alderman Butler said they must have a vigilant and effective police and could not do without it, ‘for it was the intention of the Government to place all the men who came up from Port Arthur in Hobart Town and not to let one go up into the country, and they must therefore keep up their police or what would become of the citizens?

Ald Seabrook wished to know if what Mr Butler had said with respect to the men from Port Arthur being kept here was authentic?

Ald Butler said it was.

Ald Seabrook replied that it appeared that Ald Butler wished to tax the citizens to support British convicts, which was wrong.

The above occurred in the Municipal proceedings on Wednesday. On meeting with this assertion we naturally felt indignant at being subjected to such treatment at the hands of the Comptroller-General. There was something so monstrously unjust in the idea of taxing the citizens for the purpose of coercing these men that our feelings rebelled against it, and we resolved, at all hazards, to use our influence to prevent such an intention being carried into effect.

Knowing, however, that Mr Alderman Butler was not an authority upon which it would be safe for us to rely impartially, we took the precaution to make enquiries of the Comptroller-General himself, when we found to our regret and shame, that the statement so far from being “authentic” was absolutely and entirely false. We are in a position to assure our readers, many of whom have been naturally and unnecessarily alarmed, that the whole thing was a disgraceful fabrication apparently put forward with the sole intention of adding to the burden of the people by increasing the rate levied for police purposes.

Ald Butler, if he has the slightest regard for his character, will lose not a moment in explaining his inexplicable conduct in this matter. The honor of the Municipal Council is compromised by such reckless and untruthful statements; and we hope for the sake of their own reputation, that our Aldermen will take the first opportunity of protesting against this wholesale system of lying on matters of such grave moment.

We do not say that Alderman Butler has wilfully told an untruth, because we are anxious, before doing so, to give him an opportunity of shewing how he came to be misled. If he does no avail himself of that opportunity, the public will have no difficulty in arriving at a pretty correct conclusion without it. There is nothing our public men ought more to shun than even the appearance of untruthfulness. We lose all respect for a man who romances upon questions of a public nature even when his departure from truth has been caused by his own credulity.

Such men only change the reputation of a liar for that of a fool. Alderman Butler, if he wishes to set himself right with the public, will at once give up his authority for making the alarming statement we have quoted; and the Municipal Council , if it has the slightest regard for its own honor, will see that this is done.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Monday February 13, 1860

Editor’s Editorial

We have read Mr Alderman Butler’s apology. Had he not endeavoured to father his untruthful statements upon us, we should not have recurred to the subject. When Ald Butler, in reply to the question of Ald Seabrook, stated that his information was “authentic”, we had no idea, and we are persuaded no one else had, that its “authenticity” was based wholly and solely upon a leading article which appeared in our columns more than two months ago. Mr Butler paid us a high and well-merited compliment when he confessed to an unwavering faith in our assertions; and

Although we were somewhat staggered to find an article of our own quoted by him as an authority for statements which were, as we said on Friday last, “reckless and untruthful”, yet we never doubted for a moment but that he had, either wilfully, or stupidly, misunderstood what we had written. Had Ald. Butler read our article of the 10^th December carefully he would certainly not have referred to it as an authority for what he said in the Council. By doing so he has convicted himself of the charge we brought against him- that of making “reckless and untruthful statements”.

He has confessed to having ‘no other authority’ than the Hobart Town Mercury; whilst, unfortunately for him, as we shall presently show, the Mercury gives him no authority at all for the false assertions he made last Wednesday. We have no objection to be answerable for what we say, but we have a decided objection to be held accountable for what any man of cloudy intellect may ‘think’ we have said. The statement made by us bears no resemblance whatever to the statement made by Ald Butler, and how then does he presume to quote the one as an authority for the other? We will place the two statements before the public, and leave them to decide whether this impudent attempt to shift the responsibility of his untruths upon us savours more of the knave or the fool
(Editor then quotes the newspaper article of the 10^th December, about the actions of the recently released convict named Nash.)

He continues: There is nothing in the wording of the above remarks to prevent their being comprehended by the meanest understanding. We knew that there were some “50 or 60 of these desperate characters” still remaining at Port Arthur- old Norfolk Islanders, men past all hope of redemption; and it was against the introduction of these into the city, and these alone, that we inveighed. Etc.

Such was our statement.

Now listen to the statement of Ald Butler, a statement based solely, he says, upon the authority of the above:-

(Editor then repeats Butler’s statement to Council)

What similarity, we ask, is there between these two statements?

There are some hundreds of men at Port Arthur. We carefully confined our remarks to “such desperate characters as Nash, of whom there are only some 50 or 60 remaining.”

We never said “All the men who came up from Port Arthur were to be kept in Hobart Town and not one to be allowed to go up the country.”

Then how can Ald Butler presume to say that we did?

But we have no patience with such men.

Soloman has somewhere truthfully and appositely said

“Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.”

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Wednesday February 15, 1860

Municipal Council

Mr Alderman Butler before the business of the day was proceeded with, wished to refer to some remarks which had appeared in one of the daily papers respecting him, or to be informed at what time he would be permitted to make an explanation.

Ald Stewart said that they had nothing to do with the public press in reference to the business of the Council, but Ald Butler would be heard when the business out of which the remarks to which he referred was called on.

Ald Lipscombe observed that if they, followed the usage of other places when a breach of privilege has been committed, explanation was not shut out.

Ald Butler’s only simple object was to refer to some remarks which appeared in the Mercury.

The Mayor informed Ald Butler that it would be necessary to suspend the Standing Orders if he wished to make any observations at this time.

Ald Rheuben moved that Ald Butler be heard, as it was nothing but fair, and what was one Alderman’s case today might be the case of another Alderman tomorrow, and explanations had been given in the Council on previous occasions.

Ald Murdoch moved that the business be proceeded with and Ald Butler could explain afterwards.

MR GALE

Discussion ensued on Mr Gale's letter of resignation. They discussed whether he should be requested to reconsider and withdraw his letter as Mr Gale had all the plans for the creek improvements.

Ald. Stewart said... How could Mr Gale as a reason for resigning allege the inablitiy of the Council to carry out the works?

Mr Gale had put the Council to an expense of nearly £800 already, yet it was stated there by a friend of Mr Gale’s, an Alderman present, that Mr Gale had nothing to do and was only waiting for further orders. Now he (Mr Stewart) should like to know what Mr Gale had been doing…etc.

Ald Butler was bound to say a very few words, but did so most unwillingly. He had been taxed with being a friend of Mr Gale’s and he was proud to say that he was, for there was not a man at that table superior to Mr Gale, and there was no one in the colony who was more than equal to Mr Gale in scientific attainments. It had been said that Mr Gale had acted with duplicity towards the Council and was not that enough to make him resign? Mr Gale had been told too that “he was trying to get a footing in the Colony”, but he (Mr Butler) asked what man, who like Mr Gale held a Government situation in Victoria at nearly the same salary, and which would have been doubled by this time, would submit to such a charge? Mr Gale had sent in his resignation and he (Ald Butler) felt bound to support it, but he was in a delicate position for circumstances had occurred at the Board that morning which, with what might come before the Board that night, might induce him to alter his opinion. Mr Gale had been grossly abused and his friend also, as they called him (Ald Butler) but he should support the report.

Motion carried and report adopted.

ALDERMAN BUTLER

Ald Butler begged with the kind permission of the Council to be allowed to endeavour to explain away the very difficult and unsatisfactory matter which led to observations which had been made against by the Editor of the Mercury. He understood that when the estimates for the year were laid before the Council, he was reported to have made a statement to the effect that all the men sent up from Port Arthur would be retained within the city, but his recollection did not bear him out as to whether he said “all” of not. But at all events that was a play upon words of much nicety. His reason for raising the Police Rate to above 10d. in the pound was, he said, because it was the intention of the Government to keep the men sent up for Port Arthur within the city. Ald Seabrook out the question if that statement was authentic and he answered that it was. When the remark that this was to be the case appeared in the Mercury of the 10^th December, he was as much astounded at it as the Editor of the Mercury said he was when he read that flaming motion of his (Ald Butler’s). He had but done his duty in bringing this before the Council and had only thought of doing what was best to protect the loss and property of the citizens, and the Editor of the Mercury must have forgotten this article of the 10^th December or he would not have attacked him in the manner he did in the Mercury of the 10^th February. They had been told by the Editor of the Mercury that his (Ald Butler’s) whole statement was a “Disgraceful fabrication” and that that fabrication emanated from himself. He had been called “a liar”, “a knave”, “A fool” and everything that was unmannerly in a man. (Ald Stewart, No)

He had, and he would not be contradicted. He brought this attack before the board because the Mercury said that the honor of the Municipal Council had been compromised by his statement. This was placing him in a very awkward position. The moment he read the article in the Mercury of the 10^th December he applied to a person in authority and said “Good God! Is this true?” and the answer he received was “it is, Sir, and I have received instructions to carry it out.” , and a person he could rely upon had received instructions to keep his eye upon these men and to watch them as they were landed from the boat as they were not to be allowed to go out of the town, but he would not deign to name who that was. (Ald Stewart, name)- he would not do so.

Ald Stewart could move then-

Ald Butler said Ald Stewart should move nothing until he had finished.

Ald Stewart replied that Ald Butler was bound in justice to name the person he had alluded to.

Ald Butler should not do so unless compelled. All he wanted was justice, he had not relied upon the statement made in the Mercury of the 10^th December, but had made further enquiries and had satisfied himself that what he had stated was true.

Ald Stewart must call upon Ald Butler to name the person giving him this information.

The Mayor thought Ald Butler had better be allowed to say what he had to say without interruption.

Ald Butler continued. He was then taxed with having attempted to raise the Police Rate, and had been accused of presumption and of having uttered a fabrication. The information ha had received from the Mercury and from the person ha had asked as to the men from Port Arthur, being detained in Hobart Town, was certainly one strong argument, and a very strong one that the Police Rate should not be reduced but he did not know any man in the city who wished it to be a shilling, and he should have been glad if it could have been only ninepence, but he thought it best to have the higher rate that they might all go to bed safely and not be getting up in the morning as was said to “find all their throats cut” or to use the words of the Editor of the Mercury, to find their houses turned into shambles, and it was that which induced him to make the remark he had. It was upon the very fact of the information he had received from very good authority that he had induced to make it and not alone for what appeared in the Mercury of the 10^th December, for he had almost forgotten that, but he took that statement for granted when he found that it was not contradicted by authority. He thought that he had now explained that he was justified in what he had said. The “Advertiser” had done him justice, although, the Editor of the Mercury said that morning he had read “Alderman Butler’s apology”. What apology? He had never made any apology and he should scorn to do so. He always spoke the truth and had no occasion to apologise, and he hated and detested lies and falsehood, and any body who did not always speak the truth.

The Mercury said “he had convicted himself.” He denied it. He had been accused of making reckless statements to the Council. He denied this, and then he had been called a “knave” of a “fool” and he thought it was time he gave up business after that. He certainly felt rather annoyed when he read that, but he supposed that it was his “cloudy” intellect. All he had to say however, was that what he had stated to the Council he believed at the time to be perfectly justified; that was his impression on account of there having been no denial by the authorities after the articles had appeared in the Mercury, but that he had fabricated any statement he positively denied.

That paper had before charged him with nepotism or some great offence, and it might now charge him with “Bobbyism” or anything else if it liked, but he would now leave it to the Council to say if he had not acted sincerely, and he denied flatly that he had ever had any intention of misleading the Council or of making to it any false statement whatever.

Ald Lipscombe remarked that the Aldermen had been appointed the guardians of the inhabitants and to see to the good governance of the city. If he thought the Government meant to commit such a violation of the rights of the citizens as to keep the men from Port Arthur in the town, he though it would be his duty to bring a motion forward to ask the Government what was their intention, but he could not believe the statement, neither was the Council in possession of the fact that such instructions had been given to any person as Mr Alderman Butler had stated, but if that statement had been made to anyone belonging to the Corporation officially, the Council ought to know it. If he thought there was any question of that sort he would put a notice before the Council calling on the Government to explain, but believing that not to be so, and that the police force could be maintained at less expense, he had proposed the rate at 10d. which had been carried, but if he had believed this statement about the Port Arthur men he should have voted with Mr Ald Butler.

Ald Stewart did not see why of one Alderman had made a statement he should not be permitted to do the same. This was a question between Ald Butler and the Mercury. If the Press chose to quarrel with any Alderman, as they were all public characters, it could do so. The Press was a very powerful engine and every sensitive man must be afraid of it (Ald Butler was not). Every sensitive man was. Ald Butler said he had what he said from good authority. Now he (Ald Stewart) wished to know who this good authority was, so that they might be prepared to meet the enemy, and Ald Butler ought to be called upon by that Council to name this “good authority”. Ald Butler had said he knew he (Mr Stewart) would oppose him. Now he had no ill will against Ald Butler, and he (Ald Stewart) had not taken this matter up and said Ald Butler had endeavoured to mislead them, but he had been called upon by the Mercury to explain, it was not the Council. As for what the newspapers said, he should take no notice of it for newspapers had a perfect right to say what they liked so long as they did not go too far (Laughter), but he must remark that this was the very first time in which an Alderman had been permitted to make any remark upon what appeared in a public newspaper. He had nothing more to say, in fact, there was nothing to say about it, except, hat he should call upon Ald Butler to name.

Ald Murdoch said if the men from Port Arthur were turned loose upon the city the English Government was bound to keep them and not oppress the poor citizens, and if any Alderman knew on good authority that any such attempt was about to be made that Alderman ought to name.

Ald Lewis suggested that they were all out of order, and some routine business having been dispensed of the meeting then adjourned.

Fraudulent Sale of Hay

Once again Walter was defrauded in a sale of hay:

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Tuesday May 29, 1860

Municipal Council

LIGHT WEIGHTS

The Market Committee, in reference to the complaint of Mr Thomas that Mr Hobblewhite had sold coffee in packages the coffee being of light weight, reported that the bye laws in force did not meet the case, and recommended the formation of a bye law with a view to do so.

Ald Murdoch deprecated the sale of packages at a less weight than marked on the packages…. as a fraud upon the public.

Ald Butler replied, observing that the weight of jars were included in the sale of jams and other articles.

(Other Aldermen agreed it was a fraud), but Ald Lipscombe questioned if such a bye law could be passed and suggested that the consideration of the report stand over for a week.

Ald Butler complained of a fraud, which had been practised upon him in the purchase of some hay on the Wharf, and informed the Council that finding he had been robbed in weight he gave the man into custody, and sent the case to the Attorney-General, who said the party could not be prosecuted.

The report was then ordered to stand over for a week.

The Gale Controversy cont.

The controversy re the employment of Walter’s son Walter Butler Junior in the office of Mr Gale continued:

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Tuesday June 5, 1860

Municipal Council

WATER SUPPLY

A letter was read from Mr Butler, Clerk in Mr Gale’s Office, for increase of salary, but should the Council not be disposed to grant this request asking release from his engagement with the Corporation should he obtain a situation in the Survey Office for which he had applied.

The letter was referred to Mr Gale to set upon.

FRAUD ON PURCHASES OF HAY

A letter from Mr Thomas, City Inspector, calling the attention of the Council to a complaint that gross frauds were practised on buyers, on the sale of hay, by weights being put into the carts when the hay was weighed and afterwards taken out, the purchaser being thus defrauded to a considerable amount, was referred to the Market Committee.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Tuesday June 12, 1860

Municipal Council

MR GALE

A letter was received from Mr Gale, in reply to a request of Mr Butler, a clerk in his office, either to have his salary increased or be permitted to resign, and which was referred to Mr Gale, informing the Council that he considered Mr Butler to be in the employ of the Corporation from whom he received his salary, and that although the agreement of service had been made with Mr Gale, this was for the convenience of the Council and not for his own, stating to the Council that he had been attacked in the leading articles of one of the newspapers upon the appointment and accused of assisting his friends, than which nothing could be more grossly false, and referring to a conversation with Mr Alderman Lipscombe with reference to Mr Butler’s appointment.

As the name of Ald Lipscombe was prominently mentioned in Mr Gale’s letter, the letter was referred to the Water Works Committee in the first instance.

(Refers to Walter Edmund Butler, eldest son of Walter)

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Wednesday June 20, 1860

Municipal Council

MR GALE”S ASSISTANT

An application from Mr Butler, assistant to Mr Gale, for an increase of salary or permission to resign, was again read, as also a letter from Mr Gale speaking in high terms of the valuable assistance and efficient services rendered by Mr Butler, and recommending that his services be retained, were considered and it was moved by Ald Stewart and seconded by Ald. Butler that Mr Butler’s salary be increased to £100 per annum, which was carried, several Aldermen expressing much satisfaction at the manner in which the duties of Mr Butler’s office were discharged.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury Tuesday June 26 1860

The newspaper noted at the bottom of the Council report, making a correction:

“[***It was Alderman Rheuben and not Alderman Butler who seconded the motion for an increase of salary to Mr Gale’s assistant. Mr Butler, at the last meeting, taking no part whatever in that discussion.]

The above mentioned salary of £100 per annum paid to Walter Junior, was a considerable salary given he was only 18 years of age.

The Mayor’s Dinner

Hobart Town Daily Mercury August 21, 1860

THE MAYOR”S DINNER to the OFFICERS of the Hobart Town Volunteers.

On Thursday evening, the second of August, His Worship the Mayor, Henry Cook, Esq, entertained the officers of the Hobart Town Volunteers and other guests at a grand banquet at Webb’s, to which about 40 gentlemen sat down, and which was of the most recherché character. Amongst the company were Capts. Tarleton, Solly, Stewart, Smith, Kilburn, Bateman, and Darby, the Rev. J. R. Buckland, Hon. W. Carter, M.L.C., Adjutant Haggitt, Adjutant and Lieut. Davies, Lieutenant Moriarty, Lieutenant Hood, Lieutenant Seabrook, Aldermen Lewis, Rheuben, Seabrook, Lipscombe, M.H.A., Butler, Crisp, Messrs. T. Giblin, W. Robertson, A. Kissock, R. Lewis, Pitt, the Town Clerk, Barrett, Gale, &c. &c.

The dinner which consisted of four courses was served up in our colonial Gunter’s best style on China and plate, the viands being of the very best description, and the wines of the choicest varieties and of the best quality. The caterer, having a carte blanche as to the expense, exerted himself on the occasion with, if possible, more than his usual energy, and produced a result which reflected the greatest credit upon his cuisine.

The Mayor occupied the chair, and was supported on the right by Captain Tarleton, h.T.V.A. Corps, Captain Smith, of the same, the Rev. Mr Buckland, and the Hon. W. Carter, M.L.C., and on the left by Captain Solly, M.V.R. Corps, Captain Stewart, M.U.R.Corps, Adjutant Haggitt, M.V.R. Corps, Adjutant and Lt. Davies, O.F.V.R.Corps, and Quarter-master Kilburn, H.T.V.A. Corps.

The vice-chairs were occupied by Aldermen Lewis and Mr Barrett; the former was supported by Aldermen Rheuben and Seabrook, and the Town Clerk, and the latter by Aldermen Crisp and Butler, Mr Gale, &c.

The Mayor wore his official costume, and most of the Officers were dressed in full uniform, constituting a very imposing and interesting tout-ensemble.

(continues to recite the various toasts given etc.)

Comment: It would have been interesting to know the feelings of all of these distinguished gentlemen if they had known that they were dining with the bastard son of an Irish convict.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury October 9 1860

Municipal Council

The New Water Act

The Water Works Committee appointed by the Council had met… proposed to appoint another Special Committee to report upon whether plan No.1 or plan No.2 should be adopted to carry out the Act…. It was resolved that the Special Committee do consist of Messrs. Aldermen Lewis, Lipscombe, Butler, and His Worship.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury November 13, 1860

Municipal Council

TOWN HALL

The Town Hall Committee sent up the following Report as the terms in which the site of Old Government House was granted to the Corporation.

Report

Town Hall Committee

12 November 1860

His Worship

Mr Alderman Lipscombe

Mr Alderman Butler

Mr Alderman Rheuben

(Then gives report which recommends applying to the Government for the “whole block of land, bounded by 4 streets, etc.)

Contact email:butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

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

Thursday 23 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 19: Hobart- Year 1860

MR GALE

Municipal Council

Municipal Council

Editor’s Editorial

Municipal Council

ALDERMAN BUTLER

Fraudulent Sale of Hay

Municipal Council

Municipal Council

FRAUD ON PURCHASES OF HAY

The Mayor’s Dinner