Thursday 22 December 2022

The "Lady Ranfurly" Gold Dredge - 1234 ounces of gold in a week.

THE LADY RANFURLY DREDGE. 

(FROM OUR CROMWELL CORRESPONDENT.) 

The other day I had the pleasure of visiting the Kawarau Gorge where the Lady Ranfurly (Electric No. 3) dredge is undergoing the finishing touches preparatory to commencing work. On reaching the bank of the river, I was surprised to see the number of men at work, and it was indeed a sight of more than ordinary interest to one accustomed to life for a considerable time so far removed from a large centre, as which Cromwell is, to find such a large number of men so busily engaged, as what my visit afforded me the sight of. About a dozen men were hard at work fixing parts of machinery, etc., and conveying them on board of the dredge, while the interior presented the scene of a vast workshop — every man with plenty to do and with the requisite knowledge of how to do it — under the able supervision of Mr A. McGeorge, who most courteously left his work for a time to point out the various parts of construction, etc., to me. The following is a discription of the dredge which I am given to understand is the most complete and largest in New Zealand; — The length of pontoons is 110ft. and with the staging or platforms fore and aft 120ft; width of each pontoon, 13ft; depth of pontoons, 7ft with a 5ft 6in well. The length of the ladder is 75ft swung in the centre with tie rods, which give great strength and durability, and has 7in diameter rollers. The buckets each weigh 7cwt. and have a carrying capacity of over 5 cubic feet. The boiler is by Sparrow and Co., of Dunedin, and is 25h.p. externally fired, and is enclosed in a special fire-proof casing. The engine is by Marshall, and is a splendid specimen of workmanship. It is 16h.p., and works a 11in centrifugal pump. There are also two winches, a main and auxiliary one. The latter will be a source of much convenience and can be used for dredging on, and will prevent any such occurrences as the sitting up of the ladder. This is a decided benefit, seeing that there is such a heavy drift turning in the river. There is also an auxiliary steam winch engine which can be used for dredging [on, and which drives all power machines including a very large lathe — the finest up country. The lathe is a 9in centre gap one, with a 14ft bed, and was manufactured by Mr T. McPherson, of Melbourne. There are also two or three large vertical drilling machines driven by the same power. The tables are 18ft by 19ft. giving an area of 342 sq. ft., and are divided into six portions with a separate water supply to each division. These tables are fitted with an improved mat fastener invented by Mr Crowe, of Dunedin, and is a great and decided improvement as the tearing up of lathes and railings down of the same at every washing up is thus obviated. The screen is 18ft long and has 18ft of perforations ; St weighs tons, and is driven by friction, and it is wonderful to find how easily the whole of this large portion of the machinery is driven, as without the exertion of very much power I caused this ponderous affair to revolve. The spur wheel is of two tons weight and 8ft in diameter. There is a very large travelling crank which travels from the tumbler framing to the gantry, a distance of 72ft. It is capable of lifting and carrying weights of over three tons, and is to be used principally for large boulders, etc. The elevator is 85ft long, and will stack the tailings to the height of 35ft. The dredge will be completely housed in, the height of which to the top of ridge will be fully 20ft. A spacious gold office with a cabin aloft, together with a storeroom, is also included in the dredge. The blacksmith shop is situated aft, and is to be replete with everything up to date, and all necessary repairs to the dredge can be effected on board, so complete and thorough have the appointments been made. The pontoons were constructed by Messrs Sutherland and Nelson, whose work on many of the dredges has, after considerable testing and experience, proved to be A 1 at Lloyds. The whole construction of the dredge has been done under the experienced supervision of the company's able manager, Mr Alexander McGeorge, and this dredge is a credit to everyone connected with it. The electric lighting apparatus is a most complete plant from Melbourne. The finishing which is to be throughout inside is to be of light blue distemper, and the total cost of the whole concern before a bucket of dirt is deposited will be fully £8500.

The Electric Company have done a great deal to further the interests of dredging in this district, and may be justly termed the pioneers of really bona fide, dredging. The company’s first craft is a mere toy compared with the Lady Ranfurly, and although a great amount of gold has been won by the company, still the success is exceedingly well deserved. The company, in the first place, not only went in for pegging out the ground which lay for many years in the sight of some of our would-be-styled dredging speculators, but put their hard cash into both dredges and wages, and as a practical proof of the reward of legitimate energy and enterprise our district can proudly boast of the finest dredge engineering triumph in New Zealand. How different is this state of affairs to those who peg out the river and invest, say, a £5 note or so in the spec in the expectation of possibly getting these so-called bona fide claims worked on tribute, or else by company floating with a thousand or so of paid-up shares. That the ‘Lady Ranfnrly’ will scoop up the golden grains is an established fact, as the claim is prospected, and that the returns from this dredge may excel any of the company’s previous returns is the wish of more than ‘our own correspondent.’   -Dunstan Times, 9/9/1898.


MINING NEWS. 

OTAGO DREDGING RETURNS. 

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.— COPYRIGHT.]

Dunedin, 23rd May. During the week ended to-day returns were reported from seventeen dredges. The total yield for the week has been 818oz, or an average of 48oz per dredge. Of course the sensational yield of 400oa from the Magnetic claim at Cromwell unduly raises the average per dredge. Next to the Magnetic comes the Matau dredge, Alexandra, with 57oz; the Success, Waipori, follows with 39oz; then come Alpine, Cromwell, 34oz; Upper Waipori dredge, 33oz 12dwt; Manorburn, 28oz; Chatto Creek, 27oz; Golden Gate, 22oz 18dwt; Dunedin, 22oz 7dwt. Others range from 20oz to 9oz 14dwt. Reports were current to-day that the return from the Lady Ranfurly dredge, one of the Electric Dredging Company's claims, was 1000oz for the week's work, but the directors refuse to disclose their returns. They say that, while the return was a good one, it was nothing like so large as currently reported.    -Evening Post, 24/5/1899.


GOLD DREDGING.

THE ELECTRIC SYNDICATE

(By Telegraph — Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day.

What a bonanza the Electric Syndicate have in the Kawarau River is told by Mr L. McGeorge, one of the party, to a special reporter of the "Star" now visiting the various dredges. The company was formed in January, 1895, with a capital of £2,400 and a dredge was built by September, when a start was made. The river was in flood, and bad luck stuck to the operations for some time. Mr McGeorge says: — "There were calls to meet and expenses to arrange for, and nothing in sight. Some of our folk were more than once on the point of giving up. It would not have taken much to have made me throw it up, but I wouldn't let it be seen that I was getting disappointed. At last we decided to shut down for awhile, and wait till the river fell. When the water went down we had another go, and the first week we got 9oz. This put us all in high spirits, and from that point our prospects improved rapidly. In about seven months we had returned to us the extra capital that had been called up. Our best return was found just ahead of where we are now working. With the Lady Ranfurly dredge we got the big haul two years ago last March, viz., 658 1/2oz of gold for five days' work. Two hundred ounces of that we lifted in ten hours, and we are going to that spot again. Immediately we began to get gold, we put on another dredge, for which No. 1 paid the cost, being £5,000. Seven weeks after No. 2 started she had paid for herself. In the first three days she got 112oz. This time two years ago we started No. 3, the Lady Ranfurly. No. 1 and No. 2 paid for her before her machinery was set going. She was paid for, and we had a dividend as well. We declare a dividend as soon as the returns give us £100 a share. One was declared last week."  -Auckland Star, 26/6/1899.


During the year the old company acquired an area adjoining the Top Claim in what is known, as Happy Valley renowned for its riches, and abreast of which the Lady Ranfurly dredge got handsome returns. We wish the new companies every success and many years of prosperity, which we believe is their destiny.   Otago Daily Times, 12/9/1899.


It is currently reported that the Lady Ranfurly dredge got between 800 and 900oz last week.  -Dunstan Times, 22/9/1899.


On Saturday evening the crew of the Lady Ranfurly dredge met at the Victoria Hotel and presented Mr Joseph McGeorge, who has left the dredge, of which he has been master since her launch, with a gold Maltese Cross, inscribed on one side, 'To Joseph McGeorge,’ and on the other, ‘Presented by the crew of the Ranfurly Dredge; 30/11/99.’ Mr John Ray, in making the presentation, said that all the crew were sorry at Mr McGeorge's departure, as he had been a good boss, and took great interest in the dredge, and the best of feelings had always subsisted between him and the crew. In thanking the crew for the presentation Mr McGeorge said that he never knew what a wrench it would be to part from the dredge till he left her for good that day. He was sure that whoever was appointed dredgemaster to succeed him would find a capital crew. He announced that Mr Bevan had been appointed engineer. His future movements were not quite settled yet, but he was going to take a trip round Australia, after which he would again visit Cromwell. As they wanted to get away to Mr Ward’s meeting he would cut his remarks short. Those present then drank the toast of Mr and Mrs McGeorge and the pleasant little function came to a close.   -Cromwell Argus, 5/12/1899.


A RECORD DREDGING RETURN.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM) DUNEDIN, July 8.

The following are the dredging returns for the week: — Electric, 1234oz; Vincent, 179oz 4dwt; Perseverance, 87oz; Cromwell, 84oz l0dwt; Junction Electric, 520z 13dwt; Empire 590z 6dwt 12gr; Matau, 49oz; Golden Beach, 47oz 7dwt ogr; Magnetic, 43oz; Golden Treasure, 31oz; Hartley and Riley, 25oz; Manorburn, 21oz; New Alexandra, 18oz 9dwt; Enterprise, 18oz 2dwt; Waimumu, 17oz; Inch Valley, 16oz 18dwt; Clyde, 14oz; Nil Desperandum, 12oz 14dwt; Molyneux Hydraulic, 12oz; Otago, 11oz; Chicago, 8oz 9dwt; Tuapeka, 7oz 13dwt; Maori, 7oz l0dwt; Shotover, 6oz 12dwt.

The return from the Electric Gold Dredging Company's dredge, the announcement of which caused considerable sensation in local mining circles on Saturday, of 1234 ounces for one week's work, eclipses the record put up by the Hartley and Riley dredge for the week ending March 24th last, when she obtained 1187 ounces 14 dwts, by 46 ounces 6 dwts. The highest return published in 1899 was from the Hartley and Riley dredge, and was obtained during the week ending August 19th, when her return was 760 ounces 10 dwts. Prior to this the largest return was from the Magnetic dredge, when she obtained 400 ounces. The present Electric Gold Dredging Company was formed in September of last year, and purchased the old Electric Company's dredge. The Lady Ranfurly, which is one of the most up to date dredges in Otago, was built by Messrs Johnston and Sons, of Melbourne. She was ready for launching in November, 1898, and his Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly being at the time on a visit to Central Otago, his Excellency performed the launching ceremony, and the dredge was named the Lady Ranfurly. The claim is situated between the Kawarau Gorge and the junction of the Kawarau and the Clutha rivers, and the Magnetic Company's claim adjoins its upper boundary, the Cromwell Company's claim adjoining it at the lower boundary. The old Electric Company, a private concern, had a prosperous career, and until the three claims it possessed were floated into public companies there were three dredges working them. The whole of the company's plant and premises cost £19,000, and the total value of gold won to July, 1899, was, in round figures, £82,000. Of this amount it is estimated that from November, 1898, to July, 1899, the Lady Ranfurly dredge obtained £12,000 worth. The value of the return just published, estimating the gold at £3 15s per ounce, is £4627 10s, and, after deducting sufficient for working expenses, represents a dividend of 3s on 26,000 shares. The company has already paid 5s per share in dividends.  -Press, 9/7/1900.


The Cromwell correspondent of the Daily Times says: — The gold won by the Lady Ranfurly dredge last week was on exhibition on Saturday afternoon. It is a splendid sample, containing nuggets up to 6dwt. The dredgemaster expects 1500oz this week and anticipates breaking 2000oz before long.   -Oamaru Mail, 10/7/1900.


There was great excitement on Saturday over the record return from the Ranfurly of 12340z. The dredgemaster and crew of the Lady Ranfurly dredge drove in a four-in-hand to the Hartley and Riley dredge in order to obtain possession of the golden cock presented to Captain McLay for holding the record, but he was absent, and the men on board declined to give up the trophy.   -Western Star, 10/7/1900.

CREW OF THE RANFURLY DREDGE. SHOWING WASHING UP  -Otago Witness, 19/7/1900.


—J. W. Gardiner, photo. 
ERECTING THE COCK ON THE RANFURLY DREDGE. Saturday, 7th July, was a day of excitement in Cromwell, when the return of the Lady Ranfurly dredge was posted up — viz., 1234oz gold for five days' work; or, in other figures, 102lb 100z — nearly 1cwt of gold — which represents close on £5000. Hartley and Riley dredge held the record and the Golden Cock up till Saturday. In the afternoon the Ranfurly crew engaged a drag and four and drove to the Hartley and Riley dredge to take the cock, but they refused to give it up. On Monday, the Golden Cock from the Bendigo Quartz Mine was sent to Cromwell, and presented to the Ranfurly dredgemaster, and on Tuesday it was hoisted amid cheers. Three cheers were also given for the Queen, Army and Navy, James McGeorge (dredgemaster), Lady Ranfurly dredge, and the crew. The Golden Cock now stands on the gantry of the Lady Ranfurly dredge, and defies all the dredges in the district — or New Zealand.  -Otago Witness, 26/7/1900.


MINING NOTES

A number of the dredges are paying handsomely, and have now established themselves as regular dividend-paying concerns. The famous Hartley and Riley is still upon rich ground, although there has been an absence of the frequent phenomenal returns which caused so great excitement a few months ago. The past year's operations have been eminently satisfactory to the lucky shareholders, who have had distributed amongst them no less a sum than £44,637 10s, equal to a return of £6 17s 6d per £1 share, or 687 1/2 per cent. Over and above that £1439 was spent in wages, £1169 in repairs, etc., and £1098 in bonuses to the employees. But while the Hartley and Riley dredge has been scooping up the gold and winning easy fortunes for her shareholders, other dredges have not been idle. The other week the record of the Hartley and Riley, which stood at 1187oz, was broken by the Electric Company's Lady Ranfurly dredge, which took 1234oz out of the claim in one week. It is a notable fact that while the Hartley and Riley shares rose to over £24 after the record week's winning of gold was announced, the Electric Company's shares actually dropped a few shillings at first. The capital of the company is £26,000, fully paid up, so that the dredge would require to keep up to at least three figures to pay as well as the Hartley and Riley at two figures. 

The ice-bound character of the alluvial claims and smaller streams over the greater portion of the Otago goldfields during the winter has hampered mining in all its branches very materially, but another month's time will see that difficulty overcome, and in spring time there should be a general move all along the line. The indications are, at any rate, that a good many new dredges will get to work during the coming summer, and the value of the various dredging fields be put to the test.  -Otago Daily Times, 1/8/1900.


The Lady Ranfurly dredge is shifting lower down to her summer ground. She will then probably work all summer and get fair returns, much better than waiting till the river falls.  -Otago Witness, 23/10/1901.


The Lady Ranfurly dredge is down to where she is going to start operations, and will probably be at work next Monday.

CROMWELL, October 22. Consequent upon warm rain and winds the river rose again last night. This will mean further delay in starting dredging. The Lady Ranfurly dredge having slight difficulty in getting down on account of insufficient water and tailings, this rise should assist her.    -Otago Witness, 30/10/1901.


December 9. There was heavy rain until early on Sunday morning, with a heavy coating of snow on the hills. It commenced raining here again this morning, with indications or continuing. The river is not up to any great extent, but the present is a warm rain, and if it continues the river will probably rise very high. The Lady Ranfurly dredge is working. It will not stop her, but will prevent them getting far across the river. It will not affect the Royal Maori at all; their prospects are just the same. The Junction Electric No. 1 and the Hartley and Riley dredges are also working.  -Otago Witness, 11/12/1901.


DUNEDIN, This Day. The. Lady Ranfurly dredge was stopped for a few days last week for putting on a new tumbler. Rise and Shine dredge was stopped owing to pump trouble. The Gold Queen machine is still idle owing to a breakage in the winch engine.  -Evening Post, 24/2/1902.


There was a terrific thunderstorm or waterspout on Wednesday night, doing a lot of damage to the local brewery and the roads, also stopping the dredges for a short time 'through the rubbish blocking the pumps. The extent of the fall was from about the Kawarau Gorge to the Halfway House. The coal road to the Lady Ranfurly dredge washed away, and the dredge is stopped till the road is repaired. The weather is still unsettled and showery, and the river is up, but not a great deal. The Rise and Shine dredge is working steadily. I do not expect a wash-up this week. I believe the Magnetic dredge is on fairly good wash, but the ground is deep. The dredge has stopped, and will wait for a favourable river before starting again.  -Otago Witness, 12/3/1902.


DUNEDIN, This Day. There was no wash up from Sneddon's Freehold dredge last week, as a stoppage was made for the purpose of making additions to the gold-saving appliances. Lady Ranfurly dredge was stopped nearly all last week, owing to the repairing of the elevator and to the lead line breaking.  -Evening Post, 5/5/1902.


The Lady Ranfurly dredge also broke down last night, the cross-bar of the hanger giving way. She will have to wail the arrival of the part from Dunedin. They have had a rough time of it since the recent thunderstorms with heavy stones, etc.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/5/1902. 

June 30. The weather is fine, with heavy frosts at night, and the river is falling fast. The Lady Ranfurly dredge is on very rich ground, I believe, and working up to where she got the record return of over 1200oz. It is rumoured something better is expected this week. The Junction Electric No. 2 dredge has evidently picked up the rich gold again, and should soon got sufficient to pay for another dredge.  -Otago Witness, 2/7/1902.


The Lady Ranfurly dredge had some trouble trying to get into some ground last week. I think the dredge will soon be getting good returns again.   -Otago Daily Times, 17/2/1903.


The Lady Ranfurly dredge is on very rough ground, I believe, on the Bannockburn side, where the rich ground is. There is a coal bottom on the Cromwell side.  -Otago Witness, 25/2/1903.


The return of the Lady Ranfurly dredge was for three days' dredging, and shows that the ground must be very rich.   -Otago Daily Times, 5/5/1903.


A Record Return. — The yield of 1265ozs 16dwt of gold, obtained last week by the Electric No. 2 dredge, is the biggest yet obtained in a week by any dredge in New Zealand, or, for the matter of that, out of New Zealand as well. The Electric Company themselves previously held the record with 1234oz. reported for the week ended July 7th, 1900. That return was not won by the same dredge as broke the record last week, but by the Lady Ranfurly machine, now known as the Electric No. 1 dredge, while No. 2, which is just now on such phenomenally rich ground, is the former Magnetic dredge, the Electric Company acquiring her and starting work with her in August, 1902. Four-figure returns have also been won by the Hartley and Riley dredge, which for the week ended March 23rd, 1900, obtained 1187oz, and again for the week ended Oct. 16th last year, obtained 1158oz. The Junction Electric Company has also obtained over 1000oz in the week.  -Ashburton Guardian, 18/2/1904.


The Cromwell No. 1 dredge has about 80yds to work to the top boundary. The Lady Ranfurly dredge got over 200oz on the boundary. No. 2 dredge is on a piece which the No. 1 could not work. It is only a small bit of ground.  -Otago Witness, 25/5/1904.

The Lady Ranfurly - Hocken Library photo.


The Electric Gold Dredging Co. Ltd, In Liquidation. 

J GOODGER & Co. have received instructions from the liquidator to sell by auction at their rooms, Cromwell, on Saturday 28th Sept., at 12 o’clock noon, in one lot 

The whole of the company’s assets, including Lady Ranfurly dredge and claim, all duplicates, spare parts, etc, enumerated on lists to be had on application to

 — The Auctioneers, Cromwell.  -Dunstan Times, 9/9/1918.


DREDGING ON THE KAWARAU.

Lady Ranfurly Dredge Destroyed By Fire.

There was an unfortunate ending of the dredging industry on Thursday in the complete destruction by fire of the last of the fleet — the Lady Ranfurly on the Kawarau River. Just how the fire started in the little upstairs cabin is somewhat of a mystery, (says the Daily Times). The caretaker was on board at the time, and was engaged at work in one pontoon, and coming on deck after finishing this was surprised to find smoke coming from the small cabin to which the only access was by steps. He carried water up in a strenuous effort to beat the flames, but they spread rapidly, and total destruction was soon certain As the fire completed its work the remnants of the dredge settled on the bottom of the river.

The dredge, which was formerly the property of the Electric Company, was purchased by Mr James Goodger when the company went into liquidation five years ago, and the loss to him is a serious one. He had worked the dredge up to the present with varying success, and was making preparations for the season’s work. His enterprise in mining deserves a better fate.

During the boom time the dredge was famous in gold production, and several times obtained over 1000 ounces weekly. She was launched within three days of 20 years ago, and was christened by the then Governor, Lord Ranfurly. Coming so soon after the loss of the Shine dredge by sinking, it was a dramatic ending to the once great dredging industry. In his efforts to beat the fire the Caretaker, Mr William Mitchell, sustained severe injuries from burns, and had to receive medical attention.  -Lake County Press, 3/4/1924.


The bones of the "Lady Ranfurly still lie where they settled in 1924 and are now covered by the waters (and, presumably, the build-up of silt) of Lake Dunstan. The dredge's golden cock is mentioned as being held at Dunedin's Early Settlers' Museum, now Toitu, in the 1940s.

The burnt out remains of the Lady Ranfurly.  Photo held at Cromwell Museum.


"Looking down the Kawarau.  Remains of Lady Ranfurly in foreground." - Hocken Library photo.


 


Monday 12 December 2022

Alice/Agnes Banning, (?)-(?)

Alice or Agnes Banning is one of those characters who, in the online resources available to me,  shines like a coarse, lively nova in the polite sky of newspaper reportage.  What she looked like, we can know.  Where she came from and what became of her, I will probably not discover.  But, for a while, she was "good copy."


DIRTY DOINGS AT DUNEDIN.

Alice, Where Art Thou? 

Three Months for Indecency. 

Dunedin, or at least that portion of it in the know, has just been laughing like a pretty girl with dimples. The cause of the merriment is the adventure of a certain conspicuous member of the Kilties' Band with a damsel of fragile virtue named Alice Banning. This Kiltie, who has lately been one of the most prominent circumstances on the landscape in the Scotchbyterian city, met the beauteous Banning and at once succumbed to her succulent charms. The amorous Alice was by no means adverse to 

THE KILTIE'S CUDDLESOME ADVANCES, and the happy couple went to live at St. Kilda, where, for three blissful weeks they spent a most gay and gorgeous honeymoon. This was all right and joyful, but the Kiltie got a terrible shock when the bold, bad hussy Banning was brought up in Court last week. There were three charges against Alice: (1) being drunk; (2) committing a grossly indecent act; (3) damaging a window pane and stretcher in the cell. The evidence showed that a couple of wicked men had driven Alice out to St. Kilda, and they discussed various things — astronomy and the increased price of meat — amongst the lupins. Presently the two bad men drove away, leaving the lady lonely but not sad. Anon, she met another gentleman, who observed, "Alice, where art thou?" or words to that effect. The result of the conversation, was that Banning and her beau hied away into Tahuna Park, and proceeded to make themselves cosy amongst the lupins. Some passers-by, however, happened to sight the loving pair amongst the lupins, and were almost petrified on the spot at the awful sight that met their horrified eyes. They at once communicated with the police, and Cop. Murray 

SET OUT TO THE SCENE OF SHAME post-haste. What he saw when he arrived almost made the detec blush — Alice was in such a bleak, unsheltered condition. 

At the Police Court next morning she was charged as indicated above. After evidence had been given as to the particular incident, 'Tec. McLeod was called to give Alice a testimonial. Mac. said he had known Alice for over twelve months— known her in an official sense only, of course — and she was altogether too lurid and vivid a female for polite sassiety. In fact, she was a lady of "no class" and of fragile virtue. 

On the charge of indecency, Alice was sentenced to three months' jug, and discharged on the others. She was given the chance to go to Mount Magdala Home instead of chokee, hut she refused vehemently and with sobs. 

"I won't go to Mount Magdala," she declared, passionately, as she was led from the Court, weeping hysterically. 

The joke about the cuddlesome Kiltie is that he thought Alice was a dear little unsophisticated innocent, who had never even dreamed about forbidden fruit, much less tasted it. And Alice is a lady with a violently purple past. She is known to fame and the police as Waikouaiti Liz. This nom de guerre was earned in an interesting manner. About twelve months ago she went out to Waikouaiti races, and soon got to work 

TO IMPROVE THE SHINING HOUR. A special race train from Dunedin had been put on, and was left standing on the rails during the races. The lady took advantage of the opportunity to hold a Court of Love in the standing cars, and she entertained quite a lot of male visitors before the police ungallantly descended on the scene and broke up the voluptuous levee. Hence Alice's alias. Another peculiarity about the lady, who is tall and not bad looking, considering that she is such a weatherbeaten battler, is the fact that she usually wears a navy blue dress with very short skirts, red stockings, and tan shoes. This color scheme is quite chic.  -NZ Truth, 23/1/1909.


MORNINGTON MATINS.

LIVELY MAGISTRATES COURT CASE. 

Was Mrs Banning Banged ? Fun in a Fruitery.

There was a large sensation and a sudden collapse of a police case in the Dunedin S.M.s Court on Monday last, when a young man called John Sydenham came up before Mr Bartholomew, S.M., on charges of obscene language, assaulting one Agnes Banning, and wilful mischief by damaging a box belonging to that woman, all of which happenings occurred at Mornington on March 8. 

The sensation and collapse were caused by the lady, who is tall, buxom, and handsomely dressed, who absolutely, and in a loud voice, refused to give evidence against. John, as he had been a good friend of hers and she wasn't going to see him get into trouble. Also, the lady reckoned the police had cast aspersions on her virtue, and she wasn't going to stand that. 

When the case was called, Agnes Banning bounced into the body of the court, and took a seat alongside of a number of copmen, and, was resplendent in a sort of heliotrope creation with 

THE LATEST THING IN HATS. Lawyer Irwin appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.. When counsel asked that all witnesses be ordered into outer darkness, Court Orderly Butler gave effect to the request, and the lady stalked majestically out. 

Station-Sergeant King said that John had been employed by the lady in her fruit shop at Mornington, and received 30s per week as wages. On March 8 Agnes and John had a difference about some accounts, and John used some awful language to her, a thing which he apparently had done before, whereat the lady threw some water over him. In return, John punched her twice in the chest, and as a consequence she had to go to the doctor for treatment. She left the house in a frightened state, and on returning later in the day found the domicile and shop locked up and John inside. John refused to let her in, so she went for the police, who were also refused admission by John. The police then 

BUST THE DOOR OPEN and on going inside Agnes found that a box valued at £l 5s had been broken.
With reference to the charge of obscene language, he did not intend to offer any evidence, as there were no witnesses outside who heard it, and he asked leave to withdraw the charge.

The S.M. granted permission. 

Peter McCombish, steward on one of the U.S.S. Co.'s boats, said he was on a visit to Mrs Banning's place on March 8. He saw accused and Mrs Banning and they had a row. The start of it was when he and Mrs Banning were leaving the house in the morning, and they found all the locks on the doors locked. Accused had been locking them all day. The lady remonstrated with defendant, and he hit her twice in the chest, and she had to go and see the doctor. Witness knew the box was broken by John, as he saw it lying broken outside. 

To Lawyer Irwin: The last boat he was on was the Moeraki, and he had been on her about nine months. He left her on Saturday last. He knew Mrs Banning's husband. He was also on the Moeraki, and was one of the U.S.S. Co.'s oldest hands. Agnes's Husband looked after witness's money for him, but witness strenuously denied that it was on account of his drinking propensities. He asked Agnes's husband to look after it because there was 

SO MUCH PILFERING on board the boats. Witness here went into a detailed account of the recent theft of jewels on a U.S.S. Co. boat until he was pulled up. 

Lawyer Irwin: Yes, but Mr Banning is afloat and you are ashore here. 

Witness: Well, that is all right. 

Lawyer Irwin: Aren't you afraid of Mr Banning? 

Witness: No, I am not, and you needn't try to cross-examination me. I'm too old in the head. (Laughter.) Continuing, witness said that he couldn't say whether defendant ran the fruit shop. He took no interest in Sydenham beyond seeing him come down to the shop to see Mr Banning. Witness only saw the end of the unpleasantness, and saw defendant strike the blow. Mrs Banning threw the water over defendant on account of his bad language. 

Lawyer Irwin: What was it in?

Witness: One time it was in a basin and the other time in a jug. 

Oh, I see, there were two lots. Did she throw the basin or its contents? — She threw the water. 

Did he stand quietly while she threw water over him? — Yes, he stood quietly. 

Didn't he try to stop her? Witness (warningly): Now, 

DON'T TRY TO CONFUSE ME. 

Lawyer Irwin: But you are the man who couldn't be confused. 

The S.M.: Take your time answer the questions.

Witness: She threw the water over him and he didn't strike her, and then she threw more and he hit her. 

The S.M.: How did he hit her?

Witness (acting the part): He put his arm round her and hit her with the other. 

Lawyer Irwin: Where did the jug go? — She put the jug on the table. 

Do you mean to say that when he struck her she quietly put the jug down on the table? — Oh, that was in the hall. 

Lawyer Irwin here took over a plan of the premises, drawn by defendant, to get witness to show where the waterworks happened. 

Now, didn't the jug incident occur in the kitchen? — There was a basin in the kitchen, so far as I know. 

No, no, wasn't the jug thrown in the kitchen? — Yes (hesitatingly), I know there was something thrown in the kitchen. 

How could you see? Remember, 

YOU WERE IN YOUR BEDROOM at the time. 

Witness: I could see into the kitchen. 

The plan was here gone into again, and it showed that there was only one door to the bedroom, and it did not command a view of the festive kitchen. Witness swore that there was another door to the bedroom opening into the kitchen. 

Now, were you in that bedroom at all? — Yes. 

Did you see the box taken into the yard? — No. 

Why did you swear you saw it taken into the yard? — Well, I thought so. 

Now, do you know anything against accused's character? — I'm sorry to see him in this trouble. 

But do you know anything against him? — No, he is very quiet, and never had anything to do with me. 

The next witness called was the fair lady herself, and she climbed gaily into the box with fire in her eye. When the orderly tendered the court Testament, the lady opened proceedings in a loud voice and with an aggressive manner, thusly:

NO! I REFUSE TO SWEAR. 

The S.M. (surprised): You refuse to give evidence?

Witness: I am not going to give evidence, that's all. I have been called a woman of ill repute by "Sergeant-Station" King, and I'm not; my husband keeps me. 

The S.M.: But why do you refuse to give evidence?

Witness: I won't give evidence against a man who has been a good friend to me. (With great decision) I am not going to swear anything at all. I have a solicitor. 

Lawyer Irwin: I understand Mr Scurr is watching the proceedings on her behalf. 

Lawyer Scurr, who was present, said that such was the case, and that the witness spoke to him, and asked him to appear, but he did not know that anything of this kind was going to happen. Lawyer Scurr then walked over to the lady, and by some magic process succeeded in pacifying her, and in inducing her to be sworn. 

Station-Sergeant King then started to examine the lady, but hadn't gone very far before 

THE STORM AROSE ONCE MORE. 

Mrs Banning said she had a fruit store in Mornington. On the morning in question she and defendant had a disagreement, "which might occur to anyone." She denied that defendant assaulted her.

Station-Sergeant King: Didn't you go to see Dr. Evans?

Witness: Yes, but not medically. There is no need for me to tell you why I see him. I have been attending him. 

Station-Sergeant King: Now, didn't you make a statement to the police that accused had assaulted you? 

Witness: I did not say that he had assaulted me.
The constable dictated the statement, and I did not say it was true. I did not know what I signed, I was so worried.

Station-Sergeant King: Now, didn't send for the police? — No, McCombish did.

Didn't you complain to the constable about your box? — No, I did not.

What is the position of the accused — what is the relationship between you and him? — You know he is my manager. 

What wages do you pay him? Witness (distantly): We pay him a wage. It's not necessary to tell you what we pay. 

Station-Sergeant King: Where does he board? — You know where he boards.

Did you see McCombish last night and try to get him 

TO ALTER HIS EVIDENCE? Witness: No, I did not; he wanted to see me.

Station-Sergeant King: When did you change your mind about giving evidence in this case?

Witness: I need not answer. 

Station-Sergeant King (to the S.M.): I think, in the circumstances it is no use going on. The witness is hostile.

The S.M.: With a witness of this nature there would be no use going on. It is really a matter between themselves. I can quite understand that if the position had been put before the police as the witness wishes it put before the court, it would have been useless to have brought the case. The cases will be dismissed. 

Lawyer Irwin said that he would have liked to have asked Mrs Banning a few questions over certain allegations that had been made. In fairness to accused, he had to state that Sydenham was a friend of Mrs Banning's, and a relation, and was manager of the business. He was paid a salary and commission. The assumption had been that he and complainant had been living together. 

Here Station-Sergeant King made dissent, and the lady added across the court: "And he called me a woman of ill-fame." 

Orderly Butler: That'll do, Mrs Banning. 

Continuing, Lawyer Irwin said he would have liked to refute the statements. 

The court, however, had had enough and called the next case with much, suddenness, whereat the parties left together.  -NZ Truth, 18/3/1911.


AGNES'S AGONY.

A DUNEDIN ECHO IN SYDNEY

The Barneys of the Bannibngs

A Wild Woman  Leers at the Beak and the Lawyers — Was She Sweet on Sydenham? — Were You Ever Arrested in Dunedin? — Sent to for Seven Days — The Case Dismissed.

From Mornington, which is a Dunedin suburb, to Sydney isn't very far when you say it quickly, but people do go away, and Sydney "Truth" recently recorded the following Police Court case in Sydney. We fancy yoo have heard of the Bannings before at Waikouaiti, or some such charming place.

The troubadours of old, who so gaily twanged their guitars and serenaded a woman's cheek, had they been in the Sydney Water Police Court last Friday week, would have been flabbergasted and knocked completely ker-wollop at the cheek of Agnes Banning. Aggie had issued a summons against her husband, Sylvester Horatio of the same name, for maintenance, and the case was listed for hearing before Mr Clarice.

Agnes is a fine fat lump of a lydie, rosy-cheeked, and with big, bushy black eyebrows. Furthermore, Mrs Agnes Banning sported a blue ribbon bow, which fluttered from the breast of her bosker open-worked embroidered blouse, and on her napper she wore a big floral eady. For some little time preceding the calling of the case, Mrs Banning occupied a seat in court, castling googoo glims on to a gent whom she sat next to, and who was not her own Sylvester Horatio, the latter, by the way, having squatted close to his little lawyer-man, Mr E. R. Abigail.

When the case was called up, the fine fat feminine coughed, "tee-heed," and, with 

A QUZZICAL SMILE, winked at the gent from whose side she had just darted up, sidled across the floor of the court, and bobbed bang into the witness-box with a "Hic-scoose-me," as she apologetically jabbed the tips of her left fingers in front of her drinkeree, and took up the Book, to which she gave a slobbering "kiss." However, no sooner had the lydie been sworn, than tears welled up into those big glims of hers, and coursed down her cheeks, rolling along bubble-like to her blouse, and fondly-like on to the bunch of blue ribbons on her breast.

Magistrate (soothingly): Come, come; we don't want any of that now. Stop crying. 

Agnes (knuckling her eyeballs): "Boo-hoo-oo-oh, boo-hoo-oo-oh."

Mr Clarke: Tears are not wanted here; we want facts. 

But, instead of stopping, the tears now fairly rained from the peepers off Mrs Banning, ploughing their way through the paint and powder on to her blouse, as if these tears were a chasing the other 'uns in a Marathon rac. 

The eye-tide at the Water going down after a little while, the woman, through her tears, told the bench that she was the wife of the defendant, and, "Well, yer worship (hic) — scoose me, I had to cry. Yer carn't 'elp yer feelings, canyer?"

Magistrate: Oh, please, do go on.

The quizzical smile now returned to the dial of Mrs B, as she said that at present she resided in Carrington street, at Wynyard-square, and was without means of support. "Your Worship," said she, "I've only got two shillings, and I'll show it to yer if yer want to see it." 

The magistrate didn't.

The witness said that during the last six months she had only received L15 from her husband, who had been

AWAY TO SCOTLAND.

He was a ship's butcher, and worked on the Wanganui, which had only recently arrived at Sydney. On coming into port, witness had gone down to the wharf, and asked Sylvester Horatio for some money, and he gave her £1. There was no family, and her husband earned £7 a month, besides the wee "perks" which, he told her himself, had come to as much, as £5.

 Sergeant Drew: Well, what amount do you ask for?

Witness (sneeringly): Well, (hic), if he can keep another woman, I s'pose he can keep me I'm his wife.

Magistrate (sternly); What, do you ask for? — Oh, what do I ask for, eh? Well, £2 a week (with a grotesque smirk). 

Magistrate: You must conduct yourself properly here, you know. — Ho, I must, eh? 

Yes, you must, and I'll see that you do, do you hear? — Oh, all right (with. an impudent swagger).

Mr Abigail: What is the name of the gentleman you were sitting in court with? Witness (winking at a man seated, in court, then turning to Mr Abigail) You mind your own business, d'ye hear. 

What's his name? — Oh (another wink), that's Mr Sydenham, that is.

How long hare you been living with him? — What! How dare yer, how dare yer. (Then, with a yell) I'm not living with him. You mind yer own affairs, d'ye hear. 

Mr Clarke again warningly looked al the witness, who heeded not the: signal "danger." 

Mr Abigail: Had you this man Sydenham working a fruit shop for you tin Mornington, New Zealand? — My so-called husband left him as manager (another wink across the court). 

I'd ask that man sitting over there be told to leave the court, your Worship, if  you please.

The man sitting over there took the hint and his departure.

Mr Abigail: You sold the business, did you not? How much did you get for it? — How much — £35.

What did you do with the money? — I got a saloon ticket for Sydney from New Zealand. 

Oh, did you.? — Yes, did I (this mimicking Mr  Abigail's tone). 

Did the man come over with you in the same boat? — He had a saloon ticket also in that boat. 

How interesting? — Yes, wasn't it, just — quite (smiling and smirking now in great style)

Magistrate (to Mrs B.): Remember, I've warned you! — Oh, that's all right (turning her back to the beak).

Mr Abigail: Where did you go to live when you came to Sydney? — Oh (stamping her foot), dash it all, I forget. No, I remember — with a woman in Arthur-street, North Sydney.

In Arthur-street? — No, in Walker street (again imitating Mr Abigail's manner of speaking).

What name did you go by? — By my own, and we had separate rooms, doncherno (this in extra swaggery style), and then, we went to the Glebe. Haha!! ha!

Mr Clarke: You'll get into trouble if you don't behave yourself! — Think so?

Mr Abigail: Did this man not say, "Agnes, take my arm," outside the court, to-day? — No.

You've had a few before the court opened this morning, didn't you? — No, I haven't, have you? 

Mr Clarke: Look here, I tell you again that if you don't conduct yourself properly in court I'll adjourn the case and 

SEND YOU TO PRISON. Mr Abigail (to Mrs B.): Did you not go out night and day with this saloon passenger? — Never you mind about that. After leaving the Glebe, I went to live in Liverpool-street, in my own name. 

And did Sydenham go to live there also? — Yes, he went to live there also (laughing,). 

When Mr Sydenham was sitting in court a little while ago, whose bag and fan was he holding? — Mine, of course, whose else did yer think they were? 

After Liverpool- street, where did you go to reside? — At Kensington. 

What street? — Dunno. 

What was the name of the house or number? — No name and no number. 

At this stage a couple of police officers glided nimbly up towards the bench, having evidently received a wireless message from Marconi Drew, and shafted a glass decanter, drinking tumbler, and big metal inkpot. 

The Woman in the Case (or, rather, the box): Ha, ha! (laughing). 

Magistrate: I won't stand it much longer. 

Mr Abigail (continuing, to witness): Well, and where next did you go to live? — Oh, ask his Lordship there (and ere she 

NODDED HER NAPPER at her Sylvester Horatio) about when he wired me to get a room for Miss McNicholl. Go on, arsk him that, there's a good feller.

Did you not go arm-in-arm with Sydenham yesterday to the boat on which your husband is employed? — No, but I went to meet his Lordship. 

Did you bring Sydenham to court with you to-day? — You bet; he's a friend of mine. 

He is? — Certainly. 

Did he pay £1 1s expenses for you on the day you moved to your last place? — My so-called husband didn't, anyhow. 

Were you ever arrested, in Dunedin, New Zealand? — Sir! I refuse to answer such a question. Bah! 

Were you, for indecent behavior? — Sir.!! 

And were you doing six months there? — Oh, sir! As for you, why — 

Mr Clarke: That'll do. Stand down and sign your depositions. — Sign? Will I! No, I won't; not me. Why? 

Magistrate: Because everyone else does it. 

Here she flopped out of the witnessbox, and then hopped back into it again, and addressed herself to the magistrate: "Here, I say — "

Magistrate: You must not get up there again. — I will!

Magistrate (to a constable): Place her around there (indicating the spot where accused persons usually stand) 

This was done, and Agnes now found herself in 

FRONT OF THE DOCK Magistrate: For you're having been insolent to me, and for your coming here in a half-drunken state to-day, I now sentence you to seven days' imprisonment for contempt. The maintenance case I accordingly adjourn. (Then, to the insolent Agnes): Perhaps when you next appear here you will know how to conduct yourself. 

Agnes: But, your worship, hic, hiscoose me. 

As she was being escorted out of court she whispered in her wild despair to constable Castles. "You'll look after me, dear?" at which Billy cast on the insolent Agnes a look of absolute terror. 

The case was subsequently heard and dismissed.  -NZ Truth, 23/3/1912.


Agnes Banning  -NZ Truth, 23/3/1912.