“There Is a butcher’s shop, kept by Mr. J. W. Prentice. Mr. Prentice’s father was on old Mt. Browne in the early days. Some of the finest meat I have seen for years is retailed a 4d per lb all round. Mr. D. McKechnie keeps the principal store, and has now been appointed postmaster. There is also a store kept by a Hindoo and known as the Indian store.

Until recently Mr. McKechnie ran two stores, one at each end of the field, but as he could not attend properly to both, the Indian store scored heavily during his frequent absence. Mr. Sharkey, from Mungindi, has announced his intention of erecting a store, tobacconist shop, fancy goods and shaving saloon, also a billiard table.

A Chinaman from Angledool was to build a store and baker’s shop, but I suppose they are waiting for further development and more population. Mr. Jefcott supplies the finest bread I have tasted in my travels at 5d per loaf; until the recent rise in the price of flour it was only 4d. The Yank supplies liquid refreshments at 3d per mug in a large bough shed known as the “Bull and Bush.” Tables, light seats and cards are supplied to card players who play the rubber of whist or cribbage for hop beer and bread and cheese. There are two shooting galleries, bobs table, and a miniature billiard table.

Drinking water is retailed by Mr. Gallegos at 2d per bucket of 4 gallons, and picks pointed at three different places at 1d points.

Visitors to the field can be supplied with meals or first class board by Mrs. R. Kirkpatrick but as there are no lodgings I would advise them to bring their own bluey.”