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ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—1886.
BIUltB'UllirBUBBAH.—This tovn is situated on t t e CurrawoDg
Creek, wliicli Rows into tlie Jugiong Creek, a tributary of the
Murrurabidgee. Its position on tbe Great Southern Railway Line, at
the junction of the connoction betweeu tlie trunk railway lines of the
colony, will tend to develop an importaDOO which ia already becoming
noticeable. In the alluvial portions of the district, wheat and other
cereals are cultivated. Large ureas are devoted to pastoral purposes.
A " rush " took place some years ago to what is known as the Blind
Creek Diggings in the neighbourhood, but all that remains now
are the deserted (.'lainia. From a quartz reef at Ciinniugar, n yield of
3 ozs. per ton has been obtained. Population, 1,620.
MUR.K.tJR'CTN'DI.—MuiTiirundi is situated on the upper watei-s
of the Page River, a tributary of the Hunter, and lies on the southeastern
slope of the Liverpool Rauge, at an elevation of 1,540 feet
above the level of the sea. The Great Northera Kailway Liue passes
through it, and adds to its importance as a eoinmeroial centre, iluch
of the land »round ia occupied for grazing ajid sheep-farming. The
:1 steep in many places, and rises into peaks
and produces good crops of wheat and other cereals. Some portions
of the district arc liable to Hoods. Since the extension oC the railway
to this town, sottlement has increased very rapidly, Populatiou, 832.
NARKiANDERA.—N'arraudera ha.'i risen into importance in
connection with the extension to, and beyond it, of the South-western
abri ich line ha;
of considerable elevatit
of about 1,820 feet above
the level of the sea, is
s i t u a t e d towards the
south-east. The burning
in this mountain is
genei-ally supposed to
arise from the combustion
of coal within it.
No characteristics of a
been observed. Among
the products of the district
are cereals, potatoes,
and fruit. The
rainfall amounts to about
28 inches annually. The
climate is healthy, and
during the greater part
of the year, is cool and
p l e a s a n t . Population,
3 « .
MTTSCLXIBBOOE.
—This town is situated
at the junction of asmall
stream, known as the
Muscle Brook, with the
Hunter Kiver, and is
rapidly increasing in importance.
The adjoining
country is generally of n
fertile character; large
areas of it are nnder
c u l t i v a t i o n . ATlieat,
maize, oats, barley, millet,
tobacco, and potatoes,
are among the chief
productions. The grape
is found to grow readily.
The rainfall amounts to
about 21 inches annually.
In summer, the dimata
Mo ont Wingen, which a IS an altitude
oppressive, reaching 100° Fah
Railway Line. It is also the point from which
construct-od to Jerilderie. The town is situated on the right bank of
tho Murrumbidgee River, about I ^ miles north therefrom, on a .leries
of sandy undulations. The first buildings wero erected on the flat
land near the river, bat its liability to inundation has caused it to be
abandoned for higher ground. The sun-oimding country, consisting,
with but little exception, of vast plains, is chiefly pastoral in character;
and towards the south-west, in the territory watered by the Yanko and
Colombo Creeks, it includes some of the best land in Riverina.
In addition to wool, which ranks first, the principal products are
wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and tobacco. The climate is warm
and dry; the rainfall amounts to about 15 inches annually. Population,
1,142.
NELLIGAN.—Nelligan, -iituated on the right bank of the
Clyde River, forms the
shipping-port for a very
largo area of surrounding
counti-y. In the
neigliboui-hood of the
small proportion of
fertile land, consisting
of narrow alluvial flats
near the river. These
devoted to dairy-farming.
Farther up the
, above Cur
•wong,
th character of
country improvi
ionsiderable are
ind
found under cultivation.
Tho district produces a
large amoimt of valuable
timber, principally
hard-wood; this is sa^vn,
and shipped to .Sydney,
and also to Victoria, Fiji,
and New Caledonia.
the
Oysters -were at one
very plentiful in
river, but owing to
tinuous working,
hausted. Population,
H8.
N E W C A S T L E . —
Newcastle ranks as the
second city in New South
Wales, and has arisen
into a position of great
importance through the
substantial buildings, Pc
NAMBUCCA. -Th
but during tho greater part of the
)his town contains a number of fine
m, 1,074.,
ihip of Nambucca is of comparatively
•ut origin, and owes its existence in a groat measure to the de-
)pment and increase of the timber trade in the locality. Nambucca
ituated on the north side of the river of the same name, near its
pn^reas, which has been rapid, is somewhat retarded
by the difficulties which vessels encounter in entering and leaving the
port. Only those of veiy light draught can ci'oss the bar. Large
forests of veiy good trees, principally hard-wood, extend back from
its banks; cutting timber for shijjmont to Sydney forms one of the
principal employments of the settlement. JIuch of the land is of
an indifferent character; where fertile, it is occupied by farmers.
Population, 002.
NARRABE,!.—Nan-abri is situated on the right bunk of the
Namoi River, about 50 miles north-west from Gunnedab, and is
surrounded by extensive areas of fertile countiy, devoted to sheepfanning
and agricultui'e. The soil is largely nlluvial in character.
which it forms the outlet. It
inter River, which forms a cnminodio
about 75 miles north fi'om Sydney.
district of '
of the His
distant
the port is very •
than at Port Jackson. During stoi-my weather, ships often experienced
much danger in entering, but this lias been cousiderably
reduced by the construction of a breakwater, >[uch of the produce of,
not only the Huntor River district, but tho large extent of country
through which the Gi'cat Northern Railway ruua, linds its way to
Newcastle for ex])ort, or shipment to the metropolis. The principal
product of the immediate neighbourhood is coal. Its resourc^cs in this
respect arc almost unlimited. Coal was first discovered here in 17117,
but at that time, little notice was taken of the fact. A convict depot
was afterwards established, SettlGment of the district conunenced
about tho year 1821. lu 1829, attention was directed to the coalsearos
of the vicinity, and 800 tons, valued at £400, were the result of
mining during this year. In 1881, the output had iucreased to
1,081,2-10 tons, and for 1884, it amountod to l,.>t0,305 tons. The
arrangomonts for shipping coal at the whai-fs have been much im-
NEW SOUTH WALES,
proved of h
ilst of steam and hydraulic c
B pow< About the year I
mpetition was so keen
between the different coal-mi
owners. Subsequently n "vend scheme"
out])ut, and fixed the price at a remiim
situated on sloping ground, which incli
fi'om the svatora of the port. It contains
and is regarded as healthy. Numerous industries and manufaci
have arisen in and around Newcastle; these tend to increase its importauco
e or no profit resulted to the
IS adopted which limited the
itive amount, T'he town is
iS to steepness a.s it recedes
ery fine buildings,
as a commercial centre. Several fine ocean steamers run
daily to and fi-om Sydney, and a railway line is being constructed
along the coast, which will furnish rapid communication -with the
metropolis. Cultivation, to a limited extent, is carried on near the
outskirts of the to^vu. Population, 8,980.
N I M M I T A B E L . — Nimmifcabel, a small township in the
JIanavo district, derives some importance from the fact of its being
n stopping-place on the main i-oad between Bombala and Cooma.
Situated close to the Gi-eat Dividing Range, it possesses a considerable
elevation, the effect of which is seen and felt in winter in the snowfalls
and extreme cold experienced. The surrounding country is to a
veiy large extent fertile; portions of it are occupied by agricultui-ists,
b<it generally speaking, the land is devoted to sheep-farming and
grazing. Resides ivool, the principal products are wheat, barley, and
potatoes. Population, 100.
NOWBA.—Xowra, a very important town in the Shoalhaven
district, is situated on the right bank of the Shoalhaven River, near
the junction mt h it of Nowra Creek. Considerable poi-tions of the
countiy on both sides of the Shoalhaven are liable to inundation
in very wet seasons. The position of Nowra is somewhat elevated
and above flood-level; it-s rapid progress during the last decade is
largely due to this fact. Between it and the ocean are the alluvial
Hat lands which line the banks of the river; to the west is rugged
hilly country, with little of the fertility of the low lands. In the
distance may be seen the low peaks of the Sassafras Mountains.
A short distance back from the northern bank are the Cambewarra
Mountains, a part of the coast chain. The eastern face is steep and
difficult of ascent. Though occasionally droughts occur, the rainfall
of tho district is abundant. The principal products of the surrounding
country are maize, bai-ley, oats, potatoes, butter, and cheese. The
climate is hot in summer, but during the remainder of the year, is cool
and pleasant, A substantial iron bridge has been constructed recently
across the Shoalhaven at Nowra. The width of the river in this part
U about 350 yards. Population, 900.
NTTNDLE.—Nundle is situated near the source of tho Peel
River, on tha north-western slope of the Great Dividing Range, about
37 miles south-east from Tamworth, and is surrounded by some of the
most fertile land in the New Eugiand District, Agriculture is princi-
])ally followed by the settlei-s. Soiue fine timber is met svith
in tho neighbourhood. Population, 170.
NYNGAN.—Nyngan, situated on the Rogan River, is one of
the results of the extension of the Groat Western Railway Liuo.
Forming a depot for the sheep-stations on the vast level tracts which
surround it on all sides, it is likely to increase in size and importance.
The sudden a|)pearance on the plains of houses and street« where, but
a few mouths previously, was little else but saltbush, may be regarded
as ono of the evidences of colonial enterprise and industry. The rainfall
does not exceed 20 inches yearly, and farther west it is much loss.
The land is occupied for pastoral purposes only. In summer the heat
is excessive, rising frequently to over 100® Fahr. Population, 1,000,
OBEROIT.—This small township is situated on the upper watei's
of the l'"ish Kiver, a tributary of the Mai-quarie Rivor, about 30 miles
south-east from Balhurst. Much of the surrounding country is
settled upon by conditional purchasers for agricultural and grazing
purposes. Copper occurs in the neighbourhood. About 13 miles to
the south-cast, are tho Fish River Caves to wiiich the name Jenolan
ha.s recently been given. They are very extensive, and arc noted for
the beauty of their simrkling columns and the gorgeous appearance of
the inteiior. The country in this part is rugged in the extreme, and
in places, inaccessible. Po|)nlation, 102.
O'CONNELli.—O'Couiic'll is iutuiited ou the left bank of tho
Fish River, about 14 miles south-east of Bathiirst. The surrounding
country is fert-ilo, and occupied chiofly for agricultural purposes.
Population, 100,
O P H I B . -This township, associated in tha past with gold-mining,
is situated at ihe junction of the Lems Ponds and Frederick Valley
Creeka, about 14 miles north-eaat from Oi'ange. It was hero that tho
first "rush" took |ilace immediately after the discovery of gold
by Hargreavea, in Fobriiary 1851. Mining has been revived of late
in the neighbourhood, but tho results have not equalled those of
former years. The sui-rouuding country, which is to a large extent
hilly, and in some places, oven steep and rugged, is now occupied
for grazing and sheep-farming. The population, numbering at one
time several thousands, has now become reduced to about 150,
ORANGE.—Orange, one of tho principal towns on the Groat
Western Railway Line, is situated near the source of Blackman's
Swamp, a small stream which, after joining Lewis Ponds Creek, flows
into the Macquarie River. The surrounding country, which owes its
fertility to the predominance of trap among its rocks, is undulating in
character, and possesses much pictui-esqueness and natural beauty.
The verdure of its .slopes and valleya, which range outward on every
hand, in a long line of perspective, ending with the darker shades of
tha forest, presents a picture unsurpassed forita homely and charming
effect. The district is both pastoral and agi-icultural. Wheat, barley,
oate, hay, and pot^atoea, are among ita principal products. All the
fruits of a cold climate grow readilj'. About nine miles south-west from
the town rise tho peaks of the Canoblas in which several tributaries of
the Lachlan take theii' rise. Orange occupies a position near the weatom
edge of the Southern Tableland, and possesses an elevation of neariy
3,000 feet above tha level of the sea. The climate, which is remarkably
pleasant and healthy, ia bracing in its effect on the human frame, and
is found to be particularly invigorating to invalids, and those long
accustomed to the humid atmosphere of the sea-coast. During winter,
the weather is cold, and snow occasionally falls, but only at rare intervals
is severity experienced. Gold is found in several parts of the
district; copper also occurs. Hargreaves' discovery of gold in 1851
was made in the Lewis Ponds Creek, a few miles south-east from
Orange, The rainfall amounts to about 41 inches annually. The
town possesses several very fine substantial buildings. With tho extension
of the railway line decided upon, to Forbes and the towns of
tho interior, it is reasonable to suppose that Orange will increase in
importance, with even greater rapidity in tho future, than it has done
in the past. Population, 2,700.
PANBULA.—This to«-nship, which is situated on the creek
of the same name, about 4 miles south from Merimbula, is tha centre
of one of the earliest settlements on the south coast. The surrounding
land is aOuvial in character, and very fertile. Jfaize, butter, and
cheese are the principal products of the neighbourhood. Farther
inland tho country is covered with a dense forest, and is less suited to
cultivation. Population, 130.
PARSES.—The country, of which Parkes is the commercial
j centre, came at first prominently into notice in connection with
, gold-mining. The vast plains which lie south towards the Lachlan
I River are highly auriferous. Some of this land is still worked with
vory good results. Reefs, many of tham very rich, have also been
discovered. Settlement at tlie present time, however, is chiefly for
agricultural and pastoral purposes, for which the land is well suited.
Among the pi-cducts of a district of increasing importance are wool,
wheat, maize, barley, oats, and potatoes. The town is situated near
the right bank of the Goobang Creek, a tributary of the Lachlan
River, and lies on the margin of tho slope towards the great plains of
the interior, about 18 miles north from Forbes. During summer, the
heat is excessive, but tha climate is regarded as healthy; in winter, it
is cool and pleasant. The rainfall ranges between 10 and 15 inches
annually. Population, 1,001.
PARRAMATTA,—Parramatta, to which the name RosehiU
was formerly given, has iti> origin so far back as tho year 1788, and is
a town of rapidly increasing importance. It is situated on ^vliat is
known as the Parramatta River, an arm of Port Jackson, and lies
about 14 miles west from Sydney, The country is undulating and
fertile, and attracted the attention of tho pioneer settlers of the colony.
Captain Phillip, wnth the view of providing against scarcity, established
a settlemont here, and laid out a farm. The district is uow well
known in connoction with fruit-growing. Large quantities of oranges
and other fruits are produced every year, and sent to various centres
of consumption. The town contains a number of very fine buildings,
and possesses many of the characteristics of a metropolis. In tho
suburbs are numerous residences giving evidence of wealth and comfort.
The streets arc well laid out, and carefully formed. Numerous industrie.
s have arisen in and ai-ound the town; these materially add to its
importance. There are tweed factories, brewery, soap and candle
works, and pottery works. Population, 8,432.
PATERSON.—This township is situated on tho Patorson River,
a tributary of the Hunter, and lies about 12 miles north from
Maitland, The rivor-lands are largely alluvial in charactar, and noted
for their fertility. Immense crops of niaiae are produced every year.
Wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes, are also grown. Tobacco is
cultivated, the leaf being of a very good quality. Floods occasionally
visit the district, and sometimes prove very destructive. Settlement
began in this jmrt of the valley of tho Hunter at an eariy date. Coal,
iron, and limestone ai-o found. Population, 300,