he water about
eight the following morning, very thankful to have come through the 80
miles safely. It had been a glorious moonlight, by which I could see the
tracks of numerous snakes on the road. I felt that if my horses were
bitten it would mean a perish for me.

I remained at the water until about 5 p.m., when I rode into Hughenden
township, which was formed on the spot where I had camped with the sheep
some twelve years before. I put up at Magnay's hotel, and was glad to
have a square meal for dinner.

In the morning I resumed my journey, and having previously travelled the
track frequently, went miles off it to obtain better feed for the horses
to camp.

I overtook my own teams between Dalrymple and Townsville, and drove one
of them to the camp outside the latter town.

After engaging another driver, the timber, iron, a billiard table and
some stores were duly loaded and despatched. I remained to sign the four
months' promissory notes for these and the goods previously referred to,
and to give the teams time to negotiate the 30 miles to Thornton's Gap,
as the crossing of the coast range was called at this place. At the foot
of the Gap I joined them, and assisted in getting them to the top. I
left the teams here and rode on to Winton.

On my arrival, I found that Fitzmaurice had sold out of most of the
supplies except the grog, which he was keeping for the hotel. He then
started on horseback for Townsville to give delivery of the wool, and
load up his three teams with stores, etc.; also more timber and iron to
build the store. He would also bring his wife and child with him.

At this time Winton was the rendezvous of some of the worst characters
of the west; fights were frequent on the then unformed streets.

The rowdies threatened to take the grog in the store, and as there were
no police nearer than Aramac, I deemed it best to dispose of all the
liquor to Allen, the local publican, who jumped at the chance to obtain
a supply.

A few residents formed themselves into a vigilance committee.

The late Mr. J. A. Macartney passed through to visit his property,
Bladensburg Station, and seeing how things were, wrote to the Home
Secretary asking for police protection.

My teams had now arrived with the building material, and carpenters were
put on to erect the hotel. This was not finished until the end of 1879,
when it was opened under the name of North Gregory Hotel.

Great difficulty was experienced with th