Hartley Court House - 1837 to 1937

24 HARTLEY AND ITS COURT-HOUSE.
part of the wall and cedar skirting, and nearly burned through
one side of the ammunition chest which contained in addition
to the police ammunition a quantity of powder recently taken
from bushrangers. The Colonial Architect gave instructions
for the necessary repairs to be made and pointed out that large
wood fires for three winters without using dogs had probably
nearly burnt through the backs of the fire-places which, if such
were the case, would need renewing. He also suggested that a
safer place for storing ammunition would be in the Court Room
near the entrance.
The equipment of the constabulary at Hartley at the end
of December, 1839, was ten cut-down muskets— five beingunserviceable,
ten bayonets, nine bayonet scabbards, seven
pouches, seven belts, 120 musket cartridges and 137 flints.
The number of ordinary constables had diminished from five in
September to one.
Ce l l s a t t h e C o u r t-H o u s e .
Tenders for the erection of cells at Hartley were called in
1839. Contrary to popular tradition the cells there were not
reserved for prisoners who had received the death sentence at
Hartley. Those accused of major offences were merely detained
at Hartley Court-House until transferred, according to warrant,
for trial at a higher court. It is recorded that during the year
ending September 30, 1841, £322 5s. wras spent on building six
cells, and the Mounted Police Barracks were commenced.
A correspondent in the Sydney Herald of June 19, 1840,
stated that there was sufficient wheat and hay for two years
in the district even if no more were grown for that period.
The price of wheat was 1 6 /- per bushel and hay £12 per ton.
The district was too cold for maize. The farmers were all
beginning ploughing and extending the cultivation of their
farms. The quietness of the district was attributed to the very
active Police Magistrate [Blair]. The Mounted Police stationed
there were a very useful body. The Mounted Police, unlike
the constables, were not under the control of the Police
Magistrate, but formed a branch of the military, all matters
regarding those stationed in this district being referred to the
local military officer.