Burke Manuscript

Burke Manuscript: Page 204

Transcript

On the block where the GROSVENOR now stands, an old identity named Darby Maher, had purchased three or four acres of Reserves upon the seven years’ payment system, and had built a house of this sort [sketch]. Maher used to let others live in it and he generally went away up country, being a good station hand, and earned money. Unfortunately he drank somewhat. The place he had mortgaged, and, it was sold over his head. The house was burnt, and, in it was a man who was roasted. Maher was arrested. The theory was that he had fired it, for revenge. He was tried and acquitted. Great efforts were made to hang him. So good an opinion had Mr Charles Reed (of the Ashburton) the original “Gridironer” that he at once took Darby back up on the station.