And indeed these little fairs, the curse of the country, are gradually becoming extinct by the exertions of a more energetic class of county magistrates; and though there is probably the same amount of vice, public propriety is at all events more respected.

I think I may say that I have seen as bad, or even worse, scenes of drunkenness and disorder at an English fair, as ever I have in any Australian mining town.
George Hawker was so hemmed in by the crowd that he was unable to proceed above a foot's-pace.

He was slowly picking his way through the people, when he felt some one touching him on the leg, and, looking round, saw Lee standing beside him.
"What, Lee, my boy, you here!" said he; "I have just seen your amiable comrade--he seems to be in trouble." "Dick's always in trouble, Mr.Hawker," replied he.

"He has no care or reason; he isn't a bad fellow, but I'm always glad when he is out of my way; I don't like being seen with him.

This is likely to be his last time, though.