A LIBERAL SQUATTER.

Evening Star, Issue 4154, 20 June 1876, Page 4

A LIBERAL SQUATTER.

Old Australians are apt to speak of the late Mr Clarke, the wealthy landowner, as having been exceptionally "close-fisted" with the enormous means at his disposal. It is pleasing to learn, however, that his son, who is the .owner of a large estate in this Province, is not unmindful of duties inherent to the position he holds. A Victorian paper thus alludos to him : —Mr Mr W. J. Clarke, who is sowing liberality broadcast, is not unmindful ol nis father s old servants, as tho following from tho local 'Advertiser' will show. There lives in Cheswich an old man named William Pembcrton and his wife, who left Dowling Forest (after living with "lug Clarke as stock-rider for fourteen years) at the outbreak of tho diggings, and here'they have been ever since (about twenty-four years) with variable success. Latterly, however, things have not prospered bo well as they might wish, the shallow ground being mostly worked out, and the deep sinking too hard work for the old man, so he thought he would go and see the son of his old employer, which he did on the occasion of the recent dinner to the tenants at Dowling Forest. After Pemberton had spoken a few words to Mr Clarke, the latter said, " Why, I know your voice ; oh, yes, I recollect you; how are you getting on ?" On' being told he was in poor circumstances, Mr Clarke remarked, "Well, you must have been a good. Bervant, or my father would not have ! kept you fourteen years in his employ; what shall I do for you ; shall I buy you a horse and dray ? I'll select the horse myself for you." On Pemberton saying he was afraid he was too old to do any good with a horse and dray, but would prefer a small weekly allowance, Mr Clarke asked him what he thought would do him, and on his replying about 10s per week, he replied, "Well, you shall have it, and here is LI to commence with, and I'll see you shall have it regularly, aufl the first time I come over to Cceswick I'll come and ee'e yon, and if you have not a cojnfortakle cottage, I'll make it comfortable for you; good-bye."