“This was always left in the same spot and cattle were mustered onto these areas.

“In well-managed areas where the cattle were quiet, they congregated at the salt lick when they heard the sound of the stock whips.

“An enterprising John O’Leary selected a block of Grahams Valley, taking in the salt lick.

“Rising early, he cracked his stockwhip loud and long and the cattle came onto his block, so he started to drive them to the pound in Glen Innes.

“On the way they had to pass Stonehenge Station, which Grahams Valley was part of.

“Hearing the sound of cattle being driven, the manager’s sons Andrew and Archie Fletcher, with Donald McIntyre, went to investigate

“Discovering they were Stonehenge cattle, they ‘rescued’ them from O’Leary.

“O’Leary summonsed the rescuers for ‘rescue’ and the case was heard before magistrates James Martin and Edward Jones, who were sympathetic toward O’Leary.

“Andrew was fined £10 with a sustenance fee of £12, driving charge of 13/9, witness fee of 15/- and Archie and Donald each £5 or 14 days imprisonment.

“Fines and costs were paid on the spot and O’Leary received the fines.

“Several years later O’Leary tried the same thing, but this time the bench dismissed the case and admonished O’Leary.

“In those days, news was relayed by word of mouth and no doubt by then the bench had heard the other side of the story.” – A. W. Cameron, 2001.

On Friday evening, November 9, the hugely popular Irish balladeer and storyteller, Jack O’Leary will again be appearing in concert at the museum at 6pm for 6.30.

He is remembered for his rollicking performances at the museum and at the Standing Stones for the Celtic Festival in 2017. 

Could he perhaps be a descendant of John O’Leary?

Come along and find out! Bookings only through the museum on 6732 1035 and numbers are limited. The cost is $30 a head, historical society members half price. Finger food will be available.