May, 1862
John Stockdale had been teaching in Towamba for twelve months in a private capacity but in May, 1862, he had written to the National Board of Education asking for aid. He stated, "...The inhabitants are in impoverished circumstances, owing principally to the long drought which entirely put stop to all dairy operations upon which the inhabitants chiefly depend. ..."

'Pambula Voice' January 14, 1898
ROCKY HALL
* The dry weather still continues and there doesn't seem to be any appearance of rain. Stock are beginning to show signs of weakness and there must doubtless be great carnage amongst their ranks unless we are favoured with a heavy downfall within a week or so. The heat has been oppressive and such high temperatures have never been known here before. At the local factory the other day the thermometer registered 110 in the shade.

'Pambula Voice' February 25, 1898
PERICOE
* Rain, beautiful rain has come at last. We had a good soaking fall lasting for six nights and five days measuring in all 13 inches and 2 points. Nearly all of the settlers lost more or less stock. The rain gauge is in charge of Mr. Alexander at Pericoe House.

'The Land' 1911
* Rocky Hall is well named, it being surmounted by very steep mountains. What little farming is done here is maize growing. Around this part the drought has played sad havoc with the dairying industry, the country being in a very bad state for want of rain.

'Magnet' February 15, 1930
PERICOE
* In spite of the dry weather the sheep and cattle here look well. It has been said that this drought is worse than the last, nevertheless there is a greater body of grass and with the rain that threatens comes along, it will not be long before there is a mantle of green over the land.

'Magnet' January 19, 1935
* drought affecting maize and potato crops.