Burnside Historical Society Inc. to Load

Front Cover: Port Germein Hotel, High Street, Port Germein. Photo by Barbara Parker, 2010 This hotel dates from 1881 when the district was an important producer of wheat. A 1646 metre long jetty was built so that the wheat could be taken out to the sailing clippers anchored out where the water was deep enough for them Burnside Historical Society Inc. to load. This jetty was said to be the longest in the southern hemisphere. The sailors drank at the hotel on their too-brief shore leave.

NEWSLETTER - December 2010

Volume 30, No 4

Port Germein Hotel, 1998, photo J Graham

Disclaimer Views and opinions expressed in articles in the Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Burnside Historical Society Inc. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles printed, responsibility is not accepted for any errors they may contain that are out of the Society‘s control. The Privacy Act A member‘s personal information collected by the Society, for example name, address and telephone number, will only be used for forwarding of the Newslet- ter and relevant information concerning the Society. The information will not be shared, sold or given to any third party without the member‘s consent. Any e-mails will be treated as above. However, any information sent by e-mail will be at the sender‘s risk and the Society will not be held responsible for any Port Germein Hotel unintended use or disclosure of this information.

20 SourcingFrom thewater Editor’s from a well Desk on the Hensley‘s property, dug to around 60 metres BURNSIDE President’s HISTORICAL Message SOCIETY INC. deep with pick and shovel! PO Box 152, Glenside SA 5065 I have commented previously to the effect that this has been a very busy year for This is our last issue of the quarterly Newsletter for 2010 and thanks must go to Terry Sim, who once worked in the Fish section of the South Australian Muse- the Society. As it now draws to a close we can take some satisfaction from the all those who have helped in so many different ways with the articles, produc- OBJECTIVES um, spoke first in the session, Histories and Heritage of the Murray and Lakes. fact that in addition to our normal monthly meeting programme we have organ- tion and distribution. We have the editorial committee who oversee the choice The objectives ofth the Society shall be: He spoke about A fresh history of the Lakes. He emphasised the need to docu- ised and run the 9 biennial Eastern Regional Seminar for historical societies, of articles and help with proof reading and we have the members who have con- th ment the changes to these significant stretches of water. He has carried out re- celebrated2.1 to our arouse 30 interest anniversary in and andto promote run our the biennial study and regional discussion tour, of on Australian this occa- tributed as reporters, summarizing the meetings and events and contributing search using a variety of written sources, such as newspapers and parliamentary sion to Upperand South Spencer Australian Gulf. history and in particular, the history of the City of Burn- articles. reports. He maintains there is evidence that the Lakes were naturally fresh at the side; A report on the regional tour is to be found elsewhere in this Newsletter, suffice timeThen of there European is the settlement.distribution of the Newsletter where Shirley Sumerling and her 2.2 to promote the collection, recording, preservation and classification of works, to say at thissource point material that it and was artefacts enjoyed of byall kindsall – therelating splendid to Burnside weather history; complement- husband Mike have very capably sorted newsletters and then coordinated the Rodney Barrington’s interest in the State‘s railways extends to the Railway ed2.3 the wonderfulto assist inappearance the protection of the and countryside, preservation ofthe buildings, features worksand points and sites of inter-of members to deliver in the different suburbs. Thanks Shirley. Special thanks go river ports in South Australia. The first South Australian railway interfaced est were manyhistorical and significance varied and inwe the were City treated of Burnside; to some very good meals, espe- to one of our delivers, Margaret Rohde, who found it necessary to retire during with the River Murray at Goolwa in 1851. The treacherous journey through the cially2.4 at theto coArid-operate Lands with Botanic similar Garden societies at and Pt otherAugusta. bodies throughout Australia; the year. Colin Harris has taken over her round. Murray mouth was replaced, in fact, by a horse tram conveying traffic to sea- 2.5 to do all such other things as are conducive or incidental to the attainment of One of myany recurring of the above themes objectives. throughout the past two years has been the im- going vessels at Port Elliot. Rodney talked about the river trade and how from I take this opportunity to congratulate the incoming Mayor, David Parkin, and portance of the relationship and partnership we have with the City of Burnside. I 1878 a rail connection to North West Bend, present day Morgan, captured trade hope he enjoys reading our Newsletter as much as Wendy Greiner did. We have stressedOFFICE at every-BEARERS opportunity FOR that 2010 it- 2011is a mutually advantageous one: the from a large area of Victoria and New South Wales and reduced freight move- thank the Council for the annual Community Grant that it has been allocating to City of BurnsidePresident: provides us withColin very Harris,valuable PSM support (8331 and 3571) we, in turn, assist ments to Goolwa. River ports were created at Milang and Murray Bridge. Rail us each year. This has gone towards producing the Newsletter. the CouncilResponsible in helping Officer: to raise communityIsabel Williams, awareness OAM, of JP Burnside‘s (8379 4090) rich and var- infrastructure remains largely intact in the four river ports. Peter Harden, the ied history.Vice At-President: the same time, it isMeredith no secret Ide that the dysfunctional(8365 3049) character of finalIf you speaker can help for withthe session, articles talkedor photos about with River the heritageNewsletter, treasures please ofcontact South me Aus- on Secretary: Sharan Northcott (8332 1761) the elected Council in recent times has made it harder for us to get full value traliamy new. The email crossing address of the [email protected] Murray and the building or on of 8332the Roundhouse 8019. in 1873 Treasurer: Richard House from the partnership. Inevitably, the attention of Councillors has focussed on at Murray Bridge, as the bridge keeper‘s residence, are linked to the early be- Committee: Margaret Beare. John Clark, John Love, Eleanor internal divisions and tensions and this, in turn, has impacted adversely on the ginningsPlease note of the that development the new starting of our time Colony. for meetings The overland in 2011 trade is 7.30 routes pm from. the Trott, June Ward, and Isabel Williams OAM, JP Council administration, making it hard at times for us to progress a number of eastern states cross at Edwards Crossing. Peter described the stages in the con- Elaine Smyth, Editor importantNewsletter initiatives. Subcommittee: struction of the road bridge, the first to span the Murray. It was started under Mr Elaine Smyth, Editor (8332 8019), Peter Davies, Barbara Parker, PSM and Frank Rees George, and when completed in 1879 was the biggest steel structure Hopefully,Elizabeth the recent Rogers, elections OAM. will have cleared the air and I will be writing in Australia. It was modified to take the railway, 40 years before a separate rail shortly toContributors: the newly elected Apart Mayor, from the David Newsletter Parkin, Subcommittee, to congratulate we arehim fortunate on his win to bridge wasIN completed THIS ISSUE in 1925. Road traffic lessened following completion of and to drawhave to several his attention occasional the contributorsimportance whoseof the namesrelationship appear wewith have their with articles the the Swanport Bridge in 1979, 100 years after the first bridge was completed. City of Burnside.in the relevant However, issues. it is also incumbent on me to acknowledge with real President‘s Message 3 gratitude Distributionthe interest and Organiser: support Shirleythat outgoing Sumerling Mayor (8364 Wendy 3505) Greiner has pro- Meredith Ide Program for 2011 4 vided throughout her period of office. She has taken a keen interest in our activities and itProgram was always Subcommittee: reassuring to know that we had this sympathetic interest at PleaseMeeting note Reportsthat I have written the sessions that I attended in more detail7 and Colin Harris (Chair), Meredith Ide, Shirley Sumerling and Mary Wilson the highest level of Council. I know that I will have the support of all members copiesAnniversary of these Dinnerwill be available at meetings to borrow and hand on9 to other members. in thanking Wendy and wishing her well in her future activities. Meeting Reports 10 Supper Co-ordinator: Hazel Newton In closing for the year I do need to emphasise the need for us to build our mem- Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Tour 12 Meetings of the Society are held in the Burnside Community Centre, corner Portrush The Flinders Ranges 14 bershipRoad and in Fisher2011 andStreet, beyond. Tusmore Through (car park the and inexorable entrance off march Fisher of Street) time weat 8 are pm los-on Caroline Emily Clark 15 ingthe long third- standingMonday ofmembers the month and unless recruitment an alternative of new time members or venue isis notnotified. keeping Admis- pace with this loss. All of us have a role to play in attracting new members and if the State History Conference 16 sion is free, including supper. Visitors are most welcome. Society is to persist into the future we need to take it seriously. Membership fees: are $30 family, and $20 single, due in April each year and may be Mysent thanks to the Treasurerto all members at the Society‘s who have address helped (above) in many or paidand atvaried a monthly ways meeting. with the

18 2 19 3 running of the Society this year, and my very best wishes to all for a safe and bought land and built a residence. He engineered with Morphett to develop river th happy festive season.19 State History Conference irrigation.will beThe $39 river and town those of intending Wellington to participatewas built at in the the site dinner of the need first to crossing. fill in the Cross-currents - history, people & the environment We heardflyer about accompanying Police Commissioner this Newsletter. Alexander Tolmer‘s Gold Escorts and the Colin Harris, MurrayPSM Bridge, South Australia 6-8 August 2010 1986 re-enactment of his crossings of the river. We toured Wellington‘s police Mondaystation, gaol 21 February, cells, stables 7.30 and pm museum. – Iris Iwanicki On Saturday evening the tasty Confer- ————————————————————————————————The main theme, the histories of the River Murray and Lakes and their influ- Aence tale Dinnerof two towns:was enjoyed Cold Warat The tensions Waterhole, in outback Monarto Australia Zoo. It was an eerie feeling ence on and with the region‘s people, places and communities, is still current knowing some predators were nearby, but we all left safely…. today with our heavy dependence on River Murray water. We were encouraged Iris Iwanicki is a highly respected heritage historian and town planner. At On Sunday morning John Zwar‘s paper in the Of Plants and People session and to ―consider the relationship of nature and culture and the place of history and various times she has worked in these fields in the private sector and at both Program 2011 entitled Myall, Mangroves and much more – the story of The Australian Arid heritage in shaping sustainable communities in the future.‖ state and local government levels in South Australia. Lands Botanic Gardens and Pt Augusta would be of special interest to our tour- On Saturday the two keynote speakers provided valuable insight into the con- ing members.She is currently Another completing session I moved PhD research into was on about planned People townships of the Murray that were and MEETINGS ference themes. Deane Fergie, an anthropologist, emphasised that ―ideas have Lakes.built I heard in remote two speakers parts of – Australia Helen Stagg at the The height fabric of Coldof life War on the tensions Murray in Riv-the consequences‖ and how ideas about water have changed over time and man‘s er; throughimmediate a child’s post eyesWorld – aWar fascinating 2 years. research with recollections of two chil- MEETINGS of the Burnside Historical Society are held in the Burnside Com- actions. The influences of place and cultural experience over time around Aus- dren of lock/weir builders, one her mother, over a twenty year period. People munity Centre, corner of Portrush Road and Fisher Street, Tusmore (car park Specifically, Iris will look at two south Australian examples, Radium Hill tralia were explored. She stated ―we need to look at different ways of imagining worked hard and made do, supporting each other with the River Murray as their and entrance off Fisher Street) at 7.30 pm on the third Monday of the month, and Woomera. Radium Hill was established to service a uranium mine in collectively in a multidisciplinary way for radical solutions‖ and consider care- backdrop. ―It‘s life that makes us tough‖, one said, ―I think togetherness is an unless an alternative time or venue is notified. Admission is free and supper the north east of the State and Woomera was established to service the joint fully how we think about water and the nature of flood. important part of life – sharing even if living in poverty‖. Their bond with the provided. Visitors are most welcome. UK/Australia long range weapons project. Iris will outline their respective Next Dr Paul Sinclair spoke about ―Making connections between people and River continues. Ken Strother and Terry Sim spoke next detailing Stories from origins, their character as modernist, planned towns in outback settings and the river [Murray]‖ and that over time ―a whole set of unintended consequences The Lakes and Coorong. They have a lifelong interest in the Lakes, have talked their fortunes in post Cold War times. has been produced‖. He called for urgent, ―unprecedented leadership and in- to over one hundred people who have a connection with Lakes Alexandrina and Albert and the Coorong. vestmentMonday from 17 January, the Australian 6 pm —Government‖ Rob Marshall to protect& Chris and Hughes. replenish Australia‘s Monday 21 March,7.30 pm — Rick Moore ecosystems, the continent‘s natural life support systems. Rivers like the Murray Brock Reserve: walking trails and the Brock family history TheFollowing golden morningage of Australian tea, Ann explorationHerraman delivered the first of four papers given act as the lifeblood of Australia connecting people, culture, wildlife and land. on Regional History - From the River to the Mount; social and economic devel- There needs to be a balance between water that’s taken out and what flows in. Brock Reserve on Dashwood Road, Beaumont is one of the City of Burn- opmentIn inthe the nineteenth Mount Barker century region, the western 1831-1891. world It was is based fascinated on the by first tales observa- of ad- side‘s many parks and reserves, but for those interested in our history it The following summaries are from the sessions I was able to attend, thanks to tions ofventure Captain in farCharles-flung Sturt countries. of the broadGeography Mt Barker and exploration region from were 1830 national to the end hold a special place through its association with the Brock family, the last th the support of the BHS. Don Garden, an author and lecturer in environmental of theobsessions, 19 century. with In thebooks same and session, newspapers Kate cateringWalsh delivered for what aseemed refreshing to be dia- an private owners of nearby Beaumont House. history, the first Climate and Society speaker, spoke about the effect of drought rised accountinsatiable of public a three curiosity. week holiday of a group of ten Adelaide friends, in in 19th century eastern Australia and the importance of the environment and Bridgewater in 1938. It presents us with ‗an intriguing historical document‘, con- For our traditional outdoor January meeting we will gather at the Brock The greatest stories were, of course, coming out of Africa, but exploration climate in shaping the Australian colonial experience. Those members on the taining ‗some interesting reflections on the physical and social landscapes they Reserve, at the top of Glynburn Road, to hear Chris Hughes from the Na- of the interior of Australia – the last great continent to be colonised by Eu- recent Upper Spencer Gulf trip would appreciate the focus of this presentation – interacted with.‘ tional Trust of South Australia talk about the Brock family and life at ropeans – was not far behind, especially in the United Kingdom. What was Goyder‘s Line (1866), overstocking saltbush country, huge stock losses, land Beaumont House when that part of Burnside was still rural in its charac- Jennyit Heinthat motivated, studying Europeana Master of exploration Theology, of spoke Australia‘s about the vast history interior of andthe Sal-who degradation, loss of soil, rabbits and other pests. The following speaker, Tony ter. We will also have present Rob Marshall OAM, to talk about the net- vationwere Army, the describing champions how of exploration? it moved rapidly What northwards were the consequences into mining andof their light Rogers, examined how Europeans colonial settlers of the 1830s-40s coped with work of walking trails he and his wife Dr Sue Barker have established industrialdiscoveries towns and and south why isto Johnwhat‘s McDouall now known Stuart as referredthe Limestone to as the Coast. greatest She of a very different climate. Some colonists gradually learned through contact with over the nearby foothills of Glen Osmond. gave examplesAustralia‘s from inland the explorers?Fleurieu Peninsula. A Victor Harbor resident observed the local Aboriginal people how to cope with aspects of the weather. the Army was ‗more entertaining than cock-fighting.‘ Some Aboriginal people Please gather at the reserve at 5.45 pm for a 6.00 pm start (see accompa- were involvedRick Moore in mainstream is President leadership of the John positions McDouall at PortStuart McLeay. Society The and finalhas an Re- On the nyingSaturday map afternoon on insert I for journeyed reserve bylocation). bus on a Bring tour of a foldingThe Story chair of Welling-to sit in gionalabiding History interest paper camein the from exploration long time and residents pastoral ofsettlement Pinnaroo, of Max South and Australia Enid ton on thethe Murrayshade: there via Jervois will be and a portable along the sound River system Murray. for Pointsthe speakers of interest and we Wurfel.and They the Northern described Territory. how the longHe has-awaited a rural railway background from Tailemand has Bend lived toin Pin-the includedwill Mason‘s have an Rock alternative at Edward‘s plan ifCrossing the weather and Jervoisis inclement. which became a sol- naroobush country for muchcame aboutof his afterlife, althoughthree years he ofadmits debate, to enjoyingwith a Bill living passed in Adelaidein 1903. dier settlement with dairying. Sir John Morphett bought land at Wood‘s Point in recent years. He spends around sixty nights a year in his swag, mostly in The gathering will conclude around 7.15 pm and be followed by an op- The deprivations and hardships of Annie Hensley, the only white woman in the the arid lands, and will find any excuse to light a fire and use the camp ov- and Sir tionalWilliam two Francis course dinnerDrummond at the Jervois, Feathers a StateHotel Governor. The cost 1877 of the- 83, dinner district in its early years were described and the problem of the early settlers 16 4 17 5 Hummock Hill, WW2 anti-aircraft gun emplacements on the summit of the Hill, en. He has recently has been working as a guide with well-known outback adjacent to the deep basin. The rocks are flat-lying, not having been folded dur- and more recent western residential area of the city. As detailed in the tour Burnside Parks and Reserves tour operators such as Rex Ellis and Diamantina Tours. ing the Delamerian Orogeny. Beneath the Stuart Shelf is the Gawler Craton of notes, Whyalla has a rich mining and industrial history, including ship-building, Archaean and Proterozoic age. 19 July 2010 Mondaybut there was16 April, no time 7.30 to pmexplore - Glen this Woodward in detail on the day. Eleanor Trott, (Ellie), a member of the BHS executive, has been researching the What grows out of wars? The iron ore processed at the Whyalla steel works is mined in the Middleback Throughout the tour, Colin was able to provide clear information on the state of Burnside City Council Minutes to glean information about the 113 parks, Ranges. The iron occurs as the minerals hematite and magnetite in banded iron the land. This was supplemented by two visits to the Arid Lands Botanic Gar- gardens and reserves within the City of Burnside. She continued the early Mondaydens at Port 16 Augusta.May - Ray He Buttery talked about climate change and a likely southward researchformations of thewithin late aDean sequence Dinning, of sedimentary not realizing rocks what of a Earlymammoth Proterozoic task it wouldage, ap- Thecontraction defence of of farming Darwin and pointed out the ongoing decline of the tree popula- be,proximately especially 1900 as the-1850 large million Minute years, Books within were theaccessible Gawler onlyCraton. within Council tion in our arid country, including the decline of the magnificent Western Myall precincts. However, it has become her passion, as she has not only spent hours trees. He did point out some regeneration of native plants, but reminded us that Ross Both Monday 20 June - Valerie Sitters foraging through the information but also hours photographing each one of these there remains much to be concerned about, including the continuing loss of our 113 areas. These stunning photos were on the screen behind her as she spoke. Johnnative Rymill fauna –to our introduced forgotten predators explorer such as the fox and cat. His message was one we should all take to heart - and look for remedies. Ferguson Park, oneCaroline of only two Emily conservation Clark parks (1825 in out - Council 1911) area, and Monday 18 July - Ron Potts Attunga, a heritage garden, were her special focus as she outlined their There were only a small number of men in our coach party and this, coupled The Magic Lantern – images from Innamincka interesting history. FergusonChildren’s Park preserves rights campaigneran important remnant of the with some of the mobility limitations that go with increasing age, indicates that original vegetation of the eastern Adelaide Plains. It was donated to the SA the general style of the tour was apt. A continuous loading and unloading of the Government in 1949 and named after the owner, Effie Ferguson. Effie, with her Monday 15 August - Tony Rogers Soon after Caroline Emily Clark (known as Emily) arrived in South Australia in coach was avoided, and there was no strenuous walking and climbing. mother,1850, she Jessie, took had a keen lived interest in nearby in the Chiverton plight of (now the destitute. St Peters CarolineGirls College) campaigned since A very different climate: how Europeans settlers coped 1896. The Park is managed by the SA Department of Environment & Natural Barbara Parker OAM for a ‗Boarding Out‘ system where children were placed with suitable families Resources plus a Friends Group, formed in 1982, to assist in the maintenance of David Rogers who were subsidized to care, clothe and educate them, rather than having them Monday 19 September - Ken Preiss & Geoffrey Bishop itsherded natural into state industrial and ongoing work reand-vegetation reformatory projects. schools. She drew attention to a Ferguson Park: its history & natural History successful Scottish trial of boarding out, and thanks to her efforts the system was Attunga was purchased by Otto von Rieben and his wife in 1907, but having no eventually adopted in South Australia in 1871. The Flinders Ranges children, he gave Attunga to the Burnside Council in 1944 with the proviso that Monday 17 October - Sharan Northcott, Mary Wilson & Colin Harris theBoarding house and out gardengave many be permanently impoverished preserved children in a thesecond form chance of a hospital at life, andand TheDuring history the Upperbehind Spencerthe plaques: Gulf GreengateTour, Ross Inn, Both Prescott provided Farm the following& Wandeen infor- nursinghelped home.protect Thethem garden from injustice,had been neglectlaid out and under cruelty. his guidance It also reducedin the the strain mation. Edwardianon the already style. overstretched The hospital resources was completed of the Destitutein 1956, andBoard. the Burnside By 1888, Trust, nearly in the 1990s, established a scented garden for the visually impaired. A grant of MondayThe Flinders 21 November Ranges comprise a sequence of rocks deposited as sediments in a seven hundred of the 800 ‗state‘ wards were boarded out. So successful was the $20,000 was used to develop the garden as a place of tranquillity and recreation. Members”basin known night: as the show Adelaide & tell Geosyncline. Sediment deposition began about system, it was later adopted in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. 800 million years ago and continued until about 500 million years ago in the EllieCaroline has reached died in 19471911 inand the was Minutes, cremated with at morethe West years Terrace yet to research.Crematorium. Thank Her HalfCambrian day period, tours/excursions when the rocks underwent intense folding during the Delame- youashes for were this specialplaced insightin the Clark into twofamily of ourvault treasured there. Four areas current of Burnside members and ofalso our rian Orogeny. The Flinders Ranges as we now see them were formed by uplift for you beautiful photos, which are available for viewing in the Local History Sunday 7 August, 1.30-4.30 pm, Historical Society are closely related to Emily. They are John Clark and his twin beginning about 50 million years ago. Roomsister inPauline the Library. Hiscock, Jim Crompton, Rosemary Brown and her son Robert Mitcham Heritage Resource Centre Brown. An interesting feature of the geology of the Flinders Ranges is the presence of Our second speaker, Simon Bradley from the City of Burnside, is head of what Ediacaran fossils, some of which resemble worms and jelly fish. These were Sunday 2 October, 10.30 am -12.00 midday couldThe Carolinebe deemed Clark Burnside‘s Memorial open Garden space was development, officially opened past, present on 2 July, and 2010future by discovered in 1946 in the Ediacara hills by geologist Reg Sprigg (who later es- and his obvious enthusiasm and concern for these open spaces was very evident Ferguson Conservation Park the Hon. Paul Holloway, MLC, and provides a lasting tribute to the 50,000 peo- tablished the Arkaroola Resort) and are the first evidence in the fossil record of throughout his address. Tree management, reserves and parks whichth have ple buried in unmarked graves between settlement and the mid 20 century at multi-cellular life—we saw some examples in the Wadlata Outback Centre. sportingthe West facilities, Terrace playgroundsCemetery. for children between the ages of 0-12, walking trails and indigenous vegetation come under the umbrella of open space. Master To the west of the Flinders Ranges is the Stuart Shelf, a sequence of sedimen- planningSharan isNorthcott developed in conjunction with the local community, social and tary rocks the same age as those of the Ranges, but deposited on a platform Welcome to new members Myrith Barr and Chas Grimes. recreational clubs to ensure that the needs of all can be satisfied and with 190

14 6 15 7 hectares of open space to maintain, this is no easy task. th Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Tour 1930‘s, market gardens30 were Anniversary established by mostly Dinner Italian and Greek growers, making the district renowned for tomatoes and peas during and after WW2. Simon mentioned the anxiety of residents living in and around Alexandra Ave- Being within commuting distance14 ofAugust Port Pirie,2010 Napperby has now become pop- nue and Prescott Terrace in relation10-12 September to the 153 2010 State Heritage listed trees which ular as a distant foothills suburb. Barbara Parker had several school holidays at were planted in 1918 in memory of the fallen servicemen of WW1. Many trees The Burnside Historical Society held its first official meeting on 14 August The wealth of South Australia reaches far beyond the vaunted social income of Nelshaby, her maternal family havingth settled on land there in 1899. The coach are declining from a combination of old age and the prolonged drought and 1980, so it was fitting that our 30 anniversary celebrations should be held on the mining. The enormous panorama of the patch-work green and gold paddocks of parked opposite the site of the old farm-house and an early photograph of it was coming to grips with this is proving to be difficult for many residents. Hazel- same date this year. The Feathers Hotel, Glynburn Road, Burnside, proved an grain about to grow up to head and canola in flower, is a reminder of the enor- passed around. She spoke about life in the district, including the fact that her wood Park Play Space provides diversity for physical, explorative, interactive appropriate venue for the anniversary dinner. The Feathers itself is a Burnside mous contribution farming makes to South Australia. The state is expecting a mother‘s and later generations had to walk or ride a horse three miles to and and imaginative play opportunities – a beautiful State Heritage listed park. Add institution. In addition, it stands on the site of an old wine saloon, a dispenser of bumper crop this season which could exceed last year‘s total of 7.8 million spiritsfrom andschool liquors at Napperby. to Burnside‘s workers for many decades. tonnes.to this, Thethe steep,record but was now in 2001 re-aligned,-02 which Women‘s produced Pioneers 9.4 million Trail totonnes. Mt Osmond It was all which is now suitable for all ages to enjoy. there to see by the travellers on the Society‘s three day excursion to the Upper SomeOur tour42 members coach then and moved visitors on took to the part back in ablocks most enjoyableof Baroota, evening, where commenc-Colin detailed the life and times of John McConnell Black, on of South Australia‘s most SpencerSimon outlinedGulf. some exciting projects under consideration such as community ing with a complimentary drink. Our President, Colin Harris, welcomed all and notable botanists, who took up farming land in the vicinity in 1878. Marjorie gardens where people can grow vegetables and a demonstration garden featur- gave background information about the Society and Burnside itself. The food The tour visited the provincial cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla, the Andrew, Shirley Clissold and Andrew Barham Black, all related to J.M. Black, ing new and different plants suitable for the area. Also, water sensitive urban was the usual high standard for which the Feathers is well known. In between large populations of each being reliant on heavy industry. Time constraints lim- added a fine personal touch to the story by talking about Black and the Black gardens designed to integrate management of all water resources and the total the main course and dessert, we participated in an entertaining quiz based on the ited the attention that could be given to this aspect of the north‘s economic life, leafletfamily ‗150 connections facts about with Burnside‘, Burnside. recently distributed to members. Vigorous butwater much cycle was in still the seen urban and development in travelling process. to the region we passed through prosper- discussionOn the way and from much Pirie hilarity to Port ensured August we National learnt history Highway that 1evening travels inbetween a fun at- ousSimon farming appreciated districts, the crossed fact that Goyder‘s City of Line Burnside (which and is movingBurnside south!) Historical and ven-Socie- mosphere.ranges and May higher that ground environment on both continue sides of asthe the Gulf. Society BHS grows member and and prospers. geologist turedty work into togetherthe southern on various fringes projects of the State‘s such as arid the lands. Wheal Watkins Mines renova- th OurRoss sincere Both thanksgave us go an to explanation all who worked of the so differences hard to make in the the early 30 geologicalbirthday cele- his- tion, the naming of roads and reserves, the erection of historical plaques and the The group was fortunate in having our President Colin Harris as tour leader, a brationstory of suchthese a features delightful and occasion. has been prevailed upon to provide a summary of his restoration of the Magill Cemetery. Burnside is a beautiful City with extensive man who has considerable academic and practical knowledge of this state‘s fau- Elizabethmost interesting Rogers information, OAM elsewhere in this Newsletter. na,open flora space and whichrural development. enables us to Everyenjoy aone wholesome had faith lifestylein the accuracy and we ofthank the infor-our mationspeakers he providedEllie and orally,Simon andfor theamplified excellent by andthe excellentinformative notes addresses. which had been At the Port Augusta power stations, John Clark, a former senior engineer there, described how the stations consume 20 000 tonnes of Leigh Creek coal each distributed.Isabel Williams On the OAM, road to JP Port Pirie he spoke about the settlement by farmers of Do you need transport to Burnside Historical Society meetings the 1870s. The land of this northern area was previously occupied by graziers week. andThe firstactivities? power station, Playford A, was commissioned in 1954, Playford who had taken up vast tracts of land under pastoral tenure. A visit to the station B in 1960Can and you the provide largest, the transport Northern for Power others station, who in live 1985. near The you? coal, being centre of the Bowman property (formally Younghusband and Ferguson‘s) at low grade, is pulverised to a fine powder and blown into the German made fur- Crystal Brook providedKensington some Gardens sense of Reserve, the vastness photo and Ellie prosperity Trott of these pasto- naces to burnWe value like gas. our membersAny remaining and enjoy solids seeing are filtered them at from our monthlythe smoke meet- stack ral runs. and usedings. commercially If you require elsewhere, transport but to regrettably meetings therewe want is still to hear no way from of you! pre- venting CO2 from being dispersed to the atmosphere. There was insufficient time in Port Pirie to take a tour of the smelter although So more members can attend our meetings and activities, your Com- from the coach Colin pointed out the site with its high stack, which was built to Port Augustamittee was is askinga busy forport support for the fromoutback members wool industry who are inable its toearlier provide days, as disperse lead pollution to a higher altitude. Lead contamination remains a prob- a visit to transportthe excellent to meetings Wadlata on Outback a regular Centre basis. illustrated. The development of lem for the town, especially in relation to the health of babies and young children. the Commonwealth Railways from 1912 gave it a fillip, but it was the power Once a ―transport match‖ has been made, we will rely on the person Smelting at Port Pirie had been mooted since 1885. There was production from station developments which stimulated the biggest population growth. Power the British Blocks smelting works in 1889, and BHP was doing some refining wanting transport to contact the person providing transport, to say that generation continues, but with the break-up of the Commonwealth Railways there. During a difficult time at the British Blocks mine at Broken Hill, BHP they will need a lift to the next meeting or activity. much of the work once associated with rail freight and rolling stock mainte- bought the Port Pirie smelters and held it until 1925. It is currently owned by nance hasWe gone. hope our members will benefit from this initiative, which we real- Dutch company Nystar. In a nice drive around the CBD Meredith Ide drew our ise has been going on informally for years. attention to interesting buildings in her trademark ‗get to the point‘ style. From Port Augusta the tour proceeded to Whyalla where we viewed from the Please notify the Secretary in writing PO Box 152, Glenside SA On the way to Port Augusta some time was spent at Napperby and Nelshaby, Highway the current steel works, the original town centre around the base of th 5065 or telephone Meredith Ide on 8365 3049. where farms were established in the latter part of the 19 century. Later, in the

12 8 13 9 Swimming in the River Torrens Tom Kruse and Reg Sprigg - Legends of the Outback 16 August 2010 20 September 2010 Michael Talbot, former librarian, historian and author, gave us a most interesting Kristin Weidenbach began her talk with a brief account of how her father‘s in- talk illustrated with pictures from the State Library collection. volvement in the restoration of Tom Kruse‘s Leyland Badger truck and a re- enactment in 1989 of a mail run from Birdsville to Marree aroused her interest in As background, he described the change of the river from ―a pretty little stream‖, Kruse. Many interviews with him resulted in a book Mailman of the Birdsville as illustrated by Andrew Garran‘s picture of Aborigines fishing in the Torrens, to Track, a general biography, not limited to his mail contract and carting business. an ugly channel polluted by agricultural, industrial and human waste. In 1839 The truck is now in the Birdwood Motor Museum. there was an outbreak of dysentery and in 1844 penalties were imposed for bathing in certain areas. Most of Kristin‘s talk was about Reginald Sprigg. As an eighteen year old student of geology in 1937, Reg began life-long friendships with Sir Douglas Mawson A wooden weir, built in 1876 at the site of the present weir, was swept away by and C.T. Madigan. In 1939, Mawson chose him as his only assistant on a visit to floods. It was later replaced by the current stone weir. This enabled the for- Arkaroola, where Bentley Greenwood had been prospecting for uranium. In 1944 mation of the Torrens Lake, opened in July 1881. The Elder park rotunda was Reg, now in the Department of Mines, was sent to investigate the uranium deposit built the following year. at Radium Hill. (He did not know that this was part of the British search for material for atom bombs.) A common interest in uranium led to friendship with Sir Upstream of the weir there were a number of water holes. Several swimming Mark Oliphant, whose name Reg gave to a hill at Arkaroola. The search for oil clubs were established, the best known being North Adelaide, 1910, and Gilber- prompted a gravity survey across the Simpson Desert, with his wife and children ton, 1915. There were difficulties maintaining a river swimming club due to pol- accompanying him. He was one of the founders of SANTOS. lution and periodic flooding. North Adelaide closed in 1934 and Gilberton, which had a peak membership of 2,500, ceased activity in 1967. The swing From the desert to the sea: Reg built a boat to study sub-marine life and geology. bridge crosses the river near the Gilberton site. In addition to scuba diving, he improvised a diving chamber, suspended from a frame over the stern of the boat. One of his discoveries was a deep chasm off- The first annual swim through Adelaide in 1913 was a distance of 1 mile and 200 shore from the mouth of the Murray River, formed while the sea level was lower yards. This went from the Torrens weir to the Albert Bridge and was won by L S than it is now. Weir, with Harry Moon recording the fastest time. Only affiliated members of South Australian Amateur Swimming Clubs could enter this popular activity. It Perhaps his most distinctive discovery was the existence of fossil jellyfish and continued on the Torrens until 1980 and then moved to West Lakes where the worms that lived in an era that scientists had previously believed to be devoid of final ―swim through‖ was held in 1982. anything but unicellular life. One of these was named Spriggina. Similar fossils have since been found in other parts of the world. Early bathing costumes for men and women were neck to knee until 1930 but then men were permitted to have detachable tops. Sprigg‘s name has also been given to a submarine chasm, an inlet on Kangaroo Island, an oil field in the Cooper Basin, an asteroid, a radio-active mineral, a stu- The River Torrens Linear Park Act was passed in 1981 and the Linear Park es- dent prize at the University of Adelaide and a medal awarded by the Australian tablished in 2006. It goes from the hills to the sea. Petroleum Exploration Association. Water quality of the Torrens remains an issue with blue-green algae often caus- Rock Star, Kristin Weidenbach‘s biography of Sprigg, and her book on Kruse, can ing problems in the summer. The lake also collects a lot of rubbish washed down be bought from most book shops. in storm water or dumped. John Love Margaret Beare

10 11 hectares of open space to maintain, this is no easy task. th Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Tour 1930‘s, market gardens30 were Anniversaryestablished by mostly Dinner Italian and Greek growers, making the district renowned for tomatoes and peas during and after WW2. Simon mentioned the anxiety of residents living in and around Alexandra Ave- Being within commuting distance14 of August Port Pirie, 2010 Napperby has now become pop- nue and Prescott Terrace in relation10-12 Septemberto the 153 State2010 Heritage listed trees which ular as a distant foothills suburb. Barbara Parker had several school holidays at were planted in 1918 in memory of the fallen servicemen of WW1. Many trees The Burnside Historical Society held its first official meeting on 14 August The wealth of South Australia reaches far beyond the vaunted social income of Nelshaby, her maternal family havingth settled on land there in 1899. The coach are declining from a combination of old age and the prolonged drought and 1980, so it was fitting that our 30 anniversary celebrations should be held on the mining. The enormous panorama of the patch-work green and gold paddocks of parked opposite the site of the old farm-house and an early photograph of it was coming to grips with this is proving to be difficult for many residents. Hazel- same date this year. The Feathers Hotel, Glynburn Road, Burnside, proved an grain about to grow up to head and canola in flower, is a reminder of the enor- passed around. She spoke about life in the district, including the fact that her wood Park Play Space provides diversity for physical, explorative, interactive appropriate venue for the anniversary dinner. The Feathers itself is a Burnside mous contribution farming makes to South Australia. The state is expecting a mother‘s and later generations had to walk or ride a horse three miles to and and imaginative play opportunities – a beautiful State Heritage listed park. Add institution. In addition, it stands on the site of an old wine saloon, a dispenser of bumper crop this season which could exceed last year‘s total of 7.8 million spiritsfrom school and liquors at Napperby. to Burnside‘s workers for many decades. tonnes.to this, the The steep, record but was now in re 2001-aligned,-02 which Women‘s produced Pioneers 9.4 million Trail to tonnes. Mt Osmond It was all which is now suitable for all ages to enjoy. there to see by the travellers on the Society‘s three day excursion to the Upper SomeOur tour 42 coachmembers then and moved visitors on totook the part back in blocks a most of enjoyable Baroota, evening, where Colin commenc- de- tailed the life and times of John McConnell Black, on of South Australia‘s most SpencerSimon outlined Gulf. some exciting projects under consideration such as community ing with a complimentary drink. Our President, Colin Harris, welcomed all and notable botanists, who took up farming land in the vicinity in 1878. Marjorie gardens where people can grow vegetables and a demonstration garden featur- gave background information about the Society and Burnside itself. The food The tour visited the provincial cities of Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla, the Andrew, Shirley Clissold and Andrew Barham Black, all related to J.M. Black, ing new and different plants suitable for the area. Also, water sensitive urban was the usual high standard for which the Feathers is well known. In between large populations of each being reliant on heavy industry. Time constraints lim- added a fine personal touch to the story by talking about Black and the Black gardens designed to integrate management of all water resources and the total the main course and dessert, we participated in an entertaining quiz based on the ited the attention that could be given to this aspect of the north‘s economic life, leafletfamily ‗150connections facts about with Burnside‘, Burnside. recently distributed to members. Vigorous butwater much cycle was in stillthe urbanseen and development in travelling process. to the region we passed through prosper- discussionOn the way and from much Pirie hilarity to Port ensured August we National learnt historyHighway that 1 eveningtravels between in a fun at- ousSimon farming appreciated districts, the crossed fact that Goyder‘s City of LineBurnside (which and is Burnside moving south!)Historical and Socie- ven- mosphere.ranges and higherMay that ground environment on both sidescontinue of the as theGulf. Society BHS growsmember and and prospers. geologist turedty work into together the southern on various fringes projects of the suchState‘s as aridthe Wheallands. Watkins Mines renova- th OurRoss sincere Both gave thanks us ango explanationto all who worked of the differencesso hard to make in the the early 30 geological birthday cele- his- tion, the naming of roads and reserves, the erection of historical plaques and the The group was fortunate in having our President Colin Harris as tour leader, a brationstory of these such features a delightful and occasion.has been prevailed upon to provide a summary of his manrestoration who has of considerablethe Magill Cemetery. academic Burnsideand practical is a beautifulknowledge City of withthis state‘s extensive fau- Elizabethmost interesting Rogers information, OAM elsewhere in this Newsletter. na,open flora space and which rural enablesdevelopment. us to enjoy Every a onewholesome had faith lifestyle in the accuracy and we thank of the our infor- mationspeakers he Ellie provided and Simon orally, for and the amplified excellent by and the informative excellent notes addresses. which had been At the Port Augusta power stations, John Clark, a former senior engineer there, described how the stations consume 20 000 tonnes of Leigh Creek coal each distributed.Isabel Williams On the OAM, road JPto Port Pirie he spoke about the settlement by farmers of Do you need transport to Burnside Historical Society meetings the 1870s. The land of this northern area was previously occupied by graziers week. Theand first activities? power station, Playford A, was commissioned in 1954, Playford who had taken up vast tracts of land under pastoral tenure. A visit to the station B in 1960Can and you the largest,provide the transport Northern Powerfor others station, who in 1985.live near The you?coal, being centre of the Bowman property (formally Younghusband and Ferguson‘s) at low grade, is pulverised to a fine powder and blown into the German made fur- Crystal Brook providedKensington some Gardens sense ofReserve, the vastness photo and Ellie prosperity Trott of these pasto- naces to burnWe likevalue gas. our Any members remaining and enjoy solids seeing are filtered them atfrom our the monthly smoke meet- stack ral runs. and used commerciallyings. If you require elsewhere, transport but regrettablyto meetings there we want is still to nohear way from of pre-you! venting CO2 from being dispersed to the atmosphere. There was insufficient time in Port Pirie to take a tour of the smelter although So more members can attend our meetings and activities, your Com- from the coach Colin pointed out the site with its high stack, which was built to Port Augustamittee was is a asking busy port for supportfor the outback from members wool industry who are in able its earlier to provide days, as disperse lead pollution to a higher altitude. Lead contamination remains a prob- a visit to thetransport excellent to meetingsWadlata Outbackon a regular Centre basis. illustrated. The development of lem for the town, especially in relation to the health of babies and young children. the Commonwealth Railways from 1912 gave it a fillip, but it was the power Once a ―transport match‖ has been made, we will rely on the person Smelting at Port Pirie had been mooted since 1885. There was production from station developments which stimulated the biggest population growth. Power the British Blocks smelting works in 1889, and BHP was doing some refining wanting transport to contact the person providing transport, to say that generation continues, but with the break-up of the Commonwealth Railways there. During a difficult time at the British Blocks mine at Broken Hill, BHP they will need a lift to the next meeting or activity. much of the work once associated with rail freight and rolling stock mainte- bought the Port Pirie smelters and held it until 1925. It is currently owned by nance has Wegone. hope our members will benefit from this initiative, which we real- Dutch company Nystar. In a nice drive around the CBD Meredith Ide drew our ise has been going on informally for years. attention to interesting buildings in her trademark ‗get to the point‘ style. From Port Augusta the tour proceeded to Whyalla where we viewed from the Please notify the Secretary in writing PO Box 152, Glenside SA On the way to Port Augusta some time was spent at Napperby and Nelshaby, Highway the current steel works, the original town centre around the base of th 5065 or telephone Meredith Ide on 8365 3049. where farms were established in the latter part of the 19 century. Later, in the

12 8 13 9 Hummock Hill, WW2 anti-aircraft gun emplacements on the summit of the Hill, en. He has recently has been working as a guide with well-known outback adjacent to the deep basin. The rocks are flat-lying, not having been folded dur- and more recent western residential area of the city. As detailed in the tour Burnside Parks and Reserves tour operators such as Rex Ellis and Diamantina Tours. ing the Delamerian Orogeny. Beneath the Stuart Shelf is the Gawler Craton of notes, Whyalla has a rich mining and industrial history, including ship-building, Archaean and Proterozoic age. 19 July 2010 Mondaybut there 16 was April, no time 7.30 to pm explore - Glen this Woodward in detail on the day. TheEleanor iron Trott,ore processed (Ellie), aat member the Whyalla of the steel BHS works executive, is mined has inbeen the researchingMiddleback the WhatThroughout grows out the of tour, wars? Colin was able to provide clear information on the state of Ranges.Burnside The City iron Council occurs Minutes as the minerals to glean hematiteinformation and about magnetite the 113 in bandedparks, iron the land. This was supplemented by two visits to the Arid Lands Botanic Gar- gardens and reserves within the City of Burnside. She continued the early Mondaydens at Port16 May Augusta. - Ray He Buttery talked about climate change and a likely southward formationsresearch of within the late a Deansequence Dinning, of sedimentary not realizing rocks what of aEarly mammoth Proterozoic task it age, would ap- Thecontraction defence ofof Darwin farming and pointed out the ongoing decline of the tree popula- proximatelybe, especially 1900 as the-1850 large million Minute years, Books within were the accessible Gawler Craton. only within Council tion in our arid country, including the decline of the magnificent Western Myall precincts. However, it has become her passion, as she has not only spent hours trees. He did point out some regeneration of native plants, but reminded us that Ross Both Monday 20 June - Valerie Sitters foraging through the information but also hours photographing each one of these there remains much to be concerned about, including the continuing loss of our 113 areas. These stunning photos were on the screen behind her as she spoke. Johnnative Rymill fauna – toour introduced forgotten predatorsexplorer such as the fox and cat. His message was one we should all take to heart - and look for remedies. Ferguson Park,Caroline one of only twoEmily conservation Clark parks (1825 in out - 1911)Council area, and Monday 18 July - Ron Potts Attunga, a heritage garden, were her special focus as she outlined their There were only a small number of men in our coach party and this, coupled The Magic Lantern – images from Innamincka interesting history. FergusonChildren’s Park preservesrights campaigner an important remnant of the with some of the mobility limitations that go with increasing age, indicates that original vegetation of the eastern Adelaide Plains. It was donated to the SA the general style of the tour was apt. A continuous loading and unloading of the Government in 1949 and named after the owner, Effie Ferguson. Effie, with her Monday 15 August - Tony Rogers Soon after Caroline Emily Clark (known as Emily) arrived in South Australia in coach was avoided, and there was no strenuous walking and climbing. 1850,mother, she Jessie, took ahad keen lived interest in nearby in the Chiverton plight of the(now destitute. St Peters Caroline Girls College) campaigned since A very different climate: how Europeans settlers coped 1896. The Park is managed by the SA Department of Environment & Natural Barbara Parker OAM for a ‗Boarding Out‘ system where children were placed with suitable families whoResources were subsidized plus a Friends to care, Group, clothe formed and educate in 1982, them, to assist rather in thethan maintenance having them of David Rogers Monday 19 September - Ken Preiss & Geoffrey Bishop herdedits natural into state industrial and ongoing work and re- vegetationreformatory projects. schools. She drew attention to a Ferguson Park: its history & natural History successful Scottish trial of boarding out, and thanks to her efforts the system was Attunga was purchased by Otto von Rieben and his wife in 1907, but having no eventually adopted in South Australia in 1871. The Flinders Ranges children, he gave Attunga to the Burnside Council in 1944 with the proviso that Monday 17 October - Sharan Northcott, Mary Wilson & Colin Harris Boardingthe house outand gave garden many be permanentlyimpoverished preserved children ain second the form chance of a hospitalat life, and and TheDuring history the behind Upper the Spencer plaques: Gulf Greengate Tour, Ross Inn, Both Prescott provided Farm the & following Wandeen infor- helpednursing protect home. them The gardenfrom injustice, had been neglect laid out and under cruelty. his guidance It also reduced in the the strain mation. onEdwardian the already style. overstretched The hospital resources was completed of the Destitute in 1956, Board. and the By Burnside 1888, nearlyTrust, in the 1990s, established a scented garden for the visually impaired. A grant of MondayThe Flinders 21 November Ranges comprise a sequence of rocks deposited as sediments in a seven hundred of the 800 ‗state‘ wards were boarded out. So successful was the $20,000 was used to develop the garden as a place of tranquillity and recreation. Members”basin known night: as theshow Adelaide & tell Geosyncline. Sediment deposition began about system, it was later adopted in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. 800 million years ago and continued until about 500 million years ago in the CarolineEllie has diedreached in 1911 1947 and in thewas Minutes, cremated with at the more West years Terrace yet to Crematorium. research. Thank Her HalfCambrian day tours/excursionsperiod, when the rocks underwent intense folding during the Delame- ashesyou for were this placed special in insight the Clark into family two of vault our treasured there. Four areas current of Burnside members and of also our rian Orogeny. The Flinders Ranges as we now see them were formed by uplift for you beautiful photos, which are available for viewing in the Local History Sunday 7 August, 1.30-4.30 pm, Historical Society are closely related to Emily. They are John Clark and his twin beginning about 50 million years ago. sisterRoom Pauline in the Library. Hiscock, Jim Crompton, Rosemary Brown and her son Robert Mitcham Heritage Resource Centre Brown. An interesting feature of the geology of the Flinders Ranges is the presence of Our second speaker, Simon Bradley from the City of Burnside, is head of what Ediacaran fossils, some of which resemble worms and jelly fish. These were Sunday 2 October, 10.30 am -12.00 midday Thecould Caroline be deemed Clark Burnside‘s Memorial open Garden space was development, officially opened past, presenton 2 July, and 2010 future by discovered in 1946 in the Ediacara hills by geologist Reg Sprigg (who later es- and his obvious enthusiasm and concern for these open spaces was very evident Ferguson Conservation Park the Hon. Paul Holloway, MLC, and provides a lasting tribute to the 50,000 peo- tablished the Arkaroola Resort) and are the first evidence in the fossil record of throughout his address. Tree management, reserves and parks whichth have ple buried in unmarked graves between settlement and the mid 20 century at multi-cellular life—we saw some examples in the Wadlata Outback Centre. thesporting West facilities,Terrace Cemetery. playgrounds for children between the ages of 0-12, walking trails and indigenous vegetation come under the umbrella of open space. Master To the west of the Flinders Ranges is the Stuart Shelf, a sequence of sedimen- Sharanplanning Northcott is developed in conjunction with the local community, social and tary rocks the same age as those of the Ranges, but deposited on a platform Welcome to new members Myrith Barr and Chas Grimes. recreational clubs to ensure that the needs of all can be satisfied and with 190

14 6 15 7 running of the Society this year, and my very best wishes to all for a safe and bought land and built a residence. He engineered with Morphett to develop river th happy festive season.19 State History Conference irrigation.will The be $39 river and town those of Wellingtonintending to was participate built at inthe the site dinner of the need first tocrossing. fill in the Cross-currents - history, people & the environment We heardflyer about accompanying Police Commissioner this Newsletter. Alexander Tolmer‘s Gold Escorts and the Colin Harris, PSMMurray Bridge, South Australia 6-8 August 2010 1986 re-enactment of his crossings of the river. We toured Wellington‘s police station,Monday gaol 21 cells,February, stables 7.30 and pm museum. – Iris IwanickiOn Saturday evening the tasty Confer- ————————————————————————————————The main theme, the histories of the River Murray and Lakes and their influ- enceA tale Dinner of two was towns: enjoyed Cold at War The tensions Waterhole, in outback Monarto Australia Zoo. It was an eerie feeling ence on and with the region‘s people, places and communities, is still current knowing some predators were nearby, but we all left safely…. today with our heavy dependence on River Murray water. We were encouraged Iris Iwanicki is a highly respected heritage historian and town planner. At On Sunday morning John Zwar‘s paper in the Of Plants and People session and to ―consider the relationship Programof nature and 2011culture and the place of history and various times she has worked in these fields in the private sector and at both entitledstate Myall, and Mangroves local government and much levels more in –South the story Australia. of The Australian Arid heritage in shaping sustainable communities in the future.‖ Lands Botanic Gardens and Pt Augusta would be of special interest to our tour- On Saturday the two keynote speakers provided valuable insight into the con- ing members.She is currently Another sessioncompleting I moved PhD intoresearch was abouton planned People townships of the Murray that were and MEETINGS ference themes. Deane Fergie, an anthropologist, emphasised that ―ideas have Lakes. builtI heard in remotetwo speakers parts of– HelenAustralia Stagg at the The height fabric of of Cold life onWar the tensions Murray in Riv- the

consequences‖ and how ideas about water have changed over time and man‘s er; throughimmediate a child’s post eyes World – a Warfascinating 2 years. research with recollections of two chil- MEETINGS of the Burnside Historical Society are held in the Burnside Com- actions. The influences of place and cultural experience over time around Aus- dren of lock/weir builders, one her mother, over a twenty year period. People munity Centre, corner of Portrush Road and Fisher Street, Tusmore (car park Specifically, Iris will look at two south Australian examples, Radium Hill tralia were explored. She stated ―we need to look at different ways of imagining worked hard and made do, supporting each other with the River Murray as their and entrance off Fisher Street) at 7.30 pm on the third Monday of the month, and Woomera. Radium Hill was established to service a uranium mine in collectively in a multidisciplinary way for radical solutions‖ and consider care- backdrop. ―It‘s life that makes us tough‖, one said, ―I think togetherness is an unless an alternative time or venue is notified. Admission is free and supper the north east of the State and Woomera was established to service the joint fully how we think about water and the nature of flood. important part of life – sharing even if living in poverty‖. Their bond with the provided. Visitors are most welcome. UK/Australia long range weapons project. Iris will outline their respective Next Dr Paul Sinclair spoke about ―Making connections between people and River continues. Ken Strother and Terry Sim spoke next detailing Stories from origins, their character as modernist, planned towns in outback settings and the river [Murray]‖ and that over time ―a whole set of unintended consequences The Lakes and Coorong. They have a lifelong interest in the Lakes, have talked their fortunes in post Cold War times. has been produced‖. He called for urgent, ―unprecedented leadership and in- to over one hundred people who have a connection with Lakes Alexandrina and Albert and the Coorong. Mondayvestment 17from January, the Australian 6 pm — Government‖ Rob Marshall to & protect Chris andHughes. replenish Australia‘s Monday 21 March,7.30 pm — Rick Moore ecosystems, the continent‘s natural life support systems. Rivers like the Murray Brock Reserve: walking trails and the Brock family history FollowingThe golden morning age of Australian tea, Ann Herraman exploration delivered the first of four papers given act as the lifeblood of Australia connecting people, culture, wildlife and land. on Regional History - From the River to the Mount; social and economic devel- There needs to be a balance between water that’s taken out and what flows in. Brock Reserve on Dashwood Road, Beaumont is one of the City of Burn- opmentIn in the the nineteenth Mount Barker century region, the western 1831-1891. world It wasis based fascinated on the byfirst tales observa- of ad- side‘s many parks and reserves, but for those interested in our history it The following summaries are from the sessions I was able to attend, thanks to tions ofventure Captain in Charles far-flung Sturt countries. of the broad Geography Mt Barker and regionexploration from were1830 nationalto the end hold a special place through its association with the Brock family, the last th the support of the BHS. Don Garden, an author and lecturer in environmental of the 19obsessions, century. with In the books same and session, newspapers Kate Walsh catering delivered for what a seemedrefreshing to bedia- an private owners of nearby Beaumont House. history, the first Climate and Society speaker, spoke about the effect of drought rised accountinsatiable of apublic three weekcuriosity. holiday of a group of ten Adelaide friends, in in 19th century eastern Australia and the importance of the environment and Bridgewater in 1938. It presents us with ‗an intriguing historical document‘, con- For our traditional outdoor January meeting we will gather at the Brock The greatest stories were, of course, coming out of Africa, but exploration climate in shaping the Australian colonial experience. Those members on the taining ‗some interesting reflections on the physical and social landscapes they Reserve, at the top of Glynburn Road, to hear Chris Hughes from the Na- of the interior of Australia – the last great continent to be colonised by Eu- recent Upper Spencer Gulf trip would appreciate the focus of this presentation – interacted with.‘ tional Trust of South Australia talk about the Brock family and life at ropeans – was not far behind, especially in the United Kingdom. What was Goyder‘s Line (1866), overstocking saltbush country, huge stock losses, land Beaumont House when that part of Burnside was still rural in its charac- Jenny itHein that, motivatedstudying a EuropeanMaster of explorationTheology, spoke of Australia‘s about the vast history interior of the and Sal- who degradation, loss of soil, rabbits and other pests. The following speaker, Tony ter. We will also have present Rob Marshall OAM, to talk about the net- vation wereArmy, the describing champions how of itexploration? moved rapidly What northwards were the consequencesinto mining and of lighttheir Rogers, examined how Europeans colonial settlers of the 1830s-40s coped with work of walking trails he and his wife Dr Sue Barker have established industrialdiscoveries towns and and south why to is what‘s John McDouall now known Stuart as the referred Limestone to as theCoast. greatest She of a very different climate. Some colonists gradually learned through contact with over the nearby foothills of Glen Osmond. gave examplesAustralia‘s from inland the Fleurieu explorers? Peninsula. A Victor Harbor resident observed the local Aboriginal people how to cope with aspects of the weather. the Army was ‗more entertaining than cock-fighting.‘ Some Aboriginal people Please gather at the reserve at 5.45 pm for a 6.00 pm start (see accompa- were involvedRick Moore in mainstream is President leadership of the John positions McDouall at Port Stuart McLeay. Society The and final has Re-an On thenying Saturday map afternoonon insert forI journeyed reserve location). by bus on Bringa tour aof folding The Story chair of to Welling- sit in gional abidingHistory interestpaper came in the from exploration long time and residents pastoral of settlement Pinnaroo, ofMax South and Australia Enid ton onthe the shade: Murray there via Jervoiswill be aand portable along thesound River system Murray. for the Points speakers of interest and we Wurfel.and They the describedNorthern Territory.how the long He- awaitedhas a rural railway background from Tailem and has Bend lived to in Pin- the includedwill Mason‘s have an Rockalternative at Edward‘s plan if Crossingthe weather and is Jervois inclement. which became a sol- naroo countrybush for came much about of his after life, three although years he of admits debate, to with enjoying a Bill living passed in in Adelaide 1903. dier settlement with dairying. Sir John Morphett bought land at Wood‘s Point in recent years. He spends around sixty nights a year in his swag, mostly in The gathering will conclude around 7.15 pm and be followed by an op- The deprivations and hardships of Annie Hensley, the only white woman in the the arid lands, and will find any excuse to light a fire and use the camp ov- and Sirtional William two courseFrancis dinner Drummond at the FeathersJervois, a Hotel State. Governor The cost of1877 the- dinner83, district in its early years were described and the problem of the early settlers 16 4 17 5 FromSourcing the water Editor’s from a well Desk on the Hensley‘s property, dug to around 60 metres BURNSIDE HISTORICALPresident’s Message SOCIETY INC. deep with pick and shovel! PO Box 152, Glenside SA 5065 I have commented previously to the effect that this has been a very busy year for This is our last issue of the quarterly Newsletter for 2010 and thanks must go to Terry Sim, who once worked in the Fish section of the South Australian Muse- the Society. As it now draws to a close we can take some satisfaction from the all those who have helped in so many different ways with the articles, produc- OBJECTIVES um, spoke first in the session, Histories and Heritage of the Murray and Lakes. fact that in addition to our normal monthly meeting programme we have organ- tion and distribution. We have the editorial committee who oversee the choice The objectives of ththe Society shall be: He spoke about A fresh history of the Lakes. He emphasised the need to docu- ised and run the 9 biennial Eastern Regional Seminar for historical societies, of articles and help with proof reading and we have the members who have con- th ment the changes to these significant stretches of water. He has carried out re- celebrated2.1 to arouseour 30 interest anniversary in and to and promote run our the biennialstudy and regional discussion tour, of Australianon this occa- tributed as reporters, summarizing the meetings and events and contributing search using a variety of written sources, such as newspapers and parliamentary sion to Upperand South Spencer Australian Gulf. history and in particular, the history of the City of Burn- articles. reports. He maintains there is evidence that the Lakes were naturally fresh at the side; A report on the regional tour is to be found elsewhere in this Newsletter, suffice Thentime ofthere European is the distribution settlement. of the Newsletter where Shirley Sumerling and her 2.2 to promote the collection, recording, preservation and classification of works, to say atsource this point material that and it was artefacts enjoyed of all by kinds all – relating the splendid to Burnside weather history; complement- husband Mike have very capably sorted newsletters and then coordinated the Rodney Barrington’s interest in the State‘s railways extends to the Railway ed2.3 the wonderfulto assist in appearance the protection of and the preservationcountryside, of the buildings, features works and pointsand sites of of inter- members to deliver in the different suburbs. Thanks Shirley. Special thanks go river ports in South Australia. The first South Australian railway interfaced est werehistorical many and significance varied and in we the wereCity oftreated Burnside; to some very good meals, espe- to one of our delivers, Margaret Rohde, who found it necessary to retire during with the River Murray at Goolwa in 1851. The treacherous journey through the 2.4cially at tothe co Arid-operate Lands with Botanic similar societiesGarden andat Pt other Augusta. bodies throughout Australia; the year. Colin Harris has taken over her round. Murray mouth was replaced, in fact, by a horse tram conveying traffic to sea- 2.5 to do all such other things as are conducive or incidental to the attainment of One of myany recurring of the above themes objectives. throughout the past two years has been the im- going vessels at Port Elliot. Rodney talked about the river trade and how from I take this opportunity to congratulate the incoming Mayor, David Parkin, and portance of the relationship and partnership we have with the City of Burnside. I 1878 a rail connection to North West Bend, present day Morgan, captured trade hope he enjoys reading our Newsletter as much as Wendy Greiner did. We have stressedOFFICE at every-BEARERS opportunity FOR 2010that -it2011 is a mutually advantageous one: the from a large area of Victoria and New South Wales and reduced freight move- thank the Council for the annual Community Grant that it has been allocating to City of BurnsidePresident: provides us withColin very Harris, valuable PSM support (8331 and 3571) we, in turn, assist ments to Goolwa. River ports were created at Milang and Murray Bridge. Rail us each year. This has gone towards producing the Newsletter. the CouncilResponsible in helping Officer: to raise communityIsabel Williams, awareness OAM, ofJP Burnside‘s(8379 4090) rich and var- infrastructure remains largely intact in the four river ports. Peter Harden, the ied history.Vice -AtPresident: the same time, it Meredithis no secret Ide that the(8365 dysfunctional 3049) character of Iffinal you speaker can help for with the articlessession, or talked photos about with River the Newsletter, heritage treasures please contact of South me Aus- on Secretary: Sharan Northcott (8332 1761) the elected Council in recent times has made it harder for us to get full value mytralia new. The email crossing address of [email protected] Murray and the building or on of 8332 the Roundhouse8019. in 1873 Treasurer: Richard House from the partnership. Inevitably, the attention of Councillors has focussed on at Murray Bridge, as the bridge keeper‘s residence, are linked to the early be- Committee: Margaret Beare. John Clark, John Love, Eleanor internal divisions and tensions and this, in turn, has impacted adversely on the Pleaseginnings note of thatthe developmentthe new starting of our time Colony. for meetings The overland in 2011 trade is 7.30 routes pm. from the Trott, June Ward, and Isabel Williams OAM, JP Council administration, making it hard at times for us to progress a number of eastern states cross at Edwards Crossing. Peter described the stages in the con- Elaine Smyth, Editor importantNewsletter initiatives. Subcommittee: struction of the road bridge, the first to span the Murray. It was started under Mr Elaine Smyth, Editor (8332 8019), Peter Davies, Barbara Parker, PSM and Frank Rees George, and when completed in 1879 was the biggest steel structure Hopefully,Elizabeth the recent Rogers, elections OAM. will have cleared the air and I will be writing in Australia. It was modified to take the railway, 40 years before a separate rail shortly toContributors: the newly elected Apart Mayor,from the David Newsletter Parkin, Subcommittee, to congratulate we are him fortunate on his towin bridge wasIN completedTHIS ISSUE in 1925. Road traffic lessened following completion of and to drawhave to several his attention occasional the contributors importance whose of the names relationship appear with we theirhave articles with the the Swanport Bridge in 1979, 100 years after the first bridge was completed. City of Burnside.in the relevant However, issues. it is also incumbent on me to acknowledge with real President‘s Message 3 gratitudeDistribution the interest Organiser:and support Shirley that outgoing Sumerling Mayor (8364 Wendy3505) Greiner has pro- Meredith Ide Program for 2011 4 vided throughout her period of office. She has taken a keen interest in our activities and Programit was always Subcommittee: reassuring to know that we had this sympathetic interest at PleaseMeeting note Reports that I have written the sessions that I attended in more7 detail and Colin Harris (Chair), Meredith Ide, Shirley Sumerling and Mary Wilson the highest level of Council. I know that I will have the support of all members copiesAnniversary of these Dinner will be available at meetings to borrow and hand on9 to other members. in thanking Wendy and wishing her well in her future activities. Meeting Reports 10 Supper Co-ordinator: Hazel Newton In closing for the year I do need to emphasise the need for us to build our mem- Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Tour 12 Meetings of the Society are held in the Burnside Community Centre, corner Portrush The Flinders Ranges 14 Roadbership and in Fisher 2011 Street, and beyond. Tusmore Through (car park theand inexorableentrance off march Fisher ofStreet) time at we 8 pmare on los- Caroline Emily Clark 15 theing thirdlong Monday-standing of membersthe month andunless recruitment an alternative of newtime membersor venue is is notified. not keeping Admis- pace with this loss. All of us have a role to play in attracting new members and if the State History Conference 16 sion is free, including supper. Visitors are most welcome. Society is to persist into the future we need to take it seriously. Membership fees: are $30 family, and $20 single, due in April each year and may be sentMy thanksto the Treasurer to all members at the Society‘s who have address helped (above) in many or paid and at varieda monthly ways meeting. with the

18 2 19 3 Front Cover: Port Germein Hotel, High Street, Port Germein. Photo by Barbara Parker, 2010 This hotel dates from 1881 when the district was an important producer of wheat. A 1646 metre long jetty was built so that the wheat could be taken out to the sailing clippers anchored out where the water was deep enough for them Burnside Historical Society Inc. to load. This jetty was said to be the longest in the southern hemisphere. The sailors drank at the hotel on their too-brief shore leave.

NEWSLETTER - December 2010

Volume 30, No 4

Port Germein Hotel, 1998, photo J Graham