A DRIVE ON YORKE'S PENINSULA.

Saturday 6 July 1907, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931) Trove

MINLATON, June 24.—A drive through Central Yorke'a Peninsula at this season is most exhilirating. On every side stretches a gently undulating plain, while in the distant horizon glimpses may be caught of the deep azure or the dazzling silver gleam of the placid waters of the gulf. Patches of living green, varying in shade from emerald to a rich olive, mingle with the sober greys of wood and pasture, the browns and chocolates of the fallow—the whole heightened by occasional clumps of sombre ti-tree or the dark tints of mallee and peppermint scrub. Over these sweep the fleeting shadows, imparting life and change, while the fleecy flocks Drouse contentedly on the sweet herbage. The woods are alive with the varied melody of Nature's grand orchestra, and begin to be already decked with the hues of numberless delicate blooms. Brightness, hope, and promise gladden the heart of the beholder. With two friends the writer was driven for about 10 miles though this charming scene. Starting from Minlaton we traversed the productive district of Koolywurtie. Wheat and herbage on all sides were making vigorous growth, and wore a most healthy appearance. The flocks and herds were in prime condition for this time of the year. A conspicuous feature of the landscape is the abundance of stones of all shapes and sizes in the fields, and one cannot help marvelling at the surprising growth on soil so scanty and of such shallow depth. No doubt the sulphuric acid in the fertilizers acts as a solvent on the limestone, as it was not until the general use of superphosphates that herbage of all kinds grew with such luxuriance. One great advantage of this unlimited supply of excellent building material is that most of the stables, sheds, and other outbuildings are solidly construct of stone, and the yards and gardens enclosed with stone walls. The dwellings, too are of a type much above the style of the average farmhouse, and with their out offices often present quite a stately appearance, especially when crowning some wooded height. The Hundred of Wauraltee adjoins Koolywurtie on the north, and the substantial character of the houses and comfortable look of the farmstead cannot fail to impress the traveller. Wauraltee, a little hamlet, comprising a handsome redroofed Wesleyan Church, a strongly built institute, a weatherboard public school, general store, and some private house wears an air of general neatness and prosperity. The store is a branch establishment of Mr. W. R. Trehearne, of Minlaton and it is very capably managed by Miss B. Keightley. A stranger naturally enquired why with so abundant supply of good stone, the public school should be constructed of such flimsy material, but it appeals to have been removed here from Mount Rat. Turning eastward, after a mile or so a large building is sighted, belonging to Mr. H. Lock. This edifice contains about 20 rooms, and was formerly a public house, about halfway between Minlaton and Mainland. The business, which was once brisk, fell off in the bad times, and the present proprietor procured the house and about 500 acres at an almost nominal figure. Although now used only as a private dwelling the homestead could hardly be purchased for seven times the amount. The quality of the soil here seems to improve, and the stones are not so much in evidence. Ornamental trees, pines, and sugar gums add an air of elegance find refinement to the homestead, and indications of permanent prosperity multiply. Three miles from Minlaton we pass through a natural avenue of peppermint and teatree—the prettiest stretch of road on the excursion. Here is the farm of Messrs. Cook. A hedge of African box—its brilliant green contrasting in a striking way with the dark foliage of the trees—encloses a vineyard and orchard, a somewhat rare sight on the Peninsula. We reached our journey's end after a most enjoyable and inspiring journey.