MY JOURNEY DOWN THE PENINSULA.

Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881), Saturday 13 March 1875, page 3

(By a Wandering Reporter).

On Wednesday, rooming, March .3, at1 ten o'clock,we started for Edithburg, a distance of thirteen miles over a good road, and, arrived at the Troubridge Inn at hodh. We again saw traces of election agents^. and in one of the rooms we found a voting' paper with the following line written in pencil at back:

" His past career will bear the strictest investigation."

I, forgot to look who this referred to, but! really do not think it was " Madge."'' Edithburg presents a more business-like appearance than any place we had yet seen, and bids, fair to be the chief place of the southern part. Boatman are met with like Gab drivers, and there is a hum of "Glenelg, Sir, Glenelg Sir," Soon after our arrival the cotter Victory started with a few passengers, and the mail boat with mails and passengers for Glenelg. KThere is only, one Church-a Wesleyan-one Hotel, the Troubridge Inn, at. the rear of which a large'hall

is iu^fepurse of erection. Opposite the Inn.

isS«!tuated the. Local' iCoui#," of which Mr Dash wood, was last week gazetted as the Stipendiary Magistrate. Apolice-trooper-is also stationed there, and the Folice Office is connected with the Inq. It is high time the Government thought about erecting suitable cell accommodation. The National Bank, Manager, is Mr T. Smith. This building is only a temporary one, the tenders for a new

structure <are called, -and will be in course of erection shortly. The Post Office business is conducted in a general store which serves also asa booking office for passengers by the steamers Boyal Shepherd and Lubra, and the Mail-Boat. Passengers are constantly arriving from Adelaide- During tbe last week in February the schooner Sailor Prince landed 38, and the Boyal Shepherd landed 40 on Tuesday, so that in course of. a. .little while this part will be a very important one. A road bag for letters and papers is badly wanted. Letters posted in Edithburg for Wallaroo go straight to town and. return by the. nest post, labelled "Missent.". "Now, ,there should'be a sorting office at either Green's Plains or Ktilpara, so ibat letters, -might go oh to Wallaroo, Kadina, and Moonta by the next coach. Letters written and posted on Wednesday morning, at Edithburg, will arrive in Adelaidethe same"day, and are sent on i to the Peninsula on Thursday, arrivicgsooner

tban our direct southern overland mail. I The jetty Accommodation is far from what it

i ought to.be, as only one vessel can. load at it' time. The present size, is-length* 150 feet; width, at end, about 11 feet; the other end-shore end-about four an 1 a half

feet.: A tramway is laid on the jetiy, on the three feet six gauge. Preparations are beiDg made to extend the jetty, 130 feet, and Mr Hall, Clerk of Works; is now carrying the work out. Mr Wishart is the contractor, and the -materials are being shipped from Port Adelaide.- When this work is completed, ample shipping accommodation will be afforded. The present depth of water at the end of jetty, at low water, is about eleven feet, and when it is extended the depth will

be fourteen. The 'schobner Adonis is loading wheat for Fort Adelaide, and a large quantity iadaily arriving from the surrounding farms, whilst a considerable amount is lying stored ready for shipment. At Mr Darling's store there are 8rOO0 bags, or about 1000tons, and Mr J. Gottschalk, who is buying for that gentleman, is giving 3s 6d per bushel, There are other two wheat stores, Dunn and Co.. and Harrison and Co., who have a large quantity ready for shipment. This year has

been the moat successful one the farmers

ever had m this part. The average yield

is estimated to have been sixteen bushels to the .acre-on some farms as much as twenty four bushels and on others less. Farmers have been considerably hindered by want of laborers. On some of the farms, there are heaps of wheat to clean up yet. The same will apply generally. The town is well laid out, and its distance from the jetly is only a stone throw. Trowbridge Light House, and the -hills of the farinaceous village are to be seen quite distinctly. The distance to Troubridge is about four miles. Tbe Fort Light and Grlenelg Light are often seen, and the run across to Glenelg can be made by sail in five hours. News was received at" the PoliceOffice on Tuesday of a large fire at Oyster Bay, and P.T. Howard visited the spot. An inquest was held on Friday, before Mr J. Gottschalk. Esq., and a jury of thirteen." There was not much damage done, but it might have been a serious case for Oyster Bay had it not been stopped. It was caused by stubble burning, and the flames

were extinguished by a number of residents who were quickly on tie spot, men and women. The Government have set apart a reserve, to be used for cricketing and athletic purposes, the size of which is fifteen acres; a Cricketing Association has been formed, of which Mr A. Leonard is the Secretary, and H. Kent Hughes, Esq., our late member, the patron. It is the intention of the Association to fence in this highly creditable gift, and erect a pavillion. The residents of

Edithburg can congratulate themselves upon, having such energetic and business men as -Messrs Gottsebalk and Smith, who both move in all public matters, arid in anything fcbat will tend to the welfare of the place. The Police Trooper, Mr Howard, is also very highly respected, and at this time of the year he has a good deal of work looking after farmers burning stubble.

On Wednesday we i*eeeived a kind invitation to visit the residence of Dr, Vonnida, at Lake Fowled.

Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881), Wednesday 10 March 1875, page 3

OPENING OF LODGES

There used to be, I am told, persons who would be looked upon as explorers, who occasionally travelled 100 miles south of the mining district of Yorke's Peninsula. But this was in olden days, before free selection was an institution of this colony. Now, the case is widely different. The population in the South will soon be numbered by the thousand, and the ploughs.of the farmers have already caused thousands of acres of land to be covered with the waving golden corn. The houses of the agriculturists are succeeding the mia mias of the aboriginals, public buildings are being erected, the benelits of the clergy are being extended to the areas, and the question must arise shall the trade of this growing population be permitted to go toj Adelaide, or shall it be localized? The miners in the northern end of the district are desirous to purchase the farm, garden, and dairy produce of the growers of those on the areas, and wheat can be shipped to the other colonies or to England cheaper from Wallaroo than from Port Adelaide.

Under these circumstances, the question must arise in tho mind of any traveller, why this produce should not form a portion of the trade of the district, and why there should not be the utmost cordiality between the growers in the south and the consumers in the north. With an idea that this question should be ventilated as much as, possible, I left Moonta, on March 1, for a tour down the Peninsula, and was fortunate enough to find company in an officer of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, who had been deputed to travel the same route I purposed to take, in order that the benefits of the Order might be shared in by the settlers on the areas. The road from Moonta, oVer the almoBt proverbial sandhills for. the first 20 miles, need not again be described, therefore I say but little, .of what I saw until I found myself near to the agricultural settlements.

Stubble burning was the first intimation we had of civilization. The nearer we came to the large fires, the greater the heat, and the day was anything but a cool one. Haystacks, thatched-roofed and stone houses now adorn Maitland, and at one o'clock we arrive at the Maitland Hotel, just in time for dinner. We were rather struck with the appearance of the place, and with a fine English Church, 35 feet in length, by twenty feet wide, with stained'glass windows-the architect of which is a gentleman in Adelaide, and the Rev. C. Ooodenough Taplin, Incumbent of St Mary's Church, Wallaroo, is to officiate occasionally. A short distance from theEnglish Church a Roman Catholic Church is to be erected, the stone for which is on the spot, and it is expected that the building will be proceeded with in the course of a week or two. On the hill opposite - the Catholic Church a Wesleyan Chapel is to be erected, and close by a schoolroom, so that Maitland i will be famous for churches. There is only one

public-house, and that is doing a good business. Mr Marquardt, late of Moonta, has a site in the township, and carries on a fine business in mattress and harness-making. Next is a blacksmith and carpenter's sbop> and then another-Mr Shearer^ late of Wallaroo. Io a short time all kinds of agricultural implements will be made on the area. Mr Shearer expects to make twelve reapers next year, and last year about forty machines of different kinds arrived .from different makers in town, principally from the establishment of Mr Martin, at Gawler. The blacksmiths seem to have plenty of work, and when they are in a position to compete with other machinists no doubt they will be encouraged by the farmers having everything possible made on the area. There is also a butcher's shop, Post-Office, and General Store, another saddler and two shoemakers ; also, the Photographic Studio of

Mr S. 3D. Nixon. We also discovered traces of the recent election agents, in the shape of voting papers, private memos, &c.

Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881), Wednesday 24 March 1875, page 2

LODGE, No. 90.

On Monday evening, March 1, a lodge in connection with the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., Daly District, to be called " the Loyal Maitland Lodge, No. 90," was opened at the Maitland Hotel, by Prov.C.S., W. Phillips. About November last steps were taken by the Moonta Lodge to get a Dispensation for this branch, it being the wish of several persons there to establish the Order at Maitland. At the District Meeting held on 28 th December, 1874, at Green's Plains, the matter was considered, and it was resolved that the District should apply to the Board of Directors for the said Dispensation, and that Mr W; Phillips, being the oldest District Officer, should open the said Lodge. Dr. Gosse, of Moonta, attended the opening and exaiirined the ; candidates; of which there were twelve, who applied for admission. After the usual formalities were gone through, they were initiated into the mysteries of the Order, the Dispensation presented, and the Lodge declared opened. This business was not completed until eleven o'clock, and then a " cold collation " was laid before the newly installed officers and members, to which ample justice was done, and the company dispersed. The Lodge is to meet in the large room adjoining the Maitland Hotel, which is very convenient. The following « are the names of office bearers:G.M., H. G. Hick ; N.G., Thomas McAuley; V.G., James Stevens; Secretary, Henry Pitcher; Treasurer, John Hill. The foregoing officers are Past-Officers of other lodges. We have no doubt that, with the experience and efficiency of these officers the Order will make great progress, and become in time, to the locality, a great benefit. Arrangements are being made with Dr Gosse to visit Maitland once a fortnight, taking with him a medicine chest, and thus the Lodge will confer, on the area, a great boon, saving in medical attendance a large amount of money. We believe during the short time Dr. Gosse was in attendance at the Maitland

Hotel, on Monday, he was called upon to

visit several of the residents.

Starting from the Maitland Hotel after breakfast onTuesday morning,we passed close to Mr Sogers' Yorke Valley Station, which lies down in the valley, and presents quite a picturesque appearance from the top of the hill. Passing on, the work of opening and closing sheep run gates commences. The country is rather hilly, but bad roads are not known, and very little saud. Sheoak trees are Very numerous in Maitland? and as we got further down they became still more so. Arriving at a shepherd's hut we reposed awhile, and then pressed on to Gum Flat. Between the hut and the Flat "kangaroos are very numerous, running in herds of as many as thirty-five, some being veiy large. About noon we arrived at Duncan's Well, at which we enjoyed beautiful water, and which rises within five feet of the surface. Farm -bouses and cultivated land are

passed, and Gum Flat is made at one o'clock,

where a surrey party are camped. Some very large gum trees, are growing here, and, strange to say, not one is to be seen outside . the Flat. On the hill beyond this is situated Anstey and Giles' head station, of which there are five buildings. At the station house there is a fine garden, with almond and other trees, and many plants. There is any quantity of fresh water in three wells on the Flat, and the troughs are made of gum trees, cut down the centre. Farm laborers are badly wanted on this station. The blacksmith of the PentonVale station isat present worktng here as a carpenter making sheep hurdles at £5 per hundred. He does not find kny material, not even the tools. The mallee is carted on the spot, and he can make about1 $0 a week. Passing by the station buildings we found some stony country for a mile or two, and on our right was the first lake. The couutry then changes, becoming hilly with good.roads, sheoak trees, and any quantity of I black grass. For agricultural purposes tbe

black grass country seems to be favorable, and the farmers speak highly of it. For miies the country is the came through which

| vre passed previous to sighting Hardwicke

Bay-a beautiful view. A steady rain set in, and we soon got wet, with night approaching fast, but, seeing a number of habitations, leaving us to believe that civilization and tbe

comforts of the Melville Hotel were not far

distaut. The rabbits are very numerous hiere, and for many miles around. They seem very tame and are shot easily. Many years ago Mr Penton put some tame rabbits in tbe bush, thinking that he would be able, in a little while, to enjoy rabbit shootingbut in a very short time they were exj tended thirty-five miles, and now they are a

great nuisance and do a great deal of damage on. the farms. At half-past five o'clock we I arrived at the Lake Sunday Head Station. Here there is also a nice garden, and any | quantity of fresh water. A sharp shower | then set in, and we found we had yet seven | miles to travel. Crossing Lake ounday and

rounding brush fences we had a really pretty i drive. There are many lakes, and most of

them are surveyed with the land, and fenced

| in, and a welt formed track around them Cqld, wet, and tired, we arrived at the Melville Hotel at half-past six o'clock. The tea table was literally crowded, and there was ' only one spare bedroom in the house. Great

excitement prevailed, and any amount of business was doing. A jolly landlord, and landlady, are found in the persons of Mr and Mrs liossiter, and the best of accommodation afforded. A large room has recently beeu erected adjoining the hotel, and opposite > there is a large General Store and Post-Office.

Next the store three allotments of land have been sold for business purposes, to a blacksmith, wheel right,' and a machinist. There isjalt-o a saddler, carrying oil a large business: Mr'S.. E. Nixon has a studio erected at tbe

ba&k of the Melville Hotel, .and is well patronised. A Police-Trooper, Mr Monument, is stationed at Weauers* Flat. A Roman Catholic Church, W^esleyan, and schoolrooms

are erected here. . Mr Eossiter of the

Melville Hotel, is styled the " King '' of the place, which has three names, Weaner's

Melville, an<ji Torketown; and Mr J. Gottschalk is the " Kijig'' of Edithburg.

On Wednesday morning, March 3, at ten o'clock, we started for Edithburg, a distance of thirteen miles over a good road, and arrived at the Troubridge Inn at noon. We again saw traces of election agents, and in one of the rooms we found a voting paper with the following line written in pencil at

back:

"His past career will bear the strictest investigation."

I forgot to look who this referred to, but I really do not think it was " Madge.1' Edithburg presents a more business-like appearance than any place we had yet seen, and bids fair to be the chief place of the southern part. JBoatman are met with like Cab drivers, and there is a hum of ** Glenelg, Sir** Glenelg Sir," Soon after our arrival the cutter Victory started with a few passengers, and the mail boat with mails aud passengers for Glenelg. There ia only one Church-a Wesley an-one Hotel, tbe Troubridge Inn, at- the rear of which a large hall is in course of erection. Opposite the Inn, is situated the Local Court, of which Mr Dasbwood, was last week gazetted as the Stipendiary Magistrate. A police-trooper is also stationed there, and the Police Office is connected with the Inn. It is high time the Government thought about erecting suitable cell accommodation. The National Bank, Manager, is Mr T. Smith. This building is only a temporary one, the tenders for a new structure are called, and will be in course of erection shortly. The Post Office business is conducted in a general store which serves also as a booking office for passengers by the stpatners Royal Shepherd and Lubra,and the -Mail1 Boat. Passengers are constantly arriving from Adelaide- During the last week, in February the schooner Sailor Prince landed 38, and the Royal Shepherd landed 40 on Tuesday, so that in course of a little while this part will be a very important one. A road bag for letters and papers is badly wanted. Letters posted in Edithburg for Wallaroo go straight to town and4 return by t;he next post, labelled "Missent." Now, there should be a sorting office at either Green's Plains or Kulpara, so that ,letterf, might go on to Wallaroo, Kadina, and Moonfa by the next coach. Letters written and posted on Wednesday morning, at Edithburg, will arrive in Adelaide the same day, and are sent on to the Peninsula on Thursday, arriving sooner

than our direct southern overland mail. The jetty accommodation is far from what it ought to be, as only one vessel can load at a time. The present size is-length 150 feet; width, at end, about 11 feet; the other end-shore end-about four aud a half feet. A tramway is laid on the jetty, on the three feet six gauge. Preparations are being made to extend the jetty 130 feet, and Mr Hall, Clerk of Works, is now carrying the work out. Mr Wishart is the contractor, and the materials are being shipped from Port Adelaide. When tbis work is completed, ample shipping accommodation will be afforded. The present depth of water at the end of jetty, at low water, is about eleven feet, and when it is extended the depth' will be fourteen. The schooner Adonis is loading wheat for Port Adelaide, and a large quantity is daily arriving from the surrounding farms, whilst a considerable amount is lying stored ready for shipment. At Mr Darling's store there are 8.000 bags, or about 1000 tons,and Mr J. Gottschalk, who is buying for that gentleman, is giving 3s 6d per bushel, There are other two wheat stores, Dunn and Co-. and Harrison and Co., who have a large quantity ready for shipment. This 3rear has

been the most successful one the farmers

ever had m this part. The average yield

is estimated to have been sixteen bushels to

the acre-on some farms as much as twenty four bushels and on others less. Farmers have been considerably hindered by want of laborers. On some of the farms there are

heaps of wheat to clean up yet. The same will apply generally. The town is well laid out, and its distance from the jetty is only a stone

throw. Troubridge Light House, and the hills of the farinaceous village are to be seen (}uite distinctly. The distance to Troubridge is about four miles. ' The Port Light and Glenelg Li^ht are often seen, and the run across to Glenelg can be made by sail in fire hours.- The Government have set apart a. reserve, to be used for cricketing and athletic purposes, the size of which is fifteen acres; a Cricketing Association has been formed, of which Mr A. Leonard is the Secretary, and H. Kent Hughes, Esq., our late member, the patron. It is the intention of the Association to fence in this high!}' creditable gift, and erect a paviilion. The residents of Edith burg can congratulate themselves upon having such energetic and business men as Messrs Gottschalk and . Smith, who both move in all public matters, and in anything that will tend to the welfare of the place. The Police Trooper, Mr Howard, is also very highly respected, and at this time of the year he has a good deal of work looking after farmers burning stubble.

On Wednesday we received a kind invitation to visit the residence of Dr. Vonnida,

at Lake Fowler.

Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881), Wednesday 24 March 1875, page 2

LODGE, No. 91

"On Wednesday evening, March 3, a lodge in conncction with the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., Daily District, to be called " The Loyal Edithburg Lodge,* No. 91," was opened by Prov.-C.S.. W. Phillips. The Lodge was opened in the Wesleyan Church which was very tastefully put in order for the occasion. It is a fine large stone building provided with subtantial seats, &c. Two or three tables were placed in the room, on which covers were thrown over and to these at half-past seven o'clock sharp, the various officers took their seats, and the real business like way in which tbe affairs were carried through-the filling of every office, &c., reflected gj*eat credit on all those gentlemen who took such active steps in bringing the affair to so successful an issue ; Mr Smith of tbe National Bank, has worked hard, together with Messrs Farr and Grottschalk and hence the result. After the usual formalities had been gone through-the reading of charges, &c. - Mr Phillips declared the Lodge duly opened, and then proceeded with Lodge business. Dr. Vonnida, of the district, examined and passed twelve candidates and the receipts of the evening amounted to

the handsome sum of £41 15s 5d. At about ten o'clock lodge business wa9 declared closed, and the officers closed the Lodge in .the usual way. An adjournment was made to the. Troubridge Ion, and some refreshments were partaken of.

The toast, " Health to the Lodge," was proposed by the Mr J. Grottschalk, who stated that he hoped this course would not be pursued, viz.-Retiring to the Ian for drinks after the Lodge had closed. They did it that evening in respect to the Prov.-C.S., and to wish the Order success. He hoped to see Mr Phillips amongst them again. He thought that tbey had been highly successful in their undertaking and hoped that they would prosper, as they had had a very fair start, and it just required regular attendance on the part of tbe officers, combined with the attendance of as many of those memberu who could possibly make it convenient. There were some who lived fifteen miles away and these they could not reasonably expect to come. He would close by wishing the Lodge success.

The toast was drunk amidst applause.

, Prov.-C.S. W. Phillips then returned

thanks for the excellent manner in which he had been received. He did not think'it likely he would be down again for some time at least, but the Grand - Master intended visiting this southern portion of the Peninsula, and the Lodges in particular. The Maitland and Edithburg Lodges hsd_started on the same footing, and time would tell, a tale. . He hoped they would both prosper* (Applause). The affairs of that evening had been carried out' in a real systematic and business-like way, and he was highly pleased. As for himself he would do anything in his power to help them, and they knew who to apply to for help if required. He was also pleased with their financial state. It was a good beginning and also gratifying to him to think that this money had. been gathered before-hand, and all preliminary arrangements gone into before applying for

the Dispensation, which he wgs proud to say

bad been presented to them, and he hoped they would do it honor ; that their mciubeis would increase, thus aiding their funds, and that sickness would, amongst them not be prevalent. He joined the Order in fiftyeight, and had met with many friends. Coming through Maitland he met with an Oddfellow, who was on a roof - working, and he had also met with a friend in the person of Dr. Vonnida, who Jiad invited him to visit his residence the next day. He was the corresponding Secretary for seven Lodges, and for this work he got £20 per annum, finding office accommodation, &c., &c. The total worth of Lodge funds amounted to £4067 lis 9d. He would also ask them to work economically, so that they would have money to aid the Widow and Orphan, and thus work out the philanthropic principles of the Order. He would close by wishing them all success, and he could assure them that so long as he could wield the pen he would do all he could for them. (Applause).

Tbe toast was drunk with Lodge honors.

Secretary Bro. Earr wished the Order success. They had resolved to form .a Lodge some time ago, at a meeting at the Troubridge Inn, the money had been collected, and now they had just finished drinking success to the newly established Lodge. He did not move in the matter with the idea of getting the Secretaryship. It was the las,t thing he thought about, but he would do his best to carry out the duties of the office to which he was elected. (Applause),

Gr.M. Bro. Smith then stated that the evening which they so long looked forward to, had come and they were now at last celebrating the opening of the hard-worked for Lodge. He had done a little towards it, spent a little time over it, and trouble too, but this he thought recompensed everything, viz.-The successful evening, and the plea,

sant way in which all the officers went to work. He would endeavour* to the best of his ability, to promote Qddfellowship, and do all he could foy the advancement and prosperity of the Order. They had started with a small number, but it must be remembered that the place was yet young, and there were always passengers landing to settle amongst them, and he had not the slightest hesitation in spying that in the eowrse of a few months tbe lodge WQU1<$ number fifty. Let each brother exe^t fcimself, fetch one friend each, and th$t would increase them one hundred per cent., but he thought more than this could be done. At any rate, they would hope for the best. (Loud Applause^

After a pleasant evening had been spent, the meeting broke up at a late ho.up, '

In connection with Lodge business arrangements wers entered into tp secure the

services of Dr. Yonnida, who is a great favorite in that portion of the district. Dr. Vonnida's residence is situated near the Seven Roads and seven miles from the Lodge-room. The following are the uamea of the Office-bearers for the next six months: -G.M., Thomas" Smith;. N.G., J. Gottschalk ; Y.G., Kenneth McLeod ; Secretary, P.G., G. Farr; Treasurer, G.M., T. Smith.

Bidding adieu to Edithburg, fit ten o clock, on Thursday morning we started for Lake Fowler and then on to the residence of Dr. Vonnida, which is situated on a very -pretty spot, aud close to Lakes Fowler and Diamond. The Surgery is fitted up well, and In it there is a beautiful assortment of specimens and curiosities from Strangway's Springs. Sliding Bock, Moonlight Creek, and other places near the Blinman -.--Native chisels, knives, boomerangs, swords, waddies; and all kinds of net work. Dr, Yonnida was presented with two addresses from the Oddfellows and Foresters on leaving the Blinman, where he was highly respected. A gold and silver medal, together with a scarf, was also presented him by the Orders, of which he is a member. A valuable doublebalanced chronomoter gold watch with an inscription inside together with an address numerously sigued was also presented him .by a few friends. Leaving his residence in the afternoon, we made Weaner's Flat, and then on to Thing's Lake. This lake is leased by a company in town, for the purpose ot working gypsum, of which there is abundance in the lake; in fact, in all the lakes, gypsttm can be raised, and the only Apparatus required is a few tools and a trough. It runs from -one

,inch to eighteen inches in thickness,crops up . nearly on the scrface of the lake; and is . very

clean. After being raised, bagged earned to ; s,, Salt Creek, and from thence shipped totowfl, " it is worth 27s per ton. It is then manufactured into Plaster of Paris, and. sold at 2d per lb., or £12 per ton. For the material there is always a ready market; and there are any number of lakes which might be worked with profit. It could also, be manufactured into Piaster of Paris on the side of the Lake just as well as in town: One hundred years would be taken to wort the Lake out, and then it would be ready to commence again, as it forms very quick. It

is worked out in beds. On the side of the . , Lake there are three or four tons of gypsumin one heap, and about fifty bags ready for shipment. From the Lake we go on to Yorketown, and there met and spent the. the evening with several travellers, andothier gentlemen.

1 Starting from "Weaner's Mat at seven o'clock on Friday morning, with a sharp drizzling rain, we arrived at Gum Flat at 9.30! ? The Surveyors have finished their woVk here, and have gone further on. Leaving the Hat at eleven o'clock, we soon arrive once more at Duncan's Well, and then take .a different route more inland ou to Giles' Station, Spicer's Flat. Here the surveyors are camped. From Spicer's Flat we went through the runs, and then round to Mount Sat, where there is a beautiful well, and plenty of good fresh water. The road from Spicer's Flat to Mount Rat is a very bad one, six tniles of large boulders to travel over, and forcibly reminded us of the lines: -

" Battle his bones over-the stones," &c. - - - ;

A short distance from Mount Rat there is another place famous for its water and caves Currymulka. Some of the caves run under the road, leaving just the limestone crust to travel over, and a depth of 130 feet belpw. On the road there are many holes which lead into the caves, and when travelling across, the souhd is likened unto that of many drums. In course of time it is expected the road will cave in, as the limestone crust is crumbling away fast. Passing over the so called Mount we saw some beautiful country, between it and Rogers' Yorke Valley Station, arriving at Maitland hungry, tired, and terribly sunburnt, at four o'clock p.m. Bills are posted up throughout the township calling a meeting to be held at the Maitland Hotel, to take into consideration ! the question of a railway from Moonta to Ardrossan. Great anticipations are held by most people of Ardrossan becoming the shipping port of the Peninsula, and instead ot breadstuff's, &c., coming through Xadina, everything will be landed at Ardrossan, and so smother Kadina. On Saturday piorning, at eight o'clock, we started on our homeward journey, through the Bridle Track, then on to Moonta Mines, and from there to Port Wallaroo, having spent a pleasant week.

I would strongly recommend travellers and others visiting the southern part of the Peninsula to take the road, from the eastern corner of the Moonta Cemetery, in preference to the Penang. or BLalkabury roads. 'Tyjere are about thirty-five sandhills between Moonta and Maitland. From Maitland to Weaner's Flat, I would also suggest the Mount Rat road in preference to the Mail track, as water can be obtained at the Mount, and on the other road, there is a long stage -over thirty miles-and not a drop of water. The distance is the same taking either track. Gum Flat is the first «tage made from Maitland-about thirty-five miles, the next, Lake Sunday, about twenty miles from Gum Flat. The distance to Yorketown from Lake Sunday is about five miles, and from Yorketown to water's edge-Edithburg-thirteen miles a radius of about fifty miles in different directions fresh water, can be obtaioed. At Lake Fowler a trough is fixed close to the bank on the side of the lake, and from the bank water oozes continually into the trough. At other places theie are wells ; and although so close to the salt lakes the water is not even brackish.

Down the Peninsula, a great deal of excitement prevails, each township fighting against the other. Oyster Bay is to be the shipping port, so is Salt Creek, and so is Edithburg, but Salt Creek has no water ; Oyster Bay a little and Edithburg more and a jetty besides. The inhabitants are strongly advocating a separate district, and hold hopes of gaining it. They say that their district is an important one, being one of agriculture, and that mining and agriculture are widely different, so they want a division, and are going to advocate strongly for members to represent the interest of agriculture only. Election matters were not thought much of until Mr Duncan announced his intention of standing, and then excitement prevailed. Had this not been the case it is confidently asserted by residents that very few votes, if anj', would have been recorded. The great and most important want at Edithburg is a flour mill. One is in course of erection at Yorketown, and one is badly wanted at Edithburg. At Yorketown the farmers are keeping their wheat back from the market. At Salt Creek a Government land sale has recently been made township of Coobowie, One allotment, 'quarter of an acre, seventeen perches, corner of main street was sold for £62 5s ; another £61; one man offered £8 for "a piece of ground eight foot square to sink a well. On j the whole, allotments in the town of Coo- j bowie sold well. Mr Kossiter, o£ the Mei- j ville Hotel, has bought a good sight in the j new township, on which he intends erecting a large public-house, and other buildings are ] in course of erection. This town will be, in a short time, a very important one. 1Printed aiad published by D. & A'. F. Tavlor,

Port Wallaroo.