State Library of South Australia - B 2422 - 1870

Penton Vale, showing farm buildings and cattle.

This image was identified by a visitor to the Historical Exhibition of 1936

DIED.

Sat 6 Jul 1867, South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1867)

PENTON.— On the 4th July, at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Lemmey, Pennington-terrace, North Adelaide, after a protracted and painful illness, George Penton, of Penton Vale, Yorke's Peninsula, aged 59 years.

Wed 10 Jul 1867, The Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 - 1881)

We see by the Adelaide papers that Mr George Penton Penton Vale, is dead. Penton Vale is the head station of Antsey and Giles, on the Peninsula, and Mr Penton was for many years the chief overseer of that station and of the neighbouring station of Gum Flat, belonging to the same gentlemen. When Mr Penton arrived on the Peninsula the blacks were wild and extremely ferocious; no flock of sheep was safe from their depredations, and no white man knew when he was safe from being speared or waddied to death. The firm but judicious measures which Mr. Penton adopted on his taking charge of the Gum Flat station speedily tended to put matters on a somewhat different footing, and in the course of time there was not a black on the Peninsula who was not restrained from the indulgence of the savage propensities by the wholesome dread which he had of the name of George Penton. Mr Penton was very skilful in the management of sheep, and in that respect was much trusted and liked by his employers.

AGRICULTURAL AREA. SELECTIONS.

Fri 15 Mar 1872, The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889)

PENTON VALE AREA.—At £2 per acre—

Ernst Heinrich Haby, of Reedy Creek, farmer, Section 22, Hundred Penton Vale, County Fergusson, 110 acres, £220 ;

Johann Christian Habg, of Blumberg, farmer, Sections 27, 29, and 30;

Obed Bishop, of Morphett Vale, farmer. Sections 28 and 5, do., 352 acres, £704;

Ralph Drummond Anderson, of Maclaren Vale, farmer, Sections 36, 37, and 41, do., 476 acres, £952;

John Henderson, of Bagots Wells, farmer, Sections 62 and 65, do., 356 acres, £712;

James Sherriff, of Morphett Vale, farmer, Sections 63 and 64, do., 299 acres, £594; and

Richard Coulter, Golden Grove, farmer, Sections 50, 51, and 98, do., 199 acres, £398.

Thomas Anderson, of Milang, farmer. Sections 147, 148, and 149, Hundred Penton Vale, County Fergusson, 4oo acres, £800;

Michael Sheehan, of Hackham, farmer, Section 31 and 32, Hundred Penton Vale, County Ferguason, 313 acres, £469 10s.

Penton Vale, Hundred of Penton Vale—Sec. 52, J. Haurahan, Adelaide, carter, 173 acres. £1 10s, per Acre.

Penton Vale, Hundred of Penton Vale—Sees. 24, 29, C. Kruger, Flaxman's Valley, farmer, 338 acres.

Penton Vale, Hundred Penton Vale— Section 7, Gustavo Klein, Dalkey, farmer, 267 acres.

Penton Vale, Hundred Dalrymple, Sections 3 and 4, Ezekiel Cadd, of near Talisker, farmer 466 acres.

Penton Vale, Hundred Dalrymple, Section 21, Martin Walsh, Macelesfield, laborer, 116 acres.

Penton Vale Hundred Dalrymple, Sections 81, 82, Johann G. Schloithe, of Tanunda, farmer, 398 acres.

The land in the area of Penton Vale is being gradually taken up, several German settlers having selected sections of it.

Mon 29 Apr 1872, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)

PENTON VALE AREA, April 17. Several selectors, some of them from Morphett Vale, have arrived on their land. They have been for the most part engaged during the few weeks they, have been here in well-sinking and putting up habitations, chiefly of a temporary character. One or two have commenced, ploughing, but the land is rather hard, and will, be much the better for a good rain, which may now be expected. A great deal of the oountry is thickly wooded with sheaoak and teatree, beside other growths; but there aro parts where a crop can be put in with little or no clearing, and these aro the sections which were first taken up at the high prices. The nearest Post-Office is at Weanor's Flat, where the mail arrives every Sunday, when a number of Settlers being gathered from long distances, it is not to be wondered at that business should be done beside the delivery of letters. It is hoped that some alteration will bo made to permit of the mail arriving, either or Saturday night or wait till Monday morning, so doing away with the evil mentioned. It seems absurd that with boats coming across every week to Salt Creek, which would be a convenient place for a Post-Office, the passage taking less than 12 hours, letters and papers should have to go all the way round by 'Wallaroo on a two days' journey. '

PENTON VALE AREA, August 5.

Sat 17 Aug 1872, Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904)

This district has been having a continuation of wet weather, scarcely a day or night passing Without several heavy showers. On July 19 and 20 it poured almost without stopping for 36 hours, severely testing some of the settlers' habitations, which are for the most part rather temporary than, substantial in their character. At present the water is lying in pools over the flats, and the road to Salt Greek is in such a state that it is difficult for heavily-laden drays to get along, and they are in constant danger of being bogged.

The farmers are now busy fencing in their crops or ploughing for fallow, the wet having afforded a favourable opportunity for pulling down the trees. The weather has been too cold for the young , wheat to make much progress. A few fine days will be welcome, and do good both to that and the grass, which is now becoming plentiful, although it had been fed off very close by the sheep previously.

A religious service is held every Sunday in one of the settler's houses, the Rev. W. T. Carter, the Wesley an minister stationed on the Peninsula, attending once a month, laymen officiating in the interval.

The settlers in this area, as well as those on Troubridge, and in fact all who have traversed the road, will agree with the sensible letter of " A Farmer," appearing in the Observer of July 27, with reference to reserves for travelling cattle. The route is being more used every successive year, and it would be nothing but just that the convenience of agriculturists and other travellers should be met by the formation of reserves at each of the watering-places, such reserves to include not the water merely, but a good piece of land sufficient to afford a bite of feed to the teams. In a dry country like this, where water is to be found, as at Sheaoak Flat, Beach Hut, and other places, it should be made available by reservation for travellers, also for the settlers who will in course of time occupy the surrounding district and not, as was so much the case in the Troubridge Area, be surveyed into sections, which have, though not nominally, yet virtually passed into the hands of the former lessees of runs.

PENTON VALE AREA, August 30.

Thu 5 Sep 1872, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)

The weather has been fine for some time, but light showers have lately fallen, and there is every appearance of more rain, which no doubt will be beneficial to the crops. Several farmers here saw the meteor which was described by Mr. Garlick, and their account of it agrees in the main with his. They did not make any special observations, but concurred in describing it as very brilliant, and leaving a train of smoke and fire for many seconds.

Thu 10 Oct 1872, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)

Complaints are frequently made by farmers about mobs of wild horses damaging the wheat, and applications have been made to Mr. Giles, of Penton Vale. In consequence that gentleman with creditable promptitude sent some men to muster the horses, but we hear so far without success, the horses being so wild and the country too thickly timbered to admit of the horses being driven in.

PENTON VALE AREA, Sept. 28.

Sat 12 Oct 1872, Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904)

During the past few weeks only light showers have fallen, but yesterday the rain which had been threatening began in earnest at noon, and continued steadily the rest of the day, also a good part of the night.

The crops have been growing well, considering that they were all more or less late-sown—none of the land having been turned up before April, and most of it not till May or June.

Feed is abundant, and working as well as ether cattle are in splendid condition.

Damage and annoyance are experienced by the farmers from mobs of horses which roam all over the place and break into the wheat paddocks.

Shearing has begun at Vorke Valley, Penton Vale, and some other stations, and will commence at the remainder in a day or two.

The track to Salt Greek via Penton Vale having recently been closed, on Tuesday week about 20 settlers, with five bullock teams and the necessary equipment, cleared the surveyed road a sufficient width to allow drays to pass along in safety. The timber being small was pulled up by the bullocks, while men filled the holes and lopped off overhanging branches which were in the way. The line thus opened will be some miles shorter than the old track and considerably clearer.

Much disappointment was felt when it was ascertained that the section which the Commissioner of Crown Lands was memorialized to survey as a township had passed into private hands. Probably a mill will not be erected so soon as it would have been had the site at Penton Vale been cut up for the purpose, for which it was well adapted. There are other townships, but none with such a good supply of water as is there obtainable, and it was surely a mistake that at least some of the wells were not reserved, much inconvenience having been caused to some settlers by the supply of water being cut off.

Mon 25 Nov 1872, Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 - 1912)

PENTON VALE CROPS.—The fields in Penton Vale area and the neighbourhood look well, the recent rains having filled Out the late-sown wheat, so that there is every prospect of a good average yield, although all is on land that was turned up for the first time this season. Rust may be discovered here and there by close search, but not sufficient to cause apprehension, and the settlers have not yet been alarmed by a sight of the locusts, which have appeared in other places. Hay-making is nearly over, but not much of that has been done, because there is plenty of grass for feed. The reaping-machines will be in the fields early in December. There is one exception to the generally good crops, in the case of a German settler named Klein, who sowed about 20 acres with wheat, and has had the greater part of it eaten by swarms of small beetles. These nuisances are called by some people turkey beetles, and our correspondent in the district has sent us a specimen. They appear to have lived in the tussocks of black grass with which the land was covered. Trampling the ground with a flock of sheep killed many, but not enough to prevent their work of destruction. It is strange that no other instance has been heard of in which this pest has been accounted for, although Mr. Klein's land was planted very late other residents put in seed not long before.

THE YORKE'S PENINSULA FIRES.

Thu 27 Feb 1873, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)

An inquest was held at the Melville Hotel, Yorketown, on February 10, by Mr. R. Landers, J.P., with Mr. Hart as foreman, to endeavour to ascertain the cause of recent fires on Yorke's Peninsula. . .

E. Stonehouse, Overseer at Penton Vale Station, said that on Saturday, the 15th inst;, at about 11.30 a.m., he was riding past Messrs. Bagshaws section, and close to it saw two men running, and from their action he imagined there was a fire near. Immediately after the witness saw flames break out in the corner of the section. Deponent jumped off his horse and ran towards the fire. On the road he saw several sticks burning, and young Bagshaw eaid the fire had been out two hours. Thinking from the state of the weather it was going to be a serious matter, witness got on his horse quickly and galloped to the station (about three miles off) for help, and brought a large number of men. One side of the section was ploughed four furrows wide and the other part only two furrows.

Frank Jones, bullock-driver, at Penton Vale Station, stated that he was passing Bagshaw's section at 11.30 a.m. Saw the two Bagshaws carting stones. Spoke to them, and went on. Met Mr. Stonehouse shortly after going towards Bagshaw's. Deponent was going away himself in the direction of Penton Vale. The day was hot, and he was travelling slowly. Shortly afterwards Mr. Stonehouse overtook him, and said there was a fire at Bagshaw's, and he had better make haste to the station. Witness noticed no fire at Bagshaw's when he was there.

Henry Bagshaw, the owner of the section, who had been present during the enquiry, and was cautioned, refrained from giving evidence, but called his brother.

— Bagshaw made a long statement, the substance of which was that on Friday, February 14, his brother Henry set fire to stubble at about 6.30 p.m., when no one was present but themselves. He was not aware that any notice had been given to any person except James Shean.

— Lacken was also called by Bagshaw, but gave no material testimony. The Jury, after a short deliberation, found a verdict to the following effect:

— That the fire had originated on Mr. Henry Bagshaw's section through sticks and roots not having been properly extinguished, and owing to Mr. Bagshaw's not having taken proper precautions.' It appears that the distance traversed by the late serious fire was about nine miles, the burnt country varying in breadth from three to five miles. A person can now ride from Bagshaw'a land, which is near Penton Vale Horse-paddock, to Sultana Beach, without being hindered by a single fence. Some difficulty was experienced in holding an inquest through the absence of any official to issue summonses and look after witnesses. The want of a resident trooper at the southern end of Yorke's Peninsula is becoming very apparent Apart from the possibility of a felony requiring the interposition of an officer of the law, a policeman is urgently required to see that the law is enforced with regard to stubble-burning

— a practice which is attended with considerable danger in settled districts where due supervision is exercised, but is immensely more dangerous in a new country where brush fences abound. At present there is no one in the locality to interpose incases of the most gross disregard of the law.

DALRYMPLE AND PENTON VALE.

Sat 30 Aug 1873, Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904)

August 26.

The farmers having completed their fencing are now busy clearing said fallowing for another season. Many new corners are thus engaged.

Two boats now run regularly to Oyster Bay, affording a great convenience to the many settlers who tare now located near that place, and are continually needing supplies from Port Adelaide. The roads to OysterjBay greatly require improving, and an effort is being made to obtain a sum to clear the most used line before harvest, when a quantity of wheat will be carted over the track.

The want of a Post-Office here is beginning to be much felt, and it is hoped that before long the settlers will be able to obtain their letters without going so far as they have to at present.

The price of labour is high, and men are not to be got even then, so that the memorial adopted at York Town is likely to be well signed in this locality, for the farmers have every prospect of an abundant harvest.

Babbits here, as in some other places, are plentiful, and although many go into the pot, some wholesale system of destruction will be required to prevent their becoming a great nuisance in the wheat-fields.

SOUTHERN YORKE'S PENINSULA.

Mon 9 Mar 1874, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900)

PENTON VALE AND DALRYMPLE. The former name is that of an agricultural area, the latter of the hundred, which comprises not only the whole of the area, but also other country beside. The Penton Vale Area was thrown open in the beginning of 1872, and a few sections were taken up at the top price of £3 an acre, the remainder being left till the price came to £2, at which price a good many were secured, while others have since been taken at the lowest price. The best of the land is a belt running from the head-station to tha northern boundary, and another along the sea-coast, the intervening country being of a very stony description. Nearly all that has been cultivated had to be cleared, and so far the results of the cropping have been generally satisfactory, and such as have given tha district a good repute. The soil is brown and black friable loams, with some red hard land in the flats, which is generally not so productive, so far as present experience shows. The average yield has been estimated this year at between eight and nine bushels. I believe the returns will show that to be rather under the mark. There is a moderately good supply of water in several reserved wells, while some of the farmers have obtained it on their own-land. The depth at which it is found varies greatly, in some cases being only a few feet, while other wells are 100 feet deep. The most central and generally used well, at Hayward Park, is 60 feet deep, the water being drawn by a horse-whim. It is considered a grievance that this should have been leased to the squatter whose sheep are run on the unoccupied land, and who is authorized to levy charges for all cattle watered.

It is very necessary, however, that there should be some one in charge of the machinery, which is in a very dilapidated condition, and as it is difficult to get the farmers to combine to do anything of the kind, perhaps, provided the charge is kept moderate, the arrangement is the best that could be made.

Penton Vale, Messrs. Anstey & Giles's head-station, is situate on the boundary adjoining Troubridge, on a stony flat, but possessing the great advantage of an abundant supply of beautiful water at a very short depth. An endeavour was made to have a Government township laid out on such a suitable spot, which would have afforded the very best site for a mill; but the land was taken up by the proprietors of the run a day or two before the memorial reached the Crown Lands Office. There is a slight change in the timber in this area, peppermint being more plentiful and the land richer than in some other parts through the area, and as in Troubridge, there are a number of lagoons, one of which, called Weaver's, is very large. Close to its edge, apparently in its bed, are two wells, at which a large number of cattle are watered all through the summer, although the water is very brackish. In winter and for some time afterwards there are small fresh lagoons around the larger one, where the cattle can get a drink without any trouble. The land used to form part of the well-known Lake Sunday Run, and even in the stoniest parts is well grassed. In very dry seasons when the grass has been entirely cleared off by the sheep the sheaoaks were chopped down, and served the purpose of herbage proper. In the fiist settlement, when the surface was eaten so bare that a hatful of grass was not to be obtained the sheaoaks in this, as; in the other areas, was of great assistance as fodder for bullocks, which do well on it, and even for horses. Now, however, grass is abundant and cattle in good condition. Between the settled part and Lake Sunday Station, on the western boundary, there is more land in the course of survey, some of it of fair quality, although all considerably timbered and in parts very stony.

PENTON VALE ESTATE.

Thu 1 Jun 1899, The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931)

"The published list of bocks available for selection out of the Penton Vale lands, recently purchased by the Government for closer settlement, has been the cause of much comment," writes our Yorketown correspondent. The general opinion is that the blocks as advertised are far too large; and that the working men have been ignored over the matter, as there are only six blocks of 66 acres. There is a large number of the married laboring class here, who have no employment during the winter months on the salt lakes, and who could very well do with a small section to live on, and keep them occupied until the salt season comes again. The action of the Government has not met with favor among many of their supporters over the cutting up of these lands. The short supply of survey maps of the blocks available is freely commented upon. A petition has been prepared for presentation to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, protesting against the manner in which section 46 has been surveyed, by excluding the salt lake from the blocks included in that section."

PENTON VALE ESTATE.

Sat 2 Sep 1899, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

To the Editor.

Sir — As the land in the above estate will soon be allotted by the land board I wish to mention a few things with regard to the allotments. From what I understand no resident will stand any chance of getting any of the land allotted to him unless he is married and has got a young family. Now, I wish to point out that there are scores of hard-working, industrious, steady young men born and bred here who would jump at the chance of getting a few hundred acres allotted to them, so as to make a home for themselves. But it seems it is no use for them to apply, simply because they are without wife and family. Apart from the young men there are scores of struggling farmers who have resided here for the last 28 years, who have only about half enough land to make a living by farming alone. And yet because they hold some land they will stand no show against a man with a family who has got no land. For many years past the majority of the farmers on this southern end of the Peninsula have been compelled to turn their attention to the so-called salt industry — but which I call salt slavery — otherwise they would have had to apply to the Government for assistance or thrown up their farms and gone elsewhere. Now, I think these old residents of the Peninsula should have the first chance for the lands which are to be allotted soon by the land board. What is the use of bringing more farmers here, when those who are here have not got half enough land to make a honest living by farming alone. I trust our two members will take the matter up and see if it is not possible for the land board to allot some of the land in the Penton Vale .,state to the old residents, and also to the young men who are anxious to make homes for themselves.— I am, &c, GUMSUCKER. Edithburgh, August 28, 1899.

PENTON VALE ESTATE.

Fri 6 Oct 1899, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

The second portion of land from the above estate, consisting of over 5,000 acres, is now gazetted as open for selection. The land is situated in the Hundreds of Dalrymple and Melville, the cutting up of the land appears to have given entire satisfaction, and it is plainly slated that applications may made for one section or any part of a block.

The Penton Vale estate was offered to the Government on August 29, 1898—15,868 asres at 40s. per acre—the vendors being Messrs. Anstey and Giles. The Surveyor-General on September 21 recommended the purchase at 35s. per acre. The vendors were verbally informed by the Commissioner that if they submitted an offer at that price it would be considered, and on September 30 an amended offer was made at 35s. per acre. The Land Board, on October 28, valued the land at 36s. 5d. per acre and recommended the purchase at 35s. per acre. On January 12,1899, the offer was amended by reducing the area to 15,232 acres, and also offering a rebate of 1.25 per cent. on the above price, thus reducing the acaocnt to 34b. 6.75d. per acre. The transfer of the land to the Government at this price was authorised by the Commissioner on the 25th of the same month. The value of the improvements, including grubbing and clearing on the large area, was set down at £5,052.

PENTON VALE LANDS. THE ALLOTMENT.

Fri 22 Oct 1899, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

The North and Midland Land Board met in the Yorketown Institute on Monday 'ast to take evidence of applicants for blocks from the above lands. The hall was filled with applicants from all parts. The members of the board attending were Messrs, Porter (Chairman), P. Allen, Edgeloe, and DeBurgh (Secretary). The board journeyed to Edithbnrgh on Wednesday to hear applicants for the homestead blocks. Only a few applicants appreciated the kindness of the board in studying their interests, the remainder not deeming the securing of a block of sufficient importance to warrant their attendance.

It is utter foolishness on the part cf applicants to think that they can hoodwink the board by tendering, evidence contrary to the truth. We had occasion to refer to the manner in which the oath was played with last sitting of tbe board here. This time just as many were *apt to forget* but the Board knew.

The Board in allotting these lands have had a very difficult task. The whole of the blocks have been allotted for personal residence, excepting Blocks 23 aud 18, and section 256, of block 25. The Board considered that the blocks when first offered were quite small enough, but at the request of some they had been cut.

HOMESTEAD BLOCKS.

589...F. C. Price

590.... E. Perry

591...C.Lee

592... j. Kattley

593...J. Fletcher

594... M. J. Davey

595...H. Sampson

596..JT. J. Fountain

597—C. W. Chandler

598. G, Weekly

599...J. Young

MOTORCAR AND HORSE COLLIDE.

Sat 16 Jun 1923, The Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1923)

YORKETOWN, June 14.—On Friday evening last, two residents of Yorketown Messrs. H. Kaibel and S. G. Golds-worthy, were returning from Port Vincent in a motor car, and when near Penton Vale corner, a few miles from home, the car and a horse collided. Mr. Kaibel, who was driving, escaped without injury, but Mr. Goldsworthy was thrown against the side of the windscreen, and received a cut and bruises on the face, and had four of his teeth displaced. The car was slightly damaged.

YORKE'S PENINSULA SEAT.

Sat 23 Jan 1923, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)

Mr. E. H. Giles Elected.

As had been anticipated, Mr. E. H. Giles scored a walkover in the nomination for a successor to the late Mr. Peter Allen in the representation of the Yorke's Peninsula in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Giles has always been an untiring advocate of liberalism, and a very prominent man on the peninsula. He is a keen, student of politics, and has led a very active public life. He was born on April 5, 1882, at Penton Vale, Yorke's Peninsula, his father being the late Mr. Leonard Giles, who managed Penton Vale for, Messrs. Anstey & Giles for over 30 years. The family is one of the oldest in, the State, for Mr. E. H. Giles's grandfather came to South Australia in the brig Hartley in 1837. Mr. Giles was educated near his birthplace, and on the death of his father in 1898, he spent 12 months with Messrs. Anstey & Giles. Penton Vale was then repurchased by the Government, and Mr. Giles assisted his mother in farming on the homestead until her death in 1901. Since than Mr. E. H. Giles and his brother have continued farming in that centre. Penton Vale was the second estate cut up for closer settlement. In the seventies this property was a flourishing sheep station, but for a number of years prior to subdivision most of it was let. Mr. Giles clearly remembers the Federal Convention of 1891, although he was then only nine years of age, and he took part in the discussions in 1899 on the question of Federation. Early in 1902, when but 19 years of age, he was appointed clerk of the District Council of Melville. The late Hon. A. H. Peake was probably the only other person to hold the position of clerk of a district council at so young an age. Mr. Giles - continued as clerk for 18 years, and resigned in 1920. In 1924 he was elected Councillor in the same district, and this year succeeded Mr: Robert Newland as Chairmen. In 1904 Mr. Giles married Miss Till, of Yorketown. Mr. and Mrs. Giies have a family of one son and two daughters.

FRACTURED LEGS

Thu 16 Oct 1930, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954)

Noal Giles (10), son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Giles, of Penton Vale, suffered a painful accident on Saturday evening. He was riding a pony to water, when the saddle slipped. The boy's foot was caught in the stirrup leathers and he was dragged for about 50 yards before he could free himself. He fractured a leg between the hip and knee.

Sudden Death near Yorketown

Fri 22 Aug 1941, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

Mr, Hugh Giles, of Penton Vale

Residents of S.Y.P. were deeply shocked on Wednesday when it became known that Mr. Hugh Giles, a widely-known and respected farmer Of Yorketown district, had died suddenly at his home at Penton Vale that morning. In the prime of life, and apparently in the best of health, Mr. Giles had been going about his usual work, when he complained of feeling unwell, and passed away a few minutes later. Dr. Watson was summoned, and found that death was due to heart failure. The burial service was conducted at Pink Lake Cemetery yesteiday (Thursday) afternoon by the Key. W. T. Taylor.

CAR STRIKES TREE STUMP

Fri 9 Feb 1940, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

Owner in Hospital

Mr. Ken Eichner is an inmate of the S.Y.P. Hospital as the result of a motor accident last Thursday night, near Penton Vale Corner. He had to have several stitches put in his chin and suffered from shock and other injuries. It appears that he was motoring lo his home late on Thursday night, and evidently fell asleep while at the wheel aud struck a solid tree stump. When he recovered consciousness he was able to make his way across the paddock to the farm of Mr. E. H. Giles. Mr. Giles motored him to the S.Y.P. Hospital. M.C. Dodd was taken to the scene of the accident. The car windscreen was shattered, the driving wheel broken, and other damages which necessitated it being sent to Adelaide for repairs Mr. Eichner will be in hospital for about two weeks.

OBITUARY

Fri 31 Jan 1941, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

The Late Fred Giles

Mr. Frederic William Baily Giles who died in the S.Y.P. Hospital on Januaty 23. was born at Penton Vale, on February 8th, 1884 and was the second son of the late Leonard Giles who was for many years manager of that Station. The deceased had spent the whole of his life here, and although of a retiring disposition did a lot of good work. He was a devoted churchman and was for a long period, until failing health compelled him to retire, a lay reader in St. George's Church, as well as a Synodsman up to the time of his death. Mr. Giles also rendered good service for the local branch of the British & Foreign Bible Society. He was keenly interested in the S.Y.P. Show Society, and could always be found working amongst the cattle on Show days. Mr. Giles was also an enthusiastic supporter of cricket and was a vice-president of the Yorketown Club for many years, as well as carrying out the duties of scorer with unfailing regularity.

A TRIBUTE

Fri 31 Jan 1941, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

Mr. S. V. Yanstone writes,—" I have known the late Mr. Fred Giles for quite forty years. He was a frequent visitor to our home in his younger days, and our friendship never ceased. The object of this small tribute is intended to publicly express our admiration of the life and influence of a good, sincere man and a real friend. He was a loyal churchman, with strong convictions and high ideals, and was big enough to appreciate goodness where ever he saw it. We always thought of him as being a busy man but not too busy to assist others when help was needed. One thing in bis make-up particularly delighted us—it was his great love and kindness to animals, especially to those about the farm. They were all his friends and benefitted by his kindly ways. Only a few weeks ago he called at our home and delighted us with reminders of things that happened forty years ago. Our family regret his passing very sincerely, but the influence of a good life lives on in fragrant memories."

TWO THOUSAND ACRES BURNT IN FIRE

Fri 28 Mar 1952, The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

Wednesday last was a bad day in many respects. The hot, gusty wind was a warning to all fire minded people in Peninsula towns. At Penton Vale, near Yorketown, the fire demon struck, burning through 2,000 acres of Mr. W. Oldland's property, along with more than two miles of fencing.

The alarm was raised in Yorketown at about 10-40 a.m., and the Yorketown Fire Brigade raced to the scene of the blaze. Shortly after their arrival, an emergency call was sent back to Yorketown that the fire was out of control and more volunteers were needed. Calls were also made to Warooka, and many came down from there. Meanwhile, the fire was racing in south-easterly direction from Penton Vale at an alarming rate. The flow of volunteers from Yorketown, Stansbury, Edithburgh. Minlaton, Brentwood and Warooka was a remarkable sight; there were three complete fire units present as well as numerous smaller pieces of equipment owned by farmers. In the face of this determined opposition, the fire stood little chance of continuing, and was brought to a stop at about 1.30 p.m. three miles along the Coobowie Road from Penton Vale Corner.

The fire was caused by sparks being carried from a burning tree which was standing in a paddock that had been burnt off the previous day. Evidently the centre of this tree had become ignited and the wind then carried sparks across to Mr. Oldland's property. Apart from the fencing destroyed there wis no material damage caused by the fire. Mr. C. Warren had the luckiest escape, when the fire was brought to a stop within a few feet of a hay stack which was only two or three chains from his homstead.