Chapter 13 - 1868 to 1869
The controversy surrounding the proposed railway to Port Robe reached a stalemate. Without George Ormiston’s support the proposal seemed doomed for failure. Exasperated by the indecision, one of the pastoralists was heard to say, “The south east has become a place of stagnant development, stagnant water, stagnant pastures, stagnant stock and stagnant thought.”
The railway proposal to Port Robe was defeated by one vote. Kingston S.E. became the preferred option for a railway terminus.
In March 1868 news was received from Ballaarat that Lindsay Gordon had been thrown from his horse, head first into a gate post. He sustained a bad head injury; however he was recuperating at home.
On Thursday, 12-Mar-1868 the Province was shocked to its core. His Royal Highness, Prince Alfred had been shot by a crazed gunman in Sydney! Prince Alfred was attending a Sailors’ Picnic at Clontarf Beach in Sydney. A man came up behind him, took out a revolver and shot him in the back. The beach-goers were so enraged they grabbed the man and nearly lynched him on the spot. The police arrived and intervened, arresting the man. The gunman was a known alcoholic and had just been released from a mental asylum. Henry James O’Farrell, an Irishman, was violently anti-British and anti-Royal.
Prince Alfred was fortunate that the bullet missed his spine. It entered his back to the right of his spine. The wound was not fatal; however it was of major concern. Prince Alfred was in hospital for two weeks; nursed by six nurses trained by Florence Nightingale.
A wave of anti-Irish sentiment swept through the Colony of New South Wales. The day after the shooting a crowd of 20,000 people went to a meeting to protest about “yesterday’s outrage”. O’Farrell was brought to trial on Monday, 30-Mar-1868. His defending barrister cited O’Farrell’s mental instability and record of mental illness; however O’Farrell was convicted and sentenced to hang. Prince Alfred being a compassionate man tried to intervene to save O’Farrell’s life. Prince Alfred recovered from his gunshot wound and returned home to England in early April 1868.
On Tuesday, 14-Apr-1868 Lindsay and Maggie Gordon’s baby girl Annie died. She was eleven months old. Lindsay Gordon was still recovering from the severe head injury he sustained in March. It was a particularly distressing time for the Gordons.
On Tuesday, 21-Apr-1868 Henry James O’Farrell was hanged for the attempted assassination of Prince Alfred. Anti-Irish feelings surfaced again throughout the Colonies. The whole sorry affair was a deep embarrassment to the Colonies, particularly to New South Wales.
Back in Port Robe construction of the new jetty was moving at a good pace. It would be at least 985 feet long on completion. Harry Medcroft and his men were looking forward to its completion. The Government jetty it was replacing was in need of constant maintenance to keep it in service. Maintenance issues held up the flow of transhipping goods to and from the various ships in the harbour. Impending winter storms would also have a bearing on the progress of the new jetty.
News of Lindsay Gordon’s misfortune reached Robe Town; first the news of Lindsay’s head injury, then the death of their daughter Annie. In May more bad news was received; fire had destroyed the livery stables behind Craig’s Hotel in Ballaarat. What a run of outs for the Gordons!
In June 1868 the new Institute Building was opened in Robe Town to cater for the Arts and for literary occasions. It was a proud day for Robe Town; something to boast about.
Robe Town was still riding high on its boom times, but the prosperous times were on a steady decline. The new jetty was expected to be in service by early spring 1868. This would allow ships to moor at the end of the jetty, facilitating loading and unloading cargoes. It looked like Robe Town had missed out on being a railway terminus. Current haggling favoured Kingston SE at Lacepede Bay. This would definitely be to the detriment of Robe Town. Farmers would be able to ship their wool and wheat on the proposed railway from the Penola, Naracoorte and Mount Gambier areas directly to waiting ships at Kingston SE, bypassing Port Robe entirely.
In early September the new jetty was officially declared open. The old jetty was immediately declared unfit and demolition began. Harry made arrangements for a shed to be constructed on the side of the new jetty to house the Port Robe lifeboat and its equipment. The new jetty extended 1,020 feet out into Guichen Bay.
The South Australian Parliament was in upheaval again. On Thursday, 24-Sep-1868 the Premier, Sir Henry Ayers was ousted and John Hart Snr. became Premier. His time as Premier was very short; he lasted only 20 days until Tuesday, 13-Oct-1868. Sir Henry Ayers again took over the reins; but lasted only 22 days until Tuesday, 3-Nov-1868. Henry Strangways became Premier on Tuesday, 3-Nov-1868.
Harry and Amanda received news that Lindsay Gordon had sold his interest in the livery stables in Ballaarat and the Gordons had moved to Melbourne. Lindsay had resumed horse racing and steeplechase riding. He was also heavily involved in his poetry and had published a couple of books of poetry.
Harry Medcroft was thoughtful; he wondered what 1869 would be like. The goings on in Parliament, the indecision about a railway, the steady exodus of pastoralists, the unsettled state of the pastoralists’ leases and the downturn in the economy in the south eastern part of the Province did not bode well for the future. He particularly did not like the prominence given to Kingston SE of late. Kingston at Lacepede Bay had recently been given the suffix SE to distinguish it from Kingston on the Murray River; which was now known as Kingston-on-Murray.
Even though Robe Town was the official centre for Government administration, that was about to change. The Guichen Bay District was to be split up into various District Councils who would administer their own areas.
The early months of 1869 saw life continuing on as usual at Port Robe. In April 1869 Harry Medcroft received a telegram from his Chief in Adelaide. The message stated he was to come to Adelaide on the next available steamer; and to notify his Chief of his departure time and estimated arrival in Port Adelaide. No hint of what it was about was contained in the telegram.
“Amanda, I received a telegram today from the Chief today. I have to go to Adelaide on the next steamer to report to him. I don’t know what it is about. The ‘Barnstaple’ is leaving for Adelaide tomorrow. I have booked a passage on it.”
“Oh Harry, I hope there isn’t a problem. I will get Gladys to pack your trunk.”
“Thank you, Amanda. I wonder what the old boy has in store for me.”
Next morning Harry boarded the Barnstaple for the trip to Port Adelaide. The weather was fine with a good sea breeze. The Barnstaple had a full cargo for the voyage. It was a nice change for Harry not to worry about work, and he enjoyed the voyage.
Some of his colleagues met him at Port Adelaide. The Port had gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Large sandstone warehouses were in abundance. The river had been dredged and deepened. New wharves had been built. It was a busy place. It had long since lost its tag of ‘Port Misery’. After greetings were exchanged and a quick chat Harry was driven in a Customs’ wagon; drawn by two draught horses to Trinity House. Upon arrival at Trinity House in Adelaide city; he left his trunk in the coat room and proceeded to his Chief’s office. A clerk informed the Chief Collector, Sir William Bradshaw that Sub-Collector Medcroft had arrived.
“Send him in, Wilkins.”
Harry tucked his Customs’ cap under his left arm and walked into his Chief’s office.
Sir William Bradshaw sat in a large leather office chair. In front of him was an ornately carved mahogany desk; with a green, leather, inlaid writing panel. The office was furnished with quality fittings; befitting Sir William Bradshaw’s tastes for pomp and splendour. Sir William Bradshaw came from a very wealthy family in England.
Sir William was a big man, obviously used to a wealthy, privileged life. His manner and tone was pompous and slightly overbearing.
“Come in Mr Medcroft. Please be seated.”
Harry sat down in one of the plush visitors’ chairs.
“I suppose you
are wondering why I have brought you to Adelaide.”
“Yes, Sir William the telegram you sent did not give any indication as to the purpose of this visit.”
“Well Mr Medcroft, Trinity House has been closely examining the situation in the whole of the south east of the Province. It has not escaped our attention that Port Robe is on a slow decline.
A man of your skills and experience can be put to use in other areas. It seems likely that the proposed railway to Lacepede Bay will go ahead in the next few years.”
Sir William stopped and looking directly into Harry’s eyes said, “I am going to transfer you to Port Caroline at Lacepede Bay. I need a man of your skills and experience in place when the railway comes to Lacepede Bay. I know that you are the right man for the job.”
Harry assimilated this information. This was the first time his Chief had actually acknowledged Harry’s contribution to his Customs’ portfolio.
“Thank you, Sir William it is good to know that you appreciate my contribution to the Customs’ Department. I am happy to be posted to Port Caroline on behalf of the Customs’ Department.”
“Very good Mr Medcroft; now I want you to give me your opinion on one of your Customs’ officers. In your reports you have mentioned the merits of Joseph Moore. Do you think he is capable of taking over from you when you leave for Port Caroline?”
Harry was reflective for a moment. “Sir William, Joseph Moore has been with me through the ‘Chinese Invasion’, through the shipwrecks and has kept the service going when I have been called away to other areas. He is a fine Customs’ officer and will be a very capable replacement for my position at Port Robe. Some additional training at Port Adelaide will stand him in good stead.”
“I am pleased to hear that Mr Medcroft. We could offer the position to others here at Port Adelaide, but they won’t have the local knowledge of the Guichen Bay District.”
“Captain Stradwick is an old ‘sea dog’. He is not interested in the Customs’ side of things; however when you leave for Port Caroline, I will make him the Harbourmaster and Receiver of Wrecks for Guichen Bay.
Mr Moore will come to Port Adelaide for eight weeks training in his new portfolio. You can make the necessary arrangements for him upon your return to Port Robe. When he has finished his training he can take over from you and you can proceed with your family to Port Caroline.”
“Very good, Sir William do you want me to stay in Adelaide for any other business?”
“No Mr Medcroft, I assume you are lodging with your in-laws tonight.”
“Yes, Sir William I will make arrangements to travel back on the next available steamer. In the meantime I will help out at Port Adelaide.”
“Well and good Mr Medcroft; don’t say anything about Mr Moore’s appointment at this time. I will announce it myself. You may tell your colleagues about your impending transfer to Port Caroline, if you wish. I look forward to hearing good things from you at Port Caroline.”
Sir William rose from his chair and walked with Harry to the door of his office.
“Goodbye Mr Medcroft.” Sir William nodded to him and Harry took his leave.
Harry was thoughtful; he had come here expecting some sort of problem. Instead, he was being transferred to Port Caroline and Joseph Moore was being promoted. What an unexpected turn of events! ‘So the old boy was taking notice of us all the time.’
Harry went straight home from the ship to tell Amanda the news. “Amanda, guess what, I am being transferred to Port Caroline and Joseph Moore is taking over here. The Chief wants me at Port Caroline when the railway is set up.”
“Goodness me, after all these years we are being transferred. This is a bit of a shock.”
“We have at least eight weeks to organise the transfer. Joseph will have to go to Port Adelaide for further training. We can’t leave until he completes his training. I am going up to Customs’ House to tell him.”
Harry walked up to the Customs’ House. Joseph Moore was not there; he was down at the jetties. Harry walked down to the jetties and signalled him to come and see him. The two men walked back to the Customs’ House together.
“Joseph I want to fill you in on the purpose of my trip to see the Chief. The Chief is transferring me to Port Caroline.”
Harry watched Joseph’s amazed expression.
“Now here is the good bit. He is promoting you to take over from me here at Port Robe. You will have to go to Port Adelaide for eight weeks training. When you return, I will transfer to Port Caroline.”
Joseph Moore was in a bit of a daze. The Chief wanted him to be Sub-Collector of Customs’ here at Port Robe.
“Why did he pick me, Harry? Surely there are more qualified fellows at Port Adelaide.”
“But, none of them have your local knowledge and experience. You can do it. You are a fine Customs’ officer.”
Harry could see that Joseph was finding it hard to believe.
“Look Joseph, the Chief has chosen you on my recommendation. We are both confident you can do it. You won’t have to worry about harbourmaster duties; Captain Stradwick will become Harbourmaster and Receiver of Wrecks. You will be able to concentrate on Customs’ work. Now, we need to speak to Captain Stradwick and Owen Morrison. After that, I will arrange your passage to Port Adelaide.”
The steamer ‘Rowland's’ was scheduled to depart for Port Adelaide in two days time. Joseph Moore was booked on it. Joseph’s wife Anita and their two children Jessica and Andrew were thrilled about his promotion. Owen Morrison was also pleased about Joseph’s promotion. It meant he would become 2nd-In-Charge of the Customs’ work. He and Joseph worked well together.
Harry sent a telegram to His Chief informing him of Joseph Moore’s passage on the ‘Rowland's’. Harry then set about making a trip on the coach to Kingston SE to look at housing. Amanda and Gladys began to pack up clothing and items they did not currently need.
The news swept through Robe Town. Everyone congratulated Joseph before he left on the ‘Rowlands’. They would miss the Medcrofts who were pillars of the community. Harry Medcroft had been Sub-Collector of Customs’ for 14 years.
The two months sped by for the Medcrofts; Gladys decided to go with them to Kingston SE. If she got too homesick she could always come home to Robe Town. Harry had already arranged lodgings in a fine, limestone block house overlooking Lacepede Bay. He was happy with his choice. ‘Amanda will love this place, and the views are a bonus.’
Joseph Moore returned at the end of July 1869. Harry had to make a choice. Either the family travelled by coach and their belongings by bullock dray to Lacepede Bay, or they went by ship. Either way there was some risk involved.
Travel by land could be held up by heavy winter rains and lowland flooding. Travel by sea was always risky due to severe winter storms at sea. Harry was not unmindful of the shipwrecks he had attended. However, he decided the sea voyage was probably the best option; he did not fancy being held up for days in local floods. The sea voyage to Lacepede Bay was fairly quick and hopefully the weather would be good on the voyage.
Harry booked passage on the Rowlands for himself, the family and all their belongings. The Rowlands was due in Port Robe mid August. The Rowlands did a regular service between Port Adelaide and Melbourne; calling into ports along the way to unload and load cargo and passengers. Winter storms sometimes disrupted her schedules. She was due into Lacepede Bay on her way to Port Adelaide. Her skipper Captain Peters was well known to Harry; they had been friends for several years.
Harry stood at the end of the Government jetty and looked back at Robe Town; it held 14 years of memories for him. He allowed his mind to drift back to a hot summer day in February 1855; the day he and Amanda arrived in Port Robe for Harry to take up his position as Sub-Collector of Customs.
Harry remembered being rowed to the old Government jetty and climbing up the steps on to the rough wooden jetty. Ahead of him lay the small township of Robe. Harry had been here before; when he was a mounted Police trooper. Harry??
?s mind drifted back to his days as a mounted Police trooper. He had been in Governor Robe’s overland escort party in 1846. Governor Robe had sailed down from Port Adelaide in the Government cutter ‘Lapwing’. As a result of Governor Robe’s fact finding exercises, Robe Town was officially proclaimed Port Robe; an international sea port in February 1847. Since then export trade had increased to the point that Harry had been appointed to take over the Customs’ Service at Port Robe.
Harry remembered their first day at Port Robe. James Brown the Postmaster had been waiting for them at the end of the jetty; to greet them and then show them their lodgings. Harry and Amanda had followed James Brown to their lodgings in Mundy Terrace. One room of the house needed to be used as the Customs’ office.
They had passed by the Royal Circus; a huge roundabout built to turn the bullock teams around. Some of the bullock teams were waiting along Mundy Terrace to offload their cargoes. James Brown showed them their lodgings and handed over the door keys.
Harry and Amanda looked around their lodgings. It was a three bedroom house. An annex at the rear contained the kitchen and laundry. The toilet was up the back yard. The wooden house was constructed of slab sided logs; with wooden floors and the roof was tiled with wooden shingles. Each of the three bedrooms had a window and a fireplace.
Harry converted one bedroom for use as the Customs’ office; fortunately it had a door opening out on to the street. Those lodgings had to do until a more permanent solution was found for the Customs’ office.
Mundy Terrace was on the waterfront; unfortunately sand dunes partially blocked the views of Guichen Bay. However, the sea could be seen from one of the windows.
Harry left Amanda and the children and returned to the jetty to supervise the transfer of their belongings to their new lodgings. Harry had then set up the furniture. Next morning Harry set up his Customs’ office and commenced business.
Harry was musing over these events when a loud noise, and cursing, jolted him out of his reverie. A large wooden crate had been dropped on to the deck of a ship moored at the end of the jetty.
The Rowlands was due in port tomorrow. All their furniture and belongings needed to be brought to the ship early tomorrow morning for their departure. The Rowlands was due about mid morning. Harry had men and wagons organised to transport all their belongings down to the Government jetty. Cargo from Melbourne would be unloaded; then their belongings would be loaded on to the Rowlands.
Next day a large crowd of people gathered to see them off. Harry, his family, and Gladys stood and waved from the port side of the ship. The Rowlands slowly steamed away from the jetty and headed towards Cape Dombey and out to sea.
Women were crying, and there were lots of sad faces back at the jetty. It was a sad time for the residents of Robe Town; the Medcrofts had been an integral part of their community.
With mixed emotions Harry and Amanda watched Port Robe slowly fade into the distance. A large part of their married life had been played out at Port Robe. A new chapter in their lives was just beginning. It was nostalgic leaving but on the other hand, a time of excitement; as they contemplated a new life at Lacepede Bay.
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About the Author
The idea for this novel originated on a trip to South Australia in 2002. I was fascinated by the history of Port Robe and subsequently thought, 'This is the setting for a good historical novel.' In June 2010 my wife and I went back to Port Robe and Adelaide with the express intent of doing research for the Port Robe novel. This book has evolved from that research.
I am a retired male nurse, married with three sons, who have grown up and left this area. I live with my wife at Innisfail in tropical North Queensland, Australia. The main agricultural crops of the region are sugar cane, bananas and paw paws. Innisfail is situated at the confluence of the Johnstone and South Johnstone rivers.
I am a committed Christian and I fellowship with like minded Christians at a Gospel Hall in Innisfail. I enjoy writing and reading my Bible and Christian books. I also enjoy reading other non-fiction books in my spare time, particularly biographies and autobiographies. I also blog on my two blogs:
Biblical Perspectives blog https://www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com
Words of Life blog https://www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com
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