WHEN the tide of commercial calamities of 1841 set in, consequent on the dishonoring of Col. Gawler's bills drawn on the Home Government, merchants, tradesmen, and all classes of the community were seriously affected by the unexpected event. There was a kind of panic, which threatened to paralyse every department of trade and commerce, and scarcely anyone knew what to do under the circumstances. Like most others, I had to suffer in a small degree, for my employers had to economise, so dispensed with my services, giving me, on leaving, a testimonial signifying their satisfaction with them.

      At this stage I may briefly state the cause of the commercial disasters that befel the Colony in 1841, and which were severely felt for a few years afterwards. The Colony was founded upon the self-supporting principle, and the English Government was not to be expected to render pecuniary assistance in its establishment. Land sales were to provide all necessary funds for emigration purposes and public works, the proceeds to be apportioned between the two objects. The Commissioners in England were to appoint a Resident Commissioner for the Colony, and the Imperial Government a Governor as its representative in the Province. Though each of these functionaries lead his duties (which were not in any way antagonistic) clearly defined, there were really two heads, calculated to lead to divided authority; and such was the primary cause of the subsequent troubles. Capt. (afterwards Sir) John Hindmarsh was the first Governor, Mr. (afterwards Sir) James Hurtle Fisher being the first Resident Commissioner. These gentlemen, on their way out [57] from England, began to enter into the sea of troubles which afterwards became more and more agitated. The quarrels and dissensions between the two heads led to the recall of Capt. Hindmarsh, and the transfer of the office of Resident Commissioner to Col. Gawler, who was appointed to act in the dual capacity of Governor and Commissioner. On the arrival of this gentleman, he found the greater part of the population of the infant Colony centred in Adelaide, and as there had been delays in surveying the country lands, those who ought to have been settled upon them for purposes of cultivation were spending their time and money in buying and selling land, etc., in the City. Emigrants were pouring in at the rate of about a thousand per week, and there was not sufficient useful and remunerative occupation for them. The people were clamorous for work, appealing especially to the Governor to provide it; but he had no funds for the purpose. In the Governor's instructions permission was given him to draw bills in certain cases of emergency, and he concluded that the state of affairs in the Colony at this time was decidedly one which justified him in exercising the liberty accorded to him. The public buildings being totally unfit and inadequate for the requirements of the public service, he decided to commence the erection of a number of these, mainly with a view to giving employment to the large number of unemployed. Merchants and others purchased the bills, considering that they were a good and safe investment, and that the cash advanced would help to give the Colony a good start. Large sums were expended in the erection of a new Government House, Government Offices, a Gaol, and sundry other places that were deemed to be necessary either for present or prospective use. Business was brisk, wages went up, and the land "boom," which had languished somewhat, revived; in fact it seemed as if the Colony was going to make rapid strides towards general prosperity. By May 1, 1841, the total amount of the bills drawn by His Excellency was upwards of £300,000; and this sum was largely exceeded before the crash came. The first intimation of the coming storm reached the Colony in the early part of that year, but it was not imagined for a moment that it was going to prove such a disastrous one. A despatch from the Commissioners informed Col. Gawler that there were no funds to meet his bill's, and that he must discontinue drawing upon them. His Excellency was further informed that he had exceeded his instructions, which only permitted drawing upon them in cases of emergency. In his defence he replied as follows:--"I considered it emergency when the survey department [58] could not keep pace with the demand for land; when the police force was not sufficient to suppress bushrangers and other lawless characters, to control the natives, and to check contraband trade; emergency, when public officers of value were leaving their situations on account of the insufficiency of their salaries, or were trading and plundering the Government on what they called authorised principle; emergency, when the Survey and Land offices, being burnt down, there was not a public office belonging to the Government in Adelaide, and none of reasonably permanent suitableness to be hired; emergency, when, with an immense pressure of business and harassment of all kinds upon me, I, my wife, family, secretary, office, and servants, were limited during the day to a mud cottage 50 feet long by 27 feet in extreme dimensions; and emergency, when, with a really beautiful natural port, commerce was suffering almost indescribable hindrances from the difficulty of landing in a broad, triangular swamp."

      It appears that there was a very wide divergence of opinion between the Governor and the Commissioners as to what really constituted cases of "emergency"; and shortly after the first clap of thunder, intimating that the bills were dishonored, came the second, announcing that His Excellency had been recalled and his successor appointed. The storm of commercial ruin burst upon us, the bubble of prosperity collapsed; and the whole machinery of the Colony was suddenly brought to a comparative standstill. Merchants and tradesmen failed, mechanics had to lay down their tools, and laborers to cease their labors. A number who had sufficient capital took ship and cleared out, mostly for New Zealand; while others, who had determined to defraud their creditors if possible, made a "bolt" in any vessel that would take them away, not exactly as stowaways, but as deck or 'tween-deck passengers. One of the vessels that took away several who managed to make their escape was a fast-sailing brig, named the Dorset; and she had conferred upon her the further designation of "the bolters' clipper." My father, who was in ill-health, concluding that the Colony was utterly ruined, was in communication with a Mr. Smith, of the White Horse Hotel, Currie Street, relative to chartering a vessel to go to New Zealand: Mr. Smith to find the money, and my father to navigate the ship. This seemed likely to remove us all from the Colony, but Providence ordained otherwise, and overruled--for the best, I have no doubt. The importation from Van Diemen's Land, who had rented our premises in Hindley Street, but failed to pay the rent, defrauded his creditors; and when he was wanted by [59] the police he hid himself in a cottage on North Terrace. When the police entered, they searched for him in vain for some time, but ultimately found him up the chimney. The loss of the rent was a sad one to us, as my father was unable to pay the ground-rent; and this, with his failing health and ultimate decease, led to our loss of the premises, to which reference will be made further on.

      In a short space of time Hindley Street, which had been the principal place of business, was well-nigh forsaken; and I can remember the time when, in walking along the street, scarcely a passer-by was to be seen. Among those who remained there was one Mr. Bulpitt, a well-known tradesman, who stuck to his post; and could generally be seen at the shop-door, looking up and down the street for customers. At the time I refer to there was a lady, an heiress, who drove a carriage; and this was something rare, as I do not think the Governor could boast of such a conveyance. Col. Gawler had a pony or two, for the use of his children; but there was no carriage-and-pair, or even a one-horse chaise. The Rev. C. B. Howard imported an Irish jaunting-car, but this of Mrs. James's was a real four-wheeled carriage--a landau, or something of that kind. In course of time the answer to the usual enquiry, "Is anything moving?" was "Yes! Mrs. James's carriage."

      Another sight in Hindley Street occasionally was the person of Capt. Ferguson, an officer of the Mounted Volunteer Cavalry, in full uniform, on a black charger. He was the admiration of all who had a taste for military display, and especially of the "small fry." His position was merely a representative one, as it would be difficult to find the main force that he was supposed to command. The earliest attempt to raise a volunteer corps was by no means a successful one, with the exception of affording material for a few good jokes. The chief failure was that there were more officers than men; and on one occasion it is said that while drilling the rank-and-file the officer in command did not take account of the muster. Without adapting this preliminary course he gave the order for his men to "form a square"; but as there were only three on the field, his impracticable order was necessarily disobeyed.

      In these early days there came from one of the convict settlements a very remarkable woman, who was accustomed to walk up and down Hindley Street and announce herself as "Isabella Anderson," but who became commonly known as "Scotch Bella." She was in the habit of imbibing strong drink [60] too freely, and when under the influence of liquor made considerable use of her tongue. On one occasion she did not steer quite clear of some citizens standing in the street, and rubbing against one of them he addressed her in an indignant tone with "Get away, woman!" She retorted, in a haughty, contemptuous style, "Get away, man!" adding, "I know I have been a boom passenger, and so have you; just pull up your trousers, and the marks of the irons will be seen." As the "gentleman" thus addressed was supposed to belong to the class referred to, a roar of laughter followed the rejoinder. As the reader may not understand what was meant by a "boom" passenger, I will explain. When the convicts were brought on deck for an airing, their legs were chained to the spare booms on deck, and this gave rise to the designation mentioned.

      One of the celebrities of Hindley Street in the early days was Mr. Joseph Ind, who was a large grower of watermelons. With a bullock-dray load of these he took up a good position in the street and announced that they could be purchased at 1d. per lb.; and if the weather was hot and oppressive, he found a ready sale for them. Mr. Ind really conferred a boon upon the citizens in supplying them with this substitute for drink at such a reasonable price; and probably kept many from resorting to the public-house to quench their thirst. Mr. Ind, on his arrival in the Colony, became one of the "squatters" on the Park Lands, and planted a garden on the banks of the Torrens, near the ford. Like others who had settled down on land for which they had no title, he received notice to quit, without compensation. On the site of his garden there sprang up a lot of Scotch thistles, and some were unkind enough to say that he planted these to spite the Government.

      On the arrival of an emigrant ship the new-comers, as soon as they could, came up to have a look at the capital of the Colony, and not knowing whether they would need to protect themselves against the natives, they carried their muskets or rifles with them. These companies of armed men afforded no small amusement to the shopkeepers of Hindley Street, who were pleased with anything that would enliven the prevailing dulness. Besides, they had the prospect of doing business with them, if they had brought a little spare cash into the bankrupt Colony. The word "emigrant" was considered too long for ordinary use, and, as a substitute, the term "Jemmies" was usually applied: thus, "There's another batch (or lot) of "Jemmies."' [61]

      The aborigines (commonly called "blacks," or "natives") did not forsake Adelaide in its misfortunes, but rallied at times in great numbers on the North Park Lands. Not far from the Gaol, on the opposite side of the river, was what was called the Native Location, where Messrs. Tiechelmann and Schiermann, missionaries from Dresden, resided. Mr. (afterwards the Hon.) G. F. Angas, the principal founder of the Colony, assisted in sending out these missionaries, as well as hundreds of persecuted Lutherans, from Germany. Some sheds were put up by the Government to shelter such of the natives as chose to avail themselves of this protection; but as a rule they preferred their own "wurlies," constructed of boughs and branches of trees. As horses and cattle, when grazing, do not face a cold wind or storm, so the natives constructed their dwellings in such a way that they were protected from prevailing cold winds and rain. Opposite the opening of their "wurlies" was a fire, kept constantly burning, and when travelling or going about at night they usually carried with them a lighted stick. Besides enabling them to kindle a fire when needed, they had an idea that fire would act as a charm, and preserve them from an evil spirit that they imagined might do them some harm. They had a strange idea about the white people who had come amongst them, supposing them to be resurrected blacks; and they would sometimes say, "By-and-by black fellow die, and come up white fellow." When displeased with the new-comers, they would add that, after the resurrection referred to, they would take possession of the land again and send away the interlopers.

      At certain times and seasons the tribes of natives from various parts of the Colony congregated in great numbers on the North Park Lands. The special time for gathering was May 24 (the Queen's Birthday); and they showed their loyalty by accepting an invitation to partake of Her Majesty's bounty, or what the Government provided for the occasion. They were marched in regular order, marshalled by Mr. M. Moorhouse, Protector of Aborigines, from the Park Lands to somewhere near Government House. As they passed by the provision baskets the attendants handed to each of them a piece of bread-and-beef, and after a careful survey of the allotment they usually passed an opinion about it; sometimes favorable and sometimes otherwise. I have seen about a thousand attend this levee, men, women, and children; and in addition to the bread-and-meat, those who were scantily-clothed received a new blanket, which was highly prized. While the procession was passing along it was [62] very amusing to see the "picanninies" peeping out of the nets in which they were carried on their mothers' backs. From the encampment the natives would pay their respects to the citizens of Adelaide. They were not above asking for certain contributions of money and provisions, and were willing to do a small amount of work in return for what they received. In addition to white money (silver) and black money (copper), they would ask for bread, bullocky, or 'baccy; and the request was politely put, with an intimation that, if complied with, "Me say, you bery good white fellow" (or, "lubra," if a woman).

      The new moon was the time for their "corrobboree," or native dance, and on these occasions they decorated themselves with ochre; and with spears, waddies, and shields in their hands, presented a very grotesque appearance. While dancing they uttered a peculiar "whirr," or "burr," in which they kept excellent time, the women beating with their hands a bag of sand or earth, producing a dull sound. This "thud" of the women was, I suppose, intended as a kind of bass to the shrill sound uttered by the men. Both the scene and the sound were weird, and from North Terrace presented a striking contrast to the whistle of the engines and the rumble of the trains, as they pass out of the Adelaide Railway Station at the present time for all parts of the Colony. It was found that after the feasts the natives belonging to different tribes frequently indulged in a fight, arising out of tribal antagonism. On these occasions the mounted troopers had to interfere; and, after breaking the spears, they proceeded to disperse the natives, who received orders to return to the places whence they had come. To prevent these conflicts, which sometimes were attended with fatal consequences, the Royal bounty has been given latterly in the localities to which the tribes belonged.

      The question may be asked: What has become of the descendants of those who were thus wont to assemble in such large numbers? The answer is a melancholy one. Some of the tribes have been extinct for many years; and the only ones that have survived are those which dwell on the banks of the River Murray and plains adjacent thereto. There are some pure aborigines and a number of half-castes still to be found in the native institutions at Point McLeay and Yorke's Peninsula; and but for these there would probably be very few living at the present time, except in the interior of the Colony. It appears that most of the inferior races of aborigines in all parts of the world gradually disappear as civilisation (so-called) invades their [63] territory, which certainly favors the theory of "the survival of the fittest." I have an idea that before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to establish His millennial reign on the earth, that the lowest types of mankind will have disappeared, leaving the more intelligent to enjoy the blessings of that happy time.

      Mention has been made of the Germans who were assisted by Mr. G. F. Angas to emigrate to this Colony, and they are worthy of more than a passing notice. They proved to be some of the most sober and industrious that migrated hither; in fact we should have fared badly had it not been for their coming amongst us. From their gardens at Klemzig, near to Walkerville, they brought us vegetables on their backs; firewood in their German wagons; and supplied us with other domestic necessaries. Their women undertook the washing for families, carrying the clothes to and fro on their backs. One who washed for us was called "Little Mangley," because, being asked if she could mangle as well as wash, she made that reply; and we concluded that, as she had no mangle, she, and perhaps her husband, sat on the clothes as a substitute for the proper machine. These women not only carried heavy loads to and from their village, but even from Hahndorf and Balhannah. They were truly hard-working, and not only labored in the fields at harvest-time, but were said to have been seen yoked-up with a bullock ploughing the land.

      Mention was made in the Governor's despatch of "bushrangers" and we were troubled with a number of these in the early days of the Colony, as well as with cattle-stealers. There were several places where these marauders could carry on their nefarious practices, and there were suitable hiding-places for them--especially in the "Tiers" in the Mount Lofty ranges. A gang of cattle-stealers located itself in the Black Forest, and it was some time before the police could break it up. Of course, if there were no receivers of stolen property, there would not be so many thieves; and it was concluded that there were some tradesmen in the City who were not over-scrupulous as to how the dealers in carcases became possessed of them. Inspectors Tolmer and Alford distinguished themselves in the capture of some of the most notorious of the "bushrangers," and great credit was accorded them for so doing.

      When the Governor found that he could not draw further upon the Commissioners, he decided, as it was a case of pressing emergency, to draw upon the Lords of the Treasury. He must either do this, or stop the greater part of the machinery of Government, which would involve the Colony in something worse [64] than even commercial ruin. The money advanced by the Imperial Treasury, as a temporary means of relief, brought the Colony into debt to the Home Government; and, as there was little prospect of repayment, the Colony ultimately became a dependency of the Crown. The original colonisation scheme was regarded as a failure, and a new order of things was inaugurated; and with it a new Governor. The same vessel that brought out the recall of Col. Gawler also conveyed Capt. (now Sir) George Grey as his successor. The new Governor entirely reversed the policy pursued by his predecessor, and retrenchment in every department became the order of the day. Public works were stopped as far as practicable, and workmen who had been receiving 10s. or 12s. per day had to take half that amount or less, or nothing. Capt. Grey's position was a painful one, but it was something like that of a man with a diseased limb, who must either suffer permanent pain or undergo a severe operation. The new Governor became a target for all kinds of abuse, aimed by "all sorts and conditions of men." He not only had to put up with all manner of offensive epithets that were applied to him, but there were even threats of personal violence. He considered it necessary to have a military guard, and this request was quickly granted under the circumstances. A detachment of troops came over from New South Wales, a sentry-box was constructed, and was taken to the gate at the entrance to the domain on a Sunday morning. Public meetings were held at various places, at which very strong language was indulged in; but a wordy warfare alone never broke say bones, and he survived all the attacks of this kind. I remember a meeting held on a vacant acre at the corner of King William Street and North Terrace, and while the storm of words was at its height, His Excellency came out of the domain on his way to the Council Chamber on North Terrace.

      This afforded a fine opportunity for the speaker who was addressing the meeting to say something loudly enough for the Governor to hear in passing, which was anything but complimentary to Her Majesty's representative. I was present at another meeting held in the Queen's Theatre, at which it was suggested that the Governor should be placed on board a vessel and sent back to England. Having glanced at the causes which led to the great depression in 1841, I shall resume my personal narrative. In august of this year I entered the service of Mr. George Dehane, who was the printer and publisher of the Adelaide Independent and Cabinet of Amusement. Previously to this the following South Australian newspapers had been published:--The South [65] Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (afterwards The South Australian Register), the first number of which was published in London on June 18, 1836, and the second at Glenelg on June 3, 1837. This paper was edited by Mr. George Stevenson, and printed and published by Mr. Robert Thomas. In June, 1838, the first number of The Southern Australian appeared, edited by Mr. Charles Mann, and printed and published by Mr. Archibald McDougall. In 1839 the Port Lincoln Herald was brought out at Port Lincoln, edited by Mr. John Bentham Neales, and printed and published by Mr. George Dehane. In November of the same year The Adelaide Guardian was issued from the press, edited by Mr. George Milner Stephen, and printed and published by Mr. William Caddy Cox. After about three months the name of the paper was changed to The Adelaide Chronicle, and Mr. O. K. Richardson succeeded Mr. Stephen as editor. In 1840 the Gazette--the official organ of the Government--was detached from the Register, and published in a separate form. All these papers (excepting the Gazette) were issued weekly, in demy folio size, price sixpence each.

      In the prospectus of the Independent it was said:--"Should a declaration of our political creed be required, we briefly remark that from the moment we began to read, observe, and think for ourselves, we have been the uncompromising opponents, as far as our humble abilities permitted, of oppression of every kind and in every degree, and whether exercised by the great or the little; of humbug, whatever form or hue it may have assumed; and of monopoly, on whatever class of men it may have cast its desolating shadow. We have unflinchingly advocated free institutions--free creeds, free trade, free thoughts, free words, and free acts--the latter, so long as they were consistent with just laws and social order; in other words, so long as they were entitled to the name of freedom." This was surely a sufficiently powerful declaration of independence to justify the name of the paper.

      The place where this paper was printed and published was in Morphett Street. The walls were of "pise" or mud, with earth for its floor, and a thatched roof. The proprietor of this establishment was not what is called a "stuck-up" man, or one who would stand on his dignity. He was not above taking a glass with his employees, and would even condescend to see who was to pay for it, by throwing "em quadrats," or printers' dice. While quite genial when in a good humor, he was a terror when his temper was ruffled; and when he came into the office with a pale face, and began to pick up types which had been dropped on the floor, [66] we knew there was something wrong. My work at first was that which usually devolves upon the "printers' devil," such as sweeping-out the place, rolling formes of type, "flying" or taking off the sheets as printed, etc. To this was added posting bills and selling newspapers--work which is now done by other hands. As news-runner I had to visit the Gaol, and as the debtors' department was well filled, I found several customers there; for, notwithstanding their inability to pay their creditors, they could find money to purchase newspapers. I was surprised to see them living as though in fairly comfortable circumstances; and one in particular, Mr. Robert Lyon Milne, who had been a bogus bank manager, had a well-furnished room, with reading-desk and other conveniences. "Ashton's Hotel," as it was styled, was well patronised at this time, and as the lodgers suffered little beyond a curtailment of their personal liberty, many of these debtors were really better off than their poor creditors.

DEHANE'S PRINTING OFFICE, MORPHETT STREET.

      The office staff at the time referred to consisted of three or four men, and about the same number of boys. Two of the hands came from London, and had acquired a considerable knowledge of life in the world's metropolis, which they were quite willing to communicate to me, that was not calculated in any way to improve my morals. Another employee, a colonial youth, was not [67] far behind the Londoners; in fact, in course of time he shot ahead of them and ultimately became a gaol-bird. There was an elderly man in the office who had resided for some time in Van Diemen's Land, whose ancestors had been extraordinary characters; one or two were reported to have ended their careers on the gallows. It was said that his own life was only spared because printers were scarce, and his services could not well be dispensed with. From what we could gather, in the earlier days of the convict settlements, printers' appliances were so deficient that oyster-shells had to be used instead of cases for types. When the Tasmanian was sober he was very reserved, but became communicative after imbibing too freely. He was friendly with me, and we had several quiet talks together on matters in general, and particularly with reference to the printing business. On one occasion we were sitting by the kitchen fire, at the back of Mr. Dehane's sitting-room; and my companion took the liberty of informing me that "D" could not teach me the business, as he was not well up in it himself. My employer overheard this item of confidential talk, and rushing into the kitchen he sent my would-be friend flying down the passage leading into the street.

      We took our meals in the kitchen, and here there was a step-ladder leading up to the loft used as our dormitory. The other occupants of the loft had stretchers, but as there was not one for me, I made my bed upon the floor. My mates were up to all kinds of mischief, and I did not escape from their pranks. One of these was to tie a piece of string to the corner of my bed-clothes, and, after the candle was put out, gradually pull them off and leave me uncovered. I bore with this for a time, but at length I became downright angry; and having a printer's candlestick weighted with lead by my side, I flung it, hit or miss, without any particular aim. It struck one of my tormentors on the head, and when I heard a groan I was afraid I had done him some grievous bodily harm. Procuring a light, it was found that he was stunned, though he soon recovered; and I was not sorry that no further harm was done. This put a stop to this kind of practical joking, though there was still far more than I liked, as I was often the victim of it. On Wednesday we had to work all day and night to get the paper out on Thursday, the day of publication. It would have been well for the neighbors if we had kept close to our work, but when we got drowsy we went out into the street and made the most hideous noises we could--imitating the barking of dogs, the crowing of cocks, the neighing of horses, the braying of donkeys, [68] and all other kinds of sounds that our vocal powers could produce. I wonder that the place was not indicted as a nuisance, and had there been any police on duty, we certainly would have had their special attention. After these awakenings, we would return to our cases and quietly finish the composition necessary for the publication of the paper.

      Some of the cartoons that were issued with the paper, which were designated "Pen and Ink Sketches," were amusing and usually satirical; but even with these the paper was not a success. One of the cartoons was a caricature of Mr. Jickling, for a time Acting-Judge in the place of Sir John Jeffcott, who was drowned in attempting to enter the mouth of the Murray. The cartoon in question was not so much a caricature as some that were issued, because the subject was really an eccentric individual. He was a bachelor, and dressed in a peculiar fashion, his trousers not reaching down to his shoes by several inches; and this, with a spring in his walk, made him a conspicuous object. He was the essence of politeness, and it was said that on one occasion (his sight not being very good) he ran against a post, and supposing that he had obtruded himself upon a passer-by, he drew back, took off his bat, and, with a polite bow, said, "I beg your pardon." After his temporary term of office, he was succeeded by Mr. (afterwards Sir) Charles Cooper, who was Judge of the Supreme Court for many years. During the early part of this period a portion of the Judge's premises was used as a Court-house, and afterwards the Queen's Theatre, in Gilles Arcade, did similar duty. The Local and Police Courts were held in a house in Currie Street, where the then well-known John Bond Phipson officiated as Clerk of the Court. After the issue of sixteen numbers, the Independent, with its cartoons, came to the close of its career, and was succeeded by another paper called the Examiner, edited at first by Dr. Litchfield, and afterwards by Dr. Penny.

      After the Independent was given up, Mr. Hailes was a "free" man, and started another paper called The Free Press; but free as it was, its freedom was not of long continuance. Mr. Hailes was really too funny, and some of his would-be jokes were not by any means of a high order. He made another attempt to amuse and instruct the people of Adelaide by issuing occasionally a small paper entitled Timothy Short's Journal of Passing Events, which, after a short time, passed away. After this Mr. Hailes was generally called "Timothy Short," which, as he was short of stature, was an appropriate designation. For several years [69] he carried on an auctioneering business in Hindley Street, contributing occasionally to the press.

      Conceiving a liking for the printing business, I was soon able to pick up the types, and at the same time I learned a great deal that was not conducive to moral and spiritual development. I generally joined the others in their Sunday excursions, and well remember one, a trip to the foot of the hills. On the way we called at a public-house at or near Kensington, and had some refreshments. I was asked to drink a glass of wine, and had it been only wine it is probable I should not have been much the worse for it, as we were accustomed to this beverage at the office. On this occasion my companions wanted to make a fool of me, and must have drugged the wine to see what the effect would be. In a short time I was in a state of stupefaction, more than drunk; and when a little recovered I staggered about like a drunken man. This was no doubt what was intended, and for a time it afforded my companions the amusement they required. On another occasion we went down to the Reedbeds, which at that time were flooded; and as I intended to walk round to the Port, my companions left me to wade through the water. After doing so for a considerable distance I reached the beach and walked along it to the Semaphore, which was then uninhabited, or nearly so. After crossing the peninsula I found a boat returning to the Port side, and was very thankful to get home after such a tiring and disagreeable journey. During frequent visits we paid to Whelan's Hotel in Hindley Street I added cards and bagatelle to my accomplishments; the latter I liked very much, and could soon beat those who had instructed me in the game. From the foregoing it may be supposed that I was on the direct road to ruin, but I went still lower before I was rescued.

      The bills for the Theatre were printed at Mr. Dehane's, and we frequently had visits from Mr. Lazar, the manager, who was friendly with us boys, and who probably considered that by treating us kindly, the play-bills would be well posted in suitable places. As a proof of his friendship he invited us to attend the Theatre, free, as often as we liked; but we were to go behind the scenes. This kind offer we accepted, and found that as an expression of our gratitude we were to assist, when necessary, in shifting the scenes. Here I picked up a great deal that I did not know before, and took an interest in seeing how ordinary men (some of them very ordinary) were made into kings, courtiers, and such-like dignitaries. A peep into the "green room" revealed some wonderful transformations, many of which could [70] not very well be described. People who were destitute of dark eyebrows, whiskers, moustache, or beards, were fitted up in a most artistic manner, and in a very short space of time, by those who were adepts at this kind of work. I saw how the thunder and lightning were made, and was surprised at the simplicity of the process; and before long I thought I knew all about the mysteries of the Theatre.

      After serving something like an apprenticeship behind the scenes, I was on one occasion promoted to a position on the stage. The management was getting up a Christmas pantomime, and on these occasions a large number of extra hands are required. My services were called into requisition, and the part I was to take did not require a single rehearsal. It was a case of "black and white," and in order to act the dual part, a young fellow was made as white as possible, and I as black as lamp-black or some other pigment would make me. I was to blacken my mate, and he was to whiten me; but as to how far we succeeded I am not in a position to say. It was for the audience to judge of our performance; but this I do know, that this was my first and last appearance on the stage as a performer.

      After a time my parents returned from the Port, and took possession of their house and shop in Hindley Street. I then ceased to board and lodge at Mr. Dehane's, and once more lived at home. I still kept company, however, with my associates at the printing office, and frequently went with them, as before, to bathe in the Torrens. One Sunday morning, whilst in the water, I stepped on a broken glass bottle, receiving a fearful gash in my foot. The wound bled freely, and the surrounding water was quite discolored. My foot having been bandaged up, I was taken home. Shortly after, my services were urgently needed at the office, but being unable to walk, and as there were no cabs in those days, Mr. Dehane came and carried me down Hindley Street on his back. By resting my foot on a stool, I was able to sit at my case and set up the types, but the loss of so much blood weakened me, and I was by no means strong before the accident.

      After returning to the City my father continued to grow weaker from the effects of dysentery--a complaint which many suffered from in the early days of the Colony, principally, I think, on account of impure water. In my father's case there is no doubt that worries, annoyances, and losses aggravated the disease, which baffled the skill of our kind friend and medical adviser, Dr. Mayo. On September 8, 1842, he died, aged 49 years; [71] leaving my mother, two brothers, and a sister to struggle on in the best way we could. I stood beside the bed in his last hours, and he solemnly requested me to take his place and to do what I could for them. The once strong man, with an iron constitution, had completely broken down, and, wasted and emaciated, he went prematurely to the grave. The feeble woman, who for years had been suffering from attacks of weakness and prostration, was spared to engage in the battle of life under very adverse circumstances.

      With some difficulty my mother was able to meet the funeral expenses, but this I left her so low in funds that the strictest economy had to be exercised; so much so, that at times we had scarcely sufficient to eat. A loan of a few pounds was obtained from a friend, and there was a little owing in addition; besides the ground-rent for the land in Hindley Street, which was in arrear by reason of the insolvency of the tenant from Van Diemen's Land, and the failure of my father to obtain any of the large amount due from this unprincipled man. My mother knew that the lessor could step in at any time and take possession of his property; and, lest it should fall into his hands, she offered the creditors that if they would pay the ground-rent she would convey the premises to them for what was owing. Of such little value were houses and land considered at that time, that the creditors declined to accept the terms, and there seemed no alternative but to arrange matters, if possible, with the ground-landlord. We were so entirely in his hands that, regardless of the widow and fatherless, he seemed determined to have the premises without the slightest compensation. The man with whom we had to deal was a Jew, and had purchased the lease from another of the same fraternity, who did not like the unpleasant task of turning my mother out. We had not exactly "fallen among thieves," but under the power of one who would take all he could get by any means. In this way the house and shop, built of brick, with eight or nine rooms, which had cost about £500, was sacrificed; and the landlord took the whole to satisfy his claim. I must not be supposed to reflect upon the Jews collectively because the person who took this mean advantage of my mother was of that people. I have a great respect for their nationality, and have found many noble and honorable men among them; but there are some who answer the description given by Christ of those who "rob widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers." From my knowledge of the one in question he could not be accused of making long prayers, but was decidedly a [72] reprobate Jew. Not long afterwards his name appeared in the papers in the character of a Shylock demanding his "pound of flesh" In a case in Court.

      After the ground-landlord took possession we all had to turn out, and we removed into a pise or mud but in Bank Street. On opening the bedclothes in the mud but I saw a large centipede in possession, which I quickly dispatched; but this was nothing compared with the "snake in the grass" which had dispossessed us of our property. As my mother had neither money nor goods she could not set up in business, but did not despair of being able to gain an honest livelihood. Renting a house in Leigh Street, and procuring two or three forms for seats, she opened a school; and soon had several scholars. I continued at the printing, and my brother, George Frederick, secured a situation in a baker's shop in Hindley Street; and by these means we were able to add to our mother's income from the school. We were provided with food and clothing for some time; and, as regards the latter, I wore some of my late father's apparel, though it could be seen at a glance that the articles were not made to order or to fit. I was then, and I might say ever after, very careless and indifferent about my dress--so much so that at times severe criticisms were passed upon my outfitting. When thus criticised, I have quoted an anecdote I had read of a banker in England who was taken to task for being so untidy in the matter of clothing. His reply was: "What does it matter everybody knows me." On one occasion it is said that he was going to another town, when he was again remonstrated with in the usual manner. He parried this attack with an alteration in his tactics, saying, "What does it matter?--no one will know me." I suppose this peculiarity in my case was regarded as a weakness which had to be borne with by those intimately associated with me. In after years I think my wife and daughters effected something like a reformation, but their success was not always to their satisfaction.

      In course of time my mother leased a piece of land in King William Street, and the funds in hand enabled her to erect a shop and dwelling upon it. The site was that now occupied by Messrs. F. H. Faulding & Co.'s wholesale warehouse, and the shop was one of the first to project out to the footpath. In this enterprise she was aided by the earnings of my brother and self, as well as the school fees. In addition, I contributed some timber from the skeletons of two new unfinished houses which I had purchased, together with two allotments of land, for the sum of £5. The [73] land was situated on the plains, about two miles from Adelaide, and was one of the many sacrifices made in those days by persons who desired to leave the Colony. At each visit to my suburban estate I found that whatever timber could be taken away was removed without my permission; so, to save further trouble, I had the remainder carted to the City. The shop in King William Street was opened with a small stock of useful and fancy goods, and my mother, by making-up millinery, was enabled to earn and save money.

      On one occasion, at Mr. Dehane's, I was nearly suffocated with the fumes of a charcoal fire. My "frame" was just at the back of the front door, while behind me stood the water-cask. This was considered a good place for a fire in the cold weather; so fire and water were in close proximity. I suppose at the time I refer to there was an extra quantity of charcoal burning, as previous fires did not injuriously affect me. Before I was quite overcome I was taken into the open air, and soon recovered. After this the charcoal fire was discontinued, as printers were too scarce to be disposed of in this way. Though I really liked the printing business, it did not appear to agree with my health, and as an opportunity offered for me to take a trip into the country, I availed myself of it. Someone was required for a short period to take charge of a small flock of sheep at shearing-time, and I thought I could manage this. A Scotch shepherd who had charge of a station near Bull's Creek told me of the situation, and offered to allow me to accompany him, and to direct me to the locality. We started on foot, following a dray-track through the Black Forest to Tapley's Hill; resting for the night in Mr. Reynell's dairy. The next day we proceeded, by way of the Meadows, to the shepherd's hut, which we reached before dark. My guide was rather an elderly man, and I was surprised at the reception he met with from his "old woman." I suppose that Adelaide had proved so attractive to him that he stayed there too long, and spent too much money. At tea-time I could see that there was a storm brewing, and, after we had finished the evening meal, it burst forth. After letting her "old man" know her mind, irrespective of my presence, she proceeded still further to signify her displeasure. Her husband wanted to enjoy a quiet smoke (the pipe of peace), but as he went up to the large open fireplace to get a stick, with the pipe in position, both pipe and stick were knocked out of his hand. I presume he felt that the strictures passed upon him by his "better half" were only too true, for he bore it all meekly and quietly, hoping perhaps [74] that the attack would not proceed any further. After this I retired to rest, with a peep at the stars through the open spaces of the slab hut--presenting in their peaceful array quite a contrast to the torrent of angry words that had been poured forth within. The next morning my guide took me first to the head station that was under his care; and here he had a daughter, a comely maiden, who seemed to be quite at home in this isolated and out-of-the-way region. By cutting away the side of a hill a kind of verandah had been constructed, with a roof projecting several feet forward, closed in by canvas in front and at each end when necessary; and this formed a sheltered dwelling-place. For the use of shepherds, watch-boxes were provided, consisting of a timber framework covered with canvas. On returning from my shepherd's work I slept, or rather tried to sleep, in one of these watch-boxes, but failed in the attempt. I had a sheepskin for my bed, and, though the weather was cold, was in such a state of irritation that I did not require any bedclothes to keep me warm. Outside there was a roaring fire, and besides the noise of this there was the howling of the dingoes, or wild dogs, all through, the night; and as though this were not sufficient to banish sleep there was the barking of the dogs kept for the purpose of hunting or driving away the intruders. This head station was situated in a main gully, with several smaller gullies leading into it; and it was down these latter that the wild dogs came at night to seek their prey. Though the sheep were folded, the dingoes would jump the hurdles, and if they could not carry away the sheep, would worry them to death.

      After breakfast I was conducted across Bull's Creek to the place where my services were required, and next morning a small flock of sheep was committed to my care, with instructions as to the direction to take, and the time to bring them back. Being totally unacquainted with the country I did not like to venture too far away, and as I had no dog to manoeuvre the sheep, I rounded them up rather frequently by walking around them time after time. The sheep could scarcely have appreciated my close attention to them, as they were not permitted to spread out so much as they wanted to. I had a practical illustration of the truth of Scripture regarding our proclivity for straying like sheep; for I noticed that however good the pasturage might be in any particular place, they would always leave it for something they supposed to be better. Having so much walking to do throughout the day, I was very glad to reach the station at night and after supper to get a good rest. At the end of a fortnight [75] the sheep entrusted to my care were counted, and no fewer than seven found missing. How the loss occurred I knew not, but having proved such a bad shepherd, I received my wages and was informed that my services were no longer required.

      As I knew of no other way back to Adelaide than that by which I had come, I started on my homeward, journey alone, re-crossing Bull's Creek in the direction of the station which was under the care of my former guide. After traversing about half the distance, and not seeing any landmark to indicate the particular gully to make for, and the day being far advanced, I did not like the idea of wandering about among the wild dogs after dark. I concluded that an elevated plateau I had reached was a suitable place to bivouac, if compelled to "bush it" for the night. Although not a smoker I carried matches, and was just about to gather up some wood for a fire, when from the distance came the faint sound of a sheep-bell in one of the gullies. Following the sound, which grew more and more distinct, I reached the station just as the sheep were being folded. That night's experience has already been mentioned. Though tired for want of sleep, I continued my journey next day, and after two days' tramp over a distance of about forty miles, safely reached the City. I did not feel physically any better for my country trip, but had gained experience which was useful to me in after-life.

      Returning to the printing business, I may mention that a paper called the Southern Star appeared early in 1843, but it proved to be only a "shooting star," and ceased altogether to shine after about twenty numbers had been issued. The editorship of the Southern Australian had passed into the hands of Mr. A. Murray, who also became the proprietor. The circulation of the Examiner gradually declined, and on June 24, 1843, the proprietor announced that he had decided to allow it to merge into a new paper to be called the South Australian Observer. The new journal appeared, however, on July 1 as the Adelaide Observer, edited and published by its proprietor, Mr. John Stephens. It was printed, by arrangement, at Mr. Dehane's; and I had the honor of being on the staff and of setting up some of the type for the first number. Mr. Stephens supplied the paper, and it was part of my weekly duty to go to his house on North Terrace, nearly opposite the Institute, and carry the paper on my head to the printing office in Morphett Street. In taking leave of its readers, the editor of the Examiner said:--"We have to thank our kind patrons and friends for their long-continued support of our humble services--services which, however imperfectly [76] rendered, have, we flatter ourselves, contributed not a little amuse and instruct our readers, and, in the midst of the pressure of the times, to help to 'drive dull care away' from the hearts of many already sickened and saddened at the reverses of Dame Fortune, and the ups and downs of their colonial life."

      In the last number of the Examiner there were some severe strictures on the South Australian Register. The latter paper had passed out of the hands of its original proprietor (Mr. R. G. Thomas), and its original editor (Mr. G. Stevenson); and had become the property of Mr. James Allen, who was also its editor. The strictures referred to ran thus:--"What right-thinking man, on reflection, when he peruses some of the inflammatory articles that are continually sent forth by the South Australian Register, but that will feel disgusted? Or is it possible that he can arrive at a just opinion of the real state of affairs, when fair and open arguments are withheld, and a one-sided view is alone taken of the question; and that, colored by prejudice and dark insinuations, the true position of the case being carefully concealed? It must appear to those who are unacquainted with the true position, and who are in the habit of placing some reliance upon what they read in public journals, that we must be in a very unenviable condition, if they believe the lucubrations that are set forth in the paper that would style itself the leading journal and organ of public opinion in South Australia; devoting its columns to the dissemination of disrespect to the Government, by the propagation of calumny and malicious opposition and party feeling." The construction and composition of the foregoing strictures cannot commend themselves to the reader, but the sentiments of the writer may nevertheless be apprehended. It is strange that editors and others will indulge in constructing outrageously long sentences, and that preachers will preach long sermons when, shorter, more pungent, and more sententious ones would so much better answer the purpose.

      In the prospectus of the Observer it was said:--"A paper embodying all the news of the week, and a due proportion of light literature (a species of reading specially demanded by the thinly-scattered population of these Colonies, to whom larger works are inaccessible, and who are far away removed from the many sources of amusement which abound in older and more populous countries), without at all descending into the arena of politics, is a desideratum in South Australia. In fact, the political and pugnacious character of the press of this Colony is, and always has been, one of its greatest reproaches; and a source [77] of deep regret to its disinterested friends and supporters at house, as well as to the more respectable and enlightened members of its own community:nor has this circumstance contributed in any small degree to retard the prosperous career of our adopted country. Such will not be the character of the South Australian Observer. Whilst open to all parties for the temperate and manly expression of their opinions, it will be uncontrolled by any, the proprietor's object in its establishment being not to promulgate party politics, but to promote peace and good-will amongst men; and to subserve the paramount interests of justice, truth, and charity. Politics, as such, will therefore be carefully excluded from its columns, but every political occurrence will be jotted down amongst the events of the week."

      The advent of the new paper was heralded by the following poetical effusion, which appeared in the Examiner just before its issue was discontinued:

      By way of explanation it may be mentioned that Mr. John Stephens was a staunch teetotaller, which led the writer of the above to designate him "Johnny Drinkwater." The reference to auctioneers and merchant tailors was, I presume, in consequence of representatives of these vocations figuring amongst the insolvencies of the day. Among the many who took leave of their creditors without so much as a "Good-by," one Nonmus succeeded in reaching Kangaroo Island, but some who had not been accorded the opportunity of saying farewell doubted his plea of a trip for the benefit of his health, and entertained a suspicion that he intended to go further if he had the chance. Their anxiety in regard to him expedited his return. There were two or three places down the Gulf where it was understood vessels would send off a boat, according to arrangement, to receive those desirous of leaving the Colony under unfavorable circumstances.

      Shortly after the "Paragon Paper" was issued, its editor and proprietor got into trouble by publishing a serial story, in which a certain party felt that he could, without much difficulty, be singled out as the hero of the tale. This gentleman did not appreciate the honor thus conferred upon him, and instead of requesting that the tale should be cut short, be made his way to the office of the paper, whip in hand, and gave the editor a thrashing. Mr. Stephens, unlike his big brother, Edward (manager of the Bank of South Australia), was a little man; and in most other respects the two brothers were very dissimilar. Edward was stout, John was thin; Edward was reputed to be rich, John was poor; Edward had not only the power of the purse, but was said to possess more power than the Governor, while John had to cater for public patronage and work hard to obtain a living; Edward had no children to bear down his name to posterity, John had a young and rising family to provide for. In almost every respect a greater contrast could scarcely be found than in the case of these two.

      About the year 1843 I became a great reader; not of newspapers or of the Scriptures, but of novels. I purchased a whole library of these, consisting of about sixty volumes; and was quite fascinated with Cooper's works, and others of a stirring and sensational character. Such were devoured eagerly whenever [79] a chance presented itself; and well that it was so, as I became thoroughly satiated with them, and began to think what a fool I had bean in wasting time over such literature. I finished up with a perusal of "Don Quixote," considering that the best emetic to remove the injurious effects of that kind of reading. I disposed of the whole of this library, and all other novels in my possession; and determined that however my time should be spent in future, it would certainly not be in this way. [80]

[CLACE 57-80]