Chapter I

CHAPTER I.

I Reach Australia

Born within the sound of Drake's Drum, and close to the home of Raleigh, Hawkins and Grenville it be came somewhat natural that the spirit of adventure should permeate the mind of a mere boy. Being educated for the British Navy, and having read of the undaunted spirits of these men, I concluded that travel such as theirs had been was the very salt of life, and well worthy of imitation.

With the advice, and under the aegis of that splendid man, Charles (afterwards Sir Charles) Goode, in company with five other lads, whose names were Nathaniel Johnston Hone and Charles Samuel, Edward and James Blackwell (four brothers), I left a happy home, bound for the far country of Australia. I hoped to find an El Dorado such as Drake and other adventurers had been credited with having found.

After a somewhat tedious voyage of over eighty days we arrived at our journey's end on September 8,1862. A life on the ocean wave is at all times full of realistic surprises. We lads soon learned to understand the idiosyncrasies of shipboard life. We learnt to believe many of the sailors' superstitions.

One in particular I remember. It was 'How to raise the wind.' Within the tropics dead calm frequently occurred, known as the 'doldrums.' For many days no headway could be made by a sailing vessel. The sailors believed that if the orthodox pancake were eaten by the crew a serviceable wind would arise. Our captain, a Jerseyman, was a bit superstitious. So on three occasions he ordered pancakes for dinner. Strange as it may appear, on each of the three occasions a stiff breeze sprang up immediately after the repast!

The only land seen during the voyage was Tristan d' Acunha, in the South Atlantic Ocean, some 1,500 miles away from any mainland. In reality there are three islands in the Tristan group, named Inaccessible, Nightingale, and Triston d' Acunha, the latter named after the Portuguese navigator who discovered the group in 1506. Only the latter is inhabited, and is about five miles long. Its mountainous peaks attain an elevation of some 8,000 ft., covered with almost perpetual snow. An interesting description of these islands will be found in a book written In 1869, giving a detailed account of the cruise of H.M.S. Galatea, whose captain was H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, K.G.

We Arrive In Adelaide

On our arrival In Adelaide, having duly presented numerous letters of introduction, situations were obtained for us all in various parts of the colony. We parted as the best of friends, and good wishes or each others future.

My home for many years was to be some 70 miles north of Adelaide. The journey thither, partly by train and partly by a heavy dray drawn by four horses, was slow and tedious. The novelty of the surroundings helped to dispel any feeling of fatigue until about midnight, when I was induced to get on to the heavily loaded vehicle and seek both rest and sleep. I had not been asleep long before the unexpected happened, and I had a rude awakening. A sudden jolt, and I was precipitated to the ground.

The axle of the dray had broken. Chaos reigned amongst the four horses. There was much difficulty in handling them. But they were eventually quieted and made safe for the night. The driver and myself met the situation philosophically, endeavouring to make the best of our most awkward position. We proceeded supperless to camp for the night, in the then orthodox manner. Both legs were ensconced in a roomy wheat bag, wrapped up in a bush rug and covered with a large tarpaulin. With all our clothes on, stretched out on the bare ground, we were soon fast asleep.

At daylight the driver with the four horses went off in search of another conveyance and assistance, so that the stores might be taken to their destination. Meanwhile I was left in charge, with instructions for the preparation of a morning repast. In those far off days it was customary for travellers on the roads to carry provisions in what was known as a 'tucker box,' so that on a long journey or unexpected delay hunger could be allayed. I was to boil the water in a billy tin, also carried by teamsters make either tea or coffee, and partake of the contents of the tucker box. The night having been cold and frosty a roaring fire was enjoyed. But so intense was its heat that getting near enough to boil the water was out of the question.

Not far distant was a farmhouse. I wended my way thither, knocked at the door, and at the appearance of the owner's wife politely asked her to make me a little coffee. She generously acceded to my request, and taking from me the tin cup, called a pannican, shortly after returned it full of the desired liquid. Coffee is, however, a beverage that should be made with water on the boil. But on this occasion the water had not reached the boiling point, and so my coffee was a failure. These initial experiences of colonial life were in later years, when visiting the outback country, found to be of considerable value.

'Universal Providers'

From 1862 and onwards, covering many years of residence in the lower northern districts, important and interesting events took place. What might be termed the land of opportunities revealed itself. In 1866, associated with a kindred spirit, a start was made in a com aratively modest way to launch out in business as general storekeepers, later termed 'Universal Providers.' Our firm was known as Castine and Goss. We were generously assisted by Mr. Chares Goode, of Goode Brothers, and other merchants of Adelaide. By steady and close attention to business, which, of course, meant good solid work and frugal living, we prospered.

For the first year we did our own cooking. Having only one small room in which to cook, live, and sleep, we had occasion to utilise the counter of the shop for a bed. We verily 'roughed it.' And that without any apparent physical deterioration. Each of us took a weekly turn as head cook and general cleaner-up. Complaints were unknown, nor were the services of a medico necessary. The residents in the towns and districts were most generous in supporting the two plucky young men. The business increased so rapidly that it became necessary to open a branch establishment in a neighboring town.

Thrift, determination, and self-reliance were our main watchwords. Both of us were strong enough to say 'No' when it apparently became necessary to do so. Referring to the word 'No,' when about to commence the business with our limited capital, it became necessary to seek assistance from certain well known merchants of Adelaide. One of them, after considering our request for help, remarked, 'Well, young men, I am going to ask you a pertinent question,' and it will depend largely upon your answer, whether I shall assist you. Can you say 'No'? Unless you are men enough to do so, not only in private, but in commercial dealings, you will have little chance of success.' Evidently our reply was satisfactory, and for many years afterwards his advice and generous assistance were most welcome and valuable. To this day I have never forgotten the timely query, 'Can you say no?'

Later on my partner and I took to ourselves wives. Fortune favored the brave! Then each agreed to paddle his own canoe. Our wives proved true helpmeets to us both. (To be continued.)

Next Chapter II