Chapter II

Chapter II. Concerning Riverton

In a comparatively new country like Australia, without any traditional his tory, certain happenings of the past might be of interest to many who are acquainted with many of the localities to be subsequently referred to. Much of the country north of Gawler prior to 1860 was used for sheep breeding. Only small areas had been brought under cultivation. These areas rarely exceeded 160 acres in extent, and it is on record that those who possessed these farms were usually of a contented mind, and made a fairly good living from their industry.

Superphosphates were not thought of then. Single furrow ploughs, drawn frequently by bullocks, as well as horses, were in general use. The wheat and other cereals were sown by hand, broad cast from what was known as a 'seed-lip,' hung from the neck of the sower by a strap. Harrows of a very primitive make, drawn also by bullocks or horses, usually followed the sower. Later the land was well rolled. One wonders what is Professor Richardson's idea is concerning this mode of farming.

Some Riverton Industries

Subsequent to the building of the Riverton Flour Mill there were other mills at Rhynie, Auburn, Saddleworth, Watervale, Marrabel, Kapunda, Pen wortham, Clare, and Balaklava, all within a radius of less than thirty miles. Very few of them are now at work. The main reason appears to be the introduction of more modern machinery into the large mills erected of recent years nearer to our principal seaports.

In 1889 a cheese and butter factory was established and managed by a limited liability company. For a while the industry proved a benefit to the district and was a profitable venture. Later, however, it ceased operations, and the shareholders lost considerably. About this time a syndicate established the Wooroora Vineyards and Wine Cellars. The industry was carried on at considerable cost by a few energetic residents. It originated, I believe, from suggestions made by an officer of the London board of directors of the South Australian Company, who then owned much land in and around the Riverton district. Excellent wines were produced and exported. But subsequently it became necessary to close down the industry, dismantle the cellars, and root up the vines. Other landowners were induced to plant vineyards under expert advice, and at considerable cost, but eventually, owing to the expenses attached to their up keep in pruning, picking, and carting to the cellars, together with reduced prices offered for the grapes, vineyard after vineyard was abandoned and the land again utilised for cereal growing.

It may be of interest to mention that the writer, when visiting England in 1882, carried with him several sample cases of wine produced by the late Mr. Salter, of Angaston, so that some of the great potentialities of South Australia in the direction, of the wine industry might be made known afar. These samples were generously distributed amongst experts and friends. In a letter received by me from one of the experts appears the following:— 'We have to thank you for your specimens of Australian wines, which we were glad to have the opportunity of testing. The sherry appeared to be much appreciated, but the opinion as to the Port was not as favorable.' More than 60 yeans have passed away since then, and the tastes of our over seas friends have now been most successfully met. South Australia is now noted for the excellence of her wines.

For many years Riverton was the centre of a nourishing chaff-cutting industry, so much so that it was found to be more profitable to cut for hay than to reap for grain. At one time no fewer than three mills were in full operation, employing many hands. Today only one continues the industry. It had been remarked that with the advent of the tractor for farming purposes horse power has been set aside, and the demand for hay and chaff seriously diminished. It is, however, an expressed opinion by many landowners, practical farmers, that the time is not far distant when the farm horse will again become a necessity on the farm.

Moving For A Railway

When the railway was extended onwards towards the Burra, Riverton was selected as a convenient centre. Extensive and expensive railway workshops were erected there, and numerous staff employed. Commodious refreshment rooms and railway offices were built. With the further development of the surrounding country, railway extension in various directions became necessary. So far back as 1878 overt action was taken to have a line extended from Riverton to Clare, and thence onward. The following is an excerpt from the 'Northern Argus' of Clare, dated June 18, 1876: — 'An influential public meeting was recently held at Riverton to advocate a railway from Riverton to Clare, thence going northwards. On the motion of Mr. J. W. Castine, a committee, consisting of Messrs. John Kelly, R. W. Hall, F. Pearce, W. Mather, James Elliott, William Davis, B. Norton, and the mover, was formed to cooperate with the residents of Clare, Auburn, and intervening townships, favoring the construction of the line.' Many meetings were held throughout the district from time to time. It, however, took between 40 and 50 years before the necessary Parliamentary sanction was secured, and, sad to say, out of the eight members forming the committee, only one, the mover, was spared to witness the formal opening of the line in 1922. Time, indeed, plays havoc with us all.

Floods

Riverton has been subjected in bygone years to floods, owing to the contour of the surrounding country. An extensive watershed on the western side, after heavy rains, empties itself through Riverton into the River Gilbert, running through the town's eastern boundary. These occasional overflowings caused much damage prior to the construction of a large drain on the road side leading to the river. Children have had to be taken to and from the public school by horse vehicles, and many houses and cellars were inundated and badly flooded. It is reported that many still resident in the town well remember seeing improvised flat bottomed boats coursing down Main street.

Gilbert River

Speaking of the River Gilbert, one is reminded that it was named after Thomas Gilbert, first Colonial Storekeeper. Near the town a substantially-built stone bridge spans the stream, with high wooden guard rails. School boys frequently indulged in walking along the top rail. On one occasion a so-called Blondin overbalanced and fell into the river. He was not very much hurt, his 30-ft. drop being broken by the water.

The following is copied from one of the dailies of September 9, 1897:— 'Silver, Lead, and Copper, near Riverton. For about a month past Messrs. Harris, Stevens, and Eikler, who are practical miners, have been engaged in opening up a mineral show situated about five miles east of Riverton. The result is the exposure of what appears to be a permanent load of copper and silver lead. Rocks of the ore are now on view in Constock Chambers, and certainly they present a grand appearance.

People Erect Schoolhouse

Education did not receive the generous assistance extended to it in later years. When a school was considered necessary, the residents of the district were informed that if they erected the building, and guaranteed a certain number of attending children, a teacher would be appointed. This was the case at Riverton. The schoolhouse was erected and paid for by the residents. As far back as 1868, there was a school at Riverton, the headmaster being a Mr. Fry.

Ordinary public meetings were held in the schoolroom, but when it was found too small for the number who attended, a large galvanized iron wheat store, known as Bollenhagen's, was requisitioned. Bags of wheat formed the seating accommodation. Referring to the school buildings, the Government was in later years induced to take over the property, and in 1881 it was materially enlarged. During the alterations the old railway sheds were utilised as a schoolroom.

The yard surrounding the school proper was very low-lying, and in wet weather was partly under water. Cinders from the old engine sheds being plentiful, it was no uncommon sight to witness school boys with borrowed barrows wheeling loads of cinders from the railway yard to the school for filling up, and levelling purposes. Possibly the boys considered this kind of exercise far more enjoyable than stewing over lessons.

Institute

In 1874 an institute was built, and has ever since been an educational centre of no mean repute. Old residents look back with pride upon the Art exhibitions, flower shows, literary, scientific, and other activities connected with the institution.

In 1879 a Volunteer Rifle Company was formed under the captaincy of Dr. C. W. Hayward, who had as his lieutenants, Messrs. J. W. Castine and J. Potter. When Captain Hayward resigned Hugh Bawden, the State school teacher, was appointed. For several years the company had a successful career, and in 1881 one of its members (Private R. Pelton) won the Queen's Prize at Port Adelaide.

At the request of the members of Parliament for the District of Wooroora, in 1892, the Government purchased section 304, adjacent to Riverton. It was surveyed into working men's blocks, and was readily occupied and built upon.

Public Picnics

Public picnics were of frequent occurrence. A popular one, long to be remembered by many of the older residents, was that known as the 'Edge Hill Picnic.' Once in every year the Hon. John Bosworthy and his wife, entertained the children of the district in a most generous manner at their homestead some five miles from Riverton, and known as 'Edge Hill.' Not only children, but hundreds of people, both old and young, gathered there. Every possible amusement was provided. The dinner, tea, and all the catering, was everything that one could desire.

The Friendly Societies also held their popular gathering about two miles south of Riverton, and adjacent to the River Gilbert, on a section then owned by Mr. Martin Suckling, a worthy and respected resident of the town. These picnics brought together residents from all over the district, and at times it was estimated that 2,000 persons were present. Athletic sports were held, and the day's outing culminated in a dance in the institute, or Bollenhagen's corn store.

Besides recalling to mind the incidents already referred to, there were many tragic occurrences. In 1867 the rector of the Church of England (the Rev. J. B. [John Bisbrown] Titherington) was drowned whilst endeavoring to cross the River Light, just below Stockport, when the stream was in flood. The Venerable Archdeacon Twopenny in 1869, when riding in company with his Excellency the Governor (Sir James Fergusen) near Rhyme, fell from his horse and was killed. In 1868 a terrible boiler explosion took place at the local mill and three men were killed. The proprietor of the old Mill Inn, through his trap overturning, met his death not far from the township. Nor must we omit to mention a sad event that occurred in 1891. Mr. H. C. [ Hugh Craine] Kelly, one of the members of the House of Assembly for Wooroora, and resident not far from Riverton, was killed owing to a buggy accident when visiting some of his constituents near Port Wakefield. As a colonist and as a public man, he was most highly esteemed, and the whole community mourned his loss.

Mr. Robert Kelly, of Giles' Corner, near Riverton, and a brother of the deceased, was elected his successor, as a member without opposition. Like his late brother, he took a prominent and keen interest in all matters appertaining to the development and welfare of South Australia, and he will be long remembered for the excellent work he performed, both as a member of the Land Board and as one of the administrators under the Drought Relief Act.

Riverton, indeed, has had in the past a very eventful and interesting his tory. Sir David Gordon, M.L.C., who, by-the-way, was born at Riverton, when formally opening the 'Back to Riverton' carnival in 1929, referred to the district's many activities, and paid a high tribute to the residents who had been largely responsible in developing and building up such a wealthy heritage.

Next week— Memories of Auburn.

Next : Chapter III

See an impressive collection of early Riverton photos at https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/collection/Riverton+Collection/