Chapter V

Chapter V. - Something About Clare

About four miles north of Sevenhills is the town of Clare. At one time looked upon as the "outback" country, almost beyond the pale of civilisation, it is now one of the most romantically picturesque towns in the north. As far back as 1838 it is recorded that Edward Gleeson came into the north in search of suitable country for pastoral purposes. He selected this part as a home to settle on. He donated the land on which the town is now built, and named it 'Clare,' after his native town in Ireland. He called his homestead close by, 'Inchiquin,' after a noted Irish family, and today adjacent villages he gave the names Armagh and Donnybrook.

Clare and district progressed rapidly. In 1866 Clare was gazetted a corporate town. In recognition of his public services Edward Burton Gleeson was elected the first mayor. The very name of Gleeson was then one to conjure by. He was first and foremost in almost every public activity, and 'Inchiquin' was, and in fact is still, an outstanding landmark.

After waiting patiently for fifty years, the 'Iron Horse' was taken from Adelaide through Clare to Spalding, some 24 miles further north. This railway is certainly a great factor in providing facilities for marketing stock, cereals, fruits and other primary products. One is doubtful, however, whether any town from Riverton to Spalding, with the exception of Clare, has perceptibly benefited by the extension of the line. The question frequently asked is 'Why is it so?' Apparently the only answers are: — No. 1. Motor transport conveniences. No. 2. The lure of city life. No. 3. The social advantages of centralisation.'

Cars has so far maintained its central popularity and increased, and is still increasing its size and population. The pluck and energy displayed by former residents has not lain dormant. Year by year, developments have taken place, and today one looks with wonder and pride at the result of the united efforts of many a descendant of those who first came to these parts.

In and around Clare, and the Stanley Flats, not far away, the residents are preparing dried fruits in large quantities, which are being handled by up to-date methods, and are commanding good prices in both the local and overseas markets.

Since 1893, a wine company has been in existence. The original founders were J. H. Knappstein, John Christensen, sen., Dr. Otto Wein Smith, Magnus Badger, and B. Basedow. Since 1911 (so I am informed), the Knappstein family have been managing the industry, and are now turning out yearly some 200,000 gallons of dry and sweet wines, principally for export. Like the Watervale lands, Clare and the vicinity appear to be the natural homes of vine and fruit tree.

Present day activities are apt to overshadow the past, for 'Progress' still appears to be Clare's slogan word. In 1924, a Mid Northern Electricity Company was formed with its head quarters at Clare, and an extensive area both north and south of the town received benefit from the electric supply. The directorate— Messrs. E. W. Castine (chairman). B. H. Roberts. H. J. Penno, and G. J. Harmer— from all reports appear to be making it a financial success.

The Hawker Family

Recognised as a good central town in the middle north, Clare has an up to-date hospital. A high school, with its workshop and equipment, is the envy of many old residents, who give vent to their feelings by remarking, 'The Governments of our day never provided such advanced educational facilities as the authorities of today are affording our youngsters.' The town and district owe much to the Hawker family. The late Mr. G. C. Hawker, M.A., arrived in South Australia in 1840. Settling not far from Clare he at once engaged in pastoral pursuits.

Much, can be written in glowing terms concerning this early resident, his wife, and family. He it was who, at his own expense, erected the pretty little Church of England close to his homestead, and one has only to pay a visit to Bungaree Estate, its delightful homestead, and extensive outbuildings, to sufficiently realise the extent to which the sheep industry has been developed in this State. So carefully and scientifically have the sheep been bred here, that not only through out Australia, but in other parts of the world, the Bungaree sheep are held in high value.

The original name of this property, so I am informed, was 'Bungairie,' a native name for a hut. George Collins Hawker sat in nearly every parliament from the establishment in 1856 of a Constitutional Government in South Australia. In 1860 he was elected its Speaker, and in 1882 gazetted 'Honorable.' He was a member of several Ministries, and at the time of his death, in 1895 was the 'father' of the House of Assembly. For his valuable public services, the honor of Knighthood was conferred upon him, and at his decease the public press remarked that 'As a history maker, a nation builder, and a man of strong and amiable character, and unimpeachable integrity, Mr. Hawker merits a distinguished place in the records of South Australia.'

Although with the march of time 'Bungaree' has been well cut up and divided, the name of Hawker still dominates a large area of the original estate, and a lively interest is taken by many of them in local and public activities. Mr. E. W. Hawker, M.A., a son, now of East Bungaree, became a member of the South Australian House of Assembly in 1884, and all along the line, both in and out of Parliament has done his bit in endeavoring to build up a sound economic and political fabric.

In 1889, Mr. E. W. Hawker, when on a visit to England, delivered a lecture at the Royal Colonial Institute, London, on Australia and its financial position, stressing especially South Australia. He wound up his address by remarking, 'Don't encourage us to go on 'borrowing from you here.' His address is reported to have created a visible impression, as at the time a wave of depression was passing over Australia, and prices for all exportable commodities being extremely low, the position was acute. His good advice, however, fell on deaf ears. South Aus tralia in 1889 had a debt of some £20,000,000. Today she owes the crushing sum of over £100,000,000.

Mr. C. A. S. Hawker, M.A., at present a member of the Federal House of Representatives is a son of the late Mr. M. S. Hawker, of North Bungaree. He was appointed Minister of Trade and Customs, in the first Lyons Government but subsequently resigned.

Other Pioneers

Others there were who in their day and generation assisted in the development of this portion of South Australia. Such names as C. B. Fisher, J. H. Angas, Andrew Young, John Hope, Dr. Murphy (the first Roman Catholic Bishop in SA.), Dr. Bain, G. Harmer, J. Maynard, J. Hill, T. J. Bastard, recur to the writer.

Long before the railway came to Clare, mail coaches ran daily between Clare, either to Gawler, Kapunda, or Saddleworth, and back. On one occasion the driver of the coach, when near to Auburn, fell off and suffered severe injury. His wife was telegraphed for, but, in hastening from Clare to Auburn, the vehicle in which she was travelling capsized, and she was killed.

Fire at all times is a good friend, but a bad master. Dire calamities have from time to time been recorded from bush, grass, and other fires. The Clare district was not an exception. As far back as 1869 it was recorded that Bungaree suffered severely. The woolshed — containing a valuable clip — was destroyed, and much of the country devastated, in later years, however, united and well-organised steps were taken to lessen the danger of similar disasters.

I must not omit to mention St. Barnabas's Church of England. It was first opened for public service in 1851. Mr. Gleeson laid the foundation-stone of the building. A font, carved out of white freestone, from Mr J. Hope's 'Walta Walta' quarries, was placed in position in 1871. The chancel was added in 1872. The church was consecrated in 1864. John Bristowe Hughes, who owned Bundaleer at the time, gave a bell to the church in memory of the birth of his eldest daughter. It has her name and date of her birth upon the rim. In later life Miss Hughes thought it necessary to verify her age. A friend ascended the bell-turret, and examined the inscription for the information. In 1877 the foundation-stone of the rectory was laid by bishop Short. In later years imposing places of worship have been erected for other branches of the Christian Church.

Among the prominent men who assisted in developing this portion of the colony may be mentioned John Hope. I am indebted to Mr. W. Gray of Westbourne Park, for the following:— 'John Hope settled at Clare only a year after Gleeson. The whole of the town east of the main street was laid out as building sites by John Hope and he made his home at 'Wolta Wolta ' still in the possession of the family. In 1864 he presented the Presbyterian Church with seven acres of land as a glebe, and a year later laid the foundation-stone of the manse, and subscribed liberally to the building fund.'

Next Week: The Upper North.

Next Chapter VI

See https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/collection/Clare+Collection for an excellent collection of historical images of Clare.