Precis 9

Early Days of Eyre Peninsula (9)

FLINDERS INVESTIGATIONS (CONT).

By J. D. Somerville

In early February 1802 at the Isle of St. Francis, Flinders noticed that the South-East and East winds tended to lower the barometric readings. He surmised that the winds came across the land, instead of over the sea as had been the previous experience, and he conjectured that the shore line must trend toward the south, which theory proved correct.

So he sailed south-easterly. He found much refuse from the shore as well as sea-weed floating about. Some hopes of finding a river were entertained and "the water was much discolored in streaks." Thus Streaky Bay received its name.

His hopes were raised by indications that they could be near a river, but a test of the sea-water for salinity showed that there could not be any fresh water flowing into the bay, which was appropriately named Denial Bay.

Entering a bight with many rocks (now known as Venus Bay) with contrary winds, the uncertainty of the whole situation made the (initial) name 'Anxious Bay' most fitting.

Coffin's Bay conjures up pictures of shipwrecks, disasters, deaths and suchlike, so it is quite a relief to record that Flinders used the name as a compliment to the then Vice Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, who had been zealous in outfitting the Investigator. Flinders does not remark on oysters, so it is evident he didn’t discover this popular bivalve.

Variation of his compass was one of the many difficulties encountered in this area, and tribute is given to the determination of Flinders to overcome them.

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The next instalment will deal with the tragedy at Memory Cove, when eight men from the Investigator, including the master, were drowned.