APPENDIX 4 - THEMATIC HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WENTWORTH SHIRE
INTRODUCTION
This section summarises the history of the settlement and development of the Wentworth Shire. Themes which explain the social and cultural history of the area are utilised. This thematic history is described by means of a series of development eras which outline the appearance of, and lifestyle within, the Shire at a particular point in time.
The outline does not aim to be a new history of the area but draws on the information supplied in a number of recent local history documents and other primary and secondary source material established through investigation of archival information, library information, graphic information and discussions with local historians and residents. Detailed historical contribution was obtained from Mr Jeff Whyte, Wentworth resident, local historian and president of the Wentworth Historical Society.
The historical eras chosen to represent significant periods in the Shire's development are as follows:
1829-1845: Exploration and the Overland Route
1846-1860: Squatters and Townships
1861-1870: The River Trade
1871-1880: Municipality and Pastoral Expansion
1881-1890: Droughts, Deluge and Rabbits
1891-1900: Resumption and Settlement
1901-1910: Irrigation
1911-1930: Weirs, Locks, Roads and Rail
1956: The Great Flood
Within each of these historical periods there are particular development themes which are evident throughout the settlement of the Shire, including:
Landscape
The People
Townships
Agriculture
Commerce
Transport and communication
Services and Community Facilities
Social Organisation and Recreation
The following will detail the themes within each of the development periods and enable a clearer understanding as to the historical context of individual items assessed within the report.
1829-1845: Exploration & The Overland Route
Overview
Exploration parties headed along the unknown Murray and Darling Rivers in an endeavour to discover the inland sea. Captain Charles Sturt, in 1829 entered the headwaters of a wide river which he named the Darling. A Government conceived expedition then sent Sturt to trace the Murrumbidgee and he entered a mighty river which he named the Murray. He came across a river junction which he was convinced was the Darling, in 1830. In the following years Surveyor General Major Thomas Mitchell travelled similar routes confirming Sturt's finds.
Joseph Hawdon and Charles Bonney drove cattle overland from New South Wales to Adelaide along the Murray and arrived at the Darling/Murray river junction in 18388. Other overlanders followed the route and the river junction spot became an established camp site known as Hawdon's Ford. The actual junction at the time was called "The Rinty". The settlement was later referred to as the "Darling Junction".
In 1844, exploration of the lower Darling from Laidleys Ponds (Menindee) to the Darling/Murray Junction, was undertaken by Edward John Eyre.
Landscape
The flat open plains were disturbed only be the incisions made by the Murray and Darling rivers, the Great Anabranch to the west of the Darling and the small tributaries and billabongs of those rivers. Dry salt plains being the remnants of lake beds and the ancient drainage basin of the Lachlan River system are scattered throughout the north of the Shire. Series of sand dunes and lunettes are found throughout the Shire exposing the red and orange hues of the outback.
The indigenous vegetation varies across the plains and at this time largely undisturbed by the activities of man. The vegetation, consisting mainly of salt bush and blue bush with large mallee stands and other scattered acacia and small woody trees are will adapted to the arid conditions. Along the watercourses splendid stands of River Red Gum and unique examples of wetland vegetation and grasses were evident. A well travelled roadway developed between Sydney and Adelaide via the Murray River. The junction of the Darling and Murray provided an important camping and supplies location as well as a river crossing.
The People
The Murray and Darling river districts were occupied by Aboriginal tribes who lay claim to district territorial boundaries governed by landform and food sources. The Aboriginal people travelled between the river and their outland "countries" according to the seasons and no permanent settlements existed. The small European population in the area at this time was limited to those camped at Hawdon's ford and those travelling overland from Sydney and the Bathurst Plains to Adelaide with stock or exploration parties.
Conflicts between the white settler and the Aborigine persisted along the river frontages. The natives were puzzled and curious about the exploits of the overlanders with their sheep and cattle. A number of clashes were recorded between the white man and the Aborigine on the overland route, often related to the Aboriginal preoccupation with the stock and the attempted, and often successful, slaughter of these for food consumption. The additional lack of tolerance and understanding, on behalf of the overlanders, to the lifestyle of the Aboriginal peoples and the importance of their river territories as a habitat further complicated the often tense situation. In 1841 the ambush of Inman and Field who were travelling with sheep, near the Rufus River led to a subsequent retaliation where it is said that some 200 Aborigines may have been massacred.
Townships
There were no settlements in the West Darling region and the only evidence of European settlement were the occasional overlander camps, tents and bark/log huts set up around Hawdon's Ford. The Aboriginal tribes lived in a symbiotic relationship with the natural environment and were often seen by the overland travellers fishing along the riverbanks or collecting food near the waterways.
Agriculture
Agriculture activity had barely commenced in the region. A few of the overland travellers chose suitable locations to feed their stock during periods of favourable weather and concentrated mainly along the banks of the Murray River and Darling river. In 1830 a Government Gazette had banned land occupation beyond the 19 countries which extended no further west than Yeass. However, settlers continued to illegally graze land between the crowded Murrumbidgee and the Lower Darling.
Commerce
The only commercial activity at this stage was at the Darling Junction where small tents and huts began to spring up providing services to the overlanders, including alcohol and refreshments, and tradesmans services such as blacksmithing.
Transport and Communication
The only reliable form of transport possible in the region at this time were horses. The lack of water restricted the distances which they could be travelled, therefore all routes remained close to the waterways. Horse drawn vehicles such as wagons and drays were the only form of transport or communication within the area. River crossings were selected where horse, cattle and sheep could easily be forded or in some cases make-shift bridges or punts built.
Services and Community Facilities
There were no services within the district, at the time. The availability of drinking water determined the location of any activities, therefore the Murray River which was well explored at this stage became the main thoroughfare and point of transport and settlement.
Social Organisation and Recreation
The only true social organisation in the region at this time was carried out by the Aboriginal communities who had established their own long standing culture and customs. Some of the more prominent activities being burial customs, initiations and food gathering described in Appendices 2 and 3.
1846-1860: Squatters and Townships
Overview
A number of squatters established reign over the land along the Darling and Murray Rivers, expanding their holdings westwards from the Murrumbidgee area and north eastwards from South Australia. The junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers was the site of the settlement now know as "McLeods Crossing". Transport to the area has been improved with the coming of the Murray River boats and steamships. The land proved to be an ideal location for grazing large stocks of sheep. Squatters continued to take claim to land along the frontages disregarding the territory of the Aborigines.
Landscape
The onslaught of stock to the banks of the Murray and Darling Rivers brought with it drastic change to the natural landscape within those areas. The sheep began to erode away the native grasses and the stockmen and squatters cleared the land for the purposes of erecting their own establishment and to provide greater stock carrying capacity.
The People
By 1851 the Census showed 132 white people resided west of the Darling, dominated by squatters and their families and a number of small tradesmen and innkeepers at McLeod's Crossing. No record was taken of the Aboriginal population. The Aborigines were no match for the onslaught of pastoralism. Disease, hunger and death assailed the people and they abandoned their diminishing tribal countries to work on stations and sometimes move onto missions such as that set up at Yelta, across the Murray River in Victoria.
Townships
In the mid 1840's the "Darling Junction" became known as "McLeod's Crossing". Bates and McLeod were the first white residents of the settlement. James McLeod opened a hotel name the Junction Inn on the West bank of the Darling in 1847. By 1858 McLeod's Crossing had four shops, one butcher and four boarding houses. However, at this time the commercial vitality of the centre was being ignored by the New South Wales government who proceeded to enforce Moorna Station, west of the junction, on the Murray, as the administrative centre of the area with the presence of a Commissioner of Lands, a police station and post office.
In 1857, Surveyor general Barney considered it time to establish a proper township at McLeod's Crossing. The town site was approved in 1859 and the first allotments were sold on October 29, 1859. The settlement was proclaimed a town in 1860 and took the name of Wentworth in honour of William Charles Wentworth.
As early as 1850 a survey of a town planned for Mt Lookout, known as Morquong was submitted. However, this was later cancelled in 1893. The large stations became small townships within themselves due to the fact that stock would be run on properties far from the homestead and many hands would be required to maintain and manage the distances and the numbers of stock. Each of the properties were almost self sufficient with their own food supplies, fuel supplies and building materials.
Agriculture
Since 1847 land had been claimed for grazing along the frontages of Murray and Darling and the shores of Lake Victoria. At that time land administration in New South Wales lagged behind settlement. The first survey of the Darling was conducted in 1847 by McCabe and white, but much of the frontage had been taken up.
By 1851 formally unlicensed runs could be held under a grazing licence entitling a squatter to any number of runs adequate for 4,000 sheep. In 1853 the Commissioner of Crown Lands estimated 300,000 sheep in the Albert District which comprised all New South Wales land beyond the darling, at which time only the lower Darling was occupied.
By 1854 the southern surveys were completed giving squatters ability to tender for their runs and gain the much needed security of tenure. The runs were adjusted to ensure each squatter had adequate water frontage. Rental value was appraised for a 14 year lease. The squatters considered that the 14 year leases were well worth the rental.
In 1851 it was recorded that William Campbell owned Pooncarie and Tarcoola runs to the north of the Shire along the Darling River and in earlier 1848 surveyor McCabe recognised that McLean was on both Polia and Moorara Stations within the same area. The squatters were establishing houses on their runs along the riverbanks to gain permanent access to water supply.
Quite a number of farming establishments were being created along the Murray River on both the New South Wales and Victorian sides which were able to gain access to improved provision of supplies and communication by introduction of the riverboat along the Murray River.
The grazing of sheep and beef cattle were the main agricultural pursuits of the time. These activities were particularly heightened along the Murray River due to access to riverboat transport enabling wool clips to be transported easily from the outback stations to the main markets and ports of Adelaide and Melbourne. Such activities resulted in the building of a number of woolsheds along the riverbanks.
The stations were not fenced, therefore shepherds were employed to tend the stock and ensure their access to water sources and protection from wild dogs and Aborigines.
Commerce
William Randell opened a store at the Junction in 1850's. James McLeod's Darling Inn was opened in 1853, and Francis Cadell opened a trading post in 1856. This was supported further by the incidence of trading on the riverboats during the mid 1850's. Many of the stations and overlanders required provisions to be imported from Adelaide for construction work or necessities such as food and clothing. In 1856, the River Murray Navigation Company established a storage depot at McLeod's Crossing for goods and supplies with the ability to contain 1,000 wool bales.
Transport and Communications
In 1851 the South Australian government offered 4,000 pounds bonus for the first two iron steamboats to successfully navigate the Muray from Goolwa to the Darling Junction. The MaryAnn built by William Randell made a trial run and was the first steamship on the Murray in 1853. Lady Augusta, with Captain Francis Cadell at the helm raced upstream with Randell to initiate the success of the Murray River as a means of transport and communication.
At this stage settlers on the Darling were despondent at the impracticability of transporting wool to a port or obtaining supplies. The Darling was an unreliable river to navigate. In 1858 Cadell submitted a plan to lock and de-snag the Darling but the New South Wales Government was unenthused to enhance the trade of South Australia. The first trading up the Darling by riverboat was accomplished in 1859, during a time of high water flow, with Cadell at the helm of the "Albury" and Randell with the "Gemini".
Services and Community Facilities
A mission station for Aboriginies, known as Yelta was set up on the south bank of the Junction in 1855 and in that same year the first doctor, Dr Renner arrived and stayed in the settlement until the 1870's.
Social Organisation and Recreation
No recorded recreation activities were taking place at this stage but there is no doubt those on the stations and in the small settlement at the Junction created their own amusements and activities to pass the many hours of isolation.
1861-1870: The River Trade
Overview
The river boat activities along the Murray and Darling Rivers encouraged further active growth of the area. Settlements and stations continued to concentrate around the frontages to take advantage of the river trade and a reliable water source. The arrival of the first river borne wool at Goolwa was start of an important era in Australian history. Steam navigation of the river followed and the junction of the Murray and Darling naturally became the site of the township to become an emporium of the river traffic and a depot for the supply to the interior. Further settlements started to spring up as points of exchange along the river, and located where the steamships could renew their supplies of wood.
Landscape
Scrub and timber stands were vastly cleared and many water points put down in the more arid areas. The soil was firmed so as to increase the stock numbers. Efforts on behalf of the squatters to increase their land capacity was proving disastrous, particularly in the drier years. However, the squatters were spurred on by the wet season of 1863-1864 which truly marked the beginning of infiltration into the outback areas, where many rushed to lay claims to runs with lush feed.
The large scale modification of the landscape was aided by cheap, rapid, river transport which brought fencing materials and building materials to the outer country. The land improvements to cater for enormous numbers of sheep were starting to result in irreparable damage to the landscape. Many of the stations were running sheep at a capacity of one sheep every fifteen hectares whereas the current capacity is one sheep per 40 to 65 hectares.
The People
In 1861 Wentworth had a recorded population of some 200 white persons. The township was thriving with two brick hotels, several stores, a police station, district court, a school master and room, Presbyterian manse and a small surgery/hospital. By 1866 the population had grown rapidly with a recorded 50 births, 13 marriages and 42 deaths which compared to 17 births, 7 marriages and 9 deaths the previous five years. The Wentworth settlement was characterised by a mixture of tradesmen, itinerant workers, store keepers, riverboat men, stockmen and squatters. There continued to be large drift from the Victorian gold fields by persons searching for new employment. During 1869, the Duke of Edinburgh (Queen Victoria's youngest son) visited Wentworth for several weeks at the invitation of the Wright family.
Townships
Wentworth settlement was expanding rapidly and had become a major port of exchange for the river trade. River ports were being established along the Murray and Darling rivers and they owed their vitality as business centres to the actual river trade.
Pooncarie on the Darling was developing at this stage. The port was considered a vital link to river transport for the outlying holdings. By 1870 the township had an estimated population of 70.
In 1865 a survey was undertaken to determine the site of the Gol Gol township on the Murray, which was notified in the government Gazette of 1866.
Agriculture
By 1861 many of the squatters had confidently expected to double production of their grazing stock within a year. The 14 year lease reduced to a five year lease and rents increased. Squatters complained of high rents, insecure tenure and the "stay-at-home" Commissioners who were involved in too many other duties. There was a severe shortage of surveyors which resulted in delayed marking out of squatters leases and many of the squatters felt they could not afford to risk capital on improving their runs.
The 1863-1864 wet season marked the beginning of South Australian infiltration into the area. The adjoining South Australian land had been settled for many years and the enticement of the outback, lush with feed, promoted a rush to lay claims to the runs. Areas along the Great Anabranch started to open up. The outback runs were taken up under an annual licence and most of them estimated areas of 162,560 hectares, however, some remote blocks were as large as 325,120 hectares. It was usual to combine several runs into one holding. Those outback runs that were without water conservation facilities failed miserably in surviving the following dry years and the Depression years of 1868 to 1870.
In 1867 Andrew McLymont, the local "stock" inspector, recorded the sheep returns at some 287,065 for the district. At that time the main stations in the area were Lake Victoria, Moorna (Mootherie), Tapio, Mallee Cliffs, Para, Tarcoola, Mallara, Moorara, Polia and Cuthero.
Commerce
By 1861 licensed hawking steamers were travelling the Murray and Darling Rivers. Hawkers supplied many household items, fabrics and supplies and often provided specialised services such as watchmaking and shoe repairs. Much of the trade continued to occur along both of the rivers on a regular basis. In the same year Thomas McGeorge built a single storey brick hotel known as the Wentworth Hotel which replaced the original McLeod's shed which had burnt down. A number of bush hostelries opened up along both the Murray and Darling rivers acting as trading posts, points of accommodation, coach stops, horse changes and mail exchanges. The hotel at Pooncarie was built in 1865.
In 1864 the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney opened an office in Wentworth. After 1864, a New South Wales customs office was built on the Murray. There were many repercussions up the Darling and settlers complained of increased food and supply costs. Local bonded stores were then established. The whole pastoral industry was hampered by duties of intercolonial stock movement and border hopping become common.
Transport and Communications
The rivers continued to provide the major source of transport and communication for the district. Pooncarie was developed as a vital port with a natural two tier wharf which was unaffected by flooding. However, the unreliability of the Darling remained as a problem for many seasons, resulting in delays in removal and collection of supplies, goods and wool clips. In 1865 the Government sent out a survey team t investigate the improvement of navigation on the Darling, however, no works resulted from the survey.
The North East Road remained a much travelled highway, passengers on coach from Sydney to Hay made their way across to Pooncarie where they joined the crowded coaches for Victoria.
By 1860 a Post Office established in Wentworth in a shed in Darling Street. Four mail routes converged on Wentworth in 1861, with the mail to Melbourne taking up to 4 ½ days to reach its destination. The first telegram was made available in the settlement in 1866.
The first Post Office was established at Pooncarie in 1869, in a room in the "Pooncaira" Hotel. Mail was delivered to the stations along specified routes via horseback or horse drawn carriages.
Services and Community Facilities
A national school, church buildings, doctors, newspaper services and a hospital were available in Wentworth during the 1860's and an impressive court house was built in 1863.
The first police presence was felt as far north as Pooncarie with the permanent arrival of one mounted senior constable.
Social Organisation and Recreation
The hotels became important points for community congregation and were utilised as halls and places for religious ceremonies on the occasions when such facilities did not exist.
In 1861 Wentworth's first race meeting was held on New Years Day with the main street being the course. The pub balcony became the grandstand for the occasion. In 1864 the Wentworth turf Club was founded, with many of the squatter having interests in horse breeding and racing.
1871-1880: Municipality and Pastoral Expansion
Overview
Wentworth and district were inundated by the great flood of 1870 as a result many areas were isolated for months. The township of Wentworth gained recognition as a major port and growth centre within New South Wales. By 1879 the town was proclaimed a municipality. The squatters and graziers continued to expand their holdings and expend great amounts of capital on improving the capacity of the land. One of the largest steamers ever to be on the river was built and utilised constantly for trading and transportation.
Landscape
The expansive plains continued to be cleared and sheep grazed away the native grasslands and vegetation. Fences were appearing in many locations and channels were begun to be dug away from the riverbanks to supply water to station gardens tended by the Chinese. The River Red Gum and Box tree were removed to cater for the hungry wood supplies of the river steamers.
The People
Some of the great pastoral pioneers were present in the district including names like Crozier, Cudmore, Pyle and Barritt. The Aboriginal population had diminished gradually and were concentrated on the large stations and mission points established along the river. The remaining wandering tribes relied upon the stations for many of their food supplies.
Townships
In 1871 sales began of allotments at Gol Gol but it was a decade until many of them were occupied. By 1879 Wentworth had been proclaimed a municipality and two months earlier the first Council met, comprising of Messrs. Gunn, Edwards, Upton, Bowring, Mitchell and Saunders. Gunn was the first Mayor elected onto the Municipal Council.
A typical feature of the townships was the surrounding commons which enabled the large busy coach lines and mounted police a facility for grazing and resting horses. Local residents often kept milking cows and established small produce gardens on the commons at a fee.
Agriculture
By 1870 the New South Wales and South Australian boundary had at last been defined and a number of run holders found themselves straddling the border and continued for many years to pay rents into two Treasuries.
By 1876 the outback was not fully settled, particularly the large areas of dry country. When pastoralism gained a foothold in well watered country squatters expended enormous funds to improve runs. The likes of DH Cudmore spent some 63,000 pounds on improving Avoca Station over a period of 30 years.
During the mid 1870's there was much tension between shearers and the Darling squatters. Shearers were being accused of laziness and unruliness. However, the shearer's lot continued to be difficult because the western wool was matted with grass seeds and burrs and work and accommodation conditions were cramped and lacked sanitation. The disputes were an extension of similar strife spreading around New south Wales at the time.
Commerce
The river steamers continued to play a very important trade role within the district. Numerous hotels and wine shanties were established along the rivers and by the mid 1870's between Wentworth and Cuthero Station there were some 10 hotels including Ellerslie, The Welcome Inn, The Roadside Necessity (Burtundy), Burtundy, The Maid and Magpie (Camborn), Middle Yard Hotel, Tarangara Hotel, Barling Hotel (Lethero), Southern Cross Hotel (Old Malara), Yartala Creek Hotel (Polia) and the Hotel at Pooncarie which may have earlier been known as the Mail Coach Hotel. Large stores were establishing in Wentworth such as that owned by William Bowring.
Transport and Communications
The river boats continued to provide the vital source of transport and communication for the area. However, increased communications were becoming available through telegraph facilities, mail routes and newspaper publications. In 1871 Cobb & Co established a coach route from Swan Hill to Wentworth. A coach and mail run was established between Wentworth and Wilcannia, via Pooncarie whilst Kidman and Nichols ran a service on the western side of the Darling.
In 1875 advancement of the railways which was anticipated to be a great boon to the district was realised when a survey was made for a railway from Cootamundra to Pooncarie, however, the line was never established.
In 1877 the large steamer Avoca (one of the largest steamers on the river) was built and commenced activities along the Murray. That same year, the telegraph line to Pooncarie was completed, the station acting as an important repeater station between Sydney and Adelaide.
Services and Community Facilities
In 1870 Reverend Cocks was sent to Wentworth to establish a committee to build an Anglican church. The church was the first erected on the Darling. Reverend Cocks and ministers like him regularly travelled to the outlying areas to administer the faith. Some rode their bicycles up the length of the Darling as far as Wilcannia. That same year, the Wentworth Catholic Church was commenced and completed in 1872.
By 1879 work had commenced on the construction of the Wentworth Gaol which was to provide employment and further recognition to the township and improve the conditions of prisoners in the existing, overcrowded lock-up. At this stage Pooncarie erected a courthouse and lock-up at the southern entrance of the township.
Social Organisation and Recreation
As within the previous decade group activities such as race meetings and sports days were occurring in and around Wentworth.
1881-1890: Droughts, Deluge and Rabbits
Overview
The western land was thrown open for settlement and the wealthy western squatters had their vast lands reduced in size. The settlers and squatters were stricken with seven seasons of dry weather and subsequent poor wool clips. The additional onslaught of the rabbit plague coupled with overstocking began to cause much erosion and land degeneration. Nonetheless, the settlements continued to thrive and grow at a reasonably rapid pace. Across the Murray the Victorians had been investigating the possibility of developing an irrigation area at Mildura.
Landscape
During the 1880's a huge rabbit plague killed about 90% of the salt bush and trees in the Wentworth district leaving the whole area like desert. In an attempt to reduce the rabbit plague, New South Wales netted the south Australian border and controlled the fence. A number of the squatters invested funds into netted fencing, however, the plague continued and the ravages were desperate. The effect of the rabbits and the many seasons of dry weather couple with overstocking of sheep caused much further erosion and pasture degeneration. The area held some 15 million sheep compared with 9 million since.
In 1890, Pooncarie recorded its highest flood level. Flooding damage was significant along the Darling and Anabranch, contributing further to erosion of the fragile landscape. The township of Wentworth was protected by levee banks constructed in the 1880's resulting from the memory of the great flood of 1870.
The People
In 1884 Wentworth had recorded 100 births, 27 marriages and 55 deaths. The district had some 250 shearers and by 1886 severe trouble was brewing between the shearers and the western squatters. Travellers noticed that there were now only a few Aborigines in contrast to the once numerous populations on the river banks. Additionally, there was a growth of the population of those of Chinese descent who found their way from the Victorian gold fields. The Chinamen had many market gardens around the townships and on the stations but their presence was often criticised and in 1880 the introduction of the Chinaman's Act enforced a 10 pound toll on all Chinese in the state. One notable Chinaman was a much respected man within the Wentworth township. John Egge had many commercial concerns including river boats and trading houses and contributed to many charities. He was so well liked that the school children went around the township and collected money to pay his toll.
Townships
An article written for the Adelaide Observer by Cornelius Proud in 1883 described Wentworth as a township which strikes the visitor with a fresh and healthy appearance due mostly to the credit of the Municipal authorities. It was observed that the wide streets were planted for most with umbrageous trees and footpaths and gutters were finished off in wood.
The township was considered to have a noticeable absence of churches and an abundance of hostelries of which none were considered ideal at the time. Proud considered that from its geographical position Wentworth was certain to become a most important railway centre. He further described Pooncarie which he considered to be one of the most uninviting localities on the river.
Another article which was to appear in the Age newspaper in 1885 described the main street of Wentworth as a good roadway with broad sidewalks planted with shade trees, red brick houses and stores and white painted weatherboard cottages with a smart "spick-and-span" appearance.
Gol Gol, in the early 1880's was a township of six families. The mostly underdeveloped town site was recorded as having on hotel, one store, one stone building residence, a cemetery with three graves and one log hut.
By 1889, Pooncarie had a Police Station, Post Office, School , two hotels and a number of houses.
Agriculture
In 1884, Farnell's Land Act came into being and appeared to meet most of the settlers needs which provided for the taking up of areas by selectors and security for a definite term for the squatters. In accordance with the Act, pastoral leases were divided into about equal parts these sections were titled the "resumed" area and the "leasehold" area, the former being held under occupation licence which was immediately thrown over for selection and the latter which was left to the former lessee. The incidence of dry years, low wool prices and the effects of the rabbit saw an amendment to Farnell's Act in 1889 which gave an extension of lease to squatters, who then became known as graziers, for the leasehold areas. The amendment also offered larger blocks of the resumed area under better tenure to selectors. Although many of the stations were divided up into much smaller areas the larger stations such as Lake Victoria still had some 1,660,000 acres.
Mechanisation of agriculture increased with the first trial of the Woolsley shearing machine being undertaken at Dunlop Station further north. Avoca Station was one of the first in the district to install the machinery.
In 1888, after two dry years, work was scarce, many of the towns folk of Wentworth looked for land or work in Victoria. Irrigation schemes were underway in Renmark in South Australia and the local movement for irrigation became vociferous. On August 8, 1888 the Councillors and Commoners (responsible for the commons surrounding Wentworth) held a meeting to consider a petition to Parliament proposing a portion of the commons be set aside for irrigation settlement. The Commoners agreed to alienate 12,00 acres of temporary commons, embracing an area known as Websters Plain, for the purpose of irrigation. Subsequently, the Wentworth Irrigation Act was introduced to the Legislative Assembly by JP Abbott Esquire MLA for Wentworth.
Around the same time the Victorian Government had passed an agreement for the Chaffey brothers, from California, to establish an irrigation area at Mildura. The Wentworth Irrigation trust was established in 1890 in an endeavour to precipitate the horticultural development of the Websters Plain.
Commerce
In the 1880's each colony imposed its own trade regulations and customs officers were located at all trading points to collect duties. Wentworth's customs branch was one of the busiest in NSW.
In 1885 the `Gem' and `Ruby' were the best of the South Australian craft built on American models with magnificent accommodation. The river trade continued to thrive. In 1883 the value on imports from South Australia to Wentworth reached 404,331 pounds whilst to Victoria only 54,241 pounds. Export to South Australia from Wentworth rated some 782,552 pounds and from Victoria only 72,331 pounds.
Wentworth occupies fourth place on the list of shipping towns in New South Wales with 199 vessels arriving from South Australia and 51 from Victoria, in 1883. Many small boats belonged to hawkers. Most of the goods came from Adelaide.
Mush frustration was engendered in the township regarding the inability of the New South Wales Government to expend adequate financed within the area. It was considered that may a seaport on the New South Wales coast had thousands of pounds spent on it by an anxious Government in an endeavour to encourage progress, but these ports had no more, and often less, than the steady income Wentworth received. However, Wentworth had had no great outlay invested in it.
Transport and Communications
The River Darling Navigation Company was formed in 1882, which employed snaggers using bullock teams and winches to keep the river clear for boats.
In 1884 the people of Wilcannia got together a private syndicate to propose locking of the upper Darling which had been loudly demanded for years. But, by 1885 the railway line to Bourke had been completed which commenced the demise of the Darling boats.
A private proposal to link Broken Hill and Wentworth with a rail line to join the Victorian system across the Murray was abandoned in 1890 when the New South Wales Government showed signs of toying with the idea of a railway line from Orange to Wilcannia and then set on a plan to connect Wentworth to Hay, which never eventuated.
The coach services continued to provide a vital link between townships, particularly during times of low river. However, their progress and reliability continued to be
hampered by rough roads.
Services and Community Facilities
This decade saw the commencement of provisional schools at both Pooncarie and Gol Gol. Many children on the larger stations who where isolated from the settlements had governesses or established schools houses or their own.
In 1885 Wentworth was recorded as having three hotels, four churches, two banks, one public school, a customs house, a court house, a lock-up, a gaol, police barracks and mail communications to Adelaide Melbourne and Sydney. Telegraph news was sent via Grebbles Telegram Company and the two newspapers were able to provide up to date information daily. In the same year the Wentworth Water Tower was erected at the rear of the hospital.
By 1887 the much awaited brick hospital was built at Wentworth across both the Darling River and Tuckers Creek, which had to be crossed by patients rowed by a wardsman who was summoned by bells. Many previous visitors to Wentworth often considered it ludicrous that there was such a lavish and fine gaol built in the township but no hospital. It was even recorded once that a man who needed an arm amputation was convicted as a vagrant so he could be sent to the gaol to receive the adequate treatment required.
The Wentworth school was considered to be a fine building which had a play yard and shelter sheds. Of special note were the windows which were tinted blue glass to neutralise the hot summer glare.
Social Organisation and Recreation
The people of Wentworth held race meetings, numerous bazaars, amateur concerts and dramatic entertainment's often in aid of any project. The first agricultural show was held at Wentworth in 1885. Horse races and pigeon shoots were popular during the 1880's. The first race meeting was held at Pooncarie in 1883. Steeple chase courses were evident at both Lethero and Camborn, near Pooncarie.
1891-1900: Resumption and Settlement
The agricultural viability of the land was rapidly diminishing as a result of the rabbit plague, exacerbated by overstocking, drought and land clearing. The pastoral properties divided into small resumed allotments caused grief to many a settler because of the inability to sustain ample production. Some holdings were being abandoned and as a result, a new Land Act was passed to hand back resumed lands to the stations until required for settlement. The dismal pastoral industry resulted in demands for the sufficient funding of an irrigation scheme to be established along the Murray, east of Wentworth.
Landscape
The impact of the rabbit plague, drought, overstocking, land clearing and wind and water erosion had dramatically changed the landscape. Netted fences appeared and cats introduced into the district in an attempt to destroy the rabbit, but in effort destroying much of the bird life and native marsupials. The impact of flooding and heavy rain was far more severe than ever before. The townships provided an oasis from the dry outback and street planting was considered a vital duty of the municipality. Destruction of a street tree became a serious offence. A network of canals and trenches was established on Websters Plain.
The People
The Aboriginal people could no longer live off the denuded landscape. The smaller stations comprising the resumed lands had no place for Aboriginal communities or their employ. With increasing redundancy and relentless prohibition on hunting the Aborigines were gradually forced into towns were the Protection Board of NSW provided handouts. The towns were demoralising and idleness led to alcohol abuse.
Townships
Wentworth's precedence within the district was being slowly diminished by the growth of the Mildura township across the river. However, the reliance upon the Darling-Murray River trade still flourished and Wentworth continued to be an important point of exchange. Gol Gol's growth was precipitated by Mildura's expansion and improved transport links. Pooncarie continued to flourish as a service centre to the Darling stations and a new store opened.
Agriculture
The destruction of pastoral land by drought and rabbits was further exacerbated by the `caving-up' of stations under the Farnells Land Act of 1884. The `resumed' runs were too small for ample production, particularly during such hard times. The abandonment of the smaller holdings resulted in a revision of the leasing arrangements and introduction of Carruthers Land Act in 1894 which allowed for selection on an improved basis and the return of leased resumed areas to the stations, until required for settlement. The effort of the rabbits, drought and land administration was felt by even the largest stations. During 1895, Lake Victoria Station comprised of an area greater than one and a half million acres and shore 1 million sheep. The following year the station declared no income. The wool stations were also experiencing further trouble with the shearing industry which was in a state of flux since mechanization The big strike of 1894 saw the destruction of the riverboat `Rodney" carrying `non union' shearers headed up the Darling to `Tolarno' Station. The steamer was completely burnt out adjacent to `Polia' Station by striking shearers in revenge.
The progress of the Wentworth Irrigation Area continued with the employment of an engineer and loan approvals from the Australian Joint Stock Bank in Darling Street. The boundaries of the irrigation area was increased by the Irrigation Trust to take in the nine mile gate (now Dareton). However, as a result the Trust was unable to raise sufficient loans to carry out required works. In 1896 the Trust was dissolved and the Government took over the exercise. Between 1896-1900 the first channel was built along the west bank of Horshoe Billabong and the first irrigation sections in the state were opened for settlement.
Commerce
The commercial attributes of the Shires river system continued to be explored and the Rolyston family of Pooncarie achieved fruition with the commencement of a small commercial fishing venture on the Darling.
The Wentworth Customs House was erected in 1898 and acted as a clearing house for three states. The checkpoint handled the largest volume of goods in the state, surpassed only by Sydney and Newcastle. Within a few miles of customs points, regular smuggling services operated, with the particular aim of avoiding the Victorian stock tax.
Transport and Communications
During 1892 Charles McMahon purchased the Swan Hill to Wentworth coach service from the Burton Bros. The service flourished and McMahon was known to keep up to 170 horses at the Gol Gol mail change (on the common) and some 200 horses at Wentworth.
In 1895 a road carting service was established between Pooncarie and Wentworth, enabling a reliable exchange of goods and supplies.
Punts were put into operation over the Murray at both Curlwaa and Wentworth. A bridge was erected over the Darling River at Wentworth and all steamboats coming down River were required to whistle on approach to alert the bridge keeper to raise the lift span.
Services and Community Facilities
A new school was erected at Pooncarie and a small community of the sisters of mercy, from Deniliquin opened two Catholic schools in Wentworth
Social Organisation and Recreation
A site for Wentworth Showgrounds was gazetted in 1899. A cricket club was formed at Pooncarie and regular matches were played between the township club and sides formed from large stations. Athletic sports days were often followed by a grand ball or similar event.
1901-1910: Irrigation
Irrigation breathed new life into the district that had been ravaged by rabbits and drought. The pastoral leases had expired by 1900 and land administration initiatives were enacted to assist in repairing the damaged properties.
Landscape
The land had been denuded by the rabbit, overstocking and drought. Dry salt pans and severe erosion was evident. The lowest reading of the Darling River level was reached in 1902. Land along the Murray frontages, east of Wentworth was undergoing rapid changes. Channels were being built, orchards and vine planted and a neat patchwork of horticultural activity was becoming evident.
The People
Gol Gol's population continued to increase steadily as a result of irrigation works and growth of Mildura. Wentworths population remained at a steady growth.
Townships
The Wentworth Irrigation area was beginning to grow and require further facilities available from townships. A rapid population increase was being experienced at Gol Gol, particularly as a result of surrounding irrigation works on both sides of the river. By about 1917 Gol Gol was considered a suburb of Mildura. However, growth of the northern Murray townships was halted by the New South Wales Governments reluctance to pursue the construction of a rail line which could link up with Victoria, at Mildura.
Agriculture
The year 1900 saw all 316 pastoral leases expire in the Western Division and a Royal Commission was undertaken into the Western Division. As a result the Western Lands Act was passed in 1901 giving power to administer all land matters. The following year the Pastures Protection Act was empowered to control stock movements, disease, vermin stock brands and the like. Wealthy pastoralists such as Cudmore, who had spent 63,000 pounds improving Avoca Station and large sums for water works on the Anabranch Station, now had a gloomy future due to denudation of the land.
By 1906, 800 acres of the 1,200 acres set aside for the Wentworth Irrigation Area, was open for selection on practically perpetual leasehold terms. All channel construction and pumping facilities were completed. The popularity of irrigation was waning in Sydney where it was considered more development of arable land in the eastern and central divisions of the state was warranted prior to large expenditure on irrigation in the far reaching western division. However, Walter Sage provided a catalyst and inspiration to settlers by achieving remarkable success with horticultural produce in 1908. That same year 458 acres were under production in the Wentworth Irrigation area. At this stage the Government had also set aside land at Pomona for irrigation.
Commerce
In the early 1900's, Chinaman Wing Lee operated a market garden on the Victorian banks of the Murray and would row over the river to sell his produce to the people of Gol Gol. Boats still carry on up the Darling as trading vessels.
In the mid 1910's, Crozier constructed a slaughter house adjacent to the Gol Gol punt to serve the needs of residents in Mildura. It was operational until 1927.
Transport and Communications
In 1902 an agreement was reached between Victoria and New South Wales whereby Victoria was empowered to construct and operate our lines of railway linking the Riverina with the existing Victorian railway system, One connection was proposed between Gol Gol and Mildura, but never undertaken.
The `PS Ruby' was built at Morgan for the Gem Navigation Company in 1907 and registered for navigation in 1909. River boat activity still retained the vital link between outback and port. Coach services continued to rally along the overland route. However, the much awaited trains never arrived in the Wentworth Shire.
In the mid 1910's a punt was installed to Gol Gol to enhance vital links with the rapidly growing town of Mildura.
Services and Community Facilities
Gol Gol received its first town water supply be means of a hand operated pump which carried water by pipe to the top of the river bank. A new police station and courthouse was erected at Pooncarie to cater for the two troopers employed in the township.
Social Organisation and Recreation
William Wilkes took over the license of the Gol Gol hotel after returning from the Boer War in 1908. William organised sports days and similar entertainment activities. In the early days of temperance in Mildura, residents drove their horse and cart to the Murray south bank and were ferried across to the hotel by two Aborigines, Wurlong and Black Mack, for sixpence return.
Tennis started to become popular and tennis courts were erected on stations and within townships.
The Pooncarie Pastoral and Agricultural Society was established in 1911. A hall was erected at Curlwaa in 1909 with money raised from sports days, dances and shows.
1911-1930: Weirs, Locks, Road and Rail
By 1929 a series of locks and weirs, to assist navigation and pumping, had been completed on the Murray River. An improved system of road networks, state-wide rail links and motorised transport reduced the need for river boats as a source of transportation, communication and trade. Irrigation areas within the Shire expanded and new settlements were established, including Dareton. The Victorian town of Mildura continued to grow and prosper, acting as a regional focus, reducing the potential expansion of facilities in the towns within the Wentworth district.
Landscape
Further intensification and expansion of horticultural activities continued along the Murray resulting in large scale clearing and planting of trees and vines. Each irrigation area was signified by a myriad of channels and tracks. The Murray river had become a more stable water source due to the construction of locks and weirs along its course, the water level being regulated by the new Hume Dam.
The People
The Shires population increased by the influx of persons being involved in horticulture. The number of persons employed on large stations however, reduced due to the declining income and the effects of the depression. Many young men in the district went to war and more returned to take up soldier settlement allotments within the irrigation areas.
Townships
After 1928 Coomealla (now Dareton) grew as a small settlement to support the surrounding irrigation area. The other townships within the Shire maintained steady growth. However, the emphasis was upon irrigation settlements. Wentworths township began to lose its strategic importance due to the declining significance of river trade and communication. Its population, however, was boosted by construction of Lock No 10. Mildura was gaining commercial importance and improved transportation links enhanced its accessibility and significance to settlers in Wentworth. Settlement began to occur around the bridge site at Mildura which was later to form the village of Buronga.
Agriculture
The reliance upon horses for farming was reduced by the introduction of mechanised vehicles such as the tractor and rotary hoe which became vital on irrigated allotments.
Horticultural produce came under strict scrutiny following the 1914 Fruit and Vegetable Packing Act which controlled quality. A number of fruit disease outbreaks occurred the most serious being fruit fly strike in 1924. That same year the Curlwaa Co-operative Packing Society formed.
The Coomealla Irrigation area was comprised in 1923. By 1928, 92 horticultural and 10 residential holdings were occupied.
Commerce
Mildura's presence as the commercial centre of the district increased reinforced by such activities as stores providing `order boys' to Gol Gol followed by deliveries of bread and groceries by horse and cart.
The Pooncarie store continued to be supplied by river steamers such as the `Renmark" and `Colonel'. Two new stores opened at Pooncarie, which installed petrol pumps.
A shop was set up at Abbortsford Bridge and the Curlwaa settlement had a number of commercial activities including barber, bank and fruit canning. A store was set up within the new Coomealla Irrigation area.
Transport and Communications
The bridge over the River Murray between Buronga and Mildura was completed in 1927. The iron lift-span bridge was expensively built and designed to carry trains, but rail transport never eventuated within the Shire due to a lack of Government funding.
Private punts commenced operation along both rivers, particularly utilised by stations which had runs on both sides of the river banks.
A new post office building was constructed in Pooncarie to cater for the wider role as telephone exchange, to the newly installed party lines being established throughout the district. Curlwaa was granted a Post Office in 1916.
Abbottsford Bridge, which commenced construction in 1925, was opened in 1928. The iron lift open bridge provided a vital traffic link across the Murray for Wentworth and Curlwaa settlers.
Services and Community Facilities
In 1926 the Bush Nursing Association opened in Pooncarie, occupying a site reserved for a hospital. The local area was served by an ambulance after 1919. A school was opened in Curlwaa in 1927, setting up in the local hall until the school building was completed in 1921.
Social Organisation and Recreation
Pooncarie residents were treated to regular Saturday night dances in the towns two halls, which were also utilised for balls, shows, travelling picture theatre, club meetings and visiting clergy.
Australian Rules football began to be played in the district. Clubs were formed at Wentworth, Pooncarie and Curlwaa. After the war a regular competition was drawn up for the district.
Cricket and Tennis competitions continued to be popular. During the construction period of Lock 10 sporting teams were formed by construction workers and fielded sides in local competitions. The Lock construction authorities had laid tennis courts and an oval alongside the cemetery. Rowing in Wentworth had become very popular and other Murray River settlements formed competitive rowing clubs.
1956: The Great Flood
During 1956 Wentworth Shire experienced one of the largest floods on record, second only to the 1870 flood. The flood was more damaging than any previous due to the intensification of development along the river frontages.
Wentworth was proclaimed a Shire in 1956. Wentworth township no longer provided the focus for commercial activity due to the demise of the river trade and expansion of Mildura. Horticulture was gaining credence as a most valuable industry in the Shire. Communications and services in the Shire improved significantly.
Landscape
The 1956 flood was a result of the merging of the swollen waters of the Murray and Darling Rivers. Downstream from Wentworth the inundation was referred to as the Great Flood. Wentworth became like an island, protected only by huge levees frantically constructed by volunteers as the floodwaters ravaged the Shire.
The irrigation holdings were increasing in size and new channel works and clearing of mallee was being carried out east of Coomealla.
The pastoral holdings were being stringently controlled by the Pastures Protection Board and Western Lands Commission, in an attempt to revive the denuded landscape. Further effects of rabbit plagues and floodwaters caused some serious erosion problems.
The People
The epic struggles of local volunteers and army/police relief to reduce the devastating impact of flooding is well recorded in the Shire. During the flood one third of Wentworths population were evacuated. Volunteers worked tirelessly to build and patch levee banks
The makeup of people in the Shire had changed significantly from the previous 20 years. The river boat captains, deck hands, woodcutters and the like no longer dominated the Wentworth footpaths.
Some 100 returned soldiers and their families moved into the Shire to take up soldier settlement irrigation farms at Coomealla and Dareton.
The Aboriginal population was disperses. The mission at Pooncarie closed in 1933 and the people moved to Menindee. Many Aborigines, both local and from other districts set up humpies and crude improvised dwellings outside the Coomealla irrigation area.
Townships
Wentworth's service role had drastically diminished with the removal of the river trade and the increasing growth of Mildura, which had the advantage of rail and major highway links. Additionally, Pooncarie stagnated.
Dareton and Buronga continued to grow with the vitality of the horticultural industry boosted with Government funding and the increased population of returned serviceman.
The Wentworth municipality was given the authority to become a Shire in 1956. The original proposal to embrace all land under the authority of the Pastures Protection Board, came under local objection. A compromise plan resulted in todays existing Shire boundaries.
Agriculture
The Coomealla irrigation area was expanded with an extension scheme carried out by the Water Resources Commission under the War Service Land Settlement Scheme. One hundred holdings to the east of Coomealla were created as soldier settlement allotments. The State Bank functioned as a Statutory Agent for the government and administered funds for the scheme.
Eligibility for the allotments required previous experience with fruit growing. Applicants were boosted with reserve nominations who were awarded allotments by ballot. Farm size varied according to land classifications. Planting were approved according to the allocation recommendations made by the Australian Agricultural Council and Bureau of Agricultural Economics.
The Water Resources Commission carried out works in the form of concrete lined supply laterals, pipe lines, access culverts and deep drainage facilities.
A Horticultural Research Station was established in 1951, west of Dareton in response to pressure from local fruit growers associations. Agricultural industries including fruit packing were established in Coomealla in 1949.
Commerce
Wentworth's commercial domination declined as Mildura's commercial role expanded.
Dareton's commercial establishments grew in the post war years and the local Rural Bank (now State Bank) played a vital role in the development of the area.
Transport and Communications
The increase in road transport bought a local lobby for improved roads. The majority of works were not carried out until the 1960's.
Without the river boats, many of the outback areas experienced a new isolation, particularly during the great flood when air lifts and food drops became necessary. Improved telecommunications compensated for the loss of regular visits from river boats.
The mail runs became important communication links and often acted as supply carriers. Many of the Shires roads are named according to their mail run. A new mail service was established from Pooncarie to the west saving properties in 1948.
Services and Community Facilities
A number of Churches were built during the mid 1930's at Dareton. The Roman Catholic Church was erected in 1953.
The schools gained new additions including classrooms and weather sheds.
New and improved household items made life in the isolated areas more comfortable. Improved electricity and water services in the townships reinforced the era of "comfort" established in the past-war years.
Social Organisation and Recreation
The period saw a boom in local progress associations and professional/occupational groups, particularly regarding horticultural production. Of prime importance was the establishment of the Returned Services Leagues and Memorial Clubs which resulted in one of the Shire's most popular tourist activity today, the Services Club.
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