Public Works

A CRY FROM HOG BAY. [1900]

The residents of Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island, are deserving of a jetty for their persistency in asking for it. Time after time their request for increased facilities or shipping has met with rebuffs, but that has not deterred the representative of the district in Parliament from moving the re solution which invariably finds a place each year on the pages of 'Hansard,' viz. "That a report be obtained and laid upon this table of this House showing the cost of providing and erecting a landing wharf suitable for landing passengers and cargo at Hog Bay." The question came before the Marine Board at its meeting on Wednesday, when a report from the Engineer-in-Chief was read. He stated that the estimated cost of the jetty and approach to Bay Terrace— the site selected— was £1,800. The President drew attention to a lone report prepared by the Board and forwarded to the Treasurer in October of last year, in which the Wardens expressed the opinion that although a jetty would be a great convenience to the settlers and others the present or anticipated trade for some considerable time would probably not pay interest on an expenditure of £1,800. Having reviewed the subject the Board came to the conclusion that the opinion expressed last year was applicable now, and that as far as it was concerned Hog Bay would still have to exist without a jetty.

A CRY FROM HOG BAY. (1900, September 13). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), p. 4. from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54531096

HOG BAY JETTY. [1901]

To the Editor.

Sir— I trust that members of Parliament will endeavor to remove the serious disabilities under which residents in the Hog Bay district of Kangaroo Island suffer by voting for the proposal to erect a jetty there. Even looking at the matter from the commercial side I think it will be found that the comparatively small sum required will not be unremunerative directly and in directly, for the resources of the district are not few, and are capable of much development. Certainly it would not be difficult to mention public expenditure in other places by the State which has not so good a chance of securing an adequate return. But it needs a personal acquaintance with the shocking want of facilities for landing passengers and transporting cattle and produce to enable anyone to realise the discomforts and cruelty consequent thereon. Having a close acquaintance with the present conditions, I feel I should be lacking in my duty if I did not try to arouse the minds of our legislators with a view of ending the present state of things. If they are still unconvinced let them make a visit of inspection, and then I am sure their humane instincts will move them to redress the wrong. The cry "Settle on the land," is one that meets with popular approval, but it is scarcely fair that people who desire to do so should stand a good chance of getting drowned before they are able to accomplish their wish. — I am, &c, F. W. SAMWELL. Port Adelaide, August 10, 1901.

'Sir— With your permission I will add my testimony to that of Canon Samwell and others in reference to the disgraceful state of the landing-place at Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island. I have on several occasions witnessed the landing and embarkation of passengers and the shipment and discharge of cargo, under circumstances which require to be seen to be realised. The landing place consists of protruding rocks, and considerable agility is required in those who would venture to scale them. In the case of ladies and elderly persons it is not a question merely of discomfort, but of positive danger. The shipment and discharge of cargo is carried out under appalling difficulties. Vessels do not approach nearer than to about a quarter of a mile from the shore. Small boats are the intermediaries between the lands-people and the ships, and these have to be met in the water by teams, the drivers of which are compelled to wade waist deep in water. The conditions all round are worse than those to which pioneers of 30 years since in other parts of the State were subjected. Hog Bay is suffering from a Governmental neglect, which is almost criminal. — I am, &c. GEORGE RITCHIE. 'Port Seaton,' Goolwa, August 8, 1901.

Sir—While the people of Hog Bay and the travelling public have to be carted into and out of boats by a dray, drawn by a team of oxen, in stormy weather no freight can be landed from, or shipped to, the steamer, and occasionally even the mails and passengers are carried on to Queenscliffe, a distance of about 50 miles by land through the scrub; consequently they can not be brought back by steamer for two days. Surely the people of Hog Bay and vicinity are entitled to be treated with consideration. I have had to ride and walk from Queenscliffe to Hog Bay for the above cause. Mr. Tucker deserves great credit for his advocacy of a much-needed public work. — I am, &c, S. BAIRNSFATHER. Norwood, August 12, 1901.

HOG BAY JETTY. (1901, August 17). Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), p. 25. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87808623

Tender Accepted For Kingscote Water Supply

The Commissioner of Public Works (Sir Herbert Hudd) said yesterday that he had accepted the tender of Emmett and Sons Ltd.. Woodville, for the construction of three reinforced concrete tanks, each of one million gallons capacity, to be built partially underground in Ewens street, Kingscote West, Kangaroo Island. Water would be pumped from the Cygnet River to these tanks and reticulated to the township of Kingscote. The Minister said that the work of laying the pumping main from the Cygnet River to the tanks would begin this week, and would provide employment for about 30 local men. in addition to departmental specialist workmen, for four or five weeks. Tenders for the pumping machinery would close on Thursday. It was expected that the whole scheme would be completed and in commission by October.

Tender Accepted For Kingscote Water Supply (1938, January 11). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), p. 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36402821

WATER SCHEME FOR KINGSCOTE

Official Opening By Minister

DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS ON KANGAROO ISLAND

A water scheme for Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, was officially opened by the Commissioner of Public Works (Mr. McIntosh) on Saturday. Sir Herbert Hudd, who was largely responsible for the scheme, when he was Commissioner of Public Works, was, with Lady Hudd, an invited guest. In introducing the Minister, the chairmman of the district council (Mr. M. Smith) said that the scheme, which necessitated pumping from the Cygnet River, cost £23,000. Mr. McIntosh said that no progressive and happy community had ever been established without the people being taught to be tree and garden minded, I and the inculcation of such a spirit was possible only where a town had a water scheme. He paid tribute to Sir Herbert Hudd for the interest he had taken in the scheme, and for his foresight in establishment from the loan granted by securing financial assistance for its the Commonwealth Government. "May the scheme be a source of great comfort and pleasure and a stream of life to this town" said Mr. McIntosh, as he turned on the water.

Sir Herbert Hudd expressed his appreciation of the invitation to be present at the consummation of a scheme that had taken many years to bring to fruition. The scheme would prove an important factor in the development of the agricultural industry on the island and in making it possible to beautify the town and provide the essential in terests that would attract tourists in large numbers to what would be recognised as the Isle of Wight of South Australia.

Settlement Possibilities

Mr. Smith presided at a banquet held at the Ozone Hotel in the evening. Replying to the toast of "The Government," Mr. Mclntosh said that he knew of no greater possibilities for successful land settlement than in the south and south-east of the mainland and on Kangaroo Island, and the development of those areas would be assisted through the recent amendment to the Land Settlement Act, which gave the Government power to clear and put down in pastures up to 300 acres before the allotment of Crown lands was made. A toast to Sir Herbert Hudd was proposed by Mr. R. Wheaton, supported by Mr. V. H. P. Cook. The toast of the officers of the Engineering and Water Supply Department who were responsible for the scheme, was proposed by Mr. W. Burgess, and the engineer-in chief (Mr. H. G. M. Angwin) responded. "New-comers to the Island" were toasted at the instance of Mr. V. H. F. Cook, supported by Mr. D. C. Murray. In responding. Mr. Hugh Robinson said that it had been proved that a carrying capacity of two sheep to the acre could be obtained for an outlay of £3 an acre. Government assistance was still required in the direction of experimental work, particularly where pastures were concerned. "On the mainland." Mr. Robinson said, "we are forced to destroy the rabbits on our property, but on the island, although they do enormous damage, the shooting of wallabies and kangaroos is not allowed. I have snared 600 of these vermin on my property this year, and I am confident that I am feeding at least 1,500 wallabies at the present time." Mr. Robinson said that it was necessary to fence the fauna reserve, on the south of the island, as early as possible claiming that unless this was done the country would be overrun with vermin as development progressed Mr. D. Davidson supported the remarks of Mr. Robinson.

Country Section (1938, November 7). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), p. 21. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36590375