Mallala - User contributions [en]

Form:Place

2024-12-03T00:25:04Z

Marcus:

<noinclude>
This is the 'Place' form.
To add a page with this form, enter the page name below;
if a page with that name already exists, you will be sent to a form to edit that page.

{{#forminput:Place}}

</noinclude><includeonly>
{{{for template|Place}}}
{| class="formtable" style="white-space: nowrap;"
! Category*:
| {{{field|Places category|mandatory|show on select=Building=>address;Building=>address2;Building=>address3;Building=>datebuilding;Site=>sitetype;Locality=>datelocality;Site=>sitedates;Building=>bybuilding;Site=>sitetype;Locality=>bylocality;Site=>bysite;Building=>datedemolished;Building=>usedfor;Site=>usedfor}}}
|- id="sitetype"
! Site type*:
| {{{field|Site type|mandatory|show on select=Land section=>dateland;Landmark=>datelandmark;Natural feature=>datenatural;Land section=>byland;Landmark=>bylandmark;Natural feature=>bynatural}}}
|-
! Also known as:
| {{{field|Also known as|size=95}}}
|- id="address"
! Street number:
| {{{field|Street number}}}
|- id="address2"
! Street name:
| {{{field|Street name}}}
|- id="address3"
! Street suffix:
| {{{field|Street suffix}}}
|-
! Town or Locality*:
| {{{field|Town or Locality|values from category=Locality|mandatory}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background-color: #F8F8F8; padding: 20px;"| <span class="instructions">Please enter the address below. Then click "Look up coordinates."</span>
{{{field|Geocoordinates|input type=googlemaps}}}
|-
! Year<span id="datebuilding"> constructed</span><span id="datelocality"> established</span><span id="sitedates"><span id="dateland"> of first land title</span><span id="datelandmark"> created</span><span id="datenatural"> named</span></span>:
| {{{field|Date constructed|input type=year}}}&emsp;Approximate: {{{field|Date approximate}}}
|- id="datedemolished"
! Year demolished<br />or re-purposed:
| {{{field|Date demolished|input type=year}}}&emsp;Approximate: {{{field|Date approximate2}}}
|-
! <span id="bybuilding">Built </span><span id="bylocality">Established </span><span id="bysite"><span id="byland">First land title held </span><span id="bylandmark"> Created </span><span id="bynatural">Named </span></span>by:
| {{{field|Built by|values from category=People}}}
|- id="usedfor"
! Used for:
| {{{field|Used for}}}
|}
{{{end template}}}

'''Description:'''

{{{standard input|free text|editor=wikieditor|rows=10}}}
{{{for template|Info}}}
<span class="instructions"> The fields below can each contain multiple values. Separate them with a comma.</span>
{| class="formtable"
! Related Articles:
| {{{field|Related Articles|values from namespace=main}}}
|-
! External Links:
| {{{field|External Links|editor=wikieditor|input type=textarea|rows=2}}}
|-
! Sources:
| {{{field|Sources}}}
|-
! Flickr ID:
| {{{field|FlickrID}}}
|-
! YouTube ID:
| {{{field|YouTubeID}}}
|}
{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|MemoryHeader}}}{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|Memory|multiple|label=Memories}}}
'''My memory:''' {{{field|1|input type=textarea}}}

'''My name:''' {{{field|2}}}
{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|MemoryFooter}}}{{{end template}}}

{{{standard input|summary}}}

{{{standard input|minor edit}}} {{{standard input|watch}}}

{{{standard input|save}}} {{{standard input|cancel}}}
</includeonly>

Template:Locality

2024-12-03T00:19:41Z

Marcus:

<noinclude>
This is the 'Locality' template.
It should be called in the following format:
<pre>
{{Locality
|Also known as=
|Town or Locality=
|Geocoordinates=
|When established=
|Established by=
}}
</pre>
Edit the page to see the template text.
</noinclude>
<includeonly>{| class="fastfacts" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" width="240"
|-
| '''Fast Facts'''
{{#if: {{{AltName|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Also known as
{{!}} {{#arraymap:{{{Also known as|}}}|,|x|[[AltName::x]]}}}}
{{#if: {{{Town or Locality|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Town or Locality
{{!}} [[LocationAddressTownLocality::{{{Town or Locality|}}}]]}}
{{#if: {{{When established|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} When established
{{!}} [[DateConstructed::{{{When established|}}}]]}}
{{#if: {{{Established by|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Established by
{{!}} [[Establishment::{{{Established by|}}}]]}}
|}

<div id="articlemap">
{{#if:{{{Geocoordinates|}}}|{{#display_point:{{{Geocoordinates}}}|service=googlemaps|types=normal|controls=zoom|height=240|width=240}}}}{{#set:LocationCoordinates={{{Geocoordinates}}}}}
</div>
[[Category:Locality]]
</includeonly>

Template:Locality

2024-12-03T00:16:19Z

Marcus:

<noinclude>
This is the 'Locality' template.
It should be called in the following format:
<pre>
{{Locality
|Also known as=
|Site type=
|Town or Locality=
|Geocoordinates=
|When established=
|Established by=
}}
</pre>
Edit the page to see the template text.
</noinclude>
<includeonly>{| class="fastfacts" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" width="240"
|-
| '''Fast Facts'''
{{#if: {{{AltName|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Also known as
{{!}} {{#arraymap:{{{Also known as|}}}|,|x|[[AltName::x]]}}}}
{{#if: {{{Town or Locality|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Town or Locality
{{!}} [[LocationAddressTownLocality::{{{Town or Locality|}}}]]}}
{{#if: {{{When established|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} When established
{{!}} [[DateConstructed::{{{When established|}}}]]}}
{{#if: {{{Established by|}}} |
{{!}}-
{{!}} Established by
{{!}} [[Establishment::{{{Established by|}}}]]}}
|}

<div id="articlemap">
{{#if:{{{Geocoordinates|}}}|{{#display_point:{{{Geocoordinates}}}|service=googlemaps|types=normal|controls=zoom|height=240|width=240}}}}{{#set:LocationCoordinates={{{Geocoordinates}}}}}
</div>
[[Category:Locality]]
</includeonly>

Form:Place

2024-12-03T00:06:48Z

Marcus: replaced Site=>sitebys with Site=>bysite

<noinclude>
This is the 'Place' form.
To add a page with this form, enter the page name below;
if a page with that name already exists, you will be sent to a form to edit that page.

{{#forminput:Place}}

</noinclude><includeonly>
{{{for template|Place}}}
{| class="formtable" style="white-space: nowrap;"
! Category*:
| {{{field|Places category|mandatory|show on select=Building=>address;Building=>address2;Building=>address3;Building=>datebuilding;Site=>sitetype;Locality=>datelocality;Site=>sitedates;Building=>bybuilding;Site=>sitetype;Locality=>bylocality;Site=>bysite;Building=>datedemolished;Building=>usedfor;Site=>usedfor}}}
|- id="sitetype"
! Site type*:
| {{{field|Site type|mandatory|show on select=Land section=>dateland;Landmark=>datelandmark;Natural feature=>datenatural;Land section=>byland;Landmark=>bylandmark;Natural feature=>bynatural}}}
|-
! Also known as:
| {{{field|Also known as|size=95}}}
|- id="address"
! Street number:
| {{{field|Street number}}}
|- id="address2"
! Street name:
| {{{field|Street name}}}
|- id="address3"
! Street suffix:
| {{{field|Street suffix}}}
|-
! Town or Locality*:
| {{{field|Town or Locality|values from category=Locality|mandatory}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background-color: #F8F8F8; padding: 20px;"| <span class="instructions">Please enter the address below. Then click "Look up coordinates."</span>
{{{field|Geocoordinates|input type=googlemaps}}}
|-
! Year<span id="datebuilding"> constructed</span><span id="datelocality"> established</span><span id="sitedates"><span id="dateland"> of first land title</span><span id="datelandmark"> created</span><span id="datenatural"> named</span></span>:
| {{{field|Date constructed|input type=year}}}&emsp;Approximate: {{{field|Date approximate}}}
|- id="datedemolished"
! Year demolished<br />or re-purposed:
| {{{field|Date demolished|input type=year}}}&emsp;Approximate: {{{field|Date approximate2}}}
|-
! <span id="bybuilding">Built </span><span id="bylocality">Established </span><span id="sitebys"><span id="byland">First land title held </span><span id="bylandmark"> Created </span><span id="bynatural">Named </span></span>by:
| {{{field|Built by|values from category=People}}}
|- id="usedfor"
! Used for:
| {{{field|Used for}}}
|}
{{{end template}}}

'''Description:'''

{{{standard input|free text|editor=wikieditor|rows=10}}}
{{{for template|Info}}}
<span class="instructions"> The fields below can each contain multiple values. Separate them with a comma.</span>
{| class="formtable"
! Related Articles:
| {{{field|Related Articles|values from namespace=main}}}
|-
! External Links:
| {{{field|External Links|editor=wikieditor|input type=textarea|rows=2}}}
|-
! Sources:
| {{{field|Sources}}}
|-
! Flickr ID:
| {{{field|FlickrID}}}
|-
! YouTube ID:
| {{{field|YouTubeID}}}
|}
{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|MemoryHeader}}}{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|Memory|multiple|label=Memories}}}
'''My memory:''' {{{field|1|input type=textarea}}}

'''My name:''' {{{field|2}}}
{{{end template}}}
{{{for template|MemoryFooter}}}{{{end template}}}

{{{standard input|summary}}}

{{{standard input|minor edit}}} {{{standard input|watch}}}

{{{standard input|save}}} {{{standard input|cancel}}}
</includeonly>

User talk:Dino

2024-09-17T01:23:12Z

Marcus: Welcome!

'''Welcome to ''Mallala''!'''
We hope you will contribute much and well.
You will probably want to read the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Help:Contents help pages].
Again, welcome and have fun! [[User:Marcus|Marcus]] ([[User talk:Marcus|talk]]) 01:23, 17 September 2024 (UTC)

User talk:Eric

2024-09-17T01:22:58Z

Marcus: Welcome!

Belarusian Historical Society in Australia

2024-09-03T01:37:01Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Belarusian Historical Society in Australia Inc.
|StreetNumber=41
|StreetName=King William St
|Locality=Rosewater
|Geocoordinates=-34.848743627697, 138.5199701786
|DateEstablished=2000
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Father Michael Burnos and Viktor Kovalevski
}}
Belarusian Historical Society in Australia

''BHSinAu is archiving documents, stories, photographs of after WW2 wave of Belarusian migrants from Europe to Australia''
{{Info
|Related Articles=Migrant Camp at Mallala
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Mallala sub-branch Returned and Services League

2024-09-03T01:36:37Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Government
|AltName=Mallala R.S.L.
|StreetNumber=RSL Clubrooms Mallala Recreational GroundMallala
|StreetName=Wasleys Rd
|Locality=Mallala
|DateEstablished=1947
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Community and Returned Servicemen
|BusinessPurpose=Care and support for returned and serving service men and women.
}}
When peace was declared on August 15th 1945 to end World War Two many servicemen and women returned and settled in the Mallala area. Some of those who were eligible to join the R.S.L. did so, and attended meetings at the Long Plains sub-branch of the R.S.L., there being no sub-branch at Mallala.
Late in 1946 an application was made to form a sub-branch at Mallala which became official on 1st January 1947. The first officers were President Mr. D.A. Moody, and secretary/treasurer Mr Lance Maddern.

As a result of increased membership and some returned servicemen from Wasleys also joining up, it was evident that a clubhouse was required at Mallala in which to hold the meetings. At this time the meetings were being held in the Mallala Institute.
To build a suitable clubroom a considerable sum of money was needed so members set about raising money. After some negotiations Bruce and Bryan Farrelly offered some of their land for share-farming. This offer was accepted and for the following three years members prepared the ground, then sowed crops and harvested them. The project was very successful and a considerable amount of money was raised. There were also smaller amounts raised by members or the wives and families.

On 3rd November 1953 an approach was made to the District Council of Mallala to build clubrooms on the property owned by the District Council on land known as Mallala Park. On 8th March 1954 the agreement was tabled and signed.
In early August 1954 the clubrooms were being erected by H & B Hutchins of Gawler. It was 52 ft long by 24 ft wide to be built of concrete blocks with an iron roof. Mallala Council agreed to a loan of 200 pounds to furnish the building.
The clubrooms were officially opened by Mr A.J. Lee, now Sir Arthur Lee, on 21st September 1955.
Mr D.A. Moody was awarded Life membership on Feb 15th 1957 in recognition of his service to the Mallala R.S.L.

A Salisbury temporary home was purchased in 1962 and attached to the rear of the building to serve as a kitchen and store room. This was inadequate for purpose and in 1970 a new brick kitchen, toilets and bar were added to the rear of the building. In 1972 further additions were made and a lounge area added to the western side of the building. Cabarets were the main source of income with the first one held in the Mallala Institute in 1965 and following that they were held several times a year in the clubrooms. A piano was purchased in 1957 and upgraded to a better quality in in 1968.
In 1950 a Legacy ward was adopted resulting in an annual donation of 50 pounds.
In 1960 the Long Plains sub-branch closed due to insufficient active members and the remaining ones were welcomed to the Mallala sub-branch.

On 14th September 1980 a stone cairn and plaque were unveiled by Air Commodore AFC to commemorate the existence of a RAAF training base at Mallala during World War Two. Immediately after, an Honour Roll was unveiled at the RSL Clubrooms honouring the men and women who served from the district in World War Two.
In 1984 the membership was smaller, but members were able to continue with activities and maintain an interest in various organizations in the district.

The sub-branch has been actively supported by the R.S.L. women’s auxillary which was formed in the 1950s, with Mrs S.C. Williams as president and Mrs Betty Moody as secretary. It lapsed in 1959 and reformed in 1970. During the years much of their income was derived from catering for wedding receptions and dinners etc. Subsequently the members have been able to purchase many items of equipment as well as helping with the maintenance of the building.

The above article was written in 1984. In 2020 the Mallala sub-branch of the R.S.L. continues to operate. A recent drive for members has seen great enthusiasm from people of the district. In 2020 the President is Ray Coleman and the secretary Martin Wellar.
{{Info
|Related Articles=War Memorial, Two Wells War Memorial,
|Sources=Book: "Life around the Light" A history of the Mallala District Council area. Published 1985.
|FlickrID=6693184079, 49816138211,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Two Wells Country Fire Service

2024-09-03T01:36:10Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Two Wells Emergency Service, Two Wells C.F.S.
|StreetName=Old Pt Wakefield Rd.
|Locality=Two Wells
|Geocoordinates=-34.594015493584, 138.51317398879
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
'''History of the Two Wells Country Fire Service'''

By Phillip Earl - ''Group Officer of Light Country Fire Service Group.''

'''How it all started'''

Prior to the establishment of the Emergency Fire service, country people would fight fires with very basic tools and equipment. This was usually limited to shovels, rakes, wet bags, leather floppers, knapsacks and the odd privately owned motorized pumps.
Mallala Council purchased hand operated Ajax pumps and 44 gallon drums to be distributed throughout the district following an Act of Parliament in the Mid 1930s. Mallala council also had a 400 gallon tank & motorized pump that could be put onto a council truck filled with water ready to fight fires through out the district. This act made it the responsibility of local councils to provide Fire Fighting Equipment and appoint Fire Control Officers within the council area. I believe this started in the early 1940s, on a 50/50 subsidy with the state government sharing the cost of equipment. This 50/50 subsidy for fire-fighting equipment went on for many years up to a change in the subsidy ratio then after the introduction of the Emergency Fire Service Levy by the State Government. Now all funds are state funds.

Councils became members of Fire fighting associations across South Australia.
Mallala Council was a member of the Lower North Fire fighting Association. This saw membership of Councils from Eudunda and Robertstown, in the north to Balaklava to the west and Freeling to the east to name a few. In later years, EFS/CFS brigades also became members. The Fire fighting Associations were the fore runner of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and now the South Australian Country Fire Service Volunteer Association representing the 17,000 CFS volunteers across the state.

Fire Control Officers were in charge of a fire within their own council area. This was usually a local Councillor or Farmer, who was issued with a medal badge, so they could be identified at a fire. When a fire occurred, certain farmers were notified by the local Telephone Exchange Operator who had a list of contacts. The Operator would notify the appointed farmers who would collect pumps and drums spread throughout the district. These drums were full of water and stood on a wooden stand made from repurposed railway sleepers. They were loaded onto trucks and utes to fight the fires.
These pumps and stands stayed in place until the early 1970s when council removed them.(One stand still exists north of Sharman’s at Calomba.) Privately owned equipment was also utilised through this system.

At Two Wells a Tank full of water with a hand pump, knapsacks and hand tools were permanently set up on chocks ready for a truck to reverse under. This was located near a quarry at the rear of the Institute in Two Wells. A Council truck or private trucks were used for this purpose. Later a motorized pump was fitted. This system worked well but relied on the same people’s trucks being available to fight the fires.

''''''
'''An Assigned Fire Brigade with Appliances''''''

Following the Second World War equipment and trucks became more readily available, so in 1957 a public meeting was held to form the Two Wells Emergency Fire Service.
Money was raised through donations and with the support of the Mallala District Council, who placed a levy on Council rates for 1 year. A Fire Station and Siren was erected in the main street of Two Wells and a 1942 two wheel drive, Lend lease Chevrolet, truck was converted into a Fire Appliance by the Mallala Council Mechanic, Mr Les Burford at a cost of 759Pounds ($1518). It had a water capacity of 650 Gallons with a Rex pump powered by Wisconsin motor.

On the 20th of December 1957 the Two Wells EFS shed and appliance was officially commissioned by the Director of the Emergency Fire Service of South Australia, Mr Fred Kerr. Mr AH Harvey was the first Station Officer of the brigade.
In August 1958, the Two Wells Emergency Fire service was officially registered.
A New Bedford appliance purchased from Curnow’s at Two Wells replaced the original Chevrolet around 1966.
In 1970 another appliance arrived, a local built International AB110. In 1972, an Austin Gipsy 4x4 both these appliances were second hand.
In 1978 a second hand International c1300 appliance made in Sharpe brothers shed at Two Wells by brigade members replaced the Gipsy, which then went to Dublin CFS.
In 1979 an A.J Stock built new Dodge appliance costing $30,000 replaced the decommissioned Bedford.
In 1992, a new 24 type Hino appliance built at Murray Bridge replaced the international c1300.
In 1998, a Moore’s built Hino 34 replaces the Dodge.
2009 a new Isuzu 34p Dual cab appliance replaces the Hino 24.
In 2017 another Isuzu 34 Dual cab appliance.

Currently the brigade has a 34 dual cab Isuzu appliance for rural fires and a 34 P dual cab for urban and rural type fires.
Currently in 2020, we have appliances such as the Two Wells 34 and 34P. This is abbreviated to mean 3as 3000lts and the 4 being 4 wheel drive. The P indicates a pumper with increased pump capacity for urban type fires

''''''Competitions'''''

In the mid 1960’s, a Humber car was cut down and used at competitions by the Brigade. It was also used for local fires by the Deputy Supervisor whom was appointed by the Mallala Council, Mr Reg Hart. It had a drum for water and a motorised pump.
The brigade was very competitive in the state run competitions which were held at different towns across the state. These competitions were hosted at Two Wells Oval in 1972, and 1982. In 1967 Two Wells was awarded best and most efficient appliance and crew, and in 1969 won the BP achievement award at the state competitions.

'''
'''Radios in Appliances''''

High Frequency radios were first introduced in the early 1960s. These radios were installed in appliances to communicate with each other and mobile appliances. The Mallala Council vehicles sharing the same frequency.
From 1960-1975 different Council areas were on their own frequencies. The Base Radio was located in the Mallala Council Office. Two Wells had a mobile radio at the beginning in the Institute. This was then relocated to the Station.
In 1975, the state changed to new Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The Council still retained the licenses however an additional two state frequencies were added through a repeater network. This gave better communication throughout the state. Each Council still had their own channels and Two Wells also had the Virginia and One Tree Hill Channel.

The VHF radios were upgraded across the state in 1991 to a Multi channel set, this was the first time everyone had the same type of radios in appliances across the state. This came into existence from the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires where poor communications were experienced. Hand held radios also became more popular as the technology improved.
The Base station was still located at Mallala Council office and each brigade had their own station radios. In 2000 the Government Radio Network (GRN) was introduced. This meant each CFS Group had a dedicated channel and access to multi talk groups across the state with the ability to communicate with other Emergency Agencies. This was also a recommendation from the Ash Wednesday fires Royal Commission.

'''Communication Call Signs – Two Wells'''

In the 1960s and 1970s at Two Wells Brigade, the Bedford was known as Mobile 6, the International was Mobile 7 and the Council car was known as Mobile 1.
Approximately in the 1980s, this changed to a new system to identify the type of vehicle. Two Wells Dodge was now known as Two Wells 52, this being a large type of 2wd appliance. The International 1300 unit was now Two Wells 61 a small 4x4 appliance.
The Call sign was VL5FZ this was assigned to the Mallala Council for the EFS/ CFS each council area had a different call sign.

'''
'''Name Changes and Amalgamations''''

In 1976, the Country fires Act was introduced into State Parliament and in 1977 the Emergency Fire Service changed to the Country Fire Service. This was not simply a name change, but introduced many legislative changes.
Station officers became Captains, Supervisors became Group Officers and each Brigade was a member of its own group. Two Wells, Mallala and Dublin became known as the Mallala CFS group. This later amalgamated to become the Light Group with 11 Brigades from the Mallala and Light Regional Councils. The CFS Group Base is currently at Roseworthy.

'''
'''Call outs'''

In the early years the Brigade only attended single-digit call outs, this continued until the 1970s. By the 1980s this increased to call outs in the Fifties. By 1990s the call outs were in the hundreds. In 2018, the Brigade attended 232 call outs a year.
The call outs have changed over the years from solely fires to all types of emergencies. Since the late 1980s, vehicle accidents account for about 30% of all callouts. This has resulted in increased expectations from the community of Volunteers within the Brigade. Volunteers are investing more time into training and are highly committed. Two Wells has 6 accredited members in Road Crash Rescue to assist Dublin and Virginia Brigades who have the life saving equipment. The brigade also has 11 personnel trained in Breathing Apparatus (BA) for structure fires or hazards environments.

'''Floods''' have played a big part of the call outs over the years with personnel being involved from 1983 onwards with both the Gawler and Light Rivers on many separate and combined floods.
The brigade has been involved in many interstate deployments since the Sydney fires in 1994 and strike teams with appliances or personnel only, all over the state of South Australia.

'''
''''''Methods of Response to Call Outs''''''

Crews once responded to call outs via the siren at the station. Members of the public started out by asking the Phone Exchange Operator to report a fire. The operator activated the siren via the telephone exchange. Personnel would respond to the station and answer the phone to find out the details of where to attend the fire.
Then over the years various phone systems allowed calls to be taken in members’ homes. When the automatic exchange was connected, members of the public could dial the fire service 202 000 connecting into Member’s homes. The member who answered their phone first would take down all the details. Other members could listen into the conversation to also get the details of where to attend. The member could then activate the town siren via a button on their telephone.

This then lead to tone pagers being carried to notify members.
Pagers were then updated to digital displayed message of call out details. These are the same pagers used in 2020.
Now all calls come from Adelaide Fire Via a 000 call from a member of the public. Members receive a detailed digital message via their pagers.
The siren is rarely used but since the Pinery Fires in November 2015 the siren remains an additional way to warn of fire or other emergency for crew and members of the public.

'''Crews'''

The brigade is nothing without its dedicated volunteers. This number has increased over the years from 10 or so in the early years to over 40 fire-fighters and numerous Brigade support members today. In 2020 at Two Wells Station, this number includes 6 active female fire-fighters. These members also participate in management roles at major fires or incidents across the state, not just local events.

Since the 1970s the brigade has encouraged Cadets. Cadets are members who range in age from between 11 to 16 years of age. The number of Cadets has increased in the last 20 years to constantly be around 20. Of that total, nearly half are female members. Over the years some members who have started as Cadets have moved onto become Senior Fire-Fighters and Officers of the Brigade.

'''The Two Wells brigade currently has 10 life members paying tribute to the long and dedicated membership of the Brigade over many years.'''

''''''Stations''''''

The original Two Wells Station built in 1957 remained the same but had numerous additions to the width, length and internal fit out. The old station is now the RSL building.

1994 saw the current station built on Wells Road with all the internal rooms constructed by dedicated Members under the Supervision from a local builder and Brigade Member Mr Bill Milton. This was done to save money at the time so the Brigade could get the size and shed needed.

'''Unfortunately the current station is no longer practical and a larger addition to the existing station or a completely new station will be required to meet the current and future needs of the Brigade.'''

'''Officer in Charge at the Brigade'''

A.H Harvey 1957-1959

E.S Goode 1960-1962

G.A Prior 1963-1966

B.L Wilson 1967-1970

P.I Hart 1971-1975

I.M Gameau 1976-1979

B.L Wilson 1980-1983

W.E Milton 1984

P.L Earl 1985-1989

D.J Eland 1990

P.L Earl 1991-2005

T.J Wilson 2005-2007

K. Barrowcliff 2007-2008
{{Info
|Related Articles=Dublin Emergency Fire Service, Mallala Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Phillip Earl - Group Officer of Light CFS Group (2020)
|FlickrID=49928887178, 49929401616, 49928873138, 49928896993, 49928876623, 49929704787, 49928891778,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:19:24Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.362143150986874, 138.29286664118968
|Date approximate=No
|Site type=
|Date approximate2=No
|When established=
|Established by=Land subdivision
}}
== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
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Two Wells Country Fire Service

2024-09-03T01:16:05Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Two Wells Emergency Service, Two Wells C.F.S.
|StreetName=Old Pt Wakefield Rd.
|Locality=Two Wells, South Australia
|Geocoordinates=-34.59401549358432, 138.51317398879223
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
'''History of the Two Wells Country Fire Service'''

By Phillip Earl - ''Group Officer of Light Country Fire Service Group.''

'''How it all started'''

Prior to the establishment of the Emergency Fire service, country people would fight fires with very basic tools and equipment. This was usually limited to shovels, rakes, wet bags, leather floppers, knapsacks and the odd privately owned motorized pumps.
Mallala Council purchased hand operated Ajax pumps and 44 gallon drums to be distributed throughout the district following an Act of Parliament in the Mid 1930s. Mallala council also had a 400 gallon tank & motorized pump that could be put onto a council truck filled with water ready to fight fires through out the district. This act made it the responsibility of local councils to provide Fire Fighting Equipment and appoint Fire Control Officers within the council area. I believe this started in the early 1940s, on a 50/50 subsidy with the state government sharing the cost of equipment. This 50/50 subsidy for fire-fighting equipment went on for many years up to a change in the subsidy ratio then after the introduction of the Emergency Fire Service Levy by the State Government. Now all funds are state funds.

Councils became members of Fire fighting associations across South Australia.
Mallala Council was a member of the Lower North Fire fighting Association. This saw membership of Councils from Eudunda and Robertstown, in the north to Balaklava to the west and Freeling to the east to name a few. In later years, EFS/CFS brigades also became members. The Fire fighting Associations were the fore runner of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and now the South Australian Country Fire Service Volunteer Association representing the 17,000 CFS volunteers across the state.

Fire Control Officers were in charge of a fire within their own council area. This was usually a local Councillor or Farmer, who was issued with a medal badge, so they could be identified at a fire. When a fire occurred, certain farmers were notified by the local Telephone Exchange Operator who had a list of contacts. The Operator would notify the appointed farmers who would collect pumps and drums spread throughout the district. These drums were full of water and stood on a wooden stand made from repurposed railway sleepers. They were loaded onto trucks and utes to fight the fires.
These pumps and stands stayed in place until the early 1970s when council removed them.(One stand still exists north of Sharman’s at Calomba.) Privately owned equipment was also utilised through this system.

At Two Wells a Tank full of water with a hand pump, knapsacks and hand tools were permanently set up on chocks ready for a truck to reverse under. This was located near a quarry at the rear of the Institute in Two Wells. A Council truck or private trucks were used for this purpose. Later a motorized pump was fitted. This system worked well but relied on the same people’s trucks being available to fight the fires.

''''''
'''An Assigned Fire Brigade with Appliances''''''

Following the Second World War equipment and trucks became more readily available, so in 1957 a public meeting was held to form the Two Wells Emergency Fire Service.
Money was raised through donations and with the support of the Mallala District Council, who placed a levy on Council rates for 1 year. A Fire Station and Siren was erected in the main street of Two Wells and a 1942 two wheel drive, Lend lease Chevrolet, truck was converted into a Fire Appliance by the Mallala Council Mechanic, Mr Les Burford at a cost of 759Pounds ($1518). It had a water capacity of 650 Gallons with a Rex pump powered by Wisconsin motor.

On the 20th of December 1957 the Two Wells EFS shed and appliance was officially commissioned by the Director of the Emergency Fire Service of South Australia, Mr Fred Kerr. Mr AH Harvey was the first Station Officer of the brigade.
In August 1958, the Two Wells Emergency Fire service was officially registered.
A New Bedford appliance purchased from Curnow’s at Two Wells replaced the original Chevrolet around 1966.
In 1970 another appliance arrived, a local built International AB110. In 1972, an Austin Gipsy 4x4 both these appliances were second hand.
In 1978 a second hand International c1300 appliance made in Sharpe brothers shed at Two Wells by brigade members replaced the Gipsy, which then went to Dublin CFS.
In 1979 an A.J Stock built new Dodge appliance costing $30,000 replaced the decommissioned Bedford.
In 1992, a new 24 type Hino appliance built at Murray Bridge replaced the international c1300.
In 1998, a Moore’s built Hino 34 replaces the Dodge.
2009 a new Isuzu 34p Dual cab appliance replaces the Hino 24.
In 2017 another Isuzu 34 Dual cab appliance.

Currently the brigade has a 34 dual cab Isuzu appliance for rural fires and a 34 P dual cab for urban and rural type fires.
Currently in 2020, we have appliances such as the Two Wells 34 and 34P. This is abbreviated to mean 3as 3000lts and the 4 being 4 wheel drive. The P indicates a pumper with increased pump capacity for urban type fires

''''''Competitions'''''

In the mid 1960’s, a Humber car was cut down and used at competitions by the Brigade. It was also used for local fires by the Deputy Supervisor whom was appointed by the Mallala Council, Mr Reg Hart. It had a drum for water and a motorised pump.
The brigade was very competitive in the state run competitions which were held at different towns across the state. These competitions were hosted at Two Wells Oval in 1972, and 1982. In 1967 Two Wells was awarded best and most efficient appliance and crew, and in 1969 won the BP achievement award at the state competitions.

'''
'''Radios in Appliances''''

High Frequency radios were first introduced in the early 1960s. These radios were installed in appliances to communicate with each other and mobile appliances. The Mallala Council vehicles sharing the same frequency.
From 1960-1975 different Council areas were on their own frequencies. The Base Radio was located in the Mallala Council Office. Two Wells had a mobile radio at the beginning in the Institute. This was then relocated to the Station.
In 1975, the state changed to new Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The Council still retained the licenses however an additional two state frequencies were added through a repeater network. This gave better communication throughout the state. Each Council still had their own channels and Two Wells also had the Virginia and One Tree Hill Channel.

The VHF radios were upgraded across the state in 1991 to a Multi channel set, this was the first time everyone had the same type of radios in appliances across the state. This came into existence from the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires where poor communications were experienced. Hand held radios also became more popular as the technology improved.
The Base station was still located at Mallala Council office and each brigade had their own station radios. In 2000 the Government Radio Network (GRN) was introduced. This meant each CFS Group had a dedicated channel and access to multi talk groups across the state with the ability to communicate with other Emergency Agencies. This was also a recommendation from the Ash Wednesday fires Royal Commission.

'''Communication Call Signs – Two Wells'''

In the 1960s and 1970s at Two Wells Brigade, the Bedford was known as Mobile 6, the International was Mobile 7 and the Council car was known as Mobile 1.
Approximately in the 1980s, this changed to a new system to identify the type of vehicle. Two Wells Dodge was now known as Two Wells 52, this being a large type of 2wd appliance. The International 1300 unit was now Two Wells 61 a small 4x4 appliance.
The Call sign was VL5FZ this was assigned to the Mallala Council for the EFS/ CFS each council area had a different call sign.

'''
'''Name Changes and Amalgamations''''

In 1976, the Country fires Act was introduced into State Parliament and in 1977 the Emergency Fire Service changed to the Country Fire Service. This was not simply a name change, but introduced many legislative changes.
Station officers became Captains, Supervisors became Group Officers and each Brigade was a member of its own group. Two Wells, Mallala and Dublin became known as the Mallala CFS group. This later amalgamated to become the Light Group with 11 Brigades from the Mallala and Light Regional Councils. The CFS Group Base is currently at Roseworthy.

'''
'''Call outs'''

In the early years the Brigade only attended single-digit call outs, this continued until the 1970s. By the 1980s this increased to call outs in the Fifties. By 1990s the call outs were in the hundreds. In 2018, the Brigade attended 232 call outs a year.
The call outs have changed over the years from solely fires to all types of emergencies. Since the late 1980s, vehicle accidents account for about 30% of all callouts. This has resulted in increased expectations from the community of Volunteers within the Brigade. Volunteers are investing more time into training and are highly committed. Two Wells has 6 accredited members in Road Crash Rescue to assist Dublin and Virginia Brigades who have the life saving equipment. The brigade also has 11 personnel trained in Breathing Apparatus (BA) for structure fires or hazards environments.

'''Floods''' have played a big part of the call outs over the years with personnel being involved from 1983 onwards with both the Gawler and Light Rivers on many separate and combined floods.
The brigade has been involved in many interstate deployments since the Sydney fires in 1994 and strike teams with appliances or personnel only, all over the state of South Australia.

'''
''''''Methods of Response to Call Outs''''''

Crews once responded to call outs via the siren at the station. Members of the public started out by asking the Phone Exchange Operator to report a fire. The operator activated the siren via the telephone exchange. Personnel would respond to the station and answer the phone to find out the details of where to attend the fire.
Then over the years various phone systems allowed calls to be taken in members’ homes. When the automatic exchange was connected, members of the public could dial the fire service 202 000 connecting into Member’s homes. The member who answered their phone first would take down all the details. Other members could listen into the conversation to also get the details of where to attend. The member could then activate the town siren via a button on their telephone.

This then lead to tone pagers being carried to notify members.
Pagers were then updated to digital displayed message of call out details. These are the same pagers used in 2020.
Now all calls come from Adelaide Fire Via a 000 call from a member of the public. Members receive a detailed digital message via their pagers.
The siren is rarely used but since the Pinery Fires in November 2015 the siren remains an additional way to warn of fire or other emergency for crew and members of the public.

'''Crews'''

The brigade is nothing without its dedicated volunteers. This number has increased over the years from 10 or so in the early years to over 40 fire-fighters and numerous Brigade support members today. In 2020 at Two Wells Station, this number includes 6 active female fire-fighters. These members also participate in management roles at major fires or incidents across the state, not just local events.

Since the 1970s the brigade has encouraged Cadets. Cadets are members who range in age from between 11 to 16 years of age. The number of Cadets has increased in the last 20 years to constantly be around 20. Of that total, nearly half are female members. Over the years some members who have started as Cadets have moved onto become Senior Fire-Fighters and Officers of the Brigade.

'''The Two Wells brigade currently has 10 life members paying tribute to the long and dedicated membership of the Brigade over many years.'''

''''''Stations''''''

The original Two Wells Station built in 1957 remained the same but had numerous additions to the width, length and internal fit out. The old station is now the RSL building.

1994 saw the current station built on Wells Road with all the internal rooms constructed by dedicated Members under the Supervision from a local builder and Brigade Member Mr Bill Milton. This was done to save money at the time so the Brigade could get the size and shed needed.

'''Unfortunately the current station is no longer practical and a larger addition to the existing station or a completely new station will be required to meet the current and future needs of the Brigade.'''

'''Officer in Charge at the Brigade'''

A.H Harvey 1957-1959

E.S Goode 1960-1962

G.A Prior 1963-1966

B.L Wilson 1967-1970

P.I Hart 1971-1975

I.M Gameau 1976-1979

B.L Wilson 1980-1983

W.E Milton 1984

P.L Earl 1985-1989

D.J Eland 1990

P.L Earl 1991-2005

T.J Wilson 2005-2007

K. Barrowcliff 2007-2008
{{Info
|Related Articles=Dublin Emergency Fire Service, Mallala Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Phillip Earl - Group Officer of Light CFS Group (2020)
|FlickrID=49928887178, 49929401616, 49928873138, 49928896993, 49928876623, 49929704787, 49928891778,
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Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:12:59Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.362143150986874, 138.29286664118968
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|When established=
|Established by=Land subdivision
}}
== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
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Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:12:04Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
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|Also known as=
|Street number=
|Street name=
|Street suffix=
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== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
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Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:08:31Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}

== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
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Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:07:44Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
{{Locality
|Also known as=The History of Wild Horse Plains
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.36158439706233, 138.3778576006265
|When established=1863
}}

== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Wild Horse Plains

2024-09-03T01:02:59Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
{{Locality
|Also known as=The History of Wild Horse Plains
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains South Australia
|Geocoordinates=-34.36158439706233, 138.3778576006265
|When established=1863
}}

== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Reeves Plains Methodist Church

2024-09-03T01:01:11Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Religious
|StreetName=Days Road
|Locality=Reeves Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.5093079611, 138.604148207
|DateEstablished=1873
|Date approximate=No
|CeasedOperation=1938
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=People of the Primitive Methodist faith
}}
The church was built in 1873 on a portion of land donated by Mr W. Smith for use by those of the Primitive Methodist faith in the Reeves Plains area. Mr William Smith had been allotted section 89 Hundred of Port Gawler on 7 March 1859. One acre of land was kindly donated for the building of the Reeves Plains school in July 1866 and a few years later the church was built in close proximity to the school. A Sunday School flourished for many years.

In 1900 the Primitive Methodist Church, Wesleyan Church and Bible Christian Churches united to form the Methodist Church of Australia.

The final service was held in the Reeves Plains Methodist Church on 30th October 1938 and church members then travelled to either Woolsheds, Redbanks or Gawler churches for worship.

The church building was demolished in 1948 and some of the material was used to build the additions to the Redbanks Methodist Church.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Reeves Plains School, Redbanks Methodist Church Hall,
|Sources="Life around the Light" A History of the Mallala District Council Area printed in 1985
}}
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{{Memory|The Mallala Museum committee members would appreciate additional facts and photographs associated with the Reeves Plains Methodist Church or school.}}
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Calomba Railway Services

2024-09-03T00:59:38Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Government
|AltName=Calomba Railway Siding
|StreetName=Corner Long Plains Road and Broster Road
|Locality=Calomba
|Geocoordinates=-34.3917805306, 138.414291057
|DateEstablished=1916
|Date approximate=No
|CeasedOperation=1978
|Date approximate2=No
|BusinessPurpose=Railway services for passengers and goods trains
}}
On April 20th 1917 the Calomba Railway Station shared in the official celebrations for the new railway line from Salisbury to Long Plains. At Long Plains his Excellency the Governor of South Australia Sir Henry Galway performed the opening ceremony by starting the train in readiness to travel to the next station. With the official passengers on board the train moved along the new Adelaide Plains line through the stations of Calomba, Mallala, Korunye, Two Wells, Virginia, Direk, to Salisbury.

It would be another five years before the extension of the line through Avon and Kallora reached the Bowmans junction in 1922 with an official opening ceremony there on 28th May 1923.

In the area known as Shannon, South Australia, the people of the community had built the Shannon Methodist Church and adjoining cemetery in 1873. The children of the area attended either the Stony Point School or the Long Plains School.
Following the decision on the route through the Shannon area, farming land was purchased on which to build the main line, a spur line, station building and land for wheat and barley stacks.
'''The South Australian Railway Commission named the station Calomba''' as there was already an area named Shannon elsewhere in the state.

It was a reliable grain growing district and in a good year up to 30,000 bags of grain were built into stacks in the Calomba Railway Yard.
Gradually many grain storage sheds were built in the yard by the agents from different firms e.g. Farmers Union, Thomas' of Port Adelaide, S.A. Railway grain shed.

This meant seasonal work for many men who were employed over the years as lumpers. The wagons (or later trucks) would be lined up at the stacks, the farmer would unload the bags of grain one at a time onto scales which were set on a platform. The wheat agent would weigh it and an assistant would record the weight against the owner's name. A lumper would then shift the bag of grain by laying it over his shoulder, carrying it to the stack and placing it in the required position. Men prided themselves on building a good stack with a strong foundation, square corners and straight walls.

In the very early years a wide timber plank enabled the men to walk up the plank with the bag of grain on their shoulder as the stack was built higher. Eventually East Bros built a long elevator to be used at the railway stacks. This made the job much easier with the bags being pushed onto the elevator and the lumpers waiting for them at the top of the stack.

In later years after the installation of a weigh bridge the total truck load was weighed and the tonnage (less the tare) was recorded to the owner.
It was Messrs Jack Howard and Tony Howard who decided to install a weigh bridge at the Calomba rail yard.

Mrs Winnie Howard recalls “''They purchased the weigh bridge, dug a large hole in the ground in which to install the plate, and with the soil they had taken out they made mud brick walls for the office. How wonderful. No more late nights adding up the total weight of all the bags.''”

Ira Jenkin says “''It was one of my jobs to load 700 bags on each of the flat top railway trucks so the grain could be transported to Port Adelaide. In the 1950s some of the lumpers at Calomba were Len Webb, Tony Howard, Arthur Pratt and Ira Jenkin''”

In 1918 Mr Sydney Dean Roberts purchased Part Section 135 Hundred of Dublin from John Barrett and established a wheat agency at the Calomba Railway Siding.

The successive owners of the land combined the wheat agency with running the Calomba Store and Post Office.

Owners of the Wheat Agency and Calomba Store and Post Office were:

1919 – Heinrich Goedecke – Shop assistant from Hamley Bridge

1920 – Adolf Ernest Dohut

1922 – Henry Frederick August Horenburg

1923 – Sydney Robert Good

1935 – Mr Allan Gale and Mrs Ruby Gale

1944 – Albert Henry Stewart

1946 – Mr John Howard and Mrs Elizabeth Howard (Jack and Betty)

1965 – Mr Anthony Howard and Mrs Winifred Howard (Tony and Winnie)

1974 – Mr Robert Francis Daniel and Mrs Jennie Marie Daniel

1975 - The Post Office closed on January 19th 1975

1976 – The property was sold and became a private residence.

Travel by rail was very important to residents of the Calomba district and families used the service to provided transport to Adelaide for appointments, outings and shopping. The early morning Rail Car from Bowmans collected students at railway stations and cross roads along the route to take them to Adelaide for their secondary education and later for employment.
The students returned home on the 4 o'clock Barwell, and those in the work force on the evening Port Pirie train.

Farmers were reliant on the goods trains to deliver items such as fencing material, wool packs, parts for implements and countless other farm requirements. Also it was convenient to dispatch by goods trains bales of wool, skins, cans of cream and boxes of eggs to the appropriate firms in Adelaide.

Des Standley was a porter at Mallala Railway Station during the 1960s. He recalls:
''“The gangers were under instruction from the District Foreman who had an office at Bowmans and from whom daily instructions were received. There were two gangs of workmen in charge of maintenance of rail line and surrounds. One group based at Mallala and the other at Long Plains.”''

When bulk handling silos and facilities became available at the Mallala and Long Plains Rail yards in 1957 the manual handling of bagged grain was gradually phased out at these locations and at Calomba.

Ira Jenkin was the last wheat agent at Calomba in the final year of the Howard's ownership of the shop and post office and agency. When the weigh bridge was no longer required at the Calomba rail siding, Ira purchased it and removed the weighbridge to his farm for use in his trucking business.

Mice plagues were of great concern and every few years a serious one would occur.
Mrs Winnie Howard recalls: “ ''There were two very bad mouse plagues during our years at Calomba. It wasn't unusual for a full sheet of iron to appear to move on its own – such were the numbers of mice under it. They got into the stacks of grain by getting over the mouse proofing. They would pile up against it using each other like a ladder until they were over the top. Immense damage was done with bags having huge holes chewed in them so grain was spilt and much of the stack became unusable.”''

In 1967 Ira Jenkin, a carrier and farmer of Calomba, purchased a huge grain shed from the Calomba Railway siding from the owners Thomas' of Port Adelaide.

Ira decided that it would be far too difficult and time consuming to dismantle the shed and then rebuild it, so the decision was made to move the shed intact to his farm.
He planned the operation thoroughly and first removed the mouse proofing from around the base thus exposing the posts.
Ira and helpers then jacked the huge structure up onto the back of two semi trailers and hooked two tractors out the front to pull the ungainly load. He strung a length of wire cable between the trucks, tied some material in the centre and instructed the truck drivers to keep the cable tight or they would be in big trouble!!

Unbelievably the convoy travelled over the flat railway lines (with railway personnel in attendance in case of problems) across country and through paddocks for about three kilometres without the slightest mishap. (The fences had been taken down and then repaired later in the day)
On arrival they dropped the posts into the already dug holes, settled the shed and had the posts cemented in by nightfall. What a good day's work!
In this year 2013 the shed is still standing on the Jenkin property.

In 1975 A.N.R. (Australian National Railway ) took over the South Australian Railways and when a new Standard Gauge rail line went through the district in 1982 the rail line was built up higher.

'''In this year of 2013 there are no trains stopping at the former Calomba Railway siding, nor any station building or grain shed left to tell passing travellers that this was once the busy Calomba Railway Siding.'''
{{Info
|Related Articles=Calomba Store and Post Office, Shannon Methodist Church, Shannon Cemetery, Railway Services,
|Sources=Photographs and information from: The 1930/40 photograph album of Mrs Ruby Gale of Calomba per Mrs Maureen Parker (nee Baker) of Adelaide, Mrs Winnie Howard (nee Daniel) of Morphet Vale (formerly Calomba, Mr Ira Jenkin - Carrier and farmer Gawler (formerly of Calomba), Mr Ron Roberts grandson of Sydney Dean Roberts, Mallala Museum Records.
|FlickrID=9066943436, 9030780251, 9106023374, 9030828099, 9030810479,9033088792, 9030878121, 9039035467, 9060713585, 9039060383,9039079051, 9041317606, 9039129487
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{Memory|Mrs Maureen Parker (nee Baker) recalls, " My two sisters and I have fond memories of staying at Calomba during many school holidays with Aunty Ruby Gale and Allan Gale. I was staying there during the bumper harvest of 1939 and it was all hands on deck to assist Uncle Allan at the Wheat Stacks. It was my job to enter in a book the weight of each bag as Uncle called it out. It was then the lumper's job to shift all bags of grain to the stack."|Mrs Maureen Parker}}
{{Memory|Manning states: Calomba - A railway station 10 km north-west of Mallala is said to be an Aboriginal name for the Australian Shamrock.}}
{{Memory|Mrs Winnie Howard recalls the stock yards that were at the Calomba rail siding. The farmers would bring their sheep and cattle to the yards during the day and they would be loaded on the goods train at night to be taken to the Gepps Cross abattoirs for sale. Winnie said that the banging of the trucks and noise of the cattle would keep her awake at night when she was newly married. She got used to the noise after a while and could sleep through it all.}}
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Calomba Store and Post Office

2024-09-03T00:55:00Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Business
|AltName=Calomba Shop
|StreetName=Corner Calomba Road and Broster Road,
|Locality=Calomba
|Geocoordinates=-34.3922449047, 138.41719437
|DateEstablished=1919
|Date approximate=No
|CeasedOperation=1975
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Mr Heinrich Goedecke
|BusinessPurpose=Store and Post Office
}}
In 1918 Mr Sydney Dean Roberts purchased from John Barrett part section 135 Hundred of Dublin comprising one acre and thirty perches with a frontage to the Calomba Railway yard.
Mr Roberts acted as a wheat agent at the newly formed Calomba Railway siding but for only one season before selling in 1919 to Mr Heinrich Goedecke – a shop assistant from Hamley Bridge.

Mr Goedecke developed the Calomba Shop and also the postal services which officially started in 1920.

There was a quick change of ownership over a span of a few years but in 1923 Mr Sydney Robert Good purchased the store, postal services and wheat agency and remained in the business for twelve years, following which he purchased Barrett's chaff business in the settlement of Calomba.

In 1935 the Calomba Store, Post Office and Wheat Agency were purchased by Mr Allan Gale and Mrs Ruby Gale.
This was a busy time for the owners. Mrs Gale served in the Shop and Post Office and also worked the telephone exchange which was located in a small corrugated iron addition off the side of the shop – very hot in summer and freezing in winter! It was a manual exchange and Mrs Gale had to connect the callers on the single line or the party line.

There was no electricity so to keep produce cool Allan Gale built a dairy which was excavated into the ground with a roof over it. Kerosene lamps were used for lighting plus candles when required.

Mrs Maureen Parker (nee Baker) recalls:''"I would stay with Aunty Ruby Gale and Uncle Allan during many of the school holidays. As well as her work in the store Ruby Gale would on occasions catch the early morning train to Adelaide. She would take with her a very large suitcase and visit various warehouses e.g. G & R Wills, Goode, Durrant & Murray and Coles. She would purchase or order items such as linen, crockery, glass ware and stationery etc. She would fill the case and haul it home on the 4 o'clock “Barwell”. Nearing Christmas time additional items would be purchased such as gifts and decorations for sale in the store.

''On one day each week Allan Gale would leave home very early and drive his empty motor lorry to Port Adelaide. He would visit the warehouses buying groceries, hardware, kerosene and requirement for the farmers. He would also go to the markets to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables for the store.

''At times, on his way to Adelaide, Allan would have his truck loaded with saleable goods to deliver for the farmers. He also had his Wheat Agency duties to perform''''.

''The store was always very busy at mail time. The men would arrive to purchase requirements from the store, collect their mail and news paper and have a good yarn with their neighbours. It was a sociable time for all.”

Maureen continues: ''“When I was 14 years of age I spent three months helping Aunty Ruby at the Calomba Store and I also assisted in the Post Office helping to sort and stamp the mail. When all mail had been placed in the large canvas bags, sealed with red sealing wax and the warm wax stamped with the “CALOMBA” stamp, I would walk to the siding, wait for the midday train and give the bags to the guard.”''''''
In 1944 Mr and Mrs Gale sold the business to Albert Henry Stewart who owned it for two years.

In 1946 Mr John Howard and Mrs Elizabeth Howard (Jack and Betty) purchased the business and so began a period of ownership by the Howard family which lasted for twenty eight years.

On January 22nd 1948 on a very hot windy day, a fire started on the railway corridor near Kallora with a spark from the coal fired train. Val Clark of Avon spotted the smoke about midday when taking the mail bags to Avon Station to place on the train. Everyone in the vicinity was alerted via the manual switchboard. The fire quickly reached Long Plains and every available man was there trying to save the town including the men from Calomba.

The fire raced to Calomba and 20 women and children sought safety in a fallow paddock while the flames passed around them.
The Calomba Store and Post Office, residence and sheds were completely destroyed. The only persons in the building were Mrs Betty Howard and a young female assistant who had to run and seek refuge in the paddock when the outer sheds burnt down and the house and store caught alight.

The local people praised the efforts of a small squad of R.A.A.F. personnel from the Mallala Training Base who attended with their fire truck and vigorously fought the flames to save some houses and also the wheat stacks which held the district's harvest of 50,000 bags of grain.

The following day the Advertiser quoted Mr Jack Howard as saying: “''We will build things up again. As agent I have continued to receive wheat and barley today. More than 500 bags were delivered.”''
The Chaff Mill owned by Mr Syd Good was razed but the RAAF squad saved his home. Mr Good was away from home but his wife successfully moved ten dairy cows to safety before getting herself to the fallow paddock and collapsing.

The Postal Department technicians were at the Calomba siding the next day and soon erected a very small shed to serve as a temporary post office.

Mrs Winnie Howard (nee Daniel) reminisces: ''“People came from every where to help the Howard family. Jack and Betty and son Tony lived on the premisses in an iron shed while they built the shop and post office first and then the residence. The walls of the shop were made of concrete to make them fireproof. Tony was proud of himself when he built a brick wall of the residence only to find it had blown down the next day ! Undeterred he kept trying and eventually (with help from friends) the Calomba Store and Post Office were operational and the residence completed.”

Tony Howard married Winnie Daniel in 1949. They lived with Jack and Betty for a while before renting a farmhouse near by. As well as his other duties Tony studied by correspondence to be a motor mechanic then in 1960 he purchased a big shed at the auction of the Mallala Aerodrome and the shed was placed at the rear of the shop and became a mechanic's workshop. Tony serviced all of Ira Jenkin's diesel trucks.
He also had an agency with the “Neptune Fuel Company” and he delivered to his customers petrol in 44 gallon drums as well as oil.

Winnie ran the store and Post Office.'' The shop stocked mainly groceries but customers would place an order for bread and it would be delivered by the Mallala baker Mr Ted Algar. Tony would drive his truck to Adelaide to collect groceries and other goods as required."

The manual switchboard was open from 9 am to 8 pm and could be opened for emergencies only after that time and would be plugged into the Mallala switchboard. With only one outside line it was difficult to make a trunk call. Like her predecessors Winnie had to meet the 9 am train to collect the mail bags and papers and later in the day be back at the station to hand over the outgoing bags of mail.

Winnie Howard continues: “ ''Our fourth child was born following our return to live at the shop residence and as there was a very high roof space Tony built a large attic bedroom for the three girls. Tony decided to plant a lawn tennis court on the grounds next to the shop. He kept it in excellent condition and all the family plus friends spent many enjoyable hours on the court.”''

In 1957 Tony and Winnie took over the management of the business from their parents Mr & Mrs Jack Howard and then purchased the premises in 1965. They served the community until 1974 when the business was sold to Mr Robert Francis Daniel and Mrs Jennie Marie Daniel.
They managed the business for only a short period of time before the store closed and the Calomba Post Office officially closed on January 19th 1975.

Mr and Mrs Daniel sold the premises in 1976 and it became a private residence. It remains so in this year of 2013.

In 1918 Mr Sydney Dean Roberts established a wheat agency at the Calomba Railway Siding. The successive owners of the land combined the wheat agency with managing the Calomba Store and Post Office.

Owners of the Calomba Store and Post Office and Wheat Agency were:

1919 – Heinrich Goldecke – Shop assistant from Hamley Bridge

1920 – Adolf Ernest Dohut

1922 – Henry Frederick August Horenburg

1923 – Sydney Robert Good

1935 – Mr Allan Gale and Mrs Ruby Gale

1944 – Albert Henry Stewart

1946 – Mr John Howard and Mrs Elizabeth Howard (Jack and Betty)

1965 – Mr Anthony Howard and Mrs Winifred Howard (Tony and Winnie)

1974 – Mr Robert Francis Daniel and Mrs Jennie Marie Daniel

1975 – The Postal Service at Calomba officially closed as did the Calomba Store

1976 – The premises were sold and they became a private residence.

It remains a private residence in this year 2013
{{Info
|Related Articles=Calomba Railway Services, Shannon Methodist Church, Shannon Cemetery, Long PLains Store,
|Sources=Mrs Maureen Parker (nee Baker), Mrs Winnie Howard (nee Daniel), Document search: Land Service Group, Cutting from the Advertiser 24th January 1948, Mallala Museum records,
|FlickrID=9030780251, 9162954383, 9162831283, 9165830204, 9162854817, 9374816552, 9165097444, 9165118252, 9227943557, 9039079051, 9162972787, 9162934561,9230697778,
}}
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{{Memory|I remember buying our tins of Arnotts bickies in the shop and a nice pair of blue plastic sandals. We received our mail at Calomba and occasionally walked to the shop to get the Advertiser. We also caught the train there to go to Adelaide quite regularly as kids.|Paula}}
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Opening of Schirmer's Family Hotel

2024-09-03T00:53:56Z

Marcus:

{{Event
|Type of event=Celebration
|Also known as=Family Hotel
|Street name=4 Dublin Road
|Town or locality=Mallala
|Geocoordinates=-34.439793812638, 138.5098799667
|Date occurred or began=May 1881
|Date ended=1892
|Managed or hosted by=Mr. Schirmer
}}
''Bunyip Gawler S.A. August 18th 1881''

'''Opening of Schirmer's Family Hotel.'''''''''''''''

This fine hotel, although it has been open to the public for about six months, was not officially opened until Thursday August 16th when a pigeon match took place, followed by a dinner in the evening. This hotel which has an imposing appearance, was built by the present enterprising proprietor.

It is a fine two story building with a balcony over the main entrance. There are twenty rooms in the hotel, all of which are well furnished and fitted up and are lofty and spacious. One great novelty is that gas and water are laid on all through the house. The gas is made on the premises by a patent machine while the water is forced by an engine from an underground tank to one above the first landing. This must be a great convenience. The gas, though not equal to coal gas is better than kerosene. Altogether the house offers better accommodation than is to be found in most country towns both for man and beast. The contractors for the building of the hotel were Messrs Janzen & Almers Adelaide. The cost of the building was about 3,000 pounds.
We can only wish the proprietor success in his undertaking.

The pigeon match was won by Mr. B. McHugh and he was presented with a silver cup valued at 10 pound by Mr. Schirmer.
In the evening about 50 gentlemen sat down to enjoy an excellent dinner provided by host Schirmer. The usual loyal toasts were drunk, followed by a toast to the health of Mr. Schirmer to which he graciously responded. Several musical items were given during the proceedings and a very enjoyable evening was spent. A display of fireworks was enjoyed by all.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Family Hotel / Cleveland House,
|Sources=Bunyip newspaper Gawler S.A., Adelaide Observer S.A.
|FlickrID=48900579001,48900783392,48900578871,48900063803
}}
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Kilburnie Homestead Tree Bridge

2024-09-03T00:43:21Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Building
|Street name=Section 534 Hd. Port Gawler.
|Town or Locality=Lower Light
|Geocoordinates=-34.510871024991, 138.49871635437
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|Built by=Allen Willcox
|Used for=Access
}}
This suspension bridge provided access from the early Kilburnie homestead on the north side of the river Light to the stock sheds and workman's cottage on the south side of the river. The property was originally owned by the Faulding, Fisher and Barr Smith families,passing to Francis Rowe,an Old Colonist. In 1898 Mr. Rowe sold the property to Charles Willcox M.L.C. an Adelaide businessman and ex Mayor,who made extensions to the buildings. His son Allen built the footbridge,typical of this style of bridge, with steel cable support and a wooden plank floor. The living redgum supports and the long overall span stretching from tree to tree made this example the most significant of  those surviving in the district. In 1936 the property was sold to the Bruce and Hooper families to whom the footbridge was a vital link between households. Barry and Lois Wasley became tenants of Kilburnie when they married in 1954. The bridge was then in fair repair,with loose planks and bits of corrugated iron hammered over the holes, hand rails were fencing wire and wire netting which gave some sense of security to those crossing. Unfortunately,the wire widened out so much at the middle that it was impossible to hold on to anything. On one occasion the local parson thought that he would seek out the new bride but retreated in haste when confronted by a large goanna  also using the footbridge When the nearby river ford was impassable the treebridge became a vital link between the homes,the shearing shed and other farm buildings.Small children, prams and the odd wheelbarrow of goods were transported to the other side ,some times at night by torchlight..

Allen Willcox graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College and setup Kilburnie as a model farm, installing an irrigation system for about 70 citrus trees. Mains water was later available and the connecting pipe was lashed to the bridge supplying water for domestic and stock use on the northern side. Clem Wasley subdivided and sold Kilburnie in 1976.The remains of the old home and remnants of the garden were later demolished and the bridge fell into disrepair..

 
{{Info
|Sources=Local History Family Histories
}}
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Lower Light Methodist Church

2024-09-03T00:42:21Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Religious
|StreetNumber=Section 393
|Locality=Lower Light
|Geocoordinates=-34.5342754, 138.4648915
|DateEstablished=1861
|Date approximate=No
|CeasedOperation=1962
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Primitive Methodists
}}
The majority of the new settlers in the Lower Light area were of the Primitive Methodist faith and so a small timber structure was built for their use on Section 393 on land donated by J. Braund of Prospect. It was built by W.B.Town and had rafters of pine, a thatched roof and gravel floor. The first trustees were James Braund, Charles Jacome Cooper, Benjamin Milton, John Pratt, Joseph Richardson, William Broadbridge Town and James Wilson.

A small stone church was built by Jonathon Porter and the foundation stone laid by Reverend Warner. A larger stone church was built in 1874. The builder was Nicholas Sawton and the cost was 344 pounds. Additioned trustees appointed were M.N. Davis, E.L.J.Badman, W H Wasley and Francis Rowe. The Reverend Wayland was the minister.

The year 1900 saw the Primitive Methodist Church, The Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Bible Christian Church amalgamate to form the Methodist Church of Australia.

Increasing population in the area found the stone building to be overcrowded and inadequate so the final large church building was erected in 1910. The foundation stone was laid on 30th March 1910 by J.H. Bottrall and the silver trowell used at the ceremony is on display at the Two Wells Uniting Church. The stone for the building came from the property of Samuel Frost senior. The builder is unknown but the carpenter was Mr. Burton of Mallala The church was opened on August 17th 1910 by Mrs A.W. Wellington. The first two early structures had been demolished and so remained the old church used for Sunday School and the new building. The minister at the time was Rev. J. McIntosh.

The windows in the new church were beautifully patterned leadlight; two in the front of the building, three on either side wall and two over the back doors.

Lighting had progressed from candles in the first church to kerosine lamps and later carbine in the new church. Three services each Sunday were held with special church and sunday school anniversaries.

Fundraising began in 1922 by the Ladies Guild as a new organ was required, the original one being purchased in 1898.

Following the advent of the motor car people were not so reliant on the local church for religious and social events and gradually the church attendance began to decline.

The Lower Light Methodist Church closed in 1962. Sadly the church and Sunday School buildings no longer exist. The beautiful stainded glass windows were broken by vandals and the building damaged and the trustees made the decision to demolish the buildings.

The seats from Lower Light Church are now used in the Two Wells Uniting Church. A stained glass window was commissioned in remembrance of the Lower Light Church and placed in the Two Wells Church.

John Gordon built an entrance wall to his property with some of the stone and a plaque with relevant inscription is placed on the wall. Mr Gregor of Reeves Plains also used some of the stone for additions to his house. Following demolition the land was eventually sold.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Barabba Primitive Methodist Church, Bethesda Church, Church Pedal Organ, Dublin Christ Church, Dublin Primitive Methodist Church, Feltwell Primitive Methodist Chapel, Foundation of Mallala Methodist Church, Grace Plains Bible Christian Chapel, Long Plains Church of Christ, Mallala Methodist/Uniting Church, Redbanks Wesleyan Methodist Church, Redbanks Methodist Church Hall, Shannon Cemetery,Shannon Methodist Church, St Malachys Catholic Church, St Paul's Anglican Church, St Peters Anglican Church, Two Wells Methodist Church, Wild Horse Plains Church, Windsor Church,
|Sources="Life around the Light" a history of the Mallala District Council Area, "To South Australia's Shore They Came" by Monica Porter
|FlickrID=8569057401,8571481914,8570384969,8571476768,
}}
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The formation of the Mallala and Grace Plains branch of the Australian Red Cross

2024-09-03T00:41:21Z

Marcus:

{{Event
|Type of event=Establishment
|Also known as=Mallala and Grace Plains Red Cross Society
|Town or locality=Mallala
|Geocoordinates=-34.4383148188, 138.508588598
}}
The Australian Red Cross Society was formed in Melbourne on August 13th 1914 pledging itself to the care of sick and injured of all nations, whether friend or foe.

By September 9th, within weeks of the Declaration of war, a meeting was held in Mallala to form a local sub branch of the Red Cross Society.

Over 50 ladies attended and a small committee was established. The first President was Mrs J. Nairn of Grace Plains with Mesdames G.A. Morphett and A. Moody as Vice Presidents, Mrs C. Player as Secretary and Mrs R.F. Williams as Treasurer. The committee included Mesdames A. Dunstan, J. Hill, T. Worden, D. Fahey, H. Lutt, G. Lindsay, H. Jury and D. Horan.

Plans were quickly arranged for a Patriotic Demonstration on the 16th September at the Mallala Park and a fund raising concert on 30th September 1914.

Similar activities were taking place in towns throughout the district.
{{Info
|Sources=Mallala Museum records
|FlickrID=14881467672, 14695193769,
}}
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Grace Plains Church Jubilee

2024-09-03T00:36:57Z

Marcus:

{{Event
|Type of event=Celebration
|Also known as=Grace Plains Methodist Church
|Street name=Part Section 483 Huundred of Grace, Corner of Balaklava Road and Nairn Road,
|Town or locality=Grace Plains
|Managed or hosted by=Grace PLains Methodist Church trustees and congregation.
}}
''Article from the "Observer" Adelaide S.A. 2nd November 1918.''

'''Grace Plains Church Jubilee.'''
Mallala, October 25.

The Grace Plains Church was the scene of great enthusiasm on October 13 and 16, when the jubilee of the church was celebrated. Invitations had been sent out to all the founders and early workers and more than 40 responded. They journeyed from all parts of the state and also from Victoria.

Two services were conducted on the Sunday by the Rev. John Dingle, a supernumerary, who had preached the first sermon at Grace Plains over 50 years previously. It was inspiring to watch the greetings and hand clasps of the old Christian veterans, many of whom had not met for years.

On the Wednesday a banquet, public meeting and supper were held, at which an exceptionally large number were present. This again gave the old friends an opportunity to revive old reminiscences. Perhaps the most impressive of all was the Public Meeting. Mr W. Webster of Victoria, one of the founders of the church, for 20 years superintendent of the Sunday School, and in whose house the first preaching service at Grace Plains was held, occupied the chair. On the platform were Messrs John, Charles, and Fred Marshman (also from Victoria), C.March (Balaklava), S. March (Kadina), all pioneers, D. Adams (for many years a local preacher), Rev. J. Dingle and Rev. C. M. Tresise (pastor of the circuit). Mrs J.G. Martin, the first organist in the Grace Plains Church, played the opening hymn which was read out from a hymn sheet used at the anniversary on April 14, 1872.

Mr.Tresise welcomed old friends, and Mr. A. V. Nairn, on behalf of the trustees, greeted the guests. Mr. A. March gave a short resume of the history of the old church (a new one was erected alongside the old building in 1910). The first service was conducted in Mr. Webster's house by Rev. J. Dingle. The church was built in 1868, and the foundation stone laid on July 1 by Mr. R. Marshman. The church was opened on November 1 for worship. The services were conducted by Revs. S. Keen and W. Richards of Gawler. Shortly afterwards a Sunday School was started and has never been closed. At present there is a fine Sunday School, well conducted, and with an up to date kindergarten. It has been estimated that 22 local preachers, the minister and a large number of teachers, has gone forth from the school.

Mr. J. Nairn presented a report on the new church which is an imposing building, capable of seating 200 persons and lighted with gas. It cost over 600 pounds, and was opened free of debt. There is a balance in hand of 3 pounds 18 shillings.

Then followed other addresses, happy reminiscences , tales of uphill struggles, prosperous times, great revivals, and so on. Anthems were contributed at intervals by the choir.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Grace Plains Bible Christian Chapel, Grace Plains Methodist Church,
|Sources=Mallala Museum information, The "Observer " newspaper Adelaide S.A.
|FlickrID=3838715755
}}
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Dublin Emergency Fire Service

2024-09-03T00:33:44Z

Marcus:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Dublin Country Fire Service
|StreetNumber=Corner First and Sixth Street
|Locality=Dublin
|Geocoordinates=-34.438796526656, 138.50865125656
|DateEstablished=2020- 9-1967
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Community
|BusinessPurpose=Volunteer Organization
}}
'''Dublin Emergency Fire Service'''

On 20th September 1967 twenty one members were present for the first practice evening.

Emergency Fire Service Officers:

Ray George was the first Fire Service Station Officer ( he transferred from the Mallala Emergency Service Unit )

Reg Clarke 2nd July 1968, 1969 to 24th August 1970

Phillip Ferme 24th August 1970, 1971 to 11th August 1972

Gerry Applebee 11th August 1972 to 14th November 1972

Phillip Ferme 11th November 1972, 1973,1974 to 5th August 1975

Robert Collins 31st August 1975 to 31st August 1976

Phillip Ferme August 1976, 1977, 1978,1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 to 19th Oct 1983

'''Brigade Captains:'''

Robert Sanders: 19th October 1983 Resigned December 1983

Terry Halford: December 1983

Terry Halford: 14th August 1984 to 1998

Tony Pietersen:

Trevor Schiller:

Lisa Coles:

Daryl Barkla:

Rosemary McDonnell:

'''
'''In 1979 the S.A. Government altered the name to Country Fire Service''''''

'''On 4th August 1986 the C.F.S. Station on the corner of First and Sixth Street Dublin was opened by Mr Donald Mac Arthur. The land had been donated by Mr. Milton Schlodder to the D.C. of Mallala.'''

The shed was a “Badge “ construction-a farm shed design with four bays and 16 foot high doors. The costs for the shed and labour were $16,000:00, the floor $2,000:00 and phone connections and extras $1,000:00.

In the station were housed two fire units, one a fire fighter and the other a fire fighter and an accident rescue vehicle.

The C.F.S. members funded an extension to the building to accommodate the crew as well as the radio, toilets and radio tower.

'''Recollections by former Brigade Captain and Life member Terry Halford.'''

'''
Training at Dublin Emergency Fire Service in 1967'''

''Training was limited to advice from members of Two Wells and Mallala Brigades, and any other training obtained on the job.
Mallala District Council had special people appointed as Fire Control Officers, mainly Councillors and employed staff. The Emergency Fire Service was council funded with a small grant from state government.

Most of the work of building the shed was done by a few dedicated volunteers and obtaining equipment that was surplus and “hand me down” from the other brigades.

But we had a start and the new brigade nominated Mr. Ray George as the Officer in Charge. Mr Philip Ferme was also past Brigade captain, Mr. Terence Halford Past Brigade Captain. The three framed certificates that are displayed are for the only ones that were able to attend a Fire Control course at the Police Headquarters and Barracks, Port Road, Thebarton. These courses were held once a year. The training was over four days and consisted of a series of lectures and practical work. E.g., MFS fire hose and pump drill, also fire extinguishers training. I remember we were driven out to Parafield air port where there was a big bonfire and dishes of burning oil to put out, it wouldn’t be allowed today. A Sergeant from the Army lectured on Map Reading , and St John Ambulance personnel taught First Aid. We had a Sergeant Major of the British Grenadier Guards teaching us how to march. This was the only official training we had.

Khaki King G overalls and a white site helmet were supplied from a very small budget by council. If the brigade was needed the phone call was “OOO” and the local manned switch board operator had a list of phone numbers to call, with the first phone at the shed switching the siren on. Most times nobody put their overalls on - they said it took too long to get into them. Any one could get on to the fire truck, piling out of the pub, with a beer in their hand, all keen to get to the fire.

'''It all changed when the Country Fire Service sent out a letter stating that if you were injured and you had no helmet or overall on you may not be covered by insurance.
We were only called out to fires in the first years. The highway didn’t have much traffic except on long weekends. The roads to the north to Darwin and to WA were still unsealed. The only trucks we saw were Brambles red V8 petrol Internationals or Dodges and Greyhound coaches. The Port Wakefield highway went through the town on Dublin and as it continued on was narrow and winding.'''

The Fire Shed was originally in front of the Institute then it moved to the front of the pub until the new highway was built. '''As the roads to the north were sealed the traffic increased, and as there was no speed limit the accidents were really bad. At one time we had a death a month or more.'''

In about 1966/67 the Dublin community ask their councillor Mr. Roy Bache if they could have the old Chevy fire truck from the Mallala Emergency Fire Service Brigade. It was very basic and fitted with an oval 500 gallon tank with a hand pump, and canvas 30 foot of two and a half inch hose. Mr Milton Schlodder had a block of land in the middle of Dublin where he had sheep yards and a shearing shed. He gave a small block of the land on the east side on which to put a double garage to be the fire station. The members laid the base and put up the shed - this is documented in the Brigade minutes of the time.

It became obvious that a better fire truck was needed so Council agreed that a International C1500 ACCO tipper truck that was surplus to council needs would be available. It only had 200000 miles on the Speedo. It had a six cylinder petrol motor. Fully laden it would only hold three people - the driver, the passenger and one sitting on the engine cover and as many as we could stand on the back around the square 500 gallon water tank. We had three 30 ft canvas hoses and a hose reel 30 ft of rubber hose.

The Two wells brigade had an Austin Gipsy 4 wheel drive - a bit like a Land Rover that Mr. Hart of Two Wells had driven across the world from England to Australia. They had made it in to a small fire unit. Mallala Council had supplied them with a new truck and as it was not needed we had it as an extra unit. This was very popular with the boys in the brigade driving down the sand hills near the beaches.

As the number of road crashes increased we were being called by the St. John Ambulance to help but we had no equipment to get victims out of the cars. Phil Ferme, Robert “Gus” Sanders and Terry Halford purchased some Enerpac hydraulic equipment that crash repair garages use to repair damaged cars, plus a small hydraulic jack, jemmy bars, lump hammer, bars and a metal saw in a steel box that we had made. This was stored in a cupboard in side of the truck – it took two men to lift it out. We could now help get injured crash victims out. One time we were called out to a vehicle accident north of Dublin. We arrived and started to help the people then we got a call on radio asking us when we were going to get to the accident. It became clear that there was another accident further up the road which was the one we had been called to.

Because of the increased number of calls we needed a better road crash unit. We asked council to fund another fire unit. We went to the auctions and found a 4WD truck -an ex ETSA International C1610 with a V8 Petrol and a huge gear box driven winch on the front bull bar cab chassis - this was purchased. The Jones brothers from Lower Light built a new back on the truck. It carried 2000 litres of water and the rescue gear with plenty of cupboard space. The shed had an extension built on the back in order to house all three trucks.

We had a problem. It became obvious that a new shed was needed. If one of the trucks in the front of the shed was unable to start it was impossible to get the others out. Also, the main road was becoming busier and for members to be able to get out of the shed on a busy weekend was extremely difficult. I enquired the prices of a new shed and a company called Badge Construction at Clare was the best quote for a 4 bay shed with 12 feet spacing 50feet by 30feet and 14 feet high to the gutters. I was told it was too high to which I asked if they had seen the new fire unit at Virginia because that will be the size of the new generation of trucks. Again, Mr Milton Schlodder, who was a Life member of the brigade, said that we could build on the south west corner of his land. The whole block was surveyed into blocks and a deal was done with Mallala District Council.

The new shed was built with the crew room and toilets added by the brigade members over a period of time at no cost to council. The large granite stone at the front was donated by Silky Pratt from Owen and Trent Baker and I went to Owen in his International Tipper to collect it. When we got to the station we had an idea were it should be put so Trent slowly tipped it off. The rock didn’t move then it dropped and that’s where it stayed and we put concrete slab around it. We had a great opening with the Chief Officer of CFS Mr Donald MacArthur and other dignitaries attending. We had many fund raising efforts to get enough money to buy the jaws of life. We were the first country brigade to have this advanced equipment

The Austin Gipsy was taken off us by the Mallala Council who said it was to be used at the Mallala dump as a fire unit but it was lost - it should have been restored. A new Hino was purchased. '''The Brigade is a dedicated Road Crash Rescue Unit.'''

I enjoyed my years in the CFS and we had competitions all over the state at which Annette and I were Judges. We had all weekend exercises. We attended many large fires around S.A. and task forces to N.S.W. and Victoria plus B A training, and Road Crash rescue training. I was a branch President of the Volunteer Fire Brigade Association and on the Country Fire Service advisory board.

''This is an abbreviated record as I remember the Dublin and Districts CFS.
Written by Terry Halford, Life member and Brigade Captain for approximately 18 Years .''''

In April 2020 a new multi purpose extension is being built onto the Dublin Brigade Fire Station.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Mallala Country Fire Service, Two Wells Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Publication: Dublin Yesterday and Today, Mr Terry Halford's recollections,
|FlickrID=49752163621, 49744537043, 49722338026, 49721798878, 49721798818, 49722652127, 49722652167,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Curnow Family

2024-09-03T00:07:57Z

Marcus: Removed protection from "Curnow Family"

{{People
|Type of person=Family
|Date of birth=1917
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Gawler
|Date approximate2=No
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=1974
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Gawler
}}
'''John (Jack) Leonard CURNOW'''<br />

Born 1917 in Gawler. Died 1974 in Gawler.<br />

The earliest Curnow recorded of the family line originated from Garras, Parish of Mawgan in Meneage, Cornwall, United Kingdom in 1534.

On 21st December 2a Adelaide Road Mallala 1847, Thomas Curnow and his wife Elizabeth (Moyle) sailed from Plymouth on the ship ‘David Malcolm’ and arrived in South Australia on 23 March 1848. Thomas purchased land around the Salisbury area and farmed there until his death in 1877.

John Lewis Curnow, their grandson, who married Amelia Wright, purchased land at Buckland Park for £4 per acre and in 1910 purchased land at Dublin Road, Mallala for £8 per acre. For health reasons he retired to St Kilda and died there in 1959.
John (Wilf) Curnow, JP, his son, married Elizabeth Darling Turner in 1916 at Mallala where they lived. Wilf, not being interested in farming, became a chaff and fodder merchant and local agent for crop insurance in 1921.

From 1922 he sold the first Chevrolet cars both in Mallala and Gawler, also Holt crawler tractors, H V McKay farm machinery and developed a Cresco Fertilizer Agency.
He established showrooms and an office opposite the original Gawler Post Office in Murray Street, where he sold Massey Fergusson tractors, Buick and Chevrolet cars and became an importer sub-dealer for Clutterbucks from his garage at Mallala and his Gawler premises (which was to become Duldig’s Plasterboard Factory in Murray Street).
He became the first appointed General Motors Dealer in the state in 1926, along with his father, John Lewis Curnow at Mallala, and in 1931 was granted a GM franchise at Gawler. His contribution to the motor industry in the Gawler district is beyond reproach and can never be fully documented.

To raise money for hospital radio equipment on 16th February 1937, there was presentation of a car to Miss Hazel Tape by Mr J W Curnow. Miss Tape later drove to the Hutchinson Hospital and presented books and flowers for the patients to Matron Stanley. This was the final act in the production of the motion picture “One a Minute” by local enthusiasts, calling themselves the “Gawler Metro Amateur Cine Club”. Cameraman was Mr Ross Hamilton, leading lady was Miss Tape, and leading man was Mr Alva Parham. This extract from the media depicts the style of community spirit and charity Gawler enjoyed from the business activities of Wilf Curnow, who died in 1967 at his home in Mallala.

Jack Curnow (Wilf’s son) married Mavis Roberts of Mallala in 1940 and lived in Mallala until 1948.

During World War 2 Curnow’s Garage at Mallala was used to make machine gun parts for the war effort. These were made by an all female workforce including Jack’s wife Mavis along with Jack’s sister Jean and cousin Doris Lutt.

Jack and his father purchased Aero Motors on the corner of Lyndoch Road and Murray Street, Gawler in 1948 and Jack took on the roll of managing director, and the GM franchise, selling and servicing their products including the Holden motor car.
Jack and Mavis along with their two children Glen and Delma moved to Gawler in late 1948.

J. L. as he was affectionately known, besides being a brilliant engineer, was very involved in the Gawler Rotary Club and became a councillor on the Gawler Council. He also supported many local organisations including the Gawler Motor Cycle Club. He devoted more time and effort than was expected of him, and certainly earned a reputation as one of Gawler’s more respected citizens.

The family were stalwart members of the Gawler West Methodist Church. He, with his very good friend Bob Hook (manager of Brown’s Egg Factory) was instrumental in the creation of tennis and basketball courts with lighting, for the use of church members.
Along with raising 3 children, picking up new GM vehicles from Birkenhead, and catering for social events for the business, Mavis volunteered her time to the School Mother’s Club, Rotary, Red Cross and Gawler Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

Unfortunately Jack had an extremely painful kidney disease which plagued his life from the age of 34. This progressively got worse, eventually leading to having the use of only one kidney. When he was 50 years old he suffered a heart attack, and as the business started to suffer because of his ill health, he built a house at Middle Beach so that he could regularly recuperate. The “shack” became a haven for Sunday School picnics and many happy social events. Health technology, not being what it is today, caused the tablets being taken for his heart to destroy his remaining kidney, and he died at the age of 56, in 1974.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Curnow's Garage, 2 a Adelaide Road,
|FlickrID=8111324031, 8111329686
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Main Page

2024-08-13T02:09:17Z

Marcus:

__NOEDITSECTION__
<div id="mainblurb">
'''Now and Then''' is a community heritage wiki website created and maintained by the people of Mallala and district, South Australia. You are welcome to join and share your knowledge, memories and stories of Mallala and district. Create your account and join in!
</div> <div id="communitymap">{{#compound_query:[[Category:Place]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:People]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinYellow.png
|[[Category:Event]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinRed.png
|[[Category:Organisation]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinGreen.png
|[[Category:Thing]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinPurple.png
|[[Category:Building]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Land]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Locality]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Natural]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Site]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Structure]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|format=googlemaps
|width=725
|height=350
|centre=-34.43795,138.50983
|zoom=16
|type=satellite
}}
== Click the colored pins on this interactive map to find the stories in this wiki. Try zooming in or out, shifting the view to see more, or switch between the map or satellite view. ==
</div> <div id="mainleft">
== News from the Museum ==
If you have not visited for a while, you may have missed the upgrading of the Margaret Tiller Gallery upstairs in the mill building. The new "fire house" to house the Fire Engine has been constructed, our transport displays are now completed, and there has been lots of work improving the display of our agricultural collection.
Why not come for a visit.

You can contact us at mallalamuseum@gmail.com or Ph:0433 820 570
== The WIKI has returned ==
After a prolonged absence, we are pleased to see you back,as the wiki is once again back online. We are fortunate that a backup was available to reinstate the website. In getting back online, several bugs have also been dealt with, particularly the Google mapping function which is now working as it should. We look forward to many more stories being added, and encourage you to add your own articles, recollections and comments to the wiki as well.
Now is also a great time to visit the museum in person

Open Sundays 2-4.30pm or by arrangement.

== Snippets from TROVE ==
'''Electricity supply'''
In the “Register” a South Australian Newspaper on Friday 21 May 1926 it is reported
“''Mallala, May 19- the town is now in a happy position of being supplied with electricity. A number of residents assembled in the street on Monday evening to witness the switching on of the light.''” see article:[[Electricity_arrives|Electricity arrives]]

'''Water Supply'''
Chronicle 8 Oct 1904 p14 ''"Sept 26 1904 - The pipe carters are busy carting pipes from the Barossa water track, from Mallala to Dublin."[[Water Supply|Water Supply]]
<flickr>5062265836</flickr>


</div>

<div id="mainright">
== Then and Now ==
<flickr>47946865317</flickr>
<flickr>47946908546</flickr>
<flickr>47946880353</flickr>
<flickr>3842673822</flickr>
<flickr>47946888143</flickr>
</div>
<div id="youtubehistory">
== Mallala Museum on YouTube ==
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bRYNbieMt87G2fbTaDN0Q YouTube]
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">
<br>
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">

== Mallala Museum is now on Facebook ==
[http://www.facebook.com/MallalaMuseum Mallala Museum on Facebook]

== What's new on Now & Then ==
{{Special:Newestpages/-/10}}

== Most popular articles ==
{{Special:TopTenPages/1/10}}



== Ex Military Service Personnel 1895-2016 ==
An initiative of Two Wells RSL members, Gary Tancock and John Allen, for the Adelaide Plains Council District and surrounding areas, to remember and acknowledge those who served and those who paid "The Ultimate Sacrifice"

The project records the details, service history and images of all from the area, who are known to have served since the Boer Wars.

The Mallala museum holds these records and invites you to check that they are complete and accurate. Any omissions will be gratefully received to be added to the collection

== Find and share our historic images ==
Join us on Flickr to find more images of Mallala's history and share your own! [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallalamuseum/ Mallala Museum on Flickr]

</div>

First Mallala Council Office

2024-08-06T01:07:12Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Building
|Also known as=Council Chambers
|Street name=Aerodrome Road
|Site type=
|Town or Locality=Mallala
|Geocoordinates=-34.43381472836, 138.50944519043
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
The Council chambers (office) was opened in 1878 and was originally the headquarters of the District Council of Grace, which was amalgamated with the District Councils of Dublin and Port Gawler to form the District Council of Light (later Mallala), in 1935.

It comprised one room which doubled as the office and the Council meeting room. At some stage, a porch was added to the front of the building. In 1954?, the new offices were built in the Main Street (Wasleys Rd.),and for a period the old office was used as a storeroom and also as a small laboratory for the testing of the base material used in the construction of the Mallala-Two Wells Road.

With the purchase of a new and larger E.F.S.(C.F.S) firetruck, it was decided to convert the building to a Fire Station. The Station was officially opened by the then State Director of E.F.S, Mr. F. L. Kerr (in 1956?)in the presence of Council members, members of the Mallala C.W.A. (who had donated a piece of equipment to the Brigade) and the Brigade volunteers captained by Mr. C. W. Huxtable. The director also officially opened the Two Wells Station on the same day.
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Grace, Formation of Grace Council, District Council of Mallala, Driscoll Andrew Leonard,
|FlickrID=4106720673 ,3835463438,3845634382
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

First Mallala Council Office

2024-08-06T01:06:40Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Building
|Also known as=Council Chambers
|Street name=Aerodrome Road
|Site Type=
|Town or Locality=Mallala
|Geocoordinates=-34.43381472836, 138.50944519043
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
The Council chambers (office) was opened in 1878 and was originally the headquarters of the District Council of Grace, which was amalgamated with the District Councils of Dublin and Port Gawler to form the District Council of Light (later Mallala), in 1935.

It comprised one room which doubled as the office and the Council meeting room. At some stage, a porch was added to the front of the building. In 1954?, the new offices were built in the Main Street (Wasleys Rd.),and for a period the old office was used as a storeroom and also as a small laboratory for the testing of the base material used in the construction of the Mallala-Two Wells Road.

With the purchase of a new and larger E.F.S.(C.F.S) firetruck, it was decided to convert the building to a Fire Station. The Station was officially opened by the then State Director of E.F.S, Mr. F. L. Kerr (in 1956?)in the presence of Council members, members of the Mallala C.W.A. (who had donated a piece of equipment to the Brigade) and the Brigade volunteers captained by Mr. C. W. Huxtable. The director also officially opened the Two Wells Station on the same day.
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Grace, Formation of Grace Council, District Council of Mallala, Driscoll Andrew Leonard,
|FlickrID=4106720673 ,3835463438,3845634382
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T09:04:52Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Adelaide Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.452949233279, 138.35343316445
|Date constructed=1856
|Date approximate=Yes
|Date approximate2=No
|Built by=Crown
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Dublin Cemetery, Dublin Institute, Dublin Primitive Methodist Church, Dublin School, Dublin Emergency Fire Service,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T01:07:38Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Site type=
|Town or Locality=Adelaide Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.452949233279, 138.35343316445
|Date constructed=1856
|Date approximate=Yes
|Date approximate2=No
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.
{{Info}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T01:06:40Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Site Type=
|Town or Locality=Adelaide Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.452949233279, 138.35343316445
|Date constructed=1856
|Date approximate=Yes
|Date approximate2=No
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.
{{Info}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T00:50:16Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Adelaide Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.452949233279, 138.35343316445
|Date constructed=1856
|Date approximate=Yes
|Date approximate2=No
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.
{{Info}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T00:48:25Z

Marcus:

{{Place
|Places category=Locality
|Town or Locality=Adelaide Plains
|Geocoordinates=-34.45294923327936, 138.35343316445403
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.

{{Info}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin

2024-07-23T00:43:40Z

Marcus: /* */

{{Locality
|Town or Locality=Dublin
|Geocoordinates=-34.45272997774587, 138.3531072558037
|When established=1856
}}
== ==
Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council. Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.

<br>

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*

Dublin

2024-07-23T00:40:44Z

Marcus: Created page with "{{Locality |Town or Locality=Dublin |Geocoordinates=-34.45272997774587, 138.3531072558037 |When established=1856 }} == == ''Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in S..."

{{Locality
|Town or Locality=Dublin
|Geocoordinates=-34.45272997774587, 138.3531072558037
|When established=1856
}}
== ==
''Dublin is a small town on the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, 61 kilometres (38 mi) north of the state capital, Adelaide. Situated on Highway 1, the town is surrounded by farmland and rural industry. Along with nearby Windsor the area is home to a growing commuter population. At the 2006 census, Dublin had a population of 241.[4]

Dublin is in the federal Division of Grey, the state electoral district of Narungga and the Adelaide Plains Council.[2][3][5] Dublin lies in the cadastral Hundred of Dublin which was named in 1856 after the Irish capital, Dublin.[6][7]''

<br>

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*

How to use this wiki site

2024-07-23T00:05:43Z

Marcus:

Using a wiki is easy. A wiki is first and foremost a web site. You can do all the things you do on any web site. You can look at text and images, play video, follow hyperlinks or search for content.

What is special about a wiki web site is that registered users can comment, or add to and change what appears on the site. Registration is free and open to everyone. All that is required is an email address and a willingness to make a contribution.

== Joining as a registered user of Now and Then ==

To register as a user on the '''Now and Then''' wiki, click where it says ''Join Here'' in the left hand column. A simple sign in process allows you to become a member with the ability to create articles, edit, comment and contribute.

Learning how to use the wiki authoring and editing tools is easy. The site uses the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki ''Mediawiki''] software, which is the same as that used for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main Page ''Wikipedia''], the world famous online encyclopaedia. '''Now and Then''' works somewhat differently from ''Wikipedia'', but the principles are the same.

When you have logged in with your user account, the tabs across the top of the article allow you to add and edit, or to discuss it.

By default, the page tab is active when you view an article. You can view other information using the other tabs such as discussion and history.

When you are a registered user and have logged in to the site, you see a different set of tabs above the article. These include Edit, Delete, Move, Protect and Watch.

'''Edit''' gives you the ability to change the content in the article, using the data form and text authoring tools.See [[Help:Edit]] to learn more about editing. <br>

'''Watch''' enables you to be emailed details about any changes to a particular article.

Always remember to save your changes before exiting.

For our first '''Now and Then''' community in Mallala, South Australia, public information and training sessions have been conducted at the Mallala Primary School for those who wanted more formal training in using the wiki and the Internet.

For more help with using the wiki, send an email to: [mailto:marcuss@apc.sa.gov.au Cr Marcus Strudwicke] manager of the '''Now and Then''' wiki.<br>

<br>
== Wiki etiquette ==

BE NICE! is the first principle

Please be respectful of others, ''Now and Then'' is a shared, collaborative space. Use the editing function to make constructive contributions, not to criticise the work of others. If you believe there are errors or omissions in an article, use the discuss function to raise these matters with the author/s.

[[Category:Site pages]]

Main Page

2024-07-17T02:17:02Z

Marcus:

__NOEDITSECTION__
<div id="mainblurb">
'''Now and Then''' is a community heritage wiki website created and maintained by the people of Mallala and district, South Australia. You are welcome to join and share your knowledge, memories and stories of Mallala and district. Create your account and join in!
</div> <div id="communitymap">{{#compound_query:[[Category:Place]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:People]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinYellow.png
|[[Category:Event]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinRed.png
|[[Category:Organisation]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinGreen.png
|[[Category:Thing]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinPurple.png
|[[Category:Building]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Land]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Locality]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Natural]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Site]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Structure]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|format=googlemaps
|width=725
|height=350
|centre=-34.43795,138.50983
|zoom=16
|type=satellite
}}
== Click the colored pins on this interactive map to find the stories in this wiki. Try zooming in or out, shifting the view to see more, or switch between the map or satellite view. ==
</div> <div id="mainleft">
== News from the Museum ==
If you have not visited for a while, you may have missed the upgrading of the Margaret Tiller Gallery upstairs in the mill building. The new "fire house" to house the Fire Engine has been constructed, our transport displays are now completed, and there has been lots of work improving the display of our agricultural collection.
Why not come for a visit.

You can contact us at mallalamuseum@gmail.com or Ph:0433 820 570
== The WIKI has returned ==
After a prolonged absence,we are pleased to see you back,as the wiki is once again back online. we are fortunate that a backup was available to reinstate the website. In getting backonline,several bugs have alsobeen dealt with,particularly the Googlemapping funstion which is now working as it should. We look forward to many more stories being added, and encourage you to add your own articles, recollections and comments to the wiki as well.
Now is also a great time to visit the museum in person

Open Sundays 2-4.30pm or by arrangement.

== Snippets from TROVE ==
'''Electricity supply'''
In the “Register” a South Australian Newspaper on Friday 21 May 1926 it is reported
“''Mallala, May 19- the town is now in a happy position of being supplied with electricity. A number of residents assembled in the street on Monday evening to witness the switching on of the light.''” see article:[[Electricity_arrives|Electricity arrives]]

'''Water Supply'''
Chronicle 8 Oct 1904 p14 ''"Sept 26 1904 - The pipe carters are busy carting pipes from the Barossa water track, from Mallala to Dublin."[[Water Supply|Water Supply]]
<flickr>5062265836</flickr>


</div>

<div id="mainright">
== Then and Now ==
<flickr>47946865317</flickr>
<flickr>47946908546</flickr>
<flickr>47946880353</flickr>
<flickr>3842673822</flickr>
<flickr>47946888143</flickr>
</div>
<div id="youtubehistory">
== Mallala Museum on YouTube ==
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bRYNbieMt87G2fbTaDN0Q YouTube]
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">
<br>
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">

== Mallala Museum is now on Facebook ==
[http://www.facebook.com/MallalaMuseum Mallala Museum on Facebook]

== What's new on Now & Then ==
{{Special:Newestpages/-/10}}

== Most popular articles ==
{{Special:TopTenPages/1/10}}



== Ex Military Service Personnel 1895-2016 ==
An initiative of Two Wells RSL members, Gary Tancock and John Allen, for the Adelaide Plains Council District and surrounding areas, to remember and acknowledge those who served and those who paid "The Ultimate Sacrifice"

The project records the details, service history and images of all from the area, who are known to have served since the Boer Wars.

The Mallala museum holds these records and invites you to check that they are complete and accurate. Any omissions will be gratefully received to be added to the collection

== Find and share our historic images ==
Join us on Flickr to find more images of Mallala's history and share your own! [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallalamuseum/ Mallala Museum on Flickr]

</div>

User talk:Griffith

2023-03-14T00:22:19Z

Marcus: Welcome!

Main Page

2022-08-28T05:38:43Z

Marcus:

__NOEDITSECTION__
<div id="mainblurb">
'''Now and Then''' is a community heritage wiki website created and maintained by the people of Mallala and district, South Australia. You are welcome to join and share your knowledge, memories and stories of Mallala and district. Create your account and join in!
</div> <div id="communitymap">{{#compound_query:[[Category:Place]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:People]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinYellow.png
|[[Category:Event]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinRed.png
|[[Category:Organisation]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinGreen.png
|[[Category:Thing]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinPurple.png
|[[Category:Building]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Land]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Locality]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Natural]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Site]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Structure]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|format=googlemaps
|width=725
|height=350
|centre=-34.43795,138.50983
|zoom=16
|type=satellite
}}
== Click the colored pins on this interactive map to find the stories in this wiki. Try zooming in or out, shifting the view to see more, or switch between the map or satellite view. ==
</div> <div id="mainleft">
== News from the Museum ==
Join us on Sunday October 16th 2022, as the Mallala Fallen Soldiers Memorial "the Monument" celebrates 100 years since it was unveiled. Commencing at 12 noon at the monument, a short service will be followed by a sausage sizzle on the East reserve, and free access to the museum. Details at mallalamuseum@gmail.com or Ph:0433 820 570
== Museum REOPENING after 12 months closed due to COVID19 ==
After more than 12 months closed due to Covid19, the museum reopened on May 2nd. While closed, we have taken the opportunity to upgrade. A major redecoration of the Mill building including repainting, new ceiling, new lights and new carpets has been completed. Our Fire Station project has also progressed, now housing the REO Fire Engine.
Now is a great time to revisit the museum, as we celebrate the centenary of the RAAF.
Open Sundays 2-4.30pm or by arrangement.

== Snippets from TROVE ==
'''Electricity supply'''
In the “Register” a South Australian Newspaper on Friday 21 May 1926 it is reported
“''Mallala, May 19- the town is now in a happy position of being supplied with electricity. A number of residents assembled in the street on Monday evening to witness the switching on of the light.''” see article:[[Electricity_arrives|Electricity arrives]]

'''Water Supply'''
Chronicle 8 Oct 1904 p14 ''"Sept 26 1904 - The pipe carters are busy carting pipes from the Barossa water track, from Mallala to Dublin."[[Water Supply|Water Supply]]
<flickr>5062265836</flickr>


</div>

<div id="mainright">
== Then and Now ==
<flickr>47946865317</flickr>
<flickr>47946908546</flickr>
<flickr>47946880353</flickr>
<flickr>3842673822</flickr>
<flickr>47946888143</flickr>
</div>
<div id="youtubehistory">
== Mallala Museum on YouTube ==
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bRYNbieMt87G2fbTaDN0Q YouTube]
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">
<br>
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">

== Mallala Museum is now on Facebook ==
[http://www.facebook.com/MallalaMuseum Mallala Museum on Facebook]

== What's new on Now & Then ==
{{Special:Newestpages/-/10}}

== Most popular articles ==
{{Special:TopTenPages/1/10}}


== Visit other Now and Then sites ==
[http://willunga.nowandthen.org.au/ Willunga, South Australia]


== Ex Military Service Personnel 1895-2016 ==
An initiative of Two Wells RSL members, Gary Tancock and John Allen, for the Adelaide Plains Council District and surrounding areas, to remember and acknowledge those who served and those who paid "The Ultimate Sacrifice"

The project records the details, service history and images of all from the area, who are known to have served since the Boer Wars.

The Mallala museum holds these records and invites you to check that they are complete and accurate. Any omissions will be gratefully received to be added to the collection

== Find and share our historic images ==
Join us on Flickr to find more images of Mallala's history and share your own! [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallalamuseum/ Mallala Museum on Flickr]

</div>

Main Page

2022-08-28T05:36:54Z

Marcus:

__NOEDITSECTION__
<div id="mainblurb">
'''Now and Then''' is a community heritage wiki website created and maintained by the people of Mallala and district, South Australia. You are welcome to join and share your knowledge, memories and stories of Mallala and district. Create your account and join in!
</div> <div id="communitymap">{{#compound_query:[[Category:Place]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:People]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinYellow.png
|[[Category:Event]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinRed.png
|[[Category:Organisation]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinGreen.png
|[[Category:Thing]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinPurple.png
|[[Category:Building]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Land]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Locality]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Natural]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Site]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|[[Category:Structure]];?LocationCoordinates;icon=PinBlue.png
|format=googlemaps
|width=725
|height=350
|centre=-34.43795,138.50983
|zoom=16
|type=satellite
}}
== Click the colored pins on this interactive map to find the stories in this wiki. Try zooming in or out, shifting the view to see more, or switch between the map or satellite view. ==
</div> <div id="mainleft">
== News from the Museum ==
Join us on October 16th 2022, as the Mallala Fallen Soldiers Memorial "the Monument" celebrates 100 years since it was unveiled. Commencing at 12 noon at the monument, a short service will be followed by a sausage sizzle on the East reserve, and free access to the museum. Details at mallalamuseum@gmail.com or Ph:0433 820 570
== Museum REOPENING after 12 months closed due to COVID19 ==
After more than 12 months closed due to Covid19, the museum reopened on May 2nd. While closed, we have taken the opportunity to upgrade. A major redecoration of the Mill building including repainting, new ceiling, new lights and new carpets has been completed. Our Fire Station project has also progressed, now housing the REO Fire Engine.
Now is a great time to revisit the museum, as we celebrate the centenary of the RAAF.
Open Sundays 2-4.30pm or by arrangement.

== Snippets from TROVE ==
'''Electricity supply'''
In the “Register” a South Australian Newspaper on Friday 21 May 1926 it is reported
“''Mallala, May 19- the town is now in a happy position of being supplied with electricity. A number of residents assembled in the street on Monday evening to witness the switching on of the light.''” see article:[[Electricity_arrives|Electricity arrives]]

'''Water Supply'''
Chronicle 8 Oct 1904 p14 ''"Sept 26 1904 - The pipe carters are busy carting pipes from the Barossa water track, from Mallala to Dublin."[[Water Supply|Water Supply]]
<flickr>5062265836</flickr>


</div>

<div id="mainright">
== Then and Now ==
<flickr>47946865317</flickr>
<flickr>47946908546</flickr>
<flickr>47946880353</flickr>
<flickr>3842673822</flickr>
<flickr>47946888143</flickr>
</div>
<div id="youtubehistory">
== Mallala Museum on YouTube ==
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bRYNbieMt87G2fbTaDN0Q YouTube]
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">
<br>
</div>
<div id="rightsidecustompanel">

== Mallala Museum is now on Facebook ==
[http://www.facebook.com/MallalaMuseum Mallala Museum on Facebook]

== What's new on Now & Then ==
{{Special:Newestpages/-/10}}

== Most popular articles ==
{{Special:TopTenPages/1/10}}


== Visit other Now and Then sites ==
[http://willunga.nowandthen.net.au/ Willunga, South Australia]


== Ex Military Service Personnel 1895-2016 ==
An initiative of Two Wells RSL members, Gary Tancock and John Allen, for the Adelaide Plains Council District and surrounding areas, to remember and acknowledge those who served and those who paid "The Ultimate Sacrifice"

The project records the details, service history and images of all from the area, who are known to have served since the Boer Wars.

The Mallala museum holds these records and invites you to check that they are complete and accurate. Any omissions will be gratefully received to be added to the collection

== Find and share our historic images ==
Join us on Flickr to find more images of Mallala's history and share your own! [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mallalamuseum/ Mallala Museum on Flickr]

</div>

Wild Horse Plains

2022-01-29T08:13:00Z

Marcus:

{{Locality
|Also known as=The History of Wild Horse Plains
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains South Australia
|Geocoordinates=-34.36158439706233, 138.3778576006265
|When established=1863
}}

== The History of Wild Horse Plains ==

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

'''Postal Arrangements'''
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

'''Communications''': The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

'''Telephone Exchange''': 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

'''Roads''': After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

'''Power''': Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

'''Water''': Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

'''School''': With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

'''Institute''': In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

'''Church''': Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

'''Shops''': Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

'''Sport''': Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

'''Notable residents''': Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

'''Public Transport''': Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

'''Farming Methods''': Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

'''General''': With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
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Wild Horse Plains

2022-01-29T08:09:24Z

Marcus: Created page with "{{Locality |Also known as=The History of Wild Horse Plains |Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains South Australia |Geocoordinates=-34.36158439706233, 138.3778576006265 |When esta..."

{{Locality
|Also known as=The History of Wild Horse Plains
|Town or Locality=Wild Horse Plains South Australia
|Geocoordinates=-34.36158439706233, 138.3778576006265
|When established=1863
}}
The History of Wild Horse Plains

In approximately 1858 Thomas Day and J Hewitt of Peachy Belt were looking for country fit for sheep grazing in the Mallee Scrub between the River Light and Pt Wakefield in South Australia. They came across a small egg shaped plain with about 20 wild horses grazing on the Northern end. They camped on a red sand hill covered with stately pines. There was plenty of rich grass on the plain and an abundance of game such a kangaroos and wallabies, emus and pheasants in the scrub. The next morning they sighted the horses again but were unable to get close to them.
Several years later the same Thomas Day took a government contract to cut a road through the scrub from Dublin to Pt Wakefield. The first plain he reached he called Mitchel Plains. Then he came to the plain where he had seen the wild horses so he called the area Wild Horse Plains and this is now part of the township of the same name.
IN 1863 the first surveyor H.D. Packard moved into the district to survey the farmlands. The first sections were numbers 12-15, and 20-24 inclusive. Other surveyors namely James Jones, H.H. Mc Leay, Harry Cank, Hugh Nohman followed in a period from 1873 to 1884 to complete surveying the district. The first sections taken up were 13-15 by Richard Loveday who was a surveyor of Adelaide. He entered into a credit agreement with the government in September 1863.

The following year Edmund William Wright and Arthur James Wright ‘Gentlemen” of Adelaide and Melbourne purchased section 20 paying 100 pounds Stirling for 67 acres. A portion of this section was later to become the township of Wild Horse Plains. In the same year James Tapley of Tapleys Hill purchased section 21 consisting of 95 acres for 152 pounds.
It was in September 1873 that the first settlers began moving in. Amongst them was William Chapman who purchased section 376. This land had been kept in the family over the years and was part of the Clark farm until it was sold in 1983.

Sections 352 and 353 were taken up by William Jones and handed down to family over the generations. The present day owners are Tom and Joyce Walker (nee Jones) An earlier settler was Peter McDonald who migrated from Scotland in 1851 aged 22 years and was a carpenter by trade.
Other people who purchased land in the district over the next 8-10 years paid a 1 pound per acre by cash or a credit arrangement at auction. Some of these people are as follows:

• William Moyse - Mail driver of Nairne

• Adam Hart – Farmer of Mallala

• John Hackney – Farmer of Mallala

• Alexander Taylor – Gentleman of Adelaide

• Thomas Jenkins – Farmer of Brighton

• John Harding – Labourer of Mallala

• Alexander Bannerman

• Charles R Baker - Farmer of Gumeracha

• Alexander McDonald – Farmer of Gumeracha

• Charles Fisher – Farmer of Dublin

• Charles Manuel – Farmer of Stockport

• Thomas Manuel – Butcher of Two Wells

• Andrew Barr

• Robert Barr

• Henry Alexander Lyons – Migrant from Northern Ireland
For various reasons some of these land owners did not hold their land for more than a couple of years and then resold. Among the next wave of residents were:
• William Temby
• Samuel Gray
• Richard Baily
• George Beams
• Samuel Drury
• Horace Worsley
• Robert Dunlop
• Lawrie Hammond
• William Wilson
• James Wilson

About the same time as the land was surveyed and sold it came within the boundary of the newly appointed Dublin Council formed in 1873. The council asked for tender prices for road clearing which resulted in many of the District’s roads being cleared for 1/3 pence to 2/3 pence per chain, depending on the amount of work required.
By 1875 the new farmers were beginning to establish their farms and needing an outlet for their produce. It would also be another way of obtaining their requirements which came by coach initially once a week from Virginia (staples of meat, bread etc)
In June 1875 a roadway from from Long Plains through Wild Horse Plains to the beach was approved by the Dublin Council. This road would prove to be a great advantage to residents as goods could be transported by ketch to and from Adelaide. The beach, later to become known as Port Lorne, would also be used for fishing and pleasure. The sale and transfer of Mallee roots was also another activity at Port Lorne. As business progressed the Government saw fit to have the beach area surveyed as a township and proclaimed Port Lorne in May 1884.

The ketches at Port Lorne transported grain and wool from the storage sheds which were built in later years, although the township did not expand with the increase of activity other than a few houses and two General Stores. One store was owned by Mr Penrose and the other by Mr Charles Griffiths, a wheat buyer. As road and rail transport developed in the area the port was phased out and the last contract was given to Mr Albert Clark to load the last shipment of grain in the 1933-34 season. The beach was finally closed in the 1940s due to the Army activities and it taken over by the government.

With more people moving into the district by 1881, Messrs Harold Addison surveyor and William Paddock-agent, both of Adelaide, saw the possibilities of a private town being established. In October 1881 they purchased a portion of Section 20 from Mr Peter M Sonag and surveyed 58 allotments for establishing the town of Wild Horse Plains. The town fronted the Adelaide to Port Wakefield road and consisted of five streets - aptly named First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth.

The first four allotments were sold in December of that year. In 1882 the Education department purchased allotment 52 for the purpose of building a school house and class rooms. About the same time Samuel Drury of Wild Horse Plains purchased allotment 50 and immediately transferred it to Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains, under the Trustees act with the intention of building a church. Allotment 37 was donated by Mr Addison and Mr Scott for the building of an Institute. Over the next three years the remainder of the allotments were sold but not many were used for the erection of a building. One of the main purchasers was Alfred West, farmer of Two Wells and later of Long Plains.

Postal Arrangements
The first Postmaster to settle at Wild Horse Plains was Henry Alexander Lyons with his wife Margaret (nee Crothers) who were migrants from Northern Ireland. They were married in Australia at the North Adelaide Congregational church. The store they established in 1878 was about half a mile north of the present town. There was a daily mail service on the Kadina mail route. In 1880 the main route was changed and became the daily run from Adelaide to Wild Horse Plains via Virginia, Two Wells, Lower Light, Dublin and Windsor to Lower Light. The distance was 46 miles and the rate of travel was 8 miles per hour by horse and coach. When fire destroyed the Post Office and store during the year it was opened, Peter McDonald became the new postmaster – a position he held until 1882. Other postmasters to follow were William Temby 1882, and Samuel Gray 1883. In the meantime Mr H.A. Lyons went about rebuilding his original store hence his return to storekeeping and Postmaster in 1884 until early 1885 when once again fire destroyed the premises. As a result of this, on 24th March 1885 a deputation of local residents waited on Mr W. Gilbert and J.H Bagster, Members of Parliament for the area, to ask for a Post Office to be built at Wild Horse Plains. The Minister for Justice and Education stated that such a building was not justified on the grounds of insufficient business expected from postal and telegraph but promised to supply some other postal arrangement for the township. (Unfortunately information regarding the period 1885 to 1891 is unavailable)

It was in 1891 when James McDonald, a son of an early pioneer, opened up a new shop and Post Office which is still standing but was closed for business in 1978. Mr McDonald was postmaster until at least 1909.
Subsequent postmasters were as follows:

W.R. Burnard - 1910 to 03-6-1914
H.B. Moore – 1-7-1914 to 12-8-1920
G.B. Zanker – 12-8-1920 to 29-10-1950
H.P. McArdle – 30-10-1950 to 2-5-1966
I.G. McArdle 2-5-1966 to 20-12-1978

Following this date the Post Office was officially closed. Since then a group of boxes hold the mail delivered to the town with a roadside delivery made to some premises adjoining the Pt Wakefield Road.

Communications: The first telegraph (worked by telephone) and public telephone was opened in Wild Horse Plains in late 1912. This was installed at the shop/post office managed at the time by Mr W.R. Burnard. With increased demand a new Trunk Line from Adelaide to Windsor was extended to Wild Horse Plains.

Telephone Exchange: 1921 saw the change over to the 30 line Magneto cord type wall mounted switchboards. The first subscriber was H.W. Lyons. It was several years before other residents accepted the modern equipment. Hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some charges were 1 penny farthing for a local call, 8 pence to call Adelaide for 3 minutes or part thereof plus 6 pence for each additional 3 minutes. Mr R.A. Bache was appointed the Telephone office keeper following the closure of the shop and post office in 1978. He held this position until the manual exchange was replaced with automatic equipment installed at Windsor on 7-3-1979.

Roads: After the first tracks were laid in the 1860s improvements were made through the years as traffic increased and roads were upgraded to a standard to cope with the changing modes of transport. In 1929 the Adelaide to Pt Wakefield road was sealed – the shoulder stones being laid by hand. In the late 1960s the government acquired additional land for a new highway and this was built through Wild Horse Plains in approximately 1970.

Power: Prior to World War Two homes had an assortment of lighting facilities with wood stoves for cooking and heating, After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators and 12 and 32 volt. These plants were in operation until 1960-61. After that time came the improved home lighting plants, some wind generators 12 and 32 volt. This improved life for the house-wife or home maker. These plants were in operation until about 1960-61 when the 240 volt earth return power was connected throughout the district. This enabled the use of modern day appliances for the benefit of the whole community enabling the use of modern day appliances.

Water: Before 1906 water was acquired from dams and tanks only. IN 1906 water from the Barossa Reservoir was extended along the Long Plains road to Wild Horse Plains. Six inch pipes were used and are still in use but were relined with cement in 1962. Following the laying of the main, water was reticulated throughout the district.

School: With the influx of settlers in the 1870s and early 80s it was obvious that education of the young was a major concern to all. After approaches to the Minister of Justice and Education the department saw fit to purchase town allotment 52 in January 1882 (the second to be sold within several months of the township being surveyed) for the purpose of erecting a teacher’s residence and school to accommodate 40 pupils. Within weeks a tender was accepted for the sum of 477 pounds and the building was completed on 6th September 1882 and opened for students in November of the same year. Mr A. Wicksteed was the first teacher and he served the school for five years. Initially 13 pupils attended for a total of 17 days at the end of the fourth term. (The school year consisted of four terms at the time) During the 56 years that the school functioned the attendance varied from a daily average of 14-16 students up to 31. At its height 66 students attended one year. With the lack of numbers in 1888 it became a Provisional school. This school which also served Port Lorne was under the watchful eye of the Dublin Board of Advice for many years. One of the highlights of the school year was the interschool sports day held for 3 years in Pt Parham – the first one held in 1886.
Amongst those who taught at the school were Mr Fred Wilkins – for 15 years, Edna Cosh – 6 years, Gertrude Swannell – 5 years, Edith O’Riley – 3 years, Leila Jervis – 3 years, Carl Uhularb 3 years with the last teacher being Wilfred Corbett for 5 years.
In 1938 due to lack of pupils, the department considered it uneconomical to maintain the school and it closed later that same year. The children continued their education at the Long Plains School.

The school was then used as a residence by Mr Walt Zanker and his wife Phylis nee Worsley. In this year of 1984 it stands in good condition. The children now receive their education at Balaklava Primary School and Balaklava High School and are taken there by a government bus.

Institute: In 1884 the residents felt that they needed a meeting place for various social and group activities. A public meeting was convened on 8th August to discuss erecting a suitable building. From this meeting of 18 people a working party was formed consisting of Robert Barr chairman, A. A. Wicksteed secretary. A building committee was formed consisting of Robert Barr, Peter McDonald senior, William Chapman, William Moyse, A Bannerman and Thomas Barnes. Other residents attending the meeting were Alf, Allen and William Jones and Peter McDonald junior. A meeting was called on 28th August 1884 and attended by 40 or more people and the building committee reported back. Mr Addison and Mr Scott donated township allotment 37 on which an building could be erected. Residents were told that with the building contractor Mr J.C Burton assisted by local volunteers the cost could be kept to a minimum. Material required included 140 yards stone, 100 yards of sand and 5,300 bricks.
Trustees appointed were Robert and Andrew Barr, William Chapman, Alexander Bannerman, (all farmers) and Henry Lyons (storekeeper) and witnessed by AA. Wicksteed (school teacher) On the 4th November 1884 the foundation stone was laid by Robert Barr and the building eventually opened on 3rd April 1885. The approximate cost was 600 pounds plus a further 100 pounds for a piano and other furnishing. One hundred and forty four chairs were ordered. A library was established to provide means of support with the opening hours between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Other uses for the hall were : Anglican Church services, lodge meetings, draught matches, debating and social evenings and a Young Men’s Improvement Society. It also was the polling station for both the State and Federal elections and these continued until its closure. In 1931 the Ladies Guild was formed with President Mrs H.W. Lyons. Monthly meetings were held and money raised through sale of handicrafts and other goods sold at fetes and fairs. Proceeds were donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Minda Home, Local school and Institute. During world War Two (1939 – 1945) the ladies ceased these fund raising activities and worked to raise money for the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.
Once again due to the decline in residents this organization disbanded in 1962 (Mrs Roy Bache was the last president.) Following 80 years of service to the community this Institute building was closed in 1964 and later sold. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in about 1980 after being acquired by the District Council of Mallala. The last president of the Wild Horse Plains Institute was Mr Albert G. Clark J.P.

Church: Religion was important to the majority of the early settlers and if a suitable building was not available they would meet in a private home. This applied to Wild Horse Plains and Sunday services were initially held in the home of Mr McDonald. In January 1882, Samuel Drury purchased township allotment 50 on behalf of the Christian Disciples for the purpose of building a church as soon as possible. The land was immediately transferred to the trustees Robert Barr Junior, William Jones, Adam Hart, Robert Dunlop, Mr Lawrie and Frederick Hammond all of Wild Horse Plains. Plans were drawn up and preparations made but the actual building work was delayed as the volunteer farmers were busy with farm work. It is believed that construction took place in June and July 1882. In May of 1883 well attended services were taking place in the unfinished building. Store keeper Mr S Gray was in charge of some services as well as Mr Woolcock taking a crowded afternoon service and who established a bible class. By July 1883 the church was completed and named “The Christian Chapel”. At some time prior to 1906 the church changed from “Christian Disciple” to “Independent Baptist”. On September 29th1906 the chapel was purchased by the “Australian Christian Commonwealth Methodist for the sum of 50 pounds including the organ, and became part of the Methodist Circuit. The new trustees, appointed were: James McDonald, Richard Bailey, Gilbert Jones, (farmers of Wild Horse Plains) George Betams – Plumber, Rev John Dingle – minister of religion at Mallala.
Church and Sunday school continued services with up to 40 children on the roll prior to 1938. Anniversaries were held in the Institute often accompanied the day before by a tea and fun football match. During the year of 1961, and due to declining numbers, the decision was made to close the chapel. The building was sold by tender and demolished in 1964.

Shops: Over the period of 100 years Wild Horse Plains had seen the establishments and also the closure of several shops apart from the Postal depot and shop. Samuel Gray ran a store in the 1880s and a Blacksmith shop opened in late 1881, on town allotment 32. The blacksmith served the district for many years and serviced the passing through traffic including the horse drawn mail and passenger coaches. In May 1885 Mr H.A. Lyons purchased allotment No 46. IN 1887 he opened a store complete with wine license and it operated for a few years. In the late 1880s a new building was erected for the McDonald family on allotment 31 and this building became the final store and post office in Wild horse Plains. Mr McDonald operated the store until 1909 followed by W.R. Burnard 1910 – 1914 and H.B. Moore 1914 – 1920. Mr Zanker from Dublin operated from August 1920. He owned a truck and would leave his home at 2 a.m. to drive to Adelaide for groceries and general merchandise and to collect fresh fruit and vegetable from the market and deliver them on the way home from Dublin to Wild Horse Plains. Mr and Mrs Zanker both died while still running the business and it was taken over by Mr. H.P McArdle followed by his son Mr Ian McArdle and his wife. Owing to illness the store finally closed on December 20th 1978.

Sport: Sporting activities on the whole were limited but a cricket team was formed in 1880 – 1881 and appears to have been more social than competitive. Other teams talking part were Grace Plains, Windsor, and Dublin. The captain for Wild Horse Plains was E.Good. In the 1920s Wild Horse Plains combined with Dublin to form a football team for several years. During this same period Wild Horse Plains formed a cricket team of their own.
Tennis began in about 1922 and continued for a number of years with the first captain being Mr W. Dunlop (a wheat buyer) A few years later under the captain Mr Walt Zanker, Wild Horse Plains won their first and only premiership. Soon after that insufficient players forced the closure of the tennis club. The asphalt courts were situated on allotment 20.
The concrete cricket pitch was situated on the north/east corner of allotment 376, whilst the football oval with the boundary marked with a single furrow plough was sited on the same section.

Notable residents: Two sons of the first Postmaster/shopkeeper Mr H.A. Lyons were to become prominent in public life apart from their extensive farming interests. John Alexander Lyons left the district and settled at Georgetown. He was first elected to the S.A. parliament in 1926 at a by-election for the District of Stanley as a member for the Liberal and Country League and stood until 1938. Following redistribution he held the seat of Rocky River from 1938 – 1948. He died in December 1948.

Herbert William Lyons (at his second attempt) entered the S.A. Parliament in 1933 as a member of the Liberal and Country League. Herbert, who was a great debater, held the seat of Barossa of which Wild Horse Plains was a part until the redistribution in 1938. Due to his interest in the South Australian Fertilizer Industry he was appointed a director of Cresco Fertilizer Company in 1929 and became chairman in 1931. He was appointed managing director in 1933 and retained this position plus chairman of the company until his death in 1958. He was instrumental in the establishment of “Sulphuric Acid Ltd. at Port Adelaide and “Nairne Pyrites” both adjuncts to the fertilizer industry. Herbert Lyons was a director of the following companies associated with the Australian Fertilizer industry: Cresco Fertilizer Ltd, Sulphuric Acid Ltd, Nairne Pyrites, Fertilizer Sales Ltd, Cresco Fertilizer Western Australia Ltd, Albany Superphosphate Co Ltd.

From its beginning Wild Horse Plains formed a portion of No 5 ward within the Dublin District Council established in 1873. Local men who became Councillors were William Chapman who became chairman in 1889. William Moyse and Henry Lyons J.P.(who was council auditor for one year and who also served on the Port Wakefield Council.

1935 saw the amalgamation of Dublin, Grace, and Port Gawler councils to become “The District Council of Mallala” of which Wild Horse Plains forms a portion of Long Plains Ward. Local residents who have served the council are” Ken A. Jones – Councillor, Roy A. Bache – Councillor and Chairman and secretary of the Mallala Community Development Board, and Thomas Walker Councillor - 1984.

Public Transport: Wild Horse Plains was initially served by a coach drawn by either five or six horses which ran from Adelaide to Kadina and changing horses at the Wild Horse Plains shop for the journey north. This service was scaled down after the railway line from Adelaide to Kadina via Hamley Bridge and Port Wakefield was built in the 1880s. In 1917 the rail line was built from Salisbury via Two Well and Mallala to Long Plains and later on was extended to Bowmans. From the early 1930s the district has enjoyed the daily motorised bus service running between Adelaide and various towns on York Peninsula. In the early days of settlement people either walked, rode a horse or used horse and buggy. By the mid 1920s most people had the use of a private motor car.

Farming Methods: Over the years farming methods have changed dramatically from horse or bullock drawn plough to disc drilling of crops and the strippers used for harvesting followed by the arduous task of cleaning the grain by hand-turned winnower. Four bushel bags were used for bagging the grain on farm for many years until the advent of slightly lighter three bushel bags. Clydesdale horses played a major role in the farming activities until tractors came on the scene in the mid 1930’s with most farmers owning a tractor soon after the end of World War Two. Mr Mervyn Jones (the grandson of a first settler) was the proud owner of the first tractor in the Wild Horse Plains area in the mid 1930’s.
Farming methods have continued to become easier but with more technical knowledge of land management and weed and disease control. Farming plant and machinery has increased in size to a point where to cultivate or sow 40 hectare a day is not a problem. In the late 1950’s bulk handling of grain emerged with most farmers in the district delivering the grain to the Long Plains silo which was built in 1963.

General: With an average rainfall of approximately 325 mm Wild horse Plains has seen many drought with 1914 and 1944 standing out as two of the worst. The depression years of the 1930s were a difficult time for many.
Two of the wettest years were 1926 and the year of the flood - 1941. This came about as 5 to 6 inches of rain fell in a day in most of the district and also in the Stockyard Creek area east of Owen and set the water in the creek flowing toward Long Plains where it banked up against the railway line and flooded the area.
Despite the setbacks the settlers battled on and supplemented their incomes with milking cows and keeping pigs and fowls. The cream and eggs were collected by truck from various companies – the last being the Hamley Bridge factory. Good prices were obtained for wool and sheep meat in the 1950s and these side lines gradually lost favour as land owners endeavored to purchase land and enlarge their holdings.

The 1960s saw the establishment of two successful “Large White” pig studs - one owned by Mr Roy Bache who eventually sold the stud to Mr and Mrs Trevor Schultz in 1979. The other stud is owned by Mr Lindsay Baker and family who still live in the district and are well known for their success throughout Australia. The James family began a new venture when they planted an Almond grove.

In 1984 the oldest living resident in Wild Horse Plains was Mr Cliff Gilbert who purchased sections 345 and 346 and with his new wife moved to live there in 1929.

== Related Articles ==

*

== External Links ==

*

== Sources ==

*Written by Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains in 1984
{{Info
|Related Articles=District Council of Mallala, District Council of Mallala celebrates 75 years of Amalgamation.,
|Sources=Mr Reg Clark of Wild Horse Plains researched and wrote this article and segments were included in the book "Life around the Light". A history of the Mallala District Council Area. This was compiled by the Mallala and District History Book Committee for the sesqi centenary of the state of South Australia and printed in December 1985..
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

User:OldMax

2022-01-29T07:50:57Z

Marcus: Creating user page for new user.

Was a member of 24 (City of Adelaide) Sqd from 1957 to 1963 approx. Leading Aircraftsman Instrument Fitter.

User talk:OldMax

2022-01-29T07:50:57Z

Marcus: Welcome!

User:TateC

2022-01-29T07:50:12Z

Marcus: Creating user page for new user.

My father Mervyn 'Rick' Tate was C/O of 24 Squadron during his posting to Mallala in 1957 to 1959. We lived either on the Base or in Mallala. I am looking for that address in his records. I was 5 years old playing in our front yard when I heard a Mustang fighter's engine cut out with a plutter and watched as it dived straight into the ground.

User talk:TateC

2022-01-29T07:50:12Z

Marcus: Welcome!

User:Veepete

2022-01-29T07:48:44Z

Marcus: Creating user page for new user.

I went to Koruyne School in 1958 for 1 year - my sisters were there earlier t longer.

We had to walk approximately 3 miles to school to and from and would often dawdle hoping that someone would stop and give us a ride.

We always knew we were late for school if we heard the sound of the Blue Train going through.

There were only 28 pupils in the whole school in that one classroom.

Our teach in 1958 was Mr. Patupas.

User talk:Veepete

2022-01-29T07:48:44Z

Marcus: Welcome!

User:Djmartin11

2022-01-29T07:47:27Z

Marcus: Creating user page for new user.

my father, Douglas james martin was posted to RAAF Mallalla. Uncertain of dates, as I was not born till 1955, but have some old photos of the squadren if interested

Regards
David Martin