McKinlay Monument

**Fast Facts**
Place type:	Site
Site type:	Landmark
Town or Locality:	Gawler
Year constructed:	1875

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John McKinlay, a Scot by birth, was hired by the South Australian Government in 1861 to lead a search for Burke and Wills who had left Melbourne earlier that year on an expedition to cross the continent of Australia from the south to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Unknown to McKinlay, Burke and Wills had already perished before McKinlay left Adelaide in August 1861. He successfully located their graves and then carried on to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite great deprivation and unrest within his expedition party, McKinlay and his party survived and he returned to Adelaide in 1862.

Not long after his return, McKinlay married Jane Pile, the daughter of Gawler businessman, James Pile. They resided at "Oaklands" at Gawler. McKinlay met Pile in about 1850, after McKinlay had taken up land on the Murray and Darling rivers. McKinlay also tendered on, and won, land leases for Pile.

In 1865, McKinlay was again called upon to serve the South Australian Government by leading an expedition to the Northern Territory. He was tasked with reporting on the suitability of the land to the south of the Gulf of Carpentaria for European settlement.

After his return from the Northern Territory, McKinlay is said to have remained in Gawler, taking an interest in community affairs. He died on 31 December 1872.

McKinlay had obviously made an impression on the people of Gawler in the short time he lived there.

George E. Loyau "The Gawler Handbook" [G.E.L.] pp166 and 167

"After McKinlay's death it was universally felt that something should be done to perpetuate his memory, and accordingly, meetings were held in Gawler and a Committee was formed to carry out the wish of the people - vis., that a suitable monument should be erected "to commemorate his personal worth and the services rendered by him to the colonies as an explorer." The site selected was at the terminal point of Murray-street, at its junction with Cowan-street, and adjacent to the old burial ground. The Committee chosen to carry out the matter, and who brought it to a successful issue, were as follows:- Chairman, W.F. Wincey, Esq., J.P., Mayor of Gawler; Treasurers, J. Thornley, Esq., J.P., Manager Bank of South Australia, Gawler, Richard Holland, Esq., J.P., Turretfield, near Gawler; Hon. Secretary, John Rudall, Esq., Gawler; Committee, A.H.F. Bartels, Esq., Mayor of Adelaide, E.M. Bagot, Esq., J.P., Charles Bonney, Esq., J.P., E.S. Burkett, Esq., J.P., W.R. Cave, Esq., John Chambers, Esq. ,J.P., Rev. Canon Coombs, Hon. J. Crozier, M.L.C., Walter Duffield, Esq., J.P., James Dawson, Esq., Samuel Davenport, Esq., J.P., James Fergusson, Esq., Robert Fotheringham, Esq., Thomas Fotheringham, Esq., Rev. James Gordon, Joseph Gilbert, Esq., J.P., F.A.Grant, Esq., J.P., E.L. Grundy, Esq., John Hope, Esq., Thomas Hogarth, Esq., J.P., G.W. Hawkes, Esq., S.M., J.H.Howe, Esq., Joseph Keynes, Esq., J.P., Hon. A.B. Murray, M.L.C., Rev. J.C. McMchael, James Martin, Esq., J.P., John Mitchell, Esq., J.P., H.T. Morris, Esq., J.P., W.F.H. Popham, Esq., M.D., Ross T. Reid, Esq., Henry Scott, Esq., J.P., Dr. Schomburgk, H.C. Swan, Esq., S.M., R.J. Turner, Esq., S.M., and George Warren, Esq., J.P."

In 1875, the McKinlay Monument was erected with the following dedication:

"Erected by many colonists as a memorial to John McKinlay, a chief amongst Australian explorers, and leader in search of Burke and Wills, 1861. Born at Sandbank, Argyleshire, Scotland, August 26, 1819; died at Oaklands, Gawler, December 31, 1872. 'Brave yet gentle, resolute unassuming, formed to command - yet stern to none who knew to obey; He was at once admired and loved. To his country he has bequeathed a name which she may proudly add to the bead-roll of her distinguished men'."

The Monument Key Stone was laid by Explorer John Forrest (later became Premier of Western Australia) on 11th March 1875. here is the story in the Bunyip regarding the foundation stone laying and record of his diary... Bunyip Friday 20 November 1874 page 2 THE McKINLAY MONUMENT. The laying the foundation-stone of the memorial structure, which is referred to by contemporaries as so creditable to the feelings and good taste of our town, took place, according to announcement, on Saturday, and created a great amount of interest, not merely among the inhabitants, but throughout the surround ing districts, a considerable number of the neighbouring settlers adding to the multitude that thronged the town, on the occasion. Mr. Forrest, the Western Explorer, was met at the Institute Hall by the gentlemen of the Committee, and at 3 o'clock was accompanied by the Mayor and about twenty of the members to the site of the monument, which was thronged, so as to admit of their access to the spot with difficulty. The eagerness exhibited to catch a glimpse of Mr. Forrest was strongly indicative of the interest felt hereon the subject of Australian exploration; since the time when the ladies of the town formed an auxiliary committee, and raised a fund to supplement the efforts made in Sydney for the discovery of Leichardt's unfortunate party. The metropolitan papers, which always cater so well upon every subject of public interest but party politics and doings in Parliament, have laid the Committee and the community under obligation for the ample and interesting reports given of this so far unique event and ceremonial. The Committee and Mr. Forrest having succeeded in obtaining some degree of elbow room, His Worship the Mayor, as representative of the town, and Chairman of the Committee, opened the proceedings with a brief address to the following effect — They were assembled (said His Worship) to lay the foundation of a public monument to the memory of a distinguished fellow-townsman. Mr. McKinlay was one whom most of them knew and honoured, and they had determined that the memory of such a man ought not to be allowed to pass away if it could be preserved. It was thought to be the doty of the state to see that men who had done so much for their country's good should be honoured with an explorer's monument, but this had not been done. Gawler however, was unwilling that the name of McKinlay should pass away with out some attempt to perpetuate it, and they had been fortunate in the opportunity for commencing the act, leaving in their midst one who was following worthily in the footsteps of Mr. McKinlay, and whose energy had opened a path from the shores of Western Australia to our own territory. (Cheers.) They had invited Mr. Forrest to lay the foundation stone of their McKinlay Monument, and he had promptly and kindly accepted their invitation. (Cheers ) He had very much pleasure, therefore, in presenting Mr. Forrest, on behalf of the Committee, with the founder's trowel, a beautiful piece of workmanship in silver, with ivory handle, having upon it the following inscription — "Presented to John Forrest, Esq , Explorer, on the occasion of his laying the foundation-stone of the McKinlay Monument at Gawler, S.A, 14th November, 1874." The stone, which had on it the in scription "This stone was laid by John Forrest, Esq., Explorer, November 14th, 1874.' was then lowered, and the ceremony was completed in the usual way, followed by hearty cheers. Mr. Forrest then said— Ladies and Gentlemen— I declare this stone well and truly laid. I sure I feel very much the honour you have paid me in asking me to lay the foundation-stone of a monument to the memory of your fellow-townsman and my brother explorer, it must he gratifying to all those who have known your fellow townsman to find that his services are so highly appreciated by friends and fellow-colonists. Men's deeds live after them, and although some time has elapsed since Mr McKinlay departed this life, still it is shown that his character in the town of Gawler was such that it will not soon be forgotten. I am sure I shall ever feel thankful far the high honour of being allowed to take the part in the proceedings which I have taken to-day. I beg — Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen — that you will accept my thanks. (Cheers.) Three cheers for Mr. Forrest was proposed by the Mayor, and given with enthusiasm. Mr. Rudall was the called on and read the usual paper in reference to the documents placed under the stone as follow

: — 'The foundation stone of this monument, erected to the memory of John McKinlay, was laid by John Forrest, Esq., Explorer from Western Australia, on the 14th day of November, 1874. Governor of the Colony of South Australia, Anthony Musgrave, Esq ; Mayor of Gawler, William Faulkner Wincey, Esq.; Councillors, James Martin, James Dawson, William Tardif, John Chas. Wilkinson, David Thomson, Oscar Wehrstedt; John Rudall, Town Clerk. The following documents are herein deposited-.—

1st, Diary of Mr. McKinlay, leader of the Burke Relief Expedition, being journal of explorations in the interior of Australia, together with chart

2nd, J. McKinlays journals and report of explorations, 1866, together with chart and journal of search for other settlement than one at Adam Bay

3rd, a list of Committee for erecting monument

4th, Adelaide morning papers, Register and Advertiser

5th, Gawler weekly paper, Bunyip

6th, photograph of John McKinlay.

Cheers were given for the Queen, for Mr. Forrest, for Mr Alexander Forrest and the party, and the Mayor. The Luncheon. At about half-past 3 o'clock company to about the number of about fourscore, began to congregate in the Museum of the Institute, and shortly after took their seats in the Hall at a couple of slight refreshment tables, His Worship the Mayor occupying the chair, having on his right Mr, Forrest, and Mrs. Rudall, Mr. Pile, J.P., father-in-law of the late Mr. McKinlay, and Mrs. Wincey being on his left. The tables were graced by the presence of several other ladies, among whom we observed Mesdames Clement, Warren, Mitchell, Wilkin son; the Misses Rudall, Warren, Weaver, Nott, and others. On the walls of the Hall were portraits of Mr. McKinlay and a plan of his exploration. The Toast of "Her Majesty" was speedily given by the Chairman, followed by that of the "Prince of Wales," introduced with the hope that he may follow in the footsteps of his honoured father hearty cheers and suitable music by the band following; The health of "His Excellency the Governor" was then given, and honoured with loyal cheers. His Worship then said : — Ladies and Gentlemen — We have met today to lay the foundation-stone of a monument in honour of our late fellow-townsman, John McKinlay, and which is intended to stand as a permanent record of his achievements as one of the greatest explorer of this continent. It is not easy, to call up the past, to present it life-like-to your gaze; and if I now endeavour to do so, however faintly, I trust that you will grant me that kind consideration which my experience in these matters really requires. With your per mission I will just hurriedly glance at the state of affairs existing at the time when McKinlay was first brought prominently before the Australian public. Many of you will recollect that from the years 1850 to 1861 public attention was largely directed to the exploration of the interior, and many and strenuous efforts were made to ascertain the natural characteristics of its vast unknown centre— whether it consisted of an immense inland sea, a waste stony desert, or fruitful plains, that might ultimately be colonised. Expeditions were sent out in 1858 and 1859 under Babbage, and afterwards Warburton, which were unsuccessful. Stuart was also in the field, engaged in the same work, but he had a much more ambitious object in view. His life was devoted, not merely to reaching the centre of the continent,, but to crossing it from south to north, from sea. to sea. His first and second expeditions were unsuccessful. After a short rest he started for the third time, and on April 23 we find him, as he says in his journal, "camped in the centre of Australia." It was during the time that Stuart was away on this trip that Victoria entered the lists. She determined if possible to win the laurels to first cross the continent. She fitted out an expedition regardless of expense, consisting of 15 men, with camels, horses, &c , and carrying in all 21 tons of goods. Burke was appointed the leader, and started in August, 1860, under the most favourable auspices. You will see that there was a race between South Australia and Victoria — between Stuart and Burke - as to who should have the honour of first crossing the continent. The Register of the day said "Should Burke have found his way easily into the north-west country, he would have had the start of our own expedition. He left Cooper's Creek 16th December, and Stuart left Mount Margaret 10th January. Burke was therefore three weeks in time and 100 miles distance northward in advance of Stuart. And so it happened Burke won the race; but at what a cost ! He reached the Gulf of Carpentaria in February, 1831; McKinlay was second — he arrived at the same Gulf in May, 1862-; Stuart was third. He planted his flag on the shores of the Indian Ocean in July of the same year." But I anticipate. As I have already said, the Burke and Wills Expedition started in August, 1860; but the brilliant morning of promise was followed by the darkening evening of dis appointment, dismay and death. A long period elapsed without news from the party. Anxiety developed into apprehension, apprehension into alarm ; and a contingent party was sent from Melbourne under the command of Howitt, to learn the fate of the expedition, which had now been out ten months. This -was in Jane, 1861. A few days later the Victorian community were startled by the receipt of a telegram from Howitt stating that he had met part of the expedition returning; that four had died on the journey — Burke, Wills, King, and Gray had l«ft Cooper's Creek in December, and nothing had been heard of since. The natives were hostile; the country waterless for 150' miles." Many of you will recollect, all can imagine, the sensation caused by this terrible news. It was first made known in Adelaide by Mr Pile on his return from Menindie to Gawler. The most energetic means were at once adopted to relieve the missing explorers, or ascertain their fate. Victoria, if I may so speak, sprang to the rescue. Howitt's party was dispatched to-follow up Burke's tracks. Walker started from Rockhampton to the north coast. The war steamer Victoria was sent to the Gulf of Carpentaria; and Queensland joined Victoria in sending Landsborough to the Albert to prosecute the search towards the south. South Australia, ever ready to help in the cause of humanity, although there were already four relief parties in the field, could not stand idly by, but generously determined to send her own "Burke Belief Expedition." It was at at this period that McKinlay came to the front. The Government telegraphed to Melbourne, offering him the appointment of leadership of' the expedition, which he accepted, came over immediately, made all his arrangements, and; started in less than three weeks from the time it was decided to send, thus giving an example of the energy and ability that characterized all his future conduct. The Government placed the utmost confidence in him. He was allowed to use his own discretion in reading their instructions, and in his own words he was sent "unfettered on his journey." How he per-formed that journey, and his later exploration in the Northern Territory is now a matter of history. McKinlay was a man possessed of all those qualities (so seldom found combined in one person) necessary to qualify him for the position of a leader and an explorer, and circumstances fortunately placed him in the position in which he had the opportunity of using his great talents for the benefit, of the community. In looking through his journal you will find him kindly appreciative of the services of those under him, while maintaining the most perfect discipline, thus being able to retain the unity of his party under all circumstances. His intrepidity was beyond question, yet he had the power of self-restraint to a re-markable degree, and his judgment was so correct that he seemed perfectly to understand when a "wise slowness," or even temporary delay was necessary for the future success of his plans. The almost inconceivable hardships he underwent could not damp his ardour. Often baffled, but never despairing — at times struck down with illness — prevented from travelling by excessive heat, temperature at 165 deg. and no shade — the very bullocks dying of sunstroke — delayed for want of rain— at other times surrounded by the flood waters of the interior, rendering escape almost impossible— hindered by loss of men and cattle — living on short allowance — at last, entirely dependent on his camels and horses, which, as they knocked up, were killed and dried in the sun for food — full of expedients to meet the most unforeseen difficulties — with the greatest, powers of endurance. After ending the day's journey, and up to the last, when all were worn out and spiritless, he would ascend on foot the highest point in the neighbourhood, take a survey of the country, make minute notes of its characteristics, and decide upon his course for the next day, bravely bearing up supporting and cheering his comrades in their utmost weakness safe to the end. His was a great, grand nature, one to love and cling to. That is the picture I ask you to look at — that was McKinlay. It was amid such scenes that John McKinlay won for himself fame, and honour, and a name that shall live as long as Australian history lasts. Yet with all he was unassuming, without egotism. At the time when the colonies were delighting to do him honour he says at the banquet given to him in Adelaide, that "he supposed what little they had done would soon be heard of and if it was of advantage to the colony he was only happy it was so," and at once diverted the subject from himself to other distinguished explorers. I will now remind you of some of the opinions that were expressed on his return, and the estimation in which his services were held, not only by those high in authority, but by all classes of the community. The Parliament voted him a bonus of £1,000. which was presented to him by the late Sir Dominic Daly, who said— "Future historians would place his name amongst those of the highest and greatest; explorers who had gone forth to develop the country." At this presentation a vote of thanks for his services to the country was pro-posed by the Hon. S. Davenport, who remarked that "his praise rested in the hearts and opinions of his friends , not only those of his acquaintance, but also those who looked upon and admired him as one who had done his duty as a public man, and done it well." And Mr Strangways, the then Commissioner of Crown Lands, in seconding the vote of thanks, said that he had proved that the interior of the continent was not of such a blank and arid character as had been generally supposed. It was true that Burke and Wills had succeeded in crossing to the Gulf of Carpentaria, but owing to their untimely fate the records of their journey we're but meagre, and furnished very little information. On the other hand the comprehensive journal of Mr. McKinlay together with the chart prepared from it, would prove useful to all the colonies. The expedition had not benefitted South Austral^ alone, but the whole of Australia. When he considered that within three weeks after the conduct of the expedition had been entrusted to Mr. McKinlay the party had been formed, the stores provided, and Kapunda reached, he could say, without intending disparagement to other brave and gallant gentlemen, that his was the most splendid exploit in the way of exploration that had ever been achieved." His services -were also specially recognised by the Royal Geographical Society of London, who presented him with a gold watch, for, as the inscription on it states, "his perseverance and successful explorations of Australia from Ade-laide to Carpentaria." Gentlemen, I will now ask you to drink to the memory of John McKinlay in silence. Mr. G. Warren said he did not know why he was called upon to propose the toast which had been entrusted to him. It was one that ought to have been paced in the hands of someone who could have spoken to it, and it was well know that speaking was not his forte He was glad, as that was the case, to know that the toast was one which would commend itself, and would not require a long speech. It was 'The Health of Mr Forrest." (Cheers.) As to the exploits of Mr. Forrest, some might make light of them, but he had been just enough in the bush. and sees just enough of whipstick and spinifex to form a correct esti-mate of what the party had to pass through in 600 miles of such scrub. In proposing the health of Mr. Forrest, he would like to allude to the fact that it was not the first time that Mr. Forrest had performed the feat of crossing the continent. He had previously accomplished the overland journey, which though not perhaps involving so much danger as his last exploration, yet involved difficulties which no man but one who was a good leader having proper authority over his party could have successfully encountered. By the part he had played Mr Forrest had assisted the public to come to a conclusion as to the nature of that vast country which now lay upon the map without a name or line ; and whatever had been the result of his explorations, one thing was certain, that he had crossed this unknown land, and there was no doubt that where there was now no mark the whole would be covered with the tracks of his followers. Remarks had been made about this discovery not being of much use. But were not the same remarks made when Stuart crossed the Continent, and had not his work been of use to us. Let them ask Mr. Todd, the Superintendent of Tele-graphs, if Stuart's Journey had been of no use to him. Every explorer who travelled through a country, and was observant, and took notes of what he saw, did what would be useful here after. (Applause.) He would now call upon them to drink the health of Mr. Forrest, with the hope that he would live long to enjoy far greater honours than they had a chance then to offer him. (Cheers.) The toast was warmly received, and honoured with three cheers. Mr Forrest, in response, said he was very proud to occupy the portion that he did on that occasion. Occupying no very great position — though a respectable one- in his own country, he feared when he got back there that he would not be fit for anything (A voice — "No fear.") Referring to the occasion on which they had met he expressed his pride that he had been selected to lay the foundation-stone. No doubt he had been chosen because he was a fellow traveller, and it seemed fitting, and he was very proud that his name should be associated with that of Mr. John McKinlay (Cheers.) He had taken a great interest in exploration, and had read the works of all the explorers from the time of Captain Cook, and long before him from the persons who first sighted Australia down to the present time. He was well acquainted with the route of Mr. McKinlay, but had wished to get another glimpse of Mr. Davis's "Tracks of McKinlay across Australia." He had not been able to procure it, but coming there he saw on the walls a map of McKinlay's track. Any one taking the trouble to look at it would see that the country travelled on that one occasion was immense. He did not go back again several times before he succeeded. While he did not wish to detract from the name of any of other explorer, he thought that while Stuart was remembered for what he had done they would recollect that McKinlay had crossed first to the Gulph of Carpentaria, and thence to the eastern coast of Australia all in one expedition. (Cheers ) And Stuart had tried five times. He could not say the reason. Probably McKinlay had an easier journey than Stuart, but at the same time he would say all honour to McKinlay for the noble feat which he had accomplished. There was no doubt that McKinlay must have had great difficulties to overcome, and it was satisfactory to him as a fellow-traveller to find that in the town in which he lived up to the day of his death, his memory was so reverenced that they had that day commenced the erection of a monument that he might say would live for ever. He need not go into the question of the exploration of Australia, as that matter had been ably noticed by their worthy Chairman. He had read it all before; but he was at the same time very much interested in hearing it again. He was very much obliged to them for the way in which they had drunk his health, and glad to see that it had been entrusted to his old friend Mr. Warren. He called him his old friend, because when he was here some four years ago Mr. Warren had treated him well. They had come then along another man's tracks; but still that was not quite such an easy tatter as some night suppose. A chart showed where water was to be found; but these places were distant from each other —perhaps 169 miles or more— and with horses in bad condition it was no easy matter to take them such a distance, before they came to the telegraph line their horses would not go one day without water. Crossing along the south coast they were fortunate in the season, and had horses in good condition, and were able once to go a stage of 140 miles. And they were certainly much better off than Mr. Eyre in whose track they came, for he did not of bourse know what was ahead, and had his horses knocked up he would have lost his life. If he had not known that water was before him, he did not think — well, he did not know whether or not he would have set out, as people did not know what they would do before they came into the circumstances. He had on his former journey received great kind ness, and had taken back very pleasant reminiscences of South Australia, and he had then rested on his oar for four years. But he had a passion for exploration and had tried his best, at last with success, to get up a party with which to go out again. He admitted that he was envious of the explorers that South Australia was sending out, and what they discovered seemed to be countrv taken away from him. (Laughter.) He had before starting heard with great satisfaction of the arrival of Major Warburton on the north east settlements of West Australia. He had also heard of Mr. Gosse having turned back, but knew nothing of Mr. Giles. But coming near where Mr. Gosse had turned back they found a tree in a place where Mr. Gosse ought to have been, which was marked "E. Giles, October 12. 1873." (Cheers.) They would have gone further north, but the season was a very dry one, and he had heard from friends that great anxiety had been felt for them, as settlers in the Nicol Bay district, who had pushed far inland, had had to leave their stock and fly for their lives. He had also had letters from the Colonial Secretary and the Governor stating that they had fear for his safety. He did not think it necessary to tell them that he had endured privations as he did not appear to have suffered much. He had kept his weight coming across, and some of the party had gained a couple of stone. He again thanked them for the honour done him, and the trowel which had been presented to him, stating that he would keep it and show it to the people of West Australia as an emblem of the great honour that they had done him. About Mr. McKinlay, he wished to say that he had much wished to meet him the last time he was here. Since then he had been in cor-respondence with him, and one of his letters remaining unanswered he learnt that his friend had died. In the language of the old poem, "He sleeps his last sleep and has fought his last battle No sound can awake him to glory again." Once more he begged to thank them for the toast. (Cheers.) Mr. Clement, in proposing "Mr Alexander Forrest and the Party," said that it was as necessary that there should be men who could take a subordinate command or obey, as it was there should be men fit for leaders. The fact that some of the party had been with Mr. Forrest before the present occasion showed that there was not much disagreement between them. It was said that Gawler made too much of them. It was said that Gawler made too much of explorers, but he hoped that the time would never arrive when they would cease to acknowledge heroic deeds, whereby civilisation might advance, and the sterile country already unoccupied be studded with flocks and herds. (Applause.) The toast having been duly honoured. Mr. Forrest responded, regretting the absence of his brother and the party which he had done his best to get together, without suc-cess. His brother was with him when he came over four years ago and also one of the black fellows, Tommy Winditch. He thought that they were well satisfied with the first expedition, or would never have come again. (Applause ) He had had considerable difficulty in organising his party, and a few days before he started he did not know the name of a white man who was to accompany him. His brother was a surveyor under the Government, and he had to thank the Commissioner of Crown Lands for allowing him to come, as he placed very much dependence upon him as one who would be able to lead the party on, supposing anything happened to him. Which might have been the case. His brother had been very useful to him and had cheered him forward and made a new man of him at one point, the most critical in his journey. On the way over they had been several times reduced to very short allowances of water, and once he had found only what would be one drink with a long journey ahead. He had nearly given up hope, but his brother had cheered him up, and advised him to go back a short distance, and that all would be well. He had done so, and then they had had a thunderstorm, which had enabled them to get on and reach the tele-graph line in safety. He had much to thank Tommy Winditch for, as he was very good at finding water, and was so experienced that he would rather travel with him than with any white man. (Applause.) The other black, though more civilized, was not a man of such sharpness or experience as Winditch, and he had always taken the latter with him in advance of the party, as was his usual custom in travelling. He at first gave way to him (Mr. Forrest), and would not point out how they ought to go; but when he found that his opinion had weight, he used to point the direction at once, and that was the way in which they went. (Cheers.) His sharpness in finding water at a native camp was peculiar, and while white men might not get to within a mile of the place at first, he would know how to go straight to it. He was not a talkative man, but smoked a great deal, which was rather an annoyance to him at first; but long before the end of the journey the tobacco had ran out, and that trouble ceased. At the time of the thunderstorm he considered that Winditch had given him counsel which had perhaps saved all their lives. They felt certain that rain had fallen to the north-east, and he ordered the party to wait five days and then follow him, intending to go in that direction and find water. But the black urged that they should only go two days ahead of the party; and that he had agreed to. It was quite sufficient, for they found that 60 miles off rain had fallen. Had the party waited for five days probably all the rain that had fallen would have dried up. In conclusion he thanked them on behalf of his brother and the party, and said he would be sure to express to them the feelings of those who had honoured the toast, in the same way as he would express to the people of Western Australia the great kindness he had received. He could not do more for want of words than say he was very thankful. (Cheers ) Mr John Rudall proposed "The Visitors," thanking those who had come to do honour to the name of McKinlay. Amongst those at the table, he thought it was pleasant to notice Mr. John Davis, who had been with McKinlay and had put forth upon the subject of his explorations a book written in a very pleasant way. (Cheers.) No one who had read that book could be ignorant of the fact that Mr. McKinJay and patty had undergone frightful privations. He would now propose the toast, coupling with it the name of Mr. John Davis. The toast having been heartily received, Mr J Davis rose to respond, and was received with cheers. He said he begged simply to thank them for the kindly way in which the toast had been proposed and received and his name coupled with it. He might perhaps have been able to say something about the expedition on which he had had the honour to be engaged with Mr. McKinlay, but had no knowledge that he would have been called upon to speak. Mr. Worsnop, Town Clerk of Adelaide, also returned thanks, stating that the visitors he was sure would be pleased to see that the proceedings had passed off with so much “eclat”. Mr. Grundy, of the Bunyip, proposed "The Health of the Chairman," complimenting him on the readiness with which he engaged in any good work and lent— no— gave himself to "whatsoever things were lively and of good report." The toast having been well received, Th Chairman returned thanks. The proceedings then broke up, Mr. Forrest returning to Adelaide by the last train.

The adjacent wall (known as the Pioneer Place Wall) was built in 1875.

To see more photos of the McKinlay Monument, please click here.