Pioneering Days: Thrilling Incidents

On my way to Sydney (via Burketown and Townsville overland). So farewell to Rocklands! With all the hardships endured from such a harsh rough life--constant watching of the blacks, the want of proper food or none at all, but above all, the occasional dreadful sufferings from want of water--these and many others helped at all times to make our lives unhappy. But we are a happy family notwithstanding, and tried our best to look at things as brightly as possible. For instance, the fascination of short exploring trips was viewed with much delight and pleasure. There was also something romantic in the nomadic life we led, and certainly much pleasure was derived by the early pioneers, as well as trouble and hardships. The pioneers are almost now forgotten by the rising generation. Many lie in grass-covered graves, neglected and lost to remembrance, who, in the years that are gone, endowed the Australian of to-day with his peerless heritage.

In visiting Burketown this time, changes were few in that small hamlet. Progress was not visible. In fact the place, like the cow's tail, appeared to be growing downwards. There was very little trade, but still much sickness. To add to its decline a port was opened on the Norman River, which drew away many people from Burketown. Then the Norman was reckoned to be much better seaport than the Albert. Landsborough had left Burketown, and Sharkey and George Phillips soon after. A short time only elapsed when the place was almost quite deserted.