Historical Australian Towns: Minlaton, SA: A Place of Sweet Water

The town of Minlaton, located in the central Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. is 197 km west of Adelaide.

Due to the red gums which grow in the area, the town was originally named Gum Flat but was changed to Minlaton, a name derived from the Narungga Aboriginal word "minlacowie", which means "'sweet water" and the Anglo Saxon "Ton", which meant "Town".

Minlaton has a long main street and many historic buildings.

The Narungga Aboriginal People

The four clans of the Narungga people are Kurnara (north), Windera (east), Wari, (west) and Dilpa (south).

Many waterholes used for drinking water by Narungga people can be found near the present town of Minlaton. The Narungga word "Minlacowie" means "Sweet water."

Narungga people, like most Aboriginal groups, moved around according to the seasons and food sources. Most campsites are found near water sources, like lagoons and swamps. Food for hunting and gathering was also more abundant near water sources.

J. Howard Johnson, from 1899-1905, recorded over 400 words of the Narrunga language, as told to him by Louisa (Lucy), an Aboriginal woman from Marion Bay. The language has similarities with the Kaurna and Nukunu languages.

According to Louisa, the Narrunga woman, her people only named waterholes and soaks and good hunting and camping grounds.

Nets for catching wallabies were made from the sinew of wallabies or kangaroos. The skins were used for cloaks and rugs. Designs were made on the skin side using stone or shell and sometimes coloured with ochre. See here

Limestone tools were used, such as hammers, scrapers, chisels, knives and spear tips. Quartz and chert were also used. Other implements were used to grind seeds for eating and ochre for painting the body.

Munga corroboree would be performed to break a drought. Other corroborees were to settle disagreements, for initiation, marriage or trade.

(Aboriginal corroboree, South Australia) 1891 watercolour on paper Pictorial Australian (Adelaide, SA : 1885 - 1895)

An early European settler who resided at Moorowie Station saw many corroborees and wrote:

“…they were usually held at night. The men would dance around a fire and imitate kangaroo hunts, fishing exploits or fights with other tribes. They used to daub themselves with pipeclay and red ochre. The men would chant a kind of song and the women sat around in a circle with a possum rug in their laps rolled up to make a drum.” (Carmichael 1988)

Wurlies (temporary shelters) were made of branches and bark.

The Narungga believed a hawk Dreamtime ancestor and totem called Gurgunya "wanders about the earth in the form of the Hawk of that name" and is responsible for the reproductive cycle of women. (Francis James Gillen (28 October 1855 – 5 June 1912)

Narungga people, like most other Aboriginal clans throughout Australia, likely believed that Europeans were spirits. They called the newcomers Bindirra, which comes from the word bindi meaning spirit place. One Narungga man is reported to have screamed with fright when he first saw a white man. (Thomas Giles, ‘Reminiscence,’ Adelaide Observer, 22 October 1887)

Europeans: 1802

During 1802 and 1803, the European explorers, Matthew Flinders and Nicholas Baudin mapped the coastline of Yorke Peninsula. No direct contact with any Narungga person took place.

Matthew Flinders with his beloved Trim, Port Lincoln, South Australia

In 1846 Charles Parrington took out one of the first sheep runs on the Yorke Peninsula at Oyster Bay. Parrington first came to South Australia to work with Colonel William Light’s survey team.

Charles Parrington. In 1846 he took out one of the first sheep runs on Yorke Peninsula at Oyster Bay (Stansbury). SLSA

Gum Flat Station

Later in 1847, Thomas Giles and George Anstey took up Gum Flat, named after the River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), which grew naturally on the property. The property encompassed 167 square miles. At one stage, this property had 44,000 sheep.

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 15 September 1932

"If was in 1847 that Mr. T. Giles took up the country about Minlaton and Curramulka on behalf of Mr. Anstey. Regarding the stocking of the land, Mr. Giles has left it on record that 'It was no easy matter getting sheep round there, as the scrub grew so close to the cliffs that in some places we had to wait for low water to drive the sheep along the beach.' One squatter who took his flocks round in the summer lost 2,000 animals through their drinking salt water."

"One day a native was squatting In the scrub, his whole attention riveted upon a lizard he was cooking. He was so absorbed that he failed to hear a soft footfall behind him. When he looked up it was to encounter the gaze of something he had never seen before— a white man.

He sprang to his feet in terror, and became rooted to the spot with fear, trembling in every limb. The white man made friendly gestures, and presently The black held out the lizard to him as a peace offering. That was the first encounter on the peninsula of the two races. Unfortunately, relations did not continue on such a footing."

"The aboriginals soon came to know the taste of mutton. They devised all sorts of ruses for stealing the white man's sheep. It was not an odd sheep or two; it was a hundred or more at a time. One of their favorite methods was to set fire to the grass. The maddened animals would scatter into the bush, where Biljim's spear did the rest."

Minlaton: Some Stories Of Gum Flat

According to historian Henry Reynolds: "Yes, I think that's probably an important point to make. Aborigines of course resisted Europeans violently by killing Europeans and by attacking their property, and often by stealing their possessions and animals, but by and large, the Europeans made it very clear that any such attack would be met by massive retaliation." (see here)

1830s

Robert Cock and Surgeon Jamieson explored in the vicinity of Coobowie (near the south-eastern tip of Yorke Peninsula) in 1838.

Violent conflict occurred between pastoralists and Narungga people in the 1830s–1840s.

1840s

Jim Crack (Jimcrack or Jem Crack), a "native policeman" was a Narungga man (or boy) and "a native of Yorke Peninsula". Evidence shows that Jim Crack began working with the police about August 1849. And his name appears in Court Reports and police records until February 1852.

1850s

Discovery of copper on Yorke Peninsula in 1859 led to many more people flocking to the area. The increasing population also created a demand for food, and farms developed. Agriculture became the main source of employment.

'Surveyors' Encampment Yorkes (sic) Peninsula', July 12 1850. Title, signature (initials only) and date, bottom right hand corner. SLSA

1860s

In 1867 an Aboriginal Mission was established at Point Pearce by by Moravian missionary Julius Kühn.

1870s

The Gum Flat leasehold was resumed by the government in 1874.. Farm land was sold and an area reserved for a town.

160 town allotments were sold in 1876,

In 1875-76 South Australia produced over 10 million bushels of wheat.

Minlaton Baptist church opened 25 Dec 1877. The porch opened 1 Nov 1947: “A tribute to all who worshipped here, and now rest from their labours.”

The Minlaton Hotel was built in 1877 for Mr McInnerney, opening in August with a dinner for 100 guests. The upper storey was added around 1920.

The first Methodist Church was built in 1877 but was demolished.

The telegraph line, which revolutionised communication, went through Minlaton in 1877, heading for Yorketown, but there was no telegraph station in Minlaton.

The agricultural show was founded in 1878.

The post office commenced in 1878 in a temporary building.

Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922), Tuesday 28 May 1878

South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 - 1881), Saturday 1 June 1878

1880s

The Town Hall was originally the single storey Institute built in 1881. It was later remodelled to become the two storey Town Hall in 1939.

Minlaton Institute, SA, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931)

Minlaton School, 1884-1887Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954)

The flour mill at Minlaton, established in 1886 on Maitland Road, was operated by William Long until 1891. Manuel, Hilton & Company took over and then, William Long returned to ownership in 1900. The mill burnt down in 1906 but was rebuilt by Long's son.

Minlaton St Benedict's Anglican church opened 22 Aug 1886, closed Aug 1997, replaced by a building erected 1925 as parish hall.

The Minlaton Council formed in 1888.

Farmer John Cudmore began using phosphate fertilisers in 1889 and this enabled barley to be grown in the area.

The general store was built in 1889.

1900s

Showground at Minlaton, SA, 1900, SLSA

Ralph Rickaby, #483, 5th Imperial Bushmens Contingent, for the Boer War c.1900. He was a 21 year old farmer from Minlaton, South Australia. Aussie~mobs

"Bullock" motor car and "Werner" motor cycle at Minlaton, SA,during Show Week in 1902. SLSA

1. Minlaton Hospital, SA, 2. Minlaton Main Street, SA. Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 21 October 1905

1. Main Street, Minlaton, SA 2. Bank of Adelaide Minlaton, SA, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 21 October 1905

St Malachy's Catholic Church was built in 1905.

Union procession at Minlaton, SA. 1905, SLSA

The first cinema operated from 1906.

Sheep sale at Minlaton, SA, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 6 April 1907

Minlaton & District Museum, SA, "Nurse Crosby, of Glenelg, who was expect ed to take charge this week." here South Australian History Network

Minlaton Football Club, SA, Premiers 1909. On the back of photograph is written: 'Club formed 1903'. in 1909, SLSA

Country show at Minlaton, SA, 1910, SLSA

The flour mill at Minlaton, South Australia. 1910. This image has no known copyright restrictions.

The arrival of the mail coach at Minlaton Post Office, SA. Approximately 1910, SLSA

Members of an 'Orange' Lodge, Minlaton, SA, Approximately 1910, SLSA. The Orange Order was founded by Ulster Protestants in County Armagh in 1795, during a period of Protestant–Catholic sectarian conflict

The stone Post Office was built in 1912.

Minlaton Hospital. SA, with the Committee standing outside. 1912, SLSA

Four Generations at Point PearceMission Station. Granny Adams (great grandmother), John Miller (grandfather), Lucy Newchurch (mother), and Lilly Newchurch, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 6 February 1915

Aviator Captain Harry Butler was the first person in the southern hemisphere to carry airmail, flying over water, on 6 August 1919, 90km, from the suburb of Hendon in Adelaide to Minlaton. His "Red Devil" Bristol monoplane is now a major attraction. Captain Harry Butler was born and died in Minlaton.

CAPTAIN BUTLER CROSSES THE GULF. Captain H. J. Butler on Wednesday carried out his promise to return from active service to his home at Minlaton by monoplane. He left Dry Creek, at 10.43 a.m., and reached Minlaton nearly an hour later. 1. The aviator ready to ascend. 2. Climbing into the machine. 3. Starting the propeller. 4. In the air. ' . Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 9 August 1919

1920s

MAN AND THE MACHINE. A. J. Moyle, who won th« 'Mail' Cup at Minlaton, SA, mounted on his 3-hp-. A.B.C. Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 2 April 1921

By the 1920s farms of barley had mostly replaced wheat.

Universal regret was expressed at Capt. Butler's crash, at Minlaton, SA, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 21 January 1922

By 1923 the flour mill was being used as a butter factory. Later, as a cordial factory and ice cream factory, and by 1944, as a creamery.

Saint Benedict's Parish Hall at Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula, SA. This is possibly the dedication of the new church hall as a stone above the porch reads 1925 AD. Three men, including the priest, and a boy are standing outside the stone church hall and ladies can be seen walking towards parked cars SLSA

The Jubileee Exhibition hall was built in 1928.

OLDEST NATIVE .OF POINT PEARCE Tom Adams, Expert Shearer, Passes at 89 (An Appreciation by "G. M.") Tom Adams, oldest native at Point Pearce Mission Station, died on Monday while sitting in his chair. He was knownin many parts of the State as an expert shearer, and was about 89 years of age. Scarcely knowing what a day's illness was, Tom Adams had lived a true open air life. Surely one could not wish a more fitting close to a long life of outdoor activity. He appeared to be well and healthyto the end.News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Wednesday 5 June 1929

Mr. Dave Cook, of Minlaton, who is nearing his 67th birthday, was one of the early pioneers of the Minlaton District. In 1876, when 14 years of age, he came from Rapid Ray with his father, three brothers, and sisters, and settled in the Koolywurtie district near Minlaton. The family caravan consisted of two drays drawn by 26 bullocks, a few loose cattle, and a mare and foal. It was a trying journey, and occupied two weeks. The members of the family are : Daughters — Mrs. Clift, Mrs. H. Glazbrook, Mrs. J. Glazbrook, Mrs. A. K Glazbrook, Misses Alice and Nell Cook; sons—Messrs John J., Geo. A., Walter, Tom, Charlie, Archie and Frank.Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 22 March 1929

1930s

A group of former residents of Southern Yorke Peninsula, SA- THE NATIVE TONGUE A Valuable Vocabulary The exclusive historical and philological articles which have been a feature of "The Pioneer" for several months past, have opened the way for publication of matter belonging solely to the ethnological side of the history of Yorke Peninsula. Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 26 December 1930

The Minlaton Post Office, SA, is a single storey stone building with red brick quoins and a wide verandah. The post boxes can be seen in the front for easy access for people picking up their mail. This post office is also an agency for the Commonwealth Savings Bank. [On back of photograph] 'Minlaton Post Office / 1932 / SLSA

A large pine tree dominates this view of shops in the main street of Minlaton, SA. Tenants of a row of nineteenth century shops on the right of the tree are : D.M.S. Davies, Auctioneers and agent for the Savings Bank of South Australia; A. McKenzie & Son, Saddle and Harness Makers and Harris Massey Machinery Agency. [On back of photograph] 'The main street at Minlaton, SA / 1932, SLSA

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 24 June 1932,

WHO SAYS THERE IS A DEPRESSION? There were well over 1,000 motor-cars at the Minlaton Show last week. The exhibition was one of the most successful in the history of the Agricultural Society, and attracted visitors from all parts of Yorke Peninsula. An atmosphere of optimism regarding the future was most marked Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 9 November 1933

NATIVE SHEARERS of the Point Pearce Mission Station, on Yorke Peninsula. They are taught various branches of farm work, and in the season are often employed by neighboring farmers as laborers or
tradesmen. The average wage disbursement at the station is £120per week. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 28 December 1933

This delightful little nursery gained for the Minlaton, SA, branch of the Country Women's Association the second prize in the miniature shop window display. Kadina was awarded the firstprize with a sitting room.Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 22 September 1938

MINLATON: The Town Hall, remodelled from Institute.Approximately 1939, SLSA, Art Deco

1940s and WWII

EX-FOOT'BALLER KILLED Captain of Minlaton A former captain of the Minlaton football team, Sgt. Leslie King Tonkin, 25, was killed in action on May 1 while serving with a South Australian infantry unit.News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Wednesday 11 June 1941

MINLATON, SA: Group of five women involved in the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund modelling the costumes that they wore for an item in the Harry Shaw fundraising concert. Left to right: Edna Twilley; Laurel Jovaslafsky; Mavis Chambers; Florence Cook and Marion Beth Poole. 1945.SLSA

ON A MINLATON FARM, SA. Horse teams belonging to Mr. J. L. Ford and Mr. T. C. May working on Mr. Ford's farm at Minlation. The teams were driven by Mr. May and his son, Keith. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 22 August 1946

A GENERAL view of the sheep pens while judging was in progress at the Minlaton Show, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 16 October 1947

Minlaton Hotel in Minlation, South Australia - circa 1949, Aussie~mobs

1950s

KEEN croquet players at the local club, Minlaton, SA. At back from left — Mesdames F. Schwarz, G. Parsons, O. Klaebe, J. L. Ford, R. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 5 October 1950

THIS is Mr. H. J. Newton, who has been harness and boot-making in the town for the past 30 years — a study of calm and patience. Minlaton, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 5 October 1950

IN the A grade basketball. Point Pearce defeated Booborowie 21 goals to 1. In a B grade
match. Port Victoria defeated Point Pearce 4 goals to 1. Trophy winners in trie A grade match
were Betty Oewhurst (Booborowie) and Eila Weerra (Point Pearce). B grade trophy winners
were Ella Davey (Port Victoria) and Ada Newchureh (Point Pearce). The A grade teams areshown above. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 1 October 1953

POINT PEARCE this year won the football premiership of the YorkeValley Association. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 1 October 1953

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Wednesday 1 July 1953

PICTURED here is Minlaton's wide, clean, two-way main street. The Town Hall (centre) is one of the most modern, and claimed to be the best country building of its kind in the State. It was completed in 1939. Minlaton's 700 townspeople are intensely interested in the community's progress, and the Town Hall is a worthy centre of local civic pride. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 21 September 1950 A secondary school was opened in 1954.

Elkin Reilly, Mail Medallist in 1959, while playing for Minlaton Football Club. He was also a former Australian rules footballer, representing South Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was one of the earlier Australian Aboriginal people to play in the VFL

Elkin Reilly (2 April 1939 – 3 September 2020) was a former Australian rules footballer

1960s

Yorke Peninsula was growing 75% of Australia’s barley crop by the 1960s.

1970s

The Aboriginal people of Point Pearce were given 5,777 hectares in 1972, transferred to the ownership of the Point Pearce Community Council, under the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act.

Around Minlaton