Taking it to the edge: Land: David Lindsay - Elder Expedition water problems

A number of lightly equipped flying trips were made to cover additional territory and to search for water.  It was also becoming evident that the region they were moving into had not received rain for some years - feed was poor and water becoming scarce.  Another flying trip was sent out to search for traces of Gibson, but none were found.  This was from Camp 33 where a depot was established.  Lindsay lamented his large party - less men and camels would have consumed far less water.  In late August good water supplies were at last found.  The camels were rested and then on 30 August the expedition headed for Queen Victoria Spring to the south-west.  Lindsay made plans to send the botanical, geological specimens, and photographic plates back to Adelaide from Fraser Range Station, south of the Spring.  Queen Victoria Spring was a disappointment - it had dried up and little water was obtained.  The feed for the camels however was good. 

The water shortage determined Lindsay's next stage.  He headed for certain water in the Fraser Range 125 miles to the south-west.  The Afghan cameleers' water ration was reduced to the same as the rest of the men.  Difficulties with them increased as a result.  Hadji was dismissed by Lindsay.  Richard Helms, the naturalist, was the next to cause problems.  He had already been a cause of delays, as he wandered in search of specimens for the collections.  Now he was refusing to care for his camel, as each man was instructed to do: he also questioned Lindsay's authority as leader.  They arrived at Fraser Range 2 October, and Lindsay, Leech and Streich walked on ahead to an outstation.  Here they were treated to mutton chops, and newspapers only a few months old.