An illustration design by John Richard Jobbins, of the proposed Glenelg pier and breakwater designed by engineer William Bennett Hays.

In the early years of South Australia, Glenelg as the first landing place of the colonists on the mainland aspired to be the colony's main port. In 1839 a company was formed to carry out this plan. Warehouses were constructed but the hoped for jetty was not. By 1850 this still had not eventuated and fresh moves were made for a jetty to be built. Finally in 1857 the first pile was screwed down by the Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell.

There were delays as a cargo of iron work being shipped from England was washed overboard, and the decking timber was found to be of poor quality. The workmen found also that the screwing of the piles was more difficult than expected and the plans as developed by William Hays were not carried through. The 'T-head' was never built. The jetty was officially opened 25 April 1859 but would not be used by shipping until 1865. An 'L-head' was added to the jetty in 1874, but Glenelg despite its long jetty (1250 feet or 381 metres) never became a port, and its jetty became a promenade pier instead.

William Hays was appointed surveyor of main roads in January 1850, later became clerk of works and architect, and in January 1852 was promoted to the new position of colonial architect and superintendent of works in the colonial engineer's department.

Glenelg (S. Aust.)

Hays, W. Bennett (William Bennett)

Jobbins, J. R. (John Richard), d. 1866

Hays, W. Bennett (William Bennett), Engineering in South Australia:being an account of the principal public works now executed : preceded by a historical sketch of the colony, from its foundation to the present time, [London?: s.n.], 1856

Collins, Neville C The jetties of South Australia: past and present Woodside, S.A.: Neville Collins, 2005

Parsons, Ronald, Southern passages: a maritime history of South Australia Netley, S. Aust.: Wakefield Press, 1986

Perry, Dulcie The place of waters: a history of the first fifty years of Glenelg [Adelaide]: Published by the author in association with The Corporation of the City of Glenelg, and National Trust of South Australia, Glenelg Branch, 1985architecture in South Australia: a definitive chronicle of development 1836-1890 and the social history of the times. Adelaide: Rigby, 1980

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-