Start of Elder's Exploring Expedition : April/May 1891

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition set out from Warrina 2 May 1891, then was detained for seven days at Cootanoorinna by rain. There were further delays at Arcoellinna Well after seven camels were lost and had to be found. The death of an expedition member had also caused delays: the unfortunate Bowden died only a week after the expedition started and was replaced by an additional camel driver. The second-in-command FW Leech had also had an accident which had strained his knee. Such was the very rocky start of the major expedition funded by Sir Thomas Elder.

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expediton, funded by Sir Thomas Elder, was to explore western South Australia and into Western Australia, searching for pastoral lands and mineral resources. the leader was David Lindsay, an experienced explorer and bushman. The surveyor was Larry Wells, who would subsequently take over the expedition after difficulties arose and Lindsay was recalled by the management committee.

All of the foregoing shows that bringing together an exploration party and leading it successfully, was not an easy task.

Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition (1891-1892)

Elliott, Frederick, fl. 1855-1897

The Oxford book of exploration selected by Robin Hanbury-Tenison Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 1993

Howgego, Raymond John Encyclopedia of exploration, 1800 to 1850: a comprehensive reference guide to the history and literature of exploration, travel and colonization between the years 1800 and 1850 / Raymond John Howgego Potts Point, N.S.W.: Hordern House, 2004

McLaren, Glen Beyond Leichhardt: bushcraft and the exploration of Australia South Fremantle, W.A.: Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 1996

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-