Early Shepherds Huts

Mikee5 - Interesting story - but possibly the better explanation is that timber and roofing iron was costly in remote areas - and when another new shed or shack was being built, it was simple enough to acquire the roofing materials from an abandoned building.

The old CGI from the late 1800's through to WW2 was heavy gauge, and galvanised to a thickness that would be regarded as 10 times that required, for todays lightweight and poorly-coated sheeting.

You can still find serviceable examples of that CGI in some places such as Goldfields or other remote areas.
I can remember an old prospector complaining about the quality of modern CGI in the 1970's.

He advised me how, with the old CGI, he could place a sheet raised on bricks located each end, and stand on the sheet, without it buckling! - whereas the modern stuff would fold up like cardboard!

Cheers, Ron.

Hi Mikee5

I was speaking to a local Stone mason today about a number of things, as well as the ruins we found, who specialises in restoration of old buildings and does a lot of work for the Government.

When I showed him the images, he confirmed that yes the slot in t phe side of the ruin was for defensive action if needed.

He also confirmed that, yes there was a tax in a South Australia on all roofed dwellings, and when vacated, the roof iron was removed, to avoid a tax on a building that was not used.

Cheers


Stephen

Hi Macca

When I was told about these type of shepherds outposts , I originally thought I was having my leg pulled, but then the farmer went into detail.

Back in the mid 1800’s, there were usually a main homestead, and from there stockman were then go off, usually by themselves with supplies packed on a stock horse. In today’s terms, they were not that far away from the main homestead, but a days travel on horseback could have been anything up to 20 kilometres .

You also got the very small properties that were well out from their nearest town and like the shepherds huts, were still a days help away. Many to most areas in South Australia usually had a good relationship with the local Aboriginals and got on well, but in some areas where there were hostilities, a lonely hut was an easy pickings.

The area around Kapunda had mixed relationships with local Aboriginals, but in 1861, a shepherd was out working and when he came home that night, his wife and 2 young children had vanished. The nearest town was Kapunda, still less than 20 kilometres away. Search parties were sent out and late the next day, the naked body of his wife was found stuffed into a wombats hole, along with the two bodies of the young murdered children. The end result was 6 aboriginal men arrested and charged with the rape and murder of the lady and 2 young children. 2 of the Aboriginal men were acquitted and the remaining 4 were hung in Adelaide Goal.

If you can get hold of a book on the Rainbird Murders, it will fill you in on the full details.

So you can see that these type of lonely shepherds huts did exist and with no windows, and gun slots, they were able to defend themselves if a situation did ever arise.

I know that I will now be looking a lot harder when out and about, as I have been told there are quite a few similar huts all around the Kapunda area.

A very Happy New Year and safe travels for 2020



Stephen

Thanks Shaker

I have just replied to Macca above, and have given a bit more information about a family murder in that area in 1861, that was known as the Rainbird Murders.

Thanks for your reply.

All the best for 2020 and safe travels.


Stephen

If you can get your thinking cap on, that would be great.

I still have o contact the Kapunda VIC to see if they have any details.

I have been told there is a similar grave in Hamilton, north of Kapunda.

Is this the place you are thinking of?|

Next time we head up towards Melrose, I will be looking out for these type of old ruins.

I wonder if any exist in other parts of the country.


All the best for 2020.



Cheers



Stephen

Yep, the graves are at Hamilton

Is that the church on the main road, or the one in the back road.


Cheers


Stephen

Cheers Stephen. Looks like the one I remember and the name rings a bell. Think I just got my church's a bit mixed up. :)
Dave.

Swung by St Matthews Anglican Church & Cemetery on my way home today and had a look around the cemetery. This is the plaque.

Thanks a Glenn,

Are they behind the church at the back, or in the cemetery section.


Thanks for your help


Stephen

Stephen it is in the cemetery which is behind the church.
I've circled the general area.

Thanks again Glenn

That should hopefully be easy to find

Cheers


Stephen

Hi

Are you able to send me a private email re the Rainbird House ruins.

We would like to visit them, and then I can let you know where I found that great find.

All the Best for 2020


Stephen