Auburn.

The Adelaide Observer of 21 August 1861 noted that the Treasurer and the Commissioner of Public Works "had visited Auburn on 21 August and had approved of the Government acre (on which stands the Local Court House and Police Station) as a suitable site for the  Telegraph Station, tenders for which will, I understand, be advertised very shortly". 

"Auburn occupies a pretty situation, as the hill slopes to its base, adjacent to the western banks of the Upper Wakefield River, at the point where the two branches of the Adelaide main road, by way of Baker's Springs and Riverton, meet ... At present the Post-Office is conducted at Mr. W. T. Bleechmore's store, but this is shortly to be superseded by the new Post Office, which, conjointly with the Telegraph Station, is to be erected by the Government. The telegraph wires are about to be laid down hence to Wallaroo". (South Australian Register 10 December 1861).

In November 1861, Mr. W. Threadgold won the tender for the construction of the Post Office and Telegraph Station at Auburn with an amount of £634/10/-.

The Telegraph Office opened on 3 January 1862. The Advertiser announced this event as:

"We received the following telegram from Mr. Todd on Friday: The Superintendent of Telegraphs presents his compliments to the Editor of the Advertiser, and begs to inform him that he has opened telegraphic communication with Auburn this afternoon".

"Our new Telegraph Station is now ready for its new occupants. We are daily expecting Mr. Fowler to make the necessary change from the temporary to the permanent office. The building is at present the most prominent feature in the township. Contrasted by the side of the Court-House and Police Station, there is a vast difference in the two public buildings; the latter is miserably low and small and will not be long suited to the requirements of an increasing population. I understand that the Government officials are perfectly satisfied with the manner in which Mr. W. Threadgold, the contractor for the  Telegraph  Station, has carried out the contract".
South Australian Register 19 April 1862.

As with so many good things, criticism began:

"The new Telegraph Station is a very handsome building outside and a great ornament to the village. But the architect, content with a handsome exterior, seems to have expended an immense amount of ingenuity in rendering the interior as inconvenient as possible. His great idea appears to have been the largest possible number of rooms with the smallest possible amount of space and comfort in each. The public waiting-room is just inside the first entrance — is well ventilated by thorough draughts from four doors, and has no fire place. There are small closets both up and down stairs, inserted in the queerest places and just large enough for a moderate sized cat to turn herself round in. larger sized than Swiveller's Marchioness, minus the extensive bonnet. The sitting-room, bedrooms, etc.,are all on the same scale, in short the whole space inside is cribbed and confined to the last degree". (South Australian Advertiser, 5 June 1863, p.2).

A Telegraph Office opened at Balaklava on 20 March 1877. A temporary office had been erected.

A Post Office had opened on 1 August 1871 as Balaclava.

When construction on the Port Wakefield Railway began, Mr. Charles Fisher of the Hundred of Balaklava selected a spot about 17 miles along the line from Port Wakefield and laid out a township which he called Balaklava.

Used on a telegram form:??

Size:

Rated (on telegram): RRRR.

Number on telegram in the Census: 0.

On 2 January 1875, the South Australian Chronicle commented on the forthcoming elections by noting "The coming elections are not yet exciting much attention but the candidates for Parliament will undoubtedly be asked to pledge themselves to endeavor to get telegraphic communication established between Balaklava and the rest o£ the civilised world. A telegraph line runs within about three miles of the township so that a branch would be but a small undertaking and is certainly necessary in a place which boasts of a railway station and sends away thousands of bushels of wheat every week".

In a discussion on expenditures in the House of Assembly on 30 September 1879, the Commissioner of Public Works suggested that he was prepared to move that the line authorising expenditure for the Balaklava Post and Telegraph Office in his district be struck out if that helped reduce the excess of expenditure over estimates for the year.

On 4 December 1880, the Adelaide Observer (p. 12) noted that Post and Telegraph Offices were "in course of erection" in Balaklava.

Brinkworth.

Located about 25 km NW of Clare.

The Telegraph Office was opened in April 1898.

Blyth.

The telegraph line was opened on 26 September 1879.

The Telegraph Office opened on 19 October 1877.

Tenders were called for the construction of the Post and Telegraph Offices in May 1878. It was hoped that tenders would also be called for a Police Station - which was apparently "very much required".

On that day, the following copy of the complimentary messages exchanged between His Excellency the Governor and residents of Caltowie on the opening of the new Telegraph Office there has been handed to us for publication by the Superintendent of Telegraphs:

To His Excellency Sir W. F. D. Jervois, Governor Province South Australia — May it please Your Excellency — On behalf of residents of Caltowie we beg to exchange congratulations with Your Excellency on this the occasion of the establishment of telegraphic communication with this rising township. We would avail ourselves of this opportunity of expressing our satisfaction on Your Excellency's appointment as Governor of this province. We are sure that your administration will be fraught with many advantages to the colony. Wishing Your Excellency, Lady Jervois, and family health and happiness. On behalf of residents Caltowie, W. K. Mallyon, C. E. Cranston, Ernest Peters, W. B. Pepperell, M. Cranston, Jun. August Rehder.

To Messrs. W. K. Mallyon, C. E. Cranston, Ernest Peters, W. B. Peppere, M. Cranston, and A. Rehder. 'I am most happy to exchange congratulations with you on the occasion of the establishment of telegraphic communication with your rising township. I accept with many thanks your kind expressions towards myself and your good wishes on behalf of Lady Jervois and family. W. F, D. Jervois, Governor-in-Chief.

Messages were also sent to and replies received from the Hon. E. Ward (Minister of Agriculture and Education), Messrs. J. P. Boucaut, M.P., R. Rees, M.P..W. B. Rounsevell, M.P., C. Peacock, JP. (Mayor of Adelaide), D. Bower, M.P. (Mayor of Port Adelaide), and C. Todd, C.M.G.
South Australian Register
20 October 1877.

Caltowie.
8 May 1936.

Standard Post Office cancellation used on 2d Cable.

Clare.

The Telegraph Office was opened on 20 January 1860. In the second half of 1859, £745 had been allocated for a Telegraph Station and Post Office - the amount to be used before 14 June 1860.

On 29 September 1860, the Adelaide Observer announced that "The Post Office will be shifted on Saturday to the Telegraph Station, to be placed under the charge of Mr. Fletcher, who will thus have a twofold responsibility — that of the Telegraph and the Post Office".

View of Clare about 1880.
Scanned from Frearson's Monthly Illustrated reproduced in Adelaide News of 1 October 1880.

On June 7 1880, the Chess Club in Clare received a challenge from the Chess Club in Narridy to play a competition by telegraph. The Clare Club accepted the challenge pending an agreement from Mr. Todd for them to use the wires. Two of the best players from each club would be involved. The Secretary of the Clare club was instructed to write to Mr. Todd and seek permission.

The game was held on the night of 5 July and Clare members won after a game lasting about four hours.

No special date stamp was issued to the Clare Telegraph Office.

Squared circle date stamp.
Date stamp of the type which would have been used on telegram forms.

Size: 24 × 24 mm.

Number in the Census used on telegram: 0.

SC1: Steel circular date stamp.

Diameter: 27 mm.

Number in the Census used on telegram: 0.

The Telegraph Office opened on 23 March 1877. Even as late as 18 November 1876, requests for the availability of a Telegraph Office at Crystal Brook had been voiced (e.g. in the Adelaide Observer)

A Post Office had opened in 1852, closed in 1857 and then reopened in 1873.

Crystal Brook Post & Telegraph Office - from an old postcard and much earlier than that below.
See window right of centre with "Post & Telegraph Office"

Crystal Brook Post & Telegraph Office about 1930 - see sa,e window to right of centre.

A Public meeting at the Brook in 1878 discussing the Post and Telegraph Office was reported as follows:

"The present premises for the Post and Telegraph Office were not only too small for the constantly increasing requirements of the place but was most inconveniently situated and, when the railway gates were closed, people had to scramble through or over five wire fences to reach the Post Office. The Post and Telegraph business of the place had increased so that they were, he was sure, quite justified in putting their claims for the erection of a Post and Telegraph Office in the township before the Government. (Hear, hear.) Mr. E. P. Evans, in seconding the resolution, said it was high time that steps should be taken to secure the necessary accommodation for transaction of their post and telegraph business. The office in which this was at present conducted was altogether too small and inconvenient as the room was, when the space for cupboards and pigeon holes was taken off, only 8 feet by 12 feet — space not sufficient to enable the operator to move in was left. This was particularly noticeable on those evenings when the mails were heavy. There was one hole at which all the business had to be done for both the receipt and dispatch of telegrams and letters and that was exposed to all weather. It was also too high for most people as he had seen some people sit down and write out their telegrams on their knees. Such a state of affairs required only to be brought before the notice of the Commissioner of Public Works to be remedied. Several other speakers supported the resolution which was put and carried unanimously". (The Area's Express 25 September 1878. p. 2).

On 2 September 1878, a public meeting had discussed the desirability of having the Post and Telegraph Office detached from the Railway Station.

As usual, nothing happened. A year later, the Evening Journal reported, on 22 September 1879, on the brief visit by Mr. Todd. Some of the residents pointed out

"the serious inconveniences arising from the present Post Office arrangements here. The post, telegraph and railway business was being transacted in a room whose dimensions are only ten feet by twelve. Mr. Todd admitted that the arrangements required alteration but said he had not been aware that it was so necessary as it appeared to be and he promised to give the matter his immediate attention".

Squared circle date stamps used at Crystal Brook for postal and telegraphic purposes.

These three examples (presumably not used for telegrams) are for early and later use. These date stamps would however have certainly been used telegraphically.

Use on telegram forms is rarely seen now.

Crystal Brook squared
circle date stamp..
12 May 1909.

Used on 6d "thick Postage"

Farrell's Flat.

The Telegraph Office was opened in 1871. It changed name to Farrell Flat in 1940.

On Monday 19 January 1874, according to the report in the Northern Argus, "Mr. Martin, the telegraph master at Farrell's Flat, was in his office, when was struck down by lightning and for a time was in a semi-conscious state. After a time he was able to move about and attend to the duties of his office. Still he is suffering a great deal from the shock (understandably)".

A petition was presented to the House my Mr. Mortlock "praying for the establishment of a Telegraph Office at Georgetown".

The Telegraph Office opened for communications on Saturday 13 December 1873 in temporary premises. Mr Lewis had been appointed the Telegraph Master but was unable to attend an Inaugural Dinner at the Georgetown Hotel to mark the telegraph because he had only just arrived with his family from Clare. A Post Office had opened on 1 September 1871.

For about six years, the Government had been asked in deputations to construct a Telegraph Office at Georgetown. By 1873 the representatives were angry and determined to make some progress happen. Nevertheless it would be another four years before they achieved their objective - a period where the Office had to work from rented premises.

In August 1874 it was reported that business was rapidly expanding and was putting pressure on the capacity of the office. Indeed if it was not for the addition of Laura to the network, increased facilities at Georgetown might have been required.

There are always attendant pressures with rapid expansion. For example, the Adelaide Observer of 10 October 1974 (p. 9) noted that:

"The accommodation for the Post and Telegraph Departments in Georgetown is absurd in its proportions, a decent butler's pantry being palatial in comparison. The result is that the necessary privacy is unobtainable and well-founded complaints are common".

Tenders were soon to be called - reported the Northern Argus of 16 February 1877 - "and certainly not before they are wanted. The Government cannot be accused of being too precipitate. I suppose there is something dignified and exalted on well pondering over things so simple. The spot of land selected is certainly central for business, but it is on the eastern side of the main street, so that the master and his subordinates will have the full benefit of all the winter storms and blazing heat of summer".

The construction of the Georgetown Post & Telegraph Office commenced in July 1877.

"One is glad to see these works in progress for the inconvenience suffered by both Postmaster and public through want of accommodation adapted to the amount of business to be got through, must have been great" (The Area's Express, 14 July 1877, p. 2).

In a review in the House of commitments and expenditures, it was revealed that £1,000 had been voted for the Georgetown Post Office and Telegraph Station for 1877 but £682 of that amount remained unspent.

The South Australian Register of 3 October 1874 reported:

"Mr. W. J. Cunningham, of the Telegraph Department, has visited this town officially, but whether we are to have a station at once appears doubtful. Gladstone is only a few hundred yards from the main north line, so that Mr. Todd would only have to 'wire in' a short distance. It would be hard to wait until we get the railway before a Telegraph Station is erected. There is a considerable trade done, being twice as much as in some towns where the inhabitants enjoy telegraphic facilities. Communication should be open before harvest, and the line would no doubt soon pay".

During the afternoon of 28 May 1875, several messages were sent relating to the completion of telegraphic communication with Gladstone. Three years previously, the site of the now Telegraph Office had been a sheep run.

Mr Phillips was the first Telegraph Master.

The Telegraph Office was opened on 7 June 1875.

"The weather was wet; but if the number of messages sent on the opening day may be taken, as a criterion, the office ought to pay. It is of no use crying over spilt milk; but if the office had been opened before Christmas, it would no doubt have paid expenses to date, or even done more. It is open now in the dullest season of the year and of course will be compared with other places for the next three months at a disadvantage. In spite of that, it will be a boon to the district and, from the acknowledged importance of the place, it is the general opinion that the business of the office will be satisfactory. The usual congratulatory messages having been sent and replies received"
South Australian Chronicle 12 June 1875.

See elsewhere for a 1877 comment on the lack of proper accommodation at both Gladstone and Redhill.

The SA Advertiser reported that, on 17 August 1886, "Mr. Todd, the Postmaster-General, with Mr. Knuckey, arrived here yesterday. This morning Mr. Todd visited the telegraph office and the corporation garden, in which place the rain gauge is kept. Both gentlemen proceeded to Port Pirie from here".

Halbury.

Halbury was on the Port Wakefield - Hoyleton tramway between Balaklava and Hoyleton.

A Post Office was opened on 1 October 1890 and a Telegraph Office was opened in January 1907.

Hallett.

The telegraph connection was made on 13 September 1878. It was described as a "Red-Letter Day for Hallett telecommunication being opened between here and Adelaide". Accommodation was in a temporary location - perhaps the local store.

A letter to the Commissioner of Public Works needed to be sent on 12 January 1880 to call attention to inadequate accommodation afforded by the absence of a Police Station and cells and by temporary Post & Telegraph Offices.

On 15 May 1880, the residents of Hallett noted with happiness that the tender for the new Post and Telegraph Office had been accepted. They hoped the tender for the Police Station would also be accepted soon. On 13 September 1880, Hallett experienced very rough weather. This occasioned another request that the Government "should accept tenders for the Post & Telegraph Station". Perhaps the tender had not been signed off.

Hoyleton (formerly Hoyle's Plains).

Mr. Cunningham, the Adelaide Stationmaster, opened telegraphic communication with the important district of Hoyles Plains, on Friday, December 12, 1873 by personally establishing a station at Hoyleton - the terminus of the Port Wakefield Railway.

The Post and Telegraph Office appear to have been transferred to the railway station on 11 March 1879.

Jamestown.

On 14 September 1874 The South Australian Register (p. 7) noted:

"The wheat is looking well, so that the residents are expecting a plentiful harvest. The one thing now troubling the minds of business men is the want of telegraphic communication with the capital They see no reason why the Government should not put them on the same footing as the inhabitants of other towns in the Northern Areas. Traders, particularly wheat-buyers, suffered much last season on that account. There are only two mails per week, and these are so fixed as to give little or no opportunity for a reply per the next post. Consequently we have to wait long for a little information on any important matter when that information is wanted immediately. As Jamestown is rapidly increasing in size and importance, the folk here think that they are deserving of a little more attention than has been paid to their necessities".

"On Friday morning, August 3, Mr. W. E. Rounsevell, M.P., waited upon the Minister of Education (the Hon. E. Ward) as a deputation to point out the want of accommodation in the Telegraph and Post Office at Jamestown.

He explained that the accommodation was not enough for the Postmaster and his family as there were only two rooms for them to live in and there was no convenience for cooking. He suggested that two bedrooms should be added to the building proposed to be erected, pointing out at the same time that the building might have been less pretentious and costly and more comfortable. Other townships would be springing up as the country got settled and it would be well to bear in mind the advantage of providing better accommodation in public buildings there, instead of making them showy.

Mr. C. Todd, the Postmaster-General, who was present, concurred and Mr. Ward said the plan was certainly capable of improvement as the building did not seem suitable to the requirements of the place. He would take steps to have the wishes of the people attended to" (Evening Journal 3 August 1877).

The Telegraph Office opened on 3 August 1877. CHECK BOTH DATES also 5 May 1877.

On 23 December 1884, the Council of Jamestown passed a by-law against the Salvation Army marching and band-playing on Sundays. Trouble was anticipated after the decision received vice-regal confirmation.

Squared circle date stamp.

Used (on telegram):

Size:

Rated: RRR.

Number on Census (used on telegram): 0.

Used on a ½d green horizontal pair of the GPO om 16 December 1903.

Unlikely to be a telegram usage.

Kadina.

The entry for the Kadina Telegraph Office is part of the Cape Yorke Peninsula listing.

Kapunda

The Kapunda Telegraph Station was opened on 11 May 1859. It had been planned to open on Friday 6 May.

View of Kapunda about 1880.
Scanned from Frearson's Monthly Illustrated reproduced in Adelaide News of 1 October 1880.

In the House of Assembly on 15 June 1859, the Commissioner of Public Works said the total receipts (at the Kapunda Telegraph Station) to date had been £17 1s. 6d. That was at the rate of £295 annually which would give a profit of £75 l9s. annually.

"The new Telegraph Station and Post Office are in rapid progress. The plans have been altered to suit the requirements of the place. A handsome and commodious building for offices etc is about half-finished and will prove an ornament for the works. Instead of being obliged to wait outside for the delivery of letters, as provided in the original plan, there is now a spacious hall or waiting-room and every possible thing for the convenience of the public and the comfort of the officials appears to have been duly considered. Altogether it will be a very handsome building, and add much to the improvement of the town. I understand the contract is to be completed in six months. The ground was pegged out yesterday, (18th) and the work will proceed at once"
Adelaide Observer (20 August 1859).

On 1 October 1959, the Adelaide Observer reported that the Post Office and Telegraph Station were about to be removed into a new cottage between the Bank and the old Post Office until the new building is completed.

Apparently in about September-October the Post Office was moved to be in the same location as the Telegraph Office.

"By-the-way, I wish your Kapunda correspondent would rouse up the Post-Office authorities there to deliver the mails when they arrive a little quicker. We certainly expected when the Post Office was removed to the  Telegraph Department that country settlers would not be kept waiting so long for their letters as they were at the old Post Office, but we find ourselves mistaken. It is to be hoped the worthy Postmaster will take a hint on this subject".
South Australian Advertiser of 14 October 1859.

The South Australian Register of 3 January 1860 reported that a further £256/1/6 had been allocated to the Kapunda P&T Office for use before 15 February 1860.

After only about three months of operation, the Telegraph Office played a supporting role when the Admella was wrecked nearby with heavy loss of life. The South Australian Advertiser of 24 August 1859 reported that:

"at a public meeting in Crase's Assembly Room in Kapunda, the Chairman was sure, before the meeting separated, the (200 people in attendance) would join with him in a vote of thanks to Mr. Darwin, Manager of the Telegraph Office there, for his attention during the previous exciting week in publishing the telegrams relative to the wreck of the Admella - which motion was carried unanimously".

The South Australian Advertiser of 5 November 1859 reported on another incident involving the Telegraph Office:

"About half-past five o'clock on Sunday morning last, after nearly a week of very oppressive weather, a terrific hailstorm, accompanied with thunder and lightning, burst over the township of Kapunda and continued for about ten minutes with greater fury than has been known for many years past; the hailstones, which here were as large as marbles, in a few moments completely covered the ground to the depth of two and three inches, giving the country the appearance of an English winter... The foundation of Mr. Cumming's new store, just excavated, and which adjoins the new Telegraph Station, now in course of erection, was filled with water, and great fears were entertained that the walls of that building would fall in consequence; they were, however, supported with props, and two pumps were kept employed up to nearly 10 o'clock on Sunday night, in drawing off the water. This had the effect of saving the building. A little boy named Rowe managed to fall into this place, which was six feet deep, and but for the timely arrival of Mr. Bolus, he must inevitably have been drowned".

Kapunda about 1900.

From 1 October 1859, Mr. Darwin had responsibility for both the Telegraph Office and the Post Office. By 1863, Mr Darwin was fully aware of the often incorrect complaints made by a minority of customers. In 1865, he was embroiled in an important legal discussion, also involving Charles Todd, about the legal status of telegrams and who was the actual custodian of them.

Some time after, the South Australian Register reported, on 30 August 1865, that "Mr. V. H. Darwin, Postmaster and Telegraph Officer at Kapunda, met with a very serious accident on the 29th, by a fall from his horse. He was found near the main street in an unconscious state and bleeding profusely from the ears. The fall has occasioned concussion of the brain and it is feared more serious injury to the head".

Mr Darwin clearly recuperated fully because, in the Kapunda Herald of 20 April 1866, there was a long editorial seeking mention of his good work and calling for "a really good capricious Post-Office, as well as a good telegraphic station, with an ample staff in each, but being quite independent one another (because) the postal and telegraphic services to and from Kapunda are both amongst the most remunerative of their kind and, with the prospects of a still further extension of trade, which has caused two additional Banks to be started there, it is morally certain that the business of these offices will continue steadily ...".

On 29 June 1866, Mr Darwin was elected to Secretary of the Kapunda Institute.

Amounts of £1,000 were placed on the estimates in 1866 and 1867 for the erection of a new Post and Telegraph Office.

In July 1870, many people from the surrounding district attended the monthly sale. It was reported that "everyone was delighted to see the Post & Telegraph Office well-lit with gas for the first time". Presumably this building is the one shown above.

Koolunga.

The Adelaide Observer of 4 November 1882 noted that "a gentleman from the Post and Telegraph Department would visit Koolunga soon for the purpose of fixing a site for a new Post and Telegraph Office - but as yet no one has been here".

The Telegraph Office (finally) opened on 15 February 1884 with Miss Wissen as the Postmistress.

Work on the new Post & Telegraph Office had commenced on 19 June 1883 with the total cost being £738. The building was completed during December 1883 but nothing had been done about constructing the telegraph line over the 13 miles from Red Hill - despite a visit in July 1883 by Mr. Knuckey of the Telegraph Department to inspect the road. The line was finally completed by the end of January but the office remained closed despite Miss Wissen taking charge of the building on 29 January.

The town was named by Edward John Eyre from the aboriginal name meaning "red banks".

Kooringa - now Burra.

Formerly Burra Burra, the change of name to Kooringa was made during the three months before 29 March 1849.

In the second half of 1859, £653 was placed on the Estimates for a new Post Office and Telegraph Station - and work was to be commenced immediately. The Kooringa Telegraph Office was opened on 25 January 1860. It was located in rooms of the Mechanics' Institute and next to the Burra Burra mines.

In the Assembly on 19 July 1861, the Treasurer responded to a question about a petition to amalgamate Telegraph Offices and Post Offices. He said:

" there were two petitions in reference to the subject, which he should now lay upon the table of the House for the information of Hon. members. One was in favor of the amalgamation and the other against it, and he might just remark that the petitions were from the Burra, and were both signed by almost the same persons".

On the basis of that amalgamation, th House noted that the amount for renovations at Gawler would now be transferred to Kooringa.

A new P&T Office was completed in March 1911.

The area had many difficulties because of the way divisions had been made especially in relation to the very large copper mines operated by various groups in the area. On 1 December 1939, the separate townships of Kooronga, Llwchwr, Aberdeen, New Aberdeen and Graham were amalgamated. The name was then changed from Kooringa to Burra.

Squared circle date stamp:

Used (on telegram):

Size:

Rated: RRR.

Number in Census (used on telegram): 0.

Basic circular steel date stamp (SC1-B):

Used on a telegram: 14 October 1958.

Diameter: 30 mm.

Rated (used on a telegram): RR.

Number in Census: 1.

The people in and outside of Laura had been petitioning the Government for some time to provide a Telegraph Station. In both 1873 and 1874, well-attended meetings asked for action to be taken on their requests. Even as of 30 October 1874, the Laura population had "not yet heard anything of the telegraph communication (that we are to have sometime between now and doomsday) beyond a visit from Mr. Cunningham, and it is hoped his visit will help it on, as harvest is fast approaching" (Bunyip (p. 3). The Chairman of a public meeting commented that "no steps had been taken by the Government in the matter, unless a visit from Mr. Cunningham of the Telegraph Department could be called a step". All at the meeting agreed that construction should be completed by the next harvest. Farmers as well as trades people and the general public would be the beneficiaries.

The Adelaide Observer of 5 December 1974 reported on a deputation to the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Public Works. In part:

"Mr. Gliddon called attention to the urgent need of telegraphic communication being at once supplied. He mentioned that a motion was carried in the House of Assembly last July affirming the desirability of giving  telegraphic facilities to Laura; but hitherto nothing seemed to have been done towards carrying the project into effect, yet several gentlemen had seen Mr. Todd, who had promised to have the wires in use before harvest. An immense quantity of wheat would have to be disposed of this season, therefore the telegraph was greatly needed. Mr. Sabine, as a wheat-buyer, said it was highly necessary to have means of instant communication with Port Pirie and elsewhere...
The Commissioner said he saw the necessity of a telegraph office, and remembered the motion being passed, but it was too late at the time to put money on the Estimates for it. The matter properly belonged to the Chief Secretary's Department, but that gentleman was out of the colony. However, he would make it his business, when Mr. Blyth returned, to see what could be done, and he thought the affair might be arranged satisfactorily".

Similar comments were echoed in various press releases on 18 and 19 December.

GOOD NEWS TIME: A Telegraph Office was open at Laura on Tuesday 22 December 1874 about two years after the Post Office had opened on 9 September 1872. Clearly this space must have been rented for the sake of opening a service.

[ED: Amazing sequence of events. All about the left hand knowing what the right hand is (or is not) doing :) ]

Laura was often referred to in the press as being "the prettiest town in the area".

Laura Telegraph Office about 1907.

Manoora.

The Telegraph Office was opened on 18 January 1870.

It was a station on the Roseworthy-Peterborough line although it is not known if the Telegraph Office was opened at the station or at another location in the town. The rail link arrived at Manoora on 21 February 1870.

The Northern Argus of 11 August 1874 noted:

"If good roads are a proof of civilization, then Manoora is the most uncivilized place in the colony. It possesses Railway and Telegraph Stations with no approaches made to them and the Post Office can only be reached by a wire fence across the Gilbert. The hotel is in the same position which prevents persons from obtaining medical comforts when ill or getting drunk when well".

Melrose.

The Telegraph Office was opened in 1866.

The Estimates had allocated £500 for the half year to December 1865 to complete the Telegraph Station.

Mintaro and Mintaro Railway.

The Post & Telegraph Office at the Railway Station was opened in 1874 and renamed Merildin on 1 July 1917.

SC1: circular steel date stamp.

Used (on telegram):

Size:

Rated: RRRR.

Number on Census (used on telegram): 0.

Morgan.

Included in the Gawler to NSW region - see elsewhere.

Mundoora.

Check - only telephone lines.

Narridy.

The Telegraph Office opened on 28 December 1877.

On June 7 1880, the Chess Club in Clare received a challenge from the Chess Club in Narridy to play a competition by telegraph. The Clare Club accepted the challenge pending an agreement from Mr. Todd for them to use the wires. Two of the best players from each club would be involved. The Secretary of the Clare club was instructed to write to Mr. Todd and seek permission.

The game was held on on the night of 5 July and Clare members won after a game lasting about four hours.

In August 1884, the tender submitted by Messrs. Sara & Dunstan was accepted for erecting a post and telegraph office at Narridy. The tender amount was £760.

Port Broughton.

The Post & Telegraph Office was (finally) officially opened on 5 March 1888 in rented premises. It was opened by "Mr. Sands, when congratulatory messages were forwarded to the Minister of Education and to the Postmaster-General. This will satisfy a long-felt want and prove a boon to the district. A public banquet will be held this evening".

A deputation met the Minister of Education on 6 February 1889 seeking for the erection of the Post & Telegraph Office and the Police Station. In a surprise move, the Minister said:

"he would make enquiries". He added that " he disapproved of the office being so public, as stated. They were paying £28 a year for the office, which appeared to be large enough for the present, but he had no doubt that the Government would soon have to provide a better and more extensive building. It was questionable whether it would be advisable to combine the Police and Post & Telegraph offices but he promised to see that the interests of the people were well looked after" (South Australian Register 7 February 1889 (p.7).

The Area's Express of 26 July 1889 expressed satisfaction with the telegraph line to Port Broughton:

"The construction of the telegraph line was a boon to the residents and resulted in considerable profit to the department. The amount of agitation that had to be carried on before this work was accomplished is known too well to those who undertook it and carried it to a successful issue. It is not often that the actual receipts prove to be more than the estimates set down by those agitating for a particular work; but in this case it proved to be such, and I shall be justified in saying that both the residents and the telegraph department were pleasingly disappointed".

On 2 August 1889, the Area's Express (p. 3), in its review of Port Broughton, commented

"The Post and Telegraph office is ill suited and inconveniently situated. The amount of business done is considerable and considering the revenue derived from the place, the people certainly deserve a more fitting place. The present accommodation is altogether inadequate. The Minister replied that he had already caused an amount to be placed on the Estimates to provide a new building."

In addition to postal use, it was used on telegram forms and - post-1901 - on stamps used to pay telegram costs.

The block on the right of six 1d red on Crown over A watermark has one complete and three partial strikes.

It could have been used to pay the 6d. rate for a telegram sent within 15 miles.

Used on a telegram: (3 December 1912??).

Size: 27 × 27 mm.

Rated: RRR.

No. in Census used on a Telegram: 0 (possibly 1).

1. The Post and Telegraph Office establishment.

2. Telegram use.

3. Personnel.

4. Date stamps.

The Telegraph Office was opened on 10 October 1874 about a year after the Post Office opened. The foundations for a new Post & Telegraph Office were being laid in mid-June 1880.

The town was originally called Samuel's Creek. It was renamed Port Pirie Creek in 1846 after the John Pirie which was the first vessel to navigate the creek when transporting sheep from Bowman's Run near Crystal Brook. It then became Port Pirie in 1848 when the area of land was subdivided into a township. It became more established in 1871 when it was surveyed by the Government Surveyor and streets were marked out. It became a municipality in 1876.

In 1873, Port Pirie was regarded as a port rivaling Port Adelaide. It was served by thousands of acres of prime agricultural land - especially surrounding Clare. It therefore required a Telegraph Station to facilitate that business from its surrounding areas.

In the 1877 Estimates, £1, 000 was allocated to the Port Pirie Telegraph Station and the Post Office.

Work was carried out in 1880 at a cost of £1,875.

An amusing prelude to the opening of the first Telegraph Office was that at the beginning of September:

"a man rode in hot haste to the Port Pirie Postmaster with the information that a portion of the new telegraph line had been blown down at a distance of 12 miles or so from the office. He was somewhat chagrined to find that as the line is not yet working, the damage done was of no immediate consequence, and that his only reward for his 24 mile ride was such consolation as may attach to the performance of a disinterested and good-natured action. The Telegraph Office is now ready to be handed over to the operator so soon as that functionary shall put in an appearance. It is understood that the necessary fitting and instruments have been shipped by the Lurline, so the residents are in a fair way to have one of their wants supplied without much more delay".
South Australian Register 3 Sept 1874.

"A deputation, consisting of Messrs. J. Darling, M.P., W. D. Glyde, Wilson, O. Homer, J. Cowan, and others who, in accordance with the resolution of a public meeting at Port Pirie, asked that he would consider the advisability of changing the proposed site for the Post and Telegraph Office in Ellen Street at the south-east corner of the Government Wharf to a more eligible site on the other side of the rails. It was pointed out that owing to the large number of trucks which frequently blocked up the crossing in Ellen Street it would be dangerous for ladies and children to cross the lines to reach the office if erected where now proposed. It was stated that a more eligible site could be purchased for about £1,700.

The plans, too, it was urged were for a building which was quite inadequate to the requirements of a rising town like Port Pirie. It was intended that the telegraph and postal officials should be accommodated in the one room but this was strongly objected to as telegrams might be read at the window by people who were there to receive or post letters.

Mr. Hawker, in reply, said he considered the deputation had shown a good reason why the site of the office should be changed if it was possible to obtain another site on reasonable terms. He also agreed that the building was not sufficient for the purpose for which it was required, and promised to lay the whole matter before his colleagues" South Australian Register 25 January1879.

The Advertiser, of 27 September 1898, reported that the community disquiet with the operation of the Port Pirie P&T Office was reported to Sir Charles Todd by a deputation on the 24th:

"...for some considerable time past, complaints had been rife with regard to the late and non delivery of letters, the contents of important telegraph messages being divulged, and other abuses existing in connection with the working of the institution. The suspension and subsequent dismissal from the service of two boys employed by the department showed that abuses existed... the working of the office had on more than one occasion been characterised as a burlesque ... there are numerous instances where letters had been miscarried or had not been delivered at all, departmental information had been divulged and other abuses existed which had provoked the most caustic remarks on the general inefficiency of the institution. The accommodation was altogether inadequate and compared very unfavorably indeed with that afforded in towns of far less importance. It was a disgrace that customers should have to wait, sometimes for a quarter of an hour, to transact ordinary business at the windows. Better facilities should be afforded for the dispatch of work, increased accommodation should be given the officials, and mere lads should certainly not have access to information which it was essential should be kept inviolate ... the precautions adopted in Adelaide of messengers waiting outside the office for telegrams should be adopted in Pirie".

Renovations were made to the building shown above but these did not overcome the problems for long. Complaints became more frequent and detailed until, in January 1908, the Postmaster-General himself (Mr. Mauger) visited Port Pirie to inspect the facilities and receive a deputation. While there, he entered a stationer's shop and asked for some Pirie postcards and made special enquiries for one of the post-office. Quite unconscious of the identity of his customer, the assistant replied, "Oh, we haven't got one of the post-office. It's not good enough for a postcard".

The Mayor of Port Pirie was the first to address Mr Mauger: the deputation:

"were waiting on the- Postmaster-General to urge the provision of postal facilities adequate to the town and its large volume of business. He was not going to say anything about renovations. They had had enough of them under the State regime, but they would ask straight out for a new building altogether. There was no other town in South Australia where the facilities were as bad in proportion to the population and the volume of business, and he felt sure that in Mr. Mauger's own State of Victoria there was no place half the size which possessed such poor post-office accommodation. When under the control of the State Parliament they had suffered so-called improvements to the building, which had really made matters worse. The present post-office had been built 26 years ago when the place had only about one-twelfth of its present population and when Port Pirie was merely a wheat exporting port. Now it was the outlet for the great Barrier traffic and circumstances had altogether changed".

Later in the discussion, there was an interesting exchange. Councillor Morrow, noting the lack of action and the poor office accommodation, stated

"In the past they had been tickled with some feathery promises and they had shown much patience. The delay, however, would not matter so much if Mr. Mauger decided on a radical improvement. He trusted that the Postmaster-General would take into consideration their forbearance and remember the saying that "hope deferred maketh the heart sick" for they certainly had begun to feel a bit qualmish on the matter. Mr. Mauger replied "Because thou art neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. (Laughter) Councillor Morrow retorted "That's what we want you to do - to throw up a new post-office". (Hear, hear and laughter)".

The site suggested for the new combined offices was "a portion of the block between the institute and Green's Chambers, held by Messrs. Darling & Son on a miscellaneous lease, which it is understood will expire shortly. It is believed that the State Government could resume it and come to an arrangement with the Federal Government for its use for post-office purposes".
Adelaide Advertiser 23 January 1908.

By the end of 1909, work was in progress to renovate the new Post and Telegraph Office - scheduled to take 5 months. As an indication of the demands on the Port Pirie telegraph office at that time, The Advertiser noted on 23 November 1909 that, during the previous 12 months, 442,035 letters had been despatched and 547,993 received while 25,123 telegrams had been sent in addition to high volumes of other services.

Personnel.

Telegram use.

The earliest recorded usage of a telegram form at Port Pirie is a delivery form (SC-DO-6A) for a message sent from Port Pirie to Port Augusta on 6 May 1878.

Date stamps.

No special date stamp for use with telegraphic work was ever issued to the Port Pirie office.

A squared circle date stamp.

RC2 - SA.
No indication if designed for Telegraphic or Postal usage.

Used: 21 March 1955.

Diameter: 31.

Rated: RR.

Number in the Census: 1.

Port Wakefield.

The entry for the Port Wakefield Telegraph Office is part of the Port Wakefield - Salisbury-Barossa listing of Telegraph Offices.

Redhill.

The site for the town was surveyed in 1869 and it was referred to as Broughton. That named was then officially changed to Redhill in 1940. A post office was opened on 30 May 1872 but it was renamed Red Hill either on 1 April 1874 or on 1 April 1875.

The Post Office was operating while the telegraph line was slowly approaching Redhill, the Adelaide Observer of 16 December 1876 (p. 20) reported the following development in relation to the proposed Telegraph Office:

"A few months back the sum of £1,600 was placed on the Estimates for Telegraph and Post-Office purposes at a meeting was held here on the 1st of this month, when a resolution was passed to urge upon the Government the desirability of commencing the work at once. Nothing was said about the site, it being generally understood - outside of a select circle - that the Government would erect them on the Government allotments reserved for such purposes. But note. The Surveyor-General and Commissioner of Crown Lands visit the township unexpectedly, staying only a few minutes, when certain persons urge them to fix the site opposite the public-house on a piece of land offered by the publican gratis.

Now, Mr. Editor, I take it public buildings should be so placed as to give the greatest convenience to the majority of the inhabitants; but if the proffered land is accepted, it will not do so, as it is not so central as the Government reserve. Another objection is, it lies so low as to be a mudhole in the winter months and a dusthole in summer. Again, the quantity of land being so small will not leave room for additions or improvements.

On the other hand the Government reserve comprises three blocks, two square acres in all, having a frontage to the Clare-road on one side and the main (or Barr) street on the other and is a more elevated and central position. In conclusion, if it is decided to have the piece of land offered for a site it will be, as the position of the bridge now is, the laughing stock of the community.

I am, Sir etc.. G. STOCKHAM."

On 21 July 1877, the South Australian Chronicle reported that "The building of the new Redhill Post Office & Telegraph Station will commence shortly I believe, for there are large quantities of building materials on the ground ready for operations. It seems strange the Government, having decided to build these necessary offices, that they do not erect larger and more commodious premises. I hear there will be only three small rooms besides the office".

On 17 August 1877, the cornerstone of the new Post and Telegraph Office was laid by Miss Alice Reynolds.

On 11 August 1877, the South Australian Chronicle followed up this problem with another - this time about the design:

"I had an opportunity of inspecting the plans for the Post Office and Telegraph Station buildings for both Redhill and Gladstone when they were advertised for tender and it struck me that they had simply been traced (for tracings they were) from some old plan. I particularly noticed that the money to be expended was simply thrown away on thick walls, and a roof complicated in construction and heavy enough for a Town Hall and altogether such as would never emanate from the office of a private architect, I was informed that the plans were prepared by an officer who had had plenty of experience, but that he was so hampered with red tape that he could do nothing but simply carry out his instructions".

By 24 November 1877, it was reported that "Our new Post Office & Telegraph Station is almost completed, and I hope the Government will see the necessity of having it enclosed There has been one room finished about a month ready to receive an operator but he has not yet arrived" (South Australian Chronicle p. 21). 

It was announced in the Gazette that Mr. F. G. Bleber Post and Telegraph Officer, Reedy Creek, sixth class to be post and station master at Snowtown, 6th class from October 1 1879.

"The Redhill Post and Telegraph Offices were opened on Friday 4 January 1878. The usual congratulatory messages were exchanged. Our Telegraph-master, Mr. Pounsett, has since been kept busy sending messages to all parts of the colony. It seems strange that the premises are left so open. Another matter that wants attending to is having a verandah put around the front of the building for the residents find it anything but comfortable to have to stand in the extreme heat of the sun while the letters are being delivered". South Australian Chronicle 5 January 1878 p. 22.

Nevertheless, by 16 February, complaints were being made about " How is it that the Government are so dilatory in the matter of completing our school and Post & Telegraph offices, both of which are in an incomplete state".

Riverton.

At a public meeting in Riverton on 22 April 1863, Mr. Gurner proposed:

"It is desirable that the district of Riverton should be put into direct communication with the telegraphic wires now passing through the township and expressed his opinion that there was no doubt that a Telegraph Office was required in this locality, and that Riverton was the most central situation … he also give a detailed statistical statement of the number of letters and newspapers passing through the Riverton Post Office during the past year: for the month ending January 31, 1863, and for the last week ending April 15 amounting together to
34,203 letters and 11,881 newspapers". (South Australian Advertiser 24 April 1863).

In June a deputation presented the petition containing 248 signatures - mainly from freeholders and leaseholders - to Mr. Bagot. He indicated "he looked favourably as the request". A Proprietor had offered to make a gift of 2 or 3 allotments in the heart of the township for the sire of a Telegraph Station, a Post Office and the Local Court. (Adelaide Observer 20 June 1863).

New Telegraph and Post Offices opened on 1 March 1864.

Riverton later became a station on the Roseworthy - Peterborough railway line which reached the town on 20 December 1869.

A squared circle date stamp could also have been used on a telegram form. The Office was certainly issued with such a date stamp.

Used on a telegram: 4 August 1947.

Diameter: 30 mm (8 mm side arcs).

Rated (on a telegram): RR.

Number in the Census: 1.

Saddleworth.

Saddleworth was on the Roseworthy - Peterborough railway line which reached the town in 1870. Hence a Telegraph Office was opened at the Railway Station on 18 January 1870. The Telegraph Office in town opened on 7 June 1877.

"A delegation insisted they needed better accommodation for the postal and telegraphic services. At present all the postal work was carried on in a store. There was no complaint to make against the officials but a separate building was required as very heavy mails had to be made up. Then the telegraph office was some distance from the township which was a matter of great inconvenience and difficulty was often experienced in getting messages transmitted.

... This matter having been favorably considered before, he trusted the Government would place a sum upon the Estimates for the construction of a suitable Post Office and Telegraph Station. There was a Government reserve at Saddleworth, in a suitable position, which might be utilised as a site for the building.

Mr. Siekmann said the Saddleworth Post Office stood next to those at Gawler and Kapunda for the amount of work done. On the average 1,000 letters and newspapers were received and dispatched there daily in 44 bags. The last mail did not reach there until 8 o'clock in the evening and one man's time was fully occupied in attending to the department. The Postmaster's salary was higher than any of those not on the fixed list which showed that an exceptional amount of work had to be done. He thought the Government would be justified in placing a fixed Postmaster at Saddleworth.

The telegraphic communication was very inconvenient and should be made direct as there were great delays and serious losses through the messages having to be repeated at Riverton. It often took a day to get an answer to a message ... Mr. Bright pointed, out that the townspeople had to travel fully half a mile and to cross the line in order to send a telegram".
(South Australian Chronicle 24 July 1875 p. 4)

Snowtown.

On 4 June, 1880 "the Post and Telegraph Office was completed at last, and we hope to be in communication with Adelaide at an early date, as Mr. Sands, Postmaster at Kadina paid us a visit last night for the purpose of making arrangements for opening the office as soon as possible. He also brought a telephone with him and, to the courtesy of that gentleman, we were indebted for an evening's entertainment — several songs, etc being exchanged by well-known gentlemen plainly distinguishable".
(SA Register 5 June 1880).

Congratulatory messages were sent from the residents to the Governor, the Hon. T. King, to the Superintendent of Telegraphs and to Sir G. Kingston. All were suitably acknowledged.

But that was a premature event. The Telegraph Office did open a month later on 7 July 1880 - but the telegraph line from Kadina to Snowtown had been completed in March 1879.

Prior to the opening, the Yorke's Peninsula Advertiser (p. 3) reported:

"Many persons have been asking when the telegraph line to Snowtown will be opened. The operator has been there for the past few days fixing the instrument, so we hope we may soon have Snowtown connected with many other parts of the world by wire".

A further £750 was spent on the P&T Office in 1883.

Terowie.

On 18 October 1879, the South Australian Chronicle reported that "The Commissioner of Crown Land, in answer to Mr. Moody, said the township of Shibear had been withdrawn because the railway line which passed through the allotments had to be reserved. The township would be offered for sale in January, 1880 and its name would be altered to Terowie".

The Telegraph line was opened on 21 August 1880.

A deputation met the Minister for a lengthy discussion about the location of the Office on 4 May 1881.

Wallaroo.

The entry for the Wallaroo Telegraph Office is part of the Cape Yorke Peninsula listing.

Watervale.

"A memorial, numerously signed, has lately been presented to the Superintendent of Telegraphs to induce him to give us the benefit of the wires which pass through the township. The memorialists offer to erect an office and to supply the operator free of charge, so that the only cost to the Treasury will be the connecting wires and the The Telegraph Office was opened in 1866".(Adelaide Observer 6 May 1865).

In the House business on 6 July 1865, £125 was allocated for Watervale to be connected to Auburn.

Telegraphic communication with Watervale was made on 8 February 1866.