100 YEARS AGO
Newspaper clippings, looking into
our past…
The 1st Expeditionary Contingent left for Europe
amid a silence as profound as it was novel.
For weeks public excitement over the troops,
had grown and grown, until it became intense.
The march through the streets was witnessed
by thousands of citizens, whose ambition to
give the men a truly Australian farewell was
but whetted by what they saw. “Wait till the
troopships are leaving” was the remark heard
on all sides.
Well, the troopships left, and, comparatively
speaking, only a few handfuls of people we’re
actual witnesses of such a momentous episode
in the history of our State. More strange
still, there was no stirring description of the
departure in the newspapers… They were gone!
That was known. Where they were going - few
knew, and they would not say. How they went,
a score knew, where thousands had longed to
participate in the knowledge, so that the last
embrace or the last handshake could be given,
and the last flutter of the handkerchief signalled
to the men who were faring forth some of them
never to return.
Four Weeks Ago: There was a reason for the
mystery of the embarkation. The military
authorities had said that no word must go forth
that our troops had left … on Tuesday, October
20 to be precise the ships steamed away from
the Outer Harbour, and it is only now that the
censors have seen fit to permit the people of
Australia to be made publicly aware of the fact.
In the Camp: From day to day the doings of the
soldiers in their camp at Morphettville were
chronicled… When the word was whispered
around, the camp would actually be struck in the
morning, the excitement of the men knew no
bounds. It was wonderful to see how quickly the
tents came down, and with what celerity the kits
and dunnage was packed for the long voyage.
Next morning the first section left Morphettville
by special train for the Outer Harbour, and
at intervals of half an hour two other special
trains conveyed the remainder of the troops.
Of course, hundreds of people knew the men
were leaving and even if they did not, the sight
of trains full of soldiers and their baggage was
sufficient to give the clue. So at the various
stations on the Port line the soldiers were
cheered by deeply moved spectators.
At the Harbour: At the wharf were the
transports. What were they? The censors forbid
the telling. How many? It must not be related.
There were comparatively few people, as already
said to see the troops away…
The Register Wednesday 18 November 1914
Monarto Zoo talk
Discover a day in the life of Monarto Zoo with the
man who gets up close and personal with the world’s
most extraordinary animals, author and photographer
Geoff Brooks.
Geoff has been photographing Monarto Zoo’s African
animals for more than a decade. His stunning photographs
will stir curiosity and awe while showcasing ways to help
with Monarto’s mission of providing a breeding haven for
rare and endangered species.
There will be a family presentation for anyone aged
eight or over from 6.30-7.15pm followed by Geoff’s
announcement of the 2014 Creative Writing Competition
winners from 7.15-7.30pm. Geoff’s books will be
available for purchase on the night.
Bookings are essential for this event, to be held at the
Port Adelaide Library on Thursday 30 October. Visit
or contact
the library on 8405 6580.
Researching WW1 ancestors
South Australia’s first contingent of troops for the
Australian Imperial Force lived and trained in paddocks
at Morphettville during August, September and October
1914. Most were destined to fight at Gallipoli a few
months later and many would land with the first wave
in the famous pre-dawn landing of 25 April 1915.
Would you like to learn more about how to research
family members involved in the First World War, to
create your own story? The Port Adelaide Library will
be conducting a session
to learn new research skills, discuss research options and
meet others interested in family history. We will explore
the resources available in the Local History Collection at
Port Adelaide Library, and online, including the National
Archives, Australian War Memorial and TROVE.
Booking are essential for the session to be held on
Thursday 23 October 6.30-7.30pm at the Port Adelaide
Library. Book online at
librarycalendar or contact the library on 8405 6580.
Bringing Book Week to life
As part of Book Week celebrations, the library services
of Port Adelaide Enfield, Salisbury and Playford worked
in partnership to host Marc McBride, the illustrator of the
Deltora Quest series. Marc appeared at the Greenacres
Library on 23 August. A dynamic and engaging presenter,
Marc taught the audience about various aspects of art
including points of inspiration, an exploration of colour
and tips for refining technique. He was extremely
generous with his time and eager to chat with students to
hear how they create and enjoy art.
Marc McBride at the Greenacres Library
