sing the work to make
another roadway on the opposite bank. When this was allowed, he was able
to continue the work until he had got to a depth of 19ft. 6in., or 18in.
more than the specified depth of 18ft. He then removed the earth from
the opposite side to the required depth of 18ft. When completed, he put
in a voucher to be paid for the extra 18 inches, which the Supervising
Inspector refused to certify, unless the whole depth across was 18 feet
in accordance with the specifications. The earth was taken from one side
of the bottom of the tank and deposited on the other, to reduce the
whole depth by 18 inches. "Great is Red Tape."

There was a change of management on Elderslie by the appointment of Mr.
Alexander Gordon. He was a splendid specimen of a man, 6ft. 7in. in
height, built in proportion, and most popular. I first met him between
Evesham and East Darr Stations. I inquired the distance to the latter
station, which he was then managing. He replied, "Oh! a couple of
canters and a smoke." It is told of him that when he was travelling on
the coach between Charters Towers and Hughenden, he stayed one night at
a stage which was a lignum hut, rather small in size. The driver
informed the other passengers that when he called Gordon at 4 a.m., he
found that he had stretched himself during the night, and that his feet
were through the lignum, and so far outside that fowls were roosting on
his legs.

About this time many of the properties were changing hands. The
Schollicks still retained Oondooroo; Elderslie was held by Sir Samuel
Wilson; Dagworth, by Fairbairns, who shortly afterwards sold out to
Macpherson and Co.; Bladensburg, by John Arthur Macartney; Sesbania, by
Manifold, Bostock and Co.; Manuka, by Anderson and Nicol, who sold out
to Baillie, Fraser and Donald; Ayrshire Downs and Cork, by McIlwraith
and Smyth. The latter gentleman had camped with us when we were on the
road to Winton in 1878. He was taking out a blacksmith named Morgan for
Ayrshire Downs Station. Morgan afterwards started a blacksmith's shop in
Winton.

Mr. Smyth was afterwards elevated to the Upper House, and although of a
retiring nature, was of a friendly disposition.

All these investors were pouring money as if from a stream, and
developing their properties.

The greater proportion of the capital so spent was from Victoria, and to
this State Western Queensland must be grateful for its development.

Of all the then owners I have mentio