B&W (T) Murray Downs Murray Downs, New South Wales, Australia
By The Morris (adopted by WazzaAndWenches) on 20-Aug-10. Waypoint GA2448

A small cache at the entrance of Murray Downs Homestead

Camp XVI. (North of the Murray.) Tuesday, 11/9/1860.

After crossing the river by punt, the party camped within sight of the township. Burke remained in Swan Hill for the night as the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Gummow. The gaiety of the farewell to the explorers by their Swan Hill friends was tempered by thoughts of the dangers they were soon to encounter, even the regimental Burke being affected by the occasion. They couldn't manage without the additional three hired wagons, so Burke contracted them to go onto the Darling, however the additional expense was of major concern to him. By the time they reached Balranald a week later, Burke had decided to reduce the wages bill by dismissing some of the men. Initially he told the men that he had been ordered by the Committee to leave them behind, saying he hoped to be able to send for them later. However, Ferguson, the foreman challenged Burke regarding this decision, (to a fight or a duel by some accounts). Initially, Burke promised to send for the men when he was at the Darling, however, later Burke admitted he wanted to dismiss the men. He offered to take Ferguson and Langan on at reduced salaries - an offer that Ferguson refused. In the end, Burke dismissed Ferguson, McIllwaine and Langan.

Murray Downs Homestead

2 km east of town, on the Moulamein Rd, is the historic property and homestead of Murray Downs, established in the 1840s.  Suetonius Officer, a well-read philanthropist, pioneer irrigator and prominent figure in the development of the area, bought the station and built the current homestead in 1866. He introduced pumps, initially operated by horses and windmills and later by steam, and established fields of lucerne, maize and oranges. Ostriches were a subsequent addition. The property was semi-autonomous with its own bakery, blacksmith and 50 employees who gathered in the homestead for church services.

In 1884 the property was bought by businessman and philanthropist Alfred Felton whose will established an enormous trust fund for charities and for the purchase of artworks by the National Gallery of Victoria.

The homestead is built largely of Murray Pine, the sap of which repels termites. It is surrounded by large formal gardens and the fort-like design was to afford maximum protection against Aborigines. There is an animal park with ostriches, deer, pheasants, peacocks, wallabies and kangaroos, a craft shop and Devonshire teas are available.

The expedition left a sick camel at the Murray Downs Homestead and one of the rescue parties obtained horses from here.

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