Curio

State Library of New South Wales

Guide to and description of the Binda or Fish River Caves by George Rawson, c. 1882

Guide to and description of the Binda or Fish River Caves by George Rawson, c. 1882

George Rawson

MLMSS 9411 p 146

Ink in exercise book 

In 1882 George Rawson led an expedition to the Fish River Caves. It is believed the party numbered 21 in total and included 8 women, which was unusual for the time.

A product of the expedition, this guide provides a detailed description, not only of the caves themselves, but also of the means by which visitors might enjoy them. It provides advice on travel to the caves, accommodation available for visitors and the equipment required to explore them. Rawson dedicated this guide to his friend Mr George Cardinal who accompanied him on his visit.

Although local Indigenous people had known of the caves for thousands of years it is believed that Europeans first visited the caves in the 1840s. The caves fast became a tourist destination despite the difficulties with access.

Rawson admits in the volume that he wrote the guide for 'his own pleasure and the gratification of what was for the time being his particular hobby'.


The Elder Cave

Rawson’s description of the Elder Cave began with an interesting description of Jeremiah Wilson:

'At half past four our guide appeared upon the scene attired in the regular exploring costume by which we knew that he was going to work in good earnest, his dress was the cause at first of some laughter, he wearing a small closely fitting cloth cap with a gold band round it, a tight woollen jersey and trousers with large patches of leather on both knees and at the back, and sand shoes upon his feet …'

Who was in the party?

By Sarah Morley, 2014

Despite the descriptive nature of Rawson’s guide he fails to name any of the group that accompanied him to the Fish River Caves. The dedication in the Guide suggests that George Cardinal was present however who were the remaining nineteen individuals? Eight of which were women?

Mr Cardinal’s second wife Elizabeth died in November 1882, it is possible that she accompanied her husband on the venture. They also had an adopted daughter, Matilda Doust, she may also have been one of the eight women present.

Various newspaper articles of the time make reference to ‘visitors’ books’ at the Fish River Caves. To date, our investigations haven’t located any contemporary visitors’ books however if found they may hold the key to identifying the unknown members of the party.


Love interest?

By Sarah Morley, 2014

It is intriguing to know the link between George Cardinal and George Rawson? We know that four years after the expedition Mr Rawson married Mr Cardinal’s adopted daughter Matilda Doust. Was Matilda one of the eight ladies on the expedition? Did Mr Rawson and Matilda meet and fall in love on the trip, with the romantic backdrop of the Caves? Or did Mr Rawson write the account whilst courting Matilda in an effort to gain Mr Cardinal’s approval?