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?
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