Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/284

 258 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Hon. l. o-Loughiin Alfred, and Vudnamutana, have again started operations ; and amongst more recent shows the Copper Top, Paull's Consolidated, Parabarana, O'Donoghue Castle, and Lorna Doone are being actively worked. The new gold find at Tarcoola continues to be most promising, and there is evidence that a permanent field has been found. In 1895 the number of mineral claims held was 112, comprising an area of 8,220 acres, the number of mining leases held being 96, with an area of 1,799 acres. At the present time (1900) there are 1,441 mineral claims on the Mining Register, embracing 56,199 acres, and 1,087 mining leases, with an area of 28,015 acres; total area held for mining purposes being 84,214 acres. The number of men employed in mining in 1895 was estimated at about 3,000 ; at the present time the estimate is 5,000. During the four years that the Hon. L. O'Loughlin, M.P., has occupied the position of Commissioner of Woods and P'orests the distributing of trees and vines free to applicants has been continued, 980,188 trees and 155,415 vines being distributed to the public. The planting operations of the department have been continued, 525,920 trees being planted. The young timber in the plantations at Bundaleer has in some instances developed into useful material, realising satisfactory rates. The cash received for sales of this timber during the period under review amounts to ^713 9s. 6d. The beautiful cave which was discovered some time ago in the Cave Range Porest Reserve near Narracoorte has been made accessible to the public during the Hon. Commissioner's tenure of office, and was duly opened for the admission of visitors on June 22, 1897. under the name of "The Victoria Cave," this designation having been given it by the Hon. Commissioner in honor of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. It has since been considerably improved by the formation of various extra passages, so that the natural phenomena of stalactites, etc., in which its chambers abound, together with the attractions of the older caves, prove together a charming resort, which visitors gready appreciate. P'earless in the advocacy of his opinions and the prosecution of his principles, Mr. O'Loughlin has yet always retained the respect of all with whom he has come in contact — political opponents as well as friends. Deeply imbued with religious feeling, he is a true son of the Roman Catholic Church. The late Hon. R. B, Andrews, a judge of the Supreme Court. BORN at Epping, in PLssex, in 1823, Richard Bullock Andrews embraced law as a profession, and practised in his native town for some years. Coming to Australia primarily for his health, he resolved, in 1853, to remain in South Australia. In March, 1865, he was appointed Queen's Counsel. He was first elected to Parliament on June 5, 1857, continuing, with the exception of the years 1860-62, a member of the House of Assembly till his resignation on January 18,1870, when he was appointed Crown Solicitor and Public Pro.secutor, having had the title of "Honorable" conferred upon him. Mr. Andrews was Attorney-General in seven Ministries. On March 9, 1881, he was elevated to the .Sui)reme Court IJench, where he .showed excellent tact, courtesy, and judgment. Towards the close of 1883 his health broke down. He was granted six months' leave of absence and proceeded to Tasmania, where he died on June 26, 1884.