Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/494

 468 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. Charles Kimber THE development of the Northern Areas of South Australia in the early clays demanded the highest class of pioneering talent. Not alone was the hardy physique that can endure privation and climatic extremes recjuired, but the skill and ])atient industry that can turn the wilderness into the fruitful cornfield was also necessary. The present productiveness of the northern portions of the Province has resulted from the efforts of perse- vering settlers, who added much talent and industry to great courage and endurance. Among those whose well-directed abilities and energy have contributed to this end, is IVIr. Charles Kimber, who, as a public and commercial man, played a very prominent part in the Stanley District for many years. Mr. Kimber was born at Newbury, Berkshire, England, on January 13, 1826. He received a sound education at private schools In his native town, and subse- cjuently removed to London, where he entered the wholesale stationery warehouse of Mr. James Norris, 207, Ui)per Thames Street. Here Mr. Kimber spent seven years, obtaining during that period a valuable business experience. The wide field of opportunities presented Hammer & Co., Phot,, j,, Australia at this time attracted Mr. Kimber's attention, and he determined to try his fortune in the new land. He accordingly set sail in the ship folin Woodhall, and arrived in South Australia on January 5, 1849. Soon after reaching the Province Mr. Kimber obtained employment with the firm of Messrs. Acraman, Cooke, & Co. These merchants were carrying on business in Flinders Street, Adelaide, and in their employ Mr. Kimber remained for several months, after which he removed to the Hurra. The copper industry was at that time in its prime, and Mr. Kimber found employment with the Patent Copper Company there. The opening-up of the Victorian gold diggings, however, had excited the minds of the adventure-loving throughout the world, and Mr. Kimber, like many others, determined to test the reported