Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/608

 5S-^ ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Mr. Charles Georsre Alexander Winnecke, F.R.G.S., F.R.A.S. '~|"^HE scientific explorer is necessarily one of the most valued among colonial pioneers. X He it is who supplements the results of undaunted effort l)y the descri[)tions, locations, and distances which alter the record from a traveller's tale to the traceable and useful facts of geography. Adelaide has been a centre whence great exploring and scientific expeditions into the northern regions of the continent have gone out ; and it is to the credit of the Province that some of their leaders have been born on her soil. Notable amongst these is Mr. Charles George Alexander Win- necke, F. R.G.S., whose explora- tions in outlying areas have added much to the public knowledge. Charles Winnecke was born at Norwood on November i8, 1857. His parents, who were German colonists, appreciated the value of education, and sent their son to St. Peter's College, where he ob- tained an excellent training, which in no small degree contributed to the success of his after career. Having completed his education, in 1873 Mr. Winnecke entered the Civil Service under Mr, Goyder, then Surveyor-General, as a head chainman. He rapidly rose to responsible positions. Mastering Co., Photo jl-,g surveying profession, he soon received an appointment, and shortly afterwards was placed in charge of parties doing work in the interior. His travels in Central Australia now began. As a trigonometrical surveyor and explorer employed on Government work and researches, he traversed nearly the whole of the Northern Territory, and pushed his efforts at times beyond the borders into Western Queensland and other colonies. Some years spent in this valuable exploratory work spread the fame of Mr. Winnecke beyond the bounds of his own Province, and recognition of his efforts was given in his appointment to a I'ellowship in the Royal Geographical Society, which honor he has further justified by subsequent efforts. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Bond