Page:Notable South Australians.djvu/239

 William Henville Burford. HIS enterprising colonist, who was born in England in 1806, arrived in South Australia by the "Pestonjee Bomenjee," October 11, 1838. He thus recounts his experiences after landing at Glenelg, and the recital is interesting when compared with the facilities which our colonists at present enjoy in transit and accommodation. He says:—" We landed in water up to our waists, and were for two days and nights on the beach guarding our luggage. Conveyed thence to Emigration-square and lodged in a rude wooden shanty, without a single article of commerce, and only 1s. 6d. in cash to begin colonial life. Wife invalided, and two children of three and five years of age to support" These were really "hard lines," but Mr. Burford evidently would not sit down repining, and with commendable energy he worked at the first thing which offered, viz., excavating a cellar. Mr. Richardson had just then built an auction-room on North-terrace, and Mr. Burford having some experience in painting and glazing applied for and got the job, and so successful was he that ere long he was able to start for himself, and employ several "hands" at from 10s. to 14s. per day. Things went on well for a time; but at length the credit of the colony was stopped at the Home Colonial Office, and great depression ensued. Much inconvenience having been experienced by the colonists from a scarcity of candles, Mr. Burford, who had in England gained practical knowledge of candle and soap-making, obtained the necessary plant and started into that business. At first he had to compete against the Tasmanian exportations with which the colony was deluged, but his perseverance was ultimately rewarded, and his endeavours were successful, as he undertook large contracts for supplying the Burra, Kapunda, Moonta, and other mines with candles. He next added the manufacture