Stuart revered

This pamphlet was published following the 40th anniversary dinner of Stuart's successful crossing of the continent. It contains the toasts and speeches made on the occasion, including that by the noted Australian explorer David Lindsay. Lindsay said he had learned much of Stuart's character in the time he had spent with Stephen King. He continued: 'few understood the difficulties, dangers, and trials that that man with a dauntless will had overcome, and carried his enterprise through to a successful issue.' He further said that 'Stuart was a good leader, but he had good men who would stick by him through thick and thin. They reaped the honour of all who knew them...'

The pamphlet also contains published reports of references in the state parliament, including an appeal by Mr Hutchinson for the government to contribute to the Stuart statue fund. Mr Rounsevell spoke in support of this motion. The appeal by these men was supported by the Chief Secretary and a proposal was made to place 500 pounds on the estimates. The money was granted by the government.

There follows in the pamphlet, 'A few facts about Stuart's travels'. This neatly encapsulates Stuart's expeditions, and concludes with a description by a man who visited Stuart's grave in Kensal Green cemetery. He discovered that the granite obelisk had been 'Erected by his sister', not through the gratitude of the country on whose behalf he had laboured so long and valiantly, but by his sister.

Finally there is a poem by Robert Bruce, originally published in Quiz, 31 July 1901:

'...For had they not a feat achieved, that ought, with loud acclaim,

To sounded be the wide world o'er by trumpet tongue of fame,

From stormy coast of Southern Sea to tropic ocean blue,

Through trackless deserts, simoon-swept, had toiled that dauntless crew:

had followed where great Stuart led, with never thought of fear...'

The poem concludes with a line about a future monument. The pamphlet was issued by the Royal Caledonian Society, perhaps as a last call for subscriptions towards a statue.

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