While holidaying at Nelson recently, we went on a guided tour of the nearby Princess Margaret Rose Cave. It is a fascinating collection of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years from water seepage from the Glenelg River.
The story we heard of the discovery of the caves could have been straight from a Boys Own Annual. It was found in 1936 by two young men. One was lowered into a 17 metre dark hole with only a candle, matches and string. When he returned to the top his comment was something like “I think I have found Aladdin’s cave” .
Because it is such a great story, I though I would search Trove for articles from the time of the cave’s opening to the public in 1941. I found two worth sharing from the Border Watch of Mt Gambier and the Horsham Times.
New Cave Opened Near Sandy Water Hole. (1941, January 18). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78138417
The story from the Horsham Times, claims Jack and Keith as Horsham men, but that is not indicated at all in the Border Watch article that states Jack Hutchesson had lived all his life at Caroline, near Nelson. I did check the Electoral Rolls and there were Hutchessons living in Horsham over the years. The Horsham Times does give a good account of the discovery of the caves.
GLENELG RIVER HAS ATTRACTIVE CAVES. (1941, February 14). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72689203
What I did learn from the articles was that Jack and Keith were quite a bit older than the impression given on the guided tour. We left with a picture of two lads, maybe 15 or 16, when in fact they had Jack’s sons with them. Otherwise it was a fun and informative tour and highly recommended.
Western District Families 
I was enjoying that immensely until I got to the poor kangaroos.
I will try to laugh thinking of HRH Margaret Rose’s reaction (if she had been adult at the time) to having a bat infested cave with her name on it.
The little princesses were of course idols at the time.
Thanks MR for another great post.
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Great post Merron. Will be in the area to do the Great South Walk later in the year, so will definitely check this out. Thanks for the tip.
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Ah but they’re all in caves ….not my favourite places. I did manage to see the ones at Ailwin Caves in Co Clare but only because it was that or be out in the shocking weather 🙂
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