Notable South Australians/David Lindsay
David Lindsay,
THE youngest son of the late Capt. Jno. Lindsay; born at Goolwa, June 20, 1856; educated at a public school, and by the late Rev. Jno. Hotham; entered the Government service in 1873, and went to the Northern Territory as junior surveyor in 1878, where he surveyed and reported upon the Mount Wells tin mines, and acted as senior-surveyor and supervisor of works during Mr. McMinn's absence. Explored the Mary River, and, by his observations of its overflow, proved that this was the stream which Stuart was following to the north coast in his memorable journey across the continent. After carefully examining the country between Palmerston and Pine Creek, Mr. Lindsay proposed a route for the railway, quite distinct from that surveyed in 1878, which, although longer by about fifteen miles, would touch the best agricultural land, and go close to all the known gold and tin discoveries; added to this, as the line would be on the watershed it would cost much less, the estimate being between £5,000 to £6,000 per mile. This route has since been surveyed and adopted. Li May, 1882, Mr. Lindsay resigned his position in the service, and devoted his time to private business; but at the desire of the S. A. Government he, in 1883, undertook for them the exploration of Arnheim's Land, a journey of 1,916 miles, which, though successful, was full of remarkable incidents and hairbreadth escapes. Mr. Lindsay acted with much intrepidity and skill, and safely brought his party back to civilization. Among other important discoveries made by him was that of the "Gwendoline Falls," on the Baker Range, about sixty miles from Southport, N. T. These falls are upwards of 195 feet in height, and present a romantic and awe-inspiring appearance. Mr. Lindsay is a member of the S. A. Institute of Surveyors, and a member of the Sydney Branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia. He is considered an authority on matters connected with the Northern Territory, and in 1882 had the honour of conducting the Parliamentary party on their visit of inspection.