He relocated to in NEW ZEALAND - Invercargill in 1860, John was Licenced Victualler Sue Kelly found the following reference from New Zealand: " J.A. Niemann, occupation - Carter, residence Gloucester St. West Christchurch" [ not dated ]

Timaru Herald 1865 Saturday 13th May page 4 Sailed. May 10 - Geelong for Lyttelton. Passenger - Messrs H.J. LeCren, T.W. Hall, Niemann and Allen.

In 1861 he was in Bendigo Vic. NEW INSOLVENTS. Melbourne Argus 7/5/1873
(Schedule filed at Sandhurst.)
John August Niemann, of Sandhurst, miner. Causes of insolvency-Injury received through falling into an open culvert losses on contract, and want of employment. Liabilities, £124 lCs. Gd, ; assets, £451 defi | ciency, £7910s, Od. Mr. J, Hasker, assignee.

I am guessing the following refers to Jjohann 'John' August Niemann, but the time frame 'fits'
Melbourne Argus 26th April 1867
The Sandhurst case of Niemann v. Welle which carne before the Supreme Court t appeal in November last, and which w decided in favour of the plaintiff, be fair to give rise to much litigation between parties similarly situated in mining It will be remembered that the ca above-mentioned was really Niemann v. T Cinderella Gold-mining Company. Niemann had left the claim and the district, aft working for some time. When he left 1 appeared to have a very poor opinion of the prospects of the mine. He went to New Zealand. During his absence the claim turned out exceedingly well, and in due undue-course Niemann " turned up," to claim his full share of the profits of the yield of gold for the full period of his absence although he had made some kind of rough verbal transfer ,of his share to one of his mates, who remained in the claim. The case is a very striking one, because it would appear, by the decision of the Supreme Court, that a man may be a member of a co-operative mining company, may sagciously foresee, that for a time it will not pay may take a trip (a rather long one, he so choose) to another country, and hearing that his mates (who liavc been n the time hard at work) have struck gold, an have got a good lump of the precious meta may return and ignore his so-called transit to his mate, and claim his full share of he proceeds from the mine. This extraordinary case should be regarded by those interested in mining as a salutary warning, far, in brief,conveys this lesson-Never part with your interest in a mine except under due legal form and never accept or purchase a share in an claim except under strict legal conditions'
( 'interesting' to say the least !!!)
He was a unknown occupation in NEW ZEALAND - Christchurch, Gloucester St. in 1863. John relocated to in Bendigo Vic - then known as Sandhurst in 1867, he was founder of the Medical institute, McRae St Bendigo He relocated to in Sale Vic in 1877, John was Artesian well sinker. The 'Gippsland times' [Sale Vic] reproduced articles under the banner "Headlines from history" in January 2007.
The heading 'Securing Water' 26th Jan 1880 outlines the pivotal role played by J.A. Niemann ( Johann August) in sinking a bore and securing the first Artesian water for Sale. [ the complete article is included in the list of photographs]
Footnote:
This article was sent to me by Alf & Vi Chown of Sale, whom we met for one night in St. George, Queensland in 2004. It is somewhat remarkable they remembered my interest in J A Niemann and his connection to Sale.

Brisbane Courier 6/1/1881
At Dunlop station, which is situated twenty- five miles back from the Darling, Mr. J. A. Niemann, who is boring for water, struck a splendid supply of fresh water 488ft. from the surface. The discovery is considered of much importance.

Artesian Wells

TO EDITOR OF THE MERCURY ( Hobart )
Sir,-For the information of such of your readers as take an interest in the matter, I give the follow- ing particulars of the boring on my land, received
from Mr. Niemann :
(details of drilling omitted)
J. A. Niemann, Well-borer.
-Yours, etc.,
S. P. H. WRIGHT. Glenorchy, December 22.

SA Advertiser 30/5/1881
From the Movnt Barker Courier we learn tbat Mr. J. A. Niemann, an experienced operator on tbe artesian principle, has ■11 i 11 d in tbe colony, under engagement to Mr Angus , for he is about to make a number of experiment to find water in different parts or the colony Mr. Niemann was the first to discover a good supply of water in the Darling district. He sank a well 488 feet deep on the Dunlop Station, and at that depth he succeeded in getting a splendid flow. One of his last works was tbe sinking of an artesian well at Sale, Gippsland, for the borough Council. By means of a, bore 2 inches in diameter, and at a depth cf 238 feet, he struck fresh water, which rises 43 feet above the surface, and the daily outflow from which is equal to 46,000 gallon!, which is snfficient to supply the town and fill tbe gutters. Mr. Niemann's first efforts for Mr. Angus* will be made at one of his stations about seventy miles from Port Augusta, and tbe results will be looked forward to with considerable interest.
* probably George Fife Angus or descendants

22nd Jan 1881 Maitland Advertiser & Hunter River General Advertiser
Mr. Niemann has since been engaged boring for water on the Dunlop station, on
the Darling River. Writing to a Gippsland J paper he says :-" Last Tuesday I succeeded ^ ' in reaching a depth of 488 feet, the greatest depth for miles around here and struck a splendid supply of fresh_a water, which has already risen to within 140 feet of the surface, and still rising in the shaft. The well was started by me some four months ago, at the bottom of a shaft, which was sunk to a depth of 300 feet through a sort of slate, but which is a composite of mud, sand, wood, shells, and even dead fish, packed so solid and dry together that the ground had to be all blasted in sinking. Intermixed with this are round flint stones, from 6 inches to 2 feet in thick ness, for all the world like canon bajls ; it was these stones which caused the trouble in sinking. I first tried Messrs. Wright and Edward's cutter (for- solid stone it is an excellent invention), but it would not do in this ground, for as soon as I was nearly through the stone turned round too, and got so fast to the cutter that I could not turn it, nor lift it, nor got it down ; but as I was bound to do something, I turned at it till the tubes broke at a joint (the joint being very weak, turned down too fine). In this way I only reached 66 feet. I now got a different cutter made, and sank a new hole. When I reached 104 feet I broke down again the same way. I now tried a third cutter, a little different to the last (both being made to suit the ground, after an idea of my own, and worked on a new style altogether), with, I am pleased to say, the grand result already stated. I have only been six weeks in sinking this hole. When I tell you that there is no water of a permanent nature between the Darling River and the Barren Ranges, over 100 miles, you can form some idea of the value of this supply of fresh water, under the salt; it is so good that we can use it for all kinds of domestic purposes, although it is somewhat mixed with salt water in the shaft. The strangest thing about it ia that it is lukewarm when it runs over the pipe. The owners of these stations, Messrs. S. M'Caughey and Co., of Dunlop and Turale, spent nearly £2000 on this well in all, and I am told they value the finding of the water at £20,000 at least, to them only. As many as 30,000 sheep have been put into this paddock to-day, for there is splendid feed here, and the paddock is twelve miles square, with the well in the middle." '
ARTESIAN BORING. The Mercury Hobart 11/11/1881

"A Bibliography of South Australia !" A colony which, fifty years
ago, was a Terra incognita — a land previously trodden only by the
uncivilised and wandering savage, and consequently without a vestige
of a prior history, save what may be found in geological researches,
the impressions of nature on its rocks and stones — a land not
obtained by exciting wars or conquests by battles, but a history of
conquests of wild and uncultivated regions by indomitable British
pluck — a simple, peaceful history of the steady progress of British
settlement.

Niemann, J. A, — Section of Strata Traversed by Boring at
Wirrialpa Station, Erome Downs, near Lake Frome. Trans.
Rog. Soc. S.A., 1881-2, vol. v , p. 99. Adelaide: 1882.

Mr. J. A. Niemann, the successful borer for artesian water supplies in Gippsland, who arrived at Hobart by the Southern Cross from Melbourne, with a small party of workmen, on the 4th inst., has commenced boring operations both at Bellerive and Glenorchy. The work at the former place is being carried on by Mr. Niemann'ss brother ( Johann Diedrich Conrad Niemann ), a practical and experienced man, with needful labouring assistance ; while Mr. Niemann himself is at present at work at Glenorchy. He, of course, extends a general eu per vision over the operations at Bellerive, and will visit that place on Saturday next, though ho is fortunate in being able to place reliance on the ability of his brother, Mr. J. D, C. Niemann, to carry out his instructions efficiently.

To those acquainted with the science of hydraulics, it will be nothing new, hut to the ' uninitiated, it may be information to mention that ' an artesian water supply is an underground flow ot a permanont character which, on being reached by boring, rises up by its natural force in tho pipes. ; According to its natural force will bo the height of the water-rise; in some cases it will only reach the, Surface of the land, in others it will throw a powerful jet into the air. The quick-witted inventive ' people of the district of Artois, in sunny France, . ara sunpposed to bave discovered tho secret, or at < any rate first developed the art of obtaining water by means of boring; and the wells are named, , Artesian after that locality. .

..........( some detail omitted) .
He ia putting down din.' galvanised pipe' and is prepared to bore to a depth of 70ft, We may add that besides the ordinary boring apparatus be lins with bim two ingenious appliances of his own invention, and to ram the hole bored in clay larger for the insertion of tho pipe, and tho other for lifting broken rods.

At Bellerive things aro also very satisfactory. A shaft has been sunk, and operations are proceeding steadily. Mr. Niemann is well pleased with the present appearances, and hopeful as to the result, which is looked forward to with no little interest and some impatience by the inhabitants of the locality. A good and permanent water supply would do more than anything else to develop this healthy township and favourite resort; and we sincerely trust tho people who will be advantaged, mid the public-spirited men who will be rewarded for their enterprise and outlay by tho opening up of such a supply, will not too disappointed in the quest. _ '

ARTESIAN WELLS. SA Register 26/4/1884

There are two artesian wells at Sale, Victoria, known respectively as the Borough and the Cunningham-atreet well. On April 15. 1880. a contract to bore 300 feet, or until the water flowed over the surface, was taken by a German called Niemann, the Borough Council of Sale, after considerable ..................................

He died T.B. on 11 December 1885 at the age of 48 in Sale Vic. He was buried after 11 December 1885 in Sale Vic. Grave : unmarked Johann August was quite famous throughout the colonies for his work in finding Artesian water.
Not only did he do so in Sale Vic., but he was also active in the 1880's in South Australia; and appears to have been employed by none other than Mr. Angus; whom I believe to be George Fife Angus the 'founder' of the Barossa Valley and German immigration to that region. Jan 2011
(See articles under his residence 1877) . He also conducted his water finding in remote NSW near the Darling river and in Tasmania.

He died at the relatively young age of 47 years, is buried in an unmarked grave and given the contribution he made towards his field, really deserves greater recognition. Parents: Johann HEINRICH NIEMANN-49 and Tobete Margrete OSTERMANN (NIEMANN)-50.

Spouse: Living. Children were: John Henry "Harry" NIEMANN-96, William NIEMANN-97, Christian NIEMANN-98, Mary Simpson "Minnie" NIEMANN (HARRIS)-99, Alice Harriett NIEMANN-100, Wilhelm [ William ] August NIEMANN-101, Johanna Augusta "Gus" NIEMANN (EDWARDS)-102, Arthur August NIEMANN-103, Franz NIEMANN-104, Frederick Conrad "Fred" NIEMANN-105, Albert Norman "Norm" NIEMANN-106.

Spouse: Emily Jane Christie BURGESS ( NIEMANN)-4754. Emily Jane Christie BURGESS ( NIEMANN) and John Ernst Christian NIEMANN were married in 1893 in Bendigo Vic. Children were: Ernst NIEMANN-4755, Clement Edward NIEMANN-4756, Myrtle May NIEMANN-4757, Eva Isabella NIEMANN-4758, Iris Hellen NIEMANN-4759, John Frederick NIEMANN-4760, Living, Living.

Letter from J.H. to Northern Territory Times & Gazette Newspaper - it is a long letter and sounded as if he was a little homesick ! 15/6/1916
(To the Editor.)
When I wrote to you last we were« in the throes of a drought. We are still only, more so. From Petersburg to Broken Hill and right through to the Darling and Murray, Rivers almost every dam is dry, and those stock owners who have no underground source of supply, have had to remove their stock, while many of those who are able to supply their stock from* bores or wells are in difficulties regarding water for domestic use. We etc etc Harry was a Chemist in Adelaide - Glenside, Greenhill Road in 1927. The Advertiser 4/10/1949
Glass-FRONTED chemists display shelves. Inspect Niemann and Hennessy. Greenhlll rd.. Glenside. He died on 19 March 1942 at the age of 77 at 80 Greenhill Road, Glenside in Adelaide SA. 23rd March 1942 - Adelaide Advertiser
NIEMANN.—On March 19. at his residence, 80 Greenhill rd, Glenside, John Henry, beloved husband of Mary Niemann, loving father of Alice (Mrs. E. A. Wilson). Kit. (Mrs. C. EL Hennessy). and loved grandfather of lan. He was buried after 19 March 1942 in Adelaide SA - Centennial Park.¹³¹³ Grave : General Row: Path: 15 Site: 956 There wasn't much that John Henry did not do. He was a miner, chemist, botanist, farmer and inventor. What is more he did not undertake these roles in the relative comfort of the Southern Part of Australia. He was indeed a pioneer of the Northern Territory and began his journey to the Victoria River, became marooned for six weeks and finally returned to Darwin.
Undaunted he then moved to the Daly River settlement and amongst other things became the manager of the Copper mine.
Later he moved to Pine Creek and undertook various Government positions which are mentioned later in his story.
When reviewing Newspapers of the day there are literally hundreds of references to him, his work, and his family.
He returned to South Australia and during the 1st War began mining at Olary between Peterborough and Broken Hill.
Eventually he returned to Adelaide, purchased or starte a Chemist shop on Greenhill road. He died at his residence in the same suburb.
As a child the only reference I was given of him was the fact that he owned a Chemist shop in Adelaide.
His contribution to the NT is mentioned in many journals, books and records but there is little obvious formal recognition of his work. Parents: Johannn August "John" NIEMANN-56 and Living.

Spouse: Ellen Mary "Nellie Helen" WEBSTER (NIEMANN)-107. Ellen Mary "Nellie Helen" WEBSTER (NIEMANN) and John Henry "Harry" NIEMANN were married on 24 May 1888 in Sydney NSW.¹³¹⁴ Children were: Alice Webster NIEMANN (WILSON)-108.

Spouse: Mary NICOLSON (NIEMANN)-109. Mary NICOLSON (NIEMANN) and John Henry "Harry" NIEMANN were married in 1896 in Armadale Vic..¹²⁰⁸ They¹²⁰⁸ lived in Northern Territory - Victoria River Station in 1896. Victoria River Downs (VRD)
The Big Run
On 12 September 1819, Philip Parker King discovered the mouth of the Victoria River. Twenty years later, in 1839, Captain J. C. Wickham arrived at the same spot in the HMS Beagle. Crew members of the Beagle followed the river upstream into the interior for more than 200 kilometres.

In August 1854, Augustus Charles Gregory, assistant surveyor in Western Australia, was appointed leader of the North Australian Expedition. When they set off in 1855 from Moreton Bay it would be more than a year before they returned safe and well to Brisbane. They explored large areas of the Victoria River catchment area and went as far as 500 kilometres south to the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The expedition was a great success and once and for all proved that there was no inland sea but plenty of land suitable for pastoral development.

Members of the expedition were his brother H.C. Gregory, Dr (Sir) Ferdinand Jacob Heinrich von Mueller, botanist, J.R. Elsey, surgeon, J.S. Wilson, geologist, J. Baines, artist and storekeeper, J. Flood, J. Fahey, H. Richards, G. Phibbs, C. Humphries, R. Bowman, C. Dean, J. Melville, W. Shewell, W. Dawson, W. Selby and S. MacDonald.

Some considered the country good enough to establish a tropical State, called Albert, after Queen Victoria's husband, with its capital on the Victoria River. However in 1863 the Northern Territory was annexed by South Australia. One early visitor to the region was Rev Julian Edmund Tenison Woods who travelled south from Darwin and called the river the Australian River Nile. Another well known visitor was John Flynn. In 1895, as a fifteen year old, he experienced first hand the rugged conditions of the outback when he was marooned for a month on a sandbar in the Victoria River.

Among some of the first to take out leases in the district were Charles Brown Fisher, born in London on 25 September 1817 and Maurice Lyons, a Melbourne Magistrate. Fisher was the second son of James Hurtle Fisher and had by 1875 become one of the wealthiest men in Australia. Together they stocked Victoria River Downs in the early 1880s. Most of the stock was overlanded by Nathaniel Buchanan who set out from Wilmot in 1881 with 20,000 head of cattle.

Buchanan had been, and still was, associated with the opening up and stocking of several stations in the Victoria River district and the Ord River region. Born in Ireland in 1826, he arrived in New South Wales with his father in 1832. He later conducted several exploring expeditions in Northern Australia with William Landsborough. In 1896 he assisted L.A. Wells to find his cousin Charles who had perished during the Calvert Expedition.

Fisher and Lyons also appointed Lindsay Crawford as manager. Crawford had been one of Charles Todd's men on the Overland Telegraph construction team and telegraph operator at Daly Waters. After many initial difficulties, and almost financial ruin Fisher was able to profit from his hard work and investment before the station was sold to Goldsbrough Mort & Co.

With white population slowly increasing in and around the district and an Aboriginal population of some 4000, Mounted Constable Willshire, formerly of the Central Australian Police Corps was stationed at Gordon Creek in 1894 to maintain law and order. This really meant keeping the Aborigines 'in line' on what would become Australia's largest pastoral property and cattle station in the world.

After Lindsay Crawford's resignation in 1894, Goldsborough appointed Jack Watson from neighbouring Auvergne station as the new manager. During his time the station consisted of 21,000 square kilometres and had 30,000 cattle and some 500 working horses. Watson died on 1 April 1896 while swimming stock across the Katherine River. He was replaced by his brother Robert. When Robert and his family arrived, his wife became the first white woman to live on the station.

On 30 January 1900, the station was sold to a syndicate made up of Sidney Kidman, Alexander Forrest and Isadore Emanuel who appointed Denis James Ronan as manager. He was later replaced by Richard Townsend. Alf Martin took over in 1926 and became its longest serving manager from 1926 until 1945.

During his years at the station he had many visitors among them the Governor of South Australia, Sir George Le Hunte in 1905 and Larry Wells, who surveyed the district in 1907. Other frequent visitors were Mick Madrill, who started a mail run, Randell Stafford and Harry Peckham, much better known as 'The Fizzer' from the book We of the Never Never.

Born in February 1872 in Adelaide, Peckham worked as a stockman at Renner Springs before he secured a mail contract in 1902. He obtained the mail contract for VRD in November 1907. He became well known and liked by every body in the remote outback. While attempting to deliver an urgent letter, seeking medical attention for a seriously ill woman on Victoria River Downs, he drowned swimming the flooded Dashwood crossing. His body was later recovered and buried on the river bank but later re-interred at the Elsey Station Cemetery on 14 September 1944.

Victoria River Downs was sold in March 1909 to Bovril Australian Estates for £180,000 with Sidney Kidman becoming a member of the Board of Directors until 1922. Although some reasonable profits had been made before the sale to Bovril, matters improved vastly when meatworks were built at Darwin by Vestey Brothers and by the Western Australian government at Wyndham. When the railway was extended from Pine Creek to Katherine transport costs were reduced remarkably. It also reduced the isolation of the district to some extent.

Nearby Humbert River station remained as Crown Land after VRD was formed and was taken up in about 1903 under Pastoral Permit by Newton and Kearney in 1903. It was resumed by the SA government in 1908 for use as an Aboriginal reserve, but this never happened. Billy Butler obtained a Grazing Licence in 1914 and he sold this to C.F. Schultz in 1919.

In 1919 Thomas Graham was appointed manager. During 1922 there was an outbreak of malaria Humbert River station, which caused the death of more than ten per cent of the station workers. Sister E.M. King, of the Australian Inland Mission, turned the homestead into a hospital to care for the sick and dying. Later a proper hospital was built which became known as Wimmera House. It closed down in 1942. Both the original homestead, which is located some kilometres south of the current Victoria River Downs homestead, and the hospital are now listed as part of the National Estate.

In August 1926 Alfred Martin became the new manager and had his wife and large family living with him at Victoria River Downs at the head station on the Wickham River. He still faced many problems such as low beef prices and later the 1930s depression. Martin, a butcher by trade had first worked for Durack but later went droving. From then on he managed Carlton, the VRD bullock depot at Wyndham for seventeen years. Martin turned out a great administrator and knew all there was to know of the meat industry.

During his time, VRD had its first official race meeting. In later years proceeds of these meetings went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Hell-fire Martin, as became known, remained on VRD until 1945, carrying the station through droughts, depression, war and resumptions. He retired through ill health and was replaced by Hartley Magnussen. Since that time the Big Run has been carved up leaving only about 12,000 square kilometres.

Well known carver, dancer and painter, Alan Griffiths was born in January 1933 at Victoria River Downs Station where he lived and worked as a stockman until 1957. In 1965 he went to Argyle Station where he married his promised wife Peggy. Alan and Peggy performed the Bali Bali Balga ceremony for the 1997 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

In 1960 the station was bought by Hooker Corporation, from William Buckland, who made many improvements, particularly in transport. By this time it employed a hundred men and the homestead had the appearance of a small country town. There was the manager's house, a store, kitchen, mess, offices, radio room, single men's quarters, bakery, blacksmith, saddlery, workshops and garages.

The station was sold once more in 1984 to Peter Sherwin for $12,000,000. By 1986 Sherwin had become Australia's largest cattle breeder. It was also during his time that heli-mustering, the rounding up of cattle by helicopter, first started as early as 1970, became very popular. Finally in October 1989 VRD was bought by Robert Holmes a' Court through his Heytesbury Pastoral Company. After his death in 1990, his wife Janet took over. The Big Run has since enjoyed the most stable and profitable period in its 120-year history, entrenching its status as the king of cattle stations.
Ref Flinders Rangers Research
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ABN 15 308 845 845

The Mystery of the 'Midge'

A SCHOONER LOST IN THE

BUSH.

PASSENGERS EXISTING FOR A

MONTH ON CATFISH.

The Pearling lugger "Midge" 16 tons register,left Port Darwin on June 14th for the Victoria River, carrying a cargo of machinery for Meat Works, a colored crew of four, and a party of Victorians, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Niemann, their two daughters, and Mr. T. Nicolson, as passengers. A month later Capt. J. Bradshaw, the owner of the Run for which they were bound, reported that the vessel had not arrived, and considerable anxiety was felt during the ensuing fortnight regarding the fate of the party. It was feared that a storm which arose soon after the'Midge'left port had either wrecked her or blown her out to sea. Search parties were sent out by the Government, but no traces of the vessel or of any wreckage could.be found ; nor could any information be gleaned from the natives, and though fresh parties were being organised it was more with the object of settling the mystery that overhung their fate than with a hope of finding any of the party alive. However, the 'Midge ' solved the problem herself by sailing up to her anchorage at Port Darwin once-more, on the evening of Friday, 28th July, having been absent 44 days. When boarded it was found that she had brought back Mr. Nicolson and all her crew, and had landed Mr. and Mrs. Niemann and the children at Point Charles Lighthouse, where they were being attended to by the keepers. The following detailed narrative of the adventures of the party, which have attracted much sympathy on ac- count of the lady and children, who were called on to endure such hard- ships, has been furnished us by Mr.

Niemann himself:

`Our intention originally was to go from Port Darwin to the Victoria River by steamer, as the river is no- toriously difficult to navigate by sail ing boats but being unable to make

fresh arrangements for one when a hitch occurred we had, perforce, to take the largest sailer that could be obtained. The same boat, under the same skipper had done the journey in three days before, and we thought we could manage to endure the discom- forts of such a small boat for that short period, or a little longer if necessary. Provisions and water were taken on board to last a fortnight (they were eked out a little longer), and we set sail with a fair wind on Wednesday, the 14th day of June. Our adventures commenced early as a gale sprang up in the evening, and to the eyes of a land-lubber as the vessel lay over to the wind with her scuppers under the water and the waves washing buckets, etc, along the deck, it looked as if the

end was at hand, especially as the life boat belonging to the vessel hid been

for some reason replaced by a dingey capable only of carryiug half the num- ber on board in smooth water. How- ever, the ' Midge ' is not only the largest Darwin lugger, but also the strongest built, and one of the best sea boats ; the seamen, too, had stowed the cargo so well that neither then nor during her subsequent rough and tumble experience did the lost suffer by its shifting, so that the storm did no damage except to a few ropes, which were repaired on the 15th of June while at anchor in a sheltered bay behind Cape Ford. We escaped a storm that raged during that night outside the bay, and sailing on next day arrived at Point Pearce, from which we had a quick run to the mouth of the Victoria River. This river empties itself into the Gulf of Cambridge, near the borders of West Australia, and discolors the waters of the Gulf for thirty miles out by the volumes of sand it brings down. All other rivers in the Territory are muddy, not sandy, and abound in turtles, large crabs, mosquitos and muggy heat, all of which are practically absent from the Victoria, which has for its special- ity sand-sand banks, sand islands, and

sandwater.

We saw the tide eat away ten feet of the mainland in three days at one spot, dig away a hole six feet deep and forty square, by the boat, in the same time, and make a high bank in another spot where previously there was a channel. It rushes in at from eight to twelve miles an hour and carries everything before it. For instance, when the anchor was put down after the ship s u k, the tide usually car- ried the anchor up stream before it carried the ship.

Add to this that the bed of the river (or rather of the Queen's Chan- nel as this part is named) is some ten miles wide, and that the spring tide rises about twenty feet, covering banks and islands, except here and there the tops of trees on the latter, and it will he seen that ordinary navigation rules do not apply to this locality, charts are almost useless, and a safe passage in a sailing boat must be always a question of good luck as well as good management. Our luck was "out," and for ten days we dodged banks and were carried up inlets instead of up the channel until on the 26th June, when the tide was at its highest and under the sportive influence of the full moon, we were carried some fifteen miles up an inlet into the wild bush, five miles further than a small boat could row at low water, and left high and dry on a sandy flat bordered by stunted scrub, and about a mile away from a deep creek bordered by a forest of gums. Before entering this inlet we had our nerves tried rather severely. We had anchored for the night in a narrow channel between a small island and the mainland and had all retired to rest, only to be aroused at midnight by a terrible roaring of water, and then more effectually by being rolled out of our bunks. Quickly as we could disentangle ourselves we rushed

on deck to find that the boat had dragged her anchor, and drifted into shallow water, where she lay over on her side, while the boiling tide eddied around her. Soon it reached the level of the deck, and we gave ourselves up for lost, since no boat could have floated or swimmer lived in such a whirlpool. Another rush of water came on, smote the side of the vessel and sent a sprinkle of water into the hold, but at the same time lifted her a little, so that we breathed more freely, and in a few minutes were afloat again on an even keel. We named the place near which we had this experience Echo Island, on account of the perfect manner in which it repeated all sounds, but anyone going to look for it a year or so hence would probably find that it had disappeared.

When the tide on the 27th June failed to float the boat properly, and it became evident that there was no hope of getting off for at least a fortnight, Mr. Nicolson and the Captain started off on an exploring expedition, intend- ing to make the station overland if possible. After walking half a day they stopped for lunch, lit a small fire to bake some cockatoos they had shot, and had just disposed of them when they were startled by the descent of a shower of spears within a few paces of them. These were the usual clumsy weapons which can only be thrown about fifteen paces, so that the natives must have been very close to them, but they were surrounded by long cane grass ten feet high and no sign of the enemy was to be seen. Perhaps it was as well that the explorers did not have the opportunity of returning the fire, as we have since, been told that it is nearly as risky, a thing in the Terri- tory to kill a black in self defence as a white in cold blood. We were told before starting that the blacks were treacherous but cowardly, and that they would never attack white people unless there was cover near by to which they could retreat after firing one volley, and, relying on this informa-

tion and the fact that there was no cover within a mile of the ship, we kept no watch, and even went so far

as to leave the boat once without a man on board of her. It happened that on this very occasion some blacks who had previously visited us begging

tobacco made their appearance, and one clambered on board. but when Mrs. Niemann picked up a gun and threat- ened him with it he and the rest speed- ily retreated, thus confirming their re- putation for cowardice, if not hers, for bravery. However, in the explorers' position the ample cover around left them at the mercy of the blacks, and when the spears were thrown the two decided to return to the ship during daylight. The Captain and one of the seamen took the dingey when the new moon tide failed to float us on July 10th and made another exploring effort, but returned after three days' absence and stated that it was impossible to make any progress in it. They dragged the boat to within a mile of the ship, before sundown with the assistance of the other sailors, but were too tired to bring it nearer and during the night the natives despoiled it of everything moveable, oars, rowlocks, and fake bottom included. After that we saw no more signs of the blacks. During the second week we saw the necessity of economising food, so put ourselves on two meals a day and endeavoured to add to the supply by fishing, etc.; but we seemed to run short just as quickly and by the end of the third week we had nothing left but two packets of starch which we reserved to make " maizena " for the children, and a two pound packet of self-raising flour, which was made into scones for them also. There was, of course, no sugar, milk, or other " covering " for the starch, but it was eaten with a relish all the same, for the children, like our- selves, early learnt the truth of the proverb that there is "no sauce like hunger." Having the children on board induced us to bring some pow- dered magnesia with us for use as a medicine, but it was actually used as a baking powder (mixed with spirits of salts), the ship's supply having become damaged, and there being no soda or cream of tartar to take its place.

We did not expect to have any difficulty in securing plenty of crabs, but the only kinds we saw were a min- utes pecies about the size of threepence, and the hermit crab, which is no more useful from the food point of view. This queer creature the hermit crab -resembles a crayfish, except that it has only one large claw, and its shell only covers the forward half of its body. The rear half is similar to a white grub, and is quite as destitute of protective armour. To overcome this drawback it draws on its back the shell of a winkle or other shellfish, after first eating the fish, and this ap- propriated shell forms its armour and residence, being carried about as a snail's is, until the shell becomes too small for its growing body, when it is cast aside and another secured in its

place. Thus armed these crabs are most ferocious and voracious, they will kill and eat other crabs double their size and will eat or destroy anything they can fix their claws in. For in- stance, one exploring party after an absence of an hour or so had to mourn the departure of half a tin of beef, even to the label, a lump of damper, a hat and a coat. Crabs and turtles be- ing unobtainable our next thought was game, and while the ammunition lasted the guns brought welcome additions to our larder, in the shape of cockatoos, seagulls, and flying fish. The cocka- toos would have I been considered tough under ordinary circumstances, but the gulls were tender and the fish delicious. The tide carried along great numbers of the little fish alluded to, and, as they travel in shoals, a good bag would be made with each shot. They resemble a mullet in shape, but their eyes are

more like those of a frog. They swim

at or near the surface of the water,

and when alarmed shoot out into the

air at express rate and for a distance of two or three feet, their own length

being only some six inches. The am- muuntions was practically exhausted a

few days after we stranded, and we then realised the fact that unless we

could find some vegetable food we would have to depend on the fishing lines entirely for our meals, and would have only one variety at that-catfish. When we-first cooked these fish their scaleless bodies and great whiskered,

heads caused them to be regarded with some repugnance, but we acquired a taste for them very quickly, and even , now a hot baked cattish would be an inviting dish to any of us. It was only on the one or two occasions when

we caught more than sufficient for the day that the luxury of baking was

allowed, the rule being to stew them until the thick skins had boiled soft and the soup was thick and tasty. There can be no doubt that it is a very nourishing food, more so than ordinary fish, and if we could have secured enough to satisfy our hunger, we would not have fared badly, but three, avera- ging about two pounds each, was about the usual number we had for each meal, very often only one or two, and there were nine on board to feed. It may be remarked as a curiosity that one energetic seaman known to us as Peter was the only one of the crew who could catch many fish with the line- we had no net. He divided the honor of food supplier with Mr. Nicolson, though the latter scored all points in the matter of water supply. The sea- men were casting anxious eyes on the water tank from the first, but we had plenty of tools and machinery and an expert engineer, so had no anxiety on that point-in fact, when Mr. Nicol-

son made the condenser and set it to

work enough water was obtained in one day to last a fortnight.

Our search for a vegetable diet was not very well rewarded, the best re- sult being obtained from a Species of Meserabryanthemum, the leaves of

which looked and tasted somewhat like

young French beans when cooked. The leaf of the plant resembles the garden " pig-face," and it has a small pink flower like that of the " ice-plant." Another palatable dish was made from a small pea which was very plentiful but over-ripe. The pea itself is small and cylindrical in shape, the plant and white flower is like a lupin in size, and

the leaf similar to that of the common wattle. Though very nice we all found our stomachs too weak to digest them and had to abandon their use. They seem to form the main diet of the birds there. We christened them " cockatoo peas " and ate a good many, no doubt, in the transformed shape of cockatoo flesh. The first time we had this dish, by the way, one of the sea- men declined his share on the ground that he was not a cannibal-" No eat

bird talk English," he said. How- ever, we persuaded him that it he joined in he would soon be able to talk English himself, and, the argument prevailing, he partook, gingerly at first but freely later, with the result that his English vocabulary was much en- larged and before many days he could

swear in English is well as the others.

The last week of the month spent on the sandy waste was the most try- ing as a matter of course. Previous to this the two white men succeeded in catching many fish on a night line stretched across a channel a mile above the ship, where a large saltwater creek disappeared under our sandbanks, and though there was always a fear of alligators one of us took the risk of swimming and the other of standing waist deep in the water to set the line, and were satisfied with the results. But one evening after we had set the line an alligator made its appearance close by, and though we saw no more of him he must have remained, for we caught no more fish there after that, and had to walk the five miles to the water channel for all we got, which in our weak condition was a big under- taking, especially when after fishing far into the night our haul would at times be only one or two fish. Fort- nately we had a plentiful supply of medicines with us and being accus-

tomed to handle them were able to check any symptoms of diarrhoea, etc., at the outset, so that we enjoyed an advantage in this respect, as well as having plenty of water, over most suf- ferers from shipwreck. The weather during the whole period was delight- ful also, and there were no mosquitos or other insect pests. Apart from the feeling of weary weakness, more es- pecially in the legs and arms, and the craving for bread, the worst part of our experience was the angle at which the boat lay. Fancy cooking, eating, walking and sleeping on the slope of an ordinary galvanised iron roof, with a few boards nailed on to cling to, and you will have as good an idea as can be given of our position in this respect. The children left Port Darwin with new boots, when they returned the price marks were not even rubbed off the soles, but the uppers were com- pletely worn out, and we all developed a habit of holding on to something con- stantly by one hand, whether waking or sleeping When the tide was absent the sand in the waterholes left would settle and leave the water clear ; when the tide was in the sandy water was a great nuisance, decks, dishes, etc., washed with it having a coating of sand left on them, and when one was so imprudent as to go in for a swim, his hair, when he came out, looked as if it had been powdered with gold dust, from the shining mica of which the sand is in large part composed. If the sand was as golden in reality as in appearance Eldorado would have been found at last, in fact if it contained only a few grains per ton it would pro- vide profitable work for thousands of dredges. On Friday, July 21st, the spring tide reached us once more, and we had the pleasure of hearing the children ask again which side do you think we are going to capsize over to-day.' On Sunday we floated, and despair seized hold of us for the first time when the anchor refused to hold as usual, and the ebb left us further up the bank, but next morning there was a strong wind from the south, and,

discarding the anchor, we set the sails

against the tide. When the tide reached the flood the wind prevailed,

we floated off at 10 a.m. and by mid- day were in the open sea, with only one fish for food, and too thankful to bother about such a trifle. On Tues- day three young sharks, weighing about four or five pounds altogether, were caught by the seamen; on Wed- nesday one rock cod, about two pounds weight, of which we received a portion. On Thursday we passengers had no fish, and would have been in a really serious plight, but Provi- dence had reserved for us in the medi- cine chest a half-pound tin of lean raw minced steak, which had been pre- served in Melbourne many months before by a new process, and placed among the medicines to see how long it would keep in a tropical climate. When found it did not keep long, for we consumed it raw on the spot, after dividing it into five parts. Next morn- ing at 9 a.m. our troubles were ended. We arrved at the Point Charles lighthouse, the lifeboat put out and carried us ashore, and in a few minutes the pangs of hunger were things of the past. A curious effect of the first meal on all of the party, seamen in- cluded, was that it practically produced intoxication. Our previously slow, feeble pulses beat like steam engines, our heads felt giddy, and the legs of the strongest were far too unsteady to carry them. Mr. Christie, the chief keeper, vied with Mr. and Mrs. Benni- son and Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury in showing us constant kindness and attention, which we repaid so well that,

in the afternoon, Mr. Nicolson was able

to continue his journey with the crew to Palmerston, where he was hailed as one risen from the dead. Next day the steamer Victoria brought on the rest of us, and we were escorted home by a number of the residents, whose prodigal kindness of heart, so loudly praised by every visitor, we were afforded an opportunity of sounding to its depths. Sympathy begets sympathy,

and if our hearts were touched when the band played 'The old folks at home,' they felt and feel a warmth towards the town and its inhabitants which no other place or people has ever succeeded in arousing. The care and attention, and good food, bestowed on us at the lighthouse being continued at the Hotel Victoria by Mr. and Mrs. Martin, anyone seeing us would pro- bably find it as difficult to imagine that we had passed through so much as we find it ourselves, though we still dream at nights that we are starving, even as in our days of starvation our dreams were one succession of glorious banquets.' They lived . Northern Territory 274/1904

The marriage service was conducted by the Rev. H. P. Gocher in a very impressive manner, and Capt. J. Bradshaw gave away the bride in his most courtly style.
( Captain Bradshaw was responsible for getting John Henry & Mary to the northern Territory )

The bride looked handsome enough to make hide-bound bachelors envy the good forture of the bridegroom, and on the conclusion of the ceremony

the audience inside and out wished Mr. and Mrs. Stokes good luck in bumper handfuls of rice which covered the floor and footpath and made a snowy carpet for them to tread when taking their fir>t steps together as man and wife.

The wedding breakfast was given in the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Niemann, kindly lent for the occasion, and the usual toasts were drunk with enthusiasm, after which the wedding gifts were inspected and a good musical programme finished off a most pleasant function.

1905
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Niemann received a great farewell demonstration from Pine Creek residents on the occasion of their recent departure from that mining centre for the Daly River, October 2006
My interest in john & Mary Niemann was sparked by becoming aware of two books. "The Spirit of the Daly" Peter Forrest & Life on the Daly river" Nancy Polishuk.
John Niemann and his second wife Mary must have been quite amazing people. He was born New Zealand, moved to Sandhurst ( Bendigo), studied in Melbourne and became a Chemist, married his first wife Alice Webster, who died in Warracknabeal Vic. He married Mary nee Nicolson in Sydney.

John & Mary headed for the Northern Territory and at great risk attempted to set up a meat extract business at Victoria River. Victoria River was completely isolated and they almost came to grief on the sea voyage there. Their short stay there wasn't any improvement upon the voyage ! That didn't last long before they moved to the Daly River. At that time it also required a sea & river journey.
Both of the books mentioned, illustrate that the 'Daly' is a littany of failure, floods, crocodiles, snakes and during the wet season almost total isolation. There were very few settlers in the area even after World War 2.
The Aboriginal people were their only company and provided most of the labour for the farms, the mines and any other endeavour. By 1899 they were apparently 'peaceful' people, one suspects because they never forgot the massacres that took place after some Aboriginals killed miners in 1884. They were subsequently hunted and it is estimated 150 men women & children were murdered.
The privations for John, Mary and the two girls would have been no less than for any other settler. However both books convey a sense of community which provided something quite special & necessary !
With some understanding, but no personal experience I am totally impressed by the fact that they seemed to have been undaunted by the risks and challenges. It is little wonder they are listed conspicuously amongst the pioneers.
Not satisfied with six years on the Daly, they moved to Pine Creek. Maybe not quite as isolated but nonetheless would have required considerable determination.
The Niemann's are a 'mobile lot' . Others in the family went to New Zealand, Fiji and while closer to home, still daunting, Broken Hill. And one died (suspected murdered) off the coast of Western Australia, having 'chased his fortune' in northern Western Australia.

It is necessary to read the books to gain a better understanding of John & Mary's adventures on the Daly.

The following is an extract from "The Spirit of the Daly"

In 1899 John and Mary Niemann came from Melbourne to the Daly River, to settle at the New Uniya site which the Jesuits had recently abandoned. John Niemann was a_chemist, and he was encouraged by swashbuckling pastoralist Captain Joe Bradshaw (of Bradshaw's Run, on the Fitzmaurice River) to come north to operate a meat extract plant. There was little market for Territory live cattle, and Bradshaw resolved that it might be more profitable to slaughter cattle and to produce meat extract from their carcasses. After an abortive investigation of the Victoria River locality it was decided that the best site for the works would be on the Daly, to whence Bradshaw could walk his cattle overland.
The Niemanns were to spend the next twenty years in the Territory - on the Daly, at Pine Creek, and in Darwin. On her return to Melbourne Mary Niemann wrote a series of articles which were published in the Melbourne Leader newspaper on May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3. 1920. Mary vividly recalled their arrival at the old mission, which Neimanns called 'Monea':
[The full article is within the Documents attached to this family ]
[A similar article is in the Niemann family book; especially the account of their brief exploit to Captain Bradshaw's cattle station.]

It is interesting, if not a little bizarre that John 'escaped' from mining to become a Chemist and yet was drawn back into mining when in the Northern Territory. He did return to his work as a Chemist when the family returned to Adelaide.

Children were: Catherine Nicolson "Kit" NIEMANN (HENNESSY)-110.

BROKEN HILL, Monday. -For the first time for six years, Broken Hill will have a mixed council.

It will comprise 10 Labour aldctmcn, an independent, and a Communist.

Final composition of the new council was not determined until nearly midnight last night, due to the long process involved under the propor tional representation system of voting.

The new council will be Messrs. W. F. Riddiford, J. P. Keenan, G. Ryan, V. G. Barnes, H. C. Lunam, A. A. Baum, L. G. Dansie, J. A. Orum, G. L. Dial, W. Palmer, Labour; L. Niemann, Inde pendent; and W. F. Flynn, Communist.
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Uncle Les also organised the Sunday evening Band music at the North Park.
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COMMITTEE OF CONTROL OF NORTH PARK Barrier Miner 27/7/1945

In accordance with an agreement entered into between the City Coun- cil and the North Broken Hill Ltd. the following were elected to the North Reserve Committee at the monthly meeting of Council last .night: James Edward Garrett. Albert Adams Miller, Thomas Joseph- Robin- son (representing North Broken Hill Ltd.). Edward Gurney. William Henry Niemann, (representing employees of North Broken Hill). Leslie Niemann. Keith Hector- Russel (representing the ratepayers of Broken Hill), Aid. Clarence Bertram Tompkins and Ald Walter Riddiford *(representative the Council of the City of Broken Hill>.

. Care, control and management of the reserve is vested in the committee.

* Walter Riddiford was a friend of Harry Niemann and I ( Trent Niemann) had my first flight in a light aircraft with him as pilot )
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Barrier miner 31/10/1953
Arrangements have been completed by a member of the Zinc-N.B.H.C. Picnic Committee (Mr. L. Neimann), in conjunction with the Semaphore Carnival Committee, for the entertainment of Broken Hill holidaymakers at Semaphore during the Christmas holidays.

Mr. Niemann was deputed to organise the entertain- ment by the picnic commit- tee, and this morning re- turned from Adelaide after concluding all details. The entertainment will be for the employees and families of the Zinc-N.B.H. mining companies, and, generally, a»v Broken Hill resident who may be in Adelaide at the. time.
The entertainment will commence on the evening of December 19, and will continue till January 31.

. On January 6, the day of the Zinc-N.B.H.C. Picnic, the holidaymakers will be officially welcomed by Mr. H. Tapping, Labor M.P. for Semaphore.

On December 28 the "News" and "Mail" will conduct, in conjunction with their Possum Club, a beach competition for .Adelaide and Broken Hill children at Semaphore.

On January 3 there is a strong possibility of a life- saving carnival with all South Australian teams participating under flood lights.

The picnic on January 6 will be preceded by a procession, which will commence at Glanville at 10 a.m., arriving at Semaphore at ll. The official welcome will take place then.- A concert, at night will be given by South Australian radio artists.
An amateur talent quest will probably be included in the programme for six nights. Entries will be accepted by Mr. Niemann at the camp and he will pass on the information -to the Semaphore Carnival Committee.
On December 20 an evening of carols by candlelight will be conducted.

....................................................

FAR WEST CHILDREN

Today Mr. Austen Brown- stated that the Far West children scheme had been^ inundated with offers from local citizens to billet the 15 children who will arrive from Syd- ney on Monday night and take them to the coaches on Tuesday morning. Mr. Brown stated:

"I thank all those who so generously offered to take the children. With Mr. Bray In Hospital it is impossible .to acknowledge all offers personally or even to inform all who were successful. We have allocated the children as follow;

"Mr. Angeli, Williams Street, three Wilcannia-White Cliffs girls; Mrs. R. W. Bray, two Wilcannia White Cliffs girls; Mr. W. Tyson two Wilcannia-White Cliffs girls; Mr. Les Niemann. etc etc

.....................................
2BH Smilers Barrier miner 27/7/1953
This also applies to , Mr. Les Niemann, the latest addition to the com mittee.

....................................................... He was an Underground Storeman ( Retired ). Les died Old Age on 19 November 2008 at the age of 91 in Broken Hill NSW. Family & friends gathered for the funeral service of Uncle Les in Broken Hill. As most of his children, neices & nephews have all put their 60th birthdays behind them, apart from being a sad occasion it was also and opportunity to 'get together'.
Les was the last survivor of his generation of Ernest & Emma's children; it is sobering to know another generation has passed on.
It is hoped that through family history some tangible memories are recorded for posterity and available when the descendants are ready to ask questions about their forebears.
I'm sure many people could claim a special relationship with Uncle Les. I do not expect that I'd be unique.
I remember him as a person who had a clever wit, had time for everybody and seemed to care what was happening in their lives. He had a great love of family and enjoyed family gatherings. The bigger the better. He did not drink but as far as I know had no criticism for those who did. His cooking was legendary. But his understanding of motor mechanics wasn't ! He was quite a handyman and built at least one home which included the making of the bricks from cement.
It never seems much to sum up a life in a few sentences but it isn't really possible to pass on the essence of an individual or their relationship to each of us.
He was a good man . He was buried after 19 November 2008 in Broken Hill - Cremated -. Les Niemann is a legendary 'bush cook'. Whenever the family camped on the river, especially at Easter, he made bread, hot cross buns, roast dinners in the camp ovens over the camp fire.
Boats weren't owned by the family, any fishing was done from the river bank, Uncle Les decided to build one from flat iron. I visited him regularly to watch it take shape. It was finally finished and the Easter camping trip at Bono station was all planned. When we arrived at the River Darling, Uncle Les couldn't wait to get the boat in the water. In the boat went, Uncle Les climbed in, reached around for the oar and over she went ! A very unstable craft. He scrounged some downpiping from Bono station, lashed it to the side of the boat and this partly addressed its tendency to overtuen. However, few would venture on her. Later he corrected the problem but the boat was always viewed with suspicion.

The roads around Broken Hill were never the best. Aunty Lilly complained about the rough roads and Uncle Les' driving, so he simply passed her the steering wheel as they travelled along.

After he retired he built a home at 'Sunset Strip' on the Menindee lake. He made all of the bricks by hand and constructed the home himself. When there was water in the lake (unlikely to be seen again .. it is said ) the home overlooked a wonderful expanse of water and it lapped at the lawn that stretched from the house to the water's edge.

I visited him a number of times and the last time before Aunty Lilly needed intensive medical treatment in Broken Hill he baked a pie and we joined them for lunch. The food we took was put aside. It wasn't like the camp oven events but still done with lots of skill.

At the time of writing (2005) Uncle Les is the last of my Father's family and I guess the last connection to my father and the last generation of our Niemann's. Uncle Les now lives in Broken Hill.

26/11/2008
Uncle Les passed away on 19/11/2008. Until a little while ago he was 'hale & hearty'; but at 92 years his body said 'enough'. The last of his generation of my father's family ( children of Ernest James Niemann & Emma Jane nee Dorman) has passed on; as he'd say 'that's life'. Parents: Ernest James NIEMANN-8 and Emma Jane DORMAN (NIEMANN)-9.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Spouse: Doreen Mary ROBINSON (NIEMANN)-244. Doreen Mary ROBINSON (NIEMANN) and Lewis "Lew / Lou" NIEMANN were married on 6 September 1924 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³²³ Children were: Arthur William George 'Boof' NIEMANN-245, Living, Living, Living, Living.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living.

NORMAN M. NIEMANN. Head Teacher. He died on 15 February 1986 at the age of 73 in Buninyong Vic - [Nr Ballarat] assumed. Norman was buried after 15 February 1986 in Buninyong Vic. Grave : Buningyong Vic - [Nr Ballarat] assumed Parents: Albert Norman "Norm" NIEMANN-106 and Living.

Spouse: Dorothy H GORDON ( NIEMANN)-119. Dorothy H GORDON ( NIEMANN) and Norman MacGillivray NIEMANN were married in 1937 in Victoria. Children were: Living, Living.

Spouse: Lena BONNER (NIEMANN)-199. Lena BONNER (NIEMANN) and Richard Charles (Dick) NIEMANN were married on 5 March 1921.¹¹⁴ Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Children were: Carrie NIEMANN-4753.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living.

BOX TANK NEWS
SCHOOL SPORTS AND BALL (From a- Correspondent.)

No day of the year was so eagerly looked forward ,to and very few days could have been better than last . Saturday when the annual picnic of the ' Box Tank school was held on the banks of the Darline River, near Menindie. Motor lorries bedecked j with flags were kindly loaned by local
residents for the day's outing. The committee worked untiringly after clearing the ground, and were instru . mental in makins; the outing a great success Swings were erected and were continuously in use, whilst games were indulged in between races. Novelty events for young and old caused much amusement, but laughter alone will not make anyone fat as was testified by tho way justice was done to the many delicacies when luncheon was served. The children were provided with fruit, lollies, cakes and cordials and after grace had been re- cited by one of the schoolgirls the children were waited upon by the ladies.

The success of the day's outing was exceeded only by that of the children's and adults' fancy dress ball, held in the school hall at night. . A number of Broken Hill visitors were present. During the evening musical and vocal items were given between dances. Mr. F. Staker and Mr. W. Martin provided the music tor the dances, and i accompanied the singers, who were: ' Mr. E. Niemann (sen.). Mr. W. Martin (sen.), Mrs. W. Niemann and Mr. E. Niemann (Jim.). Mr. F. Staker) and Mr. W. Martin (sen.), gave a \ number of step dances, while Mr. "W. ' Heaney and Master H. Niemann en- tertained with humorous recitations. Before the dancing began, those who were waiting listened-in to a wireless concert broadcasted from a Melbourne theatre. During the evening a flashlight photograph was taken of all in costume.

The winners of the fancy dress Costumes are as follows:-Most comical (boys): Master B. Green as a "Sun- downer." Most original (boys): Master E: Smith as "Red Robin." Most comical (girls): Miss J. M'Bride as a "Gollywog." Most original (girls) : Miss 1. Carnie as a "Butterfly." Most comical (men) : Mr. J. Hayes as a. "Monkey." Most original (men) : Mr. E. Niemann as "Prince Charles." Most comical (lad- ies) : Mrs. J. Van as "Mr. Hay- seeds." Most original (ladies) : Mrs. "W. Niemann as an "Indian Squaw."

The lucky spot waltz winners were: Miss L. Carnie and Master C. Carnie (children), Mr. and Mrs. E. Niemann (adults).

The most important events of the children's and adults' sports programme resulted: ......

William died on 14 August 1978 at the age of 77 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁴⁷ He was buried on 16 August 1978 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁴⁸ Grave : Broken Hill - M2 R 19 G 7 [Photo]¹³⁴⁹ Parents: William John NIEMANN-37 and Emily Edith May "Edith" SPRATT (NIEMANN)-194.

Spouse: Beryl NIEMANN (NIEMANN)-225. Beryl NIEMANN (NIEMANN) and William Henry (Bill) NIEMANN were married on 30 June 1923 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁵⁰ Children were: Noreen Julia NIEMANN-226, Ada NIEMANN-227, Jenny May* NIEMANN-617, Living, Living, Living.

Barrier miner 16/5/1951
NIEMANN:-In, loving memory of cur dear father, father-in-law and grandfather (William John) who passed away, May 15, 1949.Still Loved and Remembered. Inserted by his loving son (Lew) daughter-in-law (Doreen) and grand children.

28/7/1949
"NOTICE FOR . ADMINISTRATION. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES PROBATE JURISDICTION. - In the Estate of WILLIAM JOHN NIEMANN late of BROKEN HILL in the State of New South Wales Pensioner deceased. - APPLICATION will be made "after fourteen days from the publication hereof that administration of the estate of the abovenamed deceased with the Will dated 3rd June 1947 annexed may be. granted to the PUBLIC TRUSTEE: and all persons having claims against the I said Estate must render the same] in detail to the undersigned.
P. J. P. PULLEN, Public Trustee,19. O'Connell Street, Sydney. Grave : Meth RAK R15 Gr12¹³⁵⁴ He was buried on 17 May 1949 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁵⁵ Additional information is available in the niemann Family history book. Parents: Johann Diedrich Conrad NIEMANN-26 and Ann Rose "Rose Anne" NOLAN (NIEMANN)-27.

Spouse: Emily Edith May "Edith" SPRATT (NIEMANN)-194. Emily Edith May "Edith" SPRATT (NIEMANN) and William John NIEMANN were married on 10 December 1898 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁵⁶ Children were: Richard Charles (Dick) NIEMANN-195, William Henry (Bill) NIEMANN-196, Arthur James "Art" NIEMANN-197, Lewis "Lew / Lou" NIEMANN-198.

Spouse: Charles Herbert SPRATT-113. Anne "Annie" NIEMANN (SPRATT) and Charles Herbert SPRATT¹³⁶⁰ were married on 23 December 1893 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁶¹ Children were: Rose Mary SPRATT (SMITH)-250, William Ernest "Bill" SPRATT-251, Edith May* SPRATT-252, Edith May SPRATT (CAINES)-253, Herbert Diedrich SPRATT-254, Richard Henry "Dick" SPRATT-255.

Spouse: Francis Edward WINWOOD-4764. Eleanor Victoria Margaret NIEMANN ( WINWOOD) and Francis Edward WINWOOD were married in 1895 in Carlton Vic.¹³⁶³

Spouse: Joseph M. CAFISO-121. Jessie L. NIEMANN (CAFISO) and Joseph M. CAFISO were married in 1950. Engagement NIEMANN-CAFISO - Jessie Lilian Argus Newspaper 11/2/1950
only daughter of the late Mr and Mrs A N Niemann Rochester to Joseph Maurice only son of Mr and Mrs R Cafiso, North Melbourne. Children were: Living.

Spouse: Thomas WINSTANLEY-4765. Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY) and Thomas WINSTANLEY were married about 1882 in Vic Bendigo probably.¹³⁶⁵ There seems little doubt that Lucy married following Thomas Devine's death. However, records have indicated 1880. This is prior to Thomas' death.

Spouse: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300. Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY) and Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr were married on 8 June 1858 in Bendigo Vic - Epsom [Congregationalist ].²⁸⁸ Lucy's age is listed as 21 yrs but this is doubtful. In fact she was probably 17 yrs and approaching 18 yrs.
It is claimed Lucy married Thomas 24 hours after her arrival because they had spent the voyage together from England on the 'Red Jacket' . It is a good story but the time line for that is somewhat questionable; however, stranger facts have emerged from the myths and legends of our family ! The document provided by Sue Kelly - a Divine descendant (see Family 'photos' for this document ) lists the Devine family and provides an interesting version of the marriage of Thomas Devine and Lucy Niemann. There are some differences from Jessie Cafiso's version of the Niemann arrival in Australia.
At this time ( 15/10/2006) neither version has documentary evidence.

"I came to the conclusion that Lucy jnr went to live there ( Jane Treloar nee Devine - Lucy Jnr Sister, Ballarat Vic) because she also competed in an Eisteddfod competitions in Ballarat about the same time as Sydney (Clement).That information came from Peter Fruend at Her Majesty's in Ballarat who did a little research for me.But I have no paper trail on her." Courtesy Sue Kelly
Children were: Margaret Matilda "Maggie" DEVINE (MCKIMM) (RYDER)-301, Jane DEVINE (TRELOAR)-4583, James Henry DEVINE-4584, Thomas Christian DEVINE Jnr-303, Edward DEVINE-4588, Lucy DEVINE (FULLICKS)-4585, William Henry DEVINE-4595, Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE-4586, Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE-4587.

Spouse: Henry John Mark "Harry" EDWARDS-1532. Johanna Augusta "Gus" NIEMANN (EDWARDS) and Henry John Mark "Harry" EDWARDS were married on 26 December 1902 in Melbourne Vic - Carlton Vic - 114 Lygon St.. Children were: Ronald Charles (or R. Arthur) EDWARDS-1533, Living, Living, Living, Lorna Mary EDWARDS-1537.

Spouse: Alexander Davidson HARRIS-1656. Mary Simpson "Minnie" NIEMANN (HARRIS) and Alexander Davidson HARRIS were married on 29 April 1894 in Melbourne Vic - Brighton. Children were: Mary HELEN HARRIS-1657, Amy FREDA HARRIS (LANG)-1658, Living, Jean HARRIS (EDWARDS)-1660, Norma Lillian HARRIS (ROCHFORT)-1661, Gordon Alexander HARRIS-1662, Mildred Elsie Ada "Mill" HARRIS (CARSON)-1663.

Spouse: Claude Harold HENNESSY-2160. Catherine Nicolson "Kit" NIEMANN (HENNESSY) and Claude Harold HENNESSY were married on 9 September 1930 in Adelaide SA - Norwood - St Giles Church. Northen Territory times 27/11/1931
Niemann-Hennessy.-The marriage of Catherine Nicolson Niemann, youngest t daughter of Mr and Mrs J. H. Niemann, of Knoxville,N to Harold C- Hennessy only surviving spn of Mr & Mrs C. H. Hennessy of Victoria, was celebrated at St. Giles's; Church, Norwood, on 9th September. Old residents will remember Kitty Niemann, as a pretty child at Darwin and at Pine Creek, : and will wish her all happiness in her married life. ] Children were: Living.

Spouse: Arthur "Hartham" HORTHUM-111. Margaret JULIA NIEMANN (HORTHUM) (KITCHENMASTER) and Arthur "Hartham" HORTHUM were married on 30 July 1883 in Menindee NSW.^785,786 Arthur Horthum is variously listed as 'Horsham' and 'Hartham' - two entries ( marriage) and 'Horthun' (death). Second Marriage 30/7/1883 Court House Menindee NSW
Children were: Living.

Spouse: Heinrich Carl Earnest "Harry" KUCHENMEISTER-112. Margaret JULIA NIEMANN (HORTHUM) (KITCHENMASTER) and Heinrich Carl Earnest "Harry" KUCHENMEISTER were married on 8 July 1907 in Broken Hill NSW - probably. Married 8/7/1907 Witnesses Earnest James Niemann & Annie Spratt.

*Not sure if this is an error or there is a relative with exactly the same name. She was baptized on 1 May 1801 at St Peter's Cathedral in Germany, Bremen.¹³⁷⁷ [page 112, section 8, Anno 1801 den 1ten Mertz]
Ist May
Anna Elisabeth Margaretha Niemanns ehel. geb. den

25ten Febr. u. get. den 8ten Mertz, der Vater Franz Wilhelm Niemann,
25th Feb (born) 8th March ( baptised ) Father
ein Arbeitsmann, die Mutter Anna Rebecca geb. Körns:
A working man Mother nee
Gevatterin Anna Elisabeth Margaretha Niemanns.
Godmother

1st May 1801
Anna Elisabeth Margaretha Niemanns
Born: 25th Feb 1801
Baptised: 8th March 1801
Father: Franz Wilhelm Niemann, working man
Mother: Anna Rebecca nee Körn
Godmother: Anna Elisabeth Margaretha Niemanns
She was Lutheran. Anna died before 1901 at the age of 100 in Unknown. Parents: Franz Wilhelm NIEMANN-51 and Anna Rebecca KÖRNS (NIEMANN) (FECK GNT. FINKE )-52.

Spouse: Albert JACOBSEN-5389. Anna Elizabeth Margaretha NIEMANN (JACOBSEN) and Albert JACOBSEN were married about 1823 in GERMANY - Bremen probably. Children were: Johanna Friederika Maria JACOBSEN (MEYER)-5390, Johann Heinrich JACOBSEN-5391.

Spouse: William Frederick "Bill" LAKE-143. Eileen NIEMANN (LAKE) and William Frederick "Bill" LAKE were married on 1 December 1928.^{1029,1035,1036} I had a long association with Aunty Eileen & Uncle Bill Lake. My first memories were of them on a fruit block at Merbein. Their two sons Bill & Fred were my heroes and I loved to get in the road while the boys fixed their trucks.
However, at about age ten I stayed with them at their shop at South Merbein. It was great fun serving in the shop and doing deliveries around the district. I ate lollies from daylight till dusk and still regret that I pinched the odd packet of cigarettes which I smoked down the road a bit. I guess they knew.
When our family lived in Wentworth and between businesses they lived with us for a time. Uncle Bill was quite ill.
Uncle Bill was a quietly spoken, tall and somewhat imposing figure but generous 'to a fault'. He loved to sit and talk and told me many stories about fishing and duck shooting around Sunraysia. I cannot recall hime talking about his early life but it was something of an adventure and at least from a family history viewpoint very interesting.

In latter years we always called on Aunty Eileen and sometimes stayed with her. She too visited us when she headed to Adelaide.
Aunty Eileen became a successful dress shop owner [Mimi Fashions, Langtee Ave Mildura) and while I was at school in Mildura I'd call at the shop and have a cup of tea.
Family was really important to Aunty Eileen and she provided a lot of the information regarding our immediate family, for the Niemann history book.
Aunty Eileen was always a 'strong' woman and didn't hesitate to express her opinion. Unfortunately in the early stages of her memory deterioration and illnesses her 'strength' caused a few family upsets. At the time however I don't really think it was understood the reasons for this. I have no difficulty 'winding back the tape' and remembering her as somebody with whom I always felt very comfortable. This made it even more distressing when she didn't even recognize me when I visited her in hospital.

APPROACHING MARRIAGE. 1928 Barrier Miner Newspaper
NIEMANN-LAKE-The Marriage of
Eileen, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Niemann, of IDS Oxide street, to William Frederick, only son o£ Mrs. and the late Mr. W. H. Lake, of Toronto (Canada), will be solemnised in the Oxide-street Methodist Church on Saturday, De cember 1, at 4.30 p.m. All friends invited to the ceremony.

WEDDING Barrier miner 10/12/1928

LAKE-NIEMANN <

The wedding was celebrated on December 1, in the Oxide-street Methodist Church, of Miss Eileen Niemann to Mr. W. Lake. "The bride, -who entered the church on the ; arm of her father, was dressed in a frock, of ivory georgette -with an over skirt of silver lace and trimmings of

silver beads. The white tulle veil c was worn cap fashion, mounted with silver lace and a coronet of orange blossom. Shoes were oí silver with stockings'to match. The bouquet was of pink and white assorted flowers, with tulle and. streamers, horseshoes and wedding bells. The first í bridesmaid, Miss' Ivy Clarke, wore a. frock,;of pale blue crepe de chine, with an- overskirt of blue and silver lace, with trimmings and hat to - match,- shoes and stockings to tone..~""Tne "bouquet was of pink and lavender flowers, with blue tulle and streamers of pink and blue. The frock worn by the, second bridesmaid, Miss Alice . Webb-'was'5 of lavender crepe-de;.chlrie,-with tight bodice and skirt of tiny frills, the hat to match, and shoes 'and stockings to tone. The bouquet was' of lavender 'and pink flowers, lavender tulle, and pink and lavender-streamers. Zella Niemann, younger sister of the bride, was train* -bearer. She wore a frock of cream silk lace and trimmings of cream ribbon; . Mr: ' Ernest Niemann, brother of .'; the . bride, carried but the duties of best man. Mr. Reginald Mortimer, a friend of the bridegroom, acted as groomsman. The mother of the bride wore á frock of fawn crepe
de chine;' with silk lace trimmings, * with hat and shoes and' stockings to match. The reception was held at the New Masonic Hall. The usual toasts were honored, and the evening -was spent in dancing and musical and vocal items. The bridal couple received many presents, including cheques. The bridegroom's ' present,to the first bridesmaid was a' xylonite clock, and to the. second' bridesmaid a string of pearls. Children were: Arthur Bryan LAKE-144, Living, Living, John LAKE-147.

Spouse: Albert John Edmond MCPHEE-148. Zella Margaret NIEMANN (MCPHEE) and Albert John Edmond MCPHEE were married on 27 January 1940.¹¹⁷⁹ Married Albert McPhee 27/1/1940 (Brother of Lily Niemann nee McPhee, spouse of Leslie
Niemann)

Newly weds Barrier miner 29/1/1940

To Live At Merbein

Miss Zella Niemann, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Niemann, of Beryl Street, made a charming bride at her marriage to Mr. Albert McPhee, which took place on Saturday evening at the Oxide Street

Methodist Church.

The bridal gown was fashioned of white springtime crepe, the sleeves and bodice shirred and the waistline fitted. Twenty-seven tiny buttons fastened the back of the frock, and she wore a lovely veil of Limerick lace, loaned by Mrs. M. Middleton. Her bouquet was composed of' white gladioli.

The bridesmaids were Misses Lily Mcphee and Beverley Niemann, sister of the groom and niece of the bride respectively. The former chose green and the latter pink 'for her frock; these were styled alike with shirring on the bodices and tiny velvet bows in darker shades adorning the flare and frill-edged skirts. Pleated tulle and flowers made their head-dresses and they carried pink gladioli. Little Freddie Lake, nephew of the bride, was page boy in a suit of cream satin and carried a Batin cushion. Gold crosses and chains were presented to the bridesmaids by the groom, who is the eldest son of Mr. A. H. McPhee and the late Mrs. E. McPhee, of Foster Street, Merbein.

Mr. Les Niemann, brother of the bride, was best man.

After leaving the church the bridal party went to the Hospital to visit the bride's brother (Mr. Ern Nie mann - ) , who is an inmate. A reception was held in the Druids' Hall, and on Sunday the young couple left for their new home at Merbein. Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Spouse: William Henry (Bill) NIEMANN-196. Beryl NIEMANN (NIEMANN) and William Henry (Bill) NIEMANN were married on 30 June 1923 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁵⁰ Children were: Noreen Julia NIEMANN-226, Ada NIEMANN-227, Jenny May* NIEMANN-617, Living, Living, Living.

Spouse: Howard John RICKARD-916. Doreen Ellen NIEMANN (RICKARD) and Howard John RICKARD were married on 10 October 1953 in Broken Hill NSW.¹³⁸⁷ 'Symbols oí Good Luck" on Veil of Local Bride Barrier miner 20/10/1953

Satin horseshoes, the "symbols of good luck were appliquéd in the corners of the full-length embroidered tulle veil held in position by a tiara of orange blossom, worn by Doreen Ellen Niemann, second daughter of Mrs. E. Niemann and the late -Mr. E. Niemann, of Williams Street, when she married Howard John Rickard, second youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Rickard, of Merbein, Victoria.

The Rev. M. C. .Trenorden officiated at the ceremony, which was solemnised at the Oxide Street Methodist Church. Tlie bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. W. Carroll.

An inset panel of lace with appliqued flowers of satin highlighted the peaked bod- ice of the bride's cream satin gown. Buttoning accented the design of the back bodice and the skirt fell into a full length, train.

Attendants

Bridesmaids in attendance were Aileen and Barbara Niemann and Meryl McPhee was a miniature bridesmaid.

Pastel shades of lemon and powder blue were the brides- maids* choice, Tlie lace bod- ices featured, inserted yokes of tulle with dainty puffed sleeves of lace, and the full skirts were embroidered with lace appliques on one side.

Miniature bridesmaid Meryl wore a dainty frock of pastel pink marquisette, the bodice featuring an un- usual cape formation incorporating the sleeves. A gathered frill at the hemline off- set the full skirt.

Padded curvettes with

pearl trimmings suspended the shoulder length tulle veils worn by the three at- tendants and fashioned in harmonizing colors of lemon, powder blue and pastel pink to match their frocks.

Mr. Mervyn Rickard .was best man and Mr. Ian Bannister was groomsman.

Guests attended a recep- tion at the North Football Club rooms and were received by Mrs. Niemann, wearing a forest green crepe ensemble, which featured a skirt of fluted pleats. She added London tan accessories.

Mrs. Rickard chose a frock of mauve crepe highlighted by a pearl embroidered bodice. Navy and white ac- cessories were her choice.

Mi*, and Mrs. Rickard left by plane for Melbourne, the bride travelling in a pale blue linen frock, the bodice designed with short, cuffed sleeves and a widely crossed collar. Her accessories were junior navy.

The couple plan their future home at Merbein, Victoria. Children were: Living, Living.

Spouse: William "Bill" RUSSELL-487. Lily Irene NIEMANN (RUSSELL) and William "Bill" RUSSELL were married on 28 July 1926 in Broken Hill NSW - assumed.¹³⁹⁰

Spouse: Frank SPENCE-2159. Harriett Laura NIEMANN (SPENCE) and Frank SPENCE were married in 1890 in FIJI - Suva.

Spouse: Frederick Arthur THOMAS-2158. Lucy Annie NIEMANN (THOMAS) and Frederick Arthur THOMAS were married in 1891 in FIJI - Suva.

Parents: John Henry "Harry" NIEMANN-96 and Ellen Mary "Nellie Helen" WEBSTER (NIEMANN)-107.

Spouse: Eric Arnold WILSON-1553. Alice Webster NIEMANN (WILSON) and Eric Arnold WILSON were married in South Australia - probably.

Spouse: Thomas WINSTANLEY-4765. Lucy NIEMANN (WINSTANLEY) and Thomas WINSTANLEY were married in 1880 in Victoria.¹³⁹³