NINE CAMELS

[Maureen K Clifford]

Nine Camels

1840 to 1846 - The true story of John Ainsworth Horrocks ( Explorer)
and Harry, the first camel in Australia

Nine camels were sent from the Canary Islands,
eight succumbed to the oceans swell
when the SS Apolline docked in 1840
there was only one left that was well.
That camel was Harry, the first in Australia
bereft now of all friends was he,
and there were no others here of his kind
so no doubt poor Harry was lonely.

John Horrocks had fancied a bit of exploring
and looked for a beast who could carry
one hundred and sixty kilos every day
without water or feed – That was Harry.
John Horrocks took Harry to explore Lake Torrens,
he also took horses and oats.
He claimed that he found Harry to be bad tempered
just because Harry hated goats.

In August - Horrocks, with Sam Gill and Kilroy
decided they would explore the plains
They loaded poor Harry up with the supplies,
then trekked sixty five miles for his pains.
Two days without water, they camped at Mount Arden
checked out Lake Gills waters so still
These days known as Lake Dutton, out near Woocalla -
back then it was named for Sam Gill.

Kilroy saw a beautiful bird that he thought
they should shoot and add to their collection.
To get to his shot belt Horrocks needed Harry
to hunker down, but on reflection
this was a bad move for as Harry lurched down
his pack caught the lock of the gun
and the barrel discharged with an almighty roar,
shooting Horrocks – which wasn’t much fun.

A finger he lost plus the odd tooth or two
as the bullet ploughed up through his jaw.
Kilroy made a mad dash back to Depot Creek
to get horses and dray to ensure
that medical treatment to John could be given
but alas it seems that would not be,
and twenty three days after Harry shot Horrocks,
Horrocks passed away peacefully.

Before he died John said Harry should be shot.
Which to my mind does hardly seem fair.
Doubt this innocent beast would shoot anyone else
‘twas fates hand played that day ‘gainst this pair.
His request though was granted, Harry had no say
the skies echoed with the fatal shot.
But not before Harry had bitten the stockman
on the head. And my thought – Why not?

**

Nine camels were bought from Canary
this might sound a little contrary,
the other eight died
but Harry he thrived
but of rifles ever after was wary.

With very good reason it seemed
for in truth he was not esteemed,
the shot was a fluke
when the camel did spook
the result of which none there had dreamed.

Horrocks said to shoot Harry dead,
a bullet direct to the head.
Harry got in first bite
which I think is all right
but he failed in the battle with lead.



Maureen Clifford © 07/12

[r.magnay]

...you been on holidays in the Flinders recently Maureen? one of the passes in the Flinders is "Horrocks Pass", no doubt named after this bloke!

[Maureen K Clifford]

No Ross no holidays for me - the story just piqued my interest and you know how I love animals