RECEPTION OF MR FORREST IN ADELAIDE.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 158, 7 December 1874, Page 3

RECEPTION OF MR FORREST IN ADELAIDE.

Tuesday, the 3rd November, says the South Australian Register , was a day long to be pleasantly remembered in Adelaide, as the occasion on which South Australians gave a hearty and universal welcome to six brave men who have safely struggled through toils, privations, and perils, to the accomplishment of as noble an exploit as any of which the annals of exploration furnish a record. Not only did Mr Forrest face a horrible wilderness, and travel through it league after league, and week after week, without any landmark appearing above the sea of spinifex to cheer the eye ; without any break in the desolation of the scene ; but he continued on his journey with the full knowledge that other brave explorers and experienced bushmen had retired, baffled and beaten, after their utmost efforts to penetrate this fearful desert from the side at which he was resolved to emerge. When it was known that the Western Australian expedition had triumphantly accomplished its mission, a thrill of admiration at this achievement passed through the whole colony, and the cpiestion at once arose how we should best testify our of the gallant explorers, and show the high est'eem in which we held them, and our gladness at their success and safety. From the time Mr Forrest struck the telegraph line he was amongst Fiends and brother bushmen, till he arrived, with his comrades, in the settled districts, to receive a series of ovations, culminating in the grand national demonstrations in Adelaide. circumstances helped to increase the enthusiasm attending Mr Forrest’s entrance into this city. Our own heroic explorer, Major Warburton, had met with the heartiest welcome and the kindest treatment from the Government and people of VVestern Australia ; and independently of this, visitors—and such visitors —from another colony claimed our hospitality, while their deeds extorted our wonder and approval. Under these circumstances it is no matter for surprise that the gathering of people of all classes was about the largest ever seen in

South Australia, An immense procession preceded and followed the heroes of the hour, while the whole line of route was thronged with thousands of colonists, of both sexes and nil ages and ranks, in holiday attire. As the bronzed travellers, in hush costume, on their worn steeds, with their packhorses and exploring equipment, entered North Adelaide, they were received with prolonged bursts of applause, the cheering being often renewed with less vigor, till in King William street the enthusiasm was again fairly aroused, and found prolonged and vehement expression as the members of the Expedition dismounted in front of the Town Mali. The number of persons forming the procession and spectators were variously estimated at from 'JO.OOO unwinds.