["Nor'-West Notes", The Western Mail (Perth, WA), Saturday 08 January 1910, page 18]
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Carnarvon,
chief port of the Gascoyne district, is a chronic sufferer from severe inundations, caused by the overflow of the river, year after year. The soil is exceedingly fertile, and splendid vegetables arc grown at Yankee Town, about a couple of miles distant. Nice, trimly-kept gardens surround many of the residences, and there is an air of stability and prosperity about the town, amply confirmed by the port and customs returns. The ravages of the river, which has its source in the far distant Robinson Ranges, and beyond Peak Hill, are accountable for much loss of property, and a heavy expenditure of State and municipal funds is necessary to keep the thoroughfares in passable condition. Heavy thunderstorms several hundred miles away, occasionally convert the dry river bed into a broad, foaming torrent, and by the time the waters reach the delta at Carnarvon, widespread damage is caused. The Harbour and Lights Department has recognised the growing importance of the district by improving the jetty and railway accommodation, and also by providing a more powerful leading light for the guidance of vessels using the port. At one time a trolly, fitted up with mainsail and jib, was utilised for the conveyance of mails and a limited number of passengers between the town and steamers. In a strong south-westerly breeze the novel craft literally flew before the wind, and several sensational capsizes took place, but now there is a substantially constructed railway, with light locomotive and passenger cars. There are, however, only a couple of small cars, which are totally inadequate for the traffic, for when a steamer is at the port the entire populace rush off to see her. Half a dozen cars at least could be profitably utilised, and until they are provided Carnarvon people will have a grievance.
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