Tantanoola Tiger 1893 page 2

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, S.A.)
Date: May 18, 1895
Page Number: 5

Revelation in the Age of Bigfoot

A Naked Yowie Project Initiative

The Tantanoola Tiger

The Border Watch states that Sir G. Riddoch, M.P., thinks a fund should be raised for the purpose of offering a reward for the capture of the Tantanoola tiger, dead or alive. He will be willing to give £5 to this fund. Other persons interested and the district councils, he thinks, should join in. The suggestion is a good one, and if taken tip will lead to the tiger's existence or non-existence being put beyond doubt.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: 16 May, 1893
Page Number: 4

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
A SEARCH PARTY ORGANISED.
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: 17 May, 1893
Page Number: 6

Mount Gambier, May 16
A party has been organised to proceed tomorrow in search of the tiger reported to be at large in the Tantanoola district. The party will include members of the local rifle company, civilians, and police. They will be armed with rifles, and one of the members will take a parcel of plaster of paris for the purpose of obtaining a cast of the tracks of the animal if any are found.

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
AN UNSUCCESSFUL HUNTING EXPEDITION.
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: May 18, 1893
Page Number: 7

Mount Gambier, May 17.

A party, numbering 23, including several crack shots of the Mount Gambier Volunteer Force, civilians, Inspector Woodcock, and one trooper started on a tiller bunting expedition this morning. They were led by Mr. John Livingston to the country by the German Creek where the tiger was supposed to be. Eight beaters worked through the scrub, while the riflemen were stationed outside. Hundreds of wild fowl and wallaby were disturbed by the beaters, but no beast of prey made its appearance. The visiting party are of opinion that there is no tiger in the locality, but two or three residents still maintain that some strange animal is located in the scrub. The country is low-lying and swampy.

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
THE ARMED PARTY ON THE WAR PATH.
RAIN STOPS THE SEARCH.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, S.A.)
Date: May 18, 1895
Page Number: 6

Mount Gambler, May 17.
A large party of gentlemen fully armed, among whom were Inspector Woodcock and Mounted-Constable Russell, left here this morning for German Creek to search for the tiger, leopard, or whatever it is that is scaring people and mutilating stock in the Tantanoola and German Creek country. At German Creek they were joined by a number of other armed men, raising the party to about thirty. About 12 o'clock they posted themselves round a patch of titree scrub, about half a square mile in area, and beat for the animal without seeing anything more ferocious than a swan, whose rustling in the bushes caused the hearts of some to palpitate violently. After an hour and a half's beating the rain began to fall heavily, and the search was discontinued. The party returned here about 7 o'clock. Some residents near German Creek declare that a strange predatory animal prowls there, and the description they give is nearly that of a tiger or leopard. Of course the search was a mere farce because of its incompleteness.

The S.E. Star of May 16 writes :—

“The 'tiger' is not yet dead, although with singular modesty he persists in hiding from the public view. He still, however, supplies ample pabulum for the lovers of the sensational who are sufficiently far removed to know nothing of the facts. A Melbourne journal of the ‘penny dreadful’ type heads a sensational article with the startling information that 'the man-eater has mauled a bullock,' and 'Mount Gambier is dead with fright,' but neither of these facts were known locally until we learned them from the source mentioned. In fact the more the ' tiger' question is enquired into the more hazy it becomes. We have first the nebulous theory that a cub was lost from a peripatetic circus some thirteen years ago; then, after an interval of some eight or ten years, some one hears a peculiar grunting noise in a teatree swamp, which he concludes to be caused by the renowned but unknown bunyip, but which is not attributed to the equally unknown 'tiger.' Then another rest of some years, and a cow is bitten by some ferocious marauder of the forest— the 'tiger' again. It appears, however, that the cow in question had been bogged in a swamp, and after having been dragged out its helpless carcass was attacked, probably by dingoes. Then it is said that sheep have been killed and the bodies have disappeared with the exception of the heads, skin, and shank bones, and it is averred that tigers have no special liking for sheep's heads and trotters, hence this must be the work of the 'tiger.' It may be remarked, however, that in the earlier days of the district sheep frequently disappeared in a some what similar fashion, and their loss could, without difficulty, be traced to thieves of the genus homo. The police have been consulted with reference to the 'tiger,' but they have not yet been able to effect his arrest, and so far as we know have not even obtained a 'clue,' without which no respectable policeman could be expected to catch a tiger. Of course the enterprising individual who discovered the brute is naturally annoyed that what he found was not a real live tiger, but only a moderate sized mare's nest, and it is a further source of annoyance that others, envious of his fame, decline to go in search of the animal until its location is more definitely stated. 'Hugh Kalyptus' in the Observer treats the matter as it deserves, and Quiz has some lines apropos of the occasion. If nothing else kills the tiger this surely should.”

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: May 19, 1893
Page Number: 6

TO THE EDITOR. Sir —I notice that a party of zealous huntsmen who started from Mount Gambier on the 17th instant on a tiger-hunting expedition were not successful in finding their quarry. I do not wonder at this result, and beg to suggest a method which I have on several occasions seen adopted with success in South Africa with leopards. Having ascertained as nearly as possible the locality supposed to be frequented by the animal, let a calf be tied there by the leg to the stump of a tree some time in the evening. The tiger, if there really be one, will kill or at least mangle it during the night, but will not care to make a square meal of it until the night following when you find he has been mauling the calf about put a grain or two of strychnine on each of the wounds. The tiger will infallibly return on the second night, and in the morning ensuing you will find his own carcase within a hundred yards or so of the spot.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: May 23, 1893
Page Number: 4

It is difficult to know whether the hypothetical Tantanoola tiger is to be taken seriously, or, for the matter of that, whether he is to be taken at all. We have it on the authority of Mr. Phil Robinson that evasiveness is a very distinctly marked feline characteristic, and the animal in question lives up to the reputation of his genus—that is, if he does really exist.

The search party which visited his supposed habitat one day last week with the amiable purpose of giving him a morning call acquired a considerable amount of evidence, but it was purely of a negative character. The party was sufficiently numerous and respectable to expect fair and civil treatment, and if the tiger, sulking in his equivalent for a tent, baffled it by pretending to be not at home his behaviour was unquestionably shabby.

Twenty three gentlemen, including several crack shots of the local Volunteer Military Force, an inspector of police, and a trooper, ought not to have been ignored after that fashion. It is not on record, however, that tigers are familiar with the etiquette of civilised society, nor is it reasonable to suppose that they would be particular to observe it if they were. The lordly lion is credited with a much finer sense of propriety, as witness the story of Androcles, who having earned the forest monarch's gratitude by performing a trifling surgical operation was treated afterwards with splendid hospitality. Tigers are different. Their keepers say they are never to be implicitly trusted, and it was judicious of the search party to take a couple of policemen along with them that other means might be reinforced by the majesty of the law. It is doubtful for all that if the tiger would have yielded to the half-coaxing appeal to "come along quietly," or submitted to be handcuffed. The presence of a crowd does not generally have a soothing effect on a tiger's nerves, or develop in him be coming respect for constituted authority.

Artemus Ward tells how he enjoyed the fun when the "Secesters" tried to "confisticate" his show. They let all the animals loose, including "a small but healthy tiger" that had an eccentric way of tearing dogs to pieces when he could get at them. The showman says he laughed when he saw the tiger spring among the crowd. "I can't say for certain that the tiger seriously injured any of them, but as he was seen a few days after sum miles distant with a large and well-selected assortment of seats of trousers in his month, and as he looked as though he had bin having sum vilent exercise, I rayther guess he did. You will therefore perceive that they didn't confisticate him much."

Had the Tantanoola tiger displayed similar promptitude and fertility of resource the telegraphed account of its excursion would nave been vastly more exciting. It seems that the beaters disturbed numbers of wallabies and wild fowl, but failed to discern any tokens of the royal game they were after. Although Bottom, the weaver, protested that "there is not a more fearful wild fowl than your lion living," winged tigers only exist in imagination, and as a carnivorous marsupial would be as great a monstrosity as a griffin.

All the "shoving" failed of its purpose. It was certainly disappointing. In addition to lethal weapons the party was provided with plaster of paris to take an impression of fugitive footprints, but were not successful in discovering even a track.

The finale—if this is the finale— is very unsatisfactory. Evidence of a tiger's presence in the neighborhood is slim and shadowy. What circumstantial evidence there is to support it is even more diaphanous and attenuated. A tradition exists of a cub having been lost somewhere there abouts three years ago. By this time such an eastray if still surviving should have attained formidable proportions and a healthy appetite. Awkward questions are asked as to where he has hidden himself and how he has subsisted. Tigers do not in a state of freedom hanker after fern roots, and the scanty vegetable diet of the Australian bush would be insufficient if this one proved an exception. Only a robust faith would accept the theory that until a, few weeks ago an animal which habitually "changes his spots" maintained as much secretiveness as a coiner, and either lived like an anchorite or contented himself with wallabies and wildfowl for his diet.

It is proverbially difficult to prove a negative, which is one reason why spooks and ghost stories obtain so much credence. An aboriginal would settle tho matter with the swiftness of unsophisticated instinct. He would classify the tantalising Tantanoola tiger along with the bunyip and the debil-debil.

Charles Farrar Browne (April 26, 1834 – March 6, 1867) was a United States humor writer, better known under his nom de plume, Artemus Ward.

Ward is also said to have inspired Mark Twain when Ward performed in Virginia City, Nevada. Legend has it that, following Ward's stage performance, he, Mark Twain, and Dan De Quille were taking a drunken rooftop tour of Virginia City until a town constable threatened to blast all three of them with a shotgun loaded with rock salt.

Believers in the existence of this mythical animal have substantial inducement offered them (says the S.E. Star) to renew their efforts for his capture. Mr. C. Mackenzie offers £50 for the animal if captured alive, or £25 if dead, 'with a new suit of clothes throws in.' The Border Watch says :—

“Mr. T. H. Boardman reports that on Wednesday he went to the Twelve mile siding to hunt wallabies. On a clear patch in the midst of some rough stringybark he came across a dead wallaby, which had been partially eaten, and the manner in which it was left convinces him that it was some of the tiger's work. The head, heart, and part of the entrails had been eaten, and some of the bones licked bare. The body also showed the imprint of an animal's foot of the cat tribe, but there were no scratches of any kind. Mr. Boardman brought home the skin as a memento.”

THE TANTANOOLA “TIGER.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, S.A.)
Date: May 30, 1893

Page Number: 5

Apropos of "that tiger said to be down south," the Narracoorte Herald has the following:—

"The basis for the conjecture that a tiger is roaming about the country near Tantanoola is that some eight years ago St. Leon's circus while travelling through the south-east lost a young cub in the Millicent district. It appears, however, from information received that this circus did not lose such an animal. Mr. C. Jones has kindly handed us letters received from a friend who was travelling with the circus at the time it was alleged they lost a tiger cub—in which he positively states that they lost no such animal. He writes:—'I see by the papers that the people around Millicent are having a great scare about a tiger that is supposed to have been lost from St. Leon's circus when they were travelling through that district some years ago. I was with them at the time when they made that trip all through that district, and I am quite sure that there was no tiger lost from the show. The papers say that it was a young tiger that got away from the circus, but we had no young tigers with us; so that if the sporting men of Millicent go out hunting for a tiger around that quarter I feel quite sure that they will be disappointed, as St. Leon's never lost a tiger there, and I believe they were the only people that ever took a wild beast show through that district. The believers in the Tantanoola tiger will have to rack their brains to find another menagerie that lost a tiger.'"

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: June 6, 1893
Page Number: 5

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: June 7, 1893
Page Number: 4

The Tantanoola tiger has not yet caught yet, but a tiger cat has been found in the vicinity of Millicent. The local news paper says:—"Mr. J. Herd, who has been rabbiting on the coast commonage for some time past, found a large tiger-cat in one of his traps one morning, which when skinned measured 8 ft. 9 in. from tip to tip. Unfortunately one of the boys undertook to skin it and cut the head and claws off the skin, or Mr. Herd would have preserved it."

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: June 7, 1893
Page Number: 4

Melbourne, July 7.A large tiger has been seen in Sassafras Gully in the Dandenong Ranges. Its presence is accounted for by the fact that about six years ago a cub escaped from a menagerie.

A TIGER AT LARGE.
RIVAL TO THE TANTANOOLA BEAST.
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: July 8, 1893
Page Number: 5

Lane's Ace rabbit trap was the most commonly used trap in Australia. Hundreds of thousands of the traps were made and used in this country. As such, Lane's Ace rabbit trap was the most commonly used trap in Australia. Hundreds of thousands of the traps were made and used in this country. As such, this item is representative of every day life in Australia during the period from 1880 to 1980.

Rabbit traps, like their intended prey, were quite small but it is conceivable that it could trap a large tiger quoll (body length 70cm + tail 45cm).

But a 8 ft 9 inch (2.67m) quoll?!? That is simply a tall tale typical of the Australian bush.

Tiger Quoll

Other Names Spotted-tailed Quoll, Tiger Cat

Description The Tiger Quoll is reddish brown or dark brown above with white spots. The only Quoll with a spotted tail.It spends most of its time on the ground, but is a good climber. Populations have decreased in recent years - dogs, foxes, land-clearing and Cane Toad poisoning are the main reasons for its disappearance.

Size about 40-70cm long, with a tail about 45cm long. Males are larger than females. It is about the size of a cat.

Habitatwet eucalypt forest and rainforest

Food small birds, small mammals, earthworms and insects.

Range east coast of Australia including Tasmania

July 24.The Tantanoola tiger is in evidence again. The sheep in the same localities are being destroyed and eaten in a most mysterious way. When the days get a little longer und warmer it is intended to organise another hunt, camping for the night, and thoroughly scouring the country. Only last week a settler found two sheep eaten near where he got three some time back.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: July 28, 1893
Page Number: 6

"The tiger, or whatever it is that kills and mutilates stook in the German Creek and Tantanoola districts, is not dead," writes theBorder Watch, "nor has the prospective fear of another and more thorough hunt for it persuaded it to emigrate, for traces of it are still found near German Creek and adjacent neighborhood. Recently the carcases of several sheep have been found mutilated near Coola in a manner unusual for a wild dog, and the residents there are convinced that, whether the animal that does the mischief be a tiger or not, it is not a dog. They hold, and we may presume they are better able to judge as to that than any individual who may sit and sneer in his office, that some strange animal is at large in the rough country there. Probably as soon as the weather and the nature of the country permits another hunt will be organised."

Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW)
Date: Sept 21, 1893
Page Number: 4

Traces of the "Tantanoola tiger" have again been seen by Mr. William Johns, of Vulcan Park. He was, he says, awakened on Saturday morning last by hearing a great commotion among the poultry, and on going out he found footprints of some large and strange animal.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW)
Date: Sept 23, 1893
Page Number: 8 S

The Tantanoola tiger visited the farmhouse of William Jones, at Vulcan Park, South Australia, last Saturday night. The footprints measured in the morning were 4 in across. He did no damage beyond frightening the animals.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
Date: Oct 4, 1893
Page Number: 5

ADELAIDE, Tuesday..The commissioner of police has received a plaster of paris cast of impressions which are supposed to have been made by the Tantanoola tiger. His footprints of the forepaws measure 4 1/2 in. by 5 in.

Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW)
Date: Oct 4, 1893
Page Number: 4

ADELAIDE, Wednesday Afternoon. Mounted-constable Russell, stationed at Millicent, has forwarded to the Commissioner of Police a series of plaster of paris casts of the footprints of the supposed Tantanoola tiger. They are deeper than a mastiff's or Newfoundland dog's, and only add to the mystery of the affair.

The Mercury (Hobart, Tas)
Date: July 27, 1893
Page Number: 3

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
SUPPOSED TO BE A NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
Date: Oct 6, 1893
Page Number: 5

ADELAIDE, Tuesday.The impressions of the footprints of the supposed Tantanoola tiger have been compared with moulds of the footprints of the tigers in the Zoological gardens. They do not correspond, the former being more like the footprints of a large Newfoundland dog.

Paw print of a Bengal tiger.

Paw print of a Great Dane.

It is easy to see how the paw prints of a large dog can be mistaken for those of a tiger or other big cat.

THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
SCOTCHED AT LAST
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: Oct 12, 1893
Page Number: 6

We have received from Mr. Kenny Mathieson (brother of the manager of Buckland Park) details of his victory in capturing what may be regarded as the Tantanoola tiger. Mr. Mathieson, writing from Mayura station, Millicent, says:—

"In a separate parcel I am sending you the tusks of a wild pig. This pig has been known for the last 17 years on this estate near Tantanoola, in the famous tiger district, and has been killing over 200 sheep a year on myself, besides devastating the flocks of other squatters. Mr. Geo. Glen had a standing offer of £5 for his scalp for the last 10 years, and many a bullet was fired at aim unsuccessfully. His habits were to hide in the dense tea tree scrub in the day time and come cut amongst the sheep at night.

I often tried to poison him by putting strychnine on sheep that he had killed, but it had no effect. I got him at last by mixing a thin paste of flour, sugar, and phosphorus and pouring it over a dead beast that he had killed and used to come to eat. His height was about 3 ft. 9 in., and his length from the nose to the tail was over 9 ft., and he could run as fast as any kangaroo dog.

I feel quite satisfied that in killing this pig I have killed the tiger that was doing so much damage to my sheep and weak cattle in the district of Tantanoola. Some months ago one of my buggy horses was completely skinned from the chest to the knee, which I supposed was done by this brute, as it happened in the same locality. You will see than one of the tasks is a little short. I broke it taking it off."

The tusks are in our possession, about 9 in. long on the curve, and are most formidable weapons, with keen edges that would cut like a scimitar. Although there may be other rampant wild beasts in the neighborhood it appears as though Mr. Mathieson has achieved the feat of killing the "Tantanoola tiger." The tusks are on view at this office.

Photo in the News: Hogzilla Is No Hogwash

March 22, 2005—Hogzilla lives! Well, he used to, anyway, according to scientists in a National Geographic Explorer documentary that confirmed the massive swine's existence Sunday night.

Georgia hunting guide Chris Griffin (pictured with Hogzilla) shot the allegedly 12-foot (3.7-meter), 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) hog in June 2004. Ever since, the controversy has ballooned along with the legend. Some critics cried hoax. Others said Hogzilla was a homebody: Domestic pigs can grow to 1,000 pounds. Wild ones rarely exceed 500 pounds (228 kilograms).

Scientists working with the National Geographic Society dug up the swine in November 2004 to analyze his remains and test his DNA. Hogzilla, they announced on Sunday's documentary, was part wild boar and part domestic pig. The experts estimated that he would have weighed only about 800 pounds (363 kilograms) and measured about 8 feet (2.4 meters).

Hogzilla's tusks—one nearly 18 inches (46 centimeters)—set a North American Safari Club International record. But it's a dubious distinction. Such length, one scientist said, could only have been achieved in a pen. So the jury is still out on whether Hogzilla was wild at heart or a pig in a poke.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: Oct 27, 1893
Page Number: 4

The Tantanoola correspondent of the Border Watch writes to that paper:—"The Tantanoola tiger is still alive and well from what I can hear. Two young ladies informed me that while out gathering wild flowers on Sunday close to some ti-tree not many miles from Tantanoola they heard a very loud roar as of some wild animal and something crushing down the ti-tree sticks not far from where they stood. They did not wait, however, to see the animal, for being so terribly scared they made for home faster than they ever ran before, wading through swamps, and jumping drains of no mean width. Tantanoola will be getting quite famous for its wild animal very soon. I was informed the other evening that some peculiar animals have been seen in the drain near Tantanoola. The person who gave me the in formation said they looked like crocodiles, so they must have been fairly large."

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
Date: Oct 31, 1893
Page Number: 5

Notwithstanding the opinion of Mr. Minchin, of the Adelaide Zoological Gardens, that the tracks found in Mr. W. Johns'a yard were those of a large dog, and despite the fact that Mr. K. Matheson killed a ferocious pig some twelve months ago, a large number of the Tantanoola people are still confident that the district is or has been infested by a tiger.

Further evidence concerning the mysterious brute's history (says the Border Watch) has already converted some sceptics, and, from the nature of it, will probably persuade more. The additional information is supplied by Mr. K. T. White, of section 235, hundred of Hindmarsh. His property, known as Whitefield, is situated just south of the railway line, about a mile this aide of Tantanoola, one and a quarter miles from Mr. W. Johns's farm, and six miles from where Mr. W. Taylor saw the animal, and at the time of Mr. White's experience was densely covered with ti-tree. His land has since been cleared, but part of the same belt of ti-tree remains on the south of the line, and shows what an admirable retreat for a beast of prey Mr. White's property must have afforded. In the presence of a Watch reporter and other gentlemen Mr. White said that about 12 years ago—he is not mire of the year, but it was just before winter—be was out in his paddock at the edge of the ti-trees at about half-part 1 at night. His dog began barking strangely as if in fear, and he then saw about a chain away the cause. The night was very clear, the moon being almost full, and he distinctly saw "a large animal, larger than a dog, and much longer, and with a striped skin."

He stood perfectly still till the animal passed on. Such an impression did the adventure make on him that he shortly afterwards purchased a rifle, last the same experience should again befall him. He said nothing of the matter at the time on account of the very natural fear of being laughed at.

It is worthy of note that it was about this time, only earlier in the year, that St. Leon's circus was travelling the district with two tigers, an old one and a cub, and a further statement by Mr. White paints to the conclusion that one of these tigers may be connected with the one seen by him. He says that a Mr. Edgcumb in talking with a circus hand about the same time asked why they were so long between Mount Gambier and Robe, and the man replied that they had spent two days searching in the scrub for two tigers that had got away between old Mount Burr and Gran Gran.

If the story told by Mr. Edgcumb is true there is no doubt but that the Tantanoola people have some cause for being alarmed. It is said that it would be to the interest of the circus people to keep the loss of their tigers quiet and that is why more was not heard of it at the time.

It has been suggested that the very thick ti-tree in the district in which it is supposed the tiger has his lair should be burned during the summer, and this may be acted upon.

Alfred Corker Minchin (1857 - 1934), by unknown photographer, c1920, courtesy of State Library of South Australia. SLSA: B 28220.Image Details

Adelaide Zoo was opened to the public on 23rd May 1883 and was established at a time of great resurgence and interest in natural history.

All Australian zoos reflected this trend and were modelled on the major European zoos of that time, particularly, Regents Park Zoo in London.

The Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the nation and represents a significant and important part of South Australia’s heritage and social history. It is unique among Australian zoos as it has retained many original and significant architectural features giving it a style and character all its own.

A chain is a unit of length; it measures 66 feet or 22 yards or 100 links (20.1168m). There are 10 chains in a furlong, and 80 chains in one statute mile. An acre is the area of 10 square chains (that is, an area of one chain by one furlong). The chain has been used for several centuries in Britain and in some other countries influenced by British practice.

Phil Robinson was a well-known English journalist who was visiting Australia at the time. Robinson made his name as a war correspondent who reported from the Afgan and Zulu wars.

While in London in 1889, Robinson created a stir in Australia by publicly stating that "the Tasmanians were lazy".

Local newspapers then kept the public up to date on Robinson's subsequent bankruptcy and messy divorce proceedings.

SEARCH FOR THE TANTANOOLA TIGER.
NO TRACES OF HIM FOUND.
Border Watch
Date: May 20, 1893
Page Number:

(By our Special Reporter.)

During the history of the colonies we question if it has ever been the lot until now of any journal to describe a search for a tiger within the confines of Australia. For several years there have been vague rumours that a strange predatory animal, said by many to be a tiger, was at large in the Tantanoola district, and, from time to time, varying reports, which grew in wildness as they grew in number, created some amount of uneasiness and alarm among the residents between Mount Graham and Lake Bonnet, at both of which points the tiger is said to have been seen. Recently the reports have been so apparently authentic, and the calibre of them so positive, that the subject was on everyone’s lips, and a considerable amount of alarm was caused among people resident in the part of the country which the tiger was said to haunt. Of these recent reports the first was of the effect that a black fellow had seen it at German Creek in October last, and this was published in the Watch of November 9, 1892. At the end of December Mr. Walter Taylor saw it ; then it was said a bullock belonging to Mr. R. Long, of Tantanoola, had been destroyed by the beast, and occasionally skins of sheep with the bones licked bars were discovered. Everything was put down to the tiger. People began to think that the enemy of their flocks would develop into a man-eater, and so great was the disquiet that enquiries were more particularly made about the animal and where it had came from. It was said that some thirteen years ago a tiger cub escaped from St. Leon’s circus and menagerie when travelling between Mount Gambier and Millicent ; but that, it having thought the cub would die, the loss was not made public, and it soon dropped out of recollection of those who happened to be aware of its escape. It appeared certain that this tiger was the lost cub, which had been carefully nursing itself for 13 years. Various suggestions that a search party should be organised were made, but nothing was done till Mr. J. Livingston, J. P., of Burrungull, on whose land the tiger was said to have been seen and who strongly believes in the existence of some predatory animal there, took the matter in hand with the view of deciding once and for all its existence or non-existence. On Tuesday last he made arrangements with eight gentlemen to go down and institute a search on the following day, having previously arranged with others to meet them on the ground. It was agreed to start at about a quarter to eight, but, as usual, it was nearly half-past eight before the party left Byson’s stables. Inspector Woodcock, who had previously been requested by the Commissioner of Police to enquire into the truth of the startling rumours, and who took advantage of the hunt to thoroughly sift the matter, had gone on ahead with Mounted-constable Russell, of Millicent, and Mr. H. F. Kessal. Dick Higgins had charge of the nest trap, and he felt not the least bit afraid with Messrs. W. J. Anderson, J. T. Underwood, and J. Aconley, who had all made names for themselves at the butts, beside him. The rear was brought up by Messrs. Jas. Keegan, H. L. D. Wilson, and representatives of the Border Watch and South-Eastern Star. It had been arranged that two other well known and expert shots should join the hunt, But at the last moment they could not go, one fearing the weather, and the other pleading an attack of neuralgia. On such a cold day as Wednesday this was sufficient excuse, but the question naturally arose -- Was it not a fear that the tiger would not have an attack of neuralgia that prevented them coming? Of course, those who knew the gentlemen did not entertain such thoughts for a moment. Feelings of pride must have animated the hunting party as they drove through town, and smiled contentedly as they promised various portions of the tiger to those who came out to have a “last look” at them.

The journey down was uneventful. The reason of the excursion seemed to be generally known, and almost every person met on the road had some remark, sometimes encouraging, generally jocular, to pass. The face of the wood-carter would light up with a wide grin as he “twigged” the rifles and divined their use, and one lubberly fellow was actually unmannerly enough to shout out in forcible bush language his opinion of the probable success of the hunt. Another passed on in silence to puzzle his underdeveloped brain as to whether a green horn from the bush had not in some matters as much common sense as a townie. Despite all jeers German Creek was reached shortly before eleven o’clock, and a little while afterwards a boundary rider’s house on Mr. Livingston’s land in the Lake Bonney Ranges was reached. This it was found was the very centre of the tiger domain, as the animal had been seen all around it. It was only a mile to the north-east of the house that the black fellow saw it in October ; half of that distance to the north-west was where Mr. Taylor and his wife saw it ; Mr. Taylor also believe it existed to the south-east, as on Tuesday, May 9, he came across a large hole with large and strange tracks leading into it ; and the evidence to the south-west was in the shape of two sheep belonging to Mr. J. Sparkes, which had recently been destroyed. Shortly after 11 o’clock Messrs. M. Gardiner and J. M. Currie arrived, and made the company eleven strong.

It was arranged to first have lunch and devote the rest of the day to search. Mr. Livingston soon had his beaters ready. With himself there were eight of the, all well mounted, but unarmed. They were as follows:- J. Livingston (in command), E. Greenwood, Donald Smith, and W. Greenwood, from Burrungull ; Augnet Nitschke, from Millicent ; W. B??nier, D. Rose, and A. MacPhail from S???age. Mr. Livingston first led the party towards what is known as Nitschke’s ti-tree, into which Walter Taylor saw the tiger enter in December. This was a long narrow strip, surrounding a small swamp, which had been caused by the rains, and did not exist in December. On the north it was joined by a large stretch of grass bush, which would afford excellent hiding for the animal. To the west and south the ti-tree stretched in an almost impenetrable mass, but this was to have been searched later. It was deemed advisable to at first confine the search to Nitschke’s ti-tree, in which it was known the tiger had been, even if five months ago. Mr. Livingston had arranged that the party should be posted all along the edge of the ti-tree, and gave instructions that everyone should tire outwards, so as not to endanger the beaters and the riflemen on the other side of the ti-tree, and no shot was to be fired except at the tiger. Mr. Livingston was proceeding to post the party singly, but at Mr. Underwood’s suggestion this was altered so that no one was left to face the danger, if any alone. One gentleman climbed a tree, ostensibly to have a better look-out for the enemy, but when the matter was discussed afterwards some were unkind enough to think that this was not the only reason. Of course “the man who climbed a tree” was the subject of much banter for the rest of the day, but it was all taken in good part. Messrs. Underwood and Aconley took up a position to the south-west of the ti-tree, and were the only other riflemen on that side. Mr. Underwood was well armed with a nice little sporting rifle belonging to Mr. J. Shepard. At the south end of the ti-tree Inspector Woodcock and Mr. H. F. Kessal were posted. Mr. Kessal had made every preparation for the death of the tiger. For this purpose he had brought a heavy double-barrelled tiger rifle belonging to Mr. F. Davison. The bullets were so manufactured that when they struck anything -- a bone, for instance -- they would spread and shatter it without glancing off. Behind each bullet there were seven drums of powder, and this gave the rifle an exceedingly heavy recoil. It was said that it was nearly equal to three hundred pounds, and one or two attempts were made to get Mr. Kessal to fire it. He, however, declined to do so until it was absolutely necessary, and then he would fire it to some purpose. On the west of the ti-tree, about three hundred yards from Mr. Kessal and Inspector Woodcock, Mounted-constable Russell and Messrs. J. Sincock and G. Taylor, all armed to the teeth, were posted; and a similar distance north of them were Messrs. M. Gardiner and J. M. Currie. Further on again Messrs. Wilson, Anderson, Keegan, W. Taylor, and G. M. Parkes were stationed at intervals. Just as the men had taken up their stations a tremendous roar was heard, and some fellows paled at it, but they seemed normal when it was found that the noise came from the skies and not from the ground. It was a thunder clap -- a sign of the coming storm. The beaters entered the ti-tree from the south end and worked their way towards the grass-bushes on the north-west. They then made a detour to the east, and with shouts and yells came along in extended order driving everything before them towards the riflemen. A fire was started amongst the grass-bush and burned freely for a while, but the bushes were too wet for the flames to travel far. The party searched the line of pickets after having scoured the country for about an hour. A small number of game, such as wallabies, were unearthed, but no shots were fired. On reassembling each party had its own little story to tell. “The man up the tree” saw a duck, Messrs. Wilson and Anderson with difficulty restrained themselves from shooting a hare, and Mr. C. Russell’s party once imagined they had the tiger quite close to them. They had two dogs with them, and, as the beaters approached, one of them, with a short bark, ran into the thicket, but jumped out immediately, and stood with ears erect staring towards some object unseen by the huntsmen. After a few minutes of excitement and suspense it was ascertained that the dreaded object was -- a black swan on its nest.

It was now after 2 o’clock, and Mr. Livingston had intended to beat a very dense piece of ti-tree further south, where he coincidently expected to dislodge the beast which was being searched for, but the rain came down in earnest, and a hasty retreat was made towards camp. To pass away the time and “reconstruct” after their exertions and exposure the party received to ????? Again. Mr. Livingston proved a most genial host, and soon had the billy boiling for tea, and Mr. Anderson “fortified” all against the cold with an internal lining of “Glenlivet”. The rain, meanwhile, was descending in torrents, and it was evident that further searching was at an end for that day. The most was accordingly made of the opportunity to gather evidence as to the tiger’s existence.

Mr. Walter Taylor, of Coola, was said to be the best authority, as he had seen the animal. In reply to questions from Inspector Woodcock and others, he declared that on a very day, between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, he and his wife and child were driving along the road to the north of the house. Suddenly he perceived a strange animal crossing the road at a walking pace three hundred yards ahead of him, and he pulled up his horse until it had entered Nitschke’s ti-tree. When it had disappeared it had occurred to him that it was the tiger of whose presence in the district he had previously heard. He describes it as being of a brown colour and covered with stripes. It was about two feet six inches high, and three feet long, independent of the tail, which was very long and sweeping on the ground. It was the tail which first attracted his attention. He is positive that the animal is not a dingo, and does not think it is a Bengal tiger, having seen one of this species in Adelaide. Mr. Taylor, who is very reserved has the reputation of being perfectly reliable, and has every appearance of being so. He seems annoyed that his statement is not generally believed, and threatens that if he were to see the animal again he would hold his tongue about it. He does not, however, appear to be very venturesome, as on Tuesday, May 9, when travelling alone he came across a large hole with recently made tracks of some animal, which appeared very large and strange to him. He did not examine the tracks, as he was alone, but believe that they were those of a tiger. He describes them as being as large as the palm of his hand. He is certain that there is a strange animal in the district, but thinks its capture will be extraordinarily difficult owing to the rough state and great extent of that country. He is not surprised at the animal not being seen more frequently, as he does not think one man a week passes through the country, and his opinion is backed up by William Green, wood and others.

Mounted Constable Russell said the animal had been seen at Wattle Range in November, 1891. Mr. John Cameron had informed him that he had some black-fellows at his station at sheering time. One night the blacks ran to him and told him in a state of breathless alarm that they had seen a strange wild animal that did not belong to Australia ; and that their dogs were greatly frightened thereat, and rushed in upon the wurlie(?). Mr. Cameron took no notice of the matter, but when the same thing occurred the following night he looked into it, and next day he found that the tracks of the beast, while resembling a dog’s, were much larger and measured four inches across. Mr. J. Livingston said that nine months ago a black fellow saw a strange animal about a mile from the boundary rider’s house. He described it as being like a very large cat, and was positive that it was no animal indigenous to Australia. They would not make so much of the matter if they had any doubts about it at all. Taylor could be relied on absolutely, and his presence there that day proved that he himself had no doubt it. They had found some sheep destroyed, and they could not believe that dingoes had killed them. It was quite possible for a sheep to be destroyed every day and not be missed. Of course, one a day from a man’s flock might be missed, but several persons had sheep destroyed, and the game and sheep that existed all around there would be ample to keep a tiger. Mr. William Greenwood, who is well acquainted with the district, said he saw some of the sheep that were destroyed. The skin was taken completely off the body, much in the same way as a rabbit would be skinned, and nothing was left but the back-bone and feet. He did not believe a dingo would do that, and was convinced that some strange animal was in the district. He thought it might be a cheetah. Mr. August Nitschke also believed that some unusual animal was at large in the district. He had heard of several foxes having been seen, but believed that this beast was not a fox. Others who lived in the district were also questioned, and all were unanimous in their belief in the existence of “the tiger,” but they founded their belief on hearsay. It was related of one man that he had arranged to go for some sheep with Mr. Livingston, but as the latter could not do so the other declined to go and gave his reason -- “de tiger.”

The rain, which had been falling for two hours, having abated slightly just before three o’clock some of the party walked across to see the hole with the strange tracks leading into it which had been seen by Taylor. It was found that the hole was a large wombat hole, but the rain had obliterated all the tracks and the journey was consequently fruitless. A start was made for home about half past three, and although one pair of horses seemed inclined at first to remain for a night in the “tiger country,” the adventurers reached town safely shortly after six o’clock, none the worse for the danger they had run, some of them not having fired a shot. One or two aimed at some swans at two hundred yards, but harmed none of them.

It was stated that no show of wild animals ever visited Mt. Gambier, but residents of only ten years’ standing can well remember St. Leon’s circus and menagerie of wild animals exhibiting here. In the Watch of February 10, 1883, there is a short account of the exhibition, and from this it appears that amongst many other wild animals the menagerie contained two tigers and a tiger cat. This was the second appearance of the menagerie at Mount Gambier, and some residents can remember having heard of a tiger cub being lost, but of this the date was not certain. Inspector Woodcock, who was at Mount Gambier at the time heard nothing of the loss. He thinks that had a tiger been lost he would certainly have heard of it. He had been informed by Constable Russell that once a circus company did lose a tiger, but it did not break away from them -- it died. The evidence for the tiger’s existence is not, in Inspector Woodcock’s opinion, at all sufficient to warrant the belief of the people in the district. He says that Taylor is the only man who saw the animal, and he only thought it might have been a tiger when he recollected the reports he had heard about one being loose. The inspector thinks it must have been a fox that he saw as that would agree with the description he gave of it better than anything else. But should it be some predatory animal he is convinced that in such country as that of the Lake Bonney Ranges they might search for weeks and not find it. How little then should be expected from one hour’s search.

It is not probable that another hunt will be organised till some further evidence of the strange animal in the locality is forth-coming. If there be such an animal there the first authentic and indisputable evidence may be of a serious character.

Credit: Dr. David Waldron