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News Letter ***3rd July 2002***
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Our very own Leisa Carney-Lees has been sleuthing for early Ridge history in her neighborhood in Alexandria, Victoria. Recently, she met local librarian, Annice Walshe, who expressed interest when Leisa mentioned she'd spent a few years on the opalfields. Annice's grandfather and his twin brother mined with Ion Idriess on the 3 Mile in the early years.
If you turn to page 137 of Idriess' book "Lightning Ridge, Land of Black Opals", you will see a photo of Matt Watson's camp. We now have good reproductions of this photo as you see it here, thanks to Annice.
The Jaffrey twins are on their haunches either side of Matt Watson, a main character in Idriess' account on the opalfields. Other pioneer miners are named, eg. standing fourth from right is Archie Gillespie, fifth is Idriess, sixth is Paddy Brooks, a drover, then Mick Cullen and Dad Crillen on the end right.
Also for your viewing is a second photo contributed to our collection by Annice. Four unidentified men are pictured, one astride a cycle opal polisher. The fellow at the back right seems to be standing at another homemade device - could it be a sewing machine base? Please let us know if you can identify the medallion appearing under the pedestal upon which this man is leaning.
Our thanks goes to Leisa, who is also expanding our library by donating books relating to early discovery. Do you have old photos worth sharing?
Barbara Moritz, Sec