Duryea, Townsend, 1872, Photograph, B 12614
[General description] This is a copy of an illustrated article appearing in 'The Peoples' Weekly', Moonta dated 24-9-27. It shows the surface installation, Yelta Mine, Moonta. The man in the foreground is Captain Thomas Cowling. [On back of photograph} The text of the article reads: Shortly after Ryan's discovery in June 1861 on Captain Hughes' Warrilka run, overlooking Moonta Bay, the Yelta Mining Company was formed. Mr Frederick Wright, manager of the National Bank in Adelaide, was elected Chairman of Directors, and early in the following year rich ore was being sent to Wallaroo for shipment to the E. & A. Company's smelting works at Port Adelaide. Mr. J.L. Tuxford, of the North Terrace Implement Yard, a large shareholder, was sent up to supervise operations. His stay was short and Collingwood Kitto, a Victorian manager, accompanied by his brothers, Robert K. and Richard, took charge. He was succeeded by Captain Anthony and the part shown in the illustration was then opened up. Two years afterwards Captain Thomas Cowling took charge, and in February 1871 the first engine was set going and worked continuously until early in 1878, when operations ceased following a slump in the copper market. In 1885 the Bickford Syndicate bought out the company and the late Richard Cowling, who at that time was in charge of the Hamley, was put in command. In the illustration the figure in the foreground with the high hat is that of the late Captain Thomas Cowling, who died in January 1899. Perhaps some of the old Moonta Residents may recognise others who appear in the photograph, taken by Duryea'