A copy of an illustration of the temporary residence of Robert Gouger Esq. at Glenelg, full title 'Mr. Robert Gouger's Tent and Rush Hut at Glenelg' 1836. The original sketch was drawn by Mr. Gouger, and is part of the Royal Colonial Institute collections, London.

Robert Gouger was the first Colonial Secretary in South Australia. The first officers of the Province were sworn in, the first Council was held, and the Government of the Province was proclaimed from this tent on December 28, 1836.

Gouger described Adelaide and South Australia, including the climate, in his letters Robert Gouger. South Australia in 1837: in a series of letters...

An extract from the diary of Mary Thomas (junior), daughter of early colonists and newspaper printers, Mary and Robert Thomas, gives an insight into early settler life and accommodations;

Aug., 1839: We are obliged to print the proclamations at Glenelg in a rush hut that had been built for a bedroom for the use of my sisters and myself. Mama, my sisters and myself came to live in Adelaide on the 1^st of June, 1837. Our rush printing hut was just taken possession of by some natives, who had an encampment just above us. My father and brothers were generally in Adelaide about this time, but two gentlemen of the names of Skipper and Powys resided with us in the day time.... We once more took to living in a tent and continued to do so until September [1837], when we began to occupy some apartments adjoining the printing office, having lived in tents and reed huts from November 1836 till September 1837. Our first week in Australia was passed in a tent formed by a piece of canvas thrown across some poles, and the back filled in by green boughs. The second place we had was a large marquee - very comfortable - where we passed Christmas Day. The printing office was built of reeds (from the lagoons) and pine poles, tied together by yarn....PRG 1160/6

Gouger, Robert, 1802-1846

Thomas, Robert, 1782-1860

Thomas, Mary, 1787-1875

Gouger, R. Emigration for the relief of parishes practically considered London : Ridgway and Sons ; Effingham Wilson, 1833