They got “bushed”

1913, horses were still the main source of transport, time moved at a much slower pace, and people coped with long journeys in uncomfortable wagons and on horseback. A traveller could hire a horse or a horse and buggy, or pay to be taken by a buggy driver from Nowra to Jervis Bay. The trip from Nowra to Jervis Bay could take 4 hours or more depending on the conditions. Here is a short but interesting story about four young gentlemen from the City,  who’s trip to Jervis Bay turned into more of an adventure than they expected.

Ben Louttit’s passenger coach Huskisson.

The Ulladulla and Milton Times 1913.

A party of four young gentlemen from the city were on a visit to Nowra last weekend,  and thought to visit the Federal Naval port at Captains Point.  Each mounting a steed from the stables,  they got as far as Jervis Bay,  when they dismounted,  and left their charges,  not tethered,  on the boarder of some thick scrub whilst they hopped to obtain a better view of the Bay waters.  When they returned their horses had decamped,  The amateur horsemen commenced to scour the scrub country in search of their quest when the got “bushed” and failed to locate the horses. Eventually they found their way,  after many miles of weary travel,  to a settlers home,  whom they prevailed upon to muster their steeds.  They returned to Nowra late at night – after the settler had rounded up the horses – without reaching their objective – Captains Point.