river is one of the most imposing features of the earth's surface, with its element of picturesque scenery, the means of vegetable and animal life, and with the history and industry of man.

The great River Murray which rises in the Australian Alps and forms the boundary between New South Wales and Victoria for 1,200 of it's total length of a little more than 1,600 miles has all the attributes of the great rivers of the world.

It was first seen by white men at a point above Albury at early morning in November 16th, 1824, when the party led by Hamilton Hume and William Hovell arrived on its bank. It was named the "Hume" at the suggestion of Hovell as Hume was the man who saw it first.

Author: Leila Pirani
Illustrations:
Walter Cunningham

When Captain Charles Sturt undertook the task of unraveling the mystery of Australia's river system he discovered that the Murrumbidgee River was a tributary of a larger river which he named the Murray, not knowing it was the same river which Hume and Hovell crossed six years prior. On January 24th, 1830, Sturt wrote: "Not having as yet given a name to our first discovery at the junction with the Murrumbidgee, I laid it down as the Murray River in compliment to the distinguished office Sir George Murray who then presided over the Colonial Department, not only in compliance with the known wishes of the His Excellency General Darling, but also in accordance with my own feelings as a soldier."

Although for some years a portion of this river was known as the Hume River, the name Murray was eventually adopted for the whole length of its course, and first official mention of the River Murray was made in 1850 in the Imperial Act which finally decided the boundary line between New South Wales and Victoria.

The great River Murray has its own peculiarities and its grandeur and beauty of scenery. It is estimated that with its tributaries it drains half the continent. The melting snow is the Australian Alps feeds the river with its most certain supply.

Respect the Old Man River of Australia