Tuesday, 10 April 1934, page 10.

Manuscript Journal
Search for Burke and Wills

Canberra, Monday.
The original manuscript journal of Frederick Walker, leader of one of the relief expeditions sent out in search of Burke and Wills in 1861, has just been secured by the National Library at Canberra. Apart from its sentimental interest, the journal provides definite and final evidence upon certain points, which, until now, have been in doubt.

The progress of Walker's party on the outward journey from Rockhampton to the Albert River, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, where he met Captain Norman, who had been sent out in the steamer Victoria to act as a depot for the relief expedition, has always been known: in fact Walker's own account of it in the form of a diary was published in the journal of the Royal Geographical Society in 1883.

His account of the return journey, which includes his futile efforts to trace Burke's tracks beyond his Camp 119, and what befell him on the difficult journey home. has not been available before. Historians have differed about the actual route followed, but this point is now decided. Walker followed his outward route back to Camp 36, near the source of the Norman River, then struck off on February 1, 1862, in the direction of Gregory's October 4 camp. He therefore reached the Burdekin River, down which he travelled until the station of Messrs. Woods and Robinson, near Strathalbyn, was reached on April 5, 1862.

Walker's account is full of interest. It states that he named Mt Barry after Sir Redmond Barry of Victoria, and Mount Picken after 'my old friend, Captain Samuel Picken, now, I believe, marine surveyor at Williamstown.'

The journal came to the National Library through the descendants of Captain hunter of Rockhampton, who assisted Walker in fitting out the expedition.