Australia’s Water-Diviner.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 2

Australia’s Water-Diviner.

Although mentioned in despatches, the name of Sapper Stephen Kelly, of the 3rd Australian Light Horse, did not attract much attention. Nevertheless, he probably saved the lives of hundreds of men who were in danger of dying from thirst. Sapper Kelly has remarkable gifts as a water diviner, and at Suvla Bay responded to the call for a display of his special powers with a success which was of incalculable importance to the health of the men at a very critical time. An expert had been instructed to find water, and reported that there was none to be found. It was in August, and the scarcity was such that the troops were down to their last few pints. The need was so compelling that it j was decided to arrange for a supply i by motor. Brigadier-General Hughes, ( however, suddenly bethought him of j Sapper Kelly’s reputation in Aus-j tralia, and sent for him. "Is there, any water at Suvla ?” the General asked. Sapper Kelly declared definitely that there was, and he was invited to find it. That was on August 11th, and within a fortnight the Sapper, accompanied by officers who were at. first frankly sceptical, had located thirty-two springs, from which a plentiful and regular supply was obtained by the sinking of wells. Professionally Sapper Kelly is a j civil engineer. In . his water-divining, he does not use the customary hazel twig. He can find water with his two hands alone, but his clearest re- j suits oamc from the use of copper j wire, with copper bands upon his, hands. In his searches at Suvla Bay l he used a copper band taken from a daad dial! i