THE OVERLANDER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 949, 14 May 1908, Page 11

THE OVERLANDER.

Latest information concerning Francis Birtles, the overlanding cyclist, is to the effect that he has reached Katherine, in the Northern Terri tory (says the “Referee.”) He expected to reach Port Darwin about four days later —probably May 2. (He arrived on May 4.) A particularly difficult journey was experienced across from the Queensland border through the country being flooded, and, later, from the rapid growth of tropical grasses, which, he reports, reached a height of 14ft to 16ft The Cycling and Athletic Association of Port Darwin arranged a run for the members to meet Birtles some distance along the track, and escort him back to the town. It seems that he originally contemplated a continuation of his trip into West Australia, but has since decided to follow the nearest route back, along the overland telegraph line south from Charlotte Waters and Alice Springs to Adelaide, and so on to Melbourne.