Hamilton Park Reserve, Warradale

Lance Thomas was a local resident and poet who lived in Marion. Here are extracts from Lance’s publication ‘Green Leaves and Red Dust’, specifically, ‘Marion on the Sturt’, and ‘Wells in Sturt and Marion’.

The lovely water running free, through the vines and round the tree.

Lovely patterns could be seen unfold, along this stream of liquid gold.

The underground water sparkling clear, was there for the taking all the year.

The unfolding story then will tell, how every gardener had his well.

The gardeners had this liquid treasure, and used it on their land full measure.

In summer the pumps would seldom stop, water running through the crop.

The orchards there with fruit to spare, was known the whole state over.

Apricots, peaches, grapes and plums, the Marion lived in clover.

Almond trees too, folks came to view, in the Spring when the blossoms were bright.

The groves were ablaze - they were the days, of car-loads of tourists’ delight.

But this is about as the city grew out, and Marion is covered with houses.

The creek’s been cemented, old folks lamented, what memories it often arouses.