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Governors, Lieutenant-Governors, and Administrators
of Western Australia.
GOVERNORS.
Captain Sir James Stirling John Him', Esq.
Lieut.-Colonbl Andrew Clarke, K.H. ...
Lieut.-Colonel Frederick Chidley Irwin Captain Charles Fitzgerald, R.N.
Captain Arthur Edward Kennedy John Stephen Hampton, Esq., M.D.
Frederick Aloysius Weld, Esq.
William Cleaver Francis Robinson, Esq., C.M.G.
Major-General Sir Harry St. George Ord, R.E., K.C.M.G., C.B. Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, K.C.M.G.
Sir Frederick Napier Broome, K.C.M.G.
Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, G.C.M.G.
Sir Gerard Smith, K.C.M.G.
Hon. Sir Arthur Lawley, K.C.M.G.
Admiral Sir Frederick George Denham Bedeord, G.C.B. ...
Sir Gerald Strickland, K.C.M.G., Count della Catena
1828-1839
1839-1846
1846- 1847
1847- 1845
1848- 1858 1855-1862 1S62-1868 1869-1875 1875-1877 1877-1880 1880-1883 1883-1890 1890-1895 1895-1900 1901-1902 1903-1909 1909 {§&£.“
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNORS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
Captain Frederick Chidley Irwin ... Lieut.-Governor .. September, 1832,to Sep-
tember, 1833.
Captain Richard Daniell ... ... Lieut.-Governor .. September 14, 1833, to
May 11, 1834.
•
Captain Picton Beete .. ... Lieut.-Governor ... Mav 11, 1834, to May
24, 1834.
Lieut.-Governor .. May 24, 1834, to September, 1834.
Captain Richard Daniell
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Brevet Lieut.-Colonel John Bruce ... Acting-Governor
Lieut.-Colonel Edward Douglas Harvest Henry Thomas Wrensfordsley, Esq. Alexander Campbell Onslow, Esq.
Acting-Governor
Administrator
Administrator
Sir Alexander Campbell Onslow, Kt.
Administrator
Sir Edward Albert Stone, K.O.M.G.
Administrator
February 20, 1862, to February, 1862; November 2, 1868, to
September, 1869.
September 7, 1877, to November, 1877.
February 14, 1883, to June, 1883.
November 13, 1884, to June, 1885; Sept. 1, 1891, to July, 1892.
March 18, 1895, to December, 1895; March 23, 1900, to March, 1901.
March 4,1901, to April, 1901; August 14,1902, to Mar., 1903 ; Mar., 1909, to May, 1909.
SIR JAMES STIRLING (1828-1839).
Sir James Stirling, the first Governor of Western Australia, was born in the year 1791, and was the fifth son of Andrew Stirling, of Drumpellier, Lanarkshire, who had married his cousin (Anne), the daughter of Sir Walter Stirling.
The family of Stirling was well-known and celebrated in the naval annals of the eighteenth century, an uncle of Sir James (Vice-Admiral Charles Stirling) being second in command at the memorable action fought by Sir Robert Calder against the combined French and Spanish fleets off Cape Finisterre in 1805 For this action Calder was severely criticized, and he asked for a court-martial. He was reinstated by Nelson, but was not present at the battle of Trafalgar The maternal grandfather of Sir James Stirling was also distinguished in the naval annals of the period, having been knighted for his services, eventually being promoted to the position of Commodore at the Nore.
Sir James Stirling entered the Navy on August 12, 1803, as a first-class volunteer on board the “Camel,” a store-ship, commanded by Captain John Asycough, fitting for the West Indies, where he became midshipman of the “Hercule” (seventy-four guns), bearing the flag of Sir John Thomas Duckworth Joining next the "Glory” (ninety-eight guns), he fought in the action off Cape Finisterre under the flag of his uncle (Rear-Admiral Charles Stirling), whom he followed into the “Sampson,” and afterwards into the “Diadem,” each sixty-four gun ships Still under the command of his
uncle, who had been promoted to the chief command of the Rio-de-la-Plata expedition, he was present at the fall of Monte Video. Returning to England about 1808 he was appointed to the “Warspite” (seventy-four guns) under Captain Blackwood, and stationed at first in the English Channel and then m the Mediterranean
He obtained his first commission as a Lieutenant in August, 1809, being appointed on April 1, 1810, to the “Hibernia” and transferred in October, 1810, to the “Armide,” both of which were employed on the Home service. During November, 1811, he was appointed Flag Lieutenant to his uncle, now Vice-Admiral, being appointed Acting-Commander of the “Moselle” (eighteen guns) in 1812; and on June 19 he was confirmed in the rank of Commander and appointed to the “Brazen” sloop, mounting twenty-eight guns
During the American War of 1812 he rendered excellent service; cruising off the mouth of the Mississippi he succeeded in damaging greatly the commerce of the American gulf ports, besides making the coast very insecure for the enemy Such was his record up to that time, that for any duty requiring special knowledge he was detailed. In 1813 he was sent to afford protection to the Hudson Bay settlements, which had been menaced by the Americans The severity of this order, which carried him from the Tropics to the Arctic circle, did not affect the industry and energy of the youthful Commander, and Lieutenant Stirling carried out his work with discretion.
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At the conclusion of hostilities he was nominated Acting-Captain of the“Cnydus” (thirty-eight guns), but did not stay long with this ship. Returning to the “Brazen” with full Captain’s rank, he was placed on the peace establishment, and he continued to serve in that vessel until she was paid off in 1818. To attain the rank of Captain, even in those days of strenuous naval activity, within fifteen years, was not altogether a common occurrence, and Captain Stirling thus early demonstrated the presence of that energy which was to carry him to greater heights in his career.
On the conclusion of his service in American waters the then Commander-in-Chief on that station wrote the following minute to the Lords of the Admiralty : —
I cannot permit Captain Stirling to leave this station without expressing to your Lordships my entire satisfaction with his conduct while under my command.
The zeal and alacrity he always displayed in the execution of whatever service he was employed upon are above praise; but it is to his acquaintance with foreign languages, his thorough knowledge of the station, particularly the Spanish Main, and his gentlemanlike and conciliatory manners, that I am so much indebted for the preservation of friendly intercourse with the foreign colonies in this command.
I conceive that it will be a9 gratifying for your Lordships to hear, as it is for me to make, so honourable a report of this able and intelligent officer, whom I detach from my command with considerable regret; but I feel at the same time a very sincere pleasure in thus recommending him to the notice of your Lord-ships.
On such a report being made by a commanding officer early promotion was almost sure to follow, therefore there could be no surprise when Captain Stirling was elevated to post rank in 1818.
His next appointment was in January, 1826, after over seven years of shore life. During this period he had entered into bonds of another character, ha/ing married on September 2, 1823, Ellen, third daughter of James Mangles, Esq., of Woodbridge, Guildford, who was High Sheriff for Surrey (1808) and M.P. for Guildford (1832-7). It is, therefore, not difficult to ascertain the reason for the names of Woodbridge and Guildford in Western Australia, nor the interest displayed by the Mangles family in its welfare.
On January 25, 1826, Captain Stirling was appointed to the “Success,” and sent to form a settlement in Raffles Bay, Torres Strait. The successful manner in which he carried out this duty earned for him the hearty commendation of the Governor of New South Wales.
In October, 1828, nine months after he had relinquished the command of the “Success,” he was, owing to a report he had made of the Swan River, whilst in command of that vessel, sent to form a settlement in Western Australia at that point. Here he remained, with but one furlough, until 1839, as the first Governor of the infant colony. He was induced in this year to tender his resignation, owing to the apparent imminence of a war with France, when it was extremely desirable that all officers of the Royal Navy should return to the active list.
The more detailed movements of his term of office as Governor of Western Australia are set out fully in another place, in that portion of this work which treats of the history of the State. It is sufficient to say here that in the work of government he had evinced a degree of zeal and ability that had procured for him a knighthood and ultimately the acknowledgments of Her Majesty. The best summing-up of this portion of his career can be gathered from the address presented to him by the colonists on its conclusion, from which we quote a part: — They could testify with confidence and gratitude that the general tenor of His Excellency's administration had been highly and deservedly popular; that they had invariably experienced in him a friend of warm sympathy with individual distress, and an entire and liberal promoter of every good and liberal institution, an able and zealous patron of every enterprise suggested for the general welfare, and in all the domestic and social relations of private life an example worthy of his high station.
In the light of subsequent events the early acts of the Governor do not always seem to have been in the best interests of the infant settlement. He was a naval officer of great attainments, but also with the prejudices of his class, and this interfered in a measure with a just knowledge of the limitations of his own powers. However, there can be no doubt that he aimed only at the best, and he deservedly bears a high character for integrity of purpose and probity of action.
Sir James Stirling was appointed in October, 1840, to the command of the “Indus” (seventy-eight guns), and continued in that ship until she was paid off in 1844. From 1847 to 1850 he commanded the “Howe” (120 guns). On July 8, 1851, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral. He was Commander-in-Chief in China and the East Indies from 1854-1856. He became Vice-Admiral on August 22, 1857, and Admiral on November 22, 1862. He died on April 22, 1865.
Photo by Bnrtletto. (Copyright.)
GOVERNOR STIRLING.
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By his acts as the first Governor of this State Sir James Stirling is best known to us, and in attempting a criticism of those acts it will be as well to remember the difficulties which faced the officer who was in supreme command during the earlier stages of this State’s existence. It will be seen from a perusal of the short foregoing synopsis of Admiral Stirling’s life that he was essentially a naval officer, whose life from the early age of twelve years had, with one short interval, been spent practically on active service. Thus it can be inferred that habits of strict discipline had become part and parcel of his daily routine. Acts that would, therefore, appear to the colonists as arbitrary and overbearing would be to him as mere matters of ordinary discipline. We must remember that as a lad he had been in the Navy at the time of Trafalgar, though not present at the action itself, and would necessarily have all the prejudices and opinions of his class. To accuse such an officer of favouritism would be not only unfair but in a measure untrue, yet we cannot but admit that the actions of Sir James Stirling bear out this contention to a certain extent. He was the representative of a class, and his actions were but the outcome of the in-
grained teaching, not only of his own life, but of that creed which had, considering his parentage, been born with him. Then, again, as practically the founder of the State, inasmuch that upon his reports it had mainly been colonized in the first instance, he was, perhaps, a little over-sanguine as to its immediate prosperity. No doubt many of the earlier settlers had been led away by his glowing reports and had embarked on the enterprise of colonization with but little aptitude for the work. Then when the pinch of dire necessity came, as it invariably does in such communities, the Governor was blamed for a series of circumstances over which he had no control.
Whatever may have been his faults as an administrator, he nevertheless brought to that rule an integrity of purpose, combined with an energy and steadfastness of action, that forever outlines the purity of his motives. Noble-hearted, kind and liberal, and as true as steel, he was an excellent type of the British naval officer at his best, and the colony founded by him amid so much difficulty and discouragement in 1829 now ranks in point of political development and independence with the oldest and proudest possessions of the Crown.
JOHN HUTT (1839-1846).
In January, 1839, Sir James Stirling was succeeded in the Governorship of the infant settlement by John Hutt, Esq., who had been formerly Governor of North Arcott, in the Madras Presidency, and was a member of a family famed for its efforts in colonization.
Mr. Hutt was the son of Richard llutt, of Appley Towers, Ryde,
Isle of Wight, being named after an uncle who was one of the most distinguished of the naval captains serving under Lord Howe.
Captain Hutt was wounded in the action under Lord Howe off Ushant on June 1, 1784, where the French fleet was signally defeated. Hutt had the misfortune to lose a leg, and the wound taking an unfavourable turn he died on June 30, a monument to his memory, together with that of Captain Harvey, being erected at public expense in Westminster Abbey. Coming from a family which had been largely concerned in colonization (his brother, Sir William Hutt, afterwards being a commissioner for the foundation of South Australia and a member of the New Zealand Company,
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to which was mainly due the annexation of those islands to Great Britain) it was early seen that the new Governor held strong views on this subject. That these views should more or less bring him into conflict, sometimes of a strenuous nature, with the settlers of the colony was to be expected. However, though many differed from Mr. Hutt, not only in the expression of his theories but also more strongly at his attempt to put them into practice, still he held a very high place in the colony in which he wielded the supreme authority.
Gifted with the truest spirit of liberality and tolerance the Governor welcomed all fair criticism of his policy, and the undeviating candour of his opponents gave him no offence. With zeal, industry, and integrity he performed the functions of his onerous and difficult office, and his honesty, sincerity, and thorough consistency of purpose, even when his views appeared mistaken, earned for him the gratitude and affection of the colonists.
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Governor Hutt.
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A Liberal in politics, he sought by every means to liberalize the system then in vogue in Western Australia, and in all his acts the great first principles of the Liberal Party were predominant.
On making known his decision to resign before the conclusion of his commission as Governor, his determination was received with exceeding regret by the great bulk of the colonists. Speaking at this time and on this subject a writer in The Swan River News says: —
Good Governors arc rare at all times, and few have displayed such a combination of judicious firmness and candour as Mr. Hutt, and we trust that his intention to retire from the position of Governor does not extend to a wish to retire from the Public Service. He has always been open to conviction—he has never abandoned principle to obtain an ephemeral popularity -he has never given personal offence even when resisting popular claims. We sincerely wish to see the talent, developed and matured on so limited a stage, made available in a wider and more important sphere of action.
Mr. Hutt succeeded to the Government just previously to the violent reaction which took place in regard to colonization in general, a reaction of which Western Australia, never a very popular place, received more than its fair share. It is not too much to say that the acts of the Governor at this time helped materially to save the infant settlement from utter disaster, even though eventually he may have erred on the side of over-caution. Still, if the evidences of increased prosperity were absent, there was, nevertheless, no sign of the decay that had afflicted similar communities.
The further materials for a biography of Mr. Hutt are scanty and withal somewhat unreliable, and it is impossible to follow his career with any certitude ; suffice it to say that upon relinquishing his position as Governor in 1846 he carried with him the best wishes of his fellow colonists.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ANDREW CLARKE. K.H. (1846-1847).
On January 27, 1846, John Hutt, Esq., handed over the office of Governor to Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Clarke, K.H., a distinguished soldier and administrator.
Born at Belmont, County Donegal, Ireland, in 1793, the new Governor was fifty-three years of age when he assumed the supreme authority under the Crown in Western Australia. The greater part of his life had been spent in the military service of the country, in which in the 46th Regiment of Infantry he had risen to rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. At the early age of eighteen years he was for a time in command of the whole of the troops in Van Diemen Land, and from that time onward he had been continuously on duty.
Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, however, did not come to the difficult position of Governor of a Crown colony direct from the military service, as he had previously been Governor of St. Lucia, one of the West Indian dependencies of the British Crown. In fact, before the appointment of Governor Hutt to Western Australia seven years previously he had been freely mentioned in official circles as the likely Governor of this colony.
Unfortunately a strenuous life in the Public Service, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical climes, at a period when the measures now used to combat the on-
slaught of their insidious diseases were but little known, had undermined the constitution of Colonel Clarke, and he was throughout the whole of his career in Western Australia almost a confirmed invalid.
Unlike the previous Governor, Colonel Clarke was married, and the colonists looked forward to the fact that the social side, which had been somewhat in abeyance during Governor Hutt’s term of office, would be revived. Colonel Clarke was accompanied to the colony by his wife and her daughter by a former marriage, Miss Jackson.
Governor Clarke’s ability for governing a colony wisely and beneficially had already been thoroughly tested in his previous Governorship of St. Lucia, and the colonists of Western Australia were at the outset highly delighted with the choice of the Home Office. It was said that the problems facing Colonel Clarke in the position of Governor of a Crown colony like Western Australia were not likely to find a counterpart in those of a West Indian dependency, yet the wisdom that helped him to avoid offence in the petty jealousies of St. Lucia would well serve him in his new sphere of action.
The opening acts of the new Governor were viewed by the settlers with feelings of the liveliest approbation, and the only cloud was the uncertain health of Colonel
Photo by Bartlctto.
Governor Clarke.
( Copyright.)
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Clarke, for his condition was steadily growing worse. Though afflicted with a painful disease Colonel Clarke displayed the greatest energy in his new charge, and for the first time in the history of the colony educational facilities were brought within the reach of the humblest citizens. Then, again, the treatment and moral uplifting of the aborigines engaged his attention, and death found him in harness on February 11, 1847, after but one short year in Western Australia.
It is impossible to say much as to the effect of Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke’s administration of affairs in Western Australia, as the Highest of all Authorities had so soon removed him from the scene ; but even for the short period he held the reins of office we must accord
to him the clearest judgment and most benevolent intentions.
As to his personal character Colonel Clarke was truly hospitable, but his most endearing quality was the true and humble piety of his soul, which he carried into every action of life. Perhaps the best epitome of his moral worth is to be found in the last paragraph of the proclamation announcing his death, and in conclusion we will quote it: —
The high moral and religious principles of the deceased, and his anxious zeal for the best interests of the people committed to liis charge, united to his great experience during a period of forty-two years as a military officer, and latterly both as a Governor in West Indies and in this colony, gave promise of the fullest blessings of a just and paternal administration.
LIEUT.-COLONEL FREDERICK CHIDLEY IRWIN, K.H. (1847-1848).
Six days after the arrival of the “Parmclia,” H.M.S. “Sulphur” arrived at the then ‘settlement in embryo” of the Swan River, carrying a detachment of the 63rd Regiment, under the command of Captain F. C. Irwin, for the protection of this latest venture in the history of colonization on the part of the British Crown.
Captain Irwin, the officer in charge of this small military post, was destined to play no inconspicuous part in the new settlement, and his own interest in the venture can be seen when we consider that in the first allotment of townsites in the infant city of Perth his name appears first on the list.
By virtue of his position as officer commanding the troops Captain Irwin became senior member and Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Council appointed by Governor Stirling in January,
1831. Judging by the careful and successful administration of the troops under his command the appointment to the Council of Captain Irwin was a wise one, and in later years he was to demonstrate his ability to govern in a wider sphere.
Early in the history of the State he was called upon to exercise the functions of chief ruler, and from September, 1832, until September, 1833, he acted as administrator during the absence of Governor Stirling.
Identified in all the movements that had for their object the moral and spiritual welfare of the colony, Major Irwin, who had been promoted early in the history of the colony, did much for the well-being of the infant
State.
Being transferred he again returned to this State in command of the troops, and on the death of Lieutenant - Colonel Andrew Clarke he assumed the Governorship of the colony, acting in that capacity from February, 1847, until August, 1848, when he was relieved by Captain Charles Fitzgerald.
liis actions at this time were somewhat adversely criticized, but throughout the whole of his career Lieutenant-Colonel Irwin had greatly at heart the welfare of the colony. Stern and uncompromising in regard to all matters of morality he was, however, merciful and just in all his pronouncements.
CAPTAIN CHARLES FITZGERALD, R.N. (1848-1855).
The next occupant of the vice-regal office in Western Australia was Captain Charles Fitzgerald, a captain in the Royal Navy. Captain Fitzgerald succeeded
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Lieutenant-Colonel F. C. Irwin, or more strictly speaking, Lieutenant-Colonel A. Clarke, as Colonel Irwin, though he assumed the title and dignity of the office on
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the death of Colonel Clarke, had never been confirmed in the position.
Captain Fitzgerald was born at Kilkee, County Clare, Ireland, in 1791, his father being a country gentleman of the old Irish school. He entered the Navy on March 17, 1809, passing his examination in 1815, and obtaining his first commission on March 27, 1826. He served as a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard from April 17, 1832, to September, 1833, when he was transferred to the “Cruizer.” In 1836 he was transferred to the “Belvidera,” being afterwards appointed to the command of the “Buzzard” on July 26, 1838.
Captain Fitzgerald was invalided home from the West African station in February, 1840, acquiring his present rank very shortly afterwards, and being placed on half-pay. Captain Fitzgerald, however, before assuming the reins of government in Western Australia had had some experience in administrative affairs with'regard to Crown colonies, having been for some time Governor of the Gambia Settlements in West Africa.
The newly-appointed Governor was a typical sailor, bluff, kind-hearted, and generous; but though his ability in nautical matters was undoubted, still in the peculiar circumstances of the colony at that time the presence of a business man of proved ability at the head of affairs was of pressing necessity. In 1848 a profound depression reigned in the colony, and there were not wanting expressions of the opinion that perhaps it would be better to abandon the attempts at colonization in what appeared to be a desolate land. The despatches of the Governor to the Secretary of State accentuated this view, and only the indomitable energy of the early settlers combined with the suggestions of the Governor for relief saved the situation. To this condition of affairs we owe the fact that Western Australia became a penal settlement, and whatever may be the opinions as to the wisdom of the measure, it certainly solved the question for the time being.
Nothing but the desperate condition of the country in 1848-9 can be pleaded in extenuation of the establishment of the penal system, but stern remedies were needed to save the infant settlement from ruin, and Governor Fitzgerald was scarcely to blame for the action that he took. With wise forethought Governor Fitz-
gerald, assisted by the foresight displayed by Captain Henderson, the Comptroller of Convicts, utilized the system to develop the country by opening communication throughout the colony and encouraging the settlement of the interior.
However, the Governor came in for more than the usual amount of criticism, not so much on matters of policy, but more particularly for his method of
administration. A man of matured judgment, with an autocratic temperament which had been nurtured and fostered by his previous nautical training,
Captain Fitzgerald’s demeanour was many times that of the quarter-deck, and he more than once gave expression to the annoyance he felt at many of the caustic comments levelled at his methods.
The advance of the colony during his administration can be traced by its progress in political matters and the establishment of institutions for the welfare and education of the people. On March 13, 1851, the Imperial Act to establish a Legislative Council was proclaimed in Western Australia, though no advantage was taken of its provisions until twenty years later, and in the same year a Mechanics’ Institute was founded at Fremantle, while in 1852 Governor Fitzgerald laid the foundation - stone of the Swan River Mechanics’ Institute. During 1851 the first smelting furnace was erected in Western Australia, so that taking into consideration the state of the settlement on the arrival of Captain Fitzgerald as Governor much certainly had been accomplished. Then, again, the exploration of the country engaged the energies of the Governor, and as the leader of an exploring expedition he had the misfortune to be speared by a native at Northampton in 1848.
Certainly, before he relinquished the position, Governor Fitzgerald had the pleasure of seeing the fulfilment of many of his wise measures in the increased prosperity of the country, but it had been a period of persistent anxiety, and it was with thankfulness he retired from the Governor’s seat.
He was created a C.B. in 1857, and died on December 29, 1887, in his ninety-sixth year, having evinced until his death the liveliest interest in Western Australian affairs.
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Gov ernok Fit z g erald .
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SIR ARTHUR EDWARD KENNEDY, G.C.M.G., C.B. (1855-1862).
Captain Fitzgerald was succeeded in the position of Governor of Western Australia by Captain Arthur Edward Kennedy, afterwards Sir Arthur Edward Kennedy, a retired infantry officer, and the third Irishman in succession to hold the position of supreme authority in Western Australia.
Governor Kennedy was the fourth son of Hugh Kennedy, of Cultra, County Down, and was born in 1809. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, he decided on a military career, and entered the army as an ensign in 1827. Promoted Lieutenant in 1832 and Captain in 1840, he retired from the Army in 1848 with Captain's rank. In 1846 he became County Inspector of the Board of Works, and served under Sir John Burgoyne, in the Irish famine, as a Relief Inspector, and subsequently as Poor Law Inspector until the office was abolished in 1857.
Curiously enough, his first appointment in the Colonial Service was the office of Governor of the Gambia Settlements, which had previously been held by his predecessor in the government of Western Australia, Captain Fitzgerald. However, Captain Kennedy was very soon transferred to a more important charge, that of Sierra Leone. In 1854 he was appointed Consul-General of Sherborough County, and was promoted to Western Australia as Governor in 1855.
Physically the new Governor was a remarkable man, of com manding presence; his soldierly training had only accentuated his strong personality. No man in the position of Governor of Western Australia ever had as large a sense of the dignity of the position; and this, together with his autocratic demeanour, did much to render an otherwise fine character unpopular amongst the settlers. A man of large originality, the narrow outlook of departmental affairs in a struggling Crown colony barely gave sufficient scope for his strong personality, and many of his acts bore the impress of autocracy that in a larger sphere of action would have passed unnoticed.
The Governor was a man of more than ordinary oratorical ability, and his charming manners and perfect ease made him deservedly popular in this respect, and yet, with all that goes to make for success in the position of a leader, he somehow failed to gain the unqualified
praise of those with whom he was brought into contact. Overwhelmed, as it seemed, with what he considered to be his position as the representative' of the Crown, his excess of dignity did much to militate against his perfect success. Intellectual, extremely cultured, and of perfect address, still his arbitrary nature has left its autocratic impress on all the legislative measures that were enacted during his term of office.
In another place detailed mention has been made of the Governor’s legislative work, and it is hardly necessary to make further comment here, sufficient to say that his interest in the “ticket-of-leave” men and the liquor traffic was in neither case reciprocated. That many of his legislative measures were the outcome of a most enlightened mind it is true, and had he been allowed to follow out his own views a most substantial land tax would have been very early adopted in Western Australia. The Governor viewed with alarm the alienation of large blocks of land so early in the history of the colony, and much future trouble, might have been saved if his propositions had been given effect. A great admirer of the educational system known as the Irish National very soon brought him into conflict with the Roman Catholic priesthood, led to some amusing situations, and brought some loss of dignity to the Governor.
Much of the success of the colony at this time was due to the large expenditure of Imperial funds under the “convict system,” and with this in view Captain Kennedy looked upon the government of the colony in many respects as a purely personal one. To such an extent did his despotism grow, that on August 6, 1856, the citizens held a public meeting in Perth to protest against the arbitrary methods of His Excellency.
In 1862 Governor Kennedy relinquished the reins of office in Western Australia, and in his farewell address he appropriated most of the undoubted prosperity of the colony as the direct outcome of his legislative efforts. Whatever may have been his faults as Governor of Western Australia, his abilities were highly appreciated by the Home authorities, and in 1863 he was appointed Governor of Vancouver Island.
In 1867 he was made a K.C.M.G. and transferred to the position of Governor of the West African Settle-
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Governor Kennedy.
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irients. Concurrently with the position of Governor he acted at Sierra Leone as the Commissioner for the abolition of the slave trade, being endowed with large and plenary powers in this respect. In 1872 he became Governor of Hong-Kong, relinquishing that office in 1877 to become Governor of Queensland, which position
he resigned in 1883, and died at Aden while returning to England on June 3, 1883.
Sir Arthur married in 1835 Georgina, daughter of Mr. J. Macartney, who died in 1874, leaving one son, who entered the Army, and two daughters. He was created C.B. in 1862 and G.C.M.G. in 1871.
JOHN STEPHEN HAMPTON, M.D. (1862-1868).
The next occupant of the Governor’s seat in Western Australia, John Stephen Hampton, Esq., was one whose knowledge of Colonial administration had been restricted almost entirely to the convict system. Mr. Hampton had formerly been connected with the Medical Department of the Royal Navy, and his first appointment in Australia had been that of Surgeon-Superintendent of the convict ship “Constant,” which arrived in Van Diemen Land in 1843.
He signalized his arrival in that colony by joining the opponents of the then Governor, Sir John Eardley Wilmot. He was appointed Comptroller-General of Convicts in Van Diemen Land in succession to Captain Forster, subsequently being censured by the local Legislature, in conjunction with some other officials, for having derived profit from the labours of the prisoners. In 1855 the Legislative Council of the colony appointed a Select Committee to inquire into the administration of the Convict Department, and Mr. Hampton on being ordered to appear before it declined to do so, and the Governor of the time, Sir Henry Young, refused to compel his attendance on the ground that the convicts were under Imperial control. This led to his being ordered to appear before the bar of the Council on a charge of “contempt,” and a warrant was issued to compel him to be present. Mr. Hampton threatened to resist the warrant, but eventually wiser counsels prevailed and the warrant was served. As the Council still insisted that Mr. Hampton should appear before the bar, the Governor prorogued the Council and the warrant lapsed. Obtaining leave of absence, Mr. Hampton visited Sydney, going thence to England, where the Court of Appeals upheld a decision of the Tasmanian Courts in his favour. Mr. Hampton’s action had evidently met with the approbation of the Colonial Office, it being so favourably received that he was appointed Governor of Western Australia in 1862.
A great deal of speculation was abroad in Western Australia in regard to the next holder of the vice-regal dignity, and when the knowledge that Mr. Hampton was to be the new Governor reached the colony it was anticipated that the opening up of the settlement by means of convict labour would soon be an accomplished fact. In this hope the anticipations of the residents were soon realized, for Governor Hampton utilized the convict labour to its fullest extent. However, a new era in convict administration had dawned in Western Australia, which if it had been continued would soon have brought the settlement in this respect to the level of the Tasmanian administration.
Governor Kennedy had indeed been autocratic, but it was an autocracy that was dictated by a sense of kindness and nobility. Not so that of Governor Hampton, which was somewhat tyrannical and harsh, and partook more of the methods of the “white overseer” of the slave plantations than of the wise and benign rule of the first Comptroller-General. Public indignation not a moment too soon compelled better treatment than that which had hitherto been meted by the Governor and his son, who had been appointed to the position of Comptroller - General. The records of father and son suffer through the harsh treatment accorded to the convicts, and only the more humane treatment the convicts received after public opinion had forced a reversal of the previous policy can be offered in condonation of the methods of these two officials.
It must be said, However, to the credit ot tlie Governor that his public works policy had resulted in marked benefit to the settlement, and throughout the whole of the general administration a most energetic tone prevailed.
The colonization of the North-West received special attention, which, though not unattended with disaster,
Photo by "Rartletio. (Copyright.)
Govern on Hampton.
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steadily progressed, and the extension of the pearl fisheries added further material wealth to the colony.
This general progression and advancement in prosperity fostered the desire on the part of the colonists for more extended political rights, and the agitation which years later ended in responsible government now took definite form.
Throughout the whole of his career as Governor of the colony, Mr. Hampton displayed a genius for practical progression, which despite his earlier acts in refer-
ence to the convicts, made his administration deservedly popular. It is regrettable that an otherwise fine career should have been spoilt by his harsh tyranny toward this unfortunate class, for the Governor’s eminently practical and businesslike methods had done much for the material prosperity of the country.
In 1868 Mr. Hampton relinquished the Government of the colony, and transportation was entirely suspended during the same year. He died on December 1, 1869.
SIR FREDERICK ALOYSIUS WELD, G.C.M.G. (1869-1875).
The next Governor in order of succession was Mr. Frederick Aloysius Weld, who took the reins of office from Mr. Hampton in September, 1869. Mr. Weld was die third son of Humphrey Weld,
Esq., of Chideock Manor, Dorset, and his wife, Maria, daughter jf Charles, seventh Lord Clifford :)£ Chudleigh, and nephew of Cardinal Weld, of Lul worth Castle. Born on May 9, 1823,
Mr. Weld was educated at that distinguished Roman Catholic seat of learning, Stoneyhurst College, afterwards completing his studies at Freiburg, in Switzerland. Having decided to embrace a colonial career, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1844, and following the general trend of young immigrants of good family he embarked on a pastoral career. Of an energetic and determined nature, the purely pastoral life of the young settler was interspersed with episodes of difficult and dangerous exploring work, and in his new sphere his abilities were rapidly bringing him into prominent notice.
In 1848 Mr. Weld was offered, but declined, a seat in the nominee Legislative Council by Sir George Grey, the great Pro-Consul having marked the high capacity of the new settler. Imbued, however, with the spirit of freedom, a force which wras eventually to carry him to a pinnacle he had but little thought of, Mr. Weld took a very active part in the agitation to secure representative government for the land of his adoption. The first elective Parliament found Mr. Weld as a member of the House of Representatives, and in 1854 he was made a member of the Executive Council of New Zealand. In 1860 he was Minister for Native Affairs in the Stafford Ministry, eventually becoming Premier in 1864.
When Mr. Weld came into office the disastrous
native war was raging in New Zealand. The General of the Imperial troops and the then Governor of the colony were at loggerheads, and the position of the colony was most precarious. The Maoris had menaced the capital from a fortified position, and the colony was in the throes of financial embarrassment, and ruin threatened the State. Colonial stocks were unmarketable, and the state of affairs was the worst that could be imagined. Under these conditions, the previous Government having resigned without meeting Parliament, Mr. Weld undertook the superhuman task of bringing order out of chaos. Prior to the formation of his Ministry he put forward, as the basis of his policy, the necessity for the immediate withdrawal of the Imperial troops and the acceptance by the colony of the sole responsibility of the war. He proposed to carry on the war by the colonial militia, forming them into small bodies of bushmen, and gradually, by these means, supplemented by wise construction of roads, he pushed the Maoris back into the interior of the island. On the defeat of the Waikato tribe, as a mark of his displeasure he confiscated their lands, breaking at one blow their power and pride. With his wise use of colonial troops Mr. Weld quelled the war, but side by side with these militant measures he brought forward the Native Rights Bill, with which was incorporated the principle of native representation, and he formed Native Land Courts.
The credit of the colony was now restored, the finances of the country placed upon a sound basis, and many wise administrative measures were brought into being. This eminently satisfactory condition of affairs was due entirely to the untiring energy and ability of Mr. Weld.
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Governor Weld.
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In 1865 the Weld Ministry was defeated on the defence proposals and, having resigned his onerous charge, Mr. Weld decided to return to England to recuperate his health. On arrival in England he found that his fame had preceded him, and the then Secretary of State for the Colonies openly stated his intention of offering to Mr. Weld a colonial Governorship. Notwithstanding that a change of government took place at this period in England, Mr. Weld was offered and accepted the position of Governor of Western Australia in 1869.
Arriving in Western Australia with a close knowledge of responsible institutions the new Governor very soon demonstrated that the system of government that then obtained in Western Australia did not meet with his approval. However, his first attempt to form a Government of proper Ministerial responsibility had to be abandoned owing to the peculiar circumstances prevailing in Western Australia at this period, it being judged impossible and unwise to give a full measure of democratic rule. During his term of office as Premier of New Zealand Mr. Weld had been greatly instrumental in bringing all portions of the island into communication by means of the electric telegraph; this he also followed out in Western Australia. The isolation of the colony from the others of the Australian hinterland also occasioned him grave concern, but the larger undertakings were then outside the realm of practical politics.
Another matter that caused His Excellency grave concern was the meagre information available on the character of the interior lands of the State, and he determined to have this somewhat unknown territory explored. His choice of a leader fell upon Mr. (now Sir) John
Forrest, a most happy choice, for in the character of an explorer Sir John now holds a deservedly high place in the annals of Australian adventure. It was during the term of office of Governor Weld that the Education Act was passed, which gave general satisfaction. A system was adopted which placed all religious denominations upon an equality, grants of land being made to all of them by the Governor in proportion to their number. Steam communication was opened up along the coasts, and two of Mr. Weld's last acts were to cut the first sod of the first railway in Western Australia and plant the first post of that telegraph line which was to connect Western Australia with South Australia.
Relinquishing office in December, 1874, he was appointed Governor of Tasmania, where he remained until 1880. On the conclusion of his term of Governor in Tasmania he was knighted and appointed Governor of the Straits Settlements, which position he held until 1887, when he retired on a pension. In 1885 he was created G.C.M.G. Sir Frederick married in 1858 Filomena Mary, eldest daughter of the late Ambrose de Lisee, of Grace Dieu Manor, and Garenden Park, Leicester. He died on July 20, 1891, at Chideock Manor, Bridport, leaving six sons and seven daughters.
Sir Frederick Weld was a man of ability and culture, straightforward and chivalrous both as a Minister and a Governor, but sometimes autocratic and wanting in tact. His life was spent in the colonial empire of Great Britain at a period of great expansion, and his wise and statesmanlike rule certainly proves him to be one of the best administrators that sat in the vice-regal chair in Western Australia.
SIR WILLIAM CLEAVER FRANCIS ROBINSON, G.C.M.G.
(1875-1877, 1880-1883, 1890-1895).
Sir Frederick Weld was succeeded in the office of Governor of Western Australia by another powerful personality, Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, who had not yet attained the dignities which eventually were conferred upon him. The fifth son of Admiral Hercules Robinson, William Cleaver Francis Robinson, who was to follow in the footsteps of his still more illustrious brother, was born in January, 1834. lie entered the colonial service as Private Secretary to his brother, Sir Hercules Robinson, afterwards Baron Rosmead, who was then Lieutenant-Governor of St. Kitts. In 1859 Sir Hercules Robinson was appointed Governor of Hong-Kong, and the subject of our sketch accompanied him, still in the capacity of Private Secretary.
In 1862 Mr. Robinson was appointed President of Montserrat, and was now definitely launched on his career as a builder of that Greater Britain which was to be the outcome of the colonial expansion of the Home Land. From January to October, 1865, Mr. Robinson
administered the government of Dominica, and in May, 1866, became Governor of the Falkland Islands.
It was, however, in his next position that he was to be called upon to display that marvellous ability and tact which were eventually to place him in the front rank of colonial administrators. On July 5, 1870, he assumed the Governorship of King Edward Island, now a part of the Dominion of Canada, and during his administration the vital question of Canadian Union was debated and discussed. Tt is not too much to say that his patience and judicious counsels assisted greatly to bring about the union in 1873.
On November 14, 1874, he was appointed Governor of Western Australia, assuming the position on January 11, 1875. The new Governor was an able administrator, with a large and intimate knowledge of colonial affairs, and considering the part he had played in Canadian Union it came rather as a surprise to find that acting under the instructions of the Secretary of State he set
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iiis face strongly against the agitation for responsible government in Western Australia. During this his first term of office of Governor of the colony the political aspirations of the people were restrained, and as a consequence the administration of Mr. Robinson was of a merely routine nature. He relinquished the position in 1877, on his appointment to the Governorship of the Straits Settlements, following in the footsteps of his distinguished predecessor in the Western Australian Governorship, Sir Frederick Aloysius Weld.
In 1877 he was created K.C.M.G., having been made O.M.G. in 1873, and in 1878 he proceeded to Bangkok on a special visit to invest the King of Siam with the G.C.M.G. insignia, on which occasion he was invested with the Grand Cross of Siam, which he received permission to wear.
On April 10, 1880, he again assumed the office of Governor of Western Australia. During his second administration he left his mark on the colony, for he was successful in wiping out the huge debt of £80,000 and leaving a balance of £32,000 in the Treasury. It was now that the colonists found in him a sympathetic helper in all their political aims, and when in 1883 he left to assume the office of Governor of South Australia it was with feelings of regret that his departure was heralded.
In 1889 he left South Australia to act as Governor of Victoria, during the absence on leave of Sir Henry Loch. His administration, which extended from March 9 to October 18, 1889, was a most pronounced success. On the return of Sir Henry Loch and his subsequent removal to the Cape as Governor of Cape Colony, Sir William administered the government from November 12 to 18,
pending the arrival of the Earl of Hopetoun, who had been appointed to succeed Sir Henry. His administration had been so acceptable in Victoria that at the conclusion of Sir Henry Loch's Governorship the Premier and Leader of the Opposition were about to send a joint request to the Colonial Office, that he might be nominated his successor.
Sir William, who had been created G.C.M.G. in 1887, subsequently proceeded to England, having been nominated for the third time to the office of Governor of Western Australia. Having in view his remarkable administrative ability and tact, the Home authorities desired to avail themselves of his services and knowledge of Western Australian affairs to preside over the inauguration of responsible government in the colony.
While in London he rendered valuable assistance to the Colonial Office and to the delegates from Western Australia in regard to the passing of the Constitution Bill through the Imperial Parliament. Sir William Robinson, during his various terms in the office of Governor, had the satisfaction of seeing the colony rise to a position of importance in the Australian group, and in the promotion of all that made for commercial success and prosperity he earned the unquestioned thanks of the bulk of the inhabitants. He retired from active service in 1895, after a strenuous forty years spent almost wholly in the service of the colonial empire.
Sir William married on April 7, 1862, Olivia Edith Dean, daughter of Thomas Stewart Townsend, Bishop of Neath, and by her he had three sons and two daughters. He died at South Kensington on May 2, 1897, in his sixty-third year.
Photo by Burtletto. (Copyright.)
Govf.rnob Robinson.
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HARRY ST. GEORGE ORD, R.E.,
K.C.M.G., C.B. (1877-1880).
The subject of this sketch, who was appointed Governor of Western Australia in 1877, succeeding Sir William Robinson after his first term, was born at North Cray, Kent, on June 17, 1819. The son of a Captain in the Royal Artillery, he was early destined for the military profession, being educated privately at Woolwich and afterwards entering the Royal Military Academy in 1835. He received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on December 14, 1837. He was promoted Lieutenant on May 27, 1839, and stationed at Woolwich and in Ireland. He was transferred to the
West Indies in 1840, remaining there for six years. In 1846 he was promoted Captain.
From 1849 Captain Ord devoted himself to the duties of his profession, and so highly were his services esteemed by his superiors that he was sent on special duty to the West Coast of Africa. On his return he received the thanks of the Admiralty for his report in regard to the naval works at the Isle of Ascension.
Captain Ord was appointed adjutant to the Royal Engineers at Chatham in 1852, becoming Brigade-Major of the Royal Engineers in the combined French and Eng-
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THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
lisli expedition to the Baltic in 1854. Ord was present at the siege and capture of Bomarsund, and was mentioned in despatches. He was promoted Brevet-Major on September 8, 1854.
The year 1855 saw the beginning of Ord's colonial work, for at that period his services were placed at the disposal of the Colonial Office, and he was sent as Special Commissioner to the Gold Coast, returning to military duty in May, 1856. However, his military duties were very much broken by periods of special service, and it was not until September, 1857, that he definitely set out on his career as a colonial administrator.
On September 2, 1857, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Island of Dominica in the West Indies, and he assumed the office on November 4 of the same year. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1859, and in 1860, while in England, was offered and accepted the position of Governor of the Bermudas, being gazetted to the position on February 16, 1861, assuming the government the following month.
In January, 1864, he again returned Home on leave, during which time he received promotion to the rank of Colonel, and his peculiar qualifications led to his being sent to the West Coast of Africa as Special Commissioner in connection with the disturbances of the Ashantis. He returned to England in October of the same year, having been created C.B., resuming the government of the Bermudas without delay.
On February 5, 1867, he was appointed first Colonial Governor of the Straits Settlements, which up to this time had been administered by the Government of India. On assuming the position in 1867 he was elevated
to the dignity of Knighthood, and two years later was promoted Major-General. So successful were his efforts, especially in regard to the diverse Eastern races, over which he was called upon to exercise authority, that his tenure of office was extended and he remained at Singapore until 1873.
On relinquishing this position Sir Harry went on sick leave, his health having suffered severely by prolonged residence in tropical climates, and for four years he remained unemployed. In 1877 he was created K.C.M.G. and appointed in April of the same year Governor of Western Australia. He assumed office in November, 1877, and simply ‘ marked time” to allow of his concluding the full period of service as a colonial Governor, and so retire with the maximum pension, which he did in April, 1880.
As an administrator during this period in the history of the colony he might have done good work, but his admittedly high talents were not conspicuous during this period. Having lived for many years in Asiatic lands he displayed a great desire to introduce Asiatics into the colony, a tendency which was smartly checked. His administration closed on April 6, 1880, having had not the slightest effect on the destinies of Western Australia.
On May 24, 1881, he was made a G.C.M.G., employing his leisure in cultivating and disseminating his undoubted knowledge of zoological science. He died at Homburg on August 20, 1885.
Sir Harry married on May 28, 1846, Julia, daughter of Admiral James Carpenter, by whom he had three sons.
SIR FREDERICK NAPIER BROOME, K.C.M.G. (1883-1889).
Sir Frederick Broome was the eldest son of the Rev. Frederick Broome, Rector of Renley, Salop, by his wife Catherine Eleanor, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Napier. The future Governor of Western Australia was born in Canada on November 18, 1842, and was educated at Whitcchurch Grammar School, Salop. Early imbued with the possibilities of the colonial empire, Broome emigrated to New Zealand at the age of fifteen years, and until the year 1864 was continuously engaged in pastoral pursuits in that colony. Visiting England in 1864 he met Mary Anne, widow of General Barker, whom he married on June 21, 1865.
Returning to his sheep station after his marriage he continued his occupation as a shcepfarmer, but severed his connection with pastoral pursuits and incidentally with the colony of New Zealand in 1869. Becoming again domiciled in England, he contributed largely to the columns of The Times, eventually entering wholly upon the staff of that journal. He acted as special correspondent for the paper on many notable occasions. In the later portion of his connection with the newspaper he acted as general reviewer, in which capacity his clearness of thought brought him into more than usual prominence. Not altogether satisfied with his literary efforts from a
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journalistic point of view Mr. Broome essayed authorship upon his own account, publishing two volumes of verse, and was a general contributor to the pages of the contemporary magazines. He was appointed in 1870 Secretary to St. Paul’s Cathedral Completion Committee, and in 1873 Secretary to the Royal Commission on unsea-worthy ships.
In 1875 he first found employment in the Colonial Office, being appointed by the Earl of Carnarvon, the Secretary of State, to proceed with Sir Garnet Wolseley to Natal as Colonial Secretary. From this post he was transferred on promotion to the Colonial Secretaryship of Mauritius, where he had several opportunities of displaying his capacity as an administrator during the absence on leave of the Lieutenant-Governor. Eventually he was appointed Lieutenant - Governor of the Mauritius in 1880, and on the disasters to the British arms at Bandula he dispatched at once nearly the whole of the garrison of Mauritius as reinforcements.
This promptitude, which helped materially to save the situation, at once marked him as an administrator and man of affairs of undoubted capacity, and his further advancement in the colonial service was only a matter of time.
On December 14, 1882, he was appointed Governor of Western Australia, and assumed office in June, 1883. In 1884 he was created K.C.M.G. The position of the colony during Governor Broome’s early administration was far from satisfactory, and in 1885 he visited England with a view of extending a knowledge of the resources of the colony. A resort to a system of borrowing resulted in some expansion, and the extension of railways and telegraphs led to some general progress. Despite all efforts to place things on a better footing, it was seen that the future depended upon a more enlarged system of government, and eventually Sir Frederick became converted to the popular view and did much to facilitate the granting of responsible government.
It now became Sir Frederick’s duty to act as intermediary between the Legislative Council of Western Australia and the Secretary of State. After considerable discussion the details of the new Constitution were settled and a Bill approved by the Imperial Parliament was passed. To correct the extraordinary misapprehensions which arose in regard to the transfer of the immense tracts of Crown lands, the Governor published a lengthy letter in The Times which had a good effect. But the matter was not. yet settled, and only on the evidence of the Governor and two leading members of the Western Australian Legislature who journeyed to London to appear before a Select Committee were the numerous and galling restrictions of the original measure abrogated. In this matter Sir Frederick Broome had the best interests of the colony at heart, and it is due to his untiring energy that this State has reaped such a large measure of success.
Sir Frederick Broome’s tenure of the government of Western Australia came to an end with his mission to England, and finally ceased in September, 1890. The Governor had certainly many faults, want of tact and overbearing temperament being among the number, and his quarrels with his subordinates will ever be remembered as regrettable episodes marring an otherwise great career. He was undoubtedly an able administrator, as the earlier portion of his colonial service will bear ample testimony, but if he failed in Western Australia he failed as an administrator. Several of his actions in regard to his subordinates amounted almost to a public scandal. Nevertheless, he worked hard and well in the interests of the colony, and while condoning his faults let us extol his virtues. Sufficient to say he left the colony amid popular demonstrations of gratitude.
He proceeded to the West Indies, where he was appointed Acting-Governor of the Barbadoes, and afterwards Governor of Trinidad. He died in London on November 26, 1896.
SIR GERARD SMITH, K.C.M.G. (1895-1900).
Sir Gerard Smith, who succeeded Sir William Robin- Destined for the military profession he joined the Scotch son as Governor of Western Australia, was born in Fusiliers as an ensign at the age of eighteen. He saw London in 1839, being the son of T. Smith, Esq., M.P. active service in Canada, being a member of the expedi-
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lion sent out in consequence of the embroglio due to seizure of Mason and Sidell by the American Government. After a somewhat uneventful military career he retired from the army in 1874, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and joined his father’s business, of Smith & Wilberforce, bankers, of Hull.
On entering this business Sir Gerard took a large and active interest in the commercial life of the county, at the same time paving the way for an entrance into political life. In 1879 he suggested the building of the Hull to Barnsley railway, to break down the monopoly of the North-Eastern Company, and on the formation of the Company he
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Govern oh Smith.
became its first Chairman. He contested in 1883 the High Wycombe scat and was returned as a Liberal supporter, but on the Home Rule question he was at variance with Mr. Gladstone, and he left the Liberal ranks and became a Unionist.
Sir Gerard, who had been a Groom-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria, was knighted in 1895, and appointed Governor of Western Australia, assuming the government on December 23 of that year. He relinquished the position in June, 1900, and returned to England to his former commercial pursuits.
In 1871 he married Chatelaine, daughter of Canon Hamilton, and has two sons and three daughters.
HON. SIR ARTHUR LAWLEY, G.C.I.E., K.C.M.G. (1901-1902).
Sir Arthur Lawley, who assumed the position of Governor of Western Australia on May 1, 1901, was born on November 12, 1860, being the fourth son of the second Baron Wcnlock. Like the scions of many aristocratic families in England lie was intended for the military profession, eventually attaining the rank of Captain in the 10th Hussars. In 1885 Sir Arthur married Annie Allen, daughter of Sir Edward Cunard, Bart., of steamship fame. Relinquishing his military career for the wider outlook of politics, Sir Arthur became Private Secretary to the late Duke of Westminster, acting in that capacity from 1892 to 1896.
In 1896 he was appointed Secretary to Earl Grey, and in November of the same year he assumed the office of Deputy-Administrator of Matabeleland, the duties of which office he carried out with conspicuous tact and ability
Photo by Bartletto. (Copyright.)
Governor Lawley.
at a most critical period. In 1897 he was appointed Administrator of Matabeleland, which office he relinquished to assume that of Governor of Western Australia.
Arriving in this State on April 30, 1901, the unvarying tact and courtesy he displayed soon endeared him to all shades and classes of public opinion in Western Australia, being ably seconded in all his work by Lady Lawley. On the Declaration of Peace in 1902 he relinquished the office of Governor in Western Australia, being transferred to the important’post of Lieutenant-Governor of the Transvaal, lie was created K.C.M.G. in 1901 on assuming the Governorship of Western Australia.
In 1906 Sir Arthur was appointed Governor of Madras, which position he at present occupies, being created G.C.I.E. in the same year.
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ADMIRAL SIR FREDERICK GEORGE DENHAM BEDFORD,
G.C.B., G.C.M.G. (1903-1909).
The next holder of the office of Governor of Western Australia was a naval officer with a most distinguished career, in the person of Admiral Sir F. G. D. Bedford,
G. C.B., G.C.M.G. The son of an eminent naval officer,
Sir Frederick, who was born in 1838, entered the Navy in 1852. He served as midshipman in ll.M.S. ‘‘Sampson” during 1854, and had the unique distinction of being present at the bombardment of Odessa, the taking of the redoubt of Kaleh, and also the bombardment of Sebastopol. For these services he received the Crimean and Turkish medals. In 1855 he joined _
H. M.S. “Vulture” and took part, in the Baltic expedition, subsequently receiving the Swedish medal. In 1859 he was promoted Lieutenant, Commander in 1871, attaining the rank of Captain in 1876. In 1877 he was in command of H.M.S. “Shah” in her engagement with the Peruvian ironclad “Huascar,” off Ylo, in May, 1877.
He was actively engaged during the Gordon Relief Expedition in 1884, receiving the special thanks of the Admiralty for his organization of the Nile flotilla of the expedition. Sir Frederick was promoted C.B. in 1886, and two years later appointed A.D.C. to Queen Victoria.
Tlis exceptionally high talents were responsible for his appointment as a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty from 1889-92, being also a member of the Committee formed to report upon the manning of the Navy. In 1891 Captain Bedford was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, and hoisted his flag on H.M.S. “St. George,” as Commander-in-Chief at the Cape, in 1892. During the period of this commission Admiral Bed-
ford was engaged in strenuous active naval work, which he carried to a brilliant and successful conclusion. In 1894 he conducted the operations at Bathurst, on the River Gambia, for the punishment of Fodi Silah, a rebellious slave-raiding chief. Later it was found necessary to land a punitive expedition against the Chief Namra of Brohemic in the Benin River, and in recognition of his great services Admiral Bedford was created K.C.B. In February, 1895, he landed a Naval Brigade for the punishment of King Koko, of Nimby, on the Niger River, and brought the operations to a successful conclusion.
On resigning the command of the Cape Station Admiral Bedford was presented with an appreciative address by the residents of the Naval Station. In 1895 he was appointed Lord of the Admiralty, relinquishing the office in 1899 to become Commander-in-Chief of the North American and West Indies Station, which position he held until 1903. Sir Frederick was created G.C.B. in 1902, and in 1903 accepted the position of Governor of Western Australia, which he held until 1909. The expressed wish of the people of this State, that he should allow himself to be nominated for a further term, was declined by Sir Frederick, who pointed out that for fifty-seven years he had been continually at work in the service of the Crown. A most enviable record.
In 1909 he relinquished the Governorship of Western Australia and returned to England, where he now resides.
In 1880 Sir Frederick married Ethel, daughter of E. R. Turner, Ipswich, and has two sons and a daughter.
Photo by Bnrtletto. (.Copyright.)
Governor Bedford.
SIR GERALD STRICKLAND, K.C.M.G. (1909-Still in Office).
His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia. Sir Gerald Strickland, K.C.M.G., of Sizergh Castle, Westmoreland (where the family has been settled for 800 years past), sixth Count della Catena, in the island of Malta, is the eldest son of Captain Walter Strickland, R.N., by his wife Louisa, only child of Peter Paul Bonici Montpalas, LL.D., Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, and heiress of her uncle, Sir Nicholas Sceberras-Bologna, K.C.M.G., fifth Count della
Catena, of Malta. Born on May 24, 1861, he was educated at Oscatt College, Birmingham. In 1879, by judgment of the Privy Council, he succeeded to the title and estates of his maternal great-uncle as sixth Count-dell a Catena.
Entering Trinity College, Cambridge, he obtained honours in the Law Tripos of 1887 (B.A., LL.B.). During his sojourn at that ancient seat of learning he had the honour of being elected President,
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
of the Union Society. He served in 1886 as Lieutenant in the Cambridge University Rifles, Volunteer Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, and at a later date he raised a regiment of Royal Malta Militia, in which he continues to hold a commission as Major. Leaving Cambridge he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple, and practised before the Privy Council.
In the meantime, however, his native land was calling for his services and, on behalf of Malta, he was chosen to attend the Colonial Conference of 1887, having also a further honour paid to him in that, whilst still at the University, he was elected a member of the Council of the Government of Malta. During that year an outbreak of cholera in the island assumed serious proportions, and Sir Gerald organized a cholera committee, of which he acted as chairman. In that capacity he worked strenuously and with such benefit to the community that in return for his efforts lie was created a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
In 1888 he was appointed Assistant Secretary to the Government of Malta, and in the following year was promoted to be Chief Secretary, a position which he held until 1902, while the nobility of the island selected him as President of their Committee of Privileges. In 1889 he was entrusted with the conduct of negotiations as to the Papal veto on appointments to the See of Malta, and received the official thanks of the Imperial Government for his services.
His thirteen years’ occupancy of the position of Chief Secretary was marked by the initiation and consummation of many important reforms, including a new system of education and the planning of a new breakwater, by means of which the harbour accommodation of Valetta might be doubled. To him, also, are credited the improvement in the sanitary condition of the island, the increased efficiency of the water supply and of the police force as well as the establishment of the militia. Some of his reforms, particularly those dealing with the trial in English instead of in Italian of British subjects not born in Malta, and an attempt to abolish Italian altogether from the Courts, were the subject of prolonged agitation.
In these and other affairs the newspapers were by no means favourably inclined to him at the time, but in 1904, when congratulating Sir Gerald on a well-deserved promotion, the Malta Chronicle generously admitted that, although at the time unable to see it, the credit for much of the advancement of the island must be ascribed to him.
His various services earned for him the rank of K.C.M.G. in 1897, and in 1902 he was promoted to be Governor of the Leeward Islands. On relinquishing the position of Chief Secretary the Governor of Malta, Sir Francis (now Lord) Grenfell, in a despatch to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State placed upon record his very high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the island by Sir Gerald during his tenure of office. He remained in the West Indies but two years, during which he accomplished much in the way of developing the trade of the islands, especially in the way of cotton-growing, and was the means of inducing the sugar-growers to enter into a combination which led to the erection of two central factories containing the most modern appliances. The report of the Royal Commissioners on Canada and the West Indies incidentally refers to this matter in the following terms: —
We urge that every possible means be taken to introduce into the islands named improved methods of manufacture. The Central Sugar Factory in Antigua furnishes a striking argument in favour of this recommendation. It would be difficult to use exaggerated terms respecting the benefits conferred by this factory on the present cultivators of cane and the sugar industry generally of Antigua; we could not
fail to observe that recognition of these benefits was
universal throughout the Leeward Islands.
His Excellency in 1904 was appointed Governor of Tasmania, a post which he held with great satisfaction to the people of that State, proving himself eminently suited to the position of a constitutional governor. In May, 1909, he received further promotion to the position he now occupies, that of Governor of this State, in which he possesses the unbounded respect and goodwill of the whole community.
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On August 26, 1890, Sir Gerald was married in London to the Lady Edeline Sackville, daughter of the seventh Earl De La Warr, second Baron Buckhurst, and twenty-second Baron West, by the Honourable Mary Constance Cochrane Baillie, daughter of the first Lord Lamington. They have had seven children: Reginald, who died in infancy; Mary Christina; Cecilia Victoria, born at Sizergh, July, 1897; Mabel; Walter, born in 1901 at Sizergh, where he died in the following year; Margaret, who died in infancy; and Henrietta, born at Antigua in 1904.
Lady Edeline has been of great assistance to her husband in his work, more particularly in the direction of encouraging charitable effort. In ITobart she was instrumental in founding a maternity hospital for those not in a position to afford private
nursing and yet able to bear some part of the expense—an institution which has served a valuable purpose in those directions; while in this State, besides giving all possible help to every charity, she is actively connected with the Home of Peace as a member of the Committee, and has held the position of Patroness of the Children's Hospital ever since the institution was opened. Lady Edeline has also taken a great interest in the formation in this State of a branch of the National Council of Women, an institution formed for the purpose of affording a means of communication between women workers throughout the world.
His Excellency is the author of a work entitled ‘‘Correspondence and Remarks on the Constitution of Malta," and is also a contributor to the pages of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica.”
The Federal Legislature
The Federal Parliament consists of two Chambers, both elected by adult suffrage, and therefore both the reflex of the absolute opinion of the people throughout the Commonwealth, of pure European descent, and untainted by crime.
The Senate consists of six representatives from each State, who are elected by the entire State voting as one constituency. The House of Representatives is elected upon a population basis, but a certain amount of proportional representation is incorporated, as no State has a representation of less than five members. The members of the Senate chosen by Western Australia to sit in the first Federal Parliament were as follow :
Hugh DeLargie.
Norman Kirkwood Ewing.
Edward Augustine Harney.
Alexander Percival Matheson.
George Foster Pearce.
Miles Staniforth Smith.
To the House of Representatives five members were returned for Western Australia, and for the purpose of the first federal election the State was formed into five electoral districts, each comprising certain of the then existing State electoral districts as defined in the Constitution Act Amendment Act of 1899. The first Representatives elected for the State were: —
Right Hon. Sir John Forrest, P.C., G.C.M.G., Swan.
James MacKinnon Fowler, Perth.
John Waters Kirwan, Kalgoorlie.
Hugh Mahon, Coolgardie.
Elias Solomon, Fremantle.
On April 17, 1903, Senator Ewing resigned his seat, and on July 29 Mr. Henry John Saunders was elected to fill the vacant position. Sir John Forrest, who had held the portfolio of Minister of State for Defence in the first Federal Ministry, accepted the position of Minister of State for Home Affairs in the second.
The second General Election of members of the Commonwealth Parliament took place on December 16, 1903. For the Senate Messrs. DeLargie, Harvey, and Saunders had to retire. Mr. DeLargie was re-elected, the other two members being Messrs. John William Croft and George Henderson. For the House of Representatives Sir John Forrest and Messrs. Mahon and Fowler were re-elected, the two new members being Messrs. William Henry Carpenter (Fremantle) and Charles Edward Frazer (Kalgoorlie).
On the resignation of Mr. Deakin’s Ministry in
1904 Mr. Hugh Mahon, the member for Coolgardie, accepted office in the Watson Ministry as Postmaster-General. The Watson Administration was followed by the Reid-McLean Coalition, in which Ministry no Western Australian representative held any portfolio. The second Deakin Administration, in which Sir John Forrest held the position of Treasurer, accepted office on July 5, 1905.
On December 12, 1906, the third General Election for the Federal Parliament took place. For the Senate Mr. G. F. Pearce was re-elected, and Messrs. Needham and Lynch chosen for the other two seats. For the House of Representatives, Sir John Forrest, and Messrs. Fowler, Frazer, and Mahon retained their seats, but Mr. Carpenter was displaced at Fremantle by Mr. Hedges. Mr. Deakin’s Administration, which had hitherto held office under the three-party system, by support of the Labour section, again returned to office, when some slight changes were made in the personnel of the Ministry, Sir John Forrest still retaining office as Treasurer. However, on July 29 of the succeeding year Sir John resigned, giving as his reason the election pledges he had made. During the General Election Sir John had been a determined opponent of the Labour Party, and though not personally antagonistic he considered he could not continue to further form one of a Ministry which was kept in office by support of the Labour Party.
On November 13, 1908, Mr. Deakin’s Administration was succeeded by a Labour Ministry, in which the respective portfolios of Home Affairs and Defence were held by Messrs. H. Mahon and G. F. Pearce, both Western Australian representatives. This Administration was again replaced by the Deakin-Cook Coalition, in which Sir John Forrest again held the portfolio of Treasurer.
On April 13, 1910, the fourth General Election was held, and resulted in the re-election of Senators DeLargie and Henderson, while Mr. Buzacott, a Labour nominee, secured the third seat. No change took place in the representation in the Lower House.
Mr. Fisher, whose party had returned to power with a large majority, accepted office as Prime Minister, and in the Ministry were included Senator Pearce as Minister for Defence and Mr. Frazer as Honorary Minister. Some time late Mr. Frazer accepted the portfolio of Postmaster-General, so that the present Government contains two Western Australian representatives among its personnel.
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The Senate.
Senator RICHARD BUZACOTT was born at Clare, South Australia, in the year 1870, and educated at the Stanley Public School, in the same district. His schooldays ended, he found employment in agricultural work at Clare and Blyth, and at the age of twenty-one years proceeded to Broken Hill, New South Wales, where he worked on the mines for eight years. In 1899 he proceeded to Queensland and spent twelve months in the copper and tin mining industries, going thence to the Coon-garrie fields (then known as the Ninety-Mile) in Western Australia, where he arrived in 1900. Here Mr. Buzacott turned his attention to prospecting the surrounding country, with fluctuating results. In 1904 he became an aspirant for Parliamentary honours and entered the lists for the Menzies electorate, unsuccessfully opposing the present Minister for Mines, the Honourable II. Gregory, M.L.A. Two years later he suffered his second defeat for the same constituency, but, nothing daunted, Mr. Buzacott was again to
Tiartletto, Perth.
Senator Richard Buzacott.
the fore at the elections of 1908, when he won a hard-fought battle from his doughty opponent by the barest margin of seven votes, only to be unseated on appeal. Going before the electors of the district for the fourth time, Mr. Buzacott received
his coup de grdee in favour of the sitting member. At the Federal elections of 1910 he stood for the Senate, gaining a well-merited success. In 1908 Mr. Buzacott espoused Lucy, daughter of the late Mr. Douglas Marshall, of Bendigo, Victoria, the issue being a son.
Senator HUGH DE LARGIE, Representative for Western Australia in the Federal Parliament, is a son of Mr. Archibald ILamilton de Largie, of Airdrie, Scotland, where the gentleman under review was born on March 26, 1859. He
attended St. Margaret’s School in his native town, and from boyhood days was engaged in the iron and mining industries. In 1887 he came to Australia and followed mining pursuits in Queensland for about a year, at the end of which period he proceeded to various mining fields in New South Wales. His initial entry into public life was made through the agency of trade-unions in that State, where during the great maritime strike he acted as delegate for the Mount Kembla miners. He filled a similar position in West Wallsend, and at Wallsend, in the Newcastle district, held the appointment of Secretary to the Labour League for a number of years. In 1895 Mr. de Largie sailed for Western Australia and assisted in establishing the first Miners’ Union at Kalgoorlie and Boulder. Pie took a prominent part in all public questions affecting the goldfields, and was a member of the Executive of the Separation League which was responsible for a gigantic petition to the Imperial Government. When the anti-Federalists abandoned their hostility to Australian nationality this League was turned into a Federation Movement. He was President of the Amalgamated Workers’ Association for three years, during which period the Association developed into by far the most powerful Labour organization in Western Australia, with branches at Perth, Fremantle, the timber districts, and all the goldfields in the State. In 1899 the first Labour Congress in Western Australia was held at
Uoolgardie, and Mr. de Largie was unanimously elected to preside over the gathering; and in the same year he was selected by the goldfields unions to contest a seat in the first
Bar/letto, Perth.
Senator Hugh de Largte.
Australian Senate, to which he was duly elected. In 1904 he again successfully contested the scat and established the unique record of securing the largest number of votes in every electoral division of the State. When the third Federal elections were held he was again elected, and in 1909 secured the largest vote recorded in a selection ballot, i.e., 7,000. During the
period of his service as a Senator he has filled the appointment of Commissioner to inquire into navigation and shipping questions, and has also been a member of the Royal Commission which dealt with matters affecting the Postal Department, and materially assisted to elaborate a system for the better working of the department, the report in connection with which called forth unstinted praise from those best fitted to express an opinion. Since 1906 Senator de Largie has discharged the duties of Whip for his party. In 1884 he married Mary McGregor, of Town-head, Glasgow, and has three daughters and a son.
u
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Senator GEORGE HENDERSON is a son of the late Mr. George Henderson, of Rothesay, Bute, Scotland, and was born on August 19, 1861. His early educational advantages were limited, and though he was aided by his father in making the most of those that lay within his reach, the necessity of turning
Senator George Henderson.
out at an early age to earn his bread interfered with the progress of his studies very seriously. When only eight or nine years old he began life as pony-boy in a Northumberland coal mine, and continued there until his fifteenth year, when he engaged in coal-mining in the Newcastle district until 1885. During this period he availed himself to the full of the opportunities offered to the studiously inclined by classes held in connection with the Miners’ Hall, and eventually decided to try his fortune in Australia, the Land of Golden Promise. Arriving in Sydney on October 5, 1885, he proceeded to the Illawarra district, New South Wales, where the coal-mining industry was in full swing. Here he manifested so active an interest in the industrial affairs of the mining community that he was appointed General Secretary to the Miners’ Union of the Illawarra district, which position he held from 1891 until 1899. Resigning his post he came to the western State and landed at Collie, where he continued in coal-mining pursuits, and ultimately was made Manager of the Wallsend Coal Mine, in that district. Twelve months later he retired from this ap-
pointment to take up the duties of General Secretary to the Miners’ Union of Western Australia, and continued to hold this position until his election to the Senate in 1904, in the interests of the Labour Party. As a Senator he has distinguished himself by his sturdy fight for the establishment of an all-Australian line of mail steamers under subsidy of the Government, and in the immediate future hopes to witness the materialization of his earnest endeavours in this direction. He is an enthusiastic advocate of Home Rule for Ireland, and his fino speech in support of the resolution brought before the Federal Parliament will long be remembered, and went far towards securing the successful issue which attended this important debate. Senator Henderson’s jovial personality and stanch attitude on all questions affecting the workers of Australia have brought him the esteem of his fellow-men, as was strongly evidenced at the elections of 1910, when he was returned at the head of the poll. He has always actively exerted himself on behalf of the workers of the community, and to him is due the credit of establishing the co-operative principle of trading both in the Illawarra district of New South Wales and at Collie, where, mainly through his efforts, and after a course of lectures, a Co-operative Society was founded which is now in a most flourishing condition, having a membership of 600 and owning its own bakery, grocery, and general stores. The premises, stock, and rolling-stock of this important organization are now valued at about £6,000, and it speaks well for the management that the lowest dividends ever paid have been at the rate 10 per cent, per annum. Senator Henderson was a member of the Municipal Council of Collie for four years, resigning office upon his elevation to the Senate, and was one of the founders of the Progress Committee of the same town. lie is connected with the I.O.O.F , and has passed through all the chairs of that body. A player of Rugby football in his youth, nor loath to follow any manly sport, at the present time he is chiefly devoted to the game of draughts (in which as a player he excels) and to billiards. He married Ann, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Grey, of Stella, County Durham, England, and has a son and a daughter. The latter displays special aptitude for music, and although
still quite a child plays both the piano and the violin with marked ability. The son follows the profession of an electrician in Sydney.
Senator PATRICK JOSEPH LYNCH, Representative for Western Australia in the Federal Parliament, is a son of the late Mr. Michael Lynch, of Skearke, New castle, County Meath, Ireland, and received his education at the Cor-meen National School, and later at the Ballieborough Model School, County Cavan. Tie continued his studies in the intervals allowed by the farm duties which he took up at the age of fifteen, on his father’s property, and three years later emigrated to Southern Queensland. He proceeded from Charleville to the Croydon gold rush, a distance of 900 miles overland, and continued on that field for about three years. His fortunes beginning to ebb he set out for the scene of the first discovery of gold in Western Australia inland from Cossack Gulf, but at Port Darwin the reported failure of the find caused him to change his plans for the future and he decided to look to the sea for a livelihood. For seven years he wras employed in
Bartletto, Perth.
Senator Patrick Joseph Lynch.
that most arduous of physical occupations, firing in the stokehold, whence he graduated to the charge of the engineering department of the ship, and it was during that period that he made a study of the various branches of his calling and
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secured his certificate as marine engineer. He had many trying experiences in his seafaring life, suffering shipwreck and other perilous adventures of the sea. For the attempted rescue of a fellow-seaman by jumping overboard on a dark night in the shark-infested waters of Fiji he had conferred upon him the certificate of the Royal Humane Society. Having visited all quarters of the globe he relinquished marine pursuits and obtained work as an engineer on a sugar plantation in the South Sea Islands. Here reports reached him of the steady prosperity of the gold-mining industry in Western Australia, and following the alluring gleam eventually he arrived at Hannan’s Field, where the real work of his life may be said to have begun. Before the days of the Arbitration Court he was a strong advocate for the union of workers in the different departments of industrial life, and won highly favourable opinions for the clear and forceful way in which he voiced the sentiments of the people with whom he was so closely associated. Outside his own Association he was selected by several other Labour organizations to represent them before the Arbitration Court after this institution came into being. He was one of the founders of the Enginedrivers’ Association and held the post of General Secretary to that body for nearly five years. His intelligent interest in the welfare of the general public won for him election to the Boulder Municipal Council in 1902, and he also occupied a seat on the Board of Health, the Roads Board, and, indeed, held membership in every existing society for the advancement of the district. In 1904 a redistribution of seats took place in the State Parliament, and a new constituency having been created at Leonora Mr. Lynch was nominated in the Labour interests and returned unopposed. One year later, the Labour Party having come into power at the general elections, upon the subsequent reconstruction of the Ministry he accepted the portfolio of Minister for Works and held that office until the resignation of the Labour Cabinet. At the approach of the Federal elections of 1906 he was selected in conjunction with the Honourable G. F. Pearce, present Minister of Defence, and Senator Needham to stand for u2
the Senate in the Commonwealth Parliament, and was returned with the other two members of the trio. He took a most prominent part in the famous Tariff debate of 1907, during which his utterances elicited the most highly commendatory notices from the Press and others who, though opposed to his party, could not forbear their full meed of praise for the worthy service rendered to his State and country by Senator Lynch on that occasion. Outside of politics he devotes the greater part of his time to farming pursuits on the property comprising 2,500 acres, owned by him in partnership with his brother at Three Springs, Western Australia. Senator Lynch is still a member of the Enginedrivers’ Association, of the Hibernian Society, the Irish National Foresters, and of the Celtic Club. A great reader, he gives his attention chiefly to the perusal of historical and standard works. In 1901 he married Annie, daughter of the late Mr. Michael Cleary, of County Clare, Ireland, and has a son and two daughters.
Senator EDWARD NEEDHAM is a son of the late Mr. Patrick Needham, of Newport, County Mayo, Ireland, and was born on September 30, 1874, at Ormskirk, Lancashire, England. He was educated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School in Sunderland and at Sea-ham Harbour, England, and at the age of twelve years found employment as a trapper-boy in a coal mine at the latter place, where he continued for two years. At this juncture the Needham family migrated to Scotland, and in this new sphere young Needham turned his attention to the weaving industry, entering the Paisley Mills. Subsequently he found employment in various shipyards, at which trade he worked for several years, but in 1901 he threw down tools and took passage to Australia. In the land of his adoption he found work in the Rocky Bay quarries, but soon after relinquished this strenuous employment to take a position in the Government Railway Workshops at Fremantle as boilermaker assistant. From the time of his arrival in the State Mr. Needham had evinced a keen interest in local politics, and as early as February, 1904, was selected to contest the Fremantle constituency in the interests of the Labour Party. In
the following June the electors solidly endorsed the selection and ho was returned to the State Parliament as representative for the Fremantle seat in the Legislative Assembly. In October, 1905, a dissolution of Parliament took place, and at the ensuing elections Mr. Needham suffered defeat at the hands of the late
Bartletto, Perth.
Senator Edward Needham.
Hon. J. Price, and he again unsuccessfully contested the seat upon the elevation of Mr. Price to be Minister for Works in the Moore Administration. This lack of appreciation on the part of his former constituents directed Mr. Needham’s attention to the arena of Federal politics, and being chosen by the Labour selection ballot as one of their candidates at the elections in December, 1906, he was returned to the Senate of the Federal Parliament in company with Senators Pearce and Lynch. It is a remarkable coincidence that Senator Needham’s maiden speech in the Federal Parliament was made on the exact anniversary of the day of his arrival in Australia six years previously, and his meteoric rise to political power is but one instance of the wonderful opportunities presented to all alike by the Commonwealth of Australia. Senator Needham has been connected with the Labour movement since his teens, and in his sixteenth year he was President of the Renfrew branch of the Amalgamated Shipyard Helpers’ Society of Scotland. In Australia he has been an indefatigable worker in the Labour
interests, and prior to his election t.o the Senate held various offices in connection with the industrial and political organizations of the Party. What little leisure he has apart from his political duties is devoted to amateur photography. He also derives pleasure from the game of billiards and is a worthy exponent of this fascinating pastime. Senator Needham married in 1908 Lilian Helen, daughter of Mr. Charles Gosden, of Chobhum, Surrey, England, and has issue one son.
The Honourable GEORGE FOSTER PEARCE, a Labour Senator for Western Australia, Minister of State for Defence, and a distinguished personality in Federal politics, was born at Mount Barker in South Australia, being the son of James and Jane Pearce. The education of Mr. Pearce was carried out at the Government School at Redhill, South Australia. After leaving school he was apprenticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner, and eventually came to Western Australia in 1892, where he laboured at his trade. In 1894 Mr Pearce went to the goldfields, shortly after their discovery. During his residence in Western Australia Mr. Pearce has been closely identified with the organization of labour, rapidly attaining a commanding position in the councils of the party. He was Secretary of the United Trades Council in 1896 and President in 1899, and the confidence so
early made manifest by his fellow-workmen has always been retained. His first essay in public life was made when he entered the Subiaco Council in 1899, of which body he remained a member until 1901. In 1901 Mr. Pearce was returned as a Senator in the Labour interest for bhe State of Western Australia, being re-elected in 1906 and appointed Chairman of Committees. In 1909 Mr. Pearce was appointed Minister
Bartletto, Perth.
Senator George Foster Pearce.
of State for Defcnco in the first Federal Labour Administration, and his conduct of the affairs of that department for the short period of
the Government earned the heartiest commendation even from his political opponents. However, his greatest effort, no doubt, has been achieved in the present Labour Administration, in which he was appointed Minister of Defence on the assumption of office by the party in 1910. Though the germ of the compulsory training scheme had certainly been outlined by the previous Administration, under whose auspices the visit of Lord Kitchener to Australia had taken place, Mr. Pearce, whilst accepting much that was good in the previous scheme, removed many of the anomalies, and with the slightest possible delay brought the whole into practical effect. With the wisdom which has been part of his administration, Mr. Pearce ratified the engagement entered into by the previous Administration with Colonel Kirkpatrick, who had assisted Lord Kitchener to frame the scheme of Australian defence. The freedom given to this officer and the support of his actions by the wise administration of the department have done much to put the military defence of Australia on a sound basis. In naval affairs the same wisdom that has characterized Mr. Pearce’s actions on the military side of defence is strongly in evidence, and by careful and thoughtful attention and wise administration the present Minister of Defence has gained not only the hearty co-operation of all those interested in defence, but also earned a place in Australian contemporary history that it will be hard to rival.
The House of Representatives.
The Right Honourable Sir JOHN FORREST, P.C., G.C.M.G., LL.D., M.H.R. Shakespeare says that “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Foremost of the sons of Western Australia, it is undoubtedly true that John Forrest has achieved greatness by the wholehearted and indefatigable service he has rendered to his native State. The son of the late William Forrest, he was born near Bunbury on August 22, 1847, and was educated at the Bishop’s School, Perth, the forerunner of the present High School.
At the age of eighteen he entered the Survey Department of the State, where his manly qualities and capacity for leadership became so marked that in 1869 he was commissioned to lead an expedition into the interior of Western Australia in search of the missing explorer Leichhardt, whose fate still remains a mystery. The experience gained on that trip led to his employment on other expeditions for exploring and opening up the vast territory of Western Australia, the most important being from Perth to Adelaide along the shores of the Great Australian Bight in 1870, and
in 1874 from Geraldton across the centre of the continent to the telegraph line which had just then been erected from Adelaide to Port Darwin, and thence to Adelaide, a distance of over 2,700 miles, accomplished wholly on foot and horseback and without the aid of camels. These journeys, two of the most important and interesting of Australian explorations, are treated fully in another portion of this work. They gained for him the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society of London as well as the title of Chevalier of the Order
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of the Crown of Italy and honorary fellowship of the St. Petersburg, Vienna, and Italian Geographical Societies. He also received the thanks of the colonial Government, coupled with a grant of 5,000 acres, and in 1882 was made a C.M.G. by Her Majesty Queen Victoria for valuable services rendered in exploring the interior. In 1876 he was appointed Deputy Surveyor-General of Western Australia, during 1878-9 Acting Commissioner of Crown Lands and Surveyor-General, 1880-1 Acting Comptroller of Imperial Expenditure, and 1883-90 Commissioner of Crown Lands and Surveyor-General with a seat in the Executive and Legislative Councils. With the introduction of responsible government, in securing which he took a very prominent part, he became the first Premier of the colony, and for nearly eleven years without interruption, as Premier and Colonial Treasurer, he guided the destinies of this vast State and controlled its interests to a degree almost approaching benevolent autocracy, relinquishing office only to undertake wider duties in the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. The gold discoveries which occurred in 1892 brought Western Australia into general prominence, and the great expansion that followed made it imperative that a man both strong of purpose and wide of outlook
Greenham <Sc Evans, Perth.
Right Hon. Sir John Forrest.
should be at the helm of state. That Sir John fulfilled these requirements
may be seen from a survey of the work accomplished by him, which is fully discussed in the historical section of this work. The Coolgardie Water Scheme, the greatest of its kind in the world, and the Fremantle Harbour Works, together with his policy of railway development and liberal land legislation, are matters for which his name will ever be honoured in his native State. But perhaps his greatest achievement lies in the fact that he took command of a State small and insignificant in importance, and after eleven years left office, having raised Western Australia to a position of prominence in the councils of Australia. In regard to Federal matters, Sir John was President of the Federal Council of Australia in 1897 and was a member of the Federal Convention of 1891, as well as that of 1897-8 which framed the Federal Constitution, and on the inauguration of the Commonwealth in 1901 was elected a member of the House of Representatives, and was Postmaster-General and afterwards Minister of Defence in the first Federal Ministry formed by Mr. (afterwards Sir) Edmund Barton. Since then he has held office in every Liberal Administration, and in the last two has filled the important post of Treasurer of the Commonwealth. During Mr. Deakin’s absence at the Imperial Conference of 1907 he acted as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. In Perth almost every public institution is indebted to Sir John for assistance given to development and extension, and some of them, notably King’s Park, are wholly the result of his foresight. In 1882 he was created a C.M.G. and in 1891 raised to the dignity of K. C.M.G. He attended officially the Jubilee of 1887 and the Diamond Jubilee of 1897, and in the latter year was made a Privy Councillor and received the degree of LL.D. from Cambridge University, and in 1902 received the ad eundtm degree of LL.D. of Adelaide University. In 1901 he was further honoured by being created a G-.C.M.G., being one of the very few Australians who have achieved that distinction, and in 1911 had the honour of hanging his banner in the chapel of the Order. His “Explorations in Australia” (1876) and “Notes on Western Australia” (1884-87) are both publications of great value to the student of Australian history. In 1876 Sir John was married to Margaret Elvire, eldest daughter of the late
Edward Hamersley, B.A., of Pyrton, near Guildford, W.A., and niece of the late Hugh Hamersley, J.P., High Sheriff (1840), Chairman of Quarter Sessions, and D.L., of Pyrton Manor, Oxfordshire. Residence—The Bungalow, Hay Street, Perth, W.A.
The Honourable JAMES MACKINNON FOWLER, M.H.R. for
Hon. James Mackinnon Fowler.
Perth, Western Australia, is a son of Mr. James Fowler, of Strathaven, Scotland. He was born at Strathaven on June 20, 1863, and was educated locally and at Glasgow, where he attended the Athenaeum College. At the age of nineteen he embarked on a commercial career, entering the counting-house of a large commercial firm at Glasgow, which he left seven years later to take a more responsible post in a similar establishment. In 1891 he came to Australia, and after a short sojourn in Melbourne decided to settle in the Western State. Proceeding to the Murchison goldfields he spent several years in the rough life incidental to prospecting and mining pursuits generally, and eventually became connected with the firm of Sands arid McDougall at Perth. Mr. Fowler took a leading part in the long campaign to bring about the federation of the Australian States, and was Hon. Organizing Secretary and subsequently Hon. General Secretary to the Executive of the Federal League in Western Australia. When the movement was brought to a sue-
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cessful issue he was nominated for the Perth seat in the House of Representatives, and has held this seat ever since his election in March, 1901. Formerly a member of the Labour Party, since the last election as a federalist he has felt himself obliged to detach himself from that organization owing to what he considers the gradual development by that Party of a policy of unification. During his career in Parliament he has fathered a Bill to prevent the expatriation of children and aboriginals from Australia, and has also been instrumental in securing an Act giving additional power to the Commonwealth to deport alien criminals. He was a member of the Tariff Commission which visited all parts of Australia, taking evidence in connection with the Customs departments, and submitted exhaustive reports thereon to Parliament. He also fought hard for the construction of the Trans-Australian Railway. Apart from his Parliamentary interests, he owns a farm at Kojonup, comprising some 1,800 acres, which at the present time is partly improved, and where mixed farming operations are carried on. At his residence in the suburbs of Melbourne Mr. Fowler has a very exceptional private library, consisting of over 4,000 volumes of rare and standard works. In 1900 he married Daisy Winifred, daughter of Mr. Richard Bastow, late of the Victorian Public Service, and a well-known scientist, and has three sons and a daughter.
The Honourable CHARLES EDWARD FRAZER, M.P. The career of the Honourable C. E. Frazer, the present Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth, supplies a striking example of what can be achieved by youth when aided by distinct ability and impelled by indomitable perseverance and energy. The son of James and Susan Frazer, the subject of our sketch was born at Yarrawonga, Victoria, in January, 1880, and was educated in the State school of that town. At the age of fifteen he removed to Western Australia and entered upon the trade of enginedriving, spending four years on locomotive engines, succeeded by a further three as an enginedriver on the Boulder mines. An earnest student of political problems, Mr. Frazer oven as a youth threw himself into the cause of the
workers, and when he was barely twenty-one achieved the distinction of being elected President of the Boulder Enginedrivers’ Association. In the same year (1900) he also became President of the Boulder Branch of the A.N.A. He resigned the presidency of the Enginedrivers’ Association to take up the wider sphere of duty as Secretary of the Goldfields Trades and Labour Council, a position which he held until 1903. He also entered municipal life at this time and served for over two years as a member of the Kalgoorlie Town Council. Having secured the selection ballot for the Labour interests of Kalgoorlie, he was elected to the Commonwealth Parliament as the member for that district at the general election of 1903, and has held the seat ever since. Though a young man he made his opinions felt in the councils of the party, and in 1908 was appointed Assistant Whip. On the accession to power of the Labour Government under Mr. Fisher in 1910 Mr. Frazer was deemed worthy of a position as Hon-
Hon. Charles Edward Frazer.
orary Minister. In 1911, during the absence of Mr. Fisher at the Coronation, he acted as Federal Treasurer with considerable success. When by the lamented death of Mr. E. L. Batchelor late in the same year a rearrangement of portfolios became necessary, Mr. Frazer was made Postmaster - General — a position which he still continues to hold and in which he is doing excellent ser-
vice for the nation, notwithstanding the many difficulties in the way and the abundant criticism levelled at him from time to time.
WILLIAM NOAH HEDGES, member of the House of Representatives . for Fremantle, Western Australia, is a son of Mr. W. N. Hedges, of Downend, near Bristol, England. He was born in County Hertfordshire on July 16, 1854, and received his education at Keston College, Keston. His first commercial training was obtained in the firm of Kin-ninmont & Son, well-known contractors in the Old Country, with whom he obtained a sound knowledge of engineering and general constructive experience. He sailed for Australia in 1878, and after a short stay in Adelaide proceeded to the sister States, and was engaged on several important works in Queensland. The year 1881 witnessed his return to Adelaide, and in the different parts of the Central State he completed a number of large contracts, principally for the Engineer-in-Chief's Department, and in addition carried out a number of works over the railway system of the State. He built the Government Wharf at Port Pirie, the large engine and carriage sheds and other works at Petersburg, and completed several big undertakings at Port Pirie in connection with the Broken Hill mining companies. His next venture was to open lime and ironstone quarries, after which he was engaged in cutting, milling, and stacking timber for the Barrier Mines. Mr. Hedges was a resident of Mount Barker, South Australia, for several years, and while there served as member of the District Council and on the Roads Board. His lively interest in local affairs led to his being elected a life member of the Mount Barker Agricultural Society. He came to Western Australia in 1893 and shortly afterwards was successful in securing a number of important contracts, among which may be mentioned the construction of the Mahogany Creek deviation eastern railway, the Karralee Water Supply, the Donnybrook to Bridgetown railway, and many other large public works in Western Australia Subsequently Mr. Hedges purchased a controlling interest in the Western Australian Goldfields Firewood Supply Company, of which concern he is now Managing Director. In
311
the nineties Mr. Hedges turned his attention to jiolitics, and in 1904 contested the seat for the Yilgarn district in the State Legislative Assembly, but without success. Two years later he became a candidate for the Federal House of Representatives, and at the elections held
Burtlelto, Perth.
Mr. William Noah Hedges.
in December, 1906, was returned as member for Fremantle and still retains that seat, tie is interested in the agricultural industry, and has land at Koolberrin on the route of the proposed railway from Wickepin to Merriden. Mr. Hedges is a familiar figure in the world of sport, and is a member of the Western Australian Turf Club and the Kalgoorlie Racing Club, besides which he is associated with many other sporting institutions. He married a daughter of Mr. John Paterson, of "Green Hills,” Mount Barker, South Australia, and has two sons and three daughters.
The Honourable HUGH MAHON, representative of Coolgardie in the Federal Parliament, was born in Ireland in January, 1858, his father, the late Mr. James Mahon, being an extensive farmer near Tullamore, in King’s County. Mr. Mahon’s education began in a National School and was continued under the Christian Brothers and private tutors. Engaging at an early ay:e in the printing trade, he quickly became a reporter on the Press, and subsequently, at the age of twenty-one,
was appointed editor and manager of an Irish provincial journal. The agitation for Home Rule and land law reform, initiated by Mr. Parnell in the late seventies, naturally attracted Mr. Mahon, whose ancestors had suffered through the unchecked rapacity and exactions of Irish landlordism. He accordingly enlisted in the movement, which had for some years his enthusiastic advocacy both as a journalist and as an individual. One of his earliest public acts was as a supporter of the present Irish leader, Mr. J. E. Redmond, M.P., when in 1879 the constituency of New Ross first introduced Mr. Redmond to the House of Commons. In the conduct of his newspaper Mr. Mahon incurred the hostility of the British Government, at that time clothed with extraordinary powers for the punishment of its political antagonists. A special statute entitled the Government to arrest and imprison indefinitely any person obnoxious to it. No offence was named in the warrant of arrest, nor was there any preliminary hearing before a magistrate. Under the powers conferred by this law Mr. Mahon was thrown into Kilmainhain Gaol, where he was detained with nearly 100 others (including Messrs. Parnell, Dillon, Wm. O’Brien, and J. J. O’Kelly, then Members of the House of Commons) from October, 1881 to January, 1882. Released, owing to the breakdown of his health, he yielded to medical advice and left for Australia, where he arrived a few months later. On his recovery Mr. Mahon accepted an appointment on the Sydney Press, and from that time onward until 1895, when he arrived in Coolgardie, he maintained his connection with journalism in Eastern Australia. Toward the end of 1895 he established the first newspaper north of Coolgardie on the then new Menzies goldfield, and two years later, on the division of the old Yilgarn electorate into several new constituencies, he contested North Coolgardie seat in the State Parliament. The contest was an exceptionally vigorous one, and the victor, Mr. H. Gregory, late Minister for Mines and Railways, won by the narrow majority of 60 votes. Later Mr. Mahon took part in the movement for the federation of the Australian States, and, in 1901 was returned to the National Parliament for Coolgardie - the largest electorate in Australia, the area being greater than that of the whole State of Queensland. He was re-
elected without opposition in 1903, and in the contested elections of 1906 and 1910 his majority (which was only 350 in 1901) increased to nearly 5,000 and 7,000 respectively. In the first Labour Government of the Commonwealth—that formed by Mr. J. C. Watson, M.H.R., in 1904 -Mr. Mahon held the portfolio of Postmaster-General. As this Government survived only a few months Mr. Mahon was unable to give effect to his project for the fuller extension of postal and telegraphic facilities to the remote interior, or to realize an ambitious scheme to place a telephone in the home of every settler throughout the continent. Ministerial responsibility again came to Mr. Mahon in the second Labour Government of the Commonwealth, which attained office in 1908, when he received the portfolio of Minister for Home Affairs. In this department he effected several reforms and initiated others, notably in respect of payments for lands resumed for public purposes, by which large sums have been saved to the Treasury. To the second Administration of which
J. J. Dioyer, Kalgoorlie.
Hon. Hugh Mahon.
Mr. Mahon was a member fell the duty of finally determining the future seat of government of the Commonwealth at Yass-Camberra ; and he piloted through the House of Representatives the measure which precisely defined the boundaries of the new Federal Territory. The selection of the site of the national capital had aroused much controversy, and Mr. Mahon received many
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
congratulations on the passing of the Bill into law. In 1911 Mr. Mahon made one of the small Parliamentary Party which visited Papua, qualifying themselves by personal inquiry into its affairs to shape legislation necessary for the effective occupation of that territory. Later he spent some months in Western
Australia assisting the State Labour Party, as honorary editor of The Labour Vanguard and by platform addresses, to the pronounced victory which it obtained at the polls. His services were publicly recognized by the Premier of the State (Hon. J. Scaddan), and presentations were made to him on behalf of the
Ministry, as well as by the Com mittee of the Labour Federation controlling the Party’s affairs at the general election. Mr. Mahon was married in 1888 to Mary Alice, daughter of the late Mr. Joseph L’Estrange, a Melbourne solicitor, and his family consists of a daughter and three sons.
The State Legislature.
As in the other colonies, there have been several well-marked stages in the development of the legislative function in Western Australia. Starting from the inception of the Swan River Colony, when the sole authority was vested in the Governor, the next stage was reached by the establishment of an Executive Council, followed shortly afterwards by a Legislative Council consisting of the same personnel as the Executive, and being consequently wholly nominated by the Crown. The functions of the two bodies were totally distinct, but the real power of government vested m the Executive, the Legislative Council being merely an advisory body. With certain changes of constitution by the addition from time to time of unofficial nominees to the
Legislative Council, this form of government existed until 1870, when a Legislative Council consisting of one-third nominee and two-thirds elected representatives was established. This body, which was given a wider range of legislative power than its predecessor, but which was still really at the mercy of the Executive, which in turn took its opinions from the Governor, continued until the inauguration of responsible government in 1890, when Parliament became supreme under the Crown, and the Executive Council was remodelled so as to consist of the Governor and the responsible Ministers of the day Having thus outlined the progressive steps it may be ot advantage to trace shortly the history of government in the State.
I.—THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
At the time of the establishment of the colony the powers of government were placed wholly in the hands of the Lieutenant-Governor, Captain Stirling, whose method of piocedure was laid down m his letter of ajDpointment from the Colonial Office, no regular commission being issued until some two years later. Some little time after the first officials sailed for the Swan Rivei an Act of Parliament (10 Geo. IV , c. 22) was passed, providing temporarily for the government of the new colony.
On March 5, 1831, a commission was issued to Captain Stirling appointing him to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Western Australia, and at the same time Instructions under the King’s Sign Manual were framed to accompany the commission In the second clause of these Instructions it was stated —
Wheieas we have thought that there should be an Executive Council for assisting you, our Governor, or the person administering the Government of our said territory for the time being, we do by these presents nominate and appoint the undermentioned persons to be of the Executive Council of our said territory—that is to say, the Senior Officer of our Land Forces for the time being next in command, the Colonial Secretary of Western Australia for the
time being, and the Survejoi-Geneial of the said territoiy for the time being, and the Advocate-Geneial of the said terntory for the time being.
The first Executive Council appointed under these Instructions, which were published m the colony on December 24, 1831, consisted of —
Captajn Stirling Captain F. C. Irwm Peter Brown Lieutenant J. S Roe W H. Mackie
Governor Commandant Colonial Secretary Surveyor-General Advocate-G eneral
No change was made in the constitution of the Council until June, 1847, when the Collector of Revenue —in other woids, the Treasurer—was added In 1852, after the colony had become a convict settlement, the number was still further increased by the appointment of the Comptroller-General of Convicts to be a member of the Executive. No other changes were made until 1871, except that by an inadvertent omission from the Instructions issued to Governor Kennedy m 1855 the Commandant was debarred from sitting until the omission had been rectified. By Order of the Queen in Council, dated April 3, 1871, the Executive Council was
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
313
remodelled. The Governor remained President, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney-General, the Senior Officer in Command of the Land Forces, and the Surveyor-General retained their seats, while those of the Comptroller-General and Collector of Revenue were abolished. Under the Royal Instructions of July 4, 1878, the Governor was further authorized and empowered “to appoint, in addition to the ex-officio members, such persons as he may think fit to be unofficial members of our said Executive Council, but so that the number of such unofficial members shall never exceed the number of two.” Every such appointment was, however, to be provisional only until the same was approved by the Queen, and could be revoked at any time by Royal Warrant, and such unofficial members were to take rank after the official members of the Executive Council, and, as between themselves according to the order of their appointment. The Governor was also directed and enjoined to attend and preside at the meetings of the Council unless prevented by some necessary or reasonable cause, when, unless he specially appointed some particular member, the senior member present was to preside-Under the provision allowing the inclusion of two unofficial members to the Executive Council Mr. J. II. Thomas, the then Director of Public Works, was appointed—an appointment which, though it fulfilled the letter, scarcely carried out the spirit of the Order-in-Council. By the additional Royal Instructions of April 8, 1879, it was laid down that the Executive Council was to comprise “so many persons in our service (not exceeding six in number at any one time) as the Governor shall from time to time appoint to be members of the said Council by instruments under
the public seal of the colony. All such persons shall be styled official members, and the persons discharging the functions of the offices hereunder mentioned shall, if so appointed, take precedence and seniority in the order in which the said officers are named—that is to say, Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General, Senior Military Officer in Command of our Troops within the Colony not being below the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Treasurer and Collector of Internal Revenue. Official members discharging the functions of any other offices shall take precedence and seniority after the foregoing officers, and among themselves according to the date of their respective appointments.”
The first Executive appointed under these Instructions consisted, in addition to the Governor as President, of the following : —The Colonial Secretary, the Attorney-General, the Commandant, the Surveyor-General, the
Director of Public Works. The sixth position allowed under the Instructions was filled in No-vem ber by the appointment of the Colonial Treasurer. The Commandant (Lieutenant-Colonel E. D. Harvest; left the colony in 1880, and after his retirement the Commandant ceased to be appointed as a member of the Executive.
No advantage was taken of the permission given in 1878 to add two unofficial members to the Executive until August, 1884, when Mr. James G. Lee Steere was provisionally appointed, and the appointment was confirmed by the Colonial Office in the following November.
The Council remained as then constituted until October 21, 1890, when on the introduction of responsible government it ceased to exist, and its place was taken by a new Executive Council consisting of the responsible Ministers of the day.
Photo by C. 7'/'. Farr. Parliament House.
II.-THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
By the Act 10 Geo. IV., c. 22, power was given power was exercised by an Order-in-Council dated to the King-in-Couneil to establish in Western Aus- November 1, 1830, which set forth “that the Governor
bralia a Legislative Council which should have power to for the time being of the said settlements of Western legislate, within certain limits, upon local matters. This Australia, or the officer administering the government
814
THE CYCLOPEDIA OP AVESTERN AUSTRALIA
thereof, the Senior Officer of His Majesty’s Land Forces next m command, the Colonial Secretary of the said territory for the time being, the Surveyor-General thereof for the time being, and the Advocate-General thereof for the time being, so long as they shall respectively be resident in the said settlements, or any three of them, of whom the Acting-Governor shall be one, shall have authority and power to make, ordain, and establish all such laws and ordinances, and to constitute such courts and officers as may be necessary for the peace, order, and good government of His Majesty’s subjects, and others within the settlements,” subject, however, to the Royal prerogative of disallowance; and the Order went on to state “that no such law or ordinance shall be made unless the same shall have been first proposed by the said Governor or officer administering the Government” ; and, further, that no court of justice was to be constituted except by a law or ordinance which had received the Royal assent.
The Order-in-Council reached the colony on December 24, 1831, and was published some days later. The first meeting of the Council was held in January, 1832, when it proceeded to make proper arrangements for the administration of justice A Civil Court and Court of General Sessions were established, Mr. G. F. Moore being appointed as Commissioner of the one and Mr W. H. Mackie as Chairman of the other. This arrangement held until August, 1834, when Mr. Mackie became the sole Judge and Mr. G. F. Moore Advocate-General.
The personnel of the Legislative Council was the same as that of the Executive. Both were composed wholly of officials, and theie was more than a suspicion that the Legislature was really subservient to the Executive and did not represent the opinions of the colonists. Almost at once an agitation for an elective Council was commenced. Finding that distance, and possibly lack of interest on the part of the Colonial Office, prevented their complaints having any force, the settlers requested the Governor to proceed to London and personally urge their wishes upon the Secretary of State. As there wore several other matters requiring attention the Governor decided to go. After laying the request before the Home authorities Captain Stirling felt justified by its reception in writing to the colony in hopeful terms When he returned to Western Australia, however, it was found that the only concession was an authority to the Governor to suggest to the Colonial Office four names of satisfactory persons who might be added to the Legislative Council as unofficial members. As this did not satisfy the settlers in any way, and as the Governor saw no reason for uigency m making the selections, nothing was done in the matter until the arrival of Stirling’s successor. Governor John Hutt, who on January 3, 1839, selected AV. L Brockman, George Leake, Thomas Peel, and AVilliam Tanner
Although the names of members changed from time to time no further change was made in the constitution of the Council until 1868 (except that in June, 1847, the Collector of Revenue was added to the list of ex-officto members); but the colonists were not to blame for this want of progression It may safely be said that at no period during those early years did the constitution of the Legislative Council meet with the approval of the people. Repeated applications for some voice in the election of representatives met with little or no response, though just previous to 1850 the Secretary of State went so far as to indicate that some measure of representation might be given when the colony was able to do without the assistance of a Parliamentary grant. In 1850 an Imperial Act (13-14 Viet., c. 59) was passed for the better government of the Australian colonies which provided that as soon as a colony reached the stage of being able to pay its own way the existing Legislative Council could, on receipt of a petition signed by one-third of the householders of the colony, establish a new Council, two-thirds of whose members should be elected. This seemed to bring the realization of the colonists’ hopes nearer, but another obstacle cropped up, which for the time was insurmountable. Almost simultaneously with the passing of the Act Western Australia was made a penal colony. This, as the Secretary of State pointed out, rendered any form of representation out of the question, as the bulk of colonial expenses would of necessity fall upon the Home Government.
When it became known m 1865 that transportation was to cease within three years the agitation for representation started afresh. Public meetings were held and petitions circulated as directed by the Act of 1850. Outside the existing Legislative Council there was a general desire for election, but within it there was a strong feeling against drastic alteration. When the petition was presented tnere was an amendment moved and carried which to all intent defeated the object aimed at. This was to the effect that the nominated unofficial members should be increased to six in number and their term of office limited to three years.
With that disregard for public opinion in the colonies which characterized the Colonial Office in those days, the Secretary of State in 1867 assented to the Council proposal, without even mentioning the wider request, all particulars of which were before him.
Determined to have some voice in the matter, a public meeting was called, which decided to ask the Governor to allow the colony to be split up into six districts, each district to select by a poll one man to act as a member of the Council. The Governor (Dr. Hampton) who was only too glad to avoid the responsibility of nominating, approved of the proposal and
TI1E CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
315
agreed to nominate the persons selected. A poll was then taken and five names were chosen, one district— Champion Bay—refusing to take advantage of the concession. The Governor then nominated Mr. J. W. ITardey, an opponent of representative government in the old Council, and submitted the six names to the Secretary of State for approval. By a notice dated July 7, 1868, it was notified for general information i n T h e Government Gazette that “by an Order-in•
Council made at the Court at Windsor May 14, 1868,
Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, with the advice of Her Privy Council, did order that the Orders-in-Council respectively bearing date March 20,
1857 ; March 3, 1859; and October 11,
1861, under which the late Lcgisl ative Council was constitu ted should be, and the same are, thereby revoked ; and that the Governor for time being of the colony of Western Australia
Fkotos by Barttctto.
Premiers or Western Australia
or the officer
administering the government thereof, the Senior Officer for the time being Commanding Her Majesty’s Land Forces in the said colony, the Colonial Secretary of the said colony for the time being, the Surveyor-General of the said colony for the time being, the Attorney-General of the said colony for the time being, and the Treasurer and Collector of Internal Revenue of
the said colony for the time being; and John Wall ITardey, Julian George Charles Carr, Walter Bateman, James George Lee Steere, William Locke Brockman, and Samuel Pole Phillips, Esquires, should be, and the same are, thereby constituted a Legislative Council within the said colony, with the powers and subject to the conditions and restrictions therein contained; and
that the appointment of the above nonofficial members of such Council should be for a period not exceeding three years. The above appointments to take effect from the date of this notice.”
The advocates for representative government did not allow public feeling to grow cold, more especially as they had in the new Council a larger number
0 f partisans than ever before, and were assisted by a Governor (Mr. Weld) who had had considerable experience of Parliamentary
1 n s t i t utions. In 1869 a further petition under 13 -14
Viet., c. 59, was presented to the Council, and a resolution passed in favour of giving effect to its request. Following upon this a Bill was introduced into the Council in 1870, and was finally agreed to on June 1 of that year. Arrangements for the change were quickly made. In August, 1870, the nominee Legislative Council was dissolved by the issue of writs under 33
316
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Viet , No. 13, for the election of a Legislative Council, to consist of twelve elected and six nominated members, the latter to consist of three official nominee and three unofficial nominee members; the Council to be presided over by a Speaker. The elections took place in the month of October, and resulted in the Council eventually consisting of the following members: —
Official Nominees—
Colonial Secretary Fred. P. Barlee
Attorney-General . . R. J. Walcott
Surveyor-General ...... M. Fraser
Unofficial Nominees—
S. P. Phillips M. Brown W. E Marmion
Elected Members—
Albany John McKail
Fremantle E. Newman
)> ... W. D. Moore
Geraldton Major Logue
Greenough George Shenton
Perth J. G. C. Carr (Chairman of Committees)
» Luke S. Leake (Speaker)
Swan Thos. C. Gull
Toodyay Jas. Drummond
Vasse J. G. Bussell
Wellington Jas. G. Lee Steere
York J. IT. Monger
Representative government having been secured, the more progressive spirits in the community, amongst whom may be mentioned Mr. (now Sir) S. H. Parker, began to turn their attention to the full measure of control—responsible government. At first there was little public expression of opinion on the matter, and this, especially when combined with passive resistance, if not active opposition, on the part of successive Governors did much to retard any general agitation. In spite of obstacles, however, the movement grew, and that it had some effect in official circles was seen in 1874, when the total number of members was increased to twenty-one by the creation of two new districts—the Murray and Williams and the Northern—and again in 1882 by a further increase to twenty-four by the erection of Gascoyne district, the total being finally raised to twenty-six m 1886 by the establishment of the
Kimberley district. No other alteration was made in the constitution of the representative Council, which, when the old form of government expired in October, 1890, was composed as follows: —
Official Nominees—
Colonial Secretary Sir M. Fraser, K.C.M.G.
Attorney-General . . C. N. Warton
Director of Works, Engineer in-Chief, and Commissioner
of Railways J. A. Wright
Surveyor-General and Com-
missioner of Crown Lands John Forrest, C M G.
Unofficial Nominees—
Sir James G. Lee Steere, G Randell
Kt (Speaker) D. K. Congdon
Sir Thomas Cockburn- J. Morrison
Campbell, Bart. (Chairman of Committees)
Elected Members—
Albany . L V. DeHamel
Fremantle . . W. E. Marmion
„ . . W. S. Pearse
Gascoyne ... R. F. Sholl
Geraldton . . McK. Grant
Greenough . W. T. Loton
Kimberley . ... A. Forrest
Murray and Williams W. Paterson
North District .. A. R. Richardson
9> S. Burt, Q C
Perth . E. Scott
» E. Keane
Swan C. H. Rason
Toodyay . . G. Shenton
V asse S. H. Parker
Wellington . . . H. W. Venn
York . . C. Harper
The Legislative Council then consisted of a single Legislative Chamber, and was composed of twenty-six members, presided over by a Speaker, of whom four were official members, five were nominees of the Crown, and seventeen were elected for five years by the different constituencies. The qualification of elected members was the possession of £1,000 freehold property. The qualification of an elector was £50 freehold or £10 household, or the lease of Crown lands to the same amount of annual rental.
III.—RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT.
The struggle for responsible government has already been dealt with at considerable length in the historical portion of this work, but may perhaps be shortly referred to here, even at the risk of apparent repetition. The question was first mooted almost
immediately after the inception of representative government, but was viewed coldly by the Home authorities and by successive Governors until at last it became so pressing that in 1887 Governor Sir Frederick Broome felt compelled to give his adherence to the movement.
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The progress made from that time has been concisely but clearly set forth in the Western Australian Year-Book, to which we are partly indebted for the following summary.
“By an almost unanimous vote of the Legislature in July, 1887, a resolution was agreed to affirming the principle of self-government, and the Governor was requested to take the necessary steps to carry out the wishes of the Legislature. In December, 1888, the Legislative Council was dissolved, and a general election took place m January, 1889, in order that the constituencies might have an opportunity of expressing their views upon the question of the new Constitution. When the Council reassembled the resolution m favour of responsible government for the colony was again carried, this time without a single dissentient voice. The Legislative Council met in April, 1889, and a Constitution Bill, drafted by the Government, was at once brought forward, after amendment passed, and forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Governor (Sir Frederick Napier Broome), Mr. S. H. Parker, and Sir Thomas Coekburn-Campbell being appointed by the Legislature to proceed to England to act as delegates on behalf of the colony when it came before the Imperial Parliament. Much difficulty was experienced in carrying the measure through its various stages, strong opposition having arisen at Home to the granting of Western Australia’s demands. This was chiefly, if not entirely, due to a misunderstanding of questions relating to the control of the Crown lands The latter, it was held, by a not inconsiderable and decidedly demonstrative party in England, were the ‘heritage of the British people,’ and should be available and retained for settlement by the surplus population of the Mother Country. To hand over a million, or even half a million, square miles of country, favoured with a temperate clime, to the 45,000 persons thinly scattered over it, was regarded as a piece of folly verging on political crime The Bill was, however, referred to a Select Committee—of which Baron de Worms was chairman—for the taking of evidence; and so impressed were the members of this body—after hearing what the representatives of the colony had to communicate to them —with the advantages likely to result from giving Western Australians a free hand in the management of their great national estate, and so convinced were they of the errors underlying the popular opposition to the measure, that they returned it to the House shorn of nearly all the clauses to which the colony had previously objected, recommending that full and complete control of the Crown lands should be vested in the local Parliament which it was proposed to establish. Thus, by the exertions of the colonial delegates, aided by the influence of Sir William Robinson, who had in the meanwhile succeeded Sir Frederick Broome as Governor
of the colony, and, opportunely, happened to be in England, combined with the intelligence and liberal-mindedness of a majority of the members of the Select Committee, was Western Australia ‘one and undivided’ obtained for Western Australians. Mention should also here be made of the assistance rendered by the Agents-General for the other Australasian colonies, at a time when, owing to delays due to the Imperial Cabinet, the Bill appeared to be in jeopardy. In a body the Agents-General waited upon the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and made representations of a character which swept away final obstacles. The Bill, enabling Her Majesty to grant a Constitution to Western Australia, passed its third reading in the Imperial House of Commons in July, and meeting with no opposition in the Lords, received the Royal assent on August 15, 1890. The announcement of the latter was made by a proclamation, which was dated October 21, 1890, being publicly read by the Governor in Perth on that date, and included in The Government Gazette of the 23rd of the same month.”
Though in many ways excellent at the time, particularly as it gave the colonists what they had been striving for more or less actively almost since the foundation of the colony—a Parliament in the election of which they possessed the determining voice—it was not long before the necessity for broadening the Constitution became apparent. The first change—that of making the Legislative Council an elective body—took place automatically in 1893 when the population of the colony reached 60,000.
A further alteration was made in 1896, when the Legislative Council was increased to twenty-four and the Assembly to forty-four in order to provide representation for the new goldfields communities. In 1899 the great increase of population—it was then 170,000— and the advanced ideas of the bulk of the newcomers, directed attention once more to the Constitution, and it was generally admitted that something must be done to bring it more into line with those of Eastern Australia The result was the Constitution Act Amendment Act of that year, by the provisions of which the Council was raised to thirty and the Assembly to fifty in number, as at present constituted. More important alterations than mere numbers were, however, made by the limitation of the duration of the Assembly to three years and the adoption of adult suffrage as the franchise for Assembly elections. Owing to the fact that in those days the population was practically a moving one—a feature common to mining communities—the Premier (Honourable Walter James) endeavoured in 1902 to pass an Amending Bill providing for a redistribution of seats, for a reduction of the number of members, for a reduction in the number of Ministers, and for a double dissolution. Suggestions such as these were could not
318
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
fail to rouse the opposition of the Upper Chamber, where the Bill was rejected on the second reading. Mr James returned to the charge in 1903 in a somewhat different manner. Instead of one Bill three were introduced—a Constitution Act Amendment Bill, an Electoral Bill, and a Redistribution of Seats Bill The first suffered the same fate as its predecessor of 1902, but the others were with amendments agreed to. Apart from purifying and machinery clauses the Electoral Act amended the Constitution Act, 1899, by giving an elector the right to vote as soon as he was registered and by abolishing plural voting for the Assembly. The Redistribution of Seats Act was simply as its name implied, and did not, as before, attempt to cut down the number of electorates. The Electoral Act of 1904 was repealed m 1907 on the passing of a new Act of wider scope and more up-to-date provisions, and the Redistribution of Seats Act was replaced by another one in 1911
The present Constitution of Western Australia is, therefore, contained in the following Acts of Parliament : ■—
Constitution Act, 1889 (52 Viet., No 23);
Constitution Act Amendment Act, 1893 (57 Viet., No. 14);
Constitution Act Amendment Act, 1899 (63 Viet., No. 19);
Electoral Act, 1907 (7 Edw VII , No 27); and
Redistribution of Seats Act, 1911 (1 Geo V , No. 6).
Speakebs of Legislative Council undee Repbesentative Govebnment.
Sir Luke Samuel Leake, 1870-1886.
Sir James George Lee Steere, 1886-1890.
Pbesidents or Legislative Council undee Responsible Govebnment.
Sir Thomas Cookburn-Campbell, Bart, 1890-1892 Sir George Shenton, Kt , 1892-1906.
Hon. Henry Briggs, 1906 (still m office)
Speakebs of Legislative Assembly undee Responsibie Govebnment.
Sir James George Lee Steere, K C.M G , 1890-1903 Hon Charles Harper, 1903-1904.
Hon. Mathieson Henry Jacoby, 1904-1905 Hon Timothy Francis Quinlan, 1905-1911.
Hon Michael Francis Troy, 1911 (still in office)
Ministries since the Establishment of Responsible Govebnment.
Ministry Assumed office lietiied
1 Forrest December 29, 1890 February 14, 1901
2 Throssell February 14, 1901 May 27, 1901
3 Leake May 27, 1901 November 21, 1901
4. Morgans November 21, 1901 December 23, 1901
5. Leake .. December 23, 1901 July 1, 1902
6 James July 1, 1902 August 10, 1904
7 Daglish . August 10, 1904 August 25, 1905
8 Raaon August 26, 1905 May 7, 1906
9 Moore May 7, 1906 September 16, 1910
10 Wilson September 16, 1910 October 7, 1911
11. Scaddan October 7,1911 Still in office
The Ministry.
The Honourable JOHN SCAD-DAN, M.L.A. There is a trite saying attributed to the great Napoleon, “that every member of his Grand Army carried a Field Marshal’s baton in his haversack,” or, in other words, “Merit would always compel recognition.” The underlying principle of this maxim is nowhere more dominant than in political circles in Australia, where, under democratic institutions, the highest and most responsible offices in the State are open to all. At the present time in Western Australia an excellent exemplification of the urin-ciple is to be found in the person of the present Premier, the Honourable John Scaddan Together with this is the demonstration of another fact, the excellence of the education
imparted at the free, secular, and compulsory schools throughout Australia To what extent public men of the present day are indebted to the splendid educational systems which are such a prominent feature in the Commonwealth it is hard to estimate Mr. Scaddan was born at Moonta, in South Australia, on August 4, 1876 He is therefore now in his thirty-sixth year, and it speaks volumes for his industry and determination that at such an early age he has risen to such a commanding position in the affairs of his country Early in his life his parents removed to Eaglehawk, near Bendigo, Victoria, thereby only exchanging one centre of democratic thought for another, for the Cornish instinct of freedom is strongly pre-
dominant in both. Mr. Scaddan received his education at the State school at Eaglehawk, an education which has proved to have been carried out on systematic and thorough lines. After leaving school he adopted the occupation of a miner and worked in the mines of the district until 1896, when he migrated to Western Australia, attracted no doubt by the marvellous gold discoveries at Kalgoorlie. While working as a miner at this centre Mr. Scaddan, who had always been keenly interested in every avenue for improvement, took advantage of his opportunities and qualified as an enginedriver, deserting underground work for the less hazardous calling. Eventually he became a member of the Enginedrivers’ Union, and his
319
entry into political life was made through, this channel. In 1904 he was selected as the Labour candidate for the constituency of Ivan-hoe, and secured a very easy victory, the dominance of his personality being at this stage clearly outlined, a feature that in the future was to carry him to the highest office in the
Hon. John Scaddan.
State of his adoption. At every succeeding election he was returned unopposed, receiving the same expression of confidence in 1911, when under the Redistribution of Seats Act his old electorate was combined with Brownhill to form the Brownhill - Ivanhoe constituency. The retirement of Mr. Bath from the leadership of the Labour Party in 1910 brought Mr. Scaddan immediately to the front, for he was appointed to the vacant position, in which office his tact and ability have been pre-eminently demonstrated. The elections in 1911 returned the Labour Party to power with an overwhelming majority, and to Mr. Scaddan was assigned the task of forming a Ministry. In this he was successful, and in it he now holds office as Premier and Colonial Treasurer. Since Mr. Scaddan’s elevation to Cabinet rank he has attended a conference of Premiers in Melbourne, where his utterances on political matters involving wider issues than those of his own State have received the greatest attention and respect. Mr. Scaddan is a tactful but forceful orator, and the wisdom of his actions during the past few years is an excellent augury for the broader outlook of the future.
The Honourable THOMAS HENRY BATH, M.L.A., Minister of Lands and Agriculture, was born at Hill End, New South Wales, in 1875 and was educated in the Government school in that town. .Tust on the eve of attaining his majority he turned his steps, like so many others have done, toward Western Australia, and took up work in the then new town of Kalgoorlie. Here he was faced with a new set of circumstances, and a much more restricted franchise than obtained in the East. A closer acquaintance lessened the attractions which had appeared so full of glamour in the distance, and he returned to New South Wales with the declared intention of not returning. A few months, however, found him back again in 1897. At that time the Australian Workers’ Association had been established and he became a member, later on joining the “JAhn Ballance Assembly of the Knights of Labour,” which that enthusiastic New Zealander, Frank Kelsall, sought to establish in Western Australia. Mr. Bath was actively identified with the erection of the Workers’ Hall in Boulder and the initiation of the Sunday night afterchurch lectures which were then established. At that time the question of securing a more liberal franchise and the wiping out of the inequalities which marked the then distribution of electorates was one of the great political questions agitating the public mind, and Mr. Bath threw himself energetically into the movement in the Labour interest. He was actively associated with the movement for establishing the first Labour paper The Westralian Worker in Western Australia, and was selected as its first editor, devoting all his time in an honorary capacity for the first three months of its existence. A difference of opinion as to the policy of the paper led to the appointment of Wallace Nelson as editor, and Mr. Bath was elected to the office of secretary of the Goldfields Trades and Labour Council, then the active head of the Labour movement on the eastern goldfields and the forerunner of the present Eastern District Council of the A.L.F. While occupying this position the representation of Hannans in the State Assembly became vacant owing to the death of Mr. J. Reside, then Labour member for the district, and Mr. Bath being selected as the Labour candidate for the vacancy secured an unopposed re-
turn. When Hannans electorate disanpeared through redistribution Mr. Bath sought election for Brown-Hill constituency and was again returned unopposed. He continued to hold that seat until it, too, disappeared through the Redistribution Act of 1911, when he contested the new electorate of Avon and was returned after a strenuous contest. In August, 1904, Mr. Bath was elected Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly, a position which he relinquished to take up the portfolio of Minister of Lands and Education for a very brief term in 1905. After the general elections of 1905 he was chosen leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, and retained the position, enjoying the undivided confidence of the Party until 1910, when, owing to continued ill-health, he was compelled to resign from the office. On the formation of the Labour Government in 1911 Mr. Bath accepted a portfolio as Minister of Lands and Agriculture. During his career in Parliament Mr. Bath has been essentially a member who looked to the general interests of the people. He availed himself of every opportunity of becoming acquainted with the resources of the State, and as one of the active or-
Hon. Thomas Henry Bath.
ganizers of the Labour Party possessed a wide acquaintance in various districts. From his first entry into Parliament he has been a prominent advocate of educational progress, urging its extension not only in the primary schools but in the establishment of technical schools and in urging the establishment of institu-
320
TTTE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
tions in which the bent for agricultural pursuits would be encouraged. When the University Endowment Act was passed he was chosen as one of the trustees, and consistently urged the extension of this endowment principle for general educational purposes. He was appointed a member of the first Senate of the University of Western Australia in February, 1912. Mr. Bath was a member of the Honorary Royal Commission appointed to report on the proposal to establish a University in Western Australia. He is also a member of the Committee of the Public Library and Museum of Western Australia. Mr. Bath was married in 1904 to Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. W. T. Fensome, of Kal-goorlie, and has a son and daughter.
The Honourable PHILIP COLLIER, M.L.A., Minister of Mines and Railways in the second Labour Government of Western Australia, is a native of Victoria, having been born on April 21, 1874, at Wood-stock, some 20 miles from Melbourne, where his father, the late Mr. Philip Collier, carried on agricultural pursuits. He was educated at local private and public schools, and concluding his scholastic career at the age of sixteen turned his attention to the mining industry. After a short period spent at the North Birmingham Mine at Steig-leitz, a score of miles from Ballarat, he went farther afield, and for several years pursued this calling at different localities in Victoria and New South Wales. Subsequently he was engaged as foreman on the construction work in connection with the Melbourne sewerage scheme, which position he relinquished in order to come to Western Australia in 1904. Proceeding straight to the eastern goldfields, Mr. Collier was associated with the Perseverance Gold-mining Company at Boulder for about fifteen months, when he received a distinguishing mark of public appreciation by being elected in 1905 to represent the famous mining constituency of Boulder City in the Legislative Assembly, and has held this seat ever since, being unopposed at the ' recent elections. Even as a youth of sixteen Mr. Collier took an active interest in politics and was strongly attached to the Labour cause, lie held various prominent positions in the Labour organizations in Victoria, among
which was that of honorary secretary of different branches of the P.L.P., while on several occasions he discharged the secretarial duties for Labour candidates in Victoria. Upon arrival in this State he joined the Boulder branch of the Australian Workers' Association, and almost immediately was elected an officer, subsequently representing that branch at the Labour Congress held at Perth in July, 1905. lie also accepted the position of Vice-President of the Goldfields Trades and Labour Council, which he held at the time of his election to Parliament. The interests of the miners lay especially near to his heart, and he gave much time and thought to the Mines Regulation Act of 1906, brought in by the Moore Government. While acting as delegate on behalf of the Australian Workers’
Ford, Bunbury.
Hon. PmLir Collier.
Association to the Kalgoorlie Trades and Labour Council Mr. Collier proposed that one of the planks of the Federal Labour platform should provide for a Commonwealth land tax, and consistently advocated this idea, which at the time was strenuously opposed as being unconstitutional. It was, however, eventually carried and sent forward to the Commonwealth Labour Congress in Melbourne, held in the latter part of 1905, which passed it after an equally exciting debate, no other similar proposal having been submitted by any other Labour body in Australasia. This measure, which ultimately became law, at the present time returns nearly £2,000,000
annually to the Federal Treasury. Upon the accession to office of the Labour Party in Western Australia in 1911 Mr. Collier accepted a portfolio as Minister of Mines and Railways, a position for which his previous experience should eminently fit him. He was Acting-Premier during the absence of Mr. Scaddan on a visit to the Eastern States to attend the conference of Premiers in the early part of 1912. lie was married in 1900 to Ellen, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Ileagney, of Bulla, Victoria, and has two sons and two daughters.
The Honourable THOMAS WALKER, M.L.A., Attorney-General and Minister of Education in the Scaddan Administration of 1911, is a son of Mr. Thomas Walker, corn miller and merchant, of Preston and Leyland, England, and was born at Preston on February 5, 1858. He pursued his scholastic studies at the Leyland Grammar School, and after a subsequent course at a similar institution at Preston entered the St. Thomas School in the latter town as junior teacher. After following the teaching profession for nearly three years he emigrated to Canada, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, also serving for a short period in a chemist’s establishment. Returning to England he joined the staff of the Preston Herald, writing at the same time for The Guardian and Chronicle of that town. Returning to Canada at a later period, after working as a farm labourer, he went to the United States, where he continued his journalistic efforts as a member of the staff of the Toledo llevieiv, but relinquished this connection in favour of The Democrat some time later. After about a year’s journalistic work in Ohio Mr. Walker began a lecturing tour through the States of North America, during the course of which he dealt, with such subjects as the occult sciences, the doctrine of evolution—in which he is an enthusiastic believer—and many others of equal interest. From San Francisco he took steamer to Sydney, arriving by the "Zealandia” in 1877, and continued his lectures throughout the Australian States, his first lecture in Melbourne, delivered when he was under twenty years of age, being presided over by Mr. Alfred Deakin. After a highly successful Australian tour he sailed for Great
321
Britain and commanded audiences all over England and Scotland, and receiving a cable invitation to visit South Africa made himself favourably known in the larger cities of that continent. While there he married, and shortly afterwards returned to Melbourne and directed his attention to politics. Being defeated in his first contest (for the Richmond electorate) he left Victoria and settled in Sydney. In due course he stood for the electorate of Northumberland, and was returned to that seat for three successive Parliaments. In addition to his political duties he pursued a journalistic career and wrote several dramas, among which, deserving of special mention, was his dramatization of "His Natural Life,” the first attempt by any writer to dramatize Marcus Clarke's famous novel. "Marmondelle the Moor” was also from his pen, and for a short time he took the boards with Alfred Dampier, who produced the piece in Sydney, Mr. Walker receiving high praise both for the literary worth of his production and for his histrionic abilities as its interpreter. In course of time a Redistribution of Seats Bill was passed through Parliament, and by this measure the electorate which he represented was abolished. Relieved thus of public responsibilities Mr. Walker devoted himself to the teaching of elocution, lecturing, and journalism, and found congenial scope for his abilities as a lecturer on temperance questions in New Zealand. Shortly afterwards he came to Western Australia and for some time continued in these various avocations, in pursuit of which he assisted the late Mr. Vos-per in the conduct of The Sunday Times. This period was followed by a few months on the eastern goldfields, where he was associated with the production of the Kalgoorlie Sun and subsequently with The Miner, but the death of Mr. Vosper led to his return to Perth to take charge of The Sunday Times, and at a later date he edited The Sunday Press, of which he was part-proprietor. The Sunday Times and The Sun were brought under one management, and Mr. Walker in due course took control of the latter journal, taking up his residence at Kalgoorlie. At the same time he embraced the opportunity to contest the election for the Kanowna district and was successful in winning the seat. After his return to Parliament he gave up journalism, re-v
solving to enhance his political qualifications by the study of law, which, he clearly realized, would prove of invaluable service to him in the formulation and interpretation of legislative measures and constitutional procedure. In the fulfilment of this purpose he passed the preliminary examination in general knowledge, and was afterwards articled for five years to Mr. Richard S. Haynes, K.C., an old friend, with whom he had been on terms of intimacy during his Parliamentary career in the Mother State. The long sittings of the House were preceded by concentration on law books of no light quality, and the development of a farming property at about this period provided more anxiety than recreation. The charm of literary work reasserted its power at unap-
TTon. Thomas Walker.
propriated moments, claiming the leisure that otherwise might have been spent in rest or diversion. While preparing for the final law examination he experienced an exceedingly heavy strain, the close of the last session of the late Parliament involving . many successive all-night sittings, when such exciting measures as the Redistribution of Seats Bill were the subjects of keen debate, and party feeling ran high. More than an ordinary part in these fights fell to Mr. Walker, whose health finally gave way, necessitating a trip to the Eastern States, by which, fortunately, he was able to recuperate. This was early in 1911, and toward the end of the year a remarkable culmination of events would seem to signify that his star was in the ascendant. Within a few
weeks he was returned unopposed to the House, his party was successful at the polls, and he was chosen for the high office of His Majesty’s Minister, a memorable circumstance eventuating when he was admitted to the Bar and sworn in as Attorney-General on the same day. In February, 1912, he was chosen as a member of the first Senate of the University of Western Australia. Mr. Walker was married at Graaff Reinet, South Africa, to Maria Andriette, daughter of the late Mr. William John Somers and niece of Sir An-dries Stockemstroom, Bart., then Lieutenant-Governor of Cape Colony, and first cousin to Sir Andries Meas-dorp, now Chief Justice of Orange River Colony.
The Honourable WILLIAM DARTNELL JOHNSON, M.L.A. The present Minister for Public Works, Mr. W. D. Johnson, is a New Zealander, by birth, having been born at Wanganui in 1872, and is therefore in his fortieth year. Attracted by the early gold discoveries in Western Australia, which in the early nineties caused such an upheaval throughout Australia, Mr. Johnson arrived in the State in 1894 in very early manhood. After spending a short period in Perth and Coolgardie he settled in Kalgoorlie. The Labour movement very soon called Mr. Johnson into prominence, and his period of residence in Kalgoorlie is punctuated with the earnest and active interest he took in all matters that pertained to the betterment of the industrial classes. He was mainly instrumental in forming the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, achieving the honour of becoming its first President. Fie was also Secretary for two years of the Goldfields Trades and Labour Council. While holding these positions his status in the Labour world as a leader and organizer of more than passing ability was so noted that it was hardly a matter of surprise when he was returned to Parliament as member for Kalgoorlie in the Labour interest in 1901. The reputation he had gained at Kalgoorlie became more consolidated until on the formation of the first Labour Government, with Mr. Dag-lish as leader, Mr. Johnson was offered and accepted the portfolio of the Public Works. In this position his administrative and organizing abilities were proved of such high
322
order that he has left a record in that department as a controlling force. On the reconstruction of the Ministry he became Minister of Mines and Railways, and in this position his capacity as an administrator gained the highest commenda-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. William Hartnell Johnson.
tion. At the general election of October, 1905, Mr. Johnson failed to secure the confidence of the Kal-goorlie electors, being defeated by Mr. Norbert Keenan. Soon afterwards he left the goldfields and became a resident of Midland Junction. On a vacancy occurring in the representation of Guildford in 1906 he was returned for that centre, and has held the seat by overwhelming majorities at each succeeding election. On the return of the Labour Party to power in 1911 Mr. Johnson was again given the portfolio of the Public Works, where no doubt by wise and careful control of this most important department he will enhance his previous excellent reputation. Since taking up his residence on the coast the subject of our memoir has been a most indefatigable worker in the cause of Labour, a task in which he has been greatly assisted by his wife. He married in 1901 Jessie, daughter of Alexander McCallum, and has three children.
man, having been born at Northampton, near Geraldton, in 1865. Not alone is Mr. Drew a native of the State in which he now holds one of its highest positions, but the whole of his early education and training was completed in Western Australia. Early in life he showed a marked predilection for a journalistic career, which, perhaps, more than any other professional walk of life stands for progress and advancement of its votaries. On leaving school Mr. Drew joined the staff of The Western Australian Record, which was then published at Fremantle, eventually rising by sterling merit and earnest work to the position of sub-editor on its staff. Resigning this position he was entrusted with the secretarial and managerial duties of The Victorian Express Company, proprietors of The Geraldton Express. From the business position he passed to the editorial chair of The Express, and is now the owner of the paper and a strong force in the politics of his native State, especially in the northwestern portion. In 1900 Mr. Drew succeeded Mr. W. T. Loton as a member of the Central province in the Legislative Council of the State. Upon Mr. Daglish assuming office as Premier of the first Labour Ministry in Western Australia Mr. Drew,
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. John Michael Drew.
The Honourable JOHN MICHAEL DREW, M.L.C., the Colonial Secretary of the Ministry, is, comparatively speaking, a young
though not a pledged member of the Party, accepted office as Minister for Lands and with it the leadership of the Legislative Council. When it is remembered that he was
not a member of the popular House it speaks volumes for the high impression prevailing in democratic circles as to Mr. Drew’s integrity and ability that he was selected for this honour by a party of which he was not, strictly speaking, an adherent. On the reconstruction of the Cabinet by Mr. Daglish, Mr. Drew still retained office, with the portfolio of Colonial Secretary in place of. that of the Lands, but still retaining the leadership of the Council. The reversal of public opinion in favour of the Labour Party in 1911, when it gained a signal victory and substantial majority in the Legislative Assembly, led to the formation of the second Labour Ministry. In this Cabinet Mr. Drew again accepted office as Colonial Secretary and with it the leadership of the Council.
The Honourable JABEZ EDWARD DODD, M.L.C. A striking personality in the present Ministry is to be found in Mr. Dodd, one of the Honorary Ministers. Porn at Callington, South Australia, in 1867 he is a worthy scion of the Central State. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to Kadina, in the same State. Here the subject of the present memoir was educated, and on what sound lines his future career has already made fully manifest. Tn 1889, at the age of twenty-two, Mr. Dodd left Kadina and proceeded to Broken Hill, where he spent seven strenuous years, during which period the famous strikes of 1890 and 1892 had taken place. Being enamoured of the possibilities opening up in the “Cinderella” State of Western Australia Mr. Dodd, attracted by its wonderful development, like many other hardy spirits, left more settled districts to try his luck on the Western Australian goldfields, making his home at Coolgardie in 1896, three years later proceeding to Kalgoorlie. During his residence in this State Mr. Dodd has been closely identified with Labour and Labour ideals, and every movement for the amelioration of the condition of the workers has found in him an earnest advocate and an enthusiastic supporter. He is known far and wide as a mediator in trade disputes, and many conflicts betwixt labour and capital have been stayed by the power of his personality. The decisions he has from time to time given as arbitrator in industrial con-
323
flicts have been loyally accepted by the opposing forces. Early in his residence in Coolgardie Mr. Dodd became identified with unionist proposals, assisting to found the Australian Workers’ Association and later the Amalgamated Miners’ Association, now the Western Australian Federated Miners’ Union, of which until recently he was Secretary. In this position he has done much to relieve the many disabilities under which the miner works. Under the deep sense of responsibility that has been such a marked feature of his career Mr. Dodd has worked so whole-heartedly in the cause of the miners that his efforts to alleviate the conditions of their labour will be remembered with gratitude wherever his name may be mentioned. The high appreciation his fellow-unionists have of his integrity and ability can be found in the fact that from its inception he has been the Treasurer of the Western Australian Federated Miners’ Union and until recently was its Secretary. His wide experience as a practical miner in Broken llill, Coolgardie, and Kalgoorlie has made him an authority on all questions in
Hon. Jabez Edward Dodd.
regard to that industry, while his tact and judgment have earned for him a place in the Legislature and Cabinet of the State of his adoption. With wisdom and with confidence he
has guided the affairs of his fellow-unionists, and it is with confidence we can regard his advent on a wider sphere of action. Like many of his contemporaries in the political world Mr. Dodd made consistent essays in the world of journalist literature, for despite his strenuous efforts on behalf of his Union he found time to become a regular contributor to the columns of The Worker. Tn 1910 he was returned for the Legislative Council in the interests of Labour for the South Province, being elected by a substantial majority. With such a short period of legislative life to be elevated to a position in the Cabinet is a marked compliment to the purity and integrity of Mr. Dodd’s motives and his ability to deal with the grave questions of policy that will meet him in his present sphere.
The Honourable WILLIAM CHARLES ANGWTN, M.L.A. Mr. W. C. Angwin, an Honorary Minister in the Cabinet, is not an Australian born, but comes from that home of sturdy pioneers and still sturdier democracy, Cornwall. Born in St. Just in 1863 Mr. Angwin is in his forty-ninth year, twenty-six of which have been spent in Australia, for he arrived in the Commonwealth in 1886. He served his apprenticeship as a carpenter, and at the age of nineteen left Cornwall for Cumberland, where he immediately became identified with movements of social reform. Early in life Mr. Angwin took a very active interest in the cause of temperance, and his democratic principles were just as clearly outlined, for he was a member of the Liberal Association, which met at the Moor Road, near Whitehaven. In 1892 Mr. Angwin arrived in Western Australia and at once began to make his influence felt in Labour circles in the State. He was employed by Messrs. Sandover & Co. until elected to the Legislative Assembly for East Fremantle in June, 1904, and has been closely identified with public affairs in East Fremantle since 1897. Of calm, thoughtful temperament Mr. Angwin makes an ideal leader in many ways, his principles of temperance being displayed
in more avenues than that of the liquor question. After several terms as a councillor in the East Fremantle municipality Mr. Angwin was eventually chosen as Mayor, and continued in that position for some years, gaining by his careful and
Hon. William Charles Angwin
temperate administration the admiration and respect of all shades of political opinion. The Redistribution of Scats Act of last year combined several portions of Mr. Ang win’s electorate with portions of North Fremantle electorate, and for the combination he was returned to the present Assembly. This is not the first time Mr. Angwin has been a member of the Ministry, as in the Labour Government of 1904-5 he was a Minister without portfolio, and was again selected for a similar position on the accession of the Labour Party to office in 1911. As Honorary Minister Mr. Angwin has been closely identified with the administration of public health, and his efforts to obtain a pure milk supply have earned for him general commendation. His wide knowledge of municipal affairs renders him peculiarly fitted for this task, and one of the most important features of successful administration on a subject that is essentially in the best interests of the people will find in Mr. Angwin a wise, controlling force.
v2
The Legislative Council.
The Honourable HENRY BRIGGS, J.P., M.L.C., President of the Legislative Council, was born at Kettering, Northamptonshire, in 1844. He was educated at the Kettering National School by Mr. William Sturgess and afterwards at Leicester by Canon Fry, and at the age of nineteen gained a Queen’s scholarship at St. Mark’s College, Chelsea. On the completion of his training he was appointed Master of the College Model Schools. After occupying this position for three years he was appointed Head Master of the Mottram Grammar School. In 1882, on the nomination of the Board of Governors, he came to Western Australia to establish the Fremantle Grammar School, which institution he successfully conducted till he retired in 1897. In 1895 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. After the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce was resuscitated in 1883 he was Secretary of that body for twelve years. On the resignation of Mr. E. W. Davies as a member for the West province in the Legislative Council he was elected on June 30, 1896, and opened his Parliamentary career in the session of that year by moving the Address-in-Reply to the Governor’s Speech. His entry into political life has, however, not interfered with the interest he still takes in educational and literary matters. He was a member of an early Commission on technical education, and has been one of the Trustees of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery since 1903. He was a member of the Royal Commission on the establishment of a University in the State, the labours of which led to the passing of the University Act in 1911. Since taking his seat in the Legislative Council Mr. Briggs has been a continuous member of that Chamber. From June, 1900, to June, 1906, he was Chairman of Committees, and in the latter year succeeded Sir George Shenton as President of the Council. As an Australian by adoption he took an active part and keen interest in the genesis and formation of the Federal Constitution of the Commonwealth. He was a representative at the Aus-
tralian Convention which framed the Constitution at the Sydney and Mel bourne Sessions in 1897-8, and also President of the Fremantle branch of the Western Australian Federal League. In connection with the Masonic craft Mr. Briggs has occupied a prominent part. He is a Past Master as well as Past Z., and about 1885, as a member of the Fre-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Henry Briggs.
mantle Lodge, 1,033, E.C. (now No. 2, W.A.C.), took the preliminary steps in the establishment of the Royal Arch Chapter of Freemasonry in Western Australia.
The Honourable R. S. ARDAGH, who represents North-East province in the Legislative Council, was born in Gippsland, Victoria, in 1871. From an early period of his history he was connected with the mining industry, and when about twenty-one years of age accepted the position of union steward on the Long Tunnel Mine at Walhalla, his long term of service in the cause of unionism beginning with this appointment. In 1895 he arrived in Western Australia, and proceeding to Kalgoorlie found employment on the mines in
the capacity of enginedriver and in other departments of work. Later he was elected to the post of Secre tary of the Trades and Labour Council, which he filled for seven years, and for a time occupied the position of managing editor of The WcsLralian Worker. Mr. Ardagh is still connected with this journal as manager, at the present time devoting his attention solely to the business side of the enterprise. He is a councillor of the Kalgoorlie municipal chamber, and in 1903 was gazetted a Justice of the Peace. In 1912 he was the successful candidate for the suffrages of the North-East province in the Legislative Council as a supporter of the Labour Party.
The Honourable EPHRAIM MAYO CLARKE, representing the South-Western province in the Legislative Council, is a son of the late Mr. Ephraim Clarke, of Bucks, England, and was born at Park-field, near Australind, in August, 1846. Until he was thirty years of age he was identified with farming pursuits on his father’s property and on his own holding in the Harvey district, adjacent to the south-western railway line. In 1874 he came to Bunburv and established his present business, in conjunction with which he cultivates an orchard and farm at Roelands. He also has a vineyard in the vicinity of the port, where he was the first to replant vines after the attack of fungus disease which destroyed the vineyards in the south-western district about 1865. Mr. Clarke began his public career as a member of the Bunbury Municipal Council, his connection with which body extended over twenty-seven years. For six years he occupied the mayoral chair, and during his term of office used his influence to secure an improvement in the sanitary conditions of the town. In 1900 he was returned to the Legislative Council as one of the representatives for the South-Western district, and has since -held the seat. Mr. Clarke was one of the first members of the original Bunbury Chamber of Commerce. He was a
325
member of the Mounted Rifle Corps of Bunbury at its inception, and at the present time is a member of the Bunbury Rifle Club.
The Honourable HAL PATE-SHALL COLEBATCH was born at Wolferlow, Kingsland, Herefordshire, on March 29, 1872. As a child of seven he accompanied his parents to South Australia and received his education at Goolwa, at the mouth of the Murray River. From a very early age he was attracted to journalism, and after spending a year or two in the northern agricultural areas of South Australia, in 1889 proceeded to Broken Hill, where he obtained a position on the staff of The Silver Age, which he retained for about six years. In 1895 he came to Western Australia and was engaged in journalistic work in connection with The Golden A ge newspaper, Coolgardie, and The Kalgoorlie Miner, until the end of that year ; in the beginning of 1896 accepting the appointment of mining editor of the newly - established Morning Herald in Perth. Mr. Colebatch continued his association with this paper until 1905, in which year he entered into partnership with Mr. J. S. Nicholls, a former Press associate of his Broken Hill days, in the purchase of The Northam Advertiser, founded by Mr. J. T. Riley, which has since been carried on by these gentlemen. Mr. Colebatch has always been distinguished for the active interest he displayed in matters of public moment, especially in the Eastern districts of this State, and is now in his third year of office as Mayor of Northam. In 1912 he turned his attention to the political arena, and successfully contested East province in the elections held in May of that year.
The Honourable JAMES DANIEL CONNOLLY, M.L.C., is the second son of the late Mr. D. Connolly, of Clifton, Queensland. Born at Allora, on the rich Darling Downs, in 1869, and educated at Warwick, he early in life engaged in business as a contractor in his own State. He was attracted to Western Australia by the gold discoveries, and arrived in 1893, in time to see the foundation of the eastern goldfields and catching the boom at the flood he found great opportunities for the profitable employment of his enterprise and business acu-
men. Kalgoorlie was then practically unborn, and a city had to be built in the remote desert within five years. In the raising of that mushroom city Mr. Connolly found plenty to do, and the strenuously busy character of his early years in Western Australia may be best gauged by the number of public buildings and commercial edifices at Kalgoorlie and throughout the eastern goldfields, for the building of which he was responsible. As Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie rose from humble mining camps to large, up to-date, and prosperous settlements his fortunes rose with them. In addition to his business enterprises
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. James Daniel Connolly.
he interested himself largely in mining development, and while he had his successes as an investor, he nevertheless paid a fair quota to the cost of establishing the great mining industry. In the course of a few years he was able to devote some time to public affairs and in 1901 entered the Kalgoorlie Municipal Council. This civic honour proved but a stepping-stone to the greater dignity and responsibilities of public life. When Mr. A. P. Matheson was returned as one of the members of the Federal Senate for Western Australia Mr. Connolly contested the vacancy in the representation of the North-East province in the Legislative Council of the State, and was elected by a substantial majority in 1903. That seat he has continued to hold ever since. Three years later, on the formation of the Moore Ministry, he accepted the
important portfolio of Colonial Secretary, which carried with it the responsibility of leading the Legislative Council and piloting all Government business through that Chamber. Mr. Connolly has always taken a sympathetic interest in public charities, particularly those relating to children, and in the State Children’s Act which he carried through Parliament in 1907 the State is recognized to possess one of the most humane and advanced measures of the kind in the Commonwealth. As Minister in charge of public health he strove to place the hospitals of the State on an efficient basis, and in the consolidating Health Act of 1910-11 he succeeded in embodying provisions which give this State the most up-to-date health and pure foods legislation on the Statute Books of Australia, a meritorious feature of the measure being the sections dealing with the protection of infant life. Another matter to which Mr. Connolly gave earnest attention was that of immigration. By a judicious policy of advertising the resources of the State and giving proper attention to the immigrants on their arrival he brought about an influx of desirable settlers at the rate of 12,000 per annum, and having regard to the fact that Western Australia has never encouraged indiscriminate immigration, this result is one of the most gratifying in the record of Mr. Connolly’s administration. While swelling the white population he was not unmindful of the claims of the original owners of the soil, and during his regime the laws dealing with the aborigines were remodelled on most benevolent lines. Everything possible was done by him to improve the conditions of the native race, and in this respect Western Australia is not eclipsed by any other State in the Commonwealth. In 1898 Mr. Connolly married a daughter of Mr. Edwards, of St. Arnaud, Victoria, the issue being five daughters.
The Honourable FRANCIS CONNOR, representing North province in the Legislative Council, was born at Newry, Ireland, in 1857. Subsequent to his arrival in Western Australia in the year 1885 he proceeded to Wyndham, where, in conjunction with Mr. D. J. Doherty, he opened a storekeeping business. At a later date the firm took up a
326
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
large area of country on the Ord River, where cattle-breeding was carried on with considerable success, and at the time of the gold rush to Coolgardie offices were opened both at Perth and Fremantle. Upon the establishment of responsible government in 1891 Mr. Connor was elected to represent East Kimberley, and continued to sit for that constituency until 1905, when he was defeated by Mr. A. Male. In the year following he stood for North province in the Legislative Council and was returned, being re-elected unopposed in 1912.
The Honourable J. CORNELL, representative for South province in the Legislative Council, was born at Merrijig, Victoria, in December, 1873. In 1897 he came to Western Australia, and proceeding to the Ashburton, became identified with station pursuits for three years, later finding his way to Kalgoorlie. Mr. Cornell here turned his attention to mining on the Great Boulder claim, and during seven years played a leading part in matters concerning the Labour Union. He was elected the first President of the Eastern Goldfields District Council of the Australian Labour Federation, having previously filled the post of Secretary to this body for two years. He also served the ratepayers as a member of the Boulder Municipal Council for some considerable time. In 1912 lie contested the seat for South province in the Legislative Council against Mr. C. R. Davies, and was returned by a substantial majority.
The Honourable JOSEPH FRANCIS CULLEN, M.L.C., journalist and proprietor of The Great Southern Herald (Katanning), was born at Hunter River, New South Wales, and educated at State schools and at Camden College, Sydney. In January, 1889, he was elected member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for the electorate of St. Leonard, and was twice re-elected. Mr. Cullen came to Western Australia in 1904, and after spending about two years on the eastern goldfields he bought The Great Southern Herald newspaper and settled in Katanning in 1906. A vacancy having occurred in the representation of the South-East province in the Legislative Council, Mr. Cullen contested
and won the seat. He takes an active part in the work of the Legis-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Joseph Francis Cullen.
lature and continues the editorship and general management of his newspaper.
The Honourable FREDERICK DAVIS was born at Coventry, England, and came to Australia while still quite a youth. He was identified with the brick-laying trade in the various States of the Commonwealth, and in 1893 came to Western Australia, in the following year receiving election to the office of Secretary of the Perth Trades and Labour Council, which post he held from 1894 to 1899. He also acted as Secretary of the Eight-hours Demonstration Committee, and for a time was second in com mand of the Trades and Labour organ of that day, viz., The Sunday Chronicle. In 1900 he established The Strati Express at Midland Junction, and conducted that journal until 1909, when he took up land at Greenmount, and has since been engaged in orchard operations on this property. Mr. Davis was at one time connected with municipal life as a member of the Leederville Council.
The Honourable DOUGLAS GEORGE GAWLER, representing the Metropolitan-Suburban province in the Legislative Council, was born in South Australia on November 9,
1860. He is a son of Mr. Henry Gawler, of England, and a grandson of Lieutenant-Colonel George Gawler, K.H., Governor of South Australia from October, 1838, to May, 1841. He received his education at St. Peter’s College, Adelaide, and subsequently became a student in the University of that city. He was admitted to the South Australian Bar in 1886, and coming to Western Australia in August of that year commenced practice as a barrister and solicitor in Perth and Fremantle. Mr. Gawler was first in partnership with the present Mr. Justice Burnside, and subsequently with Mr. A. B. Kidson, at the present time being associated with Messrs. A. S. Hardwick and J. C. Forman, the firm, known as Gawler, Hardwick, & Forman, having offices at Perth and Fremantle. Mr. Gawler was President of the National Political League, Fremantle, for five years, and in March, 1910, stood for the Metropolitan-Suburban province against Messrs. Larrad and F. Davis, being elected by a majority of over 500 votes. He accorded his support to the Divorce Amendment Bill, to the Compulsory Preferential Voting Act, and to the Local Court Act Amendment Bill, which latter measure he assisted to draft. On two occasions Mr. Gawler has visited
Hon. Douglas George Gawler.
England, and he was an eyewitness at the Coronation celebrations of both His late Majesty King Edward VII. and the present King, George V. During the latter visit he was present at the House of Lords when the famous debate on the Veto Bill,
327
introduced by the Asquith Government, took place. He is a member of the Liberal Club and of the Royal Agricultural Society, and has been Chairman on several occasions of the Peppermint Grove Roads Board, of which he is a member. In the world of sport he is known as a member of the Western Australian Turf Club and of the Cottesloe Bowling Club. He was formerly connected with the old Fremantle Hunt Club, and was a playing member of the now defunct Perth Polo Club. He is also fond of rowing, and for twelve years was captain of the Fremantle Rowing Club. In 1893 Mr. Gawler married Eva Mary, daughter of Mr. R. N. Waldeck, of Fremantle, and has two sons and two daughters.
Sir JOHN WINTHROP HACKETT, M.A., LL.D., M.L.C., has represented South-West province in the Legislative Council for the past twenty-two years, having been first elected to the House in 1890. Since that time he has easily retained the seat, as recently as May, 1912, being returned unopposed. An extended reference to the great work performed by Sir Winthrop in the interests of his adopted country, particularly along those lines which tend to the intellectual improvement and physical recreation of the people, will be found in the section of this work devoted to the Press of Western Australia.
The Honourable VERNON IIAMERSLEY, J.P., who represents the East province in the Legislative Council, was born at Guildford, Western Australia, on March 18, 1871, and is a son of the late Mr. Samuel Richard Hamersley, of “Lockridge,” in that district. He was educated at the Guildford State School, under the late Mr. Stephen Gardiner, and also by private tuition under the Rev. Canon Sweeting, subsequently spending two years at Magdalen College School, Oxford. With the object of receiving instruction in the latest ideas and methods in agriculture, Mr. Hamersley entered the Downton Agricultural College, near Salisbury, England, where he specially applied himself to study the scientific management of land. In 1889 he returned to Western Australia and proceeded to the York district to commence farming opera-
tions under his father, who owned a property in that neighbourhood.
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Vernon Hamersley.
Many obstacles, however, intervened to prevent rapid progress in the industry. The work was very laborious and assistance was difficult to obtain, while the lack of local markets hampered the producer. Accordingly, when the rich gold discoveries created a furore which spread all over the States Mr. Hamersley temporarily abandoned his farming enterprise, and proceeding to the eastern goldfields spent a short time in prospecting. Perceiving at this juncture that the opportunity had arrived which promised prosperity to the agriculturist by the creation of fresh markets for his produce he returned to the scene of his former labours and steadily continued the development of the property. Upon the death of the late Mr. S. R. Hamersley the gentleman under review inherited the property at Toodyay, where he now resides, which was one of several taken up by his grandfather over half a century ago. It consists of 6,700 acres, of which over 3,000 acres have been cleared and are cropped on a three years’ rotation. Mixed farming is successfully carried on, and the stock includes some 4,000 sheep, besides cattle and a few horses. Mr. Hamersley has concerned himself in the welfare of the district, having filled the post of Chairman in the local Roads Board and President of the Agricultural Society. He is connected with various agricultural
bodies, including the Royal Agricultural Society, and is an exhibitor at the annual shows held by these organizations. For some years he was a member of the Honorary Agricultural Advisory Board, until the resignation of that body upon the appointment of a Director to take charge of the Agricultural Department. He is Vice-President of the Pastoralists’ Association, also acting Chairman of Directors of the Western Australian Producers’ Union and a Director of the Producers’ Markets, Limited. Mr. Hamersley received his commission of Justice of the Peace by the Forrest Administration in 1900. His entry into political life took place in 1904, when he was returned for East province to the Legislative Council and has since retained this seat. A member of the Western Australian Turf Club, he is also President of the Newcastle Race Club and a member of the Weld, Toodyay, and Northam Clubs. In 1896 he married Clara, daughter of Mr. Joseph Hicks, of Gwambygine, York district, and has a son and two daughters.
The Honourable ARTHUR GEORGE JENKINS, representative for the Metropolitan province in the
Hon. Arthur George Jenkins.
Legislative Council, is a Victorian, having been born at South Yarra, Melbourne, on February 12, 1868. He is a son of the late Sir G. H. Jenkins, C.M.G., of Victoria, and received his education at the Church of England Grammar School, Mel-
328
bourne, afterwards becoming a student at the University in that city. He studied for the legal profession and was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1889, subsequently practising as a solicitor in that State for several years. In 1893 Mr. Jenkins came to Western Australia and proceeded to the goldfields, where he spent eight years in the practice of his profession. In 1897 he was elected to the mayoral chair of Cool-gardie, holding office for a term, and in May, 1898, entered the Legislative Council as representative of the North-East province, in which Coolgardie was then included. Mr. Jenkins continued to occupy this seat for six years, but was defeated at the 1904 elections by the Honourable R. D. McKenzie, M.L.C. In 1908 he was returned to the Legislative Council by the electors of the Metropolitan province, and has since held the seat.
The Honourable WALTER KINGSMILL, B.A., member of the Legislative Council representing the Metropolitan province, was born at Glenelg, South Australia, on April 10, 1864. He is a. son of Walter Davies Kingsmill, pastoralist, of Adelaide, and received his education at St. Peter’s College and the University of Adelaide, in 1883 gaining the degree of B.A. at the last-mentioned institution. Subsequently lie entered the Geological Department of the South Australian Government, where he remained three years, at the expiration of which time he -engaged in mining pursuits both in South Australia and New South Wales. Tiring of the Eastern States he set sail for Wfesuern Australia, where he arrived in 1888, and immediately proceeded to the North-West goldfields, where mining and prospecting again claimed his attention for nine years, part of which time, however, he performed the duties pertaining to the position of Mining Registrar on the Pilbara fields. Resigning his post he held consecutively the management of the Stray Shot and Excelsior Mines and the Augusta and Talga-Talga Mines over a period of two years. During his residence in the goldfields Mr. Kingsmill devoted considerable time to the study of the requirements of the district, and in May, 1897, entered the lists as candidate for the Pilbara district in the House of Assembly. Being successful in the
contest lie took up his. residence in Perth. Four years from the time of his entry into the House Mr. Kingsmill was offered, and he accepted, the portfolio of Minister of Works in the first Leake Administration (1901), and in the second Ministry under the same leader he filled the office of Commissioner for Railways. On the death of Mr. George Leake the reins of government were assumed by Mr. -(now Sir) Walter James, and Mr. Kingsmill took his place in the new team as Colonial Secretary and Minister for Education, and he has been Acting-Premier on three occasions. In 1903, at the request of his colleagues, he resigned his seat in the Lower House in order to take over the leadership of the Upper Chamber, and successfully contested the seat for the Metropolitan-Suburban province in
Tiartlel-lO, Perth.
Hon. Walter Kingsmill.
the Legislative Council rendered vacant by the departure for the Transvaal of Dr. Jameson. Subsequently he was Colonial Secretary in the Rason Government, and continued to hold office until the departure for England of Mr. Rason, whereupon he accepted his present post of Chairman of Committees in the Legislative Council. In April, 1910, Mr. Kingsmill resigned his seat in the Council, and at the ensuing Federal elections unsuccessfully contested a seat in the Senate on behalf of the Liberal Party. In the following month he was reelected to the Legislative Council as representative for the Metropolitan province. He is a member of the
University Extension Committee and of the King’s Park Board, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Western Australia, Vice-President of the Western Australian Cricket Association, and Patron of numerous athletic bodies. During the absence in 1911 of Dr. Hackett he acted as President of the Zoological and Acclimatization Society, of which he is a Trustee. Mr. Kingsmill, who resides at Hay Street, East Perth, married in 1899 Mary Agatha, daughter of the late Mr. P. H. Fanning, of “Balclutha,” Alphington, Victoria.
The Honourable JOHN WATERS KIRWAN, J.P., M.L.C., is a
member of a well - known West of Ireland family. He is the
second son of the late Nicholas John Kirwan, of Sandymount
House, County Galway, and was born on December 2, 1869. In early life he did some literary work for the London and Dublin Press and in the early nineties came to Australia. He spent a couple of years in the Eastern States, where he was engaged in writing for Brisbane, Melbourne, and South Australian papers, and also visited New Zealand on a journalistic mission. In 1895, attracted by reports of the Coolgardie gold discoveries, he came to Western Australia, where he entered into partnership at Kalgoorlie with Messrs. Hocking Brothers, proprietors of The Western Argus weekly and the then newly-launched Kalgoorlie Miner daily. He took editorial control of both papers, which were then in their infancy and had but a very small circulation. Mr. Kirwan piloted these journals through the strenuous years that followed, during which they were subjected to the keen competition of several rival papers. Finally, The Kalgoorlie Miner became the only morning daily published on the goldfields, and as such wielded a vast political power. When federation was accomplished a very largely signed and influential requisition was presented to Mr. Kirwan in February, 1901, asking him to become a candidate for the Kalgoorlie seat in the House of Representatives at the first Federal elections. He complied with the request, and was returned by a majority of over 2,300 votes. In the Commonwealth Parliament he was a member of the Opposition which was
329
ed by Mr. (now Sir) George Reid, lie present High Commissioner of he Commonwealth. Mr. Kirwan >articipated in the hard fight tgainst high protective duties, a fight •hat was the most striking feature if the prolonged first session. He vas Deputy-Chairman of Commit-.ees and a member of the Royal Commission on Iron Bonuses. Kal-joorlie being an exceedingly strong labour constituency, Mr. Kirwan it the second Federal elections was lefeated by the Labour nominee, Mr. C. E. Frazer, the present Post-naster-General. Shortly afterwards Mr. Kirwan paid a prolonged visit /O Europe. He travelled extensively n the British Isles and also in Ger-nany, France, and Norway. Returning to Kalgoorlie about the end >f 1905, Mr. Kirwan resumed, as nanaging editor, complete literary jontrol of The Kalgoorlie Miner and Western Argus. Though on several occasions invited to stand for the Federal and State Parliaments it was not until May, 1908, that in •esponse to a requisition he became a candidate for the South province in Jie Legislative Council. He was returned by a substantial majority, defeating the Labour candidate, Mr.
I. E. Dodd, who is now Honorary Minister in the present Cabinet. In the State Parliament Mr. Kirwan has always favoured decentralization and the peopling of the vacant spaces of the south, east, and northern districts. In consequence of the Redistribution of Seats Act and for other reasons he opposed the return to power of the Wilson Government, and during the general elections of October, 1911, he urged the electors, through The Kalgoorlie Miner, to vote against the Ministerial candidates. In 1909, With Dr. (now Sir)
J. W. Hackett, Mr. Kirwan represented the Western Australian daily Press at the Imperial Press Conference in London. Mr. Kirwan, in the company of seven Australian and four New Zealand delegates, travelled through Canada en route to the Conference. The party met with a most hospitable reception in the Dominion. At Ottowa they were the guests of the Dominion Government and the Governor-General, Earl Grey. During the trip across Canada Mr. Kirwan was Hon. Secretary to the party and the late Mr. (afterwards Sir) Robert Kyffin Thomas was Chairman. In London, subsequently, both these gentlemen were requested
to fill the same relative positions for the whole overseas Press contingent, which included representatives from India, South Africa, Canada, and all parts of the Empire. The meetings of the Conference in London and the series of lavish entertainments provided for the delegates throughout England and Scotland are fully dealt with in the book entitled “A Parliament of the Press,” to which Mr. Kirwan contributed the chapter describing the Canadian tour. From time to time signed articles from the pen of Mr. Kirwan have appeared in The Nineteenth Century, Km'pire Review, Review of Reviews for Australasia, etc., dealing chiefly with Imperial and Australasian subjects. He takes a very deep interest in Federal and State politics. In Parliament and through the papers which he controls
Bartlctto, Perth.
Hon. John Waters Kirwan.
he assumes a definite stand on most public questions. This is more especially the case during Federal and State elections, and when alterations of the Federal constitution have been submitted to the votes of the people. He always takes the broad rather than the parochial view, and is ever ready to encourage naval and military defence, the construction of east-and-west and north-and-south transcontinental railways, also a vigorous policy of immigration and the development of Australia's great natural resources. In February, 1912, Mr. Kirwan was appointed one of the members of the first Senate of the University of Western Australia.
The Honourable ROBERT JOHN LYNN, J.P., Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. Richard Lynn, of Stock-ton, New South Wales, where he was born on March 14, 1873. He received his education in his native place and in the neighbouring town of Newcastle, where he attended the Superior School, leaving at the age of sixteen to begin his commercial career. He was first identified with the firm of Hall & Sons, wholesale merchants, of Newcastle and Sydney, and after occupying various positions rose to the post of chief salesman, from which he retired after spending eight years in the service. In 1896 he came to Western Australia and followed the gold rush to Coolgardie, but after a year’s unsuccessful prospecting returned to the coast and settled at Fremantle. Here he opened in a modest way in the shipping trade and has gradually extended his business operations until in 1906 he floated the company of R. J. Lynn Limited, which is well known in commercial circles as a prosperous and reliable concern. Mr. Lynn retains the position of Chairman of Directors of the firm, which is largely interested in the Collie coalfields. Among the various public positions occupied by the gentleman under review is that of Chairman of the Fremantle Municipal Tram ways Board, and he enjoys the distinction of being the only member who has sat continuously since the inception of the Board, which changes its personnel every two years. For seven years he was a councillor of the Fremantle muni cipality, and retired upon effluxion of time, not seeking re-election owing to the multifarious duties which made their pressure felt on every side. Upon the death of the late Hon. James Price, Minister for Works, he was the selected Ministerial candidate for the Legislative Assembly, but withdrew from the contest for a similar reason. In May, 1912, Mr. Lynn was a candidate for the West Province seat in the Legislative Council, to which he was returned in the Liberal interest after a spirited battle with his two opponents. He married in 1902 Ada, daughter of the late Mr. William Turton, of Rotherham, England, and has a son and a daughter.
The Honourable CUTHBERT McKENZIE, J.P., representative for the South-East province in the
330
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Legislative Council, is a native of this State, having been born at Albany on April 12, 1851. His father was the late Mr. Hugh McKenzie, master mariner, who came to the above port in 1840, and at the close of his education young McKenzie elected to follow in his parent’s footsteps. For nearly twenty years he was engaged in seafaring-pursuits, being concerned in the coastal trade and in various whaling enterprises, but in 1881 he abandoned this means of livelihood and settled down in his old home at Albany. During the thirty years that he carried on business at the southern port Mr. McKenzie was distinguished for his public spirit, and served for nine years as a member of the local Municipal Council, for seven years occupying the mayoral chair. He has been a member of the Albany School Board for the past six years, and was appointed by the Forrest Government to a Commission of the Peace for the whole of the State during Sir Gerald Smith’s term as Governor. In 1910 he came before the electors as a candidate for the suffrages of the South-East province and was returned as a member of the Legislative Council by a satisfactory majority. As a supporter of charitable movements
Hon. Ctjthbert McKbnzik.
Mr. McKenzie is well known in his district, and he also advocates a hearty enthusiasm in all manly outdoor sports. In 1881 he married Grace Cheyne, daughter of Mr. Andrew Moir, of Cape ltichc, Western Australia, and has three sons and three daughters.
The Honourable ROBERT DONALD McKenzie, m.l.c., was
born at Maldon, Victoria, in 1865, his father, the late Mr. Hugh McKenzie, J.P., being a prominent merchant and mining investor. Mr. McKenzie was educated at St. Paul’s Grammar School, Melbourne, which then stood on the site of the present Anglican Cathedral. The old school is now known as St. James’, being attached to the church of that name in William Street. In 1882 Mr. McKenzie was apprenticed to the firm of Briscoe & Co., hardware merchants, where he received a thorough grounding in all commercial pursuits. After five years’ service he undertook the management of a firm in Goulburn Valley, a position he occupied for the next four years. At that time the rich gold discoveries in this State were attracting universal attention, and in 1892 Mr. McKenzie decided to try his fortunes in the Golden West. Upon arrival at Fremantle he joined the firm of Symon, Hubble, & Hammond, general merchants, and remained in their service for a year till he accepted the position of travelling representative for Mr. J. M. Ferguson, now J. M. Ferguson Limited. In this connection it is interesting to note that he was the first commercial traveller to visit Hannans (now Kalgoorlie). On the occasion of his first visit there were 4,000 men under canvas working on “the alluvials,” and there was not a sheet of iron on the field. There were no police, yet the community was orderly in every respect. Mr. McKenzie was so much impressed with the future possibilities of Kalgoorlie that he decided to start business on his own account, and in 1894 founded the firm that is now a limited liability company, and of which he is Managing Director. At the first Kalgoorlie municipal elections in 1895 he was returned at the head of the poll, and in 1897 was elected third Mayor of the municipality. In the same year he was appointed a member of a Royal Commission to inquire into the mining industry. This body consisted of twelve members, Sir Edward Wit-tenoom being the first chairman. Their labours continued for over a year, during which period Mr. McKenzie visited all the State’s principal mining centres. He also acted on the Royal Commission ap pointed to inquire into the Boulder Deep Levels and what was known as
the Boulder Perseverance scandal. In 1898 he was elected first President of the Kalgoorlie Chamber of Commerce, a position he still occupies. Deciding to enter the Parliamentary arena Mr. McKenzie contested the seat for the North - East
Hon. Robert Donald McKenzie.
province of the Legislative Council in 1904, defeating the sitting member, Mr. Jenkins, by a substantial majority. Six years later he was reelected for the same seat, his opponent losing his deposit. In September, 1910, he joined the Wilson Government as Honorary Minister. In addition to his own firm Mr. McKenzie is largely interested in other commercial pursuits, including mining. He is Chairman of Directors for the Kalgoorlie Brewing and Ice Company and has recently taken up 4,000 acres of land on the Upper Blackwood River, which he is stocking with sheep, besides devoting a portion of his estate to fruit culture. In 1898 he received a commission of Justice of the Peace. Three years previously he married Emma Mary, daughter of the late Mr. James Widgery, of Sydney, and has issue three sons and a daughter.
The Honourable EDWARD McLARTY, who represents the South-Western province in the Legislative Council, was born in 1848 at Pinjarra, in that portion of the State where his constituency lies. His name is well known in the dis-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
331
trict, his father, the late John McLarty, of Campbelltown, Scotland, who arrived in Western Australia in the year 1839, being one of the earliest settlers there, and here the gentleman under review received his education. At the close
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Edward McLarty.
of his schooldays he became closely associated with pastoral and agricultural pursuits on his father’s property, “Blythewood,” at Pinjarra, and continued in this connection until eighteen years of age. He then accepted the management of a pastoral run at Mandurah, which he retained for about eight years. In 1882 he took advantage of the opening presented to graziers by the rise of the Kimberley district, and was one of the leading promoters of the first company formed to carry on pastoral operations in the promising Derby country. A million acres were leased from the Crown and the development begun of one of the largest cattle stations in the State, which, under the control of Mr. William G. McLarty, proved a thoroughly payable proposition. Meanwhile the subject of this notice had acquired his present property at Pinjarra, consisting of about 16,000 acres of freehold and Crown land, and at the same time personally entered upon its development, to which he has directed his attention ever since. The chief industry carried on is the breeding of cattle, sheep, and horses, and Mr. McLarty has been a very successful exhibitor at the local shows, in connection
with which he holds many premier awards for crossbred Leicester and merino sheep, Shorthorn cattle bred from pedigreed bulls, and draught horses of a useful type for farm use. One of the keenest judges of fat cattle in the State, for fifteen years consecutively he acted as adjudicator at these and similar functions throughout the metropolitan and country districts. He is Vice-President of the Pastoralists’ Associa tion of Western Australia and is a member of the Royal and various other Agricultural Societies. He also fills the position of President of the local Agricultural Society, and for many years was President of the Farmers’ Progress Association. For a lengthy period he has been a member of the Advisory Board of Agriculture, and in the deliberations of this body his opinions always carried great weight. Mr. McLarty is a Justice of the Peace for the whole of the State, and for the past thirty-seven years has occupied a seat on the Murray Roads Board, frequently being elected Chairman of that body. In 1894 he was returned to the first elective Legislative Council as representative for the South-Western province, and on every occasion ensuing has been re-elected either unopposed or by a very large majority. He was a keen supporter of Sir John Forrest’s Goldfields Water Scheme, which has proved of so great a benefit to the mining districts, and has always been an active promoter of rail way-extension. He married Mary Jane, daughter of the late Sub-Inspector Campbell, of Perth, and has six sons and a daughter.
The Honourable MATTHEW LOUIS MOSS, K.C., who represents the West province in the Legislative Council, is a son of the late Mr. Joseph Moss, of Dunedin, New Zealand, and was born at that city on December 1, 1863. He
was educated at various public schools and when fifteen years of age entered the office of the late Mr. J. B. Lewis, solicitor, of Dunedin, under whom he served his articles to the legal profession, and was admitted to the Bar on December 20, 1886. He came to Western Australia in September, 1891, and entered into practice at Fremantle, at a later date opening offices at Perth. He first entered Parliament in 1895 as member for North Fremantle in the Legislative Assembly,
but when the constituency was divided in 1897 suffered defeat by six votes at the hands of Mr. J. J. Holmes. In 1900 he opposed Mr. D. K. Congdon for the West province in the Upper House and was returned. He was an active promoter of many measures which are now on the Statute Book of the State. He lias held office in three Governments, viz., Colonial Secretary in the Morgans Ministry, Honorary Minister in the James Government, and Attorney-General in the Rason Administration. He has devoted a portion of his time to municipal affairs, and occupied the post of Mayor of East Fremantle for a term of three years. His recreation consists chiefly of golf and yachting. In 1895 he married Miss Katherine Lyons Moss, B.A., of New Zealand University, and has two sons.
The Honourable BARTHOLOMEW CORNELIUS O’BRIEN, member of the Legislative Council for the Central province, was born at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1868, and educated at the Christian Brothers’ College in that town. At the close of his schooldays he turned his attention to stock-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Bartholomew Cornelius O’Brien.
droving, and was engaged in this capacity in various parts of the Commonwealth until 1893, in which year he came to Western Australia. Proceeding to the Kimberley district, he found employment with Messts. Emanuel Brothers for twelve months,
at the end of which time he visited the Murchison goldfields and was engaged in the mining industry at Cue and in prospecting work with varying success during the latter part of 1894. In February of the following year he entered into business as the proprietor of the Great Britain Hotel, Cue, and continued as boni-face of that hotel until 1903, when he disposed of his interest, and coming to Perth three years later secured the freehold of the Court Hotel, Beaufort Street, where he is still to be found. While at Cue he evinced a keen interest in municipal affairs, and in 1896 received election to the Municipal Council. Next year he was elevated to the mayoral chair, which he continued to occupy for the ensuing three years. In the performance of the many official functions of his office he laid the foundation-stone in connection with the construction of the Cue Water Supply scheme and planted the first tree in the township, the beauty of which has been considerably added to by the introduction of a number of plantations. He took an active part in furthering the mining interests of the district, and his name is intimately connected with the development of this important industry. Sporting affairs did not escape his attention, and he was on the Committee of the Racing Club which organized the first meeting held at Cue in March, 1894. Mr. O’Brien’s Parliamentary career opened in June, 1901, when he was returned to the Legislative Council as representative for the Central province, and to him has fallen the unique distinction of having been the first Labour member elected to the Western Australian Parliament. He retained his seat for three and a half years, but was afterwards defeated by Mr. William Patrick, from whom he won back his constituency three years later and has held it ever since. His opponent on the last ococasion was Mr. Carson, and the polling resulted in an equal number of votes being cast for each candidate, but Mr. O’Brien was returned on the casting vote of the Chairman, Mr. Raymond Gee, Chief Electoral Officer for the Province. A petition was immediately lodged by Mr. Car-son and ultimately brought before Sir Henry Parker, Chief Justice, who ordered a recount, at which sixteen additional votes were recorded, but as these were equally divided between the
candidates a deadbeat still remained. The Chief Justice then had no alternative but to endorse the verdict of the Returning-Officer and declare Mr. O’Brien as the elected of the people. Local sporting clubs find in Mr. O’Brien a warm supporter, and he has acted as Steward and Stipendiary Steward to the Proprietary Clubs for some considerable time. He is a prominent figure in football circles and a member of the Appeal Board in connection with the pastime, is an active member of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, of which body he is now President, Chief Ranger in the Irish National Foresters, and a member of the Hibernian Society, in the Cue Branch of which he took a prominent part. Mr. O’Brien married in 1894 Eliza Blanche, only daughter of the late Mr. John Dawson, of Sheffield, England, and has two sons and a daughter.
The Honourable WILLIAM PATRICK, who represents the Central Province in the Legislative Council, was born at Renfrewshire on February 10, 1845. He received his education at Lochwinnoch and Glasgow, and was destined for the legal profession, but after pursuing his law studies for some considerable time abandoned this career and entered upon commercial life in Glasgow. In 1881 he emigrated to South Australia and opened as a merchant and auctioneer at Kapunda, where he continued until 1897, when he came to Western Australia and was associated in business for seven years with his brother, Mr. David Patrick, at Cue and Day Dawn. Before leaving the Central State Mr. Patrick unsuccessfully contested the North-Eastern district for the Legislative Council, and after his arrival in Western Australia was defeated by the late Mr. Illingworth in the contest for the Cue district. He was first elected as member for the Central province in 1904, and in 1910 was again returned to the seat, which he still holds. Mr. Patrick was formerly associated with the Cue Municipal Council, from which he resigned in 1902. He married in 1873, and has three sons and three daughters.
The Honourable RICHARD WILLIAM PENNEFATHER, B.A., LL.B., representing North province
in the Legislative Council, is a son of the late Mr. Frederick Penne-father, of Holy Cross Abbey, and was born at Tipperary, Ireland, on July 16, 1851. When quite young he was brought to Australia and placed under private tuition at Melbourne, where he afterwards attended the scholastic academy known as St. Patrick’s. He took the degrees of B.A. and LL.B. at the University of Melbourne in 1876, and having completed his legal course was called to the Bar and practised in Victoria for about ten years. After spending two years in practice at Sydney he resumed his old legal connection in Melbourne, having also been admitted to the Bar in Queensland, where, however, he did not practise. While resident in Victoria he was appointed Commissioner to take evidence in the great patent ease which determined the lecal rights of the McArthur-Forrest Company to the extraction of ore by means of cyanide of potassium, this action having been brought in the Transvaal in the days of the Dutch Republic. In all Mr. Pennefather practised for fifteen years in his profession in Vic-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Richard William Pennefather.
toria, and whether as an advocate in the Criminal Court, as counsel in the Civil Courts, as a cross-examiner in involved Equity suits, or in reducing complicated issues he was apt in turning his knowledge of legal lore to the benefit of his clients. In 1896 he came to Western Australia and spent the enforced six months of residence before he could be qualified for admission to the Bar in
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travelling over the country to make himself the better acquainted with its resources, devoting special attention to the auriferous areas. Returning to Perth he established himself in professional practice in partnership with Mr. John Horgan, a well-known member of the legal fraternity in Perth. In the following year Mr. Pennefather turned his attention to Parliamentary matters, and at the general elections for the House of Assembly in 1897 was returned as representative for the Greenough constituency. Upon the retirement of Mr. S. Burt, Q.C., from the Forrest Administration in October of the same year he received the portfolio of Attorney-General, which he continued to hold until 1901. In that year he was appointed Q.C., and having resigned his scat assumed the office of Acting-Judge of the Supreme Court during the absence on leave of the Chief Justice. In 1902 he resumed practice at the Bar and continued for three years, at the end of which period he again entered the arena of public life, being returned by the electors of North province to represent their interests in the Legislative Council. In 1909 he was elected Chairman of the Royal Commission apoointed to inquire into the meat question. Mr. Pennefather married a daughter of the late Mr. William Fullager, Parramatta, New South Wales, and has a daughter.
The Honourable CHARLES AUSTIN PIESSE is the second son of the late William Roper Piesse, of Toodyay, and was born at Nor-tham on November 11, 1855. lie received his education at the public schools of Guildford and North am and was engaged in the pearling industry at Shark Bay during 1872-3. He afterwards settled down to agricultural pursuits until 1880, when, in conjunction with his brother, the Hon. F. H. Piesse, C.M.G., he established at Williams the mercantile firm of F. & C. Piesse, which was successfully carried on for twenty-four years, during which time branches were opened at Perth, Katanning, and Wagin. Mr. Piesse severed his connection with the firm in 1903, but continued in business at Wagin as C. A. Piesse & Sons, combining with his mercantile enterprise the work of agricultural development, and was successful in founding the fine agricultural and pastoral estates of Arthur River (now owned
and managed by his three sons) and Till ell an. Mr. Piesse has been prominent in public matters in the neighbourhood, and for many years occupied the office of Chairman of the Arthur Roads Board, subsequently acting in a similar capacity at Wagin, of which town he was first
Barlletto, Perth.
Hon. Charles Austin Ptesse.
Mayor. In June, 1894, at the first elections held in connection with the Legislative Council, he was returned to represent South-East province, and has since been re-elected unopposed (1896-1902-8). He was Honorary Minister in the Moore Government (1906-7). With his brother, the Hon. F. H. Piesse, he was largely instrumental during the Forrest regime in bringing about the purchase by the Government of the Great Southern Railway, together with the 3,000,000 acres of land held by the Company, the settlement of which has since been successfully consummated. Mr. Piesse has been twice married, his first wife being a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Chipper, of Kojonup, Western Australia, the issue being three sons and six daughters. He married for the second time a daughter of the late Mr. John Hickson, of Port Pirie, South Australia, by whom he has a daughter.
The Honourable ARCHIBALD SANDERSON, barrister of the Inner Temple, London, who represents the Metropolitan-Suburban province in the Legislative Council, was born at Brie Brie, Glen
Thompson, Victoria, in 1870. He was educated at Hailey bury and Oxford University, where he graduated with honours in modern history in 1892. From 1892 to 1894 he was associated with journalistic work in New Zealand, and during two sessions occupied the post of Parliamentary reporter for The Christchurch Press, afterwards taking over the editorial duties on behalf of a Wellington paper. In 1894 Mr. Sanderson came to Western Australia, and with camera and notebook cycled through the Coolgardie goldfields in the capacity of special correspondent of The Christchurch Press and The New Zealand Times. In the following year Mr. Sanderson was assistant-master at the Perth High School for a few months, and on the foundation of the Perth Morning Herald he joined the staff of this paper as leader-writer and assistant-editor, and remained here until 1899. He then paid a visit to England and France, and upon his return to Western Australia was appointed editor of The Daily News. Three years later he returned to London, and in 1906 was called to the Bar, coming out to Western Australia during the course of that year. In 1912 he was the successful candidate for the Metropolitan-Suburban province in the Legislative Council in the interests of the Liberal Party. Mr. Sanderson has been President of the Liberal Club since its inception in 1911.
The Honourable CHARLES SOMMERS, who represents the Metropolitan province in the Legislative Council, was born at Geelong, Victoria, in 1862. He received his education at the Church of England Grammar School, Geelong, and at its close turned his attention to farming and pastoral pursuits for several years. Mr. Sommers came to Western Australia early in 1894, and was concerned in certain mining ventures, being particularly successful in developing the New Victoria Mine, near Coolgardie. In 1896 he took up his residence at Coolgardie, and later acquired a large farming property in the south-west portion of the State. When only twenty-one Mr. Sommers became a member of the Traralgon Shire Council, Victoria, and in 1887 he was elected to a seat on the Geelong Town Council. He held the office of Mayor of Coolgardie for a couple of terms, on the second occasion being returned un-
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opposed, and during his period of office was elected by a very large majority to represent the interests of the North-East province in the Legislative Council. Upon the resignation of the Throssell Administration in 1901 Mr. Sommers was appointed Minister for Lands in the Leake Government, and representative of the Government in the Legislative Council. In 1906 he was returned by a large majority to represent the Metropolitan province, succeeding the late Sir George Shenton.
The Honourable T. 11. WILDING, member of the Legislative Council, representing East province, is a native of Western Australia, having been born at Northam in 1868. His father was one of the first licensed victuallers in the eastern districts of the State, and opened the Avon Bridge Hotel in the late fifties The subject of this notice is a well-known pastoralist, and is owner of the Mokine Estate near Northam, referred to elsewhere in this work. He takes a live interest in the affairs of the district, and was elected to the Legislative Council in May, 1908,
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. T. H. Wilding.
defeating his opponent by a sound majority. Mr. Wilding is a prominent member of the Northam Agricultural Society, in which he has
THOMAS FREDERICK OUT-RIDGE BRIMAGE, J.P., is a son of the late Captain Thomas Brimage,
filled the office of President, and is also a member of the Royal Agricultural Society and the Northam Race Club.
The Honourable Sir EDWARD HORNE WITTENOOM, K.C.M.G., was born at Fremantle in 1854 and at the age of fifteen entered upon pastoral pursuits on the Bowes Station, the property of the late Mr. T. Burges. Five years later, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. F. Wittenoom, he secured the lease of a large station in the outlying parts of the Murchison district, known as Yuin, and upon this run, which comprised 300,000 acres, they commenced operations on their own behalf. After conducting this successfully for three years, they acquired a lease of the Bowes Station, Northampton, and, jointly with the latter, opened up the Murgoo, Boolardy, and Nookawarra runs. Bowes Station, which was managed by Mr. E. II. Wittenoom while his brother- supervised the northern properties, carried 25,000 sheep, besides cattle and horses. In 1881 Mr. E. H. Wittenoom purchased White Peak Station and here he established a stud sheep farm, founded with merinos of the noted strain owned by Mr. A. B. Murray, of South Australia. In 1886 the Messrs. Wittenoom opened a stock and station agency in Geraldton, and six years later large business premises were erected on Marine Terrace in that town. Eventually the business was sold and the gentleman under review retired from active pastoral pursuits and severed his connection with the commercial world. Before attaining the age of thirty, Mr. Wittenoom began his long political career, being elected member for the Geraldton district in 1883. Tic resigned his seat in the same year, but was re-elected in 1884. In 1886 the pressure of private business caused him again to retire, and it was not until 1894 that he once more assumed Parliamentary duties. In July of that year he was elected by the Central province to a seat in the Legislative Council under responsible government, and in the following December accepted a port-
PAST MEMBERS.
who in his lifetime was widely known as harbourmaster at Port Pirie, an important shipping centre of the Cen-
folio in the Forrest Ministry, assuming control of the Mines, Post and Telegraphs, and Education Departments. He was Acting-Premier in 1897 during the absence in England of Sir John Forrest, and in 1898 was appointed Agent-General in London
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Sir Edward Horne Wittenoom.
for Western Australia. During his three-years’ term of office in this capacity he was distinguished by being the last of his order to be personally invested with the honour of knighthood by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, the ceremony taking place at Osborne. In 1901 Sir Edward returned to Western Australia and entered upon the duties of Managing Director for the local branch of Dalgety & Co., Limited. Two years later he was returned by the electors of North province to the Legislative Council, but resigned in 1906 in order to contest a seat in the Federal Senate, in which he was unsuccessful. In 1909 Sir Edward was again chosen by North province to represent its interests in the local Council, and this seat he has retained ever since. Sir Edward is Chairman of the local Board of Directors of Millars’ Karri and Jarrah Company, Limited, Dal-gety’s, the Bovril Australian Estates, and is a Director of the Western Australia Bank.
tral State. He was born in London on July 23, 1866, and was a resident of the "big smoke” until 1875, in
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which year he came to Australia with his parents, the family settling down in South Australia. Here young Brimage entered the engineering branch of the South Australian railways as apprentice, and having completed his course at the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas F. 0. Brimage.
Islington Workshops he was retained as a mechanical draughtsman, the duties of which office he continued to fulfil until 1894, in which year he retired from the service and came to Western Australia, where it was destined that he should play a leading role in opening up the vast resources of the State which previously had been lying dormant from lack of commercial enterprise. Turning his attention to the mining in dustry, then attracting universal notice, he accepted a position on Bayley’s Mine at Coolgardie, but soon after launched out in business for himself as a consulting engineer, and in the early days of the opening up of this rich auriferous area purchased many valuable leases as representative of a wealthy London syndicate. He became General Manager of the Hannan’s Great Northern Mine and acted as consulting engineer to a number of important companies operating on the Kal-goorlie fields. Among the many valuable claims which he pegged out and purchased were the Boulder North Extended, Boulder Nor’-West, Hannan’s East, and Pirie Gold Mine, and two leases of the Hesperus Gold Mine. In the heyday of the eastern mining fields Mr. Brimage was chairman of the East
Coolgardie Roads Board, Vice-President of the Mine Managers’ Institute of Western Australia, and one of the Directors of the Kalgoorlie Prospecting Gold-mining Company. It is perhaps as a member of the Stock Exchange that Mr. Brimage is best known, for he is the oldest established stockbroker in Western Australia and holds a seat on the Perth Stock Exchange. It was in 1895 that he began business in Kalgoorlie as a land agent and sharebroker, and five years later Mr. Brimage extended the scope of his operations to Perth, where he soon took a foremost place among the big dealers of the day, and by his unfailing courtesy, genial disposition, and unwavering business integrity gathered round him a large circle of influential friends and acquaintances. His great popularity was evidenced in a striking manner when he aspired to political honours, as on the first occasion on which he contested a seat in the Legislative Council he was returned at the head of the poll. For six years Mr. Brimage continued to represent the South province in the Legislative Council, but in 1906 he successfully contested the North-Eastern province, where most of his large and varied commercial interests are centred. At the elections held in May, 1912, he was a candidate for the East province, but was defeated by the present member. He received a commission of Justice of the Peace for Western Australia in 1900. Mr. Brimage is a warm supporter of all forms of outdoor recreation, and liis name is associated with innumerable athletic bodies throughout the State. His marriage was celebrated in 1896, when he espoused Marie Louise, daughter of Mr. Lawrence Reynolds, a retired Imperial officer now resident in Tasmania. He has issue two sons and two daughters.
JAMES ALFRED DOLAND, who for a brief period represented the Metropolitan-Suburban district in the Legislative Council, was born at Albury, New South Wales, on April 26, 1880. In 1899 he
came to Western Australia and settled at Bunbury for about two years. Later he established himself as a tailor in Perth, and now carries on business in partnership with Mr. M. Key at Baird’s Arcade. His connection with the Labour movement began in New South
Wales, and in 1900 he became a member of the Tailors’ Society in this State, since which date he has filled the position of President and all other important offices of the Society. He was appointed by this organization to appear on its behalf before the Arbitration Court in 1907 and was very successful in his presentation of the Society’s case before the tribunal. In 1907 he was elected to the honorary post of Secretary of the Political Labour Council in Perth, and held that position for two years, being also President of the Council for some considerable time and Treasurer of the same body. In 1911 he was selected to contest the Metropolitan-Suburban Province in the Legislative Council, and was returned, holding the seat until May, 1912, when he was defeated by Mr. A. Sanderson. Mr. Doland is a live member of the Australian Natives’ Association, and in the past has occupied the position of President of the Perth Branch of that Association, of which he is now, by election, senior Vice-President of the Board of Directors.
The Honourable SAMUEL JOHNSON HAYNES, barrister and solicitor and notary public,
Hon. Samuel Johnson Haynes.
Albany, was born at Leek, Staffordshire, England, on March 22, 1852, being a son of Mr. George Haynes, merchant, who arrived in Victoria in the year 1854 and subsequently became the first Mayor of Port Fairy in that State, where he now lives in retirement. The gentleman under
review received elementary instruction in Victoria, supplemented by advanced tuition at the grammar school in his native town. He turned his attention to the study of law for a time, but after passing some of the preliminary examinations in England relinquished this aim on his return to Australia and entered into commercial pursuits in the Western district of Victoria. At a later period he went to South Australia and was articled to Mr. W. H. Wadey, solicitor, of Adelaide, with whom he completed his legal studies and was admitted to the Bar in 1886. After practising for a short period in the Central State, in 1887 Mr. Haynes came to Western Australia, and having spent the prescribed six months of probation in the office of Messrs. Stone & Burt, of Perth, was called to the Western Australian Bar. Prior to this event he purchased the practice of Mr. Hare in Albany, and upon attaining his right to practise in the State, took up his residence at the southern seaport, and has continued in the active-exercise of his profession there for a quarter of a century. After a time Mr. Haynes was joined in partnership by Mr. R. T. Robinson, now of Perth, who is still associated with the Albany business, and at a subsequent, period, upon the opening of a branch in Perth, Mr. C. B. Cox was admitted as a partner, the firm now carrying on under the style of Haynes, Robinson, & Cox. Mr. Haynes has given a portion of his time and attention to public life, and in 1894 was elected a member of the Legislative Council, in the first elective chamber, as representative for South-East province, and on two subsequent occasions was returned unopposed. In 1910, after sixteen years of service, in spite of pressure brought to bear to induce him to reconsider his decision, he retired from Parliamentary life, and upon this occasion was the recipient of a very flattering illustrated address, signed by the Premier, the President of the Legislative Council, members of the Upper House, and representatives of the leading public bodies and electors of South-East province. For some years Mr. Haynes occupied the office of Vice-Consul for Sweden and Norway, and upon the political separation of these countries was appointed, and st'll continues, Vice-Consul for Sweden. He is Chancellor of the Diocese of Bunbury, having been appointed to that office on the formation of the See, and is a Fellow
of the Institute of Incorporated Accountants of Australia. He is a supporter of all forms of clean manly sport, and has been President of the local Golf Club since its foundation in 1901, occupying the same office for three years in connection with the Albany Bowling Club. He has also been President of the Albany Turf Club, and has held office in many other organizations, including the Albany Club, of which he was one of the founders, and is now Vice-President. He is a member of the Weld Club, Perth. Mr. Haynes married in 1897 Isabella, daughter of the late Mr. Francis Cole, one of the pastoral pioneers of the Western district of Victoria, who resided at Woodlands, near Camper-down, and has one surviving son.
JOSEPH WOOD LANGSFORD,
who represented the Metropolitan-Suburban district in the Legislative Council, was born at Norwood, South Australia, in 1865. He received his education under Mr. Frederic Chappie, B.A., B.Sc., at Prince Alfred College, Adelaide, and at the conclusion of his scholastic career in 1878 joined the Australian Mutual Provident Society, in the service of which he remained for six years. In 1884 the Western Australian Branch of the Society was opened, and Mr. Langsford was appointed to the post of Accountant at Perth. In 1896 he resigned from the Society and entered into business for himself as accountant and mortgage and investment broker at New Zealand Chambers, St. George’s Terrace, Perth, where he still continues. Mr. Langsford was first returned as a member of the Legislative Council in 1904, when he was elected to fill the seat formerly held by the late W. G. Brookman. In the ensuing elections (1906) he was again returned for the same constituency, which he continued to represent until the latter half of the year 1911, when he resigned the seat to become a candidate for the Claremont district in the House of Assembly, but without success. In educational matters he has always evinced a deep interest, and for some time he was Chairman of the Perth Board of Education. He was for two years (1900-1) Mayor of Claremont, and was also a member of the old Roads Board of that township. Mr. Langsford has always been a strong supporter of all legislation
concerning local governing bodies, and took an active part in furthering the interests of the district he so ably represented. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1899, is a Trustee of the Karrakatta Cemetery, and Treasurer of the Methodist Ladies’ College (an office which en-
Bartletlo, Perth.
Mr. Joseph Wood Langsford.
titles him to a seat on all the Committees of the Church), and Superintendent of the Sunday-school at Claremont. Mr. Langsford is a staunch supporter of the Methodist Church, and was chosen to represent that body at the Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1897. Married in 1889 to Agnes, daughter of the late Mr. Mark Read, of Perth, his family consists of four sons and one daughter.
WARREN MARWICK, who represented the East province in the Legislative Council from 1910 to May, 1912, is a native of Western Australia, he having been born at York in August, 1869. His father, Mr. William Marwick, of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, emigrated to Western Australia in his eighteenth year and engaged in agricultural pursuits at York. Young Marwick at the age of fourteen began his active career on his father’s estate and continued there for a number of years, gaining valuable experience of the agricultural industry and the raising of st.o'-k. Upon the discovery of the Yiigarn mining fields he went with his father and others and opened up
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the track to the new find, and with his party also engaged in well-sinking on the route for about four months. He next employed himself in sandalwood-cutting for a time with some success, and in the winter that followed this enterprise commenced farming at Yorkrakine, 40 miles distant from Southern Cross, where he was the first to grow hay in this district. At a later date he returned to York, and about the time of the discovery of the Cool-gardie fields became engaged in a large way in the carrying and coaching business with his father and brothers, the firm being known as Marwick Brothers, but with the completion of the railway to Kalgoorlie the firm relinquished operations and turned the whole of its attention to farming and grazing. Mr. W. Marwick, prior to his election to Parliament, had long evinced a keen interest in all matters affecting the welfare of his district, and in 1910 offered himself as a candidate for the seat in the Legislatve Council rendered vacant by the death of Mr. George Throssell. He was a welcome addition to the personnel of the Legislative Council, and his ripe experience as an agriculturist was
liurtletto, Perth.
Mr. Warren Marwick.
directed to the advancement of this important industry, which in the future will play a prominent part in the prosperity of the State. He was President of the York Agricultural Society for three years, retiring in 1911, and is an enthusiastic member of this the oldest institution w
of the kind in Western Australia. He is a member of the York Roads Board, has been President of the York Athletic Association for the past five years, and was one of the promoters of the York Milling Company, of which important concern he is Chairman of Directors. For six years he was a member of the York Municipal Council, and takes a leading part in all matters of public interest, being Patron and President of innumerable bodies.
The Honourable GEORGE RAN-DELL, J.P., Ex-M.L.C., was born at Milton, Hampshire, England, on October 5, 1830, and received his education at the National School in that town. Subsequently he learned both blacksmithing and engineering, and in 1850 came to Western Australia, where he spent some time in various occupations at Fremantle and later at Perth. In 1860 he inaugurated an enterprise to run light craft up the Swan River from Fremantle to Perth and lighter boats from Perth to Guildford, proving not only a great boon, but considerably cheapening the cost of production in the districts beyond the latter place. The “Pioneer” was the first steamer employed, and in the course of a few years seven steamers and lighters plied on the river between the Port and the metropolis, besides the smaller boats used for the Guildford trade. In 1876 Mr. Randell retired from active business life for a time, the boats being taken over by Messrs. Randell, Knight, & Co., in which firm he still retained an interest. In 1878 he took a trip to England and was absent for a couple of years. In 1887 he once more assumed control of the business of Messrs. Randell, Knight, & Co., and retained the direction of affairs until the concern was sold to the Swan River Shipping Company, in which he became a shareholder. Mr. Randell has always been a man of considerable public spirit, and early in the seventies was returned as a member of the Perth City Council, of which he was elected Chairman in 1874. Throe years later he stood for the Perth electorate in the old Legislative Council, upon which occasion he defeated Mr. (now Sir) E. A. Stone, his fellow-candidate. His career in the House was broken by a tour abroad, but shortly after his return he was nominated a mem-
ber of the Legislative Council, and he was soon deeply immersed in political life. In 1890 he was returned as representative for the Moore constituency at the first elections for the House of Assembly under responsible government, and occupied the post, of Chairman of
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. George Randell.
Committees. In 1892 he resigned and in the year following secured a seat in the Legislative Council, only to return to the Legislative Assembly in 1894 as the member for Perth. In 1897 he again entered the Legislative Council in the interests of the Metropolitan division and w7as returned at each ensuing election until 1910, when he retired from public life. Mr. Randell strenuously opposed State-aid to educational institutions of a denominational character, and was also a supporter of the withdrawal of Government subsidies to the churches. He introduced and piloted through Parliament the Life Assurance Companies Act of 1889 and the Associations Incorporation Act of 1895, and served on several important commissions, the principal being the Railway Commission of 1893, of which he was Chairman, and which was responsible for the removal of the workshops from Fremantle to Midland Junction. His speech on the Fremantle Harbour scheme influenced the selection of the mouth of the river for the erection of the Harbour, the wisdom of which decision has been abundantly justified. He held the port-
338
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
folio of Colonial Secretary from 1898 to 1901, and during his term of office in the Ministry controlled the Education Department and the Post Office. Mr. Randell originated the movement for the establishment of the present High School, Perth, securing the co-operation of Governor Robinson and Sir Malcolm Fraser, and is a Trustee under the University Endowment Act of 1904. He
was a member for many years of the City Board of Education and upon the abolition of this body was elected to a seat on the District Board for Perth. He was President of the Perth Chamber of Commerce in 1895, and is Chairman of the local Board of Directors of the A.M.P. Society and a Director of the Western Australian Bank. In 1884 he was elected Mayor of Perth
and held this office until the following year. For twenty-six years he has been Treasurer for the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and has seen a long period of service in Trinity Congregational Church, which he first joined in 1856, was elected to the diaconate in 1862, and has occupied this position ever since, being now a life deacon.
The House of Assembly.
The Honourable MICHAEL FRANCIS TROY, M.L.A. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. M. F. Troy, was born on the Richmond River, New South Wales, in 1880, and is a son of the late Mr. Patrick Troy, who came to that State from Ireland about the middle of the nineteenth century. After completing his studies he entered the Department of Public Instruction in that State, relinquishing his position to come to Western Australia in 1897. Taking up his residence on the Murchison, he became familiar with all portions of the district as a prospector and in general mining pursuits. A stanch supporter of the Labour cause, he acted for two years as Secretary of the Murchison District Council of the Australian Workers’ Association, succeeding Mr. Holman in that office upon the election of the latter to the House of Assembly. He was appointed by the miners of the district as their representative before the Conciliation and Arbitration Court upon the first occasion that a dispute, arising on the Murchison field, was referred to a tribunal under the Arbitration Act. His efforts on behalf of the miners were attended with success both at this time a,nd since he entered Parliament, when he has frequently appeared before the Arbitration Court to uphold the interests of the miners in cases of trouble. In 1904, before the advent of the general elections, he was asked to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the seat of Cue. A similar request reached him from the Mount Magnet District, and in deference to the
vislies of the Labour organization he lecided to contest the latter consti-uency. A strenuous conflict en-ued, the outcome of which even tutted in his election against a strong ocal opponent by a satisfactory najority. At the dissolution of the Touse upon the resignation of the laglish Government Mr. Troy was igain elected with an increased najority of votes. When first elected
Hon. Michael Francis Troy.
he was the youngest member of the House, and at the last two elections he has been returned unopposed. From 1905 for six years he filled the position of Secretary and Whip to the Labour Party in Parliament, and upon the accession to office of
that Party in 1911 was elevated to the position of Speaker. He is the youngest member ever elected to that position in the Parliament of Western Australia, and, indeed, in any Parliament of the Commonwealth. Mr. Troy is associated with numerous Labour organizations, and is a most active organizer and platform fighter for his Party.
The Honourable FRANK WILSON, C.M.G., M.L.A., was born at Sunderland, England, in 1859. lie was first educated in his birthplace and afterwards at Neu-wied, Germany, and at Wesley College, Sheffield. On the termination of his scholastic career he was apprenticed to a firm of ship-brokers and timber merchants in Sunderland, but his indentures were subsequently cancelled by consent, and at the age of nineteen he joined his brother in the management of engineering works, which they conducted until the termination of the disastrous three years’ strike of 1886. In the same year Mr. Wilson decided to try his fortunes abroad, and soon after his arrival in Queensland received the appointment as Manager of A. Overend & Co., railway contractors, flour-millers, and machinery merchants. Here he remained till 1891, when he accepted the position of Managing Director of the Canning Jarrali Timber Company, Perth. The old Company eventually sold out to a new firm, Mr. Wilson still continuing as Managing Director, but in
339
1899 lie finally severed his connection with the Company. Mr. Wilson’s first public appearance was in 1896, from which year till 1899 he represented East Ward in the Perth City Council. In April, 1897, he entered the Legislative Assembly as member for Canning, which had just been created an electoral district, for which he was returned by
f
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Frank Wilson.
a large majority. At the general elections of 1901 he stood for Perth, his old constituency of Canning having been subdivided into South Perth and several other electorates. Since this period Mr. Wilson has won the Sussex seat five times— May, 1904; September and October, 1905 ; September, 1908 ; and October, 1911. His first portfolio was that of Minister for Railways and Mines in the brief-lived Morgan Government of November 21, 1901, to December 23 of the same year. Again in the Rason Cabinet of August, 1905, to May, 1906, he acted as Minister for Works. The various portfolios which Mr. Wilson occupied in the late Moore Ministry eminently qualified him for the position which he was afterwards to hold—that of Premier of the State. These were Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Education, and Colonial Treasurer, May, 1906, to January, 1907; Minister for Education and Colonial Treasurer, May, 1906, to June, 1909; Minister for Works, June, 1909, till the resignation of the Honourable Sir Newton Moore, when Mr. Wilson took his place as Pre-w2
mier and Colonial Treasurer. During a course of five and a half years (1906-11) Mr. Wilson attended four Premiers’ Conferences in the Eastern States as one of the State’s representatives. In August, 1909, a satisfactory financial agreement between the various States and the Commonwealth was arrived at during the last of these Conferences. Mr. Wilson’s varied commercial experience and sound financial acumen were of great assistance in upholding and protecting the State rights of Western Australia, and his occupancy of the portfolio of Treasurer during the several years of financial depression, coincident with the changes in financial administration necessitated by the establishment of Federation, was signalized by the extinction of the accumulated deficit. Whilst holding office as Premier he was mainly responsible for the passing of the Redistribution of Seats Bill and the Act for the establishment of a University in Western Australia, subsequently being chosen as a member of the first Senate of the University. Apart from political affairs, Mr. Wilson has had considerable personal experience in financial, commercial, and industrial matters. He was for four consecutive years President of the Perth Chamber of Commerce. For many years he was also President of the Timber Merchants and Saw-millers’ Association, and also established and presided over the Coalowners’ Association of Western Australia. He was for some time a member of the Arbitration Court, and later represented the employers before the Court, successfully conducting many cases on behalf of the Chamber of Mines and other public bodies. On the occasion of the Coronation of Their Majesties King George V. and Queen Mary, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were invited to be present, and with the sanction of Parliament represented the State at that memorable ceremony, when the distinction of a C.M.G.-ship was conferred upon him. His native town of Sunderland also conferred the freedom of the borough upon him when visiting his birthplace. Mr. Wilson, during his brief stay in the Old Country, was well received, and several times publicly banqueted by the mining, banking, and commerical communities interested in Western Australian affairs. In 1880 he married Annie, daughter of Mr. Robert Hall Phillips, of Sunderland, and has a family of six daughters and three sons.
EBEN ALLEN, J.P., representative for West Perth in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Joseph Allen, Government contractor, of South Australia, and was born at North Adelaide on November 15, 1868. He received his education at the Glenelg Grammar School under the late Mr. Frederick Caterer, and at the conclusion of his scholastic career entered the warehouse of Messrs. McLean Brothers & Bigg, a well-known Adelaide firm. Five years later he relinquished this employ and became connected with Messrs. William Gilbert & Co., produce merchants, of the same city, with whom he remained for ten years. In 1899 he came to Western Australia and joined Mr. J. Fairfax Conigrave, Secretary of the Perth Chamber of Commerce, but left him in 1901 and entered into partnership with an established firm of auctioneers and estate and shipping agents. This connection after a short time was dissolved, and the business has since been carried on by Mr. Allen on his own behalf. He entered the Perth City Council as representative for South Ward in 1904, since which date he has twice been returned for the same seat unopposed. He has served a term of membership on the Fire Brigade Board,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Eben Allen.
and is a Past Master in the Masonic craft, with which he is associated. Church work claims his attention, and for years he has been a member of the Anglican Synod. Mr. Allen has always taken a keen interest in
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
public affairs, and in 1911 was a candidate for the West Perth seat rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr. T. P. Draper, and after a spirited contest he was returned with a substantial majority over his two opponents. For recreation he resorts to the bowling green and is a foundation member of King's Park Bowling Club. In 1897 Mr. Allen married Effie Marion, eldest daughter of Mr. John Fairfax Conigrave, and has a son and a daughter.
HARRY EDWARD BOLTON, representing South Fremantle constituency in the Legislative Assembly, was born at Rye House, Peckham, London, on December 24, 1870. He was educated at Maidstone, Kent, and while still in his teens came to Australia with his parents, settling in North Fremantle, where he resided for many years. In 1904 Mr. Bolton stood in the Labour interest for North Fremantle, and being returned continued to represent the constituency until October, 1911, when on the redistribution of scats that electorate was cut put, and he became a successful candidate for South Fremantle. During his political career he has been responsible for the amendment of the Vaccination Act, which provided for the abolition of compulsory vaccination. Mr. Bolton has been twice President of the Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Union, having been a foundation-member of that organization. He has taken a keen interest in municipal affairs and represents South Ward in the Fremantle Council. He is a member of the Masonic craft and Past Master of the Loyal Westralia Lodge, W.A.C., and is a member of Prince Lodge in the United Ancient Order of Druids.
FRANK TYNDALL BROUN, J.P., who represents Beverley constituency in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. James William Broun, of Avondale, Beverley. He is descended from one of the oldest families in Western Australia, his grandfather, the late Mr. Peter Broun, having come to the State with Captain Stirling, first Governor of Western Australia, by the transport steamer “Parmelia” in 1829 to fill the position of Colonial Secretary at the new settlement. The
gentleman under review was born at Beverley on May 31, 1876, and received his education at the local State school and at the York Grammar School under the late Mr. Bennett. When eighteen years of age he entered upon farming pursuits on his father’s property, three years later launching out on his own account on the Waterbatch Estate, comprising 5,000 acres, and situated about five and a half miles west of Beverley. He devotes his attention chiefly to agriculture and sheepraising, and has met with success in his operations, the development of the property having proceeded steadily during the period of his occupation. In 1906 Mr. Broun received his commission of Justice of the Peace, and in other ways he has held office in the interests of the public, being Chairman of the Beverley Roads Board, of which he has been a member for many years. In 1911 he stood for the Beverley seat in the Legislative Assembly of the State and was elected, defeating three other candidates. Golf and shooting are his special forms of diversion, and he has his own links on the property, where he passes many a leisure hour. A member of the fraternity of Freemasons, he holds honours as Past Master of the Beverley Lodge, No. 73, W.A.C.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frank Tyndall Broun.
He is a member of the Western Australian Club, Perth. Mr. Broun married in 1903 May Constance, daughter of the late Mr. James Sewell, of Beverley, and has two sons and two daughters.
WILLIAM HENRY CARPEN TER, J.P., who represents Fremantle constituency in the Legislative Assembly, was born at Swindon, Wilts, England, on April 5, 1863. He came to Victoria in 1886, and
C. M. Nixon, Fremantle.
Mr. William Henry Carpenter.
was engaged in the Phoenix Foundry on locomotive construction. After seven years in Victoria he went to South Australia and accepted a post as working foreman on similar work at Gawler. In 1896 he became a candidate in the Labour interest for Encounter Bay district, and was returned, three years later being re-elected for the same district. Upon the conclusion of his second term this electoral district was abolished owing to a reduction of members, and Mr. Carpenter came to Western Australia, where he was employed in the railway workshops at Fremantle. In December, 1903, he was returned as Labour representative for Fremantle division in the Federal Parliament, but suffered defeat in 1906 at the hands of the present member, Mr. Hedges, and again at the general elections of 1909. In 1911 he again came before the public as a candidate for their suffrages and scored a record in the majority of votes given in his favour. He has been a lifelong unionist, and at the present time is an active member of the Fremantle Trades Hall Association. During his political career in South Australia he did much toward popularizing the question of old-age pensions, and was Chairman of the Royal Commission on that question.
341
BRONTERRE WASHINGTON DOOLEY, representative for Gerald-ton in the Legislative Assembly, was born in Sydney on July 4, 1868, and received his education in that city. At sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the coachbuilding trade, and having served his indentures for five years, he spent a similar period in gaining bush experience. He identified himself with the early movements of the Labour Party in New South Wales and joined the Sydney Coachbuilders’ Society at the conclusion of his apprenticeship in 1888. During the time of Henry George’s visit to Australia he was connected with the Sydney Socialist League, and assisted at the first organized Labour elections in Australia, which took place in Sydney in 1891, being at that time a member of the Paddington Political Labour League. After roughing it in different parts of the Commonwealth and New Zealand he came to Western Australia in 1897 and resumed his trade as a coachbuilder, entering the service of the Railways Department. He joined the Amalgamated Society of Railway Employes shortly after its formation in 1898 and took a leading part in obtaining official recognition for that body. In 1903 he came to reside in the Geraldton district and has since taken an active interest in all matters affecting the public welfare. lie organized the Geraldton Branch of the P.L.P. Eight - hours Demonstration, the Geraldton Co-operative Society, the local Branch of the Railway Ambulance Corps, and successfully contested a seat for East Ward in the Geraldton Municipal Council.
WALTER DWYER, LL.B. (Lond.), representative for the Metropolitan district in the Legisla tive Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Walter Dwyer, of Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland, and was born at that place on August 27, 1875. He pursued his scholastic studies at the Christian Brothers’ Seminary at “Mount Sion,” in his native town, and at sixteen years of age left school to accompany other members of his family to Australia. Settling in Victoria ho forthwith became identified with the Christian Brothers’ College, Melbourne, in the capacity of assistant master, and continued to hold this post for three years. At
the end of 1894, obeying the Zeitgeist which prompted the departure of so many promising young and enterprising spirits to carve out a career for themselves in the Golden West, he resigned his position and came to Western Australia with the intention of throwing in his lot with the gold-seekers. Upon arrival, however, he was prevailed upon to alter this decision by the State authorities, who offered him an appointment in the Government Education Department. Joining the administrative staff in Perth Mr. Dwyer spent ten years in the service of the department, during which period he utilized his spare hours in reading for the London University examinations. Having matriculated and passed the intermediate law examination, in 1904 he left the Education Department to enter into articles under the late Dr. Lyhane, then practising at Kalgoorlie and Boulder, and about a year later returned to the capital to complete his indentures with the well-known firm of Smith & Lav an, of Perth. He gained his LL.B. degree in 1907 and was admitted to practise as a barrister and solicitor in December of that year. He practised for two years at Boulder and Kalgoorlie and in January, 1910, commenced prac-
Bnrtlctto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Dwyer.
tice in Perth, which he still con* tinues. Always a keen student of political economy, Mr. Dwyer even in earlier days bore the stamp of one destined to make his mark should he decide to attach himself to a party
and enter the arena of political debate. From the time of his association with Dr. Lyhane he formed strong sympathies with the Labour movement, but did not become a member of the Party until 1910. In 1911 ho submitted his name as a candidate for Parliamentary honours and was chosen to contest in the Labour interest the Perth seat, hitherto considered to be a Liberal stronghold. In the early stages of the political fight his prospects of success did not appear particularly bright, even the most sanguine of his supporters entertaining little hope of his immediate success, but the power of his personality supported by the splendid organization of the Labour Party led to the undoing of his opponent, the day being won by a handsome majority. Mr. Dwyer is an honorary member of the H.A.C.B.S. and is associated with the Celtic and Midland Junction Clubs. In earlier days he was very fond of rowing and yachting, but at the present time devotes the greater part of the time spared from his professional and political duties to the perusal of works of an historical and political character.
GEORGE JAMES FOLEY, representative for Mount Leonora in the House of Assembly, was born at Walhalla, Victoria, in 1871 and received his education in his native State. He first found employment as junior reporter on a Richmond journalistic venture, but gave up this work in order to join his father, who was engaged in the mining industry in the Gippsland district of Victoria. In 1895 he came to Western Australia and was prospecting on the eastern and northern goldfields for some time. He next was employed in the principal mines at Leonora, and continued in this way until 1911, in which year he contested the Leonora seat in the Labour interest and was returned to the House. Mr. Foley has been a member of the Federated Miners’ Union for a lengthy period, and for three years was President of the Gwalia Branch of the Federated Miners’ Union, and also of the northern goldfields council of the Australian Labour Federation. He was one of the foundation-members of the Australian Natives’ Association on the eastern goldfields, and has always taken a keen interest and prominent part in that Association.
342
JOSEPH PETER GARDINER, representative for Roebourne district in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of Mr. J. Gardiner, of Gerald-ton, and was born at Adelaide, South Australia, on July 4, 1886. He received his primary education at one of the Adelaide model schools, and subsequently concluded his scholastic career at the Christian Brothers’ College, in Wakefield Street. Leaving school before the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the bootmaking trade under his father, but upon the completion of his indentures relinquished this calling and eventually proceeded to the Nor’-West of Western Australia. Here he filled various positions, gaining considerable experience of bush life, and also spent some time trading on the coast between Cossack and Broome in his schooner “Annie Agnes,” which unfortunately was afterwards lost in a gale. While in this district Mr. Gardiner took a prominent interest in the Miners’ Union of Whim Creek, acting as Secretary during the whole time of his residence in that locality. He has always been distinguished for his interest in public affairs, and previously, while con-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Joseph Peter Gardiner.
ducting a bootmaking business in conjunction with his father at Leederville, had undertaken the secretarial duties for the Perth Bootmakers’ Union. In 1911 he was selected by the Australian Labour Federation to contest the Roebourne seat in the State House of Assembly,
and recorded a handsome victory at the polls, coming out with a two-to-one majority over his two opponents’ united vote. Mr. Gardiner, who holds the distinction of being the youngest member of the House, is an able speaker and is very popular with his party.
WILLIAM JAMES GEORGE, who represents the Murray-Wellington district in the Legislative Assembly, was born at West Brom-ich, Staffordshire, England, on January 26, 1853. He completed his studies at the Midland Institute, Birmingham, and subsequently was engaged in mechanical engineering. He was next identified with the iron trade for seven years, and four years later, for health reasons, set out on a tour of the world. In 1885 lie-joined the staff of Messrs. McNeil and Co., public works contractors, and was engaged in the construction of the Fingal Railway, Tasmania, and various public works and railways in Victoria. In December, 1890, he was transferred to Western Australia, where he undertook the management of the Jarrahdale timber station and other enterprises on behalf of the same firm. In 1894 he severed his connection with Messrs. McNeil & Co., and in conjunction with Mr. William Smith established the Black Swan Foundry, Perth. He took considerable interest in public affairs at that early date and became a councillor for Perth City in the above-mentioned year, being appointed a member of the Works and Sanitary Committees. In June of the same year he contested the Murray constituency against Mr. W. Paterson, without success, but seven months later was returned as representative for the district, being reelected in May, 1897, and again in April, 1901. He was a member of the Royal Commission appointed to deal with matters connected with Government railways in 1895 and
1899. In April, 1902, Mr. George was offered and accepted the position of Commissioner of Railways for Western Australia. This post he held for five years, during which time large additions and improvements were made in connection with the railways. After his retirement Mr. George turned his attention to mixed farming pursuits on ?■ large estate, which he had taken up in the South-West district. In September, 1908,. he contested the Murray elec-
torate, but was defeated by six votes. In February, 1909, Mr. George again contested the seat and was returned by a large majority. Owing to the Redistribution of Seats Bill introduced by the Wilson Government the Murray and Wellington electorates were merged, and Mr. George was successful in winning
Mr. William James George.
the seat by a large majority over two opponents in October, 1911. In June, 1910, he was appointed Organizer and Secretary for the Liberal League of Western Australia, which position he resigned at the close of the year. Mr. George, who was the first President of the Chamber of Manufactures, received his commission as Justice of the Peace for the Perth and Murray districts in 1895, and in 1902 was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the whole of the State.
FREDERICK GILL, who represents the Leederville electorate in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Joseph Gill, of Chase-water, Cornwall, England, and was born at Burra, South Australia, on March 15, 1862. He received his education chiefly in his native place, and at a very early age went to work in the Moonta copper mines, where he continued for about eight years. Leaving that part of the country he went to Port Augusta, where he became apprenticed to the blacksmith-ing trade, and having mastered the details of this calling in five years’ time, was identified with this branch
343
of work for a further three years, lie then joined the South Australian Railways Department, and having risen to the position of guard resigned from the Service to come to Western Australia. Arriving at Perth in 1894 he immediately became connected with the Railways Service in this State, serving for ten
Bartletto, Perth.
Me. Frederick Gill.
years, when he retired upon election to the Balkatta seat in the Legislative Assembly. At the extraordinary general elections in 1905 Mr. Gill lost his constituency and went into business as a purveyor of iairy produce. In September, 1908, lie scored a victory over his previous opponent, and was re-elected to his former seat, and in 1911 was again successful at the polls, the name of ;he electorate having been altered to Leederville. In his public career he lias been a prominent advocate of the rights of railway emoloyes of all grades, and is a member of the W.A.A.S.R.E., the official organization of the railway employes, of which he was one of the founders. Mr. Gill married in 1892 Elizabeth, laughter of Mr. T. Prisk, of Ascot Vale, Victoria, and has two sons.
ALBERT ERNEST GREEN, •epresentativc for Kalgoorlie constituency in the State Legislative Assembly, was born on December 21, 1869. At the conclusion of his edu-jation he entered the telephone lepartment at Ballarat, which department at that period was owned
by a company, before the days of State control. Subsequently he learned the bricklaying trade and at the age of twenty-one, left for America, and, spent five years in that country, becoming an active member of the Brickmasons’ Society at San Francisco. He met with various adventures in Central America, and took part on the side of the insurgents in one of the numerous revolutions in Guatemala, a Central American republic. From America Mr. Green came to Western Australia in 1895, and was the initial spirit in the movement to form a Western Australian Branch of the Australian Natives' Association. Proceeding to Coolgardie in November of the same year, he was appointed to a clerical position in the local postal service, and was concerned in the post and telegraph strike of that period. Although forbidden by the regulations he assisted to form a Post and Telegraphs’ Union in Coolgardie, and also one at Kalgoorlie, whither he was shortly afterwards transferred. About 1900, Mr. Green became a member of the Australian Workers’ Association, and he was a foundation-member of the Social Democratic Federation at Kalgoorlie. He was active in the formation of a branch of the Australian Natives’ Association in Kalgoorlie in 1896, and has filled the post of Secretary to this organization for a lengthy period. In 1911 he stood for the Kalgoorlie electorate in the Legislative Assembly, and was returned in the Labour interest.
NATHANIEL WHITE HARPER, member for Beverley in the Legislative Assembly, is a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where he was born in 1865. His education completed, at the age of eighteen he sailed for New Zealand, reaching the Dominion in 1883. For four years he engaged in mining and hydraulic-sluicing, and in 1887 set out for Broken Hill, New South Wales, where subsequent to his arrival he found employment on the Proprietary Mine for two years. He next proceeded to Zeehan, Tasmania, and filled the position of Mine Manager to the Queen Extended and South Balstrups Silver-Lead Mines. Mr. Harper came to Western Australia in 1892, and for three years was Manager of Fraser’s Gold Mine at Southern Cross. At the expiration of that time he proceeded to
Kanowna and was engaged on the Robinson and White Feather Gold Mines for nine years, leaving the district in 1894. He met with considerable success during his career as a Mine Manager, and four mines— Fraser’s, White Feather Main Reef, Golden Pole (Daveyhurst), and Robinson’s—paid dividends while under his control. In 1896 Mr. Harper entered the political arena for the first time as candidate for the North-East Coolgardie district, but his first essay ended unfavourably, his opponent, the late Mr. Vosper, winning by 53 votes. Twelve years had elapsed before he again placed his services at the disposal of the electors, this time as candidate for the Senate in the Federal House, and although a big vote was recorded he met with no better success. But once more he turned his attention to the politics of his adopted State, and in 1910 offered himself for the Beverley seat, where he met with strong opposition from his opponents, Sir Walter Tames and Mr. Naylor, of Pingelly, but succeeded in carrying the election by a sound majority. Mr. Harper holds large interests in the mining and farming industries, and has unwavering faith as to the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Nathaniel White Harper.
future of the agricultural areas, the prospects of which he considers to be of the brightest. He is associated as Director with several Mining Companies and financial institutions, and has added considerably to the architecture of the city of Perth, having erected the handsome edifices
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
,'144
known as the Esplanade Hotel and Harper’s Buildings. In 1891 Mr. Harper married Margaret, daughter of Mr. Thomas, of Dunedin, New Zealand, and has three children--two sons and a daughter. He resides at Colin Street, West Perth.
EDWARD ERNEST HEIT-MANN, M.L.A., Government Whip in the Scaddan Administration, was born at Californian Gully, Bendigo, Victoria, on June 3, 1878. He is a son of the late Mr. Hermann Heit-mann, of that place, a pioneer in the early days of the Victorian gold discoveries, who came from Germany and settled in the Bendigo district. The subject of this memoir was educated at the local State school, and at the age of thirteen went to
Bartletto, Perth.
Mb. Edward Ernest Heitmann.
work in the mines as winch-boy, subsequently passing through all the various departments of the mining industry, during which period he also made a study of machinery, particularly of engines. In 1895 he came to Western Australia, and following the rush to Coolgardie became identified with mining pursuits on the new field. Two years later he returned to Victoria and took a course at the Bendigo School of Mines, finally securing a first-class certificate for enginedriving. In 1899, again setting his face toward the West, he proceeded to the Murchison district via Coolgardie, whence he travelled overland to his destination, and after "trying his luck” in different finds two years later was engaged as
anginedriver on the Great Fingal Mine, Day Dawn. In 1903 he was actively engaged in the organization of the Enginedrivers’ Union, of which body he was elected President, and also acted as President of the A.C.E.D.A. Executive. In the following year he was selected to combat the Cue seat in the Legislative Assembly and was returned, again being successful at the extraordinary general elections of 1905. Three years later he was re-elected, and in 1911 won the suffrages of his constituency once more, on this occasion being unopposed. Upon the coming into power of the Labour Ministry Mr. Heitmann was appointed Government Whip. He represents the Murchison district on the Executive of the Australian Labour Federation, and is also a member of the management committee of the Western Australian Timber Workers’ Association. For many years Mr. Heitmann has taken a deep interest in public health matters, giving special attention to the ravages of tuberculosis among miners.
JOHN BARKELL HOLMAN, Chairman of Committees in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Edward Holman, who came to Australia from Cornwall in the early sixties. He was born at Clunes, Victoria, on February 26, 1872, and received his education at Bendigo, where he was taken by his parents while still quite a child. Early in life he went to work-on the mines, and followed that industry at Bendigo and Broken Hill until his departure for Western Australia in 1893. Upon arrival in this State he proceeded to Nannine, on the Murchison goldfields, where he was engaged chiefly in prospecting, but also filled various positions, among others that of mine manager. Mr. Holman took an active part in the Australian Labour movement from its earliest, days, and during his career has successfully organized many unions. In 1886 he was a member of the Beu-digo Miners’ Association, at a later date joining a similar organiz. Sjon at Broken Hill, where he passed through several Labour troubles. He was appointed special officer for the Defence Committee during the Broken Hill strike of 1892, which lasted five months, and in the following year successfully represented the miners in the first Murchison
trouble at Nannine, Western Australia. In 1894 he secured a reduction of working hours to forty-four per week for the men concerned in the Star of the East trouble, and acted as Chairman of the Defence Committee at the big Day Dawn strike against the reduction of wages in 1899, the men under his leadership being entirely successful in their protest. He was the first Labour organizer on the Murchison for the Australian Workers’ Association of Western Australia in 1899, and was Secretary of the Cue Branch and Murchison District, Australian Workers’ Association of Western Australia, which latter position he held for two years, retiring upon his election to Parliament in 1901. He represented the workers in the Abbotts’ strike, which successfully prevented the reduction of wages in
1900. In his first Parliamentary contest for Mount Magnet he was defeated, but subsequently being selected to contest North Murchison as the Labour candidate against the Attorney-General in the Morgans Government he obtained a majority at the by-election of 1901, and has since held the seat. Upon the sole occasion that he was opposed he was returned by a 10 to 1 majority, though at the time he was engaged in assisting other candidates in their campaign and did not visit his electorate. Mr. Holman was Workers’ Advocate before the State Arbitration Court for Cue A.W.A., Nannine A.W.A., Abbotts’ A.W.A., Peak Hill A.W.A., the Norseman Miners’ Union, Feysville Miners’ Union, Higginsville Miners’ Union, Wiluna Miners’ Union, Meeka-tharra Miners’ Union, and several other organizations. He was elected General President of the A.W.A. of Western Australia in 1902, and while holding that position brought about the settlement of the big dispute that threatened the timber industry in 1903, retiring from his office on his appointment to the Ministry. From the position of Secretary and Whip to the Parliamentary Labour Party in 1904 he succeeded to the portfolio of Labour and Railways in the Labour Ministry of 1904. He organized 'the General Workers’ Union, which he represented at the Conference with the employers, securing increased wages and better conditions; was Chairman of the Timber Workers’ Defence Committee in 1907 during the greatest industrial trouble in Western Australia, from which the
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workers under liis leadership emerged triumphant after fourteen weeks’ struggle; and as organizer and Secretary of the Timber Workers’ Union at a time when it was completely disorganized, without funds and with very few members, was so successful that the membership now numbers over 3,000. Prior to his connection with the Union in 1907 the employes in that industry were working under the worst of conditions for a low rate of wage, but since he took control conditions have considerably improved, increases amounting to over <£50,000 per year in wages having been secured. At the present time the Timber Workers’ Union is one of the strongest in the State, and during the past five years under Mr. Holman’s management no serious industrial trouble has taken
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Bartletto, Berth.
Mr. John Barbell Holman.
place. In 1908, for services rendered, he was elected a life member of the Timber Workers’ Union of Western Australia, and represented the Western Australia Branch of the Timber Federation before the Federal Arbitration Court of 1909. He has represented various unions at trade congresses, and has been a delegate to the Trades and Labour Council. On many occasions his services have been requisitioned to bring about settlements in Labour disputes, and while he has been actively associated in many of the labour troubles in Western Australia, he has never been responsible for the commencement of any industrial dispute. Owing to his active interest in the cause of the workers, however, he
had more than once to resign positions, and eventually started business on his own account, subsequently disposing of his interests in order to devote the whole of his time to public duties. Mr. Holman’s name is closely interlinked with the history of The Labour Vanguard, the official organ of the Labour Party in Western Australia. He first proposed the launching of the paper and afterwards undertook the complete business management. This paper played an important part in the electoral campaign of 1911, and was practically responsible for the complete rout of the Liberal Party and the return to power of the Labour Administration with a substantial majority. In addition to taking an active interest in Labour matters Mr. Holman has excelled in sport, notably in connection with athletic games and on the football field. He has been one of the leading men in bringing the Volunteer Fire Brigade movement to its present position in Western Australia, being one of the oldest members and a champion competitor of the Cue Volunteer Fire Brigade, the champion Fire Brigade in the State, of which he was elected a life honorary member, and for his efforts in the advancement of the firemen of the State has been elected a life member of the Western Australian Fire Brigades’ Association, being the only one to receive that distinction. He has occupied the post of President of this Association, and still takes an active interest in the welfare of the Volunteer Fire Brigade movement. He married in 1892 Catherine, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Row, of Bowden, South Australia, and has three sons and four daughters.
CHARLES ARTHUR HUDSON, member for Yilgarn in the Legislative Assembly, is a Victorian by birth, and received his education in his native State. He was articled to the law with a prominent firm of solicitors in Melbourne, and was admitted to the Bar, afterwards practising for some time in the country of his nativity. He came to Western Australia in the early part of the present century, and in July, 1904, was called to the Western Australian Bar. In 1908 Mr. Hudson successfully contested the seat for the Dundas district in the
House of Assembly, and on the excision of that electorate by the Redistribution of Seats Act of 1911 secured the Yilgarn seat, formerly held by Mr. A. A. Horan. Mr. Hudson is a supporter of the Labour Party, and since his arrival in this State has been prominently associated with the Labour movement throughout the country.
EDWARD BERTRAM JOHNSTON, who represents the Williams-Narrogin district in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of Mr. H. F. Johnston, Surveyor-General of Western Australia, and was born at Geraldton on January 11, 1880. He pursued his scholastic studies at the High School, Perth, and having attained his seventeenth year entered upon a Civil Service career by joining the Lands Department. Five years later he had risen to the position of Chief Clerk in the Katanning Lands Office, and in 1903 was appointed Government Land Agent at Wagin, whence he was transferred to Narrogin in the following year. He was closely associated with the settlement of the land along the Collie-Narrogin railway and in the Dorakin and other areas east of Narrogin and Wickepin, and upon his resignation from the service in 1909, when leaving the district, he was the recipient of an illuminated address bearing the signatures of representatives of all the Roads Boards, Agricultural Societies, and other public bodies in the Narrogin land district, which at that time included Pingelly. Entering upon business pursuits at Kalgoorlie, Mr. Johnston played a prominent part as Hon. Secretary of the Esperance Land and Railway League, and during his term of office did much to bring its aims and objects under consideration throughout the whole of the eastern goldfields. In April, 1911, he was invited by the Narrogin Branch of the Australian Labour Federation to contest his present seat in the Assembly, and this request being endorsed by the settlers of the district he allowed himself to be nominated and was returned, being the first Labour member to represent any part of the Great Southern district. Mr. Johnston held the position at Narrogin of Vice-President of the Australian Natives’ Association during the first year of its formation, in which he took an active interest, and in the following year he was elected to the presidential chair.
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TITUS LANDER, representative for East Perth in the House of Assembly, is a son of Mr. James B. Lander, of Harrow Hill, near London. At the close of his schooldays he worked as a stonemason for twenty-two years in England, and in 1883 sailed for Australia, landing in the Central State. Nine years later ho came to Western Australia, where he followed his calling for some considerable time. In 1894 he was appointed Inspector in connection with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, resigning the office in 1911. He was elected to the Perth City Council as councillor for North Ward in November, 1908, but did not contest the seat at the election of 1911, in the interim having been returned to the House of Assembly in October, 1911, as a supporter of the Labour Party.
CHARLES HENRY LAYMAN, representing Nelson district in the Legislative Assembly, is the third son of Mr. George Layman, of Won-nerup, who was a member of the Legislative Council before the days of responsible government. The Laymans are a very old family in the district, Mr. C. H. Layman’s grandfather having formed one of a small
Bartlvtto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Heniiy Layman.
band of settlers under Colonel Molloy which landed at Augusta, Flinders Bay, in 1830, prior to which he had resided in Tasmania. Mr. Layman, sen., was several times attacked by natives, and
eventually was treacherously murdered at Wonncrup by blacks when in his twenty-ninth year. The gentleman under review was born at Wonnerup on June 4, 1865, and received his education at the High School, Perth. At seventeen years of age he entered the office of the Western Australian Timber Company, near Busselton, and continued in this connection for nearly two years. He then turned his attention to agricultural and pastoral pursuits, which engaged his energies for a considerable period, but were abandoned in favour of mercantile operations at Green-bushes, where he remained for about twelve years. At the end of this time Mr. Layman again acquired landed property, and has since carried on business as a grazier and pastoralist in the' south-western portion of the State. He takes a deep interest in the progress of the Agricultural Societies of Western Australia, being a member of the Royal, the Nelson, the Balingup, and the Southern Districts Societies, on the governing committees of which he has served at different periods. He was one of the pioneers of the Green-bushes tinfields, and for six years was a member of the local Roads Board, filling the chair for the major portion of that time. lie next turned his attention to politics, and in 1905 was returned to the House of Assembly for the Nelson district. He was re-elected in 1906 and has continued to represent the constituency ever since. In the present Parliament he discharges the office of Opposition Whip, and held a similar position under the Wilson and Moore Administrations for over five years. He is a patron of nearly a dozen amateur athletic clubs, representing almost all forms of sport, and cordially sympathizes with healthy outdoor diversion. His own recreation he takes chiefly in the saddle, and is a great lover of horses. Mr. Layman married Florence Edith, daughter of Mr. J. G. Reynolds, J.P., grazier, of Menbernup, Busselton, and has three sons and three daughters.
The Honourable HENRY BRUCE LEFROY, C.M.G., representative for Moore constituency in the Legislative Assembly, was born at Perth on March 24, 1854. He is a son of the late Honourable A. O’Grady Lefroy, C.M.G., who for
thirty-six years was connected with the Public Service of Western Australia and occupied the important post of Colonial Treasurer, an office from which he retired upon the introduction of responsible govern-
Hon. Henry Bruce Lefroy.
rpent in 1890. In recognition of his valuable services to the Crown the late gentleman had conferred upon him the distinction of C.M.G., and subsequently, by royal consent the right to retain the prefix Honourable during his lifetime. Similar honours were also granted to Mr. H. B. Lefroy in the years 1901 and 1903. Mr. Lefroy’s mother, who is still living (1912), is a daughter of the late Colonel Bruce, for many years Commandant of the military forces of the State. The subject under review was sent to England to be educated, and after attending a preparatory school at Exmouth under the Rev. John Penrose, spent four years at Rugby, returning to Australia in 1873. Duripg his scholastic career he distinguished himself both in the classes and on the field, and was well known at Rugby as a winner of long-distance races and a player in the Rugby football fifteen. He also displayed considerable ability as a cricketer, and continued his interest in this sport after his return to his native land, being a prominent batsman in the early days of the State. Immediately following his arrival from the Motherland he took over the management of his father’s station, “Walebing,” on Victoria Plains, which, under his superintendence, has become one of the best pastoral properties in Western Australia.
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When only twenty-one years of age he was appointed to a commission of Justice of the Peace, and for twenty years was Chairman of the Victoria Plains Roads Board and of the local Board of Education, besides occupying many other public offices. He first entered political life in 1892 upon the retirement of the Hon. George Randell, being returned for Moore district in the House of Assembly, which seat he retained until
1901, when he was appointed Agent-General for Western Australia in London. In 1895 and 1897 he represented this State at the Federal Council which met at Hobart, and in the latter year was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Cabinet, in which he became Minister of Education and Post and Telegraphs. The Mines portfolio falling vacant upon the acceptance by Mr. (Sir) Edward H. Wittenoom of the position of Agent-General in London in 1898, Mr. Lefroy became Minister for Mines, which office he filled until his departure for London as Agent-General upon the expiration of Sir Edward’s term of office in 1901. In 1905 he returned to Western Australia, and has since devoted himself to the development of his pastoral interests at “Walebing,” a property acquired from the Midland Railway Company and comprising lands previously held under lease from the Crown. During his absence in England the old Irwin and Moore electorates were merged into one, but by the Redistribution of Seats Bill in 1910 Mr. Lefroy’s former constituency of Moore was re-established, and in 1911 he once again became a candidate for the suffrages of the electors, and was returned to the Assembly by a large majority. Mr. Lefroy has been twice married. His first wife, Rose, by whom he had issue three sons, was a sister of Sir Edward H. Wittenoom and died in
1902. In 1905 he married Madeleine, daughter of the Rev. Stewart Walford, Rector of Dallinhoo, Suffolk, by whom he has two sons and a daughter.
CHARLES JOSEPH LEWIS, representative for the Canning distinct in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, was born at Geelong, Victoria, on August 7, 1870, and is a son of the late Mr. Alfred James Lewis of that place and latterly of Bendigo. He was educated at a State school at Kan-
garoo Flat, with a subsequent course of private tuition at Carlton, Melbourne. Having concluded his studies, for three years he assisted his father, who carried on a grocery and produce store near Bendigo, and relinquished this connection to take up work with a local farrier. At a later period he enlarged his industrial knowledge by serving for about three years in the coach-building trade, and eventually joined the Melbourne Tramway Company, where he held the position of conductor for nearly six years. In 1896 Mr. Lewis came to Western Australia, and after a short period of work in a foundry became connected with the Traffic Department of the State Railways, rising in the service until he attained the post of acting-stationmaster. He resigned from the service in order to contest the Canning electorate in the Labour interest, and in the ensuing struggle defeated the sitting member, who had held the seat for twelve years. Mr. Lewis has always been prominently associated with the Labour movement, and as far back as 1891 made an effort to form a Tramway Employes Union in Melbourne. He was one of the founders of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Employes and was the second Chair-
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Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Joseph Lewis.
man of the Perth Branch. He held the position of Secretary to the Branch for two years, and in 1909 was elected general treasurer by a ballot of the whole of the members, to which position he has recently again been returned unopposed. He
represented Perth, Collie, and Pin jarra on the General Committee for eight years, and acted as delegate from the Amalgamated Society to five different Conferences. While absent in Tasmania at the Interstate Railway Conference held at Launceston in May, 1911, Mr. Lewis received a wire from Western Australia asking permission to nominate him for selection for the Canning seat, the ultimate result being his election by the constituency in October of the same year. Mr. Lewis was a member of the provisional committee which inaugurated the Railway Provident Fund, and was appointed organizer at its inception, in addition to occupying a seat on the management committee for three years, on which he represented the traffic section. He has also been a member of the management committee of the Railway Hospital Fund for over four years and general treasurer of the fund for the past three years. Mr. Lewis married in 1902 Clara, daughter of the late Mr. Charles Hillier, of Whittlesea, Victoria, and has four daughters.
john james McDonald,
member of the Legislative Assembly, representing Gascoyne district, is a son of Mr. Michael McDonald, of Carlton, Victoria, and was born at Ballarat, in that State, on July 21, 1869. He received his education at the Christian Brothers’ College, East Melbourne, and upon its completion went into the stock-raising business as manager for his father, which position he filled for three years. In 1895 he came to Western Australia and was engaged in the mining industry, chiefly as prospector, for about twelve years, during which time he has travelled over nearly all the mineral areas of the State. In 1908 he proceeded to the Nor’-West, where he was connected with the pastoral industry in the Carnarvon district, and almost immediately on his arrival became associated with the Australian Workers’ Union, in which body he took a live and active interest. Having made a careful study of the political situation Mr. McDonald in 1911 offered himself for selection by his Party as a candidate for Parliamentary honours in the Labour interest and was returned, defeating Mr. W. J. Butcher, who previously had held the Gascoyne seat for ten years.
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CHARLES McDOWALL, representative for Coolgardie district in the State Legislative Assembly, was born at Ballarat, Victoria. He received his education in New Zealand, and in 1884 established himself as an estate agent at Melbourne and Surrey Hills. For about twelve years he carried on business here, but on account of the general commercial depression in Victoria Mr. McDowall left for Western Australia in 1896. Proceeding direct to Coolgardie, he opened his present auctioneering business, which he has conducted ever since. In 1904 he was elected Mayor of Coolgardie, and for four years served the ratepayers as a member of the local Municipal Council. His Parliamentary career began in 1908, when he was returned to represent the old Coolgardie constituency in the Legislative Assembly, and in 1911 this honour was repeated when the Labour Party came into power, his connection with this movement having begun in 1904. Mr. McDowall has always taken a keen interest in the Australian Natives’ Association, and in 1893 was elected a member of the Victorian Board of Directors, which position he held up to the time of his leaving the State. Upon arrival in Western Australia he was elected General President of the A.N.A. in this State, in 1898, and again in 1909, and is still a member of the Board of Directors of that Association.
ARTHUR MALE, J.P., who represents the Kimberley district in the State Legislative Assembly, was born at Bridport, Dorsetshire, England, on March 2, 1870, being a son of Mr. Thomas Male, of that town. He was educated at the local Grammar School, and having reached his twentieth year came to Western Australia and engaged in farming and pastoral pursuits for nearly two years. At the end of that period he proceeded to Broome and joined Mr. George S. Streeter, a son of the famous London Bond Street jeweller, in the pearling industry, with which they combined pastoral interests in the same neighbourhood. Shortly afterwards he was admitted into partnership by this gentleman, who subsequently went to reside in England, leaving the management of the enterprise to Mr. Male. For twenty years the subject of this
memoir has continued in the Nor’-West, and during this period has watched the development of the town of Broome and the surrounding district, and has taken a deep interest and given practical assistance in its advancement, almost the whole of his
Hurlletto, Perth.
Mr. Arthur Male.
own large interests being centred there. He first entered upon public duties in 1897, when the Forrest Government appointed him a Justice of the Peace. When the Roads Board was first formed he became one of the original members, and when Broome was converted into a municipality at a later date his title to a seat in the newly-formed Council was readily recognized. In 1905 he was nominated and elected as member of the Legislative Assembly for the district, and was Honorary Minister in the Wilson Government. When the Labour Party came into power at the general elections of 1911 his constituents displayed their continued confidence in him by returning him once more as tlicir representative. Mr. Male is a prominent figure in all public movements of whatever nature, charitable and sporting circles alike finding in him a ready sympathizer. He represents the London Committee of Lloyd’s at Broome, his duties in connection with this agency extending from Port Hedland to the Northern Territory border. He is a member of the Weld Club. In 1900 Mr. Male married Constance, daughter of the late Mr. James Cox, of London, and has three sons and two daughters.
The Honourable JAMES MITCHELL, M.L.A., is a son of the late Mr. W. B. Mitchell, a well-known settler in the Bun bury district. His natural inclination toward agricultural anl pastoral pursuits may be attributed to the fact that in his youth he took an active part in farming and stock-raising on his father’s property. After finishing his education he was appointed to a junior clerkship in the Bunbury Branch of the Western Australian Bank in 1885. His promotion in the Bank was rapid, and after being transferred to the Geraldton office he was subsequently appointed Manager of the Northam Branch. In October, 1905, Mr. Mitchell was elected as the representative of Northam in the Legislative Assembly, this step necessitating his resigning the position of Manager of the Bank after a service of twenty years in that institution. During his residence in Northam Mr. Mitchell took a keen and practical interest in agriculture. He acquired some of the best land in this wheat-producing centre, and was soon established as one of the most successful wheat-producers and stock-raisers in the district. This practical knowledge was of consider-
llartletto. Perth.
Hoin. James Mitchell.
able use in furthering the cause of land settlement when chosen by the Moore Cabinet as Honorary Minister in June, 1906. As the Constitution provides for the appointment of only six Ministers there was no portfolio for Mr. Mitchell till January, 1907, when he became Honorary Minister
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for Agriculture. He retained this portfolio till June, 1909, when he was appointed Minister for Lands and Agriculture. Brief as was his Ministerial career, Mr. Mitchell soon made his personality felt in the internal and external workings of these two departments. Hostile criticism was freely levelled at Mr. Mitchell'S methods, but even his most censorious critics now admit his singlemindedness, his enterprise, his wonderful fertility of ideas, and his undoubted success in promoting the State’s usefulness in getting "people on the land.” One of his most energetic acts was the promulgation and promotion of what is known as the Civil Service Land Settlement Scheme in 1909. Mr. Mitchell married in 1889 the fourth daughter of Mr. William Spicer, of Bunbury (who was for some years a member of the Legis lative Council of Western Australia), and has three sons and one daughter.
FREDERICK CHARLES MONGER, representative for York district in the Legislative Assembly, was born at York, Western Australia, on January 19, 1863. He received his education at Wesley College, Melbourne, and upon his return to the Western State followed a mercantile career for about thirteen years in the place of his birth. In October, 1892, he was returned to Parliament by the electors of that district, and continued to represent the constituency for eleven years, at the end of which period he retired. Two years later, in 1905, he again offered himself as a candidate and has held the seat ever since. Previous to his connection with political life he served for some time as a councillor in the local governing body of York. He is a member of the Perth Club. In April, 1895, Mr. Monger married Ethel Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. C. W. Sheridan, one of the first Goldfields Commissioners in Victoria, and has four daughters.
SAMUEL JOSEPH FORTES-CUE MOORE, J.P., member of the Legislative Assembly for Irwin district, is a son of the late Mr. Samuel Moore, who came to Western Australia in 1832 and settled at Oak-over, on the Middle Swan, where he was given a- grant of land by the Crown. The late gentleman’s brother, Mr. George Fletcher Moore,
who was a member of the Irish Bar, was one of the arrivals by the "Par-melia” in 1829 and was the first Advocate-General for the colony. The two brothers are descendants of a very old North of Ireland family. The subject of this notice was born at Oakover on April 3, 1846, and received his scholastic training at Bishop’s College, Perth, where he was a schoolfellow of Sir John Forrest, Mr. Septimus Burt, and other well-known Western Australians. Upon leaving school he entered the Public Service, retiring in 1863, when he went to Queensland, and under the leadership of the late F. T. Gregory made the first survey for assessment purposes of the now famous Darling Downs of that State-In 1867 he returned to Western Australia and entered upon commercial
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Samtjf.l Joseph Fortescue Moore.
and pastoral pursuits on the Irwin River at Dongarra, where he continued until 1901. In that year he took up his residence at Claremont, having retired from active business life, and has since devoted himself entirely to his public duties. Mr. Moore has always taken a deep interest in the advancement of the district where he was resident for thirty-three years, and with the development of which he was so closely identified. Having a large stake both in the mercantile and agricultural progress of the place, where he owned not only a thriving farm of 1,100 acres but a well-stocked general store, with a branch business at Mingenew and a considerable interest in the wool industry, his sta-
tion property "Cadgy-Cadgy” being situated some distance inland from Dongarra, he was prominent in those offices which require experience and integrity for their proper discharge. As Chairman of the local Roads Board he did good work for the locality, and in 1876 received his commission of Justice of the Peace for the whole State from the Downing Street authorities, becoming Chairman of the local Bench and senior honorary magistrate for the Victoria district. In 1884 he was offered a seat in the Legislative Council which he refused. Twenty years later he entered the Assembly as member for the Irwin district, and has been returned at the top of the poll at each ensuing election, on one occasion being elected unopposed. He is a Liberal in politics and has consistently maintained this position since the beginning of his Parlia-mentarjr career. Mr. Moore is a Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. For two years he was President of the Pas-toralists’ Association, and he is one of the directors of the Western Australian Bank. In 1870 he married Eliza Mary, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Johnstone, of the Johnstone Memorial Church, Fremantle, and has three sons and six daughters.
JOHN FRANCIS MULL A NY, who represents the Menzies electorate in the State Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Matthew Mull any, of Huntley, near Bendigo, Victoria, where the gentleman under review was born on March 31, 1873. Before reaching his teens he left school, and for about four years followed bush life, subsequently becoming engaged in mining pursuits at Bendigo. Here he remained until 1896, when, obeying the "call of the West,” he landed at Fremantle and went straight to Menzies, where he became well known as a prospector, and was identified with the various departments of the mining industry, finally rising to the position of mine manager. Before leaving Victoria Mr. Mullany had interested himself in the Labour movement, and joined the Bendigo Miners’ Union in 1890. After his arrival in Western Australia he became one of the foremost spirits in the organization of his Party in the district where he had taken up his residence, and filled various positions—among them the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
presidential chair—in the local branch of the old Australian Workers’ Association. lie also held other public offices, and gained a keen insight into municipal management during the two years in which he served as a councillor at Menzies. On several occasions he declined to submit himself as a candidate for political honours, contenting himself with directing his energies to the support of Senator Buzacott’s campaigns. In 1911, however, he was selected to contest the Menzies seat against Mr. H. Gregory, the late Minister for Mines, who had. represented the constituency for the lengthy period of fourteen years, and was elected by a large majority. Mr. Mullany at the present time is President of the Menzies Council and of the Australian Labour Federation, of the Prospectors and Leaseholders’ Association, and of the Mechanics’ Institute and Library. He is a cordial advocate of all kinds of manly outdoor games, having been in his younger days a proficient runner, and has been President of the Menzies Football Club for six years in succession. In 1900 he married Annie, daughter of the late Mr. J. Hogan, of Ultimo, Sydney, and has two sons and three daughters.
SELBY WALTER MUNSIE, who represents the Hannans electorate in the Legislative Assembly, was born on September 22, 1870. He received his education at the State school in the Newcastle district and before he was fourteen began work in the timber trade at Wallsend. In 1895 Mr. Munsie sailed for Fremantle, and proceeding straight to the eastern goldfields has followed the mining industry in those localities ever since. He was well known in Labour circles in New South Wales, and since coming to Western Australia has continued to work in the Labour cause. He now occupies the post of General President of the Federated Miners’ Union, having previously served as an executive officer and in other capacities. For three successive terms Mr. Munsie has been elected President of the Eastern Goldfields District Council of the Australian Labour Federation, and he is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of The West A ustraHan Worker, the official organ of the Labour movement in this State.
JOHN LEIGHTON NANSON, M.L.A., was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, and obtained his education in that city’s Grammar School and afterwards at the King William
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Leighton Nanson.
College, isle of Man. While still a mere youth he emigrated to South Australia, where he gained some useful colonial experience on a station near Broken Hill. Subsequently he entered the service of the Commercial Bank of South Australia in Adelaide, and on that institution opening a branch in Perth Mr. Nanson was appointed as accountant. When the Bank went into liquidation Mr. Nanson joined the staff of The West Australian as its Fremantle representative. He was soon transferred to the head office, and after occupying the sub-editorial chair eventually became leader-writer. In 1897 he visited England, and on his return was appointed Associate-Editor of The West Australian. In April, 1901, Mr. Nanson entered the political arena as candidate for the Murchison seat, which he succeeded in winning from the late member by the narrow majority of one vote. Mr. Nanson accepted the portfolio of Minister of Lands in the brief Morgans Ministry, considerably increasing his majority on seeking re-election in his old constituency. From January, 1902, to July, 1903, he led the Opposition. At the general elections of 1904 the Greenough and Murchison electorates were amalgamated into one constituency —Greenough, for which Mr. Nanson was returned by a substantial major-
ity. From January to April, 1904, he acted as Minister without a„portfolio in the James Government, when he became Minister for Works, retiring on the defeat of that Ministry in August of the same year. About this time he severed his connection with The West Australian and purchased an interest in the now defunct Morning Herald. Mr. Nanson’s health failing, he, on the advice of his medical attendants, visited Switzerland, afterwards proceeding to London, where he studied law, and after passing the necessary examinations was called to the Bar. After three years’ absence he decided to return to Western Australia, and reached Albany just in time to nominate for his old Greenough seat in the general elections of September, 1908, being reelected before many people were aware of his return to the State. On his re-entry into Parliament Mr. Nanson sat on the Government side of the House. When Mr. Keenan resigned his portfolio in the Moore Ministry in May, 1909, Mr. Nanson took his place in the Cabinet as Attorney-Genera] and Minister for Education. In 1887 he married Janet, daughter of Mr. F. Durlacher. Mrs. Nanson’s literary contributions under the nom de 'plume of ££Stigma” are well known to readers of The West Australian.
PETER O’LOGIILEN, ML.A., representing Forrest electorate in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of Mr. Michael O’Loghlcn, of Georgetown, South Australia, of which town he is a native. Educated locally, at St. Joseph’s School, he concluded his studies in the first year of his teens and entered upon farming pursuits in the same district. At fifteen he joined the Public Service of South Australia and continued in this connection for some time prior to leaving for Western Australia, where he arrived in 1902 in his twentieth year. For two years he worked on the sawmills of the south - west, and afterwards became identified with the North Coolgardie goldfields, where he spent about six years, principally at Laverton and Menzies. Since his early boyhood he has devoted himself to the study of political economy, particularly in relation to those questions that chiefly affect the great masses of toiling humanity, and has interested himself energetic
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ally and practically in the cause of the worker in the State of his adoption. He became a member of the Timber Workers’ Union and subsequently connected himself with the Miners’ Union, representing that body at the first Conference of the Federated Miners’ Union, by which Conference he was requested to contest a seat in Parliament. Owing to geographical differences he decided not to stand, but at a later date was induced to take the preliminary steps toward entering the political arena, on which occasion, however, he was not the selected candidate of his party. In 1906 he was chosen to contest the Federal constituency of Swan against Sir John Forrest, the Federal Treasurer, by whom he suffered defeat, though he was successful in polling 4,300 votes. Returning to the mines he again came forward at the State general elections of 1908 at the request of the Forrest electors and made his entry into the State Parliament unopposed. In order again to contest the Swan Federal seat against Sir John Forrest he resigned local honours, but, though 10,000 votes were registered in his favour, the veteran knight again came out victorious. His re-entrance into the State Parliament was chal-
BarllcHo, Perth.
Mr. Peter O’Loghlen.
lenged, but he defeated his opponent by a seven-to-one majority, and at the elections of 1911 was again returned unopposed. His constituency is situated in the magnificent timber belts, and he has done yeoman service both in and out of Parliament for that industry. Much of the
heaviest work in connection with the construction of the Labour platform and general organization has fallen to the share of Mr. O’Loghlen, who is the second youngest member of the present Parliament. For the past three years he has been Vice-President of the Australian Labour Federation in this State, and has shouldered the various responsibilities in connection with his office with unflinching devotion to the cause. Apart from his public interests he is interested in a farm in the eastern portion of the agricultural district, where he carries on operations. He is a member of the Celtic Club, and gives his cordial support to all forms of manly outdoor sport.
ARNOLD EDMUND PIESSE, who represents Katanning district in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. William Roper Piesse, of Toodyay, and was born at Guildford on April 2, 1872. He pursued his scholastic education at the Toodyay State School, and having concluded his studies became identified with the commercial staff of the late Mr. George Throssel, C.M.G., merchant, of 'Northam and Toodyay. After five years in this connection he joined his brothers, Messrs. F. & C. Piesse, merchants and millers, at Katanning, and subsequently took control of the firm’s operations, which owes much of its success to his business capacity and enterprise. Upon relinquishing the management he took over the agency department of his brother’s business which he carried on for three years under the style of Arnold Piesse & Co. Owing to the great expansion of trade the business was formed into a limited liability company, under the title of the Katanning Stock & Trading Company, of which he is Chairman of Directors. Since this development in the firm’s history the subject of our notice has been able to devote the major portion of his time to farming and pastoral pursuits, and also concerns himself in a practical manner with the efforts made by various public organizations for the good of the district. He is a Justice of the Peace for the whole of the State, and for eleven years was Chairman of the Katanning Roads Board, also occupying the presidential chair of the Great Southern Districts Pastoral and Agricultural Society for two successive periods. Upon the retire-
ment from Parliament in November, 1909, of his brother, the late Hon. F. II. Piesse, C.M.G., he was returned unopposed to a seat in the Assembly as a supporter of the Moore Govern-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Arnold Edmund Piesse.
ment, and at the general elections of 1911 again received election by a substantial majority. Mr. Piesse has been twice married, first to Margaret Mary, daughter of the late Mr. Stephen Chipper, of Perth, by whom he had two daughters and a son. This lady died in 1902, and by his present wife, Lillie, daughter of the late Mr. James Johnston, of Tynemouth, England, whom he married in 1904, he has issue a daughter.
ALFRED NAPOLEON PIESSE, J.P., who represents the Toodyay district in the State Legislative Assembly, is a native of Western Australia, having been born at Guildford on July 21, 1866. He is a son of the late Mr. William Roper Piesse, one of the early pioneers who came to the State in the year 1841, and is one of eight brothers, several of whom have materially assisted in the development of the young country and served the best interests of the community in Council, Parliament, or commercial enterprise. Having completed his scholastic training at the Northam State school, Mr. A. N. Piesse entered the Telegraph Service as messenger, and at the same time gained an insight into the farming industry on his brother’s property.
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After three years lie relinquished his connection with the Civil Service in order to join Messrs. F. H. and C. A. Piesse in their business establishment at Williams, but subsequently re-entered the Telegraph
Dartlctto, Perth.
Mr. Alfred Napoleon Ptesse.
Department as assistant operator, and was in turn telegraphist at Esperance, Israelite Bay, and Bremer, finally being transferred from his last station at Albany to the Law Department as Clerk of Courts at Toodyay. This post he held for over five years, at the end of that period being promoted to the office of Resident Magistrate for the same district. Within three years he voluntarily resigned this position in order to engage in horticultural pursuits, and has now a very fine orchard near Toodyay on his property, which is known as ''Key Farm.” He combines the cultivation of various cereals with his other operations and carries on mixed farming with excellent results. Mr. Piesse has always given a great deal of consideration to the affairs of the district in which he resides, and has made a study of matters connected with its best development. Besides being President of the local Agricultural Society for some time he has filled the post of Chairman of the Toodyay Fruitgrowers’ Association and represented Western Australia at the Commonwealth Fruitgrowers’ Conference at Melbourne in March, 1911. At the close of his Civil Service career he was appointed to a commission of Justice of the Peace. As Chairman for the past four years
)f the Toodyay Roads Board, a committeeman of the Mechanics’ Institute, a member of the local race 3lub, and a prominent official of St. Stephen’s Church of England he has been active in his support of the various institutions of the place, and all charitable movements find in him i patron and a sympathizer. In October, 1911, the electors of the district displayed their appreciation of his qualities as a citizen by reburning him as their representative to the Legislative Assembly. He is a member of the Toodyay Club and of the Western Australian Club, Perth. In 1898 Mr. Piesse married Ada, daughter of Mr. J. M. Lloyd, of “Nardie,” Toodyay, and has two sons and two daughters.
WILLIAM PRICE, representative for Albany district in the Legislative Assembly, is a son of Mr. Henry Price, of Chepstow, South Wales, where the subject of this notice was born on April 16, 1869. He was educated, at the National School in his native town, and at the conclusion of his scholastic training came to Australia, landing at Brisbane in 1885. Here he was identified with bush life for some years.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Price.
but abandoned this in order to enter upon a clerical position in Forbes, New South Wales. After spending six years in the Mother State Mr. Price sailed for Western Australia in 1896 and became engaged in mining and prospecting on the eastern
goldfields, without, however, meeting with any success. Eventually, in 1904, he took up Press work, joining the staff of the Kalgoorlie Sun and the Western Australian Truth, and followed up his career until 1909* when he entered upon a Parliamentary career. He was first returned at a by-election for the Albany constituency, and at the general elections of 1911 was again successful, the figures polled at previous elections being doubled in his favour on this occasion. Mr. Price’s connection with the Labour Party dates back to 1899, when he was organizer for the General Labourers’ Union in the western district of Queensland. lie occupied the same position at a later period for the Australian Shearers’ Union in New South Wales, and in this State, prior to his return to the House, was associated with the Miners and General Workers’ Union, and is now President of the Shearers’ Union. In 1898 he organized the first branches of the Australian Workers’ Association in the Leonora and Mount Morgan districts. Mr. Price finds congenial occupation for his leisure hours in writing for the local Press. He married Sarah Ann, daughter of the late Mr. William Loxley, of Forbes, New South Wales, and has three daughters.
BARTHOLOMEW JAMES STUBBS, who represents the Subiaco electorate in the Legislative Assembly, was born on May 31, 1872. Upon leaving school he was apprenticed to the tailoring trade, and subsequently followed his calling in various parts of Victoria. In 1894 he left for Western Australia and secured employment in Perth, becoming one of the foundation-members of the Perth Tailors’ Union in 1896. He has occupied the presidential chair of this organization, and at the present time (1911) fills the offices of Secretary of the Union and delegate to the Metropolitan Council of the Australian Labour Federation. He was the first President of the Amalgamated Tailors and Tailoresses’ Union on the eastern goldfields, where also he was elected Vice-President and afterwards President of the Trades and Labour Council, his introduction to the Labour Party having taken place in 1890, when he first joined a trade-union. In 1910 he contested Central Ward in the Subiaco muni-
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cipalifcy, but failed to secure election to the Council. Two years prior to this Mr. Stubbs' name had come before the Labour Party selection ballot in connection with the State elections for that year, and though not then chosen, in 1911 he was selected unopposed to stand in the interests of the Labour Party for the Subiaco seat, and after a well-contested fight was returned against Mr. H. Daglish, the late Minister for Works, with a majority of sixty votes.
SYDNEY STUBBS, member of the Legislative Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. William Stubbs, of Victoria, and was born at Warr-nambcol, in the western district of that State, on July 19, 1861. He was educated in Victoria, and after following the profession of a teacher in the Education Department for some time became engaged in the clerical branch of the firm of Messrs. John Danks & Son, engineers, of Melbourne. Eventually he acquainted himself with all departments of the business and undertook the duties of colonial traveller, remaining in this employ until 1894. During his periodical visits to Western Australia Mr. Stubbs formed the opinion that the “Cinderella” State would ultimately become Queen of the Commonwealth, and in the above-mentioned year, in conjunction with Mr. Frederick Drake, now of Melbourne, he purchased the hardware business in Hay Street formerly carried on as Alfred Shaw, Limited, and for some years conducted a very extensive trade. In 1907 the concern was purchased by Messrs. Sandover & Co., and Mr. Stubbs entered upon pastoral pursuits at Wagin, in the south-western district of the State, where he still continues. In 1909 he purchased a general store business at that centre and took into partnership Mr. William Jeffrey. He has maintained an active connection with public life during the past seventeen years, and on four occasions was returned unopposed as Mayor of Claremont. Twice he received election to the Perth mayoral chair, once unopposed, and in May, 1908, was elected to a seat in the Legislative Council as representative for the Metropolitan-Suburban district. He resigned the seat in 1911 in order to contest the new electorate of Wagin in the House of
Assembly in the interests of the Liberal Party, of which he is a stanch supporter, and was returned by a substantial majority. Mr. Stubbs was connected with the Chamber of Commerce for fourteen years and acted as Vice-President of that body. For a term he has been
u
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Sydney Stubbs.
identified with many charitable and public institutions, having occupied a seat on the Board of the Perth Public Hospital for a lengthy period and acted on the Council of the Blind Asylum, Children’s Hospital, and Royal Agricultural Society, of which latter body he is a life member. He has been a member of the Masonic craft for over a quarter of a century, and in 1909 represented Western Australia as a delegate at the Imperial Conference of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire held in Sydney, New South Wales. For many years he took a leading part in the affairs of the Congregational Church at Claremont, in which he always displayed a deep interest. He is one of the founders and President of the Claremont Yacht Club which owes much to his support, and is a keen angler, besides giving his support to all clean and healthy outdoor sport. Mr. Stubbs married in 1891 Martha Harriet, daughter of the late Mr. Nicholas Jeffrey, of Eaglehawk, Victoria, and has a son and four daughters.
HERBERT GRAHAM SWAN, who represents North Perth in the Legislative Assembly, was born at
Dapto, New South Wales, on August 23, 1875. At fifteen years of age he was apprenticed to the engineering trade in the New South Wales Railways Department, but later was identified with the mining industry for a brief period. Mr. Swan came to Western Australia in 1896 under engagement to the State Railways Department, and continued in the Service until his election to Parliament in 1908, when he resigned. In 1901 he joined the Railways Association and was elected to a seat on the Executive Committee of that body, which is now known as the Amalgamated Society of Railway Employes. From 1905 to 1908 he filled the presidential chair, in the former year also being elected President of the Metropolitan Labour Council. As President of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Employes he represented the Western Australian Branch at the Federal Conference held in Sydney in 1905. His connection with Parliamentary life began in 1908, when he was returned by the members of his present constituency to a seat in the Assembly, which he held against strong opposition at the general elections of 1911, defeating his opponent by a large majority.
GEORGE TAYLOR, Chairman of Committees (1910-11) and representative for Mount Margaret in the House of Assembly, was born at Campbell town, near Sydney, on May 16, 1861. He
was educated privately, and from the age of twelve years was employed in various occupations and as a shearer on pastoral properties in New South Wales and Queensland. He remained in the Northern State for upwards of twenty years, and while there was a prime mover in the formation of a Shearers’ Union, afterwards becoming a paid officer of the organization. The administration of the Australian Labour Federation also claimed a large portion of his energies, and he was a foremost advocate in all matters affecting the welfare of the various Labour bodies. The year 1894 witnessed Mr. Taylor’s arrival in the Western State, where he immediately turned his attention to seeking the precious metal in the districts surrounding the Coolgardie township. Meeting with but nominal success, he went to work in the Mount Samuel Mine, and while in
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this district he was instrumental in forming a local branch of the Australian Workers’ Union. In 1901, at the request of a large number of friends, Mr. Taylor became a candidate for the Mount Margaret seat in the Legislative Assembly, his opponent being Mr. J. W. Hall, at that
Mr. George Taylor.
time a well-known mining magnate. The contest was strenuously fought, but victory ultimately rested with Mr. Taylor by a narrow majority of 72 votes. Mount Margaret is the largest electorate in the State, and since the memorable fight just recorded Mr. Taylor has continued to represent it without a break. As Colonial Secretary in the Daglish Ministry (1904) he was responsible for the introduction before the House of several important Bills, and at the opening of the Parliamentary Session of 1910 he was elected to the office of Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly.
WILLIAM LEMEN THOMAS, M.L.A., was born near Kilmore, Victoria, on September 25, 1872. At the conclusion of his education he qualified himself for the pharmacy profession, securing his diploma of M.P.S. in New South Wales. He came to Western Australia in 1893 and fof a time held the position of assistant dispenser to the Government Hospital at Kalgoorlie. In 1894 he commenced business on his own account as a chemist in that town, seven years later establishing himself in Perth. A few years later
Mr. Thomas removed to Bunbury and opened his present dispensary, since when he has carried on continuously at this centre. At a very early period of his career he associated himself with the Labour movement and held the post of President of the Political Labour League at Bunbury until this body was merged into the Australian Labour Federation. In 1908 he contested the Sussex seat in the Labour interest against Mr. Frank Wilson, at that time Treasurer in the Moore Government, but suffered defeat. He then became a candidate for the South-West Province in the Legislative Council, but without success. He next contested the by-election for the Bunbury scat rendered vacant by the retirement of Sir Newton Moore, and was returned, being re-elected for the same constituency in 1911. Mr. Thomas is a keen supporter of an Inner Harbour for Bunbury, which has the fourth largest shipping tonnage of the Commonwealth.
PHILIP JOSEPH TURVEY, who represents the Swan electorate in the State Legislative Assembly, was born at Glenorchy, Victoria, on June 25, 1875. He received his education in the Victorian State schools, finishing at the Stawell Grammar School and the School of Mines in the same town. Joining the Education Department, he continued on the teaching staff in Victoria for eight years, at the end of which period he applied for six months’ leave of absence in order to visit the Western State and find out what prospects offered to members of his profession there. Even before leaving Melbourne he received an appointment as teacher at Northam, and in January, 1898, joined the Western Australian Education Department and entered upon his duties as assistant master at the above-mentioned place. Subsequently he was placed in charge of schools at Greenbushes and Narrogin successively, and at a later date temporarily left the department to enter upon the management of a general store at Pingelly. While thus engaged he contracted typhoid fever, which laid him aside for twelve months, and upon recovery was stationed at Northam in charge of the senior and technical classes. From there he was transferred to West Northam, and thence to Mundaring
as headmaster, which position he relinquished when entering upon the campaign which terminated in his election by the Swan constituency in 1911. Mr. Turvey possesses a good knowledge of municipal and allied work, having been for a time a member of the Northam Municipal Council, in which he was the first direct representative of Labour. He has also held office on Roads Boards and has obtained considerable experience of the requirements of country districts. He was president of the A.L.F. in Northam and for many years has been a prominent member of the Labour Party. In 1904 he was the nominee of the Northam district for the selection ballot for the Federal Senate, and later was nominated by the Cunderdin Branch for the selection ballot for Northam electorate. He was for some years Secretary of the Australian Natives’ Association, and obtained his early training in public speaking in various literary and debating societies. For two years Mr. Turvey occupied the post of Vice-President of the Western Australian Teachers’ Union, and was editor and business manager of the journal issued by this organization. He has been appointed by the present Government a member of the University Site
Mr. Philip Joseph Turvey.
Committee. He takes a prominent interest in matters horticultural and is Patron of the Mundaring Society, of which he was Hon. Secretary for a couple of years. A member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, he holds office as Past Chief Ranger of that body. The form of sport which com-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
355
mands his loyal adherence is nlie-shooting, and in 1909 he was selected as one of the beam of fourteen which represented Western Australia’s 5,000 riflemen in the Commonwealth match held in Victoria. He is a member of the executive of the National Rifle Association, and until recently was Hon. Secretary of the Metropolitan Rifle Union. He is Vice-President of the Western Australian Athletic Association, of which for two years he was Hon. Secretary. In 1901 Mr. Turvey married Annie, daughter of the late Mr. John Draffin, of Boort, Victoria, and has two sons and a daughter.
RUFUS HENRY UNDERWOOD, who represents the Nor’-West district of Pilbara in the-Legislative Assembly, was born near Ballarat, Victoria, on December 31, 1863, and, having but few opportunities of early scholastic training, spent his childhood in such occupations as were offered by life in the bush. When seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to the bootmaking trade in Victoria, and followed this calling for some time in his native State and in South Australia, where he spent a considerable period, being President of the Bootmakers’ Union there. In 1895 Mr. Underwood came to Western Australia, and for the ensuing nine years turned his attention to the mining industry and allied pursuits. At the present time lie has interests in both mining and agriculture, and in addition to owning a share in a gold mine in the Nullagine district lie has a farm at Tammin. He began his political career in 1906, when on the occasion of a by-election he was returned by the electors of the Pilbara constituency to a seat in the Legislative Assembly. In 1911 he was again a candidate for the suffrages of the district and was honoured by a majority of votes.
HARRY BROWN, J.P., formerly representative for Perth in the Legislative Assembly, was born at Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, on May 6, 1863. He is
a son of Mr. Thomas Brown, of the same county, and received his education in his birthplace. The serious side of his career was embarked upon when he entered
A. A. VVIjL^UJN, member for Collie in the House of Assembly, is a native of Scotland, and upon leaving his native land proceeded to Victoria, where he was employed in the coal-mining industry at South Gipps-land. He early became identified with the Unionist movement, and occupied the post of Secretary of the Miners’ Union in the sister State during the long industrial dispute which occurred there in the early nineties. On the occasion of the second federal election he contested the Flinders seat in the House of Representatives, but was defeated, and shortly afterwards lie came to Western Australia, where he became prominently associated with coalmining, and acted as Secretary of the Collie Miners’ Union. At the general elections of September, 1908, he was returned to represent the district in the House of Assembly, and was re-elected unopposed in November, 1911.
Major EVAN ALEXANDER WISDOM, J.P., representative for Claremont district in the House of Assembly, is a son of the late Mr. Francis William Wisdom, merchant, of Inverness, Scotland, where the gentleman under review was born on September 29, 1869. Major Wisdom gained his first military experience in Edinburgh, where he served in the Infantry Battalion, and afterwards for nearly two years in the Midlothian Coast Artillery. In Western Australia he was among the first to receive a commission upon the taking over of the Defence Department by the Commonwealth, being granted a lieutenancy in order to take command of the Cannington Mounted Infantry, upon the resignation of Captain Clydesdale. After serving in this capacity he was appointed Adjutant to the 18th Light Horse Regiment, and for a time was Acting Staff Officer for Light Horse. While
PAST MEMBERS.
the office of the land steward of the Baroness Mayer De Rothschild, of Mentmore, Buckinghamshire, where he continued for a period of seven years. The death of the Baroness taking place the estates became the property of Miss De Rothschild, who shortly afterwards married Lord Rosebery. In 1883 Mr. Brown determined to tempt the
the last three Western Australian Commonwealth contingents were under training Major Wisdom was Staff Officer of the camp at Kar-rakatta, under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell. During an absence in England he was placed on the unattached list for two years, resuming
Bartlctto, Perth.
Major Evan Alexander Wisdom.
duty on his return; and quite recently he was gazetted Brigade-Major of the newly-formed Western Australian Brigade. Major Wisdom has devoted much of his time to the business of the municipality wherein he resides, and for the past three years has filled the office of Chief Magistrate of the district. At the election of 1911 he took the field as a supporter of the Wilson Administration and was returned as member for Claremont, the campaign being a strenuously fought one. Major Wisdom is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of most of the leading clubs of Perth. He married a daughter of Mr. Francis Jackson, of Edinburgh.
fickle goddess Fortune in other climes, and forthwith took passage to South Africa, where he entered the ranks of the Cape Mounted Rifles, seeing active service with the regiment on both the Pondoland and Basutoland borders. Becoming surfeited with the exciting life he purchased his discharge, and once more found himself on the high seas, this
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
time bound for Australian shores. He disembarked at Western Australia and soon found a position in the office of Messrs. Stone & Burt, solicitors, with whom he continued for five years, relinquishing this employ to accept the secretaryship of the Perth
Bartletto, Perth.
Ma. Harry Brown.
Benefit Building Society. He fulfilled the duties attached to the post with consummate tact, his urbane manner and geniality gaining for him the confidence alike of shareholders and clients. During the years of his residence in Perth his popularity secured him a large circle of friends, and on the first occasion that he aspired to municipal honours he was returned with a handsome majority, defeating a strong opponent in the person of the retiring councillor, Mr. C. Oldham, M.L.A. The contest, which took place in November, 1898, created an appreciable stir and resulted in a record number of votes being polled. Within a short time of his election to the Council he was appointed one of the city's representatives on the Fire Brigades Board, of which at the present time he is Chairman, and he is also Secretary of the Perth Roads Board. In 1901 he was elected Chairman of the Municipal Works Committee, and in the following year was elevated to the mayoral chair, retaining that office for three years. The various public offices thus far filled by Mr. Brown were but stepping-stones to greater honours, and at the election in 1904 he was nominated as a candidate for the Perth seat in the House of Assembly, the electors of the district showing
their appreciation of his past efforts on their behalf by returning him with a sound majority. He is a Justice of the Peace for the State of Western Australia, a member of the Licensing Bench for the Perth Magisterial district, and Deputy-Chairman of the Perth Hospital Board. While he is a hearty supporter of all outdoor recreation, Mr. Brown derives most pleasure from cricket, and it is singularly appropriate that he should have filled the office of Managing Trustee of the Western Australian Cricket Ground. Mr. Brown’s marriage took place in 1891 with Minnie, eldest daughter of Mr. R. Pether, of this city.
W. J. BUTCHER, who represented the Gascoyne district in the
Mr. W. J. Butcher.
House of Assembly from 1901 to 1911, is a native of Tasmania, having been born at Richmond, in the “Apple State,” in July, 1858. He received his education at a private school in Melbourne, Victoria, and came to Western Australia in the year 1877. Immediately after his arrival he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, but at a later date engaged in the pastoral industry. In 1901 he offered himself as a candidate for the Gascoyne seat in tho Legislative Assembly, and was successful in carrying the day, defeating the then sitting member, Mr. David Forrest. He continued to represent the constituency until 1911, when he was defeated at the elections held in October of that year. Some
twenty years ago Mr. Butcher was gazetted a Justice of the Peace for the State of Western Australia. He is largely interested in the pastoral industry of the State, being part-owner of the Boolathana Station, in the Gascoyne district. In 1910 he was elected to fill the presidential chair of the Pastoralists’ Association of Western Australia, arid in the following year was re-elected for a second term, besides which he acts on the Boards of several important financial institutions at Perth. Mr. Butcher married in 1891 Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Brockman, a brother of the founder of Boolathana Station, and has a surviving family of two sons and three daughters.
HENRY DAGLISH, Minister for Works in the Wilson Administration, was born at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1866, and received his education at Geelong, afterwards matriculating at the Melbourne University. He started in life as an apprentice to the engineering trade in 1882, but abandoned it in the following year to enter the public service of his native State. He remained in the Service until 1895, when he resigned to go into business, and in 1896 contested the South Melbourne seat in the Legislative Assembly. Being unsuccessful, he turned his steps
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Henry Daglish.
toward Western Australia and entered the Public Service there in
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1897, remaining until 1901, when lie resigned to contest the Subiaco seat in the Western Australian State Assembly. He was returned by a large majority as a Labour member, and continued to represent the constituency until the elections of 1911, when he was defeated by a narrow majority. From August, 1904, to August, 1905, he was Premier of the State, being at the head of the first Labour Government in Western Australia. He occupied the position of Chairman of Committees from 1907 to September, 1910, when he resigned to become Minister for Works in the Wilson Government. In the municipal affairs of Subiaco he has for many years been a prominent figure, having sat as a councillor in 1900-1, since which time he has been Mayor of the municipality on several occasions. In 1912 he was appointed to the office of employers’ representative in the Court of Arbitration. Mr. Daglish married in 1894 Edith, daughter of the late Mr. Charles Bishop, of Smythesdale, Victoria.
The Honourable HENRY GREGORY. To no one, perhaps, can the credit for the development of mining in the State during the past decade be better assigned than to the Honourable Henry Gregory, who with but a slight intermission guided the destinies of the Mines Department from early in 1901 to October, 1911. Born at Kyneton, Victoria, in 1860 and educated in that State, Mr. Gregory opened a store at Rochester at the early age of sixteen, remaining in business there until 1892, when the sensational reports of the great gold discovery attracted him to the West. Organizing a prospecting party he landed at Albany in September, 1893, and proceeded to Cool-gardie via Fanny Cove and Dundas. The pilgrimage resulted in four months’ hard-earned experience and 4s. 6d. worth of gold found. After visiting in turn the Old Camp and Kalgoorlie the future Minister first opened a store at the Ninety-mile: thence he proceeded to Menzies and engaged in business there. From that time onward he has been closely identified with the fortunes of that town, being elected Chairman of the Progress Committee in 1895 and the first Mayor of Menzies in 1896, on that township being declared a municipality. In the same year he was made a J.P. for the North Cool-
gardie goldfield. On the creation of the North Coolgardie constituency Mr. Gregory opposed Mr. Hugh Mahon—now M.H.R. in the Federal Parliament—a strenuous fight resulting in a victory for the former, a success which was afterwards repeated nine times against several political aspirants of varying degrees of ability. Thus Mr. Gregory enjoyed the continued representation of the Menzies electorate for a period of fourteen years, with the exception of the brief period in 1908, when his opponent, Mr. (now Senator) Buza-cott, was declared elected, an election which was subsequently declared illegal, and the second election resulting in an unmistakable majority for Mr. Gregory. He held for over nine years the portfolio of
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. TTenry Gregory.
Minister for Mines in the Leake, James, Rason, Moore, and Wilson Governments, in the last three of which he was Minister for Railways. During Mr. Gregory’s career as Minister for Mines the Mines Department witnessed many important and far-reaching changes and reforms in connection with internal administration and the mining industry generally. The Kalgoorlie School of Mines was lifted from the realm of immature proposals, established, and placed upon a high plane of usefulness. Ten Mining Acts were consolidated into one comprehensive enactment which was pronounced by a Special Mining Commissioner of the United States to be wonderfully symmetrical and carefully balanced, and which, in the
prospector’s parlance, now stands as ‘'Gregory’s Act.” The Mines Regulation Act of 1906 and regulations thereunder, framed by the then Minister, and containing as they do the most beneficent provisions for the safety and well-being of the working miner, stand, too, as a monument of careful regard for the welfare of those most closely affected by mining conditions. The Mining Development Act, as well as the Inspection of Machinery Act, owes its birth to Mr. Gregory. He was the first to place the granting of exemptions on a sound basis—that is, the granting of exemption by right on expenditure incurred—and to stop the iniquitous practice that formerly prevailed of giving away freeholds of lands of this State in exchange for the conditional surrender of the surface rights of goldmining leases—a practice which has apparently gone for ever. The State battery system he made peculiarly his own, establishing these great aids to prospecting (in conjunction with water supplies) in districts throughout the State where his judgment directed, a practice which resulted in great good to the mining industry generally. He also initiated the prospecting area, which enables a miner to hold 18 acres of mineral country without paying rent, but subject to his carrying on development work. In the Railways Department likewise the evidences of Mr. Gregory’s well-directed policy are abundant. A comparison of the year before he assumed control of the Railways Department with the year 1910 shows that the working expenses were reduced by over £160,000, notwithstanding the fact that the mileage of the railways increased by over 500, while the percentage of working expenses to earnings was reduced from 781 to 66'99, which on the past year’s revenue amounts to over £196,000. On several occasions Mr. Gregory filled the office of Acting-Premier, and in 1911, in the absence of the Premier (Honourable F. Wilson) at the Coronation festivities, he again discharged the duties incidental to that office. In 1907 Mr. Gregory was invested with the Chevalier Cross of the Crown of Italy.
JOHN SYDNEY HICKS, M.D. (Lond.), L.S.A., who represented Roebourne district in the Legislative
358
Assembly from 1900 to 1908, is a son of the late Mr. James Sampson Hicks, of Falmouth, Cornwall, where he was born in 1864. He received his primary education at the Falmouth Grammar School, matriculating at London University. Upon obtaining his medical diploma he was appointed house surgeon and physician to the London Hospital in 1888, and continued to fill this post for about a year, during which period he took his M.D. degree. In 1890 Dr. Hicks left for Western Australia and upon arrival in the State proceeded to Roebourne as District Medical Officer, remaining there until 1898. In that year he took a trip to England, and upon his return in 1900 turned his attention to public life, being elected unopposed for the Roebourne seat in the State Legislative Assembly. He was re-elected in 1904 and again returned in September, 1905, subsequently holding the portfolio for Labour and Commerce in the Rason Ministry. After resigning this portfolio Dr. Hicks continued in the Assembly as private member until 1908, when he declined further nomination. He established his present professional
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. John Sydney Hicks.
practice at Guildford in 1906 and has continued there ever since. He is a member of the Medical Board of Western Australia and also occupies a seat on the Midwifery Board, the special function of which is to deal with the registration of midwives. He is fond of shooting and finds
recreation chiefly in the exercise of his skill in this direction, also giving a considerable amount of his attention to motoring. In 1899 he married Margaret, daughter of the late Captain R. R. Pearce, of Cornwall, England, and has a son and a daughter.
Sir NEWTON JAMES MOORE, K.C.M.G. The present Agent-General for Western Australia, Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Sir Newton James Moore, K.C.M.G., was born at Bunbury on May 17, 1870, and was educated at Prince Alfred College, Adelaide. On leaving school he became a pupil of the late Mr. Alexander Forrest, C.M.G., F.R.G.S., then a leading surveyor, and was engaged in the survey of the Great Southern Railway. Passing his examinations in 1894 he immediately set up as a Licensed Surveyor, being for many years retained as a Government Contract Surveyor. An intimate knowledge of the timber country gained during his survey work made his services of particular value when the jarrah timber companies were being floated on the London market. His entry into public life was made in the Bunbury Town Council, of which he was a member for several years, first as a councillor and afterwards as Mayor. In 1904 he was persuaded to seek Parliamentary honours, and at the elections of that year gained the Bunbury seat in the Legislative Assembly, a position he continued to occupy until 1910, when he resigned to accept the Agent-Generalship of the State. During the greater part of his term in Parliament he has been a Minister of the Crown ; first as Minister for Lands (1905-6), then as Premier and Minister for Lands (1906-9), and lastly as Premier and Colonial Treasurer (1909-10). Sir Newton as Premier has attended several Premiers* Conferences with distinct advantage to the State of his birth, and at the end of the session of 1909 proceeded to England to reorganize the office of the Agent-General and to extend the operations of the Immigration Department. To the efforts of himself and his colleagues may largely be ascribed the great increase in the number of immigrants to Western Australia during the past couple of years. While in London he was graciously received by His Late Majesty King Edward VII., and was the last colonial statesman to whom that
monarch gave audience. Unfortunately on his return from England his health gave way, and he was forced to relinquish his Parliamentary
Bartletto, Perth.
Sir Newton James Moore.
offices. On his recovery early in the present year he accepted the position of Agent-General for Western Australia. He was created C.M.G. in 1908 and was raised to the dignity of K.C.M.G. in 1910. In military affairs Sir Newton Moore has been particularly active, having held a commission for over sixteen years. He raised the first Mounted Infantry Corps in the State, commanded the 18th Regiment Australian Light Horse from 1901 to 1908, and since that date has commanded the Western Australian division of the Australian Intelligence Corps. In 1898 he married Isabel, daughter of Mr. John Lowrie, of the Ferguson, Western Australia, and has several children.
The late Honourable FREDERICK HENRY PIESSE, C.M.G., J.P., ex-member of the Legislative Assembly, is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Roper Piesse, an early pioneer of the State, who, after spending some eight years in pastoral pursuits, entered the Government Service in 1850 and retired in 1893, his demise occurring the following year. The subject of this review was born at Northam, Western Australia, on December 6, 1853, and was educated at the State schools of Guildford and Northam. After a short experience of mercantile life.
359
in conjunction with Mr. E. von Bibra, he opened up the pearling industry at Shark Bay in 1872. Three years later he relinquished this en-
Dartletto, Perth.
Hon. Frederick Henry Piesse.
terprise and became connected with the Post and Telegraph Department at Williams River, a position he held until 1880. In that year he resigned in order to join his brother, the Honourable C. A. Piesse, M.L.C., in establishing the well-known business of Messrs. F. & C. Piesse, general merchants and importers, of Williams and Arthur River district. Subsequently Katanning was chosen as their headquarters, branches being opened at Wagin Lake and Narro-gin. At Katanning the firm erected a flour-mill and granaries, opened an aerated waters factory, and planted a large vineyard and orchard. In 1880 Mr. Piesse was elected a member of the Williams Roads Board and subsequently was made Chairman, which position he filled until his departure for Katanning in 1889. Here he occupied a similar post, relinquishing the chair six years later when departing to temporarily reside at Perth. In 1889 he was gazetted a Justice of the Peace for the whole State, and in the ensuing year, upon the introduction of responsible government, he was nominated and returned unopposed as Representative for the Williams district in the Legislative Assembly. In January, 1894, he was appointed a member of the newly-constituted Board of Agriculture, resigning the seat in June, 1896. He succeeded Mr. Venn as Commissioner of Railways and
Director of Public Works in the Forrest Administration on April 1,
1896, and held this portfolio for over four years, during which time
he mileage of existing railways increased from 588 to 1,353 and the revenue from £529,616 to £1,293,312. He was responsible for the introduction of many important improvements in connection with the working of the railways, notable among them being the lighting of cars by electricity, the provision of lavatory cars, improved second-class accommodation, the installation of interlocking and signalling apparatus at all important railway stations and crossings, and the electric staff system. The construction of the Fremantle Harbour Works, the Bunbury breakwater, and various large tanks for the Goldfields Water Supply and subsequently the Coolgardie water scheme was undertaken during Mr. Piesse’s administration, and important public buildings were erected, including the Perth Observatory, Victoria Public Library and Museum, the Royal Mint, additions to the Perth Public Hospital, the Perth Markets, etc. In 1900 he carried out the duties of Acting-Premier during the absence of Sir John Forrest, and prior to this, in
1897, was elected a representative to the Federal Convention meeting in Adelaide. He resigned his portfolio in August, 1900, on account of a difference of opinion between himself and his colleague, Sir John Forrest, regarding the recognition of the Railways Association, which he considered an unwise proceeding under the proposed conditions. Upon the formation of the Throssell Ministry he was offered, but declined, the portfolio of Lands, and after the general elections of 1901, when the Leake Ministry came into power, he was unanimously elected Leader of the Opposition. In 1908 Mr. Piesse retired from Parliamentary life, the constant- clatter of party warfare proving too severe a strain for his physical endurance. By Royal permission he was allowed to retain the title of Honourable, a notification to that effect appearing in The London Gazette of October, 1900, and the distinction of C.M.G. was conferred upon him in token of valuable services rendered to his country. In 1878 he married Mary J., daughter of Mr. Thomas Chipper, of Kojonup, and had four sons and a daughter. Mr. F. H. Piesse died at Katanning on June 29, 1912.
The Honourable TIMOTHY FRANCIS QUINLAN, formerly Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was born at Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1861, and arrived in this State with his parents in 1863. Within a short time after his arrival he had the misfortune to lose both father and mother, but by the kind assistance of Bishop Gibney found a home with Mr. J. T. Reilly, then a storekeeper of Perth and afterwards proprietor of The Nor-tham Advertiser. After receiving an education at the Catholic Boys' School in Perth, at the age of fourteen, he entered the firm of Messrs. J. H. Monger k Co. After some years’ service with this firm he left to join Messrs. McRae k Co. at Roe-bourne, returning to Perth at the end of two years to start business on his own account as proprietor of the Shamrock Hotel, from which he retired in 1892 to devote himself to the large landed and mercantile interests which he had acquired in and round Perth and Fremantle. His entrance into public life took place in 1890, when he was elected unopposed to the City Council as representative of the Central Ward. This position he held for over twelve years, finally retiring in 1892 after unsuc-
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Timothy Francis Quinlan
cessfully contesting the mayoralty with the late Mr. W. G. Brookman. During his term as a Councillor he was an active factor in the municipal life of the community, and on several occasions he acted in the capacity of Mayor in the absence of that functionary. On the establishment of responsible government in 1890
300
he was elected to represent West Perth in the first Parliament, hold ing the seat for three and a half years. At the elections of 1894 he was defeated by the late Mr. Barrington Wood, but in 1897 was returned to represent Toodyay, and continued to represent that constituency until the elections of 1911. In the Morgan Ministry of 1901 he held the portfolio of Minister for Works. For some time previous to 1905 Mr Quinlan filled the position of Deputy-Chairman and Chairman of Committees, and in that year was elected to the position of Speaker of the House. The post had been offered to him in the previous year,
but unfortunately he was compelled for health reasons to decline it In directions other than Parliamentary and municipal the subject of our sketch has also served the community In 1893 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the State, and some years ago was made a Police Magistrate without remuneration. In religious affairs he is a stanch supporter of the Roman Catholic Church, and has for many years been very closely associated with its administration and interested in its many organizations. In 1899 the late Pope Leo XIII. graciously bestowed upon him the title and insignia of a Knight of the
Order of St. Sylvester. For sixteen years past Mr. Quinlan has been a member of the Perth Public Hospital Board of Management, of which he has acted as Chairman for many years. He is also a Vice President of the Institute for the Blind and a member of the Committee of the Deaf and Dumb Insti tution. He further holds the posi tion of Trustee under the University Endowment Act, and is intimately connected with many commercial and financial institutions. In 1883 he married Teresa, daughter of the late Mr. Daniel Connor, of Toodyay, and has five sons and three daughters. Mrs. Quinlan died in 1904.
The Administration of Justice
SUPREME COURT.
Tlie only reference to the administration of justice on the establishment of the colony of Western Australia was contained in a paragraph of the vague letter of instructions issued to Captain Stirling on his appointment as Lieutenant-Governor. lie was advised “to endeavour to settle, with the consent of the parties concerned, a court of arbitration for the decision of such questions of civil rights as may arise between the early settlers and until a more regular form of administering justice can be organized.”
Government, as the chairman of the magistracy. In reporting his action to the Secretary of State in January, 1830, he pointed out that the growth of the little colony was such that a more formal establishment of Civil and Criminal Law and Law Courts was necessary. The authority to do this was given by the Order-in-Council of November 1, 1830, under which the Governor was directed to establish a Legislative Council, consisting of certain officials, which Council should have power to make the necessary laws and ordinances, sub-
Photo by C. E. Farr.
Supreme Court, Perth.
Bearing this in mind, and acting on the principle that, until other ordinances take their place, colonists carry with them the laws so far as applicable of the country from which they come, Captain Stirling in his proclamation set out that the laws of the United Kingdom would be deemed to be in force, and that in order to satisfactorily carry them out he would if necessary appoint a sheriff, constables, and Justices of the Peace. In pursuance of this idea the Lieutenant-Governor selected, before the end of 1829, several gentlemen of good standing in the community to act as Justices of the Peace, and in order to render their decisions more formal appointed Mr. W. H. Mackie, “a gentleman bred to the law,” and then acting-counsel to the
ject, of course, to review and disallowance by the Home Government.
The Order-in-Council did not arrive in the colony until the end of 1831, and consequently the Legislative Council did not meet until January, 1832. Two of its earliest acts were to pass the Ordinances 2 Will. IV., Nos. 1 and 4; by the first a Court of Civil Judicature was established, and by the second the jurisdiction of the Court of Quarter Sessions, brought into operation in 1829 by the Commission of the Peace, was regulated and extended so as to embrace practically the whole criminal law of the United Kingdom. By section seven of the Act 2 Will. IV., No. 1, the Civil Court was given “cognizance of all pleas and jurisdictions in all
362
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
cases as fully and amply in Western Australia as His Majesty’s Courts of King’s Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer lawfully have in England.” It was also given authority to appoint guardians over the persons and property of infants, idiots, and lunatics; and to grant probates to wills and letters of administration of the chattels and effects of persons dying in the colony.
The Court of Civil Judicature was constituted immediately after the passing of the Act, and Mr. George Fletcher Moore, a young lawyer of considerable legal ability, with literary inclinations, was appointed the first Commissioner of the Civil Court, Mr. Mackie, who had become Advocate-General, being retained as Chairman of the Court of Quarter Sessions. This arrangement held good until August, 1834, when the Governor, Sir J ames Stirling, on his return from London announced that arrangements had been made to consolidate in one individual the two offices of Civil Commissioner and Criminal Judge, and that the Secretary of State had appointed Mr. W H. Mackie to be the sole Judge. Employment was found for Mr Moore in the position of Advocate-General, which he held until the end of 1840, when he returned to London. During his residence in Western Australia Mr. Moore kept a personal diary, which he afterwards published, and to which history is indebted for a picture of the trials and tribulations of the early settlers
The administration of justice as organized in 1834 remained without change until 1857. In that year Mr. Mackie resigned, after twenty-three years’ continuous occupancy of the Bench as sole Judge and nearly thirty years’ service in a judicial capacity. Of Mr. Mackie as a Judge it may be said that he gave the greatest satisfaction; as a man and as a member of the Legislative Council he earned the general esteem and unbounded confidence of all classes of the community. The same could not be said of his successor in office, Judge Alfred MacFarland, who held the position for only four years, resigning in March, 1861, to proceed to New South Wales, where he accepted a position as a District Court Judge.
The next occupant of the, judicial office was Mr. Archibald Pauli Burt, an English barrister, who had emigrated to the island of St. Christopher, where from 1849-60 he had filled the office of Attorney-General, acting also at various times as member of the Legislative Council, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Chief Justice. Soon after accepting office in Western Australia certain matters came before Judge Burt in which he decided that under the Constitution he had no power to issue writs of habeas cor pm or certiorai i An omission so important called for immediate action on the part of the Legislature, and in June, 1861, an Ordinance (24 Viet., No 15) was passed creating a Supreme Court in Western Australia and altering the
title of the Judge to that of Chief Justice. At the same time Mr. G. F. Stone was appointed Attorney-General and Mr. A. H. Stone Master of the Court. Sir Archibald Burt (who was knighted in 1873) continued to hold the position of Chief Justice until his death in 1879. Though his decisions can scarcely be said to have erred on the side of mercy, and though his actions m the Young case, in which Mr. S. H. Parker, Stirling Brothers, and Mr. W. K. Shenton were involved, aroused considerable public resentment at the time and produced a general feeling of unrest, it must be admitted that he fearlessly carried out what he conceived to be his duty and was actuated by only one motive—to keep the fount of British justice pure and unpolluted. After the death of Sir Archibald the position of Chief Justice was temporarily filled by the appointment of Mr. G. W. Leake, Q.C., who had previously acted as Crown Solicitor and as Police Magistrate at Perth, and who in the years succeeding 1879 frequently acted in a judicial capacity. The permanent position was filled in 1880 by the appointment of Mr. (later Sir) Henry T. Wrensfordsley, a Judge of considerable experience m England and in the colony of Mauritius. His tenure of office was not a lengthy one, and was marked chiefly by the fact that a new Supreme Court Act was passed in 1880 practically embodying the provisions of the English Judicature Act of 1873. When Mr. Wrensfordsley left the colony in 1883 he was succeeded by Mr. (afterwards Sir) Alexander Campbell Onslow. Mr. Onslow, whose mother was a daughter of the Speaker of the first Legislative Assembly of New South Wales (Sir Alexander Macleay), was born in 1842 and was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating from that University in 1864. Having been called to the Bar in 1868 he practised for some years on the Home Circuit, and in 1878 accepted the position of Attorney-General of British Honduras. This he held until 1880, when he was transferred to Western Australia in the same capacity. He was appointed Chief Justice of the colony in July, 1883, and by virtue of his office administered the Government during the absence on leave of the Governor, Sir Frederick Broome, in 1884-5 His relations with the Governor subsequently became strained owing to his refusal to advise Sir Frederick Broome upon certain ad misericordiam appeals, and the latter “interdicted” him from exercising the functions of his office on account of the premature publication by Mr. Onslow of correspondence then pending with the Colonial Office. The Executive Council confirmed the “interdict,” but it was afterwards removed by the Privy Council, though not without censure upon the Chief Justice. Further trouble having arisen through some newspaper libel cases, the Home authorities were requested in the in
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
363
erests of peace to transfer Mr. Onslow to some other :olony. Ultimately he received a year’s leave of ibsence, afterwards extended, so that he did not return .o his duties until July, 1891, long after Sir Frederick Broome’s term as Governor had expired. During his ibsence Sir Henry Wrensfordsley again acted as Chief Justice.
The work of the Court had meanwhile grown far beyond the ability of one man ,o cope with, and Mr. Edward Albert Stone had c o nsequently been appointed a Puisne Judge in 1884. This still left the Chief Justice supreme in matters of appeal, and to get over the difficulty Mr. Alfred Peach Ilensman was appointed second Puisne Judge in 1892.
No further change was made until 1901, when Sir Alexander Onslow (knighted in 1895) resigned his position and returned to England, being succeeded as Chief J ustice by Sir Edward Stone, who was not, however, knighted till the following year. This promotion left a vacancy in the puisne judge-ships, and the Government of the day appointed the Attorney-General, Mr. F. W. Pennefather, to act for the time being. On a change of government the permanent appointment was offered to and accepted by Mr. (now Sir) S. TT. Parker, the present Chief Justice of the State. Parliament having during the session made provision for a fourth Judge Mr. Frederick W. Moorhead,
K.C., was raised to the Bench. Very soon afterwards another vacancy occurred through the death of Mr. Justice Hensman after ten years’ continuous service. To fill this the Government decided to appoint an English lawyer, and the choice fell upon Mr. Robert Furze McMillan, the present senior Puisne Judge, who was appointed in 1903. During the same year another occupant of the Bench, Mr. Justice
Moorhead, who had for some time been a constant sufferer, passed away, and the Crown Solicitor, Mr. Robert Bruce Burnside, took his place as the third Puisne Judge. No further changes occurred till 1906, when the Chief Justice, Sir Edward Stone, resigned on the ground of ill-health, and Mr. S. H. Parker was promoted to the position. This rendered a further appoint-ment of a Puisne Judge necessary, and the Government selected another English barrister, Mr. John Rooth, and the Bench as then constituted still remains in office: — Chief Justice, Sir Henry Parker: senior Puisne Judge, Mr. Justice McMillan; Puisne Judges, Mr. Justice Burnside and Mr. Justice Rooth.
The Full Court, as constituted by the Supreme Court Act, 1880, and the Amending Act (50 Viet., No. 28), now consists of. three Judges, who sit together to hear and determine all appeals from a Judge or from any order of the Supreme Court or Courts of inferior
Photos by Bartletto.
FORMER CHIEF JUSTICES OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
jurisdiction By the Supreme Court rules it is provided generally that all appeals from Chambers, appeals and proceedings relating to election petitions (whether municipal or Parliamentary), appeals from Justices, applications for new trials, and proceedings on the Crown side of the Supreme Court shall be taken before the Pull Court. This order, however, does not abridge the right of a Judge of the Supreme Court to hear and determine any matter which he had previously power to deteinune. The right of a litigant to appeal from the Supreme Court of Western Australia to the King-in-Council is not extinguished by the appellate jurisdiction of the High Court of Australia, which is concurrent with, not exclusive of, the jurisdiction of the King-in-Council. The conditions governing an appeal from the Supreme Court of Western Australia to the Privy Council are set forth in an Order-of-Council dated October 11, 1861, which provides for appeal by leave of the Supreme Court, or by special leave of the Privy Council, from any final judgment, decree, order, or sentence of the Supreme Court, where the subject matter at issue exceeds the amount or value of £500, or where any claim or question concerning property or civil right of that amount is involved The Supreme Court may also grant leave, or the Privy Council may grant special leave, to appeal from any preliminary or inteilocutory ordei or judgment.
The appellate jurisdiction of the High Court of Australia with respect to judgments of the Supreme Court of this State extends to judgments, whether final or interlocutory, where the subject matter at issue exceeds the value of £200, or where any claim or question concerning property or civil right of a like amount is involved, or where the status of any person under the laws relating to aliens, marriage, divorce, bankruptcy, or insolvency is affected, and to any judgments, whether final or interlocutory, or in a civil or criminal matter, where the High Court gives special leave to appeal, and to any judgment of the Supreme Court of the State given in the exercise of Federal jurisdiction in a matter pending m the High Court. The leave of the Court
appealed from is not requisite except in the case of an interlocutory judgment, in which case appeal may also be brought by special leave of the High Court. Included m this appellate jurisdiction of the High Court are all judgments of the Supreme Court of the State given before the commencement of the Judiciary Act, 1903, as to which leave to appeal to the King-in-Council might at the commencement of the Act be granted by the Court appealed from, or had then actually been granted, and all conditions of appeal up to then duly complied with, or as to which a petition for special leave to appeal to the King-in-Council had been lodged and was then pending.
By the Administration of Justice (Civil) Act the Supreme Court is constituted a Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery in and for the State, with the same jurisdiction as to all pleas of the Crown, prosecutions, and informations as the High Court of Justice in England, and as Justices of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery In its criminal jurisdiction the Supreme Court sits monthly in Perth, except during the long vacation. By 61 Viet., No. 27, provision was also made for the holding of Circuit Courts for both civil and criminal cases. So far the Eastern Goldfields Circuit Court is the only one that has been proclaimed, and this sits quarterly. The Governor has also the authority to appoint a Commissioner, with all the poweis of a Supreme Court Judge, to hear criminal cases in districts where expense or other reasons makes trial in Perth unwise
In addition, provision is made by 9 Viet., No. 4, for holding Courts of General Sessions of the Peace at such places as shall from time to time be appointed by the Governor Such Sessions are now held quarterly at various centres in the State, and in each case the Government Resident or Resident Magistrate is the Chairman of the Court Such Courts have jurisdiction over all felonies not punishable with death and all misdemeanours, and also have power to remit for trial before the Supreme Court at Perth any crime or offence which by its magnitude or nature ought to be so tried.
The Honourable Sir EDWARD ALBERT STONE, at present Lieutenant-Governor of the State and Chief Justice of Western Australia from 1901 to 1906, is a native of Western Australia, having been born at Perth in 1844 His father, the late Mr. George Frederick Stone, was one of the pioneers of the colony, and took his full share of the burden of its early development in those far-off days when labour was heavy and honours were few. For many years he held the position of Sheriff, and at a later period served for some considerable time as Attorney-General.
Mr. Edward Stone was educated at Chigwell, in Essex, and on his return to the colony in 1860 was appointed Clerk to the Attorney-General. In that position he qualified for the legal profession, and in 1865 he was called to the Western Australian Bar, entering into partnership with Mr (now the Honourable) Septimus Burt. In addition to his private duties he acted from 1870 till 1874 as Clerk to the Legislative Council under representative government, and from 1880 till 1882 was a nominee member of that body In 1879 he acted for a time as Attorney-
General, and in 1882 was appointed Ciown Solicitor, an office which he resigned in 1884 for the higher duties of the Supreme Court Bench, to which he was appointed when the Government decided to appoint a Puisne Judge. He was not altogether new to the work, as he had already in 1880 and 1881 acted as sole Judge during the absence on leave of the Chief Justice Mr. Stone continued as senior Puisne Judge until 1901, when on the retirement of Sir Alexander Onslow he was elevated to the chief judicial office. Knighted in 1902, he remained Chief
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
365
Justice of Western Australia until 1906, discharging the functions of his office with conspicuous ability and success. In the latter year, feeling that he was not able to bear the physical strain which the duties of such an important trust demanded, he resigned his position, and as a mark of appreciation was appointed by the Crown to be Lieutenant-Governor of the State. He had already acted as Administrator from March to April, 1901, and from August, 1902, to March, 1903, and has since his appointment been Lieutenant-Governor during the period that elapsed between the departure of Sir Frederick Bedford and the arrival of the present Governor, Sir Gerald Strickland. In the intervals of an extremely busy life Sir Edward has found time to identify himself closely with the religious, social, educational, and philanthropic movements of the State. A member of the Church of England, he has for years been intimately associated with its administration in Western Australia. He has been President of the Victorian Institute for the Blind since its inception in 1897. He also served for some years as a member of the Committee of the Public Library of Western Australia and of the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery, and when those institutions were in
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Sir Edward Albert Stone.
corporated in 1911 as the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of Western Australia he was induced to again accept office as one of the Trustees. Sir Edward married in
1861 Susan, daughter of the late Mr. George Shenton, and has issue three sons and seven daughters.
Sir STEPHEN HENRY PARKER, Chief Justice of Western Australia. The first native-born citizen to hold the important and dignified office of Chief Justice of the State, Sir Stephen Henry Parker, is the son of the late Stephen Stanley Parker, M.L.C., one of the pioneers of Western Australia, and was born at York, Western Australia, in 1846. He received his education at Bishops College, Perth, and at the age of twenty-one was called to the Bar. Following the traditions of the legal profession he soon commenced to take an interest in the Parliamentary and municipal life of the State. In 1878 he was appointed Chairman of the Perth City Council, and since its incorporation has occupied the mayoral chair on three occasions (in 1880, 1892, and 1901), resigning before the end of the third term on account of his elevation to the Bench. He sat continuously from 1878 to 1890 in the old Legislative Council, first as an elected member for Perth and afterwards for the Vasse. He took a prominent part in the movement for the establishment of responsible government, was for some years leader of the elected members, and in 1890, after the question had been settled so far as the colony was concerned, he, in conjunction with the late Sir Thomas Cockburn-Camp-bell, formed a deputation sent by the Colonial Government to assist the Imperial authorities in the passage of the Bill, and gave evidence before a Select Committee of the House of Commons. As some reward for his services he was in the same year raised by Her Majesty Queen Victoria to the dignity of a Q.C., being the last Australian barrister to be so appointed. On the introduction of responsible government he contested and won the York seat in the first Legislative Assembly, afterwards resigning his seat on being nominated as a member of the Legislative Council. In 1894 he was elected to that body as the Perth representative, a position which he resigned in 1897 to unsuccessfully contest the metropolitan seat in the Assembly. Since then he has not been a member of the Legislature : but in 1900,
when the Federal Enabling Act was before the English Parliament, he represented this State in London as its delegate. During his Parliamentary career Sir Henry from 1892 to 1894 held the portfolio of Colonial Secretary and Minister of Educa-
Bartletto, Perth.
Sir Stephen Henry Parker.
tion, and represented the Government in the Legislative Council. In September, 1901, he was offered and accepted a Puisne Judgeship, and in 1906 he was raised to the dignity of Chief Justice. In June, 1908, the honour of knighthood was conferred upon him by His Majesty the King. Sir Henry married in 1872 Amy Katherine, daughter of the late Honourable G. W. Leake, Q.C.,
M.L.C. One of his sons, Major Frank Parker, served with distinction in the Western Australian contingent during the South African war and obtained the D.S.O.
The Honourable ROBERT FURSE McMILLAN, Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, is the son of John McMillan, barrister, of London, and was born on January 24, 1858. ITc was educated at Westminster School, where he was a Queen’s scholar, and at Cambridge University, from which he graduated senior in the Law Tripos, 1880. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1881 and became a member of the Western Circuit. In 1902 the Government of Western Australia decided to select from the English Bar someone to fill the
vacancy then existing on the Supreme Court Bench, and the choice fell upon Mr. McMillan, who accepted the appointment and arrived in the State in February,
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Robert Furse McMillan.
1903. In 1910, during the absence on account of ill-health of the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice McMillan temporarily filled the position. He is a member of the Committee of the Public Library of Western Australia and of the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery, and also of the Board of Governors of the Perth High School. Mr. McMillan married in 1887 Margaret Aitchison, a daughter of the late Mr. John Elder, of Victoria.
The Honourable ROBERT BRUCE BURNSIDE. Robert Bruce Burnside, second son of Sir Bruce Lockhart Burnside, late Chief Justice of Ceylon, was born at Nassau, N.P., Bahamas, on April 22, 1862, and educated first at the Royal Navy School, Newcross, and afterwards at Nancy, in France. He entered Lincoln’s Inn in January, 1881, and was
called to the Bar on January 26, 1884. Arriving in Perth, Western Australia, on July 4, 1884, he at once started the practice of his profession, first alone, and later (1886-91) in partnership with Mr. D. G. Gawler, M.L.C., of Fremantle. He was appointed Usher of the Black Rod in December, 1890, and resigned in 1894, when he was promoted to the position of Crown Solicitor. In December, 1902, a vacancy occurring through the death of Mr. Justice Moorhead he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench. Mr. Burnside was the first Secretary of the Western Australian Racing Club, founded in 1884, and is now its President. He is a keen yachtsman, and was for several years Commodore of the Royal Perth Yacht Club. He owns the “Genista,” built to his order from designs by Fife, of Fair-lie, Scotland. Mr. Justice Burnside was appointed President of the Court of Arbitration in 1903, and resigned
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. Robert Bruce Burnside.
finally in 1910. In 1887 he was married at Fremantle to a daughter of Mr. S. N. Bruce, surgeon, of London, and has one son, Bruce, at present studying medicine at Cambridge.
The Honourable JOHN ROOTH, third Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, is the eldest son of the late Mr. J. W. Rooth, Barrister-at-Law of the Middle
Bartletto, Perth.
Hon. John Rooth.
Temple, and was born in London in 1864. He was educated at Highgate Grammar School and Trinity College, Oxford (B.A., 1888). In the following year he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, and joined the Western Circuit as a pupil of Mr. Blake Odgers, the celebrated authority on the law of libel and dander. He continued to practise in the Common Law Courts until 1906, when he received appointment as third Puisne Judge in this State. He was appointed President of the Court of Arbitration in December, 1911. For some years he was a member of the Borough Council of Fulham, London. Mr. Justice Rooth is an enthusiast at golf and is a keen cyclist, having covered the whole of YVestern Europe on the wheel. He is also an ardent musician, playing both the piano and ’cello, and during his residence in Perth has been an active supporter of all musical efforts.
MINOR COURTS.
As in all the colonies of Australia the commission of Justice of the Peace plays a very important part in minor Courts. Soon after the establishment of Western Australia the Governor found it necessary to appoint certain persons of good standing in the community to be Justices of the Peace, with power to deal with
minor criminal cases and with civil cases involving less than £10. The next step was the appointment of Government Residents or Resident Magistrates in various centres of the population. These not only acted as Chairmen of the Courts of Petty Sessions and Small Debts, but were in addition the official mouthpieces in
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
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their several districts of the Central Administration. In legal matters they had not the power of determining cases alone until 1863. In that year the Act 27 Viet , No. 17, conferred upon Police and Resident Magistrates the right to do alone any act which, by any law then in force or subsequently to be made, required the presence of more than one Justice of the Peace. Such Magistrate could not, however, act alone at a Special or Petty Sessions of all the Justices of the district, or in General or Quarter Sessions assembled in the district.
In the same year a Small Debts Ordinance (27 Viet., No. 21) was passed, conferring the same power in minor civil cases, with a limited jurisdiction of £50 in certain directions. This jurisdiction was afterwards extended to £100. With modifications as to procedure and so forth this arrangement still holds good generally, it being understood that the Magistrate, whenever possible, takes all cases in the Local Court.
Police Courts are held in all the districts and sit daily if necessary In Perth the Police Magistrate, and in other centres the Resident Magistrate, presides. Local Courts are held every month except in Perth and other populous districts, where the sittings are more frequent. The enormous expansion of business following upon the gold discoveries of the nineties brought about such congestion in Perth that it became imperative to institute two Courts, one of which should confine its attention to criminal matters and the other attend to the multifarious questions that called for settlement on the civil side. The Government in
taking this step had under consideration the advisability of raising the status of the Local Court to that of a County Court, but up to the present nothing further has been done in the matter, though it is generally recognized that something on those lines or on the lines of the District Courts in New South Wales would be of distinct advantage to the commercial interests of the community.
Special courts for the control of liquor licences have been established for many years. Under the Licensing Act, 1911, these consist of the Police Magistrate or Resident Magistrate of the district as Chairman, with two other members appointed for a term of three years by the Government. Every application for a licence must be made to the Licensing Court in the district where the premises are situated. The meetings of the Court are held quarterly on the first Monday in March, June, September, and December, and on such other days as the Minister administering the Act may appoint. The fees for a general publican’s licence are: —(a) For any house or premises situated within a municipality—(1) If the annual value of the house or premises does not exceed £500, £50; (2) if the annual value of the house or premises exceeds £500, £75; (3) if the annual value of the house or premises exceeds £1,000, £100. (b) For any house or premises not situated within a municipality—(1) If the annual value of the house or premises does not exceed £200, £40; (2) if the annual value of the house or premises exceeds £200, £50.
CHILDREN’S COURTS.
A new and much-needed departure was made in 1907 by the passing of the State Children’s Act. The need for some reform in the method of trying offences committed by or against children was first recognized in Boston, U.S.A. There it was decided to adopt the procedure of clearing the Court after adult cases were disposed of and taking those against children in the presence only of the parents and witnesses. The success of the movement caused other cities in the United States to adopt it, and not long afterwards South Australia, which has always been to the fore in matters dealing with the problems of child life, adopted something on similar lines. At first the Children’s Courts were only permissive, but by an Act passed in 1896 they were made the legal method. Influenced by the advantages that such a course of procedure possessed Mr. A S. Roe, the Police Magistrate at Perth, tried the plan of trying cases in which children were concerned in the Magistrate’s Room, and in 1907 had the satisfaction of
seeing the State Children’s Act passed, making Children’s Courts necessary in Western Australia. These Courts take cognizance of offences committed by or against children not over eighteen years of age, and also deal with complaints and applications under the Education Acts The Police Magistrate or Resident Magistrate is appointed a Special Magistrate under the Act, provision being made for Justices to take the work when the Magistrate cannot be present. Perth is the only place where the Court is held in a separate building, being held in a special room at the office of the Department, where there is also a Children’s Detention Ward for the temporary reception of children awaiting trial or awaiting to be transferred to an institution. In other places the Courts are held as a rule in the Magistrate’s Room. If the ordinary Courtroom has to be used the hearing takes place at a time when the usual business of the Court is not being transacted.
JAMES COWAN, senior police the late Mr. Walkinshaw Cowan, part in the Scottish rebellion of magistrate and magistrate of the and a descendant of one of those 1745, when “Bonnie Prince Charlie” Local Court at Perth, is a son of families which played a prominent attempted to regain the British
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Crown for the Stuart family. Mr. Walkinshaw Cowan came to Western Australia as Private Secretary to Governor Hutt in 1839, and was afterwards made resident magistrate at York, a position which another son (Mr. W. D. Cowan) now holds. Mr. James Cowan was born at Perth
Tiartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Cowan.
on June 26, 1848, and educated first at York and later at Bishop Hale’s School, then under the management of Colonel E. W. Haynes. He next spent some time on his father’s farm in order to gain a knowledge of stock-raising and agricultural pursuits, and then (in 1864) entered his father’s office at York, and was appointed clerk of courts and sub-registrar of births, marriages, and deaths. At the same time he acted as postmaster for the large agricultural district round York, handling eighteen mails weekly between that town, Northam, Newcastle, Beverley, and Perth, and also looked after the money order office and the branch work of the Savings Bank. In 1870 Mr. Cowan was appointed clerk to the police magistrate at Perth, a position which he held for five years, being also Secretary to the High School. He then became clerk to the Legislative Council, resigning in 1879 to take up the onerous duties of Registrar and Master of the Supreme Court, where he was called upon to exercise the powers of judge’s delegate in certain matters of bankruptcy. He had also to fill the offices of Taxing Master, Curator of Intestate Estates, Registrar of the Probate Court, Registrar of Joint Stock
Companies, and Master in Lunacy. After having held these various offices for a number of years, during which he acted on occasion as a police and Local Court magistrate, Mr. Cowan was in 1888 appointed police magistrate in succession to Mr. R. C. Loftie, who had received the appointment of Government Resident at Albany. He also became resident magistrate of the Swan district and magistrate of the Local Court. In the latter capacity he was Chairman of the Conciliation Board and Coroner of Perth and Swan districts. When congestion of work necessitated a separation of offices Mr. Cowan took up the Local Court work, the Government having in view the creation of a County Court, of which he was to be first judge. This arrangement, however, was never carried out. He is now magistrate of the Local Court at Perth, and Resident Magistrate and Chairman of the Licensing Court of the Swan district, holding Courts at Midland Junction and Moora. Cases under the Workers’ Compensation Acts are tried by him, and the whole work of the Debtors’ Court in the metropolis falls upon his shoulders. In the course of his duties Mr. Cowan has been called upon to try many important cases, not the least being the Police Court proceedings against Deeming. In all his work he has found no insuperable difficulty, and has certainly given general satisfaction. Mr. Cowan became a property holder in Mount Street, Perth, and was the first to build there. For many years he has held interests at Cottesloe, York, Kalamunda, and Swan View. In conjunction with his brother, Mr. John Walkinshaw Cowan, and Mr. Harry Higham he started a large sheep station on the Ashburton, which is now held by the latter gentleman. At one time he was a prominent member of the Weld Club. In 1876 he married Edith Dircksey, daughter of Mr. Brown, of Glengarry, Gcraldton, and has a son, practising as a barrister, and four daughters.
AUGUSTUS SANFORD KEATS ROE, police magistrate, Perth, was born in the Western Australian capital on January 7, 1852, and is the youngest of six sons of the late Captain John Septimus Roe, for forty-two years Surveyor-General of this State. He was educated at Bishop Hale’s College, Perth, and at
the close of his scholastic career was articled to the legal profession under Messrs. Stone & Son, a leading firm of solicitors, the senior partner being the late Mr. G. F. Stone, one time Attorney-General, and father of Sir Edward A. Stone, late Chief Justice of Western Australia. After being admitted to the Bar in 1873, and practising for about twelve months at Fremantle, Mr. Roe became engaged in pearling pursuits in the Nor’-West, procuring for this purpose Malay divers from the Netherlands - India Archipelago, which they visited in the slack season for the sake of recruiting. Upon the fall in the price of pearlshell some foui years later he turned his attention to nautical life, and was sailing and trading among these islands for upwards of ten years, at one time holding a Holland master mariner’s certificate. During this period he visited Hong Kong and the west coast of Borneo, besides all the Polynesian Islands, for copra, guttapercha, rattan. coffee, and rice, and in the course of his voyages navigated the rivers of Borneo, Brou, Bolongan, and Koeti, acquiring a familiar knowledge of the Malay language and a close insight into the habits of the people. Returning to Roe-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Augustus Sanforu Keats Roe.
bourne (named after his father) he practised his profession there for twelve years, during which period he gave considerable attention to mining investments and acted as attorney for numerous large English syndicates, among the more important being the Consolidated Gold
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Mines of Western Australia, Limited ; the Imperial Western Australian Corporation, Limited; the Pilbara United Goldfields, Limited; ind various properties on the Ashburton River. When, owing to the 3xpansion of interests in the Nor’-West and its growing population, sittings of the Supreme Court in its criminal jurisdiction to try capital cases became necessary, Mr. Roe was appointed, under a commission issued in each separate case, to preside as a Judge—a responsible post for which he possessed peculiar fitness. He carried out these duties in a highly commendable manner for some considerable time, and in 1898 received the appointment of Police Magistrate of Perth, which he has held ever since, in his earlier years of office discharging full Judge’s duties, with the exception of exercising appellate jurisdiction in the Full Court. Mr. Roe has large property interests throughout the State, but principally in the city of Perth. He is a member of the Weld Club, and finds recreation in various outdoor sports, including boating, fishing, and shooting, besides which he is an amateur carpenter of no mean order and spends many leisure hours in the manufacture of clever bits of woodwork. Mr. Roe has been twice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Newman, of Fremantle, who died in 1909. His second wife, Elizabeth, is a daughter of the late Mrs. E. B. Cook, of Tintern College, Hawthorn, Victoria. The famity consists of two sons.
EDMOND POWER DOWLEY, third stipendiary magistrate for Perth and resident magistrate at Fremantle, was born in the County Tipperary, Ireland, on December 15, 1854, and educated at various schools in Ireland and England, subsequently taking his B.A. and B.A.I. degrees at Trinity College, Dublin. He entered the Waterford, Dungarvin, and Lismore railway works as apprentice and after nine years in connection with various railway companies in Ireland, eventually joined the Public Works Department in charge of harbour extension in the County Clare. In 1885 he came to Australia, and during a visit of Governor Broome in 1886 to the district of Lake Muir, in which he was accompanied by the Honourable J. A. Wright, then
Y
Engineer-in-Chief and late Resident Magistrate at Albany, the latter gentleman offered Mr. Dowley a position in the Public Works Department, and shortly afterwards he received the appointment and was sent to Kimberley as Resident Engineer. While there he was appointed to act as Warden and Resident Magistrate of the Kimberley goldfields and continued at Hall’s Creek administering his office for nearly six years. In January, 1893, he was sent as Warden and Resident Magistrate to the Murchison goldfields, where he remained for over seven years. Upon his transfer in the same capacity to Coolgardie in 1900 the residents of the Murchison district tendered him a banquet and he was the recipient of various valuable presentations. After three years at Coolgardie Mr. Dowley again took a trip to Ireland, and subsequently was appointed Resident Magistrate at Kalgoorlie, from which post he retired to take up similar duties at Fremantle, his official career at this centre commencing in October, 1908. Mr. Dowley was one of the earliest officers of the Coolgardie Company of the Goldfields Infantry Regiment, which he joined as Lieutenant in 1900 and rose to the rank of Major in 1908, being second in command of the Regiment when he retired on his transfer to Fremantle.
WILLIAM LAMBDEN OWEN,
J.P., resident magistrate of Bun-bury, is a son of Mr. William Dent Cliff© Owen, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, where he was born on March 12, 1861. Upon the completion of his education at King’s Lynn he was articled to the late Mr. Thomas Parry, civil engineer, of his native town, and with this gentleman served the full five years necessary to qualify in his profession as a civil engineer. Mr. Owen was connected with some very important works in England, among others being the London-Tilbury and Southern Railway Extension and Locomotive Works at Plaistowe and the Spalding and Lincoln Railway in 1881-2. He superintended the widening and constructional works at Magdalen Bridge, Oxford, and, later, the drainage works at Botley. The building of a large gas-tank at Stafford and the Bridgewater Town Bridge over the River Parrot, which is one of the four tidal rivers in the
world, gave him opportunities of exercising his knowledge and skill, and he also carried out the construction of the Hydraulic Bascule Span Bridge at Deptford. At a subsequent period he proceeded to Sheffield to engage in engineering work in connection with the main drainage system, which was then being taken in hand, and was next concerned in
Ford, B unbury.
Mr. William Lambden Owen.
conjunction with Messrs. Colquhoun Brothers on the Creggan Reservoir at Londonderry Waterworks, in the construction of which he acted as contractors’ engineer. For a number of years he held a position with Mr. George Moss, of Liverpool, and superintended several important drainage schemes, also being connected with the Lancaster Waterworks in the construction of the Oamas Gill Reservoir. Leaving England Mr. Owen arrived at Albany in 1887, and shortly afterwards joined the Public Works Department at Perth under the Hon. J. Arthur Wright. In 1888 he was elected an associate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London. He was appointed resident engineer at Roebourne for the Nor.’-West district, and while there'completed the Roebourne to Cossack tramways, this being the first paying tramway in the State. The hospital, post-office, and various other public buildings were erected under his supervision, likewise the lighthouse at Jarman Island, four miles from the Cossack coast. In May, 1889, he was appointed Warden at Pilbara, and held the post until October,
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1890, being then transferred as Government Inspecting Engineer on the Midland Railway until the arrival of the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor. After assisting at the bead office at Perth in the preparation of plans for the Fremantle Harbour scheme and other works Mr. Owen returned to Roebourne in 1891 to make a survey of the Cossack Harbour, and in the following year was sent to Bunbury as resident engineer on the Pinjarra to Bunbury section of the railway line. Upon its completion in 1894 he proceeded to Mahogany Creek to superintend the deviation and improvements to the Eastern Railway, and witnessed the completion of this work, which embraced the Greenmount tunnel, in 1896. In the same year he was appointed warden of the North Cool-gar die goldfields, with headquarters at Menzies. Ill-health compelled his return to Perth, but he reassumed duties later in the year and continued until 1903, when he obtained long-service leave and visited England. Upon his return he was employed in the Lands Department and administered the new Roads Act, afterwards relieving Warden Fin-nerty at Coolgardie. In December,
1904, he was appointed resident magistrate for the Wellington, Nelson, and Sussex magisterial districts, with headquarters at Bunbury, taking up his duties here on January 1,
1905, and since then the wardenship of Greenbushes and Collie and the magistracy of Collie have been included within his jurisdiction. Mr. Owen has an interest in the horticultural industry, owning an orchard at Armadale under cultivation chiefly of oranges and lemons. He has had a long connection with military matters, retiring with the rank of Major in 1906. He is a Diocesan Trustee for the See of Bunbury and a Governor and Hon. Treasurer of the local Girls’ Grammar School. Mr. Owen is a Past Master of St. George’s Lodge of Freemasons and a member of the Weld Club, Perth, and of the Western Australia Turf Club. He is also connected with the South-Western Club at Bunbury, and with the local Yacht, Swimming, and Hunt Clubs. Mr. Owen married in 1891 Edith, daughter of Mr. Stewart Gordon, of “Abber Foyle,” Londonderry, Ireland.
ARCHIBALD EDMUND BURT,
resident magistrate, Albany, is a son of the late Archibald Piguenit
Burt, who occupied the office of Attorney-General in the West Indian Islands, and nephew of the Hon. Septimus Burt, K.C., of Western Australia. He was born at St. Kitts, in the West Indies, on February 17, 1864, and received his elementary education there, in 1878 coming to Perth and completing his scholastic career at the High School of that city. Upon the termination of his studies he proceeded to the Nor’-West, and with two of his brothers became engaged in sheepfarming on a property in that district, where he still holds pastoral interests. In September, 1895, he entered the Mines Department of the Civil Service, and in April, 1897, was appointed to the offices of warden and resident magistrate of the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Archibald Edmund Burt.
Mount Margaret goldfield, being stationed first at Mount Malcolm and afterwards at Mount Morgans. When this field began to decline Mr. Burt was offered his present post, and, accepting it, arrived at Albany in November, 1908, since which period he has devoted his energies to the carrying out of the duties of the office. He is resident magistrate of the Plantagenet, Katanning, and Williams Magisterial Districts, and Magistrate of all the local Courts— six in all—extending from Albany to Narrogin and the Williams, and acts as Coroner for the same territory, uniting with these duties the position of Rcturning-Officer for the Albany Electoral District and the South-East Electoral Province. He
also holds, a Commission of the Peace for the whole of Western Australia, an honour which was conferred upon him by the Forrest Administration in 1895, prior to his association with the service, and he is the Chairman of the Albany Quarter Sessions. Mr. Burt is well known in racing circles, being President of the Albany Racing Club, and has been associated with this sport since his advent to the Nor’-West, where he gave considerable attention to the breeding of thoroughbred horses. His duties give him very little leisure for other sports. He is a member of the Weld Club, Perth, and of the Albany Club. In January, 1902, Mr. Burt married Florence Maud, second daughter of the late Hon. W. H. Roberts, M.L.C., of Melbourne, Victoria, a barrister and solicitor well known in the public life of that State. There is issue one son.
ROBERT FAIRBAIRN, I.S.O., J.P., retired magistrate, is a son of the late Mr. John Fair-bairn, of Berwickshire, Scotland, who came to Western Australia in the year 1839, settling at Bunbury, where he was one of the pioneer settlers of the district. The subject of our review was born at Picton, Bunbury, on June 20, 1841, and educated by his father, there being no schools of any kind in those days outside of Perth. Young Fairbairn acquired his scholastic training under adverse conditions, but nevertheless his studies embraced all the subjects likely to prove of value to him in later life. It was after the manual labours of the day that he usually received instructions from the paternal source, and even to the present day he vividly remembers having received his first lesson in Euclid while seated on the stump of a fallen forest giant. Having reached the seventeenth year of his age Mr. Fairbairn accepted an appointment as second master in the Perth Boys’ School, the first institution of its kind in the State. After occupying this post for nearly four years in 1862 he accepted the appointment of clerk to the bench of magistrates at Busselton, which had been offered him by the Government. For eleven years he fulfilled the duties appertaining to this office, as well as a multitude of others which meanwhile had been added. In 1873 Governor Weld selected
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him to become acting resident magistrate at Greenough, where he remained for two years, on two occasions during that time acting as Government Resident at Geraldton. The following year he was appointed with Mr. Eliot, Government Resident of Geraldton, and Dr. Elliott to inquire into the causes leading to the cases of lead-poisoning which had occurred at the Northampton Mines. Having successfully disposed of this work he was next authorized to proceed to Shark Bay to make inquiries into the allegations of cruelty and ill-treatment of the Malays engaged in the pearl-shell fishery who, it was asserted, were being treated like slaves, many of these unfortunates being reduced to a state of semi-starvation. Mr. Fairbairn dealt with the situation in a most decisive manner and not only awarded the sufferers considerable compensation, but went so far as to sell up huts, boats, etc., so that they should receive the benefits awarded them from the “fonts of justice.” On his return to Perth, Governor Weld having been succeeded by Governor Robinson, Mr. Fairbairn received the thanks of the new Governor on the successful issue of his mission. Mr. Fairbairn’s next appointment was at Newcastle, in the district of Toodyay. Before accepting this post, however, he was offered, but declined, the office of sheriff at Perth. In 1876 he became Acting Government Resident at Albany, performing in addition a host of other duties not connected with that position, and in 1880 he was appointed resident magistrate and Collector of Revenue and Customs at Busselton. These were strenuous days, full of incident, and it was impossible to hazard a guess at the work of to-morrow by that performed to-day. On one occasion Mr. Fairbairn had to ride 200 miles in two and a half days through heavy bush country in order to receive instructions from the Governor relating to a murder on the Gascoyne which caused considerable sensation at the time. In 1882 he was given a commission to proceed to the Upper Murchison and Gascoyne districts to inquire into the condition of the natives who were causing great trouble to the settlers. This work occupied a considerable time, but was finally brought to a successful conclusion, the Governor publicly thanking him v2
and adopting all his suggestions, notwithstanding the strong opposition shown by the settlers of those districts. In the following year he was appointed Government Resident at Kimberley, being the first official in that part of the State. He took with him a large party and a quantity of stores and building material in the barque “Amur,” and on arrival at their destination, after a trip lasting twenty-eight days, dropped anchor between Mary Island and the mainland. The party consisted of Mr. D. B. Ord as clerk, Sergeant Troy, now resident magistrate and warden of the goldfields at Cue, several police constables, a carpenter, and three native assistants. The party was also
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Robert Fairbairn.
accompanied by Mr. Turner (surveyor) with men and horses and two other survey parties under Mr. Brooking and Mr. Harry Johnston (now Surveyor-General), which had sailed by the steamer “Rob Roy” a few days previous to the departure of the “Amur.” Arriving at their destination unloading was immediately commenced, the horses being swum ashore, and the provisions landed in the ship’s boats, after which they were carried across the Marsh on packhorses lent by Mr. Johnston. The boats proving too frail to take ashore the building material it all had to be sent back to Cossack, where it remained for twelve months, the party meanwhile living in huts and the provisions being housed in sheds made of bush timber. The first difficulty the
party had to overcome was the scarcity of drinking water. Several shafts were put down, but the water obtained was too salty to be of use. A temporary supply, however, was drawn from a native spring (now known as Nobby’s Well), distant some 10 miles, and carted to the camp, but ultimately a plentiful supply was struck about 2 miles from the landing place. During his term of office Mr. Fairbairn had wells sunk along the different routes into the country. A town site was surveyed and a tramway laid across the Marsh (at this point of considerable width) which proved very useful for some years and enabled the settlers to ship their wool and land their supplies. On his arrival in the district there were only two stations, those owned by the Kimberley Pastoral and the Yeeda Companies, but when his term of office had expired the settlement had increased and the town of Derby (which he founded and named) could claim in addition to the Government buildings a couple of general stores, a butcher’s shop, and an hotel, as well as several private residences. During Mr. Fair bairn’s tenure of office he explored the country between the coast and the King Leopold Range, a work which met with the hearty approval of Sir F. N. Broome, who in a letter stated that “it was the kind of work he liked the Government Resident to be engaged in.” In 1885 Governor Broome paid a visit to the district, and at a public dinner given to him by the settlers he stated that “the present settlers, like all pioneers, would make no money; the fortunes would be made by their successors,” but shortly afterwards unexpected developments caused a rise in the price of meat which brought a period of unlooked-for prosperity to the pioneers. On his arrival in Kimberley Mr. Fairbairn found the natives to be so wild that they fled from the coast at the sight of the ship and for some time would not approach the camp. One day, however, an old native whom they named Jacob came in, and he was so well treated that, accompanied by a young man, he returned next morning and invited Mr. Fairbairn to shoot ducks on a large lagoon about 8 miles from the camp, where they came upon over a hundred natives— men, women, and children—who, on catching sight of the party, fled in all directions, but on their guide
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explaining that the whites were friendly the men returned, but not the women or children. On asking a native how they were living he ran off, to return shortly afterwards with his two hands full of roasted locusts. After talking with them and distributing a little tobacco and damper Mr. Fairbairn invited them to visit him at Derby, and on the following day some twenty native men and women came in and remained as his guests for two days From that time his relations with the natives were most cordial, and during his stay at Kimberley Mr Fairbairn lost nothing through the natives, nor were any of them ever charged with stealing or killing sheep One of the initial difficulties was the outbreak of scab, infected sheep having been allowed to come to the district, and it was only by the adoption of drastic measures that the disease was eradicated. In his official capacity as Government Resident Mr Fairbairn reoeived the first gold found in any quantity in Western Australia, weighing 11 oz., which was handed
to him at Derby by Hall & Slattery. This was in 1885, the metal being found at Mount Abbot, near the Ord River. The news of the discovery quickly spread and a rush at once set in for the new Eldorado At the end of two and a half years Mr. Fairbairn was appointed Government Resident at Roebourne, being succeeded by Dr Lovegrove, and before taking his departure he was the recipient of an address from the settlers expressive of their appreciation of his efforts on their behalf during his term of adminis tration He remained but a little while at Roebourne when he was appointed Resident Magistrate and Chairman of Quarter Sessions at Bunbury In May, 1886, he was appointed Resident Magistrate at Fremantle consequent on the death of Mr. Slade, and in this capacity he travelled many hundred miles in the performance of his official functions Mr. Fairbairn continued here until November, 1908, when he retired into private life after fifty years of faithful
service, taking up his residence at Cottesloe. His valuable services in the interests of his country were suitably recognized in 1906, when the King was pleased to confer upon him the distinction of I.S O. Mr Fairbairn finds relaxation after the heat and burden of his lengthy official career in the pursuits of reading and gardening at his home at Cottesloe, and in the autumn of his lifetime is able to review with honest pride the important part he has played in the opening up and settling of this the largest State in the Commonwealth. He is a Justice of the Peace for Western Australia, a Freemason, and a member of the Weld Club He has been twice married, the first time in 1887 to a daughter of the late Mr Patrick Taylor of Candyup, Albany His second wife is a daughter of the late Mr T A Bussell, of Blackheath Park, near London Of the former union there is issue a son and a daughter. The son, a B.A. of Oxford, is now studying for the medical profession.
ARBITRATION COURT.
This Court is constituted under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1902, which took the place of a previous less complete Act passed in 1900. The purpose of the Statute is to facilitate the settlement of industrial disputes by conciliation and arbitration. It provides for the registration of unions of workers, consisting of not less than fifteen members each, and for the registration of unions of employers, consisting of not less than two members each, having in their employ taken together at least fifty workers. Any incorporated company may also be registered as an employers’ union.
A registered union, whether of workers or employers is termed an “industrial union,” and a number of industrial unions grouped and affiliated together is termed an “industrial association.”
Every industrial union must he confined to some one specified industry, and must adopt such rules as are in full compliance with the Act There must not be more than one industrial union of workers and one industrial union of employers in a locality in the one industry. This does not apply strictly to companies which become industrial unions. In the event of an industrial dispute occurring between an employer and his employes the Act provides that, unless amicably settled, it shall be referred to the Court of Arbitration, or to a Board of Conciliation created under the Act, for
settlement. The Court of Arbitration, on the results of whose labours depends in a large measure the success of the Act, has jurisdiction over the whole State. It consists of three members, namely, a President, who must be a Judge of the Supreme Court, and two representatives, nominated respectively by the industrial unions of employers and workers The representatives hold office for three years and at the end of that period are eligible for re-election.
For the purposes of the Act the State is divided into three industrial districts. Each district is provided with a Board of Conciliation of three persons (the Act allows three, five, or seven), consisting of two representatives elected respectively by the industrial unions of employers and workers within the district, and a Chairman, elected by the representatives. Each member holds office for three years, and is eligible for re-election Besides the permanent Boards, special Boards of Conciliation may be elected from time to time by the parties to a dispute, to deal with cases of a special character The recommendations of the Boards and awards of the Court are directed by the Act to be drawn up in plain terms, avoiding technicalities as far as possible It is further provided that “the Court shall, in all matters before it, have full and exclusive jurisdiction to determine the same in such manner in all respects as in equity and good conscience it thinks
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
fit.” As the parties in a large majority of cases prefer to go direct to tlic Court, the Boards of Conciliation have fallen into disuse.
The recommendation of a Board is binding only on the parties thereto, and is subject to an appeal therefrom within one month to the Court; an award of the Court is compulsory, and there is no appeal from its decision. The awards of the Court bind not only the parties to the dispute, but also all persons, whether employers or workers, within the area determined in the award, who are engaged in the industry to which the award relates. The Court’s awards have thus a much larger scope than the recommendations of a Board. Matters in dispute which are amicably settled without reference to the Court or a Board may be made the subject of an industrial agreement between the parties. An industrial agreement upon being registered is binding upon each party thereto during its currency, and thereafter until one party duly retires therefrom.
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The Statute, having provided a ready means for the settlement of industrial disputes, enacts that it shall be an offence, punishable by a penalty not exceeding £50, for any person, whether a member of an industrial union or not, to take part in, aid, instigate, or do anything in the nature of a strike or lock-out.
While the Act cannot be said to have altogether fulfilled the ideal expected of it, it has without doubt contributed greatly towards industrial peace. It has, perhaps, met with the least degree of success during the past year or two, but that may partly be due to the fact that industrial unrest seems to constitute at present a grave menace the world over. An attempt to amend the Act so as if possible to make it more acceptable to the workers was made by the present Government in 1911, but as the suggestions were not acceptable to the Legislative Council the matter lapsed for the time, but forms one of the proposals of the Government for the session of 1912.
WILLIAM SOMERVILLE, member of the Court of Arbitration, Albert Street, Cottesloe Beach, is a son of the late Mr. J ohn Somerville, of Merryweather, New South Wales, where he was born on November 24, 1869. He received his education at a local public school, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to the blacksmithing trade at Messrs. Morrison & Bearby’s Foundry, in the Newcastle district. Having completed his indentures he joined the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, with which body he has been connected ever since. Proceeding to Sydney Mr. Somerville worked at his trade, and eighteen months later left for the pastoral districts of Victoria and New South Wales. Perceiving more prospects of advancement in the Western State, he sailed for Fremantle in 1895, and upon arrival found employment at that port in the service of the Public Works Department, which was carrying forward the construction of the harbour scheme. Mr. Somerville was identified with this work for ten years, during which period he took a leading part in the operations of the Labour unionists. During the course of his career he has held almost every office in connection with the Labour movement, including that of President of the Labour Congress held at Fremantle in 1902 and Vice-President of the Kalgoorlie Congress in 1899, and at the present time acts as delegate from the Fremantle Council to the Executive of the Australian Labour Federation. In 1905 he was first appointed workers’
representative to the Arbitration Court, and in virtue of this office was created a Justice of the Peace for the whole State, his previous commission, granted by the James Government, having included only the Fremantle magisterial district. Upon
r
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Somerville.
two subsequent occasions Mr. Somerville has been nominated and returned to the Arbitration Court, and is now serving his third term of office. During his connection with this organization he has been closely associated with the elaboration of a scheme of apprenticeship, which has met with general approval both from
the employers and workers’ point of view. In 1906 he contested the seat for West province in the Legislative Council in the Labour interest, on which occasion he polled within fifty votes of the winning member, and in 1911 he was a candidate for the Fremantle constituency at a by-election for the House of Assembly. Mr. Somerville in 1911 was co-opted a member of the Board of Trustees of the Art Gallery and Public Library, and in the following year was nominated by the Government to a seat in the first University Senate. He married Agnes, daughter of the late Mr. William Spunner, of Creswick, Victoria, and has three sons and a daughter.
FREDERICK DANIEL GOOD, J.P., employers’ representative in the Court of Arbitration (1907-12) is a son of the late Mr. George Frederick Goode, of Brid-port, England, and was born at Somerset, in the British Isles, on January 29, 1860. He was
educated at the Clews Grammar School, London, and when fourteen years of age entered upon a clerical career in the Customs and Docks Department of the Imperial Civil Service, in which he remained for six years. Subsequently he filled a more lucrative post in the Registered Letter Branch of the English Postal Service, and in 1886 left London for Western Australia. It was his design to follow the rush to the Pil-bara goldfields, but upon arrival he
374
found that the bubble had burst, and relinquishing that intention he took a position as accountant with the late Mr. E. G. Lacey, timber merchant, trading as Messrs. Gill and Co. Four years later in conjunction with the late Mr. Alec Forrest, he purchased the business of Messrs. Gill & Co., and at a subsequent date acquired a half-interest in Mr. J. McDowell’s timber concern, the firm at that time having five large sawmills in full swing In 1897 Mr. Good proceeded to England and sold the businesses of Messrs. Gill & Co. and J McDowell to an English syndicate, by which it was afterwards floated as the Gill-McDowell Company, with a capital of £250,000 Mr. Good received the appointment of Managing Director of this Company, which post he retained until the general amalgamation m 1902, when with most of the rival timber concerns it was merged into the Millars’ Karri and Jarrah Co. (1902) Limited. Retiring from his connection with the timber trade he purchased and rebuilt the Perth Tannery, which he later sold to the present proprietor, Mr B Rosen-stamm. In 1900 he joined with Messrs Bunning Brothers in the
purchase of the Limekiln and Building Stone Quarries at Cottesloe and CSoogee, and continued m that industry until the Cottesloe Quarries were worked out. At the end of 1901, in partnership with Mr. J. McMahen, he took over the business of Messrs. Daniel White & Co., carriage builders, of Murray Street, Perth, and has since carried on the conduct of this large concern. In 1911 the firm erected an extensive factory in Murray Street, the appointments of which place it m the position of being second to none in the Southern Hemisphere. In addition to his other enterprises Mr. Good at one time had an interest in the pearling industry, but was with many others a heavy sufferer from the violent storms which frequently devastate the pearling grounds on the Nor’-West coasts of the State. He was one of the first directors of Donaldson & Collins, Limited, and for many years was Director of the Colonial Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1907 he was invited by the various Employers’ Associations to represent their interests in the Court of Arbitration, and having acceded to the request was gazetted in July of that year. He was twice
re-elected unopposed, but in 1912 retired from the position which is now filled by Mr. H. Daglish. During his term of office the Court inaugurated a system of apprenticeship which afterwards was made compulsory by law. Mr. Good received his commission of Justice of the Peace for Perth magisterial district m 1897, and upon his appointment to the Court of Arbitration was gazetted for the whole of Western Australia. He is a Past Junior Grand Warden m the Masonic craft in this State, and is also Past Grand Treasurer and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Denmark While on a visit to Denmark in 1907 he had the honour of dining privately with His Majesty the King of Denmark, and on this occasion was the recipient at his hand of honours in the craft. He also received a letter from the Grand Lodge of Denmark requesting his portrait, in full Masonic regalia, to be hung in their hall at Copenhagen. In 1897 Mr Good married Georgians, daughter of the late Richard Sands, a noted Court Lais-man and glover, of Sloane Street, London, and has three daughters and three sons.
Federal Government Departments.
Public Service Commissioner.
While the headquarters of all the Commonwealth Government Departments are at the seat of government itself, it has been found necessary to have in each State certain officers to do the work of various departments, or, as in the case of the Post Office, Customs, and Defence Departments, extensive branches with practically State organization and administration. With the branches we propose to deal separately, but before doing so there are some important federal officers whose duties are confined within the limits of Western Australia to whom reference should be made.
In the Federal Public Service Act it is provided that in addition to the Public Service Commissioner there shall be in each State a Public Service Inspector charged with the control and inspection of that .portion of the Service working therein. Upon the passing of the Act Mr. A. Green, who still occupies the position, was appointed Public Service Inspector in Western Australia, and, subject to the Public Service Commissioner, has administered the Act in this State. In
addition to those duties he was, on the passing of the Federal Old-age Pensions Act, made Deputy-Commissioner of Pensions, and has had the onerous task of examining into and settling many hundreds of applications for pensions from aged and infirm persons.
When the Commonwealth Parliament brought the land tax into existence a Deputy-Land Tax Commissioner had to be appointed in each of the States, and in Western Australia the position was conferred upon Mr. J. F. Whitely, who had for many years been a valued officer in the State Treasury. The Federal Audit Office is represented by Mr. W. E. Kennedy, and the meteorological work, so far as the Western State is concerned, is carried out by Mr. E. B. Curlcwis. So far as other avenues of federal activity, apart from the large departmental branches, are concerned, the duties are performed (by arrangement with the State Government) by officers in the State Public Service, who receive some allowance from the Commonwealth whilst so engaged.
AMAZIAH GREEN, Public Service Commissioner to the Commonwealth, St. George’s Terrace, Perth. The subject of our biographical notice is a native of Sydney, New South Wales, where he was born on December, 18, 1855. He is a son of Mr. Thomas Hyndes Green, J.P., late of Camberwell, England, his mother being Scotch. At the conclusion of his education, which was of a commercial character, Mr. Green at the age of seventeen obtained his first experience of business life in mercantile and shipping offices at Sydney. Before reaching his twenty-second birthday he entered the New South Wales Government service as registrar of adjustments in the Auditor-General’s Department, being transferred to the Postmaster-General’s Branch as ledger-keeper in 1877. Ten years later, in 1887, he was appointed chief accountant to the Department of Justice, remaining in that position until 1896, when he was promoted to the Colonial Treasury Department as Treasury Inspector. Subsequently he received transfer to the Auditor-
General’s Department with the inspection staff, which, however, was
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Amaziah Green
shortly afterwards retransferred to the Treasury. In 1899 he was
selected , to fill the position of Military Staff Paymaster, one of the most responsible financial positions in the Service at that time. In connection with this post, the following comment appeared in The Transmitter, the official organ of the Post and Telegraphs, of October, 1902 : —“Mr. Green has the proud honour to be one of the very few Australian Government officers, if indeed there were any others, whose services were personally requisitioned in connection with the Boer war. The Imperial authorities saw the necessity of seeking out an officer with an intimate knowledge of the military pay arrangements, as well as having a local knowledge of the Australasian conditions regarding pay of Australian troops. The General of Communications at the Cape, the late Sir E. Forrestier-Walker, applied by cable for the services of Mr. Green as the officer selected for the duty required, and requested the Government to permit of his being secured for duty in charge of a branch of the Australasian Depot at Cape Town. It was considered, however,
376
that owing to the great pressure on the Military Department at this time in Sydney his services could not be dispensed with locally, and with great reluctance the complimentary request of the British authorities could not be acceded to by the Government.' ' Mr. Green was appointed Public Service Inspector to the Commonwealth in Western Australia in August, 1902, and ranks as the most important Federal Officer in the State. Since taking up his duties in Western Australia he has held the office of Electoral Officer for the State, a post he relinquished subsequently on assuming the duties of Deputy-Commissioner for old-age and invalid pensions. In addition to the performance of his multifarious duties Mr. Green is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the inland centres of Western Australia, acquired by some hard travelling. It has been the opportunity of few men to know Australia better than Mr. Green. A man of strong character, Mr. Green has made his name prominent in the annals of the Civil Service of Australia. He holds the commission of Justice of the Peace and is entitled to act in that capacity throughout the whole of New South Wales and this State. He was married in 1884 to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry MeCrea, of the firm of Messrs. Gedys; MeCrea, & Co., shipping agents, of Sydney. Tn his youthful days Mr. Green was keenly devoted to aquatic pursuits and gave all his leisure to that fascinating pastime, while of recent years he has made a hobby of fruit-growing, having an orchard property situated within easy reach of Perth.
JOHN FRANCIS WHITELY, Deputy - Federal Commissioner ol Land Tax, Perth, was born on February 1, 1858, at York, Western Australia, and received his preliminary education in his native town, afterwards being sent to school in Perth. For some years he followed the occupation of teacher in the State schools of this country (in his sixteenth year being in charge of a public school at Albany), and in 1881 he entered the Statistical Branch of the Public Service as assistant in the compilation of the census returns for that year. This work completed, he secured a position as clerk in the General Post Office and thereafter in the Telegraph Department, whence in 1889 he was transferred to the Treasury,
receiving eventually appointment there as Examiner and Public Debt Accountant. While holding this office he represented Western Aus-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Francis Whitely.
tralia at the Mutual Services' Conference in Melbourne in 1907, and also attended four Premiers' Conferences as financial adviser to the Western Australian Government. In December, 1910, Mr. Whitely was transferred to the Federal Civil Service and appointed to his present position as Deputy-Federal Commissioner of Taxation. Socially he has come prominently before the public as an amateur stage manager, and in 1901 established a unique record by producing three full-night plays in one week at the Theatre Royal, Perth. Besides his managerial aptitude in the dramatic arena he has literary talent of a high order, as is evidenced by the many excellent articles from his pen on educational matters which appear at intervals in college magazines. He married in 1897 Mary Alice Magdalen, daughter of the late Mr. Felix Kenney, of Moonee Ponds, Victoria, and has three sons and three daughters.
WILLIAM EDWIN KENNEDY, Examiner - in - Charge in Western Australia for the Audit Department of the Commonwealth Public Service, is a son of the late Mr. William Henry Kennedy, who was Chief Accountant to the Postal Department in Western Australia for many years. He was born at
Perth on September 18, 1871, and received his early education at a private academy conducted by the late Mr. G. A. Letch. Subsequently he spent three years at a Government school, and upon the close of his scholastic career became connected with the firm of Messrs. Sholl and Foulkes, solicitors, of Perth. Tiring of the law, in December, 1886, he joined the State Audit Department as a junior, and worked his way up, step by step, until he was promoted to Inspector of Accounts, which position he filled for two years. Mr. Kennedy spent in all twenty years in this office, and in 1901 was transferred to the Commonwealth Audit Office as Examiner - in - Charge throughout the State, and has retained this appointment ever since. In 1907 he was admitted as an Associate of the Society of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia. Mr. Kennedy is a great
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Edwin Kennedy.
enthusiast in motor-boating, and spends much of his leisure time on the river in pursuit of this enlivening sport.
HAROLD BURNHAM CUR-LEWIS, first assistant to the Government Astronomer, Perth Observatory, was born in 1875 at Geelong, Victoria, and educated at Newington College, Sydney. After leaving school he entered the University of Sydney and continued his studies there, at the same time supplementing his income by teach-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
377
ug at tne college wnerc he had ttended as a boy. He retained this •ost while reading for the Arts ourse and for a year after obtaining he degree of B.A. (Sydney). He hen came to Western Australia and /as appointed astronomical observer ,nd computer at the Perth Obser-atory. In January, 1908, when he Commonwealth took over the aeteorological portion of the service, le was selected for the position which le now holds, as first assistant to the Government Astronomer. On two iccasions during the tenure of his jrescnt office Mr. Curlewis has been •ailed upon to fulfil the duties of Acting Government Astronomer, the irst occasion being for a period of ,ix months, while Mr. Cooke was on i visit to England, and the second luring that gentleman's trip to Tonga in connection with the scientific observations of that rare ind always interesting phenomenon, die eclipse of the sun.
GEORGE ERNEST WILLSON was born in August, 1875, at Sydney, New South Wales, and educated at the public schools there up
to the age of fifteen, when he entered into commercial life, afterwards spending a year in the State Observatory. In 1895 he came to Western
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Ernest Willson.
Australia to try his fortunes on the goldfields, and went back to Sydney the following year. Returning later
to the Western State he entered the Postal Department in 1897 as clerk on the confidential staff of the then Postmaster - General. Two years afterwards he went to South Africa-on leave of absence, taking part in the Boer war while attached to the Second Western Australian Mounted Infantry. He spent over a year on active service, beginning at Cape Town and getting to Mozambique through the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal, and was engaged in the thick of most of the fighting on the scouting staff of Major-General Pole-Carew in Division XI. On returning to Western Australia in 1901 he again took up his duties in the General Post Office, his position having been retained for him while absent on military service. Upon the Postal Department being transferred to Federal control in 1902 he was appointed senior clerk for the Commonwealth Public Service Office in Western Australia, which post he held until March, 1912, when he was promoted to the office of senior clerk in the Commonwealth Public Service Commissioner’s Office, Melbourne. In 1902 he was married to Miss A. Arnold, of Perth.
Postmaster-GeneraPs Department.
No department of the Commonwealth Government, perhaps, fulfils so important a function in the life of the community at large as does that controlled at the present by the member of the House of Representatives for Kalgoorlie, the Hon. C. E. Frazer. Upon it we depend for rapid and sure communication between us and the outside world, and it is not too much to say that the whole fabric of modern business life rests upon its efficiency and celerity. How true this is becomes apparent on those fortunately rare occasions when the wreck of a steamer causes delay in the receipt of letters, or the failure of a telegraph line throws the business of an important centre out of joint. With the enormous number of transactions carried out annually by the Department as a whole we are not at present concerned, but the following digest of the returns will serve to show the volume of work performed in this State:—
Employes (exclusive of mail contractors) ... 1,272
Number of post offices and receiving offices 430
Number of letters and post cards posted ... 28,496,748
Number of articles registered ... ... 406,732
Number of newspapers posted ... ... 9,985,446
Number of books, packets, etc., posted ... 4,141,205
Number of parcels posted ... ... ... 218,092
Number of telegrams forwarded ... ... 1,714,201
Total number received and dispatched ... 3,362,855
Number of miles of telegraph line ... ... 6,906
Number of miles of wire ... ... ... 11,320
Number of telephone exchanges ... ... 42
Number of telephone connections ... ... 7,319
Value of money orders issued ... ... £997,616
Value of postal orders issued ... ... £231,657
Value of money orders paid ... ... £708,623
Revenue ... ... ... ... ... £315,691
Expenditure ... ... ... ... £410,296
Up to the time when the Department was taken over by the Commonwealth the permanent executive head was termed the Postmaster-General, but as that became the title of one of the Ministers of State under the Federation, the permanent head in each State became Deputy-Postmaster-Gcneral. The officer holding this responsible post in Western Australia in 1901 was Mr. Richard A. Sholl, an old and valued public servant, who, though he possessed no other experience than that gained during the “old colonial days,” made a valiant attempt, with a great measure of success, to meet the enormous expansion of business in the Depart-
378
ment consequent upon the abnormal development caused by the discovery of gold Being well advanced in years at the time of the transfer of the Post Office from the colony to the Commonwealth, he m a little time sought the opportunity of retirement, and was succeeded by Mr R. Hardman, an officer of Western Australian training also. Unfortunately, after a few years’ occupancy of the post, Mr. Hardman’s health began to fail, and finally he reached a point when retirement from active work became necessary The vacancy thus created was after some delay filled by the appointment of the present Deputy-Postmaster-General, Mr. F Whysall, who has had a long and comprehensive training in the more strenuous postal departments of the Eastern States.
A brief resume of the history of the Post Office in Western Australia may, perhaps, be interesting. On the foundation of the colony in 1829 no provision appears to have been made for the receipt and delivery of mails, but early m the thirties Mr. Charles Macfaull, who was the publisher of The Perth Gazette, and practically the official printer to the Government, was appointed Postmaster, his remuneration consisting of the amount paid for the transmission of each letter. Apparently it was not necessary to prepay the postage, as in 1834 we find a notice in the newspaper to the effect that after the passing of a Post Office Ordinance then contemplated no “booking” would be allowed This Ordinance (5 Will. IV., No. 5), which was agreed to on December 31, 1834, provided for the establishment of post offices, the receipts from which should form part of the consolidated revenue. A fortnight later a proclamation was issued bringing the Ordinance into operation and appointing Charles Macfaull principal postmaster at Perth, John Bateman postmaster at Ere mantle, and Sarah Lyttleton postmistress at Albany. At the same time the following rates for postage were fixed. —For single letters or packets delivered at Fremantle, Albany, or Augusta from overseas, 3d ; for double letters, 4d.; for letters weighing over an ounce, 6d. per ounce; for letters or packets received at Fremantle from overseas for delivery at Perth, 6d , 8d., and lOd , according to size and weight; and for letters or packets between Perth and Fremantle, 4d , 5d., and 6d. In these days of striving after universal penny postage these rates seem extortionate, but no doubt the little community at the Swan River m those days was only too glad to pay them m return for news from the great outside world from which the members had exiled themselves. As it was, oversea letters were very irregular in delivery, many of the ships trading to and from Fremantle declining to carry mails, the captains thereby earning the unanimous disapproval of the settlers, who reserved for them their special marks of indignation
It was not until April, 1842, that a regular mail service was established between the various settlements of the colony. In that month daily communication was opened between Perth and Fremantle, Guildford received and dispatched letters twice a week, and the other settlements rejoiced m the improved facilities that a weekly service with Perth afforded. In many of the country districts natives were employed as letter-carriers, an experiment which met with a fair measure of success. The cost of transmission m these early days was paid m cash, no postage stamps being used until August, 1854, when the celebrated one-penny Black Swan stamp —which has since become of great value in the eyes of philatelists—was issued. This was soon followed by the issue of stamps of higher denomination.
All this time complaints were loud and persistent about the irregularity of communication with England, which was still at the mercy of the captains of trading vessels. As an instance of the delay that occurred, it may be mentioned that the settlers in Perth were unaware of King William IV’s death until five months after Queen Victoria had ascended the throne. The complaints after a while crystallized into a distinct agitation for a monthly mail service A petition was prepared, and, like all petitions of those days, forwarded to the Secretary of State for consideration The Colonial Office, following out what appears to have been then its settled plan m colonial matters, treated the request with indifference. A second memorial was then prepared, and that, dispatched on June 2, 1845, ultimately, after considerable correspondence, resulted in a monthly mail being established tta Singapore. The letters and packets were brought to Singapore under arrangement with vessels trading to the East, and the colonial vessel was dispatched monthly to that port to bring them on to Fremantle. This new departure required more systematic administration m the Post Office, which was accordingly reorganized, Mr Anton Helmich, an officer in the Auditor-General’s service, being made Postmaster-General.
A further improvement m the methods of communication took place in 1852, when the Royal Mail Steam Navigation Company decided to make Albany a coaling station for its steamers trading between London and Sydney. The first vessel to call was the “Australian” in July, and its arrival was heralded with joy, even though it took two horses six days to carry the mail overland to Perth1 When a couple of months later the P & 0 s s. “Chusan” arrived with a mail from Singapore the colonists began to feel that they were once more being brought into touch with civilization In 1856 the P. & O. Steamship Company entered into an arrangement with all the Australian colonies for a direct monthly mail service, King George Sound being under that agreement the first and the last
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
379
port of call in Australia. Within a few months this service was altered to a fortnightly one, and continued until 1888, when the Orient Steamship Company was also subsidized to carry on a fortnightly service, so that since the beginning of that year there has been regular weekly communication between the United Kingdom and the Australian Commonwealth.
In the following year Mr. Helmich, who had been Postmaster-General since 1849, resigned office, and Mr. R. A. Sholl was appointed to the vacancy. Up to 1891 the postage on letters to the United Kingdom was 6d. per half-ounce, but in that year Western Australia, with the other colonies, joined the Universal Postal Union, and the charge was reduced to 2£d., and since then, owing mainly to the earnest advocacy of Sir Hen-niker Heaton, the Australian Commonwealth has, in common with the United Kingdom, reduced the charge to Id.
One aim which the Government had in view in the construction of an extensive and safe harbour at Fremantle was to substitute that port for Albany as the place of call for mail steamers, and so reduce the time in which letters could be received from London, as well as afford more convenience to passengers travelling by the mailboats. The first company to make the change was the Norddeutscher Lloyd early in 1898. It was followed by the P. & O. and Orient Companies in 1900 and the Messageries Mari times Compagnie in 1902.
It is not proposed to continue the outline of the arrangements for the ocean mail services through the various ramifications that have taken place. At present the four leading companies trading from the United Kingdom to Australia all carry mails the
Orient, the P. & O., the Norddeutscher Lloyd, and the Messageries Mari times. The only contract under which subsidy is paid by the Commonwealth is with the Orient Steamship Company, the others all being paid on a poundage basis.
Western Australia being a country of such magnificent distances, and settlement in the earlier days being scattered over such a wide expanse of territory, inland postal services have always been a source of difficulty to the department—difficulty which was enormously accentuated by the development of the goldfields during the nineties. Overwhelmed by a sudden influx of population, most of which went out into the far eastern and northern goldfields, the post office, in common with nearly every other Government department, found itself utterly unable to cope with the increase of busi-n e s s. For a time a state of affairs approaching chaos reigned, notwithstanding all the efforts put forth by those in authority. New offices were opened wherever reports of gold discoveries, with the consequent rush of diggers, were made known; the staff was increased both at the General Post Office and throughout the colony; all the same, some considerable time elapsed before even moderate efficiency in the dispatch of business was secured. Probably it would have been secured much more quickly if the newcomers had been as ready to assist as they were to blame. Much was said about the obsolete and dilatory methods of the Western Australians as compared with the manner of conducting business in the East, yet many who have known the Post. Office under both colony and Commonwealth fail to observe any greatly increased efficiency since 1901.
GENERAL POST OFFICE, PERTH.
FRANCIS WLJYSALL, Deputy-Postmaster-General of Western Australia, entered the Civil Service of New South Wales in July, 1875, as telegraph probationer, and in December of the same year was
appointed junior operator at the head office, where he continued until January, 1888. He was then sent to Broken Hill, where the quadru-plex system had recently been inaugurated owing to the rapid in-
crease of business, and was appointed telegraph master there, the post-office at that time being conducted apart. At a later date, when the offices were regraded by the State Public Service Board, Mr. Whysall
380
was appointed bo the dual office of post and telegraph master at this station. In 1897 he applied for and was transferred to the position of post and telegraph master at Armi-dale, New South Wales, where he remained until June, 1900, when he was promoted to the charge of a telephone branch at Sydney, lie occupied the position of telephone manager in that city until May, 1906, when he was transferred to the mail branch as assistant superintendent. Mr. Whysall acted as superintendent of mails from November, 1906, to October, 1907, and on several occasions later was employed in a similar capacity. He also filled the position of chief clerk for some months. In 1911 he was chosen to succeed Mr. R. Hardman as Deputy-Postmaster-General of Western Australia, and arriving in the State toward the close of the year immediately entered upon the duties of that office, which he still continues to fulfil.
RICHARD HARDMAN, Deputy-Postmaster-General for Western Australia from 1904 to 1912, spent forty-three years of his life in the service of his country, and by untiring devotion to his work rose from junior clerk to the exalted position of Deputy-Postmaster-General of Western Australia. Born at Plymouth, England, in 1848, he came to Western Australia in the early fifties, and received his education at the' school founded by the late Bishop Serra, and subsequently at the State School, Perth. In 1863 he embarked on a commercial career, his first entry into the Public Service of Western Australia dating back to January, 1865; and in February, 1868, he accepted a post under the late Mr. Alexander Francisco, postmaster at Fremantle. Resigning this position in August, 1871, he spent some little time in the Customs Department, but re-entered the Post and Telegraph Department at Perth toward the close of 1872. He was appointed to the responsible position of postmaster at York in 1873, and remained in that flourishing township until twenty years later, when he was promoted to an inspectorship, with transfer to the metropolis. This was in July, 1893, and in 1895 he became Chief Inspector during the regime of Mr. R. A. Shod, Postmaster-General of Western Australia. Some three or four years after
the accomplishment of Federation, in July, 1904, Mr. Hardman became Deputy - Postmaster - General, succeeding to the chair vacated by Mr. Sholl, which he continued to fill until the year 1912, when,
Bartleito, Perth.
Mr. Richard Hardman.
on account of failing health, he retired from the Service. Mr. Hardman was associated with the Telegraph Service from its first introduction to the State by the late Mr. E. F. Stirling, and always took an active interest in promot-ting its extension to the remoter settlements, where it has proved itself a considerable factor in promoting the development of the State.
RICHARD ADOLPHUS SHOLL, J.P., I.S.O., late Postmaster-General of Western Australia, is a native of this State, having been born at Bunbury on December 18, 1846. He is a son of the late Mr. Robert John Sholl, first Government Resident of the Nor’-West district of Western Australia, which post he continued to occupy for many years. Upon the close of his education at Bishop Hales’ College in Perth Mr. R. A. Shod, at seventeen years of age, began his official connection with the Civil Service as a junior clerk in the General Post Office at Perth in 1863. At that time the staff consisted of the Postmaster-General, four clerks, and two letter-carriers in the metropolis, while the Service for the whole State included only forty-two members. In 1873, after ten years in the department,
Mr. Shod was appointed Chief Clerk which office he held until 1889, when he received the appointment of Postmaster-General with a staff of 200 in the head office and 800 officials in the country centres. In honour of this event the postal and telegraph staffs convened a complimentary gathering, when he was presented with a souvenir in token of the appreciation of the officials with whom he had been so long connected. Upon the federation of the Australian States in 1901, in common with the other heads of the postal departments in the respective States, he retained the duties of his office, which he continued to discharge until July, 1904, when he retired on a full pension, lie has taken some part in public life, and was appointed to a commission of Justice of the Peace by the first Ministry under responsible government. In earlier days he was a member of the City Council for about six years, and at a later date was appointed a member of the Licensing Bench by the Wilson Government. During many years he was closely identified with the volunteer movement, from its initiation in 1861, receiving the volunteer officer’s decoration for long service instituted by Queen Victoria. A brilliant rifle shot, he was winner of the Governor’s Cup in 1877. In 1850 the Western Australian Turf Club was established by Colonel Reeves, the land where the present racecourse has been formed being granted by the Government on a 999 years’ lease, and subsequently secured as freehold title under the Forrest Administration. In 1879, at which period the affairs of the Club were in a very precarious condition, Mr. Sholl was asked to undertake the secretaryship, and, with the assistance of Mr. George Parker, virtually laid the foundation of the successful institution of to-day. Though resigning this office on his appointment as Postmaster - General he still continued to act as a member of the governing body of the Club, and for over thirty-two years has diligently promoted its interests, being now Vice-Chairman. The compiling of the first set of rules for the guidance of the Club must be placed to the credit of Mr. Sholl, who gave much time and attention to the drafting out of regulations which, with the necessary additions and amendments in subsequent years, should appeal to the best sporting instincts of that
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portion of the community which finds its chief recreation on the racecourse. “Sport for sport’s sake” being hi3 motto, he was always a severe judge of anything of a doubtful nature creeping into the arena, and his connection with the turf has not failed to have its uplifting influence. Some years ago Mr. Shell commenc-ed breeding thoroughbreds in a small way, and has produced some successful performers, among which may be mentioned “Romulus” and “Dragoon.” He races only horses which have been bred and trained by himself, and his colours—all green—are very popular on the field. In addition to his horseracing interests he is a supporter of various athletic clubs, in his schooldays having been a noted sport and particularly prominent as a runner and long-distance walker. He has also done much to purify the game of football in Western Australia. Mr. Shell has been twice married, his first wife, a daughter of Assistant Commissary-General Ashton, dying in 1877. The present Mrs. Sholl is a daughter of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbert Howard Sanders, 30th Regiment, a veteran of the Crimea.
JOHN JOSEPH LLOYD, J.P., Chief Clerk to the Federal Post and Telegraph Department of Western Australia, is a son of the late Mr. J.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Joseph Lloyd.
H. Lloyd, of Northam, and was born at York on September 21, 1860. At the conclusion of his school-days he joined the postal service of Western
Australia in May, 1875, and as an assistant was sent to Bremer Bay, a station on the interstate line, in December, 1877. Here he acted as telegraph master from June, 1882, until August, 1884, when he was selected to fill a similar position at Carnarvon in the Nor’-West. In June, 1893, he received transfer to the town of York as postmaster, and after an interval of about nine months was brought to Perth to assume control of the money order branch, parcels post, and the distribution of stamps. He continued at the General Post Office for ten years, and in June, 1904, was promoted to be postmaster at Fremantle. In October of the ensuing year he was transferred to the appointment which he now holds, and in the years that have since intervened his courteous manner and genial disposition have gained for him a host of friends in the City of Perth. In his youthful days Mr. Lloyd found cricket of absorbing interest, but his ever-in-creasing official responsibilities have compelled him to relinquish the active pursuit of outdoor recreation of every kind. He is a Justice of the Peace for the magisterial district of Perth, and married in 1886 Sophia, daughter of Mr. J. H. Gregory, J.P., of Northam, his family consisting of five daughters.
AUGUSTUS WILLIAM PIESSE, J.P., Senior Inspector, Post and Telegraph Department, and Commonwealth Electoral Officer for the State, is a member of one of the oldest families in Western Australia. His father reached these shores from England in the forties and was for several years an inspector in the police force. His mother, who is still living (1912) at the ripe old age of seventy-five years, has been a resident of Newcastle for many years. Mr. A. W. Piesse was born at Guildford on December 8, 1858, and at the age of thirteen years entered the Telegraph Branch of the postal service at Northam. As a youth of sixteen and a half summers he was appointed to act as post and telegraph master in that town, and in 1878 was transferred to Newcastle (since renamed Toodyay), where he remained three years in the same branch of the Service. In 1881 he was post and telegraph master at Williams, and also acted as clerk to the Court of Petty Sessions, fulfill-
ing the duties of both positions for twelve years. On the opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1893 the duties were divided, and Mr. Piesse was installed as postmaster at Katanning. With the formation of
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Augustus William Piesse
the Postal Inspection Branch in 1896 he was selected to be Assistant Inspector at Perth, and at the end of a year was promoted to an inspectorship. Upon the elevation of Mr. Hardman to be Deputy-Postmaster-General the office of Senior Inspector became vacant and Mr. Piesse was offered and accepted the position. In addition to his postal duties he has acted as Commonwealth Electoral Officer for Western Australia since July, 1908. Mr. Piesse is a Justice of the Peace for Western Australia and in 1908, during the absence in England of the Commonwealth Public Service Inspector, carried out the duties attached to that position. He has an intimate knowledge of the inland centres of the State, having at one time or another officially visited nearly every settlement west of the South Australian border-line. Two-score years have passed since Mr. Piesse joined the Service at Northam, and his record is worthy of emulation and an incentive to those aspiring to the higher offices of the Civil Service, both Federal and State. In his youth he was devoted to cricket, but at the present time his duties will not permit of his indulging in recreation of any kind. Mr. Piesse married a daughter of the late Mr. Charles Heal,
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of York, of which union a daughter survives. ITe was married for the second time in 1888 to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Holmes, of Mandurah, and has two sons and one daughter.
THOMAS JOHN BEATTY, Superintendent of Mails in the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas John Beatty.
Federal Post and Telegraph Department, is a son of the late Mr. Irwin Beatty, of Port Fairy, Victoria, and was born there in April, 1855. Educated locally, he supplemented his scholastic training by a long course of private tuition until in his thirteenth year, when he joined the Post and Telegraph Department as a junior clerk. Soon afterwards he was transferred to the Electrical Branch of the Service, where he occupied the post of operator at the Melbourne office for fifteen years. During that time he also filled the position of acting post and telegraph master in all the important centres of the Garden State. On the introduction of the parcel post system between the United Kingdom and Victoria he was placed at the head of the new branch and was responsible for the inception of the work of this important department, subsequently planning the extension of the system to the city and suburban districts of Victoria. Coincident with the extensive changes which were made when the Commonwealth assumed control of the postal services of Australia he was appointed superintendent of mails
at Perth, the duties of which position he still ably fulfils. Mr. Beatty was one of the first senior officers to be transferred, and on his arrival in the Western State set about the reorganization of his department, a work he completed to the entire satisfaction of the permanent heads. What little leisure he has is devoted to the pursuit of floriculture at his residence at Peppermint Grove. He married at Stawell, Victoria, in 1877 a daughter of Mr. A. B. Clemes,
J.P., and has three sons and a daughter.
THOMAS VOWLES, Accountant to the General Post Office, was born on February 14, 1861, at Craigie, Victoria, in which State his father, a native of Somerset, England, had
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas Vowles.
been, engaged in mining and other pursuits from the early fifties. Having received his education, at the age of sixteen he obtained employment as an invoice clerk to the Victorian Confectionery Company, a year later entering the mail branch of the General Post Office at Melbourne. After four years’ service he was transferred to the Accountant’s Branch, remaining in that office until 1903, when he received the appointment of accountant at the Perth office, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Vowles is a member of the Yacht Club at Claremont, where he resides, and is also a member of the local Bowling Club in that charming riverside suburb. Married in the year 1888 to Miss
Lacy, of Melbourne, he has a surviving family of two sons, the elder at present, studying for commercial accountancy, the younger being a cadet at the Commonwealth Military College.
RITCHIE EAGLE, Comptroller of Stores, Federal Postal Department, Western Australia, is a son of the late Mr. John Eagle, of St. Bathans, Otago, New Zealand, and was born in the Dominion on May 11, 1875. He received his early education in his native town, and subsequently studied at Dunedin, where he specialized in the subject of mechanical engineering. At the age of twenty-one, for the sake of experience he did two years’ practical work at the New Zealand Government railway workshops, and while there filled the post of instructor to drawing and mechanical classes in connection with the workshops. In 1899 he was transferred to the office of the Chief Mechanical Engineer at Wellington, where for two years he occupied the position of draughtsman. His chief (the late Mr. Roth er am) being appointed to a similar post in Western Australia, offered Mr. Eagle a position with him in his new sphere, which was
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Ritchie Eagle.
accepted by the gentleman under review, who arrived at Perth in November, 1900. While associated with the Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Eagle drafted the specifications for the new machine tools required
383
for the installation plant at the Midland Junction Workshops and now in use there. In 1907 he was
appointed, in conjunction with Mr. Gallagher, Comptroller of Stores to the Railway Department to re-
organize that branch of the Service, and after being employed in that department as chief clerk until April, 1911, was promoted to the position he now holds. Immediately after his appointment Mr. Eagle was sent to Melbourne to assist Mr.
Triggs, chief accountant of the
Postal Department, in drafting uniform stores regulations for the postal service of the Commonwealth and to attend a Conference of Comptrollers of Stores from the various States. Mr. Eagle was at one time connected with the Stock Exchange of New Zealand at Wellington. He is Secretary of the King’s Park Tennis Club and himself a player of ability, being the winner of several trophies in connection with this sport. He is also a well-known lacrosseur, having represented Western Australia against South Australia, Victoria, and Canada. In 1904 he married Edith, daughter of Mr. John lies, of Kalgoorlie, and has one daughter.
ANDREW THOMSON, postmaster, Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. Robert Thomson, of Sorn,
Scotland, where the subject of this review was born on October 8, 1864. He was educated at Auchinleck, near his birthplace in Ayrshire, and upon attaining the age of thirteen years joined the postal service at Cumnock
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Andrew Thomson.
as junior, and continued in this connection for about seven years, during which he occupied various positions. While still in his teens he received transfer to Greenock, where he
assumed the duties of telegraphist, and some years later, in 1888, left his native land for Australia. Upon arrival in Victoria Mr. Thomson accepted a position as telegraphist in the General Post Office, Melbourne, where he remained, about three years. He then came to Western Australia under engagement to fill the post of telegraph operator at the head office at Perth, and in February, 1894, proceeded to Southern Cross to take charge of the office at that centre. His next move was to Coolgardie before the construction of the railway line in the district. Here Mr. Thomson was stationed for the following ten years, and during those strenuous early days he watched the rise of the mining industry which has made the name of Coolgardie famous. In 1904 he was transferred to Boulder, where he occupied the appointment of post and telegraph master for two years, and was then placed in charge of the more important office at Kalgoorlie. A year later he came to Fremantle, and has continued in the discharge of this responsible position ever since. Mr. Thomson is a great golf enthusiast, and has won several trophies in this branch of sport. He married in 1900 at Coolgardie Annie, daughter of the late Mr. John Wilson, of Orchard Valley, Victoria.
Telegraph System.
In the matter of introducing the telegraph Western Australia certainly lagged behind the rest of the civilized world. The little community seems to have grown so self-contained, and in a measure self-satisfied, that it appears to have almost lost the desire to keep in touch with the outside world. Some of the more progressive spirits had repeatedly urged upon the nominee Legislative Council the necessity of having telegraph communication between the various towns in the colony, but their requests fell upon deaf ears. It was left to two private citizens—Messrs. Edmund Stirling and Cumming—to take the first step. These on their own responsibility erected a private line between Perth and Fremantle, which was opened to the public in June, 1869. The convenience afforded was so great that in 1870 the Legislative Council was compelled to take into consideration the matter of telegraph communication, and in May of that year a resolution was passed at the instance of the Colonial Secretary authorizing the construction of lines between Perth and Albany, Bunbury, York, and Newcastle. The work
was to be done by an Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company, which was formed with a capital of <£12,000, the interest upon which was guaranteed by the Government. The directors were Messrs. Leake, Carr, Shenton, Birch, Glyde, Moore, King, McKail, Clifton, Steere, and Monger, with Major Crampton as Chairman and A. J. Hillman as Secretary. A second company was formed shortly afterwards, but the two were amalgamated in 1871. Tenders were invited for the construction of the various lines, and by the end of 1872 the work was completed. When the loan of £35,000 allowed by the Secretary of State was floated in 1872, £12,000 out of the proceeds was applied to the purchase of these lines by the Government, and arrangements were made for rapid extension. The loan was soon absorbed, and in 1873 a further amount of £100,000 was authorized. The first moiety of this was raised in Melbourne in 1874, and the second shortly afterwards. It was wholly applied to railway and telegraph extension. Communication by wire was established in 1874 between Newcastle and Geraldton, and in January, 1875, just prior
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
to leaving the colony, Governor Weld installed the first pole of an overland telegraph line between Perth and Eucla. The project of linking the west of Australia to the east by telegraph had been first mooted in 1860, because several of the schemes for connecting Australia with India included a cable terminus on the west coast. Another factor that influenced South Australia particularly in favour of the scheme was the fact that the mail steamers were calling at King George Sound. Nothing definite was done, however, until 1873, when an agreement was entered into under which Western Australia engaged to build a line from Albany to Eucla to meet the South Australian section at that point on the border. The South Australian portion was completed in July, 1877, and the Western Australian section a few months later, so that by the end of the year Australia was crossed both north and south and east and west by telegraph lines. As Adelaide was already in communication with London through Port Darwin, the Albany-Eucla line brought Perth into touch with the whole civilized world. The length of the line is about 749 miles, and its cost was .£42,000, nearly 30s. per head of the population of Western Australia at that time. A second line to Eucla was constructed through Coolgardie when the expansion of business through the
gold discoveries rendered such a course absolutely necessary through the occasional failure of the line from Albany.
The Eastern Extension Company having made Broome the terminus of an alternative cable from Banjoewangie in Java, an overland telegraph line was built from Perth to connect with it, and in 1892 this line was extended to Wyndham, on the extreme north, 2,125 miles away from the capital city. In the same year the telegraph reached Southern Cross, the centre of the Yilgarn goldfield, and the subsequent phenomenal discoveries further eastward and on the Murchison and Pilbara fields brought about rapid extension of the whole system during succeeding years.
There are two points in Western Australia where submarine cables end—one, as already mentioned, at Broome; and the other at Cottcsloe, which forms the Australian terminus of the Eastern Extension Company’s Cape-Australian line. Thus in the matter of rapid communication with the older world Western Australia, though perhaps a little late in securing the facility, is now admirably served.
At the present time there are 6,906 miles of telegraph lines in the State, in the construction and working of which 11,320 miles of wire have been employed.
MICHAEL RYAN, Manager of Telegraphs, General Post Office, Wes-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Michael Ryan.
tern Australia, is a son of Mr. Michael Ryan, of “Rossmore,” Northam, and is a native of this State, having been born at Toodyay on March 20, 1865. Pie received his early scholastic training at the Roman Catholic School at Newcastle,
and subsequently attended the local State School, concluding his studies under private tuition. Upon leaving school in 1879, at fourteen years of age, he entered the postal department at Northam as messenger, and remained there for two years, during which time he qualified as telegraphist, subsequently proceeding to Eyre’s Sandpatch, on the Eucla line, as assistant operator. After four years at this station he was promoted to the position of postmaster at Onslow, being at the time of his appointment only twenty years of age. Five years later he was sent to Israelite Bay in charge of the automatic telegraph repeating station, where he completed a similar period, and from this place was transferred to Eucla as post and telegraph master, continuing in charge of this office for twelve years. In 1907 he was removed to Bunbury, and eighteen months later was promoted to fill a vacancy at Boulder. In December, 1911, he received his present appointment of Manager of Telegraphs for Western Australia, taking the place of Mr. P. de Gruchy, who had been transferred to the Sydney office as Assistant Telegraph Manager at the General Post Office in that city. Mr. Ryan has been an honorary member of the Australian Natives’ Association for some con-
siderable time. In 1889 he married Clara, daughter of Mr. W. Graham, of Narrogin, and has two sons and seven daughters.
PHILIPPE JOHN DE GRUCHY was born at Jersey, Channel Islands, on March 5, 1854. He is a son of
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. PHiLirrE John de <G’ruchy.
Captain John de Gruchy, master mariner, who for many years traded
385
between England and foreign ports He left the Oxenford Public School, where he was educated, at the age of seventeen years and entered the office of a solicitor for twelve months, at the end of that time joining the Civil Service as a telegraph clerk After three years’ service in this position he emigrated to New South Wales and became telegraph operator in the postal service of that State, rising steadily until appointed to the position of supervisor of telegraphs in the Sydney office In 1906 he was offered and accepted the post of Acting-Manager of the Telegraph Department in Western Australia. In this new position his
natural powers of organization and control had ample scope, and his ability receiving early recognition by those m authority, at the end of three months he was appointed to be Manager of the permanent staff. In 1912 Mr. de Gruchy was transferred to Sydney, New South Wales, Mr. Ryan being appointed to the position thus rendered vacant Mr. de Gruchy is an enthusiast in his work and takes the keenest interest in anything appertaining to telegraphy and its advancement as a science. While he was in Western Australia the Wheatstone automatic system was installed between Perth and Adelaide, thereby
doing away with the necessity of a repeating station at Eucla. This installation was the means of effecting a considerable saving in the annual expenses of the department and led to a substantial reduction of the working staff on that line. For the successful control of this important interstate artery an expert staff is required, and on Mr. de Gruchy devolved the responsibility of training and supervising the operators employed in dispatching the huge volume of telegraphic matter handed into the receiving office. He married a daughter of the late Mr A. K. Page, of Merimnula, New South Wales.
Telephone System.
The statistics contained m the report of the Postmaster-General for 1910 show that per head of the population more use is made of the telephone m Western Australia than m any other of the Australian States In New South Wales the percentage of instruments to population is 2-2. in Victoria it is 1 994, and in the other States even less, while in Western Australia at the end of 1910 it was 2'4. This affords, at any rate, some evidence that, in spite of the belief that in modern conveniences the State lags far behind her Eastern sisters, she is more progressive than they in the use of some of those conveniences.
On July 31, 1882, Mr. (afterwards Sir) George Shenton, m the Legislative Council, asked the Colonial Secretary to lay on the table a return showing the cost of construction and maintenance of a telephone system in the towns of Perth and Fremantle The then Colonial Secretary, Lord Gifford, V.C , in consenting, said that from inquiry already made there was every prospect of such a system, if established, being self-supporting.
On August 24, therefore, of the same year, a motion brought forward by Mr Shenton was agreed to, namely, that the Government should ascertain whether a sufficient number of subscribers could be obtained to warrant the establishment of a telephone system in and between Perth and Fremantle.
JAMES SIMCOE FITZ-MAURICE, M I C.E , M Amer.-
I.E.E., Electrical Engineer, General Post Office, Western Australia, was born at Melbourne, Victoria, on November 1, 1861, and educated at St. Philip’s and Christ Church Grammar Schools, Sydney. After
The matter was again brought forward by Mr. Shenton on April 8 and on August 3, 1883, when it was ascertained that, unfortunately, a sufficient number of subscribers could not be obtained, so little value being then placed upon this now almost indispensable convenience.
On September 4 in the same year a proposal was made by Mr B. C. Wood to establish telephonic communication m and between Perth and Fremantle on certain terms, but nothing finally eventuated
Sir Thomas Cockburn-Campbell, on August 4, 1884, once more brought the matter under notice, with the result that on August 27 a message from the Governor announced that the desired action would be taken, provided inquiry showed that the system could be established on a self-supporting basis. On September 5 Sir Thomas Cockburn-Campbell formally moved that the Select Committee on Public Works be instructed to consider the question, the result of which was that the Government placed a sum of £2,000 on the 1885 Estimates for the establishment of a Telephone Exchange The telephone exchange system was opened in Perth on December 1, 1887, with seventeen subscribers, and at Fremantle on January 1, 1888, with nine subscribers The number of public subscribers for the two places at the end of 1888 was only sixty-three. The number of exchanges have now increased to over forty, and the instruments connected to nearly 8,000.
of the Mother State By the courtesy of the late Mr T. S Mort he was permitted to serve an engineering apprenticeship of five and a half years, during which period he studied mechanical drawing, engine designing, electrical engineering, chemistry, and applied
12 months’ experience in the office of a stock and share-broker he entered the Sydney office of Mort’s Dock and Engineering Company, Limited, where he was under the immediate direction of the late Mr. Thomas Sutcliffe Mort, whose name and fame are identified with the history
z
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mechanics under Professor Warren, now of the University of Sydney, and other technical experts. On the completion of his apprenticeship he obtained employment as journeyman with Messrs. G. & C. Hoskins, of Sydney, and two months later entered the Fitzroy Government Dock employ in a similar capacity. Having made electrical engineering a special study, he was selected and appointed by the late Colonel E. C. Cracknell (Superintendent of Telegraphs) in 1883 to the position of Engineer-in-Charge of the Parliament House Electric Light Installation (the first public building permanently installed with electric light in New South Wales). In 1886 he was promoted to the position of Chief Engineer of the Electric Light Branch, which included the Parliament House, General Post Office, Circular Quay, and Cowper’s Wharf installations. In 1887 he erected a steam electric light plant at the Jenolan Caves, and carried out all subsequent extensions of the electric lighting up to the year 1902 at the famous tourists’ resort. In 1904 he was appointed Engineer-in-Charge of Lines (telegraph and telephone) in New South Wales, and in 1906 was promoted to the position of Assistant Electrical Engineer in the General Post Office, Sydney, a position he held until December 10, 1910. Upon that date he left Sydney to take up the position of Electrical Engineer in Western Australia, left vacant by the transfer and appointment of Mr. A. A. Dircks to take up a similar position in Melbourne. For several years he held the position of representative of the Professional Division in New South Wales on the Commonwealth Public Service Appeal Board and Vice-President of the Professional and Clerical Association of the Postmaster-General’s Department, and was subsequently elected to the office of President, but was obliged to relinquish the post through pressure of departmental duties. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, London, of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, of the Engineering Association of New South Wales, and of the Electrical Association of New South Wales. In 1889 he was appointed local Honorary Secretary of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers for Australia, a position he held until a few years
ago, when local honorary secretaries were appointed for the several States. At present he holds the position for New South Wales. He fulfilled the duties of Secretary to the Engineering Association for seven years, and on relinquishing the post was presented by the members with a handsome token of esteem in the shape of a silver-plate, and was elected a life member of the Association. Since 1884 Mr. Fitz-maurice has been closely identified with the military electric lighting and communication of New South Wales. He prepared specifications for and plans of the military defence electric light plants at South Head, La Perouse (now removed to Green Point, Sydney Harbour), Fort Scratchley and Nobbys (Newcastle),
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Simcoe Fitzmaurice.
and superintended their erection. In January, 1893, he accepted a commission as Lieutenant in No. 4 Electric Company, New South Wales, and was placed in charge of the electric light section of that Company. On the retirement of Major J. S. Alexander, V.D., he was appointed to the command of No. 1 Electric Company, which was subsequently formed into two separate units—the No. 1 Telegraph and No. 1 Electric Company respectively. He was selected to command the No. 1 Telegraph Company, a position he held until taking up the duties of Electrical Engineer in Western Australia. In 1909 he passed with special mention and distinction for Captain, and two years hence (1913) will be entitled to the Victoria Officers’ Decoration for
twenty years’ commissioned service. During the Kitchener manoeuvres in 1910 the Telegraph Company under his command carried out important communications, which earned the commendation of the military authorities. Bowling is the favourite pastime of Mr. Fitzmaurice. He is a member and Ex-President of the Balmain Bowling Club, New South Wales, and has placed several matches, including championship honours, to his credit, and has held the position of pennant captain for some years. He has taken a very active part in Masonic matters in New South Wales, was Past Master of Lodge Corinthian, No. 100, in which he was initiated in 1893, and holds the position of Past Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, having had seven years of active service under the Grand Mastership of M.W. Brother Colonel J. C. Remington and M.W. Brother Admiral Sir Harry Rawson, K.C.M.G., respectively. He has occupied the offices of Grand Steward, Grand Deacon, Inspector of Working, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and was a member of the Board of Benevolence from 1901 to 1910 inclusive, and is a life member of the Freemasons' Benevolent Institution, New South Wales. In 1886 Mr. Fitzmaurice married a daughter of the late Mr. Hugh Thomas Smith, of Canada, but latterly of Sydney, and has three daughters and two sons, the latter graduating in the engineering profession.
GEORGE PHILIP STEVENS, formerly electrical engineer to the Post and Telegraph Department, but now retired, was born at Keynsham, Somerset, England, on June 24, 1861. When only seven years of age he was brought to Western Australia by his parents, and after some years of schooling entered the Post and Telegraph Department on April 13, 1874. Two years later he was transferred to Esperance Bay as officer-in-charge, pending the completion of the intercolonial telegraph line. At the age of seventeen he was appointed station-master at Bremer Bay, and in 1882, when only twenty-one years of age, he was promoted to be station-master and Customs officer at Israelite Bay. Four years afterwards he was transferred to Eucla, on the South Australian border, then a most important
387
link in the telegraph system which serves to annihilate the distance between East and West, but since fallen from its high estate owing to the installation of the wonderful “Wheatstone” system. At Eucla he remained for ten years, and was then recalled to Perth to occupy the post of Manager and Electrician to the Telegraph Department. In a similar capacity he was transferred in 1901 to the Commonwealth Service, being subsequently promoted at a higher salary to be electrical engineer. During his tenure of this office he incurred the displeasure of the permanent and political heads of the Department by strenuously opposing the indiscriminate use of condenser telephones, on the ground that they seriously interfered with the efficiency of the telegraph service. He was subsequently charged with incompetency, the chief indictment being waste of money through his advocacy of an additional telegraph line to the goldfields at a cost of £3,900 and the employment of more telephone attendants than was considered necessary. A special Board was appointed to inquire and report as to his fitness to satisfactorily carry out the duties assigned to him. The Board of three included a junior officer from Sydney and a mail officer possessing no technical knowledge. The officer upon whose report the inquiry was based was present watching his case throughout the investigation, but Mr. Stevens had neither departmental nor legal representation. After six weeks, occupied chiefly in seeking weak points in the administration, the Board reported unfavourably, and Mr. Stevens was informed that he would be transferred to the position of comptroller of stores, and simultaneously with this it was announced that the junior member of the Board would succeed him as electrical engineer. Mr. Stevens protested against the disrating, claiming his right to be retired under Section 6 of the State Superannuation Act, and in this he was supported by the State Govern-
ment and Sir John Forrest, the latter characterizing his treatment as unparalleled in the annals of the British Civil Service. Obtaining leave of absence, Mr. Stevens proceeded to Melbourne to personally urge his claim, which was ultimately granted, and he was retired with a pension based on his thirty-two years' service. He resides at Claremont, where he has been closely identified with municipal life for the past twelve years, and it was mainly through his exertions that the electric light system at Claremont was taken over by the municipality. He has taken an active interest in the State Civil Service since his retirement, and from 1908 has been Secretary to the Civil Service Association. Mr. Stevens is a member of the Masonic community, his mother
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Philip Stevens.
lodge being the Bruce Claremont, No. 51, W.A.C. In bowls he finds congenial recreation, and as Secretary to the Claremont Bowling Club leaves nothing undone to promote the interests of the ancient game. He captained the champion four of the State in 1906 and won the asso-
ciation singles in 1910, besides having several club trophies to his credit. He was a member of the team of bowlers sent from this State to take part in the Commonwealth carnival in 1910, and during the tour fulfilled the duties of Manager. He also had the honour of being one of the four selected captains to play in the test matches against the first visiting team from the Eastern States. He married in South Australia a daughter of Mr. W. Graham, whilom postmaster at Kadina, in that State, and has four sons and five daughters.
JAMES CAMPBELL MUIR, Manager of the Telephones Branch in the Federal Post and Telegraph Department of Western Australia, is the son of Mr. James C. Muir, of Melbourne, a well-known figure in mining circles of the Garden State. He was born on Juno 6, 1872, in the pretty town of Maryborough, in the heart of the Loddon mining fields, and it was at the Grammar School in his native place that he received his education. At the age of sixteen years he entered the Victorian Post and Telegraph Department, resigning four years later to accept an appointment at Hobart as telegraphist in the Government Service of Tasmania. Here he continued for three years, when his services were sought by the Western Australian Government, and in 1894 we find him installed in a similar capacity at Kalgoorlie, where he rendered yeoman service for nine years. At the end of that time he received well-merited promotion to the position of Manager of the Telephones Branch, the duties of which office he still carries out. Outside of his official work Mr. Muir is an enthusiastic tennis player, of which game he is a worthy exponent, and also finds time to indulge in gardening pursuits, his particular hobby being the cultivation of roses in infinite variety. He was married in 1907 to a daughter of Mr. Robert S. Bradley and has one son.
Department of Defence.
NAVAL, FORCES.
Prior to federation the only naval defence force Western Australia ever possessed was raised in 1879 under the name of the Fremantle Naval Volunteers. 7.9.
The corps consisted of thirty-eight of all ranks under the command of Lieutenant George A. Forsyth, and was armed with two guns of an obsolete pattern. In
THE CYCLOPEDIA! OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
1888 this unit was converted into field artillery. In 1910 a reserve force of Naval Militia was recruited at Fremantle, and the Harbourmaster at that port. Lieutenant C. J. Irvine, received the appointment of commanding officer.
The regulations which now govern the department came into operation on July 1, 1911. Under them 300 naval cadets were enrolled at Fremantle and fifty at Albany. They are now known as naval reserve “O,” while the old naval reserve force which has been m existence in this State for a year is called naval reserve “M,” and is about fifty strong. At the same time the few volunteer naval cadets who had been training at Fremantle, and who were under seventeen years of age in July, 1911, were drafted into one of the naval cadet companies then being formed, and those eighteen years or over were absorbed in the naval reserve “M ”
The first offices of the Commonwealth Naval Depart-ment in Fremantle were at the old Customs House buildings, and rent was paid to the State Government for the use of the rooms It was soon discovered, however, that the accommodation was totally inadequate for the service, and in consequence application was made to have the old Post Office buildings in Cliff Street, which property was transferred to the Commonwealth at the time of the federation, put in order and fitted up as naval drill-rooms, stores, and offices. The application was granted, and the State Works Department, acting for the Commonwealth, made the alterations necessary to the building and completely renovated it It was in March last that the naval staff took possession of the premises, which are in every way suited for the purpose.
There are on the books at Fremantle forty-six R A naval reserve men and 277 senior naval cadets. On July 1 ninety more boys who will be fourteen years of age this year will be enrolled as senior cadets, and sixty-seven who are eighteen this year will pass into naval reserve “O,” bringing the strength of the reserve men up to 113 and senior cadets to 300. At Albany, which is a subdivision and in charge of Mr. Mutton, chief gunner, there are forty-nine senior cadets Eight of this number will on July 1 automatically pass into the naval reserve “O” and sixteen new boys will join the senior naval cadets at fourteen years.
Recruiting is almost continuously going on for the R.A. Navy, principally for boys for the training ship “Tingara” in Sydney. Any boys between the age of fourteen and a half and sixteen of good physique and character are eligible for entry. They have to pass a medical examination, and if they do this satisfactorily they are sent to Sydney at the expense of the Government. On joining the “Tingara” they have to agree to serve for a term of seven years after they are
eighteen years of age. Western Australia has already sent eight boys. During the year seven or eight men of various callings have been engaged at Fremantle and sent to the naval depot at Williamstown. The district
naval officer, who is also royal naval registrar, has secured for the navy since the “Challenger” was here m January last fifty-two recruits—men and boys—for the service.
There are four naval cutters in Fremantle (three were built m Perth), and a start has been made to erect a commodious boatshed alongside the fish market jetty, Fremantle Authority has also been obtained for building a boatshed at Albany.
The staff in Western Australia now consists of.— At Fremantle. The District Naval Officer, Captain C.
J. Clare, C.M.G., Assistant-District Naval Officer, Chief Gunner Mr R. Fulton; Chief Gunnery Instructor, C.P.O. C. Frolick; Chief Signal Instructor, C.P.O. W H Jackson; Seamanship and Boating Instructor, C.P.O. H. Johnson; Chief Armourer, C.P O. S. H. Harvey; Storekeeper, C.P.O. H. Downes; Messenger and Record Keeper, A. L. Rowlandson; Caretakers and general workmen and assistants, J. Winchester, A. E Mingay, and G. T. Vine The Chief Staff Clerk is Mr. W B. Harvey, who has under his control the whole of the accountancy and clerical work of this division. The subdivision at Albany is in charge of the Sub-District Naval Officer, Chief Gunner Mutton, who has with him as instructor C.P.O Willett.
In the future of Australian naval defence Western Australia is to take a most important part. Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson, K.C.B., in his report to the Minister for Defence, recommends the division of the fleet into two units—the Eastern and Western divisions, the former to have its headquarters at Sydney, the latter at Fremantle By all indications the Government is inclined to follow the advice of the expert, and the site selected for the fleet base is Cockburn Sound, with sub-bases at Albany and Cone Bay. A large area of land is to be resumed at Cockburn Sound, and the works to be carried out will include a graving-dock, building slips, workshops, storehouses, barracks, and a magazine for ammunition and explosives. A channel for deep-draught is to be dredged through the Parmelia and Success Banks and a short breakwater thrown out from Woodman’s Point. All this will involve a very heavy outlay in money, but as the fleet unit will not be completed until 1933 the expenditure will necessarily be spread over some twenty years or more.
The fleet, which will use Fremantle as its base, will consist of four armoured crusiers, five protected cruisers, six torpedo-boat destroyers, nine submarines, one depot ship, and one fleet repair ship, with a personnel of about 7,500 of all ranks.
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Captain CHAPMAN JAMES CLARE, C.M.G., District Naval Officer for Western Australia, is a son of the late Lieutenant J. C. Clare, R.N.R., and was born in the Bay of Biscay on June 23, 1853. He was educated at various private schools in England, and at fifteen years of age joined the Mercantile Marine Service, serving his apprenticeship in the sailing ships owned by the firm of Smith, Fleming, and Co., of London. For five years (1875-80) lie was officer on board the steamers of the line of Messrs. Apcar and Co., trading between Calcutta and Hong-Kong. Resigning in 1880, he came to South Australia, where he joined the Marine Board service of that State, in 1884 was appointed to command the South Australian Government steamer “Governor Musgrave,” in 1886 receiving the rank of Lieutenant-Commander in the South Australian Naval Forces. In 1900 he received the appointment of Naval Commandant of South Australia with the rank of Captain, taking over the command of H.M.A.S. “Protector,” and continuing in the discharge of this appointment until his transfer to Western Australia in 1911 under the Commonwealth Department of Defence. Captain Clare married in 1885 Ellen Minnie, daughter of the late Lieutenant Cotgrave, of the Indian Navy, and has two sons and a daughter.
EDWARD SMITH MUTTON, Sub - District Naval Officer at Albany, was born at Portsmouth, England, on April 14, 1869, being the eldest son of the late Mr. J. H. Mutton, R.N., who died in 1879 on board H.M.S. “Hercules.” Descendant of a family which for generations had been identified with naval pursuits, the subject of this review was educated for the Royal Navy Service. Owing to his father’s early
death he was taken from Portsmouth, where he was being trained in the engineering department, and sent to the Royal Naval School at Greenwich. After five years in this institution he attained the honourable distinction of coming out second in the school, and upon leaving was apprenticed to the Mercantile Marine Service. Coming to Victoria he joined the naval service of that State in pre-Federal days, and for several years occupied the position of Torpedo Instructor, passing his examination for Warrant Officer in 1892. In 1895, with the idea of abandoning marine pursuits for a time, he accepted a position in the Civil Service of Victoria as assessor in the Income Tax Department, but after doing duties in this office for five months he returned to the naval forces, on account of his application for transfer being refused by the
Imperial Studio, Albany.
Mr. Edward Smith Mutton.
naval authorities on the ground that his services could not at that time be dispensed with. He holds a chief officer’s foreign-going certificate in
the Mercantile Marine Service, and in 1900-1 accompanied the Victorian Contingent to China, where the troops formed part of the China Field Force at the time of the Boxer rebellion. During this period of service he held rank as Chief Petty Officer, and while in Tientsin filled the position of Chief Clerk in the Lines of Communication Office there. Upon his appointment as an officer of the Commonwealth Naval Service Mr. Mutton took charge of the Portland and Port Fairy districts upon the transfer of these districts from the Garrison Artillery, holding the rank of Warrant Officer Instructor at these ports. He was the first officer sent by the Federal authorities to inaugurate the naval forces of Western Australia in 1910, and has been particularly successful in the management of the affairs with which he was entrusted. He has won golden opinions both at Fremantle and Albany, and, although not an Australian by birth, has been the subject of most hearty congratulation from the Board of Directors for Western Australia of the Australian Natives’ Association, which placed on the records of that body a resolution acknowledging his valuable national services on behalf of the naval movement in this State. He was awarded the China war medal for services in connection with that country, and also holds the naval long-service medal. Mr. Mutton has been an eminent sportsman, and is the holder of several amateur championships in swimming, besides numerous trophies in the same line of sport. Cricket and football also receive a share of his attention, and he is a warm sympathizer with the various forms of outdoor diversion. A member of the Masonic fraternity for many years, he has held office at different times in the craft. In 1891 he married Ellen Mary, daughter of the late Mr. John Troy, of Beaufort, Victoria.
MILITARY FORCES.
The Military Forces of the Crown made their first appearance in Western Australia on Christmas Day, 1826, Major Lockyer of the 57th Regiment, with a detachment of the 39th Foot, having that day landed at King George Sound from Sydney, with instructions to found a settlement.
June 8, 1829, witnessed the arrival of H.M.S.
"Sulphur” in Cockburn Sound. This ship, which formed part of Captain Stirling’s expedition to form a settlement on the Swan River, had on board fifty-seven officers and men of the 63rd Regiment under the command of Captain F. C. Irwin. On June 17 the troops disembarked. This unit was relieved in 1833 by two companies of the 21st Regiment, which, in turn, were
390
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
replaced in 1840 by a similar force from the 51st Regiment. Later reliefs consisted of one company only, and were supplied firstly by the 99th Regiment and secondly and lastly by the 12th Regiment. Royal Engineer officers and detachments of the Royal Sappers and Miners arrived at various dates, the total of the latter corps at one time exceeding one hundred rank and file. They were principally engaged m directing and superintending the work of the convict gangs on the public works of the colony. The whole of the regular troops while stationed m Western Australia formed portion of the garrison of the Australasian colonies, the headquarters being at various times situated in Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand.
Enrolled Pensioner Force —As a part of their emigration policy the Home Government m 1850 commenced to send out parties of military pensioners These pensioners, who brought their wives and families with them, made the voyage on convict ships, of which they formed the guards. On arrival they either took up land grants or entered into the service of the settlers. This policy was continued for many years, and by 1864 something over 2,000 persons had thus been added to the population.
Representations made by the Governor as to the weak state of the garrison m the colony elicited a reply (1854) from the Duke of Newcastle that in view of the disturbed state of politics m Europe the Government was not prepared to increase the number of troops, but suggested that advantage should be taken of the influx of military pensioners to enrol them as an auxiliary force to the regulars Action was accordingly taken, and Captain John Bruce, who had arrived in the colony with the first detachment, was appointed Staff Officer to the “Enrolled Pensioner Force ” This unit, which at one time showed a strength of over 600, assisted the line companies in the various garrison duties, and finally assumed all responsibilities when the last of the Queen’s troops left Fremantle for Hobart on March 8, 1863. At one time some 300 rank and file were thus continuously employed Captain C. Finnerty succeeded Captain Bruce in the command of the force after the latter had been appointed Commandant, and maintained that position until 1872, when the then Commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel E D Harvest, assumed direct control
In November, 1880, the Enrolled Pensioner Force was abolished and a new unit, termed the Enrolled Guard, formed from among its members and placed under the command of Captain M S. Smith, the Super intendent of Police March 31, 1887, witnessed the last parade of this body of old soldiers
Staff.—For many years the military staff consisted of the Commandant and Staff Officer of Pensioners only
In 1884 Regimental Sergeant-Major J. A. Campbell, of the Cameron Highlanders, came out from England as an instructor, and was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant with the appointment of Staff Adjutant. Additional instructors were afterwards obtained, under a three years’ engagement, from the Regular Army, and on the Commonwealth Government assuming control of the Defence Department in 1901 the staff was further strengthened.
The officers who have held the appointment of Commandant are as follow . —
Captain F. C. Irwm, 63rd Regiment, 1829-33.
Captain R Daniell, 21st Regiment, 1833-5.
Captain W. H. Armstrong, 21st Regiment, 1835-7
Lieutenant-Colonel F. C. Irwm, K.H., 63rd Regiment, 1837-54.
Lieutenant-Colonel G. M. Reeves, 99th Regiment,
1854
Lieutenant-Colonel J. Bruce, 16th Regiment, 1854-70.
Major R H. Crampton, 1870-1.
Captain C. Finnerty, 1871-2.
Lieutenant - Colonel (afterwards Major-General) E. D. Harvest, R.A., 1872-8.
Major the Right Honorable Lord Gifford, V C., 57th Regiment, 1880-1
Lieutenant-Colonel E F. Angelo, 1st Regiment, 1882-6.
Lieutenant-Colonel W. J. Phillimore, R.A., 1886-9.
Lieutenant-Colonel H. L Pilkington, C.B., 21st Hussars, 1890.
Lieutenant-Colonel G. B. Phillips, Local Forces, 1890-2
Lieutenant-Colonel H. S. Fleming, Essex Regiment, 1892-5.
Colonel (afterwards Major-General) A Wilson, C B , Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1895-8.
Colonel G. H. Chippendall, West Riding Regiment, 1898-1901.
Lieutenant-Colonel J A Campbell, Local Forces, 1901-2
Colonel P. R Ricardo, C B., C M. Forces, 1902-5
Colonel R. Wallace, R.A.A , 1905-6.
Colonel H LeMessurier, C.M. Forces, 1906-9
Colonel G G H. Irving, C.M. Forces, 1909-
Colonel Harvest and Captain Finnerty, who had other duties in connection with the Imperial establishments m the colony, received no salary for performing the office of Commandant Lord Gifford also acted in an honorary capacity, being the holder of the office of Colonial Secretary During portion of the period 1879-82 no officer occupied the post, as the Legislative Council was not prepared to vote the necessary funds, and had expressed the opinion that “the senior officers of volunteers might perform the necessary inspections ”
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
391
The present staff of the Forces consists of —
Commandant, Colonel Godfrey George Howy Irving.
Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General and Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster-General, Major H. Hunt
General Staff Officer, Captain J. L. Hardie.
Staff Officer for Artillery, Major J E Robertson, R A.G A
Staff Officer for Engineer Services, Captain A. M Martyn, R A E
Principal Medical Officfer, Lieutenant - Colonel Arthur T. White, V.D.
Senior Ordnance Officer, Honorary Lieutenant Wm Chalmers
District Paymaster, Mr. H. S. Norris
Chief Clerk, Mr. J. W. Healy
Instructional Staff, Captains F M de F Lorenzo and J. P. Lalor, Lieutenants A R W. Buttner, R. E. Jackson, and J. H. Peck, and thirty-three warrant and non-commissioned officers.
Defence Works and Buildings.—The strained condition of international relations existing almost continuously through the first half of the nineteenth century brought the question of coast defence into prominence very early m the history of the colony. In 1846, by direction of the Secretary of State, Captain Twiss, R.E., was sent from Tasmania to report on barrack accommodation required for the troops m Western Australia and defensive measures necessary for the protection of its resources and the safety of the inhabitants In his report Captain Twiss advocated the construction of a battery at Arthur’s Head, on the south side of the entrance to the Swan River, the armament to consist of five 32-pounders, and to be manned by one officer and thirty-two non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Artillery. In 1854, on the outbreak of war with Russia, a further survey was made by Captain E. Y. W Henderson, R.E He reported in favour of the construction of a martello tower on Point Anglesea and of five batteries at various places between there and the river, the whole to be connected up by a military road protected by a parapet The tower was to be equipped with three 8-in guns and the batteries with four 12-pounder howitzers. Magazines and accommodation for the manning details were also included in the scheme These works were estimated to cost about £1,500. In a supplementary report of a few months later Captain Henderson substituted Arthur’s Head for Point Anglesea as the site for the martello tower In 1860 Lieutenant-Colonel Bruce considered it his duty to again bring under the notice of the Government the defenceless state of the colony, and solicited the Governor’s approval to a request he proposed to send to the War Office
for three 68-pounders to arm a battery to be constructed on Arthur’s Head In the following year Major Henderson and Captain Gram, both engineer officers, submitted a joint memorandum containing a scheme for the protection of King George Sound.
At the Intercolonial Conference held in Sydney in 1881 a general system of defence for Australia was one of the subjects discussed. Major-General Sir Peter Scratchley was about this time engaged on a tour having for its objects the noting of all points of strategic value and the measures necessary to secure them. He reported m general terms on both King George Sound and Fremantle The former post he considered of greater importance, and his ideas for its defence, if carried out, would have involved an expenditure of approximately £70,000 For Fremantle he considered a light armament would be sufficient. In 1885 the Secretary of State for War, in a despatch to the Governor, gave the views of the British Government. Fremantle was to be fortified at the expense of the local Government, but the War Office offered to provide two 7-in. 6J-ton guns and three 16-pounder muzzle-loading guns mounted on travelling carriages. With regard to King George Sound, it was considered that the whole of the Australian colonies should take this matter in hand m accordance with the spirit of General Scratch-ley’s report —"The protection of the Sound and Princess Royal Harbour is of vital importance for the general security of the Australian colonies in time of war. If left undefended, the Sound becomes the weak point in the Australian system of defence.” The Legislative Council approved of the action proposed m regard to Fremantle, and the two heavy guns duly arrived The works, however, were not gone on with, and the guns, after lying in the sand at the port for some considerable time, were afterwards placed on their carriages under cover at Karrakatta, and finally found a resting-place in King’s Park, Perth.
Further discussion took place at the Colonial Conference of 1887, and in August, 1889, the Home Government submitted its proposals at some length. The ultimate result was that the Federal Council agreed to the construction of the forts at Albany, and these were completed and manned on March 1, 1893, the first commanding officer being Captain J C. Hawker
After the Commonwealth Government took over the Department of Defence the whole question of coast defence was gone into, and in 1904 works of a substantial nature were commenced m Fremantle At the present time forts have been constructed at Arthur’s Head and North Fremantle. These are armed with the latest pattern guns. The garrison consists of seventy-five officers and other ranks of the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery as well as one company of Militia Garrison Artillery.
392
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Of buildings for military purposes many of the older towns of the State possess traces Small guardhouses were built wherever troops were permanently stationed. Barracks were erected in Perth m 1832. These were situated between the present Town Hall and General Post Office, and Barrack Street derives its name from the fact. Barracks for the Enrolled Pensioner Force were commenced m South Terrace, Fremantle, m 1852, and still stand In 1863 the building which marks the western end of St George’s Terrace, Perth, was begun This was designed to accommodate the increased pensioner force necessitated by the withdrawal of the legular troops It contained one hundred and twenty rooms, hospital, magazine, and other annexes. It was m the year 1896 that the present Headquarters Offices were erected, and the Ordnance Stores have since been added. In the same year Fremantle gained its drill-hall, and military works m that town were further increased by the completion m 1911 of most up-to-date quarters for the permanent troops Offices for the Field Artillery and a shed for the guns were provided in Perth m 1901. Drill-halls have also been erected m other towns such as Kal goorlie, Noitham, Bunbury, Albany, Boulder, and Geraldton. Recently the State Government has expressed a desire to resume possession of the block upon which the offices and drill-halls stand in Perth, but has made no definite announcement as to what it is prepared to offer m exchange.
A rifle range was opened on Mount Eliza m 1863 and similar works were afterwards prepared in other parts of the colony At Karrakatta, where the principal magazines are now situated, an extensive range was equipped in 1896 with “Jeffries” targets Here the training for the contingents which went to South Africa was carried out Recently this site has been declared unsafe and a large area resumed on the coast m the vicinity of Cottesloe, where it is expected the troops will be able to conduct their musketry practice during the year 1913.
V ohmteers and Militia —The volunteer movement, revived in Great Britain in 1859, spread to Wes tern Australia in 1861 and was taken up by the inhabi tants with considerable energy Bodies of men m various towns and districts assembled wherever -and whenever convenient for the purpose of undergoing military instruction. By Local Ordinance, 25 Viet , No. 3, the movement received the approval of the Legislature and also gave the Governor power to raise and disband corps, enrol members, appoint officers (after election by corps) and non-commissioned officers, approve of rules, frame regulations, and call out the force for service within the colony in case of war or internal dis-
turbance Difficulties, however, were encountered in arranging for the equipping, training, and periodical inspection of the various units. The Government had few spare rifles available and was not disposed to expend much money on the purchase of same. The War Office regulations at that time allowed of the issue of arms to only 25 per cent, of the establishment of the corps. Up to this stage none of the units had been regularly enrolled, and m the face of the situation which had arisen a great many of the members abandoned any idea of further training. In Perth and Fremantle, however, where the regular troops and pensioner force were available as instructors and models upon which to base ideas of discipline and drill, some progress was made On September 13, 1861, the Metropolitan Volunteer Rifles (afterwards the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment; and now the 88th Infantry) were enrolled at Perth, the first man to subscribe to the oath of allegiance being M. W Clifton One hundred members and twenty cadets were thus secured. Almost simultaneously a similar unit was formed at Fremantle. During the first few months of their existence the two corps were commanded by Lieutenant - Colonel Bruce and Captain Fmnerty respectively, but in August, 1862, the requisite period of probation having been served, Captains L. S. Leake and S. R Price were gazetted to the commands Much enthusiasm was displayed, and the Duke of Newcastle in a despatch to the Governor expressed his great satisfaction at the progress that had been made.
The Pmjarra Mounted Rifles, the first mounted force m Western Australia, and one which existed for twenty years, was raised by Captain T. Fawcett in the Pmjarra district A second troop (cavalry) was raised m Perth m 1870 as the “Union Troop of Western Australian Mounted Volunteers,” and of which Cornet Frank de Lisle was the leader This unit went through many changes In 1873 it became a troop of Horse Artillery, m 1882 a section of field artillery, known as the Perth Artillery, m 1897, two guns were added, and it was designated No. 1 Field Battery, 1903, No 1 Western Australian Battery, Australian Field Artillery; and finally No. 14 Battery, Australian Field Artillery, in 1911, when substantial additions were made to its equipment.
Various other corps were raised from time to time— Guildford Rifles, 1874; Geraldton Rifles, 1876; Wellington Mounted Rifles, 1877 (disbanded 1882); the Albany Rifles were enrolled in 1878, disbanded in 1885, revived in the same year as the Albany Defence Rifles, disbanded in 1888, a fresh corps, and known as the Plantagenet Rifles, enlisted a few months later, only to be finally disbanded in 1897. The services of the York Rifles were accepted in 1878 and continued until 1886.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
393
In 1883 the Legislative Council passed a compre-lensive measure providing for the better discipline, organization, and administration of the forces and placing it, with certain reservations, under the military aw of Great Britain in time of war.
The residents of Northampton furnished a company of rifles in 1884, and this was retained on the strength until 1899. By the conversion of the Fre-nantle Naval Artillery a sec-:ion of field artillery was established at Fremantle in 1888, but in 1907 this corps became a company of Garrison Artillery, and is now known as No. 11 Company, Australian Garrison Artillery.
Advantage was taken of the presence in Australia in 1889 of Major-General J. B. Edwards,
C.B., R.E., the Commander - in -Chief in China and llong-Kong, to invite him to inspect and report on the local forces. This he did, and while commenting on the excellent stamp and bearing of the men. pointed out that without better organization and equipment t h e material would be almost valueless for the purposes for which it was intended.
In 1892 the Bunbury Rifles were recruited. In the following year the corps formally existing at York was resuscitated, only to be finally dispersed in 1902.
The Defence Forces Act of 1894 enlarged the scope of previous legislation and provided for the maintenance and discipline of the permanent force at Albany and the
creation of a militia. The regulations framed under this Act proved of great benefit to the forces, which during the next three years greatly advanced in efficiency.
In 1895 the Government, on the recommendation of Colonel Fleming, and in order to improve the training, introduced the partially paid system, with bounties for extra efficiency and musketry. With variations this system has been continued up to the present time. During the same year Captain E. J. A. Haynes raised a half-company of mounted rifles in Perth, but this was not continued after 1897.
In 1896 the five companies of infantry in the metropolitan district were organized as a regiment and placed under the command of Major S. Gardiner, V.D.
At the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the local forces were represented by detachments of field artillery and infantry in charge of Captain J. C. Strickland, who had associated with him Captain J. A. Campbell of the Staff and Captain J. T. Hobbs of the Artillery.
The rumours of war which became rife about the middle of 1899 were largely instrumental in adding to the strength of the various corps. The garrison at Albany was reinforced by a company of volunteers of the same arm raised in the town, and a fine corps, recruited wholly from the Civil Service, and numbering nearly 300, was formed in Perth. This latter unit for various reasons did not
SCENES AT THE ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT, TAMMIN.
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THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
prove a success, and eventually dwindled away or was absorbed by those longer established.
On the receipt of the news of President Kruger’s virtual declaration of war whole units offered their services, but the want of equipment, the absence of any field organization, and the disinclination of the Home authorities to accept large bodies of colonial troops negatived these offers Individual volunteers from the forces were, however, forthcoming m plenty, and both officered and formed a large proportion of the con tmgents that were sent oversea. Their places at home were quickly filled, and the volunteers as a whole were in 1901 stronger than they had ever been before or have been since.
The subsequent demand for mounted troops led Captain Moore (now Sir Newton Moore, K C.M.G.) in 1900 to attempt the raising of a corps of mounted infantry. He met with considerable success, and commencing himself with his own district in the south-west he was able to watch with satisfaction the growth m other localities of the component parts of the regiment which he afterwards commanded and which is now known as the 25th Australian Light Horse Regiment.
The infantry about this time was also reorganized on similar lines to the force m Victoria. A brigade (without staff) was formed composed of four battalions of four companies each and distributed as follows. —
1st Battalion, Perth.
2nd Battalion, Fremantle
3rd Battalion, Guildford, Geraldton, Bunbury, York.
4th Battalion, Civil Service Corps, Perth.
The formation of infantry companies at Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie, Boulder, Kanowna, Menzies, and Broad Arrow in the same year added a fifth battalion
The inauguration of the Commonwealth on January 1, 1901, was the occasion of sending to Sydney a mixed force of over 100, under Major J W Hope, to take part in the military celebrations At the opening of the Parliament by the present King, in the following May, a further contingent of some 350 was taken to Melbourne by Major J C. Strickland.
On March 1, 1901, the Commonwealth Ministry of Defence took over the control of the whole of the forces of the States, the strength in Western Australia at that date being 2,283 of all ranks. The subsequent changes m organization and administration, the reduction m establishments, the withdrawal of the partially paid system from some units, and the more exacting provisions of the new Defence Act, as well as a certain reversal of popular feeling after the close of the war, affected the forces somewhat adversely, and their strength had become reduced by more than half. General Hutton’s scheme of reorganization, which came into force on July 1, 1903, placed matters, however, on a very much sounder basis. The question of defence was gradually restored to its position m public favour, and gave to the State the nucleus of a small field force composed of one regiment of Light Horse, two batteries of Artillery, and three battalions of Infantry In addition there was the permanent force at Albany and its auxiliary company of militia.
In 1908 further changes took place, having for their object the allotment of certain troops to defended ports and the formation of a mobile mixed brigade. The garrison troops were placed under the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel J. C Strickland, V D., who had his headquarters at Fremantle, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. T. Hobbs took over the command of the field force now designated the Western Australian Brigade. After this date no addition in the way of large units was authorized, but various specialist and departmental corps have since been raised, such as field and electrical engineers, a detachment of the Australian Intelligence Corps, Signallers, Army Service Corps, and details for medical and veterinary services
A special camp of training was arranged in January, 1910, in order to afford Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener an opportunity of seeing officers and men at work. On what he witnessed at this camp, and those held in the eastern parts of Australia, he based his report as to the requirements for future organization and training His recommendations are now being carried into effect.
At the close of the financial ycai 1911-12 the authorized, units, their commanding officeis, and strength were as
follow •—
| Officers. Other ranks. Total.
1. Permanent—District Headquarters Staff 3 9 12
Instructional Staff 5 32 37
Royal Australian Garrison Artillery Major J. E. Robertson 4 90 94
Armament Art ificers — 2 2
Royal Australian Engineers Captain A. M. Martyn 1 10 11
Ordnance Department — 1 11 12
Rifle Range Staff — — 1 1
Pay Department — — 5 5
Rifle Club Reserve Clerical Staff Total 14 1 161 1 175
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA
395
Officers. Other tanks. Total.
2. Militia—Fremantle Defence Staff Lieut.-Col. J. C. Strickland, V.D. . . i i
W.A. Brigade Staff Lieut.-Col. J.T. Hobbs, V D., A.D.C 3 i 4
18th A.L H. Regiment Major N. Brazier 20 199 219
No. 14 Battery, A.F.A. Major A. J. Bessell-Browne, D.S.O 5 56 6)
No. 12 Company, A.G.A. Major P. H. Meeks 3 43 46
No. 13 Company, A G A. Lieut. A. W. Woodley-Page 5 69 74
No. 4 (!) Field Company, C. of A E. Major J. Pidgeon 2 28 30
No. 4 Electric Company, C. of A E. Captain H. Dowson 1 28 29
1st Battalion 11th Australian Iufantiv Regiment Lieut.-Col. H. B. Collett . . 20 183 203
1st Battalion W.A. Infantry Regiment Major C. Battye 19 247 266
1st Battalion Goldfields Infantry Regiment Lieut.-Col. J. Lyon Johnstone 16 205 221
Australian Intelligence Corps Major E. J. H. Nicholson... 10 — 10
No. 8 (!) Company, C A. 8 Captain T. C. Wilson 1 19 20
A. A 8 C. Transport and Supply Column Lieut. A. Mathieson 2 24 26
No 4 Field Ambulance, A. A. 41.0. . . Major H. A T. Leschen . 4 22 26
A A. M.C. Staff and Officeis attached to Regiments — 8 — 8
A.A.V.C. -- 1 — 1
Total Militia . 121 1,124 1,245
3. Chaplain Department 22 _ 22
Nursing Staff — 10 10
k. Unattached List—Militia 24 — 24
5. Reserve Forces—Reserve of Officeis 55 — 65
Rifle Clubs 4,510 4,510
6. Area Officers — 15 — 15
7. Cadets—Senior — 51 3,946 3,997
Area Medical Officers 9 — 9
Total Permanent ... 14 161 175
Grand Total . . 311 9,751 10,062
Tunning.—The instruction acquired by the early volunteers would not m these days be considered of much value, but it must be remembered that with their small numbers, obsolete weapons, paucity of funds, and the almost entire absence of equipment there was little that their instructors could impart beyond the habits of discipline, the movements of the parade ground, and the use of the rifle. Their enthusiasm was, however, unbounded, and successive commandants have placed on record how zealously and satisfactorily they responded to the efforts put forward to fit them for duty as defenders of their country. The smallness of the Government grant was a subject for frequent comment by the officer commanding the troops, but with a limited revenue and an unresponsive Legislature it was many years before any movement could be made toward increased efficiency in the force. In 1884 Colonel Angelo conducted a camp at Cottesloe which was attended by 355 of all ranks In 1888 and 1889 similar camps, not so largely attended, were held at Greenmount and Guildford Having secured the assistance of Sir John Forrest, the State Minister for Defence at that time. Colonel Wilson was enabled to improve the reserve previously acquired at Karrakatta, and during the years 1896-8 carry out camps of training on a very much more extensive scale.
The federation of the colonies and the adoption of a policy of national defence laid the foundations of the system of training which, although now improved almost beyond recognition, is still in force at the present day. To Colonel Ricardo must be conceded the credit for
its introduction to this State In 1903 the first School of Instruction was held. Some twelve months later General Hutton personally conducted a staff ride for senior and regimental officers In the annual camps, which from this date were regularly held, work of a more advanced nature was undertaken and the various arms taught to appreciate the value of co-operation The difficulties encountered through the want of a suitable training ground were overcome m 1909 by an arrangement arrived at between the Commonwealth and State Governments, resulting in a tract of some 43,000 acres at Tammin (119 miles from Perth on the Eastern Goldfields Railway) being reserved for military purposes
Opportunities for officers to improve their military knowledge are now more frequently available. Schools or classes of instruction are arranged; staff and regimental tours are conducted by members of the District Staff; series of lectures are given to candidates for promotion; and periodically individual officers are selected to attend a course in staff duties under the Director of Military Science at Sydney University. By arrangement with the War Office one officer is sent each year to India to be attached to the army during the training season.
Cadet* —As have been previously noted, cadet corps formed adjuncts to the earlier volunteer units, but apparently the movement was shortlived Attempts to revive it were made from time to time, and with more or less success. A large number of the boys took part in the celebrations attendant on the proclamation of
396
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
responsible government m 1890. Again in 1896 Colonel Wilson secured financial assistance from the Government and was enabled to form a battalion of senior cadets and two or three battalions of junior cadets. Subsequently the Education Department took the matter in hand, and with the assistance of a small inspection staff and the male teachers was able to organize and tram a large number of the boys between the ages of ten and eighteen years. By arrangement the Commonwealth Government later on assumed control, and appointed officers and noncommissioned officers to supervise and impart physical instruction and elementary military drill. Small mounted units were added. On June 30, 1908, there were 2,139 cadets in the State. On the inauguration of universal training, January 1, 1911, all cadet corps ceased to exist, and the staff was transferred to do duty with the citizen forces The force at this time was composed of one battalion senior cadets, one squadron of mounted cadets, and five battalions of cadets—in all about 3,000 strong.
Rifle. Clubs.—Rifle Clubs are of comparative recent origin in this State. One or two clubs were formed during Colonel Wilson’s tenure of the command, but the absence of any material encouragement from either the Government or the Commandant retarded the growth of the movement. Since 1901, however, considerable progress has been made In that year a National Rifle Association, incorporating the whole of the clubs of the State, was formed. A branch of this Association was afterwards established on the goldfields, and this and the parent institution appointed a council as an executive for the whole. The regulations issued under the Defence Act of 1903 conferred upon the clubs certain privileges and subjected them to enrolment and military discipline as reserves to the Citizen Forces.
In 1910 a rearrangement took place and the two Associations were replaced by seven District Unions. Each Union now elects its delegates to the Central Council, which is composed of twenty such members, with the District Commandant as President and all commanding officeis as ex-officio members.
On June 30, 1912, the number of clubs existing was 134, with a membership of 4,510.
Universal Tiaimng.—It is interesting to quote from the Proclamation issued on June 18, 1829, when Captain Stirling assumed the office of Governor —
“And whereas the safety of the territory from invasion and from the attack of hostile native tribes may require the establishment of a Militia Force which on emergency may be depended on to assist His Majesty’s regular troops in the defence of the laws and property of the inhabitants of the territory, and moreover the
efficiency of such an armed body, depending wholly on its organization, discipline, and preparation for service, all male persons whatsoever between the ages of fifteen and fifty are hereby required to enrol themselves in the Muster Roll of the Militia of the country in which they may reside, and to observe that the days for muster and exercise, and the names of the officers whom I may see fit to appoint to command them will be duly notified, and that on proof of their disobedience to such officers or of negligent performance of the duties required of them, they will be subject, in the absence of martial law, to a pecuniary fine and to imprisonment until the same shall be liquidated.”
The fear of the enemies of England of those days has given place to a desire on the part of the people not only to protect themselves from any chance of immediate aggression, but also to provide for the future of the young nation and the maintenance of the Australian continent as an integral portion of the British Empire. With this end in view the first Defence Act of 1903 provided for the services of every able-bodied male, between the ages of eighteen and sixty years, being available in time of war. On the principle that prevention is better than cure the Parliament of 1909 went farther, and universal compulsory military training m time of peace became the law of the land. As a result of the recommendations made by Lord Kitchener the scope of this measure was enlarged by the Defence Act of 1910. All persons between the ages of twelve and twenty-six were called upon to undergo training—from twelve to fourteen in the junior cadets, fourteen to eighteen in the senior cadets, and eighteen to twenty-six in the militia forces. Residents m the remote parts of the continent were exempted from service, and the area in Western Australia thus affected is bounded on the south by a line drawn east from the mouth of the Murchison River to a point near Mount Margaret, and on the west by a line running south from Mount Margaret to Esperance. Within these lines it is now proposed to raise for service four squadrons of Light Horse, three batteries of Artillery, and seven battalions of Infantry, in addition to technical and departmental corps and details for the manning of the forts Altogether nearly 8,000 men will be under arms at the one time, and the numbers in the reserves will be continually growing.
The law became effective on January 1, 1911. Like most great measures which affect communities as a whole, it has not been received with unanimous approval. With many it was not understood, and its effect on voluntary enlistment in the existing forces was illustrated by a very marked falling off m the number of recruits forthcoming.
At its inception the operations of the measure were restricted to those who were born m the years 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, and the result to date has been as follows : —
397
Census return of boys between the ages of fourteen and eighteen in Western Australia on April 3, 1911, 9,322.
Registrations.—1894 Class, 1,615; 1895 Class, 1,707; 1896 Class, 1,842; 1897 Class, 1,809. Total, 6,973.
Medically Examined.—Fit, 4,033; unfit or temporarily unfit, 489. Total, 4,633. Yet to be examined, 111.
Total exemptions, for all causes, granted, 2,829.
Total liable for training, 4,033.
Total actually training, 3,911.
On July 1, 1912, those cadets who were born in the year 1894 were drafted to the Citizen Forces, and the extensive scheme of reorganization previously arranged for is now in progress.
Colonel GODFREY GEORGE HOWY IRVING, Commandant of the Western Australian Military District, is a son of Professor M. H. Irving, M.A., LL.D., one of the first professors appointed on the foundation of the University of Melbourne. He was born at Melbourne on August 25, 1867, and educated at the Hawthorn Grammar School, subsequently joining the staff of Messrs. McCulloch, Sellar, & Co., merchants, of Melbourne. During his schooldays, at the time of the Russian war scare, he joined the 2nd Battalion Victorian Rifles as a private in June, 1885, passed through the ranks as private and corporal, and in 1887 was granted his commission as Lieutenant in the same Battalion. He was promoted to the permanent staff as Adjutant of the 2nd Infantry Regiment from January 1, 1891, to July, 1893, General Sir Alexander B. Tulloch being at that time Commandant in Victoria. From 1893 to 1897 he was Adjutant to the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and again from November, 1899, to March, 1900; and transferred to Ballarat, Castlemaine, and Bendigo as Adjutant to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Battalions in 1897. He was Adjutant to Rangers from March, 1900, to February, 1901, and during the absence of Colonel Otter at the South African war from February to November, 1901, took temporary command of the Regiment. He was Adjutant to Rangers from November, 1901, to March, 1902; D.A.A.G., Victoria, from
March, 1902, to November, 1903; from November, 1903, to January, 1904, Acting A.A.G., Commonwealth headquarters staff, under General Hutton; D.A.A.G., headquarters, with temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel from January, 1904, to January, 1905; and D.A.A.G., temporary, from January to June, 1905. He was on the instructional staff, Queensland, for fourteen months from July, 1905, and on the instructional staff, New South Wales, during the succeeding
year. In 1905 Colonel Irving proceeded to England, where he was for some months in the School of Musketry, Hythe, the Aldershot Brigade and divisional trainings and inspections, the Royal Army Clothing Department, Pimlico, the Royal Smallarms Factory, Enfield, the Royal Smallarms Factory, Spark-brook, the Aldershot Army Corps manoeuvres, and the School of Military Engineering, Chatham. In November of the same year he sailed
Bartletto, Perth.
Colonel G. G. H. Irving.
for India, where he was attached to the army headquarters manoeuvres from December 4 to 9, Rawal Pindi Northern Command, at which
H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (now King George V.) attended—and was at Lucknow, Calcutta, Secunderabad, and Bangalore successively. Colonel Irving was D.A.Q.M.G., New South Wales, from July, 1907, to June, 1908; Acting D.A.A.G., New South Wales, June, 1907, to June, 1908, D.A.A.G., New South Wales, from July, 1908, and received his present appointment in September, 1909. At college the subject of this review headed each division of
sport, being in turn captain of the football club and stroke of the rowing crew. He is a rifle shot of no mean order, in this department winning the representative match in 1884 and the ladies’ match at the annual meeting of the Victorian Rifle Association in 1895. He was Hon. Secretary and Treasurer and a member of the Council of the Rifle Association from 1888 to 1902. Colonel Irving married in 1896 a daughter of the Honourable F. T. Derham, of Melbourne, and has a son and two daughters.
Lieutenant - Colonel JOHN CHARLES STRICKLAND, V.D., the senior militia officer in the Commonwealth Military Forces in this State, was born on April 13, 1856, at Perth. Being at an early age imbued with the military spirit, Colonel Strickland enlisted in the Perth Metropolitan Rifle Volunteers as a private in 1874, and served in the ranks of that corps until 1885, rising through the various noncommissioned grades. In 1885 he was promoted to the commissioned ranks as a first Lieutenant, four years later attaining his captaincy. In 1897 he was promoted Major, and was in command of the Perth Infantry for some time. On the formation of the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment from the scattered infantry units in the metropolitan area Major Strickland assumed command, being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. In this position he gave evidence of more than ordinary administrative capacity, and he succeeded in welding together the hitherto detached infantry units into one homogeneous regiment. On relinquishing command to take over that of the newly-formed Fremantle Defences Troops Lieutenant-Colonel Strickland left a regiment in which most of the administrative details were matured, an excellent record of five years’ strenuous labour. Since March 3,
1908, this officer has been in command of the Fremantle Defences, having at the present time a record of thirty-eight years’ continuous military service in this State. In 1897 Colonel Strickland was detailed to command the Western Aus-
Bartlctto, Perth.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. Strickland.
tralian troops at the Diamond Jubilee of the late Queen Victoria. During 1900 he had conferred upon him the Colonial Auxiliary Forces officers’ decoration for long service. In 1901 he commanded the Western Australian contingent of troops incidental to the ceremonies on the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament. During the coronation ceremonies of the present King Colonel Strickland, who was in England, formed one of a Guard of Honour of overseas officers at Buckingham Palace, being at one time in command of the Australian section. Colonel Strickland has at all times been keenly interested in mercantile pursuits, and. has served a term as city councillor of Perth.
Lieutenan t-Colonel JOSEPH JOHN TALBOT HOBBS, V.D., and
A.D.C. to His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, was born in Middlesex, England. Having graduated as an architect and gained experience on the south coast he determined to follow his profession in a new sphere, and migrating to Western Australia in February, 1887, commenced to practise in the capital, which at that time was quite a small town without any preten-
sions to architectural dignity. After establishing himself in Perth he soon became known as an architect of ability, and received commissions to carry out many important works. In 1905 he entered into partnership with Messrs. Smith & Forbes, and from that time onward the firm was known as Messrs. Hobbs, Smith, and Forbes. Lieutenant-Colonel Hobbs holds the office of diocesan architect to the Anglican Church, and since he has been in practice in Western Australia his work has extended all over the State. During his practice he has at various times been employed by the State Government and has acted as Chairman of the Royal Commission in connection with the erection of the Law Courts and the use of Donnybrook freestone. He also sat for some two years as a member of the Public Service Appeal Board. Lieutenant-Colonel Hobbs is a Justice of the Peace, was senior member of the Central Board of Health (abolished in the year 1911), is Deputy-Chairman of the Karrakatta Cemetery Board, and was for many years a member of the Diocesan Council of the Anglican Church. He is also a Past Junior Grand Warden of the Western Australian Grand Lodge of Freemasons. Viewing the life of Lieutenant-
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. T. Hobbs.
Colonel Hobbs from a military aspect, we find that altogether he has spent some twenty-eight years as a soldier and an officer, having while still a youth joined the Garrison Artillery in England as a gunner, serving there for three and a half
years. On his arrival in Western Australia he joined the Volunteer Field Artillery as a gunner, passing through all ranks, and obtained the command of what is now No. 14 Battery, A.F.A., in 1897, when he was promoted to the rank of Major. In the same year he attended the celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee as second in command of the Western Australian contingent. On the defence forces of the various States being brought under the control of the Commonwealth he continued his services in the militia, and also accepted the staff appointment as Staff Officer for engineer services for the Western Australian military district. In 1908 his services were further recognized by the military authorities by his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel with the command of the Western Australian Brigade (now the 22nd Infantry), and in the same year he was honoured by receiving the appointment of Aide-de-Camp to Lord Dudley, then Governor-General of the Commonwealth. Lieutenant-Colonel Hobbs is one of the founders and the first President of the Western Australian Military Association, and is President of the Naval and Military Club of Perth. He finds diversion from the routine of professional and military duties by taking an interest in rowing and yachting, was one of the founders of the Swan River Rowing Club, and is a member of the Royal Perth Yacht Club and Fresh-water Bay Club. He is owner of the fast motor launch “Hermes,” which is frequently placed at the disposal of the Rowing Association (of which he is a member) at its regattas on the Swan River. He was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Hurst, of Perth, in 1890, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
Lieutenant - Colonel HERBERT BRAYLEY COLLETT, second son of the late Mr. Francis A. E. Collett of Perth, was born at St. Peter’s Port, Guernsey, on November 12, 1877, and arrived with his parents in Western Australia on October 11, 1884. At the close of his scholastic career at the Perth Grammar School he joined the staff of the Public Library on October 7, 1891, and was appointed sub-librarian exactly six years later. His military career opened in 1894, when he enlisted as a private in the Metro-
399
politan Rifle Volunteers, and his promotion through the various grades to the high rank of Lieutenant - Colonel has been singularly rapid. lie appeared in Orders as Corporal in 1897, Sergeant in 1898, and was gazetted Lieutenant in 1899, receiving his captaincy in 1900. In 1906 he attained to his Majority, and two years later received his commission of Lieutenant - Colonel, holding the unique honour of being the youngest officer in the Empire to reach that rank. He acted as Adjutant to the 1st Battalion Western Australian Infantry Brigade, from November 21, 1901, to August 31, 1902, Militia Adjutant to the 1st and 2nd Battalions from September 1, 1902, to June 30, 1903, and acted in a similar capacity to the 11th A.I. Regiment from July 1, 1903, to June 30, 1906. Lieutenant-Colonel Collett assumed command of the regiment on the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. Strickland, V.D., to the Fremantle defences, and on July 1, 1912, was appointed to the 88th Infantry. In 1900 he commanded a company of infantry sent to represent the State at the inauguration of the Commonwealth, subsequently being the first officer appointed to the new militia as authorized by the Defence Act of 1903. At the Schools
LlEUTENANT-COLONEI, H. B. COLLETT.
of Instruction he was successful in gaining two certificates with honours, and was the first to obtain recognition of this kind in the State. In 1907 he was selected to attend a course of military science at the
University of Sydney, and he has also taken part in several staff rides. The gentleman under review is associated with Freemasonry, and has been twice Master of the Military Lodge of Western Australia and Master of the Royal Stuart Lodge. He was Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1904-5, and is representative for the Grand Lodge of Canada in Western Australia. In 1904 he married Annie, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Whitfield, of West Perth, and has two sons.
Lieutenant - Colonel ARTHUR THOMAS WHITE, V.D.,
A.A.M.C., principal medical officer to the Commonwealth Military Forces of Western Australia, is a son of the late Mr. John W. White, of London. He was born at that well-known watering-place, Torquay, in Devonshire, England, on October 27, 1860, and educated in his native town up to the age of twelve years, when his parents took him with them to reside in Ireland. Having finished his education under private tuition he decided to study for the medical profession, and passing over to Scotland he was successful in taking the degree of L.R.C.P. & S. A little later he returned to Ireland and went in for a further course of study at Dublin, where he gained the degrees of L.A.II.P. <fc L.M., Rotunda. In order to further qualify himself he practised his profession for three and a half years in various towns and cities in England and Ireland, ultimately deciding to settle in Western Australia, where he arrived in 1888. Joining Dr. Hope, now commissioner for health for Western Australia, he practised with him for a period of sixteen years, at the end of that time dissolving the partnership and taking a practice of his own at Fremantle. He holds the position of honorary medical officer to the Fremantle Hospital, and is also deputy-Government medical officer to the Port, besides being a member and lecturer of St. John Ambulance Association. Outside his private practice Dr. White’s interests are centred in his military career, which holds pride of place. In 1889 he obtained his commission as Captain, ten years later being gazetted Major. In 1910 he underwent with success an examination to qualify for the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and holds the distinction of being the first medical officer in the State to attain such high rank by exam-
ination. In the same year lie received the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration. Dr. White is particularly fond of music and has been a member of the Fremantle Orchestral Society for the past twenty years, frequently taking part in the production of orchestral
Tiartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant-Colonel A. T. White.
music at the concerts of the Society, of which body he is now Chairman. He is also a member of the Naval and Military Club, Perth. Married in 1896 to May, third daughter of the late Dr. Elliott, of Tasmania, he has a family of three sons and one daughter.
Major FRANCIS MAITLAND WYBORN PARKER, D.S.O., Crown Prosecutor, . is a son of Sir Stephen Henry Parker, Chief Justice of Western Australia, and was born at Perth on September 18, 1876. Upon the completion of his scholastic career at the High School, Perth, he was articled to the law in the firm of Messrs. Parker & Parker, and three years later, on July 19, 1899, was admitted to the Western Australian Bar. He was engaged in the practice o.f his profession at Perth and elsewhere in the State during the years 1903 to 1909, and in February of the latter year joined the Crown Law Department in the capacity of Assistant Crown Prosecutor. Major Parker previous to this period had associated himself with the Imperial military forces of Western Australia, and when war was declared between the British
and the Boers he proceeded to South Africa as Senior Subaltern and Captain in the first contingent under Major Moor, and subsequently took command upon the death of that officer in July, 1900, continuing in this capacity until December of the same year. Major Parker then returned with the contingent to Western Australia, but eventually went back to the scene of action and served on the staff at the base of operations as Embarking Staff Officer during the last twelve months of the war. When peace was proclaimed he settled at Johannesburg, where he filled the appointment of Registrar of the Special Criminal Court for a year, ultimately returning to the land of his birth in 1903. For over two years he held the command of the 18th Australian Light Horse, resigning on March 31, 1912. Major Parker married in 1901 a daughter of Mr. John Stenhouse, of Melbourne, and has one son.
Major WILLIAM MILLER BUCHANAN, Y.D., examining officer relieving to the Customs Department of Western Australia, is a son of the Rev. A. Buchanan, of Bunbury, where the subject of our notice was born on March 10, 1868. Educated locally, at the age of sixteen he entered the commercial arena and for two years gained valuable mercantile experience in the office of Messrs. Padbury, Loton, and Co., Perth. Major Buchanan then joined the State Civil Service as a junior clerk in the Treasury, whence after a period of two years he was transferred to the Audit Department. Three years later he was sent to Geraldton to fill the dual offices of Treasury cashier and landing waiter, duties which he continued to perform with every satisfaction until the advent of Federation, when the two offices were divided and separate administrators appointed. This was in 1901, and with the culmination of this great event further promotion fell to Major Buchanan, he being installed as sub-collector of Customs at the same centre. In 1909 he was again transferred, this time to Fremantle, where he took up the duties attached to the office he now holds. His work is of a varied character and necessitates frequent journeys to the various ports of Western Australia, in each of which he is a well-known
figure. Major Buchanan’s military experience extends over some twenty-eight years, as it was in 1884 that he joined the ranks of the Metropolitan Rifle Volunteers, serving first as private and then as a noncommissioned officer. Ten years from that time he received his first commission, being gazetted as Second Lieutenant of the Geraldton Rifles in 1894. The following year he received his lieutenancy, and in 1897 he attained to the rank of Captain, being at that time the senior officer commanding the Geraldton Rifles. In 1907 he was gazetted Major and on November 9, 1909, was awarded the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration, being the youngest officer in the State to receive this distinction. Major Buchanan was in command of the Western Australian Infantry Regiment from October, 1909, to December, 1910, but the insistent pressure of his civil duties compelled him to relinquish this honour and temporarily retire from active service. At the present time he is on the un-
Bartletto, Perth.
Major William Miller Buchanan.
attached list, but in military matters he is as keen as ever, being an enthusiast in everything pertaining to the Commonwealth forces.
Major CHARLES BATTYE was born on October 15, 1869, and is a son of Mr. Dan Battye, of Geelong, Victoria. He received his elementary education in the State schools
of Victoria and by private tuition, concluding his scholastic career by a finishing course at the Gordon Technical College at Geelong. Subsequently he accepted the appointment of Senior Instructor in Science in connection with the latter Institution, and in 1902 came to Western Australia. He was Assistant Master in the Guildford Grammar School for six months, but resigned this position in order to enter upon the duties of Assistant Librarian of the Public Library of Western Australia. Major Battye joined the Commonwealth Military Forces on January 1, 1903, as Second Lieutenant, 11th Australian Infantry Regiment. He was gazetted Captain on July 9, 1906, and was appointed Staff Officer in Fremantle Defences Command on April 1, 1908. On July 1, 1909, he received his commission of Major, and was transferred to command 1st Battalion, Western Australian Infantry Regiment (now the 86th Infantry), on April 1, 1911. In 1903 Major Battye married a daughter of Mr. David Robertson, of Geelong, and has a daughter. He resides at Churchill Avenue, Subiaco.
Major THOMAS FLINTOFF, Second in Command of the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment, is a son of Mr. T. Flintoff, of Grafton, New South Wales, and was born in that town on October 31, 1874. After a pre-
liminary course of study at a local educational institution, when seventeen years of age he was articled to Mr. J. J. Driscoll, dentist and pharmacist, of Grafton, and continued under the tuition of this gentleman for four years. Later he entered the wholesale house of Messrs. Elliott Brothers, of Sydney, taking a position which allowed him time to devote to his studies, and while there attended lectures at the University of Sydney and obtained his diplomas from the Pharmaceutical and Dental Boards. He came to Western Australia in 1900, and establishing himself in professional practice at Fremantle has followed his calling in this city ever since. Major Thomas Flintoff gained his first- military experience as Second Lieutenant in the Fremantle Volunteers, being gazetted Captain three years later. Subsequently the Volunteers’ Corps was merged into the Australian Infantry Regiment, and he received his commission as Major
401
in 1910. Recently he has passed the theoretical examination for the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He is an
advocate of all forms of outdoor recreation, and hours in which he is
Bartletto, Perth.
Major Thomas Flintoff.
free from the pressure of military and professional duties are spent on the golf links, where he derives considerable enjoyment from an expert wielding of the clubs. He is an honorary office-holder in the East Fremantle Football Club, and in the fraternity of Freemasons has attained the rank of Past Master of his Lodge. In 1902 he was married to Minnie, daughter of the late Mr. John Gray, of London, an old Crimean officer, who was one of the official pioneers of Western Australia, and has a son and a daughter.
Major JOHN ERNEST ROBERTSON, Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Artillery at Fremantle, is a son of the late Honourable William Robertson, who is well remembered as a pastoralist in the Colac district of Victoria. He was born at Toorak, a suburb of Melbourne, on January 10, 1868, and educated at the Geelong Grammar School. Having finished his schooling, he was sent to England to continue his studies at the Oxford University. In 1890 he returned to his native land and became attached to the Royal Australian Artillery stationed at Queenscliff, Victoria, for two years, as a military officer AA
holding rank as Lieutenant. In 1892 he again went to England, this time to make a study of military tactics, and having entered at Woolwich and attended the Shoeburyness School of Gunnery he went through the long course of gunnery, gaining an instructor of gunnery’s certificate. Returning to Australia after an interval of two years he was re-appointed to the Royal Australian Artillery at Queenscliff, and in the second year of the South African war was sent to Natal and the Transvaal in command of a Western Australian squadron, disembarking at Durban in May, 1902. Arriving at the base of operations Major Robertson became attached to the 14th Battalion of Australian Commonwealth Horse and saw active service at Newcastle and Elandsfon-tein under General Lyttelton. At the termination of the war he again visited England and underwent a short course at the Golden Hill School of Gunnery, going thence to Woolwich Arsenal, where he continued his studies, subsequently returning to New South Wales. In the Mother State he was appointed to the command of No. 1 Company of Royal Australian Artillery, which he retained for two years, and was then transferred to Portsea, Victoria, where he was raised to the rank of Captain. From Portsea he was ordered to Queenscliff, where he was Staff-Captain and Adjutant of the regiments, and from there he was transferred to the administrative staff as Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant and Quartermaster - General, Western Australia, with the temporary rank of Major. After two years’ occupancy of the position he was gazetted to the Commonwealth Section of the Imperial General staff at the headquarters of the military forces in Melbourne. About a year afterwards a vacancy occurred for the office of Major, and he was promoted to that rank and given command of the Royal Australian Artillery in Western Australia early in 1911. A great lover of outdoor recreation, Major Robertson devotes much of his leisure to the pursuit of the popular Western Australian pastime, yachting, and he also derives no little pleasure from fishing and boating. He married in 1893 a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Viles, of Pendryl Hall, Codsall Wood, Staffordshire, England, and has two children—a son and a daughter.
Major EDMUND ALFRED DRAKE-BROCKMAN, commanding “A” Company 1st XI. Australian Infantry Regiment, is a son of Mr. F. S. Drake-Brockman, chief surveyor, Western Australia, and was born at Busselton, in this State, on February 21, 1884. He was educated at the Guildford Grammar School, and at the conclusion of his schooldays was articled to the law in the office of Sir Walter James,
K.C. He was admitted to the Bar in 1909 and entered upon professional practice at Perth in partnership with Mr. H. M. Henning. Major Brockman has been interested in military matters from an early age, and while still at college joined the “A” Company, 3rd Battalion, W.A.I.B., subsequently incorporated in the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment. In 1903 he received his commission as Second Lieutenant. He was gazetted Captain, two years later receiving the appointment of Adjutant to the regiment, and Major in September, 1911. Upon the decision of the Commonwealth Defence Department to send mili-
Barlletto, Perth.
Major Edmund A. Drake-Brockman.
tary officers to India for special training he was one of the first four selected, and while absent from Australia became attached at various times to different Imperial regiments and staffs, including the Sherwood Foresters, the 14th Hussars, Headquarters Staff, 9 th Division, in which he acted as
D.A.A.G., the 9th Brigade of Artillery, and Seaforth Highlanders. He also attended a School of Artillery
Tactics at the Staff College, Quetta. Major Brockman was chosen as Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency Sir Frederick Bedford, Governor of Western Australia, in 1906, and upon his return from India in 1909 was appointed on the staff of His Excellency Sir Gerald Strickland, in the same capacity. He is a member of the Naval and Military Club of Perth and of several Service Clubs in India. He is Consular Agent for Italy, having accepted the appointment on the retirement of Mr. H. M. Henning. At college Captain Brockman was prominent in all kinds of sport, was Captain of the Football Eighteen, the Cricket Eleven, and the Boats. He stroked the school crew to the head of the river in 1903. In general athletics he won the school championship for three years successively, and has seven intercollcgc championships to his credit.
Major ALFRED JOSEPH BESSELL-BROWNE, D.S.O., Commanding the 14th Battery Australian Field Artillery, is a son of Mr. William Henry Bessell-Browne, of Sydney, New South Wales. He was born at Auckland, New Zealand, on September 3, 1877, and was educated
Bartletto, Berth.
Major Alfred J. Bessell-Browne.
first at the Camden Grammar School, New South Wales, and afterwards at the Perth High School, where he continued until his seventeenth year, when he entered the Patents Branch of the Government Service of Wes-
tern Australia. After a lapse of seven years he resigned this position and launched out in business for himself under the name and title of Messrs. Bessell-Browne and Co., merchants and manufacturers’ agents. Major Bessell-Browne joined the No. 1 Battery, Field Artillery, on August 3, 1896, and continued with that unit until October 15, 1899, when he was transferred to the Western Australian Mounted Infantry for active service. He proceeded to South Africa with the first contingent, was appointed Lance-Corporal, October 16, 1899; Corporal, February 15, 1900; Sergeant, March 12, 1900; and finally gazetted to a lieutenantcy on April 22, 1900. He served
with the fifth contingent as a Lieutenant from January 12, 1901, to June 24, 1901; was promoted Captain, June 25, 1901, and on January 18 of the following year Adjutant to fifth and sixth Western Australian Mounted Infantry, serving with that rank until June 18, 1902. He was mentioned in despatches by Lord Kitchener on July 8, 1901, for conspicuous gallantry at Brakpan on May 16, 1901, and again in
despatches from the Commander -in -Chief, South Africa, dated Pretoria, March 8, 1902, and published in the London Gazette of April 25, 1902, for conspicuous good service in the Ermelo district from December, 1901, to January, 1902. In September, 1911, he was gazetted Major. The pursuit of his military career absorbs the whole of his time, and he has but little leisure or inclination for any other kind of recreation. In 1903 he married Muriel Maud, a daughter of Mr. H. E. Manning, of Perth, and has three sons and a daughter.
Major ERNEST ALBERT Le-SOUEF, P.V.O., is a son of the late Mr. Albert A. C. LeSouef, of Melbourne, where the subject of this notice was born on September 13,
1869. He received his scholastic training at Carlton College, and subsequently studied at the Melbourne Veterinary College (where he qualified in 1895) and the Melbourne University, where he graduated as Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1911. He became associated with his late father, then Director of the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, until 1897, when the Western Australian Government engaged
his services to establish zoological gardens in the capital. The site which was placed at his disposal for the carrying out of the project was then scrubland, and the present well-arranged and attractive gardens, with their suitable and handsome buildings, prove a monument to his
Bartletto, Perth.
Major Ernest Albert LeSouef.
energy, resource, and thorough knowledge of the details of design necessary to make the undertaking a success. Major LeSouef was one of the founders of the Cannington Mounted Rifles at its inception under command of Captain Clydesdale. This was his first military experience, and after a month in the ranks he received his commission as Lieutenant. Three years later he was transferred to the V eterinary
Branch, and in the capacity of Principal Veterinary Officer did yeoman service. He is now Major of the Veterinary Corps and Principal Veterinary Officer for the whole State in the Defence Department. In 1912 he was chosen as a member of the first Board appointed under the Veterinary Act of 1911. Major LeSouef has devoted much spare time in the past to the breeding of sporting dogs and has won many prizes and trophies for these animals. He is a keen lover of horses and makes a hobby of breeding ponies at the present time. He was married in 1899 to a daughter of the late Rev. F. A. Hagenauer, Inspector-General of Aborigines, Victoria, and has a son and two daughters.
403
Captain HAROLD ARTHUR FAULKNER WILKINSON, A.D.C., is a son of the late Captain G. Faulknor Wilkinson, of the 68th Durham Light Infantry. He was born at Perth on May 16, 1879, and educated at the High School in the native town. At the age of
Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Harold A. F. Wilkinson.
sixteen years he entered the Audit Department of the Civil Service as a junior, and has since risen step by step to the post of Inspector, which he now holds. In the year of his attainment to manhood’s estate he joined the ranks of the Civil Service Corps, which afterwards merged into tho Western Australian Infantry Regiment. In 1901, a little previous to the historic visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York at the time of the inauguration of the Commonwealth, Captain Wilkinson received his Lieutenant’s commission, having at that time served in the ranks only for a period of a year. Three years later (May, 1904) he was further promoted, this time to a captaincy, and he subsequently held the appointment of Adjutant for three and a half years. In 1909 he was selected by the Commonwealth Government to proceed with four other officers to India to receive special training in the arts of war, and was attached to the 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Imperial Forces), stationed at Pes-hawur, on the north-west frontier. Subsequently he was attached to the Worcestershire Regiment and also to the staffs of Generals Martin and aa2
Campbell, at the expiration of his period of service proceeding to England, where he remained some months. Returning to Australia he temporarily assumed the command of his own regiment. In July, 1906, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant - Governor, Sir E. A. Stone, K.C.M.G., and on the arrival of Sir Gerald Strickland, K.C.M.G., he was also attached to His Excellency’s honorary staff as Aide-de-Camp, and is now filling the office of Private Secretary.
Captain THOMAS CHARLES WILSON, Commanding No. 8 Company, Australian Corps of Signallers, is a son of Mr. Edward Wilson, formerly of the Imperial Army, but now resident at Leeds, Yorkshire. He claims the famous fortification, Gibraltar, as the place of his birth, and having been born, so to speak, in a martial atmosphere, it seems but fitting that in afteryears he should be attracted to the service of his country. Captain Wilson was born on August 30, 1877, and received his education at the St. Stephen (Westminster) School, London, and in Yorkshire. He entered the Postmaster-General’s Department of the Civil Service of Great Britain in his fourteenth year and continued there until the middle of 1896, when with many others he was transferred to Western Australia by the Imperial authorities at the request of the local Government, which was perplexed how to deal with the large increase in the telegraph and postal business created by the rich gold discoveries in the Coolgardie district. Captain Wilson was one of the chosen, and landed at Albany in September of that year. He was immediately attached to the staff at the head office as telegraphist, and continued to hold the post until 1900, when he received transfer to Kanowna. After about four years at that centre he returned to Perth in 1905 to take up the duties of the position he now occupies. It was in the Old Country that he commenced his military career, having joined the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps at Leeds, with which he served for two years. Subsequent to his arrival in Western Australia he entered the ranks of the Perth Infantry Regiment, and passing the necessary examination soon received promotion to the non-commissioned rank as Sergeant to “A” Company. His
transfer to the goldfields, already referred to, occurred at this juncture, and he was attached to the newly-formed 5th Battalion Infantry Brigade, Kanowna Company (Goldfields), being raised to the rank of Colour-Sergeant. In June, 1901, he was gazetted Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant about a year later, and in December, 1904, he received his commission as Captain of the Company at Kanowna. Following his return to Perth he was placed on the unattached list, and it was not until the end of 1905 that he re-entered the active list at the request of the Commandant to undertake the formation of a Corps of Signallers, which he did with great success. He has been Commander of the Corps since its inception, and at the Kitchener camp at Tammin the Company received the highest praise for the soldierly manner in which it had carried out the work allotted to it during the manoeuvres. Outside his military and civil duties he derives considerable pleasure from horticultural pursuits, of which he makes a hobby, and he is particularly interested in the cultivation of a large variety of fruit-trees. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the A.O.F., and has passed through most of the chairs of the latter order, being at the present time a Past
Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Thomas Charles Wilson.
District Chief Ranger. Captain Wilson was married in 1901 to a daughter of Mr. Hans Neilson, of Sunvale Dunach, Talbot, Victoria, and has two sons and three daughters.
404
Captain J. E. FERGUSON STEWART, A.A.M.C., is a son of the late Rev. Robert Stewart, of Lisbon, Portugal, which was his birthplace. He was educated in England and subsequently matriculated at Glasgow University, where he also studied for the medical profession, taking his diploma in 1895. Shortly afterwards he came to Western Australia and entered upon professional practice at Guildford and Midland Junction, where he still continues. He joined the Western Australian Defence Forces in 1899 as a member of the Guildford Company, ultimately being placed on the unattached list. In 1908 he was gazetted Captain of the No. 4. Field Ambulance in the Australian Army Medical Corps. Captain Stewart is District Medical Officer for Swan District and Health Officer for Guildford and Midland Junction.
Captain JOHN BRIER MILLS, second in command, No. 14 Battery, Australian Field Artillery, is the eldest son of Mr. George Alfred Mills, J.P., of Perth, Western Australia. He was born at St. Mary’s, New South Wales, on May 23, 1870,
Bartletto, Perth.
Captain John Brier Mills.
and was educated at St. John’s Grammar School, Parramatta, and the High School, Sydney, New South Wales. From his nineteenth year he was engaged in journalistic work for ten years, of which six
were spent at Broken Hill, New South Wales, and four years—1895 to 1899—on the staff of The West Australian at Perth. In 1899 he commenced the study of law in the office of Mr. R. S. Haynes, K.C., of Perth, and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Western Australia on March 21, 1905, the ordinary period of study having been exceeded owing to the Barristers’ Board imposing an extra term on account of his having been absent on military service in South Africa during the Boer war. He was appointed a Commissioner for Affidavits in April, 1906, and a Notary Public in July, 1909. He has since been in practice at Perth, where, in addition to the practice of law, he is assistant editor of The West Australian “Law Reports.” Captain Mills’ military service commenced in January, 1883, when he joined the Parramatta Company of the 3rd New South Wales Infantry Regiment as a bugler, and except for several intervals necessitated by the exigencies of civil life he has been a member of the Australian military forces ever since. Shortly after the outbreak of the South African war he enlisted in December, 1899, in the second Western Australian contingent (Mounted Infantry), and served in South Africa from the beginning of February, 1900, until its return to Western Australia at the end of April, 1901, having taken part in all the engagements in which the contingent participated. He received the South African (Queen’s) medal with six clasps, including clasps for the engagements of Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, and Belfast. On his return from South Africa he joined the present No. 14 Battery, Australian Field Artillery, and was shortly afterwards selected as one of seven representatives of the military forces of the State to attend the Coronation of King Edward VII., receiving the coronation medal at the hands of the present King. He received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the present 14th Battery, Australian Field Artillery, on July 21, 1905, was promoted Lieutenant on May 7, 1907, and Captain on October 1, 1908. In March, 1911, he was awarded the colonial auxiliary forces long-service medal. He married in 1894 Miss Mary Blanche Robinson, of Adelaide, South Australia, and has surviving a son and two daughters.
Captain REGINALD WILLIAM EVERETT was born at Goulburn, New South Wales, on September 30, 1873. He began his military career in 1891, when he joined the 2nd Infantry Regiment, New South Wales,
Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Reginald William Everett.
with which he served for a number of years in the ranks. On August 1, 1905, he received his commission as Second Lieutenant in the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment, and was promoted to be Lieutenant on July 1, 1907. He was Acting-Adjutant to the regiment from September, 1908, to June, 1909, during the absence of Captain E. Drake-Brock-man on duty in India, and on September 16, 1908, received his promotion to the rank of Captain. Captain Everett was appointed Area Officer for Fremantle Area under the new defence scheme on November 1,
1910.
Captain RICHARD REGINALD GARLAND, of the 18th Australian Light Horse Regiment, is a son of Mr. Richard Garland, newspaper proprietor, of Horsham, Victoria, of which town the gentleman under review is a native, having been born there on June 8, 1878. He received his education at the local State school and privately, with a subsequent course at the Technical College in the same town, and at the age of sixteen embarked on a journalistic career, being engaged on the staff of The Wimmera Star news-
paper, of which his father was and still is proprietor. In 1897 he joined the literary staff of the Perth Morning Herald and continued in this connection for two years, when he returned to Horsham to undertake the editorship of his father's paper. Captain Garland occupied the editorial chair until 1901, in that year joining the Victorian Mounted llifles for service in South Africa, and in the following year becoming associated with the Australian Commonwealth Horse. Returning to Victoria in 1902 he resumed his editorial duties, and three years later obtained an appointment on the literary staff of The West Australian, and again took up his residence in Perth, where he has remained ever since. Captain Garland displayed a penchant for military all airs in early youth, when quite a lad being one of the junior cadets in his native town. Having served in this capacity for four years he joined the ranks of the Victorian Rangers, and later received a commission in his former Cadet Corps. lie served in the South African war as Lieutenant, and was awarded the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. His connection with the 18th Australian Light Horse Regiment began on May 9, 1905, when he was appointed Second Lieutenant, gaining his promotion to a lieutenancy on September 1, 1906. He was Adjutant of his regiment from 1907 to 1911, and was gazetted Captain on January 1, 1909. Captain Garland is a member of the Wimmera Lodge of Freemasons, No. 70, V.C., and holds membership in the Perth Club. He has taken considerable interest in most branches of athletics, more particularly in football, cycling, and tennis, and has several trophies to his credit as an amateur. In 1909 he married a daughter of the late Mr. W. H. Oakley, of Bendigo, Victoria.
Captain ALLAN WILLIAM LEANE, Officer Commanding ‘D” Company, 11th Australian Infantry Regiment, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas John Leane, of Prospect, South Australia, in which State he received his scholastic training. He served his apprenticeship to a commercial career in Adelaide, and in 1896 came to Western Australia as Departmental Manager for the well-known firm of warehousemen, Messrs.
Goode, Durrant, & Co. Ultimately Captain Leane relinquished his connection with this business, and is now a partner and Director of the Economic Limited, the widely known drapery and softgoods establishment
Bartlello, Perth.
Captain Allan William Leane.
in High Street, Fremantle, of which he is also a joint Manager. He commenced his military career at an early age, when eighteen, joining the old 3rd Battalion of Infantry in South Australia. He was transferred to the South Australian Lancers in 1890, subsequently returning to his former regiment, and was gazetted Lieutenant in October, 1891. Upon his. arrival in the Western State Captain Leane remained for a time upon the unattached list, but a vacancy occurring he accepted the appointment of Lieutenant to the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment. Business interests demanding his removal to Kal-goorlic, he transferred his services to the Goldfields Infantry Regiment, with which corps he was identified for two years. At the end of that period, returning to Fremantle, he again became attached to the 11th A.T.R., taking command of “D” Company and receiving promotion to the rank of Captain. In the world of sport Captain Leane is devoted chiefly to the game of bowls, and in the pursuit of this pastime has won several club championships and trophies. He was married in 1895 to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Scutt, of Bere Regis, Dorsetshire, and has one son.
405
Captain FRANCIS BIRD CARTER is a son of Mr. T. E. Carter, of Kingston-on-Thames, and was born at Uxbridge, Middlesex, on April 4, 1875, subsequently pursuing his scholastic studies at the Loughborough Grammar School, Leicestershire. His first military experience was obtained as a private in the ranks of the 20th Middlesex Regiment of Volunteers, with which corps he was identified until his departure for Australia in 1901. Landing at the Western State he proceeded to Kalgoorlie, and soon after his arrival accepted the honorary position of Secretary to the local Rifle Association and Rifle Club, which he held for a period of three years. Subsequently, after taking up residence in Perth, he had control of the first Commonwealth Rifles meeting held in the State, and successfully inaugurated a higher standard for Australian aspirants for military honours. Captain Carter received his commission of Second Lieutenant in August, 1905, and in the year following was promoted to Lieutenant, was appointed Adjutant of his regiment in January, 1910, and gazetted Captain in April, 1911. He is a member of the Weld, Naval and Military, and other Clubs, and acts as Secretary to the Metropolitan
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Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Francis Bird Carter.
Rifle Club. He takes a deep interest in most forms of manly sport, particularly football, rowing, and gymnastics. He is a crack shot with the rifle and took part in the Great National meeting at Bisley in 1906.
106
Lieutenant WILLIAM CHECK-LEY MILLS was born at Hornsby, New South Wales, on November 22, 1878, and is the second son of Mr. G. A. Mills, J.P., of Perth, Western Australia. He came to Western Australia in 1897 and entered the Civil Service in the Postmaster-General’s Department. He joined the Perth Artillery Volunteers (now the 14th Battery, Australian Field Artillery) in March, 1897, and served with that corps until the outbreak of the South African war, when he was selected as a member of the first Western Australian contin-gent, which sailed from Albany in November, 1899. He served with this contingent until its return to Western Australia in December, 1900, having taken part in all the engagements in which it participated. He returned to South Africa with the sixth Western Australian contingent, and on June 23, 1901, near Ermelo, Eastern Transvaal, he was severely wounded, being hit in four places. After having been invalided to Australia, and upon recovering sufficiently, he was appointed Lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, and returned to Africa with that corps. He received the South African (Queen’s) medal with five clasps, including Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, and Wittebergen. Lieutenant Mills is at present filling the position of Area
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant William Checkley Mills.
Officer for North Perth under the new defence scheme. Since the foundation of the Naval and Military
Club at Perth in 1906 he has carried out the duties attached to the secretaryship. He married in 1909 Miss Bertha Grundy, of Perth, and has three sons.
Lieutenant GEORGE CHARLES EVERETT, Area Officer 85a, embracing the military district from
Imperial Studio, Albany.
Lieutenant George Charles Everett.
Albany to Wagin and from the Frankland to the Pallinup Rivers, is a South Australian by birth, having been born at Windsor, in that State, on July 12, 1885. He is a son of Mr. Edward Gamble Everett, grocer and provision merchant, of Albany, and his education, received primarily in Adelaide, was completed at the Claremont Training College, Western Australia, where he was prepared for the teaching profession. He was connected with the Education Department of this State in all for nine years, holding appointments in metropolitan schools and at Albany, Beaconsfield, and Geraldton. He resigned the post of first assistant in the State school at Geraldton in order to engage in business at Albany in conjunction with his father, and continued in this connection for five years. He obtained his first military experience in the Junior Cadet Corps at Albany, in which he held the commission of second Lieutenant. When severing his connection with the Education Department he resigned from the Cadets and joined the Garrison Artillery at Albany, where he was given the provisional appointment of Second Lieutenant. In 1910
he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in October of that year received the appointment of Area Officer for the Albany district, which has since been extended to its present size. During the course of his career he also served for a short time in the ranks of the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment. Lieutenant Everett’s mercantile and military interests absorb the greater portion of his time and attention and allow little leisure for recreation. His occasional attendance on the football field, the bowling green, or the tennis court quickly shows that he is no novice in these games, and in the more difficult art of sailing he also displays practical experience, and though unable to devote much time to sport he still continues his membership in the various local clubs. He is a member and office-holder in the Masonic fraternity, and for many years has been connected with the A.N.A., in which he has filled the honourable post of President.
Lieutenant PERCY MALCOLM EDWARDS, Adjutant 18th Australian Light Horse Regiment and Area Officer, Subiaco and Leederville, Western Australia, is a son of Mr. W. S. Edwards, of Malvern, near Melbourne, Victoria, and was born at Port Melbourne on December 5, 1876, receiving his education at the High School, East Prahran. Upon the conclusion of his studies he entered the firm of Messrs. Robert Reid & Co., the well-known warehousemen of Melbourne, and obtained a comprehensive knowledge of the business during the six years spent in this employ. At twenty-one years of ago he left Victoria in order to enter upon an appointment under the Western Australian Government in the clerical division of the Railways Department. After ten years in the Civil Service, perceiving an opening in this State for the establishment of a softgoods manufactory he resigned, and in 1908 inaugurated his present business in Strelitz Avenue, a fine central position, with a staff of six employes. So rapidly has the trade expanded under his far-sighted and enterprising management that fifty hands are now busily employed in meeting the demands of its patrons, and there are no signs of a falling-off of the popularity which has so signally marked its progress since its inception. As a military man Lieuten-
407
ant Edwards is well known, and his experience in this line has not been of a limited nature. From boyhood he has made a hobby of matters mili tary, before he could read or write, learning the mysteries of flag-signalling from his father, who was a soldier before him. As a lad he belonged to the junior cadets at Melbourne, and later was transferred to
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant Percy Malcolm Edwards.
the senior cadets, where he rose to the rank of Colour-Sergeant. He served five years in the Field Artillery and was the youngest Sergeant in the Brigade when he left for Western Australia in 1898. Immediately on his arrival in this State he joined the Field Artillery, and a few months after, on the outbreak of the Boer war, joined the first Western Australian contingent as a private. Before reaching South Africa he was promoted to the position of Sergeant-Major, and during the course of the war saw active service at Slingersfontein, Arundel, Rensburg, Ta’Banchu, Modder River, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Pretoria, Vaal River, Elands River, Botha-ville, Wittebergen, Heidelberg, and Bethlehem, besides being under fire at various other times during the campaign. He was awarded the Queen’s Medal with four bars, was twice mentioned in despatches, and subsequently received the D.C. Medal. This last distinction was conferred upon him for getting through the Boer lines, under cover of darkness, with two other men at exceptional risk and blowing up the Delagoa railway near Diamond Hill.
thus materially strengthening the British position, and at the same time recovering a trainload of British prisoners and two trainloads of merchandise. Upon his return to Perth he was offered a commission to accompany the fifth contingent to the scene of action, but for private reasons declined the honour. Since 1907 he has been attached to the Light Horse as Officer Commanding Pom-Pom section. He received his commission in the same year and was appointed Area Officer in November, 1910. In 1901 Lieutenant Edwards was married to Nellie, daughter of the late Mr. W. Danson, of Mount Gambier, South Australia.
Lieutenant ROBERT EDWARD JACKSON is a son of Mr. Samuel Jackson, of Perth, and was born at
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant Rodert Edward Jackson.
Crow’s Nest, Queensland, on January 1, 1886. He received his education at the Brisbane Grammar School, and subsequently took up accountancy work in Queensland for about two years. Leaving for Western Australian in 1904, upon arrival he entered the Education Department as assistant master in the Perth Boys’ School, holding this position until 1911. Lieutenant Jack-son has always been distinguished for his keen interest in military affairs, and in 1910 received his commission as Captain of the senior cadets, in which capacity he served until his appointment as Lieutenant on the Permanent Staff in February,
1911, his qualifications fitting him for the duties of Light Horse and Infantry Instructor. He is an enthusiast in athletics and won the Bedford shield for physical culture and squad drill in 1910. A prominent Rugby footballer, he played in the Federal team until precedence was given to the Australian game; and is still well to the fore in all manner of outdoor sports. The gentleman under review is a strong supporter and a local preacher of the Methodist Church, and is connected with the Baden - Powell Scouts, in which organization he was one of the first Scout Masters and afterwards a member of the Council.
Lieutenant HAROLD VIVIAN PIESSE, No. 3 Squadron, 18th Australian Light Horse, began his military career as a gunner attached to the No. 1 Battery, Perth, at the time that his father, the Honourable F. H. Picsse, C.M.G., occupied the position of State Minister for Defence. Two years later, upon his arrival in New South Wales, he joined the Reservists in that State and served for a similar period in that body. In 1906 he joined Captain Strachan in the formation of the Third Squadron Light Horse at Katanning, and was gazetted as Second Lieutenant. Upon the retirement of Captain Strachan Lieu-
Biltoft, Katanning.
Lieutenant Harold Vivian Piesse.
tenant Piesse took charge of the Katanning Squadron, which he now commands.
408
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Lieutenant-Colonel JOSEPH ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, J.P.,
is a son of the late Mr. Alexander Campbell, of Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, and was born on October 26, 1842. He re-
ceived his education at the Reverend Doctor Slater’s School, Killiney, County Dublin, and joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders on August 8, 1857, sailing the same day for India. As the first warrant officer appointed, he became Sergeant-Major of his regiment on April 18, 1878, and served with the regiment during the Indian Mutiny campaign of 1859, including the passage of the Gogra at Pyzabad and the capture of Rampore Russia, and subsequent operations in Oude across the Gorgra and Raptee Rivers (medal). Pie was Sergeant-Major of the regiment throughout the Egyptian campaign of 1882, and was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, for his bravery being mentioned in despatches and receiving the silver medal for distinguished conduct in the field, a medal with clasp and the Khedive’s star. In February, 1884, he was appointed chief of the instructional staff, Western Australia, and was promoted to Chief Staff Officer in 1886. He accompanied a detachment of Western Australian
Bartletio, Perth.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Campbell.
volunteers to the late Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London in 1897, and was appointed Staff Officer to Colonel Ivor Herbert, C.B., C.M.G., Grenadier Guards, Commandant Colonial Contingent, London. From 1899 to
1902 he was Camp Commandant and Chief Instructor at Karrakatta, training troops for duty in South Africa, and for this service was favourably mentioned in Parliament and officially thanked by the Government of Western Australia. He was appointed Acting Commandant of the Commonwealth military forces of Western Australia, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, in August, 1901, and upon his retirement, after forty-five years’ service, on September 30, 1902, received the official thanks of the Government. Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell is in possession of the silver medal for meritorious service and for long service and good conduct. He was appointed an Honorary Associate of the Grande Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England on February 26, 1907. In 1871 he married at Kamptee, India, the only daughter of Mr. Henry Ilott, and has three sons, two of whom served in the South African campaign.
Major THOMAS SHERWOOD, on the retired list, is a son of the late Mr. Frederick Sherwood, an architect and surveyor in the early days of the State. He was born in Dorsetshire, England, on January 24, 1838, a.nd as a child of five was brought by his parents to Western Australia, where he received his scholastic training. In 1855 he entered the Imperial Commissariat Department in a clerical capacity, and when in 1875 the transfer of the convict department to the Crown Colony by the Imperial Government was being effected he was transferred to the office of chief clerk and accountant of stores, which appointment he held until the completion of the transfer in 1886. Subsequently, Major Sherwood joined the Civil Service in the Lands Department and continued in this connection for seventeen years. His association with the local military forces began in 1861, when he joined the first Volunteer Corps formed in Western Australia under Colonel Bruce (Commandant of the forces). After serving in the ranks and as non-commissioned officer he received his first commission as Lieutenant in the Metropolitan Rifle Volunteers in 1875, a corps which has passed through many changes and is now known as the 88th Infantry Regiment. At the close of thirty-
four years he retired with the rank of Major, to which he had previously received promotion, and was the recipient of the volunteer officer’s
Bartletto, Perth.
Major Thomas Sherwood.
decoration in 1894. The gentleman under review, who now lives in retirement at Harvest Terrace, Perth, has been associated with the Anglican Church for a lengthy period, was a member of the Cathedral Chapter for many years, and sixteen years ago held the office of Diocesan Secretary, while at the present time he is Diocesan Treasurer and a Trustee. He was in former days a yachtsman of note, and took his share of honours in the cricket and boating circles of Western Australia. Major Sherwood has also been one of the leaders of Freemasonry in Western Australia. He was initiated in the Lodge of St. John, No. 485, E.C., on July 23, 1866, and was Worshipful Master in 1872 and again in 1875. He became District Junior Grand Warden under the English Constitution in 1889 and District Senior Grand Warden in 1892, and was created a Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia in 1903. He is at present a member of the Lodge of St. John, No. 1, and an honorary member of the Lodge of Unity, No. 11; Military Lodge, No. 15; Lord Nelson Lodge, No. 46; Roebuck Lodge, No. 56; and Excelsior Lodge No. 61. Since 1908 Major Sherwood has been President of the Freemasons’ Club. Married in August, 1862, to Miss Caroline Mews, of Perth, he has six sons and five daughters.
409
Major JOHN CAMPBELL is a son of Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Campbell, J.P., and was born at Edinburgh Castle on June 24, 1876. He received his education at the Christian Brothers' College, Adelaide, and at the age of sixteen joined the staff of the Bank of Australasia, from which he resigned to accept the position of chief clerk and accountant at the military headquarters, Perth. In 1894 he joined the Perth Artillery Volunteers as driver, and was promoted Second Lieutenant and Staff Officer to the Commandant in 1897. He volunteered for service in South Africa with the 1st Western Australian Mounted Infantry in October, 1899, and was promoted Lieutenant and placed in charge of a section of machine-guns during the Boer war, 1899-1902. He was present at operations in Cape Colony between November, 1899, and March, 1900, including actions at Colesburg and the advance on Kimberley; in the Orange Free State between March and May, 1900, including actions at Vet River;’in the Transvaal between May and June, of the same year, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria on June 4 and at Diamond Hill on June 11 and 12; and assisted in the operations in Orange
Bartlctto, Perth.
Major John Campbell.
River Colony between June and November, 1900, including actions at Lindley, Bethlehem, and Witte-bergen. He was granted a Commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery (London Gazette, May 23, 1900), which he resigned to take command
of the 6 th Western Australian Mounted Infantry—two squadrons. He was in command of the sixth contingent, Western Australian Mounted Infantry, during the operations in Eastern Transvaal, Orange River Colony, and Zululand frontier between April, 1901, and April, 1902, and was present at Brakpan on May 16, 1901. Shortly after the retirement had commenced a man was seen about sixty yards in the rear of the line, running, his horse having been shot. Captain Campbell turned and galloped back to his assistance, under a very heavy fire and in face of an enemy advancing at a hand gallop. When he reached the man the latter was in a state of collapse, but managed to put his foot in the stirrup, and Captain Campbell assisting him to mount carried him away, the enemy pursuing close behind. He was mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, July 28, 1901, and was awarded the Queen’s Medal with four clasps and the King’s Medal with two clasps, was promoted Brevet-Major by the Commonwealth Government for good service in South Africa, and was appointed Staff Officer for Mounted Infantry and acting paymaster on his return from the war, a position he resigned at the end of two years. Major Campbell is now following farming pursuits in the Bowes district, Western Australia. He married in 1911 Miss Grace Rintel, of Perth.
The late Major JOHN ALFRED ERNEST HUMBLE was born at Fremantle in 1867, and received his education locally and at Geelong, Victoria. In 1883 he joined the staff of the National Bank of Aus tralasia at Fremantle, and spent the next fourteen years in the Bank’s service, from which he resigned in order to establish himself in business at Fremantle. In 1883 Major Humble joined the ranks of the Fremantle Volunteers, and was in command from 1896 until the corps became merged into the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment. He received his commission of Second Lieutenant in 1888, was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1895, and gazetted Major on his retirement from active service in 1909. Major Humble was second in command of the Australian Infantry Regiment for some time. His death occurred in 1912.
Captain THOMAS JOHN TODD,
D.S.O., of the firm of Messrs. Todd Brothers, contractors, St. George’s Terrace, Perth, and the Perth Brick Company, Midland Junction, was born at Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 2, 1873. He is a son of the late Mr. James Todd, of Perth, formerly of New Zealand, and received his education in the city of his birth and at Auckland. He became engaged in mercantile life in a merchant’s office, where he laid the foundation of a good commercial training. At the outbreak of hostilities in South Africa Captain Todd, who previously had become a member of the Volunteer Forces, accompanied a contingent to the scene of action, being apointed Adjutant to the New Zealand Forces under Major Craddock. He displayed great bravery on the field and served at the front during the whole of the war, being present at some of the most important operations, and was mentioned in despatches by the noted Generals French, Hutton, Mahon, and Plumer. He received the decoration of D.S.O. in 1900 and was also awarded the King’s and Queen’s medals, the latter with five bars. Upon the proclamation of peace Captain Todd returned to New Zealand and in 1904 came to Western Australia to join his brothers, Messrs. Alexander and James Todd, in the large building, contracting, and brickmaking business so successfully established in this State. Since then he has thrown his energies into the building up and advancement of this important concern, and resides at Midland Junction, where he has interested himself in the affairs of the district, and for the past three years has occupied a seat in the local Municipal Council. He is a member of the Western Australian, the Naval and Military, and the Masonic Clubs, being a member of the Masonic craft, in which he holds office at the present time. In earlier days Captain Todd was an active participant in all athletic sports and has represented New Zealand in Rugby and Association football. At the present time he finds recreation in the game of bowls, and is a member of the Perth and Midland Junction Bowling Clubs.
Captain FRANK MANFORD, who holds the rank of Honorary Lieutenant in the Imperial Army,
was born on November 15, 1868, and is the son of the late Dr. Manford, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. He was educated at St. George’s College, Harrogate, and Mill Hill School, London, and having served an apprenticeship of four years left England for Australia, where he remained for eight years. Returning to the Old Country in 1898 Captain Manford joined the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, afterwards being selected as an officer of the 1st Volunteer Company and drafted into the 2nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (Regulars), with which regiment he saw two years’ active service in South Africa. For his military services in the Boer war he holds the Queen’s Medal with four clasps and also the King’s Medal. He also holds the bronze medal of the Royal Humane Society. In 1902, instead of returning to the Old Country with his regiment, he once more sailed for Western Australia, being desirous of making his home in the State to which he had become so much attached, and entering into business pursuits at Fremantle he has continued there ever since. Captain Manford’s favourite recreation is found on the golf links, but in the
Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Frank Manford.
past he made his mark in Rugby football, having played for his county in England.
Captain ROBERT THOMPSON McMASTER, of South Perth, is a native of Victoria, being a son of
the late Mr. Vincent Robert McMaster, of Melbourne, where the subject of this sketch was born on
Bartletto, Perth
Captain Robert Thompson McMaster.
December 29, 1865. He attended the Scotch College in his native city until sixteen years of age, when he was articled to the late Mr. Egan, a well-known Melbourne architect, and served eight years’ indentures under this master of the profession. In the early nineties he joined the architectural staff of the Government of Western Australia, and having spent two years in that service, in 1893 established himself in practice on his own behalf at Perth, continuing until 1899, when he retired from the profession. Among the buildings for which Captain McMaster has been responsible may be numbered the Central Arcade, the United Service Hotel, Ozone Hotel, Smith’s Chambers, and the Broken Hill Hotel, Victoria Park, besides many other mercantile and residential structures. He has considerable landed interests in the State, owning large pastoral and agricultural properties in the eastern districts, and devotes a great deal of time and attention to the breeding of blood stock on his stud farm at Merriden, mention of which is made in the pastoral section of this work. Captain McMaster has always been distinguished for his keen interest in military matters, and upon the departure for South Africa of troops from this State was placed in charge of the Western Australian second contingent, with the rank of Captain. For two years he saw active
service at the scene of the war, and was present at the notable engagements of Diamond Hill and Sand River, and received the King’s Medal and six clasps. Upon his return from South Africa he went on the retired list, finding the demands on his time too great to allow of his continuance in the forces. He was married in 1894 to Emily Frances, daughter of the late Mr. John Holman, of Devonshire, England, and has three sons and two daughters.
Captain ARTHUR REGINALD WHITE, of the Australian Intelligence Corps, is a son of Mr. William White, of Perth, and was born at Sydney, New South Wales, on October 31, 1886. He pursued his
scholastic studies at the public schools at Dubbo in his native State, and upon coming to Western Australia at the age of seventeen entered the local Civil Service in the draughting division of the Survey Department, and has continued in this office ever since. ■ Descended from a family whose members have served in the Imperial Army for several generations, Captain White early showed his military tenden-
<Bartletto, Perth.
Captain Arthur Reginald White.
cies by joining at the age of twenty the Western Australian Highlanders (W.A.I.R.). He received his commission as Second Lieutenant in 1907, was subsequently promoted to First Lieutenant, and finally transferred to the Intelligence Corps, being gazetted Captain on
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
411
October 10, 1910, and at the present time he is senior officer in the Topographical Section. The gentleman under review is a prominent Darsman and upon two occasions already has represented Western Australia in the interstate eight-oar championships. He is a member of the Western Australia Rowing Club and one of the crew which is at present (1911) the champion eight of Western Australia. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Western Australia Bulldog Club.
Lieutenant GEORGE ALFRED MILLS is a son of the late Mr. John Mills, of Parramatta, New South Wales, and was born at Parramatta on March 10, 1848. He was educated at Newington College, New South Wales, and after leaving school entered the Department of Public Instruction, then known as the Council of Education, and was headmaster in various schools in the premier State for over sixteen years. At the expiration of that time he retired from the Service and entered into commercial pursuits with the
firm of Messrs. Mills & Pile, with whom he remained as Manager in Parramatta for six years. Proceed-
Bartletto, Perth
Lieutenant George Alfred Mills.
ing thence to Broken Hill in 1899 he became part-proprietor of The Bar
Her Miner daily newspaper. During his residence at Broken Hill, extending over seventeen years, he was for a considerable period senior magistrate of the town and deputy-sheriff, and was also a member of the Licensing Bench, being appointed to the latter office soon after his arrival. Since 1906 he has resided at Perth. Mr. Mills is a Justice of the Peace for New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. As far back as 1866 he joined the ranks of the No. 1 Company, Western Battalion (now the 3rd A.I.R.), at Parramatta, being transferred three years later to the Penrith Company. In 1887 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the regiment, and at the time of his retirement from the Service concurrently with his departure for Broken Hill he had completed twenty-three years’ service. ITe was subsequently awarded the colonial auxiliary forces long-service medal. He was married in 1869 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Kendall, erstwhile inspector and district officer of police at Penrith, New South Wales, and has a surviving family of three sons and three daughters.
Trade and Customs.
The Department of Trade and Customs in the Commonwealth of Australia is charged with the administration of all matters relating to trade, Customs, excise, bounties, commerce, fisheries, and quarantine, and it is proposed that, as soon as the necessary legislation is passed, navigation and shipping, lighthouses, lightships, beacons and buoys, and weights and measures shall also come within the sphere of its operations.
The present Federal Minister of Trade and Customs is the Hon. Frank Gwynne Tudor, M.P., and the Permanent Head and Comptroller-General is Nicholas Colston Lockyer, I.S.O., J.P.
The personnel of the Department in Western Australia is as under: —
Fremantle.
State Collector of Customs, Registrar of Shipping, and Receiver of Wrecks—Oswald Septimus Maddocks.
Inspector—O. T. Orr.
Chief Clerk—J. J. Broomhall.
Accountant—R. H. Quick.
Cashier—M. J. Moody.
Paying Officer—J. J. Morphett.
Clerk in Charge of Statistics—J. M. Clifton.
Examining Officers—E. S. P. Troode, P. E. Peth-
erick, A. T. Patrick, E. W. T. Back, A. H. Martin, F. W. Johnson, and J. Blinco.
Supervisor—T. Blinco.
Boarding Inspector—O. W. Hough.
Excise Branch.
Inspectors—P. Awcock and five others.
Perth.
Sub-Collector of Customs—A. T. Sherwood. Examining Officers -H. A. G. Hill, A. E. L. Cowan, and W. A. Clifford.
Outports.
Albany: Sub-Collector—J. M. Dickson.
Broome: Sub-Collector—H. W. Huggins. Bunbury: Sub-Collector—W. H. Lovegrove. Carnarvon: Sub-Collector—C. P. Johnstone. Cossack: Sub-Collector—W. F. S. Richards. Geraldton: Sub-Collector—E. P. Erskine.
Onslow: Sub-Collector—L. C. Timperley.
Port Hedland: Sub-Collector, Walter Moore.
Shark Bay: W. J. Kestcl.
At the following outports the duties of Customs Officer are performed by the Postmaster: —Busselton, Derby, Esperance, and Wyndham.
412
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
When Western Australia joined the other States in forming the Commonwealth of Australia the revenue derived through the Customs and excise amounted to nearly £7 per head of the population, an amount more than three times the per capita return of any other colony. This fact made the Government hesitate to recommend federation to the people. It was recognized, though but tardily, by the other colonies that to come in on ordinary terms would work an injustice upon the Western State, and consequently a clause (95) was included in the Constitution allowing Western Australia to collect duties upon goods from other ports of Australia for a term of five years, decreasing by 20 per cent, each year. After the term was completed and interstate freetrade fully, established the State felt the loss of revenue severely, and the severity was further accentuated when the Braddon clause in the Constitution, under which three-fourths of the Customs revenue had to be returned to the States, expired in 1910. So
serious was the position that all political parties recognized that the case of Western Australia required special treatment. For that reason, and in order to give something approaching justice to the State, the Commonwealth Parliament decided in 1911 to give the State a special grant for ten years, the grant for the first year to be £250,000, and to diminish during each of the ten years by equal sums. This was in addition to the 25s. per head returned to all the States as compensation for the loss of Customs revenue. Though in the aggregate these concessions amount to nearly £600,000 a year, that sum does not by any means represent the amount that the State would have received yearly from the Customs. Though the ultimate, and to a certain extent the present, advantages of federation to Western Australia must be admitted it is doubtful whether they are not more than counterbalanced by the revenue lost through thus showing her loyalty to the Australian ideal.
OSWALD SEPT. HADDOCKS, Collector of Customs for Western Australia, was born at Sydney on December 23, 1860, and attended various schools, concluding his scholastic career at Morvern College, Double Bay. When seventeen years of age he entered the Customs Department, some time after being placed in the gauging department of the permanent service, where he remained for some years. In 1888 he was transferred by the State Government
Burllello, Perth.
Mu. Oswald Sept. Haddocks.
to Broken Hill in the capacity of Sub-Collector of Customs, and continued in the discharge of this office for some fourteen years. Within a
couple of months after the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth Mr. Haddocks was recalled to Sydney and was attached to the examining officers’ division, two years later receiving the appointment of chief boarding inspector, which he filled for a similar period. After a further promotion to the post of Inspector he received instructions to proceed to Western Australia to take over the duties of Acting Collector upon the retirement of Mr. Clayton T. Mason, and upon June 1, 1894, was gazetted to the permanent appointment. With his advent a strict adherence to the regulations was brought into force in the administration of departmental business, and the internal workings of the several branches of the department were closely investigated and revised by the new officer.
The late CLAYTON TURNER MASON, I.S.O., was born at Tarrington, Herefordshire, England, on May 25, 1847. Upon the conclusion of his scholastic career at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, he was articled to the late Mr. Thomas Waring, M.I.C.E., practising at Cardiff, South Wales. He went to America in 1870, and extending his travels to Fiji and Australia he received an appointment in the Railway Branch of the ’ublic Works Department of New South Wales and remained in that service until 1877, when he was offered and accepted the appointment of Resident Engineer of the Gerald-
ton and Northampton Railway, the first line built by the Government of Western Australia. Subsequently he was appointed to the position of Resident Engineer of the Eastern Railway for four years. In 1882-3 he acted as Commissioner of Railways and in the year following was provisionally appointed Director of Public Works and Commissioner of Railways, with a seat on the Executive and Legislative Councils. In June, 1885, he received the appointment of General Manager and Maintenance Engineer for the Western Australian Railways and retired from the legislative and Executive Councils. Later he was, in conjunction with his other duties, aqain appointed Commissioner of Railways and a member of the Executive Council, and remained as such until the introduction of responsible government in 1891, when in consequence of departmental changes he severed his connection with the Railways Department and was transferred to the important position of Collector of Customs. In 1901 the Customs and Excise Department was taken over by the Federal Government, and in that year Mr. Mason attended a Conference of all the State Collectors and assisted in drafting all the necessary regulations, etc., for the proper working of the department. In 1909 Mr. Mason visited England for the benefit of his health, returning to Australia in 1910, but in consequence of continued ill-health he retired with a pension in March,. 1911. Mr. Mason was elected a member of
413
the Institute of Civil Engineers on April 1, 1884, and received his commission of Justice of the Peace in 1882. At the time of the coronation of King George V. he was made a Companion of the Imperial Service Order (I.S.O.) for long and distinguished services. He was a Master Mason for over thirty-six years, was one of the founders and Worshipful Master of St. George’s Lodge, was a member of St. John’s Lodge, No. 1, and a P.S.G.W. of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia. He was a prominent rifleman and was invited by the King of Belgium in 1868, when a member of the Queen’s Westminster Volunteers, to compete in the great international matches held in that country, and carried off the sixth prize among 6,000 competitors. Mr. Mason, who died on October 4, 1911, married a daughter of the late Captain Daniel Scott, of Fremantle.
O R L ANDO THEOPHILUS ORR, Inspector of Customs, Western Australia, is a son of the late Mr. J. H. M. Orr, of the Victorian Civil Service, and was born near Bristol, England, on May 24, 1852. He pursued his scholastic studies at various schools, being Dux in English of the Scotch College, Melbourne, Victoria, in 1867, when he was presented with the special prize by H.R.II. the Duke of Edinburgh, who was then visiting Australia. Subsequently Mr. Orr took a position as private tutor to the family of the late Mr. Lewis, owner of a gold mine at Whroo, near Rush-worth, Victoria. Later he joined a party proceeding to the Island of Ovalan, in the Fiji group, to engage in the occupation of cotton and sugar-growing. At the outset, however, they were met with very adverse conditions, the seasons at that period being most unpropi-tious. Mr. Orr therefore undertook the duties of supercargo on board a vessel trading among the islands with the object of recruiting labour to work the plantations, and during this period was the subject of experiences sufficiently numerous and interesting to fill a volume. Returning to Australia, while taking a trip round the coast, he offered himself to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the principal of a Presbyterian Church School at Naracoorte, and upon being accepted combined literary work
witli his other duties, writing for the local Herald and doing a large amount of work of a descriptive character for the South Australian Press. In 1880 he was offered
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Orlando Theophilus Orr.
the position of assistant master at All Saints’ Grammar School in St. Kilda, under the late Mr. W. H. Goff, then principal of that well-known scholastic institution. After several years in this connection, during which he also acted as private tutor in several of the leading families in St. Kilda, he resigned in order to accept a post offered him in the Civil Service when the late Honourable J. H. Graves was the Commissioner of Customs of Victoria, and entering the office of the Jerquer, was promoted through the various grades of the Service until he was appointed landing-waiter at Melbourne in 1901. At the inauguration of Federation he was sent to Sydney with several other special officers to assist in the administration of the protective tariff, the Sydney Customs Department having experience only of practically free-trade principles. He continued in the service of the department at Sydney until 1904 when he was specially selected by the Reid-McLean Government to act as Secretary on the Royal Commission on the Commonwealth tariff, presided over by the Honourable Sir John Quick. This Commission sat for two years and eight months, travelling from Bundabcrg in Queensland to Kal-goorlie in Western Australia, and at its close Mr. Orr was officially con-
gratulated by the Chairman and members of the Commission on the able manner in which he had discharged his duties, and was presented with a substantial bonus by the Federal Executive, and with a handsome piece of plate by the members of the Commission. While on the Commission he received the appointment of Inspector of Customs in Western Australia, and though unable at that time to take up the duties of the position, eventually, in August, 1907, he arrived at Fremantle and began his discharge of the office to which he had been appointed a couple of years before, and which he still occupies. Mr. Orr has always taken a live interest in sport generally, being particularly addicted to yatchting, and till recently was Vice-Commodore of the Claremont Yacht Club. He is fond of golf and is a member of the Cot-tesloe Golf Club. He is also associated with the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the Masonic Club. In 1878 he married a daughter of the late Dr. Gunning, of Naracoorte, South Australia, who died in 1893. His second wife was the widow of the late Mr. W. W. Jeremy, draughtsman, of the Public Works Department, Victoria.
JOHN JAMES BROOMHALL, J.P., chief clerk to the Federal
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John James Broomhall.
Customs Department of Western Australia, was born at Fremantle on May 24, 1861, and is a son of the late Mr. J. G. Broomhall, of Fre-
mantle, whilom superintendent of works in the Imperial Service. At the close of his educational career young Broomhall entered the employ of Messrs. J. & W. Bateman, general merchants, and remained with the firm for eight years, at the end of which time resigning his position in order to assume control of the late Sir George Shenton’s business at Fremantle. Two years later he entered into partnership with the elder member of the firm with which he first found employment, and established at Roebourne a general storekeeping business which continued for six years. During this time Mr. Broom-hall interested himself in the municipal affairs of the district and received the honour of being elected the first Mayor of Roebourne. In 1892 he left the Nor’-West, and in May of that year was offered and accepted a position as warehousekeeper to the Customs Department at Fremantle, a post he retained for twelve years, at the expiration of that time being appointed to the position he now fills. On several occasions he has acted as Collector of Customs, having a thorough grasp of the essentials necessary to the performance of the duties of that important office. Mr. Broom-hall, who was made a Justice of the Peace in 1904, married in 1887 Jessie, daughter of the late Mr. John Bateman, of Fremantle.
AUBREY THOMAS SHERWOOD, Sub-Collector of Customs, Perth, is the eldest son of Major Thomas Sherwood, of that city, where the gentleman under review was born on November 11, 1865. He attended various scholastic institutions, principally the High Schools at Perth and Fremantle, and at eighteen years of age entered the Customs House at the latter port as a junior. Since that time he has passed through every grade of the Service and in 1890 was appointed to open the Customs House at the capital from the head office, Fremantle. In January, 1895, he was placed in charge as Sub-Collector of Customs at Perth, which appointment he has held ever since. Mr. Sherwood gives his cordial support to all aquatic sports and makes a special hobby of yachting. His boat, “Lotus,” is well known among the river craft, and has won for her owner numerous prizes in connection with the various racing events which command much interest in the yachting season. He was one of the
founders of the Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, for which he acted for some years as Hon. Secretary and Commodore, and latterly as Vice-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Aubrey Thomas Sherwood.
President. He is also a member of the Claremont Yacht Club. Golf claims a portion of his leisure, and he is often to be seen on the Cottesloe links, of which club he is a member. He is connected with the fraternity of Freemasons and a well-known identity at the Masonic Club. Mr. Sherwood married in 1893 Louisa, daughter of Mr. F. W. Wisdom, of Inverness, Scotland.
JOHN MAXWELL CLIFTON, Acting Inspector of Excise Customs, Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. Leonard W. Clifton, who held the appointment of Collector of Customs for over thirty years at that seaport, where the gentleman under review was born on September 26, 1871. He received his scholastic training at the Fremantle Grammar School under the tuition of the Honourable H. Briggs, M.L.C., and when about eighteen years of age entered the Customs Department in the capacity of assistant tide-waiter. Subsequently he was promoted to the position of landing-waiter, and in 1893, on his own application, was transferred to the statistical department, of which office he ultimately took control. In January, 1911, Mr. Clifton was given the appointment of Acting Inspector of Excise Customs, and has carried out the duties of this office ever since.
Apart from his official life, he makes a hobby of photography, and his work in this line has been classed by artists as bearing favourable comparison with many of the productions from professional studios. He is also an amateur carpenter and takes great delight in the execution of various useful and ornamental pieces of woodcraft. A member of the fraternity of Freemasons, he takes an interest in all matters for the advancement of this body. In 1908 he married Kathleen Swaine, daughter of the late Mr. Henry Hooper, of Adelaide, and has a son and a daughter.
JOHN MOORE DICKSON, Sub-Collector of Customs, Albany, is a son of the late Thomas James Dickson, of Gisborne, New Zealand, and was born at Dunluce, in County Antrim, Ireland, in the vicinity of the famous Giant’s Causeway, on November 15, 1864. Being taken to New Zealand while quite an infant, he subsequently pursued his scholastic studies at the Gisborne State School and the Gisborne Grammar School, at a later date attending the Canterbury College, Lincoln, New Zealand. He was engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits on his own behalf for .six years prior to leaving the Dominion for Western
Greenham & Evans, Perth.
Mr. John Moore Dickson.
Australia in 1890, but on arrival in this State turned his attention to prospecting on the Southern Cross goldfields. Shortly after the dis-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OP WESTERN AUSTRALIA
415
covery of the great Coolgardie field Mr. Dickson contracted typhoid fever, and returning to the coast obtained a temporary position on the staff of the Customs Department. In 1893 he was gazetted to a permanency in the department, and a year later was transferred to Esperance in the capacity of landing-waiter, shortly afterwards being appointed landing-surveyor at the same port, holding in addition the posts of Clerk of Local Court and Petty Sessions, Treasury Cashier, and District Land Agent. In May, 1899, he was promoted to the post of sub-collector, and after more than ten years’ service at Esperance was granted transfer and promotion to Albany by the Federal Government in 1904. Mr. Dickson’s whole time and attention practically is given up to official duties, but he finds leisure for needful recreation in riding, fishing, and shooting He was the founder and for some time President of the Esper-
ance Rifle Club, and may be said to exoelinthis form of sport, in his early days in New Zealand, while a member of the East Coast Mounted Hussars, having won a championship which greatly redounded to the honour of his corps. While at school he was, after competitive examination, appointed First Lieutenant of the Gisborne Cadets before attaining the age of sixteen, and he has been well known as a first-class cricketer and footballer. A member of the Masonic craft, he is at present an office-holder in the Plantagenet Lodge, E.C. Mr. Dickson married in 1898 Maud, daughter of the late Thomas Hill, of Parramatta, New South Wales, and has two sons and two daughters
EDWARD SCOBLE POMEROY TROODE was born at Fremantle m 1864, being educated privately and at
the Fremantle Public School. In 1883 he accepted a position as tide-waiter, in which capacity he continued until the Fremantle wharves were vested in the Customs Department in 1886, when he was appointed to the post of Wharfinger’s Assistant. In 1889 he received transfer to Albany and held numerous offices in that important shipping centre unHl 1898, when he was promoted to be Sub-Collector of Customs in charge at that port. When Albany ceased to be a port of call for the Royal Mail steamers Mr. Troode’s services were requisitioned for Fremantle, where subsequent to the retirement of Mr. Goodsir he acted as Landing-surveyor. With the reorganization of the service by the federal authorities in 1904 Mr. Troode was classified as First-class Examining Officer, and has since on various occasions acted as Inspector during the temporary absence of the head of the Department
Patents, Trade Marks, and Copyright.
PATENTS.
Since the inauguration of the Commonwealth the granting of patents has been vested in the Federal Government, though it was not until June, 1904, that the Act governing the matter came into force. There is a Commissioner of Patents and Registrar of Trade Marks and Copyright at the seat of Government, but the records for each State are kept at the Customs Department, where all information upon questions dealing with patents, etc., is obtainable So far as Western Australia is concerned this is the procedure adopted, but owing to the fact that the patent files at the Public Library are the only ones in the State approaching completeness, they are considerably used for purposes of research.
Application for a patent may be made by—(a) The actual inventor; or (b) his assignee, agent, attorney, or nominee; or (c) the actual inventor or his nominee jointly with the assignee of a part interest in the invention ; or (d) the legal representative of a deceased actual inventor or of his assignee; or (e) any person to whom the invention has been communicated by the actual inventor, his legal representative or assignee (if the actual inventor, his legal representative or assignee, is not resident in the Commonwealth).
An application for a patent must be for one invention only, and must be made in the form prescribed and must be lodged by being left at or sent by post to the Patent Office in the prescribed manner, and must be accompanied by either a provisional specification or
a complete specification, together with the prescribed fee, £1. The application must contain a declaration in the form prescribed setting out the facts relied on to support the application, and must be signed by the applicant and attested by a witness.
The term limited in every patent for the duration thereof is fourteen years from its date. But every patent shall cease if the patentee fails to pay the renewal fee within the prescribed time—seven years from date of application If in any case by accident, mistake, or inadvertence a patentee fails to pay the renewal fee within such prescribed time, he may apply to the Commissioner for an enlargement of the time for making that payment
The Commissioner, if satisfied that the failure has arisen from any of the above-mentioned causes, and on receipt of the prescribed fee for enlargement, shall en large the time accordingly, subject to the following conditions : —(1) The time for making any payment shall not in any case be enlarged for more than one year; (2) if any proceeding is taken in respect of an infringement of the patent committed after a failure to make any payment within the prescribed time, and before the enlargement thereof, the court before which the proceeding is taken may, if it thinks fit, refuse to award or give any damages in respect of the infringement
TRADE MARKS.
A registrable trade mark must consist of essential particulars with or without additional matter. The essential particulars must be one or more of the follow
416 THE CYCLOPEDIA OF
ing. —(a) A name or trading style of a person printed, impressed, or woven in some particular and distinctive manner; or (b) a written signature or copy of a written signature of the person applying for registration thereof or some predecessor in his business; or (c) a distinctive device, mark, brand, heading, label, or ticket; or (d) an invented word or invented words; or (e) a word or words having no reference to the character or quality of the goods, and not being a geographical name used or likely to be understood m a geographical sense The additional matter which may be added to the essential particulars of a registrable trade mark shall be: — (a) Any letters, words, or figures: or (h) any combination of letters, words, or figures, or of any of them.
COPYRIGHTS.
Copyright subsists m every book, whether the author is a British subject or not, which has been printed from type, set up in Australia, or plates made therefrom, or from plates or negatives made in Australia, in cases where type is not necessarily used, and has, after the commencement of the Copyright Act, 1905, been published in Australia, before or simultaneously with its first publication elsewhere.
Performing right subsists in every dramatic or musical work, whether the author is a British subject or not, which has, after the commencement of the Copyright Act, 1905, been performed in public in Australia, before or simultaneously with its first performance in public elsewhere.
Lecturing right subsists in every lecture, whether the author is a British subject or not, which has, after the commencement of the Copyright Act, 1905, been
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
delivered in public in Australia, before or simultaneously with its first delivery in public elsewhere
Copyright subsists in every artistic work, whether the author is a British subject or not, which is made in Australia after the commencement of the Copyright Act, 1905.
The copyright in a book, the performing right in a dramatic or musical work, the lecturing right in a lecture, or the copyright m an artistic work, begins with the first publication of the book, performance of the dramatic or musical work, delivery in public of the lecture, or the making of the artistic work in Australia, and subsists for the term of forty-two years, or for the author’s life and seven years, whichever is the longer.
The owner of any copyright, performing right, or lecturing right, under the Copyright Act, 1905, may obtain registration of his right by lodging at or sending to the Copyright Office an application in the prescribed form, and accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Every person applying for the registration of the copyright in any book shall deliver to the Registrar two copies of the whole book, with all maps and illustrations belonging thereto, finished and coloured in the same manner as the best copies of the book are published and bound, sewed, or stitched together, and on the best paper on which the book is printed. One copy of each book so delivered to the Registrar shall be forwarded by him to the librarian of the Parliament.
Every person applying for the registration of the copyright in any work of art shall deliver to the Registrar one copy of the work of art or a photograph of it.
State Government Departments.
Under the Constitution Act, 1889, provision was made for five salaried responsible Ministers, and the titles of those chosen were Colonial Treasurer, Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General, Commissioner of Crown Lands, and Commissioner of Railways and Director of Public Works. The original departments under the new regime were, therefore, the Treasury, Colonial Secretary’s Department, Crown Law Department, Lands Department, and Public Works and Railways Department. This arrangement held good until the end of 1894, when it became apparent that, owing to the gold discoveries and the consequent growth of a great mining industry, a separate department for the control of mining was necessary. It was also felt that the great influx of population demanded the establishment of a more modern educational system These two spheres of administrative action, therefore, which had previously ranked as subdivisions of other departments, were separated into distinct departments, and by a rearrangement of Ministerial Offices the Colonial Secretaryship was combined with the position of Colonial Treasurer, and a new responsible post—Minister of Mines and Education—was created. This change made it possible to cope with the work of administration for a while longer; but when the amendment to the Constitution
was under consideration in 1896 the Government deemed it wise to increase the number of salaried Ministers to six, as the enormous expansion in every phase of Government activity had increased the work to such an extent that the task of properly controlling it was beyond the power of the number of Ministers allowed by the original Constitution. Consequently since 1896 there have been six Ministers of State From time to time alterations in their designations have been made by the Governor-in-Council to meet the exigencies of the period, and it has also become the practice to appoint as Honorary Ministers gentlemen of leisure sufficient to allow them to assist their responsible confreres. When responsible government was inaugurated the Premier (Sir John Forrest) reserved the Treasurership as his Cabinet office, and that combination, owing probably to the fact that Sir John Forrest held it for over ten years, seems to be the usual one in Western Australian politics, though Sir Walter James was Premier and Attorney-General, and Sir Newton Moore for a time combined the Leadership of the Government with the position of Minister for Lands and Agriculture.
The present distribution of State departments and branches is, according to the Estimates for 1911-12, as under: —
PREMIER S OFFICE.
This office—really a department—though an
anomaly under the Constitution and in a measure peculiar to Western Australia, is, nevertheless, one of the busiest and most important sections of the Public Service. The abnormal conditions existing in the colony during the last decade of the nineteenth century and the dominating influence in political affairs of the then Premier, Sir John Forrest, contributed to make the Premier’s office the centre and focus of all administrative work and the depository of confidential matter
relating to the administration. The procedure adopted by Sir John was found by successive Leaders of the Government to be so convenient that it has practically grown into a system the justification for which is its very great usefulness. All matters requiring the attention of the Premier as head of the Government, as well as those matters which do not specifically relate to any particular State department, pass through this office, which also fulfils in a measure the functions of a distributing medium for correspondence and requests.
he established a successful Commercial and Shorthand Institute in Ballarat, Victoria, and has passed a number of examinations in Adelaide, London, and New York. He remained in Ballarat for six years, when having an intense inclination to widen his knowledge and experi ence, and thereby his future usefulness, by means of travel Mr. Kessell undertook a tour of the world as a
ALFRED COLENSO KESSELL,
F.R.G.S., J.P., Secretary to the Honourable the Premier, has held that confidential office since 1903 in the successive Administrations of Sir Walter James, K.C., Kt.; Honourable H. Daglish (now a member of the Arbitration Court); Sir Corn-thwaite Rason, Kt ; Honourable Sir Newton Moore, K.C.M.G ; the Honourable Frank Wilson, C.M.G.; and
BB
is now occupying a similar post under the second Labour Administration of which the Honourable John Scaddan, M.L.A., is the head. Mr. Kessell, who was born and educated at Adelaide, South Australia, commenced his commercial career in the offices of the South Australian Advertiser, and at a later date became a teacher in the Adelaide Shorthand Institute. Subsequently
418
Press correspondent (from 1894 to 1896), in the course of which he met with some exciting and most interesting adventures on land and sea. Among other events he was arrested at Jenin, Palestine, by the Turkish authorities on suspicion of being a spy, and had to appear before two Provincial Governors and the British Consul at Haifa (Mount Carmel) before demanding his release as a British subject. In addition he had a very narrow escape from shipwreck among the icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland, no great distance from the spot where the '‘Titanic’* foundered. In the course of his journeyings on this trip Mr. Kessell had the pleasure of interviewing a number of world celebrities, among whom were Arabi Pashi, “Mark Twain,” Henry M. Stanley, and General Booth. Early in 1896 he was recalled to South Australia from Canada on account of family bereavements, and subsequently decided to settle in Western Australia. After spending six years in secretarial work on the goldfields Mr. Kessell came to Perth, having been appointed confidential short-
hand writer to the Commissioner of Railways (Mr. W. J. George). From that post he was promoted to
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Alfred Colenso Kessell.
the office which he at present holds. When the Premier (Sir Newton Moore) decided to visit England in
1910 in connection with the immigration policy of the Government and to look into the question of reorganizing the London Agency, Mr. Kessell was selected to accompany him in the position of Confidential Secretary. He has also attended in the same capacity every conference of State Premiers held since 1904. He was unanimously elected as the first President of the Western Australian Shorthand-writers' Association owing to the keen interest he has shown in educational and commercial matters. Mr. Kessell has always manifested a deep interest in political, social, and municipal affairs —an interest which has proved invaluable to him in his present position. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London), a Fellow of the Institute of Commerce (London), a Fellow of the National Shorthand Association (Incorporated) of London, and a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Kessell was married in 1899 to Emily, daughter of Mr. H. J. Summerscales, one of the leading merchants of Ballarat, Victoria, and has three children— two boys and a girl.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER.
While Western Australia remained a Crown colony all appointments to official positions were in the gift of the Home Government or of the representative of that Government in the colony. After the introduction of responsible government this patronage was transferred to the Ministers; but when the colony began to expand, and public servants were numbered by thousands instead of hundreds, it became apparent that some change was necessary, as well in the interests of members of the Government as for the efficiency, welfare, and economic administration of the Public Service.
It was not until 1904, however, that anything in the nature of a Public Service Act of a comprehensive character was agreed to by Parliament. In that year the Public Service Act, which still controls the Public Service of the State, was passed, but it did not come into operation until May of the following year. Under it the control of the Service was vested in a Public Service Commissioner, to whom was also committed the duty of preparing a classification of all positions and of fixing the salaries proportionate to the work performed.
The first Commissioner appointed under the Act was Mr. Martin Edward Jull, the term of his appointment being in the first instance for seven years. Before that period had elapsed Mr. Jull was reappointed, and therefore still holds the position. His first work was to pre-
pare regulations for the internal management of the Service. These did not at first meet with any great approval, but with slight amendments they have since been accepted as fair and reasonable. The task of classifying the officers and their positions, which was next undertaken, was a much more difficult one. Recognizing that fact, the Act gave power to the Government to appoint if necessary two Assistant Commissioners to help Mr. Jull; but that officer, probably studying economy, decided to undertake the work without assistance. The result was a classification which was received with almost unanimous disapproval, and appeals were as “thick as leaves in Vallombrosa.” Due consideration was given to these by an Appeal Board constituted under the Act, but the outcome was far from satisfactory from the point of view of the Service.
Ultimately the Government agreed to appoint Mr. W. W. Alcock and Mr. H. S. King, the Under-Secretary for Mines, to assist Mr. Jull in preparing a reclassification. The result of their labours was published early in the present year and has recently been adopted by the ‘ Government. While not perhaps in every case satisfactory to the individual, the classification has certainly met with the approval of the Service generally. At present Mr. Alcock is acting as Public Service Commissioner during the absence on leave of Mr. Jull.
419
MARTIN EDWARD JULL, the first Public Service Commissioner for the State of Western Australia, was horn at Horsham, Sussex, England, on January 18, 1862, his father being a chemist in that town. He received his education at the Brighton Grammar School, and at the age of seventeen was articled to the firm of Messrs. T. G. Wharton and Co., surveyors and assessors, of Wallbrook, London, afterwards joining Messrs. Weatherall, Green, and Co., of Chancery Lane, with whom he remained until reaching his twenty-fourth year. During the time he spent with this latter firm he undertook an extensive tour round the world, partly for pleasure, but mainly for the purpose of seeking experience. After leaving New Zealand on this trip he proceeded, in company with a party of friends, to the South Seas, and together they visited many unfrequented places before returning to London. Leaving England in 1886 to settle in Australia Mr. Jull decided to remain in Perth, and the first position held by him in this State was on the staff of The Daily News, a post he relinquished to become a draughtsman in the Public Works Department of the Colonial Government. The opportunities which the land boom in Victoria seemed to offer induced Mr. Jull, in company with many others, to try his fortunes in that State. Proceeding there at the end of 1887, he spent about three years which from a financial point of view were far from successful, and returned to Perth in 1891 a poorer if not a wiser man. Upon the establishment of responsible government in that year he accepted the post of Chief Clerk to the Department of Railways and Works, and continued to hold that office until the one Department was divided into two, and he became Under-Secretary for Works. During his occupancy of that office he was intimately connected with the working of the Railways, the construction of the Fremantle Harbour, and of the Goldfields Water Scheme, and had charge of the arrangements at the opening ceremony of the Harbour Works
when Lady Robinson, the wife of the then Governor, tipped the first load of stones into the sea. When the Roads administration was transferred from the Lands to the Public Works Department Mr. Jull was entrusted with the drafting of a new Roads Boards Act, a measure which resulted in greatly popularizing and extending local government. During his term of office the first Public Works Act embodying the conditions under which works undertaken by the State should be constructed became law. The great expansion in every department of State work owing to the gold discoveries occurred during the time Mr. Jull controlled the administrative side of the Works Department, and the wisdom and judgment exercised by him
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Martin Edward Jull.
and the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor, C.M.G., the Engineer-in-Chief, between whom there existed both an official and a personal friendship, are evidenced by the forward condition of public works and useful services throughout the State. The staff of the Department, which numbered thirty when he took charge, was increased by successive reorganizations to 650, and at that time in one year
alone the Public Works expenditure rose to an amount equal to the present (1910-11) total annual expenditure of the whole of the State Departments. Many interesting phases of life passed under his view during those strenuous times, and when opportunity offers Mr. Jull can tell many anecdotes of the early dates of the gold rush to Coolgardie and elsewhere. In 1905, upon the passing of the Public Service Act, he was appointed to the important position of Public Service Commissioner, which he still continues to hold. His principal work has been the classification of the whole of the Service, thus bringing it into line with the Services of the Eastern States and forming a model of which Western Australia has every reason to be proud. Not the least part of his duty has been the framing of a complete set of regulations, nothing of the kind having previously been in existence. For many years he has taken an active interest in Church matters arid for some time past has been a member of the Diocesan Council of the Anglican Church, and has been interested in the Y.M.C.A. movement since its reintroduction into the State, having been Chairman of the Building Committee for the new premises erected in 1909. A keen horticulturist, he cultivated a vineyard and orchard at Armadale, and introduced to this State the fine varieties of wine grapes known as “Carbinet - Souvignon,” “Malbeck,” etc. Not being able to find the necessary time to devote to it, he some few years ago disposed of the property to the late Sir Arthur Stepney, Bart. In the old days he was a most active member of the Upper Swan Plorticultural Society and read several papers before that old pioneer Society. In sporting affairs we also at one time find Mr. Jull taking a prominent place, being a foundation member of the Western Australian Cricket Association and a strong supporter of all forms of boating and sailing. He was married in 1889 to Miss Roberta Stewart, M.B., the first lady doctor in Western Australia, and has one daughter.
AUDIT OFFICE.
Like the Public Service Commissioner, the Auditor-General is directly responsible to Parliament, and though nominally an adjunct of the Treasury, the office is one which ought to be treated as a separate department. bb2
The financial transactions of the State as a business concern are necessarily both large and complicated, as the yearly statement of accounts amply testifies. The Government is the largest employer of labour in the
420
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
State, has an immense carrying trade, runs manufactories, sells water, controls mining plant, is a licensed victualler, a tourist agent, and in many other ways performs services that in older countries are usually left to private concerns. It is obvious, therefore, that its book-keeping must be both voluminous and elaborate. While each department keeps its own accounts a general supervision is necessary, both to minimize the risk of error and detect irregularities which, even without criminal intent, must necessarily occur in human affairs. This work is performed by the Audit Office, which also aims at securing economic administration and, where possible, uniformity of method. It is therefore evident that the office is not only a necessary part of the
machinery of government, but that it occupies a most responsible position in State affairs. Its operations are conducted under the authority of the Audit Act, 1904, which superseded the earlier Acts of 1881 and 1891 respectively. The present Auditor-General, who was appointed when the Act of 1904 came into force, is Charles S. Toppin, and the Chief Inspector is A. T. M. Gordon. The annual reports of the Auditor-General, while not always pleasant reading either to the Government or the departments, contain a comprehensive survey of the financial transactions of the year, and show that no effort is spared in the interests of the people to stop leakages and secure legal and economic expenditure of the various funds.
CHARLES SAMUEL TOPPIN son of the Rev. Canon Toppin, Rector of Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland, was born at Donohill in October, 1866, and received his educa.tion at the Diocesan School. At sixteen years of age he went to London and entered the firm of Christy's, hat manufacturers, with whom he held a clerical position for about five years. In 1887, having received an appointment with the newly-formed Western Australian Land Company, which had received a grant of three million acres from the Government for the construction of a railway from Albany to Beverley, he left for the Western State. Four years later he was appointed accountant of the Company, a position he held until 1897, when upon the purchase by the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Samuel Toppin.
Government of the Company's concession and the taking over of the Great Southern Railway he came to
Perth and served in the head office of the Government Railways Department in the capacity of subaccountant until July 1, 1900. He was then promoted to the position of assistant accountant, and became acting chief accountant in July, 1903. Under his supervision and direction the system of railway accounts was completely and satisfactorily reorganized, and it may be said that on matters of accountancy and finance he has always been recognized as an authority. After seven years Mr. Toppin severed his connection with the railways, and on February 1, 1904, took up the dual position of Auditor-General for the State and Deputy Auditor-General for the Commonwealth, the latter duties terminating in 1906 on the establishment of local staffs throughout all the States. Other appointments held by Mr. Toppin under Government were those of Co-Trustee, with the President of the Legislative Council and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, of the Local Inscribed Stock Sinking Fund from February, 1904, to July, 1906, when the management was transferred to London; and Royal Commissioner in connection with the Illingworth inquiry in December, 1907. Unofficially Mr. Toppin for many years has been associated with the Institute of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia, of which Society he is Vice-President. His chief relaxations are tennis, amateur gardening, and fishing. He was married in 1903 to Evelyn, widow of Mr. John Donaldson, M.L.A., Minister for Education, Queensland.
ARTHUR TREACY MERRI-FIELD GORDON, Chief Inspector of Accounts, Audit Department,
Perth, was born on April 12, 1873, at Geelong, Victoria, and was edu-
Bartlctto, Perth.
Mr. Arthur T. M. Gordon.
cated in South Australia, to which State his parents had removed during his early boyhood. After leaving school he entered a solicitor's office in Adelaide, and in 1887 went to Albany, Western Australia, and was employed there for a few months in the Post and Telegraph Department. Returning to Adelaide he was engaged in the accountant’s branch of the firm of Messrs. G. P. Harris, Scarfe, & Co., and later with Messrs. F. H. Faulding & Co., wholesale chemists. His next sphere of labour was Melbourne, where he received an appointment in the George & George Emporium, Collins Street, afterwards being employed for three and a half years in the warehouse of Messrs. Sargood, Butler, Nicol, & Ewen. In 1892 he
421
joined the firm of Messrs Boan Brothers at their headquarters in Broken Hill, New South Wales, and two years later came to Perth, where he became attached to the Public Service of Western Australia as a
junior in the Audit Department. In. this branch he steadily rose until in September, 1906, he was appointed to his present position He acted as Assistant Secretary in 1900 and 1907 to the Freemasons’ Club at
Perth, and was acting for the Grand Secretary in 1900 and 1907 to the Freemasons’ Grand Lodge of Western Australia, and is an Associate of the Society of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia.
The Treasury.
As a department the Treasury is charged with the control of the finances of the State, including the management of the Public Debt and the raising of loans The preparation of the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and of the financial returns required in connection therewith are also part of its work, while it supervises in addition the following sub-departments and branches —Compassionate Allowances, Government Savings Bank, Government Stores, Indenting Office, Literary and Scientific Grants, Lithographic Office, Government Printing Office, Taxation, Refunds, and Miscellaneous Services The London Agency, Audit Office, and Public Service Commissioner are also nominally subordinate to the Treasury, but as they are legally independent of any department it is obviously more correct to treat them separately. The present Agent-General for Western Australia in London is Sir Newton James Moore, KCM G., who for several years was Premier of the State, and m that capacity inaugurated the policy of land settlement that has been so extensively carried out during recent years. The Secretary to the Agent-General’s Office is Mr. Reginald Hare.
The importance of the Treasury as a branch of the Public Service is readily seen from the foregoing statement. The magnitude of its functions may be m some measure indicated by a study of the financial statement
GOVERNMENT
The earliest legislation relating to Savings Banks m this State was an Ordinance (18 Viet , No 3) passed on April 12, 1855, to provide for the encouragement, safe custody, and increase of small savings m Western Australia.” This measure was, however, very shortlived, and remained m force but little more than a year, being repealed by an Ordinance passed on June 9, 1856, which stated that the provisions of the previous Ordinance were ‘ found to be inapplicable to existing circumstances,” and that m consequence the whole of that Ordinance was repealed, ‘save and except so far as the same relates to the repayment of any moneys deposited and still being in the hands of the Colonial Treasurer, together with interest thereon ”
Seven years after this the attempt to encourage
for the year ended June 30, 1912. From that it appears that the revenue was £3,966,673, of which amount railways contributed £1,896,579, taxation and duties £305,743, land £356,690, goldfields water supply £141,421, harbour dues £140,131, and Commonwealth contribution and interest on transferred properties £638,527, the remainder being made up of miscellaneous receipts. The expenditure for the same period totalled £4,101,182, thus exceeding the revenue by £134,409, due mainly to increases in salaries and wages and to the partial failure of the harvest
The following table shows the succession of Colonial Treasurers since the establishment of responsible government . —
Colonial Treasurer. From To
Sir John Forrest Dee 29, 1890 Feb. 15, 1901
George Throssell Feb. 15, 1901 May 27, 1901
Frederick Illingworth May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Albeit Edward Morgans Nov. 21, 1901 Dec 23, 1901
Frederick Illingworth Dee. 23, 1901 June 24, 1902
James Gardiner June 24, 1902 May 20, 1904
Sir Cornthwaite Hector Bason May 20, 1904 Aug. 10, 1904
Heory Daglish August 10,1904 Aug. 25, 1905
Sir Cornthwaite Hectoi Rason August 25, 1905 May 7, 1906
Frank Wilson May 7, 1900 June 30, 1909
Sir Newton James Moore June 30, 1909 Sept. 16, 1910
Frank W'rlson Sept lb, 1910 October 7, 1911
J ohu Seaddan October 7, 1911 Still in Office
SAVINGS BANK.
small savings was again made by the Legislature, when “The Post Office Savings Bank Ordinance” (27 Viet., No. 5) was passed on July 1, 1863 Under this Ordinance the Post Office Savings Bank was established, and provision was made that interest at the rate of 3f per cent, per annum should be paid on deposits, such interest to be computed on the minimum monthly balance of each account, exclusive of fractions of a pound, and to be added to the depositors’ accounts on December 31 in each year No mention was made of the maximum amount to be allowed on deposit; but m the following year, on July 11, 1864, an amending Ordinance (28 Viet., No. 1) was passed, which provided, amongst other things, that no depositor should be allowed to increase the amount standing to his credit with the Bank by more
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
than £30 m any one year, nor to more than £150 in all, and also that whenever, by the annual addition of interest, the sum standing m the name of any depositor should amount to £200 m all, no further interest would be allowed so long as the total remained as high as £200.
Additional amending enactments were passed in 1865 and in 1874, both of which related to the manner of investing the funds of the Bank.
These four measures were repealed by “The Post Office Savings Bank Consolidation Act, 1893” (57 Viet., No. 3), which consolidated and amended the law on the subject, and which was itself amended by Acts passed in 1895, in 1896, and in 1902.
The rate of interest payable to depositors which, m the Act of 1863 and also in that of 1893, is laid down at 3f per cent., remained at that figure until 1896, when the Colonial Treasurer, in accordance with power given him by the Amending Act of 1895, notified through the Government Gazette that on and after July 1, 1896, the rate of interest would be 3 per cent This rate continued m force until June 30, 1904, when it was raised to 3| per cent ; it was, however, on December 31, 1904, again reduced to 3 per cent Interest is still computed on the minimum monthly balance exclusive of fractions of a pound, and is added to deposits annually on June 30, but m the event of any account exceeding £1,000 no interest is allowed on such excess
On March 1, 1901, the Postal Departments of the several States were taken over by the Commonwealth Government, and in anticipation of this the Savings Bank Amending Act of 1900 was passed by the Western Australian Legislature to make such alterations in the principal Act of 1893 as would be rendered necessary by the transfer, the Colonial Treasurer being authorized therein to make, with the approval of the Governor, arrangements “with the postal authorities of the Commonwealth, that the officers of the Post Office shall perform, on such terms as shall be agreed upon, all or any part of the duties which have hitherto been performed by such officers in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank.”
Such arrangements having been duly made, the business of the agencies of the Bank is now carried on much as it was before the Commonwealth assumed control of the Postal Department. The head office of the Bank, however, which is situated in Perth, is quite distinct from the Postal Department, as are also the agencies at Boulder, Coolgardie, Fremantle, Geraldton, and Kalgooilie, all the officers being members of the State Public Service All the accounts are kept at the head office, the branch business merely consisting m the transmission to the head office of money deposited and the payment of withdrawals on the receipt from the head office of the necessary funds The privilege of withdrawing by telegraph has been extended to all the branches throughout the State.
Although no change has yet been made it is quite clear that the passing of the Federal Bank Act will materially affect the position of the existing State Savings Bank, unless a working agreement either on the lines suggested by the Federal Treasurer or on other lines agreeable to both Commonwealth and State can be arrived at. The Federal Government will naturally use the Post Offices in outlying districts for the transaction of its own banking business, thus displacing the State system. The various difficulties m the way of joint action have been subjects of discussion for some months past. No actual woiking basis has yet been fixed, but there seems to be a tendency on the part of the State Government in Western Australia, at any rate, to fall in with the federal view.
The position of the Savings Bank at the close of the financial year 1910-11 may be fairly gauged from the following extracts from the Annual Report of the Manager (Mr. Carl Leschen) . —
“The total number of depositors has grown from 84,262 to 97,147, whilst their combined savings have risen from £3,481,764 8s. 3d. to £4,092,504 8s. 9d , being an increase of £610,740 0s 6d., of which accumulation no less a sum than £8,718 17s. belongs to the pupils and was collected by their teachers in the schools of the State; £3,701 2s Id. still remains m the unclaimed fund Everything possible is being done to popularize the Bank and extend its facilities to all, but I regret that circumstances over which the Bank has no control have made it impossible to establish during the year agencies in a number of localities where they would be both used and appreciated.
“The deposits for the year aggregated £3,177,106 10s. 6d , as compared with £2,404,368 4s 9d for the previous year The interest added to depositors' balances, calculated at 3 per cent., aggregated £104,982 0s Id , as against £90,472 6s 3d. The withdrawals totalled £2,671,348 10s. Id., as against £2,072,813 17s. lid.
“The Schools’ Penny Savings Bank Department is making satisfactory headway. Thirty-four additional schools have agencies established, their number now totalling 172 The total number of deposits received increased from 61,176 to 91,726, representing a sum of £6,779 0s. 9d , averaging Is 52d per deposit, as against £4,404 5s 9d for an average of Is 5d ; whilst the number of withdrawals advanced from 2,173 to 3,332 for £3,634 5s. 9d , averaging £1 Is. 9|d per withdrawal, as against £2,066 17s for an average of 19s for the previous year Interest at 3 per cent, added to the children’s balances aggregated £123 19s 7d., as against £68 4s. The accumulated funds saved by the 9,578 children has now grown from £5,450 ?s. 9d to £8,718 17s., the average per depositor having increased from 16s Id to 18s 2|d Two thousand five hundred and six children have balances of £1 and over.”
423
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
In the early days of the existence of the Swan River Settlement the official printing was carried out by Mr. Charles Macfaull, whose newspaper, The Perth Gazette, fulfilled the functions of a Government Gazette for the time being. During the thirties it was decided to issue a Western Australian Government Gazette as an official publication, the actual printing remaining under the control of Mr. Macfaull. After the introduction of convicts the printing was carried on as part of the establishment for a number of years, but in 1870 a Government Printing Office was established and Mr. Richard Pether appointed Government Printer. Mr. Pether occupied the position until 1901, when he retired on a well-earned pension, after having successfully administered his department during the abnormal expansion that took place after 1890. His successor, Mr. W. A. Watson, remained in office for only four years, resigning in 1905, when Mr A Curtis was temporarily appointed as Acting-Government Printer Convinced that the establishment was not carrying out its functions with that attention to economy and efficiency so necessary m a business concern the Government instructed the Public Service Commissioner to report upon the matter and make such recommendations as he thought necessary As a result applications were called for the position of Government Printer, and ultimately (m 1906) Mr. Frederick W. Simpson, the present occupant of the office, was appointed. Mr. Simpson, who is a thoroughly prac-
tical man, has inaugurated several important changes m the operation and management of his department, among which have been the introduction of more up-to-date machinery and the reorganization of the working of the department generally. By these means greater economy has been secured and at the same time efficiency has been increased.
It may be observed that the work of the department u not limited to the printing of Parliamentary papers and The Government Gazette. Practically all the official stationery of the various Government departments issues from the Government Printing Office, and it is responsible for the publication of the scientific and professional papers prepared by the Government Geologist and other officers. That it is capable of very high-class letterpress printing there is ample evidence, the “Handbook of Western Australia” issued during this year being only one instance of the fact.
The estimated cost of the office for salaries, wages, etc , for 1911-12 was £20,158, while £12,000 was set aside for machinery, stationery, and printing paper, making a total annual expenditure upon printing of £32,158. In return for this it was estimated that a revenue of £40,664, based upon actual cost of performing the work, would be received from various departments of the Public Service. These figures give some idea of the magnitude of the operations of the Government Printing establishment.
LITHOGRAPHIC OFFICE.
This office is a natural corollary to a Government Printing Office. Where the one carries out all printing required by the Government and the Public Service, the other issues copies of all maps and plans prepared by the Lands, Mines, Public Works, and other departments for the information and guidance of the public generally. The first lithographer in the colony was Major Hillman, assistant to the original Surveyor-General (Captain J. S. Roe), and the work was performed as part of the duties of the Survey Office. After the introduction of the convicts m 1850 and the erection of the Fremantle Prison provision was made for the lithographic work, in com-
mon with the Government printing, to be done by the convicts as part of their labour. After the convict establishment was disbanded and the colony began to expand each department requiring lithographs set up its own plant This arrangement continued until 1900, when m the interests of efficiency as well as economy the whole were amalgamated as the Government Lithographic Office, under the administration of the Treasury, the present head of the office, Mr. Harry J Pether, being placed m charge The improved results obtained since that time are evidence of the success of the alteration then made..
GOVERNMENT STORES.
The present organization of this branch of the Treasury is one of those systems in favour of economy and efficiency that have been the direct outcome of the appointment of the Public Service Commissioner. In his first report issued m July, 1906, Mr Jull pointed out the multiplicity of Stores organizations In addition to the General Stores at North Fremantle there were
officers dealing with stores in connection with the Tender Board, Treasury, Colonial Secretary’s Department, Education Department, Lands, Mines, and Public Works He was of opinion that the whole matter required investigation with a view to more systematic administration. While he considered it unlikely that all the different organizations could with convenience
424
be merged into one, he advocated the abolition of the General Store at North Fremantle, the establishment of a Central Store in Perth, the amalgamation if possible of various branches, and the appointment of one official to control the whole if such could be done without loss of efficiency.
As a result of the Commissioner’s representations a Stores Inquiry Board was appointed by the Government, and subsequently Mr. G. W. Simpson was made Stores Manager. Under his administration the whole system
has been reorganized. In the matter of purchasing stores and requisites Mr. Simpson acts under the advice and with the assistance of a strong Tender Board appointed by the Government and consisting, in addition to himself, of the Engineer-in-Chief and the Inspector-General of Schools. The Stores Branch also acts as shipping agent to the Government, taking charge of the despatch and receipt of all official material, and thus saving large sums which would otherwise have to be paid to private clearing agents.
TAXATION DEPARTMENT.
This department which was instituted only some four years ago, when the Acts imposing land and income taxes were passed, is charged with the collection, in addition to those taxes, of the dividend duties and totalizator tax. Existing as it does to secure the direct payment of actual cash into the Treasury, thereby affecting the population in the most sensitive part of its anatomy—its pocket—the department can scarcely be said to be popular. It must be admitted, however, that the unpopularity does not extend to the officers of the department, all of whom are eagei to make the path of payment pleasant—to those who do not try to avoid paying.
The schedules are not unnecessarily inquisitorial, and every assistance possible is given to those who have difficulty in making up their returns, while vigilant care is exercised to correct that tendency inherent in human nature to evade the payment of financial obligations or to reduce their amount. The smooth and successful working of an office so easily capable of being made distasteful is due to the tact and judgment of the Commissioner of Taxes, Mr. E. T. Owen, who has held the position since the establishment of the department.
Though subject like the other States to land and income taxes, Western Australia may congratulate itself upon the fact that the rates of taxation are on a lower scale than anywhere else in Australia. The land tax is at the rate of one penny m the £ on the unimproved value of land which is not improved within the meaning of the Land and Income Tax Assessment Act 1907, and one half-penny in the £ where the land is so improved The income tax is at the rate of 4d. in the £ on all incomes with a general exemption of £200.
LAND TAX.
Land tax is payable on all land owned on December 31, unless it is exempted by the Act from taxation. If the land held by any person does not amount altogether to £50 in unimproved value, such person is exempt from land tax, and lands outside a municipality which are used solely or principally for agricultural or pastoral purposes—that is, country lands which are used as farms, orchards, sheep, and cattle stations—and which are im-
proved within the meaning of the Act, are entitled to an exemption of £250; that is to say, the first £250 of unimproved value of such land is free from taxation. It may be explained that country lands are deemed to be improved within the meaning of the Act if the improvements thereon equal in value £1 per acre, or one-third of the unimproved value of the land. Town lands are deemed to be improved if the improvements are equal to one-third of the unimproved value of the land.
In order to encourage new settlers to take up and cultivate land, a special provision has been inserted in the Act exempting them from taxation during the first five years from the date on which the land is granted to them by the Lands Department. This concession is withheld only in cases where the settler owns more than 1,000 acres of cultivable land or more than 2,500 acres of grazing or mixed land. Free homestead farms are not entitled to this concession.
If a person who owns land in the State which is liable to land tax resides outside the Commonwealth of Australia, he is liable to a rate of tax 50 per cent, greater than that payable by a resident.
INCOME TAX.
The income tax as previously stated is at the rate of 4d in the £, and is payable only on incomes derived from, or earned or produced m the State, during the calendar year. Interest on Government inscribed stock and Government debentures of this State is exempt from taxation altogether. Every taxpayer is free from income tax on the first £200 of his income, and is entitled to deduct from his income for taxation purposes £10 for each child under sixteen years of age resident with and dependent upon him, also life assurance premiums not exceeding £50.
Where a taxpayer derives income from the use or cultivation of land, and is liable to land tax thereon, the Act permits the taxpayer to claim, as a deduction from the income tax assessed on the income derived directly from such land, an amount equal to so much of the income tax as is equal to the land tax payable on such land.
426
Incomes earned in any other part of the world are not taxable in this State, but incomes earned in this State by persons who do not reside within the Commonwealth of Australia are liable to a rate of tax 50 per cent, greater than that payable by a resident.
Companies and mining corporations being liable to dividend duty at Is. in the £ under The Companies’ Duty Act and The Dividend Duties’ Act, are not liable to income tax, and taxpayers are not liable to pay tax on the portion of their personal income which is derived from company dividends.
From the Commissioner’s Report for the year 1910 published toward the end of 1911 we extract the following information as of interest to all: —
Land Tax.
Total unimproved value of the land assessed £16,420,221 Total land exempted ... ... ... 1,956,246
Total land improved (within meaning of Act) 11,659,088
Total tax levied, including fines, etc. .. 37,333
Income Tax.
Total amount of income ... ... ... £4,878,820
Amount exempted ... ... ... ... 2,587,169
Amount taxed ... ... ... ... 2,291,651
Total tax ...................................... 38,679
Average per assessment, £4 11s. 4d.
Companies’ Duty and Dividend Duties. Collected during year 1910-11 ... ... £84,495
Totalizator Tax.
Amount passed through totalizator ... £309,503
Amount of duty collected (2J per cent.) ... 7,739
Total taxes collected by Commissioner of Taxes, £168,246.
OTHER SERVICES.
In addition to the above branches the Treasury controls the granting' of all compassionate allowances and pensions to retired officers; the disbursement of grants to various literary and scientific institutions; the disbursement of grants approved by Parliament in aid of
the up-keep of various forms of charitable endeavour; and the administration of those numerous small avenues for the distribution of public money which do not come within the compass of any particular department.
LAURENCE STIRLING ELIOT,
I.S.O., Under-Treasurer of Western Australia, is one of the oldest and most highly respected servants of the State. He was born at Bunbury in 1845 and is the son of the late Mr. George Eliot, some-time Government Resident of Gcraldton, who came to Western Australia with his relative, Sir James Stirling, Govornor of the new colony, on the “Parmelia” in 1829. Mr. Eliot is not only descended from one of the pioneers of the State, but can also claim descent from a very old English family. The Elyots or Eliots first settled at Green Place in Sussex in 1347, and the Under-Treasurer can claim lineal descent from Thomas Elyot, Filazer (Keeper of the Files) for Surrey and Sussex in 1467. One of his ancestors, Laurence by name, circumnavigated the globe with Sir Francis Drake. Mr. Eliot was educated first by the Rev. Henry Brown, Rector of Bunbury, and afterwards at Bishop’s College, Perth, a college through which many of those prominent in Western Australia official life have passed. In 1863 he entered the Public Service as clerk to the magistrates, landing and tide waiter, postmaster
and assistant district registrar at Bunbury. Here he remained until 1872, when he was appointed to a clerkship in the Colonial Secretary’s
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Laurence Stirling Eliot.
Office at Perth. The following year he was appointed Secretary to the Central Board of Education and
assistant clerk to the Legislative Council. At that time the question of denominational grants for education was causing considerable discussion in the community, a circumstance which made the post of Secretary to the Board a difficult one to fill, but when Mr. Eliot left it to become Registrar-General in 1876 he received the sincere thanks of the Roman Catholic community for his tact and consideration. From 1878 to 1880 he was acting chief clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Department and in 1881 was entrusted with the compilation of the census. On the completion of that work he was appointed chief clerk and accountant in the Treasury. From 1889 to 1890 he acted as Assistant Colonial Secretary and in 1891 was promoted to be Paymaster of Imperial Pensions, being made Under-Treasurer in the same year on the establishment of responsible government. In 1902, after the inauguration of the Commonwealth, he received the additional appointment of Permanent Head of the Commonwealth Sub-Treasury. Mr. Eliot is a Justice of the Peace for the State, and in 1903 received the distinction of the Imperial Service Order. In 1871 he married
426
Ernestine, daughter of the late Mr. F. L. von Bibra, of Tasmania, by whom he has three sons and a daughter.
SAMUEL JOSEPH RANDELL, Accountant to the State Treasurer’s Department and Sub - Treasury Accountant of the Commonwealth at Perth, was born in the western metropolis on May 7, 1866. His early instruction was received privately, and was supplemented by some six years’ study at Oxford County School, England. He returned to Western Australia in October, 1882, and joined the Public Service in the following year as junior draughtsman in the Lands Department, after being transferred for three months to the Treasury as junior clerk. He steadily rose in this department, was appointed to be clerk in 1887, bookkeeper in 1892, sub-accountant in July, 1897, and accountant in April, 1899. He became Commonwealth Sub-Treasury accountant in 1901, and now carries out the duties appertaining to both offices. Altogether Mr. Randell has a record of twenty-nine years in the Government Service of Western Australia. In the social world he has always given a great deal of attention to Church matters, and was for some time deacon and superintendent of the Sunday-school of Trinity Church, St. George’s Terrace,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Samuel Joseph Randell.
Perth. For six years he has held similar offices in connection with the Congregational Church at Leeder-ville. He is keenly interested in
floriculture, and for several years has acted as Judge for the Royal Agricultural Society and the Perth Horticultural Society. A hearty supporter of all outdoor sports, he has devoted much of his spare time to the encouragement of manly exercises among the young people of the State, lie married in 1891 and has a family of five sons and one daughter.
EDGAR THEODORE OWEN, Commissioner of Taxation for Western Australia, was born at Fitzroy, Melbourne, on May 16, 1861. He matriculated at the Melbourne University in 1877, and almost immediately afterwards entered the Public Service of Victoria as an assistant in the office of the Railway Accountant. Four years later he was transferred to the office of the Actuary for Friendly Societies and Government Statist, where he was trained as an actuary. After thirteen years’ service in that office, during the course of which he succeeded in passing Part I. of the examination of the Institute of Actuaries of London, Mr. Owen was appointed to the position of Registrar of Friendly Societies and Government Actuary for Western Australia. This office he held until 1909, having meanwhile, in February, 1908, on the coming into operation of the Land and Income Tax Act, been appointed Commissioner of Taxation for the State. He resigned the position of Registrar and Actuary on the appointment of his successor, Mr. S. Bennett, in June, 1909. In 1894 Mr. Owen was admitted as a member of the Royal Statistical Society of England, and in 1909 was elected a Fellow of the Society of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia. From time to time he has written extensively on questions of State finance, Government loans, and taxation, and prior to federation upon the financial aspects of that movement, particularly as they affected Western Australia. Many of the results incidentally predicted in those brochures have since been realized. So much did his financial acumen impress the Government of this State that in 1897 and 1898 he attended the Federal Conventions as statistical and financial adviser to the representatives from this State. As Commissioner of Taxation it may be said that he discharges the duties of an onerous and unpopular office with very great discretion and tact.
ALAN HAYNES BARLEE, Chief Land Tax Assessor, is a son of the late Mr. Charles Haynes Barlee, of New South Wales, and nephew of the late Sir Frederick Palgrave Barlee, K.C.M.G., Colonial
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Alan Haynes Barlee.
Secretary in Western Australia from 1855 to 1877, who afterwards filled the office of Governor of British Honduras and Trinidad, where he died. Born at Brisbane, Queensland, on September 3, 1866, Mr. A. H. Barlee was educated at the Sydney Grammar School, and upon the conclusion of his scholastic career in 1882 was articled to a firm of surveyors in Sydney. Having completed his indentures, he continued with the firm in all for nine years, at the end of which period he was offered a lucrative position by Messrs. Forrest, Crossland, & Co., surveyors, of Perth, and came to Western Australia in January, 1891. During his connection with this firm Mr. Barlee in his capacity of surveyor and draughtsman gained much valuable experience in the laying out of townships and in the subdivision of suburban lands for building purposes, together with the survey of the Midland Railway and the large areas selected by that Company. In January, 1894, at the inception of the Mines Department of Western Australia, Mr. Barlee accepted the post of chief draughtsman, and after filling the position for a number of years was appointed Chief Land Tax Assessor upon the creation of this office by the Government of the day. Upon the continuance of hostilities
427
between the British and the South African Boers he offered himself for the service of the Empire and went to the front with the second contingent from Western Australia. He served under General Sir Reginald Pole-Carew in the 11th Division, and holds the Queen’s Medal and five Bars, viz., Belfast, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Orange Free State, and Cape Colony. He is also on the retired list of Lieutenants of the Commonwealth Naval Forces, having served in H.M.S. "Wolverine.” Mr. Barlec has been a member of the Weld Club for nearly twenty years and is a foundation member of the Naval and Military Club, and of the Civil Service Association. His chief recreations are tennis and boating, and he is a warm advocate of all forms of healthy outdoor sport. In May, 1909, he married Flora, daughter of the late Mr. M. J. O’Connor, of Victoria, and has one surviving son.
CARL PAUL JOHANN AUGUST LESCHEN, Manager of the Government Savings Bank, was born at Adelaide, South Australia, in 1866, and educated at a private school by his father, Mr. Adolph Leschen. At the age of fourteen, his health being indifferent, he was compelled to relinquish his studies, and he entered the office of an Adelaide softgoods establishment, where he remained for three years, at the end of that time taking a position as bookkeeper and assistant to his uncle, Mr. C. E. Cranston, of Wir-rabara, South Australia, and remaining with him for about three and a half years. Returning to the metropolis he accepted an appointment with Mr. J. M. Wendt as accountant and fulfilled the duties of this position for about eight years. Outdoor existence always held strong attraction for Mr. Leschen, and he was easily persuaded to enter into partnership with his friend, Baron von Swaine, and engage in fruit-growing. Accordingly he resigned his post at Adelaide and proceeded with the Baron to Lancaster, Victoria, where together they planted some 18,000 fruit-trees of various kinds. Although this healthy mode of living agreed with him to perfection, after a little over a year he decided to withdraw from the undertaking and settle in Western Australia, where he arrived in March, 1896, soon afterwards entering the Government Service
under Mr. Sholl as clerk in the Money Order Department of the General Post Office, later on serving in the parcels post for a short time. Being transferred to the Savings Bank as clerk he made swift pro-
Jiartletto, Perth
Mr. Carl P. J. A. Leschen.
gress in this institution owing to his energy and keenness for work, coupled with a marked capacity for transacting financial business. In turn he fulfilled the duties of senior ledger-keeper and senior clerk, and in 1903, when Mr. Richard Wynne (the Manager) retired on a pension, the subject of this article was appointed in his place, after successfully passing a competitive examination for the position. He has represented the Western Australian Savings Bank at Conferences held at Sydney in August, 1906, and at Adelaide in October, 1910. At the Sydney Conference a reciprocal scheme was adopted under which the Savings Banks of the various States, although separate institutions, became one harmonious whole for the convenience of travelling depositors. At the Conference held at Adelaide the principle to place on a uniform basis the main forms and statistics of the whole of the Commonwealth Savings institutions was confirmed, and this when adopted will have the effect of facilitating for all concerned the immense volumes of business transacted by the popular "People’s Banks.” In 1906 Mr. Leschen was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Perth magisterial district. Being much interested in the Y.M.C.A. movement Mr. Leschen
has been a Director of the institution since its inception in Perth in 1908, and is also a foundation officer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perth. He has been twice married. A son and daughter survive his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of the late Pastor Strcmpel (Evangelical Lutheran), of Ilahndorf, South Australia. He married, for the second time, in 1907, to Wilhelmine, daughter of Mr. Friedrich Nenke, of Perth.
FREDERICK WILLIAM SIMPSON, Government Printer of Western Australia, was born at Stockton-on-Tees, England, in 1878. He was educated at the British school in that town, and at the conclusion of his scholastic career was apprenticed to the firm of Messrs. J. Slee and Co., general printers, lithographers, and manufacturing stationers in his native town, with whom he remained for many years, relinquishing his position only when about to proceed to Australia. During his years of service with Messrs. Slee & Co. he filled various responsible positions, and just prior to his departure for the Southern Hemisphere was offered a partnership in the firm, but he declined to accept it. Sailing from the Old Country in 1901 Mr. Simpson proceeded to Sydney, where for upwards of three years he held positions in leading
Barlletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederick William Simpson.
printing establishments of the Mother State. In 1904 he was appointed Manager of The Morning Herald job printing department, being selected
for that post by Mr. L. Nanson, then Attorney-General for Western Australia, who was at that time Managing Director of Stirling Bros, and Co., Ltd., proprietors of The Morning Herald. Here he continued in control until 1906, in which year he received the appointment of Government Printer to the State Mr. Simpson resides at Rupert Street, Subiaco.
HENRY JOHN PETHER, Government Lithographer, is a native of Perth, Western Australia, having been born at St. George's Terrace in the year 1868. His education was acquired at a private commercial grammar school, with a short period at the old Government Boys’ School. Hi® schooldays ended, Mr. Pether entered the Lithographic Branch of the Lands and Surveys Department as a cadet draughtsman, where he gained promotion from time to time
until he reached the position of Assistant-in-Charge. In 1896 he was transferred to the head offioe to the ranks of senior draughtsmen, holding the latter position until 1899, when he was selected and appointed m charge of the Amalgamated Lithographic Departments of the State, which post he still holds. Mr. Pether is well known in musical circles, and for many years devoted a large portion of his leisure to furthering the interests of the late Perth Musical Union, of which body he was prominent among the first violins, under the baton of the late Judge Hensman He has performed m many oratorios, and on nineteen occasions has taken part in the production of “The Messiah,” each time under a different conductor. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman and a noted amateur boatbuilder, having designed and constructed no less than eleven different craft His racing boats were always successful Mr. Pether was married m 1893 to
Lilian Maud, daughter of Mr. Frederic Gillett, of Upton Downs, Burford, England, and has a family of seven daughters.
HENRY PERSSE TAGGART, Government Advertising Clerk, Treasury, was born at Dublin, Ireland, in 1867, and received his scholastic training at Erasmus Smith’s School, Harcourt Street, in the same city. He arrived in Western Australia in 1895, and after varied experiences in the early days at Kalgoorlie joined the Government Service during the latter part of 1896 as paymaster of Public Works at a time when the State was enjoying considerable prosperity. After three years he resigned in order to visit England, and upon his return rejoined the Service in 1899 as bookkeeper in the Fremantle Harbour Department From there he was transferred to the Treasury and received appointment to the position he now holds.
Department of Lands and Surveys.
LANDS DEPARTMENT.
The Department of Lands, which controls the administration of the Crown Lands, the Survey Branch, and the care of Woods and Forests, is one of the oldest of the State offices in Western Australia, having been constituted under the name of the Survey Office upon the establishment of the colony in 1829. The first Surveyor-General, to whose accurate work and wise judgment the State owes so much, held office from that date until 1870, having for the latter part of the term been officially designated as Commissioner of Crown Lands and Surveyor-General He was succeeded by Mr. (afterwards Sir) Malcolm Fraser, who on being appointed Colonial Secretary in 1883 gave place to Mr (now Sir) John Forrest, who remained m charge of this important phase of official wprk until the establishment of responsible government m 1890 The office then became a department, the title of Commissioner of Crown Lands, later changed to Minister for Lands, being retained as a ministerial designation, while the administration was placed in the hands of an Under-Secretary The Survey Office became a branch of the wider department, the position of Surveyor-General being conferred upon Mr
J. S. Brooking, who was succeeded in 1896 by the present occupant of the position, Mr. Harry F. Johnson The Under-Secretary for Lands, Mr. Robert Cecil
Clifton, appointed on the reorganization under responsible government, still holds that office. The work, however, has grown so enormously as a result of the system of land settlement adopted by the Government of late years that it has been found necessary to appoint assistants to the Under-Secretary. The principal of these is Mr C. G. Morris, who in the absence of Mr. Clifton has control of the department. The other assistants are Messrs Hugh Hamersley and John T. Conway, while Mr. William Rowley is Chief Inspector.
The names of the responsible Ministers administering the department since the inauguration of responsible government are as under —
Minister foi Lands From To
William Edward Marinion Dec. 29, 1890 Dec 4, 1894
Alexander Robert Richardson Deo 4, 1894 March, 1897
George Throssell March. 1897 [Feb. 15, 1901
Charles John Moran Feb 15, 1901 May 27, 1901
Charles Sommers May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
John Leighton Nanson Nov. 21, 1901 Dec 23, 1901
Adam Jameson Dec. 23, 1901 Jan. 23, 1903
John Marquis Hopkins Feb 17, 1903 Aug. 10, 1904
John Michael Drew Aug 10, 1904 June 7, 1905
Thomas Henry Bath June 7, 1905 Aug 25, 1905
Sir Newton James Moore Aug. 25, 1905 June 30, 1909
James Mitchell .. June 30, 1909 Oct. 7, 1911
Thomas Henry Bath .. Oct. 7, 1911 Stilt in Office
The whole question of land settlement and development, including the methods of acquiring land, the uses to which it is put, the prospects of agriculture, and the generous assistance given by the State to farmers and fruit-growers, will be so fully dealt with in another portion of this work that it is unnecessary to dilate upon
them here The following table from the Report of the Under-Secretary for Lands, 1910-11, may, however, be inserted not only as showing the activity of the department, but as refuting the opinions of those who consider land development in Western Australia an impossible achievement: —
Land Transactions for the Tear
Nature. Financial Yeai 1910-11. Finaucial Year 1909-10.
No Acres No. Actes.
(a) Alienation.
Sale of Grants—Town and Suburban 791 1,950 792 1,649
Rural 1,076 186,699 570 103,869
Total 1,867 188,649 1,362 105,518
In process of alienation—
Selections, with alienation in view approved during year Total thus held 4,265 1,923,172 5,403 1,891,367
41,575 § 11 84.3,236 38,991 * 12,880,195
Total area alienated in State 7,202,696 t 4,449,326
Total alienated or in process of alienation — § 19,045,932 — * 17,329,521
Total area of State — 624,588,800 624,588,800
(b) Occupation.
Pastoral and other Leases approved during year 396 9,302,655 505 10,700,566
Total thus held 6,927 169,837,307 7,149 167,108,072
(c) Work op the Year. Applications of all classes approved during year 6,528 13,979,197 7,270 12,697,451
Holdings of all classes existing at beginning of year 46,141 179,988,267 42,410 174,787,796
Business on books for year, exclusive of rejected and pending
applications 52,669 193,967,464 49,680 187,485,247
Completions, ledemptions, cancellations, etc., during year 4,166 12,286,921 3,539 7,496,980
Remaining current at close of year 48,503 § 181,680,543 46,141 179,988,267
(icl) Revenue
Sales J Rent J Timber Guano Fees
All other sources Recoup freight and fare Inspection fees (Timber)
£ s. d. 253,960 17 4 69,228 14 4 34,667 11 3 58 13 6 22,111 11 8 5,320 18 0 835 9 7 2,809 12 2
£ s. d. 194,875 5 4 64,874 1 5 27,705 7 7
31,849 15 11 7,105 12 1 841 9 2 3,843 19 4
388,993 7 10
331,095 10 10
(e) Expenditure Lands and Surveys—Salaries and allowances Surveys General
Woods and Forests -Salaries and allowances General
£ s. d. £ s. d. £ s d £ s. d
61,423 13 7 53,331 1 3
72,651 11 2 69,335 16 2
19,850 5 3 30,515 16 6
153,925 10 0 153,182 13 11
7,461 5 8 7,345 0 8
1,399 9 3 8,860 14 ll 1,186 0 1 8,531 0 9
162,786 4 11 161,713 14 8
‘Including 2,686,52L acres granted to midland Railway Company, but for which Ciowu grants have not issued t Including 749,199 acres granted to Midland Railway Company m fee simple t Including 3,3(3,920 aores granted to Midland Railway Company m fee simple.
§ Including 121,800 acres granted to Midland Railway Company, hut for which Crown grants have not issued.
We learn further from the report that although the total number of applications approved (6,528) for the year 1910-11 was rather less than that for the year 1909-10 (7,270), the area granted was considerably in excess (13,979,197 acres as against 12,697,451), the de-
mand for farming areas was much greater, and the number of actual applications as distinguished from those actually approved showed a very heavy increase. This resulted in a very much greater volume of work for disposal by the Land Board.
430
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
In addition to the above, there were over a thousand applications for unsurveyed land m the office waiting survey and classification in accordance with the new regulations. The total area approved with alienation in view was 1,923,172 acres, which, compared with 1,891,367 acres for the previous year, shows an increase of 31,805 acres.
To show how the work of the department has increased there were 52,669 holdings of various classes on the books of the department, exclusive of rejected or pending applications, as against 49,680 at the same time last year, although 1,867 Crown grants have issued during the year.
It is gratifying to note that, in the majority of cases, applicants take almost immediate possession of their land and commence operations after obtaining the approval, no matter how far the subdivisions are from existing railways.
This activity may be regarded largely as the outcome of the immigration policy pursued by the Government, under which a man is not only brought to Western Australia with little or no expense to himself, but after his arrival is provided with a selection of land, from the
cultivation of which he is enabled to gain at least a fair competence.
The year just closed is scarcely likely to show the same progress, as the dry winter of 1911 militated considerably against a bountiful harvest, and the lateness of the rains in 1912 made the farmers fearful of a continuance of adverse conditions. As a result settlement flagged a little, but with the recent rains there is every probability that the rapid development will continue, and that the exertions of the Lands Department to settle population upon the land will meet with ample response.
In order to facilitate the work of the department and at the same time have officers competent to advise intending settlers close at hand, district offices and land agencies are established in the main centres of population, while until June 30, 1912, an agency was maintained in Melbourne for the benefit of those desiring to take up land in Western Australia. Though this agency had undoubtedly done good work in the past, the Government arrived at the conclusion that its further continuance was unnecessary, as there was no dearth of applicants for the land immediately available in the State.
WOODS AND FORESTS.
The question of reafforestation by native or acclimatized trees in countries where timber is an article of merchandise has long been recognized as one of importance It is particularly so in Western Australia, which in the jarrah and karri possesses hardwoods of unsurpassed excellence, and in sandalwood a fragrant wood in great demand for various purposes. How valuable an asset these timbers are to the State may be seen from the fact that during the year ending June 30, 1911, the value of hardwoods exported was £913,841, and of sandalwood £69,141 The total area of timber lands in Western Australia is estimated to be 20,400,000 acres, made up as follows'—Jarrah, interspersed with black-butt and redgum, 8,000,000 acres; karri, 1,200,000 acres ■ tuart, 200,000 acres; wandoo or white-gum and other allied timbers, 7,000,000 acres; York-gum, yate, jam-wood, and sandalwood, 4,000,000 acres Of them all the karri is the most stately and picturesque. Rising to over 300 ft. in some cases, with a diameter of over 30 ft. and a clear trunk sometimes of over 100 ft before a branch is found, it presents a tree comparable only in its majesty to the giant trees of California and Tasmania In 1904 Mr. Ednie Brown estimated that in round matured timber the State had 62,300,000 loads available, the value of which on the market was considerably over a hundred million pounds.
Left to themselves, however, the vast timber forests, notwithstanding natural reafforestation, would be far from inexhaustible, and therefore one of the principal
functions of the Woods and Forests Department is the planting of indigenous trees to replace those sacrificed to the commercial spirit of the age. Old colonists speak with regret of the destruction of the natural forests, but something more than sentiment suggests that every step should be taken to prevent the valuable native flora from becoming extinct.
Fortunately natural reafforestation is continually going on, with results which, as illustrations of cut over areas show, are eminently satisfactory. When, however, Nature is aided by the care and attention of experts in arboriculture results may be obtained which prove that as a timber country Western Australia has an almost unlimited future.
Another function of the department is the distribution among the towns and settled areas of acclimatized trees and shrubs to take the place of that natural vegetation which has been sacrificed to the onward march of civilization In this direction excellent service is being rendered Scientific knowledge has been brought to bear, and in conjunction with actual experiments has rendered immense service to the State As to what is being done to promote afforestation in various localities it may be mentioned that during the year 1910-11 57,799 trees were supplied to various public bodies, while something like 150,000 trees and shrubs were raised in the nurseries One class of tree found to flourish in Western Australia as in many other parts of the Commonwealth is the Pinus insignis, the Remarkable Pine. Speaking of the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
431
wisdom of promoting the planting of this tree the Acting Inspector-General of Forests says:—“As an instance of the wisdom of planting pines and of the potential value of such plantation to the State it may be mentioned that out of an eight-year-old pine, grown in one of the plantations at the State Nursery, Iiamel, forty-two fruit cases were made. The timber of the Remarkable Pine of California (Finns insignis) is admirably suited for making fruit cases, as well as other more important purposes, and is largely used in the Eastern States and South Africa in place of imported softwood. Large areas of fruit-trees are being planted every year in this State, and as these areas are likely to increase greatly in the future, there is every prospect of pine-planting turning out a paying proposition, even if the timber is used only for fruit cases. Pinus insignis is so highly thought of in New South Wales that the Master Builders’ Association ex-
pressed the opinion that plantations of it would be of inestimable value to that State in twenty-five or thirty years, when it is anticipated that imported softwoods will be more difficult to obtain and far more costly than at present. The association also strongly recommended that an immediate start should be made in planting pines generally. Altogether, we have now about 300 acres under pines at the Ludlow, and as it is intended to increase the planting every year, there will soon be a large area set apart for this purpose; the total area, including the Hamel plantation, now amounting to about 600 acres.”
At present the office of Conservator of Forests, held so long by the late Mr. J. Ednie Brown, one of the authorities upon Forestry, is vacant, but the work is losing nothing at the hands of Mr. C. G. .Richardson, the Acting Inspector-General.
ROBERT CECIL CLIFTON, I.S.O., Under-Secretary for Lands, was born at Alverstoke, near Bun-bury, in 1854, being the son of the late Mr. Robert Williams Clifton, of Australind. His school days over he entered the Public Service, first as acting clerk of courts and landing waiter and afterwards as postmaster at Bunbury in 1873. In the following year he was transferred to the Lands Department as clerk, and two years later he went to the Customs Office, from which he returned in 1880 to the Lands and Survey Department as chief clerk. On the introduction of responsible government in 1891 Mr. Clifton was promoted to his present position. Although the office has nominally remained the same, the responsibility attaching to it has greatly increased. Instead of being one of the smaller departments it has during recent years grown to such an extent, owing to the rapid development and settlement of the agricultural and pastoral industries, that recently assistants have had to be appointed for the purpose of assisting Mr. Clifton in the arduous and multifarious duties of his office. To-day there is no State department of wider significance .or greater importance in the expansion of Western Australia than that which Mr. Clifton controls. In 1904, having completed thirty years’ continuous service in the public interest, the dignity of I.S.O. was bestowed upon him. Mr. Clifton married in 1882 Rose Louisa, daughter of the late Mr. George Walpole Leake, Q.C.
CHARLES GLAZEBROOK MORRIS, senior assistant to the
Under-Secretary for Lands, was born in 1868 at South Melbourne and educated privately at various institutions in the Garden State. In his youth he occupied positions as junior clerk with various firms in Sydney until 1886, when he went to Western Australia and received a Government appointment in the Survey Department under Mr. (now Sir) John Forrest, resigning
Mr. Charles Glazebrook Morris.
three years later on account of ill-health. Returning to Melbourne for medical advice, he obtained a post in the following year in the National Bank of Australasia, where he remained until the latter part of 1891. He re-entered the Service as chief correspondence clerk in the Lands Department of Western Australia, and in 1902 was appointed head of the Land Selection Branch, receiving
splendid credentials from Mr. J. M. Hopkins, then Minister for Lands, and Mr. R. Cecil Clifton, Undersecretary in the same Department, testifying to his energy and organizing capabilities, particularly in the work of amalgamating the divisions of land sales, selection, and inspection. For the past fourteen years he has been Secretary to the Land Surveyors’ Licensing Board, and has also acted as Secretary to the Caves Board. In 1906 he was a member of the Board created to inquire into the system of accounts of the Lands Department. Consequent upon the reorganization of the Department in January, 1909, Mr. Morris was selected to be one of the three assistants to the Under-Secretary for Lands, and in 1911 he was appointed senior assistant, carrying on the duties of Under-Secretary whenever that officer is temporarily absent; During Mr. Morris’ twenty-five years’ record he has received excellent testimonials from the different Ministers for Lands, the Undersecretary for Lands, and the Surveyor-General. He is a member of the Land Board, Secretary of the Perth Lodge of Freemasons, No. 33, W.A.C., and honorary life member of the Western Australian Shorthand and Typewriters’ Association. In 1892 he married Guiliva, daughter of Mr. G. Bcrtoli, of Lake Marmal, Victoria.
JOHN THOMAS CONWAY, assistant to the Under Secretary for Lands, was born at Kyneton, near Bendigo, Victoria, in 1862. Having completed his education at the Christian Brothers’ College, Melbourne, he
turned his attention to journalism, and was for twenty years on the staff of the Bendigo Advertiser. He was then attracted to Western Australia, and arrived in the State in 1897, entering the Lands Depart-
Me. John Thomas Conway.
ment as Statist, holding that office till the end of 1910, when a Ministerial reorganization of the department occurred, and Mr. Conway was elevated to the position he now so ably fills.
WALTER PRETTY ODELL, Assistant to the Under-Secretary for Lands and Officer-in-Charge of
r
vO
Mr. Walter Pretty Odell.
Roads and Reserves, was born at Beechworth, Victoria, in 1876, and educated at All Saints’ Grammar School, St. Kilda. He came to
Western Australia in 1895, and was engaged in commercial pursuits for about two years, lie then entered the Government Service as typist and shorthand-writer in the Lands Department, and a few years later was advanced to the position of chief correspondence clerk, in which capacity he proved himself of such invaluable assistance to the Undersecretary that he was promoted to the office he now holds. Mr. Odell is a member of the Perth Lodge of Freemasons, No. 33, and is at present Worshipful Master of that order. Aquatic sports have always claimed a good deal of his spare time, and he is a keen supporter of rowing, being at the present time a Vice-President of the Swan River Rowing Club.
EDWIN ALEXANDER BLACK, A.I.A., W.A., accountant to the Lands Department of Western Australia, was born at Grafton, New South Wales, on April 12, 1872.
His primary education was obtained at Sydney, he afterwards attending the Grafton Grammar School. On leaving school he joined the Post and Telegraph Department of New South Wales, subsequently becoming assistant postmaster and junior operator at Yamba, where he remained four and a half years. For two years and four months he was a clerk in the Harbours and Rivers Branch of the Public Works Department in the Clarence River district. He then became bookkeeper to Messrs. J. F. Cox & Co., general storekeepers, of Clarence River. In 1895 Mr. Black came to Western Australia, where he entered the office of the Canning Jarrah Timber Company, but ill-health caused him to resign after two months’ service. After a brief rest Mr. Black joined the Fremantle Harbour Works as timekeeper, and for seven ..years fulfilled the duties of accountant, holding a similar appointment for two years to the combined branches of the Fremantle harbour works, harbours and rivers, and railway construction, when he received transfer to the accountants’ branch of the Public Works, going thence to a similar position in the Lands Department. He was successively appointed Inspector in the Audit Department, and then accountant and chief income tax assessor to the Taxation Department, being Acting Commissioner of Taxation for twelve months. In February, 1911, he was selected by the Public Service Board to take his
present position of accountant to the Lands Department. He is an Associate by examination of the Institute of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia and Vice-President of the Students’ Society in
Mr. Edwin Alexander Black.
connection with the same body. He is a member of the Masonic craft, his mother lodge being North Fremantle No. 858 S.C. (now No. 84, W.A.C.), and an elder of the St. Columbus Presbyterian Church at Cottesloe. Married in 1894 to Lucy Ann, third daughter of the late Mr. Alexander McLeay, of Harwood Island, Clarenco River, New South Wales, Mr. Black has a family of six children.
PERCY GEORGE WICKEN, Officer-in-Charge of the Information Branch, Lands Department, Perth, was born in 1866 at London, where he received his education. He was engaged for a time in commercial life, and in 1884 came to New South Wales, where he joined the Government Agricultural Department, eventually being appointed agricultural experimentalist and officcr-in charge of students at the Hawkes-bury Agricultural College. Here he was awarded various diplomas and medals, and in 1900 accepted an appointment in the Agricultural Department of Western Australia as field officer, which he retained until recently. In 1905 Mr. Wicken represented Western Australia at the Exhibition held by the Chamber of Manufactures in Adelaide, and in the following year acted in a like capacity when the Australian Natives’ Association promoted its
433
large exhibition in Melbourne. In 1908 he proceeded to England to represent the State at the Franco-British Exhibition in London. On
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Percy George Wicken.
this occasion the Western Australian Court was the first to be opened and was highly commended, the successful arrangements being due largely to the ability and enterprise of the gentleman under review. Shortly after his return to the country of his adoption Mr. Wicken received the appointment to his present position, and has held it ever since.
GEORGE FREDERICK GLYDE is the son of the late Mr. George Glyde, J.P., who as one of Perth’s early and successful merchants and a useful member of the Legislative Council assisted materially in the development of the Western Australian State. The late gentleman came out from England in November, 1829, with his father, and, after reaching manhood, eventually took over from Mr. Henry Saw the large grocery, drapery, and general store conducted under the style of Messrs.
G. Glyde & Sons, and situated in Hay Street. He was one of the founders in 1862 of the Perth Benefit Permanent Building and Loan Society, was Treasurer and afterwards Chairman of the old Perth Town Council, and in 1874 was elected Chairman of the Perth Board of Education. For many years he occupied a seat in the cc
Legislative Council and was gazetted a Justice of the Peace in 1873. The subject of our memoir was born at Perth on April 24, 1848, and having finished his education at Bishop Hales’ College, in this city, entered the Government Service as clerk in the chief office of the Police Department. After some years he was transferred to the Treasury Branch at Geraldton, and eight years later was recalled to Perth and appointed to the position of Collector of Land Revenues. Subsequently he was promoted to be chief clerk, which post he continued to hold Until his retirement in 1902, after thirty-nine years’ useful service. In addition to his duties in the Government employ he has always been keen in re-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Frederick Glyde.
gard to land investment and at the present time divides his energies between the necessary attention which these interests demand and the cultivation of the beautiful and extensive garden surrounding his home on the banks of the Swan River. Mr. Glyde is a member of the Western Australian Club and has held office in St. John’s Lodge in the fraternity of Freemasons, of which he is a member. In 1867 he married Alma, daughter of Mr. John Taylor, of Yangedine, near York, and has five daughters.
CHARLES GOUGH RICHARDSON, Acting Inspector-General of Forests, Perth, Western. Australia, was born in December, 1865, in
County Dublin, Ireland. He received his early scholastic training under a tutor and was afterwards sent to Germany to finish his education. In 1887 he came to Western Australia and was appointed First Associate to the Chief Justice of Western Australia, Sir Alexander Onslow. He entered the Lands Department in 1890, and in the year 1895 became an officer of the Woods and Forests Department under Mr. Ednie Brown, who was then Conservator of Forests. On the death of Mr. Brown in 1899 Mr. Richardson was appointed successively Acting Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests, Secretary to the Forestry Department, and Acting Inspector-General of Forests, which post he still occupies. Under his direction the pine plantations commenced in 1898 by the late Mr. Ednie Brown at Hamel, on the South-Western railway line, have been greatly extended and pine-planting on a very large scale begun in the Ludlow district. Both these experiments have been attended with great success; so much so, indeed, that planting of softwoods lias received a very considerable impetus. Reafforestation by natural
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Gough Richardson.
means has been initiated under Mr. Richardson’s directions, and a large area of typical jarrah country reserved in the south-west for the purpose promises to be a great success.
434
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
SURVEY BRANCH.
In a country of such vast area as Western Australia which, so far as extended settlement is concerned, is as yet only at the dawn of its existence, the duties of the Survey Office are both onerous and multifarious. In the pre-mining days when the population was small and closer settlement unheard of the Surveyor-General, like other officials, could pursue a placid existence; but when mining towns sprang up like mushrooms and population grew almost as quickly the Survey Office became one of the most strenuous branches of State a d m i nistration.
With the waning of mining activity came the growth of agriculture, bringing increased work and responsibility to that office answer-able for the accurate determination of boundaries and areas. In fact, since 1909, when the Government decided that the land should be surveyed and classified before being thrown open for selection, the survey officers have been largely employed in marking off areas for selection along the wheat belts and in the timber country.
The work of the head office became so congested on account of the general expansion taking place that in 1910 a policy of decentralization was adopted, and in
September district survey offices were established at Albany, Bridgetown, Geraldton, Narrogin, Northam, and Perth. This departure has been found to afford considerable relief to the congestion at headquarters, and has had the further advantage of bringing settlers, selectors, and those having business with the department into closer touch with its officers, thus enabling surveys
and inquiries to be more promptly dealt with than in the past. The district surveyors are Messrs. F. S. Brockman, J. H. M. Lefroy, A. W. Canning, J. P. Camm, M. Fox, and A. J. Lewis, all of whom arc experienced officers, and some, particularly Messrs. Brockman and Canning, have done valuable e x p 1 o r a-tory work for the State.
In addition to his duties as Surveyor-General Mr. H. F. Johnston is by statute Chairman of the Licensing Board for Surveyors, a member of the Lands Purchase Board, and Chairman of the Workers’ Homes Board. This latter is a new departure in Western Australia, but judging by its success in other advanced communities is one likely to prove of considerable value to the workers in this great Western State.
NATURAL RE-AFFORESTATION IN CUT OVER JARRAH FOREST. DARLING RANGES NEW GROWTH OF Jarrah (Ruc.marginata).
HARRY FREDERICK JOHNSTON, Surveyor-General of Western Australia, was born at Bunbury on May 24, 1853, and was educated at the State and private schools in the colony. Having chosen surveying as a profession, he served his articles in that science, and in 1874
became a contract surveyor. Nearly ten years later he became one of the staff surveyors of the Survey Office, to which he has remained attached ever since, being appointed Surveyor-General in 1896 in succession to Mr. J. S. Brooking, who retired on the ground of age.
Among the many sorvices rendered to the State by Mr. Johnston may be mentioned the survey of the Kimberley district in 1883 and 1884, when that vast territory was thrown open for pastoral occupation. Subsequently he triangulated the same area, and in the course of his sur-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
435
vey, which partook largely of the nature of exploration, discovered the Elvire and Mary Rivers, since proved to contain gold. From 1886 to 1889 he had charge of the construction ol the telegraph line from Roebourne to Derby, and in 1901 organized an exploring party to proceed to the Kimberley district to examine and report on a large tract of country not then properly known and described. Mr. Johnston is also a member of the Board of Examiners for Surveyors in Western Australia, and when the Government early this year decided to appoint a Board to administer the Workers’ Homes Act passed in 1911 he was chosen for the responsible position of Chairman.
ALFRED WERNAM CANNING, District Surveyor, Survey Department, Perth, was born at Melbourne, Victoria, in 1861 and received his education at the old Carlton College m that city. He entered the Government Service as a cadet in the Survey Department and at a later date became engaged in contract surveying under Government, on the south coast of New South Wales, and also in the back country, continuing in this connection until 1893. Coming to Western Australia in that year, he immediately joined the Government Survey Department of this State, and for a time was engaged in the Compiling Branch of the Service. In 1901 he began the survey work in connection with rabbit-proof fencing throughout the State, and while engaged in this and other duties incidental to
the carrying out of such an important enterprise traversed the country between Starvation Harbour to Wallal, on the north coast, a distance of 1,175 miles. In 1906 his services were transferred to the Mines Department to assist in carrying out an exploration expedition across the supposed desert from Willuna, with the main object of ascertaining whether there was sufficient water to travel stock from Kimberly to the goldfields. This he brought to such a successful issue that he was accorded a reception by both Houses of Parliament upon his return, and in 1908 was instructed to proceed practically across the same route to put down a line of wells. To carry out this mission Mr. Canning started from Willuna with twenty-six men and full equipment of provisions, well-sinking appliances, etc , and was successful in finding water at reasonable distances and at a fairly shallow depth. He travelled as far as Sturt Creek, putting down about fifty-four wells over 800 miles of country, and was absent about two years. He took a trip to England after his return to Perth, and on arrival once more in the land of his adoption entered upon the duties of District Surveyor in the head office, an appointment he has held ever since.
NORMAN STATHAM BARTLETT, compiling draughtsman and officer-in-charge of trigonometrical surveys. Western Australia, was born at London in September, 1864. After some years at a Grammar
School in England he left that country in 1881 for New Zealand and completed his education at the Dunedin University, subsequently joining the Survey Department in Dunedin as a survey cadet. Having obtained his certificate as an authorized surveyor for New Zealand he secured an appointment in the Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch of the Victorian Railways Department, and was engaged upon the construction of the second section of the Great Southern Railway and on the trial surveys of the lines from Gerang - Gerung to Netherby, Noradjua to Casterton, Natimuk to Goroke, and the South Australian border As a member of the firm of Messrs. Bartlett & Cookson, civil engineers and licensed surveyors, Mooroopna and Kyabram, Victoria, he carried out contract surveys for the Rodney Irrigation Trust and drainage works for the Shire of Shepparton. In the early nineties his attention was attracted to the Western State by the wonderful gold discoveries, and in 1895 he came to Perth and entered the Public Works Department of the Government Service. Six months later he was transferred to the Department of Lands and Surveys as draughtsman in the Compiling Branch He is a member of the Land Surveyors’ Licensing Board and holds surveyor’s licences from the Boards of New Zealand, Victoria, and Western Australia, and certificate of competency from the Municipal Surveyors’ Board of Victoria. In 1910 he was a member of the Council of the Institute of Surveyors of Western Australia.
Department of Agriculture.
Until the last few years no Department of Agriculture as an office separate from the Lands Department existed in Western Australia. When, however, the falling off in the gold returns, the operation of interstate free trade, and the consequent depression caused the Government and people to look around for other avenues of industry, it was borne in upon the State that in its lands it possessed an asset which, if developed scientifically, might place Western Australia upon the highest pinnacle as an agricultural community.
The possibility became by experiment and research more even than a probability—it became a practical cer-cc2
tainty—and with this knowledge a Department of Agriculture was established to foster all the primary industries of the soil.
At present it administers all matters relating to agriculture and industries generally; to the development of the extensive wheat belt; to the development of the South-West; to the extension of fruit industries; to the control of Government refrigerating works, abattoirs, saleyards, and markets; to Rabbit and Vermin Boards; to the inspection of stock; and, lastly, to the operations of that important institution, the Agricultural Bank. Up to 1904 the portfolio of Minister of Lands covered
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
the administration of the agricultural branch also, but since that time there has been either a separate Minister for Agriculture or a Minister for Lands and Agriculture combined. The holders of the position have been as under: —
Name. From To
John Michael Drew ... August 10, 1904 August 25, 1905
Sir Newton Janies Moore ... August 25, 1905 June 30, 1909
James Mitchell June 30, 1909 October 7, 1911 Still in Office
Thomas Henry Bath October 7, 1911
In a State comprising such an immense territory as Western Australia there is almost every variation of climate and soil, and new settlers are often at a loss to know what are the most suitable crops or fruit trees to grow in a particular district, the best methods of cultivation to adopt, and the fertilizers best adapted for particular localities. On these and other points information, which will minimize the risk of loss that would otherwise be incurred, can be readily obtained on application to the department, where experienced and scientific officers are ready at all times to place their knowledge at the disposal of settlers.
The department itself is the outcome of the Bureau of Agriculture established nearly twenty years ago, when with the abnormal growth of the colony other industries besides gold-mining seemed to offer inducements. The Secretary of the Bureau, the late Mr. L. Lindley-Cowan, a man of considerable administrative ability, had the satisfaction a few years later of seeing the comparatively small bureau expand into one of the most important departments of the State. The first Director of Agriculture, Mr. William Paterson, combined with that office the managership of the newly-established Agricultural Bank. When development made each of these positions of such importance that no one man could satisfactorily carry out the two duties, Mr. Paterson became manager of the Agricultural Bank and Mr. Alexander Crawford Acting-Director of Agriculture. A further reorganization took place in 1905, when Mr. Crawford became Undersecretary to the Department and Mr. F. C. Chaplin
Director of Agriculture. Further changes were made in the following year. Mr. Chaplin resigned the Directorship, and Mr. W. B. Hooper became Acting-Director and Under-Secretary, while Mr. Crawford was placed in charge of the arrangements for preventing the incursion of rabbits into Western Australia. The next alteration was the appointment of Mr. A. Despeissis to be Undersecretary in addition to his duties as Viticultural and Horticultural Expert, and this was followed by a further reorganization under which Professor William Lowrie, M.A., B.Sc., an agricultural expert of undoubted authority, became Director of Agriculture, and Mr. T. S. McNulty Under-Secretary of the department. No other change was made until the beginning of 1911, when Professor Lowrie resigned his appointment to accept a similar post in South Australia. Mr. Despeissis again became Acting-Director of Agriculture for a time. As stated in the departmental report:—"When the question
of providing a successor to Pro-fessor Lowrie came under review, the Hon. Minister for Agriculture, Mr. James Mitchell, after very careful consideration and after four years' experience of departmental operations, formed the conclusion that, in view of the vast area of the State, the diversity of its agricultural interests, and the multiplicity of problems facing the many new settlers within its borders, it would be advisable to split up the work in the expert field and secure specialists in three distinct spheres. The Government concurred in this, and the Hon. Mr. Mitchell and the Public Service Commissioner (Mr. Jull) proceeded to the East to inquire into the merits of the men available in the other States as compared with those of local applicants. After exhaustive inquiry the qualifications of the Eastern applicants were found to outweigh those of the gentlemen offering themselves locally, and it was decided to appoint Mr. George Lowe Sutton to be Commissioner of the Wheat Belts of the State, Mr. James M. B. Connor to be Commissioner of the South-East, and Mr. James F. Moody to be Commissioner for the Fruit Industries.”
Mr. Despeissis had some time previously been appointed Commissioner for Tropical Agriculture. This
Offices of the Department of Agriculture.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
437
office has, however, been recently abolished, and Mr. Despcissis has retired from the service. The professional staff of the department was further strengthened by securing the services of a botanist and pathologist from the Birmingham University, England. This official, Frederick Stoward, D.Sc., has already resolutely attacked the problems put to him in connection with plant diseases, and when his laboratory is -completed and his scientific apparatus available, the department should be placed in possession of much valuable information in this regard. Dr. Stoward has recently received the degree of Doctor of Science of the Birmingham University for a thesis on the physiology of germination.
To educate settlers in regard to the classing of wools, a wool expert in the person of Mr. A. H. Codrington was secured to give lectures at different country centres throughout the year. These have been well attended.
Expert, Engineer for Water Supply and Road Clearing, Poultry Adviser, and Inspector of Fertilizers.
If further evidence should be required, the following tabulated statement, showing the actual area under cultivation in 1911 as against that in 1901, affords even more striking proof of development. Even these figures fall far short of the expectations formed of the State’s agricultural possibilities.
Area under Cultivation.
Year. Cereals. Hay. Other Crops. Vines. Orchards. Total.
1901 1911 Acres. 82,569 648,841 Acres. 104,254 175,432 Acres. 5,894 11,218 Acres. 3,325 2,795 Acres. 5,296 16,738 Acres. 201,338 855,024
We are not, however, so much concerned at the
Stripping Wheat at Narrogin.
Two new veterinary surgeons, in the persons of Messrs. E. A. Weston, B.V.Sc., and W. Young, M.R.C.V.S., were appointed during the year, and have been actively at work in connection with stock problems in different parts of the State.
This short study of the department is perhaps the best evidence of the growth of the industry in the State. Where a few years ago the staff consisted of a Director of Agriculture, Viticultural and Horticultural Expert, Botanist, two Veterinary Surgeons, Travelling Entomologist, and an Inspector of Fertilizers, there are now in addition a Commissioner for the Wheat Belt, Commissioner for the South-West, Commissioner for Fruit Industries, Botanist and Pathologist, four Veterinary Surgeons, Entomologist, Dairy Expert, Irrigation Expert, Lecturer in Wool-classing, Cool Storage and Abattoirs
moment with the result of the department’s operations. These will be treated at length elsewhere. Suffice it to say generally that the amount of money which the department costs over and above any revenue derived is more than repaid by its usefulness to the State.
In addition to the control of matters relating to agriculture generally, the department is also responsible for the proper administration of various branches of State activity which relate to agricultural matters or to the development of primary industries.
REFRIGERATING WORKS, ABATTOIRS, SALEYARDS, AND MARKETS.
Cold storage has for many years been looked upon as a necessary adjunct to the proper marketing facilities of the meat and fish trade, more particularly in the case
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
of export, but it is only of recent years that its advantages to the fruit-grower and dairyman have been recognized. To be able to store surplus fruit under satisfactory conditions, and so avoid sacrificing it, confers a distinct benefit upon the grower, while a steady supply throughout the year is equally excellent from the consumer’s point of view. This fact was clearly demonstrated some five or six years ago by the Department of Agriculture, and since that time the Government Cold Storage Works in Perth, under the managership of Mr. A. D. Cairns, have become a factor of great importance to the success of the fruit-grower. They are also of value in handling and preserving the meat and fish supply of the city. The question of providing refrigerating works in connection with the meat and fruit export trade has also been engaging the attention of the authorities for some time past. With that end in view an establishment has already been equipped at Albany and proposals for extensive works at Wyndham in the far north were receiving earnest consideration at the hands of the late Government, and doubtless will equally commend themselves to the present administration.
Besides being Manager of the Refrigerating Works, Mr. Cairns is Controller of Abattoirs, and in that capacity is responsible for the public abattoirs, saleyards, and markets. The only public abattoirs at present are those at Kalgoorlie. In the metropolitan area the work has been carried on privately. For some time past, however, the Government has felt the necessity of bringing the slaughtering of cattle directly under its control, and but for the difficulty of fixing a site the metropolis would ere now have been as satisfactorily served as the goldfields. Recently it has been decided to erect up-to-date abattoirs at North Fremantle, and before very long the department hopes to have them in full swing.
So far as saleyards are concerned, there are at present three which are directly under Government control; they are situated at North Fremantle, Midland Junction, and Kalgoorlie. The lastnamed are run in connection with the abattoirs, and judging from the departmental reports are both a convenience to the people and a safeguard to public health The North Fremantle yards are gradually superseding those at Midland Junction, both on account of being closer to shipping and on account of their better equipment, facilities having been provided for both day- and night-loading operations. When the system is completed by the construction of abattoirs and export depots, Western Australia will be fully equipped for the handling of meat on a large scale. On this matter the Controller in his report for 1910-11 writes • —"Unfortunately these saleyards lack a very necessary outlet for such establishments—that is, a central abattoir and export depot These have been laid out, and, when complete, we will have the most compact abattoir and saleyard in Australasia and ample for the needs of the
metropolitan area and the export business for the next twelve years. The whole of this scheme has been hotly disputed, and the site and everything else condemned by those who may be slightly affected by this installation. The whole opposition to this scheme is clearly seen to be that their biggest concern is not so much where the business takes root, as that it does not take root anywhere. The leading articles in the daily press, letters, reports, and general comments, all summed up together, show the absolutely complete inevitableness of this site being specially designed by Nature for this purpose. During a six weeks’ visit to the Eastern States, the writer made a thorough inspection of the plans of abattoirs and saleyards at Homebush made by the Government Architect, the existing saleyards and abattoirs under the City Council and Board of Health, together with all the export works on the Harbour. Special attention was also given to the saleyards and abattoirs at Flemmgton and Melbourne, and the export works at Footscray, Melbourne, and Geelong, and, of course, a week was spent at our next-door neighbour in Adelaide, where new municipal saleyards and abattoirs are under construction.
‘ Not one of these units m any of the States possesses the natural advantages of North Fremantle. In fact, any of those States would give millions of money to have a site half as good as North Fremantle. The export depot in South Australia had to be built on a swamp to get as near the shipping as we are. Our ground level is 22 ft. above high-water mark. We can reach the shipping over the head of the traffic on the wharf independently, and have none of the disadvantages of shunting or stoppage as seen at most of these Eastern installations, which were erected before the Commerce Act dictated the methods. This new Act deals with the stock from the paddock through the factory into the ship, and North Fremantle is most favoured naturally to comply with the conditions laid down with the smallest outlay of capital.”
The only markets under the direct control of the department are the Perth City Markets, which, however, do not constitute the only markets in the metropolis. So far as other markets in the State are concerned they are in a measure under departmental supervision, in that Government Inspectors are charged with the duty of inspecting all meat, fruit, produce, etc., sold therein.
RABBITS AND VERMIN BOARDS.
Another phase of departmental activity is to be found in the measures taken to assist the settlers in resisting the incursion of rabbits and in preventing the possibility of damage by “vermin,” such as wild dogs, destructive marsupials, and so on. For many years it was firmly believed that the wide expanse of desert would effectually prevent rabbits from crossing from the Eastern States
439
fco Western Australia. When the presence of an occasional rabbit on the eastern goldfields proved the fallacy of that belief the Government proceeded to build a rabbit-proof fence from north to south of the State as a means of protection, and as those with a knowledge of “bunny’s” peculiar little ways firmly expected, shortly afterwards rabbits were found west of the fence. This necessitated a further fence, and the two together have certainly been fairly efficient in preventing those troublesome and destructive results from which our Eastern neighbours have so long suffered. The rabbit branch of the department was established to look after this fence, a task which, according to the report of the Chief Inspector, Mr. Alex. Crawford, is one of no little difficulty. At the same time the Government agreed to afford assistance
fencing in of its boundaries, but none of the other boards have, up to the present, gone in for fencing their boundaries.
INSPECTION OF STOCK.
The enormous possibilities that lie before Western Australia as a pastoral, dairying, and stock-raising country make the proper and efficient inspection of stock a constant necessity. This has been all along recognized by the Government, though never perhaps so much as of recent years. At present the staff engaged in the work consists of the Chief Inspector (Mr. Robert E. Weir, M.R.C.V.S.), two Veterinary Surgeons (Messrs. J. L. Burns and E. A. Weston), and eight travelling In-
Farm Scene at Wagin.
to those settlers who desired to surround their holdings as a further protection with rabbit-proof fencing. This has been largely availed of, while some of the pastoralists have made their runs secure at their own expense entirely.
The Government has also provided means whereby settlers desirous of fencing whole areas away from the rabbits and of destroying wild dogs and other noxious animals may constitute themselves into a Vermin Board and obtain easy terms from the Government to assist them in fencing. From Mr. Crawford’s report we learn that there are now five Vermin Boards in existence, namely, Shark Bay, Gascoyne, Upper Gascoyne, Roe-bourne and Tableland, and Black Range.
The Gascoyne Board has almost completed the
spectors. These are busily employed in the constant supervision of the flocks and herds of the State and in a close examination of all animals landed, whether they arc imported for stock-raising, wool-growing, dairying purposes, or food consumption. To the activity of the inspectors is mainly due the comparative freedom that Western Australia enjoys from serious animal diseases, such as pleuro-pneumonia, anthrax, and swine fever. One of the great difficulties is to cope with the question of tuberculosis among the dairy herds. That it is present there is undoubted proof, and that such a disease is serious in a country with a future in dairying is beyond argument. The best we can say is we are no worse than our neighbours, and that the officials whose duty it is
440
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
to cope with the disease leave no stone unturned to prevent tubercular meat or the produce of tubercular cows from passing into consumption. On this particular branch of his work Mr. Weir in his report for 1910-11 says:—‘‘The work of inspecting dairy cattle throughout the State has been carefully carried out during the year, and the elimination from the herds of all dairy cows showing clinical lesions of tuberculosis has been aimed at. Altogether a total of about fifty head has been removed from the dairies, and these have been either isolated or immediately destroyed. The tuberculin test was applied to about 400 cows, and gave reactions varying from 5 per cent, to 25 per cent, in the different herds. In all cases those showing reaction from the test are being weeded out, and their places supplied by healthy animals. The process of the total eradication of the disease must be of necessity a slow one under the most favourable conditions, and especially in our case, where the method of feeding and the difficulty of isolation (in the metropolitan and sub-metropolitan districts) are so favourable to the spread of the disease. Regular inspection and methods of dealing with affected animals will be required for a number of years before the practically complete eradication of the disease can be secured. It is generally recognized that although the heavy-milking breeds are more
subject to the disease than other cattle, yet none are
immune when brought into close contact with affected
animals.”
The total number of livestock imported into the
State for 1910 was as under —
Overseas. Interstate. N.-W. Ports.
Horses ... 22 2,984 556
Camels ... 6 —
Donkeys ... — 91 —
Cattle ... ... — 163 30,145
Bulls ... ... — 26 —
Cows ... ... — 173 —
Stores ... ... — 45 —
Goats ... ... — 44 . —
Sheep ... ... — 15,895 138,434
Rams ... ... — 5,873 —
Ewes ... ;.. — 11,875 —
Pigs ... ... 3 — —
Dogs ... 15 182 —
Poultry ... — 326 —
When to the duty of inspecting these, the continual examination of the stock already in the State is added, it becomes evident that the work of stock inspection is both arduous and exacting.
THOMAS SYDNEY McNULTY, Under-Secretary to the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, was born in New South Wales. On leaving college he entered into com-
Burtletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas Sydney McNulty.
mercial pursuits in the office of a large Sydney firm and after seven years’ mercantile experience came r,o Western Australia during the boom of 1896. In that year he joined the
Public Works Department and held various responsible positions until 1903, when he was selected to fulfil the duties incidental to the post of Secretary of the Goldfields Water Scheme Administration. In June, 1909, he was appointed to take up the work of Under-Secretary to the Department of Agriculture.
JAMES EREDERICK MOODY, Fruit Industries Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Perth, was born at Tooronga Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, and received his education at the High School at Kew under Mr. J. H. Thompson, M.A. At the close of his scholastic career he entered a solicitor’s office in Melbourne, and having continued there for about four years in 1891 went to Mildura, on the River Murray. Here he occupied the position of overseer for the Mildura Exchange Company for about twelve months, when, joining the firm of Messrs. Chaffey Brothers, he obtained a comprehensive knowledge of nursery work, fruit-drying, and general orchard operations, and during the five -years spent in this connection took up a block of twenty acres, which he planted with citrous and other varieties of fruit-trees. Dis-
posing of this he joined Mr. LI. B. Russell on his large farm in the Wimmera district, where he augmented his experience by practical work in general agriculture and
BarUctto, Perth.
Mr. James Frederick Moody.
received some insight into the pastoral industry in connection with sheep-raising. Three years later he became assistant orchardist at the llawkesbury Agricultural College
441
ind held this position for twelve months, when he took the management of an orchard on the Penang Mountains, which he worked successfully on the share system, cultivating a large variety of fruit-irees, including the citrous and ieciduous species, and vines and oassion fruit. His next appointment ivas that of orchardist and irriga-bionist to the Kameruka Estate at Bega, New South Wales, owned by Sir R. L. Lucas-Tooth, Bart., and which he held for seven and a half years, the work consisting chiefly of irrigation operations on the lucerne ields and other fodder crops for cattle, and the cultivation of 150 acres of different kinds of fruits, more especially for drying purposes. This period was followed by a year and nine months as manager for the loornuc Valley Orchard Property Company, Victoria, comprising 210 acres, and the largest export orchard in Australia, having its own cold stores of 30,000-case capacity and its Dwn evaporating plant. On July 1, 1911, Mr. Moody received appointment to his present position under bhe Western Australian Government, for which his twenty years’ experience in the fruit industry has endowed him with every qualification.
JAMES MILLAR BROCK CONNOR, Agricultural Commissioner for South-West district, was born at Geelong, Victoria, on December 30, 1871, and is a son of the late Honourable J. H. Connor, M.L.C., who represented Geelong and Western districts in both State Houses of Parliament for over twenty years. The subject of this notice, at bhe completion of his scholastic studies at Geelong College, became one of the early and brilliant students of the Dookie Agricultural College, where he obtained the gold medals awarded for the best practical-work student, the best dairy student, and for the most up-to-date method of improving the swine herd ; also a silver medal for the best entomological collection. A certificated dairy student of the late Professor J. L. Thompson, he is also a certificated dairy supervisor under the Victorian Milk and Dairy Supervision Act of 1903. Previous to joining the Western Australian Department of Agriculture in May, 1911, Mr. Connor was attached to the Department of Agriculture, Vic-
toria, his official title being Agricultural Superintendent. His duties embraced the establishment of experimental and demonstration plots, of manurial and variety test-plots of wheat, cereals, and fodder plants, and the judging of large district-farm and forage competitions throughout the State. He brought to the discharge of this office a wide experience gained during several years of successful farming, stud stock-breeding, and dairying on his own account in the Western district of Victoria, where he became known as one of the most noted exhibitors of pure-bred Ayrshire and Jersey cattle, dairy cows, and Welsh cob ponies at th© leading agricultural shows. Mr. Connor was in constant-request as adjudicator in both dairy cattle and horse sections at
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Millar Brock Connor.
these functions throughout the State of Victoria, including the Royal Agricultural Show, Melbourne. His late father had been especially successful in the breeding of Jersey, Ayrshire, and dairy cows, whose milk and butter yield, as proved by the Babcock test, carried off the awards in th© milking-test competitions, including three gold medals presented by Lord Brassey at the Royal Show, Melbourne, and the Geelong and Colac Agricultural Shows. Mr. J. M. B. Connor was instrumental in establishing the Lady Talbot Milk Institute’s model pure milk farm for infants’ milk, situated at Caulfield, one of the finest pure-milk supplies and closei
settlement farms in Victoria. During the past four years he has contributed to the Victorian Journal of Agriculture over thirty articles dealing with closer settlement, and these invariably have been reproduced by the agricultural Press in the different States. Always keenly alive to all matters pertaining to agriculture and its allied branches when likely to be of benefit to the rural producers, he held membership in the Victorian Chamber of Agriculture, the Colac Shire Council, was Vice-President of the Colac Agricultural Society successively for two years, and received nomination as its delegate to the Annual Farmers’ Convention in three successive years. During the recent tour of the Scottish agricultural commissioners throughout Victoria Mr. Connor was chosen by the Minister for Agriculture to escort them through the State, and he holds a very complimentary letter from the Commissioners expressing the high opinion formed of his experience, expert knowledge of live stock, and general grasp of agricultural affairs, entitling him to give an authoritative statement on a subject so vital to the future prosperity of the various States of the Australian Commonwealth.
GEORGE LOWE SUTTON, Wheat Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, was born at Liverpool, England, in 1872. Arriving at Sydney, New South Wales, at ten years of age his education was completed at the Sydney High School, and upon its conclusion he became engaged in dairy-farming at Liverpool, in Central Cumberland, for about two years. He then took a trip which occupied a year among pastoral areas on the borders of Queensland in order to enlarge his experience, after which he returned to the Liverpool district. Mr. Sutton gave up dairy-farming in order to accept the position of experimentalist at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College in connection with which institution two years later he became lecturer on Agriculture. Here he became associated with the late Mr. William J. Farrar, the Australian wheat-breeder, and had charge of the wheat-breeding plots at the College. After five years’ work at the institution he was transferred to Cowra to establish and manage a new experiment farm
with the object of studying and solving the problems affecting the wheat-farmers of New South Wales, and to extend the work of breeding new varieties of wheat specially suitable for Australian conditions.
liartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Lowe Sutton.
Shortly after entering on this work the dry farm at Coolabah was placed under his control. This is situated 100 miles outside the present safe wheat belt of New South Wales, and he succeeded in obtaining satisfactory crops with only 3 in. of rain during the growing period. Owing to the inaccessibility of the Coolabah farm it was decided to transfer operations to a more suitable site, and to Mr. Sutton fell the task of arranging the transfer from Coolabah and of starting a demonstration farm of 5,000 acres at Nyngan. Upon the death of the late Mr. William J. Farrer Mr. Sutton was appointed his successor, his duties requiring him to supervise the wheat-breeding at five experiment farms. In 1911 he accepted an appointment by the Western Australian Government as Wheat Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, and entered upon his duties in May of that year. Already he has formed the opinion held by many whose experience extends over years in this State that Western Australia is destined to become a great wheat-producing country, and possesses a climate capable of producing perhaps the finest wheat in the Commonwealth. Mr. Sutton was one of the members of the Experiment Supervision Committee of the New South Wales
Department of Agriculture. He is an active member of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, and was an examiner in practical agriculture at the Hawkes-bury Agricultural College.
ARTHUR HENRY SCOTT, Government Irrigation Expert, Perth, wae born at Horsham, Sussex, England, in 1878. lie was educated at the Bedford Grammar School, and at the age of sixteen went to sea under a scheme inaugurated by Lord Brassey, visiting Australia twice via Cape Horn. He gained some experience in the pastoral industry on sheep-farms in Victoria, as his ship was detained for a considerable period owing to the great maritime strike. Ilis love of the land ultimately induced him to forsake the sea, and he studied farm and market-garden work in the Old Country. Leaving England he proceeded to Renmark, South Australia, and became identified with the irrigation colony. During the seven years passed at Renmark he became familiar with the various processes of fruit culture and undertook the charge of 400 acres of irrigated orchard for absentee owners, besides cultivating his own estate.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Arthur Henry Scott.
He constructed many ol the large irrigation channels for Messrs. Chaffey Brothers, and the grading and preparation of land for fruitgrowing occupied a large share of his attention both at the settlement and in the surrounding districts. After
a very successful experience in this line Mr. Scott further enlarged his knowledge of irrigation by visiting the chief centres of cultivation, where workable schemes have been brought to perfection, and in pursuit of this expert experience made two journeys to the United States, visiting also Canada, Mexico, and Northern Italy. He has also been connected with several business ventures in this State, and has made six trips between the Old Country and Australia. The knowledge thus gained has found practical outlet in various parts of Australia, Mr. Scott having been employed to carry out irrigation schemes on several estates in Victoria and New South Wales. Tn 1907 he joined the Western Australian Government Service in a temporary capacity to put into operation an experimental scheme of irrigation on the Brunswick State Farm, which from its inception has been a marked success, and in 1909 received appointment to the permanent post which he now holds.
ADRIAN JEAN DESPEISSIS, M.R.C.A., formerly Commissioner of Tropical Agriculture for Western Australia, was born in December, 1860, at Mauritius, and educated in his native place at the Royal College, an institution affiliated with the London University. Soon after leaving college he was entrusted by the Government of Mauritius with a responsible mission to India, where the beet-sugar importers from Germany were competing in the Indian market with the producers of cane-sugar from his native country. On his return from India he was appointed Executive Commissioner for the island at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in London. He then decided to learn the science and technique of agriculture, and after three years’ study in England was awarded the membership of the Royal Agricultural College, coming out with honours, and also the diploma of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. After some study at the National Agronomic Institute and at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, where he made a special research in experimental fermentations, he gained practical experience in vine-growing and winemaking at Messrs. A. & W. Gilbey’s vineyards in the Medoc, as well as talcing a special course at the Montpellier School of Viticulture. About
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
443
this time he was ottered the position of viticulturist to the State by the New South Wales Government, and proceeding to Sydney he entered upon his duties in connection with the vine and fruit-growing industries of that sub-tropical country. Four years after receiving this appointment the Bureau of Agriculture in Western Australia arranged with the New South Wales Government for the loan of Mr. Despeissis’ services for a period of nine months, and this eventually led to his engagement as vine and fruit expert to the Government of the Western State. A few years ago he visited Algeria, Spain, and Portugal to inquire into the methods of agriculture in those warm countries, and on his return to Western Australia was given the post of Under-Secretary and Acting-Director of Agriculture. Later he was appointed Commissioner of Tropical Agriculture, and while holding this office visited North Queensland, the Federated Malay States, Singapore, and Java, returning via Port Darwin, in order to study the methods adopted by the agriculturists of these tropical countries. Mr. Despeissis afterwards visited the northern districts of the State, and covered overland the distance between Carnarvon and Wyndham. He is a mem-
ber of several Australian Scientific Societies and has contributed largely to agricultural reviews and magazines both in New South Wales and this State, besides having published a comprehensive treatise
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Adrian Jean Despeissis.
on the horticulture and viticulture of Western Australia. In 1901 he married Letitia Ellen, daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Wyndham, of New South Wales.
ROBERT EDGAR WEIR,
M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary-Surgeon and Chief Inspector of Stock for Western Australia, was born at Campbelltown, Scotland. He was educated at the Normal School, Glasgow, afterwards studying for his profession at the Veterinary College in the same city. After some six months’ preliminary experience in his native country in 1882, he came to Australia and settled at Ballarat, Victoria, where he practised his profession for about eight years. Being offered a Government appointment at Fremantle as stock inspector he migrated to the Western State and took up the arduous duties of veterinary officer to the Stock Department and the investigating of the diseases of stock in all parts of the State. After being stationed at the Port for about six years he was appointed to the post of Chief Inspector of Stock, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr. Morton Craig. Mr. Weir was appointed a member of the first Board created under the Veterinary Act of 1911. He is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia and of the Sanitary Institute, being on the Council and Committees of both Societies.
AGRICULTURAL BANK.
When the Premier of the day (Sir John Forrest) decided in 1894 to bring into existence an Agricultural Bank to assist in the development of rural industries, he “builded better” than even he contemplated at the time. From small beginnings it has grown to be the very king pin of agricultural settlement, and many a successful farmer owes his present enviable position to its assistance.
Passed in 1894 as an experimental measure, the Act was repeatedly amended, always in the direction of enlarging its scope, until 1906, when a new and comprehensive enactment took the place of all former ordinances. The method of administration which had formerly been carried out by a manager with the assistance of trustees was remodelled, and the Manager (Mr. Wm. Paterson) became Managing Trustee, with Mr. A. McLarty as Deputy-Managing Trustee and Messrs. A. R. Richardson and F. V. Cooke as Co-Trustees with Mr. Paterson.
Even since 1906 it has been found necessary, in order to meet the growing demands of settlement, to make various amendments, the last being made in January,
1912. This amending Act, under which the scope of the
Bank’s operations has been revised, provides that the capital of the concern, which in 1894 was £200,000 and had been periodically increased by further authorizations, should be raised to £3,000,000—in itself an eloquent tesimony not only to the success of the work of the bank, but also to the enormous agricultural expansion of the past fifteen years. Subject to the provisions of the principal Act, “the bank may make advances to persons engaged in the business of farming or grazing, or in agricultural, horticultural, or pastoral pursuits, to an amount not exceeding £2,000, or in any industry that the Governor may by proclamation declare to be a rural industry, for any purpose incidental to or in aid of any such business, pursuit, or industry, including the erection of a dwelling-house for the borrower on any land occupied or used by him in connection with such business, pursuit, or industry: provided that no advance shall be made to any borrower for the purpose of any proclaimed rural industry to an amount exceeding a sum to be limited by such proclamation.” Applications for advances have to be made in a prescribed manner, and the advances are
444
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
made by progress payments, the Managing Trustee having the right to refuse to continue instalments if the money is not being rightly applied. The loans have a currency of thirty years, but may be repaid earlier if the borrower desires. Interest is calculated at the rate of 5 per cent., and for the first five years only the interest is charged; after that interest and capital must be repaid by half-yearly instalments extending over 25 years.
By co-operation with the Lands Department the bank is enabled to determine before selection whether the land being offered will justify development, and to allot the amount which will be advanced. This is of
great benefit to the new settler, as it provides him with working capital and relieves him from any anxiety as to whether the land will stand inspection by the bank
The annual report for 1910-11 shows that on June 30 of the latter year there were 6,228 accounts current at the bank; that there were 2,839 applications for loans totalling £534,650; that £283,158 was actually advanced and £242,307 repaid, thus leaving the large amount of £976,811 on loan to the settlers on that date.
The amount advanced has been applied, as prescribed by the 1910 and previous Acts, to the following purposes : —
For year ended June 30, 1911. Total amount to date.
£ s. d £ s. d
Liabilities taken over 4,517 19 4 64,028 17 9
For purchase of stock 25,825 0 0 147,550 3 0
For purchase of plant — 6,494 0 0
For purchase of implements 1,572 4 2 1,833 9 2
For purchase of fertilizers — 3,278 0 0
For developmental purposes 251,243 13 1 1,317,057 1 9
£283,158 16 7 £1,540,241 11 8
The improvements effected by farmers, with the assistance of the bank’s funds, are as follows:—
Clearing
Cultivating
Ringbarking
Fencing
Draining
Water supply
Buildings
Orchard
Blackboy and Poison grubbing
| Tear ending June SO, 1911. Total to date.
i Costing. Costing.
£ s. d. £ s. d
123,868 acres 126,205 10 6 727,384 acres 1,021,306 0 0
213,042 acres 120,491 0 0
241,542 acres 26,627 11 3 1,137,409 acres 107,676 0 0
198,374 chains 57,348 11 2 1,029,968 chains 297,077 0 0
443 16 0 5,386 0 0
17,194 7 1 78,581 0 0
— 83,868 0 0
— 321 acies 4,321 0 0
13,826 acres 1,974 3 0 48,246 acres 10,585 0 0
£229,793 19 0 £1,729,291 0 0
ALEXANDER ROBERT RICHARDSON, one of the Trustees of the Agricultural Bank, was born at Islington, England, m the year 1848, his father being the Rev. Thomas Elliott Richardson, M A., of Glasgow University, who came out to Australia in the early days and was well known as a Presbyterian minister for many years in Victoria, and latterly as editor of The Pot tland Guardian newspaper Mr. A. R. Richardson was educated at various schools in Victoria, and at the age of seventeen accompanied a party of five young men, including himself and his brother, and Messrs. Anderson, Grant, and Edgar, on a pioneering trip to the Nor’-West of Western Australia. Chartering the ship “Maria Ross” they took with them 1,600 ewes, ten horses, and sta-
tion outfit and supplies, and landed at Tientsin Harbour (Cossack Bay), the port of the Roebourne district, where they secured a lease of over
200,000 acres and formed the Pyramid Station. Four years later Messrs. Grant and Anderson went out ot the partnership, and the management of the station fell upon Mr A R. Richardson, who continued to control operations until 1876 Two years prior to this date lie had married Ellen, daughter of Mr John Wellard, a widely known and respected pioneer, who owned a farm at Serpentine Having arranged with his brother and Mr. Edgar for the appointment of a manager for Pyramid, being anxious to give his wife more of the comforts of civilization than could be enjoyed m the back country, Mr Richardson pur-
chased this property from his father-in-law, and taking up his residence there proceeded to develop and improve the estate. In 1880 he was instrumental in the formation of a company to take up a considerable area of pastoral leaseholds from the Crown oil the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley district, explored by the late Mr. Alexander Forrest m the previous year. This enterprise became known as the Murray Squatting Company, and under Mr. George Patterson as manager gave considerable stimulus to the opening up of the rich lands in this remote region. Pastoral enterprise might almost be termed a passion with Mr. Richardson, who at another period took up virgin country not far from Port Hedland, when as yet no port existed, and formed the Boodarrie
445
Station conjointly with Mr. J. Pierce Wellard, his brother-in-law, who became resident manager. In 1883, after personal inspection, he purchased Mardie Station on behalf of the Company. Other ventures of a similar nature were engaged in, and in 1904 Mr. Richardson visited the Rroomehill district, with the possibilities of which he was impressed. Securing several blocks he established three of his sons on the land, and with their valuable assistance many improvements have been effected and a flock of high-class merino sheep established. Mr. Richardson, while still a young man, became interested in the affairs of local administration, and at various times filled the post of Chairman of the Northern Roads Board, of which he was elected a member in the seventies. Upon settling nearer to the capital he turned his attention to politics and was returned to represent the interests of the Northern district in the old Legislative Council in 1887, his colleague being the Honourable S. Burt. Upon the inauguration of responsible government he stood for De Grey electorate in the House of Assembly, and upon the retirement of the Hon. W. E. Marmion from the office of Minister of Lands accepted the portfolio in December, 1894. In 1897 he resigned his portfolio and his seat in Parliament.
FRANK VAUGHAN COOKE, J.P., Trustee of the Agricultural Bank, Perth, is a son of the late Mr. Henry John Cooke, and was born in 1872 on his father’s farm at Northam, his grandfather being the late Mr. John Taylor Cooke, an early settler and owner of the property “Newleyine” at Northam, and his father a well-known man in the pastoral world. The gentleman under review was educated at Mr. H. Briggs’ Grammar School at Fremantle, and subsequently served his apprenticeship to commercial life as a junior in an office at that seaport. At a later period he returned to the calling of his fathers, and after having obtained considerable experience in contracting and general country work in the northern districts, in 1894 acquired the property of “Stoney Ridges,” near Northam, which has since been developed and increased to 3,000 acres. Mr. Cooke has met with considerable success as an agriculturist and has 1,000 acres
under cultivation annually, the average yield being from 14 to 15 bushels of wheat to the acre. He also engages in fat-lamb raising, which he has found a profitable branch of
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frank Vaughan Cooke.
the industry. He has interested himself in public matters, and is a Vice-President of the Agricultural Society of Northam, to the affairs of which he gives his close attention. In November, 1908, he was appointed one of the Trustees of the Agricultural Bank of Western Australia.
WILLIAM PATERSON, Manager of the Agricultural Bank, Perth, is a son of the late Mr. Niool. Robertson Paterson, formerly of Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, a well-known merchant of Fremantle, who afterwards owned and farmed a property of 12,000 acres at Pinjarra. Mr. Paterson was born at the latter place on June 21, 1847,
and received his preliminary education at Fremantle, concluding his scholastic studies at a private academy in Birmingham, England. In 1864 he returned to Western Australia and entered upon agricultural pursuits on his father’s property, continuing the management of the estate in conjunction with his brother, after the death of the late Mr. Paterson, until 1882. About this time the brothers joined issue with Messrs. A. R. Richardson, T. R. Elliot, and J. Cornish in pioneering work in the Kimberley district, and
took up land on behalf of a Company on the Fitzroy River, which was afterwards sold and a property on the Fortescue River, in the Nor’-West, secured. Mr. Paterson was among the earliest to form a favourable opinion of the pastoral possibilities of the Kimberley district, and the cattle brought there by him were the first placed in those areas. After a few months he returned south and subsequently was engaged in the management of a foundry for a short time in Perth. Country life, however, reassumed its attractions, and he left the city to reside on his property at Whitby Falls, Jarrahdale. In 1889 Mr. Paterson entered Parliament as representative for the Murray and Williams district, which he continued to represent for five years. In 1894 he played a prominent part in the drawing up of the Bill inaugurating the foundation of the Agricultural Bank, and by the express wish of both sides of the House was offered and accepted the position of Manager, which post he has continued to fill. The gentleman under review‘is a Justice of the Peace for the whole of Western Australia, having received his commission in 1889. He is Chairman of the Lands Board and of the Railway Advisory Board, having at an earlier period occupied a seat on the Murray Roads Board
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Paterson.
for nearly twenty years. In 1872 he married Susannah Sarah, daughter of Mr. W. Chidlow, one of the pioneers of the Western State, and has two sons and three daughters.
446
THE CYCLOPEDIA OE WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
EDWARD AUDREY Me-LARTY, Deputy Managing Trustee of the Agricultural Bank of Western Australia, is a native of this State, having been born at Pinjarra in
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Edward Aubrey McLarty.
1875. He received his educational training at the State school and Fremantle Grammar School, and at the conclusion of his schooldays became engaged in agricultural pursuits
near his birthplace until reaching the age of twenty-one years. ITe then entered the service of the Agri-tural Bank in 1897, beginning with a clerkship and steadily rising in the service until in 1910 he was promoted to his present position.
ARTHUR GEORGE HEWBY, J.P., Chief Inspector of the Agricultural Bank, Perth, was born at London in 1867 and received his scholastic education in the same city, with a supplementary course at Portsmouth, where he made a special study of naval engineering. In 1888 he came to Western Australia and was associated with Mr. E. Keane in land surveys and railway construction, continuing in this connection for the entire period that the Midland Railway was being built, with but one exception during the temporary cessation of the work, when he engaged in land surveys for Messrs. Crossland & Hardy. After the completion of the important enterprise referred to Mr. Hewby turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in the Gin Gin district for five and a half years, but relinquished this industry and subsequently undertook the supervision of some of the construction work in connection with
the Coolgardie water scheme. Ultimately he became inspector on the first section, from Mundaring to Merriden, and in 1904 was transferred to the Lands and Surveys De-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Arthur George Hewby.
partment as Land and Agricultural Bank Inspector, receiving his present appointment in 1907. Mr. Hewby is a member of the Railways Advisory Board.
Mines Department.
Up to the time of the enormous expansion in mining due to the gold discoveries of the early nineties, the control of such mining operations as existed in Western Australia was part of the work of the Lands Department. With the discoveries at Yilgarn, Coolgardie, and Kalgoorlie, however, there grew up such a large branch of administrative work that in December, 1894, the Government decided to form a separate Department of Mines, the first Minister of Mines being Mr. (now Sir) Edward Horne Wittenoom and the first Undersecretary Mr. Henry T. Prinsep. The succession of responsible Ministers since that time is as follows: —
Minister of Mines. From To
Sir Edward Horne Wittenoom Dec. 4, 1894 Apr. 28, 1898
Henry Bruce Lefroy Apr. 28, 1898 May 27, 1901
Henry Gregory May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Henry Gregory Dec. 23, 1901 Aug. 10, 1904
Robert Hastie Aug. 10, 1904 June 7, 1905
William Dartnell Johnson June 7, 1905 Aug. 25, 1905
Henry Gregory Aug. 25, 1905 Oct. 7, 1911
Philip Collier Oct. 7, 1911 Still in office
The history, development, present position, and future possibilities of mining as an industry in the State will be fully dealt with elsewhere; we are here more immediately concerned with the department as a large branch of Government activity. The Mines Department, in addition to the general administration of mining, is charged with the control of the following branches:—Explosives and Analytical, Inspection of Machinery, Mines’ Water Supply, Mining School, State Batteries, and, perhaps the most important of all, the Geological Survey of Western Australia.
The principal administrative officers of the department are:—Under-Secretary, Mr. Henry S. King; State Mining Engineer, Mr. Alexander Montgomery, M.A.; Chief Clerk, Mr. M. J. Calanchini; Inspecting Surveyor, Mr. T. J. Breen; Registrar, Mr. S. Roberts Chief Inspector of Machinery, Mr. C. J. Mathews; Engineer of Water Supply, Mr. P. V. O’Brien; Superintendent of State Batteries, Mr. A. M. Howe. In addition to these, each goldfield is under the charge of
THE CYCLOPEDIA OP WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
447
a Warden, who in the majority of cases is also the Resident Magistrate of the district.
The Acts in force relative to mining are: —
(1) The Mining Act, 1904.
(2) Sluicing and Dredging for Gold Act, 1899.
(3) Mines Regulation Act, 1906.
(4) Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1902.
(5) Mining Development Act, 1902.
(6) Mines and Machinery Inspection Act, 1911 The last-named Act was assented to on February 16, 1911, and provides for the conferring on a Chief Inspector or Inspector appointed under the Mines Regulation Act, 1906, the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1902, or the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1904, of all or any of the powers of the Chief Inspector or Inspector, as the case may be, under all or any of the said Acts, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be deemed fit
Speaking generally, it must be admitted that the mining industry in the State is generously governed with the object of affording every possible encourage ment to development. There is probably no country where the mining laws are more complete and less oppressive; evidence of this may be found in the fact that Mr. A. C. Veatch, Special Commissioner appointed by the United States Government to report upon Australian mining laws, after thorough investigation pronounced the Western Australian law to be wonderfully complete and well balanced.
One of the special phases of the work of the department is the provision made under the Mines Development Act, 1902, for the development of mineral leases. Parties working approved mines are enabled to obtain loans to assist in developing them and equipping them with machinery, the loans, secured by mortgage on the property, to be repaid if success follows the efforts of the party. Advances are also made to persons erecting public crushing plants, to boring parties, to those who have to cart the ore long distances, and to those who are developing mines below the level of 100 ft from the surface or below the waterline. Prospectors desirous of opening up new country may also, under certain conditions, secure assistance in the way of camels, horses, and carts. Under this Act the department in 1911 expended £8,519, and at the end of that year the amount outstanding by way of loans and interest was £28,877, while £14,651 had been written off as irrecoverable.
STATE BATTERIES.
Another extremely useful sphere of departmental activity is the State battery system, established on a scale unequalled elsewhere. This movement is particularly valuable to prospectors endeavouring to develop the finds they have discovered. As soon as reasonable
prospect of permanency is assured the Government provides treatment works suitable to the peculiar nature of the ore in the locality, and thus affords the prospector the opportunity of paying his way out of the stone raised, without incurring liability, which he would probably be unable to meet, in the way of providing plant for himself.
From the Report of the Department for 1911 we learn that the number of State batteries existing at the close of the year was thirty-three, as compared with thirty-four during 1910, the 10-head mill at Kalpini having been dismantled and removed to Linden for reerection to take the place of the unit stamp.
From the inception of the battery system to the end of 1911 gold and tin to the value of £3,733,939 have been recovered at the State plants; 843,780 tons of gold ore were treated and produced £3,146,990 worth of gold by amalgamation, £429,274 worth by cyanida-tion, £88,974 from slime treatment, and 51,553 tons of tin ore produced tin to the value of £68,701.
During the year the gold ore treated was 59,373 tons for 56,265 fine ounces, and in the preceding year 89,278 tons produced 80,074 fine ounces.
The working expenditure for all plants during the year totalled £60,061 11s 5d., and the revenue £53,321 19s 5d., which, after including £750 17s. 6d. for additions, etc , and paid from revenue, shows a loss of £7,490 9s. 6d. on the year’s operations. The capital expenditure from the inception of the scheme was £290,732 13s. 8d , £91,981 Is. 8d. being paid from revenue and £198,751 12s. from loan. The cost of administration for the year was £3,764 3s. 10d., as against £3,891 16s. 8d. for 1910.
The working expenditure from inception to December, 1911, exceeds the receipts by £28,870 8s. 2d.
MINES WATER SUPPLY.
The Coolgardie water scheme was, of course, primarily undertaken with the object of supplying ample water to the eastern goldfields, but in addition to that the State maintains a mines water supply branch of the Mines Department, the function of which is to make arrangements for the supply and conservation of water throughout all the areas where mining is carried on. As soon as a new discovery is reported the district engineers of the department set well-sinking and boring parties to work, so as to make provision for whatever population may be attracted to the find. If the find turns out to be permanent, then larger schemes for supply and conservation are entered upon, and when completed placed under the control of local Water Boards. The branch also undertakes the work of surveying, clearing, and forming roads throughout the fields, and controls the operations of the diamond drilling plants.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
“The work of the mines water supply for the year,” says the Engineer’s Report for 1911, “consisted of surveys for and construction of tanks, reservoirs, pipe lines, and conservation of water generally; boring for watei and minerals; sinking wells for towns, roads, prospectors, and mining camps; construction of stock routes; clearing tracks and roads; collection of revenue from water sales; investigations and reports on requests relative to watei supply on or about the mineral belts of Western Australia; maintenance of all existing water supplies.”
The summary shows that 162 bores were put down by hand and six with the diamond drill; that fourteen new wells were sunk and ten new tanks (the capacities ranging from 40,000 to 4,000,000) were constructed, two of them being on the agricultural areas At the close of the year there were in all forty-nine water stations leased, 1,353 watering stations on the department’s list, and about 250 men employed on the work.
INSPECTION OP MACHINERY.
The administration of the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1904, though wider in scope than mining, is placed under the Department of Mines, as being the department most concerned by its operations. The Chief Inspector of Machinery (Mr. C J. Mathews), who is responsible for the proper observance of the Act, is also charged by it with the inspection of boilers, the examinations for engine-drivers’ certificates, and the necessary inquiries in the case of injury or death from machinery accidents.
The Chief Inspector is assisted in his work by seven District Inspectors, and for convenience the State is divided into ten machinery districts. During the year 1911 these inspectors travelled 39,340 miles in the course of duty, making 3,559 inspections of boilers and machinery.
STATE MINING ENGINEER.
There is probably no more important office held under the Minister for Mines than that of the State Mining Engineer, at present occupied by Mr. Alexander Montgomery, M A., E G.S , who is responsible for practically the whole mining system as an industry, and also for the proper inspection of all mines under the Mines Regulation Act, 1906, and the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1902. Assisted by a staff of nine Inspectors of Mines he keeps a thorough check on all mining operations, examines and tests all mining machinery, surface and underground workings, and generally supervises the industry in the interests of the miner, the public, and the Government. It is also his duty to advise the authorities upon applications for loans or subsidies under the Mining Development Act and the
Mining Development vote, and to act as Chairman of the Board of Examiners for colliery managers under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1902. Mr. Montgomery, who has held the position since 1902, came to Western Australia well fitted for his work by extensive experience gained in New Zealand and Tasmania.
EXPLOSIVES AND ANALYTICAL.
The Explosives and Analytical Office is another of those branches of State administration which for convenience sake is placed under the Department of Mines, although its operations are far from being confined to that department. As Chief Inspector of Explosives Mr. Edward A. Mann no doubt comes into close touch with mining, especially as he is usually called upon in addition to those duties to act upon all Boards of Investigation connected with the mining industry where the advice and assistance of an expert analyst and investigator is required. As Government Analyst Mr. Mann is practically at the disposal of all State Government Departments, and very often of the Federal Customs. Under the various liquor laws his analyses as to purity and genuineness are constantly required; under the new Health Act he is ex ojficto a member of the Advisory Board on Pure Foods; investigations in agriculture and the possibilities of the soil repeatedly demand his attention; and the distasteful work of performing analyses in the interests of criminal investigation also falls to his lot. No better evidence of the comprehensive nature of his duties can perhaps be afforded than the lists showing the analyses conducted during 1911 and the various departments for which they were performed: —
General Classificat%on of Analyses.
Explosives . 4,750
Spirits . ... 290
"Waters (general) . . 141
Soils . ... .70
Fertilizers . .. ... . 275
Rocks . .... 33
Essences . 52
Oils . . 221
Foodstuffs and Miscellaneous 351
Sewage . 310
Wheats and Flours . .. . 22
Criminal Investigations 54
Lime .. . 46
Fabrics 12
Vinegar . 12
Medicinal Compounds . 51
Milks . . .720
Kerosine, Benzine, Turpentine, etc. 125
Butter 104
Hydrometers .. .37
Stomachs (human) .. .. . . . 9
Matches .. .. . 45
Dairy Thermometers . ... 98
Cheese ... ■■■ 42
Metals . . . 17
Waters (special) . 95
Bread ... 15
Total ...............................7,996
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
449
Departments for which
Work was performed.
Customs ... ... ... ... ... 982
Agricultural ... ... ... ... ... 288
Crown Law ... ... ... ... ... 77
Inspector of Liquors ... ... ... 80
Mines ... ... ... ... ... ... 95
Works and Railways ... ... ... 451
Goldfields Water Supply ... ... ... 130
Public Health ............................. 946
Private Analyses ... ... ... ... 44
Miscellaneous ............................. 153
Explosives ... ... ... ... ... 4,750
Total
7,996
In his professional capacity Mr. Mann has the assistance of an Assistant Government Analyst (C. E. Stacy), Assistant Inspector of Explosives (T. N. Kir-ton), and ten analysts.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF MINES.
In a country such as Western Australia, possessing one of the richest mineral belts in the world, it is only
of the school, and a main building at Kalgoorlie, which was commenced in April, 1903, was completed at the end of the year. Lectures in several subjects were given from the beginning of November, 1903, but on the completion of the school, early in 1904, lecture work was systematically entered upon in all School of Mines subjects, with a full staff of lecturers and a good equipment, and the Coolgardie branch was closed.
In accordance with the recommendation of the School of Mines Commission, and following out the wishes expressed by the mining men on the goldfields, the School of Mines has been placed under the direct control of the Mines Department, which will issue diplomas and certificates to students complying with the regulations.
Location.—The School of Mines at Kalgoorlie is built upon about two and a half acres of ground on the block between Egan, Cassidy, and Macdonald Streets,
The Boulder mines from maritana Hill, 1902.
to be expected that a fully-equipped School of Mines would be found capable of holding its own with at least any school of its kind in Australia. The institution at Kalgoorlie amply fulfils this expectation, and the account of its history and scope as set out in the Director’s Report for 1911, from which we have made copious extracts, forms instructive and interesting reading:—
The School of Mines of Western Australia was started in November, 1902, in the Exhibition Buildings at Coolgardie, where classes were regularly conducted up to the end of 1903. In the meantime plans and specifications were drawn up by the Public Works Department from drawings and notes supplied by the Director
DD
and consists of several buildings for the conduct of different portions of the work. The main structure is a commodious one-storey building 104 ft. by 140 ft. in the form of a square enclosing a central quadrangle. The right wing consists of assaying, chemical, and metallurgical laboratories and balance-rooms, the left wing of lecture-rooms for mathematics, surveying, mining, physics, drawing, mechanics, etc., all being adequately equipped with the necessary appliances for the proper instruction of the students.
In the western angle of the schoolground a brick building suitable for the combined purposes of a museum and for classrooms in geology, petrology, etc., has been erected. The museum room is 70 ft. by 30 ft. in size,
460
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
the geology classroom adjoining is 40 ft. by 27 ft., and provision has been made for such extensions as may be necessary in the future. At the back of the main school, and detached from it, are the electrical and mechanical engineering lecture-rooms, the machine shops for fitting and turning, and the classroom for enginedriving.
The school, by its position in the centre of one of the chief goldfields of the world, offers exceptional opportunities to students to become acquainted with the most modern methods of mining, mechanical equipment, and ore treatment, and the managers of the mines and mills at Kalgoorlie, many of them School of Mines men, have at all times assisted the students to gain the practical knowledge which is the necessary accompaniment of a course of lectures at a School of Mines.
The school was established primarily to give instruction to those engaged in mining occupations, and its laboratories have been equipped and the classes arranged so as to give a thorough technical and practical training, thus enabling students to qualify for responsible positions m the industry. At the same time it offers facilities for general education, more particularly in elementary science, which ought to be even more largely taken advantage of than it is.
There is excellent equipment for both theoretical and practical teaching in chemistry, assaying, metallurgy, physics, mining, surveying, geology, mineralogy, petrology, drawing, applied mechanics and mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and practical electricity, fitting and turning,- and engine - driving. Attached to the school is a museum, in which there is being gathered together a valuable collection of samples of Western Australian minerals which is proving of considerable assistance to the prospector, the student, and, indeed, to every mining man on the fields. These, along with several special collections of rocks and minerals obtained from reliable European and American sources and samples of economic and metallurgical products from Broken Hill, New South Wales; Mount Bischoff, Tasmania; Port Pirie, South Australia, etc , have now been displayed in suitable cases, and form a very instructive exhibit, which is constantly being added to by donation and by purchase.
The work of the school is divided into two sections —preparatory work and course work. The preparatory classes which have been established in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and drawing are proving successful and are attracting a number of students who are able to attend regularly throughout the whole year By attendance at these classes the younger students obtain an excellent preparation in elementary principles which will enable them to proceed with advantage to the more advanced work of the regular courses. Boys leaving the State schools may attend the preparatory
classes either during the daytime or at night, and so have the opportunity of obtaining a training in science which might well be embraced not only by the youths who intend to follow mining as a profession but also by those who desire to obtain some secondary education before entering upon the serious business of life. As the best students at the regular classes of the School of Mines are those who come equipped with a knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying the class work, the preparatory classes deserve every encouragement, and it is gratifying to find that during the past year they have attracted a fair number of students, many of whom have done excellent work.
The course work is divided into three sections, in each of which a Diploma of Associateship is conferred : —
(a) Mining.
(b) Metallurgy.
(c) Mechanical and electrical engineering.
Each full course of study for an associateship in either of these divisions will require three years for a student devoting his whole time to study, and in conjunction with the one year of practical work is calculated to qualify him to enter upon responsible work about a mine treatment or mechanical plant.
As far as possible the class subjects are treated from a practical standpoint, and the lectures will be illustrated by periodical visits to the mines and plants, the proximity of which to the School of Mines now established on the goldfields affords an excellent opportunity to students to enter into the practical application of much of the work covered by the lectures
A two years’ course for the Assayer’s Certificate has been arranged for students who may be unable to attend the full course in metallurgy.
To meet the requirements of the mines regulations bearing on mines surveys and plans, a two years’ course for a Mine Surveyor’s Certificate has been provided.
Students taking an Assayer’s Certificate are recommended to also study the extra subjects required for the Mine Surveyor’s Certificate.
To meet the requirements of students working in the mines and plants, all the classwork is duplicated by repeating in the evening the lectures held during the day, and students unable to enter upon a full course in either division for the Associateship are afforded opportunities of taking a partial course of study in the subjects more immediately useful to them.
Scholarships. — Valuable scholarships, arranged upon a liberal scheme, are offered for competition by the Mines Department. These comprise a Junior, an Entrance, and a Senior Scholarship, tenable for one,
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
451
three, and two years respectively, as well as six bursaries for second- and third-year students. The Junior Scholarship is intended for those who have not already attended classes in any School of Mines subjects, and successful candidates are expected to at once enter upon classes in preparatory mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, and drawing as laid down in the School of Mines syllabus. The Entrance Scholarship is open to students who are attending the preparatory classes in School of Mines subjects, and the Senior Scholarship is for competition by those who are completing the first year’s course for one of the Associateships. In addition theChamber of Mines of Western Australia provides three annual scholarships, and Mr. Neil McNeil provides one for competition among first-year students.
Mine Surveyor’s Certificate have obtained positions as assistant surveyors. Several other students have obtained positions in connection with the electrical plants, and several have been appointed metallurgists and assayers on the mines. It is distinctly encouraging to the present students and those who in the future will take up a course of study at the school that those students who have been through a set course of study at the local School of Mines are so well able to take their place in outside practice.”
The teaching staff, in addition to the Director, Mr. F. B. Allen, M.A., B.Sc., who is also Director of Technical Education in the State, consists of Thomas Butement, A.O.U.S.M., Assistant Director, Lecturer in Mining and Surveying; B. H. Moore, B.Sc., F.S.A.S.M.,
The Great Boulder Gold Mine, 1902.
Thus it will be seen that the school is not only admirably equipped for training, but offers every facility to the student to gain that knowledge necessary for a successful career in mining and other technical industries. That it is achieving that object is evident from the Director’s Report: —' The students,” he says, ' continue to secure responsible positions, which in many cases have been obtained directly as a consequence of the technical training given at the school. During the year several students who have taken the course for the
Lecturer in Metallurgy, Chemistry, and Assaying; A. F. Heseltine, B.Sc., F.S.A.S.M., Assistant in Engineering and Lecturer in Mathematics; C. O. G. Lar-combe, Assoc. S.T.C., F.G.S., Lecturer in Geology, Mineralogy, etc., and Curator of Museum; M. Copland, B.M.E., Lecturer in Engineering Subjects, Drawing, etc.; D. McDougall, A.I.E.E. (Lond.), Lecturer in Physics, etc.; Charles Bircher, Instructor in Electrical Engineering, Practical Electricity, Engine-driving, etc.; J. Murray, Instructor in Fitting and Turning.
HENRY SANDFORD KING, Under-Secretary to the Department of Mines for Western Australia, was born in May, 1862, at Creswick, Victoria. He was educated first at dd2
the Geelong Grammar School and afterwards at Wesley College, Melbourne, Victoria. His schooling finished, he decided to take up the profession of surveying, and with
that end in view entered the Lands Department of Victoria, finally passing his examinations as licensed surveyor in 1883. In the following year he came to Western Australia
and was employed for several years on the trigonometrical surveys in the northern parts of the State. In 1887 he was appointed staff surveyor in the Lands Department, and two years later made
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. TTenry Sandford King.
mining and other surveys on the Yilgarn goldfields. He occupied the post of inspecting surveyor on the Eastern goldfields from 1894 until appointed to his present position in 1899. Mr. King is a member of the Land Surveyors’ Incensing Board and of the 'Australian Intelligence Corps. In 1894 he received the commission of Justice of the Peace for the State of Western Australia.
ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY, M.A., F.G.S. • When the development. of mining in Western Australia rendered the appointment of a State Mining Engineer necessary the choice of the Government fell upon the subject of this sketch. Alexander Montgomery was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1862, but left there at an early age for New Zealand, and received his education at the Otago University and School of Mines. After completing his studies he was for some three years engaged in the Public Works Department of the Dominion, principally in connection with railway surveys and construction. About 1885 he was transferred to the Mines Department and was placed in charge of the Thames School of Mines, a position which he occupied until 1889, when he accepted an appointment in Tas-
mania as Inspector of Mines and Geological Surveyor. He remained in that State until 1896, when he returned to New Zealand for the purpose of becoming Superintending Engineer of the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates Limited. He fulfilled the duties of this appointment until 1902, when he accepted the post of State Mining Engineer of Western Australia. His duties take him all through the mining districts of this State, and he has seized every opportunity of becoming thoroughly conversant with the various phases of mining activity. Mr. Montgomery is M.A. of the University of New Zealand and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, as well as a member of the American, Australasian, and Federal Institutes of Min-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Alexander Montgomery.
ing Engineers. He was Vice-President of the Civil Service Association of the State for the year 1911. He was married in 1887 to a daughter of Mr. R. J. Alloin, J.P., of the Thames, New Zealand, and has four sons and a daughter.
PERCY VINCENT O’BRIEN, M.I.C.E., Chief Engineer of Mines, Department of Water Supply, Western Australia, was born at Auckland, New Zealand, on October 9, 1865. He received his early education at Auckland College, subsequently graduating at St. Ignatius’ College, Sydney, New South Wales. When eighteen years of age he entered as cadet the engineering firm of Messrs. Boylan and
Lundon, Auckland, and continued in their employ until 1886, when he became assistant engineer on the Porotoran Tunnel Trunk Line, New Zealand. At the completion of this contract Mr. O’Brien for a couple of years was engaged as engineer for contractors, first on the West Walls-end Railway, New South Wales, and afterwards on the line from Coburg to Somerton, Victoria. In the year 1890 he was appointed Assistant Engineer in the Victorian Railways Department and was engaged on the construction of three sections in the Western district of Victoria. Upon their completion he left the Service;* and proceeding to South Australia undertook surveys of the irrigation colony at Renmark. In 1893 he arrived in Western Australia and accepted employment with the Rockingham Railway and Jarrah Timber Company as engineer on surveys and construction of light railways in the Darling Range, also in feature-survey of the Company’s Concession. During the following year Mr. O’Brien joined the Public Works Department of Western Australia, and as Assistant Engineer was engaged on water supply works on the eastern goldfields under Mr. C. Jobson, M.I.C.E., being appointed Resident Engineer on the goldfields from 1896 to 1899. In 1903 he
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Percy Vincent O’Brien.
was appointed District Engineer-in-Charge of the eastern goldfields, and during the same year, the water supply of the interior being removed from the Public Works
453
Department and placed under the control of the Minister for Mines, Mr. O’Brien received the appointment of Chief Engineer of Mines, Department of Water Supply. Conservation of water for towns, roads, and mining purposes, exploration, various surveys, and boring for water and for minerals are all included in his supervision, and as since 1899 practically all the work has been carried out departmentally afterconstruction remaining under the control of the engineer, who is responsible for the maintenance, including the collection of revenue, the engineer must be regarded as virtually General Manager. The works under his control cost approximately two millions sterling, a capital which is being added to each year. Mr. O’Brien is a member of the Council of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers, and a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, London.
EDWARD ALEXANDER MANN, Government Analyst and Analyst to the Commonwealth of Australia, Chief Inspector of Explosives, and Agricultural Chemist, Wellington Street, Perth. The subject of our review was born in 1874 at Mount Gambier, South Australia,
’ r
Hurtle tto, Perth.
Mr. Edward Alexander Mann.
and received his early education by private tuition. He afterwards went to the University of Melbourne, where he distinguished himself as a scholar and prizeman.
While studying at the University he was assistant to the Chief Inspector of Explosives at Melbourne, holding this office for about five years, when he was specially engaged by Sir John Forrest (1.895) to supervise the control of explosives in Western Australia in consequenec of a fatal explosion which occurred at Fremantle. Toward the end of the same year he was appointed Government Analyst, the duties of Agricultural Chemist being added about seven or eight years later. In connection with these two offices he performs all chemical analyses for the Government with the exception of the examination of minerals, and is referee in all disputed cases under the Health Act. He is also a member of the Advisory Committee under that Act. He was responsible for the planning and fitting of the Government Laboratory in Perth, which is recognized as one of the best in Australia. The large Magazine Depot at Fremantle, which is unique in Australia and cost about ,£25,000, was also arranged by him. Mr. Mann has frequently been engaged upon special work for the Government of Western Australia, and in 1904 he was appointed a member of the Royal Commission to inquire into the ventilation and sanitation of mines, and respecting which he made searching investigation and performed a number of scientific experiments to ascertain the composition of gases emanating from explosives. After an exhaustive study of the subject he issued a special report to the Government in 1910. In the year 1911 he was appointed a member of the Royal Commission to inquire into the occurrence in Western Australia of that decimating disease, miner’s phthisis, and to propose methods of combating the evil and dealing with persons suffering therefrom. Since 1905 he has issued an important series of reports from his laboratory dealing with the chemistry of potable spirits and the control of the liquor trade, and all of these have been embodied in a work which is looked upon as one of the most valuable of its kind in the world. During 1906-7 he carried out important investigations in connection with the poison contained in various indigenous plants found in Western Australia, discovered several principles unknown to science, and prepared an antidote which, when brought into use, led to
a large diminution in the loss of stock throughout the country. The cause of the corrosion of the huge goldfields water supply main was the subject of another important inquiry, which led to the suggestion of a method of treatment now being applied to the pipes. It has been estimated that by this means a saving of £60,000 per annum will be effected. Mr. Mann is keenly interested in charitable and educational matters and is a member of the University Extension Committee. He married in 1901 a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Hicks, of Melbourne, and has three children.
CHARLES JAMES MATHEWS, M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Mech.E., Chief
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles James Mathews.
Inspector of Machinery and Chairman of the Board of Examiners, Inspection of Machinery Department, Perth, is an Englishman, having been born at the important shipping port of Southampton. As a youngster he was taken by his parents to New Zealand, and it was in the Dominion that he received his education, first at Wellington College and later at the School of Engineering, Canterbury College, Christchurch, which is affiliated with the University of New Zealand. His scholastic training at an end, he was articled to the Railways Department of New Zealand, his indentures being served over a period of six years at the Petone workshops at Wellington. Mr. Mathews was then transferred
454
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
to the Addington workshops, where he had charge of the marking-off table when the first five locomotives were built by the Railways Department of New Zealand. He next entered the offices of the then Chief Mechanical Engineer, the late Mr. T. F. Rotheram, M.I.C.E , and for nearly three years gained experience in the drawing office and in general routine work, occasionally performing relief duties m the construction and other branches of the Service. The prospects of promotion appearing to be very remote, he decided to sever his connection with the railways and came to try his fortunes m Western Australia, where he arrived m 1893. Soon after he joined the Public Works Department of the State as engineering draughtsman, and was engaged in preparing designs for a variety of works, including bucket hopper dredger, jetties, wharves, and concrete and puddled tanks m connection with the Goldfields Water Supply. During his association with this Department he
served under the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor, C.M.G., M.I.C.E., and eventually received promotion to the post of Assistant Mechanical Engineer to the Water Supply Branch, being placed m charge of boring operations and other work connected with the supply of water in the coastal and other districts. This appointment he relinquished m August, 1899, to take over the duties of his present office, on the recommendation of his former chief, Mr. O’Connor Mr. Mathews is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London, and of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers
GEORGE EMERY was born in Suffolk, England, on July 10, 1868, and received his education at Beccles, in the same county. In 1891 he crossed the seas, -landing at Adelaide, South Australia, and shortly afterwards was employed on
accountancy work for several well-known firms. Proceeding to Mil-dura Mr. Emery joined the accountancy branch of Messrs. Chaffey Brothers’ irrigation settlement. Twelve months later he came to Western Australia, in January, 1893, and accepted an appointment in the Audit Department under the Western Australian Government, in 1895 transferring to the Treasury Department, m connection with which he was the first Treasury officer appointed to the goldfields Leaving Coolgardie, the scene of his administration, in 1899 Mr. Emery joined the Mines Department as accountant and collector of mining revenue, which post he continued to hold until July 1, 1912, when he was appointed manager and inspector of State hotels, inspector of Liquor Branch, and officer m control of the Tourist Branch. He is Returning Officer for East Perth and is a member of the Society of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
Our account of the Geological Survey of Western Australia is extracted by permission from a comprehensive account prepared by the Government Geologist (Mr. A. Gibb Maitland) for the Western Australian Natural History Society . —
The fundamental object of the geological survey of any country, when viewed from the scientific standpoint, is by a more or less systematic investigation of its structural geology, organic remains, and its mineral resources to arrive at a true understanding of its geological history.
These objects are carried out in a partially settled country such as our own by means of —
(a) Reconnaissance surveys of those portions of the
State about the structure and resources of which little is known.
(b) Detailed geological surveys of mining centres
under active development, etc.
(c) Chemical and mineralogical examinations of
soils, rocks, minerals, and natural waters collected by the field staff, and under certain specified conditions by prospectors and others.
(d) Palaeontological investigations.
(e) The maintenance of a geological museum; and
(f) The publication of data amassed.
HISTORY.
It may, perhaps, have been forgotten that the inception of active mining operations in Australia dates from the year 1842, when lead and copper mines were first discovered and worked at Waneranooka, in the Northampton district of Western Australia; hence it is not surprising that this State was one of the first to employ a geologist as part of the official staff.
The position seems to have been first occupied by Dr. Ferdinand van Sommer. This gentleman travelled extensively during the years 1847 to 1851 throughout the State He geologically examined the Victoria, Toodyay, and York districts, and extended his observations to the country lying between the latter and Mount Barren, on the south coast. Neither the maps nor the reports of this observer appear to have ever been published, although three articles from his pen bearing upon the geology of Western Australia have appeared in the current literature during the years 1848 and 1849. The original drawings of Dr. van Sommer’s maps have now been discovered, and are preserved by the department along with the historical collection showing the progress of geological mapping m Western Australia, which is now on view in the Geological Gallery of the Museum.
After an interval of twenty-one years, during which much excellent geological work was accomplished by
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
455
Messrs. A. C. and F. T. Gregory, Mr. H. Y. Lyell Brown was appointed to the post of Government Geologist. This gentleman, during the years 1870 to 1873, prepared three geological maps and issued ten reports (now out of print), which referred principally to the southern and coastal portions of the State. One important map “Showing the Progress of the Geological Survey” on a scale of about 18 miles to the inch indicates with a considerable amount of detail the geology of the coastline from Doubtful Bay to a little north of Geraldton. It is interesting to note that the first supply of artesian water m Western Australia was obtained m a bore near the Canning River, a few miles south-east of Perth and close to the foot of the Darling Range, put down under the advice of Mr Brown. His Excellency Governor Weld, in a despatch to the Earl of Carnarvon, dated September 30, 1874, reported —
It was with much regret that in 1872, owing to the disinclination evinced by the Legislature m the then straitened circumstances ot the colony to expend money on a scientific department, that I was obliged to forego my desire of making it (a geological department) a permanent part of the establishment.
In the same despatch the Governor, basing his information on the data contained in and the deductions to be drawn from Mr. Brown’s reports, informed the British Government as follows —
The mineral riches of the colony are very great. I have never doubted but that they would ultimately become a main source of its advancement. All different kinds of auriferous quartz known m other colonies are abundantly found m various parts of this. The question of payable gold is, as I have long since reported, simply a question of time.
. The colony is extraordinarily rich in lead, silver, copper, iron, plumbago, and many other minerals are found m various localities, and indications of coal and petroleum are not wanting—what is wanted is energy and enterprise to develop these riches.
In 1882, nine years after Mr. Brown’s retirement, Mr. E. T Hardman, of the Geological Survey of Ireland, was appointed to the post of Government Geologist. His labours were chiefly confined to the Kimberley district, upon which he issued two voluminous reports illustrated by a series of geological maps. Mr. Hardman was the pioneer geological observer in the far north of Western Australia, and his field work carried out during the years 1882-84 laid the foundation of our knowledge of the geology of the Kimberley district, and played an important part in the opening of the State’s first declared goldfield His two maps and reports greatly stimulated prospecting, as his predictions as to localities where gold would be found were afterwards justified. Mr. Hardman on returning to the north examined the neighbourhood of Bunbury, Blackwood, etc , which ultimately resulted in the discovery of the Greenbushes tinfield. Later on he investigated the geology of the metropolitan area with reference to the question of its water supply from underground sources. On the termination of Mr. Hardman’s engagement with the Western Australian Government he returned to Ireland and resumed his duties on the Geological Sur-
vey in 1885, having the assurance that he would certainly be appointed if a permanent post of Government Geologist was created.
Mr. Hardman, to whom Western Australian geologists owe a debt of gratitude which it is difficult to repay, died after a few days’ illness brought on by the inclemency of the weather and exposure to snow and ram on April 30, 1887.
It is all the more sad to think that had he lived the long-desired post of Government Geologist of Western Australia would have been offered to Mr. Hardman, the financial difficulties in the way of his appointment having been removed just before he died.
Very shortly after Mr. Hardman’s term of service in Western Australia came to an end a motion was brought forward in the Legislative Council m 1885 having for its object: —
The establishment of a permanent geological department for the colony, the geologist in charge of such department to combine with the duties of his primaiy ofhce those of public analyst.
The hon. member who moved the resolution stated that in doing so
he trusted and believed he was moving m a matter that would do much good to the colony, and he had confidence it would do no harm.
Ultimately this motion to establish a Geological Department was lost, but, m justice to those who voted against it, it must be said that the difficulty of providing ways and means weighed heavily with them in arriving at that decision.
The late Rev. C. G. Nicolay in many ways contributed largely to our knowledge of the geology of the State and was m charge of the Geological Museum at Fremantle, founded by Mr. Hardman, which became ultimately merged into the National Museum.
It was not, however, until 1887 that the Government found itself able to provide the necessary funds for the post of Government Geologist. The appointment was conferred upon Mr. H P Woodward, who had previously served for more than three years under Mr.
H. Y. Lyell Blown as the Assistant Government Geologist of South Australia. Mr. Woodward held the appointment of Government Geologist, from 1888 to 1895. During Mr. Woodward’s tenure of office he had for his associates Mr. B. H. Woodward, who acted as Curator of the Geological Museum and Assayer to the department, whilst at a later date (1894) Mr. S. Goczel was added to the staff as Field Geologist and Mining Engineer; hence it became possible to divide the work and make a beginning on more or less systematic lines. It was at this period that the paramount necessity for
the publication of reliable geographical knowledge relating to the nature and extent of useful mineral deposits supplemented by geological maps and plans
and geological investigation of the important question of the underground water supply of the goldfields was impressed upon the Government by its scientific advisers. The work of the department during this period extended
456
from Albany to Kimberley, though the issue^of geological maps in illustration of the various reports seems to have been confined to the later years of the survey. They include the Collie and Irwin coalfields, the tin-fields of Greenbushes, the country between Nannine and Esperance Bay, Goongarrie, Cue, Yalgoo, and the Murchison goldfields. In 1894 Mr. Woodward issued what is still perhaps the most recent geological map of the State. This was published m London, on the scale of 50 miles to an inch. At the date of its publication this map added very materially to our knowledge of the geology of the State as far east as the 120th meridian. With such a limited staff, still more limited appropriation, the difficulties presented by the vast area of the State, and the practical absence of railway communication, the Survey under Mr. Woodward was able to issue twenty-one voluminous reports and six geological maps.
Upon the resignation of Mr. Woodward to take up private work the present Government Geologist, Mr. Andrew Gibb Maitland, E.G.S., was appointed after applications had been called for the position.
The Geological Survey as at present constituted was created m 1896 for the purpose of the investigation of the geological structure, mineral resources, mining industries, and underground water supplies of the State, and to this end it became necessary to prepare geological maps and reports such as might be used by the Government and the public m dealing with all general questions which arise from time to time. In such a country as this, the progress of which depends so much upon its mineral wealth, the Survey has, naturally, endeavoured to devote itself to the investigation of those problems m economic geology which it is essential should be solved—if that be possible, without, however, neglecting purely scientific questions, for, of course, the economic and scientific aspects cannot be readily separated
It was pointed out to the Government that if the work of the staff was to be of that service to the country which the public had a right to expect, the officers of the department should not be sent touring the State on every wild-goose chase suggested or become parts of a mere prospecting machine; but, so far as consistent with the resources available, an attempt should be made to carry out the operations as an organized whole. Should, however, any important discovery be made or new interests rise into prominence, about which it becomes necessary for the Government to have some early information, a member of the staff could always be instructed to make a special report thereon.
It will thus be seen that the department was not established for the purpose of purely scientific research for its own sake, but with the hope that scientific investigation might be made of some material benefit to the proper utilization of the State’s natural resources
In such an enormous country as Western Australia it is obviously impossible to carry on the field work even by making use of the most modern methods in a strictly uniform manner, especially as financial considerations necessitate a staff somewhat limited in numbers.
In young, partially-developed countries, such as our own, there are two totally distinct classes of geological survey work necessary to meet public requirements. The first is the detailed examination of the more important mining centres which are under active _ development, the accumulation of information relating to the occurrence of the various ore deposits and their mode of formation. The second is the preliminary examination of comparatively unknown tracts of country with the view to ascertaining how far its geological characteristics are likely to affect its economic possibilities.
Theoretically, the latter class of work should, as far as possible, be carried out m advance of the occupation of the country for mining or other purposes Investigation of this latter nature involves the tracing out of the distribution of various formations that rise from beneath one another and occupy the surface of the country, and representing these by means of a carefully designed scheme of colours on a map on a scale sufficiently large to show all the geological and geographical details necessary When viewed from the economic standpoint this is neither more nor less than a classification of the surface into parts, each of which may have useful minerals or other materials peculiar to itself. While, of course, such may be a true conception of what are theoretically the correct methods to employ, those of us who are charged with administrative duties are particularly well aware that it is not what ought to be done but what is possible to do with the resources at command and the conditions prevailing at the time which govern the situation.
The work of the department m its relation to the mineral industry is a complicated and delicate task, affecting as it does such a multitude of financial and practical interests. Legislative provision has been made whereby the members of the field staff have access to mines at all reasonable times
Experience m most mineral fields of the globe has shown that many mining failures have been due rather to a want of knowledge of structural geology than from any lack of engineering training. Hence there has arisen the necessity for the detailed investigation of mines under active development To this end geological plans and sections of mines have been from time to time prepared. These supply records of established facts in the disposition and changes in the country rock, the position of the ore bodies, their productiveness under various conditions, and thus afford data otherwise unobtainable by which operations can be directed into the
457
most useful channels. Detailed surveys on a large scale of many ore deposits have been made in the hope that they might in some measure furnish a guide as to the general behaviour of the lodes.
Prospecting, when it takes the form of the equipment of a party for the investigation of a particular tract of country, if it is to be intelligently undertaken, must be carried out in a rational manner. One of the first requisites for this purpose is a properly executed geological sketch map, which ought, amongst other things, to indicate those areas within which the strata possess economic potentialities The knowledge thus acquired, when properly presented, tends to prevent the useless expenditure of time and money.
In the course of its work the department has by means of reconnaissance surveys prepared several maps of fairly large areas for the purpose of meeting the demand for geological information of outside and lesser-known mining districts and directing prospecting into legitimate channels.
Surveys of this kind designed to serve a special purpose pretend, of course, to nothing more than broad generalized field work of a nature sufficient to furnish a sketch of the mam geological outlines, the details of and scientific problems connected with which having, of necessity, to be deferred to an often remote future. The demands for such a class of geological investigation have increased somewhat more rapidly than can at present be met.
In relation to the pastoral and agricultural industry, the main importance centres upon the question of subterranean water supply, which is, without doubt, one of Western Australia’s most valuable assets. If underground water supplies are to be intelligently sought for and utilized, it is quite clear that the first step must be the determination of their extent and character. In addition, the question of the permanence of present supplies and the extent to which such may be increased are of vital importance to the community.
Western Australia possesses a large tract of country in which artesian water has been found. It occurs m the following of those divisions into which the State is divided for administrative purposes, mz , the Eucla, South-Western, Western, and Kimberley divisions. The area occupied by the artesian water-carrying beds have been defined, with as near an approach to accuracy as the piesent condition of our knowledge admits, upon geological maps, which have been prepared after a more or less careful investigation of the structural geology of large tracts of country. Boring operations have demonstrated the accuracy of the geological deductions, and land that hitherto could not be made effective use of has been taken up and stocked, thus increasing the wool clip and the stock-carrying capacity of Western Australia.
Up to the present time observations m the agricultural districts have been confined to the mapping of the rock formations, which constitute the true subsoil, but as yet no attempt has ever been made to represent in detail the distribution of the superficial deposits upon which it is the function of the agriculturist to operate and which constitute a great national asset.
In addition to the investigations carried out in connection with surface geology, the exploration of what may be called the subterranean geology of the State has been, perhaps unconsciously, recognized by the Government as being of scientific and practical importance, as may be seen by the policy adopted in connection with the use of its boring plants.
There are three distinct objects for which the boring plants have been usefully and actively employed as a direct aid to the development of the States’ natural resources. —
(1) The search for artesian water in pastoral and
other districts, and subterranean supplies elsewhere;
(2) Proving the coal- and oil-bearing formations;
and
(3) Testing the metalliferous deposits.
Many investigations are materially assisted by and are to a large extent dependent upon the results of such boring as has been carried out, when interpreted in the light of the local geological conditions, hence a good deal of work has been carried out by the Survey in connection therewith.
All the foregoing relates to what may be termed the field work of the department. There are, however, other equally important spheres m which interesting and valuable work is being performed Microscopic inquiry now forms part of the geologist’s operations, and the study of petrology has raised many practical problems requiring investigation m connection with the rocks of the auriferous formations.
Another very necessary and important part of the organization for carrying out the geological work which has been outlined is the laboratory, in which such chemical, mmeralogical, and other researches essential for the proper discharge of the duties of the Survey are performed. The laboratory is under the charge of a specially trained officer, Mr. Simpson, associated with a staff of assistants. By means of the laboratory con siderable assistance is rendered to and the time of the field staff greatly economized, for it is upon field work that the time of the staff can always be most profitably employed.
To carry on the primary functions of the work in the laboratory certain plant and accommodation are, of course, essential, and this is of such a nature as may be utilized for making the necessary assays, etc., for the State batteries, that it has been found best in the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
interests of economy and efficiency to have this work carried out by the Survey.
Part of the policy of the Government consists in the making of free assays and other determinations m the interests of bona-fide prospectors, and most of this work is carried out m the Survey laboratory. This class of work naturally takes up a good deal of time, but by its means much valuable information as to the occurrence and distribution of minerals (which it is the function of the department to secure) would probably be otherwise unobtainable, or, at any rate, take many years to acquire. Since the present department was instituted there have been over 6,000 free assays made, in addition (o a number for which payment has been received.
A further development of the work of the Geological Survey is the classification and elaboration of the fossils found in the various strata throughout the State, without the satisfactory delineation of which much of the value of the Survey results would be lost.
Geology is moie or less dependent upon palaeontological research, for without the specific determination of fossils, reports involving a wide range of stratigraphy could not be written, nor geological maps of large areas be properly completed, though, of course, those acquainted with geological field work and the running of geological boundary lines are aware that palaeontology only plays an insignificant part m the actual construction of the maps. Palaeontology constitutes the timepiece of geology, serving the same purpose as do watches and clocks for the ordinary engagements of life
GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM.
One of the most essential instructional portions of the equipment of the Geological Survey is its museum, in which the various rocks, minerals, and fossils collected by the staff in the ordinary course of its duties, or acquired by purchase or donation, are exhibited for the convenience of the staff and for the benefit and instruction of the general public The Survey collection at present numbers about 11,000 specimens.
PUBLICATIONS OE THE SURVEY.
The results obtained by the Geological Survey are made available to the general public in a useful, practical, and creditable style in three distinct forms, viz., annual reports, bulletins, and maps
The annual reports, which are presented every year to Parliament, contain a brief statement of the work of the department for the period by which each is covered, and in addition a good deal of miscellaneous information which it is deemed desirable should be issued in advance of the more detailed reports
It was very soon found that a good deal of the value attaching to special reports upon the economic
ANDREW GIBB MAITLAND, the Government Geologist of Wes-
aspects of geology was discounted by delay in publication, which must necessarily happen when detailed descriptions are included in the report presented annually to Parliament, and it was ultimately determined in 1899 that when reports and maps upon any special subject or district were prepared, they should be printed in a convenient form, styled bulletins, and made available for distribution to the public as soon as they could pos sibly be issued from the Government Printing Office.
These separate reports or bulletins, which number forty, deal with a great variety of subjects, as may be noticed by an inspection of the published catalogue and table of contents. Of the bulletins already published, one is a Bibliography of the Geology of the State, three contain valuable palaeontological contributions to Western Australian geology, three deal with artesian water supplies, three on such general questions as the mineral wealth of the State, the occurrence and distribution of base metals, minerals of economic value (really a valuable hand-book on commercial mineralogy for prospectors and others), and the statistical account of the mineral productions of the State; two refer solely to general geology, whilst twenty-eight give more or less detailed accounts of the geological structure, ore occurrences, and future mining prospects of pretty nearly every field in Western Australia.
SCIENTIFIC RESULTS.
The work which has already been completed has achieved certain valuable results. Whatever new facts may have been contributed to science as a result of the Survey’s operations have been solely arrived at m the prosecution of economic inquiries carried out in what is conceived to be a scientific manner. It is, of course, almost impossible to estimate the indirect usefulness of the work of the Survey, which is to be looked for both in the State and out of it in Western Australia in the economic development of the State, and out of it in the influence it has on the advancement of geological science The effect of its work upon the various industries and upon the wealth and prosperity of Western Australia is naturally that to which the Government attaches the greater importance.
The scientific staff of the Geological Survey consists of the following officers.—Government Geologist, Andrew Gibb Maitland; Assistant Government Geologist, H. P. Woodward; Mineralogist and Assayer, E S. Simpson; Assistant Mineralogist and Assayer, A J. Robertson; Petrologist, R A. Far-quharson; Field Geologists, T Blatchford, E. C. Saint-Smith, and J T. Jutson; Assistants, H W. B. Talbot and F. R. Feldtmann; Draftsmen, R H. Irwin and C B. Kidson; Topographical Surveyor, C. S. Honman; Laboratory Assistant, H Bowley.
ember 30), 1864, and received his baptismal name in honour of the
tern Australia, was born of Scottish parents on St. Andrew’s Day (Nov-
The cyclopedia of western Australia.
459
patron saint of the “Land o’ Cakes/’ He was educated first at Huddersfield in Yorkshire and afterwards at the Yorkshire College of Science, now known as Leeds University, where lie studied engineering and geology for five years, gaining considerable distinction in these subjects. In order to enlarge his knowledge of geological matters and to gain practical experience he travelled largely in Great Britain, and in 1888 came to Australia, landing in Queensland. In the northern State his qualifications early secured for him the appointment of Assistant-Government Geologist, and thereafter he spent the whole of his time in geological and mining survey work, travelling on foot and horseback to the far corners of the State. He prepared voluminous reports on the geological formations of the States and gave particular attention to coal, gold, and tin fields. The British Government in 1891 requested the Queensland authorities to place Mr. Maitland’s services at its disposal to carry out a geological and mineralogical survey of British New Guinea, and during his operations in the interior regions of that island he had to do a great deal of difficult exploring work, necessitating not only skill and caution, but calling forth all his energy and capacity for endurance. He subsequently produced an important and valuable contribution to the knowledge of the geology and geography of the island in a comprehensive “Report on British New Guinea,” a pamphlet consisting of 33 closely-printed pages and illustrated by three large maps. After this expedition Mr. Maitland returned to his official duties in Queensland until 1896, when he accepted an offer from the Western Australian Government to occupy the position of Government Geologist to the State, an office he still holds. On his arrival in Perth he found the Geological Survey Department in a very embryo condition, and lost no time in urging upon the Government the advisability of investigating
systematically the various mining fields of the State. This comprehensive task ultimately led to the establishment of a well-equipped laboratory since largely availed of by the general public, and the suitable
housing of the Geological Survey
Department in a fine building adjacent to the Museum. Mr. Maitland was chosen by the Government to represent Western Australian mining interests at the great Franco-
British Exhibition of 1908, and in that capacity was absent from the State for about twelve months. He is President of the Natural History and Science Society of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, member of the Museums Association, and of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers, besides being local Secretary of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science. He is a recognized authority on mining geology, and has often been called upon to give evidence in important mining lawsuits. He is credited with a wide knowledge of artesian water supplies and subterranean waters generally, is the author of many geological reports and maps published by the Geological Survey Departments of Queens-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Andrew Gtrn Maitland.
land and Western Australia and the Government of British New Guinea, and has made valued additions to the geological literature of the day, some of the subjects dealt with by him being “Extra-Australian Artesian Water Basins,” published by the Royal Society of Queensland; “The Salient Geological Features of Brit isli New Guinea,” published by the Natural History Society of Western Australia ; and “Recent Advances in the Knowledge of the Geology of Western Australia,” published in 1908 by the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, Adelaide. Although an earnest student of his profession he does not devote the whole of his time to scientific research, but finds relaxation in the study of Scottish
history, more especially of the time of Queen Mary, and is particularly interested in the Works of Sir Walter Scott, whose poems accompany him on all his travels and scientific expeditions. Mr. Maitland married in 1895 Alice Maud, a daughter of the late Mr. Oldfield Brumfitt, of Richmond, Victoria, and has four children. His private address is “Bon Accord,” King’s Park Road, Perth.
HARRY PAGE WOODWARD, J.P., F.G.S., Assoc. M.Inst. C. E., Assistant Government Geologist to the State of Western Australia, was born at Norwich, England, on May 16, 1858, and is the son of Dr. Henry Woodward, F.R.S., V.P.G.S., late Keeper of the Geological Department in the British Museum (Natural History), and grandson of Mr. Samuel Woodward, of Norwich, the well-known geologist and antiquary. He was educated at University College School, London, and subsequently studied geology with Professor Judd in the Royal School of Mines, South Kensington, and field work with Mr. . Horace B. Woodward, F.R.S., late Acting Director - General of the Geological Survey of England and Wales. In 1883 he was appointed Assistant Government Geologist to the State of South Australia and did good work in this capacity for over three years. He served for some time as geologist on the Boundary Commission between Queensland and South Australia, and visited Melbourne and inspected the principal mines at Ballarat, Bendigo, and other Victorian centres. Returning to London in 1886 he spent a year in the metallurgical laboratory of the Royal College of Science, and in January, 1888, arrived at Perth, having been appointed to the post of Government Geologist for Western Australia. He visited and made reports upon the vast line of proclaimed goldfields, from Kimberley, Pilbara, and Ashburton in the north to Murchison, Yilgarn, Dundas, and Coolgardie in the south; reported upon the Irwin River and Collie goldfields and the Greenbushes tin-field; and advised on matters of water supply for all parts of the State. His annual report for 1890, containing a general geological description of the country, ran so
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
rapidly out of print that in 18*14 Mr. Woodward published a “Mining Handbook to the Colony of Western Australia/’ which has had a phenomenal circulation, and a sketch map, geologically coloured. In 1893 he was made first warden of the Dundas goldfield, and two years later upon his resignation. of the post of Government Geologist, the
Dartletto, Perth.
Mr. Harry Page Woodward.
Ministry conferred upon him the title of Honorary Consulting Geologist and Mining Engineer to the State of Western Australia. To him this State is indebted for the discovery of its splendid artesian water supplies, since he with very great diffi-
culty induced the Government of the day to put down the first bore near Guildford in 1894. In this matter he was opposed not only by local men, but by the consensus of opinion of the recognized authorities upon artesian supplies. Results, however, proved that his contentions were justified. He also, about the same period, in his Handbook of 1894 foreshadowed all the areas in which artesian supplies have since been obtained. In 1896 Mr. Woodward joined the firm of Messrs. Bewick, Moreing, & Co., of London and Coolgardie, as local partner and manager of their business at the Eastern goldfields. After eighteen months in this connection he began practice on his own account as mining engineer, visiting the various mining centres, and was specially identified with the Collie district, where he became owner of a coal mine, and discovered what is now known as the Co-operative Coal Mine. On April 1, 1905, he rejoined the Government Service as Assistant Government Geologist, and has continued in the office ever since. Some years ago Mr. Woodward planted a vineyard of 120 acres at Cooringa, which proved eminently successful, and has since been taken over by a Company. In 1883 he was made a Justice of the Peace, was elected a Fellow of the Geological Society in 1884, and is an Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He is also a contributor to the pages of the Geological Magazine,. On December 31, 1890, Mr. Woodward
married a daughter of Mr. J. F. T. Hassell, of Albany, and has three sons.
EDWARD SYDNEY SIMPSON,
B.E., F.C.S., Government mineralogist and assayer, Perth, was born at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1875. He hal a brilliant scholastic career, first at the Sydney Grammar School and subsequently at the University of Sydney, being admitted finally to the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in the branches of mining and metallurgy in 1895. He entered upon active professional life as chemist to the Russell Process Silver Mill at River tree, on the Clarence River, New South Wales. After filling this position for about four months he entered the service of the Mount Morgan Gold-mining Company, Queensland, remaining ir its service over a year in the capacities of assistant assayer, acting chemist, and junior engineer. In 1897 Mr. Simpson was appointed by the Western Australian Government to his present position. He was elected a Fellow of the Chemical Society of London in 1897, and is a member of several other learned societies, in whose journals will be found the results of the many researches of scientific and economic importance carried out by him. Mr. Simpson has been a member of the Advisory Board of the School of Mines and examiner to that School and the affiliated Technical Schools since their inception.
The Railways of Western Australia.
Since the introduction of responsible government, Ministerial administration of the railways of Western Australia has been vested in the following Ministers of State:—
Minister of Railways. From To
Harry Whiltall Venn Dec. 29, 1890 Mar. 10, 1896
Frederick Henry PieRse ... Mar 10, 1896 Aug. 23, 1900
Barrington Charles Wood Aug 23, 1900 May 27, 1901
John Joseph Holmes May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Frank Wilson Nov. 21, 1901 Dec. 23, 1901
Walter Kingsmill Dec 23, 1901 J une 24, 1902
Sir Cornthwaite Hector Rason J une 24, 1902 Aug. 10, 1904
John Bark ell Holman Aug. 10, 1904 June 7, 1905
William Dartnell Johnson J une 7, 1905 Aug. 25, 1905
Henry Gregory Aug. 25, 1905 Oct. 7, 1911
Philip Collier Oct. 7, 1911 Still in office
As a great State enterprise the railways are under the control of the Commissioner (Mr. John T. Short), who is assisted by the following departmental and branch heads:—Mr. C. B. Rushton (Secretary for Railways), Mr. Neil Douglas (General Traffic Manager), Mr.
E. E. Light (Chief Engineer of Existing Lines), Mr.
E. S. Hume (Chief Mechanical Engineer), Mr. C. S. Gallagher (Comptroller of Stores), Mr. G. W. Stead (Superintendent of Transportation), Mr. L. IT. Gwynne (Chief Accountant), Mr. C. H. Higgs (Auditor of Receipts), and the following District Superintendents: Mr. J. V. Shillington (Eastern and Great Southern line), Mr. W. Lord (Eastern Goldfields), Mr. H. C. Davies (South-Western line), Mr. J. Wakeling
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(Northern line), and Mr. O. Selden (Hopetoun-Ravensthorpe line).
The story of the initiation and development of railway construction in the State has already been fully discussed in the historical section of this publication. It is, therefore, unnecessary to do more than give here a brief resume, showing in chronological order the growth of the network of lines which now covers the main divisions of the country.
HISTORY.
The history of railway construction in Western Australia dates only from the early seventies, and the first efforts were the outcome of a desire on the part of timber companies operating in the colony to facilitate the transport of timber to the coast. Towards the end of 1871 the Western Australian Timber Company built a line to connect the jetty at Vasse with the mills, situated about
about £4,300 per mile. The gauge adopted, which has since been adhered to in railway construction throughout the State, was 3 ft. 6 in., and the rails were as light as 35 lbs. per yard.
The suggestion to connect Perth with Fremantle and Guildford, which one would have expected to be the first proposal, was not made until 1873, and even then was abortive, probably because those interested in the carrying trade on the river were afraid of injury to vested interests. Two or three years later the matter was again raised and a proposal made that the line should be built by a private company, the Government guaranteeing 6 per cent, on the capital for a term of years. The Secretary . of State declined to agree to the proposal, but intimated that he would be prepared to assent under certain conditions to a loan for the purpose of Government construction. This course was adopted, and after a battle of routes, ultimately decided in favour of that
Railway Station, Perth.
12 miles away, and shortly afterwards Messrs. Mason, Bird, & Co., who had a concession in the Darling Ranges, established a railway from the Canning to Rockingham and a tramway from the Jarrah Forests to the Canning. This movement on the part of private firms seems to have spurred the Government on to take action, and in 1871 a Legislative Council Committee was appointed to report upon the question of a railway from Guildford to York. This, as well as one from Geraldton to Northampton, was strongly urged by both the settlers and the Press. After survey and consideration it was decided to go on with the line from Geraldton to Northampton, estimated to cost £50,000. Want of funds, however, delayed the commencement until after the loan of 1874 had been floated. On October 22 of that year the first sod was turned, and the work of construction proceeded. For various reasons the work was considerably delayed, and it was not until July 26, 1879, that the line was opened for traffic, having cost as a going concern £147,217, or
along the north bank of the river, a contract was let to Mr. John Robb for £74,591 and a commencement made on June 3, 1879. The line was opened to traffic in March, 1881, and almost at once the question of continuing it to York was raised. The upshot of this was the opening of a line from Guildford to Chidlow’s Well, via Smith's Mill, in March, 1884, and of the whole length from Fremantle to York in June, 1885. Branch lines from Spencer’s Brook to Northam and from Clackline to Newcastle were then approved, and these became available for traffic in October, 1886, and January, 1888, respectively, while the Geraldton system was extended by a branch to Walkaway, thus tapping the rich wheat district known as Greenough Flats, in July, 1887.
Meanwhile the idea of a railway connecting York with Albany, to be built on the land-grant system, was mooted. Further consideration proved that so far as the portion from York to Beverley was concerned, it could not with advantage be constructed on such terms. It
462
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
was therefore agreed that the Government should undertake the work. The contract was let in 1885 to Mr. Edward Keene, and the line was opened in August, 1886. This left the way clear for a land-grant railway from Beverley to Albany. Several proposals were received by the authorities, and due consideration given to all of them. In the result that of Mr. Anthony Hordern was accepted. The main provision was that in return for building the railway, Mr. Hordern was to receive 12,000 acres for every mile of line constructed, the location of the land to be in alternate blocks along the route. The concession was transferred to the Western Australian Land Company in 1888, and the line, built by Millar Brothers, of Melbourne, was opened for traffic in June, 1889. The Great Southern Railway, as the line was called, remained under the Land Company until 1896, when all the assets of the com -pany were purchased by the Government, and the railway was formally taken over by the de-partment on January 8,
1897.
The advantages of railway communication in the Northern and middle portions of the agr icul t ural districts of the colony soon led to an agitation among the farmers of the South-West, with the result that on March 12, 1891, a third separate system, for similar benefits, was added to the two previously mentioned by the opening of a line running 16 miles inland from Bun-bury, through a rich agricultural district, to Boyanup. The' inconvenience of such a system, isolated as it was from the capital, however, quickly gave rise to further agitation, of which the practical effect was seen in the opening during 1893 of 110 miles of connecting line in two sections, namely, from East Perth Junction to Pin-jarra, on May 2, and from Pinjarra to Picton Junction, near Bunbury, on August 22. To keep pace with increased settlement and production, extensions of the
original Bunbury-Boyanup line were constructed and opened at intervals, viz., from Boyanup to Donnybrook, November 16, 1893; a branch from Boyanup to the coast at Busselton, on December 26, 1895; and an extension from Donnybrook through magnificent timber country to the old-established agricultural town of Bridgetown, on November 1, 1898.
During the period just prior to and immediately following the institution of responsible government, on October 21, 1890, prospecting for gold was energetically and successfully pursued, and resulted in rapid additions to the discoveries of the Murchison and Yilgarn districts. To assist the development of the resources so discovered naturally became the main object of the Government, and Bills were speedily passed for the construction of
lines towards these two goldfields. From Northam to Southern Cross—a distance of 170 miles, the latter then being the principal gold - producing centre of the colony— the rails were quickly laid, the extension being opened on July 1.
1894. Meanwhile, the Northam system had been connected with the Eastern and South-Western systems by means of the Midland Railway, built, after various vicissitudes, by a private corporation under a land-grant concession; and on November 21, 1894, a line leaving a point about nine miles from Geraldton, known as the Mullewa Junction, was constructed towards the Murchison fields for a distance of about 57 miles, passing principally through pastoral country. The numerous further discoveries of auriferous country, however, prevented the possibility of these places remaining as termini for any long period. Even while they were under construction, their extension was being discussed, and it soon became evident that the connection of the mining centres of Coolgardic and Cue with their respective ports must be effected as quickly as possible, Parlia-
Two 30-ton electric Overhead Travelling Cranes, lifting New Engine, weighing 68 tons,
FROM ONE SET OF RAILS TO ANOTHER. GOVERNMENT RAILWAY WORKSHOPS,
Midland Junction.
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463
ment at once, when applied to, passed the necessary enabling legislation without difficulty in regard to both projects. The extension to the Coolgardie goldfield and thence northwards, inclining to an ultimate junction with the Murchison system, was subsequently carried out
as circumstances permitted, the sections being completed in the following order : —
Southern Cross to Boorabbin, opened July 1, 1896. Boorabbin to Kalgoorlie, opened January 1, 1897. Kalgoorlie to Menzies, opened February 13, 1899. Menzies to Leonora, opened January 12, 1903.
Meanwhile a branch line from Kalgoorlie to Kanowna—then at the height of its alluvial fame—had been opened in June, 1898.
In the Murchison district the extension of the line from Mullewa inland, 196 miles further to Cue, was completed and opened on July 1, 1898, an additional extension of 46 miles to Nannine being opened on June 1, 1903. July 1, 1898, also saw the opening of a branch line leaving the Perth -Bunbury Railway at Brunswick Junction, and running through the Darling Ranges for a distance of about 26 miles to Collie, at which place coal had been discovered and mines had been opened out, giving sufficient prospect of solidity to justify Parliament in authorizing the construction of a railway for the assistance of their development. This industry has since progressed to such an extent that the railways now draw nearly the whole of their supplies of coal from Collie, while, at the same time, a large private trade has also been developed. On November 2, 1903, therefore, a six-mile extension of the line to the Collie-Boulder leases was opened for general traffic.
Since 1904 there have been further extensions of the two main goldfields trunk lines. On the Eastern line a branch from Malcolm to Laverton, a distance of 64 miles was opened in 1905, and in 1910 the Northern line was extended from Nannine to Mcckatharra, some 23 miles, and a branch was thrown out from Mount Margaret to Sandstone, 93 miles away, where mining developments justified rapid and improved communication. A railway was also built in 1909 from Hope-toun, a port on the south coast, to the mining field at Ravensthorpe, some 30 miles inland, by means of which, with the help of a steamer from Hopetoun to Albany, the Phillips River field is made much more accessible than formerly.
For many years one of the burning questions on the eastern goldfields has been the construction of a line from Coolgardie to Esperance in order to provide all the residents on those fields with a shorter outlet to the sea. Political reasons, and possibly metropolitan vested interests, seemed an insuperable barrier, but the decision to construct the first 110 miles of that line—from Coolgardie to Norseman—which was opened in 1909, allayed the agitation for the time. It has since been revived with even greater force, and the present Government showed its desire to accede to the request by introducing into Parliament in 1911 a Bill for the construction of
the Norseman-Esperance portion. The Bill was, however, unsuccessful, being rejected by the Legislative Council. It is the intention of the Government to again take up the matter during the present session (1912).
Perhaps the most important phase of Government policy in regard to railway development during the past
Latest Type of Bunker Engine for Suburban Passenger traffic.
GARRETT TYPE OF ENGINE FOR NEGOTIATING HEAVY GRADES AND SHARP CURVES.
464
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
five or six years has been the decision to build light lines into all the agricultural areas as part of the general policy of agricultural development and settlement. Many of these lines have been built, and others are from time to time authorized. Their success has been proved by the great demand for land which has followed them, and by the rapid increase of production which they have helped to make more profitable. The aim of the authorities is to bring the whole of the agricultural areas within the sphere of the railways, and though it may take years to complete the scheme sufficient has even now been carried out to give the South-Western portion of the State the appearance of a railway network The lines are being built with one object in view—to ensure safe and speedy transport at the lowest possible cost and with the barest equipment, leaving the district itself to justify by its progress any further equipment. There are at the present time nearly 500 miles of these railways in course of construction, and the Government is being continually approached by new settlers for further extensions.
The railway most recently opened for public traffic is that from Port Hedland to Marble Bar, which after passing through various difficulties of construction and contract, was finally completed and entered upon its existence as a going concern in July of this year.
The total length of railways open for traffic at present is about 2,754 miles, as compared with 188 miles at the establishment of responsible government; the revenue derived for the year 1911-12 was £1,884,604, and the expenditure £1,343,977; while the capital cost of the whole system to June 30, 1912, was £12,641,213.
ADMINISTRATION.
From the time of their inception until the inauguration of responsible government, the construction, maintenance, and control of all railways within the State were vested by Act in an official holding the title of Commissioner of Railways, and having a seat in the Executive Council of the then Government. Very extensive powers for all purposes connected with railways were conferred upon this office, though in the earlier Acts private railway construction does not appear to have been contemplated. Subsequently, however, the Commissioner was called upon to exercise supervision over the safety of working and charges levied by private railway owners in a degree somewhat analogous to that for which in Great Britain the Board of Trade is responsible, whilst at the same time he was placed in a similar position as regards the Government railways, with the management of which he was himself charged.
The first definite proposal with regard to State railway construction in Western Australia is found in a report of a Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Public Works, printed in 1871, when several lines starting from Fremantle were proposed. At the time
nothing appears to have resulted from this inquiry, but in August, 1872, another Select Committee of the Legislative Council inquired into the practicability of making a railway to the Eastern districts. This Committee submitted to the Legislature estimates of the cost of constructing, maintaining, and working a line of 80 miles in length, together with an estimate (£9,700 per annum) of the probable traffic returns of such a line.
The question of a railway to the Eastern districts, however, was superseded about this time by the necessity for providing rail communication between Geraldton and Northampton, and the Loan Act of 1872, finally assented to on August 15, 1872, after considerable correspondence between the Governor and the Colonial Office in London, authorized the raising of a sum of £1,675 for “preliminary railway surveys in the Champion Bay and mining districts.”
These questions appear to have come under the general administration of the Surveyor-General, the Hon. Malcolm Fraser, who at that period controlled all public works. In 1874, the Governor proposed to the Colonial Office the establishment of a separate Department of Public Works. Considerable correspondence on the subject followed until the appointment of the Honourable J. H. Thomas, C.E., as “the Government Engineer,” who reported direct to the Governor under that title in July, 1876, as Director of Public Works in May, 1877, as Director of Public Works and Engineer of Railways in May, 1878, and as Commissioner of Railways in July, 1881. Under this title the principal executive and administrative authority of the department has since been carried on On the death of Mr Thomas, in July, 1884, Mr Clayton T. Mason, M.I C E., filled the position temporarily until the arrival of the Honourable J. Arthur Wright, C.E., from England in the following year. Mr Wright carried on the several duties of Commissioner of Railways, Director of Public Works, and Engineer-in-Chief until the close of 1889, when he resigned his appointments to undertake the general management of the affairs of the Western Australian Land Company at Albany. It was then decided to separate the railways from the Works Department, and Mr. Clayton T. Mason, M.I.C.E., who had meantime held the appointment of General Manager of Railways, became Commissioner of Railways again on January 1, 1890.
On the institution of responsible government, the office was converted into a Ministerial one, and the Honourable H. W Venn, M.L.A., was appointed to the dual portfolio of Commissioner of Railways and Director of Public Works. He took over the duties of Mr. Clayton T. Mason, on December 29, 1890, who, however, continued in the service of the department under the title of General Manager and Engineer for Existing Lines. That portion of those duties relating to the supervision
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of private railways—of which by this time there was considerable mileage—fell practically into disuse (if, indeed, it had at any time been actively exercised), and the Commissioner of Railways thenceforward devoted his attention almost exclusively to the Government lines. In 1891 Mr. Mason was offered and accepted the position of
Collector of Customs, and thereupon the Engineer-in-Chief (the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor, C.M.G.), took over the general management, in addition to the performance of his other arduous and numerous duties. This step appears to have been prompted by the fact that the Commissioner carried out all works of construction through the medium of the Public Works Department:—even to improvements and additions to lines open for traffic, and the purchase of rolling-stock therefor. The development of the business, however, progressed to such extent that the necessity for further skilled supervision almost immediately became apparent, and, the Government deciding to follow the example set by New South Wales in similar circumstances, the Agent-General was instructed to obtain the services of an experienced officer from one of the leading British companies. The selection fell on Mr. John Davies, then occupying a position on the staff of the London and North-Western Railway—the railway which had given Mr.
Eddy to New South Wales—and Mr. Davies accordingly took up the duties of General Traffic Manager of the Western Australian Government Railways on January 9, 1892.
The almost unprecedented rush of immigration which followed upon the gold discoveries of the .nineties so enlarged the responsibilities of every Government department that the Enginccr-in-Chief requested to be relieved of the duties of Acting-General Manager of Railways. On January 1, 1897, therefore, Mr. Davies was promoted to be General Manager, the position of Chief Traffic Manager being filled by the appointment of Mr. John T. Short, who had occupied a corresponding
EE
post on the Land Company’s Great Southern Railway, then recently purchased by the Government.
Up to the time of the accession to office of the Leake Government in June, 1901, the Ministerial positions of Commissioner of Railways and Director of Public Works had been combined, but Mr. Leake considered that the time was now ripe for their separation, and Mr. J. J. Holmes, M.L.A., whose criticisms of the railway administration under the Forrest and Throssell regimes had attracted considerable attention, was appointed the first Minister in charge of the Railways Department. The strong views he held led to a disagreement of opinion with his General Manager, and the rupture ended with the suspension of the latter gentleman from office, which extreme step was taken on August 23, 1901. After some delay, the charges leading up to this measure were investigated by an independent board of inquiry, of which Mr. Pendleton, Commissioner of Railways for South Australia, was President, and although Mr. Davies was exonerated of all but one or two minor errors of judgment, the effect left on his mind was such that he preferred not to resume his position, but resigned the service on his reinstatement, being allowed leave until June 30, 1902, with a retiring honorarium of £1,000, in recognition of his services to the State.
When Mr. Kingsmill, the Minister for Railways in the second Leake Government, came to consider the question of filling the vacancy, the view was gradually forced
upon his mind that the detailed control of the department and its now enormous ramifications could not be efficiently performed by Ministers of the Crown, who came and went with the swing of the pendulum of public opinion, and who also had their own private business
25 Tons Breakdown Crane.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
interests to attend to in addition. Having come to this conclusion, and feeling that continuity in the administration of the department was an essential to its success, the Government (of which Mr. Walter James, K.C., had become Premier, on the death of Mr. Leake in June, 1902), on the recommendation of Mr. Kingsmill, decided to revert to the position contemplated when the office of Commissioner of Railways was instituted by the Railway Act of 1878, that is to say, to fill it by the appointment of a gentleman who should be an officer of the Civil Service, and whose qualification should rest rather on broad commercial experience than on close intimacy with the details of railway life and work, on which points it was considered that the advice of two co-commissioners or of the officers responsible for the respective branches of the department should suffice Acting on the policy suggested by these considerations, the Government offered the position to Mr. W. J. George, at that time representing the Murray constituency in the Legislative Assembly. Mr. George accepted the offer, and commenced the duties of the position on July 2, 1902. On the same date a rearrangement of the Cabinet took place, whereby the Minister for Works, Mr. C H. Rason, took over the duties of Minister for Railways, and Mr. Kingsmill became Colonial Secretary. The latter, on the first opportunity, introduced a Bill into Parliament providing for the appointment, for five years, of a board of three railway commissioners, to be free from political influence, and of whom Mr. George was to be chairman. The powers, duties, and conditions of tenure of office were defined on the basis of the agreement which had been made between Mr. George and the Government.
The proposal for three commissioners did not meet with the approbation of members, however, and it was therefore dropped, the Bill being altered to provide for one commissioner only, in which form it received the Vice-regal assent on December 20, 1902. The old-time Acts, of which the Act in question (2 Ed. VII., No 35) was an amendment, continued to remain in force, with the exception that the powers which the latter did not specially confer upon the Commissioner were transferred to the Minister for Works and Railways, and consequently certain anomalies and ambiguities were continued, until assent was given on January 16, 1904, to the consolidating Government Railways Act, 1904. This Act definitely placed the administration of all Government Railways open for traffic in the hands of the Commissioner, defining his responsibilities and powers in relation thereto, removing the administration from the control of politicians, and relieving him of the supervision of private railways.
Mr. George’s tenure of office was completed in 1907, and the position of Acting-Commissioner was conferred upon Mr. John Tregerthen Short, who was afterwards appointed Commissioner as from July 1, 1908.
The total number of employes of the department for the year ending June 30, 1911 (the latest figures available) was 6,513, and the amount spent in salaries and wages £986,979. The proportion of working expenses to earnings for the four years ending on that date was about 66 per cent For the year just closed it may possibly be somewhat higher, as the high cost of living and other causes have brought about a distinct increase in the rate of wages paid.
ORGANIZATION.
The department is divided, for purposes of organization, into five main divisions or branches on the lines usual with railways throughout the British Empire; that is to say, into the Administrative or General, Traffic, Locomotive, Way and Works, and Railway Stores Branches.
The Administrative Branch comprises the Commissioner’s office, the Accountancy, and the Audit Branches. In the first named, all matters of administrative policy or particular importance beyond the ordinary routine work are dealt with, and subjects affecting more than one branch of the service are also usually decided. Under the supervision of the Chief Accountant the Accountancy Branch deals with all financial matters, revenue, expenditure, and accounts, while by means of the Audit Branch, under the control of the Auditor of Receipts, a more systematic check is kept upon all accounts.
The Traffic Branch, that is to say, the branch which controls the operation of traffic, thus realizing the object for which the railways were brought into existence, is presided over by the Chief Traffic Manager. There is not, as is frequently the case elsewhere, any distinct separate control of the passenger or coaching traffic and that of the goods traffic, so large a number of mixed trains and other arrangements wherein passengers and goods are combined in one service being necessary for economical working in a sparsely-populated country that it has not been considered of advantage to bring about such separation. The Chief Traffic Manager has the assistance of a Superintendent of Transportation, and for convenience of working the branch is divided into five districts, each of which is in charge of a responsible officer, known as a District Superintendent.
The Locomotive Branch, under the control of the Chief Mechanical Engineer, and embracing the extensive railway workshops, is responsible for the manufacture and repair of rolling stock and also for running. The workshops were originally at Fremantle, but the growth of the department and the consequent necessity for having a more convenient location, caused their removal some ten years ago to Midland Junction. Large sheds have been erected and fitted with the most modern appliances for dealing with the construction of every
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kind of rolling stock, thus enabling work of that nature to be carried out locally. Previously everything of the kind had to be imported from Great Britain, or in cases of urgency from the other States, but since 1902 all additional stock in the way of carriages, waggons, trucks, and so forth has been manufactured by the department. During the past twelve months an order for fifty-eight locomotives has been sent out of the State, owing partly to the fact that the appliances necessary for an undertaking of such magnitude are not all immediately available, but more especially to the rapid development of traffic caused by agricultural settlement, which has fully taxed the resources of the Commissioner to cope with The workshops are under the direct control of a Workshops Manager, who acts under the direction of the Chief Mechanical Engineer
The Way and Works Branch is under the control of the Chief Engineer for Existing Lines, who is responsible to the Commissioner for the proper and efficient maintenance of the railways and all buildings, bridges, and other works connected therewith. All construction works are also carried out by this branch so far as lines open for traffic are concerned. The construction of new lines has been usually a matter of contract, but from time to time the question of the advisability of the department building its own lines has been raised. Experiments made in that direction have been considered so successful that the present Administration has practically decided to adopt that principle for the future Speaking in Parliament recently upon this subject, the Minister for Works (Mr. W. D. Johnson) said: —“Taking the railways, they had experimented with them in the matter of construction by contract and departmental work The result had been conclusive in showing that the departmental construction was undoubtedly the best. In each case the work had been completed departmentally with a saving to the State of thousands of pounds. In the case of the Mount Magnet-Black Range the tender had been .£86,979, and the actual cost £71,460, making a saving of £15,519 . In regard to the same railway a net profit of
£6,500 had been made in the matter of freights. The tender price of the Bridgetown-Wilgarup line had been £52,765, and the actual cost £31,734, making a saving of £20,031. After such experiments he thought any Ministry would be disloyal if it did not follow these examples in the future.” The interlocking and signalling arrangements, the' first of which was installed in Western Australia in June, 1898, are also under the control of the Works and Ways Branch, which in addition embraces the various electrical and telegraphic requirements of the Railway Service.
The Railway Stores Branch, which until 1903 was part of the General Government Stores, was separated in March of that year, as it was found inconvenient to have railway stores under the control of another department. Under the Comptroller of Stores this branch buys, sells, and distributes all stores and material required by any section of the department. The departure made in 1903 has proved amply justified by the convenience and economy secured.
In any general survey of a State-owned railway system, such as that in operation in Western Australia, it should be borne in mind that its operations differ from those of a private concern While the latter, if it is to be a success from the shareholder’s point of view, must not only pay working expenses but pay handsome dividends, the former is satisfied to secure working expenses and interest. Its value to the community lies in the facilities given to communication and in the impetus given to the expansion of industry and commerce. The private railway considers the payment of immediate dividends the standard of success, and therefore only runs where settlement is permanent; the Government railway is often the forerunner of settlement, and its justification lies in the fact that it lays the foundations for future increased national prosperity. As a national asset it represents, therefore, a value far greater than the actual money expended upon its construction, and as a country which has “tried both” Western Australia should never again even consider the question of granting concessions over national utilities
JOHN TREGERTHEN SHORT, Commissioner of Railways for the State of Western Australia, was born at St. Ives, Cornwall, England, on July 27, 1858. He is a son of the late Captain T. T. Short, of Plymouth, and received his education at Plymouth and Pridham’s Grammar School, Shaldon. He left England for Australia in 1877, and it was in the sister State, not long after his arrival, that his long and honourable connection with the railways of Australasia commenced, he having joined the South Australian Railways Department in February, 1878. ee2
He continued in that service altogether for eleven years, and for a considerable part-- of the time held the responsible position of stationmaster at the important junction station of Petersburg, on the narrow-gauge line linking the Barrier mines of New South Wales with Port Pirie and Adelaide During the time he occupied this post the great Broken Hill silver boom took place, which led to an abnormal increase in the goods and passenger traffic, and to Mr. Short as district stationmaster fell the onerous task of organizing the
arrangements for the expeditious handling and dispatch of the enormous traffic which passed through this important centre. In 1899 he was offered the position of inspector directly under the S.A. Railway Commissioners, but he resigned from the Service and assumed the management of the Great Southern Railway built in 1886 by the Western Australian Land Company. The Great Southern Railway was purchased by the Government in December, 1896, and Mr. Short was offered the important appointment of Chief Traffic Manager of
the Government Railways, the Wien holder of the position (Mr. John Davies) having been promoted to the office of General Manager. In 1902 the management of the railway system was by Act of Parliament
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Tregerthen Short.
vested in a Commissioner of Railways, and in 1907 Mr. Short was appointed Acting Commissioner, which appointment was confirmed for a period of five years in July of the following year. Since Mr. Short has been connected with the Western Australian Railways they have developed enormously. The area open for traffic has been added to by some 1,350 miles and the revenue has nearly doubled. The system is still being extended in every direction, and each year sees further responsi-lities devolving on the management in order to maintain efficiency and cope with the ever-increasing needs of the public. Mr. Short is a Justice of the Peace for the State of Western Australia. He has a charming residence and orchard on the banks of the Swan River at Guildford, and has extensive farming interests near Pingelly. He was married in 1881 to Miss L. C. Allen, a daughter of Mr. R. H. Allen, of Adelaide, and has a son and three daughters.
CHARI.ES BERKELEY RUSH-TON, J.P., Secretary for Railways, Perth, was born at Wimborne, Dorsetshire, England, in June of 1868. As a boy he was a chorister of the
lviancnestcr uawiedral, and it was there that he gained his early educational training in the school attached to that institution. He was next a member of the St. George’s Chapel Choir at Windsor, where his educational studies were continued, and at a later stage he received a finishing course of instruction in a Continental school in Switzerland. Plis schooldays at an end he entered the service of a Bank at London, but owing to ill-health was compelled to resign his post. At the suggestion of his medical advisers he sought the warmer climate of Australia, and arrived in Melbourne in 1889, where he soon secured an appointment in the Commercial Bank of Australia, which he retained for six years. In 1895 he was transferred by the Bank to
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Berkeley Rushton.
Western Australia, then becoming the cynosure of every eye owing to the wonderful discoveries of gold at Coolgardie and vicinity. The year following his arrival in the State witnessed his entry into the Civil Service as a clerk in the office of the Under-Secretary for Railways. Five years later he was appointed Acting Secretary, and in December, 1901, he assumed the full responsibilities of the position he now holds. Mr. Rushton is President of the Railways Institute, Chairman of the Staff Selection Board, and a Justice of the Peace for the Perth magisterial district. For recreation he invades the realms of music, devoting most of his leisure to choral work. In 1897 he married Alice,
a daughter ot the late Mr. A. C. Akehurst, solicitor, Victoria, and has three children. Mr. Rushton resides at Claremont.
EDWARD SHOTTON HUME, M.I.M.E., Chief Mechanical Engineer, Western Australian Government Railways, Midland Junction, was born at Broughty Ferry, Scotland, in 1857, and received his education at the High School at Dundee. For a time he studied in a lawyer’s office, but finding the work uncongenial entered the Tay Foundry as an apprentice to the engineering trade and obtained a good general training in the different branches, including drawing, with some office experience when he had charge of the wages book, etc. While here he introduced a number of innovations, finding quicker methods of work, and was allowed special privileges by the master of the workshops. Leaving the foundry he went to sea as an engineer, and acting in this capacity to the Gippsland Steam Navigation Company of Melbourne in 1877 brought out and handed over to the Company the vessel ‘Rosedale,” whose first trip was made from Circular Head to Tasmania. In 1877 Mr. Hume joined the staff of the Honourable John A.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Edward Shotton Hume.
Wallace as engineer to the Chiltern Valley Gold-mining Company, and two years later obtained employment under the New South Wales Government in the erection of locomotives, being one of three selected for permanent positions upon the com-
469
pletion of the work. Shortly after he was sent to North Wagga as the only mechanic in charge of locomotives, turntables, etc., in the whole district, and was on the first locomotive to cross the Murrum-bidgee Bridge, witnessing the opening of the line to Albury on the overland route, at which period he was first officer in charge at Junee Junction. In 1884 he left the Service and connected himself with the firm of Messrs. McSharry and Co., railway contractors,who had promised him a post as manager of one of their contracts. Two very large lawsuits in which the Company were concerned intervened, however, to prevent the fulfilment of this promise at an early date, and their request that he would undertake work in the office and await results of the arbitration was declined by Mr. Hume, who accepted a post with Messrs. Logan & Co., contractors, in the Illawarra district. Ultimately he was induced by Messrs. C. & E. Millar, Australian railway contractors, to join their stall in the construction of the railway between Albany and Beverley, and the clackline to Newcastle in 1886, and when this was nearing completion he returned once more to Junce, New South Wales, and launched out in business on his own account, being successful in gaining first prize for the first locally-built plough and for a horse-waggon, at Junee Show in 1888. Responding to an invitation from Messrs. Millar to rejoin them, he sold out and assisted in the construction of the railway between Palmerston and Pine Creek, in the Northern Territory, also of bond stores, workshops, and bridges; finally, upon the purchase of the rolling-stock by the Government, handing it over in first-class condition. In 1890 he entered the employ of a British locomotive firm at Sydney and erected fifty-five locomotives, acting at intervals as consulting engineer for various firms. Six years later he again became associated with the Millar Brothers in the timber industry at Denmark, Western Australia, where he supervised the workshops, the erection of mills, rolling-stock, and plant, etc., and standardized drawings for the erection of various machines. In 1900 Mr. Hume was offered and accepted the post of Workshops Manager for the Western Australian Railways at Fremantle. Upon the death of the late Chief Mechancial Engineer (Mr. T. F.
Rotherham) he was promoted to Acting Chief Mechanical Engineer, which post was confirmed in 1904. Mr. Hume is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain and a member of the American Railway Master Mechanics’ Association, Incorporated, and of the American Bridge and Building Association. He is also a member and on the Council of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers.
ERNEST EDWARD LIGHT, M.I.C.E., Chief Engineer of Existing Lines, Western Australian Railways, Perth, was born in 1859 at Adelaide, South Australia, where he received his scholastic education at St. Peter’s College. Upon leaving school, he served for a term
Qreenham & Evans, Perth.
Mr. Ernest Edward Light.
in the State Railways Department, and during the five years passed in this connection became thoroughly conversant with the details of the workshops and railway construction. He resigned from the Service to take the post of engineer to a firm of contractors in South Australia, and remained in this employ from 1882 to 1884. In the latter year he came to Western Australia and joined the Government Service, being engaged on railway surveys and superintending railway construction as Resident Engineer until the beginning of 1888. He afterwards proceeded to Victoria and for a year became associated with the firm of Messrs. David Munro & Co., railway contractors, for a time and spending a
short period in the service of the Victorian Railways Department. In 1890 Mr. Light joined the staff of the New South Wales railways, where for three years he held the position of Assistant Engineer to the Divisional Engineer. Returning to Western Australia, shortly after his arrival he rejoined the Railway Service in this State and engaged in various works then in construction. In 1895 he was appointed Assistant Engineer in the Existing Lines Branch and in 1897 Resident Engineer of the Metropolitan District, three years later becoming assistant Chief Engineer until the retirement of Mr. W. W. Dartnall in 1908, when he received promotion to the present post. Mr. Light is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, also a foreign member of the Society of Engineers, England, and a member of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers, of which he is a Vice-President. He has been President of the Western Australian Railways Institute and is now a life member of that body.
NEIL DOUGLAS, Chief Traffic Manager, Western Australian Railways, Perth, was born at Dunolly, Victoria, in 1863. He received his scholastic training at the public and high schools in Dunedin, New Zealand, and upon its conclusion spent a year in seafaring pursuits. In 1880 he became connected with the New Zealand Railway Service, and during the eight years spent in this employ passed through the various grades of junior porter, shunter, guard, signalman, until he reached promotion to stationmaster. In 1889 he transferred his residence to New South Wales and spent five years in the office of the Superintendent of Lines in Sydney. At the end of this period Mr. Douglas came to Western Australia, where he entered the Railways Department as chief clerk in the Traffic Branch of the Service, and after three years in this department served about twelve months as piermaster at Fremantle. Ten years as District Superintendent on the goldfields and five years in his present position of Chief Traffic Manager at Perth complete eighteen years spent by Mr. Douglas in the service of the Western Australian Railways Department.
470
JOHN PIDGEON, M.I.C.E., District Engineer for the Metropolitan district of Western Australian Railways, was born at County Kildare, Ireland, in October, 1859. He received his education at the Grammar School, Tuam, Ireland, and after leaving school turned his attention to engineering as a profession. As pupil to Mr. James Price, M.A., M.I.C.E., in 1882 he went to South Africa and there joined the Government Railways Department as draughtsman, subsequently being appointed Assistant Engineer on Construction, and continued in this service until 1886, when he returned to Ireland. In the middle of the same year Mr. Pidgeon sailed for the Antipodes and became associated with the Western Australian Land Company as Assistant Engineer on the railway under construction from Albany to Beverley. Five years later he accepted a post as engineer in the Public Works Department, and in this capacity took charge of the construction of the Geraldton to Mullewa railway line, fulfilling the duties of executive engineer in this and other works. In 1897 Mr. Pidgeon settled at Albany as Resident Engineer in the Railway Department, and subsequently re-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Pidgeon.
moved to Coolgardie in the same capacity. This service he relinquished to take over the duties of his present appointment, that of District Engineer at Perth. He was an officer for two years of the Australian Intelligence Corps in Perth, and afterwards received transfer to the Corps
of Australian Engineers, in command of No. 4 Half Field Company. He is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers.
ERNEST ALFRED EVANS, Workshops Manager, Western Australian Government Railways, Midland Junction, was born in 1865 at Worcester, England, and was educated at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in the same town. Subsequently he was articled for seven years to the firm of Messrs. McKenzie & Holland, engineers, of Worcester, and upon the completion of his indentures continued with those gentlemen as draughtsman and assistant engineer for another four years. After a further term as
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Ernest Alfred Evans.
assistant in the London office of this firm, in 1890 Mr. Evans came out to Australia to the Railways Commissioners of New South Wales to fill an appointment as assistant interlocking engineer in connection with the State railways. Resigning from the Service, he re-entered the employ of Messrs. McKenzie & Holland, acting as their representative in Western Australia for about two years. In 1897 he joined the Western Australian Government Service as interlocking engineer, and held that post until August, 1893, when he received the appointment of Workshops Manager at Fremantle, which office was transferred to Midland Junction upon the removal of the works to that centre. Mr.
Evans is an Associate of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London, and a member of the Western Australian Engineering Institute.
HENRY RIGG, Superintendent of Locomotive Running, Western Australian Government Railways,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Henry Rigg.
Midland Junction, is a Victorian by birth, having been born at Echuca, in that State, on November 1, 1866. He received his scholastic training at St. Francis’ College in Melbourne, and subsequently turned his attention to the engineering trade. Coming to Western Australia while still quite a lad he spent two years in the fitting-shop of the Jarrahdale Timber Company, and at the age of seventeen became associated with the engineer-in-charge of the locomotive works on the construction of the railway from Chidlow’s Well to Beverley. Upon the completion of this enterprise in 1886 he joined the Government Service in April of that year, and working upwards from the grade of engine-cleaner to that of fireman and driver, he won his way to the post of locomotive inspector in
1895. He was then placed in charge of a district and finally received the appointment of locomotive inspector for the whole of the Service, including the outdoor running work and car and waggon supervision; in July, 1908, being further promoted to his present position. Mr. Rigg is an associate-member of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers and a life member of the Railways Institute.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
471
GEORGE MAGNUS YOUNG, Chief Draughtsman of the Locomotive Branch, Western Australian Government Railways, Midland Junction, was born at Angaston, South Australia, in 1867. Upon the conclusion of his scholastic career, at sixteen years of age, he entered the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Magnus Young.
engineering firm of Messrs. James Martin & Co., Gawler, as an apprentice to the fitting trade, and was identified with the staff of the drawing office for some time. He remained there until 1891, when he came to Western Australia and joined the Government railway service as a draughtsman, in which department he received steady promotion until his appointment as chief draughtsman on August 1, 1907. In addition to controlling the work in the drawing office he supervises the testing section of the Railways Department and the chemical laboratory.
Lieutenant HAROLD DOWSON, M.I.E.E., Officer Commanding No. 4, Electric Company Corps of Australian Engineers, is a son of Professor John Dowson, of Royal Staff College, Sandhurst, England. He was born at Wokingham, Berks, England, on October 22, 1861, and received his education at Wellington College, Berkshire. When eighteen years of age he joined the Bell Telephone Company in London and spent about ten years in this and other companies, being identified with their
service in Scotland, London, on the Continent, and abroad. In 1889 Mr. Dowson came to Australia, and settling in Melbourne joined the Postal Department, also finding employment with various electric companies until 1892, when he left Victoria and became a member of the staff of the Railways Department of Western Australia in the capacity of inspector of railway telephones. The great value of the telephone service had hardly been grasped by the greater portion of the community in those days, and it fell to the gentleman under review to bring it more prominently before the notice not only of those in authority over him but of the general public. For the past fourteen years he has held the position of Electrical Engineer of Railways in Western Australia,
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant Harold Dowson.
the whole of the electrical staff and appliances being under his supervision. Upon the formation of his Company, attached to the Fremantle defences, Lieutenant Dowson was appointed the first militia engineer officer in the State. Having little time to spare for anything outside his profession he has few hobbies, even having to devote part of his holidays to his military duties. He was married in December, 1897, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Hummer ston, well known both in Western and South Australia, and has two sons and a daughter.
Lieutenant ROBERT BLEAZBY,
B.A. & B.A.I., Associate M.I.C.E., Australian Intelligence Corps. The
subject of our review is a son of the late Mr. William Bleazby, of Kingsale, County Cork, Ireland, where he was born on July 22, 1870. He was educated at King’s School, Sherbourne, Dorset, England, and at Trinity College, Dublin. Leaving the University he spent a couple of years in the service of the Tralee and Dingle Light Railway Company, and in 1895 took his departure for the land of the Southern Cross, his destination being Western Australia, where he arrived in April, 1895. Almost immediately he entered the Engineering Branch of the Railways Department at Perth as a draughtsman, and he now occupies the post of Assistant Engineer, lie joined the military forces of Australia in February, 1911, becoming attached to the Australian Intelligence Corps, in which he holds the rank of Lieutenant. During his college days he won honours as an oars man, and was a member of the senior University Four which cleared the boards in Ireland in 1889. Until recontly Lieutenant Bleazby devoted much of his leisure to gardening pursuits, but he has now put aside this pleasant pastime for the more serious work of a military career. In 1902 he married at Coolgardie a daughter of Mr. C. E. Stokes, of Narrogin,
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant Rodert Bleazby.
and granddaughter of the late General Sir John Stokes, K.C.B.,
R.E. His family consists of a son and three daughters.
WILLIAM HERBERT HOPE, Chief Clerk in the Railway Commissioner’s Office, Perth, and the Com-
missioner’s representative on the Appeal Board constituted under the Government Railways Act, is a native of this State, having been born at Fremantle in March, 1860. He received his education at the Government school and by private tuition, and at the conclusion of his schooldays began his official career as a teacher in the Education Department, where he continued for twelve months. At the close of this period he was transferred to the Colonial Secretary’s Office, and thence, in 1881, to the Railway Department in the capacity of clerk to the Traffic Manager and Locomotive Superintendent. Mr. Hope’s connection with the railways has thus dated almost from their inception in Western Australia, his appointment taking place only two months after the department was opened, and only recently he completed his thirty years’ service in this connection, having gradually received promotion until the attainment of his present position, making in all thirty-nine years spent in the Public Service— an honourable record surpassed by few in the State. Mr. Hope has interested himself in the progress of the Anglican Church, and is a member of the Cathedral Chapter in Perth and one of the representa* tives of the Cathedral at Synod. He is a Freemason and has passed
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Herbert Hope.
through all the chairs of his Lodge, having also in the past filled one of the offices in the Royal Arch Chapter. In 1888 he married a daughter
of the late Mr. T. L. Cottrell, of Perth, his wife being a cousin of the late Honourable George Throssell. He has one daughter.
LEWIS HOWARD GWYNNE, Chief Accountant to the Western Australian Government Railways, was born in 1867 at Liverpool, England. At the close of his scholastic career, which he pursued in the city of his birth, he became engaged in mercantile life in the office of Messrs. John Bewley & Son, a well-known firm of chartered accountants. After twelve months’ experience with this firm he transferred his services to the Royal Liverpool Friendly Society, and in 1890 was engaged in London by the Western Australian Land Company to come to this
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Lewis Howard Gwynne.
State as bookkeeper in the offices of the Great Southern Railway. This post he retained until the purchase of the railway by the Western Australian Government, who also took over the working staff of the Company and gave to. Mr. Gwynne the appointment of senior clerk of the expenditure section of the Chief Accountant’s Branch. Upon a reorganization of this Branch Mr. Gwynne was appointed chief clerk and later to the joint offices of paymaster and receiver. Ultimately he received promotion to his present office. Mr. Gwynne is General Treasurer of the Railways Institute, Chairman of the Railway Employes’ Death Benefit Fund, and Chairman
of the Railway Employes Provident Fund. lie is keenly interested in athletic sport.
WALTER CHARLES ROBINSON, Chief Clerk to the Traffic
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Charles Robinson.
Department, Perth, is a son of the late Mr. Keyran Robinson, of Wellington, New South Wales. He is an Englishman by birth, having been born at Winslow, Buckinghamshire, on July 20, 1869; but at an early age was brought to Australia by his parents, who settled in the Mother State. His scholastic training at a superior public school in Wellington concluded, in 1884 he joined the Government Railways Department as telegraph probationer, and after various promotions was appointed first clerk in the District Superintendent’s Office, Goulburn. Mr. Robinson at subsequent periods was employed in offices in most of the large towns of New South Wales, and at one time acted in the dual capacity of post and telegraph master and stationmaster at Spring-wood. On March 3, 1893, he arrived in Western Australia and began his official career as clork in the General Manager’s Office at Perth, a year later being created goods agent, this appointment being the first of its kind in the State. In 1897 he was appointed district stationmaster at Bunbury, havirtg charge of an entire section in addition to his other duties. Owing to the rapid increase of trade, by which Bunbury rose
473
from merely a small town to rank as the second seaport in Western Australia, it became necessary to add the duties of piermaster to those of stationmaster, and Mr. Robinson was duly appointed to the new office. In September, 1908, he was promoted to the post of goods agent at Fremantle, where he continued until June 1, 1912, when he
was appointed to his present office. Mr. Robinson has received frequent recognition of his services in the various centres where he has resided. When he resigned from the New South Wales Department he was the recipient of two illuminated addresses and several valuable presentations, and since coming to Western Australia has received several other presentations, including illuminated addresses from the citizens of Bunbury, accompanied by a purse of sovereigns, a mounted sword from the railway officials at the same town, and a very valuable gold hunting-watch from the railway employes at Perth. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Railways Institute and Commissioner’s representative on the Ambulance Executive. He holds a commission of Lieutenant in the Light Horse, and at the present time is in command of the Metropolitan Squadron. Mr. Robinson is a great lover of horses and spends all his spare time in the saddle during the hunting season. In 1891 he married a daughter of Mr. Thomas J. Willis, of Parramatta, New South Wales, and has a son and a daughter.
MICHAEL FRANCIS O’REILLY, Chief Clerk in the Way and Works Branch, Railways Department, Perth, was born in September, 1865, at Port Fairy, Victoria. He received his educational training at the model schools and at the Christian Brothers’ and King’s Colleges, Melbourne, and at the close of his scholastic career entered the Railways Department of Victoria as a junior clerk in 1882. Being first engaged in the Secretary’s office Mr. O’Reilly afterwards received transfer to the Audit Department, passing from there to the Way and Works Department, in which latterly he filled the position of staff and statistical clerk, working under Commissioners Speight, Greene, Francis, and Matheson. About the end of 1896 he was offered the post of chief
clerk in the Way and Works Branch of the Western Australian Government Railways, which he accepted, and hae filled this appointment ever since. Mr. O’Reilly has identified himself with keen interest in the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Michael Francis O’Reilly.
Railways Institute, and m tiie past has occupied the position of Chairman to the Council, lie is a member of the Railway Board for the selection of employes.
EDWARD SAMUEL EVANS, Stationmaster at Fremantle, is a son of Mr. Samuel Evans, of Aber-dovey, North Wales, where he was born on February 17, 1867. Educated in his native town, at the age of thirteen he went to sea, and for the following five years was engaged in seafaring pursuits. In 1885 he joined the permanent-way staff of the Cambrian Railway Company in Wales, and remained in that employ for about four years. In his twenty-second year he entered the service of the Central Wales and Caermar-then Junction Railway as clerk, and when that line was absorbed into the London and North-Western Railway system he transferred his services to the new company. Two years later he emigrated to Western Australia, drawn thither by the glowing accounts of the gold discoveries, and arriving in 1894 shortly afterwards obtained a position as goods clerk at Fremantle. Eight years later he became acting pier-master and goods agent at that sta-
tion, and from 1902 to 1904 was goods agent at Kalgoorlic, transferring to Albany, where he filled the post of stationmaster until May, 1910, when he removed to take a similar appointment at North Fremantle. In the following January Mr. Evans was promoted to the position he now holds. He was one of the originators of the annual railway picnic, which has since grown to be looked upon as an institution. He is Secretary of the Presbyterian Church, Fremantle, and has acted as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. His leisure time is devoted to the study of literary works of merit, and he is an inveterate reader. In 1899 he married a
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Edward Samuel Evans.
daughter of the late Mr. William Pettmann, of South Australia, and has three sons and two daughters.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS SMITH, Stationmaster, Kalgoorlie, is a New Zealander, having been born at Christchurch, South Island, in 1862. At the close of his scholastic education he joined the Traffic Department of the New Zealand railways and gradually rose to the position of stationmaster during the seven years spent in this connection. Proceeding to New South Wales at the end of this period, in 1884 he entered the Railwaj^s Service in that State as telegraph operator, again attaining promotion to station-master as the years went by. In
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
1897 Mr. Smith came to Western Australia under engagement to the Government Railways Department in this State, and was given the appointment of stationmaster in the first instance at Mullewa, subsequently being transferred to Cue. Southern Cross, and Albany successively, and after a period, during which he acted as goods agent at Kalgoorlie, was appointed station-master at Midland Junction in September, 1908. In June, 1912, he was transferred to take up similar duties at Kalgoorlie.
JOHN SHILLINGTON, District Superintendent at Narrogin, Western Australian Railways, received his education principally in Sydney, New South Wales. Upon the ter^ mination of his studies he became connected with the Railways Department of that State for about five
Bartlelto, Perth.
Mr. John Shillington.
years, and in 1895 came to Western Australia, where he joined the Goods Manager's Department in Perth as chief clerk, a position he held till 1899. He was then sent to Kalgoorlie as goods manager for the goldfields for four years, at the end of that period being given charge of the goods department in the Metropolitan division. Early in 1911 Mr. Shillington was promoted to chief clerk in the Traffic Department at Perth, an appointment he continued to hold until June 1, 1912, when he was transferred to Narrogin as District Superintendent. He has always taken an interest in the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and occupies the office of Hon. Treasurer of the Board. He was a foundation member of the Railways Institute, and has in the past fulfilled the duties of councillor in that body.
Midland Railway Company.
The only private concession of note remaining in Western Australia is that known as the Midland Railway Company, operating between Midland Junction and Walkaway, near Geraldton, a distance of 277 miles. It was the outcome of a proposal made by Mr. John Wad-dington in 1884 to construct a line from York to Geraldton by way of Newcastle and Northam, the terms being based upon those in the agreement made with Mr. Anthony Hordern in regard to the Great Southern Railway. A Committee of the Legislative Council, to which the proposal was referred, advised that the line should start from Guildford and run via the Victoria Plains to Walkaway, the southern terminus of the Government line from Geraldton, and that a grant of 12,000 acres, to be selected within 40 miles of either side of the line, be made for each mile of line constructed. On that basis an agreement with Mr. Waddington was signed early in 1886. Included in it was a provision that the contractor should, within seven years, introduce 5,000 immigrants, being granted in consideration an area of 50 acres for each statute adult. This provision was, however, practically a dead letter from the start, and was never enforced. Mr. Waddington’s concession was afterwards transferred to a company called the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia. A contract for the construction of the line, which with rolling stock and appurtenances was estimated to cost £1,000,000, was let to Mr. Edward Keane and a start made with the work. Want of success in obtaining the necessary capital caused a suspension of the work in 1887. With the help of Eng-
lish capitalists a new start was made in 1888, but for some years progress was very slow, continual delays occurring from various causes, most of which were in some way connected with finance. The time allowed for construction was extended from time to time by different agreements, the most important of which was one entered into in 1893. Under this the Government agreed to guarantee 4 per cent, interest on £500,000 worth of debentures to be issued by the company, in return for which the Government received a mortgage over the company’s lands, and an agreement that the proceeds of any sales of such lands should be held by the Government towards payment of principal and interest of the debentures. There was also a further proviso that should the company at any time owe the Government under the guarantee £20,000 for interest over and above the amount held from the proceeds of sales, the Government could enter upon and take possession of the railway and the unsold lands. Under this agreement the railway was completed and opened for traffic in 1894. From time to time the question of Government purchase has been raised, the last occasion being in August, 1905, when the Premier (Mr. II. Daglish) unsuccessfully endeavoured to procure the authority of Parliament to purchase the whole of the assets for £1,500,000.
In the lands granted to the company in return for constructing the line are some of the finest agricultural and pastoral lands of the State. For the first few years little or no attempt was made to dispose of them, but since Mr. Jas. Gardinor became interested in their dis-
475
posal there has been much more activity displayed, especially as he has shown a desire to assist the policy of agricultural settlement, which has for the past six or seven years been practically the principal item in the policy of whatever Government happened to be in power.
At the present time Mr. J. G. Drake is acting as General Manager of the company, Mr. George Smith, who for some years occupied that office, having resigned some little time ago to accept a responsible position in another State of the Commonwealth.
WILLIAM HENRY MORRIS, Engineer and General Manager of the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, Midland Junction, is an Englishman by birth, having been born at Oswestry, in Shropshire. He served a pupilage in civil engineering under the late Mr. George Owen, Engineer of the Cambrian Railway from 1874 to 1877, afterwards remaining with that Company as Assistant Engineer. In 1885 he relinquished this service to join the Belfast and County Down Railway Company as Resident Engineer, where he remained several years, during which time he reconstructed the entire line and doubled a large portion of it, besides carrying out several extensions. In 1906 Mr. Morris was offered and accepted the position of Engineer to the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway, and while resident in Ireland rendered important service as a lecturer on railway working and safety appliances to the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Henry Morris.
combined railway companies of the North of Ireland. In 1910 ho left the Old Country for Western Australia to accept the appointment of Engineer and Traffic Manager to the Midland Railway Company, and at
present (1912) is acting as the General Manager. Mr. Morris is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers of Ireland.
WILLIAM BROWN, Locomotive Superintendent, Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, Limited, was born on Scottish soil, at Ardrie, Lanarkshire, in 1858. At
V
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Brown.
the close of his educational studies, which he pursued at Glasgow, he served as an apprentice in the drawing office and workshops of a marine engineering firm until he was twenty-one years of age. He then obtained a useful and varied experience in different iron- and steel-works in Lanarkshire, and was identified with the Steel Company of Scotland as patternmaker and fitter, being engaged in general engineering with these companies for about fifteen years. In 1883 he went to London and joined the firm of Messrs. James Simpson & Co., relinquishing this connection in 1891, when he came to Western Australia under engagement to Mr. E. Keane, contractor for the Midland Railway Company, and subsequently entered the service of
the Company as Works Manager for two and a half years. In 1902 he was appointed Locomotive Superintendent, which position he has held ever since. Mr. Brown is a member of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers.
HAROLD DAGLEY GIBBS, Accountant to the Railways Branch of the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, Midland Junction, is a native of this State, having been born at Bunbury in 1878. He received his education at the local State school, and afterwards was identified with the Western Australian Railways Department in a clerical capacity for five and a half years. In February, 1898, he joined the goods branch of the Midland Railway Company as assistant goods agent, subsequently acting as relief officer, relieving stationmas-ter, etc., until in 1902 he was given charge of the accountant’s branch of
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Harold Dagley Gibbs.
the concern, under Mr. George Smith, and since then gradually the full control of the department has fallen into his hands. Mr. Gibbs interests himself warmly in the various public functions of the neighbour-
476
hood and has been a councillor of the Midland Junction municipality for the past three years. He is prominently associated with friendly society work, and since 1898 has held membership in the Independent Order of Oddfellows, passing through all the chairs of the order and at present holding the office of Grand Trustee. He is also a Trustee and a Past District President of the Hibernian Society, and is a founder of the Swan District Friendly Societies' Association. He is a warm advocate of all manly outdoor sports, and a member of the Midland Junction Club.
W ALTER BLAND BROWN, Traffic Inspector, the Midland Rail-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Bland Brown.
way Company of Western Australia, Midland Junction, was born at
Tumut, New South Wales, in 1864 and received his educational training in his native town. At the close of his schooldays he was engaged in the New South Wales Government Service for some years, and after his resignation came to Western Australia in 1904. He joined the clerical staff in the Railways Department of the Midland Company and continued in this capacity until 1910, when he received the appointment to his present position.
FRANjCIS HORNER, Goods Agent, Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, Midland Junction, was born at Gladstone, South Australia, in 1878, and received his education in his native town. At the close of his schooldays he assisted his father in farming pursuits until 1900, when, coming to Western Australia, he obtained employment with Mr. G. C. Hoskins in connection with the testing of the pipes for the Coolgardie water scheme, occupying about fifteen months. After a period of four years, during which he was engaged with, the Temperance and General Life Assurance Society, in 1905 he joined the Midland Railway Company as porter, subsequently being promoted to shunter and guard, and finally from assistant goods agent to his present position in October, 1910. Mr. Horner has taken a keen interest in friendly society work at Midland Junction and has passed through all the chairs of the Ancient Order of Foresters, being also a member of the Scottish Branch of the Masonic Lodge, No. 972, Midland Junction. He is an enthusiast in rifle-shooting, having
joined the Perth Rifle Club in 1902, and in a very short time was firing from the scratch mark. In 1903 he was chosen as a member of the team
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Francis Horner.
to represent Western Australia in the Commonwealth match in New South Wales, and in the years 1905 and 1908 he was included in the teams competing for the same prize in Victoria and South Australia respectively. In 1904, when the Commonwealth match was contested in Western Australia, he rendered invaluable assistance in coaching the home team for this important rifle event. Mr. Horner has a fine collection of medals, badges, and trophies, and is well known to most of the riflemen in the different States of the Commonwealth.
The Trans=Australian Railway.
The advantages of a railway connecting the western and eastern sides of the continent has long been recognized, but until the advent of Federation it was considered to be beyond the sphere of practical politics. The earliest suggestion was made in 1883, when Colonel McMurdo offered, under certain conditions, to construct a line from Beverley to Albany, and thence to the border of South Australia. The terms, however, did not commend themselves to the authorities. A more ambitious scheme was put forward by Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. Aubrey Coote later in the same year. They offered to build a railway from Beverley to Eetakup, and thence
easterly and northerly to Eucla, skirting the coast as far as possible, in return for a land grant of 12,000 acres per mile of line. A similar proposal to build a line across South Australia to connect with the Western Australian line at Eucla was made to the Government of the sister colony. The South Australian Government declared itself opposed to a transcontinental line on the land-grant system, and consequently that portion of the Vogel and Coote scheme was dropped. It was not again raised until after the discovery of the goldfields, when the wave of prosperity and the rush to secure the precious metal had drawn a large population into the far eastern por-
477
fcions of Western Australia. As the question of Federation was then in the air, and the colony’s adherence to the proposal earnestly desired, it was thought by the local authorities that the building of the transcontinental line—from Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta—ought to be set out in the Commonwealth Bill as an inducement to Western Australia to become one of the federating States Negotiations towards this end were entered into, but for various reasons the other colonies declined to make the railway a feature of the Bill. The utmost secured was a promise from the Government of South Australia to assist in securing the railway and an “honourable understanding” on the part of the other colonies that the line should be undertaken as soon as possible after the Federation. But the result proved disappointing. So far from being willing to construct the railway, the Federal Parliament would not even seriously think about it. Western Australia would then have joined with South Australia in constructing it as a State affair, but that Government urged that it was a Federal matter, and so far forgot the pre-federation promises as to decline to give the Federal Parliament consent to construct the line through that State until the Commonwealth had agreed to take over the Northern Territory.
To keep the question alive, and believing in the genuineness of political promises, the Western Australian Government in 1901 ordered its Engineer-in-Chief (Mr C Y O’Connor) to prepare a statement of the probable cost of the line His estimate, which was laid before the Commonwealth Parliament, was about £4,400,000 Later on Mr. Muir, the Inspector of Engineering Surveys, made a personal inspection of the whole country from Kalgoorlie to Eucla, and reported that for 250 miles westward of the South Australian border the stretch of country was one of the finest he had seen in Australia. The Commonwealth Parliament then asked for a general report from the Engineers-in-Chief of all the States, as to the probable cost of construction, the probable annual revenue, the cost of maintenance, the route recommended, the gauge proposed, the probable time which would be occupied in construction, the probable present and future effect of the railway if constructed, the advisability of constructing it, and any other matters regarding the proposal which they deemed worthy of being brought under notice The final report of these officers, dated August 27, 1903, estimated the cost of construction at £4,559,000, the revenue at £205,860, and the expenses and interest at £273,966.
In conclusion, the report summarizes the benefits likely to accrue from the realization of the scheme in the following words: —
“The chief effect of the construction of the Transcontinental Railway would be to draw the Eastern and Western States into closer relationship politically, commercially, and socially.
“The feeling of the community of interests engendered by the establishment of the Commonwealth would be more steadily and satisfactorily maintained, and in case of foreign attack, when communication by sea, if not cut off altogether, might be precarious, a safe and rapid means of conveying men, arms, and ammunition from one side of the continent to the other would be invaluable.
“There would be a saving of time of two days in the delivery of mails between East and West. The railway would enable despatches and communications to be expedited, which is a matter of immense importance both from a business and social point of view. It would greatly induce travel, and many people who shun the discomforts of the sea trip, or cannot afford the extra time involved, would readily take advantage of the railway.
“The saving of time would be more than doubled when return mails between Europe and the Eastern States are considered.
“The saving of time between Fremantle or Perth and the Eastern States is small compared with that be tween Kalgoorlie and the Eastern States The journey from Kalgoorlie to Adelaide now requires five days, whereas it would then be done in thirty-six hours by the railway.
“It may be expected that the food supply of the goldfields would be better and cheaper, as the result of the construction of the railway. The cost of living is now very high in that district, and, in consequence, miners and others do not reap that benefit from their high wages which might be expected. On the other hand, were the cost of living reduced, wages might come down without any hardship to the men, and enterprise would be stimulated.
“The present telegraph line runs for the greater part of its length through uninhabited country, and its maintenance is carried on under great difficulties Were the railway constructed, a better, more accessible, and more easily maintained line could be made available, which could be duplicated as required, and payment for the use of the submarine cable, in consequence of interruption or inadequacy of the land line, would be obviated.
“New tracts of country would be opened up for pastoral settlement both in South Australian and Western Australian territory, the chief difficulty at present lying not so much in the want of fertility of the country and the absence of water as in its inaccessibility.
“The same may be said as regards mineral development. Recent discoveries show that the country for 175 miles east of Kalgoorlie, which is auriferous, may turn out to be highly productive, and a source of revenue to the railway. Tarcoola, and other mining centres in South Australia, if rendered more accessible, may come to enjoy prosperity after they have been more thoroughly
478
and systematically prospected. The reports of the Government Geologist are not unfavourable.”
Having reached that stage the next step was the introduction into Parliament in 1904 of a Bill to authorize the survey of the route. The opponents of the railway were, however, too strong in the Senate, and the Bill was talked out. On its being reintroduced in 1905 it was voted upon and defeated in the Senate by one vote. The measure finally succeeded in becoming law in 1907. After the survey a revised estimate of the cost, amounting to £3,988,000, was submitted by Mr. Henry Deane, Consulting Engineer to the Commonwealth. On these figures a Bill for the construction of the railway was introduced into the Federal Parliament in September, 1911, and the fact that it succeeded in safely passing the two Houses is evidence of the change of opinion that has taken place during recent years. The length of the line between Kalgoorlie and Port Augusta is set down as 1,063 miles, and the gauge is to be 4 ft. 8J in.
Thus, after nearly twelve years of weary waiting, sometimes almost without hope, Western Australia is to receive that consideration which she was promised as an
inducement to enter the Federation. That even apart from defence it will be of national advantage there is little doubt. To quote the words of the Prime Minister : “This line will, I venture to predict, open up avenues of industry and development which generally are little dreamt of. One honourable member on this side spoke of the impossibility of much of the land growing this or that. . . . We have heard a similar denunciation
of various lands in Australia, and it has remained for the opening up of those areas to disprove such assertions.”
To quote, in conclusion, from an article in a recent number of The World’s Work:—“From whatever aspect it is viewed—as a measure for defence, or for commercial or economic development, or simply as a constructive work alone—it excites admiration and awakens the keenest interest. Australian statesmen have laid stress on the point that if the railway does nothing else it will at least arouse throughout Australia a truly national sentiment. Old shibboleths will disperse and old barriers go down before it. It will wipe away old prejudices. It will bind Australia together humanly as well as actually ”
HENRY GHINN, civil engineer and licensed surveyor, Supervising Engineer in charge of the Western Australian section of the Trans-Australian Railway, was born near Preston, Victoria, on January 2, 1860. He is a son of the late Mr. John Mitchell Chinn, and is descended from the well-known Cornish family of that name, who carried on the Hale Foundry in the County of Cornwall. Educated first at the Turrett House Academy in Melbourne, and later at the Melbourne Model High School, at the conclusion of his studies he served a term under the well-known engineer, the late Mr. Charles John Taylor. This gentleman—who was responsible for the institution and construction of the Yan Yean water-supply works for the city and suburbs of Melbourne gave him a first-class grounding in the principles of engineering, and with this foundational knowledge he proceeded to Sydney at the inception of the water-supply scheme for that city. Mr. Chinn here served for five years under the direction of the late Mr. E. O. Moriarty, one of the ablest men in his profession practising under the Southern Cross, and at the termination of the work in which he was engaged established himself in New South Wales for a time as a licensed surveyor and engineer. Subsequently he removed to Melbourne, and in a short time formed a very
large connection in both branches of his profession. For fourteen years onward from the late eighties no name was better known in engineering circles in Victoria and elsewhere, and many important works throughout the Commonwealth were placed
J. J. Dwyer, Perth.
Mr. Henry Chinn.
to his credit. Among these were the constructional works of the sewerage system of Melbourne and the whole of the plans for the construction of the railway line and bridges in connection with the North Mount Lyoll
Railway—one of the heaviest pieces of work ever brought to a successful conclusion in Australia. In the sewerage scheme he acted as contractor and engineer for much of the work in conjunction with the late Mr. Falkingham, his partner, and with the same gentleman constructed one of the first agricultural railways in the State of New South Wales, viz., from Parkes to Condobolin. He made all the engineering surveys on the upper Brisbane River for the Brisbane water-supply scheme, and at the conclusion of this work was engaged by a large English company to report upon the proposition to construct a railway from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Cloncurry in Queensland. Having completed this report, Mr. Chinn came to Western Australia in 1904, and started in private practice in Perth. He made a special study of the railways of this State, and wrote a series of reports pointing out various reforms which might be made to the advantage of the people, which became the subject of much debate in both Houses of Parliament. As a result, leading members from both sides of the Legislature have accorded to Mr. Chinn the credit of saving over £100,000 per annum of public funds, the suggestions contained in these articles having been carried out with great success, and high eulogiums were passed on his valuable and disinterested service in this respect. He has
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
479
made a special and life-long study of steel and iron, and is the inventor of the Kalipsite Welding Process, which is intended to do away with fish plates and copper bonding on electric tramways, and by which iron and steel rails may be joined to make them any length desired consistent with allowance for expansion. This system has the advantage of allowing the use of native iron ore in lieu of artificial oxide of iron, and was suc-
cessfully introduced by Mr. Chinn in the construction of the Adelaide electric tramways in 1908, on which work he filled the post of engineer for a firm of contractors, on whose behalf he had obtained the tender. In 1912 Mr. Chinn was chosen by the Federal Administration to assume charge of the construction of the Western Australian section of the Trans-Australian Railway extending from Kalgoorlie to the border of South
Australia, and his special fitness for this office was quickly manifested by the alterations he made both in the site selected for the erection of workshops and in the railway route, resulting in the saving to the Australian Commonwealth of many thousands of pounds. Mr. Chinn was married in Western Australia to Helen, the daughter of the late Mr. William Crossley, of Yorkshire, England.
Crown Law Department.
The following is the list of Ministers of the Crown who have held office as Attorney-General or Minister of Justice since the introduction of responsible government : —
Office. From To
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Septimus Burt Dec. 29, 1890 Oct. 27, 1897
Richard William Pennefather Oct 27, 1897 Mar. 25, 1901 May 27, 1901
William Frederic Sayer ... Mar. 25, 1901
George Leake May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Frederick William Moorhead Nov. 21, 1901 Dec. 23, 1901
George Leake Dec. 23, 1901 June 24, 1902 Aug. 10, 1904
Sir Walter Hartwell James June 24, 1902
MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Robert Hastie Aug. 10, 1904 Aug- 25, 1905
Sir Oornthwaite Hector Rason Aug 25, 1905 May 7, 1906
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Norbert Keenan May 7, 1906 June 30, 1910
John Leighton Nanson June 30, 1910 Oct. 7, 1911
Thomas Walker Oct. 7, 1911 Still in office
The Attorney-General is the principal Law Officer of the Crown, and as such is charged with the administration of the Crown Law Department, the Electoral Office, the Land Titles Office, the Stipendiary Magistracy, and
the Supreme Court, which in addition to the Central Office, embraces the Sheriff’s Office, the office of the Official Receiver in Bankruptcy, and the office of the Curator of Intestate Estates. Matters relating to Police and Local Courts, Licensing Courts, Coronial Inquiries, and Justices of the Peace also come within his jurisdiction. He is also responsible to Parliament for the correct drafting of Bills, though the actual work devolves upon a public officer specially qualified for that task, The various branches of the Crown Law Department are, subject to the control of the Attorney-General, administered by the following officers:—-Under-Secretary for Law (Mr. H. G. Hampton), Solicitor-General and Parliamentary Draughtsman and Commissioner of Titles (Mr. W.F. Sayer,K.C.), Crown Solicitor and Assistant Parliamentary Draftsman (Dr. F. L. Stow), Crown Prosecutor (Mr. F. M. W Parker), Master of the Supreme Court and Registrar in Bankruptcy (Mr. F. A. Moseley), Deputy-Registrar and Taxing Master (Mr. C. A. Sherard), Official Receiver in Bankruptcy (Mr. M. M. Moss), Curator of Intestate Estates (Mr. G. Clifton), Chief Electoral Officer (Mr. E. G. Stenberg), Registrar of Titles (Mr. A. E. Burt), and Assistant-Registrar (Mr.
A. Y. Glyde).
HENRY GEORGE HAMPTON, Under-Secretary for Law, is a sod of the late Mr. G. E. Hampton, Comptroller-General, Perth, and grandson of Mr. J. S. Hampton, a former Governor of Western Australia. Born at Tunbridge Wells, England, on May 10, 1870, the subject of this review received his early education at Rose Hill School, in his native town, and at Brighton College, completing his scholastic career on the Continent at the College Gaillard, Lausanne, and at the Lausanne Academy. Returning to England, Mr. Hampton became engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years, and having acquired a
practical knowledge of farming came to Western Australia, where almost immediately he entered into pastoral pursuits. In 1892 he received the appointment of Associate to His Honor Sir Edward Stone, and was subsequently transferred to the permanent staff of the Civil Service, in which he has risen to the attainment of his present position. Mr. Hampton has been a member of the Government Tender Board since its inception. He is a great advocate of outdoor recreation, being a keen sportsman, an enthusiastic golfer, and a lover of fishing and motoring. He married a daughter of Mr. R. D. Hardy, and has one son.
WILLIAM FREDERIC SAYER,
K.C., was bora in London. Educated at University College School, he was admitted as a solicitor (Law Society Prizeman) in 1879, and practised in London for ten years. He came to Western Australia in 1890 to fill an appointment as legal adviser to the Midland Railway Company. Seven years later he entered the Public Service as Secretary to the Law Department, and was appointed Commissioner of Titles in 1898. In March, 1901, he resigned the latter office to accept the portfolio of Attorney-General in the Throssell Ministry, when he was elected member for the Claremont
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
constituency, and remained in office until the retirement of the Ministry two months later. In 1902 he retired from a Parliamentary career, resuming his connection with the Government Service as Parliamentary draughtsman. In December of the same year lie received the appointment of Crown Solicitor, and subsequently, in August, 1904, became Acting Attorney-General and King’s Counsel. Mr. Sayer now holds the office of Solicitor-General.
FRANCIS ARNOLD MOSELEY is a son of the late Mr. Edwin C. Moseley, who emigrated from England to the West Indies in 1835. He was born at Nassau, the capital of the Bahama Islands, on August 16, 1852, and received his education at King’s College School, London. Upon the completion of his scholastic career Mr. Moseley entered upon the study of law, and was called to the Bahamas Bar in January, 1874. Just prior to this event—in November, 1873—he had received the appointment of Private Secretary to the then Governor, the late Sir John Pope Hennessy, and afterwards served in a similar capacity during successive Administrations until the end of the year 1880, when he left the colony to take up the duties of Registrar of Titles and Deeds in Western Australia, at that time a Colonial Office appointment. He was admitted to the Western Australian Bar shortly after his arrival in 1881, and after discharging the duties of his office until July, 1889, during which period he acted on three occasions as Commissioner of Titles, Mr. Moseley was appointed Master and Registrar of the Supreme Court, and has continued to act as such ever since. The appointment embraces the control virtually of six separate departments and includes the responsible duties of Master in Equity, Master in Lunacy, Registrar of Probates, Registrar in Bankruptcy, and Registrar of Companies. Mr. Moseley has held a Commission of the Peace for this State since 1883. Since his arrival in Western Australia he has been identified with the progress of the Presbyterian Church, holding office on nearly all the Committees of the General Assembly, for a long period acting as General Treasurer. The missionary enterprise of the Church with which he is connected occupies much of his attention, and he was the first Pre-
sident of the Presbyterian Branch of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement. He also took a leading part in the foundation of the Scotch College in 1896, since when he has served as a member of the Council controlling its affairs. He is President of the Western Australian Deaf and Dumb Institution, having been associated with its Committee since its inception in 1896; and has been a member of the Committee of the local Auxiliary of the British and Foreign
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Francis Arnold Moseley.
Bible Society since its establishment over a quarter of a century ago. Mr. Moseley was married at Nassau, Bahamas, in 1880 to a daughter of the late Honourable S. O. Johnson, of that place, the issue of the marriage being five sons.
FRANCIS LESLIE STOW, LL.D., Assistant Parliamentary Draughtsman, is a son of the late Mr. Justice Stow, who came to South Australia from Suffolk, England, in 1839. The late gentleman took a prominent part in the public affairs of South Australia and was a member of Parliament for many years. He held office as Attorney-General during three Administrations and in 1876 was appointed third Judge of the Supreme Court, a position he filled with great dignity up to the time of his death in 1878. Mr. Stow was born at North Adelaide on October 16, 1869, and at the close of his scholastic career was articled to the law with Mr. Leonard Bakewell, of that city. He
was called to the Bar in 1892 and continued in tho practice of his profession at Adelaide for eleven years. At the end of that period he came to Western Australia and was admitted to the Western Australian Bar in 1903. In June, 1910, he was appointed to his present position of Assistant Parliamentary Draughtsman. He is a Doctor of Laws of the University of Adelaide, having first taken the degree of LL.B. at that institution in 1892.
CHARLES ALLAN SHERARD, Taxing Master, Deputy-Master and Deputy-Registrar of the Supreme Court, is the eldest son of the late Mr. Charles Wale Sherard, of Ballarat, one of the first wardens of the goldfields appointed in Victoria. Ho was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Geelong, and at the Melbourne University. Serving his articles in the office of Messrs.
S. F. & Thomas Mann, solicitors, Ballarat, and with the late Mr. Henry Field Gurner, Crown Solicitor of Victoria, he was admitted in 1880 as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He continued to practise in that State at Ballarat, Horsham, and Charlton until 1896. Coming to Western Australia he held appointments in the offices of Messrs. James and Darbyshire and Messrs. Moorhead and Northmore, solicitors, of Perth, until July 1, 1898, when he entered the Government Service as Taxing Master of the Supreme Court. For twelve months (1902 to 1903) he was Acting Master of the Supreme Court in the absence of the Master (Mr. F. A. Moseley), and in 1909 filled the same position for five months. He has been District Registrar of the High Court of Australia at Perth since the inception of the Court in 1903, and is a barrister and solicitor of Victoria and Western Australia and of the High Court, of Australia.
GERVASE CLIFTON, Curator of Intestate Estates, is a son of the late Mr. William Carmault Clifton, and was born at Albany, Western Australia, on April 24, 1863. In 1874, having received a nomination for the Royal Navy from Sir William F. C. Robinson, the Governor of Western Australia, Mr. Clifton was sent to St. Peter’s College, Adelaide, to be educated, but owing
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
481
to continued ill-health he was unable to present himself for examination in Sydney in July, 1875. His nomination therefore lapsed. In 1876 he proceeded to Tasmania and completed his education at the Hutchins School, Hobart, returning to his native town in 1880. At the age of seventeen he turned his attention to surveying work, and obtained his first experience in a survey camp at Albany under the direction of Mr. Charles D. Price. In 1882 Mr. Clifton proceeded to England with his parents and joined the London office of the Peninsular and Orient Steam Navigation Company, where he continued for ten years, holding various positions in the service. Resigning at the end of that time he returned to Western Australia in 1892, and in March of the following year accepted a clerical appointment in the office of the Curator of Intestate Estates and Official Receiver. During the temporary absence of the head of the department in 1897 Mr. Clifton assumed control of his duties as Curator of Intestate Estates for several months, and in 1898 was permanently appointed to the post which he still holds. While in London he became a member of the volunteer corps, in which he served seven years, and was for two years associated with the military forces
Bartletto,
Perth.
Mr. Gervase Clifton.
of Western Australia, having joined the Civil Service Corps with the rank of Lieutenant and Acting Quartermaster. Although Mr. Clifton at the present time finds his chief recreation in piscatorial pursuits, he
FF
has always taken a keen interest in cricket, and filled the position of Vice-President of the Perth Cricket Club for many years. During the visit to Albany in May, 1881, of the Royal Princes on board H.M.S. “Bacchante” he was a member of the Albany cricket team, and had the honour of bowling the first ball to His Majesty King George V. Mr. Clifton married in February, 1898, Elizabeth C., daughter of the late Mr. Geo. M. Oldenbourg, of Colima, Mexico. His second wife, to whom he was united in 1905, is the only daughter of the late Mr. W. Shakespeare Hall, of Cossack, Western Australia. He has a son and three daughters.
ALFRED EARLE BURT, Registrar of Titles in the Land Titles Department of the Government Service, was born at St. Kitts,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Alfred Earle Burt.
West Indies, on August 13, 1852, and is the son of the late Chief Justice, Sir Archibald Pauli Burt. He was brought to Western Australia in 1861 and educated at the Anglican Bishops’ Collegiate School, Perth. He entered the Civil Service in June. 1871, as clerk to the Chief Justice, was transferred to the Colonial Secretary’s Office in 1873, and during the following year acted as clerk to Governor Weld. In 1875 he was employed in the Audit Office, at the end of that year being transferred to the Marine Survey Department filling the position as draughtsman there for three years. He was next connected with the
Crown Lands Department, and from January, 1880, to the middle of 1881 acted as Registrar of Titles and Deeds. He was then retransferred to his former post in the Lands Department, which he retained until 1890, when he received appointment to his present position, having previously held the position of Acting Registrar for two years, with the exception of a short interval.
WILLIAM ALLNUTT SAW, Inspector of Plans and Surveys and Assistant Registrar of Titles, is a
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Allnutt Saw.
son of the late Mr. Henry Saw, merchant, of Perth, where the subject of this notice was born on October 28, 1860. At the termination of his scholastic studies in 1876 he was articled to Mr. J. S. Brooking, staff surveyor in the Survey Department. Upon the completion of his indentures he was engaged in the department under Sir John Forrest, then Deputy Surveyor-General, and accompanied him as assistant surveyor on two survey expeditions— one in 1881 to ascertain the nature of the country for the proposed Great Southern Railway, and the other in 1882 to survey the country traversed by the Gascoyne, Lyndon, and Minilya Rivers. In 1883 he was assistant surveyor to Mr. J. S. Brooking, who was in charge of the survey expedition to the Fitzroy River, West Kimberley, and in 1884 Mr. Saw started on his own account, undertaking contract surveys for the department. In January, 1893, he
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
was offered and accepted a position in the Land Titles Office which he still holds. He has made a special study of the administration of offices similar to his own, visiting personally the Titles Offices in Sydney and Melbourne and the Lands Registry Office in London in order to avail himself of any methods by which the workings of his office may be made more advantageous In 1906 he was elected by the professional division of the Public Service to represent them on the Appeal Board con-
stituted under the Public Service Act, receiving re-election on two subsequent occasions. When the municipality was created at North Fremantle he was elected as a councillor and retained the seat for six years. His chief hobby is the cultivation of a small orchard and farm which he owns at Darlington, where he spends his week-ends and gains recreation in this healthful pursuit; but he is also a well-known figure on the King’s Park Bowling Green when in town. He is a life member
and one of the Vice-Presidents of the King’s Park Bowling Club, and one of the councillors of the Institute of Surveyors, Western Australia, of which body he is also Hon. Treasurer. He is fond of travel, having been twice round the world on pleasure bent. In 1897 he became a Fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute, London. In the same year he married a daughter of the late Dr. Staples, of London, and has a family of three sons and five daughters.
Education Department.
Minister of Education. Erom To
Sir Edward Horne Wittenoom Deo. 4, 1894 May, 1897
Henry Bruce Lefroy May, 1897 May 27, 1901
Walter Kingsmill June 24, 1902 Aug. 10, 1904
Henry Daglish Thomas Henry Bath Aug 10, 1904 June 7, 1905
June 7, 1905 Aug 25. 1905
Walter Kingsmill Aug 25, 1905 May, 1906
John Leighton Nanson June 30, 1909 Oct. 7, 1911
Thomas Walker Oct. 7. 1911 Still in office
In this list there are, it will be noticed, several breaks in time During the periods of these gaps there was not a Minister of the Crown holding either alone or in conjunction the portfolio of Education
The following are the principal members of the official staff of the department: —
Inspector-General of Schools—Mr C R. P. Andrews, M.A.
Chief Inspector of Schools—Mr. R. Hope Robertson, M.A.
Director of Technical Education—Mr F B Allen, M A., B.Sc.
Principal of the Training College—Mr. W J Rooney, B.A.
Piincipal of the Modern School—Mr. F. G. Brown,
B.A , B Sc. (Mr. Brown is on the point of leaving Western Australia, having been appointed Director of the Commonwealth Naval College).
Inspectors—Messrs R. Gamble, Wallace Clubb, B.A., J. A. Klein, M.A., H. W. Wheeler, J. Parsons, M.A., J. A. Miles, B.A., and P H. Gladman, M.A.
Organizer of Manual Training—Mr. J. Hart.
Organizer of Household Management—Miss M. Jordan.
Inspectress of Needlework—Miss J. A. Nisbet.
Advisory Teacher in Nature Study—Mr. C. G. Hamilton.
Chief Compulsory Officer—Mr. W. E. Wray.
The following general information, including statistics, is taken from the Annual Report of the Department for the year 1911.
“Enrolment and Attendance.—The yean 1911 was one of rapid growth in the Government Primary Schools. The number of scholars on the rolls at the end of the year exceeded that for 1910 by 2,922. This is a larger addition than has been recorded for any year since 1897. The growth was maintained throughout the year. For some years past the enrolment on the last school day has been lower than the average enrolment for the year, owing to the fact that many children who have reached the age of fourteen leave school before the end of the year, while comparatively few begin their school life at this period In 1911, however, the rolls on the last school day showed an excess of 378 over the average enrolment for the year. The increase corresponds to the rapid growth of population during the year, and is largely due to immigration.
“The average enrolment for the year showed an increase of 2,305, and the average attendance an increase of 2,006 The percentage of attendance to enrolment was 84-21, which is very slightly above the average of the last seven years, and is higher than that recorded for any year before that period. It is worthy of note that while the population increased by about 57 per cent, in the period of ten years between the last two censuses, the average attendance in the State Primary Schools increased by nearly 80 per cent. The rush to the goldfields at the end of the last century brought us a large number of young unmarried men and also many married men who had left their wives and families behind them. During the last ten years the population has been steadily approaching more normal and settled conditions.
“The following table gives the figures for the last five years:—
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483
Tear, Average Enrolment. Average Attendance. Percentage of Attendance to Enrolment. Numbers on Bolls at end of Yeai,
1907 29,679 24,950 84-07 29,074
1908 30,176 25,141 83-31 29,921
1909 31,341 26,673 85 11 31,305
1910 32,664 27,442 84-01 32,425
1911 34,969 29,448 84 21 35,347
“Schools in Operation.—The numbers of Government Primary Schools open for the last five years are shown in the following table: —•
Year. Schools open at some time during the Tear. Schools open at eud of Year.
1907 395 381
1908 423 414
1909 445 434
1910 468 455
1911 504 495
“The number of schools open in 1902 was 250 • it has thus been more than doubled in nine years.
“Forty-two new schools were opened in 1911, and nine which had previously been closed were reopened. Two schools that were open in 1910 were not opened in 1911, and nine others were closed during the year.
“Of the forty-two new schools one was in the metropolitan district, two were in mining districts, seven were at timber mills, and thirty-two were in agricultural or pastoral districts. Of the schools closed or not reopened during the year three were in mining districts, one was at a timber mill, one at a North-West port, and six were in agricultural districts.
“Expenditure.—The cost per head, calculated on the number of children in the Primary Schools, has risen for the financial year 1910-11, as shown in the following table: —
Year. Cost per Head ou Aveiage Attendance. Cost per Head on Average Enrolment.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
1907-8 ... 5 9 1 4 10 11
1908 9 5 6 7J 4 9 114
1909-10 5 6 iii 4 10 6
1910-11 5 10 6J 4 13 0|
“The increase is mainly due to the greater number of small country schools, and to the fact that the salaries of teachers in such schools have been improved. The lower figures in the two previous financial years were largely the result of the stoppage of teachers’ increments in 1909.
“The expenses included in this calculation are the salaries and allowances of teachers, and the cost of stock, apparatus, and upkeep of schools. The cost of the trains’s-2
ing of teachers, of manual training and cookery (for which a special vote is provided), of inspection, and of departmental administration, is not included The cost of furniture and buildings, which are assets not consumed during the year, is also excluded If all these are included with the exception of the Public Works Department’s votes for buildings and initial equipment, the cost per head on the average attendance is £6 10s 3d., and on the average enrolment £5 9s. 8d
“The mean population of the State for the financial year 1910-11 was 277,928. The total expenditure of the Education Department was £202,176, or about 14s. 6|d. per head of the population.
“Teachers —The number of teachers employed at the end of the year was 1,109, showing an increase of seventy-eight for the year. Of this number sixty-six were sewing mistresses, employed, for three hours a week only, in schools where there were no female teachers. One hundred and six were monitors: about one-third of these had been through the Normal School and were teaching in the schools for one year before entering the Training College; the remainder were for the most part employed in country schools where the attendance did not warrant the appointment of an assistant
“Of the 937 regular adult teachers, 485 were head teachers and 452 were assistants. The percentage of male teachers has again fallen—from 41’6 to 39‘5 Our experience is this matter resembles that of other countries in the decreasing proportion of men, but the discrepancy here is not nearly so great as in many other parts of the world.
“The percentage of unclassified teachers shows a slight rise—from 30-2 to 32 4 This is mainly accounted for by the increase in the number of small country schools, which are generally held by unclassified teachers Among the assistants over 79 per cent were classified teachers Of the 304 unclassified teachers 142 have passed some part of their examinations for classification.
“The classified teachers are divided into the A, B, and C classes. The numbers in Class A fell from 49 to 46; this decrease is mainly due to the appointment of inspectors and the transfer of a teacher to the Modern School. The numbers in Class B have risen from 241 to 261, and those in Class C from 306 to 327. The numbers in the highest grade of Class A fell from 22 to 21; those in the higher grade of Class B rose from 149 to 153, and those in the higher grade of Class C fell from 269 to 267.
"Medical Inspection.—Many of the large schools in the principal towns have had medical inspections during the last few years. In 1911 an attempt was made, for the first time, to organize a fairly complete system of medical inspection throughout the State.
“The Health Act of 1911 provides that the Medical Officer of Health in any district shall be the Medical
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Officer for Schools. In those parts of the State where there are no local health authorities, the District Medical Officer becomes the Medical Officer for Schools. For the principal centres (the Metropolitan and Kalgoorlic-Boulder districts) two full-time Medical Officers for Schools have been engaged. Each of these is assisted by a nurse. The intention is that every child shall be examined at least twice during his school life—for the first time shortly after he enters the school, and for the second time shortly before he leaves. At the first inspection under the new system every child will be examined. At subsequent inspections those who have not been examined before, those who are nearing the leaving age, and those whom the teacher considers to be in any way defective or abnormal will be examined, as well as any others whom the Medical Officer thinks it advisable to reexamine. Where the attention of the parents has been called to any defect in a child, a re-ox-amination is to be made within three months. It is hoped that practically every school will be inspected at least once a year. These provisions apply to private schools as well as to State schools.”
Information concerning the beginnings of the educational system of the State is somewhat scanty, but from the fact that we find one Lancelot T. Cooke schoolmaster at Perth in the early thirties, paid partly by fees and partly by Government grant, there is evidence that the need for some measure of elementary instruction was recognized by the authorities of the little colony. In the organization of the Civil Service which took place after Sir James Stirling’s return from England in July, 1834, we find that £250—£50 each—was set down for the salaries of schoolmasters at Perth, Fremantle, Guildford, King George Sound, and Augusta. So far as can be ascertained, the curriculum was practically limited to the three R’s. These teachers were under the control of Boards.
The system was carried on in this way until 1856, when Governor Kennedy, who was a warm admirer of
the Irish National Schools, remodelled it along those lines. The result was far from satisfactory to the Roman Catholic portion of the community, and for years they agitated for a Government grant towards the upkeep of their denominational schools. Addresses were presented to the Legislative Council in 1869 asking for a separate grant apart from a share in the general grant controlled by the Board of Education. The Governor, in compliance with the request, asked the Council to consider a motion to grant to the Roman Catholic Church the sum of £500 annually for educational purposes. This proposal the Council rejected. Appeal was then had to the Secretary of State, but he declined to interfere, considering it to be a matter which the colonists should settle for themselves, and that it might well be taken into consideration by the newly-established
R e p r e s en tative Council. That body, however, also declined during the first-session to make any alteration in the existing system; but during the recess the position became so acute that at the second session an Elementary Education Act was passed and a satisfactory settlement arrived at.
Under the Act the control of education was vested in a Central Board of Education consisting of the Colonial Secretary (as Chairman) and four laymen of different denominations appointed by the Governor for three years. This Board had control of all schools receiving Government aid, but only so far as secular instruction was concerned. District Boards for the various centres were also established ; these consisted of five members elected for three years by the people of the district. Schools were divided into two classes—Government schools and denominational schools receiving State assistance. The first class was entitled to an annual capitation grant of £2 15s. per scholar, and the second to £1 7s. 6d. In Government schools teaching was confined to purely secular subjects, while in those founded by the various religious denominations it was not. Religious teachers could also give instruction in Govern-
Technical School, St. George's Terrace. Perth.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
485
ment schools for one hour either before or after the ordinary day’s work, but the attendance of children was not compulsory. Inspectors could not examine in religious subjects. All children between the ages of six and fourteen and residing within three miles of a school were compelled to attend. Parents had to pay a small weekly fee for their children.
The Act thus established a system which was compulsory, but not purely secular nor altogether free. As a practical measure, however, it was entirely satisfactory, and did not call for amendment until 1893, when, through the establishment of responsible government, a desire was evinced to bring the various institutions of the colony more into line with the advancement of thought.
By the amending Act of that year the Central Board of Education was abolished and the department
within any district; requiring children of compulsory age to attend every school day; making age, and not “standard passed,” the ground of exemption from attendance at school. Under this Act the Minister is empowered to grant exemption from attendance to children between twelve and fourteen years of age in case of poverty or sickness of parents.
Since 1899 amendments have been made—in 1905 and 1907—but they do not affect the principles of the Act. Elementary education in Western Australia is now both free and compulsory, but scarcely secular, as ministers of religion are permitted, under certain regulations, to teach the children of their own denomination for half an hour each week during school hours, and non-sectarian moral teaching is allowed.
With regard to the organization, schools are divided into three classes—State, Provisional, and Sparsely -
Modern School, subiaco.
constituted under a Minister of Education, who is assisted in different districts by various committees, who act largely as Boards of Advice. Two years later State aid to assisted schools was abolished by the Assisted Schools Abolition Act, each of the four participating denominations—Anglican, Roman Catholic, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian—receiving a lump sum in commutation to their claims under the Act of 1871.
The year 1899 was marked by the passing of an entirely new measure, “The Public Education Act, 1899.” School fees were abolished and the compulsory provisions made more stringent than in previous Acts. Among these may be mentioned: —The forbidding of employment of children of school age during school hours, except by special permission of the Minister; providing for the registration and efficiency of private schools; empowering a census to be taken of all children
peopled Districts Schools. All those with an average attendance of twenty or over are classed as State schools; below that they fall into one or other of the remaining divisions which are designed to meet the wants of the settler outback in the sparsely populated areas. The Provisional Schools are divided into two sections—those with an attendance of from fifteen to twenty, and those with from ten to fifteen. Ten is practically the smallest number upon which the Government can establish a school. To provide, however, for cases where less than ten children have to be catered for, the sparsely-peopled districts regulations have been framed. Under these the Government makes a grant at the rate of £7 (or on the goldfields £8 10s.) per head per annum on the average attendance, on condition that the settlers served agree to contribute an additional amount, so as to give the teacher a salary of at least £60 a year. In these cases
486 tHE CYCRof’EDlA OF
the settlers have also to provide a room for the school. There is still another arrangement for the benefit of the settler—the half-time school, where two small communities are sufficiently close to enable a school to be established at each centre, with a teacher who divides his time between the two. In these smaller schools the standard of teaching is, so far as ordinary 'subjects are concerned, practically the same as m the larger establishments.
Attendance, it will be remembered, is not compulsory beyond the three-mile limit, but to encourage the settlers living outside that radius to send their children to school a riding or driving allowance of 6d. a day is made by the Government to parents of children who attend regularly, such allowance being in the nature of compensation for the withdrawal of a horse from active work on the farm.
So far as the general school work is concerned the department takes advantage of every assistance that modern scholastic equipment is able to render. The classrooms are well designed, and the children are encouraged to make them bright and cheerful. Extensive recreation grounds surround the school, and in one corner there is generally to be found a plot devoted to experiments m horticulture. The teaching syllabus aims at awakening the child’s intelligence and at giving him that broad general knowledge that will enable him to meet the wider outlook of life. Many subjects outside the old-established three R’s are included m the curriculum. In the advanced classes especially courses of instruction are undertaken which but a very few years ago were looked upon as “extra” and charged for accordingly. Admirable as the curriculum is, however, it is not considered perfect, and conferences have recently been held by the various members of the inspectorial and teaching staff with the idea of making considerable alteration. The revised programme, it is expected, will be ready for use at the beginning of 1913.
No review of the curriculum would be complete without mention of those modern adjuncts of the educational system—manual training, household economy, and Nature study. The first two are as yet only possible in centres of population where the necessary rooms and other facilities are obtainable, but the opportunities for Nature study are unrestricted. Quoting from the Annual Report: —“Manual training in woodwork was given in 1911 to 3,427 boys. the corresponding figures in 1910 were 2,889. New centres were opened at Collie, Cue, Greenbushes, Kanowna, Pingelly, Smith’s Mill, Wellington Mill, and Thomas Street (Perth). At the end of the year there were thirty-six distinct centres equipped for this work. No school with an average attendance of 150 children is now without provision for woodwork, either at the school itself or in a neighbouring centre, while at least ten schools in which the average attendance is less than a hundred are equipped for the purpose.
Western Australia.
“The provision of a special room for woodwork with its equipment of benches and tools is necessarily ex\ pensive. While it is obviously impossible to provide in this way for very small country schools, it is evident that such work is of great value to the children m the sparsely-peopled parts of the State. A start has been made during the year m the direction of meeting their needs. A class of instruction for male teachers of small country schools was held m September, and a further class of the same kind during the Christmas holidays. An inexpensive bench-top was devised which can be fitted on to the ordinary school desk, and courses of work were suggested which can be carried out with a very modest outfit of tools. The work undertaken will have special bearing upon the environment of the school, more particularly in the agricultural districts. Provision is made for the necessary equipment in 1912 of the schools in which there are qualified teachers, and it is hoped that the movement thus begun will be considerably extended in future years.
“Instruction in household management—cookery, laundry-work, and housewifery—was given to 2,372 girls. The corresponding figures for 1910 were 1,998. New centres were opened at Geraldton and Bunbury, and the centre at Midland Junction, which was open for a few weeks only m 1910, was in full work throughout the year.
In some towns where the number of pupils is insufficient to occupy the time of the special teacher throughout the year, the centre is opened for six months only. During this period the girls attend for a whole day in each week instead of for a half-day, and during this period they drop their needlework. During the other half of the year they give additional time to the latter subject.”
During 1911 Continuation Classes were established m fourteen different centres, and were attended by nearly
1,000 pupils. These classes are intended to provide for those who leave school on attaining the age of fourteen, but are desirous of continuing their studies. Though they are not a complete substitute for the day classes, they are of great advantage to those whom stress of circumstances compels to seek employment at the earliest possible age. The classes are free to those who attend regularly for three evenings a week. Though as yet to some extent tentative, the scheme is being developed on systematic lines, and after attaining a certain standard pupils will be enabled to specialize in those directions likely to be of most value to them in after life.
“The question of agricultural education has also,” says the report, ‘received consideration, and it is hoped that special schools for the purpose will be established on some of the State Farms, where buildings that can be adapted for the purpose are already existing The schools will combine practical instruction in farm work with some further general education and special attention to those subjects which bear upon the work of the farmer.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
487
The Agricultural Department will co-operate with the Education Department in the organization of the schools. The provision of suitable teachers will be a source of difficulty at first, but the establishment of the University, with endowment for a Chair of Agriculture, will soon enable us to meet our needs in this direction.”
As an inducement to continue at school beyond the statutory age of fourteen, a number of bursaries of the value of £10 each are annually given by the Government. The exact number depends upon the degree of competency shown by the candidates, but ranges in the neighbourhood of thirty. The holder of a bursary must remain at school for an additional year, must be regular and punctual for three-fourths of the time, and be of good conduct.
To reward merit and encourage the brighter pupils various exhibitions are offered. These are divided into two grades—junior and senior— and are each tenable for one year.
The value of the junior—of which there are twelve —is £15 each, and of the senior —seven in number—£25. Like the bursaries, they are condi-tional upon good conduct and regular attendance.
Further, fifty Secondary School scholarships are offered for competition, the winners of which may attend the Modern School or any other recognized Secondary School in the State. They are tenable for three years, and arc valued at £10 per year. Should a successful student come from a country district, and therefore be obliged to board in the metropolis, an additional allowance of £30 per annum is made.
Beyond these the State offers three University exhibitions of the value of £150 each per year for three years, the successful candidates being required to,enter into residence at some recognized British University. Doubtless these will become attached to the University of Western Australia as soon as that institution is in a position to afford the requisite instruction.
Recognizing the great advantages to be gained by the department in being able to train its own teachers, the idea of a Training College was mooted some twelve years
ago, and in 1902 the college was formally opened. It has a large number of non-residential students, and is able to accommodate about sixty with residence. Entrance is gained by competitive examination, the successful competitor receiving a three years’ course of free training. By means of the college the staff of the department is increased by about thirty trained teachers annually.
A very important phase of departmental activity is to be found in the Technical Schools’ Branch, which enables those who have passed beyond the age of ordinary primary education, and are for the most part employed in one way or another, to secure special training in subjects of value to them in industrial, commercial, or professional life. The value of a properly-equipped system of technical education to a community has long been recognized, and in many countries has either been established by local authority or as the result of private benefaction such as the Working Men’s College in Melbourne. In Western Australia, however, the work has been left to the State, which, though late in starting, has made up in the interest exhibited.
Starting in 1900 with the Perth Technical School this branch of the department has made rapid progress, and its work is no longer confined to the metropolis. Advanced work is being taken also at Boulder and Fremantle, and at Kalgoorlie by the School of Mines. Branches in other centres deal almost wholly with preparatory work, mostly in Continuation Classes. The Perth School is affiliated to Adelaide University, and provides for the full course for the degree of Bachelor of Science and for parts of the courses in music and arts also. The enrolments at the Technical Schools throughout the State of Western Australia during the year 1911 reached nearly 2,500, about 900 of whom were in Continuation Classes. Nearly two-thirds attended the main centres: —Perth, 960; Fremantle, 300 ; Kalgoorlie, 260; and Boulder, 320; and are sufficient to show that given the facilities the youth of our towns are anxious to take advantage of them.
i
James Street Public'Schools.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
The most recent departure in State education has been the establishment of the Perth Modern School—the first incursion of the State into the realms of secondary education. Housed in a building of most modern design and situated in one of the finest positions in the metropolitan area, this school was opened in February, 1911. Its scope and the progress made during the first year are admirably summarized in the Annual Report: —
‘‘The Modern School is intended to give a four years’ course to children from about the age of thirteen. The first two years’ work is to a great extent common to all; the work of the two final years is to a considerable degree specialized. As far as possible, the school attempts to meet the needs of the future University students, of the future teachers, of those who wish to enter upon commercial, agricultural, or other scientific careers, and of girls who wish to be prepared for domestic life. Provision is made for thoroughly practical work in the laboratories and workshops. The school was opened at the beginning of the year with 226 pupils. There is a wide demand for further accommodation, and the two wings which will complete the original plan are to be added during the present year. The school will then provide for an attendance of about 400.
“The organization of a school of this kind presents many difficulties, and the initial work in starting the new institution was very heavy. Great credit is due to the
headmaster and his staff for the success with which the school has passed through its opening year.
“This is the first High School with a four years’ course provided by the State. It affords a connecting-link between the Primary School and the University, and an opportunity of higher education to those who are unable to pay the fees of the older non-State Secondary Schools. It is hoped that advantages of the same kind will be extended to other parts of the State. In the smaller towns the needs of the districts will be met, as far as possible, by the establishment of upper classes connected with the Primary Schools, but specially staffed. As the numbers grow and the demand increases, distinct High Schools may be formed. Opportunities of this kind are now being widely provided in other parts of Australia, and the Commonwealth is rapidly wiping away the reproach that, while much was done by the States for primary education, they gave little attention or assistance to secondary education. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia are all developing fast in this direction; we ought not to be behind-hand. Such an extension of Secondary School work will do much in the way of providing students for our new University, and will render it accessible to residents of other parts of the State besides the metropolitan district.”
The coping-stone of the whole State system of education—the University—is now in course of erection.
CECIL ROLLO PAYTON ANDREWS, M.A., Inspector-General of Schools, Western Australia, was born at London on February 2, 1870. He is a son of the Rev. J. M. Andrews, Vicar of St. Jude’s, Gray’s Inn Road, London, and received his education at the Merchant Tailors’ School, where he won a scholarship and an exhibition. Proceeding to St. John’s College, Oxford, he obtained 1st Class Honours in Classical Moderations and 2nd Class Honours in Literse Humaniores, graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1892, and received his M.A. degree five years later. In 1893 he became assistant master of Highgate School, and in the following year transferred his services to Forest School in the capacity of sixth form master. Subsequently Mr. Andrews spent four years as resident tutor in the Battersea Training College, London, and leaving this institution in 1900 came to Western Australia, where his first appointment was that of principal of the Training College at Claremont. In 1903 he was appointed Inspector-General of Schools for Western Australia, and has retained this post ever since. He was a member of the
Royal Commission appointed in 1909 to consider the question of establishing a University in Western Australia, and assisted in framing the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Cecil Rollo Payton Andrews.
report upon which the University was founded. He is a member of the first Senate of the University, and at
the inaugural meeting of that body was unanimously elected Pro-Chancellor. In 1911, on behalf of the Government of the State, Mr. Andrews attended an Educational Congress held in London, and afterwards prosecuted his inquiries in the interests of education in various countries of Europe, securing information likely to prove of considerable service to his department. Mr. Andrews is also a member of the Government Tender Board. He is fond of outdoor sport, his favourite recreations being rowing, tennis, and golf.
FRANCIS BOWEN ALLEN, M.A., B.Sc., Director of Technical Education, Perth, is a native of Nelson, New Zealand, where he was born in 1867. In the early stages of his educational career he was awarded a University scholarship, and proceeding to the University of Otago undertook the course for the degree of Master of Arts, which he obtained with first-class honours in mathematics and mathematical physics. Subsequently he added to his
489
scholastic attainments the degree of B.Sc., besides taking a full course of study for the associateship of the School of Mines. After leaving the School of Mines he was engaged in connection with mining properties on the west coast of New Zealand.
Bartletlo, Perth.
Mr. Francis Bowen Allen.
In 1892 he was appointed Instructor to the Thames School of Mines, New Zealand, and subsequently assumed and retained the direction of that institution for several years. Mr. Allen came to Western Australia in 1902, under engagement to the Government, to establish a School of Mines at Kalgoorlie. His responsibilities were further added to in 1906, when he was given control of the technical schools throughout the State.
WILLIAM J. ROONEY, B.A., Principal of the Training College, Claremont, is a son of Mr. J. P. Rooney, District Inspector of Schools, New South Wales. He was born in the Mother State in June, 1863, where also he received his education in her public and secondary schools, subsequently graduating at the University of Sydney, where he took honours in the School of Philosophy. He was educated for the teaching profession at the Sydney Training College, and afterwards filled various positions as assistant master in different schools, his first
appointment being at Wickham, near Newcastle. At a later date he was transferred to Crown Street, Sydney, then the largest school in Australia, as first assistant, an appointment he resigned in 1895, and leaving the service of the Education Department became connected with several secondary schools as visiting master and also acted as private coach for the University examinations. In 1896 Mr. Rooney was offered by the Government of Western Australia his choice between two appointments—an inspectorship or to open the Perth Boys' School at James Street. The latter task was undertaken by the subject of our notice, but four years later he accepted the post of inspector, and filled it for three
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William J. Rooney.
years, when he was appointed Principal of the Training College, succeeding the present Inspector-General, Mr. C. R. Andrews. In 1909 Mr. Rooney was offered and accepted the appointment of Director of Education in Tasmania, but family reasons intervened which prevented him from entering upon the duties of this position. With the Chief Inspector of Schools and the Director of Technical Education, he continues to act as one of the three sub-heads of the Education Department in Western Australia. Outside his professional duties Mr. Rooney devotes much time to literary and historical subjects, on
which he is well known as a local lecturer. He finds recreation in amateur gardening and tennis. He has always been a general advocate of athletics and while at the University won the championship for running in middle distances.
ROBERT HOPE ROBERTSON, M.A., Chief Inspector of Schools, Education Department, Perth, is a Victorian by birth, having been born at Melbourne in 1863. At the close of his educational course at the Hawthorn Grammar School he became a student at the University of Melbourne and graduated with the degree of Master of Arts in 1885 with final honours in natural science. After leaving the University he was appointed classical master at Geelong Grammar School, and subsequently received the appointment of assistant master at the Melbourne Grammar School, in which institution he continued for eleven years, being promoted to the post of second master, which ho filled for seven years, and one year acting headmaster. In 1895 Mr. Robertson resigned his position, and in the following year came to Western Aus-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Robert Hope Robertson.
tralia, where he accepted the appointment of Inspector of Schools. In 1912 he was promoted to be Chief Inspector of Schools in Western Australia, and has since discharged the duties of this office.
490
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Public Works Department.
When the newly-established Representative Council decided, during the early seventies, that progress lay at any rate partly along the line of a vigorous public works policy, .made possible by loan money, the office of Commissioner of Railways and Director of Public Works was created to administer the new order of things. This office was continued as a Ministerial appointment after the establishment of responsible government, and it was not until 1901 that two distinct positions were created with the titles “Minister for Works” and "Minister for Railways.” The one Minister has on occasion since that time held the two portfolios, but the departments have been regarded as entirely separate.
Ministerial control since 1890 has been vested as under:—
Ministex. Fiom To
Harry Whittall Venn ... Dec. 29, 1890 Mar. 10, 1896
Frederick Henry Piesse Mar. 10, 1896 Aug 23, 1900
Barrington Charles Wood Aug 23, 1900 May 27, 1901
Walter Kingsmill May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Timothy Francis Quinlan Nov. 21, 1901 Dec. 23, 1901
Sir Cornthwaite Hector Rason Dec. 23, 1901 April 20, 1901
John Leighton Nanson April 20, 1904 Aug. 10, 1904
William Hartnell Johnson Aug. 10, 1901 June 7, 1905
Patrick J oseph Lynch June 7, 1905 Aug. 25, 1905
Frank Wilson Aug. 25, 1905 May 7, 1906
James Price May 7, 1906 June 30, 1909
Frank Wilson June 30, 1909 Sepi. 16, 1910
Henry Daglish Sept 16, 1910 Oct. 7, 1911
William Hartnell Johnson Oct. 7, 1911 Still n office
Under the reorganization of the various departments necessary to meet the altered conditions after autonomy was granted, the office of Under-Secretary for Railways and Public Works was conferred upon Mr. Alpin P. Thompson. The abnormal expansion which followed upon the gold discoveries, however, soon made it impossible for one officer to fulfil the requirements of both Works and Railways, and Mr. Thompson became Under-Secretary for Railways, while the position of Under-Secretary for Works was conferred upon Mr Martin Edward Jull. This officer retained it until April, 1905, when he resigned to take up the duties of Public Service Commissioner. He was succeeded by Mr. F. L. Stronach, who resigned only recently, his place being taken by the present occupant of the position, Mr. C. A. Munt.
The department, which controls the votes for all constructive works whether built from revenue or loan funds, is generally recognized as the spending department of the Government. For administrative purposes it is split up into three branches—the Head Office, Engineering Division, and Architectural Division. Under the Head Office are included the Minister’s Office, Undersecretary’s Office, Correspondence Branch, Accountant’s
Branch, Lands Resumption and Estate Branch, and Roads Boards Office. The Engineering Division is further divided into Railway Construction, Harbours and Rivers, and Roads and Bridges Branches; while the Architectural Division confines itself to the erection and maintenance of all public buildings throughout the State. Until recently the Engineering Division also comprised the Goldfields Water Supply, Water Supply generally, Metropolitan Water Supply and Drainage, and Boring. These have now, with the Mines Water Supply Branch of the Department of Mines, been amalgamated and organized as a new department as the Water Supply and Sewerage Department, the administrative control of which also rests m the Minister of Works, and over which the Engineer-in-Chief still exercises executive control.
According to the most recent report issued, for the year ending June 30, 1911,'the total expenditure on public works was: —
From Revenue £161,467
From Loan 1,009,825
From Government Property Sales Fund 34,856
Total £1,206,148
This amount was distributed over the following classes of work. —
Fiom Revenue. From Load. From Govern- ment Property Sales Fund. Total.
£ £ £ £
Departmental 9,467 55,880 3,186 68,533 503,881
Railways and Tramways . 7,203 496,678 —
Harbours and Rivers 16,973 113,515 — 130,488
Fremantle Dock and Slip — 45,319 — 45,319
Public Buildings 64,776 50,133 25,043 139,952
Water Supply, etc 5,526 14,929 117 20,572
Sewerage — 89,097 — 89,097
Roads and Bridges 52,794 51,138 6,510 110,442
Development of Agriculture Miscellaneous Works and — 59,392 — 59,392
Services 4,728 26,688 — 31,416
Abattoirs Cold Storage — 7,128 — 7,128
Total 161,467 1,009,897 34,856 1,206,220
The total expenditure from loan funds on public works up to the present has been about £23,000,000, of which nearly £13,000,000 have been invested in railways and nearly £7,000,000 in harbours and rivers and water supply, showing that the stockholders’ money has been put to good uses.
One section of the Head Office administration which perhaps requires a little explanation is that dealing with Lands Resumption and Estate. This branch, of whicfy
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
491
Mr. T. S. J. Hall is in charge, deals with all resumptions of land required for public purposes, as well as with rents and other matters pertaining to properties let by the Government to private individuals. It has assumed a somewhat important position of lato owing to the extensive areas that have been resumed by the Government for railway, market, and cool storage facilities. All questions dealing with the price to be paid and negotiations connected therewith pass in the first instance through the Lands Resumption Branch, which is therefore required to exhibit the secrecy of a legal office, combined with the business acumen of an estate agency.
ARCHITECTURAL DIVISION.
The Architectural Division is under the control of the Chief Architect, Mr. Hillson Beasley, who is assisted
include all matters dealing with railway construction, harbour works, jetties, river improvements, roads and bridges, water supply, sewerage, drainage, and boring. The Engineer-in-Chief is Mr. James Thompson, B.E., M.I.C.E., who succeeded to the position in 1904. Mr. Thompson is also Consulting Engineer to the Fremantle Harbour Trust. He is assisted by Mr. John Muir, Inspector of Engineering Surveys; Mr. H. Oldham, Engineer for Water Supply and Drainage; and a large staff of qualified engineers in various branches of the work.
It is impossible to enter into anything like details of the valuable services rendered to the community by the Engineering Division of the Works Department. It is intimately concerned with all that makes for quick, safe, and easy communication within the State, and be-
Fremantle harbour.
by Mr. W. B. Hardwick (the Chief Draftsman) and Mr. George Allen (the Inspector of Construction and Maintenance). A large staff of draftsmen and supervisors is employed, all of whom find ample scope for their energies in this new country, which is continually calling for additional public buildings. The division is not only responsible for the erection and maintenance of all State edifices, but by arrangement with the Commonwealth Government is entrusted with the erection of such buildings as the Federal authorities may from time to time require in Western Australia.
ENGINEERING DIVISION.
The works under the control of the Engineer-in-Chief arc necessarily both varied and important. They
tween the State and the outside world. The water supply throughout the country depends upon its knowledge and despatch, and the health of the people is its immediate work in the direction of sewerage.
In railway construction alone the division has been responsible for the expenditure of nearly £13,000,000 of money; over £1,000,000 has been spent on the Fremantle Harbour; £2,500,000 were expended on the Cool-gardie Water Scheme; and proper sewerage and drainage for Perth and Fremantle is at present requiring large sums.
The railways have already been dealt with in a previous article, and in the general historical section will
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
be found an account of the Cooigardie Water Scheme and the Harbour Works at Fremantle. Both of these, started by the late Engmeer-m-Chief, Mr. C. Y. O'Connor, m the face of adverse professional reports, have justified both his expert knowledge and his faith. The goldfields are amply supplied with fresh water from Mundaring Weir, and ships of almost any size can find safe and convenient harbourage within the mouth of the Swan and Fremantle.
FREMANTLE HARBOUR WORKS.
The Fremantle Harbour Works, one of the most important works ever undertaken m Western Australia, were commenced m 1892, Lady Robinson, the wife of the late Sir W. C. F. Robinson, G.C.M.G., then Governoi of the colony, tipping the first truck of stone into the North Mole, m the presence of a large and representative gathering, on November 16 in that year.
The scheme of works, which has since been in active progress, was designed by, and until his death, in 1902, carried out under the direction of the Engineer-m-Chief for the State, the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor, M.Inst.C.E.,
C.M.G., and since under his successors in that office, Mr.
C. S. R. Palmer, M.Inst.C.E., and Mr. James Thompson, B.E., M.Inst.C.E. It has aimed at forming a safe and commodious harbour within the mouth of the Swan River, which will admit vessels of any burthen at ail states of the tide, and thus transfer the work of the port from the roadstead and its jetties to quays and goods sheds on the river banks.
The following principal features have characterized the scheme. —
(a) The throwing out of two ocean moles from the north and south heads, respectively, of the River Estuary, to protect the entrance.
(bj The blasting and dredging of a channel 450 ft. wide, and having a depth of 30 ft. at low water, through the rock bar which formerly crossed the whole width of the Estuary, and which, when the works were commenced, was mostly awash at low water :
(c) The dredging out, to a depth of 30 ft at low water, of an inner basin, about three-quarters of a mile in length and 1,400 ft. m width, between timber quays constructed along both sides
(d) The quay on the north side has a spur jetty running obliquely from its face, a distance of 400 ft., into the inner basin. The length of quayage provided for within the basin is about 10,800 ft , of which 5,475 ft is on north side and 5,325 ft. on south side. There is also a wharf along north mole 1,000 ft. and along south mole 300 ft
(e) The reclamation of about 54 acres of quay and warehouse space on the south side of the river, and of about 20 acres on the north side, making about 74 acres in all:
(f) The levelling down of Arthur’s Head, over most of its extent, to form additional space for railway sidings and good sheds, etc.
The moles have been built on the “Pierres Perdues” system, the stone used being limestone, sandstone, and granite. The limestone and sandstone, with the exception of a comparatively small quantity of similar stone from Arthur’s Head, was brought from the quarries at Rocky Bay, about two and a half miles up the Swan River from its mouth. The quarries are connected by railway lines to both moles. The line to the south mole crosses the river by a bridge
built alongside the previously existing railway bridge, which, while m the first instance it served foi
passage of the stone trains, was designed to ultimately iorm part of the intended duplication of the main line from Fremantle to Perth, to which use it is now applied, the mole having been completed.
The granite was used in the last 200 ft. at the extreme end of the north mole, and as a coating for the northern slope of the extension, and was brought from the Collie and Darlington Quarries. This mole was commenced m November, 1892. It was originally intended that it should extend out from Rous Head for 2,934 ft., but in January, 1895, when that length had been attained, it was decided to further extend it to a total length of 3,450 ft., terminating there in a rounded head, faced with selected stone, which length was attained in November, 1895. Here the top of the mole stands about 12 ft. above the highest recorded or observed tide, the height above same at shore end being 10 ft. The depth of water alongside, at the ocean end, is 28 ft. at low water.
The width of the mole on top, at the shore end, is about 30 ft, and at the ocean end, exclusive of the rounded head, about 52 ft.
The slope on the north, or exposed side, throughout is protected with the largest and heaviest stone obtainable from the quarries, varying from about 12 to 20 tons m weight, having a batter at present of about 2 to 1; the slope on the south side having a batter of about 1£ to 1.
A parapet, in the shape of a rubble mound, has been put along the north side of this mole, increasing m height and width from the shore end to the ocean end.
As regards the north mole and its present top widths and batters, the original design was for a uniform top width of 30 ft, and this will probably result in due course by the gradual flattening out of the north slope (through the wave action induced by the winter seas from north to north-west), proportionately as the depth of water increases; so that ultimately the mole will probably assume the uniform top width of 30 ft., the slope at the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF
ocean end flattening out to an average of about 3 to 1, and at shore end remaining at about 2 to 1 at present.
About 575,277 cubic yards of rubble stone, measured in situ, were deposited up to December 31, 1898, at an average total cost per cubic yard of 3s. 6£d., the original estimate being 4s. per cubic yard.
A further extension of 1,350 ft. having been authorized, a commencement was made in July, 1899, to tip the stone beyond the 3,450-ft. length; and this section, together with a parapet 12 ft. high around the bulb hoad, at the extreme end, was completed in December, 1902, making a total length of mole of 4,800 ft.
In the construction of this extension 476,753 tons of stone were tipped; and of this quantity 377,135 tons were obtained from the Rocky Bay Quarries and tipped for a total cost of £92,312, or an average cost of 58‘75 pence
WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 493
north mole, known as Rous Head, for a length of 2,200 ft. to a height of 30 ft. above low-water mark. On the top of this has been erected an open picket fence, 15 ft. in height, as a further protection to the inner harbour from the north-westerly gales. As the North Beach, which is a narrow neck of sand dunes resting upon a rock shelf at about low-water level, and connecting with the mainland Rous Head, also all composed of rock, showed signs of weakness, it has been protected from the sea by an embankment faced with rubble stone.
The south mole was commenced in August, 1894, and extends out from Arthur’s Head for 2,040 ft., terminating in about 24 ft. of water at low tide. It was at first slowly pushed out with the material obtained from the levelling down of Arthur’s Head. In November, 1895, however, on the completion of the north mole,
Shipping at Fremantle Wharves.
per ton. It being found necessary to utilize a heavier class of stone for protecting the mole from the winter gales, a supply of this material, sufficient for immediate requirements, was obtained from the Collie Quarry. The total quantity of Collie stone tipped at the mole was 2,880 tons, for a cost of £1,736, an average price of 144‘67 pence per ton.
New granite quarries at Darlington having been opened up, the additional stone necessary to complete the extension was obtained from that place. The total quantity of Darlington stone tipped at the mole was 99,618 tons for a cost of £29,579, an average price of 71'26 pence per ton. A breakwind, in the form of an enbankment, composed of 20,202 cubic yards of quarry refuse, faced with stone on both sides, has been constructed along the low-lying headland at the base of the
tone trains from the Rocky Bay Quarries commenced •unning to this mole, which then advanced much more ■apidly, and reached its ultimate length of 2,040 ft. on August 19, 1897. The width on top is about 25 ft. for ihe first 1,100 ft. of its length, and thence it increases gradually to a width of 40 ft. at the commencement of ihe rounded head. The slopes on both sides are about IA to 1. The islands to the south and south-west form i natural breakwater against storms from those quarters, ind the north mole serves as a protection from the north ind north-west gales; so that less resisting power is required than in the case of the north mole; and although t has heen subjected to very severe gales, no settlement las taken place, nor has any expenditure been necessary :or maintenance. During 1902 the extreme end and ibout 150 ft. back on each side were topped and faced
494
with granite in preparation for a cast-iron lighthouse, which was erected during June, 1903
The bar originally was a long rolling ridge of rock, principally coralline limestone and sandstone, which, across the mouth of the river, showed a broad crest rising to low-water level Blasting operations were commenced upon this in July, 1894, and were carried on successfully from temporary removable stages. The bar having been removed and the basin of the river dredged as in the scheme, wharfage accommodation extending over some thousands of feet was built along both banks of the river, which, though large enough for the State’s present requirements, is likely to prove far too small for the future After nearly twelve years’ actual use there is no doubt left that Mr. O’Connor’s judgment far exceeded that of those who described Fremantle Harbour as one bounded on the north by Ceylon, on the west by the coast of Africa, and on the south by the Polar regions. The first vessel to berth in the new harbour was the “Sultan,” belonging to the W.A. Steam Navigation Company, in May, 1897; this was followed by the
N.D.L. s s. "Gera” in August and the “Friedrich der Grosse” in October. The year 1900 saw the P. & O. and Orient Company following suit, and since then Fremantle has been the port of call for nearly all vessels trading to Western Australia.
There still remained the question of a dock, which was necessary in order to complete the harbour facilities. For some time the advantages of various kinds were discussed, and ultimately it was decided to build a graving dock on the north side of the harbour. In the settlement of the question the best expert advice—that of Sir Whately Eliot—was sought, and the decision arrived at was largely based upon his opinion. Work was commenced by the Government, and for some time was continued under the direction of the Engineer-in-Chief, but it was then found that the services of a skilled engineer used to dock construction, who could give all his time and energy to the construction, was necessary. On the advice, therefore, of Sir Whately Eliot, Mr. Rams-botham was appointed engineer to the work, and took np his duties in November, 1910. The dock basin was practically dredged out and considerable material ordered for construction, when the work came to an abrupt stop through the discovery of a limestone cave of such dimensions that it was impossible to go on. Nearly £200,000 has been spent up to the present, and so far as a dock is concerned spent uselessly. A new scheme will probably have to be planned, leaving the old workings to be adapted for other uses. The failure is one to be regretted; at the same time, it
CHARLES ARTHUR MUNT,
Under-Secretary for Public Works, was bom at Norwood, South Australia, on May 17, 1872, and was
is not due to any want of skill or knowledge on the part of the department, but to one of those unforeseen circumstances which are beyond the ken of human knowledge. It may be that in constructing the new work, the fact that the Commonwealth naval authorities are constructing a naval base at Cockburn Sound will be taken into consideration. Another idea has been put forward by Mr. G A. Lefroy, based upon the extension of the present harbourage and the construction of a large floating dock The whole question is now being debated, and no doubt the Government will use every endeavour to secure a scheme from the details of which possible failure is excluded.
The history of the other great departmental triumph—the Coolgardie Water Scheme—has been detailed elsewhere From an engineering point of view it stands second to none of its kind, and it has been sufficiently long in operation to prove the wisdom of its progenitor and to confer the greatest benefit on the State. The main reservoir is a wall of solid concrete, carried straight across the Helena River bed at a point where the width between the banks is 760 ft., and the surplus water flows directly over the weir crest and down the face of the wall 100 ft to the river below. It is the highest overflow weir in the world, and has a capacity of 4,600,000,000 gallons, and a daily output capacity throughout the year of 5,000,000 gallons. The scheme also stands unique in regard to the distance over which the water is pumped, viz , 351 miles.
There are twelve smaller reservoirs and receiving tanks, with a total storage capacity of 31,500,000 gallons. The goldfields towns and districts are supplied from a main service reservoir at Bulla Bulling, about 1,200 ft. higher than the Mundaring Reservoir. The water is raised by pumping installations at eight stations along the principal main, which is 30 in. in diameter.
The water area within which the trading operations of the scheme are confined extends continuously from Guildford to Kanowna, and the water is supplied not only to the goldfields, but to all the agricultural areas along the line of route.
These are the big feats of the department, but they by no means exhaust the list of public utilities for which it is responsible. Harbour facilities at all ports from Wyndham to Esperance have been constructed by it; roads and bridges are to be found throughout the State; as well as the hundred and one structures in which engineering skill is required. Until recently the engineering division controlled water supply and sewerage and drainage as a branch of its work, but these have recently been amalgamated and a new department established.
partment of the sister State as a clerk and gained experience in several branches of that department. In January, 1891, he was trans-
educated privately at Robe, completing at the Norwood Model School. At the age of fifteen he joined the Post and Telegraph He-
495
ferred to the Audit Department and later on in the same year became Bookkeeper in the Works and Buildings Department. He resigned from the South Australian service in 1896 upon receiving the offer of an appointment to the clerical staff of the Public Works Department in this State. Three years later his ability was recognized by promotion to the position of Head Clerk in the Accountant’s Office, further promotion following in July, 1903, when he was made assistant accountant, and finally in September, 1905, he became Accountant in the department. When Mr. F. L. Stronach resigned the position of Undersecretary for Works early in 1912 Mr. Munt was first appointed Acting - Under - Secretary, and in March was confirmed in his position as the permanent head of the Department.
JAMES THOMPSON, B.E., M.I.C.E., Engincer-in-Chief for the State of Western Australia, and Chairman of the Fremantle Harbour Trust, was born at Drogheda, County Louth, in Ireland, on August 22, 1863, his father
Bartletto, Perth.
Mb. James Thompson.
being a supervising officer in the Excise Branch of the Imperial Civil Service. In 1870 the family removed to Cork, and the subject of this sketch received his early education at Carmichael’s school in that city. Proceeding from there to the Queen’s University of Ireland, he took up the study of engineering and gradu-
ated as Bachelor of Engineering in 1882. Entering at once upon the practice of his profession, Mr. Thompson became a pupil of Dr. Stoney, M.I.C.E., Engineer to the Dublin Port and Docks Board, and from that time until 1889 was engaged in the capacity of Assistant and Resident Engineer on various railway and harbour works in England and Ireland, involving in the aggregate an expenditure of over half a million of money. Arriving in Victoria in 1889 he became Assistant Engineer in the Survey Branch of the Railways Department and worked on the surveys of various railways in that State, including those from Dunolly to Bradford, Clunes to Campbell town, Wcndouree to Miners’ Rest, and Glen Thompson to Lintons, as well as water supply surveys at Nyora and Leongatha. In 1891 Mr. Thompson came to Western Australia and entered the Public Works Department as Assistant Engineer. For a couple of years he was employed under the late Engineer-in-Chief, Mr. C. Y. O’Connor, in the designs of works and preparation of contracts for various railway lines, prominent among which were those from Perth to Bunbury and Nor-tham to Southern Cross. lie then became Executive Engineer on the construction of the Northam to Southern Cross and Southern Cross to Kalgoorlie railways, and in 1895 was appointed as District Engineer in the head office at Perth, becoming Engineer in charge of Railway Construction in 1896, and received the additional appointment in 1898 of Engineer in charge of Harbours and Rivers. These positions he held until 1902, when he became Inspecting Engineer. Early in the yeax 1904' he acted as Engineer-in-Chief, and in September of the same year was appointed permanently to that position, becoming at the same time Consulting Engineer to the Fremantle Harbour Works. It is worthy of note that there is no similar position in the Eastern States as Engincer-in-Chief for the whole of the State. In addition to his other duties Mr. Thompson was appointed Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage, and also Consulting Engineer to the Bunbury Harbour Board in 1909 and Engineer-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Water Supply, Drainage, and Sewerage Department in 1910. From this brief sketch it will be seen that the present Engineer-in-Chief has been engaged
in one capacity or another on most of the great engineering works carried out by the State during the past twenty years, the most strenuous period from the point of view of development and constructive work in the history of Western Australia. Mr. Thompson was elected Associate M.Inst.C.E. in 1891, and was transferred to full membership (M.Inst.C.E.) in 1899. Tn 1910 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the State. In 1888 he married Sarah, second daughter of the late John Highet, of Cork, and has issue a son, at present (1912) studying medicine at Trinity College, Dublin. Mrs. Thompson died at Cottesloe in the year 1900.
CHARLES YELVERTON O’CONNOR, C. M. G. Centuries hence the most enduring monumental records of man in the nineteenth and twentieth century will be his engineering achievements. One has only to allude to the Suez Canal, Mount Cenis tunnel, the Forth bridge and the Nile dam at Assouan with other great engineering feats in support of the statement. As regards this State one can
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Yelverton O’Connor.
mention two great triumphs of its former Engineer-in-Chief, the late Mr. C. Y. O’Connor—the Fremantle Harbour works and the Coolgardie water scheme. The subject of this sketch was born at Gravemouth, Ireland, in 1843. He was educated at the Waterford Endowed School and in 1859 was apprenticed to Mr.
John Chaloner Smith, M.I.C.E , then resident engineer to the Waterford and Limerick railway. On the termination of his articles in 1862 Mr. O’Connor served on the Rose-neath to Birdhill, the Bambridge to Drumballyrooney, and other Irish railways. In 1865 he decided to emi grate to New Zealand, and his first appointment there was as assistant engineer on the construction of the coach road from Christchurch through the famous Otira Gorge to Hokitika, on the west coast The young engineer’s promotion—he was only twenty-three years of age at the time—was rapid, and among the positions he successfully occupied from time to time were Assistant Engineer in the province of Canterbury from 1863 to 1870; Engineer for the west portion of Canterbury, then a separate county; and District Engineer under the central government of New Zealand for Westland and later for the Canterbury provincial district After being appointed to several other important positions he, in 1883, became Under-Secretary for Public Works He retained this office for seven years, when he was appointed marine engineer for the whole of the Dominion In April, 1891, Mr O’Connor accepted the combined appointments of Engin-eer-in-Chief and Acting Manager of railways for Western Australia Eor five years he successfully carried out the dual duties of these positions, when at his own request he was relieved of the latter office in order that he might devote his energies to the vast engineering enterprises then in contemplation He first published his scheme for the construction of the Fremantle Harbour Works in 1891 His ideas met with considerable opposition from the great English engineer, Sir John Coode, and other prominent experts, on the ground that the harbour would have to be constructed outside the bar. The State’s engineer was, however, nothing daunted, and he eventually succeeded in convincing the Government of the day of the practicabilitv of his views The successful result of his great constructive genius needs dilating upon here A start was made in March, 1892, to procure the stone for the moles from the Rocky Bay quarry A sum of £8,000 alone was spent in opening up the quarry and securing machinery and rolling-stock Nearly six years were expended in the construction of
the harbour, and in March, 1898, the G.M.S. “Gera” had the proud distinction of showing the way through the entrance of the harbour and anchoring off Victoria Quay, proving that Fremantle was capable of accommodating the largest vessels that visited Australia. The last but undoubtedly crowning achievement of the great engineer was the Coolgar-die water scheme. It was his original conception, and though he did not live to see the consummation of his great work it stands as a lasting monument to his memory. At the same time due credit should be given to the foresight of the State’s then Premier, Sir John Forrest, who saw the absolute necessity of such work and lost no time sanctioning a loan of two and a half millions sterling to cover the cost of construction. Some idea of the magnitude of the work may be gauged from the fact that it was proposed to convey water from the storage reservoir on the Helena River, 340 ft above sea-level, 325 miles through eight pumping-stations to its ultimate destination on the elevated tablelands of the goldfields, when the gross lift including friction would be 2,632 ft. The actual work of construction was commenced in 1898 with the building of the Mundaring weir, but for years previously the scheme had occupied the attention of the late Engineer - in - Chief when he was superintending the construction of the Fremantle Harbour works. The operations went on with great rapidity, and on Saturday, March 8, 1902, a test was made of seven miles of pipe-track. This proved very successful, but one defect was discovered. The Engineer-in charge reported this to Mr. O’Connor on his return to Perth It was arranged that they should both proceed by the 9 o’clock train on the Monday morning to Chidlow’s Well, in the vicinity of which place the defect had been observed. Unfortunately by that time the great engineer had breathed his last. Mr. O’Connor had been associated with many other important public works in the State. In 1880 he was admitted as a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and in 1897 he was decorated by her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, with a Companionship of the Order of St Michael and St. George In the same year he was commissioned by the Government to visit London in
connection with the Coolgardie water scheme and confer with the leading engineering experts in reference to the matter. He also was instructed to visit the principal engineering establishments, docks, light railway systems, etc., in England and on the Continent with a view to supplying the State Government with the latest information on these subjects. His services had been lent in 1902 by the State’s Ministry to the South Australian Government to confer with its engineering experts on the then proposed Outer Harbour scheme, sun undertaking which is now an accomplished fact. Only a few days before his death he had returned to Perth from a visit to Adelaide in connection with these conferences. In the past many of Mr. O’Connor’s views and actions were severely criticized but time has proved that these were not only right in theory, but m practice. A grateful State has, however, since vindicated his memory and shown its appreciation of his many and great works by placing a bust of the celebrated engineer on the wall of the great dam of Mundaring weir, and also by the erection of a colossal statue on the north mole of Fremantle Harbour This it may be remarked is the second largest bronze statue in the Commonwealth. His memory is, however, best perpetuated by his engineering enterprises, and to slightly paraphrase the dictum associated with the name of Sir Chrisopher Wren it may well be said — “Si monumenta quseris, circumspice ”
JOHN MUIR, A.M.I.C.E., is
descended from a family distinguished for its, love of adventure. His greatgrandfather was mixed up in the Jacobite risings of 1745, and was forced to leave Scotland for Canada, his property in Ayrshire being confiscated by the Crown. His grandfather fought under Nelson at Trafalgar and Copenhagen. His father as a young man was in the employ of the Hudson’s Bay Com pany, North America, and in the early fifties with four or five other adventurers fitted out a three-masted schooner (the “Sybil”) and sailed for Australia, bringing with them cattle, horses, and sheep. They arrived at Geelong in 1852, and upon the discovery of gold at Buninyong in the following year Mr. Muir, senior, proceeded to the fields, sub-
497
sequently being present at Ballarat during the Eureka Stockade, where his mate was shot. The subject of this review was born at Fiery Creek Diggings on March 13, 1857, and received his education at the Grammar School, Ballarat, afterwards attending Scotch College in the same town.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Muir.
From there he went to Melbourne and studied for two years under the private tuition of Arnold Lily, B.A., Clare Scholar of Trinity College, Dublin. At the age of eighteen he joined the staff of the Engineer-in-Chicf of Victoria, and was connected with railway location and construction in that State for fifteen years. In 1878 he was appointed Assistant Engineer, and twenty years later was elected an Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers. In 1891 his services were temporarily transferred by the Victorian Government to the authorities of Western Australia as a railway expert to locate the line through the Darling Ranges. After again taking up his duties in Victoria, upon the then Engineer-in-Chief's recommendation he returned to Western Australia, where he received the appointment of Inspector of Enginering Surveys, since which period he has had charge of the location of all goldfields railways, the preparation of plans and estimates, and, later, the charge of location of all railways in the agricultural areas. In 1901 Mr. Muir made the first preliminary survey of the Trans-Australian Railway, taking a direct route from Kalgoorlie to Eucla and returning on the 31st parallel of lati-GG
tude, some sixty miles north of Eucla. Upon this return trip the party took twelve days to traverse 200 miles, failing to discover any water during the whole of this time. Mr. Muir was appointed at a later period to supervise the recent survey of the Trans-Australian line on behalf of the Government of Western Australia. In addition to the works mentioned he prepared plans and estimates for the late Mr. C. Y. O'Connor for an outer harbour scheme, providing for the bringing of intercolonial boats to Perth water, for a scheme of subways for railways through Perth City, a bridge over the Narrows connecting Perth and South Perth, a railway from Perth across the Narrows and thence to Fremantle on the south side of the river, and designs and estimates of cost for high-level bridges across the Swan estuary. He was appointed a member of the Advisory Board on Agricultural Railways by the Wilson Administration, and a member of the Advisory Board on Mining Railways, and still retains the position of Inspector of Engineering Surveys, being responsible for the location of all railways. Mr. Muir married in October, 1885, Mary, daughter of the Rev. J. Hollis, Victoria, and has one son and two daughters.
HUGH OLDHAM, M.I.C.E. (Lond.), Engineer for Water Supply and Sewerage Public Works Department, Perth, is a South Australian, having been born at Kapunda, in the Central State, in 1864. He received his education at the Glenelg Grammar School, and at the close of his schooldays, after passing the Civil Service examination in 1882, entered as a cadet in the Public Works Department of South Australia, and continued in this connection for about six years. In 1887 he proceeded to Renmark to take charge of the engineering work in connection with the Mildura and Renmark irrigation scheme inaugurated by Messrs. Chaff ey Brothers. About nine years later Mr. Oldham came to Western Australia and entered upon an appointment in the Public Works Department as District Engineer for the Goldfields Water Supply. Subsequently he was appointed Engineer in charge of the General Water Supply and Engineer for the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewage, these positions being amalgamated
under his present appointment at a later date. This office embraces the control of all State water supplies (exclusive of the mines and goldfields water supplies), and includes the South-Western and Southern Districts Drainage Works, in addition to the Metropolitan Water Supply and
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Hugh Oldham.
Sewerage Schemes, the main work in connection with the latter being now in full swing. Mr. Oldham is Chairman of the Board of Examiners of Licensed Plumbers and a member of the Royal Sanitary Institute, in collection with which he is also a lecturer and examiner.
FREDERICK WASLINGTON LAWSON, Assistant Engineer for Sewerage, Water Supply, Sewerage, and Drainage branch, Public Works Department, Perth, was born at Launceston, Tasmania, in 1869 and received his education at Melbourne, Victoria. At the close of his schooldays he served his apprenticeship to Messrs. John Buncle & Co., a well-known Victorian firm of engineers, and was afterwards engaged upon the detail survey of Sydney and its suburbs. On the reorganization of the New South Wales Public Service in 1896 he was transferred to the Department of Public Works, Sewerage Construction Branch, where he served in various capacities under Mr. Joseph Davis, M.I.C.E., consulting engineer for New South Wales (London), and Mr. L. A. B. Wade, M.I.C.E., when he was in charge of the Rivers, Water Supply,
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
and Drainage Branches. During the time Mr. Lawson was connected with the Public Works Department of New South Wales many important works such as the western suburbs and the low level sewerage schemes were carried out, also the construc-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederick Waslington Lawson.
tion of Cataract Dam and other works in connection with the Sydney Water Supply. Mr. Lawson came to Western Australia in 1906, having accepted a position in the Public Works Department in connection with the sewerage scheme for the metropolitan area, and upon the formation of the Metropolitan Sewerage and Water Supply Department in 1910 was appointed Assistant Engineer for Sewerage. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers of England, an Associate of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, England, a member of the Council of the Institute of Western Australian Engineers, and a member of the Council of the local branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute of England. He is also a qualified engineer under the Local Government Act of New South Wales, and has recently been elected an Associate Member of the American Society of Engineers.
GEORGE EDWARD FARRAR, Engineer for Roads and Bridges and Acting Engineer for Harbour and River Works, is a Yorkshireman, having been born at Huddersfield in 1848. He attended King’s College classes, and at the termination of his
schooldays entered the service of an engineering and iron firm, with which he remained for two years. He then became associated with Mr. J. M. Toler, engineer, of Westminster, and was engaged in engineering work in connection with the Milford Docks and railways for two years, afterwards accepting employment with Messrs. Easton, Amos, & Anderson, mechanical engineers, and assisted in the construction of various important works. Removing to Melbourne in 1871 Mr. Farrar became identified with the staff of the Mines Department and the Lands and Surveys Office for about six months, and in September, 1874, received an appointment under the South Australian Government as assistant in
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Edward Farrar.
the Engineer-in-Chief’s Department, Adelaide. After remaining there for five years Mr. Farrar engaged in private practice until the middle of 1884, when he was appointed engineer for the North Midland Roads Board. He relinquished the post in 1889, being the last of the Roads Engineers under Government control. After spending six months in the Railway Construction Branch of the Victorian railways the South Australian Government offered him the post of Assistant Engineer for Roads and Bridges, which occupied his energies between 1889 and 1893, and in February, 1894, he came to Western Australia to fill the appointment of Engineering Surveyor in the Public Works Department, chiefly in connection with
roads and bridges construction. Eight years later he was appointed Principal Engineer for Roads and Bridges, and has filled that post ever since, also the position of Acting Engineer for Harbours and Rivers, to which he was appointed in 1907. Mr. Farrar is a Fellow of the Society of Engineers of London and a member of the Western Australian Society of Engineers, of which latter body he is Honorary Treasurer.
ROBERT A. ROLLAND, assistant to the Engineer-in-Chief, Public Works Department, Perth, is of Scottish descent, having in 1857 been born in Edinburgh, where he received his education. Subsequently he came to Australia and served a term at Langland’s foundry in Melbourne, at a later period serving his apprenticeship with Messrs. Barr & Oliver, civil engineers, of Dunedin, New Zealand, with whom he remained for five and a half years. He then entered the Government Service of Victoria, being appointed to the railway construction branch, in which he remained seven years, when, turning his attention in another direction, he became engaged in the fruitgrowing indus-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Robert A. Rolland.
try at Mildura, Victoria, for about three years. In 1896 Mr. Rolland came to Western Australia and was engaged as engineering surveyor in the Public Works Department, subsequently as Assistant Engineer,
499
taking charge of construction works on the north-west coast, and which occupied his energies for about five years. Returning to the head office he received the appointment of Resident Engineer, and after filling a subsequent position of District Engineer was appointed to the post he now holds. Mr. Rolland is a member of the Institute of Surveyors of Victoria and a member of the Institute of Engineers of Western Australia, and holds a scat on the Board of Examiners for Licensed Surveyors. He is also a member of the Royal Sanitary Institute of England.
JOHN WILLIAM DARKER, Assistant Engineer for the Railway Construction Branch, Public Works Department, Perth, was born at Ipswich, Queensland, on November 15,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John William Darker.
1867, and was educated at the Ipswich Grammar School. After three and a half years in the railway workshops in his native town he transferred to the Railway Construction Office at Brisbane, and after two years there spent a similar period in construction work on the North Coast Railway. This was followed by twelve months in the office of the Chief Mechanical Engineer at Brisbane, and in 1893 he undertook control of the erection of a working suction dredging plant for mining purposes on the border of
New South Wales and Queensland, this being a private enterprise; and while here he also took charge of the sluicing plant in connection with the same work. Subsequently he turned his attention to the coal-mining industry in Purgah, near Ipswich, for a time, and in 1894 came to Western Australia, where he spent six months in the Fremantle locomotive workshops. After mastering the practical work of this department he entered the drawing office of the Railways Construction Branch as draughtsman, and five years later received the appointment of chief draughtsman, in the discharge of which office he supervised the plans for the Midland Junction Railway Workshops, and various other railways then under construction. In 1905 Mr. Darker was appointed to his present office of Assistant Engineer, which he has filled ever since. He is a member of the Western Australia Institute of Civil Engineers and is on the Council of that body.
GEORGE FORSTER HICKSON,
A.M.I.C.E., Resident Engineer Main Sewerage Construction, Public Works Department, Perth, is a son of Mr. R. R. P. Hickson, M.I.C.E., and was born in 1870 at Carlingford,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George Forster Hickson.
Ireland. He came to Australia at an early age, receiving his scholastic education at the Newcastle Grammar School, New South Wales. At the
close of his schooldays he joined the Government Service of New South Wales and served his articles in the office of the Engineer-in-Chief, Mr. E. O. Moriarty, M.I.C.E. He was engaged on the Newcastle Harbours, Rivers, and Water Supply and Sydney Sewerage Works for a time, then, relinquishing Government employ, was identified with the firm of Messrs. Carter, Gummow, & Co., as engineer in connection with sewerage construction in Sydney and water supply works at Adelaide. In 1896 Mr. Hickson received an appointment by the Western Australian Government as assistant engineer and was engaged on the Coolgardie and Goldfields water supplies, and for two years filled the post of District Engineer for Water Supply on the north-west coast of Western Australia. Since 1903 he has discharged the office of Resident Engineer on the Metropolitan Sewerage Works.
HILLSON BEASLEY, A.R.V.I.A., Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Perth, was born at Canterbury, England, in 1855 and received his education at Wesley College, Sheffield. At the close of his scholastic career he was articled to a firm of architects in Dover, and gained valuable subsequent experience in similar offices at London, Carlisle, and Oxford. At a later date Mr. Beasley proceeded to South Africa, and spent three years in the architectural branch of the Public Works Department at the Cape. In 1886 he came to Australia and practised on his own account at Melbourne, also filling the office of Lecturer to the Working Men’s College and in connection with the Melbourne University extension classes. During this period he gained the diploma of Associate of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. In 1896 he left Victoria, and arriving in Western Australia joined the Public Works Department as draughtsman. In that capacity he proved his ability so well that when Mr. John F. Grainger was appointed principal architect Mr. Beasley became Chief Draughtsman, ultimately in 1905 succeeding Mr. Grainger in the leading position in the architectural branch of the Public Works Department.
gg2
WATER SUPPLY DEPARTMENT.
This department, which is also administered by the Minister for Works, is at present under the general control of the Engineer-in-Chief, though arrangements are under consideration to relieve him from the actual working responsibility.
The department is responsible for all matters connected with the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage, and Drainage ; Mines Water Supply ; Goldfields Water Supply, including the Coolgardie Water Scheme : Water Supply and Drainage generally; and all matters relating to boring. The Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage was formerly a branch to itself, while Mines Water Supply was part of the administration of the Mines Department, which also controlled boring operations. The new departure has the advantage of bringing cognate matters together, and in that way counts for both economy and efficiency.
The Metropolitan Water Supply is derived primarily from a reservoir built on the Canning River, whence the water is conducted to a subsidiary reservoir in King’s Park, from which it is reticulated. For years it has been recognized that the service is quite inadequate to meet present demands, let alone future requirements. It has been reinforced from time to time by bores in different parts of the metropolitan area, the water from which is pumped into the mains, but the amount of water gained by these expedients is still insufficient to provide a proper supply. From time to time the question of tapping the Mundaring Weir has been raised, but the Government has steadily opposed it. A scheme which meets with greater favour and has professional recommendation behind it is the construc-
tion of larger storage facilities on the Canning River. Whatever course is adopted, it is generally conceded that it should be constructed as quickly as possible, as each succeeding summer brings a greater strain upon the present resources.
The department is also charged with the underground sewerage and drainage of the metropolitan area. The system adopted is the septic tank system, the sewerage reaching the tanks mainly by gravitation, though pumping stations are necessary along the low-lying lands of the river foreshore. The filter-beds for Perth are situated on Burswood Island, and have been the subject of considerable discussion. That the location is unsuitable from a professional standpoint can scarcely be denied, as sufficient foundation to support the weight of the filters does not exist. The result has been that they constitute a source of annoyance not only to the department, but to the residents of the surrounding localities, and whether they are going to be sufficient to stand the strain of the system when completed and in full operation is open to considerable doubt. A separate system is being provided for the Fremantle area, and another for the suburbs west of Perth. The work has been going on for some years, and though sections of it are now in operation, it will be some time before the metropolis of Western Australia can claim to be up to date in the matter of sanitation. The stormwater drainage is being provided for by a separate set of pipes connected with main drains, which empty themselves into the river at various points. This work is in charge of Mr. Hugh Oldham, who is assisted by Mr.
F. W. Lawson, the Assistant Engineer for Sewerage.
HUBERT CHARLES TRETHO-WAN, A.I.A., W.A., Under Secretary for Water Supply, was born at Plymouth, Devonshire, England, on April 4, 1868. He was brought to Victoria by his parents at an early age, and received his education in that State, afterwards turning his attention to agriculture under the direction of his father until his twenty-first year. He then entered the service of the Bank of Australasia at their head office in Collins Street, Melbourne, and remained with that institution seven years (1889-96), the last six months of which were served in the Perth Branch, to which he had been transferred. He resigned his position in 1896 in order to enter the Public Works Department of Western Australia. He has been connected with the undertaking for supply of water to the goldfields since the initiation of construction work in 1898, and
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Hubert Charles Trethowan.
when, early in 1903, the revenue-producing stage having been reached, the concern was transferred from the control of the Public Works Department Mr. Trethowan was selected for the important post of accountant in the new administration. In this capacity he designed and inaugurated the system of accounts, and also acted as principal assistant to the Secretary in establishing the Branch offices and instituting the procedure for rating and water sales throughout the water area. He remained in charge of this work until June, 1909, when he was appointed to the position of Secretary of the Goldfields Water Supply Administration, which he held until 1912, when he was promoted to the office he now fills. Whilst holding the former post he was responsible to the Minister for the business management of this huge trading concern, which has a capital of over £3,000,000 and a
501
yearly revenue amounting to £230,000, and of which the reticulation system radiates throughout a water area nearly 400 miles in length. Mr. Trethowan qualified for admission as an Associate of the Institute of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia by passing the interstate examinations prescribed by the Australasian Cor* poration of Public Accountants. In the three examinations comprising the course open to candidates from all the States, he secured second place in order of merit on two occasions and premier honours in the final examination.
JAMES VERNON HAWTIN, J.P., Secretary to the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage, and Drainage Departments, Perth, was born at London in 1872. lie received his education by private tuition and at King's College, London, and upon its completion was for a time associated with his father in business. In 1891 he came to Western Australia, where he entered into mercantile pursuits in Perth for some two years. Subsequently he joined the service of the Midland Railway Company under Mr. Edward Keane, and five years later, in 1898, his connection with the Metropolitan Waterworks began. Mr. Hawtin first filled the positions of cashier
Bartlctto, Perth.
Mu. James Veiinon Hawtin.
and chief clerk for six years, when he was appointed accountant in 1904 and Secretary in the same year. In 1909 the secretaryship of the
Sewerage Board was added to his duties, and in 1910 he was appointed Secretary to the Department, which post he now holds. Mr. Hawtin received a commission of Justice of the Peace in 1910.
GEORGE RICHARD WILLIAM HAWKE, Machinery Superintendent, Goldfields Water Supply, is a native of England, having been born at Devon on June 20, 1868. He received his scholastic training in the county of Cornwall and at the Tennyson School in London, also attending the Polytechnic School, Regent Street. When fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to the firm of J. Simpson & Co., Limited, engineers, of Pimlico, London, and spent altogether twenty-two years in their employ. During this time he gained experience not only in the Old Country,
Bartletto. Perth.
Mr. George Richard William Hawke.
but in Singapore and other parts of India, Japan, and the West Indies, spending six months at Demerara, in British Guiana. He came to Western Australia in the year 1898 on behalf of the same firm, and was engaged in the construction of the Fremantle water works, on the coniT pletion of which he returned to England, where he was appointed general foreman of the erecting and fitting-shops at Pimlico, a position he continued to hold for about two years. At the end of this period he returned to Western Australia in the capacity of supervising and erecting engineer in connection with
the Goldfields Water Supply still on behalf of the same Company. Upon the completion of this work Mr. Hawke’s services were secured by the Western Australian Government as machinery superintendent of the Goldfields Water Supply, an office he still holds. He is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, England.
JAMES FAULKNER, formerly Assistant Engineer, Water Supply, Perth, was born at Bow-
liartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Faulkner.
don, Cheshire, England, in 1853 and received his education at schools in connection with the Congregational Church of Great Britain. At the conclusion of his studies he served his articles to the engineering profession, giving special attention to the branches dealing with waterworks, steam, gas, and sanitary improvements, and gained considerable experience, being employed on the states of the Earl of Stamford and Warrington and Sir William Cunliffe Brooks, a well-known banker who held various trusts, the engineering work in connection with which was placed in the hands of the gentleman under review. This knowledge was augmented by Mr. Faulkner in the United States, Canada, Tasmania, and New South Wales, where he was engaged in various engineering projects, and in 1889 he came to Western Australia as engineer to the Perth Gas Company. After eight months in this service he obtained the appointment
602
of Superintendent of the Perth Water Supply Company, Limited, and when this enterprise was taken over by the Government he was given the post of Superintending Engineer in connection with the extension and maintenance works. This was in 1896, and a second Board appointed two years later confirmed the appointment, a confirmation repeated m 1904, when the Minister for Works took over the concern and acted as administrator. In 1909 another Board was appointed to enable the Minister to proclaim the new Act, and in the following year the amalgamation with the Public Works Department took place, and Mr. Faulkner was appointed Assistant Engineer, which office he held until January, 1912, when he resigned He is a member of the Engineers’ Association of New
South Wales and of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers.
WILLIAM COATES REY-NOLDSON, M.I.C.E., Chief Engineer, CSoolgardie Goldfields Water Supply, Perth, is a native of Victoria, where he was born in the year
1870. Educated at Melbourne, at the termination of his schooldays he was apprenticed to Messrs. Hodgson and Smith, hydraulic engineers, for four years, subsequently being associated with that firm in the carrying out of extensive hydraulic and sanitary works, the supply of water to various towns, and in irrigation projects at various centres. Coming to Western Australia he joined the Public Works Department in 1895 as assistant engineer, and found immediate occupation in surveying a
location for the main impounding reservoir for the Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie water supply scheme and in defining the tract for the construction of the aqueduct over the 390 odd miles which lay between the starting and the finishing point of this gigantic undertaking. Having satisfactorily completed this exacting work, he proceeded to the head office and set about the preparation and drawing of the plans, which took up his time until about 1900. He was next engaged in the supervision of the construction work, and with its completion in August, 1902, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Reynoldson is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, Vice-President of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers, and a member of the American Water Works Association.
Colonial Secretary’s Department.
The following is the list of the gentlemen who have held the position of Colonial Secretary: —
Colonial Secretary. From To
Sir George Shenton Deo. 29, 1890 Oct. 11, 1892
Sir Stephen Henry Parker Oct. 11, 1892 Deo. 4, 1894
Sir John Forrest .. . . Dec. 4, 1894 April 28, 1898
George Randell April 28, 1898 May 27, 1901
Frederick Hlingworth . May 27, 1901 Nov. 21, 1901
Matthew Lewis Moss ... Nov. 21, 1901 Dec. 23, 1901
Frederick Illingworth Dec. 23, 1901 June 24, 1902
Walter Kmgsmill June 24, 1902 Aug. 10, 1904
George Taylor Aug. 1«, 1904 June 7, 1905
John Michael Drew June 7, 1905 Aug 25, 1905
Walter Kingsmill Aug. 25, 1905 May 7, 1906
James Daniel Connolly May 7, 1906 Oct. 7, 1911
John Michael Drew Oct. 7, 1911 Still n office
The present Under-Secretary is Mr. Frederic Dudley North, C.M.G., who succeeded Mr. Octavius Burt upon the latter’s appointment to the offices of Sheriff and Comptroller of Prisons. Mr. Joseph Robert Campbell is the Accountant, and Mr. George Dibdin Clerk-m-charge.
In addition to the ordinary secretarial work of the office, the Colonial Secretary administers the following very important branches of the Public Service: — Aborigines, Charities, Fisheries, Friendly Societies and Industrial Arbitration, Gaols, Harbour and Light, Immigration, Lunacy, Medical and Public Health, Observatory, Police, Public Gardens, Registry, Rott-nest Island.
ABORIGINES.
It is not too much to say that almost ever since the establishment of the State there has been something in the way of organization for the care and protection of the natives. Wherever the British Government has planted colonies it has recognized that the aboriginal inhabitants had certain rights and were entitled to the protection of those who had dispossessed them of their country. Western Australia was no exception to this rule, and though the early colonists suffered severely at the hands of the natives, and though incidents occurred that called for stern repressive measures, every opportunity of conciliating the wild tribes was taken, and by the appointment of protectors and the distribution of food and clothing they were gradually induced to understand that though the white men would not allow them
to pillage indiscriminately, they would treat them with consideration and justice. Grants for the protection and care of the aborigines appeared regularly upon the Estimates of expenditure, and when responsible government was granted in 1890 it was one of the conditions that £5,000 a year should be paid out of the consolidated revenue annually to an independent Aborigines Protection Board. When the revenue exceeded half a million, then the £5,000 was to give way to 1 per cent, of the revenue. The phenomenal expansion of the colony during the nineties made 1 per cent, of the revenue a fairly large amount, and steps were taken which after some years were successful to have an amount of £10,000 annually fixed by Act of Parliament and disbursed in the same way as other revenue moneys.
603
A Chief Protector of Aborigines was appointed, with charge of a sub-department of the Colonial Secretary’s Department, and he was made responsible for all matters pertaining to the Aborigines. Recognizing that £10,000 was far too small a sum to provide satisfactorily for the proper protection and care of the natives. Parliament annually grants an additional amount from the revenue. This in 1911-12 reached the sum of £17,995, and when to it is added the £10,000 statutory
grant, it is evident that Western Australia cannot be accused of any lack of interest in her aboriginal population. The present Chief Protector is Mr. Charles F. Gale, and a study of his annual reports perhaps reveals best the work that is being done These we have already quoted from in the general article on the aborigines, and only desire to say here that they are an ample reply to those who speak of aboriginal ill-treatment in Western Australia.
PUBLIC CHARITIES.
In no State is the administration of public charity —and that in the widest and best sense of the term— better organized than in Western Australia, where, to quote The British Medical Journal, “charity has become a subsidiary agent, and the State is the relief authority for the whole State.” This does not mean that the fount of private charity has dried up through absence of need for it; in fact, Government assistance has stimulated private endeavour, and it may truly be said that the poor, the sick, and the infirm and aged are ever held in remembrance by their brethren and fellows in this great Western State.
In addition to his work as the Superintendent of Charities, Mr. James Longmore is also Superintendent of the Government Labour Bureau and Secretary of the State Children’s Department, and is therefore in the best position to know not only the poverty and sickness that exists, but also the best and wisest means of combating it. The general work of his department, he tells us, is divided into two branches—the Home Assistance Branch, by means of which assistance is given from State funds to those in destitute circumstances, but not in need of actual institution assistance; and the Institution Assistance Branch, which means the control and supervision of the institutions established for the care and maintenance of the aged and infirm and those in need of a home as well as of rations.
Realizing how prone charity is to be imposed upon, the task of its distribution entails constant care and watchfulness. Cases are therefore dealt with individually, and each is subjected to strict examination, the aim being to relieve all genuinely necessitous cases and to prevent undeserving persons from receiving help. To carry out this principle regulations have been drawn up which briefly provide that in Perth applications must be made at the office of the Superintendent, and m country districts to the Resident Magistrate, who acts as agent for the department. Genuine cases are then helped by a grant of rations on a prescribed scale, or, in cases approved by the Colonial Secretary, of money in lieu of rations.
During the year ending June 30, 1911, the total number assisted in one way or another was 1,783—
281 men, 468 women, and 1,034 children. Of these 188 —Ill men and 77 women—were aged and infirm recipients, and therefore may be regarded as permanent cases; the remainder comprised those who required temporary help to tide them over periods of temporary distress. The number of those to whom permanent assistance was given showed a striking reduction when compared with previous years, due, no doubt, to the effect of the Commonwealth old-age and invalid pensions scheme. The “temporary class” was largely made up of women and children—widows left destitute, or wives whose husbands were sick and unable to work or had cruelly left them, often with families of little children, to face the world alone. Widows, deserted wives, or wives with husbands in prison or m the asylum are entitled to rations for the support of their children, but in various cases money is given in lieu of rations, and thus the children become, without being made State children, practically boarded-out to their mothers, and are then subject to inspection by the authorities to ensure proper care being given to them. The beneficial effects of such a procedure may easily be appreciated, as it gives the needed assistance without removing the children from the fostering care of a mother’s influence.
For the aged, infirm, and practically destitute of both sexes institutions are provided and maintained by the State. There were originally three of these homes for men, situated at Perth, Fremantle, and Geraldton. Some years ago the Government recognized the necessity of building new quarters for those in Perth, and a large area of land on the river at Claremont was secured for the purpose. Upon this a large and well-appointed institution, capable of holding some 500 men, was erected, and the Geraldton home closed. Recently the Fremantle home has also been closed and the inmates transferred to Claremont institution, which now forms the only State institution for destitute men. Situated amid surroundings of great natural beauty, with open access to the river, this home, erected upon the most modern plans, and administered as a home rather than as a place of detention or even a mere shelter, is a standing monument to the interest which the State shows in its aged and infirm destitute men. A library and read-
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
ing-room, recreation-rooms, and a common meeting-room for entertainments are provided, and no stone is left unturned by the Master (Mr. A. C. Rust) and the Matron (Miss Speers) to try and make the lives of their charges happy and comfortable.
Through the munificence of the late Mr. Walter Padbury this task has been much lightened. Under the will of that gentleman the Old Men’s Home received an endowment of something like .£30,000, the interest of which is to be used in providing luxuries and additional comforts for the men. This bequest is administered by three Trustees—Sir Edward Stone, Hon. J. D. Connolly, M.L.C., and Mr. J. S. Battye—appointed by the Court. By its means moving-picture entertainments are regularly provided, a large gramaphone has been installed, bath chairs have been purchased, additional reading
matter secured, and the tobacco allowance increased. No institution of the kind in Australia is so well catered for, and possibly few in the world. It is only right to say that the men fully appreciate their good fortune.
The aged and infirm women are provided with a home at Fremantle, and though they have not the advantages of a Padbury bequest, are carefully tended by the State. There are about sixty women in permanent residence, while others remain there only for a time. In connection with it there is a maternity home, where destitute expectant mothers receive freely every possible care and attention, and part of the function of which is to provide a training school for midwifery nurses. The Matron (Mrs. Fraser), with her assistants, is kept busily employed in sympathetic attendance upon the inmates of the home, many of whom are practically bedridden.
STATE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT.
As Secretary to the State Children’s Department, Mr. Longmore is charged with the carrying out of the State Children’s Act passed in 1907. This is based largely on the Act in force in South Australia, and it is doubtful whether any -better pattern could have been selected. The scope of the department is comprehensive. It aims at providing for the waifs and strays who may properly be called the children of the State.
Wherever possible it fastens r es ponsibility on the parents, and does not sunder natural ties.
It cares for juvenile offenders, and seeks to prevent, so far as possible, the development of criminal inclinations in them. Those children who do wrong are charged in a separate Court from which all but those actually engaged in the case are excluded, and thus the demoralizing effects of a public exhibition are avoided.
There arc according to the latest returns issued nearly 800 children under the control of the State, about 700 of whom are in State or State-subsidized institu-
tions, and the remainder boarded out. For those boarded out there are two kinds of foster-mothers under the Act—those to whom children committed to the care of the department by the Children’s Court are sent, and those who are licensed under the Act to receive children
under the age of three years. Both these classes are under the constant supervision of departmental inspectors, who are greatly assisted by a committee of ladies appointed by the Govern m e n t for that purpose. The members of the Children’s Protection Society— a public charity—also visit those children in whom they are interested. It is thus seen that foster children are receiving every care and attention. Where possible arrangements are made for the adoption of children, as it is felt that that course ensures to them the advantages of a real home.
For children committed to an institution there are schools subsidized by the department, in addition to the Government Receiving Depot at Subiaco.
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We extract the following information regarding these various institutions from Mr. Longmore’s report. —
“There are six subsidized orphanages under the Act. These institutions were previously known as Industrial Schools, and although called orphanages are practically Industrial Schools, in the sense that they are meant to give the boys and girls committed to them some industrial and technical training in addition to the usual school instruction. They have been established principally for the reception and maintenance of destitute and neglected children sentenced under the State Children Act. Truants are also sent to these institutions under the Education Act.
“The orphanages may also receive, in addition to those sent under the Act, private cases, for which no State payment is made. Children committed by a Children’s Court, and technically known as State children, are paid for as a rule 8s. weekly until fourteen years of age. In those institutions where the children are taught m the ordinary State schools the payment is 7s. weekly.
“The following are the six orphanages: —(1) St. Joseph’s Girls’ Orphanage, Subiaco; (2) Girls’ Orphanage, Adelaide Terrace, Perth; (3) Swan Boys’ Orphanage, Midland Junction; (4) Clontarf Orphanage for Boys, Victoria Park; (5) Salvation Army Boys’ Orphanage, Collie; (6) Parkerville Orphanage for Infants,
Parkerville.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.
“Industrial Schools have been established for the detention, maintenance, and training of children found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment. Industrial Schools can also receive children transferred from orphanages for absconding or serious misconduct.
The children admitted to Industrial Schools are paid for by the State, if over the age of fourteen years, 10s. per week for one yeai This amount may be continued for a longer period if it is shown that the interests of the child will benefit by a longer detention. Children committed to an Industrial School, if under fourteen years of age, are paid for at the rate of 9s. per week.
“The five Industrial Schools are —“(1) St. Kevin’s Industrial School, Leederville; (2) Salvation Army Boys’ Industrial School, Collie; (3) Salvation Army Girls’ Industrial School, Collie; (4) Redhill Boys’ Industrial School, Midland Junction; (5) Home of the Good Shepherd Industrial School, Leederville.
“The subsidized institutions are under the control and supervision of a governing authority, which is defined m the Act as the Manager or Committee of Management.’ Five of the institutions have the official manager resident at the institution; the others have a superintendent m charge, who acts under the authority of the official manager. Four of the institutions are governed by committees. It would be an advantage if all orphanages and Industrial Schools had such committees. Committees are expected to be regular in their visitations and vigilant m their inspection. The assistance of women as members of committee or visitors should be enlisted where at all possible. The success, however, of institutions depends largely on the trustworthiness and capability of the resident officials in charge. Institute work is difficult and trying, and a superintendent to be successful must combine firmness with kindness and practical skill He must exercise his authority with a due sense of responsibility. An inspector paying his or her visit to-day sees what is going
on to-day but not what took place yesterday. The visits of members of committee, living perhaps m the neighbourhood of the institution and looking m at odd times, is a far more effective check. No amount of inspection, however, will prevent abuses at times if the officials are not men and women of the highest character, with a full sense of their responsibilities
“In all the institutions attention is being given to the industrial training of the inmates; this is as it ought to be. In the orphanages the children are young and icquile to have their ordinary education looked after, and not much time can be devoted to industrial work. An excellent workshop has recently been erected at the Swan Boys’ Orphanage. Here some twenty lads are being trained m carpentry, under the supervision of one of the instructors m connection with the State schools.
“The industrial training at the Collie Institution is very practical, and includes almost everything that is necessary for an agricultural worker to know.
“The industries principally taught in the schools are farming and gardening. Some instruction is also given in shoe-making, tailoring, carpentry, and baking. None of the institutions gives anything like a special training in any of these industries; what they really aim at is to impart a general handiness to the lads. The girls are receiving good practical instruction. They leave the institutions well equipped for domestic work Needlework is well taught, so are cooking and laundry work. In several of the institutions where cows are kept, the girls are taught milking
“St. Joseph’s Girls’ Orphanage, Subiaco (Established 1868).—Manager. The Right Reverend Bishop Clune. This institution is situated about a mile from the Subiaco Railway Station. Number on the Government list, June 30, 1910, 102; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 30; left during the same period, 17; remaining on the Government list, June 30, 1911, 115; private list, 30. The orphanage is managed by the Sisters
THE CYCLOPEDIA OP WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
of Mercy, the responsible head being the Reverend the Mother Superior, Sister M. Brigid. The Resident Sister in charge of the orphanage is Sister M. Ursula, with eight assistants. The Sister in charge of the school instruction is Sister M. Clare, with four assistants. There are four out-of-door assistants.
“Church of England Orphanage (Established 1868).—Manager: Very Rev. Dean Mercer. Lady
Superintendent: Miss Birt. This institution for Protestant girls is situated in Adelaide Terrace, Perth. Number of girls on June 30, 1910, 89; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 37; left during the same period, 16; remaining on the Government list, June 30, 1911, 110; number on the private list, 28.
“Swan Boys’ Orphanage (Established 1871).— Manager: The Reverend J. W. Armstrong. This institution is situated about three miles from Midland Junction, in an excellent position. Number of boys on the roll, June 30, 1910, 98; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 36; left during the same period, 37; remaining on Government list, June 30, 1911, 97; number on private list, 6. The official in charge is the manager, who is now resident, and exercises full control over the institution; he is assisted by six other officials.
“Clontarf Orphanage (Established 1872).—
Manager: The Right Reverend Bishop Clune. The institution is situated about three miles from the terminus of the Victoria Park tramline, on the banks of the Canning River. Since March 22, 1897, it has been conducted by the Christian Brothers Number of boys on June 30, 1910, 112; admitted during year ended June 30, 1911, 51; left during the same period, 28; remaining on Government list, June 30,1911, 135 ; number on private list, 5.
"Salvation Army Boys’ Orphanage and Industrial School, Collie (Established 1901).— Manager: Major John Blake. These institutions are situated some six miles from Collie and about 130 miles from Perth Number of inmates in the combined institutions on June 30, 1910, 64; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 19; left during the same period, 22; remaining on the Government list, June 30, 1911, 19; private list, 23.
“Parkerville Orphanage (Established October, 1909).—Manageress: Sister Kate Clutterbuck. This institution is situated at Parkerville, nineteen miles by rail from Perth. It has been established principally to receive infants under the age of six years who belong to the Church of England. It consists of five cottages, as follows:—A.—Padbury, two wards; B.—Babyland, two wards; C.—Nicholas, two wards; D —Guildford; E.—The Infirmary. Each cottage is specially supervised by a resident officer, and is arranged to receive children in accordance to age and sex. Number of children on June 30, 1910, 55; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 6; left during the same period, 3; remaining
on Government list, June 30, 1911, 58; number on private list, 40.
“St. Kevin’s Industrial School (Established 1897).—Manager: The Reverend Charles Cox. This institution occupies an elevated and commanding position on the shores of Monger’s Lake, some two miles from Leederville. Number of boys on June 30, 1910, 19; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 6; left during same period, 16; remaining on Government list June 30, 1911, 9; private list, 16.
“Salvation Army Girls’ Industrial School, Collie (Established 1901).—Manager: Major E. I.
Gowan. This home is situated three miles from the Collie township. It occupies a very healthy position. The buildings are very suitable, and are kept in first-class order. Number of inmates on June 30, 1910, 30; admitted during the year ended June 30, 1911, 6; left during the same period, 9; remaining on the Government list, June 30, 1911, 30; private list, 22.
“Redhill Industrial School for Boys (Established 1903).—-Manager: The Rev. J. W. Armstrong. This institution occupies a healthy position among the hills on the Newcastle Road, some four miles from Midland Junction. Number of boys on the roll on June 30,
1910, 17; admitted during the year ending June 30,
1911, 10; left during the same period, 15; remaining on Government list on June 30, 1911, 12.
“Home of the Good Shepherd Industrial School (Established 1908).—Manager: The Reverend Mother of the Convent. This institution is situated at Leederville, a mile or so from the railway station. Number of girls on June 30, 1910, 13; admitted during the year ending June 30, 1911, 3; left during the same period, 9; remaining on Government list on June 30, 1911, 7; remaining on private list, 3.
“The Government Receiving Depot, Subiaco (Established 1894).—This institution, situated near the Subiaco Railway Station, receives temporarily all classes of State children, or any other who are destitute or neglected it may be necessary to deal with. Number of inmates on June 30, 1910, 15 boys, 13 girls, total 28; admitted during the year ending June 30, 1911, 186 boys, 104 girls, total 290; left during the same period, 152 boys, 97 girls, total 249; remaining on Government list on June 30, 1911, 49 boys, 20 girls, total 69. It will be seen from this return that a large number of children have passed through this institution during the past twelve months. Subject to departmental control, the institution is managed by Mr. and Mrs. Shipton as manager and matron respectively ”
On the question of homes for infants Mr. Longmore makes the following remarks concerning that difficult problem of modern life—the illegitimate child: —
“The establishing of a home for infants opens up another important phase, the treatment of the infant
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born out of wedlock. For the sake of the infant itself it is decidedly advisable that such infants should be cared for by their own mothers for as long a period as possible. To do this it is, of course, necessary to adopt some means whereby mothers may be encouraged to care for the children during the first few months, at least, of the child’s life. The Home of Mercy, Perth, does this to some extent, and in several cases the Government Home at Fremantle has also helped in the same direction. There is, however, a very strong desire on the part of the great bulk of mothers of such children to get out of their responsibility at the very earliest moment. In many cases within a month or so of the child’s birth a request is made to have the child cared for by the
State. I must say my experience goes to show that even if the child is sent to a foster-mother and paid for by the mother, the payments only continue for a short period, and ultimately the child, owing to the mother having failed in her payments, and, may be, having removed to some other address which is very difficult to trace, has to be dealt with through a Children’s Court, and become a State child. It is often better to face the position at the outset and have the child dealt with by the Court from the first, and an order made against the mother for a small payment. It is almost impossible for a girl without help to continue her payments regularly to foster-mothers. To prove the parentage in the great bulk of cases is also practically an impossibility.”
STATE LABOUR BUREAU.
This branch of the work of the Charities Department, for which Mr. Longmore is also responsible, was established in order to aflord a means of bringing employers into touch with those desiring employment. It is particularly useful in making known the requirements of farmers and orchardists, and with the ever-increasing area of land under cultivation there is a similar increase in the number of workers for whom openings are available.
During the year ending June 30, 1911, there were in Perth alone, according to the report, 2,400 employers who made application to the bureau for men, the number
applied for being 5,287. In the Women’s Branch there were 1,439 applications for 2,374 women to act in various domestic capacities. There were also 7,431 direct applications for work from men and 1,183 from women. Positions were found for 6,476 men and 1,577 women. These figures, which relate to Perth alone, are repeated in, of course, smaller degree throughout the State, and give more than sufficient proof of the usefulness of the bureau and the assistance it renders in preventing the growth of those difficult unemployed problems that are so prominent a factor in the life of the larger communities of the Eastern States.
FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
The Chief Inspector of Fisheries is Mr. Frederick Aldrich, who is charged with all matters relating to fisheries and fishing generally, and also with the administration of the Acts relating to the pearl fisheries, which form ofie of the most important sources of the Western Australian export trade. He is assisted by inspectors stationed at Bunbury, Fremantle, Mandurah, Swan, and Albany, whilst the police officers in various districts are also expected to give whatever assistance they may be able to render.
The average quantity of fish caught for sale during any year is about 1,500 tons, but this gives little or no indication of what could be done under favourable circumstances. In addition to this quantity we find that some £70,000 is sent away from the State to pay for imported fish. It is evident, therefore, that with the opportunities available there is a large field in the direction of fish-preserving works open to the investment of capital. The department, however, is not so much concerned with that question as with taking every precaution for the protection of young fish and for preventing unsound or unsuitable fish from being foisted upon
the market. Doubtless it is doing all that can be done in those directions, but when the great profusion of fish with which Western Australian waters are teeming is considered, there certainly ought to be some means available for assuring to the general public a cheap and satisfactory supply. In this direction alone the industry is worth fostering, and the Fisheries Department can render yeoman service to the people of the State. The value of fish as a food has been repeatedly demonstrated, and no combination should be allowed to control the public supply.
The important work performed by the department in regard to the pearl-shell fisheries may be gauged from the fact that during the past decade shell to the value of over £1,000,000 has been exported from the State. This means the existence of a large industry, but one which, if not placed under proper restrictions, may easily be worked out. In the interests of the future, therefore, the Chief Inspector is called upon to exercise supervision, and when the character of some of those engaged in pearling is taken into consideration, the task is by no means a light one.
One phase that is causing some anxiety is the restriction placed by the Commonwealth upon the employment of coloured labour. While concerned only with carrying out the law, the Chief Inspector cannot
help expressing the fear that it may lead to the transference of a great number of workers to some port outside territorial waters, and so deprive the State of one of its industries.
REGISTRAR OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
The Registrar of Friendly Societies (Mr. S. Bennett, A.I.A.) is charged with the administration and control of matters relating to societies registered under The Friendly Societies Act 1894, The Benefit Building Societies Act 1863, The Co-operative and Provident Societies Act 1903, The Workers’ Compensation Act 1902, and The Truck Act 1899. In addition Mr. Bennett fills the office of Government Actuary, and is entrusted with the registration of industrial unions, under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1902.
From the annual returns issued from the office we learn that there are seventeen Friendly Societies, having amongst them 262 branches existing in the State. The number of benefit members stands at 16,397, their annual payments being £47,219, whilst during the latest year for which accurate figures are at present available £29,627 was expended in relief to members. The total funds amount to £158,567, of which £155,759 stands to the credit of the Sick and Funeral Fund.
At the end of June, 1911, there were twelve Building Societies—six permanent and six terminating—in operation in Western Australia, with assets amounting in the aggregate to £128,957. The oldest of these societies is the Perth Benefit, Building, Investment, and Loan Society, which was established in 1862, and remained alone until 1875, when the Fremantle Society was formed. Of the terminating societies the whole six are established on the Starr-Bowkett plan, and all are operating within the metropolitan area.
The Co-operative and Provident Societies Act 1903 has not so far been greatly availed of in Western Australia. It provides for the registration of societies carrying on any lawful industries, businesses, or trades, specified in or authorized by the rules, whether wholesale or retail, and including dealings of any description in land, but no member may have claim or interest in the shares of any society beyond the amount of £200. Only eight societies, according to Mr. Bennett’s report, remained upon the register, and of these two were in liquidation and two were in process of being wound up by order of the Court.
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act 1902, the Registrar may, after taking steps to ascertain the views of the employers and workers, certify that any scheme of compensation, benefit, or insurance for the workers, whether or not any such scheme includes other employers and their workers, is on the whole not less favourable to the general body of workers and their dependents than the provisions of the Act. Since the commencement of the Act only two schemes have required to be certified.
For conciliation and arbitration matters a special officer, Mr. T. F. Davies, Clerk of the Arbitration Court, has been appointed. This officer, whose special duty it is to see to all matters relating to the proper placing of disputes between employers and employes before the Court, acts under the general direction of the Registrar, to whom all matters relating to the registration of unions are referred.
GAOLS.
From time to time we read of historic Old World buildings, which after having for hundreds of years served the purpose of prisons, have been turned into museums and places for sightseers. Though lacking the hoariness of age, Western Australia’s first large prison has been turned to the same peaceful purpose. The large gaol erected in Beaufort Street, Perth, during the fifties has been turned into a museum, and by alteration has lost many of its prison-like features. Where so recently ago as the early seventies public executions took place, now a lordly pile of buildings to house the Public Library and Museum of the State are to be found.
The only large prison existing in Western Australia is that at Fremantle, which was erected by the convicts themselves in the old convict days, and which though far from being a thing of beauty exhibits every indication of that great strength necessary to hold the type of
criminal popularly supposed to be embraced by the term convict. From time to time the gaol has been added to and old parts modernized. It is capable of holding some 700 prisoners, but for the credit of Western Australia it may be said is rarely filled. All prisoners sentenced to long terms of imprisonment are incarcerated there, the other gaols existing m various centres of the State being more in the nature of detention houses.
The prison system is under the control of the Comptroller-General of Prisons, an office at present vacant through the retirement of Mr. Oct. Burt. Some time ago the question of prison administration generally was raised, and the Government of the day decided to secure the services of a recognized expert to report fully upon it.
The action taken and the results that have followed are admirably summed up in the report of the Deputy-
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Comptroller which has just been issued, which we reprint almost in full: —
“Captain Pennefather, Comptroller-General of Prisons of Queensland, was appointed a Royal Commissioner to inquire into the administration of Fremantle Prison, and submitted his report in April, 1911, which was dealt with by the then Colonial Secretary (Hon. J. D. Connolly), by whom instructions were issued to give effect to the majority of the recommendations. These you have since confirmed.
“Simultaneously Mr. H. Hann, an officer of much experience, was appointed as Superintendent, vice Mr W. A. George, retired—and, it is regretted, now deceased.
“The Royal Commissioner’s report provided an excellent basis for reform, and the advent of a new Superintendent offered favourable opportunity for effecting those recommendations. The change of Ministry, and later the retirement of Mr. Burt, involved of necessity some temporary delay.
“The first reform instigated by the present Administration was in the direction of constituting ‘Boards of Inquiry’ to deal with charges against officers. The first case dealt with—an appeal against a decision under the old regime—has confirmed the wisdom of providing such a board.
“Under the new regulation any officer-in-charge has power to inflict punishment, not exceeding £1 fine for breach of Prison Regulations—with right of appeal to the Comptroller-General—but if in the opinion of the Comptroller-General the charge merits heavier punishment, the case is referred to a board of three, one each being nominated by the Minister and the Comptroller-General and the third being an elected representative from the staff—the latter not being a party interested in the case.
“The regulations have also been amended to provide for a code of procedure in making charges against officers, which must result in greater satisfaction both to the administration and the officer.
“An eight-hour day has been conceded to the Fremantle Prison Staff. It is believed that this is the first State in Australia to adopt this principle, and its inauguration is the more satisfactory in view of the Royal Commissioner’s statement. ‘I fail to see how it can be put into operation unless additional officers are appointed.’ The staff will be reduced.
“The eight-hour day excludes ‘reserve duty,’ which requires one warder’s attendance nightly in case of an emergent call—-but before this report is in print the necessity of the reserve warder being in nightly attendance will probably not exist. Taking into consideration warders’ privileges—such as long service leave—which are not adopted in an eight-hour day principle, the staff does not work for eight hours a day in a six-day week.
“There have been other recent alterations respecting the staff which should make for contentment—such as liberalizing the scale of uniform, making warders’quarters more habitable, the revolving among the staff (below the rank of senior warder) of all duties (this, however, does not apply to the hospital and cook-house warders), the adoption of an annual leave roster, allowance for time travelling to and from out-station when taking leave, and other concessions of a minor, though necessary, character.
‘ The staff has not overlooked the prevailing demand for increased remuneration on account of the change in the cost of living. A Departmental Board or Committee of Advice has been deputed to investigate and make recommendations in this regard. When this work is completed, the staff should be thoroughly contented and the Government should receive a maximum of efficiency.
“ ‘Mark System.’—Principal among the reforms in respect to the treatment of prisoners is the adoption of the ‘Mark System.’ This is by no means a novel treatment, and therefore not experimental.
“Hitherto remissions were granted on a system graded on sentence, with provision for extraordinary remission, such as saving life or property, assisting gaol officers, chorister, noxious or dangerous work. Remissions were subject to forfeiture by a visiting Justice on a prisoner being found guilty of an offence
“The ‘Mark System’ removes any semblance of favouritism or anomaly in adjudication, features which prisoners are prone to ponder and foster imaginary grievances. Under the ‘Mark System’ each prisoner daily works out his own remission automatically. He realizes that good conduct is not alone a factor in his early discharge, but industry is a primary feature, so the system tends to inculcate habits of industry, which, when rooted, form an excellent basis of reformation.
“The supervising warders who are charged with the withholding of marks are necessarily compelled to watch their chargee closely, and any prisoner failing to secure full marks for three successive days is brought before the Superintendent. It will thus be seen that the system has also the effect of bringing the administration into very close touch with prisoners.
“Under this system prisoners may earn a maximum remission equalling one-quarter of their sentence, which is more liberal than before to the short-sentenced prisoner—but not so favourable to the very long sentenced.
“Prisoners earning full marks in any one week are accorded other privileges, such as the purchase of fruit, eggs, butter, tobacco, etc.
“Each prisoner is supplied with a card in his cell, showing daily his marks earned towards remission, and also the amount of gratuity earned and the disbursements made on his behalf.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
“Separate Treatment.—Hitherto prisoners (not being first offenders) sentenced to six months’ hard labour and upwards were required to undergo separate treatment for three months. This treatment has now been applied to all prisoners (excepting inebriates) and graded on the number of the prisoner’s convictions, and ranging from one to a maximum of three months. The daily hours of exercise have been considerably increased, and the barbarous 'cage’ treatment of exercise abolished.
“Female Section of Prison.—It is difficult indeed to expect any reformative result—even if the class of habitue permitted—under prevailing conditions. The structural environment is harsh to a degree, and there is little, if anything, to tend to the moral elevation of the prisoners.
“The females have now been provided with work more in keeping with their sex, such as sock-knitting, dressmaking, and laundry work. They dine (if well behaved) at a common table, are provided with more comfortable and suitable clothing, and are permitted suitable games during recreation time.
“It is proposed to prepare a series of garden plots wherein female prisoners may take an interest, and which will also tend to improve the environment of the establishment.
“Visits to the Female Prison exemplify the inutility of imprisoning the inebriate for short sentences. Experience suggests that the system is worse than useless— it is harmful. The short sentence merely affords a means of recuperation, and the prisoner goes out of the prison gate physically fortified for further depredation. The Home of the Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army authorities, which have done much to assist the administration, have been approached with % view of accepting for treatment this unfortuate class of women, and it is hoped shortly to declare certain portions of those institutions as prisons, where female inebriates can be given reformative opportunities.
“Classification of Prisoners.—It is most difficult to adopt an efficient scheme of classification where there is practically only one ‘general’ prison in the State—and the prisoners are comparatively few. This difficulty will be largely overcome by the proposal to utilize prison labour for reafforestation purposes, and also by utilization of such at Rottnest Island during the winter months.
“General.—Much good work is being done in a quiet way for prisoners on discharge, particularly by the chaplains, the Home of the Good Shepherd, and the Salvation Army. Successful measures have also been adopted departmentally in this direction.
“The religious services have been extended to permit the Salvation Army holding a weekly meeting.
“Endeavour will be made to provide a monthly form of entertainment, such as lectures, for well-behaved prisoners.
“The Home Secretary only recently adopted a system of technical education by correspondence in the English prisons for long-sentenced prisoners. The experiment is of too recent origin to judge its actual results, but if for no other reason than its tendency to inculcate studious and industrious habits it must result in moral gain. The Minister’s approval in a similar direction has been obtained.
“Efforts are being made to reduce the cost of maintenance at outstation gaols. In certain localities the whole-time services of a gaoler are unwarranted. The Acting-Commissioner of Police has given his assurance of co-operation in the direction of working such gaols with the assistance of his constabulary.”
The foregoing shows clearly the advances being made in prison administration and the treatment of prisoners, and though the gaol is not yet that happy home which some humanitarians appear to think it should be, it is now a place where punishment is tempered with mercy and inducements are held out to reform.
HARBOUR AND LIGHT.
The Superintendent of Harbours and Lights and Chief Harbourmaster is Captain C. J. Irvine, while Captain A. C. Butcher is Shippingmaster at Fremantle, and Captain Butcher Engineering Surveyor under the Navigation Act as well as an Inspector under the Machinery Act. Captain F. Winzar is Harbourmaster at Albany, and Captain J. G. Abrahamson
IMMIGRATION OFFICE
When the marvellous caves of the South-West were first opened to the public, the management and control of them was vested in a Caves Board appointed by the Government, of which Mr. E. Robinson was Secretary. This Board spent a great deal of time and money in
at Bunbury. As the name implies, this sub-department is charged with the oversight of harbours and lights round the coast and with the pilot service. At Fremantle and Bunbury, both of which are busy ports, the task of controlling the shipping is no sinecure, but one which demands tact almost as much as expert knowledge.
AND TOURIST AGENCY.
making the caves easily accessible and in providing means by which they could be visited with the least possible waste of time. It remained in existence until some three years ago, when the Government decided to combine with the caves the question of tourist require-
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ments generally, and bring the whole under the Colonial Secretary as a branch of his department. As immigration was at that time also demanding greater attention than had previously been paid to it, and the necessity for organizing a branch to deal with it was becoming apparent, the Government arranged to constitute an Immigration, Tourist, and General Information Office, which should take charge of these various matters. The branch was placed in the charge of Mr. A. O. Neville, one of the senior officers of the department, and the area of influence considerably extended. Recently a
further change has been made by the creation of a new branch of the Treasury to deal with State hotels, etc. The tourist side of the Immigration Office has been transferred to this new branch, which has been placed under the charge of Mr. Geo. Emery, formerly Accountant in the Mines Department. All matters relating to immigration still remain under Mr. Neville, and judging by the active policy being pursued by the Government in that direction, they will give sufficient occupation for a very progressive branch of the Public Service of Western Australia.
OBSERVATORY.
The beginnings of observatory work in Western Australia date back to the close of 1875, when the Surveyor-General of that time, Sir Malcolm Fraser, established a meteorological station, fitted with first-class instruments, in connection with his department. Other stations were from time to time added, and gradually something in the direction of complete meteorological data began to be collected throughout the colony.
It was not until 1896 that steps were taken to build an astronomical observatory. By that year the expansion of the col -ony had reached such a stage that the Premier of the day, Sir John Forrest, felt the time had arrived when Western Australia should look beyond the mere utilitarian and make some small contribution towards the scientific knowledge of the world.
A Government Astronomer, Mr.
William Ernest Cooke, M.A., was chosen, and an eminently suitable site for the Observatory selected on Mount Eliza. Whilst the buildings were in course of construction Mr. Cooke was sent to Europe to select equipment of the latest pattern. This consists of an astrographic equatorial of 13-in. aperture, with a 10-in. visual, by Sir Howard Grubb; 6-in. transit circle, by Troughton & Sims; ccelostat and 8J-in. reflecting telescope; spectroscope; chronograph, fitted with Grubb’s control; sidereal and mean time clocks and chronometers; seismograph (Milne’s pattern), etc.
The transit-room is of a new pattern, designed by Sir David Gill, Astronomer Royal at the Cape of Good Hope, and constructed by Sir Howard Grubb.
In astronomy the main work consists of this State’s contribution to the International Photographic Durch-musterung. The zone of the sky allotted to Perth lies between the parallels of 32° and 40° South declination. The astrograph is used for obtaining two series of photographs, each plate covering a celestial area of 2° square.
For the first series three exposures of six minutes,
three minutes, and twenty seconds respectively are given on the same plate, the telescope being moved very slightly in declination between successive impressions.
The positions of all the stars which give satisfactory images will be measured and published. This publication, i n conjunction with a similar one to be issued by seventeen other co-operating observatories, will contain the positions, reduced to January 1, 1900, of all objects in the sky as bright as a star of the 11th magnitude. The second series of plates receive three exposures of half an hour apiece, the telescope being slightly moved between successive impressions, so that the image of each star, when closely examined, consists of three dots forming the points of an equilateral triangle. These plates will not be measured, but it is hoped that they may in time be printed in an enlarged form for distribution
The observatory, Perth.
THE CYCLOPEDIA OP WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
The positions obtainable from these photographs will, of course, be only relative, and in order to make them absolute it is necessary to observe a few stars in each area and obtain their positions by means of the transit circle. For this purpose three stars of a magnitude not less than the ninth are selected in each degree square, and the right ascensions and the declinations of these standard stars are being obtained by observations with the transit circle.
This work has been carried on with a marked degree of success during the past few years, and it is ample refutation of the statements of those who deem the State’s money to be ill-invested in astronomical work.
In addition to the purely scientific side, the observatory undertakes a very practical feature in maintaining correct time. The standard clock is regulated to keep true time of the 120th meridian (eight hours ahead of Greenwich), and by means of electric currents performs the following functions: —
1. It drops a time ball at 1 pm. daily at Fre-
mantle, and at such other hours as may be asked for by commanders of mail steamers.
2. It drops a time ball in Hay Street, not far from
the Town Hall clock, which now keeps good time.
3. It controls a public clock at the front gates of
the Observatory, immediately opposite the gates of the King’s Park.
4. It controls a parent clock at the principal Rail-
way Station, Perth, whence signals are transmitted once a day throughout the Railway Department of the State.
5. It controls two clocks in the telegraph operating-
room, Perth, whence signals are daily transmitted to every telegraph station throughout the State.
6. It fires time guns at 1 p.m. daily at Perth and
Fremantle.
It has also been Mr. Cooke’s custom to publish each month in the newspapers an account, written in popular style, of the astronomical events of the month, and so cater for that large section of the public who, though not possessing accurate scientific knowledge, are anxious to have the various heavenly phenomena explained in language devoid of technicality.
As in all observatories, visitors are admitted on certain nights during the month in order to view those of the heavenly bodies as may be favourably situated for observation. Opportunities are also given for visitation of day parties who desire to view the instruments and have their various uses explained.
Until the Commonwealth decided to take over all meteorological work throughout Australia, meteorology, in the eyes of the general populace, at any rate, formed one of the most useful and interesting features of the work of the Observatory.
Readings of barometer, thermometers, wind, rain, weather, and state of the sea were telegraphed daily not only fiom all the stations in this State, but from a selected number in other States, and from these a general weather report, a special rainfall report, an isobar map, and a forecast of the probable weather for the next twenty-four hours were prepared. These were all exhibited at several places in both Perth and Fremantle, and the forecast was, in addition, telegraphed to several seaports. A copy of the map and forecast was also presented to the commander of any mailboat which might happen to be in Fremantle at the time of issue.
At present the office of Government Astronomer is vacant, Mr. Cooke having just left Western Australia to take up the duties of Government Astronomer of-New South Wales and Professor of Astronomy in Sydney University. The matter of appointing a successor is still under consideration, the position of Acting Astronomer being meanwhile held by Mr. H. B. Curlewis.
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S OFFICE.
The Registrar-General (Mr. M. A. C. Fraser), who is also Government Statistician, is practically responsible not only for the proper registration of all births, marriages, and deaths, but also for the compilation of all those different statistics that are necessary in the complex life of a modern State.
For the purpose of registering births, marriages, and deaths the State is divided into districts, for each of which there is a District Registrar. These officials forward their returns to the Registrar-General’s office, and all records are kept there. The Registrar-General also administers the vaccination regulations, notice of the responsibility of parents in this direction being given when the birth of a child is registered.
Vital statistics are most carefully kept The population, during the periods between census returns, is computed upon a plan agreed upon at a conference of the Government Statisticians of all the States. The number of arrivals and departures by sea are ascertained, and a percentage added for unrecorded emigration. In the case of immigration and emigration by land, little of which takes place as yet so far as Western Australia is concerned, 10 per cent, is added to each to allow for unrecorded arrivals and departures. To the returns thus secured is added the excess of births over deaths, and a fair approximation of the actual population thus secured. In the case of the Commonwealth Census of 1911 the result was considerably below the
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computed population, but in a State where the people are scattered over a large area, as in Western Australia, it is difficult to say which figures are the more accurate, although, of course, the Census returns are treated as official.
As Government Statistician Mr. Fraser is responsible for the collection of all statistics relating to agriculture, trade, and commerce. In the last case, since
PUBLIC
Another branch of the Colonial Secretary’s Department is that dealing with the upkeep of the gardens and grounds connected with public buildings, such as Govern-
the end of the bookkeeping period of the Commonwealth, he deals more particularly with interstate trade concerning which no records are kept by the Federal authorities.
To the average reader statistics are, as a rule, dry and uninteresting; but to the economist, sociologist, and politician no department of State supplies more useful information than that of the Registrar-General.
GARDENS.
ment House, the Public Hospital, the Observatory, the Modern School, the Stirling Gardens, and so on. This work is under the direction of Mr. D. Feakes.
FREDERIC DUDLEY NORTH, C.M.G., J.P., the Undersecretary and Permanent Head of the Colonial Secretary’s Department of Western Australia, was born at Earl’s Court, Kensington, London, on November 9, 1866, and is a son
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederic Dudley North.
of Mr. Charles Augustus North. He was educated at Rugby, and while at that famous institution played for the Rugby eleven during two seasons. Leaving the Old Country he took passage for Western Australia, where he arrived in 1886. Joining the Public Service in that year as a clerk in the Lands Department, he soon impressed his superior officers, and after an interval of five years was appointed Clerk to the Executive Council. While carrying out the duties of this office he came favourably under the notice of Sir John Forrest, and shortly afterwards was installed as Secretary to the Honourable the Premier. Mr. North
HH
continued to act as Secretary for ten years (1891-1901), and in 1902 received promotion to the important post he now occupies. He acted as Aide-de-Camp to Sir W. C. Robinson in 1894 and accompanied Sir John Forrest to England in 1897, when that gentleman represented the State at the celebrations held in connection with Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. At the opening of the first Federal Parliament by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York he represented Western Australia in Melbourne as a member of the Royal Reception Committee, which arranged and carried out the innumerable social functions and hospitalities associated with this great national event. While the Commonwealth was still in its swaddling clothes Mr. North had conferred upon him the distinctive honour of C.M.G. (1902). He was elected President of the Civil Service Association four years in succession, and during his leadership (which he resigned only at the beginning of the year) the Association made wonderful strides. He was the first Permanent Head to actively identify himself with the Association. In the realms of sport his name has always occupied a prominent place, and it is recorded that he was the organizer of the first Western Australian Cricket Eleven that visited the Eastern States in 1893. He finds congenial recreation in the pursuit of the royal and ancient game of golf, and the new Cottesloe golf links owe their origin to him. In music he also finds welcome relaxation after the heat and burden of the day. Mr. North was married in 1887 to Flora Frances, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Hammersley, of "Pyrton,” Guildford, and has surviving two sons and two daughters. His private residence is “Catlidge,” Cottesloe.
FREDERICK ALDRICH, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Perth, was born at La Perouse, near Sydney, in 1873, and received his preliminary education at local schools, with a finishing course at Lake Macquarie and Kogarah. Upon starting in life
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederick Aldrich.
he took charge of the oyster cultivation leases on St. George River, and subsequently had control of the Redfern fish markets for two years. In March, 1900, he was appointed Inspector of Fisheries in New South Wales, his duties extending over the waters of the southern portion of the State from the Shoalhaven River to the Victorian border. After two years he was transferred to the Port Hacking waters, and twelve months later, when the marine fish hatchery was constructed under the supervision of Mr. H. C. Dannevig, who occupied the post of superintendent of scientific investigations to the New South Wales Fisheries
Department, he was appointed assistant in that branch of the Service, and held this office for three years. At the end of that period Mr. Dan-nevig received the appointment of Director of the Commonwealth Fisheries and Mr. Aldrich was given charge of the hatching operations, a position he held until taking over the duties of his present appointment in Western Australia.
SAMUEL BENNETT, Registrar of Friendly Societies and Government Actuary, Perth, was born on July 19, 1878, at Dronfield, Derbyshire, England. For five years he was educated at the Workington Academy in Cumberland, England, and kept at the head of his section for three years of that time, finally carrying oil the honours from the rest of the students. After leaving school he was engaged for six years in the offices of an insurance broker and estate agent, at the end of that time (1900) going to London to take an appointment with a large friendly society as head of the insurance department, where he had control of the investments and insurance work besides the management of accounts. Retaining this post until June, 1909, he came to Western Australia to assume the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Samuel Bennett.
duties of Government Registrar of Friendly Societies and Government Actuary, a position he still holds. Mr. Bennett is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. He
is also a member of the Masonic craft, being Secretary to the St. George Lodge of Freemasons, No. 6, W. A. C., Perth.
OCTAVIUS BURT, I.S.O., J.P., is the eighth son of the late Sir Archibald Pauli Burt, first Chief Justice of Western Australia. He was born at St. Kitts, in the West Indies, on December 14, 1849, and at the age of eleven years came to Western Australia with his father, who settled in Perth. His scholastic training was carried on at Bishops College, now the High School, Perth, and at the age of twenty he joined the Imperial service in a
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Octavius Burt.
clerical capacity. A few months later, in December, 1869, he became an officer of the National Bank, and continued in this connection for over two years, at the end of which period he was appointed clerk in the office of Mr. (afterwards Sir) Frederick Weld, at that time Governor of Western Australia. Subsequently Mr. Burt occupied the post of Private Secretary to the Governor and clerk to the Executive Council, which offices he also held under Sir William Robinson and in other administrations. He was appointed in June, 1877, a member of a Central Commission in connection with the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878, and in the latter year accepted an appointment as chief clerk in the Lands and Survey Office, two years later being
appointed Resident Magistrate in Toodyay district. While still occupying this office he was recalled to Perth to act as Assistant Colonial Secretary in 1885, and in the following year returned to Toodyay. In 1887, after a brief period spent at. York as Resident Magistrate, Mr. Burt was reappointed Assistant Colonial Secretary, and in 1890 was Acting Colonial Secretary, and served as a member of the Executive Council, with a seat in the Legislative Council. Upon the introduction of responsible government he became Under-Secretary for the State. In February, 1898, he proceeded to London to relieve the secretary engaged in the Agent-General’s office, and after an absence of 16 months returned to Western Australia and resumed the duties of Under-Secretary. In 1901 he accepted the position of Sheriff and Comptroller of Prisons, and continued to hold this post until his retirement from the service, early in 1912. He also filled the office of Deputy-Marshal of the High Court of Australia. Mr. Burt, who in 1903 was created a Companion of the Imperial Service Order, for fifteen years held the position of Chief Electoral Officer of the State in addition to his other offices. He had charge of the arrangements in connection with the referendum relating to Federation, and the first Federal elections. He is a member of the Synod, the Diocesan Council, and the Cathedral Chapter of the Church of England. As a volunteer he passed through the various branches of service in connection with the Imperial Army in this State. He has always been an advocate of all forms of. outdoor sport, and has especially interested himself in aquatics. In 1877 Mr. Burt married a daughter of the late Mr. Gustavus E. C. Hare, then Government Resident at Albany, and has two daughters.
JOSEPH ROBERT CAMPBELL,
accountant in the Colonial Secretary’s Department of Western Australia, is the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Campbell, late of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and of the Commonwealth defence forces. He was born at Newport, Isle of Wight, on December 7, 1874, and was educated at his native town, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, and at the Perth High
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School, after which he followed banking and mercantile pursuits for thirteen years, including two years on the Coolgardie goldfields in the “early nineties.” He was the first Secretary to the Health Department 1900-4, and was transferred to the Colonial Secretary’s Department to
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Joseph Robert Campbell.
institute a system of centralization of the accounting of its various sub-departments, including abori-ginies, charities, electoral, fisheries, friendly societies, gaols, harbour and light, immigration, lunacy, medical, observatory, police, public health, public gardens, and registry. He was appointed a special officer under the Treasury in 1904 to unravel the accounts connected with the Western Australian contingents in South Africa, and was subsequently sent in 1907 to the War Office, London, to effect a settlement with the Imperial Government, which was satisfactorily concluded within six months. For this service he received the congratulations of the Agent-General and substantial recognition from the Government. In 1906 he was appointed a member of a special board to advise the Government as to an effective system of accounting in the Lands Department. Mr. Campbell is an Associate of the Institute of Accountants and Auditors of Western Australia and for a number of years was a member of its Council. He was married at Colombo in 1908 to a daughter of Mr. James War-man, the issue being two sons. hh2
MALCOLM ALEXANDER CLEMENT FRASER, F.R.G.S.,
F.S.S., J.P., Registrar-General and Government Statistician, was born at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England, on February 3, 1857, and is a son of the late Rev. William Fraser, D.C.L., Vicar of Alton, and a grandson of Clement John Sneyd-Kynnersley, of Loxley Park, Staffordshire. Educated at King Edward’s School, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, he emigrated to Western Australia in 1876, and joined the Civil Service as probation clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Department in April of that year. Two months later he entered the Lands and Survey Department as second clerk, and was also placed in charge of the meteorological observations and records, which latter work he retained until 1896. On promotion he returned to his former department in August, 1877. He next filled the appointment of clerk and Assistant Private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor, Major-General Sir H. St. George Ord, R.E., K.C.M.G.,
C.B., in July, 1878, and was also Assistant clerk to the Executive Council. In April, 1880, he was appointed clerk to Governor Sir W. C. F. Robinson, K.C.M.G., and in January, 1881, corresponding clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office. Mr. Fraser became Registrar-General in 1891, and he was also given charge of the departments controlling brands, patents, and trade - marks. At Sydney in January, 1900, he represented the Government of Western Australia at the Conference held to arrange for a uniform census of Australia, having previously (October, 1899) been appointed Superintendent of Census for Western Australia, and in 1901 the duties of Government Statistician were added to his responsibilities. He represented Western Australia at a Conference of Statisticians convened at Hobart in January, 1902, to arrange for uniformity in the collection and compilation of statistics throughout the Commonwealth. He holds a commission from the Governor-General as Royal Commissioner for Commonwealth electoral distribution for the State of Western Australia. He is the author of the “Official Year-Book of Western Australia,” “Natural History Notes of Western Australia,” and of various other official publications, and holds the commission of Justice of the Peace for the whole State. In December,
1883, he married Mina Eliza, daughter of the late Sir Archibald Pauli Burt, some - time Chief Justice of Western Australia. He resides at “Strath-Errick,” South Perth.
CHARLES FREDERICK GALE, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Chief Protector of Aborigines, is a well-known figure in the Civil Service of the State. He is a native of Western Australia, having been born at Geraldton in November, 1860. While yet a lad he was taken to the Old Country, and received his early education at the Bedford Commercial School, and finished his scholastic career at Bishops College, Perth, Western Australia. In the early eighties he entered into squatting pursuits on the Gascoyne River, being one of the pioneers of the pastoral industry in that district. His initiative in this direction, however, was doomed to failure owing in large measure to dry seasons, and about the time of the discoveries of the Pilbara goldfields he disposed of his pastoral interests and set out in quest of the precious metal. Eventually, in June, 1893, he joined the Government Service as Inspector of Stock, and after filling this position for a number of years he was appointed
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Frederick Gale.
Inspector of Pearl Shell Fisheries at Shark Bay. This was in 1897, and two years later he was transferred to Perth as Chief Inspector of Fisheries. In 1908 the offices of the Aborigines and Fisheries were
516
amalgamated and Mr. Gale was appointed chief of the combined departments, a post he has held ever since. He is a Justice of the Peace for Western Australia, was for several years a committee-man of the Western Australian Turf Club, and is an active supporter of all forms of sport.
HUGH IIANN, J.P., Superintendent of Fremantle Gaol, is a son of the late Mr. Hugh Hann, artist, of Somerset, England, in which county he was born on February 14,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Hugh Hann.
1862. He received his education in the world’s metropolis, and upon the conclusion of his studies for several years was identified with various walks of life. Eventually, in 1881, he joined the Royal Artillery Regiment and proceeded with his battery to India, where he was stationed in various parts of the country for eight years, returning to England in 1890. Mr. Hann retired from the service in the following year, and shortly afterwards became connected with the penal service of the Imperial Government at Wormwood Scrubs, London. He was engaged in the clerical department in the Manchester and Ruthin Prisons, and having qualified for the governorship accepted an appointment at Sierra Leone, where he remained from 1900 to 1906 as head of the Prison Department. While filling this post he was granted a commission of Justice of the Peace for the colony, and also held the position of acting head of the police force and
sheriff. He was responsible for, the formation of the Sierra Leone Fire Brigade, and acted in the capacity of captain of this body. In 1906 he was offered the appointment of Superintendent of Prisons at Ceylon, and entered upon his duties at the close of that year. During his term of service he was resident at Kandy for two years as Superintendent of Prison there, and subsequently proceeded to Colombo to fill the office of Inspector-General of Prisons for Ceylon, in the absence of Major de Wilton, Superintendent of Convict Establishments at Mutwal, Maharra, and Colombo. In 1911 Mr. Hann was appointed Superintendent of Prisons at Fremantle and Rottnest, which post he still retains. He is chief adviser in all matters pertaining to prison management, and since his arrival has been gazetted Justice of the Peace for the Fremantle magisterial district. Mr. Hann is a member of the Fremantle Club and is an adherent of the Order of Freemasonry. He married Nalder, daughter of Mr. E. Osborn, of Berks, England, and has three sons.
JAMES LONGMORE, J.P., Superintendent of Public Charities, Secretary of State Children’s Department, and Superintendent of Government Labour Bureau, was born in
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Longmore.
November, 18,56, at Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated in the public and high schools, Aberden, and was trained to the scholastic profession. He had charge in his early life of the education of the well-known Old
Mile Reformatory at Aberdeen and also a somewhat similar institution at Newcastle-on-Tyne. For five years he was Superintendent of the Certified Industrial School at Dumfries, Scotland, and while there was selected by the Tasmanian Government as Superintendent of a newly-established Training School for boys at Hobart. Here he remained for twelve years, and at the end of this time returned to London, where shortly afterwards he was appointed by the late Dr. Barnardo in charge of his Central Homes, Stepney, London. In the following year the Agent-General of Western Australia, Sir Malcolm Fraser, selected him to fill the position of Superintendent of Charities and Inspector of Charitable Institutions and Industrial Schools of Western Australia. Accordingly he set out for the Antipodes in the latter part of the same year, and was formally installed in the position which he now holds. The various literary societies of Perth have always received his heartiest support, and for some years he has been President of the Perth Literary Institute, until lately known by the name of the Swan River Mechanics’ Institute, an institution which provides facilities for those of limited means to have access to all the best classical as well as modern literature. Mr. Longmore is possessed of the Scotch faculty of economic management, so necessary in connection with benevolent institutions, and at the same time has that rare quality of sympathy with the unfortunate which makes him particularly well fitted to fill the position he occupies. In Western Australia the obligation to provide for the helpless indigent, both young and old, is fully recognized, and the State is to be congratulated on securing the services of a gentleman with the necessary experience and qualities of character which make him pre-eminently the “right man in the right place.” In connection with the Labour Bureau Mr. Longmore is, in his own unostentatious way, doing good work for the State, bringing together those seeking employment and those having employment to offer, without cost to either side. Two years ago he was gazetted a Justice of the Peace for Western Australia.
DUNCAN BERESFORD ORD, formerly Chief Clerk to the Colonial Secretary’s Department, is a son
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of the late Captain A. R. Ord (who earned distinction during the Indian mutiny and the New Zealand war), and a nephew of Major-General Sir Harry St. George Ord, R.E., G.C.M.G., C.B., a
former Governor of Western Australia. Born at Aldershot, the military centre of England, on July 27, 1860, he was educated at the Brentwood and Bury St. Edmunds Grammar Schools. Having oome to the decision to go abroad he took passage for Western Australia, where he arrived in December of 1881. The beginning of the new year saw him installed as a junior in the Crown Lands Department, and before twelve months had elapsed he was promoted to a post in the Treasury, where he continued until early in 1883. About that time largo areas of land were taken up which had been discovered by the late Mr. Alexander Forrest in the Kimberley district. This led to a big influx of settlers, and the Government deeming it advisable to appoint a Government Resident selected Mr. R. Fairbairn, until recently Resident Magistrate at Fremantle, to fill the position, and Mr. Ord accompanied that gentleman to the newly-formed centre as clerk to magistrates, etc. After twelve months he received promotion which necessitated his return to Perth, and in 1887 was chosen as clerk to the Governor, Sir Frederick Napier Broome, with whom he continued for three years. He acted as Private Secretary to Sir W. C. F. Robinson during his administration (1890-5), and for two years was clerk to his successor, Sir Gerard Smith, K.C.M.G., subsequently becoming Private Secretary to that gentleman until the time of his return to England toward the end of 1900. Mr. Ord was then appointed to the position of Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Department, from which office he retired early in 1912. Mr. Ord is a well-known figure in sporting
circles, and during his lifetime he has taken part in almost every known form of athletics, among them being football, lawn tennis, yachting, rowing, and golf. He revels in those strenuous sports which demand both pluck and muscle, and during his association with Government House he was pro-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Duncan Bkresford Ord.
minontly to the fore in paperchases on horseback, and from its inception was an enthusiastic member of the Polo Club. Mr. Ord is a member of the Masonic craft and of the Weld Club.
WILHELM SIEBENHAAR, Deputy Registrar - General and Deputy Government Statistician, Perth, was born on July 28, 1863, at the Hague, Holland, and educated in his native place, matriculating at the Delft University in 1882. He then took up the study of philology and literature for two years, and in 1884 went to England, where he became engaged in teaching in
various private schools for the next six years. In the year 1891, when tho attention of the world was directed toward the West by the wonderful gold discoveries, Mr. Siebenhaar migrated to Western Australia, believing that there would be greater scope for his ambition in a new land. For a year after landing in the State he was occupied in teaching at the Perth Grammar School, afterwards entering the Government Service as clerk in the Land Titles Office, where he remained until 1895, when he was transferred to the Registrar-General’s Department as statistical clerk and sub-editor of the “Western Australian Year-Book.” Mr. Siebenhaar fulfilled the duties appertaining to this position until October, 1906, when he was appointed to the post of compiler of statistics, receiving promotion to his presont office in 1908. He has always been a devoted student of the best literature, and derives keen pleasure from the perusal of the works of the masters of the pen, both past and present. Quito recently Mr. Siebenhaar caused a considerable stir in literary circles by the publication in book form of a finely -worded poem described as a lyrical romance in verse, and entitled “Dorothea,” a work of great merit. He has also contributed tti various English, French, Dutch, and local papers, and is well known as the translator of that portion of Pelsart's journal relating to the wreck of the “Batavia” on the Abrolhos, a revised edition of which work he has but recently prepared. In the near future it is his intention to publish a novel from his own pen, which has already received the favourable commendation of the reader of the Authors’ Society to whom it had been submitted. In 1899 he married Lydia Bruce Everard, third daughter of Mr. Nathaniel Dixon, F.S.A.A. (since deceased), of London.
HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
Of recent years the treatment of mental diseases has undergone considerable change. More enlightened methods have been adopted and greater care paid to sufferers. In this, one of the most difficult problems of modern life, Western Australia can claim to be well in the forefront, and to possess an institution which evokes the admiration of those qualified to express an opinion.
The original lunatic asylum, as it was then called, was erected at Fremantle in the old convict days to accommodate those unfortunates whose mental balance penal methods, debauchery, or other causes had destroyed. With the growth of the colony under responsible government it was felt that better quarters should be secured for the inmates, so that under more pleasant
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THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
surroundings they might have every opportunity of recovery. A large area of land at Whitby Falls was secured and some of the patients removed there. The next step was to get rid of the old habitat at Fremantle and secure a more suitable location. The place chosen was Claremont. There some 400 acres of ground were set aside for the purpose, and on the site has been erected an institution on the most approved medical lines. The plans were prepared by the Government Architect, under the instructions and with the advice of Dr. S. H. Montgomery, the Inspector-General of the Insane, an authority of more than local fame in the treatment of insanity. The cost of the buildings, which works out at about £200 per bed, compares very favourably with that of similar structures in other parts of the world. Our description of the Hospital is taken from a recent issue of The Western Mail, which gives
this building is the store, with a large arcade between. Immediately behind the store is the kitchen, and on one side of the kitchen are the attendants’ quarters and on the other the nurses’ quarters. Behind the kitchen is the main dining hall, which is capable of seating about 350 patients for meals. All entertainments are given in this hall, and for this purpose a large stage has been provided. There are five male and three female wards, and at present a fourth female ward is in course of erection. The wards are arranged in a half-moon shape with the main dining hall as the centre of the half-moon. The male patients are classified according to their mental condition, and are placed in one or other of the following wards:—(1) Quiet and chronic, (2) recent and acute, (3) sick and infirm, (4) epileptics, (5) noisy and violent. A similar system obtains on the female side.
“About half a mile away from the main hospital is
Hospital for the Insane, Claremont.
an excellent idea not only of the actual buildings themselves, but also of the manner in which they are adapted for the treatment of various classes of patients: —
“The buildings are substantially built of brick and sandstone with slate roofs, and are connected with each other by covered ways. Their exterior is plain, no money having been spent in unnecessary ornamentation, but no expense has been spared in providing for the comfort of the patients, more especially as regards up-to-date baths, lavatories, etc. The sewage system is self-contained, and is carried out by means of two septic tanks with automatic distributers.
“After passing through the main gates the visitor ascends by a steady gradient till he reaches the administrative block. In this building are the doctors’ offices, dispensary, male and female visiting-rooms, etc. Behind
another large block of four wards with its own kitchen, dining-room, etc., capable of holding 150 patients, and in this are housed quiet and harmless patients who work in the farm and gardens. The whole of the institution is lit with electric light, generated by two internal combustion suction gas-engines and accumulators. Two large locally-built boilers produce the steam required for bathing, cooking, and the laundry, but the steam is not used as a motive power, as all machines are driven electrically. All bread consumed at the Hospital is baked on the premises. The laundry has all the latest washing machines, and the kitchen is equally well equipped with a modern plant.
“The Hospital draws its water supply from its own artesian bore, which has been sunk 1,800 ft., and which gives a water supply of 750,000 gallons per day with a
519
40-ft. pressure at the bore head. This pressure serves to irrigate the various fodders grown on the farm and the lower-lying portions of the ground, but is insufficient to supply water to the Hospital, so two electrically-driven pumps force the water into tanks in the water-tower, which is such a prominent feature of the institution when viewed from a distance. The Hospital grounds have an extent of 400 acres, the greater portion of which is devoted to farming. At present sixty-five cows are milked daily, and the Hospital is supplying the various hospitals of Perth and Fremantle with milk. The grounds have been laid out in lawns, flower-beds, orchards, etc., and practically all this work is being done by the patients. The system in vogue of employing patients in outside work is not only profitable to the institution, but acts beneficially on the patients themselves towards their recovery. At the present time about 130 male patients are employed on the farm grounds and also on the cricket oval, which is now nearing completion.
“One feature of the administration is the establishment of what is called the ‘detached ward,’ where about thirty patients, who are good farm workers, are located. The doors of this ward are not locked day or night, and the patients can go in and out as freely as if they were in a private house, the only restrictions being that they must be inside by 10 p.m. and must give their word not to leave the grounds without permission. This idea is a considerable advance on what obtains in most places, and has been found to work admirably.
“In the wards themselves all appearances of restraint which are so prominent in old institutions have been abolished. There are no such things as iron barn, etc., over the windows, and seclusion, etc., have been cut down to a minimum. The airing courts have been nicely laid out with paths, lawns, etc., and a prominent feature is the
sinking of the end wall of all airing courts so that the patients have an unrestricted view of the surrounding country, and the impression that they are being confined by four walls is considerably minimized.
“Through the beneficence of the late Mr. Padbury a sum of money was left for the benefit of the patients. This sum has been invested, and the interest is being used for providing amusements for the patients. As an example, music is dispensed during the patients’ meal in the main dining hall by means of a large electrically-driven auxetephone.
“The staff at present numbers eighty-three attendants and thirty-six nurses, to which must be added cooks, laundresses, gardeners, engineers, farm labourers, etc , and the piesent patient population is 850, composed of 600 males and 250 females. The latter figures are somewhat alarming at first sight, but the ratio of insane per thousand in Western Australia is the lowest m Australasia, with the exception of South Australia. The popular idea that when a person goes insane his recovery is hopeless should be corrected, as the figures at Claremont show that about 40 per cent, of admissions recover.”
The proportion of insane to the total population has steadily increased every year since 1901, with the one exception—1910. This is only to be expected as the State steadies down. It is still, however, lower than in any Australasian State with the exception of South Australia, and is much lower than the general average throughout the world. Unfortunately insanity, due perhaps to some degree to the complex conditions of modern life, is increasing, notwithstanding the improved methods of treatment. Western Australia cannot hope to avoid the operation of general principles, but it can and does do everything that human skill can suggest to bring about the largest possible percentage of cures.
SYDNEY HAMILTON ROWAN MONTGOMERY, M.B., Ch.B., Royal University of Ireland, Inspector-General for the Insane, was born at Belfast on October 25, 1870, and is a son of the late Rev Robert Montgomery, of that city He received his early education at the Royal Academical Institution, Belfast, and at Queen’s College in the same town, subsequently graduating in medicine at the Royal University of Ireland. After receiving his diploma he went as medical officer on board the “City of Agra,” a vessel running to Calcutta, and and continued for two years on this boat, which subsequently was lost with all her living freight. Upon relinquishing this post Dr. Montgomery spent a year in Dorset as medical assistant to Dr. Robinson,
when, desiring to gain experience in the subject in which he has specialized, he joined the staff of the Nottingham City Asylum for the Insane, under Dr. Powell. While there he had on many occasions the privilege of meeting the celebrated architect, Mr. Hine, who designed many noted asylums, and who at present is consulting architect to the Lunacy Commissioners in England, and of gaining from him much valuable information with regard to the planning of hospitals for the insane. Rising to the position of Deputy-Superintendent and Senior Assistant in this Institution Dr. Montgomery in 1901 was offered the appointment of Superintendent of the old Fremantle Asylum, Western Australia, by the Lunacy Commissioners who had been asked by the Western Aus-
tralian Government of the day to choose a man with special knowledge of the most approved designs for asylums, as the building at Fremantle was out of date, and it had been decided to reconstruct it on the most modern lines. This offer was accepted by Dr. Montgomery, who spent the first twelve months after his arrival in a much-needed reorganization of the service under Dr. Lovegrove, who was then Principal Medical Officer of Western Australia, and in drawing out plans for the present fine building at Claremont in conjunction with Mr. Grainger, Government Chief Architect, now in practice in Melbourne, and who has some national works to his credit. In order to equip himself the more efficiently for his task Dr. Montgomery travelled with Mr. Grainger
throughout the Australian States, visiting the various institutions, and shortly after his return assisted in drafting the new Lunacy Act, which was passed in 1903, and in the same
Bartletlo, Perth.
Dn. S. H. R. Montgomery.
year the Lunacy Branch was separated from the Medical Department, and Dr. Montgomery was appointed its head and Inspector-General. In 1905 a commencement was made with the new building, which stands at tne present day as a monument to the painstaking care and expert knowledge of the gentleman under review, who was responsible in large measure for its design. Since entering upon his important duties he has never relaxed a vigilant supervision of the whole establishment and has proved himself eminently fitted for the task of thus ministering lo afflicted humanity. One feature of the institution to be remarked upon is that the block built for infectious cases, of which there is none at the present time, is occupied by about twenty patients who are practically not under supervision, but who attend to their own needs and comfort and are employed in work on the farm, which is a department well worthy of mention, and is included in the 400 acres on which the Asylum is built. Special attention is given to the breeding of prize shorthorn milch cattle, and of Tam-worth, Berkshire, and other breeds of pigs, and at the last Royal Show exhibits from this farm were awarded three gold medals, as well as a silver and a bronze medal, while during the past year a profit of nearly £1,000 was made. The manufacture
of electric light is carried on on the premises and during meal-times music is discoursed for the enjoyment of the inmates by means of a large electric-driven gramaphone. Dr. Montgomery is a member of the British Medical Association, and in 1910 was President of the Western Australian Branch of that body. He is a member of the Masonic craft and of the Weld Club. Golf and tennis are his favourite recreations, and he is also fond of a game of billiards. In 1900 he married a daughter of Mr. Percy Callaghan, of Liverpool, England (a Director of the famous tobacco firm of Ogden's), and has four sons.
JOHN THEODORE ANDERSON, L.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. (Edin.), L.F.P.S. (Glas.), Senior Assistant Medical Officer and Deputy
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. John Theodore Anderson.
Inspector-General of the Hospital for the Insane, Claremont, and member of the Medico-Psychological Association of Great Britain and Ireland, is a son of the late Rev. John Anderson, of Warrnambool, Victoria, where he was born on August 10, 1879. His scholastic career was begun at Toorak College, Melbourne, and continued at Scotch College, of the same city. After matriculation he became a student at Ormond College, University of Melbourne, and three years later proceeded to Edinburgh, where he qualified for the medical profession at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Anderson then accepted an appointment as Assistant Medical Officer at the
Stirling District Asylum at Larbert, Scotland, under the superintendence of Dr. George M. Robertson, now connected with the Royal Asylum at Morningside, Edinburgh. He speaks highly of the system adopted and advocated at this hospital of the nursing of male patients by women, which is now being copied by many similar institutions in Scotland, England, and America. While resident at this asylum he made a special study of the bacteriological causes of general paralysis in the insane. In July, 1908, the Agent-General for Western Australia appointed Dr. Anderson to his present position, which he entered upon in September of the same year, remaining in charge of the old Fremantle Asylum until it was closed and the patients transferred to Claremont. While at Melbourne the subject of this review won his blue at rowing, cricket, and lacrosse, and made his name at Edinburgh in cricket, which is his forte in tiie world of sport. In 1903 he played for All Scotland against the Philadelphian Representative Team, and also wielded the willow against the Australian Eleven and various county teams at a later date. Since his arrival at Perth he has represented Western Australia in interstate cricket contests on two occasions, and although also fond of golf, cricket is his favourite recreation.
JAMES BENTLEY, M.B., Ch.B. (Edin.), Assistant Medical Officer,
Dr. James Bentley.
Hospital for the Insane, Claremont, is a son of Mr. James Bentley, of Parteen, County Clare, Ireland, and received his early scholastic training
521
at a private school in Limerick. He graduated in the faculty of medicine at Edinburgh University in 1904, and in August of that year was appointed house surgeon in the Royal Infirmary at Preston, Lancashire, which position he occupied for over two years. A subsequent period was spent by Dr Bentley as medical officer on board the Royal mail steamer “Oronsa,” one of the Pacific Steamship Navigation Fleet, and at the termination of this engagement, with the object of
obtaining experience in lunacy cases, he joined the staff of the Leicestershire and Rutland County Asylum, England. After continuing there for some considerable time and improving every opportunity for enlarging his knowledge of the subject which he has made his specialty, he was offered by the Government of Western Australia his present appointment under Dr. Montgomery, which he accepted and began his professional duties at Claremont in September, 1908 Dr. Bentley
specializes in epilepsy and has made many original observations in connection with this form of disease, in the treatment of which he has been notably successful The manly game of football has won his chief allegiance in the world of sport, and he played the Rugby game with distinction for his University in Scotland. He was also a member of the Edinburgh Institute Rugby Football Club, and later played for several others, including the Lancashire County Club.
MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
These two important sections of the public service are under the control of Dr. J. W. Hope, who fills the combined offices of Principal Medical Officer and Commissioner of Public Health. Mr. P. II. Milner is Secretary to the medical side of the department, and Mr. F. J Huelin to the Health Branch.
As Principal Medical Officer Dr. Hope has general control over all medical matters within the State. He is assisted by Dr. R. C. E Atkinson as Medical Officer of Health and Dr. S. A. McClintock as Pathologist and Bacteriologist, while there are fifty-four district medical officers throughout the State who have immediate charge of matters within their districts, those at the various ports acting also as quarantine officers.
The hospitals of the State, which are largely or partly financed by the Medical Department, consist of the Perth and Fremantle Public Hospitals, Government departmental hospitals, hospitals controlled by local committees, hospitals at timber mills, and the Consumptive Sanatorium at Coolgardie.
The Perth and Fremantle Hospitals are administered by boards appointed by the Governor-in-Council, and are therefore practically outside the scope of the department, except that certain rights are reserved in return for the annual subsidies towards maintenance. With the departmental hospitals the Medical Department is primarily concern^, as it is responsible for their administration and maintenance. The same may be said of the Consumptive Sanatorium at Coolgardie. So far as the hospitals controlled by local boards and those established at timber mills are concerned, the department has no control beyond demanding financial returns in order to ensure proper conduct of the institutions and satisfactory provision for indigent patients.
The department has also instituted a system of district nursipg, with the intention of providing nursing facilities in remote districts, and so remove, in part at least, one of the difficulties that new settlers in hitherto virgin country have to face.
As Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Hope’s duties are fully set out in the Health Act, 1911, a com-
prehensive measure which came into operation on June 1 last year, and under which the functions exercised up to that date by the Central Board of Health were merged in those of the Commissioner, who must, of course, be a qualified medical practitioner. Perhaps no better idea of the system now m operation can be given than a resume of the Act itself. The first alteration noted is the abolition of the Central Board of Health, which for the past twenty-five years has constituted the main health authority in the State, and the substitution for this body of a “Commissioner of Public Health,” to which position Dr. J. W. Hope, who was president of the now defunct Central Board of Health, has been appointed. The Act provides that the Commissioner shall be a legally-qualified medical practitioner.
The Central Board was composed of members who had special professional qualifications, and were thus enabled to materially assist in administrative affairs. Although the department is thus deprived of the professional services, technical advice, and administrative functions that have been in the past rendered by the Central Board, the Commissioner is assisted by the advice of the departmental officers, and of the technical advisers in the service of the Government in other departments. The Commissioner exercises all the functions that were previously in the hands of the Central Board of Health. The principal responsibility attaching to the Commissioner is, under the authority of the Minister for Public Health, to supervise the work of the local authorities and see that these bodies properly enforce the provisions of the Act and assume their own particular duties.
Under the old Act local administration was in the hands of municipal councils and of local boards of health composed of gentlemen appointed by the Governor. Of these local authorities there were about 118 scattered throughout the State. The new legislation contains a new departure in that, in addition to utilizing municipal councils, roads boards, where considered advisable, may be given the powers of local health authorities. In this way the prestige of the local health authority generally is increased, as a larger number of them are responsible
statutory bodies, the members of which are elected by the ratepayers. It is still found necessary, however, to utilize local boards of health where neither municipal councils nor roads boards are available, but the number of these nominee boards under the new Act is reduced to forty-seven. The total number of local authorities operating on June 1 under the new Act was 117.
The powers of the Commissioner are more extensive than those that were enjoyed by the Central Board of Health. He is, for instanoe, placed in the position of a Court of Appeal against decisions of local authorities, and as such has the power to review their actions. He further has the power to specify the duties that shall be performed by the officers of local authorities. There are many functions which he has power to compel local authorities to undertake which under the old Act were only exercisable by local authorities at their own discretion.
The local authorities and their officers also are endowed with very much more extensive powers. It is absolutely essential in various circumstances that there should be almost no limit to these powers, and it may be stated that the provisions of the new Act contain all that, in the light of present knowledge, should be regarded as necessary. The extension of powers is particularly noticeable on reference to parts of the Act dealing with control of food and infectious diseases. Whereas the old Act made very little reference to drainage and sewerage work, the new Act contains very extensive provisions under this heading. The Act provides that the provisions of the Metropolitan Sewerage Act shall have precedence over the provisions of the Health Act, and therefore the sections of the latter measure regarding sewers and drains will not apply where the Sewerage Act is in operation. Apart from this question, however, there are many much-needed improvements and new provisions which will be of advantage to local authorities and to public health in general. For instance, special provision is made for the cleanliness and sanitation of hairdressers’ premises, for the sanitation of camps, for the construction of morgues and septic tanks, for prescribing the sanitary fitments to be used, and numerous other matters.
The 1898 Act provides for the registration of “common lodging-houses,” such premises including houses wherein six or more persons are harboured or lodged for a single night, or less than a week at a time. The term “common lodging-house” is one that has been taken from English legislation, and the common lodging-house as found in London and other large cities is unknown here. The term in the new Act is now altered to that of “lodging-houses,” and includes all places where more than three persons are lodged. The powers regarding this class of premises are much extended compared to those contained in the 1898 Act. The new Act contains
an entirely new feature in that it provides for the registration of “boarding-house,” this term including all premises where more than six persons, exclusive of the family of the keeper, are boarded from week to week. Provisions regarding this class of premises are, of course, less stringent than those connected with lodging-houses, but the object of their registration is to ensure more rigid supervision in connection with cleanliness and possible overcrowding.
The present Act is the same as the 1898 Act, m that it gives local authorities power to condemn any house as being unfit for human habitation. The old Act stopped short of that, and gave no power for the demolition or alteration of a condemned house being insisted upon by a local authority. The new Act now remedies this, so that it will no longer be necessary for a condemned and deserted house to remain an eyesore and nuisance to people.
The provisions under the new Act in relation to public buildings are very similar to those in the 1898 Act. The Commissioner has all the powers of the Central Board in relation to plans. He has power to close premises in respect to which his requirements are not obeyed, or to close any unsafe building. In regard to the regulations for overcrowding, power to make which is continued, the penalty for a breach may be fixed at £100 in lieu of £20, the maximum amount under the old Act
The provisions of Part VIII. of the Health Act are equivalent to the Pure Food Act, and contains much of the machinery that has been enforced in the Eastern States of Australia for the last two or three years. The provisions of the 1898 Act regarding food were, firstly, that unwholesome food was not to be sold, and, secondly, that adulteration of food must not take place. With regard to the latter item, there was no specification as to what constituted adulteration.
The new Act, however, following the principle laid down in the Eastern States, provides for the appointment of an advisory committee, composed of the Commissioner of Public Health, the Government Analyst, a bacteriologist, and two persons conversant with trade requirements. This committee has power to recommend to the Governor standards to be adopted for the composition of foods and drugs, the standard having been adopted, the question whether or not a particular food or drug is adulterated resolves itself into a comparison of the particular article with the standard which has been prescribed. If the sample does not comply with the standard then the person who has sold or offered for sale the goods from which the sample was taken commits a breach of the Act. The definitions of foods and drugs respectively are very wide, and standards for all branches of these may be set up by the Foods Standard Committee. Unwholesome food m the new Act, as in the old, may be seized by officers of the health authorities,
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
523
and the owner or vendor be prosecuted. The new Aot, however, makes provision for the inspection of all imported food, which may be dealt with m the same way as that sold locally.
' Hygiene” is a scientific subject, and m no branch of the work is the application of scientific knowledge and research more utilized than in coping with infectious diseases. Since the 1898 Act came into operation, a considerable amount of fresh knowledge has been brought to bear upon infectious diseases, so that the provisions of that Act were out of date, and in many respects faulty and unworkable. These defects were remedied in the new Act, and as far as possible the provisions brought up to date and into line with the latest knowledge of the methods of spread and prevention of these diseases.
For the last few years the prevention of tuberculosis has been the subject of much discussion, not only among health authorities but the general public, and this fact finds recognition in the special provisions that are contained m the new Health Act to deal with this particular disease. Not only is pulmonary tuberculosis made a notifiable disease, as it was in one of the amendments of the old Act, but deaths from tuberculosis have now also to be reported, and m addition medical practitioners are to report annually to the Commissioner on all cases that have come under their care during the previous year. It is hoped by this means to keep a check upon the movements of cases, and after a period of years be able to say with reasonable exactness the number of cases of this disease existing in the State Power is also given to make regulations for the prevention of tuberculosis.
The portion of the 1911 Act dealing with the registration of midwives is entirely new to this State. It provided that after the beginning of 1912 no unregistered woman shall practice as a midwife unless more than five miles from the residence of a medical practitioner, or in special circumstances. A midwives’ registration board, consisting of the Commissioner, two medical practitioners, and two nurses is the body responsible for the registration of midwives, and has power to prescribe the examination and conditions under which registration shall be effected, and also to prescribe the conditions of the practice of midwifery by registered women The unnecessary loss of life, both in infants and mothers, in the past is more than sufficient warranty for the intro duction of this new departure.
In relation to maternity, there are two other provisions in the Act, firstly, that deaths from puerperal
fever must be reported both to the local authority and to a magistrate, the latter to determine whether an inquest shall be held or not; and, secondly, that the occupier of any house at which a woman not usually resident m such house is attended m maternity shall notify the medical officer of the fact. These two provisions are designed to minimize the possibility of illegal practice.
There are many minor matters m which the 1911 Act contains new provisions, or provisions which on comparison with the old Act are found to be much improved. The coming into operation of this new Act it is hoped will inaugurate a fresh era m health administration m Western Australia. By those competent to judge the Act is regarded as a good one—not perfect, perhaps, but certainly containing powers which are needed by the health authorities to maintain a high standard of allround public health. The possession of a good Act, however, does not in itself achieve anything, and wise, sound, and earnest administration is necessary to enable those objects, which Parliament had before it in passing the measure, to be achieved.
The alteration m the system of central control is something m the nature of an experiment m this State, although it is one which has been in vogue in some of the Eastern States for many years. It is confidently expected that the new system will be a success, and that with the new and enlarged powers both central and local authorities now possess that a higher standard of public health will be secured m the future throughout the State.
This lengthy, and yet brief, precis of an Act which contains 300 clauses is sufficient to show that the Health Department has sufficient power to control every phase of the public health. After a year’s operation it has been found to fulfil practically all that was expected of it, and proves that in all matters relating to hygiene Western Australia is fully alive to its responsibility.
One special work being undertaken by the department is the systematic medical examination of school children. This was commenced in 1906, and though it has not been continued systematically during the whole period since that date, sufficient has been done to prove how highly necessary it is and what good results may be expected from it. By the courtesy of the Dental Association, the examination of the teeth of the school children in the metropolitan area is now being undertaken, and arrangements are being made for a permanent surgery where the children of indigent parents may receive attention free of expense.
JAMES WILLIAM HOPE, P.R.C.P., J.P , Commissioner for Health, Western Australia, is a Welshman, having been born at Hay in the year 1851. He received his education in his native town,
and at the close of his scholastic career passed the necessary examinations for his medical course and entered Westminster Hospital, where he remained for twelve months. He proceeded to Bartholomew’s Medical
School to complete his curriculum, and in 1874 was received as a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. Four years later he was made a member, and in 1885 took his degree as a
Fellow of this institution. In 1874, having gained some experience in one of the large hospitals, Dr. Hope was offered an appointment under the Imperial Government as District Medical Officer at York, Western Australia. He accepted the post,
1
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. James William Hope.
and embarking by the ship “Eulie” arrived at Fremantle and proceeded direct to the scene of his appointment. Here, in addition to his official duties, he interested himself in many other matters, and soon became recognized as one of the progressive spirits of the time. His capital, invested in agricultural and pastoral enterprises, brought him in satisfactory returns, and when the discovery of gold was made at Kimberley, at his own expense he organized and dispatched a prospecting party to visit and examine the new field. Three years after his promotion as Medical Officer to the Fremantle Prison and Convict Establishment at Rottnest Island, and Health Officer to the port and town of Fremantle in 1882, Dr. Hope equipped a second prospecting party to travel through the interior. This party crossed the plains in the direction of Southern Cross and discovered the Hope's Hill Mine (named after the doctor), which was worked for some time and proved so rich that it was purchased by an English Syndicate for a considerable sum, Dr. Hope retaining a large interest in the property. After discharging the onerous and responsible duties of his Fremantle appointment with the utmost tact, skill, and con-
scientious recognition of their difficulties for a lengthy period, Dr. Hope received well-merited promotion. When in 1911 the Central Board of Health was abolished and the Government Medical Health Department was established in its place he was appointed Commissoner of Public Health for Western Australia, which office he still holds. He was gazetted a Justice of the Peace in 1881. In 1878 he was appointed a Captain in the York Rifles then forming. He resigned during the following year, and in 1884 joined the medical staff as a Surgeon-Major, relinquishing his connection with that department in 1886. In 1892 he received a commission as Captain in the Artillery Corps at Fremantle, and retained the command until transferred to the unattached list in November, 1903. He was promoted to the rank of Major on May 24, 1897. In 1878 he married the daughter of the Honourable J. II. Monger, of York, and has six children.
REGINALD CYRIL EVER1TT ATKINSON, M.A., M.B., Ch.B. (Edin.), D. P. H. (Cantab.), F.R.I.P.H., Government Bacteriologist and Pathologist, etc., is a son of Mr. Reginald Atkinson, of the New Zealand Civil Service, and was
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. R. C. E. Atkinson.
born at Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 4, 1879. He pursued his studies at the High School in his native town, subsequently entering Canterbury College, the Christ-
church branch of the University of New Zealand, where he graduated
B.A. in 1901 and took his degree of Master of Arts a year later, with honours in chemistry. In 1902 he proceeded to Edinburgh, and taking a five years' course graduated in medicine and surgery in 1907, in his final year carrying off the prize awarded for work in connection with skin diseases. He was granted his diploma of public health at Cambridge in the following year, and shortly afterwards returned to his native soil and was successful in obtaining the appointment of referee to the New Zealand Government Life Department of Assurance. In the discharge of the duties pertaining to this office Dr. Atkinson travelled over the whole of the northern portion of the North Island of New Zealand, and after resigning the post established himself for a time in private practice in Auckland. He has always made a special study of the subject of bacteriology, and in 1911 was offered the appointment of Government Bacteriologist by the Western Australian authorities, a position he accepted and still holds. Dr. Atkinson while in Scotland made frequent trips to the Highlands, and also travelled on the European Continent. His chief form of recreation is swimming, and in the waters of New Zealand he won various trophies in connection with amateur swimming events. He is also fond of sculling, and is a warm advocate of hockey and other outdoor sports. In February, 1911, Dr. Atkinson married a daughter of Mr. Michael Gallery, of Mercer, Waikato, New Zealand.
DAVID ERNEST WILLIAMS,
J.P., L.R.C.S., and P. (Irel.) is a son of the late Mr. David Mark Williams, M.D., of Liverpool, a noted specialist in chest diseases and founder of the Liverpool Hospital for Diseases of the Chest. He was born at Liverpool on January 6, 1868, and received his educational training at the Liverpool College, subsequently gaining his medical diplomas in the College of Surgery, Dublin University. llis first appointment was on the staff of the Liverpool Northern Hospital, where he devoted the whole of his time to the practice of surgery, resigning the post to accept that of Medical Officer for the Elder Dempster Shipping Company, in connection with which
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
525
he proceeded to the west coast of Africa. Upon returning to Liverpool he completed his post-graduate course at the ltoyal Infirmary and was advised by a retired medical friend to emigrate to Perth, then the newest of the British possessions, lie discovered the whereabouts of this remote region with considerable difficulty, but eventually arrived in Western Australia in 1893, immediately joining the Government medical staff and being appointed to Carnarvon. Here he was instrumental in having the local hospital built, and two years later was transferred to Bunbury, where he at once set a similar movement afoot with like satisfactory results. In 1909 Dr. Williams received appointment to Fremantle, where he has ever since discharged the duties of district medical officer and quarantine officer, embracing the offices of public vaccinator, medical officer to the Fremantle Prison, and Federal quarantine officer. In his extensive private practice he prefers to specialize in surgery, and keeps well in touch with all the more modern methods obtaining in this important branch of medical science. In 1904 he visited England for the purpose of taking the post-graduate course in surgery at the Royal University, Liverpool, and in skin diseases at-the Liverpool Hospital for Diseases
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. David Ernest Williams.
of the Skin. He also attended Dr. Stopford Taylor's clinical lectures on the use of the X-rays, etc., in skin diseases, and has become thoroughly proficient in the application of this system, having all the most up-to-
date appliances for skin treatment by X-rays ionic and high-frequency methods in use in his surgery. Apart from his profession he is an enthusiastic orchardist, and nine years ago took up seventy acres of land in the heart of the heavily-timbered virgin bush country, the development of which he has carried on with such vigour that to-day he has thirty acres of the seventy under close cultivation of the finest quality oranges, over 3,000 cases of choice fruit having been produced during the present season. This orchard, “Eden Bower,” is situated at Harvey, on the south-western railway line, and is credited with being the best orangery in the State. A man of very versatile abilities. Dr. Williams has never confined his interests to one department of life, and his military career is worthy of mention. He passed the necessary examination and was gazetted Lieutenant in 1901, two years later being promoted to the rank of Captain in command of the Bunbury Volunteer Company, and retains that rank on the unattached list at the present time. In July, 1912, he was promoted to the rank of Staff-Surgeon of the Naval Reserve Forces and appointed District Naval Medical Officer at Fremantle. In sporting circles he is well known, being a good rifle shot, an adept with the rod, and a plucky rider, and for many years he acted as judge in connection with the Bunbury Race Club. In his youth he was a Rugby player, and was one of the team chosen to play the famous Maori visitors to the Old Country in 1887. He is a very fair amateur photographer and a motorist, and is a member of the Automobile Club of Western Australia. He is also a member of the Weld Club and of the South-Western Club of Bunbury, and is a life member of the Yacht Club of that seaport. In 1895 Dr. Williams was gazetted a Justice of the Peace for the whole of Western Australia. He married Mary Caroline, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Ryves, of Litherland Park, Liverpool, and has three daughters. It is interesting to note that he is a brother of the famous R. S. Williams, Lecturer on Bacteriology and Hygiene at the University of Liverpool, and connected with the Tropical School of Medicine, while two of his sisters have taken the M.A. degrees at Victoria University, Liverpool, and at Oxford.
DAVID FRANCIS BLANCHARD, L.R.C.P. & S. (Edin.),
L.F.P.S. (Glas.), Government District Medical Officer for Perth, was born at Armagh, Ireland, on June 14, 1866, and is a son of the late Mr. Robert J. Blanchard, of Yorkshire,
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. David Francis Blanchard.
England. Educated privately, he subsequently attended Queen’s College, Cork, Ireland, and courses of lectures at Dublin, Edinburgh, London, and Paris, lie graduated at the University of Edinburgh and practised for a time in the South of Ireland, coming to Western Australia in 1895. Joining the Government Service Dr. Blanchard received the appointment of Medical Officer at Beverley, where he also engaged in private practice. Four years later lie was transferred to Cue, where he acted in a similar capacity, remaining until June, 1909, in which month he was appointed to the post he now occupies. In addition to his duties as District Medical Officer he acts as police medical officer, medical referee for the various State departments, particularly the Education Department and the railways, and is referee to three of the leading insurance offices. As District Medical Officer his duties include attendance on State children and visiting physician to the Subiaco Industrial School and to the Destitute Home at Claremont, one of the largest institutions of its kind in Australasia. He also has an extensive private practice at Perth and makes a special study of subjects peculiarly modern, including the treatment of disease by electric
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
light and radium, and it is his intention to proceed in the near future to Europe and the various centres of progressive medical science to pursue his investigations on these subjects so vital to the well-being of the community. Dr. Blanchard is, however, by no means onesided, and has the welfare of his adopted country at heart in more directions than that indicated by his profession. He is keenly interested in the development of the mining industry in Western Australia and has been associated as an investor in most of the great mining ventures. In the progress of agriculture he also has a personal stake, being the owner of 6,000 acres of land in different parts of the State, including 2,000 at that rising wheat centre, Kellerberrin, devoted to the growth of the golden grain. While an advocate of all healthy outdoor recreation. Dr. Blanchard’s official duties preclude an active participation in the various forms of sport, but in the brief moments of his leisure he is wont to obtain enjoyment in the execution of a wide range of musical works. He married in September, 1911, Pearl, daughter of Mr. John Bosworth, of Adelaide, South Australia.
PHILIP HENRY MILNER, Secretary to the Medical and Health Department, is a native of South Australia, where he was born on
September 15, 1874. He is a son of the late Mr. William Milner, of Prospect, near Adelaide, and received
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Philip Henry Milner.
his education at various scholastic institutions in the sister State. When sixteen years of age he entered the office of a sharebroker at Adelaide, and for the next five or six years gained valuable experience in several of the commercial houses of that city. He was attracted to Western Australia in the year 1896, and shortly after his arrival joined the Civil
Service as a shorthand writer in the office of the Surveyor - General, in which capacity he continued until March, 1907, when he received transfer to the Medical Department as chief clerk, subsequently becoming Secretary to the Medical and Health Department, which post he still continues to hold. The duties connected with this office are varied and of great responsibility, embracing as they do the control of the hospitals of the State, quarantine, the administration of the Acts relating to early closing, supervision of factories, and the consideration of the health of the community in general. Apart from his official functions Mr. Milner makes a hobby of horticulture, particularly as regard the cultivation of orange-trees, and he has a fine orchard of this luscious fruit in the south-western district. In the local yachting world he is a well-known and popular figure, and has been for many years Hon. Secretary to the Royal Perth Yacht Club. He is a very keen yachtsman, and a great deal of his leisure goes to the pursuit of this delightful pastime. The royal and ancient game of golf also claims him as a devotee during the winter months, and he pursues the game with great ardour in storm and sunshine alike. In October, 1907, Mr. Milner wedded a daughter of the late Mr. R. Grainger, of Exeter, England, and has a son and a daughter.
POLICE.
It is the boast of Great Britain that its police force, like its judiciary, is free from corrupt influences, and the sense of honour that that tradition implants in the minds of the guardians of the public peace has been transmitted in turn to each colony and dependency of the Empire. In this Western Australia does not differ from other British States. Throughout its history the police force has maintained a highly creditable record. During the early history of the settlement one of the principal duties of the force was to protect the colonists irom the depredations and attacks of the natives, a duty which they carried out with severity, but at all times with justice. How great the aboriginal menace became, and how it was finally crushed by the police under Captain Ellis, who lost his life from injuries received, are told in the historical section of this work. Even now the police in the Nor’-West find the control of the natives part of their duty, and, notwithstanding occasional complaints of harshness from those who do not realize the danger to be apprehended, they carry out that duty in a commendable spirit of conciliation.
During the years that the convict establishment existed in Western Australia a pensioner guard was enrolled as additional protection to the citizens, but these were only called upon to act in emergency; the duty of controlling the ticket-of-leave and conditional-pardon men formed part of ordinary police work, and though the horrors of Norfolk Island and Tasmania had no counterpart in this Western State, there were moments of wild excitement and occasions of serious crime when the abilities of the police were taxed to the utmost.
Strenuous exertion also fell to their lot during the early days of the goldfields, when a cosmopolitan and not always honest population rushed to try its luck at the new Eldorado. Even in these days of capable administration the policeman’s lot is not always “a happy one.” The wide expanse of territory over which supervision has to be exercised, and the multifarious calls on the representatives of law and order, often impose extremely arduous duties upon them in outlying stations. Journeys of hundreds of miles are taken as all in the day’s work, and they are often required to undertake
527
much genuine exploratory work. There is also a tendency to employ them on duties that differ widely from those of guardians of the public safety. Often they are called upon to act as inspectors of this and that, registrars, Census collectors, collectors of crop forecasts and returns, and such like. Commenting upon this matter, the Commissioner in his latest report remarks, “Every new department that is established causes additional work to the members of the force/'
From that report, dated June 30 of last year, we learn that the police force numbered 481 of all ranks,
and comprised 1 commissioner, 1 superintendent, 6 inspectors, 5 sub-inspectors, 29 sergeants, 27 corporals, 4 first-class detectives, 12 second-class detectives, and 396 constables of all grades. At the close of the financial year 1911-12 the Commissioner (Captain Fred A. Hare) and the Superintendent (Mr. W. C. Lawrence) were placed on the retired list. So far the vacant positions have not been permanently filled ; in the meantime Chief Inspector Connell, the head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, is acting as Commissioner, his place being taken by Inspector Walsh.
Captain FREDERICK ARTHUR HARE, formerly Commissioner of Police for Western Australia, was born at Exmouth, Devonshire, on January 20, 1852, and is a son of Mr. Gustavus G. C. Hare, of Herstmon-ceaux Castle, England. He was educated at St. Columba's College, Wicklow, Ireland, and came to Australia in 1870. He entered the Government Service and served in
Tiartletto, Perth.
Captain Frederick Arthur TTare.
various departments for four years as a junior, then resigning to try his fortune in the pearling industry of the Nor'-West. Twelve months' association with the industry was sufficient for Mr. Hare, who afterwards turned his attention to station life, gaining practical experience on a station in the Murchison district, whero ultimately he became a sheep-farmer and pastoralist as a pioneer on the Murchison. His next field of labour was at the opposite end of the State, and at Vasse (now known as Busselton), in the South-West, he accepted a Government appointment as clerk to the magistrates. At vari-
ous times during the years 1880-1-4 he acted as clerk and Private Secretary to His Excellency the late Sir William Robinson, and in the last-mentioned year was selected for the post of Inspector of Police for the southern districts, retaining this position until 1886, when he was appointed Private Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the late Sir Frederick Broome. He was sent to Wyndham, Cambridge Gulf, to fill the office of Acting Government Resident in June, 1886, and held similar office at Albany, where he was transferred in 1887. From 1888 to 1896 he was Resident Magistrate at York, and so ably fulfilled the duties of his position in that important farming district that the Government recognized his services by appointing him to the responsible post of Warden of the East Cool-gardie goldfields, which office he retained for four years, when on the death of Colonel Phillips in 1900 he was selected for the position of Commissioner of Police, from which office he retired in 1912. Captain Hare is a member of the Weld Club, and resides at “Forrest House," St. George’s Terrace, Perth.
ROBERT CONNELL, Acting-Commissioner of Police for Western Australia, was born at Waterville, a cable station in County Kerry, Ireland, on December 19, 1867. He is the youngest son of the late Mr. L. Connell, an officer of the coastguard, Ireland, and after concluding his education at the National School was apprenticed by his father to the grocery trade. Dissatisfied with the confinement incident to his calling, after two years he took to the sea and came to Western Australia in the barque “Helena Mena" in September, 1886. Almost immediately upon his arrival he joined the police
force and three months later was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department as a detective. Passing through the various grades of the Service, in September, 1899, he was promoted to the position of Sub-Inspector of Police, and sent to Kalgoorlie to assist in dealing with the unsettled condition of things at that centre brought about by the troubles that had arisen in connec-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Robert Connell.
tion with alluvial mining. In the carrying out of his official duties here Mr. Connell was severely injured, and after a few months received transfer to Albany, where he continued twelve months in charge of the Plantagenet district. He was next appointed by the present Commissioner to the control of the Central Police Station, which office he held until February, 1904, and during this period, in 1902, while on a trip to England, made a study of the system of the London police and Scotland Yard, introducing to the notice of the Commis-
sioner on his return the finger-print system of identification, which shortly after was adopted in this State. In February, 1904, Mr. Connell was appointed to the charge of the C.I.D. as Sub-Inspector, promoted to the rank of Inspector on August 1 of the same year, and to the rank of Chief Inspector on July 1, 1911. Early in the year 1912 he was appointed Acting-Commissioner of Police on the retirement of Captain Hare, a few weeks previous to which he had conferred upon him the King’s Medal, in recognition of his valuable services to the State. He is interested in yachting, and is a member and committee-man of the Royal Perth Yacht Club.
Sub-Inspector JOHN JOSEPH WALSH, Chief Officer in the Criminal Investigation Department, Perth, is a son of the late Mr. James Walsh, of Limerick, Ireland, where he was born on February 14, 1862. He received his elementary education in his native place, and subsequently matriculated at Queen’s College, Cork, in 1879. Two years later he left his native land for Australia, and after a short sojourn at Sydney continued his travels to Queensland, where he was associated with station life for a couple of
Bartletto, Perth.
Sub-Inspector J. J. Walsh.
years. At the end of this period he joined the Queensland police force as mounted trooper, and served in this department until 1887, when he resigned and spent a year or two in travelling through the different
States. Ultimately he settled at Sydney, where he filled a position in a commercial office for a time, and in 1891, just after the declaration of responsible government for Western Australia, he came to this State, and on March 16 of that year joined the Western Australian police force. Until 1894 Mr. Walsh acted as. mounted trooper, and was stationed at York and Beverley, whence he discharged the duties of gold escort from Southern Cross. Early in 1894 he was transferred to Coolgardie, where he opened and took control of the first police station in that district, which was then known as Hannans, remaining there from June to November, when he became inspector’s clerk on the same field. This position he held until 1897, when ill-health compelled him to remove to Perth, and he entered the Criminal Investigation Department as second-class detective. He was chiefly connected with office work until 1900, when he was promoted to first-class detective, and was in charge of the Fremantle Detective Office until 1901, when he was sent to Kalgoorlic as officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department at that centre and Boulder, which position he held until 1905. While here he received promotion to detective sergeant, which was the first appointment of the kind ever made in the State, and was retransferred to Fremantle. In January, 1908, he returned to Kalgoorlie, and in addition to his former duties performed the responsible work of organizing and establishing the gold-stealing detective staff for that district. Three years later, in July, 1911, Mr. Walsh was promoted to sub-inspector, and continued to hold this position until June, 1912, when he was appointed Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department at Perth. It is interesting to note that Mr. Walsh gives a high testimony to the law-abiding character of the pioneer prospectors on the goldfields, and states that it was only when the influx of population from other countries occurred that the police had onerous duties to fulfil. In earlier life the gentleman under review was a great sportsman and athlete, and still takes an interest in the progress of the various organizations for the promotion of outdoor recreation. In 1900 he married Mary, daughter of the late Mr. Stephen Newell, of the Imperial army, and an early arrival in Western Australia, and has three sons and a daughter.
MICHAEL HARVEY BROPHY, Inspector of Police, in charge of the Eastern goldfields, was born at Auckland, New Zealand, on April 15, 1859, and is a son of the late Michael H. Brophy, who settled in New Zealand in the early days upon
J. J. Dwyer, Kalgoorlie.
Inspector M. H. Brophy.
his retirement from the Imperial Service. Educated at the Auckland High School, at the termination of his studies the gentleman under review entered upon agricultural pursuits on his father’s farm near that city. At the age of nineteen he joined the Armed Constabulary, a frontier police formed to protect the settlers against the Maori people who resented the encroachment of civilization into their territory. Subsequently he was a member of the force which made history in the early eighties by the storming of Parahaki and the capturing of the Maoris, Te Whiti and Tohu, who were posing as prophets and leading their tribes into rebellion. For some time afterwards he was identified with the force stationed at Toupi, now the favourite pleasure resort of the Dominion, but then in its primitive condition, and he officially assisted in the settlement of that district. In 1886 reports of the gold finds in the north-western portion of Western Australia attracted him to this State, and he became a member of one of the first mounted police gold escorts from Kimberley to the seaport of Derby, the police force of Western Australia being then under Imperial control. Mr. Brophy passed through all phases of police
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
529
pioneering in the Nor’-West at a time when the natives were hostile and dangerous, and his recital of these experiences is full of thrilling interest. A result of his long residence in the northern parts of Australia is that he is a confirmed “White Australia” advocate, and has no hesitation in asserting that the country in these latitudes can be successfully peopled and developed by white races. He served for sixteen years in the Nor’-West, during which time he gathered more information in regard to the natives than any other member of the force, and in 1901 was transferred to the Eastern goldfields as Inspector, having previously passed through the grades of trooper, sergeant, and subinspector. Since that date Mr. Brophy has resided on the fields, and has identified himself generally with the life of the place. Ho is very keen on all forms of outdoor sport, in his young days having been a well-known footballer and cricketer in New Zealand, and now acts on the committees of most of the local athletic organizations. He employs many leisure hours in reading historical works, is a student of Shakespeare, and is conversant with Australian literature in its various
forms. In 1893 he married Isabella, daughter of Mr. Henry Barand, well known in the mining industry of New South Wales, and has three sons and three daughters.
WILLIAM CHIPPER LAWRENCE, who was Superintendent
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Chipper Lawrence.
of Police from 1900 to 1912, is an Australian, having been born at Picton, near Bunbury, in 1849, receiving his education in his native place. He joined the police force in 1871, and was promoted to be corporal in 1879 and Sub-Inspector in 1885, in which capacity he was for a time in charge of the Detective Department. In 1889 Mr. Lawrence was transferred to Kimberley, where he was in charge of the Nor’-West, and in 1893 he was raised to an inspectorship. He was next located at G-eraldton in control of the Western district, and while there received the appointment of Chief Inspector in 1899, at the same time receiving transfer to Perth. In the following year he was elevated to the position of Superintendent of Police for the Metropolitan area, which post he held until his retirement from service early in 1912. Mr. Lawrence on several occasions filled the position of Acting Commissioner of Police. He was made a Justice of the Peace for the State by Sir John Forrest prior to that gentleman’s departure to take up his duties as representative for Western Australia in the first Federal Parliament.
State Institutions Governed by Boards.
PUBLIC LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND ART GALLERY OP
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
By the operation of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of Western Australia Act, which came into force in November, 1911, the Public Library of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery became incorporated under trustees described as “the trustees of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of Western Australia.” With the proclamation of the Act the committee which had governed the two institutions as quite separate concerns ceased to exist, and a trust governing the two as one took its place On this trust the Hon. Sir Winthrop Hackett, M.A.,, LL D., M L C., who for years had been chairman of the defunct committee, was elected the first president, the term of office being six years At the first meeting after the full constitution of the trust Mr J. S Battye, B.A., LL B., the Chief Librarian of the Public Library, was appointed General Secretary to the Trustees, arrangements being made at the same time to keep the institutions, until the trustees should otherwise direct, separate, so far as possible, in administration In describing them, therefore, it will be more convenient to treat them separately.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Estimates for 1887, laid before the Legislative Council in 1886, contained provision for the sum of £5,000 to be expended on the celebrations in Western Australia of Her Majesty’s Jubilee. As no decision was arrived at in the Council regarding the objects to which this money should be devoted, a Commission was appointed, consisting of members of the Council and other gentlemen, with the then Governor, Sir Frederick Napier Broome, as chairman, to draw up a scheme for the erection of a fitting memorial in honour of the event The Commission met on December 21, 1886, and various propositions were made, but ultimately it was decided that £2,000 of that amount should serve as Western Australia’s donation towards the Imperial Institute, and the balance should be devoted to the foundation of a Free Public Library to be established in Perth.
A committee was then appointed by His Excellency the Governor to have charge of the arrangements in connection with the choice of a site, preparation of plans, and the foundations of the institute; and they, in their report to the Legislative Council, recommended that the
site of the old Government Boys’ School in St. George’s Terrace would be the most suitable on which to build the library; but owing to the scarcity of funds they suggested that the foundations only of the building be laid, and that the premises situated almost opposite, lately used by the Western Australian Bank, should be leased, and books to the value of £1,000 be ordered from England and placed therein, to serve as a temporary library, pending the completion of the structure
The recommendations of the committee were, in the main, adopted, and on June 21, 1887, the foundation-stone of the institute was laid by His Excellency the Governor in the presence of representatives of all the public bodies of the colony. The Victoria Public Library Bill was placed before the Legislative Council soon afterwards, but although it was passed through all its stages it ultimately failed to become law.
A committee of management, consisting of Sir Malcolm Fraser, K.C.M.G. (chairman), and Messrs. Septimus Burt, Q.C., J. W. Hackett, M.A., M. F. A. Canning, and F. J. Hickling, was appointed in May, 1888; and on January 26, 1889, the library was opened with
I, 796 volumes on the shelves. On the resignation of Sir Malcolm Fraser, who became Agent-General, Sir J. G. Lee Steere, K C.M.G., was appointed chairman. Mr. W. C. Townsend was appointed clerk to the committee, he being succeeded in March, 1890, by Mr Basil Porter, who held the position until 1894, when he resigned owing to loss of eyesight, and the present Chief Librarian, Mr
J. S. Battye, was appointed
The original site being considered unsuitable, the Government reserved a large block of land at the corner of Beaufort and James Streets as the permanent site for a building to include the Library, Museum, and National Gallery, and in 1896 a commencement was made with the first portion of such a structure. This was intended to be temporarily the home of the Library, but ultimately for the use of the Museum.
The foundation-stone previously laid in St. George’s Terrace was removed to its new position, a further stone commemorative of the Diamond Jubilee of Her late Majesty being placed with it, and the two were unveiled by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Gerard Smith, on June 22, 1897, the function forming part of the celebration in Western Australia of the completion of the sixtieth year of Her late Majesty’s reign. In August, 1897,
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
531
the Library was moved from the old premises of the Western Australian Bank in St. George’s Terrace into the basement, and twelve months later to the ground floor of that building.
In 1902 the rapid growth of the Library caused a demand for more extensive accommodation, and in 1903 the second portion of the comprehensive scheme was erected by the Government. This forms the first part of the permanent Library, and contains accommodation for
100,000 volumes, as well as ample and well-ventilated space for readers.
By resolution of the committee, confirmed by the Governor-in-Council, the word “Victoria” was, in April, 1904, deleted from the name of the institution, which then became known as “The Public Library of Western Australia.”
When the Hon. Sir Jas.
G. Lee Steere died in November, 1903, the position of chairman was conferred upon the lion. J. W.
H a c k e t t,
M.A., LL.D.
The additions made to the buildings in 1903 were rapidly outgrown, and in 1910 the Government was approached
with a request to build the first portion of the main front. This request was acceded to, and the work actually started in October, 1911. It is expected that it will be ready for occupation by the end of the present year (1912). There will then be sufficient accommodation for about 250,000 books. A useful adjunct to the reference library is the system of travelling libraries, under which cases of books are loaned for definite periods to country mechanics’, miners’, and agricultural institutes. This arrangement is largely availed of, there being at present about eighty institutes receiving assistance. The total number of volumes in the Library on June 30, 1912, was 102,815, of which over 93,000 were in the reference collection and about 9,500 in the travelling libraries’ branch. The average annual attendance of visitors approaches 190,000. The principal assistants are Mr. H. B. Collett, the Sub-Librarian, and Mr. n2
Charles Battye, who has control of the Cataloguing Department.
MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY.
The Museum is situated about 250 yards north of the Perth Central 'Railway Station, at the corner of James and Beaufort Streets. The entrance is from Beaufort Street.
As its name implies, it is essentially a Western Australian museum, the collection already containing specimens of the greater number of the indigenous mammals and birds, as well as of many of the reptiles, fish, etc. Full particulars of these will be found in the “Natural History Notes,” a new edition of which is going to press.
In the year 1860 a number of the residents of this State resolved to establish a museum, and for that pur-
p o s e opened a subscription list, obtaining altogether the then large sum of £340 19s. lid., for it must be borne in mind that forty years ago the population (15,227) was small, scattered, and far from wealthy. The list showed how general was the interest taken.
To the then Surveyor-General, Captain John Septimus Roe, R.N., who died in 1878 at the age of 81 years, must be accorded the chief credit for the work, for he, in addition to subscribing, gave valuable collections and devoted much time to their arrangement.
The museum thus formed was attached to the Swan River Mechanics’ Institute until 1892, when the Government purchased the collection for £400, so that it might be incorporated with others. In 1881 the Rev. C. G. Nicolay had, at the suggestion and with the help of the late Sir W. C. F. Robinson, established a geological museum in the old Guard-room at Fremantle, where he arranged and added largely to the geological collections made by Dr. F. Von Sommer; by Messrs. Gregory Bros.; by Mr. H. Y. L. Brown, F.G.S. (now Government Geologist of South Australia); and by the late Mr. E. T. Hardman, F.R.G.S.I., Government Geologist
The Museum and Art Gallery, Perth
of Western Australia in 1882-3. The collection in the Fremantle Museum was, in 1889, transferred to the charge of Mr. Harry P. Woodward, F.G.S., then Government Geologist, and was removed to Perth and placed in the room formerly used as the High Court of Justice (now the Ethnological Gallery), Mr. Bernard H. Woodward, F.G.S., C.M.Z.S., being appointed Curator of the Geological Museum. The title was, in 1892, abbreviated by the omission of the word “Geological,” when, as before mentioned, the Government purchased the museum of the Swan River Mechanics’ Institute, as the collection then obtained included zoological, botanical, and ethnological, as well as geological, specimens.
In the same year the late Colonel Phillips, then Commissioner of Police, deposited in the Museum the valuable collection of native weapons and implements that had been gradually got together by his department.
In 1895 the control of the Museum was transferred from the Hon the Minister of Mines to a committee which controlled the Public Library. Two additional galleries were then added—one for zoology, opened by His Excellency the Administrator, Sir A. C. Onslow, on July 31, 1895; and the other for art, the latter of which was not opened until the following year. The Government then increased the annual grant from £200 to £4,000 per annum, at which amount it remained until 1897-98, when it was reduced to £3,000, but subsequently increased to £3,500 in 1899-1900, and then further to £3,800 in the ensuing year, at which figure the annual grant at present stands.
In 1897 Parliament agreed to the erection of further buildings, and a substantial stone edifice of two stories, containing two galleries, 132 ft. by 38 ft., with offices and storerooms in the basement, was erected at a cost of £20,000. The ground floor and basement were temporarily lent to the Public Library until its own building should be erected, for which purpose Parliament, in 1900, voted the necessary money, as also at the same time that for the building of an art gallery, which is to comprise two floors 150 ft. long. The foundation-stone of this wing was laid by H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York on July 25, 1901, but nothing further was done for some years owing to the want of funds. In 1907, however, money was voted for the new art
JAMES S. BATTYE, B.A.,
LL.B., Editor of “The Cyclopedia of Western Australia.” The Public Librarian of the State, James Sykes Battye, is the younger son of the late Dan Battye, and was born at Geelong, Victoria, in 1871. He was educated first at the Flinders State School, where he succeeded in winning a Government exhibition, and afterwards at the Geelong College and Melbourne University, where he graduated as B.A., LL.B., in 1893.
gallery, which was opened to the public in 1908, and now forms one of the most attractive and instructive institutions of the capital. Considerable attention is also being paid to the question of applied art, and the Museum now contains a collection of examples which are of very considerable interest
In addition to the art and zoological sections, there are sections dealing with ethnology, palaeontology, and mineralogy, all of which aim at presenting for public information complete collections representing Western Australian types.
The palaeontological collections contain the historical collection of 3,400 fossils made by the late Professor Tennant; of these the vertebrates were named by the late Mr. William Davies, F.G.S., and the invertebrates by the late Dr. S. P. Woodward, F.G.S., both of the British Museum. This collection had been in the geological department of the British Museum for some years, as its purchase was contemplated by that institution because it contains so many “type” specimens.
The chief interest, perhaps, of most visitors to the State centres in the rich gold specimens from the Cool-gardie, Yilgarn, Murchison, Pilbara, Roebourne, Kimberley, and other goldfields. These have nearly all been presented by directors of mines or by residents in the State.
The early history of Western Australia is illustrated by numerous relics, the most interesting of which are those of the Dutch vessel “Zeewyk,” wrecked on the Abrolhos in 1727. They were unearthed most carefully by Messrs. Broadhurst, McNeil, & Co., and it is through their courtesy that this Museum has been enriched by these valuable additions.
In order to extend the influence of the Museum as widely as possible it has been the custom for years past to deliver each winter a course of free popular lectures on science and art subjects. These have always been very well attended, and constitute a very attractive and entertaining adjunct to the ordinary work of the Museum.
On the natural history side of the Museum Mr. Woodward is assisted by Mr. W. B. Alexander, B Sc., and Mr. L. Glanert, F.G.S., and on the art side by Mr. G. Pitt Morrison.
and has devoted most, of his spare time to the various charitable movements of the community. For eight years he was Honorary Secretary to the Victoria Institute for the Blind, and has been a Trustee of the Children’s Hospital since the inauguration of the movement in 1897. From 1908-10 he was Vice-President of the institution and is still a member of the Committee. He has taken a prominent part in educational movements, and from 1909-11 he acted as
From 1889-94 he was a member of the staff of the Public Library of Victoria, resigning from that institution to accept the position he now occupies. After the passing of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery Act 1911 Mr. Battye was appointed Geineral Secretary to the Trustees, still retaining the Chief Librarianship of the Public Library. During his residence in this State he has been prominently identified with the Methodist Church
533
Honorary Secretary to the Royal Commission on the establishment of a University for Western Australia, and as Honorary Secretary to the Committee (appointed late in 1911) to recommend to the Government a suitable site for the University. When the first Senate under the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James S. Battye. University Act, 1911, was constituted by the Governor-in-Council in February, 1912, Mr. Battye was one of the eighteen appointed. For the past six years he has been a member of the Board of Governors of the High School, and since 1911 has been Chairman of the Board. Lie was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1901. In 1895 Mr. Battye
was married to May, eldest daughter of Mr. Edward Jenkins, J.P., of Melbourne, and has living three daughters and a son.
BERNARD H. WOODWARD, F.G.S., Director of the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery, has been in charge of this institution ever since its establishment on the present site in 1889. At that date it was unly the Geological Museum, containing the collections made by the Government Geologist (Mr. Harry P. Woodward) and his predecessors in that office, and the Rev. C. G. Nicolay (Registrar of Minerals). The Museum was then contained in one room, now the Ethnological Gallery, and was open only once a week. Mr. Woodward also held the positions of Government Assayer and Government Analyst up to 1895, when the scope of the institution was enlarged to that of a National Museum and placed under the control of a committee. Mr. Woodward belongs to a family widely known in scientific circles for several generations, as mentioned in Francis Gal ton’s work on “Noteworthy Families,” whose achievements in modern science have been publicly recorded. Outside his official work Mr. Woodward at all times has been ready to help in movements tending to the advance of education and culture. He was President of the first Vine and Fruitgrowers’ Association formed at Toodyay in 1893 and instituted the first pruning contest in the year
1894. He founded the first Wilgie Sketching Club, and in 1896 was elected the first President of the Western Australian Society of Arts. In 1891 he promoted the formation of the Western Australian Natural History Society, acting as Hon. Sec-
Bartletto, rerth.
Mr. Bernard H. Woodward.
retary for some years and contributing many papers at its meetings. In 1905 he inaugurated the series of free popular lectures on science and art at the Museum with a lecture on “The Aims and Objects of Museums,” and has since frequently contributed to these lectures, which have become very popular in fact as well as in name with a large section of the public.
ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
Like all other institutions of a similar character in the State of recent growth, the Zoological Gardens of Western Australia can claim to be second to none in regard to location and in regard to the excellence of their arrangement. The grounds, which comprise 42 acres, are beautifully situated at South Perth, within easy reach of the ferry and fairly accessible from all parts of the metropolitan area. They were opened to the public in 1898, and have since then had an average annual attendance of over 70,000 visitors.
The management is vested in a committee, of which the Hon. Sir Winthrop Hackett is chairman, but the actual control falls upon the Director, Mr. E. A. Le Souef, a member of that family which has been so long and favourably known in connection with zoological work in Australia.
The Gardens have been arranged by him on well-considered plans, with the result that the best effects
from the public point of view have been secured, while every care has been taken with rare and costly creatures, and so far as possible the natural habitat of all the animals has been reproduced.
Amongst the animals bred in the Gardens since their establishment may be mentioned tigers, leopards, dingoes, buffalo, various cattle, deer, and wild swine, whilst many less important animals have also proved prolific. Many birds have also been bred, including ostriches and emus. An excellent supply of artesian water was struck in the Gardens on February 27, 1899, at a depth of 1,860 ft. The flow is estimated at 350,000 gallons per day, and as the water is warm, being 103° at the bore mouth, it is very suitable for keeping up the temperature of reptile and other houses that require artificial heat. In fact, one of the features of the “Zoo” is the Snake House, an excellently arranged and commodious structure, in which the reptiles find condi-
m
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
tions most nearly approaching those to which they are courts are available for the votaries of that game, naturally accustomed. Children are especially welcomed, and every atten-
Apart from the accommodation for zoological speci- tion paid not only to their pleasure but to their inmens, the grounds are beautifully laid out, and in some struction. Mr. Le Souef is always glad to receive measure compensate for the absence of botanical gar- parties and conduct them personally round the Zoo, dens in Perth. Sporting bodies, too, are catered for by imparting as he goes a fund of useful and entertaining a large recreation ground, where cricket, football, and information. Altogether the Zoological Gardens thor-other sports can be carried on, and a series of tennis oughly deserve the appreciation that is accorded to them.
KING S PARK.
Visitors to Sydney, it is said, are invariably met with the question, “What do you think of our harbour ?” Though Perth has no harbour it can show to those who appreciate natural beauty a stretch of river second to none in Australia, and a vast extent of park overlooking it which no Australian capital can even approach It is one of those great concessions to the public for which the name of Sir John Forrest will ever be revered in Western Australia.
Embracing the whole summit of Mount Eliza, a commanding eminence overlooking the city, the King’s Park forms a beauty spot of almost incomparable charm and a lung for the city that will be more and more appreciated as time goes on. It contains upwards of a thousand acres of ground, and while portions of it have been grassed and laid out with trees and flowers, everything has been done to preserve in all their natural beauty the native trees and flora that form so distinguishing a feature of Western Australia. Roadways and paths have been constructed throughout, the main drive, from Havelock Street entrance to Crawley, a distance of nearly three miles, being opened in 1897.
The “May” drive, a distance of three miles, completed in July, 1901, was opened by H.R.H. the Duke of York during the royal visit to the State. This is a particularly fine roadway, opening up the central portions of the Park. On commanding positions, overlooking the river, are two fine pavilions; a charming tearoom on the terraces below the cliff (one of the most attractive spots in the Park) and a very pretty and ornamental lodge at the main entrance have been erected. A caretaker’s cottage also stands at the entrance gates, Rokeby Road, in the vicinity of which a further tearoom has been constructed. A third tea-room has been erected near the Queen’s Statue
“The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial,” standing to the left of the drive, a short distance from the main entrance, was erected by voluntary contributions and pound-for-pound grant from the Government. It is in memory of the Western Australian soldiers who lost their lives during the South African War. To collect the funds for its erection a citizens’ committee was formed in 1900, and competitive designs were invited, Mr. J. White, sculptor Annandale, New South Wales, being the successful competitor.
The memorial consists of a bronze group on stone pedestal, with four bronze panels depicting various scenes during the war, the foundation-stone of which was laid by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York in July, 1901. The memorial was unveiled by His Excellency Sir E. A. Stone, Administrator, m September, 1902 In October, 1903, a very fine marble statue, erected to the memory of the late Queen, was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Frederick G. D. Bedford. It is of beautiful workmanship, by Mr. F. J. Wilkinson, the well-known sculptor of Esher, England, and was presented to the State by Mr. Allen H. Stoneham, London.
The Leake Memorial Fountain is of a semi-classic style of architecture, and was specially designed by Mr. J W. R. Linton, artist, of Perth. It rests on two courses of finely-rubbed bluestone steps. It has four sides, and standing out from each corner is a pier consisting of pilaster, with moulded base and cap, supporting two coloured marble columns with carved caps and bases. There is a finely-moulded cornice running round the whole memorial, which is capped by a solid marble dome, the top of which is 10 ft. from the ground. On two opposite sides of the fountain marble basins project, the water being supplied through nickel-plated taps. The drinking-cups, which are of plain but substantial design, are made of nickelled gun-metal. The whole of the memorial, with the exception of the bluestone steps and coloured marble columns, is made of white Sicilian marble, and covers a space of 9 ft. square. The execution of the work was entrusted to the well-known firm of monumental masons, Messrs. Wilson, Gray, & Co. On the front of the memorial an inscription in lead-letters reads as follows: —
This fountain was erected by the State as a tribute to George Leake, C.M.G., K C., M L A , Premier of the State from 27 May to the 21 November, 1901, and from the 23 December, 1901, to the time of his death, on the 24 June, 1902. It was during his Piemiership that the May Drive was opened to the public by H.R.H. May, Princess of Wales, on the 23 July, 1901 On the reverse side an inscription reads. —
On the second anniversary of his death this memorial fountain was dedicated to the use of the people of Western Australia by Admiral Sir Frederick G. D. Bedford, G.C.B., Governor of this State.
In the way of ornamentation an artificial gully below the first pavilion has been constructed, and is a
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
535
great additional attraction. Some beautiful coral, and also many choice shrubs, have been utilized m its ornamentation.
The Park may be reached by tram through Colin Street, and also on the Subiaco side by Rokeby Road. It is open daily from sunrise to 10 p m.
Throughout the year thousands of visitors take
advantage of the pleasure afforded by a stroll or drive through the Park, and the commanding view from the summit of Mount Eliza never fails to excite admiration.
The control of the Park is vested m a board appointed by the Governor-in-Council. The Honourable Sir John Forrest is chairman, and the Honourable Sir Winthrop Hackett, M.L.C , vice-chairman.
The Royal Mint.
(PERTH BRANCH.)
Early in 1894 an application was made by the Government of Western Australia to the Imperial Government for the establishment of a branch of the Mint at Perth. The assent of the Lords of the Treasury and of the Secretary of State for the Colonies having been obtained, the Parliament of Western Australia passed an Act entitled “The Perth Mint Act, 1895,” by which "there shall be payable to Her Majesty in every year out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Western Australia a sum or sums not exceeding m the whole in any year the sum of £10,000, for defraying the salaries, contingencies, retiring and other allowances, and expenses connected with the establishment of the Perth Branch of the Royal Mint,” and "all sums by way of fees, dues, or charges lawfully received or collected at the Perth Branch shall be from time to time accounted for and paid over by the Deputy Master . . to the
Colonial Treasurer, to be paid by him into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the colony.”
To meet the cost of treating the increased output of gold, the annuity to the Mint was subsequently raised to £20,000 a year (Perth Mint Act,of August 2, 1899).
On October 13, 1897, Her late Majesty the Queen passed an Order-in-Council, approving a draft proclamation establishing a branch Mint at Perth. This proclamation was published m The London Gazette on October 15, 1897, and was promulgated in Western Australia on July 13, 1898. It ordains, among other things, that “the gold coins coined ... at the branch Mint at Perth shall be deemed to have been issued from our Mint, and shall be current and a legal tender in like manner and to the like extent as if they had been coined and issued in England.”
The necessity for having a branch of the Royal Mint, and not a local institution, is due to the fact that coinage is one of the prerogatives of the Crown, and can only be conducted in the British dominions by officers under the direct control of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury The Mint buildings are colonial property, but the Mint as an institution for the conversion of bullion into coin is in every sense a department
of the Imperial Government. When the application for the establishment of the branch Mint was made, the production of gold in Western Australia was in its infancy, and it was expected that the out-turn of the precious metal would reach a total of £1,000,000 during the then current year, 1894, an expectation which was not fully realized, the value of the metal produced being about £880,000 only. Since that time, however, the output of gold has been increasing rapidly, that for the year 1911 amounted to a little more than £5,131,381.
The main object in view m having a Mint established in the colony was to provide a market where the miner would be able to dispose of his gold at the sterling value of the metal (£3 17s. 10|d. per ounce of gold ll-12ths fine), and would obtain that value after the delay of only a few days, instead of having to make the best bargain he could with his bank or with a private dealer. Prior to the opening of the Mint a miner, who did not care to accept a rough-and-ready valuation of the metal he had won, was compelled to either arrange for it to be sent to one of the existing Mints in Australia, or to some firm of refiners in London or elsewhere. Either alternative involved delay and considerable expense in freight, loss of interest, etc.
The opening of the Mint has, therefore, directly benefited the mining industry and indirectly the State as a whole. When considering the value of the Mint to the State it must not be lost sight of that the form into which most of the metal is converted is one which has advantages over any other shape in which gold can be commercially dealt with. Ingots, except when they bear a Government stamp, as in the case of those issued by the Australian Mints for use in India, and those made at the Mints of the United States, are not saleable without being assayed and reassayed almost every time they change hands. The sovereign, however, is not only the standard of value and the chief current coin of the United Kingdom and of most of the British colonies, but is accepted as bullion throughout the world without question as to fineness.
The Deputy-Master is Captain J. F. Campbell, who has held office since the branch was established.
Municipal.
Perth and Environs.
“The Lieutenant-Governor (Captain Stirling, lt.R.) nad fixed on a site for a town about 12 miles up tli<> Swan River on the right bank, just below the islands, where he intended removing immediately with the whole of the party landed on Garden Island. The town is to be called Perth; there is also another town to be built at the mouth of the river for the convenience of shipping in Gage Roads, near the spot where the party from the ship first established themselves. The number of settlers arrived from England, including women and children, were about 150, making the whole party now at Swan River amount to nearly 300 persons. . . .
The soil of the sea-coast was generally sandy, but on arriving at the fresh water m the Swan and Canning Rivers, the banks were rich and the soil capable of producing anything.”—(Extract from despatch by Captain Fremantle, October 8, 1829.)
That Captain Stirling did not lack aesthetic sensibility when exercising his choice of a site for the capital is admitted by every visitor to the city as well as by its own inhabitants, who are justly proud of the natural beauties that surround them. The bold headland of Mount Eliza, the noble expanses of water, the distant hills of the Darling Range, all combine to render picturesque the surroundings of the capital. The first stone of the city was laid on August 12, 1829, but town-planning m Captain Stirling’s day had not been reduced to an exact science.
To quote from a comprehensive report prepared by the Town Clerk of the city in 1911:—“Perth is unfortunate in having been planned with little foresight of the dimensions it was ultimately to assume or the quantity of traffic which would have to be provided for. No special provision was made for wider streets for the main arteries of traffic—in many cases roads come to abrupt terminations, and little provision has been made for the extension of main roads through other municipal or roads districts to give through communication to the world beyond. Further, there has been no central authority governing the respective subdivisions of North Perth, Mount Lawley, and Maylands, and streets set out in one district come to a sudden termination when they reach the boundary of the next district. The whole question should now be considered from the point of view of the metropolitan area. Mam avenues should
be laid out, and where possible streets in one district should be connected with others in the adjoining district. Particularly m Central Perth, the main arteries are even now too narrow, and are destined to prove even more unsuitable as time progresses. A most important task for the committee will be to select arterial lines of communication from the commercial centre to the outskirts, and also mam connecting lines between the various suburbs. We can now appreciate in Perth one of the grave disadvantages of the rectangular or draught-board system of town-planning.”
To oveicome the many drawbacks incidental to city expansion a joint committee, formed of members of the various corporate bodies involved, has been formed. A “Greater Perth” movement has been set afoot, and in time to come the problems attendant on traffic, land subdivision, and the beautification of the city will receive that consideration that is and will be necessary.
The progress of the infant city was, to modern ideas, slow. By the middle of 1837—eight years from the date of foundation—422 town allotments had been disposed of. About 350 houses, valued roughly at about ,£100 each, had been erected. The type of architecture was archaic. Light and ventilation were little considered. Four walls and a roof seemed to be the standard idea. Even official buildings had no claims to anything but mere utility. This type of architecture ruled for many years, and it can be fairly claimed that not until the third-quarter of the century did the crude, squat, four-square building give place to anything more ornate. The population of the city had reached 524 at the date above mentioned. The infant colony was prospering, and with its prosperity that of the capital kept pace. The price of land had reached £5 per acre, but no signs of a land boom arose with city lots offering at even that price. Public works were carried out till in 1840 came the commencement of the construction of the Causeway, the next year witnessing its completion.
It was not till 1856 that Perth was constituted a city. In those days the Government of the city was in the hands of a body called the Town Trust, but in 1871 The Municipal Institutions Act came into force, and since that date the affairs of the city have been administered by a City Council, with a chairman till 1880, but since then having a Mayor at its head. In 1864 the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
637
city was divided into three wards, and three years later the corner-stone of the present Town Hall was laid by the then Governor, Mr. Hampton, the building being formally opened twelve months later. Telegraphic communication with Guildford was opened in 1871, and later with other country towns. In 1879 the first sod of the Eastern Railway was turned by Governor Ord at the spot close to where is now situated the Horseshoe Bridge in William Street. In 1880 the present Chief Justice, Sir Henry Parker, was elected Mayor. In the following year the railway line from Fremantle to Guildford was opened, a month later mails were dispatched by train along the Eastern line. In December, 1887, the first
begun to live, to move, and these fortunate ones invested in city lots, and the architecture of the city began to change. Little by little the old-time buildings have given way to more modern erections, some classic in their design, some meretricious. But the general taste is being wisely directed in right lines, and time will be when Perth will be a city of noble buildings. The widening of the streets has already been discussed, and it is reasonable to expect that should the appointment of a Municipal Art Commission (as has been suggested) come to pass, the city will in years to come grow into one of the most beautiful in the Commonwealth.
The city proper embraces an area of about four
Telephone Exchange was inaugurated in Perth, and within a month connection made with Fremantle. In 1889 works for the supply of Perth with water conserved in the Darling Ranges were commenced by the Perth Water Supply Company, and completed in eighteen months. A reservoir was constructed on Mount Eliza, and therefrom water supplied by gravitation to the city. With the rush following Bayley and Ford's discoveries of gold at Coolgardie,* Perth became a busy city. The old order had begun to change. The calm, placid life of the community was leavened with the yeasty excitement of the never-ceasing flow of gold-seekers. Many of these fortunate in their quest, saw in Perth a place that had
square miles, being bounded on two sides—east and south—by the Swan River, on the west by Subiaco and Leederville, and on the north by Leederville and North Perth, Mount Lawley, and Maylands. The commercial centre may be regarded as being included within the block bounded by Milligan Street, Wellington Street, Pier Street, and the River. Beyond this area, of course, there are many places of business, mostly smaller retail businesses and factories. The outer fringe is mainly devoted to residences. Hay Street, regarded at present as the main business thoroughfare, is narrow and constricted as to traffic, a double line of trams rendering vehicular traffic cautious. In this street are located the
present Town Hall and many fine public and mercantile buildings, from the Mint in the east to His Majesty’s Theatre, one of the largest—and coldest—buildings of its sort m Australia. St. George’s Terrace—the Rialto of the city—is the finest thoroughfare in the State. Justice can, therefore, be done to the facades of the numerous buildings occupied by banks, insurance companies, and legal practitioners. Here, too, is clubland—the West Australian, the Perth, the Commercial Travellers’, and Tattersall’s—each having very luxurious and well-appointed premises. The Weld Club, the oldest and most exclusive in the State, is situated m Barrack Street, facing the Government Gardens in one direction and in the other the River, with the Esplanade and Recreation Grounds intervening. Barrack Street runs from the lately reclaimed area on the River to the railway, where it at present crosses on what is known as “the new bridge,” but which m turn is to give way to a more imposing structure, rendered necessary by the project for the expansion of the railway premises, wherefore some hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of land in the city have been resumed from east to west of the municipality. This project for the improvement of railway facilities in the city is to be carried out by the Government of the State, and involves the closing of streets and reforming of others, demolition of large numbers of buildings, the erection of overhead bridges, etc. A large area in the western part of the city has lately been resumed for the purpose of erecting markets and refrigerating premises, those at present in existence having been outgrown by the city’s needs.
Although the city is fairly well provided with “lungs”—Russell, Weld, and Delhi Squares, Queen’s Gardens, public gardens, and various other open spaces for recreation—there is a desire for more, the proposal made in the Town Clerk’s report on the expansion of the city—before referred to—that a “green belt” should be formed around the city, finding favour with many of the citizens.
But the noblest heritage of people is the King’s Park, an area of 1,000 acres, which is as Nature made it but for the formation of roads, the erection of statues, heavy artillery, and rest-houses. The abrupt face of Mount Eliza, whose foot is lapped by the waves of the River, forms one boundary of the Park, which spreads in an irregular trapezoid along the River banks. Here m spring-time are to be found—and looked at but left untouched—wildflowers of a thousand hues, from the regal “kangaroo paw” to the modest little ground orchid. The general effect of the vegetation of the Park is such as is suggested in pictures representing life in the Palaeozoic Age, and to many—especially those accustomed to the bush foliage of the British Isles—has a depressing effect. But there is a stern beauty in the scenery that with time grows on one. This Park, though included in the
boundaries of the municipality, is controlled by an independent board of trustees, whose duties are to maintain and preserve intact for ever the people’s playground.
Of the public buildings of the city the Mint, the Houses of Parliament, and the Supreme Court are the principal examples. The Government offices are somewhat out of date. The Post Office, Treasury, and Lands Department are all housed in buildings forming part of a block facing St. George’s Terrace, Barrack Street, and the Anglican Cathedral Lately, however, the Federal Government has resumed a large block of business premises in Wellington Street, on which it is proposed to erect a noble structure to house the Post and Telegraph Services.
The River front of the city has been reclaimed from mud flats that have been filled in with material dredged from the River bed, a stone retaining wall having been first built. At the foot of Barrack Street ferry, wharves, and houses have been built, and the club houses of the Royal Yacht Club and Perth Flying Squadron have been brought into the general scheme.
The general revenue for 1911 was set down at £40,291, the expenditure being £43,234 The outstanding loans amounted to £231,800 and the sinking fund to £67,503. During the past year the property of Perth Gas and Electric Light Co. has been purchased, and it is anticipated that a profit on a large scale will be secured during the current year, though, of course, the price paid—about £500,000—has added greatly to the burden of debt. The City Council consists of fifteen councillors, three elected from each of the five wards of the city for a period of three years, one retiring annually. The Mayor is elected annually.
Since the first Act of the Legislature constituting municipalities, the following gentlemen have held the position of Chief Magistrate of the city, until 1880 under the designation of Chairman, and since that date as Mayor: —
Mayors of Perth.
1871-3, George Glyde; 1874, George Randell; 1875-7, George Shenton; 1878-9, S. H. Parker; September, 1880, George Shenton; 1880-1, S. H. Parker; March, 1881, George Shenton; 1881-4, George Shenton; 1884-5, George Randell; 1885-8, George Shenton; 1888-91, Dr. Edward Scott; 1891-2, Edward Keane and S H. Parker, Q.C.; 1893-5, A. Forrest, M.L.A.; 1896-7, Hon. Henry J. Saunders, M L C.; 1898-1900, A. Forrest, M.L A.; 1901, Hon. W. G. Brookman, M L.C., and S. H. Parker, K.C.; 1901-2, Hon. W. T Loton; 1902-5, H. Brown, M.L.A.; 1906-7, Sydney Stubbs; 1908-9, T. G. A. Molloy; 1910, R. P. Vincent; 1911-12, T. G. A. Molloy.
The Municipal Council at the present time consists of the following : —
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
539
Mayor: Right Worshipful Thomas G. A. Molloy, retires 1912. Councillors: A. W. Berryman (Central Ward), retires 1912; J. Tatham (North Ward), retires 1912; E. W. Hocking (South Ward), retires 1912;
D. H. Braidwood (East Ward), retires 1912; J. C. Foster (West Ward), retires 1912; James T. Franklin (Central Ward), retires 1913; James George (North Ward), retires 1913; Ebenezer Allen (South Ward), retires 1913; L. R. Butt (East Ward), retires 1913; Hugh F. McSorley (West Ward), retires 1913; F. R. Rea (Central Ward), retires 1914; S. Gibson (North Ward), retires 1914; J. L. Ochiltree (South Ward), retires 1914; J. E. Ledger (East Ward), retires 1914; Walter Simpson (West Ward), retires 1914. Auditors:
O. L. Haines, retires 1912; and W. C. Byass, retires
1913.
Traffic facilities are supplied mainly by an electric tram ser-vice connecting with the various suburbs. In 1898 a concession to construct tramways within the municipality was granted by the City Council, and in the following year the work of construction from the east end of Hay Street to Thomas Street was commenced and completed. The suburbs followed suit, granting concessions on somewhat similar terms to those conceded by the City Council. The establishment of the service has done much towards the expansion of both city and suburbs, but, nevertheless, there has been for
a considerable time a feeling that the service should be owned and controlled by the people. Negotiations for the purchase by the City Council of the works within their boundaries were entered upon, but came to naught. Eventually the Scaddan Government came to terms with the Company owning the concession, and, subject to Parliamentary approval, purchased the whole system, city and suburban. The beginning of 1913, it is anticipated, will see the service under the control of the Government.
A frequent train service supplies the eastern and western suburbs, as well as Fremantle and Midland Junction, with ready access to the metropolis, while for casual excursions in all directions private enterprise provides motor-cars of up-to-date pattern.
Of the future of Perth who shall prophesy ? Twenty
years have seen the city grow from a village to a city worthy of the name. Given the fulfilment of the project of a “Greater Perth/’ future generations shall see a city spread for many miles along the banks of the Swan, with modern systems of sewerage and water supply, fast and frequent trams in all directions, widened streets, noble public buildings, widespread open spaces, and, it is to be hoped, that live sense of municipal responsibility without which progress can only be the result of duties perfunctorily performed, and not prompted by that pridq that goes before success.
THOMAS GEORGE ANSTRU-THER MOLLOY, the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Perth, was born at Toronto, in Canada, on October 4, 1852, being the elder son of the late Mr. John Molloy, of the 22nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was engaged in active service in the Crimean war and in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. In 1862 Mr. Molloy, sen., with his family decided to make his home in Western Australia, and died here in
1881. The subject of our sketch received his scholastic training at the Christian Brothers’ School, Perth, and on the completion of his education turned his attention to commercial pursuits, gaining an introduction at the hands of Mr. Henry Saw. He afterwards joined Mr. J. T. Riley, late of St. George Terrace but now of Northam, and at a later dale became Manager of the Co-operative Stores at the corner of Barrack and Murray Streets. In this position he
was so successful that in 1870 he was enabled to purchase for £900 on behalf of the Society the whole block running down Barrack Street from Murray to Wellington Streets. At the end of 1873 Mr. Molloy relinquished the control and left the State for South Australia, remaining there about eighteen months, during which he gained further mercantile knowledge in and round Adelaide. Returning to the West in 1875 he immediately set up in business for him-
self, speculating in land. Foreseeing that great expansion must necessarily take place in Perth he invested largely in landed properties, purchasing the interests of the late Mr. James Graves in various hotel ventures, and afterwards building the
Burtletto, Perth.
Me. Thomas G. A. Molloy.
Hotel Metropole in Hay Street. To this he added by erecting the Theatre Royal on the block adjoining, and having acquired land farther west in Hay Street he erected His Majesty’s Hotel and Theatre. The Theatre Royal was remodelled in the year 1912 at a cost of £9,000, in fulfilment of conditions of lease made with Mr. C. Spencer, of the Sydney moving-picture firm. In the midst of business cares Mr. Molloy has also found time to turn his attention to Parliamentary and municipal work, and for the past twenty-seven years has in one capacity or another represented his fellow-citizens. On the introduction of responsible government in 1891 he was elected the representative of Perth in the Legislative Assembly, and held that seat during the term of the Parliament. At the elections of 1894, not being able to support the policy of free, secular, and compulsory education which was then a burning question, he was, in common. with the other members for Perth, defeated at the
polls, and has not since held Parliamentary office. In 1884 he was elected to represent West Ward in the City Council, and from that time onward, with a few trifling breaks, has been a member of that body, first as a Councillor for the Ward mentioned and latterly for the Central Ward. He has also on three previous occasions been Mayor of the city, a position he is now holding for the fourth time. In municipal life Mr. Molloy has always set his face against allowing public utilities to get into the hands of private companies and become monopolies. The gas and water supply, transport facilities, drainage, and sewage he has firmly contended should be the property of the municipality, and that whatever profits may be derived therefrom should be used to lessen the burden of taxation. To this end, when Mayor of the city some two years ago, he took steps to terminate the concession owned by the Perth Gas Company, and pusned the matter forward so well tHat this valuable business became the property of the citizens in the year 1912. He further strenuously opposed granting the concession to the Perth Tramway Company, but was overruled by the majority of the Councillors. He is still, however, of the opinion that events will prove his contention to have been right. In the matter of facilities for free exercise and recreation for the people he has been specially interested, an instance of which is to be found in his successful fight to prevent any charge being made for admission to sports and other gatherings held on the Esplanade. In the first year of his mayoralty he secured a sum for the erection of free public baths on the river, and suggested a site below the King’s Park near the Swan Brewery. However, after considerable discussion and opposition from the Park Board and other interested parties he found himself unable to carry his suggestion out so far as regarded that particular position. Other localities offered were in the opinion of the Council unsuitable, so that the dream of free-bathing facilities for the people is as yet unrealized. In politics the Mayor has been a consistent Liberal, leaning at times even toward radicalism. When in Parliament he advocated manhood suffrage and the extension of the franchise to women, as well as the removal of all possible restrictions upon voting at elections, all of these matters at a later stage becoming
the subject of legislative enactment. In industrial affairs he is favourably disposed toward the workers, whom he acknowledges as his strongest supporters. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1895. Mr. Molloy has been married twice—in 1873 to Amelia Littlejohn Molloy and in 1889 to Mary, daughter of Mr. Patrick Raine, of Perth. By the first marriage there are two daughters and a son (John Joseph); by the second two daughters—Kathleen, now travelling in Bavaria (1911), and Constance, who is at present completing her education in Perth.
WILLIAM ERNEST BOLD, J.P., Town Clerk to the City of Perth, was born at Southport, England, on May 6, 1873. Educated in London, at the conclusion of his scholastic career he went to Scotland, and was for two years apprenticed to electrical engineering. He then returned to London and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, gaining experience in the offices oi firms of Australian merchants and shipowners and brokers. In 1896 he came to Western Australia, and entered the City Council’s office as assistant to the then Town Clerk (Mr. W. E. Victor, J.P.). On December 1, 1900, he was appointed
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Erinest Bold.
Acting 'Town Clerk owing to the resignation of his predecessor (Mr. II. E. Pethrith, LL.B.), and nine months later the permanent appointment was conferred upon him. Mr, Bold was appointed a Justice of the
541
Peace in 1906. He married in 1907 Miss Nellie C. Jeffrey, of Eaglehawk, Victoria.
Councillor DUNCAN HENRY BRAID WOOD, representing East Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of the late Mr. James Braid-wood, of Glasgow, Scotland, and latterly of Perth. He was born at Portland, Victoria, on August 29, 1856, and having concluded his studies at a school in Hamilton, at a very early age became his father’s assistant in contracting work in the district where he was born. Subsequently he spent about four years in the employ of various contractors at Balmoral and elsewhere, and proceeding to Melbourne while still in his teens joined the firm of Honey and Co., well known in that city, by whom he was sent to South Australia. Here, by proving himself worthy of every position of trust in which he was placed, he rose to the post of Manager for the Company, which he eventually resigned to start in business on his own account. For eight years he carried on successfully in the building trade in the Central State, his contracts being chiefly for the construction of roads and bridges. In 1893 he came to Western Australia, and continuing in the same calling built a fine warehouse for the firm of D. & W. Murray at Perth. He also con-
tracted successfully for the first post-office building at Coolgardie, at a later date being employed in the erection of the present splendid premises, the cost of which ran into £13,000. Turning his attention to the mining industry Mr. Braidwood went to London in 1896, and was concerned in the flotation of several mining companies, but on his return once more took up contracting and completed the Warden’s Court at Coolgardie, also building the Denver City Hotel. His connection with municipal affairs began in 1905, when he successfully contested the Central Ward of the Perth City Council, afterwards resigning his seat when called away from the capital by stress of business matters. He became a candidate for East Ward in 1909, and on this occasion was returned at the top of the poll. Mr. Braidwood married in 1886, and has one son and two daughters.
Councillor LEWIS RICHARD BUTT, representing East Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of
the late Mr. William Adlam Butt, of Melbourne, and was born at Ballarat, Victoria, on November 22, 1867. He was educated in his native State and during his youth was initiated into the baker and pastrycook’s calling, at the age of eighteen entering into business on his own account at Fitzroy. In 1875 Mr. Butt came to Western Australia and established himself in Perth as a wholesale pastrycook, and has been successful in obtaining a large patronage among the leading members of the community. Since 1910 Mr. Butt has filled the seat for East Ward in the Perth City Council, during which period he has displayed a good grip of the management of municipal affairs. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding office in the craft, and is also associated with the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Butt married a daughter of the late Mr. Christian Levitzke, of Victoria, formerly of Poland, and has a daughter.
Councillor JAMES CHARLES FOSTER, J.P., who holds the seat for East Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of the late Mr. W. II. Foster, one of the early pioneers
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Charles Foster.
of Western Australia. He pursued his scholastic studies in Perth until at fourteen years of age he entered upon farming pursuits at Northam, where he continued for twenty-five years. Relinquishing this occupation he became engaged in business
operations at Kelmsoott for three years, at the end of which period he came to Perth and opened the Royal Hotel, the proprietorship of which he retained for ten years and then retired from active business pursuits. He was first elected to the Perth City Council about 1895, and with the exception of a break of about two years has occupied a seat in this body ever since. A useful, conscientious member, he devotes the greater part of his time to the affairs of the Council, turning for needful recreation in the summer time to yachting on the River Swan and in the winter to driving, of which he is very fond. He is owner of the 14-footer yacht “Wonga” and is a member of the Flying Squadron Yacht Club. Mr. Foster is a Justice of the Peace and a member of the St. John’s Lodge in the fraternity of Freemasons. He is a widower and has a surviving family of three sons.
Councillor JAMES THOMAS FRANKLIN, representing Central Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of the late Mr. James Franklin, of Middlesex, England, in which county the gentleman under review was born on October 25, 1854. Arriving in New South Wales with his parents when only two years of age, he received his educational training at various public and private schools, and subsequently joined his father in the building trade. He displayed great aptitude in this business and before reaching man’s estate had carried out some very large contracts in the Mother State on his own account. With the exception of a brief period (when he acted as Inspector of Government Buildings) he continued his calling in New South Wales until the year 1883, during the latter part of this period entering into partnership with Mr. James Finlay, who afterwards joined him in Western Australia. Mr. Franklin established himself in business in Perth upon his departure from the Eastern State, and from his arrival has been successful in obtaining a large share of public patronage. His partnership with Mr. Finlay, now of twenty-three years’ standing, is still unbroken, and the firm owns the Enterprise steam joinery and timber business well known in this State. All matters concerning the Government of this country have long commanded his deep and serious atten-
lion, and in 1904 he became a candidate and was elected for Central Ward in the City Municipal Council, and twice received election unopposed. Four years later he unsuccessfully contested the North Perth constituency in the House of Assembly. He has taken an active
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Thomas Franklin.
part in Friendly Society work and is a Past Master in the Masonic craft, having been Master of a Lodge in New South Wales as far back as thirty years ago. He is Past Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Lodge and present Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, which position he has held for six years. A supporter of all forms of healthy outdoor recreation he acts as Patron and Honorary Officer of many of the athletic clubs of the city, and derives pleasure himself from the game of bowls, being a member of the Perth Bowling Club. In 1877 Mr. Franklin married Alice Mabel, daughter of the late Mr. William George, of Castlereagh, near Penrith, New South Wales, and has three sons and six daughters.
Councillor JAMES GEORGE, representing North Ward in the Perth City Council, was born at Pembrokeshire, England, on December 8, 1864. He was educated in his native place, and subsequent to his arrival at Fremantle went to work at the Northampton Mines. In 1905 Mr. George established himself in his present premises in WiL liam Street. He was first elected to
a seat in the Perth City Council as representative for North Ward in 1904, since which time he has twice received re-election unopposed. He is a member of the Masonic craft, of which he is a Past Master, and is also a Past Master of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, holding the high office of Grand Trustee of the Alliance in Western Australia.
Councillor SIDNEY GIBSON, representing North Ward in the Perth City Council, was born at Castlemaine, Victoria, on June 20, 1876, and is a son of the late Mr. William Hastie Gibson. He was educated in his native place, and leaving school at an early age entered upon seafaring pursuits for five years. Arriving in Western Australia upon the termination of this period he became engaged in the work of a carpenter and allied trades, in which he had received initiation while still a lad, and spent some time on the eastern goldfields, obtaining a large share of the early G overnment building contracts there. While on the fields he was one of the founders of the Filter Press and Cyaniders’ Union in Boulder, and always took a deep interest in matters of political importance from a Labour point of view, acting as delegate to the Australian Labour Federation Central Executive from the Goldfields District Council. In April, 1910, Mr. Gibson came to Perth and established himself in business as a builder and contractor. He became a candidate for municipal honours when a vacancy occurred by the retirement in 1911 of Mr. Lander, who was entering upon the wider sphere of politics. A supporter of athletics generally, Mr. Gibson was well known in his younger days on the eastern fields as a participator in various forms of sport. He was married in Perth in 1898 to Catherine, daughter of Mr. S. Wennstrom, of Creswick, Victoria, and has two daughters. He resides at 4, Cavendish Street, High-gate Hill.
vyuuiiunior JACK LEARMONTH OCHILTREE, J.P., A.R.V.I.A., architect, of Perth, is a son of Mr.
T. E. Ochiltree, of Melbourne, and was born at Ballarat, Victoria, on April 25, 1870. He acquired his scholastic training at the Ballarat College and subsequently at the Haw-
thorn Grammar School, and at the termination of his studies was articled to the late Mr. Alfred Dunn, one of Melbourne’s leading architects. Having decided to come to Western Australia, when his indentures were completed he sailed for Fremantle, and after arrival joined the architectural branch of the Existing Lines Department of the Government Railways, where he continued for three years. Proceeding to the eastern goldfields he opened in practice at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, and carried on with marked success until the end of 1900. During this year he left the fields to join the fifth contingent bound for the scene of the Boer war in South Africa, having previously held rank as Senior Lieutenant of the Goldfields Battalion. He served at the front for about two years, being present at several engagements, and had the honour to be mentioned in despatches, besides receiving the King’s Medal and the Queen’s Medal with five bars. While on active service he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and went on the retired list of officers with that rank upon his return to Western Australia in 1902. Settling in Perth, he started professional practice, and has continued without a break ever since, devoting himself chiefly to work of ^a
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Jack Learmonth Ochiltree.
general character. Among the large erections which may be placed to his credit are the Western Australian Club Buildings, the very large factory built at West Guildford by Messrs. Cumming, Smith, & Co., and most of the large pastoral homesteads in the
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
543
Nor*-West and Geraldton districts. Mr. Ochiltree has made a close study of municipal government and management, and for over six years has held a seat on the Perth City Council, at the present time representing South Ward in that body and holding office as Chairman of the Works Committee. He is a member of the Masonic and Western Australian Clubs, and in his younger days devoted himself to various forms of outdoor sport, distinguishing himself especially as a champion in amateur running events. In 1903 he married Mary Rose, daughter of the Honourable W. T. Loton, of Perth, and has a son and two daughters.
Councillor FRANCIS RUPERT IGNATIUS REA, representing Central Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of the late Mr. James Rea, solicitor, of Bendigo, Victoria, where the subject of this memoir was born on February 8, 1867. He received his education at St. Patrick’s College, Melbourne, where he remained until he vzas nineteen years of age, and although at first it was intended that he should follow the profession of his father,, this idea was eventually abandoned and he became attached to the firm of Messrs. Farrell and
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Francis Rupert Ignatius Rea.
Tynan, the principals of which were related to him. Leaving this connection he joined the staff of the well-known firm of T. K. Bennett and Woolcock, of Melbourne, with whom ho was associated for many
years. In 1893 he left his native State for Western Australia, and proceeding to the goldfields had an adventurous career as a prospector, with a considerable amount of success attending his efforts. Less prosperous days succeeded, however, when his varied experiences in all departments of the mining industry proved of little avail in winning anew Dam© Fortune’s smile, and he was by turns miner, manager, and owner. He came to Perth in 1904 and established a thriving business, and subsequently gained a large connection as purveyor for the city, apart from the ordinary course of his other trading operations. As far back as 1890 Mr. Rea was closely identified with the Trades and Labour Council in Victoria, but although still democratic in his opinions, he is inclined to favour the Liberal view of politics. He has always displayed a keen interest in public affairs, but the first occasion on which he sought the favours of the community in any election was in November, 1911, when he was returned to represent the Central Ward in the Perth City Council. He is still largely interested in mining, and though fully aware of tho precarious nature of the industry for purposes of speculation, he has sufficient faith in the mineral wealth of the State to continue his support in its development. An advocate of most forms of manly sport-, he takes his own recreation chiefly in motor-boating on the Swan River. In 1908 he married Meme, daughter of the late Mr. Charles Edwards, of the Fortuna Hustlers Mine, of Bendigo, Victoria, and has a son.
Councillor WALTER SIMPSON, J.P., representing West Ward in the Perth City Council, was born at Perth, Western Australia, on January 13, 1855, and is a son of the late Mr. James Simpson, who arrived in this State with Sir James Stirling when a lad of fourteen years of age. His mother is the oldest surviving Western Australian native of European descent, the marriage of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cockman, being the first celebrated in the early days of the colony, on which occasion the ceremony was performed by the late Rev. F. B. Wittenoom, grandfather of Sir Edward Wittenoom, of this State, and the first Anglican clergyman in Western Australia. Having com-
pleted his educational training the subject of this memoir served some years of apprenticeship to the trade of a currier under the late Mr. B. B. Ranford, the pioneer tanner of the State. He continued in pursuance of this calling for about thirty years and retired in 1900, since
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Simpson.
which time he has devoted the whole of his attention to his official duties in connection with the Independent Order of Rechabites, of which body he is District Secretary for Western Australia. During the whole of his career he has taken an active interest in the public affairs of the city, and as far back as 1886 represented a ward in tho Perth City Council. For eight years continuously he served the ratepayers in this capacity, and retired in 1894, only to return to the arena five years later. Since 1899 he has represented West Ward without a break and enjoys the distinction of being Senior Councillor in the Perth municipality, on occasion filling the post of Acting Mayor of the city. He was appointed to a commission of Justice of the Peace in 1901, and occupies various public positions in addition to those already mentioned, being a member of the Lake Monger Board and Hon. Secretary of the Methodist College Trust of Western Australia. For recreation he resorts to the bowling green and is a member of the Royal Park Bowling Club. In July, 1878, he married Annie, daughter of the late Mr. John Place, of Fremantle, and has two sons and two daughters.
Councillor JOSEPH TATHAM, representative of North Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of Mr. Thomas Tatham, Bishop Auckland, County of Durham, England, and was educated at the Barrington Blue-coat School in that town. He began life as an apprentice to the building trade, and in 1885 came to Western Australia, in 1887 ho went to Melbourne, four years later returning to the Western State. He next left for South Africa, where he remained until the time of the Jamieson Raid, subsequent to which he returned to Western Australia, having first revisited the scenes of his youth in England. For fivo years he filled the post of Engineer’s Inspector to the Perth City Council, at the end of this time being promoted to the management of the Perth Municipal Stone Quarries, from which position he retired to enter the office of the City Building Surveyor, where he remained for nearly four years. In 1907 he was transferred to the Health Department in the capacity of Inspector, having previously obtained the certificate of the Royal Sanitary Institution. His first connection with the City Council began in 1909, when he contested the seat for North Ward and defeated the sitting councillor, Mr. E. F. Brady. Mr. Tatham is a member of the Masonic craft, and holds the office of Past Master in the Lodge of Emulation, No. 7, W.A.C.
WILLIAM POPE SEED, M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), is a son of the late Rev. William Seed, of Colchester, England, and was born at Boston, in Lincolnshire, on July 29, 1868. Upon leaving Kingswood School, at Bath, where he received his scholastic education, he studied for the medical profession at tho Middlesex Hospital, subsequently being awarded his diplomas in 1896. Having practised in London for a year, he sailed for Western Australia, and proceeded direct to Cool-gardie to fill the appointment of district officer in charge of the local hospital. He continued at this mining centre until 1904, when he returned to London to augment his experience in the most modern methods of medical treatment at one of the leading hospitals. After a year’s absence Dr. Seed established himself in professional practice at Perth, and in 1908 was appointed Medical Officer for the city, a position which carries
with it considerable responsibility, involving the supervision of all matters connected with the general health of the community. He is a member of the staff of the Children’s Hospital and occupies a seat on the Board of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, besides which he is connected with the governing bodies of a number of charitable institutions, and is a member of the Royal Sanitary Institute of England. Dr. Seed married in 1908 a daughter of Mr. Henry Blake and granddaughter of Chief Justice Blake, whose name is prominently associated with the early history of Queensland.
RICHARD PAUL VINCENT, who holds a commision of Justice of the Peace for the whole of Western Australia and Queensland, is a son
Bartletto,
Perth.
Mr. Richard Paul. Vincent.
of the late Mr. Richard Paul Vincent, of Melbourne, and latterly of Perth. He is a Victorian by birth, the place of his nativity being
Castlemaine, where he was born on May 21, 1857. He was educated chiefly at private schools in Victoria, and at the close of his scholastic career was initiated by his father into the contracting business, for which he displayed considerable aptitude. He made an early start on his own account, and continued in this calling until 1893, when he sailed for England and took up his residence in London for five years, during which period he was engaged in the export business. Upon his return in 1898 he called at Western Australia and remained for a short time, taking up a few contracts, and afterwards continued his journey to Queensland. While resident in the latter State for four years he obtained some important Government contracts, and upon the conclusion of these left again for London in 1903. About this time, in conjunction with his brother (Mr. W. H. Vincent), purchase was made of tho large hardware business of Messrs. McLean Brothers & Rigg, and Mr. Vincent returned to Western Australia to take up the duties of managing partner, in which capacity he has acted ever since, his fine business qualities finding full scope in the control of the varied operations of this important concern. He also joined his brother (Mr. W. H. Vincent) in the building and contracting firm which has been carried on in addition to the wholesale hardware emporium. The gentleman under review has always taken a keen and highly-intelligent interest in the welfare of his adopted country, although he has never allowed himself to be nominated for Parliamentary honours. He was one of the founders of the National Political League, which was formed in the interests of the Liberal Party and is now merged into the Liberal League of Western Australia, in which he has continued to act on the Executive Council. In 1909 he stood as candidate for the mayoralty of Perth and was elected by a majority of 1,107 votes. In redemption of a pledge given at the election he immediately took steps to aid in the furtherance of the Greater Perth scheme, and to this end called a conference of the five adjoining municipalities. Before the termination of this period of office he was enabled to present to the ratepayers a scheme drawn up by the conference, and which, by a five to one majority, was adopted by referenda in four out
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
545
of the six municipalities. In lyil Mr. Vincent was again nominated for the mayoral office, but suffered defeat by the narrow minority of ten votes. This defeat in some quarters was attributed to the fearless manner in which, being ever a man of independent spirit and a fighter rather than a “peace at any price” adjuster, he administered the laws of the municipality. These he insisted upon having carried out to the letter, which was in some degree resented by a coterie of the ratepayers. Mr. Vincent is a member of the Fire Brigade Board and President of the Philharmonic Society, of which he was the foundation President, being re-elected during the present year. He is associated with the Masonic fraternity, and finds recreative enjoyment on the golf links and the bowling green, holding membership in the Perth and Fremantle Golf Clubs and in three bowling clubs. In 1886 he married Mina Elizabeth, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Chalker, of Toorak, Victoria, and has a family of two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Vincent died in 1911 at Rotorua, New Zealand, whither she had gone in the hope of recruiting her health.
THOMAS ALFRED SHAFTO, formerly representative for Central Ward in the Perth City Council, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas A. Shafto, of Sunderland, England, and was born at Hartlepool West, County Durham, on January 2, 1864. After pursuing his studies until fifteen years of age he made an independent decision to come to the antipodes, and landed at New Zealand an absolute stranger in a strange land, with total lack of experience and only a few pounds in his pocket. The knowledge gained about his father’s store while a lad, however, stood him in some stead, and he obtained employment in Christchurch as assistant in a general storekeeping business, where he remained for nearly five years. At the end of this period, coming to Sydney, he opened a small store on his own account at Newtown, one of the most populous of the suburbs of that city, and met with such success that eventually he became the proprietor of three large businesses in the environs of Sydney. In 1896 he took a flying trip to Western Australia to verify for himself the jj
promising reports current respecting the rosy prospects open to the pushing man of business, and, well pleased, returned to Sydney with his mind made up to settle in the West. Selling his Haymarket and George Street stores by auction and his Waterloo business as a going concern he sailed for Fremantle, and on the day following his arrival purchased a cordial manufactory in that town. Shortly afterwards he established the Victoria Coffee Palace in Wellington Street, Perth, and after conducting it successfully for a few years sold out and temporarily retired from business. In 1903 Mr. Shafto went to England and spent a year in visiting with his family all the cities of note in Great Britain and on the Continent. Returning via America to the land of
r
Dartletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas Alfred Shafto.
his adoption, he built the present Shaftesbury Hotel, containing sixty rooms, at first intended as a residential house. Being granted an hotel licence, the new hostel soon evidenced its popularity and space became limited. Extensive additions were made, and the total block now covered occupies 200 ft. to Stirling Street and 165 ft. to James Street, while the building comprises over a hundred rooms. Mr. Shafto has just completed the building of the Shaftesbury Gardens, a semi open-air theatre with seating capacity for over 2,000 people, and used chiefly for picture shows. He has in addition large interests in real estate in all parts of the metropolis. He has always taken an active part in matters connected
with the general good of the community, and at an early period of his residence in Western Australia was elected a member of the Perth City Council, holding his seat for twelve years, during which time he was absent from the Council Chamber only on the occasion of his visit to England. Mr. Shafto has held various offices in the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a member. He is very fond of travelling, and considers all sacrifices to that end well repaid by the pleasure and profit he derives from occasional trips to the Eastern States and, when time permits, in wider flights. In 1894 he married Christina, daughter of Mr. Robert Ralston, of Melbourne, Victoria, and has two sons.
HENRY ROWLEY, M.I.E.E.F.C.S. (Lond.), City Analyst, National Chambers, Perth, Western Australia, Telephone 729, Cable Address “Yelwor,” Reuter’s. The subject of this notice was born in South Australia in the early fifties, and was taken overland to Victoria by his parents on the outbreak of the gold discoveries in that State. He thus acquired an early and intimate acquaintance with the vicissitudes of a young Australian’s life under pristine conditions, when resourcefulness and self-reliance were necessary assets in those days of wild excitement, adventure, and bushranging. He acquired his scholastic training at various denominational schools, and, having concluded his studies at the Church of England Grammar School, at fourteen was apprenticed to Messrs. Vivian & Company’s Castlemaine Foundry, where he remained for seven years. After being employed for a further ten years as journeyman in practical mechanical work such as boiler and engine-smithing, engine-fitting, etc., he proceeded to Melbourne, where constant employment, better educational facilities, and a more congenial environment allowed scope for his energies and desire for knowledge. While following his daily avocations he attended evening lectures at the University of Melbourne and technological classes, and received the benefit of special private tuition from Professors Newbury and Andrews in physics and mathematics. He also assisted in the experiments and chemical investigation of the Newbury-Vau tin chlorination process for
gold-extraction, which has since been superseded by cyanide processes. Having a sound knowledge of practical mechanics and some experience in applied science, the advent of electric lighting and power obtainable from the varied combinations of electrical magnetism and chemistry provided him with a wide field for original research, and he was selected to take charge of the electric light department (then in its infancy) of the Victorian railways. The continued advancement of this branch of industrial science necessitated close application to the study of kindred branches in physics and chemistry, and in order to perfect himself in the many phases of an electrical engineer’s requirements he fitted up a private mechanical workshop and chemical laboratory, in which he was able to make many interesting experiments and inventions, to which latter the Patents Office gives ample testimony. After many years’ strenuous activity in responsible positions Mr. Rowley decided to take advantage of his large connection and establish himself in private practice as consulting electrical and chemical engineer and metallurgist. In 1896 he officially visited the eastern goldfields in Western Australia, and as a result entered upon the practice of his profession in Perth, where he has
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Henry Rowley.
continued ever since, and has made his influence widely felt both in home institutes and in scientific circles. Mr. Rowley is a member of the Society of Public Analysts, London , a member of the Royal Sanitary
Institute, London, and practises in Perth as a consulting electrical and chemical engineer and metallurgical analyst, and bullion and check assay er, in addition to his appointment as City Analyst, which took place in 1900.
JAMES WIGGLESWORTH, Secretary of the Perth Gas and Electric Light Company, is a York-shireman, having been born at the historic capital of that country in the year 1870. He pursued his scholastic studies at the Manor School in his native City, and at a later date entered upon mercantile life in the York Electric Light and Gas Company with which he remained for about twelve months. In 1885 he came to Western Australia and formed his early connee-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. James Wigglesworth.
tion with the Perth Gas and Electric Light Company Ltd. In 1895 he occupied the position of accountant, ten years later taking over the responsible duties of Secretary, and when the concern was purchased by the Perth Council Mr. Wigglesworth was prevailed upon to continue in the service of the municipality. He is a Past Grand Steward of the fraternity of Freemasons in Perth and has a seat on the Committee of the Masonic Club, of which he is a member. He also holds membership in the Perth and Western Australian Clubs.
HERBERT BRO ADBENT, M.I.C.E., A.M.I.Mech.E., Manager of the Electric Light Department,
the Perth Gas and Electric Light Company, was born at Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England, in the year 1868. He was educated at the Anglo-French College in London and subsequently apprenticed to the engineering profession with Messrs. Scott & Hodgson, of Guide-
Barlletto, Perth.
Mr. Herbert Broadbent.
bridge. In pursuance of his calling on three separate occasions he went to Portugal, where he was engaged in the erection of various works of machinery, and at a later period became associated with Messrs. Holmes & Co., electrical engineers, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Subsequently he was transferred to their London house and continued in the service of this Company for about four years. Leaving their employ, he spent three years at Nicaragua, in Centra] America, erecting some large works for Messrs. Mcrilles, Watson, & Co., a large engineering firm of Glasgow, and upon the completion of this period became identified for a time with the staff at their headquarters in Scotland. A term of service followed as erecting engineer at the Sunderland Electric Light Station, and in 1896 Mr. Broadbent was requisitioned by his original firm, Messrs. J. H. Holmes and Co., to come to Western Australia to erect the first instalment of the present electric light plant. He acceded to the request, and in the following year, having completed the erection and received the guarantee for that Company, he became connected with the Perth Gas Company, which had bought out the small concern then existent that had not,
547
readied the stage of supplying electric light. Successfully inaugurating this department he undertook its personal control, and has continued in the discharge of its duties ever since, having transferred his services to the municipality when the company disposed of its interests to the Perth Municipal Council in
1912. From the original plant of a few hundred horse-power the business has expanded to such an extent that about 5,000 horse-power is now necessary to supply the present-day wants for electricity. The former directorate on two occasions sent Mr. Broadbent to London to purchase new plant, and during each trip,
both of which extended over six months, he was given carte blanche in the exercise of his commission. The gentleman under review is a member of the English Institution of Mechanical Engineers and of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. He is also a member of the Western Australian Institute of Engineers.
Fremantle.
To tUe new arrival the town ot Fremantle offers the suggestion that it was dumped down haphazard on the nearest piece of shore to the roadstead where lay the vessel which brought the first batch of settlers. The extreme narrowness of the streets gives no opportunity for the display of architectural grandeur, while traffic is necessarily impeded and little opportunity given for modern sons of Nimshi to practice traffic-speed regulations.
Fremantle’s birth may be said to date from the arrival of the first immigrant ship, the “Parmelia,” in 1829. Before the end of that year eighteen vessels had arrived, and during the fol-lowing year thirty - nine had anchored in Gage Roads. Traffic inland was maintained by a service of boats monthly between the port and Guildford. Fremantle people never lacked enterprise, so it came about that the first newspaper in the colony was published in Fremantle (in 1831), the first horse race run there (in 1833), and the first sea-going craft, “Lady Stirling,” built in 1857. It was not till 1850 that Fremantle became the landing-place of the convict settlement at Swan River. The history of the town had little of note outside of official records. In 1883 the Town Hall was initiated by the grace of the Legislative Council, who voted £2,000 towards its erection. The first Mayor was elected the same year, but it was not till four years later that the Town Hall was opened.
jj2
It was in 1892, however, that the breath of life may be said to have first entered the town, for then it was that the work on the harbour was begun. The mouth of the Swan River was opened, a rocky bar that had previously proved an obstacle to shipping being removed, breakwaters were built, wharves constructed, a basin and channels dredged, till in 1898, after the expenditure of over £1,000,000 sterling, the N.D.L. steamer “Prinz Regent Luitpold” berthed in the harbour, being followed a few months later by the “Friedrich der Grosse,” of 10,500 tons. Fremantle had leaped at a bound from a
coastal to an international port; But to-day, de-spite further accommo d a t i o n having been provided, the business of the port has outgrown the capacity of the harbour, and a movement is now afoot to provide for extension on a large scale. As showing the rapid increase in the amount of cargo handled at the port and the necessity for increased berthing and other facilities, it may be pointed out that whereas 493,708 tons were dealt with in 1910, in 1911 these figures had jumped to 628,757 tons. Assuming that this rate of increase is maintained annually—and there is little reason to believe it should not be—within very few years the million-ton mark will be reached. Granted good seasons, with the large increase of area put under wheat annually, Fremantle must set her house in order for the facile handling of the stream of produce that will pour into her lap for export
Photo by G. E. Farr. HiGH street. Fremantle.
548
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
from the interior of the State, to say nothing of the yearly increasing freights of machinery and other goods from oversea. Records show that in 1907 only 33 tons of wheat were exported; in 1908, 3,127 tons; in 1909, 14,774 tons; in 1910, 46,810 tons; and in 1911 about
50,000 tons, despite the comparative failure of crops from a shortage in the annual rainfall.
The year of the opening of the new harbour saw the port provided with a water supply commensurate with her development. Hitherto the supplies had been mainly from privately-owned wells, but in 1898 the town was reticulated and a supply laid on wherever required.
It was not till 1906 that Fremantle was provided with an electric tram and lighting service. The system, unlike that in Perth, is not privately owned, but is under the control of a board composed of leading businessmen and members of the various municipalities interested.
The problem of crossing the river was solved by the reconstruction of the North Fremantle Bridge, and the elimination of .the “camel's back," which had hitherto proved an obstacle to road traffic.
Fremantle had a rate roll of £17,334 for the year 1911, for which year the expenditure was £22,181. The
mayoral report for last year shows that one of the most thriving concerns in which the municipality is interested is the fish market, where the humblest buyer may purchase a single fish or the big buyer a whole catch. Sales amounting to over £19,000 were effected last year at the markets, that being appointed as the only place for inspection of fish before sale.
The municipality has been remarkably successful in catering for the amusements of the people. A popular summer resort has been established at South Beach, and municipal baths are well appointed and maintained.
The future of the State is largely bound up with that of Fremantle. The prosperity of one means the prosperity of the other, and with the construction of the Trans-Australian Railway, the extension of harbour facilities, and the establishment of the naval base now in course of construction, Fremantle may well maintain the title of “The Gateway of the Golden West."
The population of the municipality is just under 20,000. Mr. F. J. McLaren is the present Mayor, and Mr. Henry T. Haynes the Town Clerk. The board elected to manage the tramway system consists of Messrs. R. J. Lynn (chairman) and E. H. Fothergill and the Hon. W. C. Angwin, M.L.A.
FREDERICK JAMES MoLAREN, J.P., Mayor of Fremantle, was born near Clare, South Australia, on July 6, 1873, and is a son of Mr. Donald McLaren, now of Fremantle. He was educated at Canowie, in the Central State, and leaving school at the age of fourteen became identified with farming pursuits for about six years. Tiring of the monotony of country life, he removed to Quorn and established himself there in the tobacconist and hairdressing business, leaving after three years to open in the metropolis, where he carried on a similar business for some time. In 1901 he came to Western Australia and settled at Fremantle, and before a very long period had elapsed was proprietor of the leading tobacconist business at that port. In 1907 he contested the West Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council and topped the poll against an opponent who had sat for nearly twenty years. During the three years' term that he then served he discharged the duties of Town Treasurer, but retired from the Council at the end of that period on account of the too severe demands it made on the time he required for the conduct of his private business. In 1911, however, he was requisitioned to stand for the mayoralty, and acceding to the request was returned unopposed to the chair. Mr.
McLaren received his commission of Justice of the Peace in 1909, and has always proved himself to be possessed of true public spirit, all matters for the advancement of the district commanding his ready support. He holds a seat on the Public Hospital Board and is Secretary of
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederick James McLaren.
the Fremantle Trades Association, of which he was president for a time. He is a committeeman of the Fremantle Literary Insti-
tute and was largely instrumental in establishing a free reading-room in connection with that institution. He is a member of the Masonic craft and is Chief of the Fremantle Caledonian Society, in which body he has always taken a deep interest, having been one of the founders of the local branch. His favourite form of recreation is found in the game of bowls, and he is a familiar figure on the Fremantle Green. In 1903 he married Kate, daughter of Mr. William Diprose, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, and has a daughter and a son.
Councillor JOHN CHARLES BRENNAN, representative for South Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, is a son of the late Sergeant John Brennan, of the Victoria Police Department, and was born at Ballarat, Victoria, on August 20, 1868. He received his education in his native city, completing his scholastic career at the Christian Brothers’ College, and leaving school was apprenticed to tho cigar manufacturing trade at the house of Messrs. Phillips & Co., of the same place. After twelve years with this firm, for the sake of gaining wider experience he obtained a position with Messrs. Jacobs, Hart,
549
and Co., of Melbourne, and, having continued in this connection for some considerable time, determined to take a further flight to the Western State. He arrived at Perth on June 15, 1891, and on the following day secured the appointment of foreman with the firm of Dixon & Co., subsequently being the first in the State to manufacture cigars. After two years he resigned from this service in order to join a party of friends in a speculative venture on the Murchison goldfields, but shortly after arrival abandoned this enterprise to combine with Mr. P. Nolan in procuring and supplying produce and foodstuffs for the requirements of the miners. This merchandise they shipped from the Eastern States and landed at Geraldton, and such was the high rate of living in these remoter regions that they were able to obtain quite phenomenal prices for their goods, potatoes alone bringing £70 per ton at Cue in 1894. In 1895 Mr. Brennan opened a tobacconist business at Fremantle, and after carrying it on for a short time was approached by his former employers, Messrs. Dixon &. Co., and was prevailed upon to return to his old position with them. Within a couple of years, however, he was in business again on his own account as cigar manufacturer in Fremantle, and since that time has carried on successfully, being well known in the commercial circles of the town. Mr. Brennan has always taken an interest in public affairs, and in November, 1909, was elected to his present seat in the Fremantle Municipal Council. Apart from his mercantile and municipal responsibilities, his chief energies are centred in Fire Brigade work, and as a younger man he was one of the noted trophy winners in this connection. He is a member of the Fire Brigades’ Board and acts as Sceretary of the Western Australian Fire Brigades’ Association. A patron of the national sport of football, he is a leading supporter of the Australian game. Mr. Brennan in 1908 married Jane May, daughter of Mr. Philip Griffin, of County Kerry, Ireland.
Councillor RICHARD BEALE CARTER, representing East Ward in the Fremantle municipality, is a son of the late Mr. J. Carter, of Newton-Abbot, Devonshire, Eng-
land, and was born at that town on September 3, 1863. He was educated at Weston College, Bath, Somerset, England, and upon the completion of his scholastic course engaged in a commercial career with the firm of James Spence & Co., of St. Paul's Churchyard, London. While here he received the offer of a position from the firm of William Whiteley & Co., the noted universal providers of London, and subsequently passed from their employ into that of Messrs. Charles Jen-ner & Co., of Edinburgh. Having obtained an excellent working knowledge of his business, Mr. Carter crossed the seas to Dunedin, New Zealand, and there joined in partnership with his brother, Mr. S. H. Carter, who had established himself
Bartletto, Perth.
Me. Richaed Bjbale Carter.
in business in that city. This partnership lasted for five years, at the end of which period, in 1889, he took a trip to England and opened in commercial pursuits on his own account in the town of Blackbourn, Lancashire, where he remained for over eleven years. The call back to the sunny skies of Australia, however, proved irresistible, and in 1900 he sailed for Western Australia, and for about seven years carried on a successful business in Wellington Street, Perth. In 1907 he disposed of his metropolitan interests and came to Fremantle, securing premises in a central position in Market Street, and having been for so long a prominent figure in trading circles at once came to the front among his confreres. In 1910 he was elected
President of the Fremantle District Traders' Association, and prior to the 1911 municipal elections was waited upon by a representative deputation and asked to stand for East Ward. Acceding to this request he was returned to the Chamber, and there is little doubt that his extensive business experience will prove of invaluable service in the deliberations of this body. Mr. Carter is connected with the Masonic fraternity, having been a Master Mason for over a quarter of a century; and he has held office as Noble Grand in the M.U.I.O.O.F. In 1886 he married Lucy, daughter of the late Mr. James Grant, grazier, of Perthshire, Scotland, and has seven sons and three daughters.
Councillor JOHN COOKE, J.P., representative of South Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, is a son of the late Mr. Roger Cooke, of Talbot, Victoria, where the gentleman under review was born on December 7, 1860. Upon the conclusion of his scholastic studies he engaged in farming pursuits in Victoria, afterwards relinquishing this industry in favour of mining and prospecting in the neighbourhood of Port Darwin, in the Northern Territory. Having sold a property which he had acquired in this district he returned to his native place, where he married, and soon after opened a grocery store at Allandale, Victoria, which he carried on successfully for six years. In 1886 he came to Western Australia, and proceeding to the far nor’-west opened a store at the Three-Mile, in the Kimberly district, spending what intervals he could spare in prospecting the surrounding country. Success not attending his efforts he returned to Victoria and took up road contracting, at the same time securing an interest in a farming property, and carried on in this way for eight years. At the end of this period he sailed again for Western Australia and established a general grocery store at Mandurah Road, Fremantle, which he has conducted with growing prosperity ever since. Mr. Cooke has always used his influence to advance the interests of the community in which he resides, and for a number of years has occupied a seat on the Roads Board, of which he is now President. In 1906 he was elected by the ratepayers of South Ward to a scat in the local Municipal Council, and has been re-
turned at each subsequent election. He makes a hobby of farming pursuits and holds a 1,000-acre block at Merriden and a poultry farm and orchard some three miles from the city, where he spends most of his leisure. He is a member of the Masonic craft.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Cooke.
In 1884 Mr. Cooke married Mary Fife, daughter of the late Mr. James Cable, of Talbot, Victoria, and has two sons and two daughters.
Councillor BARTHOLOMEW DALY, representing West Ward in the Fremantle Town Council, is a son of the late Mr. Timothy Daly, of County Kerry, Ireland, latterly of Fremantle. He was born at Lyar, between Killarney and Castle-island, near the spot where his illustrious countryman, Daniel O’Connell, first saw the light. Receiving his early education in his native town he was brought to Australia by his parents while still quite a lad and joined the South Australian Government Service in the Waterworks Department. Subsequently he spent fourteen years at Broken Hill and assisted in the laying of the first water main from Stephens Creek to Broken Hill in connection with Mr.
C. Jobson, under whose direction he first turned his attention to contracting work. He accompanied the latter gentleman to Western Australia and after being associated with him in various contracts for two years returned to South Australia, only again to obey “the call of the West” several years later. He entered into
a contract with the Fremantle Smelting Company to supply flux to the smelters and carried out this work during the whole life of the Company, besides taking on carting contracts for the Fremantle Municipal Council. To Mr. Daly must be given the credit of introducing the first slag roads in Western Australia, this material now being widely used in roadmaking all over the State. Mr. Daly first entered the arena of municipal activity in 1906, and as representative of the city ward he finds his time fully employed with the many and varied demands of his office. He is a supporter of the Liberal Party in politics, and is a member of the Council of the Liberal League of Western Australia and President of the South Fremantle Branch of that organization. He is also a member of the Fremantle Hospital Board and was the first Chairman of the United Friendly Societies’ Council, being Past Chief Ranger in the I.U.F. He is a great lover of horses and spends much of his leisure time among his equine friends, the fine qualities of which
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Bartholomew Daly.
are widely known. Mr. Daly married Nor ah, daughter of Mr. John Reilly, of County Kerry, Ireland, and has six sons and a daughter.
Councillor JAMES HEALY, J.P., representative for East Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, was born at Ballynagun, County Clare, Ireland, on October 17, 1870, and is a son of the late Mr. Michael
Healy, of that place. He was educated at the National Schools at Cree and Cooraclare, in his native county, and in his early teens became apprenticed to the softgoods trade in the town of Kilrush. Having continued with the one firm of O’Connor and Co. for nine years, during which he passed through all the departments of the business, in 1893 he severed his connection with the company and emigrated to Australia. Landing in the Eastern States at the time of the bursting of the land boom he suffered wih others from the resultant depression of trade, and in 1895 arrived in Western Australia. Here he took a position as assistant teacher in the Christian Brothers’ College, Perth, established about a year previously by the Rev. Brother O’Brien, but after a brief period resigned in order to accept a position in his own line of business. In 1898 ho opened on his own account in Fremantle, shortly afterwards admitting Mr. Fontaine as partner and extending the field of his operations to the capital. Mr. Healy began his connection with public life in 1905, when he entered the Municipal Council as representative for East Ward, which seat he has retained ever since. The outstanding feature of his useful municipal career has been his determined fight for the replacement of the numerous old and insanitary buildings in the town by structures of modern design, and in accordance with his motion many of the prominent thoroughfares have been greatly improved by the erection of buildings, the architecture of which is a credit to the State. Mr. Healy was appointed to a commission of Justice of the Peace under the Daglish Government in 1906. He is a foundation-member of the Perth Celtic Club and has taken a leading part in the movement to obtain funds to assist the Irish National cause during his period of office as Hon. Secretary to the local branch of the United Trish League. He was also prominent in the civic receptions extended to Messrs. William Redmond, Devlin, and Donovan on the occasions of their various visits to this State. The work of friendly societies commands his warm, interest, and he especially devotes himself to the Irish National Foresters, being appointed a delegate from Western Australia to the Australian Conference of that body held in Melbourne in 1904. In 1911 Mr. Healy visited Ireland for the first time since his departure from the land of his birth
551
eighteen years previously, and spent nearly a year travelling within its borders. In 1898 he married Rose, daughter of the late Mr. John Stokes, one of England’s soldiers at the Crimean war.
Councillor FREDERICK JONES, representative for North Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, is a son of the late Mr. David Jones, of Aberistwyth, South Wales. A Western Australian by birth, his native town is Fremantle, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He was born on Noyember 1, 1847, and there being no schools in those days was almost entirely self-educated. At eighteen years of age Mr. Jones began his training as shipwright, and three years later started on an independent career, during the course of which he has supervised some of the most important shipping repairs ever undertaken in the Harbour of Fremantle. In 1869 he took a position as carpenter on board the ship "Eliza
Bartletto, Perth
Me. Frederick Jones.
Blanche” trading east, and upon his return settled down at Fremantle, and over since has followed his calling at the Western Australian port. Although at times Mr. Jones has turned his hand to the building of convenient small craft for local purposes, his chief attention has been given to repair work for visiting ships and to the business of a floating builder. He was elected to a seat on the local Council two years
after Fremantle was gazetted a municipality in 1886, and during his twenty-three years of service has represented the ratepayers of South, North, and West Wards respectively, and on several occasions has occupied the mayoral office. He is interested in real estate in and about Fremantle and also owns some gardening land at Jandakot. His leisure time is spent in making repairs on his house properties and in working in his garden. He has been connected with the Oddfellows’ Order since 1867. In 1875 Mr. Jones married Emma, daughter of Mr. George Cook, of Fremantle, and has four sons and three daughters.
Councillor CHARLES HENRY BEACONSFIELD ROBSON, representing East Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, is a son of Mr. Horatio Robson, of Adelaide, South Australia, and was born at South-sea, England, on July 29, 1874. His education, begun at St. Jude’s School in Southsea, was continued at Victoria Park School, Melbourne, where he arrived with his father when about ten years of age, having called at Western Australia on the voyage out. Subsequently visiting all the Eastern States except Queensland ho finished his scholastic studies at Hobart and Sydney. While still a lad he went to New Zealand and spent nearly two years on a sheep and cattle station for the benefit of his health, in 1894 joining his father in business in Western Australia as auctioneers and house, land, and estate agents. Nine years later Mr. Robson took over the whole of the business from his father and entered into partnership with Mr. J. Cox, the firm continuing its transactions from the same offices in Fremantle where it carries on business at the present time. Mr. Robson’s municipal career began in 1910, when an opportunity arose for him to contest his present scat, and he has since been able to jDut to practical purpose some of the knowledge lie gained during his previous theoretical study of the management of public affairs. He is a strong supporter of the Liberal Party in politics, and is a member of the Executive of the Liberal League of Fremantle. A genial advocate of all healthy outdoor sport he holds office in the East Fremantle Football Club. Mr. Robson married in 1900, and has a son and two daughters.
Councillor W. J. SUMPTON, representative for West Ward in the Fremantle Municipal Council, is a son of Mr. Jacob Sumpton, of Fremantle, and was born at Whitehaven, Cumberland, on February 21, 1874. He received his scholastic
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. W. J. Sumeton.
training at a Board School in his native place, and at the age of fourteen left England for Australia with his parents, landing at Melbourne in 1888. Upon arrival he was apprenticed to the tea-blending business, but that proving injurious to his health he abandoned it, and though only sixteen years of age struck out for himself and came to Western Australia, where he obtained a post with Messrs. Simpson & Co., fruiterers, of Fremantle. Ho remained in that connection for several years, and eventually took over the business on the retirement of Mr. Simpson. About five years later he was joined in partnership by Mr. George Holmes, and the firm has since attained to the premier position in the port, being sole suppliers to all the shipping companies’ agents visiting the place and to the Commonwealth Naval and Military Forces. Distinguished for his active interest in the public affairs of his adopted country, he received election in 1909 to a seat in the Fremantle Municipal Council, where he still acts as representative for the ratepayers of West Ward. His sound advice on matters of finance during a trying period of depression which occurred in 1911 proved of especial value to his fellow-councillors, and
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
his name is connected in a special way with every movement for the promotion of the public health. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Past Master in the craft. Gardening is his hobby, and while he meets with considerable success in the cultivation of flowers his chief attention is given to the kitchen garden, where he produces particularly fine vegetables. He supports, and to some extent follows up, the games of cricket and football, having been in his youth a very fair exponent of these sports. Mr. Sumpton was married in 1899 and has two sons and two daughters.
Councillor HAROLD WILKINSON, A.I. A. S.A. and V., representative of North Ward in the Fremantle municipality and Town Treasurer for Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. Charles Wilkinson, a native of Birmingham, England, and an early settler in South Australia. Born at Norwood, in the Central State, on January 9, 1871, he was educated at Mr. Moore’s school and at St. Peter’s College, subsequently entering the office of Messrs. Ostermeyer, Dewez, & Co., where, after serving for several years
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Harold Wilkinson.
he eventually became chief of the office and joint signatory of the firm. Upon the closing of the firm’s business in South Australia Mr. Wilkinson came to Western Australia and upon arrival received the appoint-
ment of Secretary to the Fremantle Gas and Coke Company. At a later period he took over the management of the concern, and, having completed about eight years in this employ, in 1909 he resigned his position and opened in business on his own account at Henry Street, Fremantle, as public accountant, stock, share, and mercantile broker. Upon taking up his residence at Fremantle Mr. Wilkinson made a close study of municipal affairs, and simultaneously with his resignation from the company’s service he was requisitioned to allow himself to be nominated for a seat in the Council, and in 1909 was returned unopposed. At the beginning of 1911 the Council bestowed upon him the honour of the appointment of Town Treasurer. In 1903 he married Lina, eldest daughter of Mr. G. Degenhardt, of St. Peters, South Australia, and has two sons and a daughter.
OWEN FRANK PAGET, M.D., B.C., J.P., Area Medical Officer to the Commonwealth Territorial Force, is a son of Sir George Paget, K.C.B., and was born at Cambridge, England, on February 17, 1871. He was educated at the Charterhouse School and in Germany, and studied for the medical profession at Cambridge, London, and Paris, eventually taking his degree of M.D. at Cambridge University. After holding various appointments in London, Captain Paget came to Western Australia in 1896 and commenced practice at Fremantle. At the end of two years he visited the Hawaian Islands and established himself in his profession at Honolulu for twelve months. Leaving this picturesque town he travelled extensively in various latitudes, but ultimately returned to Fremantle and again entered upon practice at this port. Dr. Paget is Medical Officer to the Territorial Corps of Western Australia, in which regiment he holds the honorary rank, of Captain. He is also Health Officer for Fremantle, North Fremantle, and surrounding districts, and was for some time associated with the Fremantle municipality as councillor, a position he was compelled to relinquish on taking up the duties of Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Paget evinces a keen interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the town and district, and is honorary consultant
to the local hospital. His sporting instincts are all alive where horses are concerned, and formerly he was a well-known figure at a meet of the Hunt Club. He is one of the original members of the Fremantle Hunt Club and the Polo Club, and is also a keen motorist. He was
*
Bartletto, Perth.
Dr. Owen Frank Paget.
married at Albany, in 1896, to Hilda Maud, daughter of the Rev. Astley Cooper, of Buckminster, England, and has a son and two daughters.
WILLIAM MIJULifcS was born at Liverpool, England, on June 22, 1866, and is a son of Mr. Joseph Mills, of the same town. He came to Victoria in 1887, where he remained for eight or nine years, at the end of which time he sailed for Western Australia and settled at Subiaco. Two years later he removed to Cottesloe and here laid the foundation of the present business of Messrs. Mills & Ware, biscuit manufacturers. While resident at Cottesloe Mr. Mills was returned as a member of the first elected Roads Board, retaining the seat for three years, and he was a delegate to the first Roads Boards’ Conference held at Bunbury. He resigned from these offices in 1901, in which year he removed to Fremantle, where shortly after his arrival he was a candidate for a seat in the Fremantle City Council. Upon this occasion he failed to secure election, but twelve
553
months later he was again on the field, this time being the successful candidate for South Ward, and continued to represent the ratepayers for five years, at the end of which time he resigned his seat in 1906 During these years Mr. Mills was one of those responsible for the abolition of the Fremantle Volunteer Fire Brigade, and for securing the passage through the Houses of Parliament of an amended Bill which granted to Fremantle representation on the Board of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Much money has since been expended on the local Brigade, with the result that to-day the plant will bear favourable comparison with any of its size in the Commonwealth. Mr Mills was also one of the original Committee appointed to investigate the tramways and lighting questions, and after acquiring data from all parts of the world, the Committee recommended the municipalization of both projects, a scheme which received the endorsement of the ratepayers, who have since secured cheap fares and lighting at reasonable rates After resigning his seat for South Ward Mr. Mills took up residence at East Fremantle, where at the request of a deputation he stood for Central Ward and was elected, holding office for five years, at the second election
being returned unopposed. In November, 1911, Mr. Mills relinquished his connection with the Council owing to pressure of private business He is a Past Master of the Masonic fraternity. His chief recreation is derived from the game of golf, and he is a member of the Fremantle Golf Club; also of the East Fremantle Bowling Club, of which he was first President, continuing to hold that office for two terms He married Susan, daughter of Mr. Joseph Lee, of London, and has three sons, who are engaged in the business.
The late WILLIAM THOMAS JOHN, who represented the ratepayers in the Fremantle Municipal Council for fifteen years, was a Western Australian by birth, having been born at Fremantle in December, 1854. He was educated at Mr
G. B. Humble’s school, and subsequently joined the Telegraph Department under Mr Fleming, which he left to engage in the pearling industry at Sharks Bay. At nineteen years of age he entered the service of Messrs. W. D. Moore & Co , of Fremantle, with whom he remained for twenty-one years. At the end of this period he purchased the retail gro-
cery and drapery establishment of Moore & Co., and traded for some years as Messrs. John & Cleary. He then retired from this line of business, taking over the Coronation Hotel at Woodlupine, which he afterwards disposed of, and ended his days at the seaport where he had spent so large a portion of his life. Mr. John was elected a member of the Fremantle Municipal Council in 1885 as representative for South Ward, and retained this seat until 1900, during which period he fought strenuously for the municipalization of the Fremantle tramways and for the electric lighting service for the town. For many years, among other duties, he held the position of Treasurer to the Fremantle Council, only resigning the office when it was made a stipendiary one. He was also one of the earliest members of the Fremantle Hospital and Literary Institute. Mr. John married in 1876 Marian Caroline, daughter of the late Philip Scott Walker, who served in the Crimean War and the early part of the Indian Mutiny, and was a descendant of the Rev. George Walker, who defended the walls of Londonderry with a sword in one hand and a Bible in the other at the memorable siege of 1691. His widow, with six sons and two daughters, survives him.
Suburban Municipalities.
SUBIACO.
Subiaco came into being as a municipality in the middle nineties, and owing to good management and the readiness of the inhabitants to pay for necessary public works has developed into a city on a small scale. Situated west of the City of Perth it stretches westerly and southerly. In 1900 the tramway system was extended from the city boundary to the Park gates m Rokeby Road. Property at once rose in price, and building was carried on with unexampled activity. A few years later the Municipal Council raised a loan for the purpose of establishing municipal electric light works. These have proved commercially successful, the profit for 1911 being £1,993. The rate roll amounted for that year to nearly £11,000. During the year 110 new buildings were erected and a considerable length of new roadway constructed. The council for the benefit of the ratepayers maintains several recreation grounds, one at the northeast end being known as the Oval and Mueller Park,
Shenton Park being situated in the south-west. The municipal gardens also provide entertainment for members of the local bowling and croquet clubs. The Subiaco river beach is another place of amusement, where 300,000 visitors enjoyed various methods of outdoor entertainment during the past year. Picture shows and band concerts are provided on the Oval during the summer months, the entertainments being conducted without loss financially. The suburb bids fair to grow into one of the large manufacturing centres, for besides minor factories already long established there has lately been installed a large foundry, with buildings covering over 100,000 square feet of floor space Within the boundaries of the municipality are situated several of the charitable and philanthropic institutions of the metropolis. The Home of Peace for the incurable and dying, the Children’s Hospital, the Perth Modern School, the Roman Catholic Hospital of St. John of God, and the Government Receiving Depot for State Children,
554 THE CYCLOPEDIA OF
all consisting of extensive, and some of stately, buildings, assist in beautifying the town and in enhancing its importance.
Like most other towns, it is divided for the purposes of local government into wards, each electing councillors The Mayor at present is Mr. James Chesters, but as generally happens in municipal affairs the actual work of administration falls upon the executive officer, the Town Clerk, Mr. C. Luth. The population of the town is about 8,500.
LEEDERVILLE.
A healthy and populous suburb to the north and west of the city, Leederville may be reached by either tram or train. Situated so conveniently, fed by both services, the town has rapidly expanded during the past few years. It is electrically lighted by current supplied at wholesale rates by the City Electric Light Works and retailed to customers at a profit by the local authorities, who find the method cheaper and easier than maintain ing a local lighting plant. The suburb is mainly residential, there being nearly 1,400 homes, 80 per cent, of which are owned by the occupiers. Its chief beauty spot is Monger’s Lake, a fine sheet of fresh water about 275 acres in extent, stocked with fish (chiefly English perch, tench, and carp), and provided with excellent boating facilities. In the summer time good use is made of it, and as time goes on it will in all probability become to Leederville what Lake Wendouree is to Ballarat The Town Clerk, Mr. R. R. Long, is enthusiastic m praise of his suburb, and is under the supervision of the Mayor, Mr. Paul Barrett, well to the front in every movement for its advancement.
OSBORNE PARK.
This suburb is the home of the market gardener, the rich peaty soil recovered by drainage from the chain of swamps that form the continuation of Monger’s Lake northerly and Herdsman’s Lake The suburb was founded by a private trading concern and supplied with a tramway service. So productive is the soil at Osborne Park that much of it is valued at from £150 to £200 per acre. It is reached by an extension of the tram system from the end of the Leederville line, and though not yet raised to the dignity of a municipality, it claims to be one of the most progressive adjuncts to the capital city.
SOUTH PERTH.
As its name denotes, South Perth is the southern suburb of the city, being separated therefrom by a broad expanse of river known as Perth Water. It is entirely residential, though the first building erected there—as far back as 1835—was purely industrial, and used as a
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
flour mill by Mr. Shenton. In those days the main highway from Perth to the South-West and Albany came round by Mill Point, and until the Causeway was built communicated with Perth by a ferry which ran across to the point, known aB Point Belches. When the idea of making South Perth a residential area began to claim attention, a roads board was created, which in 1902 gave way to the full-blown municipality.
The area of the municipality is about 3,147 acres, its population about 1,500, and the capital value of the property within it £345,092. It is reached by ferries from the city; these are now controlled by the State Government Many projects, such as a bridge over the Narrows, have been mooted for bringing the suburb into quicker communication with Perth, but so far nothing to better the ferries has been evolved. No doubt, as time goes on, it will be served by tram, train, and ferry, and become to Perth the equivalent of some of the harbour side suburbs to Sydney. The principal attraction of the suburb is without question the “Zoo,” which fifteen years ago was a wilderness of sand and scrub, but to-day, thanks to the untiring energy and enthusiasm of the Director, Mr E. A. Le Souef, has been converted into a beautiful garden surrounding a well-kept menagerie.
VICTORIA PARK.
Situated on the left bank of the Swan, about two miles from Perth, Victoria Park is reached by a causeway built far back in the fifties, and consisting of a series of islands joined together by bridges, the total length being about three-quarters, of a mile. The chief claim of the suburb is that it is built on high ground, rising to 70 and even 100 ft., and overlooking the magnificent stretches of the river.
It led a somewhat dormant existence till the installation of the tramway system a half-dozen or so years back The introduction of the current galvanized the municipality into life, till in 1911 a year of unprecedented prosperity was met with. Every house m the suburb was occupied, and the income of the council rose to over £3,000, while the surplus value of the council's assets over liabilities amounted to £4,424. When the time comes to build the railway along the south bank of the river to Fremantle from Perth, there is every possibility that Victoria Park will benefit greatly, and become one of the most prosperous suburbs of the city.
NORTH PERTH.
This suburb is situated on the northern boundary of the city. Some of the hills are very high, and give unsurpassed views of the surrounding country. It is well served by trams which run along Beaufort Street, Bulwer Street, and v%a Oxford Street, Leederville (Osborne Park tramway), with a further extension along
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
555
Bulwer, Fitzgerald, and Angove Streets to Albert Street, and along Beaufort Street to Walcott Street and York Road, which junctions with the Mount Lawley terminus.
Where but a very few years ago there was a waste of sand and scrub, there is now a thriving municipality of some 5,000 people.
Of all the metropolitan suburbs none has shown during the past twelve months a greater tendency to expansion than North Perth. One hundred and fifty new buildings were erected, including council chambers and two churches. The suburb is electrically lit by current supplied from the city plant, and is served by the electric tram system. The municipality maintains bowling greens and croquet lawns for the use of local residents.
CLAREMONT.
This is one of the most picturesquely-situated localities in the metropolitan area. The banks of the river rise precipitously from the water, and perched on the highest parts are the Loretto Convent and numerous handsome residences. At the northern end of the municipality is situated the Hospital for the Insane, a series of buildings of quite the most modern description, and which are entirely self-contained, being independent of outside supply for light, power, and water. The municipality maintains an electric light plant that in 1911 worked at a profit of £400. It is estimated that over £11,000 worth of buildings were added to the wealth of the municipality in that year. The annual income was £4,000, and expenditure about the same amount.
COTTESLOE.
This municipality has the advantage of having a river as well as a sea boundary. It is almost purely a residential suburb, many of the wealthiest citizens of the State having handsome homes there. The municipality has, durmg the past year or two, been expending its energies m developing attractions for trippers from the city and elsewhere, the Government having given the control of the beach lands into its hands. Refreshment rooms, a skating rink, picture shows, and band concerts have been provided, while ample provision is made for the pleasure of devotees of surf bathing in the summer time. Rod and line fishermen find good sport from the jetty, while the beach provides an ideal playground for children. A project is now afoot to instal an electric tram service by arrangement with the Fremantle Tramway Board. During the past year new buildings to the value of £14,000 were erected m the municipality.
EAST FREMANTLE.
East Fremantle, a suburb not of Perth but of Fremantle, was declared a separate municipality in 1897,
and since then has shown that it possesses all the elements of progress. Overlooking the Swan River, its charming situation makes it a favourite residential suburb. It has an area of about 730 acres and a revenue of about £6,500. That its ratepayers are enterprising is shown by the fact that, desiring a loan for tramway construction, they promptly agreed to set aside a 10 per cent, sinking fund. In addition to two recreation reserves of 15 and 20 acres respectively, the town is well supplied with bowling green, croquet lawns, tennis courts, baths, and other means of spending pleasant hours During the year 1911 over £4,000 worth of buildings were erected within its boundaries, some evidence of the favour m which it is held.
NORTH FREMANTLE.
This may be described as the industrial suburb of the port. Situated towards the mouth of the Swan River, some 11 miles from Perth, it possesses a fine frontage to the Indian Ocean along its entire western boundary. It was mainly a residential suburb, but is now becoming an active manufacturing centre, for which the town is admirably adapted, having a fine river frontage and excellent wharfage accommodation. The extensive quarries which have supplied the material for the north and south moles of the Fremantle Harbour Works are m this municipality. Near to the quarries at the extreme north of the municipality is situated the University Endowment Block, a grant of 140 acres given by the Government to the trustees of the University. The North Fremantle Recreation Reserve, which is vested m the municipality, is prettily situated on a bend of the river, and has a commodious pavilion and training rooms. An up-to-date sanitary and rubbish service on the sealed-pan system has been municipalized, the pans being cleansed by superheated steam and fumigated. North Fremantle enjoys the enviable reputation of being the best-lighted municipality in the State, and possesses a thoroughly up-to-date tramway service. At Fort Forrest there is accommodation for a large complement of permanent soldiers. The industries comprise two tanneries, timber mill, joinery works, two large bulk oil stores, boot factory, two soap and candle works, a large steam laundry, cordial factory, and galvanized iron works. On the reclaimed portion of the Rocky Bay Quarry land are erected large engineering, carriage building, and chemical works, etc. The principal buildings are the town hall and municipal offices, police station, Government stores (main depot), railway station, central coal depot, literary institute, fire station, post and telegraph stations, three public halls, four churches, Salvation Army barracks, and three schools. Sporting proclivities are well catered for, there being cricket, football, bowling, croquet, and tennis clubs. A graving
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
dock, grain sheds and elevators. Government abattoirs and saleyards, and cold stores are in course of construction.
Population of the municipality is 4,080, and the area 709 acres. The income is nearly £7,000. As in all the other suburbs of the metropolitan area, residences are at a premium, for while in 1910 there were over 140 empty houses within the municipal boundaries, not one is now vacant.
MIDLAND JUNCTION.
The easternmost portion of the metropolitan area had its origin in the establishment of the headquarters of the Midland Railway Company on a flat, swampy locality almost at the foot of the Darling Range, and distant three or four miles from the existing town of Guildford. The suburb has developed with giant strides, particularly since the establishment there of the Government loco, and railway carriage workshops. The town is flat and lays little claim to picturesqueness—indeed, utilitarianism is the keynote that has been struck in’ its foundation and development. The Municipal Council owns an electric light and power plant, which supplies current to the neighbouring town of Guildford. Besides the Government Workshops, the Midland Railway Company maintains extensive premises, which include administrative buildings, running-yards, engine-sheds, and workshops. The Midland system practically forms a part of the general railway system of the State, and junctions with the Eastern Railway. During harvest season a busy scene is continuously maintained in the running-yards, as train after tram from the north loaded with wheat en route to the port meets those from the east similarly laden. In course of time Midland Junction will possibly develop into a large manufacturing centre.
GUILDFORD.
This, the prettiest little town m the coastal area, has been frequently likened to an old-time hamlet m the country of its founders. The village green, with tree-guarded church, its quaint old-time buildings, smack of the Old Country. Not that the keynote of modernity has not been struck in later years, but in no town in the State does there survive a greater number of the quaintly-designed buildings of the early days than in Guildford. Its tree-planted streets give an appearance of age, too, that is lacking elsewhere. Guildford in the past supplied much of the building material of the district in the forms of bricks and tiles, but this industry has been moved farther afield, and the town has become the centre of an orcharding district. The town itself is celebrated for the quality as well as the quantity of roses grown there. The upper reaches of the river about the
town provide many points of scenic beauty, while handsome residences have sprung up of late years in great numbers. The Municipal Council is well to do, with an income of nearly £2,000 a year. The town is supplied with water from the Goldfields Water Scheme, and relies on its supply of electric current from its neighbour, Midland Junction. There is nothing suggestive of mushroom growth about Guildford; rather there is the dignity of age borne gracefully.
It is, in fact, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, having been surveyed and declared in 1830, the first lots being awarded to members of the Cowcher, Parker, and Meares families. Here, too, it was that the Governor, Sir James Stirling, built for himself a country residence (“Woodbridge”) and applied himself to the life and pursuits of a country gentleman. It quickly became a prosperous little centre, and formed the terminus of the system of ferries that plied up the river from Fremantle, unloading at Guildford, to allow their cargoes to proceed by road to the smaller settlements further in the interior. It was declared a municipality in 1871, soon after Perth, having been previously managed by a Town Trust, of which Dr. Waylin was Chairman from 1863 to 1868 and Mr. T. C. Gull, Dr. Waylin, and Mr. G. Johnson m 1869, 1870, and 1871. The succession of Chairmen (later called Mayors) since then has been as under: —
Chairmen. 1871-72, G. Johnson; 1873-74, J. Morrison; 1875, S. J. Spurlmg; 1876, M. R. Meagher; 1877, Thomas Jecks; 1878, F. B. S. Flindell; 1879, Dr. C. H. Elliott; 1880, J. Morrison; 1881-84, W. G. Johnson; 1885-87, W. Padbury. Mayors. 1887, W. Padbury; 1888-90, W. G. Johnston; 1891, Dr. F. Tratman, T. Jecks; 1892, W. B. Wood; 1893, W. G. Johnson; 1894, Frank Monger; 1895-96, W. G. Johnson; 1897, C. H. Rason; 1898, W. G. Johnson; 1899, W. Traylen; 1900-1903, R. J. Wilson; 1904-1906, F. Piercy; 1907-1909, W. G. Johnson; 1910-12, F. Piercy.
QUEEN’S PARK.
Queen’s Park, the baby among the metropolitan municipalities, lies beyond Victoria Park, and is some four or five miles away from Perth, with which it is connected by rail. Situated m the midst of garden land, it promises to become one of the horticultural adjuncts to the city, and with Gosnells, its near neighbour, to afford to the city man tired of business care and worry the opportunity to recuperate amidst pleasant surroundings. A considerable number of comfortable homes have already been established, and the district offers undoubted attractions to those who prefer a country life while keeping in close touch with metropolitan affairs.
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ALEXANDER RANKIN, who for twelve years held the office of Town Clerk of Subiaco, is a son of the late Mr. Robert Rankin, a farmer of Kenmuir, near Glasgow, the family property being situated on the picturesque slopes of the beautiful valley of the Clyde. The gentleman under review was born in 1861 and received his education in his native town, upon the completion of his scholastic career being articled to the profession of an architect. Having served for live years in the office of Mr. David Thomson, of Glasgow, he left Scotland at the age of nineteen and landed at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1880. After spending twelve months there in survey work he accepted a position as travel
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Alexander Rankin.
ler for a Melbourne commercial house, and about a year later took up his residence in Adelaide. Here he returned to his early profession, and having filled a position of draughtsman for about three years in that city established himself in Melbourne on his own account in practice as an architect. During the seven years passed in the Victorian metropolis he executed designs for thirty-three public buildings in different parts of the State, and out of that number was successful in gaining eleven first prizes, almost a cial crisis which occurred in Melbourne in 1893 Mr. Rankin turned his attention to farming pursuits in Gippsland, and continued in this way for three years. At the termination of this period, in 1896 he decided to come to Western Australia, and
upon arrival was engaged by the Government authorities as architectural draughtsman. While acting in this capacity he demonstrated his superior ability by winning several open competitions for designs of public buildings. In 1898 Mr. Rankin accepted the appointment of Engineer to the municipality of Subiaco, and in the following year the additional responsibilities of Town Clerk, which offices he continued to fill until August, 1911, when he resigned in order to enter upon agricultural life. During his long connection with the district he has watched its rapid growth from a mere sand waste to the populous suburb it has become to-day, one proof of its phenomenal development being that no fewer than 325 houses were erected within its boundaries in the course of a year. Mr. Rankin retained his office under six successive Mayors, and his conduct of the affairs of the municipality met with such general approbation that upon his resignation he was the recipient from the ratepayers of a handsome illuminated address and presentation. The occasion was a memorable one, the Town Hall of Subiaco being filled to overflowing with the citizens of the district and representative Mayors and Town Clerks from surrounding municipalities, the late Minister for Works, Mr. Henry Daglish, occupying the chair. The property which Mr. Rankin proposes to develop consists of
2,000 acres, situated about 60 miles north-east of Wickepin, and will ultimately be served by theKondinin loop railway. It is high-class country, the soil being among the best in the State, and offers splendid opportunities to the investor of capital and labour. It is also favourable for stock-raising, and it is Mr. Rankin’s intention to combine with cereal-growing the breeding of sheep and pigs. Mr. Rankin, who is a member of the Subiaco Bowling Club, married in 1889 Sophie, daughter of the late Mr. Cato, of Stawell, Victoria, and has a son and a daughter.
PAUL JOSEPH BARRETT, J.P., Mayor of Leederville, is a son of the late Mr. Paul Barrett, of Tipperary, Ireland, and was born at San Francisco, America, on July 16,
1871. As an infant he was brought to Australia by his parents, who arrived in Sydney in the year 1872, and received his education at St. Patrick’s College in that city. Reaching the age of fourteen he was
apprenticed to the building trade under Mr. James White, one of the most prominent of the master builders of the State, and having spent five years in learning the trade became thoroughly proficient in all its branches. When twenty-four years old he left New South Wales for Western Australia, and within a couple of years of his arrival established himself as a master builder and contractor, in which calling he has carried on successfully ever since. Ho has engaged in work of all kinds, from the building of the humble cottage to the erection of the Chinese joss-house or house of worship, the shop, the dwelling of greater pretensions, and the mercantile office. During the years he has served as a councillor of the munici-
Bartlelto, Perth.
Mr. Paul Joseph Barrett.
pality of Leederville he has taken the deepest interest in the deliberations of that body for the good of the community, and in 1909 was elected to the mayoral office, which he still occupies. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1902, and is a member of the Licensing Bench for Subiaco, a member of the Children’s Hospital Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Monger’s Lake Board. Mr. Barrett is a well-known patron of outdoor sport and is President of the Leederville Bowling Club, which office he has held for three years, being in the past captain of the champion fours of the State. In his younger days he was also an excellent rifle shot. He is President of the Leederville Club, and takes a keen interest in its welfare. In 1896 he
married Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. Michael Toober, of Queen’s County, Ireland, and has two sons and a daughter.
Councillor WILLIAM JAMES ARNOLD, representative for North Ward in the Leederville municipality, is a son of the late Mr. Hubert Arnold, of Brighton, England. He was born at Hobart, Tasmania, on October 26, 1869, and as a child accompanied his parents to Adelaide, where he was educated at the Sturt Street State School. At the age of sixteen he entered upon a commercial career in the house of Messrs. H. J. D. Munton & Co., of the same city, and having served two years in their clerical department went to Victoria, where he joined the firm of King, King, and Co., wholesale warehousemen. Here he obtained a good insight into the whole working of such establishments, and after eight years severed his connection in order to accept a position with Messrs. Goode, Dur-rant, & Co., of Adelaide. Shortly afterwards he undertook the post of travelling representative for this firm and spent nearly six years in this capacity, during most of that period representing the house in Broken Hill, where he was second on
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William James Arnold.
the staff. In 1899 he was transferred to Western Australia and was promoted to the position of departmental head in the Perth establishment, which appointment he has occupied ever since. He has always
taken an interest in municipal government, and having made a special study of its various aspects in 1906 offered himself to the ratepayers of North Ward as their representative in the Leederville Council. He was returned and has continued to hold the confidence of his electors, at ensuing elections maintaining his seat without opposition. He occupies the chairs of the Finance and Lighting Committees, and has invariably received appointment on the many delegations which from time to time are formed to represent the body outside of its own limits. Mr. Arnold is a foundation member of the Softgoods Warehouse Employes’ Association, and has occupied the position of President since its inception. He is connected with the Commercial Travellers’ Club. Most of his leisure is spent in horticulture, and his garden-orchard testifies to his success in this direction, all kinds of fruit-trees being found within its borders and very fine specimens of fruit produced. Mr. Arnold married in 1900 Eva Alice, third daughter of Mr. V. Y. Jones, a member of the well-known firm of Jones Brothers, of Port Adelaide, and has two sons and three daughters.
Councillor HENRY JAMES HOLLAND, representing West Ward in the Leederville municipality, is a son of the late Mr. Walter Holland, of Sydney, New South Wales, and was born at Surry Hills, in that State, on July 28, 1871. He received his education at the Crown Street Superior Public School, Sydney, and upon its conclusion, when fifteen years of age, became apprenticed to the joinery trade under his father, who followed that calling. Having completed his training he left his native State for Western Australia in 1894, and after following his trade for about nine years accepted the post of Manager of the Perth Factory in connection with the business of Messrs. William Sandover & Co., which appointment he has held for over eight years. Mr. Holland is a keen student of municipal management, and much of his leisure is given to the study of matters connected with the suburb in which he resides. He was elected to represent the ratepayers of West Ward in 1910, and since this period has occupied a seat on the Works and
Building Committee of the Council, and was a member of the special financial committee appointed to deal with the loan of 1911. A marksman of note for many years Mr. Holland was connected with the old National Rifle Association. He
Bdrtletto, Perth.
Mr. Henry James Holland.
is a member of the P.A.F.S., being Grand Auditor of the Lodge in Western Australia. For recreative purposes he prefers the game of bowls and is a member of the Leederville Bowling Club. In 1895 he married Katherine, daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Black, of Belfast, Ireland, and has two sons.
EDWARD SHENTON, J.P., Mayor of South Perth, is a son of the late Mr. George Shenton, of this city, and was born on January 29, 1852. He received his scholastic training at Bishops College, now the High School of Perth, and afterwards at Queen’s College, Taunton, England, where he remained until he was sixteen. He entered commercial life in 1869 with the firm of Crowther & Co., of Geraldton, of which he eventually became a partner and remained in this connection until 1892. Coming to Perth in the latter year Mr. Shenton joined the Government Audit Office, rising to the rank of Chief Inspector, which appointment he filled until 1907, when he opened in business on his own behalf as commission and insurance agent. His first connection with municipal affairs began at Geraldton, where, having first served for a considerable period
559
as councillor, lie was invested with mayoral honours on four separate occasions. Upon his return to Perth his activities again demanded an outlet, and in 1909 he was elected Mayor of South Perth, which office he still holds. He is an advocate of the
Bartletto, Perth,
Mr. Edward Shenton.
municipal ownership of the ferry service and is exerting his influence to bring this about in the near future. The question of a pontoon structure across the ferry is also receiving his serious consideration. Military matters commanded his interest at an early stage of his career and he joined the cadets at Perth in 1861. Upon the inception of the Geraldton Rifle Volunteers in 1877 he accepted the commission of second Lieutenant, being promoted to the rank of first Lieutenant and ultimately of Captain in 1879 and 1881 respectively. Upon taking up residence in Perth he accepted the command of the Perth Mounted Rifles, an appointment he held until his retirement from the active list in 1895 with the rank of Captain. Mr. Shenton was commissioned a Justice of the Peace for the whole State in 1883 and acted as Resident Magistrate at Katanning in 1900-1. He is a member of the Masonic craft, his mother Lodge being the St. John’s, No. 485, E.C., and is a Past Master of the Geraldton Lodge. In the sporting world he is identified with the Royal Perth Yacht Club, of which he has been commodore for the past eight years, and with his yacht “Sulituan” has won several prizes in the various
events he has contested. Mr. Shenton married Charlotte, daughter of the late Mr. Francis Lockee, for some time Manager of the Western Australian Bank at Perth, and has three daughters and a son.
Councillor GEORGE CHITTY BAKER, representing West Ward in the Council of the South Perth municipality, is a son of the late Mr. F. H. C. Baker, of Surrey, England. Born at Guildford, Surrey, in 1858 he received his education at the local Grammar School, and at the close of his studies began life as a printer in the firm of Messrs. Water-low & Sons, of London. He continued in the employ of this firm for six years, and in 1878 left to attend the Philadelphia Exhibition, in which he had entered some printing exhibits. After enlarging his experience here and on the Continent of Europe he ultimately sailed for Australia in 1879, and arriving at Sydney, New South Wales, continued as a printer and publisher on his own account until 1890. In that year he came to Western Australia and established himself in the printing trade for a few years. In 1900 he joined the Government Agricultural Department as editor of The Agricultural Journal, a position he
Bartletto, Perth
Mr. George Chitty Baker.
filled until 1911, and having relinquished this connection accepted the post of Managing Director of the firm of Baker, Carrick, & Co., Limited, mechanical and electrical engineers, which he still holds. Always
displaying a lively interest in municipal and political affairs Mr. Baker was appointed Secretary of the first Trades and Labour Council in 1902, and was the first candidate to stand for Parliament in the interests of the Labour Party at North Fremantle. He took a very active part in bringing about the alteration of the franchise from a property basis to adult suffrage, and was also instrumental in stopping the issue of miners’ rights to Chinese. He entered the South Perth Municipal Council six months after the municipality had been gazetted, and with Mr. Douglas is the only remaining original member. He married Emily, daughter of the late Mr. G. G. French, tweed manufacturer, Darling Mills, Parramatta, New South Wales, and has three sons and three daughters.
Councillor BERNARD DIXON BRUNING, representative for Central Ward in the South Perth municipality, is a son of the late Mr. J. T. Bruning, of the Queanbean district of New South Wales. Born at Gininderra, in that State, on August 18, 1872, he was educated at Sydney, and leaving school at twelve years of age served for seven years in the plumbing trade. He was then apprenticed to the engineering profession under Mr. John Moore, of Kent Street, Sydney, and after completing his six years’ indentures continued in the service of the firm for another four years. In 1897 he came to Perth and upon arrival opened in business on his own account, lie was instrumental in fitting the first installation of the linotype in the State for the Perth Morning Herald and at a later period undertook control of the machinery in the Government Printing Office, relinquishing his private connection upon his acceptance of this post. During the eight years spent by Mr. Bruning in this employ he supervised the working of the first monotype machine in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1896 he resigned his position and established himself as general and printers’ engineer at 513, Hay Street, where he has carried on successfully ever since. Mr. Bruning has taken an active part in the municipal life of the district wherein he resides, and has renre-sontod Central Ward in the local Council for many years. His first attempt to enter the Council was un-
successful, but at the following election he was returned unopposed and has retained his councillorship through all subsequent polls, on various occasions being called upon to fill the position of Acting Mayor. He makes a careful study of municipal management and has taken a leading part in many public matters, particularly in the agitation for the improved railway service to South Swan. He holds office as committeeman in the Chamber of Manufactures, is a member of the Committee of the Celtic Club, with which he has been connected for many years, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters. Mr. Bruning married in 1899 and has a son and three daughters.
RAY CARGEEG, Town Clerk for the municipality of South Perth, is a son of Mr. R. E. Cargeeg, of Brookton, Western Australia, and was born at Laura, South Australia, on August 4, 1884. He was educated primarily at Adelaide, concluding his scholastic career in the western capital, and began active life by entering the Subia-co municipal office in 1899. Here he continued for ten years, and in 1909 transferred his services to the South Perth municipality, where he received the ap-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Ray Cargeeg.
pointment of Town Clerk and Secretary to the Board of Health, and has continued to discharge the duties appertaining to these offices ever since. Ho is keenly interested in the various matters that come under his
notice in his department and is making a close study of municipal work in all its branches, particularly of hygienic matters and municipal engineering. Mr. Cargeeg is a member of the Y.M.C.A. and is connected with the South Perth Young Men’s Association for the cultivation of literary and gymnastic pursuits. He is also a member of the South Perth Rifle Club.
Councillor ARTHUR DOUGLAS, representing East Ward in the South Perth Municipal Council, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Douglas, of Cambridgeshire, England, and was born at South Perth in October, 1854. He was educated locally, and since his boyhood has followed the occupation of horticulture, being a successful fruit-grower. On the south side of the Swan River he owns twenty acres of land, ten acres of which he has placed under cultivation
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Arthur Douglas.
of vegetables and fruit; and his residence, “Glenroy,” is beautifully situated on the east boundary of River Street, commanding a lovely view of the river and the city, with its environs beyond. He has always interested himself in the welfare of the district surrounding his home and first became connected with public life as a member of the South Perth Roads Board before the inception of the present Council. When South Perth was gazetted a municipality in 1902 Mr. Douglas was elected to a seat in the Council Chamber and is one of the oldest residents
of the district. Having watched the growth of South Perth from a settlement of five dwellings to the handsome suburb of to-day he takes a natural pride in its further advancement and gives his time and attention willingly to that end. Mr. Douglas married Sarah Ann, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Smith, of Perth.
Councillor WILLIAM JOHN CARLIN DOWNEY, representing West Ward in the South Perth
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William John Carlin Downey.
Municipal Council, is a son of Mr.
P. K. Downey, of Ballarat, Vic-troia, and was born on April 9, 1874. Ho completed his education at the Victoria College, Ballarat, and subsequently entered the office of Messrs. Mitchell, Nevett, and Robinson, solicitors, of the same city, with whom he remained for three years. In 1895 he left Victoria for Western Australia with the intention of trying his luck at Kalgoorlie, or, as it was then known, “Hannan’s Find.” On his arrival in Western Australia he decided, owing to an outbreak of fever on the fields and a temporary slump in mining, to remain in Perth. He accepted a position with Messrs. Stone & Burt, solicitors, practising in the metropolis, and was placed by them in charge of their mining department, where some of the biggest mining transactions in Western Australia passed through his hands. He has many interesting reminiscences, some of which he
561
embodied in a romance of goldmining entitled “The G-olden Magnet/’ which was published as a serial in The Banker's Magazine of Australia. He first entered municipal life in 1905, when he was elected to the South Perth Town Council. During his first six years’ as Councillor he consistently advocated the bringing under municipal control of the ferry service connecting South Perth with the city, the control of which now rests in the hands of the State. Mr. Downey has always taken a keen interest in rifle shooting and was for many years the best shot in the South Perth Rifle Club, of which body he was President for seven years. He is also one of the foundation members of the National Rifle Association of Western Australia, and was elected seven years consecutively a member of the Council of that body. In 1908 he had the honour of being elected Chairman of the Association. At the time of the Bullfinch boom Mr. Downey formed the Yilgarn Gold Prospecting and Development Company, Limited, and accompanied the prospectors for a month. The Company has pegged valuable claims in the New Mount Jackson Goldfield adjoining Reidel’s Find. He has since formed the King’s Cairn Mining Company, Limited, which is boring for pyritic ore and copper at Mount Caudan, near Parker’s Range, and is being subsidized by the Mines Department. Mr. Downey married Mary, youngest daughter of Mr. Richard Wilson, of Moama, New South Wales, and has three sons and two daughters.
Councillor JOHN DANIEL MANNING, representative of East Ward in the South Perth municipality, was bom in the district where he now resides in September, 1876. He is a son of Mr. John Daniel Manning, originally of Buckinghamshire, England, and upon the completion of his education went to work in his father’s dairy and farming business on the home estate situated at Mount Eliza. Ultimately he removed to his present property, situated on the south side of the Swan River and comprising about 100 acres, which is chiefly used as pasture lands for his cattle. Mr. Manning owns a large number of Holstein cows, which he has proved to be excellent milk-producers, and
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has been very successful in the use of this strain for breeding purposes. Ho has interested himself in the various movements for the advancement of the neighbourhood, and election to the South Perth Municipal Council was granted him in 1910, since which period he has continued to represent the ratepayers of East Ward in that body. He has scant leisure for recreation, but
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Daniel Manning.
devotes what spare hours occur in his busy days to riding on horseback, and is quite an authority on the qualities of a horse. Mr. Manning married Maggie, daughter of Mr.
H. Mowday, of Sawyer’s Valley and South Perth.
Councillor ANDREW ROCHE, representative for Central Ward in the municipality of South Perth, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Roche, of Glasgow, Scotland, and was born in that city on January 4, 1874. As an infant he was taken to Rothsay, in the Isle of Bute, where he received his education at a private academy and subsequently concluded his scholastic career at the Christian Brothers’ College at Glasgow. Arriving at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1887 he commenced work in Mr. D. Barnard’s pictureframing establishment, and at the close of his apprenticeship was transferred to the firm’s branch in Adelaide, where he continued until
1896. In that year he came to Perth and took up the duties of Manager for Messrs. Mayrhofer in Hay
Street, an appointment he filled for i period of eleven years. In 1907 Mr. Roche opened his present business of art-dealer, picture-:ramer, print-seller, etc., at the premises in Hay Street, where he has carried on ever since on his own account, finding an increasing connection among the art-loving section >f the public. He has always taken m ardent interest in the public matters that have come under his notice, and first entered the South Perth Council as representative for Central Ward in 1908, since which late he has continued to act in the interests of this division. He is a prominent yachtsman, and is Commodore of the Perth Dinghy Club, in which connection he holds championship honours in Western Australia, and with his dinghy “Elma” was the successful winner at Sydney in 1909 of the only championship won by a Western Australian boat in New South Wales waters. Mr. Roche married Adelma, daughter of Mr. Eli Dew, of Goodwood, South Australia.
CHARLES HARPER, J.P., Mayor of Victoria Park, was born en January 3, 1870, and is a son of the late Mr. R. J. Harper, of Monmouthshire, England. He began his
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Harper.
scholastic studies at Talywain, in that county, and at the age of nine sailed with his parents for Mauritius by the old frigate “Jumna,” in which vessel after a month’s stay on the island, they continued their
voyage to Hobart, Tasmania. A visit was next paid to Adelaide, and ultimately the family settled at Melbourne, where Mr. Charles Harper continued his education, studying under Mr. R. Livingstone, B.A., a coach for University students, and matriculated in 1895. With the intention of taking his degree of Doctor of Music he gave special attention to his musical studies during this period, choosing the violin for instrumental practice. Having arrived at the age of twenty-five he received from Western Australia the offer of a remunerative position, and left Melbourne to take up his duties on the musical staff attached to the Cremorne Gardens, of which he was ultimately appointed Managing Musical Director. He held this post until 1897, concluding with a tour of Australia and New Zealand, and returning to Perth in 1898 commenced business on his own account as an importer of musical instruments. He holds sole rights in Western Australia for the celebrated Bluthner and Gors and Kallmann pianos and Bell organs, and is closely asociated with all matters pertaining to violins and other musical instruments, being considered an expert in this direction. Always keeping himself en rapport with public affairs, he first began to play an active part as a councillor in the local Municipal Council in 1905. Having served on the various Committees of this body he was returned unopposed to the mayoral chair in 1909, and received a similar honour in the following year. He is a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Licensing Bench for the Canning district. Mr. Harper has passed through the various degrees of the Masonic order and was Master of Lodge Perseverance, No. 45, W.A.C., for the years 1904-5. He married Barbara, daughter of the late Mr. John Stirling Anderson, of Edinburgh, Scotland, and has two sons and a daughter.
WILLIE GEORGE RANDELL, Mayor of North Perth, is a son of Mr. G. W. Randell and grandson of th© Hon. G. Randell, J.P., both of this city. He was born at Perth on August 2, 1880, and received his education at the State School in St. George’s Terrace, now the Technical School of Science and Art. Upon the conclusion of his scholastic career he joined the service of the A.M.P.
Society in 1895, and has since risen to the prominent position of cashier in the head office of the Western Australian Branch of this important Company. Mr. Randell has always displayed considerable interest in municipal affairs, and was first returned as representative for East Ward in the North Perth Council in 1907. He ably upheld the interests of his electors for three years, being the first councillor to complete his full period of office in this particular ward of the North Perth municipally. In 1910 Mr. Randell successfully contested the mayoralty and continues to hold the honours of the chair. He is a supporter of the Greater Perth scheme, and is strongly in favour of the nationalization of the Perth Tramways system,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Willie George Randell.
which he hopes to see an accomplished fact in the near future. The Woodville Reserve of North Perth receives a large share of his attention, and he never loses an opportunity of promoting its importance, from its elevated and central position, as the “lungs” of the district. He is also an advocate of an outer suburban district railway which shall loop up the North Perth, Mount Lawley, and Wanneroo districts with existing lines. Mr. Randall is a member of Monger’s Lake Board, Patron of the North Perth Cricket Club, and President of the North Perth Liberal League. He married Elsie, daughter of the late Mr. Arthur C. Stoneham, of North Adelaide, South Australia, and has two daughters.
WALTER St. CLAIRE BROCK WAY, C.E., Mayor of Claremont, was born in the County of Devon, England, on January 17, 1864. He was articled to the civil engineering profession, and continued in practical work at Bendigo until 1894, in which year he came to Western Australia. He was associated for some time with Mr. C. A. Patterson in the construction of the Perth tramways, and subsequently accepted the appointment of engineer to the Claremont and Cottesloe Municipal Councils. In 1907 he established himself in practice at Perth, where he still continues. Mr. Brock way is also interested in the fruit industry, and has an orchard at Kelmscott, and owns 1,000 acres of good pastoral country at Wickepin, where he is forming a flock of strong-wool merinos. He was first elected as a member of the Claremont Municipal Council in 1909, and, two years later, was invested with Mayoral honours, which office he still retains. He is a Justice of the Peace for the Perth magisterial district, and a member of the Liberal League and of the Masonic craft. Mr. Brockway is married, and has three sons and seven daughters.
HORACE ELGAR MOFFLIN, J.P., Mayor of Claremont (1910-11), is a son of Mr. H. Mofflin, of Fremantle. Born at Auckland, New Zealand, on July 19, 1867, he received his scholastic training at the public schools of his native land. At the age of fourteen, with his parents he left New Zealand for South Australia, where he spent six years mainly in mercantile pursuits. In 1887, having reached the ago of twenty, he came to Western Australia and settled down at Fremantle as representative for the firm of George Wills & Co., of South Australia, which position he occupied for many years. Resigning from this service in 1898 Mr. Mofflin opened in business on his own account at Fremantle, trading as H. E. Mofflin & Co., wool, hide, and skin merchants, and has conducted his transactions successfully ever since. He is Director of two important commercial houses in the State and is a very busy man, every moment of his day being occupied in private or public duties. While resident at Fremantle he was a councillor of the municipality for many years and filled the office of Acting Mayor on several occasions. Upon
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baking up his abode at Claremont in 1906 he very soon became identified with the local governing body as representative for the ratepayers of South Ward, and when in 1909 he 3tood for mayoral honours he was returned unopposed. Contesting the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Horace Elgar Mofflin.
seat at the subsequent elections he won the day by a substantial majority of votes. He takes a deep interest in all charitable objects, more particularly in connection with Fremantle and Claremont, and is an ardent supporter of the Methodist Church, and as Lay Treasurer of one of the Connexional funds has a seat in the Annual Conference at Perth. He is well known as a leading temperance advocate and is an honorary member of the Rechabite Order, besides which he is connected with the Masonic craft, being a past officer in the fraternity. In 1911 Mr. Mofflin visited England for the Coronation celebrations and travelled over a large part of the United Kingdom and Europe, taking the opportunity on this occasion of studying the municipal position in the Old Country. A keen sympathizer with all forms of amateur athletics he devotes his own leisure to the time-honoured sport of bowls and is Vice-President of the Claremont Bowling Club. He has been twice married, his first wife being a daughter of the late Mr. J. M. Ferres, of Fremantle. The present Mrs. Mofflin is the eldest daughter of the Rev. William Burridge, of Claremont. His family consists of a son and five daughters. kk2
Councillor WALTER DRABBLE,
representing East Ward in the Claremont Municipal Council, was born at Perth, Western Australia, on March 13, 1875. He is a son of the late Mr. William Drabble, of this city, and pursued his educational studies at the Commercial School, Perth, conducted by the late Mr. Letch, and now nonexistent. At the close of his scholastic career he began life a& a junior assistant in the office of Messrs. William Sandover & Co., hardware merchants, and went from there into his father's oil and colour shop, subsequently learning the trade of painting, sign-writing, gilding, etc. After a few years’ experience he opened in the oil and colour trade at Claremont, at a later date handing over the business to his brother. He next embarked on a more ambitious enterprise, becoming an importer of ironmongery and general hardware on a fairly extensive scale, and established himself in this line in the same suburb, where he has conducted a very prosperous business ever since. Although always concerning himself in the various movements for the advancement of the place in which he had made his home Mr. Drabble took no prominent position
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Drabble.
in public life until 1911, in which year he defeated the sitting member for East Ward in the local municipality by a substantial majority of votes. He is largely interested in real estate in Claremont, and has been responsible for the erection of several of the most up-to-date com-
mercial and residential structures in the municipality. Hunting is his chief recreation, and in the indulgence of this penchant he makes prolonged excursions into the heart of the bush in company with other kindred spirits, and being an excellent shot usually bags his full share of game. Mr. Drabble recently took a year’s trip abroad, when after visiting Ceylon he travelled through China and Japan and also called at the Eastern States of the Commonwealth. Tn April, 1900, he married Marion K., daughter of the late Mr. Alfred A. Corbett, of North Fitzroy, Victoria, and has a son and a daughter.
Councillor HAROLD JAMES TUCKFIELD, representative for South Ward in the Claremont municipality, is a Victorian by birth, his father being the late Rev. J. W. Tuckfield, of that State. He was born at Drysdale on February 20, 1874, and pursued his scholastic studies at Wesley College, Melbourne, subsequently training for the dental profession at the Dental College in that city. After practising at Melbourne for about a year he came to Western Australia in 1897 and opened in practice at Coolgardie, where he continued for two years. This period was followed by four years at Boulder, after which he came to the metropolitan area and has been established in his profession at Perth since 1903. Mr. Tuckfield at an early period turned his attention to the study of municipal law and clearly recognized the importance of establishing the proceedings of the local governing bodies on a firm substratum of well-attested principles. Though a candidate for election to various Councils on the goldfields his debut as a councillor was made at Claremont, where he was returned by the ratepayers of South Ward in 1910. He is an excellent public speaker, in the past having been a gold medallist for oratory on no fewer than five separate occasions; and has always interested himself in the various movements for the development of intellectual and artistic gifts, being one of the founders and first Secretary of the Mechanics’ Institute at Midland Junction and a committeeman of the similar institution at Claremont. He is Chairman of the Board of Health at Claremont and a promoter of outdoor sport, holding the office of
committeeman of the local Yacht Club, besides which he is a keen fisherman and in earlier days made his mark as a player of lacrosse, cricket and tennis. He also belonged to the premier teams of Victoria and Western Australia in the game of Australian football. In 1899 Mr. Tuckfield married Constance, daughter of the late Mr. 0. S. Olden, stock- and share-broker, of Ballarat, Victoria, and has two sons.
Councillor DONALD BROWN, representing North Ward in the Cottesloe Municipal Council, is a Victorian by birth and a son of the late Mr. George Brown, of the Victorian Railway Service. He was born at Elaine on February 28, 1863, and received his education in his native village, where also he worked on his father’s farm until twenty-one years of age. Love of adventure prompted him to "try his luck” in prospocting in various parts of Gippsland, but meeting with no success in this neighbourhood he joined with two others in a further venture in the Temora district of New South Wales. Nothing satisfactory accruing from this departure, Mr. Brown became connected with the Victorian railways for some time, and subsequently resigned from this service in order to join the Melbourne Tramway Company, with which he continued for nine years. Coming to Western Australia, he arrived at Coolgardie just in time for the wave of depression which followed closely upon the great boom. Relinquishing his intention of prospecting he became engaged in a bakery business at the goldfields city in conjunction with his brother and Mr. W. Burns. Shortly afterwards the business was sold and the gentleman under review with the other members of the firm became established at Subiaco in the present bakery concern, where they have carried on ever since. Mr. Brown was returned unopposed as member of the Cottesloe Council in 1909 and received a similar mark of favour in the following year. He is a Past Master in the Masonic craft and his love of horses vies with his fondness for gardening for the premier claim upon his time and attention. In his younger days he was a good cricketer, but this pastime has now given place to bowls.
Councillor JOHN DOSCAS (Jean Paraskeva Doscas, or Ntoscas), re-
presenting North Ward in the Cottesloe Town Council, is a son of Paraskeva Demitri Ntoscas and was born on August 15, 1866, at Goritza, in the mayoral district of Therapnon, County Lacedemonia, Province Laconia, Sparta, Greece. Having commenced his education in his native town, he subsequently attended the secondary school at Chrisafa, and upon the completion of his course at this institution went to Athens for a year's study at the Lyceum. In 1882 he became apprenticed to the firm of Ralli Brothers, merchants and importers, of Liverpool, England, with whom he engaged in the study of cotton and grain-classing with the intention of taking a post in India or Amercia at the centre of production. While here ho furthered his scholastic attainments by attending as an evening scholar for nearly four years at the Government College of Shaw Street, Liverpool. In January, 1886, on ac-
Mr. John Doscas.
count of failing health he was compelled to return for a brief period to his native land. Upon recovery he went to Egypt, where he joined the firm of P. Rodokanaki & Co., cotton and grain merchants, of Alexandria. Being a linguist of no mean order, speaking and writing no less than six languages — Greek, French, English, Italian, and partly Spanish and Arabic — he afterwards undertook the office of interpreter and conductor of touring parties, and in this capacity travelled all over the historical parts of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Greece, parts of Turkey, and throughout Central Europe. In the course of his occupation he came in touch with
many distinguished travellers, notably the Emperor Don Pedro of Brazil, the Grand Dukes Paul and Sergius of Russia, Prince Henri d'Orleans, Don Carlos (Pretender to the throne of Spain), Prince Nelidoff (for many years Ambassador for Russia at the Sublime Porte), General Wolseley (Commander-in-Chief of the British troops in Egypt), and many other notabilities; and conducted Lord Brassey and suite on an expedition up the Nile just prior to his cruise in the "Sunbeam” to Australia in 1888. On January 6, 1889, Mr. Doscas embarked on the "Salazie” for Australia, and shortly after arrival at Melbourne on February 5 joined the firm of Thomas Cook and Son as tourist organizer and interpreter, at a later date entering business on his own account in the Victorian metropolis. After seven years of varied business experience, during which he visited Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, Mr. Doscas came to Western Australia. He opened at Perth about February, 1896, as a produce importer, general merchant, farm and produce agent, etc., and for fourteen years conducted the business known as the Western Australian General Produce Company, Murray Street, during which time he figured prominently in mercantile circles, retiring from business at the beginning of 1909. He is a large property investor in the suburbs of Perth, being a believer in real estate for purposes of investment. A resident of picturesque Cottlesloe, he interests himself in the advancement of the place and has been a member of the Municipal Council since its inception in 1907. He devotes some time to the cultivation of his garden and is a great reader particularly of a wide range of historical works. He is a member of the Masonic order, in which he holds the rank M.M., and for diversion is a motorist and a lover of horses. During his residence in Western Australia he has travelled extensively in various parts of the State, notably the nor’-west, Murchison, eastern goldfields, and throughout the agricultural areas from Geraldton to Albany. In 1897 he married Margaret Coleman (widow), daughter of Mr. Martin O’Sullivan, of Limerick, Ireland, and has a daughter (Arethusa Clio).
Councillor GEORGE WILLIAM HILL, representing South Ward in the Cottesloe Municipal Council, is
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a son of the late Mr. John Hill, of Hepburn, Victoria, and was born at that village on December 25, 1867. He was educated at his native place, and leaving school at the age of fifteen began to learn the saddlery trade under the tuition of Mr. J.
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. George William Hill.
W. Burns, at Daylesford, in the same State. Having completed his apprenticeship he went to Melbourne and spent several years at the leading factories in that city. Ulti-mately he came to Western Australia and opened in business at Fremantle in 1895 in partnership with Messrs. Wilson Brothers. This connection was dissolved some five years later, and the business has since been carried on by Mr. Hill on his own account in High Street. Mr. Hill resides at Cottesloe, and has always been distinguished for the active interest he has taken in matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, resulting in his unopposed election to a seat in the local Council in 1909. The confidence of the ratepayers in his judgment and ability was further manifested on the occasion of the Municipal Association Conference held at Cool-gardie in 1910, when he was chosen jointly with the Mayor of Cottesloe to represent the municipality. He devotes his spare time to the culture of choice blooms in the garden surrounding his home in Salvado Street and has been a frequent prize-winner at the various shows for his roses and chrysanthemums, this hobby winning for him a seat on the committee of the Fremantle Horti-
cultural Society. He has passed through all the offices of the Recha-bite Order and is a Past Chief Ruler of the local branch of that body. A patron of all healthy outdoor sport, in his younger days he played a good game of cricket, but his many duties now prevent active participation in these diversions. In 1891 Mr. Hill married Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. J. C. Ferguson, of Melbourne, and has three sons and two daughters.
Councillor JOHN HENRY JAMES, representing North Ward in the Cottesloe Municipal Council, is a son of Mr. John Hall James, manufacturer, of Reading, England. He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, on February 11, 1860, and received his educational training at various schools in that city. Subsequently he served his apprenticeship to the Vulcan Foundry in Melbourne and entered upon the engineering profession, at the close of his indentures joining the firm of Messrs. Mephan, Ferguson. He continued his connection with this firm for twenty-three years, during which period he was associated with the various important undertakings in which they made their reputation, including the Newport Workshops, various railway bridges, and large mining machinery contracts in Victoria, and afterwards the Coolgardie and Eastern Gold-fiolds Water Supply contract. . He learnt electrical engineering during his association with the Field Company of Military Engineers in Victoria, and took an ardent interest in the work of this company, with which he has been connected over seventeen years. Having left the service of the firm referred to he joined Messrs. Splatt, Wall, & Co. and erected the Electric Light Works .at Subiaco. Ultimately in 1903 he accepted the appointment of Manager of the Cottesloe Electric Light Works, and has continued to control this department ever since. Mr. James was elected to a seat in the Cottesloe Council upon the inception of the municipality in 1907, and has assisted in the deliberations of that body up to the present time. He also interests himself in musical matters, and was a prominent member of the Perth City Band for a considerable period. He is an earnest supporter of religious work and holds various offices in the local Methodist Church, among which are
those of lay preacher, trustee, and circuit steward. He takes his recreation on the bowling green, and is a member of the Cottesloe Club. In 1881 Mr. James married Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Elijah Gribble, of Beechworth, Victoria, and has six sons and three daughters.
Councillor WALTER SAWKINS, representing East Ward in the municipality of Cottesloe, is a son of Mr. Frederick George Sawkins, of Wagin, Western Australia. He was born beneath the shadow of the famous Salisbury Cathedral in England on March 19, 1872, and when eight years old was brought to Australia, by his parents, who settled in Sydney. He attended the Sydney Grammar School until sixteen years of age and was then apprenticed to the drapery business, but tiring of this before he was twenty in 1890 sailed for Western Australia. Here he tried his hand in various departments of work, taking whatever position offered, and eventually settled down at Cottesloe in the newsagency and stationery line of business, since which time he has steadily ascended the ladder of commercial success. The study of public affairs has always possessed an attraction for Mr. Sawkins, and be-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Walter Sawkins.
fore the inception of the Cottesloe Council he represented that district on the Roads Board. He afterwards became a candidate for municipal honours and, undeterred by defeat, contested the seat at the following
566
elections, this time with unqualified success. Many of the recent improvements in the lighting of the town and the development of the sea-beach for pleasure purposes were made at his suggestions, and in many ways he has proved himself a very useful member of the Council. He is a member of the Masonic craft and is Past Chief Ranger in the Ancient Order of Foresters. The youth of the district have much to thank him for, as besides being a keen supporter of all forms of healthy outdoor recreation and in earlier days a football enthusiast — he was one of the founders of the Cottesloe Football Club, which has won the blue ribbon of the Western Australian Football Association since its inception — he has given much thought to the solution of social problems. In 1903 he married Alice, daughter of Mr. William McDonald, of Cottesloe, and has a son and two daughters.
Councillor CHARLES EDWIN TURVILLE, representing East Ward in the Cottesloe municipality, is a son of the late Mr. John Tur-ville, of Parkville, Melbourne, and was born at Walmer, Victoria, on June 28, 1868. He was educated at the State School at Muckleford, Victoria, and completing his studies at
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Charles Edwin Turville.
the age of fourteen first spent a year on his father’s farm and was then apprenticed to the carpentering trade. He worked at this calling for a few years in his native State and in 1895 left Victoria for Western Aus-
tralia, where after three years he opened in business on his own account at North Fremantle as builder and contractor. His first contract was for a residential structure, and since its completion he has been kept busy all round Perth and its suburbs, besides which his contracts have extended to many of the large agricultural centres. He built the Cottesloe Municipal Chambers and is responsible for more works of a residential character in this picturesque suburb, where he has made his home, than any other contractor in the State. Mr. Turville is a member of the Western Australian Master Builders and Contractors’ Association and is also connected with the Australian Natives’ Association, being one of the three Trustees for that organization in Western Australia. He takes a keen interest in municipal affairs, and at the inception of the Cottesloe Town Council polled a larger number of votes than any other councillor. Ho devotes his leisure hours to the game of bowls and is a member of the Cottesloe Bowling Club, but in early life was a cricketer of no mean order. A member of the Masonic craft, he holds honours as Past Master in the Lodge of North Fremantle. He married in 1895 Elizabeth Mary, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Phillips, of North Melbourne, and has two sons and two daughters.
THOMAS CORRAL CAMPBELL, Town Clerk of Cottesloe, is a son of Mr. Thomas Campbell of the same place, where the subject of our notice was born on September 6, 1882. After attending St. Bridgid’s School he completed his education at the Christian Brothers’ College, Perth, and left this institution at the age of seventeen to enter upon a position in the Postal Department of the State in its pre-Federal days. A year later he resigned from the service and proceeding to the eastern goldfields became associated with his brother in mining pursuits and gained considerable experience in the treatment of ores by the cyanide process. He continued in this line for four years, when he returned to Perth and obtained a position on the clerical staff of the firm of Mills and Ware, biscuit manufacturers, of Fremantle. This connection he relinquished after a short time to accept in 1905 the post of assistant secretary to the Cottesloe Roads Board which afterwards was merged into
the present municipality, when he received the appointment of assistant Town Clerk, assuming the duties of his present post in 1908. Mr. Campbell is a true patriot and for many years has been associated with the Australian Natives’ Association, and
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Thomas Corral Campbell.
among other offices occupied the position of President of the Cottesloe branch of this institution. He is a Master Mason in the fraternity, his mother lodge being the Boronia Lodge, No. 42, W.A.C. A warm sympathizer with all charitable schemes, almost every scheme in the neighbourhood having for its object the relief or uplifting of any section of the community commands his practical support. Ho is a life member of the Cottesloe Life-saving Club, and occupies a seat on the committee of this institution. In the Beach Carnival he has always been one of the moving spirits, and entertains the anticipation that this function will become an annual feature of entertainment in Western Australia. Until quite recently Mr. Campbell was a well-known player in the Cottesloe Football Club, but at the present time he devotes the greater part of his leisure time to the game of bowls. In 1908 he married May, daughter of Mr. W. H. Clifford, of Cottesloe, and has one son.
JOSEPH FRANCIS ALLEN, J.P., F.W.A.I.A., architect and
civil engineer, 31, Henry Street, Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. P. Allen, C.E., of Sydney. He was
567
born in Cornwall, England, on An* gust 6, 1869, and received his education partly in his native country. Subsequently, upon arrival in Australia with his parents, he completed his scholastic studies at Parramatta, New South Wales, and at
C. M. Nixon, Fremantle.
Mr. Joseph Francis Allen.
fifteen years of age began his five years' indentures with the firm of Cordon McKinnon, architects, of Sydney. Upon the conclusion of his articles he joined the firm of Rhodes & Co., civil engineers, of the same city, and spent five years in this connection, acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the engineering profession. This experience he still further augmented by an association with the firm of Henry Simon, Limited, milling engineers, with whom he occupied the position of works manager at their engineering shops. In 1896, encouraged by glowing reports of the scope afforded to talent and enterprise in the Western State, he resigned his post with the above Company and sailed for Fremantle, from which centre he has operated in his profession, over different parts of the State. With the exception of a period extending a little over a year, which he spent in the service of the State Government as assistant engineer, Mr. Allen has given his attention chiefly to architectural work, and has been responsible foi the designs and erection of the East Fremantle Town Hall, the Fremantle Trades Hall, the I.O.O.F. Orphans’ Home at Cottesloe, Messrs. Strelitz Brothers’ premises in Hay and Murray Streets, Perth, and
numerous other works of a public, business, and domestic character. On the engineering side of his profession he designed and supervised the build ing of the only steel-built ship in the State, viz., the S.S. “Westralian,” and was also employed in the erection of the flour-mills at Geraldton. He received his commission of Justice of the Peace in 1909, when he was elected Mayor of East Fremantle, which office he still holds, and prior to this was for some years a representative of East Ward in the Municipal Council. He is the property owners’ representative on the Tramways Board for East Fremantle, and is a member of the Board of the Fremantle Public Hospital. In the Masonic fraternity he holds office as Past Grand Architect for Western Australia under the Scotch Constitution and Past Grand Superintendent of Works under the Western Australian Constitution. Mr. Allen is a student of literature and lectures frequently on literary subjects, being well versed in the works of Dickens, Thackeray, and other standard novelists. He gives his hearty support to all healthy outdoor forms of athletics, and acts as Patron of the Fremantle Rowing Club, President of the East Fremantle Bowling and Tennis Clubs, and holds other offices in connection with the various associations of sports. For personal recreative purposes he divides his own attention between the Fremantle Golf Club and the East Fremantle Bowling Club, in both of which organizations he holds membership. In 1900 Mr. Allen married Jean S., daughter of Mr. John Buntine, one of the early pioneers of Victoria, whose name frequently appears in the former annals of the State, and has a daughter.
HORACE HILL PARKER, J.P., Town Clerk and Engineer of East Fremantle, is a South Australian by birth, being a son of Mr. A. W. Parker, late Town Clerk of Thebarton, in the Central State. He was born at Aldinga on September 9, 1874, and received his education at the Grote Street School under the tuition of Mr. John Young, M.A. Subsequently he attended the School of Mines, Adelaide, and while still in his teens filled the position of Assistant Town Clerk at Thebarton. During this association with his father he embraced every opportunity of extending the knowledge of engineering
previously gained in his classes, and learnt much that was very useful to him in his subsequent career. In 1897, coming to Western Australia, Mr. Parker threw all the enthusiasm of youth into a pursuit for Fortune’s smile on the goldfields, shirking none of the hardships and toil incident to life in the early mining camps, and following the various “rushes” with an ardour deserving commensurate reward. This, however, was withheld, and eventually returning to Perth, in 1897, he accepted the appointment to his present position, which he has held continuously ever since. He is interested in agriculture and owns a promising estate of 2,250 acres in the Midland district, at Nugadong, where he carries on mixed farming with encouraging results. Mr. Parker received his commission of Justice of the Peace in 1904. A member for a lengthy period of the Masonic fraternity, he holds office as Past Master of the Richmond Lodge, No. 32, W.A.C. He is a keen lover and student of Nature and spends most of his leisure in long trips through the bush. In this way he is also able to gratify his instincts as a sportsman, always carrying his gun, and seldom returns without some spoils of the chase. He is also devoted to tennis for recreative purposes and was one of the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Horace Hill Parker.
founders of the Fremantle Tennis Club. In 1898 Mr. Parker married Eliza Winnifred, daughter of Mr. Frank C. Moore, of Hyde Park, South Australia, and has a daughter.
Councillor ANDREW ELLERY, representing Central Ward in the East Fremantle municipality, is a son of the late Mr. William Ellery, engineer of one of the first steamers to ply the Swan River in the early sixties. His mother was the first white woman born in Western Australia. On January 12, 1860, the subject of our memoir was born at Perth, and leaving school at the age of fourteen he engaged in farming in the Toodyay district for a couple of years. He was then apprenticed to the wheelwright trade, but abandoned this work after a short time, and having taken some sheep to the Nor'-West remained in that part of the country for about four years. During this period he was for a time associated with a brother, but afterwards went into the pearling industry at Broome and surrounding waters. Having met with fair success he disposed of his interests after three years, and proceeding to the Eastern States became identified with station life on Perricoota Station on the Murray, then the property of Messrs. Robinson and Wagner. Seven years later he entered upon marine pursuits and visited nearly all the principal ports of the world, finally returning to his native State. He next took up work on the wharves, where he occupied the position of President of the Lumpers' Union, which body made him a handsome presentation upon his retirement some years later. Ultimately settling at Fremantle Mr. Ellery opened a general store in Silas Street, which he has carried on successfully ever since. Shortly after taking up his residence in the district he contested Central Ward with the sitting member and won the seat by a handsome majority, since which period he has been returned at each election without opposition. He is a keen student of political economy and is a supporter of the Labour movement, to the interests of which he devotes the whole of his spare time. In his youth Mr. Ellery was a crack amateur runner, winning notable events in several of the States. He is still keen in his support of manly outdoor diversions, and is Vice-President of the East Fremantle Football Club. Married in 1899 to Mary, daughter of the late Mr. William Creighton, of U.S.A., formerly of Melbourne, he has issue one daughter.
Councillor DIXON HEARDER, solicitor, High Street, Fremantle, who represents East Ward in the East Fremantle municipality, is a son of Dr. Hearder, of Carmarthen, South Wales, and was born in that town on September 20, 1879. He received his education at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, and upon the conclusion of his scholastic career left his native land for Western Australia, where he arrived in 1894. Two years later he entered into articles under Sir Walter James,
K.C., and in May, 1901, was called to the Western Australian Bar, subsequently proceeding to England, where he entered the office of the well-known solicitors, Messrs. Trin-der, Capron, & Co., of Leadenhall Street, London. Having received a thorough training for his profession in 1902 he returned to Western Aus-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Dixon Hearder.
tralia, and in September of that year commenced practice in High Street, Fremantle, where he has continued ever since. Outside of business life the premier place among Mr. Hearder's interests is occupied by matters military. As far back as 1896 he joined the Perth Artillery Volunteers as gunner, and filled the position of Acting Quartermaster-Sergeant when he retired upon the occasion of his departure for England in 1900. Upon his return he received a commission in the Fremantle Artillery, and in January, 1905, was gazetted Captain and obtained command of the corps, in which capacity he continued to serve until 1908, and is now on the retired list. Dur-
ing his stay in the Old Country he acted as trooper in the King’s Colonials and received the rank of Sergeant in that regiment. Mr. Hearder takes a deep interest in the affairs of the municipality, of which he is a member, and actively concerns himself in the deliberations of the Works Committee of the Council, to which he was elected in 1909. A Liberal in politics, he was an unsuccessful candidate for Parliamentary honours at the general elections of 1911. He is a member of the Commercial Travellers' Club. In earlier days he devoted a good deal of time to the sport of rowing and general aquatics, and assisted in winning several trophies in four-oar contests for his club, but tennis is now the favourite recreation of his leisure hours. In 1908 he married Dorothy, daughter of Mr. D. F. Booth, C.E., of Ontario, Canada, and has a son.
EDWARD HENRY TOMKIN-SON, J.P., Mayor of North Fremantle, is a son of the late Mr. George Tomkinson, of Brayton-in-Hales, Salop, England, and was born at Perth on November 11, 1869. At the conclusion of his education he became apprenticed to the boot trade with the firm of Pearse Brothers at North Fremantle, and at the expiration of his indentures continued in their employ until his twenty-fifth year, when he launched out in business partnership with the late Mr. James Matthews. Five years later a dissolution took place, and Mr. Tomkinson has carried on the business at the present address ever since. Municipal affairs have always claimed his close attention, and in 1906 he was returned to the North Fremantle Council as representative for East Ward, a seat he has since continued to hold. For two years he acted as Hon. Treasurer to the Council and received elevation to mayoral honours in 1910. Mr. Tomkinson is a foundation-member of the North Fremantle Literary Institute and was its first President, holding office for five years, and the continued existence of the institution is due to his unflagging zeal and support in times of financial stress. He is a member of the Hospital Board of Fremantle and a member of the Masonic fraternity, being Treasurer for ten years of Lodge Caledonian, No. 830, S.C. In the past he gained prominence on the cinder track, and was the winner of
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a number of important footraces in the State. He started the first football club in the district and partly maintained it at his own expense until such time as it was established on a sound basis. In 1907
Mr. Edward Henry Tomkinson.
he married Ellen, daughter of the late Mr. Charles Lee, of Brixton, London, and has a daughter.
Lieutenant WILLIAM DRYNAN EVANS, J.P., Corps of Australian Engineers Field Company, member of the Institute of Engineers of Western Australia, is a son of the late Mr. J. W. Haines-Evans, of Logan district, Queensland, where the subject under review was born on November 29, 1874. He was educated at the Christian Brothers’ College, Brisbane, subsequently pursuing his post-collegiate mathematical studies under Dr. J. Park Thomson, LL.D., the well-known Queensland scientist and litterateur. Upon leaving school he joined as cadet the staff of the Surveyor-General of Queensland, with which he was connected for fourteen years, at the time of his retirement having charge of the Noting Branch of the department. This he resigned in order to take a position on the computing staff in the Department of Lands and Surveys, Western Australia, and in 1905 left the Civil Service to enter upon his present appointment of Town Clerk and Engineer of North Fremantle. He has always interested himself in military affairs, and in 1893 joined the Queensland
Volunteer Rifles under Major Gart-side in Brisbane. At the time of the Boer war he volunteered for service, and joining the Queensland Imperial Bushmen as a subaltern under Colonel Tunbridge went to the front at Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony, and Zululand, being awarded the Queen’s Medal with four clasps. At the present time he devotes most of his spare hours, away from municipal duty, to military matters, but is also a warm supporter of all forms of athletic exercise. He was one of the founders of the Queensland Amateur Athletic Association, of which he acted as Secretary for some years, and also was founder and Secretary of two of Brisbane’s Harrier Clubs, members of which have taken championship honours all over Australia,
Bartletto, Perth.
Lieutenant William Drynan Evans.
and on behalf of which Mr. Evans represented Queensland in 1897 at Sydney, New South Wales. Since coming to Western Australia he performed a heroic act in the rescue of two small children from drowning in the Swan River at Fremantle, and on behalf of the local community was presented with an illuminated address at the Town Hall in recognition of this act of bravery. He was concerned in the formation of the Amateur Boxing Association, being fairly expert with the gloves, and besides being elected a Vice-President bas held the position of judge and referee on several occasions in this State. He is a member of the Council of the Christian Brothers Old Collegians’ Association and Vice-President of the South
African Returned Soldiers’ Association, is connected with the Masonic craft, and is a member of the Masonic Club. In 1899 he married Jessie Maude, daughter of the late Mr. Adolphus H. Trevethan, of Toowoomba, and has a son and a daughter.
PATRICK JOHN HEVRON, J.P., Mayor of North Fremantle (1902), is a son of the late Mr. Denis Hevron, of Ireland, and latterly of North Fremantle, where the gentleman under review was born on April 12, 1867. He was educated at the Christian Brothers’ School and upon leaving that institution served his articles to the leather-dressing trade with the firm of Pearse Brothers, of North Fremantle. After nine years in this calling he started business on his own account as general customs agent and carrier, and is now a recognized identity of the Port and its surrounding suburbs. A man of genial temperament he has readily won his way into the good graces of those with whom he has been brought in contact, and when he stood for the mayoralty of North Fremantle in 1902, after having served as a member of the Council for a period of five years, his supporters were numerous and easily
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Patrick John Hevron.
won for him a majority of votes. He occupied the mayoral office for three years during which his popularity in no wise suffered eclipse. He is a Liberal in politics, and has unsuccessfully contested a seat in
the House in the interests of that party. He received his commission of Justice of the Peace in 1905. In the arena of athletics he has been a performer of note in running and jumping, and few in the State know more about this form of pedestrian sport. He is also interested in racing, and has been handicapper for several well-known clubs, besides which he acts as Patron of the North Fremantle Cricket and Football Clubs, and has held presidential and other offices in connection with various athletic and sporting organizations. Mr. Hevron married in 1894 Silda, daughter of the late Mr. John Matison, of Fremantle, and has three sons and a daughter.
GEORGE HISCOX, J.P., Mayor of Midland Junction, is a son of the late Mr. William Hiscox, of Hammersmith, England, in which town he was born in February, 1864. At an early age he left his native land for New Zealand, and having completed his education in the Dominion was subsequently engaged in storekeeping pursuits at Ohinemutu and Wiro, to which latter place he returned after a period spent in the South Sea Islands. In 1887 he left New Zealand for Melbourne, and was there during the time of the great boom, continuing his travels to Western Australia in 1889. Here he entered upon hotelkeeping, first taking over the management of the City Hotel at Perth. At a later date he purchased the freehold of the Guildford Hotel, and continued as boniface of this establishment from 1890 to 1902. He then went for a pleasure trip to England at the time of the coronation of His late Majesty Edward VII., and upon his return in 1903 purchased the Royal Standard Hotel at Perth. After carrying this on for a brief period he sold out and lived in retirement for a year at Belmont, at the end of that period personally entering upon the conduct of the Freemasons’ Hotel at Midland Junction, this being one of two hotels which he had built while formerly residing at Guildford. Mr. Hiscox has taken much interest in the development of the town of Midland Junction and the surrounding district, and has watched the growth of the neighbourhood for over twenty-two years. He has served as a member of the various public bodies, in 1896 having been elected to a seat
on the Guildford Municipal Council, which he held for a couple of terms. He was also a member of the Belmont Roads Board, and in 1911 was returned by a large majority as Mayor of Midland Junction, which office he now holds. He holds a commission of Justice of the Peace for Swan magisterial district. A Past Master in the fraternity of Freemasons he is a member of the Masonic Club, and is also connected with Tatter sail’s Club. He is fond of field sports and is Patron to all the local sporting clubs. Mr. Hiscox married Lily, daughter of Mr. Joseph Hiscox.
PERCIVAL FORD ROBINSON, Mayor of Midland Junction (1911), is a son of the late Mr. W. A. Robinson, farmer and grazier, of Beverley. He was born at Sunny Hill, Beverley,
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Percival Ford Robinson.
in March, 1866, and received his education at the Commercial Student School, Perth. His studies completed he entered upon pastoral life at his father’s sheep station, ‘‘Mount Florence,” in the Roebourne district, and after continuing there for a couple of years in 1886 joined a prospecting expedition to Kimberley, from which, however, he reaped no satisfactory results. In 1887 he returned overland to the station and settled down to the life of a squatter, two years later taking a portion of his father’s stock to the De Grey district, where with his brother he formed what is now known as the Coongan Station. In addition to his
large grazing interests in the Nor’-West Mr. Robinson holds considerable property in Perth and Midland Junction, and in 1902 left the north and purchased his present residence, “Undereliff,” at Greenmount, the former property of his father-in-law, Mr. E. G. Lacey. Before taking up his permanent residence in his new home Mr. Robinson, accompanied by his wife, in 1904 made an all-round tour of the world, during which they visited tho famous St. Louis Exhibition. Upon his return he was prevailed upon to take up public life and was returned as Mayor of Midland Junction in 1907, after a strenuous fight, and has retained the chair ever since. Various improvements have been made to the town during his period of office, notable among which was the erection of the municipal sale-yards, which rank as second to none in the State. In 1910 Mr. Robinson took over the proprietorship of the business known as the Cardup Brick Company, which he carries on in addition to other interests. In the following year he turned his attention toward the Parliamentary arena and contested the Guildford electorate in the Liberal interest, but was defeated by the Labour member. He is a keen sportsman, and has always displayed an active interest in the various large shows held annually in the State, in 1909 purchasing “Ringleader,” the champion buggy horse of the year. He is a member of Tatter sail’s and the Western Australian Clubs. Mr. Robinson married Clare Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. E. G. Lacey, who came from New South Wales in 1880 to open up the jarrah industry in Western Australia, and was the first to erect a saw-milling plant and yards of any dimensions in Perth. He was also ono of the earliest supporters of mining in the State.
Councillor ARCHIBALD JAMIESON, representative of West Ward in the Midland Junction municipality, is a son of the late Mr. Peter Jamieson, of the Shetland Isles, where he was born in 1868. At the close of his schooldays he took to a seafaring life, during the course of which he landed at Adelaide, South Australia, about 1880. Two years later he came to Western Australia, and abandoning marine pursuits joined the Government Railways Department in tho construction branch
571
of the Service. After six years he transferred his services to the Midland Railway Company, and having completed twelve years in this class of work eventually resigned to start contracting on his own account, which occupation he followed for about two years. At the end of this period he was offered and accepted his present position of Secretary to the Midland Club, which office he has continued to hold ever since. Mr. Jamieson has long been associated with public life, having first entered the local Council in 1899, since when he has continuously served the ratepayers in the capacity of councillor and has proved himself a strenuous worker in their interests. As Chairman of the Works and General Purposes Committee for six years he haa seen many important improvements taken in hand and carried through by the Council, among these being the new Town Hall, the Electric Light Station, the Saleyards, and the construction of all the main roads about the town. Being a follower and supporter of all manly outdoor sport he has displayed keen interest in the establishment of the present recreation ground and oval, and has been Secretary of the local football and cricket clubs for a considerable period, besides which he is a player of bowls. Mr. Jamieson married Sarah, daughter of the late Mr. William Rose, of England, and has six sons and three daughters.
FREDERICK J. PIERCY, Mayor of Guildford, is a son of the late Mr. Richard Piercy, of Reading, Berks, England, and was born on June 22, 1854. He was educated at the Reading State School, with a finishing course at the Rev. Thomas Caterer’s Private Boarding Academy at Peppard, in Oxfordshire, and upon leaving school began work in his father’s pottery at Reading. He concluded his apprenticeship to the trade at Doul-ton’s, at Lambeth, being identified with the latter works for four years, and after an additional year in his father’s employ left England for Australia, where he joined his brother in the business of Piercy Brothers’ South Australian Potteries. He continued in this connection for seventeen years, ultimately coming to the Western State in 1898, when he commenced business as Managing Director of the Wood-bridge Brush and Pottery Company.
At a later date he purchased this concern in conjunction with Mr. Turton and carried it on successfully until 1908, when he established his present works at Belmont, known as the West Australian Pottery Company, the conduct of which he has supervised ever since. Mr. Piercy has devoted a portion of his leisure to the study of public matters, and perceiving in municipal life a sphere for his activities he entered the Guildford Council and has promoted the interests of the ratepayers with unceasing vigilance. He was duly elected to the mayoral office, an honour which was repeated some few years later, since which period he has continued to fill the chair. Great improvements have been brought about by the Council, including the lighting of the town by electricity, and Mr. Piercy is now strongly advocating a new scheme of deep drainage for Guildford. A follower of all manly sports, in earlier days he was a prominent wielder of the willow in South Australia, and also gave a good deal of attention to football and swimming. Latterly he has contented himself with the less active game of bowls and is a leading member of the Swan Bowling Club, of which he has been President for two separate terms. Mr. Piercy married Emma May, daughter of the late Mr. William Silver, of Norwood, South Australia, and has two sons and a daughter.
Councillor HAROLD ARTHUR DEVENISH, representing the ratepayers of Guildford in the local Municipal Council, is a son of Mr. S. B. Devenish, of that town, and was born on December 20, 1881. He pursued his early studies at Guildford and, concluding his education at Perth commenced active life in the Public Works Department of the State. After two years he left this branch of tho Civil Service and joined the staff of the General Post Office, where he continued for three years. Upon the taking over of the Postal Department by the Federal Government he was transferred to the Postmaster-General’s Office at Melbourne, where he passed a period of three years, resigning in 1905. Returning to Western Australia, Mr. Devenish entered upon business pursuits in conjunction with his father, carrying on as valuators, land agents, and auctioneers, and has conducted transactions successfully in
this connection ever since. He has found a field for the exercise of his public gifts in his native town of Guildford and since his return from the Eastern State has on several occasions filled the position of Secretary to the Swan Agricultural So-
Bartletto, Perth.
Mk. Harold Arthur Devenish.
ciety and the Mechanics’ Institute. Always willing to place his services at the disposal of tho people of his district in 1910 he entered the Municipal Council and acts on the Finance Committee, his particular line of business specially adapting him for the work. He is also a member of the Lighting Committee. He is fond of horticulture and devotes a good deal of time to the culture of roses and the working of a small vineyard situated at Caversham, about 2 miles north of Guildford. He is also a player of bowls and, tennis.
The Late GEORGE JOHNSON was born at Holme, Yorkshire, England, in February, 1803, and was brought up to farming pursuits. In September, 1829, in company with a number of other Yorkshire farmers, notably the brothers John and Joseph Hardey and Michael and James Clarkson, he sailed in the barque “Tranby” for Swan River, by which name Western Australia was generally known in those early days. The colony was founded on June 1, 1829, and the party arriving in February, 1830, found a very primitive state of things existing. With other settlers they suffered considerable hardships in laying the
iounaaLions or wie present Nourishing State and led very strenuous lives. The late Mr. Johnson was a member of the first party organized to explore the Avon country and received a grant of land in that district. He afterwards acquired some
Mr. George Johnson.
sheep, and having remained in the colony ten years, in 1840 returned to England, where he married and settled down for about fourteen years. In 1854 he again took passage for Western Australia, and with his wife and two sons took up his residence at Guildford, where he established a flour-mill. He was very active in public affairs and took his full share in promoting the right government of the district. He assisted in forming the Town Trust, of which he became a member, a,nd was connected with the Municipal Council from its inception, holding variously the offices of Chairman and Treasurer. He was also one of the founders of the Guildford Mechanics’ Institute. After a busy and strenuous life he died at Guild-ford on August 23, 1879, at the age of seventy-six years, universally respected by all classes as a man of the strictest probity.
WILLIAM GEORGE JOHNSON, Ex-Mayor of Guildford, is a son of the late Mr. George Johnson, one of the early pioneers of Western Australia, who arrived in the State by the sailing vessel “Tranby” in 1830, and was one of the holders of land grants on the Swan and Avon Rivers. He was born at Manchester,
England, on ^September 13, 1844, and in his eleventh year was brought by his parents to Australia, where he received his education at the State School at Guildford and by private tuition. Upon the completion of his studies he assisted his father in the working of a flour-mill owned by the latter, and having spent a few years in this occupation at the age of twenty-two entered the Government Service in the Imperial Convict Department. He served ten years in this connection, at the end of which period he applied for leave to resign and was granted a pension. In 1877 he joined the mercantile office of Mr. J. H. Monger, where he remained for two years, when upon the death of his father he returned to Guildford to undertake the management of the farming
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William George Johnson.
property and vineyard, which he continued to develop for some time. He holds the offices of executor and trustee for several properties, and the discharge of these duties, together with the control of his own interests, fully occupies his time. Ilis early and long connection with the district has given him an experience invaluable to a member of the municipal government, and as early as 1880 he was elected a councillor for Guildford. On November 21 of the following year he was returned as Chairman, and continued to fill this post for the ensuing three years. In 1887, when Guildford was gazetted a mayoralty, he succeeded the late Mr. Padbury, who filled the office for a few months, and con-
tinued to occupy the mayoral chair for three years, retiring in 1890. In 1893 and 1895 he was again elected to the mayoralty, and served his fellow-townsmen continuously in this capacity until 1899, with a break of one year only (1897). Since his retirement from this office he has retained his connection with general public affairs, being a Justice of the Peace for the whole of Western Australia, Licensing Magistrate, a member of the Swan Roads Board and Chairman for several years, a member of the Agricultural Society, as well as President of the Guildford Mechanics’ Institute. He has also been President of the Swan District Building Society since its inception in 1895 and Hon. Secretary of the Swan District Board of Education for thirty years. During the whole of his life he has been a great lover of music, both vocal and instrumental, and has held honorary positions as organist in various churches for nearly fifty years. In matters of recreation, during his earlier life he took considerable interest in cricket, in later days becoming a member of the Swan Bowling Club. He married Elizabeth Victoria, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Davy Hardey, one of the best known of the early settlers in the Eastern district, and has a son and five daughters.
Councillor WILLIAM DENYER ROBINSON, member of the Queen’s Park Municipal Council, is a son
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William Denyeii Robinson.
of Mr. William Robert Robinson, of Manchester, England. He was
THE CYCLOPEDIA OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
573
born in New Zealand on January 17, 1878, and received his pre-
liminary education at Christchurch, concluding his scholastic career in Victoria. Commencing commercial life in a softgoods establishment at Geelong he continued in this connection until 1895, in which year he came to Western Australia. For two years he filled a position in the drapery house of Messrs. Charles Moore & Co., and spent five years in the employ of the late Messrs. E. C. S hen-
ton & Co., of Perth. During three years of this period he controlled the department dealing with Government orders, for which the above firm had held the contract for a number of years. After an interval in which he was engaged in the same line of trade Mr. Robinson accepted his present appointment with the well-known firm of Foy & Gibson, Universal Providers, of Hay Street, Perth. From time to time he has devoted a considerable share of his leisure to various public concerns which have appealed to him as worthy of the attention of the thoughtful citizen. For about ten years he has occupied the position of Treasurer to the Perth Branch of the Australian Natives' Association, in which organization he takes a deep interest, and is Secretary of the local Fire Brigade. In order to serve his district more efficiently he became a candidate for a seat in the Queen's Park Municipal Council in 1911, and has closely identified himself with the special movements which have since engaged the attention of that body. He is using his influence to obtain an effective drainage system for the district and favours the dividing of the municipality into wards. The water supply question is also receiving his earnest consideration. Mr. Robinson has always connected himself with the Labour movement and is a member of the Shop Employes Federation. He is an adherent of the Protestant Church and takes a prominent part in all matters tending to its advancement. He was at
one time an ardent cyclist and a follower of river sports, owning his motor boat, and still advocates a free indulgence in all manly outdoor pastimes.
WILLIAM GEORGE WITH-NELL, Guildford, is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Withnell, one of the earliest pioneers of the northwest district of Western Australia. He was born at Hillside Farm, near Beverley, in 1860, and when three years old accompanied his parents, who sailed for the Nor’-West by the barque "Kestral,” under the command of Captain Pringle. After an unsuccessful attempt to land their stock, consisting of sheep, cattle, and
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. William George Withnell.
horses, at Port Hedland a landing was effected at Cossack and the stock driven to Roebourne Pool, where a station was formed on the Harding River. A large run was afterwards taken up on the Sherlock River, where they made their home and brought up a large family of children under the difficult conditions presented by lack of educational
facilities and other adjuncts of civilization. The names of John Withnell and his wife Emma Mary, who is still living, are household words in the memory of all those associated with tho early development of the Nor'-West, and their kindly help and sympathy, extended freely to all strangers and fresh settlers, will keep their memory green when the recollections of those pioneering days are fading into oblivion. As years passed some of the family circle migrated south, while the remaining members continued in the pastoral industry in and around the original "Sherlock Station." Mr. W. G. Withnell, upon reaching the age of twenty-one years, joined partnership with his brother, John Gregory, and formed a sheep station oh the Shaw River, in the East Pilbara district. To this they gave the name of "Hillside” and continued there for some time, eventually disposing of their interests and buying into another pastoral property in the Roebourne district, called "Karratha Station," which has been greatly improved and extended since coming into their possession. In 1902 Mr. W. G. Withnell retired from the active personal management of "Hillside Station,” but since taking up his residence at Guildford has devoted a portion of his time and attention to the various operations of his pastoral properties. He has found occupation for his leisure hours in the study of municipal management, and in 1909 allowed himself to be nominated for a seat in the local Council. Subsequently the pressure of business affairs prevented him standing for re-election but he anticipates resuming his connection with public life in the near future. On March 28, 1894, Mr. Withnell married Ellen Amelia, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Worth, of Guildford, and has five sons and four daughters. His eldest son, Mr. George Harold Withnell, in 1911 entered upon pastoral pursuits with his uncle, Mr. J. G. Withnell, on the "Dirk Hartog Island Station” at Shark Bay.
Roads Boards in the Metropolitan Area.
The roads of those districts in the metropolitan area which have not attained municipal dignity are under the charge of various boards, allied to which are boards administering the Health Act. Besides those mentioned hereunder the boards surrounding Perth, Fremantle, and Midland Junction are as follow:—Belmont Park, Melville, Wonneroo, Claremont, Maylands, Bayswater, Gosnells, Fremantle, and Swan. These boards are authorized by the Road Board Act to levy rates not exceeding 3d. in the £ on unimproved values They may within certain limits float loans, and have specific powers under various Acts, such as “Width of Tires,” “Noxious Weeds,” “Cattle Trespass,” etc.
PERTH ROADS BOARD.
This body governs the districts known as Maylands and Mount Lawley, Osborne Park, and what is known as the Coast Ward. The most populous part of this area is the firstnamed, the history of which may be said to date from 1901, when the population was about 100. The present population is about 4,500, and during the past decade some 900 houses have been erected, many of them being mansions of modern design. The records of attendance at the Maylands State School offer some indication of the tendency to increase in population in the district, the present buildings having outgrown their capacity, a local church having been requisitioned until the completion of further additions to the existing buildings. The daily attendance averages 630. The Institute for the Blind is situated in the district, as well as various industrial premises.
For the year 1911 the receipts of Perth Roads Board amounted to £9,615, and the expenditure to £6,000. Some idea of the increase of values in the past ten years may be obtained by comparing the rates of 1901, when £115 was the levy, while in 1911 the amount reached £3,653. In 1901 there were no roads; to-day over 50 miles of road exist. The capital value of rateable property in 1903 was estimated at £114,962. In 1911 the valuation was £344,631. There are fine bowling greens and tennis courts in Mount Lawley, while Maylands is following suit. Osborne Park is the market garden suburb, and is reached by tram in a run of about half an hour from the centre of the city.
WEST GUILDFORD ROADS BOARD.
The West Guildford Road District was proclaimed in July, 1901, with an area of five square miles. The population is approximately 1,350. For the financial
year 1911-12 the gross revenue was £2,568 10s. 4d. and the gross expenditure £2,615 12s. Fifty new houses were erected during the year 1911, and the present year promises an even greater advance. The following works were also carried out: —Public hall and offices, at a cost (including furniture) of £1,020; Perth-Guildford Road, 53 chains widened by 4 ft.; 47 J chains of road constructed; 45 chains of footpath constructed; 25| chains of road formed; 30 chains of drains cut; two culverts provided; 4 chains road clearing done. A loan of £3,000 is being floated, which will provide funds for construction of about three miles of new roads. The number of ratepayers is now over 1,100, as compared with 824 in 1909-10. A public siding has been provided by the Railway Department The local State school has been extended and enlarged during the past year. An alteration in the boundaries of the district has been effected whereby a portion of the western end has been ceded to Bayswater district and a portion of Locations 01 and P has been received from the Swan Roads Board. Brisk business has been done by the agents for the owners of the large estates in the district, and land values have risen considerably.
PEPPERMINT GROVE ROADS BOARD.
This body was formed in 1895, and embraces an area of some 300 acres, the approximate population being 1,250 persons. The receipts for the year 1911 amounted to £1,200, the expenditure being £1,284. During the past year many of the “ribbon” roads, or those made down the centre only, have been widened, these including Forrest, Leake, Vieane, Harvey, and Palmerston Streets. The policy of making footpaths was also vigorously pursued. About £4,000 worth of new building was carried out in 1911. In this district a better class of house prevails. Its residents are the leading business-men of Perth and Fremantle; also retired gentlemen and Civil servants There is very little land to build on now. The ground is at a premium, and is very high in price. There are two or three large houses about to be erected. The lots are too expensive to build small houses on them.
The foreshore in this district and the recreation ground is visited by thousands of visitors and picnickers during the summer months. This is a favourite resort for Sunday-school picnics and private firms’ picnics. Bordering Freshwater Bay scores of yachts and motor launches during the summer evenings, as well as rivergoing steamers, “The Zephyr,” and other pleasure boats, call at the jetty.
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ROBERT THOMSON ROBINSON, member of the Perth Roads Board, was born in Ireland in 1867. He is a son of Mr. John Robinson, of Albany, Western Australia, and left his native land with his parents in 1872. Arriving at Victoria in that year he spent some time in the Eastern State, and in 1887 the family removed to Western Australia. Young Robinson was sent to South Australia to pursue his educational studies at Prince Alfred College, and at the close of his scholastic career was articled to Mr. Septimus Burt, K.C., of Perth. In
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Robert Thomson Robinson.
1889 he became associated in partnership with Mr. S. J. Haynes, solicitor, of Albany, and nine years later, in conjunction with Mr. C. Baxter Cox, took over the legal practice of Messrs. Sholl & Foulkes, establishing the well-known firm of Haynes, Robinson, & Cox, still retaining his connection with the firm of Haynes and Robinson at Albany. His brilliance and energy soon advanced him to a prominent position in the legal profession. He quickly grasps the points of a case and his excellent memory for leading cases and precedents frequently brings to naught the efforts of the opposing counsel to build up his case. Mr. Robinson has large property interests, being a joint owner of Mount Lawley, where he has directed his attention to the formation of a suburb which in breadth and design, as by its modern and complete sanitary system, may be regarded as a model. In 1908 he was returned as a mem-
ber of the Perth Roads Board as representative for Mount Lawley Ward and in the following year was elected to represent the Board at the General Conference held to discuss the Greater Perth scheme. Mr. Robinson took a keen interest in this project, and with Mr. R. P. Vincent, Ex-Mayor of Perth, was mainly responsible for the general construction of the scheme which, when placed before the electors, at the taking of the referendum, was carried by a great majority. In 1911, with the assistance of Mr. W. E. Bold, Town Clerk of Perth, he undertook the supervision of the Bill or Statute to give effect to the wishes of the ratepayers in this respect, and looks confidently forward to the time when the Greater Perth Scheme shall have become an accomplished fact. His interest in political affairs is very strong, and the more extended and effective organization in recent times of the Liberal League is in no small degree due to the energy which, notwithstanding professional demands on his time, he has been able to devote to this body as a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Robinson is an enthusiastic motorist and is President of both the Western Australian Automobile Club and the Perth Motor Cycle Club. He takes great interest in horticulture and makes a hobby of this pleasant occupation.
JOHN BERTRAM ADDEN-BROOKE, member of the West Guildford Roads Board, is a son of the late Mr. David Addenbrooke, of Staffordshire, England, and was born at Prince’s End, in that county, on October 31, 1878. He was brought to New Zealand at an early age and pursued his scholastic studies at Dunedin, afterwards attending a school in Melbourne, Victoria. At the close of his schooldays he accompanied his father to England and served his apprenticeship to the firm of Rushton & Proctor, engineers, of Lincoln, and afterwards with the National Gas Engine Company, of Manchester, with which he remained for about twelve years. Resigning the position of Assistant Works Manager, to which he had attained, in 1906 he turned his face to Australia and landed in Western Australia in April of that year. He obtained employment as Manager of the engineering department of the firm of Saunders & Stuart, and con-
tinued in this connection until June, 1911. In that month Mr. Addenbrooke established himself in business in conjunction with his present partner, Mr. A. R. Morrison, opening in Wellington Street, Perth, and trading as the Globe Engineering Company. From its inception the business has gone ahead by leaps and bounds, and its progress reflects the utmost credit on the management, which has spared no pains to launch it successfully on the fickle sea of commercial enterprise. Prior to 1910 Mr. Addenbrooke, on account of his business duties, declined
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. JonN Bertram Addenbrooke.
to take any active part in public life, but, though still a very busy man, he occupies a seat at the present time on the West Guildford Roads Board, having been elected to this position in the above year. He is an excellent worker in the interests of the ratepayers, fully realizing the responsibilities of office and conscientiously discharging them to the best of his ability. In the Old Country he filled various positions of trust, having been Secretary of the Ashton District Sunday-schools Union and District Secretary of the London Orphan Homes and Training Ships. His favourite diversion is shooting, and he is generally successful in securing a good bag. He devotes his leisure hours to fruit and vegetable culture at his residence at West Guildford. In 1903 Mr. Addenbrooke married Isabella, daughter of the late Mr. James Clarke, of Airdrie, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and has two sons and a daughter.
JOHN DANIEL TROTT, Secretary and Inspector of the West Guildford Roads Board, is a son of Mr. A. Y. Trott, of Camberwell, Victoria. He was born at West Melbourne on October 29, 1877, and after a preliminary course of education at a
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. John Daniel Trott.
State school studied at Hawthorn College and finally matriculated at the Melbourne University. Upon starting business life, he engaged in clerical work for several prominent warehousemen in Victoria, and at a later period was in business on his own account for some time. In February, 1902, he came to Western Australia, and upon arrival in this State assumed the duties of general store manager and postmaster in the newly-formed district of Maylands. After continuing in this position for two years he was given control of the Maylands Board of Health, and during the four years spent in this appointment made a thorough study of all matters pertaining to this and kindred posts, and was successful in gaining the diplomas of the Royal Sanitary Institute for Inspector of Nuisances and Sanitary Science, being the first local Inspector to receive the latter award. These diplomas qualified him for more important duties, and he accepted the position of Health and Municipal Inspector at Bunbury, where he remained for two years. In 1910 he was appointed to his present post, that of Secretary and Inspector to the West Guildford Roads Board and
Board of Health, with which he combines the office of postmaster. The West Guildford Roads Board at one time was partly under the control of the Guildford Council and Bayswater Roads Board. In 1901 it was created a separate Roads Board, now being a self-governing and self-supporting body. Since that date the district has made rapid advance, and the population has increased from 200 to 1,300, while the improved condition of the roads testifies to the efficiency of the body of control. Mr. Trott is Secretary of the local Fire Brigade and has always taken an active part in the various public movements of the districts in which he has been located. He has been a devotee of friendly society work, and successfully filled the office of Grand Master of the Western Australian district, M.U.I.O.O.F. He is a well-known figure in musical and sporting circles, and is now enthusiastically promoting the formation of a tennis club at West Guildford.
HENRY FRANCIS BRIGGS, member of Cottesloe Beach Roads and Health Board, is a son of the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Henry Francis Briggs.
late Mr. Joseph Briggs, of Romsey, Victoria, and was born at Carlton, in that State, on February 15, 1856. He was educated at a private school, and when fourteen years of age became engaged in storekeeping pursuits, which subsequently he relinquished to join his father in the building trade. He also obtained
some experience in the farming industry, but after reaching man’s estate abandoned these callings and joined the Survey Department of the Victorian Railways. In July, 1884, he was offered and, accepted a position with the firm of C. & E. Millar, the well-known railway contractors, and eventually rose to the management of the head office at Melbourne. In 1905 he came to Western Australia as Manager of the Fremantle Branch of Millars’ Karri and Jarrah Company, Limited, where he has continued ever sinoe. Making his private residence at Cottesloe Beach he has taken an active interest in local affairs and in 1910 was elected a member of the Roads and Health Board. While in Victoria Mr. Briggs took a leading part in musical matters in and round Melbourne and was associated with the Royal Metropolitan Lieder-tafel for many years. He was also a prominent member of the Melbourne Celtic Club. His chief recreation at the present time is found in the game of bowls, and he is a member of the Cottesloe Club. In 1896 he married Alice, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Coop, of Gisborne and Moonee Ponds, Victoria, and has two sons and five daughters.
RICHARD EPHRAIM BRADY, Secretary of the Darling Ranges Roads Board, Kalamunda, is a son of the late Mr. James Brady, farmer, of South Australia, and was born at Callington, in that State, on December 18, 1873. He received his education at Murray Bridge, and upon leaving school followed farming pursuits on his father’s property until 1892, in which year he left for New South Wales. Mr. Brady was engaged in fruit-growing in the mother State for about four years, at the end of which period he was called to Western Australia to arrange matters in connection with his late brother’s estate. Having completed these arrangements he decided to take up his residence in this quarter of the island continent, and with a view to fruit-farming selected a property at Kalamunda, which he ultimately disposed of in 1908. Three years prior to this date Mr. Brady received the appointment of Secretary to the Darling Ranges Roads Board, and has continued to fill this office ever since. His duties include the supervision of 116 miles 16 chains of roads, and the area of
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country under control of the Board extends over 125,845 acres, including 28,545 acres of horticultural and residential holdings, 2,300 acres of pastoral leasehold, and 95,000 acres of timber concessions. Subsequent to selling his property above mentioned, Mr. Brady purchased a suburban block, embracing 13 acres, with a substantial eight-roomed house and about an acre of good, moist garden
Bartletto. Perth.
Me. Richard Ephraim Brady.
ground. For recreative purposes he here engages in strawberry culture and the growing of flowers, in which he has met with considerable success. His berries have obtained favourable recognition from the adjudicators in connection with the local shows, and his flower-beds command general admiration, his collection of carnations including all the best-known varieties of this favourite bloom. Mr. Brady has held many honorary positions in the district, and prior to his appointment as Secretary filled the post of Assistant Secretary to the Horticultural Society from its inception.
FREDERICK JOHN DUFFY, Secretary of the Wanneroo Roads Board, is a son of Mr. Bernard Duffy, of Ireland, one of the first settlers in the Wanneroo district, where the gentleman under review was born on September 22, 1875. He received his education at Mr. H. Briggs’ school at Fremantle, with a finishing-course at the Christian Brothers’ College, Perth, and upon leaving this institution became associated with farming pursuits at Wanneroo in conjunction with his brother. At a later date he started operations on his own account on a property situated about 12 miles from Perth consisting of 320 acres freehold, and in addition rented a pastoral lease of
6,000 acres in the Wanneroo district, which properties he still retains. Of the freehold about 40 acres have been cleared and a market garden is cultivated, a large variety of vegetables being grown successfully. Mr. Duffy also engages extensively in grazing of cattle and horses, the herd being composed chiefly of a cross between the Ayrshire and Jersey breed, in which he has been a successful exhibitor at the Wanneroo Shows. The horses are of a light strain, principally intended for riding-hacks or for buggy use; Mr. Duffy has always been distinguished for the active part he has taken in local affairs, and in 1903, when the Wanneroo Roads
Board was first established, received the appointment of Secretary, which office he has filled ever since. Since that period the development in the district has advanced by leaps and bounds, the increase of revenue amounting to about 150 per cent. The Board controls about 100,000 acres of country, extending from the eight-and-a-half milepost on the
Bartletto, Perth.
Mr. Frederick John Duffy.
Wanneroo Road to the Yanchep Caves, and eight miles inland from the coast. Mr. Duffy is also Secretary to the Agricultural Society, Government Electoral Officer, and Postal-Vote Officer, and was gazetted Justice of the Peace for Perth rpagis-terial district in 1906. In-1907 he married Eva Matilda, daughter of Mr. James Samuel Cockman, and has three sons.
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