Western Australia: 1869-1900.
Telegraph lines in the Kimberley.

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is roughly that region above Condon north to the Indian Ocean and east to the Northern Territory border.

Gold was discovered at XXX in the Kimberleys in ??? by William Carr-Boyd in XXX. The Kimberley Goldfields were situated on the Elvire River near Hall's Creek. The Elvire River ran into the Panton River which was a tributary of the Ord River.

The description of the telegraph lines in the Kimberley is provided as follows:

1. The line to Derby.

1.1: Condon to La Grange Bay.

1.2: La Grange Bay to Roebuck Bay and Broome.

1.3: Broome to Derby.

2. The Eastern Extension cable from Banjoewangi to Broome.

3. Derby to Hall's Creek (Kimberley Goldfields).

3.1: Derby to Fitzroy Crossing.

3.2: Fitzroy Crossing to Hall's Creek.

4. Line between Hall's Creek and Wyndham.

5. A Wyndham to Port Darwin link.

This map continues along the northern section of the Overland Telegraph Line.
This map continues into the Pilbara region.  

As with all telegraph lines, a survey party was sent out and, as soon as possible and practicable, a line construction party would follow. Sometimes that sequence could span a considerable time.

In the Kimberley, a survey team led by Mr. Harry Johnston, had completed their work to Mount Elder on the Ord River in August/September 1884. Through great inventiveness, Johnston was able to send a telegram to the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Perth. In the Legislative Assembly on 8 September 1884, the Commissioner said:

"he had the pleasure of making an important announcement to the House. He had that day received a telegram from Mr. Johnston, who was in command of the Kimberley survey party and attached to whose party was Mr. Hardman, the Government Geologist. The telegram, which must have been conveyed by some traveller from the Ord river to the South Australian telegraph line as dated from the survey camp at Mount Elder (Ord River), August 14th, and was as follows:

Have carried the triangulation 15 miles north of the junction of the Negri River with the Ord River.
The Margaret River has been traversed to its source, which is south of Mt. Barrett.
The Ord river has been traversed downwards to its junction with the Negri.
Have not time to reach Cambridge Gulf and am now returning. Hope to reach Derby on November 21st.
Mr. Hardman has found good specimens of gold for many miles on a tributary of the Panton River. He thinks the country will prove payable and well worthy of careful prospecting.
All well so far. Mr. Turner and his party started back on the 9th.
HARRY F. JOHNSTON, in command of Kimberley survey."

Having completed the overall survey of the Kimberley, the political and financial discussions threatened to delay very much progress towards setting out the specifics of each stage. Understandably there were many serious technical difficulties to overcome in a desire to traverse such a wide unknown and very inhospitable landscape. Perhaps the Kimberley and the Pilbara regions combined were the most difficult to address and construct in the world for a single jurisdiction. The Western Mail addressed the main issues in its 10 April 1886 edition:

"It is, we have no doubt, almost a work of supererogation that we should point out to the Government how absolutely necessary it has now become that a telegraph line from Derby to Wyndham, via the courses of the Fitzroy, Margaret and Ord, should be put in hand without any further delay and that a proposal with this object should be submitted to the Legislature at its approaching sitting.

We have already found out the extreme inconvenience of governing our northern settlements from head quarters without this means of quick and easy intercommunication, and the positive hardship it often entails upon the settlers. And, if this be so when the latter consist merely of a few pastoral tenants, overseers and labourers, how much more will it be the case when a considerable influx of perhaps, in part, somewhat unruly immigrants appear upon the scene.

It would be out of the question that we should wait for telegraph extension from Derby eastward till the section about to be commenced has been completed. They should be carried on both at the same time so as to place us at the earliest possible date in immediate communication with our remotest settlements now with prospects opening before them of rapid development.

Under the present very careful management of our finances and with the good revenue we can certainly count upon next year, an arrangement might surely be effected for carrying out what we here advocate".

This statement reflects the fact that Western Australia had its imaginative visionaries - as had South Australia (Todd), Victoria (McGowan) and New South Wales (Cracknell).

 

1. The line to Derby.

The telegraph line through the coastal areas of the Kimberley from the south had been constructed from Onslow to Roebourne and then to Cossack . It was constructed to bypass the Boodarrie - Port Hedland area and extend via Condon to Roebuck Bay and Derby. At the opening of the Legislative Council on 21 July 1885, Sir Frederick Broome announced that "the Northern telegraph line will very shortly be completed to Roebourne and ... it may be found possible to carry it on to Derby without delay".

On 17 August 1886, the Governor read a statement to the Legislative Council which said in part:

"As the Council is aware, a Contract for the extension of the Telegraph system of the Colony from Roebourne to Derby has been entered into, and is now in course of execution. But it is also most necessary that the seat of Government should be connected by Telegraph with the Goldfields and with Wyndham and it would further be very expedient that the Telegraph system should be extended, at a suitable point, to the border of South Australia, if the Government of that Colony would engage to connect with our system at the border, and so duplicate the trans-continental telegraph.

The Northern Districts of this Colony are now under the completely changed conditions of a large and sudden influx of population and trade, consequent on the discovery of a Goldfield. They cannot possibly be administered from Perth, with satisfaction either to the Government or to the people, unless they are at an early date included within our system of telegraphic communication. Should the Legislative Council concur in this view, it will be well to make every exertion to initiate the construction of the necessary lines of telegraph, at several points, and without delay — and probably, to save time and for other reasons, the works should be undertaken by the Government in preference to contractors".

Responsibility for the construction of the line was given to Mr H. F. Johnson as Supervisor on behalf of the Government and to Captain Fraser, as the representative of the contractors - Messrs Latimer, Clark. Muirhead, & Co. of Westminster. The contract was signed on 1 April 1886 and the work was finally commenced in June of the following year. In June 1886, Mr. Rock arrived at Albany on the R.M.S. Austral on his way north to succeed Captain Fraser in the command of the construction party erecting the Cossack-Derby telegraph line. The total length of the line was about 620 milesThe first tender had specified the length at 1,220 miles and so the tender process had to be redone.
Other estimates (eg in the House on 14 March 1889) put the length about 558 miles. and the cost of the erection amounted to £26,000.

The materials were, of course, ordered from England. The Inquirer of 24 November 1886 reported on perhaps the first ship to carry materials for this line:

"The barque Electra, which arrived at Cossack from London on Saturday last, has on board the posts, wire, insulators and other materials for the construction and equipment of the Roebourne-Derby telegraph line, the contract for which has been secured by an English firm. The length of the line will be between 600 and 700 miles".

As an aside - and as an acknowledgement of the wonderful timber produced in Western Australia - it is interesting to note that The Inquirer of 7 March 1888 reported that contracts had been received from several parties wishing to buy large quantities of W.A. Karri timber. In part, the article notes "I am, however, pleased to be able to report information to the effect that a large contract for jarrah huts to be used on the extension of the telegraph line to the Kimberley district, and which had been entrusted to Messrs. Latimer, Clark, Muirhead & Co, engineers, has just been completed. They were made by Mr. Martin Wells, of Aldershot".

 

1.1: Condon to La Grange Bay.

The long line was not constructed from Roebourne to the north via Cossack and Condon to Roebuck Bay until 1888-89 because the extension work noted above had been curtailed. At that time, when the line was being constructed, Port Hedland was not regarded as being a suitable site in which to place a Telegraph Office. Indeed, even in 1891, it was only just starting to be regarded as being an appropriate place for a port.

The Daily News of 17 November 1887 that reported "The schooner Parmelia H. Banfield, partly laden with telegraph material, arrived from Fremantle on Sunday and leaves for La Grange Bay tomorrow". On 18 January 1888, the Inquirer notified readers of another shipment: "The schooner Eloise, the property of Captain Payne, has been chartered by Messrs. Latimer, Clark & Co. to convey telegraph material to La Grange Bay; this vessel left here last Monday".

Much later, on 9 April 1925, the Postmaster-General announced that "for a considerable time the Perth-Wyndham telegraph line had been subject to interruption between Condon and La Grange owing to the heavy sea mists which induce leakage of current. Approval had therefore been given for the removal of the line from its present coastal route to one further inland. Material had been forwarded and the work, which was to cost £16,000, was now in hand".

 

1.2: La Grange Bay to Roebuck Bay.

The distance from La Grange Bay to Roebuck Bay/Broome was about 120 miles (200 km) north.

On May 17 1888, the West Australian printed a story of a terrible tragedy which happened on 12 May along the Roebourne Telegraph line. A telegram was sent to the Director of Public works from Mr. Harry Johnston from the "Chain of Mangroves" - which would be in Roebuck Bay or (possibly) Broome. A European teamster had been found dead with a bullet wound in his forehead and a native called Hamlet came from his tent the next morning with a bullet wound having pierced his forehead and his brains were protruding. The early report indicated that a robbery had also been committed. Captain Smith of the Revenue Schooner Meda arrived very quickly and was to hold an inquest.

The line consisted of a single wire supported on patent iron poles, placed about 5 miles inland from the coast so far as Roebuck Bay.

Dates of opening of the line at specifics places are now difficult to ascertain. It appears that the Telegraph Offices at La Grange and at Roebuck Bay opened on 9 April 1889. Broome Telegraph Office opened when the Roebuck Bay Telegraph Office was renamed Broome in 1892. In an interview with Mr. George Smith, a well-known pearler in the general North-west area, he was asked about using aboriginals for diving. He said that they had refused to dive in Roebuck Bay and Lagrange Bay but was not sure why. He also added that "the whole of the tribes there are in a very hostile state. Mr Connolly, the Telegraph Superintendent at Lagrange Bay, told me that the natives had threatened to kill Mr Mcphee and himself so that he could not talk to white man through wire".

One note in the West Australian of 25 July 1889 reported "Communication restored between La Grange and Roebuck Bay". Indeed a similar message regarding interruptions in the second half of 1889 appeared quite frequently in the various papers. These reports confirmm that those two telegraph offices were in full operation at that time.

 

1.3: Broome to Derby.

The line to Roebuck Bay/Broome was immediately extended to Derby. A jetty had been constructed at Derby in 1885 to assist in the export of wool from the region and the Hall's Creek gold rush had began the following year. Although it was early days, the Inquirer of 2 March 1887 informed its readers that "At Derby business matters are very unsatisfactory and stagnant, but sheep are doing well".

From Roebuck Bay to Derby, the same single wire supported on patent iron poles was continued across the peninsula to Derby. A track 40 ft, wide was cut through dense bush most of the way, and considerable difficulty was experienced in places from want of water. Where the line crossed the Fitzroy River valley, it was duplicated because the Fitzroy flooded for a number of months each year and repairs were difficult if not impossible in such circumstances. As with all construction activities, it sometimes happens that deliveries are interrupted. On such incident happened in February 1887 when "Owing to the lack of lighters at Cossack, the Australind has been compelled to bring to Fremantle a large consignment of cast iron telegraph poles intended for use on the Roebourne and Derby telegraph line. The poles are now being unloaded to make room for and get at other cargo. They will be again put on board and landed by the Australind on her next trip up the coast".

As evidence that progress was being made, the West Australian of 25 August 1888 reported that "Mr. Wm. Atkins, contractor for the Derby telegraph line, left in the Otway, yesterday, with horses harness, fodder, etc., for employment on the new telegraph line".

The West Australian of 1 October 1888 reported "Another blessing about to be conferred on us is the near approach of the completion of the Telegraph to here (Derby). The contractors and several men arrived by schooner within the last four days. From them I learn that the poles are erected and wired to a point within 90 miles of Derby and the contractors are sanguine of putting it right through by the end of October, or the first week in November". This report was confirmed by a statement in the Legislative Assembly on 10 October 1888 that the line enabling communication from Derby to Perth "would shortly be open". Additional promising news about the construction of the line to Derby was printed on 24 November 1888 by the West Australian: "It is hoped that the northern telegraph line will be completed to Derby by the 8th of next month".

Also on 10 October, the Daily News reported its "FREMANTLE LETTER" including extremely important news about governance of Western Australia as well as some news about the telegraph system in that Colony:

"The Governor's address at the prorogation of the Legislative Council last Friday, should set at rest all doubt upon the question of his desire to prolong our present constitution. Indeed it must now be conclusive evidence to those of our legislators, who declined to cavil over the native question and other minor details of the New Constitution Bill, that the aim of His Excellency and those who supported his views, was to draw attention from the main advantages of the change and so put off, for an indefinite period, the introduction of Responsible Government.

Thanks to those of our representatives who were determined to have the question settled upon the terms offered, there is now every probability of this colony getting clear shortly from the influence of functionaries in power in high places here, and our not-over-well-informed Downing-Street Dictator— the Right Hon. Lord Knutsford — who only recently granted the right to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company to land a cable upon the coast of Western Australia, not only with out consulting us but positively, in the face of our remonstrances, ignoring the proposals made by Messrs. Millar Bros, which would have benefited both this and the sister colonies — and in effect sitting on us.

In the face of such drawbacks to our progress, we are asked to put off the management of our own affairs, and why? — because His Excellency thinks the colony will be inconvenienced by being called upon to, probably, furnish an additional £10,000 a year (not quite 5s. a head of our population) to get rid of our worn-out machinery which has been retarding for years our movements in every direction— even in the opinion of His Excellency himself.

The people of this colony, I think, have suffered too much from the bad management of its affairs to believe in Governor Broome's suggestion to 'wait a little longer" ere we take upon ourselves the desired change. We have now a different class of man to those who, during Governor Weld's time, after asking for Responsible Government and having it offered them, beseeched His Excellency to withhold it and we should be thankful that our circumstances in that respect have so much improved".

The tenor of that note is emphasised and expanded in the same source on 20 December.

An indication that the erection of the telegraph line to Derby was nearing came with the advertising of "an extensive sale of 50 horses, 100 bullocks, gear and general equipment for 100 men, the property of the Roebourne-Derby Telegraph Contractors, will be held in Derby during the last week in October". The sale was delayed but on 9 January 1889, the Inquirer informed its readers of the results of the Auction Sale:

"Mr. Courthope, our local auctioneer, offered for sale a number of horses and bullocks, also waggons, implements and a lot of material that had been employed in the construction of the Roebourne-Derby Telegraph line. The sale was held in Mr. Emanuel's paddock and, notwithstanding the dull state of the money-market, the biddings were in most cases pretty brisk. Four bullock-teams, of twelve each, with yokes and all complete, were sold at an average of about £11 per head. A reserve was placed upon the remaining sixty or seventy head, and as the prices offered did not come up to the mark, they were passed in and disposed of privately. The horses brought very good prices— I might say their full value; so also did most of the miscellaneous material. I think that Mr. Thornton, the manager of Company, was very well pleased with general success of the sale".

It appears that the last pole was erected at Derby on 13 December 1888. That left the wiring to be done. The Albany Mail of 23 January 1889 reported:

"The following telegram was handed to us on Saturday for publication through the courtesy of the Commissioner for Public Works:

"Johnston wires that the Roebourne Derby telegraph line has been satisfactorily completed to Derby this day (18th),
bringing the important district of West Kimberley into communication with the capital and the world".

On 23 January 1889, the West Australian reported:

"Last Saturday the Governor forwarded from Rottnest to the Government Resident at Derby the following congratulatory message upon the completion of the Roebourne-Derby telegraph line: "I congratulate you and the settlers of West Kimberley on the completion of telegraphic communication, which cannot fail to greatly benefit and advance a district, the success of which I have greatly at heart. My good wishes to all and may 1889 be a fortunate year".

On the ensuing Monday, Dr. Lovegrove, R.M., returned the following reply: "I thank your Excellency", for myself, and for the settlers of West Kimberley, for your message on the completion of the Roebourne Derby telegraph line, and for your kind wishes to us all for the New Year. That the completion of this work will tend to develop the various industries of this district, and advance the colony generally, there can be no doubt; and we have much pleasure in feeling that it must be eminently satisfactory to your Excellency that another of the many and great public works projected and commenced during your administration has been accomplished".

The Telegraph Office opened at Derby on 3 April 1889.

As all economists know, it is important to measure economic outcomes which flow from an investment in terms of both their direct and their indirect effects. The previous discussion has been all about the direct implications of constructing the telegraph lines. The West Australian of 26 January 1889 quite properly discussed some of the indirect benefits stemming especially from the completion of the line to Derby;

"This town has been kept pretty lively this last month on account of the near completion of the Derby Telegraph line and the consequent paying off of a number of men who have received some good sized cheques.

I do not think our Derby publicans have much cause to complain of the manner in which some of the men have sent them over the bar. I might also mention that, slow as this town has been in the past, it looks forward to a brighter future. Our two publicans have imported over some thousands of miles, at great expense, two sparkling barmaids, and although very young, they are obliging and amiable young persons. I say, success to their enterprise. Already the masters of this district are to be seen on their best behaviour".

Generally a break in a telegraph line was deemed to be a bad thing but it was a marvel in 1934 - as reported in the Kalgoorlie Miner of 28 December 1934:

PERISHING FROM THIRST - CUT WYNDHAM TELEGRAPH LINE - TWO MEN SAVED BY REPAIR GANG.
Derby. Dec. 27.

By cutting the Perth-Wyndham telegraph line, when in desperate straits, on Sunday morning, Donald Cameron, who was walking from Broome to Derby, was enabled to save his own life and indirectly that of another man, who was walking the same track, but not in Cameron's company.

The men were unlucky that the line was cut on Sunday, for it is rarely used after 8.30 a.m. on that day, and it was not until Monday morning that the interruption was discovered by postal officials. To discover the break and effect repairs, a party left Broome at mid-day on Monday.

When about 70 miles out, a man was found, suffering badly from want of water. He informed them that there was another man ahead of him, in a similar plight. A short distance further on they found a swag, a sugar bag and a billy can and indications that some one had been scraping in the sand for water. At a spot 89 miles out from Broome, the party came up with the break in the telegraph line. The time was then about 9 p.m., and reports were sent to the police at Derby and Broome. Constables Cooper and Gray set out immediately from Derby along the line. About 12 miles from where the line had been cut the headlights of the car showed up Cameron on the track. He was exhausted and said he could not have gone any further.

The first man found returned to Broome with the line party, and Cameron was brought to Derby, where he was taken to hospital. He is reported to be making satisfactory progress.

 

2. The Eastern Extension cable to Broome (Roebuck Bay).

At the Opening of the Legislative Council on 23 July 1883, the Governor noted "An important project will also be submitted from the capitalists represented by Sir Julius Vogel, asking for the concession for twenty-one years of the right of landing a submarine cable at a point on the coast of the colony, directly connecting it with the telegraph system of the world".

About four years later - in 1887-88 - the Eastern Telegraph Company proposed plans to land the third cable from Banjoewangi to Australia at Beagle Bay but, due to the thickly wooded and overgrown terrain, decided to bring the cable ashore at Roebuck Bay (Broome) to connect to the Western Australian line of telegraph. By the time plans were ready for implementation, construction of the land line from the Pilbara region was sufficiently advanced to ensure that either Roebuck Bay or Derby could be selected. On further inspection, it was found that the sea floor off Derby at the entrance to King Sound was unsuitable for cable laying.

On 3 May 1888, the Southern Advertiser noted an alternative proposal for a telegraph line starting from Derby:

"Messrs. C. & E. Millar, the well-known contractors on the Beverley Albany line of railway, offered to lay a telegraph line from this colony to India and the proposal with very slight alterations was accepted. The line is to start north of Derby, so that, if the above named firm agree to the slight modifications made by the Council we shall have a cable connection that will indeed be profitable to the colony. This scheme will be of the utmost importance, as it will bring West Australia into direct communication with Europe, and we shall also be the telegraphic mouthpiece for all the neighbouring colonies. Indirectly our long neglected colony would reap some advantage in the new proposal and I trust it will be carried out".

The West Australian of 24 November 1888 reported "The Eastern Telegraph Extension Company anticipate having the new cable laid from Banjoewangi to Broome, Roebuck Bay, early in January next". By 10 December, 1888 the Adelaide Advertiser was stating that the projected Western Australian cable would probably be operational in April 1889 and that Broome (Roebuck Bay) had been fixed as the landing point.

Details of laying the cable to Roebuck Bay/Broome are provided elsewhere. Even more specific details are provided in the specially documented program for the Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque at the (now) Broome Court House on 15 September 2006. It has many excellent details of the cable, its laying and operation. This important document was prepared and printed by the Western Australia Division of Engineers Australia. Thanks to that organisation for a great effort.

The cable was operational in early February 1889 and was open to the public on 9 April of that year. Already questions were being asked of the need for the Legislative Council to consider the duplication of the land line from Perth to Roebuck Bay.

It is interesting to note that, as this cable was being completed in January-February 1889, arrangements were coming close to finalisation for the Pacific Cable from Southport, Queensland on the east coast across the Pacific to Vancouver, Canada.

As the cable became operational, two major questions came to the forefront for consideration.

  1. For what purposes should the W.A. cable line be used?
  2. What rates should be charged for use of the Colonial lines within the Western Australian Colony by West Australia and and for messages sent from other Colonies?

The West Australian of 11 April 1889 outlined the first issue as follows:

"It is true that it is very easy to overrate the importance of the new line to the colony. It is confessedly for use, so far as the eastern side of Australia is concerned, only when, the Port Darwin and Java cables are both broken or when the land line across the continent is interrupted.

At least this is what South Australia is contending should be the normal position. Nor, considering the money spent by South Australia on her transcontinental line and the courageous enterprise which attended its inception and construction, can she be blamed for doing her best to drive a good bargain.

We believe, however, that it has been agreed that all Western Australian telegrams shall go by the new line. But that it will cost the colony a considerable additional sum is certain. The operating staff will have to be doubled at several stations and other expenses will have to be incurred.

The chief gain it really seems which Western Australia will receive will be the general recognition of her geographical situation. The new line strikes our shores first because we lie nearest the old world and, when once the inhabitants of both hemispheres grasp the fact that through Western Australia runs the shortest route that unites Europe and her antipodes, possibilities of far-reaching moment will begin to develop themselves practically. 

 

3. Derby to Hall's Creek (Kimberley Goldfields).

For background, it is worth noting at this point that the Fitzroy River runs into King Sound south of Derby. Tracing its 733 km course backwards, the river passes through Fitzroy Crossing (obviously) then to above Hall's Creek and onto the Mueller Ranges.

The West Australian of 14 June 1886 described the situation in Derby and the gold activity in and around Derby in those early days as follows:

"A few more men are down from the fields, amongst them being Cribb and Kellam. The amount of gold they have is not ascertained. Oregon and Edmunds have from 70 to 100 oz.; another party have about 30. Only about twenty men are left on the fields but a great many are on their way up. Two bullock teams and several horse teams have started for Mount Barratt. About 1,200 oz. of gold have been brought down so far.

Mr. C. Hall has brought down the 28 oz. nugget with him discovered some time since. It is estimated to contain fully 24 ozs. of pure gold and is a splendid specimen.

A good quantity of gold is reported to be on the " Otway" but is is impossible to say how much.

The majority of the diggers are now in Derby awaiting the coming of the rainy season. Everyone seems to have done more or less well. It is advisable for new arrivals not to leave Derby for the fields before the middle of September.

One steamer brought 105 passengers the other day. Derby is described as one mass of tents.

Hall estimates the distance from Derby to the fields at fully 360 miles.

The news received lately of two men having been murdered by natives on the goldfields route has been confirmed.

£150 per ton is asked in Derby for carting to the goldfields.

No rain has fallen in the Nor'-West district yet and it is wanted very badly".

 

Strategy for the construction.

A problem appears to have soon arisen in implementing an effective strategy for the construction of the Derby - Wyndham line and indeed those problems lasted in one form or another for quite some time. The West Australian on 17 August 1887 published the following letter:

DERBY AND WYNDHAM TELEGRAPH LINE.

SIR, - With your usual courtesy to correspondents, I beg you will grant me a small space in your valuable paper to again allude to the above subject.

In offering up my thanks for your reply to my previous letter, I must say your opinion is altogether inconsistent with the action the Public Works Department are taking, to give effect to our member's motion in the matter. The facts are simply this: The Department, contrary to the resolution passed by Council, intend calling tenders for one portion of the work only viz., Derby to the Goldfields, and when that is completed, to construct the line from Wyndham to the fields, which means that we shall be without telegraphic communication for at least 2½ years, allowing 15 months for constructing each section. Now why does not the Director of Public Works commence the line at Wyndham at once as well as at Derby?

Sir, I trust you will be able to explain to the residents of Wyndham why they are treated thus and who is responsible for it, so that we may know how to act when the time arrives. Probably you have noticed an article in your contemporary the other evening, stating that one surveyor only had received instructions to proceed to Derby - which verifies the assertions I have made. etc,

I am, etc, WYNDHAMITE.

Wyndhamite's views must have been shared by many others. The Western Australian of 8 September 1887, carried the following article expressing more positive action:

"The determination arrived at during the late session of the Legislative Council, that telegraph communication with the Kimberley Gold fields shall be opened up as quickly as possible, has been promptly acted upon by the Government. A contract for the construction of a line from Roebourne to Derby has been in progress for some time and will, in all probability, be completed in the course of a few months.

It has been determined to continue the work still farther to the northward, as far, for the present, as Wyndham in Cambridge Gulf. This line will be taken by way of the Goldfields which are about midway between Derby and Wyndham. No surveys have yet been made, and the route which the line shall take has yet to be determined.

For this purpose, two gentlemen have been appointed to take charge of parties of survey and exploration. One of these will start from Derby, and the other from  Wyndham, each working towards the goldfields, where they will meet. The party starting from Derby will be under the change of Mr. C. E. May, who will have as professional assistant, Mr. P. A. Ross. Mr. F. S. Brockman will take charge of the Wyndham party, and will have Mr. Monaghan as his professional assistant.

The first duty to be performed is to make a flying survey of the route to be traversed. For this purpose each party will consist of the officer in charge, his assistant, three European field hands and a native. On the completion of the flying surveys, the officers in charge of the expeditions will, we understand, send in reports to the Public Works Department here, referring to the distance and character of the routes selected. After these have been duly considered, and the course to be pursued fixed upon, tenders will be at once invited for the construction of the line, which will be commenced, it is understood, within three months of the completion of the survey. Mr. Brockman and Mr. May will superintend the construction of the permanent work, for which purpose, and that of the more minute survey, their respective parties will be enlarged.

The undertaking is a huge and costly one, as well as presenting many difficulties which the gentlemen in charge of the two expeditions will have to overcome. There is a general consensus of opinion, however, that the Government have made a wise selection in entrusting the important work to the hands of Messrs. May and Brockman, whose past experience in the field gives ample guarantee that it will be properly and energetically carried out. Both Mr. May and Mr. Brookman leave to-day in the Perth for Derby and Wyndham, and will commence their labors as soon after arrival as possible".

The West Australian of 8 September 1887 discussed the approach of having two parties - one starting from Derby and the other from Wyndham. A description of the strategy is included below.

The Western Mail of 10 September 1887, for example, reported:

"The determination arrived at during this late session of the Legislative Council, that telegraph communication with the Kimberley Goldfields shall be opened up as quickly as possible, has been promptly acted upon by the Government. A contract for the constuction of a line from Roebourne to Derby has been in progress for some time and, within all probability, be completed in the course of a few months.

It has been determined to continue the work still farther to the northward, as far, for the present, as Wyndham in Cambridge Gulf. This line will be taken by way of the Goldfields which are about midway between Derby and Wyndham. No surveys have yet been made, and the route which the line shall take has yet to be determined. For this purpose, two gentlemen have been appointed to take charge of parties of survey and exploration. One of these will start from Derby and the other from Wyndham, each. working towards the goldfields, where they will meet.

The party starting from Derby will be under the change of Mr. C. E. May, who will have as professional assistant, Mr. P. A. Ross. Mr. P. S. Brockman will take charge of the Wyndham party and will have Mr. Monaghan as his professional assistant.

The first duty to be performed is to make a flying survey of the route to be traversed. For this purpose each party will consist of the officer in charge, his assistant, three European field hands and a native. On the completion of the flying surveys, the officers in charge of the expeditions will, we understand, send in reports to the Public Works Department here, referring to the distance and character of the routes selected. After these have been duly considered and the course to be pursued fixed upon, tenders will be at once invited for the construction of the line, which will be commenced, it is understood, within three months of the completion of the survey. Mr. Brockman and Mr. May will superintend the construction of the permanent work, for which purpose, and that of the more minute survey, their respective parties will be enlarged.

The undertaking is a large and costly one, as well as presenting many difficulties which the gentlemen in charge of the two expeditions will have to overcome. There is a general consensus of opinion, however, that the Government have made a wise selection in entrusting the important work to the hands of Messrs. May and Brockman, whose past experience in the field gives ample guarantee that it will be properly and energetically carried out. Both Mr. May and Mr. Brockman leave in the Perth for Derby and Wyndham, and will commence their labors as soon after arrival as possible".

In the Acting Warden's Report for November 1887 on the Kimberley Goldfields, Mr. Finnerty noted that "Mr. Price, Government Resident at East Kimberley, accompanied by Mr. Brockman and telegraph survey party (with Mr. May), arrived here on the 9th inst. Both parties had respectively examined the country, from Wyndham and Derby to the goldflelds, to find the best routes for the proposed telegraph line".

Financing the extension.

In the House on 16 August 1886, the Speaker recorded that a message had been received from the Governor that

" the sum of £60,000 should be appropriated ... for the construction of a line of Telegraph from Wyndham (Cambridge Gulf) to the Gold Fields". On the following day "The Director of Public Works moved the consideration of His Excellency's message submitting a proposal for the construction of a telegraph line to establish communication between the seat of Government and the port of Wyndham, in the Kimberley district, and also with the goldfields in addition to the line now in course of construction from Roebourne to Derby. His Excellency pointed out in his message that the Northern districts of the colony were now under the completely changed condition of a large and sudden influx of population and trade, consequent on the discovery of a goldfield and that they could not possibly be administered from Perth with satisfaction, either to the Government or to the people themselves, unless they were at an early date included within our system of telegraphic communication. Should the Legislature concur in this view, His Excellency thought it would be well to make every exertion to initiate the construction of the necessary lines at several points and without delay; and, in order to save time and for other reasons, it was proposed that the works should be undertaken by the Government, in preference to contractors. The maximum cost might approach the large sum of £60,000". 

On 24 August 1886, the House debated the Re-appropriation Bill: Kimberley Goldfields Telegraph Line. The major part was the allocation of £60,000 for "the extension of the telegraph system to Kimberley goldfield, Wyndham and South Australian border in the East Kimberley District". The funds were reappropriated from use on Harbor constructions and improvements and Customs buidings. The debate lasted a considerable time and a transcript can be read elsewhere.

The Re-appropriation Bill was approved soon after and decisions were made. A year and a half later, The Inquirer reviewed the situation on 21 March 1888:

"There can be no doubt now that the delay in carrying out the Harbor Works has produced disastrous results here ... Then followed the Kimberley gold rush and another dip was made into the savings of equip parties to proceed to the reported golden district. The Government lost no time in appointing expensively paid officials, comprising inspectors in charge of escorts accompanied by a Warden, together with Magistrates, their clerks and Customs officials for Derby and Wyndham, where buildings were required for the convenience of shipping. Rates of freights and passages were put on unsparingly. Steamers were loaded with material and crowded with live-stock - a goodly portion of which was at the expense of the Government and paid to subsidize steamers whose shareholders and directors reside out of the colony.

The total cost of that venture had a very reducing effect upon the coffers of this colony and, if it were possible for the Government to furnish a schedule of particulars, it would, there is no doubt, be a very interesting document, and its perusal most likely would furnish some explanation why it has become necessary to delay the opening of the Bunbury line of railway, stop public works and cut down general expenditure.

The port, however, has been struck the hardest, by the reappropriation of the £60,000 for telegraphic communication from Derby to the so-called gold fields. It will be remembered that, at the time, the money was transferred, His Excellency promised that no portion of it should be spent until it was fully established that a workable and payable gold field had been really discovered. The Governor, however, forgetting or ignoring his promise, is reported not to have waited for any further information but, by an early outgoing mail, ordered the iron poles, wire and insulators from England and, when they arrived at Derby in the Australind, it was not known they were for the Kimberley line — the action of his Excellency having been kept a profound secret.

At a recent sitting of the Council, the Government informed the House that it was not their intention for the present to carry out the erection of the poles and the completion of the line as proposed. The news caused quite a furore amongst the squatters interested at the North. They protested strongly against stopping work once started and strenuously advocated retrenchment, which resulted in the dismissal of a number of valuable public servants and the acceptance of a tender to construct the telegraph line from Derby to the Kimberley goldfield — a place unknown. And that at a time, when the Jackson reef stated to be the most promising one discovered and reported a splendid investment, proved the reverse and the shares went down to 1s. 6d. each. They are now said to be offering at 15s. without any purchasers".

 

The early stages of the construction.

With a dateline of 20 April 1887, the West Australian reported from Derby that "The Australind reached here on Sunday with the largest cargo yet landed in Derby over 400 tons), the bulk of which was material for the Derby Wyndham telegraph line".

A major event at about this time (1887) was the identification of a new route between Derby and Hall's Creek by Mr. W. J. O'Donnell. This route reduced the distance between the two places by about 90 miles and was an easier passage. Soon after he had brought news of his find, O'Donnell briefed the Mr Government Resident, the Resident Engineer and Sub-Inspector Troy. These three officials then agreed to start out to examine Mr. O'Donnell's proposed route with a view to evaluating its prospects for the line of telegraph. Some time later, the route was adopted as the line which should be followed.

On 2 May 1887 "A public meeting was held at Derby today to impress upon the Government the necessity of constructing the Derby goldfields telegraph line in a straight line from Derby to the Fitzroy Crossing instead of along the present road; also of taking early and stringent measures to prevent the introduction of pleuropneumonia into the district by means of inoculation under the superintendence of the inspectors who should have full powers to quarantine any cattle arriving overland. A resolution was also passed calling upon the new member for the district to come up and address his constituents and learn their views before the opening of the session" (Western Mail).

The extension of the line through the far north of Western Australia to Derby and then linking to Wyndham was discussed frequently in many places for a number of years. For example, the Perth Daily News of 5 August 1887 reported:

"DERBY AND WYNDHAM TELEGRAPH LINE.

Sir, — I am sure it will be a source of pleasure to many Colonists to know that there are some gentlemen in the Legislative Council who will no longer allow the old state of lethargy to exist with reference to the execution of authorized public works in the colony. It is indeed gratifying to know that Mr. A. Forrest is to move in the House this evening 'that the construction of the above line should commence forthwith'. As you are aware, sir, many letters have lately appeared in public print on this subject; yet it seems that the 'Powers that be' care not at all for the public's opinion on any matters affecting the welfare of the colony. Therefore I am sure everyone desires that the member for Kimberley should be well supported by the people's representatives in his action to-night.

I am, etc.,
COLONIST.
Perth, August. 5th, 1887.

In the House of 5 August 1887, Mr. Forrest moved that "In the opinion of this House, it is desirable that the construction of the Derby and Wyndham Telegraph Line be commenced forthwith". Naturally the motion was carried. The Director of Works followed saying that tenders would at once be called for the construction of the line from Derby to the Goldfield.

 

In his address to the British Association at Manchester in November 1887, John Forrest (then Commissioner for Crown Lands) emphasised to his audience that:

"The whole distance between Roebuck Bay and Cambridge Gulf has since been carefully triangulated and a good topographical map has been compiled, while a country which two years ago had scarcely been visited, except by the first explorer, and afterwards by a few others, is now intersected with roads and cart tracks, and is an easy matter to drive from King Sound to Cambridge Gulf. This hurried settlement has been chiefly caused by the discovery of gold at the head waters of the Fitzroy and Ord Rivers, whieh has attracted large numbers of people from all parts of Australia and New Zealand, During 1886, about 10,000 diggers proceeded to these gold fields, and although, as is usual, many returned disappointed, the permanency and richness of the fields is now firmly established"

The Western Mail of 3 December 1887 reported on Contract negotiations:

THE TELEGRAPH FROM DERBY TO WYNDHAM.

For this line, which was divided into two sections - from Derby to the Goldfields and from the Goldfields to Wyndham - four tenders, competed : Messrs. Wishart, Atkins, Richards, and Latimer, Clarke, & Muirhead, the contractors of the Roebourne-Derby line. Mr.Wishart's was the lowest tender for both sections, but owing to a mistake in the distanceThe distance quoted in the original tender had been 1,220 miles not 632 miles. due to some misleading reports, the tenders have been referred back for further consideration.

 

3.1: Derby to Fitzroy Crossing.

The Fitzroy Crossing area had large sheep properties around it but it was about half way between Broome (400 km NW) and Halls Creek (300 km to the east).

The new goldfields therefore became a priority together with Wyndham in the north-west corner. The Fitzroy Crossing area had large sheep properties around it and was about half way between Broome (400 km to the north-west) and Halls Creek (300 km to the east). It is about 2,500 km from Perth.

The Daily News of 22 March 1888 noted that "This morning, Mr. Atkins, the contractor for the erection of the telegraph line from Derby to the Kimberley goldfields, shipped on board the S.S. Flinders ten camels for employment on the transport of materials and stores, etc, connected with the work in which they will no doubt prove highly serviceable".

For some time, there had been reports of Indignation Meetings being held about the employment of Chinese workers. Those who attended expressed a variety of opinions. Numerous newspapers reported these meetings including the Geraldton Victorian Express of 14 April 1888. The Southern Advertiser of 1 May 1888 also reported on a meeting as in the following which gives some insight into the daily operations of the telegraph working parties:

"The question of the increase of the Chinese in the various colonies of Australia has, from time immemorial, been a troublesome question and lately we hear of the stringent measures that are being adopted in the other colonies to stay the introduction of the Celestial. The agitation has commenced in our colony and I hear of a public meeting held at Derby, at which the object was thoroughly discussed, and ultimately motions were carried, asking the Government to devise some means to increase the poll tax and to endeavour to stem the influx of the Chinamen.

This action has been caused by the contractor of the Derby Telegraph Line (Mr. Atkins) engaging numerous bands of Chinamen to perform the work while there are many English and Colonial workmen ready and anxiously waiting for work. The motions have been forwarded to the Executive. I cannot blame the settlers in the north-west tor their exertions because, at the present time, there are plenty of working men in our townships ready and willing to work and to those men preference should be given instead of employing a lot of ignorant coolies of a foreign country".

On 21 May 1888, the West Australian reported on the very significant event of the line being commenced from Derby:

"April 3rd was a great and long-to-be-remembered day for Derby and the Kimberley district generally, and Derby rose to the occasion and acknowledged it as such. On that day, the first pole of the Derby goldfields telegraph line was solemnly erected, in the presence of a numerous and distinguished assembly by the Acting Government Resident, Mr. Lodge. The pole having been duly erected and pronounced true by the Surveyor for the line and the Resident Engineer, the aforesaid numerous and distinguished company proceeded to liquor up at the cordial invitation of the Contractor.

All sorts and conditions of drinks, headed by the inevitable champagne, loaded the festive board and the loyal and other toasts were duly honoured in mixed liquors.

The unemployed, having apparently altered their opinion of the contractor, Mr. Atkins, as a vicious and immediately-to-be-suppressed importer of Chinese labour, attended in force and received and drank Mr. Atkins' health with enthusiasm. The convivialty engendered by the ceremony was sustained at least through that night".

On 23 May, 1888, the Colonial Secretary answered several points raised in a petition. For the 5th point, he replied "A Post and Telegraph Office will necessarily be erected at the Goldfields in connection with the lines of telegraph now in hand".

There was clearly an increasing demand for improved communications as many people were moving into the Kimberley goldfields. As the Western Australian of 28 June 1888 reported:

"The first men who came down from the fields this year told us we might expect quite 30 teams to land in Derby this year, and now it would seem that they are under the mark. Twenty have started, six more are loading here, and six or eight are on their way down for loading, while there is plenty of work for more teams taking up telegraph material. Two or three teams have already started for the LouisaNow the cattle property called Louisa Downs - midway between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. with material, and two huge teams, each with 5 cwt. and over, have gone up the Lennard Road".

On 11 July 1888, the s.s. Otway left Fremantle for the Kimberley and on board were:

On 27 August 1888, the Australian Advertiser commmented that the telegraph line between Derby and Wyndham had been commenced and that it ws expected to connect the fields with Derby and Wyndham within 18 months. No other information was provided. Finally some actual construction news was published in the West Australian on 1 October 1888: "Mr. Atkins has the poles errected and wired for a distance of some 50 miles and great hopes are entertained of the line being completed to the field in 15 months from now. The surveyors are pushing through quickly. I passed their main camp some 8 miles from Derby, on the Fitzroy side of McDonnell's station near Margaret River".

On 5 January 1889, the Western Mail updated its readers with:

"Mr Wright evidently is the right man to have the contract to erect a telegraph line, as the progress he is making is very marked under the many difficulties that surround him. But when this is finished, it will be a great benefit to all.

We have no mail between here and the goldfield. The Government do not consider that our position warrants this privelege. We are living a life of semi-civilisation. Some times we do not have news from outside ports for some weeks and, during this time, amongst ourselves, we are wondering what is going on in the other parts of the world".

On 1 May 1889, the Inquirer reported on three matters as follows:

"Mr. Atkins, contractor for the Derby Goldfields telegraph line, arrived here by the Australind, bringing with him a party of workmen from the south. It is to be hoped that he will find them less troublesome than the batch of Chinamen with which he burdened himself last year.

The fresh party has already gone out along the line to resume the work which was left in abeyance some months ago. So if all goes on well, we can rest satisfied that the wire will reach its destination in due course

There seems to be a difference of opinion, however, regarding the quality of the wire which has so far been used. Experts say that it is too light and unfit for the purpose for which it is intended and that, unless a superior quality is obtained, the line when complete, will in all probability prove unsatisfactory".

The quality of the wire had apparently been under discussion for some time before that article appeared. Indeed, in the House on 20 March 1889:

"Mr. A. Forrest asked the Colonial Secretary:

    1. Is it true that the telegraph wire used in construction of line between Derby and Wyndham, via Goldfields, has been condemned by the Superintendent of Telegraphs in South Australia.
    2. If this is true, on whose authority the wire was ordered, and who is responsible for the loss to the colony.
    3. Is it the intention of this Government to import a new class of wire or do they intend to go on putting up a class of wire which will be found useless, and which has been condemned by the greatest authority in Australia.

The Hon. Sir Malcolm Fraser replied:

    1. the Postmaster General had stated that the Superintendent of Telegraphs had expressed the opinion that the wire should be thicker.
    2. The wire was ordered through the Crown Agents and sent out under the supervision of the Consulting Engineer.
    3. That it is not the intention of the Government to import any new wire, and that experience must shew whether the present supply was sufficient".

Documents were immediately called for and these were laid on the table of the House on 25 March. On 28 March, Mr. Forrest table the following:

    1. Who prepared the specification for the material used in the construction of the telegraph line from Derby to Wyndham?
    2. Was said specification referred to the Telegraph Department?
    3. When the telegram was received from Mr. Todd, were any steps taken to carry out the suggestion made by him last November by wire, as to having a heavier wire?"

In the Legislative Council of 29 March, the Hon. J. Wright replied:

    1. A draft specification was made out in the Works Department.
    2. The said specification was referred to Mr. Pearse, F.R.S., engineer and electrician to the Post Office, London and consulting Engineer to the Colonies for telegraph business, who approved and saw after the indents.
    3. The wire and material were indented for in September 1888 and shipped in January following and that Mr. Todd's. suggestion in November 1888 for a heavier wire was, under any circumstances, too late to make any alteration.

So there. Nothing to see. Perhaps however a problem may have emerged later.

 

3.2: Fitzroy Crossing to Hall's Creek.

In December 1885, a prospector named Charlie Hall found a nugget weighing almost 1 kg in the place soon to be named after him. That discovery led to an immediate influx of more than 15,000 prospectors searching for their fortunes in that very desolate area.

Little is reported about the construction of the telegaph line to Hall's Creek. The West Australian of 1 May 1889 reported that "The survey of the telegraph line from Derby is just completed to Hall's Creek. Mr. May, the surveyor, told me he made the distance by the line three hundred and four miles and 50 chains. The completion of the line will be an immense advantage to these goldfields".

In the House on 13 August 1889, "Mr. Wright stated that two hundred miles of telegraph line between Derby and the goldfields had been completed, and it was expected that the whole would be finished by the 1st October". The Western Mail published the following on 12 October 1889:

"On Saturday morning (7th OctoberGiving the completion date of
6 October - with which a number of sources agreed.) the Colonial Secretary received the following telegram announcing the completion of the new telegraph line from Derby to Hall's Creek, the centre of the Kimberley Goldfields, a distance of 304 miles:

"I have the honour to inform His Excellency of the completion of the telegraph system to the Kimberley goldfields and respectfully to congratulate him on the completion of this, one of the many useful works initiated and commenced during his administration. (Signed) E. P. Dowley, acting Warden, Hall's Creek."

The same morning His Excellency sent the following congratulatory reply to Mr. Dowley:

"Congratulations on completion of telegraph and my best wishes to all on fields".

In connection with the completion of the telegraph line Mr. E. P. Dowley has forwarded the following telegram to Mr. A. Forrest, M.L.C.,

"On behalf of self and people of goldfields, I thank you for kind congratulations on completion of telegraph line. There can be little doubt the advent of the telegraph system will be a benefit to the district and to the colony at large".

Communications with Hall's Creek were important for both commercial and security reasons. A police station had been established at Fitzroy Crossing and Telegraph Offices were opened at both Fitzroy Crossing and Hall's Creek in September 1892 (as opposed to being in temporary premises). The Telegraph Office at Fitzroy Crossing doubled as a Post Office (it cost £599 18s). The Crossing could then serve as a repeater station for messages to Broome. The line was not however reliable and breakages were commonly reported in the various news outlets. Residents became frustrated from very eraly days and, receiving little realistic assistance from the Government, even had to resort to self-help. The Inquirer of 25 June 1890 reported an example of this self-help:

"June 21The 21st anniversary of the first message being telegraphed between Perth and Fremantle.: Father Duff and Messrs. Taylor and Layman arrived from the goldfields to day. They report that at a meeting at Hall's Creek re the interruption of the telegraph line, it was resolved to engage the services of a man who was to find his own horse and assistant at a salary of £5 per week to keep the line in repair. The necessary funds were at once subscribed and a man engaged".

Most of the prospectors could not bear the conditions and soon left. Hall's Creek then became a trading centre - with a Telegraph Station, a police station, a government office and a racecourse to service the Aboriginals and miners who remained there.

Nevertheless, one report in the W. A. Record provides an insight into the nature of at least one of the interactions between the Indigenous people and the Colonial settlers:

"Nearly every packer or teamster has one or two blacks to look after the horses. These natives are chiefly from Port Darwin, with the exception of a few from Queensland. The East Kimberley natives have hitherto shunned, anything like contact with the whites, though odd ones are beginning now to find their way into Hall's Creek.

Sometimes, numbers of them are taken from the bush for interfering with the telegraph line that is being constructed between the diggings and Wyndham. I once saw a band of natives suspected of the commission of this crime, who were under arrest at the time. It was a piteous sight.

All the prisoners with the exception of a middle aged man, two youths and a blind boy, consisted of young girls and women some of whom were nursing little babies. These unfortunate children of the human race were kindly treated by the Warden for Kimberley. As they did not know a word of English, a native lad of about nine years of age acted as interpreter. The sympathy of the bystanders was deeply aroused when one of the prisoners — a woman with an infant in her arms — recognized the interpreter as her own son whom she had looked upon as lost. The poor mother shed tears in profusion and most earnestly entreated the boy to return to his tribe. An old dame who might be the great grandmother of her companions, for aught any body knows, kept chattering and scolding the whole time.

The man and the two youths admitted the charge — a charge which was irrefutable as they possessed spearheads fashioned out of the telegraph insulators. After being cautioned and duly warned of the consequences of a repetition of the offence, they were told to prepare to return to their own country.

It is easier to imagine than to describe the joy they manifested on the morning of their release as the chains were taken from their necks and the handcuffs off their wrists. In their hurry and excitement to return free by the road, along which they came some time ago as prisoners, they forgot the blind boy. He made a great noise and scrambled after them for a short distance until a young girl, probably his sister, returned to his relief and helped him onward. All of them were led back to their own territory by Police Officer Kingston".

Telegraph Stations were important centres in many communities and they were used as a community focus. For example, The West Australian of 14 April 1897 reported the following:

"MORTALITY AMONG HORSES.

On Monday Mr. Alex. Forrest forwarded to the Commissioner of Crown Lands the following telegram "At a meeting attended by several stock-owners held at Fitzroy Telegraph Station, it was decided to request you to use your influence with the Government to send a veterinary surgeon to remain a sufficient time to diagnose a disease which is causing heavy mortality among horses and which is increasing, throughout the district (Signed) W. A. MacDonald.

In the covering letter to the department, Mr. Forrest stated that the losses among the horses in the West Kimberley district amounted to 50 per cent. The Stock Department had already received information from Broome that several horses belonging to the Telegraph Department had died of an unknown disease.

On receipt, therefore, of Mr. Forrest's communication, Mr. Morton Craig at once recommended that Mr. Inspector Weir, M.R.C.V.S., should be sent to the West Kimberley district to make a thorough investigation. This course was approved of by Mr. Throssell yesterday and Mr. Weir will leave on Thursday by the S.S. Albany".

Clearly the considerations made by Officials in Head Office of the need for telegraph offices in W.A. -- and in the other Colonies - would never have considered in any cost-benefit analysis, the important contributions made to communities of access to telegraphic communication nor having Offices in such central locations.

 

4. Line between Hall's Creek and Wyndham.

4.1: Preparing for construction.

On 25 February 1887, the West Australian printed the daily shipping manifests and included the news that "The s.s. Glenfalloch, which left London on January 22 for Singapore, is taking out for trans-shipment to the Australind, on her March trip south, cargo for north-west ports. The telegraph material for the Derby section of the Government telegraph cable to Cambridge Gulf is on board the Glenfalloch. On the downward trip succeeding the above, the Australind will call at Cambridge Gulf".

Although it was early days, the Inquirer of 2 March 1887 informed its readers that "News from the goldfields is very discouraging, the people having left and continuing to leave for Wyndham, in parties of twenty and thirty. Latest reports from the fields state there are not more than 150 persons located there, and most of the gold was being got by one party, who had only two or three ounces. Large numbers were without any gold, whatever".

The tenders for the construction of a 220 mile telegraph line from Wyndham to the Kimberley goldfields were opened on 2 May 1888 at the Public Works Office. Only two tenders were received - one from Mr. A. B. Wright, and the other from Mr. J. J. Grant. The amounts at which the work was tendered to be performed not made public immediately. Subsequently, the tender submitted by Mr. A. B. Wright for £32 10s per mile was accepted. It was later revealed that Mr. Grant had submmitted £39 per mile for the work.

Not everyone was positive with the decision to construct the telegraph line between Wyndham and Hall's Creek and the Kimberley Goldfields. On 12 August 1889, the Australian Advertiser contributed the following:

"The most remarkable feature of the political situation in this colony at the present time is the attitude of the Government. They seem to be thoroughly demoralized by the collapse of the constitutional movement or the difficulties of Government at the present time are beyond their grasp ... It is not so long ago that the Governor was constantly boasting of £60,000 being in the public chest but that has been thrown away on the Kimberley district and more has followed it.

The madness of running the telegraph line to Derby and then on to an unproved goldfield and finally to Wyndham has been committed, and it has cost the colony many thousands and will return nothing but indebtedness for many a long year to come.

And who demanded this telegraph line? A few squatters in the Nor-west, and a few storekeepers in the South who wished to have readier means of communication with their representatives. It is impossible to conceive what object the Governor could have had in favoring these telegraph schemes unless, indeed, he is ambitious of being able to use tall figures when next he lectures at the Colonial Institute. The record of telegraph line construction will sound well in a lecture in England and the audience will, no doubt, hear nothing of the financial side of the question.

It is right that Kimberley should have money expended upon its development but, ten years hence would have been soon enough for the telegraph line".

 

4.2: Construction of the line.

On 6 October 1888, the Perth Western Mail reported on the commencement of the line from Wyndham:

THE WYNDHAM GOLDFIELDS TELEGRAPH LINE.

"The first pole of the telegraph line from Wyndham to the Hall's Creek Gold field was erected at Wyndham on August 15. The Government Resident, Mr R. Hare, in the presence of about a dozen spectators, including Mr J. W. Wright, representing his brother, Mr A. B. Wright, the contractor for the line.

After the post had been erected, an adjournment was made to a neighbouring store, where light refreshments were provided. Here the company drank the success of the line, coupled with the health of the contractor, to which Mr. Wright responded in suitable terms. The event was further celebrated on August 18th by a dinner given by the Wyndham townsfolk to Mr Wright, the Resident magistrate occupying the chair. After the conclusion of a repast which reflected considerable credit upon the culinary capabilities of Wyndham, the usual toasts were drunk, and responded to in due form; the proceedings were also enlivened with songs.

As to the progress of the line, we understand that on September 14th, twenty-five miles had been erected, and the material for as many more had been disembarked and placed along the route of the line. All the men employed are in good health. The contractor has two horse and three bullock teams engaged on the line, and he hopes to get over the worst of the road before the wet season sets in. The natives have proved somewhat troublesome. On one occasion at the 20 miles camp, they tried to burn its occupants out by setting fire to the grass. Fortunately the camp had been fixed on a spot where the grass had previously been burnt and therefore the attempt was a signal failure".

Mr. Wright involved himself in non-telegraphic activities also (probably for reasons of necessity). The Western Mail of 20 March 1889 informed its readers that:

"Mr. Wright, the contractor for the telegraph line, has started to put up a jetty at Anthon's Landing. This jetty, when completed, will be a convenience to the district, as it will enable the steamers and other vessels to discharge their cargo alongside, instead of at present landing it in the mud - as recently happened with some of the crushing machinery".

It seems like Mr. Wright could not finish the jetty: "Mr. Wright has improved our wharf since he came up, but has now stopped, owing to the wet season being over and his men starting telegraph work again. It is a great pity that the Government do not finish it at once, by contract, instead of doing the job bit by bit, which is twice as expensive" (Inquirer, 8 May 1889). But wait - there's more: The Gazette of 13 March 1890 announced the award of a tender to Mr. A. B. Wright to erect a jetty, etc at Wyndham for £1,500.

The Western Mail of 7 September 1889 reported "Mr. F. St Brockman has completed the survey of the telegraph line from Wyndham to this (Hall's Creek). He reports the distance as two hundred and twelve (212) miles and sixty three (63) chains".

Construction started soon after but it was not long before troubles with the locals began. On 10 March 1890, the Daily News reported:

"Mr. J. W .Wright received a telegram from Derby this morning conveying the discouraging intelligence that the natives have again been giving trouble to the party engaged in constructing the Wyndham extension of the telegraph line. On previous occasions our sable friends have been contented with the wire with which they make spears for killing fish. On the present occasion, they have appropriated and, carried off, not only the wire but poles, insulators and all for a distance of fifteen miles, leaving not a trace behind them".

On 27 March 1890, the Daily News reported: "The telegraph line between Halls Creek and Derby has been completed, but has been interrupted by the Fitzroy River coming down a banker and destroying the line, and the damage has not yet been repaired. The line between Wyndham and Hall's Creek has been completed to within 60 miles of the field and, owing to some difficulty with the contractor, work has been suspended for some time. The blacks are very troublesome on the construction, as they have taken a liking for the insulators, which they break down to make into spear heads".

Various newspapers announced that the Kimberley and Wyndham telegraph line was completed 16 July 1890.

4.3: Post-construction difficulties and events.

4.3.1: Mr. Wright's financial problems.

On 29 July 1891,The Inquirer reported on the outcome of a Court Case brought by Arthur Bridge and Mr. A.B. Wright against the Government regarding the construction of the line from Wyndham to the gold fields at Kimberley. The Court found in Wright's favour and ordered the Government to pay £3,480 to Mr. Wright plus all costs in the matter. Clearly insufficient given the 1890 interview referenced in the previous paragraph. The judgement can be read elsewhere.

A most informative interview was published in the West Australian on 7 November 1890 with Mr. A. B. Wright after he had completed constructing the telegraph line between Hall's Creek to Wyndham. Mr. Wright had lost heavily on his contract due especially to the materials being delayed and to the interference by the natives.

4.3.2: Operation of the line - or the lack thereof.

By October 1890, the line had been damaged on several occasions. So serious - cumulatively - was the damage that the Daily Advertiser printed the following on 2 October 1890:

"The wires of the Wyndham telegraph line continue to be cut in many places by the natives. In consequence of the worry and anxiety as well as possible loss caused by the destruction of the wires of the Wyndham telegraph line, Dr. Scott's present intention is to retire from the Mayoralty at the termination of his year. It appears that he was one of the bondsmen for the contractor (Wright) and may be called on to make good the injuries to the line.

Of course, everything depends on the terms of the contract but it would seem a case of destruction by the Queen's enemies and, as if the loss should fall on the colony, just as if the line had been cut down by an invading army. It quite looks as if it was a case in which the Legislature might step in and make provision for the line being completed at the cost of the State".

In a debate in the Parliament on 24 January 1891, the Colonial Treasurer stated that "he considered the money which it cost (for the Wyndham telegraph) was well spent and that, when people went out as pioneers in a new country such as the Kimberley, the least that could be done was to provide them witb telegraphic communication". Soon after, Mr. Alex Forrest commented that "He was glad the Government proposed to put up new wire on the telegraph line from Derby to Wyndham, along which he believed up to the present, only six messages had been sent owing to the frequent breaks and interruptions".

In the Legislative Assembly of 11 February 1891, the next item on the agenda was the completion of the line from Derby to Wyndham and the repair to existing lines.

"The colony had spent a considerable sum - between £40,000 and £50.000 - in constructing a line from Derby to Wyndham. The line had been completed as far as Hall's Creek and taken over by the Government. There was a portion from Hall's Creek to Wyndham of 200 miles which had not been taken over. An inferior kind of wire had been used on the line. The Government were doing their best to keep up communication but it was not established yet and he believed they would have to rewire the whole line. They believed it was necessary the line should be constructed and properly maintained.

Mr. PIESSE supported the item, but said he would like to have some assurance from the Premier that there would be no time lost in carrying the telegraph line to Broome through to Albany.

Mr. PARKER said he agreed with the Premier that, having built the Kimberley line, they should keep it up. This line was constructed not only for settlers, but for the convenience of the Government. They had not yet had the return for East Kimberley, owing to their being no communication, and perhaps the gentleman who had been elected did not know the House was sitting. It was impossible to govern these outlying districts without some means of communication. He would ask the Premier how it was proposed to protect this line from the natives.

The COLONIAL TREASURER said the intention of the Government was to protect this line by a police patrol. If the natives found that the Government intended to punish them, they would soon stop their depredations.

This item was passed".

Management and proper operation of the Wyndham line continued to be a major problem for residents of the region.

On 4 September 1891, the Australian Advertiser reported the following update: "There are two police camps on the Wyndham road established for the purpose of protecting the Wyndham-Goldfield Telegraph Line. This line runs a distance of 212 miles and at present there are not more than 90 miles of sound insulators left on the telegraph poles, the balance having been taken by the natives and converted into spearheads. This line has been completed some 12 months and, since completion, has not earned the Government a shilling but has cost them a considerable amount in police protection and supervision".

The second session of the first Parliament under Responsible Government was opened on Monday 7 December 1891 by His Excellency the Administrator and in his speech he noted:

"telegraph material will also shortly arrive for repairing and re-wiring the lines between Derby and Wyndham via Hall's Creek and no time will be lost in placing these important lines in thorough working order. Owing to the size of the wire used on the line from Derby to Hall's Creek constant breakages occur while principally from the same cause, and also from the damage done to it by the natives, the line from Hall's Creek to Wyndham has never yet been in working order".

In mid-January 1893, the Loan Estimates were being discussed in the Legislative Assembly. In part, funds were allocated to the completion of the Derby to Wyndham telegraph line and for repairs to existing lines.

The West Australian of 2 June 1893 carried the following note:

"The guardianship of our telegraph line by the police has proved a signal and disastrous failure. Between the Denham Camp and Hell's Gate, no less than 100 insulators have been broken by the blacks and they stand on the summits of the poles as a memorial of misfortune and misapplied energy. Although the breakage does not actually prevent the line working, nevertheless it renders the transmission of messages a very difficult task.

Nor could the failure have been otherwise. How was it to be expected that untutored men could repair a line requiring delicacy of manipulation and technical knowledge? What is required is a linesman. The cost of his upkeep would be infinitely less than that of the police, whilst the benefit accruing would be inestimably greater.

Whilst on the subject of the wants and requirements of the district, I may as well mention one or two more. A telegraph office is badly needed. I, for one, have a certain amount of misgiving in despatching a wire when the receiving office is occupied by two or three officers of different branches of the service".

Matters only grew worse between the two intractable sides. Finally, on 28 September 1893, the West Australian printed the sad news covering both parties:

"I send you further particulars of the murder of Trooper Collins by natives. Collins was speared through the body whilst pursuing natives on the Behn River. The natives had just speared and eaten a horse and two bullocks. Trooper Lucanus' horse was speared under him, and the whole party narrowly escaped being slaughtered.

The natives were evidently picked men. Contrary to their custom, they stood up and fought the police.

Everybody here is excited and is loudly calling for energetic measures which are badly needed. Cattle-spearing and insulator breaking are very bad just now. The natives occasionally enter Wyndham by night.

Collins was speared on the 10th, and was buried in the bush on the 11th. He was a most steady and excellent trooper. He had been stationed here nine months and was about 49 years of age.

Fifteen prisoners arrived here on Saturday and more are expected to-day for cattle-spearing. The gaol is about full. Black trackers are urgently needed for this district. The police cannot follow the natives in the Carr-Boyd Ranges as the country is too rough.

The native question here must be settled before the country can go ahead much. The Commissioner of Police has received the following telegrams:- From Sub - Inspector Drewry, of Derby:

"On the 18th September, whilst police were endeavouring to arrest some natives for horse and cattle killing, Constable Collins was speared through the body. He died next day and was buried on the spot, on the Behniver, 140 miles from Wyndham. There were other narrow escapes. A borrowed horse was killed. Twenty-three natives were shot before they could be driven off."

From the inhabitants of Derby to the Commissioner of Police:

"Owing to the murder of Constable Collins and the murderous attack on Messrs. Durack and Hayes, the entire inhabitants beg that you instruct your men to leave Wyndham, Denham, Fletcher and Halls Creek immediately and simultaneously make a complete circuit and punish the natives in a manner they merit. The settlers are willing to assist your officers."

Instructions have been given to Sub-Inspector Drewry to despatch from Derby a strong party of police to deal with the natives concerned in the murder of Constable Collins and to request the settlers to assist the police with supplies of horses, provisions, etc.".

4.3.3: The sins of the past come back to haunt us!!!!

On 14 November 1890, the Australian Advertiser published a series of comments by NEMO about current Colonial issues. Perchance, one of these was the Wyndham-Hall's Creek telegraph:

"The Hall's Creek-Wyndham telegraph will not, it appears be the success it was anticipated it would be.

Through no fault of the contractor, who appears to have carried out his work faithfully although it entailed great loss upon him, the line is a complete muddle, and it is considered quite within the bounds of possibility that it may be thrown out of use, and only our Government are to blame.

In the first place, the most desireable route has not, it is said, been chosen and a way might have been selected that would present fewer obstacles to construction. That however, is only a slight fault. The two great causes for complaint appear to be:

    • the quality and character of the wire used, and
    • the absence of facilities for communication after the line is completed.

The wire used is the ordinary telephone copper wire which, it is stated, was condemned by the highest authorities previous to its use being decided upon, as being utterly unfit foi the purpose. In spite of this, it was supplied by the Government to the contractor and ever since then, it has been exposed to the predatory attacks of the natives who carry away miles of it for spearheads. Being of such weak material it is easily broken and this - and insufficient police protection of the district - enable the blacks to damage the line with impunity. The same sort of wire was used for the Derby-Hall's Creek line and it is continually being broken by friction, and the result is that the line throughout is frequently in a state of disrepair.

This is not all. Beyond Hall's Creek there is no operating station and the result is that, notwithstanding there is a costly line from Derby to Wyndham, communication cannot be had further than Hall's Creek. A worse bungle than this it would be difficult to conceive and although Ministers under the New Constitution will not, of course, be in any way responsible for it, there will probably be a tremendous row when the Assembly meets.

It adds one more to the costly blunders committed in the Kimberley district from which little is received in proportion to what is spent there. This state of events will cause many to hope the time is not far distant when Kimberley will be able to shift for itself, leaving the older part of the colony to work out its own development without being weighted down by such an incubus".

In his speech to the opening of Parliament on 5 July 1893, the Governor noted one of the achievements of the Government had been the completion of the telegraph line from Derby to Wyndham,

On 25 May 1904, "Mr. Mahon, the Postmaster-General received a telegram from Mr. Connor (at the Wyndham Telegraph Office) in which the latter states that Wyndham has been isolated for six weeks owing to a break down in the telegraph line which Mr. Connor attributes to its proximity to the coast. Mr Mahon said that the defects would be remedied pending the provision of a necessary sum in the forthcoming Estimates to construct an improved service" (Albany Advertiser). The next news we hear about the Wyndham telegraph is in the Daily News of 15 January 1907:

"The declaration of the poll for the Senate election in this State has naturally been delayed through the great distanceInter-state and internatonal telegrams were however still passing on a daily basis. It shows how far Wyndham really was from civilisation. from headquarters of some of the outlying polling booths. Inquiries made at the Commonwealth offices this afternoon, elicited the information that, the returns had been delayed through interruption on the Wyndham telegraphic line but it was expected that the returns would be in on Thursday next". Still waiting for the Estimates to be considered.

5. A Wyndham to Port Darwin link.

Regardless of the problems which had beset the Derby to Wyndham telegraph line, plans for alternate uses were being developed. The West Australian of 4 March 1899 published a letter dated 3 February:

TELEGRAPH LINE FROM WYNDHAM TO PORT DARWIN.

To THE EDITOR Sir,-The South Australian Government, with the advice of their Postmaster General, Sir Charles Todd, have with commendable zeal recently duplicated their overland telegraph line from Adelaide to Port Darwin, and have also introduced the duplex system of working on each wire, thus enabling four times the amount of traffic to go over that country than has hitherto been the case, or facilitating the despatch of cables as far as Port Darwin in a quarter of the time that previously obtained.

So far, South Australia has done everything in its power to meet the press of business, but what advantage has been gained beyond minimising delays, if, as the electrician of the South Australian Department, when on a recent visit to Port Darwin, stated to the editor of the Northern Territory Times, when the land line is working well, they can flood the cable line in an hour. The obvious meaning of this is, that the present cable from Port Darwin is inadequate to keep pace with its feeder during the busy portion of the day, and that cable business when heavy is consequently retarded at Port Darwin.

Now the question arises, why not make use of the duplicate from Broome, by connecting the land line from Port Darwin to Wyndham, which would give a straight and good circuit over a comparatively idle line, which maintains, owing to its inland route, an unvarying good circuit, and would thus enable the Broome cable, which has only the business of one colony to despatch, to relieve any congestion that may arise at Port Darwin. It would also prevent the annoying delays that frequently arise when the Port Darwin cable is interrupted, as the business could be sent via Broome over the Wyndham line to Port Darwin, thence to Adelaide, instead of over long lines that have their daily heavy business to get through via Eucla.

In addition to the advantages already enumerated, there is also the further advantage to be gained locally by Western Australia and the other colonies of substituting this route for local business to the Eastern colonies at any time the coastal line via Eucla should be down. With the present duplex system on the Nor' west coast of Western Australia, and the vastly-improved system between Port Darwin to Adelaide, it could cope with the heavy traffic at any time diverted from its usual route and thus reduce the possibility of annoying delays to zero. It would be another step towards federation, and one of vast importance to the whole of Australasia to bridge over this small piece of country, thus completing a circuit almost round Australia of over 6,000 miles.

This question could be brought before the next Postal Conference of the colonies as the advantages are of paramount importance to the whole of Australasia. The advantages are so patent and of so much importance to Australasia that I hope to soon see the line un fait accompli.

Yours, etc.

J. W. DURACK. Wyndham/February 3.

The Advertiser of 21 August 1900 reported "A request, was recently made to the Government by the Premier of West Australia that a telegraph line should be constructed from the Katherine River station to the border of the Northern Territory, there to connect with a line which it was proposed to build from Wyndham, which place would thus be placed in direct communication with Port Darwin. The matter was referred to the Postmaster-General, who reported that the South Australian section of the line would cost £25,000 to construct, and that very little business would be done. The Ministry have therefore decided not to entertain the project, and a reply to that effect has been sent to Sir John Forrest".

Not to be pushed aside a public meeting in Wyndham on 12 June 1901, called for a telegraph line to be constructed to link Wyndham to the Katherine RiverThe Katherine River flows from south-west from Kakadu through Katherine and then north-west to the Daly River and thence into the Timor Sea about 60 kms east of Cambridge Gulf.
In the 1880s, reference to the Katherine was synomous with the very broad area around Darwin..

The Broome Chronicle of 15 May 1909 published extracts from correspondence from the Postmaster-Generals Department about "the continued interruption of the telegraph line from Wyndham to Darwin". This included the following comments:

Details of the S.S. Australind which carried so much cargo and so many passengers to the Pilbara and the Kimberly in association with the construction of the Telegraph Lines can be referenced elsewhere.