Telegraph lines in the Goldfields Region: Coolgardie - Kalgoorlie- Kurnalpi - Norseman.
- Australia 1901-1988
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- International
- Special aspects
The construction of the telegraph lines in the Goldfields region is described on several pages and the developments can be accessed from the following:
As a footnote to the construction activities and the problems consequent to "muddled planning approaches", the West Australian on 2 January 1896 wrote:
"the disgraceful condition of the telegraph service is again causing annoyance. Just as business was beginning to be resumed, the wires have become interrupted in all directions. It was supposed that when the Post Office obtained control of the erecting and repairing of the wires there would be an improvement. So far, however, the service is in a worse condition than when the work was done by the Public Works Department.
It is a notorious fact that the two lines between Perth and Coolgardie are unable to undertake the present business, yet no provision is being made for increased business to be expected when Kurnalpi, I O.U. and the Norseman are connected in a few weeks time. There will also be a decided augmentation in the number of messages despatched when the exemption period expires. Consequently a terrible mess may be looked for".
It is also (generously) appropriate to make an important observation here - the line through Dundas from Coolgardie and Norseman en route (possibly) to Esperance was being constructed at the same time as the Dundas - Ponton's - Eyre - Eucla inland line (May-June 1896). In addition, lines were simultaneously being constructed within the Colony:
- north from Coolgardie;
- around Kalgoorlie;
- through to the Murchison in the Mid-West region;
- within parts of the Pilbara and the Kimberley.
It was an amazingly busy time for the Post and Telegraph Department.
6. Lines from Coolgardie to Kalgoorlie and surrounding districts.
| This map extends to Goongarrie and Menzies. | ||
| This map extends to Southern Cross. |  |
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| . | This map extends to Norseman - Dundas- Eyre - Eucla | |
During 1892, prospecting for gold had extended to an area about 30 miles or so east of Coolgardie. At that stage, there were few miners and many were basic with limited resources and were uninformed in their approach. Others were just lucky. One such is the story of Mr. David Lindsay who had been appointed by the Council of the Royal Geographic Society to lead an expedition to search for good pastoral land. Having trecked from South Australia to Esperance, he moved north through Dundas to Coolgardie. He reported to the Council that there was rich auriferous land around the area but was told not to be distracted and to move north to look for pastoral land. Some members of the Council thought his reports gave a good lead to an investment.
For further (fascinating and almost unbelievable) details of consequent developments see:
- the Daily News of 4 January 1896;
- the Great Boulder Mine;
- Sir George Doolette and his son Dorham Biographies.
Naturally with so many prospectors finding gold in the area around Hannan's and Kalgoorlie, telegraphic facilities had to be extended from Coolgardie as soon as possible - as well as other facilities such as a road!!.
On 14 July 1894, the Western Mail updated readers with "A new road is being made from Coolgardie to Hannan's and a telegraph line will also be erected to connect Hannan's with Coolgardie. The posts have already been sent up for the purpose". On 31 July, the West Australian updated readers on all the activity linking Coolgardie to Hannan's:
- "Telegraph line, as already reported to you, is completed and telegraph master at Coolgardie advises me it is working well.
- Road clearing from Coolgardie to Hannan's will be completed in about ten days; also providing posts and clearing telegraph line from Coolgardie to Hannan's.
- Tank at Hannan's has been completed. Bore at Hannan's 29ft. from surface with 60ft of water in same".
The short telegraph line from Coolgardie to Hannan's was completed on Tuesday 21 August 1894 as too was the line to Kalgoorlie. :
"The wire had been expected to be through on Sunday last but, through some hitch, it was not finished until to-day. Much satisfaction is expressed at the speedy redemption of the Premier's promise on his late visit to give this place telegraphic communication".
The Office at Boorabbin opened on 24 September.
There was constant pressure to open Post Office Savings Banks at Hannan's and other places but the Postmaster-General was reticent to do so.
On 2 September 1895, the West Australian reported:
"The quadruplex instruments between Perth and Coolgardie are working most satisfactorily. The machine in Perth was set up by the Chief Operator, Mr. G. A. Stevens, and Mr. Wahlgeren, of the fitting branch and, on a plan supplied by these officers. Mr. Davy erected the quadruplex in Coolgardie.
The instruments have worked excellently since they have been in use and, on several occasions, the work was kept up to time and the operators were able to report all clear without having to work overtime,
The difficulty at present is the want of operators. The staff at Coolgardie might with advantage be augmented by one or two more hands and at Kalgoorlie several additional operators would effect a great improvement.
It is stated that no great necessity exists for a duplex instruments between Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie at the present time, as the number of messages from the latter averages only about 300 per day. The department is however watching the progress of the office and, so soon as the officers come to the conclusion that the traffic warrants it, they will put in duplex instruments".
The entire duplicate line from Perth to Coolgardie had been almost completed by the beginning of November 1895. At that stage, the erection of the duplicate wire had also been accomplished to half-way between Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, and it was expected that the additional line would be finished by the middle of November. A report in the West Australian of 22 November 1895 informed readers "The business between Perth and Coolgardie upon the telegraph lines still continues a day and a half in arrears. The line between Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie has been completed and messages are being transmitted along it".
On 6 December 1895, The Inquirer published a reasonably direct article regarding the duplication of the telegraph line from York to Coolgardie:
"The duplication of the telegraph line has been completed from here as far as York (says a Coolgardie paper) but will not be of much use until the section from York to Perth is also finished.
In connection with this work, the crass idiocy of the Works Department may be illustrated. We, with many others, have had to severely criticise the P.M.G. at various times but, in this matter, he recommended the duplication of the line from Perth to Southern Cross first, which would have given Coolgardie a clear line all the way to Perth. The Works Department, however, ignored the recommendation and started from Hannan's, then constructed the middle and have now got the other end to complete.
It seems to be simply stupid that one department should have the power of controlling another, thus creating a system of bungling".
In January 1896, the Government arranged a contract for the extension of the Railway from Coolgardie to Kalgoorlie via Hannan's. The extension to Kalgoorlie was about 25 miles in length and the total cost was agreed to be a little over £19,000. The contract included a station at Hannan's which was expected to be as large a building as that at Coolgardie.
The other close location was Boulder. It developed later but again took a long time to be recognised despite its proximity to Kalgoorlie. The Kalgoorlie Miner of 20 January 1897 carried a letter from "A Visitor" to Kalgoorlie pointing out that "The line from Kalgoorlie to Menzies up to this has not compensated for the neglect. It is monstrous that there is now neither a school, a post office, a police station, a hospital nor a telegraph office at the Boulder".
For some, that neglect was overshadowed by gold. There was, for example, an unexpected strike made at the Great Boulder Perserverance Mine when the cap of a big reef showing free gold was exposed during the digging of the hole for a telegraph post!!!
The Western Australian Goldfields Courier noted on 7 March 1896 that "Mr. T. Davey, chief operator in the Coolgardie Telegraph Office, has just purchased 21 camels to be employed in the construction of the telegraph lines between Coolgardie and Dundas, the 25-Mile and Bardoc, and Menzies and Niagara. Mr. Hanley has charge of the first named work while Mr. Price controls the two others".
The only other telegraph-related construction work in the region was to connect new stations on or close to the existing line. Many of the larger mines were connected with their own telegraph station.
An additional perspective was provided by a small reference in the Coolgardie Miner of 28 February 1905: "The repeating station is being shifted in pieces from Coolgardie to Kalgoorlie and already it is possible to open up direct communication with Eucla".
A telegraph line was constructed from Kalgoorlie/Boulder to Kanowna (White Feather) in the late stages of 1894 - a distance of nearly 15 miles. A Post and Telegraph Office opened at Kanowna in January 1895. The Daily News of 12 December 1894 announced:
As soon as a further supply of material is received from England, a line will be constructed from Coolgardie to the Ninety-Mile but it is expected that it will be three months before this work can be put in hand. With these extensions of the wire, the business of the field will be very greatly facilitated".
The Inquirer of 3 January 1895 complemented this report:
"Following closely on the completion of the first telegraph line to Coolgardie came an extension to Kalgoorlie and thence to Kanowna, while surveys are now completed and the posts are being delivered for the extension of the service to I.O.U. and Kunalpi".
On 22 April 1896, the West Australian reported that "A contract has been let for laying out the material for the telegraph line between Coonalion25 Miles or later Kunanalling. and Bardoc, the contractor being H. Climie. The distance is about 37 miles. It is expected that the construction of the line will be commenced shortly".
About 15 April 1896, tenders were opened for the construction of the telegraph lines north from Kalgoorlie to the 20-Mile, Bardoc, Black Flag, Broad Arrow and thence to Menzies. Construction was completed in July 1896. CK 20 mile and order
6.2: To White Feather (Kanowna).
On 1 May 1894, the Daily News informed readers that "The Kanowna mine, near the White Feather is turning out satisfactorily. 60 ounces were specked on the surface".
Various newspapers noted in late November 1894 or so that "The telegraph line from Hannan's to the White Feather is well under way. The survey is finished, the poles are all ready and the clearing is completed. If the wire and insulators arrive from Perth in good time, it is expected that the line will be open for business in about a fortnight. It is intended to extend the line on to Kurnalpi and it is probable that the route will be by way of the I.O.U. ".
On 8 December 1894, the Western Argus reported on the establishment of the town at White Feather:
"The site of the new township is on the stony rises about three quarters of a mile from the town, and at present things are humming there, the whole being one scene of bustle and excitement. Buildings of a substantial nature are being erected; the sound of the carpenters hammers may be heard in every direction, and those not engaged in building are busy clearing their allotments by falling trees and burning off - the whole scene being almost magically transformed from one of trees and scrub to partially cleared street. In a short time, it is expected that the business places in the old township will be removed to the new or Government one. On the completion of the Telegraph line and Post office, to say nothing of the hotels for which licenses have been granted, the new town should become a real place to live. We wish the place and its inhabitants every success".
The Telegraph Office opened on 23 January 1895. Nevertheless there were reservations. The Western Mail of 26 January 1895 observed "the White Feather line will ... greatly add to the congestion of the Coolgardie and Perth line. One can only hope that Mr. Wittenoom's attention has been drawn to the deplorable state of the service and that something will be done".
6.3: To I. O. U. (Bulong) and Kurnalpi.
By late April 1894, the mines around Kurnalpi were producing encouraging results with gold being more generally found and a large number of miners were doing well.
On 7 December 1894, the Daily News reported "The telegraph line in now being extended to the White Feather, and will be opened shortly. It is also intended to continue the line to Kurnalpi, via the I.O.U. As soon as the material from England is available, the line will be run from Coolgardie to tho Ninety-mile".
In September 1895, the Gazette called for tender for three purposes:
- for clearing Telegraph Line between Kanowna (White Feather) and Boolong (I.O.U.);
- for the supply and delivery of Telegraph Poles from Kanowna (White Feather) to Boolong (I.O.U.);
- for the supply and delivery of Telegraph Poles from Boolong (I.O.U.) to Kurnalpi;
- for clearing Telegraph Line between Boolong (I.O.U.) to Kurnalpi.
In the following month, tenders were calledThe next advertisement in the Kalgoorlie Miner was:
MATRIMONIAL
Wanted two good
Looking Men with a view
to above.
Apply
Exchange Hotel. for the "ERECTION OF POST AND TELEGRAPH OFFICES at Menzies, Goongarrie, Boolong (I.O.U.) and Kurnalpi".
In January 1896, the constructing gang started erecting the telegraph wire from Kanowna north-east to Kurnalpi (Menzies Miner 18 January 1896).
On 8 January 1896 (!), the Coolgardie Pioneer reported "If the Government would survey a road direct from Kurnalpi to Edjudina, they would receive the thanks of the inhabitants of both places as having to travel 70 miles by present road instead of about 50 is anything but pleasant. In surveying this route the Government would be killing two birds with one stone as, in the near future, they will require a telegraph line from here to Edjudina, and the same line carried on would supply the wants of the Yerilla residents, to say nothing of the further extension of the line to Pindinni and the Margaret".
On 23 January 1896, the Daily News noted "Satisfactory progress is being made in the construction of new telegraph lines. It is anticipated that the line from I.O.U. to Kurnalpi will be completed within one month from now". The same outlet of the following day was less contented with progress: "The telegraph line (to I.O.U.) has been completed over a week, and great dissatisfaction is expressed that no arrangements have been made to open the line. The Government is likely to be asked to send an officer immediately". The thought must have crossed the minds of Messrs. Sholl and Wittenoom "Can't these rural people ever be happy with what we bestow upon them"!!!! On Friday 31 January 1896, a Telegraph Office was opened at I.O.U. (Bulong).
The telegraph line to Kurnalpi was completed on 8 February 1896.
The Kalgoorlie Miner of 22 August 1899 reported one of the first definite steps made to provide postal and telegraphic facilities at Fimiston - previously known as old Boulder because of the proximity:
"Yesterday afternoon a deputation consisting of Messrs H. A. Irwin, J. W. Fimister, T. Powell, and H. A. Judd, and Mr G. N. Dancker, of the Roads Board, waited upon Mr Innes, Inspector of Post and Telegraphs, who is here on a visit, with reference to the large petition recently sent down for the establishment of a Post Office at Fimiston (Old Boulder).
The secretary of the Board had previously driven around the Boulder district with Mr Innes and the visitor, after the drive, had a bird's eye view from the top of the Associated poppet legs. Mr. Irwin said that the necessity of a post office was undoubted, and more so a telegraph office. Great inconvenience was suffered by the principal mines of the district by reason of their having to send to the post offices for wires. At present the letters were bundled out into a box at the mercy of the general public. On account of the delay in wires for the company getting mixed up with these letters, he was inclined to stop receiving the letters altogether. This would mean that the men would have to go to Kalgoorlie or the Boulder for their mails.
Mr Fimister, as a large owner of property in the vicinity, strongly urged the necessity of postal convenience being provided so as to do away with the manner in which letters were dealt with at present. The business centre at Fimiston, where the large majority of the campers on leases congregated, was the most central point for the convenience of that part of the district.
Mr Innes interpolated, that a deal of objection was being shown by the representatives of the people of the Boulder. Mr Judd said he was convinced that the Boulder Block was the best position for the proposed Post Office. It was the business centre of that portion of the district, where the majority of the men obtained their supplies and where those who had not their families on the field usually boarded. He also dwelt upon the importance of a Telegraph Office being supplied to convenience the principal mines.
Mr. Dancker pointed out that, so far as Brown Hill was concerned, a large number in that vicinity had signed the large petition for an office to be opened at Fimiston. He thought it the most desirable place. Mr. Powell urged the necessity of some arrangement being come to.
Mr Innes, in reply, said he was perfectly convinced the department would be justified in providing an office, but the deputation had to contend against adverse Boulder influence. He would recommend that postal facilities be provided and, if the deputation would arrange to supply a suitable piece of land, he had no doubt the request would be complied with".
A Telegraph Office opened at Fimiston on 1 January 1902.
7. From Coolgardie south through Norseman and Dundas.
| This map extends through 25 Mile to Goongarrie (90 Mile) and Menzies. | This map extends east along the inter-colonial telegraph line to:
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This map extends from Coolgardie west to Southern Cross and then across the Wheatbelt. |
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Soon after the discovery of gold in the area to the south of Coolgardie/Kalgoorlie, The West Australian of 4 January 1894 commented as follows:
"The report of the Dundas field must be pleasing to everyone who reads it. "Mining Engineer" estimates that, with the natural advantages which the field possesses, seven pennyweights of gold to the ton would pay handsomely. But there is also evidence that the percentage of the gold distributed through the stone is much better than that. When we hear that 120 pounds of stone have been crushed by hand for a yield of 240 ounces and that the gold so obtained is almost quite pure and fetches about £4 per ounce, it is difficult to conclude otherwise than that much of the field would be found richly profitable if worked by suitable appliances. In our correspondent's opinion, the tract of country in and round Dundas is gold bearing, and, as he puts it, the whole country between Dundas and Coolgardie to the north-east will be found to be one of the richest auriferous and metalliferous fields in the Australasian colonies or even the British dominions in any country.
"The same correspondent urged upon the Government the propriety of opening up a good road, well supplied with water, between some point on the southern coast and Coolgardie via Dundas Hills. Some such road will have to be made in the interest of the goldfield, the colony,and the miners ... no doubt will remain in the minds of any that no delay should be permitted in pushing forward the construction of the telegraph lines to both Coolgardie and the Murchison with all vigour, and any steps which can be taken to hasten forward the earlier completion of the contracts already let for the construction of these lines should be adopted".
Following the establishment of the Dundas Goldfield, requests began to be made to extend a line of telegraph south from Coolgardie. A Telegraph Office had been established at Esperance in 1876 to serve as a Repeater Station for the WA - SA inter-colonial telegraph line. As an example of the requests made, the West Australian for 5 January 1895, summarised some of the arguments a deputation used to make the case to the Minister of Mines as follows:
"Now that the mining industry at Dundas and the Norseman has reached large and flourishing proportions with every prospect of future growth, your deputationists are of the opinion that the time has arrived for the erection of a telegraph line.
It is needless for us to point out how much the telegraph has tended to encourage the mining enterprise in other parts of the Colony and we look for precisely the same results in our own great and growing district as have followed elsewhere on the provision of this convenience and absolute necessity. That our mines are rich and permanent and that the district is a widely auriferous one, practical miners and geological authorities, as well as those representing large English interests who have purchased or are purchasing mines, are convinced and therefore we cannot think that you will regard our request for a telegraph line from Esperance to Dundas, extending to the Norseman, as premature or unreasonable.
In view of the rapid increase of settlement in and around the Norseman, your deputationists would point out the desirability of laying out a townsite there with as little delay as possible. This would prove a gain to the colony through the revenue and a great advantage to those who are contemplating taking up their permanent abode in the locality - of whom there are many".
The then Minister of Mines and Education - Mr. Wittenoom - also raised, in January 1895, the possibility of a telegraph line being constructed from Coolgardie to Esperance. Indeed it was one of three considerations in the planning of a duplicate Western Australia from Eucla to Perth or Albany.
A follow-up deputation to the Minister of Mines on 21 January 1895 emphasised the need for a telegraph line in the following way:
"Obviously a telegraph line, if it is to be of the greatest use, should be an extension of the Coolgardie wire through the Norseman and Dundas to Esperance or it might be to Eyre. Such a line would not only bring the Dundas field into communication with the rest of the colony, and thus encourage the development proceeding everywhere, but it would also largely relieve the congestion of work which now causes so much delay in connection with the Coolgardie line.
Telegrams from the Eastern colonies to Coolgardie could be conveyed either by the present route or through Esperance or Eyre to Coolgardie via Dundas. It would otherwise divert much of the ever-increasing traffic which is offering a problem the Telegraph and Postal Department will have to devote its highest intelligence and best energies to speedily solving. The line would be yet another link between two separate sections of the goldfields and might in time - and most probably would - be continued through to the Murchison. As to the increase in the accommodation and general facilities at Esperance Bay itself, one of the through stations on the overland telegraph line, these are obviously necessary at the present time, both as a matter of public convenience and of fairness to the officials whose position at best is not a particularly enviable one".
Further support: The W.A. Record of 3 August 1895 published statistics strongly supporting the construction of a line from Coolgardie to Eucla via Dundas:
"The growth of the Telegraph Department's business is well illustrated by the fact that 1,071 messages passed through the Eucla office, and 1,169 through the Coolgardie office on Monday. On that date, the duplex system was inaugurated at each of the stations named. In the former place, work was begun at 8 a.m. and maintained through the day and night until 2 o'clock next morning. In the latter from 9 a.m. until 3 o'clock next morning. No further proof is wanted that the line from Coolgardie to Eucla has become an absolute necessity".
The approximate length of the telegraph line from Coolgardie to Eucla was 500 miles.
Preparations for line construction.
To construct this line, the Minister of Public Works Mr. Venn commissioned Mr. Allan Raeside who had performed at an exceptionally high level in managing such works as the road from Southern Cross to Coolgardie, dams around Coolgardie and the stock route between the Murchison and Coolgardie. He was to pioneer the telegraph route to Coolgardie from Esperance. In advance of taking up that task, he took a holiday at Esperance, where he died in February 1895 - on the anniversary of the death of his favourite son.
The survey party for the telegraph line from Coolgardie to Dundas commenced work in October 1895. The route was to be from Coolgardie to the Londonderry to "Widgiemooltha" then to the Norseman and Dundas with a meeting with the SA - WA first line at Esperance.
The necessity for the line to connect to Esperance is also emphasised by the impact at that place from the Norseman-Dundas fields - see Esperance.
The Esperance Chronicle of 3 January 1896 reported:
"A letter has been received from the Under Secretary, by Mr. T. Edwards. Chairman of the Municipality, stating that the erection of a telegraph line from Coolgardie to Norseman and Dundas was being proceeded with and that this would place Esperance in telegraphic communication with these places.
This arrangement will not obviate the present tantalising system of two hours per day for telegraphing. According to reports, there is sufficient business with this Colony to keep the present line and the new one engaged on intercontinental work alone. Consequently Esperance, with its daily increasing business, will stand a poor show of being in constant communication with the Norseman and Coolgardie.
It has been proved that a direct line to Norseman will pay expenses in six months and, as a surveyor is about to prospect for a new road, efforts should be made to get the Government to instruct him to lay the pegs for a telegraph line. The "round the corner" system of having to wire via Eyre will not decrease the telegraphic inconveniences of Esperance.
Three months ago we had a mid-day delivery and dispatch of telegrams - a much better system than the one in vogue but, under the contemplated arrangement, Esperance will not benefit in telegraphic facilities".
Construction started about 5 March 1896.
By mid-March 1896, the telegraph wires had been erected to a distance of 25 miles from Coolgardie on the line to Norseman. As erection continued, the team awaited instructions to construct and build a Telegraph Office at Londonderry.
A Post and Telegraph Office was opened at Londonderry (just south of Coolgardie) on 2 May 1896.
A little further to the south, Widgiemooltha (or one of the various alternative spellings) "embraces a range of hills on the western shore of Lake Lefoy - about fifty-six miles from Norseman and fifty miles from Coolgardie. The track between, these places, with the exception of a few miles, is an excellent one, and water is obtainable at easy stages" (Norseman Pioneer 8 August 1896). The township was gazetted in 1897. It was the home of the Golden Eagle nugget found in 1931 by Jim Larcombe. The nugget weighed 1,136 ozs (32.2 kg) and was the largest nugget ever found to that time in the Australian goldfields. It measured 675 mm × 290 mm × 64 mm.
On 14 March 1896, the Norseman Esperance Guardian reported: "Our special cyclist reports the wires hung up to within nine miles of Widgemoola, and the officer in charge is pushing matters as fast as possible".
Widgiemooltha was yet another patient township awaiting a boon from the Government. But "great indignation was felt by the residents of Widgemoola at the long-continued delay in opening up telegraphic communication between that place and the outer world. The name of Sholl is never heard in the roads and by-ways of the Arcadian village without numerous additions in the way of profanity. The telegraph line to Norseman passes within half a mile of Wijimoola and the Progress Committee have, for come time past, been trying to perforate the substantial cranium of the P.M.G. with the theory that the expenditure of the price of half a mile of wire to relieve the wants of some 600 or 700 people would not be throwing money away recklessly. Wijimoola, however, is several degrees of longitude too far east, and must therefore bide—not its own time—-but the time of the powers that be". Another report noted there were over 100 leases and a population of over 500 on the field at Widgiemooltha.
On 24 July 1896, a newly formed Progress Committee at Widgemooltha instructed their Secretary to communicate with the Postmaster-General with a view of having telegraphic communication established. It was pointed out, as the wire now passed our very doors and, as there were over 100 leases and a population of nearly 500 on the field, surely the powers that be could find no reasonable excuse for giving the residents means of communication with the outer world.
A Post & Telegraph Office was opened on the Coolgardie-Dundas line at Widgemooltha on 18 October 1896.
The Norseman Esperance Guardian of 25 January 1896 expressed ideas which were based on information of dubious validity. At that stage, it was still reporting that the telegraph line from Coolgardie would probably reach Norseman by early February!! In addition, the newspaper reported that the Progress Association advocated for the "erection of suitable premises for a Telegraph Station" and urged the Government to make provision for a Post combined with a Telegraph Office on land which had already been reserved. Not going to happen!!
On 8 February 1896, the Norseman Esperance Guardian reported "The men engaged in clearing the track for the telegraph line felled the last tree on the track to Norseman in Prinsep Street, near Appelroth and McDonald's Aerated ater Factory, on Thursday last. Mr. Leech, the officer in charge, arrived from Dundas at same time. Mr. O'Loughlin is the ganger, and he has a fine set of men under him. The clearing was commenced at Coolgardie on November 5, and was finished to the Norseman on February 7, thus doing the work in 94 days. When the difficult nature of the work and the long stages—in one instance 70 miles— without water, is considered the men must have done their work well. It was a ceaseless move all the time with no time to fix camp, and the only dwelling at night was the 'Star Hotel' as Mr. O'Loughlin called the canopy of heaven. There are two hole diggers and five axe men in the gang, and the manner in which they use them would put the best American axemen on their metal. Messrs Appleroth and McDonald, and Messra Krakour Bros, supplied refreshments to the men after the last tree had fallen. Afterwards the men were entertained by Mr. F. W. Leech, the officer in charge. It is not yet known when the work of construction will be commenced; but as everything is ready, we presume no loss of time will occur in getting on with the work".
When line construction started from Coolgardie about 5 March, it was anticipated that the telegraph line would reach Norseman in about six weeks. On 13 April 1896, the line was within 35 miles of Norseman. Unfortunately further work was placed in abeyance because of the lack of insulators.
"The construction of the telegraph line between Coolgardie and Dundas — the first section of the new overland line — has been completed for 90 miles from Coolgardie or within about 25 miles Norseman to Dundas was
about 14 miles (24 kms). from Dundas. It is expected that the line will reach the Norseman in about a week and Dundas in about a fortnight.Instruments for the telegraph station to be opened at Norseman have just been despatched via Coolgardie. As soon as the line reaches Norseman, the residents will be able to avail themselves of the privileges of telegraphic communication without having to wait for the formal opening of the office because the constructing party has with it field instruments which will be temporarily used for ordinary business"
(Golden Age 1 May 1896).
The Esperance Chronicle of 8 May 1896 anticipated the situation which would exist when the telegraph line was completed:
"The long-expected telegraph communication is at last within range of Norseman and is to be established within a week. The Post Office, which is at present in Flanagan's Hotel, is to be removed, to the long room in Krakouer's Hotel more accommodation being required with the advent of the telegraph".
That line was completed on Wednesday 6 May 1896 and communication back to Coolgardie was established immediately. The Post & Telegraph Office opened the following day (in the Hotel).
The Norseman Pioneer, on the following Saturday 9 May 1896, reported the exciting events leading up to the completion as follows:
"During the past few days, the interest in the completion of this work has been on the increase, and we do not exaggerate public feeling when we assert that, next to the railway, this is the most important event that could occur in Norseman.
As the rumour got abroad that the line would be in Norseman on Wednesday, the anxiety of the leading men became apparent. Soon after breakfast anxious eyes scanned the mile or so of avenue cleared for the telegraph line, which is a continuation of Prinsep Street. Soon after 10 o'clock the first post erected past the angle towards Dundas could be seen; shortly afterwards others appeared; then a long line and finally, with a vigorous termination to a day's hard work, the gallant workmen erected the first post within the town boundary.
By this time a small crowd of onlookers had assembled at the new Post and Telegraph office which had been got ready by the Warden's orders. The wirers were by this time close up, and at three o'clock everything was ready for speaking Coolgardie. When Mr Bernard Giles, the travelling operator, arranged a neat little field instrument on a box — surrounded by a crowd of eager spectators — an intensely interesting picture might have been made. Unfortunately our local photographer was out of town.
Towards five o'clock, the first connection was made, and Mr Giles received instructions to commence business as soon as he was ready and to act until the arrival of the permanent operator. The first public messages sent through were signed by Mr Warden Hicks and the Chairman of the Municipal Council.
[Telegrams sent and replies received:
- His Excellency the Governor, Sir Gerard Smith, K.C.M.G., Government House, Perth.;
- Sir John Forrest, K.C.M.G., Premier, Perth.
- S. A. Sholl, Esq., Postmaster-General, Perth.
- Sir Charles Todd, C.M.G., Postmaster-General, Adelaide]
The construction of the line to Norseman has been done by 20 men — erecting the posts, fixing two insulators on each, stretching two wires, and completing everything at the rate of three miles a day. We congratulate Mr P. P. Hanley (the officer in charge). Mr Bernard Giles (the operator). Mr John Willis (the overseer), and the splendid set of men under them, on the substantial and satisfactory manner in which the work has been finished. With such real good fellows about, the construction of the duplicate line to Adelaide will be a matter of very short time".
The Esperance Chronicle of 15 May 1896 reported the opening (in the previous week) as follows:
"The telegraph line was opened to-day for public work. The operating table is just a meat cart in the middle of the street.
Everybody can if they like read everybody else's message.
The Chairman of the Municipality, Mr. Austin, sent the first congratulations to the Warden, then the Bank then Mr. Mackay of Esperance.
Things were quiet for such an important event".
In January 1895, a deputation from Dundas had met with Mr. Wittenoom "to place before him certain wants of the field, more particularly with regard to increased facilities for postal and telegraphic communication and increasing the water supply".
On 2 March 1895, the Coolgardie Miner noted that "The population of Dundas and surrounding districts is increasing rapidly, the majority of the arrivals being by way of Esperance. I think I will be quite safe in prophesying that in two months time the district will be augmented with an addition of twice the number of its present population. The powers that be are doing their best to meet this altered state of affairs and, in a few weeks, Dundas will be placed in telegraphic communication with the outside world".
On 17 April 1896, the Golden Age reported "The Londonderry-Dundas telegraph line has been completed for 94 miles. The balance of 21 miles will be finished about a week hence".
The Dundas Post & Telegraph Office opened on 3 June 1896 - the day after the telegraph line had been connected. The Western Mail of 5 June reported:
"The telegraph line has now been extended to Dundas and a Post & Telegraph Office was established at that place on Tuesday. The Coolgardie-Dundas telegraph line carries two wires, one of which will comprise the local section of the new inter-colonial line while the other will be devoted to local business.
Only one wire has, however, up to the present been completed for the whole distance. It was at one time contemplated to continue the line right through from Coolgardie to Esperance, but it is not now intended to complete the unbridged section between Dundas and Esperance unless the business which would be sent over that section, were the line in existence should prove to be so great as to inconvenience the lines on the roundabout route".
That decision therefore prevented the formation of an alternative route should a break occur on the Dundas - Ponton - Eyre section.
Unfortunately disaster struck and on 19 May 1898, the Dundas Post & Telegraph Office was destroyed by fire.
Eyre had been part of the original 1877 line.
Assistance from the telegraph line in extreme times.
Telegraph lines were sometimes viewed as being places where those treking in the harsh conditions might be able to find assistance. The success rate for this anticipation does however appear to have been low. Two stories of many illustrate the context:
Incident 1: On 6 November 1896, the Perth Inquirer reported the following story:
"Lost in the Desert.
Yesterday the Postmaster-General (Mr. R. A. Sholl) received a report from Widgemooltha, a telegraph station midway between Coolgardie and Dundas, stating that the telegraph line 14 miles south of that place had been cut. On reaching the spot indicated, one of the linesmen found a man lying on the ground in a very exhausted condition. After the unfortunate fellow had revived a little, he informed the telegraph official that he had been lost but, after wandering about for some time, he had luckily struck the telegraph line and, after many attempts, had managed to climb the post and cut the wires in order to secure relief".
Incident 2: On 28 January 1897, the West Australian reported the following:
"In connection with the interruption in the telegraphic communication between Coolgardie and Dundas, Mr. E. W. Snook, the Superintendent of Telegraphs, reported yesterday to the Postmaster General (Mr. B. A. Sholl) as follows:
"The man from Dundas went 37 miles and then his camel knocked up. He returned to the station during the night. Left again on the 23rd with another camel and returned yesterday to Dundas. He reported that the wire was cut and post dug up 15 miles out, apparently by a man in trouble, who had scratched his name on the ground, resembling a J. F. Tongan, please come quickly.' Linesman traced him by broad arrows drawn on the ground, for about a mile towards Fraser's Range, where he lost the trail. The police of Norseman have been informed.
The man from Balladonia found the wire cut 54 miles out. Presumed it was done by a swagman who left Balladonia a few days before this. As there are only 20 miles between the two cuts it is probable that they are the work of one man."
As already noted above, the Western Mail of 5 June reported "Only one wire has, however, up to the present been completed for the whole distance (to Esperance). It was at one time contemplated to continue the line right through from Coolgardie to Esperance, but it is not now intended to complete the unbridged section between Dundas and Esperance unless the business which would be sent over that section, were the line in existence should prove to be so great as to inconvenience the lines on the roundabout route".
A sign of the times was recorded in the W. A. Record of 20 February 1897, p. 13, column 3 - an amazing racist and xenophobic comment. With history, we must take the good with the bad and not edit what has happened so as to fit in with the terms of our present attitudes. History allows us to learn from past experiences.