Western Australia: 1869-1900.
Telegraph lines through the Wheatbelt Region.

The Wheatbelt Region is defined for this website as describing the construction of telegraph lines extending:

The following aspects are discussed on this page:

      1. the line east from Perth to York;
      2. the line south from York to Wagin and Albury along the Great Southen Rail line.
        For the other telegraph line to Albury involving part of the Wheatbelt, see the Perth to Albany Mail Road via Williams River and Kojunup;.
        2.1: York to Beverley.
        2.2: Beverley to Albany.
        2.3: Pingelly to Albany.
      3. the line to the East - from York to Southern Cross (Yilgarn).
        3.1: The Goldfields line from Southern Cross to Coolgardie.
      4. the inland line north from Newcastle via New Norcia to Geraldton;
      5. the westerly line north from Guildford via Gingin;
This map extends to the Mid-West region.  
This map extends to the Goldfields region.
This map extends to the Southern region.  

1. The line east from Perth to York.

The Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company had responsibility for constructing the 100 mile line from Perth to York . With significant encouragement from Governor Weld, the Legislative Council, in May 1870, passed a resolution authorising additional line construction. Two lines given priority were, at least in part, in the Wheatbelt region:

  1. an Eastern line from Perth via Guilford, NewcastleNewcastle became Toodyay in 1910. and Northam to York;
    York had been the first inland town established when the first expedition over the Darling Range had revealed the rich agricultural and sheep grazing lands;
    Newcastle had a gaol - which had been completed in 1864.
  1. a Southern Districts line from Perth to Albany via Williams River - opened in December 1872.

The hopes for the new Telegraph Company were so high amongst some people, that suggestions were raised - before any construction planning had really taken place - of the need for a telegraph line to York in addition to that contemplated to Fremantle. A Letter to the Editor of the Inquirer of 1 July 1868, asked:

"In your issue of the 17th inst. I observed, with much pleasure, the prospectus of a Telegraph Company between Perth and Fremantle. There can be no question as to the advantages to be derived by the merchants and others residing in the Metropolis and Port.

But I should like to know the reason why the line should not be extended to York at once. The growing importance of the Eastern districts is of itself a sufficient guarantee to the promoters for extending their operations to this quarter. Should the Directors adopt my suggestions, I for one will undertake to take shares and I believe that I am only echoing the wishes of the whole of the inhabitants of this district.
Your obedient servant,
YORKITE.

 

1.1: To Guilford.

Guilford had been an important destination for the mail. Contracted mail services - on horseback or using spring-carts - made three trips between Perth and Guilford each week in the 1840s. After that, the mail service was extended from Guilford to York via Newcastle and Northam.

One of the first reports of the construction activity was published in the Perth Gazette of 24 February 1871: "The Contractor for the erection of the posts along the lines of this company is doing his work both rapidly and satisfactorily. On the Guildford Road, the posts are up as far as Depot Hill, more than half way to Guildford and the holes are sunk ready for the remainder all the way".

On 8 December 1871, the Perth Gazette reported :

"The remaining portion of the plant necessary for completing telegraphic communication throughout nearly the whole of the colony - at all events between the principal centres of population - and consisting of wire, insulators and all the other material requisite for the purpose, arrived here by the Palestine under a consignment to the Electro-Magnetic Company. As immediate steps are, as we are given to understand, to be adopted for the commencing of actual operations, we hope that, ere long, we shall see some of the unemployed hard at work on the undertaking and a little life and activity thus instilled into the labour market".

The transit of the Palestine had taken much longer than had been anticipated. That delay in turn set back starting times for construction. Neverthess, much was in readiness on some lines when the Palestine did arrive.

The Inquirer of 3 January 1872 was able to report on activities about two weeks after the arrival of the Palestine: "Telegraphic communication was opened between Perth and Guilford on Saturday, the 23rd December 1871. This is the first link in the electric chain which is to connect the principal outlying districts of the colony with the metropolis of Perth and the port of Fremantle. The event is an important one in the history of the colony if only on account of its utility; for, like most other contrivances for the abridgement of time, the electric telegraph unites, in the effect which it produces, the elements of social and commercial improvement".

The Annual Report of the Company gave the opening date of the line to Guilford as 26 December 1871 while some press reports gave the date as 23rd December.

 

1.2: Guilford to Newcastle (Toodyay).

In an early review of the needs for extending the line to the east, "Mr. Fleming, the electrician to the new Telegraph Company, and Mr. W. H. Knight on the part of the Post Office Department, are here for the purpose of making the necessary preliminary arrangements for the extension of telegraphic communication between Newcastle and the Metropolis. An attempt to render the affair one of public interest by celebrating the laying down of the first post by a public dinner, proved abortive" (Fremantle Herald 18 March 1871).

The Fremantle Herald of 6 January 1872 noted that "Mr. J. Fleming was busily engaged in completing the extension of the telegraph line wires to Newcastle and the Eastern districts". A week later, the same newspaper updated their news with "The Telegraph wires, already complete to Newcastle are, under the direction of Mr. J. Fleming, being further extended to Northam and York". The first signal was apparently received in Newcastle on 16 January.

This line to Newcastle had been reasonably easy to construct because it passed between the higher sections of the Darling Range to the north-east of Perth. It also formed a good starting point:

The Annual Report of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company gave the date for the opening of telegraphic communication with Newcastle as 6 January 1872.

 

1.3: Newcastle (Toodyay) to Northam.

Work proceeded concurrently in the various sections. On 1 March 1871, the Perth Inquirer noted "The contractors for supplying and erecting the telegraph posts between Northam and Newcastle are busy at work. The whole of the posts are erected on the Guildford line and upwards of twelve miles have been completed on the Albany section".

The Ides of MarchThe first full moon in March which was about 13-15 March. The time once signified the beginning of the new year and so it was a time for great celebrations. brought great celebrations to this general area. On Wednesday 15 March 1871, the Inquirer updated its report on progress:

"We have had a visit from Mr. Fleming, the active Agent of the Telegraph Company. This gentleman has been occupied in laying down pegs along the line of road, as guides for the Telegraph posts which are now being prepared, and may shortly be expected to be erected.

He reached Newcastle on Thursday, 7th instant and, on the following day, proceeded to Northam. Mr. Fleming calculates that in about four months from the present time, telegraphic communication will be established with these districts. I understand that the setting of the first post is to be the occasion of a 'spread' at Findell's Hotel, at which Mr. Fleming is expected to be present. This will take place, I believe, some day next week. A similar ceremony will, no doubt, be enacted at Northam, as our worthy neighbours are always ready to come forward upon any public occasion having for its object the settlers' good".

On 30 March 1871, the Fremantle Herald noted: "On Saturday the 18th inst., the little village of Northam was visited by Mr. James Fleming and preparations made for bringing it within the pale of telegraphic communication. As usual Mine Host of the Bridge Hotel, Mr. Thomas Wilding, contractor for the supply of posts, was at his post and the first of the series connecting Northam with Perth was laid, and amidst cheering and flasks of Sparkling Möëts best brand. Afterwards Mine Host entertained a number of friends to a substantial dinner".

There was then a slowdown in activity while awaiting the arrival of the Palestine. But soon after its arrival, the Perth Gazette of 19 January 1872 summarised as follows:

"On Saturday, the 6th instant, telegraphic communication was completed as far as Newcastle and on Thursday, the 11th instant, it reached Northam. The first signal was received in Newcastle on Tuesday last, the 16th instant. Judging from the succession of telegrams which have thus far passed between these portions of the Eastern Districts, this great boon is fully appreciated. Advantage has already been taken of it in more than one instance, whereby a considerable saving of time and expense has been effected.

At different places along the lines, some of the posts are already out of the perpendicular, arising from the strain upon them when the wires were being tightened and from the ground having become loose from the recent heavy falls of rain. These little matters can easily be rectified by Mr. Fleming. Meanwhile I do not know that communication is in any way impeded on these accounts". 

Indeed, after completing his activities in York, Mr. Fleming returned to his headquarters - and as he passed (it is reported) he did straighten the posts which had been pulled askew.

The Annual Report of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company also gave the date for opening telegraphic communication with Northam as 11 January 1872.

 

1.4: Northam to York

The Inquirer of 22 March 1872 reported that:

"On Tuesday, 14th instant, a novel but most interesting event took place here (York) — that of the erection of the first telegraph post (in the township), close by the Post Office. The contractor for the York section of the Telegraph, Mr. T. Wilding of Northam, has been actively engaged during the last three or four weeks distributing sawn telegraph posts along the road; but it was not known in York before Monday, that the first post erected would be at our Post Office.

Mr. Wilding's party arrived on Monday afternoon with the posts prepared for the town and accompanied by the Superintendent, Mr. Fleming. It was quickly decided the erection of the first post in York should be a public ceremony. For the convenience of the players in the York and Beverley Cricket Match, the time was fixed for the close of the first innings and, about one o'clock a goodly number of spectators had collected. The post being placed in position and the first earth being thrown in by Mr. Cowan and Mr. J. H. Monger, it was firmly fixed and a flag hoisted, amidst great cheering.

Our worthy Resident then, in a neat speech, congratulated those around him on the occasion referring to what York was twenty years ago when he first arrived, viz., a few scanty dwellings, compared its present state with the past, and alluding to the future, expressed a hearty wish that before another twenty years passed over, York would be a large flourishing town with its Railway communication, manufactories, etc. He was assured the present undertaking was a step in the right direction and would be of great importance to the community and the colony, especially so, when the ulterior object of communication with the neighboring colonies was carried out. Success to the Telegraph was then drunk in a plentiful supply of champagne and the Resident called for three cheers for Mr. Fleming, the persevering projector of the undertaking, which was heartily responded to. Success to the contractor being proposed, Mr. Wilding expressed his determination to do his work expeditiously and faithfully, and the National Anthem having been played, the company separated, highly pleased with the whole proceedings".

The Annual Report of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company gave the date for opening telegraphic communcation with York as 17 January 1872. On the previous day, the telegraph was open but nothing more than signals could be passed between Northam and York.

 

1.5: Opening of the Guilford to York line.

To reflect the importance of the telegraph line to the people east of Perth, the Perth Gazette of 10 November 1871 included the ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOODYAY, NORTHAM, AND VICTORIA PLAINS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY in which the Society noted "The establishment of telegraphic communication in these districts will doubtless in time be of great service in saving settlers the inconvenience of long and expensive trips to Perth and Fremantle. As the system will be in operation before the close of the present year, its utility will shortly be tested. Your Committee anticipates success for the undertaking".

On 17 January 1872, the Perth Inquirer noted: "The Eastern line, comprising Guildford, Newcastle, Northam and York is open and the work will be finally completed in about a fortnight's time, when the wiring party will commence work on the Southern line. The rate of progress has been thirty miles per week, with a party of eighteen men. Much credit is due to the Chairman of the Company Mr. Carr and to the Secretary Mr. Hillman for the interest they manifest in the work - more especially as we hear that few of the directors exhibit any at all".

On 31 January 1872 the Perth Inquirer followed up their praise of a fortnight earlier by paying further tributes to the accomplishments:

"It is very encouraging and gratifying to us to be able to report the continued success of the construction of the inland telegraph and we cannot help congratulating those through whose untiring energy the work is being carried out.

When the extension of the telegraph into the inland districts, and through to Albany, on the one hand, and to Champion Bay on the other, was first projected, there were not wanting those who were disposed to prophesy a speedy but complete failure of the undertaking, alleging as their reasons that the nature of the country to be traversed by the aerial lines was, in many places, not only such as would certainly dishearten the most energetic contractor, but also presented physical difficulties which the concentrated wisdom of the directors of the undertaking and of the Superintendent would fail to overcome. But, up to the present date, no insuperable obstacle has prevented the accomplishing of the work. Directors, Superintendent and workmen are putting their shoulder to the wheel and vigorously prosecuting their respective duties, and all who have the interest of the colony at heart will unite with us in wishing a speedy and successful accomplishment of their arduous undertaking.

The eastern line, embracing Guildford, Newcastle, Northam and York, is now open for communication and the wiring party have just commenced work to Narrogin and on the Southern line via Pinjarrah to Bunbury".

The distance from Perth to York was about 100 miles yet it required 18 hours to convey the mails between the two towns. The telegraph certainly was a boon.


2. The line from York to Wagin and Albany along the Great Southern Rail line.

2.1: The line south from York to Beverley.

Expenditure could be authorised by the Governor under certain circumstances. The Inquirer of 13 September 1876 reported "As regards the proposed extension of telegraphic communication from York to Beverley, the Government will at once call for tenders for the construction of this work and, should it be decided to proceed with it, the Governor will accept your resolution as your authority for the expenditure of the necessary amount, not exceeding £1,000".

Seven months later, The Inquirer published a piece on 25 April 1877, with a dateline of 16 April, noting

"We felt very much obliged for the advocacy of the Inquirer last year in reference to the connection of this important district with the telegraph system of the colony. Some little stir followed, resulting in our esteemed member (Mr. J. T. Monger) asking for and obtaining an amount sufficient to construct the line from here (Beverley) to York. The Government, I say, placed the amount on the Estimates and the Legislature passed the vote - and there, as far as we know, the matter rests. Eight months have slipped by and not a single effort has been made to do the work — not a pole cut or erected, nor has the line been examined or reported upon.

I well remember the fuss that was made when the Newcastle, Northam and York line was projected. Months before the work was commenced, Mr. Superintendent Fleming was scampering over the country far and wide to ascertain the approximate cost of the poling, the clearing of the line, etc., and consulting with people who would probably be the contractors for the work. Not so with this little Beverley line of which, I say, we have heard nothing more than that the work is to be done.

What, may I ask, is the Superintendent about, presuming that he is the person to prepare the usual estimates, as in the case of other lines, and make the report to the department from which thereupon tenders are notified? I suppose that department is the Public Works Department and, from what little I know and have seen of the active and able Director (Mr. J. H. Thomas), I am satisfied that once the matter comes into his hands he will allow no time to be lost in getting the line under way.

We cannot believe that all this delay was for one moment contemplated. The financial year is drawing in and my fear is that a further delay may result in the amount voted going to swell up the balance in hand which the Government will only be too glad to flourish at the next sittings of the Legislative Council. Anyhow we await the formation of the line with anxiety, for we naturally feel that we have been slighted, if not snubbed, over this matter and, whoever subordinate in authority has shown us this unexplained neglect, should be brought to book for it. We have abundance of timber of a kind for the poles and there is plenty of rough labor knocking about, so that I apprehend the line could be both inexpensively and rapidly constructed. A meeting of the Beverley Agricultural Society is convened to be held on the 8th of next month - the programme of which, I hear, if it is not so lengthy, is more important than many programmes have been, and 'tis hoped there will be a good muster of members, for it will then be most opportune to broach this subject of the telegraph and decide upon further action in reference to it?".

At the meeting of the Beverley Agricultural Society a few days later, on 21 April 1875 at the Settlers Arms, one motion which was passed was "that the Secretary be instructed to write to the Colonial Secretary, requesting the extension of the telegraph to Beverley. Seconded by Mr. W. Smith and carried". At the following meeting on 8 May, the Secretary was requested "to communicate with the Government, respecting the extension of telegraph communication between the towns of York and Beverley, and to ascertain whether any tenders have been received for the construction of such line, and further why such work has not been forwarded, and the cause of such delay". The stars aligned immediately - tenders were called in early May for "the construction of a line of Telegraph from Yprk to Beverley". Si it appears as if the "boon was (almost) granted" because in the House , on 24 August 1876 "Mr. Monger moved that a humble address be presented to His Excellency the Governor praying that he will be pleased to place a sum on the Estimates sufficient to extend telegraph communication from York to Beverley. Mr. Parker supported the motion, which met with no opposition; but at the suggestion of an hon. member, it was withdrawn pending the consideration of the Estimates in committee". Tenders were again called in the following month (September 1876).

The Western Australian Times of 11 May 1877 noted that "We are becoming anxious to know when the telegraph wire is to reach Beverley. What is the use of the Council voting the money, if the government won't spend it?". Some positive news was published by the same source on 22 May 1877: "The settlers here, on the principle of better late than never, are glad to hear that tenders have been invited at last for the extension of the telegraph to Beverley. It is to be hoped that the same delay will not take place in the erection of the line as has taken place in calling for tenders". There probably was some delay because tenders were again called in June 1877 - closing on 5 July.

Telegraphic communication was established with Beverley from York on 6 December 1877 with the first message being transmitted at 7:00 pm. Unfortunately there was no Telegraph Office at Beverley for some time. Nevertheless, on 25 May 1878, the York Eastern Districts Chronicle noted

"Some two years ago it was mooted to ask the Legislative Council to vote a sum of money to erect a Telegraph line to this town. The matter was then thought so little of that it was shelved. At the following Annual Meeting of the Agricultural Society, the question was again discussed and further application made. The result was that our claim was recognized, hence the erection of the line.

The question has often been asked whether it pays, but whether it does or does not, I assure you, it is an acknowledged boon to the settlers and they are well satisfied with its completion and the manner in which the work has been carried out. The offices are completed and I think all that have seen the work are well pleased. I must not omit to mention that the contractor, Mr. Tomkinson, deserves great credit for the way in which he has performed the contract. It is to be hoped there will be more contracts in our little town, as they seem to keep matters stirring".
(Ed: It would appear progress over the three years - in relation to the telegraph at least - could be rated as slow).

In 1881, a railway line was constructed between Fremantle and Guilford. The line was extended in 1884 through Newcastle and Northam to reach Beverley and continued to the south a short time later.

 

2.2: The line from Beverley to Albany (Great Southern Railway).

Extension of the telegraph lines south from Beverley for the few years after 1877 would be described by some as slow - while others might instead use the description non-existent.

Construction of the railway line between Beverley and Albany began in October 1886 - nine years after the telegraph line had been constructed to Beverley. There was therefore a great opportunity to duplicate the Perth to Albany telegraph line by linking with the railway line.

Meanwhile, Anthony Hordern of Sydney won the contract to bring the line north from Albany to Beverley starting in January 1889. The two lines finally linked at Katanning only five months later. Most of the towns who missed the railway line by (say) 5-15 miles began to decline. Towns along the railway line "were rewarded for their good fortune" with Telegraph Offices -- as well as being declared. These towns included Wagin, Narrogin, Pingelly and Mount Barker. As Katanning was the meeting point of the north and south railway lines, it rapidly rose in importance.

The Western Australian Government Railways took over that line in 1896. The five telegraph stations listed in the Wheatbelt map above from Beverley to Wagin were all stations on the Great Southern Railway line.

After a pause of about five years in the construction in this area of the Colony, the telegraph lines began to be extended to the south in the Wheatbelt region. From York, they essentially followed the Great Southern Railway line.

The telegraph line from Beverley to Albany was constructed concurrently with the Southern Railway line but it took a long time to provide effective telegraphic communication. The contractors were Messrs. C. & E. Millar - who later offered to construct a telegraph line from north of Derby to India. In 1892, there was not one telegraph office between Beverley and Albany available to the public.

"Settlers en route and business people — of whom there are many representing large interests — are under continual obligations to the various station-masters for acts of courtesy in telephoning from one station to another messages of importance. The telephone is the property of the Company which is another instance of grave blundering on the part of those who parted with the public lands without exacting a public telegraph line as part of the quid pro quo. The important agricultural district known as Moorambine is possessed of two stores, a school and a church; but, although only six miles distant from Pingelly on the main line, is deprived of postal communication and, to patch up the deficiencies of Government, it runs its own mail" (The People 16 January 1892).

In 1889, the Great Southern Railway created a railway station at Narrogin because it provided a safe, plentiful supply of water on the route from Perth to Albany. A town began to develop there and Telegraph Offices were opened in 1893 at Narrogin and at Wagin, just down the railway line. The two towns were not however to be gazetted for another four years.

An alternative telegraph route is always considered as a desirable precaution in case of local disturbances which break lines or take down poles. This issue of interruptions was a much debated one in various places. For example, in Albany:

"At a meeting of the Political and Progress Association, held last night (4 February 1891), the question of the proposed telegraph extension from Beverley to Broome Hill was discussed. It was unanimously decided that the Government be urged to extend the line to Albany. It was pointed out that the settlers and business people south of Broome Hill have to depend on the Land Company's telephone, that all trade from Katanning comes to Albany and that a telegraph line is badly needed. It was also urged that the recent interruption on the line showed the necessity for duplicating the line, the existing one being in continual danger from bush fires and falling timber".

The opportunity arose for this option to Albany soon after. 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 the construction of the telegraph line from Beverley to Broome Hill will be undertaken as soon as the material arrives.

 

Wandering.

In the early 1890s, there were many serious problems with the mail route to Wandering and people were trying to obtain a weekly service to Wandering. It was also considered that some arrangement could be made "to give us telegraphic communication. It had been suggested that the poles be supplied and erected by the settlers themselves by an equal division of the labour - the Government finding wire and insulators and opening an office in Wandering. The old insulators that are lying along the Albany Road would do as well as any, he himself (Mr. Piesse the local Representative) having used them for years, and it was only a fact known to Government officials that they were replaced by others. He concluded by saying he should be glad to hear an expression of opinion from anyone present. He should always have in mind anything that would benefit the district. Mr. Piesse having concluded, a sort of general conversation took place". In some ways, there are parallels to the telecentre now established in the original Wandering Agricultural Hall and used by the community.

 

Pingelly and Moorumbine.

Moorumbine was a town about 5 miles from Pingelly between Pingelly and Brookton. It was Gazetted in 1883 prior to the Great Southern Railway being constructed. The Railway was then constructed through the area where Pingelly now stands - and there was no stopping at Moorumbine. The residents at Moorumbine had decided, at that stage, they did not want a railway line running through their town. At about that time, about 160 people lived in Moorumbine. On the completion of the railway line through Pingelly in 1889, the postal services were moved from Moorumbine to Pingelly.

A Letter to the Editor of the Eastern Districts Chronicle of 9 March 1890 from a citizen of Moorumbine was expressed as follows:

" Sir,—Be kind enough to find space in your valuable journal (although the pleasure of its perusal is lost to us, we hope not forever) for the following remarks re the sad state of our postal communication.

Some time ago we had a weekly mail; that is to say a boy came once a week to our then Post Office and there, clustered around the door, awaited the representatives of about 200 souls to receive their — in some cases - important business despatches; in others, missives from friends and relations and a copy of your valuable journal etc.

But that was in the now by-gone days before we had a railway station six miles from us. Then we timidly asked for telegraphic communication and were told we should get it when we got our railway. We have the railway but are practically cut off from the colony by it, unless we can afford to keep a carriage or spend half of each day, if we want daily post, in walking to another town (Pingelly) to receive it.

Numerously signed petitions were sent to the authorities and the reply, I understand, was that some already had to come a considerable distance, so that half-a-dozen miles, making a dozen for the double journey, was a matter of very little consequence. I do not say it is to those who come that distance, because they have to keep conveyances to suit their isolation; but with us who are trying to get a living in one township to have to walk to the next township to communicate with any other is, to say the least, a hardship and contrary to all economical politics and a waste of public time. I have heard people talk about having the shadow instead of the substance. We have neither now unless the 6-miles through the sand and dust is substantial.

Tell us, Mr. Editor, is this to last for ever. Give us a shadow of hope and we may yet survive to appreciate the benefit of daily communication with the very progressive substance.

Under such conditions, Moorumbine lost those people who needed or wanted to be closer to the Railway and the Post and Telegraph facilities at Pingelly.

A Telegraph Station opened on or near the Railway station at Pingelly in August 1893.

 

Narrogin

The Southern Railway also passed through Narrogin on the way to Albany. Hence a Telegraph Office was also opened there in August 1893.

Wagin

On Saturday 5 August 1893, Telegraph Offices were opened along the line of the Great Southern Railway at Wagin and Pingelly (in the Wheatbelt) and at Broomehill and Katanning in the Southern Region. The Office at Narrogin (in the Wheatbelt) opened on Monday 7 August 1893.

 

2.3: The line from Pingelly to Albany.

Katanning

A Telegraph Office was also opened in 1893 on the telegraph line at Katanning - which was the centre of a major wheat belt - and the day after an office had been opened at Broomehill.

Broomehill.

In the Legislative Assembly of 11 February 1891, "The Colonial Treasurer said it was intended to construct the line from Beverley to Broome Hill along the Great Southern Railway, and eventually it would be carried on to Albany, which would add a triplicate line to Albany".

Cranbrook/Tenterden

Mount Barker

Mount Barker was about 35 miles north of Albany.

It had a Police Station and a Coach house as well as a special chapel. The Police Station was also used as the Telegraph Office from 1871 to 1873.

At a public meeting in Albany on 26 July 1876, Sir Thomas Campbell met with his local constituents. At one stage, a suggestion was put to him that a telegraph Station at Mount Barker "would be very desirable". There was no further discussion on this suggestion.

The Albany Mail on 17 January 1883 reported on a Public Meeting at Albany on 1 January. In part, it was noted that:

"some time ago, the people in the vicinity of Mount Barker signed a petition, which had been carefully drawn up, asking for a telegraph station to be appointed at that place, where already a Post Office exists, as there is none between Kojonup and Albany, a distance of 96 miles. This would be of advantage to the postal departments because, on one occasion, the mail coach came in as the steamer was leaving the harbor. With a little extra driving, if the driver could have been communicated with, he could have been down in time to catch the steamer.

Well this petition was numerously signed and sent to the proper authorities. The reply received was that they did not believe it would pay but, if the settlers would guarantee the Government the difference between the expenses and the receipts, the station would be established. This was the shabbiest reply ever sent to a petition. At the Arthur River - a station has just been opened and the population around that place is smaller than at Mount Barker - when they asked for a telegraph station, they were not asked to guarantee the loss. No, the Perth side of the line must have all the advantage and the Albany side none. Albany is too far from Perth to receive any consideration".

On 14 February 1883, the Albury Mail reported on a meeting with the Governor concerning the resolutions passed at the Public Meeting:

"With regard to the telegraph station at Mount Barker, Mr. Knight stated what Lord Gifford had said about it and had led him to believe that the work would be done by the end of February. But now it appears that the Postmaster-General had nothing left (out of the grant to his department) to establish the station.

Mr. Gillam said that the reason they felt aggrieved at the reply was that it stated that, if settlers would guarantee the difference between the working expenses and the revenue, it would be done. This statement was made shortly after a station was opened at the Arthur River, a much less important place, and there were four stations between Kojonup and Perth and none between the former place and Albany.

He also said there was an office there available for the purpose, and the wife of the police constable there had some experience as an operator. The office also would not be required to be kept open many hours a day. The Postal Department would find the benefit of a telegraph at Mount Barker, as on more than one occasion the Overland Mail has come into town just as the steamer was leaving the harbor, for want of knowing when the mail cart was on the road and keeping the steamer for half an hour.

His Excellency said he would communicate with the Postmaster General and tell him to provide the means to establish the station out of the year's grant or out of the supplementary estimate. He would also send for Mr. Fleming and see what could be done".

3. The line to the east - from York to Southern Cross (Yilgarn).

The first discoveries of gold in the Yilgarn region (i.e. the eastern Wheatbelt) had occurred around Southern Cross in 1887. Gold rushes then followed at other locations including those further east in the Goldfields Region especially at Coolgardie in 1892 and at Kalgoorlie in 1893. York was the Telegraph Office in the west from which the line extensions were constructed. See a detailed account of the finding of gold in the Yilgarn and the geological nature of the country in the Pictorial Australasian of 1 January 1894.

The area was very remote even for those early days. There was no made road from York to Yilgarn and Southern Cross. During the summer, carriage was greatly obstructed by the want of feed and water along the line of route while in winter the ground was rendered practically impassable by reason of the heavy rains rendering the soil so 'rotten' as to be unable to bear the weight of vehicles loaded with machinery, stores and similar heavy articles. The successful development of the gold mining industry required more. Road development was costly and took time. The Perth Daily News editorial of 29 June 1889 therefore suggested the construction of a telegraph line under similar financial guarantee conditions as for the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company but with a two year not a six year period. Two days later, the same newspaper suggested that the Government could sell township lots in Yilgarn and Southern Cross to pay for the cost of the telegraph line. Finally the road from York to Southern Cross was constructed but only in the last 3-4 months of 1890. The telegraph line was constructed along the Goldfields Road.

 

3.1: The Council debate on the possibility.

The matter of the telegraph line was debated in the Legislative Council on 7 August 1889:

Mr HARPER moved that, in the opinion of this House, it is of urgent importance that immediate steps should be taken to construct a line of telegraph between York and the Yilgarn goldfields. The hon. member referred to the report recently furnished by the Government Geologist and said he thought from the tone of that report they were justified in saying that a goldfield of sufficient magnitude existed to warrant the expenditure of capital. That being so, he thought every reasonable means should be taken to develop the country. They were all aware of the difficulties which existed in the way of keeping up a supply of food for horse and man, and one of the best means of obviating that difficulty would be the construction of a line of telegraph. The suggestion he had put forward was that a cheap line should be constructed of the timber along the line, of which there was an abundance. If it were done in this way, it could be done rapidly and cheaply and, if the fields turned out as they expected, they would be warranted in constructing a more permanent line.

Mr. A. FORREST seconded the motion, and said the line ought to be built without delay. They had it on the authority of the Government Geologist that the success of the field was assured and, in a very short time, would warrant the construction of a railway as well as a telegraph line. Those who invested money in the development of the fields wished to know how things were going on there and, with the present means at their disposal, they were unable to gain that information. He agreed with the hon. member Mr. Harper that, for the greater part of the distance, the timber could be got along the line. He hoped the Government would not say that there was not enough money for this work, as it could be constructed out of revenue which might be recouped out of a future loan.

Mr. MARMION had great pleasure in supporting the motion. He believed, from the report of the Government Geologist, and the information they had from other sources with regard to the fields, they would be quite justified in spending a comparatively small sum of money in expediting the development of the country, and in hastening the progress of the colony which had to a very great extent been retarded by the recent action of the Imperial Government. He would not advocate the erection of an expensive line of telegraph, but rather that advantage should be taken of the timber along the line of route, and that a light line of wire should be run to Southern Cross, making that the centre of the present field. The other places might communicate with that centre by other means. He believed the cost would not be very great, and that the line might be erected for a sum which would be trifling compared with the benefits which would be derived. He believed £5,000 would be sufficient, and assuming that this amount or even £6,000 or £7,000 would be sufficient, they would be justified in spending it. As to where the money was to come from, he would point out that the loan of £100,000 had realised between £7,000 and £8,000 over that amount. This, together with the contingencies vote of £5,000 gave them £12,000 or £13,000 which they might spend in public works of utility. The expenses of floating the loan would not cost more than 2½ per cent., and he would ask whether the balance could not be spent upon this work. A gentleman had just handed him a memo stating that a competent authority had estimated the cost of the work at not more than £4,500. He strongly advocated the expenditure of money upon this work to show that the Government were ready to do what they could to accelerate the development of the fields or to show they had as much faith in them as the elected members had. It would be some guarantee to those outside the colony of faith in the fields, and if they did not show it, those outside the colony would not feel justified in spending money on them.

The Hon. Sir M. FRASER said they were all aware this special session was for the consideration of the Electoral Bill and one or two other measures. Owing to the unfortunate delay in passing the Enabling Bill, they would be obliged, probably in a couple of months to consider these questions of ways and means. The Government would be quite prepared, as he had said sometime ago, to carry on the Government for another year, but they must be allowed to bring forward their proposals in their own way. He quite admitted the desirability of developing the fields, but said they must have time to do it. With regard to the wants of these auriferous reefs in the Eastern fields, it appeared the roads also wanted attention but these were matters which they would have to consider when they were discussing ways and means for next year. Although he was prepared to allow the advantage to be derived from the line, he failed to see what advantage could be gained by discussing such an abstract question as that now before them at the present time and he was prepared, if necessary, to divide the House on the subject.

Mr. SHOLL supported the motion. If the Government could not construct this line which would cost only £4,000 or £5,000, it showed either that the colony was in a bad state or that the Government were very incompetent. In such an important matter as this, they ought to stretch a point and do all they could to develop the fields instead of placing an obstacle in the way.

Sir THOMAS CAMPBELL pointed out that this was merely an expression of opinion which the House had a right to give and which did not bind the Government to any expenditure of money. If the Colonial Secretary divided the House on this question, it would appear to the outside world that the Government had very little faith in the development of these fields. The construction of this line was within the resources of Government and, if they did oppose this motion, it would create a bad impression outside.

The Hon. C. N. WARTON said the Colonial Secretary had been misunderstood. The Government had no wish to act against the interests of the colony and, if they divided the House, it would be to mark their sense that this was not a fit time to move in the matter. To show this he would beg to move the previous question.

Mr. PARKER said he should have thought the Government would have been glad to hear the views of the hon. members to guide them in preparing their estimates. If this motion were agreed to, the Government would have it before them when they were framing their estimates and they would be able to see whether the line could be built. He urged that it was of importance that this line should be immediately constructed.

Mr. HARPER, having replied, the question that this question be now put was put and, on a division, was agreed to by a majority 15 to 4. The motion was then put and agreed to on the voices.

In June-July 1890, Sir John Forrest visited the Eastern Goldfields and reported on several critical issues to the Government. In relation to TELEGRAPHS, he wrote:

"I think it is imperatively necessary that a telegraph line should be erected at once.

The interests involved warrant the expenditure and not a moment should be lost in carrying out this work.

Poles of gimlet wood can be obtained, and placed in positions along the road at a cost of about 4s. each. This timber is fairly good and will last a good time, provided the poles are of a diameter of not less than seven inches at the butt.

I strongly recommend that this work be proceeded with".
(The Inquirer 30 July 1890).

 

3.2: Construction begins to the Southern Cross - and a significant initial problem.

A summary of the route to Southern Cross - starting at York and then crossing the Avon River is as follows:

To Distance
(nearest mile)
Malebelling (along the public road) 11
Belmimging 10
Youndegin 15
Tammin 15
Maranoppin 16
Doodlekine 6
Bainding 13
Merreden 15
Burracoppin 13
Golden Valley Road 14
17 mile tanks 24
Southern Cross 13
Total distance 163
Source: The Inquirer 17 June 1891.
NOTES:
1.Kellerberrin is between Tammin and Doodlekine.
2. Merreden now Merredin.
3. 17 Mile would have been about where Moorine Rock is now.

The Perth Daily News of 2 October 1891 recorded that 40 miles of the Yilgarn Telegraph line had been completed (so presumably towards Tammin). This route would have followed the Goldfields Road from York to Tammin and then to where Kellerberrin is now (approximately).

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 that the 162 mile telegraph line from York to Southern Cross and Yilgarn was being erected and would be completed soon.

The Western Mail of 23 January 1892 included a report from its Southern Cross correspondent dated 9 January that:

"The York-Yilgarn telegraph line was completed last Thursday, January 7th, to the great satisfaction of this place. Before the gentlemen connected with the construction of the line returned to town, an impromptu festivity was held at the Exchange Hotel, and the healths of the Contractor and the inspector (Mr. Brown) were drunk. Mr. Stevens, who has so ably superintended the construction of the line, responded for the Contractor. The meeting authorised the chairman, Mr. Wm. Cameron, to send a congratulatory telegram to the Premier.

We are a good-natured people and very slow to complain, but the meeting was strongly tempted to enquire as to the authorities neglecting to provide an operator for this end. One would have thought that the supineness of those responsible in so long delaying to call for tenders for the erection of a Post Office bad enough, but now this slight slip has been completely extinguished by the folly of erecting a badly wanted telegraph line and then allowing it to remain idle for the want of an operator.

It is understood that the present intention is to build the railway station about one mile from the centre of the surveyed township. The reason given for this is that a possible Eastern extension of the line could more easily be made from that point. If this intention is correct, the result will be a serious inconvenience to the people of this town. It was presumed at one time that the railway was to be constructed for the benefit of Yilgarn although, in the light of recent discussions, it would appear that this work was designed for the good of either York or Northam. The town will always be clustered about the mines and, if the railway station should be placed, a mile off, it will be absolutely necessary to build a tramway to connect.

Why in the name of common sense should this goldfield be permanently inconvenienced to suit an engineering fad. Anybody who has a knowledge of Southern Cross could point out plenty of eligible sites very close to the township. This is a matter in which Yilgarn should be consulted and, it is to be hoped, that when our wishes find public utterance, they will meet with the consideration they are entitled to".

The West Australian of 2 February 1892 reported "The Southern Cross telegraph line has not yet been opened. It appears that from some unascertained cause - possibly an accident to the wire or the non-arrival of the operator at the fields - communication has not been commenced by the Government. Consequently it was not found possible to open the line to the general public yesterday as was at first intended".

The Telegraph Office was opened at Southern Cross on 4 February 1892. There are few details available on this construction but there appears to have been some odd decisions according to some letters published in the Western Mail. It also does not appear that all the lines in the Yilgarn were fully connected - the Western Mail of 13 February 1892 reporting "It is notified in our advertising columns that, pending the completion of the telegraph line to Yilgarn, arrangements have been made for the transmission of messages to Southern Cross, and for their delivery within the boundaries of the township".

The West Australian of 9 February 1894 reported "A temporary telegraph station is much required at BurracoppinBurracoppin is about 25 kms east of Merredin.
Nothing can be found about the establishment of a Telegraph Office there., where all the trade is concentrated, and it should be immediately provided. Business men are seriously inconvenienced from want of this convenience. The nearest telegraph station is at Doodlakine, some 49 miles away, where there is literally nothing doing".

In November 1895, Sir John Forrest visited the Goldfields starting at Southern Cross of 19 November. Various issues were raised with him by deputations - one of these addressing telegraph matters (no surprise there). The Southern Cross Herald of 22 November 1895 reported:

"The Premier (Sir John Forrest), after hearing the views of the deputation which waited upon him at Southern Cross with reference to telegraphic communication with the metropolis aud elsewhere, wired immediately to the authorities at Perth to make all haste in employing the duplicate lineThe duplicate line was to connect Perth to Coolgardie. which is now ready for use. At present Southern Cross residents have only one hour during the day in which to forward telegrams, which is absurd, but which now - happily - will be shortly remedied".

 

3.3: "Death of a Black Swan.

Quite some time later but still sad - is the following account from the 9 July 1932 Notham Advertiser:

On Tuesday night, a black swan flying in the vicinity of the Transcontinental Hotel paid for his interference with the Northam-Merredin telegraph and telephone lines with his life. The swan evidently struck the wires with great force for he became completely entangled and the movement of his legs and wings caused several of the wires to become crossed. About 9 o'clock communication with Merredin was interrupted by the swan and, although in his struggles, the wires again righted themselves and for a time it was possible to continue with postal business, his further struggles again interrupted communication. Although the electric current was not sufficient to kill the swan outright, the injuries he received when he collided, together with the passage of the current through his body hour after hour were eventually too much for him. He was found by line officials on Wednesday morning, with his head down. hanging limply by his legs and wings".

 

3.4: Kellerberrin and Boorabbin.

About 1895, an intermediate Office was opened at Kellerberrin closer to Northam. It was opened at the newly established railway office which resulted in the town being relocated about 5 kms south so that residents could be near the railway.

There was much disagreement with the juxtaposition of operations at the Telegraph Offices and at the Railways. The Northam Advertiser of 5 December 1896 summarised the problems as follows:

"At Kellerberrin, where no one would expect to find a Telegraph Office and where no passenger ever has time to go to a Telegraph Office, you have the only one between Northam and Southern Cross, whilst at Hines' Hill where all trains stop for half-an-hour and where all strangers expect to be able to wire on business or to friends, they can only do so by getting the Station Master to telephone the message to Kellerberrin, provided he has time and is in the humour.

Worse than all this is the novelty that presents itself at Boorabbin. Here the Telegraph Office is nearly a mile away in the bush from the Railway Station, left there since the days of the teamsters when travellers camped near the dam. As we jocularly say - for the purpose of getting the Post Master to stretch his legs twice a day in having to call to see the trains in and out and if he might find a letter in the mail-bag. These Post and Telegraph offices of Kellerberrin and Boorabbin are utterly useless. The one at Boorabbin should be brought to the Railway Station and the other should be removed to Hines' Hill".

 

3.5: The Bullfinch mine.

A more recent gold find in the Wheatbelt was that in 1910 at a location to be called Bullfinch - about 35 km north of Southern Cross. There a prospector named Charlie Jones unearthed a fabulous reef containing gold beneath only 6ft of clay. The ore was so rich that special treatment processes had to be used. In six months, 11,117 ounces of gold were recovered from just 964 tons of ore. The Adelaide Register of 26 October 1910 reported that "In the House of Representatives on Tuesday (25th) Mr. Mahon (W.A.) drew attention to the great rush to the Bullfinch Goldfield and urged the immediate construction of a telegraph line from Southern Cross. The Minister for Customs (Mr. Tudor V.) said extra telegraph operators had been sent to Southern Cross and personal investigations were being made in regard to what was required".

The Bullfinch gold deposit quickly ran out to leave only lower quality ore and so, by 1912, miners were returning their leases to the Government and leaving.

4. The line north from Newcastle via New Norcia to Geraldton.

The other priority in the Wheatbelt region was to construct the telegraph line north from Perth and the Guildford-Newcastle region to Geraldton (then called Champion Bay). Geraldton was a major centre to the north beyond the Wheatbelt in what is now referred to as the Mid-West Region .

The overall route to be followed by the telegraph line to the north needed to be cost-effective. In 1867, the mail route had been changed from the coastal route from Perth via Dandaragan to an inland route passing through New Norcia, Walebing, Berkshire Valley, Marah, Coorow, Carnamah and on to Geraldton. The route was designed to cater for the inland settlers and was surveyed in 1870 by Alexander Forrest. Of the three proposals for the proposed telegraph line which had been submitted for evaluation, the route favoured by Governor Weld followed the mail line:

"How the telegraph line northward was to run depended, to some extent, on the expense of the different proposed lines. Of the three alternative proposals, the cheapest one - from Newcastle via the Victoria Plains (New Norcia) instead of along the coast or from Guildford - was adopted by the Governor after he had received suggestions from the New Norcia Mission and other station owners along the route to the Irwin. Bishop Salvado's opinion carried the greatest weight. The contract with Nunnan and Smith for £19/9/- a mile was accepted on 2 November 1872 and the work was to be completed by 4 August 1873"
(The Western Australian, 4 December 1874).

Naturally the experience involving the wires and insulator problems - especially in Victoria -- with telegraph lines being constructed too close to the coast would have also been a consideration. Construction work on the telegraph line following the inland mail route commenced reasonably soon after and the line was constructed from Newcastle to New Norcia and then, in a north-westerly direction, to Carnammah and thence Geraldton.

On 14 August 1872, the Inquirer commented on the northern extension through New Norcia and Dandaragan to Champion Bay as follows:

"Passing on to the subject of the purchase of the Telegraph Lines, allusion is made to a project of extending the existing aerial lines so far as Champion Bay, which the Government are prepared to undertake on condition that the House will vote the necessary sum for the payment of the additional interest on debentures which such a scheme would necessitate.- The proposal is one that must recommend itself to the favorable consideration of every right thinking person, for, in addition to the undoubted social and commercial advantages attendant upon extended telegraphic communication, the adoption of the proposal would give an important New Zealand firm a large interest in the colony, in as much as an offer is made by the firm to complete the work and receive payment in debentures alone".

Nothing further can be found on this financing proposal.

The interaction of various Government initiatives to bring about economic development is highlighted by the following report in the Fremantle Herald of 30 November 1872:

"Messrs. Wanliss' railway from the timber range to RockinghamRockingham was a port south of Perth towards Mandurah in the Southern region. is expected to be finished in the course of a few weeks. It is a substantial and desirable work, and reflects great credit upon the enterprising capitalists who have constructed it. The Rockingham Jarrah Timber Company is now ready to execute orders. The contract for the supply of telegraph posts, required by the Government for the extension of the line from Newcastle to Champion Bay, is in course of fulfillment. The posts will be commenced to be delivered at Rockingham immediately on the completion of the Railway".

On 27 December 1872, the Perth Gazette noted:

"The laying down of the telegraph posts along the line from Newcastle to Champion Bay is going on satisfactorily and at present there are fully 30 miles of the road with the post holes dug. The telegraph line is along the old road from the station known as " Byces" and not along the new line marked some months ago".

The Newcastle to Geraldton (Champion Bay) line was completed on 4 August 1873 but the late arrival of plant delayed the opening of the line until 5 June 1874. The Perth Gazette of 12 June 1874 marked the occasion with the following:

"Considering the short time electro magnetic attraction has been applied to facilitate human intercourse, and formed a system of telegraphy supassing every method before conceived of, its progress has proved astonishingly rapid. Its extension in this colony, since its introduction on a very humble scale five years ago, is also a matter for astonishment.

On Friday last, the final link in the magic chain that has brought all the widely-scattered settled districts of the colony into instantaneous communication was riveted; and, on that day, the first direct telegraphic message passed between Champion Bay and Perth. Judging from the reported number of despatches forwarded to and fro, the boon is thoroughly appreciated by the public.

A remarkable fact in connection with the northern line is that all the offices in connection therewith, numbering seven in all, are in the charge of female telegraphists, and it is gratifying to learn that the fair ones are remarkably good operators. There is now nearly 900 miles of telegraph in operation in the colony including a direct line from King George's Sound to Champion Bay - a distance of 570 miles".

Sometime later, the Western Mail of 19 October 1889 reported as follows:

"Several loads of wool have been despatohed for Guildford. The teamsters report the road to be very good to the junction with the Gingin road but, from there to Guildford, it is in a very bad state. The Newcastle road has been totally ruined by the telegraph material carting and the same may be said of the road between Walebing and Marah. I learn that His ExcellencyBroome was the Goovernor of W.A. at that time. Sir F. N. Broome's carriage got bogged on the home trip. He was fortunate in having plenty of assistance to get out. Mr. H. B. LefroyIronically LeFroy was Chairman of the Victoria Plains Road Board at the time. got stuck on the same road some time ago and had to ride 7 miles, without a saddle, for help to get the carriage out".

4.1: New Norcia and Mary Ellen Cuper.

A Post Office had been opened on 14 April 1857 as Victoria Plains. In 1873, the telegraph line reached that place and it was renamed New Norcia on 4 March 1874.

In 1847, a young lady by the name of Mary Ellen Cuper had been born near Bunbury to a European father and a First Nations mother. She had been moved to the New Norcia Mission and developed very high skills including those required for fast and accurate telegraphic work. She was appointed Postmistress of the New Norcia Office on the day it became a P&T Office and changed its name from Victoria Plains.

Further north., the Berkshire Valley Telegraph Office opened on 1 March 1874. It was operated by Miss Clinch at her father's incredible homestead. In October 1883, the Governor, his wife Lady Barker and suite" arrived at Berkshire Valley from Geraldton and spent the night before departing for New Norcia Mission the next morning via Walebing.

Much later, the West Australian of 16 March 1893 reported:

"Now for a good old fashioned grumble. We want a Post and Telegraph Office in the neighbourhood of Walebing or Berkshire Valley. The closing of the office formerly existing at Berkshire would have raised a storm in any other part of the country; but we are a long suffering people. There are, however, limits to even our endurance, and we can't stand it much longer. If we don't get what we want we'll agitate for separationSome in the West still "agitate for separation" - so maybe the issue of the Post Office has still not been settled!!!. ".

 

4.2: Walebing to Dandaragan.

The West Australian of 15 January 1896 reported the following construction details:

"During last winter, while the ground was quite boggy, the Public Works Department had a quantity of telegraph poles and other material carted out. The roads were so cut up so that it has cost about £100 to repair them. The construction of the telegraph line was pushed on with all possible dispatch till it was completed, which was done some months ago. We have now a telegraph line from Walebing to Dandaragan.

But there seems to be no hurry to make the line useful for as yet no move has been made towards building offices at Walebing and Moora. I hear that one is in the course of construction at Dandaragan but I do not see what good that will be till the line is connected at this end.

We have another cause of complaint with the postal department. On two occasions lately the mail from Perth to New Norcia was never despatched from the General Post Office and, since then, a mail for Walebing has been missing. Besides this, it often happens that when letters are received here, we find they were posted a week before, and yet we have railway communication and are supposed to have two regular mails per week. On two occasion lately I have got important letters ten days after they were posted in Perth and last Tuesday, the 7th inst., a letter addressed to me and bearing the postmark G P.O., Dec. 28, reached Walebing in a bag presumably despatched from the G.P.O. on the same day. The letter was urgent and required a reply on the 4th January and I received it on the 7th".

The same source, in a follow-up article on 30 June 1896, reported that "The Post and Telegraph Office at Dandaragan is finished and its completion was made the occasion of a social entertainment, concert, etc, which was a great success. The offices at Walebing and Moore will not be completed for some time".

There was always discussion about the relative proximity of Post and Telegraph Offices - generally well-founded. This part of the Wheatbelt was no exception. The Geraldton Advertiser of 29 July 1898 contributed to this discussion:

"It takes months to get a mail for any important centre on the Murchison district, but every God-forgotten nook in the South has a fully equipped Post Office and Telegraph station. Just a few facts. At Walebing (H. B. Lefroy's homestead) there is what may be called the "Head office". It is the intersection of the "Dandaragan" Moora telegraph lines. It is a money order as well as the General Post Office. It has a postmaster and an assistant. Fourteen miles off at Moora there is a post and telegraph office in charge of a Postmistress. Berkshire Valley is 12 miles from Moora and eleven miles from Walebing. There are stationed a Head Telegraph Lineman and his assistant. The lineman's wife is the Postmistress and Telegraph Operator. New Norcia is about 21 miles from Walebing and has a Post and Telegraph office also. Then there is the Yatheroo office not far off. Most of these places could be run by cadets, and the «fficient officers in charge transferred to some station where they would be serving more than half-a dozen people and one squatter".

 

5. The westerly line north from Guilford to Gingin.

The Inquirer commented on the need to commence construction of the telegraph line to Gingin as follows::

21 August 1878: "What has become of the memorial, which you so strongly advocated, for the establishment of telegraphic communication with this district, which was so influentially signed and sent to the Governor? I am confident if our worthy member had the handling of it the tenders for constructing a line would have been called for long since".

5 February 1879: "A short time ago we mentioned the desirability of erecting a line of telegraph to Gingin for the purpose of connecting that flourishing district with the other parts of the colony. We learn of a petition having been for warded to the Government, which has apparently been shelved. Why does not the hon. member for the SwanEdmund R Brockman was elected for Swan at a by-election in 1878 but he served just over twonyears before being defeated in 1880. take the matter up"?

11 June 1879: "The Government must admit that the time has arrived for telegraphic communication with Gingin";

20 August 1879 (like an annual birthday) with "I notice the Legislative Council meets on the 28th inst. I would suggest to our member for the Swan that as the memorial of the settlers here for a telegraph to Gingin appears to have been lost sight of, he should make a move in the matter, or at any rate endeavor to obtain for us mail communication twice a week, which would be a great benefit to the settlers. We have no medical man nearer than Guildford; and on this account, among others, more frequent communication with the Metropolis is very desirable".

A line was finally constructed from Guildford to Gingin in 1886 to serve the rich agricultural production there. The Perth Inquirer of 31 March 1886 reported "We understand that Messrs. Donegan and McKnoe, the contractors for the Gingin telegraph line, are getting well on with their work, which they hope will be completed much within the contract time". This extension marked the beginning of a second line in the northern part of the Wheatbelt region. It roughly followed the old mail line. Gingin was an important rest-stop for horses travelling between Perth and Geraldton and there was also a Police station there - all good reasons to open telegraphic facilities. The population was about 200. A new Telegraph Office was opened at Gingin in October 1876 following the construction. The cost of constructing the 35 mile line from Guildford was £610.

No further activity took place to extend that line until 1894. Then, in 1896, the second telegraph line in the northern region was extended from Gingin and laid out via Dandaragan and Moora to link with Mingenew. Hence there was then a back-up facility which made the push to the far north a more reliable proposition.

In July 1913, tenders were called for the cartage and distribution of approximately 400 poles and 44 stubs from Horne Hill, Upper Swan, Bull's Brook, Muchea, Chandalla and Gingin along the telegraph line between Midland Junction and Gingin. In December 1914, tenders were called for the supply and delivery of White Gum Poles, Struts and Bed Logs at the Survey Pegs along the route of the South Bindoon - Mooliabeenie Telegraph Line.

 

On 19 July 1886, Mr Shenton addressed the House to ask that "a humble address be presented to the Governor, praying his Excellency to place on the Estimates for 1887, the sum required to provide for the extension of the telegraph line from Gingin to Dandarragan". The line from Guilford to Gingin was opened ...