Woody Events
Like all country towns, Woodanilling has had a lot of events over the years. Some good. Some ugly. And some tragic. I will be endeavouring to add as many events from the past as I can as I come across them.
Do you know of any historic events worthy of publishing in this section? If you can let me know what the event was and when it occurred I will see if i can find any information on it. If you have the details and photos – even better. If you do, please contact me at admin@lostkatanning.au
EARTHQUAKES AT WOODANILLING
Southern Districts Advocate
19 August, 1929
Towards the end of last month our good friends of Woodanilling district were much perturbed in consequence of peculiar earth tremors and noises. In certain houses the furniture was shaken. On the 1st August, tremors and rumbling noises were felt and heard.
Discussing the matter, the Government Astronomer said that in regions subject to earthquakes it often happened that for several days, or even weeks, before a catastrophe, minor tremors were experienced; but he did not think that there need be any fear that the recent happenings at Woodanilling were precursory of a severe earthquake.
Such earth tremors and noises, to which the name Barisal Guns had been given were of fairly frequent occurrence throughout Western Australia. The most alarming that had been reported to the Observatory were those that occurred at Quellington, in September and October, 1914, and at Gnowangerup in July, 1924. Nothing serious had followed any of these phenomena, although at Quellington foundations and walls were cracked.
In connection with the happenings at Woodanilling, not the slightest signs of the tremors were visible on the seismograph sheets. This was conclusive proof that the shocks, causing the tremors and noises, occurred quite close to the surface and consequently travelled to no great distance. It was also worthy of note that a very heavy explosion would produce tremors of the ground, and shaking of buildings, which might be mistaken for an earthquake. That was what really happened recently, when a very heavy explosion of dynamite on the river was felt at Guildford, and at East Perth shook the buildings and jarred the engines of the Power House to such an extent that it was thought an earthquake had occurred, and the Observatory was telephoned for corroboration.
“Seismic regions of the earth,” said Mr Curlewis, “are generally associated with lofty mountain ranges, and, in the case of proximity to the sea, with great ocean depths. Therefore, the general flatness of W.A. and the shallowness of the ocean adjacent to the coast, might be said to render it immune from the likelihood of earthquake upheavals. The tremors and noises that are occasionally experienced are caused by slight earth movements close to the surface.
Sometimes they are of sufficient intensity to cause tremors which are felt over a small area. At other times no tremors are felt, but only noises, resembling distant explosions, are heard.
“Judging from the reports that have been received at the Observatory during the last 30 years, they must act as kind of safety valves, for after a visitation, lasting for a few days in some cases, and for several months in others, nothing of a similar nature is experienced for years, perhaps never again. They are probably due to the existence of a line of weakness in the surface rocks; and as the earth’s crust is always in a state of strain through contraction and unequal weighting, it is only natural that sundering or faulting of rock masses will take place at the point of least resistance, and all the conditions necessary for the development of loud noises or reports will result.
Another explanation might be sought in the collapsing of the roofs of subterranean cavities worn out during the course of ages by water percolation, the falling of the roof causing tremors of the ground and rumbling noises.”
WOODANILLING BLAZE
The West Australian
7 July, 1949
Early on Saturday morning a fire destroyed the Woodanilling State School. About three weeks ago £600 ($1200) was spent on painting and renovating the school.
Above: The remains of the school, with the headmaster’s house in the background.
Below: Lessons were taught in the road board hall under difficulties. The books in the teacher’s arms are all that remain of a new library recently bought by the local Parents and Citizens’ Association.
WOODANILLING SCHOOL
Replacing Burnt Building
KATANNING. July 6: About 100 district residents attended a meeting at the Woodanilling Road Board Hall last night to discuss the situation caused by the destruction of the Woodanilling State School on Friday night.
A suggestion that the 30 students of the fourth standard or higher be taken daily by bus to Katanning, 16 miles away, was rejected. A further suggestion that complete consolidation on the Katanning school, where next year science, languages, metal work and domestic science tuition will bring education to Junior Certificate standard, was not accepted by the meeting.
The meeting demanded that the Education Department should build a school at Woodanilling and it requested an early answer to its decision. The Woodanilling school had 64 children on its roll, 34 being town children and 30 being brought to Woodanilling by bus.
WOODANILLING SCHOOL
West Australian
3 September, 1949
KATANNING, Sept. 2: Mr. C. D. Nalder, M.LA., said today that he had interviewed the Minister for Education, Mr. Watts {2}, and pressed for an early decision on the ‘provision of a school at Woodanilling. Plans had been drawn and Treasury approval granted, said the Minister and he hoped to make a fuller announcement within the next few days. On June 30 the Woodanilling State School was destroyed by fire.
DANCE AT WOODANILLING.
Our pioneers were hardy souls who worked long, hard hours in tough conditions. Money was scarce and nearly all of their clothes were hand made at home. Generally, they would have only one “Sunday best” outfit which was saved for special occasions including church and dances at the local halls. On these rare opportunities, the ladies would dress up with their special outfit and news correspondents would note what they were wearing.
This was one of those special events:
Western Mail
10 October, 1903
A correspondent writes:
A most successful and enjoyable dance was held in the Woodanilling Agricultural Hall on September 25, the proceeds being in aid of the piano fund. About forty couples were present, and dancing was indulged in till half-past 2 a.m. Mr. C. Stewart, of Katanning, admirably carried out the duties of M.C. The music was supplied by the hon. Secretary, Mr. A. Errington.
The floor, as usual, was in perfect condition. Among the many ladies’ present were the following: Miss Quartermaine, white silk, tucked bodice, trimmings of chiffon, frilled skirt, with lace end insertion; Mrs. Errington, fawn silk grenadine, bodice trimmed with pink, navy blue skirt; Miss Smith, white silk, pale blue trimmings; Miss Stevens, cornflower blue, trimmed with white; Miss Cronin, white silk blouse, black skirt; Miss Bain, blue blouse, trimmed with white braid, black skirt; Miss Bell, black dress, trimmed with pale-blue and white lace collarette; Miss M. Bell, pink floral blouse, tucked yoke, and white lace.
Mrs. T. Hodges, in black silk; Mrs. Stevens, white blouse, black sequin collarette, plaid skirt; Miss. Hill, black evening dress, trimmings of jet; Mrs. Higgins, pale green satin evening blouse, with white chiffon, black skirt; Miss. Meharry, floral muslin, lace trimmings; Miss. Baker, black dress, white fichu; Miss. Hiscox, black dress trimmed with white silk, and lace collarette; Miss Manton, royal blue blouse, very pretty lace collarette, black skirt, Mrs. L. Bell, in black, profusely tucked.
Miss. M. Quartermaine, in black; Miss Haendel, in green, trimmed with white lace; Miss. M. Haendel, white blouse, black skirt; Miss. E. Mason, black dress, trimmed with gold braid; Miss. Cornelius, cream blouse, black skirt; Miss. Bailey, black silk, trimmed with pink; Miss. J. Quartermaine, in white muslin; and Miss. Higgins, in pink nuns’ veiling.
SPORT
Woodanilling Athletic Sports.
ATTENDED BY OVER 600 PEOPLE.
The Southern Argus and Wagin-Arthur Express
5 January, 1907
In spite of the unfavourable weather that prevailed on the 26th ult., the fifth annual meeting of the Woodanilling Athletic Club proved a great success and was attended by over 600 people. Many of these came from Katanning, Wagin, Moojebing, and other neighbouring centres, but when the sports commenced punctually at 11 o’clock, those in the ground were practically all Woodanillingites, with the exception of the athletes, who came from all parts of the State. The Maiden Race and the initial heats of the Sheffield and Boys’ Handicaps were rushed through in quick time. Then down came the rain, probably over half an inch, and continued till 2.30 p.m., thus causing the luncheon interval to be lengthened by half-an-hour.
The ground then soon became full of people, and between £17 and £18 was taken at the gate. The weather cleared up during the remainder of the afternoon, enabling the committee to complete the programme and add a few minor events as a supplement.
The final heats of the major races excited a great deal of interest, but in many cases the results were not popular, the coloured men being too much in the fore.
Two protests against, Payne (Sheffield) and Griffiths (Hurdles) respectively were entered and are under consideration. For the 440yds Handicap there were 20 entries, of which ten started. Yerang won with yards to spare, but there was a good contest for second place, which was secured by Penny. Payne obtained first honours in the Sheffield, with Scott, who has improved wonderfully in form lately, second.
There were five competitors for the Log Chop, and long before they commenced operations they were surrendered by an interested circle of spectators, and many bets were made on the event. The scratch man, A. Darby, the winner of many former contests, seemed the favourite in spite of his comparatively small stature. It soon became manifest that either he, McNally or Powell must be the winner, but the great muscular power of McNally, combined with his handicap of 30 secs., gave him the victory, the other two mentioned competitors making a hard fight for second place.
The Boys’ Sheffield was easily won by Bobbie, an aboriginal, who in every heat shot past his white opponents apparently without effort.
Following are the results of the various contests:
MAIDEN RACE, 100 yds.
A. Morrison – 1
G. H. Meharry – 2
E. Baxter – 3
SHEFFIELD HANDICAP, 130 yds.
First Round:
First Heat – Yerang 1, Rodney 2
Second Heat – Scott 1, G. H. Meharry 2.
Third Heat – Eades 1, Holland 2
Fourth Heat – G. Farmer 1, W. Buck 2.
Fifth Heat – H. Farmer 1, W. Winter 2.
Sixth Heat – Jennick 1; E. J. McAullay-2.
Seventh Heat – Payne 1, D. Penny 2.
Second Round:
First Heat – Yerang 1, G. Farmer 2.
Second Heat – Payne 1, Penny 2,
Third Heat – Scott 1, no second
Fourth Heat – H. Farmer 1, Jennick 2.
Final.
Payne – 1
Scott – 2
Yerang – 3
H. Farmer – 4
BOYS SHEFFIELD.
First Heat – Bobbie 1, F. Buck 2,
Second Heat – H. Searle 1, S. Keirle 2.
Third Heat – J. Sullivan 1, J. Cunneen 2.
Fourth Heat – L. Higgins 1, A. L. Severin 2.
Semi-final.
First Heat – Bobbie 1, Sullivan 2
Second Heat – Severin 1, Higgins 2.
Final.
Bobbie – 1
Sullivan – 2
LOG CHOP.
J. McNally – 1
A. Darby – 2
S. Powell – 3
HIGH JUMP.
G. Quartermaine 5ft. 4m. 1
HOP, STEP AND JUMP.
Mouritzen
GIRLS’ RACE.
Nellie Manton – 1
Nellie Keirle – 2
BOYS’ RACE.
Beeck – 1
Sullivan – 2
DISTRICT HANDICAP.
First Heat – W. Ferrors 1, H. Farmer 2.
Second Heat – A. Eades 1, G. Farmer 2.
Third Heat – A. Scott 1, F. Stehn 2.
Fourth Heat – F. E. Holland 1, no second.
Semi-final.
First Heat – Scott 1, Ferrors 2.
Second Heat – Eades 1, Holland 2
Final.
Scott – 1
Eades – 2
Holland – 3
HURDLE RACE, 120yds.
Seven flights.
First Heat – J. Cunneen 1, J. Dekeringill 2.
Second Heat – J. Beggs 1, no second.
Third Heat – W. A, Ferrors 1, J. A. A. Brown 2.
Fourth Heat – W. Watson 1, W. Griffiths 2.
Fifth Heat – Yerang 1, E. J. McAullay 2.
Semi-final.
First Heat – Griffiths 1, McAullay 2
Second Heat—Ferrors 1, Yerang 2.
Third Heat—Watson 1, Dekeringill 2.
Final.
Griffiths – 1
Ferrors – 2
Watson – 3
440yds. HANDICAP.
Yerang – 1
Penny – 2
Stehn – 3
OFFICIALS’ RACE.
W. C. Jamieson – 1
BACKWARD RACE.
Scott
Douglas
Brown
OFFICIALS.
Patrons. – Hon. Wesley Maley, M.L.C., Hon. F. H. Piesse, M.L.A.
President. – Mr E. Manton.
Vice-Presidents. – Messrs S. J. Haynes, G. Douglas, G. A. Wilson, G. A. Piesse, R. Wilhelm, A. E. Piesse, Geo. McLeod, A. Pearmine, H. S. Oldrey, R. L. Richardson, A. Gee, E. Quartermaine, A. Keirle, E. Wilhelm, H. Trimming, H. Edmeades, A. Forsyth, J. G. Cook, W. J. Rogers, J. E. Edwards, John Baxter, W. Gilmour, A. Becker, G. Taylor, J. Calhoun, T. Keally, Tracey, Cornelius, W. G. Patterson.
Judge. Mr W. J. Baxter. Assistant Judge. – Mr R. Wilcox. Handicapper. – Mr J. McDonald. Starter. – Mr Luke Bell. Treasurer. – Mr A. Keirle.
Committee. – Messrs Geo. Caraill, Geo. Whyte, M. Quartermaine, D. Wilson, H. S. Oldrey, W. Greay, W. Meharry, junr., J. Gilchrist, A. Forsyth, G. A. Wilson, S. Quartermaine, C. Haddleton, H. Stevens, B. Hobart, R. Wilcox, H. Turner, H. Baker, H. Trye, W. J. Baxter, A. Robertson, J. Sullivan, W. C. Jamieson, H. Kippin, F. Gilchrist, J. Fidock.
Auditors. – Messrs A. Searle and T. C. Simpson.
Secretary.
– Mr G. A. Wakeham.
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