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Frederick Henry Piesse was born on 6 December 1853 in Northam and died 29 June 1912 at his Katanning home, Kobeelya. He was made a CMG in 1908. Frederick Piesse began his working life at the Northam general store followed by the pearl-fishing industry at Shark’s Bay 1872-75, postmaster and telegraphist at Williams 1875-80.
He then launched at Williams the firm F. & C. Piesse in 1880 with his brother Charles and opened a branch at Arthur River 1881. The brothers then set up a portable store in 1886 following the progress of the Great Southern Line from Beverley and finishing up at Katanning.
He purchased agricultural land near the railway and, in 1891, built a flour mill in Katanning. This was followed by the establishment of a wine industry, making wines that won awards in Perth, London and Paris. At the commencement of responsible government in Western Australia he was elected as a Member of Legislative Assembly 1890-1900, 1904-09.
Frederick Piesse was held in high esteem by everyone he came across – as a family man, a church man, a businessman, farmer, in local government, and in state politics. Considered the “Father of Katanning” he was considered to be an honest and upstanding citizen who always put his family, town, and state before himself.
Needless to say, Katanning people went into mourning and his funeral procession was the biggest ever seen in Katanning. His funeral was reported on at length by the Western Mail (Perth) and Katanning’s own newspaper the Great Southern Herald.
The funeral of
Frederick Henry Piesse MLA JP CMG
(Photos added by ed.)
Great Southern Herald Report
Western Mail Report
West Australian Report
.
GREAT SOUTHERN HERALD – KATANNING
Great Southern Herald
3 July 1912
HON. F. H. PIESSE, C.M.G.
KATANNING has been so associated in the public mind with F. |H. Piesse it is hard to realise that the familiar face and figure will no more be seen. Everybody knew and respected him as the strong man of the community.
He saw the town and district created, and in their rapid progress from small beginnings to the solid and extensive developments of to-day he had by far the largest share. How worthily he fulfilled his part in the public life was fittingly witnessed by the crowds who assembled on Tuesday to honour his memory.
A sketch of his strenuous career in business and politics will be found in another part of this paper. It is therefore only necessary to mention here that apparently the real fullness of his life was the cause of its shortening. Five years ago, he seemed in the very prime of his powers, physical and mental, if whilst his vast experience had qualified him for still greater service to the State than he had yet rendered. The highest position in public life opened to him, but his own consciousness that the straining point had been reached made him decline. Soon afterwards the breaking point was reached, and the influence of the strongest man was lost to the councils of the country.
It is perhaps too soon to estimate aright the services rendered by Mr. Piesse to his district and the State in general. The greatness of the gap he has left will appeal more and more as time clears the public judgment. His career has been cited all over the State as an example of industry and thrift, allied with sound business acumen. But along with these characteristics he exemplified also extraordinary courage and fortitude. These indeed were the qualities which made him most helpful to his community.
Consciously or unconsciously the strong man challenges the best in his fellows, and puts good heart into many who would otherwise falter or fail. In public affairs Mr. Piesse stood for unflinching loyalty to colleagues, and a clear grasp of the foundation principles of administration. His influence in the Legislative Assembly was recognised by all parties, for he always held the dignity and honour of Parliament as paramount Full as his mind was of the serious struggles of men in political and business arenas, he had always a warm place in his heart for the interests of the rising generation.
The schools of the district were never forgotten, and his most congenial pleasures were found at the annual school functions. In matters religious Mr. Piesse had the full courage of his convictions. He held it an honour as well as a duty to share in the work and maintenance of the Church to which he belonged. He generously contributed to the beautification of the Church buildings, and set an example of regular attendance at public worship.
In the sacred sphere of home life Mr. Piesse was at his best. As husband and father, he made his home a place of joy and beauty. He was proud to shield his children from the strenuousness of the battle he had fought, and to give them the full benefit of the success he had won. But, above all else he has left them, they may well value his example of personal rectitude and public spirit, and the uplifting influence of an honoured name.
DEATH OF HON. F. H. PIESSE.
PATRIOTIC CITIZEN.
Great Southern Herald
3 July 1912
Hon. F. H. Piesse, C.M.G., died at a quarter to 7 o’clock last Saturday evening. Last Tuesday morning he was seized with illness, but quickly rallied, and seemed almost as well as he had been for mouths past. At 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon he bad an appoplectic attack and became unconscious. Dr. House was immediately summoned and remained in attendance until the end.
The whole district has been plunged into mourning as the sad news has spread, as Mr. Piesse was universally regarded as the father of the district and I the friend of all. Mr. Piesse leaves a widow, one daughter, and four sons to mourn his loss. His three eldest sons are married and established in business in the district, whilst his youngest son is at the Melbourne University.
PARLIAMENT ADJOURNED.
The Premier (Mr. Scaddan) expressed his profound regret at the news of the death of Mr. Piesse and his sincere sympathy with the bereaved family. Recognising the signal service which the deceased gentleman had rendered to the State and the important part which he had played in political life here, the Premier thought it only right that the Legislative Assembly should be adjourned over the day of the funeral. In order, to enable the members of both Houses of Parliament to attend the funeral, a special train to convey them left the city at 9.15 on Monday night.
THE FUNERAL.
By the special train from Perth which arrived shortly after 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning there arrived Lieut-Colonel Campbell (representing His Excellency the Governor), the Premier (Mr. J. Scadden), the Minister for Lands (Mr. T. Bath), the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Johnson), the Minister for Railways (Mr. Collier), the Commissioner for Railways
(Mr. J. T. Short), and a large number of Members of both Houses of Parliament,
and many relatives of the deceased.
Shortly after 10 o’clock the funeral procession lined up in front of Kobeelya. Immediately following the hearse were the chief mourners, including Messrs F. T. R., Cecil, and Harold Piesse (sons), C. A. Piesse, M.L.C., A. E. Piesse, M.L.A., Alfred Piesse, M.L.A., A. W. Piesse, and Frank Piesse (brothers of deceased), Messrs Austin and Verney Piesse, and nearly all his other nephews.
Lieut-Colonel Campbell followed as representative of His Excellency the Governor. Next came the Ministers of the Crown – Messrs. Scaddan, Bath, Johnson, and Collier, M.’s. L. A.; members of the Legislative Council, Messrs. C McKenzie, W. Patrick, V. Hammersley, W, Davis, and J. F. Cullen; members of the Legislative Assembly, Messrs. F. Wilson, A. E. Piesse, A. N. Piesse, T. Lander, W. Brown, S. Moore, S. Stubbs, J. B. Holman, G. Taylor, E. B. Johnson. The employees of the firm of F. & C. Piesse came next in order; and then followed representatives of the various local governing bodies, headed by Mr. Geo. McLeod (chairman of the Katanning Road Board), and including Mr. H. C. Sims (Mayor |of Albany), Mr. M. Brown (Mayor of Narrogin), Mr. J. C. Nenke |(Mayor of Wagin), Mr. W. E. Clarke (chairman Wagin Road Board), Mr. R. Krakouer (chairman Kojonup Road Board), Mr. A. Gee (chairman Broomehill Road Board).
The Farmers’ and Producers’ Union, in whose objects Mr. Piesse always took a deep interest, marched next; then came the various lodges of the district in the following order: Masons, Oddfellows, A.N. A, Hibernians, Rechabites, and Druids. Then followed an immense number of people on foot, and still more in vehicles.
The bearers, selected from amongst the oldest friends of deceased, were Dr. House, Messrs. R. L. Richardson, W. Pemble, C. F. Wanke, W. Grover and R.S. Sinclair. Mr. George Rosevear acted as general marshall and was assisted by Messrs. R. L. Richardson and P. Stuart.
Arrived at St. Andrew’s Church gates, the procession was met by the Rector (Rev. Dr. Parish) and Rev. E. J. T. Atwell, who preceded the bearers to the chancel. The first part of the burial service was read by Rev. Dr. Parish, and the hymns “Now the Labourer’s task is o’er,” and “Lead, Kindly Light,” were sung, the choir being strengthened by an orchestra. At the close of the service the Katanning Band, under Bandmaster Barrot, played the “Dead March.”
The procession was then reformed, with the band, clergy, and choir in front, and proceeded to the cemetery. The grave was sunk in the central plot of the ground, at the special of the cemetery trustees. There in the open spaces of the grounds the dimensions of the assemblage could be seen, and no more eloquent testimony could be borne to the esteem in which Mr. Piesse was held throughout the Great Southern districts. Absent friends in all parts of the State, and from the neighbouring States were also represented by numerous telegrams of sympathy and beautiful floral wreaths.
In the second part of the service Rev. E. J. Atwell, of Wagin, but formerly of St, Andrew’s Church, Katanning, assisted the Rector. In the course of a very short address, Dr. Parish commended the example Mr. Piesse had set in energy and thoroughness, and in devotion to the interests of his country, his district, and his Church. The hymns “Thy will be done,” and “Rock of Ages” were sung, completing a most impressive service.
The procession was again reformed and returned to the Church, where another hymn preceded the parting benediction. It may be mentioned, that in the absence of the Bishop of the Diocese, the Bishop of Perth would most willingly have assisted at the funeral only for an important prior engagement for the foundation ceremony of the Guildford Grammar School Church. The Diocesan Trust of Bunbury was, however, represented by Mr. J. W. Mansom, who, in their name, placed a beautiful wreath on the coffin.
The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. Squiers. The coffin was of polished jarrah, with silver mountings.
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
Great Southern Herald
3 July 1912
The name of Piesse has been interwoven into the early history of the State, particularly the years following the introduction of Responsible Government. In the solution of the problems (which then confronted the Administration, the deceased, as a lieutenant of Sir John Forrest had a prominent share.
The qualities displayed then, as afterwards, of high-minded patriotism, of a| zealous discharge of public trusts, of a sincerity which it was impossible to doubt; and of a breadth of vision which paid regard to every point of view placed Mr. Piesse in a unique position in public life. In the course of a strenuous political and. business career Mr. Piesse had many points of contact with the State’s activities. Yet he never lost the respect which his character inspired in every class and party. Rivalry with him never degenerated into the bitter enmity (which so often characterises the attitudes of the best meaning of controversialists.
In the rough-and- tumble, and give-and-take of party strife he never forfeited the esteem of his opponents. His life was indeed one which moved to gracious ends and it is no hyperbole to saying that his career stands as an example and inspiration. Mr. Piesse was a native of |Western Australia, and he did not escape the vicissitudes which usually fill the early years of the young colonist. His father was the late Mr. William Roper Piesse, who arrived in the State in 1841.Mr F. H, Piesse was born at Northam on December 6,1853, and was the eldest of eight sons. He was educated at the State schools at Guildford and Northam.
After leaving school he was engaged for some little time in mercantile pursuits, but these he relinquished to follow the pearling industry, which at that time possessed such an irresistible fascination for the enterprising youth of the State. There was an element of romance in the life of the pearlers which added to the possibility of striking a royal road to fortune made a powerful appeal to the ardent temperaments of the younger colonists. In 1872 he proceeded to Sharks Bay, and, in partnership with the late Mr. A.E. von Bibra, he played a prominent part in the early development |of the industry.
After several years, life on the pearling grounds lost its attractions for him, and in 1875 he returned to Perth. Entering the service of the Government he was appointed postmaster as telegraphist at the Williams River, which position he held until 1880. It was then that commercial life once more called him, and he resigned from the service for the purpose of joining his brother, Mr. C. A. Piesse (now a member of the Legislative Council for the South-East Province) in establishing the well-known business of F. and C. Piesse at the Williams. Like so many men who have afterwards made their mark in State politics, Mr. Piesse served a lengthy apprenticeship with local governing bodies.
In 1880 he became a member of the Williams Road Board, which wrought yeoman service to a young agricultural community by opening up essential arteries of produce, traffic, and attending in other respects to the wants of the settlers in the district. Mr. Piesse was elected chairman of the Board, and this position he filled until his departure for Katanning in 1889. With Katanning the name of Piesse was thenceforward destined to be associated in the closest possible degree. Here he established his |home, and to the district, with which he then cast in his lot, he continued to render valiant service, both in matters of local concern and in the State Parliament. He was elected a member of the Katanning Road Board, and, with |his experience, his business acumen, and his knowledge of the wants of the locality, he was enabled to render invaluable help to the district. In 1889 he was gazetted a justice of the peace for the whole colony. In 1896 he resigned from the Katanning Road Board, as it was his intention to leave the district for a period of temporary residence in Perth.
On the introduction of Responsible Government, the Williams, which had been previously attached to the Murray district, was created a separate electorate and then began Mr. Piesse’s long connection with the district as its parliamentary representative, this relationship only coming to a termination with his resignation on October 23,1909. In announcing his resignation on that date Mr. Piesse said he feels very keenly the severance of the ties binding him to the electorate he had represented for the past 18 years, but he considered that his duty to the district and to the State in general, as well as to his own health, impelled him to give place to someone who would be able to enter fully into the duties of the position.
To return to his entry into political life – When, on the establishment of Responsible Government, Parliamentary representation was granted to Williams, Mr. Piesse came forward as a candidate, and we find evidence of the confidence reposed in him by the electors by the fact that in his first essay in politics he was allowed a walk-over. This confidence he retained until the end of his Parliamentary career.
In 1894 a Bureau of Agriculture was established by the Government, and Mr. Piesse was appointed one of its members. This position he held until 1896, in which year he became a member of the Forrest Government. Upon the retirement of Mr. Venn, M.L A., from the position of Commissioner of Railways and Director of Public Works, Mr. Piesse was selected by Sir John Forrest to fill the vacancy in his Cabinet, and he assumed office in April, 1896.
This was at a time when the Government had embarked upon a formidable public works policy, which had constantly to be defended against the attacks of an Opposition not so sanguine of the future of the country. The extension of the railways during his term of office increased from 588 miles in 1896 to 1,353 in 1900, and the revenue from £529,616 to £1,293,312 for the same period, with a corresponding increase in staff and equipment. During his administration he was successful in introducing many important improvements in connection with the safe working of the railways, and increased facilities for the travelling public. The lighting of the railway cars by electricity, the provision of lavatory cars for long-distance journeys, improved second-class accommodation, the interlocking and signalling at all important railway stations and crossings, and the complete installation of the electric staff system so strongly urged by him in Parliament, were ultimately carried during his period of office.
It has been placed on record that during Mr. Piesse’s four and a quarter years’ tenure of office the large sum of £8,20,9,000 was expended. This was irrespective of the ordinary Departmental expenditure. Among the many important works carried out were the extension of the eastern railway to Coolgardie and thence to Kalgoorlie and Menzies. with branches to Kanowna, Boulder, and Hannan’s Lake, the duplication of the eastern railway between Fremantle and Bellevue, together with the entire re-building of all suburban stations, the erection of a new Perth Central railway station, the erection of electric lighting stations at Perth and Fremantle, and installations throughout the yards and wharves.
It was also during Mr. Piesse’s association with the Forrest Government that the purchase and transfer to the State of the Great Southern railway for £1,100,000 was effected, and a beginning was made with the gigantic goldfields water scheme. Other expansions of the railway system carried out while he was Minister were the building of the lines from Mullewa to Cue, from Brunswick to Collie, from York to Greenhills, and from. Donnybrook to Bridgetown, while the Northam to Goomalling railway was commenced.
Many of the public buildings which are now prominent architectural features of the metropolis also came into existence while Mr. Piesse was Director of Public Works. Among these are the Perth Observatory, Victoria Public Library and Museum, the Royal Mint, Perth Public Hospital, and the public offices facing Cathedral Avenue. Mr. Piesse was also identified as a Minister with the early development of the Collie coalfield, and the use of the coal on the railway locomotives.
While Sir John Forrest was absent from the State, in the early part of 1900, Mr. Piesse carried out the duties of Acting Premier. In 1897 he was elected a representative of the State to the Federal Convention, and he attended the sittings of that body in Adelaide in that year but owing to pressing demands upon his time in consequence of his official duties, he resigned in the following year. In August 1900, a difference arose between Mr. Piesse and the head of the Government with reference to the recognition of the Railway Association, the upshot of which was that Mr. Piesse resigned his portfolio.
Mr. Piesse’s resignation followed a service with the Government of four years and four months during a most eventful period of the history of the State Upon the formation of the Throssell Ministry Mr. Piesse was offered the portfolio of Minister for Lands, which he declined, and after the general elections in 1901, and upon the assumption of office by the Leake Ministry, he was unanimously elected Leader of the Opposition.
On November 6, 1901, the Leake Government was defeated on a division by two votes, and as the Governor refused to grant a dissolution Mr. Piesse was commissioned to form a Government. Mr. Piesse accepted the Commission, but subsequently informed His Excellency that he had been unable to form a Government with the personnel of which he felt he could be satisfied. Mr. A. E. Morgans was then sent for and, although he formed a Cabinet, a number of his ministers were defeated at the polls, and before the end of the year Mr. Leake was again at the head of the Government.
Mr. Piesse continued to sit as the member for Katanning up to October 1909, and at the time of his retirement from politics he was the “father of the House.” Speaking with the authority of a long Parliamentary experience and an intimate knowledge of the State. Mr. Piesse could always command an attentive hearing.
A. sincerity of conviction characterised the optimism of his speeches, while he never lost sight of practical ends. He exercised a moderating influence on the acerbity of debate. Standing aloof from the pettiness of party warfare, Mr. Piesse was recognised as ardently ambitious only for the national welfare, and while his honesty of purpose exacted the respect of all parties, he was always ready to admit that the best of motives actuated those who for the moment were opposed to him.
Mr. Piesse’s services to the State were rewarded with marks of Royal recognition. By Royal permission he was permitted to retain the prefix of “Honourable,” a notification to the effect appearing in the’ “London Gazette” of October, 1900, and in November, 1907, he was created a C.M.G. On his retirement from Parliament he was succeeded in the representation of Katanning by his brother, Mr. Arnold Piesse, who still sits for that electorate.
REFERENCE IN ST ANDREWS CHURCH.
Rev, Dr. Parish in the course of his sermon to a large congregation at St Andrews Church, last Sunday said: – “I desire to say a word or two first of a upon a matter which is filling the minds of every one of us today, the death of our friend and fellow-worshipper, Mr Piesse. I refrain from doing so at any great length, because, apart from having already referred to it this morning, I expect in the ordinary course of events there will be fuller reference made to the same sad event at some future service.
I need not remind this congregation how much we owe to him, or how much he has done for the beautification of this Church, or how generously he has helped it with his substance.
1 need not remind you of the extremely prominent and generous part he took in the erection of the Church Hall, nor need I remind you of how regularly and earnestly he worshipped here. Whenever his health permitted, he was in his place. Though he was occupied with many affairs, he allowed them to interfere with his religious observances as little as, if not less than, any man amongst us. And when here, his devout and reverent attitude showed, more clearly than any words, that he remembered he was in God’s House, that he sought God’s honour and glory.
His public services were, some time ago, recognised by His Majesty the King, and many of us hoped to see a still higher mark of Royal recognition placed upon him. Personally, I have no doubt that it was only the fact that failing health necessitated his retirement from public affairs, that stood in the way of the conferring of a higher honour upon him. Anyhow, his services to the public are so well known to most of us that it is quite unnecessary for me to refer to them in detail.
He was dear to all who knew him, a friend we must constantly miss. If just because he was what he was, in the Church, in the district, and to each one of us individually, that we find it so difficult to speak of him now as freely as we would like to speak.
I think one lesson of his life was the lesson of thoroughness, of strenuous endeavour. Whatever work he took hand he did it with all his might, and with the determination of a strong will he made things go, which men of weaker personality would have allowed to collapse.
Everybody here seems to be saddened and grieved by the news. How much more must those nearest and dearest to him feel it? How greatly they will stand in need of Divine comfort and strength? I need hardly repeat what said this morning. I need but again ask you to remember them in your prayers – as well as him whom God has now called to rest.”
WESTERN MAIL – PERTH
Funeral at Katanning an impressive ceremony.
From the Western Mail Perth
Katanning: 2 July 1912
The high esteem to which the late Mr. F H. Piesse, C.M.G., was held, not only in Great Southern districts, but throughout the State, was impressively shown today when the funeral took place at the Katanning Cemetery. Old Western Australians who were present expressed the opinion that it was quite the largest funeral procession that dad been seen in any part of the country districts. Settlers came from all quarters into Katanning to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of one whose name was a cherished household word amongst them.
The Government fittingly recognised the homage which was due to such a distinguished colonist and politician, the close whose useful career had evoked a general feeling of sadness, and a special train arrived at an early hour this morning with a Ministerial and Parliamentary party. Perhaps a larger number of legislators had been expected, to take advantage of the arrangements made by the Government, but the company was thoroughly representative of both branches of the Legislature. Lieut. Colonel Campbell A.D.C., attended as the representative of His Excellency the Governor.
Shortly before 10 o’clock this morning those who were to join in the procession assembled on the grounds in front “Kobeelya,” the residence of the deceased gentleman, and the cortege moved off at 20 minutes past 10 o’clock. The coffin, which was covered with an abundance floral tributes, was conveyed to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, where the first potion of the service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Parish.
The hymns “Now the Labourer’s Task is O’er” and “Lead, Kind Light” were sung and added much impressiveness to the occasion. The Town Band, which was stationed outside of the church, played the “Dead March in Saul,” and then the long march to the cemetery, two and a half miles distant, was commenced.
The order of the procession on leaving the church was as follows: Town Band with muffled drums; the clergy and choir, pall-bearers and hearse; the chief mourners all walking; the parliamentary party; about 80 employees of the firm of Messrs. F. & C. Piesse; representatives of local government bodies; members of the Farmers and Producers’ Union; and lodge members, including Freemasons, A.N.A., Hibernian and Rechabites.
Then followed a large number of the general public on foot, and over 100 vehicles. The cortege was calculated to be over half a mile in length, and considerably over 1,000 persons joined in it.
The chief mourners were Messrs. Fred, Harold, and Cecil Piesse (sons), C. A. Piesse M.L.C., A. W. Piesse, W. J. Piesse, A.E. Piesse M.L.À., F. E. Piesse, and A. N. Piesse M.L.A. (brothers), John and George Chipper (brothers-in-law), Austin, Clarence, Leslie, Edmund, Albert, Vernon, James, Oxley, Hector, and Selby Piesse (nephews), Bert, Harry, Maley, and Arthur Chipper (nephews), and Mr. Frank Wilson, M.L.A (relative.). There were 48 relatives present not including females. The pall-bearers were Dr. House and Messrs. R. L. Richardson, C. F. Wanke, W. Pemble, W. Grovel and R. Sinclair.
The Ministerial and parliamentary party comprised the Premier (Mr Scaddan), the Minister for Lands and Agriculture (Mr. Bath), the Minister for Works (Mr. Johnson), the Minister for Mines (Mr Collier), the leader of the Opposition (Mr F. Wilson), Messrs. Hamersley and Patrick, Cullen, C. McKenzie, and Davis, M’s.L.C, and Messrs. S. F. Moore, Taylor, Holman, Broun, S. Stubbs, Lander, and E. B. Johnstone Ms.L.A. The others who travelled from the city included the Commissioner of Railway (Mr. J. T. Short), Messrs. J. T. Glowrey, E. C. Barnett; T. Carter (Dalgety and Co.), G. H. Johnstone (Commercial Union Insurance Company), and A. J. Tassie (manager in Perth for Messrs. F. and C. Piesse) and Sinclair, the Town Clerk of Wagin (Mr C. C. Keyser), Mr. W. E. Clarke (president of the Wagin Agricultural Society), and Mr. P. Durack.
Other representatives of local governing bodies were Messrs. M. Brown (Mayor of Narrogin), H. C. Sime (Mayor of Albany), A. J. Tandrey (Dumbleyung Roads Board), A. H. McKenzie, M. J. Ryan, and A. Gee (Broomehill Roads Board), R. Krakoueur and O. Bignell (Kojonup Roads Board) and W. J. Patterson (Woodanilling Roads Board).
Among the different bodies represented in the cortege were the Rev. Father Reidy (the Hibernian Society), the Rev. D. Dundas (Methodist), the Mayor of Wagin (Mr. J. C. H. Nenke), and Cr. Absolon. The Katanning Roads Board was represented by Messrs. G. McLeod (chairman), A. Thomson, A. F, Warren, T. W. Langley, T. J. Antonio, W. F. Quartermaine, T. Garstone, A. Prosser, and R. J. Tucker, and the secretary (Mr. P. Stuart).
Other prominent residents of the town and district were Messrs. E. Quartermaine, G. and D. Beard, N. J. Treleaven, W. J. Mansom, W. A. Cussen, F. A. Langley, J. Moyland, J. Fairclough, M. Cronin, E. G. Sims (Kojonup), Ross Anderson, A G. Burt, T. Richardson, and Forsyth Bros, (Kojonup). Mr. W. J. Mansom represented the South-Western Diocesan Trustees.
Part of the large funeral procession for FH Piesse
The concluding portion of the burial service was conducted in the cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Parish, assisted by the Rev. E. J. Atwell, of Wagin. The hymns “My God, My Father” and “Rock of Ages” were sung at the graveside, and in the course of a brief address the Rev. Dr. Parish gave expression to his sense of the loss which the community had sustained through the death of Mr. Piesse. He referred to the deceased as a worthy Christian gentleman and an excellent example to everybody for his earnestness and sincerity of purpose.
With his good services to the country all were familiar – in fact, they had received the hallmark of Royal recognition – and of his invaluable services to the Church he (Dr. Parish) had had other occasions to speak of. Mr. Piesse seemed to have been inspired with the recognition that a man is as but a steward to be used for the honour and glory of God and for the good of his fellows. His sympathetic and kindly nature had endeared him to everybody who knew him, and their deepest sympathies went out to the bereaved family he had left behind.
The lessons of the life of the deceased gentleman were simple and perfectly clear. Thoroughness of action was one of his great characteristics. He was full of energy and determination, and above all he had the fear of God in his heart. He had lived to make the world better and nobler for him having been in it, and now they had laid him to rest. At the conclusion of the service the procession re-formed, at the cemetery and dispersed at the Church of England.
The aboriginals of the district took the keenest interest in the proceedings, and their grief at the loss of one whom they regarded as their king was pronounced.
The Ministerial and Parliamentary party left on the return journey to Perth at 10 o’clock to-night.
WEST AUSTRALIAN – PERTH
THE LATE MR. F. H. PIESSE.
FUNERAL AT KATANNING.
AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.
The West Australian
2 July 1912 Edition
The high esteem in which the late Mr. F. H. Piesse. C.M.G., was held, not only in the Great Southern districts, but throughout the State, was impressively shown to-day when the funeral took place at the Katanning Cemetery. Old Western Australians who were present expressed the opinion that it was quite the largest funeral procession that had been seen in any part of the country districts. Settlers came from all quarters into Katanning to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of one whose name was a cherished household word amongst them.
The Government fittingly recognised the homage which was due to such a distinguished colonist and politician, the close of whose useful career had evoked a general feeling of sadness, and a special train arrived at an early hour this morning with a Ministerial and Parliamentary party. Perhaps a larger number of legislators had been expected to take advantage of the arrangements made by the Government., but the company was thoroughly representative of both branches of the Legislature. Lieut. Colonel Campbell A.I.C., attended as the representative of His Excellency the Governor.
Shortly before 10 o clock this morning those who were to join in the procession assembled on the grounds in front of “Kobeelya,” the residence of the deceased gentleman, and the cortege moved off at 20 minutes past 10 o’clock. The coffin, which was covered with an abundance of floral tributes, was conveyed to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, where the first portion of the service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Parish. The hymns “Now the Labourer’s Task is O’er” and “Lead, Kindly Light” were sung and added much impressiveness to the occasion. The Town band, which was stationed outside of the church, played the Dead March in “Saul,” and then the long march to the cemetery, two and a half miles distant, was commenced.
The order of the procession on leaving the church was as follows: -Town Band, with muffled drums; the clergy and choir; pall-bearers and hearse; the chief mourners, all walking; the parliamentary party; about 80 employees of the firm of Messrs. F. and C. Piesse; Representatives of local governing bodies; members of the Farmers and Producers’ Union: and lodge members, including Freemasons, A.N.A., Hibernians, and Rechabites. Then followed a large number of the general public on foot, and over 100 vehicles. The cortege was calculated to be over half a mile in length, and considerably over 1,000 persons joined in it.
The chief mourners were Messrs. Fred., Harold, and Cecil Piesse (sons), C. A. Piesse, M.L.C., A. W. Piesse, W. J. Piesse, A. N. Piesse, M.L.A., F. E. Piesse, and A. E. Piesse M.L.A. (brothers), John and George Chipper (brothers-in-law), Austin, Clarence, Leslie, Edmund, Albert, Vernon. James, Oxley, Hector, and Selby Piesse (nephews), Bert, Harry, Maley, and Arthur Chipper (nephews), and Mr. Frank Wilson, M.L.A. (relative.). There were 48 relatives present, not including females.
The pall-bearers were Dr. House and Messrs. R. L. Richardson, C. F. Wanke, W. Pemble, W. Grover, and R. Sinclair. The Ministerial and parliamentary party comprised the Premier (Mr. Scaddan), the Minister for Lands and Agriculture (Mr. Bath), the Minister for Works (Mr. Johnson). the Minister for Mines (Mr. Collier), the leader of the Opposition (Mr. F. Wilson), Messrs. Hamersley, Patrick, Cullen, C. McKenzie, and Davis, M’s.L.C., and Messrs. S. F. Moore, Taylor, Holman, Broun, S. Stubbs, Lander, and E. B. Johnstone, M’s. L.A.
The others who travelled from the city included the Commissioner of Railways (Mr. J. T. Short), Messrs. J. T. Glowrey, E. C. Barnett, T. Carter (Dalgety and Co.), G. H. Johnstone (Commercial Union Insurance Company), and A. J. Tassie (manager in Perth for Messrs. F. and C. Piesse), and Sinclair, the Town Clerk of Wagin (Mr. C. C. Keyser), Mr. W. E. Clarke (president of the Wagin Agricultural Society), and Mr. P. Durack.
Other representatives of local governing bodies were Messrs. M. Brown (Mayor of Narrogin), H. C. Sims (Mayor of Albany), A. J. Tindrey (Dumbleyung Roads Board), A. H. McKenzie, M. J. Ryan, and A. Gee (Broomehill Roads Board), R. Krakoueur and O. Bignell (Kojonup Roads Board). and W. J. Patter son (Woodanilling Roads Board). Among the different bodies represented in the cortege were the Rev. Father Reidy (the Hibernian Society), the Rev. D. Dundas (Methodist), the Mayor of Wagin (Mr. J. C. H. Nenke), and Cr. Absolon. The Katanning Roads Board was represented by Messrs. G. McLeod (chairman), A. Thomson, A. F. Warren, T. W. Langley, T. J. Antonio, W. F. Quartermaine, T. Garstone, A. Prosser and R. J. Tucker, and the secretary (Mr. P. Stuart).
Other prominent residents of the town and district were Messrs. E. Quartermaine, G. and D. Beard, N. J. Treleaven, W. J. Mansom, W. A. Cussen, F. A. Langley J. Moyland, J. Fairclough, H. Cronin, E. G. Sims (Kojonup), Ross Anderson, A G. Burt, T. Richardson, and Forsyth Bros. (Kojonup). Mr. W. J. Mansom represented the South-Western Diocesan Trustees.
The concluding portion of the burial service was conducted in the cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Parish, assisted by the Rev. E. J. Atwell, of Wagin. The hymns “My God. My Father” and “Rock of Ages” were sung at the graveside, and in the course of a brief address the Rev. Dr. Parish gave expression to his sense of the loss which the community had sustained through the death of Mr. Piesse. He referred to the deceased as a worthy Christian gentleman and an excellent example to everybody for his earnestness and sincerity of purpose. With his good services to the country all were familiar – in fact, they had received the hallmark of Royal recognition and of his invaluable services to the Church he (Dr. Parish) had had other occasions to speak of.
Mr Piesse seemed inspired with the recognition that a man was but a steward to be used for the honour and glory of God and for the good of his fellows. His sympathetic and kindly nature had endeared him to everybody who knew him, and their deepest sympathies went out to the bereaved family he had left behind.
The lessons of the life of the deceased gentleman were simple and perfectly clear. Thoroughness of action was one of his great characteristics. He was full of energy and determination, and above all he had the fear of God in his heart. He had lived to make the world better and nobler for his having been in it, and now they had laid him to rest.
At the conclusion of the service the procession re-formed at the cemetery and dispersed at the Church of England. The aboriginals of the district took the keenest interest in the proceedings and their grief at the loss of one whom they regarded as their king was pronounced. The Ministerial and Parliamentary party left on the return journey to Perth at 10 o’clock tonight.
REFERENCES IN PARLIAMENT.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS.
As soon as prayers had been read in the Legislative Assembly yesterday, The Attorney-General (Mr. Walker), representing the Government, said that since the last gathering of that Assembly death, the great leveller and the great reconciller had taken from their midst a distinguished former member and an able, conscientious, and worthy citizen of their great State.
He was sure that, although not a member of the present Assembly, the loss caused by the death of Mr. Piesse was a loss to the whole community, but it was particularly a bereavement to his family, two representatives of which were members of that Chamber. Mir. F. H. Piesse, in the course of his long and active public life, had been one of the builders of that great edifice they were proud collectively now to CALL their State. His varied attainments, his great knowledge of the State, his zeal in seeing to more than one portion of it, and his keen interest in every industry promoted for the welfare of this great portion of the Commonwealth, entitled him to the respect of all citizens. irrespective of party or interest.
Personally, though they had occupied different platforms and their views had not always coincided, he had felt for him a warm attachment, because of his genial character, his love of amity, and his desire to as far as possible look to the points of agreement rather than to emphasise the distinction of differences. It is at times like that when they lost the services of one who was a figure so large in the public eye, that they forgot all the bickerings, all their conflicts, and all their battles, and remembered only those qualities that endeared man to man.
He would not dwell at length on the career of this honourable gentleman, who had caused by his passing away such a sad bereavement not only to his family. but to an exceedingly large circle of friends and, he might say, a still wider circle of acquaintances, because his distinguished career was so well known to them. He had been active so freshly in their midst that it was supererogatory to dwell upon his services, but he would say that. his name was associated with the great strides that had lifted this State from almost a pastoral and fishing colony to the great country now dotted with thriving towns and a great metropolis.
It was in his career as a Minister of the Crown that the gigantic public undertakings of the State at least, took a number of steps towards completion – the building of railway lines to connect the metropolis and the port with the now thriving goldfields, the great engineering undertaking which took the rivers up to the dry districts of the interior, those improvements in railway traffic – in fact. the first steps towards that completed condition or that condition in process of completion which they now beheld.
All those things were reminiscent of his name. and they could not write the history of their country without mentioning that name with respect and with honour.
Therefore, without further words he would move That this House desires to place on record its appreciation of the public service rendered to the State by Mr. F. H. Piesse. and to express its deepest sympathy with his family in the irreparable loss which they have sustained by his decease: and that the Speaker be requested to forward the foregoing resolution to the relatives of the deceased gentleman.
Mr. Mitchell, on behalf of the members of the Opposition, said in rescinding the motion that he appreciated the words which had fallen from the Attorney-General. Mr. Piesse had always taken the broadest view of his public duties. and had sacrificed himself to the interests of the people. In every phase of life he had been a success. They could look back to 35 years ago when he was struggling to make that great respect now associated with his name.
It was due to his foresight and ability that the great town of Katanning was just what it was today. In his public life too, Mr. Piesse was an undoubted success. The Attorney General was right when he stated that Mr. Piesse’s name was associated with all the great works undertaken in Western Australia. His name was associated in no small degree with the great goldfields water scheme, and probably no man had received less credit for the work he had done. It was perfectly true that a public man, during his lifetime, did not always receive the credit due to him. Mr. Piesse was known to them all, and they had a strong affection for him. The Attorney-General was right when he said that the deceased loved peace. but at the same time lie was always ready to fight for the principles in which he believed.
The motion was carried by members silently standing in their grief.
The House then adjourned.
ADJOURNMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
The Legislative Council met yesterday at 4.30 p.m. The Colonial Secretary (Mr. J. 31. Drew) said that since they last assembled one, who was revered by all, and to whom the State owed much, had gone to his rest. He alluded to the late Mr. F. H. Please, who on Saturday last was stricken down, after a prolonged period of suffering. Mr. Piesse had never been a member of that Chamber, but his name occupied an honoured place in the pages of the political history of Western Australia.
A native of Western Australia, the deceased gentleman served for 18 years as a member of the Legislative Assembly, and election after election he was returned by those who recognised his ability and high sense of patriotism. For four and a half years he filled the position of Minister for Works and Railways and during that time he controlled great undertakings with conspicuous success. The best proof of his capacity was perhaps afforded by the fact that shortly after his retirement from office, it was found necessary to place the management of the railways in the hands of a Commissioner, relieved from all the anxieties and worries of political life.
To the late Mr. Piesse the State was greatly indebted, but the district in which he had lived owed him more. In a marked degree he had assisted to make that district what it was today, not only by his effective representation of it in Parliament, but also by his encouragement and widespread financial assistance to those who were struggling on the land. Many generations must come and go before the name of Piesse would be forgotten in this State. The proverb which counselled them to speak only what was good of the dead had no application in this
case. In no sense was it apropos, for no one could speak badly of the late Mr. Piesse. Amidst the strife of political parties’ harsh things were ofttimes said, but no one ever questioned the integrity, the honour, the patriotism of their deceased friend. Courteous, able, kind-hearted, and lofty-minded he was incapable of a bitter word. The death of Mr. Piesse marked the loss of a man in the truest sense of the word. He moved:
“That out of respect to the memory of the late Mr. F. H. Piesse, C.M.G., this House do now adjourn, and that a message of condolence be forwarded by the President to deceased’s widow and family.”
Sir Winthrop Hackett said it was with a melancholy pleasure that he rose to second the motion. He endorsed very heartily the words of appreciation to which the Colonial Secretary had given utterance – words which undoubtedly voiced the feelings of those both in and out of Parliament. The late Mr. Piesse had for very many years occupied a foremost place in the public life of the State. He was one who brought to his task sound judgment and an impartial mind, and who was always moved by a broad sense of patriotism in his endeavour to serve his country as best he could. He was not sure, however, whether they should look to the path of politics for the chief distinguishing merits of the late Mr. Piesse.
For those who were admitted to his friendship the late Mr. Piesse had a rare charm, while others knew him favourably by his good name and repute. The resolution which the Colonial Secretary had submitted was a fine tribute to their late member of the State Legislature. The name of Piesse would go down for many years as a striking type of all that was excellent, both in public and private life.
Mr. Clarke said that he also desired to say a few words in appreciation of their departed friend. He had come into contact with the late Mr. Piesse both in public life and in private life, and it could truly be said that he was a man in the best sense of the word – a man honoured by all. He had laboured not only with conspicuous success for his country, but in his own district he had been a tower of strength. One could well characterise the late Mr. Piesse as one of Nature’s true white men.
Members stood as the resolution was put and carried.
The House then adjourned until this after noon at 4.30.
FURTHER READING
Frederick Henry Piesse was a man well ahead of his time. His vision, passion, drive, and love of his community set Katanning up to be the town it is today. As a community, we have much to thank this man for, even today. (Editor)
Read his story here
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