Kobeelya

KOBEELYA
“A place of rest“
The home of Frederick Piesse and his family c1908

Frederick Henry Piesse

Great Southern Herald.
Saturday, November 15, 1902

“Kobeelya,” the native term for rest, is situated on the crown of the hill at the foot of Clive Street East, which overlooks 180 acres of orchard property, and is the new residence of the Hon F.H. Piesse, MLA for this district. It is introduced from the street by a winding, gravelled path, and on each side are planted rows of fruit and ornamental trees, which are just now in full bud.

Fronting the building at its northerly and westerly aspects are several walks which are neatly set off by beds of ornamental flowers and shrubs, and at the eastern end are tennis and croquet lawns, which are just now being set off with a couch grass which is doing well.

The building, a two-storey one, is of brick and cement facings, and contains 17 rooms, besides kitchens, pantries etc. The entrance inside is made through a portice, which is tiled after the tessellated style, into the main hall, where the most striking feature is the jarrah staircase. This work was specially executed by Messrs. Coombe, Wood and Co. for the contractor Mr. J.H. Brown and is a beautiful piece of workmanship.

Leading from the left of the hall is the drawing-room, which is lit by six brass scroll brackets, and a three-light electroleer (a chandelier in which the lights are electrical: Ed.) in the centre. A special feature of this room is a cosy corner formed by the bay-shaped windows and divided from the room by an arch. This room reflects much credit on the decorators. Passing to the right of the hall is the study of Mr. F.H. Piesse. This room is nicely finished off, being fitted with the usual library appointments.

Entering a jarrah and stained glass door we arrive in the billiard room, which is fitted with a Cox and Yeamam champion billiard table. This room is finished off with a Dado Linncruster (a deeply embossed wall-covering: Ed.), the ceiling being of stamped metal. The dining-room is situated at the eastern end of the hall, which is divided from the morning room by folding doors, which, when thrown open make a spacious ball-room. These rooms are specialty fitted up with electroleers, and several scroll brackets.

On the half landing of the staircase is a very prettily designed stained glass window, a running brook, festive with birds of high coloured plumage, being thereon depicted. At the top of the staircase, on the main landing, is to be found the bedrooms and conveniences of the family. These number seven, and are nicely furnished and finished off with the latest electrical appliances. The bathrooms, two in number, are fitted up with hot and cold water, and are supplied by an overhead corrugated iron tank of 1,500 gallon (5,700 litres) dimensions.

Before leaving the balcony we were struck with the beautiful and uninterrupted view which we obtained of the surrounding country. Ample accommodation is provided in the quarters set apart for the servants on the ground floor, these like the other rooms, being set out with the latest fittings. The kitchen which is fitted up with the latest improved stove and hot water arrangements has a China closet on one side and a goods pantry on the other, they being most conveniently placed. Underneath the kitchen is a cellar, 14ft. by 18ft. (4.26m x 5.50m), which is also fitted with handy receptacles.

The outhouses comprise a well fitted laundry and wood-house. There is stabling accommodation provided for four horses, connected there with being the necessary provision for attendants, etc.

Ample provision has been made for a water supply. An underground tank contains a storage of 47,000 gallons (180,000 litres), which is pumped to the distributing tank by a windmill. A well, from which the water is being pumped at a depth of 108 ft (33m)., has turned out remarkably good prospects, the water being perfectly safe to use for drinking purposes. A corrugated iron tank, with a capacity of 10,000 gallons (38,000 litres), is erected on a Karri stand at an altitude of 18ft (4.26m). and contains the water supplied by this well, the same being used for gardening purposes, etc.

The architect for the building is Mr. E. Summerhayes, of Perth. The contractor, Mr. J. H. Brown, of this town, is to be credited with carrying out a work which it will not be, his, good fortune to have viewed by a large populace, but which, nevertheless, by those who do see it, will be appreciated. The decorations were carried out by Messrs. Tassell Bros., of Albany.

It is the intention of Mr Piesse to shortly adopt the latest sanitary methods in vogue, which we believe, will be that known as the “septic” tank system.

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From the W.A. State Government
Heritage Council’s “inHerit” website:

Kobeelya was the first significant residence in the town of Katanning, and one of the most up-to-date in the state. It has high social value as it was built for the Piesse family, an important pioneering family in the Great Southern, who were instrumental in the development of Katanning. In its heyday the house entertained and accommodated many important people. It was a prominent landmark when first constructed and had high aesthetic value.

Kobeelya was erected for F. H. Piesse in 1902, as the family’s private residence and built to overlook their property and the town. The name, suggested by Sir John Forrest, is an aboriginal word, which means “place of sleep and rest”. It originally contained seventeen rooms; bathrooms with hot and cold running water, in-door toilets (septic), seven bedrooms and billiard and ball rooms.

The house is typical of the period with its gabled roof, wide verandahs, many chimneys, bay windows, stained glass windows and side panels, ornate plaster work and polished jarrah floors. The Piesse family crest is featured in the arched stained glass window on the main staircase landing. Kobeelya was also connected to electricity. The bricks were made at the Piesse brickyards.

When the house was completed, there was still the road leading to its entrance which needed developing to Clive Street. However, rather than waiting for the Road Board to do this, Piesse hired “eight men for three weeks to gravel and level it, so that with a fringe of plane trees, it became one of the best roads in the district, and his own personal avenue”. [Bignell, p.205].

In January 1915, a large portion of the Kobeelya Estate was subdivided into building blocks (the Kobeelya Orchard Estate), which were quickly purchased.

Kobeelya passed out of the hands of the Piesse family in 1922, when it was bought by the Bunbury diocese of the Anglican Church for £5000. The interior furnishings were sold and the building became the boarding house and schoolrooms of Kobeelya College. This school for girls was opened on 14th September 1922 and was later associated with Penrhos College in Como.

Many of the original outbuildings, such as the coach house, were converted into educational facilities and other amenities. A chapel was also erected on the eastern side in 1939. A fairly unique feature of the school was that the girls were able to keep their own horses at the school.

Kobeelya c2010 before any renovations were commenced.

In 1986 the Baptist Church purchased the site for use as a weekend retreat and education/conference facility. The church itself is also located on the site in the former dining hall ,”Kennedy Hall“, for the Kobeelya School.

The Kobeelya site also houses a building called the “Coach House“. It was first built to house the coaches belonging to the Piesse family. When the property was converted into a school and started to expand the coach house proved to be a valuable asset. The loft was used for storage of the boarder’s cases and only a privileged few could climb the loft. The bottom story of the Coach House was used as servant’s quarters when the Piesse’s resided at Kobeelya.

Major renovations began in 1964 at which time the loft was transformed into a sitting room for senior girls. The “Coach House” was also renovated incorporating TV Theatrette, Arts and Crafts Centre and Classrooms.

Refashioning and equipping this building was a gift from Mrs. Montague Balston in memory of her daughter – a former pupil. A bronze plaque was also placed. Mrs. H. E. House donated a radiogram. In 1980, the common room moved into the downstairs dormitories and the Coach House was used as a general store room. The building was later used for Sunday School classes.

The Kobeelya Girls Association (ex pupils) now house archives and memorabilia from the Kobeelya Girls School in the Coach House. A conservation plan was completed on the building and a LotteryWest grant has enabled the re-roofing of the building to be completed. The Katanning Baptist community has continued to raise funds for the restoration of the building.

Kobeelya has been restored to its former glory by the Katanning Baptist community.
Photo by Arthur Todd – 2018

The house is a Late-Victorian Italianate style mansion, typical of those constructed for the wealthy at this time. The building is an asymmetrical two-storey design, constructed from brick and corrugated iron, with stucco dressings, pilasters and panels. A second story was added to southeast side of the building (evidenced by different coloured bricks) and later the upstairs verandah with fibro sheeting.

In 2001 extensive renovations and conservation was carried out with fire stairs being added and further alterations and additions to the house in January 2002. Most of the outhouses still exist and had been converted into educational/dining facilities. The roof height is complex with a combination of half-timbered gables, a tower over the entry and tall chimneys. Verandas had been filled in to form dormitories for the students and the interior is much altered.

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History of Kobeelya
Church of England Girls School

In 1902 Piesse built the imposing, two storey, Victorian style mansion as his family’s residence and called it Kobeelya, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of rest and sleep’. Upon his death, Kobeelya was offered for sale to Dr. Cecil Wilson, Bishop of Bunbury, for use as a school.

The Piesse family home with 17 bedrooms became the school’s main dormitory and later became known as Burbidge House in honour of Mrs M. E. Burbidge. Mr Piesse was well remembered at Kobeelya, as many former students will attest to feeling his presence in Burbidge House. Continue reading

1928 IMPROVEMENTS

Katanning Girls School
RECENT IMPROVEMENTS.

Great Southern Herald
1 August 1928 – P2

At the function which took place recently in connection with the opening of additions to the “Kobeelya” school buildings, reference was made to the expansion or the school during the past six years, that is, since “Kobeelya” was acquired by the Katanning Girls’ School Ltd. for the purposes of a school.

These additions include dormitories, which necessitated the building of a second storey over part of the original building; extensions to dining room, studies, etc., and additional bathroom accommodation to the main building. They also included an entirely new building comprising three class rooms with enclosed verandah, another new building comprising six music tuition rooms, and the most recent addition, a large class-room with quarters for teaching staff attached.

Other improvements include extensions to the “Chalet,” a detached dormitory, a 30,000 gallons concrete water tank, connected to the buildings, a 2,000 cubic yards surface tank, and the installation of a large modem sewage system, with septic tank. The last-mentioned undertaking can be described as the most up to-date installation of its kind, and is constructed on thoroughly scientific lines, the work of Mr. J. P. Coote, Architect and Sanitary Engineer of Katanning.

Mr. Coote also planned and supervised the erection of the classrooms and staff quarters, opened this month by the Bishop of Kalgoorlie, William Elsley, which are portion only of an ambitious scheme of expansion. This, when complete, will form a building some 100 feet square, comprising two blocks, each of two large classrooms, joined together by a large hall 50 feet by 40 feet, all on the one floor level, planned to give the maximum of light and air space to the various rooms. If the present rate of progress of the school may be taken as a criterion, it should not be very long before the work of completing the scheme must be taken in hand.

Kobeelya, while still the Church of England Girls School with its enclosed verandas c1950
Note the addition of the second storey on the right of the building.

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SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

From the Kobeelya School website

Mrs M. E. Burbidge, MA (Hons) Cantab. 1917-1921 The Rectory, 1922-1929 Kobeelya
Miss G. Gordon Everett, MA (NZ) 1930
Mrs E. E. Whitaker, BA (Hons) Lond. 1931-Mid 1933
Mrs H. M. Strugnell, MA 1933-1946
Miss N. B. R. Russell, MBE, BA, Dip Ed, LAB, LTCL, AMusA 1947-1953
Miss J. S. Thewlis, BSc (Lond), Dip Ed. 1954-1956
Miss D. M. May, BA, Dip Ed (Adel) 1957-1964
Miss E. C. Riley, B Ed, Dip Phys Ed 1965
Mr T. G. Blom, BA, Dip NHI (Holland), MACE, AASA Prov 1966-1969
Mr V. R. Cooper, B Sc, Dip Ed, B Ed 1970-1976
Mr J. Bailey, B Ed (Hons), STC (UK) 1976-1977
Miss V. Mayger, TC, AMusA 1978-1986

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THE CHAPEL

From the “Kobeelya” School website

The strong religious influence of which under-laid the basic structure of the school was reinforced when a chapel was built on the school grounds in 1939. This was the result of many years fundraising by students and their parents. The chapel became the focal point of daily life, with morning and evening services, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Baptisms and even weddings being a regular occurrence. Students took an active role in the running and planning of Chapel services, with school sacristans serving at the alter during Communion.

Prior to the construction of the school chapel, students would attend Sunday services at St Andrew’s Church. Continue reading

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NEWSPAPER STORIES

GIRLS SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENS
Kobeelya School
DEDICATION AND OFFICIAL OPENING.

Great Southern Herald
20 September 1922 – p2

On Thursday afternoon, in the presence of a very large and representative gathering, His Grace, the Archbishop of Perth, formally dedicated “Kobeelya” to the purposes of a Church of England School for Girls and declared the school open. The ceremony was held at Kobeelya, the beautiful grounds being none too large to accommodate the gathering that had come to witness the formalities and at the same time to show their appreciation of the wonderful opportunity granted to the district of a means to have a high standard of education for girls inculcated in the town.

The chairman of Directors, Mr. E. B. Anderson, having welcomed the visitors, outlined the reasons that had led to the purchase of Kobeelya as a girls’ school, and pointed out what a wonderful asset such a school would become to the town and district. He spoke hopefully of the success of the school, which, he said, was assured so long as the people of the district gave that support it warranted.

Before formally dedicating the building to the purposes of a school, His Grace, the Archbishop, said he felt compelled to voice his pleasure at being once again in Katanning. He said he was no stranger to the town or to Kobeelya, which held for him many pleasant memories as the home of his old friends the Piesse’s.

He had known the late Hon. F. H. Piesse for many years, and had held him in great regard, and could think of no better way to perpetuate his memory than by keeping his old home as a school for the girls of the district for which he had done so much. He felt confident that the school would, be successful, for the house and surroundings were so beautiful, so eminently suitable, whilst the climate was the best, probably, in the whole State, that it would draw children from Perth, from the Goldfields, and from the coastal districts.

The headmistress, Mrs. Burbidge, had proved her worth in connection with the “Brownies” school, which had been the forerunner of this more ambitious venture, and was beloved by all her pupils, so that Kobeelya school was commenced under most favorable conditions. The Archbishop then formally dedicated building and declared the school open, the ceremony concluding with prayer, and the National Anthem, in which all joined heartily. At the conclusion of the service an invitation was extended to the visitors to partake of afternoon tea and to inspect the school, which was availed of by the majority of those present.

Church of England School.
FIRST SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING.

Great Southern Herald
20 September 1922 – p3

The first meeting of shareholders of the Katanning Church of England Girls’ School. Ltd., was held in the company’s office, Albion Street, Katanning, last Thursday, when about 20 persons were present.

The Provisional Chairman, Mr. E. B. Anderson, occupied the chair, and read the report of the transactions of the company to date. He said that the company had been floated with a nominal capital of £10,000, in 10,000 £1 shares, but it was desired to place only shares to value of £8,000 with the public.

Although promises had been received for the placing of 7017 shares, 5014 had been actually applied for, but of the remainder, 750 would not be taken, as Mr. W. T. Loton had donated the sum of £500, and Mr. Ernest Lee-Steere the sum of £250, in lieu of becoming shareholders. This left some shares to be taken under given promise, and doubtless application would be made for them in due course.

Receipts by donations and application and allotment payments on shares amounted to £1654, and actual disbursements in the way of deposit on the purchase of “Kobeelya”, £500,  furniture and other expenditure, amounted to £929/8/3, leaving a balance of cash in hand, £715/13/3. Estimated commitments amounted to £5267/12/11, which included the balance of purchase money for Kobeelya, and cash in sight amounted to £5768/3/3, leaving a balance of £500/10/4 for current expenses.

Arrangements had been made with the Union Bank of Australia, Ltd., for an overdraft of £5,000 for the purchase of the property. Mr. Anderson pointed out that the first two or three years would be a period of financial difficulty, but with the amount of shares sold, and the prospects in front of the school, he could feel only optimistic in regard to the future. The report was adopted.

Church of England Girls School Kobeelya in 1933

The election of directors for the ensuing twelve months resulted in the return of the following gentlemen: Messrs E. B. Anderson, Tom Anderson, W. P. Bird, G. A. Parry, W. J. Rogers, F. C. Wingrove, and Dr. E. C. Pope, Mr. E. B. Anderson being re-elected chairman of Directors. Mr. F. G. Joy was elected auditor.

Council of Education, in whose hands rested the educational side of the school, consisted of His Grace, the Archbishop of Perth, the Bishop of each Church of England Diocese in the State, the Archdeacon of Albany, the Rector of Katanning, the Rev. P. U. Henn, headmaster of the Guildford Grammar School, Mr. Matthew Wilson, headmaster of the Perth High School, and Messrs. E. Lee-Steere. W. H. Vincent, Benjamin Darbyshire and H. W. Rischbieth.

The election of directors for the ensuing twelve months resulted in the return of the following gentlemen: Messrs E. B. Anderson, Tom Anderson, W. P. Bird, G. A. Parry, W. J. Rogers, F. C. Wingrove, and Dr. E. C. Pope, Mr. E. B. Anderson being re-elected chairman of Directors. Mr. F. G. Joy was elected auditor.

Council of Education, in whose hands rested the educational side of the school, consisted of His Grace, the Archbishop of Perth, the Bishop of each Church of England Diocese in the State, the Archdeacon of Albany, the Rector of Katanning, the Rev. P. U. Henn, headmaster of the Guildford Grammar School, Mr. Matthew Wilson, headmaster of the Perth High School, and Messrs. E. Lee-Steere. W. H. Vincent, Benjamin Darbyshire and H. W. Rischbieth.

KATANNING CHAPEL.
Dedication of Building.

West Australian
25 March, 1939

KATANNING, March 22
At Kobeelya Church of England Girls’ School, Katanning, last week, the new school chapel of St. Michael and All Saints was dedicated by the Bishop of Bunbury, Dr. Knight.

The chapel, which is on the southern aspect of the main school amid towering pines, cannot be classed as belonging to any particular style, but the general atmosphere is flavoured by early English traditions. The main nave is 36ft. by 20ft. with a sanctuary (13ft. by 9ft.) on the eastern end, and on the right of the sanctuary is a bell tower with the vestry beneath. The brick walls inside are in their natural colour, and the roof is carried on heavy trusses of undressed jarrah.

The pews and floor are also of jarrah. The outside walls are of local bricks, with raked joints; there are terracotta tile sills and lead-light windows, and the high pitched roof consists of chocolate-coloured tiles. The main doors are of heavy jarrah, with iron studs.

Over the main doorway is a built-in panel of pressed cement carrying the school arms, and surmounting the gable is a cross of similar manufacture. The altar in the chapel is decked in Madonna blue (old English style) and a piscina has been built into the wall of the sanctuary. The chapel, built on square lines with unusual windows, can accommodate 100 persons.

On the eastern exterior wall, directly behind the altar, is a tablet in Donnybrook stone, commemorating the work of the foundress (Mrs. M. E. Burbidge, MA.), the first headmistress of the school. Mrs. Burbidge founded the school about 20 years ago with a small kindergarten class, named ‘The Brownies.”

The school expanded so much that Kobeelya, the mansion residence of the late Mr. F. H. Please, C.M.G., was purchased. Further additions were made from time to time until it grew to become one of the leading girls’ schools in the State. During her regime, Mrs. Burbidge established the fund which ultimately provided the chapel.

The opening ceremony was witnessed by a large gathering of parents and friends, the dedication being performed by the Bishop of Bunbury, assisted by the Hon. Chaplain (the Rev. T. R. Pelham Thorman) and Archdeacon W. E. Burbidge, who acted as Bishop’s Chaplain. The procession of clergy included the Revs. W. Dunbar (Kojonup), E. S. Strugnell (Bridgetown) and Archdeacon Burbidge. The unveiling of the stone commemorating Mrs. Burbidge’s work was performed by Dr. B. C. Popes ex-chairman of the directors of the school.

KOBEELYA CELEBRATES 30^th BIRTHDAY

Great Southern Herald
10 October 1952

An excellent attendance of old Kobeelyans, friends of the school and parents, as well as present students and staff members, combined to present a most successful programme when the Church of England Girls’ School “Kobeelya” celebrated its thirtieth birthday on September 26, 27, 28 and 29 when an excellent programme of entertainments was presented over the four-day period.

A most pleasing feature of the anniversary celebrations was the presence of the school founder, Mrs Burbidge, and the Archdeacon Burbidge. Many Old Kobeelyans and friends of the school returned to Katanning for the occasion, which was organised by the Principal, Miss N. R. Russell, O.B.E., and conducted with the full co-operation of pupils and staff members. In the conduct of the many functions arranged, considerable assistance was given by numerous friends of the school.

The founder of the school, Mrs Burbidge, affectionately known to so many ex-students as “Mrs Brownie”, accompanied by Archdeacon Burbidge, came over from Bunbury to attend the birthday celebrations.

The anniversary programme opened on September 26 with the holding of a garden fete at Kobeelya. With the exception of a cake stall run by Old Kobeelyans, all stalls were organised by the girls with the assistance of mistresses. In the evening the Old Kobeelyans Association held a buffet tea in the C.W.A. Hall. A two-tier birthday cake, made by Mrs A. Caldwell and iced in the school colours, was cut by Mrs Burbidge who was afterwards presented with the top layer.

A beautiful polished jarrah Honour Board, a gift of the O.K.A. Country Branch, to commemorate the Australian Jubilee, was handed to the principal, Miss Russell, by the branch president, Mrs M. Piesse. Perth branch secretary, Miss B. Wrench, presented Miss Russell with a cheque from the Branch towards the Chapel Extension fund.

SUCCESSFUL GYMKHANA
On September 27, a most successful horse gymkhana was held, on the showgrounds through the kind co-operation of the Katanning Agricultural Society. The function was organised by a committee of girls, assisted by Mr C. Barber. Mr Edgar Richardson judged the events while Messrs J. A. Campbell, T. L. Clarke and Mrs F. I. Synnott were stewards. At the conclusion of the events Mrs Burbidge presented ribbons to the place winners.

Details of results:
Best turned out Horse and Rider; P. Bowman, 1; P. Meyer, 2; R. Clarke, 3.
Musical Chairs; R. Clarke, 1; G. Tuckett, 2; P. Bowman, 3.
Bending Race: Junior; J. Brooker, 1; J. Willacy, 2; S. Featherby, 3. Beginners; G. Hannah, 1; A. Hendrie, 2; J. Wade, 3.
Flag Race: H. Hubbe, 1; P. Bowman, 2.
Beginners Walk and Trot; G. Hannah, 1; A. Hendrie, 2; R. Ludlow, 3.
Jumping: Juniors; J. Willacy, 1; S. Featherby, 2; 0. Clark, 3. Seniors; H. Hubbe, 1; P Meyer 2; R. Clarke. 3.
Bending: Senior; H. Hubbe, 1; P. Meyer, 2; P. Robertson, 3.
Best Girl Rider: Junior; S. Featherby, 1; 0. Clarke, 2; J. Brooker, 3.
Handkerchief Race: P. Bowman, P. Meyer, 1; L. Cockram, G. Tuckett, 2; J. Ludlow, P. Robertson, 3.
Musical Chairs: Juniors; S. Featherby, 1; M. Beaton, 2; S. Duthie, 3.
Egg and Spoon; P. Bowman, 1; P. Meyer, 2; J. Willacy, 3.
Best Girl Rider; P. Bowman, 1; P. Meyer, 2; H. Hubbe, 3.
Best Girl Rider: Beginners; Gay Hannah.
Points scored for Houses; Albion (22), 1; Gaul (16), 2; Sparta (9), 3; Rome (7), 4.

Mothers of girls attending the school and friends, organised by Mrs Max Richardson, provided luncheon and afternoon tea on the grounds. In the evening the usual “Saturday Entertainment” was held at the school. Three plays were presented by the girls of the school, and a fourth play was presented by Old Kobeelyans.

The programme for September 28 commenced with the celebration of a Choral Communion service at 8 a.m. by Archdeacon Burbidge in the School Chapel of St Michael and All Angels. During the day a series of hockey, basketball and tennis matches were played between present and old girls. In the evening Archdeacon Burbidge preached at the Festival Evensong Procession, after which supper was held in the school hall. Candles on a birthday cake were lit by an original pupil of Mrs Burbidge, Mrs Bessell-Brown, and the cake was then cut by “Mrs Brownie.”

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS’ DAY
St Michael and All Angels’ Day is observed as a School Festival each year. The day commenced with a Procession and Sung Eucharist in the Chapel when the Celebrant was Archdeacon Burbidge assisted by the Rector of Katanning. On Sunday and Monday, the servers were Barbara Taggart, Sacristan, and Josephine Ludlow, assistant Sacristan.

The annual athletics carnival was held on the school sports ground during the afternoon. At the conclusion of events, afternoon tea was held when thanks were expressed to the starter, Mr Herzel House, the judges, recorders, time-keepers and all who had assisted, not only at the sports, but during the entire week-end.

Ribbons and trophies were then presented by Mrs Burbidge to event winners and champions. School champion athletes for 1952 were:
Senior, Sybil Prosser, runner-up, Marjorie Tassell;
Junior, Nola Cowell-Harris; Primary, Sarah Fox-Taylor; Lower Primary, Pamela Stoneham. The Cup for Champion House was won by Gaul 109 points, with Sparta 107 1/2 2nd, Rome 102 1/2 3rd, and Albion 96 4th. Gaul also won the Challenge Cup for hall games, and the Sounness Cup for Relay teams was won by Sparta.
Proceeds raised during the week-end were devoted to the Chapel Extension Fund.

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KOBEELYA AS A HOSPITAL?

Following the death of Frederick Piesse, and the need for a larger government hospital, Several ideas were floated to the community and the surrounding district. One was the consideration of purchasing Kobeelya and converting into that hospital as the
Great Southern Herald reported below:

Proposed New Hospital.
THE PURCHASE OF “KOBEELYA.”

Great Southern Herald
22 December 1920 – p2

About two years ago at the time when Australia was first smitten with the scourge of Pneumonic Influenza, the District Medical Officer, Dr. E. C. Pope, drew the attention of the local governing body to the fearfully inadequate provision at the Katanning Government Hospital for dealing with ordinary sickness, and stressed the point that when the epidemic visited Katanning, as he was certain it would, something in the nature of a catastrophe would happen unless steps were taken to cope with it.

Dr. Pope found ready sympathy with his project for a hospital at Katanning that would be a properly equipped modern institution, capable of serving the whole of the Katanning district, and after a certain amount of preliminary investigatory work, the Government was invited to assist in the scheme.

The first suggestion was land adjacent to the present hospital should be purchased, and a new hospital erected, the old building to be utilised as an infectious diseases hospital, with an alternative scheme that “Kobeelya”, the residence of Mrs. F. H. Piesse, should be acquired and converted to the requirements of a modern hospital.

Originally the Road and Health Boards in the Katanning Magisterial District were asked to cooperate in this scheme, and a conference was held in Katanning to place the proposal before the delegates from the various governing bodies. Although at first it appeared that the scheme would be taken up as a district matter, subsequently it lost favour with the outside boards, and latterly it has been evident that if the project were to reach achievement, it would only be through the efforts of Katanning.

Dr. Atkinson, the Chief Medical Officer, accompanied by Mr. Hardwick, Government Architect, visited Katanning, to inspect the present hospital building, and to obtain further information regarding the alternative schemes for the proposed new hospital. These gentlemen were impressed with the necessity of a better equipped and more commodious hospital for the needs of the district, and gave their verdict in favour of the purchase of “Kobeelya” for the purpose.

At a later date, August of this year, Dr. Dale, Medical Inspector of Hospitals, with Mr Hardwick, visited Katanning and made a detail inspection of “Kobeelya”, with a view of determining its suitability, the result of which is embodied in the following report, dated 2nd September, 1920 and submitted to the Katanning Road Board: –

“The house is placed in a very fine situation on high ground about three-quarters of a mile from the centre of the town. An area of 12 acres of land enclosing the present gardens, fowl yards, outbuildings, etc., is included with the house in the suggested price of £5,000, and we were informed that as much more land as was desired could be bought at a price to be fixed by arbitration, probably about £10 per acre.

“The house is in very good order and could, without much alteration, be converted into a hospital with accommodation for about 25 patients, a matron, three or four nurses, two maids, and an orderly. In view of the very high cost of new buildings at the present moment, it seems to me that the opportunity of acquiring “Kobeelya” at the price offered is one of which advantage should be taken.

“Certain alterations will, of course, be necessary including the provision of extra verandah, bathroom, and lavatory accommodation together with certain, structural alterations and the provisions of extra windows. I would recommend that the Public Works Department be asked to give an estimate of the cost of the alterations necessary to make the premises suitable for a hospital of 28 beds, and the cost of equipping same, making use of whatever equipment is suitable for transfer from the existing hospital.

I would add that it, seems to me that the buildings at “Kobeelya” are so arranged that extra ward accommodation could be made as required without appreciably greater cost than would be entailed in adding new wards to a new hospital such as that designed by the Public Works Department.”

(Signed) JOHN DALE,
Medical Inspector of Hospitals.

Following on this report, the Medical Department submitted a plan showing proposed alterations to the house, the cost, of same being estimated at £1,550, and the cost of furniture and equipment at £750. It was also intimated that the Government was prepared to assist on a £ for £ basis.

In answer to a query from the Katanning Road Board, it was stated that if so desired, the Board could call tenders locally for the work, plans and specifications being prepared by the Public Works Department.

With regard to the financial side of this scheme, correspondence between the Road Board and the Medical Department is very explicit. In a letter dated 6th December, 1920, the Medical Department states, inter alia: –

“It should be first explained, however, that the Government intends introducing legislation next session which will provide,
(a) for the erection of District Hospital Boards, composed of members appointed by the Local Governing authorities operating in each hospital district,
(b) for subsidy by the Government upon a defined financial basis, and
(c) for the raising of other necessary funds by contribution from the local governing authorities.

The probable cost in connection with the new building is set down as £7,400 making the sum of £3,700 the State’s portion of a loan, and a balance of £3,700 to be found locally.

As regards the amount to be advanced by the Government, it would be necessary for your Board to agree to pay 10 per cent, per annum for interest and sinking fund. It will be necessary for the Road Board to stand behind the advances made, and to guarantee that the local portion of the sinking fund and interest will be paid duly each year. A Road Board has statutory power to expend up to 7 1/2 per cent of its ordinary revenue for purposes of this nature, and a Road Board which is in addition a Local Health Authority under the “Health Act,” may expend ten per cent, of revenue derived under that Act.

“The position is this – the Government is agreeable to fund the full cost of the proposed hospital, namely £7,400, the interest and sinking fund on which would be £740 per annum. In the proposed new legislation, the subsidising of hospitals will be approximately on the basis of £ for £ on net annual expenditure. The £740 per annum for interest and sinking fund would become, therefore, an annual charge upon those administering the Katanning Hospital. As the net cost would be borne equally between the local committee and the Government, it follows that the actual sinking fund and interest payment £740 will be shared equally, the Government providing £370 per annum through its subsidy, and the local people £370, through their contributions to the hospital. These two payments, totalling £740 will in from 15 to 18 years extinguish the original debt, after which of course they will cease.

These reports having been fully discussed at the recent meeting of the Katanning Road Board, it was decided that a ratepayers meeting be called at the earliest possible date in order to obtain sanction to borrow the sum of £3,700 from the Government for the purchase and equipment of “Kobeelya” as the Katanning and Districts Public Hospital.

PROPOSED NEW HOSPITAL.

Southern Districts Advocate
3 January 1921 – P2

THE question of providing a new, thoroughly up-to-date, and somewhat elaborate hospital at Katanning is one that the ratepayers of the local Road Board District will do well to interest themselves in.

The Medical Officer and the Central Health Department, about the time of the influenza epidemic, agreed that a large base hospital fitted up with the latest conveniences and appliances should be established at Katanning. The idea is to erect a fresh building for that purpose and utilise the present structure as an isolation hospital for infectious complaints in case of the recurrence of any such epidemic as that above referred to.

The sum of five or six thousand pounds was mentioned as a probable cost, and some of our leading citizens undertook to inform the Minister in charge of the Department that the people of the district, meaning, we believe, the electorate, including some five road boards, were prepared to find half the amount.

The Minister said that was quite all right, there would be no difficulty, as he was sure the Government would produce the balance of the money required. The next move in the game was that somebody quite disinterestedly, no doubt, discovered that ” Kobeelya,” the residence of Mrs. F. H. Piesse, was on the market, and straightway quite a number of persons conceived the brilliant idea that no more fitting memorial to the memory of our fallen soldiers could be. Possible than the purchase of this stately old home, and the building thereon of an extra wing.

That scheme was eventually defeated with most of those keenly interested in the hospital making no secret of their belief that the residence was in no way suited for the purpose of a hospital. However, various heads, departmental and otherwise, were brought along and shown over the place. It was remarkable how, in quite a short while, many of those previously opposed to the project changed their views, until to-day it is almost a foregone conclusion that the ratepayers of the Katanning Road Board area alone are to be made responsible for the interest and sinking fund on an estimated amount of £7,400, but which, in the general run of things nowadays may be nearer £10,000.

We are not saying that “Kobeelya” is not worth the amount asked, but what we do object to is the system, which we believe to be altogether wrong. When the Minister wrote the road board recently for further particulars as to the several thousand which the district was to make available, it had to be admitted that there was practically no sum at all in sight. The Government, as will be seen from the correspondence on the subject appearing elsewhere in this issue, has made it fairly clear that they have practically decided to purchase the property referred. It agreed to advance the required amount £7,400, make provision for a subsidy to all hospitals on the £ for £ basis. The hospital was to be handed over to the control of a local Committee, the latter to be responsible for 10 per cent interest on half the sum, the government to provide the other half out of the subsidy, by which means at the end of about 18 years the property would be paid for.

Of course the maintenance and upkeep would have to be met in addition, but probably it is intended that the patients will pay for that. It would appear to us that the method suggested is somewhat of a ”heads I win, tails you lose” kind of proposition. A subsidy which is to be taken back to pay the Government’s share of a liability does not appear to be of much use to us in the management and upkeep of the concern.

And so far as can be judged, the other boards in the area which the hospital is likely to serve are not favorable to rating their people, while the idea of depending upon spontaneous giving is one which the most simple minded and gullible go-soon would scarcely entertain these times. The striking of a rate is the only sane method, and we have no hesitation in saying that the Katanning Road Board will have to shoulder the whole burden. This we claim to be absolutely unjust and inequitable.

Admitting that big base hospitals are necessary in certain centres, and that Katanning is one of these centres, it must also be admitted that by far the greater proportion of its initiates will be drawn from beyond the confines of the local road board area. They will come from all parts, Ravensthorpe to Boyup, Cranbrook to Wagin, and in all other directions. This being so, we maintain that the capital cost of such base hospitals should be borne by the Government, from public funds, in order that all who are likely to participate in the benefits to be derived from such institutions might be made to contribute their fair share of the cost.

At any rate, we trust that we have said sufficient to cause the ratepayers to make an effort to become acquainted with all the facts, in order that they may be in a position to give an intelligent vote on the subject when it comes up for discussion at the public meeting to take place early next month.

THE PROPOSED HOSPITAL

Southern Districts Advocate
3 January 1921 – P3

In connection with the proposed new hospital for Katanning the following correspondence in connection with the provision of a new hospital at Katanning, will be of interest to ratepayers.

The report of the inspector, in regard to proposed purchase of Kobeelya: “The house is placed in a very fine situation, on high ground about three-quarters of a mile from the town. An area of 12 acres, enclosing the present gardens, fowl yards, outbuildings, etc.. is included with the house in the suggested price of £5000.

We are informed that as much more land as desired could be had at a price to be fixed by arbitration, probably about £10 per acre. The house is in very good order and could, without much alteration, be converted into a hospital with accommodation for 25 patients, a matron, three or four nurses, two maids, and an orderly.

In view of the very high cost of new buildings at the present time it seems to me that the opportunity of acquiring “Kobeelya” at price offered is one of which advantage should be taken. Certain alterations will, of course, be necessary, including the provision of extra verandah, bathroom and lavatory accommodation, together with certain structural alterations and the provision of extra windows. I would recommend that the Public Works Department be asked to give an estimate of cost of alterations necessary to make the premises suitable for a hospital of 25 beds, and the cost of equipping same, making use of any equipment which is suitable for transfer from the existing hospital.

I would add that it seems to me that the buildings at “Kobeelya” are so arranged that extra wards could be made as required without appreciably greater cost than would be entailed in adding new wards to a new hospital such as that designed by the Public Works Department.”

Then followed from the Department a plan which set out the suggested alterations, the cost of which was estimated to be the sum of £1,550, whilst the cost of furniture and equipment was set down at £750. Some little time ago, at the instigation of the present chairman, the secretary of the road board wrote the Department, intimating that as far as the board was concerned there had been no promise made by residents of the district to subscribe any sum of money towards a new hospital.

The following, which is portion of the letter in reply, just about sums up the situation, as it stands to-day. It should be first explained, however, that the Government intends introducing legislation next session which will provide (a) for the creation of District Hospital Boards, composed of members appointed by the local governing authorities, operating in each hospital district. (b) For subsidy by the Government upon a defined financial basis, and (c) for the raising of other necessary funds by contribution from the cal governing authorities. The probable cost in connection with the new building is set down as £7,400 making the sum of £3,700 the States portion of a loan, and a balance of £3,700 found locally.

As regards the amount to be advanced by the Government, it would be necessary for your Board to agree to pay 10 per cent, per annum for interest and sinking fund. It will be necessary for the Road Board to stand behind the advances made, and to guarantee that the local portion of the sinking fund and interest will be paid duly each year. A Road Board has statutory power to expend up to 7 ½ per cent of its ordinary revenue for purposes of this nature and a Road Board, which is in addition a local health authority under the ‘Health Act,’ may expend 10 per cent of revenue derived under chat Act.

The position is this – the Government is agreeable to find the full cost of the proposed hospital, namely, £7,400, the interest and sinking fund on which would be £740 per annum. In the proposed new legislation, the subsidising of hospitals will be approximately on the basis of £ for £ on net annual expenditure. The £740 per annum for interest and sinking fund would become, therefore, an annual charge upon those administering the Katanning Hospital. As the net cost would be borne equally between the local committee and the Government, it follows that the actual sinking fund and interest payment £740 will be shared equally, the Government providing £370. per annum through its subsidy, and the local people £370. Through their contributions to the hospital. These two payments totalling £740, will in from 15 to 18 years extinguish the original debt.

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TOURS OF KOBEELYA

Tours of Kobeelya House and the Old Kobeelyan’s Museum are available daily

Contact Arthur Todd at Lost Katanning
admin@lostkatanning.com
Mobile: 0429 100 084
To book

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