Marracoonda Pools Resort. Marracoonda Pools Resort. Marracoonda Pools Resort. Marracoonda Pools Resort.
The Marracoonda Pools
AN IDEAL PICNIC RESORT.
(By a Visitor.)
Great Southern Herald
18 January 1922 – P2 & 3
During the Christmas and New Year holidays a large number of Katanning townspeople took the opportunity of visiting this new pleasure resort near Marracoonda. Ewlyamartup has received a good deal of comment during the past twelve months, with regard to the possibilities of making it into a picnic resort, but whilst the subject has been discussed at meetings and street corners, nothing has yet been done in the way of improvements, etc.
During the same period a steady progress has been made at the Marracoonda River – an almost unknown, but exceedingly pleasant resort – which lacks only an easy means of access to be ideal. It situated about 15 miles from Katanning by the nearest practicable route, in Mr. Mouritz E. Beeck’s private property, and is under the able supervision of Mr. A. Clousen.
Leaving Katanning early on New Year’s Day (January 2nd), a party of picnickers arrived at the river about 11.30., after passing over roads that would make any ratepayer wish. for a more financial Road Board so that a few pounds could be expended on the approaches to such a pleasing spot, so full of possibility.
But thoughts of the rather rough, yet enjoyable trip on a Bettendorf truck were soon forgotten when the river was reached. Primitive buildings could be seen peering above the short scrub growing in the deep blue-black sand, and all hearts were filled with expectancy as to what was contained in these rude looking structures.
Although, it was early in the day, comparatively speaking, crowds of children were be seen splashing about and enjoying the cool waters of the river, whilst others were playing on the Merry-go-Round, Ocean Wave, See Saw, and similar amusements provided for their benefit. Mothers were busily engaged in preparing the luncheon, while fathers enjoyed a lounge in the shade of the paperbarks. Horses, in dozens, swishing those horrid flies away the while casting longing looks at the cool black water where they knew, respite could be obtained from their tormentors.
Motors in dozens, from Katanning, Woodanilling, Cartmeticup and Marracoonda, were cooling after their strenuous tussle over the deplorable roads. Everything was in favour of an excellent day and Mr Clousen was more than busy doing his utmost to see that everybody spent a pleasant time by the river.
Luncheon over, the pleasure boat was well patronised, whilst others took the opportunity of investigating this model Cooney Island. The weather took a turn for the better and the sun shone out and spread its golden cloak over the scene; placid black waters reflecting the yellow hue among the deep shade of the ti-trees dotted here and there along the bank.
The river stretches for over half a mile and varies from two to three hundred feet in width, and is, perhaps six feet at its deepest. It is perfectly free of snags, having been properly cleaned out by Mr. Clousen. The right bank has been terraced, something in the fashion a stairway, which robs the bank its steepness, and is certainly an acquisition to bathers.
A special portion of the northern end of the pool has been reserved for, laddies, and is so shallow that there is not the slightest danger of the young bathers getting out of their depth. Downstream, where the river broadens, swimmers can disport themselves until further orders. In the vicinity of the kiddies’ portion skeleton structures, lined with tree boughs serve the purpose of bathing boxes.
Taking a tour of inspection with the supervisor, the building which attracted the most attention was the river hall, a structure with a mallet framework and ti-tree lining and jarrah flooring. Visitors are lured to this spot to hear the melodic (others may say different) strains the accordion and side-drum indulge in the old-time quadrilles – nothing in the jazz line. The “orchestra” was one that Dad and Mum would be proud of in such stories as “On Our Selection” – really a treat for those out-back.
Emerging from the hall a hessian lined building (the shop) next met our gaze… and here we thought our townish thirst could be quenched with a glass of Ketts,10 per cent beer, with a sprinkling of ice-cream bubbling near the top, but the ice had melted on the way out so we contented ourselves with a lemonade whilst seated at tables made of rough timber.
Looking about (like most country folks, do when they go to the city on the first visit) figures 1, 2, 3 over three apartments were noticed. ”This must be the hotel,” exclaimed one, and our esteemed friend replied “yes! you may call it such but the real reason for the rooms is to accommodate any folk who prefer to spend a day or two,” but, he continued, “such people must provide their own blankets.”
“How about a row,” said several. “Lets!” Whilst enjoying the trip in the boat there wafted across the waters a peculiar sound, reminiscent of a blacksmith’s shop, and those who were on. their first visit to this locality looked around in amazement, and in response to their inquiries to what the noise meant, were informed, “It’s the town clock.” Upon reaching the shore we made closer investigations, and in front of the hall found the dial of a clock hung with an arrow fixed upon it. Behind the clock dial is a piece of iron, and working, on a swivel close to the iron is a small hammer which is connected to the end of the building. As the hours by past so Mr. Clousen rings out the time of day.
Mr. Clousen is to be congratulated on the very great improvements he has made to the spot (all in his own spare time) during the past twelve months – the amusements, the various buildings, the beautiful summer garden, the young orchard, etc. He is on the high road to making this resort a sensation in the district.
At six o’clock we returned to the site where lunch eon had been served, and again fortified the inner man. Packing up being concluded we mounted the Bettendorf and bid our farewell to the Marracoonda Resort – the spot where we had spent a highly enjoyable and interesting time, fully decided that our next visit would be before long.
Mr Clousen wishes it to be known that he is always anxious to meet new faces, and will be only too
pleased to do his utmost for anybody desirous of spending a day or two on the river. Hot water is obtainable free for parties, as well as vegetables, smokers’ requisites and soft drinks (some no doubt will regret the prefix soft) at small charges. The proceeds from all sales go towards augmenting the funds to make further improvements during next year. Even if you are curious or dubious – take the trip and join the ranks of the “satisfied.”
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