Moojebing
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Moojebing is a locality on the Boyerine Creek in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, south-east of Woodanilling and north north west of Katanning, and is located within the Shire of Katanning.
The name Moojebing is an Aboriginal word, believed to be derived from the nearby Moojebup Spring, first recorded under that name in 1874. The meaning of the name is not known but may be connected with “moodjar” or “muja”, the Noongar word for the WA Christmas Tree, Nuytsia floribunda. One source claims that Moojebing means “place of moojung birds”, but that source is dubious, as there are no references to a “moojung” bird.
History
Moojebing was one of a number of townsites established in the early 1890s, when the WA Colonial Government opened up a lot of land in the Katanning area. The townsite was gazetted in 1892. It straddled the Great Southern railway, which had opened in 1889, and was also close to other townsites at Katanning, Woodanilling and Pinwernying. Demand for land in the townsite area was low, and in 1917 much of it was opened up for agricultural purposes.
Mr W. M. Andrews, the first settler in the area, arrived in 1880. Settlers to the area came mostly from South Australia and included the BEECK, DAY, GARSTONE, HIGGINS, MALEY, STEWART and BAKER families.
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MOOJEBING CREEK
Round Pool is important for its association with the development of the pastoral industry in the region and with pioneering families. It is also important for its association with the building of the Great Southern Railway and the consequent siting of a railway siding in the vicinity. The original name for the railway siding was taken from this pool. The pool is also significant as a meeting place for the early settlers.
It is one of a series of permanent pools in the Boyerine Creek which flows north from the Moojebing/Marracoonda area into Norring Lake. From the north the most significant of the pools are the Dolapin, Noomberring, Boyerine, Bintamilling, Ngeatalling and Round Pools.
The pool was circular in shape (hence its name) and is located in Moojebing Creek, one km south of the Woodanilling townsite. Round Pool was fed by a fresh water (now saline) spring (Woodanilling Spring) 200 m east of the pool. Over the years the pool has become almost silted up with a large sand bar on the south west side. The pool had a diameter of some 20-30 m.
History
The pool provided fresh water for Aboriginal people prior to European settlement then for early pastoralists, shepherds and their flocks of sheep. They were also a source of water for sandalwood cutters and carters in the early days of European settlement. The Quartermaine family [2] had from the mid 1860’s held huge pastoral leases on the Boyerine Creek. Extending northwards from their base at Yowangup, some 65,000 acres were held in this manner up to William Andrews’ holding around Norring Lake.
In 1868 Elijah Quartermaine (Junior) took the northern leases over in his own right and after freeholding land at his home at Boyerine secured permanency at the creek pools by buying 40-acre blocks surrounding Boyerine Pool (1873), Ngeatalling Pool (1878) and Dolapin Pool (1879). The original Quartermaine lease (555) surrounding Round Pool was converted to Williams Location 281 in 1890.
A surveyor’s sketch show tracks crossing from Boyerine and Yowangup from the two Quartermaine homesteads. The building of the Great Southern Railway brought the first official use of the name Round Pool. The Police Commissioner, in seeking a more direct link for the mail coaches between the railheads, asked John Chipper (mail contractor) if he knew anything of the road from Arthur River to Round Pool.
“Round Pool”, as the farming property became known, was owned for a time by Clair Stewart around 1907/8. Stewart did the brickwork for the Moojebing Hotel which was built in 1904. It was then purchased by Richard Wilcox who had previously leased Jas Doyle’s property west of Boyerine. In 1908 this was auctioned and sold to the Ramm family. Wilcox, who was a keen horse breeder, erected substantial stables at “Round Pool”. However, these were razed by a fire.
In 1912, Tom Garstone of “Martling”, Moojebing purchased “Round Pool” and other blocks which were taken over by his second son, Clarie (1951).
Click map to enlarge
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MOOJEBING HOTEL
MOOJEBING HOTEL – 1920
The people outside the hotel (L-R) are: Frank Casey, Owen Marten, Herb Buckolz, unknown, unknown, Joe Baker, lady – unknown, man with hands in pocket Phil Tanner, publican, two men and lady in front unknown, William Haddleton, Amy Haddleton, Mrs Buckolz, two small girls are her children, Ethel Haddleton, Job Haddleton, Tom, Les, Horace, and Wally Haddleton. The vehicle was registered KA 88 and belonged to the Haddleton family.
The Haddleton’s were the second family to take up land in the Katanning area when they leased land and named it “Coompatine”.
The Moojebing Hotel was built by Clair Stewart in 1904 for Mr Fred Cleverley.
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MOOJEBING SCHOOL
Written by Elva Shackley
The opening of the Moojebing School – 3rd June 1897
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The first record of this school was an application made on 3 July 1895 by district residents asking for a building to be erected for the purpose of conducting a school signed by the following: –
The application was forwarded by the District Board of Education to the Minister for Lands and the site suggested was the junction of McKenzie and Dumbleyung Roads. Approval was granted for this site to be reserved on 31 July 1895 on an area five acres (2ha). The school opened on 3rd June 1897 with children from the following families attending; J. Day, F.W. Beeck, T. Haddleton, F. Smith, F. Wreford, W.C.A. Quartermaine, A.E. Quartermaine and A.E. Newton. There were 27 children available and 13 younger ones to come.
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IN THE NEWS
Western Mail,
Perth – Friday 15 November 1895
THE WANTS OF MOOJEBING.
(From a correspondent.)
A public meeting of residents in the vicinity of Moojebing was held at the residence of M. K. William Andrews on November 2nd. It was well attended, and in consequence an adjournment was made to the large brick barn.
Mr. Wesley Maley presided and explained why the meeting bad been convened. Moojebing was, he said, the centre of rich agricultural lands, the property of the Government, and being situated on the Great Southern Railway, some eight miles from Katanning, was eminently suitable for a town.
Wesley Maley
It would not interfere with the already established town of Katanning, but instead of being a rival, as some supposed it would be, it would help to feed the larger town, as farmers who were now weary of carting their produce over some eight to sixteen miles of hills to Katanning would be able to forward it thither by rail and spend this time now employed on the road in developing the resources of the district.
The. townsite had been surveyed by the Government, and he believed the Government would be only too willing to meet them in respect of their modest requests. He advised that the Government be approached respectfully, and with reasonable requests based on thoroughly sound grounds.
He was only surprised that in view of the wonderful energy shown by the farmers a special vote of money had not been made for the Katanning agricultural area, of which Moojebing is the centre, but the supposed the farmers in the neighbourhood had been too self-reliant. The time had arrived when something must be done.
Mr. W. Andrews proposed that a position be presented to Mr. J. A. Wright, praying for a siding to be put in at Moojebing. Mr. T. Haddleton seconded. It was pointed out that those present owned and occupied nearly 8,000 acres (3237.5 ha) of land and had already grown a large quantity some hundreds of tons of produce, which, if sent to Coolgardie under existing arrangements, would require first to be carted eight miles (13km) to Katanning and then taken by rail eight miles back to Moojebing in order to reach the site of the proposed siding. The motion was carried unanimously.
Messrs. A. Stewart and E. Higgins were appointed to select the site. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. E. Higgins and A. B. Newton, that a requisition be presented to the Premier for a separate Roads Board for Moojebing, to embrace some 70 square miles (181.3 sq km) of country.
Mr. H. Hynes urged the establishment of a post office at Moojebing, this was supported by Mr. Newton and it was decided to prepare a requisition for signature. Mr. Patterson proposed that the mail from Katanning to Cronin’s be discontinued in favour of one from Moojebing via Cartmeticup to Cronin’s. The meeting unanimously agreed to this.
Mr. Carlson, who resides on the Company’s land, said the proposed change would suit his neighbourhood better than the present arrangement. Mrs. J. Day was recommended as postmistress, she having consented to act temporarily.
Mr. Day proposed that the unsurveyed portion of Moojebing townsite north of the railway be declared a commonage, and this was agreed to. It was also decided to petition the Katanning Roads Board to clear Trimmer Road so as to give access to Moojebing.
The delay of the Government in providing school accommodation was criticised, but the meeting was of opinion that the proposed school for Moojebing would be provided shortly, and it was decided to wait a little longer. Messrs. Andrews, Haddleton and the chairman were appointed a committee to draft the above-mentioned requisitions, and it was decided to form a deputation to the Premier to consist of the same gentlemen, with Mr. F. H. Piesse, M.L.A.
The meeting which was very orderly and enthusiastic, closed with votes of thanks to Mr. Andrews and the chairman.
Moojebing, November 5.
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SMITH FAMILY
Frederick Smith was born about 1853, at Southborough, Kent, England. He married Mary Elizabeth Andrews, daughter of William Andrews and Mary Ann (Robinson) Andrews in 1884 at Noring Lake and died on 30 July, 1931, at Moojebing, Western Australia. On July 30, at Moojebing, Frederick Edward, beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth, and fond father of Ada (Mrs. Meharry), William, Grace (Mrs. Roddy), Ella (Mrs. Hamer), Horace, Doris and Norman; aged 78 years.
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WESLEY MALEY
Wesley Maley came to Western Australia from South Australia although he had worked on the family property on the Yorke Peninsular. He purchased his first block of Land in Albany and later purchased blocks in the centre of Perth. He become the largest landholder in the Moojebing district when he purchased land and named it Hounsome. He later became a member of the Western Australian state parliament.
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MOOJEBING IN THE 1940’s
By Beatrice Fenny
Teacher at Moojebing School, 1942
Oct 1, 1986
Dear friends,
It is with deep regret that I find I am unable to be with you at this reunion. The reason for my non-attendance is that I have a very heavy cold and am confined to bed. If any of my past pupils are here today, they will share share my memories of of life in Moojebing. These memories go back some 40 years but are still vivid to me.
It is sad to know that the hall and post office have now gone. The hall was a popular meeting place for the card games held there regularly, the school concerts when the pupils preformed on its spacious stage, the dances and Christmas trees. Crowds came from all over the district and beyond.
I remember meeting again Mr and Mrs Garrity and their daughter Beryl from Cartmeticup which was my first school after leaving Teacher’s College. This occasion was a farewell concert by the pupils followed by a presentation to me by the people of the district. The present was a fine picnic basket which I still have and which I had intended to bring with me today to show you. It is in good repair after many years and constant use. I remember well the school picnics when races were run on the road between the siding and the hall.
My two young children with my small niece and myself often rode our bikes during the weekends to visit the neighbouring farms and enjoyed the hospitality of Mr and Mrs Clancy, whose girls made such delicious sponge cakes. Mr and Mrs Phil Combes where Ida and Norm gave my children rides on their pet horse and, even more often, we visited our nearest neighbours, the Pelling and Janes families and Mr and Mrs Lionel Stade, all of whom were a great support to me.
There were two passenger steam trains passing through Moojebing at that time. One came from Perth and, on its way to Albany, passed through Moojebing in the early hours of the morning. The other on its return journey to Perth came through just after midnight. Neither trains would stop here unless flagged down by a lantern flashing its light at the siding. There was a diesel train which came through in the late afternoon.
I would catch it to take my children to music lessons with Miss Squires in Katanning. Before boarding the midnight train back to Moojebing, I would have to ask the engine driver to be sure to stop at Moojebing. One disastrous night we were carried on… but that’s another story.
Now to conclude. I hope you all have a very happy time at this reunion. Perhaps sometime I may see you when you are holidaying in Albany. I also hope you will like the poem I have written for this occasion.
Yours sincerely,
Beatrice Fenny
A POEM
By Beatrice Fenny
1 October, 1986.
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CHILDREN’S CORNER
Western Mail
8 July, 1905
The “Children’s Corner” in the Western Mail enabled children from all round Western Australia to write into “Aunt Mary” and perhaps have their letter published. Each published letter had a response from “Aunt Mary” and the child became a “niece” or “nephew”.
The following letter from Cecelia Haddleton was published in the “Children’s Corner” on 8 July, 1905.
Rose Hill Farm, via Moojebing.
Dear Aunt
Mary,
I would very much like to become one of your nieces; I am 12 years old. My sister Bertha and I have made a nice vegetable garden; I am very fond of any sort of gardening. We have a lovely flower garden right around our house, and the fence in front of the house is covered with runners.
We have a lovely porch from our verandah to the gate; everybody admires it; it looks lovely, especially in the summer. I think till the greenery we can have about a house looks pretty, especially in summer, when it is so hot. Dear Aunt Mary, I am very sorry to tell you my darling father has been dead two years on the 4th of next month. I hope he is in in Heaven.
I have seven sisters and five brothers; three brothers are married, and four sisters are married. I have seventeen nieces and nephews, and one nephew dead. Our home is a very old home; it is forty-three years since my father came to live in it, so isn’t that a long time? I have often heard mother say she has seen a great many changes in that time, I suppose she means in the advancement in population.
Trusting, dear Aunt Mary, you will like my letter, I remain your “affectionate niece,
CECILIA HADDLETON.
My Dear Cecilia,
I did like your letter very much indeed and shall hope to hear from you again. Your farm is an old one, I think it is very interesting to hear about old West Australian homesteads. How very pretty the garden and porch must be, and I daresay you have some beautiful old trees round the house, too. Foliage of all kinds makes all the difference to a home, I think. A place would look very dreary without it. I can well understand, dear, how you miss your father. I, too, have no father living. You have got a nice large number of relatives to take an interest in. Have yon read about The Silver Chain?
Your loving AUNT
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MOOJEBING MEN AT WAR
Lieutenant Horace Bernard Smith MC 1053
Born: Moojebing, Katanning
Father: Frederick Edward Smith 1853-1931
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Smith (Andrews) 1861-1947
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Corporal William Bertie Smith
Born: Moojebing Katanning
Father: Frederick Edward Smith 1853-1931
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Smith (Andrews) 1861-1947
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FROM OUR
FACEBOOK MEMBERS
From Glynis Armstrong (via Facebook)
Hi Arthur, my family, Ted and Mary Watkins played tennis at Moojebing Hall for as long as I can remember as a child. Every Sunday, and at the time I think there were four x asphalt and maybe two gravel courts. Families that used to go were Dot and Laurie Quartermaine and their children, the Shackley family, Stade Family and many more. All the families brought something for afternoon tea, the big highlight for us all. The big event of the year was the dance at the end of summer… the food was even better and they had a band. Of course we slept in the car! How times have changed.
From Lynne Coleman (via Facebook)
Arthur, on recollections back to when I was a kid coming down to Indinup to Uncle Alan and Auntie Dorrie Wilson’s. Uncle Al and Uncle Arch were great cricketers, neither young men, both had been away to the WWII and I remember going to Prosser Park and a stand there. Also to Broomehill to the oval there and a stand on the west side of the town. This would have been the 50s. The ladies always cooked up their best and afternoon teas were the best. Both uncles would also sit up most of the night listening to the radio when Australia played in England.
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MEMORIES OF MOOJEBING
Do you have memories of the old Moojebing townsite?
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or send photos and information, at admin@lostkatanning.au
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