Old news reports
From time to time I come across interesting newspaper reports that don’t fit any particular category. Or they have a mixture of information regarding local people, places, buildings, agriculture and more. I will post those newspaper reports here as I find them, so come back regularly and check them out.
1893
KATANNING NEWS.
West Australian
22 November 1893 – P2
(From Our Correspondent.)
The Weather and Crops.
During the present mouth this locality has been treated to most distinct and varied samples of weather. Neither thermometer nor barometer have enjoyed an easy time, and the sudden and unseasonable changes of temperature have distributed colds and other trifling ailments in all directions with great impartiality.
A redeeming feature has been the rainfall, of which there has been a fair share, and from universal reports the yields of the district promise to greatly exceed those of last year. Possibly, after harvest, the prevailing dullness may be dissipated, and a season of comparative bustle succeed to induce a semblance at least of prosperity and break the monotony of rural existence.
Shearing is pretty well finished, and the winter coats of upwards of 9,000 sheep may be seen daily unloading at the local railway station.
Roman Catholic Concert and Ball.
The Prince of Wales’ Birthday passed by without any demonstrations of loyalty, though the evening was marked by a concert and fancy-dress ball in aid of the funds of the Roman Catholic Church. A very fair attendance occupied the auditorium by 8 p.m., when the concert was opened by an overture on the pianoforte by Mr. Bramley, executed in his best style. A duet “Beautiful Sea” by the Misses L. and G. Grover was a most harmonious number. It was followed by “Why de summer roses fade?” by Miss Bayley, sung very sweetly. Mr. Butler’s powerful voice was heard to advantage in “The song that reached my heart,” and Miss Butler came next with two juvenile recitations, the latter in response to an encore. “Gypsy Jane” by Miss Grover, was loudly applauded, and Miss Bayley was equally successful in “The Old Rustic Bridge.”
By way of variety a most tastefully arranged tableau “The Crowning of the May Queen” came next. In this the principal role was taken by Miss Connie Stanbury, while grouped in attendance round were the Misses Lizzie Bell, Bret Hart, Olly Butler, Christina McLeod, Jeannie Mullinger, Eva Old, Maimie Bannon, and Masters Maley and Arty Chipper. The dresses of the children lent an additional charm to the tableau, and the effect produced was most gratifying.
By way of contrast Mr. Bramley then sang ” Mrs. ‘Enery ‘Awkins” with most undeniable success. Miss Lizzie Bell then recited the “Rainbow” in appropriate costume and very creditable manner. The “River of Tears” by Mr. A. E. Piesse was very sweetly rendered, and its conclusion ushered in the Misses Grover, who sang a duet “The Ships of Old England” in faultless time and tune.
A comic quartet “The Bogie Man” by the Masters Venner, F. H. and C. Piesse followed, to the general enjoyment of all. Another tableau, “England, Ireland, and Scotland,” portrayed by the Misses Venner, M. Bell and Martin, was an artistic representation, and was succeeded by “My Heart is Sair” by Miss L. Grover, an excellent effort.
The concert was brought to an end by another song from Mr. Bramley, who with Miss Venner played the accompaniments during the evening. The Rev. J. Duff then announced that the drawing of the Art Union, for which tickets had been sold actively for the past three or four months, would then take place, and while the drawing was going en the room was cleared for the final festivity.
Dancing started about 10 p.m., the floor being occupied by about twenty-five couples, and presented a cheerfully animated spectacle. The music was supplied by Miss Venner, and Messrs. Bramley and B. Higgins, and dancing was kept up until about 4 a.m. Liberal refreshments were supplied at a trifling charge, and for these the promoters are indebted to the following ladies: Mesdames F. H. Piesse, Stanbury, Bell, Grover, Butler and Heathcote. The fancy dresses were numerous and gave evidence of careful design and commendable taste.
Appended are a few of the most striking costumes: Miss Severin, “Stormcloud,” grey costume, overskirt and bodice of grey spangled net, lighting in steel on skirt and hair; Miss Mary Bell, “Titania,” robe of white, bodice and overskirt of starred tulle, bracelet, necklet, and crown of wildflowers, silver wand; Miss Venner, “Flower Girl,” cream dress profusely trimmed with flowers; Miss Bell, “Last Rose of Summer,” a pink dress draped with Tosca net, roses and rose leaves, roses in hair; Miss M. Grover, “Sailor Costume”; Miss G. Grover, “Baby,” white and pink; Miss K. Sinclair, “Queen of the Night,” black dress, trimmed with stars; Miss J Sinclair, “Forget-me-not,” white and blue; Miss Cronin and Mrs. E. Higgins, “Shepherdesses;” Miss M. Harvey, “Fairy;” Miss Harvey, “Flower Girl;” Miss McLeod, “Comin’ thro’ the Rye;” Miss Martin, “Columbine; ” Miss Olly Butler, “Pink Domino;” Miss L. Bell, “Rainbow;” Miss M. B. Hart, “Young Ireland.”
Evening dress was the prevailing masculine attire, but Mr. Bramley looked classic as “Marc Antony,” and Mr. Harvey represented a “Clown.” Altogether the affair was a pronounced success and resulted in a net profit of about £8.
Local Court.
On Wednesday, November 15th, before Mr. W. K. Adam, R.M., and Mr. F. H. Piesse, J.P., two cases were dealt with.
Knox v Modbury was an action to recover 18s. 6d. for goods sold and delivered. There was no appearance of the defendant, and judgment was entered against him for the amount claimed with 4s. costs.
Edwards v. Spanswick was an action to recover £27 17s. 6d. for repairs to a wagon. The plaintiff deposed that in March of last year defendant asked him to give a price for repairing a wagon. He wanted a thorough job made of it and said that he wanted three months’ time to pay, when he would not mind giving a little extra. Plaintiff produced his day-book as evidence of his prices being regular. Defendant saw him working at the wagon, and never disputed the account until recently. William Pollard deposed that defendant told him to take the wagon to Edwards and get new tyres, new boarding for the body, a new cradle bar, and to have it painted. This was all it required.
In answer to Mr. Piesse, he said the wagon was pretty well out of repair, but with new tyres it would last fairly well. The wheels did not want felloes nor spokes. Questioned by the plaintiff he admitted that he had said it was impossible to give an estimate of the cost of repairs. John Cronin deposed that he had been asked by defendant to examine the wagon after it had been repaired. The wagon did not run true, the shafts were old ones re-painted. He could not say if the axle-beds were new or not. There was a new rail. He saw the charge made and thought it exorbitant.
Questioned by Mr. Adam, he said he had not seen the wagon previous to the repairs being done. Defendant stated in defence that he had only ordered tyring, boarding and painting, for which a fair charge would be about £10. He also sent plaintiff several pieces for repairing the wagon and had never seen them since. Plaintiff put old shafts in the wagon, which was at present practically useless. The plaintiff was then recalled and examined by the Bench as to the details of the account. The Bench gave judgment for the plaintiff for £15 17s. 6d., with £6 2s. costs.
Roads Board Business.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Roads Board was held in the Court House on the18th inst., when there were present Messrs. W. Andrews (chairman), R. S. Taylor, M.Cronin, F. T. Crosby, F. H. Piesse, and W. Grover.
After the preliminary business the supervisor reported that there were several very bad places on Cronin’s Road, and rocks wanted removing near Haddleton’s. The matter of finance was gone into before resolving on letting the work, and finally the supervisor was instructed to bring up a report at next meeting, and also a report on the Marracoonda Road.
Mr. F. H. Piesse was appointed returning officer at the forthcoming election in December. The grievances of removing survey pegs was then brought up by the supervisor, and he was instructed to notify the section of the Act referring to the penalties for such infringement of the law.
The danger to fences from the piling up of inflammable matter by contractors was then discussed, and it was finally resulted that the general specifications be altered to provide against any danger from this practice in future.
The Board went into committee for the purpose of declaring the various main and minor roads throughout the district. All application by F. and C. Piesse to erect gates at block E31 on the Youangup Road was than considered, and permission granted. The Chairman suggested that the supervisor’s salary be increased by £5 per annum and, after some discussion this was agreed to. Messrs. Taylor and Crosby dissenting on the ground of the unfinancial position of the Board. This concluded the business and the meeting rose.
Postal Requirements.
The necessity of a postal service from Katanning or Wagin Lake to Mr. John Cronin’s or Mr. G. Curzeley’s (Dumbelling Lake), a distance in either case of about 27 miles, is becoming more prominent every day. From Wagin a mail would be of the greatest convenience to some twelve or fourteen farmers, who up to the present have been obliged to rely on their irregular visits to the township for receipt of their papers and letters. From Katanning a mail would serve perhaps a greater number, but those on the Wagin side would be left out. What is required is a weekly, or even a fortnightly, service from Katanning through Dumbelling Lake and thence to Wagin. By this mail, a considerable number would be benefited, and taking their pioneer work into consideration, the demand does not seem an extravagant one.
1895
KATANNING NEWS.
AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK.
West Australian
30 July 1895 – P6
(From our Correspondent.)
During the whole of the current month the weather has been of a character most favourable to cereal growth. The surface of the whole country, thoroughly saturated by the heavy rainfall in June, has been continually refreshed by welcome showers at intervals during July, and this long looked for climatic change has revived pleasant recollections in the minds of the earlier settlers, whose tales of overflowing pools and running creeks of years ago have hitherto been listened to with the bland smile of polite incredulity.
The satisfaction which beams from the faces of these older residents at the confirmation of their oft-questioned reminiscences is only equalled by the glow of anticipation which illuminates the faces of the new comers at the prospect of a good season at last. Early sowing has, as a rule, even in the face of bad seasons, proved most remunerative, and this year a large proportion of the farmers have followed this plan.
Mr. F. H. Piesse has, perhaps, the largest acreage under cultivation some 250 acres of wheat. Mr. E. L. Holly will have about 200 acres, and Mr. R. S. Taylor about the same acreage. Mr. Eli Quartermaine has 140 acres under crop and Mr. P. Cuneen about 70 acres. Mr. Severin has 160 acres in, mostly wheat and the balance barley. Mr. F. T. F. Crosby has gone in for Tartarian oats, of which he has sown 80 acres, devoting 60 acres to wheat.
On the whole the acreage under cultivation is steadily and surely increasing. Mr. M. Beeck has 70 acres under crop, Mr. W. Beeck 30 acres, Mr. A. Prosser 75 acres, Mr. C. Beeck 30 acres, Mr. G. A. Beeck 90 acres, and Mr. E. Wilhelm 45 acres. All these areas are under wheat and represent a greatly increased acreage from last season. Mr. W. C. A. Quartermaine has about 150 acres of wheat in and around the picturesque old homestead at Youangup.
And in all directions smiling fields of sprouting corn give indications of a prosperous future for the district in vivid contrast to the years recently passed, a continuation of which would have engendered an incurable spinal complaint into the “backbone of the country,” as the farmer is anatomically styled. The rainfall up to the present has exceeded 15 inches, and at this writing the rain is on the roof while the dull leaden canopy of sky gives every promise of a continuance of showery weather for the next 24 hours. Cold winds and occasional frosts have prevailed during the month and on the whole July has borne a greater resemblance to winter than any month for three past at the least.
ROADS BOARD BUSINESS.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held on July 29th. The result of the extraordinary election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. F. M. House, was read. This resulted in the election of Mr. T. Haddleton, who, with Mr. T. Garstone, polled 49 votes and obtained his seat by the casting vote of the returning officer, Mr. W. Andrews.
The secretary reported that the balance credit of the Board was £835 with the National Bank and £223 with the Treasury. Tenders were then accepted for the following works: Clearing about 66 chains, 24ft. wide, on Mckail Road, Higgins and Day, 2s. 6d. per chain; clearing about 66 chains, 24ft. wide, on Welstead Road, J. J. O’Mahoney, 3s. per chain. The following accounts were then passed for payment: W. J. Forster & Co. £2. 2s., Mr Lebad £4 10s., Newton and Baker £31 5s., Secretary £3 2s. 6d.
FARMER’S ASSOCIATION.
The ordinary monthly meeting of this society was held on July 20. Correspondence was read from the Bureau of Agriculture asking the association to forward a list of members who would be willing to act as judges at agricultural shows, and stating if they would be willing to judge on the point system. In accordance with this request the following judges were appointed: – Dogs and poultry, Mr. T. H. Stanbury; horses, Mr. W. K. Adam; sheep, Mr. W. Andrews; grain and machinery, Mr. R. S. Taylor; cattle, Mr. W. Pemble.
From the Agricultural Bureau asking for an expression of opinion as to the adoption of the two bushel bag for grain instead of the four bushel bag at present in use. A lengthy discussion ensued on this question, great diversity of opinion being expressed. Finally a ballot was taken, with the result that the association advocated adherence to the four bushel bag by ten votes to eight.
A letter from Mr. F. H. Piesse to Mr. W. K. Adam was read by the secretary in Mr. Adam’s absence. This contained a request that the recipient would read Mr. Piesse’s speech on the Tariff Bill (enclosed) at the meeting of the association. It was decided that the speech should be read at the close of the ordinary business.
The question of railway freights and charges on produce was brought forward, and it was finally resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Pemble and Cronin, that the secretary be instructed to write to the general manager of the Western Australian Land Company, asking him to appoint a day on which to meet a deputation at Katanning, assembled for the purpose of arranging if possible for a reasonable reduction in the freight on locally grown produce, also that a committee be appointed to draw up a list of such articles of produce, and that the Wagin Arthur Farmers’ Alliance be advised of the matter as having expressed willingness to actively co-operate. This was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that a special general meeting be called at a suitable date, and that the W.A. Farmer’s Alliance be made acquainted with Mr. J. A. Wright’s reply.
Mr. F. H. Piesse’s speech on the second reading of the Tariff Bill was read and at its conclusion a vote of appreciation to Mr. Piesse for his efforts on behalf of the farmers was passed.
A short discussion took place on the best means of destroying vermin pests, and it was decided to ask the Government to supply the farmers with pure poison free of duty, the farmers only to pay actual coat of same.
The seeds forwarded by the Bureau of Agriculture for experimental purposes were distributed and the meeting closed.
A meeting of the Branch Bureau of the association was held on July 27th. The chairman stated that since October 11 of last year the business of the Branch Bureau seemed to have been transacted at the ordinary meetings of the Farmers’ Association, but in future it was intended to alter this for the better furtherance of the interests of the association. Correspondence was read from the Central Bureau in reply to a question asking what were the duties of branch bureaus, and forwarding a copy of the Journal containing the required information. From the same, calling attention to a resolution passed at the Producers’ Conference with reference to the co-operation of associations in the appointment of an agent for the purchase of artificial manures in quantity. After discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Crosby and Pemble, that the secretary be instructed to write to the Wagin Arthur Farmers’ Alliance Society, asking if they would co-operate for this purpose, and suggesting Messrs. F. and C. Piesse as suitable agents. The secretary mentioned that he had also received a letter from the Central Bureau requesting that all those to whom seeds had been distributed should report as to selection of soil for each kind, growth of seed, etc., etc. It was resolved that members be notified of this at the next ordinary meeting.
A short discussion ensued regarding tree planting, and the secretary was instructed to write to the Central Bureau asking whether, in planting a tree, the sub-soil should be restored to its original position and placed round the roots of the trees, or whether the surface soil should occupy this position. The stinkwort pest was considered, and the secretary was instructed to apply to the Roads Board asking the cost of eradicating this weed within the Roads Board district, and to communicate the reply to the Central Bureau.
Mr. Crosby brought up the question as to the possibility of the associations at Broomehill, Wagin and Katanning combining for the purpose of holding agricultural shows once every three years at each place. It was resolved to lay the matter before the next meeting of the Association, and on its approval to communicate the result to the other societies named.
The subject of ornamental trees was discussed, and it was resolved that the Central Bureau be asked if they would import young trees or seeds for distribution among the branch Bureaus either free of cost or at a nominal figure.
A resolution passed at the last meeting of the Bureau was brought up by Mr. Hoglin, who asked what was to be done with regard to the prizes promised to the children for the best entomological and floral collections. After a short debate it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Cronin and Beeck that the original proposal be carried out and that two prizes of the value of 10s. 6d. each be given for competition among the children of the district for the best collection of insects and flowers.
The chairman announced that it would be necessary to elect a member of the Bureau in place of Dr. House, resigned, and this should be done at the next monthly meeting. This concluded the business and the meeting rose.
CONFIRMATION SERVICE.
On the 3rd July Bishop Riley administered the rite of confirmation to sixteen candidates in the Mechanic’s Hall, in which building the services of the Church of England are held and will continue to be held until the new church has been built in Aberdeen-street. Prior to the ceremony Bishop Riley gave an explanatory address on the origin of and necessity for confirmation, and after the ceremony he again addressed the congregation, which was an exceptionally large one.
The Bishop was assisted in the ceremony by the Rev. F. A. C. Robinson, the incumbent of the district, who examined and presented the candidates. In the evening the Bishop preached to a large and appreciative congregation, and on Thursday the 4th inst. Conducted a confirmation service at Wagin.
Although the time was short and the opportunities few for seeing the district, the Bishop expressed himself as most favourably impressed and promised to pay a more lengthy visit to this part of the diocese at no very distant date.
GENERAL ITEMS.
The work at the local cemetery is progressing rapidly, almost all the residents having contributed their share of labour towards the clearing, and before the end of the current year the cemetery will, in all probability, present an appearance which will reflect credit on the people of the district.
Another important institution rapidly approaching completion is the hospital, of which the first brick was laid considerably over two years ago. All that now remains to be done is to finish the mortuary, which will be out of the hands of the contractor during the coming week. The building proper has been finished for some time, and last week the first death occurred within its walls, the deceased being an old man named Clifton, who died from a complication of diseases.
The forming of Austral-terrace and Argent-street has been started by the contractor, E. R. Ball, but the continuous rain has effectively prevented any attempt at gravelling, the roads being far too heavy to allow of any carting being done, and judging by the result of the last slight fall of rain, some difficulty will be experienced in draining the water from the western water table.
Katanning, July 27.
1933
THE HEAT WAVE
State Record Established.
Katanning Tops 112 Degrees.
Great Southern Herald
11 February 1933 – P3
For the tenth day in succession the State was held in the grip of the most severe heat wave in the history of Western Australia. The whole State suffered from excessive temperatures, and record high readings were established in every centre where registrations have been kept
for a period of years.
Perth maximum registration was on Wednesday, when the Observatory reading was 112.2 (44.5c), the readings for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday being 111.7 (44.3c), 112.2 (44.5c) and 108.1 (42.3c).
Wednesday’s reading being the highest ever recorded for the metropolitan area, and the average for the week the highest for 37 years. The highest temperature for the week in the whole State was at Moora, where 116 (46.7c) degrees was recorded for Wednesday, other high readings being Bridgetown, 115 (46.1c); Northam, 111 (43.9); Albany, 112.6 (44.8c) (next day 82 deg. (27.8c) max.); York, 112 (44.4); Kellerberrin, 111 (43.9); Boyanup, 110 (43.3c); Cape Leeuwin, 109 (42.9c). On Monday 115 (46.1c) deg. was registered at Geraldton, but by Wednesday. the temperature had fallen to 92 (33.3c) deg.
Local Temperatures.
The heat wave which made itself felt in the district early last week shows no signs of abatement, the temperatures registered since Monday last showing a substantial increase. Wednesday last was the hottest day on record for Katanning, the maximum registration being112.3 (44.4c) degrees shade temperature.
Tuesday’s and Thursday’s highest readings were 108.3 (42.4c) and 110.5 (43.6c), respectively, Friday’s maximum being 109.1(42.8c). Besides the record for highest individual registration, another has been established for duration of hot days. Thursday was the only evening for ten days on which the “Albany Doctor” produced any appreciable cooling effect on the town, and to this fact is attributed the extreme discomfort suffered by residents of the town during the succession of hot days. Needless to say, a record business has been transacted by the cool drink and ice-cream vendors, not forgetting the hotel bars.
The factory of B.C.D. and Piesse has been working at top pressure to cope with the abnormal demand for aerated waters, while Mr. C. J. Gunter, the local ice manufacturer, was hard put to supply all orders for “solidified water” from every part of the district.
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