William George Brooks – grave tales

While researching one of the miners on the Western Australia Miners Memorial, I was lucky to come across, not only a photo of him but also of his wife and one of his children sitting on the verandah of their home in Victoria Street, Kalgoorlie. This was also helpful as it is hard to find […]

When the Marvel Loch Mine Fell In

Recently Australia was shocked by the news that two men had lost their lives 500ft down a Broken Hill Mine. At the same time the name of Mazza appeared in the obituary notices of the local press. Probably it bore little significance to any but sorrowing friend and relatives – for few could cast their […]

James and Amelia Saunders – grave tales

One of the many impressive memorials in the Kalgoorlie Cemetery is of the grave of James and Amelia SAUNDERS.  Grave 5262 in the Anglican section. This is part of their story. James Archibald SAUNDERS was born Malmsbury, Victoria 29 June 1873 to James and Catherine (nee Williams) Saunders. He married Amelia Elizabeth FLEXMORE in Boulder, […]

Samuel Slater Bentley – grave tales

Samuel Slater BENTLEY was the son of Thomas Beverton BENTLEY and Annice SLATER. he was born in Hooley Hill, Lancashire, England in 1876. He married Rosalinda Violet Fox in Boulder on the 5th April 1905 at age 26yrs just a fortnight before his terrible death. Kalgoorlie Miner – 19 April 1905, page 6 PREMATURE EXPLOSION, […]

Murty Broderick – He threw a seven!

Coolgardie Miner Saturday 23 June 1894, page 5 He Threw a Seven by Smiler Hayles He came to this field amongst the first army of gold-seekers who swept inland from the sea coast, intent upon burgling the treasure chests of nature. He was only one of the rough but gallant band of pioneers who, leaving […]