Archives for February 2020

The Great Unwashed Preserver of the Peace:

Constable JOLLY – Coolgardie, Western Australia 1909 Nick-named ‘The Great Unwashed Preserver of the Peace’ Constable Jolly blamed the scarcity of water for his economical use of it which in turn, caused some dissatisfaction among his fellow police officers who finally planned to lure him to Silverthorne’s dam and push him in. This drastic step […]

A Swine of Sumptuous Proportions

Billy, the gigantic New Zealand pig afforded an interesting spectacle to the many visitors to the Kalgoorlie Railway Station yesterday. He was travelling with the ‘World’s Smallest Racehorse’ to the Perth Royal Show. Billy, a Berkshire/Tamworth cross breed is said to weigh 1500lbs. He is an ungainly looking fellow but is said to have the […]

The Goldfields Fresh Air League:

The Fresh Air League was the vision of Irish social reformer and philanthropist, the Earl of Meath, due to his concerns over the conditions suffered by children in the congested cities and polluted mining areas of 19th Century Britain. He proposed setting up groups of volunteers to arrange holiday breaks where the children could be […]

The Italian Miner: by Jackanddandy

This following verse shows the strong feelings held by the local miners about the influx of Italian and Slav workers to the Goldfields. The Italian Miner: The Murchison Advocate 3 May 1902 (Respectfully dedicated to Bewick Moreing and Company) There’s a firm that lives in London that runs this blessed field, From Yalgoo through to […]

William Hilton Edwards – grave tales

William Hilton EDWARDS Born at Maryborough Victoria (17th June 1880) who departed this life 25th September 1928 Aged 48 years Erected by his sisters and brothers