The township of Kunanalling is situated on the 90-mile road about 20 miles north-west of Coolgardie. It was originally known as the 25-mile, then later gazetted as Kunanalling. The once thriving town is now deserted, and the only remains are those of the Premier Hotel. The following names are those of the pupils who attended […]
Paddy Hannan’s Statue –
Paddy Hannans Statue Early in 1928 the ‘Kalgoorlie Sun’ newspaper directed the attention of the residents of Kalgoorlie that although a plaque and a tree existed to make the first place where gold was found in Kalgoorlie no permanent memorial to the man who found it, Paddy Hannan, existed. The article suggested that a memorial […]
Thirst or Treachery? The Tragic Fate of Tom Cantwell
Thomas Cantwell Died of Thirst or Foul Play? The following item appeared in the local paper in Camblin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, Ireland on the 24th Dec 1895: Perished between Norseman and Coolgardie Western Australia, supposed from thirst, Tom Cantwell (43 years), one of the best fellows who ever pulled off a shirt. Poor Tom was […]
The Railway Chronicle: Tales from the Desert Echo
The “Desert Echo’ was a handwritten newspaper published by the workers employed on the Trans Australia Rail Line. It wasn’t possible for them to receive updates on contemporary news, so they made their own. This small document is an amazing snapshot of the everyday lives of the men who worked on this lonely and isolated […]
The ‘Eight Hours’ Demonstration 1900 to 1914
Kalgoorlie Western Argus 24 May 1904, page 23 The image above is of the annual ‘Eight-Hour’ Demonstration. Labour’s annual holiday from 1900 to 1914. These processions were very popular both with the various trades who constructed floats to showcase examples of their trades and the local public who came to watch. Thousands of people, both […]