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The people of the Goldfields

The Goldfields of Western Australia was and still is made up of many people, from poets to politicians, from saints and sinners and everything in between. I hope to tell you the stories of some of these people either famous or infamous or just the ordinary folks. Sometime the most ordinary people do the most extraordinry things

Kanowna’s Boy Hero – James Sexton

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To rescue a fellow mortal from a watery grave, from a burning building, or under other exceptional circumstances requires the display of personal bravery and lack of regard for the safety of the rescuer. To risk all and to face death to save a mate is often heard of. These deeds are rewarded by public […]

When Temperance Issues Raged

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When Temperance Issues Raged: Scottish Masonic Lodge Mossgiel No. 902 S.C. was there to help fight the battle. Temperance is described as abstinence from consuming alcohol: Without wanting to moralise in any way, there is no doubt that alcohol has, does, and will continue to contribute to human misery through the coming years.  Countless societal […]

Can I Shave you Mr Smiler ?

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From the pen of ‘Smiler Hales You can’t whip a mining camp for novelties. I was walking along Bayley street the other afternoon, feeling like a poet and looking like a tramp out of luck, when I saw a shingle hanging from a tent, which bore the information that “Christian or Pagan’ could get a […]

Edward ‘Doo Dah’ Sullivan – grave tales

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SULLIVAN Edward alias ‘Doo-dah” or “Dido” died 2 Jul 1896 age 36yrs – buried 2 miles north of Leonora. For some years his old barrow and some of his equipment were reposed by his grave, but gradually they disappeared. Sir John Forrest later arranged to have a headstone and fence to be erected. A pioneer […]