In the days of early Coolgardie, it was often the case that when a disagreement occurred, it was settled in the time-honoured way by bashing each other senseless. This was welcomed by the general population, who were somewhat starved for entertainment. It also ensured your ‘disagreement’ was well and truly ‘settled’. Coolgardie drew to the town its share of hard men and bruisers from the dens of Melbourne and Sydney, from the forests and the mines and sometimes, intriguingly, some ‘gentlemen’ whose hidden abilities surprised the crowds.
One of the best-known ‘grudge’ matches has its echoes to this day, and there is nothing like a fight over the affections of a lady to draw the crowds. The lady in question was young Bessie Stewart, the toast of Coolgardie, known as ‘De Bauns Bessie’ or ‘The Belle of Coolgardie’. She was the centre of attention and was showered with nuggets of gold by her many admirers. She held her court at the Great Western Hotel and was the first barmaid in Coolgardie. She would charm the assembled worshippers with her lovely voice and her Scottish ballads.
Sketch of the Great Western Hotel, Coolgardie – Image TROVE
The antagonists in this incident were William Bennit known as ‘Bull’, and Jimmy Reid. William Bennit (sometimes spelled Bennett) was from NSW. He was a champion sawyer and winner of many wood chopping events. He had walked to Coolgardie from Southern Cross in 1894 and was also well known in boxing circles around Sydney before his arrival on the WA Goldfields.
Jimmy Reid was a popular and well-known prospector. According to Larry Cammilleri, in the book ‘Chasing the Weight’, who knew Jimmy in 1892, he was part of a tough gang called the twelve apostles. His brother was involved in the shooting of ‘May Wain’ (but that’s another story). Jimmy had done very well with his quest for gold.
Coolgardie Miner advertisement
The date set for the bout was the 27th November 1894. The following is an account from the account of an eyewitness:
‘First thing I see as I strolled into the bar was one of the prettiest rigged barques, I mean, young lady, I have ever clapped eyes on. The bar was packed with Murchison prospectors and new chums all rigged out in their best boiled shirts. The old hands soon told me that Bessie, the barmaid, divided her smiles between Bill Bennit and Jimmy Reid. Jimmy was an all-round wrestling, fighting, gambling and drinking man; he would be hard to beat, but Bill was a tall, bony athlete just arrived from Sydney.
Fifty pounds had just been staked, and the loser was to leave Bessie forever, and the winner would gain her affections. There was no time lost in ceremonies as each man stripped to the waist and stood glaring at each other; they looked fit to battle to kingdom come. ‘Bull’ was taller than Reid and a stone heavier. Round after bloody round was fought with no quarter being given by either man, when in the 13th round, where the hard, rough life of prospectors’ life began to tell on Jimmy and although he came up game as ever, it was evident his strength was giving out. Even blinded by blood in his eyes, he strained to further the fight while his friends held him back. It was felt that manslaughter no less may have occurred if the friends of the parties had not intervened. No remonstrance was made when the Sydney man pocketed the winnings and withdrew to De Baun’s bar, where Bessie waited. Bessie stood a round of drinks before leading Bill from the room.
The outcome of this scrap was another bout arranged between the two men for from £100 – £200. It was rumoured that this was because of a ‘slur’ on the good name of the lovely Bessie!!
On the 8th Dec 1894, the Coolgardie Miner ran the following:
Much interest is being exhibited in the town by the forthcoming boxing bout between Jimmy Reid and Billy Bennit at the Theatre Royal next week. Both men are well known in the field, with Bennit having the advantage of having a professional trainer. People are coming to town to witness this bout from all corners of the fields.
Then The Coolgardie Miner reported on 2 February 1895:
The much-talked-of battle between Jim Reid and Bill Bennit last December did not come off as advertised to the disappointment of hundreds of anxious sports fans. The fight was advertised for a Monday evening, but the previous Friday Bennit knocked up his right hand in a spar. Although every application was made to the injured member, it was generally known that no bout would occur that night. To Jimmy’s disgust, Bennet had his stake of £100 returned to him. There was some talk of legal proceedings being taken against the stakeholder, Mr Leevers. Jimmy was still keen for a rematch.
A rematch was set for the 4th Feb 1895, and shortly before 8 o’clock on the night, excitement was caused by a bellman announcing that the fight between Bennit and Reid would take place and they would do battle for the ‘gate’ takings. This caused a rush to the Royal Theatre, but there was no appearance of the combatants. It was announced to the waiting crowd that Bennit was not fit to fight that night. He had been given an injection of cocaine and had appeared well enough to fight before falling into a stupor. The disappointed crowd were sadly refunded their money.
It was only later in February 1895 that the truth of Bill’s actions came to light. It appeared that while Jimmy was hard at training down the coast for the match on the 4 February, Billy hopped in and eloped with Bessie to Sydney, where they were married on the 25th February 1895 at St John’s church, Darlinghurst, NSW. They then returned to Coolgardie, telling no one. This, of course, would have removed the point of any further fight over the lady’s favour as she was now lost to Jimmy forever.
There were various challenges between the men, which were published in the current Coolgardie Miner back and forth between to two with much ill feeling.
Bill Bennet managed the Red Bluff Hotel at Coolgardie with Bessie before becoming the licensee of the Rising Sun Hotel at Parkeston (near Coolgardie) in 1909. He was to hold this licence for over 30 years.
O’Neil- Osmond wedding 1911, Back row standing William ‘Bill’ Bennit, Elizabeth Bennit, unknown man, Front row seated Vera Mills, Michael O’Neill (groom), Maude Alice Osmond (bride), Blanche Osmond (mother of the bride) – Image SLWA
Jimmy continued his life as a prospector and ‘died in harness’ in Kalgoorlie aged 62 years, as this, his obituary, says, the story of Billy, Jimmy, and Bessie was still remembered.
Western Mail 2 August 1928, page 14 – The Late Jimmy Reid.
There was no more prominent figure among the. outback prospectors of the ‘nineties than Jimmy Reid, who died recently in Kalgoorlie. His partners for years were Barlow, Traveena, and “Ponky’ Harney. Some of their achievements were the discovery of the Day Dawn field and making the track across the then untrodden bush from Murchison to Coolgardie when the latter field was declared. They figured in the first discoveries of Goongarrie, Broad Arrow, I.O.U., and Kurnalpi, and they sank the well on the Goongarrie road at the 42 Mile, which served to keep that road open to the north.
Jimmy originated the” name” for Broad Arrow. He had been scouting ahead of his party before the tracks were defined, and as a guide to them, where turnings were doubtful, he marked directing arrows on the ground. The big rush that followed after consequently named the field Broad Arrow.
Coolgardie townspeople knew him best through his epic fist battle with Bill ‘Bull’ Bennit to decide which of them was to take precedence in bidding for the favour of a popular barmaid. Jimmy was unusually happy-natured and ever ready with a cheery word or joke. His campfire was the usual centre of attraction on social occasions. Although fortunate to a limited degree with alluvial, he never found any substantial stake. When his luck reversed and capital faded, being but a simple, untutored bushman, he found work for a living on the Golden Mile. He “died in harness” at the age of 62. He is buried in the Boulder Cemetery.
And now the story ends – It is obvious that there was tremendous rancour between Billy and Jimmy. Bessie smiled at both men, but did she demand a commitment from Billy? Was it she or Billy who was prevented from legal marriage, possibly by a previous marriage? What did Jimmy do to engage in such a savage fight? It was later found that Bessie also had a son born on 17th Aug 1890 in Perth and registered as Leslie George Beaumont Stewart. This name was to be changed in 1958 to Leslie George Bennit. Leslie was to become the licensee of the Inland City Hotel and ran it with the help of his stepfather, Billy, till he lost his sight. Bill was to die at the Inland City Hotel on the 16th December 1940. Bessie was to pass away a few years later on the 14th April 1947. Although this story had disappeared into history it was long remembered as the biggest con ever run on the boxing fraternity.
There is a great deal more to read about both this story and that of other ‘Bruisers of the Bush’ in a book by the same title written by Peter Bridge, Susan Bennett and myself. It tells the story of men who made their living by fighting. It was fascinating co-editing this book with Peter Bridge and Susan Bennett, and it is a great read.
Taken on board a ship early 1930s. Possibly on their last visit to Sydney. Bessie is to Bull’s right, and his sister, Eliza (Mrs A Hanson) is far left. – Image SLWA
If you wish to purchase a copy of the book, you can do so from Hesperian Press or The Eastern Goldfields Historical Soc
Moya Sharp
Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)
- Blood on the Mulga Plains: The Last Day of John Sutherland - 28/02/2026
- A Brother’s Return in Mourning: Tragedy on the Coolgardie Goldfields - 28/02/2026
- The Contract at Old Warden Shaft - 28/02/2026
Just read the great story about Paul Casserly who lost his life trying to save another.
Paul Casserly
Galway Ireland