Living in caves:

KALGOORLIE —  Drawn back to the goldfields to spend their last days, are two 78 year old pensioners. They are Messrs. A. J. Girdlestone and James O’Connell. They live in caves on the out skirts of Kalgoorlie. The cramped cave homes are in an old open cut on the Williamstown Road. The property is part of the Maritana area. These are now being drilled by the Paringa Mining and Exploration Co Ltd. Fifteen years ago Mr Girdlestone pitched his tent in the open cut but the wind blew it down so often that he blasted his cave room out of a costeen. He trimmed off the rock walls with a pick.

Eight years ago Mr O’Connell took over the adjoining cave. One room is 9ft. by 7ft  the other 10ft. by 6ft.  The furniture in each room consists of a bush hessian bed, a small improvised table and a few shelves for provisions.

Flour bags line the walls and low ceiling. Each room is self contained, being separated by solid rock. In each room there is an open fireplace with vents through the roof.  Although the two men are the best of friends, they cook their meals independently, and eat alone. Both are ex-prospectors, but are now too old for fossicking. They cart water from a neighboring house and bathe in a small tub. They exist on their pension of £3-15s a fortnight. Failing , eyesight prevents them from reading much. Most of the day each sits before his own fire with his own thoughts. Mr. Girdlestone played for a season with the West Perth Football Club about 40 years ago. His family is still in Perth.

James O’CONNELL (left) and A. J. GIRDLESTONE

James O’Connell died in 1960, aged 91years and is buried in the Kalgoorlie Cemetery. I have not been able to find A J Girdlestone’s death. As his family were in Perth he may have died there.

Some additional details from John Pritchard: In the WA Postal Directories for 1949, we find James O’Connell living at 16A Williamstown Road Kalgoorlie. We also find a John T Girdlestone living at 16 Williamstown Road Kalgoorlie ( ie same block). Mr John T Girdlestone passed away in 1954 in Perth and lays at rest in Karrakatta Cemetery. So, effectively, they were living in adjoining accommodation .