Water was the great leveler. Everyone needed it, young or old, rich or poor. Many a venture has failed through lack of it any many a life has ended. It was often safer to drink whiskey than water that could be contaminated. This is typical of the scenes at many mines in WA’s Eastern Goldfields. […]
Charles Cooke Hunt – by Eric Hancock
While relatively unknown, Charles Cooke Hunt played a crucial role in opening up of country east of York and ultimately the eastern goldfields. Hunt was born in England 1833. He joined the Royal Navy acquiring his Masters Certificate in 1859 but was injured and pensioned off. Hunt arrived in WA in early 1863 and completed […]
The Water Riots of 1893
In 1893 in Coolgardie, the refusal of one condenser operator to lower his price provoked an ugly street riot. Every evening men went to the condensers, taking their turn with all the others waiting for a gallon, or sometimes half a gallon, of water, according to the supplies available. For some time, Coolgardie had been […]
The Asplin Brothers – pioneer profile
From Jo Roelofs: Jo has very kindly share these wonderful family photo with us. Attached are photos of my Great Grandfather Thomas Asplin with his water condenser at Coolgardie 1898-9. According to Post Office Directory of Coolgardie 1898-99, he had his condenser in Shaw St on the right hand side if travelling from Lefroy St […]
The Asplin Brothers:-
Jo Roelofs has very kindly shared the following photographs from the family album of her Great Grandfather Thomas Asplin and his brother Jack:-