In the early days of the WA Goldfields, there were, as there are now, conmen who wanted to make a dollar without working. This is one such story. In May of 1923, Robert ROTHKEHL and Ernest THOMPSON claimed that they had struck oil at Lake Eva, 55km south-east of Southern Cross, in Prospecting Area 1135. A Company was floated and shares were sold.
Western Mail – Perth 13 December 1923
THE OIL “BUBBLE” BURSTS.
The discovery of oil in Lake Eva (near Southern Cross) was confirmed recently, when a detective, who had investigated the circumstances of the ‘find’, reported having discovered a 100-gallon tank, containing a mixture of mineral oils, and connected with the bore by pipes. The tank was found under a bunk in the hut formerly occupied by Robert Rothkehl and Ernest Thompson, the ‘discoverers’ of the oilfield. Warrants for the arrest of the two men on a charge of conspiracy to defraud have accordingly been issued.
Tank and Outpipe in Dugout – Image TROVE
It may be remembered that following upon an announcement by Rothkehl that oil had been discovered, a company was formed to exploit the ‘well’ and the Government Geologist was sent to the spot to take samples for analysis. As the geologist arrived, Rothkehl departed, Thompson had already gone. His departure was accounted for by the result of the analysis. This disclosed the fact that the oil in the bore consisted of kerosene, Vaseline, and soap, and as it was held to be impossible for these manufactured products to be found naturally under such conditions, further investigations resulted.
Manhole under-bunk exposed – Image TROVE
Thompson was arrested some weeks later, and all the money they had taken in shares in their company was returned. Thompson stood trial for attempting to defraud in March 1924 and was found guilty. His sentence of six months of hard labour was considered lenient as it was thought that he was led on by the bigger criminal Rothkehl.
Rothkehl absconded and was never heard of again. In the police crime museum, there were jars of the ‘alleged’ oil on display for many years, along with details of the hoax!
Daily News 19 January 1924, page 9
LAKE EVA “OIL”
WILL ROTHKEHL “German Bob’ BE CAUGHT?
Since Ernest Thompson was apprehended and charged with conspiracy in connection with the Lake Eva “oil” disclosures, public comment has been made as to the possibility of bringing Robert Rothkehl to book. Rothkehl, it will be remembered, was the associate of Thompson at Lake Eva.
Some people feel confident that one day the police will lay their hands on him, while there are others, who possibly know a little of the man, who are equally confident that he will not return from his limbo of refuge. A “town-grown” person probably would soon expire if called upon to withstand the rigours of the Australian bush, and have to depend on their own resourcefulness in securing both food and water. To Rothkehl, this is but second nature, for he is credited with being a bushman of the first water. There are still many old pioneers of the mining fields who can recall “German Bob,” by which name Rothkehl was then known.
Around Wiluna and the East Coolgardie goldfields, and as far distant as any prospector is to be found, the country is known to this fugitive from justice. Born in a moderately sized town in Germany about 1881, Rothkehl has had a hectic career. He has never been at a loss to turn his hand to some new form of employment, but gold mining seems to have been his forte while in Western Australia. He earned some renown for himself in the “back country” for his ability to over land cattle and horses, and some who were intimate with the man are confident that while he can eke out an existence in the sparsely populated areas he will not return to civilisation, but will probably slip out of Australia through some northern port.
It is stated that Rothkehl, during his early life, studied to be a chemist. Both he and Ernest Thompson are said to have taken out naturalisation papers before the outbreak of war. The authorities are uncertain whether Thompson was born in Norway or Nebraska, although the two places are widely distant, but it is said Thompson landed in Australia in February 1913, having deserted from a ship. During the Court case, a returned soldier’s badge was exhibited by Thompson, and it is understood he served in the A.I.F. with the 51st Battalion.
Call – Perth -30 November 1923, page 2
NOTE: Rothkehl was never brought to justice, and his fate is not known. He had a brother in Western Australia, Hans, who died in Geraldton in 1963; it’s thought he may have returned to Germany.
Moya Sharp
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