Coal Memorial Site - Coal Discovery Site

Statement of Significance

Coal Memorial Site – Coal Discovery Site, Ferguson Road, Allanson, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• The memorial commemorates the discovery of coal near the site.

Physical Description

The Memorial is a granite cairn with two plaques. Chains and posts surround the memorial, and a low stone wall defines the site.

The upper plaque reads: “Coal was accidentally discovered near this site by George Marsh in 1883 while shepherding for Arthur Perren who had a pastoral lease in the area. Marsh had gathered some black ‘stones’ from the Collie River bed to contain his campfire when, to his amazement they caught alight. He was not aware of its significance but later reported the matter to Perren, who figured that it was coal and realised its importance. There was a State Government reward on offer for the discovery of usable coal that was claimed by Perren and his exploration partner, David Hay when a coal seam was discovered in the riverbank close to this site in 1890. Meanwhile, George Marsh had gone north shepherding where he died of typhoid in 1892, never knowing the significance of his find.”

The lower plaque reads: “To the commemoration of the discovery of coal at this location in 1882-1883. Erected by the Apex Club after 25 years of service to the community of Collie. Refurbished by Rotary Club 2012.”

History

It is thought that coal was first discovered by George Marsh, shepherding in the area for Arthur Perren. Marsh collected stones to surround his fire and the stones caught alight. Marsh, unaware of the significance of his find, reported it to Perren, who later claimed that the ‘stones’ Marsh had found were pieces he (Perren) had found previously. Perren kept the discovery a secret and searched for the deposit with no success. He later confided in his brother who exposed the discovery. Bunbury merchant David Hay heard the story and convinced Perren to enter into an agreement with Perren where Hay would take up a 300-acre lease in joint names with Perren if he showed him the location. Perren and Hay found some coal, but failed to find the source. Hay soon took up large leases surrounding the original 300-acre lease without Perren, and despite having agreed with Perren to go back to the Collie River when the water levels had dropped to allow better exploration, left with a party comprising Robert Heppingstone, James Sloan, James Crampton and John Gibbs. They soon found coal and formed a syndicate to secure a claim of 2000 acres, which was ultimately financially unrewarding. William Fitch of Brunswick, on contract to the Collie Commercial Coal Company, later successfully sunk a shaft on the site of what became the Wallsend Mine (near where Hay’s syndicate established their camp).

The Coal Discovery Site Memorial was erected by the Apex Club of Collie after 25 years of service to the Collie community. The plaque was unveiled by Mr Ken Hay (a descendant of David Hay) on 29 April 1977 and refurbished by the Rotary Club of Collie in 2012.

The Memorial is located off Ferguson Road on the outskirts of the Collie townsite. Signage leads from the Coalfields Highway and Ferguson Road to a low-grade gravel track. The Memorial can be accessed on foot only.

There are two plaques on the Memorial. (See Physical Description for detail)

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.