Old Court House Complex

Statement of Significance

The place is a reminder of the early settlement and a way of law and order in Laverton.

Physical Description

The building is raised on timber stumps and is covered by a hipped roof, with metal louvered gablet vents, that extends to cover the encircling verandah. The roof is supportd on galvanised iron columns. The building exterior features double hung window sashes divided into 4 panes. A servery window is located at the northern end of the east elevation. Many windows include wire reinforced glass. The interior is lined with fibro cement and ripple iron. There are timber floors and skirting boards throughout. The old courtroom retains it's timber podium, The verandah on the west elevation has been partially enclosed to accommodate toilets. Toilet cisterns are exposed on the outer wall and are protected by a lean-to roof. A concrete paved court on the western side of the building is protected by a pergola covered in shade cloth. The verandah of the northern elevation is partially enclosed. Concrete pads, for the preparation of a structure over, are north of hte building.

History

In 1899, when the township of Mt Margaret was dismantled to the new location of Laverton, many of it's buildings including the courthouse, were relocated there. The first Warden's Court in Laverton was located in a temporary structure opposite it's first building, Logan's Store. (Laverton Mercury 16/09/1899, p2) On 8th December 1899, construction of the Wardem's Court was put out to tender in the Government Gazette (GG 08/12/1899, p 4,078). In January 1900, Mr P McInnes won the contract for 849/8/0 pounds, (GG 26/01/1900, p281). In June the Courthouse was completed and a detailed description of the original building was published in the Laverton Mercury:

"The courtroom is 28ft x 18ft x 14ft with jarrahs flooring and footings. Green tinted walls of fluted iron forms a striking contrast with the fittings. A barrier, constructed of solid jarrah separates the bench and the barrister's portion of the room from that of the hearers where judging from the small space allowed them, have not been favourably considered. The warden's room is 12ft x 14ft and contains a store... the registrar's room is very commodius being 25ft x 14ft... the draftsman's room, 12ft x 12ft is divided off from the registrar's compartment by a polished jarrah screeen... A 10ft verandah runs around the building which is well supplied with water storage." (Laverton Mercury 30/06/1900, p 2).

When Laverton was redesigned in the mid 1970's, the Courthouse was moved to the new recreation grounds to be used as a change room. (News of the North 25/09/1974, p 2). Over the decades the buildings had deteriorated with neglect and vandalism. Therefore it was decided by the Laverton Shire Council in 1996, to spend $15,000 to renovate the old Warden's Court. It is planned to establish a museum and craft centre in the premises after restoration work had returned the corrugated iron building to it's former glory. (Kalgoorlie Miner 18/04/1996, p7).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree
Authenticity: Medium Degree

Condition

Fair-Good

Uses

Creation Date

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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.