Jindong Hall, Fmr. Jindong School & Group 52 Lennox Memorial

Statement of Significance

Jindong School (fmr), a single room timber framed standard PWD pattern school building, has cultural heritage significance as evidence of the provision of services to Group Settlers and is amongst the little remaining evidence of the Lennox Group 52 settlement.

Physical Description

Jindong School is a modest gable roofed hall with a partly enclosed entrance porch. Its simplicity is derived from its plain white asbestos cladding and timber weatherboards.
A simple single room timber, fibro cement and iron, single room school building with a partly enclosed verandah. The building sits in an open setting. The school was a standard pattern Public Works Department framed construction one room school building. A plaque dedicated to Group 52, Group Settlement at Lennox has been fixed to a concrete marker.

History

indong School was built for the Lennoxville Group Setters (Group 52).
As a consequence of World War I, there was a significant shortage of labour. Women were responsible for maintaining most farms. In order to build up the agricultural sector and, as part of the State’s “populate or perish” policies, a program of closer settlement was initiated. The Honourable Sir James Mitchell became Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Land & Immigration in May 1919. It was he who was the principal architect of the Group Settlement Scheme, which was inaugurated in WA in 1921. The object of the Scheme was to develop the south-western portion of the State by establishing dairy farms in that area. On 2 February 1923, by virtue of an agreement between the British, the Commonwealth and the WA Governments, the State undertook to settle in the South-West division about 75,000 migrants (men, women and children) from the United Kingdom over 3 years and to establish about 6000 selected men from among these migrants on about 600 farms in the division.
The Commonwealth and British Governments each agreed to contribute for 5 years, one-third of the interest on Commonwealth monies not exceeding 3 million pounds. This sum was to be raised by the Commonwealth Government and made available to the State for the purpose of such settlement. The Scheme provided that these selected migrants were to be placed in groups of 20 or more under supervision. Each group was to clear or partially clear 25 acres on each farm. The group was also to erect the house and necessary outbuildings on each farm, put up fencing and arrange for a satisfactory water supply. Advances for sustenance at a rate not exceeding 10/- per day were to be made to settlers whilst engaged in clearing and the State was to provide the material for all buildings, fencing, etc. besides providing reasonable equipment and stock. The farms, when cleared to the extent of 25 acres, were to be allotted to members of the group by ballot. Of the first 16 groups organised, 9 were in the Busselton district, giving impetus primarily to the dairy industry. The Group Settlements afforded primitive and isolated living conditions, and the results were varying degrees of measured success and a high proportion of failure. Nevertheless, the Scheme helped to promote the district’s industries and, combined later with the introduction of new farming equipment, such as tractors and trucks, the future of agriculture appeared to be assured.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.