Three Railway Cottages, Goongarrie

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Menzies Secondary School

Parent Place or Precinct

01556 Menzies School

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Statement of Significance

The place, together with the adjoining school, forms a precinct of institutional buildings and as a group they are a demonstration of the history of the place. The place has representative value as a demonstration of a way of life in the simultaneous construction of school and adjoining teachers' quarters that is no longer practised.

Physical Description

Timber framed with walls weatherboard clad (with the exception of the north wall which is clad in cgi). The hipped roof is clad in cgi. Raised timber floor on stumps with concrete verandah across the front elevation. The hipped roof features a tall, rendered corbelled brick chimney and projecting battened eaves. The roof was reclad in the late 1980s. A lean to roof protects the front elevation which is supported on square timber posts that were repainted in 1995. The external walls feature corner battens and decorative metal hoods over wall vents. Windows are double-hung sashes with large single panes. The interior originally comprised three bedrooms, living area and kitchen. In 1911, a laundry and toilet were added to the rear. In 1948, general repairs were carried out, including the installation of a new sink and in 1949, a new stove was installed. Air- conditioning units, and window and door security screens have recently been added. Floors are timber throughout, now covered. The ceilings have been re-lined.

History

In November 1897, tenders were called for the construction of a primary school and teacher's quarters at Menzies. [GG 19/11/1897, p.2522] The new school building was opened officially on 6 June 1898, being one of the last official acts of the then Mayor of Menzies, Mr S.B. Schlam. [Menzies Weekly Times, 11/06/1898, p. 15] In 1911, the quarter's were enlarged under a government contract by Messrs Bell & West. [GG, 23/09/1910, p.2551; 09/12/1910, p.3695; PWD Plan 10510] In February 1948, extensive repairs to the school and quarters were carried out, which included the erection of a new fence around the quartes, the enclosure of the porch and the installation of a new sink. These renovations were carried out by Mr Brungard, a contractor from Leonora. They were completed by June. Further renovations were instigated by the then headmaster, Mr M.A. Brechin, in November of the same year, which involved the repainting of the school and quarters by Baker and johns. In September 1949, a new stove was installed in the quarters by Mr W. Robertson. [WAA, Acc.2268/2 - Menzies School Journal 1928-1950]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Niagara Dam

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The dam has historic significance as it was closely associated with the settlement and development of gold mining in Niagara district of the North Eastern Goldfields. It was evidence of the Government of the days determination to support the prospectors and the miners by tapping any potential source of potable water, no matter how unpredictable. The dam has rarity value as one of only a handful of such dams built in Western Australia.

Physical Description

The dam is sunk into the ground with a stone wall across its centre. The wall is reinforced with stone piers.

History

Niagara Dam is the third largest dam erected in Western Australia, after the Victoria and Mundaring dams; designed as a scaled-down replica of the Mundaring dam. Following an extensive tour of the Goldfields late in 1895, Premier Forrest was convinced that, notwithstanding intensive planning by Engineer-in-Chief C.Y. O'Connor and his officers for the proposed Coolgardie Goldfields Water Supply Scheme by pumping water from Mundaring, he also would take short term measures to immediately improve the water supplies. Other water supply works were what was referred to as 'the Premier's December Programme1. They included numerous bores and tanks. The largest individual work was the dam at Niagara. A contract for construction of a concrete dam was let on 20 January 1897 to H. Nelson. Construction was to take 12 months for an estimated £24,315. However, difficult foundation conditions helped to delay completion until well into 1898 and to inflate the cost to £42,000. The cement used for the construction was imported from overseas in wooden casks, railed to Menzies and then transported by camel teams to the site at Niagara. The PWD Annual Report for 1895-96 noted, "Niagara - 30,000,000 Gallon Reservoir. This is one of the few really good sites on the fields, the natural basin affording every advantage for the conservation of a great body of water. During the recent rain that fell at Niagara, 35,000,000 gallons were gauged as passing down the creek. Plans and estimates are nearly completed, and this will be one of the most interesting and important works, as well as probably the largest reservoir, on the whole of the fields." In 1897, the Coolgardie Miner reported: The Niagara dam is now rapidly approaching completion. A recent visitor to the scene describes the work in progress as astonishing. An enormous number of men are employed, and the whole locality presents an unusual air of bustle. To this work attention has lately been drawn by the visit of Mr O'Connor, the Engineer-in-Chief for Water Supply, whosemissionhasalreadybeenexplained. Thedam,whichissituatedsome2.5milessouthoftheNiagaratownship, is the most extensive project of the kind on the goldfields. It is placed in the course of a creek, and has an enormous catchment. Unlike most works of the kind a natural basin is being utilised, to improve which a huge concrete wall is being erected for some distance. The capacity of the dam will be 40,000,000 gallons. [Coolgardie Miner 07/12/1897, p.4] The dam has a wall 23ft. thick, 61ft. high over the foundations, and 570ft. long. It can hold 38,750,000 gallons fed from a 792-acre watershed. ... Water was precious in the 1890s when the dam was built. It was needed for the buildings that were going up at every new centre, for the prospectors and soon for the thirsty steam engines on the railway that was being built. It cost the infant State a sixth as much as Mundaring Weir, yet not a fraction of that amounthasbeenrecovered. SoonafterthedamwasbuiltabundantfreshwaterwasfoundatnearbyKookynie. And the railways ... decided it was more economical to draw water at Menzies. ... However, it is on record that a contract was let for £42,317/17/- and that construction began in 1896. Rumour has it that Premier John Forrest guided the scheme and that the dam was modelled on a less publicity-shy venture - Mundaring Weir. ... Until about 1916 a caretakercontrolledthestandpipebehindthedam,sellingbulksuppliesat1/9ahundredgallons. In1915thewater was gravity-fed along a three-mile pipeline to Jessop Siding. The pipeline may have been a last desperate attempt to employ the damwater. For by then, Niagara, whose thousands of residents had been the dam's main customers, was practically deserted. [Daily News 04/05/1961, p.20] The town's population is reputed to have reached 900, but by 1903 had fallen to 75 people. Flows into Niagara Dam were infrequent and unreliable. Shortly after its completion, a permanent supply of fresh water was discovered in Kookynie, only 7km away. The dam, which had been intended to be a source of potable water for the whole district, became little used. The area is now used for stock watering and as a picnic area. Little remains of the Niagara townsite.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Menzies Warden's Quarters (fmr)

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as a fine example of symmetry and gentle sense of harmony and proportions. The place contributes to the aesthetic qualities of the landscape evident in the use of various colours and textures provided by the local stone. The place is historically significant as a demonstration of the provision of Government services to a country town, necessitated by the growing demands on public services associated with the gold boom in the late 1890s. The place contributes to the community's sense of history and place as long time provider of health services.

Physical Description

The building is encircled by a spreading verandah. The hipped roof extends to cover the verandah which is supported on stop chamfered timber posts. The roof has metal louvred gablet vents and a prominent rendered chimney. The front facade is symmetrical about a central entrance with a French door either side. Windows are heavily recessed casements divided into six panes with bottom-hung fanlights. The window reveals and sills are rendered, and have ashlar quoins. The interior comprises a central passage with a clinic on the western side and a child health workers room on the eastern side. These two rooms at the front of the building are separated from the residential section by a plain arched doorway, that has been partially enclosed. The residential section of the building comprises three bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom, (possibly original scullery) at a lower floor level. In the 1960s, the rear of the building, adjacent to the kitchen, was enclosed to accommodate an informal living area. This enclosure is timber framed and timber lined with lower ceilings than those in the original building. A concrete verandah stretches across the rear of the building that was enclosed in the 1960s at the north-east corner to accommodate a laundry and toilet. The interior has ripple iron ceilings and retains some original flyscreens. To the west of the nursing post is a simple square-shaped structure built for use as a maternity ward. The small building is timber framed, fibro- cement clad, with a gable roof, cgi clad. A lean-to verandah roof protects the entrance on the eastern elevation. The building has timber floorboards, double-hung sash windows and new dropped ceilings. The building retains original door furniture. The textured glass panes are replacements.

History

When the North Coolgardie Goldfield (Menzies and associated areas) was declared in 1895, the first Mining Warden was Frank Gill. He was replaced by W.L. Owen as Warden and Resident Magistrate at Menzies in April 1896. [Rodgers, p.9] As the dispenser of justice in the mining, police and local courts for the district, the Warden was perhaps the most important government official on a goldfield. The first priority at Menzies was a courtroom, then consideration was given to providing permanent accommodation for the magistrate.Owen had selected a site northwards of the town centre where he had erected a temporary camp complete with tennis court. When the question of the area to be reserved for warden's quarters at this site came under discussion, Owen insisted upon a large block and had no hesitation in placing his reasons before the Surveyor General. The contract for the warden's quarters, a substantial building of stone walls and iron roof, was won by M. Barry in July 1897 with a quotation of £2,922/4/0. [GG 04/06/1897, p. 1086 & 06/08/1897, p. 1590] The completed building was shown as 'Warden's new residence' on a survey sketch of the reserved dated 14 December 1897. [DOLA - File 3188/97, p.27] The first occupant would have been Owen, well known to WA historians for his book, Cossack Gold. Own was the Mining Warden at Menzies for nearly eight years, being replaced by P.L. Gibbons in January 1905. [1911 Public Service List] In 1908 Gibbons' duties were expanded when he was made Warden and Resident Magistrate at the Mount Margaret Goldfield as well as the North Coolgardie field. [GG 30/10/1908, p.2898 & 06/11/1908, p.3075] He is later listed as Stipendiary Magistrate, Warden, Licensing Magistrate and Coroner for the North Coolgardie and Mount Margaret districts and Magistrate of Local Courts at Menzies, Davyhurst, Kookynie, Mount Malcolm, Leonora, Mount Morgans and Laverton, a position that would have involved considerable train travel. [1911 Public Service list] When Gibbons was transferred to Northam in April 1919, John Elton Geary was appointed as Acting Stipendiary Magistrate for the North Coolgardie, Mount Margaret and East Murchison Districts and moved into the Menzies Warden's Quarters. [1919 Public Service List] A little over four years later, Geary's duties were considerably expanded. With the increased circuit and responsibilities came a more convenient residence on Kalgoorlie, so the Menzies' quarters were vacated. [1923 Public Service List] Geary, before he leaves Menzies, appears to have been the last Warden to occupy the building, although the Government may have leased it out for a time. In any case, during the mid-1920s, when the Medical and Health Departments were searching for a suitable alternative to Menzies' old hospital, the former Warden's Quarters were available. Established by a progress committee in 1895, the Menzies Hospital had grown from a makeshift hessian room with three beds in the centre of town, to an extensive two ward timber and iron building, with detached matron's and nurse's rooms, lavatories, operating room, dispensary and kitchen on Reserve 3261 on the Niagara road north-east of the town. It was during Matron Motley's term that the Medical and Health Department sought an alternative building. The Department's report for 1927, detailed the move: Menzies: Early in 1927 hospital operations were moved from the old iron building, which had become dilapidated, to what had previously been the Warden's Quarters. These quarters consisted of a well-built stone house, of more than sufficient size for hospital needs. Relatively few cases are admitted to this hospital, as there is no doctor resident in the district, but the hospital can receive urgent cases and those of a minor character, which do not necessitate the presence of a medical man. A nurse-in-charge is maintained, and the expenditure, which totalled £305 during 1927, was thoroughly justified in view of the distance from Kalgoorlie. [V & P 1928, Vol. 2, 'Report of the Medical and Health Department 1927', p. 7] Matron Motley remained in charge until 1934-35. Nurse's Quarters, erected eastwards of the new hospital were purchased as a private residence by G. Templeman, the Secretary of the Menzies Road Board in 1960. [DOLA - File 3188/97, pp.33-34] From at least 1963, the old Warden's Quarters have been referred to as a Nursing Post rather than a hospital. [V & P 1965, Vol. 3, 'Report of the Medical Department 1963'] Major repairs were carried out during the 1985/86 financial year. [Menzies Nursing Post Annual Report 1986/87] The Nursing Post is staffed by one Registered Nurse and Health worker who provides a casualty nursing service and also performs community nursing functions.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Menzies Cemetery

Condition

The elements that comprise Menzies Cemetery are generally in fair condition, and for the most part are maintained. However, a number of headstones are damaged.

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Menzies Post Office (fmr)

Condition

generally in fair condition, with a number of urgent conservation works identified, notably the extensive termite damage to the floor in the postal hall, the weathered timber elements on the western frontage and south sides, deteriorated stumps and subsidence of the floor in locations throughout.

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Statement of Significance

The attached residence is a demonstration of a particular way of life of the postmaster at the time. The place is a demonstration of the development of postal services in the area. The building, although the external fabric has been replaced, is an example of practical design, residential in nature, comprising simple, easy to build forms and locally available materials.

Physical Description

The building is set back slightly from the building alignment of Shenton Street. The building comprises a longitudinal structure with a gable roof, that formed the residence, joined to a square structure with a hipped roof that accommodated postal facilities. A verandah extends across the north elevation and returns along the street elevation (west) to meet the longitudinal structure. The verandah is covered by a separate lean-to roof. Public access to the post office was on the north elevation and a private entrance to the quarters was via the verandah on the west elevation. The building exterior features corner battens and double-hung sash windows. The interior has timber floors throughout, the walls are lined, with ripple iron to dado height. The exterior of the building has been re-clad and the criss-cross balustrading has recently been installed (not to original design).

History

Originally, like other goldfields towns, the Menzies Post Office was operated from tents. This was replaced by an iron building, which, by 1896, had also become inadequate. Eventually it became essential for a new Post Office to be built and improved living quarters provided for the staff, many of whom had become sick and even died from typhoid fever. [Rodgers, p. 15.] In 1902, a Post Office Reserve was set aside and gazetted - Reserve 7507, Lot 922d & 102. [GG, 10/01/1902, p. 153.] A new Post Office was supposedly erected around this time [Whittington, pp.278-279.]; however it is possible that it was constructed before the land was gazetted in 1902. There is no mention of a 'new' Post office in the Government Gazette. In 1903, alterations and additions were carried out to the Post Office, the contractor being Mr M. Mackesy at a cost of £497. [GG 18/09/1903, p.2617] In 1904, Mr JR. Douglas was engaged to fence the Post Office, the contract price being £49. [GG 16/12/1904, p.3158] The next alterations to the Post Office were in 1909, when the building required painting and repairs. This was carried out by Bell & West for a contract price of £267/15/9. [GG 24/12/1909, p.4034] The improvements made to the Post Office were reported in the North Coolgardie Herald, "The exterior of the main building is to be repainted, and new floor laid down in front of the counter. An iron fence is to be erected to make the postmaster's residence more private ..." [NCH 12/01/1910, p. 1]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

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Menzies Railway Station Group

Child Places

• 23821 Station Master's House
• 23968 Residence
• 23888 Residence
• 23962 Residence

Condition

Menzies Railway Station Precinct is in fair condition. There is evidence of recent restoration and painting works on both the interior and exterior and roofs of the three Platelayer's Cottages. The Station Master's House show evidence of cracking, previous repairs and fretting stone and mortar particularly on the walls around the north corner, and also general stone damage around the base perimeter of the walls, and the chimney. The Station Building shows evidence of intervention (repairs) to the stone walls, particularly on the platform walls in the vicinity of the luggage entrance.

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Child Places

• 23821 Station Master's House
• 23968 Residence
• 23888 Residence
• 23962 Residence

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value, enhanced by the simple repetition of architectural elements and use of decorative timber joinery. The place is a representative example of railway station buildings in Western Australia built during the gold boom. The place is historically and socially significant as representative of the arrival of the railway in 1898. The railway provided a communication and transport link with other centres and allowed the town to develop rapidly. The value of the place is enhanced as a component of an historic precinct comprising three identical cottages built to house trainsmen at the former Railway Station, the Station Master's Residence and the former Railway Station.

Physical Description

The long rectangular single-storey building is of local tuck-pointed brickwork. The building is covered by a timber framed hipped roof, with vented gablets, that is clad in cgi. A lean-to verandah roof stretches the full length of the passenger platform. The verandah roof is clad in cgi and is supported by radiating timber struts on stop-chamfered timber posts on timber bases. On the western elevation, the roof extends over a verandah that protects the central section of the facade. The verandah roof features two short gables, one at each end. The building exterior features a combination of single, recessed double-hung sash windows and large curve headed openings that comprise a ticket window with decorative timber joinery divided into three lights. The opening has a timber sill ledge, five single-paned fan lights and a timber panelled door. In 1903, refreshment rooms were created, and in 1949 were rearranged and renovated to accommodate trainmens' barracks. The lamp room was altered to provide toilet facilities, and the ladies' waiting room was converted to a liquor store until 1966, when the refreshment room liquor licence was discontinued. Outbuildings including wood shed, latrine, engine shed, carriage shed, coal store, weighbridge, turntable and, sheep and cattle yards are no longer extant.

History

As the line snaked towards Menzies, there was agitation in the town over the site proposed for their railway station. Strong arguments were put that it was too far south of the town centre but public meetings, petitions and deputations to the Minister for Railways proved unsuccessful. The specifications in Smith & Timms' contract detailed a considerable building program within the Menzies station yard that included a station building, special design (stone); a passenger platform, 450ft long; a station master's house, second class (stone); a woodshed and latrine; a goods shed, 200ft long; an outside loading platform, 165ft long; a horse and carriage loading platform; a lamp room and latrines; an office and store; four platelayers' cottages (stone); four latrines; an engine shed with four stalls; two outside engine pits, 40ft long; a carriage shed, 100ft long; a coal store, 60ft long; a turntable; an engine water tank of 25,000 gallon capacity; a five ton crane; a weighbridge; sheep and cattle yards; 2,200ft of picket fencing; and 12 wicket gates. [WAA - Acc 2620/2A/13] The earthworks of the Menzies line reached the town to ards the end of January 1898 followed in about seven weeks by the tracks. [MM 22/01/1898, p.21; Menzies Weekly Times 12/03/1898, p.7] The erection of the stone station buildings at the northern terminus began early in March 1898, about a week before the last spike was riven in and the first locomotive steamed into town. At the time, most of Menzies' buildings were timber, iron and hessian, so the station was an addition on a grand scale. A contemporary description stated: "the station premises include a station similar to that at Kalgoorlie, goods shed, engine shed, carriage shed, station master's house, lamp room, store and fettler's cottages." [AW05/03/1898, p.2] The new line was officially opened by the Governor, Sir Gerald Smith, on 22 March 1898. The buildings within the station yard would all have been completed soon after the opening ceremony. In August 1898, a Government weighbridge was erected [MM 13/08/1898, p. 16], and as the new head of the line, Menzies station became a hive of activity. The year 1935, saw the establishment of a trainmen's barracks in Menzies stationyard. This was made up of a depot relocated from Kookynie to Menzies, and two permanent way camps brought from Gunga to provide two additional rooms. The completed complex comprised a block of six bedrooms with a detached building housing the kitchen, mess room and bathroom. The kitchen was severely damaged by fire in February 1942. Although repairs were made, by 1947 it was stated that the buildings had not been, in use for some years. Owing to acute shortages of accommodation back down the line that year, the kitchen block was moved to Salmon Gums, the accommodation block to Yellowdine. [WAA - Acc 1240 File R 2702/38] Around 1938, the place was taken over by lessee Gordon Hack who introduced a refrigeration plant and installed electric light. Soon after he took over, the whole place was renovated and repainted. Mrs Katherine Butcher, the last to lease the refreshment rooms, actually in part of the station building for a considerable period, and ran the place for over 27 years. She moved to live in the empty stationmaster's house in 1966, just after the refreshment room liquor license was discontinued. The line through Menzies was replaced by a standard gauge line between Kalgoorlie and Leonora in 1974. [WAA - Acc 4774 Item CE 04232] Julia Mines N.L. took over the building in 1987 for use as their headquarters. The building was restored and refurbished to provide modern office accommodation.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Station Master's House

Parent Place or Precinct

01553 Menzies Railway Station Group

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The place has representative value of a common design for residential buildings at the time. The substantial size of the residence is an indication of the status of the station master in society at the time. The value of the place is enhanced as a component of an historic precinct comprising three identical cottages built to house trainsmen at the former Railway Station.

Physical Description

The residence is square-shaped in plan, encircled with a verandah with a broken-back roof supported on stop- chamfered timber posts that are paired either side of the entrance. The roof features metal gablet vents and a simple stone chimney. The front elevational treatment is symmetrical about a central doorway, with a clear glass fanlight, and a double-hung sash window either side. The residence comprises a central passage, that runs the length of the building, four rooms of equal size and a kitchen at the rear. The interior walls are rendered and have decorative wall vents, plain cornices and simple timber skirtings. The passage features a ripple iron ceiling and the doors are timber panelled. A remnant ceiling rose and fireplace mantle are in the front northern room. A laundry enclosure, timber framed and clad in cgi, has been created within the south-east corner of the rear verandah. The kitchen retains an original oven, the ceiling has been modernised and a skylight added. There is fretted stonework at the base of the external walls, and some external rendering is damaged and stone sections missing.

History

Work on the extension of the railway line to Menzies commenced in early September 1897. [NCH 05/10/1897, p.2] The successful tenderers were Messrs Smith & Timms, with a contract price of £137,851/9/5. [NCH 16/08/1897, p.4 & 18/08/1897, p.2] Included in the construction of the railway line and station buildings was the provision of the station master's house. [WAA - Acc2620/2A/13] The construction of all the station buildings did not begin until March 1898, about a week before the last spike was driven in, and so while the station master was awaiting his new quarters he had to be accommodated in a tent. [MM 05/03/1898, p.2 & 19/03/1898, p. 18] The Station Master's Quarters would have been completed by about December 1898. [MM 24/12/1898, p.8] In 1911, according to a local newspaper, improvements were carried out to the quarters, making it a very "comfortable dwelling". [Kookynie Press 14/01/1911, p.2] From at least 1937, for a period of ten years or so, there was no station master at Menzies, only a caretaker. [WAA, Acc 1240, File R4574/38 & Acc 4774 Item CE 05280] However, early in 1947 the decision was made to transfer station Master G. Morey from Malcolm to Menzies and make the latter centre a booking station. Despite protests from the residents of Malcolm, this changeover became effective from May 1947 and Morey is known to have been based at Menzies at least up until March 1951. [WAA, Acc 1240, File R 19323/47] In 1966, Mrs Katherine Butcher, the last person to lease the refreshment rooms, moved into the Station master's House, which by this time was empty. [WAA, Acc 4774, Item CE 05280]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Fair

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Menzies Town Hall & Shire Offices

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value exhibiting characteristics that combine classical symmetry and towering verticality. The place is an important part of the streetscape of the town centre, as the most imposing and substantial building in Menzies, enhanced by the tall clock tower. The variety of warm colours and textures provided by the stonework creates a visual interest. The massing of the building provides a southern gateway to Menzies. The continuity of a civic presence in Menzies makes an important contribution to the historical value of the town. The place is representative of administrative and civic buildings constructed in Western Australian towns due to the economic stimulus provided by the 1890s gold boom.

Physical Description

The building is built to the building line of Shenton Street. The street facade is symmetrical about a central clock tower (clock not installed and as of July 1995 remains empty). The building comprises the original council chambers brick building (1896) which forms the north-western corner, a timber framed cgi clad hall (about 9m x 15m) built in 1897 for the Mechanics' Institute and relocated from Walsh Street and enlarged. Shire of Menzies Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places. The structures have been faced by a new edifice built on the building line of stone in 1901. The original council chambers building has a rendered parapet that bears the date 1897, and has a double-hung sash window, and a timber panelled door with a fanlight. In 1901, the structure was replicated on the south-west corner with an unrendered parapet and brick quoins. The central section features twin gabled roofs with projecting battened eaves. The walls feature a rendered frieze, window sills, quoins and, reveals. The heavily recessed windows are slim double-hung sashes with awning fanlights. The hall entrance is via steps. The entrance is formed by a semi-circular opening with a rendered voussoir that is surmounted by a rendered triangular pediment, and framed by rendered pilasters. The tower roof is pyramidal in shape and features a flag pole at its apex. Verandahs with concrete floors and lean-to roofs have been added to protect the recessed bays on the front facade. The roofs are supported on paired timber posts with decorative timber brackets. The interior comprises council chambers, hall, reading room and library. In 1902, the hall stage was extended, the hall's ventilation improved, and an annexe (supper room) was built. In 1903, two doors were added to the south side of the hall. In 1985, the building underwent restoration. By the end of 1986, the stonework had been restored and in 1987, a room on the north side was renovated to house the council chambers. The former chambers, hallway and lobby, were restored in 1988 under a Bicentennial heritage grant. In 1990, the hall was rebuilt with the addition of steel framework, under a Lotteries Commission grant, Ministry of Sport and Recreation (for inclusion of childcare facilities) and Shire of Menzies.

History

Until July 1896, when they burnt down, meetings of the first Municipal Council were held in rented timber and iron offices. The considerable loss and inconvenience of this fire led the council to erect their own brick office later that year on the Municipal Reserve in Shenton Street. [NCH 11/11/1896, p.3] This building, one of the earliest brick structures in the town, is thought to have been built by contractor Charles W. Arnott and may have been designed by his brother, architect C. Robert Arnott. [Thiel, Twentieth Century Impressions, p.669] It did duty as council chambers until the existing building, of which it forms the north-western corner, was erected in 1901. By March 1900, £40 had been spent on much needed improvements to the council chambers, and the lack of space led the councillors to discuss the possibility of enlarging their headquarters. [NCH 01/03/1900, p.2.] In May, subscribers to the Menzies Mechanics' Institute voted to hand their building over to the Council to be used as a town hall and the Council signified its agreement to the proposal. [NCH 10/05/1900, p.2; 22/05/1900, p.2] The acquisition of this building by the Council in 1900, and the promise of a £500 grant from the government, resulted in its inclusion in plans being drawn for new council chambers by architect G. Finlay. The new building was to be built by day labour supervised by the town clerk and municipal engineer, Patrick Stuart. It would incorporate both the Mechanics' Institute hall, to be dismantled and re-erected in considerably enlarged form, and the existing brick chambers, both to be fronted by a new edifice erected along the footpath line. A council meeting in mid-July authorised the expenditure of an additional £200 to enable the front walls to be built of stone rather than wood and iron. [NCH 05/07/1900, p.2; 07/07/1900, p.2; 19/07/1900, p.2; 20/07/1900, p.2] A full description of the plans is to be found in North Coolgardie Herald 19/07/1900, p.2. Workmen began pulling down the Mechanics' Institute in July 1900, and completed the erection of the new Hall in September. The Council accepted the tender of Con Berthold to provide a drop curtain, proscenium, wings and three background screens for the stage at a cost of £45. The proscenium was panelled in pale green and pink, embellished with flowers and surmounted by the W.A. coat of arms, while the background scenes consisted of a landscape, a drawing room and a kitchen. [NCH 12/07/1900, p.2; 17/08/1900, p.2; 05/09/1900, p.2] In late-1900, council decided that all the rooms forward of the hall should be constructed from brick and stone, rather than just the outer wall. This added substantially to the cost and delayed completion of construction work until April 1901. The overall cost when the building was finished, amounted to £2.075. [NCH 20/02/1901, p.2; 18/04/1901, p.2; 20/05/1901, p.2] When the subject of its formal opening came under discussion on 30 April, the question of expense led the council to rescind their former resolution. Earlier, an approach to Sir John Forrest to lay a foundation stone had been unsuccessful, so Menzies' most imposing building came into use without benefit of a foundation stone or formal opening. [Information concerning the clock tower is held at the Council Offices.] The Municipal Institute reading room and circulating library occupying the rooms at the south-west corner of the building were opened to the public in July 1901. Before the building had been in use a year, Stuart was requested to prepare plans for additions to the stage and improvements in the ventilation of the hall. These works, together with the addition of an annexe to be used as a supper room, were carried out by day labour in 1902 at a cost of £266. [NCH 27/09/1901, p.4; 20/11/1901, p.2; 28/02/1902, p.2; 24/041902, p.2; 14/11/1902, p.2; 17/11/1902, p.3] Over the years, in addition to providing offices, council chambers and library, the building served many functions in Menzies. As well as being a place for entertainments such as plays, variety shows, operas, concerts, dances and social evenings, it doubled as a roller skating rink, provided a venue for political speeches, and was used by travelling salesmen to exhibit their wares. In 1985, the Shire of Menzies began a restoration programme which eventually included the whole of the municipal building. Further work was carried out in 1988 and 1990 when funds became available. The restored hall was re-opened in 1991 with a re-enactment of 'Maritana' [first performance in town hall] performed by members of the WA Opera Company. [Kalgoorlie Miner 27/07/1991, p. 7]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Residence

Parent Place or Precinct

01553 Menzies Railway Station Group

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place, together with the adjoining cottages, forms a streetscape of identical and simple fettlers cottages. Its value is enhanced as a component of an historic precinct comprising three identical Fettlers' Cottages, the Station Master's House and the former Railway Station.

Physical Description

The building is square in plan and in encircled by a verandah with a concrete floor. The hipped roof extends to cover the verandah and is supported by square timber posts. The heavily recessed windows, either side of the central entrance, are double-hung sashes with rendered sills. The interior comprises a central passage that bisects the interior. Timber framed enclosure clad in cgi has been created at the north-east corner to accommodate a bathroom. A weatherboard clad enclosure had been added to the south-east corner to accommodate a kitchen. The kitchen has an external metal chimney. A partial enclosure, cgi clad, has been added to the southern verandah.

History

The contract secured by Messrs Smith & Timms for the railway and station buildings in Menzies included the construction of four stone platelayers' (fettlers) cottages. [WAA, Acc 2620/2A/13] Work on the station and associated buildings began in March 1898 and were completed later that same year. [MM 05/03/1898, p.2] In 1903, one of the cottages was reported to have been considerably damaged by fire, though it is not clear which one. [NCH 29/12/1903, p.2]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Poor-Fair

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Residence

Parent Place or Precinct

01553 Menzies Railway Station Group

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place, together with the adjoining cottages, forms a streetscape of identical and simple fettlers' cottages. Its value is enhanced as a component of an historic precinct comprising three identical Fettlers' Cottages, the Station Master's House and the former Railway Station.

Physical Description

The building is square in plan and in encircled by a verandah with a concrete floor. The hipped roof extends to cover the verandah and is supported by square timber posts. The heavily recessed windows, either side of the central entrance, are double-hung sashes with rendered sills. The interior comprises a central passage that bisects the interior. The northern verandah is enclosed with cgi that returns to meet the partially enclosed rear verandah that is timber framed and clad in cgi. The rear enclosure accommodates a kitchen and a bathroom. The kitchen ceiling is clad in ripple iron and has an external metal chimney. The place retains its outbuildings including WC and laundry.

History

The contract secured by Messrs Smith & Timms for the railway and station buildings in Menzies included the construction of four stone platelayers' (fettlers) cottages. [WAA, Acc 2620/2A/13] Work on the station and associated buildings began in March 1898 and were completed later that same year. [A4JV/ 05/03/1898, p.2] In 1903, one of the cottages was reported to have been considerably damaged by fire, though it is not clear which one. [NCH 29/12/1903, p.2]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: Moderate Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Poor-Fair

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Residence

Parent Place or Precinct

01553 Menzies Railway Station Group

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place, together with the adjoining cottages, forms a streetscape of identical and simple fettlers cottages. Its value is enhanced as a component of an historic precinct comprising three identical Fettlers' Cottages, the Station Master's House and the former Railway Station.

Physical Description

The building is square in plan and in encircled by a verandah with a concrete floor. The hipped roof extends to cover the verandah and is supported by square timber posts. The heavily recessed windows, either side of the central entrance, are double-hung sashes with rendered sills. The interior comprises a central passage that bisects the interior. Verandahs have been partially enclosed. Interior not inspected.

History

The contract secured by Messrs Smith & Timms for the railway and station buildings in Menzies included the construction of four stone platelayers' (fettlers) cottages. [WAA, Acc 2620/2A/13] Work on the station and associated buildings began in March 1898 and were completed later that same year. [MM 05/03/1898, p.2] In 1903, one of the cottages was reported to have been considerably damaged by fire, though it is not clear which one. [NCH 29/12/1903, p.2]

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: Moderate Degree

Condition

Fair

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Menzies School

Child Places

• 01556 Menzies School
• 23879 Menzies Secondary School

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

01556 Menzies School

Child Places

• 01556 Menzies School
• 23879 Menzies Secondary School

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value for creative design and adaptation to a harsh climatic setting, exhibited by vented gablets, high ceilings, verandahs and the introduction of dormer windows. The place, together with the adjoining former teachers' quarters forms a precinct of institutional buildings and as a group are a demonstration of the history of the place. The place is a representative example, typical of the construction of institutional buildings, for the time of construction.

Physical Description

The building is rectangular in plan and orientated north-south. The building exterior features projecting eaves and metal louvred vents in the gable walls. The windows are double-hung sashes, divided into eight panes by slim glazing bars, and have bottom-hung fanlights. The interior comprises two classrooms, on the eastern side of the central passage, and office (originally cloakroom up until 25 years ago) and staff room on the western side. The steps to the original entrance have been removed and the interior porch has been enclosed to accommodate storage. The interior has covered floorboards throughout, with a combination of fibro-cement wall linings and ripple iron wall and ceiling linings. The rooms have new suspended fluorescent lights and ceiling fans. In 1899, a third classroom was added. In 1902, tennis courts were added to the school grounds. In 1904, a fourth classroom was added to the addition that created an east-west wing that changed the school to an 'L-shape'. In 1912, to improve air circulation within the interior, dormer windows were added to the eastern and western roof slopes. The dormer windows are divided into three awnings and are protected by battened eaves. In 1929, the east-west wing was dismantled and re-built elsewhere for use as a wool shed. In 1948, general repairs were carried out and in 1949, a basketball court was constructed. The roof was re-clad in the late-1980s. In 1991, a timber pergola with shadecloth was added to the northern elevation. In 1992, a lean-to roof was built to cover an activity area on the eastern side of the building. Within the last 12 months roof plumbing has been replaced and the exterior and interior painted. Outbuildings include an old lunchshed that has been rebuilt, and toilets (c. 1970s). Original toilets are no longer extant. The original school bell sits directly south of the basketball courts.

History

Agitation from Menzies residents extracted a promise from the Minister for education in October 1896 that a school would be built as soon as a site could be selected. No reserve had been set aside in the original townsite, and the Menzies extension survey was delayed pending a decision on the route of the railway. Plans of the proposed building were completed within a few weeks, and a suitable site at the northern edge of town was recommended by the Warden of the North Coolgardie Goldfield early in 1897. Nevertheless, various delays prevented reservation of the site for more than a year. A Menzies deputation to the Under Secretary for Works in October 1897 brought forth an assurance that plans were being prepared for a school building estimated to cost £1,900, which would be built as soon as money was available. [NCH 19/10/1897, p.2] Tenders were called for the construction of a school and head teacher's quarters at Menzies the following month [GG 19/11/1897, p.2522], and although the identity of the successful contractor was never gazetted, it may have been G. Filman whose tender was lowest. (NCH 15/12/1897, p.2] The awaited opening of the new school building took place on 6 June 1898. It was amongst the last official acts of S.B. Schlam as Mayor, and he referred to the great struggle the residents of Menzies had made to get a school for their town. The new building consisted of two classrooms on Reserve 5108. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony the children were treated to a lolly and nut scramble donated by local storekeepers. [Miners' Daily News 04/06/1898, p.2; 07/06/1898, p.2; Menzies Weekly Times 11/06/1898, p. 15] In February 1899, Miss Elizabeth I. McKay arrived to take over from Miss O'Meagher. [MM 04/02/1899, p. 18] Already the classrooms were overcrowded, prompting the government to call for tenders for an additional room, a contract won by local builder Charles W. Arnott at a cost of £297/17/10. [GG 09/06/1899, p. 1676; 14/07/1899, p.2025] The year 1902 saw the school and quarters painted throughout by W. E. Phelan. [GG 21/03/1902, p.l 162] Other milestones that year included the opening of a tennis court in the school grounds. [NCH 12/06/1902, p.2] The growing number of students continued to outpace the facilities. Even though more than twenty transferred to the Menzies Convent School when that opened in 1903, overcrowding and under-staffing at the State School remained a problem. [WAA - Acc 2268/1 School Journal 1902-1920] Tenders were called for the addition of a fourth classroom early in 1904, a contract won by J. R. Douglas with a quote of £500. [GG 01/01/1904, p.34; 05/02/1904, p.337] This room was joined to that previously added, giving the school an L shape. It was formally opened by the Hon. Henry Gregory, Minister for Mines, who had been Mayor of Menzies when agitation for a school had first begun. [NCH 31/03/1904, p.2; WAA - Acc 2268/1 School Journal 1902-1920] The headmaster's quarters were enlarged under a government contract by Messrs Bell and West in 1911. [GG 23/09/1910, p.2551; 09/12/1910, p.3695; PWD Plan 10510] In 1912, it was decided that the classrooms required an improvement in air-flow and a system of cross ventilation dormer windows wa designed under the supervision of PWD Chief Architect, Hillson Beasley. [WAA - PWD Plan 10510] A contract to undertake these alterations was secured by T. H. Bell in May [GG 26/04/1912, p. 1571; 31/05/1912, p.2051], and the work commenced at the end of June. By 1929, mining in Menzies had been in the doldrums for years. The population had dwindled so much that the school had been reduced to a one teacher affair, with no more than 20 or 30 pupils attending. As there was little need of four classrooms, the Education Department decided to sell off two of them. The successful tenderer was E. G. Wilkie, a pastoralist from Jessop's Well, who intended using the timber to build a woolshed. [GG 18/01/1929, p. 123; 08/05/1929, p.771; WAA - Acc 2268/2 School Journal 1928-1950] In February 1948, Headmaster M. A. Brechin recorded that two workmen engaged on extensive repairs to the school and quarters were being hindered through delays in the delivery of materials. Besides the repair of gutters, the delayed renovations involved a new shelter shed, the erection of a new fence around the quarters, the enclosure of his porch and the installation of a new sink in the headmaster's quarters. It took until mid-June 1948 before all this was completed by a contractor named Bruneguard from Leonora. Further renovations instigated by Brechin included the repainting of school and quarters by Baker & Johns in November 1948, the construction of a basketball court in June 1949 and the installation of a new stove in the quarters by W. Robertson in September 1949. [WAA - Acc 2268/2 School Journal 1928-1950] The place continues to be used for educational purposes

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High Degree AUTHENTICITY: High Degree

Condition

Good

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