Ajana School - site

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site of the Ajana School has historic significance as evidence of the development of the Northampton district. Combined with the other school sites, this place reveals the effect of centralisation of education as well as the changing settlement patterns of the area.

History

The first school at Ajana was located at the Croton Well Reserve No.4670 and opened on 2 December 1912. By 1916, low enrolments threatened the school's closure. Local families proposed that the school be moved and in 1917 the building was relocated to VL4668 on F.A. Porter's property. The school building was moved for a third time in 1928 to Reserve No. 19916. The building was used up until 1942 when classes were transferred to the Ajana Hall (Site No.15). The site is marked by a Bicentennial commemorative plaque.

Condition

Site

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Springvale Mine

Uses

Creation Date

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History

1): (1971) ... 3.2 km NW of Ajana and is reached by a farm track .... found in the early 1920s when galena was pulled up by a farming harrow ... worked from 1925 to 1927 ... 618 tons of lead. ... lode has been traced by a series of pits, costeans and shafts in the direction of 030 degrees over... 150m. ... Twos shafts were sunk to a depth of 30m, the main shaft near the centre of the shoot and the northern shaft about 30m further north. Three holes were drilled by Anglo Westralian Pty Ltd to test the lode. 13): 1926) ML 23PP In view of the satisfactory developments at the 100ft level the company is now proceeding with the erection of a treatment plant to treat four tons of ore per hour. This will consist of a rock breaker, rolls, jigs, and wilfley tables, and will be driven by an 83HP National crude oil engine. REFERENCES 1. Blockley, J.G., 1971: The Lead Zinc and Silver Deposits of Western Australia: Geological Survey of Western Australia Mineral Resources Bulletin 9. 2. Wilson, R.C., 1926: The Northampton Mineral Field. Western Australia Department of Mines publication.

Condition

Site

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General Store (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

08907 Ajana Townsite

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The CGI shed site has local historic and social significance as a remnant of the development of the town

Physical Description

The corrugated iron (CGI) shed sits off the road adjacent to an old house in an area that probably had many more houses around it formerly. The building appears to have originally had a barn type form with a high central roof. It is clad completely with CGI to both roof and walls together with a series of extensions and enclosures around its perimeter walls.

History

The old CGI shed is said to have been used variously including as a general store for the town ( * Source: Peter Harris). A store at Ajana was run by Tennyson Watt c1931. The property was owned by J.G. Mitchell and was offered for rent in 1932 [Geraldton Guardian 25/02/1932], The store was run by Mary Ruffin c1944. The place was destroyed by fire in April 2002.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Unknown Modifications: Various leanto extensions and enclosures Orig'l Fabric: Mostly intact

Condition

Poor

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Railway Tank and Dam

Parent Place or Precinct

08907 Ajana Townsite

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The railway tank and dam have important historic, social and scientific significance as remnants of the State's disappearing railway heritage.

Physical Description

The large dam is on one side of the road and the tank, on a stand, on the opposite side alongside the route of the original railway line. In order to reduce evaporation, the dam is covered with a CGI roof and the side walls are also enclosed with CGI. The type of support and roof construction over the dam is unknown as it was not possible to gain access through the high fence surrounding it. The covered CGI tank is supported on a large stand constructed of tall bush poles, cross braced and with a platform made of sleepers.

History

Originally built as a watering point for the Northampton - Ajana railway extension which was constructed between 1911-13. The tank especially, and the dam less so, were common sights on railway lines in order to supply the essential water for steam engines. The line was closed in 1957 and since then the dam has provided a local water supply which is sometimes used to fight bush fires. ( See other railway sites for further details (Site Nos 77 & 134). Chronology Entries 12/03/1913 The Northampton-Ajana Railway was officially opened. 1957 The Geraldton-Northampton-Ajana Railway was closed, the last train ran on 29 April. 1962 The Geraldton-Northampton railway line was removed. Source Pages Geraldton Guardian

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Orig'l Fabric: Intact

Condition

Fair

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Mount View Homestead & Outbuildings (Ruins)

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The Mount View homestead buildings have high historic and social significance for there associations with the Drage family and the opening up of pastoral properties in the district. In themselves, they are an important collection of buildings (ruins) illustrating the extent and diversity of early pastoral and farming properties. The Mount View homestead buildings should be given retain and conserve protection under the Municipal Inventory. The owners should be encouraged to restore or halt further deterioration of the homestead. If it is impractical to restore the buildings they should be fully recorded before they deteriorate further. The extensive collection of wrecked and old machinery should be relocated so as not to detract from the original buildings although relevant old machinery of the period could be placed to assist with interpretation of the site.

Physical Description

Originally a large collection of stone buildings, now mostly in ruins and virtually irretrievable. The homestead has an interesting plan form with separate kitchen/dining and bedroom/living wings forming an 'L' shape. The inside of the 'L' provided external verandah access between wings and rooms. A raised semi-enclosed courtyard (possibly trellised) off the verandahs completed the rectangle formed by the "L*. Until recently, when a cyclone destroyed the CGI roof, the buildings might have been saved. The complex includes stone walled stable yards, outbuildings and several smaller stone cottages. Extensive derelict machinery and old vehicles dumped around the site largely obscure the old building elements.

History

Built by Thomas Drage, Mount View provided a 'half way' stop between Murchison Station (Site No.1.) and Ajana (Site No.14.) when droving sheep and carting wool. [Oral History - Mrs Blood] The property was sold to Bert Mitchell c1910, and then after his death, to Frank & Greg Dwyer. In 2003, 12,000ha of Mt View were divested to the Warri Association Incorporated by the Indigenous Land

Condition

Ruin

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Ajana Townsite

Child Places

• 08912 Railway Tank and Dam
• 08908 Ajana Hall
• 08909 General Store (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 08912 Railway Tank and Dam
• 08908 Ajana Hall
• 08909 General Store (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Ajana townsite has local historic and social significance for its associations as an outlying rural settlement and the development of rail transport in the district which replaced the old stock routes. These changes and developments had an important impact on the lives of people in the district. The Ajana townsite should be retained and conserved if possible; mapping and photographing the existing fabric of the town as a record should be carried out before further erosion of the few remaining elements occurs. Interpretive signage explaining the history and layout of the townsite would assist in an understanding of the significance of the place.

Physical Description

The layout of the former town is still apparent in the remnants of the road layout, rail remains (including the rail head), and the few remaining buildings. Some are still occupied, but generally they are isolated from each other and dispersed across the old townsite. Remaining buildings include a hall, several residences, tennis courts, CGI sheds, railway remains - siding etc. (See site Nos.15 -18).

History

Work on the Ajana extension of the Geraldton-Northampton railway line began on 24 July 1911. The line, which was approximately 33 miles long, was opened for traffic on 6 January 1913. It was primarily used to transport lead from the mineral fields to the port at Geraldton, however, it was also responsible for successfully opening up land to the north-east of Northampton. A small townsite emerged at Ajana, the head of the line and included a school. The name is probably derived from 'Ajano', the Aboriginal name for the area around Barrel Well (Site No. 12). Families that lived at Ajana included the Drages, Whitbys and Ruffins. Education Department records reveal that in December 1912 there were 12 pupils on the roll. Grain was transported from properties in the area for transport to the port. With the closure of the railway in 1957 came the steady decline in Ajana's population.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Unknown Orig'l Fabric: Few remaining buildings

Condition

Site

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Barrel Well

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Barrel Well has important historic and social significance to the district as a link with the early days of mining, settlement and the stock route. The wells at Barrel Well require a high level of protection under the Municipal Inventory and work should be carried out to arrest deterioration and restore them. Suitable protective barriers need to be installed around the wells so as not to detract from their visual and historic attraction. Further research and archaeological work needs to be carried out to firmly establish the age of both the wells and to put their history into the correct context.

Physical Description

There are two wells at Barrel Well located on a Crown Reserve set aside for an aboriginal community. It could not be ascertained which well was the older, and convict built, or whether they are both of similar age. One is located inside the community's main fenced housing area and has been covered accordingly with wire mesh for safety reasons. The other is just outside the fenced housing area and just off the approach road to the community. Both are stone lined, skilfully constructed and in reasonable condition, although the uncovered well, being less protected is in greater danger of deterioration and needs some protection and restoration.

History

Local sources claim that Barrel Well was convict built. In his memoirs Captain Samuel Mitchell states that the well was sunk by David Wallace, possibly a ticket-of-leave man, who later died at the Geraldine Mine when the Murchison River flooded. The well, which is believed to be approximately 36ft deep, was a watering point on the stock route between the Geraldine Mine (Site No. 7) and Port Gregory (Site No.24).

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Residence

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has local historic and social significance as an indication of the towns former status.

Physical Description

The timber framed fibro residence has a simple plan form with verandahs on all sides. The main roof form has gable ends which extend down in hipped form over the verandahs as they wrap around the house.

History

The residence is reasonably substantial and one of the few remaining houses in Ajana and is indicative of the former character and status of the town. The house was destroyed by fire in April 2002.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Unknown Orig'l Fabric: Mostly intact

Condition

Fair

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Ruffin's House

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The small Ajana cottage has local historic and social significance as one of few remaining buildings in the town. It demonstrates a variety and charm that may be indicative of the previous character of the town.

Physical Description

This small cottage/residence is one of few remaining buildings in the Ajana townsite. It has a simple 'L' shaped plan form with an 'M' shaped, hipped, CGI roof over the major areas to the rear. A projecting front room, with roof gable and finial over, breaks the otherwise rectilinear plan. The projecting front room, complete with bay window, forms a termination for the verandah which wraps around the side and across the front. The walls of the original cottage are of weatherboard and the verandah has been enclosed with horizontal CGI, fibro and panels of louvre windows. The verandah roof attaches at the walls of the residence under the main roof. Overall, the cottage, with its decorative elements and basic materials, demonstrates in its original owner/builder, an aspiration for simple sophistication in a home in preference to the ordinary.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Verandah enclosures Orig'l Fabric: Mostly intact.

Condition

Fair

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Ajana Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

08907 Ajana Townsite

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Ajana Hall has important local significance historically and socially to the community as it provides a link with past social activities of the district and is still used today for its original purpose.

Physical Description

The main hall has a trussed roof, braced back to wall columns. The roof extends down on both sides to form an open verandah on the north and an enclosed lean-to on the south side where the stage is located with small rooms on either side. The verandah is hipped around on the west side to enclose the kitchen etc. There are pairs of ledged and braced entry doors; windows are double hung with two pane sashes. Sloping architraves are over the heads of windows and doors internally and externally. The building is on stumps, lifting it just above ground level. Internally there is a raised stage and the walls of the hall have vertical jarrah boarding to dado height. Walls externally are weatherboard on the lower half with battened asbestos panelling above.

History

From May 1942 to August 1951 the Ajana School was held in the Ajana Hall. The Ajana Hall has been, and continues to be used for various community purposes, including functioning as the tennis clubhouse. Tennis courts, barbeques and toilets are located adjacent.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Partial verandah enclosures Orig'l Fabric: Fully intact

Condition

Good

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Pencell Pool / 10 Mile Pool

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Galena Heritage Area

Child Places

• 08902 Galena Mine - Surprise & South Surprise, Galena and Two Boys
• 16640 North Geraldine Lead Mine
• 16641 Block Seven Mine
• 16815 Butcher's Shop (ruins)
• 16643 Ethel Maud Mine
• 16812 Chinaman's Garden
• 16814 Lady Florence Mine
• 01900 Warribanno Smelter Complex Ruin
• 03455 Geraldine Lead Mine Site
• 16811 Geraldine-Warribanno Smelter ore Trail
• 16642 Wheal Ina

Condition

All of the structures on the site are ruins. They have been left vacant and untended for a long time and are subject to the elements and some casual vandalism.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Baddera Mines

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

1993 The Baddera Mine site has very high historic, social and scientific significance for the community and the potential for an interpretive understanding of mining. The Baddera Mine site requires a high level of protection under the Municipal Inventory. Accordingly, it also warrants archaeological work as the remnants on the site are more complete than at other mine sites and as such will lend itself as a place of'interpretation'for the mining activities in the region. Because the site is visible and more comprehensible than most other old mine sites there should at least be interpretive signage on the site to convey an understanding of the place whether or not a full cultural tourism project eventuates. (See also Site No. 35 for suggestions of cultural tourism potential of the Wheal Fortune Mine site, and sites 88 &117 for the tourist potential of the Wheal Ellen Mine and State Battery.) 2004 Baddera Mines, an industrial archaeology site containing the physical remnants of Baddera and Baddera North mine sites, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: Baddera Mine was Western Australia's largest lead producer in the early decades of the twentieth century and was closely linked with early attempts to establish a works to smelt Kalgoorlie gold ores; due to the state of preservation of their evidence, Baddera Mines are important reference sites for the understanding of other sites on the Northampton Mineral Field; the place illustrates the development of mining and processing technology over the first half of the twentieth century; the place contains rare evidence of the application of steam power to mining and processing; the place contains rare, and probably unique in Australia, evidence of the application of a Frenier pump; North Baddera Mine contains a rare, and possibly the State's only, surviving in situ example of a oncecommon Huntington mill; the place has links with important figures in the early development of the state's mining industry, including George Klug, W.G.fSutherland, and E. Protheroe Jones; and North Baddera Mine has social value for the community as the site, within living memory, of a tragic mining accident, thus demonstrating the risks involved in the mining industry throughout its history.

Physical Description

1993 Roof: Integrity: Low Modifications: Dismantled mine N/A The Baddera Mine site is located on the side of a gently rising hill and as such it is possible to get a slightly elevated and general overview to grasp the concept of the workings and function of the site. The site itself comprises extensive mine workings, tailing dumps, footings and concrete plinths, crushing equipment etc. left from one of the more recently operating (1950's) large mines in the district. There are also the ruins of stone and brick enclosures to buildings, and the base of a brick lined stone smelter chimney together with various scattered shafts and open pits. The mine has operated during various periods in the history of mining in the district and, being one of the more recently operating on some scale, has more interpretive material available to provide an understanding of the contribution mining made to the community. Baddera can also provide an example of more recent mining activity in comparison with the historic remnants of mining activity at the Wheal Fortune (Site No.35), Wheal Ellen (Site No. 117) mines and the State Battery (Site No. 88). About six miles north of Northampton, the Baddera Mine was discovered in 1873 and worked for several years to produce galena. During this time, Crowther and Mitchell obtained 176 tons of lead ore in 1878, 68 tons in 1879 and 374 tons in 1880. After being sampled by S. Cullingworth and being re-opened by the Fremantle Trading Company in 1907, its shaft was 347 ft deep in 1913, and No. two level was 800 ft long and No. three level was being driven. It was producing about 2200 tons of ore per month containing about 215 tons of lead. In 1915, stoping was being done over lengths of 630 ft at No. one level, 800 ft at No. 2 level, and 400 ft at No. three level. The Fremantle Trading company closed this mine in 1921, after working the main lode to a depth of 450 ft and a length of 1100 ft. By this date the mine had yielded 129.3 K tons of ore containing 13,890 tons of lead worth over 317 000 pounds. The mine was re-worked in the 1950s, and was closed in 1953 after two men were killed by a fall of rock. 2004 Baddera mine is 8km north of the township of Northampton and is reached by travelling 1.4 km east along Baddera Road and entering the wire gate at the south west corner of Location 1472. North Baddera Mine is some 500m north east of the Baddera, from which its tailings dump can be clearly seen. Vehicle access (4WD) between the mines is possible via a bushtrack and cleared exploration grid lines, but the North Baddera main shaft and treatment area are concealed by thick scrub and not easy to find. There is better vehicle access from a station track heading east from the main highway some 500m north of the Ladyland turnoff, but this is through private property. Baddera Mine With some notable exceptions, the evidence is that of the foundations of mining and treatment plant, the equipment having been removed for use at other sites after the mine's closure in the 1920s. The oldest structures at Baddera probably date from around 1906. Only the stone-work building-in of the Cornish boiler (no longer on site), and the foundations of its stack, remain from this period (NR037-1). Two or possibly three other periods of subsequent work are evident in the main shaft, treatment plant and boiler house areas. One includes the stonework building-in of the two existing Cornish boilers, the ducting of their flues to the older stack (NR037-4 to NR037-12), and the stonework plinths of crushers, tanks and Wilfley tables. These probably date from 1910, the beginning of the Baddera mine's most productive period which lasted to 1920. Concrete work in the last period mainly consists of plinths for Wilfley tables, treatment tanks and their motors. The general layout of the mine is with the steam generation plant at its centre, the main shaft, to the south and the treatment plant to the north. The flow direction of the treatment plant was from west to east, towards the tailings dump. The foundations of a fairly substantial house, possibly that of the mine manager, lie some distance away to the east. A roller crusher east of the main site (NR037-20 to NR037-21) was evidently not related to the original mine. Frenier pump spirals and drive In the north-west corner of the site are scattered 14 disk-shaped metal casings, some alongside a substantial machine drive. The casings, 4 ft (1.2m) diameter and 10 inches (250ml) deep, are formed of 5 ft (1,5ml) steel plate and contain within them a spiral of 6 turns at 55ml spacing (NR037-16 to NR037-18). The remnants match the description of a Frenier Pump. Roller crusher The crusher has been crudely mounted on a rock foundation (NR037-20 to NR037-21), now mainly collapsed. It is distant from the main treatment area and is almost certainly a remnant of a small scale, much later mining operation, possibly from the 1951-53 period. The 'house' The base of a stone-walled building survives in the eastern part of the site. Remains of two rooms are visible, one 2.6m x 4.9m wide, the other about 7m x 4.9m. This may have been a manager's residence, or it could have served a mine function such as storage, smithy or explosives magazine. Ventilation shaft This is a single compartment shaft, 1.8m x 0.8m, sawn timber lined with a bush timber collar. It has two 200ml timber stumps, 1.5m centres, near its south-western corner. Southern shaft Just outside the southern boundary of Location 1472 there is a deep pit that is being used as a rubbish tip. This corresponds to the southernmost shaft on the mine, noted by Feldtmann. North Baddera Mine Due to the isolated location of the mine, the remains of the North Baddera treatment plant have been well preserved apart from the ingress of the surrounding bush (NR037-29). While the North Baddera mine was operational several houses were built within Location 1472 to the west of the mine, and about 100m from it. The sites are now in very thick bush but traces of at least one can be identified. The treatment area is concrete floored throughout and was at least in part covered. From the mine shaft (NR037-23) the ore was raised to a bin. From the documentary evidence it is known that the ore was passed from the bin to a primary crusher, which was probably mounted on the H-shaped foundation near the Huntington mill (NR037-24); it was then fed via a trommel to the mill for fine grinding and thence over the Wilfley tables (NR037-27 to NR037-28) for mineral concentration. The Huntington mill (NR037-23 to NR037-25) is a pendulum (or centrifugal) mill in which suspended rollers crush the ore against a ring die. The remnant on site consists of the roller pendulum hanger ('spider' plate), central shaft, part of the ring die housing, timber bed and the drive shaft. Sparse remnants of habitation were noted some 70m east of the main shaft, but there was insufficient time to investigate these in detail.

History

Baddera Mines is situated on Location 1472, 8.8km north of Northampton and 1.6km east of the North West Coastal Highway. Two mines have been worked on the site, Baddera and Baddera North. These have also been known as Old Baddera and New Baddera, respectively. The southern extension of the Baddera ore body has been worked as the Baddera South mine. Baddera Mine was established in 1873 and worked for about ten years to a maximum depth of 30 metres. No production figures are available for this period but lead concentrates averaging 72% lead were produced to the value of £34,000. The mine was reopened and worked from 1910to 1921, during which time 14,110 tonnes of lead were produced from 131,340 tonnes of ore with an average grade of about 11% lead. This was the largest production of any lead mine in Western Australia. Baddera North was worked from 1948 to 1953 and yielded 730 tonnes of lead from 15,610 tonnes of ore with an average grade of approximately 5% lead. Key stages in the lives of the mines • First Phase of Mining 1873 c. 1900 • Mining for Smelter Flux 1900 - 1906 •The Change from Smelting to Lead Mining 1906-1910 •The First World War and the Lead Mining Boom • North Baddera Mine 1947-1953 •The January 1953 Mine Disaster •Two small 'shows' operated for short periods at Baddera,1951-53. • Ore from the Gurkha mine was processed at the North Baddera treatment plant, 1953-56. • G.H. Mitchell trucked tailings and hand-picked concentrates from the South Baddera dump for reprocessing at the Northampton State Battery, 1964-66 • During the base metals pegging boom the Baddera area pegged, 1970. for 'speculative purposes'. • Baddera and neighbouring areas drilled by Hillcrest Resources., 1997-98 Chronology Entries 1872 The Baddera Mine opened.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low Modifications: Dismantled mine Orig'l Fabric: Very little remains intact

Condition

Good

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Zuytdorp Shipwreck

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Binnu School

Parent Place or Precinct

08913 Binnu Wheat Bins

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The Binnu School has important local social significance for the community.

History

This school was officially opened on 02/05/1958. (Note: There were formerly 3 other school sites in the township - Source: Barbara Williams.) When the Galena school closed in 1963 (Site No. 159), the headmaster, Mr de Groot and 36 students were transferred to the Binnu School which had only 24 students. [Geraldton Guardian 10/05/1988] Chronology Entries 02/05/1958 The Binnu School was officially opened. 1983 A new bridge carrying the North West Coastal Highway across the Murchison River was opened. Source Pages Galena Bridge Project, Main Roads Department, 1983

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Enclosure of verandahs for staff & store rooms Orig'l Fabric: Intact

Condition

Good

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Binnu Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

08913 Binnu Wheat Bins

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Binnu Hall has local social significance for the role it has played in providing a focus for the community and gathering place for sporting and social groups.

Physical Description

The Binnu Hall sits adjacent to the main road and opposite the wheat bins and what would have been the railway line originally. The single storey building is constructed of rendered cement blocks with overhanging CGI roof supported on steel roof trusses. At the south end of the building the entry and kitchen are contained in a parapet wall structure that was possibly a later addition.

History

Officially opened 19/03/1955, the bricks for the building were made on the site by local people who had assisted in the construction of the Hall. Chronology Entries 19/03/1955 The Binnu Hall was officially opened.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Orig'l Fabric: Intact

Condition

Good

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Binnu Wheat Bins

Child Places

• 08914 Binnu Hall
• 08915 Binnu School

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 08914 Binnu Hall
• 08915 Binnu School

Statement of Significance

The wheat bins at Binnu have local significance socially and historically as they provide one of the main reasons for the towns continued existence and provide a link with the towns origins alongside the old railway line.

Physical Description

Small town, including a school (Site 22), Community Hall (Site 21), golf course, petrol station, tennis courts and wheat bins. The large wheat bins on the side of the main road, the North West Coastal Highway dominate the townsite. The bins are located on the site of the former rail siding although the grain is now all transported by road.

History

The wheatbins at Binnu were opened on 8 November 1968. The Ajana extension combined with the building of the wheat bins have seen the small town of Binnu emerge approximately 50 kms north of Northampton. The bulk handling of wheat represented a significant change away from bagged wheat collected on farms or at the rail siding to centralised bulk, loose storage which depended on mechanical handling. Since the closure of the railway line and the gradual decline of Ajana, Binnu has maintained a stable size.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Orig'l Fabric: Intact

Condition

Good

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Residence

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The CGI cottage is significant historically, socially and aesthetically as a representative of its type, of which it is one of the better examples. It is part of a group at the south end of the township and has historic significance for its association with the lives of miners from the Gwalla Mine. (See also Site Nos. 118-125.)

Physical Description

Small CGI cottage similar to others in the group of Gwalla CGI miner's cottages (see Site Nos. 118 -125). Front verandah is a continuation of the main roof angle, still with timber columns, however, partially enclosed with fibro and louvres. Rear lean-to is under a shallower pitched roof. Some original windows replaced with aluminium windows.

History

See other Gwalla sites for further information in the Gwalla settlement (eg Gwalla Church Site No.131).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Modifications: Some additions and enclosures Orig'l Fabric: Intact but partially obscured

Condition

Fair

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Oakabella

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The Oakabella Complex includes a homestead, a series of outbuildings (kitchen/dining buildings, barn, blacksmith's building, stables) and a shearing shed. Some outbuildings have been demolished or have fallen down. There is a large Moreton Bay Fig tree immediately north of the homestead, originally one of two such trees. Homestead: Simple longitudinal plan with rooms opening onto the verandah on the west side which in turn opens onto a walled garden. Low enclosed verandah on the east, possibly the original main internal access, but now partitioned off in places to form rooms. Main internal rooms have connecting doors to the north. Note the low height of door frames, particularly on the eastern access rooms. In general, the internal standard of finish is very simple. Some internal alterations have been undertaken that are not very sympathetic. External timber floors and verandahs have been removed and replaced by concrete. Construction generally rendered and white-washed stone walls with corrugated iron roof. Kitchen-Dining Building: Simple planning form, with L shaped kitchen and staff dining plus a separate room for the cook. Stone construction matching the house, with corrugated iron roof. Original timber framing of roof destroyed by cyclone, new gangnail timber-framing to replace original. Old roof sheeting refixed on the new framing. Note iron bars at window and corrugated iron verandah enclosure. The building is currently used for storage. Barn: Two storeyed stone barn with buttressed corners. Ground floor originally divided into two rooms; one with smooth, rendered walls, painted underside of floor above and fireplace. This room was used as a schoolroom at one stage. The other half of the ground floor was used for farm purposes and contained ladder access to the floor above. The dividing wall has since been removed along with the timber floor on the ground floor owing to a white ant infestation. Features of the building are the 9" Oregon timber planks and the stone buttressed corners which were added c1935 due to cracking in the structure. Early photographs of the barn depict it prior to the addition of the buttresses. [See Twentieth Century Impressions of Western Australia] Stables/Shearing Shed/Blacksmith's Shop: Generally stone construction, some soft brick construction of a later date. Simple timber framed roof with corrugated iron sheets, with some stamped Wolverhampton. Original stable areas have had timber grating floors added for shearing purposes, along with some sheet corrugated iron walls and lean-to's. Surrounding yards were built using timber sleepers retrieved from the Geraldton-Northampton railway. The Blacksmith's Shop, now in ruins after storm damage, has pigeon hojes to a loft still evident up at the top of the stone gable end.

History

The Oakabella pastoral lease, originally consisting of 50,000 acres of which 8,000 were freehold, was initially taken up by James Drummond in the mid 1850s. The Oakabella Homestead, which stands on the Oakabella River, has been continuously lived in since its construction. The west end of the shearing shed, which still houses much original equipment, was originally used as stables for race horses and horse breeding for the Indian Raj. In 1871 James Drummond, whose brother John Drummond took up the White Peak pastoral lease, sold Oakabella to Lockier Burges Jnr. The property was later purchased by S.R.L. Elliot who also owned the adjoining Yarra property (site No. 148). The homestead is situated close to the route of the Geraldton-Northampton railway line which was constructed in 1879; indeed there was a siding located on the property. Like the other pastoral ieases in the region, Oakabella was purchased by the government for closer settlement around the turn of the century. Since then the property has been greatly subdivided. Over the years many social dances have been held in the barn, which was also used as a school (For details about the school, see My Life by S. Bridgeman pp.7-22): The property currently operates as a tourist venture with a cafe, guided tours of homestead and market days etc. Chronology Entries 1852 Samuel Sewell became managing partner of the Yarra and Oakabella leases.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: See description below Orig'l Fabric: See description below

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The Bowes

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

'The Bowes' Estate, its homestead, associated outbuildings and cemetery, is highly significant historically, socially and aesthetically for the role the property and its owners have played in the pioneering and development of the region and the State. The homestead buildings, shearing shed and cemetery are particularly significant for their condition, influence on similar buildings in the district and the important role the people associated with them have played both locally and throughout the State.

Physical Description

The Bowes Homestead is located on the Bowes River approx. 10 kms south east of Northampton on the Northampton - Nabawa Road. The homestead has a long rectangular floor plan, one room wide with lean-to enclosures to the rear and a long open verandah facing the river. The verandah is supported on timber posts and is an extension of the main, hipped, CGI roof over the homestead. French doors open from each room onto the verandah to catch the breeze and provide access. Originally, access between most rooms was gained using the verandah as an external 'passageway', although there appears to have been some direct access between several rooms as there is now. This was a common design format for the early homesteads of the period and it is said ' The Bowes', being the first, formed a model for the other large pastoral homesteads of the district such as Oakabella (Site No. 147) There are a collection of outbuildings adjacent to the homestead including the original separate kitchen and dining room with painted rendered stone walls (possibly originally limewashed) located off the rear verandah (now enclosed). These buildings now appear to be used as staff accommodation and provide something of a quadrangle around the back of the homestead which could have been intentional for security against aboriginal attack or ease of access. A little further away there is also a more recent managers house and several metal clad farm sheds. On the other side of the river from the homestead is a large, white painted, stone shearing shed with CGI roof. The shearing shed is elegantly proportioned with tall internal spaces punctuated with timber columns supporting the roof. It is located just off the Northampton-Nabawa Road near to where a railway siding, on the Geraldton- Northampton government line, originally serviced The Bowes. Further upstream from the homestead, and on the same side of the river is a small family cemetery. A stone retaining wall along the river bank to minimise the affects of flooding. The cemetery contains the graves of pioneer settlers and several prominent headstones remain intact. Fortunately, the graves have been protected from stock by a steel fence which although functional is too confining and somewhat unsympathetic in its design.

History

William Burges was the first permanent land settler in the Northampton District, establishing the first pastoral property there in 1850. Burges was born in 1807 in the little Irish town of Tipperary. In 1830 William, along with his brothers Samuel and Lockier Burges, arrived at Fremantle on the 'Warrior'. After their arrival the government made a grant of 1920 acres of land along the Swan River to William, the eldest of the three brothers. A little later a further grant of 3000 acres on the Avon River was made, followed by another 6000 acres. This property was named 'Tipperary' after their home town in Ireland. In 1848 Lockier Burges, the youngest of the three brothers, accompanied the A.C. and F.C. Gregory expedition which penetrated as far north as the Murchison River and confirmed the rich pastoral prospects of the land between the Irwin and Murchison Rivers. On his return to the York property Lockier Burges emphasised to his brothers the suitability for grazing of that country. Messrs William Burges and John Drummond visited the Geraldine Mine in November 1849, while at the same time evaluating the land thereabouts for pastoral potential. Both Burges and Drummond were impressed by what they saw. Consequently, in 1850 both William and Lockier Burges left 'Tipperary' and set off for the Champion Bay district with 2000 sheep and 200 head of cattle. The brothers were met at Dandaragan by Augustus and Henry Gregory who acted as guides while John Drummond went along as police escort of what became the town of Northampton, where William and Lockier took up a pastoral lease of 132 000 acres. Initially calling the property' Knockbrack' after his old home in Ireland, William eventually renamed the estate 'The Bowes' because of its position on the Bowes River. The Bowes was widely known as the centre of hospitality for those passing through the district. John Forrest, on his epic journey to Adelaide in 1874, wrote of the "hospitable residence of Thomas Burges. When the Geraldton-Northampton Railway was constructed 1874-1879, a siding was located at 'The Bowes', a quarter of a mile from the homestead. In July 1900 the partnership of WM & SL Burges was dissolved and the 100,000 acre lease was put up for sale. Bowes and Yuin were purchased by William Burges for 30,000 pounds in December 1900. In the early 1900s the Government made a decision not to renew pastoral leases in the area and much of The Bowes' was resumed and subdivided into 600 and 1000 acre farms. Many other large pastoral properties in the Victoria district, including Oakabella, Mt Erin and Narra Tarra, suffered the same fate. The Bowes Estate was reduced to 16 927 acres and in 1911 Thomas Drage purchased from the property from the Burges family. Elizabeth Drage, widow of Thomas Drage sold The Bowes in 1940 to the Lee Steere family who still control the property. As the first pastoral property in the Northampton District, The Bowes is representative of both the pastoral and agricultural industries as well as the significant influence of the Burges family in the development of the area. The private cemetery on the bank of the Bowes River contains the graves of members of this pioneer family. Chronology Entries 1850 William Burges moved from the Avon Valley to Champion Bay and established a pastoral tease called 'The Bowes'. Source Pages Ancient Landmarks, Bain, M. A., UWA Press, Perth, 1975 ISBN:0 85564 090 1 46 1853 William Burges wrote to the Governor, without success, seeking consideration for the right to crop land without tillage lease or payment of rent, and a lifting of the restrictions regarding the size and shape of cultivated paddocks. 1866 E. T. Hooley trekked from Champion Bay to Pt Walcott seeking a stock route. Source Pages E. T. Hooley, Pioneer Bushman, Sharp, E. I.„ 1985 ISBN:0 9588829 0 8 1874 John and Alexander Forrest's exploration party passed through the Northampton area amidst enthusiastic celebrations.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Some enclosures and alterations Orig'l Fabric: Mostly intact

Condition

Good

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