March 12th 1912
Country Cricket
Tenindewa Vs Mullewa
The above clubs meet in a return match at Tenindewa on the 10th inst. Mullewa winning by 54 runs. Both teams were well represented. A most enjoyable day’s outing, and an interesting game resulted. The following scores were:-
Tenindewa
Oldham b Thompson 6
Chas. Meadowcroft b Thompson 4
Fry run out 0
Clarence Meadowcroft c Willock b Thompson 9
Tulluck (capt) b Thompson 1
Plummer not out 10
Critch c Willock b Thompson 3
Stokes b Willock 0
O’Byrne b Willock 5
Smith b Willock 1
Davis c and b Willock 1
Sundries 8
Total 48
Bowling Wilcock 4 for 9, Thompson 5 for 16, Warren 0 for 10
Mullewa
Olsen b Cl Meadowcroft 5
A.L. Smith b Oldham 8
J Gilmore b Oldham 7
Wilcock b Oldham 3
Thompson (capt) c and b Tullock 23
D Warren c and b Cl Meadowcroft 0
J Giles b Oldham 20
Molster c Meadowcroft b Oldham 0
C Warren Not out 9
Watkins c Stokes b Meadowcroft 2
Bell b Meadowcroft 1
Sundries 25
Total 102
Bowling Oldham 5 for 27, Meadowcroft 4 for 34, Tullock 1 for 8
August 31st 1912
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Crops are not looking so well this past fortnight owing to a very dry month, practically no rain having fallen up to the time of writing. (August 17th). The forward crops are suffering a good deal. Some farmers are going to commence hay cutting this week, and there is some nice stuff to cut around Tenindewa and Mullewa. I think there will be more hay than wheat this season, and the price for chaff should be good owing to a scarcity of feed Murchison way. Talking of feed, some of the best feed paddocks seen for a long while are around Tenindewa, some of Messes Stafford and Sons. One paddock has feed over a foot high (32 cm) for hundreds of acres. It is a treat to look at.
The days are getting warm and water bags are being attended to, and sometimes something stronger by way of a change.
The Tenindewa Dreadnoughts gave the Mullewa Tigers a good doing at football on Sunday last. Several players from both sides put in some good play, and the umpire got through very well. Only his sight needed more range and his running trim was not too good, hence he was rather too far off at times to be sure of his game. Note (Very possible the author was the umpire?)
The Agricultural Hall at Mullewa is almost finished, and it is to be opened with great ceremony on the 11th of September, when included in the show is a cricket match between Tenindewa and Mullewa, which should prove to be interesting, especially the afternoon tea which the ladies are providing. The Tenindewa fellows are good on tea, nothing stronger Mr. Editor.
The Mullewa District Farmers Association is going strong and is likely to prove a good live body, and of much use to the district. They held their second meeting last Saturday and enrolled a number of fresh members. Their regular meeting day is the first Saturday after the full moon.
New settlers are coming around again. Evidently they are the right sort, and not easily frightened with the bad season. Mr. Brinkly [Brenkley] and his three sons, and Mr. Johnson, of Northampton, have settled on Kockatea Gully, below Mr. Stafford and son’s holding. The former [Brenkley] are Englishmen.
The Government water boring water parties (two in number) are still active around the district. One party is at the State Forrest and the other at Bindoo.
Land speculators should be dealt with promptly, as good land is shut up, which would be quickly taken and improved if in other hands. It would be as well if *Mr. Bath would look to such matters as good settlers are looking for land.
(*Mr. Thomas Henry Bath Labour MLA Minister for Lands)
Back John Brenkley, Sarah Alice Brenkley, Herbert Brenkley. Seated: John Brenkley, Walter Brenkley, Mary Brenkley. Photo possibly taken before Walter left for Australia.
September 10th 1912
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Since my last notes lovely rains have fallen, and farmers are shaking hands with themselves. It is wonderful how the rains improve the crops and the farmers spirits. Such a lot depends on the rains. Even in the farmers family, most promises made are “when the crop comes off,” and if it don’t happen to come off, what disappointment in the family circle, especially the young members. I think the wheat crop is now practically assured, and some good hay crops also will be cut.
Railway facilities are much behind the requirements here, and with a good harvest things will be worse than middling, as the siding is far too short to deal fairly with a good season. There is no accommodation for stock loading, although there are hundreds of sheep kept by farmers, and some have good crops of lambs too. Already several lots of sheep (fats) have been dispatched from here, and a few thousand landed. So why will not this indifferent department of the State get a move on. Everything has to be battled for and fairly drawn out of them. If they were up to date they would keep ahead of requirements. Our Member should note this and impress this matter on the Government. Another requirement is a Saturday morning train from Mullewa to Geraldton, and one back the same day. A carriage on the goods train would do, and would not be expensive. All the other districts from Geraldton have the convenience, but we are the most neglected end of the north.
What shall we do with our harvest? Where shall we market our wheat, chaff, and lambs are matters that are worrying the minds of farmers? Bags and railage will cost farmers about nine and a half pence (10 cents) per bag for wheat and for chaff bags alone per ton 16 shillings ($1.60) counting 30 to the ton, without freight to market for the chaff. Why can we not have daily or tri-weekly suctions of chaff etc., in the railway yards at Geraldton, with storage at minimum rates. Nine and a half pence (!0 cents) per bag dead loss dead loss to farmers for wheat should make the Government waken up to the need for bulk-handling. Now then Farmers Association move on. You have plenty to battle for. You cannot pass your extra expenses on like others, and you have the world to compete with in your main production product, wheat.
Further why don’t the Government introduce the “through bill of lading” now they have their steamers running on this coast. They subsidized the old Julia Percy. If they would do this it would be a good help and to the Murchison people.
A “through bill of lading” is a legal document that allows for the transportation of goods both within domestic boarders and through international shipment. The “through bill of lading” is often required for the exporting of goods, as it serves as a cargo receipt, a carriage contract, as well as the title sometimes for the products.//// With thanks to Google
This steam engine was originally owned by Norman Fry of Tenindewa and it still operates to this day.
It is now owned by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA
September 19th 1912
Country Cricket
Mullewa Vs Tenindewa
The above teams met at Mullewa on Wednesday last, 11th inst. After a very friendly and enjoyable game Mullewa won easily. Two or three of the visitors best were unfortunately absent. At four o’clock the players adjourned for afternoon tea, kindly supplied by the ladies. The following are the scores;
Mullewa
J Cutler c Oldham b Gee 44
G Gilmore b Perejuan 17
W Willock b Oldham 3
A.E.Douglas c Stokes b Perejuan 2
D Warren run out 0
Thompson (capt) c Tullock b Oldham 22
J.F. Giles b Gee 16
Olsen b Stokes 23
May not out 7
C. Warren b Stokes 0
Bowtell c and b Stokes 7
Sundries 18
Total 159
Tenindewa
J. Gee b Thompson 18
Perejuan b Cutler 0
Tullock c Giles b Cutler 7
Oldham (capt) b Thompson 0
W,H Stokes c Bowtell b Thompson 0
L. Critch b Thompson 0
Coulton b Willock 0
N. Fry b Willock 4
Davis b Thompson 1
Rumble 2
Sundries 3
Total 44
October 5th 1912
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Crops are looking well, owing to the nice showers, and most settlers are now hay making. Some splendid crops are being cut by Messes. Valentine and Dunkin, and Stafford and Son. Many do not believe in late sowing of wheat and Professor Lowrie, a few days since spoke very strongly against it. Some late crops here (middle and later in June sown) are looking just first rate, and in many respects beat the earlier [sown], as the dry August did not hurt them to any extent, Bunyip and Crossbred 73 and Alpha appear to be the most desirable wheats for this district. They cure quickly and make good growth for hay or wheat. Peas do splendid here, and Messes Stafford and Son, and J. Bowes have nice crops this year, the former in real sandplain with good growth, flowering and podding well. I saw a patch of lucerne, a few days since, that was sown in July 1911. It stood the drought last year and is now a foot high. It has not been cared for, and stock have grazed on the same. It is sown in sandplain, and with a fair season I believe it could be grown successfully.
With regard the Geraldton Chamber of Commerce, are those people really the farmers friend, or are they too much interested in the cockie’s purse? It appears to me they are mostly shipping agents. Why do the not take up “the through bill of lading” for the Government boat so as to help the settlers? Perhaps it would lose some Geraldton agents good sums. The Government are always saying what they are doing. Why cannot they do this and materially help farmers and the Murchison people.
Thousands of tons of [the] best firewood are being burned around Tenindewa, and close to the siding at that, owing to the excessive rate charged by the railway Department, vis one penny per ton per mile. If the Railway Department was a private concern, do you think this would be allowed to go on when hundreds of empty trucks are passing towards Geraldton weekly. Would it not pay rail to carry it for half penny per ton per mile? They do not handle the stuff, and as most of the trains are light, it would be a very profitable undertaking, but the Railway Department are too slow to recognize a thing of this kind. Why does the Minister for Lands or Railways have a turn at the matter. Surely it has been brought under their notice, and it would help the early settler also.
Two water boring parties are still out trying for water, and have been successful near Bindoo, but the well near Mr. Troy’s block and the one near Stafford and Son, are reported to be worse than middling so far, not having opened up too well. There must be something wrong with the testing prior to sinking wells?
Stripping on Alec Rumble’s in the early years.
January 4th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Another year just started Mr. Editor, and I believe in the number 13. I predict a bumper season for 1913. I am not going on sun spots or those kind of things but just on a guess which is nearly as comforting.
Harvest is nearly over in the district, except in a few cases where delay has been caused by machinery breakages, and this being a very bad season for stripping, too moist and not enough drying wind. Averages are small for wheat yields. I think about 9 or 10 bushels (.6 to .7 of a tonne per hectare) will be the average. All over great preparations are being made for a big cropping this year, and fallow and large areas are the order of the day. Who will be the first farmer to have 1000 acres in for one season. I think a prize should be offered by the Agricultural Association. Quantity of wheat is what most farmers are after. Quality of putting it in is all right, but does it pay to spend time on it? I think not in this area. A dry farmer here who wrote and spoke on this subject not long since, put the whole of his past seasons crop in with a spring tooth cultivator, and as far as I can see, he fared as well as any. Our district is a light soil even in the York Gum country.
Complaints still come from farmers of short weights and shortage in bags from buyers. Why don’t the farmers insist on the buyers taking delivery at the sidings. They have the matter in their own hands. I recollect a case of thirty-three bags of wheat being sent to Geraldton and the farmer lost six and a half bushels in weight, and when he complained they said, “oh that was the railways weights”. I’ll bet if it was six and a half bushels over what it should have been, they [the merchant] would not have taken the weights.
When is the government going to help farmers by exporting their wheat, making manure, and importing bags. At present it is the opinion of some farmers, that it is no good growing wheat or hay under the present conditions, as they have to content against dear manure, with uncertain delivery, dear bags, and slow delivery, and a small price for wheat, and loses in numbers of bags and weight.
The State school is almost an accomplished fact now here, and operations will commence this month. I understand Miss. Eva Stafford’ late of teacher at Geraldton High School, has been offered the position of teacher. She was a prominent pupil of Mr. Grogan’s who was head master of the State School Geraldton, and she then went through a course at the Methodist Ladies College, Claremont. The school is badly wanted and a good deal of thanks for obtaining same are due to Mr. N Fry.
Eva Dunkin (nee Stafford) was the first teacher at Tenindewa school
January 14th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Christmas passed off quietly, with a good many grafting taking off crops.
The 300 yard Government Dam near Mr. Valentine and Dunkin’s place is nearly completed, the contractor being H.J. Saunders, and he is making a real good job of it.
I wonder who is responsible for the Wollya Reserve. Horses and other stock are running regularly on it, and a man and his family and a team of horses, have been camped there for months. The Mullewa Roads Board should wake up to this.
Old Wollya well wants putting in order as the dry season is here and farmers will want stock water.
Stacks of wheat are allowed to lie too long in the siding here before the Railway Department shift them. This poor tiered Department keeps up a long Christmas, and no lengthened siding has yet been provided, although it has been promised.
January 18th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Tenindewa has about finished harvest for this season. The results are a little below satisfactory, but the crops will still help the settlers to liquidate some of last years liabilities. Two bad seasons in succession should be rewarded by a bumper in 1913. Conditions in the weather line appear to be changing. I have not seen the barometer so low for a long while as it has been for the past few months. It has been lower than anytime in the last two years.
There has been very little hot weather here so far this summer, but still the water carts are plying freely to Wolya Dam.
Speaking of the dam reminds me of that tired body called the Mullewa Roads Board. They have time to have a notice placed at the dam instructing the ratepayers that they must not use the dam water for sheep or cattle, and appointing the two largest users of water from this dam to be in charge of same. Why should a settler not water his goat and kid as well as a cow and a calf and a few sheep? Now is a settler to pay his rates to find water for horses alone? He may only care about breeding sheep. Now the catchment of this dam is not fenced, and the people are allowed camp on the dam for months at a time with their horses, etc., and the catchment is filthy, and contaminating liguid runs into the dam. The Old Wolya Well is out of repair, when a few pounds would fix it up well, but the Roads Board is asleep. Tenindewa pays the bulk of the taxes, still only a few favored ones here can get anything spent on the roads, etc. The outback settler out Bindoo way, cannot get to the siding without trespassing through private property, although the Roads Board has been approached repeatedly about it. but they prefer to spend money on the Mullewa roads which are already hard and do not require any spending on them, and when the heavy rains set in the work they have done will be washed away.
What are the police doing at Mullewa? I was informed there were dozens of drunks lying around Mullewa at Christmas Holidays, and any Saturday night now public things are lively. I understand Mullewa has two “johns” now and the taxpayer has to support them, although if the public house was not there they would not require one.
You should have seen our worthy Hon. Speaker [of the House] handling wheat a few days since. He is quite an artist at it. He is spending a few days holidays round this part where he has a farm.
I went to a farm the other day and saw a cow evidently being milked by novices. The good lady of the house was in the stall; one girl the tail and one girl the leg rope. I did laugh. It is a fine thing for settler to have large families. The poor cow had no chance, and had to give her milk to them.
Troy it was who actually abolished the wig in the WA Parliament. Michael Francis Troy MLA (Member for Murchison) and an Indarra farmer
February 6th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Well, Mr. Editor, there are only two farmers who have not finished harvesting in this part, and they expect to finish before next Christmas.
Most of the cockies are new at the game and hence they are in the experimental stage. Of course, they receive plenty of advice from papers and others but, experience unless bought, is no use. It is too cheap, and not one in twenty will take it. We have bought a lot in the last two years here. It has been very dry, and neither will pay a dividend. Talk of selling out is common, but this cocky is going to stay till he is sold out, because what is the use of leaving a dry area when a man has bought two years hard experience? My advice to all is sit tight and graft, put in a lot of crop. It does not matter at whose expense as long as you get it in. Things are pretty bad around this and the Mullewa district again this season. Crops are very light, and it is a certainty they never paid to put them in except in isolated cases. The fault was not shortage of rain, but it came at the wrong time, and crops that at one time looked good enough for any yield up to 25 bushels, faded to about 6 bushels. In one case of 300 acres, only 60 ton of hay and less than 300 bags of wheat were taken. With wheat about 3 shillings a bushel, and bags at 8 shilling a dozen, how can this crop pay for taking it off and putting it in. Cocky had to buy his seed and manure owing to the failure of the previous year. Let some of the machinery men who are grumbling at the farmers for not being able two years machinery bills at once, work out what this cocky has for his keep, men etc.
This is enough about the backbone of the country.
With regard to the Progress association at Tenindewa, RIP can be written.
The Government boring party are still at it spending money in boring for water, instead of putting down dams at suitable places or trying an artesian bore. A number of bores have been put down within a 20-mile radius of the railway siding and with practically no success. As the bores are a failure, why not dam the water. Mr Editor the poor cockies often do when carting water, anything up to six miles and the sun 100 degrees in the shade.
Wollya will soon be dry, and it will prove to the Government Water Department that small dams like this (1100 yards) are of no use. It has a good catchment, why not increase its size and it holds like a water bag.
I think Roads Boards are a failure and they should be wiped out and replaced by a road superintendent and repairers in the districts. The matter would be attended to as needed. Do you think a superintendent would leave settlers with no way out from their holdings, when by spending about 2 shillings per chain they could get a track cut for the poor beggars. A few pounds would do the job, still they take absolutely no notice of the letters from these settlers. Messes. Brenkley, Carboy, Johnson and others who are on Kocketea Gully have to come through private property. Settlers have written the hon. minister for Works. That may have some effect, but why should it be necessary? They find money for less urgent works. What is the supervisor doing? Why not have all the roads inspected and reported on in a business-like way and do the most urgent works? What about the ward system for this Road Board. It is close to the elections again, but this matter seems to have died. Perhaps some of them are afraid of their seats?
Vera Constance Rumble at the home farm one kilometer north east of the store (about 1930)
April 5th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Tenindewa is quiet again now, the harvest being finished, and in most cases the money spent.
The Workers Compensation Act is not good for farmers, and farmers are not very anxious to employ labour in consequence. He is far too heavily taxed already through the Customs, Land Tax, Income Tax, Wheel Tax, Fire Arm Tax and Road Tax. From the latter he receives practically nothing. Only one or two farmers round here can get roads made. Other can beg and pray, but without effect.
The Mullewa Roads Board badly wants a change in its composition. It requires some business men on it. They are spending money round Mullewa on roads that were better in their natural state. The country roads are neglected, and the usual cry is “no funds”. Then the expenditure on Roads Board elections could do with investigation, and it would be interesting to know how much elections have cost during the last twelve months. The Roads Board Act needs revising in more ways than one.
The District Farmers Association is not booming and the platform they have adopted is practically the Liberal platform. One plank in their platform insists upon freehold in land. Why could not they have made this optional, so that a man could take it on lease or freehold just as he desired. That would be Liberal then I think. A good many will withdraw out of the Association now, whilst in my opinion they are too stiff in their expenses at the Executive Office.
Very heavy winds have been the rule lately, mainly off the land. A few light showers fell on March 31st, about enough to wet a light silk coat.
Some farmers will commence to seed next week. It may do for some [wheat] varieties, and too early with wheats like Bunyip, Alpha and Fairbank [and that] is as bad as too late. Some farmers are only going to sow small areas this season, and fallow for the next. Others have a fair bit of fallow for this season, and it will be interesting to watch how fallow lands yield here.
The State School has commenced operations, a start being made on Monday last with 13 pupils, a very lucky number Mr. Editor.
April 3rd 1913
Note: The school building spoken of here was supplied by Normal Fry on his land south of the siding.
The Government supplied School in Wolya Reserve behind the Store opened two years later ready for the 1915 School Year
May 1st 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
All the farmers around here are hustling all they know to get a fair lump of Australia under wheat. They are the most generous people in the world, they grow wheat at a loss so as to give the agents a chance of making a living, but the coming season they really expect to make a little on their sowing as Wragge predicts a better season than last. (it would not be hard to strike a better season than last) He also says seasons are to gradually improve, and that he is in communication with the sun and the moon so as to have this done.
The Woollya public dam is dry and settlers are now on new Wollya well and Wollya soak. The latter is good water, but the well is going the same as the old Wollya well, which is really only sheep water. They say sheep water Mr. Editor, because sheep can drink water as salt as the sea or fresh, whereas horses do not like it salty. Speaking of the new Wollya well reminds me, that some settlers here, who call themselves a Progress Association, wanted the Government to spend about 300 pounds ($600.00) last season by placing a windmill on the well, laying water onto the siding, and a 5000 gallon tank (20,000 liters) at each end, although the well had not been tested for quality and quantity, but thanks to other settlers objecting, it was not done and as the water is proving inferior, it plainly proves the Government should be cautious and prove things first.
There is a small craze for cycling around here and the younger settlers are practicing with a view to showing the Geraldton boys how cockies can ride.
Not much interest is being shown in the Federal elections.
A new settler has had a very rough time, what with the cost of machinery. etc., then the dry seasons on top. The last two seasons have done a great deal to choke off settlement, far more than any legislation. The money market being so tight has made matters worse, as storekeepers could not afford in many cases to give long credit. Some storekeepers have and they shall assuredly receive their reward, if not here then above.
I intend dealing, with the last Mullewa Board election in my next article, Mr. Editor, and I assure you it will be very interesting. Very funny people these roads boards, they collect taxes and promise roads. There is no rain yet.
A typical Stripper for 1913
May 22nd 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
We have had some nice rains since my last notes, and wheat is above ground and looking very well. Farmers are smiling in most cases. Water carting has about eased, and no one knows what a relief it is to be able to say, “well no more water carting for some months.” The largest area ever under crop is in this season and a good deal of wheat under fallow also, so now we shall see how it pans out.
Wollya Dam is still being polluted by horses being allowed to roam on this reserve, the water catchment not being fence in. The Health Board should take notice of this, as settlers have to drink this water. The Mullewa Roads Board are evidently too tired to take any action although it has been brought under their notice before.
The Road Board are talking of making settlers fence along roadways so as to avoid gates. [across public roads]. This is rather premature in a new settled district which has just gone through two dry seasons with short crops. Along the Main Road is all right, and where settlers will put up abominable gates instead of buying a decent iron one, or other properly made gate[s]. I never saw in my life such a variety of gates [as] there are here. The Road Board should insist on proper gates and fastenings.
Wolya Dam (2015)
July 8th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
The crops around this district are looking remarkably well, and some large areas are in this season, and with a good harvest, and the prospect of a good price,. the farmers should overtake the bad seasons. Mr. Fry has sown 600 acres under wheat this year, and others have from 400 acres [160 hectares] down to 100 acres [40 hectares], a much larger area than any former year. Alpha and Bunyip are the favourite varieties this year; most are shy of Federation. I think we could have more rain than around Geraldton, and there are some nice pools in the Kockatea Creek, and the dams are half full. The rain has been mostly of a good soaking nature.
The State School is progressing well, and has 13 scholars on the roll. It will soon be time to have a fair building put up to accommodate them. A block has been reserved in the Tenindewa Townsite for school purposes.
The Mullewa Roads Board are apparently not a very happy family, and I am told that the debates at the last meeting were of a loud nature. The writer was talking to a cockie, and asked him if he went to the Roads Board meetings. He replied: “I had no occasion. I could hear them from the Railway Station.” They must have been having some fun. Kangaroos are very plentiful round here, and are very fond of having a game in the wheat plots. They are very hard to get with the rifle, there being so much scrub, and as the settlers have a few sheep, they do not care to have to have dogs running through the paddocks. I would suggest a few real good kangaroo drives. It would be great sport, and would give them a great scare, and would effectually stop their attention to crops.
July 22nd 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Very nice rains have visited this district, and the crops are looking just the thing, and farmers faces are pleasing to behold. They could easily be tapped for a loan now if they had any money left after two dry years.
Mr.G.L.Sutton, the Wheat Commissioner, gave a very interesting and instructive lecture on wheat growing and treatment of the soil at the school on Wednesday evening. There was the largest attendance at any meeting so far in this place, over thirty being present, many from long distances.
One old lady and her daughter (new arrivals from the Old Country) came in ten mile to hear the lecture, and if they don’t succeed as wheat growers, they should, or rather they deserve to.
Mr. Sutton was favorably impressed with the country here and sees no reason why it should not grow good wheat crops, including Federation. He paid visits to many farms and considering the difficulties settlers have had to contend with for the past two seasons, I think he was satisfied. He also dealt in his lectures with rotation of crops, so as to keep the ground fertile and well stocked with proper elements, pointing out the advantage of sheep on the farm. He said all settlers should have a cow, and Mr. Editor and I should say a calf too. (I bar goats, they are too mischievous)
Its a pity that Mr. Sutton’s visit could not have extended over a day, as some things which farmers would like to talk on and get advice about, must be missed with only one day available for all, and being so scattered, we dont all want to be tied to wheat alone, as it has proved here that lucerne, field peas and sunflowers can be grown here even with years like 1911/1912. One thing I would like to see at the lecture, and that is a portion of time at the end set apart for answers to questions from farmers. This officer’s time is very valuable, and I think it could be used to far greater advantage if he were supplied with a motor car. He could see twice the number of farms in the time, besides giving so much more to farmers. In fact it would be almost as good as having two commissioners. He is without doubt, a most valuable officer, and if wheat production and improved farming do not take place it will not be the Commissioner’s fault.
Since the advent of new blood in the Mullewa Roads Board, more useful work appears to be done. I notice new roads being cut in various parts of the district.
Note; George Lowe Sutton (1872-1964) was born in Lancashire, England. He became a renowned and enduring Australian agricultural scientist and was a great friend of the famous Australian plant breeder, William Farrer, who produced the iconic variety “Federation” which was a massive breakthrough in wheat breeding in Australia at the time of Federation (1901)
August 19th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Rain, rain every day, water lying everywhere, and crops looking splendid. It is a real feast for the eyes to see nice green fields of wheat. Some crops are just coming into ear and the hay crop is assured. A real good wheat and hay harvest would be one of the things to ease the money market. With a bumper harvest there would be plenty of work in agricultural areas for the immigrants. Work has been almost at a standstill during the last year or so.
The Railway department here making improvements for the coming wheat harvest. They are lengthening the siding, also the ramp and generally making things better. One important matter they are overlooking is the provision for loading and unloading sheep. A number of settlers have sheep and no doubt before long we will all have them. The only convenience for loading sheep at the moment is an old broken down sheep race. A cheap yard could easily be made, and would be a great boon. It is hoped the Railway department will please note this, and the writer contends the Geraldton Chamber of Commerce should pay some attention to such matters at sidings and places outside Geraldton, because it is the country which will make Geraldton.
A new State School is wanted here badly. The present one is rather rough and in a very flat position hence the wet. In a district like this the Education Department could not go far wrong by erecting a small school. I understand a site has been reserved in the townsite.
This School that was built in 1915
September 5th 1913
Tenindewa Country (by “Sentinel”) [this correspondent could very possibly have been the Hon. Tom. Moore MLC, just reading between the lines]
Since I last wrote the weather conditions in this district, continue to be everything desirable, from the agriculturalists point of view. Given an extension of complacency on the part of the Celestial Weather Bureau in the shape of a fair sprinkling, during the next two months, and the whole of the crops around our circle will be holding up their heads at harvest time, unashamed and ready to challenge comparison with the best the Greenough and Irwin can show.
Appended is a list of some of our most prominent farmers, with the acreage under crop, as nearly as I have been able to get. A Meadowcroft 300: H. J. Stafford 400 acres: Hunter Brothers 450acres: N. Fry 600 acres: Pat Malony 100: Jones Brothers, 300 acres: W. Carson, 100: O’Loughlin Brothers 300: Puckle and Russell, 500: J.J. Keeffe, 300: O’Dwyer, 100: W Thomas, 100: Joe McDermot, 60 L Driscoll,100: W Coaper, 300; L. Critch 200: J Rumble, 100: Oldham and Tullock. 150: Waldeck Brothers, 100: B. Fuller, 100: J. Bowers, 100: W. Willcock, 200: L. Walker, 300: Woods and Radford, 150: Dan Cream, 200: W. Smith (oldest pioneer) 50: J. O’Callaghan, 100: Jack Giles, 50: T. Criddle, 150: May and Son, 250: F Green, 150: H. Johnson, 100: Inspector Homes, 300: Tiller brothers, 300: W. Stokes, 100: M.F. Troy, 100: G. McArlie, 100:
As most of these have been but a short time tackling their holdings and have met with severe rebuff at the outset from an unpropitious season, the result they have already achieved speaks volumes for their grit and perseverance. they are truly, of the stuff of which is manufactured “a bold yeomanry, their country’s pride”
Even the above incomplete category will give your readers some approximate idea of the importance which agriculture is assuming in this hitherto contemned and belittled country. It shows that over 8,000 acres (3200 hectares) are under crop this year, in this comparatively small belt, which with ordinary good luck–or maybe a bit chucked in–should pan out 160,000 bushels of wheat [est. 1.5 tonne per hectare]. Also, an immense amount of fallowing has been, and is being done, and the acreage next season should be double or treble as great.
Mullenising, [sic] tractor-rolling, and burning off are in full swing, and everything points to the Tenindewa cum Mullewa wheat area becoming one of the most important in the whole province–not even excepting the marvelous Three Springs.
Socially, I have next to nothing to record. Mullewa, of course, is our head centre, as regards relaxation or amusements, with Tenindewa Town kicking up feebly occasionally. Your Mullewa correspondent seems a bit torpid. Anyway he (or she) doesn’t spend a fortune in copy-paper and stamps. At one time the “Express” was fairly deluged with correspondence from Warren-town, [Warren was the Mullewa Road Board Chairman at that time] and there was no lack of quill-drivers, of various sexes, ready to jot down all the news, and furnish elaborate reports of everything that occurred in that wind-swept town, and a lot that didn’t. But now-adays, one hears mighty little of it. Perhaps Governor Barran may take a trip there during his visit next week, and that may shake up the local scribe a bit, particularly if Lady Barron come along.
In another letter, I hope to induce the aid of the editorial fountain pen, and the best leaded type, towards persuading the Government to acquire and throw open thousands of acres of good available land in this vicinity, besides preparing for selection other blocks already in their own hands. They made a decided blunder in not purchasing the Lawes Estate, when they had the chance. Even, now, an absentee holds 13,000 acres (5100 hectares) of this valuable country, every inch of which would be eagerly snapped up by legitimate settlers. If properly subdivided and reasonable terms, such as the Bath Department gives, were asked. Further, I propose to give an unbiassed account of that very live body, the Mullewa Roads Board (which hasn’t always born the reputation of being a happy family) and will perhaps, be able to show cause, why the Board is deserving of more generous assistance from the Treasury than it heretofore has received.
September 16th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (from our own Correspondent)
We have had nice rains again, and I think crops are assured round this district. Messes Stafford and Son were to commence cutting some nice Alpha for hay on Monday the 15th. The hay is about five foot (1.52 meters) high, and a nice even crop. The ears on this crop are very large, many exceeding six inches (15.24 cm). I think this will be the earliest part for new seasons chaff in the Victoria District. Alpha seems to do better than any other variety of wheat in the Mullewa area, and a good many are promising that they will Alpha in next year. A farmer from Mullewa the other day remarked he was glad there was one sensible farmer in Tenindewa, because this farmer had nearly all Alpha sown.
The improvements at the railway siding are progressing well, but the waiting shed should be shifted to its new site at once, as at present customers are put to great inconvenience to obtain goods or parcels. They have to go round about 3/4 of a mile (1 kilometer) to the new level crossing or carry them about 50 yards (45 meters) and get them through a 7 wire fence, one barb. They are building a goods shed, which could easily wait till after the waiting shed was removed. There are no signs of the sheep loading yard yet. Surely the Railway Department will not take the men away from here till this very necessary matter is taken in hand.
A funny thing happened at Mr. Sutton’s lecture here recently on wheat growing. He was showing a crop with manure and one without manure, and funny to relate [but] a man with a bald head was sitting in front of the lantern and where he had the fringe of hair just met the “with manure” and his bald patch “without manure”. There was a general laugh and the lecturer asked him to bob his head down.
A new road is badly wanted through Wollya Reserve (945) to the new entrance to the siding level crossing, otherwise farmers at the west end will have an extra mile tacked on to the present distance. The Mullewa Roads Board might note and help.
Farmers around here appreciate the bag and wheat quotes [prices] given in your paper. It is a good help to them.
October 28th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Messrs. Stafford and Sons have taken off a very nice hay crop of 50 acres for a yield of 80 tons. The variety was the good old wheat “Alpha”–it should be called the reliable. Hay cutting is general and most have now finished and some very nice stuff has been cut. Crops generally are looking very well and stripping will begin in a few days now as the fields are looking ripe. Grass is very plentiful and there will be a great danger of fires this year so all should be very careful until crops are sold of protected.
We had some visitors to our district lately in the shape of several Bank Managers accompanied by our good friend Mr. Pat Stone. They had a poor impression of things around here prior to their visit, but now, I believe cocky could tap them for a loan after what they saw. They were really surprised at the possibilities of this district, and the good country seen and the amount of good feed going to waste. If banks were not so close with their funds some of it could be earning good interest with no risk in providing sheep for this district. There is room for thousands, and the lamb trade people need not be afraid of a shortage as thousands [of them] could be raised around here yearly.
The State School site has been inspected and it is hoped the new building will be provided for the teacher, It is very badly needed.
Our siding is looking very spic and span and under new paint. We now have a good ramp, nice goods shed and waiting room but no provision for trucking our sheep. It would only cost a few pounds and would be a great boon for the settlers. I know one settler that had to lift lift 75 fat sheep on to the top deck [of a stock carriage] and it was no fun. Others drive (herd) their sheep to Mullewa which means anything from 10 to 15 miles. A few old sleepers would provide a small yard but the railways are like the cow’s tail…..always behind. They will do it after we have put up with a lot of inconvenience for a few years
Quite another nice green crop of wheat is growing since the hay was cut, and my word, wouldn’t some lambs eat it and put on fat, and bring in boodle?
November 18th 1913
Our Tenindewa Trip (By C.O.N.)
Geraldton Guardian
[This exceptionally written article is possibly by a Mr. E Constantine. See article July 28th 1917]
We had been falsely accused of holding a poor opinion of the Tenindewa country. We would never ascertain how such an impression existed, as we were not aware that we has said anything derogatory the district. Whenever we spoke of Tenindewa it was from hearsay. as we had never been there. We concluded therefore, if fault there was, that “hearsay” was to blame and we had better go to Tenindewa, and see for ourselves. There was a standing invitation and offer to pilot us round from Mr. H J Stafford, the enthusiastic ex-station master of Geraldton, so none fine morning we set out with a light heart. In the pre-railway days and up to the time it blossomed forth as an agriculture centre, the district was known as Wolya. The old Wolya well was a favourite camping place for weary travellers across the cruel sandplain, on the road to Mullewa and en-route to the Murchison. Contrary to usual practice, the railway department (or whoever named the siding) has since endowed it with a more euphonious name —Tenindewa—how glibly it runs ! We are told it a most beautiful place in Spring, and we shall not be surprised if, in the near future, such a beautiful place with a beautiful name is not the theme of a spring poet.
Tenindewa is almost due east of Geraldton, and as the train crawls 55 miles distant. En-route the train attains at Indarra, eight miles from our destination, a height of 895 feet above sea level. As Geraldton station is only 5 feet higher than the sea, there is some justification for the crawl. Tenindewa itself is 641 feet above sea level , just a little higher than Grants siding (Newmarracarra). Mullewa, ten miles further on is 250 feet higher still. It will be seen how irregular are the gradients on this railway. When Mr. Charles Smith realizes his ambition and is able to take a ticket from Yuna to Mullewa direct there will perhaps, be fewer snorting and puffing locomotives running on the Geraldton-Mullewa section. The train service from Mullewa is fairly convenient, but it is quite the reverse from Mullewa. The residents of the district should take time by the forelock and press for a timetable that will enable them to visit their metropolis , Geraldton, and reach home the same day. When the Mullewa-Wongan-Hills line is taken over by the Department, Mullewa will no doubt be treated as a junction station, and the district timetable arranged accordingly.
On arrival at Tenindewa we alight at the spick and span station, and are heartly greeted by the ex-station master, who looks a typical pioneer—bronzed certainly, but still wiry, and emblematic of his old railway sobriquet. There is the usual assortment of countryside parcels to be gathered up for ourselves and friends, the all important mail to be secured, and we set out behind “Duke” for Mr. Stafford’s homestead, on the banks of the Kockatea Gully, three miles distant, where we were heartily welcomed by Mrs. Stafford and her daughters. Their healthy appearance and their assurances that they enjoyed the “simple life” that falls to the lot of those that go on the land, were happy auguries for the tenor of those notes and eloquent testimony to the climate of Tenindewa. Mr. Stafford’s homestead is comfortable but unpretentious. It is built of iron, and provides ample accommodation for his large family and occasional travellers like ourselves . He jocularly refers to the fact that the original portion was, like the world, built in six days . Mr. and Mrs Stafford wisely deferred the selection of a site for, and the erection of, a permeant building until they had got used to the place. They have now selected the site, and it will not be long before home is laid. After refreshing the out and inner man, we take a stroll whilst our steed “duke” is recuperating for a hard afternoons work.
Enthusiastic though he is as to his prospects, as a wheat grower, it is satisfactorily to note as we emerge from the house that Mr. Stafford has not deserted his old love, and he continues to breed high-class poultry. As is well known, he enjoys a reputation in the poultry world and in the show pens. Hundreds of white leghorn fowls of all ages flit here and there as we pass along the incubator room, which contains two machines. Several foster mothers are distributed on the grassy slope adjoining the house, and it the distance numbers of turkeys are contently picking as they roam. Needless to say, the returns from Mr. Stafford’s poultry yard are satisfactory.
We next come to a fair sized paddock, fenced with Cyclone netting and barbed wire, which has just been completed, and is intended to keep the pigs within bounds., Mr. Stafford having decided to go in for pig breeding, as part of his scheme of mixed farming. Four excellent sows in litter have been secured for a start, and a boar has been ordered from Newmarrcarra [sic]. With an undoubted demand for pork and bacon in the district, there should be money in the business. Although he has only been on the place for four years there is sufficient shed accommodation to keep all the machinery and horse under cover. And there is ample plant for working the property in its present stage , the machinery comprising of two binders, a harvester, a winnower, a chaff cutting plant, driven by a benzine engine, besides vehicles etc.
Mr. Stafford’s horse flesh was unfortunately seriously depleted during the year by the death of two draught mares whilst foaling. The two were valued at 100 pounds [$200.00] “Its all in the game” philosophically comments our guide, as we inspect the working teams . We did not see the sheep. The present flock is quite a recent acquisition, and having a strain of Shropshire, had inconsiderably walked through the fence, and sampled the crop. Fortunately they were discovered before much damage was done, and placed in a distant paddock.
As we wished to see something of the district that afternoon, we now returned to the house , and harnessed up for a 20 mile drive around the host’s and neighboring crops.
Sisters Rose Isobel Nell Stafford and Eva Mary Fyle Stafford
December 6th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (from our own Correspondent)
Farmers are very busy harvesting the golden grain, and so far they are satisfied with the yields. nothing under 15 bushels has been bagged, while others are up to 30 bushels. What about squaring accounts this year this year? It looks good enough for farmers to do it, or nearly so. A number of trucks of wheat have already gone to Geraldton, but the Railway Department have apparently the W.A.T.F., and there are trucks of wheat at Tenindewa siding now that were loaded last week, one last Wednesday and one last Saturday. I thought the Railway department kept a record of all trucks daily movement. It strikes me only some have a weekly movement. The Geraldton officials should watch the siding closer, as farmers have engagements to meet and these delays at sidings are most unsatisfactory. No sheep yards have been built here yet. Will Mr. Sam Elliott please take notice as we have no member now.
The Mullewa Roads Board have notified farmers that that they have to erect 14 ft (3.2 meters) gates across public roads, and to put up a notice printed with letters not less than 4 inches long (10.1 centimeters) (“Public Road”) It is just as well to advise the public that they are roads, as in many cases they would not know they were. I suppose the wise men who meet in Perth re. Roads Board Conference are responsible for this printing business and 14 foot gates’ It may be all right in old settled districts, but after two seasons of failure of crops it is on a par with the prosecuting for rates recently. While on this prosecuting for rates, I wonder why the Board doesn’t insist on their secretary (a very capable officer) prosecuting these cases instead of putting the defendants to the expense of a lawyer, as well as secretary’s costs etc.
The roads are getting in a very bad state with wheat carting and perhaps will send the supervisor round to see where a bit of gravel would mend matters and improve all roads a bit, instead of spending all the money on a couple of roads.
Tenindewa has a good shed at the Railway Siding, but it is not equipped with a wheat truck [trolley] or scales. If the superintendent only heard the language of the poor farmer when trying to push trucks at the siding he would send out a pinch bar at once.”
Whenever any land is thrown open around here it is snapped up at once, and still a number of people want land in our neighborhood.
Tom Moore MLC and Indarra farmer
October 28th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)
Messrs. Stafford and Sons have taken off a very nice hay crop of 50 acres for a yield of 80 tons. The variety was the good old wheat “Alpha”–it should be called the reliable. Hay cutting is general and most have now finished and some very nice stuff has been cut. Crops generally are looking very well and stripping will begin in a few days now as the fields are looking ripe. Grass is very plentiful and there will be a great danger of fires this year so all should be very careful until crops are sold of protected.
We had some visitors to our district lately in the shape of several Bank Managers accompanied by our good friend Mr. Pat Stone. They had a poor impression of things around here prior to their visit, but now, I believe cocky could tap them for a loan after what they saw. They were really surprised at the possibilities of this district, and the good country seen and the amount of good feed going to waste. If banks were not so close with their funds some of it could be earning good interest with no risk in providing sheep for this district. There is room for thousands, and the lamb trade people need not be afraid of a shortage as thousands [of them] could be raised around here yearly.
The State School site has been inspected and it is hoped the new building will be provided for the teacher, It is very badly needed.
Our siding is looking very spic and span and under new paint. We now have a good ramp, nice goods shed and waiting room but no provision for trucking our sheep. It would only cost a few pounds and would be a great boon for the settlers. I know one settler that had to lift lift 75 fat sheep on to the top deck [of a stock carriage] and it was no fun. Others drive (herd) their sheep to Mullewa which means anything from 10 to 15 miles. A few old sleepers would provide a small yard but the railways are like the cow’s tail…..always behind. They will do it after we have put up with a lot of inconvenience for a few years
Quite another nice green crop of wheat is growing since the hay was cut, and my word, wouldn’t some lambs eat it and put on fat, and bring in boodle?
November 18th 1913
Our Tenindewa Trip (By C.O.N.)
Geraldton Guardian
[This exceptionally written article is possibly by a Mr. E Constantine. See article July 28th 1917]
We had been falsely accused of holding a poor opinion of the Tenindewa country. We would never ascertain how such an impression existed, as we were not aware that we has said anything derogatory the district. Whenever we spoke of Tenindewa it was from hearsay. as we had never been there. We concluded therefore, if fault there was, that “hearsay” was to blame and we had better go to Tenindewa, and see for ourselves. There was a standing invitation and offer to pilot us round from Mr. H J Stafford, the enthusiastic ex-station master of Geraldton, so none fine morning we set out with a light heart. In the pre-railway days and up to the time it blossomed forth as an agriculture centre, the district was known as Wolya. The old Wolya well was a favourite camping place for weary travellers across the cruel sandplain, on the road to Mullewa and en-route to the Murchison. Contrary to usual practice, the railway department (or whoever named the siding) has since endowed it with a more euphonious name —Tenindewa—how glibly it runs ! We are told it a most beautiful place in Spring, and we shall not be surprised if, in the near future, such a beautiful place with a beautiful name is not the theme of a spring poet.
Tenindewa is almost due east of Geraldton, and as the train crawls 55 miles distant. En-route the train attains at Indarra, eight miles from our destination, a height of 895 feet above sea level. As Geraldton station is only 5 feet higher than the sea, there is some justification for the crawl. Tenindewa itself is 641 feet above sea level , just a little higher than Grants siding (Newmarracarra). Mullewa, ten miles further on is 250 feet higher still. It will be seen how irregular are the gradients on this railway. When Mr. Charles Smith realizes his ambition and is able to take a ticket from Yuna to Mullewa direct there will perhaps, be fewer snorting and puffing locomotives running on the Geraldton-Mullewa section. The train service from Mullewa is fairly convenient, but it is quite the reverse from Mullewa. The residents of the district should take time by the forelock and press for a timetable that will enable them to visit their metropolis , Geraldton, and reach home the same day. When the Mullewa-Wongan-Hills line is taken over by the Department, Mullewa will no doubt be treated as a junction station, and the district timetable arranged accordingly.
On arrival at Tenindewa we alight at the spick and span station, and are heartly greeted by the ex-station master, who looks a typical pioneer—bronzed certainly, but still wiry, and emblematic of his old railway sobriquet. There is the usual assortment of countryside parcels to be gathered up for ourselves and friends, the all important mail to be secured, and we set out behind “Duke” for Mr. Stafford’s homestead, on the banks of the Kockatea Gully, three miles distant, where we were heartily welcomed by Mrs. Stafford and her daughters. Their healthy appearance and their assurances that they enjoyed the “simple life” that falls to the lot of those that go on the land, were happy auguries for the tenor of those notes and eloquent testimony to the climate of Tenindewa. Mr. Stafford’s homestead is comfortable but unpretentious. It is built of iron, and provides ample accommodation for his large family and occasional travellers like ourselves . He jocularly refers to the fact that the original portion was, like the world, built in six days . Mr. and Mrs Stafford wisely deferred the selection of a site for, and the erection of, a permeant building until they had got used to the place. They have now selected the site, and it will not be long before home is laid. After refreshing the out and inner man, we take a stroll whilst our steed “duke” is recuperating for a hard afternoons work.
Enthusiastic though he is as to his prospects, as a wheat grower, it is satisfactorily to note as we emerge from the house that Mr. Stafford has not deserted his old love, and he continues to breed high-class poultry. As is well known, he enjoys a reputation in the poultry world and in the show pens. Hundreds of white leghorn fowls of all ages flit here and there as we pass along the incubator room, which contains two machines. Several foster mothers are distributed on the grassy slope adjoining the house, and it the distance numbers of turkeys are contently picking as they roam. Needless to say, the returns from Mr. Stafford’s poultry yard are satisfactory.
We next come to a fair sized paddock, fenced with Cyclone netting and barbed wire, which has just been completed, and is intended to keep the pigs within bounds., Mr. Stafford having decided to go in for pig breeding, as part of his scheme of mixed farming. Four excellent sows in litter have been secured for a start, and a boar has been ordered from Newmarrcarra [sic]. With an undoubted demand for pork and bacon in the district, there should be money in the business. Although he has only been on the place for four years there is sufficient shed accommodation to keep all the machinery and horse under cover. And there is ample plant for working the property in its present stage , the machinery comprising of two binders, a harvester, a winnower, a chaff cutting plant, driven by a benzine engine, besides vehicles etc.
Mr. Stafford’s horse flesh was unfortunately seriously depleted during the year by the death of two draught mares whilst foaling. The two were valued at 100 pounds [$200.00] “Its all in the game” philosophically comments our guide, as we inspect the working teams . We did not see the sheep. The present flock is quite a recent acquisition, and having a strain of Shropshire, had inconsiderably walked through the fence, and sampled the crop. Fortunately they were discovered before much damage was done, and placed in a distant paddock.
As we wished to see something of the district that afternoon, we now returned to the house , and harnessed up for a 20 mile drive around the host’s and neighboring crops.
December 6th 1913
Tenindewa Notes (from our own Correspondent)
Farmers are very busy harvesting the golden grain, and so far they are satisfied with the yields. nothing under 15 bushels has been bagged, while others are up to 30 bushels. What about squaring accounts this year this year? It looks good enough for farmers to do it, or nearly so. A number of trucks of wheat have already gone to Geraldton, but the Railway Department have apparently the W.A.T.F., and there are trucks of wheat at Tenindewa siding now that were loaded last week, one last Wednesday and one last Saturday. I thought the Railway department kept a record of all trucks daily movement. It strikes me only some have a weekly movement. The Geraldton officials should watch the siding closer, as farmers have engagements to meet and these delays at sidings are most unsatisfactory. No sheep yards have been built here yet. Will Mr. Sam Elliott please take notice as we have no member now.
The Mullewa Roads Board have notified farmers that that they have to erect 14 ft (3.2 meters) gates across public roads, and to put up a notice printed with letters not less than 4 inches long (10.1 centimeters) (“Public Road”) It is just as well to advise the public that they are roads, as in many cases they would not know they were. I suppose the wise men who meet in Perth re. Roads Board Conference are responsible for this printing business and 14 foot gates’ It may be all right in old settled districts, but after two seasons of failure of crops it is on a par with the prosecuting for rates recently. While on this prosecuting for rates, I wonder why the Board doesn’t insist on their secretary (a very capable officer) prosecuting these cases instead of putting the defendants to the expense of a lawyer, as well as secretary’s costs etc.
The roads are getting in a very bad state with wheat carting and perhaps will send the supervisor round to see where a bit of gravel would mend matters and improve all roads a bit, instead of spending all the money on a couple of roads.
Tenindewa has a good shed at the Railway Siding, but it is not equipped with a wheat truck [trolley] or scales. If the superintendent only heard the language of the poor farmer when trying to push trucks at the siding he would send out a pinch bar at once.”
Whenever any land is thrown open around here it is snapp [sic]