An exercise
“Putting a name to this author dispatching as, (From our Correspondent)”
Discovering Mr. and Mrs. Johnsons activities during the period of their of duty in Tenindewa is a pretty foggy affair to date. No doubt as time goes on, information will trickle in which will enable us to eventually build a respectable account for these two pioneers.
What is known is, via a website associated with the Postal Service, that Harold was listed as a recipient of mail at Tenindewa in 1915 and continuously through until 1942.
Also, it is known that the property was at the location of “Bindu”, northwest of Tenindewa, and the homestead was a very modest affair at the intersection of what are now known as Byron North Road and the Yuna-Tenindewa Road. Some kilometers north of that site a redundant Government bore that is still known as “Johnsons Bore”.
For Harold to be selected as the likely operative in this mission of discovery he had to clear some obvious checks.
1 His time on the ground in the Tenindewa district had to fit within the period in which this set of articles were written.
2 We discover as we read his articles that he lived 9 miles from Mullewa, two his near neighbors were M. F. Troy and the Palmers and clearly, he had to be a farmer.
But the big give away is, and similar to the likes of Leo Critch and Robert Oldham. None of these authors speak of “themselves” in their many respective articles. The only variation to this in Harold’s contributions, was that on one occasion toward the end of his dozen or so years was, by way of him mentioning of himself, being treated at the Repatriation Hospital in Perth. (See below)
October 24th, 1928
Tenindewa Notes (From our Correspondent)
Sir, –Unfortunately, owing to and old war injuries, I have had to be an inmate of the Repatriation Ward of the Perth Hospital—hence no news from me for the “Express” for this great wheat district to which I belong.
And likewise, there is only snippets of information on Mrs. Johnson, but the following simple eulogy is of excellent value in giving us the briefest of snapshot.
June 7th, 1940
Tenindewa Notes
(No Correspondent mentioned)
The following
Very possibly tendered by Robert Oldham
His newspaper reporting guise was
(By Our Correspondent)
It is with great regret that we report the death of Mrs. E Johnson, wife of Mr. H. W. Johnson of Bindu. Mrs. Johnson underwent an operation recently, but slowly faded away, her death taking place at Geraldton this morning. The Johnson’s were among the earliest settlers to take up land in the Tenindewa district., where they reared their family. Mrs. Johnson was well and favorably known for her hospitality and kind gestures.
The countryside it beginning to look green once again and it is the hope of everyone that the which threatens will result in a good soaking rain so badly needed.
The local tennis club will play a Mullewa team at Mullewa on Sunday next and an enjoyable day’s tennis is anticipated.
The following articles spanning from 1915 to 1928 gives a very candid view of Harold’s view of Tenindewa’s progress over that period and an insight particularly, into his politics.
Interestingly, with a little digging it can be demonstrated that the number of farmers in the district by, as early as, 1915 was something like 25, compared to 2025 where the number would be closer to just 5 farming entities.
Harold’s articles begin
November 22nd, 1915
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Harvesting operations are in full swing on all sides, and one hears some fine yields here and there. Mr. Leo Critch had a field of Toby’s Luck yield him 25 bushels per acre (1.85 tonne per hectare). Mr. Oldham’s Federation is going 24 bushels per acre. Some of the fields have suffered from rust, although I have not heard of one yielding under 10 bushels. The most of the crop was well advanced when the rust made it’s appearance, and many of us thought the yields would not be affected by it. The heads appear to be well filled and the grain fairly plump, but when it dried we found that the heads contained a percentage of shriveled grain, and this in most cases yielded from 2 to 6 bushels per acre (75 to 200 kgs per hectare) In other places the rust appeared to have weakened the straw as well, and a fair amount has been lost by the straw breaking off at the highest joint and letting the heads down on the ground. Septoria has made its appearance in a few patches, but these were promptly turned into hay, so the loss from that source will be very light. Quite a lot of new harvesting machinery has been introduced this year. I notice 5 reaper/threshers and State Harvesters galore. Several trucks [rail wagons] of wheat have already left the district. A few have been sent to the Perth market via. Wongan Hills. This [wheat] fetched 5 shillings and 7 pence per bushel, and after deducting freight and other charges, the owners received a fraction under 4 shillings and 11 pence per bushel net. One hears rumors of wheat buyers travelling through the Eastern Districts (i.e. is along the Eastern and Great Southern railways) offering the farmers 5 shillings and 3 pence to 5 shillings and six pence per bushel for their wheat, but so far, I know not a solitary buyer has yet to come this way. Many of us are in quandary as to what to do with the wheat now that we have got it. We are waiting anxiously to see if the King’s head is still on the half-crown. Why is it that the wheat buyers are neglecting us? Is it that the Commonwealth scheme of handling the surplus has scared the wheat shark out of the business? If so, let’s hope the Victoria District will not be overlooked by those controlling the scheme. I understand there is a limited amount of space allotted to W.A. for December/January shipments. Well, who is going to look out that the Victoria District gets its share of that space? This district is perhaps the earlies in the State, and as 9/10s of our wheat will be available for shipping by the end of the year, we should be allotted the lion’s share of the space that has been allowed to W.A. for the December/January shipments. Whose business is it to see that we get it?
Our first batch of recruits left here on Tuesday last. Mr. L. Stafford, Mr. C. Millward and another Bert Jones have set an example to the slackers of this district and offered their services to their King and Country. I understand that two or three others are seriously “thinking about it” after the crop comes off.
Note; This last paragraph has a very sad sequel. See the second last paragraph on page 40 of Memories of a Migrant
18th February 1916
Tenindewa Notes (From our Correspondent)
For the last few weeks bush fires have been raging and though they tried their utmost to burn somebody out, I have not heard of anybody suffering to any great extent, the greatest damage being a few acres of stubble and an odd jam post—a mere bagatelle to other places.
The Rumble boys again to the fore. Besides slapping into the wheat pool, a considerable quantity of wheat and stacking over one hundred tons of hay this year, they topped the last months sales with merino ewes bred on their own farm here. Without boom Mr. Editor, these are two good colts and as far is one is not twenty years of age, the future looks promising for them.
We met Mullewa at cricket and trounced the life out of them, Alex Cooper being the shining light with the bat while Billy Gee (no relation to R.M.) gained the bowling average. His five wickets for 8 runs was a splendid performance. Great credit to Tenindewa for winning, as two of their best cricketers —Oldham and Rumble —were absent and substitutes had to be grubbed up, one being a college student from Bindu, named Carter, proving his worth for inclusion in interstate matches.
Co-operative Store business is a little topsy-turvy, but I think it will fall on its feet and quickly march in the right direction.
Bindu dam wants to be cleared, but by the look of the atmosphere the contractor will be lucky if he is not stopped through rain refilling the dam.
Likely to be a big boxing match here shortly, not having particulars, will leave for next report.
(It is known that Leo Critch cleared the Bindu Dam site….See page 18 of Memories of a Migrant)
Geraldton Express
2 August 1916,
Tenindewa.
(From Our Correspondent.)
We are enjoying ideal weather. The cold snap that we experienced during the last few weeks has passed off after destroying all traces of rust or other fungus growth. It held all vegetation in check during the process, and when its mission was fulfilled, it was replaced by a glorious downpour, followed by warm showery weather during the last week. The crops and grass are making wonderful growth, and although it is too early yet to predict a bountiful harvest at all events, circumstances point in that direction. Dalgety’s new sale yards at Mullewa for the regular sales of stock, are proving a great boon to the district. Farmers are now able to dispose of any surplus stock in the open market at their very doors, and if their values are not realized, they can return them to their paddocks without expense and with little or no loss of time. They can also procure their requirements in the way of stock at market rates, and with very little inconvenience and travelling expense. The sale which was held this Friday must have been very gratifying to all parties concerned. The yards were practically full from end to end, and every line, except a few rams, was disposed of at figures that were very satisfactory to the sellers and buyers alike. About 200 cattle and 3,000 sheep were yarded. The bulk of the sheep found a home for the present on Messrs. Routledge and Willis’ Menang Estate, where they have succulent grass feed up to their bellies. They also secured a fair percentage of cattle, which will be depastured on the same estate.
Some of the settlers convened what was described as an “indignation ” meeting at the siding on Sunday last, with the object of discussing the Roads Board’s proposal to raise a loan of £200 for the purpose of doing some very necessary work on the three main roads leading to this centre. Some lengthy, spirited, and very able speeches were made, which would, in the ordinary way, have extended well into next week had they been delivered in rotation, but a rather novel plan was adopted, which allowed three or more speakers to address the meeting simultaneously (a plan which by the way your Municipal Council might experiment with). This method allowed members to give vent to their wrath, and considerably shortened the proceedings, and was probably the means of preventing much bloodshed. When the indignation, wrath and turmoil had spent its force, the following resolution was carried with one dissentient “That this meeting of ratepayers of the West Ward of the Mullewa Roads Board do hereby approve of “the proposal of the said Board to borrow the sum of £200, and we respectfully recommend that the sum of £50 be spent on Bindu Road ; £75 on Tenindewa Road, and £75 on Wollya Road.”
The local member was conspicuous by his absence, but he wrote apologizing and explained that he certainly would have been present had lie’ known that the meeting was to be held.
Geraldton Guardian
6 January 1917
TENINDEWA NOTES.
(From a Correspondent)
The Tenindewa Sports Club held their first meeting on New Year’s Day. The weather was delightful. It was. a nice cool day, with a fresh southerly breeze tempering the heat of the sun. Quiet, a number of people came down from Mullewa and there must have been considerably over two hundred people present. The racing proved to be very interesting, and nineteen horses faced the starter for the Hack Race. Some of the finishes proved to be quite as exciting as any enthusiast could wish for. The programme of 26 items was disposed of during the day, and the officials deserve every praise for the way in which they carried it through. There were nine events for horses, and the balance for pedestrians, including items for young and old of both sexes. A timetable was drawn up providing that one event should be disposed of every fifteen minutes, and three separate committees worked hard to carry out their share of the duties, with the result that almost every item was started off to the tick of the clock, in spite of the fact that the clocks had gained an hour during the night.
There were six starters in the First-Class Hack Race, six furlongs, and the winner turned up in “Fusilmaid”, with “Tenindewa” second half a length off. The Second-Class Hack Race brought out six starters, and the race fell, to “Murramuckin”, with “Castoff” a length away second. “Secret” won the Hurry Scurry very comfortably from a field of seven runners. The Third-Class Hacks provided the most exciting race of the day, and a sheet would have covered the four first horses as they passed the winning post. The first prize fell to Broderick’s “Tommy” with Oldham’s “Johnnie” claiming second money. Tilting at the Ring brought out 26 competitors, and Mr. Dowden succeeded in carrying off the prize. The Button Race fell to Mr. Blaney, of Eradu, and the Cigarette Race to Mr. A. H. Kember. Mr. Dowden won the 75 Yard Sprint, and Mr. Charlie Critch the Sheffield Handicap. Mr. Geo. Valentine annexed the Old Buffers Race in something over even time.
Mr. Vic. Elliott had charge of the refreshment stall and supplied cool drinks, sandwiches and fruit to all and sundry. Altogether £14 10s was distributed in prize money.
I think when all accounts are squared off there should be a profit of 8 pounds.
March 23rd, 1917
Tenindewa Notes (From our Correspondent)
Midlands Advertiser
Rabbits are very plentiful just now around here and promise to run a hard double with the ring neck parrot the friend (?) of the farmer [sic]. A large dingo was caught recently by Mr. Norman Fry, one of our settlers in the district. The same dingo is accredited with getting away with 40 to 50 sheep from one selection alone.
The rains are timely as water was badly needed in many parts of the district. All tanks, dams and wells are now full to the brim and farmers can confidently look forward to another prosperous season.
A young fellow up this way was paying his addresses to the daughter of a neighboring farmer, a canny old Scot.
The latter bought his meat from the former.
The last time he took up the usual quantity–half a sheep– on the Saturday evening he stayed to tea, rain came on, and he said he thought “it ud be too fur to go home un a night like this” so he remained.
Sunday passed and then Monday and still he showed no sign of leaving.
On Monday evening the Scotsman said quietly to the visitor “Eh mon, do you no be thinkin’ the grass will ha’ be grown o’er the path the way ye come up ere?
April 13th, 1917
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Midlands Advertiser
Many of our farmers are doing a growl at the Government and various other persons and things, but for all that our little towns going ahead, judging by the appearance of the siding. In the sheds are packed wheat in very large quantities awaiting transshipment. The orchards are well represented too, as our wheat farmers are patronizing the apple growers in a splendid, the price of fruit at the moment permitting us the luxury of really good fruit on our breakfast tables.
A pleasant gathering took place on Sunday week at the residence of Mr. John Woods, of Rivermere, to bid au revoir to one of our settlers Mr. Clark who is returning to England to remain for a short time to remain with family, and then, we understand going to the front. All joined in wishing “Clarkie” God speed, as he has proved himself a good neighbour and a white man [sic].
Since writing the above we have had glories rains, and it does one’s heart good to see the smile oo the face of
Farmer John
Grumblin’ and growlin’ ain’t a bit of use
So says Farmer John, merry Farmer John
The man as frets his heart away, an lets his gall run loose,
Is simple raisin’ weed, says Farmer John
The crops won’t be no better if we growl till judgment day
The proper thing to do is just to bravely work away,
For never yet a cloud but hid a bright and cheerie ray,
So let’s be up a doin,’ says merry Farmer John
Geraldton Express
24th December 1919
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)
A merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all is wished to the Express” by your Tenindewa correspondent. Can’t shout, the dam is dry, but take the will for the deed, “Express”
It must have been a pleasure last Saturday night to Miss J. Paton Tenindewa school teacher and her assistant, Miss Eileen Palmer, to see their effort is so greatly appreciated by their children for the Christmas Tree, and the elder folks for the night’s enjoyment. These two young ladies, tother with Mrs. Valentine, did work like trojans. and they richly deserved the success attained. A funny incident happened m the dressing of Mr. Harry Johnstone to represent Santa Claus. The borrowed Red Riding Hood skirt looked splendid in front, but he must have hitched it up with too many safety pins behind, for he showed a lot of fetlock when viewed from the rear. That was a mere trifle though compared with the whiskers part of the programme. The only white horse handy had but seven hairs in his tail. Harry being short in his beard, made a bulldog rush for Mr. Oldham’s Farm, chivvied and shased Bob’s grey to a standstill, and though he was twice kicked in the stomach, managed with some kapok he stole from Bob’s mattress, to pluck enough hair from the grey to complete Santa’s outfit and right royally did Mr. Johnson represent that benevolent old gentleman. After every toy from the tree was gone to the children present, preparations were then made for the night’s enjoyment, and as the ladies above mentioned, and many others willingly helped, an enjoyable night was passed.
I believe the Tenindewa school is to be closed. This is hard lines, when a country place like Tenindewa cannot provide enough children to keep school going with a population of 700. What will rising generation do should the German’s come? They say population to a country is wealth to that country. So, you understand, why Tenindewa is so poor.
An article written about Mr. Johnson and not by him.
January 31st, 1919
Local and general
Fire at Tenindewa:-An outbreak of fire occurred at Tenindewa on Saturday, and before it’s spread could be checked, a portion of Mr. H. Johnson’s crop was destroyed. Another farmer Mr. A Benoit lost 80 bags of wheat and all his stubble. It is understood that the crops were partly insured.
Geraldton Express
28 January 1920,
Tenindewa Notes
(By our Correspondent)
Christmas and New Year festivals having come and gone, the everlasting cocky has again to turn to the daily routine of farm life. There remain just a few bags of wheat yet to be carted to fulfill Tenindewa’s contribution to the Wheat Pool, Seed wheat, oats, barley, etc., together with the necessary manures, for the next harvest, concern us country residents more than the everyday topics.
Our cricket team started the new year by brilliantly knocking spots of Mullewa, and successfully turning the tables on Devil’s Creek. Great enthusiasm is always shown by supporters of both sides when, these two latter teams meet, and Iast Sunday’s match was no exception to the rule. Though only a country match, it was pleasing to watch, and the barracking was worthy of the West; Perth verses Geraldton football match, and to be a staunch of Tenindewa, I must say we were lucky to win, for had not Bob Oldham made such a good stand with the bat and trundled so successfully with the ball. It was a case of “Close the shutters, Willie’s dead” with Tenindewa yet Devil’s Creek were unlucky to lose.
Could do with a few thunderstorms now, as there is nothing to destroy and many dams and creeks to fill. Cooperative Store Committee still holding meetings, but unfortunately not, holding stock, and while you residents of Geraldton enjoy such luxuries as butter and tobacco, we have axle grease and tea leaves.
Moral: Start a store at the “toots,” and as there is an election next Sunday for directors, I hope the successful ones will please note. [sic?]
November 17th, 1920
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Harvesting here, as elsewhere, is in full swing, and as I have previously mentioned, the gathering will be bountiful. In some cases, the reaper has been introduced to this district, in preference to the harvester, which goes to show we are progressing fast. If the Mitchell Government would only encourage, instead of forbidding, the destruction of the emu, the Hon. Thomas Moore might not have it all his own way next election in this cocky centre.
The knock back of the sale of wool put a damper on the bright outlook there was for high prices earlier in the season. I hear that Messrs. Petroff and Butler Bros. were the only two around this district to fluke top market before it fell like a pricked balloon.
Nine bob a bushel for home consumption wheat ($4.00 per tonne), certainly cannot be sneezed at, but the two and sixpence cash (25 cents) first installment on the pooled wheat is, to my mind, “up to mud”. For my contention is this — by the time the finalizing amount is paid, with the perpetual advancement in the cost of living, this pouny note then will only produce 10 shillings ($1.00) value. For instance: yesterday a farmer received 50 pounds ($100.00) from his 1916 crop of wheat. Ask yourself what the 50 pounds was then worth against its worth today?
Believe the residents of Eradu, on seeing the old pub pulled down and trucked away, are petitioning to the Railway Department for a refreshment station at Eradu– a much needed requirement, and, if they include a trough, so as those poor thirsty horses that are continually dragging their farmers along miles of sandy roads to meet trains, could in conjunction quench their thirsts, Eradu would be worth settling around.
Some talk at Tenindewa of having the townsite shifted, or of reversing position with the cemetery. I could not say whether the same engineer who laid out the “town” of Mullewa had anything to do with our “city”. However, it seems peculiar that our cemetery should be adjacent to the railway line, while the townsite is on the backside of a stony ridge, approached during the winter months through a quog marsh per floating log or per medium of life belt only. [I] Once was told, where commenting on this townsite, that the plans were taken off upside down, and I am wondering if the engineer who drew he plans of Tenindewa wasn’t something similar–upside down himself.
Everyone is waiting for the shareholders annual meeting of the Cooperative Society. I think Mr. Editor, if I remember rightly, you have heard of this society before and as everyone is going to say something at the meeting you may again hear something. [in a later edition]
Geraldton Express
1st December 1920,
Tenindewa Notes.
(From Our Correspondent)
We are experiencing fairly hot weather, which, though oppressive, is very beneficial to the harvesting-, and we sincerely hope it will continue until the finish. No doubt we could do with the four inches, of rain that fell around Buntine for our water supply. Yet a thunderstorm evades us!
Last Sunday we had the pleasure of the Rev. Mr. Vine’s company, in spite of heat, dust, mosquitoes, and flies, he rode down from MulIewa to preach to us some of the Great Words. Good on you, reverend sir. If few more of your profession would only follow your good example and come out to the back-blocks, the never-seeing parson-folk of the country would be more enlightened in Christianity. Besides showing us the right track to take to take in future the Rev. Vine duly Christened two young Tenindewa-ites before departing.
To show independence of the ever-locked, never-used Co-operative Society’s Hall, a meeting of progressive settlers was held, at which it was decided to hold, on New Year’s Day, a sports meeting, the proceeds from which are going towards the erection of an Agricultura Hall. That’s a right move, and deserves to meet with the success which, apparently awaits it.
Referring to harvesting- a smart bit of this has just been completed by young Mr. Glen Maloney, of Indarra, who, single-handed runs the nice farm of his father’s adjoining the Mt. Magnet member Mr. M. F. Troy. Glen has already stripped and bagged his oat and wheat crops, banged his wheat away per trucks to pool, stacked 100 tons of hay, and this morning he took his team of horses, implements, etc., across to Mount Erin to help his father pull of, just over another 300 acres. Slick work this, but a dinkum worker is Glen.
Our school mistress, Miss Jean Paton, and her pupils are going for their lives arranging and collecting for the usual Christmas tree and festivities for the children of this district. I hear that after Xmas we shall be losing this genial lady schoolteacher, for, instead of continuing to teach and assist our young folk here, she will be joining up with, one of the opposite sex in helping to keep the camp fires burning.
January 19th, 1921
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
As the Engine Drivers Ass. forgot to provide a letter carrier for this district before they went “Bolshevik” I could not find a way to post my notes.
Pooling wheat is just on the verge of finishing here, and from what I can gather, though nothing sensational eventuated, the average yield has been very fair. Locally the member for Mt. Magnet in Mr. M. F. Troy’s crops would compare with any in WA. From 60 acres of the variety Nabawah he stripped 528 bags, approximately 9 bags to the acre. (1.85 tonne/hectare) and from 300 acres (120 hectares) of crop he harvested 1,921 bags (160 tonne) a little over 6 bags to the acre (1.2 tonne/hectare).
March 15th, 1921
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa News
(From our Correspondent)
Why have I been so silent with my notes, did you say? Well tell the truth Mr. Editor I am fair dinkum disgusted. You know what a nuisance I have been to you and your staff by, month after month per medium of the “Express” agitating and barracking for the corporative people here to start a store. Why bless your soul sir, that now is a complete washout, a mere speck on the fly paper to what Tenindewa was on the verge of doing to keep up her reputation from slipping backwards. The best asset we have and what took years to get, namely the post office and public telephone, was on Saturday week last to be bundled down, box and dice to Geraldton, for the simple reason the current Postmaster could not see his way clear to pay for the young ladies services, keep, and need for a horse to convey them the six miles, on ten shillings a week, which is the government subsidy, and though the ladies, in order to keep down expenses were going without butter and sugar and living on watercress sandwiches and the horse was getting only sticks across his skinny ribs, it happens it was all to no purpose. It was said “it couldn’t be did any longer” the strain was too great and the frames too frail to carry on.
Happening on the Saturday mentioned in the “City of Tenindewa”, with about twenty or more residents and espying the postmaster in the act of blowing up, I mean pulling down the post office [at which time] we asked him to stay proceedings for an hour when we hurriedly held a meeting.
After a lengthy discussion we decided to put our hands in our pockets and make up a living salary to enable the postmaster to carry on for a month. In the meantime the secretary of the Farmers and Settlers Association was to put the case before the postal authorities, and to try and secure a larger grant. Personally, I think the Government should increase the subsidy, as years back mailmen were paid fair wages to deliver mail to about a dozen settlers.
Surely now that we have about twenty times that number, and the post office a good paying proposition to the Government, it is not fair the “cockies” to be dobbing up when the business of the post office warrants it. A good suggestion was made at the meeting that the Returned Servicemen Association be approached to find out if any disabled returned soldier, not afraid of being starved, would be game enough to take on the duties. Whether anything further has been done in this matter I don’t know.
Mr. Editor after your interview with the Prince of Wales you might consign him up here for a number of blue blooded relations of his, of whom he is not aware, would, I am sure astonish him and as one lady, who has enough blue blood in her to fill an ink bottle, told me she can trace her male ancestors back to when Noah handed one [of her ancestors] a life belt to work out his destiny against the flood, she, to my mind had the blues all right.
You can tell the Prince he needn’t think about tucker. Everyone is prepared to feed him, but should he like to vary it, instead of a valet, he might bring a kangaroo dog and a few rabbit traps and not be troubled about polishing up his pennies as we play ‘two up’ with I.A.B money. (Industries Assistance Board)
We got beaten at cricket on Sunday by Mullewa, but, all the same put a straight out ticket on us for the shield, it’s ours. Devils Creek went down and belted Mingenew cricketers right into the scrub
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that the boxing stunt, which was to be a blood curdling affair, a bare knuckle go, a la Tom Sawyers, didn’t come off, as only one of the gladiators turned up at the meeting place. The other is still alive and no blood was spilt though the way the bruiser who put in an appearance shadow-spared his way back home, we all thought there might be some of ours [blood] at stake, so, gave him the whole road to himself.
Geraldton Express
24th June 1921
Tenindewa Notes.
(From Our Correspondent
The chief topic in Tenindewa of late has been the abundance of rain, and we were wondering if the dams in the Heavens, like the Wicherina reservoir, wore suffering from insufficient by-wash, and, in consequence, Peter had to throw the Food Gates open and give us down here the benefit of the overflow. Mr. Editor, I am pleased to tell you our little country town will in a very short time, be some importance. The town site is to be shifted from the back of the burial ground to a more prominent position along the railway. Our sports’ energetic secretary, Mr. G. Napier, last week button-holed Mr. Lefroy, of the Survey Department, showed him the urgent need of a recreation ground, got his sympathy and promised support towards securing it. A Rifle Club and also a Lawn Tennis Club, have been formed here. So, what with shots from the rifles and reports from the bursting of tennis balls on the double-gee lawns, Tenindewa will be wide awake. A concert was held last Saturday week in aid of the tennis—the admission a silver coin—and as nobody had been to Geraldton lately, three penny pieces were short. Therefore, something larger had to be given. So, a tidy sum was collected. To my mind a splendid brain wave gave Mr. W. Stokes an idea how to decide the Waltzing competition. Being a wet night, only a few single ladies did attend, and of course were pounced on by the young men. As many married ladies enjoy dancing, Mr. Stokes had the lady dancers’ names put in a hat and the gentlemen in another, and drew them a-la the Tattersall’s Sweep, the result being Mrs. Goxon and Mr. Will Keeffe won the competition. I know the idea of Mr. Stokes did not catch on with all, but nevertheless, it was a good move. Too touch of the same young lady and gentleman dancing together always. Mothers want a spell from the oven and scrubbing brush, and an opportunity to kick up their heels like their children now and again. A Bachelors: Ball is to be held next Saturday, and, as six of the prettiest in Geraldton girls have promised to attend, I am sure this alone will draw the boys in from the scrub and gum trees. These two wet months have found out the wise and cautious farmer. The farmer who thatched his haystack is laughing while selling prime chaff: the other is swearing because his working horses are continually griping on musty feed. Green feed in abundance, and, as lambing season is now on, the lambs must all do well. Mr. W. H. Stokes, as head serang of a syndicate, has bought a large building which is to be erected in Tenindewa and opened as a general store. Good on his pluck and may he and they do really well for it has been a much needed.
August 25th, 1921
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)
Though we have had rain every month, the crops generally are nothing exceptional, Messrs. Petroff Bros. (returned diggers) owning the only crops I have seen of any consequence around here. Their field of Yandilla King is a picture of health and stability. We in West Australia have often said “given rainfall W.A. would be the best producing country in Australia” bur sad to relate when we get it our good land becomes so boggy that it is impossible to seed it, and that to mind [sic] accounts for many poor crops seen about this year. Mr. W. H. Stokes left here today loaded up with carpenters’ tools to pull down the store he has purchased at Sandstone and to train same to Tenindewa to be re-erected. The recreation ground was granted to us by the Lands Department and last Sunday a busy bee soon made jam tree scrub etc. disappear, and as the ground is to be fenced all round by the summertime, everything will be in apple pie order for cricket, lawn tennis [sic] picnics and other sports to be held in it. The Co-operative Society held a meeting just recently and decided to refuse the tender of Messrs. Petroff Bros. for the purchase of the old building. Why these wise people refused the tender goodness knows, for it will cost 30 or 40 pounds [$60 to $80] to shift and re-erect, and the price of the iron steadily dropping. In my opinion they were foolish, as 62 pounds [$120.00] is an exceptionally good offer.
Note; The Co-operative Building was originally in Mr. Norman Fry’s paddock just across the road and not far from the Stockyards. Petroff Bros. owned that farm for a very short time before it was owned by Mr. Harry Ullrich. The Co-operative Store eventually was purchased by the Tenindewa Sports Club and relocated to the north side of Griffiths Road and for a few years became the Community Hall
July 24th, 1922
Tenindewa
(From our Correspondent)
Though this season looks far from a promising one, yet to comply with the everlasting wail of the Government to the farmer, “Produce! Produce! Produce!” most of the single “cockies” around this way have got married, and in consequence the Rev. Hobbs, of Mullewa, has been a busy parson, splicing and tying knots for the young couples. The latest recruits from here to the marriage battle are Mr. Mervyn Kember and Miss Jean Eves. There wedding fixed for August 1, at Tenindewa. As both these young people are very popular —nothing of the snobbish, shabby, genteel would-be circle demeanor about them. [sic] Theirs’ will be some wedding. Mrs. S. Eves, mother of the bride to be, provides the spread, and, as this lady is one of Tenindewa’s most energetic workers for whatever good object the function is held, we are all looking forward to August the first. particularly as invitations have been sent all around, irrespective of title, rank, creed or colour.
Another popular farmer, to wed, Mr. W. T. Curtis, takes unto himself, on the 29th of this month, a partner from Lion Mill. We wish him luck, as it is too far for us to walk to see him do it.
What do you think Mr. Editor? Thanks to the efforts of Messrs. Hickey and Moore (Labour Members), we will shortly have a school at Bindu, and as everyone is anxious to board the teacher, supposing her to be some sweet dainty damsel about 19, we will come a great thud if the Education Department deposits an old frowsy-faced individual of 90 here. [Sic]
We note with satisfaction the remarks passed by the Council re, immigrants. I myself, [sic] took pity on three, blew their bags out with tucker, paraded them after an introduction to the Kelly axe to a light bit of cutting down. Leaving them for an hour, I found on my return a note tacked up, bidding me goodbye. I wonder how they would have fared with this farmer, I just read of, who, when a returned soldier, carrying his swag, called in and asked him for work, replied “I wasn’t wanting anyone, but as ye are a returned man and fought for us, I’ll give ye a start,” enumerating for a day’s work, items that would take two men a week to do, causing the Digger to remark, “Don’t you milk those cows twice a day, too”
“Not now” said the cocky, “we used to, but it took too long, so we milk em twice a night”. Needless to say, the Digger signed off.
Nothing startling about the appearance of the crops in our district, Mr. Cooper’s, of Tenindewa, is easily the best so far, though of course, with a few more drinks others may stagger up, as the rain we have had only oiled the joints, of the dying wheat, and prolonged the agony of growing.
Mr. Editor, have they caught Thomas yet? I am wondering what provisions he had, as the losses along this line attributed to him couldn’t be carried by the German army–champions of pilferers–let alone one poor unfortunate hunted fugitive! [sic!]
Geraldton Express
Friday 8 September 1922
TENINDEWA.
(From Our Correspondent).
Not being a printer, therefore not on strike, I must apologize for being so long winded with my notes to the ” Express,” but having a budget of news this time I hope it will make amends for my absent-mindedness. The much looked for wedding was duly celebrated here, it being the first occasion of such an event at Tenindewa. Mr. and Mrs. M. Kember were presented with a Bible by the adherents of the Methodist Church. All Tenindewa turned up to witness the ceremony, and, as nearly everyone brought a wedding present, you can judge the gifts were numerous, amongst them being 15 cheques—a nice kick-off for the young couple.
Journeyed out to the sale at Menang last week. Met many old friends there, strolling about. I noticed that the Hon T. Moore, M.L.C., like a good Aussie officer, was one of the boys with all. Our old friend, Mr. H. Pass, looking as gay as ever, was listening with interest to Mr. Frank McGuinness’ deputation to the Hon. T. Moore in regard to why Ardingly siding should be shifted further along to meet the requirements of all the Devil’s Creek settlers, pricking his ears smartly when Mr. McGuinness mentioned he would be willing to give £10 towards the cost of so doing.
Concerning the clearing-up sale of Menang homestead, I never, in all my life, saw such a lot of ramshackle stuff —nothing in first class order, even the horses being of the Shetland pony variety, with draught horse legs, and I am game enough to say that had there been no beer there and any other auctioneer than Mr. Tuck, of the Graziers’ Co-operative, old Mr. Hoop-la, of Geraldton, would have had the lot for anything from two bob upwards. The station itself is one of the best propositions ever bought for closer settlement, the land is beautiful, and will grow anything, with natural feed abundant for stock. The Government made no South West bloomer there and Mr. Frank McGuinness just put his place, adjacent to Menang and equally as good on “The Repatriation” and Diggers who are looking for land should take my advice and hop in lively and grab your whack of these 6000 acres of the very best.
I was a guest of Mr. McGuinness for a couple of days, and he drove me around the Devils Creek district pointing out such farms as the Meadowcroft Bros., O’Brien and Sons, Keeffe and Sons, and others who have made their homes in this grand Salmon Gum country. Perceiving a jarrah house, I asked the ownership of same and was told it belonged to Mr. Frank Keeffe who was recently married. On Sunday I witnessed a football match. Tenindewa versus Devil’s Creek with Mr. Charlie Meadowcroft in command of the whistle and let me here say that Charlie knows when to blow it and perhaps would not mind teaching your Geraldton umpires how and when to do it. Tenindewa won but honest “injun,” though I barracked for them, if it had not been for the play of Bob Stafford (late Railways, Geraldton) and Charlie Keeffe (from Devil’s Creek) Tenindewa would have been second. Anyhow, it was a good game, and on the day and the best team won.
On Sunday last, by defeating Mullewa by three goals 11 behinds to two goals 8 behinds, Devil’s Creek won the premiership. Gee, Carruthers, Woodhouse, Jim Keating, Jack Keeffe and Whitehurst played great games for the winners, while Watson, Thomson, Bowtell, Toomey and Slavin were the pick of Mullewa.
[It would] Do some Geraldton people good to have a trip up this country way when any sports are held, and I am sure they would return acknowledging our lady folk are the best going, for. Mr. Editor, they are all out to make all enjoy themselves, and work like bees, never missing anyone requiring tea, cake or sandwiches.
In conclusion, I herewith open fine on the statements made by the Minister for Agriculture and Mr. Sutton earlier in the season, that the wheat prospects pointed to a record season, and the yield would be 15 million bushels [approx. 1/2 a million tonne]
A new hat to the Minister if the yield is not nearer five million but he must leave one at the ” Express ” for me if it is. I cannot fathom, especially in this district, what he bases the prospects on. To start the season, we had no rain for a month; then it was followed by severe frosts and ice for another month: then scorching hot days, without rain, for a further month. Up to date we have had 4 and a half inches. In 1911, the worst season on record, we had five inches at this time. Not a foot of extra water in any dam for 500 miles. What bronzer prospects—for a drought.
Jump about, Mr. Maley and have a look around before you make such statements again to gull the public?
Show us the photos a few six-foot crops in the Victoria District and I will post you a hat.
Geraldton Express
9th October 1922
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Shearing has been going on around here, and, as the Butler Bros. (Tom and Alex), returned diggers, have had the monopoly of farmer’s small sheds, and as they have not been hampered by any wet weather they have accordingly been doing very well.
We have now started to cut hay from the “record” crops reported by the Minister for Agriculture, and, though I have read in your paper that there were crops in this district that were 5 feet high, unless it was an odd piece where the sower loaded his drill, or where an old tree was buried, I am blessed if I have seen a crop average four feet. As the ordinary fencing post is four feet high, top wire three feet nine inches, how many crops this year tower over the fence I should like to know.
Mr. Editor, I am no pessimist. All the same I shall watch with interest the returns for this season’s record yield in this district.
This much I should like to say to the Minister for Agriculture–has he made any provision for supplying water to us drought stricken cockies, for, believe me, unless we have a thunderstorm or heavy rains shortly, God help us this summer, as our dams are now just about empty. Bush fires were raging around yesterday–they speak for themselves.
Everything has been finalized for the granting of a school here at Bindu. The Inspector has been out and thoroughly inspected our kiddies, and found them free from red rust, smut, take all and the stickfast flea. The teacher, I believe, is packing her port; all we now lack is a school.
Mullewa was standing on its hind legs last Thursday, the 28th inst., for on that good day our old, esteemed friend, Mr. Bill Toomey, gave his two daughters away–Miss. N Toomey to Mr. Bob Stafford, well known in Geraldton football circles, and Miss T Toomey to Mr. T. Sullivan. Both young men are in the Railway at Mullewa. The Rev. Father Hawes officiated, and though he doesn’t generally get them two at a time to unite, nevertheless he was equal to the occasion, and came through the trying ordeal without a scratch. Mr. D Frane was best man for Mr. Stafford, while Mr. H Nyland was likewise for Mr. Sullivan. A better day could not have been ordered, and prettier brides hard to find, being sister and, on this occasion, dressed alike. They were dressed in cream crepe de chine, relayed with radium lace and court train. The usual wreaths and veils were worn, and both carried bouquets of artificial roses. Miss O’Dea, bridesmaid, wore white voile, inlet with insertion of heliotrope trimmings. Miss. M Keeffe, bridesmaid, was attired in a pretty dress on lavender crepe de chine, with hat en suit [sic]. The four train bearers were sisters and cousins of the brides. Young Miss Glady Lever and Miss Flo Toomey looked charming in cream net dresses, with mob caps [sic] to match. After the ceremony a reception was held at the parents’ residence, and guests to the number of 200 were received by the bride’s mother and daughter. Mrs. W Toomey, who was becomingly dressed in navy silk crepe de chine, with a beautiful black hat to match; while Mrs. C. Leaver wore oyster crepe de chine, with hat en suit [sic]
Presents were far too numerous to mention, the tables being literally with them and cheques. a dance was the fitting finality to this great day.
Sorry to have to inform you that Mrs., J. J Keeffe, while returning home, was thrown out of the buggy and severely shaken a bruised. She is an inmate at the Mullewa Hospital and doing as well as can be expected.
Note; For the information of the modern-day reader it is worth knowing the Minister for Agriculture [Mr. M. F Troy] was the neighbour of the journalist.
December 4th, 1922
Tenindewa Notes
Geraldton Guardian
(From our Correspondent)
Neither wailing, whining, or whining, yet we cannot get away from the fact that this season for the district is absolutely the worst on record. Certainly, there are some fine crops around on fallow, but I haven’t heard of or seen any on new ground. Of course, it tends to show that wheat on fallowed will grow almost without rain, for with a rainfall of 599 points [160 mm] it is marvelous how any crops matured at all. When a district suffers a drought the Government, to add insult to injury, will send an expert to give a lecture on “How to make farming pay,” always having his main plank, “Fallow.” Every farmer is aware that fallow, to him, is like strawberries to pigs. Yet, when one takes up unimproved land, would he fallow the new land and then trust to Providence or Pat Stone to stand him provisions until the following year. Nonsente! [sic] The average farmer may be a wooly sheep, but he is no goat. He is out to make the best of his land. Let the Government send a few Wragges along and tell us when it will rain. That would suit a lot better.
Ever to make money or to bleed the public seems to be the policy of the Government. We have now to buy consignment notes and waybills from the Railway Department, and to make matters worse, sent 30 miles for them.
Surely local gangers could be trusted to issue such. Picture Mrs. Muldoon coming in from Bindu with a load of suckling pigs and find after travelling 16 miles, she has to go to Mullewa for a Consignment Note.
Consequence [is] Muldoon transports the pigs to Mullewa. No need for Consignment Note there. Mr. Hasel gobbles up the pigs; Mr. Pike takes Muldoon.
Mr. Editor, listen to my suggestions. You know, as well as I do, the Government will will keep the public waiting as long for the Midland Railway as they have kept Mr. Jack Willcock [The Premier] for the Harbour works. Tell the Government not to worry their overtaxed brains trying to buy the Midland-line but sell the Wongan-line. Just place the whole concern in the hands of Mr. J J Simpson, who has the Yankee twang, then off it would fly like an aeroplane, leaving two companies, who would cut each other’s throats to get business.
We are the people of Tenindewa; we know what is what; and who is who. We have a drought; plenty of stock water under a windmill; been there three years and still that windmill won’t go. We have a schoolteacher on sick leave; school closed for two months; no more teachers in Australia; we have a school granted at Bindu; plenty of “kids” and teachers, no school for the “kids” to be taught in. Government too poor to give us a post office; so, a young farmer gave them one, then took his wife out of it. Have a ticket on us, Mr. Editor, it will soon pay a big dividend. The young farmer referred to above, having brains and energy, helped on with solid brass, has combined with his post office a store, and judging by his sales, he is on a good wicket; only hope he will go a step further, and put on a refreshment room. I am sure he would soon be paid for he outlay
Would you believe it, I can buy groceries here cheaper than in Geraldton, with freight thrown over-board. Don’t think I am inferring that Geraldton storekeepers are making money. No, not they, for any one of them will show you books of bad debts that the good ones have to pay for.
Sorry to say that Mr. Dan Clifford, for many years manager for Mr. Troy, MLA., down on the farm, has had to toss in the towel. Miners’ complaint is knocking the stuffing out of poor Dan; he has gone to Perth to be cared for.
Mr. Dan Smith, manager for Mr. Pat Maloney at Walkaway, is up at Indarra for a visit. By the way, I must here with announce his engagement to Miss. E. Dodd.
Geraldton Express
TENINDEWA
11th April 1923
(From Our Correspondent)
Although I have not seen my last two issues of the “Express” through some kind person taking a loan of them, yet I can repeat every word printed in them, as it is marvelous how news is spread around in small country districts. The contents of the “Express” have only to be read by one person, then in course, I received, 9 miles out, my “Express” news by relays of fully nine persons. I often used to wonder in the district I was in, how everyone knew I owed 231pounds/eleven shillings/three pence to a certain firm in Geraldton, and it took me twelve years to pay it. I knew the firm always sent their accounts in un-gummed envelopes, but as only honest people go farming, I never for a second thought that anyone would take my accounts for a picture book and look inside of it. Hence, I came to the conclusion that someone, staring at the address with a fixed gaze, had hypnotized the contents inside, so that they were printed on his brain box, and he was able to keep a secret by telling everyone. That is how every other person can tell me what I owe and don’t know myself, but as that is only neighborly in a farming district, [about] my troubles.
Mr. Editor, I have been asked to reply to a letter appearing in the “Express” recently but as these were written claiming non de plumes to hide under, I refuse to waste good ink on them. For when I write an open letter to the “Express”, even if I accuse or abuse, praise or amaze anyone, I will sign my name for publication with my letter, for a person plays the lowest card in the pack when nom de plumes are used, like to me, as a black, slimy, slippery snake, smooth skinned, and putrid and poisonous inside, and after attacking, wriggles and crawls down a hole to hide from execution. Therefore, through “Fair Play” Spinning Facts” “The Rudd’s of Tenindewa,” and “The Duds of Tenindewa” me think they are just it in the press, wait a little longer, there will be a counterattack from a quarter never expected. Then perhaps you and your readers will see who really is the liar, and the tale teller.
Startling news for you! We at Bindu have got our school. Yes, its dinkum. We haven’t it here, yet it’s only a couple of miles away. Meekathara is where it had to be shifted from, and, as I have been waiting at Tenindewa to wheel it out, I was wondering if the contactor, who was to pull it down on April the 4th, could have got drunk and slipped in the guard’s van, labelled “Geraldton”. If you can see it down there send it back. We want it so badly. The teacher who is coming here is known by everyone except the Education Department.
We had “The Storm” like everyone else. Blow! I never witnessed anything like it since Messines was blown up in June 1917, and Fritzes were flying in the airlike blow flies. All the sand from the Yuna farms was blown into my house. After filling it the storm carried the surplus onto the new cleaned out dam of Mr. Stafford’s, nicely filling it up then after top dressing it, raced after a skinny black cow, blew it inside out, went onto the much-discussed Wollya windmill, blew it around at such a rate that before it could be stopped, it filled the storage tank with water, and then blew the overflow to Mr. Spinifex’s farm and filled his dam. Now everything is calm. A lull has set in.
I’m sorry to inform you that Mr. and Mrs. Tom Davis, so long with us, are leaving the district, on Monday next, and, though unfortunately things have not been running too smoothly with the upper-tens and the lower-fives, yet like sensible people, we have all decided to cast aside our differences, work together, and next Saturday night give these two good young couple as good a sendoff as they deserve, for without doubt Mrs. Davis does merit some recognition and thanks for her everlasting kindness in always giving her talents to all entertainments here. Out on her own as a lady sport, I know we are going to have a bumper hall for all Bindu are going. Billy Gee is mustering the Devil’s Creek footballers, and their wives and sweethearts, etc., and what he misses Frank McGuinness is going to fall into line and march in. As the Mullewa sports are of the best. Dick Frane and his team are coming to help to show the lady, who has played the dance music for one and all at Tenindewa that her talents are appreciated. And as the Hon. T. Moore MLC and the Hon. M. F, Troy MLA., if not away on business, are bound to be here on Saturday, it will be “some night”
Note; As we search for clues to the cause of finding the real name behind this nom-de-plume of “From Our Correspondent” we see two that are most beneficial. The first is that he lives 9 miles from Tenindewa in the Bindu area and second, he is obviously a farmer.
Geraldton Express
April 18th, 1923
Correspondence
Public Matter at Tenindewa
To the Editor
Sir-I notice in your issue of the 11th a letter written by one of our residents, who is doing the barking either for the Piano Committee or the Sports Committee. Well since my letter in your paper there has been a lot said regarding liable actions and dirty slurs at the ladies. It is even suggested that I accused an ecclesiastic of misappropriating votes. Now, in the first instance, I spoke of the Ugly Competition, and then mentioned that since the very beginning no balance sheet had come to hand. Nine days after the appearance of my letter, number 1 balance sheet materialized–posted up for one to digest. It was however, more or less treated as a joke, and at a sports meeting held on Easter Sunday, in a cosey corner of the tennis court, another one, being number 2, was made out. The first one having been destroyed. I guess a mistake had been discovered. But the Ugly Competition still reads, 983 votes to Mr. Alec Butler, 4 pounds/1shilling/11pence and 1030 votes to Mr. Faull, 4pounds/5shillings/10pence.
Mr. Griffiths states that a public meeting was called to thrash out the grievances, which the residents had against various committees, and to soft soap “Fairplay’s” views. This, I might say, is untrue.
On Eater Sunday a Hall Committee meeting was held to balance up, as undoubtably “Fairplay” had the “wind up,” and the secretary was asked to call a public meeting to see if some other arrangement could be made regarding the piano and to have a dance afterwards, the proceeds to go to the hall funds. So almost everyone turned up. It was a very fair crowd indeed. When all were seated the secretary said that the meeting was for the purpose of announcing that the party who had been running the affair has been giving it the best. The sum of 2pounds/10shillings had to be paid monthly, or back to the seller the instrument would go. Owing to the chairman’s eyesight being on the dull side the secretary was asked to deal with the correspondence which he did. His motion came first, and it was to the effect that twelve persons be elected, ladies and gentlemen mixed, one of them to run a dance each month making his or her arrangements in each case. That would give a chance to almost everyone and it would come each ones turn every twelve months not leaving the work always to one person. Mr. Ridleys motion provided for a secretary to do the writing, a committee to run the refreshments and one to take the door, each to his own bit. However, thirteen votes were given to each motion. The chairman having the casting vote decided to have fair play. He tossed a coin. “Heads up” it was. The secretary’s motion being carried. Mr. Valentine was elected treasurer, and it was decided that whoever ran the entertainment was to hand over the profit to him. Seven names were submitted and before they had really resolved who was to start the new style, in crept a mob to attack fair play with reams of notes, with in some cases Johnie Walker and King George as cooperators, whereas old “Fairplay” came in with his own unaided courage. One of the leaders led off by saying “Mr. Chairman” “I want to thrash out or sift out “Fairplays” meaning; you can hear it being discussed on the road, in the bush or on the water carts. And now we will have it out here.” “Yes” said Mr. Griffiths, who was in the corner, thrash it out, thrash it out.” That’s all you could get from that little boy.
If there was not a creeping of the type of some of those shiny black, snakes referred to in your paper, who adopt nom de plumes well, I am a Dutchman.
With regard to the statement, the first one read: 4pounds/1shilling/11pence to Mr. Butler with 7/3 of that being collected in the hall. Yet seven out of the eight persons whom I mentioned in my letter said they gave their donation to the Pole Clerk. Neither of the candidate’s money was kept separate. All went into one hat and the Poll Clerk may have got may have got the money mixed up in the first instance having all the work to do himself. A total of 15 shilling was given to eight different persons in the hall, and only 7/3 was accounted for through the confusion. So, there is the puzzle readers.
Now some questions that were on the sheet I picked up, which the attack party had read.
Are the people sure they gave the money, and did they see the votes go on accordingly? They argue that the person contributing should have seen to this. The Poll Clerk himself was collecting outside for both candidates, and their idea is they should have foxed him to see if he counted the votes right.
Another point: The Piano Committee are responsible for the funds of the piano, and it is their business to see that satisfaction is given. The screenings from the sift box was a vote of no confidence. So, home they went, like little sports. Whoever liked could pay for the refreshments and for the dance.
And these are the gents who call themselves “Sports”. “All *tick paid” says little William, expecting 3shillings of “Fairplays”. He adds that I accused the ladies of the *tick. Well, it is quite true. I was at the booth, and saw and heard a lot, and one got this to his ears; “So much to Mr.–, very well, but he owes 4shillings and sixpence now; so much to someone else, very well.” All went down in a book. These are the sports we have up this way. (*Tick in the day meant credit)
“Farplay” did 12shillings/sixpence in on the round, dinkum cash, all in a couple of hours, and another 2shillings at the door. Mr. Griffiths goes on to say he knew a competition to be won by a bale of wool being donated to the winning candidate. The wool was not there, but the tick was. I know of a competition being won by an I.O.U. The money was not there but the I.O.U. was, as yet in the hands of the committee, and is on the debt side of the sheet with its owner over the hills and far away. Now was that fair to the losing candidate. I say No!
Bill has along enology of the ladies. We all know what the ladies have done. In fact, we knew Mrs. Eves before William left the Cold Country. She stands out on her own merits, but what about the other three who stand out and cut sandwiches and backed cakes owing to supplies not coming from Geraldton? Twice they did it, all for the public entertainment. Nothing to be said about that. I must not forget to enlighten Bill on the fact that, when the chairman reminded me of the money I owed him, he remarked, “You owe me a shilling.” I mentioned three shillings. “Oh, is that it” he said. “I knew you owed me some but did not know the exact amount.” It shows what one gets for being honest, and also how good memories fail.”
However, all is just about over now. The Piano Committee are going to get rid of their bundle as quickly as they can. The Hall Secretary is sending in his towel–new blood all round, and I hope it will be a better class too
Thank you, Mr. Editor once again
–Yours etc.
“Fair Play.”
Geraldton Express
20th April 1923,
TENINDEWA Notes.
(From Our Correspondent)
In spite of adverse circumstances, the send off to Mr and Mrs Tom Davis was a great success. If many more farewells are given, our Agricultural Hall will have to be built, as the present little building was strained to its utmost capacity. Songs, recitations and dancing were the order of the evening. The star item, exclusive of the good singing of Mrs. Davis, was Mr. Frank Broderick’s recitation. Some class as a reciter is “Broddie”. Though I have publicly thanked ladies and gentleman for assisting at this function, I must specialize the pianist for the evening, Mrs. H. Peet. This lady lives over five miles from here, and, though her son’s motor was recently burnt and her riding hack severely injured, she, like a good sport, hired a car from Mullewa rather than disappoint Tenindewa people. That is the spirit; nothing in the shape of meanness nor selfishness in the disposition of Mrs. Peet. There is only one thing about, this lady that I am sorry for—she is the energetic secretary for the Country Party in this district —pity not Labour. I should have mentioned that, at the supper adjournment, -Mr. Bill Griffiths, on behalf of Tenindewa and surrounding districts, presented. Mrs. T. Davis with a sum of money as an appreciation of her many acts of kindness. Irrespective of wells going dry, mills not turning around, rain or drought, we are all bogging in again for another crop. “More acreage this crop than ever; must come our way next year”, we are all saying. Brenkley Bros, 700 acres: H. Johnson 350, W. Curtis .350, A.E. Benoit 350, and Bedford 200, are farmers at Bindu who are now going for their lives.
A very painful accident, with, I fear, serious results, befell a three year old son (little Bill) of Mr. Tom Shaw. While dad was away working the child’s mother being away from the district, the little chap ran into a boiling kettle on the ground floor and capsized the contents all over himself, scalding him something cruelly. He is now an inmate of the Geraldton Hospital. Everyone here sympathizes with Mrs. Shaw.
Bindu school still getting pulled down at Meekatharra. Though a vigilance committee is on duty, there has not been a slate pencil pass this way yet. The contractor better hurry up, else he will have to swim across our creeks, for there are some very heavy dark looking clouds hanging about. When they burst, we will know it.
Geraldton Express
10th October 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)
The rain that we have had just recently put the finishing cap on the heads of our grain, making a prosperous season assured, and if many I.A.B famers do not turn the debt-leaf in the I.A.B ledger over to the credit side this year, well, there is something wrong with the works. Though I have seen magnificent wheat yielding crops, I never noticed any particularly tall ones. Not a bit of good saying one farmer has the best this year, for there are splendid crops everywhere around this district, no one standing alone. I had the occasion last week to journey out north of Tenindewa, and was struck with appearance and activity on Messrs. R. Dunkin and Geo. Valentines places. These two farmers have showed their appreciation of the help of the I.A.B. by buckling in and quickly wiping off their loan, building alone. I had occasion last week to speak to them on their own. They were dinkum I.A.B. clients.
Mr. Geo. Valentine was very proud, and rightly so, of a six-foot crop of oats he had–going to show a sheaf or two he said. He is doing what few do, but many should; sowing grass seeds all over the place for sheep feed. The Wimmera grass planted by his neighbour Mr. Dunkin and himself, proving such a success, it has made him carry on with the good works.
As your readers are aware Mr. Valentine was badly mangled and scrunched not that long ago. Among other casualties he had an arm and a leg broken, but George. being molded from a steel block, a few dints never shook his frame too severely and he says, Nurse Rose, of Mullewa completely welded him together again. This lady must be “some” nurse, as her late patient is now convalescent and working like a machine once more.
I read where the “Mullewa Mail” gave our good friend, H. J. Stafford, a bit of a boom. I will go a bit further and say there is not a more energetic man than “Staff,” notwithstanding his 60 years of age, in this district. Perhaps some don’t know this. He was the first to introduce sheep here, also pigs and cattle, and now he is the first in the district to send cream to Geraldton. There is nothing new that “Staff” won’t have a go at. I believe he is talking now about building a silo. Look out “Staff” –very expensive hobby, ensilage. One false step and you are gone, as my girlfriend used to say, Stinking Rodger Radish, and Doublegee might ferment and make good manure, but I cannot see where the food propensities are. And I should think if one has to grow lucerne, rape, etc.; there is more profit and less labour in eating it off than cutting, stacking and carting it into silo pits.
Let Billy Rothchilds, Forester Bros., and other big financial chaps have their silos; they can afford them.
A crop of wheat will give enough chaff, bran and pollard to feed the milking machines far cheaper. Stick to it my friend, is my earnest wish.*
There may have been, but I have never seen a better Shivoo in tendinea than the one given by the Oddfellows last Saturday night. The hall was packed to suffocation with carload after carload reeling down from Mullewa and Devils Creek laden with passengers and arriving hourly. Mrs. Eves was ably assisted by Miss E. Palmer in catering for the pleasure of all. That good lady, Mrs. H. Peet had a great helpmate when providing the music in the person of Mr. Pike. He can handle and blow the cornet, can the policeman in charge of Mullewa, and furthermore, he is a good, genial all-round sport and man. Not having marred a milliner, it is therefore impossible for me to write you of the dresses worn by the fairer sex, but I don’t think many halls ever held as dazzling blaze of brilliancy.
No doubt the Hons. J. Hickey and T. Moore, MLC. will read with pleasure that Miss. Jefferson is whacking our kiddies into shape at Bindu school.
Why I mention these two legislators in particular is because I have heard a lot of controversy on this matter, and I will defy contradiction when I say these two members of parliament alone got us that school. Labor again not in vain.
Mr. W. Brenkley’s tractor arrived today. I will write further on this after its trial.
* Note: This particular “Correspondent”, in post Tenindewa times, became Wesfarmers chief agronomist
December 10th, 1923
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Record crops are now being harvested around our district, and it is interesting and amusing to listen to the great yields gathered in. Devil’s Creek farmers are very jubilant this season. There is no-one out there with a bad crop. The rivalry amongst all while harvesting goes to show the enthusiasm, enterprise and interest each one has for his own little dig out “down on the farm.” It is nothing to hear the Meadowcroft boys are pulling off 80 bags a day [6.5 tonne] J. J. Keeffe gathering in 30-bushel crops; Sid Eves cutting 2 ton of wheaten hay to the acre; while his oats are stripping 30 bushels; and that Horrie Peet is bagging 7 bags to the acre from a crop that looks just a 15-bushel crop. But Walter Brenkley, of Bindu, knocks this silly, for with his 500 pound [$1000.00] tractor towing a reaper-thresher, he gobbles up 150 bags of wheat every day. [12.5 tonne] By jingo, that’s the stuff to give ’em eh.
The market for the sale of wheat reminds me of the days when I sold lead, the price fluctuating and see-sawing every week. No trouble to sell wheat this year, for every second person one meets now is either a buyer or an agent. Believe me, it is not safe to drive into any siding with a waggon [sic] load of wheat if you have young horses, yoked thereto, while buyers and agents are charging at you like a squad of Anzacs.
Mr. Editor please let me correct a statement I made in my last notes that Messes. R. Dunkin and G. Valentine were clients of the I.A.B. No, sir I am glad to say, these two energetic farmers never had the brand of failure as a cocky I.A.B. stamped on any part of their anatomy. Their banking accounts have swelled through their own solid hard toil and grit.
Concerts and socials are regularly held here, for we have not paid for our piano. Mr. Glen Maloney handled the last one and showed a good profit. Mrs. Eves, as usual, helped all she could. Miss McGuinness from Devil’s Creek, and Mr. Frank Butler, Bindu, gave Mrs. Peet breathing time by helping her provide the music for the dancing.
The Devil’s Creek people, besides being good farmers, are champion sports, too. A couple of Sundays ago they organized a gigantic picnic and held it at Seven Mile pool on the Stock Route. So, if you hear of rinderpest breaking out near there, or any drover losing half his mob, you can soon tumble why and where. Among the many gathered there I noticed Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, of the Mullewa pubbery [sic]. Mine host and his wife are very popular. All sorts of aquatic sport were held in the pool. Three times around Mrs. Eves who stood in the middle of the pool constituted a mile, Mr. Clarrie Meadowcroft won the event from 14 others. The diving competition, owing to no prize being forthcoming, was about to be struck off the programme, when luckily, a young lady while convulsed with laughter, last her set of false teeth, heavily cased in gold. Mr. Peter Jefferson proved another Diver Hughes by recovering the lady’s food munchers. Too long to go through all the items, and when the lady before mentioned, who was standing in the pool, had an attack of cold shivers, and a buggy was hauled in to relive her, I left for Tenindewa, but without doubt it was a great picnic, and, as Mrs. J.J. Keeffe says, next time she will take care she does not walk four miles out of her course (don’t let anyone say she got bushed) and Mr. Charlie Meadowcroft is going to give a certain young lady swimming lessons. The next picnic will be “The One.”
Knowing there are a lot of 16th Battalion diggers in and around Geraldton and District, I feel sure they will smile when they read in the “Express” that I was at Mullewa on Monday week, when “Schnapper” O’Loughlin, Corporal of C. Company, got married. Game as ever, he never flinched right through the ceremony, and though afterwards the barrage of beer bottles skittled me. No ambulance had to be called for “Schnapper” for, after being attended to at his brothers dressing station, he left with his wife on their honeymoon to the east. Another raid for the 16th with objective taken.
When the Yuna Line goes through (about election time) don’t allow politicians to have all the hamper. Just hand out a sandwich to Harry Pass, for Sandow, with all his strength could not have endured what our good friend Harry went through getting the Advisory Board across county along the proposed new railway route. He spared neither time, money nor self, and, as Ned Kelly was never a better bushman, the driver of the first engine on this line need not fear that he will run over a precipice or into any sly-grog shanty, for Harry blazed the track.
Geraldton Express
December 1924
(From Our Correspondent)
Of course, you must be aware that we are now in the harvest, season. Therefore, there is not much need for me to tell you the chief questions here are: “How is you crop going?’ “Did your Federation stand the dry spell?” “What do you think wheat will reach this season,” etc. These are the chief topics for breakfast, dinner and tea, so you must pardon me this time if my notes are not very newsy.
Treating the Kiddies.
The Saturday before Xmas we are holding at the Bindu school a Xmas function, sports, cakes, ginger beer, lollies, nuts and lemonade for the children in the afternoon, and a Christmas tree for them at night, after which the decks (or floors) will be cleared for action for the adults to hold forth. Dances, recitations, songs and speeches are on the programme.
Both the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. M. F. Troy) and the Hon. Tom Moore will be there, if Parliament is still not “clunky”– I mean sitting–and the two politicians’ home on their farms. I am sure, if its only to hear Mr. Benoit’s lecture on “How to Grow Wheat,” they will strain their brains to be present
Anyhow we expect to see them.
About Politicians
Talking about politicians, while at a Road Board election I had to put up with this sarcastic remark from a “Tothersider”. “What has your member for Greenough done up to date. Never heard of him in the parliamentary limelight” “What do you want him to do” I retorted. “Kick Sir James Mitchell in his group settlement; knock prohibition out of the speaker’s chair or give Lovekin a smoking kiss on the upper house? Done my friend! He has done nobody but pay his way and earned his way. Anyway, did you not hear about the great speech he made quite recently? “No” said the “Tothersider”. So, I told him about our member with a lot moore was inspecting Fremantle gaol when he was asked by somebody in authority to say a few words to the prisoners and cheer them up like.
The Members Gaol Speech
He started off: ” Ladies and gentlemen—oh! -oh! oh! Beg pardon, fellow citizens. Ah, h’m! ‘Should I say fellow citizens and evil doers. I am very pleased to see you all here today.” He then sat down.
My word, the brother to the Hon Tom Moore—Bob Moore—is a glutton for work. They have a farm at Indarra, or I should say Bob is making one with honest sweat and hard toil. Bob has repeatedly made a camel of himself humping’ loads of provisions, etc., from Indarra on his back to the farm, but when he tried to take a horse’s place he had to give in—too much. The Hon. Tom sent up to Indarra a spring cart, but no horse. Bob unloaded it from the truck, yoked himself in the shafts and made for home, but two miles of sand pulled him up. No good, he reckoned, and added: “I will “have to go to Frank Troy’s for a horse. I come from Victoria and am not used to sand.”
A Missing Hack.
We have another hard doer in our local storekeeper and postmaster, Billy Griffiths, of Tenindewa. Bill bought a prize hack and turned it into a paddock at Alea Rumble’s place to graze. Alex warned Bill that the prad would get out, as some of the wires were loose, but Bill heeded not. In due course the hack cleared out. Bill said:–“Well, well, well, why, why that horse cleared out I cannot tell. “Should have fed him,” said Rumble. Bill said “Thats the trouble he had his three slices of bread a day same as myself. I am still here, but he has mizzled”
Jim Bedford, of Bindu is very jubilant, as he struck good water in a bore from his own divining on his own farm. He has let a contract to sink a 75 foot well at once.
As you know Phil Collier, like his predecessor, is off to Blighty.
January 7th, 1925
Doings at Tenindewa
(From our Correspondent)
Here’s wealth and success
To the staff of the “Express”
With a prosperous and happy New Year
And when I come down
To Geraldton town
I’ll drink your good health in Globe Beer
Christmas time here was really worth stopping home for. The usual Christmas tree for the children was held at the Bindu School and proved a gigantic success. Toys in galore for the young folk, besides soft drinks cakes etc., while the elders enjoyed themselves dancing and listening to singing, recitations and stump [sic] speeches. Mr. Billy Griffiths made an ideal Santa Claus, and with mohair whiskers from Mr. C. B. Palmer’s Angora goats, looking just it. At the interval Mr. Benoit made a brief neat speech, eulogizing [sic] Miss. M. Jefferson, the lady teacher of the Bindu School, for the advancement she had made towards the education of our children. Great credit must be given to this young lady for the energetic manner in which she single-handed arranged and collected for the Christmas tree. Let me here thank all those kind friends who so generously subscribed to make this function the success it was. To Mr. Frank Butler and Sandy Boylan, we will always be indebted for providing the music.
Naturally, I suppose there was some critics, but as we all know they who criticize give the least, and the biggest critic is the most unsuccessful, we leave them to themselves.
Very dry weather lately, and as our water supply does not look like lasting too long, I should like to point out to the Minister for Agriculture that those ornamental tanks would look a lot better filled with water, for what unearthly use are they stuck all along the railway empty? Surely they are not to be used as camp ovens. We cockies would only be too pleased to help to keep the tanks from running over, and the water from stagnation. So, fill em up Mr. Troy.
Mr. Brenkley, with his sister Miss Alice Brenkley, whilst walking to look at a dingo trap, were singing, “If we catch a fox, we’ll put him in a box and a hunting we will go,” and sure enough in the dingo trap was a fox. So, off with him to Mullewa went Walter. Result 2 pounds [$4.00] for Jack the Fox.
I have had a message from Mars. [sic]
My old friend Clement Wragge, broadcasted down to me to tell the cockies to work double shifts to secure their harvests, for as sure as H- is a man trap, a thunderstorm will be sent to tickle them up soon.
Whilst discussing the merits of the Ford car, which often careers around here with 4 gates hanging on the front, and more of less of ten chain [200 metres] of a six wire fence trailing behind, someone remarked “What a pity the owner is not like the maker, Henry Ford, a teetotaller.” Another chap interjected, and said : “Ford may be a teetotaller, but on his Ford cars is the best invention I have ever seen for opening beer bottles. Just watch this driver open a bottle without leaving his seat.” We did too, and that was our share of it—-watching him drink it.
May 5th, 1926
Geraldton Express
Tenindewa Notes
(From Our Correspondent)
Swearing at the horses or cranking up the tractors is the occupation of all us cockies–ripping tearing cursing swearing if there is any stoppage from sowing this year’s crop. The majority are sensible, and this year are using the cultivator drill. This instrument to my mind, is the most useful ever made. It suits the energetic farmer and the drone also; the former for the simplest reason there is nothing to stop it from working, neither rain hail or sunshine. [a cute bit of humour here as the machine would most likely have been a “Sunshine“] The latter chap only has to clear the land, yoke up the cultivator drill, and his crop is in. The season here has started splendidly; two inches (50mm) in April is a good kick off, and if only it keeps going as well as it started, I won’t care whether the Aussie cricketers bring the Ashes back or leave them in England.
I have read where my old friend H.J. Stafford, has been standing on his hind legs, pelting bombs at the I.A.B. and the Labour Government., but up to date I have not heard of any reports or explosions; for, worse luck, my friend was too impulsive and forgot to pull the pins out before aiming, if I were he, I should keep well down in my dugout for back those bombs will come properly discharged. HJS wants to ask some Digger about the Chinamen over in Belgium and how they fared when they threw bombs at German prisoners, forgetting to pull the pins, and how Fritz returned them. “Lord Save us,” cried Mrs. Davis “before you enlist any Jack Robinson Chinamen were transformed into aeroplanes, for they were vol-planing [sic] and nose-diving all-over Belgium.
I don’t know what the cause of the Government gangs was leaving our road job unfinished. Just at the time that Walsh had to beheaded or deported they threw down tools and off. They might have seen H.J.S. manufacturing high explosives. Anyhow, they have left the roads in a disgraceful state. Some of the so- called gravel could easily have been used for habour works for the United Party.
I am sorry to say we are slipping back at Tenindewa. We did have a Hall and a Piano, though when any function was held in the Hall only the ladies could get in, the men looking in the windows or walking up and down outside to keep warm. But bless you the hall is sold now. Don’t know how we will get on when we intent to celebrate Pat Stone’s maritorous [sic] victory. We will have to gather round the piano somewhere.
Talking about elections, did you want to know we were voting?
Right oh! I’ll tell you:
With cart or train or motor bus,
We’re helping him as he helped us,
That’s why all Tenindewa,
Is voting ONE for Thomas Moore.
March 2nd, 1927
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
As the only humming to be heard now comes from the busy bees I presume harvest is all finished. I think, without boasting, that our district before long will be up among the highest producers in the state. Even now we will take beating. Time after time you have read from your different country correspondents of great yields of grain this year, but to my mind the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. M. F. Troy, has shown that he knows something about the department he is king of, by producing 4600 bags of wheat (383 tonne) from 600 acres (240 hectares). In one particular paddock he stripped fourteen bags to the acre (2.4 tonne per hectare). Although this I think is the best in our districts, the most credible yield was from Mr. Tom Moore’s farm at Indarra, 1884 (157.5 tonne) bags of wheat from 300 acres (120 hectares). As Tom nor Bob Moore are any relation to the Rothchilds, they were accordingly handicapped in their first kick-off as farmers. If ever a man deserved reward for his labour it was Bob Moore. Work was the only mate Bob appreciated and stuck to, and I am glad to hear he was well recompensed.
On the 15th of February the Westralian Farmers (Wesfarmers) gave a tractor and the latest agricultural machinery demonstration at Messrs. Nat and Alex Rumbles farm at Tenindewa. It was a great success from both the farmers and the agent’s point of view, Mr. Logan being kept busy booking orders. So impressed was Mr. H Stafford with the plow that he gobbled it up at once and for the way the Horward Bagshaw cultivator did its work, the many orders booked vouched for that.
Identifiable persons: Norm and Les Ullrich (back row centre) Their father Harry (right) and Harry Stokes (front row right)
The “cocky” just now is the whitest snoozer in the world. The elections are coming on and what the aspiring candidates are not going to do for our welfare cannot be told, so what with the Nationalist, United, Country Party and Labourites are telling us what they will do if we only give them the handling of that 600 pounds a year ($1200.00) we are wondering who will give the best Santa Claus. Personally, I wish it were over, and then the successful one could send us some rain, for the weather lately has been abominable. I read in notes from your Upper Chapman correspondent a complaint about the cornsacks sold to farmers and that in spite of cramming, ramming slamming and jamming it was impossible to put put 180 lbs (86 kgs) of wheat in one bag. [Note; A bag of wheat was expected to be, and thus paid for on the condition, of i 3 bushels ie 3 X 60 lbs]
I will go further and while fully agreeing with him, I ask why should any farmer have to resort to such tactics? The best thing to do is summons the jute merchant for obtaining money under false pretenses because the farmer orders and pays for a three-bushel bag. He generally receives a two or two and a half [bushel] one. If a baker sells a loaf of bread one-ounce short weigh he is fined 10 pounds ($20.00). What applies to him ought to apply to all vendors. Though the “cocky” has been a target to be shot at by everyone for years, as sure as bad eggs make good bombs, he will wake up and get his own back.
I don’t know whether this rumor can be verified, but it is said that the Mullewa Roads Board are going to borrow 3000 pounds ($6,000.00) and declare Mullewa a Municipality, plus pull down the barn they use for functions, erect an up to date Town Hall, install electric lights in the town, let the present offices [out] and in future make Mullewa what she deserves to be—one of the most progressive and up to date country towns. Yes, the time is now opportune for Dave Warren to don the Mayoral robes.
March 19th, 1927
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
The Mullewa Magnet & Perenjori-Morawa Advertiser
Unfortunately, I have to record the death of Mr. Patrick. Butler, a resident of this district, who passed away last week.
The late Mr. Butler lived here for the last 7 years and it can be truly said that he did not make one bad friend. He was liked and respected and genuine expressions of sorrow were the order of conversations among friends when the sad news of his death became public.
Only a month before that we sustained the loss of another of our old friends, the late Mr. Percy Palmer, who had lived here for a good number of years and was respected by all.
At the time of writing, we are enjoying nice cool weather and quite a number of farmers have commenced to prepare for the coming seeding, and super arriving with every goods train and being promptly unloaded, enabling the Railways to hurry the trucks back to the works for reloading. Without super supplies, farming land here would be valueless, and we will someday realize just how much we are depending on the other fellow, for after all the working man is a producer equally as much as the the farmer, and that the real enemy of the farmer is a non-worker, who will stir up strife and misunderstanding between the two sections of the producers and indirectly is the cause of the unpleasantness now existing between two prominent political parties.
Geraldton Express
11 July 1927
Tenindewa Topics
(From our Correspondent)
Our new young lady schoolteacher, Miss M. Costello, not to be outdone by any of her predecessors, is organizing a social, concert and dance for July 16, the proceeds to go to buy sporting material for the school children. I am sure everyone around here admires her spirit and put in an appearance at Bindu school on the above date to verify it.
What with the aviators and the Duke and Duchess it is marvelous to me how the wires stand the strain and don’t burn or snap with the weight of messages sent along them.
Did You Catch the Latest?
In case you didn’t, here it is—
“Jonesy” the parrot presented to the Duchess of York for Princess Betty by Fremantle boys, is home sick.
The daughter of the Duchess of York,
When with Jonesy her parrot did talk.
Told her good parents that Jonesy did say
The best place in the world was good W.A.
Only too pleased to show you the way,
If you let me out for a walk.
Geraldton Express
17th June 1927
Tenindewa Topics
(From our Correspondent)
As the Royal Visitors had not time to come and see me I had therefore, to make time and go and see them. That is why I have been so long winded with my notes this trip.
Some farmers are finished, and some are on their last lap for seeding operations. Tractors, every design ever invented, have been puffing and blowing, skidding and bogging around this district. I think there are more Cases than others, but whether they are better is an open question, though Mr. W. H. Stokes can always be retired upon to state a case for the “Case.” Our old friend Mr. Henry Ford, beg pardon, I mean Mr. Henry Stafford, is very proud of the performance he put up with his Case tractor. He pulled into a paddock of about 120 acres [45 hectares] at 10 o’clock on Monday morning, ploughed it, then drilled it (no sunder seeder) and came out of the paddock with the tractor at 5 o’clock on Saturday night. Not bad going for a young colt–sixty-four years of age, is it?
I have heard enough about the comparison between horsepower and tractor that I don’t want to hear any more. Which takes the belt is still an argument, but this much I say, as a sleep disturber a tractor is out on its own especially when owned by a cocky, who to make sure of his crop for his second payment tries to reap Edison’s reward for ‘perpetual motion’ by continuously working day and night. I don’t know what the Trades Hall people are doing for allowing such a machine to come into ‘eight hours a day Australia.’? There is one thing about it, one can get one’s seeding done in ample time to catch the rainy season. There are some big areas under crop here this year, Brenkley Bros, 900 acres: W. T. Curtis, 460: A. E. Benoit, 360 acres: R. W. Johnson, 350 acres: J. J. Smith, 360 acres: R. Dunkin, 1000 acres: Bob Oldham, 800: Rumble Bros. between 500 and 600 acres, while our new settler, Mr. Ullrich has from here to Meekatharra under crop. The lord only knows how many thousands of acres he has seeded.
The proudest man in Tenindewa is Mr. Bob Oldham, as his wife has just presented him with a fine bouncing baby daughter,
I am very sorry to have to inform you that we have lost our young energetic lady school teacher. Miss N. Shier. This young lady made a host of friends here, in fact her genial personality would get her friends anywhere and though she goes to college to further her education I am sure this district will not forget the way she studied and worked for the education and welfare of our children. Miss M. Costello, from Perth, succeeds Miss Shier as the lady teacher here.
A little joke Mr. Editor about lady teachers, I must relate to you as it occurred here. A young lady from Geraldton came up here to spend her holidays with farming friends. The farmer has employed a dashing imperial officer of no mean rank. He is a bally captain, so he is. The captain’s great weakness is the fair sex. A pretty girl, and the captain is “set.” Well the farmer took all hands for a joy ride to Mullewa, his wife and two ladies (including the Geraldton one) in the back seat and the captain in front alongside himself at the wheel. Quite accidently the captain puts his arm around the back of the seat and somehow manages to grasp the hand of the young lady behind. She being a wag let him hold her hand for a while, then as quickly as lightening grabbed the farmers wife’s hand and put that into the captain’s and for twelve miles it rested so. The captain still thinks he was playing handies with a different person than he really was.
A meeting was held at Tenindewa to try and get the Education Department to re-open the Tenindewa school, as the required number of children can be obtained without calling on Mr. Bob Oldham. It won’t be long before the school is a going concern again. I wish the Mullewa Road Board would motor down and see if their “motor” could jump the washaway in our main road to Bindu. Someone will turn a “sugar- doodle” in it yet and look out for damages.
Though we have had fair rains, the cold ground is against speedy growth of crops, so there’s nothing sensational yet to report, but bide a wee.
Geraldton Express
6th January 1928
TENINDEWA TOPICS
(From our Correspondent)
I suppose you must be sick and tired receiving from your “cockie” correspondents of how many bags of wheat “Mr. Spendnothing” reaped, and how long it will be before Mr. I.A.M. is off the I.A.B., as you have “Wheat” all the year round with you at the pictures at Geraldton.
Note: The thought of the writer is that left-handed comment was about the then picture theatre in Geraldton being owned by a Mr. Wheat.
Nevertheless, I want to impress it upon your memory this place of ours, Tenindewa, is going to be one of the greatest wheat producing districts in W.A.
Every inch of land within an area of fifty miles has been gobbled up to grow the golden grain, and as water is readily found all one has to do is to keep one’s head down, hoe into the ground, and after ten years he will be able to look Mr. H. Grant, of the Agricultural Bank, in the face, and say: ‘Thank God, I owe you nothing but respect, and I pay that to no man.”
Yes, Mr. Editor, there is a lot of money in wheat farming, if you work 23 out of 24 hours a day sewing your crops, then escape severe frosts, red rust, septoria, take all (I.A.B.), and nine other diseases peculiar to wheat growing, and withstand thunderstorms, bush fires and rabbits, to say nothing of that, other parasite, the persistent travelling agent, who with eyes like the hawk when he spots a good crop, will not even under the point of a gun leave the owner until he has persuaded the poor devil to ruin himself by buying a tractor dirt cheap at 600 pounds, or something else no sensible man would ever contemplate of purchasing.
Some of these days, I should like you to get Mr. Rob Moore, brother to Tom, ex member of the Upper House, to write you an essay on wheat farming. All the same I say: Go on the land young man; far better to die there than at sea., for even when dead on the land you are helping to grow something, when at sea you are on a roving commission within a shark or whale; never in the same place twice.
There is one thing I will say about my brother “Cockies. ” Very seldom, even, at Christmas time, do you see many drunks, not because he would not like it, but because he cannot, as with anything a cocky buys is on the three-year system, February, first stop, and as the Globe Brewery won’t extend their terms to us for hops, we have to mark time” and sit tight.
Peculiar weather around here this season for stripping. November, fine, but very windy; December, all the time threatening with heavy thunderstorms, though nothing serious. I believe, however, that a few hailstones were pelted around to damage good crops. On the face of all this, collectively speaking, it has been a good season here, and the two Driscoll Brothers have truly earned their money receiving our wheat for the Mullewa Co-Op. A word of praise here to these young men shouldn’t be out of order. For three years in succession Ernie and Mick Driscoll have handled the wheat here, and not one word of ‘complaint has been recorded against them, which clearly proves they have given satisfaction both ways, to their employers and the cockies. May they keep on keeping on, is my wish. I don’t know how the second Mr. Liebe fared this season, but this I do know. He will crop 4,000 acres next year, 3,000 of which is fallow. I refer to Mr. Ullrich, our stop-at-nothing neighbour. Up-the-lot every spin must fall heads one time, then a big dividend seems to be his motto. I hope he wins. I read where my neighbour, Mr. M. F Troy, is no longer Minister for Agriculture. Fair dinkum, I don’t believe we have ever had as good a Minister in W.A. before. “No soft soap with him; He often used sand soap. Even if he had done nothing else for the farmer, the outback settler will always pat him on the back for getting an Agricultural Bank loan for settlors 20 miles from the railway. Good on him! Our annual Christmas function was a great success, thanks to the Misses Costello and Giles, our lady teachers, and the liberal financial support of the residents. I believe there is an agitation on foot to get a weighbridge put in at Tenindewa siding, as we want to move with the times. This custom of weighing one bag of wheat at a time was initiated by Noah, when he fed his animals in the ark, and as he has been dead for some little time, now we want to show we are alive and progressing.
I was nearly forgetting to tell you that we have taken on a new lease of life in sporting circles. Last year at cricket we were at the bottom of the list. This season we are the ones on top. We have unearthed two Ponsfords, a Grimmett, and a Gregory, if we don’t win the shield, I cannot say who will
October 24th, 1928
Tenindewa Notes
(From our Correspondent)
Sir, –Unfortunately, owing to and old war injuries, I have had to be an inmate of the Repatriation Ward of the Perth Hospital—hence no news from me for the “Express” for this great wheat district to which I belong.
Honestly, without doubt, the Victoria District, will easily top the poll for wheat production this year. Forty million bushels (1.200,000 tonne) were predicted as WA’s yield, but to my mind we will be lucky to see half, for though around here we have splendid crops on fallow and with early wheats, those farmers with new land, and those growing wheats as Yandilla King or any of the late varieties will be lucky if they get enough for seed.
It is one of the worst wheat growing seasons known–no rain worth speaking about in September, and I have not see one crop that has not suffered from scorching.
I am not wailing, for all the crying in the world will not alter things, but what is the good of telling a pack of lies when the truth proves the contrary.
Wheat growing and wheat returns are a farmers business, and the bank, a place from which he draws his “wages” once a year (and I am sure everyone likes to know he is rewarded for his worry, etc, that once), but unfortunately I am sorry to say there are many that will miss this year.
What Others Think
Around here we have had visitors from Southern Cross, Gutha, Three Springs and Gingin, and every one of them has agreed that none of their districts could compare with ours.
Mr. McGregor, of Menang, was asked by Mr. Edgar of Gingin, to show him something good in wheat production. “Mac”, only too pleased drove him around 800 acres (320 hectares) which will in places go ten bags (2 tonne per hectare) easily but taking it on the whole, good, bad and indifferent Mr. McGregor will harvest on average 7 bags to the acre (1.5 tonne per hectare)
Messrs. Thomas Bros, Couper and Peet of Ardingly, have also got splendid crops, and the settlers of Devils Creek and Mendal Estate, though of course wanting more rain, will harvest good crops.
Mr. J.J Smith has caused a bit of a stir among “professional” wheat growers by growing a wonderful crop of wheat at his farm in Bindu and defying all the shrewd head to identifying the wheat, which is an early variety which is showing heads of 9 inches long. (20 cms) He bought the seed from Kemp Bros, who claim to have originated it, whether they did or not will soon be known, for Mr. Stokes has been sending samples to the Agricultural Department and as they are putting the acid test on it, we will soon know whether it is mundice [sic] or pure gold grain.
I read in the papers where the P.P.A. were agitating for Italians. Just what I expected. They would just be the right sort to leave to protect their (not mine) wives and children should the outbreak of another war occur. Splendid propaganda for them for the next election, and here’s one who wont forget it.
The Elections–And an Opponent for Mr. Kennedy
Talking about elections, my old friend Mr. H. J. Stafford is going to step into the ring an try and box Mr. M.J. Kennedy out of the constituency. “Staff” is going to nominate as a C.P. (Country Party).
I am not going to say good luck to him, for though he is a friend of mine, the present government will do me, for I consider it is the best and most progressive we have ever had.
Put Squandering Jimmy back in power, and being so optimistic, he might float a loan of six millions and turn the Geraldton Harbor into a skating rink, and though, like the group settlements, this might take 100 years, as I wont live that long, I will stick to *Morrie Kennedy for my politics.
Note; *Maurice Kennedy was the member for Greenough from 1924 to 1930
A Fine new House
You have often heard of that old rhyme “This is the house that Jack built”. Well, you will want to see the house that Nat built at Tenindewa–absolutely out on its own. Its a mansion built of cement bricks, and costing in the neighborhood of 2000 pounds ($4,000) for Mr. Nat Rumble, who is to be married shortly believes that now he he has caught his canary, he should cage it worthily. Furthermore, it plainly shows that he has implicit faith in Tenindewa.
Front; Kathleen Rumble (Piesse) and Vera Rumble (Sands)
The mother of the girls and most likely the photographer wrote “Memories of a Migrant”
The three tall gentlemen are probably Alex, Manfred and Ernie Rumble (TBC)
The elderly lady on the left is most probably the mother of the 4 boys.
The remnant of that House that Nat Built still stands 3.5 ks east of Tenindewa on the north side of the highway
Mullewa Mail
3rd December 1943
“Correspondence”
To the Editor-Sir, —I was, as usual, an offsider to the Hon- Tom Moore canvassing, for supporters of T. V. Newton to the polling booth at Mullewa on November 20. It made me think and wonder why, when I poked a card marked J. V. Newton 1 to an elector to get this reply: ” Give me a man who is here, then I will vote for him perhaps, not a ‘man who is I2,000 miles away. Why should Newton be in England?” This is what I replied: “Newton is helping to guard Old England, our Mother Country. By so doing, he and other Aussies are safeguarding the daughter of the Mother Country. Australia. Old England gone! God help her Dominions, and one is Australia” May they still carry on, is my wish for J. V. Newton and all other Aussies I can hear J. V-Newton and his Aussie mates, as they fly to raid Germany, singing this (hope his opponents at the poll like it)”—
Sons of young Australia,
We all can proudly say
We are doing our bit
That helps to make Australia’s name today;
Called by some “Those Aussies,”,
We love, love our native land,
We will fight for our Australia
UNTIL WE CANNOT STAND
Yours etc..,Tenindewa-JIM BEDFORD-
Jim Bedford was a farmer at Tenindewa (Bindu) in the 1920 to the 1940s according to Doreen (Butler) Lindsey in her book “To Sow the Barley”
According to Doreen he wrote a song and music “My Soldier Bay”
He had it published.
J.V. Newton was a Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF
He was from Mingenew, Western Australia