History of West Australia/Frank Herbert Backhouse

History of West Australia by Warren Bert Kimberly
Frank Herbert Backhouse

FRANK HERBERT BACKHOUSE, M.Am.I.M E., M.N.E.I.M.M.E.

IN the great gold-producing fields of Western Australia, where metallurgical knowledge is of paramount importance to the colony's welfare, it becomes a matter of deep concern that skilful experts in chemistry should supervise operations. The treatment of local ores has been subjected to several processes owing to the want of water, and it is comforting to know that in the new processes we have thoroughly able, practical, and theoretical chemists to check, revise, and conduct. Few, if any, possess such a grasp of them in theory and practice as Mr. Frank H. Backhouse. His knowledge has been reaped from incessant experimental study in the laboratory and in the mine.

Photo by Hermes & Hall.

FRANK HERBERT BACKHOUSE.

Mr. Backhouse was born in Brisbane, Queensland, in 1863. His father was the Hon. Benjamin Backhouse, M.L.C., of New South Wales; his brother is a Judge of the New South Wales Bench. It would be a surprise if such paternal and fraternal intellectual endowments were but slightly disseminated in Mr. Frank, who received commercial and scientific instruction at the Grammar School and King's School, Sydney—institutions which in an efficient way prepared young lads for the University. Little external pressure or kindly demonstration was necessary to make Mr. Frank feel at home amid the noxious gases and disagreeable aromas of the laboratory. He revelled in its interesting disclosures, and before many months preferred, like every true scientist, to gloat over some pages of Roscoe to the sensational delights of a modern novel. Equipped with fundamental knowledge, he entered the college gates of the University. No one knows but the 'undergrad' the strange feelings, delightful yet strange, that pulsate through every nerve and fibre of the frame on the day he enters as a son of his alma mater. He now assumes the toqa viriles, and swells beneath its folds. Science was the faculty in which the name of Mr. Backhouse was enrolled. For three years he was a matriculated student of science. His career, as an alumnus, augured a bright future for him. By his perseverance and diligence in study, he won for himself the kindly guiding influence of the Professor, who gave him every encouragement in his work. After finishing his course he was appointed assistant professor to Mr. W. A. Dixon, F.I.C., Professor of the Chair of Chemistry in the Technical College, Sydney. Such an appointment, the desire and envy of budding graduates, can only be made to what is termed in academic phraseology a "star." For eighteen months he assisted Professor Dixon in scientific research in the laboratory. Part of his duties consisted in delivering a course of lectures to the students of the college on metallurgy, and another part in demonstration in the laboratory. For an assistant professor to gain the respect and attention of his students is not an easy task, but Mr. Backhouse was a favourite with the young fellows. Up to this point he had continued his scientific studies unremittingly. That nursery of inventions—the laboratory had been his abode and joy. Still, without the college walls, a wider world claimed the fruits of his knowledge. His first extra-academic appointment was as assayer to the Sunny Corner Silver and Gold Mine in the Bathurst district. He was there but a short time when he left to gain full acquaintance with the operations and ways of the mining world, and became assistant manager of the Australian K.O. and M. Company, Joadja Creek, Mittagong. Here his extensive knowledge of both inorganic and organic chemistry proved a remunerative boon to the company. He introduced cheaper and more convenient methods of treatment, and gave them the full benefit of his scientific knowledge. But somehow his heart was given to assaying. Metallurgy had always been his favourite subject, and back to Sunny Corner he went as Government Assayer. He was there nine months when he proceeded to the Evelyn Silver Mine, in the Northern Territory, as an assayer and metallurgist. On this mine he assayed for twelve months, and then resolved to exploit Kimberley, in Western Australia. The Kimberley Goldfields had been opened up six months before, and were reported as inconceivably rich. He managed after many weary days of travel, heat, and fatigue to reach the golden west. He started prospecting. Success, however, was moderate, and he returned to Sydney in 1889, and accepted the post of metallurgist in the Kohinoor Mine at Captain's Flat, Braidwood, N.S.W. Like Huma, the bird that never lights and is always on the wing, he went from there to the White Rock Mine in the Tenterfield district. Then he took the management of the Clyde Smelting and Refining Works at Granville, N.S.W.—very large and important works belonging to the Hudson Brothers. His next role was the managerial trust of the Nambucca's Head Gold Mine, situated in the Macleay district. Up to the time of the Western Australian excitement the mining pulse had long beaten slowly. The general tidal-wave that bore in its flood many fortune-mongers, received Mr. Backhouse on its crest and left him high and dry in Western Australia. This was his second Argonautic expedition to the land of the "Golden Fleece." In August, 1893, immediately after his arrival, he started practice in Perth as mining and consulting engineer. His scientific reputation was the means of his obtaining a considerable practice. His counsel and opinion were sought for continually in mining matters, and he gradually gained a business connection with leading mining companies.

The West Australian Goldfields, Limited, was absolutely the pioneer of English companies in Coolgardie. Its directors had just entered into some large mining transactions, and invited Mr. Backhouse to accept the managership of their mines; they acted with discretion in their choice. Since his appointment the company has flourished and been paying goodly dividends, due to the managerial ability. This company, which was floated on the London market by the Hon. H. J. Saunders, M.L.C., a few years ago, is now accredited with the possession of extensive real estate and various properties which necessitate Mr. Backhouse's travelling over large portions of the colony. In his twin capacity of manager and overseer, he inspects and takes accurate bearings and measurements of all the different properties. A series of flotations by the company early took place in rapid succession; the White Feather Reward Mine, Mount Jackson Gold Mine, Mount Margaret Reward Claim, the Princess Alice, the Quartz Hill Reward, and the Yerilla Gold mines. The subsidiary companies now owning these have invested large capital in them, and add the degree of "limited" after their names. As offshoots from the parent stem, it behoves Mr. Backhouse to carefully look to the young twigs and tender branches. Any advice, scientific or mechanical, is to be tendered to them.

Acute and observant, his reports and scientific accounts of the physical features of the country he has traversed, which includes all the gold fields of the interior, must be regarded as stamped with authority, especially in view of his extensive geological and chemical knowledge. He was the first mining engineer in Coolgardie to perform the journey from Coolgardie to Lake Way through the Murchison Goldfields to Geraldton. It was considered a great feat to accomplish. And such a luke-warm epithet does not in any way compensate for the fatigue and many harassing discomforts of the march. His trip was undertaken for a purely scientific purpose, namely, exploration.

In 1895 he was elected a councillor in the Coolgardie municipality. Various corporate bodies in their collective capacity claim his active services. He holds (1896) the honorary position of vice-president of the Chamber of Mines and Commerce. The utility of this body of mining men in standing by and seeing that justice is wrought is now beginning to be more widely recognised. Athletics is natural in the Australian citizen, and with all Mr. Backhouse's flood of business he finds time for patronising various kinds of sport. The Rugby Football Club of Coolgardie may think itself honoured by the presence of his name on the syllabus as vice-president. Similar sporting clubs enrol his name as patron or honorary office-bearer. The very surface of this sketch shows a rich outcrop of energy. That wealth of scientific experience, which is a mechanical mixture of theory and practice, serves well its twofold purpose in Coolgardie. The student of promise in the University has not belied the propitious prophecy. His alma mater has every reason to be proud of one of the ablest of her sons, whose name will long be associated with scientific progress in the gold mining industry of Coolgardie.

WILLIAM MUMME.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

WILLIAM MUMME.

THE evolutionary ideal of pure altruism has not yet reconciled itself to the world of commerce. From the satiety of "commercial egoism" flows a subsequent and secondary spirit of philanthropy. In the race for life there are many "watery kindnesses." The zeal and zest of each individual's energy is awakened and quickened to the consideration of the narrow region of self, and by very slow degrees to the region of not-self.

In reviewing the several stages of the life of pioneers, we cannot but take into consideration the many hardships and difficulties of their lot. William Mumme is a living proof of the theory that the universe of commerce demands rigid laws of her own. Till these are obeyed there is no high-water mark of success. Mr. Mumme was born in Hamburg in 1838. He left school at an early age, and became engaged in a brewery in Wohldorf, near Hamburg. He subsequently transferred his services to the Poppenbuttel Brewery. After acquiring complete knowledge of the art of brewing, he resolved to go to a field where there would be sufficient scope for his energies. In 1857 he sailed to South Australia, and found employment at Mount Gambier. He remained at that pretty town for twelve years, and gave the greatest satisfaction to his employer by the skilful way in which he pursued his business. He had in that period reaped a knowledge of colonial brewing, and was now ready to embark on an enterprise of his own.

He started business for himself in Albany in 1869, but found many difficulties barring the door to success. Leaving there, he entered Perth in 1872, and established the Stanley Brewing Company, with Mr. J. M. Ferguson as his partner—a tolerably successful venture. The formation of the Swan Brewery was Mr. Mumme's next achievement, and again Mr. Ferguson was his partner. For fourteen years he was manager and during that period the growth of the business was enormous and rapid. Partnership, however, was dissolved, and Mr. Mumme floated the Stanley Brewing Company, Limited. He purchased the Stanley Brewery from John Johns, who had taken it over on the expiry of Harwood and Smith's lease. The capital obtained was £6,500, made up of £1 shares. This company has been exceptionally successful, and the directors are T. F. Quinlan, J P.; H. Sherwood, and J. C. Foster.

Mr. Mumme is social, and esteemed by all who know him. He is a keen sportsman, having a perfect enthusiasm for yachting. He is a Freemason, and a member of Tattersall's Club. The characteristic temperament of his nationality, namely, the slow response to stimuli, is not his. He has directly and indirectly been a large employer of labour in Perth. His years of toil are rewarded, and he may devote himself to the higher ideal of altruism.

CAPTAIN OATES, M.L.A.

CARLYLE states that it is perhaps questionable whether, from a psychological standpoint, much prescient insight is to be gained of character from the chronicle of genealogy and birth. Though in some phenomena the beginning is the most notable moment, yet with man no social science may asseverate a special eventuation of character and power. Notwithstanding this, however, the great mass of people exhibit an eager, and perhaps not altogether idle, curiosity in the birth, ancestry, and especially the early peculiarities of a public man.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CAPTAIN OATES, M.L.A.

Nor is the mining magnate exempt from such curiosity. The success that has attended Captain Oates on Western Australian goldfields should stimulate a wholesome interest in his career. In all mining communities there are men who by a lucky turn of the pick unearth a fortune, but their numbers are small, and the majority who rise to positions of affluence do so by their own inflexibility. To the latter class the subject of our sketch belongs. Like innumerable mining captains, Captain Oates hails from Cornwall, his birthplace being the little town of St. Just, Land's End. His father (Mr. Richard Oates), a mathematician, known throughout the West of England, died when William was only a few years old, and left a wife and family in such poor circumstances that William was unable to attend school. He made his first entry into the serious affairs of life in 1853; when eleven years of age he began to work in Cornish mines. After years of toil he graduated from boys' work to the position of a working manager—a sweet reward for laborious striving. The Hull Owles Mine (tin and copper) where he was engaged, lay among the sombre cliffs, and its operations were conducted on the most extensive scale, necessitating the employment of sometimes 300 and sometimes 500 men. The varying price of tin was in a great measure responsible for the different number of miners employed, a fall in price of 50 per cent. being frequent. For instance, on one occasion tin fell within three months from £100 to £30 per ton. Captain Oates remained with this company for over thirty years, for fifteen of which he was the working manager. Prior to obtaining that position he had studied in spare moments chemistry and different branches of mining engineering at the School of Mines, and, although he never submitted himself for examination in the theory, he was acknowledged to be the equal, if not the superior, of many who had passed through the curriculum of the school.

His attention was at last directed towards Australia by Mr. George Lansell, the Bendigo quartz king. During a visit to Cornwall, Mr. Lansell met the Captain, and conversation naturally turned on the mines of the great Southern Hemisphere. Captain Oates determined to try his fortune in the south land. To an enterprising Cornishman, a change to the other side of the world is nothing, and, resigning his position in Cornwall, Captain Oates sailed for Australia in 1884. He proceeded to Bendigo to examine the gold mines and their different methods of working. Only familiar with tin and copper mines, he wisely decided to obtain a practical experience before attempting the management of a gold mine. Curious to say, on arriving in Bendigo, he found in the Inspector of Mines (Mr.Nicholas) a distant relative, and from that gentleman he obtained much assistance in his investigations. For over twelve months he travelled through the principal mining centres of Victoria, and spared neither time nor trouble to master the details of quartz mining. He had much to learn, and much to unlearn.

Eventually he took control of a tin mine at Euriowie, on the Barrier (N.S.W.), where he remained from 1885 until 1888. Then he removed to Adelaide, and a few months later migrated to Western Australia. This step was taken at the instance of the directors of the Fraser's South Mine, Southern Cross, the management of which Captain Oates accepted. The difficulties of a mining manager in those days were innumerable. Captain Oates, knowing that there was a dearth of skilled labour on the fields, brought five Victorian miners with him, and got his first lesson of the cost of living on a dry field in an account for £65 for 100 gallons of water for the men to drink. There were no railways, and all the goods had to be conveyed by road, 210 miles from York. The affairs at the mines were very unsatisfactory, the weather trying, and the water salt and scarce.

An opportunity soon came for proving the value of his early studies. On the Fraser Mine, adjoining, there were some 100 tons of stuff to be crushed, and the whole field was on the tiptoe of expectation to hear the result. Nothing was heard of the crushing for a few days, and then one of the directors, Mr. G. T..Simpson, showed Captain Oates a piece of black stuff—the result of the crushing. Whether the stuff contained gold or not the manager could not say, and, in fact, everyone on the field seemed to be at a loss to know how to treat it. Captain Oates' knowledge of chemistry was put to a test, and, to the surprise of every one present, he treated the stuff, and from a small piece obtained a nice button of pure gold. Although he did not know what the stuff consisted of when he undertook to treat it, he soon ascertained that its peculiar appearance was caused by the extraordinary amalgamating power of the water, which amalgamated all refuse from the machinery with the gold. This was the first gold smelted on the fields, and Captain Oates can claim to be the pioneer in this important branch of the mining industry.

As time went on, difficulties seemed to increase. The Fraser Company, encouraged by the result obtained by Captain Oates, made preparations for continuing the crushing of the remainder of their ore at grass, but after the machinery had run for about sixty hours the boiler collapsed. Captain Oates was sent for, and examining the broken plates, found that they had really succumbed to the action of the salt in the water. Some idea may be obtained of the saline quality of the water used, when it is stated that after the accident four large dray loads of salt were obtained from the plates. The difficulty of transit prevented new plates being obtained, and work at the mine was at a stand-still. This stoppage had the effect of bringing the shares down from 20s. to 9d. and 1s. each, and the prospects were very dreary. At about this time Captain Oates was compelled to visit Perth in the interest of the Fraser South Mine, and whilst in the metropolis was pressed to accept the management of the Fraser Mine. He consented to do so, and returning to Southern Cross got things into working order again. He assumed control on the 1st June, 1890, and on the 24th had the battery going. Work progressed satisfactorily, and in November the first dividend paid by any gold mine in Western Australia was declared. The dividend of sixpence on 50,000 shares amounted to £1,250, and simply set the field in a state of sensation. Shares in all properties went up, and an impetus was give to the whole district. Captain Oates, with the foresight of an experienced miner, realised that if the prosperity of the mine were to be permanent, a lot of developing work must be done. He accordingly devoted his energies to opening up the mine, only abstracting sufficient stone to pay working expenses. The directors were anxious for dividends, which Captain Oates would not give them, and after wordy warfare he resigned. During the fifteen months that he was connected with the mine he did valuable work, and spent some £5,000 in improvements. All of this money was obtained from the property.

After severing his connection with the Fraser Mine, Captain Oates turned his attention solely to the Fraser South Mine, of which he had all along remained in charge. Originally he had £2,750 to spend, and out of the gold obtained he not only paid this back, but also earned some £15,000, with which the mine has been thoroughly opened up and equipped. Captain Oates remained in charge of the mine for some five years, during which he was also associated with others of less importance. During that period he had won a ton of gold out of quartz in Southern Cross, very little of which ran to more than half an ounce to the ton. He was one of the first to report favourably on the now famous Boulder property, and so glowing was his report that Mr. W. R. Wilson laughingly accused him of writing a fairy story. This was soon after the lease was pegged out, and the results obtained from the mines in that district have fully borne out the Captain's first impressions of the value of the quartz.

Captain Oates' Western Australian success is due to the systematic manner in which he has fought to overcome local difficulties. He had only been on the fields a very short time when he realised that the conditions which govern mining in the other colonies are altogether different from what they can possibly be here. His first duty, therefore, was to study those conditions, and the success that has attended him is sufficient proof that he mastered the subject. Few "experts" realise this, and condemn a property as valueless because the appearances are so much at variance with those they have been used to.

Captain Oates tells a rather amusing little anecdote of a practical joke that was played on one of these wiseacres on the fields a short time ago. The "expert" referred to was going round condemning all properties as valueless when a miner handed him a a piece of brown stuff, and asked the "expert" what it was. "Sandstone," promptly replied the man of knowledge, and on being asked to examine the stuff again got quite angry, and asked indignantly if they thought he did not know what he was talking about. "If you say that is sandstone, you don't," replied one the miners; "taste it." The expert did so, and ejaculated, "Why, it is sugar." And it was; one of the miners had put a quantity of brown sugar, which had got wet, to dry in the sun, and it had amalgamated and turned to the solidity of stone. The moral Captain Oates draws from this story is, that it is necessary to thoroughly examine a mine before condemning it, and not to trust to appearances.

He has had municipal experience on the fields, and was the first mayor of Southern Cross, occupying that position for two years. Captain Oates has five children, his eldest daughter being married to Warden Finnerty. A short time ago Captain Oates built a beautiful villa on the Mounts Bay Road, facing the Perth Water, where he takes his ease when in Perth. He is still a busy man however and is ever travelling from one portion of the field to the other in connection with different interests. At the general elections of 1897 for the House of Assembly, Captain Oates was returned for Southern Cross.

EDWARD GRAHAM PRICE.

THOUGH youth as the spring-time of life is pregnant with fertilising germs, there are few who take the necessary precautions for their protracted expansion. A period of action, many make it a stage of curious inaction. Some fritter away its valuable and all-too-short moments in continual deliberation as to the adoption of a career on the morrow. The morrow comes and goes, and so does each deliberation, till youth departs for ever.

Photo by Hermes & Hall.

EDWARD GRAHAM PRICE.

But there are great exceptions to these unsettled, frivolous souls, and Western Australia claims one at least—Mr. E. G Price. When we state that he is still but twenty-four years of age, and when we show the various records of his career, perhaps the reader will judge if that is so. Mr. Price was born in Kent in 1872, and educated at a college in London. His studies were continued uninterruptedly up to the age of seventeen, when he was seized with a yearning desire to go abroad. Everything in the metropolis seemed cramped and pressed. Though wide it was narrow; no vista, no field for youthful enterprise, opened up in the fond imaginations of a sanguine mind. He embarked for Western Australia alone, and seventeen. On his arrival in Perth he looked about him, and found an opening in a mining manager's office. The discovery of the Yilgarn Goldfields, which aroused a slumbering community to a sense of active importance, was being noised abroad at the time he assumed his first role. Two years' experience in the office afforded a valuable insight into the secret and successful operations of mining. Nor was he slow to take advantage of such desirable information. He joined the firm of Messrs. Holman, Haines, and Co. as accountant. For two further years he contributed to the success of his employers by his financial abilities.

In 1894 the Hampton Lands Railway Syndicate confirmed his capability by appointing him accountant. Shortly afterwards the company sold out to the Hampton Plains Estate, with the result that the Swan Syndicate was formed in London, and Mr. Price was appointed manager. The capital was originally declared at £30,000, but was subsequently increased to £51,000. Mr. La Page, M.I.C.E., is chairman of directors, and Mr. Price holds his power of attorney in Western Australia. The duties of the new position were severe and responsible. Though he was possessed of a store of energy, there was a continual drain upon it by the magnitude of the work, which threatened at times to completely exhaust his resources. Still he laboured on in his earnest desire for the success of the syndicate. Its members appreciated his sincerity, and endorsed their former opinion of his worth by allowing him great liberty of action. He acquired various properties, which, chosen with care, are exceedingly remunerative to the shareholders. He purchased town lots in Coolgardie, which have proved to be valuable investments, as prices have risen to many times the sum paid. At his initiation, many flotations have engaged the attention of the syndicate. The Hampton Gold Fields (Limited) was floated in London, with a capital of £100,000; the Hannan's Star Gold Mines, with a capital of £80,000; the Brown Hill Extended with a capital of £65,000; and the Darlot Exploration Company, with a capital of £275,000. Any one who knows by experience the amount of trouble and labour involved in flotations will readily appreciate these results. Mr. Price acts as attorney for all these different companies. His ready and impartial attention to their several interests finds honourable mention in their reports. He did not abide content with the cold measure of justice, which is the legal virtue of subordinate labour.

Perhaps the most notable feat in the history of the Swan Syndicate was the promotion of the Coolgardie Water Works Co., with a capital of £250,000. Mr. Price, who ably advocated its formation, must be congratulated. Not only to the mines will its results be beneficial, but to the growing town of Coolgardie as well. Every detail of this scheme was carefully studied by him, and reported on accordingly. He was delighted with its simplicity and utility. Besides being agents and attorneys for all these flotations, the Swan Syndicate holds similar powers for Block 42, Hampton Plains (Limited), and the Hampton Trust (Limited). Mr. Price is attorney and legal manager for Block 32, Hampton Plains (Limited). Perhaps the excellent dividend of 50 per cent., which Mr. Price's services have reaped for the shareholders in the last half-year, will bespeak his merits more forcibly than an array of words.

W. HORGAN.

CHARACTER, as understood by the nineteenth century, is the man; and that man abstracted from his character is an inconceivable entity. The vindication of character is essential; and if the moral constitution of a man is assailed at any one point wrongfully, the wounded one betakes himself to the lawyer's hospital and shows the moral part impaired. The lawyer has to carefully diagnose the case, which means the gleaning and sifting of a mass of information, containing an up-to-date history of the injured man's life, and last, but not least, the condemnatory apostrophes hurled at his head. The immediate inference to be drawn from this is that lawyers, to deal successfully with so disjointed an array of facts, must have keen and analytical mental faculties. From long empirical knowledge of character they have built up a complete psychology for themselves.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

W. HORGAN

But law is of infinite extent. Not character alone, but civil rights must be upheld, and here again is manifested ingenuity, acuteness, and accuracy of detail. All respect the man who secures for them their rights,—those rights most cherished in a commercial age. Many are indebted to the legal skill of W. Horgan. Mr. Horgan was born on the 15th of June, 1834, at Macroom, in County Cork, Even in those early days Cork afforded good educational facilities, and Mr. Horgan was sent to the collegiate school of Doctor Moyinham in Cork. This doctor was one of the most eminent scholars of his day in Ireland, and a most successful teacher to boot. After a few terms Mr. Horgan deemed himself qualified, as far as rudimentary training went, to face the world. All know and have experienced how difficult a matter it is in the halcyon days of youth to choose a sphere of life. But with Mr. Horgan the divinity that shaped his ends was nought but natural tendency and instinct. Into the legal profession he unhesitatingly went, and he was eventually admitted as a member of King's Inn, Dublin, in Trinity Term, 1861. His success was rendered certain by the studious and persevering habits of his student life. Many a night can we fancy him sitting in a cold room until "all hours" in the morning, carefully digesting some dry and sickening portion of Roman law. A student's career consists of more tedious and unpalatable work than the public give him credit for. The most uninteresting parts of the profession have in this period to be mastered, and in passing it may be said that if a little jollity is added it is highly necessary and profitable.

Having finished his course at Dublin, Mr. Horgan returned to homeland and started practising at Cork. There he soon occupied a prominent position in the Home Rule movement under the celebrated Isaac Butt, Joe Ronayne, and Parnell. He successfully conducted election campaigns for the late Mr. Ronayne in two close contests, and his professional services were offered gratuitously. There was a limit to his career that made him yearn for lands afar off where indefinite possibilities were in store for the deserving. In 1875 he determined to leave Cork, home and friends, and seek his fortune in Australia. Time has proved that the step he took was well directed and fortunate. Arriving at Sydney he immediately set to work to gain a name for himself in this newer world. But even at this early period crowds of lawyers had flocked in from the four corners of the earth to that city, so that success, as the world goes, meant a certain time. He laboured for four years in New South Wales, whereupon he thought it advisable to break connection there and come to Western Australia. Such a decision must be commended, for practical insight told him that in a rising colony there is equal vantage-ground. He came here in January, 1881, and is still practising. He is the oldest qualified man in the legal profession of this colony.

The resources of his mind, however, were not to be bound down and restricted to the formal legal aspect of his life. As the champion of the colonists' rights, as the enthusiastic sympathiser with their needs, he appears in the next scene. He entered a political contest against Dr. Scott in 1886, but was unsuccessful. Failure is a greater stimulus than success to the daring mind, and at the next election, on the resignation of Mr. S. H. Parker, he stood a second time, and had a formidable opponent in the person of Mr. Septimus Burt, Q.C. This time he won his seat, after an exciting contest, by the narrow majority of three votes. His triumph was due largely to the bold progressive programme of Responsible Government, &c, tabulated in his line of policy, his opponent's platform being against Responsible Government. The public was indeed tired of the old mode of administration, and was loud in its clamours for Responsible Government. Mr. Burt was strenuously opposed to this democratic innovation, whereas Mr. Horgan was its strong advocate. His Parliamentary career was brief and active, and devoted to democratic progress. His bold and fiery speeches will be remembered by those who had the pleasure of hearing them at the hustings and in Parliament. The outspoken declamations that hit hard and straight caused a sensational flutter in the House. Unsparing in his invectives against colonial conservatism and autocratic exclusiveness, he rendered special service by giving Reason precedence of Authority. When the general elections were held in 1889 he again contested the seat. This time, however, four candidates entered the arena, the other three being Dr. Scott, E. Keane, and W. Traylen. The contest resulted in Mr. Horgan, who was first favourite, losing the seat by three votes, through the overconfidence of some of his supporters, who split their votes with other candidates. The fickleness of public opinion is sufficient at times to reject one who could be its greatest benefactor. Evidently, at all events, the wind of popular favour had veered for some unaccountable reason. Suspecting duplicity, however, in the election, he lodged a petition against the return, but was unsuccessful in his suit, the expenses of which he had to pay to a well-nigh ruinous extent. In connection with this election a clever sheet descriptive of Mr. Horgan was issued, setting forth that he was a man of deeds, not words. He was sued by the late Geo. Walpole Leake for slander, and after two trials, occupying eight days, he was mulcted in heavy damages and costs.

His professional duties are now extensive and arduous. Besides his own private business he is a number of the Barristers' Admission Board. Various mines obtain his directorship, the chief one being the Stockyard Creek Gold Mining Company. He is a prominent member of the Margaret River Syndicate. When Golden Valley was first discovered, with all its immediate excitement and fascination, he was one of the original claimholders.

Mr. Horgan has conducted most of the causes célèbre, in conjunction with the present Mr. Justice Hensman, while practising at the Bar. His practice is an old-established and successful one. It was he who was originator of he now famous phrase, "the six families," and he applied it in a sarcastic sense, intending to convey that that sextet dominated the whole of Western Australia. The name still lingers, but change of time and circumstances is rendering any such stigma impossible.

EDMUND GILYARD LACEY.

HER great jarrah forests have been an invaluable source of wealth to Western Australia. Rearing their tall heads on the ironstone ridges of the high hills, standing as a huge phalanx on the long plains, and affording a delightful shelter from the powerful rays of the sun in the cool valleys, these mahogany monarchs have very materially helped to enrich colonists. Hardy and tenacious, they are the enemies of decay, and as articles of commercial utility will compare with any hardwood in the whole world. Numerous are the fortunes which have been made out of the umbrageous woods, and the one-time solemn sylvan scenes now resound with the jarring of saws and the sharp thud of many axes. Man has made many gaps in the woodland ranks, and the noble fronts have been serried by his onslaughts.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

EDMUND GILYARD LACEY.

Mr. Lacey supplies a typical example of the beneficence of the jarrah forests. Edmund Gilyard Lacey was born in Yorkshire in 1843. The alluvial gold discoveries in Victoria were the cause of his father, Mr. James Lacey, leaving the old country and coming to Australia. The latter gentleman had heard of the great fortunes which were being found in Victoria, and every Australian mail brought news of a more and more startling nature of the golden wonders which adorned hilltop and valley and plain at Bendigo and Ballarat. Those who could possibly get away crowded the many sailing vessels, and each month landed on Victorian shores thousands of strong-minded and bodied men, eager to fight Nature and make her yield forth her wealth. Thus the first great influx of population to Australia took place, and the best stuff to develop and establish the colonies was secured. The father came out alone in 1854, but in 1855 his wife and youngest daughter followed him, while in 1857 the two remaining daughters and one son left England, and four months later stepped on the old jetty at Sandridge (Port Melbourne). Mr. James Lacey possessed at this time a farm at Templestowe, near Melbourne, where he subsequently spent many peaceful years. Mr. E.G. Lacey remained under the paternal roof until his twenty-first birthday. That herald of legal manhood saw him enter the commercial arena on his own account, to gain a place among the successful, or to shrink back among the unknown. He began as a carrier on the roads between Hoddle's Creek and Wood's Point, and for nine years pursued this avocation and made money by it. Meanwhile, he had observed that there was wealth to be gained in mills, and, selling his carrier's business, in 1873 he went to Deniliquin, in New South Wales, and at Gulpha, hard by, erected a saw-mill plant. The woods thereabouts contained magnificent specimens of the giant eucalypti of the red-gum species, and these were felled and treated by Mr. Lacey. They were sent to various markets along the Murray, throughout the Riverina, and to Melbourne and Sydney, and, taking year by year, Mr. Lacey's enterprise thrived. He was soon able to purchase another business in the town of Deniliquin. Engaged largely in the timber trade and in a substantial butchering business, he led a busy life.

Looking away from his immediate surroundings, he decided that there were greater opportunities of making a fortune out of jarrah than out of red-gum. He had heard much of Western Australian forests and the splendid qualities of her woods, and at the latter end of 1879 he made up his mind, sold his timber and butchering business, packed his milling plant, and came to this colony. He reached here in 1880, and, with the aid of two men he brought with him and others employed locally, erected his plant at Mahogany Creek, on the York Road. He operated on the jarrah, and his trade relations expanded beyond his best anticipations. Each year saw his wealth augmented, his plant more powerful, and his assistants more numerous. At the inception of his local enterprise, he engaged but one small engine, but this was soon found insufficient, and at the time of his finally selling the business, thirteen years later, in 1893, he employed seven. Ten men were able to cope with his orders at the beginning, but in the course of a few years he engaged at one time as many as 120. Orders for jarrah came to the colony from all over the world, and naturally those engaged in a large way in the denuding of the woodlands gradually became wealthy. It was truly an auspicious day when Mr. Lacey determined to come to Western Australia. He was the first to open saw-milling plant and yards of any dimensions in Perth, and by means of his Mahogany Creek location and his success in Perth, in 1893 he retired from work with a competency.

Mr. Lacey was one of the earliest supporters of mining in this colony and he invested capital in Southern Cross and Murchison ventures He has acted on the directing boards of several companies, and is sill largely interested in mines. He also invested in Perth real estate, and at present (1896) holds city property from £30,000 to £40,000 in value. A keen business man, he carefully observes all that goes on around him, and he estimates with fair correctness whither certain events will lead.

JOHN GEORGE DUNN, F.R.G.S.

DISCOVERER OF THE "WEALTH OF NATIONS."

THE pages of Western Australian biography should contain the stories of the brave, hardy men who enshrouded themselves amid the weird solemn deserts and discovered that which nature had so long securely hidden. They are not tales which should be lightly told, for prospectors endured many hardships, and passed for months and years the lives of exiles. In times further back than we can conceive nature silently deposited gold in the interior of Western Australia. The process by which she did this man knows not—he merely guesses. By nature's chemistry, by irresistible force, by the toppling down of mountains and the drift of atoms, by laws which acted together in happy relationship, glistening quartz appeared in which were resplendent lines of yellow gold. This may have taken days or years or æons—the prospector cares not. Then dim centuries of time passed, and man came upon earth. The Biblical Adam and Eve wooed in their earthly paradise and sinned. Out of that sin, probably, the desire for acquiring wealth arose. In course of time commerce assumed importance among the children of Adam. A symbol of wealth and exchange was required. Gold for many reasons was chosen.

Photo by Barnard & Co.

J.G. DUNN, F.R.G.S.

But not yet was Australia decreed to be the habitation of those who esteemed this coloured metal a thing of value. The continent loomed darkly out of the oceans of the south. It waited. Then pioneers came and moved eagerly to and fro over this new country in search of its riches. Generations passed, and still the golden secrets of the Great Western interior were mutely kept by nature.

Rumours for years circulated among men that Mother Earth had dowered the Great West with mines of gold. It was then that these splendid prospectors began their work. They went over the ranges and into the valleys and peered anxiously here and there for the talisman. Not successful in those places, they forced their way boldly into the more inhospitable deserts. Explorers had said that here were formations suggestive of gold. Laboriously and determinedly they went beyond the ken of men until they saw the quartz formed so many ages before. Although they observed a little gold, it did not realise the bright anticipations of persistent rumour. Not daunted, they penetrated the sandy desert wastes, through stunted thickets, and by old-time salt lakes, and reached other white outcrops. From quartz reef to quartz reef, granite hill to granite hill, they pushed their curious exploitations, and then returning, the earth rang with their gladsome news. The gold deposits were discovered. Enduring vicissitudes and performing toil almost worthy of a Hercules, they had at last learnt the secrets of nature's storehouse.

To the prospectors is due the most glowing praise. Attracted by the wealth which they believed existed, they laboured hard and long, and while some received their reward, others lost all the riches they had. It was not for the latter to draw the lucky ticket in the lottery of wealth. Western Australia, and may be the world, enjoys the fruits of prospectors' efforts, and should present indications be fulfilled, the almost universal symbol of wealth will be materially augmented by the goldfields in this colony.

We now intend to describe the career of Mr. John G. Dunn, F.R.G.S., one of the most hardy, determined, and fortunate prospectors Western Australia has seen. John George Dunn comes of a family of prospectors. He was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne on 16th February, 1860, but when he was two years old his father, Mr. George Dunn, left England, and brought his family with him to Victoria.

Mr. G. Dunn, who is still alive, and possesses a large station in New South Wales, prospected on the Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Fryer's Creek Goldfields for many years, and did not relinquish this pursuit until some ten years ago. Thus the boyhood of John G. Dunn was spent on the famous goldfields of Victoria, and it can well be conceived that the excitement of prospecting permeated his whole being. As a child he was rocked to sleep to the sound of many batteries, and as a youth he was wont to daily see his father go from place to place in search of gold, which at any time he might find in large proportions. Indeed, Mr. George Dunn was a successful gold-digger. Under such conditions it would be a surprise if his son had not followed in his footsteps. When fifteen years of age Mr. John G. Dunn began prospecting on his own account at Castlemaine. He met with sufficient success to encourage him to continue, and from Castlemaine he prospected at Fryer's Creek and Muckleford. In these places the work was principally in the alluvial. After he had attained manhood he went to New South Wales, and being considered an experienced man was placed in charge of Government prospecting parties. He was engaged under the Government for five years, and then passed five subsequent years in private prospecting in the mother colony,

On an auspicious day he decided to come to Western Australia to exploit this colony, and he arrived in Fremantle in February, 1890. At this time promising gold had been found at Southern Cross, while miners were also busy on the Murchison and at Kimberley. Prospectors were going into the interior, and Mr. Dunn was not to be behindhand. He brought with him such credentials that some of the most prominent men in the colony, whose biographies are published in this work, formed a syndicate and placed him in charge of an expedition. With good equipment and well provisioned—Mr. Dunn always considers these as absolute necessities to successful prospecting—he went to the Murchison, and from there up to Townsend, principally in search of alluvial deposits. For about four months he prospected over considerable country with varying luck, and then going further north he explored the Gascoyne district. He at last determined to make his way south, and constantly replenishing his provisions, he prospected around Coolgardie, Lake Barlee, and Mount Magnet. When he came upon likely places he worked there, and sent his Afghans with their camels to the nearest water and by this means he was able to have regular supplies. While they were away he worked with his brother William among the quartz outcrops sinking shafts, and around them be searched for alluvial. It was no easy life, nor at the time had it much charm, but the successful prospector, looking back after he has given up the work, is apt to dwell with pleasure on his many experiences. Occasionally he was troubled by the blacks, and while at Lake Carey, near Mount Weld, he had an encounter with a dusky tribe. Numbers of them approached him with warlike demonstrations, and he and his two Afghan servants were compelled to fire upon them. This had the desired effect of frightening them away. At most of the above-named places he obtained a little gold, but not sufficient for him to peg out leases. From Lake Barlee he took a southerly direction towards Coolgardie, which Bayley and Ford had just about found. While prospecting one day he came upon a good reef, which he named the Brilliant. This is situated about twenty-eight miles north of Coolgardie, and a little south of Cashman's Find. He pegged out a lease, and worked it for some time, until the property was floated into a company, and he and his brother obtained an encouraging share in the profits of the sale. Mr. William Dunn, who had accompanied him in all his trips, was now quite satisfied wih his good fortune, and relinquished prospecting. He asked his brother if he intended to go further, and the reply came that he was not yet satisfied. The work of Mr. John G. Dunn was not finished.

He prospected in the surrounding deserts and on one occasion went as far as the South Australian border. He thereby explored much new country, and was enabled to enlighten colonists on the nature of the country passed through. His brother gone, his only companions were now two Afghans with their camels. Sometimes he went for months without seeing white men, and encompassed by the enduring silence and solemnity of the unending, ugly, barren deserts, he was compelled to live within himself. Than January, 1893, arrived, when he happened on the True Blue, Sunbeam, and Lone Hand mines. He was alone when he discovered these, and hence the name "Lone Hand." These properties are near together, and were purchased by the Lone Hand Mining Company. The prospecting syndicate obtained £75,000 on the sale, of which Mr. Dunn gleaned a third according to agreement. The mines are promising, and should prove valuable in the near future. He managed and developed these properties from January until June, 1893, when the syndicate despatched another manager to take his place, and he was again able to prospect.

Going to the nearest centre Mr. Dunn obtained provisions and allowances sufficient to last ten months. He was determined to investigate some mysteries of the unknown wastes, and early in July bid adieu to white men and sallied forth. During previous tours he had observed some very promising country about twenty-eight miles north-west of Coolgardie, and he made his way there. The formation was diorite, and the contour of the locality suggested that gold existed in lucrative quantities. Thus experience and knowledge of geology, acquired over wide areas of Australia, led him to one of the most notable discoveries to be chronicled in the sensational history of gold mining on this continent. He carefully and exhaustively prospected for some days, and his eyes were held as by a magnet to the outcrops. In a little gully near his camp he was one day delighted to discover a charmed patch of 400 ozs. of alluvial gold. He took it to his camp, and searched high and low in every nook and corner for more of the yellow metal. Then he shifted his camp near to where he had been on a previous trip. Not letting one object in his surroundings escape him, he went to several outcropping reefs and broke and tested them. The 10th August came. It was a lucky day for him, for during his walks he saw what he named the famous "Wealth of Nations." It was quite close to his camp. There on an outcrop some feet high he was astonished and bewildered to see what has since been termed "a mountain of gold." He broke the cap of the reef, which was five feet high and nine feet thick, and obtained the "Honest John" specimen, which weighed 189 lbs., and contained 800 ozs. of gold, valued at £3,000. This is, perhaps, the most brilliant specimen found in quartz in all Australia. Gold glistened in the sunlight over the whole lode formation, and it took him but a short time to obtain the worth in gold of £22,000. The treasure disclosed to view was enough to hold him spellbound, and he well named it the "Wealth of Nations."

It was not an easy matter to get such riches in safe hands. When a man walks abroad without money he pursues his way quite unconsciously, but let him have some thousands of pounds worth of gold about him he imagines almost that trees have eyes, and that the birds of the air will disclose his secret to every passer-by. He is weighted with a grave responsibility. Mr. Dunn was naturally anxious to get so much gold into the bank at Coolgardie. He did not take it all at once, but hiding some, took little more than half, valued at £11,200, to that centre. Secretly stowing it in all sorts of places in the accoutrements of the camels, and even cutting water-bags and casting away precious fluid, he filled some of them. Then he approached Coolgardie. He did not choose to enter in the glaring light of day, but travelled quietly at night. The electrical mining camp was in its slumbers when he arrived in Bayley Street, and we can suppose that he rested not until the gold was placed in the hands of the Union Bank manager. A characteristic colloquy took place between the two gentlemen. Meanwhile, one Afghan was left in charge of the sensational find, and quickly taking out a lease, Mr. Dunn hurried back to the Wealth of Nations. He then removed the remaining gold, and was accompanied by his friend Mr. David Lindsay, the well-known explorer. A tremendous rush took place to the locality, and in three days 700 men were pegging out leases around the find. The silence of centuries was now broken by their clamour. Up till the end of September Mr. Dunn had charge of the mine. He proved the lode for sixteen chains by sinking several shafts. In each of these he obtained good gold. He had pegged out a twenty-four acre lease on the Wealth of Nations, and also two twelve-acre blocks adjoining. At the end of September it was put to him that he would either have to sell his whole interest in the claim or not sell at all. He took the former course, and obtained as his share £20,000. This with his third of the £22,000 worth of gold lodged in the bank made a handsome return for a few weeks' work. The Wealth of Nations was six months after purchased for £147,000, and afterwards floated. Mr. Dunn is firm in his belief of a prosperous future for the company.

Since then he has relinquished prospecting pursuits, and has taken up his abode in Victoria. At Elsternwick, near Melbourne he resides in a handsome mansion, which he has named "Lone Hand." He passes his time reporting on mines, which duties he has performed in New South Wales, Victoria, and over the Coolgardie fields. In the first-named he has purchased two promising mines at Wellington and Grafton.

For his services to exploration Mr. Dunn, some time after the discovery of the Wealth of Nations mine, was distinguished by being made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He considers Western Australia will eventually contain some of the leading gold fields in Australia, and believes that the water difficulty will be surmounted. Here, too, he says, he has observed wonderfully rich soils, and is sure that the potentialities of the colony are not nearly known. In conclusion, it is but just to add that Mr. Dunn has conferred lasting benefits on Western Australia. None will grudge him the wealth he has made in the colony. A man of energy and resource, and a splendid bushman, no difficulties thwarted him. In face of trials enough, and withdrawing himself completely from his friends, he elected to live long as a hermit. He was conscientious in his work, and has thus won the regard and respect of all sorts and conditions of people.

CHARLES ERNEST DEELEY.

COLONIALS can well boast of theirs being the home of freedom and liberty. A divine beatitude has enabled lights formerly shining under bushels to blaze forth into brilliancy. It is here that a man's true worth can be readily reckoned. On an equal footing with his neighbour politically, and on an unequal footing mentally, there must be an extended field for such a tender sapling as talent to find nurture and development. England can boast of no better arena for her sons than Australia, where worth and merit find their true place.

Photo by Barnard & Co.

CHARLES ERNEST DEELEY.

Mr. Charles Ernest Deeley was born in Warwickshire, England, in July, 1849. He was sent to college when comparatively young, and then, showing an aptitude for commerce, his father took him into his business, which carried on an extensive hardware trade in Birmingham, under the name of Deeley, Wignall, and Wilson. In 1869 he resolved to sail for the colonies. It was no idle self-sophistication when he impressed on himself and his people that beyond the seas there was a country where extensive fields and spheres contained indefinite possibilities and rich probabilities of gain and profit. He reached Melbourne in 1869, and joined the firm of McLean Brothers and Rigg, one of the largest hardware houses in the colony, and became their travelling representative over almost the whole area of Australia. He remained a successful servant in that employ for ten years—a period of great value to him in many respects. In that decade he had gained an insight into mining operations and all its appurtenances. He took a trip to England and returned again to Melbourne, this time joining his former firm as partner. He opened a branch business in Adelaide in 1882, and supervised it for several years. His enthusiasm for mining increased, and he invested considerable capital in South Australian mines, and became chairman of directors of the old Balhannah mine. He dissolved partnership with the firm of McLean Brothers and Rigg in 1887, and from that time his sole concern has been mining. He became a keen investor and a member of the Adelaide Stock Exchange, and shared the universal excitement of the Broken Hill boom. In January, 1894, he came to Western Australia, and gave an exhaustive report from Hannan's on the Coolgardie blocks, which are now universally known as the Great Boulder, Lake View, Royal Mint, and Ivanhoe. This report was elaborately and carefully compiled for the benefit of Adelaide shareholders, whose interests he was commissioned to represent. After this careful survey he went to London on mining business, and with the ready assistance of a few friends successfully launched a new corporation called the Gold Estates of Australia, Limited, which was floated in 1894 for £100,000. He returned to Western Australia, and underwent trying experiences at Hannan's. By his capable representations many excellent properties were floated by his company. First came the Menzies Proprietary Reefs, with a capital of £175,000; then in succession followed Menzies Crusoe (£200,000) and Menzies Consolidated (£225,000). Mr. Deeley early foresaw that the scarcity of water would hamper mining development, and he wrote to the company at home suggesting, among other proposals, the formation of a small water company for the express purpose of conducting water to the several batteries. His proposal was unanimously accepted, and a water company was there and then formed, with a capital of £60,000. The prime object of this scheme was to conduct water from Lake Prinsep by several mechanical contrivances to the various batteries on the fields. Operations were speedily commenced, and a short time afterwards saw the water raised to a level of 200 feet in height. Through 6-inch galvanised pipes the water was pumped up to Crusoe Hill, and reticulated from there through various mains supplying batteries all along the route of conduction. Many companies in and around Menzies pay handsome prices for such an advantageous supply, with the result that this water experiment has been highly useful and remunerative.

The Octagon Explorers, Limited, was subsequently floated by his company, with a capital of £200,000. All these flotations owe their success to the confidential and able advice of Mr. Deeley. Speculation with him was a pliable and versatile gift. From the attractions of mining, as binding as exciting, he could pass cool and calm to unenriched land speculations. For his company he made several purchases of real estate. In 1895 he bought "Maylands," with an area of 716 acres, which is now being subdivided and sold in lots. At the first Government sale in Menzies he purchased for a small sum several blocks on the main street which are now (1896) being sold at £40 per foot. There is one feature about this company which is highly praiseworthy, and that is an honest aversion to deception by fraud, cheatery, and "wildcats." Everything must undergo some little process of development before being put on the market. The first company to return a dividend was the Menzies Proprietary Reefs, which paid two shillings per share on £175,000 capital. Mr. Deeley says that whenever his company float a mine they have nothing more to do with it. They are merely a financial corporation. They employ about 400 men in Western Australia—numbers sufficiently large to convey an approximate idea of the extent of their resources. The directors in Western Australia are Sir George Shenton and Mr. C. G. Millar. One great success of the company is in the water scheme, which can at the present time pump 30,000 gallons per hour. Sir John Forrest rendered every assistance towards the completion of the scheme, and the company and Mr. Deeley speak of his disinterested services in terms of the greatest praise.

Several of Mr. Deeley's latest flotations are turning out well, such as Block 45, the Union Jack, and Southern Boulder. Perhaps the most important flotation executed in the whole of his representative career is the Menzies Alpha Leases, with a capital of £125,000, and now admitted to be one of the most valuable properties in Menzies. In these leases, which adjoin the Lady Shenton mine, 1,160 feet of cross-cutting have been completed. During all this time Mr. Deeley taxed his energies to their breaking point. He combined the offices of manager, representative, and overseer, hurrying from one point to the other in his endeavour to cover all. The strain was too much for brain and body, and the company obtained the expert services and experienced skill of Mr. George Armstrong, a well-known Bendigo mining engineer, and Mr. Eckburg, of Ballarat. These efficient and scientific men relieve Mr. Deeley of many of his former onerous duties. The company has good reason to be thankful to him, for its last dividend was 60 per cent. As a great traveller and experienced mineralogist in this colony his mature and well-balanced opinion of the colony will be authoritative and valuable. "In 1894," he says, "when I was in London, I had several interviews with Lord Rothschild, who asked me more than once for my opinion on the goldfields of Western Australia. I told him as my sincere and impartial conviction that these goldfields would eventually turn out the largest and richest goldfields in the world." These bold words were not without weight. Though the fields had many obstructions and obstacles at first, Sir John Forrest, Mr. Deeley admits in flattering terms, did everything in his power to remove them. The progressive policy of the Government has aided to an incalculable degree the development of the fields by the speedy removal of encumbrances and the granting of transit facilities. Mr. Deeley has not shrunk from perils and hardships. He is cool and logical; reasoning is solely responsible for his speculative success. He justified the step he took in leaving home, where, perhaps, had he remained, the lux famae would have been but a flickering flame, instead of attaining a full brilliancy.

HENRY STIRLING TRIGG, F.R.I.V.A.

SUCCESS in the professional world is not usually achieved by mere luck or good fortune. The successful man usually possesses qualities which have enabled him to overshadow his contemporaries and assume the responsibilities attached to the higher grades of his particular profession. In architecture as in other professions there are so many men who never rise above mediocrity, while others—few it is true—suddenly step out from the ranks, and become known by some lasting memorial. Such men are called lucky, and are envied by the dreamers who do not recognise that genius is largely persistency and capacity for hard work.

Photo by Barnard & Co.

HENRY STIRLING TRIGG, F.R.I.V.A.

In the van of the army of the prosperous is Mr. Henry Stirling Trigg, F.R.I.V.A., one of the leading architects of the colony, and at the same time the only native born practising his profession. Mr. Trigg comes of the good old stock of pioneers. His grandfather on the paternal side was the pioneer of the Congregational Church in Perth, and his maternal grandfather, Edmund Stirling, was influentially associated with the Perth Inquirer, one of the first newspapers published in the colony. His forefathers were so closely allied to the two great powers, the Church and the Press, that it was fit and proper that Henry should distinguish himself. He was born in Perth in 1860, and is the son of Stephen Trigg. After leaving school, which he attended in his native city, young Trigg entered the office of Mr. T. H. J. Brown, architect, to whom he was articled. He gained a theoretical training at this office, and when his articles were completed he went to Sydney to practise for a couple of years. During his sojourn in the New South Wales capital he had the advantage of seeing some of the best architectural efforts in the Southern Hemisphere, and when he returned to Perth some twelve years ago he possessed a large knowledge of architecture. Perth of 1884 was widely different from the Perth of to-day, with her beautiful buildings and huge warehouses. The city proper had then to be built, and in this work Mr. Trigg has taken a prominent part.

One of the large buildings to be erected was the Daily News newspaper office, the plans of which Mr. Trigg prepared. At the time of its erection it was the only building of special architectural merit in the colony. With the advent of prosperity, people who were previously content with very modest edifices grew more particular, and demanded large houses and immense stores. There was a rush of orders for architects, and particularly for Mr. Trigg. In every part of the city are monuments of his work, and perhaps the most notable is the Congregational Church in St. George's Terrace. The façade is a vigorous treatment in American Romanesque, and shows the magnificent building off to advantage. The acoustic properties are excellent, and the whole edifice is equal to the best ecclesiastical buildings in Australia. Another structure designed by him is the office of the Commercial Union Insurance Company in St. George's Terrace, which is perhaps the handsomest of its kind in the colony. Of other of his buildings are Sandover's, in the Italian style of architecture, the Royal Hotel in French Renaissance, and the Governor Broome Hotel in American Romanesque. Mr. Trigg's practice is not confined to the metropolis; it extends to all parts of the colony. Visitors to Geraldton have to thank him for that splendid structure known as "The Freemasons," which is one of the chief adornments of that port. Mr. Trigg, who was married in 1881 to Miss Rodgers, daughter of Mr. I. Rodgers of Perth, has a charming abode at Claremont, known as "The Grange." Of his own design, the house is built for a semi-tropical climate, with fine broad verandahs, high ceilings, &c.

His faith in Western Australia is abundantly manifested in the valuable real estate he owns in the colony. His buildings just erected in Barrack Street are an ornament to the city. He is a typical Australian—acute, enterprising, and genial.

GEORGE ALFRED DAVIES, J.P.

THE name of Davies has been prominently associated with Western Australia almost from the foundation of the colony. Davies père arrived here very shortly after Captain Stirling, and embarked in mercantile pursuits. He was lucky in his investments, and as he participated in the advantages that the early settlers enjoyed of obtaining property at low prices he amassed, if not a fortune, a competence which enabled him to pass the eve of his life free from the worries of business. The family name is being handed down to posterity by the sons, one having occupied a seat in the Legislative Council of his country, and the other, with whom we are now dealing, having for many years been a leading light in the local municipal world and also in commerce.

Photo by Nixon & Merrilees.

G.A. DAVIES, J.P.

George Alfred Davies was born in Fremantle in 1846. After his school days, which were ended when he was seventeen years of age, he entered his father's office, and remained with him for ten years, securing a thorough business training. He then struck out for himself, opening in business at the Grosvenor Cellars, in High and Bannister Streets, Fremantle, as a wine and spirit merchant. His Grosvenor wines are famous all over the colony, and the demand for them is so great that Mr. Davies is compelled to buy the grape crops of other vignerons in order to supply the demand for his wines. The cellars are large and extensive, and replete with every convenience for the bottling of the precious liquid.

Mr Davies is among the well-known men of Western Australia, and has been associated with the Fremantle Council either as a councillor or auditor for the last twenty-eight years. His knowledge of municipal affairs has obtained for him the dignified office of mayor. The duties pertaining to the position during his term of office were exceptionally onerous, but so well did he discharge them that when his term expired he was asked to allow himself to be nominated again. This, however, Mr. Davies would not sanction, for, in addition to the duties being a great call upon his time, he is a firm believer in the policy of distributing the honours attached to so important an office.

Long before the majority of people dreamt that Fremantle would ever assume the dignity of being a leading seaport in Australia, Mr. Davies realised that it had a great future. From his seat in the council he strenuously advocated the improvement of the town, and to him is due much of the credit of the systematic manner in which it is laid out. Had it not been for the foresight of Mr. Davies and his colleagues, many of the reserves and beauty spots around Fremantle would have fallen into the hands of private owners, and been lost to the ratepayers. Now, however, these reserves, which have been dedicated to the public for recreation purposes, are rapidly undergoing transformation, and will ere long be laid out in beautiful gardens and lawns, and remain a lasting monument to the memory of Mr. Davies and the civic fathers who worked with him. Mr. Davies has done much to encourage the formation of progressive institutions. Those products of democracy—building societies—have ever received his support, and in accepting the position of director of the Fremantle Building Society, he inspired confidence in the institution among the working classes, and induced many to take advantage of the opportunities offered to become the owners of their own homes. He also conceived the idea of erecting baths on the Esplanade, within an easy distance of the town.

Although so loyal to his native town, and anxious for its prosperity, Mr. Davies is very liberal in his ideas, and a warm supporter of any public work likely to be of advantage to the community at large. His interests are bound up in the land of his birth. In 1895 Mr. Davies was gazetted a Justice of the Peace.

HENRY ERNEST PARRY, J.P., M.I.C.E.

CIVIL engineering can reasonably claim to have solved many difficult problems in the physical world. The scope of its research is much wider than the name would lead one to suppose, embracing as it does all the fundamental principles of Natural Philosophy. Its contributions have not been directed to the piling up of a mass of abstract theories to adorn a classic volume, but rather to the interests of humanity by continual improvements and inventions for the expediency of a practical world. It were futile to speak but broadly of the many avenues and channels into which the science of civil engineering runs. The bare mention of railways, bridges, and roads—the most indispensable and useful means for universal transit—will serve to prove the practical importance of the profession. If custom did not blunt sensibility we should look on these as, par excellence, the monuments of skill. Even in this colony, where infancy forbids for obvious reasons the higher results of civil engineering, the foundations on which she rears her superstructures are the legacy and outcome of the bare first principles of this limitless science. Travellers who sit at ease in a luxurious compartment, and think merely of the journey's end might read with profit the lives of those who devise the means to facilitate and render comfortable their passage from one point to the other.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

H.E. PARRY, J.P., M.I.C.E.

In the development of railway extension, so great a boon in Western Australia, Henry Parry has been an indefatigable worker. He was born in the Island of Barbados, in the West Indies, in 1856. His grandfather was Bishop of that isle for many years, and his father, who was Co-adjutor Bishop of Barbados, and a learned, pious, and distinguished man, came to Perth in 1877, as Bishop of the colony. At the age of ten years Henry left Barbados, and was taken to England. He received a capital mental training. At Clifton, his uncle, St. John Parry (the noted coach), who was undoubtedly one of the great classical grammarians of his time, took him under his careful supervision, and crammed his youthful mind with much scholastic feeding. Here he first revelled in the irregularities of Greek verbs and verse, and heard the pathetic tale of some noble epic. He had been a pupil, too, of Harrison's College in his native island, which boasted a brilliant staff of teachers. Its teacher of mathematics—that science so indispensable to the region of calculation and mensuration—could ably cope with the absent-minded professor in his subject. It is to him that Mr. Parry owes his first love for science, and the material of his valuable teaching is indelibly impressed on his memory. He apprenticed himself in early years to George Bowen, in Huntingdonshire, England, and qualified as a civil engineer within the specified time.

In 1878 Mr. Parry sailed for Western Australia to his new home in Perth. The Government about this time was forced by public needs to extend railway communication in the colony. People coming fresh from the facilities and comforts of the home country grumbled complainingly against tedious and longsome travel by coach. Mr. J. H. Thomas, engineer-in-chief to the Government, appointed Mr. Parry assistant engineer on the new Eastern Railway. In 1880 the trial lines were satisfactorily laid after a year's hard work, and the completion of the work conferred an immense boon on all the colonists, and had the further advantage of opening up and developing these parts of the colony, more especially from an agricultural point of view. From 1881 to 1883 Mr. Parry was locomotive superintendent and resident engineer of the Geraldton and Northampton Railway. At the end of the latter year his services were transferred to the Eastern Railway. He was appointed assistant resident engineer under Mr. Clayton Mason. A more responsible position was soon given to one who had shown himself so capable of filling with the utmost satisfaction all his previous offices. In 1885 he was appointed resident engineer for the Chidlow Wells—Beverley section. In 1886 the Institute of Civil Engineers admitted him as an associate member. During Mr. Parry's career his name has become associated with the construction of many railroads, such as the Clackline and Newcastle line, and the all-important railway from Spencer's Brook to Northam. He superintended, on behalf of the Government, the making of a railroad from Albany to Beverley, a distance of 244 miles, which was looked upon as a gigantic undertaking. With very little assistance he had to survey the mass of the ground through which the proposed railroad was to pass, and to arrange all its measurements. No fault can be found with any part of the work. At present (1896) he is executive engineer of all lines from Perth to Bunbury, and from there to Boyanup and Vasse. He was gazetted a J.P. in 1887.

He has taken an active interest in mining, and made several investments with profitable results. It is impossible for an enthusiastic speculator to be unaffected by mine-epidemic. His engineering talents are to be directed to mining on his own behalf. In 188l he married the daughter of Sir Malcolm Fraser. In the Masonic Order Mr. Parry is prominent. He was initiated into the mysteries of the craft in 1880, and in the York Lodge held the office of Grand Master for twelve months. He is now a member of the District Grand Lodge.

In 1897 Mr. Parry severed connection with the Government, and now practices on his own behalf.

ISIDORE JAMES KNIGHT COHN, J.P.

EXPERIENCE is a kind of talismanic force which guides man on his path of life. In a comparatively new country the man of experience must invariably succeed; he brings to bear in his fresh fields of labour the knowledge he has acquired in other lands. Decidedly entertaining is the biography of Mr. I. J. K. Cohn, who has had a variety of experiences in the Australian colonies. From his early boyhood he has been associated with gold mining, and if there is one calling more than another that is conducive to adventure it is that of the seekers for this precious metal.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

I.J.K. COHN, J.P.

Isidore James Knight Cohn was horn in Melbourne in 1843. Tiring of a city life and yearning to get to the goldfields, he left the domestic roof for Castlemaine at the early age of thirteen years. The little lad was fortunate enough to get in with a party of men who agreed to give a him third share in their findings. This infantile gold quest was not very successful, for we find him eighteen months afterwards on the road to Melbourne, carrying his swag. Three years later he proceeded to Bendigo, having in the meantime married, his young wife accompanying him. He had only a few pence in his pocket, but devoted himself to vigorous work, and although but eighteen years of age he applied for a prospector's license over the Burra-Eureka mine, situated between Sparrowhawk and Ironbark. Then, some months later, the goldfields of New Zealand caused a general exodus from Victoria, and Mr. Cohn joined in the pilgrimage. The gold was being found in the South Island, and with his swag on his back he tramped to Dunstan, and from there to Nookimia, mining and prospecting en route. Having no luck at either place, he proceeded to Dunedin, where he found letters awaiting him which called for his immediate presence in Melbourne. After settling his business in the latter place, he went to the Caledonian diggings, about twenty-four miles out from the capital. He remained there for two years, working puddling machines, and digging between times. Wood's Point was his next rendezvous, and with his pack horses he was one of the first to arrive. He became very largely interested in reefing, but made little or no money in his ventures. Not to be outdone, he started in photography—an art in which he had always displayed studious interest. Travelling from town to town and colony to colony, he became a peripatetic photographer in earnest. At one time he was engaged in taking views for an art publication. It necessitated his going to Cobar, New South Wales and this probably proved the turning point in his life.

Mr. Cohn decided to settle in Cobar, and opened an hotel, afterwards launching out in the coaching and livery business. The copper mines of that district were developing well at this time, and he pioneered the coaches running from Cobar to Bourke, to Ningan, to Condobolin, Nimagee, and, in conjunction with a Mr. Sproule, to Hillston. He cut the first track through to Wilcannia from Cobar, and was an original shareholder in the first crushing plant erected at Bourke. Mr. Cohn stopped in Cobar a few years, then journeyed to Silverton, New South Wales, when mining was in full swing there. Then he heard of gold being discovered in the Kimberley district, Western Australia, and although doing well at Silverton, he departed, and arrived at Perth in 1885. Making all enquiries about the country before starting, he lost no time in getting to the Kimberley district. He proceeded to Derby, the main port, and spent a little time there in completing arrangements to go to the fields. When he arrived at Hall's Creek he was very much impressed with the country. There were not many miners on the ground, but Mr. Cohn equipped prospecting parties, obtained a public house license, and opened a general store in conjunction with it. Prospectors whom he sent out discovered several properties, and he was one of the first to erect machinery on the field. The Rising Sun battery, which he had erected, was, with the mine, afterwards sold to Messrs. Dalgety and Co., acting on behalf of an English syndicate. Mr. Cohn was manager of the company, but resigned because he had expressed dubious views with regard to its future. He remained on the Kimberley Goldfields for five or six years, and during that period was once speared by blacks, and on two occasions contracted fever and ague; the last time, his life hung in the balance. When he left Hall's Greek, Mr. Cohn intended to return to New South Wales and settle in Sydney, his principal reason for leaving being that he did not think gold mining could be made to pay there with white labour. He arrived in Perth when the Yilgarn goldfields had been in progress but a few months. Meeting with the late Mr. J. H. Monger and Mr. Alexander Forrest, M.L.A., they advised him not to leave until he had had a look at the Yilgarn field. Mr. Cohn followed this advice, and after inspecting Southern Cross he determined to stay there. He was appointed manager of mines for a prominent syndicate, and eventually took up the work on the Central, being the first to discover the rich chute of gold which brought this property with a bound before the public eye. After holding the position for eight months, he relinquished it to start in business as a contractor, forwarding agent, and aerated waters manufacturer. He built the Club Hotel and many other properties, each of which proved highly remunerative to him.

Always an early riser, Mr. Cohn one morning witnessed a sight that would have been a feast for the eyes of Midas. At five o'clock on the morning we refer to he met Arthur Bayley returning from his now famous find at Coolgardie, he being the first to receive authentic news. Bayley approached with his two horses. Suspended from one of them were two heavy bags, and he asked Mr. Cohn to "feel" them. "What's in them?" queried Mr. Cohn. "Gold!" said Bayley. "How much?" said the astonished questioner. "Six hundred ounces!" was the quiet reply of the Coolgardie pioneer. Then the two sat down on the ground beside the horses, waiting for the bank to open, so that the gold might be safely deposited. Bayley recounted the incidents leading up to his rich discovery, and gave Mr. Cohn a lot of valuable information which he was not slow to act upon. When the telegraph office opened in the morning, Mr. Cohn wired the news of the find to Mr. A. Forrest, and gave all particulars concerning it. Acting on the information he received, Mr. Cohn organised teams and men to proceed to the field. Men and teams were ready next morning (Sunday) and a week after the first equipage reached Coolgardie. On the route plenty of water was found in the rocks and wayside "soaks." A month after despatching the teams, Mr. Cohn set out himself for Coolgardie, and on arrival formed the opinion that it was one of the best auriferous areas he had ever seen. He therefore acquired several properties on behalf of his syndicate. Meantime the "rush" had set in, and when tenders were called later on for mail delivery Mr. Cohn became the successful tenderer and opened up the first legitimate mail service, under the style of Cobb and Co. Still keeping up his contracting, he erected a number of wayside inns on the road to Coolgardie, and in that now rapidly-expanding centre built the first hotel, to wit, the Club, in Bayley Street. Mr. Cohn also claims the honour of building the first hotel in Kalgoorlie, also called the Club. In Dunnsville as well—the township founded on the site of John Dunn's sensational Wealth of Nations discovery—Mr. Cohn erected the pioneer hotel, and at Niagara he has erected several properties. Early in the history of the Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie fields, he acquired a considerable amount of town-site property.

On one occasion, when the excitement of the Wealth of Nations discovery was at its height, Mr. Cohn drove Messrs. Forrest, Hassell, Monger, Marmion, and Crossland—the original syndicate—to the scene of the find, and they were on the spot forty-three hours after leaving Perth, although the railway only ran as far as Southern Cross. He made special arrangements for the trip, and let out all his drags, buggies, &c., for the outing. About three years ago, Mr. Cohn sold out his interests in the coaches running from Coolgardie, but since then he has been the biggest mail contractor running to and from the fields. Out of eleven mail contracts let by the Government this year (1896), he secured eight. He has mail coaches running to Menzies, Niagara, Yerilla, Lake Darlot, Bulong, Kurnalpi, Esperance, and Norseman. As a contractor he erected the telegraph line to Dundas, and he is now engaged in the construction of the overland telegraph route to the South Australian border, a very large undertaking, involving the use of over 500 camels and the employment of 60 men. Outside the firm of Faiz and Taigh Mahomet, Mr. Cohn is the largest camel proprietor in the colony, owning over 600 "ships of the desert." In 1895 he lost over 10,000 through camels dying, and he has had considerable trouble with the Afghans, who, he states, are none too careful in their treatment of beasts owned by white men. The camels are used extensively in carrying goods, &c., and have done an immense amount of work for Mr. Cohn.

As a mining expert Mr. Cohn has had an extensive and successful experience in reporting on properties and recommending purchases, and every one has turned out well. He holds very large mining interests, and what with his forwarding agency, aerated waters business, mail contracts, and his public duties, his life is a busy one.

Mr. Cohn was gazetted a J.P. in June, 1895, and his decisions on the bench have given general satisfaction. He has always taken an interest in public matters. He has been a member of the Council at Southern Cross since its inception, and for the last two years has occupied the mayoral chair. He is also chairman of the Southern Cross Roads Board. He is a warm supporter of Sir John Forrest, and speaks highly of the uniform courtesy and kindness he has received when dealing with the Government and the officials on public business. He is a member of a large number of racing clubs in Western Australia, and is also connected with several agricultural societies.

Mr. Cohn has now amassed a comfortable competency, but his success in life came not without the reverses of Experience's "fiery furnace." He deserves credit for the work he has accomplished in Western Australia, and, though he was not born in it, he is one of its most solid and consistent supporters. He is a well-known figure on the goldfields, and the correspondence which reaches him on public matters from out-of-the-way parts shows how well he is liked and how thoroughly he is in touch with the mining population.

HARRY PAGE WOODWARD, J.P., F.G.S., F.R.G.S, F.I. Inst., &c.

EVEN in a hyper-democratic age like ours we are not warranted in stating a proposition in precise mathematical form, thus:—Degree is to pedigree what substance is to straw. For this is a cruel reduction of the second half of the ratio to a blank inane. Suppose we say that degree is an indicator of the strength of mental solutions, and that pedigree serves as a mercurial thermometer for testing the quality of blood solution, then we shall have told the bare truth without compromising ourselves. But when we remember the deep, sententious saying of the great philosopher, Sir William Hamilton, which he so loved that he caused it to be inscribed on the walls of his classroom in the Edinburgh University, "0n earth there is nothing great but man; in man there is nothing great but mind," we are forced to put degree on a pedestal, and pedigree in a waxwork.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

H.P. WOODWARD, J.P.

A scholastic or scientific degree should grant the holder a life-tong lease of knowledge. It implies a high educational standard, and what is usually styled "talent." Few know, other than the fortunate possessors, of the vast extent of knowledge, and the concomitant labour, involved in its acquisition.

Mr. H. P. Woodward was born in Norwich in 1858. His father, Dr. Henry Woodward, is, and has been for many years, keeper of the Geological Department of the British Museum. In this capacity the eminent doctor successfully conducts works of geological research. His name has been quoted as an authority in geological treatises that aspire to the rank of standard texts. Harry's early career was spent within the scholastic walls of the University College, Bow Street, London, which, as a scientific institution, compared favourably with any sister college in Britain. Many eminent men of letters and science figure as alumni and graduates of this University. Her success in rearing distinguished sons is to be ascribed to the efficiency of her professors, the high standard of instruction imparted to her students, and the rigour and severity of her examinations.

The close of the "magistrand" year is a memorable event in the student's life. He bids good-bye, sad and sore at heart, to these hallowed walls. Toga and trencher—the emblems and heralding of studentdom—are now consigned to an everlasting rest on the press shelf. Their duty now is to serve as relics and reminiscences of the past. Mr. Woodward had not, however, said adieu to books and study. As an undergraduate he had specialised in some specific subjects of science. These he now proceeded to study more minutely in the Royal School of Mines in London. He embraced them with an enthusiasm and fervour that made devotion a pleasure and gain.

But somewhat damping to his scientific ardour was the paternal request to enter an office. Its satellites of stools, pens, and sickly clerks bad never any attractions for him. Obedience and not love made him adapt himself to these tiresome surroundings. In a short time dislike drove him away. He could brook it no longer, and left to undertake some artistic work in lithography and engraving. But even this was not destined to be his line of life. He felt more keenly than ever an attachment to science. He again went to the School of Mines fully determined to pursue and master. The subjects of exclusive study comprised chemistry, metallurgy, geology and advanced mining. Success attended perseverance; innate abilities facilitated study. The teacher recognised his capabilities, and offered him the appointment of Assistant Government Geologist of South Australia. Mr. Woodward accepted, and sailed to the new sphere of operations in 1883. He assisted the senior geologist of the colony, Mr. H. Y. L. Brown, for three and a half years. In 1886 he sailed to England to subserve the interests of the colony at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition.

After severing himself from his colonial connection Mr. Woodward engaged in further study in London, with a view to compete in the Indian geological survey examination. For the third time he wrote his name in the School of Mines album, and proceeded to the old haunts at the laboratory. Nothing perhaps is so fascinating as the often prolonged attempts to reach certain results in research. Scientists are quite prepared to spend nights and days in lhe pursuit of a certain result. While still intent on entering for the competitive examination, he received an offer from the Western Australian Government of the position of Government Geologist, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Hardman. His appointment dated from December, 1887.

When he landed in Western Australia the Anstey rush near Northam was setting in. Proceeding to the spot soon after his arrival he reported on the fields for the Government. The gold period of the colony's history was commenced, and his duties increased correspondingly with the increase of finds. In quick succession the Von Bibra and Golden Valley rushes took place, necessitating his presence and exhaustive reports. From small beginnings and stray finds discoveries of mines waxed in wealth and numbers. This quick flow of fortune entailed enormous and an altogether disproportionate amount of labour, From mine to mine, from territory to territory, Mr. Woodward hastened. Every goldfield of the colony was personally visited by him. From Esperance to Wyndham his duties required his presence. His geological knowledge of the colony is as extensive as it is interesting. Many parts, he admits, are geologically uninteresting, but the Kimberley and north-west district teem with attractions.

Many considerations finally induced Mr. Woodward to resign his appointment in 1895. Shortly afterwards he joined the firm of Bewick, Morling, and Co., wealthy capitalists, financiers, investors, mining and consulting engineers. He manages for the firm, in conjunction with Mr. Hooper. Their business connection is vast and their capital considerable. Mines are bought and managed for English companies, and theirs is the largest firm of the kind in Western Australia.

Mr. Woodward was created a Justice of the Peace in 1893. He has contributed to the literature of the colony by the publication of his "Handbook of Western Australia." This handbook, euphemistically so christened, is an exhaustive and valuable volume. Its multifarious information on all the scientific aspects of the colony, on the extent and nature of local mineral wealth, and its valuable contributions to geological knowledge render it a highly erudite treatise. Many a reminiscence can Mr. Woodward relate of strange adventures and incidents during his travels. His official capacities were often geological in name only. Telegraph communication and the ever-recurring question of the blacks had to be reported on from time to time. A mixture such as this of elements possessing no affinity to each other was not always pleasing. It is like a pantomimic act, where the same actor appears in successive roles as the hero, the missionary, and the mechanic.

The attainments and scientific skill of Mr. Woodward have won for him admission into various institutes and halls of science. He is a Fellow of the Imperial Institute, Associate Member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, and (1896) president of the Western Australian branch of the same. He is besides a mining member of the Institute of Mines and Metallurgy, London. Theory blended with practice, intuition brought to bear on empiricism, are secrets of success. His services to the colony have been commensurate with his skill. The geological facts and treasures of the colony have been carefully expounded and lucidly narrated by him, and his advent heralded a new regime in the scientific conduct of geological and chemical affairs.

JOHN ERNEST McDONALD.

IN difficult and dangerous enterprises there is a great deal of difference in the degree of merit, which should be ascribed to those who take the lead and those who merely follow. This is especially true of the prospectors of a few years ago and those of to-day. The explorers, who were the first to force their progress through the interior in search of gold, had neither the incentive nor the knowledge of those who came after them to profit by their perils and discoveries. At the outset it was merely an experiment to go and look for new eldorados in the desert; the expense, the heat and burden, and the risk of crossing waterless tracts had to be borne without much of the sustaining presence of hope, without the evidence that has since been forthcoming that there is a very large extent of remarkably rich auriferous area in the interior of the colony, and that any day a great prize might be within the reach of the hand that was strong enough to make the grasp. All might be risked and nothing won, but still day after day the march, through the desert under the pitiless sun was kept up by those sturdy pioneer bands of gold seekers in spite of every obstacle, until some of them, like the subject of this notice, reached the goal for which they were striving.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOHN ERNEST McDONALD.

John Ernest McDonald, the son of Peter McDonald, of Lancashire, was born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1861. His father was largely interested in the cotton trade, a circumstance that was destined to have an important influence on the fortunes of the son by giving him the opportunity of pushing his way in Australia. Thirty years ago Queensland was attracting a great deal of attention as a new cotton growing country, and Mr. Peter McDonald went to Queensland as the representative of a Manchester Cotton Company, and established a plantation. By one of those strange and sudden vicissitudes of trade which have wrecked so many well laid plans, cotton fell so low in price that it did not pay to grow it in Queensland, and the plantation was abandoned. John was nine years old when his father died. He was educated in Brisbane, and passed examinations as school teacher. But eager for any spirited enterprise outside the ordinary routine, he accepted the offer of his elder brother, Peter James McDonald, to go into partnership with him in sugar growing at Blackall Range. The property was worked with great success at first with white labour, and afterwards with Kanakas and Cingalese, until the price of sugar declined, when the brothers lost heavily, and J. E. McDonald had to begin the world afresh. John Ernest McDonald came to Western Australia, and his scholarship enabled him to obtain a teacher's appointment in a Perth school. If his active nature had not chafed against the monotony of the life of a pedagogue he would have probably lived and died a schoolmaster, for his first class education qualified him to acquit himself with credit in the post. But he longed, as he would express it, to be a free man again, in other words his own master, and keenly watched for an opportunity to escape from the trammels of his desk and birch. The chance came with the discovery of the Murchison goldfields, and the readiness of capitalists to equip prospectors who might discover new treasure spots in the far North. Mr. McDonald joined Mr. Leslie Robert Menzie, and for three years they were prospecting in the neighbourhood of Cue on the Murchison, and discovered some payable ground. They took over the management of the Star of the East mine, and when that property was acquired by an English company, Messrs. McDonald and Menzie returned to Perth to equip a prospecting party to explore the Coolgardie district. That expedition proved to be the loadstar of the destiny of the friends who had shared so many dangers and privations together. A month to the day after the party had left Perth they lighted upon the site of the great gold field, to which the leader of the party has given his name. Like many other notable discoveries Menzies was come upon by accident. The members of the party were leading their camels and moving at a slow pace through the scrubby country, which did not look promising enough to cause them to call a halt, in order that they might thoroughly examine the formation. It seemed to be enough to use the napping hammer here and there upon any likely bit o[ stone that lay upon the track. It was a bright September day in 1894, on which a lucky blow of the hammer brought to light thick-ribbed shining veins of gold in a fractured stone, and made wealthy men of the prospectors who had braved so much and waited so long for a great reward. They pegged out thirty-six acres on the sites of what are now the celebrated Lady Shenton and Florence mines, and then sought to hide their trail until they could get into Coolgardie with a dazzling collection of rich specimens to secure the valuable leaseholds. Leaving an Afghan and blackboy in charge of the pegs Messrs. McDonald and Menzie hastened back to Coolgardie, encountering on the way another party of prospectors, who, seeing them returning, guessed that they had "struck it lucky," and were naturally anxious to share in the spoil, but the secret was for the time well kept.

At Coolgardie Mr. W. R. Wilson was taken into the confidence of the finders of the new goldfield, and he despatched Mr. D. M. Hall to the scene, with the result that 120 acres of ground were secured for the Octagon syndicate in the immediate vicinity of the leaseholds of Messrs. McDonald and Menzie, whose return to their property was anxiously awaited by nearly 150 miners, who closely dogged their footsteps. En route another sensation was experienced. When Menzies had been nearly reached, one of Mr. McDonald's Afghan camel-drivers picked up a stone showing gold, whereupon the crowd of followers immediately started pegging out in all directions, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. All over the country parties were out eagerly searching for the site of the leaseholds which Messrs. Menzie and McDonald had registered at Coolgardie, crossing and re-crossing the locality like hounds in a covert, and on one occasion some of the pursuers were within three miles of the quarry, but they were foiled, and it was not until the Afghan camel-driver, who had been left in charge, emerged from the scrub to meet his employers when they were almost "home," that the site of Menzies became known to outsiders, by which time Mr. Hall, who had slipped out of Coolgardie unobserved, and had not been followed, had all the pegs Of the Octagon Syndicate in their places, and he was half-way back to the Warden's office to secure the ground. As soon as the rush set in to Menzies, an offer of £10,000 was made for the Lady Shenton lease before a pick had been put into the ground. The would-be purchasers were shrewd men, for the property was afterwards sold for £160,000, while the Florence was floated by the Hon. H. J. Saunders, mayor of Perth, for £120,000. Encouraged by their great success, Messrs. McDonald and Menzie started on another exploring and prospecting expedition, but Mr. Menzie was at a very early stage of the journey seized with rheumatic fever, and had to return to Perth, and Mr. McDonald went on alone for four months longer, travelling in a north-easterly direction from Menzies, and returning by a southerly route. On this journey he found auriferous country, carrying fine gold, but no show that would be likely to be profitable to work in the interior. He went as far as the spinifex country, beyond the most easterly point touched by Sir John Forrest in his exploring expedition of 1869, namely about 400 miles north-east of Coolgardie. The natives a short time previously had had a fight near Lake Carey, and corpses disclosing ghastly spear wounds strewed the plain,but very few blacks were seen, as they had nearly all made their way out east and to Victoria Springs. Around Lake Carey there were a great many emus, but east in the desert no other signs of life, save the small spinifex snakes which the natives allege to be venomous, but none of the party ever suffered any hurt from these reptiles.

On the completion of the trip Mr. McDonald resolved to retire on his laurels as a prospector, and to enjoy the ample means which his courage, endurance, and a certain measure of good luck has brought him. He settled in Perth, bought a valuable estate of city property, and is about to build a palatial suite of shops and warehouses upon it, while, however, continuing to manifest his confidence in the gold fields of Western Australia by retaining large mining interests and accepting a seat upon the directorship of several of the most important companies. As an old and successful explorer and prospector Mr. McDonald will be heard with respect in giving it as his conviction that there is in this colony auriferous country all the way between Port Esperance and Kimberley.

WILLIAM HARVEY CHAPMAN LOVELY, M.A.I.M.E., M.I.M.M.E., &c.

THE reflection of a man's brightness of intellect invariably shines in his countenance. Mr. Rhodes, the South African hero, was wont to say in reply to youthful and ambitious spirits courting influence or requesting assistance in obtaining appointments, "send me your photograph, and I shall thereby read your worth."

Photo by Walery.

W.H.C. LOVELY

Mr. W. H. C. Lovely's name, on the Western Australian goldfields, is known to all who profess the slightest acquaintance with the doings of our mining world. He is a son of Colonel Lovely, and was born in Adelaide, and educated at St. Peter's and Prince Alfred Colleges. While at these two educational institutions he conceived a love for science which led him to the gates of the Adelaide University. Partly here, and partly in the School of Mines, he pursued a vigorous course of scientific study and research, and specialised in the Department of Mining. He attended lectures on metallurgy, assaying, mine surveying, and all sciences utilised theoretically and practically in mining. Experiments in the laboratory, careful and wearisome digestion of text-books and manuals, made his student life one of laborious study. His three years' curriculum in the science faculty soon fled, and with a record to compensate for his studious gifts he graduated, and bade farewell to his Alma Mater.

His first appointment was that of assayer in the Kohinoor mine at Captain's Flat, New South Wales. For some time he acted as its chief assayer, and combined with this post the equally important position of mining surveyor on the Lake George, in the same district. After assaying in New South Wales for two or three years he took the management of the MacKinlay Mount Wells Silver and Tin Mines. He vacated this appointment after a years' service in order to fulfil a mission to Singapore entrusted to his charge. His object was to arrange a market in Singapore in connection with the disposal of Australian tin. It is not superfluous to add, though it is generally known, that half of the tin in the world is smelted in Singapore, and that more than half of the same mineral is exported from the same city,

Having accomplished satisfactorily the object of his expedition he returned. He did not remain long in the eastern colonies, for early in 1894, he left for Coolgardie, where be at once established his headquarters. With that energy and enthusiasm which are his rights, he strove to win a reputation for himself proportionate to his merits. He started first as consulting engineer, and in that position laurels were not long withheld. But other accessories paved the way to influential authority. Before leaving the sister colonies he had been appointed representative for several capitalists, and curator of the interests of many influential friends, and successful treatment of these entrusted commissions increased his sphere of influence. The number of mines acquired by his sole agency, and floated at his recommendation, may perhaps convince the reader of his vigour and financial knowledge. In quick succession the Kalgurli Gold Mines were floated, with a capital of £100,000, by John Howell and David Lindsay; North Kalgurli Gold Mines, Limited, with a capital of £100,000; South Kalgurli, for £60,000, by John Mortey; the Consuella Gold Mines, Limited, at the Ninety Mile, for £90,000, and the Bunyip Gold Mine, between Broad Arrow and the Forty-Five Mile, was floated by Mr. Lovely himself, in London, quite recently, for £150,000. To his source are traced many other rich streams of capital and flotation.

At present (1896) he has a large scheme in project for the acquisition of properties in the Northern Territory of South Australia. A company is in process of formation, with capital of £500,000, of which £100,000 is set apart as working capital, to take over 11,850,000 acres of pastoral and mineral rights, and a second property comprising 65,000 acres of the same. Let us hope that when once the affairs of this company are fully developed the rewards will be in keeping with the magnitude of the scheme.

In September, 1896, Mr. Lovely visited Mount Malcolm, and was fortunate in discovering a mine which is now known as Lovely's Find. He came upon a rich outcrop of gold, and, having inspected and surveyed it, he pegged out a lease. Some of his purchases have proved conclusively that a judgment, unerring and discriminative, was brought to grapple with what always are admitted to be speculative difficulties. He holds many leases in a process of development, and many others from various considerations undeveloped. The Bunyip Mine, which he personally floated in London, turns out 3 ozs. to the ton. His belief in the goldfields is not confined to barren words, He has invested large sums of money in land in Kalgoorlie, Menzies, and other centres, for building sites. He acts as consulting engineer for many mines, and employs over 200 men. He retains large interests in all the mines mentioned in this biography.

When one reflects that these many issues took place within the narrow time-radius of two and a half years we can appreciate his achievements. In the midst of comparative youth, ungifted with the time-honoured experience of his confrères, he has effected consequences the extent and dimensions of which are not easily appraised. Beginnings such as his cannot but lead us to augur for him more prosperous results in the future.

ALBERT WATT MACDONALD, J.P.

MAYOR OF COOLGARDIE.

TO millions in the external world Coolgardie is Western Australia. Though other centres are now serenely projecting their golden heads into the bright light of day and demanding fair recognition for what they show and what they have still to show, Coolgardie's full form has long been admired in distant lands by the aid of gold-tipped imagination. The marvellous rapidity of her growth can well attest to the honours and attentions showered on her. Money from the coffers of the universe has streamed in to develop her rich resources, and enterprising and industrious people of equally cosmopolitan origin apply and administrate the sparkling heap.

Photo by Vandyck.

A.W. MACDONALD, J.P.

When Mr. Macdonald, the present Mayor of Coolgardie, assumed the reins of office, the way to effectiveness in municipal government was more than roughly paved, but yet there were many clamouring cries for improvement and amendment. His office is no sinecure, for he must labour to maintain the supremacy of Coolgardie, not only because of the natural spirit of rivalry in her inhabitants and electors, but also because of the consideration of just claims of the many speculators and capitalists who have sunk their money in the surrounding properties. A web of duties has spun itself round the civic chair, and demands concentrated and incessant attention from Mr. Macdonald. He was born at Black River Farm, Circular Head, Tasmania, in 1860. His father, Alexander Macdonald, was an engineer in the district, and bestowed great pains in the training and education of his son. The young Albert was sent to the Launceston Church Grammar School, where his progress gave satisfaction to all concerned, and on completing his studies he went to Melbourne and entered the large warehouse of L. Stevenson and Sons. For five years he gave diligent attention to his work, and his services, enthusiastically and willingly rendered, were appreciated by the firm, who gave him a recommendation on his departure that could not but satisfy the youthful recipient. Armed with his own abilities and this tangible witness-document of his character, and discretionary judgment, he went forth to seek some commercial position where his five years' training would be of value to him, and was engaged in the firm of Messrs. McArthur, Morrow, and Brind. He remained with them for two years, and then many considerations induced him to ally himself with the extensive house of Robert Reid and Co.

In this huge warehouse, with its wider concentric sphere of commercial connections, Mr. Macdonald found the radii of his experience amply stretched. For seven years he did sincere and good work for the firm. Their approval found external confirmation in their then appointing him the representative of their growing business at Sydney. This timely recognition of his capabilities stimulated him to prove himself more worthy of that promotion which their confidence and trust had bestowed on him. His subsequent industry and integrity strengthened their former opinions as to his suitability for the post, and it was with regret that they finally received his notice severing his connection with them.

The attractions which Broken Hill offered for commercial enterprise were too great for Mr. Macdonald to resist, and borne on the general tide of influx to that silver Utopia, he there set up a large general store. From 1889 to 1893 his business, which grew ultimately to extensive proportions, realised increasing remunerations. But keen competition, decline of silver values and individual mining enterprise, sounded the gradual ebb of returns and profits. Fortunately, as he was deliberating on the next field for business operations, the news of Western Australia's rich gold discoveries decided his waverings. He left at once for Coolgardie, where he arrived in August, 1893. Coolgardie at that early period, not boasting of any pretentions to the highly-developed title of town, did not afford much scope at once for the successful conduct of a business. For six months or so he engaged in prospecting the fields surrounding the centre. This pursuit gave ample time for visitors to stream into Coolgardie and the different spheres of commercial activity. When he returned from his prospecting tours he was more than surprised at the rapid expansion of Coolgardie. It had resolved itself into a large community, and adapting himself to the situation Mr. Macdonald decided to open an auctioneering business. Accordingly he procured an office in Bayley Street, and his foresight soon informed him that he would be fortunate. The flourishing business that he possesses to-day proved that his speculative judgment was a correct forecast. At present the visitor can walk leisurely down this street and find the hum and hub of his extensive business swaying merrily on.

A little organisation and centralisation were considered expedient in the interests of a widely extending community. Mr. Macdonald was requested to assist in the work of erecting and controlling legislative machinery. His services were enlisted in addressing public meetings of the citizens on many important topics that concerned their best interests. His experience was an acquisition. At Broken Hill he had taken some interest in the management of public matters, and was one of the moving spirits in the constitution of the Mechanics' Institute. It was therefore decided in Coolgardie that he was a good advocate of the town's demands. He took an active part in the committee formed to urge upon the Government the necessity of establishing a weekly instead of a fortnightly mail to Coolgardie, and when the citizens were anxious to form themselves into a municipality he was prominent in his endeavours to give effect to their wishes. At two large public meetings he delivered effective speeches, in which he strenuously upheld the claims of the townspeople, on whom he impressed the necessity for united action. The immediate result of these large concourses was the formation of a progress committee. This was invested with powers akin to the present municipal council, and was born in a spirit of restless advocacy for just claims and rights. When the election to the committee came on Mr. Macdonald offered himself as a candidate, and was chosen to fill one of the seats. The business of the body was not one of peaceful discussion of administration and legislation. The harassing nature of its position is evidenced by the unceasing and clamouring demands upon the Government for the assignation of a multitude of requisitions. But the prime object of its constitution was soon realised when the Government, in response to solicitation issued the formal warrant for the Coolgardie municipality.

Mr. Macdonald, whose services in connection with the committee were warmly recognised by a vigilant populace, now stood for the first municipal elections, and was returned at the head of the poll. Such a result could not but have been exceedingly gratifying to himself and his constituents, for it was a tangible sign of their appreciation of his hearty co-operation in the general cause. Perhaps the names of his fellow-councillors will not be uninteresting on the score of their being the first councillors of a town whose progress and interests are being closely watched and zealonsly guarded by thousands who have not as yet visited her boundaries. The order on the poll was as follows:—S. P. Asken, J. Howard Taylor, A. Mackenzie, A. Leevers, and J. L. Hinde. The absorbing nature of his attachment to the affairs of the Council constituted Mr. Macdonald a worthy and genuine representative. With the respect of his colleagues for his able political advice on matters of momentary importance, with the increasing confidence of his supporters, who kindly seconded his efforts, he soon rose to a dignified status in the council. His administrative capacities were so fully recognized that when Mayor Shaw vacated the chair in December, 1895, Mr. Macdonald was chosen mayor in his stead. In this official capacity he has not betrayed the hopes of his fellow councillors. No half-hearted assistance is given by him to the cause of progress. He has filled, and still fills (1896), that position with dignity born of a sense of duty. His efforts to raise the general conditions of the town to a high model have not been devoid of success. Though there may be, and must be, divergent opinions on his individual principles and policy, still they must give way before a generous and just recognition of his abilities as a man, and of his administrative capabilities as a councillor. His thorough knowledge of all civic affairs, from the highest and most vital legislative departures for the public good down to the most trifling municipal minutiæ, render him a leader in whom the town may well rely for the execution of all that may conduce to a tone of health in the community.

Connected with the mayoral office, there are numerous other honorary positions which must be accepted nolens volens. Sporting clubs illuminate their syllabi with the mayor's patronage in large letters at the top. Institutions and constitutions, utilitarian schemes and leagues, must associate the name of the mayor with the sincerity of the cause, and to lend dignity and gloss to their official list.

Mr. Macdonald is president of the Health Board, a position which requires calm, cautious, and deliberate judgment. He was a member of the Stock Exchange, and one of its original promoters. When the Coolgardie railway was opened he was appointed chairman of the reception committees, to do honour to the many influential visitors who arrived to witness the inauguration of a new era for the goldfields of Coolgardie.

While on a visit to Perth in January, 1896, he approached the Government, and impressed on them the desirability of granting some land to the municipality as a free gift. His intercessions, so far from being repudiated, were fruitful in procuring for Coolgardie two-thirds of a section of land in Bayley, Moran, and Sylvester Streets, which returns £5,000 ground rental, and which, with just expectations, is calculated to return £7,000 in 1897. He had, perhaps, the singular and enviable fortune of obtaining from the Government on this occasion the full "quantum" of his several requests. Additional free Government grants obtained through Mr. Macdonald's instrumentality were eighty acres for a site for park lands for a recreation reserve, and a handsome grant of money for the erection of a Mechanics Institute, which has from its foundation proved a great success. During his period of office electricity was introduced into the town. The mayor and his councillors were warmly congratulated on the inauguration of such a first-class and advanced system of lighting. The numerous obstacles and difficulties that strewed themselves objectionably in the way to its realisation were carefully surmounted and overcome by the unflagging devotion of the promoters.

When first Mr. Macdonald stepped into the dignified enclosures of his mayoral office, the revenue of the municipality scarcely exceeded a scanty £3,000. In 1896 it was £9,000, and possibly, if surmises are correct, it will be £15,000 in 1897. Such a sudden jump during one year of office, though arising from sources extraneous to his control, still proves concomitant labour, vigilance, and anxiety in the various avenues and channels of supply. Perhaps the ablest testimonial impartiality can advance on the conduct of Mayor Macdonald's stewardship is to speak in decisive terms, and say that his career as a mayor has been devoted to the disinterested services of the inhabitants, that the various records of his term furnish indisputable evidences of his qualifications as a successful legislator on all matters of municipal law.

It is also desired by all, and mostly so by the mayor himself, that sufficient regard should be paid to the hearty co-operation of the Council in all matters pertaining to the municipal welfare. The zealous assistance rendered him by loyal councillors has been manifested in divers ways.

Mr. Macdonald was created a Justice of the Peace in December, 1895. He was married in 1890 to Miss Booth, daughter of Mr. John Booth, ex-M.L.A., who was thrice mayor of Balmain, Sydney. There are two of an issue to the happy union. Mrs. Macdonald, the mayoress, is a highly respected and popular lady in Coolgardie and on the goldfields.

COLONEL GEORGE BRAITHWAITE PHILLIPS, J.P.

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.

WESTERN Australia contains no better known military figure than that of Colonel Phillips. Associated with the Civil Service in the colony since 1851, he has been actively before the public for nearly the whole of that period. For many years his attention was devoted to his work in the Colonial Secretary's office, and at different times he has performed all the duties attendant on the Colonial Secretaryship, with a seat in the Executive Council. Then he was a most active member of the local volunteers, and held the position of Commandant of the Western Australian Military Forces. He entered the ranks as a private, and rose to the highest appointment in the gift of the military authorities for this colony. Subsequently he took up the duties of Commissioner of Police.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

COLONEL G.B. PHILLIPS, J.P.

George Braithwaite Phillips was born in Perth in 1836, and is the son of John Randell Phillips, a pioneer of 1831. The latter gentleman came to the colony to take up land, but, subsequently changing his mind, he entered the Public Service. In 1853 the pioneer died; his son, Colonel Phillips, has well maintained the dignity of his name. As a boy, Colonel Phillips was educated at Albany, but leaving a public school at the age of thirteen years he enjoyed the joint tuition of his father and a private tutor. In 1851 he became a clerk, on probation, and without pay, in the Colonial Secretary's Office, Perth, and in March, 1852, he obtained a place on the permanent staff as third clerk. The Public Service was then but a limited affair, and Colonel Phillips has witnessed the growth of the present extensive system. Of a somewhat adventurous dispositon, he was chosen by the Government in 1854 for important work. It had been arranged, when Surveyor Robert Austin started on his exploration of north-west country, that a vessel should be sent to Sharks Bay with stores to meet him when part of his journey was completed. The young clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office was placed in charge of these stores, and though but eighteen years old he proceeded to the place of meeting. After remaining in that then inhospitable locality for several months, instead of, as was expected, a few weeks, vainly waiting for the exploring expedition, he was compelled to return to Perth. The explorers had failed to penetrate the dense thickets and miserable small bush which for many miles surrounded Sharks Bay. At Perth, Colonel Phillips attended to his work, and in 1856 was appointed second clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office. Combined with these duties, he was engaged in the capacity of confidential clerk to Governor Hampton, and was also Assistant District Registrar of Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Then the confidence in which he was held was shown by the Royal Geographical Society in asking him to take the post of second in command of their expedition, equipped to explore the west coast, under F. T. Gregory. He accepted the flattering offer, but the Governor prevailed upon him to resign, and remain at his post in the Public Service. During the next few years he paid close attention to his work, and his reward came in 1865, when he was gazetted acting chief clerk in his office. In the following year he was permanently raised to the office of chief clerk. With this position he was Registrar General, Registrar of Titles, and Registrar of Deeds in Western Australia. From December, 1872, to July, 1873, he was Acting Colonial Secretary, and from July, 1875, to August, 1877, and January, 1878, to January, 1880, he was Acting Colonial Treasurer, with a seat in the Executive Council, the chief official body in the colony. In 1878 he was gazetted a Justice of the Peace, and in 1880 he was permanently appointed Assistant Colonial Secretary, and in the same year, and also in 1883, acted as Colonial Secretary.

It was in the early seventies that Colonel Phillips first connected himself with the volunteer force. He entered as a private, and proving ready and quick in all matters of drill, and after mastering the regulations and requirements, he was, in 1875, given a commission in the artillery, and later obtained a command. In 1879 he was made a staff officer. On three separate occasions Colonel Phillips has been Acting Commandant of the Western Australian Military Forces. He resigned his staff officership on the appointment of Colonel Angelo as Commandant, but on that gentleman's retirement he was gazetted Acting Commandant. When Colonel Phillimore arrived in the colony he took up the duties, and Colonel Phillips retired as a captain on the Colonial Office list. In 1887 he succeeded Captain Smith as Commissioner of Police, and had, meanwhile, been brought into active service again in the military force. On Colonel Phillimore's retirement he was raised to the rank of Major. Major Pilkington, the aide-de-camp, was then appointed commandant. Thus, with his work as Commissioner of Police, and in the volunteer service, Colonel Phillips had little spare time. In 1880 he was appointed commandant by the Governor, but was subsequently succeeded by Colonel Fleming, an Imperial Officer. Colonel Phillips now retired from the local forces with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, and devoted his undivided attention to the police forces.

During recent years he has been compelled to exercise all his ingenuity and ability in the control of the Western Australian police. The population has so increased, and so many new and remote communities have been established, that the police forces have had to be augmented. Colonel Phillips proved himself a master in organising ability. Notwithstanding the presence of numerous undesirable characters, who have migrated hither, like old-time bloodthirsty camp followers of victorious armies, to rob those following the victorious march, crime has not increased in proportion to the increase of population. Every centre and district is well served; the Western Australian police are a fine body of men. Colonel Phillips exercises judgment in his appointment of new members to the service, and he has cleverly placed his forces so as to secure effective administration. During his term of office he has had to conduct numerous important criminal cases for the Crown, the histories of which would supply startling matter for novels.

Colonel Phillips has been twice married; in 1869 to the second daughter of Mr. Edward Gustavus Hare, one time Superintendent of Police, and afterwards Government Resident at Albany; and on the second occasion to a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Burges, "Tipperary," York. Colonel Phillips has a fine military presence. Whether in the Colonial Secretaryship, in the military forces, or in the control of the local police forces, he has acquitted himself with distinction, and is to be reckoned among the large number of local born public men who have placed the colony under debts of gratitude for their public services.

AUGUST SCHEIDEL, Ph.D.

EVER since the renaissance in Italy, a few centuries ago, Europe, more or less, has been dominated by an eager scientific research, which recently has goaded on to destruction and construction the best and strongest intellects of her races. Unflinching in their ambitious desires for mental superiority, her peoples still buckle on their armour and strive as if their best life's blood, the fair name and honour of their flag, were at stake. Success has been submerged beneath the glories of a greater success, and victories and counter-victories still hold the final issue undecided, yet claim from each combatant the golden mead of valour.

Photo by Hemus & Hall.

AUGUST SCHEIDEL, PH.D.

In that glorious rivalry which has showered heaps of unexpected and incredible gains on humanity, Germany stands out crowned and decorated with fairer laurels than any. When one hears of such names as Bunsen and the immortal Helmholtz, of Kant and Leibnitz, he must crush out prejudice from his breast and concede the palm to her science halls. The Universities of Germany have held the premier place in science and philosophy for many years, and this is the admission of all who profess the slightest acquaintance with the relative positions and attainments of the many enlightened countries. Yet the wave of intellectual influence has rolled towards the Golden West. America may soon, with her increasing powers, say calmly, yet majestically, to the scientific reputation of the older hemisphere, "Ancient brethren, next to me."

Not a few scientists have come to Australia from Germany to wind the reel of progress. Dr. August Scheidel is one of these, and his name contributes and will contribute to the status of Westralian goldfields. Dr. Scheidel was born in Heidelberg in 1859. He underwent the usual classical education in the German Gymnasium—the kind of education which has secured for Germany a place in the front line of nations. He was then a student, and to fight upwards he became assistant to Dr. Fresenius, the famous professor of chemistry, metallurgy, and mineralogy—the father of chemical analysis—in his laboratory, Wiesbaden, to which students flock from all parts of the world. Dr. Scheidel readily saw that a thorough chemical education and extensive practice in chemical analysis would prove of paramount importance to his professional success. With learning that would have amply fitted him for the duties of his profession he passed to the University of Freiberg to avail himself of the knowledge of its eminent professors, its excellent laboratories, and its scientific equipments. Insight into many marvellous chemical reactions and problems awakened his mind as to the infinite vastness of the subject.

Freiberg—one of the oldest Universities in Europe—conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with high honours. From there he proceeded to Munich to enter the army. He, however, followed and completed his studies at the University. In the commercial application of his acquirements he practised in prominent and responsible positions, partly in Germany and partly in Italy, two countries which afford great scope for chemical and metallurgical work. Dr. Scheidel next went to England, to attend the meetings of the British Association and of the Iron and Steel Institute; and, further, to study the mining and metallurgical industries of Great Britain. In pursuance of subsequent professional duties he crossed the German Ocean to Sweden, and paid a prolonged visit to the important copper-gold mines of Falun. Returning to London, Dr. Scheidel accepted the appointment of general manager of the New Zealand Gold Extraction Company Limited—a strong English corporation of prominence and weight in the mining world. He sailed for New Zealand in 1888, and on his arrival established his headquarters at the Thames. His scientific attainments, experience, and practical resources were called into requisition. Dr. Scheidel made distant journeys to all the New Zealand gold centres, and erected extensive gold-extraction works on the Hauraki goldfield. Any scientific speculation on a sound commercial basis, which he felt certain would prove remunerative to his company, was entered into with zeal. Then, in the interests of his company, he crossed over to the goldfields of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It would seem as if his stream of energy inundated every Australian goldfield, and what to him was a work of pleasure and satisfaction was to his company accumulation of wealth and an increase in dividends.

In a few years he severed his connection with the company, and took the managership of the Sylvia Gold Mines in New Zealand. He there erected large works for the reduction, amalgamation, concentration, and cyanide extraction of gold ores at Tararu, Hauraki, New Zealand. The concentrating plant, on the German system, proved a great success, as did also his cyanide works, which were the first (outside of Africa) where complete gold ores were treated on a large commercial scale with an undeniably brilliant triumph. The Government of New Zealand published a description of these splendid works in their official mines reports. In 1893 Dr. Scheidel accepted a call to the goldfields of California. Making San Francisco his headquarters, he remained on the American continent till late in 1895. In these years he completed many important works and engagements. For the famous Utica Mine he erected large cyanide extraction works at Angel's Camp. Holding, as he did, many appointments as manager and consulting engineer to large mining corporations, Dr. Scheidel led a very busy life in the States. His professional duties took him to Montana, Arizona, Texas, Utah, British Columbia, and Mexico, and his capabilities were recognised by men of eminence. They saw in him a man of scientific learning, with a practical ability that could resolve the fruits and theories of his mind into visible things.

It was not surprising, therefore, that, in 1894, the Government of the State of California approached him with a commission to write a treatise on the cyanide process. No one was more fit than he to expound the complexities and intricacies of this delicate and immensely economically-important process. Dr. Scheidel accepted the commission, and produced a work which was published by the State Mining Bureau of California in 1894, under the title, "The Cyanide Process: Its Practical Applications and Economical Results". As a contribution to science the life of this valuable standard work in ensured. Dressed in concrete scientific phraseology, it is an exhaustive treatment of the subject, and combines simplicity with clearness. Its success in the United States of America was an immediate consequence of the publication, and metallurgists all the world over have to thank Dr. Scheidel's lucid exposition for an intimate and thorough knowledge of the subject. The book was most favourably received in the stronghold of the cyanide process—Johannesburg. Before he left America in 1895, Dr. Scheidel had gained for himself a scientific reputation which singled him out as a man of uncommon abilities.

From America he went to Europe in connection with important mining affairs. Whilst in London, he entered into negotiations with the New Zealand Mines Trust, a most influential corporation in London, with a capital of £250,000. He came to the colonies as their representative. This company is interested in the chief mines of New Zealand, amongst them the Waihi and the Waitekauri, and nearly all the mining industries of the colonies. Going to New Zealand about the end of 1895, Dr Scheidel inspected the properties there.

In the beginning of 1896 he departed for Western Australia as the company's general manager and consulting engineer. The New Zealand Mines Trust have since acquired a number of properties on the Coolgardie Goldfields, and Dr. Scheidel's position is one involving much arduous work and grave responsibility. The many properties of the company—the North Kalgoorlie Gold Mines at Hannan's, the Lady Charlotte group of leases at Coolgardie, and a number of other important interests are under his personal supervision. The Lady Charlotte group, which comprises an area of sixty-five acres, is being rapidly opened up, and is expected to become one of the best properties in the district. The company is about (1896) to increase their holdings at Black Flag and in the northern districts. In advancing the interests of the company Dr. Scheidel has travelled over wide portions of the goldfields and visited many mines and mining camps, stretching from the Norseman to Mount Malcolm, both included. Thus he has acquired a thorough knowledge of the goldfields and their resources. His company has recently acquired an important town lot in Sylvester Street, Coolgardie, with the object of erecting extensive office buildings, for the administration of the mining concerns in which they are interested.

Dr. Scheidel is a member of the executive committee of the Coolgardie Chamber of Mines. His numerous official duties preclude his accepting other public offices, and, thereby, from rendering the public services that otherwise he would willingly grant. In Coolgardie, where his attainments are known and appreciated, he is regarded as an authority on all mining and metallurgical matters, and also on mining laws. His opinion is valued by his corporation—who alone have claim on his services—for his vast scientific and practical experience, explicitness in his reports, impartiality in his evidences, and sincerity in his statements. Everything is weighed diligently, and is soberly expressed by him.

ALFRED LEON SIMON, Ph.D

THE histories of the world's famous goldfields are now being repeated in Western Australia. The magnetic power of the yellow metal attracts well-informed, intelligent, able-bodied men from all over the world. Every goldfield contains a cosmopolitan, and, at first, a pure democracy. Almost since the days of Roman greatness, nations and people have been sedulously searching for gold that shall quickly make them rich without the necessity of long and arduous toil. The early explorations in Asia and Africa in medieval days had that end in view. Long years after the East India Islands became known, speculation was casually indulged in as to the possible wealth of the minerals and merchandise which they contained. Hence Columbus sailed away from Europe to discover a westerly route to these places, and happened on Cuba. Not long afterwards Hernando Cortes was despatched to that island to form a settlement, but not finding it so congenial as he wished, he went further west, and exploited Central America. Then in a short time millions upon millions of pounds' worth of gold were taken out of that famous country by the Spaniards, and the Old World was astounded with bright luminous tales of wealth. A spur was given to further exploration and navigation, and mariners and travellers went forth in the anticipation of possible riches, and discovered divers islands and hitherto unknown parts of the world.

Photo by Vanderwyde.

ALFRED LEON SIMON, PH.D

Therefore, it is apparent that in later history gold has been the foundation of discovery, and in order to acquire it people have been drawn from one end of the world to the other, like children in a toy-shop rushing here and there to get its prizes. The American goldfields not only attracted those resident in that continent, but civilised people from every portion of the globe. Ballarat and Bendigo and South Africa thus got their magnificent populations. Western Australia is not singular in this respect. The basis is the best that could possibly be gained. No general of a universal army could despatch finer officers and men to these regions than are gathered spontaneously without any ruling power other than that of self interest. Men of all shades of learning, of professions, avocations, and classes, are monthly taking up their abode in the colony. The capitalist and the poor man join together to gain some benefit from the golden wealth which she contains. The biographies published in this work of those resident on and interested in our gold fields give rise to these reflections. Happy is it for Western Australia that her deserts contain the yellow talisman, and this glittering augury of a prosperous future is now performing its potent mission. Of the highly educated, scientific, and intelligent, we have already mentioned several names, and chief among them is that of Dr. Alfred Leon Simon, of whose career a brief sketch is appended. With his wide experience, invaluable training, and, in the possession of that chief agent of development-capital,—Dr. Simon has very materially assisted in fostering the prosperity of the colony.

Dr. Simon was born at St. Johann, Germany, and received his early education at Mühlhausen, in Alsace. Thence he went to the Polytechnic School at Zurich, Switzerland, where he passed with honours the State examination for a civil engineer and an analytical chemist. He then took his degree as Doctor of Philosophy at the University of the same place. After thus distinguishing himself he received an appointment as assistant to Professor Bernthsen, teaching organic chemistry at the famous Heidelberg University, where he remained for eighteen months. His thirst for knowledge carried him first to Lille, in Northern France, where he occupied the position of chef de laboratoire at the world renowned manufactory of chemical products, and thence to Frankfort, where he obtained a practical insight into the treatment of ores at the Gold Reduction Works in that city. After this he visited Freiberg, in Germany, and Central France, where he obtained a good knowledge of practical mining. The goldfields of South Africa were at this time being opened up, and Dr. Simon, like others, saw in the new country a greater scope for his talents than in the settled centres of civilisation. He accordingly went to the Rand, where his services were eagerly sought after by several mining companies. He became civil engineer and metallurgist to the Ferreira Gold Mining Company Limited, and designed and erected large cyanide plants on the mines of the Rand. He also held the important position of consulting metallurgist to several very large mines, including the Robinson, Wemmer, Salisbury, Jubilee, New Heriot companies, &c. After three years of active work on these famous goldfields, Dr. Simon went to Paris on a holiday trip, intending to return in a short time. The Western Australian goldfields were, however, attracting great attention in France, and he was approached by representatives of a wealthy syndicate, who asked him to undertake a tour of inspection round the fields on their behalf. Dr. Simon consented to do so, and arrived in Perth in December, 1894. He at once proceeded to Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, and the White Feather, and subsequently visited Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Cue, and Day Dawn. The Doctor reported very favourably on the fields, but drew the attention of his principals to the fact that, although there were many rich properties, great discretion would have to be exercised in purchasing tempting-looking shows. The outcome of his report was the formation of the New Austral Company, with a capital of 10,000,000 francs (£400,000), to acquire properties in Western Australia. Dr. Simon was entrusted with the onerous task of investing part of this money in mining properties, which he has done in the most judicious manner. The best properties, he considers, that the syndicate has secured are the Norseman mines, near Dundas; the Hill-End, for which £25,000 was paid; the New Victoria, seven miles from Coolgardie, £40,000; and the Australasian, one and a half miles from Coolgardie, £8,000. Dr. Simon has imported three dry-crushing plants (with pan-amalgamation), which have been erected at the mines.

During his association with Western Australian goldfields he has proved himself an enterprising, shrewd, and far-seeing capitalist. In all his investments he has followed the golden rule that the first loss is the best loss; after acquiring a property he at once thoroughly tests its resources, and if the results are not equal to expectations, he does not waste any more money on its development. The result is that the properties on which he spends money are known to be promising investments. In the business and commercial life of the colony Dr. Simon takes a prominent part, and his straightforward manly conduct is well known. In Coolgardie he holds (1896) the important office of president of the Chamber of Mines.

In the public affairs of Coolgardie Dr. Simon has shown a sympathetic and sustained interest, and when the much debated starting-point for the Menzies Railway was before Parliament, he took a leading part in urging the claims of Coolgardie. He has been a consistent advocate for railway extension, and in this connection has brought the Esperance-Norseman-Coolgardie line under Government notice on more than one occasion.

Whether in city or mining town West Australian residents have a good word in favour of the vivacious, courteous gentleman who represents the New Austral Company, whose prosperity he has materially aided.

DR. CHARLES CHEWINGS, Ph.D., F.R.G.S., F.G.S., M.D.G.G., M.I.M., M.E.

SOMETIMES, in a moment of deep reflection on the strangeness and inexplicabilities of the various functions and forms of animal life, we are driven, as Huxley was, to regard man as an automaton—a high-class mechanism—with a running scale of degrees of power, efficiency, and work. Yet mind so reduced to the unthinkable state of unconsciousness does not satisfy our fuller psychological enquiries when "we get behind ourselves to view ourselves." That consciousness, which is the Ego, may exist in the prison of the body with appreciable differences in the quantity held by its many leaseholders; and so, too, mind, which begets that consciousness has varying degrees of strength, force, and productivity.

Photo by Hernie & Hall

DR. CHARLES CHEWINGS.

Disputable, perhaps, as these points are to philosophic combatants, they yet have their measure of truth, and that truth will serve to form a correct basis for our estimate of the worth of Dr. Charles Chewings. Within the narrow period of five times five of workable years he has completed works of considerable labour and magnitude. His career is unusually interesting, not only as the reflex of his capabilities, but also from the romantic and spirited nature of the acts themselves. Dr. Charles Chewings was born at Woorkongoree, a sheepstation in South Australia, in 1859. He was educated at Prince Alfred College, in Adelaide. His father being a squatter, it was but natural that the young Charles should have, voluntarily or involuntarily, taken an interest in pastoral pursuits. Perhaps his solitary wanderings on the paternal estate may have created in him that love of travel which has made his name known in Australian history. In 1881, in his desire for exploration, he provided himself with two camels, and set out alone on a perilous and dreary journey to the Macdonnell Ranges. A description of this notable trip was published in the South Australian Register under the title—"A Trip to the Macdonnell Ranges." The sunny parts were graphically depicted, but little attention was paid to the adventure's trials and difficulties. So hard pushed was he at times that energy alone served to keep him alive. During his journey he discovered a river, which he christened the Walker River. Some time in 1882 he arrived in Adelaide—his former starting point—and soon after took a lengthy trip round the world. He visited various parts of Europe and America, and finished the circle in Adelaide. Every opportunity ashore in foreign lands was eagerly embraced to enrich his knowledge. Copious notes, mental and literal, were taken by his keen observant mind, and written down as the nucleus of a subsequent magnum opus. He stayed but a few months in South Australia, yet he proves by the results of that limited period how a maximum of work can be effected in a minimum of time. He almost immediately set out on a visit to the Warburton Ranges, and reported most fully and scientifically on the geological conditions and chemical resources of the regions traversed. An account of his explorations was subsequently published in the Register, entitled "From Murat Bay to the Warburton Ranges." This narrative is well worthy of perusal, not only for the valuable scientific data contained in its periods, but for the clear and graphic style in which be couches what would otherwise be concrete, and therefore unpopular material. He was impressed with the importance of having efficient transit facilities into the interior, and resolved to purchase a number of camels to effect and accommodate that purpose. To obtain them he sailed for India in 1885, where he made many peregrinations into the interior, and proceeded as far as the Afghan border. He bought 300 camels, and imported them into South Australia. He lost no time in establishing a carrying station, with Hergott Springs as a centre. For prospectors, explorers, the casual traveller, and the squatter, these imported camels were invaluable, and were warmly recognised as a boon to the northern parts of the colony.

He could now with more ease and experience hazard a more difficult expedition than anything previously attempted. He set out with hopeful expectations of exploring and mapping out the western end of the Macdonnell and James Ranges, and to trace the far-off branches of the Finke River and its source. Laborious as the task was, he satisfactorily fulfilled the exhaustive objects of his errand in 1886. On reporting to the Government of the colony he received expressions of their gratitude for his desirable discoveries. The Government published a map illustrating his work, and he himself wrote a lengthy and vivid account of his expedition for the Register, with the title of "The Sources of the Finke River." This article, novel and racy, was commented favourably upon by the press, and received the enviable attention of the Royal Geographical Society, who elected him a Fellow.

For some time after the eventful termination of his expedition, he quietly engaged in pastoral and camel-carrying pursuits. These were not without their interest to the public. Article after article flew from his pen to the press advocating interior development and a better system of communication from the exterior. His letters had a partial effect in arousing a comparatively inactive Government, whose sole concern was the amelioration of its immediate surroundings. In 1887, feeling that his health had suffered somewhat from the privations of his expeditions, he proceeded to England. While there he published an article in the "Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of London," entitled "Central Australia." On his return to the scene of his former achievements, he once more, with the "quondam" enthusiasm and alacrity of his débût, made a journey to the Macdonnell Ranges. This expedition was more a scientific one than its predecessors, for he published a comprehensive geological sketch, entitled "Geological Notes on the Upper Finke River Basin," in the "Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia." This treatise treats of the subtle geological points that the country depicted exhibits, and is a fund of scientific and erudite information. In 1891, in consideration of his merits as a geologist, he was elected a Fellow of the Geological Society of London. In the same year he left for London to study geology more closely and thoroughly. He attended the lectures of Professor Bonney, D.Sc., F.R S. and C. of the University College, London.—an eminent geologist and man of considerable locus standi in the scientific world. For two sessions he laboured hard in his earnest desire to acquire an exhaustive knowledge of his favourite subjects. To round off the edges of his studies he went to Heidelberg, and studied under Professor A. Andreae, palæntologist, now director at the Roemer Museum, Hildersheim, Germany; Professor Victor Meyer, the celebrated professor of chemistry; and Professor H. Rosenbusch, one of the greatest authorities on mineralogy and petrology. The provinces of these three chairs are not definitely demarcated. Ever and anon does the one professor wander into the secret grounds and enclosures of the other. Still their entrenching is in illustration of different points at issue. For two years Dr. Chewings was a continual student in the laboratory of Professor Rosenbusch. He gave special attention to geology, as illustrated by the microscopical study of the eruptive and other rocks, and the association of valuable minerals with them. It was during his university career in Germany that he wrote that interesting thesis, entitled "'Beitrage zur Kenutuiss der Geologie Sud'—und Central—Australiens nebst einer Ubersicht Des Lake Eyre Beckens und Seiner Randgebirge." He also took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the same University.

In 1894 he came to Western Australia to study the geological features and the origin and conditions under which reefs and gold generally occur on the gold fields. He was appointed to execute commissions for capitalists, and to report on the different gold-bearing areas or on mining properties. He attaches himself to no special company or firm. He has travelled much among the fields, and his conclusions can be relied on as weighted with authority. He made a careful examination of the geological structure of the auriferous rock of the Western Australian fields, and prepared a report of his investigations, which he read before the Royal Colonial Institute, entitled "Geological Notes on the Coolgardie Goldfields." The paper, impartial in its evidence, and thoroughly scientific in exposition, favourably impressed the leading periodicals of England and Australia, and was instrumental in arousing the confidence of investors and speculators at home as to the security and richness of the Coolgardie and other Western Australian goldfields.

To attempt an enumeration of all the mines the celebrated Doctor has reported on would be entirely abortive and uncalled for; but one characteristic that steals through his varied reports is equity,—severe and strict representation of facts as they exist. His opinion is courted for its authority, for the confidence which it elicits because of its truth and the scientific knowledge of premises which warrant the conclusion. His scientific status on the fields is that of the highest. No one there can produce a more brilliant record of scientific, literary, and scholarly results.

Over deserts, countries, and continents he has travelled in his enthusiasm for discoveries and for all kinds of information, general and particular. With his abilities and breadth of knowledge he is quite qualified and capable of furnishing true data concerning the goldfields. His ardour for knowledge has been such that he could step from the weary desolate life of the explorer into the science rooms of a university. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of Berlin and a member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers. His temporary residence is in Coolgardie.

GEORGE BLAND HUMBLE.

THE schoolmaster helps to mould the characters of his pupils; as the twig is bent the tree grows. The town clerk fills an office not very dissimilar in a new and growing municipality.

Photo by Nixon & Merrilees.

GEORGE BLAND HUMBLE.

In Mr. George Bland Humble the citizens of Fremantle have a Town Clerk who has discharged the duties of a local pedagogue and of chief executive officer to the Council in a manner at which none can cavil. Mr. Humble is a Yorkshireman, and dates his connection with the colony to the days when Mr. Arthur Kennedy was Governor, from whom he received his first appointment as master of a school on the Greenough Flats.

Born at Laybarne House, Richmond, Yorkshire in 1839, Mr. Humble proceeded at an early age to the Wesleyan School at Richmond, Yorkshire, where he graduated as a pupil teacher. After five years apprenticeship as pupil teacher, he passed the Queen's Scholarship examination, which entitled him to admission to the Wesley Normal Training Institution, at Horseberry Road. During his sojourn there he attracted the attention of the president, the Rev. J. Scott, D.D., and the headmaster, Mr. Sugden, by his studious and exemplary behaviour, and at the age of twenty-one years, having gained the necessary diplomas, he received, at the instigation of those gentlemen, an appointment as headmaster of the Wesleyan School at Marylebone. He remained there for twelve months, when he was chosen by the Western Australian authorities to act as a teacher in this colony. Like most young Englishmen, Mr. Humble was not averse to travel, and in the year 1861 he gladly started for his new home. The ship in which he embarked, the Robert Morrison, had Captain Roe among her passengers. That gentleman with his wife and family had been on a visit to England, and being thoroughly conversant with the conditions of life in Western Australia gave the young fellow useful advice and information. The voyage was eventful, and it was not until the following year that the colony was reached. This delay was caused by the loss of the ship's masts in a squall off the island of Tristan d' Acunha. The vessel made for Cape Town under "jury" masts, where, after considerable detention, repairs were effected, and the voyage was resumed. She arrived at Fremantle in January, 1862. On reporting himself to Governor Kennedy, Mr. Humble was ordered to Greenough Flats, near Geraldton. The school was held in a very modest looking building erected by the settlers, all of whom subscribed towards the cost; the Government paid the teacher. The district was so sparsely settled that, although the schoolhouse was erected in the most central position, the distances were so great from many of the houses that the parents of the children subscribed money and purchased a horse and cart, which went round every morning to the various houses to collect the children, proceeding with them to the school, and returning with them again in the evening.

Travelling in those days was anything but comfortable, the roads being bad and the country unsettled. In 1863 a flood cut the schoolhouse off from all communication with the outer world for three weeks. When the news reached Mr. Humble that the country was in flood he was returning home from a visit, and in anxiety to reach the building he nearly lost his life in the flood waters. In that year he was ordered to Fremantle, but the vessel on which he embarked at Geraldton, the African, struck on the Pelsart Rooks, and was so severely damaged that she had to return to Geraldton, where she was beached, and during bad weather became a total wreck. From the hull, which was timber, a schooner was built, but was fated to worse misfortune than the parent ship. The little vessel, named the Lass of Geraldton, left Fremantle for Bunbury, but fell in with storms and capsized, drowning, among others, the father of Sir George Shenton. Mr. Humble joined, in 1864, the Boys' School, Fremantle, as headmaster.

He married in the same year a daughter of Mr. Stephen Allpike (Government official), and niece of Mr. J. Dyer, J.P., of Perth. Mr. Humble took a keen interest in military matters, and in 1865 joined the Volunteer Rifle Corps as Lieutenant, and subsequently filled the positions of secretary and treasurer. On his retirement in 1869 the corps presented him with a silver bugle. In 1872 a new corps was formed, in which Mr. Humble served as 1st Lieutenant under Commander R. M. Sutherland, and on that gentleman's retirement he assumed command, and held that position for five years, retiring with the rank of Major. During his connection with the Volunteers he was recognised as one of the most enthusiastic officers, and was so popular with both officers and men that on severing his connection with them he was presented with a gold locket and a Major's presentation sword.

Fresh duties had compelled him to relinquish his military services, for in 1872, on the passing of the first Municipal Act, he was pressed to accept the position of Town Clerk of Fremantle, the duties of which position he performed in conjunction with those of schoolmaster until 1892. The occasion of his retirement from the headmastership of the school was made quite a public event, the teachers and pupils presenting him with a beautifully illuminated address, and the old boys with a silver tea service.

In addition to these many important duties, Mr. Humble has taken an active interest in every movement which had for its object the advancement of Fremantle and its citizens. To him is due much of the credit of founding the Fremantle Benefit Building and Investment Society, of which he is at present the secretary. He is also a prominent Mason, and filled the office of Worshipful Master of the Lodge when the foundation-stone of the Masonic Hall was laid, and when the building was opened. He is still a trustee of the building, and has held the position of Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia. As a Justice of the Peace Mr. Humble has done good service since 1895, when he was gazetted. In religious matters he has helped to build up the Congregational Church in Fremantle. He acted as deacon to the late Rev. Mr. Johnston, and was instrumental in having the Johnston Memorial Church erected in Fremantle to his memory. In the Sunday School he has been a prominent figure, and at the expiration of twenty-five years' connection with it was presented with an address by the scholars.

The many useful offices Mr. Humble has filled in Western Australia merit him to receive the most pleasing praise of—"Well done thou good and faithful servant."

CAPTAIN FRANK BISSENBERGER.

READERS will probably be particularly interested in the biographies of those men who take an active part in the mining industry. They will want to know what sort of men are most prominent, and what are their recommendations. Distance or business demands may prevent their discovering these things for themselves.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CAPTAIN FRANK BISSENBERGER.

This work includes sketches of the careers of the principal prospectors and experts. It is highly necessary, in the interests of the future of gold mining in Western Australia, that men of large mining experience should be at the helm of the different fields. Indifferent knowledge of geology and practical mining are of no avail. Men are required who have devoted long years of mining enterprise, and who are experienced in its following in other countries. Such men are the most likely to attract capital. And the capitalist has a right to demand, before he invests, the credentials of those who administer his money.

Captain Frank Bissenberger was born in Hungary in 1852, and as a youth studied geology and mining and served an apprenticeship in engineering. An Austrian subject, he was required to spend a period in the military service, and for five years he was in the Sappers and Mining Engineers corps. Thus he became acquainted with the theoretical and practical part of engineering, and gained an excellent grounding in mining.. Moreover, in after years he learnt much of practical mining. In 1875 he left Austria, and settled in Adelaide, South Australia. For two years he followed the occupation of an engineer, whereupon he went to the Gawler Ranges, north-west of Adelaide, and prospected for copper. At that time it was believed that copper deposits, almost as famous as those at the Burra Burra, existed in the Gawler Ranges, but, though Captain Bissenberger found indications, nothing of any importance eventuated from his work. Next at Ulooloo, near Mount Bryan, he followed gold mining in the alluvial for some months. This goldfield, like nearly all those in the sister colony, is tantalising, for while the prospects are excellent, the realisation is seldom above mediocrity. However, Captain Bissenberger was able to pay his way, and to invest in quartz mining on the same field. Then came the rumour of silver finds at Silverton, and Captain Bissenberger went to them. He spent some five years working among the silver and tin mines on the Barrier Ranges, and increased his money. At last he tired of mining, and looked with envy on the quiet homes of the settlers at Mildura. He went down to that Garden of the Murray, purchased a farm from Chaffey Bros., and worked it. Subsequently he combined this work with an appointment which he obtained from Chaffey Bros.—that of engineering inspector.

But this secluded life soon palled, and after a few months Captain Bissenberger left Mildura, and turned again to mining. The Teetulpa Goldfields were then creating excitement throughout South Australia, and hopes were entertained that a payable goldfield was at last discovered. Captain Bissenberger spent six months at Teetulpa, when, recognising that there was little future before it, he returned to Adelaide. He was not there long before he was appointed manager of the Countess of Jersey Mine at Wadnaminga, in the north. Twelve months later he relinquished the position to work the Earl of Kintore Mine on tribute. He did fairly well out of this venture, and placed his money in the banks. It would have been just as well had he left the gold in the earth's storehouse, for the financial crisis and the closing and subsequent reconstruction of the banks absorbed his money.

At Adelaide Captain Bissenberger now organised a syndicate, and in 1893 came to Western Australia to endeavour to secure some good mines. He made his way to Coolgardie, whence after a few days he went to Hannan's. In neither of these places did he see just what he required. He journeyed to White Feather, and took up four leases of twelve acres each. His first experiences there were not of the pleasantest. He arrived on a terribly hot and thirsty day, and water cost 4s. 6d. a gallon. But these leases formed the nucleus of his useful connection with the goldfields of Western Australia. At first the four were worked separately, one named the Bissenberger Mine, and the other the White Feather Reef. They are now amalgamated, under the title of the White Feather Main Reef Company, and give promise of a lucrative career.

Since then Captain Bissenberger has been busy. He became connected as expert with the Henry Parsons' Syndicate, a very strong Perth body. He purchased for them, at a low figure, the Robinson Gold Mine, which, with an adjoining property, has since been floated. In connection with Mr. H. D. Parsons, Captain Bissenberger has acted as advisor, or expert, for a number of mines, and with Mr. J. S. Reed and others has assisted in the flotation of a large number of companies. He last year visited London on mining business; altogether, he has floated on the London market mining ventures representing 1,400 acres. He is general manager of the Easter Gift Proprietary Gold Mining Company, and consulting engineer to the English Exploration Company. His confidence in the future of the Western Australian goldfields is great.

Captain Bissenberger has, therefore, had a fairly extensive experience of mining. He is considered a practical miner, and his opinion is esteemed as worth having. There is every likelihood of his greatly extending his connection with the local gold mines. A student of geology and a practical man in one should be cordially welcomed by local goldfield's people and by capitalists elsewhere.

DAVID LINDSAY, F.R.G.S., M.S.A.I.S.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

DAVID LINDSAY.

THERE is a strong strain of romance and praiseworthy courage in the stories of the "path-finders" of Australia. Beginning with those of Flinders and Bass, the records of expeditions which have assailed the unknown supply a connected and vividly interesting narrative of Australian exploration. Before pastoralists, agriculturists, artisans, and miners established themselves, the "path-finder" pushed his way through forests, over hills, and across deserts, and told the world of what he saw. The list of heroes of this class is not confined to one colony, but is fairly evenly divided among them all. Nor are they merely local heroes, for with sometimes poor equipments, and under extremely adverse circumstances, they have performed labours so meritorious as to sound their fame from Dan to Beersheba. They fought no united race of aborigines, no wild beasts, but they had enemies more deadly and decidedly more dispiriting. The endless desert waste, and the limitless expanses of desolate country—the poignant horrors of thirst and hunger—are far less attractive forms of obstacles than the opportunities for courage and strength which strong beasts and untamed men supply. Many have perished in the laudable attempt to traverse the darkness of the Interior, and some have succeeded, and received only the cold thanks of their country. Their graves—where known—implore the passing tribute of a sigh. But the glory of these men must shine more luminously in after centuries, when large populations shall be scattered over the regions they discovered.

Even to-day Australia is not completely mapped out, and there are large stretches of country to be "discovered" by the explorer. The past twenty years have thrown more light on hitherto unvisited and vast areas, and in that period the name of David Lindsay is the most noted for his hardihood and dauntless courage in exploration. Mr. Lindsay possesses a strong constitution, an inflexible will where natural obstacles have to be overcome, an adventurous love, and a curiosity for penetrating the least known parts of his native island continent. His experience extends over tens of thousands of square miles of country, never before seen by white men, and he has made journeys which demanded an intimate knowledge of bushcraft and stern powers of endurance and courage. No more prominent and successful path-finder has gone into the unknown for many years.

Goolwa, South Australia, was the birthplace of David Lindsay. Captain Lindsay, his father, was a widely-known trader between Dundee and Melbourne, and later became associated with the intercolonial trade between Adelaide and Western Australia. He had much to do with the early development of the colony's maritime trade, and enjoys the distinction of having taken the first steam launch over the bar of the Swan River at Fremantle. Towards the termination of his career he commanded the steamer Governor Musgrove, which, the property of the South Australian Government, conducted valuable surveys and general official maritime work for the sister colony. Perhaps the spirit of adventure—a survival of the Norwegian pirate kings—which dominated his father, was inherited by him, and was the inherent force which influenced the turns of his life. Born in 1856, he first attended school at Goolwa, and was afterwards placed under the Rev. J. Hotham, at Port Elliot. There the beginnings of his surveying and enterprising proclivities were fostered by actual knowledge of the means by which they might be carried into effect. When he was fifteen years old he left school, and entered as an assistant in a chemist's shop at Goolwa. The somewhat unromantic and sedentary nature of this occupation did not satisfy him, and his restless mind forced him to look for something fresh and exciting. He became associated with the office of a mining agent in Adelaide—a home of share dealing and speculation in Australasia. Even this did not prove sufficiently attractive, and twelve months later he joined the Survey Department of the South Australian Government. His first entrance to sparsely-settled country was made in Yorke Peninsula, where he was attached to an agricultural survey party, commanded by Mr. J. W. Jones. Next he was a member of a party in charge of Mr. C. H. Harris, which surveyed a road from Kingston to Border Town, a sequestered portion of south-eastern South Australia. Further experience in survey work was obtained in the Wirrabarra district as a cadet, under Mr. C. Wells. While a cadet he was given charge of a survey party in the northern areas, in the neighbourhood of Mount Remarkable. Two years of this work, in a way, completed his apprenticeship. In 1878 he was sent to the Northern Territory of South Australia, under Mr. G. R. McMinn, and during that gentleman!s extended absence he supervised the northern Land and Survey Department, and also the Public Works Department. A considerable portion of the Northern Territory, although one of the earliest parts of the Australian coast to be sighted by old world navigators, was, at this time, practically unknown, and even to-day much survey and exploration work requires to be conducted. While in charge of the Survey Department there Mr. Lindsay entered some of the pathless expanses, and, according to his bent, was ambitious to penetrate and explore them more fully.

In June, 1882, he severed his connection with the Government, and conducted private mining surveys in the Territory for twelve months. He then undertook an exploration trip for the South Australian Government into the ancient Arnhem Land. This coastal country was touched upon by navigators in the seventeenth century, and their reports of the country and the inhabitants were not at all encouraging. They described the country as barren and unfertile, and the natives as treacherous and vicious. The great Tasman was not pleased with what he saw of this portion of the Great South Land, and except for visits by Flinders, King, and a few other notable mariners, it has remained remote from the curious eyes of white men. The land in from the coast was thought to probably contain good pastoral country, but was still known to be peopled by dangerous and ferocious blacks.

To conduct an exploration party into such a country just suited Mr. Lindsay, and in 1883 he set out, accompanied by three white men, two black boys, and thirty-two horses. He was able to greatly add to the knowledge of the Government concerning Arnhem Land, and to inform them as to the utility of the country for white settlement. But the natives did their utmost to prevent his advance into their territory, and he had, on two occasions, to fight his way. The first was a somewhat exceptional instance of native courage. Throughout Australia the aborigines fear the darkness, believing that under its cloak grim spirits lurk, which are eager to do no end of harm. They therefore burn bright fires all night long, and remain within the range of light. If, by any chance, they stray beyond the illuminated boundaries they carry burning sticks in their hands, and fearsomely peer into the surrounding darkness for wandering spirits. Hence, for natives to attack an enemy at night is a most unusual occurrence. Evidently determined to dare the spirit-world, in order to fight an invader in the flesh, a large number of them attacked Lindsay and his men in camp. The isolated intruders, by constant firing of guns, succeeded in keeping the aborigines from getting within spear range. The only harm done was the loss of four horses.

While the explorers were near Castlereagh Bay, on the north coast, the blacks drove off all their horses. They left them about seven miles away, but it was a full week before the party were able to recover them. About 300 natives attacked them, and were driven off without loss or injury to the party. It is not a difficult matter to defeat these poorly equipped and ignorant enemies. And, after all, it is a natural, and in no way reprehensible, desire on the part of the latter to prevent the advance of these strange skinned men into the land of their birth. This was the first and only occasion that Mr. Lindsay was compelled to deliberately shoot the blacks, and he endeavoured, as far as possible, to secure his party's safety with a minimum loss of black life.

After five months spent in the Arnhem Land wilds, Mr. Lindsay returned to the central settlement at Port Darwin, whence he took steaner to Adelaide. He now, after a short holiday, went over to the west coast of South Australia to find a road from the coast to the Warburton Ranges. Succeeding in this, he again severed his connection with the Government, and journeyed to the north-east country—a span of weary miles. In 1884 he was on the Barrier Ranges just after the first discoveries of silver were made at Silverton, and he was in that place when the first silver was found on the famous Broken Hill fields. He already possessed some knowledge of minerals and geology, and during this period was able to greatly extend it. Still eager for the hard work of the explorer, in 1885 he organized an expedition, at his own expense, to explore the country between the overland telegraph line and the Queensland border. Starting from Hergott Springs, with seven men and twelve camels, he conducted a large amount of exploratory work, and reached the Barkly Table Land, where he made extensive surveys of run boundaries, and followed the McArthur River from south to north. During this expedition he discovered stones on the McDonnell Ranges, which were reported to be rubies. This discovery caused great excitement in the sister colony, some experts reporting the stones to be true rubies, others condemning them. Nothing is now heard of the McDonnell Ranges' rubies, although experienced men are convinced that the country thereabouts is eminently worth exploiting, and will yet prove of great value to South Australia. A few months after his return Mr. Lindsay revisited Port Darwin to report for an English syndicate on the extensive gold-bearing areas in the Northern Territory. He carefully inspected several mines, and then proved his stamina and bravery by a notable ride. In company with a black boy, he set forth on horses from Port Darwin, and rode over the whole stretch of country between the north and south coasts of Australia. The season was a dry one, and those who have gone into the uninhabited interior will know what that means to the traveller. The total distance is 1,400 miles, over deserts and long waterless tracts. In one stage he travelled seventy-five miles without water, and in another, sixty miles. This, over loose sand and beneath a burning sun, is a hard trial for the horse, and demands excellent judgment from the rider. The journey from Port Darwin to Alice Springs was done in five weeks.

The whole of the year 1888 was spent in an expedition to the McDonnell Ranges in search of precious stones and minerals. In those massive and highly mineralised ranges which bisect North and South Australia he discovered the first deposit of payable mica in the continent, and also acquired much other valuable information, which has given rise to considerable speculation as to the great wealth of those regions. A shipment of 16 cwt. of mica was sent to London, but although the product was high class, and of large size, it brought on sale the paltry sum of 1s. 6d. per cwt. This was due to the operations of a "corner" of mica brokers; an industry was then and there strangled. Since that time a further attempt has been made, and similar mica now brings from 7s. to 10s. a lb.

Upon his return to the capital the Broken Hill silver boom was rising to its highest inflation. The principal stocks were held in Adelaide, and nearly the whole population dreamt dreams of illimitable silver wealth. Few escaped the abnormal fever, and the "corner" and stock exchanges daily rang with the turmoil of eager, elbowing crowds. It was very natural that Mr. Lindsay's adventurous temperament should lead him into this turgid throng. He went on the Exchange and became a sharebroker. During the period from 1889 to 1891 he made some heavy deals, and his total turnover of capital amounted to an immense sum. However, the finality of the reaction found him little better off than when he began.

The late Sir Thomas Elder, whose contributions of funds towards the exploration of Australia have been immense, and who, out of his princely wealth, laudably strove in every way to benefit the country wherein he amassed his fortune, now proposed to the South Australian branch of the Australasian Geographical Society to equip a party to complete the exploration of Australia, and to add to the scientific knowledge of her flora and fauna. The plan of the proposed expedition was to penetrate the unknown areas so that the whole continent might be topographically marked out. Gentlemen of scientific attainments were chosen to accompany the party, and David Lindsay was justly appointed the leader. This was the great opportunity of his career, and he was the most anxious of all to get to his task. That the expedition, the results of which were decidedly important, was not more significantly successful was not the fault of Lindsay. The party, which consisted of fourteen men and forty-four camels, was, perhaps, the best equipped which ever strove to explore Australia, but among the scientific officers were some whose characters unsuited them to a position in an Australian exploring expedition. Consequently friction arose, culminating in the dismissal of two officers and the subsequent resignation of two others.

At the beginning of the winter of 1891 Lindsay and his party left Adelaide and proceeded to the terminus of the transcontinental railway line at Warrina. There they mustered all their forces, their provisions and accoutrements. Then the leader despatched farewell telegrams to Adelaide and started on the lonely journey. He took a westerly course, his aim being to explore all that great unknown tract which lies between the explorations of Giles and Forrest, a total distance of 900 miles. He early recognised that the season was a most unpropitious one, and, unless rain quickly fell, that the plans of the expedition would have to be curtailed. Not having the pleasure of a sight of his journal we cannot here go into that detail of his travel which is so interesting, nor have we the space. At any rate, much new country was seen, and an account of it was given to the world. A striking feature of the journey was the wonderful powers of endurance shown by the camels, and the world's record, so far as is known, was made in the distance and time that they went without water. At Mount Squires, discovered by Ernest Giles in 1874, they obtained ample water in a huge rock-hole, and then the more inhospitable and deserted regions were entered. Mr. Linday sent casks of water twenty-five miles from Mount Squires, where, on the second day out, he gave the camels two and a half gallons of water each, and on the ninth day two and a half gallons more out of a small rock-hole. Thenceforth, for eighteen days, traversing sand hills in hot weather, and while heavily loaded, not a drop of water did the dromedaries have. This is a remarkable feat, and shows to what use the ships of the desert may be put. There was little more pasturage than water, which served to accentuate the trial. Mr. Lindsay proceeded to the Victoria Springs (which saved Giles in his trip in 1875), where he hoped to obtain the precious liquid, but they were dry. By sinking fifteen feet he was only able to obtain sixty gallons in twenty-four hours, and, helped by forty gallons from the casks, two and a half gallons each was all that could be given to the parched animals. They had now to hurry as rapidly as possible to the nearest certain water, which was at Fraser's Range. It took them eight days to accomplish this stage, and the camels at last obtained sufficient water and fair feed. They had thus travelled 550 miles in thirty-five days on seven and a half gallons of water each, and so carefully was their strength conserved by Mr. Lindsay that only one animal died from the effects of the severe strain.

Desiring to give the camels a thorough rest, Mr. Lindsay left them and the members of his party at Fraser's Range, and with a black boy pushed on to Esperance Bay to report progress and obtain instructions. This route was 160 miles long, and he arrived at the Port in October, 1891, after having passed over much new country in his travel from one colony to another. At Esperance he telegraphed to the Geographical Society at Adelaide, advising them that there had been a three years' drought in the interior, and that it was impossible for him to go back into the desert country. He expressed the opinion that there was auriferous country to be explored between Dundas and the Murchison, and if they were able to discover water after leaving Hampton Plains, said they could map out this belt. He obtained the sanction of the Society to thus alter his route, returned to the party at Fraser's Range, and made for Hampton plains, but no water was to be found, and he had to again change his course and go west. Passing through saltbush country and deserts his difficulties increased. The camels stopped feeding and the outlook was decidedly discouraging. He did not allow these hardships to affect his work, and, with the other officials, was able to supply useful data of the country visited. From the north side of Lake Lefroy he turned west towards Southern Cross, and passed through what are now the world known Coolgardie Goldfields. At Hunt's Dam, at present known as Karalee, a little water was found in the rocks, a shower of rain having fallen a short time before, and the camels were given a drink—the first for twelve days. For five previous days the most of them had not eaten. He succeeded in reaching Southern Cross, and near Golden Valley gave the tired animals two weeks' rest. Mr. Lindsay sank wells along the present route from Lake Lefroy to Southern Cross, generally without obtaining water. He marked on the map an auriferous belt for the whole of this region, and its existence has since been well proved. Mr. Lindsay therefore drew public attention to the fact that auriferous country existed in the centre of Western Australia, and months before Bayley discovered the gold at Coolgardie he had advised John Dunn and other prospectors to go into that exact locality. It was also because of his advice and report that Elder, Smith, and Co., of Adelaide, sent F. and T. Mahomet to Western Australia with camels to undertake the carrying trade to the new goldfield

From Southern Cross the party went to the Murchison, and it was there that the dissension among the officers came to a head. For insubordination Mr. Lindsay dismissed the naturalist and the medical officer. Because of this two other officers resigned, and the unfortunate result was the disbandment of the whole party. If this consummation could have been averted the results of the expedition would have been much greater than they were, for it was Mr. Lindsay's intention to leave the settled districts of Western Australia to mark out new paths and collect scientific information. The dissatisfied officers formulated charges against Mr. Lindsay, and he was recalled to Adelaide to explain them. He there presented his case, but the decision was not given until the other officers were asked to report themselves in the sister colony. This request as not immediately obeyed, and Sir Thomas Elder forthwith ordered the total disbandment of the party. When the two dismissed members and the others reached Adelaide and personally preferred their charges, with reasons, the Geographical Society completely exonerated Mr. Lindsay from all blame.

The enterprising explorer now went out on a private expedition, and with fifty camels journeyed through the interior from Port Augusta to Coolgardie. He was twelve weeks completing the trip. Gold had already been found in Coolgardie, and camels were proving their great worth in assisting development. Their total value on the goldfields cannot be estimated, for over the barren, waterless deserts no horse could accomplish the journeys they did in the early history of the goldfields. For transport, especially, they were invaluable. Mr. Lindsay applied his camels to this work, and burdened with the necessaries of life they went from place to place and proved highly remunerative to their owners. While supervising his transport business Mr. Lindsay once more entered the theatre of mining investment and speculation, and from then till the present he has been an active force on the goldfields. He purchased interests in several claims, and became a member of the Coolgardie Stock Exchange. The adventurous explorer settled down to a more private life, and instead of seeking to enrich others in the opening up of new country, very wisely sought to provide for himself.

But his career on the goldfields has been by no means a quiet one. He has travelled thousands of miles inspecting mineral areas. In February, 1895, he went to England and successfully placed for an Adelaide syndicate two mines on the London market. These were the Kalgurli and the North Kalgurli gold mines, which were taken over by companies, each with a capital of £100,000. While he was in the old country the Scottish Westralia Company was formed, and he was appointed its principal operator in Australia. In October, 1895, he returned to the colony and inspected many mining properties on behalf of the company, and three months later went back to England to report progress. His company purchased the Hope's Hill Mine, the Seabrook Freehold Estate at Northam, and the Stanley and Zealandia claims at the Thirty-Three Mile. The Scottish Westralia Company is now (1896) arranging to form a company to supply all the fields with electric motive power. The scheme is an enormous one, and if successful will prove a great boon to the fields by facilitating their development.

In September, 1896, Mr. Lindsay again returned to Western Australia. He is personally interested in several well-known local gold mines. For his splendid services to geographical science he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London in 1888, and he is honorary member of both the South Australian and Victorian branches of the Australasian Geographical Society. He is also a member of the South Australian Institute of Licensed Surveyors.

If the detailed accounts of Mr. Lindsay's travels were published and popularised, the narrative would be decidedly romantic and exciting. A man of his restless spirit could not be satisfied with the narrow provincial life, or the quiet ways of the agriculturist. The long march and the dangers and excitement of exploration must be his lot. When the causes which dominate men's actions come to be scientifically laid down, and social science is firmly established, it will probably be found that certain characters demand and obtain certain careers in a higher or lower sphere. The predilection of which Emerson so well writes draws them into definite arenas. This was undoubtedly so in the case of Mr. Lindsay, and had circumstances not led him to an exploring career he would still have been adventurous and enterprising and courageous even as a poor herd lad. That his name is known throughout Australia need not be told, and it must be a pleasing conviction to him to feel that he has conferred favours on his native land, and placed posterity under a debt which, with those of other Australian explorers, will be recognised in its own good time.

EDWARD VIVIAN HARVEY KEANE, J.P., EX-M.L.A.

MEN of broad minds are as much required in the management of Australian Railways as they are elsewhere. Railways have to be built into sparsely settled districts in order to give a fillip to development. Along the route may be much fertile soil, which, without this transport agency, would be too remote from a market to enter into the war of competition. Facing railway administrators is the question of the economical working of the lines. At their inception these lines cannot be expected to pay. It is merely a matter of tiding over present difficulties in order to form the nucleus of a future prosperity. There are thus needed in our midst men of grasp and detail, who can choose between the essential and the unnecessary, who have commercial foresight as well as engineering ability, and who are masters in mathematics.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

E.V.H. KEANE, J.P., EX-M.L.A.

This serves to lead to a summary of the excellent deeds of citizenship of Mr. E. V. H. Keane, J.P. A certificated engineer, and having a wide experience in the building and working of railways, this gentleman came among us, and has helped in the solving of the railway problem in this partially populated colony. His connection with the building of Western Australian lines has been extensive, and as manager of the great privately-owned Midland Railway Service he has instituted some highly useful examples, and assisted, by careful supervision, in the development of considerable territory.

Edward Vivian Harvey Keane, J.P., ex-M.L.A. was born in Cheshire, England, in August, 1844. The early years of his manhood were spent in studying for the profession of Civil Engineer, and he duly qualified. In 1876 he left England and went to Melbourne, where he practised his profession. Subsequently he removed to South Australia and became attached to the Engineer-in-Chief's department as a resident engineer. After two years he retired from the service, and in 1879 began railway contracting. The first contract he carried out was the laying of the Holdfast Bay Railway line on a 5 feet 3 inch gauge. Upon completing this work he built the 3 feet 6 inch gauge line from Terowie to Orroroo. Thereby he became acquainted with what Australians term broad gauge and narrow gauge railways.

About this time Western Australians were considering the advisability of extensively building railways to established centres, and Mr. Keane decided to remove hither. In 1882 he tendered for the erection of the line from Guildford to York. He was successful and completed the work, and afterwards laid the line from York to Beverley, the terminus of the Government railway on the line to Albany. These contracts were large, and were carried out most satisfactorily. Next, Mr. Keane built the railway from Spencer's Brook to Northam, also the Bunbury to Boyanup Railway, and the Geraldton to Walkaway line. His last contract was the construction, for the Midland Railway Company (English), of the line from Midland Junction to Walkaway. This was finished in 1895, and has proved of great advantage to the districts it drains, and in connecting the railway systems of the colony. Altogether Mr. Keane has built about 500 miles of railway in Western Australia, and has been one of the largest employers of labour ever in the colony. In June, 1895, he was appointed by the English Company manager of the Midland Railway Service, and this position he still retains (1896). His management evidences high business ability. He has been alert and comprehensive, and during the last two years, although the Government Railways have been unable to cope with the traffic, by wise foresight and system and method, Mr. Keane has negotiated, without delay, all demands on his line.

During many of these years of commercial activity, Mr Keane has been busy in a public capacity. In 1886 his interests in the district were so large, and it was evident that he possessed such useful qualities, that he was asked to become a member of the old Legislative Council for Geraldton. He was elected, and continued to sit until the inauguration of Responsible Government. He was able to substantially assist members of the Council, and also carefully safeguard the interests of his particular constituency.

When the elections for the first House of Assembly took place in 1890 he was nominated for Perth proper. He was elected, but twelve months afterwards resigned. Then he decided to again contest the electorate for the consequent vacancy. On this occasion he was defeated by Mr. T. Molloy, of Hay Street, Perth. In 1891 Mr. Keane was nominated for the Mayoralty of Perth, and after a closely-fought election was successful. He occupied the chair with such general satisfaction that upon his retirement in 1892, numerous addresses and testimonials were presented to him by council and ratepayers; in fact, he possesses many much-prized mementoes of this kind, presented to him at different periods during his career. In 1891 Mr. Keane was created a Justice of the Peace.

His energies have not been confined to railway, parliamentary, and municipal affairs. He is to be considered among the pioneers of Western Australian mining as it exists to-day. In 1888 he fitted out a party of men who took up the Kathleen lease at Golden Valley, which has the distinction of being the first lease applied for on the Yilgarn Goldfields. About 2,000 ounces of gold were taken from the Kathleen. He is now interested in different mining ventures scattered over the Coolgardie and other goldfields, and is a director of the South British Insurance Company.

In 1877 he married a daughter of Mr. Abraham White, Kapunda, South Australia. Mr. Keane is studious by nature, and has a keen grasp of engineering and commercial matters, especially as they apply to railways. He is a leader in the Western Australian business world, and a most valued citizen.

HAROLD GEORGE PARSONS.

THE wealth of a place is proved by the class of its people. The statement is almost too ordinary and self evident to make. Given men with energy and peaceful natures, who know how to apply the precious laws of husbandry or win metallic prizes, and there are few parts of the earth so blasted and barren as not to welcome them. Kalgoorlie is fortunate in having men of skill and stamina among her captains.

Photo by Falconer.

HAROLD GEORGE PARSONS.

Mr. Parsons has been associated with many important developments in Kalgoorlie almost from the moment of its birth, and has performed an excellent share of work in increasing her prestige and reputation. Such praiseworthy achievements as his deserve that esteem and popularity which confrères, and an intelligent public exhibit towards him.

Mr. Parsons was born in Kent in 1867. His father, Mr. George Parsons, left for Victoria when young Harold was a mere child, and subsequently became one of the leading merchants in Melbourne. His decease in 1874 was sincerely mourned. Mr. Parsons sent his son to the Grammar School in Melbourne, where he took an exorbitant interest in classics, a fascinating and instructive department which made him thirst for a wider knowledge of its limitless contents. He went to the University arenas of England, and entered Wadham College, Oxford, as an undergraduate. A fair number of scholarships and exhibitions are there open for competition, but he must be a man of high mental talents who can aspire to obtaining one of the "plums." Mr. Parsons, fresh from a Melbourne institution, had to compete with "dons" from world-renowned schools like Rugby and Eton. He more than held his own in the mental wrestle, and was successful in obtaining an Oxford scholarship in classics. All through his Oxford course Mr. Parsons maintained a scholarly reputation and position. When the results off the final examination for the degree of B.A. were declared, his name appeared among the happy winners of honours in Literae Humaniores. After graduating, he attached himself to the study of law, and entered the Inner Temple. Possibly, no other profession could have suited him better. He was excellently adapted for it by his peculiar cast of mind. Yet law did not absorb his whole attention. He had always exhibited a leaning towards literary and journalistic work, like many notable legal luminaries, and accepted an appointment on the Scots' Observer as leader writer. This paper had a wide circulation and great prominence in those days, and even now, under the rechristened name of National Observer, has a fair standing in England.

After following this vocation for some time, his health broke down from pressure of work, and he left for Melbourne to recruit. On his arrival he stayed for a considerable time with his relatives; then longed once more for distant shores. When he was on the point of starting for Zanzibar, auspicious news from Western Australia made him change his plans, and he directed his course hither. He arrived in Perth early in 1895, and set out at once for the gold fields. But the task proved greater than he anticipated, and he was compelled through want of conveyances or other means of travelling to walk on foot from Burracoppin to Coolgardie. He reached Kalgoorlie in October, 1893, just a few months after its discovery, and upon fulfilling the necessary residential qualifications, opened as a legal practitioner.

At the time that the Great Boulder began to astonish the world by its rich yields, Mr. Parsons was solicitor to the Brookman Brothers, Mr. Zebina Lane, and other well-known men. This was a felicitous circumstance for him, for it admitted him within the inner influential circle of great powers on the fields. In his professional capacity he had transacted most of their legal business, and when the world came to recognise the greatness of the Brookman Mines the name and influence of Mr. Parsons got a sudden rise in the general boom which followed. He fully deserved his leap into fame, for when Kalgoorlie was well-nigh prostrated in consequence of a temporary depression, Mr. Parsons stuck to his post and infused confidence and spirit into a dejected populace. His pluck and courage were at last imitated by others, and when the wave had passed all felt that Mr. Parsons' conduct was exemplary and admirable.

Mr. Parsons now also became a devotee of mining. He soon pegged out the Great Boulder Main Reefs, a lease in closest proximity to the Great Boulder. He became associated in mining ventures with Mr. George MacLeod Matheson, and the Hannan's Central, Boulder North Extended, Boulder North Extended Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 fell to their lot. Mr. Parsons also acquired important and extensive properties in the Scotsman line. Three of his leases were floated in Adelaide by Mr. V. L. Solomon, M.L.A.; six blocks were sold to an English development syndicate, in which directors of the London and Westminster Bank are interested; and the Scotsman leases, which are extremely valuable, were disposed of at a high figure to the North Extended Gold Mines Company. In all Mr. Parsons pegged out 450 acres.

In connection with several leases he entered into an agreement with Kalgoorlie people, previous to departing for England, by which they provided working capital for the mines to keep them in a process of development till he should get them successfully floated. By this contract he obtained a half share while the subscribers got the other half. He went to London in April, 1896, and before the lapse of many months he had accomplished the objects of his mission. He floated these numerous properties into two companies. One of the two is the North East Coolgardie Syndicate, Limited, which has a capital of £250,000; the other is the English Exploration Company; of both he is managing director. Numerous companies and syndicates claim him as a director, and among them the Boulder Perseverance and the North Boulder, two rising properties in proximity to the Great Boulder. He holds (1896) the honourable position of chairman in the Great Boulder Main Reefs. Mr. Parsons takes an active interest in all local institutions. He is vice-president of the Chamber of Mines, and is an honorary member of several town clubs. He is skilful, methodical, and quick in the despatch of business. His affability, magnanimous disposition, and his charity render him a favourite in Kalgoorlie. In the legal profession he possesses an exhaustive knowledge of his subject, and displays a shrewdness of judgment that must arise from a highly logical mind.

GEORGE BELLINGHAM, J.P., M.I.F.M.E., M.E.

IT is now considered a wise and fruitful policy to specialise in any one branch of art and science. No doubt the advantages of exclusive devotion to one subject are exceptionally great, as has been proved of late years in connection with chemistry and electricity. Scientists by their restricted attention to each of these sciences have imparted to the world the results of brilliant experiments and investigations. Still, such particularising may tend to close, perhaps involuntarily, the doors of the mind against other equally important departments of knowledge. It overdevelops one part of the mind at the expense of the other.

Photo by Hemus & Hall.

GEORGE BELLINGHAM, J.P.

In Western Australia and in many other growing colonies such exclusive attention to any single branch would prove somewhat barren and unprofitable. To keep pace with the sudden expansion one must, to be truly serviceable, combine the functions of several offices. Facilities are not yet what they should be; environments are still rugged, and till these are perfected and those polished we can have no opportunities of allotting to every man one definite task. Under such circumstances the man who can respond to the calls of different requirements is one who is in every way suited for colonial enterprise.

Mr. Bellingham was born in Bendigo, Victoria, in 1860. His parents removed to Adelaide while he was still a child, and his education was begun and completed in Adelaide. On leaving school he entered the large offices of Messrs. Green and Co., engineers and mining surveyors, of Adelaide. During his five years' apprenticeship he carefully digested much useful information, and wisely availed himself of the wide experiential knowledge which that firm afforded. At the end of his quinquennial term he started business for himself in Adelaide. For three years he practised there as surveyor and mining engineer. Nor were his youthful efforts devoid of success. His rising capabilities were studiously watched, and before he had been any length of time in practice he had won a reputation for his scientific abilities and enterprising perseverance that might have caused jealousy in more experienced circles. But in a comparatively established township it is no easy matter to ascend in proportion to your powers. It is tedious and very gradual, and the energetic mind gets disheartened and goes in search of newer fields and wider spheres.

Mr. Bellingham then, after some deliberation, resolved to quit Adelaide and go to the north of Queensland, which at this time was winning no small amount of fame as a mining field. Whilst there he surveyed Charters Towers and other more or less important places. He returned to Victoria after a short stay in Queensland, and entered the Railway Survey Department of the colony. He was eighteen months in that employ, and completed several large undertakings for the Government. Up till now he had acted as mining engineer, mining surveyor, land surveyor, and lastly, civil engineer. There may be a certain kinship existing among these offices, but while one of them is intricate and difficult enough to the ordinary mind, the mastering of four would be rightly judged as the result of uncommon ability.

In 1891 he left for Western Australia, and entered the Government Survey Department. He went to Coolgardie in October, 1893, to finish some surveying for the Government, and had not been there many months before new goldfields broke out around Coolgardie. The long-expected opportunity came at last. He made Coolgardie his headquarters, and started the business which he at present holds. Though no longer directly in the service of the Government survey, he never discontinued his connection with the department, and often he is called upon to perform surveying operations.

The firm, under the name of Messrs. Bellingham and Sharland, has an extensive connection in Coolgardie. They are architects, civil and mining engineers, land and mining surveyors, and they enjoy the reputation of being one of the oldest established businesses in Coolgardie. Mr. Bellingham is a licensed surveyor of all the Australian colonies except New South Wales, He was admitted as a member of the Institute of Federal Mining Engineers in 1894. In the administration of the municipal affairs of Coolgardie he is a prominent figure. He was elected a councillor in 1895, and still retains his seat. His earnest desire to promote the general good in every department has caused him to take his seat on various sub-committees of the council, such as the Health Board and the Board of Trade. In these two boards he has rendered able services to the community at large. Progress, improvement, and amelioration are his ideals for the advancement of the town. He was one of the first members of the Coolgardie Stock Exchange, and of the Chamber of Mines and Commerce, and he has continued his membership of these two bodies up to the present. Many claim the first local flotation of a mine in Coolgardie, but it is beyond doubt that the Moorfield was the first mine floated locally. This flotation was effected by Mr. Bellingham. He is a director of the Easter Gift, Richmond Gem, and Malcolm Mohr.

He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1895. He is a prominent Freemason in Coolgardie, and was one of the founders of the Freemasonry Lodge of that town, and is now (1896) Senior Warden. He has contributed no little share to the growth of Coolgardie. The bonds which unite him to Coolgardie are strong and lasting, and the sincere interest he takes in every felicitous action finds a response in the breast of those whom he endeavours to benefit. As a committee man, he has exerted himself strenuously in every venture and in every matter of concern, and has shed many a welcome light on what seemed obscure and unpracticable. His efficiencies, his deep and long experience of the fields and the town, and his keen abilities, constitute him a pillar of strength in Coolgardie.

GEORGE ROWLAND FEARBY, M.E.

FEW can deny but that Mr. Fearby's knowledge of mining is extensive. At the incredibly early age of eight years, young George busied himself on mining fields, under the careful vigilance of the paternal eye. From then till 1897, which embraces a period of forty years, he has performed great and numerous feats. A detailed enumeration of his diversified series of actions will bring to mind the story of seed-time and harvest.

GEORGE ROWLAND FEARBY, M.E.

Mr. Fearby was born in New England, New South Wales, in 1850. His father was a pioneer on the Hanging Rock Goldfields, near Tamworth—one of the earliest alluvial diggings in New South Wales, originally opened up by a fortunate prospector named Wyndham. He was also for a considerable time in partnership with Danger Brothers, who had attained celebrity in the early days of the New South Wales goldfields as highly successful mining experts. Young George's predilection for, and success in, the mining world seems to have been hereditary.

In 1858, at the phenomenal age of eight, he embarked with childish glee on the alluvial fields. He had a boyish curiosity for prying into the hidden secrets of alluvial earth. That early desire, so far from being crushed by his father as a purely boyish freak, which years and better sense would enable him to outgrow, was stimulated and encouraged. One can imagine the little child amusing his fancy by peering carefully and anxiously into some remote corner, which he was sure contained the object in quest.

Slowly and surely days and years sped on, till the boyish curiosity passed into the settled regime of manly task. Still, his love had grown with his days at the wheel, and when he left the alluvial fields of New South Wales in 1869 he was an enthusiastic mining devotee. His career had been watched because of its very uniqueness. His services were immediately enlisted by a Melbourne syndicate on his return from the north-east fields of New South Wales. He was commissioned by them to make an extensive prospecting tour through New England in search of diamonds. Though the direct and immediate outcome of the expedition was not the discovery of the precious glistening carbon gem, still his mission was by no means barren of success. He discovered in the course of his tour the New England tin mines, which brought a fair amount of fame to his name. Still, he was rather unfortunate in one of his discoveries owing to a treacherous trick being played upon him by his over-clever companion. The first tin property they discovered was the Ellesmore in which his ostensible friend outwitted him and robbed him of his interest. Young Fearby had not yet schooled himself in arts sufficient to ward off deceptions of cheatery and fraud. Still, as experience, it opened his mind to the possibilities existing in the world for all kinds of roguery, and made him more guarded in future.

Mr. Fearby next journeyed to Cope's Creek, twelve miles south of Ellesmore, to a property called the Britannia. He was appointed manager of this mine on his arrival, and held that managerial trust for two years with conspicuous success. The burdensome and onerous duty of the charge may be evidenced by the simple statement that fully 250 men had to be superintended by him during his retention of the post. His skill and administrative capacity were recognised as the chief factors of a sudden expansion, an increased output, and a general development. The mine, under his experienced supervision, paid substantial dividends.

On vacating this position he travelled over large areas of the surrounding goldfields, practising as a mining engineer and expert on his own behalf. In this interim, however, he held various responsible posts. His scientific experience was often sought and bought on many important points, and his reputation as a thorough practical man was more than upheld. These services were continued for fourteen years till 1884, when he left New South Wales, in company with D. Grove, for the Malay Peninsula. He provided himself with large smelting plant and engineering apparatus, and set out for Perak in the interests of a large Melbourne tin-smelting company. He was under a twelve months' engagement to that firm, so that it was well on in 1885 before he returned to New South Wales. From June of that year he filled a perfect host of successive positions.

Firstly, after his arrival, he was appointed mining manager to the Tonkin Silver Mining Company, a property which adjoins the Great Sunny Corner Mine, in New South Wales. He was eighteen months there, and then resigned to assume the more important office of manager to the Little Dora Gold Mining Company, on the Clarence River, New South Wales. He held this latter trust for eighteen months, and on the expiration of that term returned to Sydney. After a short stay in the latter city, he decided to accept the managership of the Castle Wellington Tin and Silver Mining Company, New England. He greatly facilitated progress by erecting large tin-crushing plant and a Huntingdon mill—the first of its kind used for tin. His skill and practical utility were continually made the subjects of compliment and thanks, and his numerous experiences and record of success rendered him more than worthy of esteem.

About a year after this he was entrusted with a prospecting commission to Borneo for the Sambas Exploration Company. For months he prospected, minutely and thoroughly, the auriferous areas of that large island. The company which he represented had received a concession of 65,000 acres from the Imperial Government for gold and diamond prospecting operations. Mr. Fearby and party were not satisfied with their gold finds, and diamonds do not seem to have cropped up in any great quantity to the light of their searching eyes.

In this expedition he traversed country perfectly unknown to the civilised explorer, and proceeded eighty miles farther inland than any other white man. His reports on the discoveries in Western Borneo—the realm of the Dutch province—were the means of encouraging further exploration and developmont in that hitherto unpenetrated region. This exploratory exploit of Mr. Fearby in Borneo was generally recognised as a brave adventure. He left Borneo for London in 1892, to hand over the documents in connection with the Exploration Company.

On his return to Sydney, he was commissioned to proceed to New Zealand by John W. Jeffreys on behalf of a large Sydney syndicate to prospect for manganese. But this inorganic element did not abound so plentifully as the syndicate expected, and in eight months Mr. Fearby returned, not at all gratified with his success. He then sailed for Western Australia.

In Coolgardie he began practice as a mining expert. Since his arrival he has visited all the different fields, furnishing reports on various mines for many companies. From so experienced an expert, an opinion on the auriferous wealth and prospective greatness of the fields of Western Australia will be welcomed. Norseman he considers to be a promising field, being similar in features and general environment to Charters Towers. He has prepared exhaustive reports on several mines that were afterwards purchased by Dr. Simon, such as Hill End at Broad Arrow, and the Bardoc Gold Mines. His belief in the future of the Coolgardie Goldfields is emphatically asserted. History, he says, will repeat itself here as in the Mysore mines of India, where poor stuff reigned above 200 feet, but below that level there were well-defined reefs.

Discretion combined with a singular constructive and mathematical ability, energy wedded to a keen resolve, a love for his science that makes every difficulty appear a toy—these are the characteristics most noted along the course of Mr. Fearby's life. He has filled scores of responsible offices with signal success, and has hurried from one continent to another in his insatiable love for prospecting and mining. Few have served so many syndicates and companies as Mr. Fearby.

JOHN FAIRBOURNE MOORE.

IN Coolgardie the name of this prominent citizen dates back almost to its inception. Residents of the goldfield centres generally freely express their appreciation of those men who have by individual and co-operative endeavours sought to bring them credit and fame. Such a manifestation is only fitting when they consider the circumstances surrounding their growth. The individual must in these cases be selfish before he becomes utilitarian.

Photo by Hemus & Hall.

JOHN FAIRBOURNE MOORE.

Councillor Moore was born in Ballarat in 1857. For some time after leaving school he worked on his mother's farm at Durham Lead. Growing somewhat impatient of the monotonous tendencies of agriculture, he gladly exchanged its routine for that of mining. In the Majorca mines he worked with laborious effort for two years. Then he departed to Gippsland with some amount of mining experience, collected at Majorca.

In Gippsland he joined the survey camp of the Lands Department, and was connected therewith for eight years. This period of surveying operations was invaluable to him on the score of experience. The party went far and wide over auriferous tracts, and analysed the geological appearances and conditions of the rocks and country. Such empirical knowledge proved of indispensable utility to Mr. Moore in his subsequent enterprises. He severed his connection with this branch of the Government service, only, however, to enlist his growing efforts in a kindred sphere—that of the Railway Survey Department. He remained in this employ for twelve and a half years. When the bright news of Coolgardie's auriferous wealth reached his ears, he resolved to seek Westralia's shores. He arrived in Coolgardie in September, 1893, the field being at that time about twelve months old. He started prospecting around Coolgardie, and was fortunate in making a rich discovery within ten days. He pegged out the New Victoria Mine at Mount Burges, which was afterwards sold to Dr. Simon for £40,000 cash. After this enviable acquisition he started sharebroking in Coolgardie, in which up to the present he has had increasing success. His business connection is extensive.

In November, 1895, Mr. Moore identified himself with the formation of the Coolgardie Brewing and Ice Company, which was floated with the handsome capital of £30,000. He was appointed chairman of directors in recognition of his energetic endeavours to accomplish the formation, and in consideration of his administrative and financial capabilities. In the conduct of the general affairs of the company he has taken a hearty and lively interest. The company spent £7,000 in superior plant and machinery, and the result has begot the splendid dividend of £4,500 within twelve months.

He was elected to the Municipal Council of Coolgardie in the beginning of 1896, and still retains his seat. His period of public service has been one of sedulous attention to the general interests of the town. He has displayed unusual diligence in capably discharging the duties of the office entrusted to him by the electors. In the council room, in open discussion and debate he urges the need for amelioration and improvement. The zeal and zest of the energetic endeavours of her councillors have rendered Coolgardie worthy of the great reputation she bears throughout the world. This fitting tribute of appreciation is but the reflection of the general feeling toward their ability and public services.

Coolgardie is an enthusiastic sporting field. Young and old, rich and poor, assemble either to participate in its enjoyments by direct contact or else to witness with excited feelings the progress of the game. Councillor Moore, both of his own love for sport and in consideration of the social spirit of "camaraderie" which sport engenders, willingly supports various clubs by liberal disbursements and active assistance. He is a member of the Coolgardie Racing Club committee, and acts as vice-president of the Coolgardie Bicycle Club. He was elected to the honorary position of president of the Toorak Cricket Club. In all these clubs where he holds official positions he is very popular. His cordial spirit and generosity make his company bright and enjoyable.

In the growing institutions of the commercial world he takes a keen interest, especially in the Chamber of Mines and Commerce, of which he is a member. Councillor Moore's reputation and popularity are meritoriously deserved. By his earnest endeavours he has become a stout link in the chain of individual services to the common weal of Coolgardie.

JOHN MICHAEL FINNERTY, R.M.

WARDEN OF COOLGARDIE.

ON foreign shores, in distant climes, the dreaming stranger allows his unbridled fancy to brood fondly over the scenes that emit the fascinating kaleidoscopic rays of gold. Focus his imagination as he may, he cannot in his sublime and blissful ignorance of its nature draw a striking likeness on his mental canvas. Beauteous, nay gorgeous, visions of burnished gold, lying glittering beneath a torrid sun; nuggets strewn everywhere, kicked sacrilegiously about by supercilious wayfarers; dreams of wealth, more wealth, self-aggrandisement and avarice—these are the fluttering visions of the sanguine; and these are many.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOHN M. FINNERTY, R.M.

How easy for the initiated, the experienced, to cast a Zolaic gleam over their bright and sunny picture. Without one touch of pessimism or melancholic depression—the result of fitful failure—they can paint a work of realism that, hung side by side with their never-to-be-realised ideal, would make the latter the subject of scoff and mocking derision. Think quietly, yet not phlegmatically, of the progression of bodily suffering, cruel thirst, famine, fevers, and fatigue—then weigh them carefully against a few glorious grains of gold.

Yet these time-honoured calamities are now the reminiscences of the few. Intrepid and steel-couraged pioneers bravely underwent these horrors—as ghastly as the miseries in Dante's Inferno—and made for others the way easy and the burden light. What should be the reward of their heroism? Millions benefit by their consequences, and millions deny one word of praise, one tangible sign of gratitude. Such is the attitude of the world to its benefactors.

This preliminary sketch of the reality and ideality of the goldfields is exceedingly apropos of Warden Finnerty. A name such as his is inseparably associated with the fields. He is the landlord of the golden acreage, with the powers and authority of a monosyllabic dictator. Yet, as he sits now in power of office, he can retrospect on the many hardships that were his only friends, and which have been drawn, and not overdrawn, in the introduction. By reason of his office, by reason of the dignity and ability with which he fills that oflce, his name is green in the history of Western Australia. The many and extended ramifications of his magistracy, the influence which he wields over wide areas, the complex web of the duties of officialdom, the stream of energetic control which percolates through every conduit-pipe of the province, stamp his impress on the areas of "individual option," and consequently on the colony.

Such is the attitude of the world

Mr. Finnerty was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1853. His father, Colonel Charles Finnerty, originally attached to the 47th Regiment, was in charge of the staff officers of pensioners in Western Australia. The Warden was sent as a pupil to that princeps scholarum, Rugby. This ancient and well-endowed institution is notable for the effectual way in which it combines pleasure with work. A curriculum of study is provided which equals that of many universities, and is superior to some. Well may the Rugby student look back with enviable delight on his youthful days within her walls.

After receiving an education befitting a scholar and a gentleman, he left for Western Australia, arriving in the colony on the 28th September, 1874. For some time after his arrival he engaged in pearling in the north-west. For a certain portion of the year this industry cannot be successfully followed up, and in the interim he traded to the Malay Islands. For four years he combined these two commercial enterprises, and found himself singularly fortunate in his adventures. Pearling has attractions of an unique character. Its rewards, though fluctuating, are generally profitable, and the Warden by industrious attention and energy converted a bare profit into a handsome remuneration.

Feeling desirous of a change of life and a different outlet to his speculative resources, he established, in conjunction with the late Mr. J. H. Monger, an immense station on the Gascoyne in the north-west district, to which Mr. Finnerty proceeded as managing partner. He resided on the station superintending the joint interests and managing successfully their large stock. For two years they were more than satisfied with the returns, but the third year was one of "black death" to his stock. Over the extensive stretch of a million and a half acres of their estate a drought, unparalleled in the annals of the colony, swept with terrific severity, spreading havoc and death among his valuable herds and flocks. Pitiable and lamentable was the destruction, irrecoverable the loss; the accumulations and laborious winnings of their brief pastoral career disappeared before their eyes like a sinking wreck. With a fortitude born of a nil desperandum resolve they left their carcase-strewn station determined to face their fortune once more. In 1886 Mr. Finnerty received an appointment in the Government service as Inspector of Police for the northern part of the colony. The area under his charge stretched from Kimberley to Roebourne, a distance of several hundred miles. His adventures here in the bush and on the desert befit the romancist better than the biographer. For six months he struggled to fulfil the laborious duties incumbent on his office, and was not a little relieved when after a service of six months he was appointed Warden for the Kimberley Goldfields. So sudden a promotion, though in mere keeping with his merits and distinction, surprised him a little. He set out for Kimberley to assume the new duties of his office, and arrived there soon after the richest discoveries were made.

For two and a half years he dispensed justice where required, and decided questions of law when invoked. Impartial, stern, yet clement, he earned a reputation as an excellent judge, lawyer, and friend. Round his little tent, where he sat in magisterial array, probing into the alleged worth of this, and assigning a lease for that, there gathered a large crew, burning in their feverish haste to report to him their luck. His period of well-nigh three years' office in Kimberley was one of signal success. By his stern and warranted reprimands to, and judgments on, offenders, he succeeded in maintaining peace and order in a naturally disturbed community, and safety and security among the miners. The tropical climate of Kimberley, with its moist and humid heat, its abundant rainfalls in the summer, made it a paradise in comparison with Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. But the rush and excitement of Kimberley was destined soon to fade, and with the decadence of the field the Warden made his exit.

Now fire seemed to issue all along the goldfields' line. Discoveries in quick succession, swollen into big reports, came thundering from every quarter. They first surprised, then astonished, and gradually, through a series of emotional changes, paralysed the slumbering colony. His presence was immediately requested at Yilgarn, Southern Cross, and there he repaired as fast as the uncertainties of the route would permit. He had not been long established in Southern Cross before Arthur Bayley came down to report his famous find. Mr. Finnerty set out at once with Mr. Bayley for the scene of the discovery, and carefully inspected it. Satisfied with its auriferous qualities, he granted Bayley a lease, now known as the Reward Area. On completing his task he returned to Southern Cross, only to go back again to the regions surrounding Bayley's find. The duties of his sphere now alternated between Coolgardie and Yilgarn, and soon the latter must retire before the growing importance of the former. When Coolgardie was proclaimed on the 6th of April, 1894, he proceeded there as Warden and Resident Magistrate.

His labours now reached a maximum. The very atmosphere was charged with golden electricity, and he with all the energy his body could furnish, must struggle to serve the multitude of requests made on his presence and his pen. Gradually the constitution of several centres relaxed the strain of overwhelming labour. Other Wardens appeared to share the work, so that now Mr. Finnerty got breathing-room.

But as can be easily supposed, his office of Police Magistrate was no sinecure. Occasionally turbulent and riotous youths found their way into Coolgardie, and theft and robberies were not infrequent. By a judicious severity at first he soon diminished the number of lawbreakers, and that peace and equilibrium which he had effected at Kimberley were repeated in Coolgardie. The house of legal procedure was not in 1894 a palatial-looking mansion. His little tent was made to serve as Post Office, Registrar's Office, Warden's Office, and Police Court. It was situated at the railway end of Ford Street, at that time the prominent part of the town. We can easily picture the stream of mortals rushing every hour to the tent which, though small, held within its flapping canvas the legislative machinery that controlled the fields. Here was centralisation effected, not in a vast and spacious edifice like the provincial Roman legates' dwellings on the distant fields of Armenia, but in an unpretentious tent, modest, substantial, and rustic. Every question of legality was referred to him as judge, every point of morality decided by him on the bench.

Not far from his tent he mapped out the future site of the town, and all agree that his choice and judgment were good. A little tale as to the origin of the name Coolgardie is interesting etymologically. About 100 yards from the Warden's residence is the spot from which Coolgardie derives its name. There is a large tank there now, but previously there was a round natural "gnamma" hole, which used to hold 4,000 gallons of water, and this hole was always known among the natives as Coolgardie, and it was from this that the town derived its name. As to the disappearance of this historic hole, the Warden says:—"I went away for a few days from Coolgardie, and you can imagine my chagrin when, on my return, I found this hole blasted beyond recognition."

Mr. Finnerty can tell many an interesting episode of his experiences on the fields. One time, when Coolgardie was just coming into being, he stopped at a certain place and asked for two gallons of water for himself and his camel. That long-suffering and much despised animal had sauntered on for nine days without a drop of water to cool his sides. The Warden obtained his request, but had to pay for the luxury of a few gallons the sum of 15s. In the early days of the goldfields he shared the rough fate of the pioneer. To obtain the bare necessaries of life was often impossible, and many a meal had to be made on that old indigestible concoction, "tinned dog." In a land destitute of food, wealth or wisdom could not get what did not exist.

Speaking with the authority of a magistrate, Mr. Finnerty's words of praise and commendation of the good conduct of the men are welcomed. Still he cannot forget, nor will the citizens forget, that he has cemented this high ethical standard among the inhabitants. His judicial sentences ably coped with dangerous evils, and brought on a reign of security and harmony. Only once did it behove him to send out two official parties to quell murderous and riotous bands of natives, and this was in the Kimberley field. The Coolgardie Goldfield, over which he is Warden, has an area of 11,800 square miles. It comprises Londonderry, Mount Burges, Twenty-Five Mile, Wealth of Nations, Forty-Five Mile, Bardoc, Siberia, Lake Lefroy, Mount Morgan, and Hampton Plains Estate. When we consider the vastness of this area and its auriferous capabilities, we may well recognise its territorial importance and the consequent responsibilities of the Warden. Mr. Finnerty has, in the execution of his duties, proved himself a man of remarkable ability, and a careful and successful tactician. His gift of administration ranks second to his judgment, which is clear, synthetic, and logical. Never has his philanthropic aim of benefiting surrounding humanity been realised commensurably with his desire. Pressure of duties, official and in their nature public, always bridle his efforts to enter unresignedly on councils whose aim and end is or should be the greatest happiness. From the judge's bench he must hasten to the warden's chair to settle disputes and grant what is right. As chairman of the Quarter Sessions, as Sub-Collector of Revenues, obligations and duties of an extraordinary nature are imposed on his already taxed bodily and mental frame. No fewer than 6,000 leases have been granted from his offices in Coolgardie and Southern Cross.

He is Worshipful Master of the Coolgardie Lodge of Freemasons, and takes a supreme interest in the Masonic welfare. His personality is striking. Beneath his partially acquired sternness—the prevailing atmosphere characteristic of the bench—there flows an undercurrent of sympathy and good fellowship. And for his scrupulous dispensation of justice on the warden's bench, and for his unfailing attention to his magisterial duties, he is respected and admired. Justice and fairness are two virtues which the wiliest miner can never wrench from his grasp. Citizens of Coolgardie and its suburbs are one in their expressions of gratitude to the oldest-known name in the district.

EUGENIO VANZETTI

SOME time ago, when the attention of the whole world was first turned to Western Australia the group of scientific thinkers studying local conditions of mining was very small. Some of these men accepted Government employment, and some returned to the colonies which they had left. determined rather to stand by the positions they had temporarily abandoned than to throw in their lot with the large gang of speculators by whom Western Australia was then populated. One of this small group, however, Eugenio Vanzetti continued to carefully examine the country, and by hard and steady work he has now obtained a name and reputation second to none in the colony.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

EUGENIO VANZETTI.

The subject of this sketch was born in Verona, Italy, some forty years ago; and having there successfully passed his University examinations in chemistry and metallurgy, proceeded, after a few years sojourn in France and Spain, to Australia. He landed some eighteen years ago in Sydney, New South Wales, and practised medicine and chemistry for many years in the towns of Forbes, Parkes, Mount Hope, and Cobar. During his residence in those centres he took an active interest in mining, and gained an extensive and varied knowledge of both copper and gold mines. richer mines which he had lately acquired.

In 1894, attracted by the magnificent prospects of Western Australia, he came hither to further study mining conditions as representative of several important commercial interests. At this time the boom had just commenced in earnest, and thousands of people were rushing to the fields. Mr. Vanzetti devoted all his leisure to observation of the country, but did not allow himself to be carried away by the excitement prevalent everywhere. Making Perth his headquarters, he paid visits of inspection to the fields at intervals. Watching the fortune of others who had arrived with him, he saw some few succeed, but many fail; he himself was enabled to bide the time now arrived, when mining would no longer be a mere gamble, when fortunes would not be made by finding a pocket of gold, and lost almost as quickly, and when large financial corporations, convinced of the permanency of the fields, determined to undertake commercial operations in connection with mining, which will shortly place Western Australia on a level with the older established fields of California and South Africa.

Mr. Vanzetti has, perhaps, been more instrumental than most people in bringing about sound enterprise on the fields, and introducing large capital. The arid nature of the country convinced him that, though rich in gold, the fields would never be the success they should be unless some sound scheme for treating the large quantities of ore available was devised in connection with an adequate water supply. Recognising at once that the difficulties he had to contend with were very different to those at Broken Hill, where the mines are consolidated, he determined, instead of attempting to take water to the mines, to adopt the system of bringing the ore, by means of railways, to the water for treatment, at the same time utilising the trucks on the return journey for supplying the mining people with sufficient water for domestic purposes. With this intention he procured the most permanent water supplies in Western Australia, most of which are situated in the agricultural tracts of country round Northam and Newcastle. Having secured the "Golden Pig" Mine at Southern Cross, and obtained large concessions in the matter of freight from the Government, who viewed his scheme with favour, he floated the Water Trust Mining and Public Crushing Company, with a capital of £250,000, for the purpose of treating stone at Seabrook, near Northam, where a splendid permanent water supply had been selected, from the Golden Pig and other richer mines which he had lately acquired. Some of the most perfect and most extensive machinery in the world is now erected at this place.

The success which attended the flotation of this company did not cause Mr. Vanzetti to rest on his laurels, for, on turning his attention to other fields, he saw an opportunity of launching out on a scale of far greater magnitude. Not far from Newcastle, on the Avon River, there is a splendid site for the erection of an enormous battery, fed by an even larger permanent supply of water than at Seabrook. True, it is many miles from the field, but with that energy which has marked Mr. Vanzetti's career, he at once set to work to surmount all difficulties. He made (1896) the bold proposal of constructing a line to connect the works with the northern belt of mines (which he maintains are the richest on the fields), beginning at Mount Jackson and ending at Mount Margaret, for the time being at least. The magnitude of this scheme will be appreciated when it is realised that it involves the construction of a railway 500 miles in length, at an estimated cost of £2,000,000. The capital which this intrepid financier has at his command is, perhaps, greater than that of almost any individual in Western Australia, he being the representative of several of the largest mining corporations, and in touch with the most influential business men of the day. All that is required is the consent of the Government for the work to be undertaken. This rail, or ore tramway, will, it is pointed out, in no way interfere with the Government railways, but will merely act as a feeder for the works, and aid the development of fields which would otherwise remain untouched.

Few men would have the courage to propose such a scheme, and fewer still could find the enormous capital required to put it into execution. Mr. Vanzetti is, however, a man who impresses one with the idea that whatever he earnestly undertakes is bound to succeed, if once the prejudice against private enterprise can be overcome with regard to Government concessions.

Unlike many scientific men, he strikes one as being thoroughly practical, and combines with keen business tact that charm of manner and courtesy characteristic of a widely travelled and well-read Italian gentleman.

THOMAS WALL HARDWICK.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

THOMAS WALL HARDWICK.

JOHN Bull and John Barleycorn are inseparable friends, the ale and roast beef of England being held in national repute from time immemorial. The Britisher is the greatest beer-drinker in the world; for the thin and insipid lager of Germany is only a mockery of the generous full-flavoured brew of Bass, Guinness, or the competitors who produce liquor quite as good as that of those old-established houses. To judge from the ascendancy of England it would appear to be possible to trace some affinity between malt and muscle, in spite of the jeremiads of the total abstinence party, so long as the brewer is a master of his art and plays no tricks by putting a chemical infusion into his vat. But after all it is not easy to cheat the critical palate of the public, which among the lieges of Her Majesty may be said to have an inherited, rather than an acquired, acumen in discerning and doing honour to the scientific expert who lives to pleasingly assuage the thirst of his fellow men. One is almost as much to be pitied if he cannot get the favourable award of the public as the slave of the Eastern potentate whose head was taken off if he failed to amuse his master; for a second-rate brewer is not to be endured, while a popular one grows rich and lives in the lap of luxury. Of this the life of Mr. T. W. Hardwick affords striking proof.

Thomas Wall Hardwick is a native of Somersetshire, where his family has held the ancestral property of "Barrowcourt" for more than 300 years. It was in the picturesque farmhouse on this estate that the subject of our notice first saw the light in 1834. After his schooling was over he followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he went into the great house of Messrs. Flower and Son, Stratford-on-Avon, to learn the brewing business, and was the founder of the Ashton Gate Brewing Company, which is now regarded as one of the leading firms in the trade. Mr. Hardwick was manager of the Ashton Gate Company for twenty years, during which he built up its fortunes on a strong foundation. It was in 1885 that he was induced to accept an appointment in the Castlemaine Brewery in Victoria, a position which he resigned in order to control the establishments of Messrs. Lindsay and Co., at Bourke and Orange, New South Wales. His fame preceded him to Western Australia, where the Swan Brewery was getting into low water for want of more skilful direction than was at that time available in this colony, and judging Mr. Hardwick by the highly satisfactory results which he had attained in connection with all his previous ventures, the directors were willing to make very liberal terms to seduce him from his allegiance to Messrs. Lindsay and Co. The potent power of gold was irresistible, and Mr. Hardwick was soon installed at the head of the operations of the Swan Brewery, which from the day he entered upon the management has been better than most gold mines to the shareholders, while the Bourke and Orange Breweries were relegated respectively to the charge of his sons, Messrs. Thomas James and Philip Bower Hardwick. The new brew of the Perth Company was first sampled by its patrons at the beginning of the year 1891, and the effect of it was an immediate and great expansion of business. The turnover when Mr. Hardwick was inducted into his new post was £500 per month; to-day it amounts, according to the season of the year, to from £6,000 to £8,000 per month, which is the best testimonial that can be given in a work like this of the new manager's ability. He has raised the value of the shares from 3s. to £2, and so increased his work that he was glad to avail himself of the services of his son, Mr. Philip Bower Hardwick, as assistant manager, an appointment which that gentleman still retains.

The Swan Brewery, as may be expected from the enormous development of its work, makes an exacting call upon the time and energies of its manager, but Mr. Hardwick has nevertheless been able to become identified with other fields of activity, and in the ancient institution of Freemasonry he has set his name deeply and honourably upon the roll of the officers of the guild. He is president of the Board of General Purposes of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia; in England he held the rank of Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, and in New South Wales he also took high office. At Bourke he went through the chairs of Lodge No. 18, N.S.W. Constitution. As a sportsman, to show the interest that he takes in racing, it is only necessary to mention that Mr. Hardwick is a member of the committee of Tattersall's Club. He lends his support to the pastoral and agricultural interests, believing that upon their strength and prosperity the welfare of the colony largely depends. The Royal Pastoral and Agricultural Society has placed him on its committee, in which capacity his business experience is found to be of much value. He is deputy-chairman of the Swan River Shipping Coy., Limited.

Mr. Hardwick is the father of a large family of ten children, seven of whom are boys. Four of his sons are in England receiving the highest educational advantages which the old country and its classic seminaries of learning can provide, while his son, James, who is mentioned in an earlier portion of this sketch as having in 1891 taken charge of Messrs. Lindsay and Co.'s Orange Brewery, is now the manager of the South Australian Brewing Company's Works at Broken Hill.

The world has gone well with Mr. Hardwick because he is a specialist who is above the competition of the host of half-taught men who overcrowd every profession, but who are hopelessly out of the contest when first-class work has to be done. He has found, to use an American expression, that there is plenty of room in the upper stories. All his life his employers have had to seek his services; he has never had to look for an appointment or an increase of salary; they have always been spontaneously presented as a tribute of gratitude for the payment of liberal dividends out of businesses which had languished in other hands. If, as we are told by one philosopher, success in life is the most satisfying and enduring reward of toil, Mr. Hardwick has tasted of this nectar from his boyhood.

ALFRED MACKENZIE

Photo by Hemus & Hall.

ALFRED MACKENZIE, J.P.

A DEPTH of meaning lies embedded in that great Shakesperian phrase, "There is a Divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them as we may." One cursory mental glance at it leaves untouched and imperfect the many side and corner issues that fuller enquiry satisfies. Its application must be by the laws of nature, universal. Go into the highways and byeways of life with this heaven-inspired text floating on your mental stream, and apply it to the lives of their denizens. You will find ample verification even in the life of a questioning sceptic.

When a man sails forth on the ocean of life, stemming the rising tide, and then drifting merrily with the turn, he does not always steer on an unalterable course. He keeps the needle of his mental compass fixed on some certain definite beacon at the start, but confidence and experience, born of something higher than the mere mechanism of body and mind, cause him to change and rechange at its beck and call. When we look back on the life of Mr. Mackenzie, and wonder at the different courses of rosy morn and sunny noon, we see the Great Teacher's phrase at work. Occasions and opportunities arise which snap the connecting threads of one vocation and spin a web for a second. Mr. Mackenzie was born at Woodend, Victoria, in 1861. Soon after leaving school he joined a firm of contractors in Melbourne, and on gaining practical insight into the conduct of operations transferred his services and capabilities to a little contracting scheme of his own. All the difficulties and troubles attaching to youthful enterprise unaided were successfully combated by his skill. Contracts for large public buildings in Melbourne were accepted and executed by him so substantially that his reputation ran in double harness with his extensive business. He completed several portions of the Melbourne Tramway system in the city and suburbs, and attached himself to his calling with an energy and determination that removed every obstacle.

Finally, he relinquished his business and proceeded to Coolgardie, then in the rudimentary stages of a few tents. This was exactly four months after Bayley made his discovery. Mr. Mackenzie was aware of the rich possibilities that were in store for energy and enterprise, and made his actions subservient to that reflection. For seeing that shortly an influx of miners and prospectors into Coolgardie would ensue, he bought a number of camels with the object of hiring them to prospecting parties. To support this industry, which might prove a little dilatory at first, he started as a mining agent. He traversed wide areas of the fields and convinced himself and his many friends in the other colonies of their undoubted richness. His belief in the future wealth of Coolgardie was such that he induced kith and kin, friends and acquaintances, to emigrate thither without delay.

When the Progress Committee of Coolgardie was formed he was returned as a successful candidate at the head of the poll and was elected its first Chairman. The members constituting that Committee were David Lindsey, A. W. Macdonald Cheeseborough, A. Smith, Lawrence Goodrich and Joseph Pike. In 1893 this Committee performed many functions that are now under the control of various bodies and boards. The streets and the hygienic condition of the town were departments that received particular and careful attention. The committee gradually increased its powers and the range of matters under its observation, till its functions were resolved into the more solidified body of the municipal council. Mr. Mackenzie stood as a candidate, and was returned to the new body at the first municipal election.

His camel business proved lucrative, and, with the mining business, was, finally, floated into a limited liability company in August, 1896, for £20,000. Mr. Mackenzie is probably, as a private individual, the largest mine leaseholder in Coolgardie. As a camel proprietor he is second only to the Mahomet Bros. His dromedaries came from Kuraschi and South Australia.

Mr. Mackenzie is one of the founders of the Coolgardie Stock Exchange, and is a member. Towards charitable institutions his generosity is unbounded, not only by the liberal disbursement of money but by his able and ready support in the administration of hospitals. He acts as honorary treasurer of the St. John's Hospital and Children's Hospital. His energy and enthusiasm towards the advancement of these institutions have been gratuitously rewarded by popular appreciation and gratitude. He holds the important one of Chairman of the Public Works Committee of the Council. In this capacity he has given not only satisfaction—which is at best a cold and meagre term—but cause for public approval of his efficiency as an administrator. His practical judgment, based on long experience, has been often proved. On the Health Committee his active services are rendered with an alacrity and fervour that alone are indications of his utilitarian principles. Untiring in his efforts to ameliorate and improve imperfect surroundings, he has by dint of energy succeeded in impressing on the Coolgardie public the great need that exists for that better regime in sanitation which alone can effect that tone of salubrious health which all desire. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Mines and Chairman of the Building Committee. In 1896, Mr. Mackenzie was instrumental in obtaining a grant of £5,000 from the Government for the erection of an Institute at Coolgardie. Previous to coming to the colony from Victoria he associated himself to some extent with public affairs, and held important positions. His character and conduct constitute him a general friend. All who have felt the warmth of his sincere friendship speak of him in expressive and endearing terms.

THOMAS NEWMAN.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

THOMAS NEWMAN.

THE grandiloquent mind which loves the soaring heights of Miltonic grandeur gets dizzy and faint at times, and asks for one draught of homely, honest narrative to quench a parched thirst and to restore vitality. A simple thought, pure and tender, clothed in quiet, unpretentious diction, touches chords of deeper emotion than the majestic tones of verbose oratory.

On the gold fields, where science must find expression in language concrete and abstruse, it is a welcome change to review the annals of one whose life teems with no ordinary human interest.

Mr. Newman was born in Liverpool in 1868, and received his education at Padcroft College near Windsor. He entered the service of Messrs. Crowther Brothers, merchants and mine-owners, Liverpool. This firm possessed extensive interests in Montana mines and in the Colorado silver mines of America. Mr. Newman remained in their employ for two or three years, till a serious illness which he had contracted in the interim necessitated his severing connection with them and his taking a lengthened trip round the world.

In New Zealand he became possessed of a desire to attach himself to gold-mining. He was getting rapidly convalescent in that salubrious and congenial insular climate, and his "quondam" energy and enthusiasm returned hale and hearty. To satiate a desire for prospecting, he travelled all over the Thames Goldfields, and examined with a curious eye the abandoned claims round Te Aroha and Wharangami. Being the first gold mines he had ever set eyes upon, it is not surprising that he gazed long at their features. Reflection mingled with imagination as he moved from the empty sepulchres of the golden dead.

He returned to England in excellent health, after an enjoyable and pleasurable tour. But he could not brook the narrow routine of English conventionality. He had tasted the sweets of perfect liberty and colonial freedom; and he went to Ceylon, where he had spent a short time in the course of his former tour. He engaged in planting there for five months, till an attack of fever forced him to sail for Albany, Western Australia, to recruit his health. He arrived at that port in 1893, when the first rush to Hannan's was taking place. It was strange news to him, for he had not previously heard of the Western Australian goldfields. Fortunately, he met Mr. Bayley at Albany, who informed him of the great auriferous wealth of Coolgardie and Hannan's. Encouraged by these auspicious tidings, he decided to go to the fields. Friends and acquaintances in Albany laughed at what they termed a futile freak, and tried to dissuade him from his purpose. Even the kindly old threat of "you will be sure to die" hurled at his undeserving head by those animated with the best of feelings towards his weal did not disturb his equilibrium nor thwart his intention. As yet his health could not be termed robust; but if the flesh was weak the spirit was truly willing. To keep his mind employed on this dreary journey, he speculated on the chances that the future had in store for him. He was not a little relieved when he met on the way the late Mr. Arthur Anderson, then manager of the Hampton Lands and Railway Syndicate (now the Hampton Plains Estate Company), whose excellent companionship was eagerly embraced. His description of his experiences on this maiden expedition is lively and interesting. His troubles and trials dated from the time that he alighted from the train at Northam. "For love or money," he says, "I could not obtain a vehicle to convey us for the remainder of the journey." By an interposition of fortuitous luck Mr. McDowell, the contractor of the line between Northam and Southern Cross, offered us a berth in the material train as far as Doodlakine, the terminus of the line. Luxuries in the way of cars and carriages were unknown in these rustic times. But Mr. Newman and his comrade felt perfectly comfortable, stretched on a bed of chaff piled on the top of general wares in the truck. They reached Coolgardie after an exciting journey of ten days' duration.

Mr. Newman confesses that upon his arrival, like many other fortune-hunters, he had very confused ideas as to the actual situation. His delightful imaginations about immediate wealth and all the other happy dreams that cross the uninitiated mind were soon dispelled by the cruel surrounding reality. He found the Golden Realm to be a disappointing combination of a few tents, and an absence of accommodation and conveniences. Having learnt his first lesson, he was not slow to put it into practice. He willingly accepted the offer of Mr. Anderson to explore with him the Hampton Plains blocks. He soon became skilled in detecting the faintest existence of gold. After gaining sufficient insight into the secrets of prospecting, he determined to strike out for himself, and with this intention he journeyed to Perth and purchased a camel. On his return he set out for the Mount Malcolm district, where he pegged out thirty-six acres. Unfortunately, he had to abandon this lucrative claim through want of water. One can imagine his surprise when a couple of years later, in London, he saw a "sandwich" man floating down Bishopsgate Street, with the notice gilded on his back—" Buy Shares in the Mount Malcolm Properties," which comprised the Juliet line of reef that he had to abandon, and which had now been successfully floated in London for £250,000, and from all accounts is developing very well.

In June, 1896, he went to London with the intention of floating a company on similar lines to the West Australian Company. His efforts were successful, and a company, called the Newman Exploration Company, with a capital of £100,000, was formed. The names of the signatories of this company are: C. A. Moreing, Allen H. P. Stoneham, Percy John Ogle, Cecil Campbell Drew, Henry Frederick, G. Weber, John Girdwood, and Lord Castleton. The company owns a large number of leases, which are being developed for flotation purposes. It holds, in addition, 130,000 acres of mineral and pastoral territory, 50,000 of which is freehold, and 80,000 leasehold. The territory lies in a very promising part of the colony (near Albany), through which auriferous belts run.

To detail all Mr. Newman's numerous experiences would be impossible, but the general tenor of those already depicted shows how coolly he could adapt himself to emergencies, "new chum" as he was. He is one of the frankest of men, quiet and unassuming. With a modesty that one should like to see more characteristic of other pioneers, he has accomplished tasks which would have daunted men more experienced than himself. His love for mining is innate. If one met him on the street, he would be apt to describe him as a genial, good-hearted Englishman, just arrived. Neither the hard life of his venturesome prospecting career nor the hand of sickness has changed him, notwithstanding that he has undergone all the horrors of thirst, the cruel exigencies of hunger, fatigue, torment, and misfortune.

Mr. Newman's generosity has won for him feelings of the deepest respect. He has a sound judgment, and has acquired a valuable knowledge of mining. His success on the goldfields, which shows as brilliant a record as any, could never come to one more deserving.

ERNEST ARTHUR MANNHEIM, M.E.

GERMANS have been accredited with phlegmatic temperaments by able scientists of their own schools. Highly desirable as such a slow response to stimuli may be in many ways, it yet conveys the idea, by reason of such an unhappy term as phlegm, of unemotional lethargic disposition. Fortunately this is not the case; if it were, the Germany of commerce would have been unknown. The great writer, Pascal, once said that the individual passed through the same changes as the race. We can, with ample authority for our step, apply the general characteristics to any individual whose life we seek to portray. Cautious and deliberate judgment, that rides supreme over hasty, rash, and consequently illogical decisions; massiveness of intellect, that compares favourably with the acute; a love of the vast and the infinite, which delights the fertile brain; a careful analytical handling of the problematical and speculative—these are the positive factors which the word phlegm should embrace.

Photo by Hemus & Hall.

ERNEST ARTHUR MANNHEIM, M.E.

Mr. E. A. Mannheim was born in the province of Posen, in Germany, in 1867. As a student he attended a full course of lectures on mineralogy in the Science and Mining College of Silesia. He blended his theoretical knowledge with practical study of metallurgy in the same town. The land of Bunsen and many other distinguished chemists and scientists imparts first-class instruction. After attaining the necessary certificate of merit, in 1885 Mr. Mannheim sailed for Adelaide.

On his arrival, he found to his regret that mining there was not in so happy a condition as had been represented, and this behoved his engaging in commercial pursuits for a time. Not altogether unfortunate in his first commercial attempt in the colonies, he left for the Teetulpa Gold fields, South Australia, on the first report of their discovery. He laboured on the fields for six months, but no sufficient recompense for work was forthcoming, and scarcity of gold again drove him to the shades of commerce—in the Wimmera, Victoria

Finally, he sailed for Western Australia, where gold discoveries were now being made, and he arrived here just when Yilgarn was opening up. He proceeded as far as Southern Cross, made several lucrative investments, and retired to Adelaide to watch developments. For six months he remained in Adelaide, partly to recruit his health and partly to await news of further discoveries. At last Coolgardie was sensationally reported to be the salvation of the colony. Dame Exaggeration, flying with hasty wings, waxed as she went, and people became so mesmerised that they believed everything and anything. Mr. Mannheim's former visit gave him a favourable impression of the auriferous promise of Western Australia, and the news therefore filled him with little surprise.

In 1892 he reached Coolgardie, soon after the reported discovery of Bayleys. But this was then a famine-stricken place. The scarcity of water was the greatest grievance, while provisions were retailed at exorbitant prices. Such distressing occurrences influenced him to again leave the colony, and he did not return till 1893, when his appearance on the fields was simultaneous with the discovery of Hannan's. He quickly acquired interests in the Crœsus, Young Mount Morgan, Mount Morgan Extended, Crœsus North, and Hannan's Golden Dyke, which realised for him a nice round sum—a multiplication of the original sum invested. About the end of 1893 he set out on a long prospecting tour to Mount Magnet, and worked alluvial gold with a fair measure of success. In 1894 he provided himself with camels, and crossed over the Menzies fields and town (which were then unknown), and Niagara to Mount Malcolm. There he and his party pegged out leases.

Having made a successful tour, he returned to Coolgardie; but, seemingly possessed of indefatigable energy, he again pushed his way into sandy deserts with the true iron spirit of a pioneer. In the Norseman district he pegged out several valuable leases, but insufficient capital to work them rendered them valueless, and he forfeited them. But it turned out to be at once a loss and a gain; and his experience became a potent instrument for subsequent success. His reports were underlined as the impartial narrative of one who saw and knew what he saw. With full confidence in his scientific ability, Mr. E. Kuhnmunich, M.E, appointed him his buyer. Entrusted with such a responsible office, he called into play all the mental elements that go to form the synthetic state of correct judgment, and several valuable properties were acquired for his principal. Among many, the Pride of the Hill, Slug Hill, and Paris Gift are he most notable of these mines.

The tide of success had flown in rapidly after his Norseman tour, and he took a quiet trip to England to extend his sphere of influence. In London he interested himself in the formation of the Mannheim Exploration Company. After flotation he was appointed representative and attorney in Western Australia, and began his return voyage to the colony. But, instead of sailing direct he paid a visit to his home in Germany, and took his mining degree in Freiberg. This degree, he considered, would give him a greater locus standi among his confrères. The first transaction into which he entered for his new company was the purchase of the Lady Charlotte Mine. The purchase was effected in conjunction with the New Zealand Mines Trust, for which Dr. Scheidel is representative. The main object of his company is to take options of properties. Mr. Mannheim has travelled extensively on the goldfields. Every small acre seems familiar to him after his repeated visits, and one can imagine his feelings as he sees the leases which he pegged out between the Great Boulder and Brown Hill, and which he was forced to forfeit, now being floated for hundreds of thousands of pounds. But despite the chagrin that naturally follows such an unwelcome incident, he has good reason to be proud of his flotations, and this happy knowledge of achievement more than counterbalances his former negative feelings. In Adelaide he floated the Crœsus Mine for £52,000, and the conjoint mines of Young Mount Morgan and Mount Morgan Extended were floated in London for £150,000. In the latter place, also, he disposed of the Hannan's Golden Dyke for £15,000, which not long afterwards was floated for £80,000. Mr. Mannheim's sympathies are all showered on Coolgardie. He evinces the warmest interest in every matter pertaining to the welfare of its citizens, and he zealously assists in the promotion of utilitarian schemes.

ROBERT LEES HAIR.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

ROBERT LEES HAIR.

"GIVE me knowledge of a man's character and circumstances, "John Stuart Mill exclaimed, "and I will predict his future, and the correctness of my prediction will be in proportion to my knowledge of these components." Such an assertion, denying the existence of free will, would, if practicable and reliable, entirely abolish the narration of past events, and substitute for it a narrative of future and future perfect events. The history of nations and individuals would merely become a corroborative and reference manuscript. But such disaster is not likely to overtake us on this side of the millennium. No doubt there are men—and this is no mere hypothesis—possessing rare determination, and teeming with vigour and energy, for whom we can safely predict, or at least augur, a bright future. If a man has the essential qualifications, he can outdistance others in the race for position. Mr. Robert Lees Hair, when he came to the colony, agreed with multiple writers that "hard work" is the summum bonum of philosophy and success. He had a hard task before him, but to counterbalance its depressing influence, he possessed a will capable of overcoming every obstacle. He was born in Gippsland, Victoria, in 1860. His father was for many years a farmer in the Alberton district, where the young Robert received careful training under a private tutor. At the age of nineteen years he prepared to enter business life. Going to Melbourne, he connected himself with the well-known firm of Robertson and Moffat in that city. For three years he performed the unwelcome role of commercial traveller for the firm, and, after considerable business experience reaped during that valuable period, he embarked on a little enterprise of his own. It is, perhaps, one of the proudest moments of a man's life when, after serving another, he feels himself the untrammelled, supreme captain of his own affairs. When a land boom forces itself in any city, a natural infection leads every business man to set up an agency. The very atmosphere smells of land, and the competition and mad excitement of buying and selling makes the purse of the land agent swell out to bursting point. This was the state of affairs in Melbourne when Mr. Hair set up a business as land and estate agent. His success made him feel proud of his first endeavour, and he averted any calamity which a severe re-action might cause in land prices. In June of 1893 he sailed for Western Australia in the S.S. Bullarra. On his arrival he set out on what was then the tedious journey of getting to Coolgardie. Many a story and witty anecdote has been told of travellers who sought to enliven dreary moments by humorous mirth. Mr. Hair found on his way to Coolgardie a few others bent on attaining the same spot, and he availed himself of their comradeship. On the 21st July, 1893, he reached his destination. He remained in Coolgardie for a breathing space, and made for Kalgoorlie, arriving there on the 22nd July. That thriving centre was known as Hannan's, and had not received the baptismal name of Kalgoorlie. He found it a place in name only, for as yet there were only three working leases—Cassidy's Hill, Maritana, and Hannan's Reward. Few prospectors awoke the deathlike universal silence by the click and clatter of their trusty picks and shovels, and though the quartz for miles around was thickly studded with burnished gold, there were few hunters to seize the prizes. With difficulty Mr. Hair succeeded in organising a prospecting party, which equally divided its labours—a party of two, comprising Mr. Hair, going in search of reefs, and the remaining two going in search of alluvial gold. The profits and surplus earnings and gleanings of the latter were but sufficient to compensate for the losses and ill-starred luck of the former. The difference was great enough, however, to enable them to buy a further store of provisions. Again they set to work, and in a month's time they pegged out the Black Crow Claim, which was re-named the Star of the East, and sold to an English company. A great water famine overtook them, and Mr. Hair's chicken-hearted comrades, for weal or woe, abandoned him just at a time when their company was most necessary. Undaunted by their defection, he, with all the vigour that his body could furnish, wrought his leases. He never relinquished his hopes, nor let his courage die, and his joy after suffering was great when an abundant supply of water came to cool what had become a feverish and thirsty tongue.

With renewed energy, after trying experiences, he joined Mr. Harry Buchanan, and went out again to seek and find. The result of their combined prospecting efforts was the opening up of the Six-Mile, and a number of rich alluvial fields. These latter were as rich as anything in Hannan's, and more than once was it their happy lot to stoop down and pick up from the surface large teeth-watering nuggets of twenty-five ounces weight. Mr. Hair successfully worked the alluvial claims, and took out a lease for the Morning Star Mine, which for the present, however, did not engage his active attentions. This undeveloped mine the two gentlemen disposed of in three months time to an English company for £3,000. Mr. Hair's career on the goldfields had been one continual series of hard, enterprising endeavours. He now considered that the adoption of a different department of commercial life would be a judicious departure, and a welcome respite. Acting on such reflections, he started business in Hannan's as an auctioneer, and conducted several important Government sales of land blocks, which realised £36,000. When speculation became more general, he went in for stock and sharebroking, and in partnership with Mr. George Macleod Matheson, he initiated a large stockbroking business in Kalgoorlie. These gentlemen were the promoters of the Kalgoorlie Stock Exchange and Mr. Matheson was elected its first chairman. On his demise the vacant chairmanship fell to the lot of Mr. Hair. He has since successfully filled that post, and carried out the many responsible duties attached to it.

He acted as chairman of the Kalgoorlie Railway Opening Committee. In this capacity he was warmly thanked for his sound methodical advice and practical assistance. His love for sports rises to enthusiasm. He is vice-president of the Kalgoorlie Racing Club and the Kalgoorlie Athletic Club, and is associated with many others. Mr. Hair is a member of the Hannan's Club, and was one of its promoters. This club is social in character, and is of indispensable use to its many members.

Bound closely to the interests of Kalgoorlie, Mr. Hair is applying his energies and shrewdness to the good of the centre. Genial and businesslike, he is at once one of the best known and best liked men on the fields. He is a leader in mining affairs.

JOHN HOWARD TAYLOR, M.L.C.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOHN HOWARD TAYLOR, M.L.C.

WHEN the gold era of Western Australia was inaugurated in the eighties, men from various shores came thronging in to develop her promising resources. The spectacle of their subsequent work was stirringly impressive. There, over far distant deserts, where had reigned the sombre silence and death-like hush of centuries, where far in the shimmering, heated horizon was one unchanging stretch of desolate waste, slumbering idly beneath a torrid sun, the hardy band of bold adventurers forced their way. With pick and spade, and joyous clatter, they made the earth disgorge her costly treasures. An astonished, half-credulous world read of the greatness of their finds, and the trumpet was sounded for the onward march.

Just as in the construction of some noble palace or piazza mind and body designed and executed, so here science, skill, and physical rigour did each their ample share. Prospectors and miners of muscular strength and inexhaustible energy went scouring for material, and quarried it, while talent drew out the plans, and designed the architecture.

John Howard Taylor figures prominently among the many skilled mechanics who devoted themselves to the rearing of this structure. He has contributed an able share in the work of development, and was born in London in 1861, and underwent an extensive intellectual training both in England and Germany. Not choosing to embark on a professional career, he turned to the excitement and busy hum of commercial life. After finishing his schooling, he entered a stock and sharebroker's office in London. For a considerable time he followed these mercantile pursuits, till he thought himself fully qualified to take a place in the race of competition. He resolved to exercise his acquirements in the enticing fields of South Africa, and accordingly sailed for that fast-rising colony, now attracting the interest of the British public. Several reasons conspired to shorten his stay in the "Kaffir Circus." In the beginning of 1890 he left for Western Australia, and soon after his arrival he joined in the Ashburton rush. For four months he engaged in mining pursuits in the north-west territories with moderate success. Then there was an interval of mining inactivity. No reports of any importance, no results of any magnitude, enticed peaceful squatters and settlers from their rural homes. Meanwhile, Mr. Taylor confined his attention to farming pursuits in the southern districts.

In January, 1891, he walked from Northern to Southern Cross, and took a situation on one of the mines as surface trucker. Though actively employed in this capacity, he yet kept his eyes open as to the method of general operations. This physical labour was not barren of beneficial effects on his subsequent career. After two months hard manual exercise, he renewed his acquaintance with his intimate and familiar, though lately neglected, friends —stocks. In March of the same year he made his commercial debût in this colony at Southern Cross. Moreover, he was the pioneer stock and sharebroker on the Yilgarn Goldfields.

When Arthur Bayley arrived in Southern Cross in September, 1892, with the news of his rich discovery, Mr. Taylor was still in Southern Cross, but unable to share the enthusiastic excitement consequent on Bayley's report. A somewhat severe attack of rheumatism, which had seized on him some time before prevented his joining in the immediate general rush. His indisposition was unfortunate at such a time, and he naturally felt a little disappointed at missing so excellent a chance. Still, though unable to go himself, he invested some capital in a prospecting party, which went out to the scene of Bayley's find, and pegged out the Kelly's lease, next to Bayley's Reward. On his complete recovery from the enfeebling attacks of rheumatism, Mr. Taylor set out for Coolgardie in the following June. Having carefully surveyed the surrounding areas, he felt satisfied with the general appearances of the place, and resolved to return for a more minute search as soon as circumstances in Southern Cross would permit. In October he re-visited Coolgardie, and travelled over distant parts of the fields, carefully prospecting likely spots. Recognising from his own observations that Coolgardie was a field of immense possibilities in auriferous productivity, he finally left Southern Cross in April, 1894, for that centre, to conduct a broking business.

This transference of his commercial sphere was a fortunate one. He had not been long in Coolgardie before his reputation and his clientele went up by leaps and bounds. Mine after mine was floated with amazing rapidity, and speculators and investors came streaming in to catch the booming tide at its flow. Many of those with capital to invest repaired eagerly to Mr. Taylor's office, and bought shares, which rose amazingly, and the office was besieged with groups of anxious speculators. Mr. Howard Taylor has always evinced the greatest interest in public matters. When such an official as a town clerk was an unknown factor in Coolgardie, he stepped into the breach, and assumed the role of municipal secretary. When the town received municipal government, he stood for the first election as a candidate, and was returned to the council. He held that position till November, 1896, when pressure of political duties forced him to retire. During his period of officialdom great changes were effected. Many a weary hour did he sit in the council-room attending to the citizens' interests, framing municipal legislation and constructing the framework of the constitution. Subsequent legislators, who can patch on fleshy parts at will, cannot but think highly of the skill and abilities of those early pioneer councillors who inaugurated symmetry and harmony.

On the 3rd of August, 1896, Mr. Taylor was elected to the Legislative Council for the Eastern Province—a constituency whose territorial dimensions of 240,000 square miles are perhaps exceeded by no other in the world. As the responsible representative of this immense division, he has fulfilled his political duties so satisfactorily that the people's former confidence in his capabilities is strengthened.

He is one of the foundation members of the Coolgardie Masonic Lodge, and was the first secretary of and prime mover in the establishment of the Chamber of Mines in Coolgardie, an institution which since its inception has proved of value to the goldfields' interests. He acts as director for many mines, and owns large mining interests throughout the goldfields. Mr. Taylor's influence and weight, combined with his wide knowledge of the fields, and the mining industry in general, have rendered him a highly successful representative of mining interests in the Legislative Council. As a politician, the bare mention of his name carries with it the manifestations of esteem.

Since the above sketch was written, Mr Howard Taylor was one of the several delegates who represented Western Australia at the historical Federation Convention of 1897 in Adelaide.

WILLIAM GRIFFITH, F.R.G.S., F.G.S., M.F.I.M.E.

THE Rand and Western Australia are powerful competitors for the prizes which English capitalists offer. Neither has had an easy lot, nor is embowered in a country where vine and fig tree and honeycomb abound. Each has demanded the very choicest of enterprise and hardihood to develop it, and herculean labours to make it profitable. These two goldfields of the last decades of the nineteenth century promise great things.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

WILLIAM GRIFFITH.

South Africa has to everlastingly thank the unresting enterprise of her leading colonists. Cecil Rhodes is as a mountain of strength at which the world gazes, and he is not alone in the work of development, extension, and aggrandisement. Many brave names—men who willingly staked their lives in their daring ventures—are associated with his, and among them Western Australia at the present moment holds one, Mr. William Griffith, who, engaged in superintending extensive mining interests in Western Australia, passed a brilliant career in South Africa. His reputation was won by deeds of bravery and skilful pioneering discoveries. His life teems with romantic exploits of human interest.

William Griffith was born in Wales in 1853, and educated at the Carnarvon High School, North Wales. On completing his education he became partner in a slate quarry. Bent on amassing a cumulative knowledge of mining, he took a rotatory course of study and practice in each of its departments. In the offices, mines, and mechanical branch of this extensive property he served with vigour, and by diligence realised for himself extensive knowledge in a short time. He soon embarked for Victoria. In the Ovens and Beechworth districts, in that colony, he pursued mining with unabated eagerness. From these historic scenes he repaired to the Burra Burra copper mines in South Australia, where for some considerable time he was engrossed in the various methods of mining operations. Having learnt his lesson in Australia he returned to Wales, and immediately took up some Welsh gold mines. He was largely interested in them for several years, and altered the general management. Then he sailed for South Africa, and attached himself to the diamond industry in Kimberley. He travelled over considerable portions of the fields, and gathered experience.

Again he went to the homeland to spend another period in the slate mines of Wales. His interests at home were altogether too wealthy to admit of protracted absence from them. His stay was short, and he returned to South Africa, after receiving certain commissions from various London companies to report on mines and to invest money. These responsible duties were performed with great satisfaction, and his newly-acquired trust necessitated extensive and exhaustive acquaintance with every quarter of the fields.

From this period he played a conspicuous part in the history of South Africa. His energetic capabilities, and his mental resources, soon attracted the vigilant attention of men of prominence like Mr. Rhodes, whose eagle eye is ever open in its watch for men of enterprise and ability. Mr. Griffith had been gradually winning favourable notice for his adventurous exploits, which drove him into the secret haunts of marauding foes far beyond the ken of civilisation.

Acts of bravery proved him a bulwark of stout unyielding stanchions. Mr. Rhodes knew his worth, and appointed him the leader of an expedition sent out to prospect and report. This pioneering band of explorers plunged into the great dark, then unknown, territory of Southern Central Africa to open it up to the clear daylight of civilisation. The commander's orders were obeyed, and over trackless wastes, through treacherous thickets and ravines, from which might spring the poisoned darts of lurking ambuscades, the men pushed their way amid fatiguing toils and labours. The records of their brilliant achievements shall never be effaced. To-day Britain possesses Mashonoland, Matabeland, and a stretch of country northwards to the Zambesi, for which wealthy, extensive territory she must actually, gratefully, and graciously thank the heroic courage of Mr. Griffith and his gallant comrades. Their pains and cruel sufferings were engulfed in the glories of their exploits. Feats like these cannot often illumine the pages even of a world's history.

On his return from his great expedition he did not repose on the laurels of his success, but, after taking a brief respite, once more proceeded into the interior in charge of the De Beer Mining Company Expedition. This extensive prospecting tour was one of incalculable success. Several wealthy areas were pegged out as highly auriferous, and time alone, that great anticipatory truth-revealer, confirmed the verdict as to their productivity. Now the wealth of the De Beer's mines is proverbial. Not only gold, but diamonds—these costly and lustrous carbon gems—became the enviable possessions of this lucky company. Mr. Griffith's reputation as a successful prospector and explorer was thus fully established throughout the length and breadth of Cape Colony. Various companies sought his scientific skill and talents to further the promotion of their interests. Gradually his name became a synonym for happy exploit. The next to avail itself of his services was the celebrated Chartered Company—a company which in these latter days has figured with great prominence before the world. Under Dr. Jamieson, the hero of the Transvaal raid, Mr. Griffith went to examine the mineral resources of the Chartered Company's properties, and report exhaustively on the country traversed. He made various journeyings into distant parts, and wrote extensive reports, which were favourably commented on by the Times. Interesting and copious information was furnished on the geographical aspects of these wide territories, and in recognition of his learned results and useful discoveries he was made a Fellow of the Geographical Society, and a Fellow of the Geological Society. It was in the course of this last expedition that he discovered and mapped out new rivers, mountains, and country. These valuable contributions to the geographical and geological knowledge of South Africa cannot be over-estimated.

On reviewing his past consequences in that fascinating realm, we apprehend that he has done a valiant share in the expansion and development of that wealthy colony, and his name, associated with his great discoveries, will always hold its place in the annals of her chief pioneers. But subsequent to his last return South Africa became involved in a serious war. On all sides, surrounding a narrow circle of enterprising pioneers of rigour and daring, were savage hordes of treacherous natives. They did not stand idly by and see their country swallowed up by foreigners. Again and again they made desperate efforts to concentrate their numbers, and equip their uncivilised hosts with warlike weapons to resist the white intruder. Full of resentment, their chiefs called the obedient yelping clansmen to arms, and prepared themselves to meet the enemy. Meanwhile Mr. Griffith had enlisted his services in a common cause. British colonists seized their arms and went out to teach the Matabele the lesson of submission. Twice in this campaign Mr. Griffith saw active service in the engagements at the Tokwi River. The stubborn spirit and trained skill of the Britisher struck terror into the primitive heart of the native.

After a cessation of hostilities, and when peace had been restored, Mr. Griffith was commissioned to proceed into the interior again, and open up and report on the Lake Nyanza district. He was on the point of undertaking this perilous expedition when his health seriously broke down, and he was obliged to seek a complete change and respite from toil. He went to London and remained in comparative leisure, recruiting his health in the country. As soon as he felt restored his old vital energy returned, and he must needs once more seek the free unfettered life of the colonies. In London he became associated with the African Gold Recovery Company, a large and wealthy corporation possessing mines all over the world, and the fortunate patentees of the McArthur-Forest Cyanide Process. He was appointed the representative of their extensive interests in Western Australia, and sailed for his new sphere of enterprise immediately afterwards. His company in Western Australia owns a very large number of properties. In Kalgoorlie it possesses the Bendigo group, of seventy-six acres (which lies due south of the Great Boulder), and the Star of the West, with twenty-four acres. In the Mount Malcolm district it owns the Birk's Find, Mount Alice, West Mount Alice, Mount Alice North-West, the Ruddland Castle, and the Ruddland Castle Extended. At Lake Carey the company possesses 480 acres, which is called Griffithston, after Mr. Griffith, where the great Aber mine is situated. Since ever Mr. Griffith's arrival he has been developing these properties at a rapid rate. Under his management and superintendence they should prove remunerative to the company. If we judge, as we must do, everything by the standard of the past, then, assuredly, Mr. Griffith's career in Western Australia will he as commercially bright as it was in South Africa.

Mr. Griffith, socially, has a highly cultivated and polished mind. All his rough experiences, and his active, energetic enterprises have not blunted his refinement or his demeanour. He is a true type of a British colonist, a man who dared all in the truest interests of his country, and who now deserves her highest awards. While pursuing his explorations he was one of the first to examine the famous ruins of past glories in South Africa—the supposed home of the Queen of Sheba and her vassals. He was the first to thoroughly explore some of those whimsically weird old places, once the luxurious rendezvous of kings and queens and lords of many broad acres of golden lands. He opened up mines, which for centuries had been abandoned, perhaps centuries nearly extending to the period of the Wise King of Jerusalem. Such sights, indeed, has he witnessed that the mind revels in the unfathomable channels of contemplation which they beget, and one feels the spirit of the traveller and searcher for truth course through his veins. Mr. Griffith has full appreciation of the importance of his discoveries of antique things. Consequently he presented to the world much valuable information in his reports, and in a book he produced, Teithian Cymro yu Africa—"Notes from a Welshman's Diary on a Journey Across Africa"—has run through three editions, and is now in its fourth. He has also contributed articles to magazines and journals. In his writings he portrays the immensity of the wildernesses of Africa, the enduring, all-pervading spirit of them, and describes how scenes of old-time activity are now silent—where, as Henry Lawson would say, "Nature cries out to have her wounds covered, and the wilderness replies by reclaiming its own again."

WALTER JOHN LOCKYER SINCLAIR.

THE province of law is wide, and admits of great scope for the exercise of superior intellect. Perhaps, here, more than in any other profession, are acuteness and subtlety of thought, accurate and exact discriminative judgment, called into play. Legal knowledge is a veritable encyclopædia.

Photo by Talma.

WALTER J.L. SINCLAIR.

In a growing town like Coolgardie, a solicitor's skilful services are indispensable to the common weal; and her people can rest assured that they have able lawyers among them, of whom Mr. Walter J. L. Sinclair is not the least. His experience, intellectual grasp, and keen logical exposition, have rendered him a tower of strength. Mr. Sinclair was born at St. Leonard's, Adelaide, in 1854. Like his partner, Mr. Mann, he received his early education at St. Peter's College, where he finished off with "flying colours." He forthwith expressed a preference for law, and elected to indenture himself to Mr. Justice Bundey, his half brother, then a leading solicitor of Adelaide. After qualifying as a lawyer, Mr. Sinclair went into partnership with the late Hon. Charles Mann, Q.C. (father of his present partner), who was practising at this time with Messrs. Bundey and Dashwood (Government Resident of the Northern Territory).

He remained for some time as partner in this office, and, after realising valuable insight and extensive experience, he thought favourably of individual enterprise as the best method of stimulating energy and intellect. And, no doubt, a display of one's own unaided abilities and judgment, even if it be ephemeral, arouses latent mental talent. A little responsibility quickens and enlivens the mind into a state of vigilant alacrity, and brings in its train cautious and deliberate judgment. His success more than reached the level of his anticipations, and he soon gathered around his door a number of influential clients. About the time of his departure for Western Australia, in 1894, he was amply satisfied with the progress effected. On his arrival in Perth in that year, he joined Mr. Mann, and his six months' residential qualification was wisely spent in Mr. Mann's office, acting pro tempore as his managing clerk. When the six months expired, Mr. Sinclair entered into partnership with Mr. Mann. For many years Mr. Sinclair had made a special study of mining litigation, with its "cruxes" and web-like intricacies. While practising in Adelaide his professional skill was summoned to Bendigo, Maryborough, and St. Arnaud (Victoria). A special knowledge such as this was supremely useful on the new goldfields, and since his advent Mr. Sinclair has been identified, in company with his partner, with many important mining law suits. Apart from his ordinary business duties Mr. Sinclair acts as Crown Prosecutor.

When Councillor Leevers resigned from the Coolgardie Municipal Council, Mr. Sinclair was elected unopposed. He did good work during his term of public office, and put forth every effort to promote the interests of the municipality. His knowledge of municipal legislation was effective, but pressure of private business precluded him from seeking re-election. He knew he could not devote the time that his wishes dictated to disinterested services, and he resisted all approaches. He was asked to stand for the Mayoralty, but he refused to accede to the expressed wishes of an honourable and influential deputation.

He holds many offices of an honorary character. He is a member (1896) of the committee of the Chamber of Mines, and of the Coolgardie Railway League. He acts as vice-president of the Coolgardie Racing Club. In more immediate connection with the province of legal practice, he holds a number of important responsible posts. He is chairman of directors of the General Gordon, and General Gordon South Gold Mining companies, and, with his partner, is largely interested in mining ventures. The firm holds power of attorney for the City Mining Syndicate, Gold Exploration of Western Australia Limited, the Menzies Pioneers Limited, the Macpherson's Reward, and the Golden Gate of Western Australia. The large business connection has necessitated the opening of branches in various parts of the fields—Kalgoorlie, Menzies, &c. The Kalgoorlie partner is Mr. H. G. Parsons.

Mr. Sinclair's mind is peculiarly receptive and retentive; his ideas are broad and sound. In the sphere of legal capacity his skill is not exceeded on the goldfields, where the mention of his name is always couched in terms of the deepest respect. Though he still directly holds aloof from public life, he indirectly, in many ways, strives to further the interests of the town and goldfields. His influence and weight must remain potent weapons of success for the wealthy interests centered in the capital of the goldfields.

JOHN CHARLES HORSEY JAMES, B.A. (Oxon.), P.M.

IN the Civil Service of Western Australia there are men whose official careers have added valuable pages to the history of the colony, men who have ever been busy in works of public development and utility. If a man is to be known by his works, this oft quoted phrase applies in a most emphatic sense to those who have toiled in the discharge of a public office.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOHN CHARLES HORSEY JAMES, P.M.

In the Crown colony days, Western Australia was fortunate in having worthy men of experience and resource appointed to various high positions, and this applies in an eminent degree to Mr. J. C. H. James, who for the past twenty-two years has held the post of Commissioner of Titles.

John Charles Horsey James was born at Rome, in 1841, and is the son of the late Rev. J. H. James, of Highfield, near Lydney-on-Severn, Gloucester, and of Kitcott Barton, Romansleigh, North Devon. The subject of this sketch was educated at Rugby, and later at Oxford, where he took his degree at the end of 1864. At Rugby he sat in the sixth form, under Dr. Temple, the present Archbishop of Canterbury, and at Oxford he invariably played cricket in the first eleven of the Exeter College. Choosing the law as a profession, he was called to the bar (Inner Temple) in November, 1866, and went the Oxford Circuit, where he showed promise of success. His talent at the bar was awarded by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Carnarvon, who offered Mr. James the Commissionership of Titles for Western Australia, on the introduction of the Transfer of Lands System (Torrens). Mr. James accepted the offer, being one of the last to receive an Imperial appointment in the colony direct from the Home Government. Coming to Western Australia in July, 1875, a task of some magnitude was essayed, but with great industry Mr. James set to work, and soon had the "machinery" of the Titles Office running smoothly under the new régime. He was an able administrator, and one whose legal training gave him the diplomatic ability so essential to the welfare of a large Government office. As the years rolled on so did the work increase, until of recent years it assumed considerable proportions. When one recalls the extensive land purchases which have taken place in Perth and the colony generally in the last few years, the enormous work to be transacted by the Titles Office can be better imagined than set down in cold print. The department under Mr. James has been something more than self-supporting, indeed, it supplies no small revenue to the State. Under the ægis of Mr. James, the now extended Titles Office worked with studied smoothness everywhere, and he is to be congratulated on the uniform order which prevailed throughout the whole department during his long service there.

But not only did Mr. James lead an exceedingly busy and useful life in his office. He went further afield than the limits of the Commissionership of Titles, and acted at different times as Registrar of the Supreme Court, Registrar in Bankruptcy, and Stipendiary Magistrate of Perth. He was gazetted as a Justice of the Peace for the colony in 1886.

Bearing in mind Mr. James's excellent judicial mind, and the success with which he had discharged his duties, the Government appointed him Police Magistrate in June, 1897. The manner in which Mr. James has, so far, conducted the business of the Court has won the unqualified approval of both press and bar.

In June, 1887, Mr. James was appointed fourth official member of the Legislative Council during the absence of Sir John Forrest in London. He sat for two sessions, and commanded from the first the attention of the House by his speaking and debating powers. He retired in February, 1888.

Since wielding the willow on the classic grounds of Oxford in his youth, Mr. James has retained an absorbing interest in cricket, and he may truly be said to be the most ardent votary of the glorious game in the colony. He has been president of the West Australian Cricketing Association ever since its inception, and he it was who, together with Mr. G. Parker and the Honourable J. G. Amherst, obtained the grant of fifteen acres of land which now forms the Recreation Ground. In all matters of sport Mr. James is an ardent enthusiast, and as a steward of the Turf Club he is well known. On the death of his father, in 1886, he succeeded to the Gloucester and Devon estates. His handsome and English-looking residence in Perth is named Romansleigh, after the Devon property.

Mr. James is a member of the historic Carlton Club, London, also of the Hurlingham and Royal Western Yacht Clubs of England. It seems superfluous for us to say that he is a leading social figure. He has the gifted courtesy, the dignified bearing, the scholarly attributes, and the educated manner of expression and action characteristic of the true English gentleman.

GEORGE LEAKE, M.L.A.

HISTORY is made by men collectively and individually. One strong hand can mar the work of generations; one build a nation.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

GEORGE LEAKE, M.L.A.

Among the strong men whose intelligent minds have moulded Western Australian history stand boldly forth the Leake family. Right back to the toilsome days of 1829, when Captain Stirling founded the colony with his band of pioneers, representatives of this house have, mentally, peered over the shoulders of their contemporaries. They were of the true class of pioneers, who quickly entered into the spirit of national colonisation, and politically and commercially strengthened those institutions which have built up this remote colony. In the old Crown colony days the Leakes assisted in every agitation and movement which seemed to them to tend to a healthy destiny. During the memorable depression of the forties, Mr. George Leake—a worthy pioneer long since gone to his grave—was unceasing in his efforts to obviate distress, and establish commercial prosperity. He was a zealous advocate of the rights of settlers, and proclaimed their worthiness with an earnestness and a fearlessness that were refreshing. When death too quickly removed him, his sons, emulating his example, threw their sympathies and devoted their whole energies and talents to the local cause. Throughout long political careers they were as strong buttresses to colonial institutions during many years of dangers. But the name of Leake is so often mentioned in local history that it requires no adulation in this place.

George Leake, born in Perth in 1856, is a grandson of the pioneer, and eldest son of the late G. W. Leake, Q.C., who on more than one occasion was Acting Attorney-General and Acting Chief Justice for the colony, and was a member of the Legislative Councils, under the old constitution, as well as the newer one of Responsible Government. The uncle of Mr. George Leake was the late Sir Luke Leake, the first Speaker of the Legislative Council, before responsible Government was granted. Young Leake was educated partly in Perth and partly at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. After the completion of his scholastic studies he returned to Perth, and deciding upon the law as a profession, entered his father's office, where, under the parental eye, he soon made headway, and was admitted to practice in the year 1880. Then he entered into partnership with his father, until finally the latter retired. A year after George's admission to the bar he was made Acting Crown Solicitor and Public Prosecutor, and in 1883 was permanently appointed to that office. This honour to one so young was significant, but the ability and judgment he displayed in the conduct of his important office won for him encomiums from his brother professionals and the bench. When the first general elections under self government took place Mr. Leake was returned unopposed for the constituency of Roebourne, and was offered a portfolio in the Forrest Government, but declined, remaining as Crown Solicitor until 1894.

He was returned as member for Albany at the second general election and during the session of 1895 was elected leader of the Opposition, a position which his mental attributes and keen political economy studies enabled him to fill with credit. Mr. Leake was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Western Australia at the Federation Convention held at Adelaide in April, 1897, and has been a most consistent advocate of the movement since his entry into politics. A firm believer in the resources of the colony in which he was born, he takes an absorbing interest in the gold mining industry, and on many occasions has contributed to the fitting out of prospecting parties. He was a member of the syndicate which sent out Mr. Harry Anstey's expedition, when gold was found in the Yilgarn Valley in 1887. In 1896 Mr. Leake paid a visit to England, and while there was appointed representative of a powerful financial group, on whose behalf he concluded negotiations for a big tramway system in Perth.

Mr. Leake has always been a moving force in social and philanthropic affairs. He is a keen sportsman, and for years has been a leading light on the committee of the Western Australia Turf Club. Should he desire it, Mr. Leake has a political life of great possibilities before him. With the shrewdness which the successful man of his profession acquires, he has the keen analytical mind of a well-informed politician.

ERNEST CHARLES BAVAGE LOCKE, M.L.A.

IN the early days of this colony, while as yet the clouds of impoverishment hung dark and gloomy, pioneers fought hard against starvation and melancholic depression. Sons were born, who had to accustom themselves from the cradle to a rough and primitive mode of life. The training, severe and unwelcome though it may have been, has borne good fruit, for that same progeny has shown itself imbued with many virtues. Thrift and the old aristocratic and chivalrous sentiments of England are exhibited in their conduct.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

ERNEST C.B. LOCKE, M.L.A.

For years Mr. Locke toiled at the homestead in the Vasse, with little recompense for energy expended, and with little encouragement offered. Yet he, with his relations, stuck bravely to his work, and with willing hands and intrepidity of courage overcame all difficulties in a commendable way. Mr. Locke was born at the Vasse in 1856. His mother was a native of the colony, and his grandfather, G. Layman, arrived with the first veteran bands in 1829. Since his boyhood Mr. Locke has engaged in agricultural pursuits round the Vasse district. His repute as a skilful practical farmer is widely acknowledged, and has been the means of bringing him into great prominence in his native parish. Sporting instincts were keen in Mr. Locke at a very early age. His father from the earliest days had a strong leaning to the turf, and in the sixties owned a larger stud than the son has at the present time. The Queen's Plate was won by Mr. Locke, sen., with Ben Bolt in 1865, and many minor races fell to his lot. On many occasions young Ernest, with a strong passion for riding, took the saddle in the meetings at the Vasse, and was favourably regarded as a coming jockey. It is surprising to hear, when we turn over the dismal financial pages of these days, that the races were as fully represented and called forth as much enthusiasm as they do now. Twenty-one horses started in a race at the Vasse in the sixties, and Ernest rode his father's favourite colt.

Since his introduction to the turf the present member of the Vasse has been singularly fortunate as a sportsman. Hundreds of prizes have been won by him both in this and other colonies, but he has never succeeded in gaining the coveted plum of Westralian race meetings—the Perth Cup. His Primrose brought him enviable fame, and has proved a valuable horse by running victorious in the Railway Stakes and the Coolgardie double. His Miss Boolka has been variously judged, but when it is stated that she won thirty-two races out of thirty-nine starts her performance must be considered exceedingly creditable. Mr. Locke's reputation as a sportsman is meritoriously deserved. His straightforwardness has made him the central attraction of a host of enthusiasts. His love for sport is not begot of some slanting desire for financial aggrandisement; it is an unblended affection. Mr. Locke's latest triumphal achievement was his splendid victory at the elections to the House of Assembly for the Sussex constituency in 1897. It was fair that one who had been the champion of progressive movements in that district for a score of years should receive the support of the electors. His services in the past were fresh in the memory of those who had amply profited from his labours, and now they sought to requite their obligations. He has acted in many public capacities in the Vasse. He was chairman of the Roads Board for a lengthened period, and has fostered the parish football, cricket, and other sporting games. He was a leading spirit in the Agricultural Society for that wide and fertile agricultural district. In deputations Mr. Locke's ability has been frequently applied with success.

After a splendidly-fought battle on the hustings, Mr. Locke was declared elected over his two opponents, Mr. Cookworthy and Mr. Backhouse, by a majority of thirty-nine. The result was hailed with acclamation, and ovations to the new member were as sincere as they were expressive of joy. From the first he was confident, but the opposing candidates possessed strong claims, and pushed their electioneering in a vigorous fashion. That Mr. Locke emerged victorious from the contest is all the more praiseworthy, inasmuch as his opponents were redoubtable political knights. Since his return Mr. Locke has been indefatigable in his endeavours to carry out the best interests of his electors. As an exponent on agricultural principles he is well able to formulate theories of reform for the better development and expansion of this great industry. His opinions are sound, and the Sussex electorate may safely trust its growing interests in the hands of such a representative.

Mr. Locke is a foundation member of Tattersall's Club, and has retained his name prominently on the list since its inception. As a Freemason he was helpful in forming a lodge at Bunbury while he was junior deacon.

Mr. Locke is a man of actions rather than words. Ready to benefit others, and prepared to go to much trouble on their behalf, he has ingratiated himself into the hearts of the community.

HAROLD B. McCORMACK.

REMOVE ambition from the motor springs of life, and the result is a limpid, disorganised entity. The consequence of the hypothesis is patent to all; for a little reflection shows that all our aims and ends, so indefinitely and profusely conceived, are but the external covering or shell to that dynamical yoke which is so vaguely represented by the word ambition.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

HAROLD B. McCORMACK.

By this strange organic force men are goaded on to the realisation of their ideals, and thrice happy are those whose wills are equal to the task of carrying to the goal the burden of ambition. How often has it been expressed by poet and philosopher alike, that ambition is one of the Creator's greatest blessings. When the wondering world beholds an undaunted struggler, in the heyday of youth, battling against the vicissitudes of life—gradually, yet successfully—it applauds his efforts, and admires the spirit that gives them birth and strength. Yet often do men feel its potent sway, and never act on its stimuli. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Many men go forth on the sea of life, with determination and courage, illumined by this emotional projector, but their bodies seem to clog their ideas, and physical incapacity drags to perdition the best earthborn hopes and ends.

Those who know Mr. Harold B. McCormack will assuredly say that there is a residium of truth in the applicability of these remarks. He was born in Ballarat in 1864. His father, Mr. William Henry McCormack, is one of the oldest solicitors in the wide and prosperous colony of Victoria. His forty years professional reputation projects venerable halo round his name. His knowledge of law was an epitome, accumulated by long and steadfast experience and industry. Master Harold was educated in Geelong till he attained the age of fifteen years—a stage in a boy's life when his aspirations are all aglow, and his energies bubble over with surfeit abundance. The youthful scholar did not entertain any strong desire to wander into the fields of scholastic study; he preferred a free and open life, with its stimulating conceptions of adventure. His roving and romantic notions impelled him to a far-distant station in his fifteenth year. His boyish pride swelled in his breast when he felt himself, for the first time, master of his actions, and beyond the whack and strap of his old Dominie. He lived on the John Tara Station for four years, gaining creditable experience, and acquitting himself as an industrious and capable overseer. He was next found in the pastoral areas of Queensland, on a station leagues removed from the hum and hub of city life, there following his self-chosen career of pastoralist. One triennial period in this colony closed the first chapter of his callings. With the growth of years and ideas his ideals changed, and what was formerly an immovable desire became, in the course of evolution, an aspersion. He felt that professional life had greater potentialities in store, and that mental labours stood in a higher rank than mere mechanical physical effort. Such a change in the world of aims was natural, and marked the first milestone on the road to higher achievements. He forthwith repaired to Melbourne, and was successful in obtaining a position in the Bank of Australasia. For a year he adapted himself to the arithmetical surroundings of his new sphere, but then the atmosphere of his ledger imprisonment became somewhat noxious, and he forsook the money chambers for the pure oxygen of his old haunts. For some time subsequent to his banking experience, and a period of recruit on the hills, he was sub-editor of the Mildura Cultivator. His journalistic proclivities might have won for him a laudable reputation, but the passion of the moment was reviewed as nothing short of a capricious choice. His leaning towards this new phase was ephemeral.

The trend of his life, amid all its heterogeneity, seems to impress the spectator with its irresistible aversion to anything stereotyped or restricting. Let Mr. McCormack have a palatable office, with a multiplicity of diversions into which his enthusiasm for physical exercise drives him, and we find him revelling in his avocations. From the pen, and everlasting copy of the journalist's desk, he escaped to wield the hammer of the auctioneer. There is not much affiliation or affinity between these two spheres, but the adventurer did not pause, for energy conserved with him must have an outlet, and a judicious blending of occupations seemed to his mind an aromatic seasoning, and an antidote against an ever-recurring monotonous sameness. Twelve months later, in 1893 he left for Western Australia. He resolved to catch the tide at its flow, and with all haste set out for this land of promise, leaving others to wait and watch before "they came behind," to quote the words of Lawson. His journey to Coolgardie was characterised by the same unpleasant experiences as those which befell similar travellers in those early days. By train as far as Doodlakine was sufferable, and possibly pleasant, in view of future discomforts, but from that distant terminus, to the auriferous beds of Coolgardie, is a series of unkind hardships that are more graphically felt than narrated.

After several days steady march he reached the locality of the far-booming rush, and he was not a little happy when he disengaged himself from the rather cumbrous swag, whose weight seemed to increase with the march of time. No rest or respite was calmly indulged in on his arrival; with full mining armoury, and sanguine expectations, he assumed the new role of the dry blower on the flat. His first experience could not be termed the unskilful efforts of "new chum," for his success compared favourably with the most fortunate. The flats and their specious contents were hurriedly disembowelled, and the young prospector abandoned operations on this now heap and hole area. Bayley's Reward was already possessed of its first instalment of machinery, and Mr. McCormack engaged to work on the battery when the first five-head were set merrily agoing.

Gradually Coolgardie emerged from dust and lowpitched tents to streets and pretentious edifices. The scene was rapid, the transformation a pleasant spectacle, and the daring prospector gazed amazingly on the kaleidoscopic change of germ, bud, and bloom. Enterprising individuals started business and profession; the bustle and activity of town life prevailed, and everything augured well.

Mr. McCormack's first step was a stride. He became managing clerk in the large legal firm of Horgan, Moorhead, and Harvey. His power of adaptation was decidedly phenomenal. He now amassed valuable insight into the intricate legal machinery of mining, and learnt lessons which were attended with advantageous results.

At such a period of excitement few men of pluck and energy remain long in subservience to the commands and wishes of others. They strike out on ventures of their own. Mr. McCormack set up as a mining agent, and enthusiastic and vigorous capabilities soon attracted an enviable clientele. The very atmosphere at this time was thick with flotations, as infectious as it was necessary. Mr. McCormack co-operated with others in bringing these formations into the realm of existence. His name is closely connected with the flotation of the Mackenzie, Kaniva, Armidale, Dorothy, and Golden Rose mines. Early in 1896 he was appointed to the responsible position of secretary of the Chamber of Mines. The duties of the office demand concentrated attention and intelligence. As secretary of this important institution he has won the respect of its members and of interested adherents without.

At the mining conference, held in Perth in January, 1897, Mr. McCormack was secretary. He was, in fact, the prime mover and instigator of this important assemblage, the results of whose deliberations created a strong impression on mining authorities, both in the colony and abroad. It was categorised by the West Australian as the most successful mining conference ever held in Western Australia. His labours in connection with it were immense, but the awards and praises they necessarily elicited were co-extensive with their arduousness.

Mr. MeCormack's readiness to assist in any public movement has been extensively utilised in Coolgardie. He was appointed hon. secretary of the Railway Opening Committee at Coolgardie in 1896. In athletics, he was captain of the champion junior team of Victoria, and had the enviable honour of being one of the intercolonial rowers.

Caricaturing with Mr. McCormack is a happy pastime. His sketches have often appeared in the Bulletin, and he is a regular contributor in this respect to the Coolgardie Pioneer. He is the fortunate possessor of much real estate in Coolgardie. He married Miss Gertrude Langfield, an English lady, a few years ago in Geelong. Mr. McCormack is a highly popular personage in Coolgardie. He is frank and open-hearted. His numerous manifestations of kindness and public spiritedness have won for him a crowd of sympathetic admirers, whose sincerity is marked by their willingness to requite their many obligations. He is a true colonial, who spurns affectation and cant.

JOHN RICHARD ARTHUR CONOLLY, J.P., M.L.A.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

J.R.A CONOLLY, J.P., M.L.A.

OF the many strong advocates who have championed the cause of the Esperance, Norseman, and Dundas districts not one has stood to his guns more tenaciously than Mr. Conolly. From his first entering this colony he seems to have had that bright optimistic foresight which enables one to view through the ever-widening glass of futurity the embyro city heralded by the advent of commerce. Such an eye follows the River of Time, till— "Gone is the calm of the earlier shore, Now bordered by cities, and hoarse With a thousand cries ..... "

James Richard Arthur Conolly is a native of West Meath, Ireland, and was born in 1866. He is a son of a distinguished soldier, Colonel Conolly, V.C., of the Goldstream Guards. The gallant colonel won his distinction in the Crimea. Mr. Conolly's mother was the sister of the late Colonel Fred Burnaby, the dashing soldier, and author of the famous "Ride to Khiva," who was lost to the British Army in the battle of Abou-Klea. The subject of this sketch came to the colonies when eighteen years of age, and for several years followed the pastoral industry in the back blocks on the Bulloo and Cooper Rivers, eventually forsaking this for opal mining in North Queensland. Whilst engaged in the latter pursuit he heard a good deal about the rich auriferous deposits in Western Australia, and in May, 1893, he voyaged to this colony, and proceeded to Coolgardie, resolved to enlist in the sport of fortune as a prospector. He first went to Kurnalpi with the hundreds of others who suffered terribly from the pangs of thirst. His luck at the initial try was anything but satisfactory, and he followed up succeeding rushes without any sensational finds. While prospecting, with the assistance of camels, he crossed the 125 miles of waterless country between Coolgardie and Norseman, depending for his water supply on rain (caught in two rock holes), arriving at the latter place in time to celebrate the Christmas of 1894. He was much struck with the great possibilities of this district—a field situated only 130 miles from the sea-board, with every prospect of its becoming an important centre between the port of Esperance and the Coolgardie Goldfields. Returning to Coolgardie he determined to go to Albany, and thence to Esperance, with the object of making practical enquiries about that place. This was in the early part of 1894, and at that time there were only two small vessels—the ketch Eva and the topsail schooner Grace Darling—running between Albany and Esperance. Mr. Conolly embarked on the Eva, and very little examination of Esperance convinced him of the possibilities before it as the first place of call for steamers from the Eastern colonies laden with goldfields goods. The port at this time was practically unsettled—thirty residents—for although the town had been surveyed, few people had realised its great advantages in geographical position as a connecting link between the rising goldfields of Western Australia and the Eastern colonies. The oldest established house was the homestead station of Messrs. Dempster Brothers, managed by Mr. Bostock. The town was composed of one hotel, conducted by Mr. J. Purchas, a couple of stores, and a few small houses in different stages of construction. The two gentlemen who shared the honour of being the "oldest inhabitants" were Mr. Sinclair, the postmaster, and Mr. Ben. Hannet, both of whom had resided in Esperance some eighteen years. Mr. Conolly believed that Esperance must soon increase in size and population, and his expectations were soon realised. He thought of starting farming operations, with the idea, ultimately, of supplying produce to the Coolgardie fields. There was no very good agricultural land in the immediate vicinity of the town, but the many islands which assisted to form the harbour of Esperance had the reputation of being rich and fertile. Mr. Conolly at once established farms on these islands, which, after clearing, he planted with general produce, but principally onions and potatoes. Everything went well for a time, he engaged the ketches Swift and Ettie to run the export trade between Albany and the various ports to Eucla. The trade thrived, but in the severe storms of the winter of 1896 Mr. Conolly suffered very severe losses, for whilst the Swift was wrecked on the rocks of Twilight Cove, the Ettie went down in a raging gale. One would have thought this a heavy enough blow at once, but a few days after Mr. Conolly lost his yacht Fleet Wing while she was taking a picnic party out from Esperance. Through some mismanagement she was allowed to jib, and the seas breaking over her she foundered. Again the hand of misfortune was laid heavily on him, and fire completed the work which water had begun. Mr. Conolly sustained a heavy loss in the burning of his house, which contained many valued relics of home. Thus, with his little flotilla gone, and his abode consumed, he was compelled to abandon the work of the island farms until such time as the Government recognises the claims of Esperance as the harbour for the goldfields. While connected with Esperance Mr. Conolly showed a keen interest in the mines of the Dundas district, and made judicious investments, which stood by him in the hour of misfortune. His interests were large, not only in mining, but in real estate as well.

From the time of first seeing the Norseman district Mr. Conolly had remained very favourably impressed with it. Unlike Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, the Norseman has suffered considerably from lack of capital and difficulties of transit, but, considering this great disadvantage, the field has made wonderful progress. Mr. Conolly's views of the Norseman are backed up by a practical knowledge of the field throughout its length and breadth. He says that though the returns of the field have not been as large as many other districts, yet there has been a steady improvement, resulting from the few small batteries which have been lately erected. He has no doubt as to the permanency of the place, and compares it to the Charters Towers field, with this important addition, that owing to the great area of the Dundas-Norseman field it is capable of far greater development than the Queensland mining centre. He asserts that the Norseman has remained to a certain extent in the background as a gold-producer because of the lack of machinery and proper crushing plants. The reefs, well-defined at all times, have been traced over a considerable area of country. Mr. Conolly augurs a bright future for the district, and bases his arguments on hard facts, and is able to conclusively show that the yields have been distinctly progressive. With the comparatively small combined plant of sixty-six head of stumpers, the output for the first five months of 1897 was 50 per cent. above that of the preceding year. The mines which he sets down as the best are the Desirable, the Three Colonies, Extended Princess Royal, and the Norseman Main Line, with the No. 1 North Norseman, the Norseman Gold Mines, United Scotchman, and the St. Agnes. Going south, the Mount Benson, the Break of Day, the Albemarle, and the Hill View are leading features of a great and promising auriferous belt at present in course of development. Mr. Conolly's opinions about the future of Esperance may be summed up in these words:—"The port of Esperance at the present moment is not in high favour with the Government, but I think it will yet be found, by careful and politic management, that Esperance will not in any way menace Fremantle, but on the contrary will open up the valuable resources of a country beyond the scope of the chief port. Esperance must be the goldfields port for the Eastern colonies, and to endeavour to carry the Norseman trade 1000 miles round by Fremantle, while it can be delivered in 130 miles through Esperance, would be a direct injury to the fields, and a most impolitic action for any Government to attempt." He affirms this with that earnestness which means conviction.

In returning Mr. Conolly as the first member of the House of Assembly for the Dundas constituency in May, 1897, the electors put the seal of approval on a man who wishes to work might and main for their interests. Be has been prominent in all public matters in Esperance and Norseman, working quietly, but with untiring perseverance for the best interests of both goldfield and port. No movement of any note has taken place there without his being a leading figure in it. Mr. Conolly has bright conversational powers, and is a convincing speaker. As a prominent member of the goldfields party he will be watched with interest in the Legislature. It were well if the Houses of Legislation contained more men of Mr. Conolly's earnest type.

JOHN TREGTERTHEN SHORT.

WHEN the colonies sprang up into commercial fame through the indefinite richness of their acres, railway extension could scarcely proceed pari passu with the sudden and enormous development of the country. The leaven of England was imported to control and administer the railways, and it is a noteworthy fact that in this department England has excelled herself, judging from the success and high-level efficiency of her official sons. However arduous and distracting may have been the lot of these organisers and curators of the security of the travelling public to reply satisfactorily to public demands—as immoderate sometimes as inconsiderate—they have by means of untiring energy succeeded in extorting from an implacable public the negative assent of approbation.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOHN T. SHORT.

The observation that railway managers receive small thanks, proportionately, for their work has passed into a crystallised proverb. Still their cause must be championed by any one who considers and reflects. Then even though he does counterbalance against the answerable argument of meritorious managerial superiority the puny complaint of extortionate fares, he must yet see that his counterpoise is the firm law of legislation, while the former administrative capacity proceeds from the individual.

In Western Australia the country is exceedingly fortunate in the possession of an official of the status Mr. J. T. Short, who holds the responsible position of Chief Traffic Manager. Short was born in England, and came at an early age to Australia to find a ready field for his empirical attainments. His energies were directed to railways, and in 1877 he entered the services of the South Australian Government. Patience and perseverance added to his former virtues were all that were necessary to ensure success. From the Semaphore, where he had been stationed as a clerk, he was removed to Petersburg, and duly installed as its stationmaster. Soon this junction became a place of importance, and gold at Teetulpa, and silver on the New South Wales border, called for the connection of Adelaide with Broken Hill. As each part of this railway extension was completed he became its superintendent, and was responsible for the safe working of the traffic. He had gradually thrown under his supervision mile after mile of railway, and when the contractors finished their work Mr. Short was appointed the superintendent of the line. His energies were elastic, and he left behind him an organised and thoroughly equipped system. His love for efficiency in results was often a potent stimulus in moments of weariness. When he left, at the invitation of the Great Southern Railway in Western Australia to assume the management of their line, his successor had every reason to congratulate his predecessor's efforts and industrious ability. The Broken Hill line is recognised as one of the best conducted and most lucrative in Australia.

When Mr. Short arrived in Albany in February, 1889, he beheld a quaint though picturesque little town looking down on the sunny bay. Here was his destined home for a few years, and he was privileged to witness a grand transformation.

When Mr. Short became the supervisor of the company's railways the revenue was slightly over £20,000, and the length of the railway 242 miles. It was unfairly handicapped in the race with the Government for the goldfields' traffic, owing to the peculiar remoteness of Albany from the fields and the enormous additional expense that would be incurred to the consignee. Yet, through the never-failing instrumentality of special concessions, the Great Southern managed to get a goodly share of the traffic, and tripled its revenue thereby. Mr. Short's former experience proved almost invaluable in the organisation and maintenance of a proper system in the line. His constructive ability needs no panegyric, for the outstanding evidences of a cool and collected judgment were sharp, systematic, and accurate, and actions after all are stronger than words. His administrative capacity found ample scope for its exercise on this virgin soil. When Mr. Short entered this service the revenue was, as stated, £20,000, and when he left it was, approximately, £75,000. Though this appreciable multiplication was due to several causes, the efficient capability of Mr. Short played no little part in it.

When the Great Southern Railway was purchased by the Government in December, 1896, Mr. Short was appointed Chief Traffic Manager of the Government Railways. This honourable position he holds at the present time with marked ability and success. Certain progressive innovations have been introduced in the period that he has been connected with the Government Railways—innovations which have considerably eased the tightened strain of managerial labour. At intervals district superintendents have been appointed, who consider complaints and supervise their sections. This is a great convenience to both the public and to the managing officials.

Praiseworthy progression has been effected in the last five years in Westralian railways. Organisation has been gradually reaching the inner ring of perfection, while appliances and locomotor material has been improved a hundredfold. Within the next twelve months, Mr. Short informs us, Western Australia will be possessed of mechanical apparatus and appliances for the safe conduct of traffic second to none in Australasia. Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining competent men to fill the many vacant posts which the sudden expansion of traffic has thrown open. To overcome this a number of officers were imported to occupy the more onerous and responsible positions. Mr. Short confidently looks forward to the time when such importations shall be discontinued, and facilities shall be in existence for training a local staff. This he considers as advisable as it is just for the proper encouragement of the staff generally. As long as promotion acts as an impetus to work and an ideal to attain to, so long will there be a jealous striving after efficiency.

Mr. Short is now merged in the stream of energetic and industrious toil. One day devising, the next revising, improving, substituting, and ameliorating—these are some of the matters which engage his attention. Deputations must be received, listened to, and diplomatically replied to. Suggestions and cries for reform reach, from many channels, his offices, and what with multitudinous demands on his presence, his hours witness no masterly inactivity. Ever peering into the future to divine its weal or woe, a railway manager must be a thorough student in the art of prophecy. If the country is still on the increase, regard must be had to traffic facilities and requirements; if on a steady decline, expenditure must be curtailed. Happily, in Western Australia, all are prophets on the cheerful side, and here another quinquennial term has passed Mr. Short's area of supervision and responsibility will probably have been extensively widened. His experience of railway affairs is coeval with the working period of life, for it has been his one pursuit for the past twenty years.

Mr. Short is imbued with all the instincts and attributes characteristic of a gentleman. Courteous and kind and modest, he is deeply esteemed. He is still young, and as full of energy as when in the bright teens of youth. His mind and body are wrapt up in devotional attention to the duties of his office, and where the inclination and predilection are so strong we cannot stumble when we predict for him a bright future.

EDWARD McLARTY, J.P., M.L.C.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

EDWARD McLARTY, J.P., M.L.C.

WHILE Australia professes to be too democratic to reproduce all the ranks and distinctions which have been preserved from time immemorial between the different classes of society in the mother country, yet even a superficial observer becomes conscious that the law of native superiority asserts itself as strongly in the new Southern World as it does in England. To find a squire in name, for example, we should have to go to an English county, but to find that territorial magnate and magistrate in person it would not be necessary to travel far from Perth along the South-Western line. The only difference is that "at home" the squire has inherited his estates, his manor, and his governing office, whereas in Western Australia he has acquired them by his own indomitable application and the quality of his mental parts; like the champion of the tourney he has had to win his spurs before he could wear them, so that no one can regard him enviously as having been fortune's favourite. The same prizes were within the reach of other men, but they lacked the ability to pluck them, and the victor is therefore entitled to peculiar public regard, especially if, as in the case of Mr. Edward McLarty, J.P., M.L.C., he is willing to lend a cordial helping hand to those whom he has left behind in the race.

Edward McLarty is scion of an old Pinjarra family, his father having been one of the earliest settlers in that fertile and picturesque district on the banks of the Murray River. In 1848 Edward, the son of John McLarty, was born in what has since become one of the prettiest townships in the colony, and which possessed (even in those days) for so nascent a settlement, an excellent schoolmaster, under whose care the future squire of the district was enabled to store his mind with the learning which, if it is not, as the familiar counsel affirms, better than riches, is at least the advantageous accompaniment of wealth that, as in the case of Mr. McLarty, the student may afterwards achieve. After getting through his school-days, the heir of John McLarty, consulting his tastes, and true to hereditary aptitudes, for his father was the manager of the splendid agricultural estate of Mr. Singleton, resolved to turn his attention to the cultivation of the land and the raising of stock. Mr. John McLarty a little later purchased the valuable property known as "Blythewood," situated on the Murray, to which the rich cultivation paddocks have an extensive frontage, and which is to-day famous not less for its beauty than for the magnificent crops which it produces. The estate is admirably managed by Mr. Duncan McLarty, brother of Mr. Edward McLarty, M.L.C., on behalf of his mother, to whom this superb domain was bequeathed on the death of Mr. John McLarty. It was here that Mr. Edward McLarty underwent a thorough course of training as a yeoman, and gained valuable experience in regard to stock, which bore good fruit and accelerated his progress in maturer life.

When he was a young man the value of the Kimberley district as a depasturing ground was only just beginning to attract attention, and having been brought up as a grazier he seized upon the opportunity that thus presented itself of greatly enlarging his interests and his sphere of operations. In 1882 he became one of the leading promoters of the first company that was formed to carry on pastoral pursuits in the magnificent fattening territory around Derby. A million acres were leased from the Crown, and cattle were sent up to stock the run which, under the management of Mr. Wiliiam McLarty, brother of Mr. Edward McLarty, is one of the largest stock raising ranches of the West. The property is still in the possession of the company, and the neat kine which are sent to the city every year are most favourably known to the butchering trade, which prefers, as a rule, the home grown beeves to those which have come from the eastern colonies. As was elicited at the Select Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament, which sat in August, 1896, and of which Mr. Edward McLarty was a member, the pastoral industry was then in a more flourishing condition than it had enjoyed for several years, as there had been a generous rainfall, and the price of stock had greatly risen all over Australia, so that the Kimberley squatters have everything in their favour. In good years—that is to say when there is no drought—the rich herbage grows on their immense leaseholds with marvellous rapidity owing to the heat of the climate and the strength of the soil, and Parliament has always encouraged local enterprise by imposing a stock tax on imported stock or carcase meat. The Committee, in view of the large influx of population and the enormously increasing demand for food supplies, showed every disposition to subsidise steamers and to build jetties at northern ports to facilitate the sending of the herds to the metropolitan market, so that it will be seen that Mr. McLarty has a very valuable asset in the venture which his farsightedness induced him to make fifteen years ago. While the mammoth Kimberley station was prospering under the energetic superintendence of Mr. William McLarty, the squire of Pinjarra, and future representative of the district in the Legislative Council, was busy with his properties nearer home, and he added broad acres to broad acres in and around Pinjarra whenever less capable graziers were prepared to sell them, until to-day he is the owner of an expanse of country that it would be a long day's ride to travel over. Mr. McLarty is also a model yeoman in the sense of being a cultivator on a large scale. He is one of the landed proprietors whom the ex-Commissioner of Crown Lands (Hon. A. R. Richardson) aptly described in the Legislative Assembly last session as those who put money into their fields in order to take much more money out of them; while there were others, the Minister added, who starved their ground and then wondered why their ground nearly starved them. It is a pleasure for a tourist to be invited by Mr. McLarty to ride over his estates. The trees have been cleared or ringbarked, and the land has been cultivated with a liberal hand. In the matter of fertilisers Mr. McLarty, both by precept and example, is making Pinjarra conspicuous for the extent to which it is adopting these important aids to scientific farming. Last year, in an unostentatious way, he did a valuable service to his neighbours and to the district by advocating, as president of the Murray Farmers' Association, the adoption of the co-operative principle in sending to one of the largest importers of bonedust an order for a large shipment of this plant food and distributing it at his own cost, until those who are not so largely blessed with this world's goods could gather and sell their crops and repay the loan. A generous act of this kind in this selfish age reminds one of the good old days of Rome when, as the poet relates—" None were for party, but all were for the state; when the rich man helped the poor man, and the poor man loved the great." And it serves to explain the esteem in which Mr. McLarty is held.

The principal architectural features of Pinjarra are greatly indebted to him, for he has built not only the charming manor house of "Beaumalup" in which he resides, but also the Premier Hotel which deserves its name as being one of the most palatial houses of public entertainment which is to be found in any agricultural centre in the colony. For twenty years he has been a member of the local Roads Board, and was chairman for four years in succession, retiring from that post in 1891, when he was elected to the Legislative Council as one of the three members of the South-Western Province. In 1874 Mr. McLarty married Miss Campbell, daughter of the late Inspector Campbell, of Perth, and is the father of six sons and a daughter.

Mr. McLarty is essentially a man who does good in his day and generation. In his own district no one is better known or more respected, and all over the colony he enjoys the reputation of being a man whose lead it is safe to follow. On the public platform or from his place in the Legislative Council his style of address is typical of a mind that prefers methods to theories; in other words an ounce of practice is to him worth a pound of precept. He is a strong advocate for the development of the producing resources of the colony, and at the time of writing was using all his influence in the Council and out of it to get a branch line made from Pinjarra station to the Williams River, in order to place the harvests of the fertile corn lands of the Marradong Valley within easy reach of the market.

WILLIAM EDWARD CLARE.

A CERTAIN very clever writer once described a newspaper as the sounding board which made audible to its readers the voices of all the world. Then he went on to say that it was the great magician which annihilated the separating power of space, and made its readers in Australia the spectators of a battle in Central Africa, or of a shipwreck in the Mediterranean, or filled their ears with the echo of a debate in the House of Commons and the tumult of a presidential election in the United States of America.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

WILLIAM EDWARD CLARE.

There is no enterprise in the world so fraught with vicissitude and novel experience as newspaper management. We are all familiar with Mark Twain's inimitable sketches of journalistic experiences in America, and his Tennessee troubles have caused many people to seriously doubt, in honest scepticism, his many adventures in the newspaper world. But we have in the biography of Mr. William Edward Clare a narrative, firm in fact, unique even in journalism, and rugged in picturesque experience.

William Edward Clare is a native of St. Helens, Lancashire, and was born in 1863. Leaving school, he decided to enter the ranks of journalism, and became attached to the staff of the Birkenhead News, upon which he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, when he embarked for Australia from Tilbury Docks. On arriving at Melbourne he spent several months in holiday-making, and deciding to go to Tasmania, he cast in his lot with the North-Western Chronicle, published at Latrobe, on the north coast. He remained here about eight months, and returned to Melbourne. In 1892 he came to Western Australia, and soon after Arthur Bayley discovered the sensational Reward claim, he set out for that glorified arena. It was no popinjay's mission; rather was it one requiring nerve and resource. Taking the train as far as York, he engaged a teamster to carry his swag, while he trudged along beside the dray. It was a wearying pilgrimage of five week's duration. Round the small tents forming Coolgardie were gathered men of all grades, bent on winning fortune at almost any cost. Mr. Clare did not waste any time, for his treasury could only boast of two shillings and twopence, and he immediately set to work "dry blowing" the alluvial patches round Bayley's Reward. His returns were not commensurate with the energy expended, and he obtained an engagement on the Reward mine soon after Mr. Sylvester Browne purchased it. At about this time Hannan's—now the world-famous Kalgoorlie—was founded by Patrick Hannan. Upon a well-remembered Saturday night Hannan entered Coolgardie, and the news of his rich alluvial discovery was soon circulated among an emotional population. Mr. Clare read, during the same evening, Hannan's notice, posted up at the Warden's tent, of an application for a reward claim at a spot about thirty miles north-east of Coolgardie, and in the first peeps of the ensuing morn, arrayed in all the primitive paraphernalia of the prospector, he was heading his course for the scene of the new find. Thanks to misdirection he was "lost" in the waterless bush—a terrible experience, appreciated only by those who have been in a similar predicament. After much dispiriting groping in the desolate wilderness, he reached his destination at nine o'clock on Monday night, when he presented a woebegone appearance. But next morning he went out "specking," and for the day's work obtained fourteen pieces of gold, the largest of which weighed eleven pennyweights. Soon after this he pegged out a claim below the Maritana Hill, thus following the prevailing fashion, for all the ground around Hannan, Cassidy, and Flannagan was pegged and re-pegged a dozen tines over in the stampede-like rush which had set in. After much laborious effort Mr. Clare reached in his claim a depth o[ eleven feet, where, to his intense pleasure, he struck a two-ounce piece; but, alas, in the first stages of luck the unkindly hand of fever smote his prospects. A faintness came over him; he struggled to his unpretentious little "camp," and consciousness forsook him. When he regained his senses he was in the tent of Police Constable McCarthy, in Coolgardie, down with typhoid. He had been conveyed to Coolgardie by the large-hearted Tom Colreavy, the discoverer of Golden Valley, the pioneer field of the immense Yilgarn district, indeed of all the eastern goldfields. He then passed through those indescribable, and too common, sufferings from fever in a weary land, where physical endurance must fight its own battle without the ameliorating conditions of good nursing and comfortable quarters. Many a time Mr. Clare's life "hung in the balance," but his splendid vitality overthrew the fever, else this story would not have been written.

But his illness had absorbed every shilling he possessed. He returned to Bayley's Reward, and worked as a miner. Here he and his mate established a record, for one hour's work in the cut yielded them eight dishes, containing 300 ounces of gold. Many interesting experiences had Mr. Clare in the matter of gold finding on this famous claim. On another occasion, while working with Mr. Gorrie, who pegged out Bayley's No. 1 South, he came upon a beautiful pocket, which held in its treasure-chamber a piece of quartz fully charged with gold, and returning thirty ounces. Again, on the same day, while turning over some solid bodies of stone, he discovered twenty ounces of rich "flaky" gold, making fifty ounces for his day's work. Perhaps there was an element of romance in this gold digging, especially when one obtains the rewards, but the heavy manual toil was more than Mr. Clare's reduced constitution could bear. The turning point of his goldfields career came with a conversation with Captain Begelhole. Said Mr. Clare, in homely language—"I am full up of this sort of work. I'm a journalist, and am unused to it." Replied Captain Begelhole—"Why, look at the way this place is growing—a paper would pay here." It was as seed sown in volcanic soil; the idea germinated at once. Mr. Clare expressed a desire to found a newspaper, and the good-natured captain merely said—"You can 'knock off' work now and go and interview some of the storekeepers, with the object of forming a syndicate to start a paper."

Mr. Clare was only too glad to avail himself of the opportunity. He threw away his pick, and started on his errand. The old goldfields' people were not in the least negative in their virtues, and the idea of having a newspaper among them was mightily pleasing. Mr. Clare knew how to stir them up; a sub-committee was formed, and on a Sunday morning the promoter of the scheme met them in free and easy conclave, and supplied the details of the journalistic infant. It was impossible to give anything like a correct estimate of cost, for in the matter of carriage alone there were at times diurnal fluctuations in the price per ton of from ten to twenty pounds. Eventually it was agreed that Mr. Clare should go to Perth, but a serious difficulty arose; the teamsters were "out" on strike. There was nothing before him but a walk to York, and that was quite enough. Owing to the strike, food supplies in Coolgardie were very short, and our journalist stoutly began his 280 miles walk over a foodless wilderness with five pounds of flour, a two pound tin of oxhead brawn, and a water-bag containing a gallon of condensed water. After many days and nights in the depressingly dull and desolate bush, he reached Merridin in a state of exhaustion. The solitary march was relieved only by an occasional few words with some miner on the path, from whom he obtained rations from time to time. At Merridin he needs must sell his catskin rug in order to purchase "tin dog" and flour. There was here a "Shanty on the Rise," and its inmates, with that fine fellowship characteristic of lonely people in the Australian bush, were glad to give him an unlimited stock of directions as to the track, and the water holes to be found upon it. Away there in the monotonous solitudes your travellers welcome the stranger and exhibit a primitive curiosity concerning him, and, in a rugged manner, show respect and regard for those so unfortunately situated as themselves. Mr. Clare was directed to a watered track which had been used in former days, and which ran through, perhaps, the longest-wooded stretch in Western Australia—Tootalgin forest. If he had had a depressing journey before, he was destined to experience another even more abandoned. For eight successive days he tramped through the dispiriting bush, seeing no human being, and not even the proverbial "gohanna," merely meeting a few white ants, companions which count for very little, except that, like himself, they were alive. While plodding along he remembered that there was a plug of tobacco and a pipe in his pocket. He had never smoked before, but while resting in the lonely night he produced them with the idea of getting the soothing effect which my Lady Nicotine seems to possess. Poor Clare had struck a particularly ghastly brand of tobacco, but he wrestled with it most heroically. With sand as a luxuriant mattrass, with the stems and thin leaves of tenacious gum trees as bed-posts and draperies, he lay on his back and very promptly watched the "everlasting stars," thinking, the while, whether there really was anything in the poetical platitudes concerning the charm of the weed which he was so devotedly consulting. His wavering views were soon determined, and he adjourned himself sine die, and after very slight meditation came to the conclusion that the poets were all wrong, and that the man who had sold him the tobacco had designs on his life. Since that night he has not touched that particular brand of tobacco.

His provisions were now done, but meeting a native Mr. Clare magnanimously exchanged his tobacco for some kangaroo flesh, and, though it was not particularly dainty, he ate it with considerable relish. Then he struck the homestead settlement of one Flyme Martin, and when he had said that he was a wayfarer from Coolgardie, all the inmates gathered round him, whilst he told, in Goldsmith fashion, of the richness of Bayley's Reward and Hannan's. He was made an honoured guest, and when his fund of information on his travels had given out, the host told a story of "as how they knew there was gold in Coolgardie nearly seventeen years before." He then went on to tell Mr. Clare how a syndicate to go and explore the golden region was formed, "but," said he, with swelling indignation, "a crazy 'blanky' poet killed the whole affair." Mr. Clare was anxious to discover a poet's powers of syndicate annihilation, and asks, "How did he do it?" retorted the raconteur, "why, he simply went and wrote some poetry about it, and it killed our syndicate. I tell you I might have been a rich man if he hadn't written that blooming verse." "Let's hear it?" and Flyme then gave, with melodramatic effect, "the verse that ruined him."

"Let Stirling guide, and Flyme gas, and Cuttening give the figures,
But when they get to Coolgardie the ground is only fit for niggers."

Mr. Clare wondered no longer; he was satisfied that such a "verse would kill anything but the man who wrote it." He left the disgusted Flyme next morning, after being presented with a bottle of pickled radishes, which he feelingly abandoned a few miles away on the roadside. When some miles distant from York he grew hungry, and meeting a teamster he asked him for something to eat, and the jolly waggoner drew forth the gaunt remains of a ham bone, which Mr. Gaunt attacked with undisguised enthusiasm. That night he camped with the teamster on the banks of the Avon, but on the following evening he did himself the honour of sleeping in a house. On the outskirts of the town he saw a baker's shop, with a captious legendary sign, "Accommodation for Travellers." It was a pleasant Sunday night, and in meeting the proprietor, Mr. Clare pointed out that, as "a change," he would like to sleep under a roof, explaining that he had come from Coolgardie. He was ushered into a large dining-room, where he was eagerly questioned, and subjected to quite a severe scrutiny. Asked what he would like to eat, Mr. Clare, who was famished, airily offered to take "anything." The hostess put a plate of ham and eggs before him; and never was dish more welcome. But he found that sleeping under a roof may have its disadvantages; he was ushered to a bench in the bakehouse. At two o'clock a.m., after a well-deserved repose, he was rudely disturbed by the bakers coming in to knead their dough. He was roused from his couch, and shown to a corner, from which he watched, with heavy eyelids, the interesting ceremony of bread-making, occasionally relieving the tedium by telling the powdered officials impossible stories about Coolgardie. In the morning he took train for Perth, where he was compelled to remain for some time before he could obtain a printing plant. This was eventually got together, and was sent per rail to Burracoppin, where a teamster, with three horses and a dray, had agreed to meet him to carry the machinery to Coolgardie. When the carrier arrived, it was found that his dray could only accommodate a portion of the consignment. Mr. Clare decided to take the most important part first, and arranged that the rest should follow. It will be readily understood that the return journey was tedious, and it was rendered more so by the teamster, who exhibited no "distressing haste." At Burracoppin Mr. Clare met Mr. Moran, the present member for East Coolgardie, who was pursuing his political campaign for the then huge electorate of Yilgarn. He was asked to take the chair at one of the candidate's meetings held on the wayside. It was a novel election meeting, and the "chair" consisted of a tree stump. The free and independent electors of Yilgarn were represented, says Mr. Clare, by about a dozen teamsters, several "swampers," a boy, two dogs, a dusky daughter of the soil, and a couple of nondescript individuals, whose chief accomplishment was an infinite capacity for drinking. The meeting was at first noisy, but eventually peace prevailed, and Mr. Clare and the teamster were able to get on their way. The teamster often showed eccentric behaviour, and camped in the most ridiculous places on sand plains without water for the horses. Mr. Clare frequently expostulated with him, and urged him to proceed more expeditiously. At Boorabbin the waggoner was still more eccentric, and finally threatened to kill Mr. Clare, and chased him with a huge piece of iron, which was successfully warded off. At Woolgangie the man exhibited unmistakable signs of insanity. He was taken in charge, and removed to the Fremantle Asylum, where he died some months after—a raving lunatic. Mr. Glare now took charge of the horses and dray, and slowly approached Coolgardie, on one occasion being almost lost in the bush while endeavouring to find water.

When his strange travels were ended, Mr. Clare exhibited his printing plant to the populace, who evinced a lively interest in it. The physical travail ended only to give place to the mental. After two months all the plant arrived, and was expeditiously set in order. Then there was "hurrying in hot haste," and when Mr. Glare said he would produce the first number of the paper, appropriately christened the Coolgardie Miner, on the following Saturday, many laughed at the idea, for it was only on the Tuesday that all the machinery came to hand. The experiences of pressmen on American fields were repeated, and the new printing shanty was a hub of excitement. Inside, a couple of compositors worked with their noses in the space-box, sundry people were writing up copy, and Mr. Clare hurried hither and thither in the circumscribed space of the "office." He had difficulty in getting copy; several people volunteered to write up "something," and—did not keep their promises, and it seemed as if the "Long Felt Want" would not appear on the date announced. A couple of Hebraic gentlemen "opened a book" on the event, and several wagers were made in different directions. On Friday night Mr. Clare went round the "town" searching for some one who could set type. Finally he enrolled the services of the local captain of the Salvation Army, a trooper, a chemist, and the manager of a business place in Bayley Street. The assistance of the explorer, David Lindsay, was invoked to produce an article, and he turned it out in two columns. The matter was obtained, but on Saturday morning no Coolgardie Miner appeared. In accordance with the wagers, the paper had to make its journalistic débût by one o'clock. It was 12.25 and still no paper, but at 12.30 an exultant shout heralded the first issue, which sold faster than the machine could print the copies; the "Aching Void" in the district had been filled.

Mr. Clare's troubles did not end with the publication of the paper—on the contrary, they only began. The employees had the educated thirsts peculiar to newspaper offices, and they followed the pernicious habit of getting hilariously intoxicated at intervals, especially on auspicious occasions. Then there was a strike on the part of the compositors, and sundry other annoyances tended to break the monotony of existence. Of the first number of the Coolgardie Miner, 1,200 copies were printed and sold at sixpence each, many of them fetching as much as half-a-crown, and five shillings in the "out back" districts. The succeeding story needs no telling here. Born in tribulation, like the jarrah forest, the Miner became a sturdy giant, opposed to parasitic nuisances. It became the champion of the goldfields' interests, and, perhaps, the strongest newspaper in Western Australia. It evolved into a bi-weekly, and then a daily, with a circulation extending over thousands of miles of local territory, and even into the other colonies and to Great Britain. It has been the nursery of goldfields journalists. From it sprang the Pioneer, a weekly production, without a peer in the colony. Happily, Mr. Clare has had an experience which, probably, no newspaper proprietor in the world can lay claim to; in three years he cleared a comfortable fortune. In company with others, he is about to launch the Westralian Star, a new evening journal, at Kalgoorlie.

Mr. Clare's generosity and kindliness of heart are known all over the fields, and many an impoverished person in Coolgardie has to thank him for his liberality. He can fairly lay claim to being a pioneer of one of the greatest goldfields in the world, and before his visit to England in December, 1895, he was banqueted by one of the most representative gatherings of colonial pioneers that ever assembled to pay parting respects to a friend. Mr. Clare is interested in a large number of Westralian mines, and has his name on the directorate of several. He was the prime mover and instigator of the memorial fund to Arthur Bayley, the pioneer, and organised entertainments on behalf of the fund. He is possessed of splendid commercial abilities, and Coolgardie and Perth people will testify to his social qualities. He and his paper have ever fought the fight of right, and both personally, and through his bright journals, he has been a tower of strength in Western Australia. To his endurance and daring enterprise Coolgardie owes the birth of a powerful journal. And when one glances retrospectively on the many vicissitudes that he encountered in his struggle to gain his end, encomiums for his pluck should be strongly couched. His experiences of the early days of Coolgardie, if recorded, would form an interesting volume, and act as a valuable contribution to the historical sequence of the goldfields. His name is indissolubly linked with journalism in Western Australia.

EDWARD SHOLL.

WHEN we think that the comfort and stability by which we are surrounded are largely the result of what pioneers did in the past, we are compelled to respect their labours. The industries, the monuments of toil in towns and roads, in farms and stations, in railways and bridges, are the resultant benefits. Most of these veterans are dead; some survive to witness the completeness and success of their past efforts. The younger generation now take their places. They succeed to the professions and trades, and carry on the good work. They improve on and fulfil the proposals of their fathers. Many are the fine examples of this in Western Australia. Born in the country, they breathed its air and grew in its geniality, and became strong in body and mind.

Photo by T. Latimer.

EDWARD SHOLL.

We mention in this book of biography the careers of three members of the Sholl family descended from the pioneer Government Resident of Roebourne, Mr. Robert J. Sholl. Each son has proved himself fully worthy to maintain the traditions of the work of the father. Each works in different spheres—one in Parliament and production, another in the Public Service, and the gentleman of whom we now write has made himself well known in the legal profession. They are typical of many other families of pioneers in Western Australia.

Edward Sholl was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1854, and received his early education in the same centre. Upon leaving school, he joined his father at Roebourne, when that gentleman was performing lasting services to the benefit of the colony in popularising and settling northwest country. For four and a half years Mr. Edward Sholl remained at Roebourne; then he returned to Perth in order to qualify for the legal profession. Becoming articled to Mr. Stone, then a leading local lawyer, and now Mr. Justice Stone, he was duly admitted to practice in local courts. His first cases were conducted at York, where he removed, but in a few months he returned to the wider field to be found in Perth. He energetically worked up a large practice, and conducted it most successfully for many years. From 1877 to 1891 he was associated with numerous cases, and became a well-known figure in local courts, and was recognised as a good lawyer. In the latter year he was joined by Mr. J. C. Foulkes, M.L.C. These two gentlemen now possess a reliable, steady connection, and in addition to being associated with numerous cases they do considerable conveyancing. One of the most prominent cases with which Mr. Sholl has been identified was as solicitor for the plaintiff in the remarkable action, 0gilvie versus the West Australian Mortgage and Agency Company. Mr. 0gilvie sought to recover money on certain forged orders debited to his account by the defendant company. In the first place he was nonsuited by the Chief Justice, but on appealing to the Full Court a new trial was granted, and the case was heard by a jury, who found for Mr. 0gilvie. A second appeal was made, on this occasion by the defendants, to the Full Court, who then set aside the judgment of the jury. A final appeal was made to the Privy Council in England, with the result that the decision of the Full Court was reversed. In this protracted action Mr. Sholl watched over his client's interests very successfully, and his ability to grasp the complex questions at issue denoted much legal skill and insight. Space will not allow a recapitulation of other important actions with which he has been associated. His career as a lawyer has been in every way a happy one. His brother lawyers view him with so much respect that he is a member of the Barristers' Board. In the absence of a university this important and learned body enquires into the credentials and qualifications, and examines, applicants for admission to the local bar.

Mr. Edward Sholl is a director of the Perth Gas Company and of the Western Australian Trustees and Executors Company, and, in mining, of the Fraser's Gold Mining Company, Southern Cross. He holds interests in business affairs and gold mines. Like his brother, the Postmaster General, Mr. Edward Sholl has been prominently identified with local volunteer matters. He was for fifteen years a member of the Metropolitan Rifles, now forming part of the 1st. Infantry, and retired as a first lieutenant.

Mr. Sholl married, in 1886, Miss Fanny Cosgrove, of Sydney. Shrewd and attentive as a lawyer, practised in debate, courteous in demeanour, Mr. Sholl is looked upon as among our most prominent colonists. He well maintains the dignified name of his father, and is to be commended for his many good works in the Western Australian community.

[We regret to hear of the death of Mr. Sholl since the above was written.]

FREDERICK MOSEY.

OLIVER Wendel Holmes, in his piquant and discursive "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table," takes up a firm position regarding birth and blood. "Given," he says in some philosophic paragraph, "an equality of mental or physical capacity in two human beings, and I prefer him that hath nobility of birth traceable through the intermittable vista of genealogical descent." Such a sentiment finds corroborative truth in the expressions of many men of note.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

FREDERICK MOSEY.

England glories in the valorous and chivalrous deeds of her ancestors, in the brilliant exploits of those men who have built up her magnificent Empire; what then can be more in harmony with this national feeling of pride than that each man should boastfully point to his own connection with historic names? Yet the fact remains that few are so privileged to go backwards in family history; most of the others anathematise such a procedure as antiquated. Heredity, with its transmitted characteristics, is a more powerful psychological factor than many admit.

For generations the progenitors of Mr. Mosey fostered and stimulated marine mercantile expansion. Their fleets of merchantmen brought spices and rich balms of the East to England's shores, or laden with costly merchandise, traded to distant foreign lands. No less than five Captain Moseys, in command of their ships, met in one foreign port at the same time.

It is plain that Mr Mosey comes of a very old English family, whose record can be clearly traced back to the fifteenth century (Henry VI.'s time), as shown by the church registers and tombstones in the old churchyards of Folkton, Barton, Agnes, Filer, and Scarborough. The orthography of the name must have undergone the usual transformation, for it bears a close consonant affinity with the Austro-French appellation, "Musey," which, again, is etymologically akin to the river Muse, which means moving. Mr. Mosey's father, Captain William Mosey, shipowner, Scarborough, was widely known and highly esteemed among shipping circles. He conveyed the first church organ to Sydney, Australia. He also took the first railway material to the West Indies; and during the war between Don Pedro and Don Miguel, while a convent was under fire, at great personal risk he, and a few brave sailors, succeeded in rescuing the inmates with the ship's boats. For this courageous act the survivors presented him with a valuable token of esteem, which is kept as an heirloom in the family. Of his father's kindly and genial disposition, coupled with sterling qualities of conscientious integrity, and of his mother's gentle, loving influence, Mr. Mosey can never speak too highly. His mother's maiden name was Auld, and she was descended from an old Scotch family of that name, which seems, according to contemporary literature, to have been on most intimate terms with Scotland's national poet, "Bobbie Burns." Burns was a frequent visitor at the house of John Auld's uncle. The nephew, with his frolicsome ways, became a great favourite with the poet, and an inseparable companion of his family. The "mighty bard" found delight in amusing the little boy in his rustic home in Ayrshire. The pet of the poet, so highly honoured, was the maternal grandfather of Mr. Mosey.

Mr. Fred. Mosey was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, the queen of watering places, on 18th November, 1857, and was educated under Mr. Yorke Richmond, B.A. Upon leaving school he entered the Mercantile Marine Service, and had one long voyage of sixteen months' duration, but on returning to English shores he resolved to seek some more congenial career. For several years afterwards he was engaged in some of the leading commercial houses in Hull, York, and London. That he was a capable exponent of the technicalities of his business, his testimonials amply demonstrate, for his efficiency won for him responsible positions in wealthy firms, and gained the expressed recognition of his able services.

Then he saw in the colonies a more elastic opening for his enterprising energies, and he sailed for Western Australia, arriving here on 5th April, 1887. For four years he successfully managed part of Messrs. G. and E. C. Shentons' large business in Perth, and then he decided to embark on his own account, and on 25th January, 1895, started a land agency, in a rude shanty at the corner of Hay and Barrack Streets, on which now stands the pretentious and elaborate edifice of McNes's Arcade. From Hay Street he removed to larger premises in St. George's Terrace (the present site of Prince's Buildings.) About this time his "sleeping partner," Mr. William Britnall, a wealthy gentleman of keen foresight and commercial and local knowledge, joined him actively in the rapidly growing business.

This conjunction led them to build their present substantial offices, known as "Austral Chambers," in Barrack Street. The largest commercial transactions in land have been effected from their office, and their conjoined efforts, vigorously maintained, have secured for them one of the widest and possibly the most influential clientéle in Perth. When Mr. Mosey first arrived the city was in a very primitive condition, but a few months' residence convinced him that there were golden possibilities in store. His confidence in the colony never wavered.

Mr. Mosey has visited North and South America, and many other places of note. He has twice been to the Eastern colonies, and on the last occasion (1897), during his absence, his sanguine and enthusiastic supporters pushed his candidature for the South Ward in the City Council. When he left Perth he was unopposed, but new aspirants coming forward forward for this honour, it was strongly contested. Still, severely handicapped as he was, he only lost the seat by sixteen votes.

Mr. Mosey is a man worthy of the highest esteem, and his influence has always been used to promote the welfare of this colony. He has gained general confidence and respect. His affability and gentlemanly instincts are a source of reflex esteem, and his sympathy and charitable tendencies have gained him the plaudits of many well-wishers.

CHARLES ROBERT CUMBRAE-STEWART

IT is gratifying to behold the enthusiastic and zealous interest which the burghers of Coolgardie take in the conduct of municipal affairs. Especially is this so when we remember that the idea of self-aggrandisement attracts the majority to a goldfield. They come flocking to the golden realm with ideas of an interminable visita of wealth that is within their power to possess, and they solder this glorious imagery with a coating of strong iron determination. Thence it would not be surprising if they did, by "fixed ideas" and habit, make self the pivot round which all else must revolve.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CHARLES R. CUMBRAE-STEWART.

But in this train of self-concern there are those (and of this Coolgardie might feel justly proud) who feel that there is a link which united them to the community, and which makes claims on their sympathy and regard. Mr. Cumbrae-Stewart was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1816. His father, Mr. F. E. Stewart, is managing director of Younghusband and Co., Melbourne. Mr. Cumbrae-Stewart was sent to the Brighton Grammar School, in Victoria. As a boy he was possessed in a marked degree of that vitality and action which seems to be the colonial birthright. He spent several sessions at this school, and then went to Queensland. For a few years he practised as a mining agent and sharebroker, but his success in no way equalled his youthful hopes,

In June, 1893, he arrived in Western Australia, and started on that courage-warping journey to Coolgardie. His troubles and trials were the common possession of many others. After reaching the inland centre he represented Reuter's Telegram Company Limited, and was instrumental in organising a large connection. Gradually he came to acquire, through his own activity and mining knowledge, extensive and lucrative interests in mines. Ever on the alert, never idly dreaming, his investments and speculations returned multiplied profits. Cautious, cool, and deliberate, he surveyed and measured before he leapt. Hand-in-hand with commercial prosperity went perhaps the more desirable element of popularity and respect. Syndicates soon studded the fields like star-clusters in the firmament, and sought Mr. Cumbrae-Stewart's experience. He was appointed attorney for the Kalgoorlie, North Kalgoorlie, North Mount Charlotte, the Cardiff Castle, and Rome Consolidated companies.

In his efforts to advance general interests he must be admired. At a time when little encouragement and less attention was given to men desirous of promoting public welfare he stepped forth on the stage with a few other loyal actors, and gave an impetus to progress. The first "call" of the Coolgardie Stock Exchange was held in his office in August, 1894. He was one of its original members, and second to none in his continual attempts to raise it to a position worthy alike of Coolgardie and of the goldfields. To him, too, in conjunction with Mr. W. Thomson, is to be ascribed the honour of the early formation of the Chamber of Mines and Commerce. His name is found among the members of the first elected committee of this body.

In July, 1895, three extra seats were created in the Coolgardie Municipal Council, and Mr. Cumbrae-Stewart was returned victorious for one of these. In all matters which conduce to the moral and physical health of the town he has taken no ordinary amount of interest. The end which he hoped for from the beginning of his Coolgardie career is slowly becoming realised. In his jealous desire to make Coolgardie worthy of the magnificence of the goldfields there is much to appraise. All who know him appreciate the warmth of his geniality. His present and past do creditable justice to his talents, and his name is stamped in the annals of Coolgardie.

ANDREW HARRIOT HENNING, M.L.C.

"WE live in an age that moves," says the irrefutable adage; the colonies have unusual progressive motion. Complexities of law rise like shoals of dilemmas, and demand acuteness and depth of judgment. In colonial contention he must be wise who can decide.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

ANDREW H. HENNING, M.L.C..

Mr. Henning's success is not confined to the halls and courts of law; he has transcended this opaque horizon into the realm of politics. The Western Australian Parliament will receive in its new member a man highly qualified and endorsed with the sine qua non which alone can promote the best interests of the people and prove the politician an efficient representative. Mr. Henning was born in Adelaide in 1865. He is the son of Mr. Rudolph W. Henning, who so ably and creditably represented the Albert constituency in the South Australian Legislature for the prolonged term of seventeen years. Prince Alfred College, Adelaide, had charge of Mr. A. H. Henning's early instruction, and the Alma Mater of the University trained him successfully in those subjects which qualified him for his degree, and the more uncertain highways of life. In 1887 he graduated as Bachelor of Laws in the University, and was admitted to the South Australian bar in the same year. His scholastic curriculum was the season for ploughing and harrowing the soil of knowledge, and it now remained for the firm of Messrs. Symon, Bakewell, and Symon to sow that disseminating seed which should blossom and yield its fruit in the harvest of life. He entered an excellent office, for under the keen and able supervision of Mr. J. H. Symon, Q.C., the great legal luminary of South Australia, an opportunity was afforded and utilised to the furthermost advantages. The legal scope of the office coincided with its enviable variety. Mr. Henning, with an ardour for an understanding of the technicalities of his profession, bent his energies to laden himself with invaluable legal merchandise, if the metaphor be permissible.

After six years' continued devotion to this firm he started in the practice of his profession at Broken Hill. Now his sole responsible master and pilot, with his fame to make in the legal world, he strove to win for himself a reputation that could only at this juncture be obtained by incessant toil and unwearying energy. His success was proportionate to the term and conditions of his venture. He retired from active work for a time, but again returned to Broken Hill. Clients had every reason to remember and respect the professional attention and the indisputable talents of their solicitor. His practice was speedily assured. The heralding abroad of one successful advocacy often gains for the fortunate barrister a strong contingent of followers, that gather round as if to the marshalling clang of trumpets. Often, too, is this the stroke of fortune rather than the reward of merit, but Mr. Henning's rise was gradual and stable.

About the end of 1893 the greatness of the Broken Hill mines seemed to dwindle in contrast with the electric power of the gold realm of Coolgardie. Many people forsook the silver-streaked rocks to seek the dazzling auriferous plains of the West. In that stream of enterprising travellers which landed in Western Australia in 1884 from Adelaide was Mr. Henning. His experience of mining fields and laws was bound to prove of value. Reaching Coolgardie early in 1894 he, after fulfilling the usual residential qualification, started practice in that town, which was as yet an inharmonious collection of tents and camps. Its potentialities were, however, great, and Mr. Henning, taking occasion by the hand, drew forth from its bounties every advantage. Success was never doubted, but it exceeded even sanguine and optimistic expectations. He was the founder of a firm which was soon to become widely known in the "Golden West." After building up a practice as wide as it was influential, Mr. Henning was joined in partnership by Mr. Rounsevell, who shared the increasing responsibilities and extensive arduousness of the connection. It was some time afterwards that Mr. Isbister joined the two successful lawyers. With mining and other legal matters these three gentlemen are extensively engaged on the fields and in the capital, and the founder can look back with keen pleasure on the results of his energy and legal ability.

Mr. Henning was one of the originators of the Coolgardie Chamber of Mines, and acted on the first-elected committee. His interest grew with the importance of this institution, and ever since its inception he has acted faithfully in its welfare and striven to promote the felicity of that industry for whose prosperity it was inaugurated. On mining legislation the Chamber has kept a vigilant and jealous eye, and it strove vigorously to obtain reform. When a delegation was appointed by the goldfields' people of the colony to wait on the Premier to discuss with him the amendment of the "obnoxious clause eleven" of the Goldfields Act, Mr. Henning was elected a member, and took a prominent and serviceable part in the mission. In public movements he has taken a lively and enthusiastic share. Parochial services, expeditiously rendered, obtained for him the approval of the people, who testified it in requisitioning him to become a candidate for the newly created North-East Province of the Legislative Council.

For three vacancies seven candidates came forward, and a keen contest ensued. Each seemed a redoubtable champion of the people's rights, and hustings applause and prospective decisions wavered and fluctuated. Speculation was rife, for there was some similarity of policy. In their choice of Mr. Henning popular judgment was good, and showed discretion and prudence. Mr. Henning's sympathies are broad and generous, his friendship genuine, his sincerity ineffaceable. In the exercise of his profession he is respected, and in private life he has the warm wishes of all within the wide circumference of his acquaintanceship.

WILLIAM HEPBURN GALE, J.P.

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WILLIAM H. GALE.

IT has often been remarked that men's actions, in the discharge of their public duties, should be a copy of their business lives, in that they should bring to bear, when before the bar of public criticism, that sound judgment and shrewdness which won for them success in the commercial world. The application of this is very apt in connection with the various goldfields centres of Western Australia. Mr. W. H. Gale, who has worked so unremittingly for Cue and the surrounding goldfields, was born at Fremantle in 1855. His mother was a daughter of one of the earliest settlers—Captain Daniel Scott, who arrived in the foundation year—1829. Mr. Gale's father (William Gale) was one of the first Collectors of Customs at Fremantle, and had a long and honoured career in the service of the colony. William Hepburn Gale was educated at the High School, Perth, and the Commercial College, Bedford, England. After experience in a large commercial office in London, he returned to his native country, and started in business at Geraldton, in conjunction with the late J. H. Monger, under the style of Gale, Monger, and Co., general storekeepers, &c. The business progressed, and made rapid strides until in 1884—six years after its inauguration—the stores were burnt to the ground. This was a serious blow to both gentlemen, and Mr. Gale returned to Perth to make what is called a fresh start in the world. He stayed in Perth for some considerable time, and when the Murchison Goldfields broke out he determined to go thither. In company with Mr. Harry Page Woodward, the then Government Geologist, he went to Mount Magnet, where he remained for twelve months. He founded the Morning Star claim, from which he hauled every bucket of dirt up to the time of its reaching the 100-feet level. Then he proceeded to Cue, where, in partnership with Mr. Timperley (son of the resident magistrate of the Bunbury district), he established a general mining and commission agency. His advent into the business world of Cue was at an opportune moment, and the firm soon attained considerable status. From that time on Mr. Gale became a "successful" man, and at the present time there are few, if any, on the Murchison who are held in such high esteem as Mr. Gale.

But it has been his untiring work in municipal matters for the good of the community that has won for him the good wishes of the Murchison. He has been Mayor of Cue four times, and this, in itself, is eloquent enough tribute of the estimation in which he is held by the people. In September, 1894, he was first elected mayor, and then, when the usual election came on in November of the same year, he was returned unopposed. In November, 1895, he defeated Mr. Beggs somewhat easily for the civic chairship, and in November, 1896, he was again returned unopposed. Mr. Gale has been identified with every public movement in Cue. He was prominent in pushing the interests of the Mullewa-Cue Railway, and at its formal opening by the Premier on 20th April, 1897, everyone remembers the lavish hospitality Mr. Gale dispensed as chairman of the Railway Celebration Committee. Amongst some of the offices which he holds are those of president of the Stock Exchange of Cue, vice-president of the Cue Chamber of Commerce, president of the Cue Bicycle Club, and steward of the Cue Racing Club. He is manager of the Acadia mine, the Gem of Cue, the Highland Mary, and several others. Mr. Gale was the first Worshipful Master of the Murchison Lodge of Freemasons, No. 2,617, and is still an active office-bearer.

Much more might be written of Mr. Gale and his many good offices. With his name the progress of Cue, and the whole of the Murchison, is strongly linked. He is a pillar of the mining world there, and in the humble tent he is as well remembered and liked as in the capital centre. Mr. Gale has left his kindly imprimatur on whatever conduces to the public good of his mining world.

HARRY WILLIAMS.

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HARRY WILLIAMS.

TO have sprung from colonising stock is to possess the imprimatur of an ancestry of strong physical fibre and high courage. The "tender-foot," to use an expressive American phrase, is too prone to hug the armchair and the cozy chimney corner to be tempted to venture out into the cold blasts of a new land to build his own house and grow his own corn. It was not the effeminate popinjay, or those who were infirm of purpose, who manned the Mayflower when she sailed from England to establish a British state in America. When the time came for Western Australia to begin the march of civilisation under the Union Jack, many of those who enlisted beneath the folds of the grand old flag were as stalwart of frame as they were fearless in spirit. The enterprise was a most adventurous one, and it was made the more uninviting to timorous minds because it was a plunge into an almost unknown region, only the fringe of which had been touched by explorers. The land of promise bore Dead Sea fruit for those of the colonists who faltered by the way and returned to England, but for the children of those who staunchly held to their faith in the bright future of the country, that faith has been more than realised. Harry Williams is descended from a family who are among the oldest colonists of Western Australia; his father arrived in Perth in 1830, having emigrated from Dorsetshire, where for generations his ancestors had been among the leading yeomen of the county. The sturdy pioneer, undeterred by the difficulties attendant on the cultivation of the soil in a country that had not yet been redeemed from the possession of savages, soon set himself to work upon a holding not far from Perth, and thus laid the foundation of the fortune of his family. The subject of our biography, Harry Williams, was born in 1814, and was educated at the best school which then devoted itself in Perth to the development of the intellectual energies and gifts of the young hopefuls of the new settlement. On leaving that academy of learning, with more than the usual stock of scholarship acquired by its pupils, he entered into dairy farming, as his father had done before him in Dorsetshire, and found it to be a tolerably lucrative pursuit, as cattle capable of producing milk and cream were not then plentiful in the Perth district, and the knowledge and care requisite to make high-class butter were still more rare. He made his start in this industry at a place called Herdsman's Lake, and remained there for about twenty years, when he removed to Perth, and soon afterwards had to mourn the death of his father, who was laid in the Perth Cemetery in 1885, greatly regretted by a large circle of friends, who had seen much to admire in the sterling character and genial disposition of the stout-hearted old colonist.

In his years of maturity, Mr. Harry Williams has had a career of almost uniform success, his clear judgment enabling him to display that enviable power, which many men pass from the cradle to the grave without acquiring, of discerning—the best form of investment for the fruits of steady industry. He bought, at a price that to-day would be regarded as the traditional song, the property known as Goondalup Farm, Wanneroo, fourteen miles from Perth, and he carried on dairying there for five years, after which he returned to Perth and laid down an orchard in an area of rich land fronting on Fitzgerald Street, which no local resident need be told has become the famous Pear Park Garden of Eden. Here, on this fertile ground, Western Australia vindicated to the full her claim to be able to produce some of the finest, if not the finest, fruit ever raised in the Southern Hemisphere. Certainly, Mr. Williams, who is no half-hearted worker at anything he puts his hand or his heart to, did not spare the labour of the husbandman. So thoroughly did he prepare the ground for the reception of his fruit trees, the choicest varieties of which he imported from Victoria, that he might have been one of the sons of the old vigneron who, on his deathbed, confided to his heirs that gold lay concealed beneath the roots ef the vines, and would be revealed by deep trenching. This trenching being done, the old man's words were found to be true, but the golden treasure was not unearthed from the vineyards, but came from the pockets of the vintners who purchased the trebled grape harvest which much digging had produced. Mr. Williams plied his trenching spade so vigorously, and cared for his orchard so well, in the glow of his pride for its abundant yields, that it furnished him with the means of buying other properties in and around the city, in preparation for the discoveries on the goldfields, which were to give him an independence for life. The Pear Park Orchard is most favourably known beyond the bounds of Western Australia; four years ago Mr. Williams sent some of his fruit to the Melbourne Exhibition, Victoria, and its excellence was so undeniable, even after the velvety bloom of the peaches had been rubbed off by the long voyage, and the lovely tints of the apples and pears had been blurred in the packing, that an award of "Special Mention for a General Collection" was achieved in competition against freshly picked exhibits. Mr. Williams has been an active public man and has given much attention to civic affairs. He first entered the sphere of municipal life eighteen years ago, when he was elected by the ratepayers of Perth, whom he represented for nine months, when he retired in order to enjoy a change of scene, and, on returning to Perth, he was re-elected as a member of the City Council, and held office for a further three years. After six months' rest he was again elected, and was a member until 1896. He was one of the first members of the Roads Board of the Perth district, and he is now chairman of that body, of which he has been a representative for twenty-six years. His practical character and vigorous temperament have been equally displayed both in his private and public life, and these qualities have been recognised in different spheres by his election as member of the Public Works Committee of the City Council while he was connected with that municipal institution, and also by his being chosen to sit upon the Board of Control of the Bureau of Agriculture.

Mr. Williams is a brother of the Emulation Lodge of Freemasons, and has given no fewer than eleven hostages to fortune, his wife being the daughter of the late Mr. Richard Gillon, who arrived in the colony in 1829. Of this large family seven are sons, and those who know this young family assure us that they are a most interesting proof of the truth of the Psalmist's words, "That blessed is the parent who has his quiver full." Mr. Williams is a man of great strength of both mind and body; a colonist of the best type; and a man who has done a great deal of good work, both for himself and fellow-men.

NORMAN KIRKWOOD EWING, M.L.A.

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NORMAN K. EWING, M.L.A.

IN the science of a country's government the legal mind must exercise a powerful influence. Of the premiers who went to London to the Record Reign celebrations, those of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia were followers of the law. Western Australia, in both her Houses of Parliament, has a number of representatives of the legal world, and amongst them is Mr. Ewing.

Norman Kirkwood Ewing was born at Wollongong, New South Wales, in 1870. He is the son of the Rev. T. C. Ewing, Rural Dean of Wollongong, and was educated at the Illawarra College and at Southey's school, "Oaklands," Mittagong, New South Wales. Young Ewing finished his educational course at the Sydney University, matriculating at the age of sixteen years. Resolving to embrace the law as a profession, he was articled to Mr. H. Fitzharding, and after five years was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in the early part of 1894. He immediately commenced the practice of his profession in the town of Murwillumblah, on the Tweed River, in his native colony, and rapidly acquired a good standing. He interested himself in the various political movements of the district, and at the last general elections in New South Wales contested the Tweed electorate against the sitting member, Mr. Joseph Bede Kelly, and several other candidates. Mr. Ewing was second on the list, only being defeated by a small majority. For such a young man this was a splendid showing. After eighteen months in the Tweed district, Mr. Ewing determined to seek fortune in the West, and arrived in this colony in November, 1895. When he had performed the necessary six months' residential qualification he, in May, 1896, was called to the Western Australian bar. Since that date he has gradually forced his way in the ranks of his brother professionals, who recognise in him a "foeman worthy of their steel," especially in the forensic sense. Mr. Ewing, though a young man, has gained an extensive clientele in Perth. Recently he was unable to undertake the increasing volume of work which came to his office, and took Mr. H. P. Downing—another New South Wales lawyer—into partnership with him.

When the general elections took place in Western Australia in May, 1897, Mr. William Thorley Loton, who formerly sat for the Swan constituency in the House of Assembly, did not seek re-election, and Mr. Ewing was asked to contest the constituency by a number of people, chiefly resident at Midland Junction. He acquiesced, standing as an Independent candidate against Messrs. James Morrison, J.P., W. G. Johnston, J.P., and Mr. Huelin, and he headed the poll. His brother, Mr. T. Ewing, is a well-known man in politics in New South Wales, having been for fourteen years a member of the Legislature, and for eight years the chairman of the Public Works Committee. Mr. Ewing has certainly bounded into public notice very quickly, but his is another example of what brains and well-directed energy will do. He saw his opportunity and grasped it. His undoubted ability will serve him well in the House, and as he has made his mark in his profession he is sure to do likewise in the broader arena of politics.

FRANCIS CONNOR, M.L.A.

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FRANCIS CONNOR, M.L.A.

IT was in the sixties that the attention of the people of the colony was first drawn to tropical and semi-tropical Australia. The discoveries of F. T. Gregory, in 1861, led Mr. Padbury and others to form remote stations at Nickol Bay. Then the pearl fisheries helped to popularise the north country, but the weird lands in the extreme limits of the colony were for long years without a settler. Then the restless spirits of Kipling's "Legion that Never was Listed" slowly but surely opened the way for the hundreds who are ever willing to carry civilisation into the most inhospitable portions of the earth. The fierce, untameable blacks of the Kimberley division were beaten back, and the treasure grounds of the district revealed to the gladdened eyes of the pioneers. This was in the days before the glories of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie were thought of. It was no slight thing for even the bravest of pioneers to go to the northern field, for not only had they to dare the dangers of a sea voyage along thousands of miles of badly surveyed and little known coast-line, but also the dangers of a tropical climate and the ferocity of the aboriginal inhabitants.

The necessaries of life could not be carried from Perth across the hundreds of miles of desert and stony rises to the treasure troves of Kimberley, and a seaport had to be selected. Wyndham was chosen, whence many of the diggers found their way to the goldfields. The rough food, hard work, and ravages by the blacks, together with the enervating climate, disheartened many of the adventurers, who returned to the more settled districts, poorer in health and pocket. Others there were, made of sterner stuff, who saw in that wild tropical region the future of a prosperous commerce. The most prominent of these optimists were Messrs. Francis Connor and D. J. Doherty. Landing where the growing town of Wyndham now stands, they opened a store to supply the miners at the Hall's Creek diggings, and here, though bound together by financial interests, their paths were so separated by the exigencies of their business that their interesting biographies are best read apart.

Francis Connor was born at Newry, Ireland, in 1857, and is the son of Francis Connor, an auctioneer and cattle salesman. After receiving a good commercial education he joined his father, and assisted him in his business, which necessitated a good deal of travelling. He at the same time gained a sound business training, and a thorough knowledge of stock, which has been of vast assistance to him in Australia. The love for travel and change, which is characteristic of Irishmen, was very marked in Francis, and so the year 1885 saw him on shipboard speeding away for Australia. He landed in Sydney, and, as mentioned previously, forgathered with his schoolfellow and present partner, D. J. Doherty (whose biography appears elsewhere), and settled in the northern parts of this colony.

The place was a wilderness, and none but the bravest would have thought of making it their starting-post to wealth. Fortune, however, favours the brave, and so the partners, after a stupendous amount of hard work and worry, at last saw their goods stored under a roof, and were able to transact their business. The diggings were, however, miles away, and whilst one partner remained in charge of the store the other journeyed with teams carrying provisions to the diggers. It was a risky business, as travellers over the road had to withstand the wrath of the blacks, who, indignant at the invasion of their territory by the whites, were ever on the look-out to offer acts of violence.

For months Mr. Connor carried his life in his hand going to and fro between the port and Hall's Creek. Though the risks were great, so were the profits, and when the rush died away, and the exodus of miners took place, Mr. Connor and his partner were so well satisfied with their prospects that they determined to remain at Wyndham. As stated in Mr. Doherty's biography, the partners took up a large area of land on the Ord River, and started operations with the design of supplying India with horses. Several good breeding sires and dams were obtained, but although the greatest care was exercised animals did not prosper. After repeated trials the partners concluded that the country was not suitable for breeding horses on an extensive scale, and they turned their attention to cattle. Despite the ravages of the blacks, the herds increased in a most gratifying manner. Land was taken up further away, where the blacks were ten times more numerous and ferocious. For months Mr. Connor and his men had to hold their newly-acquired land by the might of the rifle—to simply fight for their lives and property. Although still very wild and treacherous, the advance of civilisation has shown them that they cannot oppose the white with impunity. As the cattle multiplied a market had to be found, and just at the right time the gold discoveries on the Coolgardie fields brought such a rush of population to the colony that the demand for meat increased many fold. The firm next opened offices at Fremantle and Perth, chartered steamers, and conveyed their "fats" to market in hundreds. Last year they landed fully 10,000 head, and that number will, it is thought, be exceeded this year (1897). The success which attended both Mr. Connor and his partner in the north followed them to the metropolis, where their names in the business world are ones to conjure with

Mr. Connor's worth was soon recognised by the inhabitants of East Kimberley, and on the introduction of Responsible Government he was elected to represent that constituency in the Assembly. He has from his place in the House done much to advance the interests of the vast northern territory. So satisfied were his constituents with his wholeheartedness that they honoured him with the special compliment of unopposed election in successive Parliaments. Mr. Connor and his partner are interested not only in mercantile, grazing, and shipping, but also extensively in mining. The Ruby Queen mine, situated at Hall's Creek, is one of their best properties, and is being systematically developed.

Speaking of the far north country and its resources, Mr. Connor is enthusiastic. As a cattle-raising country it is not to be surpassed, and is capable of carrying many million head. Its mineral resources too, will, he is certain, be equal to, if not superior to those found in any portion of the colony.

The iron-grey hair, and the occasional lines furrowed in a smiling face are the only traces of Mr. Connor's hard-wrought life, which throughout has been conducted so honourably as to win the universal respect of his fellows. His career, so laudably fought, is worthy of the esteem of all who can admire tenacity of purpose. Often has he engaged in a political duel, and often has he emerged victorious from a wordy warfare.

CHARLES JOHN MORAN, M.L.A.

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CHARLES J. MORAN, M.L.A.

TRULY, the sure road to success is by hard work. The wisdom of taking this path is exemplified in the arts and sciences and in the prosaic walks of life. Colonial circles are full of persevering and determined men who forced their way through rank and file into high positions. Those who read the biography of Mr. Charles John Moran, M.L A, will trace the determination, industry, and big heart which have characterised his career. All the professions were open to him, but with a foresight beyond his years he realised that in the overcrowded ranks of professional men, at least in the eastern colonies, the rewards were too small in comparison with the magnitude of the work. His life up to the present has been one of work, hard work, and his success is due, not to the favours of fickle fortune, but to his indomitable energy. So interesting and instructive, however, is the history of his career that it is best told in chronological order.

Mr. Moran was born in the famous Darling Downs district, Queensland, in 1868; his father, Mr. John Moran, being one of the earliest settlers in that fertile country. The son passed his early years on the breezy Downs, receiving his elementary education at the State schools. He, at this time, intended to enter the scholastic ranks, and with that object studied under the auspices of the Educational Department as a pupil teacher, and, taking up a mathematical course, passed all his examinations with honours. At the expiration of four years he went to St. Killen's College as a private student, under the tutorship of the Rev. J. B. Breen, of Brisbane. He was there associated with the late Mr. Justice Real, of Brisbane, of whose student days he has many interesting reminiscences. Mr. Moran made the most of the excellent opportunities afforded him, and soon completing his classical course, graduated for the University. The hard study told on his youthful frame, and when the excitement of the examination was over a reaction set in, and he returned home to build up his shattered constitution. The healthy surroundings and active life of the station revived him, and twelve months later he became a house student in Toowoomba, under Mr. Parker, M.A., from whose care he passed the required examination for admission to the Sydney University. The selection of a profession to which he could apply his hard-earned learning proved a most difficult task, for on all sides the ranks of the professions were full. He saw on the horizon to the westward the land of the Black Swan, whose people were about to obtain Responsible Government. He came hither, and landed in Western Australia on the very day that the responsibility of the colony was declared. A very superficial examination of the country convinced him that there was a future before the youngest of Australia's self-governing provinces, and with her he determined to throw in his lot. His choice of a profession lighted on architecture, and a vacancy occurring in the office of Mr. Stombuco, architect and building engineer, of Perth, he was articled to that gentleman. In the course of time the young Queenslander accepted the position of manager to Mr. J. Mart, who had the contract for the north wing of the Post Office, and superintended that work.

The gold discoveries in the interior had before this attracted hundreds of men to the auriferous country, and the sufferings and privations of the men convinced the Government that steps should be taken to conserve water on the barren routes to the gold fields. Tenders were called for the work, and a party, of which Mr. Moran became a member, obtained the contract. When the band reached Coolgardie, the Government cancelled the contract, and decided to have the work done by day labour. Mr. Moran thereupon determined to try his luck on the goldfields, and with a team and provisions set forth towards the great Siberia rush. From this date his intimate association with the diggers commenced. On the dreary plains, appropriately named Siberia, great privations and distress prevailed. There was, in truth, a famine in the land which forced the diggers to retreat as before a mighty host. How many fell on that heat-swept plain none can say, for the retreat before thirst was so rapid that time could not be spared to give the dead more than decent burial, much less search for their identity. At this inauspicious time, Mr. Moran's great-heartedness in assisting the diggers first won their esteem, which his many services have enabled him to maintain to the present day.

With amazing rapidity Coolgardie grew, and was declared a separate constituency, entitled to representation in the councils of the country. Who should represent them was the burning question among the prospectors, and eventually their choice fell upon Mr. Moran. He had always been popular, and his nomination was enthusiastically supported. In agreeing to contest the seat against the late Mr. De Hamel, Mr. Moran determined to make himself thoroughly conversant with the conditions of life and the requirements of his constituents. The electorate, which embraced the whole goldfields, starting fifty miles west of Southern Cross, extended to the South Australian border, and thence to the Murchison, and comprised in all from one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand square miles. It was the largest Assembly electorate in Australia. Over this vast extent of country Mr. Moran made no fewer than five distinct journeys, travelling from one point to another addressing his electors. The difficulties and expense of travelling necessitated his making many of his journeys on foot, carrying his "swag" and billy. In his wanderings he gained a thorough insight into the conditions of the men and the requirements of the fields. On one of these electioneering tours Mr. Moran started away across the plains in the hot, boiling sun for a thirty-mile walk to the Thirteen-mile Tank, near Southern Cross, and addressed the miners immediately on his arrival. His last speech was delivered ten days prior to the election, from a mullock heap at the Six-mile. The men were brought together by a tin dish "roll up," which typical call attracted hundreds to the meeting place. According to the Electoral Act the candidates were only allowed to speak until twelve o'clock that noon, leaving ten clear days before polling day. So interesting did the miners find his speech, that he was kept answering questions, and so on, until the hour provided by the Act. By a coincidence, during his discourse, Mr. Moran's watch was the only one that pointed to twelve o'clock, for the kindly electors had placed theirs behind the proper time, and assured him it was far from that hour. As the miners were all unanimous in agreeing that their watches were right, Mr. Moran accepted their dictum, and, to the delight bf the assemblage, continued his address.

A man who took so much trouble to explain his views, naturally won the admiration of the miners, who rolled up on polling day and returned him by an overwhelming majority. One of Mr. Moran's first acts on entering the House was to introduce an amendment in the electoral law to abolish the absurd clause restricting the candidates from speaking right up to the day of the election. During his career in the House he has done all in his power to foster the development of the goldfields by advocating the erection of condensers on the roads to the fields. He also suggested the building of dams round various rock catchments, which have been invaluable to the progress of the fields. Mr. Moran is a great believer in boring for water, which, he maintains, can be obtained above artesian levels, and brought to the surface by pumping. The difference between alluvial and quartz miners is recognised by Mr. Moran, and to define the two classes of mining, he suggested and had carried amendments which have given satisfaction to both interests. He is now (1896) endeavouring to introduce a bill which will have the effect of providing residential areas for miners, so that they may be able to make their homes near their work. Mr. Moran is a pronounced liberal in his views, and is a staunch supporter of the Government proposals for the extension of the railways. The cheapening of the necessaries of life is recognised by Mr. Moran as contingent to the progress of the colony, and he took a leading part in the endeavour made last session to have the impost of 30s. per head removed from live stock. Thanks, largely, to this energetic legislator, Coolgardie will have far better representation in the House in the future than in the past, as arrangements have already been made to increase the number of members from one to six. Mr. Moran is now engaged trying to form a goldfields party in the House, which wi11 have for its first platform the advancement of the mining industry. Mr. Moran, whose offices are in St. George's Terrace, Perth, has great faith in the future of the colony, and particularly of the mines, which he thinks will rival those of Bendigo and Ballarat. He is a director of the Tameline Queensland Mining Company, and several others. The development of Block 45 at Kalgoorlie was due greatly to his efforts. Several large and influential syndicates have entrusted their affairs in his hands.

Mr. Moran was married in August, 1895, to Miss Elizabeth Healey, the second daughter of Mr. J. Healey, of Fremantle. He resides at Kalgoorlie Villa, Hay Street, Perth. An English reader learns from such true stories as this the adventure which creeps into colonial careers. It is not a field of life scented with sweet blossoms, and relieved by luxurious and romantic hermitages, where the traveller may rest. It is rather like the walk over a ploughed field. The necessity for toil surrounds the colonist on every hand, and this very desideratum brings out, as in Mr. Moran's case, the very best that is in him.

THOMAS GILBERT PEARCE.

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THOMAS G. PEARCE.

TO be able to look back on a life well spent is without doubt the greatest pleasure man can enjoy. The life may not have been an unruffled stream of prosperity—few lives are—but the sharp edges of adversity cannot deaden the joy that must arise from the contemplation of a career conducted on the strict lines of duty and endeavour. In all countries, both in the new and old worlds, there are men whose only object in life is to obtain riches, and who sacrifice everything to the selfish passion. There are also men who are truly the builders of their country, for despite the most discouraging circumstances they elevate both themselves and their follows by their integrity and honesty of purpose.

In the great mining centres of the world, where men are ever striving for a foremost place in the fierce race for wealth, the temptations to sacrifice honesty for the glittering bauble is perhaps greater than anywhere else. Fortunately, many of those occupying the principal positions in the mining world of Western Australia are above suspicion. Some men have greatness thrust upon them, others achieve it by their talents and honesty. Among those who can claim to be included in the latter category is Thomas Gilbert Pearce, a mining captain second to none in the colony.

Born in Penzance, Cornwall, within a mile of the famous St. Michael's Mount, in 1842, and educated at Trevellyn School, be breathed the air of the mines from the cradle. When only thirteen years of age his services were claimed by his father, to assist in the erection of batteries and engineering works connected with mining.

After two years of this, young Pearce, in order to escape an apprenticeship to a distasteful trade, ran away from home, and with a modest capital of £36, which he had managed to save, sought to make his fortune. This was in the year 1857, after the whole of the old world had been a state of excitement over the marvellous gold discoveries in Victoria. The young Cornish lad, though only fifteen years of age, joined the throng of adventurous spirits bound for Australia, and arrived in Melbourne in the latter end of that year. Like the majority of his shipmates, Pearce at once went to the diggings, and at Little Bendigo, Ballarat, he obtained work feeding stumpers and driving the engine at one of the mines.

At the end of twelve months he removed to Bendigo, and took a contract at Gibb and Lazarus' New Chum Mine, and after completing this work he proceeded to Blackwood. During the three or four months Mr. Pearce remained there he did fairly well, but the New Zealand rush which occurred at this time took him to the land of the Maori. Mr. Pearce worked at Weatherstones, near Otago, then at Glenore, Tokomario, and Skippers Creek. He was fairly successful in winning a good quantity of gold, and in the winter was able to go to Manwherkia and erect a large water-wheel. Payable dirt was here in abundance, and the miner's prospects wore a most rosy hue until 1863, when a great flood, known as "the Old Man Flood," played havoc with the mining plant. This misfortune was followed by twelve months of hard work at Skippers Creek, rewarded, however, so liberally that Mr. Pearce was able to return to Victoria in comparatively affluent circumstances. Like most golddiggers he went back to his old love, and with a party of mates opened up an old claim at Blackwood, which was fondly believed to be rich in payable stone. When too late Pearce discovered that he was the only one of the company who had any capital, and as this was expended in erecting a battery, the company was without the necessary money to work the mine.

Once more Mr. Pearce turned to New Zealand, and embarked for the West Coast. Landing first at Rosstown, he proceeded further down the coast to Donnaugh, where he erected a water-wheel. Not meeting with the success he hoped for, he tried his fortune at Greenstone, where fortune favoured him in a marked manner. The attractions of quartz mining were too great to allow him to remain satisfied with the work in New Zealand, however, and soon after a fair capital had been accumulated he again returned to Victoria. On reaching Blackwood he purchased a share in the Crown mine and in the Long Tunnel. His next venture was the purchase of a sawmill in the Bullarook Forest, and he carried on the operations of a sawmiller until 1884. In this year he paid another visit to New Zealand, where he remained until 1887. Hearing that silver had been discovered in the Darling Ranges in this colony, Mr. Pearce came here to examine the finds, but was so little impressed with their value that he returned to Victoria. It was at about this time that the rich discoveries of tin at Mount Wills, Gippsland, Victoria, were made, and Mr. Pearce, with others, formed a syndicate, and took up forty-six fifty-acre leases. The enterprise was rewarded in a most gratifying manner, and splendid returns were obtained.

In 1893 the goldfields of this colony attracted his attention, and Mr. Pearce directed his energies to the development of the gold mines at Marble Bar. He was one of the first to erect a public sluicing machine at this place, and for two years shared the prosperity of that field. In 1895 he removed to Coolgardie, and has ever since been closely associated with the interests of that great field. He successfully floated several companies, including the Richmond Gem, the Malcolm Moore, the Easter Gift, the Irish Lily, Irish Lily Extended, Lady Loch, and Lady Loch Extended, all of which are situated at Coolgardie. Then there is the well-known Ida mine at Bardock, and the Dover Castle at Mr. Malcolm, which he purchased in conjunction with Dr. Taft.

Mr. Pearce's great experience in practical mining places him in the front rank of mining experts on the field. His well-known integrity is sufficient guarantee that a mine favourably reported upon by him is a sound investment. Throughout his career he has endeavoured on every occasion when reporting on mining properties to do so honestly and straightforwardly, so that the investing public shall not be misled.

Mr. Pearce, who was married in 1865 to Miss E. M. Appleton, sister of the well-known actor, has five children. In the Masonic craft he has held many important offices, and he is also a member of the Coolgardie and Perth Stock Exchanges.

This brief sketch will give an idea of Mr. Pearce's character. Of splendid physique, he has been able to survive the hard life of a pioneer gold-digger without injury to health, and he now enjoys the benefits of a wellspent life. Wherever he has been his name has been associated with what is honest, and throughout the whole of the Coolgardie district there is no better known and respected man than Captain Tom Pearce.

MICHAEL O'CONNOR, B.A., M.B., B.Ch., and B.A.O.

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MICHAEL O'CONNOR.

"THE welfare of the people is the first great law. The old Latin teaching, fortunately, still holds good, and in no phase of life has it a more potent bearing than that relating to the health of a nation. With the onward march of civilisation, the growing up of large cities within comparatively narrow confines, and the rush and scurry of a money-making world, the preservation of a people's health ought to be a matter of supreme moment. In these days of germs and bacilli, of innumerable and deadly miasma, we are only contented and comfortable when we have men of medical research and experience about us. The doctor has come to be champion and protector of the people; while he is all-powerful, he is also a diplomat and a strategist. In Dr. O'Connor the city of Perth has, as health officer, a gentleman who has performed the many duties with infinite credit. Michael O'Connor, B.A, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., was born at Newcastle, in the Toodyay district, in 1865. There his primary education was imparted to him privately, but he was sent at an early age to the College of the Jesuits, in the county of Kildare, Ireland, following later to that great fount of modern learning—Trinity College, Dublin. In that famous school of the Dublin University he zealously studied medicine, and in the year 1889 took the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, &c. Returning to his native colony of Western Australia a year later, he travelled about the country for some time, and then, at the end of 1891, commenced practice in Perth. Not long afterwards a foreigner, who arrived by one of the north-west boats, landed in Perth, and sickened of small-pox, with the result that the dread scourge spread with some rapidity. Perth was in a state of anxiety and alarm, and as Dr. Scott, the then medical officer of the city, was ill, Dr. O'Connor was appointed to the position. His introduction to his duties was certainly a very grim one, and he had all his energies and professional resources taxed to their utmost capacity. He set to work in a practical way, having all patients placed in a quarantine area, and, working day and night, repressed the disease in places where he found it, and, in other localities, applied vigorous preventive measures in the shape of vaccination. His efforts were rewarded, and, though there were a number of deaths, the good work he did on that occasion-ever gratefully remembered—spoke of his professional skill and untiring energy. It was a bright success on the part of so young a practitioner, and subsequent events coming within the domain of the Board of Health have always found him equal to the occasion. The fact that Perth is in an insanitary state can in nowise be considered a blot on the escutcheon of Dr. O'Connor, who has worked might and main for the preservation of the health of the people. He has devised many schemes for health's sake, and in the execution of his duty is an uncompromising foe to insanitary conditions. In addition to being health officer, he is a senior physician of the Perth Government Hospital, and physician and superintendent of the Victoria Hospital, Subiaco, so that he has, comparatively speaking, very little time to spare, and that little he devotes to manly athletic exercise. He is captain of the Perth Polo Club, and at this healthy invigorating pastime is probably without peer in the colony. Dr. O'Connor's status in his profession is as high as the estimation in which he is held by his countless friends.

SAMUEL MITCHELL, J.P., M.L.A.

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S. MITCHELL, J.P., M.L.A.

"The mineral county of Cornwall, in England, has produced not a few of our best mining savants. The existence of so flattering an affirmation is largely due to accident and fortune—the natural abundance of those wealthy earth-embosomed metallic elements that have proved a strong component factor in the material progress of Great Britain. The scientific study of mineral pursuits has kept pace with the enormous importance of these national resources, and the intelligent Cornish native has become familiarised with the scientific practice and theory of mining conduct from early youth. In Australia we cannot but observe the fruits and fortunate consequences of such a training, for among the most skilful and eminent mining engineers of this vast mineral continent, on examination is found that many assign their nativity and their early scientific instruction to Cornwall.

In Western Australia Mr. Mitchell is a notable example. He was born in Cornwall in 1839. His father was a leading mining engineer in that county, and the son, at an early age, with a natural inclination to mining, followed in the footsteps of his father. By assiduous attention to the complex details of mining operation, and close and devoted study to his pursuit, he soon rose with creditable celerity in the ranks of his brethren. Mitchell's ability was so much appraised and approved that he was invited to assume the managerial control of the then celebrated Geraldine Lead Mines, situated on the Murchison River, near Northampton, in Western Australia. Accepting the proffered position, he arrived in the colony in 1867, and since that date he has closely identified himself wih the history of mining on the Murchison.

For seven years he knit his endeavours to the skilful operations of development, and it was only when the price of lead fell to a depreciable extent that a cessation of mining took place. The company completely relinquished their claims, and Mr. Mitchell was, by uncontrollable circumstances, forced to resign his connection with them. But his industrious efforts did not remain long in abeyance, for as master of his own actions he speedily opened up the Wheal Ellen Lead Mine, a claim that has returned the handsome yield of £70,000 worth of lead. This mine, whose emoluments were looked on with so much satisfaction, attracted enthusiastic attentions, and its consequence was the further opening up of the Badra Lead Mine, a wealthy claim, seven miles from Northampton. A full complement of suitable machinery was erected on both mines under the supervision of Mr. Mitchell. For a considerable time he worked these two claims with congratulatory success, but again the fluctuations of the lead market, with a recurrent depreciation, forced the enterprising activity of Mr. Mitchell to retirement from unpayable developments.

Seeing that a prosecution of lead mining was unprofitable, he entered smoother channels of commercial routine. As a storekeeper, and stock and station agent at Northampton, he was more favourably received by the fickle deity of fortune, and he had set a sure foot on the highway to financial contentment and success. The colonial legislature had so far recognised his abilities that they conferred on him the appointment of Inspector for Mineral Lands. This post of official honour was held by Mr. Mitchell for twenty years.

Mr. Mitchell has stamped the impress of his liberal and progressive activity on many acts of social advance in Northampton and its environments. As chairman of the Northampton Roads Board he discharged his duties intelligently and faithfully, and his services in other promotive bodies were characterised by the same laudable tendencies. When Mr. Domley was transferred from Cue to assume, temporarily, the functionary duties of Mr. Finnerty, Mr. Mitchell was appointed Acting Warden at Cue. His political life may be said to be synchronous with the contest for Geraldton previous to the introduction of Responsible Government in Western Australia. Mr. Mitchell won the seat, but in the meanwhile the Imperial Parliament conceded Responsible Government to the colony, and its inauguration was followed by fresh elections, and Mr. Mitchell had no wish at the time to recontest the seat. In 1897 he was presented with a copiously-signed requisition to stand for one of the Murchison seats, and, acceding to the wishes of the electorate, be stood, and was returned to the Legislative Assembly unopposed. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a staunch Ministerialist, true to the principles and policy of the Government. Yet, so far from being an obsequious follower, he always reserves that liberty and freedom of thought and conviction which are the inherent and unmistakable evidences of a capable representative and desirable politician.

Mr. Mitchell is imbued with healthy political virtues. In public and private lie he bears with him general respect. His beneficial achievements have redounded to the credit of himself and the honour of that district whose welfare he has striven so earnestly to promote.

HUGH McKERNAN, M.L.C.

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HUGH McKERNAN, M.L.C.

IT is well that the Parliaments of any country should contain men of varied experience, representing every industry and profession and avocation existing within its boundaries. The advantages are at once obvious, for then every class has a voice in the making of the laws or the guidance and protection of its peculiar interests. But in Australia, with our immense extent of undeveloped country, we should look more hopefully to our business men for assistance in our halls of Legislature. We want no great orator, no genius, no generaliser, so much as a sensible, industrious, enterprising merchant. We want him to have experience by which he may guide the country, and prove of some account all our latent resources. In other words, we should elect astute business men who can develop our waste lands, open up trade relations with other countries, and so enrich us and materially increase our population, and render valuable every resource we possess.

This should be a great object at every election, especially in Western Australia. These colonies do not depend on ancient names and glory in battlefields for their greatness. They must look to broad acres, woodlands, minerals, and waters. It is in commerce—the trading instinct—where the future hope of Australia lies. We have no huge array of bookshelves containing the records of great past deeds. We have no history in stone, in antique castle or crumbling mansion, in catacomb or cathedral, in walled city or ruined archway inscribed with fame of Roman Emperor. Our magnificent stretches of fertile soils, and our wealth of minerals waiting to be unearthed, must take their places. "Tools and the man" must be our watchwords; "arms and the man" must take a subservient position. Let Australians keep this before them, and aim sedulously after the practical in legislation. Let them choose the clever business men to represent them in Parliament. In Mr. Hugh McKernan the colony has a useful representative in the Legislative Council. Although comparatively a young man, Mr. McKernan has had a good experience, and, in addition, possesses that insight into commercial affairs which impels him to encourage them as much as possible. He is imbued with the conviction that Western Australians must foster commerce as far as lay in their power, and his future political career shall probably prove how wise has been his judgment. Hugh McKernan was born in Ireland thirty-nine years ago. He was educated in his native land, and acquired some knowledge of business matters. But he early recognised that the field for his developing enterprise in Ireland was very limited, and, like so many of his countrymen, he decided to migrate to the new free lands of Australia. In 1882 he went to New South Wales, and for the next seven years resided in that and other colonies, learning colonial ways and fitting himself for a business career. Finally, the Yilgarn gold discoveries attracted him to Western Australia, and in 1889 he arrived in this colony. He knew that the presence of gold in any quantities here would soon stimulate trade, and cause it to expand in greater proportion to the expansion in the other colonies. He was right, for he could not have come at a more opportune moment. Remaining in Perth he opened in business as an auctioneer and general commission agent. His connection soon became a lucrative one, and now he must be reckoned among our successful business men. He holds large interests in the capital, although at the inception of his enterprise friends much doubted the wisdom of his investments. Mining matters naturally came in for a deal of attention, and he invested in the industry. He represents in Western Australia some powerful English mining companies. These put together constitute him a business man of standing in the colony. He is the proprietor of that democratic paper, the Geraldton Express.

Public matters always secured considerable attention from Mr. McKernan, whether at home or in the various Australian colonies. It was not many more than twelve months after his arrival in Perth that the new constitution came into existence, and he followed the early course of events very closely. He attended Parliament regularly, and gained a mastery over political affairs. Thus it came about that when the elections to the Legislative Council under the population basis took place in 1894, he was nominated for a seat in the Council for the Central Province. With the Hon. R. H. Wittenoom (Minister of Mines) and Mr. Henty he was duly chosen. His retention of the seat, according to rotation, expired in 1896.

Mr. McKernan is a progressive member of the Legislative Council, and strives to encourage industries of all kinds. He takes a keen interest in debates, and when he speaks is able to give useful advice. He has already rendered service to the growing colony, and with such a wise determination as his he is sure to do more in the future. Mr. McKernan is an enlightened business man, who is able to look beyond the present, and give advice which shall bring a prosperous future.

[Since the above was written, in 1896, Mr. McKernan has retired from Parliament.]

HENRY GREGORY, J.P., M.L.A.

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HENRY GREGORY, J.P., M.L.A.

CARLYLE remarked that "biography is by nature the most "universally profitable and universally pleasant of all things." Western Australia has of recent years been prolific in bringing the best out of men, and especially on the goldfields. Places which only a few years ago knew no footprint of man other than those of the intrepid explorer and the aboriginal, and were given up to the sway of silence, now resound with life. All this has been accomplished by men of fixity of purpose, who were not afraid to risk their lives in order to win a standing place of respect among mankind.

The progress of Menzies has been closely linked with the name of Mr. Henry Gregory, M.L.A., who was born at Kyneton, Victoria, in 1860. He had scarcely completed his education when, at the age of sixteen, he proceeded to the town of Rochester, and opened a general store there. Making an auspicious beginning, he carried on the business for many years until 1892, when, hearing of Bayley's great find at Coolgardie, he sold out, with the intention of proceeding west. Unfortunately, he guaranteed a contractor who was completing some large contracts, and lost every penny he possessed. He had a stout heart, and though his worldly possessions were swept away, he resolved to begin life anew in a fresh land. Sailing for Western Australia from Melbourne, he reached Albany in October, 1894. Here his characteristic grit or pluck asserted itself, and he started to tramp for Coolgardie via Dundas. A party of hardy spirits undertook the trip with Mr. Gregory, and they prospected on the way. The success attending Mr. Gregory's efforts was not of a dazzling nature, and would have disheartened one who had not his courage and will-power. On this dreary pilgrimage, which lasted four months, the party found only 4s. 6d. worth of gold. But Mr. Gregory had come to a new land to succeed, and succeed he would. He followed mining in and around Coolgardie for a few weeks, and then went to Kalgoorlie; and later on started in business as a general storekeeper at the Ninety Mile, on the road to Menzies. His house was a well-known place of call for both miners and teamsters requiring provisions. In December, 1894, he sold out his interests, and proceeded to Menzies, where he started in business, erecting the first house in the centre. Twelve months later Mr. Gregory leased his business, and opened as a stock and share broker. From the date of his arrival in Menzies, he invested largely in real estate and mining in the district. He threw in his lot with Menzies, wholly and solely, and took a prominent part in her affairs. He was one of the first to take a hand in fostering her in municipal ways. A Progress Committee, of which he was a member, was formed in April, 1895, and in the following June Menzies was raised to the dignity of a Council, and Mr. Gregory was made the first chairman without opposition. In May, 1896, Menzies was made a municipality, with nine councillors and a mayor, and to this latter position Mr. Gregory aspired, and was returned, and he was again returned on coming up for election some months later. To the various public movements in Menzies Mr. Gregory has always lent a helping hand. He has been chairman of the Menzies Hospital Committee ever since its inauguration, and he was one of the first to urge the Government to establish the local hospital. There are many other laudable institutions with which he is closely identified.

In December, 1896, Mr. Gregory was gazetted a Justice of the Peace for the North Coolgardie Goldfield. When North Coolgardie was made a separate constituency under the Redistribution of Seats Act, Mr. Gregory offered himself as a candidate for the suffrages of the people, and he was returned by a very substantial majority. It was a fitting compliment to pay to one who had worked so worthily for the chief district in the electorate.

Mr. Gregory, when he came to Western Australia, had to break entirely fresh ground, and he did it, strong in the determination that it should yield him the reward which must come from assiduity, honest hard work, and an unswerving purpose. His work has its reflex in the pages of Menzies progress, and than him there is no more justly popular citizen within the district.

WILLIAM ERNEST MOXON.

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WILLIAM ERNEST MOXON.

AUSTRALIANS gaze with complacency at the expansion in commerce which has closely followed the auriferous discoveries of Western Australia. The development in mercantile and maritime affairs came at an opportune moment, and called forth all the administrative talents of the managers of these immense interests. The agitation concerning the block at Fremantle in 1896 was very great, but those who were loudest in their querulous complaints thought least of the tremendous activity displayed by the responsible heads of Government and private traffic.

The name of the Adelaide Steamship Company Limited has been closely associated with the history of development in Western Australia. This company has come to be quite an institution in the colony, and with it the names of James Lilly and Co. and Mr. H. F. Keep. It shared the dull times in trade with the early colonists, and now reaps with the present people the rewards of the wonderful expansion in traffic. Its career along the roughly chartered Western coast has been accomplished without loss of life, while it has suffered from but one marine mishap—that of the old Penola, when a stray tide rip set her on the shore near Point Cloates. The general manager of this large company is Mr. E. Northcote, whose name is known throughout Australia. Locally, the company has been exceedingly fortunate in possessing managers capable of satisfactorily organising the inharmonious and incongruous methods of operation which quickly ensued on the overwhelming expansion. In this connection Mr. W. E. Moxon has been especially successful.

Mr. Moxon was born in Ramsgate in 1863, and was sent to Chigwell Grammar School, Essex, to receive an efficient scholastic training. On leaving school in 1880, he entered the offices of J. and R. Grant, shipowners, in London, with whom he remained for seven years. When he came to Australia he joined the A.U.S.N. Company in Brisbane, and was in that service for four years. Then, with others, he chartered a few ships, and traded them along the Australian coast.

In 1894 Mr. Moxon joined the Adelaide Steamship Company as Queensland Inspector, and had the supervision of all the branch offices throughout the colony of Queensland. But he did not remain there long, and the Adelaide Steamship Company sent Mr. Moxon to Western Australia to act as manager at their Western Australia head office, Fremantle. From April, 1896 the date of his arrival, he has remained local manager of their extensive shipping interests, which have now grown to magnificent and wealthy proportions. When one remembers that the Adelaide Steamship Company started their shipping trade in 1875 with a diminutive fleet of two small steamers and a monthly service, we can judge more clearly of the enormous expansion that has eventuated. To-day the same company runs twenty large, modern, and rapid cargo and passenger steamers engaged in the intercolonial trade. They have long enjoyed a merited reputation in maritime circles, and the safety and commodiousness with which their fleet is endowed have established them the favourites of all travellers. The Western Australian Government has granted them the sole contract of carrying mails all through from Wyndham to Eucla via ports, and they carry an auxiliary mail service to Eastern colonies.

Most of the Westralian coasting trade falls to the share of this company, and their fleet, therefore, plies along the extended shores of this huge colony. They are largely engaged in stock carrying from the northern territories, and a regular line of cargo steamers, besides the coastal mail steamers, bear general merchandise to all coastal ports. But a very large bulk of their trade lies in the inter-colonial passenger and cargo boats, which arrive and depart with full complements of passengers and cargo to and from the East.

The rapid increase has brought with it a great responsibility, which rests on the shoulders of the directors and management. Adaptation to any occasion or emergency has assisted in keeping the company abreast of all requirements.

The Adelaide Steamship Company has a large office staff of twenty men in Fremantle, an aggregate which is no more than adequate to the growing dimensions of the firm. The company gives employment to many labourers in the port, as can be readily perceived when it is stated that for the year ending June, 1897, £15,000 was paid for wharf labour alone. No limit can be set to the growth of the Adelaide Steamship Company. Its footing already is firm, its reputation as a flourishing and well-managed company has been securely established, and its patronage from the public is duly waxing stronger and wider. Their enterprise has been keenly appreciated, for now they navigate 6,000 miles of the Australian coast. Mr. Moxon is chairman of the Steamship Owners of Australasia, Fremantle Branch and is a prominent committeeman of the Chamber of Commerce. In this useful institution Mr. Moxon's abilities have promoted the commercial welfare of the colony.

F.C.B. VOSPER, M.L.A., M.A.I.M.E.

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F.C.B. VOSPER, M.L.A., M.A.I.M.E.

AT the end of Part I. of this work will be found an article on the mineral resources of Western Australia, from the pen of Mr. Vosper. This gentleman possesses the happy combination of literary talent, personal experience of local goldfields, and that scientific knowledge of mineralogical conditions so essential in any judicial appraisement of our chief industry. Separate Mr. Vosper in his literary work from the indispensable bias of party politics, and he is credited with a discriminating judgment, an easy diction, and a faculty for presenting abstract truths in a pithy and readable manner.

Frederic Charles Burleigh Vosper, the representative for North-East Coolgardie in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, was born at St. Dominic, Cornwall, England, on the 23rd March, 1867. He emigrated to Queensland, Australia, in 1883, and became a "colonial experiencer" in real earnest. After performing that variety of work without which a young Englishman could not adequately appreciate the conditions of life in Australia, he drifted into the stormy arenas of journalism and politics. His timber-getting, droving, boundary riding, and mining experiences proved a splendid schooling ground. His entry to the newspaper world as a member of the literary staff took place when the Eidsvold Reporter was founded in Queensland. The occupation was more congenial than those which preceded it, and he graduated to the Chronicle and Colonist, newspapers issued from the same office at Maryborough, Queensland. After some time spent in the head office, he was sent to Bundaberg to represent the two journals as mining correspondent—special work for which he was admirably adapted because of his knowledge of mineralogy and his experience in practical mining. Upon the death of Mr. Thadeus O'Kane, a noted Queensland journalist of the slashing order, he was placed in the sub-editorial chair of the Northern Miner, at Charters Towers, with Mr. O'Kane's son as editor. It was while occupying this position that be gave evidence to the possession of peculiar talent in journalistic work which brought him into good repute among the miners on the field. To associate himself without any restraint with the cause of the miners, in whom he felt a sincere interest, Mr. Vosper eventually founded a labour weekly—The Republican. This journal evolved into a daily—The Evening News—and after a successful career was sold to Mr. J. G. O'Kane.

His hearty regard for working people led Mr. Vosper a few years ago to throw the weight of his ability into the cause of the Queensland shearers when the labour troubles broke over the colony like a maelstrom. After the shearers went out on strike, he upheld their claims for consideration, and anathematised in an article the proclamation issued by Sir Arthur Palmer's administration calling upon the shearers to disperse. He was forthwith arraigned for seditious libel, and at the State trial was defended by Mr. Charles Powers, M.L.A., an ex-Cabinet Minister. The jury failed to agree, and a fresh trial was held some six months later, when he skilfully defended himself, and, after a five days' hearing, was acquitted. Then followed the miners' strike at Charters Towers, when Mr. Vosper, against his own wishes, was elected leader. This strike culminated in a riot, which was instrumental in winning the point sought for by the miners. Mr. Vosper assumed the responsibility of the riot, and surrendered himself to the police. Exciting events followed; crowds surrounded the lock-up and threatened to demolish it; but the men were pacified and were induced to disperse. At the conclusion of the subsequent trial before Judge Noel, Mr. Vosper was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for unlawful molestation. Upon his release, he returned to Charters Towers, and was there presented by the public with a purse of sovereigns for his services in limiting the area of disturbance and in preserving order. Mr. Vosper next proceeded to Rockhampton and Brisbane, where the great flood and the banking disasters soon threw the population into dismay. He assisted in the political canvass on behalf of Sir Charles Lilley, ex-Chief Justice, when the latter was a candidate in the North Brisbane electorate for a seat in the House of Assembly.

For some little time Mr. Vosper did journalistic work for the Workman and Truth in Sydney and Melbourne, and at the end of 1892 he came to Western Australia. He proceeded to the Murchison, where he temporarily filled the editorial chair of the Murchison Miner, the first goldfields journal published in Western Australia. His residence in that part of the colony was brief, and he removed to Perth and established the first mining paper issued in the capital—The Miners Right. When Coolgardie became pretentious enough for the establishment of a newspaper, Mr. W. E. Clare, after great vicissitudes, determined to supply the want. He purchased Mr. Vosper's plant, and offered that gentleman the editorship of the new venture—the Coolgardie Miner. Mr. Vosper accepted, and then began that long and useful connection with our eastern goldfields, which has been fraught with so much service to the mining industry. Except for a slight break while negotiating corresponding work for a section of the London financial press and while editing the Geraldton Express, he was associated with this newspaper up to the time of his being returned to the Assembly, in May, 1897. His clever leaders are well remembered by Western Australians, and, with the proprietor, he infused such spirit into the organ that it became the champion of the mining industry in the colony. Whether in advocating the rights of goldfields people, or in publishing useful lessons for the miners themselves, Mr. Vosper acted as a buttress to the industry. Not content with wielding the power centred in the editorial columns of a widely read newspaper, he addressed numerous public meetings, and on the platform was as inflexible and sturdy as in the editor's chair. He thus obtained a well-earned popularity. When the goldfields were subdivided into several constituencies—a step long advocated by him—he was presented with a requisition signed by 322 persons (said to be the largest yet presented to a public man in the colony) asking him to stand for Coolgardie. Deeming the cost of such a contest to be too great, he entered the field for the smaller constituency of North-East Coolgardie. Notwithstanding opposition from the official labour party, and of such men as Messrs. Dwyer and Barclay, he was returned by a large majority, the polling being—Vosper, 236; Harper, 177; Dwyer, 69, and Barclay, 67. In the campaign he had neither committees nor canvassers, posters nor colours.

During his few years sojourn in this colony, Mr. Vosper has been a tireless worker. He is intimately acquainted with all the goldfields centres, and has travelled from Esperance and Albany, in the south, to the Upper Gascoyne and the Robinson Ranges, in the north-west. His political principles are of the liberal and democratic order, and he considers that Western Australia is at present passing through a transition period, in which the policy based on the old traditions of the colony will go to the wall, and a new era will be inaugurated in consonance with the advanced ideas of the population, based on the general progression. He is as eloquent a speaker as he is a writer, and he is sure to further his views in the House. Perhaps there is no such powerful satirical writer in the colony, and when advocating a principle or political platform he carries strength in every line. In public speaking he can call to his aid the same useful quality, and those who oppose him are sure to suffer in any wordy duel. Since the formation of the Goldfields Parliamentary Party, Mr. Vesper has been appointed its secretary and whip. He has published two books—one, "Social Armistice," a study in economics (now out of print), and the other, "The Prospector's Companion," which marshalls in simple language all those useful and rudimentary facts on mineralogy so indispensable to mining men who have not had the privilege of a scientific training. Mr. Vesper is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining Engineers, is the founder of the Western Australian branch of the Geological Society of Australasia, and is at present its vice-president. He has been nominated for membership for the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain, one of the most exclusive learned societies in the world, and is a member of the Western Australian Mining Exhibition Commission at Coolgardie. He is an ardent collector of mineral specimens, one thousand of which he has presented to the Perth Museum.

COUNCILLOR FRANK WILSON (PERTH).

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CR. FRANK WILSON.

IN his 1895 Budget speech Sir John Forrest felicitated Western Australia upon the infusion of new blood. He rejoiced with the breadth of view of a statesman that the country's veins were being filled with the vitalising sap of other nations and by the influence of thousands of enterprising, self-reliant, and capable young men from all parts of the world—men who required no spoon-feeding, in other words a state-aided immigration system, to induce them to come to this colony to throw in their lot with the native population, and to help in developing the colony. In the opinion of the Premier the best class of colonists was coming, namely, those who came because they thought that Western Australia was a good place in which to push their fortunes, and who would push the colony along with them. As there is nothing new under the sun, it is evident that Sir John in uttering these congratulations was giving a local adaptation to the familiar political axiom, that the keystone of national wealth and the stability of a country depend upon the number and character of its population.

America shows that a country is what its people make it; if that is not so, what is the difference between the America of to-day and the America of the red man's undisputed sway? Washington's great country has been placed abreast of the leading and oldest empires by the mighty colonising power of the fusion of races. Spain has fallen from the pride and splendour of her power because the race of Spaniards has become degenerated and debilitated through being kept too exclusive in caste and pure in blood. What the phosphate is to an impoverished soil is the admixture of blood and the attrition of the individual activities of the new and the old dwellers in a country to the body politic, stimulating new growths of progress in every direction. The cross-bred is never a dwarf, and knows little of the ills that patrician flesh is heir to. Recuperation, the springtime, the blossoming and budding of the orchard trees for a new fruitage, the new vegetation of the meadow, is nature's first law, and it is but the reflex of what takes place in the enlistment of fresh workers among the industrial phalanxes of the world to arrest decline, if not decay. "From day to day we ripe, and then from day to day we rot and rot," and new men must take our places "to keep up with the procession." "Unarm, Eros, the long day's task is done, and we must sleep," is the plaintive appeal of the veterans as, year by year, they falter or fall from the ranks; and it is well that they should find stronger successors than Oliver Cromwell did in his son Richard.

Councillor Frank Wilson is one of the recruiting forces of whom the Premier spoke in the Legislative Assembly in August last, albeit he is not a very recent arrival. Mr. Wilson, who is a native of Sunderland, is thirty-seven years of age, having been born in 1859. His father is one of the firm of Messrs. J. and W. Wilson and Sons, timber merchants, Sunderland, a leading house of forty five years' standing. There would seem to run in the Wilson family a predilection towards municipal government, for his uncle is an alderman of Sunderland, and has filled the mayoral chair. Councillor Wilson was educated in Germany during a part of his youth. He also spent a very improving time at Wesley College, Sheffield after which he was apprenticed to Peacock Brothers and Sons, timber merchants, shipbrokers, and commission agents, Sunderland, and in 1878 he joined his elder brother, John Withan Wilson, in establishing large engineering works at Sunderland. For eight years the business prospered, and then in 1886 the three years' strike of the Amalgamated Engineers began. This led Mr. Wilson to abandon the old world and its labour troubles. He went to Queensland, and became manager for Messrs. A. Overend and Co., machinists, railway contractors, and merchants, Brisbane, and five years later he accepted the appointment of managing director of the Canning Jarrah Timber Company Limited, which acquired the rights of Mr. Edward Keane, who had obtained from the Government a forest area of 100,000 acres. The company is one of the two largest in the colony, employing regularly about 240 hands in the working of the extensive mills in the Upper Darling lange and in the metropolitan yards, Lord Street, Perth, and at Fremantle. The export trade of the company, chiefly to England, is very large. Mr. Wilson did not take a very active part in public affairs until 1894, when he was nominated for the representation of the East Ward in the Perth City Council, Mr. C. Reeve also being in the field. The contest was one of the closest and most interesting ever known in the city, and the outcome was exceedingly creditable to the new man. When the poll was declared it appeared that the candidates had run each other to a short head, Mr. Wilson being defeated by only two votes. It is not surprising that this favourable reception by the ratepayers of his aspirations to place his services at their disposal encouraged him to try again, with the result that, on opposing Mr. McKernan in 1895, he was returned by a very large majority. Soon after he took his seat, Councillor Wilson was appointed, with Councillor George, to enquire into the organisation and working of the municipal staff, upon which subject, at the conclusion of their investigation, they presented to the council a detailed report which their colleagues considered to be very valuable.

In political matters Mr. Wilson has been making his influence felt, and he is generally regarded as a prospective member of the Legislative Assembly. The guiding head of large operations, and possessing conspicuous organising power, he was one of the first to protest against the "block" which took place in the Government carrying departments last year, to the serious detriment of the colony. A leading part was taken by him at the mass meeting that was held in the Town Hall to demand that order should be restored out of chaos. That meeting proved to be the germ of the National Reform League, of which Mr. Wilson was appointed president. The objects of the league will afford an insight into the political creed of Mr. Wilson. The platform of that body sets out that it has been framed to support constitutional government, to obtain equitable representation of the people in Parliament, fair taxation, to promote a patriotic spirit, to ban class interests, to rally voters to register their names and to attend the polls; also, to foster the mining and other industries of the colony.

The Canning Jarrah Timber Company does not nearly exhaust Mr. Wilson's commercial energies, onerous as his duties are. He is a staunch supporter of athletics, as might be expected of such a typical Englishman. As a wheelman he attends many of the meetings of the West Australian Cycling Club, of which he is vice-president, and is a skilful, long-distance rider. The success which he has achieved in the control of his own business has caused his services to be sought in many directions, with the result that his name is to be found on the directorships of the Fremantle Gas Company, Eureka Mining Company, and Perth Brick Company; he is also a partner in the firm of Alfred Morris and Co., Hay Street, Perth.

In all that he has undertaken Mr. Wilson has shown himself to be a progressive man. If he had the dictatorship of Perth the city would be a far better appointed city than it is, electric lighting being one of the much-needed improvements upon which he has set his mind, but so far his advocacy of permitting private enterprise to undertake the installation has not availed to overcome opposition to his project. He was chairman of a committee of the council which submitted strong reasons against the spending of the money of the ratepayers upon electric lighting while so much remained to be done to the roads, but the council threw out the proposal that the syndicates which were seeking permission to illuminate should be given a favourable hearing. The result is that Perth will be left to the fitful glimmer of a few lamps for an indefinite time.

Mr. Wilson was married on 25th May, 1880, to Annie, daughter of Mr. Robert Hall Phillips, of Sunderland, and he is the father of five daughters and two sons, and he is still young enough to have all his public career before him. With his English and colonial experience, his commercial and executive skill, and his capacity to control large undertakings, it is well that he has a patriotic spirit and a willingness to work for the welfare of the people.

RICHARD ADOLPHUS SHOLL, J.P.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL.

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RICHARD A. SHOLL, J.P.

THE duties of the Postmaster-General of Western Australia are not easy, and this Mr. R. A. Sholl finds to his cost. When he entered the Department the number of its employés in Perth could be reckoned on one's fingers. For a yawning period the staff was not materially increased until in recent years, especially during the present decade, clerks and assistants have multiplied with amazing rapidity. To-day he has many hundreds of men directly and indirectly under his control, and he is repeatedly being approached to still further increase his staff in Money Order Offices and Post and Telegraph Departments, and to open branches here and there in widely-separated parts of the immense colony. His task has been one which might well daunt a man of iron, but Mr. Sholl strives zealously to manage the Telegraph and Postal Departments so as to have the minimum of complaint from the constantly increasing public of Western Australia.

Richard Adolphus Sholl is a native of Western Australia, and was born at Bunbury on 18th December, 1846. He was educated at the Bishop's School, Perth, and when about seventeen years of age entered the Western Australian Civil Service as probation clerk in the General Post Office. The Post Office in Perth—in fact, all the State departments—were then concentrated in the present Legislative Council Buildings, the Post Office being confined to a portion of the basement. At that time, also, the Perth Post Office staff consisted of the Postmaster-General, three clerks, and two letter-carriers, Mr. Sholl and another junior increasing the number of clerks to five; there were then only thirty-five attached to the postal staff in the whole colony. By careful attention to his duties, Mr. Sholl gradually rose in position, and in 1873, when ten years in the service, he was appointed chief clerk of his department, which office he held until 1889, when he became Postmaster-General of the whole colony. During all these years he was wont to see new faces constantly appearing in his department, and old ones disappear; the pioneer buildings superseded by large and pretentious structures; and old methods give way to newer and more convenient ones. The five men comprising the Perth staff in 1863 are now increased to over 200, and the staff of the Department in the colony to over 1,000. As time went on the basement of the Legislative Council was found inadequate to cope with all the work, and buildings were occupied in various places until the present handsome edifice in St. George's Terrace was erected. Even this is not now large enough, and additions will have to be made at an early date.

To successfully control the postal and telegraph service has proved a keen problem to Mr. Sholl. Soon after his accession to the high office the new Constitution was granted, and after that the colony showed a steady expansion. To meet the requirements of the increasing population, new Civil servants had to be engaged and post and telegraph offices in various centres opened. Then when the goldfields attracted thousands of people from all over the world, the demand increased beyond all expectation. Telegraph lines had to be erected to the different populated centres, and staffs of operators and clerks despatched to supervise them. Branches of the Postal Department had also to be established, and staffs of men were required to manage them. Hence, Mr. Sholl has had to employ numbers of inexperienced men, and that the affairs of the department have been so successfully conducted is almost a wonder. Blunders have certainly been made, but in justice they cannot be laid at the door of Mr. Sholl. He has been enterprising in the control of his departments, but it has been necessary for him to exercise much judgment and discrimination in considering the excited demands of the rapidly congregating populations. At first, it was absolutely impossible for him, or anybody else, to keep pace with the expansion, but he set resolutely to work, and soon all signs o[ congestion disappeared, and now the departments are working on happy and smooth lines. The clamour of months ago has disappeared, for the public has recognised that Mr. Sholl has strained every nerve to facilitate conveyance, both in the Postal and Telegraph Departments. He has a huge public concern under his control. When he was appointed Postmaster-General the postal and telegraph services presented him with a souvenir as a token of their appreciation. The gathering took place in 1889, and was enthusiastic and complimentary. He has represented the colony at the various Postal Conferences held in different parts of Australia.

In his early manhood Mr. Sholl joined the Metropolitan Rifles. Beginning as a private he rose in the ranks, until now he has retired with the rank of Major, and has been awarded the Long Service Medal lately issued by the Queen. He was a Lieutenant in 1875, Captain Commitreiant in and Major in 1894. He has taken many prizes for rifle shooting, including the Governor's Cup of 1877, which was presented to him by Sir William Robinson, for the best rifle shot of all under arms in Western Australia. By identifying himself with such a useful institution as this, Mr. Sholl has shown an excellent example to all young Western Australians. In 1891 he was gazetted a Justice of the Peace.

During his career Mr. Shall has encouraged sporting in every way. He takes especial interest in horse racing, and was for many years honorary secretary of the West Australian Turf Club. Pressure of public duties eventually compelled him to relinquish the position. With Mr. E. T. Hooley, M.L.A, and a few others, he worked most actively in the interests of the club, and the debt which had accumulated was completely liquidated before he left office. In other respects Mr. Sholl has interested himself in everything which aims at the social advancement of Western Australians.

He married, in 1872, Elime, daughter of Assistant Commissary-General Ashton, an Imperial officer stationed in the colony. This much-respected lady dying, Mr. Sholl was again married, in 1887, to the eldest daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders, late of the 30th Regiment. Mr. Sholl has a soldierly appearance. He has given Western Australia his best energies in his department, and labours night and day to facilitate the work of the post and telegraph offices. He is a man of method, and deserves high encomiums for his contributions to the public weal.

EDWARD AUGUSTINE ST. AUBYN HARNEY.

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E.A. ST. AUBYN HARNEY.

IN the golden age of Greece, when intellectual development had reached its maximum, the study of law became a recognised institution in the Athenian Academies, and with all its importance to the law-abiding mind of the ancient Greek it was made subservient to, and wrapt firmly up in, the cardinal doctrines and canons of rhetoric. While as yet Demosthenes, the greatest advocate and orator of the Hellenic world, was a stripling and a novice in rhetorical declamation, he was wont to wander in solitude to the sea-shore, and rehearse his speech with his mouth full of pebbles. The apologies, or defence speeches, of these classic barristers seem to have aimed more at rhetorical effect than at legal and logical acuteness and sequence. Fallacies were covertly hid beneath the florid flow of eloquence, and surreptitious assumptions lay darkly lurking.

The advocate at the modern bar differs little from the orator-lawyers of the ancient world. To press home the real point at issue, to arouse the slumbering emotions of the bench that have been blunted by custom, to rivet the attention of the judge on the argumentative position assumed, demands a power of oratory that seems, unfortunately, to be the possession of the few. What is more dull and boresome than a halting, limpid, and straggling speech, where both merit and, concentration of attention are smothered and lost? He who can give solid, forcible, and declamatory expression to his sentiments and arguments is he who can impress, convince, and win his case.

In Western Australia the name of Mr. Harney seems a synonym for oratorical powers and forensic persuasion. Some competent judges avow that his peer nowhere exists on this island-continent. He has the spontaneity, the fiery eloquence, and the shrewd mother-wit and humour of his native land.

Mr. Harney was born in Dublin in 1865, and passed most of his youth at his father's country seat, Kildteran House, County Waterford. His education was practically begun at St. Vincent's College, Castleknock, Dublin, where he obtained several money prizes and two gold medals; one for mathematics, and one for chemistry and natural science. From Castleknock he went to the Jesuits' College at Clongowes Wade, County Kildare, where he completed his elementary education, and obtained the special money prize given by that institution for the pupil who scored best at the intermediate examinations. He then studied for his first law examination, at which he obtained first place out of a large number of candidates. He matriculated for the Royal University of Ireland. In Trinity Term of 1892, having eaten all his dinners, according to the antiquated custom, in reading for the Bar (the dinners being as important as the examinations), he was called to the Irish Bar. During his student career for the Bar, Mr. Harney obtained many distinctions, taking first places at Trinity College in feudal law, criminal law, and the law of evidence, and obtaining four gold and one silver medal, and the Victoria Studentship at the Law Students' Debating Society and the examinations for the King's Inns. Mr. Harney then joined the Leinster Circuit, of which he continued a member with great credit to himself, and good fortune to his clients. Some months after his call to the bar Mr. Harney got his brief, and from that time until he left enjoyed a good and rapidly-increasing practice. But the Irish Bar offers small inducement to the ambitious, the smallness of the fees being such as to render it impossible for the leading counsel to make over £3,000 a year. Accordingly, Mr. Harney determined to join the English Bar, which at that time it was possible to do by eating dinners for twelve months at one of the Temples in London. But the success of Irish barristers in England had recently been very jealously regarded by the Conservative benchers of the London Inns, and before Mr. Harney could effect his purpose a rule was passed that no Irish barrister could appear in an English Court until he had eaten his dinners for three years. It is generally believed that this stringent bar to the admission of Irish barristers was largely brought about by the rapid rise of Edward Carson, who a year previously, having migrated from the Irish Bar, had already won the foremost place among English advocates, taking up the mantle laid aside by Sir Charles Russell (also an Irishman) on his elevation to the Bench as Lord Russell of Kilowen. Mr. Harney, accordingly, frustrated in his original designs, resolved to seek new and more promising pastures elsewhere, and turned his eyes to the Golden West, which was just then attracting the gaze of many of his countrymen. Moreover, he had learned much from his brother, Mr. S. Francis Harney, one of the pioneer solicitors of Coolgardie, who had established a large practice in that centre. In February, 1896, he sailed for Western Australia, leaving what was considered a lucrative practice and very bright promise in Ireland for his chance in the less circumscribed sphere in this colony. This move was most unfavourably regarded by his friends, who deemed it little short of insanity to run away from the bright future rapidly opening before him at the Irish Bar. While on the Leinster Circuit his reputation as a speaker and cross-examiner was acknowledged on all sides, and he was engaged on several sensational murder trials. His coolness in the face of overwhelming diatribes was marked, his power of retort and counter-flanking admired. As a master of language his capabilities were widely noted in that land which can boast of more oratorical lawyers than any country in Europe. Prominence in such advanced surroundings is an apt credential of his worth.

Still, there was small scope for youthful enterprise. Contraction seemed to squeeze the juice of energy and hope out of the living breast. A new, expanding country best fitted a temperament and legal capacity such as Mr. Harney's. In March, 1896, he arrived in Coolgardie at a season when all was one continuous stream of prosperity. Mr. Harney thought it best to do a little speculation and gain some insight into the intricacies of the mining market. Being legally incapacitated for some time according to the Western Australian statutes, he took a lively practical interest in many mining and commercial enterprises. He was one of the promoters of the Coolgardie Swimming Baths, an institution of the greatest public benefit, and acted as one of the directors. When the fever of mining remained unabated, Mr. Harney troubled little about admission to the Western Australian Bar, and it was not till July, 1897, that he was admitted. He immediately went into partnership with his brother, Francis S. Harney, one of the pioneer lawyers of the Coolgardie Goldfields. Under these two able legal practitioners the business of the firm greatly extended, and they have now opened a branch office in Prince's Buildings, St. George's Terrace, Perth. Mr. Harney has made himself thoroughly conversant with mining law, a subject which constitutes a special study, and opens up an unlimited field of debatable matter. He took an active part in the deliberations of the Chamber of Mines, where he frequently spoke. When the general elections came on in May, 1897, he was nominated for Coolgardie. At first he responded to the pressing wishes of his supporters, and entered into the fight with his political buckler and armour strapped tightly on. But before he had reached the momentous crisis of the fight he retired in favour of Mr. A. E. Morgans, a mining representative of great and influential standing. This act of courtesy was warmly admired by the press, which spoke kindly of the extreme deference to the candidature of Mr. Morgans. He did not, however, retire from the hustings, for a fortnight before the elections he was eagerly petitioned to stand for the Dundas district. With all haste he journeyed to Norseman, Esperance, and Dundas, and laid down in the course of several vigorous and effective speeches his future policy. Many were won over by his brilliant utterances; all admitted his capability. But he came too late into the field; in fact, he only started his campaign about ten days before the election, and, moreover, he was an absolute stranger, while his opponent, Mr. Conolly, had been identified with the district since it was opened, and held larger interests in it than any other inhabitant, being besides a gentleman of great personal popularity. When Mr. Harney arrived he found most of the voters already pledged to Mr. Conolly, and the four papers being already committed, attacked him and his candidature unceasingly from the outset. The body of the people were, moreover, disenfranchised, owing to the existing electoral laws, and Mr. Harney had not therefore the opportunity of showing at the poll the effect he created from the platform. Ht frequently addressed meetings of 400 or 500, which contained only about thirty voters. Mr. Conolly gained the seat by the narrow majority of thirteen figures which prove Mr. Harney's great merits in the face of severe handicaps. The Dundas was by far the most exciting goldfields contest during the elections, and it is a remarkable fact, occurring in no other district, that every available vote was polled, some voters coming very long distances to the polling booth. The newspapers ascribe this to the enthusiasm created by Mr. Harney's speeches and sudden appearance on the scene at the last moment.

In Coolgardie Mr. Harney is a prominent citizen, and a leading lawyer. He is a warm and willing supporter of any progressive movement. Though his sojourn in the colony has been short, he has by force of rare abilities commanded praise and respect that might well be the jealous envy of his seniors. His political campaign has been fortunate in one point, in that it revealed his prowess as a politician and speaker. The day is not remote when Mr. Harney will have ample opportunities of construing his political resources for the welfare of the colony.

COUNCILLOR CHARLES AUGUSTUS SAW, J.P.

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CR. CHARLES A. SAW, J.P.

COULD the pen do more than adorn and embroider the facts and realities of life, the reader could more forcibly appreciate the eventualities and contingencies that walk hand in hand with every mortal. Writing may rouse the emotions, sympathy, and attentive interest, but biographical dénouement seems but the shadow of sunshine and the similitude of truth. The ambitious and eager strife that moves to actions, rough, momentous, and daring, are depicted in symbols which convey but a measure of the stern and living reality.

Colonies seem peculiar instruments for discovering and trying man's heart and fibre. The survival of the fittest is here an axiom, whose truth is ever tested and confirmed. Pluck, heart, courage—summed up in the narrow word "fortitude" are virtues which Western Australia has ably put to the test. We have had many dauntless adventurers since the first days of Anstey, and each one's history constitutes a narrative at once teeming with romance and shimmering in the gilded edges of success. Mr. Saw comes well within the circle of intrepid prospectors who have by dint of energetic courage developed and opened up our auriferous areas. He has played many parts in his varied career, but all seem to have imperceptibly merged into the pursuit of one, and it the most important—the development of the gold mining industry.

Mr. Saw was born in Perth on the 15th September, 1865, and is the son of the late Mr. Henry Saw, one of the earliest merchants of Perth. After receiving a good education at the High School in the capital, he entered the National Bank, as a preliminary training for a commercial career. His love for the unconventional open life of mining, girt in all its tasselled fringes of splendour, gradually outgrew his devotion for the ledger, and he withdrew from the close and drowsy atmosphere of its environments after a period of three years' service. The exciting rush to Kimberley was begun, and he set out for those tropical lands in 1886. For a year he faithfully continued his comprehensive survey; nothing sensational was reported or discovered. It was almost impossible to arouse sufficient interest or enthusiasm in capitalists to import their money for development. But the future of Kimberley has never been doubted as to its auriferous potentialities, and some day the world may hear of her long-concealed wealth.

On Mr. Saw's return to Perth he did not again betake himself to the banking stool he had voluntarily quitted. The Yilgarn fields were now attracting attention, and many people from all parts were going to Southern Cross. Colreavy had made the fortunate discovery of the Golden Valley, near Southern Cross. Communication in those days was not effected in the palatial comforts of a Pullman or a jaunting car. Over beaten, rugged tracks, with horses and drays swinging and creaking in the desert sand, the passage seemed distressingly endless. Such were the chief circumstances of the journey Mr. Saw now made to Southern Cross. His visit was not fruitless, for he was credited with the ownership of a few promising claims; but he returned to Perth during 1889, and once more reconciled himself to banking. He was eventually appointed manager of a branch of the Commercial Bank at Southern Cross, being the first official to attain that responsible distinction on the eastern gold fields. This was in the early months of 1890, before the dawn of the great Coolgardie auriferous prosperity. In his new surroundings at Southern Cross there was scope for commercial enterprise, and Mr. Saw unhesitatingly took advantage of the favourable opportunities presented. He launched out with a few others in establishing the well-known coach connection between Southern Cross and every point of the eastern goldfields. The enterprise was a huge financial success, and the name of Cobb and Co. gained great prestige and reputation for its excellent organisation and thorough management. In this company Mr. Saw was the largest shareholder, and its adviser and director. Mr. Saw, too, made several visits to Coolgardie to acquaint himself better with its actualities and possibilities, and so pleased was he with its appearance that he acquired large interests near the eastern capital. In January, 1896, he sold out his interests in Southern Gross and returned to Perth.

In the capital he did not remain long in commercial inactivity. He embarked in stock and sharebroking and mining agencies. His interests on the fields are so extensive that they necessitate arduous labours to keep abreast of the fastly accumulating work. His connection with every form of mining industry is extensive, and he has a numerous and wealthy clièntele.

Yielding to external pressure and requisitions, he offered himself as a candidate for the South Ward in the City Council and was elected in May, 1897. Since his election he has persisted in his attempts to promote the best interests of the city as a whole. His vitality and energy have awakened many from their lethargy, and incited them to active progress and amelioration. He is an able representative, and his district may deem itself fortunate that they have secured the public services of so energetic a gentleman as Mr. Saw.

Of an amiable and affable disposition, social and generous in his instincts, Mr. Saw has long been regarded as a great favourite among the unlimited circle of his acquaintances. In his business capacity he is shrewd and just, attentive to all, and partial to none. With his many-sided character goes a well-informed mind, which, no doubt, some day will be gladly availed of in shaping, with other legislators, the higher destinies of the colony.

DAVID JAMES COOK GOODSIR, J.P.

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D.J.C. GOODSIR, J.P.

PROTECTION leads to various forms of deception, which sometimes demand the keenest powers of observation to detect. Ingenious efforts are attempted to evade the tariff and betray the searching survey of the examiners. Such roguery and trickery imperatively demand inspectors of long experience and skill, who can probe and expose the stealthy subterfuges of the fraudulent.

This colony has been fortunate in securing the able services of Mr. Goodsir, whose forty years' experience in the Victorian Customs Department sufficiently bespeak his empirical skill and competency. His reputation was already securely established ere he arrived in Western Australia, but his valuable co-operation in systematising and perfecting the details of the Customs Department has won him fresh laurels in this new progressive colony. A man is most appreciated where he is most needed.

Mr. Goodsir was born at La Perouse, near Sydney, in 1833. This is the historic spot on which the celebrated Captain Cook first landed in Australia, and which is endeared to the inhabitants of that district by the hallowed regard with which they hold the redoubtable explorer and voyager. Mr. Goodsir was the first white child born in that part of the colony, and out of respect to the ever-green memory of the great Captain Cook, paternal neighbours and friends induced his father to call his son Cook, in honour of the pioneer founder of their settlement. Mr. Goodsir was accordingly accredited with the baptismal prœnomen of Cook. Mr. Goodsir's father was a coastguard pilot in these early days of La Perouse, but shortly after the birth of his son he migrated, in 1841, to Victoria, then known as the Port Phillip Settlement, and his son was educated in the infantile town of Melbourne.

On leaving school Mr. Goodsir engaged in various kinds of mercantile pursuits. In those pioneering days a man had to possess a catholic and versatile taste ere he could either make headway or aspire to prosperity. After spending a few years of his commercial life in this ubiquitous manner, he resolved to seek for something more permanent and secure. In 1852 he was successful in obtaining an appointment in the Customs Department, and from that day till the hour of retirement he was unintermittingly engaged in the active services of officialdom. Promotion in the Government service then required long years of weary patience and diligent exercise to rise in the ranks of a department. Mr. Goodsir gained steady promotion, till at last he was honoured with the enviable position of Deputy-Collector of Customs. For many years Mr. Goodsir discharged the duties of this arduous post, and when he retired from the service in 1893, after forty-two years of long and faithful attention, he was made the recipient of happy tokens of esteem and appreciation. His career was in every way exemplary.

In January, 1894, Mr. Goodsir was invited by the Western Australian Government to accept a high position in the Customs Department of the colony. He accepted the proffered post, and arrived in Western Australia in the following month. He was appointed Chief Landing Surveyor of the Customs. Since his introduction to his new sphere, the importance of the department has been immeasurably increased. Customs duties have trebled in value, and the amount of official work to be done has gone beyond the limits of comparison with preceding years. On Mr. Mason obtaining leave of absence to visit England, Mr. Goodsir was appointed Acting Collector of Customs. A short time ago he was, in consideration of his influential standing, created a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Goodsir has accorded completely with Carlyle's ardent ideas of work. His life has been one long connected series of labour, honestly joined by links of dutiful devotion. His virtues have raised him to the apex of his calling, and conferred on him the good wishes of superiors and equals. Throughout his long period of service he has held the respect of those with who he was connected.

COUNCILLOR JOHN HURST (PERTH).

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CR. JOHN HURST.

PARLIAMENTARY and municipal ranks in Australia gain much benefit by the accession of experienced men from Great Britain. Some of these gentlemen have had a wide experience in business and public capacities in the old country; they came to the antipodes and applied their knowledge under the new conditions existing here. This more particularly applies to municipal politics. In Great Britain they have lived for many years helping to guide, or carefully watching the guidance of, local bodies. They have digested the experience of many years, and the best means for the satisfactory local government of large centres of population. The public works and the sanitary branches have received especial attention, and, reaching Australia with a close and keen knowledge of these, they are able to render immense assistance to Australian local bodies.

Perth has received no small benefit in this way. Not a few of her councillors, past and present, have had experience in these matters in one way or other in the Northern Hemisphere. Their accession to the council should be warmly welcomed, and their opinions and advice should be listened to with respect. Although the conditions here are quite different, yet, broadly speaking, the lessons learnt elsewhere can be safely applied. In Councillor Hurst the Perth City Council has found an invaluable member, and one who out of his experience is able to guide councillors out of many difficulties. More particularly in the public works and sanitary branches Mr. Hurst has much to say with good effect.

John Hurst was born in Guildford, Surrey, in 1844, but when six or seven years old he left there with his parents to reside in the vicinity of London. He was educated in the great metropolis, and also gained his commercial grounding amid the world's markets. When he was twenty-three years of age he established a business of his own as a contractor, auctioneer, and valuator, in the East End, London. He there gained a fairly large connection, and after some years removed to Teddington-on-Thames. In this suburb his work increased to large dimensions, and in contracting he was probably at that time the largest in the district. In fact, he built nearly half Teddington as it then was, and, besides, he evinced no small interest in its early municipal life. He was elected to the local board in 1872, and was responsible for many improvements in sanitary and health matters, in the satisfactory laying of drains, &c. Subsequently he left the board or council to carry out large and important drainage works for the body. Upon their completion he went to Eastbourne, where he assisted in the incorporation of the town as a borough, and would have been elected a councillor had he not owned the building in which the council held its meetings. He was thus disqualified. Many years of great activity were passed, years in which he was storing away all the concentrated experience to be gained under such congenial conditions, and 1887 arrived. In that year Mr. Hurst determined upon leaving the Old World, and he came to Western Australia. He took up his residence in Perth, and entered into business as a contractor, valuator, and hotelbroker. Although his business relations were not at first extensive, they eventually grew in importance, and the day came when Mr. Hurst handed over the contracting branch to his son, Mr. Howard Edward Hurst, and devoted himself entirely to real estate matters, hotel broking, and valuating. The ramifications of his enterprise have been constantly increasing, and bring him in large profits. He has invested in city properties and, also, largely in mining. He is now director of several mining companies, and has done fairly well out of these ventures.

It will be supposed that Mr. Hurst soon turned his attention to local municipal matters. Some six years ago he was elected for the East Ward in the Perth Council, and he has retained his seat from then till now, with the exception of one year, when he was defeated by two votes. His personality was manifested, and his experience put to account in the council. He was appointed chairman of the works committee, and because of his large and varied connection with the duties and objects of such a body, he has been enabled to render considerable service to Perth. His expert knowledge has often proved valuable, and the council and ratepayers have consequently benefited. Then he was elected a member of the sanitary committee, in which his work has been little less marked than in the other respect. His important contract undertakings in drainage arrangements in London suburbs have made him an expert in all sanitary affairs, and though he has not done so much as he would wish, yet he has been a valuable presence when all drainage affairs are before the council. So substantial have been Councillor Hurst's works in these capacities that he has been requested to stand for a seat in Parliament, but as yet has refused. After much persuasion, in 1895, he consented to stand for the mayor's chair in the Perth Council. When Mr. Saunders' candidature was announced, he wished to retire from the contest, but, owing to strong influence, could not. He was defeated.

In 1863 Mr. Hurst married a daughter of Mr. William Reader, of Poplar, East London. Mr. Hurst is widely known as a benevolent man. Let one in poverty appeal to him and win his respect, and he is liberal to a degree. We can believe that few have asked him for bread and been given a stone. He is a prominent Freemason, and is a Past Master of five different Lodges, founder of three Royal Arch Chapters, and was Steward of the London Charities. With the Dean of Perth and the Hon. Mr. Hackett, Mr. Hurst has for some time been making arrangements for the establishment of a Masonic Benevolent Institute in Perth. In business circles he is a director of the Fresh Food and Fish Preserving Company Limited, whose works are situated at Mandurah. He is also a director of the Menzies and Niagara Brewing Company, and in mining is a director of several mines at North Dandalup.

In appearance Mr. Hurst is a massive and imposing man. Grey, of medium height, and stalwart, he bears his years well, and has one of the finest presences in Western Australia. He is considered an expert in all sanitary and works matters in the council, as is shown by the positions he holds on the committees. He has undoubtedly been a great acquisition to the colony.

DR. DANIEL KENNY, L.R.C.S., L.K.Q.C.P.I.

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DR. DANIEL KENNY.

IN a country like Western Australia there are possibilities for all sorts and conditions of men, and in the ranks of those who have appreciated this is Dr. Daniel Kenny. He participated in the early recent prosperity of the country, and few men of his age would have had the foresight to realise that in the almost stagnant colony of twelve years ago there was such a glorious future as the present dawning predicts. Dr. Kenny is one of the glad-hearted sons of the Emerald Isle, and has all the quick perceptive faculties of his countrymen. He was quick at school, and upon entering his college career fulfilled the anticipations of his parents. He was born in 1860, in Gorey, County Wexford, and studied at the Medical School of the Catholic University, where he won the gold medal, and was first prizeman in various subjects. He passed each successive examination with first-class honours, and duly took his diplomas. Before settling down to the practice of his profession, he wisely determined to complete his education by travel. With the first-class qualifications that he possessed, it was not hard for him to carry his desires into execution; for, on approaching a shipping firm, he instantly received an appointment as surgeon of the passenger ship Glen Avon, engaged in the Western Australian trade. The doctor remained in this and other vessels for two years, and then decided to settle in a regular practice. Although the colony of Western Australia was in a very backward position in those days, the young medical man saw in her expanse of territory the makings of a country rich in all the products valued by mankind. He settled in Perth in 1885. His undoubted ability soon brought him to the front, and in a very short time he had an extensive practice, which is still steadily growing. Dr. Kenny is a member of the Medical Board of Western Australia, and one of the members of the first Board of Management of the Perth Public Hospital, and shortly after the senior physician, a position he holds at the present time. He has been for years chief medical examiner for the Equitable Life Assurance Company in the colony, but has recently relinquished this post in order to take the appointment which was offered him of chief medical officer for the Australian Mutual Provident Society.

Dr. Kenny is not only clever in medicine; he is also clever in business. He has been particularly fortunate in his speculations in land, and in conjunction with Dr. Jamieson, who is at present in Rome, invested largely in the Cottesloe and Buckland Hill district.

Although only thirty-six years of age, Dr. Kenny has, by his energy and ability, worked his way up the ladder of fortune, and occupies a most enviable position. Courteous, quick-witted, and sincere, he has at the same time a gentlemanly reserve.

JOHN DE BAUN.

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JOHN DE BAUN.

SOME men stake their fortunes and the existing happy thread of their lives on some speculative venture which their sagacity and foresight deem safe and secure. History has seen the weal and woe resulting from such nineteenth century commercial transactions.

In Australia no one, it can be safely said, has sailed so disastrously and so merrily in the barque of fortune as Mr. John De Baun. His career is redolent of romantic luxuriance. Many have written in flowing terms of his invincible pluck, his perseverance, and his complete composure and stoical cheerfulness.

Mr. De Baun was born in the State of New Jersey (U.S.), on the 19th January, 1852. Even to the far Western States of America the news of great gold discoveries in the remote continent of Australia had penetrated and created a momentary flutter of excitement. Mr. De Baun, when old enough, determined to sail to these Pactolian streams. He arrived in Melbourne, provided with the essential paraphernalia of the miner, and he travelled hundreds of miles with swag on back. From Ballaranal, where he remained for sixteen weeks, a period of hard, incessant toil, he went on a long journey to Wilcannia in New South Wales. He arrived safely, but unenviably fatigued and exhausted, and obtained work on a station. For three years he remained at this outlying post, but finally he set out for Silverton, where he arrived after many struggles and vicissitudes. A silver lining seemed now to gradually guild the circle of his life. Hitherto, it had been one long stretch of rough experiences in the bush, and of hard unremunerative toil. Now with the scanty earnings he had gleaned he started business in Silverton with incredible success. The world was on the eve of the advent of Broken Hill, with its argentiferous richness, and Mr. De Baun forsook his business in Silverton on the first news of the discovery, and went out to Broken Hill, and was one of its earliest pioneers. His capital had now become sufficiently large to enable him to build the Grand Hotel. Soon miners came rushing into Broken Hill, which became a township, flowing with money. The Grand Hotel turned out to be a profitable investment, though Mr. De Baun bestowed a great deal of attention on the shares and stocks of the mines. He added up wealth, and soon left Broken Hill to pursue his speculative career in Adelaide, where a larger field was open for Broken Hill ventures. In an amazingly short time he amassed a fortune of £100,000. He was one of the most prominent and familiar figures on the Adelaide Stock Exchange, and his run of luck became proverbial. He invested extensively in real property in Broken Hill and Adelaide, and entered into many lucrative commercial concerns. But, such is the irony of nature, the tide turned, and a perfect maelstrom of disaster followed. In that whirlpool many were submerged, and the pulse of Adelaide and Broken Hill beat feebly in the havoc of the reaction.

Mr. De Baun, like many others, lost his all, and the scales of his fortune now presented a deficit of £5,000. Far from falling beneath this burden of woe, he roused himself as energetically as in the former days of his travel and adventure in the back-blocks, and resolved to try his fortune once more, and pay off his numerous debts. Reaching Coolgardie in October, 1892, he travelled over the surrounding country with Warden Finnerty, critically examining its auriferous indications. It was on the conclusion of that early trip that Mr. De Baun, convinced of the vast gold-bearing resources of the country, penned a letter to Adelaide predicting that Coolgardie would be the greatest field in the world within ten years. Half the decade has passed, and it is probable that ere a few years elapse Mr De Baun's prediction will have come true.

Mr De Baun embarked once more on commercial enterprises. The essential requirements of a goldfield population were provided by him, and within a short time he had four separate businesses flourishing lucratively in the town. Again he ventured deeply in mining shares, and again he won. Fortune seemed to favour his worthy pluck and bravery, and as soon as he had made the nucleus of his second fortune he sent it off to pay his outstanding debts in Adelaide. His courage and his honesty were admired by all, and this one instance of his sense of duty and justice evoked great respect, and caused all who knew his past and present to esteem and honour his integrity. His old score erased, he proceeded to build up another fortune. For three years he was actively engaged in commercial pursuits, and, in carefully investing and speculating, his fortune was again large, and he retained his belief in the country. He visited the capital, and was so satisfied with its potentialities that he invested extensively in the city, and now Perth boasts of one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in Australasia. The Palace Hotel, luxuriously and comfortably equipped, is the strongest evidence of his faith in the future of this colony. Mr. De Baun is the fortunate possessor of much real estate in Perth. A large section of the principal street belongs to him, and the Melbourne Hotel, a new and costly edifice, has recently been erected by him. On the fields his mining interests are extensive. Thousands of shares in different claims and concerns are held by him, and at the present moment he has a prospecting party in Cue, equipped and paid by himself. He has been repeatedly invited on the directorate of mines, but pressure of business has compelled him to refuse. He is proud of Western Australia, and has made his permanent home in this part of the continent. Mr. De Baun's generosity is unbounded, and his sympathy is equalled only by his charitable tendencies. Strong of will, tenacious in purpose, and consistent in duty, he is a man of solid character, full of striking individuality. With all this there is also a fund of modest reserve in his disposition. Ill-starred fortune he has borne like a man and fought like a hero, and now in his prosperous and felicitous moments he accepts the favours of smiling morn with a placid equanimity which at once despises conceit and condemns pride.

DORHAM LONGFORD DOOLETTE.

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DORHAM LONGFORD DOOLETTE.

WHEN Jason and his merry band of Argonauts—the flower of Grecian youth—set out on their voyage to the land of the Golden Fleece, an adventure dear to classic memory was given to the pages of mythology. Of the stupendous tasks they had to perform we all know. Their way was on every side beset with difficulties; but like true heroes of mythology they surmounted them, and returned from Colchis in triumph with the coveted prize. The search for things golden has ever been associated with hardship and peril. And surely we may find the counterparts of Jason's journey in modern times. When the Western goldfields broke out, many young Australians went to the front and led the way in opening up the vast resources of the colony. Among them was Mr. D. L. Doolette, who was born at Adelaide, and went from college to the University for a few years. He came to the West in the van of the gold-seekers, and proceeded to the present site of Kalgoorlie. He worked there for six months, "reefing," during which period he opened up the Golden Horseshoe and several other properties in close proximity to the Great Boulder and Lake View mines. With the nomadic instincts of the gold hunter, he followed up every "rush" with unflagging consistency. Mr. Doolette's luck was not always so sensational as his experiences. He was one of the many men who went to the Siberia and the Kurnalpi "rushes," and the terrible sufferings endured by those who tramped to those places forms a tragic chapter in the history of the Coolgardie fields. Mr. Doolette resolved to break fresh ground, and set out on an extensive prospecting tour in May, 1894, with Mr. C. Northmore, for the grim back country. These two gentlemen went through the Ninety-Mile and on to Mount Malcolm, discovering on the way Niagara, then known as the Waterfall. They prospected the country fairly well, but did not find any good mining properties just then. From Mount Malcolm they journeyed to Lake Darlot, Lake Way, and on to Earlstone Creek. Their efforts to find anything rich were not successful, although they had managed to strike gold in many places. After prospecting for eight months, they returned to Coolgardie, but did not long rest at leisure. Early in 1895, the adventurous pair went out again, this time accompanied by Mr. J. Timms, who decided to cast in his lot with them. Striking for Niagara, they carried out a plan of systematic prospecting, with the result that several good properties were found, the first being the Port Pirie. Just when the trio were doing the best, Mr. Timms sickened of typhoid fever, and his companions were conveying him to the Coolgardie Hospital when the poor fellow died at the Ninety-Mile, where he was afforded the best burial that the primitive conditions of life could give. Messrs. Doolette and Northmore once more set their faces in the direction of Niagara, having been joined by Mr. G. W. Bagot. Arriving at Niagara, the prospecting work was extended afield, and the Challenge and the Golden Monarch and other properties, now belonging to the Challenge Gold Estates and the Niagara Proprietary companies, were found. The best of these at the present time are the Sapphire, Lady Betty, and the Port Pirie mines. In the midst of their success, Messrs. Doolette and Northmore lost by death their friend and companion, Mr. Bagot, who took typhoid fever the day the Challenge was found. He died within a week.

Being men of good commercial ability, Messrs. Doolette and Northmore, through representatives in London, had their varied properties placed on the English market, where they were floated for a large sum. Mr. Doolette seems to have a faculty for getting on to new places, and his last field of operations was at Red Hill, where he secured a number of valuable leases, all of which promise remarkably well. Though not a new place in the strictest sense of the word, very little was heard of Red Hill till March, 1897, when Mr. Doolette and Mr. Northmore took up leases there. This turned out a very good "spec." on their behalf, and their Red Hill leases should eventually develop into big properties.

Mr. Doolette is retiring rather than obtrusive, and he carries himself with effective reserve. He is a shrewd business man, but in his moments of relaxation is entertaining and companionable. When he can be induced to strike the reminiscent key of early goldfields' experiences, one cannot help thinking that the vigour of his youth has been well spent, and that he has been fortunate enough to reap his reward while yet young in years.

JAMES SHAW, J.P.

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JAMES SHAW, J.P.

POPULARITY is an end for which many strive, but which few attain. This much-envied and far-off sphere is solidly possessed by heroes and demigods whose achievements have drawn to each possessor the harmonious chords of universal affection. The results of effort must be immortally great to elicit this feeling of respect. Seldom has one huge stroke given it birth; it is rather the offspring of an increasing series of felicitous results culminating in a maximum point.

The sudden transference of one who is obscure to this cherished niche in history may cause him to so glory in his new-found greatness that his popularity will diminish, and he will he coldly viewed except for that one brilliant ray of human sunshine. But there are men of quiet deeds and homely goodwill, unselfish spirit, and constant personal sacrifice, who unconsciously rise in glorified gradations to the apex of their country's affection. Then their sunshine is a long day, lasting throughout that generation, and, mayhap, to others. And when their deeds are in the country's service their greatness may extend to centuries. No mere error in judgment, no single false step, shall dim the eyes of centuries to come, and man's worth shall be appraised on the basis of its specific value to contemporary civilisation.

Permanent popularity is not to be obtained by conscious effort, by insidious and mathematically regulated deportment. It is a spontaneous afflatus, a subtle inherent force, which must be obeyed. The kindness that is carefully thought out, and administered according to definite principles, loses in effect. It often grates upon the heart-strings, and is denied the reward of true affection. Popularity is best gained by those thousand unremembered acts that Wordsworth spoke of. The responsive chord of goodwill is only struck by spontaneity.

Perhaps no better example of popularity won by quiet deeds, disinterested charity, and unselfish goodwill, could be found in Australia to-day than that supplied in the career of James Shaw, J.P. In the sister colony of South Australia Mr. Shaw achieved popularity by his charitable works, and when force of circumstances brought him to Western Australia, no amount of false report, insidious detraction, or personal misfortune, could possibly diminish or deny the human flame of kindness which shed its rays over all he met. His popularity is not that of great writers or renowned statesmen, of whom Carlyle says it is difficult to believe when meeting them daily that they are made of better clay than ourselves; his popularity is that of Hugo's bishop.

James Shaw was born at Belfast, Ireland, in 1846, in which nursery of scientific men his father, Hugh Shaw, was an engineer. Even in those days Belfast was a thriving commercial town, and sought to rival the Clyde in engineering skill. Under such happy conditions James spent his boyhood. The sanguine period of youth instilled in him that fondness for daring and adventure so characteristic of Britain's children, and he determined to leave his father's home and seek a fortune in Australia. When but eighteen years old, in 1864, he left the old country, and sailed to Auckland, New Zealand. Eager to win his reward, he opened in business as a contractor. It is said that foresight, level-headedness, and a power to calculate to a mathematical nicety the pros and cons, are indispensable to a contractor. We might go further, and extend the same connotations to the whole sphere of successful speculation in commerce or mining; but iron rule and stubborn law meet occasionally with an exception, and though the sage and world-wise men reserve success to furrow-marked brains, the youthful optimism and enterprise often wrest prizes out of their hands. In New Zealand Mr. Shaw soon obtained a large business connection, and monuments of his handiwork and skill adorn the island towns. From contract to contract he went in accumulating successes, until the time came when the noble Maori sought to throw off the yoke of European oppression. Their lands—as great and lordly as themselves—had been theirs for centuries, and to regain them they, with sinister fierceness, occasionally visited the might of their arm on the white population. These frays became so numerous that retaliation was imperative. For successive years bloodshed was general, and many doughty deeds were done by white and black. Mr. Shaw went forth into the thickest of the fight, and did good service. In dangerous positions enough, he came through them unscathed, and his pluck and soldierly qualities were rewarded by a service medal. In 1866 the war was brought to a close.

For four subsequent years Mr. Shaw engaged in business in New Zealand, whereupon, in 1871, he took up his abode in Adelaide. There those excellent qualities which have since made him so popular were widely manifested. Adelaide was a thriving town, but a greater growth was soon to come. The increased development of the land resources of South Australia enhanced the importance of the capital. City land rose in value, and new and ornate buildings were erected on every side. Mr. Shaw launched out into large building contracts, and for some years his interests were immense, and he was one of the chief employers of labour in that colony. Many are the stories told in Adelaide of his munificence during these years. If one of the workmen accidentally met his death while in his employ, the family was well provided for by Mr. Shaw. Among the buildings he erected were the Houses of Parliament, than which no finer are to be found in Australia, new Government offices, Government workshops, large Bank buildings, the Australian Mutual Life Insurance buildings, and many others. These are the handsomest structures in the handsome city of Adelaide, and were carried out so carefully, and with such satisfaction, that the Belfast lad may well have been satisfied with his success. He had offers from different colonies to negotiate important works, but he had become so closely associated with the growth and aspirations of Adelaide that he did not care to leave that pretty city. During the years that these and other contracts were being negotiated Mr. Shaw attained popularity, not only among his workmen and their relatives, but throughout the city, and he was esteemed as one of the best loved men there. The first symbol of his popularity was denoted in his election to the City Council. Never listlessly entering any sphere, his great energy and disinterestedness were soon shown, and he devoted considerable time that he could ill spare to civic affairs. That best-drained, cleanest Australian city owes much of her glory to him. Throughout the thirteen years that he was a member of the Council, he was so zealous, and sincere, and charitable that his name became almost a household word. His chief characteristics are charity, solid common sense, intuition, and never-tiring energy. After rising to the dignity of an Alderman of Adelaide, in 1889 he was, with much acclamation, placed in the Mayoral chair. The manifold duties devolving on this position were performed by him to the satisfaction of all, and his hospitality in civic functions and liberality to the poor of the city won the most enviable admiration. His previous popularity was as nothing to what he now attained, and the genial springs of his nature circulated throughout the municipality. By his instrumentality, large departures were made by the Adelaide City Council, but, unfortunately, his constant thoughtful labour resulted in the breaking down of health. He left the colony for the New Zealand sulphur springs, and the regrets at his departure and ill-health, and the repeatedly expressed hopes for his speedy return, must have stirred his responsive nature, and thrilled him with that most delightful of all sensations—the consciousness of brotherhood, and public regard and love.

After a somewhat lengthened sojourn in New Zealand, Mr. Shaw returned to Adelaide, and again associated himself with her people. Soon, however, tidings reached him of the famous gold discoveries in Western Australia. Recent contracts had not been so remunerative as earlier ones, and the contagious germs of gold fever seized upon him until he decided to visit the West, and personally inspect the fields. In 1893 he left Adelaide, and arriving in this colony set out on his journey into the deserts. This was then no light undertaking, for the railway terminus was at Northam, from which the subsequent hundreds of miles had to be laboriously travelled in traps, on camels, on horses, or on foot. A few friends accompanied Mr. Shaw through the lonely bush, over the dreary deserts, for weary mile after weary mile. For days and days they proceeded in a trap, drawn by six horses, under a torrid, roasting sun, and at the end of nine days they reached Coolgardie. This mining camp, for there was no town there then, did not present the advantages to the tired travellers that it now possesses. Their long journey had been a serious strain on the body, but even yet their hardships were not at an end. Activity, and excitement, and dust, were the most notable features of Coolgardie, and day by day strangers were thronging into the locality. In order the better to understand the possibilities of the fields, Mr. Shaw made a thorough examination of the different mines, and, buoyed up with hope, invested considerable capital in them. Happily they were lucrative claims, and none will envy Mr. Shaw the wealth he has gained in them. From the first day he arrived in Coolgardie, he evinced a warm and glowing interest in her future. Quietly, and without ostentation, he began to make his influence felt, and supported and encouraged all movements which tended to her advancement. The residents viewed with pleasure this interest on his part, and particularly when he rendered assistance to the Progress Committee, a body which upheld the rights and claims of Coolgardie, and sought to establish some system in the camp. At that time Bayley Street was an augean stable, and the death-rate in the population was enormous. 8tumps hid beneath the dust of the principal thoroughfares, and the teamsters and camel trains camped almost in the heart of the centre. Near the Victoria Hotel the excrement was six inches and more in depth, and the place sadly needed some experienced governing hand. Mr. Shaw had gained so valuable an insight into municipal government in Adelaide, and so well knew of the advantages of cleanliness, he infused much spirit into the Progress Committee, which now strenuously advocated and petitioned the Government that a municipality be proclaimed. This, largely through the weight and influence of Mr. Shaw's advocacy, was finally granted. But rather than wait until the municipality could be formed, he had gratuitously and munificently caused many of the chief nuisances to be removed at his own expense, and had much other invaluable and necessary work done. He was elected among the first councillors, and received the greatly deserved honour of election to the pioneership of the Coolgardie mayoral office. No more suitable and harder working mayor could have been found. Day and night, for many months, did Mr. Shaw devote to the improvement of the town, and all credit him with the glory of the present advanced condition of Coolgardie. He allowed even his private affairs to remain in the background, so that he could more thoroughly serve the growing centre. Subsequent generations at Coolgardie will have good cause to thank him, by whose instrumentality her ably-engineered streets were planned. Though the Government officials actually and directly did the surveying, great pressure was exerted on them by the mayor to make them conform to his ideas. He remained in office for seventeen months, when he felt himself bound to retire—in November, 1895.

His life on the goldfields was one continual web of worry and work. His energies became exhausted in watching closely the fluctuations of investments, in managing mines, and last and chiefly in taking active part in any new cause for the advancement of rising goldfields towns. Kalgoorlie was fast growing in importance, and his advice was eagerly sought on many points of importance to that centre, and as eagerly given, and he rendered yeoman service in placing that town under municipal law. Finally, in the summer of 1895-6, his health again compelled him to go to New Zealand. Banquets were given to him prior to his departure, and were attended by all the leading goldfields people. The most notable was that held on the night before he left Coolgardie, when the Premier (Sir John Forrest) attended. For whole-souledness, enthusiasm, and all-embracing fellowship and verve, perhaps none of the many celebrations held on the goldfields equals this one. Mr. Shaw made his trip, and returned to Coolgardie again renewed in health, and took up the thread of his busy and altruistic life.

Mr. Shaw was one of the owners of the famous Londonderry Mine, floated in London for £700,000. He has large interests in the Bayley's South Extended, Oroya, Ivanhoe, Lake View, Mount Charlotte, Golden Age, and Crusoe Companies.

Of a versatile and catholic frame of mind, his love for sport is keen and great. He was president of the first Coolgardie Cricket and Football Club, and a patron of the Cycling Club. .He supports them by his presence as well as by his purse, and waxes enthusiastic on these manly pastimes. In a different stratum, he has been vice-president of the Chamber of Mines from its earliest constitution, and a member of the Stock Exchange. He is a Freemason of the eighteenth degree. Every new public departure and scheme at Coolgardie, if feasible and promotive of felicity, is readily and enthusiastically assisted by him. There his voice is the voice of authority, commanding and guiding the party who seek his chieftainship. He was asked to stand for the Upper House of Parliament in 1896, but declined in favour of Mr Howard Taylor, whose candidature he strongly supported.

Mr. Shaw is a traveller of no mean reputation. Every nook and corner of the North and South Islands of New Zealand has been visited by him, and he has traversed a wide circle of the sandy region of this colony, adding to his knowledge fresh points on chemical and geological formation. In all these places he is hailed as "Chief." He was married at Kyneton, Victoria, to Miss Shaw, daughter of John Shaw, of Brookville, Kyneton. Last year his eldest son died of typhoid fever at Coolgardie. His death, in the flower of manhood, greatly affected his sorrowing father. Mr. Shaw's other son is a medical student at the Melbourne University.

All the noble, commendable utilitarian principles of Mr. Shaw have gained him the affection of his country, for goodness of heart and mind compel applause. The fluid-like element of human opinion adjudges the benefactor, and raises him to a pedestal. No one in Western Australia finds a closer and firmer resting-place in the hearts of the people than "Chief" Shaw. In him is the essence of true charity, and hundreds of needy people have cause to revere his name. The struggling prospector, the poverty- stricken unemployed, the anxious business man who cannot pay his way—each has come within the range of his benefactions. Silently and secretly, with no pharisaic crying from the housetops, he has freely given in Western Australia many hundreds of pounds, and raised the downcast from the slough of despond. The figure of the "Chief" is loved in Adelaide and Coolgardie—indeed, wherever he has been.

CHARLES ANTHONY PATERSON.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CHARLES A. PATERSON.

HAPPY the corporation which has amongst its members professionally trained men, who are willing to disseminate their knowledge for the good of the town or city over which they municipally rule. The professionally cultured mind is as essential in the municipal chamber as it is in the legislature. So many complex questions crop up in the work of local government that the presence of skilled practical intelligence is very often required in order to shed a little light on certain matters, which to the layman is but an unpicturesque chaos of technicalities.

A case in point is that of Mr. C. A. Paterson, a member of the Perth City Council, who, as a surveyor, is enabled to render valuable service to that body whenever any question wherein professional advice dealing with the important subject of surveys, &c., is touched upon, and this in a rapidly extending city like Perth is of frequent occurrence. No subject brought before civic bodies is of more importance than that of sanitation. Sanitary engineers have propounded many schemes of reform on most modern principles, but it is left to the skilled brain to determine their practicality, and make them applicable to local conditions. Mr. Paterson's professional attainments place him in the position of speaking authoritatively on the much vexed subject of the drainage of Perth—a matter to which he has devoted considerable attention,

Charles Anthony Paterson was born at Fremantle in 1857, and received a sound education at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. In the South Australian capital he entered the service of the Government Survey Department, and acquired a splendid knowledge of his profession. He was under the South Australian Government for eight years, after which he returned to his native colony, and commenced practice in Perth. It was not long before he engaged in a number of important surveys for the Titles Office. He carried out work both in the town and country for the Government, and executed surveys in remote parts of the colony. When the land boom set in in Perth a large amount of the surveying of estates fell to him, and to the present day he has more work than he can accomplish. Paterson has in hand, and has had for some time past, the drawing of the plans for the electric tramways in Perth, the rights for which have been secured by a powerful English group of capitalists.

Mr. Paterson sat in the Perth City Council in the latter end of the eighties, and in November, 1896, was returned as a member for the Central Ward. Because of splendid all-round knowledge of Perth, apart from his professional acquaintance with it, he has been a highly useful councillor. Some years ago he drew up a very exhaustive report on a comprehensive drainage scheme for Perth, and the lines which he then advocated are being virtually followed by the Government at the present time. When a member of the City Council, in 1889, he was appointed by the Board of Health to report on the best means of draining Perth. He proposed to establish deep drainage, in conjunction with a sewage farm at Burswood Island, in the Swan River, within a few miles of the city. On all sides the scheme was highly spoken of, and in the leading columns of the press its adoption was strongly urged. The scheme could have been undertaken at much cheaper outlay than at present.

When the Queen's Record Reign was being celebrated in Perth, Mr. Paterson was a moving spirit in the festivities, being chairman of the Decoration Committee. He has always been an active member of the Australian Natives' Association, and is an ex-president of the Western Australian branch. He takes an interest in athletic sports of all kinds, and is vice-president of a number of sporting combinations. There is a refreshing geniality and frankness about Mr. Paterson. No one is more zealous than he of the welfare of Perth.

WILLIAM JOHNSTON HOLMES, J.P.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

WILLIAM J. HOLMES, J.P.

THE paths trodden by Mr. W. J. Holmes and his brother, Mr. J. J. Holmes, were widely divergent in their earlier days. It seems a happy ending to the hard work which they accomplished in the country that they should have come to bustling centres of civilisation to there make their mark as business men and private citizens. Happy, too, that the relations existing between them are of the cordial character which betokens a sacred regard for the home which watched them in their childhood's days.

William Johnston Holmes was born at the Vasse, Western Australia, in 1860, and is the twin brother of Mr. R. H. Holmes. His education over, he entered the Civil Service, joining the Electric Telegraph Department. Salaries in those days were not munificent, and after about twelve months of telegraphic work he left the department and retired to the rural surroundings of his father's farm on the Murray River. For several years he was engaged in active farming operations, and then he longed for something of a freer and more romantic kind. He joined the mounted police, and was sent to the Williams district, on the Great Southern line. A fine horseman, with the typically Australian knack of being able to stick to the saddle, Mr. Holmes found his riding qualities put to a very severe test when following a law-breaking native, or scouring the rugged country in search of an offender fleeing from the wrath that was to come in the courts of law. He displayed marked ability whilst in the Williams district, and this was rewarded by his being transferred to the Irwin district as 0fficer in charge. Mr. Holmes was stationed at Dongara, and had an area of 700 miles to control. He was indeed a man of many parts, for in addition to his duties as head of the police, combined with the role of Crown Prosecutor, he was clerk to the magistrates, clerk to the local court, electoral registrar, and customs officer. Whilst filling these many positions his experiences were varied and interesting. At one time and another serious troubles arose among the blacks, who were only too eager to rob the settler of his flocks. Bringing these offenders to justice meant much work for Mr. Holmes, whose district embraced 700 miles of territory. Having had three years of this life he returned to Perth and Fremantle, where he threw in his lot with the then starting firm of Holmes Brothers, and aided one by another the brothers have pulled splendidly together in the business world. Mr. William Johnston Holmes, earlier in the history of the firm, managed the Perth establishment, but in 1897 he took over the control of the goldfields branches at Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Menzies, and Kanowna. Mr. R. Holmes does the whole of the extensive buying for the firm, and on Mr. G. D. Holmes devolves the task of the management of the Fremantle branches.

Mr. W. J. Holmes, who was made a J.P. in May, 1897, has been for three years a lieutenant in the local volunteer forces. He has ever shown his faith in the country of his birth by the consistent manner in which he has invested capital.

No one begrudges the success of the four brothers. While they may each be different in disposition, they give to us severally and individually the brighter and happier phases of human kind.

JOSEPH JOHN HOLMES, J.P.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JOSEPH J. HOLMES, M.L.A.

STURDY independence is a characteristic of the Australian native. A student might discover the explanation in the unlimited opportunities the country affords. No man in the prime of life need be in such penury that he has no hope of obtaining affluence. A little versatility, a strong persistency, leavened with a concentrated direction of effort, will quickly lead him to the goal.

Happily, it is not an unusual circumstance to find an Australian possessing qualities which enable him to reach the top of the commercial and the professional world when competing against those of wider experience from Europe and Great Britain. He is quick in adopting the superior methods which he may observe; he is no conservative.

Mr. J. J. Holmes deserves honourable mention in his work. He is the senior member of the firm of Holmes Brothers, who are known throughout the length and breadth of the colony, and, in addition to this, he represents one of the most important constituencies in Western Australia.

Joseph John Holmes was born at Mandurah, Western Australia, in 1866, and after leaving school followed pastoral and agricultural pursuits for a number of years. This peaceful occupation gave him a splendid insight into the business which he embraced in after years. Leaving the pastoral and agricultural industry, of which he had acquired a thorough knowledge in the Murray district, he went to Fremantle, where he was engaged for seven years in the house of a leading firm in the principal Western Australian port. Having thus had a sound commercial training, he, in conjunction with his brothers—R. H., W. J., and G. D. Holmes—launched the now well-known firm of Holmes Brothers and Co., meat purveyors. This was in 1890, and the success of the brothers was remarkable. When the golden days of prosperity set in for Western Australia in the early nineties, bringing in their train the great influx of Eastern colonists and people from all over the world, the brothers saw their opportunity, and were not slow to grasp it. They opened butchering establishments in the rising suburbs of Perth, and at Coolgardie they were one of tle first to introduce fresh meat—a pleasant relief to the toil-wrung pioneers from the monotonous "tin dog." Their enterprise was extended to all the different centres as they were opened up. Just as Western Australia has made leaps and bounds, so has the firm of Holmes Brothers, and they stand as an example of what foresight and perseverance will do. To Mr. J. J. Holmes has fallen the task of carrying out the financial portion of he firm's work, and he does it skilfully.

In returning Mr. Holmes their representative, the East Fremantle electors in 1897 chose one of solid merit. His large property interests and his personal affection for the colony are sure to guide him in the direction of subserving the true welfare of Western Australia. He has passed a serviceable municipal career, and as representative of the East Ward in the Fremantle Council since 1892 he has left the ratepayers no room for cavil. He has won his way in life through his own efforts. He is shrewd and observant, and ready to assimilate the lessons which experience teaches.

ROBERT DONALD McKENZIE.

Photo by Johnston, O'Shannessy & Co.

R.D. McKENZIE.

IF a man's mind is charged with commercial instinct, there is every chance that be will build up a fortune. The labyrinths of finance, with all its brain-worrying complexities to ordinary minds, are part of his corporeal frame at birth. He can see a way where others grope and fall back in the darkness. Speculation to some is such an easy concern that we wonder whether the gift is not intuitive.

Mr. McKenzie was born at Maldon, Victoria, in 1865, his father being Hugh McKenzie, J.P., a citizen of prominence. He was educated at St. Paul's Grammar School, Melbourne, and on completing his education he entered the large ironmongery house of Briscoe and Co., Melbourne, a firm which afforded splendid experience for beginners. He remained at hls post several years, gradually picking up multiform information in every department of the firm. When he severed connection with Messrs. Briscoe and Co., he set out for Mooroopna, Goulburn Valley, Victoria, with the intention of starting business on his own account. For his first venture he was tolerably fortunate, and he proved himself a capable exponent of all the commercial arts that go to form a successful business conductor. After securing a well-established reputation, he sold his business for a handsome sum. He forthwith departed for Western Australia.

On his arrival in Perth, in March, 1892, he became a commercial traveller for a hardware house in the capital, and it was in this capacity that be visited the goldfields, which were then springing into existence. When he first reached Hannan's it was a mere canvas town on a rich alluvial field. Happily for him, he believed in its potentialities, and, severing his connection with his firm, he quickly set his convictions into practice. After a hard struggle, occasioned by delays and numerous other obstacles, he erected a store. As the circumstances or the situation demanded, he made it a depot for all kinds of requisites. Diggers and prospectors came rushing in, and the enterprising storekeeper found that his venture was a very opportune one. Influx of population meant increase of sale, and, consequently, of remuneration. As time went on, and the scattered settlements crystallised into the more solid form of a township, with numerous shops of various compositions, he then, in keeping with the progress of events, forsook general merchandise for some more special department trade. Hardware and timber comprised now his sole stock-in-trade. It was a business suited to the requirements of a goldfield, and his experience was exactly the thing in season. He kept in stock a large and varied display of every class of articles that could by any human invention be constructed into practical use by miners and engineers. Success here again followed his efforts, and at present his business is an enviable possession.

Deputations urged on him the necessity of his presence in the Municipal Council, and on receiving his assent his supporters did good service in canvassing for him. When the results of the election were declared, Mr. McKenzie's name headed the poll. In the first Municipal Council he performed valuable work. So zealous was he in promoting the welfare of Hannan's that he spared neither time nor pains in his active attention to official work. The public recognised his merits, and felt pleased that so able an administrator bad come forward to assist the development of the town. As is always the case with a first council, which has in hand the moulding of everything for their successors, the work is arduous and complex. Much diligence and patience were displayed, however, by that council in which Mr. McKenzie was the senior councillor, and the result of earnest co-operation can now be very gratifyingly witnessed in Kalgoorlie.

His personal interests in the mines around Hannan's are extensive. No one in Kalgoorlie begrudges fortune or success to so old and general a favourite. His kindness and cordiality have won him respect; his keen interest in every municipal affair has brought him the esteem of all who profess sympathy with the true advance of Hannan's. (Since this sketch was written, Mr. McKenzie has been chosen mayor of Kalgoorlie.)

FRANK WALLACE, J.P., M.L.A.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

FRANK WALLACE, J.P., M.L.A.

THERE can be no doubt that the best blood and enterprise of the sister colonies of Australia have been efficient factors in the material development of Western Australia. The voluntary influx of this new leaven seems to have enriched the wholesome bread of political and commercial life. These men brought with them an accumulated knowledge of institutions and ordinances, and a complete fusion of temperaments and cognition has resulted, with salutary consequences to Western Australia.

Mr. Frank Wallace is a prominent coadjutor in the new regiment of legislators, and will unfailingly bring to bear his individual share of ripe and advanced ideas on promotive political endeavours. He was born on the Darling Downs in 1862. On leaving school he went into business in the north-west of Queensland for several years till, on the break out of the Kimberley rush, he left his native colony in 1886, and sailed for Western Australia. He proceeded to the auriferous localities, but only obtained fair compensation for his troubles and hardships. He returned soon after to Fremantle, and thence went to Geraldton, where he was successful in obtaining the managership of a large mercantile house. Geraldton was destined to become the port of a large gold-bearing district, and when Mount Magnet was proved Mr. Wallace joined in the van of the rush, and once on the spot he immediately started storekeeping and mining agency work. With tolerable success, consequent on the growing numbers of the township, he remained there for six months. Then favourable news heralded from Mingenew caused him to proceed to that point, and he traded as a forwarding and goods agent, and took an active interest in mining. He acquired shares in the concerns around, and was always a useful member in assisting cheerfully in formulating the rudimentary laws of municipal life. He co-operated willingly in all beneficial and reform movements for the welfare of the mining community, and his ability and energy were suitably acknowledged by the grateful esteem of the colonising inhabitants.

As ever happens in a gold-producing country, prospectors and miners drift unconsciously to some more distant outpost beyond. Mr. Wallace found himself in course of time at Mullewa. There he was very successful in the pursuit of store-keeping for two years, and when the Government decided to start a railway from this point to Cue, he followed up the line along its course, supplying its builders with the necessaries of life. When the line had been completed as far as Yalgoo he settled down there with more permanent intentions, and invested largely in various interests in the town. He acquired considerable landed property and real estate, and expressed his confidence in the auriferous capabilities of the district by extensive investments in the mines. There was much to be done in the way of municipal improvement in Yalgoo, and Mr. Wallace, feeling it an incumbent duty as a leading resident, put shoulder to the wheel, and undertook many responsible duties in the interests of the community. 0n the Roads Board he applied his endeavours as chairman for a long time. Several other institutions promotive of the welfare of the town were assisted by his advice. The Hospital Committee numbered him as one of its leading advising members, while the Yalgoo Racing Club owes its existence to his enthusiastic instrumentalilty, and he became president.

Before the elections of May, 1897, Mr. Wallace was asked to stand for the district. He was opposed by a strong politician, Mr. H. W. Mills, and after a keen and exciting struggle the poll declared in favour of Mr. Wallace by a majority of four. The electors were fully able to repose confidence in Mr. Wallace, and entrust him with the mandatory representation of their growing interests. He was widely known, and principles and qualifications for so high a trust of honour were adjudged to be eminently suitable. His past conduct and services merited that honourable esteem which the electorate thought fit to pay him. In the House of Assembly Mr. Wallace should prove an acquisition. His political views are vigorous and consistent. With the welfare of the community at heart, and endowed with skilful resources and weight, it cannot but be a normal expectation that large profit will accrue to the electorate from Mr. Wallace's representative presence in the House. In private life his many-sided forces of character are looked on with feelings of respect and admiration. With an inflexible will, a pleasant and modest disposition and intelligence, the only augur that can be formed of his future brightness is a steady rise to political prominence and success.

WALTER KINGSMILL, J.P., M.L.A.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

WALTER KINGSMILL, J.P., M.L.A.

MUCH yet remains to be done in the way of development in the north-west districts of this huge colony. There are resources, perhaps, unsurpassable in any part of Western Australia, but as yet they have not been blessed with popular and speculative appreciation. Yet it must be admitted that much solid work of development has been undertaken through the industrious and confident energy of private enterprise and the more limited collective strength of local syndicates. The auriferous resources of these distant territories are great, and time alone will reveal to the world the hidden wealth.

Pilbarra has been fortunate in the ascending hours of its mineral importance in procuring the Parliamentary services of so able a political representative as Mr. Kingsmill. He was born at Glenelg, South Australia, in 1864, and received his early educational training at St. Peter's College, Adelaide. A clever and studious pupil through his school curriculum, it was considered best for his future welfare that he should enter the arena of the Adelaide University. With considerable aptitude for scholastic and didactic studies, he brought himself into the foreground of prominence in his class, and capped his hitherto successful efforts by graduating at the close of his career of studentdom. On leaving the university, as a full-fledged graduate, he entered the services of the Government, and attached himself for some time to the Geological Department. In this scientific division he gained his first glimpses into the highest principles of mining, and acquired much useful information that proved of great subsequent value to him. Having thus set out on the highway to a mineralogical career, he determined to follow it up on the narrower and more uncertain paths of individual enterprise. At Teetulpa and Manna Hill, in South Australia, he went mining for a considerable time, and grew more attached to the pursuit. Then he went to the Barrier silver mines, on the borders of New South Wales, and engaged with alacrity in several mining and prospecting ventures. But success did not altogether coincide with anticipations, and he resolved to seek the unexplored regions of the west.

Arriving in Western Australia in 1888, he first traversed the southern districts, and late in 1889 reached the more minerally productive fields of the north-west. Mr, Kingsmill enthusiastically engaged in extensive prospecting tours in the Egina, Nullagine, Coongan, and Turner districts. Success, though moderate, was yet satisfying. Marble Bar became his headquarters, from which he sallied forth to many distant points. His connection with mining was by now widely recognised. The Government appointed him Mining Registrar at Marble Bar. This appointment he held for nearly twelve months, till it was superseded by more responsible and remunerative duties. His ability and skill soon attracted the notice of syndicates and groups interested in Westralian ventures, and Mr. Kingsmill was appointed representative of several large and influential colonial and English syndicates. The promotion so meritorious]y deserved was appreciated by many, who recognised in him a competent and worthy person to assume the arduous duties involved in the conferment of such a financially desirable post. His name has been for long identified with public matters in the north-west, and on the Pilbarra Roads Board he sits as an energetic member. In sporting matters he has taken an active and lively part, and the Marble Bar Race Club owes not a little to the enterprising ability and sympathy of Mr. Kingsmill.

When the elections of 1896 came on Mr. Kingsmill was requisitioned to stand as a candidate, and the result of the poll shoved him returned by a substantial majority to the House of Assembly. In politics, Mr. Kingsmill is a man of independent views, but with strong leanings towards democratic principles. His political tenets and dogmas are not the unsifted convictions of the many, but broad and logical conclusions of an educated and well-trained mind. By the sunlight of realism he sees what is best in the interests of his constituents and the colony as a whole, and the practical and the possible are by him rendered supreme to the theoretically speculative and visionary. Mr. Kingsmill is clear-headed and consistent. He possesses a fund of ripe knowledge, and is quick to clinch persuasively the principle he supports.

Mr. Kingsmill's political success would meet with warm appreciation and gladness in the breasts of the citizens of Pilbarra.

JAMES GRAVE.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

JAMES GRAVE.

AS one stands on that precipitous eminence at Osborne which looks down on the broad, Swiss-like expanse of Freshwater Bay, and which reveals to the eye a perfect panorama of picturesque landscape, he may well appraise the excellent taste of the designer and owner, Mr. Grave, who has rendered an Eden in the Golden West. Magical works of art blend harmoniously with the pliable resources of nature's handiwork.

Mr. James Grave was born in London on the 15th April, 1848, but when he was a mere infant of six months his parents sought the distant shores of Australia. His father, Captain Grave, settled at Melbourne, and the young James was educated at the Scotch College and the Church of England Grammar School, two institutions which even in these early times were regarded as leading seminaries of instruction. A free, unfettered life seemed to hold powerful attractions for Mr. Grave, for almost immediately on leaving school he left home and tried his fortune on the Hokitika Goldfields, on the West Coast of New Zealand. He was still a lad of sixteen, though imbued with the courage and tenacious resolves of manhood. For a year his success as a miner was indeterminate as a financial result, but this period of hard apprenticeship was inlaid with beneficial contingencies.

From the goldfields he went to Gippsland, Victoria, and took charge of the Gippsland, Steam Navigation Company's business at Clydebank. Before many months elapsed, he repaired once more to the congenial fields of New Zealand. There was something in its unrivalled scenery that fascinated his youthful admiration.

Nineteen years ago he arrived in Western Australia and started in business. The colony at that unprogressive stage did not hold out too fair a prospect for the settler. It was an era of uncertainty, relieved only from stagnation by the faintest drops of refreshing money-importations. Mr. Grave's business, though energetically pushed, at first lacked that pulsating thrill of excitement which is conceived of a general flow of prosperity. Yet, by dint of his financial qualifications, he struggled through the meandering drift-course of fortune, and enterprisingly interested himself in many ventures which proved lucrative when the stream of general prosperity in Western Australia began to flow. His interests in landed property round the capital and its suburbs are extensive and wealthy. But possibly his most meritorious enterprise is the development of his estate at Osborne, in Claremont. No spot in the whole colony can compare with the superb view obtained from the tower of this magnificent and fashionable hotel, which Mr. Grave has erected, beautified, and adorned on his estate, and leased to Mrs. Atkins, lately of the Hotel Metropole, Sydney. Nature, left to herself, might here have had the rugged richness of an unpolished gem, but the hand of man has gilded its native splendour. The air smells pleasant, and soft breezes blow whisperingly through the richly-foliaged trees. From the raised turrets of Osborne the view commanded is incomparable for its width and variegated beauty. Money has not been stinted in embellishing the scene. The grounds have been laid out with all the pleasantries of the horticulturist's art. Stray where one may through this Australian casino and the effect is delightful and luxuriant Away from the dusty alleys of the capital, a sojourn at Osborne is fragrant and somnolent. All is sparkling, and dreamy memories remind one of the Pompeian villas in the rich days of the senators, or the gorgeous "palatia" of the orientals. All modern apparatus and appanages assure the comfort of the stranger, and the triad blending of nature, art, and science has produced an effect which can only confirm the high æsthetic perceptions of Mr. Grave, his plucky enterprise, and his undoubted ability as a practical architect of his own domains. Osborne stands as a living monument of his skill.

He was one of the earliest pioneers of the goldfields of Western Australia, having spent a large fortune in endeavouring to develop Southern Cross, Kimberley, Golden Valley, and Parker's Range. Unfortunately the results were not satisfactory, and he turned his attention to land speculation and industrial pursuits. He is connected with the largest ventures in Western Australia, including coal, timber, and lime. He is associated with many of the leading men of Western Australia in very large estates, the realisation of which would, it is hoped, yield a substantial return. His interests in landed property (city and suburban) are considerable, and he has been, and is to this day, one of the foremost and progressive men of Western Australia. He has always been regarded as an acute business man and has always kept ahead of the time in the colony in which he has staked all his interest, and has made his home. During his nineteen years' hard work in Western Australia he has never taken a holiday. He is a tireless worker—sixteen to eighteen hours a day—and spends his time with shorthand writers. He has no desire to covet political honours, and he has persistently refused to accept any official business. Mr. Grave has probably erected more landmarks in the colony of his adoption than any other man. He is married, and has a large family. His acute and shrewd financial ability are recognised as of the first order, and no one would deny him the rare gift of speculative judgment. His time is all absorbed in the thorough execution of his business. He is a fosterer of camaraderie, and as social and enthusiastic a companion, even when immersed in a perfect flood of business, as one could desire to meet.

RICHARD WILLIAM PENNEFATHER, B.A., LL.B., and M.L.A.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

RICHARD W. PENNEFATHER.

THE Western Australia population is essentially cosmopolitan in character; a mikrokosmos—a small world gathering. With such a class of inhabitants, mostly men of good intelligence, the contest is keen and decisive. In the race some stumble, some fall, some falter in the rear, and the fittest emerge victorious.

And let the egoist remember that there are races among the champions of the public good, where, also, the best survive the struggle. This second race cannot be termed selfish, for it not infrequently happens that, in a measure, it sacrifices its own interests to the public good. Into the ranks of the latter, Mr. R. W. Pennefather has entered in Western Australia. He is another of the comparatively young men who have come from the Eastern colonies to make his home in the West. On this point, in declaring the Government programme at Bunbury on 16th March, 1897, Sir John Forrest said:—" A large population has been attracted to these shores, and I can speak for all old Western Australians in saying that we welcome these newcomers to this land. We ask them to come here and throw in their lot with us, and take a share in the government of the country, and to be in all respects equal to us. All we want is that they will go shoulder to shoulder with us in trying to advance the permanent interests of this great country." Mr. Pennefather has, in a literal sense, taken the Premier's words.

Richard William Pennefather was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and is a son of Mr. Frederick Pennefather, of Holy Cross Abbey, one of the most charming country seats in the county. While yet young he was taken to Melbourne, Victoria, where he received private tuition, afterwards finishing at the Melbourne University. In 1878 he took the degrees of LL.B. and B.A., and was called to the Victorian Bar, and practised his profession for a couple of years, after which he went to Sydney, and was admitted to the New South Wales Bar, and practised in the metropolis with success. Eventually he returned to Victoria, and resumed his old legal connection. As an advocate in the Criminal Court, as counsel in the Civil Courts, as a cross-examiner in involved Equity suits, or in reducing complicated issues, he could dive into the depths of the sea of legal lore and bring out conclusive points in favour of his clients. In all he practised for fifteen years at the Victorian bar, and had an honourable career in his profession.

In March, 1896, Mr. Pennefather came to Western Australia, but under the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act it was necessary for him to reside in the colony for six months before he was qualified for admission to the Western Australian Bar. He spent this period, travelling over the colony in examining the mineral, pastoral, agricultural, and woodland resources. Especially did he devote attention to the auriferous areas, and he returned to Perth in November, 1896, thoroughly satisfied with the stability and prospects of the colony. Mr. Pennefather was admitted to practice at the end of 1896, and entered into partnership with Mr. John Horgan, a well-known member of the legal profession in Perth. The partnership has been mutually advantageous, and a large practice accrues to the firm.

At the general elections for the House of Assembly, in 1897, Mr. Pennefather stood for the Greenough constituency, and gained the seat by a substantial majority. He promised adherence to the Forrest policy, and with his sound intelligence, and excellent debating abilities, was looked upon as a rising member of the House. When in October, 1897, Mr. S. Burt, Q.C., retired, Sir John Forrest proved the sincerity of his Bunbury speech by offering Mr. Pennefather the Attorney-General's portfolio in the Cabinet. The offer was accepted, and Mr. Pennefather now performs the important duties attached to the office. For so new a Parliamentarian this was a distinguished step.

Mr. Pennefather is a fluent speaker, is at times eloquent, and is always courteous and ready to give ear to the views of others.

CLAYTON TURNER MASON, J.P., M. Inst. C.E.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

C.T. MASON, J.P.

THE world reads of an astounding scientific discovery and wonders. Men begin to debate with themselves whether science after all cannot solve all the secrets of nature. Perhaps no century since the dawn of history has so indelibly stamped its impress on the progress of the age as this wonderful nineteenth has done. What hitherto were regarded as the insoluble problems in nature, sacred because of their profound mysteriousness, are now common property-knowledge. Men with hushed breath, as if dreading some infelicitous climax to such a series of startling discoveries, ask, "Where are they going to stop? Perhaps, after all, they will succeed in overcoming friction, and then, with the slightest impact, we shall be set agoing, and never stop." Such imaginative possibilities are buoying up the popular mind, and they endeavour now to reconcile all other branches of learn-to this gigantic progress-maker. Experiment, that Baconian instrument of inductive logic, has been mainly responsible for all progress and truth, and they hesitate not to apply its infallible criteria to the realms of religion and philosophy. All departments of this limitless word Science are on the march. In the van, side by side with the beautifully-marshalled giant of Electricity, is stationed a formidable rival, fighting, too, for the best interests of her country—Civil Engineering. Both do noble, valiant service, and both win equal applause in the fray. The prowess and utility of the latter has been longer tested and her achievements admired, though swift and dazzling are the strokes of her rival.

The place of civil engineering can never be filled or usurped; its contrivances and mechanical results are of more fundamental necessity for humanity than the superadded fascinating delicacies of electricity. Almost all means of transit are due to a theoretical and practical knowledge of this important profession, and the loss of these would spell the ruin of the world. Its devotees are for ever harassing their brains, devising some better scheme for the common good, and how seldom are their disinterested actions sufficiently recognised by the recipients of these conferments. In Western Australia, while as yet the colony was young and weapons rude, we cannot but respect and admire the energy and skill of those pioneers who, though continually hampered and fettered, contracted works of great engineering skill, which remain as monuments to their ability and labours. Among these Mr. Clayton Turner Mason's name bears universal reputation. He was born at Torrington, in Hertfordshire, in 1847. He was sent very young to Rickmansworth and Hampton private schools, where excellent elementary education is given. As a "provectiore" he received high-class instruction in King Edward's School, Birmingham, where he studied for some time. On leaving school with a considerable quantum of fundamental and useful knowledge, he felt that natural inclinations were strong for civil engineering. With such an unusual early leaning towards his calling, he was articled by his father to Mr. Thomas Waring, a leading member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, who was practising at Cardiff, in Wales. His term of apprenticeship was characterised by hard work and enthusiastic devotion to the science. Although but a young man, Mr. Mason was appointed to measure up the quantities in the great dispute between the contractor and the Penarth Dock and Railway Company, in which £100,000 was involved. He felt on the conclusion of his term that he had learnt much from such an able master, but at the same time was aware of the indefiniteness of scientific scope and research. He left for London, where he practised for some time before leaving for America. On this latter continent he was a great traveller, and reaped valuable information from the different methods of theory and practice in that country. If any country in the world is versatile, it is America, and that versatility is due to a pliable and complete gift of adaptation. In 1874 Australia claimed his services, and after various scientific achievements, he was engaged from 1884-87 in the Railway branch of the Public Works of New South Wales. At this period Western Australia was yawning and tossing dreamily about. It had remained long quiescent and inactive, and now thought of action and progress. In 1887 he came to Western Australia under engagement to the Government, and took up the duties of Resident Engineer of the Geraldton and Northampton Railway. This was the first Government Railway constructed in Western Australia. Difficulties, pecuniary and otherwise, retarded the progress of the line. For eighteen months he sedulously discharged his duties through a trying period. At one moment all available sums were expended and labour stopped. At the next, arrival of necessary implements and material was seriously delayed, and all patience taxed to the utmost. With such disturbing influences, it showed great pluck and determination to have pursued it so zealously, and great skill in bringing it to so speedy completion. During this time he undertook the superintendence of the construction of Point Moore Lighthouse, which was being built by Chance Brothers of Birmingham. His abilities as an engineer were now being recognised, and the Government appointed him controller of various public works in the Victoria district. All these offices he performed with the utmost satisfaction, and wonderful progress was made under his management. From this time his career consists of filling many important positions of fastly ascending importance. He was resident engineer for four years of the Eastern Railway. In the construction of this line money again was scarce, and a repetition of former troubles and difficulties was his unfortunate lot. These are but the necessary adjuncts of infantile development, and require for their mastry a cool head and patient hand. In 1882 and 1883 he was provisionally appointed Commissioner of Railways. He not only discharged the duties of Commissioner of Railways, but also those of Director of Public Works. In quick succession, and simultaneously with this appointment, other honourable offices fell to his lot. He was created a Commissioner of Railways, a member of the Executive and Legislative Councils, and general manager and maintenance engineer. Such a combination, as enviable as honourable, required no ordinary amount of ability and skill. The responsibility of these positions capably resting in the hands of one who could adequately discharge them, gradually elicited the reflex sense of public approval. His tenureship was marked by energy and careful methodical insight into all the departments. Everything was set on comprehensive, intelligible groundwork and system. It was during his period as councillor that the great arbitration case about the Geraldton and Northampton Railway was discussed. Two arbitrators, Sir James Lee-Steere and W. D. Moore, Esq., were appointed, and their decision was based mainly on Mr. Mason's report. Prior to certain concessions being granted to the Great Southern and Midland Railways, which it was proposed to construct on the "land grant" principle, certain rules of agreement had to be drawn up, which was done by a Select Committee of the Legislative Council, one of whom was Mr. Mason. Concessions and points of agreement were definitely fixed upon by the Committee, who acted and followed according to Mr. Mason's proposals. In June, 1885, he was made Commissioner of Railways and a member of the Executive Council, and on the introduction of Responsible Government was appointed to the Collectorship of Customs. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Julia Scott, and has five of a family. He is a prominent Freemason, having filled the chair of the St. George's Lodge. He is a Past Senior Grand Warden of District Grand Lodge.

In all kinds of manly sports Mr. Mason has ever taken a keen interest. In his youth he won laurels in the first Metropolitan the art of swimming and a brave heart has enabled him to perform deeds of valour in saving the lives of two of his fellow creatures. On the first occasion, while at Cardiff, he rescued a man who had fallen into the water, and had to swim more than half a mile with him. This deed of heroism attracted the attention of the Royal Humane Society, from whom he received the certificate of merit, signed by the Duke of Argyle, the then President. On another occasion he rescued a child who was knocked into the water by the tow rope of a steamer. As a rifle shot, Mr. Mason has distinguished himself by winning many important matches in England, Scotland, and Wales. He was one of the riflemen invited by the King of the Belgians to compete in the great matches in Belgium, in which there were 6,000 competitors. In these competitions, which were of an international character, Mr. Mason won the sixth prize. He brought his love for the sport with him to Australia, and in both Perth and Geraldton has been very successful in matches. The love of field sports seems to be hereditary in the family, for in the cricket field Mr. J. R. Mason, of Kent, who played for the South of England Eleven against the recent Australian visiting eleven, is his nephew. Mr. Mason is a keen and liberal supporter of the pastime, and sighs again for the halcyon days of youth that he might enjoy it all over again.

THE LATE HON. WILLIAM EDWARD MARMION, M.L.A.

FIRST MINISTER OF LANDS AND MINES.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

THE LATE HON. W.C. MARMION, M.L.A.

THE name of the Hon. W. E. Marmion adds one more to the list of successful native-born politicians who have impressed their personality strongly on Western Australian history. This work will be found to contain numbers of biographies of such gentlemen, who are, in short, the leaders of, the local political world. Throughout his career Mr. Marmion has given evidences of sharpness of intellect and ability to grasp essentials in political problems which have marked him among his brethren. He has grown with the colony, and from his inner consciousness he may often speak out the voice of his native land,—the cry of Nature for development, of people for wise government. Experienced in almost every industry which has smiled upon Western Australia, and prominently associated with her legislative institutions since their inception, he is well acquainted with all her requirements and aspirations; and he was wisely chosen as a pioneer Cabinet Minister under responsible government, and his work as Commissioner for Lands and Mines was earnest and complete. He spared neither time nor labour to place these State departments in easy working order, and with his colleagues in the Forrest Government, he helped to guide the State machine through its infant struggles, and to bestow prosperity to the whole colony.

Fremantle gave birth to William Edward Marmion, and that centre has rightly received the best results of his life of public utility. He was born on 22nd October, 1845, and the son of Mr. Patrick Marmion, who for a number of years was engaged in active mercantile pursuits in the colony. The boy received his school education at Fremantle and Perth, and when sixteen or seventeen years old, entered the more practical educational establishments to be found in mercantile affairs. He did not long remain a pupil here, for when twenty-one he rose to the rank of master. He opened a business in Fremantle, and remained prominently associated with commercial affairs up to his fortieth year. At first he conducted his commercial concerns under the name of W. E. Marmion, but subsequently, when his enterprise had extended, his business name was changed to W. E. Marmion and Co. During these nineteen years he went prominently into three great Western Australian industries—the pastoral, the pearling, and the maritime. His pastoral interests extended over the districts of Murchison, Gascoyne, North-West, and Kimberley. With others he owned considerable territory, representing in the aggregate millions of acres. These were stocked with sheep and cattle and horses. When the results of the explorations of Mr. Alex. Forrest in the Kimberley district became known, he was among the first to join others and take up extensive properties there, so that he may be esteemed a pioneer of that important pastoral centre. He is still largely concerned in this great industry. He was for some years part proprietor of pearling craft operating on the north-west coast, and was thus able to materially assist in the development of these industries, which returned such handsome profits to the colony, and so largely advertised its importance in the markets of the Old World. From the age of twenty-four to thirty-eight he conducted large shipping operations. In more recent years he has devoted much of his energies to that new and superlatively important industry—mining. Western Australia would still remain comparatively in the backward condition of a few years ago were it not for this growing source of wealth. From the earliest inception of general interest in local mineral deposits, Mr. Marmion has helped by capital, enterprise, and advice in stimulating the work of prospectors. He was concerned in the formation of companies which worked on the Yilgarn-Southern Cross—Goldfields in the eighties, notably the Centrals, Fraser's, and Centrals Extended Companies. These were three of the pioneer mines of Southern Cross, and almost of Western Australia. He is a director of the two first named. As prospecting was pushed further afield than the Cross, he followed it closely, and assisted in the fitting out of prospecting parties, which helped to prove the magnificent resources of the lonely deserts. He was a member of the Dunn Prospecting Syndicate which discovered the Wealth of Nations mine and the Lone Hand reefs, besides numerous others. At present Mr. Marmion is associated with mining interests in the Southern Cross, Coolgardie, East Coolgardie, North Coolgardie, and the Murchison districts. All this serves to show how extensively he has been identified with the development of the primary Western Australian industries, which have attracted capital and population from all over the world, and which have brought the colony from stagnation to a beneficent prosperity.

To turn to the political aspect of Mr. Marmion's career, up to the year 1870 the old Legislative Council consisted of nominees and semi-elective members, either official or non-official. But in that year colonists most reasonably aspired to have some form of Representative Government. Their wishes were granted; the Council was dissolved, and the Constitution provided for a new Council twelve elective members and six nominee, to be made up by three official nominees and three unofficial. Mr. Marmion, who was then about twenty-five years old, stood for election for Fremantle. He was defeated in October, but Governor Weld did not desire that the colony should be without his services in Parliament, and with Messrs. S. P. Phillips and Maitland Brown, he was created an unofficial nominee member, while the official nominees were Messrs. F. P. Barlee, R. J. Walcott, and Mr. (now Sir) Malcolm Fraser, Agent-General for Western Australia in London. Since that date the Hon. W. E. Marmion has been actively identified with Parliamentary affairs, and sat in the Council until the granting of Responsible Government in 1890, and thereupon was chosen a member of the first House of Assembly, and still sits. He has indeed watched the growth of local political institutions, and has had a longer association with them than almost any surviving man in the colony. For two sessions he sat as a nominee member, and then a fresh election took place for Fremantle. Mr. Marmion forwarded the resignation of his seat to the Governor, and contested the election. He was again defeated by a small majority. The Governor, however, considered his services of sufficient value that he held over the acceptance of his resignation until after the elections, and when Mr. Marmion was unsuccessful, he forwarded it back. He, therefore, thus continued to sit. Then in 1873 an unfortunate accident occurred which deprived Fremantle of its first elected member, Mr. E. Newman. A writ was issued for the vacancy. Mr. Marmion a second time sent his resignation to the Governor, and stood for election. On this occasion he was chosen by a fair majority. For the intervening twenty-four years he has been re-elected at every election, whether to the Legislative Council or the Assembly.

In the Council Mr. Marmion evinced activity in all debates, and proved a very useful representative. His experience mercantile and industrial affairs proved of special value, and he was able to lend assistance to the passage of measures designed to safeguard and encourage the colony's trade. Because of this he was looked upon as a rising figure, one who would take no small part in guiding the colony out of stagnation to a prosperous condition. His financial attainments were such that he was for several years a member of the finance committee of the Council, which acted as an advisory board on public works and all financial matters. In the agitation for Responsible Government, in the latter part of the last decade, he was busy in advocating the concession, and when it was made and the first elections took place, he stood for Fremantle proper for a seat in the Assembly. His election was a foregone conclusion, for the Fremantle people did not wish to lose the services of one who had so long and so faithfully represented them. Sir John Forrest was entrusted with the formation of the first Cabinet, and almost immediately approached Mr. Marmion and offered him the portfolios of Commissioner for Lands and Mines. He accepted, and was duly sworn in as the first Minister of Lands and Mines in Western Australia under Responsible Government. We have already written much of the honour attaching to the position of pioneer ministers of State departments in a colony so promising as Western Australia, and the anxiety and great labour which was entailed on the ministers. The Hon. Mr. Marmion proved himself quite able to establish his two departments on facile working lines, and he constantly sought to increase their value to the colony in the two industries specially interested. After setting the Lands and Mines Departments in order, and compiling regulations and other machinery for their guidance, he proceeded to introduce new legislation designed to stimulate the landed and mining interests. Much legislation of value to the colony was thus sponsored by him, and it reflects flatteringly on his foresight and political career when we recognise that during the years he held office the first great strides towards an assured prosperity took place. Under his guidance the mining industry rose out of comparative oblivion to a pedestal of importance at which all the world looked. The population of the colony was doubled, and the export and import wealth and revenue expanded beyond the most sanguine anticipations. For nearly four years the Hon. Mr. Marmion controlled the Lands and Mines Departments, and he proved himself a clever administrator, and one who could grasp the requirements of phenomenal expansion in trade and population. In December, 1894, he resigned the portfolios owing to business reasons and that he took this step was regretted by all who had watched his career. But be found he could not devote so much time as his conscience considered the State demanded to public affairs, and he gave way.

The Hon. W. E. Marmion has filled many useful offices in Fremantle and Western Australia. He represented the colony at that important intercolonial gathering—the great Federation Convention held in Sydney in March, 1891. He was a member of the Board of Immigration, was created a Justice of the Peace in 1872, and was a member of the Central Board of Education from its inauguration in 1871 to its abolition in 1895. Of the early Fremantle Town Trusts he was a member, and when the Trust was superseded by the Council he continued to represent ratepayers, and while a young man was chairman of the body. He has held numerous other positions of more or less importance.

In 1870 Mr. Marmion was married to a daughter of Mr. P. Gibbons, of Fremantle. Mr. W. R. P. Marmion, his eldest son, is actively engaged in mining pursuits, and is a member of the Stock Exchange of Kalgoorlie. There are really few biographies in this work which exhibit such a useful public career in Western Australia as does Mr. Marmion's. Since 1870 he has been a prominent colonist, and year by year has assisted in local Government. His is one of the best known figures in the local political world. In politics he aims particularly at progression, and while conserving the rights and interests of the colony he is a liberal in his support of measures tending to local advancement. West Australians have reason to be proud of this native-born politician.

CR. JAS. MONTGOMERY SPEED.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CR. JAMES M. SPEED, J.P., M.L.A.

THE ranks of the Western Australian bar received an undeniable strengthening by the admission of a large number of the brothers of the wig and gown who elected to come from the other colonies and elsewhere to cast in their lot with this growing colony. Among those who came was Mr.James Montgomery Speed, who, besides obtaining mark in his profession, is on the fair way to make his influence forceful in public matters. James Montgomery Speed was born at Wanganui, New Zealand, in 1859. He was educated at Nelson College, in the Nelson Province, where he distinguished himself as a scholar, and later in the broader sphere of the New Zealand University he carried off several scholarships, and then took up the law as a profession. Young Speed became articled to one of the leading legal practitioners of Wellington—Mr. W. T. L. Travers. At his final examination he secured first place among the successful candidates. After his admission to the New Zealand bar, he practised at Auckland for some time, when he received a highly important mission, which meant considerable travel and the employment of the attributes of a diplomat. He was asked to proceed to Samoa, on behalf of an influential syndicate of Americans, to report on America's claims on that picturesque island. After investigating the matter thoroughly, Mr. Speed went to San Francisco, and laid the result of his labours before his clients, who were well satisfied with his exertions on their behalf Mr. Speed returned to Auckland, and resumed his practice there. Eventually he left the Pacific, and, arriving in Perth in 1892, he joined legal partnership with Mr. Lancelot de Hamel. These gentlemen remained together for over twelve months, when Mr. Speed started practice on his own account, and was alone for about three years. Recently he took Mr. Durston into partnership with him, as the practice he had acquired was rather too large for him to cope with single-handed. His many excellent legal qualifications have won for him an ever-expanding circle of clients, who have benefited by his legal knowledge.

In public matters Mr. Speed has always been most outspoken, both in the press and on the platform. He has broken many a lance with the champions of Protection, and in the columns of the papers of the day he has "written down" the food duties in forcible English, and never has he resorted to the custom of expressing views under the ambush of a nom de plume. Mr. Speed has several times been asked to stand for Parliament, but pressure of business has caused him to decline the honour. In June, 1897, he was elected as senior representative of the South Ward in the Perth City Council.

Mr. Speed is pleasantly intellectual, whether as philosopher, logician, or as the man of worldly wisdom.

GEORGE PARKER.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

GEORGE PARKER.

RUSKIN defines the functions of a lawyer in a community as one who should enforce justice. A keen appreciation of the high duties pertaining to the position is, therefore, necessary to the aspirant for legal honours if he wishes to win the enconiums paid to the most respected of the professions by the appellation, "an honest lawyer." But integrity is not alone sufficient. He must also possess the steadfastness of purpose which will enable him to devote years of labour to the hard reading necessary to become versed in the numerous technicalities of law. A quick perception of the most trivial omissions in the strict rules of the law of evidence will enable him to the more carefully and honestly guard the interests of his clients, to whose welfare, for the time being, the "honest" lawyer must make his own interests a secondary consideration.

In Western Australia, as in other parts of the world, there are certain families who have a predilection for the legal profession, and whose sons have made for themselves a name and place in the community. In legal circles there is no better known, more respected name than that of Parker and Parker, the principals of which firm are sons of one of the colony's oldest residents, Mr. S. S. Parker, whose biography appears elsewhere.

George Parker, with whom we now deal, was born at York, Western Australia, in 1852, and was educated at that old seat of local learning, Bishop's School. At the age of sixteen years he entered the office of his brother, the Hon. S. H. Parker, Q.C., M.L.C., who was then practising his profession in Perth. After completing his articles, Mr. George Parker left his brother and started practice in Fremantle, where he remained until 1881. He then returned to Perth, and entered into partnership with his brother, the firm becoming Parker and Parker. Since the brothers joined in business the affairs of the firm have prospered to a remarkable degree, and it is now one of the leading firms of solicitors in the colony. Several important law cases have been successfully contested by them, and in all matters where abstruse points of law have to be decided, their opinion is considered in valuable.

In addition to taking an important part in the conduct of this large business, Mr. George Parker occupies important positions in the sporting world. In his youth he was an athlete of no small powers. When only fifteen years of age he was such a prominent cricketer that he was selected to play for the senior teams of his native town, and since then has wielded the "willow" for the Fremantle and metropolitan clubs. He was the first scorer of a century in Western Australia, which distinction he achieved in a match played at Fremantle in February, 1895, in which he obtained 108 runs in one innings. For eleven years, prior to 1894, he was captain of the Metropolitan Club, and is now captain of the Perth Cricket Club. He is also a trustee and chairman of committee of the Western Australian Cricket Association.

Mr. Parker was instrumental in forming the Western Australian Amateur Athletic Club, and took a keen interest in foot-racing. In 1883 he ran in all the principal events, and carried off the 100 yards, the 150 yards, 440 yards and mile flat races, and 120 yards hurdle race. As a hundred yards "sprinter" he has not been beaten. In addition to his other honorary offices, Mr. Parker is president of the Swan River Football Club, and president of the Lacrosse Club. Few men have taken more interest in all descriptions of sport than this worthy lawyer. As could only be expected from one whose sportsmanlike proclivities are so strong, Mr. Parker is a prominent figure in the racing world, and has done as much probably to further the sport of kings as any man in the colony. When the Western Australian Turf Club was in low water a few years ago Mr. Parker, with others, came forward and assisted it out of serious difficulties. He also undertook the management of the racecourse, of which he is one of the trustees, and which is prettily situated on the banks of the Swan, and is laid down in grasses. As a committeeman he has had much to do with the constitution of the club, and he took an important part in drafting the rules. In the capacity of steward, a position he at present holds, he is called upon to discharge many onerous duties, which his knowledge of sport enables him to do in the most satisfactory manner. He is also trustee of the York Racecourse.

In his love for sport Mr. Parker is a typical Australian, but at the same time he does not allow it to interfere with his professional work. Mr. Parker was married, in 1881, to the eldest daughter of Mr. Worsley Clifton, late Collector of Customs, and has two children.

There is hardly any branch of sport in which Mr. Parker has not been an adept and even now, as a horseman, he is one of Western Australia's best amateur riders. He trained the winner of the first Perth Cup, and owned several famous horses. Mr. Parker's roll call of friends and well-wishers is a long one. His popularity is distributed over every circle, whether in the sporting world, the professional sphere of wig and gown, or in the quieter walks of social life.

THOS. FREDERICK BRIMAGE.

Photo by Falconer.

THOMAS F. BRIMAGE

THE world is growing alive to the fact that industry alone is the fort for national safety and security. The great powers, dynasties, and republics have spent their best energies in devising destructive tools for the speedy slaughtering of rebellious foes, and have spent millions in reaching their infernal results. Let us hope that a reaction may soon set in against these enormous expenditures, and that a stimulus may thus be given to constructive salutary policies.

Mineral resources are important factors in the growth of the British Empire, and among these the gold mining industry takes its place in the front rank. In Western Australia we can proudly boast of retaining in our midst mining men of singular activity and intelligence, who cannot be surpassed for their enthusiastic, progressive mining endeavours. That radiant skill is diffused over the many fields of the colony; Hannan's is fortunate in its goodly number, and in that number we note the conspicuous part played by the subject of this biographical sketch, Mr. Thomas Frederick Brimage.

Mr. Brimage was born in London in 1866, and proceeded to South Australia with his parents in 1873. His father was a man of some prominence in that colony, and was a master mariner in the Civil Service. On leaving school Master Thomas entered the mechanical and civil engineering departments of the Civil Service of South Australia, and remained for ten years in the Government employ. His aptitude for engineering science raised him to a good position among his compeers. His skill and mathematical gifts were soon recognised.

After these ten years of wealthy experience he left for Western Australia in 1893 to make his mental acquisitions subserve some individual enterprise in this fast rising colony. He practised his profession in Coolgardie, and amassed to himself a wide clièntele. When Hannan's became the favourite theatre for debutants and actors, many people migrated from Coolgardie, and among them was Mr. Brimage. After paying a visit to the surrounding fields, and having examined several claims, he, knowing their value, proceeded to buy. Several good claims were purchased in quick succession, and syndicates, hearing of his speculative successes, determined to have him as their representative. In this latter capacity he acquired several wealthy leases for his companies.

Mr. Brimage is general manager of the Hannan's Great Northern—a valuable property, belonging to a large English company, known as the Prospecting and General Development Company of Western Australia Limited. The property, which had been extensively developed, was floated in London as the Kalgoorlie and Mount Sir Samuel Proprietary. Its yield of gold since then has been the creditable average of one and a half ounces to the ton. Mr. Brimage was appointed some time ago consulting engineer to the Ballarat and Prince Oscar gold mines at White Feather and the Outridge Boulder, Mount Sylvia, and Hannan's Pride of the Valley, at Kalgoorlie.

These many important trusts have been ably discharged by him. Careful and vigilant attention to disinterested duties, and a consummate exercise of cautious judgment on matters of investment and speculation, have rendered him a most capable and fortunate representative. He has been instrumental in swelling the dividends of his syndicate by his discretionary powers. Yet, though so engrossed in his companies' business, he has found time for a few enterprises which have been singularly happy. Around Kalgoorlie he pegged out 228 acres of good auriferous country, the largest contiguous block of leases pegged out and taken up by anyone man, the cost of application money alone amounting to £311. Among others that he pegged out and purchased are the Boulder North Extended, Boulder Nor' West, Hannan's East, two of the leases of the Hesperus Gold Mining Company, the Pirie Gold Mining Company, and the Outridge Boulder. His personal interests in mining are extensive.

This string of enterprising results betokens the energy and activity of the agent. His work has been onerous, but with the felicity attached to it the hard and rough edge is forgotten. His duties of manager, mining and consulting engineer and legal adviser to all his companies keep him in endless employment. In the more extended field of public life he takes a lively interest. He is chairman of the East Coolgardie Roads Board, and associates himself with schemes whose motto is progress. He is a member of the Kalgoorlie, Perth, and White Feather stock exchanges, and a vice-president of the Mine Managers' Institute of Western Australia. He has been and still is a director of the Kalgoorlie Prospecting Gold Mining Company. In the exercise of his multiple duties Mr. Brimage is assisted by his brother, Mr. J. Sale Brimage, an able and skilful business man, who superintends the office work for his brother.

Mr. Brimage is a man of a truly courteous disposition, with a kind and friendly spirit. He is respected by all those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and is admired for his commercial instincts. His zealous desire to see Hannan's progress with rapid strides, and his enthusiastic endeavour to forward that end, has conciliated for him the good wishes of every citizen in Kalgoorlie.

S. B. SCHLAM, F.G.S.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

S.B. SCHLAM, F.G.S.

COOLGARDIE had not emerged from the swaddling-clothes stage of civilisation before the rich auriferous district of Menzies was discovered. The hardy prospectors did not hang round the spot where Arthur Bayley made his sensational discovery, but moved ever on. They spread out in all directions, and those who took the Ninety-Mile Road faced a country to exist in which one had to "rough life" in the most literal sense of the term. With indomitable will and courage they went through dreary saltlake country, across mulga scrub and salt-bush plains, and over burning, arid wastes. But the pluck of the sturdy pioneers was rewarded, and soon afterwards, when Leslie Robert Menzie made his rich find in September, 1894, on the spot where the Lady Shenton Mine now stands, the district became famous for the riches Nature had so unstintingly bestowed upon her. Then the township grew both in size and importance, until to-day it is one of the busiest centres of the Western Australian goldfields.

The town of Menzies was fortunate from its inauguration in having in its midst men of keen business acumen and tireless industry. The gentleman whose name heads this biographical sketch has contributed materially to the welfare of Menzies, and in mining circles he has done much to foster local interests by the introduction of capital. In this and other ways he has become a representative man of Menzies.

S.B. Schlam was born on the Bendigo Goldfield, Victoria, in 1806. He started work as a telegraph messenger, at the age of fourteen. Three years later young Schlam—he being then only seventeen—opened up business for himself as a storekeeper in a country town in Victoria. Two years of this kind life sufficed, and he accepted an appointment in the Mines Department of the Victorian Civil Service. After being some considerable time in this branch he was transferred to a responsible position in the Water Supply and Irrigation Department, and during the régime of the Gillies-Deakin Coalition Government he rendered very valuable service to his department. The irrigation and water supply schemes of that Government were broad and comprehensive, and in seeing all these brought to an issue Mr. Schlam played no small part in arranging the departmental work, details, &c.

When Mr. Schlam had been several years in he Victorian Civil Service, he longed for the freer life of the goldfields of the West. Bayley had made his phenomenal find at Coolgardie, but Mr. Schlam had already decided to go to Pilbarra. Though Coolgardie held out strong inducements, he proceeded to Pilbarra, reaching here about the middle of 1893. He did considerable prospecting work on these north-west fields, but Fortune did tap at his tent door. For about fifteen months he worked round and about Pilbarra, and reading and hearing from time to time of the rich eastern goldfields, he went to Melbourne with a fixed object in view. In the Victorian capital he formed a company to assist him in prospecting, after which he returned and went to Menzies. The field had only been a few months in existence, but Mr. Schlam believed in its future. He thoroughly prospected Mulline, and was one of the first in this part of the fields. His luck was not sensational, and early in 1896 he commenced business in Shenton Street, Menzies, as a stock and share broker, mining agent, and mining engineer. With his shrewd business qualities he was not long in making headway, and he very soon became an important factor in the Menzies mining world. He refused the interests of the Menzies people in their own mines, and led off by floating locally the Golden Wonder for £5,000. Branching out more extensively, Mr. Schlam floated a much larger property in the shape of the Menzies Tornado Mine for £43,750—this capital being subscribed in the colonies. His next flotation was the Menzies Kensington, for £25,000, and then followed in succession the Menzies Kensington Main Lode Development Company, for £12,500; the Menzies Kensington East, for £25,000, and the Menzies Kensington West, for £25,000. All these should turn out good properties, and with Mr. Schlam on the directorate of the majority of them it is scarcely necessary to add that they have been well developed.

Mr. Schlam stood for the mayoralty of Menzies in November, 1896, and was only defeated by the retiring mayor (Mr. Harry Gregory) by a very narrow majority. At an extraordinary election in December of that year he was returned by a large majority as a member of the Menzies Council. Naturally enough, he is prominently connected with the Menzies Stock Exchange, and occupies the position of vice-president. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Mining Engineers. In the many local clubs of a social and athletic nature Mr. Schlam takes a good deal of interest, and has been instrumental in promoting a number of them. He was well known in the world of sport in Victoria, and as an amateur in the art of self-defence he had very few serious rivals. He is president of the A.N.A., Menzies branch.

Mr. Schlam has seen a considerable amount of Western Australia during his sojourn here. He has travelled over its broad acres on camel, with pack-horse, and by bicycle; and for many weary miles on more than one occasion has he carried his "bluey." He is a Fellow of the Geographical Society, Adelaide branch.

Mr. Schlam's energy and resource have acquired for him a very substantial income, and he deserves it. Happy and smiling at all times, he has made innumerable friends in Western Australia.

[Since. this sketch was written Mr. Schlam has been elected Mayor of Menzies.]

DR. JAMES WILLIAM HOPE, F.R.C.P., J.P.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

DR. JAMES W. HOPE, J.P.

HAMLET'S advice, "to throw physic to the dogs," though often repeated is never followed by those whose misfortune it is to need the noxious compounds. In health we pay little attention to the medical profession, but let the smallest sign of disease enter our system and we manifest a wonderful amount of interest in the careers of those to whom we look for relief. Health is too often cast aside as foolishly as the spendthrift throws away his patrimony. And the physician's science to the invalid, as the usurer's gold to the spendthrift, may bring temporary relief, but the inexorable laws of nature demand payment in full for the overdraft of youth, and frequently result in the moral and bodily ruin of the poor debtor.

The duty of the physician in the community, according to Ruskin, is to keep it in health, and it is with this object that public health officers are appointed in centres of civilisation. Their qualifications for the position must be of the highest, or their opinions would not receive that respect and attention necessary to ensure the adoption of precautionary measures to avoid sickness. Before the colony was granted Responsible Government the inducements for professional men to settle in Western Australia were so small that the Imperial Government had to make the appointments from Downing Street, and they naturally made their selections from the ranks Of young medical men who had distinguished themselves in their collegiate careers. It was by this means that the colony obtained many accomplished physicians, who now practise in her towns and cities, and among them is Dr. J. W. Hope, F.R.C.P., J.P., medical officer to the Fremantle Prison and Convict Establishment at Rottnest Island, and also health officer to the port and town of Fremantle.

Dr. Hope was born in 1851 in Hay, Wales. He was educated in his native town, and after passing his preliminary examinations went to Westminster Hospital, where be remained for twelve months, proceeding thence to Bartholomew's Medical School to complete his curriculum. In 1874 he was made a licentiate, in 1878 a member, and in 1885 he took his degree as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. In 1874, after having gained some experience in one of the large hospitals, he received an appointment under the Imperial Government as district medical officer at York, Western Australia. The young medico gladly accepted the offer, and immediately took passage for his new home on board the ship Eulie. On arriving at York, Dr. Hope found time to discharge, in addition to his official duties, many functions of a semi-public character. He interested himself in the pursuits of the residents, and soon became recognised as one of the most progressive men in the district. He embarked capital in agricultural and pastoral ventures, and was fairly successful. The discovery of gold in the Kimberley district attracted his attention to a fresh field of enterprise, and as he could not on account of his duties personally visit the place, he organised and despatched, at his own expense, a prospecting party to examine the new field. The leader of the party, Mr. G. A. McPherson, one of the best known prospectors in the colony, was not very successful in his quest. The disappointment or this venture was, however, compensated for in a degree by the doctor's promotion in the service to his present position, which he has held since 1882. Three years later he determined to once more endeavour to win the favour or the fickle goodness of fortune in the interior, and at considerable expense, equipped a second prospecting party. The same leader was placed in charge, and right well did he do his work. In the summer of 1890 he pressed across the plains in the direction of the now prosperous district of Southern Cross, and discovered the well-known Hope's Hill mine, named after the doctor. This property, which was worked for some time by the discoverers, proved so rich that it attracted the attention of English investors, and a syndicate was formed and purchased the mine for a large sum. The doctor still retains a large interest in the property.

Dr. Hope, who was married in 1878 to Miss Monger, of York, has six children.

As will be seen from the above brief sketch of his career, Dr. Hope is an enterprising man. In his professional life he has had many strange experiences, particularly in the discharge of his Government duties. In the prisons, where so many men of the worst type are congregated, the most ingenious tricks are resorted to by the convicts to enlist the medical officer's sympathy, and obtain, on the plea of sickness, a respite from their uncongenial labours. But the great experience Dr. Hope has had enables him to tell almost in a moment whether a complaint is genuine or not. With a fine military presence and a commanding air, Dr. Hope seems fitted by nature for the position he holds. A strict disciplinarian, he is yet of kindly nature, and in cases of illness among prisoners is as conscientious and painstaking in the treatment as he would be with his more fortunate patients outside the gaol. In social circles he is a universal favourite. Dr. Hope was gazetted a Justice of the Peace in 1881, and holds a commission as Major in the Fremantle Artillery.

MACKENZIE GRANT, J.P.

Photo by Barroni & Co.

MACKENZIE GRANT.

THE love of pastoral and agricultural pursuit seems to be inborn in the Scottish Highlanders. Wherever in their native straths, or in foreign lands, they adopt the pursuit of their fathers, their attempts are followed in the most part with great success. There can be no doubt that the reason of that success, which cannot always be ascribed to the sacred wand of Fortune, lies with that intuitive faculty they have for judging the richness and poverty of soil. In Mackenzie Grant the love of wider fields, combined with a spirit of enterprise, must have been strong so that be could forsake the fertile glens of his youth. He was born in Strathspey in 1834. This glen is one of the most beautiful in the Highlands of Scotland, and the richest in agricultural soil. At the early age of sixteen years he came to Victoria, and settled in the Portland district. For a considerable period he remained there, gaining valuable insight into the methods of colonial farming, which differed so essentially from what he had learnt of it at home. In 1896, in company with J. E. Richardson, A. R. Richardson, John Edgar, and the late Mr. Anderson, he embarked on the Maria Ross for the North-West. Here they took up the Pyramid Station, and stayed there about eighteen months. They stocked it with the sheep and cattle they had brought with them from Victoria on board the Maria Ross. Then, in 1868, Mr. Grant, with John Edgar as partner, launched forth on a huge undertaking—the purchasing of the noted De Grey Station, with over a million acres. No doubt this was a large stride, and the unversed might judge it risky, but the "canny" Grant, with full mental equilibrium, knew well what he was about. At the present time there are over 80,000 sheep on the property—numbers conveying an approximate idea of the size of the station. The partners sold a part of it, called Muckin, to the Messrs. Darlot. Vastness, however, has got a great romance and affection for the mind; and no sooner had they parted with an inch than they bought a foot—taking over the large station of Mulye. It was soon after this that Mr. Grant, in conjunction with Messrs. Harper and Anderson, became engaged in the pearling industry. Anderson left the firm shortly after, and Edgar took his place. They were interested in the pearling industry for eight and a half years, and were highly successful in their collective efforts. Mr. Grant still holds a share in the De Grey Station. Pardu Station, adjoining the former, was acquired by Messrs. Anderson, Edgar, and Grant. Then, striking out on an investment of his own, Mr. Grant bought, fourteen years ago, Newinerricurra sheep and cattle station. Simultaneously with this purchase, he bought the Glengarry sheep station in the Victoria Plains district. He holds, besides all these enumerated, a huge paddock for cattle-rearing, which he bought from Sir John Forrest, and a thousand-acre estate near Geraldton, where he rears horses.

Virgil and other pastoral poets have cast such a ring of romance about a life like this as almost to deny to it any active, energetic nature. Mackenzie Grant was not, at all events, of that dreamy nature which leads to apathy and disconcern. Active and eager to give scope to his rich capabilities, he hurried on from one scene to one of greater scope. His speculations were always attended with considerable gain. At an early period of this colony, when as yet its mineral resources were unknown and undeveloped, it is to those men who farmed the agricultural and pastoral resources of the country that the chief thanks for its development is due. And no one deserves more than Mr. Mackenzie Grant.

[Since the above was written, we regret to hear of Mr. Grant's demise.]

JOHN WILLIAM FIMISTER.

Photo by Falconer.

JOHN W. FIMISTER.

WHAT can be more natural than the desire for unimpeded control? A man grows tired of the same monotonous surroundings, and of his own thankless task to please a feverish, pettish public. Competition—a huge spirit-crushing engine—makes many thoughtful minds revert to an insatiable longing for simplicity, for that pristine equality which characterised the happy life-span of our ancestors. Free nomadic life, with its peaceful harmonious reign, seems to be the only panacea for all our socialistic grievances and disputes. Many whose reflections point thus should be tolerably happy in the existence of the goldfields, where the completest approximation to the golden past reigns undisturbed. Here there is pleasure, excitement, and liberty, with a rich harvest for the willing reaper. He who once enters on his unconventional peace-unbroken life, bids a hearty adieu to his former surroundings.

Mr. Fimister is one who had attained his fair share of success in the commercial world, but had forsaken its iron bonds for the open fields of Westralia, where his own physical and mental gifts obtained for him their true deserts. He was born in Malmsbury, Victoria, in 1867. After leaving school he apprenticed himself to a carriage-building firm, and on becoming master of the craft he pursued his skilled avocation in the North-East district of Victoria for many years. His mechanical abilities, coupled with his industrious attachment to business, had been instrumental in extending his business reputation. With a sincere desire to please his patrons, he laboured with uncommon zeal to produce articles of workmanship whose superiority of finish and design would more than compensate for his expense in energy. At last he grew weary of his skilled handicraft, and his efforts groaned under their superimposed burdens. Bright visions of vast deserts with embosomed gold were relieving hopes. He had taken an active and eager interest in the exploits and achievements of goldfield heroes, and had closely noticed the wide scope the fields offered for energy and fortitude.

In 1890 he announced his intended departure to his friends and patrons, who conveyed their deepest feelings of regret by more than mere external words. With a multitude of earnest wishes for his fortune he sailed for Western Australia in that same year. On his arrival he proceeded to the Murchison, which at that early period showed signs of auriferous productivity. Within that territory he visited Nannine and the Horseshoe Bend, at the head of the Gascoyne. He remained on these fields for two years, during which period he had traversed most of the province, and had prospected with appreciable success. He left for Perth in 1892, and from there picked his way to Southern Cross. It was while he was at that place that the late Arthur Bayley came into Southern Cross, bearing the news of his rich find in Coolgardie. In a moment all Southern Cross was a scene of activity and bewildering excitement. The news had spread like wildfire over the town; miners came thronging in from far and near, and all fed joyously on the auspicious tidings. Parties were immediately formed; preparations and equipments were completed for he expedition with incredible celerity. Mr. Fimister joined in the first rush, which set out on Sunday. He and his mates had furnished themselves with horses to accelerate speed, and sustained enthusiasm among the jolly company enlightened the dreariness of the route.

On their arrival at Coolgardie they immediately set to work, and pegged out a lease between Bayley's Reward and the present township. The alluvial seemed to possess inviting appearances on this area, so they steeped their energies and physical labours in the exercise of their infallible unearthing implements, and brought to the light of day and the interior of their "sporaned" belt the precious yellow dust. Satisfied with their alluvial successes they now cast their eyes round for the more dignified stately reef.

They were pleased at their swollen "shammy"-bag results after their hard period of incessant labour. Yet not a little had to be parted with for their daily necessaries. Water was scarce, and its price consequently enormous. Two shillings and sixpence a gallon was paid by Mr. Fimister for the precious unfiltered liquid. News reached him shortly after this that the Murchison was flourishing again. His great belief in the auriferous wealth of the Murchison induced him to seek its areas once more. On his way thither news reached him of a probable rush to the Horseshoe Bend. But devious and circuitous paths, slow and tedious progress on the long-distant march, were cruel obstacles to his early arrival. When he arrived there, with feelings of mixed chagrin and vexation, he found that the rush had died away, and that his long and toilsome march had been undertaken for nothing. Seeing that it was futile to remain any longer he retraced his steps to Coolgardie.

He had just reached his destination when news of the Hannan's rush fell with unmeasured delight on his welcome ears. He adapted himself to the situation, bought a considerable supply of stores, and set out for Hannan's. He erected a store in Hannan's Street, and at once commenced business. This new departure was very successful financially, and from a modest unpretentious "taberna" we see the evolution of a large, capacious, and flourishing general store. The growth of his business has kept pace with the expansion of the town, and such a progression may well indicate its present proportional dimensions.

In the administration of public affairs Mr. Fimister has been an ardent worker. He was elected a member of the first council, which sat for a period of eighteen months, and resigned his seat in November, 1896. His municipal service must be characterised as one of devotionate attention to the interests and material welfare of the town. Apart from his own commercial business, he is extensively interested in mining. He is associated with many syndicates and companies. Enterprising, yet cautious, he has been prosperous in his several ventures.

He is a man of pleasant temperament, with a keen social disposition. He is widely known in Kalgoorlie and the goldfields generally, and is worthy of that popularity which accrues to his name.

CHARLES CUTBUSH.

Photo by Falconer.

CHARLES CUTBUSH.

ONE stroke of fortune makes a whole goldfield akin. It matters little what occupation or avocation one's grandfather pursued, or what industry or profession one engaged in previous to arriving in these cosmopolitan cities, so long as present virtues and behaviour are compatible with good citizenship and fellowship. Past conduct, of whatever colour it may have been composed, suffers no introspection and cross-examination from an inquisitive mind; the confession of silence is as gracious as the reward of present virtue and valour. How that miraculous intervention of luck changes destiny and life! A few moments before, and the lean-pursed prospector, with a swag on his own or a camel's back, a fading supply of edibles of ghostly luxury, ruin facing him if the hunted metal escapes his gaze, revolves a thousand turbulent thoughts in a restless mind, and then "Eureka," joy, splendour, and prominence! The transformation that discovery works in the fortunate prospector has all the gilded gorgeousness of a caliph's dream. His name soon flourishes on promotive boards and committees, and finds lasting preservation in the annals of institutions.

Such is often the fortune of adventurous prospectors into the depths of auriferous wildernesses. The world holds that their daring deserves all the success they can command, and the world is seldom so unjealously noble. Mr. Charles Cutbush seems to have arrived in the land of Pactolus with a "Golden Butterfly" secreted somewhere in his chain of fate. Prospects far and wide, distant and dreary, were undertaken with a noble horse, a complaining camel, or an inanimate "bike," as his unresponsive but trusty companions and carriers. Mr. Cutbush at last fared fortunate, and was enabled to assist others at the loom of Clotho. His services in this regard inaugurate a new era in the history of his life. To him the doctrine of goldfields' casualty applies, for chance may make a Crœsus' or a Lazarus of each of the devotees of fortune on the great speculative sea of gold fields' contingency. Chance, too, or luck, is with miners a divinity that shapes their ends, and is cursed or blessed according to its actions. Accepting their philosophy, we must conclude that this impersonal deity favoured Mr. Cutbush.

Mr. Cutbush was born in Sydney in 1866, and was educated at the Grammar School in that city. As a youth he figured prominently at cycle meetings, and on several occasions showed his calibre by carrying off certain special prizes. In the acme of his cycling power he created a long-distance record for New South Wales. His capabilities on the wheel, though lucrative from the point of view of competitive sports, were of more practical value to him on his prospecting journeys through the sandy deserts of Western Australia. His attachment to this form of athletic exercise, and others of a more or less kindred nature, has been conspicuously shown by the supreme interest he has taken in sporting matters on the Western Australian fields.

In 1893 Mr. Cutbush arrived in Coolgardie. Making this his headquarters, he set out on various expeditions in search of gold. His returns from these extensive tours were not a full compensation for the time and trouble expended in the attempt to reach some golden grotto. When the great rush to Kurnalpi took place, Mr. Cutbush was among the first to arrive. The balance of fortune swung more pleasantly in his favour, and hopes of future aggrandisement were restored. From this excited vicinity, where hundreds of miners still groped among the alluvial for grains and slugs, Mr. Cutbush, satisfied that the place was exhaustively worked, left for Hannan's. On reaching there in 1894, he took a look round the neighbourhood, and pleased with its aspect, determined to settle down in the township and start business. He became a partner of Mr. J. W. Fimister in a most profitable venture.

When material affairs began to prosper, Mr. Cutbush resolved to take an active part in municipal life. A Progress Committee was soon formed for the purpose of taking precautions for the security and welfare of the citizens. Although this corporation had no legal existence, its aims and objects are practically the same as those of a municipal council, and the difference, which is everything, consists in the process of executing those aims. A Progress Committee is like a lay-preacher, unpolished, practical, ready, and not over disposed to be eclectic and dignified. This committee was formed, its drastic constitution was drawn up, and Mr. Cutbush was appointed first secretary, being returned at the head of the poll. He discharged the duties incumbent on the office with praiseworthy efficiency.

At a later period, when Kalgoorlie had assumed more definitely the appearances of a thriving town, a hospital was erected, and a committee chosen to superintend its management and interests. Mr. Cutbush was elected to the honourable position of chairman of committee, and was highly successful in this directing capacity. He has also held the secretaryship of the Hannan's Racing Club for two years.

As one of its municipal pioneers, and most useful citizens, Mr. Cutbush is entitled to the respect of Hannan's. He contributed his skill and energy towards forming the protocol of the municipality, and though many of the early enactments and provisions have suffered amendment, modification, and abrogation, as environments expanded and circumstances changed, he and his fellows did yeomanlike service for the era for which they were intended and devised. Mr. Cutbush has many traits of character which have created friendships and elicited the good opinion of his fellow men, in a land where honesty of purpose and other ethical virtues are extolled.

THE HON. GEORGE THROSSELL, J.P., M L A.

COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

THE HON. GEORGE THROSSELL, J.P., M.L.A.

THE most thoughtful and best read of the public men of Western Australia have sedulously aimed at settling the lands of the colony, recognising that younger communities in other parts of Australasia, with a smaller territory, but not many idle acres, had made rapid progress by developing their productive resources, which are the source of national wealth and the foundation of the prosperity of the people. It was mainly the intense cultivation of her vineyards, the "close settlement" of her peasant proprietors of "garden blocks," that enabled France to so readily pay Germany's war indemnity in 1870; the immense export of locally grown food supplies adds much to the greatness and the stability of the United States. In Western Australia for many years we had the land but not the tillers, and Mr. Throssell perceived that ill fares the land that supports the farmers of her neighbours, instead of a yeomanry of her own. The backward condition of agriculture in the West was reflected in the stagnation of trade, the scarcity of money, the dormant condition of enterprise, the leanness of the public revenue, for large estates on which nothing but natural herbage was grown, and which had been parted with by the Crown for a cypher, were taking the place of farms. The cry, "Unlock the lands," had been an inspiring, rallying call in the other colonies, where the battle between the squatters and the selectors had been stubbornly fought, until the victory had been won by the ploughman, but in the West all that was heard of the crusade were the voices of a few patriots like Mr. Throssell, who never lost an opportunity to demand that the people should be enabled to make homes upon the soil, create their own independence, and swell the public exchequer.

George Throssell, M.L.A., and Commissioner of Crown Lands, was born in Fermoy, County Cork, on the 23rd May, 1840. In 1850 he came with his father, George Michael Throssell, to Western Australia, where Mr. Throssell père was appointed to a police-inspectorship at Perth, his son, after leaving school, joining the staff of Messrs. Padbury and Farmane (afterwards Padbury, Loton, and Co.), merchants, St. George's Terrace. On coming of age he started business at Northam at an inauspicious time, for within a few months, in 1862, a flood swept away most of his assets, but starting again he steadily prospered, and married Miss Annie Morrell, the daughter of Mr. Richard Morrell, one of the earliest settlers in the Northam district. From the marriage have sprung Messrs. George, Lionel, and Harry Fermaner Throssell, who are now partners of Mr. Throssell in the business at Northam, and in its branches at Southern Cross, Coolgardie and Newcastle.

From the day Mr. Throssell entered Northam as a stripling, he took an active part in its public affairs, and those of the colony generally. He was elected to the Northam Municipal Council, and for nine years filled the mayoral chair, being only out of office long enough to comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act. He was at the head of the Council when Governor Broome signed the proclamation promoting Northam to the dignity of a town, and the corporation to a higher place in civic rank. When in 1890, on the introduction of Responsible Government, the people of the colony were permitted for the first time to make a free choice of their Parliamentary representatives at the ballot box, Mr. Throssell graduated easily as a legislator, for he was held in such estimation by his fellow residents, among whom he had lived so long, that he was returned unopposed as the member for Northam in the Legislative Assembly. Three years later, in 1894, a rival entered the lists with him, and was badly overthrown. In March, 1897, on he retirement of Mr. A. R. Richardson, Mr. Throssell accepted the portfolio of Commissioner of Crown Lands, and the choice the Premier, Sir John Forrest, had made in offering him the appointment was heartily approved by the press and the public, the general verdict being that the best man had been selected for the important post.

It is as the apostle of land settlement that the Hon. George Throssell enjoys a high reputation, and will be remembered in the history of the advancement of the colony. Of a strong fighting temperament, ardent in a good cause, and a popular and forceful advocate of farming interests, land settlement is, to Mr. Throssell what the repeal of the Corn Laws was to Cobden and Bright. To see new homesteads established, a larger acreage every year brought under the plough, to provide farmers with railways for the cheap and expeditious transit of their crops to market, to buy out owners of large and almost idle estates near centres of population, in order to make room for producers, are objects of Mr. Throssell's fondest ambition. To the furthering of these principles, he may be said to have devoted many of the best years of his life, and until he sees Western Australia, from one end to the other of her cultivable districts, presenting a landscape of cornfields, orchards, and fallowed land, it is safe to predict that he will not rest from the labours with which his name will always be prominently associated. The passing of the Homesteads Act, under which a free farm of 160 acres is given to every bona fide settler, and the establishment of the Agricultural Bank, which makes advances to farmers on very easy terms, in order that they may improve their holdings, may be cited as examples of the progress that is being made in Western Australia in the adoption of the liberal encouragement to the cultivator that the Hon. George Throssell and Sir John Forrest have always been foremost in asking for. Moreover, the time has come, in Mr. Throssell's opinion, when extensive properties in the fertile Avon Valley and other places, adapted to the growth of hay and cereals, should be plotted into farms, and has made a beginning in this direction by purchasing one or two large estates in the neighbourhood of Northam, in order to subdivide them, and place them under the occupation of cultivators. Another conspicuously successful movement in a similar direction has been carried out largely under his guidance, with special reference to the promotion of temperance, and under the auspices of the Total Abstinence Society, Northam, of which he is president. The society has purchased several blocks of land from the Crown, and sold them on deferred payments to members of the organisation, thus at the same time promoting the cause of sobriety, and giving a good start in life to deserving young men. The railway interests of the growers of his electorate have been zealously watched by Mr. Throssell, who successfully fought the contest of the routes in regard to the Yilgarn line, and carried it via Northam, instead of through York, which strenuously sought that deviation. He is now vigorously urging the claims of his district to a branch line from Northam, through Jennapullin, to Goomalling. This extension would open up a great deal of excellent country, which the Commissioner has had surveyed, and which is being quickly taken up as conditional purchases and free homestead farms. The important subject of water conservation for irrigation and mining purposes has received much attention from Mr. Throssell, who, while having much respect for the rights of labour, is prone to say that no man who does not work more than eight hours per day prescribed by the unions will never make much headway in the world.

Mr. Throssell, who founded the Northam Mechanics' Institute, and is president of the athletic clubs in his electorate, takes a sunny view of life, and is full of constitutional talent, the outcome of the vitality o[ a strong physique. He never carries the acerbities of debate outside the Legislative Chamber, and is much fonder of a good story, even at his own expense, than of virulently attacking a political opponent, being only moved to anger in denouncing any approach to chicanery or the oppression of the weak. He is respected even by those who do not agree with all his aims, and is acknowledged to be one of the leading men in the Parliament of Western Australia.

JOHN REID, C.E.

Photo by Bond & Co.

JOHN REID, C.E.

IT is good that the resources of a rising colony should attract the flower of manhood. Pioneers and scientists wear the Western Australian crowns of olives. The former by their daring, the latter by their skill, have made Western Australia what she is. Science rescues the hard-won prizes of the prospector. But he who, like Mr. John Reid, effectually combined both, must be the recipient of higher awards from the judges and judgment of the colony.

Mr. Reid was born in Yorkshire, in 1854. On completing his education he was indentured to a civil engineering firm in Leeds. This office afforded him experience both wide and varied, which, taken advantage of, proved highly serviceable. No sooner had he qualified as civil engineer than he entered into some engineering contracts on his own behalf. His practice, modest and unassuming at first, grew gradually and unobtrusively into an extensive business. With the confidence of an expert he entered into contracts on a large scale. Perhaps the most noticeable result of his skill is the bridge constructed over the Mersey, for the London and North-Western Railway Company. The excellence of this engineering construction shall, though all else fail, serve to keep his memory green. It was no dissatisfaction with himself or his success that caused him to think of foreign shores. It was the love of change, the problematic chances which unrestricted scope offered, and lastly the soul-possessing ideas of betterment and hopeful contingencies. In 1879, he embarked for South Australia.

Almost simultaneous with the date of his arrival he received the appointment of Constructing Engineer for the Government railways of the colony. In a few years he supervised the construction of 530 miles of railway, and his works generally commended themselves to the Government. He considered it advisable, however, to eventually sever connection with the service, and in 1892 he returned once more to England. But the fascination of the colonies, strong and inexplicable, restricted his stay at home to one year, and before the end of 1893 he was back again enjoying the freedom of colonial life. In Melbourne his engineering reputation was instrumental in making him arbitrator in important civil suits. His advice was sought in the great Robb litigation case—perhaps the greatest litigation case ever entered into in the colonies. Mr. John Robb, a railway contractor, sued the Queensland Government for the enormous sum of £1,000,000, Mr. Reid was engaged as one of the skilled arbitrators, and in his evidence stated the pros and cons of the proceedings. The arbitrators awarded £30,000—divisional reduction as it was—to Mr. Robb.

Whisperings of occasional slight gold discoveries in Western Australia tingled his ears, and with the gradual rise of tone he believed more readily. He eventually came to this colony in connection with Mr. S R. Wilson, the great mine-owner. Mr. Reid toured the Murchison, whence he went to Coolgardie, arriving there six months after Bayley's find. He visited from Coolgardie most of the nascent fields, and his travels were not without due reward. He was appointed a representative for the Octagon Syndicate. To advance the interests of the firm, prospecting parties were equipped and despatched to different centres. The most important finds with which the prospecting parties are credited are Kurnalpi and Menzies discoveries. These were subsequently floated into companies. The original Octagon Syndicate revised its name and nature in 1896, and rechristened itself the Octagon Explorers Company Limited.

One commendable point about this company's procedure is, that it develops its properties before it sells or floats. This effects a readier flotation, a more honourable reputation, and a greater quantum of investing confidence. The most important flotations effected were the Fingall's Reefs at Edjudina, Menzies Gold Reefs Proprietary, Menzies Crusoe Gold Claims, and Menzies Consolidated. These mines have proved their alleged richness, and reflect great credit on the equitable and honest policy of the men who advised their flotations and reported their competency and sterling value. The Octagon Explorers Company have purchased and floated Block Forty Five lease at Kalgoorlie.

Mr. Reid acts as local director for all these companies. For the Octagon Syndicate he acquired 190 acres of alluvial ground at Kurnalpi. To ensure the development of this lease, the Kurnalpi Gold Exploration and Development Company, with a capital of £230,000 was floated. In the Mount Malcolm district the Octagon Company secured 200 acres at Mount Leonora, which lease after due trial and inspection proves to be highly auriferous.

In both his commercial and private life Mr. Reid exhibits that welcome vein of candour which looks down on cant. His administrative abilities cannot but be appraised by the Company, which he has so faithfully striven to aggrandise. Gifted with excellent judgment and a pleasing personality his local career is bound to redound to his satisfaction.

LESLIE ROBERT MENZIE.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

LESLIE R. MENZIE.

GREATNESS is a term widely applied and universally envied. The successful exploiter of nature's minerals has a greatness as promotive of envy as that of the king or poet who makes the songs of a people. And this Mr. Leslie Robert Menzie has proved and appreciated. He was born in Baltimore, United States, and was educated in that city. With an inherent love for mining, he left the parental roof to go to the Sacramento fields—that home of gold-mining in America. This place was a mere preparatory school for storing the mind with such rudiments of the secret art as he could acquire in eighteen months, and he went to the Rand, in South Africa, and was on the spot soon after British money was first invested there. In that quarter of the globe for two years he prospected the famous African Goldfield, and laid by a store of mining knowledge which was bound to become useful to him at some period of his life. Nor did he merely gain experience, for the golden god looked kindly on his efforts of propitiation.

After some measure of success in Africa, the enterprising spirit and the true quality of one who deserves to receive the gifts of the earth took him to another far-off country. His mining education was not yet completed, and it would be difficult to imagine a better schooling than that to be obtained in divers countries where the infinite resources of nature can be appreciated. Nature never repeats itself; and as no two human faces are alike, so no two valleys or hills present the same features. Mr. Menzie heard that gold had been found in New Zealand, and he passed over to the South Island, to exploit her fern-clad valleys and mossy outcrops. First he searched for riches in the Thames district and then he travelled the whole length and breadth of the gold-producing country in the South Island. New Zealand offers a wide field of study to geologists. Substantially, it is unlike any other country on the face of the earth, and nature glories in the most anomalous contradictions. At Makapawa, especially, Mr. Menzie's labours were rewarded.

Five years were passed in the land of the dusky Maori. But now there began to loom dimly on the horizon of the mining world a new golden country—a modern land of Sheba. And while the historical Queen was presenting her gifts to Solomon, the sable children of the Western Australian deserts roamed thoughtlessly over the deposits which enriched the earth. Vague speculations were indulged in in 1890 that Western Australia contained the nucleus of a great goldfield, and prospectors from all over the world drifted here at intervals to explore her vastnesses. Among them in that year came Mr. Menzie. In the height of summer he went out into the country and prospected Parker's Range, near Southern Gross. Not yet was the golden era of his life to come, for his success was an inadequate return for personal hardships. Nothing daunted, he persevered, and in this was encouraged by the syndicate which he represented. Several Perth gentlemen commissioned him to prospect, and under their auspices he transferred his labours to the Murchison district, there to take charge of the Star of the East Mine. In him was a deep love of the life of the prospector; and with that love he possessed other necessary characteristics, such as untiring energy and determination.

He was accompanied to the Murchison by Mr. J. E. Macdonald, a counterpart of himself. These gentlemen remained together for three years, and acquired vast experience in, and knowledge of, the auriferous belts of this colony. From place to place over the Murchison they made their search, and by this time rumour was confirmed, and rich mines of gold were discovered in widely-separated parts. Bayley and Ford had hit upon Coolgardie; the Londonderry discovery had electrified the mining world, and John Dunn had made his fortune at the Wealth of Nations. Men who had hitherto known the colony but as an empty name now seized their maps and gloated over the pink outline of a country which they had formerly stigmatised as barren. The labours of Mr. Menzie on the Murchison were not greeted with remarkable success, and he returned to Perth. Hardly had he arrived when the public was incontinently excited and mesmerised by the discoveries of Dunn. Seized with the feverish excitement, Menzie immediately went to Coolgardie. No more fortunate journey was ever made by him, and the exaggerated stories of mountains of gold told him in the eastern mining town made him ambitious to emulate the greatness of Bayley and Dunn. With Mr. Macdonald, a native, an Afghan, and camels, he penetrated the lean desert. On their camels they crossed to Hannan's, thence to White Feather, Black Flag, and the Ninety-Mile. From the last place he took a north-westerly direction, and had not gone far before he determined to elaborate]y and laboriously prospect likely looking country.

In the remarkably short space of four weeks after leaving Perth he discovered the field now known as Menzies. While moving over the dusty way he saw before him an outcrop three or four feet high, in which, as he says, "was glistening gold that could be seen two or three chains away." Hurriedly did he peg out a twenty-four and an eighteen-acre lease, erecting a few mute pegs, signs of possession which few miners will disrespect even in the most inaccessible region. In the former is now the famous Lady Shenton, floated by Mr. H. J. Saunders, M.L.C., into a company, with a capital of £160,000; and in the latter the Florence, also floated by Mr. Saunders for £120,000.

After pegging out the ground, Mr. Menzie set out for Coolgardie and made application for the leases, which were granted. Returning with additional stores—for their provisions and water had run cut just when they had made the lucky find—Mr. Menzie was met by a large number of men at the Ninety-Mile, who followed him to the treasure-ground. He now remained on the claims for a short space of time, and then proceeded to Perth for a holiday. Potential energy was still in abundance, and he found an outlet for it in starting upon another prospecting tour, but after passing Kurnalpi he was seized with rheumatic fever, and was conveyed back to Perth. He recovered slowly, and when convalescent he forsook active mining for the realm of speculation and investment.

In May of 1896 the wheel of his fortune again revolved, this time in South Australia, where he went on behalf of two other gentlemen and himself. They believed in the resources of that colony, and signified their belief in the most effectual way—by purchasing sixty-four gold mines. In connection with this venture Mr. Menzie floated the Menzie's Barossa, the Menzie's Barossa North, and the Menzie's Welcome companies. The first possesses a capital of £160,000, the second £60,000, and the third he disposed of to a wealthy syndicate.

We have now given the chief links in the chain of his busy life. The tide of fortune seized him at the flood and raised him to high water-mark. But let the romantic and sanguine youth guard himself against fallaciously conceiving it to be a regular rapid flow, for an undercurrent or ebb may run conjointly. Mr. Menzie can feel a reflex sense of pleasure in looking back on those days when, with swag and camel, hungry and thirsty, he pursued the hunt of the yellow dust, fearing, like the poet, when he said

"We wear out life, alas!
Distracted as homeless wind;
In beating where we must not pass,
In seeking what we shall not find."

A word of prophecy from such an authority on the future of Western Australian fields will be welcome. Mr. Menzie strongly affirms that this colony will be one of the leading gold-producing countries of the world. Of a good-natured and suave disposition, Mr. Menzie's company is greatly enjoyed. To the country in general his well-earned acquisitions have been highly beneficial. He has helped to throw open the gates leading to rich goldfields in Western Australia. In August, 1895, he married Miss Jerger, daughter of Mr. H. Jerger, the well-known jeweller, of Hay Street, Perth. Their residence, "Ettawanda" (called after the daughter of an Indian chief Mr. Menzie met many years ago in America), is a beautiful villa, situated on the slopes of Mount Eliza, on the Mounts Bay Road. which overlooks the river and some of the finest scenery in Perth.

ALFRED EDWARD MORGANS.

Photo by Hermes & Hall.

ALFRED E. MORGANS.

LET any one traverse the length and breadth of the Western Australian Goldfields, and take a concensus of opinion on the most influential name they hold, and he will probably, in keeping with his expectations, find that that honour falls to Mr. Morgans. Laborious and circuitous as such a process would inevitably be, it yet is the only true way of ascertaining a correct calculus of a man's worth. It is exceedingly fortunate for Western Australians that Mr. Morgans retains his active presence in their midst. He has, in his earnest desire to promote the best interests of the colony, brought to bear on every question that affects her development a rich accumulation of experience, whose every consequence should tend to the general prosperity.

Mr. Morgans was born in Monmouthshire, Wales, in 1850. His youthful education was sought in different private schools in Wales and England. Almost parallel to the usual classical instruction ran a technical and commercial training in several schools of mines. On leaving school he apprenticed himself as a mechanical engineer to the firm of Ebbw Vale, one of the largest companies in Britain. The usual term of service over, he left to give practical expression to his acquirements. Opportunity and scope were not lacking in a country teeming with coal and iron mines. In various parts of Wales he embarked on successful coal and iron mining enterprises. After gaining clear and accurate insight into their various departments, together with their scientific conduct, he was eventually called to fulfil an exceedingly important trust, which his abilities were now well able to perform. Not mere experience alone, however, would have procured for him so responsible a post. A keen, yet cool judgment, a force of mental energy that made speculation and foresight mere logical determinations, impressed those best qualified to judge and criticise in a most favourable manner. Such conclusions as to his capabilities were not guided, as too often is the case, by mere scholastic qualifications.

He was commissioned by an influential and wealthy financial group to superintend extensive gold and silver mining interests in Central America and especially Southern Mexico. He arrived at the scene of operations in 1878, and discharged his arduous duties for eighteen years. In a short time he had shown himself so able an expert on all mining matters that he was soon recognised as an authority. No wonder need be felt at this when we state that he was instrumental in efficiently developing large areas of territory. His sound and practical advice on many subjects, grievances, and disputes was oftentimes speedily adopted.

The interests of his principals in Mexico were immense. The output of their mines supplied a large proportion of the total production in that wealthy gold region. Mr. Morgans was, therefore, among the influential mining men in the world. He at one time had 6,000 subordinates to him. In the interests of his company he constructed several valuable railways, and he mingled enterprise of the firm was at the least decidedly pretentious. By carefully collating the possibility of the various issues, and by his shrewd business tact and system, his sojourn in America proved highly remunerative. Not content with the mere routine of business, he carried on an enthusiastic study of natural history, and constantly added to his wide knowledge on the various forms of this science as presented in America. He also penetrated into the inexplicabilities of antiquarian research in Central America, and from their long resting place he unearthed many curious specimens of old-time handiwork, and some he donated to the Museum in London. Altogether, his career in America was important, and he could supply an interesting and valuable record of the strange inner history of Central American politics.

In 1896 he came to Western Australia, arriving in Coolgardie in March as representative of the same financial group which now bears the name of Morgans Syndicate Limited. Here, as when in America, his developing many properties purchased for his syndicate, which buys and opens up mines, and assists in the general development of the gold resources of the colony. At Norseman, around Coolgardie White Feather, Niagara, Mount Margaret and Lake Way its interests and possessions are extensive. Considerable development has been already effected by the hundreds of men working under Mr. Morgan's charge. His sincerity of belief in the auriferous wealth of Western Australia has now become marked. It is not a mere sanguine assertion that he makes when he states, after deliberate, cautious, and careful examination, that her fields are extensive and very valuable. Such an admission, proceeding as it does from a mass of great scientific ability, whose experience has taught him the wise lesson of careful thought before expression, should be gladly received as the most authentic evidence that can be furnished on this question. He clenches his admission by rooting his faith to Western Australia's future greatness. Yet to realise this felicity, many drawbacks, he declares, must be abolished. He is loud (1896) in his denunciations of the labour conditions under the new mining laws. To capitalists the laws are harsh and unjustly severe. Instead of one man to five acres, it should be, from many considerations, one to fifty. It is easily seen that there is not sufficient population in the whole colony to man the leases even with our extended ratio of one to fifty. When this is so it seems a strange anomaly, or rather abnormality, that the Government should not amend such laws. Though his eulogy on the valuable auriferous resources of the colony has been often noted and apprised, still there are certain Governmental misgivings that force him to ascribe depreciation to their full value.

In consideration of the vastness of this colony, he opines that it is next to impossible for it to receive proper development under a restrictive and exclusive policy. He dislikes political monopoly, and says—"That in view of the wide area of the colony, these goldfields should be opened to private enterprise for railway constructions, water furnishing, roadways opening, and mine development generally. If this individual enterprise was tolerated, more would be done by this beneficent economic process in five years than the Government could ever contemplate completing in twenty-five years under the present system of what I call Government monopoly of everything."

In support of his affirmations, he instances by analogy the marvelous growth of the United States, where this doctrine which he is championing has been most advantageously at work. The United States Government, perhaps the most progressive in the world, absolutely eschews the policy which has been strangely adopted by the Government of Western Australia. The resources of the States, as extensive as they are wealthy, have been developed more rapidly than those of any country since the dawn of history. Yet their attitude to development was such that never did they allow themselves to be enticed into the construction of railways and other means of transit, or waterworks, or any other works of a public nature, not even telegraph lines. They saw well, as the Cobdenic school of laissez faire saw years ago, that such undertakings were better left to individual enterprise as ensuring speedier and better execution. Yet facts speak more convincingly than mere declamatory phrases. The United States of to-day boasts of 150,000 miles of railway, not one inch of which belongs to the Government.

Such facts, indeed, lead one to assent to the utility of a policy which has proved so profitable in the States. Then, other things being equal, we say that Mr. Morgans is right in predicting prosperous and happy consequences from the existence of such a procedure in Western Australia. He desires to permit capital as unrestricted a flow as possible. Every person (and therefore every industry) must work out his own destiny; a grandmotherly supervision is inimical to rapid development. State monopolies are neither healthy nor stimulating. The weight of his judgment, and the sincerity of his views and actions, must combine to make Mr. Morgans a champion of the gold-mining industry in this colony. He is a leader in experience and by right of talent. His advice, assistance, and co-operation are eagerly sought and heartily given. His charity and courtesy render him popular among the working men, and his fine conversational powers, his gentlemanly and dignified bearing, spontaneously call forth goodwill of all goldfields residents. Frank, yet dignified, discreet and sincere, this gentleman is esteemed as a friend by rich and poor.

[Since the above sketch was written (in 1896) we are happy to state that the Government has amended the mining laws in such a manner as to give Mr. Morgans and those who agree with him more satisfaction. At the general election to the House of Assembly in May, 1897, Mr. Morgans was elected by a large majority for the Coolgardie constituency. It was only after considerable agitation that he was led to allow himself to be nominated. It is certain that his invaluable experience and ability will be extensively availed of in Parliament.]

STEPHEN L. GÖCZEL,M.E.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

STEPHEN L. GÖCZEL, M.E.

THE life of this well-known exponent of science, whose scholastic achievements are ineffaceably impressed on the goldfields development of Western Australia, needs no lengthened preamble or prologue to enlist attention and attraction. The name serves recall by various mental associations memory-images of his many felicitous exploits, and the splendid benefits he has conferred upon the colony. By that inductive skill which is born of logical and scientific attainments, he has constituted himself one antecedent of this national auriferous prosperity

Mr. Göczel was born in Hungary in 1856. While still young be had undergone the severity of an advanced education, both at Vienna and Freibourg seminaries. This classical instruction German educationists wisely make compulsory on the basis of its utility for the easy manipulation of cumbrous scientific layers which the student may subsequently superimpose on his plastic mind. At the end of his curriculum he proceeded to the science halls of Vienna. He became bent on acquiring a full systematic course of study on all scientific subjects that are consummated in the phrase—" Mining knowledge." Chemistry, mineralogy, and metallurgy were first embraced with an alacrity conceived of a scientific nature, and their interesting problematic solutions, reactions, and experiments writ large with indelible letters on his impressionable mind.

Still impatient of finite limits being assigned to his extension and intension of knowledge, he entered the Schemnitz Academy of Mines, where he was confident that valuable insight would be gained into sunken, intricate departments of science. Here he completed his student labours, and looked back with no small amount of glee at the elaboration of his scientific building which his own handicraft had in these years erected. Resting on the sound foundations of classics grew up an edifice of knowledge, whose every stage seemed in its rapid progress to annihilate the artistic beauty of the former, and whose culminating copingstone did copious grace to a homogeneous whole. The degree M.E. could not be more meritoriously assigned.

From there he passed to the Freibourg Academy of Mines, where his mental horizon widened with the expansion and extension of many avenues of knowledge. His midnight lucubrations signified the accumulation of a rich and complex store of scientific information. The multilateral data of knowledge gleaned with a scrutinising eye and a keen observation from experiments successfully carried out in laboratories satisfied his investigations as to the existence of a cause or agent for every consequent. Experimental proofs of cause and effect gradually induce the scientific mind to break down the barriers between priori and prosteriori, thereby finding every "ens" a cause that lies within the boundaries of a world of sense and experience.

His débût in the commercial world was witnessed before the scenes of Hungary. Trusting in his capabilities, which, if recognised, would force attention, he set up a private practice within its precincts. A little patience, a few opportunities and a careful and successful management of the same, made his door to success stand ajar. Clients who sought his learned report saw in him a man of scientific attainments, whose accuracy and comprehensiveness could not but originate from a judgment as calculating as it was keen. He was now known by responsible men of high intellectual status, who were not slow to avail themselves of his able assistance. He obtained the managership of some silver and copper mines in Hungary. His supervision here proved that his volume of acquisitions was no more reference department. They permeated the mechanical routine of practice by a labyrinth of passages.

With fair empirical qualifications he left Europe to extend the scope of his research and utility on the broad auriferous fields of Australia. He arrived in Sydney in 1888, and on a foreign shore he tightened the strain of endeavour to amass for himself a practice that would at least recompense for his venture, and his long period of scientific devotion. Modesty, which rules with a sway of humility over a well-informed mind, made his expectations and anticipations subservient to its call. Never could another doubt, however, but that he would by natural laws find his true level.

From Sydney he set out on lengthened tours through the principal goldfields of Queensland and Tasmania. These different areas he subjected to a full geological analysis, with an accurate and impartial criticism of their auriferous wealth. He satisfied himself as to their worth by careful personal investigation. On returning to Sydney at the conclusion of his tour he deemed it expedient to migrate to Western Australia, which was now showing appreciable symptoms or development. He sailed for Western Australia in 1892, encumbered with no commissions, obligations, or representative appointments, so that his early career in this colony might be more fruitful under free, unfettered control. Responsible to his own "ego" alone, he set out on a drearsome journey to the Murchison, with a patient camel as his philosopher and friend on this tedious, uncertain route. He was the first individual on a camel by himself on the Murchison, though the honour of being the absolute first is claimed by the Elder Exploration Company, who arrived at the Muurchison some little time before.

He travelled over all the Murchison Goldfields, making careful abstractions from the concrete surroundings. The geological features of these fields engaged no inconsiderable amount of attention at his hands. Even the most microscopic minutiæ, which the unversed might sullenly stigmatise as useless, received the exact quantum of examination from his reasoning judgment. His exhaustive observations were published in the Geraldton papers, together with a pleasing résumé of his travels. Results logically superinduced from geological premises whose truths were warrantable strengthened his confidence in the wealth of its auriferous resources, and caused him to approach friends and influential personages in the Eastern colonies with a view to financial co-operation in their development. But the ill-starred crisis of repeated bank failures rendered any auxiliary assistance in the way of capital impossible. Seeing that successful operations were compatible with conjoined efforts alone, he left and returned to Perth.

Soon after his arrival he was commissioned by the late Hon. W. E. Marmion, Minister of Crown Lands and Mines, to specially report on the intervening gold-bearing areas between Esperance and Bayley's Reward. He started on the expedition on the 4th June, in company with Mr. Brazier's survey party, and made an exhaustive and complete survey from the Reward to Esperance. He touched in his scientific reports on the outlines of its general geological and physiographical features. In his reports we find that he marked out the Red Kangaroo Hills as auriferous. The accuracy of his conclusions is substantially confirmed by the subsequent discovery of the famous Londonderry in that area which he had designated gold-productive on the chart. On his way lay a district named Norseman, and its undeniably auriferous appearances engaged his deepest scientific arguments in support of his impressions. Geological and mineralogical evidences were summoned to form the eirenicon of truth. Norseman to-day has the productive capacity that he foretold there would be.

He arrived at Esperance and directed his course along the shore to Albany, and took rail from there to Perth. His commission had been so pregnant with prosperous issues that Mr. Marmion, after profuse congratulations, requested him to undertake a similar expedition from Bayley's northwards through interlying areas to Menzies. Mr. Göczel set out from Bayley's, and examined with extraspective minuteness and thoroughness its curious formations and its geological kaleidoscope. He gradually reached what is now known as Menzies, and accredited that spot with unseen auriferous wealth. Bringing to bear on his conclusions a mass of cumulative evidence, scientifically conceived, readers of his reports could not but follow in his wake and place full reliance on his authentic and authoritative statements.

On to Niagara, which he, as forerunner, baptised the waterfall, he pushed his way, crossing from there, through thicket and bush, across dunes and deserts, to Lake Carey. A welcome surprise was in store for him in the latter place. Fully 300 men had arrived in that outlandish spot, having rushed hither because of its alleged productivity. From there he retraced his steps, swooping down towards the Murehison, where he made expert reports on all the important mines.

It would be impossible to omit mention of the interesting and instructive report furnished to the Government from observations gleaned and sifted by him on his two expeditions. His geological notes on the traversed country between Coolgardle and Esperance are written concisely, briefly, and embonpoint. The information it contains, though didactic and impregnated with scientific phraseology, is yet full of vivacious interest even for the lay mind. Well-illustrated sketches and sections not only enliven the report, but afford the reader a more panoramic and simplified view of solid facts. The real value of the work lies in its discoveries, its careful lithological anatomy, and the shrewd analysis and synthesis of data that warrant the truthful assumption of assigning to the area under examination metalliferous, argentiferous, and auriferous wealth, as the case may be. His other report must also be justly eulogised for its unsurpassable contribution to the geological and mineralogical knowledge of this wide province. Its avoidance of vague, indiscriminate technicalities, its direct and unvarnished exposition of the truth, render it more appreciative at a time when "auriferous hyperbole" is all too common. The amount of material which creeps in unintruding into its concise paragraphs render, it a complete synopsis for the aspirant to geological superiority.

He severed his connection with the Government in January, 1895, and since then he has practised privately as a mining engineer. A regret is felt at the dilatoriness of the Government in publishing his reports. Had they received the amount of justice which was their due, his reputation would have been commensurate with his exploits. By this governmental misadventure predictions were realised before they themselves were published. Still, the perusal of these pages will demonstrate the great efficiency of one whose humility did not permit of self-glorification. Many venturesome prospector has to thank Mr. Göczel's utility for the possession of a golden harvest made discoverable by his agency. Often, too, has the Government availed itself of his suggestions for the improvement and developments of fields which Mr. Göczel happily characterises as rich repositories of gold. His deductions augur well for the future greatness of the colony, and judging from the correctness of his prospective judgments in the past, we must hold this as a welcome truth.

[Following the historical narrative is an article from the pen of Mr. Göczel.]

FRANK CRAIG, J.P.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

FRANK CRAIG, J.P.

AS we review and classify the differentiating characteristics of Australasians, we cannot but observe certain features in Westralians which mark them sharply off from their more sanguine and choleric brethren in the Eastern colonies. The former are on the whole more stable and reserved, less effusive aid less abandoned in superlatives to clench their own predominance, and are of a synthetic rather than an analytic cast of mind. With Western Australians acting is made subservient to thinking to a degree more universal than obtains in the more evolved colonies of the East.

Such distinguishing connotations appeal to most minds as rich and enviable possessions. They are essentially men of a keen, practical mental mould, yet their practice is the conceived child of much liberative and mature thought.

In Mr. Craig's personality these characteristics are strongly marked. His views are thoroughly practical, yet show a wealthy vein of individual coincident judgment, which can only have gained superior position in thought by repeated observations accurately and logically synthesised. His voice, his manner and matter of speech, seem "concave reflexes" of his interior, which at once convinces the listener of a deep bed of sound, practical thought which constructs, rather than its inferior opposite.

Mr. Craig is a native West Australian, and true typical species of this industrious and energetic race. He was born in York, in 1852, the place where his father had settled in 1849, about that time when so many notable and enterprising gentlemen purchased grants around the fertile agricultural district of York and Northam. The schools in this centre were not so efficient then as now, and so the youthful son was sent down to Perth to get his educational training in that well-known old institution, Bishop's School. Almost all the leading Westralians have been at one period their lives pupils of this advanced college.

On leaving school, Mr. Craig threw himself into various commercial spheres. He went to the North-West for two years, and invested some capital in hotels, some in pearling and innumerable other ventures. He was exceedingly catholic in his pursuits, and embarked on any enterprise that would likely eventuate profitably or remuneratively.

From the romantic scenes of the early North-West he returned to the bucolic regions of York, and settled down in business. He launched forth in several directions, and soon his enterprise won him an enthusiastic acknowledgment of his capabilities. He had known most of the inhabitants of York since the days of boyhood, and had always zealously striven to advance the interests of his native place. His experience and superior education befitted him for public duties. When as yet York merely boasted of a chairman of municipalities, Mr. Craig was appointed one of these hard-working councillors, and the ability with which he met intricate matters of municipal control was instrumental in annexing for him the sincere admiration of his co-councillors. Much was yet to he done if the old régime was to be perfected and brought more into harmony with advanced ideas. When in the course of events York was to be municipally honoured with the civic position of mayoralty, Mr. Craig, at the eleventh hour, stood as a candidate, and in a minimum of time harangued the electors, gained their confidence and, ultimately, their votes. He was vigorously opposed by one who had behind him the widest influence in York. Mr. Craig's supreme triumph attests the unbounded confidence reposed in him by the town and district, and confirm the general opinion of his shrewd, practical ability in matters of municipal administration. From 1887 to 1890 he held the mayoral robes, and the progress effected in that triennial span redounds to the everlasting parochial glory of Mr. Craig. It was he that initiated the new régime in local administration in his native town, who swept away with vigorous hand ancient customs and institutions that were as often contaminated as impracticable or useless, and set up in their crumbling stead new forms of order and legislation that at once gave the stimulus to advance and the key to healthy prosperity. The progressive era of York's municipal history dates from the early days of his mayoralty, when his ability, administrative and financial power, integrity and tact, bequeathed to the residents of York the solid groundwork of their present legislature.

Mr. Craig has always kept closely in touch with his native place, and has all along been one of its most energetic citizens. Nothing retarded the onward course of his prosperous hamlet till the railway for Coolgardie started from Northam. It seems to have temporarily prostrated the growing interests of York, but brief space will rectify all, level, and equally distribute the good things that be.

In mining matters the first Mayor of York took an unusually keen interest. He proceeded to Southern Cross with the first rush, and round Golden Valley and Parker's Range. When Coolgardie's auriferous discoveries became known, Mr. Craig journeyed across the eastern desert and established business premises in Coolgardie.

His interests in mining are numerous and extensive, and he, like every true Westralian, believes that we are still at the waking dawn of this colony's auriferous prosperity. He has personally inspected the colony's resources, and is a man on whom reliance can be placed as to conclusions from his observations.

Mr. Craig has been a member of the Agricultural Bureau for several years, and has contributed in a praiseworthy degree to its present success and influential position. His knowledge of agriculture, associated as he has been with it all his life, warrants him speaking with authority on points that affect that great industry's weal or woe. He sits as chairman of the committee of Tattersall's Club, where the leading sporting confrères of the colony meet in harmonious union. Mr. Craig has always been a true lover of sport. In his early days he was secretary of the Jockey's Club at York, and since then he has remained an ardent devotee of the turf. An important Government position was conferred on Mr. Craig, namely, valuator under the Agricultural Lands Purchase Bill. The appointment, although more of an honorary nature, entails a considerable quantum of work, in addition to Mr. Craig's many other important official and private duties. For his useful services to his district and colony, Mr. Craig was created a Justice of the Peace in 1894.

A man of pleasant temperament, with a ruddy glow of youthful spirits still lingering on his cheeks, with a look tbat betokens easy personal access and assures comfortability in his presence, Mr. Craig is one whom even the greatest misanthropist could not fail to be affected kindly by his tones and his presence. Generous and warm-hearted to an unexpected degree; equitable, fair, and just in his dealings and relationships with mankind; stern, impartial, and scrupulously conscientious in his capacity as magistrate on the bench—these are his ennobling virtues, which none can wrench from him, and which, too, have signalled him on for special commendation and unmeasured praise.

ERNEST CHAWNER SHENTON.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

ERNEST C. SHENTON

IS man the fashioner of his own destiny, or is he a mere creature in the hands of that unknown quantity, Fate? Determinists would be bound to uphold the latter clause of the interrogation, though undoubtedly they would reduce it to a modified form of fatalism. To adhere dogmatically to the former, while denying that Fate can be a link in the chain of events, may entrap one in a network of fallacies. In the region of the objective world, where periods of fluctuation are only too prevalent, the metaphysical mind, driven to enquire for a deeper meaning, is prone to bring on the scene an unknown actor.

From the verge to the base, let the eye run along the grade of ascent, with its multiple variations, and one will be amazed at its roughness. But in explaining away these variations and fluctuations, some little incident connected with each, explicitly or implicitly, bespeaks personal responsibility. When this is so, the mede of honour and praise is worthily due to him, born, like others, with no mental furniture, except an indefinite number of potentialities stamped on the mind, who develops these innate data in a superior measure, and makes them subserve a noble end. With these criteria, Ernest Chawner Shenton has fared well.

This gentleman can well afford to rejoice, when, looking back on the course of his past life, he beholds the number of barriers and impediments surmounted and removed. Such pure egotism is beneath the dignity of one whose mind is not centred in a narrow self. Mr. Shenton is the youngest son of the late George Shenton, who was for many years one of the leading merchants of Western Australia, and ranks among her most worthy pioneers; and is the brother of Sir George Shenton, President of the Legislative Council. Ernest was born in Perth in 1862, and received his early education in the Ley's School, Cambridge. His career there was marked with diligence, and success, not only in his studies, but in the college sports, the young Australian being a member of the first eleven, and also its captain for some time. He returned from the old country in 1881, having been about nine years in England at that time. Those valuable commercial instincts which his father possessed in a rare degree seemed to have been imbued in the son, Ernest. He, therefore, naturally preferred the sphere of commercial enterprise, and entered the firm of George Shenton, carried on by his brother, then Mr. George Shenton. For three years he laboured away in this business till he had acquired a thorough knowledge of every petty detail, and thereupon entered into partnership with Sir George, and the name of the firm became G. and E. C. Shenton. They were large general merchants then as always, and kept in stock everything in requirement for the colony. They were highly successful in business, and the firm grew at a rapid pace. In 1894 Sir George retired from active business owing to the onerous duties of the legislative chamber and public life. The firm changed its name again to E. C. Shenton and Co., which it retains up to the present time. They have handsome premises in Hay Street, where a large business is transacted by them as universal providers. A big trade is done in wool and sandalwood, the chief markets for the latter being Singapore and Hong Kong. They hold a great number of agencies, including the P. and O.S.S. Company, and the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. Outside the firm, Mr. E. C. Shenton's commercial connections are extensive. He is a member of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce, a director of several mining companies, a member of the South Perth Roads Board, and a member of the Perth Proprietary Syndicate. He has also large interests in several mining properties. These associations have great importance in the colony. The daily routine of his life is a worthy one. Mr. Shenton holds, to some extent, that heartkey of disinterestedness, which, molens volens, touches the tender chord of national life, and finds response in the individual breast. He is admired and respected by business men and private friends alike. Of a kindly and cordial bearing, he extends a welcome hand to those who will help to develop the colony, and has sincere good wishes for its welfare. Of a sympathetic and constructive mental build, we augur for him the prospective of continual deserved prosperity. He lacks not that spirit of theory which is often unduly banished from the empirical and experimental mind. Only a man of shrewdness and methodical skill can accomplish the manifold offices he fills.

In 1855 Mr. Shenton married Miss Ada Waddington, daughter of Mr. John Waddington, C.E., of London. They have five of a family—four sons and one daughter. Mr. Shenton's importance and uses in the colony cannot be lightly estimated. By his vigour and energy he has sustained the reputation of the Shenton family, who, in commerce, have, from the inception of the colony, led in the van of progress. Mr. Ernest Shenton is essentially a business man, and as such the whole of his time is engrossed in directing the extensive operations of this honoured commercial house.

ERNEST McGILLICUDDY.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

ERNEST McGILLICUDDY.

HER years of Responsible Government have been full years for Western Australia. The population so devoutly wished for since 1829 has cheered the colony at the rate of thousands per month. Revenue and export have become magnified beyond colonial parallel, and the values of real estate have undergone a revolution. A few feet of sand at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, which in 1892 were in he midst of wilderness, cannot be purchased in 1897 for £60 a foot. The lucky investor of few hundred pounds in Perth land in 1891 obtains in 1897 an annual income therefrom which enables him to smile at the unenterprising plodder. The enemy of the "unearned increment"—whatever that may mean—can find matter in Western Australia sufficient to fill prodigious tomes with anathema.

And these years have been full years for Western Australian residents. Half a lifetime of energy and excitement has been concentrated into a few little months. The hope of today is realised to-morrow; next year it becomes but memory. Amid inordinate emotion the people have been gathering the harvests of these fat years. There little in life so attractive, so absorbing, so full, as abnormal industrial excitement. It is delightful to see prosperous people; it is delightful to be prosperous with them. There is at these times as much electricity in men's minds as was ever stored in a magnetic mountain.

Ernest McGillicuddy was born at Benalla, Victoria, in 1867, and was educated at the High School, Bendigo, and at St. Patrick's College, Melbourne. In 1882 he matriculated at the Melbourne University, whereupon he began the study of medicine. By combining study with relaxation he spent a happy three years' course at the University; then he lost all desire to emulate Samuel Weller's "Sawbones." He embraced the study of law for some time, but even this did not satisfy.

In September, 1894, Mr. McGillicuddy came to Western Australia, just on the eve of the chief developments in real estate prices. He at once entered the Perth Land Estate Company, and became its manager. Within a few months he was absorbed in the tide of excitement, and conducted some very large land sales for the company. As an auctioneer he was among the brightest and most favoured in Perth. In the middle of 1896 he entered into partnership with Mr. T. F. Quinlan, M.L.A. and became one of the most active agents in land matters in the colony. On one occasion he conducted the record sale in Perth real estate, when he cleared the Sons of Australia property, at the corner of Barrack and Goderich Streets, for £35,000.

After twelve months' fruitful partnership he and Mr. Quinlan separated, as the latter determined o devote himself exclusively to public matters. Mr. McGillicuddy now has sole charge of a very important business. His interests in real estate in Perth and its environs are very large. His srict and honourable attention to the business of his clients ensures a happy issue to his enterprise. He was among the first to subdivide and open up the now populous suburb of Subiaco. In a surprisingly short period he has become a leader in real estate matters. He is also interested in mining.

Mr. McGillicuddy gives a hearty helping band to almost every branch of sport. Whether on the turf, in cycling, or in football, he has been an active and useful supporter. Because of his vital force, his enthusiasm, and his kindness, he is an esteemed Perth resident. His success has been phenomenal, and he has enjoyed to the utmost the fulness of Western Australian prosperity. Moreover, he has brought many varied experiences within the compass of three years.

LYALL HALL, M.L.A.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

LYALL HALL, M.L.A.

SENSATION seems inseparable from politics, and in the West Australian General Elections of 1897 the gentleman whose name heads this article supplied one of the greatest surprises in the history of Constitutional Government in the colony. When Mr. S. H. Parker, Q.C., resigned his seat in the Legislative Council to contest the Perth Electorate with the view of leading the Opposition, Mr. Lyall Hall entered the lists against him, with the result that, when the polling was over, he defeated his redoubtable opponent by five votes. To have been returned by the chief constituency in the colony against such a strong man as Mr. S. H. Parker was undoubtedly a great honour to Mr. Lyall Hall.

Lyall Hall is a native of Victoria, and was born on the Homebush diggings in 1864. His father, Henry Hall, was a well-known journalist, having been editor of the Manchester Guardian, but left for Victoria in the stirring days of the gold fever when Ballarat and Bendigo broke out in all their auriferous glory. Mr. Hall, senior, was for some time identified with the Metropolitan press in Victoria, having been sub-editor of the Melbourne Daily Telegraph and editor of the Weekly Times. Lyall Hall, for many years after he left school, was a member of the Victorian Civil Service, which he left in order to come to Western Australia at the end of November, 1864. Arriving here at a time when the people were beginning to pay serious attention to the question of real estate and its possibilities as an investment, Mr. Hall decided to go into business straight away as an auctioneer and general land agent. It was not long before he made his mark in the real estate world as a man of keen commercial acumen and of sound judgment. Mr. Hall assisted very largely in the subdivision of many important estates in and around Perth, with the result that his connection gained by leaps and bounds. The knowledge which he obtained in the service of the Victorian Government as a surveyor he was able to turn to very good account. Having attained to a good deal of prominence in the business world, Mr. Hall began to devote some time and attention to public matters, and in November, 1896, he was requisitioned to stand for the North Ward in the City Council, Perth. He consented, and had as his opponent the sitting member. Councillor Veryard, who also held the office of City Treasurer in the Council, Mr. Hall defeated Mr. Veryard, and took his seat in the Council, being shortly afterwards made a member of the finance committee, and then later of the sanitary committee. Mr. Hall performed valuable work in the Council. When the scarcity of water occurred in the summer months, early in 1897, he was indefatigable in his efforts to assist the householders. Mainly throngh his exertions Abyssinian pumps were put down at many of the street corners, which tended in a great measure to help those who were without water. For his prompt action in this matter Mr. Lyall Hall secured the gratitude of quite a host of people in Perth. When he opposed Mr. S. H. Parker, the general impression was that Mr. Parker would win. Mr. Parker came out in uncompromising opposition to the Forrest Government, and Mr. Hall was a stanch supporter of the Premier. The struggle was a keen one, and when it became known that Mr. Hall had won by five votes against such a powerful man as his opponent he was the recipient of many congratulations. It was a memorable contest indeed.

Mr. Lyall Hall leads a very busy life, with his political, municipal, and commercial duties to attend to. A prominent figure in social affairs, he also takes an interest in sporting matters. He is one of the best known men about town, and is easily distinguishable with his smart swinging gait, pince-nez on nose, well-dressed exterior, and withal a cordiality of manner which has made him numerous friends.

CHARLES HENRY OLDHAM, M.L.A.

Photo by Greenham & Evans.

CHARLES HENRY OLDHAM, M.L.A.

WHEN setting out from an old country to a new, the voyageur invariably takes with him a stock of good resolutions. There is every inducement for him to pave his way with good intentions. He leaves behind him old-time associations, breathes the freer air of a strange land, and awaits the coming of the flood-gates of fortune. The traveller to a new country is apt to look at the future through the rosy-hued spectacles of Hope; this characteristic optimism of the Britisher knows no bounds. The Australians, with their free and democratic institutions, have opened up a field of opportunity to the young Britisher of energy, resource, and industry, and those who have come with these admirable qualities have had no cause to regret their departure from the motherland. In a new country everything is possible, and though a Garfield or a Lincoln is not born every day, the artisan has as much chance to rise to the highest positions as he who is born in the purple. Ample evidence of this is to be found in the different Australian centres. It is found in that eloquently comprehensive personality—"the self-made man." No man can be said to properly represent the working classes unless he has, at some time or another, been one of them-selves—he requires to have been "seared by experience," as the late Marcus Clarke so splendidly put it. And in this connection the electors of North Perth have an able representative in Mr. Charles Henry Oldham. He toiled as an employe many years, and from a comparatively humble position has climbed the ladder to success.

Born at Barrow-on-Furness, Lancashire, England, Charles Henry Oldham faced stern life at the early age of eleven years—working in a coal mine. The tiny collier lad, a year or two later, proceeded to learn the trade of a carpenter, and after he had finished his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in the provincial towns of England until 1889, when he sailed for Victoria. In the neighbouring colony he followed his trade, and three years afterwards made up his mind to come to Western Australia. This was in June, 1892, at a time when the colony was—to use a colloquialism—"opening up." He was still a working man, but he began to take an interest in things other than the tools of trade. Always having an interest in the intricate labour question, he now threw himself into a closer study of the conditions of the working classes. He became allied with the Trades and Labour Council of Western Australia, and within twelve months of his arrival in the colony he filled the presidential chair of that institution. The experience Mr.Oldham had won in the Old World enabled him to deal diplomatically with a number of complex questions which arose in connection with industrial disputes. His counsel was at all times thoughtfully listened to and as eagerly sought.

Man's natural disposition is to advance his own interests, and in 1894 Mr. Oldham started in business for himself as a builder and contractor. His own practical knowledge was, of course, invaluable to him, and though a master his sympathies were in no way alienated from the working men. Turning his attention to public matters, it was not long before Mr. Oldham found his way into the Perth City Council, being returned as a representative of the North Ward in November, 1895. A man of action, he helped forward several reforms, and was one of the first to urge the. purchase of the Waterworks by the Government. Mr. Oldham is a member of the Works and the Markets Committees of the City Council.

At the general elections in 1897 Mr. Oldham was a candidate for the new constituency of North Perth. He formulated a strong labour platform, and went to the hustings as a direct Oppositionist to the Forrest Government. The struggle was a keen one, but Mr. Oldham had a substantial majority when the returning officer announced the final result.

Mr. Oldham carries with a pleasing presence a free and open-hearted manner, and claims friends both among the masses and the classes.

GEORGE HEWER.

NO amount of centripetal force can counteract some energetic tendencies to fly forth tangentially from the customary habitudes of one continually-revolving circle. Its dull monotony and sickening familiar paths are as displeasing to the mind as the sight of some dreary landscape which you have gazed at only too often from your jolting seat in a railway carriage, is to the æsthetic, novelty-craving eye.

Possibly it is not over-good for a man's energies to stream down the same channel, ever deepening its bed and reducing its spate and force. It is better, if it is a natural inclination, for a man to allow his energies cut their way by diverting courses in various estuaries. Then more will have benefited by the equal distribution. There is nothing more beautiful among the many attributes and qualities of a man than that rare possession of priceless energy which so illumines his soul that he stands out in brilliant contours before a group of mechanically inactive mortals.

Mr. Hewer has a store of energy which has flown and trickled into remote corners of his many vocations. Circumstances and their necessitous adaptation may have obliged him to divert their course, yet his ability to do so is commendable. It is one of the most evolved characteristics of this evolutionary nineteenth century, and its rarity makes it more appreciable. But not only did he essay these different ventures, but he was also highly successful in extracting profit and concurrent reputation with each.

Mr. George Hewer was born in Gloucestershire in 1858. He received high-class instruction in an English school, which well fitted him for the numerous duties of after-life. A good and sound preparatory training, if conducted on commercial and technical lines, is the best and most useful layer that can be stored in the germ-cells of the brain. Fully qualified for the calls, the emergencies, and complexities of business life, he went to London to gain experience and push his fortune within its extensive boundaries.

For seven years he engaged in shipping and mercantile business with considerable success. He had no reason to be dissatisfied with his youthful endeavours, for each year he waxed greater in income and experience. London, with its myriad connections, its labyrnthine tissues of trade and commerce, affords as complete and comprehensive an education on all commercial topics as any man would ever desire to have. While reflecting and deliberating within himself on the various advantages different areas and climes could yield to youth and enterprise, he singled out Australia as the one most approving to the impartial jury of his mind.

Accordingly, he sailed for Melbourne in 1883. He had scarcely disembarked when several considerations induced him to go on to Sydney. With a keen resolve to adhere to his native resolutions, and with the inspiriting cry of "Forward!" he set to business with a dare and a dash that would have raised him victorious and triumphant over equal combatants in the commercial arena. Still, equal vantage-ground is not conceded to mind-wrestlers; an unfair handicap is put on the new and unknown arrival.

Finding that in Queensland more scope was possible and more certainty of success, he left Sydney for Mackay. He stayed there for three years, actively engaged in the sugar industry. Results became more remunerative, he became more encouraged, and the hopes of further success stimulated him on to greater enterprises.

He removed from Mackay to Townsville, and was associated with a contractor. Though this sphere was foreign to the line of former pursuits, he yet embarked on it with the certainty and security of a time-honoured expert. After a few small undertakings at first, he soon contracted for operations of immense importance and cost. Monuments of his excellent designs, skill, and taste are to be witnessed in the large bridges which he erected—one over the Ross Creek, and one at Cooktown and Mackay. Close examination of these living works of his ability prove that the execution was the work of a master in the science. Still, he found on the successful completion of his several important operations that there was nothing beyond that could keep pace with the development of his energies and speculative abilities. A man's mind naturally ascends a little in front of his growing achievements. If the latter stop, are checked or frustrated from without, the still-ascending mind does not descend to begin again, but places her ladder against some other height.

With a receptive mind and a keen faculty of judgment, he had learnt much useful local information on many subjects, and had made a careful revision of their comparative advantages and points of merit. Mining seemed to him to have strong attractions for his energies and capabilities. There undoubtedly was scope and a possibility for indefinite wealth should fortune at all run in his way. So discerning, he accepted the managership of some tin mines at Mount Amos, Cooktown. He supervised the company's interests for a few months, till he wisely resolved, on sufficient insight into the general principles of operations being realised, to strike out for himself in this new commercial departure. He returned to Mackay on the above expiration, and proceeded to organise and equip silver prospecting parties. Nothing considerable resulted from these prospecting tours; still it was profitable from the point of view of practical experience. He had now been a few years in Queensland, and had adapted himself to the multiple requirements of his manifold ventures with conspicuous success. Every new field for endeavour being completely exhausted, he considered it expedient to return to Sydney and await fresh news of development in some other quarter.

In Sydney he resumed his former position as accountant, and continued it to March, 1896. In that year he sailed for Western Australia, and has remained in that rising colony to the present time. On his arrival he became associated with Mr. W. J. Stoneham, and superintended for him the accountancy branch of his business. Gradually his connection with that gentleman became deeper and more extensive, and now when Mr. Stoneham is obliged to absent himself from the colony he appoints Mr. Hewer attorney in his stead. He holds the power of attorney for Mr. Stoneham for Hannan's Consols, Arrow Brownhill, the Colonial Goldfields, Bardoc Main Reefs, and Hampton Plains Blocks 45 and 50—the latter two being good prospecting "shows." In Number 50 they possess a rich auriferous reef, and they have erected a five-head battery. More machinery will soon be in operation, and developments will proceed merrily on. Yet, as to the labour conditions of the mining laws, he emphatically endorses the sentiments of Mr. Morgans, whose biography appears in another part of this book.

Mr. Hewer's business and its consequent responsibility and severity have increased with corresponding celerity. As Mr. Stoneham's many engagements necessitate his repeated and protracted absences from the colony, the power of attorney which is vested in Mr. Hewer is not a mere nominal function, but an important and onerous trust. Mr. Hewer's practical and financial abilities, however, are well able to discharge successfully the duties of many similar offices. His ripe and varied experiences, his bright intellectual qualifications, his energy and enterprise, render him a highly efficient and capable administrator. His views are, like the judgment faculty from which they proceed, broad and sound.

He is of a bright, cheerful, and vivacious disposition, and his personality, with these component desirable attributes, could not be otherwise than amenable to feelings of respect and affection.

CHARLES EDWARD DEMPSTER, J.P., M.L.C.

CONSIDERABLE difficulty was experienced in the early days of West Australian history in utilising and developing that land which had been extensively assigned to the colony. Enterprising agriculturists and squatters were beset by a host of depressing and formidable difficulties that arose from no cause of the colonists themselves. The exigencies of early pastoral and agricultural life demanded a stout heart and a strong, ready hand. Into the dark, deep, and unknown recesses of the interior, across vast and dreary wastes of solitude, these pioneers of colonisation cheerfully forced their way, heedless of discomfort and adventurous hardships. The mode of life to which necessity forced adaptation has individualised them as a colony.

Mr. Dempster is a notable illustration of these generalisations. He has been a worthy coloniser. Born in Fremantle, in December, 1839, he received a primary course of education under Mr. Owen, at the Port. From Fremantle, Mr. Dempster was sent to Guildford to the tutorial care of Mr. Williams, a gentleman of considerable capacity as a scholar and teacher. Mr. James Maclean Dempster, the father of Mr. Dempster, was a shipmaster, well-known and highly respected in the little town of Fremantle. He at one time held a lease of Rottnest Island. Agricultural pursuits were almost the only careers open to the colonial youth, and to this sphere of life Mr. Dempster attached himself. From the first he showed unmistakable capabilities for the peculiarities of this mode of life. At Toodyay, and round the rich agricultural centre of Northam, he engaged in the agricultural industry till he reached the age of twenty-seven. He now resolved to launch out more widely and deeply on the sea of this life which had been carved out for him by the curious law of destiny. In 1860, with Mr. C. Harper and Mr. B. Clarkson, he explored in the east country for new pastures. This party had many interesting experiences (referred to in history), and were probably the first to traverse Golden Valley, since rendered notable by gold discoveries. The young men gathered useful information, and though they did not discover any rich pastoral lands, they were practically the forerunners to the opening up of the eastern gold fields. After other journeys, Mr. C. E. Dempster, accompanied by his brothers, James Pratt, Andrew, and William Simon, Dempster, set out on a tour in the direction of Esperance Bay. With untiring energy and unflagging hearts they pushed on till that southern bay was reached. There they discovered a wide tract of suitable pastoral country, comprising 300,000 acres, and this they turned into a station for pastoral and grazing purposes. They had been so far successful in their mission, but they did not content themselves with halting here. They proceeded northwards from Esperance, and in the vicinity of Fraser's Range, about 180 miles from their starting point, they took up a pastoral selection of 200,000 acres. Mr. Andrew Dempster assumed the managership of these large pastoral areas, which were gradually stocked with a full complement of sheep. The remainder of the brothers returned, and inherited valuable property in the Toodyay district. Mr. Dempster engaged thereafter for several years in storekeeping and milling in Newcastle, till, at last in 1886, he grew tired of these commercial pursuits and sold out. He had been fairly fortunate during his stay at Newcastle, and the nucleus of the capital he had by hard and industrious effort acquired was invested in the purchase of the Springfield Estate, near Northam—a property of 1,500 acres of exceedingly fertile and productive soil. This investment has proved highly remunerative, and the estate is now reckoned one of the most valuable and desirable in the colony. Satisfied with his transaction, he joined with his brothers in the conduct of a large property called Wongamine, about nine miles from Northam. This estate, which ranks second to none in the colony, comprises 4,000 acres of beautifully rich soil, and its productive capacity has been appreciably witnessed in recent years. Fifteen hundred acres of this estate have by unceasing industry been put under cultivation, while the remaining 2,500 are cleared.

Mr. Dempster is undoubtedly recognised as a successful farmer, and that halo of prosperity is the happy result of devoted attention to agricultural matters, and long experience in the great pursuit. His skill is the sequence of close and shrewd observation to the requirements of nature's laws, while the joint felicitous progress of the brothers can only be ascribed to their enterprise and enthusiastic energy. The welfare of agriculture is, of all industries, nearest to Mr. Dempster's heart, and every action or movement that may tend howsoever to foster its growth is embraced warmly by him.

In Northam, the heart of a great agricultural centre, his services, so voluntarily rendered, have marked him out as an esteemed resident. For many years he occupied the position of chairman of the Northam Road Board, and he contributed to the weal and utility of that body. Modest in his principles of action, and diplomatic in his overtures and dealings, he soon demonstrated his efficiency to represent the district in some higher capacity. Mr. Dempster was a conspicuous figure in the Agricultural Society of Northam, and closely identified himself with its growth and importance from the first days of his membership. Long association and skill in all agricultural matters were only fitly awarded by his election as president of the society—a position which he still holds. The name of Mr. Dempster can never be dissociated from the welfare of Northam and agricultural interests generally throughout the colony. In 1894 Mr. Dempster was elected senior member of the Eastern Province in the Legislative Council. In the Upper House he has won for himself enviable "kudos" and influence by his ability and tact. His knowledge of Western Australia is comprehensive and wide. Mr. Dempster possess a solid cast of temperament, and a clear and decisive mind. Wherever he is known he bears with him the evergreen marks of general respect and communal affection.

CHARLES CROSSLAND, J.P.

OF all the professions, that of the surveyor is perhaps the most necessary in a new country. The pioneer squatter and digger goes forth into the wilds and founds new centres of civilisation, which with mushroom growth soon assume the status of towns and cities. In this progressive age, time, which is the essence of business, will not brook the delays of tedious travelling along sandy tracks and circuitous river banks and ravines, but calls in the science of engineering to connect the mountain cities and gold-bearing plains with the metropolis.

Nature, with her inexorable wisdom, frequently hides away her choicest treasures in store-houses far away in inhospitable wilds, lifeless and dreary, on which only a few of the bravest and best men dare encroach.

The roadways of the great centres of civilisation all over the world are lined with the skeletons of those who dared and died, heroes in the great march of progress who at the bugle-sound on judgment-day will rise and proudly take their place in the grand army of the dead. Western Australia, with her dreary expanse of sandy desert and silent bush, is the camping-place of hundreds of tired wayfarers who fell, not amid the roar of cannon and the excitement of the battle-field, but in the grim fight with starvation and thirst. As death thins the ranks the gaps are filled by others, and thus the hidden treasures of the land are revealed to the world.

In the foremost ranks of this progressive army is the surveyor who precedes the engineer and opens out the paths into the interior. Accompanied by a handful of assistants, and armed with his theodolite, the surveyor maps out the roadways through the almost inaccessible bush, and paves the way for that now necessary adjunct to civilisation—the railway. His work takes him far out of the beaten track into the wilds, where for months and years he sedulously and quietly works, with no other encouragement than the knowledge that he is doing his duty.

Among those who have braved the privations and discomforts of a surveyor's life in the back-blocks is Mr. Charles Crossland, a member of the firm of Crossland and Co., surveyors and general estate agents in Perth. Mr. Charles Crossland is an Australian native, having been born in Maryborough, Victoria, in 1858. From his earliest youth he was more or less associated with mining, in which he took such a keen interest that the well-known surveyor, Mr. Couchman, who for many years occupied the important position of Inspector of Mines for the Government, accepted him as an articled pupil. During his association with Mr. Couchman, Mr. Crossland not only got a thorough knowledge of his profession in all its branches, including mining surveying, but also gained considerable skill as a metallurgist. After completing his articles, Mr. Crossland removed to Sydney, and practised there for two years. In 1882 he came to Western Australia, and received an important appointment under the Government to proceed to the north-west portion of the colony and carry out several large surveys. At this time very little was known of that remove part of the province, and trigonometrical surveys were necessary for Government purposes. Whilst engaged in these labours, Mr. Crossland did much of the work that generally falls to the lot of a pioneer. Its importance and magnitude may be gauged from the fact that the area of land he covered extended from the head of the Fortesque River to Geraldton, and thence on to the head of the Murchison. The work occupied Mr. Crossland for three years, during which time he surveyed several hundreds of miles of practically virgin country. When this work was completed, Mr. Crossland returned to Perth, and his services were eagerly sought after for the surveys in connection with the Midland Railway, which was on the eve of being constructed. He joined in partnership with Mr. J. Morrison, of Perth, and carried out the whole of the surveys in connection with the Midland Railway, a work which entailed the solution of some acute engineering problems. At the expiration of four years, Mr. Crossland severed his connection with Mr. Morrison, and joined his fortunes with those of his present partner, Mr. Alexander Forrest. The firm conduct a very large business as land estate agents and surveyors, their connections extending throughout the colony. Mr. Crossland's experiences in the far north-west enables him to give valuable information concerning that immense area, the future prosperity of which he is very sanguine. Since he has been settled in Perth, he has taken an active interest in the development of the auriferous country, and is interested in many important companies. Mr. Crossland can claim to be one of the early supporters of prospecting in the colony, as he was one of the original syndicate that sent out that most successful mining pioneer, Mr. J. Dunn, the discoverer of the Wealth of Nations and other mines. Mr. Crossland was married in 1886 to the daughter of Mr. De Courcy Lefroy, brother of Mr. O'Grady Lefroy, C.M.G., one of the earliest of Western Australian settlers. Mr. Crossland is one of those bright, vivacious gentlemen who combines with a happy disposition keen analytical discrimination in business matters, and to this may be ascribed the successful position he holds in life.

JOHN CHARLES HILLS.

WHEN Western Australia was passing through her "night of dark doubt," before her days of golden glory had set in, she was not altogether unbefriended, for the ranks of the pioneers were being recruited from time to time from the homes of some of Britain's best families. Though for years Western Australia had the most scornful epithets levelled against her, she lived to see the day when the eyes of the world were attracted to her, and her vast potentialities drew the brawn and brain of many countries. Fortunately, when her halcyon days arrived, she had men within her gates well suited to lead the colony on the primrose path she was in later days to tread. In the early eighties, quite a number of young Englishmen came to Western Australia to try their fortune in the land, and it is well that those who fought for the colony in her darker days should be rewarded in her prosperity-sharing. Certainly those who came in the eighties did not have the arduous uphill fight of the pioneers, still they had the task of carrying on the duties which fall to successive generations.

John Charles Hills was one of the young men who came to Western Australia in the eighties, and, as a perusal of his biography will show, has played an important part in connection with the gold mining industry. He was born at Sheffield in 1861, and received his education at the Royal Grammar School of his native city. When he had spent some years in travel, he came to Western Australia in the year 1885, and at Perth he joined Mr. H. J. Saunders, M.L.C., the present mayor, as confidential clerk in the stock and sharebroking and mining business which Mr. Saunders had opened. The inauguration of this office seems to have been an auspicious move on the part of Mr. Saunders, for with the discovery of Golden Valley an impetus was given to mining, and it proved but the forerunner of many other important fields. At about this time Mr. Hills' interests in the firm were merged into a partnership, and each day saw the volume of business in the office increasing. When Southern Cross was found an epoch in the colony's mining was marked when the Fraser's Gold Mining Company was floated locally into a company, with a capital of £50,000. This was the first mine locally floated in the colony, and the company's business was transacted in the office with which Mr. Hills was associated. He afterwards became secretary to the company, or legal manager. When the world was made fully aware of the great richness of the Coolgardie Goldfields Mr. Saunders and Mr. Hills took a very active part in promoting companies in London, and, as stated elsewhere, Mr. Saunders floated the Western Australian Goldfields Company—the pioneer company of the Coolgardie fields. The favour in which Western Australian stocks were held in London meant a vast amount of business to be transacted by the firm of H. J. Saunders and Co., and the offices had to be enlarged, the clerical staff increased, and the work of the heads of the firm was now tenfold. When Mr. Saunders was in London the whole of the responsibility devolved on Mr. Hills' shoulders, and this meant no light task when the welfare of such companies as the following had to be undertaken:—The West Australian Goldfields Limited, Town Properties of West Australia Limited, Gold Land Corporation Limited, Mona Gold Mine Limited, Florence Gold Mine Limited, Lady Shenton Gold Mine Limited, Fraser's Gold Mine No Liability, North White Feather Consolidated Gold Mine Limited, Yerilla Claims Limited, White Feather Reward Claim Limited, Mawson's Reward Claim Limited, Mount Margaret Reward Claim Limited, Mount Jackson Reward Claim Limited, Hannan's Kalgoorlie Proprietary Limited, and many others. Mr. Hills was appointed secretary of the Lady Shenton mine on its flotation, and it is a noticeable fact that with Fraser's he held the secretarial reins of two of the best companies in Western Australia; the Fraser's mine being the first in the colony to pay a dividend, while the Lady Shenton has proved herself the leading mine in the Menzies district. Mr. Hills retained the secretaryships of these two companies until November, 1895, when he visited England, mainly on business for his firm. Whilst there he arranged a large amount of business, and saw to a deal of the preliminary details of properties with regard to their flotation. Since returning to Perth, some six months later, he has been actively engaged in mining matters, and in the local mining world he plays no small part.

Mr. Hills is literally and figuratively a prominent figure in Western Australian mining affairs. Of pleasing manner, rich in the esteem of many friends, he has won his way in the West through a conscientious capacity for hard work, and none begrudges him the affluence which has come to him.

CHARLES GORDON LYON, J.P.

IF the individual actions of humanity were tied up in separate bundles, what a motley array of size, figure, and quality would be presented! Most would assume external appearances of bulk; few would be found to contain weight. A life may be busy, and yet may be a long chain of light, airy, trifling consequences. One or two actions of importance or moment interspersed in this infinite mass would place it in the category of the few whose maxim is quality, not quantity.

And yet how difficult it is to get these gold-laden nuggets which give to our lives a bushel of fame in a world fascinated by achievements that rise superior to commonplace actions. Divide the fluid element of human opinion in two and you will find, agreeably to your own convictions, that among actions a cable short and stout is preferable to a chain long' and thin. Take the lives of pioneers and prospectors, mine investors and mine proprietors, and you will find this doctrine at work with greater force. We live in age where commerce and gold engage every fiat of our brains, and which are strong enough to expel any boarder-idea that may come into conflict with them. We listen eagerly, and we devour rapaciously the news of gold discoveries. We ask the fortunate finder's name, and we, all in unison, uphold him as a hero who confers more good on the world than a horde of teachers and preachers, or a successful vanquisher of foes. So by a few strokes the persevering pioneer, through industry and intelligence, earns for himself a merited reputation and a weighty position. If reputation and honour were more than a counterpoise to risk and hardship, then it were pleasure. But the gain always drives away, magic-like, the dusty grains of sorrow that lead to the gate of fortune.

In Western Australia several names are associated with the glories of the goldfields, and one of these is that of Mr. C. Gordon Lyon. He struck the key to his fortune at a time when the ears or the earth were open to the startling news of the gold discoveries of Coolgardie. Nor is it surprising that his name is a household word in financial chambers, when his active judgment gave quick expression to acts whose subsequent narration will prove the title-deeds of his admission within the narrow pale of Coolgardie's most famous names. The son of a squatter, Mr. C. Gordon Lyon, was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1867. On completing his education at the Geelong Grammar School he followed station and pastoral pursuits for some time. Such a life spent among solitary and distant fields, with an ever-recurring monotony or sameness, did not satisfy his emotional mind. Day after day, wandering over silent vales, whose sole response to his active mind was the hush and death-like silence of tle land around, he held communion with himself on the questions next his heart. Science, with its fascinations, depth, and excitement, grew more and more to be the one thing on which his mind lingered. He resolved to taste its fruits in the laboratories of his native place. There, under Professor Newbery, he engaged in an earnest study of chemistry, mineralogy, assaying, and every department that conduced to a thorough knowledge of mining. The few years of his life spent among the rustic fields had inevitably blunted his earlier acquisitions. To grind these again to a keen edge devolved upon him harder brain exercise au4 mental strain. Still his insatiable desire led him victorious through the many narrow avenues of science. Work, which is the secret of genius, sounded for him the trumpet of triumph. When the autumnal season of his University career was over he had gathered in a stack of knowledge whose size and shape allowed ample room for jealousy among his brother-builders. His career was brilliant when we consider his handicap, and had he gone straight from the class-room of Geelong school to the experimental doors of University science, his record would have been more notable.

After three years' residence in Melbourne he left for Broken Hill, where he started, in partnership with Mr. Everard Brown, as assayer and mineralogist. The partners had no reason to be dissatisfied with their success in this silver-bearing area, for their business had a wide and lucrative connection till the hub and excitement settled down, when Broken Hill became stripped of individual energy, and companies, solidified and exclusive, took the whip-hand of events. Mr. Gordon Lyon went from there to Zeehan, in Tasmania, which owned rich silver mines. He stayed there eighteen months, amid comparatively unexciting surroundings, till news of finds in Westralia made him pack up and sail for her shores. In October, 1892, he arrived in company with his two friends, Sylvester and Everard Browne. Their first intention was to go to the Murchison, which was yielding fair returns of gold, but the simultaneous report of Bayley's discovery at Coolgardie diverted their attention from the Murchison, and made them set out on the tedious journey to Coolgardie. They drove from York over that desolate coach track that has been so often referred to for its incomparable dreariness. One can easily imagine their delight when, alighting item the coach, they found one human being in that far-desolate land, and this was Bayley himself. They inspected the Reward Claim, purchased it immediately, and floated it in Melbourne for £24,000. Not long after they purchased Bayley's South, and floated it for £40,000. These two flotations, executed so rapidly and so seasonably, made the names of Lyon and his associates especially conspicuous at a time when the gold-mining industry was flagging in Australia. From one acquisition they went on to another, and in a short time they bought and developed No. 1 North and Ford's Hill, which were recently amalgamated by them with Bayley's Reward. They were the fortunate purchasers of the Imperial Reward Claim at Mount Malcolm and the Australia United adjoining it. The former of these is being developed by them for an English Exploration Company which has lately acquired it. The latter was disposed of for a handsome sum to a syndicate.

In Kalgoorlie, Menzies, and Mount Margaret Mr. Gordon Lyon has extensive and wealthy interests. He takes a personal interest in the development of every mine with which he is connected. He has been one of the directorate of the Bayley's Reward Mine and No. 1 South ever since their flotation.

In Coolgardie, whose honour and interests he has always endeavoured to advance, he has been a leading citizen. His belief in the goldfields is notably evinced by his wide investments in town lots. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace gazetted in the district. As a true Australian he has always lent his patronage to sport. Liberal in his generosity, keen and enthusiastic for local supremacy, he has often given a stimulus to various clubs which found in vent renewed and revivified activity and vigour. He is vice-president of the Coolgardie Racing Club and an ex officio member of committee. In almost all the local teams he occupies honorary official positions. By the kind attention he gives to the interests of sport, often too at the sacrifice of personal concerns, he has received their heartfelt tokens of gratitude.

Yet sport is secondary, and dwindles into insignificance, when we reflect on his services to the higher interests of the town. His name is one of the strongest links in the welfare of that town wherein he has now for long made his home. There is no half-way houses in his actions, no circuitous wandering round his affirmations or decisions. He speaks his mind boldly, yet diplomatically, and his advice or warning sounds the following of his many counsellors. No name in Coolgardie is mentioned with greater reverence and respect than Mr. Lyon's who, by his sincerity, his ability, and early judgment, has assisted greatly in raising Coolgardie to the proud position she now holds as the centre of the goldfields. Though stemming his course through a flood of private business, he yet finds time to pause midway in the stream and meditate on some policy which would confer more lustre and fame on the goldfields.

REGINALD MARSHALL STOW.

IN every department of a young and rising colony vigorous manhood seems to usurp the directional rod of power, persuasion, and government, and the ousted elders reluctantly behold the spring of budding power eclipse and supersede the seer autumn of gravity. In law, as in many other professions and pursuits of life, the co-efficient of prosperity must inevitably consist of personal attentive concentration on business, and ability and capacity to judiciously deal with the interested matters of clients.

Mr. Stow was born in Adelaide in 1864, and was educated at St. Peter's College in South Australia. His father was the late Judge Stow, of Adelaide, who, gifted with legal talents of a distinguished order, seems to have bequeathed to his son in the transmitted potentialities of heredity that love and aptitude for this particular calling. Loaded with a fair bundle of eruditional training, and fortunate in the tenantship of a decisive future calling, Mr. Stow entered the legal firm of R. C. Baker and Barlow, and there signed his articles of indenture. He embarked on his professional craft with ardour, and slowly acquainted himself with the multiplex detail that a lawyer's office presents in not too consecutive an order for the ambitious and closely following student. The rut, the routine, and scrimmage work of the neophyte lawyer was successfully encountered by Mr. Stow, and the smoother paths of more responsible and advanced intelligence were ultimately traversed with praiseworthy ability. Severing his connection with the firm of Baker and Barlow, Mr Stow migrated to the Northern Territory, and started practice at various points in that remote area. Steadily with the march of time his legal name was established through these regions, and his professional skill was universally availed of with satisfaction and laudatory praise. He might well have felt proud of his early efforts, and congratulated himself on his merited success.

The lack of variety and the absence of any opportunity to give a keen edge to his professional activity co-operated in inducing him to seek some more plastic and representative sphere of legal exercise. Accordingly, in 1891, Mr. Stow left for Western Australia, with the object of going to the goldfields of the Murchison. But prospects on his arrival did not present too bright a surface, and the prosperity seemed as spasmodic as the scattered discoveries of gold. He decided, on deliberation, that the colony he had left was, perhaps, as pregnant with opportunities for individual enterprise as Western Australia, and so Mr. Stow returned to Adelaide to resume his professional work. In the interim, however, Western Australia burst upon the astounded realms of the earth like a seismic shock, and in response came great joy over the marvellous discoveries of Bayley and others. With wave-like rolling and surging, the stream or humanity poured in, and Mr. Stow, who had so reluctantly left her shores before, returned to visit the fields. In August, 1895, he reached Kalgoorlie in the early dawn of the refreshing boom, which was soon to enrich many beyond the most visionary dreams of aggrandisement. But the laws of this colony, protective in their texture, prescribe six months' residential qualification by way of retardation and physical exhilaration, and with this curative the newly-arrived lawyer, nolens volens, must comply.

Mr. Stow, after fulfilling the term of the restricting conditions, joined the firm of Sinclair aad Parsons, whose legal prestige was celebrated on the Hannan's field. Mr. Stow remained in the firm till December, 1896, when he severed his connection, and started individual practice in Kalgoorlie. In the sphere of self-responsibility he has been eminently prosperous. He has worked up a wealthy and highly desirable mining connection, and his legal acumen has attracted to his side many clients, who reposefully entrust the safety of their interests to his ability and undiminished attentive concern.

Mr. Stow acts as attorney for various Adelaide companies, and his mining interests on the fields are extensive. His belief in the future of Hannan's and the fields generally is assuring, and is based on critical experience of our auriferous country. Neither over nor under estimating, he is confident of a bright destiny for the colony.

Mr. Stow is a man, shrewd, cultured, and clever in his mental status, with a fund of untiring energy which can propel with easy motion the pliable intellectual oars. Mr. Stow is respected in his profession, and admired in social life as a genuine and generous-hearted friend. Both in the capital and on the fields he is well known and deservedly popular. The enthusiastic interest he has taken in Hannan's has annexed for him the goodwill of all patriots and true partisans.

COUNCILLOR ALFRED FREDERICK LEE (PERTH).

REPRESENTATION in municipal bodies is more satisfactory, and more easily adjusted in one sense, than in political. Every person within the municipal bounds who pays rates has a vote. There is little difficulty and little discussion. Each man may vote according to his conception of a candidate's character, and hence it comes to pass that councillors well represent the wishes of ratepayers, and, being daily brought in contact with them, they are always en rapport with their requirements and wishes. Less room is left for dissatisfaction and for cavil, and the representative can hardly fairly be accused of being "out of touch" with his constituency.

Ratepayers are supposed to choose the most suitable among themselves to represent their interests round the civic table. It is the vote of interest and property; and thus the civic body deliberates, and each councillor represents the wishes of those who elect him. Councillors retire in rotation, and here also a great point is gained.

Perth, as the chief municipality in the colony, gives a greater importance to her representatives. They are the civic fathers of the colony. It is a strong body, and contains good men. Among them is Councillor Alfred F. Lee. A native of the colony, Mr. Lee has had a long connection with Perth. He has materially helped in its growth and increase of stature, and justly, therefore, watches paternally over its interest in the council.

Alfred Frederick Lee was born at Toodyay in 1860. The name Toodyay has since been superseded by Newcastle. Mr. Alfred Lee, father of the present councillor, came to the colony in connection with the Imperial Service as a commissariat officer. He held this post for twenty-one years, and now enjoys in retirement an Imperial pension. Alfred was educated first at Mr. M. O'Callaghan's Fremantle Catholic Boys' School, whence he went to the Government School at Fremantle. When sixteen years old he was apprenticed in Perth to learn carpentery and joinery, under Mr. J. A. Halliday. He duly became a journeyman, and for two years followed this avocation. At the end of that period he entered business on his own account as contractor and builder. The first contract he engaged in was the making of additions and improvements to the Legislative Council refreshment rooms. Those were the beginning of prosperous days for him, and thenceforward for many years he was one of the largest building contractors in the colony. One large contract followed another, and he erected some prominent buildings in Perth. He erected the well-known Sandover Buildings, the property in Hay Street owned by Mr. Alexander, M.L.A. and those structures extending from the corner of Hay Street, in Barrack Street, nearly half-way down the thoroughfare towards the railway. Out of these he was able to make big profits, and, with other contracts, he was very active for some years. Finally, Messrs. Connor and Quinlan (now a councillor of Perth) placed the management of the Victoria Hotel in Fremantle, in his hands. Supervising this, and undertaking some small contracts, twelve months passed. Then he took over the Grand Hotel in Perth. Within two years he made such a success of this that he retired. Since that time (1895) he has not taken an active part in business pursuits beyond the erection of cottages on his own city property.

Early in 1895 Mr. Lee was elected by the ratepayers of the East Ward, Perth, to represent them in the City Council. He was opposed by Messrs. H. Baker and Jno. Elliott, and polled the largest number of votes ever recorded by a single member in that ward. This proved that he possessed the full confidence of ratepayers, who reckoned that he would conscientiously watch over their interests. He has fulfilled all his pledges where possible, and has been able to confer benefits on Perth. Knowing so much of the city, he is in a position to speak with knowledge on all matters which came up for deliberation, and the least that can be said of his civic career is that he has given every satisfaction, and satisfied all anticipations made at his entrance.

Among other positions which Councillor Lee holds in Perth, he is a trustee of the H.A.C. Society, and a member of the Irish National Foresters. He was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. Richard McCorry, an officer attached to the Imperial forces stationed at Northam, and a Crimean veteran. Councillor Lee is a fluent speaker. Quick-witted, he rapidly grasps a subject, and makes up his mind and speaks on the matter with effect. Ratepayers of the Ward have no reason to be dissatisfied with his municipal career, which they hope will be an extended one. He has numerous friends in Perth who admire good qualities.

JOHN WILSON, J.P.

FIRST MAYOR OF KALGOORLIE.

IT was not surprising to hear that London capitalists and investors fairly lionised Mr. Wilson on his recent visit to England. His youth and abilities attracted notable men at home. Reports, fired from the loaded "Maxims" of enthusiasm, spread amid an admiring crew that Mr. Wilson was the youngest mayor in the world. Discussion became rife, bets exchanged, and reference books consulted to prove the affirmative or confute the negative. The press, reflecting the spirit of the moment, gave the matter publicity, and soon innocent Mayor Wilson became an object of novelty and curious concern. Though his right to that title cannot be upheld, owing to the existence of a younger mayor in Australia, still, if we take into full consideration the conditions and general surroundings of Mr. Wilson's early life, we are forced to admit, if not priority in age, then certainly priority in esteem.

Mr. Wilson was born on 10th September, 1867, on Totara Plains, near Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand. It was never his fortune to receive either an elementary or a secondary education. Yet he schooled himself in the lessons of the world. His mind digested every scrap of information of probable utility. His daily tutors were the great environing forces of nature; his hourly preceptors were his own observant mental powers, attracting to their fresh pasture-land the nourishing dews of knowledge. Like many another, he was self-taught. At an early age he joined the Electric Telegraph Department in the New Zealand Government service and was soon made an operator. Its narrow limits and close confinement, however, became unbearable. Longing for the free fresh air of heaven on distant moors, he set out for a sheep station near Gisborne, Hawkes Bay district. There for eighteen months young Wilson revelled amid the liberties of individual control. Various pursuits, from wire-fencing to bush-contracting, were engaged in. His energies and skill seemed to fly forth to every handicraft and every profession. In him the proverb, "What thy hand findest to do, do well," found exemplification by practical exercise. Of a reflective turn of mind, the solitary surroundings could not but incite his imagination to dream heavily of nature, himself, and their relation. Metaphysical reveries gave him the stimulus to work and develop his higher faculties. How often have men of world-wide fame turned from the rural bliss of simplicity, with all its natural reactions on the human mind, to the halls of science and learning! History always repeats itself, and Wilson, like many another historic nature, forsook communion with nature on solitary fields for that scientific mill which grinds shapeless matter into a uniform mass which may sweeten the mental palate.

In Auckland he started studying for the New Zealand Bar. Here was he, who had never received a handful of scholastic erudition, bent on mastering abstruse and deep intellectual phases of thought. Yet, with the words of Horace flitting across his troubled mind, "Nil mortalibus ardiu est"—nothing is difficult for mortals—he never flinched from his ambitious step. Severely handicapped as he was, he succeeded by dint of energy and laborious study. Perseverance in his studies and high brain pressure maintained for weeks in grinding up his lectures soon brought him abreast of his class-fellows. And to his praise, be it said that he forged slowly ahead of many, and when the intellectual race was over he had out-distanced them by many leagues, and had beaten them on every track.

He passed the final examinations for solicitor and barrister, and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar on 1st July, 1890. Few on any continent can produce a record like this. Considering the many disadvantages under which he laboured, his success reflects great credit on himself and his alma mater. Should we frame a logical hypothesis, and suppose, as an antecedent, that he had the usual preliminary advantages for a university curriculum, then we should be warranted, without the least possibility of fallacious assumption, in assigning him an unusually brilliant university career.

For some time he practised his profession in the north of Auckland. From there he proceeded to Brisbane, where he became associated with the legal firm of Messrs. Rathning and Byron. He remained two years there, and in October, 1894, he left for Western Australia. He arrived in Kalgoorlie on the lst November, 1894, about twelve months after its discovery. The town was still in the mere rib-work stage of development, devoid of form, flesh, and automatic or voluntary regulation. The Progress Committee, a useful constitution, was doing its best to create for it organic faculties, so that they might behold an efficient mechanism. Mr. Wilson willingly lent his skill to the constitution-builders, and by his shrewd judgment and practical craft he soon rose to be the consulting legislative mechanic. Mr. Wilson's services were so esteemed that when Kalgoorlie was declared a municipality, in May, 1895, he was elected its first mayor. In the following December Mr. Wilson was elected unopposed to the mayoralty. His term of office expires in November, 1896, and it is not likely that he will seek re-election.

In April, 1896, he went to England, partly to recruit his health and partly to transact some business. It was his misfortune on reaching home to fall a prey to typhoid fever. For two nonths he lay in a prostrate condition, much enfeebled by the loathsome disease. On becoming convalescent, he proceeded to complete his business matters. His influential authority, as a leading spirit of the Hannan's fields, and his financial and commercial abilities, were soon instrumental in gathering round him large company-promoters and capitalists. Being generally acknowledged to be the most prominent citizen of Hannan's, it was but natural that companies should seek to vest their interests in his efficient and capable hands. In the formation of the Australian Territories Limited his name was associated with that of the Hon. George Leake, M.L.A., of Western Australia. Mr. Wilson and this honourable gentleman were appointed local representatives of this wealthy and influential corporation, which is a South African mining company with a capital of £250,000.

In his honourable official capacity, Mayor Wilson has been a beneficial and felicitous administrator of the public good. He did not repose with dignified grace on the ornamental honours of mayoralty, but strove with untiring energy to promote the interests of the town and to show himself worthy of their confidence in his capabilities. By zealous enthusiasm for Hannan's advancement and aggrandisement, and by conscientious regard for the duties of his office, he has showered heaps of utilitarian benefits on the burghers of Kalgoorlie. He was chairman of the Board of Health by virtue of his office. It was during his tenureship of this honourable position that the council extended the jurisdiction of the Board of Health to a six-mile radius. After strong representations, advocated by the mayor himself, the Government granted the council £2,000 for sanitary purposes not chargeable on incoming rates.

Countless improvements have been effected within his period of office. A Miners' Institute has been built by means of a Government grant of £500 gnd local contributions. Mr. Wilson is one of the trustees, and in his and other gentlemen's names the Government have vested the property. A great change is to be seen on the streets. Metalled roads and curbed pavements take the place of soft, clammy soil. The town has been extended so as to embrace several allotments in the south-west. A decided beneficial acquisition has been the establishment of a permanent hospital, under the supervision of the Government. Residential areas have been constituted round the boundaries of the town. Recreation reserves of twelve acres have been obtained as a grant from Government.

It would seem, on reviewing these new institutions, establishments, and constitutions, that Kalgoorlie has risen to the reputation of a town under his mayoralty. Responsibility was a natural sequence to quick development and municipal complexities, and on his shoulders the greatest weight fell. In municipal legislation his professional ability, experience, and skill were of paramount importance. His civic virtues tided the council safely over many shoals and quicksands. His shrewd and speculative judgment, underlying a strong policy of liberal progress, effected the high stage of evolutionary development in Kalgoorlie. His public services have been highly appreciated by all classes, and great regret is being expressed at his probable retirement. He has deserved well of Kalgoorlie, and for his reward his name will be handed down in the sacred annals of Hannan's growth. His bright and vivacious discharge of his official duties, coupled with a universal recognition of his remarkable upward career has brought prestige and fame on a town whose early extension will for ever be associated with his name.

In private his company is much sought and much respected for his kindly disposition and social bearing. At conviviums or at symposiums Mayor Wilson was ever the same, a bright, quick-witted, and entertaining host and guest. His countenance bespeaks the very virtues of his mind. In London his attainments and high official position made him an honoured guest. He has supped with the Lord Mayor of London at the Mansion House, and shared an elegant repast with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sir William Bell. The dignity and far-famed reputation of this gold-bearing centre could never have been better represented.

MATTHEW PRICE.

THE population of countries such as Australia are necessarily nomadic. There are really very few old-established business houses in proportion to those of mushroom growth existing in our cities. Australians move from place to place in search of wealth, and as they go they naturally meet with many romantic adventures, and experience the vicissitudes so common to young communities. Perhaps there are few of the Australian colonies in recent years which have given greater opportunities for adventures than Western Australia. Her great extent of jarrah forests, her undeveloped millions of acres, and her pearling fisheries present to the chronicler many incidents of pleasing interest; and the pearl shell industry more than any. During the history of pearling in Western Australia there has been quite a number of grim stories of lives lost, and also brighter tales of fortunes made.

The reader, when he has completed the perusal of the biography of Mr. Price, will agree with us about these two phases of pearl shelling. Mr. Price has had a varied career and many adventures, some of which have nearly cost him his life—by shipwreck, and once in the full stress and force of a semi-tropical hurricane he was within an ace of death. But not to anticipate, we shall mention these things in proper sequence.

Matthew Price was born in Brighton, Victoria, in 1855. His father, Matthew Price, was at one time warden of the Ovens Goldfields, and subsequently removed to New Zealand, where he was a police magistrate at Invercargill. From there he was appointed gold warden at Hokitiki and other New Zealand goldfields. Matthew Price, junior, was six years old when he went with his parents to New Zealand. At Invercargill he attended school until he was sixteen years of age. His first position was as a cadet in the Railway Branch of the Public Works Department of the Middle Island. For two years he was connected with the Government service; and on retiring became associated with Messrs. Brogden and Sons, who were then carrying out the contract for the construction of the railway from Dunedin to Cluther, and also a short south coast line. In January, 1875, he left New Zealand and came to Western Australia. He spent the best part of 1876 at Geraldton, whence he went to the Murchison as a member of a party of three who searched for good grazing land in that large district. Many well-watered, choice patches of soil, and many springs were found by the explorers, who passed over localities now rendered famous by the Murchison Goldfields, but no gold did Mr. Price's party see. Numerous natives inhabited the Murchison district, and sometimes the party met with sixty, eighty, and one hundred at one time, but, after treating them with uniform kindness, the behaviour of the blacks was all that could be wished. Returning to Perth, Mr. Price joined the Government service in 1876 as supervisor for the construction of the telegraph line between Albany and Eucla, for which Mr. J. Flindell was contractor. The line lay largely on the route taken by that successful explorer, Sir John Forrest, a few years previously and before completing the Western Australian portion of the work it may be well understood that many difficulties had to be surmounted. The poles used for the line were jarrah, procured from the old Canning Sawmilling Company, and were landed at positions along the coast most convenient to the place where the contractor was working. The coast is an exceedingly rough one, and along a considerable portion of the route it is difficult for a ship to put in. The schooner Mary Ann, Captain Miles in charge, was employed in this work. Mr. Price, as supervisor, had charge of the pioneer party, which went out in advance of the contractors and marked the trees to align the route to be taken by the telegraph. Much difficulty was experienced in getting poles along the course of the telegraph line, owing to the great number or mud holes, bogs, and deep creeks. Often the loaded drays were bogged in some of these, and then it was necessary to unload the whole contents before the vehicles could he extricated. On the line, too, was a little range of precipitous hills between 200 and 400 feet high, and to get the heavy posts in proper position across this was an arduous undertaking. After much meditation Mr. Price conceived a happy idea. The range ended in high perpendicular cliffs, at the foot of which the water was very deep. On top of those cliffs Mr. Price caused a derrick to be erected, and on fine days the Mary Ann would range alongside, and the busy derrick would then relieve her or her load. By this means the main difficulty of getting the poles to the top of the range was overcome. Among other things there was no water on these hills, and the precious liquid—precious throughout the colony—had to be conveyed long distances. After being sixteen months connected with this important historic work, which joined Perth to the telegraph systems of Australia, and practically the world, Mr. Price boarded the Mary Ann and sailed on the return voyage. Between Esperance and Israelite Bays the little vessel was wreckcd on a rocky islet. Fortunately for her company she did not immediately break up, and as ample provisions and water were on board they were able to wait for some time until they were rescued. Finally, a passing schooner beheld them, and putting in took them from their uncomfortable and dangerous position. The exposure and hard work brought upon Mr. Price an attack o[ rheumatic fever, which eventually compelled him to resign his Government appointment. Suffering acutely from this, the circumstances of his return to Perth remain green in his memory. At Esperance the shipwrecked people were landed, and Mr. Dempster, the only settler in the district, treated them with magnanimous courtesy. Placing a buggy at the disposal of the suffering Mr. Price and supplying saddle-horses for the others and pack-horses for their belongings, he headed the party and guided them overland to Perth in safety. The journey, owing to the unsettled nature of the country, was necessarily arduous, and took twenty-one days to complete. When Mr. Price recovered from his illness he proceeded to Cossack in July, 1878, by the schooner Ariel. 0n arriving there he was somewhat disappointed to find a most dismal place, chiefly remarkable for its sandy reaches, and containing but two houses. He soon made his way to Roebourne, where he met several friends. The pearl industry, which he partly wished to see, was the subject of discussion among them, and as they were engaged in this trade he agreed to join them for one season without remuneration merely to gain experience. He carried out this intention, and carefully studied the work and routine. In 1879 he launched into pearling, and purchased a cutter named the Water Lily, and procured the services of twenty-seven Australian aborigines and three white men—thirty-one people all told—and proceeded to the pearling grounds. The natives negotiated all the diving, and by the end of that season he obtained twenty-one tons of excellent pearl shell, which at that time was worth £150 per ton in the London market. In following seasons he added four boats, each manned by seven men, to the Water Lily, and thenceforward, until 1886, he most successfully followed his curious work, and obtained the average of twenty-six tons per season. The pearl fisheries were then in comparatively shallow water, ranging from six to eight fathoms, but as these were worked out it was necessary to go to much greater expense than previously in fitting out pearling expeditions. In shallow water no diving apparatus was required, but when the pearl beds retreated further from the coast it was necessary to get complete diving gear. Mr. Price invested in four sets for use in the 1887 season, and also purchased the schooner John S. Lane and four luggers. The time arrived when it was necessary for them to start out, and when they got some distance from the central station the weather became thick and stormy, with every indication of a hurricane, and Mr. Price determined to put into the nearest bay for shelter. Then was experienced the most disastrous hurricane chronicled in Western Australian history. The day after his arrival Mr. Price encountered the full force of the gale, which blew with unabated fury for two days, and carried devastation to the pearling fleets. The masts of his vessels were snapped as though they had been matchwood. The chain cables parted, and Mr. Price's little fleet drifted at the pleasure of the hurricane. He was in the schooner at the time, which, mastless, and beyond his control, was driven out nearly 200 miles from land. Every moment almost they expected the vessel to founder or to strike some unknown rocks, and no more dangerous position could well be imagined. Happily, he escaped destruction for, as the weather cleared, he met two pearl luggers which had missed the worst of the hurricane, and they towed the schooner back again to the bay. On arrival there, Mr. Price found two of his luggers broken on the rocks, while the other two were very much damaged. A great part of the north west-coast pearling fleet was destroyed by this dreadful storm, and it was estimated that 300 lives were lost. The greatest anxiety existed in the minds of the public of Perth as to the fate of the pearlers, and the Government chartered the steamers Australind and Otway to go out in search of disabled vessels and their suffering crews. The steamers only succeeded in securing a dismasted schooner named the Serapasa, which was towed to Cossack. The schooner had previously picked up a Malay, who for two days had floated on the hatch of a foundered lugger. His breast was torn, and, suffering intensely, he soon died from his privations.

In 1888 Mr. Price retired from the pearling industry, after having lost heavily during the last two years. He now embarked in other businesses, and in the latter part of 1888 chartered the brigantine Bessie, with which he took a cargo of horses to Mauritius, and returning took another cargo to Singapore. This kind of life, however, was not to his liking, and he opened in business as a contractor. Among the important contracts he has carried out are two for the extension of the Fremantle jetty, one of 1000 feet, and the other of 450 feet. He is now steadily engaged in this line of business, in which he deserves the greatest success. Mr. Price married in June, 1888, the daughter of Mr. Brown, who for some time occupied important positions in the Ports Department at Fremantle. Throughout his somewhat varied career Mr. Price has proved a business man of resource and enterprise. Of a shrewd temperament, he is thoroughly straightforward in all his dealings, and possesses those excellent social qualities which tend to win him friends whereever he may go. No matter what position the vagaries of life have cast him into he has met them all bravely. A general favourite, there is no one that knows him but wishes him well.

WILLIAM GORDON BROOKMAN.

MR. Brookman was born at Prospect, Adelaide, in 1863, and received his education at Whinham College, in the same city. His scholastic career was one of unqualified brilliancy, and he succeeded in carrying off several scholarships, a performance which marked him out as a student of rare ability and exceptional merit. For several years after leaving school he was employed in the Government service of South Australia, but its monotonous regimen and limited scope did not tend towards enamoring him with the Civil Service of the colony. Growing tired, ultimately, of its surroundings, he resolved to launch forth on the commercial world, and embarked on several large and most enterprising ventures in the city. From the early moments of his introduction to the regimé of business life he showed a remarkable aptitude for acquiring a rapid and clear knowledge of its many-sided details, and a thorough practical exposition of his commercial attainments proved him a capable and shrewd business man. His high educational training aided him considerably in his lengthened cruises on the sea of competitive enterprise and commerce.

South Australia about this time was pulsating with thrills of emotion over the great Coolgardie discoveries. Many rushed to the West in the hopes of wooing early fortune. In June, 1893, Mr. Brookman left Adelaide in company with Mr. Pearce, and took boat to Albany. On arriving at the latter port they provided themselves with a spring dray and two good horses, and set out on that tedious and ever-to-be-remembered journey to Coolgardie. After considerable exertion they reached their El Dorado, but deemed it more desirable, alter a short sojourn in Coolgardie, to push on to Hannans, which was then a mere embryo. On reaching Kalgoorlie they pitched their tent and went forth prospecting.

Mr. Brookman and his companion represented a capital of £150, which, though a small amount, was sufficient for the time. In the interests of their Syndicate they set to earnest work, and prospected the vicinity of Hannans. In a short time they pegged out the Great Boulder, Lake View Consols, Ivanhoe Lake View South, and the Associated Mines. They worked away at these claims with untiring energy and trusty confidence, but a lack of funds in the treasury of the Syndicate somewhat disappointed the sanguine prospectors. However bright may have been their anticipations of success, their prospect was ever darkened by terrible odds and straits. Again—the exchequer nearing depletion—exemption was unprocurable, and many so-called mining experts of note endeavoured to damp their ardour by decrying the claims, and suggesting abandonment. Yet, in the teeth of these cruel handicaps and vicissitudes they plodded gallantly on, hoping that soon their discoveries would refute the damaging and cynical opinions of their critics. Eventually, after much hard striving to comply with the stringent labour conditions they successfully floated the Ivanhoe mine in Melbourne for £30,000, and the Lake View for £80,000. These claims, now of such gigantic value, and so celebrated, gained popular appreciation and belief, at a humble exhibition of ls. and ls. 6d. per share in these early days. Few guessed the rich transformation that was in store for these despised and ill-favoured stocks. Encouraged somewhat by these flotations, the plucky prospectors unceasingly plied their labours to acquire as much ground in the vicinity of their claims as possible. They did not pause in their work of enrichment and aggrandisement till they had pegged out 500 acres in the richest part of Australia. Lease after lease was added to their existing possession, and when the batteries gave forth their sweet, melodious music, the fact of the richness of their claims fell on the astonished world with the crash of a thunderbolt. Shares were rushed for, and prices rose with unprecedented celerity. The richness of the claims was a theme in everyone's mouth, and its attractive influence made many hurry eagerly to the scene, and peg out anything in close or remote proximity. The dauntless courage and perseverance of Mr. Brookman were gloriously rewarded, and he became at once the mining celebrity of the hour. Promises, congratulations, and all manner of exhibitory tokens of enthusiastic joy were showered upon him.

WILLIAM GORDON BROOKMAN

Mr. Brookman could now afford to rest on his laurels, and indulge in larger schemes. The Great Boulders—the mighty princess of the group—was sent to London, for flotation, and its great success was the signal for a new era in gold mining in Western Australia. All Mr. Brookman's claims were floated off with enviable success, and he was now free to proceed to London and look after his numerous interests. In the great metropolis he is held in high esteem and admiration. His mining career has been fraught with many retarding and harassing obstacles, but he has overcome all these triumphantly, and has girt and decked his exploits in colours of great splendour. His name is a synonym for success and wealth in Westralian mining, and anything that bears the slightest connection with the name is sufficient to augur happy omens and future prosperity.

Mr. Brookman's success has not been wrongly used. His belief in the mines of Kalgoorlie seems to be analogous and parallel to the enthusiastic and wavering confidence of Mr. Lansell in the mining interests of Victoria. Brookman has not, like many regardless mining potentates, withdrawn his wealthy capital and interests from the colony. It is refreshing and pleasant to see him investing extensively in the capital—actions which prove more strongly than words his true belief in the future of this Colony. On every side he is doing an ample share in developing the Colony and sounding the march of progressive advance.

In Western Australia he is honoured with the much-coveted appellation of the "greatest mining magnate of the age," and this conferment has been worthily assigned to him. From his vast services to the Colony as a whole, he possesses an indisputable right to precedence; and had there not been a W. G. Brookman to persistently cling to and develop those despised claims round the Boulder, the mining wealth of Western Australia might have been considerably postponed. The discoveries resulting from his fortunate energies have attracted the eyes of the world to Westralian auriferous resources, and have magnetised the influx of wealthy capital.

Mr. Brookman still continues in close connection with his former finds, and is entrusted with the supervision of the Company's extensive interests.

Mr. Brookman is respected for his many social beatitudes. If we can study human nature better on the side of fortune, then we can unhesitatingly say that Mr. W. G. Brookman has acquitted himself as a true and upright gentleman, consistent in the discharge of his manifold duties, and a staunch and faithful patriot. His virtues are those of a man who knows how to bear misfortune with unmurmuring stoicism, and fortune with equanimity and grace. His myriad interests keep him continually busy, and his sense of duty demands ready compliance with its dictates. Conscientious, scrupulous in honour, and true of heart, Mr. Brookman is a noble example for many who would benefit by learning and practising his commendable ethical attributes.

A few reflections on the mining fields may aptly be appended as being Mr. Brookman's own racy observations. In 1893, the year of Mr. Brookman's arrival in the Golden West, the train from Albany did not go past York, which was then the terminus of the line in the goldfields' direction. Neither railway nor telegraphic communication existed at this early period of awakening, and those who wished to go to the fields were obliged to walk the whole distance from York. It is only recently that the railway from Perth to Kalgoorlie has been opened, thereby providing an easy means of transit to travellers. Kalgoorlie, as it is now known, was 1893 nothing but a mere miners' camp, occupied by those who were merely endeavouring to get what little alluvial gold could be obtained to recompense them for their labour and exertions. It was not until two years after the field was discovered that the town that now appears on the map as Kalgoorlie was surveyed by the Government. From that time forward the population of the town has grown in proportion to the progress of the adjoining country. "Judging from what I have seen, the present population of Kalgoorlie and adjoining mining districts," Mr. Brookman says, "must total 60,000 souls. In 1893 there were only a few hundreds, but the opening-up and development of the mines has brought in its train a career of success, not merely for commercial and professional men, but for all engaged in every phase of business not excluding those interested in the gold mining of the district."

History of West Australia/Frank Herbert Backhouse

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