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.
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Photo by GEORGE BELLINGHAM, J.P. Hemus & Hall. |
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
