SEPARATION FOR FEDERATION : A STUDY OF SIR JOHN WATERS KIRWAN, K.C.M.G
"Time past and time present can be expressed in time future." T.S. Eliot.
B.F. Gatti, 3 Rathbone Road, Riverton, 6155
Optional thesis submitted to the Director-General of Education in partial fulfilment ofthe requirements ofthe Teachers' Higher Certificate ofWestern Australia. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Introduction.
Chapter 1. The Discovery ofGold in Western Australia. 7
Chapter 2. The "Kalgoorlie Miner" and "Western Argus". 10
Chapter 3. Agitation for Federation. 16
Chapter 4. Grievances ofthe Goldfields People. 23
Chapter 5. Goldfields Reform. 31
Chapter 6. Federation. 37
Conclusion. 40
Appendices. 42
Bibliography. 46 - 11l -
ABBREVIATIONS.
W.A.P.D. Western Australian Parliamentary Debates.
N.S. New Series. -I-
INTRODUCTION.
There has been, throughout history, associated with the discovery ofgold, more than with any other metal, a tremendous allure. Not the least alluring ofthese associations were the rich gold discoveries in the early 'nineties at Coo1gardie and
Kalgoorlie, on the Western Australian goldfields. This was a period packed with romance and the spirit ofadventure, about which much has already been written. I propose to use this period as the backdrop for the thesis, highlighting the activities on the goldfields at this time immediately prior to federation, when there was a good deal ofunrest on the goldfields. This unrest culminated in the Separation for Federation
Movement, largely initiated and fomented by John Waters Kirwan, who was at that time the Editor ofthe "Kalgoorlie Miner", the main newspaper on the goldfields.
Prior to 1892, when gold was discovered at Coolgardie by Ford and Bayley,
Western Australia was a struggling colony of little significance. After this find, and the discovery made at Hannans, or Kalgoorlie as it is now known, by Paddy Hannan in 1893, Western Australia entered a period ofrapid development, and in the words of
Kirwan himself: "....it should not be forgotten that the rapid progress that then took place was entirely due to the gold discoveries at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie."(1).
The recent nickel discoveries at Kambalda and around Kalgoorlie
(1) Kirwan, Sir John, "Early Days ofthe Legislative Council", Early Days, New Series, Royal Western Australian Historical Society Journal, Vol. V, Dec. 1943, p.6. - 2 - could almost be described as a reflection ofthe "roaring nineties", as they were sometimes called, and indeed the results ofthese discoveries promise to be just as far reaching. Fluctuations on the stock exchanges throughout the world, particularly
London and New York, have to some extent paralleled the events ofthe 1890's.
Stockbrokers and speculators have shown as much enthusiasm as the 1890's provoked.
The lure of gold in those years attracted men from many countries, all seeking a fortune, and anxious to make it quickly. It is not surprising that very soon the population ofthe goldfields became cosmopolitan, and many men, both famous and infamous, ultimately made their way there. Many ofthose who carne were from the eastern colonies and they were nicknamed "t'othersiders".(2)
The modes oftravel were primitive by today's standards. Some pushed wheelbarrows, others rode bicycles, some swamped or walked "behind a wagon which carried their belongings"(3), from the ports ofFremantle, Albany or Esperance.
Still others carne by camel, wagon or coach. Afghans supplied camel teams and there was a coach service between the railhead at Southern Cross and Coolgardie for those who could afford it. Later, in 1897, the railway was extended to Kalgoorlie.
The toll ofhuman life in opening up the goldfields was very high. Men died from lack of food, thirst, and being lost in the bush. Typhoid, dysentery and scurvy were rife and took a heavy toll on the population.
(2) Mossenson, D., "Separation Movement on the Eastern Goldfields, 1894-1904", Royal Western Australian Historical Society Journal, Vol.IV, Part V 1953, pA2. (3) Crowley, F.K., Australia's Western Third, London, Macmillan, 1960, p.86. - 3 -
In 1894, eighty-four people (4) died from typhoid alone, and in 1895, two hundred and ninety-four perished from this disease. I was amazed to notice, on visiting the cemetery at Coolgardie, the number ofmen who had died at a young age during this period. Infant mortality was very high also.
Lack ofreliable supplies of fresh water made conditions very trying.
Intermittent rainfall throughout the year filled up the various waterholes and prospectors had to rely on these, and on tanks and dams provided by the government, for their water supplies. Geological opinion held no hope offinding supplies of artesian water on the goldfields. Later, water was condensed and sold at very high rates. It was not until the government's Goldfields Water Scheme was completed in
1903, however, that the water problem was solved. Yet there were many who, despite these set backs, made their way to the fields in the hope of"striking it rich".
One such person was John Kirwan, son ofan impoverished Irish landlord, who had been born in County Galway, Ireland, in December, 1869. He arrived in
Kalgoorlie in 1895, having spent the years since 1889, when he arrived in Brisbane, wandering through the eastern colonies and New Zealand as a journalist. He had occupied the editorial position on many country newspapers and had done parliamentary reporting in Brisbane. He had, therefore, had considerable experience in this field and it is not surprising that on arriving in Kalgoorlie he was offered, and duly accepted, the position ofeditor ofthe "Kalgoorlie Miner", a paper recently started by the Hocking Bros. This post he held for thirty years.
(4) Ibid., p.90. - 4-
It was through opinions expressed in the "Kalgoorlie Miner" that John Kirwan was able to wield considerable political power on the goldfields. He points out himselfthat newspapers at the period were an integral and essential vehicle ofpublic opinion,
"guiding public opinion to an extent hardly realized today".(5)
This was particularly featured in the case ofthe eastern goldfields as theirs was an isolated community, by virtue ofdistance and basic activities, being situated hundreds ofmiles from the capital and thousands ofmiles from the eastern cities. In such an environment the most modern and effective communication medium to evolve was the "Kalgoorlie Miner", only rivalled today by the radio, telephone and television. It had capitalized on the use ofthe overland telegraph by installing cable facilities, and thus ensured a news service commensurate with any ofthose afforded in any region ofthe continent. In viewing the newspaper as a means of communication both within and outside the eastern goldfields community, one can see the singular unrivalled position that it assumed, compared to today when a variety of media vie with each other to disperse the impact ofpublic opinion.
Kirwan was a conservative man and this is reflected in his book "My Life's
Adventure". He neither drank nor gambled to excess, and it is a notable fact that he was always accorded a large amount ofrespect in the community. This is obvious, not in just one instance, but in most
(5)Kirwan, Sir John, "The Story ofa Goldfields Newspaper", Royal Western Australian Historical Society Journal, Vol. IV Part I, 1949, p.l8. - 5 - communities where he stayed for any length oftime. This was possibly due to his family background where he had received the upbringing accorded to landed gentry.
Kirwan was a severe critic ofthe Forrest government. He admits quite freely that he opposed Forrest more often than he supported him.(6) The government was situated over three hundred and fifty miles away on the coast and was most unsympathetic to the goldfields people. Forrest regarded the mining population as unstable and gave them little consideration, a factor to which goldfields people were very sensitive, particularly as they were the main source ofcolony revenue.
John Kirwan figured prominently in much ofthe public life ofWestern
Australia around the tum ofthe century, and later on also. In 1895 Sir John Forrest had appointed him a member ofthe Kalgoorlie Cemetery Board, a post which he reluctantly accepted, and in 1896 he was made a J.P. In December 1899 and January
1900 he was one ofthe leaders ofthe Eastern Goldfields Reform League, and in 1901 he was elected as a member ofthe House ofRepresentatives for Kalgoorlie in the
First Federal Parliament, a seat which he subsequently lost in 1904. In 1908 he was elected to the Legislative Council ofWestern Australia, and in 1926 he was elected its
President, a post which he held for twenty years. He was appointed as a foundation member ofthe University Senate in 1912, and also in that year he married the daughter ofT.F. Quinlan, an original University Endowment Trustee. In 1930 he received the title ofKnight Bachelor, and in 1947 the order ofKnight Commander of
St Michael and George was conferred upon him.
(6) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, London, Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1936, p.143. - 6 -
He travelled extensively throughout the Commonwealth and other countries during his life, attending Press or Parliamentary Conferences, often as a Western
Australian or Australian delegate. On visits to England he attended functions given by
British royalty and nobility.
"Sir John Kirwan was a man with a tireless energy in making himself familiar with all the needs and aspirations ofthe community and he was unsparing in his advocacy ofwhat he believed to be right", wrote Sir Hal Colebatch on the death of
Kirwan in 1949.(7)
It was fortuitous for the people ofthe goldfields that they had a man ofhis calibre ready to fight for their grievances at a time when action was needed.
(7) The West Australian, September 10th, 1949. - 7 -
CHAPTER 1.
The Discovery ofGold in Western Australia.
When Bayley arrived at Southern Cross in 1892 to report a rich find ofalluvial gold at Coolgardie, a few people realized the significance ofthe announcement.
Earlier gold discoveries on the Murchison and in the Kimberleys had been shortlived and some people regarded these new discoveries with scepticism. Within a few months, however, people in Western Australia witnessed a great change in the fortunes ofthe colony. As one rich find followed another, people realized that the gold reports were indeed true, and all eyes turned towards the Eastern Goldfields.
People and money began to pour into the little colony, and Western Australia, which up to this time had been regarded as the "poor relation" by the other colonies, suddenly sprang into activity. Every ship arriving at Fremantle carried people hoping to make their fortune on the goldfields. Perth and Fremantle became overcrowded as people, waiting to leave for the goldfields, filled up the few available hotels and guest houses. Those who were unable to find accommodation slept out ofdoors. On
September 21st, 1892, the "West Australian" reported: "In Perth and Fremantle everyone seemed to be either carrying tents, picks, shovels and dishes or otherwise preparing for the road." The population growth was spectacular. In December 1885 there were thirty-five thousand people in Western Australia; in 1890, the figure had risen to forty-five thousand and by 1894 there were eighty-one thousand, six hundred people in the colony. - 8 -
Economically, the colony was in a sound position, whilst the other colonies were experiencing the financial crash of 1893. In that year, Sir John Forrest, the
Premier ofWestem Australia, reported in the Legislative Assembly: "I am very glad
to say that our anticipations as to the presence ofthe precious metals in the colony,
are likely, so far as 1can judge, not only to be realized, but to be far exceeded. The
export ofgold from the colony during the twelve months ending so" June last (1893)
amounted to 72,844 ounces, valued at £276,807 ...... an increase during the past
year of £1 05,408 ..... There is no doubt that gold does exist here in great quantities,
and over an extensive area." (1)
In his own words, Sir John Kirwan likens the gold discoveries to the "touch of
a magician's wand".(2) He also says: "Immigrants and money poured into the colony
and there was an overflowing Treasury."(3) Banks, insurance and commercial firms,
investors and businesses of all kinds began to show interest in Westem Australia, and
in particular the goldfields towns. It was soon realized that heavy machinery would be required to extract much ofthe gold after most ofthe alluvial had been taken, so huge
companies were floated by investors, many ofthem from overseas. Stock exchanges were set up to cope with the share fluctuations, and fortunes were often lost and made
ovemight, by gambling either on the exchange or at open calls.
(1) Calvert, AT, Westem Australia: Its History and Progress, London, Simpkin, 1894, p.52. (2) Kirwan, Sir John, "How Westem Australia Joined the Commonwealth", Royal Westem Australian Historical Society Joumal, Vol. V, Part II, 1950, pA. (3) Kirwan, Sir John, "Early Days ofthe Legislative Council", op. cit., p.6. - 9 -
"Were it not for the stimulus thus given to the states' progress, it is difficult to see how the colony could have made any remarkable forward movement even with the increased self-governing powers", wrote Sir John Kirwan.(4) Western Australia had only just been granted responsible government in 1890. The other colonies had all been granted this some years earlier. Now, for the first time, the colony was ruling itself, without having constantly to refer to the Colonial Office or Imperial Parliament.
Sir John Forrest was an autocrat who saw that his policies were carried out.
These were mainly to foster the agricultural and pastoral industries ofthe colony. The colony seemed to be run by a few pioneering families who were very parochial in outlook. They also had aristocratic tendencies and were slow to admit newcomers.
The goldfields population was composed largely ofoutsiders, who were prone to radical views and opinions, and who were far more experienced, sophisticated and versed in the wiles ofmankind than their coastal counterparts. These people were capable ofcriticizing and finding fault with the Forrest administration and policies, as it affected them, and it was Kirwan, with the traits ofyouth, intellectual vigour, broad experiential background and newspaper expertise, who stepped into the breach and championed the cause ofthe underdog. This infiltration ofnew blood and new ideas, for which the gold discoveries were responsible, was the means by which a stagnating society was suddenly forced into action.
(4) Ibid., p.6. - 10-
CHAPTER 2.
The "Kalgoorlie Miner" and "Western Argus".
The role played by the newspapers on the goldfields in the 1890's was by no means small. They acted as a stimulus to public interest, picking up any news of rushes, share fluctuations, property deals and the inadequacies ofthe government in
Perth and quickly relaying them throughout the mining community. There were many newspapers in the various goldfields centres; KalgoorIie, Coolgardie, Menzies,
Kanowna, Norseman, Broad Arrow and Southern Cross all had either daily or weekly papers. The paper which eventually emerged as the most powerful ofthem all was the
"Kalgoorlie Miner". This paper still operates at the present time, as a daily newspaper in Kalgoorlie.
The "Kalgoorlie Miner" and "Western Argus" were owned by the Hocking
Bros. They had been prominent in business and journalistic ventures in the 1880's in
South Australia and also in Coolgardie. In 1895 they purchased and commenced weekly publication ofthe "Western Argus". It soon became evident that a weekly paper was insufficient to meet the needs ofthe booming town, so in September ofthat year they commenced daily publication ofthe "Kalgoorlie Miner". This met with
immediate success and the owners were keen to see the expansion continue. They
made sure that the latest plant available to them was installed. Skilled operators to
work this machinery were brought in from overseas, and cablegram facilities were set
up. The inhabitants ofthe Eastern Goldfields were soon being supplied with the latest
news as it appeared in the newspapers ofthe eastern colonies. John Kirwan was - 11 -
appointed editor, as stated previously, and joined in the partnership.
By 1898 the "Kalgoorlie Miner" had become one ofthe "most widely read newspapers in the colony"(l) and it was fast assuming the position which was destined to exercise such a considerable political sway over the people, particularly during the federation campaign. In fact in all the controversial issues on the goldfields, the "Kalgoorlie Miner" was not hesitant in corning forward and loudly voicing its opinion. Newspapers today do not seem to have the same influence. Editor
Kirwan registered his displeasure at many ofthe attitudes that Forrest displayed, when he said: "Unfortunately, I was more often an opponent than a supporter ofhis, though
I recognise that he did great work for Western Australia."(2) This attitude was obvious in his paper when he sided with the miners over their grievances. Over such issues as the ten foot regulation, unequal electoral representation, the water problem, differential railway charges, the government's poor attitude to the goldfields and the
Esperance railway, the newspapers were quite outspoken in discussing their opinions.
They left no stone unturned and were often quite scathing in the treatment ofthese and other matters.
The ten foot regulation was a rule brought in by the government, whereby an alluvial miner was forbidden to mine to a greater depth than ten feet. In the past, this gold had been regarded as "poor man's gold" in other parts ofAustralia, and the legal right ofthe prospector. The miners felt that the law was unfair and many disobeyed it.
(1) Crowley, F.K., op. cit. p.l25. (2) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.143. - 12 -
In the "Kalgoorlie Miner", Kirwan advised the miners that although the law was
"ultra vires"(3), they must "obey the injunction but appeal to the higher court".(4) It was obvious to Kirwan and others prominent in the town's affairs that conflict would occur, particularly as a contingent ofpolice from Perth had arrived on the goldfields to march on the miners and enforce the law. At the Ivanhoe Venture Mine, which was the centre ofthe dispute, Kirwan and the mayor ofKalgoorlie had decided to try and reason with the men. In Kirwan's own words: "We waited until midnight, and as the police were getting ready to start, a wire carne from Perth countermanding the instructions." (5) The law was annulled, fortunately before any serious dispute had occurred. Had not a man such as John Kirwan taken a stand, the result could have been disastrous.
In 1898, a Goldfields Electoral Convention was held in Kalgoorlie and it was decided to ask Sir John Forrest for a redistribution ofseats in Parliament. The goldfields people maintained that their parliamentary representation was inadequate.
Kirwan had pointed out the injustices ofthe system "that 5,764 members at East
Coolgardie would return one member, whilst 5,650 members in another part ofthe colony would return twenty-one members."(6)
The "Kalgoorlie Miner" and other goldfields newspapers constantly
(3) Kirwan, Sir John, "The Story of a Goldfields Newspaper", op. cit., p.15. (4) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.142. (5) Ibid., p.142. (6) Kirwan, Sir John, "How Western Australia Joined the Commonwealth", op. cit., p. 14. - 13 - reminded the people ofthis fact. In 1897, only ten out ofa total of fifty members in the Legislative Assembly and six ofthe thirty members in the Legislative Council represented Kalgoorlie. The water problem, a constant source ofworry and privation to goldfields residents, was also given prominence in the columns ofthe "Kalgoorlie
Miner". On lith December, 1897, the "Kalgoorlie Miner" spoke out loudly in favour ofthe goldfields water scheme by saying: "It was not long since when, despite the warnings ofthis journal, the majority ofthe residents ofthis district viewed the proposal with utter indifference or with hostility, denouncing it as a waste of money..... The public ofthe goldfields, as we predicted, now fully realise that they were mistaken, and anxieties at present displayed among mining men that the project should be begun without delay, to prevent mining operations being retarded in the future." Kirwan was an ardent supporter ofForrest's in this respect; he says that Sir
John had "no stronger champion than I in his building ofthe goldfields water scheme".(7)
High freight costs and tariffs were contributing factors to the inordinately high cost ofliving on the goldfields, a point which the papers were not slow to point out.
The Port ofEsperance had long been regarded as the natural port ofthe goldfields, and a railway linking it with Kalgoorlie seemed a natural corollary. Extra freight charges, incurred by the extra travel to Fremantle and thence by rail to Kalgoorlie,
would thus be eliminated. Forrest's policy ofcentralization did not permit this
(7) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.143. - 14 - and John Kirwan would not condone his uncompromising attitude: "But I did not agree with his hostility to the Esperance Railway, and thought that his policy tended to promote the evil ofcentralization, an evil that to my mind is particularly objectionable in a state extending over one-third ofthe Commonwealth."(8) The goldfields newspapers exerted opinion far and wide and it is not surprising that they were able to influence such a large number ofpeople.
Naturally enough, some legal battles were encountered but the "Kalgoorlie
Miner" was fortunate in having as its editor such a man as John Kirwan. He displayed an uncanny legal acumen which, when coupled with an association ofinfluential colleagues, was helpful in making light ofthe most serious cases. In a case where legal action was taken against the "Kalgoorlie Miner" and a court case ensued,
Kirwan enlisted the support ofhis friend and colleague Sir Winthrop Hackett.
Through the latter's connections they obtained a magistrate who successfully reduced the courthouse to laughter. A nasty incident was thus avoided and the "Kalgoorlie
Miner" was exonerated.
Kirwan, with his legal acumen, his unrelenting agitation, and his insistence on keeping within the realms ofthe law, seemed to be the man that was best able to hold the irate miners when all else seemed to be lost. His sustained urging to wait for the law to take its natural course seems to be unusual in one so young. Usually, associated with youth, is the characteristic of impetuosity. He says himself that: "Young as I
(8) Ibid., p.143. - 15 - was then I urged patience....." This virtue ofpatience, which he displayed, eventually tumed to anxiety in the crisis ofthe political obstinacy ofthe govemment situated at the Swan River. However, his unrelenting advocacy ofthe federal cause has indeed eamed him a time-honoured place among those who fought for, and won, federation.
This was the man who was to be responsible for shaping many ofthe attitudes ofthe goldfields people. They were extremely fortunate in having such a man to channel and inspire their thoughts. - 16 -
CHAPTER 3.
Agitation for Federation.
As far back as the 1840's the idea ofall the colonies joining together as one federated nation had been envisaged. Lord Grey, the Colonial Secretary, recommended this course to the Australian colonies in 1847. In 1850, a Bill to accomplish this aim, having been passed by the Commons was rejected by the Lords.
The idea ofFederation in itselfwas quite sound when one considers the aspects ofDefence, Communications and Immigration. Problems arising from these could be dealt with more effectively by one central government than by six separate ones. On the other hand, the question ofCustoms Duty or excise was more complex, each state having developed its own set ofrules regarding tariffs on goods. Although it was desirable that one set ofrules should prevail for all the colonies, this was in practice not the case. This single factor was due to cause quite a considerable amount offriction, as will be seen, in the years leading up to Federation.
Kirwan exposed the anomaly ofForrest's protectionist, rural policy and the "lip service" that he was paying to the federal concept. The latter eventually was forced to take a stand and admit anti-federalism.(l) Kirwan postulated: "I did not agree with his..... supporting exorbitant protectionist duties."(2) He claimed that Forrest was
"running with the hares and hunting with the hounds", and contended that the setting
(1) Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics: The Influence ofthe Eastern Goldfields on the Political Development ofWestern Australia, 1890-1904, M.A. Thesis, Perth, 1952. (2) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.143. - 17 - up ofthe Joint Select Committee, allegedly to investigate the tariff clause in the proposed Constitution, was a further mechanism ofdelaying Western Australia's entry into Federation.(3) Forrest's refusal to assume the leadership ofthe Federal
League in Western Australia further supported Kirwan's claim.
Sir Henry Parkes, who has been called the "Father ofFederation", zealously supported this cause for federal union, but many people criticized him. He suggested in 1880, at an Intercolonial Conference, that a federal council be formed to discuss problems which would be ofmutual concern to all colonies. Kirwan, on hearing
Parkes speak on federation at a meeting in Sydney soon after his arrival in the eastern colonies, was extremely impressed. Kirwan said: "He dealt with the need for
Australian unity, federations past and present, the differences in outlook between the various Australian colonies and how these differences might be reconciled by an all- round spirit ofcompromise."(4) In November 1883 there took place in Sydney a conference which, La Nauze claims, marked the beginning ofthe federal movement.(5)
In January 1886 a Federal Council was held at Hobart, with Victoria,
Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and Fiji represented by delegates. Parkes,
at this stage, had lost some ofhis zeal and vigour for the project,
(3) Colebatch, Sir Hal, "The Federation Campaign", Royal Western Australian Historical Society Journal, Vol. IV, Part 111,1951. (4) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p. 22. (5) La Nauze, J. A., Alfred Deakin, A Biography, Vol. I, Carlton, Melbourne University Press, 1965, p. 108. - 18 - due partly to the fact that he had been so severely criticized from many quarters he had decided to wait for a more opportune time when the colonies showed that they were ready for Federation. This fact accounted for New South Wales' absence from the Hobart meeting. South Australia also declined to send a delegate.
In a speech at Tenterfield in 1889, Parkes again displayed his former vigour for Federation. He publicly recommended that a united Australia could best cope with the country's defence problem. In February 1890, due to his efforts, a conference with representatives from all colonies and New Zealand was held in Melbourne to discuss the possibility ofsetting up a convention to consider the idea ofFederation. \
All this time an association, founded in Melbourne in 1871, known as the
Australian Natives' Association was doing much to foster within Australians the spirit ofpatriotism and make ready the way for Federation. Only persons born in Australia could belong. Its members included such people as Alfred Deakin, who was, with
Parkes, one ofthe principal founders ofFederation. This Australian Natives'
Association spread its influence to the Eastern Goldfields, where Coolgardie and
Kalgoorlie both had branches. Conventions were held and at one in the East in 1891, a proposed constitution which was practically a forecast ofthe Constitution ofthe
Commonwealth ofAustralia was drawn up.
In 1891 the first Australian Federal Convention was held in Sydney, with representatives from all colonies and New Zealand. Difficulties in framing a constitution suitable to all colonies were experienced. Naturally, there were powers which would have to be relinquished to a new central government and the various - 19 - colonies were reluctant to do this. Also, Parkes, who had been Premier ofNew South
Wales, fell from power in the elections ofOctober 1891, and his successor, George
Reid, was not keen to follow in his footsteps regarding Federation. New South Wales had adopted a free trade policy, whilst Victoria was decidedly protectionist, and when the former withdrew their support the other colonies were unwilling to continue without New South Wales. The project was therefore set aside for the time being.
New Zealand and Fiji, by this time, had decided that federation with the mainland was not practical.
At a Premiers' Conference in Hobart in January 1895 the subject was discussed once more, and this time with the support ofthe New South Wales Premier, who had opposed the movement in 1891. An Australasian Federation Enabling Act was framed and machinery set in motion for a federal constitution to be drawn up.
All this time, Kirwan was doing much to keep the issue alive in Kalgoorlie and on the goldfields. The "Kalgoorlie Miner" reports in 1895; "It would be well for us, as residents ofthe goldfields, to urge this great movement for Federation with all the talent, enthusiasm and interest which we can."(6) In March 1897 the Second
Federal Convention was held in Adelaide, with representatives from all colonies except Queensland. The delegates were all elected by the people oftheir own particular colonies, except Western Australia, where the Forrest government had appointed the delegates. The South Australian Premier, Kingston, was elected as
(6) Kalgoorlie Miner, October 1st, 1895. - 20-
President, and Edmund Barton ofNew South Wales as Vice-President. Parkes had unfortunately died in 1896.
The constitution drafted by Parkes in 1891 was used as a starting point on which to base a constitution acceptable to all colonies. There were many aspects to
consider before a successful conclusion could be reached; federal representation for
each colony or state, procedure for the event of a deadlock in parliament, source of
Commonwealth revenue, customs and excise and immigration. Two subsequent
sessions followed, in September 1897 and January 1898 at Sydney and Melbourne
respectively. Western Australia, again, did not elect its delegates, but had them
appointed by parliament.
By 1898 New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania had
submitted the proposal ofthe federal constitution, by referendum, to their people. All
these colonies, except New South Wales, voted for the proposed constitution. A
Premiers' Conference was then held and a few amendments were made to the
constitution, and on 20th June, 1899, the majority ofpeople in all the colonies, except
Western Australia, declared themselves in favour ofFederation. On August 2nd,
1899, Kirwan voiced this opinion in the "Kalgoorlie Miner": "It is true that Federation
with its many benefits cannot be got for nothing. In this world everything worth
having must be paid for." On August 3rd, 1899, he said: "Now is the time for action
and the people ofthe goldfields must make themselves heard. The talk ofthe
provincial party, that 'people do not understand the Bill', is simply bosh! 'Why Sir,
we are nearly to a man t' othersiders, and since 1891 our papers have been full of
Federation...'" - 21 -
Sir John Forrest, the Premier ofWestern Australia, was unwilling for her to join the Federation at this stage ofdevelopment. In the "Kalgoorlie Miner" ofAugust
rd 3 , 1899, Kirwan displayed irritation at Forrest's attitude to Federation. He said:
"The Premier has stated that no matter how much he approved ofthe Bill as a
measure of government for welding together the various states ofthe continent, his
first duty was to West Australia and to the old settlers ofWA..... it was a wrong and
narrow way oflooking at a board question. The people ofthese fields might take a
similarly narrow view oftheir responsibilities with equal justification. They might
say: 'We have the interests ofthe people ofthe Goldfields who are carrying the whole
colony on their backs to consider, and we shall work for their interests, and not
consider in any way, any other part ofthe colony. '"
Forrest, as Kirwan indicates, favoured the coastal settlement and those
representative ofrural and agricultural interest. This favoured that part ofWestern
Australia which had been settled before gold was discovered. The newly arrived
population on the goldfields was regarded as only transitory and not worthy of
consideration. Kirwan felt that the Government's treatment ofthe community was
unjust and did much through the press, by letter and by personal discourse to convey
this opinion.
Western Australia had only just been granted responsible government in 1890
and a government on the eastern seaboard would have seemed to them almost as
remote as the Imperial Parliament. Naturally, they were not willing to relinquish their
newly won freedom so readily. Western Australia was flourishing, due to the
discovery of gold. New industry and wealth hitherto not experienced were evident.
- 22 -
Forrest was concerned at the loss ofCustoms duties. Under the conditions of the Constitution, these were to fall under the jurisdiction ofthe Commonwealth
Government. They were the source ofa substantial income to Western Australia
(£300,000 per year) and one which could not be easily replaced. Section 95 had been inserted in the proposed constitution as a means ofcompensation to Western Australia but Forrest was not satisfied with this. In July 1899 he had set up a Joint Select
Committee, consisting ofseven members from both the Upper and Lower Houses, to examine the issue. There were some people in favour ofFederation, who claimed that this move was a direct obstacle set up to delay Western Australia's decision. One such person was John Kirwan. Mossenson claims that had Forrest been sincere in his desire to obtain concessions for Western Australia, he had had ample chance to do so during the three sessions ofthe Convention, 1897-1898.
At this stage the other colonies were tired ofwaiting for Western Australia and decided to go ahead with the project. In Kirwan's own words: "It looked as ifthere was no hope ofWestern Australia joining as an original state. Federalists in Western
Australia felt that if she did not join as a federal state there was a danger that she would never join."(7) It was at this point that those people in Western Australia who were in favour ofFederation, and in particular those on the goldfields, stepped in and took a stand which hurried Western Australia's decision for the federal cause.
(7) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.146. - 23 -
CHAPTER 4.
The Grievances ofthe Goldfields People.
The reason why Western Australia had remained aloof from the other colonies regarding federation was due partly to the attitude of Sir John Forrest. To understand this issue fully one must understand the geography ofthe situation. Western Australia, as stated in Chapter 3, was situated at a great distance from her eastern neighbours and did not share their sentiments; similarly the goldfields were situated miles away from the Swan River Settlement and again had a different set ofvalues.
The Swan River settlement was the seat of government and Sir John Forrest wielded a considerable personal political power. In the words ofKirwan:
"Accustomed as he was to having his own way, he had all the characteristics of an autocrat."(1) The Forrest government fostered rural and pastoral development as these were the mainstays ofthe Swan River settlement. Tariffs were the means of enforcing this policy, and unfortunately it was the goldfields people, who were consumers rather than producers, who were hit the hardest by such tariffs. The goldfields had very little to do with the coastal districts. Communication was difficult and journeys to the fields were long and tedious. The people felt that they were being unjustly treated, particularly as they were the reason for Western Australia's economic boost. They claimed that the goldfields were being exploited to promote the coastal districts. In the four years prior to 1899 government expenditure on the Eastern Goldfields amounted
(1) Kirwan, Sir John, "The First Commonwealth Parliament", Early Days, New Series, Royal Western Australian Historical Society Journal, Vo1.VIII, Dec. 1946, p.9. - 24- to £1,615,332 whilst expenditure on the coastal districts reached £100,592,410.
Another reason for the lack of interaction between goldfields and coastal residents was that a very large percentage ofthe goldfields people were from the eastern colonies. This reason alone could have been the cause ofSir John Forrest's attitude towards them - that it was an unstable population; "..... those who merely come to earn what they can, and make a living for a short time, then go away, leaving those who have a stake in the country to bear the burden "(2)
A poem which appeared in the "Kalgoorlie Miner" in September 1899, although obviously not displaying the finesse ofKirwan's pen, expresses clearly the sentiments ofthe goldfields people to their coastal neighbours:
"Pile on the goldfield's burden Ye parasites down below. Stamp on the fitted workman, Crush where the wealth doth grow. A patch that has made thy name, Curse all those working miners Who won you thy present fame. Pile on the goldfield's back That which yourselves should carry, Make us thy slaving hack, Foster thy convict city; Quick! fill thy pockets well, Else when the hack doth jib, men, This world should not treat You well,....." Apologies to Rudyard Kipling. (2) W.A.P.D., VoLII! (N.S.), p.33. - 25 -
In retrospect, Kirwan referred to this period: "Young as I then was, I urged patience and asked that the Government should be given a fair chance, but as time went on our grievances increased, and eventually I, too, became anti-government."(3)
Mainly, the grievances ofthe goldfields people were unequal electoral representation, heavy customs duties and railway rates, harsh mining laws, lack ofwater and the desire for a railway to be constructed to the Port ofEsperance. Their dissatisfaction and ensuing discontent was with ineffective parliamentary representation which was a travesty ofpolitical justice. Kirwan says: "For years the whole ofthe Eastern
Goldfields, with a population of40,000 persons, was represented by a single member in the Legislative Assembly and none in the Legislative Council, whilst in the pastoral districts there were electorates, the total number of electors on the rolls for which did not number fifty."(4) In 1895 eight hundred and eighty-seven electors in rural districts had eleven members to represent them in parliament, while thousands ofresidents on the Eastern Goldfields had only two members, states Mossenson.(5) An article in that year in the "Coolgardie Miner", edited by Vosper, cited various electoral districts and their memberships: Goldfields (thousands ofmembers), Ashburton (fifty-two), De
Grey (thirty-seven), east Kimberley (twenty-six), West Kimberley (ninety-eight),
Roebourne (ninety-one), Murchison (thirty-seven). In 1896 (Appendix A), out ofthe
forty-four Legislative Assembly seats, only six were allotted to the Eastern
(3) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.132. (4) Ibid., p. 133. (5) Mossenson, D., "Separation Movement on the Eastern Goldfields, 1894-1904", op.cit., pA5. - 26 -
Goldfields, while in the Legislative Council they received only three ofthe twenty
four seats. Mossenson gives these figures in "Gold and Politics". In 1897 5,381
electors on the Goldfields were represented in the Legislative Assembly by four members, whilst 115 electors (Gascoyne), 90 electors (East Kimberley), 54 electors
(Ashburton) all had one member each (Appendix B).(6) Was this equal and fair
representation? In 1899, when parliamentary redistribution occurred, the goldfields were given ten ofthe fifty seats in the Legislative Assembly and six ofthe thirty
Legislative Council seats. In 1904 they had the number ofseats in the assembly
increased to twelve but the number in the council remained the same as before
(Appendix C). Although it is quite true that when the electoral boundaries were first
drawn up no-one lived on the goldfields, in latter years, sister John Forrest's attitude
was quite unrealistic.
Forrest thus had on the one hand those indigenous residents who had lived in
Western Australia all their lives and regarded the country as theirs, and on the other
hand, the energetic, enterprising mining community who had corne from outside to
open up the interior. He did not want to cede political power of any magnitude to the
goldfields people, as this would be diametrically opposed to the agricultural,
pastoralist policies which had evolved in the previous decade. He felt that these
ephemeral miners were neither worthy ofnor interested in voting. The political
theoretician, Sartori, certainly would not have recommended this initial stand ofthe
Forrest government. If these newcomers were not aware oftheir rights, then men like
(6) Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, op. cit., p.280. - 27 -
Kirwan and his precursor,Vosper made them patently clear.
Other grievances which fell particularly hard on the goldfields people were the heavy customs and railway tariffs levied on goods. Kirwan said: "The customs duties, in the opinion ofmany, fell with undue severity on the goldfields, where the people were all consumers. They produced nothing but gold, and gold could not be protected."(7) Tinned food was a necessary commodity, and, unfortunately, one which was heavily taxed. Farm produce from Perth to Kalgoorlie cost £I/16/5 per ton in freight whilst imported goods cost £4/2/8 per ton. In some cases double railway rates were paid, in the first instance to the government, and secondly to the company which constructed the line. Kirwan has this to say: "To make matters worse, the whole ofour supplies came long distances by train, and the railway rates which were differential, constituted a second customs house."(8)
The harsh mining laws imposed on the miners were one ofthe most important grievances, in the opinion ofBastin. They were unsuitable and based on Queensland mining regulations. Various mining acts were passed and one in particular, in 1898, which has been mentioned previously, the "ten foot regulation", forbade alluvial miners to sink to a greater depth than ten feet. Many disobeyed the regulation and as a result much friction occurred. Kirwan's "Kalgoorlie Miner" declared the law as "ultra vires"(9), or outside the law, and ridiculed the regulation. Kirwan said:
(7) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.133. (8) Ibid., p.134. (9) Kirwan, Sir John, "The Story ofa Goldfields Newspaper", op. cit., p.l5. - 28 -
"It was contrary to the admitted rights ofthe prospectors. Ifa man had a mining claim, whether it be alluvial or leasehold, the depth to which he was allowed to sink should not be limited."(10) Sir John Forrest went to the goldfields to try to put things right, but instead caused an uproar. The ten foot regulation was eventually annulled, but the event left behind a feeling of indignation towards those in charge ofthe country.
The serious shortage of fresh water was a source ofconstant worry to goldfields residents. Many people had died from thirst, and the problem was one for which there seemed no real solution. Enterprising people carted water to the various towns and sold it. In 1893 water was carted to Coolgardie by camel drivers and sold for 2/- per gallon. In an effort to solve the problem the government and private companies built huge condensing plants, making use ofthe brackish water available.
Between 1895 and 1899 the government spent £500,000 on building water storage tanks, boring and condensing plants, and in 1896 it announced that it would spend £2-
1/2 million on a goldfields water scheme. This would entail pumping water from a reservoir on the Helena River, in the Darling Range near Perth, to the goldfields.
Kirwan said: "He (Sir John) had no stronger champion than I in his building ofthe great Goldfields Water Scheme for pumping fresh water in pipes over three hundred miles to supply the needs ofthe mining community. "(11) The scheme was commenced in 1898 and completed in 1903, but only after a great deal ofpublic disapproval. Doubts were raised at the wisdom ofspending too much money
(10) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.l37. (11) Ibid., p.l43. - 29 - on too permanent a water supply for a population that could dwindle, as had occurred in other mining communities in Western Australia and the eastern colonies. Bastin contends that had Forrest commenced the scheme immediately and had it completed by 1899, the grounds for goldfields discontent would not have existed.
The government's refusal to construct a railway line to Esperance, which was regarded as the natural port for the goldfields, was another source ofgrievance. "A particularly sore point," wrote Kirwan, "was the refusal ofthe Government to build a railway to Esperance Bay, the goldfields' natural port. Instead ofdoing so, the trade ofthe goldfields had to pass through the capital, and thus the journey between the goldfields and the eastern part ofthe continent was lengthened by more than one hundred and sixty-seven miles by train and over six hundred and ninety-one miles by sea." (12) In 1897 an Esperance Railway League was formed, but due to the government's policy ofcentralization, met with little success.
It is not surprising that, due to the injustices levelled at the goldfields people, the Forrest government became most unpopular. Kirwan said: "There was indeed a complete lack ofsympathy between the goldfields proper and those responsible for the government." (13) The Boer War was in progress and the people aligned their feelings with those ofthe Uitlanders. Forrest was likened to Kruger and the name
"Oorn John" (14) was not uncommon. The people felt that they should at least have
(12) Ibid., p.134. (13) Ibid., p.134. (14) Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, op. cit., p.171. Kalgoorlie Miner, December 31st, 1898. - 30-
the right to vote for or against the proposed constitution, as had occurred in the other colonies. - 31 -
CHAPER5.
Goldfields Reform.
"A movement of far reaching importance with which I was directly associated was the inclusion ofWestern Australia in the Commonwealth at the beginning ofthe century," wrote Sir John Kirwan in his book "My Life's Adventure".(l) The majority ofpeople on the goldfields were in favour ofFederation. Their sympathies were with the east, as stated in Chapter 4, and many ofthe men still had their families living there. Primitive living conditions and restrictive land-owning laws made it well-nigh impossible for these miners to bring their wives and families to the fields.
Setting the goldfields aside there were people in other sectors ofthe colony who also felt that the advantages of federation outweighed the disadvantages.
One such man was George Leake, who was a member ofthe Legislative
Assembly and destined to be a future Premier ofWestern Australia. He had been present with Sir John Forrest and other members ofparliament at the various conventions held in the east to discuss the federation. He was also a member ofthe
Joint Select Committee, set up by Forrest to examine the question oftariffs. George
Leake was president ofthe State Federal League, although he did see the judiciousness ofForrest's dissatisfaction over the tariffclause in the proposed
Commonwealth constitution. He was ofthe conviction, however, that the people of
Western Australia should be given the opportunity to say whether or not they
(1) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op. cit., p.144. - 32 - approved ofthe proposed Commonwealth constitution. Kirwan and Leake discussed a possible referendum and the significance ofWestern Australia entering the federation.
In Kirwan's own words: "Mr Leake came to the Goldfields and talked over with me the question ofhow to bring Western Australia into the federation. The first objective was to secure for the electors the right to choose whether the colony should join or not. We felt certain that ifwe could secure a referendum there would be a heavy affirmative decision. "(2)
Kirwan's interest in federation had been kindled soon after his arrival in the eastern colonies in the early 1890's. Whilst in Sydney, before his arrival in Kalgoorlie in 1895, he had attended a lecture on federation by Sir Henry Parkes. Kirwan recalls that: " .....attendance was sparse. Sir Henry was not in as much public favour as he had been. He was tireless in furtherance ofthe federal union ofthe six Australian colonies and was ever ready to advocate it by voice and pen."(3) Although Parkes was not a polished and eloquent speaker, Kirwan was impressed by him. He felt that
Parkes was a "wise, far-visioned and truly a great man".(4) This was the very genesis ofthe concept oftotal Australian federalism to Kirwan.
Accordingly, the Bill-to-the-people petition was drawn up praying that the people ofWestern Australia be given a say in the rejection or acceptance ofthe proposed constitution. On the goldfields, petitions were signed, with all classes ofthe
community voluntarily participating. Everyone, including mine managers, business
(2) Ibid., p.145. (3) Ibid., p.22. (4) Ibid., p.22. - 33 - people, shop owners and miners pulled together for this purpose. In Perth and coastal districts supporters ofthe federal movement were striving for a similar end. Kirwan and Leake kept almost daily contact by letter with each other at this stage. These are to be found in the Battye Library. In one letter, written in September 1899, Leake reports on the progress ofthe petition in the Perth and Fremantle areas. He says: "A large number ofpeople in Perth would not sign this petition as they were afraid it may tell against them. In Perth, for instance, the civil servants will not sign, and employees in the Fremantle merchant offices will not either because they fear that it work injuriously."(5) This clearly reveals the vindictive attitude ofthe government at the time.
However, the movement achieved results. Within a few weeks, George Leake was able to present to Parliament a petition signed by 23,000 people, ofwhom 18,000 were from the goldfields and 5,000 from the rest ofthe colony, asking that the decision for Federation be submitted to the people. Sir John Forrest, wishing to hold out until Western Australia was granted the amendment which he sought, namely five years of fiscal freedom, dissolved parliament.
The eastern colonies made it quite clear that, regardless ofWestern Australia's decision, they were going ahead with Federation. Those people in Western Australia who favoured Federation felt duped. The goldfields people, inspired by the writings in the "Kalgoorlie Miner", were determined not to give in without a fight. John Kirwan,
(5) Letter from Leake to Kirwan, September 11th, 1899. - 34 - through the columns ofhis newspaper, urged "Separation for Federation". He says:
"It was then that I advocated in the press the separation ofthe eastern goldfields from the colony ofWestern Australia, for the purpose of forming a new state and joining the Commonwealth."(6) Kirwan as fundamentally a federalist, and only adopted this separatist policy in order to "force the government's hand regarding Federation", cites
Bastin in his M.A. thesis.(7) In an article in the "Review ofReviews" entitled
"Altering the Map ofAustralia" Kirwan advocated separation, and showed a map of the proposed new colony. It was hoped that, as Kirwan stated, "such a movement could be used as an invaluable lever to force the Government to take a referendum".
(8)
The "Kalgoorlie Miner" was widely read both on the goldfields and throughout other parts ofthe continent, and many prominent people came forward to advance the cause. The Eastern Goldfields Reform League was formed, with a provisional executive committee, ofwhich John Kirwan was a member. Branches of the league were set up in most goldfields centres. At a conference in Coolgardie in
December 1899 at which sixty-one people, representative of all goldfields opinion, were present, it was resolved to send a petition to Queen Victoria asking that the goldfields be separated from Western Australia in order to join the proposed
Commonwealth. On January 3rd, 1900, a second conference ofthe league was held at which a permanent executive was formed. Again it included John Kirwan
(6) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.146. (7) Bastin, J., The Western Australian Federation Movement: A Study in Pressure Groups, M.A.A. Thesis, University ofMelbourne, 1951, p.l11. (8) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.146. - 35 - as well as other original members.
C.C. Kingston, ofSouth Australia, advised Kirwan at this stage, in a letter dated January 3rd, 1900: "Count on me to help you all 1know on the sacred cause of
Australian unity ..... 1don't know that 1 can advise you, except to persevere on the lines you are already following. Agitate, agitate, agitate. Organize, organize, organize.
Let it be plainly seen that the people mean business." (9)
A manifesto was published which clearly set out the grievances ofthe goldfields people. Three prominent and eminent Australian lawyers had been engaged to draft the petition to the Queen. They were Sir Joseph Symon, the Rt Hon. C.C.
Kingston, and P.McM. Glynn. This petition, signed by 27,733 people on the goldfields, was encased in a casket made oflocal gold and forwarded through the
Governor to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria. The people were earnest in their petition
and public enthusiasm knew no bounds. There was even a name suggested for the proposed new state - Auralia.
Kirwan, who had through these crucial stages been in contact with Alfred
Deakin and other dedicated federalists, received a letter from the former in March
1900 which read: "1 may tell you confidentially that we are pressing the position of
Western Australia upon Mr Chamberlain and have some glimmer ofhope ofhis
intervention in a friendly way."(1 0) Joseph Chamberlain, the Colonial Secretary, was
in favour ofall the Australian colonies being included in the federation.
(9) Kirwan Papers, Battye Library, 343A, Letter from Kingston to Kirwan. (10) Ibid., Deakin to Kirwan, March 15th, 1900. - 36 -
He made it clear to the Western Australian government that he would give serious thought to the Petition for Separation should it be necessary. His historic telegram, of
th April 27 , 1900, gave it no option but to pass an Enabling Bill, thus clearing the passage for a referendum to take place. He said: "I cannot in these circumstances press the matter further, and I would now urge your ministers earnestly to consider whether they should not, in the best interests ofthe colony, as well ofAustralia, make a resolute effort to bring the colony into Federation at once. .... Your ministers will also, ofcourse, take into consideration effect of agitation ofthe Federalist party, especially in goldfields, ifWestern Australia does not enter as original state..... In these circumstances it appears to me ofutmost importance to future ofWestern
Australia that it should join at once "(II)
As Kirwan, in "My Life's Adventure" wrote: "Diplomatic language could not have put it plainer. Furthermore, private and unofficial information made it clear that the prayer for separation would be granted ifWestern Australia did not federate with the other colonies." (12)
Forrest's reaction on receiving Chamberlain's cable was an immediate summoning ofparliament.
(11) Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, op. cit., p.207. (12) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.150. - 37 -
CHAPTER 6.
Federation.
The Western Australian Parliament subsequently, in June 1900, passed an
Enabling Act which made it possible for a Referendum to take place, whereby the people ofWestern Australia could vote for or against the proposed Commonwealth
Constitution. Kirwan states that Parliament favoured not only the holding ofthe referendum(1), but joining the federation as well. Even at this stage, recalls Sir Hal
Colebatch, there were members ofparliament who still doubted the wisdom of
Western Australia entering the federation in her present state ofdevelopment, but Sir
John Forrest had made the decision to support a "yes" vote for the referendum and he toured Western Australia promoting this cause. The "Kalgoorlie Miner" reported at this time that: "During the referendum campaign Forrest and Hackett maintained that the colony must federate ifthe loss ofthe goldfields was to be avoided."(2) Political scientist Key has this comment to make which is particularly applicable to the goldfields political milieu. He says ofpublic opinion: ".....those opinions held by private persons which governments find it prudent to heed. Governments may be compelled toward action or inaction by such opinion."(3) The people ofthe goldfields manifested their political right to assert their desire as to whether or not they would be
(1) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.150. (2) Kalgoorlie Miner, June 10th, 1900. (3) Key, V.O. Jnr, Public Opinion and American Democracy, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1961, p.l4. - 38 - given the opportunity to vote on federation. This, especially after the Chamberlain telegram, made it politically expedient for Forrest to alter course.
Accordingly, on July 31st, 1900, the referendum took place and by an overwhelming majority it was decided to enter the federal union. Forty-four thousand, eight hundred people voted for Federation and nineteen thousand, six hundred and ninety-one voted against it. People on the goldfields naturally voted in the affirmative, as did the people ofPerth and the metropolitan area, whilst people in rural districts voted against Federation (Appendix D). As a consequence Kirwan commented: "The referendum showed that, were it not for the Separation Movement, some twenty thousand electors who did not want federation, would have prevented forty-five thousand from getting it."(4) Crowley clarifies this statement when he makes the point that, although the goldfields vote did constitute a very large proportion ofthose who voted in the affirmative, federation had as much support in the other sectors of the colony, and setting aside the goldfields, the proposal would probably have still been accepted. This fact is borne out by Mossenson when he analyses the referendum figures.(5)
Western Australia joined with the other colonies as an original member and in due course the British Government passed an Act which set up the Commonwealth of
Australia. On September 17th, 1900 Queen Victoria read the proclamation and on
January 1st, 1901, a new nation came into being. On May 9th, 1901, amid great rejoicing, the Commonwealth Parliament
(4) Crowley, F.K., op. cit., p.153. (5) Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, op. cit., p.287 (Appendix D). - 39 -
was opened by the heir apparent, the Duke ofCornwall and York (later George V), in
Melbourne. Parkes' dream had been accomplished and as Kirwan later said: "It was a pity he (Parkes) did not live a few years longer to see his dream ofAustralian
Federation realized."(6) Elections had been held in all the Australian states in March and to the First Commonwealth Parliament Western Australia sent six ofthe thirty-six members ofthe Senate and five ofthe seventy-five members ofthe House of
Representatives. This is an example ofboth houses ofparliament being wholly elective and would bear out the rationalist, democratic thesis that Sartori analyses.
Among those representing Western Australia in the House ofRepresentatives were
Sir John Forrest and John Kirwan, for Swan and Kalgoorlie respectively.
Leake, writing to Kirwan when federation was a foregone conclusion, said:
"Let me at once, thank you for the support you have given, and acknowledge that, through your able advocacy and the action ofthe people on the Goldfields, the accomplishment ofFederation is practically attained. Without your agitations we should have had but a poor chance."(7)
But for the goldfields agitation, the Commonwealth would have come into existence shorn ofWestern Australia which in area is one-third ofAustralia. The unity ofthe colony would have been incomplete and had Western Australia not joined as an original state, she may have permanently remained outside the federation.
(6) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.23. (7) Kirwan Papers, Battye Library, 343A, Leake to Kirwan, June 15th, 1900. - 40-
CONCLUSION.
There is no doubt that the Eastern Goldfields Reform League presented a very real threat to Sir John Forrest in his refusal to grant Western Australia a say in federation. He was virtually confronted with the problem oflosing the goldfields or federating. Sir Hal Colebatch contends that: "Sir John Kirwan was on sound grounds in arguing that the goldfields' separation agitation played a major part in securing the immediate entry ofWestern Australia into the Federation."(1)
After Federation the Goldfields Reform League ostensibly died out. It had realized its objective and faded into relative obscurity when it showed signs of becoming a spokespiece for Labor on the goldfields. John Kirwan, who was a conservative and a federalist, withdrew.(2) He had no desire to bind the policy ofthe
"Kalgoorlie Miner" to anyone political allegiance. Separation as an end in itselfwas not his aim, but rather Separation for the purpose ofFederation with the
Commonwealth.
The entry ofWestern Australia into the federation made way for more harmonious interaction between the goldfields and the coastal districts. The Ministries of Leake and James saw that the goldfields people were better appointed politically and socially, than during their predecessor's regime. The agitation that had occurred would have helped to mature the political institutions and accelerate the electoral franchise which has become the natural right ofevery Western Australian adult.
(1) Colebatch, Sir Hal, op. cit., p.13. (2) Bastin, J., op. cit., p.l11. - 41 -
When the more easily won gold began to "peter out", many ofthe miners took advantage ofForrest's generous land laws and settled on the land. At the time of
Federation it was realized by many people that Western Australia was the colony which stood to make the "most sacrifices without any direct gain"(3), but looking back over the years, I feel a wise choice was made. Looking at the question thirty years hence, Kirwan himselfwrote: "It was decidedly advantageous that the national affairs ofthe continent should be under one Government...... "(4)
To men such as Sir John Kirwan, who played a prominent role, through his influence in the "Kalgoorlie Miner", in informing the people oftheir political, social and legal deserts and in bringing the goldfields attitude to such a large section ofthe
Australian community, the people ofWestern Australia owe a deep debt ofgratitude.
He effectively fostered and promoted, and succeeded in bringing the western third of
Australia under one destiny, one people, and one flag. Henceforth unity was guaranteed.
(3) Colebatch, Sir Hal, op. cit., p.? (4) Kirwan, Sir John, My Life's Adventure, op.cit., p.145. APPENDIX A.
Legislative Assembly.
Number ofelectors on the roll in various Electoral Districts (1894-1897) plus the number who voted at the second General Election 1894. (Statistical Register ofW.A. 1896, Part XII, p.l5.)
1894 1895 1896 Electoral No. of No. Who No. of No. of Electors Voted Electors Electors Albany 617 383 625 685
Ashburton 52 * 49 57
Gascoyne 24 * 108 121
Kimberley, (East) 26 * 84 94
Kimberley, (West) 98 82 100 117
Murchison 37 * 85 131
Perth 947 626 1,072 1,094
Perth (East) 1,196 748 1,232 949
Perth (West) 1,859 870 1,969 2,059
Yilgarn (Goldfields) 693 374 1,284 2,966
*member returned unopposed. N.B. Goldfields were allotted one seat in Legislative Assembly.
Extract taken from:- Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, OR. cit., p.278. APPENDIXB. Legislative Assembly. Number ofelectors on the roll in various Electoral Districts (1897- 1900) plus the number who voted at the third General Election 1894. (Statistical Register ofW.A. 1904, Part XII, p.18.)
Oct April 1897 1898 1899 1900 Electoral District No. of No. Who No. of No. of No. of Electors Voted Electors Electors Electors
Albany 679 * 745 800 818
Ashburton 54 * 57 53 64
Coolgardie 2,080 859 2,216 3,546 3,766
Coolgardie, E. 1,486 937 2,975 5,903 5,991
Coolgardie, N. 772 531 1,060 1,875 1,973
Coolgardie,N. 1,143 579 2,038 3,375 3,476 E.
Dundas 292 216 1,571 864 912
Gascoyne 115 * 188 193 194
Kimberley, E. 90 * 89 65 65
Kimberley, W. 100 * 144 150 189
Murchison 131 * 142 168 177
Perth 1,181 540 1,151 1,303 1,357
Perth, E. 949 356 1,093 1,733 1,776
Perth, N. 421 261 1,959 2,487 2,524
Perth, W. 1,742 775 2,146 2,963 3,049
Yilgam 499 237 471 420 447
*member returned unopposed. N.B. Goldfields were allotted six out ofthe forty-four seats in the Legislative Assembly. Extract taken from:- Mossenson, D., Gold and Politics, op. cit., p.280. APPENDIX C.
Representation in Parliament ofthe Eastern Goldfields.
Legislative Assembly Legislative Council
Date Kalgoorlie State Kalgoorlie State ofElectors
1896 6 44 3 24 50% (male)
1897 10 50 6 30 36%
1904 12 50 6 30
Figures taken from:- Crowley, F.K., op. cit., p.l13. APPENDIXD.
Referendum on the Commonwealth Bill, 31st July, 1900.
Territorial Division No. Who For Against Majority Voted Ref. Ref. For Against
Eastern Goldfields 24,808 23,485 1,323 22,162
Central 3,335 2,845 490 2,355
Metropolitan 19,216 11,695 7,521 4,174
Pastoral, N. 898 488 410 78
Agricultural S.W. 16,234 6,287 9,947 3,660 (including Albany)
Totals for W.A. 64,491 44,800 19,691 25,109
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Kirwan, Sir John, "How Western Australia Joined the Commonwealth", Vol.V, Part II, 1950.
Kirwan, Sir John, "The Story of a Goldfields Newspaper", VoI.IV, Part I, 1949.
Kirwan, Sir John, "The First Commonwealth Parliament", Early Days, New Series, Vol.VIII, 1946.
Kirwan, Sir John, "Early Days ofthe Legislative Council", Early Days, New Series, Vol.V, 1943.
Mossenson, D., "Separation Movement on the Eastern Goldfields, 1894-1904", VoI.IV, Part V, 1953.
An article in Political Studies, The Journal ofthe Political Studies Association ofthe United Kingdom, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1958. Sartori, Giovanni, "A Continental View", Vol. VI, 1958.
Articles in Kalgoorlie Miner, Coolgardie Miner, Review ofReview and The West Australian, around the tum ofthe century.
Parliament House.
Reference has been made to the Western Australian Parliamentary Debates, particularly around the tum ofthe century.
State Archives.
Kirwan Letters and papers, Section 343A.