scholars SIEFOEREST IN COOLGARDIE, Colin Trotman, Cunder­ State School ...... :...... 36 THE GOLDFIELDS WATER SCHEME, Bruce Claughton,Forrest Page High School ...... ' ...... ,...... , 41 JOHN FOREESTS PEAYEE, Maureen Davis, Clackline State INTRODUCTION, Sir James Mitchell, Lieut.-Govemor or 'Western School , , 43 Australia ...... , ...... 4 FORREST," J cnnilcr Jenkins, East Canna State Mr. M. G. Little, M.A., Director or Education ...... 5 ...... " M A GREAT AUSTRA.LIAN, Mr. 1. T. Birtwisile, Chairman of FORREST-JVrAN OF 'v'ISION, \iVilma Mead, Perth Modern School 44 Council, Vv.A. Historical Society ...... 6 POEM-" SALUTE TO FOREEST," Brian Lemon, Perth Boys' SOME QUALITIES OF LORD FORREST, Sir James Mitchell 8 - High School ...... , ...... 46 THE BIRTHPLACE, R S. Purdie, Perth Modern School ... 9 THE TRANS,A.USTIi:.ALIAN EAILW/\Y, Betty Lowe, Corre- THE SUPPOSED BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN FORREST, Iris spondence Classes ...... 46 Ann Strugucll, Picton State School ...... 9 FOEREST HIC;IcI SCHOOL, Des. Gibson, Forrest High School 47 PICTON CHURCH-JOHN FORRESrS CHRISTENING PLACE LORD FORREST-A PEEl:: OF TI-fE REALM. Barbara Till, Naomi \iVhite, Picton State School ...... 11 Perth Modern School .. , 48 FORREST, Ruth Stubberfield, Perth Girls' High School ...... II POEM-" JOHN FORREST," Valerie Olds, Perth Modern School .. 12 . LEONORA, Johu Bell, Correspondence Classes...... 13 FOIUU:<:ST'S CAIRN MT. LEONOEA, Phyllis Leaney, G,valia State School ...... ,...... 14 TWO FOERESrS CAMPING PLACES, Barbara McCooke, Correspondence Classes ...... 15 Ii:.AVENSTHORPE SCHOOL IcIONOURS FOEREST, June J\IcCullocb, Ravcnsthorpe State School ... 16 FORREST IN ESPI:<:RANCE, Senior Children, Esperance State School ...... 16 Page PEETH TO ADELAIDE VIi\ THE COAST, Dorothv Otley. High Bayswatcr State School . .. 17 MAP SHOWING FOImEST'S TH}LJrrT~S, Laur-ie O'Dcnnel. Perth OVERLAND TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA FROM GEEALDTON School .. Mary Ogilvie, Correspondence Classes ... .,...... '" 19 LORD FOREEST .. JOHN FORREST-" The JOHN FORREST'S 'rEIIED EXPEDITION, Susan Halley, Gerald­ OF JOHNF'OREEST. his Struguel1, PictCJll ton State School ...... , ...... 21 FORREST'S PAETY IN THE MURCHISON, Vera Wallam, MA.LCOLM HAMERSLEY, TOJVIMY WINDTCH and JOHN FORREST Carrolup Native Settlement School ...... ·22 MT. LEONOEA ..... 19 ., ,fOHN AND TOMJ\IY," Revnold Hart, Carrolup Native Settlement FOEREST'S ]874 ENPEDITTON AT School ...... ,. '" ...... , ...... 24 COTTAGE AT GERALDTON. FORREST'S PAETY AT WELD SPRINGS. Dnlcie Penny, FOREEST'S 18i4 EXPLOETN G PARTY Carrolup Native Settlement School . 24 11y a attending Carrolup STORY OF TOMMY WINDICH, Grace Reed, Bayswater State GRAVE AND I-IEADSTONE OF W1NDICFI School ... .,...... '" ...... ,...... 26 F'REMANTLE .rt.o ".DUU THE FORREST BEOTHERS IN THE KIMBEELEYS, David C. FOUNDATION STONE OF BUN BURY HOSPITAL Cruikshank Perth Modem School ...... '" 28 OPENING OF RAILWAY TO KALGOOELIE, ABORIGINAL ORA.l'OR, Tommy Pierre ... 28 't:~(;\~'~'~D~:lJ'i~02TIIE GOLDFIELDS---Sir John and EXTEACTS FRUM IOHN I"OERESrs "EXPLOEATIONS OF AUSTEALIA" .'.. .. '" 29 EAELY YEARS OF JOHN FORHEST, B. Houston, Perth Modern School ... .,...... 31 FOEEEST AS PEEMIEE, Stcffoni Keating, Bayswater State School 32 POEM-" FORREST THI:<: STATESMAN," Valma Williams, Bays- water State Scbool ...... '" ... .., 35 ROCK, Glenys Cars lake, Gutha State School ...... 35 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 5

the RT. I-IoN. SIR JAMES G.C.M.G., Lieut.-Goz!ernor To THE SCHOOL CHILDREN OF VVESTERN AUSTRALIA. of H"'estern Australia. It is 118 years since our State was founded, and during that THE FORREST CE.NTENARY time many great vVest Australians have rendered service to their I am asked to write an introduction to this booklet, which native State. This year is the centennial year of the birth of John IS made up of articles written children of many schools, Forrest, possibly the greatest of them all. all with the life of Lord Forrest. Lord Forrest was the Jast of a unknown Like you, he sat as a in one of our schools. Like you. which there is now to he played as a vVest Australian boy in our fields. He began his does interest He [aces the service to the State at an early age and, while vd a young man, if with incidents that was chosen to be the leader of men in gre,i[ 1:;'01' them an encounter with he of greater interest than the most A surveyor profession. he opened up our back and was the leader of several' in the interior of was an ideal Australia. "Vhere highways now run, he cut the first trail. INhere and and he mill th c settlements now flourish he made his camp fire-the first white of all who carne in contact he and remember him. man to penetrate the loneliness of the outback country. Lord Forrest , civil servant, member In his later years he took his share in government, and in Council in Crown first and Premier 1890 he became the first Premier, when His Majesty the King State under responsible TIe was the vVestern tralian in the first Federal conferred the right of responsible government on this State. booklet does not to be a In the greater sphere of Australian politics, he was Western on record manv intimate and Australia's representative in the planning of Federation and in active and verv' full li and win still at sch;)oJ. It will also nrove a the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia. He to the Fuller account that will he writt~nanc1 his last years as a member of its parliament, and his service, both the Jife of Lord Forrest his centenary celebrations. to State and Commonwealth, culminated in his election to the The children still at school did not know Lord but Peerage. John Forrest, the boy at school, thus became Lorcl he still lives in the minds of their Much has been Forrest (the first Australian to be so honoured by our written about him and tradition has handed down far more of the of his Jife. It is in this field that I hope the JUUlIlll.ll He was pre-eminently a great surveyor and explorer, and to writers work. It well be that will on record his great achievements in this field he added further lustre to his much that will the of the name in his latter days as a great statesman. His was the courage for you a verse of a poem I and the vision, coupled with the engineering genius of C. Y. wrote it:- O'Connor, that gave to us such great engineering works as the "Liocs of men all rcniind. us Goldfields vVater Scheme and the Fremantle Harbour. We call mol:c our lives

'ille commemorate Forrest's birth because he was a great Australian. He in his country and himself, and he dareel. Vol e are of his daring, bemuse we know that Australia would not have been made the it is without the aid of men and women who had courage and audacity, just as it will not be main­ tained without those qualities. Forrest was a man who looked forward. His gaze went far afield and he believed a land lav the horizon So he and his intrepid companions added rich to the stories of He Golden water could serve it. and he ordered the that not aids those who raise also those its route who raise golden Australian over- created a modern harbour at

and many other fine visions he had. He was +m'i"llncchi- <::""""" to see that were for the Western Australia. But that is too restricted a state- were realised for the of because what- impetus is to vVestern Australia benefits the continent. 0) c::i ':} CD 1."- 1."­ memorv and this book in which the 0000c:o the- work of a son of the ----'----.,- I I IVOR T. Chair/nail ~V Historical

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Invaluable of this booklet has been 1\1iss M. Public Library of vV.A. The services of Mr. addressing chil­ clren in various Thanks are also due to the following for the use and blocks " vVestern Historical "r,r"(1h r , Miss Messrs. G. vValker, and and Susan :MAP SHOWING FORREST'S ROUTES. Drawn by Lauric O'Donnell, Perth Boys' High School. J. P. STOKES, Editor. lAiRD FURREST. FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET

S. PURDIE (Science JV.B). Perth Modern School.

centres in the SOl1th-\Vest is 1)1,'1"l1nl"('0 of three of am St;cte Pre- the name "The " for

that For heen born at ho\vever, after the I\t J\,rfill first seUTer at mains of an old Hour mill in the fire.

IRIS ANN STRUGNEI"L (Class VI.). Picton State School.

JOI1. N FORl,EST-" I'll e F o/m.!J Exf'lorcr··-] 870. Lord Forrest is believed to have been horn at Point, a point which juts out where the Preston River flows into Lesch­ enault Estuary, abont three miles north-west of our school. I-Jere his father, Wm. Forrest. built a flour mill, which was worked wind. Before, he had built it nearer Bunbury, near where the Parade IJote1 stands, h11t he did not receive the right winds for the 10 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 11

SO he moved it to Mill T'oint. Here \Vm. Forrest built a. home where [ohn Forrest is to have been born. The sketch- of the house: where ohn Forrest was have been born was made from a that :>"n('",'('[( 111 a to the dated There is n01111n,2: NAOMI MAE WI-UTE State School. rernal11Jng of this home now. except an old post or two, to show where it was situated. was the first minister of the Church

HUTH ) . Perth Girls' School.

SUPPOSED BIRTHPLACE OF JOHN FOREEST. The celebratmz opening of our school is nothing remaining of this home except an old post or two." reminds soon celebrate-s- that of the greatest man has ever P1'o- duced. man who "loved the 'V'.~0C0, the eternal ohn Forrest was about four of age his stretches a home called " suuated about a and the low the high the sand ( 1111' Picton School. This the outcronomz quartz the UllULUdLllj'~ E':rnest sweeps of pastures, the

home are the remains Forrest was born at 1847. school that Forrest His , \Villiam a to Aus- went to this school tralia in 1842. He cleared his land in the almost untouched dis- went to the Bun trict near surrounded natives who were not Later John attended 11-;"'10111", and wrnte men were within a With crude \Villiam Forrest built his house and the Forrest . that vated his property, was in this humble that the " per bullock wagon, first peer of Australia was born. Fie grew up to be a lover of np,-",ci"p·rl 111 with the air, and his associations with natives gave him an into their and him with a bush lore in- valuable to him in his years 12 FORRES CENTENARY BOOKLE rORRES CENTE~ARY BOOKLET 13

Accounts of Forrest's main have been told elsewhere in this booklet, fame to John Forrest. now known as "The ." The successful of all was due not to the BELL (Class IV.), age 10 years. Classes, courage and endurance of the men. but to the skill and of the leader. In his 1874 Forrest crossed '\vas to daunt a man and to kill a " and he trium- Asa of the orrcsuondcnce GI,n"c:o, who Jives at Clover what was the last great task in Australian Downs three miles Mt Leonora (so named by Forrest in 1869). I find it a to add my small tribute in honour of one of Australia's greatest sons. As a statesman Forrest possessed to Western and an absolute her . His faith John Forrest was the first white man and could confidence and courage which ]j Its its cairn-crowned head His motto was "Ever onward." Small feet above sea level. I climbed its side a ago had able He could command a and added a stone to the cairn built Forrest 78 years ago. are to trust a man "who knows The object of Forrest's was to find whether some bones said to be out were and whe­ ther ill-fated The bones of that unfortunate

But Forrest and to see OLDS ) , 14 years. if it could be used for future settlement where Laverton now stands, and on their Perth 111odern Schoo!' where Leonora and its twin sit on the earth's surface. One hundred years ago, this year. as born a statesman great-­ who Irom bumble estate.

the to the central And well known for DOlle for the

Parliament he a settle on the who would and grow the crops, To meet State's demand.

n.netecn e1,g'11tc:en, much beloved, near Sierra honoured our State: hac! gone home. FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 15 14 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET he reported that the was worth the examination of geologists. On Mt. leonora Although John Forrest didri't stay the in­ habitants are proud of the visit paid to the famous PHYLLIS LEA. NEY (Class IX.). State School. explorer, and of the cairn he left on Mount Leonora. Two where Cwalia is now -.ituated. To-day this cairn is a smoke-grimed circular of rocks, there is a Forrest named the bill Mount 7 feet high and 21 feet in circumference. The cairn is used and on its summit. The cairn is still to be as a wind-break for picnickers, who climb the mount in seen on Mount numbers. Perhaps it also reminds the miners of Gwalia, who daily rattle down to a depth of over a mile into the bowels of a spur of Mt, Leonora, of the intrepid VVest Australian who early passed that way.

B/d\R\RA McCOOKE (Class V.), 10 years. .orresbondence Classes. tree-clad and at its base was a little and and several away, Peak raises its crest above the from its SUl111111t, a wonderful view can be seen. There are houses and cleared some sown with oats and MT. LEONORA SEEN F'ROM A DISTANCE OF HALF A MILE. some studded with and cattle. At the foot of its Fora-es ts cairn is visible the highest point. further away are the hills of

stood on Mount Leonora and the Peak are proud that they an he was able to see for miles around a great man. shrubs and trees. Fie must have walked over the spot where Sons of Gwalia Coldmine now little what his brother Alexander wealth under his feet. also walked over find a stock route to reef. from Perth to I wonder ifFarrest lIe and what and then crossed If he what wealth Here the horses rested had a shadow of doubt as to the answers continued on their to his survey a survey this did not achieve its could be seen about nine miles south of Aldersvde. Leichhardt's was not the fault this peg was burnt when the was cleared. his return he was able to make public the \Vhen Forrest stood on Peak able information about that had not talI timber I wonder white men. Even he prosperous we see ? must have had some return J6 FORREST CENTENAR rIOOKLET FORI'tEST ENTEN RY BOOKLET 17

calculated to last them themselves for some over JVfcCULLOCH (Std. V.). j\C['Z/C'l1SU1'?r}'JU State School, the and on made. Some Bay. Then came bare with Mounts Howe and on to Israelite where the "Adur

VVindich died in His grave 'and 111 a grove amongst the sand

Forrest returned from a visit to the Eastern States S.S. lnrunninclra. On board with the Premier and their horses and for over- later. were tracks

was the next

was H.iver and consulted the best whole when he refused to build the to the Goldfields. To have done so would been to band over the Goldfields trade to the Eastern States. \V ithout the Frernantle Harbour which he the and and the wheat­ the rich mines would have been the mines now worked and since abandoned." ohn Forrest and his a survevor ): fan-i~r and shoe­ and a second named Some had been of water and SchooL to storms. Horses and a rest on the station of Messrs. Five rater and the FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 19 18 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET explorers were bronzed and healthy in spite of their N a other expedition area, smce John 2,000 miles. An overland telegraph line was Forrest's and his report on the land was verv valuable. After this returned to Perth by sea, where a hearty welcome awaited them.

and Forrest was at that time were not discouraged had been The Start from (.;~,r"I('HI'1,n. schooner "Adur" was to lVIARY OGILVIE V.), age 11 years. the coast, where the PYnl.nno,'~ 'nYl'" cbanrII'll ("f' Classes. south from the to the south coast, inland seems a us. but there are Geralc!ton ,·p,'H'ml,p,' the well. made good progress to . Their main was lack of water. and for the horses was also was on that that John young man of At the men the shown 27, set out on his last and most '111nnd"11i' expedition. the of The horses were also

once more resumed their journey. Israelite , after travelled lIere the schooner cc was horses rested and recovered thei r 111PP1";11<:r-nhJ('p with the schooner. set as close as possible to the huge cliffs rise hundreds of feet at this particular part of the southern coast of vVestern Australia. In one portion of the coast, criffs three hundred to four hundred feet high fell abruptly to the sea. The cautiously over the but soon drew terror stricken the dreadful view. Men and horses were both distressed while passing through waterless for about ISO miles, but Forrest's wise them to where water and excel- lent food were obtainabIe. John Ge.rnldto». Here vVindich's keen discovered some relics of to one of those who rememher. Her name bones of a and two small pieces a little of 12 at the time. She leather. from the verandah of her old and A welcome eves when the sand hills of Eucla facts. you would like were ~ of every member of the narty, the schooner at anchor in the harbour. made up mind to lind out had lost condition while on the most diffi- Australia the South cult their waterless had to man had been over that 0,"""1",,, be traversed. soon the horses were exhausted faced them. "",,'n,vI were soon better than sun ken eyes natives and dilated nostril's. The men. too. were from the pri- vations hac! endured. At however, Fowler's was reached on 12th The then from nelll.-'COl to Port ancl southwards where W''''1111" welcomed. 20 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 21

Mr. the Murchison River. On the of Geraldton is to have known Forrest tbe explorer, March were entertained to dinner at the Gerald- the statesman, 'vVest Australia's greatest son. ton Hotel Mr. Crowther. M.L.C. It must have been a event. 'vVe can a11 the wishes which would be to the little band were rather anxious about the Forrest bad made a from anv of the other I-Ie had decided to horses with hil;} instead of Horses cannot live without water in the same way that camels can. It was not known whether there would be a of fresh water the route intended

On the of l st there was great excitement m of the Geraldton Hotel, The horses were for their journey. Some were to men. and The took sufficient to them for months. the Geraldton Hotel stood a row of these cottages were used as the "Town Izesident Magistrate did his work there. Behind them hi11 caned Flagstaff Hill. On the of the hill was a and a small building like a pepper pot. This was used to guide ships into the jetty. In the day time a flag would and at night a beacon would burn. Any excuse was This did made to the flag, and so we may be sure that the flag was flying on that morning. It was at noon that the party gathered in the street between H etuitnaster, Classes: On account the Geraldton Hotel and the Town Hall in preparation for the of a severe physical disability this girl has never been able start. included John Forrest (the leader), Alexander F or- to attend school. and has been educated entirely by correspondence. rest J. Sweeney (a farrier who went to care for She has alwavs taken a keen interest in her lessons, is very inter­ the (a police constable). Also there were ested in histo;'v, and reads widely. She has gone to much trouble two Tommy Windich (who became a life-long friend in .collecting l~~aterial for this essay. In her wheelchair she has of and Tommy Pierre. There were others who had 'visited several old residents to obtain information and nhotozrapns a little way along the road with them. A trooper back the mail. set out and travelled by way of King's Table Hill. Here rested on the common land where any grazier was allowed to let his stock feed. In those days there was no wireless to news, and we can be sure that the people of Champion SUSAN HALLEY (Class Geraldion State School. would watch for the return of the trooper with the and latest news the He left them when thev consisting of Forrest reached about the of and was the la;t command). man to see them before the Line. constable) , Vve know now how trip was, it is good . well armed know that Forrest led his men across Australia. for twenty-one horses set the Geraldton Hotel It looked very out from Perth. closed mv eves. and once more the streets were Forrest was r u n nm o great risk because ~aw' I . I saw his men. I saw former nn,m,ncc from east to west failed to Mrs. Howes I heard the cheers as camels. down the street. took to cross the Victoria Plains. FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 23 22 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET {)f his built a of stones and studied on the 28th March, and spent the first saw Forrest and his before beards and

The party comprised:

The soil and At and the tribe But Forrest never hair of any one of the blacks. became around his fir~. He showed his flour, sugar, and them some, but knew ""(·1";',,,,' about these used to Forrest

on his strange cL11"11cL1, in his learned was a gun. INhere Forrest made natives. Forrest and his men walked known. How he reached South was , and barren. /\s he son the natives the word smoke. 24 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET

.\s the natives came up close to the their spears and their and a terrible noise, Forrest and his men were their guns A native an incident in which \Vindich went as near to the natives as ]olin F orrest and W ind.ich look and told them that weren't to hurt them. were water for themselves and their horses. REYNOLD I-IART (Class IV,). Native Settlement School. passin,g' 1"1o,'"",y;, the were for him and his ram up. John was a clever fellow. where water was unless he knew

war

docs

t : II

SPRINGS, (Class V.). School,

»"clllc'IllCJil CilOO! The fired one and his part) and a or two the natives would often indich. trees what the white men were One went up to them and told them in a kind way thac He has told us about hurt them. could not that wanted to be friends took ] ohn Forrest harmed the know: 1 as Teacher

blacks." 26 DRREST CENTENARY BOOKLET I,' () I: I: I,: S T c: E N TEN A ]{ Y B D 0 K LET 27

named After one of the expe- "Grove of Tommy Windich" By Courtesy Mr, C. F. Fraser

muster "Of useful' in UJlJnXIII" and

this had

GR!\CE REED ( Std. VA.). Rrt~ls"'rl'rt:"IW State School. In the bushland which fringes Esperance lies the grave of vVindich. the faithful native who accompanied Forrest on all his vVhen a pupil of the Esper- School' had been told of this so one mv

mother mv sister and 1 set off to it. It was difficult 0 Hie mallcc and over sand as no made to existed but we located it. A Sl11TClUnc1s the on is an inscribed slab of At the time of niv white lilies were in bloom over the grave. 1 read the . "Erected and Alexander \Vindich. ncar NIt. . J1] 1876. He was vVestern an d th em on into tbe two of which were from Perth to Adelaide," folIows: "Be ye also vVinc1ich was born near lVlt. Stirling, in vVestern he was 29 veal'S of age, he was relieved of his as a native constable to Forrest on his first was a native with a well-combed the he rode with Forrest at the Forrest's closest To show his 28 ORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 29 verv thankful to Goel 1lU1;10ur to get in to Perth: C. C.FZUIKSH/\N1( ) . Perth Modern School. am very thankful to come back to Swan his hrother. Alex­ Frernantle and Perth. in that a time I go into camp in the and swear and curse and to take us?' I to him Hehrl1Cln; 25th. ,·!,·",I""o· a to take us back. Master sal'. 'Flush are vou about? I will take you all ~ to Adelaide :' and I him. I am to vou that I am in the Town " That's all I got to say." (Forrest comments on this No doubt we all shared and I am sure his was hOl11e~y verv in which all mv of the range. the associates ShOW~l our . . be discovered the Plains journey.") when he turned once more eastwards. he came to the Orcl Speeck at the in Perth: River. This had been for the although t-rrvtl-i t t-io- could the courage and stamina the Forrest. "1 only black you know: nothinsr at all but a sickness and lack of were musing great suffering and few words. 1 ought to give you a good lecture. amongst Forrest was compelled to set I am very thankful that I into the of Perth. \Vhen I out with all to the Telegraph, which he reached ~peak so of city of Perth I speak wrong at all ; what I at \Vaters Station 111 the beginning of October. ~s true and true. ,\17 ell. gentlemen, I am very thankful to the people Forrest to the Kimberleys in 1883, together 111 Perth at the fawn Hall; I am very thankful to evervone that Landing at Roebuck Bay, he examined welcome me; I am always very glad to see white fe1lov~s around division from La Grange to the me. In Bunl?ur3;' Governor Weld spoke to me and say he left a wide sweep south as far as St. me a present 111 crty of Perth, and I hope I will get it too. Governor \;17 e1d is a splendid fellow; splendid zovernor. VVel1. o'entlemen 1886 he visited Gulf in the extreme north. I am thankful; my last word is, I aJ~ thankful to yOl~ a]].,,' founded the town of \Vyndham, and established a government settlement there. Sir Forrest remains to this day one of VVestern Aus- tralia's sons. He achieved greatness bv the whole-hearted

and service which heL rendered to his native State. N at himself brave in the face of danger and an emergency while he was Forrest the Forrest ·(he Patriot. Forrest the statesman equally distinguished himself 1870 clear thinking and broad outlook. 24th. Celebration of the Oueen's at Israelite hands from the 'Adur' ca-;:;le ashore. drew them in line under the Union which was' hoisted near

camp. 'IVe arms; san."'--) 'God Save the 1'10"01'-b Pierre at the End of Forrest's 874 Expedition. and a salute of guns, with three cheers. I venture to record that our vocal efforts were as sin­ made in that Australian wilderness as anv humour in part of Her dominion~. very that we had done celebrations in more civilised hut 30 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 3]

Euc1a 166 miles 1874 over 300 miles with ]9th Remarks on the of water I trust we the and

of Cioilisation.

From .TIIIIC when shari tsiaier: "The weather is dark and ,-1"-"D",",''';-''0­ and I believe there will which will be a and wil] enable us . It is in r ircumstances such as am at and assistance received all we all the Line -art r t rt.t rt n and Pori Darwin: and continued cheers came from our little band as at last the to which we had been for so long, I felt rejoiced and relieved from : and on the long line of travel we had performed throuzh country, almost a wilderness, felt very thankful to dence that had guarded and guided us so safely f-l-u-r-rrt o-l-i

B. PERTH 1\tIODERN SCI-IOOL.

and for years Titles and honours. the official recognitions of services to "nne,lH'd that not his countrv, enable this man's name to be written as "Tbe to return. however. H-igbt HO{10urable Forrest. in the of Great determmation to mv rescue. Britain. Privv Councillor, Grand Cross of Order of sl{cceed. I Saint 1\tlicba~1 and Saint Member of the House of stores should Representatives, LL.D. F.G.S.." etc .. for a last etc. The title which be valued most, , was that given to him the common settlers-s-"[arrah "He used to tell this true storv :A new arrival f;'om wished to write to . Sir F01~rest. but did not know address. On asking a be was told to just "jarrah Jack." The letter duly arrived. without even an superscription! Forrest was born near on the 22ncJ. of I-Ie up a bush well versed in woodcraft and familiar the native methods and customs, and often went out with children. he was sent to SchooL" now named School after its 32 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET F RREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 33 The :;ever l\l ohn Forrest a brilliant individual. Southern Cross lJ1 1888. he was not brilliant, 1essons and millions 0 f would rather his time in the the rail- school, and was then of a survevor to hi s n1'"fpc"i ,-,n of this. he was Here he made was soon well versed in the many of a useful servant. the middle of the c: Lost Leichhardt " was a theme the minds of men. Baron von Muel1er offered to to look for his lost was unable desired. and so the yVest Australian Government then Forrest to lead the Perth on the of he of

undertook the uia Euc1a. The set of that vear and the The result of this' was it was line between Adelaide and

FRE1\IANTLE HARBOUR IN THE EARLY IL\YS OF STEAM. Windjammer-s arc berthed beside steamships.

Others ventured further north to vvhereForrest had been on his first tion. The men had to endure terrible , while water was severed' 1 the line to Scuthern (Std. VI.). State School. new loans were

his numbers of be­ were shown when he so a safe h·"-h",,,- of yVestern Australia, He was an expert confidence in yVestern Aus- a new harbour courase, as shown in his to b~~.:'u and the work rushed before. 4th entered the new harbour. ten Vast of water were now 'for the Eastern Goldfields. Some of the water was from Welter of the salt but most of the water was train from Northam. 34 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 35 Because of Forrest's faith in his Engineer-in-Chief, he Parliament to agree to C. Y. O'Connor's water scheme. the was 140,000, nearlv £ 3,000,000 was borrowed the Government to do the job, m;d the scheme S (3Zii.). was It was the largest pipe-line of P crth Jl1 od ern ,')cliool. its kind then in the world. Forrest is a name of Forrest and his Cabinet did not the rest \Vhen the isolated of vVestern Australia. For they arranged the Horne- vVas looked down on and steads Act. Settlers were an to 160 on her acres of land but to show willingness to work, OJ" her dance the land was confiscated. The Bank was estab­ her lished to the farmer because other banks would not lend \Vben he first conditions. Forrest also asked for a her Government with Forrest to have

wish of Forrest to have 11l to remain in its native state forever. Forrest Park to admire the view. and was his term of office as Premier, for as much as in its native state. \;Vestern Australia have since erected a statue of Forrest his beloved river. Forrest in Forrest's was a but when the General Post Office and Commonwealth Bank's head office were the arcade was and a wide was constructed. It is very that this fine should have been named Forrest ( old 1n

the to look back CARSLAKE (11 years, Class on ten years as of gold State School. I live at which is a small on the Hills 287 miles north father 1S a farmer.

During his Iifetime west of stands a high, Lord Forrest laid be seen [or miles. This is known as Bilva numerous foundation Forrest's he used ~this Here is the as a cairn of stones was built and a carved stick foundation stone of name of Forrest was erected in the centre of it. Bunbury Hospital, This stick stood for many years as a silent reminder that a which was had that. It was well and the built in 1897. sti 11 be reac1. the visit of a surveying several years back, the stick was removed and a there instead. I have looked for the carved stick on numerous but have been unsuccessful in my search. 36 FORREST CENTENARx BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 37

way on exhibits from the coast. It was at tbe the stone of the exhibition that Sir COLIN TI{OTlVIAN (Std. VII.) Cunderdin State School. this tribute to State is more con- nectecl Forrest than Coolgardie. of Coolgardie in 1892 State. Indeed, it was 1891 showed a such dis- , the London­ to our shores from our had these newcomers remained in Perth and flocked to the new and 1898 this with

new fields and of water 1st. the to Sonthern Cross rail­ for traffic, but the time it reached this latter for its further extension to that for its

was rate

lor our tar-seems. like to quote, which is the '\Ve had made

Sir ]1J ·,r'-n·m,,. john Forrest and mark the occasion cleSl;;necl and carried the manner of "The whole arose as one man, and honest, the country's shout of welcome arose. Cheer succeeded cheer vociteration. N evcr before bad the such a reception, probably never beforc had Premier such a reception, and that Sir John, as he, smiling, bowed to apprc- 38 FORREST ENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 39 ciatcd the which actuated a company so thoroughly representative fired charges at of a ,goldfieliis community." of one minute. The Coola.irrnr _,'11il12Y tells us: As one gazes at the Exhibition now "Sir John and Lady Forrest were drawn in a finclv-decorated tumble-clown shanties of old prospectors the in sailor costume at the head of the scene on the was of the crowded out. and was to the estimated that appreciated the marks of attention and were all bows and smiles." en rontc tri mmed airs, dais between the orchestral and of the hall. was a distinguished and striking (who like his in officers, clerical and dignitaries in robes handsome costumes." remarks at this ceremony Sir Forrest water and the Exhibition

should mi,c:ht be water scheme was no great sound of h·"m'.H"" the would COOLGARDIE,DECEJVlBEl{ 1902 come when thc would of "Sir John and Lady Forrest drawn in a jlneIY,

would bring them from the coast a river of 'water. water now flows into Coolgardie . After the promise was fulfilled. It was never asked for the Covernmcnt. He not scheme was beyond the a stern nor-r-s sirv to realise that million 2',Jllons ~goldfic.1ds

the conclusion this the hall oi thcLxhil.ition the School of Mines. The conclusion of these ceremonies mal' be mark the end of Sir Forrest's association witl; and at the time of we have been the town f was but a shadow of its former However. sufficient has been shown to indicate the has in the hi of our State. That was recog-nised Forrest have been seen his remarks the course of this fortunate J\ustralia that the the made when a statesman of the to take the of them. FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 41 fJhE gotdfte[d~ 'Wate'l- ~ChEn2E:_ BRUCE CLAUGHTON. F'orrest High School. On 26th January, 1903, at Mount Charlotte Reservoir, Kal­ goorlie, Sir John Forrest declared the Coolgardie water scheme open "for the use of the people." It was a day of rejoicing for the thousands gathered at the ceremony, for they real'ised that they had been set free from the dreaded shortage of life-giving water. It was a day of triumph for Sir John Forrest, for during the seven years that had passed since he had expressed his deter­ mination to give the goldfields an adequate water supply from the Darling Ranges, his faith in the great scheme had never wavered. Proudly he said:;-- "The promise then made to give the people on the Cool­ gardie goldfields 'a river of pure water' is today fulfilled. The intervening period has been one of great anxiety. Delays have occurred; difficulties have had to be surmounted; the most virulent hostility and misrepresentations have had to be con­ tinually watched and defeated, but today, I and all those who supported me, are able to rejoice that not only have we kept our word, not only has our great faith in the future of these goldfields been rewarded by the complete success of our enter­ prise, but, even more important still, we have compl'eted a great necessary humanitarian work, destined to ameliorate the condition of life on these goldfields for the future." Before the completion of the water scheme the great extent of country in and around Coolgardie had no permanent fresh water. The rainfall was scanty and unreliable, and the hotr dusty plains had suffered from prolonged dronghts. The discomforts and peril's of water-shortage increased as the Goldfields grew in population and prosperity. In nine years "an unoccupied and arid wilderness" had changed into mining districts in which there were about 5,000 people in the chief towns, Coolgardie (where the population was 6,000), and Kalgoorlie (3,000). Nearly 0.11 water required for domestic purposes, horses and stock and the boilers of machinery was obtained by condensing salt water. Drinking­ water, almost boiling as it came from the condensers, often cost 2/6 per gallon. M'any thousands of pounds had heen spent in bores and tanks, but in spite of all efforts little relief was gained. (;rn:xr so" OF WESTEW\ .\\SrR.\LL\. After inquiring into suggestions for overcoming the great

Drawn difficulties, the Government decided to adopt a scheme proposed by Charles Yelverton O'Connor, Engineer-in-Chicf for 'vVestern Australia. He planned to deliver to the goldfields 5,000,000 g'all'ons of fresh water daily, pumped from a weir On the Helena River and conveyed through steel pipes. The cost was estimated at £2,500,000, and the water was to be sold at only 3/6 per 1,000 gallons. 42 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 43

The scheme would be the largest of its kind in the workl, To Since the great scheme was opened in 1903 many people, an it seemed or fantastic and far too costly over the world. have paid tribute to Sir Forrest for his small However, it was approved by vision, his courage, and his triumph over the many difficulties and disappointments that he encountered during its construction. To-day as we tell about its great success we realise how well he has earned the honour in words which he used when in 1895 he Parliament to undertake the scheme:- will bless us for our far-seeing pat­ riotism: and it will be said of us, as Isaiah said of old, "Thev made a way in the and rivers in the desert'." •

OF PIPES FOR THE GOLDFIELDS WATER SCHEME.

several of the in of its bold- the criticisms and Sir was convinced that it would be successful. .lIe was the chief behind the [)arliament that gave for its construction. on the weir at in 1898. About of concrete were used in the wall which was above the bed of the and at the crest 11 feet. A monument to John Forrest and C. Y. O'Connor. completed, its capacity being J.J'.J.'-"uu acres.

MAUREEN DAVIES (Std. VI.). Ciackline State School. At the of the Goldfields \Vater on 25th, 1903. eyes clouded and his voice tense with feeling. on while weir and Sir John Forrest uttered these words: inches in diameter "In the midst of the builder and lVl,lV];l11C[S and Midland this work river pure water would withstand health. all those who come a mixture of asphalt and tar and its life-giving prove a benefit and veal'S were occupied' in them a blessing to the Kalgoorlie and far-reaching in its str'et<:hing- for 351 miles from to influence for the good of all Australia. I now declare this great work open for the use of the people." 44 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 45

He l:ad a deep faith in the greatness of the State and appreciated her Import'ance. He was able to see past the present into the JENKINS (Std. IV.). future. ~nd during his term of office as Premier, progress was East Canna State School. ou.tstandmg throughout the State. The Goldfields pipe-line, the Forrest was an explorer. rallways and the Frernantle Harbour were planned during his Born in our own fair State. government. and he always encouraged progressive organisations and ~level~l:l11ent.s. As ~,pol'itician he was admired and respected His first journey was taken ~JY pol~tJ.cal To determine Leichhardt's fate. h,ts rivals. 1 he people placed their utmost confidence in hIS decisions and always trusted him . He discovered and named Lake Barlee, .Such a man,. holding high office and considerable power. But Leichhardt, he failed to find: receives n1t!ch praise and admiration, but Forrest throughout his Forrest named two mountains successful life was ahva.ys his natural modest and unassuming', INhere now much gold is mined. a warm and trusted friend. [lis second and lived a rich and full' \Vas over the N ullabor Plain: for the advancement of He found good pasture inland. his loved State and his And then turned home again. It mav be said of Lord Forrest that he could « walk with " IIis last and main trip eastward the common touch." Was to reach the Telegraph Line; He did, and an Australia Acclairned his work so fine. \Vhenever we remember This great explorer's name, \Ve children of Australia tribute to his fame.

Vision WILMA MEAD (Science VlVI.). Perth Jl![odern School.

say that history repeats itself: And how true this is! Down through the years it can be seen how men. strong in faith and courage, came to their country's aid during times of trouble or re-establishment. And to \Vestern Australia, when the State was still young and came Forrest. His was a distinguished life, passing on from one glor'y. to another. Earlv in his career he had commanded an expedition in search of the explorer Leichhardt. and later, as a result of his achievements. led parties from Perth along the Great Australian to Adelaide and crossed \Vestern Australia from Champion to the Overland Telegraph-s-two wonderful journeys. During these John Forrest underwent severe hardships and but never once did he falter. Manv times his men him 'to turn back to home and safety, b~lt he steadfastly on, refusing to way to such tremendous odds that before. His Ul~fail'ing courage and self-denial in the face of indeed rank him with the greatest explorers of his time. FOIlREST MEMORIAL. KING'S PARK Drawn by Nigel Ward, Kent Street High School. FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET 47 46 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET a few pink and cream ones. There are also several kinds of daisies, including the everlastings and the big ones with yellow centres. The trees are mainly mulga and but further BRIAN LEMON Perth Boys) School. east there are no trees, bluebush and saltbush. Brave heart, one hundred have I think Lord Forrest was a wonderful 111an for vVest Australia. Since first this land. Sail of our a soil so vast. Your made it grand. xnlorer. statesman, sage and guide, Forrest School. strong' and wise to be us a name to hO~lour wide or block of the "Forrest Beneath these southern skies. High School" technical and scientific \Ve shall remember you. deeds of vore: subjects. The plans show that when the school is it vour fame we hovv vvi],] comprise additional required for the tCl honour evermore, education of boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 16 years, Greatness in one full life enow.

Lord ,--"I",,,,, builr he was known The mcmber for vVestern was in 1917. is a station about 200 miles from here called in honour of Lord Forrest. the aerodrome is situated, to and fr0111 vVestern the hostel where ;'\ustralia are catered has the line A SCHOOL NAMED AFTER A GREAT AUSTRALIAN The without a curve across the Forrest High School, Lawlcv, opened in 1947. in the wo rlrl : it Nullabor Plain. This has vVestern the war years when there were also army

be an those who receive 48 FORREST CENTENARY BOOKLET

BAI\BARA TILL (Class V3.). Perth Modern 5'chool.

ohn Forrest: the name comes down to us through the years, steadfast and This man-explorer. statesman, peer of the real'm-is \Vestem Australia's greatest son.

UIIUIJllULt:Ulj his most romantic was the one which FIe and his brother led a small party from Geraldton eastwards to the Overland which stretches from Adelaide to Darwin. \Vben the "Over- land" turned south and ended their in Adelaide,

CHURCII CEJVIETERY. quiet old bush churchyard gums and surrounded by the graves of pioneers."

Towards the end 0 f his he first Australian-born peer. On to receive his honour at the hands of the at sea on 3rd. 71. it to him to die in the his VVestern Australia to be Karrakatta. proposals were made to to the where his are buried. white marble headstones in the where many of the wooden neel111U andfac1ed It is to say would have to rest-i-among' the State's honoured sons. in an their hollow and tombs disturbed the rattle of trains-or in that old bush church­ shaded gl1lns and surrounded graves of humble