Stock Route Well No. 9

Statement of Significance

Although recent reconstruction works have impacted on the authenticity of the place, the Stock Route Well No.9 has considerable historic significance as evidence of earlier pastoral activity in the Murchison District when water supply along stock accessways was paramount. The remnant stockyard enhance the significance and interpretive qualities of the place.

Physical Description

Located approximately 53 kilometers south of the Murchison Settlement and on the east side of the Carnarvon-Mullewa Road, the location of the historic stock route well is marked by a sign on the side of the road. Access to the well is via a winding track which passes the remains of a sheep enclosure, showing the remains of brush fencing forming a large circle, approximately 45 meters in diameter. The site is marked by a small signpost with the words, 'Historic Shepherd's Stock Yard'.
Some modifications were carried out to the historic well during the 2001 reconstruction works including the removal of the earth well mound and the installation of a concrete slab to replace the original timber plank well cover. At the centre of the concrete capping is a metal lid that can be lifted to view the well. Positioned over the timber cover is a metal framed windlass with a thick horizontal timber post as the axle. The original gin pole & swivel (of local blackheart timber) were disposed of in 2001 and replaced with telephone poles, however the original metal fittings were recovered and re-used. The well is surrounded by a square fence constructed of mulga posts bound by wire. The original semi-circular galvanised steel water trough extends for approximately 15 metres to the south of the well and is covered by original mulga bracing.
A sign at the site states:
"ET Hooley Stock Route Well 9. Restored September 2001 by members of the North-West Districts Rifle Clubs Associaiton. Headquarters Bernard Clinch Memorial Rifle Range, Greenough".

History

Refer to Place No. 25 for background information on the De Grey-Mullewa Stock Route. Wll No. 9 was constructed in November 1895 by Charles Mitchinson Straker. At the time of construction the well was equipped with a windlass only. It was 26ft deep, with a water level of 7ft 6 in. The well, which had a diametre 8 ft 6 in, cost pounds 65/12/0 to construct, equating to an average cost of pounds 2/9 per foot. Specifications on a subsequent Water Supply map state that the depth of the well was 26 ft with a water level of 10 ft. The map indicates that the well could provide for 400 gallons per hour, with an overall storage of 4,500 gallons of brackish water quality. The stock routes were used until the 1940's and 1950's after which motor vehicles became available to transport stock on the road networks. Well No.9 which was largely reconstructed in September 2001 by several members of the North West Division Rifle Club Association, is now a tourist site.
The stock yard was used for sheep. Sheep were folded in enclosures at night ti prevent them from straing and suffering attacks by dingoes. Cattle were not contained at night, but rather 'camped' on soft open ground and were watched by drovers riding around the mob.
(sources: De Grey-Mullewa Stock Route, Bicentennial heritage Trail Brochure, 1988; NM Broad,"The Overland Movement of Stock in the Pastoral Zone of Western Australia, 1850-1960", PHD Thesis in preparation, 2003; Historic File, Public Works, 277/900, Northern Stock Route Westward, Gascoyne River o Roebourne held by NM Broad; Map, North West Division, 73/300 chain, Public Works dept Water Supply, held by NM Broad.)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low-Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.