Cartmeticup Telephone Exchange site No 1

Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with telephone communications in the district.

Physical Description

The homestead, built in 1911 by Bill Jacobs (Wagin) had a similar design to 'Hope Farm'
homestead constructed by the same builder. In contrast 'Manna Flats' was built using bricks
excavated some 50 metres west of the house where it became a small dam. This home has also
been extensively modified with all the verandahs (except the front [south] enclosed with brick).

History

William George Patterson and his brother Andrew came to Cartmeticup in 1893. They were
impressed with the prospects of the land being opened up by the Great Southern Railway after
listening to a representative from the WA Land Co in their home town of Hamley Bridge, SA.

William Patterson's block was heavily timbered with york gum, morrell, white gum, jam and
manna gum. So prevalent was the manna gum wattle that he named 'Manna Flats'. Like his
brother, the priority was to build a home for his wife and family so that they could be united once
again. This William accomplished with the materials to hand - watde and daub, thatched with
blackboy rushes.

In 1895, William return to SA to bring his wife, Elizabeth and their three daughters, Evelyn,
Caroline and Edith to Cartmeticup. (Twins [Daisy and Spencer] were bom to William and
Caroline in 1897). He took a keen interest in public affairs and in 1898 became a member of the
Katanning Roads Board for eight years and became an advocate of the formation of the
Woodanilling Road Board.

William Patterson became a founding member of the Woodanilling Roads Board and later
became Chairman of the Board (1910-1918). He was to prove a wise counsellor and a ready
friend for anyone in difficulties. Soon after his arrival he found the scarcity of water a problem as
the soaks gave a very scanty supply. By nature, the whole Cartmeticup area was a high and dry
locality with the gullies draining water to the east, west, south and north, so there were no longer
watercourses or pools. Patterson engaged Teddy Lee to sink a well about two years after his
arrival. The well sunk to a depth of 60' gave a useful supply of water and for some time provided
a standby for several of his neighbours including Teddy Lee.

Patterson was also interested in new developments and in 1913, his home was connected by
telephone link with the outside world. In much to same way as Michael Cronin at 'Glencoe'
provided an unofficial post office service to their neighbours, the Patterson's acted as a telephone
exchange. As was characteristic of the Patterson family, being willing to help others meant that
members of the family walked long distances delivering messages.

He was also the wireless pioneer in the district - a mulga phone equipped with earphones.

Manna Flats bought Whiteside's (original Cartmeticup Townsite Reserve) in 1923 and also
around this time bought Bradbury's Whatamine Soak Selection to the north. The property is now
known as 'Whatamine'.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Some

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.