Watheroo Railway Station Precinct

Child Places

• 23827 Watheroo Loco and Goods Shed
• 23946 Watheroo Railway Precinct
• 24509 Watheroo Railway Station

Statement of Significance

*demonstration of a way of life, custom, process or fun ction [_ This complex was an important depot station on the line. with refreshment facilities, and therefore remains a visible marker of the function of a complex of this nature. *historical significance of development or cultural phases; association with important figures [_ The manifold functions of victualling a train, its operatives and passengers for a journey as well as the servicing of the needs of the development phase of the hinterland are demonstrated in this precinct. *environmental importance; townscape or lmulscape value; high degree of unity of setting . *scientific/ archaeological importance [ *educational/research value L Being an important metacentre to the district. the precinct has the potential to provide important educational ingredients for study. [ *social significance The importance uses of the complex to the town not only as the nucleus of railway activity, but as the hub of the post and telegraph system and now the tavern, as well as being a road transport node continue to accrue social significance to the precinct. *scarcity value; a particularly fine (or unique ) example. This Station complex is the only remaining example of its type on the former Midland Railways System. The engine shed is one of few remaining in existence, and the brick and concrete construction of the subject engine shed is unique.

Physical Description

RAILWAY STATION, QUARTERS AND DINING ROOM Basically of 16' thick standard red brick construction with rendered brick quoins and reveal linings with splayed soldier course brick arches over. The roof is standard galvanised corrugated iron with gable ends having gable post and beam support. The platform verandah is roofed with g.c.i. having shaped vertical valance boards.and construction drawings indicate stop chamfered beams, rails and posts. The posts were top braced with iron brackets. Windows are depicted as double hung timber framed, the major windows facing the platform being bay windows in three bays. Floors were timber with T'x 2"joists . The buildings are in restorable condition. despite deterioration. The platform awning may require attention to restore its proper roof pitch. PLATFORM The Platform is important as the Midland Railway Company station buildings in this instance are believed to be the first designs in WA to include extensive platform verandahs. (From "The New Architecture of the Gold Boom in Western Australia Government Buildings under the direction of G T Poole 1885-1897' by Ingrid Van Bremen. PAGE 364 "The platform however, was used as the basis for the stations of the Midland Line built by a private company. Plans were sent to the PWD for approval showing·a range of smaller single storey stations, each with extensive platform verandahs, as an improvement on the Public Works Department Plan" ENGINE SHED The engine shed has a five bay reinforced concrete frame and perimeter beam above opening height repeated internally as trusses and externally as gables. Infilling is red brick from floor to underside of perimeter beams. with a three bay red brick monitor on the roof. The roof is low pitched, windows steel framed with no glazing remaining. An ancillary building nearby echoes the rhythm of the concrete frame of the engine shed. but is executed in red brick. Both buildings appear to be roofed in asbestos cement, with rainwater goods in a similar material . Most of original structure appears intact.

History

Assessment 1995 Construction 1894 Alterations/additions 19602, station tavern Extent of Assessment (ie specific elements included in assessment) Former railway station (1894), platform (1894), engine shed (1944), site of turntable pit (believed to be 1894) and goods platform and crane (date unknown - first part 1900's). The tavern additions (1960's), not being part of original station complex and distinct from it, are not included in this assessment. THE LINE The Midland Railway from Midland Junction to Walkaway was built after a contract between the Colony of Western Australia and the Waddington Syndicate was signed in 1886. This provided for payment by land grant of 1200 acres per mile of railway opened. Financial problems beset the Syndicate and in March 1890 a new company was floated­ to be known as the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia. This Company was given an extension of time to raise the funds to complete the new railway. From 1891 onward small sections of line were opened but it was not until l November 1894 that the line from the north joined that from the south. Edward Keane was the rail way contractor for the line under both managements . As a land grant railway, the installation was a vital element in the development of this region and beyond. The complex developed as a depot station for locomotive servicing. During World War Two many special trains were run for the armed services to an army base near Mingenew . STATION BUILDING The Watheroo Station building was erected in 1894 in conjunction with the construction of the Midland Railway Company of WA line from Midland to Walkaway. The station comprises a residence for the station master, station office. refreshment room, kitchen and bar, together with lobby and platform . The station master was also the post master. Watheroo and Gingin are the only two complete former Midland Railway Company stations left of the origi nal nine stations; at Mingenew only a small part of the station remains. Watheroo station is larger than Gingin reflecting its greater importance to the operations of the line. ENGINE SHED The engine shed was constructed in 1944 of concrete columns and roof beams with brick infill walls probably to replace an earlier structure. The somewhat exotic structure and materials adopted during wartime shortages and restrictions indicate the perceived strategic importance of this building at the time. Annotations on the preliminary drawings refer to options to extend the facility recognising the length of 63ft over the buffers of an 'A' Class locomotive. It is.and was the only brick engine shed in the state. Only one of 3 pre-1%0 engine sheds remaining in the state, the others are at Pinjarra and Narrogin.

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Historic Themes

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