Local Government
Manjimup
Region
South West
Rest Point Rd Walpole
Manjimup
South West
Constructed from 1860, Constructed from 1865
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 08 Dec 2016 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 10 Jul 1997 | Category A | |
Historic, Rarity and Representativeness
• Cleared site surrounded by bush; • Pit in ground, approx 3m x 2m; • Large log lying lengthways along pit; • Log balancing on three rounded timber logs (bearers) spanning the pit; • Secured in place with timber chocks, and; • Saw (original) in log to show how the pit operated.
It is thought this sawpit was dug between 1860 and 1865. The pit is still in original condition. Although the bearers and log have recently been renewed, the saw is the original implement. Restoration was carried out by the former National Parks Authority and the Forestry Department. How the sawpit worked was: Trees were felled with axes and crosscut saws. They were then trimmed, the top was cut off, and then the logs were dragged to the sawpit by horse and bullock team. A log was then rolled onto bearers spanning the pit, and was secured with wooden chocks. Two men operated the saw. One standing or lying in the pit pulled down, cutting the log, while the man on top pulled the saw back up, aligning it for the next cut. The bottom man suffered extreme hardship, often working in mud and water, and being constantly showered with sawdust. This could be the origin of the term Top Dog and Bottom Dog.
Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair
Good
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage and Conservation Professionals; "Shire of Manjimup Municipal Heritage Inventory". | Shire of Manjimup | 1995 Adopted 1997. |
Historic site
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | FORESTRY | Sawpit |
| Original Use | FORESTRY | Sawpit |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Timber industry |
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.