Local Government
Perenjori
Region
Midwest
Off Wubin-Mullewa Hwy Bunjil
Perenjori
Midwest
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 31 Aug 2018 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 20 May 1999 | Category 4 | |
The Caron Townsite has some historic significance for its important role in rail transportation through the district. The place provided for an essential watering point on the route which resulted in its rise in importance and population and subsequent decline when diesel engines emerged.
The townsite of Caron is located approximately 17 kilometres south of Perenjori on the west side of the Wubin-Mullewa Road. Remnants of the town include the former schoolmaster's house and a number of railway relics such as the coal stage, railway catchment dam to the south of the town, and a large tank stand.
Recognising the need to provide rail transport to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, the Government introduced legislation for the Wongan Hills-Mullewa line in 1910. The railway line route was surveyed in 1912 and work on its construction commenced in 1913. The railway lines being built by government railway crews from Wongan Hills northwards and Mullewa southwards met in September 1913 about 1.5 kilometres south of Perenjori in Sandy Cleland's - Flat. The small town of Caron emerged as the main railway centre because of its good natural water catchment area. Subsequently a dam was built at Caron which was sealed in 1915 and 1921. Train crews were changed at Caron instead of at Buntine where water was not readily available. The tank stand at Caron, which could hold 40-50,000 gallons, was built by Francis Garth Butler in C1914 to provide water for the steam trains. The refreshment room and bar at Caron were built in 1936, but were destroyed by fire in 1949. In addition to the coal shute, there was also an engine turntable, railway barracks, and four railway cottages, one of which was for the stationmaster. In 1957 diesel engines commenced operating on the railway line wliich had a big impact on the small town as water and coal were no longer required. Since then the town has slowly declined. (Sources: John Butler & Cannon, E.S., "Golden Opportunities", pp.66,73-6)
Integrity: Medium
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES Cannon; "Golden Opportunities - A History of Perenjori". pp. 66, 73-76 |
Historic Town or district
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | EDUCATIONAL | Housing or Quarters |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Rail: Water Tower |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
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