Bullabulling Rock Water Catchment and Dams

Uses

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State Battery, Coolgardie

Condition

Industrial buildings with timber frames, clad in corrugated iron. The buildings have been on site since 1902, though the machinery has been upgraded several times, from steam power to gas to oil and finally to electricity.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

A representative industrial building form, housing an operation associated with goldmining and still in operation as a battery

Physical Description

The buildings are still the original ones, built in 1902. The machinery has been updated several times, converting from steam to gas to oil and then to electricity. The buildings are simple timber framed, corrugated iron lined industrial buildings designed for their particular functions; eg: stockpiles, crushing ore and extracting gold

History

Assessment 1976 Construction: 1902

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Statement of Significance

A representative industrial building form of historical significance, still performing the same gold extraction function for which it was built in 1902, and reflecting the mining history of Coolgardie.

Physical Description

The buildings are the original ones dating from 1902, comprising simple timber framed, corrugated iron lined industrial structures designed for their particular functions, ie stock pilling and crushing ore and extracting gold. The machinery has been updated several times, converting from steam to gas to oil and then to electricity.

History

One of a number of state built batteries and one of the few intact and remaining in operation.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Fair

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Bank

Parent Place or Precinct

00568 Warden's Court (fmr)

Uses

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Coolgardie Drill Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

00568 Warden's Court (fmr)

Uses

Creation Date

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Coolgardie Sub-Branch RSL Memorial, RSL Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

00562 Marvel Bar Hotel (fmr), Coolgardie

Uses

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Mines Office

Parent Place or Precinct

00568 Warden's Court (fmr)

Uses

Creation Date

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Marvel Bar Hotel (fmr), Coolgardie

Child Places

• 15696 Coolgardie Sub-Branch RSL Memorial, RSL Hall

Condition

Overall the place is in poor condition. Exterior treatments are in some places in very poor condition and inappropriate cement-rich and concrete repairs are likely to be damaging the stone and brickwork. Interior features such as fireplaces, balusters and glazing are missing elements in several areas.

Uses

Historic Themes

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Child Places

• 15696 Coolgardie Sub-Branch RSL Memorial, RSL Hall

Statement of Significance

A splendid, elaborately decorated building of critical importance in the Bayley Street precinct because it survived the devastation of this street and stands as an example of the opulence and confidence of Coolgardie around 1900.

Physical Description

A two storey brick building with an elaborate stuccoed facade. The ground floor consists of squat Corinthian pilasters and elaborate flat arches. The upper floor has a deeply arcaded verandah with a central arch and smaller flanking openings with architraves to the piers and free floating pediments over. The parapet is decorated with blind arches, balusters and stout crockets.

History

The hotel with its elaborate design which complemented its hospitality role was an ambitious, permanent structure demonstrating the great confidence in the town's future at the turn of the century. It remained in operation until 1927.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low-Moderate

Condition

Fair-Good

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Child Places

• 15696 Coolgardie Sub-Branch RSL Memorial, RSL Hall

Statement of Significance

An exceptional facade, type former hotel: an important remnant of the past glories of Bayley St

Physical Description

A two storied building with elaborate stuccoed facade. a splendid, if vulgar, building now of critical importance in Bayley St because it survives the devastation of this street and stands as an overstated example of the opulence and confidence of the Coolgardie of around 1900 or 1898.

History

Assessment 1976

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Museum - Ben Prior's

Parent Place or Precinct

00568 Warden's Court (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Socially significant but presents aesthetic difficulties for Bayley Street.

Physical Description

Acollection of objects related to the Goldfields, gathered by Ben Prior.

History

A collection of objects and equipment representative of the gold mining industry and donated to the Shire of Coolgardie.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Very Poor

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Coolgardie Post Office & Associated Buildings

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Historically interesting for association with postal services from early goldrush period. Now important to Coolgardie as part of the complex of stone government buildings in Bayley St and significant as one of the tourist attractions of Coolgardie Ghost town being promoted.

Physical Description

The building consists of several sections built between 1894 and 1898. It originally housed the Post Office, the Police Station a drill hall and living quarters. The Post Office and living quarters remain; The Police Station is now a tourist Bureau and Gallery; the Drill Hall is disused. The buildings are built of stone with brick Quoins and window surrounds, the roof is corrugated iron, The different sections vary between one and two storeys in height, with verandahs separating the two storey facade. Building has concrete foundations, stone & brick walls, iron roofs. Interior in good condition (1969) and building then well maintained although some fretting evident on exterior stone work.

History

Assessment 1976 Construction 1894, 1898 and later Original use: Police Station & Goal, police quarters, drill Hall, postal quarters, Post & Telegraph office. Builder: 1st part, contract let to J.C. Braidwood for £ 7,060 completed 2.5.1895. Later two storey building facing Hunt St completed 12.1.1898. Contract let to J.Pringle for £4,932 Architect: Public Works Department

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Statement of Significance

The form, scale and massing of the building demonstrates the architectural skills of George Temple Poole, a prominent architect and Superintendent of the Public Works Department. The building helps to define the historic character of Coolgardie's main street. The building strongly contributes to the sense of identity of Coolgardie; a key town in the development of gold mining in Western Australia int he 1890's.

Physical Description

The building complex grew in four major campaigns between 1894 and 1907 as a result of the rapid growth of Coolgardie, however the building is "well proportioned with a good relationship of different parts". The complex is an intricate picturesque combination of two and one storey parts with verandahs to the former residential areas and a colonnade outside the old postal hall. Some of the ornate chimneys and drawn glass panes in windows remain and adze marks can be seen on some floor boards.

History

The rapid population growth of the goldfields required a post office, it was immediately too small and more accommodation was built in 1896, 1898 and 1907. Designed by George Temple Poole, influential architect, Superintendent of the Public Works Department and Colonial Architect from 1891-1896. Hilson Beasley Supt. P.W.D.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Railway Hotel (fmr), Coolgardie

Child Places

• 00566 Row of 3 Shops & Lodge

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 00566 Row of 3 Shops & Lodge

Statement of Significance

Architecturally significant as a surviving element, close to its original character, in the Bayley Street streetscape. Important in the definition of the historic Bayley Street precinct.

Physical Description

A simple two storied brick corner hotel with a two storeyed verandah and corrugated iron roof, originally built as a bonded store and later converted and extended as an hotel. The exterior is fairly authentic but the interior has been compromised by a series of alterations and additions and the removal of the bars. The hotel was de-licenced in the 1960s.

History

A representative type of hotel in a relatively unchanged state from the main period of Coolgardie's development when 26 hotels operated in the town.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Fair

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Row of 3 Shops & Lodge

Parent Place or Precinct

00570 Railway Hotel (fmr), Coolgardie

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

A significant part of the Bayley Street precinct. A minor but important surviving part of Bayley Street's 19th Century streetscape illustrating its small scale, lightly constructed commercial nature.

Physical Description

A group of 4 places with shop front windows and a verandah over the footpath constructed from tiber framing. One has an original sign stating "Billiards" hanging from under the verandah. Part of the eastern end of the structure was built from brick and formed part of the neighbouring hotel.

History

Part of the late 19th Century main street development terminating the western edge of the commercial centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Fair

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Original Pioneer Cemetery

Condition

The register entry includes two intact headstones, other stone grave markers, and a memorial, and the land on which they stand being Reserve 6441.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Historical and social associations with the first settlers of the district.

Physical Description

The cemetery is a fenced area of land, approximately 50m by 50m. It contains two graves which are intact and several piles of stones marking locations of other graves. There is also a memorial to the early pioneers.

History

Assessment 1976: Site and intant headstones and railings The first burial ground in Coolgardie, containing the graves of the first 32 burials, the most notable of which is the grave of Holland, the renowned discoverer of underground water sources and trail blazer in the early days of the district.

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Statement of Significance

As Coolgardie's first burial ground, the cemetery is significant for its historical link with the early history of the town and important figures in the town's development.

Physical Description

The cemetery is a fenced off area of land, approximately 50m x 50m. It contains two graves which are intact, and several piles of stones marking the location of other graves. There is also a memorial to the early pioneers. This was the first burial ground in Coolgardie, containing the graves of the first 32 burials, the most notable of which is the grave of Walsh, the noted discoverer of the underground water source and early explorer.

History

The first cemetery in Coolgardie, later abandoned as being too close to the rapidly expanding town in 1894.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Fair

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Peter Pan

Condition

The house has been built without foundations, which has led to problems with movement and cracking. The roof is in poor repair and requires attention.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

One of the few surviving examples of the more opulent houses in Coolgardie.

Physical Description

A stone house with brick quoins and corrugated iron roof, featuring the generous verandahs and general opulence of permanent buildings of the late 1890s; bought in 1903, by Samuel Roe. The front elevation is richly detailed with french windows, double hung windows and panelled doors. It is of a very similar design to that at 85 Shaw Street.

History

The house is associated with Samuel Roe, though not built for him. A. E. Thomas owned it for a time and named it Leighton House; it was later bought by Eric Seahill and renamed Peter Pan by him. It was also used as offices for Anaconda Mining for a time.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Fair

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New Coolgardie Pioneer Cemetery

Condition

The register entry includes stone and timber headstones and cast iron railings, and the land on which they stand being Reserve 2772.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Social and historic associations with the foundation of Coolgardie

Physical Description

The current cemetery for the district located west of the townsite area, established in 1894 and containing the graves of many of the early people who worked to establish the town of Coolgardie

History

Assessment: 1976 Construction 1894

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Statement of Significance

The cemetery is of substantial historical and social significance, providing a link with a number of individuals who played the role in the foundation of the town.

Physical Description

The current cemetery for the district, located west of the townsite area, established in 1894 and containing the graves of many of the early people who worked to establish the town of Coolgardie. The register entry includes stone and timber headstones and cast iron railings, and the land on which they stand, which is reserve 2772. The site is maintained by the Shire of Coolgardie.

History

Coolgardie's second cemetery contains in excess of 1000 burials and many of the headstones tell of the hardship of life in the goldfields, including the famous and ordinary folk; Ernest Giles spent his last years in Coolgardie and was buried in this cemetery.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Varying

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Coolgardie Primary School

Condition

Coolgardie Primary School is generally in good condition, with regular maintenance taking place.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The school is of great historical significance and cultural importance, being the first permanent government school in the town and still in use. It is also of architectural significance as an example of the architecture of George Temple Poole and his adaption of school building design for the hot climate.

Physical Description

The school has roucg finished, random coursed stone walls with brick quoins, a corrugated iron roof and a surrounding verandah for weather protection. The building is rectangular and has seven rooms. The verandah construction has been modified and the roof is also a replacement. Windows are double hung casements with stucco lintols and sills.

History

This building was the first permanent school structure in the Eastern Goldfields. George Temple Poole, one of the colony's most influential architects, designed the school when he was Superintendent of the Public Works Department and Colonial Architect from 1891-1896.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Statement of Significance

The original school building, still in use and good condition

Physical Description

A seven room school building, built of stone with a corrugated iron roof. The building is a simple style, rectangular with a verandah all round. The stonework is fairly rough and laid in a random patter. The building is well maintained andhas been recently re roofed

History

Assessment 1976 Architect: George Temple Poole Builder: Philp & Royal Date of construction 1897

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St Anthony's Convent of Mercy (fmr),

Child Places

• 00574 Convent School (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 00574 Convent School (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Historically interseting and typical of the last two decades of the 19th century; the preservation of which would be encouraged and for continuing educational work, particularly for Goldfields girls of school age.

Physical Description

St Anthony's Convent of Mercy is a large U-shaped two storey building. It is constructed of brick with a corrugated iron roof, and has decorative stucco mouldings and string courses on all facades. The street facade is symmetrical, with a central main door and two large gables on the sides.

History

Assessment 1976 Constructed 1902

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Child Places

• 00574 Convent School (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance related to the important role of education in the history of the Goldfields and contributes to the sense of place and identity of Coolgardie, a key town in the development of goldmining in W.A. in the 1890's. The building is a simple, understated but visually impressive example of Federation Free Style applied to an educational building and is representative of the work of prominent Perth architect M. Cavanagh from 1895-1938.

Physical Description

The school has a broad symmetrical facade, in which the weighty details of the central bay are balanced by two slightly projecting gabled wings. The central entrance door has a small frieze with the words "Convent of Mercy" and a shallow central gable. The gabled wings have two storey bay windows with semi-circular parapets, circular moulded air vents and are topped with masonry crosses. The building has a steeply pitched corrugated iron roof with a timber verandah to the rear and sides.

History

This school was run by the Sisters of Mercy for 75 years, it was the only boarding school on the Goldfields. No discrimination was made on the basis of religious denomination. Cavanagh, a prominent Perth architect from 1895-1935, designed many of the Catholic Church's buildings in W.A. at this time as well as many commercial, civic and residential buildings.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Fair

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Convent School (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

00573 St Anthony's Convent of Mercy (fmr),

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Significant as an integral part of the convent school and a typical gold fields structure.

Physical Description

A simple gabled hall with entry porch and some minor creations that is clearly identifiable as an ecclesiastical building.

History

An early example of an educational and multi-use hall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Fair

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House & Trees (fmr Warden Finnerty's House)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

This building, the only one of its type surviving in Coolgardie, is historically significant in being the former residence of the local mining warden. The house is architecturally significant for the way it reflects the purpose for which it was built and for its distinctive design features, some of which later become much more widely used.

Physical Description

A large single house clearly demonstrating the taste and style of an imposing residence of the 1890's. It has stone walls with brick quoins, elaborate joinery to the gables, doors and windows and an iron roof. The building responds to the hot, dry climate with generous protective verandahs on most sides, louvred timber shutters to the full height if the windows and a separate kitchen and ventilated roof lantern.

History

Constructed for Warden Finnerty, the first warden of Coolgardie (from 1893), who was moved from Southern Cross when the Yilgarn goldfields were superseded by those at Coolgardie.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Statement of Significance

The important architectural character of the building and its historic associations, as well as its now unique existence in Coolgardie.

Physical Description

A large single storied house built be the government to house and important government officer The building demonstrates clearly the taste and imposing residence of the early 1890's - stone walls, brick quoins, generous protective verandahs on most sides, louvred timber shutters to full height windows, elaborate joinery to gable, doors and windows, separated kitchen and the ventilated roof lantern to later become a typical feature of goldfields buildings.

History

Assessment 1976 Constructed 1894

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Toorak Hill, Goldfields Water Supply Reservoir

Parent Place or Precinct

16610 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

Values

The place represents water storage on the Goldfields pipeline.

The place has historical value as it forms part of the Goldfields pipeline.

The place has associations with the establishment of the railway network to the Eastern Goldfields during the gold boom of the 1890s.

The place forms part of system of reservoirs and dams established to provide water for the steam engines that once operated on the railway; a function which is no longer practised.

Physical Description

A large circular reservoir tank into which the Eastern Goldfields Water Supply at first terminated. The tank sits atop Toorak Hill, once the extreme of the gazetted town and the name of its northern suburb and is at a point from which the most extensive and informative views of Coolgardie may be seen.

History

This place is associated with the Railways but not directly linked. It was a storage tank for the end of the Mundaring to Kalgoorlie pipeline and supplied water to Coolgardie and later Kalgoorlie. ‘At the opening of the Southern Cross to Coolgardie railway on 23 March 1896, Premier Sir John Forrest formally announced his governments intention to construct a water pipeline to Coolgardie. Toorak Hill was chosen as the endpoint of the pipeline as it could provide sufficient fall for the reticulation of the town. By November, Toorak Hill had been surveyed. The plan indicated housing allotments, public reserves, an observatory and a school as well as the tank.’ ‘Even as the water scheme was being implemented Coolgardie was in decline. Alluvial mining was drying up and Kalgoorlie was fast becoming the major Goldfields town. The decision was made that water from the Toorak Tank would be gravity fed a further 40 kilometres to a reservoir to be built on Mt Charlotte at Kalgoorlie and the previously named Coolgardie Water Supply Scheme became the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.’ ‘Water first flowed into the Toorak Tank on 22 December 1902. At the official opening ceremony the mayor’s wife was first to taste the light brown, less than pleasant tasting water, but at least she had the privilage of doing so from a gold cup.’ ‘By 1912 Toorak Tank was used solely to supply Coolgardies water requirements.’

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good - operational and maintained

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

*Toorak Hill Reservoir has great cultural significance for the region and for Western Australia and national significance as a key component of the development of the GWSS. * Toorak Hill Reservoir is highly significant as a key element in the development of the immediate region and the Eastern Goldfields. *Toorak Hill Reservoir is significant for its association with technical innovation and social and political ambition. *Toorak Hill Reservoir is a landmark due to its location and as well known local viewing platform of CooIgardie and the surrounding countryside. *Toorak Hill Reservoir has archaeological and interpretive potential to inform and communicate its significance and thus improve Public understanding of the history, technology and social development of the region and the Goldfields Water Supply.

Physical Description

The Reservoir is located 1.8 kilometres north from Bayley Street, on Toorak Hill overlooking the town of Coolgardie. It is accessed from Moran Street via a gravel track running alongside the old inlet pipe from Bulla Bulling. The track reaches the base of the reservoir bank and then curves to the east winding around the base to finish at the entry gates to the tank. There is a barrier gate located just before the track winds around the base preventing vehicle access. On the east side of the tank is a level cleared area which is host to a large guyed aerial and small cabin. Near the beginning of the vehicle track to the reservoir are the remains of the valve pit (Item 13 on plans attached) where the main from Bulla Bulling, the inlet pipe and the timber bypass joined. Unfortunately this element has been severely damaged although its purpose is still easily read. At the end of the inlet pipe, before it enters the tank, are two valve pits (Item 8 and 9 on the plans attached). The first is a concrete pit containing a valve meant to control water into the tank. The second pit is rock lined and contains a pipe offset and valve, which connects to the break pressure well directly on the southwest (Item 11). Further to the east past the barrier gate is the town supply conduit with a pit and valve to control the flow (items I and 2). Another valve and pit of unknown purpose is close by. The outlet pipe to Kalgoorlie is located on the southeast side of the tank and is marked by a large valve pit structure and valve (Item 5) and a prominent and deep trench (Item 6). A short distance to the south lies the trench for the overflow (item 4). A link mesh cyclone fence surrounds the reservoir. The reservoir (item 3 on plans attached) is a round concrete type with straight sides set into the crown of the hill, approximately 100 metres in circumference (31m in diameter). The spoil from excavation forms a steep earthen bank to the tank. The water gauge is intact and adjacent to an embedded steel rung ladder. The inside surface of the tank is networked with many cracks the majority of which are horizontal. There is evidence of attempts to waterproof the cracking with bituminous material. A large vertical crack on the northwest has been patched with a rubberised material held by a frame. To the north east of the tank is the upstand of the inlet pipe. Besides cracking in the walls the reservoir is in good and intact condition and is still holding water (February 2001). The inlet outlet pipes and control valves are intact and have the appearance of good condition. The town service is also in good condition except for the valve pits, which have deteriorated and are in danger of collapse. A security fence and appropriate signage protect the reservoir from unauthorised entry. The reservoir and its accessories are located in an attractive bushland setting with views to the town and surrounding countryside. There is evidence that the place has been well used in the past as a picnic spot and scenic lookout.

History

Assessment 2001 Architect/Designer: C Y O'Connor Builder: Public Works Department Construction 1901-1902 Toorak HH1 reservoir was constructed to service the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, which began official operation in January 1903. This scheme was effectively built to supply fresh water from the coast to a water deficient goldfields and to supply water to regions along its route. The goldfields were established after a number of gold finds in the late nineteenth century in the interior of the state to the east of the Western Australian capital, Perth. The first significant gold discovery was made at Yilgarnin 1887 by HA. Anstey, B.N. Colreavy; N. Higgins and C. Glass. Nearby Southern Cross became the regional cenre fo the prospectors that followed, many of whom travelled from the Kimberley where earlier strikes had recently dried up. After about three years the gold yield started to thin in the Yilgarn region, and prospectors drifted away in search of that elusive strike Using Charles Hunt's earlier records, Arthur Bailey and John Ford travelled over 190 kilometres east of Southern Cross and returned in September 1892 with 554 ounces of gold, discovered at Fly Flat, just east of the present town of Coolgardie. News of the strike coincided with the collapse of the Victorian economy, as well as a global recession, and hopeful prospectors descended upon Coolgardie from all over the world. Most came from'the Eastern Colonies And new Zealand, others came from the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa Afghanistan and (before 1901) China. After landing in Western Australia at either Esperance or Fremantle, those with means went by coach, and later by train, while others traversed the dusty road by bike. Many more carried their worldly possessions in a wheelbarrow and walked the 400 to 500 kilometres. Those who came from Perth travelled the road and sought water from the wells that Charles Hunt had developed thirty years earlier. Once they reached Coolgardie, fresh water was to prove even more elusive than gold. In the initial months of the strike, prospectors had to wait at Southern Cross for news of the water situation before they could continue their journey. Permits were required to travel to Coolgardie and water holes were designated to ensure enough 5supply for the travellers. When rain did fall prospectors would materialise like mushrooms; 300 men appeared in Coolgardie two days after rain fell on 8 March 1893. According to a newspaper article, there were 2,000 men in Coolgardie by June. It is not recorded when women arrived, but it seems that some at least followed their menfolk from the beginning for by 1894 the first government school was established in Coolgardie, with twenty five children being taught the ‘3R's1 in a tent. The average yearly rainfall for Coolgardie is 176.5mm and rain may not fall at all for twelvemonths. In the early years, those who could afford it left Coolgardie for the dry season. The others had to pay between I and 3 shillings per gallon of water, depending on the season. The only sources of water at the time were from either the Raeside, or 35-mile soak, water from condensers, or water carted by train from Northam, then by camel from Southern Cross. Brackish water, which could be used -for household purposes', was produced at the Government shaft about one mile from the town and was sold at 2 pence per gallon." Bores were also sunk for mining purposes. Outside of the town the little rain that did fall was caught in rock catchment areas. This water was more precious than a person's life, as proven when a man was acquitted for shooting an Afghan camel driver because he was washing his feet in a rock hole. No doubt this acquittal had a lot to do with the Typhoid epidemic that was sweeping the area. Typhoid fever was spread through a bacteria called typhoid bacilli that bred in contaminated water in the dams and soaks constructed through the Eastern Goldfields. In the 1890s, Typhoid fever had reached epidemic proportions, not only in Coolgardie, but also in Perth and Northam. Clean, fresh, running water was imperative for the epidemic to be stopped and investment in the place to continue. Even with its depredations and diseases, Coolgardie continued to grow. In 1894, the shanty town of mostly hessian tents got its first (temporary) Post Office and the telegraph was extended from Southern Cross to Coolgardie and then Kalgoorlie" Coolgardie's first and most successful newspaper, The Coolgardie Miner, was published in May. In July, Coolgardie was declared a municipality with the-Coolgardie Municipal Council being elected in December.14 In the space of two years, Coolgardie had become a substantial town. By 1898 Coolgardie had reached its zenith of development with a population of 15,000 in the town boundaries and another 10,000 in the surrounding countryside. This was without a permanent water supply. The severe lack of water on the goldfields for human and animal consumption and for gold production was to be addressed by the Coolgardie Water Supply Scheme. This scheme collected water in a weir in the Helena Valley and pumped it to the goldfields using 8 steam driven pumping stations strategically located along the length of the pipe track. The original scheme was to pump the water to Coolgardie and into the Toorak tank as the terminus of the pipe. However by 1898 the alluvial gold was drying up and prospectors had moved on to the more popular fields at Kalgoorlie where gold had been discovered in 1893. In the light of the rapid development of Kalgoorlie it was decided, during the course of pipeline construction, to extend the supply 38.5 kilometres to terminate in another reservoir at Mt Charlotte in the KaIgoorIie fields. " The name of the project was accordingly changed to the GWSS. The new purpose of the Toorak tank was to supply the town of Coolgardie and to gravity feed water to the reservoir at Mount Charlotte. Water was gravity fed to the Toorak tank from the large reservoir at Bullabulling that was in turn serviced from No 6 Pump Station at Dedari. Excavation of the Toorak Hill Reservoir started in 1900 and was completed in 1901.16 The last 24 miles (38.4kms) of trench to Toorak Hill was excavated during 1902.17 Water reached the reservoir on 22 December 1902 after taking 10 months to travel the 525 kilometres from Mundaring Weir. At the Coolgardie opening ceremony in January 1903, the Mayor's wife had the dubious honour of the first drink of water from the scheme out of a solid gold cup The water was lightish brown in colour and it had a less than pleasant taste caused by the tar used in joining the pipes. However by now the town had lost most of its population and the suburb of Toorak Hill was deserted By 1904 the population had plummeted to 4,000. For those remaining residents, water now cost 7s per 1000 gallons, a big saving from 15s per 100 gallons of condensed water. On the recommendation of the 1909 report on the corrosion of the main steel conduit it was decided to replace and enlarge the existing bypass pipe around Toorak Hill.21 This pipe provided a bypass route for water enroute from Bullabulling to Mt Charlotte in case the tank was unserviceable. After much deliberation an Oregon timber bypass conduit supplied by the Australian Timber Pipe Company was laid in 1911 around the base of the hill (see attached plans). After the initial problems, the wood bypass pipe seemed to have proven adequate to the task for it was still in use in 1939 and appeared likely to last another five years at least Co incidentally, it was about this time that Karri timber stave pipe was being used on some sections of the main pipeline as a replacement for the original steel pipe. During the 1980s a new steel pipe bypass was laid, mostly above the ground. Unfortunately cracks in the concrete walls and floor were a major problem during the service life of the reservoir. Many treatments were tried but none had complete success. In 1944 the largest crack was covered with a large rubber sheet held by a steel frame. However even these measures appear to have been less than successful. From the mid 1980s the reservoir was used only as a temporary town service during shutdowns and was eventually taken out of all service as the towns supply now came directly from the main conduit. Toorak Hill Toorak Hill was always a popular picnic spot, as it affords the best views of CooIgardie. When the train from Kalgoorlie ran every Sunday, day trippers would climb the hill to enjoy the day on the reserve south of the reservoir. Although the tank was fenced off, this did not stop the local children from swimming in it. The place was recorded as a Historic Site by the National Trust on 27 October 1976. It is listed on Coolgardie's Municipal Inventory with a Category 1 and is on the Shire of CooIgardie's Town Planning Scheme

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Statement of Significance

The ruins off to the sides of the reservoir and the reservoir itself are significant due to their industrial, archaeological and social significance. The site itself has great aesthetic importance.

Physical Description

A large circular reservoir tank into which the Eastern Goldfields Water Supply at first terminated. The tank sits atop Toorak Hill, once the extreme of the gazetted town and the name of its northern suburb, and it is at a point from which the most extensive and informative views of Coolgardie can be seen.

History

The tank is associated with the epic feat of the construction of the Eastern Goldfields Water Supply, one of the State's most important and ambitious undertakings.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Fair

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Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Significant for its architectural construction and interest.

Physical Description

A small timber framed structure clad in mini-orb and painted. Deep eaves bracketed of walls and a fascia decorated with a scalloped edge. The roof is a concave curve and would have had a decorative finial, since lost.

History

One of the only structures built for sporting/recreation activities left from the Gold Boom period. The building had its origins in the Exhibition of 1899 when it was reputedly brought from France as an exhibition stand. In 1903 it became the property of the bowling club.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Fair

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Statement of Significance

Coolgardie Bowling Club has cultural significance for the following reasons: The place is a fine example of a small scale timber structure in the Federation Filigree style. The structure has a simple form with strong charm and as a result achieved a high level of aesthetic value. The place is associated with the WA Mining and Industrial Exhibition held in Coolgardie from 21 March 1899 to 1 July 1899 and is the only intact structure to still exist from the Exhibition. The place is associated with the establishment of the Coolgardie Bowling Clun in 1907. From 1907 up to the mid to late 1970’s, the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion served as the clubrooms for this sporting organisation and still remains on the bowling club site in 2001. AESTHETIC Y ALUE Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion is a fine example of a small scale timber structure in the Federation Filigree style. The structure has a simple form with strong charm and as a result achieved a high level of aesthetic value. (Criterion 1 .1) The small scale and hipped concave roof of Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion are two characteristics contributing to it picturesque quality which adds to the townscape value of the historic town , which is one of eight historic towns designated by the National Trust of WA. (Criteria I.I & 1.4) HISTORIC VALUE The place is associated with the discovery of gold near Coolgardie by Bayley and Ford in 1892, the declaration of the field in 1892, and the subsequent mass migration to this area by people eager to strike a claim of their own. The discovery of gold and the burgeoning_town at Coolgardie signalled the further exploration and .settlement of the remainder of what became kown as the Eastern Goldfields area. (Criteria 2.1 & 2.2) The place is associated with the WA Mining and Industrial Exhibit ion held in Coolgardie from 21 March 1899 to I July 1899; the primary purpose of which was firstly to promote interest in the mining industry of the Eastern Goldfields and secondly, Western Australian industry as a whole. Local history has it that the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion was part of an exh ibit that originated from Europe. (Criterion 2.2) The place is associated with Coolgardie's development as the mining, business and administrative centre of the Eastern Goldfields and is representative of the growth of social and recreational activities and facilities. ln particular, the place is associated with the establishment of the Coolgardie Bowling Club in 1907. From 1907 up to the mid to late 1970s, the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion served as the clubrooms for this sporting organisation. (Criterion 2.2) The place has associations with the Coolgardie Bowling Club which was established in 1907 and continues to operate in 200 I. (Criterion 2.3) SOCIAL VALUE The place has social significance to the Coolgardie community and contributes to this communities ' sense of place, due to its associations with the WA Mining and Industrial Exhibition in 1899 and its long association with the Coolgardie Bowling Club dating from 1907. (Criteria 4.1 & 4.2) The listing by The National Trust of Australia (WA) and the inclusion of the p lace in the Shire of Coolgardie's Municipal Inventory are also a measure of social significance. Coolgardie is one of eight historic towns designated by the National Trust in Western Australia . (Criterion 4.2) RARlTY Coolgardie B owling Pavilion has rarity value as the only intact structure from the 1899 Western Australian Mining and Industrial Exhibition. (Criterion 5.1) Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion has rarity as one of a small number of small kiosk structures in Western Austra lia. (Criterion 5.2) REPRESENT ATIVENESS Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion is a rare example of a small timber kiosk purpose built for an exhibition in the late 1880s. (Criterion 6. 1) The ornate, rather than utilitarian, design of the kiosk is representative of the opulent nature and architecture of the Coolgardie gold boom. (Criterion 6.1) COND ITION The place is in poor condition, primarily due to its lack of substructure and support, including Jack of wind bracing, a lack of consistent maintenance, and poor repairs. INTEGRITY The place has a moderate degree of integrity. AUTHENTIC ITY The authenticity of the pavilion is moderate to high.

Physical Description

The Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion is a small timber framed rectagular structure located within the Coolgardie Bowling Club site and positioned on a narrow gr ass strip to the west side of the bowling green. The Bowling Club is situated on the comer of Sylvester and Lefroy Streets with Coolgardie Park bordering the west boundary. The Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion , a small scale example of a timber structure in the Federation Filigree style of architecture, has a simple form and strong charm. The walls are constructed of exposed timber frame, with ripple iron and plain galvanised iron panels fixed with galvanised flat head nails. The sheets are further secured with timber beading (quads) around each panel. Original studs and frame members are western red cedar. Many of the original western red cedar studs have been replaced with sawn jarrah studs and most of th e beads are also replacement. The original timber skirting consists of a chamfered plate and this is extant on the north , south and west elevations. The entire exterior has been painted . The east elevation faces the bowling green and provides access to the interior. The elevation has been modified to include large ripple iron and timber braced double swing doors, which are not centred and are poorly constructed. (This is the most significant alteration to the original structure.) The door on the north elevation has been covered over with ripple iron and is no longer in use. This elevation now has the same appearance as the south elevation. The west elevation contains two ripple iron and timber braced hatches , which are no longer in use. The timber framed roof is hipped with a concave profile and is clad in ripple iron with a plain galvanised iron rolled ridge. The roof has been painted in candy stripes. The soffit lining consists of 6" tongue and groove Oregon boards and the roof overhang is supported by moulded timber brackets, fixed to the exposed wall studs and corner posts. The pavilion retains sections of original fascia panel, which is moulded with a scalloped motif, as well as section s of original cast iron gutter. The interior consists of one single space. The floor is constructed of 6" x 1" Oregon floorboards, with a 4" reed moulded skirting. The wall and ceiling lining consists of vertical 4" and horizontal 6" (respectively) western red cedar v-jointed tongue and groove boards. (Some of the lining on the west and east walls is either damaged or missing.) The ceiling is hipped at thirty degrees and there is one timber boss extant (one is missing), which would have been a continuation of the cast iron finial panel (now removed). There are iron coat hooks fixed to a horizontal timber rail that runs above the height of the hatches on the north, south and west walls. There is also a timber ladder on the south wall of the interior, which was custom made for the pavilion and used for the storage of bowling equipment. The pavilion is in poor condition due to the removal of its substructure and lack of wind bracing. The timber bearers of the pavilion do not appear to be original and lay only on the ground. Its lack of substructure and wind bracing, together with the introduction of the double doors on the east elevation, has contributed to the racking of the pavilion towards the south and west ends. Although the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion is in poor condition and several original elements have either been replaced or altered , the structure 's form is little changed from its original construction.

History

Assessment 2001\Construction 1899 Alterations/additions: 1901; 1907; mid to late 1970's The idea for a mining exhibition was first raised by the Coolgardie Mine Managers' Institute in the mid 1 890s, primarily to show the technologies that had developed in response to the mining of lowgrade ores in Western Australia. Due to widespread approval and interest in the project, it was eventually decided that the exhibition should not only be concerned with mining but also take into account the State's primary industries as a whole. It subsequently became known as the Western Australian Mining and Industrial Exhibition. The Western Australian Mining and Industrial Exhibition was officially opened on 21 March 1899 by His Excellency Governor Sir Gerald Smith. Local history has it that the kiosk (Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion) was part of an exhibition originating from Europe. A photograph of the Exhibition in 1899 shows the kiosk (Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion). (The Western Australian Mining and Industrial Exhibition was officially closed on 1July 1899 having attracted approximately 61,158 people through its doors and to the Eastern Goldfields.) A plan of the West Australian Exhibition at Coolgardie dated I 900- I 902 shows the buildings on site including the kiosk (Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion) located in the north-we stern corner of the quadrangle. The purpose of this plan was to show the building s, structures and materials that were to be removed from the site, prior to its conversion as a school of mines and, on 12 January 1900, a contract was offered for the purchase and removal of certain structures at the exhibition buildings at Coolgardie. Nothing happened at this time and tenders were again offered for this contract on 24 May 1901. The contract was eventually awarded to J. Crothers on 8 July 190I for his cost of £650/-. · - --=-- - With the continued consolidation of the Coolgardie townsite in the late 1890s and 1900s came the establishment of social and recreational activities and organisations. From 1904 to 1905, steps were taken by the Coolgardie Council towards the making of a bowling green in Coolgardie. The development of the Coolgardie bowling green had reached the stage that on 12 January 1907 the 'recently formed' Coolgardie Bowling Club was able to have its first practice session proper on 9 February 1907, Mayor of Coolgardie Mr A. Mercer officially opened the Coolgardie bowling green. Photographs of the opening day show that the pavilion was at the green at this time. Research by H. Ware reportedly found that former Coolgardie Mayor W. Strother had purchased the structure and it was he who later installed it at the Coolgardie Bowling Club. From 1907 to the mid to late 1970s, the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion (former kiosk) served as the official bowling clubhouse. It was used for club meetings and activities, and also housed the club's equipment. Special ladders were constructed and placed inside the pavilion to store the bowls. One of these ladders is still extant- In the mid to late 1970s, the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion was relocated to its current position at the western side of the green. This was done as a result of the erection of a new headquarters for the bowling club as well as the extension of the bowling green. Since this time (an up to 2001), the Coolgardie Bowling Pavilion has been used for storage purposes.

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Coolgardie Fire Station

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

An important structure representing a vital service in the early history of Coolgardie.

Physical Description

This is a replacement building and the engine house is constructed in timber frame with silver painted iron cladding. It is a simple gable roofed structure with the name fire station appearing in the gable. It is an elegant utilitarian structure

History

A structure of great importance to Coolgardie considering the significant role played by fire in the early days of Coolgardie's existence, with its repeated destruction or partial destruction by fire.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Warden's Court (fmr)

Child Places

• 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
• 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
• 03661 Mines Office
• 03662 Bank

Condition

A two storeyed building constructed of concrete foundations, stone and brick walls and with steel roof. It has a colonnaded front facade and first floor balconies. Faced granite in large blocks support the columns and arches.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
• 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
• 03661 Mines Office
• 03662 Bank

Statement of Significance

An impressive and well preserved government building of the late 1890's, representing the style of local buildings and the use of local stone.

Physical Description

The building is a grand two storey structure, finely detailed and executed and well preserved. The building is symmetrical about a tall central section which houses the original courthouse and public gallery. The west wing houses the Mining Registrar's office and the new court and the west wing a museum. The building is constructed of finely dressed stone in a random pattern. There is stucco detailing around the windows and doors and on the ground floor arcade and first floor balconies. The roof is tiled, the tiles having been imported from Marseilles.

History

assessment 1976 construction 1898 Builder John Philip est cost £10,825 Warden's Court and government offices court, bank, museum, mines office

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Child Places

• 03665 Coolgardie Drill Hall
• 03663 Museum - Ben Prior's
• 03661 Mines Office
• 03662 Bank

Statement of Significance

An impressive and well preserved Government building of the late 1890s, representing the style of local buildings and using local stone. Characteristic of the heyday of the Goldfields prosperity. A critical part of the Bayley Street precinct and its most imposing structure.

Physical Description

Includes principal offices of the Mines Department. Two storey, Freestyle Classical building with a colonnaded front facade and first floor balconies. The ground floor includes; the colonnaded front, vestibules and a back verandah and the first floor; the Warden's Court, general office, Warden's rooms and office; rooms for the Jury . Police, Solicitors, Clerk of Courts, Press and Witnesses; and colonnaded balconies. It now houses a good museum in part of the building and the Tourist Bureau.

History

The second major government building in Coolgardie after the Post Office. Designed by George Temple Poole, one of the colony's most influential architects and Superintendent of the Public Works Department and Colonial Architect from 1891 - 1896. It was the second scheme, the previous proposal being for a site in Hunt Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Gnarlbine Soaks (Well No.22)

Parent Place or Precinct

24806 Hunt's Wells Group

Condition

Originally an Aboriginal waterhole on the edge of Gnarlbine Rock. The water source was discovered by Lefroy in 1863 and subsequently became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. It is a stone well, 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres deep, and is now dry. A plaque has been mounted nearby.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

An historic site associated with the first explorers and early prospectors in the area.

History

Assessment 1976 'Originally an aboriginal water hole, the soak was 'discovered' by Lefroy 1863 and became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. At some later date it wa constructed as a well (sstone lined)

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Statement of Significance

A place of substantial historical significance, the waterhole having been a watering place for Aborigines and an important source of water for early white explorers and prospectors.

Physical Description

Originally an Aboriginal water hole on the edge of the Gnarlbine Rock, the water source was discovered by Lefroy in 1863 and subsequently became an important watering place for explorers and prospectors. It is a stone well 3 meters in diameter and 2 meters deep, and is now dry. A plaque has been mounted nearby. The reserve comprises 640 acres.

History

An early source of water for the district.

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Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

A good example of a substantial country railway station and goods shed complex. They are an integral part of this important complex of railway buildings in Coolgardie that were vital to the development and history of the Eastern Goldfields.

Physical Description

A stone and brick quoin station building with a hipped iron roof similar in design and detail to other railway stations of this period in the State. The facade is divided into 3 bays, the central bay with a pediment and arch and a hipped iron verandah over the entry. Later accretions have been arranged symmetrically . The goods shed is a simple timber framed iron cad industrial building with evidence of its earlier colour scheme of cream and deep indian red.

History

A building of substance, conforming to the character of railway buildings of the turn of the century and part of an important but now defunct communication and transport system for this isolated town. The station has many similarities to Bunbury Station.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate-High

Condition

Good

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Statement of Significance

Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, comprising the stone and brick quoin walled and corrugated iron roofed railway station, the timber framed corrugated iron clad good shed, the timber framed corrugated iron motor shed and the timber framed corrugated iron electrical engineer’s office, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the aesthetic value of the building in relation to their design and use of construction materials; the place contributes to the townscape as a significant component at a former point of entry and as a part of a precinct containing several important heritage places; the place has historic value as it was one of the two earliest government-built railway complexes in Western Australia. the place reflects the rapid growth of Coolgardie, following the discovery of the eastern goldfields, which created one of the most important goldrushes in the history of Australia; the place has association with an eminent Chief Architect from the Public Works Department, George Temple Poole, who was responsible for the design of a large number of public buildings in the state. The place is also associated with the State Engineer-in-Chief, C. Y. O’Connor, who was responsible for effecting the development of the goldfields through the establishment of a railway network and permanent water supply, as well as many other engineering achievements throughout Western Australia; the place demonstrates a simple elegance and grace, the Coolgardie Railway Station building as an interpretation of Federation Academic Classical and Federation Free Classical architecture, and the goods shed, simply as a very fine industrial structure that combines well with the remaining buildings on site that demonstrate the nature of a late 19th Century railway station complex; the place has social value for its role in the transportation of people and supplies, improvement in the living conditions and as a symbol of Coolgardie’s former prosperity contributing to the community’s sense of continuity of place as a museum; the buildings are of comparative rarity as they are amongst a small number of late 19th Century railway buildings to survive without being obscured by large scale change and redevelopment; and, the place is representative of major railway stations of the late 19th Century and is able to demonstrate, with the aid of interpretation, the manner in which a railway complex operated with a barracks accommodation and ancillary facilities, both within its contemporary curtilage and immediately beyond to the living accommodation that was build for the Resident Engineer, Station Master and platelayers. Aesthetic Value The group of buildings and intervening spaces comprising the remaining evidence of the Coolgardie station yard have a moderate degree of importance to the community for their aesthetic characteristics, more so as a formerly well composed set of places in an industrial setting than for their individual aesthetically pleasing characteristics. The two main structures, Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, are particularly important for their collective effect and their spatial relationship which reveals something of the functional and organisational nature of the site. Each building has its own distinctive aesthetical quality and, together, the group and its open spaces contribute to the community’s sense of history and place. The elevations of Coolgardie Railway Station are aesthetically pleasing and the simplicity of the design contributes to the charm and elegance of the building. The Goods Shed is an example of a once common type and has an elegant simplicity in its lines. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed contributes to the aesthetic values of the setting, by its landmark quality, as a former entry statement to the town. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed contributes to the aesthetic values of the setting as part of a precinct containing several important heritage places. Historic Value The construction of Coolgardie Railway Station building, together with the extension of the railway line from its previous terminus at Southern Cross in 1896, marked the beginning of the development and growth of communications and transport systems into the goldfields. It led to a large improvement in the quality of life for the people living in the goldfields. This also improved production with a flow-on effect which helped to underpin the economy of Western Australia. It also marked the beginning of the State Government’s involvement in the progressive extension of the north-eastern railway network. The completion of the railway had an impact on Coolgardie’s demographic growth, the development of the goldfields and subsequent increase in revenue for the state and the construction of permanent structures in the town of Coolgardie. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed is a reflection of the rapid growth of Coolgardie, following the discovery of the eastern goldfields, which created one of the most important goldrushes in the history of Australia, which substantially affected the development of the State of Western Australia and impacted on the economy of Australia. Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has association with an eminent architect Chief Architect from the Public Works Department, George Temple Poole, who was responsible for the design of a large number of public buildings in the state, many of which are heritage listed The place is also associated with the State Engineer-in-Chief, C.Y. O’Connor, who was responsible for effecting the development of the goldfields through the establishment of a railway network and permanent water supply, as well as many other engineering achievements throughout Western Australia. The opening of the railway was a significant state-wide event. The opening was attended by Governor Smith, the Premier, Sir John Forrest, members of cabinet and many other dignitaries. The buildings demonstrate a simple elegance and grace, the Coolgardie Railway Station building as an interpretation of Federation Academic Classical and Federation Free Classical architecture, and the goods shed, simply as a very fine industrial structure that combines well with the remaining buildings on site that demonstrate the nature of a late 19th Century railway station complex. Scientific Value As one of the state’s earlier railways and one to which so little has been added, the site has some scientific value in its potential to yield information on a late nineteenth century railway station complex. A wider understanding of the nature of a late nineteenth century railway complex would be available from this site through archaeological and further documentary research. The site has not been built over and much evidence remains of the locations of previous structures and the arrangement of the site. There is no evidence to suggest that there were any particular technical innovations in the construction of various elements on the site and the documentary evidence suggests that much of what was constructed was of a standard pattern. Social Value Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has social value for its role in the transportation of people and supplies to and from the town of Coolgardie to the western seaboard. The improvement of transportation dramatically improved living conditions for the people of Coolgardie and its surrounding districts, and, in more recent times, the community has claimed it as one of the symbols of Coolgardie’s former prosperity contributing to the community’s sense of continuity of place as a museum. Rarity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed are of comparative rarity as they are amongst a small number of late 19th Century railway buildings to survive without being obscured by large scale change and redevelopment. The remaining buildings and sites are evidence of a form of railway operation and railway workers’ existence that has long passed and provides evidence of the high status of the various levels of railway workers accommodation in relation to other housing in Coolgardie. Representativeness Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed are representative of major railway stations of the late 19th Century, in spite of many adaptive changes to the buildings. The representative value, without interpretation or conservation, is reduced by the loss of the various outbuildings, fences and other site elements. The place occupies an important position in its capacity to demonstrate, with the aid of interpretaion, the manner in which a railway complex operated with a barracks accommodation and ancillary facilities. The surrounding quarters are an important integral part of the ability of the complex to demonstrate a wide range of station related activities. Condition Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed is generally in poor condition. Detailed considerations of condition may be found in, Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996). Integrity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has a moderate level of integrity. Its integrity geing diminished by the closure of the station and adaptation to a museum. For a discussion of the integrity of the place, refer to Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996). Authenticity Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed has a high level of authenticity with great deal of original fabric existing in both structures, much of what is visible is authentic. For a discussion of the authenticity of the place, refer to Considine and Griffiths Architects: ‘Coolgardie Railway Station and Goods Shed, Conservation Plan’ (prepared for the Shire of Coolgardie, August 1996).

Physical Description

The Coolgardie Railway Station was completed at the same time as the railway line in 1896, as part of the contract for the Southern Cross to Coolgardie railway. The original plans were issued under the authority of the Chief Civil Engineer of Western Australian Railways, C.Y. O’Connor. The specification for the new railway station at Coolgardie is a useful reference and gives a clear picture of the structures to be provided in the initial construction campaign at Coolgardie. It also provides an invaluable source for referencing the nature of the original products and materials used in construction. The works included the construction of the station and platforms, picket fences, a goods shed, the outside loading platfom, a five tonne crane, station master’s house, wood sheds, latrines, two platelayers’ cottages, a 25,000 gallon water tank, an engine shed, two outside engine pits, carriage shed, coal store, turn-table, a sheep and cattle yard, carriage and horse loading platform, road approaches and footpaths. The station buildings were designed by George Temple Poole, of the Public Works Department, and the tender documents were issued by the Chief Engineer. The line and buildings were constructed by the Wilkie Brothers. Early drawings, figures 4 & 5, show the design of the station to be a simple classical composition with a long platform canopy and a short entrance canopy. Corners and openings have brick quoins and the walls are infilled with stone. Windows are arched head double hung sash and the roof is shown to be ventilated by gablets to both north and south elevations. The plan is based on a central ticket hall and office, with staff accommodation to the east of the hall and the passengers’ facilities to the west. A plan prepared for the Coolgardie water supply in 1905, locates all the station buildings elements, together with the two platelayers’ cottages (now private houses) and a station master’s house in Woodward Street, the goods shed at its original size, turn-table (demolished), the resident engineer’s house (now a private residence) and all ancillary buildings. An earlier plan, made in 1904, contains similar information and names all structures on the railway station site. By 1907, the production of gold had declined in Coolgardie and the fields to the east in Kalgoorlie and Boulder overshadowed Coolgardie with large and rich operations. The town began to lose its population to other centres and the suburbs and outlying areas were soon deserted. By the time of the First World War, the population was in steady decline and the war itself contributed to further decline. The station was under continual pressure for upgrading to meet the changes and growth of the railway system in its early days. Implementation of change was slow. The station’s visitors and occupants endur4ed uncomfortable conditions and patchwork attempts to improve them, if contemporary records are to be given full credit.

History

Constructed 1896 Coolgardie Station Building 1896-1933 The station building design was by George Temple Poole and the rooms of the building consisted of a public hall, ticket office, general waiting room, ladies’ waiting room, general purpose room, latrines and urinals, parcel room, station master’s office, a clerk’s office, a fuel room and a permanent way office. It is a single storey building 51 metres long by 6.4 metres wide in the main hall. The central foyer is 7.6 metres wide, with a portico to the north and platform with a 7.6 metre wide roofed area. The station building style lies somewhere between the Federation Academic Classical style and Federation Free Classical style. It has a pitched roof supported on timber trusses and corrugated iron cladding, with double hung sash windows positioned symmetrically, Ogee gutters are fixed along the eaves and round galvanised iron downpipes fitted off the gutters. Large fireplaces are in five rooms. The original concept remains legible, both in the elevation and plan with little major change to the original concept. The design was conceived as a major entry bay at the centre by wings to the east and west and two further lower wings added to the extreme ends of each of these. The verandah adds emphasis to the entrance at the centre of the building. No drawn documentary evidence is available to record the changes that occurred to the station until 1933, with the exception of a photograph indicating a second storey addition to the western-most room. This photograph is displayed in the station lobby at Coolgardie. The curiously designed addition has since been removed. 1933 Documentary evidence indicates that the Chief Civil Engineer commenced preparations to convert the general waiting room into a bedroom. It is evident that the seats which lined the west and east walls of the general reading room were removed for this purpose. Fly wire was nailed over several doors and windows of the room used for sleeping purposes; this is an intrusive element still evident today. 1939 Documentary evidence dating from 1939 suggests that the lamp room was converted into a bedroom. However, this indicates that the lamp room was far too small to accommodate a bedroom, the room was only 9 6’ x 8 ‘. It is far more likely that the clerk’s office adjacent to the station master’s office was altered instead, as later dated plans show this to be the case. 1942-1944 By 1942, several rooms had undergone conversions. The station building consisted of two bedrooms, one bedroom was the former clerk’s office adjacent to the station master’s office, the other ws the former general waiting room. No significant changes had been made structurally; the function was simply changed. Between 1942 and 1944, a kitchen had been placed in the former general purpose room and the fireplace in that room removed and replaced with a Metters stove. The ‘out-of-shed’ had taken the place of the former urinals. In the east wing the parcel and cloak room maintained its location, as did the station master’s room and the ladies’ waiting room. The water tanks had been removed and a file room was located where the fuel room used to be. The original lamp room appears to have been incorporated into the ‘out-of-shed’. One window in the ‘out-of-shed’ was blocked-up and a door and platform were added to the north wall. 1945 The existing ladies’ waiting room was converted into a bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom adjacent to the station master’s office was converted into a ladies’ waiting room and the Metters stove removed and converted into an open fireplace. A shower was installed into the lavatory and a sink installed in the room used as the kitchen. 1949 The station approach was resurfaced and white lines indicating 45 degree parking were placed on the bitumen which are still visible today. 1958 A separate barracks building was created in the former resident engineer’s quarters. The rooms previously used as bedrooms in the station building were converted into a ladies’ waiting room and new men’s conveniences. 1972 The last train left Coolgardie station on 28 November 1971. The line was officially closed on 16 September 1974. When the station building were taken over by the Shire of Coolgardie on 5 June converted into a museum, the limestone walls were painted white and two windows on the west side of the northern elevation were poorly filled-in. The present configuration of the building remains identical to its 1896 shape. The interiors were extensively remodelled to accommodate the changes over the years. The main walls of the existing station building were left in place to a large extent, but many of the spaces have been re-configured, in minor ways, for the change in purpose. The ‘out of shed’ has been converted into lavatories and partitions of lightweight construction divide the room into five separate compartments. The bathroom remains as was, the two bedrooms (original ladies’ waiting room and general waiting room) were converted into a flat for the caretaker. The former ladies’ waiting room now functions as a kitchen and an opening has been made in the east wall providing direct access to the original general waiting room which still functions as a bedroom. No changes have been made to the remaining rooms. All now functions as a bedroom. All now function as exhibition spaces with the exception of the two end rooms on the east wing which are used as a store room and workshop respectively. Refer to the drawings for descriptions of the present functions and parts of the place. Coolgardie Goods Shed 1896 The goods shed was a first class design, according to the specification. The goods shed is an industrial building form. Its walls were covered in corrugated galvanised iron. Girts are fixed horizontally to accept the iron cladding. The walls retain the original cladding system and colour scheme. The doors were made to roll aside, but only the southern doors remain in place. It had at least one office, judging from documentary evidence, of 2 x 3 inch timbers spaced and framed. The outside of this office was vertically boarded with 1 inch wrought, tongued and grooved boarding, according to the specification, but has since been removed. The interior of the office was lined and sealed with half inch wrought, tongued and grooved and beaded boarding. There is no evidence of the office in the building. Rainwater tanks were placed to each side of the shed; these have since been take down. The goods shed was originally 300 feet long. 1920s The foods shed was reduced in size. The office may have been removed at this time. It is uncertain what other modification were made in the process. The remaining shed, in its present format, does not comply with any standard pattern. Further, there is no evidence of a ridge vent system ever having been built. 1972 The good shed was taken over by the Shire of Coolgardie and now serves as part of one of the council depots. The changes are not substantial and allow the original concept and organisation to be read.

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Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

Parent Place or Precinct

25251 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (NHL)

Child Places

• 02789 No. 6 Steam Pumping Station (fmr), Ghooli
• 00649 No 3 Pumping Station
• 10062 Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment & Aqueduct
• 03660 Toorak Hill, Goldfields Water Supply Reservoir
• 15727 Mount Charlotte Reservoir
• 01677 No 1 Pumping Station Museum
• 10072 Caroling Rocks Dam No. 16
• 10869 Bronti Tank
• 01675 Mundaring Weir Hotel
• 01564 No. 4 Steam Pumping Station
• 01676 Mundaring Weir Hall
• 00647 Railway Water Tower, Cunderdin
• 08540 Mundaring Weir School & Quarters (fmr)
• 05977 Koorarawalyee Tank
• 00583 Old Pumping Station
• 08539 No 2 Pumping Station - Site of

Values

• The place is an excellent example of an initiative by the Western Australian Government to provide water to the Goldfields at the turn of the century.
• The place is rare as one of the largest pipelines in Western Australia, possibly the largest that supplies water.
• The place has aesthetic value as a landmark feature extending from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie.
• The place is rare and has scientific value as an innovative engineering design and construction method of a pipeline from the early 20th Century.
• The place is rare as a long-distance water pipeline in Australia built in the early 1900’s.

Statement of Significance

The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, demonstrates exceptional technical achievement as one of the longest overland pipeline schemes attempted in the nineteenth century, both in Australia and the world, and was recognised as an outstanding engineering achievement; The has exceptional value in demonstrating the historical importance of the provision of water to settlements along the route from Mundaring to the Eastern Goldfields, The construction and operation of the Pipeline had considerable importance in contributing to the sense of place for the people of Western Australia, and visitors to the State, as a highly valued tourist destination, the educational, cultural and aesthetic aspects of which are appreciated by history and engineering enthusiasts and teachers to this day; Individual elements of the place, including the existing interpretation associated with the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail, museums, archaeological sites and remaining buildings and infrastructure, collectively have exceptional potential to communicate the history of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme and its importance to Western Australia; The place is associated with a number of notable figures in Western Australian history, including the Scheme's designer CY O'Connor, State and Federal politician Lord John Forrest, the Director of the Public Works Department HW Venn and former Superintendent of Public Works, architect George Temple Poole, who each contributed to the successful completion of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme; and The place is an exceptional example of applied science, technical excellence and innovative design, reflecting the ongoing ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by the talented and committed engineers employed by the Goldfields Water Supply Branch, Public Works Department and other iterations of the Water Corporation in the provision of water in the State. The longevity of the scheme is associated with innovators Mephan Ferguson, James Couston, engineers Norman Fernie and Reg Keating, and James Mathers.

Physical Description

The Goldfields Water Supply Scheme extends in a discontiguous precinct across the 560km linear water pipeline, commencing at Mundaring Weir (1902, 1951) in the Helena Valley and terminating at Mount Charlotte Reservoir (1902) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Comprising six extant original Steam Pump Stations (1902) at Mundaring, Cunderdin, Merredin, Yerbillon, Ghooli and Dedari; the sites of two demolished Steam Pump Stations (1902) at O’Connor and Gilgai; Reservoirs and Tanks at O’Connor, Sawyers Valley, Bakers Hill, West Northam, Cunderdin, Merredin, Yerbillon, Ghooli, Bronti, Gilgai, Koorawawalyee, Dedari, Toorak, and Bullabulling; second generation Electric Pump Station at Merredin , and other community sites, ancillary structures; equipment and machinery, archaeological sites; and discontiguous portions of the main pipeline conduit associated with the construction and operation of the Scheme from 1902 to the present.

History

Phase I - Construction of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (1898 - 1903) Phase II – Problem Solving and Agricultural Expansion (1904 - 1940) Phase III – Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme, Upgrades & Refurbishments (1946 - 2013) Phase IV - Heritage Recognition and The Golden Pipeline (1992 - 2011)

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Old Pumping Station

Parent Place or Precinct

16610 Goldfields Water Supply Scheme

Condition

The pumping station is a brick building of plain industrial design appropriate to its use. It has an iron roof and a metal chimney. Work on construction of the pipeline under the direction of the Engineer-In-Chief, C Y O'Connor began in 1898 but this, the last of the steam pumping stations, was built at the end of 1901. It continued in use until 1970 when superseded by diesel powered plant. It is currently being restored by the trust in co-operation with the Public Works Department.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Significant as one of 8 former steam pumping stations in the 1898-1901 Mundaring-Kalgoorlie Water Pipeline, an important engineering feat, of major importance in the opening up of the eastern goldfields and the wheatbelt and contributing to the major development of the state. Of technological significance as the best preserved, in engineering terms, of these stations with virtually complete machinery and boilers in authentic working condition.

Physical Description

The pumping station is a brick building of plain industrial design appropriate to its use. It has an iron roof and a metal chimney. Work on the construction of the pipeline under the direction of engineer-in-chief, C.Y. O'Connor began in 1898 but this, the last of the steam pumping stations, was built at the end of 1901. It continued in use until 1970 when it was superseded by a diesel powered plant. It was restored by the National Trust in co-operation with the P.W.D. The interior is virtually intact.

History

Mundaring-Kalgoorlie Water Pipeline Structure with 2 Babcock and Wilcox boilers; four James Simpson pumps and an Asco weighbridge all intact, demonstrating the nature and function of the place. Strong associations with C.Y. O'Connor, the scheme's engineer and the state's most ambitious undertaking of an engineering project at the time.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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Woolgangie Catchment, Reservoirs and Railway Settlement (ruin)

Condition

Poor - The overall condition of the place is poor, most of the built features such as the two platelayers cottages, station masters house, railway platform, concrete foundations of outbuildings, telegraph station, reservoir, railway reservoir, site of pump, carrier race, watergates, stone weight, rock catchment area, and railway formation are in a ruinous state, most only have the foundations remaining. The catchment’s stone perimeter wall and carrier race are in a good condition and still carry water to the reservoirs.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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