Wagin Post Office Quarters

Statement of Significance

The place is representative of the government's purpose-designed and built post offices in Western Australia and an expression of government architect, George Temple-Poole's civic functions in a modest sized and domestic building. The place is enhanced by its simple, domestic design, suitable for a rural town. The former post office, now residence and the new adjacent post office are important as a group as they are a demonstration of the expansion of this rural town. The place as it was originally designed as a post office and attached residence, is a demonstration of a way of life of the postmaster in society at the time.

Physical Description

The post office quarters was originally built as the post oGfioe prior to the new adjacent post office being built in 1912. The single-storey building, built in a domestic style, is representative of the government's purpose-designed and built post offices in Western Australia. The building has random rubble stone walls witn brick quoins. The roof is a prominent feature of the exterior of the building with wide eaves supported by turned timber struts;. The roof features tall brick chimneys with terra-cotta potted tops. The roof is a combination of hips and gables to the west wall. A porch on the west wall is probably an addition. The building features casement windows divided into smaile" with slim glazing bars and a distinctive bay window with three-light casement sashes also divided into smaller pares. A new boundary fence in concrete blocks, partially conceals the building from Tudhoe Street and diminishes its streetscape value.

History

In 1893, in recognition of Wagin's growing importance, a post and telegraph office was built of blue stone. The building was opened on 3 August and was the first official post office in Wagin. The building was built by contractor, James Mackie at a cost of £1 084 - £100 for the land and £984 for the building. The building was built to the designs of government architect George Temple-Poole.1 The building was described in the West Australian: The town itself, too, is gradually spreading, and as a recognition of its growing importance the erection of a substantial post and telegraph office of blue stone, in Tudhoe-street, may be cited. This building is now almost completed and reflects considerable credit on the contractor, Mr. James Mackie.2 Until 1890, the nearest Post Office was in Arthur River. The Government had earlier begun a mail run in 1869, using 40 horses along the Perth to Albany Road accompanied by the mail coach. Wagin Post Office was one of several post offices opened in new towns along the Great Southern Railway in the 1890s. Mr G. Marfleet was the postmaster. In 1901, telegraph facilities were added to the post office.3 In 1908, the Postal Department installed a telephone cubicle at the post office.4 These facilities became inadequate, and in 1912, a new Post Office was built adjacent. At some stage after this, the original Post Office was used as quarters for the new Post Office. In 1996, the Post Office Quarters are used for residential purposes, and is now not associated with the Post Office.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: Inspection Restricted to the Exterior AUTHENTICITY: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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