Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway. Nyabing Railway.
Katanning – Nampup (Nyabing) – Pingrup Branch Line
The WA Government Railway to Nyabing began construction in 1910, and in April 1912 the Katanning – Nampup (Nyabing) Railway line officially opened by Premier Scadden in January 1913). Nampup was later renamed Nyabing.
In 1923 this line was extended to Pingrup and this ceremony was officiated by Governor Newdegate. A special luncheon was held for this occasion, which was provided by the local women. In 1951 the railway service from Nyabing to Pingrup was suspended by the government and in 1960 it closed. However, the following year the line did open on a seasonal basis.
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THE FIGHT FOR A RAILWAY LINE BEGINS
Katanning Eastward Railway.
MEETING AT ROCKWELL.
Great Southern Herald
29 September, 1909
A public meeting of the settlers east of Katanning was held at Rockwell Hall on Monday 20th inst. at 2.30 pm; President of the Katanning-Badgebup League (Mr. I. Mills) presiding. There was a splendid attendance, fully 60 landholders being present, not one of whom owned land nearer than 15 miles from Katanning. Mr. A. E. Piesse, and the secretary, Mr Rhodes, attended from Katanning. The president and Mr Piesse having explained to the meeting that although there had been a suggestion made during the recent Albany election to advocate a loop line from Dumbleyung to Tambellup, which if carried out would prevent the construction of the Katanning eastward line, they were pleaded to inform the meeting that owing to wiser councils prevailing those most interested had met in conference. and decided not to advocate the proposed altered route.
All present were keenly interested in the statement made, and freely expressed the view that no line but the one now being surveyed would meet the requirements.
Mr. R. Warren moved “That this meeting composed of residents who would be served by the proposed Katanning-Badgebup eastward spur railway, having considered carefully the respective merits of that route, and of the suggested loop to a point lower down on the Great Southern railway, are emphatically decided that the spur railway now in course of survey will be better adapted to serve the needs East Coblinine district.” Mr. Wolff seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Flugge moved, ” That in the opinion of this meeting it is very necessary that the proposed spur line should, if possible, run to the north side of Badgebup instead of the south side, as per the Survey.” Mr. R. Warren seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Warren moved “That a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Dickson for valuable services tendered in connection the conference held last Thursday at Clear Hills.” D.E. Williams seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. R. Warren moved “That the Katanning-Badgebup Railway League be empowered to enter into negotiations with the Chamber of Commerce at Albany with a view to furthering the trade between these districts and their natural seaport town of Albany, and that the good feeling expressed in Mr. Dickson’s letter to Mr. A. E. Piesse be heartily reciprocated.” Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Mr. R. Warren moved, “That all present to-day be asked to take steps to collect the statistics relating to the development of this district, and that the same be sent into the secretary in the shortest possible time, and that the members of the deputation previously appointed to carry out this work be asked to give effect to this resolution.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Flugge and carried.
Mr. Flugge moved “That Messrs W.S. Douglas and Wolff be appointed to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of Messrs. Steicke and Barkley on the League.” The motion was seconded by Mr. William and carried.
On the motion of Mr. Joy, a vote of thanks was accorded by acclamation to the chairman and the other gentlemen who attended from Katanning and the meeting closed.
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PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY.
KATANNING TO CURRAN’S SOAK.
DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.
West Australian
23 October 1909 – P12
Katanning, October 22. Present at the National Show to-day were a number of settlers east of Katanning and, having been made aware of the presence of the Premier (Mr. N. J. Moore), they arranged for a deputation to wait on him on the show ground for-the purpose of urging the early construction of what is known as the proposed Katanning-Curran’s Soak railway through Badgebup. The deputation was introduced by Mr. Haynes, M.L.C., who said that Mr. Piesse, M.LA., would have been present but for the fact that he was not feeling too well.
The deputation stated that while good progress had been made with the survey, the settlers, the majority of whom resided more than 15 miles from Katanning, were anxious that the line should be constructed as early as possible, thus giving them an opportunity to make use of the railway for the 1910-11 harvest.
While the majority of the settlers resided more than 15 miles from Katanning, a number of them were out back as far as 50 and 60 miles. Figures were also presented bearing on the productiveness of the country which would be traversed by the proposed railway.
One of the speakers said that the majority of the settlers were from Victoria. Without the railway they could not stop there, but with it they could induce others to come across to this State.
The Premier, in reply, said that this project was not a new one. Mr. Piesse having brought it under his notice on more than one occasion. As a result of the representations made by Mr. Piesse and other residents of the district, instructions were issued for a permanent survey after an inspection had been made. He might tell the deputation that permanent surveys were not authorised unless they meant business.
Several projects to serve the land lying east of Katanning had been brought forward, but he thought that it would be in the best interests of the district if the line were extended from Katanning itself. From his knowledge of the district, he was satisfied that it would be the best point from which to start it. The project, however, would not be forgotten when the Loan Authorisation Bill was brought down. He added that the State was just beginning to feel the benefits of the railway policy which had been carried out by the Government in face of a good deal of opposition. He did not propose to deviate from this policy of extending railways when they were justified.
He hoped, before submitting the matter to Parliament, to have an opportunity of visiting the country which would be traversed by the proposed railway.
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OFFICIAL OPENING – KATANNING TO NAMPUP RAILWAY – 1912
The Premier of Western Australia Mr Scadden and the Minister for Railways Mr Collier visited Katanning for the official opening of the Katanning to Nampup railway line. Following is a news item which appeared in the West Australian newspaper on 19 April 1912 reporting on the visit:
MINISTERS ON TOUR.
PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS.
VISIT TO KATANNING.
INTERESTING SPEECHES.
West Australian
19 April 1912.
Katanning, April 18. The Premier (Mr. Scaddan) and the Minister for Railways (Mr. Collier), who visited the district to open the Nampup railway extension, were entertained by the Katanning Roads Board at a public meeting last night. Mr. M. King presided, and in addition to the guests and members of the board there were seated on the platform the member, for the district (Mr. Arnold Piesse), the member for Wagin (Mr. Sydney Stubbs); and Messrs. Piesse and McKenzie, M’s.L.C.
During the course of his address the Premier said that the Minister for Railways and himself warmly appreciated the hearty reception given them by the townspeople of Katanning. Gatherings such as those that evening were beneficial, inasmuch as they always afforded. opportunities of meeting people of different political opinions, and thus prevented people from getting crusted, so to speak, in their own political ideas. (Applause.) On such occasions as the present they met and forgot entirely all political differences. (Hear, hear.) He dealt with the policy of the Government in the matter of railway provision for agricultural requirements. It had not required the advent of the Labour Government or the accession of himself to office as a Minister of the Crown to give him confidence in the agricultural industry. (Cheers.)
He had always represented a goldfields constituency, but he could claim, without fear of contradiction, that he had given just as much encouragement to the agricultural industry as he had done to the mining industry-(applause)-and the fact that he had never, been opposed demonstrated, he considered, that the people on the goldfields were sympathetic with the agricultural people. (Hear, hear.) He reminded them at length of the solicitude evidenced by the Government from time to time for settlers who had been in financial difficulties as a result of the recent drought.
He again outlined the Government’s attitude towards borrowing. The Government was not opposed to borrowing when the money borrowed was the means of returning revenue to the State. (Applause.) He had been criticised for borrowing money in Australia instead of getting it all in London; The Government had not raised very much money in Western Australia but had brought back from the Eastern States a small proportion of the money sent there by the people of this State in times gone by. (Cheers.)
He had no intention of making another long speech, but he wished again to assure the people of Katanning that he appreciated the splendid reception given to Mr. Collier and himself that day. (Cheers.)
The Minister for Railways said that he, too, appreciated the fine reception tendered to his chief and himself. A Minister by such a visit learnt more in a couple of days of the district’s needs than he would by spending weeks in his office: (Applause.)
It was his first visit to Katanning, although he knew most of the other districts along the Great Southern line. In regard to the Government’s agricultural policy he said that they had opened the Nampup line that day. (Cheers.) Next month two other new sections in other agricultural centres would be opened, and during the next few months, as an evidence of progress, the Government would declare open 285 miles of new railway. (Cheers.) During the year 485 miles of new agricultural railway would be commenced, and this mileage would be completed during the next two years. (Applause.) The building of the Trans Australian Railway imposed a heavy task upon his department in the matter of conveying building material to Kalgoorlie.
He was, perhaps, a little apprehensive as to the difficulty of providing transport to keep six train loads of material going over the State system every day. It was a gigantic task. (Hear, hear.) He hoped sincerely that the sleepers used on that great railway would be of Jarrah or Karri. (Cheers.) A lot had been said about the virtues of concrete and steel sleepers, but in view of the fact that Jarrah had proved its quality in the world’s markets it could more than hold its own. (Cheers.)
To the accompaniment of prolonged cheering Mr. Collier painted a bright picture of the State’s future. Mining, while said to be on the decline locally, was yet in its infancy, and in addition to agriculture there were also coal deposits, timber, etc.
Referring to the question of rolling stock, he said that 1,000 waggons were now under construction, and last week he had authorised the construction of an additional 1,000. (Cheers.) When the harvest came, he felt confident that there would be sufficient rolling stock to cope with it. In regard to the local train service, he said that he realised the need for a great improvement. It was proposed to put a dining car on the Albany train, similar to that on the goldfields express. (Cheers.) The present obstacle was the circumstance that it was necessary to relay the whole line with heavier rails in order to carry bigger engines and trains. He hoped that it would be possible to have this done in the near future, (Cheers.)
Touching upon the oft-suggested ill-feeling between the goldfields and the agricultural people, he assured them, that such a feeling was quite non-existent. (Cheers.) During his whole time in Parliament as a goldfields representative he had never denied a vote for agricultural development, and not once had his vote in that respect been challenged by his constituents. (Cheers.). There was no room in this State for narrow bitter feeling. (Hear, hear.) He again thanked the Katanning people for their splendid reception, referring particularly to Mr. Arnold Piesse’s fine hospitality. (Cheers.)
Short speeches were also made by the chairman Messrs. Piesse, Stubbs, C.M. McKenzie, and A. Thompson.
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THE DISTRICT’S NEEDS.
Opening of Train Line from Katanning
Opening of Train line from Katanning. George Patterson in front with hat raised
Opening of Train Line from Katanning by Premier Scaddan – Good Friend of George Patterson’s Father-in-Law Alex Noble – both shown here
Subsequently to the public meeting, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the Premier and Mr. Collier were escorted to the Roads Board office, where a deputation from the Board submitted a sheaf of requests. Mr. Arnold Please, who introduced the deputation, said that although the list of requests might appear formidable, he was satisfied, when everything was said; that the Ministers would agree that they justified the Government’s consideration. He then out lined the requests.
Summarised, the requests, which were eight in number, were as follow: – The extension eastwards from Nampup of the present railway; that a roadway should be cleared from Nampup through to Ravensthorpe; that Mr. Oldham, the engineer in charge of Water Supply and Sewerage, or another competent officer should be sent to Katanning in order to give the Board and the ratepayers modern data in regard to the extension of the reticulation service for £500 for the purpose of converting by excavation the Police Pools on the Murdong Road into something like decent swimming baths, in addition to improving the recreation reserve at the same locality, and putting the Murdong road in better condition; that the old show ground should be vested in the Roads Board; that a grant of £150 ($300.00) should be made for the purpose of substituting a bridge or culvert in Conroy street for existing unsafe bridgeway; that £200 ($400.00) be granted for the purpose of purchasing local Health Board’s plant and material; and for assistance to finance the widening and lengthening of crossings over the new Nampup line.
The Premier in reply, said that it was only necessary for him, perhaps, to say that the requests made concerned matters in Departments other than those controlled by himself, for them to realise that they could not that night expect any definite replies.
In the matter of clearing the road past Nampup to Ravensthorpe, for instance it was quite possible that the Public Works department had more information available. It would, therefore, be unfair for him to promise anything in a matter which was under the control of the Minister for Works.
In regard to the important question of water supply, he wanted to say that the Government was endeavouring as speedily as possible to settle the whole question. The entire reorganisation of the Water Supply Department was now in progress. The Government had appointed an Under-Secretary, and Mr. Johnson proposed also to appoint a hydraulic engineer to the staff. Water supply, as affecting the whole State, was to be treated with every expedition.
In regard to the Police Pools request, he had inspected the locality that morning and was satisfied “that the pools were of great value” to the people of the district. Whether the Government could find funds to give the assistance sought was, of course, a matter of finance. The Government, he reminded them, was pressed on every hand for financial assistance for water supplies, and whether the Government. in the circumstances, would be justified in spending a large sum to provide swimming baths when such a sum could be spent in providing water supply for other districts was a big consideration. He pointed out that if the bath proposals were adopted at the pools in question, different provisions than those at present existing would have to be made for watering stock.
The show grounds question would be given early consideration. In regard to the request for funds to purchase the Health Board’s plant and material, he thought that the Government usually gave Initial grants to new Health Boards and the deputationists could rely on this request being dealt with early. On the matter of rail way crossings, Mr. Collier had been informed that it was not asked that the crossings themselves should be widened and lengthened, but that the approaches should be altered. The Premier, in conclusion, said that he had taken notes of the requests preferred, and the whole of them would be given the consideration of himself and the Ministers.
Mr. Piesse, on behalf of the deputation, having thanked the Premier and Mr. Collier, the latter then entrained for Pingelly.
Opening of Train Line from Katanning
The first official train, duly bedecked in flags, on the Katanning/Nampup (Nyabing) railway.
(Rail Heritage WA Photo)
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EXTENDING TO PINGRUP
SETTLER’S RAILWAY
Great Southern Deputation.
Cheaper Rails Awaited.
West Australian
19 August 1921
The Premier’s office at Parliament House was crowded by a large deputation from the Great Southern yesterday afternoon, when a request was made to the Premier that the Nyabing to Pingrup railway, a 214 miles extension of the line from Katanning to Nyabing, should be constructed, as authorised by Parliament in December, 1914.
The deputation, which was introduced by Mr. A. Thomson, member for Katanning, and supported by Mr. S. Stubbs, member for Wagin, included the Mayor of Albany (Mr. J. Day), Messrs. G. McLeod (chairman of the Katanning Road Board), W. Longmire (Katanning Road Board), and A. H. Dixon (Albany Chamber of Commerce), and representatives of the various branches of the Primary Producer’s Association in the district affected by the proposed railway.
Mr. McLeod said that some of the settlers were 25 to 28 miles out from the railway and were promised when they settled there that within three years, they would get the line.
Mr. Kershaw said that he was settled between Lake Grace and the proposed terminus, and if the line were completed, some of them would still be carting 16 miles. It would serve a tremendous area of splendid land. He was prepared to spend £2,000 in the next year or two if they got the line, but, if not, operations would have to be restricted by all the settlers.
Mr. Johnson, a settler, remarked that the Premier had been put down as “optimistic Jimmy,” but he called him a pessimist.
The Premier (smiling): I will take you at your word Mr. Johnson: If you can’t build the railway say so and give us a couple of thousand pounds to go back to Victoria, and Victoria will be pleased to have us.
Mr. Deakin expressed the opinion that within two years of the completion of the line 100,000 bags of wheat would be produced there. At present there were a hundred settlers to serve.
The Premier, after listening to other speakers, said that the construction of this and two other lines (the Margaret River line and the Benacubbin (sic) extension) depended on the price of rails.
Mr. Thomson: “We have been told that before.”
The Premier: “It is nonsense for you to say that. There has been a drop of £6 a ton in rails, and a fall of £500 per mile in the construction of a railway was something to wait for. Cabinet has considered the building of these three lines. “We will have to get in touch with the market and see what we can do regarding rails. We intend to construct these three lines as soon as we can get rails at a reasonable cost, and I hope we shall be able to get them very soon. “
The House passed a resolution that the Esperance railway should be constructed before any other line. You will not have to wait a day longer than I can help. I believe that the district can make the railway pay.
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OPENING OF THE NYABING-PINGRUP LINE – 1923
NYABING-PINGRUP EXTENSION!
OFFICIAL OPENING.
CEREMONY PERFORMED BY THE GOVERNOR.
On Saturday, the special train appointed to take part in the official opening of the extension of railway from Nyabing to Pingrup conveyed, in addition to the Governor and official Parliamentary Party, a very large number of residents of the district who wished to share in the celebrations at the head of the line.
The official body comprised Sir Francis and Lady Newdegate, Mr. Carleton, A.D.C., Mr. A. Thomson, M.L.A., and Mrs. Thomson, Mr. Sydney Stubbs, M.L.A., Mr. J. A. Greig, M.L.C., and Mrs. Greig, Mr. Hector Stewart, M.L.C., and Mrs. Stewart, Mr. J. Burvill, M.L.C., representing the Government, whilst among the visitors were Mr. Leonard S. Barnett, vice-president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, and Mrs. Barnett, and Mr. Bailey, representing the port of Albany, and Mr. W. Taplin, representing the Associated Chamber of Manufactures, Perth. The Railway Department was represented by Mr. Fotheringham, Engineer in Charge, Messrs. Peters, Loco Superintendant; Paynter. Inspector Permanent Way, and Connor, District Supervisor. The official representative of Katanning was the Chairman of the Road Board, Mr. W. J. Rogers, who was accompanied by Mrs. Rogers, members present being Messrs. R. L. Richardson, W. A. Todd, and A. Prosser.
At each siding and at Nyabing the train was joined by more passengers, until, finally, the carrying capacity of the long train was severely taxed. When the head of the line was reached, it could be seen that a large crowd was waiting for the arrival of the train, a number of motor cars being in evidence.
As the train pulled up, the chairman of the Kent Road Board, Mr. A. J. Blundy met the official party and, having welcomed their Excellencies to Pingrup called upon Sir Francis Newdegate to declare the line open.
Mounting upon the front of the engine, the Governor expressed the pleasure he felt at being present on this momentous occasion. Settlers at Pingrup and surrounding district had come miles from the comforts of the towns and cities in order to hew for themselves a home from the primal bush. These people had stout hearts to undertake the task they had, and he was proud to be able to perform the ceremony that day, which was the reward of years of unceasing toil. Had they not worked bravely in face the Government in building a railway to bring them in closer touch with the larger centres of settlement and all that meant to them and their wives and children, there would have been no line to declare open. The construction of the line was direct evidence that the pioneers had done their part in developing the district, and he trusted they would long continue to derive a benefit from it.
His Excellency then declared the line open, and amid shrill tootings and much blowing of steam from the engine, and cheers from the assemblage, the train slowly moved forward and cut the silk ribbons held across the line by Mesdames Altham and Blundy.
Opening of Nyabing-Pingrup Railway by Governor Newdegate
Opening of the Nyabing-Pingrup Railway – October 27th 1923
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FURTHER READING
Act of the WA State Parliament (pdf)
Approving the CONSTRUCTION of the Katanning/Nampup line
(click link above to open file)
An Act of the WA State Parliament (pdf)
Approving the CLOSURE of the Nyabing/Pingrup section of line – 1957
(click link above to open file)
The railway constructed from Nyabing to Pingrup, more particularly described in the Fifth Schedule (e) to this Act.
KATANNING – NAMPUP RAILWAY.
DESCRIPTION OF LINE OF RAILWAY.
Commencing at a point in the Katanning Station Yard on the Great Southern Railway, 225 miles 20 chains 31 lima from Perth, and proceeding thence in a generally South-Easterly direction for about 1 1/2 miles; thence in a generally Easterly direction for about 9 miles ; and thence in a generally North-Easterly direction for about 271 miles, and terminating at a point in or near the Eastern boundary of Government Reserve No. 9446, Kojonup District, as more particularly delineated and coloured red on map marked P.W.D., W.A., 15252, deposited pursuant to 2 Edward VII., No. 47, Section 96. Total length about 38 miles.
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