vigilance committee
In September of 1922, a number of prominent Katanning business people, including George McLeod (who was one of the longest serving members of the Katanning Roads Board) were concerned that the Katanning Roads Board, state government politicians, and various government departments could use a helping hand. In particular, it was thought that having a group such as this would lend support to arguments put forward in parliament, on behalf of the community, by local member of the day, Alec Thomson, M.L.A.
It is also interesting to note that, currently, Katanning is considered one of the most multicultural communities in Western Australia. This multiculturalism hasn’t just started. In fact, encouraging settlers from overseas, and making provisions to welcome them into our community started with the Katanning Vigilance Committee when it was formed all those years ago.
KATANNING VIGILANCE COMMITTEE
FORMATION AGREED UPON.
TAMBELLUP TIMES
2 September 1922 – P2
The meeting called by Mr. George McLeod for Monday evening in the Town Hall attracted a good attendance of townspeople, and after full discussion it was resolved to form a Vigilance Committee to watch the interests of the town and district.
Alec Thomson, M.L.A.
Mr. A. Thomson, M.L.A., attended, and was accorded a welcome, this being his first appearance at a public gathering since his return from a trip to Britain. Mr. McLeod, who occupied the chair, having formally opened the meeting, expressed pleasure at the presence of the member for the district. He said that he was glad that Mr. Thomson had returned looking so well, not only from a personal standpoint, but because the district was greatly in need of its official representative.
George McLeod
Mr. Stewart, who had been appointed to represent Mr. Thomson during his absence, had attended to his duties conscientiously, but it had to be realised that he had other interests to watch as well as those of these districts.
Mr. W. J. Rogers endorsed the remarks of Mr. McLeod, and said he wished to add his own personal welcome to that of the chairman. He had noticed with pleasure that Mr. Thomson had lost no time in getting back into public affairs. Mr. B. G. Green also spoke in welcome.
Having apologised for the absence of Archdeacon Burbidge and Mr. R. L. Richardson, both of whom had asked him to express their sympathy with the movement, Mr. McLeod outlined the objects of the meeting. He said that the functions oi me committee, it formed, would be to assist the Parliamentary representatives of the district and the local governing body, by suggestions and criticism, in regard to matters of importance to the town and district.
One matter of importance was the Premier’s immigration scheme. Sir James Mitchell had been successful in obtaining support from the Imperial Government in regard to his plan of settling people from Britain in this State, and arrangements should be made for the welcome of these settlers on arrival amongst us. The scheme had grown past being Mitchell’s scheme, it was now the State’s scheme, and everyone was called upon to play their part to make it a success.
Land was wanted for these people, and he claimed that a vast area of the required land was obtainable in our eastern country. Some part of the new settlement should take part there, and it was the duty of the district to see that the Government gave that land due consideration. He considered that the Premier should be made aware of what could be offered in these districts.
Then there was the matter of the Pingrup extension. He considered that if the line, already authorised as far as Pingrup, were to be extended a further 10 miles many thousands of acres of first-class land would be brought within the 12 1/2-mile radius of a railway considered necessary for profitable wheat-growing. The land was there, and the railway should be constructed. To get it constructed was a task that could well fall to the committee. Also, other railway extensions could be considered. There was talk of pushing out spur lines from the Great Southern at points farther south.
A committee formed in Katanning could assist those bodies more closely interested. To give the committee its fullest value, it might be necessary to invite people from the other centres in the district to co-operate, but this was merely his rough outline, and he would like to hear what others had to say on the matter.
Mr. B. G. Green said he could support the chairman in his statements regarding the quality of the eastern country. He had been one of the party that had made a tour of inspection of the land between Pingrup and Lake Magenta, and could say truthfully that he was well satisfied with what he had seen. The time taken for the trip had been limited, and had they been able to take longer they would be in a better position to give an idea of the area of good land that actually existed. There was certainly a small proportion of poor land, but nothing to compare with the quantity on the western side of the Pingrup rail-head.
From appearances, there was an ample rainfall and the country lent itself to good catchment sites for dams. He was confident that a railway only was required to bring the whole of the area under occupation.
In reply to a question by Mr. C. H. Gray, the speaker said that beyond the Lake Grace and Magenta chain of lakes, there was not much salt lake country, and the occasional salt pans were surrounded by good salt bush country.
Mr. W. J. Rogers said that it was in the minds of most people that the only good country east of Pingrup was the forest country. He considered Mr. McLeod was too modest in asking for only 10 miles of railway extension. He personally, would have thought it better to ask for a greater extension, with the idea of ultimately linking up with Ravensthorpe. It would be interesting to the meeting if the chairman would outline his plans in regard to the Vigilance Committee and how far it could go in connection with the affairs of the town and immediate surroundings, as well as with the outlying portions of the district.
In reply to Mr. Rogers, Mr. McLeod stated that the forest country, which consisted of salmon gum, mallee and boree (a good fencing timber), was absolutely first-class land, but the lighter timbered land and the plains were also quite good.
He considered that from Pingrup to Magenta practically the whole of the land was worth selecting, and consisted of patches of forest land, ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 acres in extent, surrounded by good plain country that was well grassed and would make excellent stock country. They would realise that in eight days the whole of the country could not be inspected.
The idea of asking for only a limited extension of the railway was that it might be courting refusal to ask too much to commence with. By extending the railway from Pingrup in a north-easterly direction for a distance of from 8 to 10 miles, there would be brought within the 12 ½-mile radius the soldier settlement north of Pingrup, which was at the present time 25 miles distant from the nearest railway. It would also bring a large area of good land within the required distance for wheat-growing.
The possibilities of a greater extension than 10 miles depended upon the land further out. He hoped to have the Premier down shortly, when this land would be inspected, and it could be determined whether a further extension was warranted.
Mr. A. Thomson, M.L.A., who was greeted with applause, said before speaking on the business of the evening, he desired to return thanks for the welcome that had been accorded him. He could assure them that he was glad to be home again. After recounting his experiences in Britain, Mr. Thomson said that the idea of a Vigilance Committee appealed greatly to him. In the past, he had often felt he was playing a lone hand, and such a committee would strengthen his hands when making representations to the Government on behalf of the district.
There was a move to take the railway from Ravensthorpe and the eastern country towards Perth, which would be most unfair to the settlers of that district and impose upon them unnecessary hardships. Unfortunately, there were people who could look at things only from the aspect of Perth, or their own particular district, without regard to the man who was developing the land, and at the same time, the State. He would be greatly surprised should the Government sanction such an action, but it might happen unless the people strong and early protest. Therefore, the Vigilance committee would be of great value.
He thought that viticulture could be carried on successfully in these districts, and considered that there were thousands of acres adjacent to the railway that would he better adapted to this class of industry than any other. This was a matter that might be dealt with by the committee. He had spoken to Sir James Mitchell about the eastern lands, who had informed him that the report of the inspectors had been unsatisfactory, but when practical men such as had made the trip, told him the land was good, he was prepared to push for the extension for all he was worth.
The Government was in need of land, and if it could be proved to the Premier’s satisfaction that land suitable for wheat growing existed in such areas as slated, there was no necessity to be pessimistic about an extension being granted. He was in favour of the formation of a committee as suggested. Before resuming his seat, he would like to take the opportunity of publicly thanking Mr. Stewart for having looked after his constituency during his absence.
On the motion of Mr. J. Old, seconded by Mr. Filmer, it was resolved that a Vigilance Committee be formed.
On the motion of Mr. C. J. Gunter, seconded by Mr. F. M. Bowden, it was resolved to form a committee of 20, with power to add.
The following persons were then nominated, and appointed; namely: Messrs. McLeod, Richardson, Rogers, Gunter, Bird, Richmond. Folland, Gray, J. Mouritz, Rev. H. Moore, Selby, Hobbs, O’Meara, H. V. Piesse, Old, Archdeacon Burbidge, Rowlands, Synnott, Rev. H. Heard, J. F. Haddleton, Doak, Cales and Hewson. Mr. W. J. Rogers was selected as chairman of committee, and Mr. J. W. Hewson as secretary.
Resolved that meetings be held fortnightly, the first to be on Monday, 11th. inst., in the supper room.
On the motion of Mr. W. A. Larter, seconded by Mr. Gray, it was resolved that Pingrup and Nyabing be written to giving details of meeting, and asking that branches of the committee be formed at those centres.
The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. McLeod.
KATANNING VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
FORTNIGHTLY MEETING.
Great Southern Herald
8 December 1923 – P4
The usual fortnightly meeting of the Katanning Vigilance Committee was held in the Town Hall buildings on Monday evening, when Mr. W. P. Bird presided over a full attendance of members. A number of important matters were brought forward for discussion and dealt with as under.
Town Hall – Improvements to the Town Hall were discussed, a plan drawn up by a Perth architect to provide extra seating accommodation for 220 persons being laid on the table by Mr. W. J. Rogers. This plan included the provision of a gallery over the entrance hall, and alterations to the front offices and waiting rooms, at an estimated cost of £1500. Alternative suggestions were made for the erection of a two-storied frontage with council chambers and offices on top and shops on the ground floor, with increased floor, space by making structural alterations to the main building. it finally resolved to pass a recommendation to the Board that as the Town Hall was quite inadequate for the needs of the town and district it take steps to consult an architect as to the best means of enlarging and improving the building.
Police Protection – The matter of better police protection for the town was brought forward, the assertion being made that owing to statistical and other duties, the present police-force stationed at Katanning was unable to undertake night work. Resolved that the Commissioner for Police be approached with a view of having an officer appointed to Katanning in order that the town may be patrolled during the night.
Bush Fires – A member brought committee the fact that both this, and last year, the first bush fire in the vicinity of the town had been, caused by boiling-down operations at the local slaughter yard. Resolved that the matter be brought before the Health authorities with a view to greater safety against fire.
Railway Crossings – The bad state of the railway crossings at the intersection of Austral Terrace and Clive and Bokarup Streets respectively was mentioned, and the Secretary was instructed to write the Railway authorities with a view of having same placed in better order.
Town Swimming Baths – The need of a swimming pool or public baths was brought forward. A suggestion being made for the provision of alternatively concrete swimming baths or a swimming pool. After discussion a sub-committee of three was appointed to go into the matter of plans and costs, to report at next meeting.
Rabbits – Mr. C. H. Gray reported upon the frequency of rabbits in the near vicinity of the town and urged that steps be taken before the pest became altogether out-of-hand. A recommendation to the Vermin Board that immediate action be taken was carried.
Town Improvements – Mr. G. M. Joy commented upon the unsafe conditions of the Bokarup Street footbridge and asked that a second-hand rail might be erected to render same more secure for small children. Resolved to approach the Road Board for a new rail for the bridge mentioned.
The condition of an electric light pole in Austral Terrace was commented upon by a member and it was resolved to ask the Road Board to have same inspected.
Traffic Regulations – A member asked that steps be taken to regulate the speed of motor traffic within the town boundaries, stating that on sale days, particularly, an excessive speed was attained by cars going to and from the sale-yards. It was also mentioned that bicycles were being ridden on footpaths and without, lights after dark. Resolved that these matters be brought before the traffic inspector.
Katanning Vigilance Committee
FORTNIGHTLY MEETING.
Great Southern Herald
30 September 1922 – P3
On Monday night the Katanning Vigilance Committee held its fortnightly meeting in the Town Hall supper room, when the President, Mr. W. J. Rogers, presided over a full meeting. The minutes of previous meeting having been read and confirmed, Mr. A. Thomson, M.L.A., stated that he had not been able to obtain a definite statement from the Premier regarding a visit to the Pingrup and eastern districts, but had received an assurance from him that the land was being surveyed for selection, and when the work was completed would be thrown open for selection.
Mr. G. McLeod said he could state authoritatively that the land east of Pingrup-Pingarnup was being surveyed as rapidly as possible, with the idea of throwing it all open at the one time, but considered pressure should be brought to bear to get the Government to throw the land open as surveyed.
Mr. Richardson suggested it would be advisable to make arrangements with settlers in the Pingrup-Pingarnup areas who knew the district, so that when the land was opened for selection, land-seekers could be sent to them with the assurance that they would be taken out. This was agreed to, the secretary to write to the Progress Associations in those districts for the names of farmers willing to act as guides, for future reference.
Reports of Sub-Committees.
The sub-committee appointed to draw up a constitution and rules for the Vigilance Committee, submitted its report with a draft Constitution, which was adopted.
On behalf of the sub-committee appointed to enquire into the possibilities of viticulture and fruit drying for the district, Mr. C. H. Gray read an interesting report based on the result of a visit by the sub-committee to Messrs. Trimming Bros’, property at Woodanilling, which showed that on this property currant and raisin growing and drying had been carried on successfully, and, in the opinion of Mr. Morris Trimming, there were large areas of suitable land in the district where equal success in the same industry could be made.
After discussion, it was decided to ask Mr. Thomson to lay the result of the investigations of the committee before the Premier, in order that he might give consideration to the matter of forming a group settlement on these lines in the district.
Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs. Trimming Bros, and to members of the sub-committee for their services in this connect.
It was also resolved that enquiry be made as to what area of land that might be deemed to be suitable was available, and to this end to advertise, asking landowners to forward particulars to Box 22, P.O., Katanning.
Mr. Geo. McLeod, as spokesman for the sub-committee dealing with butter factory question, stated the report would be in readiness for the next meeting.
General Business.
Mr. R. L. Richardson said that arrangements were being made for a visit to Ravensthorpe by road for the Show at that centre, and it was desired to have as large a party as possible to make the trip. A carload of Albany people would be joining the Katanning cars, to leave Katanning on the morning of the 17 October, returning on the 19th. Resolved that the local Press be asked to call attention to the projected trip, so that those desirous of joining might have an opportunity of doing so.
The Chairman, Mr. W. J. Rogers, said that he had received a complaint from settlers at Kwobrup that the school at that centre had been closed for four weeks. Mr. Thomson said he understood a teacher had been appointed to the school but would bring the matter before the Education Department when in Perth.
The subject of the proposed new hospital for Katanning was introduced but held over pending the passing of the Hospitals Bill.
Mr. McLeod read a letter received from Senator De Largie in connection with the Tariff Board, before the committee to deal with. Resolved to hand same to the P.P.A. for consideration.with the Tariff Board, before the committee to deal with. Resolved to hand same to the P.P.A. for consideration.
The question of municipal sale-yards was raised by Mr. F. M. Bowden, and after discussion it was decided to appoint a sub-committee to collect information regarding costs, etc.
The meeting then closed.
Mr. McLeod read a letter received from Senator De Largie in connection with the Tariff Board, before the committee to deal with. Resolved to hand same to the P.P.A. for consideration.
Senator De Largie
Mr. Richardson stigmatised the tour of the Tariff Board through the country districts as a waste of money, as the whole of the facts relating to the incidence of tariff in regard to primary production could be obtained equally as well, if not better, in Perth.
Mr. C. J. Gunter drew attention to a number of matters in the town that required rectifying.
The question of municipal sale-yards was raised by Mr. F. M. Bowden, and after discussion it was decided to appoint a sub-committee to collect information regarding costs, etc.
The meeting then closed.