By Anne Kirkman, 2024.
Dr David Ernest Williams[1]
Englishman, Dr David Ernest Williams emigrated to Western Australia with his wife Mary, in the early 1890s. His profession took him to Carnarvon in the north of the state, then two years later to Bunbury in the south, where he resided for fourteen years. His arrival in Bunbury coincided with the proposed fruit growing settlement of Korijekup, the Aboriginal name for the locality as the place of the Red-Tailed Cockatoo, situated a short distance from Bunbury and commonly known as the Harvey River Settlement. Keenly interested in agriculture and horticulture, the doctor bought land at the settlement where he cultivated an orange orchard and later entered into mixed farming.
In a professional capacity he was instrumental in the establishment of both the Carnarvon and Bunbury Hospitals. At the official opening of the Bunbury Hospital, he presented an engraved trowel and mallet to Sir John Forrest, with the words – Presented to Sir John Forrest, K.C.M.G., Premier of the Colony, by Dr. E. Williams, R.M.O., on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Bunbury Hospital, 15 March 1897.[2]
Bunbury Hospital Staff 1898[3]
Two daughters, Mary Poppy Bland Williams and Margaret Eileen Williams, were born in Bunbury and another daughter, Patricka Joyce Williams, was born shortly after the doctor’s transfer to Fremantle, Western Australia in 1909.[4]
David E Williams was one of a large family of four boys and eight girls. Their parents were Sarah Hughes Bland and Dr David Mark Williams, physician and renowned philanthropist of Liverpool, England.[5] Two sisters excelled in their chosen fields. Gertrude Alice was an eminent architectural sculptor, illustrator and painter, with the most notable of her works to be seen at the Scottish National War Memorial, Castle Rock, Edinburgh;[6] Sarah Bland Williams had a distinguished scholastic career which took her to India, where she was the principal of the prestigious Trivandrum School for girls.[7] A brother, Dr Robert Stenhouse Williams, physician and bacteriologist, was acknowledged for his work as Research Professor in Dairy Bacteriology at the University of Reading, England.[8]
David was educated privately in Liverpool, the city of his birth, and aged sixteen he entered medical training at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. On the completion of his studies, he was appointed to the staff at Liverpool Northern Hospital, England. A short time later he resigned from this position to take a post as Medical Officer of the Elder Dempster Line, based at Liverpool Port. In that capacity he spent several years on the West Coast of Africa.[9] On 12 February 1890, in Dublin, Ireland, he married Mary Caroline Ryves and three years later the couple immigrated to Western Australia.[10] They arrived at King George Sound, Albany, in February, 1893, aboard the steamship SS Orizaba.[11] A few months later they sailed north, aboard the steamer SS Australind where he was appointed the Registered Medical Officer (RMO) of the Carnarvon district. In November 1895 he accepted a new post as RMO at Bunbury, south of Perth.[12] Not long after his arrival at Bunbury, it was reported that he was a rather good vocalist and a passionate sportsman, with a local newspaper stating that:
He promises to be an acquisition in our local sports and social circles. Dr. Williams has come and fastened on to us from his first appearance on stage in this town he established himself as a favourite of the first class. The doctor has the merit of originality and his songs are delivered in a style and name quite his own and if he had responded every time, goodness knows how many encores he might have taken.[13]
Perhaps his sporting prowess was heightened at Trinity College, where he played rugby for the University, representing Ireland in an international match and gaining a distinction on the field. In Bunbury, his sporting expertise was regularly reported by the local press.[14]
The History of Korijekup Estate
The extensive area of the Harvey River Settlement was originally acquired by Captain James Stirling, the first Governor of the Swan River Colony, Western Australia. Captain Stirling had selected 12,800 acres (Wellington location 50A) of land in the sheltered valley of the Harvey River, but never developed the land, although a cottage was built on the bank of the river and twice a year he would spend his leisure time there.[15] Later, the cottage was the home of the Gibbs family. Their daughter, May Gibbs, the Australian children’s author and illustrator of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, was said to have gained the inspiration for her stories and illustrations at Harvey.
About 1885 May’s father, Herbert and uncle, George Gibbs, both farmers, partnered with Dr Henry Frederick Harvey, a surgeon, and John Young an engineer, in the purchase of Korijekup, Wellington, Location 50A. In 1888 the Gibbs brothers and John Young withdrew from the partnership and Dr William Thornborough Hayward, an acquaintance of Dr Harvey’s, bought Young’s share, and with Harvey acquired the Gibbs’ shares.[16]
Harvey and Hayward’s original idea was to rear stud stock at Location 50A, however this was not altogether productive. In order to recover their capital, Harvey and Hayward subdivided 2,700 acres, but with only 700 acres sold, advice was sought on how to effectively develop their holding. On the recommendation of an agriculturalist the land was cultivated and planted with crops and fruit trees. The transformation was significant, stock grazed on lush pastures, grain crops flourished and fruit trees grew in abundance. Charles Harper, chairman of the Guildford Horticultural and Viticultural Society, visited the estate in 1892. An extract of his report by historian AC Staples is as follows:
Below the residence, the river bank on the south side has been bought under cultivation … The deep rich loam of these fields seems almost too good for cereal crops … fruit trees seem to thrive hereabouts vigorously … Once cleared there would be nothing but a few watercourses to prevent the cultivation of 10,000 acres without a break … Whether the best return will come from cereals, grazing, dairying or fruit remains to be seen.[17]
Initially due to poor roads and scarce transport the sale of produce was limited to the locality, but the opening of the rail line in September 1893 enabled the delivery of produce to the metropolitan markets of Perth.[18]
In April 1895 William Ash, manager of the estate, reported that ‘the sorghum was thriving and the 8-acre vineyard and orangery, of one hundred trees, were also doing well.’[19] In the same year a significant development happened at the settlement. The surveyor and orchard adviser, William Bede Christie, from Chaffey’s Mildura Irrigation Settlement, a fruit growing region in Victoria, Australia, conceived the idea of creating a fruit settlement on the property.[20] He identified the land as most suitable for fruit growing declaring ‘soil and climate ideal, average rainfall 37 inches; thus irrigation, which is a source of great and continual expense in the Eastern colonies, is here entirely unnecessary.’[21] Drs Harvey and Hayward were amenable to the proposal and subsequently, Bede Christie surveyed and subdivided a portion of the land into 10-acre blocks and named the venture Korijekup Fruit Settlement.
Christie oversaw the project and gave many lectures on the benefits of a fruit settlement, providing a detailed pamphlet outlining the plans of the proposed scheme. On 8 January 1896 the editor of the Daily News reported details of the plan as follows:
Fruit culture now promises to be one of the most important of the rural industries of Western Australia. We have just received a pamphlet from Mr W. Bede Christie, whose lectures on pomology have made him well known in this colony as an authority on fruit culture. The pamphlet deals with the Korijekup Fruit Settlement which Mr Christie is establishing on the Harvey River and deals very fully with the resources of Western Australia in this direction. It also gives much information of a practical nature which the ordinary reader will find of interest. The Korijekup estate of 12,800 acres is being cut up into 10acre blocks and is to be offered on such terms that the land will be practically paid for out of its own produce. There are specially advantageous provisions for absentee holders or business men and others who although desirous of obtaining a fruit farm in the country cannot spare the time to devote much personal attention to it. The promoters of the Korijekup scheme will undertake to do the whole of the work of clearing, planting and cultivation on terms which will prove much lighter and more satisfactory than it would be possible for the purchaser to have the work done by ordinary hired labour. The “young men’s” scheme is specially intended to enable young people to obtain a profitable homestead by paying £1 per week when their blocks will be cleared, planted and cultivated till they come to bearing. To resident selectors the pamphlet points out that the cultural operation for the two classes of non-residents just named will open up employment for them which will fill in at remunerative rates all the time not required on their holding. The pamphlet is well thought out and is worthy of perusal. It may be had on application to Messrs Peet & Co. William Street or Mr W. B. Christie, Korijekup.[22]
Praising the venture also was the highly regarded Adrian Despeissis, a viticulturist of the Colony, who reported in January 1896:
… that the value of the estate for vine and fruit growing, combined with mixed farming, is evident to all who have carefully inspected it and it only requires capital and enterprise to realise and it is with the object of raising the capital that Mr. Christie has issued his excellent pamphlet on Korijekup.[23]
However, Bede Christie resigned in late 1896, due to a dispute with Dr Harvey. He alleged there had been a misrepresentation of the mortgage and breech of agreement concerning the survey subdivision and sale of lots at Korijekup. A protracted law suit, settled in 1902, did not favour Dr Harvey. However the doctor retained the property, installing a new manager and with the full support of his partner Dr Hayward and the existing settlers, continued to promote the venture.[24]
Dr David Ernest Williams, spoke highly of his friend Dr Harvey:
‘He [Dr Harvey] had wonderful foresight as had been proved by his selecting land in the Harvey district and he had the power of observation. As a result of his work the country had been settled and had now a good population anxious to grow fruit.’[25]
Dr Harvey’s venture did not quite succeed as he wished and just prior to the War the Government repurchased the balance of the estate, a portion of which was allocated for the returned soldiers of World War 1.[26] Many of those soldier settlers chose dairy farming rather than citrus planting and over time, the Harvey settlement, became, in addition to citrus growing, a large dairy-producing district.[27]
Dr Williams and Korijekup Estate
One of the many professional men who purchased blocks at Korijekup was Dr David Ernest Williams. The earliest report of his holding, ’Edenbower’ was in October 1902 when it was hoped that he would settle and live among the settlers of Korijekup.[28] Then again in 1906, ‘popular medico, Dr. Williams, will be cordially welcome when he finally decides to pitch his tent under his own orange tree.’[29]
‘Edenbower’, 1924. Harvey History Online Collection
It seems that he and his family never resided there, only staying for short breaks or a holiday. However, in 1924 his eldest daughter Poppy lived there after her marriage to Hector Perrin. In 1925 a daughter was born to Mr & Mrs Perrin of ‘Edenbower’, Fourth Street, Harvey.
Dr William’s orangery, Harvey[30]
Lack of efficient drainage and poor cultivation at the fruit settlement were some of the obstacles orchardists had to overcome, but a major issue developed between 1903 and 1905 when some of the fruit-bearing trees showed signs of stress. This was identified as a disease of the root system that had the potential to threaten the existing industry and the livelihoods of the orchardists. The disease presented itself at Dr Williams’ property and a detailed account on the methods he and his manager, Charles Hughes, used to combat the disease was released to the press. Several methods to eradicate the problem had been tried to no avail, but they did find a means to combat the disease that over time saved the trees.[31] For them it had been wonderfully effective and they were confident enough to plant more trees. In 1906 it was reported that:
Dr. Williams is tickling the soil of the Harvey to some purpose. He is adding orange tree to orange tree and transforming the face of mother earth and making it look all green and gold in the season of the gathering in of fruit. By and by the doctor will become the squire of the Harvey and will administer justice in the court to be erected there and will be president of the agricultural society, patron of the cricket club and an authority on all that pertains to the anatomy of a citrus plant and the various pests which affect its growth.[32]
Their tried and tested method was still in use in 1909:
Dr. Williams’ place also interested me. I tasted here one of the most luscious oranges it has been my fortune to come across and with some experiments in tree doctoring. In the cases of root disease the doctor digs out the tree altogether and leaves a large hole open to sun and air or he cuts off the roots of the tree entirely and puts it back rootless.[33]
Dr Williams took leave in 1904 to visit England, leaving the management of ‘Edenbower’ in the capable hands of Charles Hughes. On the eve of his departure a send-off was held at the Rose Hotel, presided over by the Mayor of Bunbury and in the presence of many prominent citizens of the district. He was assured that he would be sorely missed but they wished him a pleasant holiday and a safe journey back to Bunbury.[34] Accompanied by his wife and infant daughter they stayed in England for twelve months. Whilst there Dr Williams spent several months acquiring the latest knowledge in medical and surgical methods, after which, he pursued his interests in agriculture and horticulture, in particular the possible export of surplus oranges from Harvey to Britain. He was disappointed to learn, however, from leading London buyers, that there were already thousands of cases exported to Britain, and a profitable market for Harvey oranges would not be obtainable. He concluded that any idea of an overseas market thousands of miles away would be dropped and he would focus on making the best of the local market in Western Australia.[35] The family travelled extensively around England and on one occasion made a visit to the Kensington Museum, (Victoria and Albert Museum) in London, where Dr Williams was delighted to see a display of coral from Carnarvon, that he had packed and sent to the museum some years before.[36]
Warmly welcomed back to Bunbury in February 1905, Dr Williams returned to his duties of Regional Medical Officer along with overseeing the management and of his property, ‘Edenbower’.[37] He was a staunch supporter of the settlement, keenly aware of the setbacks fellow orchardists experienced and he was eager to help overcome the hurdles presented to them. Extensive planting had been undertaken and although the soil lent itself to prolific growth and luscious tasting fruit, problems arose over inadequate drainage and lack of irrigation. A full bearing fruit tree required regular water, particularly during the dry Summer months and in Winter an efficient drainage system was essential in preventing trees becoming waterlogged.[38] He had installed drainage at ‘Edenbower’ and strongly advocated a drainage system for all at the settlement.
Resident orchardists did not have the available finance to install drainage but Dr Williams informed the growers that it was possible through the Government Drainage Act to apply for a loan to enable the installation of drainage.[39] They submitted an application which was granted and construction proceeded. However progess was slow, hindered by disagreements in the placement of drains and the increased costs of the project, but four years on, some growers were reaping the benefits and progressed into mixed farming. They chose to grow vegetables and plant pasture for grazing stock, with some even removing their fruit trees.
On a side note, tree removal was most evident during the War years, when there was a slump in the price for fruit and it was more profitable to enter into mixed farming.[40] Despite the setbacks the first Harvey Citrus Show (the first citrus exhibition for Western Australia) was held in 1905. A splendid exhibit of local produce was displayed, the most worthy exhibitors being Dr’s Harvey and Hayward. Dr Williams attended and was one of the many prominent citizens who had donated prizes for the event. Conceived by the settlers only a few months prior, the show was an overwhelming success. Mr Bath, Minister for Lands, who opened the ceremony, expressed the hope that each successive function would excel its predecessor.[41] A special feature at the 1921 citrus show was the Dr Williams Cup, presented by Dr Williams, to the exhibitor with the greatest number of points alloted to an exhibit.[42]
Citrus Show 1907, corner of Young Street and Uduc Road, courtesy of Memories of Harvey, Facebook.
The elements that impeded the progess of Korijekup were the low-lying land, poor soil integrity and adverse weather, significantly different conditions to the Mildura region of Victoria, where Bede Christie had acquired his knowledge of citrus farming. It could be said he was misguided when he stated irrigation was ‘entirely unnecessary’. The accessible but inadequate water supply at Harvey offered no chance of increased productivity, nor would it sustain and improve the properties. A consistent regulated watering system was vital.
A united effort by the settlers had achieved the goal of a drainage system, but further effort was required for a weir to be constructed on the Harvey River, a natural water resource close to the Korijekup holdings. This endeavour took a number of years to come to fruition. The proposed project would be the first of its kind for Western Australia and legislation had to be passed, surveys and investigations had to be carried out and the settlers had to be willing to undertake their share of the expense so as to cover costs of construction and future maintenance of a weir.[43] Although Dr Williams had left the district his loyal support never wavered. He wholeheartedly agreed to the weir proposal and made a visit to Harvey in mid- 1911, accompaning Mr Scott, the government irrigation expert, to gather information on the proposed weir.[44]
The approval process was subjected to many delays and interruptions, but eventually legislation was passed in late 1914 under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act, and construction began in April 1915. On the announcement of the proposed Harvey Weir it was remembered that Dr Harvey with his partner Hayward, had sat at the site of the proposed weir many years before, saying:
‘Hayward old man, in a few years we will have a weir here, we will irrigate all of Harvey and make a paradise of it and although you and I, old man, will have lost many thousands and will reap no benefit, we have this satisfaction, we have created something that will last forever and will be a monument to our work and our fond beliefs. You and I, old man, will be bankrupt’[45]
The construction of the weir involved two stages, No. 1 scheme would provide irrigation for the growers and orchardists of ‘Korijekup Paddock’. Thereafter No. 2 scheme would irrigate the land purchased by the government from Doctors Harvey and Hayward’s estate.[46] On 21 June 1916 a bank holiday was gazetted for the official inauguration of the irrigation scheme, opened by Govenor Sir Harry Barron.[47] The scheme at ‘Korijekup Paddock’ was not altogether satisfactory because too much seepage from the main channels caused the trees on the channel banks to become waterlogged. Trees were lost and had to be removed by the disgruntled orchardists, and in order to rectify the problem the channels had to be cemented, with the orchardists forced to bear the cost.[48] This cost added to the already struggling orchadists, who were dealing with the low market price for fruit whilst trying to maintain the upkeep of their orchards. Orange production wavered and many orchardists turned to dairying, a more lucrative industry at the time.[49] Later, advances in horticulture methods saw the return of the orange industry in Harvey.
In spite of the problems facing the industry, Dr Williams never lost his belief in the sustainability of the citrus industry in the area. In 1908 he was quoted as saying:
‘I have as firm a belief in my orchard at Harvey as I ever had, the only trouble being a lack of sufficient knowledge of local peculiarities at the start, which, had they been known, would have been guarded against and myself and others saved much anxiety and labour.’[50]
In 1909 Dr Williams transferred to the coastal port of Fremantle, where he was appointed District Medical Officer, Port Medical Officer and Medical Superintendant of Fremantle Prison. (With the exception of Port Medical Officer, he held those postions up until his death in 1927.) He was praised as a highly valued citizen of the Bunbury district, when upon his departure several private and public functions were held. Worthy of mention was the farewell held at the Bunbury Yacht Club, where he was a patron of the club and an enthusiastic yachtsman. His yacht Lotus had won many races, skippered by his close and dear friend, George Brown, whom he had met whilst in Carnarvon. In recognition of the doctor’s support of the club he was honoured with a life membership.[51]
A short time after his departure from Bunbury he was happy to hear from his manager that the oranges despatched from ‘Edenbower’ had far exceeded the estimate for the season and a further two hundred cases were ready for consignment.[52] Further progress occurred at ‘Edenbower’ in 1911 when it was reported the doctor was highly satisfied with the progress and promise for the future of his property and in addition to the 40 acres already planted he was going to have more land cleared, to plant more trees.[53] Plans had also been drawn up for an extension of the homestead and for the erection of a fruit packing shed on the Dr’s property.[54] His manager, Charles Hughes, wife and three small children lived on the property up until they relocated to New South Wales, Australia, about 1917.[55] A press report in 1919 acknowledged the new manager, describing ‘the splendily developed property of “Edenbower”, well managed by Mr. Blowfield.’[56] Later, Dr Williams’ son-in-law became the manager/grazier and resided there up until 1928 when the property was sold.[57]
The Bath-Harvey Packing Shed, built in the railway yard, courtesy of Memories of Harvey, Facebook.
The newly completed Harvey Weir, 1916.[58]
A Life Well Lived
Dr Williams owned two properties at Harvey, ‘Edenbower,’ a 60-acre property, a portion of Location 50A, located on the west side of the railway line, and ‘Summerbrook,’ a 282 acre holding about four miles east of ‘Edenbower’. When the properties sold in 1928, they were described as magnificent orchard and grazing properties, in particular, ‘Summerbrook’, listed as one of the choicest blocks of land in the South-West. ‘Edenbower’ passed in at auction and later sold privately. ‘Summerbrook’ sold to Mr Roy Hayward, the son of Dr William Thornborough Hayward of the Korijekup partnership, Harvey and Hayward.[59] Also up for auction, in June 1928, were three vacant blocks at North Beach, Balcatta, Perth, Western Australia, part of Dr Williams’ deceased estate.[60]
Dr Willliams owned Blocks 52 – 57 inclusive at the Korijekup Fruit Settlement.[61]
Dr Williams took an active interest in civic affairs and served several terms as a member of the Bunbury Municipal Council. He also participated in several recreational activities and identified himself especially with the establishment of the orange industry at Harvey.[62] A highly respected medical man, admired by many, he passed away at his home in Fremantle on the morning of 26 August, 1927.[63] Survived by his wife, Mary and his three daughters, David was buried in the Church of England portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Western Australia.[64]
Obituaries often describe the deceased’s achievements but this one concentrates on the character of the man:
Dr. D. E. WILLIAMS
The record of a man’s life in cold words on a printed page often conveys to strangers little of his real personality. Even when the description is skilfully and artistically composed, the pen-picture usually lacks the minor characteristics the typical gestures, the qualities of some predominating mood that was inseparable from the make-up of the man. It is feared that any account of the career of the late Dr. Ernest Williams may fail to reflect in the minds of strangers an accurate picture of this sturdy and big-hearted Englishman, as it may fail to satisfy those who knew and admired him.
From the start he was a highly successful medical practioner. His energy was tremendous–his sense of humour extraordinary. He had a boyish enthusiasm which cheered everybody and gained him new friends where ever he went. As a conversationalist he had few equals, his Irish wit making him most entertaining company. He had met so many interesting people and he was such an excellent reconteur that, over a pipe in his private sanctum after a busy day, Dr. Williams was at his best, and time sped all too quickly as one listened to his reminiscences. As an after dinner speaker, it is doubtful if he had an equal in West Australia, and it was always a joy to sit and listen to the Doctor when the proceedings tended to become a little tedious. He was a keen yachtsman, a good craftsman and a loyal Churchman.
About 1923 he found it necessary to put a brake on his professional activities. His physique, once so magnificent, became undermined, and it was distressing to see this great active man struggling against a fate he knew to be inevitable. Few men would have had the courage to fight on against the odds which he knew only too well were overwhelming. All must admire such pluck and such determination. Such bull dog tenacity only comes to our notice occasionally, and he went down with the colours flying.
Ernest Williams will be remembered by some as a man with a gruff and detached manner. Such was only on the surface. To those of us who were privileged to know him there was present a sensitiveness which baulks description. A kinder hearted man never breathed, nor one who did more good turns in the right fashion, his left hand never knowing what were the activities of the right.
He had all the qualities which belong to the typical old time family doctor now unhappily fast disappearing. He sought no public recompense for what he did. Men of his calibre are only too rare – so often are they misunderstood and suffer the worlds contumely. For us his admirers, he remains in our memory as the best type of English gentleman.[65]
……………………………………………………….
[1] Sunday Times, 29 August 1927, p.3
[2] Southern Times, 16 March 1897, p.3.
[3] Clare’s Weekly, (Perth) 24 December 1898, p. 2.
[4] WA BMD Online Index Search Tool (www.wa.gov.au)
[5] Liverpool Echo, 6 December 1895, p.4
[6] Daily Mirror, (London, England), 8 March 1934, p.21.
[7] Liverpool Mercury Daily Post, 27 March 1928, p.1
[8] Daily Telegraph, (London, England) 4 February 1932, p.13.
[9] Advertiser (Fremantle), 9 September 1927, p.4.
[10] https://www.irishgenealogy.ie
[11] https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/explore-topic/passenger-records-and-immigration/unassisted-passenger-lists
[12] Southern Times, 16 November 1895, p.3.
[13] Bunbury Herald, 12 June 1896, p.3.
[14] Bunbury Herald, 13 September 1896, p.3.
[15] West Australian, 29 April 1924, p.5.
[16] AC Staples. They Made Their Destiny- History of Settlement of the Shire of Harvey 1829-1929, Shire of Harvey, Bunbury, Western Australia, 1979, p.342.
[17] AC Staples. They Made Their Destiny, p.347
[18] Bunbury Herald, 13 September 1893, p.3
[19] Southern Times, 13 April 1895, p.3
[20] Harvey Murray Times, 9 February 1939, p.3
[21] W. Bede Christie, The Fruit Settlement of West Australia, Korijekup, Harvey River, South-Western Railway, JB Cant, Fremantle, 1895, p.14.
[22] Daily News, 8 January 1896, p.3
[23] Southern Times, 14 January 1896, p.3
[24] Harvey Waroona Mail, 19 August 1955, p.3
[25] Bunbury Herald, 3 October 1902, p.2
[26] Westralian Worker, 14 March 1919, p.5
[27] West Australian, 20 March 1928, p.4
[28] Bunbury Herald, 3 October 1902, p.2
[29] Bunbury Herald, 30 March 1906, p.2
[30] Sunday Times, 25 February 1912, p.27
[31] Bunbury Herald, 2 July 1908, p.3
[32] Bunbury Herald, 21 March 1906, p.2
[33] West Australian, 24 November 1909, p.6.
[34] Bunbury Herald, 19. February 1904, p.2
[35] Southern Times, 23 February 1905, p.5
[36] Bunbury Herald, 27 February 1905, p.2
[37] Bunbury Herald, 22 February 1905, p.2
[38]Southern Times, 24 August 1905, p.5
[39]Bunbury Herald, 11 July 1906, p.2
[40] Bunbury Herald, 25 January 1919, p.6
[41] Bunbury Herald, 21 August 1905, p.2
[42] Bunbury Herald and Blackwood Express, 7 October 1921, p.6
[43] Bunbury Herald, 24 June 1916, p.3
[44] South West Advertiser, 17 June 1911, p.5
[45] Harvey Murray Times, 4 September 1931, p.3
[46] Collie Miner, 5 May 1914, p.4
[47] Bunbury Herald, 22 June 1916, p.3
[48] Bunbury Herald, 14 December 1918, p.3
[49] South Western Times, 10 June 1920, p.2
[50] Bunbury Herald, 16 July 1908, p.3
[51] Bunbury Herald, 1 July 1909, p.3
[52] Southern Times, 9 October 1909, p.3
[53] South Western Advertiser, 16 February 1911, p.5
[54] Bunbury Herald, 30 March 1911, p.2
[55] www.ancestry.co.au, electoral rolls.
[56] Bunbury Herald, 1 March 1919, p.5
[57] Daily News, 10 October 1924, p.9
[58] State Library of WA, Gibsone family photographs; BA2432/10.
[59] West Australian, 9 June 1928, p.4
[60] Ibid., 2 June 1928, p.3
[61] W. Bede Christie, The Fruit Settlement of West Australia, Korijekup, Harvey River, South-Western Railway, State Library of WA, Korijekup:slwa_b1128124_43
[62] Advertiser (Fremantle), 9 September 1927, p.4
[63] West Australian, 27 August 1927, p.12
[64] https:www.mcb.wa.gov.au
[65] Advertiser (Fremantle), 9 September 1927, p.4