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1921 WA/NT Border Determinations

This article describes the first determinations of longitude 129 degrees or 129th meridian east, which by Letters of Patent became the Western Australian (Swan River Colony 1829) border. The first calls for marking the West Australian border on the ground had been made with the first pastoralists in the East Kimberley, as virtually all of these were close to the border. Argyle downs bordered with the north end of Rosewood station along 129 degrees, which was the site chosen for these determinations. 

This northern part of Rosewood station was in the Northern Territory following the border for approximately 30km further south, at which point on the Argyle/Rosewood boundary, part of Rosewood also extends into Western Australia, however all of Argyle Downs was in Western Australia. As well as this and other pastoral disputes, mining ventures opening up further south, the Government, encouraged with South Australian involvement, moved to marke the border on the ground for the first time. - KHS - Hope you enjoy this work.

 An article corrected by KHS on the National Library of Australia's great Australian history search engine called "Trove," which can search pictures, maps, news articles, manuscripts, diaries etc in a single search. The article is presented here in a new illustrated form using photographs from the KHS Hambidge Family Collection, which has been sought out through KHS research and comes courtesy of the family of the late, former SA Surveyor General, CM Hambidge, via another former Surveyor General of SA, John Porter and Chris Jordan both of South Australia.
 Interwoven with the news article and these photographs are entries from MP Durack's diary of the time, thanks to Kevin Markey and Patsy Millett. The news article text will be italicised, and the diary entries will not. MP Durack's diary entries transcribed here by KHS Volunteer.  - Thank you all and hope you enjoy this interpretation to show the significance of these events 90 years ago.
[KHS Comments or added titles are in square brackets like this.]

THE STATE'S NORTHERN BOUNDARY - WHERE AND HOW IT WAS FIXED.

Contents

  1. 1 THE STATE'S NORTHERN BOUNDARY - WHERE AND HOW IT WAS FIXED.
    1. 1.1 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 12th [1921]
    2. 1.2 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 15th [1921]
  2. 2 The Outward Journey.
    1. 2.1 [Ivanhoe Station - Ord River]
    2. 2.2 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 16th [1921 - Latitude of Ivanhoe Determined]
    3. 2.3 [Article continues... "The Famous Carlton Reach"]
    4. 2.4 ["Emu Springs" - Ebb and Flows with the Moon]
    5. 2.5 [Cockatoo Springs]
    6. 2.6 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 17th [1921 - Thompson Springs to Argyle]
  3. 3 The Golden Gate.
    1. 3.1 [Argyle Downs]
    2. 3.2 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 18th [1921]
    3. 3.3 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 19th [1921]
  4. 4 The Camp. [June 20th 1921 - "Observation Camp" - Wireless Mast Erected]
    1. 4.1 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 20th [1921]
  5. 5 June 20th to July 7th - Longitude determinations
    1. 5.1 [From MP Durack's Diary] - June 21st [1921] - The new technology of the day - Wireless Radio Time Signals
  6. 6 Expedition Members and the Austral Pillar Site Panorama
    1. 6.1 [From MP Durack's Diary] June 23rd [1921]
    2. 6.2 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 24th [1921]
    3. 6.3 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 25th [1921]
    4. 6.4 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 26-27 - No entries. - June 30th [1921]
    5. 6.5 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 1st to 6th - No Entries - July 7th [1921]
    6. 6.6 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 9th [1921]
    7. 6.7 [Article continues circa July 9th 1921]
    8. 6.8 Fixing the Boundary.
    9. 6.9 [From MP Durack's Diary] - July 10th [1921]
    10. 6.10 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 11th [1921]
    11. 6.11 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 12th [1921] - Ivanhoe and Grotto
    12. 6.12 [MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 14th - In Wyndham before sundown.
    13. 6.13 [MP Durack's Diary concludes] - July 15th [1921] - Embark on BAMBRA with members Scientific Party.
    14. 6.14 References:
  7. 7 Thursday 18 August 1921
    1. 7.1 Cite
  8. 8 Further References
  9. 9 Further Hambidge Resources from the State Library of South Australia (SLSA)
    1. 9.1 Please feel free to leave us a comment (compliment ;^) below...
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885-1954)

Thursday 18 August 1921

[Full citation see References]
[13 corrections (on Trove and illustrated here) by Kununurra-Historical-Society - KHS encourages all viewers to sign up (free) at the National Library of Australia online to correct OCR'd newspaper articles such as this. Let us know if you do a new Kimberley article. We have available to view at the museum all text corrected and saved in a North Australian Research Chronology mixed with all other research resources]
 The members of the longitude party consisting of Mr. G. F. Dodwell, Government Astronomer of South Australia Mr. H. B. Curlewis, Government Astronomer of Western Australia, Mr. C. M. Hambidge, of the South Australian Survey Department and Mr. C. A. Maddern Assistant in the Adelaide Observatory, immediately after the completion of longitude work at Deakin, on the trans-Australian railway journeyed to Perth and thence proceeded up the coast in the State steamer Bambra, to carry out a similar task in the East Kimberley. 

1921 - "The Bambra on mud at Broome. Return journey from survey of SAWA border" - KHS-2011-15-10-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 12th [1921]

Wyndham. Met the BAMBRA on which are the scientists who come up to fix the W.A./N.T Boundary.

[Article continues]
After a most interesting and pleasurable trip, the party landed, on June 12, at Wyndham, where they were met by the Hon. M. P. Durack, member for the district, and other prominent townsfolk. It was the, general wish of the settlers that a point on the boundary should be fixed somewhere east of Argyle Downs Station, and preparations were at once made to have all the instruments and accessories conveyed there.
The scientists were fortunate in securing the services of Tom Adolph, a most trustworthy and experienced bushman, and the owner of a fine team of horses. He left Wyndham on June 14 and arrived at the observation camp on 20th, a distance of 130 miles. This was quite an achievement, considering the rough nature of the country traversed. Mr. Durack, seized with the importance of the mission, decided to accompany the party—a very fortunate thing for the success of the expedition, as naturally, his intimate knowledge of the country proved most valuable and all difficulties of transport were at once smoothed away.

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 15th [1921]

Started off this a.m. Two cars. Mr Curlewis in my car. Call at Wireless Station on way. Ivanhoe Station 4.20 p.m. My Ford pulled splendidly. Passed Tommy Adolph with the Bag and baggage on Blue Bush Plain. The party engaged tonight taking sights-expect arrive at Longitude tomorrow morning

[Article continues]

The Outward Journey.

On June 15 a start was made for Ivanhoe, about 50 miles from Wyndham, per motor cars, Mr. Durack driving his own, with Mr. Jones, manager of Ivanhoe, following in a hired car, with the scientific members and their personal luggage equally distributed between the two. Generally speaking, the track is fairly good for motoring, but over the black, boggy country it is very bumpy, and diversity is also lent by the numerous creeks that have to be negotiated—occasionally—necessitating jumping out and pushing the cars across and up the opposite bank. The course of the river Ord is marked by a line of timber, some little distance from the track, and it was not till the bend of the Ord was [reached?] that the first sight of this famous river was obtained and an impressive sight it is. The river, making a great sweep here, is lined on one side with steep, precipitous cliffs and stretches out on the other in rocky shoals and mud-flats—the favourite basking place of alligators and crocodiles. The salt water runs up as far as the bend, in the dry season and the ebb and flow of the tide is quite noticeable. 

[Ivanhoe Station - Ord River]

[The Ivanhoe Station was a Durack property originally called the "Stud Station," most of which was resumed to make way for the Ord River Irrigation Area and the new town of Kununurra in between 1959 and 1961. - In the article here it is interesting to note that the astronomers here, determine the longitude of the old Ivanhoe Station site (Burnt in 1950s moved to new site).]

 Ivanhoe, one of Messrs. Connor, Doherty. and Durack's many stations were reached just after sundown. It is situated close to the Ord River in very fertile country, and is under the management of Mr. Jones, who proved a most genial and kindly host. A strange sight this crossing in the dry season, a narrow rivulet winding its way through great stretches of boulders and wastes of sand, with belts or timber here and there, and on either side the steep banks lined thick with trees of all kinds. In flood time it must be a very wonderful spectacle, and dangerous, too, for several lives have been lost in the foaming mile-wide torrent. It must not be thought that the whole bed of the Ord dries up.

 A day was spent at Ivanhoe [June 16?], preparing for the journey to Argyle Downs. The conveyances, in this case, were a buggy and waggonette, the track being too rough and sandy in parts for motor cars. The road, if such it may be called, trends generally southwards, following still the valley of the Ord, and passing through some very rough, mountainous country.

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 16th [1921 - Latitude of Ivanhoe Determined]

Mr. Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] took Latitude Ivanhoe last night, also rough Longitude Lat. 15.40:2" - Start on with wagonette driven by Gunning and carrying three members of the party. I drive the buggy with me and Mr Curlewis. Find two horses not equal to pulling the big wagonette though sand so I take Mr.Dodwell along with us and Mr Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] rides...camp 9.20 p.m

[Article continues... "The Famous Carlton Reach"]


 Not many miles further on is the famous Carlton Reach, seven miles of permanent water, and many permanent pools, as they are termed, of lesser length occur at frequent intervals along its course, while innumerable creeks, tributaries of the Ord, also containing permanent pools, were crossed during the journey.

["Emu Springs" - Ebb and Flows with the Moon]

[Emu now known as Emu Creek (a few kilometres from Kununurra on Highway 1 heading east]

 Many of these creeks are fed from springs, which ebb and flow in a strange manner, sometimes giving out only a dribble of water, and then unexexpectedly springing to life with n generous supply. The moon is thought by some to influence the flow of those springs, after the manner of its tidal action, but nothing definite can be stated in this respect. Emu Springs afforded an example of this peculiar ebbing and flowing. On the outward journey there was very little water among the rushes which cover the swamp, while on the return the water was streaming across the track.

[Cockatoo Springs]

 At Cockatoo Spring there is always an abundance of water in the line of pools, which present a really tropical appearance—their surfaces covered with water lilies and the banks lined with palms and evergreen trees. Curiously enough, though only 10 degrees from the Equator, very little really, tropical scenery is met with in this part of the Kimberleys, which would be classified as a type of the dry tropics. Napoleon Springs, about 15 miles east of Argyle Downs, was another most interesting feature. There the water bubbles up on the top of-a knoll through natural pipes from unknown depths, in the midst of reeds and palms. Fish of some size have frequently been seen in the pool, and can only have come up through these pipes.



[This looks as if it could be Cockatoo Springs looking at other photographs of Cockatoo Springs. - KHS]

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 17th [1921 - Thompson Springs to Argyle]

Away early morning dinner under big boab at Thompson's Spring. Photographs taken. Messrs Curlewis, Dodwell and self arrive Argyle 5 p.m. Other members get in after dark. Mrs.Rademy laid up with fever and Rademy over from Lissadell. Luke Hall here preparing leave Derby. Jack Butler from Rosewood. Feel well pleased to have the party thus far safely. We discuss the situation and both Mr.Curlewis and Mr.Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] decide better make our Observation post somewhere about Chambers peg on Bob Tail Creek.

[Look into "Chamber's Peg" - Was this the original border marker before 1921? AB for KHS 17 VII 2011]
[Article continues]

The Golden Gate.

 Skirting Mt. Hensman, a magnificent rocky headland, only a few miles from the boundary, the track winds through the final passage of the ranges before descending upon the rich and fertile plain country surrounding Argyle, and the scenery here is bold and wild in the extreme. The name "Golden Gate" has been given to this pass.

[Argyle Downs]

 Arriving at Argyle Downs, the party met with a right royal welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Durack and visitors staying there. The arrival caused considerable excitement among the blackboys and gins, and it was learnt afterwards that they thought the party had arrived with wonderful instruments to avert a dire calamity threatening the earth, namely, the much talked of collision with a comet, and possible end of the world on June 20. On the return a full-dress corroboree was held in honour of the star-gazers who had warded off the dread calamity.
 Argyle Downs undoubtedly holds pride of place as the station par excellence of the Kimberleys. The richness of the country is amply evidenced in the, mobs of splendid cattle that are seen here and there pasturing shoulder-deep in the luxuriant grass, which covers the whole landscape as far as the eye can see grass of all kinds, from short tufty kind of couch up to the giant sugar grass, 12 or more feet in height. This grass, especially when seeding, makes walking far from pleasurable, as the seeds quickly work their way through one's garments and become most annoyingly evident.
 Of the trees which grow in the Kimberley in great profusion, by far the most interesting is the Baobab or bottle tree, only found in the extreme North-west and North of Australia. The trunk and bark are of a fibrous nature, and may be chaffed up for fodder. The leaves fall off some of the trees in the dry season, while others again remain evergreen. Each tree produces a prolific crop of nuts and the kernel is used by the blacks as food. It is a white, pithy substance with an acid flavour—resembling a natural cream of tartar. Among other trees of interest and value is a hardwood which leaves a perfectly white ash when burnt, which is used for whitewash; the quinine tree, bearing berries which are strongly quinine-in flavour; a tree, the leaves of which when brewed, prove a certain cure for dysentery; There are also the wild orange, the grape vine and wild plum— there is probably very little doubt that under the attention of an expert in horticulture, these trees and shrubs could be so improved that they would become quite valuable assets to the district.
  Quite a cavalcade left Argyle on the final stage of the journey-three buggies, a donkey team hauling a cart containing our supplies of provisions and camping materials—the latter kindly loaned by Mr. Durack from the the station equipment, and a string of relay horses and pack-horses.

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 18th [1921]

 Messrs Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"], Rademy and self off soon after breakfast to locate trig on top of Mt.Misere (HJ 19). Ride part of way and then walk....locate trig and put up another mark-sheet of iron-back 1pm. Decide wait till tomorrow as food supply to be got ready. Ambrose D (Durack) getting team ready .....Sent Bulla back with note to Tom Adolph saying party now decided fix camp somewhere east side Rosewood road, that the buggies will be along in the morning crossing Hicks Creek and for him to follow on. The boys put on a corroboree tonight for entertainment of the party.

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 19th [1921]

I take lead. Meet Tom Adolph at Newry Crossing of Stockade. Luke Hall drives wagonette. Ambrose follows with Mr.Dodwell in his buggy. We find Chambers' peg. I then go on about half a mile and select camp Bob Tail Creek on a nice rise where we decide to erect the Wireless. Jock Wesley following with rations in mule team had a bolt-broke shafts and Went back, loaded dray and arrived midnight. Anxiety of safely landing the party now much relieved.

[Article continues]

The Camp. [June 20th 1921 - "Observation Camp" - Wireless Mast Erected]

[This was coined "Observation Camp" by the party at the site at which two concrete cubic observation pillars would be erected, the eastern most pillar, which was used to mark how far east of Greenwich their position was by 8 hours minutes and seconds, would later be named the "Austral Pillar" - The naming of which is something we still have not found anything about, who or when this was named, so if you know contact KHS.]

 A suitable spot for the camp , was reached on June 20, and the erection of the aerial masts, the building of the cement observing pillars and the setting up of the tents and bush shelter were set in hand at once.

1921 - "Raising the wireless mast" - KHS-2011-15-04-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 20th [1921]

By 11am. The wireless is erected and all ready to receive message. Mr.Dodwell tried to get Annapolis but did not succeed. By midday a good shed erected, also three tents. Messrs Curlewis, Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"], Dodwell and Maddern erecting the concrete pillars-Soon After 7 pm Dodwell and Maddern at work on wireless. Heard several messages passing Carnarvon, Applecross, Dutch Stations and on long wave could hear messages passing between Europe and America-truly wonderful and a record all very pleased.

[Article continues below]

June 20th to July 7th - Longitude determinations

 As soon as the cement pillars were ready, the two instruments—Mr. Dodwell's portable transit and Mr. Curlewis's 12-inch theodolite, were installed in position and observations for time were commenced. These were continued with-out intermission until July 7, and from the preliminary computing the clock errors thus obtained, appeared quite satisfactory.

1921 Camp near Argyle Stn. showing observation station - KHS-2011-15-01-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection
[Notice the guy-wires of the temporary wireless mast and the instrument on top of the newly erected concrete pillar to right of picture - KHS]

[From MP Durack's Diary] - June 21st [1921] - The new technology of the day - Wireless Radio Time Signals

Curlewis and Dodwell up 4.30am to get time signals from Lyons , France....Hope to get Bordeaux before long. It is truly wonderful to receive messages in the north so soon after arrival of the plant. Returned Argyle leaving scientific party at work.

[Article continues]
 The special signals transmitted by Bordeaux and Lyons in France, by Annapolis—the radio station, connected with the United States Naval College, by Applecross and by the Adelaide Wireless Station were received on almost every occasion. The times of transmission of the special signals from Bordeaux and Lyons were to be determined independently by observers at Greenwich and Paris Observatory; those from Applecross by Mr. Nossiter, with the Perth transit instrument and the Adelaide ones by Mr. Hosking, first assistant of the observatory there. It should be mentioned here that both these officers had a very arduous time while the work was in progress—not only had they to attend to the ordinary daily routine work of their respective observatories, but had to be in attendance during thc night, taking observations to determine the error of the several clocks and in the early hours of the morning transmitting time signals for the radio stations, and also receiving the signals from France and America. For, in addition to the fixing of the longitude of a point in the Kimberley, opportunity was also, naturally, taken to re-determine the longitudes of the observatories by the same direct method.

Expedition Members and the Austral Pillar Site Panorama

1921 "Camp in the NW, 110 miles SE of Wyndham." People Named - KHS-2011-15-03-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection - L-R Dodwell with portable transit, Curlewis and 12 inch Theodolite, Maddern and wireless tent.
[In this image the temporary wireless mast is clearly visible - KHS]

1921 "Camp in the NW, 110 miles SE of Wyndham." People Named - KHS-2011-15-03-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection - L-R Hambidge and 8 inch theodolite, Ulysees and Buller (behind), Tom Adolph.

[From MP Durack's Diary] June 23rd [1921]

With boy, Ulysses, back to observation camp noon today. Listened to message from Annapolis, U.S.A. Party has now been in touch with Adelaide, Perth, Lyons, USA. Took photo... listening time signals from USA, ...Message from Wyndham 5pm
Australia beat Surrey ..cricket

1921 M.P. Durack and A.A. Maddern in the wireless tent - KHS-2011-15-05-P2-D

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 24th [1921]

Mr. Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] and self start off locate trig HJ18. Find it on top remarkable peak Commanding magnificent view of whole country. I suggest calling this peak Mt.Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"], as the first day he saw it he was inclined to think the trig was on this hill, judging from the bearing on the map. Dodwell heard Bordeaux this a.m. also Lyons and Annapolis.

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 25th [1921]

Took photos of camp. Messages giving time signals came through clearly from Annapolis. [MPD Went] Back to Argyle.

1921 Survey camp near Argyle Stn - KHS-2011-15-02-P2-D

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - June 26-27 - No entries. - June 30th [1921]

Back to observation with Luke Hall who is anxious to see the wireless outfit...All going Well

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 1st to 6th - No Entries - July 7th [1921]

Started for observation camp in buggy with young Arthur Cowan in another buggy. Party started to break up this a.m. and by evening had everything pretty well taken down and Adolph's team loaded.

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 9th [1921]

Took ride to boundary peg ..got boys to put some stones around. After lunch we assemble round the concrete pillar and I declare the stone well and truly laid, saying a few words in connection with the work and we all had a drink. Mr Curlewis replied with appropriate words after which we poured a little whisky over the pillar and took photo showing Curlewis and Dodwell shaking hands, signifying that they came to entire agreement on Boundary. Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] and Maddern on either side with myself between Curlewis and Dodwell. Start 2pm. In three buggies back to Argyle around 5 pm.
CM Hambidge Family Collection

[Article continues circa July 9th 1921]


 As soon as all the results are available the exact longitude of the main observing pillar will be known. As it is, since Annapolis sends out an exact time signal, guaranteed correct to within less than one-tenth of a second of time, it was possible to fix an approximate longitude for the pillar and this worked out at 8 hours 36 minutes 5.5 seconds east of Greenwich.
 The boundary between Western Australia and the Northern Territory is laid down as the 129th meridan of longitude or 8 hours 36 minutes from Greenwich. Therefore, the observing pillar was 5.5 seconds further east or turned into the equivalent mileage for that latitude, approximately one and a half miles. The signals from the various stations were, generaly speaking, clearly audible, and this in no small measure due to the assistance and advice given by Mr. Appely, Commonwealth Wireless Inspector, who was on the Bambra, making a tour of inspection; and Mr. Williams, the steamer's wireless operator; Both these gentlemen took the greatest interest in the mission and thoroughly overhauled and improved the two wireless sets, besides giving advice on special technical points.

Fixing the Boundary.

 Observations for latitude were made with the 12in. theodolite on six nights—the Talcott-method of pairs being employed—and thc individual results show good agreement. The resulting latitude 16deg. 12min. 58.53sec. is probably very accurate. During our stay at Observation Camp the weather was on the whole delightful; warm at times in the day-the temperature rising to 85 and 90 degrees but cool at night, especially in the early hours of the morning, when it frequently dropped to about 40deg.—the lowest recorded being 39.5deg.

[From MP Durack's Diary] - July 10th [1921]

Getting ready start Wyndham with scientific party. Took photographs. The boys put on another corroboree at special request of the party - all very interested.

1921 "Argyle Station, Kimberley district, about 100 miles from Wyndham" - KHS-2011-15-13-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection
[Photograph and original caption by former SA Surveyor General, CM Hambidge or was original taken by MP Durack? - KHS]

[Jack Kilfoyle of Rosewood Station can be seen leaning against a post. Identified by KHS in hi-res images.]

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 11th [1921]

Started Ivanhoe this a.m. Mr Hambridge [sic - Should be "Hambidge"] driving the big buggy, with Dodwell and Maddern, Curlewis with me. Camped Cockatoo Spring.

1921 Country between Ivanhoe and Argyle North Coast - KHS-2011-15-14-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 12th [1921] - Ivanhoe and Grotto

Ivanhoe... The car expected from Wyndham did not arrive.

July 13th

Got my car going and decided make in with small buggy instead of waiting for car. Party enjoyed climbing round in the hills. Visited the Grotto which was much admired.

1921 C.M. Hambidge in the Grotto near Ivanhoe, W.A - KHS-2011-15-19-P2-D

1921 - "C.M. Hambidge in the Grotto near Ivanhoe, W.A." - KHS-2011-15-19-P2-D
CM Hambidge Family Collection

[MP Durack's Diary continues] - July 14th - In Wyndham before sundown.

[Article concludes]
 The four members of the party enjoyed excellent health during the six weeks in the Kimberley, fortunately escaping the dreaded malaria, though it was very prevalent, very few of the residents not being affected. Were it not for this scourge, it is safe ot [sic to] say that the inland parts of the Kimberley would be just as healthy as the Pilbarra, Murchison or North Coolgardie fields. The heat in summer, though intense, is for the most part dry and the nights are moderately cool. During the short winter, the climate is quite invigorating and were it not foe the malaria which is then most prevalent, healthy. Owing to its vast extent it is difficult to see how the destruction of the malaria-bearing mosquito can be compassed. Until this can be done, however, the Kimberleys must always prove unhealthy for white settlement—or black for the matter of that for the blacks are just as much a prey to the disease as the whites. The trip from Ivanhoe to Observation Camp and back again would not be complete without mention of Ulysses—a magnificent specimen of the Kimberley black, Mr. M. P. Durack's faithful and devoted henchman for over 35 years, and considered by him one of the most, efficient station hands in the whole country. He is a splendid horseman, and in his younger days a noted buckjump rider. It was wonderful to see him manage a refractory horse, with his great strength which was phenomenal, and of which many exhibitions were given. It all seemed quite simple.
Of the return journey, which was in every way similar to the outward, nothing need be said, except that the last stages were hurried over in order that the Bambra might not be missed at Wyndham.

[MP Durack's Diary concludes] - July 15th [1921] - Embark on BAMBRA with members Scientific Party.

July 26th - Disembark.......Fremantle

[The End - References below]

See all of the Hambidge Collection as a Slideshow from below.


CM Hambidge Family Collection as a Slideshow

References:

Durack, Michael Patrick, Diary, Courtesy of Patsy Millett (the Durack Family) and Kevin Markey.

[News article above from following source]
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885-1954)

Thursday 18 August 1921

p 42 Article
... many miles further on is the famous Carlton Reach, seven miles of permanent water, and.many perman- ent ... 2356 words

Cite

Article identifier
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38864646
Page identifier
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page3519559

THE STATE'S NORTHERN BOUNDARY. (1921, August 18). Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885-1954), p. 42. Retrieved May 28, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38864646

Further References

Some more background information from KHS Anniversaries History page - 1921 WA/NT Border Determinations

Further Hambidge Resources from the State Library of South Australia (SLSA)

This photograph of Clive Melville Hambidge at the Deakin Obelisk was found at the State Library of South Australia (SLSA) and appears here courtesy of the SLSA.
Clive Melville Hambidge at the Deakin Obelisk circa 1926

State Library of South Australia - B29307
TITLE    Mr C.M. Hambidge DATE   
[Date - KHS Added - circa 1926 as the Deakin Obelisk was constructed by CM Hambidge in that year]

Another photograph of Clive Melville Hambidge is available here, with courtesy of the State Library of South Australia. Clive Melville Hambidge

State Library of South Australia - B8531
TITLE                Clive Melville Hambidge
DESCRIPTION   Clive Melville Hambidge
DATE                1939
Archival No.        B 8531

Please feel free to leave us a comment (compliment ;^) below...

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1942

March 20th 1942

Wirraway A20-62

On March 20th 2017 it will be...

75 Years...

Since the forced landing of Wirraway A20-62, on coastal saltmarsh, just inside the WA/NT border, by Pilots Lew Dwyer and Warwick Carmody. See the permanent "Wirraway - Challenge" display at the KHS Museum.

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March 20th, which was the date of the forced landing of 12 Squadron Wirraway A20-62 in 1942. Broome and Derby suffered air raids on this day, March 20th 1942.

1944

1944 (Dry Season)

70 Years ago at Carlton Reach

(Ord River Experimental Station)

During the dry season of 1944 Kim Durack continued work on the "Ord River Experimental Station," which had been set up late in 1941 at Carlton Reach using the waters of the Ord. More information is available about the 36 HP Petters "Atomic" diesel pump engine, used to raise the water for these first major experimental attempts at irrigation, at the twenty acre farm site. available from the Carlton Reach Pump Engine

ABC Kimberley Radio Interview (March 2013) - About the "Petters Atomic Diesel Engine - See http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2013/03/18/3718139.htm?site=kimberley

In April 2013 the 36 HP "Petters Atomic Diesel Engine" was donated to the Kununurra Historical Society by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA - Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture (formerly the Kimberley Research Station, where the engine was also in use until the 1950s), KHS now has the original pump engine by the entrance gate of the Kununurra Museum.

Events from 2011

Wyndham and Hall's Creek (aka "Kimberley") were established.

1886

125 Years Ago
(In 2011)

In May and June 2011 It was
90 Years
Since the WA and SA Government Astronomers came to the Kimberley in
1921
to determine the position of the WA/NT Border on the ground by using the new technology (in 1921), of radio time signals. This exepedition in 1921 would locate the border position and a WA Survey crew would come back in 1927 to build the Kimberley Obelisk, which still determines the border today.
Read More about the 1921 WA/NT Border Determinations

1941

1941
Carlton Reach

"Thethebeleng" or "Carlton Reach"
:-( now sadly, referred to as Lake Kununurra)
Was the largest permanent waterhole in the entire Kimberley Region, held back by a place called "Tharram," the "Rocky Falls" or "Jasper Bar" or "Bandicoot Bar," stretching all the way to "Carlton Ridge" or the head of the "Sleeping Buddha, as it is known today."

"Kim's Place"  or "Ord River Experimental Station" or "Ord River Experimental Farm" or "The Cabbage Patch" - No matter what it has been referred to in writing, this was the WA Government's precursor to the joint Federal (CSIRO) - State (WA Ag. Dept.) Kimberley Research Station (KRS).

The 1941 experimental station was set up at Carlton Reach, by Kimberley Michael Durack, for the Department of Agriculture WA, with assistance from the Public Works Department, along with his brother William A. (Bill) Durack, and other helpers along the way.

It will be 75 Years Ago
(in 2016)

Read More on the Carlton Reach Pump Engine Research Page

Top (Top of page text start - Starts below header photograph of the Diversion Dam)

1173days since
This site was started on January 31st 2011

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