Resource

Pioneers of the Western Australian Timber Industry: Creators of Export and Trade

By Don Briggs

A Western Australian historian, Don Briggs, has recently completed his revised 142 page research on the Pioneers of the Western Australian Timber Industry.

Here is a little teaser from the book's preface. If you would like a copy and want to read more that the following excerpt, you can contact Dog Briggs at don.ron6@bigpond.com for purchasing details.

"To bring to life the stories and events of the pioneers of the Western Australian Timber industry, relied upon the history behind it - the exploration of the south west coastline, identifying native plants and trees, the establishment of Settlements - King George's Sound, Augusta, Leschenault, the Swan River Colony, the indigenous population, immigration from overseas, the infrastructure, entrepreneurs and the working people to make it all possible.

Events which took place during those early days leading up to responsible Government, were carefully documented and sent by mail back to England. The grounding of HMS Success off Carnac Island, repaired with the then unknown 'Swan River Mahogany' (later to be given its native name - 'Jarrah'), her return to England to be 'broken up' at Her Majesty's dockyards, the discovery of the timber's condition after some years at sea, gave her a reprieve and she operated in another role within the shipyards for a number of years.

The early arrival of migrating timber pioneers began to harvest and market the sawn native woods for many applications to local consumers and those in the other States and overseas.

John Henry Monger who operated near the lake which now bears his name and Mount Eliza.

James Woodward Turner - with others; supported by Governor Sir James Stirling, formed the Augusta Settlement.

William Pearce Clifton of Port Leschenault (Bunbury) Settlement.

Henry Yelverton at Quindalup.

Benjamin Mason and Francis Bird of Kalamunda and Cannington ('Mason's Landing').

The Wanliss Brothers of Jarrahdale and Rockingham.

George Simpson at Wonnerup and Hamelin Bays.

Alexander Buckingham Roleystone and the east of Collie at a locality in his name; Buckingham.

Maurice Coleman Davies of the Collie River, Flinders Bay, Hamilin Bay and Karridale.

The Millar Brothers and Henry Teesdale-Smith of Albany, Torbay, Denmark and Yarloop.

Each of the Pioneer's accounts are recorded to show when, where and how they commenced trade and export within the timber industry. Trading and establishing an export industry set these pioneers apart from many others; as they made it happen and were chosen to highlight this part of the State's early history."