Stirling, Wittenoom and Stephen Streets lot

George William Floyd’s Steam Carriage and Implement Works

Floyd's business, established in 1865 on a large lot on Stirling, Wittenoom and Stephen Streets in Bunbury, was a well-known carriage builder that performed numerous jobs from building bridges, houses and carriages (reference). It is believed that this was the first carriage building business in Bunbury (reference).

In 1867, George and John Banting ended their Carpenters and Wheelwright business in Bunbury and went their separate ways (reference). When in partnership, they were called Banting & Floyds, Wheelwrights, &c. (reference).  John Banting married Bridget Coonan (c. 1839-1929). Their children were Theresa Clara, Thomas Joseph, John Patrick, Arthur Edward Catherine Angella, Charles George, Laura Teresa, Louisa Margaret, Martha Bridget and Michael William.

In 1894, George placed an advertisement in the West Australian calling for all outstanding accounts to be paid (reference). George also went to court against George Chandler Dowden, who owed him £46, the value of a wagon (reference). 

The following is the experience of a writer, pen-named Phoenix, who toured the premises in 1888 and sent in their experience to be published in the West Australian Newspaper on 6 March 1888.

"Among other places I visited in Bunbury I must not pass over without giving a short description of Mr.G. W. Floyd's Steam Carriage Works and Foundry, which extends from Stirling Street to Stephen Street. On entering from the Stirling Street side, the first thing that attracted my notice were the wooden sheds and frames and the number of cart and carriage wheels that were stacked in the yard. A little further down in the large shed I came upon a steam engine which was in full swing. This engine on enquiry I found was a port-able engine of 8 horse power and I learned that the number of saws and other instruments worked by this engine were innumerable. First and foremost of there was a large adze circular saw used for cutting the shafts and cross bars of carriages and carts. Next was a small circular saw for rabbiting, tennanting, and groving wood and all kinds of fine work, beyond this is a band saw for circular work, and a lathe for turning the naves of wheels. This lathe will turn a 2 foot nave and do any work that may be required in the colony. There is also a small lathe for fancy work. A gulleting saw for adjusting and setting saws and a grinding stone of unusual dimensions. This is I believe the largest grindstone in the colony and was made on the premises. On going further down the shed I saw a punching machine, which worked extremely well. It is of rather a rustic nature, but I should fancy a better working machine could not be made. This was invented by the proprietor and made at his foundry. At the lower end of the building there are several forges and blacksmiths at work. This department is by no means the smallest as there are no less than 6 forges constantly at work and they turn out some really first class work. The other departments are also worth notice, viz : —The ironmongery where you see every description of tools imaginable and the stock in this department is larger than any other carriage builder's in the colony. The carpenters and joiners are busily employed and the work they turn out is also first class. I noticed some tables and racks made of jarrah in course of construction, for the Bridgetown Post and Telegraph Office. The jarrah used is very fine it having been sawn from timber growing in the district and works up like mahogany. The contract and building department is also very busy, as this firm has in hand some four or five houses and have just completed a bridge for the Government over the Blackwood River at Bridgetown. I must not pass over without just mentioning the other branches of business done by this firm, viz-. — Undertaking, Timber, and Agricultural Implements, are all carried on here and I may say I passed away a very enjoyable morning seeing the different departments of this business. Coming away through the Stephen Street entrance the thought struck me that if such industries as these could be carried on in Western Australia why should not the colony go ahead and why should we despair of future times?”

On 1 September 1896 George died. His wife, Fanny Floyd nee Buckle (1867-1934), left a poem in the Bunbury Herald in his memory (reference): 

“For many years one family chain

Was gently linked together,

But now alas! The chain has gone

And severed us forever.

Oh! For a touch of that unseen hand;

For the sound of a voice from us gone;

Oh! For a look at the face we miss_

For a sight of that well-known form.

George left his estate, a total of £1341 19s 4d to Fanny Floyd (reference). Fanny later remarried to Joseph Blythe before she died at 84 years old in 1934 (reference). 

George’s business continued after his death by Thomas William Knox (reference).