Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/429

 Mr.w.G.Brookm»n ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 403 mining potentates, withdrawn his wealthy capital and interests from the Colony. It is refreshing and pleasant to see him investing extensively in the; capital — actions which prove more strongly than words his true belief in the future of the Colony. If we can study human nature better on the side of fortune, then we can unhesitatingly say that Mr. Brookman has acquitted himself consistently in the discharge of his manifold duties, and he is a staunch patriot. His virtues are those of a man who knows how to bear misfortune with stoicism, and fortune with grace. His myriad interests keep him continually busy, and his sense of duty demands ready compliance with its dictates. Conscientious and true of heart, Mr. Brookman is an e.xcellent example for many who would benefit by learning and practising his commendable attributes. A few reflections on the mining fields may aptly be appended as being Mr. Brookman's own racy observations. In 1893, the year of Mr. Brookman's arrival in the Golden West, the train from Albany did not go beyond York, which was then the terminus of the line in the goldfields' direction. Neither railwa nor telegraphic communication existed at this early period of awakening, and those who wishetl to go to the fields were obliged to walk, ride, or drive the whole distance from York. It was only recently that the railway from Perth to Kalgoorlie was opened, thereby providing an easy means of transit to travellers. Kalgoorlie, as it is now known, was in 1893 nothing but a miners' camp, occupied by those who were merely endeavoring to get what little alluvial gold could be obtained to recompense them for their labor and exertions. It was not until two years after the field was discovered that the town that now appears on the map as Kalgoorlie was surveyed by the Government. From that time forward the j)(jpulation of the town has grown in proportion to the progress of the adjoining country. And what a transformation has been effected in a few brief years ! Thirst, famine, and fever — those guardians of Nature's treasure-house — are overcome. In the wake ot the army of pioneers there follows a vast commissariat of supplies for the men at the Iront. Railways bind the busy hives of industry, springing up like magic in the interior, with bands of steel to the growing ports of the seacoast. A fleet of vessels from all quarters of the globe is freighted with merchandise f(jr the new West, which has become the Mecca of the treasure-seeking pilgrims flocking inland in obedience to the aiiri sacra fames, that lies inherent in the human breast. "Judging from what I ha'e seen, the present population of Kalgoorlie and adjoining mining districts," Mr. Brookman says, "must total 60,000 souls. In 1893 there were only a few hundreds, but the oi)ening up and development of the mines has brought in its train a career of success, not merely for commercial and professional men, but for all engaged in every phase of business, not excluding those interested in the gold mining of the district." Mr. Brookman in 1898 proceeded on a trip round the world to inspect the great mining centres. During his absence he was elected a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, and at the municipal elections of 1900 was elected Mayor of Perth.