Page:History of West Australia.djvu/424

 Boolardy and Nookawarra Stations of 1,000,000 acres. There they run about 20,000 sheep, 1,000 cattle, and 300 horses.

When the Hon. Mr. Wittenoom removed from his more northern stations to live near Geraldton he became a member of the local Roads Board, and for nine years occupied the position of chairman. It would be idle to say that they gave him useful experience. After his return from England in 1884 he was again elected a member of the Legislative Council, but his increasing business duties compelled him to resign in 1886. For a number of years he remained unconnected with political affairs, but in 1894 he was so earnestly requested to stand for the Legislative Council, under responsible government, in the interests of the Central Province, that he consented. In July of that year he was elected. It had been his intention to take an extended tour to Europe and Great Britain, but in December, 1894, he was asked by Sir John Forrest to take the position of Minister of Mines, &c, in the Cabinet. It was a distinguished compliment to his ability that only five months after entering Parliament he was requested to take charge of a Government Department.

Mr. Wittenoom, before deciding to accept the offered portfolio, visited his constituents to seek their advice as to his taking office. As a result he accepted, and on the 19th December, 1894, he assumed control of the Mines, Postal and Telegraphs, and Education Departments of Western Australia. The work before him was by no means easy, for in 1895 the goldfields largely increased in dimensions, and the population was materially augmented by a constant stream of arrivals from all parts of the world. Arrangements had to be immediately made to meet all the requirements, and Mr. Wittenoom was kept exceedingly busy. In the 1895 session of Parliament he had a Mines Bill carried through both Houses, which was calculated to satisfy all demands, and which in its working has since greatly reduced the chaos before apparent on the goldfields. The whole Mining Department was placed on more definite lines to secure the proper government of the enormous industry at stake. The new Act has had a most beneficial effect, and is now working with slight friction in such a rapidly growing department. Several new mining districts have been proclaimed, over each of which a staff of officers and men is appointed so as to facilitate registration and secure fair play and uniformity. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom has charge of the mining districts of Coolgardie, North Coolgardie, East Coolgardie, Murchison, East Murchison, Yilgarn, Yalgoo, Dundas, Pilbarra, West Pilbarra, North-east Coolgardie, Mount Margaret, Peak Hill, Broad Arrow, Dandalup. To these he has appointed wardens, registrars, and their assistants.

Then in the Postal and Telegraphs Department he has made many changes, the principal of which are the removal of the construction branch of Telegraphs from the Public Works Department to the control of the Telegraphs Department itself, and the giving of increased facilities in mail arrangements to the many goldfields at the chief centres of population. One primary feature of his administration was the authorisation of the construction of the Coolgardie to Eucla telegraph line, completed in four and a half months. In the Education Department also many important changes have been made, and new schools opened.

In common with the heads of other Government Departments, the Hon. Mr. Wittenoom may be said to be a true son of Western Australia. Possessed of strong sense and an intimate knowledge of his native land he renders the colony his best services. In pastoral pursuits he often led the way in advantageous departures from the beaten track, and gave a good example for others to follow. He has facilitated and assisted wool and other industries in business, and his services to colonial politics have been conspicuous.

[During the absence of Sir John Forrest in England to attend the celebrations of 1897 Mr. Wittenoom was acting Premier.—Ed]

DISTINCTIVE feature of colonial economic affairs is the State-owned railway. Going beyond the conditions in old countries, the Governments of the various Australian Colonies have inaugurated this principle, and adhere to it with determination. Railways have come to be recognised as invaluable in giving an impulse to production and development, and an impetus to trade ad commerce. In Australia the pioneers