Woolgangie Hospital –

The following is a photograph of the early days. Perhaps some of our Dolly Pot readers will remember it. Whilst the rails were being laid between Southern Cross and Coolgardie fever was very bad and one good Samaritan, (Mr. Hugh Climie), who at that time was a forwarding agent and carrier, realised the state of affairs. He travelled to Perth and arranged with the Sisters of the People Mission to supply tents and nurses and to come along to Woolgangie and he would bear all expenses.

These eventually arrived, with three Sisters (Sister Gertrude, Sister Mildred, and Sister Elsie) to do the work. Everything was free to the patients, but if able to afford it they were expected to donate to the mission. Dozens were treated there, which saved probably a number of lives who would have had to be shifted to the Cross or Coolgardie.

I have many recollections of happenings of patients whilst there, but as far as I know only one is at present above-board (Billy Mills), now a loco driver between Midland and Perth. Bill was only about 10 years old when he contracted fever. His father. conducted a cool drink establishment under a bough shed which was in great demand by the hundreds who arrived in Wilkie Bros. trucks. Bill’s job was washing glasses and in other ways assisting his father. Bill, like others, was delirious at various stages of his illness, and my brother and I were called by the Sisters to assist them to hold him in bed. Bill’s big wish whilst under these delusions was to

“pass the raspberry vinegar.”

Another who was a groom for R. Pell’s livery stables used to call out, “Stand over or I’ll tear the liver out of you.” This patient passed on whilst in the hospital. I may say that when the camp shifted from Woolgangie the hospital staff departed for other duties. I met Sister Elsie later at Morgans.

Mr. Climie eventually sold his stock at Coolgardie and settled on his farm at Ballochmyle, Tenterden, and for many years was one of the cattle judges at the Royal Show. He has now passed over the Great Divide, but his family is still in the Cranbrook district. ‘A good old Scot’, he was one of the best when charity called.

To Coolgardie, Rocks near Woolgangie – SLWA

Those were the days when those who padded the hoof required the best they could be given and it is that sentiment that has always been strong among early goldfielder’s. The convivial meetings in October, when one meets the oldtimers, goes to show that the spirit still remains and nay it be so for many more October meetings – by DEVIL’S PINCH, Bayswater.