Case File 0001
Giant Goannas: A Historical Overview in the Goldfields and Surrounding Regions
Gwalia - Western Australia 1898. Herbert Hoover Standing with his young pet Racehorse Goanna.
A Letter from Peter. . .
(The Following is a letter sent in to us from a reader that goes by the name of Peter Thorne.)
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"Between 1994 and 2000 I spent the first several years of my life growing up in the small gold mining town of Leonora located near the center of Western Australia.
Growing up there as a young child I remember my family would often take my sister and I to an old gold mining ghost town called Gwalia located about 3-4km south of town to go and play around in and explore the old refurbished miners huts.
Back then and to this day, there exists an open cut mine at the top of the hill to the east of the town that was reopened in the early 80's. The open cut mine is very impressive to experiencing in person if you are ever given the chance.
On the sight that is now the museum, there is a mining managers house known locally as the Hoover House or the real Australian White House. Yes, that Hoover refers to Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States and the namesake of the Hoover Dam.
While going through some of my dads old photo's, I found the one you see in front of you and asked him where found it.
He told me that During the Mid 1990's, he had helped with renovations on the Hoover House and with the restoration of all the mining huts in the Gwalia Mining camp and town Site.
During The renovations the following Image of a 23 year old young Herbert Hoover was discovered in the Hoover House Standing with what looks to be a 15ft long Racehorse Goanna or Bungarra.
I am now contacting you to see if you can help me get more information.
thanks for your time.
Peter Thorne. "
The Start of an investigation
So before we go down the rabbit hole on the topic, let's learn some history first.
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In 1896 the first lease at the site was applied for by Coolgardie store owner Thomas Tobias. He named it Sons of Gwalia after his Welsh heritage; 'Gwalia' an ancient word for Wales. In 1897 the lease was sold to George Hall who approached London financiers, Bewick Moreing, to finance the development of a mine. They sent 23 year old engineer, Herbert Hoover, who convinced them to purchase the deposit later in 1897.
As mine manager at Sons of Gwalia, he introduced a number of cost saving measures onto the local workforce including single handed work, shift changes, stopped double time on Sundays and bonuses for working wet ground. In an effort to side-step union action, he hired Italian immigrants, who to this day have been closely associated with the mine and Gwalia township.
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He also oversaw the construction of staff and office buildings on a hill overlooking the mine including the mine managers house now called Hoover House. He lived in it briefly for about 6 months in 1898, before being sent to China by his employers.
Apart from a two year shut-down due to fire in 1921, the mine operated continuously till 1963, and was considered the largest gold producer in Western Australia outside of Kalgoorlie. Due to falling gold prices, the mine closed in 1963, and virtually overnight the Gwalia township declined from 1500 to 40 people. In its 65 years of operations it produced 2 500 000 ounces of gold.
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Herbert hoover Passed away on October 20th, 1964 in New York City, U.S.
The mine opened back up in 1981 and to the present day has past through several different companies and gone though several closures for various reasons.
The Great Bungarra Cross Country Derby of 1902 - Rider Unknown.
The Great Bungarra 500: A Uniquely Australian Sport Celebrating Independence
In 1902 the completion of the C. Y. O'Connor Pipe Line and the Federation of Australia created the perfect lightning-in-a-bottle scenario for the creation of an exciting new event: the Great Bungarra 500, also known as the Great Goanna Race. This 15-day race involves the racing of giant goannas in a 500-mile cross-country race through the goldfields of the outback of Western Australia.
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The Great Bungarra 500 is a celebration of Australia's independence and a uniquely Australian sport. The race consists of a Time Trial event and a main 500-mile event, both of which are highly competitive and require skill, strategy, and endurance from the goanna wranglers who participate. The Time Trial event is a 90-mile race that serves as a qualifier for the main event, and the goanna wranglers who perform well in this race have the opportunity to move on to the main event. The Time Trials are held in waves of about 5-10 goanna wranglers at a time over a 7-day period, ensuring that all qualified goanna wranglers have the opportunity to participate. The main 500-mile event is a grueling endurance race that takes place over 15 days and includes 20 checkpoints, each of which has its own required layover time for rest and recovery.
The Great Bungarra 500 has a rich history in the region, with previous events attracting goanna wranglers from all over Australia. The race has always been a fiercely competitive event, with goanna wranglers pulling out all the stops in order to secure a victory. Some goanna wranglers have even been known to engage in acts of sabotage or other nefarious activities in order to get ahead.
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The Time Trial event is a crucial part of the Great Bungarra 500, as it determines which goanna wranglers will move on to the main event. The Time Trial race starts in Coolgardie and ends in Kalgoorlie, with checkpoints along the way at Mount Burges, Ora Banda, and Broad Arrow. Goanna wranglers must navigate through challenging conditions and ensure that their goannas are well-rested and in good health in order to perform their best.
The main 500-mile event is a true test of endurance and skill. Goanna wranglers must navigate through rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions while also ensuring that their goannas are well-cared for. The race includes 20 checkpoints, each with its own required layover time for rest and recovery. Goanna wranglers who miss a checkpoint stamp out may incur additional penalty time.
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The Race Checkpoint Time Sheet is an essential tool for goanna wranglers participating in the Great Bungarra 500. The sheet tracks the progress of the goanna wranglers as they make their way through the race, recording detailed information about their times at each checkpoint. This information is used to calculate the final times for each goanna wrangler, including any penalty time incurred for missed checkpoint stamps.
There have been many memorable highlights from past Great Bungarra 500 events, including epic comebacks, thrilling finishes, and unexpected upsets. However, there have also been scandals and controversies surrounding the event, including disqualifications, sabotage, and allegations of ill treatment of the goannas.
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In conclusion, the Great Bungarra 500 was a uniquely Australian sport that celebrated independence and showcased the skills and determination of the goanna wranglers who participated. Whether you were a seasoned goanna wrangler or simply a spectator, the Great Bungarra 500 was an exciting and unforgettable event that should not have been missed. Although the Great Bungarra 500 is no longer held today, it will always be remembered as a celebration of the rugged beauty of the Australian outback and the determination of the goanna wranglers who took part in this iconic event.
Charles Cooke Hunt 1865
Chasing Giants and Gold: Charles Cooke Hunt's Untold Expedition
In the untamed landscapes of Western Australia, the year 1866 witnessed the commencement of Charles Cooke Hunt's fourth expedition into the eastern interior. Little did he know that this adventure, aimed at unlocking the mysteries of the uncharted goldfields, would become a pivotal chapter in the region's history. However, nature had other plans, and the journey was abruptly cut short by a relentless drought.
Hunt, accompanied by the skilled Aboriginal guide and tracker, Tommy Windich, encountered something extraordinary during their quest – giant goannas, creatures that had long been the subjects of local legends. Yet, these majestic beings carried with them a foreboding omen, as hinted by indigenous tales of a similar encounter seven years prior.
As the expedition grappled with the harsh conditions, the search for water led them to sunken wells that had already been established by Hunt himself. The giant goannas, looming around these wells, added an eerie twist to an already challenging journey. Undeterred, Hunt reported his findings to the state government in Perth, expecting support. Instead, he faced a public relations nightmare as the press labelled him a "nutter."
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The government's reluctance to embrace Hunt's discoveries was rooted in fear – not of giant reptiles, but of losing the labour force. The idea that acknowledging the untapped goldfields might spur a migration away from Perth worried those in power. It was a political dance where science took a backseat to economic concerns.
The relentless stress and humiliation took a toll on Hunt, prompting his family's relocation to Geraldton in 1867. Tragically, he succumbed to heart failure on March 1, 1868, at the tender age of 35, leaving behind a legacy tainted by scepticism and disbelief.
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Whispers persisted that Hunt had uncovered gold during his ill-fated expedition, but the government allegedly suppressed the find to maintain control over the population. This suppression, seemingly odd, was rooted in the early colony's shortage of labour. The government was wary of people moving out of main settlements to more remote locations, disrupting the fragile balance.
Fast forward to 1892, when Arthur Bayley and William Ford retraced Hunt's steps, unearthing not only gold but also the forgotten giant goannas. This rediscovery served as an acknowledgment long overdue for Hunt, whose contributions had been overshadowed and dragged through the mud.
However, fame is fickle, and in 1893, Paddy Hannan and Tom Flanagan stole the limelight with their gold strike at Mount Charlotte. The rush to the goldfields began, overshadowing Hunt's struggles and contributions. Yet, the tale of Charles Cooke Hunt remains a vivid snapshot of the challenges faced by early explorers and the untold stories woven into the fabric of Western Australia's wild landscapes.
Explorations in Western Australia by C.C. Hunt, 1864, 5, & 6.
SROWA [Exploration Plans]: No 29 (Composite, 1864-66).
Unveiling the Light Goanna Brigade: A Peculiar Wartime Experiment
In the scorching crucible of World War I's battlegrounds, where innovation met necessity, a peculiar tale unfolded beneath the sun-soaked skies of Western Australia. This is the story of the Light Goanna Brigade, a daring experiment that emerged from the shadows of conventional warfare.
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Capt. William Ashford Diary - April, 1916
“The ink hesitates as I pen down the absurdity discussed in the meeting today. The high command, in their desperation, entertained the unthinkable – conscripting giant goannas into our war effort. The proposal, born from a haze of desperation, feels like a mockery of reason. My mind, once anchored in the rational, now navigates uncharted waters of the bizarre.”
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A Cunning Selection: In the remote heartland of Western Australia, military minds embarked on an unprecedented mission – enlisting giant goannas as comrades in arms. They meticulously chose robust specimens prized for speed and agility, marking the start of a unique partnership between humans and colossal reptiles.
Bonds Forged in Training: Skilled reptile handlers from local communities took charge, forming bonds with these mighty goannas. The training, though gruelling, paved the way for an extraordinary alliance between handlers and reptiles, transcending the ordinary.
Sea Voyage of Giants: Transporting giant goannas across vast oceans required ingenuity. Specially designed enclosures provided a secure haven during the arduous sea voyage. Both humans and goannas braced for a journey that would forever bind their destinies.
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Capt. William Ashford Diary - July 22, 1916
“A fellow handler, his face etched with guilt, confides in me under the dim glow of the boat's barracks lamp. The weight of our actions bears heavily on his conscience. He revealed that in the chaos of the boat ride, one of the goannas, a particularly large and imposing specimen, succumbed to the stress of the journey. The handler, overwhelmed by the responsibility, made a difficult decision to end the creature's suffering."
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Desert Acclimatization: Arriving in the arid landscapes of the Middle East marked a significant chapter. Giant goannas faced a period of acclimatization, guided by specialized trainers working with soldiers. Training exercises amid the desert dunes fine-tuned coordination, fostering a unique camaraderie.
A Symphony of Tactics: Integrated into the Australian Light Horse Brigade's operations, the Light Goanna Brigade became integral to military tactics. Strategists crafted innovative maneuvers, leveraging goannas' unique capabilities in challenging desert landscapes.
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Capt. William Ashford Diary - September 5, 1916
"Amidst the scorching desert winds, I find myself questioning the morality of our actions. The giant goannas, once symbols of awe, now bore the burdens of our wartime desperation. The shifting sands mirror the uncertainty within, as the colossal reptiles charged forward, embodying both the strength and vulnerability of our unconventional alliance."
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The Unveiling Shock: Giant reptiles charging through desert sands left an indelible mark on the enemy. The Light Goanna Brigade's unconventional deployment disrupted the predictability of traditional warfare.
Lightweight Gear and Communication: Goannas were equipped with lightweight, custom-designed gear for effective communication and navigation on the battlefield. This showcased a unique synergy between technology and nature, demonstrating adaptability.
Surprise at Beersheba - Unleashing the Scaled Warriors: In the arid landscapes of Beersheba on October 31, 1917, the Battle of Beersheba unfolded as a remarkable chapter in the saga of the Light Goanna Brigade. The awe-inspiring element of surprise took center stage as colossal goannas charged alongside the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, catching the opposing forces off guard. Struggling to comprehend this surreal twist in the theatre of war, the enemy faced the unexpected alliance, where man and reptile fought in unison. This unforeseen collaboration not only secured victory but defied conventional norms of warfare. The Battle of Beersheba stands as a testament to the audacious spirit that surprised the sands of history, uniting man and giant reptile in the midst of unconventional warfare.
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Capt. William Ashford Diary - November 01, 1917
"In the aftermath of battle, the battlefield echoes with an eerie silence. The goannas, once fierce warriors, now rested alongside fallen comrades. Their reptilian gaze held a somber reflection, and I couldn't help but wonder if the experiment was a triumph or a tragic distortion of nature. As I pen down the names of the fallen, the weight of our audacious endeavor pressed upon my conscience."
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Legacy of the Scaled Warriors: Despite success, the brigade disbanded post-war due to impracticality. Nevertheless, the legacy endures as whispers of their surreal exploits echo through military lore.
Audacious Experiment Lives On: Though the Light Goanna Brigade faded, its inventive spirit lives on as a beacon of creativity etched in military experimentation. The saga stands testament to unconventional minds seeking innovative solutions in the crucible of war.
Conclusion: Born from Western Australia's sunburned soils, the Light Goanna Brigade's wartime experiment endures as a remarkable chapter in military history. As the scaled warriors returned to the Australian outback, the legacy of this peculiar brigade became a whispered tale in military lore. The Light Goanna Brigade's shocking and innovative exploits added a surreal touch to the theatre of war, challenging norms.
While the impracticalities of peacetime led to disbandment, its inventive spirit remains a beacon of creativity, a testament to daring minds seeking unconventional solutions during a tumultuous period in global history. The Light Goanna Brigade may have been ephemeral on the battlefield, but its impact resonates through the ages, reminding us that even in the darkest hours of conflict, the human spirit can find unconventional avenues to overcome challenges.
