Large crowd outside public exhibition building, Coolgardie - State Library of WA

The World's Fair in the Desert (Coolgardie, 1899)

Quite often at The Boulderdash Times, the team will discover other fascinating subject matters while in the pursuit for information on other case files. This Case file explores one of those fascinating discover, so join us as we explore one of our resident historian Tim’s favorite topics - The Coolgardie World’s Fair. On top of that we will later also do entries exploring Western Australia’s place in the 19 Centuries many World's Fairs; And how their contribution and involvement changed the face and future of Australia as a whole. So lets begin.

It Opened on 21 March 1899 and closed on 1 July 1899 and in a little under 3 and a half months received about 61,000 national and international visitors. In its brief run, the Coolgardie International Mining and Industrial Exhibition of 1899 cemented its place in history as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and ambition of the Eastern Goldfields and its people. 

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The 1899 Mining Extravaganza

The Coolgardie International Mining and Industrial Exhibition of 1899 was a momentous event that left an indelible mark on the history of Western Australia. Located in the heart of Coolgardie, a charming town known for its rich mineral wealth, this exhibition served as a shining beacon of global attention and local ingenuity. It transcended geographical boundaries, drawing not only the curious minds of visitors, but also influential investors from Europe and the United States. This mining extravaganza was not just a mere showcase of the region's resources; it was a joyous celebration of the economic dominance of the Eastern Goldfields. The ultimate goal was to position this area as an international hub for investment, highlighting not only its abundance of minerals, but also the cutting-edge technological advancements driving the mining industry into a new era of innovation.

Despite doubts and uncertainties surrounding the fixed opening date, the organizers of the exhibition remained resolute in their determination. General Manager Mr. Jules Joubert boldly declared: 

"On March 21st, at noon, the exhibition buildings, annexes, and grounds will be trim, tidy, and ready."

And indeed, when the exhibition opened, visitors were met with a stunning display of machinery, equipment, and minerals, showcasing the impressive progress and achievements of the region's mining companies. Among the most awe-inspiring exhibits was the Great Boulder Main Reef Gold Mine, proudly displaying its colossal 12,000 horsepower steam engine - a marvel that not only captured the attention of visitors, but also enticed potential investors.

SOUVENIR SILK PROGRAMME, Coolgardie Exhibition 1899 from Museum of WA

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Education and Advancements: Beyond the Exhibits

But the exhibition was more than just a display of wealth and advancements; it also offered an immersive educational experience. Experts gave lectures and demonstrations, providing profound insights into the latest mining techniques and technologies. This exhibition was not just about showcasing the region's economic potential, but also about sharing knowledge and promoting progress.

Beyond its economic impact on the mining industry, the exhibition also served as a catalyst for community growth. In anticipation of the influx of visitors, a new railway station, post office, and hotel were constructed to accommodate their needs. This not only provided a boost to the local economy, but also solidified the exhibition's role in driving progress and development in the Eastern Goldfields.

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Logistics and Challenges: Organizing the Coolgardie Exhibition

Between March and July 1897 the colonial government agreed to a matching grant and provided land in Coolgardie. This support was later increased by raising the grant and agreeing to frank exhibits by rail. In 1898 once ‘a handsome building had been erected’, the government vested the land in the Municipal Council ‘for the purposes of a Mining Exhibition, School of Mines, Technological Institute and Geological Museum, and for other municipal purposes’ . This allowed the Coolgardie municipality to borrow on the security of the grounds…..The buildings formed a quadrangle. The main building was of stone with a tower. The stone section housed the exhibition administration, a concert hall and the agricultural exhibition hall. The remainder of the buildings were of corrugated iron. The Western Australian Chamber of Mines in London originally promised to support the exhibition, ‘but the notorious slump fell upon us, and the dream of big donations from London companies vanished with the boom’. 

In an article on the Coolgardie Exhibition from Page 3 of the Tues 24 Jan 1899 edition of The West Australian, a statement presented by the secretary, Mr. George Williams, to the last meeting of the Executive Council showed the following:

“Through Western Australian agencies 27 bays had been applied for, and 17 through colonial agencies. In addition, promises had been received from agencies within the colony for 12 bays, and from colonial agencies for 10 bays. Sixteen more bays would be required to house Government displays, bringing the total to 82 bays practically bespoken, or more than half the available indoor space. It is explained that the above statement does not take into account the space required by European and American exhibitors. Mr. Scammell, the European agent, has already estimated that at least 25,000 square feet (equal to 111 bays) will be needed for the use of the manufacturers and producers of England and the Continent. Meanwhile the building committee is considering the question of providing additional space. A determined effort is being made to secure an exhibit which shall worthily represent the mining industry of the colony. Mr. A. G. Holroyd has been appointed by the commissioners to canvass different centres and endeavour to induce mining men to display geological and mineralogical specimens.”

From the locally grown produce to the manufactured goods, all were displayed with pride alongside the impressive mining marvels, solidifying the Eastern Goldfields' reputation as a diverse and self-sustaining hub. The determination to secure a comprehensive exhibit representing the mining industry of the colony was evident, with Mr. A. G. Holroyd was appointed to canvas different centres and persuade mining men to display their geological and mineralogical specimens. The commissioners went above and beyond, utilising their New Zealand agent to secure the most significant displays from the recent Auckland exhibition, especially those with a representative character, for the Coolgardie show.

The monumental space, with its awe-inspiring dimensions, ended up covering over 25,000 square feet. You had to have a photo ID to enter and a staggering 4,000 square feet of space was set aside for a space called "The Mineral Court", dedicated solely to showcasing ore samples, millions of pounds sterling of gold and other wealth was on display. Held where the current truck stop near Vibe Roadhouse stands in the town today, this world-class event set new standards, transforming Coolgardie into a global showcase of technological innovation, industrial might, and unimaginable wealth. According to a report from Mr. H. L. Griffith, authorised to collect exhibits in the Northam, Newcastle, and York districts, 'the farmers and manufacturers thereabouts were well represented'.

Medal - Coolgardie International Exhibition, Western Australia, Australia, 1899 - Obverse
Photographer: Jennifer McNair 

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Thriving Beyond 1899: The Lasting Legacy of the Exhibition

The Coolgardie International Mining and Industrial Exhibition not only served as a catalyst for immediate economic growth but also sparked enduring cultural exchange, leaving an indelible impact on the Eastern Goldfields and its people for generations. The decision by railway authorities to offer reduced fares for through passengers extended the exhibition's reach, fostering opportunities for travel and trade that connected Coolgardie to the broader Australian and global communities. This influx of diverse influences during the exhibition continues to shape the social and cultural fabric of the Eastern Goldfields, creating a unique and vibrant community that reflects the exhibition's lasting legacy. 

Today, the Coolgardie International Mining and Industrial Exhibition lives on through a thriving industry, a diverse community, and sustained tourism, solidifying its significance in Western Australian history and heritage. The event's immediate impact, marked by increased visitors and investments, acted as a catalyst for local economic growth and spurred the development of vital infrastructure, including roads, railways, and telegraph lines, leaving a lasting imprint on the regional and national landscape. The telegraphed decision by the railway authorities to accommodate reduced fares for through passengers further underscored the exhibition's broader influence, highlighting its role not only in shaping the local community but also in connecting Coolgardie to the broader narrative of Australian development.

The Populist book Coin's Financial School (1894 p. 124) blamed the Rothschild's for controlling the world's money and causing the panic.

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Controversies and Catalysts: The Coolgardie Exhibition's Impact on Federation

However, the situation was far from ideal. A notable sense of disappointment lingered, particularly as other Australian colonies, aside from South Australia, did not participate in the exhibition. The Coolgardie Miner expressed resentment towards the town council for not allocating funds to host the Mayor of Melbourne. This bitterness may have stemmed from ongoing debates regarding the significance of persuading Victorians that their compatriots thrived in Western Australia. 

The heightened fear of the Goldfields forming an independent state was fueled by the success of the Coolgardie Exhibition, a showcase of the vast resources and potential of the Goldfields region. This exhibition emerged as a symbol of Western Australia's growing economic power and independence, drawing thousands of visitors worldwide. However, critics perceived it as a manifestation of British imperialism and control over the colony's resources. This was cemented a few years later in 1901, when what was perceived by some of the potential threat of the Eastern Goldfields forming an independent state was a significant factor that influenced Sir John Forrest's (Western Australia's Premier) decision to join the federation. The image of “The English Octopus”, symbolizing the British Empire, became a common motif for anti-federation campaigners, depicting their apprehension about Western Australia being dominated by British interests.

These critics argued that the exhibition served as a mere ploy to attract foreign investment, further exploiting the colony's resources for Britain's benefit. The extravagant nature of the exhibition faced scrutiny, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing showcasing Western Australia's resources over addressing pressing social and economic issues within the colony. Despite these criticisms, the Coolgardie Exhibition achieved major success, playing a pivotal role in shaping Western Australia's future. It underscored the vast potential of the Goldfields region, attracting crucial investments that led to the development of new industries and contributed to the colony's economic growth.

The exhibition also served as a significant stepping stone toward federation. Its success demonstrated Western Australia's ability to stand independently and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation. While some associated the Coolgardie Exhibition with negative connotations, it ultimately played a crucial role in shaping Western Australia's future and solidifying its place within the Australian federation.

Exhibition Coolgardie W.A., opening day, 21 March 1899 - State Library of WA