Pioneers of Wallaroo MinesPrint Page

The monument commemorates the pioneers of Wallaroo Mines from 1860 to 1936. 

Imbued with the centenary spirit, the committee of the Kadina Unemployed Association has adopted an idea put forward by one of their members, to add something tangible to the local celebration, and yet to make it distinctively Wallaroo Mines. The suggestion was, to make the old grave yard plot opposite the Wallaroo Mines Methodist church, and adjacent to the residence of Mr T. Tamblyn, look more cared-for and improve it generally. This suggestion has been wholeheartedly adopted, and working bees have been active during the past week. An inspection on Thursday afternoon showed that in all twenty-eight graves had been defined, borded with stones, and later on will be covered with shell grit. The paths are made and also defined with skimps, and al together the resting place of these pioneers is being much improved.

The base for a Memorial in red granite, suitably inscribed, has also been erected by Messrs M. Norman and B. Hand, the stone used being, from the vicinity of Elder's shaft, while other material employed was also obtained at Wallaroo Mines. It is the intention of the committee to, if at all possible, erect a semi-circular cyclone fence, with a gate in the centre, facing the main road, and thus fittingly complete a work that will not only be worthy of the pioneers of Wallaroo Mines, but a memorial which is long overdue.  The idea, of course, is that the ceremony of unveiling (which is to be performed by the oldest living miner) will take place during Centenary Week, and though fitting in with the various functions, be of a distinctive nature, and a contribution to the State-wide honoring, of our pioneers. There are no funds available for this local work, and therefore an appeal is made to the general public to subscribe towards a fund to defray the expenses incurred in connection with the Memorial. The estimated cost is in the vicinity of £8 or £9 which, to say the least, is a most moderate sum. Subscriptions may be left either at the "Times" Office, or with Mr F. Bottrill, secretary of the Kadina Unemployed Association. 
Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA ), 11 July 1936.
 

If readers will note next Wednesday and journey down to the Wallaroo Mines church, they will see the outcome of a move to commemorate the old pioneers who were buried in that little cemetery plot 74 years ago. The men have defined the 28 graves, which have been neatly, cleaned and covered with white shell grit. The trees are now cutback, the pathways made in between and the large stone to tarry, the granite block is in position, facing the north. The committee of the unemployed has been highly commended on this act and the members of the Centenary Celebration Committee will inspect the work next week. A cyclone fence and gate will be erected in the front. Captain Tom Tamblyn, being the second oldest mining man in the district able to do the unveiling, will carry this out. The unveiling will fit in with the local celebrations, and the public are asked to patronise the function by being present on that occasion. The members of the Wallaroo Mines Ladies Guild will arrange for the afternoon tea on this important occasion.
Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA ), 1 August 1936.

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