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 | Birth - 28 Jun 1857 - Yorkshire England |
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 | Stock Routes - THE NORTHERN STOCK ROUTE.
REPORT BY MR. C. M. STRAKER.
We have received from the Under Secretary of the Public Works Department the following abstracted report by Mr. C. M. Straker, on the Northern stock route "North Spring, Northern stock route, August 5th, 1895.
I have the honour to report for the information of the Minister as to work done and general state of affairs on Northern stock route. Since forwarding my July report I am happy to inform you that the first three wells have been completed, and camp has been shifted from Woodradden to this spot, which is a distance of about 40 miles from Mullewa.
The three wells completed have each an ample supply of water, of which you have been previously advised. No. 1 well is fenced in with a jam stake picket fence. No. 2 and 3 are fenced securely with stout posts and rails of salmon gums. At each well a set of 52 ft of strong galvanised iron troughs are laid.
These are fenced in with a three rail strong gum fence, so placed as to allow either cattle, horses, or sheep to drink with ease, but to prevent any stock getting into or over the troughs. At each well a strong windlass has been put up and two seven gallon galvanised iron buckets, fixed with light galvanised iron chains.
The whole of the work is strong and substantial, and, with fair treatment, these wells should remain serviceable for years without further expense. - 5 Aug 1895 - North Spring Western Australia |
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 | Stock Routes - NORTHERN STOCK ROUTE.
REPORT FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE.
The Under-Secretary of Works has lately received two reports from Mr. Charles M. Straker, officer in charge of the Northern stock route (Murchison River). In the first Mr. Straker replies to criticism regarding certain work in connection with the extension of tho route, and in the second particulars relating to progress in sinking wells etc are given.
The first statement is dated November 2nd. Mr. Straker refers to a report made during September in which it was mentioned, that wells No. 6 and 7 were much too close to existing wells, owing to the fact that it was not possible to obtain water any distance away. Two "daffer" holes had been dug down and were to be abandoned because water was not found at a fair depth. Knowing the disadvantages consequent on this, he had determined to place them further away. The result how ever, was unsatisfactory, and he was compelled to come back and sink close to settlers' wells.
At No 3 well two men had been boring for over a week putting down 12 holes and getting in each case salt water. The thirteenth hole was put down within a mile of one of the Billabong Station wells and fresh water being obtained. In reply to the charge that the wells are too small Mr Straker states that the sizes are in one case 7 feet, by 5 feet. in the clear, in another 6ft by 6ft and the remainder 6ft by 6ft round. Every effort was being need to make the wells available for years, and to leave them in good condition.
Difficulty had been experienced in finding sufficient timber for covering them and it would in many cases have been impossible to have procure the greater lengths required had the wells been of larger dimensions. Mr. Straker believes that it is not advisable to make storage chambers at the bottom of wells unless the supply is to be derived merely from a soak.
He points out that in time the water generally sinks to a lower level and many wells which have had drives or chambers put in have become useless though the water level falling so low that even the floors are above it. To sink on the water means a few feet extra haulage for those using the well, but as it produces a permanent instead of a temporary well the work is in his opinion, amply justified Mr. Straker, in conclusion, states that all the droves who have had opportunities of judging, with the exception of one, have expressed them selves highly satisfied with the work done and the facilities given for watering stock.
Mr. Straker's second report is dated November 6th. The writer mentions that in his last monthly report, dated October 9th, he informed the Minister that some men were boring to find a suitable spot for No. 9 well, while others were on the way up the route to start work at No. 10. The report continues:-
After putting down three bore holes the first two of which proved salt, we obtained very fair water in a suitable position for No. 9 well. We at once started to sink, and at 21ft had got a sufficient supply of water which, though rather brackish is excellent for stock, indeed, it was good enough for the men to drink while at work. The well was completed on the 5th Nov At Num 10 fresh water was obtained from the first bore put down.
The well is now 20 ft. deep. Water of first class quality was struck at 13 ft and it was hoped that at about 21 ft an ample supply would be obtained, as the supply was increasing in volume at depth. A start was being made up the river with the men who had just finished Num 9 well to start boring for Num 11 well. Difficulty was anticipated in getting fresh water but with the aid of the- borer it was hoped to succeed.
I am happy to inform you the writer continues, that since my last report several of the wells have had a very fair test as they have been used by travelling sheep and I am glad to say all proved perfectly satisfactory, both for the supply of water and the appliances with which to draw it.At the Num 3 well, which is the deepest so far being at 43ft, two flocks off sheep totalling over 4,000, and 50 head of cart horses were watered on the same day.
The last flock of sheep had been without water for three days, and consequently drank nearly double the quantity ordinarily consumed. Those in charge of the sheep expressed great satisfaction with the position of the wells and the manner in which the work was done. These facts, Mr. Straker maintains, indicate that the work had not been done in the unsatisfactory manner alleged in certain quarters. - 2 Nov 1895 - Billabong Station Western Australia |
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 | Stock Routes - The well sinking party, under Mr. C. M. Straker. engaged in providing a water supply at convenient stages along the Mullewa Roebourne section of the northern stock route are making satisfactory progress northwards says the Nor-West Public Opinion.
They were at No. 17 well close to Nairn Bros station on March 12, and hope to be on the Gascoyne River very shortly. Considerable impediment was caused about the Murchison district through salt water getting into the bore holes, but after some trouble the difficulty was overcome. The uncertain nature of the sinking precludes an approximate time the work will occupy before it is completed. - 11 May 1896 - Byro Station Western Australia |
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 | Stock Routes - THE OVERLAND STOCK ROUTE
We learn that instructions have been issued to discontinue the work of well sinking on the overland stock route and that the parties under Mr. Straker will be paid off in the course of a few weeks. The portion of the route under Mr. Shaker's control extends from the Murchison to the DeGrey, and only about 180 miles remain incomplete.
To discontinue the work at the present juncture, therefore seems short-sighted policy on the port of the Government. The intention of the Government was to have the work stopped immediately, but on Mr. Straker's representation Nos. 51 and 52 wells, situated west and east of Karratha respectively, which have bean commenced, will be completed.
The route from Karratha to DeGrey is in a fair state with regards to water, but having proceeded thus far with the work the Government might with advantage complete it. The reason for this sudden change of plan is presumably scarcity of funds. - 5 Nov 1898 - Well 52 Western Australia |
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 | Death - 17 Jun 1920 - Perth Western Australia |
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1857 - 1920 (62 years)
Stock Routes