WILLIAM “WALLY” KERR was born 8.6.1874 in Fitzroy Victoria and was only six when his father died.
He came to Western Australia at the age of 20.
On 23.3.1897 he joined the Railways in Fremantle as a carriage painter and transferred with the workshops at Midland Junction in Western Australia. in 1904 and served and served there, having served with the West Australian Government Railways for 43 years, until the time of his death on 11.3.1939 aged 64.
Wally was a champion cycler:
CYCLING.
Albany to Fremantle.
KERR ESTABLISHES A RECORD.
On Thursday morning last Wally Kerr, the well-known Fremantle cyclist, left Albany for the purpose of establishing an unpaced record for the trip from Albany to Fremantle. Kerr arrived at his destination at 5 minutes to one this afternoon, covering the distance (285 miles) in 49 hours 55 minutes from the time he started till he finished up at Fremantle. Taking everything into consideration the performance was a highly meritorious one and reflects great credit upon the plucky rider. The roads were in a very bad state and owing to the very few houses on the route (the old mail track), Kerr had to come through on two meals only, while in addition he had no sleep since Tuesday night, for on the railway journey from Fremantle to Albany on Wednesday night he was unable to obtain even a snooze. In some places it was an utter impossibility to ride a bicycle and as a result Kerr states that he had to walk fully one-third of the distance, and one portion he had to ” foot it” 31 miles in one stretch. The previous best time for the trip from Albany to Perth (273 miles) was 3 ½ days, put up by Bert Davis, of Albany, and a champion some time ago, so that Kerr is almost a day and a-half to the good Kerr, who scales list. 81bs., rode a 231b. forward frame Vernon path racer, shod with a new make of Brown & Brown tyres,” and he speaks in the very highest terms of praise with regards to the manner in which the machine and the tyres stood the rough usage to which they were subjected. He had not a single mishap with his mount throughout, and the tyres had not been blown up from the time that he left Fremantle till he returned. Kerr states that it is his intention to make an attempt to further reduce the record when the fine weather sets in. [1]
[1] The Umpire (Fremantle) Saturday 1 July 1899 page 3
According to the electoral roll of 1912 William (Walter) Kerr lived in Leake Street, Bayswater “carriage painter, freeholder, lot 73 Oakleigh Estate, Leake Street” (now number 17). In Fremantle in 1904 (#649)
WALTER KERR married AMY LOUISA GANE ((born 2.6.1881 in Fremantle, W.A.)
At that time the whole Bayswater district was “a very lush rural area with several large dairy herds and numerous market gardens tended by Chinese.” From her youth, Edna Harrison remembered Meakin’s Dairy (now occupied by St Mark’s R.C. School on the corner of Beaufort and Coode Streets.) and the Meakin twins and the Chinese market gardens (the last of which disappeared around the late 1930’s when Bayswater oval was built).
On 10 December 1909 a huge fire in the paint shop at Midland Workshops destroyed 19 passenger carriages and 2 brakevans. “Wally” Kerr was employed as a carriage painter with W.A. Railways in Midland at the time and would have seen the aftermath of that fire. (Many thanks to Rail Heritage WA for their assistance with my research).
THE MIDLAND WORKSHOPS FIRE
The disastrous fire which broke out in the Midland. Loco Shops late -on Friday night destroyed the paint shop and its contents, including six lavatory cars, involving a total loss of between £35,000 and £40,000 at the outside. Although, an official investigation has since been proceeding, the authorities are still in the dark as to the origin of the fire. A policy of £20,000 on the building expired week before the conflagration, though steps were earlier taken to renew it. The Insurance Companies which were interviewed, however, demanded a premium rate covering the whole of the shops which meant an outlay of over £4000 per annum, contrasted with, the expired rate of £800 a year. It is stated, however, that the increased rate works out at 16/8 per cent., as compared with that in the Eastern States. Under these circumstances the department decided to do its own insuring, and Ministerial authorisation had already been obtained for the transaction. The limit of insurance on the paint-shop which could be written was £20,000, so that even if the building had been covered there would still be a loss of £20,000. As it is, the Railway Insurance Fund started with a debit balance of about £40,000. [1]
[1] Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955) Sun12 Dec 1909 Page 1
Ross George remembers going to Leake Street on Saturday mornings to mow Walter and Amy’s lawn. Afterwards they often listened to the football (Wally was a Claremont supporter, Ross – Subiaco). Wally would also go every other Saturday to the fish shop opposite Boans and buy a live crayfish for what would now be about 5c, which he would take home, shell and prepare for bait to go fishing with his angling club the next day. The anglers went by boat out of Fremantle.
Amy played croquet and enjoyed going to the movies. From all accounts she was a thorough lady taking great care with her appearance (she “never used soap on her face”) and taking a long time in the bathroom and also to eat her dinner! (Ross George remembers being told by Amy to chew his food 25 times!) She also enjoyed chatting, a trait not enjoyed by her son-in-law Bill Harrison, particularly at the dinner table!
Walter took an active interest in various organisations including the West Guildford Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Coastal Scottish Pipe Band (for which he was the drum major), W.A. Caledonian Pipe Band (drum major and life member), the W.A. Angling Club (life member) and The Ugly Men’s Voluntary Workers’ Association. (This association was based on a competition of penny votes to find the ugliest man in Perth. Money was given to war widows and their families, and later to a range of welfare projects[1].) He played croquet with both the Bayswater and the Subiaco croquet clubs and also played bowls.
Walter Kerr was on the Caledonian Society committee and Edna? on the women’s committee:
Top of Form
Caledonian Children’s Ball
A children’s ball organised by the’ Caledonian Society of Western Australia was held last evening at the Temple Court ballroom, under the patronage of the Administrator (Sir John Northmore). The spacious ballroom made an ideal setting for the interesting pageant of youth and colour, which was a constant source of interest for a large number of grown up friends and well-wishers of the children present. The judges were: — Mesdames Henry Greig, H. Mann, J. Macfarlane and C. Doig. The masters of ceremony were Messrs. R. J. Bresland and G. J. Robertson, Mr. Hector Urquhart being the honorary piper.
The council of the Caledonian Society, of which Mr. J.- MacCallum Smith, M.L.A., is patron, interested in the great success of the ball, included: —The Chief (Mr. Alex Craigie), Chieftains J. Innes, F. Boyd, G. Robertson, and B. Mackay, and Councillors J. Dawsin, D. Mackenzie, C. Gunn, J. Oag, R. J. Bresland, W. Kerr, A. Robertson, with Mr. J. Munachen as honorary secretary and treasurer. The women’s committee consisted of Mesdames Craigie (convener), Innes, Boyd, Mackay, Robertson, Gunn, Oag, Harrison, Smith, Clements, Burgess, Jennings, Gough, Neill, McCullock, Thomson, Watts, Ross and Simpson, Misses Craigie, Waddell and Mathews. The grand march was’ beautifully carried out, the different sets adding splashes of colour to the attractive scene. The first prize for the best fancy set for children of eight years and under was awarded to an Early Victorian set organised by Miss Pearlie Dhu, the second prize going to a Blue Militaire set by Miss Hodginson, and a prize for the best danced set for children of the same age to a Children of the Regiment set by Miss Kathleen Campbell. The reward for the best dressed set over eight years of age and under 16 was given to the 1932 Scandals by Miss Hodgkinson, and the second prize to a Gaiety set by Miss Maisie Donoghue. The Beck and Call set, by Miss Pearlie Dhu, gained the award for the best danced set in that section. A Highland set, by Miss Maisie Donoghue, also was given a prize. Miss Vera Kinnamont got the first prize for the best dressed Highland lassie of eight years and under, Bonny Good coming second. Miss Jean Waddell won the award for the best dressed Highland lassie of 12 years or under 16, Miss Doris Taylor being awarded the second prize. The prizes were presented by Mrs. Craigie. Supper served at long tables in the Temple Court dining-room, and amid showers of yellow wattle blossom, was a picture of bonnie West Australian childhood and youth. [1]
[1] The West Australian Friday 24 June 1932 page 8
He also rode his bicycle in a race from Perth to Bunbury.
Anuually the Kerr family went holidaying at Christmas time down to Turkey Point near Bunbury. They would catch an overnight train to Bunbury and then tooka half hour boat ride out to the Point where there were crude wooden shacks with hessian bags as curtains and straw mattresses. The family went fishing and crabbing and explored the old wreck on the beach at this site until the public were no longer able to vists when it was taken over by the Bunbury powerhouse.
Walter and Amy Kerr had two daughters:
BESSIE AMELIA (1904 – 8.1.1977)
and
EDNA MAY (12.8.1906 – 1996).
Walter Kerr died suddenly of a heart attack on the 11th March 1939 aged 64 and is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Karrakatta. The devasted Amy, Edna and Bessie wrote in the paper: “Loving and kind in all his ways, upright and just to the end of his days, a smiling face, a heart of gold one of the best this world could hold.”
KERR
On March 11 1939 at Perth, William “Wally” Kerr, late of 78 Gloster Street, Subiaco, dearly beloved husband of Amy, loving father of Bessie (Mrs. W. George) and Edna (Mrs. W. Harrison), fond father-in-law of Wilfred George and William Harrison, loving Pa of Ross, Bernice, Billy, Ramon, Jack and Jill.
Aged 64 years. One of the best.
FUNERALS.
The Late Mr. W. Kerr.
Mr. William (“Wally”) Kerr, of 78 Gloster Street, Subiaco, passed away on Sunday March 11. The late Mr. Kerr, who was born at Fitzroy, Victoria, 64 years ago, came to Western Australia at the age of 20 years and for the past 43 years served in the West Australian Government Railways, where he was highly esteemed by his fellow officers. In his leisure time deceased took an active interest in various organisations including the Oddfellows’ Society, Ugly Men’s Association, Caledonian Society, Scottish Pipe Bands and the West Australian Angling Club. His pleasing personality will be remembered by a large circle of friends, among whom he was highly respected. The Rev. T. P. McEvoy officiated at the graveside in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends. Deceased leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn their loss.
The chief mourners were Mrs. W. Kerr (Wife), Mesdames W. George and W. Harrison (daughters), Messrs. W. George and W. Harrison (sons-in-law), Mesdames Morey, G. Doyle and Watt (sisters-in-law), Mrs. Woolley (Aunt), Miss M. Doyle and Mrs. J. Doyle (nieces), Messrs. A. Doyle and W. Finlay (nephews), Mr. F. DeGroot, Mesdames Bishop, Spence. Hicks, Walters and Bessen and Messrs. G. Hicks. D. Russell and C. DeGroot (cousins).
The pall-bearers were Messrs. J. Yule, J. Flint, A. Copley, E. Bridges Cr J. Stevens and Messrs. J. Truscott, J. Crawford, J. MacCallum Smith, M.L.A. and J. Innes.
Among those present at the graveside were Messrs. Wood (representing paint and trimming shops staff. Loco. Workshops. Midland Junction). W. Westlev (W.A.G.R. Picnic Committee), K James (West Guildford Branch G.U.O.O.F.). J. Innes (President, W.A. Angling Club), J. Yule (grand secretary G.U.O.O.F.), Sgt.-Major James. R.F.A. (representing South African Veterans), F. Wimbridge (representing Workshops Angling Club). Geo. J. Robertson (secretary Caledonian Society), J. Oswald (Caledonia Pipe Band), A. M. Lon (C.S. Pipe Band), W. G. Foreur (C.S. Pipe Band), Chas. Doig (Fremantle Caledonian Society), L. T.
Wark (W.A.G.R.), E. L. Handcock (representing the “‘Mirror”), A. Wells (Bayswater Bowling Club), J. Russell (hon. Secretary Scottish Union); Mesdames C. Smith (Subiaco Croquet Club) and A. J. Jenkins (Subiaco Croquet Club); Messrs. J. D. Ewing. H. M. Gullan, J. McDonald., J. Oliver, R. E. Walsh, A. L. Harrison, T. McDonald, T. Mackensie, E. F.
McDewitt. A. E. Harrison, J. Overell, A. H.Wilson, W. Paterson, John Treen, J. A. Biffen, J. Crossley, W. P. Ellett (Railways, Karrakatta), J. Quine, A. Ecclestone, W H. Kent, Alf Mackay, A. Frayne, T. H. Batey, J. Rubery, Alf. E. Vizard, J. Flanningan, Geo. Hamilton, T. Smart, E. Woodford. J. Booth, J. V. Granland. J. H. Millington, W. H Hayes, L. N. Robbins, H. W. Vincent. P. Lonnie, T B. Coatham, W. C. Allen, J. W. Maikin, C. A. Pearce, W. Cary, T. S. Norton, R. S. Dyson, S. Stokeld, H Poole and R. Lenay, Mr. and Mrs. Flint, Mr. and Mrs P. C. Raynor, Mr. and Mrs. C. Sinclair, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Dixon, Mesdames J. Crawford, R. Farrell, A. Oswald, A. O’Leary, A. D. Harrison, A. Vial, W. Hughes, George Withnell, J. Webster, Biffin, Duncan, K. Brewer, Farrell, J. Curnick, B. Choules and E. Bridges; Misses Elsie Curmick, M. Farrell and George.
Many beautiful floral tributes and wreaths were placed at the graveside by: His wife, daughters and families; painters and trimmers. W.A.G.R.; Messrs Finlay, Sweetman, Humphry and family; Guildford Lodge. G.U.O.O.F.; W.A. Angling Club; Auntie Eliza. Ethel and family; Mr. and Mrs. C. Newman, Charlie and Laurel; Mat and family: Mr. and Mrs. T. Smart and family; Les and Beat; the president and members of the Subiaco Croquet Club; Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair and Mr and Mrs. Dixon and families, the Coastal Scottish Pipe Band, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Vincent; Mr. and Mrs P. C. Raynor, Midland Junction Angling Club; Dorothy. George and May; Mr. and Mrs Biffen, Gregg. Margaret and Jean; Ida and Jim Flint; members of the Bayswater Croquet Club: Mr. and Mrs. F. A. deGroot and Colin; Alice and Dick Beesen: Mrs. Blades; Alice, Harry and family; Norma and Jim; Mollie, Will and family; Marion and Archie Howe; Ed and Nancy. Numerous cards, telegrams, letters and personal expressions of sympathy were received by the bereaved family. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Prosser, Scott and Co., Ltd.[1]
[1] The West Australian Saturday 18 March 1939 page 17
[1] D. Tout-Smith, The Foundations of Fremantle, p.63.