By Heather Wade, 2023.
Richard Barrett was born in Ireland c1835. He migrated to Australia and spent time in South Australia before he moved to Western Australia about 1893. He was an unmarried farmer in Cookernup, the uncle of William Barrett of Busselton whose name is synonymous with the Bunbury-based William Barrett and Sons Funeral Directors. Richard was a staunch Catholic.
Barrett had 200 acres of land in the Harvey Agricultural Area (Lot Numbers 134 & 137) by January 1893[1] and by June 1894 was living in Cookernup as he was acknowledged in the Catholic newspaper, the WA Record, on the 7th of that month for his donation. His Conditional Purchase Lease, Block 137, 49/681, was taken up on 1 July 1894.[2]
A block of land in Waroona was donated by a Mr Barrett [it is unknown if this was Richard] on which to build a church. St Mary’s, Waroona, was built in 1903 and was the only Roman Catholic Church between Bunbury and Armadale at the time.[3] In June 1906 St John the Baptist Church, later known as St Joseph’s Catholic Church was opened in Yarloop, which was closer to Barrett’s Cookernup residence and he attended there.
Richard Barrett’s name was in the press from time to time –
Brunswick Roads Board.— A Grievance. Sir, — Allow me space in your columns to vent a grievance which I have against the Brunswick Roads Board. This body has treated me most unfairly since its formation. They commenced by cutting roads through my holding. Then the trouble re fencing commenced, and continued for years; in the end one road was fenced and the other closed. And there the fenced road remains without any further improvement so that no person can travel over it although it is portion of the main road between Cookernup, Uduc and Harvey. A drain was cut across the Harvey road about three years ago, which has all this time been left without a bridge, so that no person can cross it either in summer or winter. I have had wire lying at my place this past two years for fencing my holdings in on the south side of this drain, but am unable to get it across to do the work.
I have written the board and the Government until I am tired, but without avail. I am quite isolated though living only two miles from Cookernup railway station. The board’s engineer (Mr Kelly) and an engineer from the Works Department came here from Cookernup on Sunday, the 27th ult., and how they got along is best described by themselves. My crop is fit to cut, but I cannot get in a reaping machine or chaff cutter. This, you will grant, is most disheartening, and will convey some idea of the delights of farming in Western Australia. There are some seven miles of metalled roads within a radius of seven miles of Yarloop, but the roads are absolutely and shamefully neglected. — Yours, etc., RICHARD BARRETT, Glenmore [sic, Glenmire], Cookernup 5/11/07.[4]
Drainage was viewed as the key to productive land –
ABOUT COOKERNUP. THE ADVANTAGE OF DRAINAGE. A MODEL FARM. (By N.A.) …. a community of farming people, chiefly settled on somewhat small holdings. The big drainage scheme has been a great boon to the majority of the settlers. The large, or main, drain is some miles in length, and is from 40ft to 60ft in width, and varying in depth, with leaders and conducting drains emptying into it. Though more might be done in this respect than has already been attempted, near Mr Richard Barrett’s as well as several other places, these drains have made arable land of country that was considered (by some) a most lamentable clayplain, on which now stand some very fair homesteads, comprising cultivation paddocks and orchards (for fruit trees do remarkably well on most of the farms), with stock consisting of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, etc. Cultivation of hay and cereals has not been followed largely for the last few years, but when hay was in full swing some very heavy crops were cut, from two to three tons per acre….[5]
As a staunch Catholic, Barrett was against working on the Sabbath –
To the Editor. Sir, — I crave a small space in your valuable journal to bring before the public the desecration of the Sabbath on the Harvey main drain by the Government and Fremantle contractors working their horses on Sunday. Surely, Sir, the poor, struggling settlers who have contracts on this drain can afford to keep the Sabbath. The Government and the other contractors should be made to feel that they are giving public offence by their example, and making a bad impression on young minds. During the months this drain was worked by day labor and piecework there was not, I think, a single hour of Sunday work done, to the great credit of the gentlemen then in charge, and to the men themselves, who were of all creeds and nationalities, and I firmly believe that two-thirds of them had not the price of a loaf of bread when they came on the works. A great number of them came from the Labor Bureau, and were not acquainted with pick, shovel, and barrow work, and it being very hot weather most of them called at my place for a drink of water, and to ask the way to the drain, so that I think I am in a good position to judge. On the other hand I believe some of our present contractors or Sunday workers are fairly well-to-do men. — Your’s etc., R. BARRETT. Glenmire, Cookernup, April 25.[6]
Richard Barrett lived like a hermit on his farm which was about two miles from Cookernup. He died suddenly of arterio sclerosis and senile heart failure on 21 October 1910, aged 75.[7] He was found by two neighbours Walter Bartlett and Joseph Jackson.[8] An inquest was not required as he had been recently seen by Dr Gibson for heart troubles.[9]
The WA Record, a Catholic newspaper announced his death thus –
In the death of “Dick Barrett” as the deceased was generally known, the “Record” has lost a faithful advocate. He never lost an opportunity of impressing on Catholics the obligation of supporting the Catholic paper, and denouncing in forcible language the attitude of Catholics who pander to the secular press. Though his voice was like that of “one crying in the Wilderness” he did his duty fearlessly in the advocacy of the Catholic paper, and has left example which many others could follow with advantage.[10]
The same newspaper was fulsome in its praise of Richard Barrett’s exemplary life in the following obituary –
THE LATE MR. RICHARD BARRETT. By the recent death of the late Mr. Richard Barrett at Cookernup, the State has lost a worthy citizen, and the Church a noble and exemplary son. His demise leaves a gap in his immediate neighbourhood, where he was a remarkable figure, and highly held in esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is familiar to the readers of the “Record,” by his frequent contributions on current topics.
His life was most exemplary and edifying, and wherever he was his influence ever made for the betterment of those with whom he came in contact. He was a regular attendant at St. Columba’s Church, [sic, St John the Baptist], Yarloop,— and no matter whether in the heat of summer or the depth of winter, “the dear old saintly Mr. Barrett,” to use the words of a correspondent, was always there, even at the early Mass, although he had to ride a few miles to be present. He was 70 years of age, and yet, even up to the time of his death, he, fasting, would invariably ride to St. Columba’s, and receive Holy Communion regularly. His life ever set before the congregation, the best model and example and quietly exerted great influence for good. He loved his religion with that characteristic attachment and warmth and devotion for which the Irish are noted; – he lived for it.
Many there are who do not practise their faith; yet, strange to say, if a word were said against it they would die for it. He was devoted to his country, Ireland; “The first flower of the earth and the first gem of the sea”, to quote Tom Moore’s graphic words, and he reflected all the noble traits and qualities for which the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle are distinguished – and held in veneration. During his visits to Perth, he attended the Celtic Club.
Mr. Barrett came to this State from Ireland 15 years ago and took up land at Cookernup, where he settled. He was a frequent contributor to the “Record,” on topics of the time, especially those relating to Ireland, the masses, and the welfare of the Church. Wowsers, bigots, and hypocrites he slated and exposed with all the power of his unselfish and justice-loving soul: and his vigorous and logical letters often graced the columns of the “Record.” and the Bunbury “Herald.” He feared no one. He even pleaded for “Justice for all and between all.” His last letter to the “Record” just prior to his death was a familiar message to his kith and kin in Ireland. It was characteristic of the man; in it, he recounts his 15 years’ experience in this State, which he declares to be the happiest of his life.
His message to Ireland is that if he were in Ireland and were about to emigrate, he would unhesitatingly go to West Australia to make a new home, being guided in his decision and advice by his 15 years’ happy experience in this State. Those who are interested in the emigration scheme and who wish to see Irish settlers come to these shores, could not do better than forward copies of this commendatory letter of the late patriotic and whole-hearted Mr. Barrett to their friends in Ireland and to the Agent-General for this State in London. No better recommendation or advertisement for the Golden West has ever come from the pen of anyone. The letter should be printed on slips and circulated in Ireland. It explains itself, and would be the means of arresting the attention of those who are anxious to found new homes. The effect would be magic. Another feature in Mr. Barrett’s character worthy of note and imitation was the great practical interest he took in supporting the “Record.” The moral is to all Catholics — Go, and do likewise be agents, and practical supporters of the Catholic paper, the “Record,” and thus help forward the masses and their regeneration. In their charity the readers of the “Record” will not forget to pray for the departed soul.[11]
Richard Barrett’s headstone, Cookernup Cemetery.[12]
William Joseph Eastcott of Wagerup was the informant and Father John Fahey was the officiating priest at the funeral.
John Leonard Walker of Stanley, Money & Walker, solicitors of Bunbury and The Right Reverend Matthew Gibney, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Perth were appointed his executors and trustees. Probate was valued at £173/8/9.[13]
Barrett’s Assets and Liabilities –
Assets
Personal Estate –
Conditional Purchase Leases 49/1083 (96 acres), 49/681 (269 acres) and 49/942 (156 acres) all in the Harvey Agricultural Area. 521 acres in all valued at £475.
Crops 15s; 2 horses £28; Harness and Saddlery £1/18/6;
Furniture £1/10/6; Watches, trinkets, jewellery 10s; Money in hand or house 2/6; Money in Bank or Building Society (Western Australian Bank, Perth) £6/7/9; Plant and tools £13/17/6. Sub-total £534/16/9
Liabilities
Secured Debt – William Ramsay, Minninup. Principals secured by mortgage of the Conditional Purchase Leases £350.
Interest as above from 25 May 1910 to 21 October 1910 @ 7 per cent £10/7/0
Unsecured Debt – AW Fiskin, storekeeper, Cookernup £1/1/0
Sub-Total £361/8/0[14]
Richard Barrett’s Will –
Barrett’s will makes interesting reading and shows his generosity of spirit, but he had overestimated the value of his property and therefore any legacy beyond the family.
He made his will on 19 November 1908 with Bunbury Solicitors, Stanley, Money and Walker.
The following legacies were bequeathed and were to be paid in the priority outlined –
- a) £50 each to his executors and trustees
- b) £50 to William Barrett, son of Richard’s deceased brother, Patrick, late of Bantry, Ireland, publican. [This is the founder of William Barrett and Sons, funeral directors now based in Bunbury.]
- c) £20 each to his four nieces, daughters of Patrick
- d) £10 to the priest in charge of the Roman Catholic Church at Bunbury for masses to be said over his soul.
- e) £20 to the fund of building a Roman Catholic Church at Bunbury
- f) £20 to the Roman Catholic Convent at Bunbury
- g) £25 to Saint John of God Hospital at Subiaco
- h) £25 to the Good Shepherd Convent at Leederville
- i) £50 to the Beagle Bay Roman Catholic Mission
- j) £100 to the Trustees to use their discretion to help those in need in Bantry.
- k) £100 to the Society of African Mission, Cairo, Egypt.[15]
His assets were liquidated –
IN THE ESTATE OF R. BARRETT DECEASED.
W. WALLRODT AUCTIONEER., BUNBURY.
Has been favored with instructions from Messrs. Stanley, Money, and Walker, to SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 9, 1909, At 1 p.m.
On the Premises, COOKERNUP,
TWO DRAUGHT HORSES. ONE DRAY. ONE SLEDGE. THREE PLOUGHS.
HARNESS and SADDLERY.
FARM IMPLEMENTS and MACHINERY.
TWO TWO ACRES OF CROP.
Quantity of FURNITURE, GENERAL EFFECTS, and SUNDRIES. WITHOUT RESERVE. Farmers and others having surplus Stock are invited to list same at this Sale. Communicate with the Auctioneer without delay.
W. WALLRODT, Auctioneer, Bunbury.[16]
Estate Richard Barrett, Deceased. CHAS. SOMMERS has been instructed by the Executors of the Estate of the late Richard Barrett to SELL as above C.P. Leases 49/1083, 491/681, and 49/942, comprising 521 acres, 2½ miles from Cookernup Railway Station. The land is all fenced and subdivided into several paddocks; small house and outbuildings; 35 acres cleared and 130 acres partly cleared. Harvey River runs through the property. This is an ideal property for mixed farming, having a delightful climate and assured rainfall. Full particulars may be obtained from the Auctioneer or Messrs. Stanley, Money, and Walker. Solicitors for the Estate, Bunbury. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. At Three P.M. In the ROOMS. 56 St. George’s-terrace.[17]
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[1] AC Staples, They Made Their Destiny – History of Settlement of the Shire of Harvey 1829 – 1929, Shire of Harvey, Bunbury, Western Australia, 1979, p. 291.
[2] State Records Office of Western Australia, AU WA S34-cons3403 1910/249
[3] https://bunburycatholic.org.au/history/1901-1910/
[4] Bunbury Herald, 9 November 1907, p. 3.
[5] Bunbury Herald, 22 October 1908.
[6] Bunbury Herald, 27 April 1909, p. 3.
[7] WA Death Certificate 119/1910 at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-justice/online-index-search-tool
[8]Southern Times, 27 October 1910, p. 5.
[9] Bunbury Herald, 29 October 1910, p. 4.
[10] W.A. Record, 5 November 1910, p. 11.
[11] W.A. Record, 3 December 1910, p. 17.
[12] Ancestry.com. Australia and New Zealand, Find A Grave Index, 1800s-Current at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi.
[13] Kalgoorlie Western Argus, 13 December 1910, p. 12.
[14] State Records Office of WA, AU WA S34-cons3403 1910/249.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Bunbury Herald, 8 November 1910, p. 2.
[17] West Australian, 16 February 1911, p. 2.