William (Bill) Cream

16 February 1884

A correspondent from the Upper Murchison, writes as follows to the Victorian Express :-

Mr. and Mrs. Rotton have arrived at Nookawarra, having sent their sheep from Nalta Pool to the Murchison River. It seems that the sheep were in. charge of a drover named Cream, and that he, prior to taking the sheep over, sent a team with troughs to a rock-hole on the Murchison called the Elizabeth Springs with instructions for the troughing to be made ready for watering the sheep.

When he arrived there with the sheep the team was not to be seen, and the sheep, suffering from two days thirst, rushed in a body to the water, and over three hundred were smothered. Another lot got away, and from last report is that 900 are lost.

John Sydney Davies settled on the Tibradden Estate in 1852. William did his training as a drover on the Tibradden Estate. Mr Davies station on the Gascoyne was Mount Clere (Clair,Erivilla or Eraville settled in 1884

31 May 1888

Mr William Cream, of Geraldton, has forwarded us the following report of a recent trip which he made to the Upper Gascoyne and back.
I left Geraldton Friday 15th 1888 last with pack horses etc, accompanied, by Mr.John Sydney. Davis of Tibradden. After leaving Geraldton 65 miles behind, the grassy country commenced to put in an appearance, and the country got better and better the further eastward we went.

It was splendid to see rolling grassy plains as far as the eye could reach and this was my expression nearly the whole of the distance. I traveled 455 miles from Geraldton.We reached Mr. John S. Davis's Upper Gascoyne station on February 29th. The country here is simply splendid, consisting of rich grass and salt bush plains, with plenty of water every three or four miles.

I left on my return journey for Perth on March 2nd, with 1862 sheep. I had plenty of feed and water as far as the Irwin, where the country was, looking, very dry. I reached Mr. Davis's runs in this quarter on April 15th, the sheep being all well I then sent 950 sheep to Geraldton for shipment to Fremantle by steamer, and left the Irwin for Perth with 904 Sheep.

Part of the road was very bad, and I had hard work to get along. I arrived at Perth on May 23, and was not, sorry that the journey was over. Drovers between Geraldton and the North West can always succeed in finding water, but there is very little between Geraldton and Perth I consider that the Government Bond expend money on the latter part of the stock route in sinking wells, for at present it is very difficult to bring stock safely along it.

You have to drive your stock in stages of 13 to 37 miles without water, and they suffer considerably in consequence, and fall off in condition when they reach the meat market. Between Geraldton and the Murchison you will find pools every day, and if the pools are dry you come to a well every five to twelve miles. The Perth end of the route can be made equally as good by the expenditure of a, fair amount of money, as water can almost everywhere be obtained at a depth of from five to eight feet, and at distances of from five to ten miles.

On March the 5^th 1890 William left the Degrey River station owned by Mr Mackenzie Grant. His goal was to land 300 bullocks at Mr Grants Glengarry Station on the Irwin River and then onto Perth.

8 October 1890

Longest Cattle drive in the colony October 1890

We are informed that a very fine draft off cattle has arrived at the Irwin from the station,of Messrs.Grant, Anderson AJ.Edgar on the upper DeGrey the drover (Cream) having succeeded in delivering 198 out 300 started,and in first class condition.
This must be satisfactory to the owner, Mr. Messrs McKenzie Grant, considering that the distant of about 1000miles and that by the time they reach the Perth market they will have traveled over 1,208miles. They are estimated to average 1000lbs. This,we believe is the longest drive of fat cattle to market in the colony.

A Drovng Exploit
The last issue to hand of the Victorian Express contains the following very interesting account of the arrival of a mob of cattle from North -West. On the 7th of September there arrived at Mr McKenzie Grants Irwin paddock a small mob of some 200 bullocks which had been driven overland from the Degrey River in the far north, by Mr. William Cream townsman of whom Geraldton has no need to be ashamed.

The animals were in splendid condition, and looked like stock after a six month coddling in a fat paddock than a mob which had just completed a toilsome journey of some twelve hundred miles. In fact a portion of them have already been started overland for the for the local butchers.

Mr. Cream left the DeGrey with young Miller, and a henchman to assist in the droving on on the 5th of March last. reaching the Fortescue May 5th. Here they encountered a tornado of exceptional violence accompanied by a phenomenal fall of rain, more than 23 ½ inches having been registered by the Government Observer at Fortescue as having fallen in 24 hours.

In the flood which naturally came Creams promptitude and energy probably saved the lives of the cattle if not of the whole party. A small eminence was quickly discovered and selected merely a hill some 90 feet in elevation, and to this haven of refuge the cattle and horses were driven at their best speed the party being obliged to abandon their packs, saddles and worst of all their tucker.

On this providential they were imprisoned for five days and would have been pretty well starved, but they found a portion of a sheep carcass, which having been hung up in a tree they were able to save. Five days after the flood Cream made his way on horse back to the Fortescue River now a foaming torrent,but the current proved to strong.

He then went lower down to comparatively smooth water and not liking to risk his horse, peeled off his country wardrobe and swam across with much difficulty to the other side, where help in the person of Mr Stewart, the telegraph operator. He was rather disgusted to find that after all his dangerous and unpleasant bath might have been avoided for Mr Stewart be-thought himself a boat;, which, although sunken by the flood they soon recovered and by its medium food and relief was conveyed back to Mount Safety as they had christened their little hill.

Thus happily ended what might have proved a most serious catastrophe. The, Fortesecue flood detained them for 11 days in all, the country being quite unfit for travelling. They were fortunate enough to recover some of their lost gear. Unparalleled, as was the rainfall in this locality it proved to be confined to a very circumscribed area. From the Robe River to the Ashburton the party were obliged to carry water with them, there being none on the way, except at the camps.

They, reached the Ashburton on the 1st of June where they celebrated Foundation Day with a real currant dumpling, a unwonted luxury. From this to the Lyons which was struck on June 18 there was an abundance of water, but little or no feed, They then had good travelling to the head of Dauire Creek. From the latter to the Murchison to within some 18 miles of Mullewa (Pindar) on the eastern road there was a great scarcity of feed, the grass just growing and no more. The water supply however, was fair and the journeys goal was attained, as stated before on the 7th of September, the cattle were looking in the pink of condition.

The drovers however, showed unmistakable wear and tear but after all were little the worse for their arduous journey. Too much credit can scarcely be allowed to Cream and his gallant assistants, white and black for their successful carrying out of what is really a droving exploit of no mean order.

Mr. Elliott, of Mardi Station, wired twice to Fortescue, to ask whether the news of the heavy rainfall there was true. He received a reply twice that 23 inches fell in twenty-four hours.

Heavy rainfall in the north west. Over twenty three inches at Fortescue.

On Saturday morning Mr. R. W. Lloyd, acting meteorological reporter at Fortescue, forwarded a report that 23 36 ins of rain had fallen at Fortescue during the preceding 24 hours. Mr. M. A. C. Fraser, Government meteorological reporter wired to Mr. Lloyd to obtain confirmation of the report and all particulars which' might be available as to the extent of damage, if any, caused by the downpour. The following telegrams were received from Mr. Lloyd :

Fortescue, 10-15 a.m.
Rain commenced at 6.20 p.m. last evening, with light showers, which gradually increased in force till 8.40 p.m., when it was impossible to see ten yards ahead for rain. It continued to rain till 3 a.m., when there was a slight cessation, but recommenced half an hour later, and continued very heavy until 6,45 a.m and then light till 9 a.m. The rain was accompanied by much thunder and lightning and rumbling noises overhead for two hours, wind from N. and N.E. and lightning W. and N.W. The wind ia now from S.E. and light rain falling ; overcast sky and every appearance of more heavy rain.

Fortescue, 11.20 a.m.
Rainfall resembled general winter's rain, wind stormy from. The rain took a S.W. direction at first fall.and then north westerly, but went round to N. N.E. The river is running very strongly and rising rapidly. A stream of over 12 chains water is running here. It is impossible to get news of stations (meteorological) at present, but every appearance of heavy rain there. I know of no stock loss. A number of horses belonging to gold diggers are surrounded with water on a bank in the river, but cannot say whether any have been drowned. Light showers still continue, but they ara breaking, up. The wind is now E.

Hesitating to, accept these statements, however positive a telegram was sent to the Fortescue asking how often the gauge had been emptied, and what was its capacity. The answer returned was that the capacity of the can was 10 inches, and that it had been emptied three times. There seems, therefore no reason to doubt the accuracy of the observer's information.

The following telegram has been received by Mr..M. A. C. Fraser, Chief . Meteorlogical Observer, from Mr. R. W. Lloyd, acting postmaster at the Fortesoue. Received intelligence from person droving cattle to Perth, camped five miles east of this, that during recent rains, country there flooded for twelve hours, and water extended to sea coast. All stock safe on high ground. He lost all provisions and saddles. No intelligence of stations yet. The BOM's stats say that it was the 2nd wettest day since rainfall records have been kept. 672mm rain fell on the 3rd and 4th of May 1890.

Feb 1908 A Yalgoo Presentation

(From a Correspondent.) A very pleasant function took place here in the shape of a farewell given to our late respected member of the Yalgoo Roads Board, Mr. William Cream, who is leaving the district his term at Muralgarra Station having expired.

Mr. Rodan, of the Yalgoo Hotel, and chairman of the Board, and Messrs. McKenna, H. Broad, Pidgeon, and W. J. Broad, member of the Board invited Mr. Cream to a parting glass of wine, and seized the occasion as opportune to present Mr Cream with an address expressing the good wishes of the Board for his future welfare.

The address was really a work of art and reflected great credit on Messrs. Constantine and Gardner, of the "Geraldton Guardian" for the manner in which they had carried out the instructions of Mr. A. Broad, who was responsible for the address. It was beautifully illuminated in silk, and was very much admired by all who saw it.

Mr. Rodan, in well chosen words welcomed the parting guest, regretting that they had lost his services on the Board, where he had assisted in every possible way to carry on the work of the Board in an efficient manner. He assured Mr. Cream of their hearty wishes for his future welfare, and then requested the secretary to read over the address as follows :—

To W. Cream, Esq. — Sir, — We the members of the Yalgoo Roads Board, desire to express our regret that owing to circumstances you have resigned your seat on this Board, and that you are leaving the district. We desire to express our appreciation of the business like manner you have carried out your duties.

We sincerely trust that though the loss is ours, the gain may be yours as we feel assured that where ever you may be you will inspire trust and confidence in any position you may be called upon to occupy. We shall feel your loss very much, not only on this Board, but even more so as a friend and neighbour where your kindly presence has conduced in no small measure to the success of many pleasant social gatherings.

We appreciate your good wishes towards this Board, and in return we wish you good-bye, God-speed, and many happy Christmas greetings to yourself, Mrs. Cream, and family. With best wishes and sincere regards we herewith sign our names,
Charles Rodan (Chairman),
John Warr (Secretary),
O. McKenna,
H. F. Broad,
Thos. Pidgeon,
W. J. Broad,
Chas. H. Hope (members Yalgoo Roads Board). December 20, 1907.

Mr. Pidgeon heartily endorsed the chairman's remarks, and expressed in felicitous terms the appreciation of the Board at the manner in which Mr. Cream had carried out his duties as a member. Mr. McKenna also supported the chairman, and said he had known Mr. Cream for a number of years, and had always found him a good business man, and expressed his regret that the Board had lost his services, and hoped his future would be a successful one.

Mr Cream responded in a very feeling manner, and said he was very proud to receive such a beautiful testimony of the regard in which he was held by his late brother members, and would value the address as one of his most cherished possessions, and would hand it down as an heirloom to his children. He hoped that, though leaving the district now, that at some future time he would renew his acquaintance with Yalgoo where he had so many friends and where he had some happy times.

He could not find words to express himself sufficiently for all the good things they had said and especially for the beautiful address they had given him. Mr. Cream then proposed the health of the chairman, which was drunk most heartily. The chairman responded, and the proceedings terminated.

Sept 1908 From Mulga Downs to the Murchison.

Mr William Cream who has recently been on a visit to Geraldton, called at this office on Tuesday, and related some of his experiences while engaged in droving cattle from the Mulga Downs (160 miles south of Roebourne) to the Murchision. "Bill" evidently had a most trying trip, and is not at all anxious to seek relaxation in that direction again.

He had charge of between 300 and 400 head of cattle owned by Mr. S. L. Burges, and they gave him no end of trouble. For thirteen nights, with out a break, after leaving their station, they "rushed." Forty six got away one night, and went 22 miles before they were overtaken. At the end of the thirteen days they settled down and travelled all right for a fortnight, when they started "rushing" again, and continued the game for nine nights in succession. Twenty four broke away on one occasion, and went 52 miles before being overhauled the next day, in the after noon, when 23 of the number were secured; the other had his legs so badly smashed that there was no alternative but to leave him to his fate.

On the night of their being brought back, they made another "rush" and in pursuing them in the darkness, Mr. Cream, who was going at full gallop on horseback, met with an accident. Fortunately the horse fell on his feet down an 11 foot bank into the river bed below, which happened to be sandy. If it had been rock, horse and man would have been no more. But although the animal was uninjured. Mr Cream was unable to take his place in the camp for nine days.

In the course of his interview, Mr. Cream told us that during his 350 miles travel from Nullagine in the north to Wanderry on the Murchison, he was passing Mr. Charlie Smith's cattle with the well-known brand, O41 all the time. He estimates that. Mr. Smith must have at least 25,000 head of cattle. Robourne, he says, is in a bad way. Many of the old residents have left for Port Hedland. and not a few houses formerly tenanted were occupied by goats. From Roebourne to Yalgoo feed and water are abundant all the way. Mr. Cream never had to draw one bucket of water during the journey of 1000 miles he saw wild turkeys by the hundreds.

March 1908 THE RABBIT QUESTION. (To the Editor.)

Sir, I read with great surprise Mr. Stone's remarks in a recent issue of the "Express" on the above question surprise that a man of Mr. Stone's experience should express the opinion that the rabbit proof fences erected by the State at a cost of a quarter of a million is for the protection of a few squatters and does not benefit the small farmers.

Does Mr. Stone for a moment imagine that had the Nos. 1 and 2 fences not been erected the rabbits would have stayed their westward march on reaching the pastoral country on the Upper Murchison country? I venture to state that whatever protection is afforded by the fences is in the interests of the farmers in the coastal districts to a much greater extent than that of the pastoralists whom Mr. Stone so glibly declares to be the exclusive recipients of the advantages of the national work.

My knowledge of the country, and the past experience of others lead me to the conclusion that rabbits will thrive and multiply much more on the sandy coastal country than on the hard, almost impenetrable soil of the far out eastern runs. Once the rabbits are established on the easily burrowed sandplains and flats comprising of agricultural areas the small farmers are going to encounter the bitterest enemy their class that has ever called upon to fight.

No jealous feelings because the squatters are being benefited bv the fences will assist in the slightest degree in keeping back the invading hordes. Whatever steps can be taken to effectually keep the rabbits back should be taken at once. If it means half a dozen fences running from Albany on the south to Carnarvon on the north it is money well spent for not only will the scourge spell probable ruin to the squatter but the entry of the pest on the farming districts will almost certainly be followed by the ruin of the farming industries.

The absence of the rabbit proof fences would not perhaps Ire such an afflication to the East Murchsion squatters that Mr. Stone appears to think. Were the progress of the vermin not stayed by the fences the probability is that within a very short time they would do incalculable damage at present the fence keeps them on the pastoral country outside a doubtful boon to the holders of that country, at any rate.

Mr. Stone is getting his hand in at making educational trips. I would like to take a three weeks run along the rabbit proof fence, He would see and learn more about rabbits and the value of the fences to the State as a whole than he learnt on the subject than from his flying trip recently to the Eastern States.

Of course in view of an approaching election, Mr. Stone is politic in trying to pose before his constituents as their guardian angel and a bitter foe to the expenditure of any public money by which they are not directly benefited. Such an attitude is not likely to appeal to any elector whose mind is broader than his acres.

Such works as the rabbit-proof fences and the Kalgqorlie water scheme are in the truest sense national works and while the Greenough flats may not directly benefit by them, they are potent factors in the general prosperity of the State; in which all electorates and districts share directly or indirectly

Yours, etc., WILLIAM CREAM. Yalgoo, March 13.

Oct 1909

The s s. Kapunda on Monday last landed 2015 ewes on account of Sir Edward Wittenoom, which we understand are destined for his Muralgarra station. The ewes are a splendid and hardy lot, and were brought over from Bombala station, which is one of the most important stations in the famous district of Deniliquin. N.S.W. Tbe sheep were under the care of Mr. William Cream who accompanied them in the steamer from Melbourne, Sir Edward joining the vessel at Fremantle. The Kapunda made a special trip from Fremantle to land the sheep before discharging her Eastern States cargo at that port. She arrived in tbe Bay at 11 in the forenoon, tbe trip from Fremantle occupying 16 hours. After discharging the sheep she left again for Fremantle at 1 in the afternoon. Great satisfaction was manifestly by the importer owing to the very small percentage of loss on board due to the splendid carrying facilities of the steamer.

Nov 1909 Stock and Station news.

Mr W. Cream who went north to Carnarvon in the Paroo will lift 5000 sheep at Mr Butcher's Boolathanna station for Messr Wittenoom and Burgees, and picking up others on the way will take 12000 on to Mulga Downs, arriving there about the first week in January. While the manager, Mr Miller, goes on a holiday Mr Cream will relieve him.

William went on to manage Muralgarra and Badga pastoral stations in Yalgoo for the Wittenoom family. Mr S. L. Burges offered him the management of Cooyapooya station but he declined and continued droving. In the early 1900s he managed Dairy Creek station for the Fitzpatrick family. He left Dairy Creek in December 1912 and took over the management of Lower Clifton Downs (Bidgemia) for Mr Bush where he stayed for 18 years. When the Bidgemia was sold, William and his son Ray took over the lease of Cobra Station where he stayed.

The following collection of articles give you an insight into one of the colorful characters of the early days in the north west

Aug 1927 The National Geographic Magazine

There is printed and published in America a wonderful monthly entitled The National Geographic Magazine. The subjects dealt with include almost every country from Hudson's Bay to Cape Horn, from London to Lapland and from Skye to the Croettes. Only a privileged few can obtain the magazine, which is very high priced and contains some of the most beautiful as well as intensely interesting pictures and articles.

Some time ago Squatter Paddy Durack saw a copy of it and noting that it was of supreme value sent in a subscription and in time was allowed to nominate a few friends as eligible to be allowed to subscribe. He sent in the names of half a dozen of his squatter friends, Including Charlie Atkins , Bill Cream, Jimmy Nicholas , Alec McLeod Felix Edgar and others. When recommending them he named them as pastoralists which they all are.

In three months the the first copies came to hand, to the various squatters.

The address on each was The Reverend Chas. Atkins, the Reverend William Cream, the Reverend James Nicholas, the Reverend Alexander McLeod, the Reverend Felix Edgar, the Reverend Gordon Gooch, the Reverend William. Burges, and so on. The receivers of the magazines mistook it for a Yankee joke, but an American soon undeceived them. In the U.S.A. a pastor is the common name for a clergyman, and a pastoralist appealed to them as being a super skypilot !

June 1920 Milk O

Bill was recently travelling home to his Murchison station from Perth and had arrived at Moora, where a Geraldton to Midland Junction goods train was to pass the passenger. It was late and Bill Cream and his party put in the time on the platform. It was also dark, but though Bill is deaf he has keen eyesight. Now of all things Bill likes milk in his whiskey, and seeing a country looking lad in the glow of the lamp along the platform beckoned him. The boy had a can of evening milk that he was delivering around the town and had just come to see the train in and out.

The boy came up to where Bill was seated on a case of apples in the semi-gloom. "How much a pint is it? asked Bill Cream, as "he pulled out his listening apparatus. The boy, none too bright, couldn't quite catch Bill's query. A pint, repeated Squatter Donald McPherson of Carnamah, who was sitting near Bill Cream. The boy opened the can, dipped a pint measure in filled it, and seeing the ear funnel held towards him to catch the reply poured the whole pint into it! The cow-fluid poured not only into Bill Cream's ear but all over his clothes, his collar and down his neck. Making a wild grab at the amazed milk boy Bill upset the two-gallon can, knocked over a guards lamp, and was only refrained from sweeping the platform clear by the extraneous embrace of Donald Mcpherson.

Eventually Bill Cream, being a good sport, took the incident as meant, and dismissed it in a couple of whiskies. Sorry we have no milk, Bill said Don of Carnamah, but you, I mean the boy, spilt the lot. Anyway, said Squatter Boddington Of Twin Peaks, the boy was only doing a bit of dairying, trying to turn milk into cream.

Feb 1925 Bill Cream J.P.

Down in Perth on a business and pleasure spell after the strenuous wool season shearing, pressing, baling and carting Bill Cream, of Clifton Downs. Bill is famous throughout the whole of the Murchison, Gascoyne, Pilbara, all the Kimberleys and the far Wyndham and Darwin as a quaint sayer of Quaint sayings. He is extremely deaf, but can read the lip language as an expert scholar reads print, and hundreds are the yarns, true and untrue, that are circulated in and around shearing sheds, stockmen's camps, pearling, cattle and other towns concerning the doings of Bill Cream.

As an astute manager he stands alone, and there is no make of sheep-yard, sheep dip, stables, barns, pumps, windmills, dams, wells, motor cars and motor wagons, shearing sheds and wool presses unknown to Bill Cream. As the only JP in a huge district, he is a conspicuous success, none of his decisions having ever been referred to the Crown law Department.

They tell a story (and he agrees with it) that having fined a couple of contractors for getting considerably over the odds, he paid the fines himself and remarked to the penitent pair that they had better wait until after the rest of the cases were finished with and fix that contract up. They didn't know of any contract, and said, so, but Bill Cream, JP, pointed out the fact that he needed a lot of fencing done, and they could start in when they were sober and get the work going ahead. They signed.

July 1921 Nuts

One of the best-known saddlery and harness makers of W.A. this week swapped places of business with the Vegetarian Company which in William street makes a speciality of nut and grain foods etc. The vegetarian people have moved into Billy Flynn's old shop, and Billy has shifted into the shop once sacred to the mild, spectacled and pink cheeked young man who drinks cold water and nibbles nuts to preserve him from the passions of the world, the flesh and the napper.

An old customer of the nut food people met Billy Flynn at the door of his new premises and mistook him for the proprietor of the bird-seed banquet cafe. What kind of nuts have you in stock to-day? asked the pallid meal muncher. What kind of nuts? echoed Billy. Well, barring Jim Willis and Bill Routledge and Bill Cream from the Murchison, very few nuts have been into see me lately. But, he added, I'm shortly expecting Squatter Coppin from Guildford, and Mick Connors may be down any week from Derby.

August 1922 Arm Talk

Always thought semaphoring was only practised in connection with seafaring and military manoeuvres until I struck Lower Clifton Downs shearing sheds, says a traveller who passed that outback station recently. Having seen the manager, Bill Cream (who, by the way is very deaf) giving instructions by means of arm talk to a number of rouseabouts, chiefly aboriginals whilst drafting sheep. I am satisfied it is an art which can be used in other walks of life. The manner in which he keeps his hands and arms busy delineating geometrical angles and curves (quickly read by the abos.) is a spectacular treat.

Jan 1924 Bill Cream s Wager

Almost everybody in the cattle and wool world in WA. knows Bill Cream, a Murchison squatter. Bill is a pushing sort in business though in matters social and sporting a simple soul. Just before the Perth Cup he wired to one of Westralia's biggest horse owners regarding the chances of winning the big prize: Are you dinkum tomorrow? Reply paid. The owner was furious he being a straight sportsman of blameless record. He replied Bill Cream - Station Murchison. Like your Impudence. Bill Cream sent an urgent wire in return - Put ten pounds for me on Your Impudence!

There are many stories told of humorous things said and done by Bill Cream who died at Port Hedland last Saturday. He was as well and popularly known in pastoral circles as any man in Western Australia. Among his personal friends was Mr. Ernest Lee Steere, president of the Pastoralists' Association and owner of racehorses. When the famous Eurythmic was under the red livery of Mr. Lee Steere, winning classic events in the Eastern States his owner received a telegram from Cream in terms like the following: Is Eurythmic trying? Do you fancy him? The reply sent was Eurythmic always tries. Like your impudence. Within a few hours a city turf commissioner received a telegram from Cream worded Book me five pounds, straight out, Your Impudence.

November 5 1927 GASCOYNE JUNCTION PICNIC RACE MEETING

In the evening the usual settling took place at the Junction Hotel where all the stakes and trophies were paid out and handed over. Mr. A. Angelo, who was in the chair, said he had a very pleasant duty to perform and that was on behalf of the Club to hand to Mr.W Cream a gold life membership badge of the club (the first presented ).

He eulogised that gentleman's services to all branches of sport, and said he was quite sure no better compliment could have been paid nor more really deserved. His remarks were ably supported by Mr. C. J. Lewer and the club's chairman (Mr. H. Daulby). Mr. Cream in reply said he much appreciated the compliment and although he took no active part in the race club itself he was there to assist at all times if he was needed in gatherings of a sporting nature.

The health of the winner was duly honored at the instance of Mr. Beasley. acting for Mr Fremlin who said he would come along next year with something better. '

Large house parties were entertaiued at Bidgemia and Jimba Jimiba homesteads. On race night a highly successful dance took place at Bidgemia homestead, some 6O odd guests being entertained at a brilliant function by Mrs Cream and her daughters. All stations aloug the rivers were well represented and about sixty visitors were in evidence on the racecourse from Carnarvon.

Upper Gascoyne Roads Board 15 Jan 1931

Mr. Edwin Pearson has had a letter from Flight-Commodore Kingsford Smith, in which the latter states that he will probably be visiting West Australia in the very near future, and that if he does he will certainly pay a visit to Carnarvon. A hearty welcome awaits "Kingy" from his old friends in the Gascoyne.

A report has just reached us of a very pleasing little function which took place at Gascoyne Junction a little while ago on the occasion of the retirement of Mr. William Cream from the Upper Gascoyne Road Board, when the ratepayers of the district gathered in the Road Board Hall and presented Mr. Cream with an illuminated address as an acknowledgement of their appreciation of his services to the Board. Practically every station in the district was represented.

In presenting the address to Mr. Cream, the Chairman of the Board (Mr. W. S. Smith) mentioned that Mr. Cream had served the Board long and faithfully, first as a member for four years, and then as chairman continuously for 15 years. No words of his could adequately express the services rendered to the district during those years by Mr. Cream and nothing could recompense him for the time and thought he had devoted to the welfare of the district.

He asked Mr. Cream to accept the Address as a continuous reminder that those services were appreciated by the ratepayers of the district. The Chairman's remarks were warmly supported by Messrs. K. Messer, T. Binning and W. Scott. Mr. Cream feelingly replied in one of his characteristic little speeches, and the company then adjourned to the Junction Hotel, where the health of Mr. Cream was drunk with musical honors.

Oct 1918 Shearing on the Gascoyne

Some time ago we published some interesting information with regard to the party of Eastern states shearers who had undertaken to carry out shearing contracts on the Murchison and Gascoyne. The contractor was Mr M J Doyle , who first introduced contract shearing into Western Australia as manger of the Federal Shearing Company of Sydney some twelve years ago. The arrangements entered into with the Murchison and Gascoyne station owners this year have worked admirably. The best of feeling exists and all the men are staunch unionists and workers. While all the latest Eastern and up to date methods are adopted during working time, the lost time during wet weather is filled by sports and amusements of all kinds.

On the Saturday before completion of Clifton Downs Station shearing a concert was organised for the benefit of one who had the misfortune to be struck with illness. The response was most satisfactory and the performers acquitted themselves in no mean order It was a most enjoyable evening. The shearing this year in the Gascoyne district is said to have been the most satisfactory from from many points of view for a number of years. The following account of the Clifton Downs shearing appeared in the Northern Times August 31

William Cream, manager of Lower Clifton Downs Station has stated shearing there was finished on August 22nd. The actual number shorn was 85,000 for 1365 pressed bales. Fourteen thousand lambs were passed out Unshorn. The total pushing through the yards being 97000. The lambs and stragglers will be shorn later on. Mr Cream considers the clip very, very good, considering the number of months growth of wool. Shearing was started on June 25 and they cut out 8 weeks, including 10 days lost to wet weather, as against 13 weeks in previous years

Last year the sheep were started to be shorn on September 27 and were finished late in December. The stragglers (3000 odd} were Shorn in Feb and March so the sheep were shorn twice in 11 months and some in much less. The highest tallies were, in one day P. Cashell 205 and F Eastoe 230 In the light sheep the usual days tally was 3000 It was a pleasure, Mr Cream says to look at the sheep; after they were shorn. The shearers of whom there were 23 were all a good average lot so far as numbers were concerned and for cleanliness. There was not more than a pint of tar used throughout tlhe shearing and not one sheep was hamstrung or badly cut, nor had any dead sheep to be taken out of the pens a common occurrence in years gone by.

Feb 1934 The late Mr. W. Cream

Another link with the pioneering days of the Victoria District was severed on Saturday last with the death of Mr. William Cream, which occurred at the, residence of his daughter Mrs. Frank Leeds at Port Hedland. The news of deceased's passing was received in Geraldton by deceased's brother Mr. Alf Cream early yesterday morning, and will be received with regret by residents of Geraldton and the district generally.

The second youngest of a family of five brothers and two sisters, the late Mr. William. Cream belonged to a family which has been associated with the Victoria district for a period extending over about eighty years. The deceased gentleman, who was well known throughout the State, was born in Geraldton in 1861, and was reared in the district. In his earlier youth he followed the occupation of a drover, and later, retaining his interest in the pastoral industry, became manager of a station on the Murchison for Sir Edward Wittenoom.

In subsequent years the late Mr. Cream managed Dairy Creek Station for a time and also Bidgemia Station, the latter place for about eighteen years. When that statiion was sold he acquired for himself the property known as Cobra Station, in the Gascoyne district, where he has resided for about the past five years. The late Mr. Cream was one of the. best known figures in the pastoral industry of Western Australia, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

He was the soul of hospitality, and delighted to welcome visitors when they called on him. Although he suffered from a severe form of deafness he was excellent company, and he had many interesting reminiscences to relate of the early days of the northern portion of the State. During the past eighteen months deceased had been steadily failing in health but until quite recently he continued to manage his own affairs at Cobra Station. He visited Geraldton on various occasions since settling in the Gascoyne, and was last in the town about nine months ago.

About two months ago he went to Port Hedland on a visit to his son-in-law and daughter (Mr. and Mrs. Frank Leeds), of Abydross Station, and it was while there that his health really failed him and he was forced to take to his bed, finally passing away on Saturday last. With the exception of his brother (Mr. Alf. Cream) deceased's other three, brothers and two sisters predeceased him, while his wife died on the Gascoyne only eleven months ago. The late Mr. Cream reared a family of three daughters and one son, the latter (Mr. Ray Cream) and one daughter (Miss Ethel Cream) being still resident at Cobra Station. Mrs.E. Gould, of Nabawa, is the eldest daughter, while the other is Mrs. Frank Leeds of Abydross Station, Port Hedland. The deceased's son (Ray) and his daughter (Ethel) recently journeyed to Perth with the intention of spending a holiday in the Eastern States but at the time of their father's death they were still in the metropolitan area. The funeral of the late Mr. W. Cream took place at Port Hedland yesterday.