Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), Monday 5 October 1931, page 3


A MUROHISON PIONEER

SO Years at Yoweragabbie PASTORALIST'S RECORD

A few weeks ago Mr. A. J. Watson, manager of Yoweragabbie station, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his residence at Yoweragabbie. At the age of 17 he accompanied his father, the late Mr. A. Watson, and his brother William

to the spot where he now resides. His father died some years ago, and his brother resided in Mt. Magnet to the time of his death, which took place a couple of years ago (says the 'Murchison Times'). At the time the Watson family took up their residence they became pioneers on the outskirts of civilisation, nearly ten years before the discovery of gold at Nannine, and eleven years prior to the first nugget being found near Mt. Magnet. Mr. Watson carries his years well, notwithstanding many years of outback life, the early portion of which were marked by real hardships. He can recount many stories of bush life and the trying times the pioneers went through when the nearest neighbors were many miles distant, and the nearest medical man resided at Geraldton. The fast horse was the quickest mode of communication with the outside world until the discovery of gold. The natives at times were troublesome and committed murders, and as the sheep had to be shepherded the position of those- In eliarse was full of daiiKer.