Walter Kaeshagen (1878 - 1968)

“Kaeshagen's my jolly old name,

But some call me Kaeshy for short ;

I've got my good temper to blame,

I'm really a good natured sort.

I'm King of the Traders this year,

A man of importance in town.

I say what I think without fear,

Am not to be scared by a frown.

I'm great as a mercantile man,

And quite at the top of the tree.

As chandler I'm quite in the van;

Who else has a chance against me?

I know how to handle the job,

Have got such a winning old way ;

With stewards I rarely hob-nob,

But stick to the skippers all day.

At making a speech I am good;

My laughter is hearty and loud.

Should like it to be understood

I'm not in the least degree proud.

I think I shall have to give in

And try for the mayoral chair;

My friends are convinced I should win,

To yield to their wish would be fair”

- Mr Alfred Jingle. 1917

Walter Kaeshagen was a successful businessman popular in Bunbury during the early 1900s. Co-owner and manager of the Bunbury Branch of the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company, he had a reputation of “being thoroughly in touch with the people of the district and [taking] a practical interest in all matters affecting the town” (reference). The owners were described as having a daily timetable that consisted of “8 hours' work in the interests of the Trading and Agency Co., 4 hours' work in the interests of the district's business, 4 hours in Municipal, Roads and Health Boards, or other public business, 2 hours for meals, 2 hours for recreation and 4 hours to get ready for repeating the performance next day. They don't sleep at all, holding that a man can't afford to be asleep in these times” (reference). In Walter’s case, the lack of sleep almost seems believable - he was a sportsman and musician in addition to being a successful businessman. Walter significantly contributed to the early development of Bunbury by his involvement in establishing many ongoing organisations that helped build the town into a strong community as well as helping instigate many industrial and agricultural ventures to improve the economy of Bunbury and the South-West.

Walter was born in Seppeltsfield, South Australia in 1878 (reference). He was the youngest of five children by eight years. His eldest sister, Blanche was born from his mother’s first marriage to Captain Tapley, a lighthouse keeper at Cape Borda (reference). Walter’s second youngest brother, Willhelm, appears to have been adopted by his mother’s family and was known as George Cranston (reference). His eldest brother, Edward (Ted) was married in 1891, and his parents separated in the early 1890s. His mother went to live with her now-married eldest daughter, Blanche Moore, and her husband in Murray Bridge (reference). Soon after his mother’s departure while still a teenager, Walter moved out on his own. Walter’s family followed him to Western Australia where his brother George married in Perth in 1895 and his sister Ida died of typhoid, aged 23 (reference;reference;reference;reference). Upon arriving in Western Australia, the family dropped the middle ‘e’ in their surname and became Kaeshagen.

A Goldfields’ Swamper

In 1895 Walter sailed with a friend to Western Australia (reference) and “as a "swamper" with 30/- in his pocket and a perpetually empty stomach, at the age of 16, he went straight to the Goldfields in search of his fortune” (reference). Walter settled in Coolgardie and worked for the merchants Messrs. J. H. Monger and Co. His job was to secure orders and expand their trade throughout the Goldfields. “On a bicycle, Mr. Kaeshagen visited practically every mining town in Western Australia.” (reference). Walter remained on the Goldfields for ten years. He was eventually joined by his brother Ted and the two of them were well-known cricket players (reference). They both played for St Andrews Cricket Club, and in 1901, Ted was captain and Walter vice-captain (reference). That same year, Walter won a trophy for the most runs. Walter was also a competitive cyclist and the secretary for the Kalgoorlie branch of The Grand United Order Free Gardeners (reference;reference). Walter’s brother Ted, however, was not in the best of health and left the Goldfields for South Africa in 1903 (reference). Whether or not his brother’s departure had any impact, the lure of the Goldfields also faded for Walter and, as he later recounted “One broiling hot day I set out, and it was nothing but dust - dust everywhere. Smothered in dust I went in to see Mr. Cullen. I said to him "Lou I am sick of life, I think I will leave it and start in business in the country." Lucius Michael Cullen was a customer who Walter respected and knew “to be one of the straightest men on the fields, and one to whom you did not have to go to with a box of cigars and a flask of whiskey in order to secure an order." so when he asked if he could join him, Walter readily agreed. (reference)

A Businessman in Williams

In May 1904, Walter put his Kalgoorlie house up for sale and took a trip to Narrogin (reference). With Lucius Cullen’s support, he purchased a local business. They were joined by another partner, Michael Flynn, a friend of Lucius Cullen (reference). In June 1904, the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company formed (reference). Shortly after Walter settled in Narrogin, he stated “There is a little place not far away I like better than Narrogin; it is the Williams and I would like to start a branch there.” (reference). Just a short month after the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company formed, a new branch opened at Williams followed by Walter moving into the town (reference).

Walter took a lively interest in the Williams community and during his first year there, he was elected to the Williams Roads Board and appointed to a committee that oversaw school management in the district (reference). In the following years, he was the Vice President of the Williams Agricultural Show (reference), Church Secretary (reference), a member of the Masonic Lodge (reference) and appointed auditor of Williams Roads Board (reference). Being an avid sportsman, he was also involved in the football club (reference), Vice President of the Williams Cricket Club (reference), played polo with the polo club (reference) and was on the committee of the Turf Club (reference). Walter participated enthusiastically in social events. He performed as a singer (reference) and was always ‘up for a lark’ such as at the Narrogin Polo Club ball, when he and a few other young men of the Williams club “had donned the club's colors, and appeared in red striped jacket, white pantaloons, and leggings.” (reference). His mother had joined him in Williams, and while they were there another family tragedy occurred with the death of Ted, aged 36 in Durban, South Africa in 1905 (reference).

A Passion for Bunbury

Their company continued to expand, opening a new branch in Darkan in 1906, and in 1907 they acquired a business from Mr John James Tuxford in Bunbury and established a branch there (reference). Walter moved to Bunbury and worked as the Bunbury branch manager (reference).

An innovative business person, Walter installed a new tea blending plant instore which consisted of “an up-to-date series of huge bins” and “a new patent tea mixing machine, from Bartlett and Son's manufacturer in Bristol ….said to be the only one of its kind in this State.” (reference).

Just like in Williams, Walter quickly became involved with the Bunbury community. He joined the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce (reference) and became Vice-president of the Bunbury Cricket Club (reference). One article lamenting the sorry state of cricket in Bunbury was enthusiastic about Walter’s arrival stating: “This season, however, such knights of the willow as Wally Kaeshagen and Ken Finch will make things merry [so] we hope to be able to witness some keenly contested games between the various clubs throughout the season.” (reference). In 1908, Walter became Vice President of the reformed Trader’s Association (reference) and helped to re-establish the Bunbury Lacrosse Club (reference). He was also appointed to a committee to organise a Plough Match in Dardanup (reference).

From the beginning, Walter Kaeshagen was positive that Bunbury’s future was bright. In one of his first interviews with the Bunbury Herald, he spoke in glowing terms about the entries at the recent Williams show. He thought the grain entries were better than fine and said he doubted “there has ever been any better produced throughout the whole of this vast State.” He added the merinos “would have graced the best show in this world.” and “were as near excellence as it is possible to be”. Of the mid-South-West, he predicted “a big future for them. The rainfall is fair, and droughts are practically unknown.” and he was confident that Bunbury would benefit from this because “as time goes on, you will find that immense quantities of produce will be sent to Bunbury for direct shipment to the old country.” He concluded by stating he hoped to “show the visitors from Narrogin, Darkan and Williams at the Bunbury show the advantages of sending their exports straight to this port.” (reference).

In October 1908, Walter married Lillian Rabbish. Originally a goldfields family, Lillian’s father, Thomas Rabbish, was the mayor of Boulder from 1902 until they moved to a wheat and sheep farm near Williams in 1906 (reference). The wedding took place in the Williams Agricultural Hall and “The bride was given away by her father, and looked particularly handsome in cream silk, with yoke of guipure lace and insertion, tucked elbow sleeves and small tucks at foot of skirt. She also wore the usual veil and wreath. She was attended by Miss F. Flynn as bridesmaid, who was attired in a dress of cream silk voile, with yoke of net and insertion, ruched sleeves, small tucks at foot of skirt, and a Charlotte Corday hat of net and lace with a spray of pink roses. Mr. J. Cranston was best man. The reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents, where the wedding breakfast took place, and the usual toasts honoured. Early in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Kaeshagen left to catch the train for Collie, en route to Perth for their honeymoon.” (reference). When his wife Lillian moved to Bunbury, she became involved in the community. As a musician, she played the piano at events (reference) and was on the organising Committee for Empire Day (reference). Being married did not diminish Walter’s community involvement. Later that year, he was elected to the Bunbury City Council (reference) and also became a committee member of the newly formed W.A. Axemen’s League (reference).

Walter was an outspoken councillor with a sense of humour: “At last Monday night's meeting of the Council Cr. Fraenkel gave notice that at the next meeting he would move ‘that the Council drop the drains,’ and Cr. Kaeshagen at once raised some merriment by enquiring ‘where are you going to drop them to?’ ” (reference). Walter expressed frustration with those who were criticizing the new drains in South Bunbury, saying “I've no patience with them, they ought to be ashamed of themselves. Before the drain was made their land was absolutely useless and now we are doing the work they are squeaking about little details." (reference). Walter continued to work diligently for the city as a councillor. Among other things, he promoted and secured funds for the town band and worked “to establish a greater and more cordial relationship between this port and the Mid-Southern” (reference). Walter continued his community involvement while councillor, being appointed as a steward of the Bunbury Race Club (reference), Vice President of Bunbury Yacht Club (reference) and provided trophies for the swimming carnival (reference). Walter’s career as a councillor came to an end on 1 September 1910, three months short of his term, over what he considered a vote of no confidence from a recent ratepayer’s meeting. Upon his resignation, Walter and Lillian departed for an extended holiday in the Eastern States (reference).

The holiday, taken for his wife’s health, was unsuccessful as Lillian was hospitalised in Adelaide, staying there to recuperate for a further three months after Walter returned home in November. In an interview given soon after his return, he gave his impression of the eastern states. He noted that Sydney was very prosperous and had greatly benefitted from Federation, Melbourne had developed parklands along the river banks and the use of electric trams had transformed Adelaide. In particular, he noted different tourist attractions such as how in South Australia “cheap excursions are run all over the State, and in fine big motors, carrying 15 passengers, one can make a tour through the beautiful Mt. Lofty ranges.” (reference).

Even on holiday, Walter was looking out for ways to improve his local community. He took note of the Norfolk pines on Manly beach that they “thrived under practically similar conditions as obtained on the local back beach. This tree withstands all sea breezes and storms and grows fast. 'Don't you think they would be a big improvement on the beach? I would suggest to the council to plant a few as an experiment.” He also noted how tourism was valued in the east in that “they seem to recognize that the more visitors they get the better, and one cannot fail to notice the attractions held out by the councils of the suburbs of Sydney. A valuable lesson is here to be learned by Bunbury.” He visited industrial locations and detailed how they worked. A visit to an ostrich farm in New South Wales, had Walter thinking of new opportunities as he considered ”the climate of W.A. is such that such an industry should be very successful.” (reference).

Not being on the council did not stem Walter’s community involvement in Bunbury. In 1915, he was elected as President of the Bunbury Traders’ Association and Vice President of the newly formed Bunbury Surf Club. In November 1915 Walter was involved in the formation and became President of the Visitors’ Entertainment Committee intending to promote more tourists to Bunbury (reference). This committee immediately swung into action to prepare for the Christmas season, which was predicted to be a bad one for the town's economy because of the war. With great help from Mr Oliver Watson, a former Bunbury resident, they planned a “Bunbury Season” which would “cause the financial barometer to swing from "very stormy" to "fine weather." This included a “Beautiful Bunbury” promotion through pamphlets and posters distributed throughout the state. The town had many visitors in the lead up to Christmas, and some businesses reported that they “did a tip-top business at Xmas and broke all previous records.” (reference). By January 1916, the entertainment committee had opened an information bureau, and in February they arranged a carnival “to tender a welcome to” the large contingent of troops in training at Forrest Park (reference; reference). During the operational years of the Visitors’ Entertainment Committee, they arranged Sunday excursion trains from Bridgetown and Collie (reference), a ten-day carnival of band competitions, an axemen's carnival with £500 in prizes, and fire brigade demonstrations (reference). The band competitions continued for many years with the initial success of the band mainly attributed to Walter’s zeal and the managerial role of Mr Harry Bennett (reference; reference).

Walter was also on the committee of the District Nursing Association and was a great fan of the first district nurse, Nurse Boehm. In an interview in later years, he recalled “She saved hundreds of lives and was loved by everybody in Bunbury” and recounted how he taught her to ride the motorcycle purchased by the association (reference). Walter was also involved with the Seaman’s Mission and became their Honorary Treasurer in 1927 (reference).

In 1928 it was acknowledged that Walter put in a lot of time and effort into promoting the development of Bunbury. At a civic farewell held for Walter before his departure for a trip to America, the various accolades that were given to him included “one of Bunbury's foremost citizens”, “one of the leading citizens of the town, who was always doing his bit, no

matter who it was who was concerned.” and “Mr. Kaeshagen had been genuinely interested in and had performed a wonderful lot of work in connection with the advancement of the town.” (reference). A 1931 biographical article on Walter stated: “It is 25 years since Mr. Kaeshagen settled in Bunbury, and during that time he has held practically every executive position in the trading, civic and social organisations of the town.” (reference) Fifteen years later in 1948, Walter expressed the same sentiment in his own words "I think I've been president of every darned thing that's been in this town for forty years". Using Walter’s nickname, Robert Coleman finished his biography on Walter with “earlier in this story I stated that "Casey" loves Bunbury. To that I could have added that Bunbury loves "Casey”. (reference).

A Keen Interest in Agriculture and Development of the South-West Region

Walter was always interested in the potential for new industries and agriculture in the South-West region and worked with the farmers that were keen to experiment. In 1918, he grew a trial crop of millet in his backyard and passed on a head weighing 3lb to Peter Buckenara, a farmer from Dardanup. Then “Mr. Kaeshagen sent samples of the Waterloo crop to the W.A. Brushware Co, and received a reply congratulating the grower on the excellence of the Millet. The letter went on to say that Millet equal to that shown was worth £100 per ton, and the company were prepared to buy up to 50 tons yearly at market rates.” (reference). Walter also liaised with contacts in South Africa to establish a market for seed potatoes and sent off a trial sample. When reporting that the company was willing to buy smaller potatoes, the Bunbury Times had the opinion that “The thanks of all South West potato growers are due to Mr W. H. Kaeshagen, of the Narrogin Trading and Agency Co, Ltd, for the energetic way in which he is barracking for them.” (reference). He was also very enthusiastic when in 1920, Plaistowe & Co. offered seed and equipment to farmers willing to experiment with growing sugar beet. Speaking in favour, he said “that he was convinced that sugar beet would grow in the South West satisfactorily, and he thought a very strong meed of praise was due to Messrs. Plaistowe & Co. They had apparently gone into the matter without any thought of monetary gain. It seemed to him there was no doubt that the sugar beet plant could be established in Bunbury, which was ideally situated for the purpose being in close touch with Collie, having the port at its door and possessing an ample water supply.” (reference).

Walter was often a spokesman for the farmers. He supported them during the war years which saw a rise in crop fires sparked from trains (reference). He also brought attention to the cost of bags used for exported wheat that were ripped open and thrown away at their destination, suggesting they be sent back to the farmers to be reused (reference).

Walter’s mind was never far from Bunbury. In 1916, when travelling to Williams, Walter, always on the lookout for opportunities to strengthen the connections between Bunbury and the surrounding regions, reported soon after that “the road itself was hard and good. The bush road was really better than the main roads, but if a few stumps and boulders were removed by the Collie and Darkan Roads Boards, it would be a great inducement for people from the Darkan, Williams, and Narrogin districts (where there are hundreds of cars) to motor to Bunbury and beyond, and thus help build up a good connection.” (reference).

Family Man

Walter maintained close contact with his family. His mother lived in Williams (reference) before leaving to live with her daughter in Adelaide from 1916 to 1918 after his marriage to Lillian (reference). Although his brother, George Cranston (born Wilhelm Kaesehagen) was not acknowledged in either of the death notices for their siblings, Walter did acknowledge the relationship (reference), and members of George’s family often visited them (reference) (reference; reference).

Lillian’s family also struggled with death. In June 1915, her sister died leaving behind four young children (reference). Six months later, in December 1915, her mother died when she was tossed from her trap by a rearing horse (reference). In 1917, her brother died at war (reference).

Walter and Lillian had two daughters. Joy was born in 1912 (reference) and married Robert Bourne who worked in the Bunbury Commonwealth Bank in 1936 (reference). After their daughter Roberta was born (reference), they moved to Kalgoorlie and had two more children (reference). Youngest daughter Joan was born in 1920 and married Keith Pix (reference) who was the 1946 W.A. State Amateur and Open Golf Champion (reference). Their son Gregory was born in 1948 (reference), and soon after, Keith found employment in Sydney (reference). Joan lamented later that she was a golf widow and said “I always said I would never marry a sport and now look what's happened to me. I'm certainly learning the hard way." (reference).

Motor-car Dealer

Initially, Narrogin Trading and Agency Company sold farm machinery before moving into motorised vehicles, selling motorcycles for companies such as Harley Davidson (reference; reference; reference). The following years they became agents for Willys-Overland, Studebaker, Ford Lorrie trucks and cars (reference; reference; reference; reference; reference). In 1925 when Ford established an Australian company the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company was reappointed as Ford agents for the Bunbury, Busselton and Collie areas, Walter decided to “provide a showroom for cars and trucks so in order that clients may inspect their purchases and take immediate delivery.” By request of Ford, they would also install spare parts (reference). In 1926, Narrogin Trading and Agency Company added a garage, employed a mechanic to service and repair Ford vehicles (reference) and gave lectures on maintenance and care of their engines (reference). In 1927, Bunbury hosted a Ford Convention for country dealers where the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company won a cup in the state sales competition for Ford Dealers (reference; reference). Walter’s interest in motor vehicles grew, starting his own business as a motor dealer after selling the Narrogin Trading and Agency Company Bunbury branch to John Wills in 1934 (reference; reference).

Other Skills and Interests

Walter and Lillian were both keen gardeners with a particular interest in flowers and grew “some exquisite blooms.” (reference; reference). Walter was a judge in the flower section of local shows (reference), and Lillian won prizes as well for her flower arrangements and roses (reference; reference).

Walter was also a fisherman and featured in an article from The Mirror about Perth Fishing Tackle Supplier, Joe Lacerda. According to the article, Joe could tell many fishing yarns and: “One in particular of the gigantic kingfish which Joe says he was told by Mayor Hands of Bunbury was caught by Kaeshagen of the same town after four hours' fight on one of Joe's lines is an epic in fishing tales.” (reference)

A man of many talents, Walter could also pull off some veterinary skills when required as the following story demonstrates: “Evidently the ostrich is not in it with the magpie as a gastronomic wonder. One day during this week a remarkable feat was performed by a speckled pet, which is a member of the family of J. S. Pryor, a tonsorial artist of Bunbury. A Pryor offspring was playing with an open pocket knife, when the inquisitive magpie pounced upon the glittering implement, and in a trice had swallowed it, blade and haft and all. A surgical operation performed by W..H. Kaeshagen, a kindly neighbor, brought the missing knife to light a few hours later. The owner of the bird regards the incident as dispelling the mystery of several missing razors. Maggie is still alive and well.” (reference)

Writings

Walter was a prolific writer. He kept a journal of his experiences as a ship’s chandler from 1909 to 1947. A copy of his journal is at the State Library of Western Australian (reference). During the war, Walter also wrote letters to the local boys on the front which were received with much enthusiasm“if you only knew the pleasure it gives us out here to hear from our old friends in Australia, you would feel amply compensated for the time spent in writing.” - Sergeant Major Shilling (reference). He also wrote many letters to newspapers on various subjects. Some were single letters either promoting an idea such as establishing a fish canning and smoking industry (reference) or pointing out a problem like the crop fires caused by steam trains (reference). Others consisted of replies to other letters. In response to a letter titled ‘Bunburyite’ consisting of complaints about the prices of goods in Bunbury, Walter said: “if this is the case. It's a pity "Bunburyite" does not take his pound to Perth and live there” and “if he wants cheap and shoddy goods he can arrange (such as pink salmon) with his grocer to supply as cheap as Perth”. After a lengthy explanation of pricing, he finished with “But it's wonderful what some people will take up with from Perth storekeepers just because they think they are clever by sending out of the place they get their living in. I would also like to state I have no time for people who write letters to papers under a nom-de-plume.” (reference). There were some instances where Walter got into a debate consisting of several letters between him and his adversary - all published in the paper and sometimes becoming aggressive as the debate progressed. When Harry Holtzmann, a supplier of tinware, complained that the Mr Kaeshagen did not purchase local stock, Walter replied “I would like to point out that the only line he had to offer the writer was buckets, which were, judging by appearance, very old stock” before continuing to say he would have purchased them anyway when the current stocks were lower as he was “not quite patriotic enough to purchase goods which our firm do not require just to please Mr Holtzmann.” (reference).