The Bonds of Balingup

The Bonds of Balingup/Greenbushes 

Balingup South West Western Australia, is a small town located on the South Western Highway, national highway 1. 241 kilometres south of Perth and 67 kilometres southeast of Bunbury Western Australia. A picturesque town set amongst farmland, rolling hills, valleys, and natural bush. The town has a population of approximately 500 people in this year, 2020.

Golden Valley Tree Park Balingup

A community-spirited town since it was first gazetted in 1898, the town area was first surveyed in the year 1850 and settled by farming people who used the rich soils for growing fruits and vegetables. Water has been in good supply, from Balingup brook which has flowed through the town constantly over the years. The railway came to Balingup also in the year 1898, a station platform for the arrival and departure of produce goods and passengers would prove a bonus to the people of the town. 

Family oral history, census records, local news articles, military records, and the State Records Office; have enabled me to build a good understanding of my Bond family members and their lives in Balingup. I was able to ascertain that my ancestors enjoyed utilising the convenience of train travel to get too far away destinations. 

Harry Bond was my paternal grandfather, who I never got to meet as he had passed before I arrived in the world. Nonetheless, I have a wonderful understanding of his life and hopefully an accurate interpretation of his personality, using all the pre-mentioned resources. 

 

Bond St Donnybrook was named after Grandfather Harry Bond who did Carpentry and Building work for the Shire Buildings?

Harry Bond was born  6/4/1864 in Kilburn London England, to parents James Robert Bond and Anne Maria Vivian; he passed 16 / 9/1950, Bunbury Western Australia. He and Kate Elizabeth Wise married 2/3/1894, Beverly Western Australia. Harry's occupation at this time is listed as being a Line Repairer for Great Southern Railway and Kate is employed as a Domestic Servant and living at Maple stead Homestead Beverley Western Australia. Harry’s place of abode is the 16-mile camp GSR Williams district. I have found an abundance of documented facts of the lives of Harry, Kate, and their children in Balingup; allow me to commence with the Births of their children.

(1) Lilian Bertha Bond, born 1894, Perth Western Australia, passed 2/12/1985 Bentley, Perth Western Australia. M- 1916, Arthur Fitzgerald Chapman, Had Issue.

(2) Robert Vivian Bond, born 28/4/1896, Smith Lake Western Australia, passed 27/4/1986, Salters Point, Perth Western Australia. M- 1920, Eva May Cordelia Pitt, Had Issue

(3) Frank Bond, born 1897, Bunbury Western Australia, passed 15/1/1899, Bunbury Western Australia.  

(4) Violet Bond, born 1900, Bunbury Western Australia, passed 21/3/1993, Australind Western Australia. M- 6th May 1934, Spencer Albert Tate, Had Issue. 

(5) Lena Rose Bond, born 1902, Bunbury Western Australia, passed 1980, Collie Western Australia. M- 1st Feb 1922, James John Pitts, Had Issue.

(6) Cyril Leonard Bond, born 8/5/1903, Balingup Western Australia, passed 20/12/1983, Perth Western Australia. M- 6th Feb 1932, Margaret Smith Lavery, Had Issue.

In the year 1903, The Commonwealth of  Australia. State of Western Australia. Division of Swan. Roll of Electors Who Vote at Balingup. We have our first census record of Harry and Kate Bond living in Balingup, Harry’s occupation is listed as Gardener and Kate is doing Home duties, again in the 1906 census they are both registered as Voters, living in Balingup and Harry is a Gardener and Kate is listed as performing home duties.

Apart from gathering census records as conclusive evidence of the lives of my Bond family in Balingup I also managed to acquire descriptive newspaper articles and military records giving good confirmation of their lives. 

1906, The Commonwealth of  Australia. State of Western Australia. Division of Swan. Roll of Electors Who Vote at Balingup.

Bond Harry, Gardener, Balingup, M.

Bond Kate Elizabeth, Home Deuties, Balingup, F.

The Blackwood Times, Tue 16th Nov 1909.

Fish in the Balingup brook.- Some eight years ago some fish spawn was placed in the Balingup brook by Messrs. Le Souef and Hancock and the Rev. Mr. Nesbitt. Whilst netting in the brook last week Mr. Harry Bond caught a Prussian Carp which turned the scales at two pounds. It would seem the fish spawn placed in the brook and Blackwood river have thriven.

Quite a number of people tell of catches of fish in the Blackwood River especially. Fishing promises to become a popular pastime in the South West rivers. 

Prussian Carp

The Licencing Act 1911.

8th Dec 1911, Application for an Eating House Licence.

To the Licencing Court for the district of Nelson in Western Australia.

I Harry Bond, now residing in Balingup, in the said district of Nelson do hereby give notice that it is my intention to Apply at the next Quarterly Sitting of the Licencing Court for the said district for an Eating House License, for the premises which I now occupy (or intend to occupy), situated at Balingup, called the Balingup Dining Rooms. Now holding a temporary  Eating House License, consisting of dining room, kitchen and outhouse, situated on Balingup Town Lot. No. 15. Temporary  License No 0036.

Dated the 2nd day of December, one thousand nine hundred and eleven. 

Harry Bond.

Signature and Applicant.

West Australian State Records Office, Balingup town map.   

The Eating House

Balingup news, 24th Dec 1912.

Applications Granted. Boarding House License. The following  license Granted  

Harry Bond Boarding House Balingup.

Balingup notes, Sat 22nd May 1914.

The first of the residence under the Workers Homes Act is nearing completion. The building is a substantial jarh residence built by Mr. Harry Bond for his own use. And being in a very prominent position near the Railway Station will be an ornament to the township.

Balingup Roads Board, Sat 6th June 1914.

Mr. Thomas offered to cart the timber free of charge if the Board would repair the colvert near Mr. Philips;- This was agreed to.

Mr. Read moved for the making of a culvert drain opposite Mr. Bonds house;- carried.

Balingup Roads Board, Thur 1st, Oct 1914.

General Business, The matter of getting stumps and logs removed nere Mr. Bonds property was left in the hands of Messers, Wright and Read.

Mr. Bonds offer to do the work for £5, was considered excessive. 

Balingup news, Fri 27th Aug 1915.

At Balingup-. Sylvea and Ela Rose and Jim Crommelin 1 pair fowls; Mr. J. Rose 1 paire dressed fowles, bottles of sauces; Mrs. Crommelin 1 paire salt callers; Mrs. Stallard  1 pair Ducks; Mr. Patterson 1 pair Muscovy Ducks; Mr. H. Bond 1 hat rack of beautifully polished Ox Horns; Mrs. Bond 1 jarrah (polished) walking stick; Mr. Campbell 1 Sheep; - - -.

Balingup notes, 25th May 1917. 

Mr. Harry Bond returning to camp from long leave on Monday 21st. He expects to sail for France on or about 23rd int. 

Balingup news Saturday 15th, 1918. 

The fortnightly meeting of the Balingup branch of the Trench Comforts League was held at the residence of Mrs. Wallace on Wednesday, 4th inst. Mrs. Meadames, Elliott and Bond provided afternoon tea, the collection for which accounted to 12s 9d. 

Mrs. H. Bond has received a message from England intimating the probable early return of her son, Privet Vivian Bond.  

 A Busy Bee was held on Saturday when Miss Waddingham, Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Wallace and Leonard  Bond put in an afternoon with brush and broom preparing the new home for the Trench comforts fund.

Balingup news, Wed 12th June 1918.

Mr. Uphill moved that the Health Rate be levied only inside town boundaries as outlying districts received no benefit from it. Mr. Herb Wright seconded the motion whilst Mr. H. Bond opposed it. Mr. H. Wansborough warned them not to interfere with the tax; it was at present only a fraction over a penny in the pound, and very few paid more than one shilling and eightpence. If the taxation was taken out of their hands and levied from the Perth central board, they would have a much heavier tax.    

Balingup notes, Sat 27th July 1918.

A patriotic concert and dance in aid of the funds of Balingup Red Cross will be held next week and this opportunity will be taken to welcome home privets, Vivian Bond and Samuel Leahy. It is two and a half years since these young men went away, and our only regret is they don't return in their old-time good health. Pte Leahy was wounded by a bursting shell in ten places and was blinded for two days. he now has a stiff arm and has lost some fingers. Pte V. Bond comes home suffering lung trouble, the result of life-fighting in the trenches. We heartily wish them speedy recovery of health and strength. 

Robert Vivian Bond

Balingup news, Fri 6th Sep 1918. 

A letter was received from Mr. Harry Bond complaining of the board calling for tenders for work and then getting same done by day labor. The secretary was instructed to write pointing out that tenders were received at last meeting and were not accepted.  

Balingup news, Sat 31st May 1919.

Greenbushes;- Messrs E. Edwards and J. May reported having inspected Mr. E. Smith's garden area of five acres, Dumpling Gully, and thought it a good proposition and good security for amount asked. Mr. Harry Bond's application for the same, including dwelling house, cart, livestock, etc, recommended as a business to the Deputy Comptroller with request to expedite.   

Balingup news, Wed 22nd Oct 1919.

Greenbushes;- Harry Bond's application for £1,124, to purchase a farm was sent through to DC. as was Mr. W. Mcdonald's for £250, to purchase a team.

Balingup news, Repatriation committee, 1st Feb 1919.

The repatriation committee met on Thursday to consider correspondence in connection to applications by Messrs M.L. Cook and Harry Bond. No finality was reached. Mr. Layman on behalf of the Repatriation committee has been inspecting properties in Balingup.  

 

Balingup news, Welcome home returned Soldiers, sat 29th Mar 1919.

A district welcome home to ten returned soldiers was held in the Balingup Hall on Saturday night last. Mr. Jenkins chairman of the Roads Board presided, and in an excellent address welcomed the returned men. Privet Vivian Bond responded on behalf of himself and mates. The audience stood in silent memory of those who had made the supreme sacrifice. Soldiers present- Roy uphill, Vivian Bond, Harry Bond, D. Dovell, A. Hitchcock, A.B. Purchase, W. Maumill, K. Pine, A, Cooks, and Fleming. 

Supper and dancing concluded the evening.      

Roll of Honor 

Balingup news, Fri 27th Feb 1920.

Greenbushes;- Greenbushes R.S.A- At the recent meeting of the branch, the following office bearers were elected:- President, Mr. Glen Birchall: secretary, Mr. J Treloar: treasurer, Mr. H. Bond. The meeting decided to hold a social evening at Miners Institute on Anzac day. Arrangements for same were left in the hands of the committee.  

Balingup news Fri 16th July 1920.

Greenbushes;- The General Manager of the Agricultural Bank, Re Mr. H. Bond's application for Mr. F. W. J. Erwart's land. He stated a loan of £1,050, had been approved of to the applicant. 

News in Brief Balingup, 7 Dec 1920. 

Not only in Brooklands Soldier Settlement but in other parts of the district; the return soldier, seems to have the best crops. Mr. Harry Bond's crops of both wheat and oats are acknowledged by the seller's out Southampton way as being the best in district.

Balingup notes, Easter Visitors 1st April 1921.

 Mrs. Harry Bond will be returning home shortly after a 3 month holiday in Perth.

Balingup notes 26th August 1921. Mrs. A.F Chapman, of Yarloop is holidaying with her parents Mr. and Mrs. H. Bond of Balingup.

Balingup notes, Balingup show 1922.

Rhubarb 1st prize Harry Bond.

Division of Forrest 1925 Voters. 

Eva May Cordelia Bond, "Kilburn" Balingup home duties. F 

Harry Bond, Walter street Greenbushes, Carpenter. M 

Kate Elizabeth Bond, Maida vail Farm, Greenbushes, Married. F

Vivian Robert Bond, "Kilburn" Balingup Fetler. M   

 

Balingup news, 12th Feb 1926.

Greenbushes Bush Fires;- Destructive bushfires have been raging around Greenbushes until the cool change on Sunday 7th inst, and light showers checked them. Farmers have had a very trying time fighting the flames. On the western side of Greenbushes Mr. Harry Bond has had a strenuous task to save his property and further out, Messrs Corpen, Knapton and others have had to battle against the flames. 

Western Australian Post Office Directory 1926.

Bond Harry, farmer, Greenbushes, M.

Bond Vivian, timber worker, Balingup, M.

Advertisement, Wed 13th July 1927.

Tenders Returnable at Bunbury

23/7/27- 26/1244

Nelson Locations 2035, 1464, 1131, being the whole of the and comprised in certificate of title Vol. 764, fel. 100, and conditions: Purchase License 14733/55  and 7476/35. Standing in the name of Harry Bond. Area 290 1/2 acres, situated 4 miles west of Greenbushes, 208 acres first-class good reddish loam, with about 2 acres summer swamp. Balance second clean gravelly ridges; 10 acres cleared and cultivated; 7 acres part cleared. All range. Two wells. 90 chains 6 and 7 wire boundary fence, 82 chains 3- wire and netting, 53 chains 3. 4 and 5  wire internal fences, and 238 chains 3 and 4 wire and netting boundary fence; half neighbours. J.W.B. House. 4 rooms Shed and lean-to. 1 1/2 acres assorted fruit trees. Stock and plant that may be in our possession and belonging to the place at the time of purchase. 

The West Australian Perth, In Memorandum, Sat, 4th Apr 1936. 

Wise- In fond and loving memory of our dear Father, who passed away on April, 8th 1931; also our loving Mother, who passed away on February, 12th 1935. Resting where no shadows fall. In perfect peace they await us all. 

Inserted by their loving Daughter Kate, Harry Bond and grandchildren (Balingup). 

Balingup news, Farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bond, 26 July 1946.

Pouring rain and gusty weather prevented many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bond from attending the farewell evening held on Thursday night organised by Mr. G. White on behalf of the citizens of Balingup. Notwithstanding the elements, however a very representative crowd turned out to do honor to its two departing friends. A short program of musical items, arranged by Mr. Blakeney included a planforte duet by Mrs. Blakeney and Thelma Walter and some very good harmony by the Four Dilleys, with Mrs. Dilley at the piano. 

Mrs. Tate from Bunbury rendered a song with was very well received by the appreciative 

Audience.

Mr. A. S. Wright then spoke on behalf of the R.S.L. of which organisation, he said Harry had been a staunch membrane witch body was going to miss him very much. He was glad to be able to inform the guests of honor that the membership of the R.S.L had increased from its original 15 to 49.

An accordion solo by Nor Godard was well played and received great applause, as did the trio consisting of Norm and Edgar Sadler with two Accordions, Bert Walton and his Sax.

Apologies were received from many people, among whom was Frank Jenkins, who was billed to appear as a solo artist, and also his sister, Ms. McDonald.

" Bob " Blakeney surprised the audience with an excellently rendered song, followed by some very pleasant harmony with Mrs. Blakeney. Mr. W. Merritt, one of  Mr. Bonds oldest friends recalled the fact that Mr. Bond was member of the first progress Association formed in Balingup. 

During the evening the organiser remarked that " as usual " the Road Board members were conspicuous by their absence and this fact was made "all the more deplorable because Mr. Bond had been a ratepayer for 40 or so years."

Mr. Bond then responded on behalf of his wife and himself and called on his son Viv to support his remarks.

After dancing had been indulged and a very welcome supper partaken in, Mr. Wright presented the guests of honour with a small token of esteem.

 

  

Harry and Kate Bond Balingup 1944, 50th Anniversary

The West Australian, Mon 18th Sep 1950.

Bond: On September 16th, 1950 At District Hospital Bunbury, Harry Bond the dearly loved husband of Kate, of 13 Ramsey - road Bunbury and formerly of Balingup, loved father of Lillian ( Mrs. A.P. Chapman), Vivian, Violet ( Mrs. A. S. Tate ), Lena ( Mrs. W. McKay ) and Leonard. Aged 86 years. Peace Perfect Peace.

South Western Times, Tue 19th Sep 1950.

South-West Pioneer, The death occurred in Bunbury on Saturday of Mr. Harry Bond, one of the pioneers of Balingup. He was aged 86 years. He was among the citizens planted the well-known pine avenue which lines each side of Brockman Street, Balingup, for more than 200yds. The pines now have an average height of 110ft. 

The West Australian, Perth Fri 22nd Sep 1950.

Bond (Harry): On September, 16th at Bunbury, suddenly ever-loving grandad of Jim and Dot Pitts (Collie).    

The Bond family of Balingup 1944.

Harry was born on 6^th April 1864; to parents James Robert and Anne Maria Bond of Kilburn London England. He enlisted in the Australian military forces; Bunbury Western Australia Thursday 12^th April 1917, he was a family man with a cheeky smile.

Harry Bond and his wife Kate Elizabeth were living in Balingup Western Australia in 1917; three of their five children Violet aged seventeen, Lena Rose aged fifteen, and Cyril Leonard aged thirteen were still living at the family home in Forrest street Balingup. (Kilburn house)
Eldest daughter Lilian Bertha was living in Perth Western Australia with her husband Arthur Fitzgerald Chapman from c1916 and she was aged twenty-three in 1917.
The Eldest son Robert Vivian was aged twenty-one and convalescing in Boscombe military hospital England 1^st April 1917. He was suffering from the after-effects of a gas attack in the front-line trenches of France, where he was serving at the time. He had been serving in the Australian military since 1914 and was not supportive of his father Harry enlisting for military service. He may have been comforted in his assumption that his father would be home looking after things; during this time of conflict.

 Harry would have had compelling incentives to remain at home where he had his loving wife and three teenage children depending on his support and his being around. We must give him credit for the decision he made back then to enlist and serve his time, do his bitt. Knowing of his son Robert’s close call with death and possibly knowing of other local men who had not survived gas attacks in the trenches; he surely took account, of the possibility that he may not return. 

On the 12^th April 1917 in the town of Bunbury Western Australia Harry Bond of Balingup enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, unit A.S.C (May, Reinforcements)

The A.S.C (Army Service Corps) was a complicated unit of Companies that provided other units with specialised services. The enlistment paper has no birth date entered, but Harry has stated his age as being forty-four years; a clear understatement by nine years given his birth date is 6^th April 1864 in London England.
Harry was putting his age down from fifty-three to forty-four; to be eligible for enlistment for service in the army, and he has achieved his goal, for the time being.
In his application, he has nominated his calling as being a baker. He was possibly putting himself forward to an area in the army where he may not see too much action; in the catering services. 
He appears on English records for the last time with his London family in the 1881 England Census; Occupation Carpenter. In pre and post-war Balingup records, his calling moves from gardener to fettler and back to carpenter over a forty-five-year period. There is no mention of Harry having baking skills in any Electoral Rolls pre or post-war Balingup. 
It’s from here in Harry’s enlistment record that he begins to state truths in that his wife is Kate Elizabeth Bond and that his permanent address is the town of Balingup WA, also he has no prior military service nor had he ever been rejected for military service. 
Harry next indicates that he is perfectly willing to be inoculated against smallpox and enteric fever, he was not about to let a jab or two in an arm stop him from enlisting. Finally, near the bottom of the enlistment record, he allots no less than three-fifths of his army pay to the support of his wife and children. 
Amongst other military records for Harry, is a Will document that simply informs us that his will has been lodged with the Secretary of the Roads Board Balingup W.A, and an indication that he has taken account of the possibility he may not return. 
Age enlistment requirements in 1917 would have been made clear to all men offering themselves for military service, 18 – 47 years of age. By reducing his age Harry would have been offering to give three years of service. 
We have men under age and men over age who are willing to do what is necessary to be enlisted into the services during WW1. In Harry Bond's case, he may have been attracted by the prospect of three years of reliable income for his family and an opportunity to travel back to the UK and his hometown of London. Thousands of servicemen may have managed to work around the age requirement and Harry would not have been in a minority group at the time, but a group with multiple reasons for why they enlisted.     

Training camp at Black boy Hill Perth Western Australia was home for Harry and his fellow soldiers, from 1^st May 1917 with periodic visits back to his family in Balingup. Military records indicate approximately a three-month time frame between training and embarkation for Sydney 1^st August 1917 to sail for the UK 21^st September 1917 onboard SS Orita Halifax, disembarking Liverpool, UK 3^rd October 1917. A very busy time for the men after signing up and training, before they are shipped off across an ocean. 

Mr. Harry Bond returned to camp from long leave on Monday, 21^st.
He expects to sail for France on or about the 23^rd inst.
Trove; National Library of Australia, The Blackwood Times Bunbury WA, Balingup Notes.
Fri 25^th May 1917

This must have been a traumatic time for the family, knowing that their father was going off to the war over-aged and may well find himself on the front line in France. Baking bread or not they considered the front a dangerous place for him to be.        

While Private Harry Bond was going through his training at Black boy hill or at some time after, his wife Kate was at work behind the scenes thinking up a way to scuttle her husband’s plans of a full three years of service in the army or at best preventing his movement to France. 

 Son Robert Vivian Bond may have received news from his mother, Kate; of his father’s successful enlistment and subsequent deployment to England and on to France and at some time he decided to intervene and have his father discharged from active service on the grounds of being overage. 

From October 1917 through to December 1917 Harry's service in England seems to be going well, there are no statements in his service record to suggest he has been discovered. 

On the 31^st January 1918, his service record indicates that his game is up, he has been sprung and he is to return to Australia (discharge) reason of senility. The family has got their way and their father is coming home where he belongs, thankfully to Viv's intervention.

On the 6^th April 1918 Harry returns to Fremantle Western Australia on board RMS Osterley, and military records state, Discharged 5^th MD 24^th April 1918.        

Harry and Kate Bond remained living in Balingup up until August 1946 when they made the move to Bunbury, there are abundant community records at Trove Australia in the form of newspaper articles from the Balingup News giving acknowledgments in their community participation. 

Harry, his son Robert Vivian and other returned soldiers received a big welcome home from the Balingup town community, and it is well documented; Balingup News and other news media at Trove Australia. A rich and rewarding collection of family records are out there for our pleasure.    

Harry Bond. S No. 14666

Harry and Kate Bond were my Grandparents, Harry had passed, when I was born; but Grandmother Kate was in my life till 1966.

Sunday Morning. by N. Bond DipFamHistUtas.

Sunday mornings at Ramsey road Bunbury back in the late 1940s would have been very different compared to today’s digital lifestyle.

Rooster calls would be echoing far away as Kate and Harry awoke from their peaceful slumber.

 A gentle rhythmic clack-clack sound will soon join this 7am morning serenade.

Toot-toot “here she comes, Treacle Beak,” Harry murmurs in his sleepy state.

The Australind has commenced its 3-hour journey to Perth returning weekend visitors back to the city, there will be a second train leaving Bunbury station at 4pm again bound for Perth.

My grandparent's two-bedroom Ramsey road cottage was no more than 150 meters from the railway line’s; that serviced Bunbury, connecting the town to the freight and passenger rail services.

The railway travelled northeast along what is now Blair street, up until the early 1970s; Harry could again snuggle his head into his feather pillow as the sounds of the Australind faded into the distance.  

Savouring his comfort, for now, he let out a gentle “err,” of contentment. In a short while, he will be unmercifully stabbed in a rib by Kate’s finger,” and a command “Get up.” 

The clang of cup and saucer’s, rattling in the cutlery drawer, the whistle of a boiling kettle; Marmalade, toast and a pot of tea would be dutifully and lovingly, presented on a bedsit breakfast tray for Kate’s comfort each Sunday morning at Ramsey road.

“Breakfast is served Treacle Beak, my love.” Harry would softly say

Sources:

Family oral history

State Records Office Western Australia

Trove: News Papers Australia

Australian War Memorial: Military records

Ancestry UK

Ancestry AU

Balingup Packing Shed Museum

Copyright.

Written and compiled by N. Bond, all content is the complete work and property of  N. Bond. No content or part may be used in any other way without the prior written permission of the author.