schoolmaster until 1892. The occasion of his retirement from the headmastership of the school was made quite a public event, the teachers and pupils presenting him with a beautifully illuminated address, and the old boys with a silver tea service.
In addition to these many important duties, Mr. Humble has taken an active interest in every movement which had for its object the advancement of Fremantle and its citizens. To him is due much of the credit of founding the Fremantle Benefit Building and Investment Society, of which he is at present the secretary. He is also a prominent Mason, and filled the office of Worshipful Master of the Lodge when the foundation-stone of the Masonic Hall was laid, and when the building was opened. He is still a trustee of the building, and has held the position of Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia. As a Justice of the Peace Mr. Humble has done good service since 1895, when he was gazetted. In religious matters he has helped to build up the Congregational Church in Fremantle. He acted as deacon to the late Rev. Mr. Johnston, and was instrumental in having the Johnston Memorial Church erected in Fremantle to his memory. In the Sunday School he has been a prominent figure, and at the expiration of twenty-five years' connection with it was presented with an address by the scholars.
The many useful offices Mr. Humble has filled in Western Australia merit him to receive the most pleasing praise of—"Well done thou good and faithful servant."
CAPTAIN FRANK BISSENBERGER.
READERS will probably be particularly interested in the biographies of those men who take an active part in the mining industry. They will want to know what sort of men are most prominent, and what are their recommendations. Distance or business demands may prevent their discovering these things for themselves.
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Photo by CAPTAIN FRANK BISSENBERGER. Greenham & Evans. |
This work includes sketches of the careers of the principal prospectors and experts. It is highly necessary, in the interests of the future of gold mining in Western Australia, that men of large mining experience should be at the helm of the different fields. Indifferent knowledge of geology and practical mining are of no avail. Men are required who have devoted long years of mining enterprise, and who are experienced in its following in other countries. Such men are the most likely to attract capital. And the capitalist has a right to demand, before he invests, the credentials of those who administer his money.
Captain Frank Bissenberger was born in Hungary in 1852, and as a youth studied geology and mining and served an apprenticeship in engineering. An Austrian subject, he was required to spend a period in the military service, and for five years he was in the Sappers and Mining Engineers corps. Thus he became acquainted with the theoretical and practical part of engineering, and gained an excellent grounding in mining.. Moreover, in after years he learnt much of practical mining. In 1875 he left Austria, and settled in Adelaide, South Australia. For two years he followed the occupation of an engineer, whereupon he went to the Gawler Ranges, north-west of Adelaide, and prospected for copper. At that time it was believed that copper deposits, almost as famous as those at the Burra Burra, existed in the Gawler Ranges, but, though Captain Bissenberger found indications, nothing of any importance eventuated from his work. Next at Ulooloo, near Mount Bryan, he followed gold mining in the alluvial for some months. This goldfield, like nearly all those in the sister colony, is tantalising, for while the prospects are excellent, the realisation is seldom above mediocrity. However, Captain Bissenberger was able to pay his way, and to invest in quartz mining on the same field. Then came the rumour of silver finds at Silverton, and Captain Bissenberger went to them. He spent some five years working among the silver and tin mines on the Barrier Ranges, and increased his money. At last he tired of mining, and looked with envy on the quiet homes of the settlers at Mildura. He went down to that Garden of the Murray, purchased a farm from Chaffey Bros., and worked it. Subsequently he combined this work with an appointment which he obtained from Chaffey Bros.—that of engineering inspector.
But this secluded life soon palled, and after a few months Captain Bissenberger left Mildura, and turned again to mining. The Teetulpa Goldfields were then creating excitement throughout South Australia, and hopes were entertained that a payable goldfield was at last discovered. Captain Bissenberger spent six months at Teetulpa, when, recognising that there was little future before it, he returned to Adelaide. He was not there long before he was appointed manager of the Countess of Jersey
