Thursday, February 25, 2016

C.Y. O'Connor.. Mundaring Weir.



WA owes Irish born engineer C.Y. O'Connor a great deal. Not only was he responsible for the construction of Fremantle Harbour but he also devised the scheme for the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, a project that even today would be an awesome endeavour never mind back in the early 1900's. Below a sculpture of O'Connor looking out over Mundaring Weir.. the lake created by the dam was called Helena River Reservoir now quite rightly named Lake C.Y. O'Connor.  Much maligned by the press of the day O'Connor committed suicide in 1902, less than 12 months before the first pump was switched on.. not surprising that even way back then newspapers had too much power and were guilty on many occasions of getting their facts wrong! Didn't have much time to explore yesterday but will go back for details :) Have a good Thursday, take care and stay safe.. p.s. the Mundaring Weir link is excellent for anyone interested in the construction and working of dams!


28 comments:

  1. Good job he arrived there. This dam (gey big weir!) must have made Freemantle & Perth.

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  2. Thanks for the interesting introduction Hawaii too built huge water systems for the plantations around the same time. And that water is still being argued over! Another excellent post, G

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  3. This is really interesting and what an impressive structure too! We had a whole term at university spent on looking at weirs and how they've benefitted river systems here in the UK so I always find it interesting to learn about new ones. It's a shame he committed suicide - too often it happens to people in the public eye. Great post! - Tasha

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  4. Interesting information and photos Grace. Ahhh the press...sometimes just too big for their breeches aren't they? Sad about Mr. O'Connor.

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  5. Kudos to Mr. O'Connor on his vision and achievement. It's so sad that he went unrecognized in his time. That is a damn big dam!

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  6. I do agree with Lowell and it is so sad that Mr. O'Connor wasn't recognized and applauded for his achievement and his vision! I'm afraid that happens to far too many dedicated, talented people! Your post is a great tribute to the man and now is better than never!! Thanks for sharing this, Grace! Hope your week is going well!!

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  7. So sad that he was hounded that much, Grace.

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  8. Sad. But I think I don't like dams...

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  9. Sad for Mr. O'Connor, he had a great vision. As for the press, some things never change! Dam the press.

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  10. What a sad story. Have a good day Diane

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  11. Yep, people often malign the truly creative and intelligent among us.

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  12. Beautiful colours in the water and the sky...and an inteostory....

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  13. I have always been fascinated by dams. This one is impressive. Such a sad story though about the engineer who designed it.

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  14. The area is very attractive: lots of greenery, a footpath (?), and a beautiful sky.

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  15. What a mighty structure he built and such a sad end.

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  16. Charles Yelverton O'Connor at the inquest held on Tuesday 11 March three jurors returned a verdict of 'Death by his own hand through a bullet wound from a revolver at Robbs Jetty while in a state of mental derangement caused through worry and overwork'. Very sad. He did some great things.

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  17. The press can be harsh sometimes, sad he committed suicide. At least the lake has his name now.

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  18. Dams have remained the bone of contention till date.

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  19. altijd geweldig mooi om z.on impulsant bouwwerk te zien

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  20. It's been a few years since I visited this area. He did an impressive job, sadly his plans weren't accepted then. He would probably be considered an outstanding man now.

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  21. Looks like you have a beautiful day to photograph this sight.

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  22. Sad how much power media always has, Grace.

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  23. Interesting information and great photos Grace!
    Great post.

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  24. I know that this is a dam, but the water makes me want to pack up the kids and take a trip out of Stirling on a holiday near the beach or something! It'd be wonderful to get spend some time splashing around with them in the water!

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