B12 Group Settlement Humpy

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c. 1921 - 1924

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Overview

Busselton Historical Society volunteers constructed this replica of a Group Settlement humpy in1976. The replica humpy is constructed of rough-hewn timber with corrugated galvanised iron cladding. At the western end a corrugated iron kitchen hearth protrudes from the simple rectangular floor plan.

Historical information

Upon arrival in Western Australia the Group Settlers were given only a day or two to acclimatise before they were allocated to a Group and transported to their new home which was an area of virgin bush divided into about twenty twenty-five acre blocks.

The tenacity of the new settlers was instantly tested. Using the timber, corrugated iron and the few basic tools delivered by horse teams, they had to start work building the group camp. They constructed shelters, called humpies, which would be their homes until permanent housing was built. Humpies were made using saplings as upright posts, corrugated iron as walls and dirt for the floors. Long pieces of hessian acted as doors and to divide the space into rooms.

A group typically comprised between twelve and twenty families with a Group Foreman in charge. The group worked together to clear the land, build fences and establish farms in areas which had previously been unable to attract settlers. Each farm established was allocated by ballot and the lucky family would move to the completed farm whilst still continuing to work with the Group to establish the remaining farms. The process was continued until all blocks were cleared and occupied.

After a period of establishment, the settlers were required to repay a 30-year loan (not exceeding £1,000) provided by the Agricultural Bank and would get freehold title on full repayment. They were paid 10 shillings per day during the land clearing phase and offered a £10 loan for the purchase of household and agricultural equipment. The loan was interest-only for the first five years.

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Registration number

cwa-org-124-B12

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