3-082-148 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Coolgardie Goldfields: Coolgardie Villa, 1895. 'The interest which Coolgardie excites in the public mind shows little diminution, although the place is no longer at the mercy of the ordinary adventurer. Many of the mines are appropriated by various companies, who carry on their operations in a more orderly if less exciting fashion than distinguished the early days of this marvellous district. The Illustrations we give show various aspects of Coolgardie. The shanty, which is euphemistically termed a villa, would hardly commend itself for picturesqueness or comfort to most folks; but the miner is only too glad to obtain such shelter while indulging that auri sacra fames [accursed greed for gold] which has made Coolgardie a magnet. The escort is very necessary in a spot where rapacity overrides law.' From "Illustrated London News", 1895.