"Alex" Alexander Robert Gordon BARR
Born 5 February 1906 in Kadina, South Australia [55]
Son of Robert William BARR and Eva Alice YOUNG [55]
Farmer of Belleranga Valley Farm in Arrino, Western Australia in 1932 and 1933 [4: 30-Jan-1932] [19]
Proprietor of The Central Agency in Three Springs 1934-1936 [4: 8-Sep-1934] [5: 5-Oct-1934] [120: 15-Oct-1936]
His business premises were telephone number Three Springs-24 and contained stocks of all country needs [5: 31-May-1935]
Began advertising his business in The North Midland Times newspaper on Friday 31 May 1935 [5: 31-May-1935]
"The Central Agency sells all country requisites at bedrock prices. Comprehensive stocks on hand." [120: 15-Oct-1936]
"The Largest buying and selling organisation in the North Midlands. Auction Sales Efficiently Handled" [120: 15-Oct-1936]
He gave his occupation as that of "agent and storekeeper"[5: 18-Dec-1936]
Through his business operated as a General Agent, Licensed Auctioneer and Press Representative in Three Springs [150]
Specialised in the sales of Oldsmobile and Vauxhall cars, Caterpillar tractors and Shearer implements, [150]
Bedford and Oldsmobile trucks, radio valves and batteries, motor car and tractor spare parts, tyres accessories and batteries [150]
Among the agencies he represented in 1937 were the firms H. J. Wigmore & Co, [150]
Life and General Insurance Business, Radio Sales and Service, Wilcox Mofflin Ltd and Royal Tailoring Co [150]
In July 1935 gained permission from the Three Springs Road Board to erect a patrol bowser outside his business premises [5: 12-Jul-1935]
Described as "a lovely sort of fellow" who attended every local function and went to the beach at Dongara most weekends [P2]
Whenever he was going to Dongara he'd take anyone along with him who wanted to go, and while there slept on the beach [P2]
His right thumb was painfully crushed between a falling table and a large stone on Sunday 24 January 1932 [4: 30-Jan-1932]
He was attended to at the North Midlands District Hospital in Three Springs, where it was found necessary to remove the nail [4]
Member of the Arrino branch of the Primary Producers Association - was Chairman or President in 1932 [4: 26-Nov-1932] [39: 12-Aug-1932]
Attended "The Official Dinner" of the Three Springs Agricultural Show on the evening of Thursday 22 September 1932 [5: 7-Oct-1932]
In 1932 attended and reported on events for the Carnamah-Three Springs Times and Primary Producer newspapers [5: 7-Oct-1932]
He was also the "Arrino Correspondent" for The Irwin Index newspaper in 1932 [4: 26-Nov-1932] [5: 29-Nov-1935]
By 1935 he attended and reported on events through the North Midlands for The Irwin Index and The North Midland Times [5]
As a result gave his occupation as "Journalist" in Commonwealth of Australia Electoral Rolls [50]
Won the Sack Race at the R.S.L. Sports Day at the Arrino Recreation Ground on Thursday 5 November 1932 [5: 11-Nov-1932]
Attended the evening dance at the Three Springs Hall after the R.S.L. Sports Day at Arrino on 5 November 1932 [5: 18-Nov-1932]
Nominated but defeated in the election as the member for the Dudawa Ward on the Three Springs Road Board in 1932 [5: 25-Nov-1932]
Member and Vice President of the Dudawa Tennis Club in 1932-33 [4: 13-Aug-1932] [5: 19-Aug-1932]
Foundation Secretary of the new Three Springs Ratepayers & Citizens Association in 1933 [5: 18-Aug-1933]
Attended the Carnamah Church of England's New Year Ball held at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 30 December 1933 [5: 5-Jan-1934]
He was among those from Arrino who spent the Easter holidays in 1934 at Cliff Head [5: 13-Apr-1934]
Member of the committee that organised the Three Springs Bush Fire Brigade's Fundraising Ball on 20 November 1933 [5: 10-Nov-1933]
Spoke on behalf of James McCAGH Snr at Philip M. McCAGH's 21st Birthday Dance at the Arrino Hall on 1 June 1934 [5: 8-Jun-1934]
Won 1st prize for Six Photos Depicting Farm Life or Scenery at the Three Springs Agricultural Show in 1934 [5: 21-Sep-1934]
Member of the Arrino Cricket Club in 1934-35 and 1935-36 [5: 8-Feb-1935, 15-Nov-1935]
Recited "The Widow's Daughter" at the Farewell Social held in Carnamah on 17 January 1935 for Douglas WALDBY [5: 8-Feb-1935]
Sang a song at the Miscellaneous and Gift Evening tendered to Annie MCNEILL in Arrino on Tuesday 9 April 1935 [5: 19-Apr-1935]
Sang a song at the Miscellaneous Evening given to Lucy PEARCE at the Arrino Hall on Wednesday 1 May 1935 [5: 3-May-1935]
Member of the Three Springs Football Club - was Vice President in 1935, 1936 and 1937 [5: 10-May-1935, 8-May-1936, 16-Apr-1937]
Secretary in 1935 and a Committee Member in 1936 of the Three Springs Agricultural Society [5: 10-May-1935, 22-May-1936]
Three Springs Distributor of the Carnamah District Agricultural Society's Show Schedules in 1935 and 1936 [5: 9-Aug-1935, 14-Aug-1936]
Bailiff acting on behalf of Thomas J. BERRIGAN to recover rent owed by Carnamah doctor Cecil P. ROSENTHAL [5: 12-Jul-1935]
Unless the rent was paid he was to sell by auction the doctor's household furniture and items at 2 p.m. on 13 July 1935 [5]
Represented the Three Springs Agricultural Society at the Carnamah Agricultural Show on Thursday 12 September 1935 [5: 20-Sep-1935]
Gave a recitation and sang a comic song at the W.A. Blind Appeal Concert & Dance in Carnamah on 28 September 1935 [5: 4-Oct-1935]
He was among those from Arrino who travelled to Perth in October 1935 to attend the Royal Show [5: 11-Oct-1935]
Stocked large stocks of a variety of fireworks for sale for Guy Fawke's Day in November 1935 [5: 1-Nov-1935]
Attended the entertainment for the Commonwealth Grants Commission at the Coorow Hotel on 21 November 1935 [5: 29-Nov-1935]
Represented the Arrino Cricket Club at meetings of the North Midlands Football Association in 1935-36 [5: 11-Oct-1935]
Conducted a clearing sale of stock, plant, land and furniture Carnamah for Charlie KROSCHEL on 30 January 1936 [5: 24-Jan-1936]
Held a sale of furniture and household goods for the trustees of John BURNS in Carnamah at 2 p.m. on 7 April 1936 [5: 3-Apr-1936]
Conducted a clearing sale of George F. BROWN's house, land and furniture in Carnamah on Saturday 18 April 1936 [5: 3-Apr-1936]
Travelled from Three Springs to Perth by train on Tuesday 10 March 1936 [5: 13 & 20-Mar-1936]
Ten days later on 20 March 1936 travelled to Perth by car accompanied by local publican "Barney" Randolph BARNHART [5]
At about 8 p.m. just before Moora while driving to Perth one night in April 1936 a night owl crashed into the car's windscreen [5]
The windscreen smashed resulting in Oswald S. SOWERBY, who was a front seat passenger, getting a small cut on the neck [5]
His other passengers, who were unharmed were Eunice COUSINS, Margaret BARBOUR, Colin STONE & Mervyn COUSINS [5]
On impact the owl was killed instantly and landed on the backseat - much to the consternation of his passengers [5: 24-Apr-1936]
Attended Kenneth R. PETTIT's 21st birthday Social & Dance at his home in Three Springs on Saturday 23 May 1936 [5: 29-May-1936]
Held a clearing sale of household furniture and effects for Mrs Johanna C. BERRIGAN in Carnamah on 20 June 1936 [5: 19-Jun-1936]
Won a cushion in a raffle at the Dominican Convent School's Annual Concert in Three Springs on 21 August 1936 [5: 28-Aug-1936]
In August 1936 he became the agent for Attwood Motors Ltd for all districts between Mingenew and Marchagee [5: 28-Aug-1936]
Through the agency he sold Bedford trucks and utilities, Oldsmobile and G.M.C. trucks, and Oldsmobine and Vauxhall cars [5]
Held a display of the vehicles at the Agricultural Shows in Coorow-Waddy and Carnamah during September 1936 [5: 4-Sep-1936]
Speaker at the Farewell Smoke Social to local Co-op manager Harold BARNETT in Three Springs on 14 September 1936 [5: 18-Sep-1936]
Sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" at the social for the Lord Archbishop of Perth in Carnamah on 19 September 1936 [5: 25-Sep-1936]
His large sedan car overturned between the 39 and 40 mile posts on the Perth-Moora Road at 3 a.m. on Monday 5 October 1936 [5]
Along with his passengers was travelling to Perth for the Royal Show when the accident occurred north of the Muchea crossing [5]
A rug strapped to luggage on the front of the car had suddenly lifted and completely blocked the windscreen on a slight corner [5]
The car left the road, crashed into two large jarrah logs, bounced off the second log and high into the air where it overturned [5]
After completely overturning midair the car landed back on its wheels with its windscreen and all nine windows still in tact [5]
The top of the car was badly dented but its strong steel body was credited with saving the lives of himself and his passengers [5]
After the ordeal he and one of his passengers, Three Springs baker John H. BLAXILL, walked six miles for assistance [5]
He suffered slight abrasions and shock while his passengers suffered head injuries, broken ribs, bruises, abrasions and shock [5]
The mechanics underneath the car were ripped to pieces and the mudguards were buckled exceeding £200 damage [5: 9-Oct-1936]
He returned to Three Springs on Tuesday 13 October 1936 [5: 16-Oct-1936]
Advertised in The North Midland Times in October 1936 that he had used cars for sale at "Barr's Central Agency" [5: 23-Oct-1936]
The cars included Chevrolet 4 Tourer for £45, an excellent Chevrolet 6 Tourer for £120 and a Studebaker Tourer for £65 [5]
Also Chevrolet 4 utility for £25, Chevrolet 6 truck for £135, Ford ton truck for £30, and a Chevrolet 1927 truck for £35 [5]
The Three Springs Road Board granted approval in October 1936 for him to erect a shed at the rear of his premises [5: 23-Oct-1936]
Visitor at the Fifth Annual North Midlands R.S.L. Reunion Dinner held in Dongara on Saturday evening 24 October 1936 [5: 30-Oct-1936]
Came 2nd one point behind the winner in the Royal Agricultural Society's Perpetual Executors Export Lamb Competition [5: 11-Dec-1936]
Member of the Three Springs Cricket Club in 1936-37 [5: 6-Nov-1936]
His services were again employed by Thomas J. BERRIGAN to recover rent owed by Dr Cecil P. ROSENTHAL of Carnamah [88]
Made a seizure against Dr ROSENTHAL's property, which was to be sold on 5 December 1936 to recover the rent [5: 27-Nov-1936] [88]
Went to see the doctor just prior to when the sale was to occur when an argument broke out between he and the doctor [88]
The doctor struck him on the face and at 3:30 p.m. he reported the matter at the Carnamah Police Station [88]
On 17 December 1936 at the Carnamah Police Court the doctor was fined £2 and costs of 14/- over the offence [5: 18-Dec-1936] [88]
Advertised in December 1936 that he had a Baby Austin Tourer car in perfect mechanical order for sale for £67/10/- [5: 11-Dec-1936]
Conducted an auction of household items for Mrs Mary E. ROGERS in Three Springs on Saturday 9 January 1937 [5: 15-Jan-1937]
Played for the North Midlands Cricket Association in their victory against the Morawa Association on 10 January 1937 [5: 15-Jan-1937]
Auctioned the household furniture and effects of Louis P. PARKER of Carnamah at 2 p.m. on Saturday 23 January 1937 [5: 15-Jan-1937]
In January 1937 the Three Springs Road Board cautioned him about speeding in his car through the Arrino townsite [5: 22-Jan-1937]
The Road Board also informed him, in regards to his business, that trade-in cars couldn't be used on roads unless licensed [5]
Auctioned furniture and effects for Mrs Barbara K. PLUNKETT in Carnamah on Saturday afternoon 20 February 1937 [5: 12-Feb-1937]
Speaker at the Farewell Social & Dance for Andrew G. FITZGERALD at the Carnamah Hall on Saturday 6 March 1937 [5: 5-Mar-1937]
Auctioned the furniture and effects of Mrs Anne M. BATTERSBY's boarding house in Coorow on 20 March 1937 [5: 12-Mar-1937]
Sang a song at the welcome to the Venerable Archdeacon Charles L. RILEY in Three Springs on Tuesday 13 April 1937 [5: 16-Apr-1937]
Member of the North Midlands Anglican Church Vestry in 1937 [5: 4-Jun-1937]
Won a fountain pen in a raffle at the hugely attended Annual Catholic Ball in Three Springs on Thursday 3 June 1937 [5: 11-Jun-1937]
Gave an elocutionary item at the farewell to William M. and Margaret K. CARMODY in Three Springs on 12 July 1937 [5: 16-Jul-1937]
Auctioned furniture and effects for Michael W. & Kathleen M. CARMODY in Three Spring at 2:30 p.m. on 17 July 1937 [5: 9-Jul-1937]
Part of the impromptu band that led a procession to the opening of the Nurse's Quarters in Three Springs on 27 August 1937 [5:3-Sep-1937]
Supplier of music at the Farewell for Barney & Frances BARNHART at the Hall in Three Springs on 3 February 1938 [4: 12-Feb-1938]
At 2 p.m. on 12 March 1938 held an auction in Carnamah and sold the effects of the estates of R. R. WYLIE and Frank HIGGINS [88]
His services were employed to auction the effects of the two estates by Maurice PLUNKETT of the Carnamah Police Station [88]
Made a donation to the Three Springs Agricultural Society in 1938 [262]
Storekeeper and Commission Agent in Three Springs until 1941 [19]
He later resided and ran a business in Northam [P2]
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 7 June 1935:
News and Notes - Enterprise
"Within a very short space of time a prosperous business under the name of "The Central Agency" has been built up at Three Springs. The proprietor, Mr. A. R. Barr, with a keen eye to business has stocked the right lines and has found it necessary to secure additional premises for the growth of his business. Looking to the needs of the district as well as the business Mr. Barr recently filed a successful application for an Auctioneer's License, and in so doing, has supplied the North Midlands with a much needed acquisition, he being the only auctioneer operating on the Midland Line from Moora to Geraldton."
From The North Midland Times newspaper, Friday 28 August 1936:
Barr's Central Agency
"The attention of readers of this issue are directed to advertisements concerning car, truck and radio sales throughout the North Midlands Districts through Barr's Central Agency with its headquarters at Three Springs. The Central Agency handles Attwood Motors' territory right from Marchagee to Mingenew and special display stands will be arranged at the district shows during September. Mr. A. R. Barr will be in attendance and looks forward to meeting old and new clients. This agency specialises in sales of Bedford trucks and utilities, Oldsmobile and G.M.C. trucks and Oldsmobine and Vauxhall cars. Many sound used jobs are also available at bargain prices, with easy terms arranged. Radio sales and service are other leading lines."
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'Alexander Robert Gordon Barr' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 18 April 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/alexander-robert-gordon-barr [reference list] |
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