Hugh William Strain

Hugh William Strain was born in the town of Bealiba, near Dunolly, in Victoria. He arrived in Western Australia at the age of 13 with his stepfather.

He came to West Murray five years later with Peter Sorenson, both being in partnership in the fishing industry. At one time he was also connected with Mr. Peter Talendri, fishing on the Southern Estuary.

At a later stage, he and his brother Tom worked together as partners. In 1930, he took up fishing at Wilson’s Inlet in Denmark. On the 11 July 1933, he had been joined by his son, Hugh David Strain (23), who was to enter into partnership with him. Their first fishing trip together was an ill-fated one.

Early on Wednesday morning, 12 July 1933, Hugh William Strain (50) and his son Hugh David left their camp at the mouth of the Hay River and rowed a dinghy out into Wilson’s Inlet, where they intended to spend the day fishing.

At around 9am their boat was about 300 yards from the shore, and they were engaged in hauling in their nets, when three successive violent gusts of wind and a heavy sea caused a succession of waves to swamp and capsize the boat.

Both men were described as strong swimmers. They made for the shore. Hugh William became fatigued and tried to remove his boots and was attacked by cramp. Hugh William was hauled to the surface by his son, but again sank. Hugh David saw his father disappearing about 10 to 15 yards from the shore. The water was thick and muddy and despite his best efforts he could not find his father anymore.

Hugh David had reached the shore in an exhausted condition. He lay on the foreshore in a state of collapse for some time before making his way through the bush back to his father’s camp at the Hay River, where he reported the accident to a settler named Bushby.

By 12pm, Bushby had made the eight mile tramp back to Denmark conveying word to Constable Bass of the incident. The Police returned to the scene of the tragedy with a motor boat to undertake dragging operations. His body was recovered by 4pm on Friday 14 July under the guidance of Constable Bass, in 10 feet of water about 10 yards from the shore.

Hugh William, or “Hughie,” was described as one of the most popular and lovable men of the district, and was of a bright and cheery disposition. He left behind his wife, Mary Jane in Pinjarra and children Hugh David, Ida, May and Donnie.

His remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Pinjarra Cemetery, and his funeral was attended by 300 to 400 people from all over the district including Pinjarra, Mandurah, Dwellingup and West Murray.