THE KINGSVILLE QUARRY SAGA

Story by Jim Rayner

In an article provided to the CMPA News (Jan – Feb 03) I wrote about Rayners bluestone quarries since the 1880’s; following that story, I have a letter from the CMPA mentioning that the substance interested many members. 

I now offer a background regarding the terminal state of Kingsville Quarries, when in 1931, a desperate company Chairman and Directors, offered my father, Arthur Rayner, the post as General Manager, with the likelihood of a directorship.  My father advised Chairman (Evans) to seek a good accountant as G.M, while he opted for the role as ‘hands-on’ Assistant General Manager.

Kingsville Quarries was located in the heart of the area between Footscray West and Newport, roughly 10kms from the family quarries.  It was soon established that my father was to have total control of the business, because general manager (Read), knew nothing about the quarrying industry. 

A company car went with the job – a two seater UK model known as a “Bayliss – Thomas” a type that veteran car buffs were unlikely to have even heard of, let alone owned.  This sturdy little car was to run-up big mileage as my father took control. 

His first challenge was to secure the cooperation of the foreman (and short term manager), Sam Jones.  Sam was a blusterous type, known as “sack ‘em and sue ‘em”, demonstrating his frustration at assuming temporary command.  In Sam’s time, Kingsville Quarries undertook a number of medium sized construction works – most became financial disasters.

Within a few days of his appointment my father asked Sam “What happened to the company’s plant, steam rollers, trucks, cranes, drilling equipment and compressors?” Sam replied “I dunno Arthur!”  Subsequently, a few pots in several local pubs prompted many ‘in the know’ to tell all.  By his own means, my father was able to form a rough inventory and this had profound results.

Armed with clues, my father decided to use a bold stratagem.  He placed the following advertisement in two local papers:

All the industry villains knew my father as “A.J.” and apparently they thought, “he’s on to us!”  In that respect they were at least half right.

On the following Monday morning, four trucks were returned with two steam rollers, four compressors and drills.  A surprise bonus a large grader ‘BS’ – before Sam!  Incidentally, all the plant and equipment was in full working condition.  A few more pots and Sam was proven to be an accomplice – exit Sam Jones!

One morning, my father took me to the Kingsville quarry as the workers arrived, after the demise of Sam.  Presently, along came Herb Studd, the crusher chute operator.  Now, to appreciate the story, you need a cameo of Herb.  Average height, always needing a shave, add eye brows like ski-pads, long hair, hairy ears and nostrils, all under a battered hat and that was Herb.  When at the crusher, Herbs eyebrows were layered with stone dust – it permeated his beard, ears, neck and hands.  As a boy aged eight, I could not believe that Herb’s condition was exactly the same as the night before.  The only difference – Herb’s eyes and mouth were moist.  My father clipped Herb, saying – “you didn’t have a wash last night?” to which Herb remarked, “No Arthur, there was no need, I didn’t go out!”

The depression was notable for the diverse scams to beat the law – from common theft to bold fraud.  Stamped registration plates were unheard of.  In consequence, vehicle owners were required to matt-black a suitable surface and use white paint to designate the proper current registration. 

It so happened that a point-duty police constable had a photographic memory.  He noticed several trucks moving to and fro in Footscray with identical registration numbers.  Constable Moore exposed some 12 vehicles from the one firm with identical numbers, many others came to light under the same caper.

Between fraudulent invoicing, general plant theft and fictitious employees, Kingsville quarries folded 12 months after my father’s appointment.  The rorting was systematic and endemic, partly caused by a board whose members never visited the quarry and, didn’t understand the industry. 

Thank you again to Mr Rayner for another fantastic story!

*Note: Some names in this article have been purposely changed.

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