The Lady Harriet Gold Mine

By 1900, Menzies in Western Australia (East of Perth) had a population of approximately 10,000 with thirteen hotels and two breweries.

The gold rush lasted for about 10 years and by 1905 most of the miners had left town to try their luck elsewhere.

By 1910 the population of the town had declined to less than 1,000.
Gold mining continues in and around Menzies to the present day.
However, the recorded population in 2008 was only 235

The Sawyer family before leaving for Menzies

William Sawyer retired from the railways in Victoria and arrived in Menzies with his family in the early 1900's. His son had a large family of seven boys who were all born and brought up in Menzies. At one stage the Sawyers owned the Lady Harriet Mine and battery. After the gold ran out in the mine the battery still operated for several years, crushing ore from other mines.
Source:- The History of Menzies

The Sawyers were all highly respected in Menzies being involved in the Fire Brigade and the Road Board

The Sawyer Brothers.

Standing: Charles, Tom, Herbert, Frank

Seated: Bill, Archie, Jim.

There were also 5 girls in the family. Two of the girls died as infants. The boys with their father William ran the "Lady Harriett' goldmine in Menzies