Western Mail Saturday 29 April 1911
(Perth, Western Australia)

DEATH OF CAPTAIN OATS
AN OLD WESTERN AUSTRALIAN IDENTITY
The death occurred on Wednesday last, at his residence, Mounts Bay-road, of Captain Wm. Oats, formerly a member of the Legislative Council. The deceased, who was 73 years of age, had been confined to his bed for about nine weeks, and to his home for some months past, through failing health, and his death was not unexpected. Mrs. Oats died in February last, and shortly afterwards Captain Oats had a paralytic stroke, as a consequence of which he lost the power of speech a couple of months ago. The paralytic stroke accelerated his death, which, however was immediately due to the general breaking-up of his health. He has left six children—five daughters and one son.
The late Captain Oats had a wide circle of friends throughout the State, and figured in the early days as one of the best known mining men in Western Australia. He was a native of Cornwall, having been born at St. Just's, Land's End. When only a boy he began work in a Cornish mine, known as the Huel Owles tin and copper mine. He continued in the employ of the Huel Owles Company for 30 years, half of which period he was working manager. During that period he studied chemistry and mining engineering.
In 1884 Mr. George Lansell, of Bendigo, paid a visit to Cornwall, and met Mr. Oats, when their conversation turned on mining in Australia. So impressed was Captain Oats with the possibilities of mining in the Southern Hemisphere that he decided to come to Australia. On reaching Bendigo he discovered in Mr. Nicholas, then Inspector of Mines, a distant relative, who assisted him materially in gaining information regarding the principal mining localities. In 1885 he proceeded to Eurowie (New South Wales), where he took control of a tin mine, and remained there until 1888.
A few months later he accepted the management of Fraser's South mine, Southern Cross. Subsequently he was invited to take over the management of the Fraser mine, and accepted the position. He assumed control on June 1, 1890, and in November the first dividend of 6d. on 50,000 shares was declared, aggregating £1,250, being, it is stated, the first dividend paid by any mine in Western Australia. An experienced miner, he recognised that to ensure the permanency of the mine, development work would be necessary. He therefore commenced opening up, only extracting sufficient stone to pay working expenses. A difference between the manager and the directors resulted in the former sending in his resignation as manager. During his connection with the Fraser's mine, Captain Oats expended £5,000 on improvements, all of which money was obtained from the mine. All this time he retained control of the Fraser's South. For about five years he was associated with this and other mines at Southern Cross. Captain Oats was one of those who first reported favourably on the Golden Mile.
For some years he represented Yilgarn in the Legislative Assembly, and in 1904 he was elected to represent the South Province in the Legislative Council. That Province he represented until 1910, when he retired from politics. Apart from his association with Parliament, the deceased had lived in retirement for a number of years.

Coolgardie, April 25.

The news was received with general regret to-day of the death of Captain Oats, and flags were hoisted half-mast on the public buildings. Mrs. Finnerty, wife of the resident magistrate, who is a daughter of the deceased gentleman, left for Perth by this evening's express.

The Western Argus (Kalgoorlie) Tuesday 2 May 1911

DEATH OF CAPTAIN OATS
The late Captain William Oats was born at St Just's, Lands End, in 1842. His father, the late Mr. Richard Oats, was a mathematician, well known through the West of England. He died when Captain Oats was only a few months old, and as the lad grew up the family circumstances took up so much of his attention, that he was denied the advantage of attending school. At the age of 11 he had to breast the tide of life unaided, and began work in a Cornish mine. Toiling on incessantly for some years in the Huel Owles mine, he rose from the position of boy worker to that of working manager. In 1883 he left the home of his birth to seek his fortune in Australia, his attention having been directed thither by the discovery of gold. On landing in Victoria, he proceeded to Bendigo, being only familiar with the working of tin and copper mines. In 1888 he came to West Australia to take over the management of Fraser's South mine, Southern Cross, with which district he was intimately associated. Captain Oats was identified with municipal matters, and for two years occupied the mayoral chair at Southern Cross. In 1897 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly for the district, and was re-elected in April, 1901.
Subsequently Captain Oats did not stand for re-election for the Yilgarn district. He, however, was a candidate for the South Province in the Legislative Council, and held that seat from 1904 until May, of 1910, when he did not again seek re-election, owing to the poorness of his health. Since then he has lived in retirement, and his health has been anything but satisfactory.
The late Captain Oats was a prominent figure in the early days of the goldfields, and was widely respected by all who knew him. He was of the bluff type of Cornish mining man, and his bluntness of speech and expression of decided opinions commended him particularly to the pioneers who opened up the mines of this district. Naturally, therefore, the news of his death will be received with deep regret throughout the whole of the goldfields.
Mrs Finnerty, wife of the respected warden of the eastern goldfields, is a daughter of the deceased. She hurried at once to Perth upon receipt of the sad news.

Southern Cross, April 26.

The announcement of the death of Capt. Oats was received with profound regret at Southern Cross. A flag was flown half-mast outside the Council Chambers. The Mayor wired to the late Capt. Oats' son as follows:- "Behalf people of Yilgarn, mayor and councillors wish convey you, your sisters, their deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. It may comfort you to know that your late father was Yilgarn's friend, and will ever hold warm place in hearts of all residents to whom he was known. - McIntyre, Mayor."

Contributed by Bob Bolitho