HARRISMITH

The townsite was developed after a railway line was constructed between Kondinin and Yillimining in 1914. The proposed name was South Dorakin but this was strongly opposed by locals who suggested the name Harrismith after the first settler in the area (Harry Smith). The name was approved in 1914 and the townsite gazetted a year later. Research indicates that the first settler in the area was in fact William (Billy) Smith who took up land in 1868. Where the idea about Harry Smith came from is unclear but there was a town called Harrismith in South Africa so the origin may lie there instead.

William Justice Smith or Billy as he was known, squatted on land in the area in 1868 and was granted a lease on 40 acres in 1896. He lived there until 1920 when he is said to have moved to Yillimining. In 1926 he is supposed to have gone to Narrogin hospital and after that time there is no record of him so he may have died.