De La Poer Range Nature Reserve

I wonder if it's named after Brian De La Poer Beresford who was temporary Major in the 30th Australian Infantry Brigade in the Australian army in WW11 - died in active duty in Paupa New Guinea in 1942.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1683934

Or maybe its William del la Poer Beresford - because he was in WA - ex convict transported from York/England in 1855 for forgery and ended up living in York WA was even noted for being a sandalwood cutter. Apparently, he was quite the character and his namesake lived on beyond his life.

see William De la Poer Beresford

I'd say it got its name from the nearby range of the same name.

De La Poer Range was named after Donald John De La Poer Beresford (1852-1886) by Samuel Grau Hubbe in 1896.

It was named from the Hubbe South Australia to Western Australia Stock Route Expedition from 1895 - 1896, of which my Great Grandfather was a member of the exploration team.

I gave full details to the Western Australian National Parks years ago, and the Hubbe team were the first ever white people through that area.

I would have to go back through the journal and would take some time, so if you need further details, please let me know

From official records, The range was named by
S.G. Hubbe 1896, Exploration Journal p.41, Roll Plan 96. Named on 20 May 1896 after the late Donald John de la Poer Beresford, Clerk to the South Australian Parliament. This small range is situated some 25 kilometres SW of the western extremities of Lake Wells.

The nature reserve Reserve No. 41831 is situated about 140km NW of Laverton Townsite. Name proposed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management after the range this reserve contains. Approved 27/9/1996.

Hubbe book

Austag

I have found the journal and here is what was recorded at the time.

In reference of self, this refers to Hubbe.

The aim of the exploration survey was to find a stock route from South Australia (Oodnadatta) through to the goldfields and Coolgardie in Western Australia, for getting cattle for human consumption in the state.

Wednesday, May 20th 1896 - Camp No 85, Bar., 9am 28.72; attached ther., 50° Self and Langman proceeded to a spot fifteen chains N.E. of our camp, where yesterday I had noted what might prove to be good soakage in rich black soil on inundated country clear of and distinct from the main channel and 90 yards distant. Here we sank a hole through alluvium, alternate bands of light clay and sand, to a depth of 46 inches, when water gushed in rapidly, bringing in a quantity of fine floury drift sand, the principal supply of water coming in from the side furthest from the creek bed; the water on being tested was perfectly fresh. Had time and my instructions permitted, should have deepened and timbered this hole to test the supply, but as I am instructed to sink no permanent wells in Western Australian territory unless water is required for the party, which here in not the case, and a shaft would require close timber to get down even a few feet in such moveable country, work was discontinued. From present development I am satisfied that unless the lower strata changes rapidly, a permanent supply of excellent water is obtainable, as salt in not noticeable in the water or on the surface, where a limited quantity of very fine white deposit, whichI cannot identify, on rich black loam, is the only chemical in the neighbourhood. I have named the range in which this creek rises the De la Poer, after the late Donald John De la Poer Beresford, clerk of the South Australian Parliament; and the creek, the Moxon, after Mr. William Moxon Cook, sporting editor of The Australasian, Melbourne, Victoria.

Thursday, May 21st 1896 - Camp 85, Bar 9am; 28.70; attached ther.,50°. Remained at Moxon Creek, recruiting camels……………….


Hope this helps you out