origin of the word "fettler" ?

["David Virgo" <dvirgo@pcug.org.au>]

I have recieved thye following question regarding fettlers and the WAGR. The
question relates to the origin of the word "fettler".

Can anyone help (and email the info to her)?

Thanks

----- Original Message -----
From: Jane Hammond <jjmusic@dits.com.au>
To: <dvirgo@pcug.org.au>
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2000 5:47 PM
Subject: re: fettlers


> Hi David
> I happened upon your interesting site (very good photos!) and was
> wondering if you could give me some tips on finding out about fettlers
> on the net.  My grandfather worked on the Midland Railway in Western
> Australia between maybe 1915 and 33.  He gave his occupation as
> fettler.  Do you know the origins of the use of this word in this
> context?  He lived with the rest of the fettler gang at Gunyidi, a
> railway siding in a house built from railway sleepers.
> Thanks
> Jane
>
>