This map is important in terms of the planning and management of the Ballarat Botanic Gardens The Map adds to our understanding and knowledge of the history of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens 1 page of a map in black and white. the number 44 is circled in pencil on the top righthand corner of the back of the page.john garner, doctor, john garner collection, ballarat botanic gardens, maps, masterplan, management strategy, john patrick, landscape consultants, ballarat city council, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat

In 1885, at the instigation of James Oddie, the Government reserved three acres (about 1.2 hectares) for an observatory in Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, originally known as the Ballarat School of Mines Observatory. In March 1886 a committee was appointed for the care, protection and management of the reserve. Captain Baker, a retired sea captain, was invited to become the first Superintendent of the Ballarat Observatory. Six colour photographs of the stained glass windows in the Ballarat Observatory. The first stained glass window was installed from around 1915-16, and were probably associated with John Brittain. By 1929 sixteen stained glass windows had been installed. most the work of Ballarat craftsman William James Robson stained glass windows, sebastopol cambrian society, welsh, ballarat city council, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat local preachers methodist centenary, independent order of ordfellows ballarat, ballarat freemasons, freemasons, masonic, architecture, mount pleasant, john brittain, william james robson

Newspaper cut out from May 1974. Article titled: Council urged to invoke by-laws over gas works. Cr. A.E Mills has called on Ballarat City Council to invoke its by-laws on organisations or contractors excavating footpaths without council permission.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, gas and fuel

Yields information about the period leading up to the decision to close the Ballarat Tram system and the issues involved.Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, titled "Tram delaying five major road projects", 18/10/1969, about the Ballarat City Council wanting to have Ballarat trams abolished because the service was holding up five major road works in the city."18/10/69" in ink on the face of the cuttingbtps, city of ballaarat, closure, sec, borough of sebastopol

98 page newspaper supplement celebrating the century 1900-2000. Includes 100 names of great Ballaratians.the courier, ballarat courier, anniversary, century, steve bracks, tom o'meara, bruce morgan, weston bate, r.f. scott and co, camerons, sunshince train crash, nellie melba, queen victoria's death, star of the east gold mine, sebastopol, phoenix foundry closure, duke of cornwall and york, duchess of cornwall and york, central highlands water, electric trams, workld war one, richard w. richards, dick richards, william dunstan, mccann's dairy centre, conscription, george merz, peace, avenues of honur, red cross, james oddie, henry sutton, band competitions, influenza epidemic, ballarat council merger, bert hinkler, frank petch, bartrop real estate, ballarat zoo, english cricket team visits ballarat, the dole, the depression, sustenance works, charles kingsford smith, ballarat centenary, black friday, world war 2, world war two, walter davis, cuthberts, albert coates, john rowan, langi kal kal soldier setttlement, ronaldson and tippett, america soldiers, united stated marines, military hospitals\corckers, gollars, robert clark, edward j. bateman, ellinor morcom, f.w. barnes and son, rex hollioake, cricket, edgar bartrop, ideal homes competition, ballarat begonia festival, percy beames, bigarelli, good neighbourhood council, baird and mcgregor, sunicrust bakeries, begonia queens, tom beaumont, thomas toop, ray murphy, alice andrews, bobby greville, jack hill, john vernon, ballarat civic hall, haymarket, royal visits, trams, olympic games, robert lemke, bob bath, boxing, norm pinney, jack barker, greg binns, geoffrey blainey, pam davies, david haymes, m.b. john, morgan b. john, austin mccallum, steve moneghetti, richard crouch, voi williams, elsi simper, e.j. tippett, kenn webb, hugh williamson, st john's lutheran church, ballarat fine art gallery, art gallery of ballarat, peter tobin funerals, keith bray, john valves, vietnam war, john dellaca, haymes paints, henry haymes, sovereign hill, gold museum, dowling forest racecourse, ballarat turf club, mt helen campus, rupert hamer, swagman, bill mahoney, constance coward-lemke, hymettus historic garden, c.v. jones, eureka flag, save bakery hill, jessie scott, anne beggs sunter, ray's tent city, art theft, woodsplitters by tom roberts, fluoride, jack chisholm, ballarat railway station fire, princess diana, prince charles, university of ballarat, university of ballarat 130 anniversary, hailstorm, ballarat brewery closure, bicentenary, flooding, recession, pat cashin funerals, camp street arts precinct, arts academy, scout jamboree, ballarat learning city, council amalgamation, linton bushfire, eureka stockade centre, russell mark, tony lockett, east timor, ballaarat general cemeteries trust, john barnes, william heres, nelson brothers funeral services, valcor australia, bob davis, john curtin, david davies

Approach to township of Buninyong prior to amalgamation with Ballarat City Council. Buninyong shire town sign visible in foreground.Record of Buninyong Shire prior to amalgamationBlack and white photograph of the Eastern approach to Buninyong from the Midland Highway taken from opposite Ballantrae looking West. In left foreground is an example of Buninyong shire town sign before amalgamation 1994.buninyong shire, midland highway, street scene

Photocopy, A4 sheet of a letter from Duncan and Fraser Ltd of 46 Franklin St Adelaide dated 27/11/1913 to the Town Clerk, Ballarat City Council advising of a trip to the Continent and in Great Britain looking at Petrol, Electric Motor Buses and Tramcars. Shows Duncan and Fraser letterhead, photo number, with includes a motor car, Duncan & Fraser's building and an Adelaide A class tramcar.trams, tramways, duncan fraser

Newspaper cutting from The Courier Ballarat, Thursday May 25, 2000 about the consideration by the Ballarat City Council of the Tourism Board's report into the proposal to reintroduce tourist trams to the city streets. See also Reg. item 1433 for previous days cutting. Quotes Ballarat Mayor, John Barnes. Has a photo of the Mayor. Written by the city council reporter, Carla Danaher. Notes the Harrison Report. (See Reg. Item 1436) trams, tramways, ballarat revival, city of ballarat, harrison report

Newspaper cutting from The Courier Ballarat, Wednesday May 24, 2000 about the consideration by the Ballarat City Council of the Tourism Board's report into the proposal to reintroduce tourist trams to the city streets that night. See also Reg. item 1432 for previous days cutting about the outcome. Gives details from the Harrison report. Written by the city council reporter, Carla Danaher. Notes the Harrison Report. (See Reg. Item 1436) trams, tramways, ballarat revival, city of ballarat, harrison report

Photo of 'City of Ballarat' tram No. 671 turning from Nicholson St. into Victoria Parade while running the City Circle service on 5.3.1996. See also item 463. Was used in the May 1996 issue of Trolley Wire, p24. 464.1 - additional two copies added 15.6.2009, from William F Scott. Larger prints of photograph (2) shifted to A4 AS Box 51.On rear, stamped on 'William F. Scott, 5.3.1996, 4', 'photo page 24, same size, with cropping markings and a green dot with '1' in top corner. 464.1 - both copies "Ballarat Tramway Museum / William F Scott Photo", "ex Melbourne W4 series car 671 on the Melbourne city circle 5.3.1996. The car carries the colours of the Ballarat City Council".city circle, 671, melbourne, victoria parade, nicholson st, tram 671

This photo was most probably taken when the Ballarat School of Mines was considering the former Ballarat East Library as a campus. In 1980 the Ballarat School of Mines Council presented a proposal to the Ballarat City Council regarding occupying and managing the Ballarat East Free Library as a School of Traditional Crafts. The proposal included maintaining the building in optimum condition.Three black and white photographs of the interior of the former Ballarat East Library. .1) Room in the former Ballarat East Library housing remnants of the Ballarat Historical Society (probably during transfer of the Ballarat Historical Society Collection to the Gold Museum) .2) Room in the former Ballarat East Library with built in show cases at one end, and modern classroom tables and chairs. Brian McLennan sits writing at a table. .3) Roofing detail in the former Ballarat East Libraryballarat east library, ballarat east free library, school of traditional crafts, brian mclennan, ballarat historical society, museum

Daylesford's begonia collection was stared by French born curator W. Gascoigne in 1885. He was an experienced horticulturalist. The plants were grown again in the 1930s in a new glasshouse. Curator Bill Greville obtained 45 plants from the Ballarat City Council, 30 from Queens Park in Essendon, and soon haad 250 tubers including a (lost) one named 'Daylesford'. When Alf Headland was appointed part-time caretaker in 1956, he found tw tubers in the wood shed and became expert in their cultivation. He continuted well into his retirement when Greg Rae too over. In 1988 the conservotory was named to honur Alf Headland's work.Hot house in the Wombat Gardens with a Begonia display.wombat botanical gardens, daylesford botanical gardens, daylesford, trees, begonia, begonia house, begonia conservatory

"A plan to turn the Gregory Street silos into apartments is no more.Developers Eleveno Pty Ltd have abandoned plans to transform the Lake Wendouree silos into a giant apartment complex, despite previously being given the green light from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.Director Richard Sykes yesterday confirmed the silos would be demolished."The plans are not proceeding. The plan now is to create residential houses," he said.The planning permit for an 18-lot subdivision was approved by Ballarat City Council on July 22, despite objections lodged against the application.Mr Sykes said it wasn't feasible to turn the silos into 27 units and there were many factors behind the decision."They're being demolished for various reasons, there were just better solutions," he said.Bold plans to transform the former Joe White Maltings silos into apartments were first submitted to Ballarat City Council in January 2007.However, developers took the proposal to VCAT in September 2008 after council failed to make a decision in the required 60-day timeframe.A hearing was held in early 2009 and the development was approved in March last year.Mr Sykes said it was found that the building would most likely be out of place in the region."We found the market didn't really want that sort of development," he said."They're probably more suited for inner-city development, rather than regional areas."Mr Sykes did not put a price on either the proposed development or the demolition, but said it would "cost a fair amount of money".He said once the demolition permit has been passed, works were expected to begin in November." (Ballarat Courier, 03 August 2010)Joe White Maltings Silos in Gregory Street Ballarat under demolition, to make way for a housing development. The silos were built on the banks of Lake Wendouree. joe white maltings, silo, eleveno pty ltd, lake wendouree, demolition, gregory street ballarat, wendouree parade, architecture

Twenty Six sheet document pertaining to the reinstatement of trams to Ballarat, presented to the Ballarat City Council on Wed. 24 May 2000. Details are: Sheets 1 to 3 - Cover and contents sheets for the Council Meeting of 24/5/2000 containing the Agenda, Ballarat City logo on white A4 paper. Sheet 4 - pages 37 and 38 of the Agenda, Officers report on the study work carried out, noting the Ballarat Tourism Board work, giving a summary, background, issues, options, financial implications, attachments and recommendation. On a white sheet of A4 paper. Sheets 5 - 26 - on green A4 paper - document titled "Ballarat Tourist Tram Study", final report dated August 1999, though not received by the Ballarat Tourism Board until March 2000. Written by G.D. Harrison Project Management Pty Ltd. Report looks at the marketing aspects, planning, infrastructure, staffing, ticketing and financial analysis, map of suggested route and comparative operations elsewhere.trams, tramways, ballarat city tramway, ballarat revival, harrison report, city of ballarat

Richard Bell was born in Dumfermline, Scotland in 1850, arriving in Victoria with his family as a child. He worked at the grocery store of W.L. Wilson, Skipton Street, Sebastopol for six years before opening his own grocery business on the corner of Drummond and South Streets, Ballarat. The business was successful and he retired 15 years later. He was elected to the Ballarat City Council in 1891, and in 1892 he started an auctioneering and sharebroking business in partnership with Mr Lambert. Organisations such as the Ballarat Woollen Company and the Ballarat Tramway Board benefited from Richard Bell's association with them, and he was the Director of many mining companies. He was a member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute and the Commercial Club. Richard Bell was interest in erecting statues in Sturt Street to the memory of the poets Burns and Moore, and served on the relevant committee to that end. He was a long term truster of the Miners' Association, and took a very active part in the South Street Debating Society. In April 1874 Richard Bell married Jessie Scott, and the couple had two sons and seven daughters. Portrait of Alexander Bell, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club, jessie scott, richard bell

The Ballarat Municipality was established in 1856.Cream covered booklet covering a special meeting held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the City of Ballarat Council. It includes a notice paper for a special meeting of Council, minutes of the Municipal Council of Ballaarat, first meeting, and images of the first survey of the Ballarat Township (1852), Ballarat in 1854, Central Ballarat in 1956, N. T. Callow and James Oddie. ballarat, council, ballarat east, ballaarat, munipality, ballarat townscape, sturt street, ballarat survey, yarrowee, paroompi, parmoompi, diggings

The University's mace was carried in procession for the first time during the Graduation ceremonies in May 1996. The mace was presented to the University by former Chief Commissioner of the Ballarat City Council, Vern Robson, at a ceremony on 02 February, following a national competition for its design, sponsored by the Council. (The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) Nineteen artists responded to the competition which called for a design that would embody a distinctive Australian image reflecting the heritage of the city and in relationship with gold, an Aboriginal element and the history of the University. The winning entry, dominated by a poppet head, was submitted by Central Victorian artist/sculptor Trefor Prest, a sessional lecturer in sculpture at the University.(The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) The Herald Sun of 03 February 1996 reported 'the new mace shows importance elements of Ballarat's heritage as well as the university's focus on the future. The artist emphasises the egalitarian nature of Australia as embodied in Ballarat's famous slice of history - the Eureka uprising. ... The mace has a poppet head at the top of the shaft - an unusual element for a mace - but it represents Ballarat's mining history and the University's evolution from the Ballarat School of Mines. An opening egg at the top stands for the nurturing of development and learning. The mace's straight shaft is depicted as the tree of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's Aboriginal heritage. At the end of the shaft is a surveying device, which represents precision and accuracy ads embodied in the university's academic pursuits.' Bob Morrell of the University organised the national competition to design the mace and said 'It is in keeping with the university's logo, 'proudly flying the flag', which incorporates the Southern Cross.' Trefor Prest lectured in Sculpture at the University of Ballarat from 1995-1996.Black and white photograph showing three men holding the new University of Ballarat (now Federation University) mace. From left to right they are Vern Robson (Chief Executive Officer City of Ballarat), Trefor Prest (Sculptor) and Professor David James (Vice Chancellor).university of ballarat, mace, trefor prest, vern robson

Colour print of Ballarat tram 30 after its recovery from Kaniva on 6/7 July 1974 (see Oct. 1974 issue of Trolley Wire). It was stored at the City of Ballarat Council depot for a while before being moved to the Haddon Tramway Workshops which at that time was under construction. Photographer unknown.Yields information about the recovery of SECV tram 30 from Kaniva and its storage at Haddon.Colour print - on plain paper with rounded corners.tramcars, tramways, offsite store, haddon, tram 30

The University's mace was carried in procession for the first time during the Graduation ceremonies in May 1996. The mace was presented to the University by former Chief Commissioner of the Ballarat City Council, Vern Robson, at a ceremony on 02 February, following a national competition for its design, sponsored by the Council. (The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) Nineteen artists responded to the competition which called for a design that would embody a distinctive Australian image reflecting the heritage of the city and in relationship with gold, an Aboriginal element and the history of the University. The winning entry, dominated by a poppet head, was submitted by Central Victorian artist/sculptor Trefor Prest, a sessional lecturer in sculpture at the University.(The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) The Herald Sun of 03 February 1996 reported 'the new mace shows importance elements of Ballarat's heritage as well as the university's focus on the future. The artist emphasises the egalitarian nature of Australia as embodied in Ballarat's famous slice of history - the Eureka uprising. ... The mace has a poppet head at the top of the shaft - an unusual element for a mace - but it represents Ballarat's mining history and the University's evolution from the Ballarat School of Mines. An opening egg at the top stands for the nurturing of development and learning. The mace's straight shaft is depicted as the tree of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's Aboriginal heritage. At the end of the shaft is a surveying device, which represents precision and accuracy ads embodied in the university's academic pursuits.' Bob Morrell of the University organised the national competition to design the mace and said 'It is in keeping with the university's logo, 'proudly flying the flag', which incorporates the Southern Cross.' This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Trefor Prest lectured in Sculpture at the University of Ballarat from 1995-1996.The mace symbolises the office of the Chancellor. The design of the mace is the outcome of a national competition and represents the cultural diversity of Australia. The poppet head on the top of the mace refers to gold mining, which underpinned the development of Ballarat. The protruding spikes recall the Eureka Stockade. The 'egg' shape enfolds and nurtures the development of knowledge and learning. The shaft with the three 'branches' represents the Tree of Knowledge, and includes a bark canoe scar which recognises the integration of black and white Australian traditions. The lower part of the shaft culminates in a device suggestive of scientific or surveying and measuring technology. This represents precision and accuracy embodied in the academic pursuits of Federation University Australia.art, artwork, trefor prest, prest, mace, federation university, university, eureka stockade, aborigines, scarred tree, mining, university mace, ballarat

In 1872 William Tulloch and Alexander McLaren constructed a new brick 'Royal Standard Brewery' to the design of architect Henry R. Caselli. They had been operating a much smaller 'Royal Standard' Brewery, possibly since 1859. The Ballarat Brewing Company was established in 1895 and took over operations of the 'Royal Standard'. This new company resulted in the merger of the 'Royal Standard Brewery', James Coglans 'Phoenix Brewery' (Warrenheip) and Henry Leggo's 'Barley Sheaf Brewery' (Creswick Rd). J. Coglan and W. Tulloch were principals of the new company. By 1912 the Ballarat Brewery buildings fronting Armstrong Street were upgraded and new plant installed. Ballarat Brewing Company was well established as a thriving business. In 1926 'Ballarat Bertie' (the cellar-man) advertising image was introduced. It was used successfully until 1994 on 'Ballarat Bitter' labels. During the1940s and 50s the Ballarat Brewing Company was significantly upgraded and extended equipment and buildings. In 1959 Carlton and United Breweries purchased the Ballarat Brewery, its brewing rights and the land (but not the 114 BBC hotels or the Dana Street offices). The Lydiard Street frontage become the 'front' of the CUB Brewery. CUB ceased brewing at the Ballarat Brewery site in 1989 and closed the plant. Four years later the 'brewery site' was purchased by the Ballarat School of Mines to enlarge its campus area as TAFE was a rapidly expanding areas of education. In 1994 plans were developed for the 'Brewery Complex' with careful regard for needed educational facilities and due concern regarding historical aspects of the site and its buildings. There was close consultation and cooperation with the Ballarat City Council during the planning process. In 1995 most of the Brewery buildings were demolished by some special structures and features are preserved. The old brewery chimney was retained as a permanent reminder of the original industrial site, as were two boilers. The SMB Brewery Complex was completed in 1996 and reflects aspects of the former brewery's appearance. It was opened by Prime Minister John Howard on 28 February 1997. Further details at http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/curator/buildings/site_listing_brewery-complex.shtml Twenty five colour photographs of the Brewery Building at the University of Ballarat SMB (Ballarat School of Mines) campus. The Brewery Building is built on the site of the former Ballarat Brewery and incorporates the chimney and 'Cowley' boilers from that site. ballarat school of mines, henry richards caselli, henry caselli, ballarat brewing, brewery, beer, cowleys foundry, carlton and united breweries, ballarat brewery site

The City of Ballarat unanimously resolved to erect a Civic Hall in Mair Street in 1951. The architects, Gordon Murphy, of Melbourne, and H.L. and L.J. Coburn, of Ballarat, were commissioned in 1952. The Council constructed the foundations and footings for the building under the supervision of the former City engineer, Mr L.H. Finch, in 1953. These footings are of massed concrete. The design for the building took advantage of the cross fall of the land, providing for the Small Hall to be entered from the Doveton Street frontage through a foyer under the Main Stage, the structure is steel with brick panels, with accommodation for 1,592 persons in the Main Hall and 440 persons in the Lower Hall. The front facade faces Mair Street, set back from the building line to provide for the entrance drive-ways and kerbed gardens. Tenders were invited on a firm price basis. A young Ballarat master Builter, Walter Benbow Trahar was the successful tenderer, the contract price being 139,841 pounds. the work was commenced in 1953 and has proceeded in spite of material and labour difficulties until its completion. The following statistics are of interest:- * The foundations contained 200 cubic yards of concrete. * The constructional steel work weighs approximately 270 tons. * The reinforcing steel 47 tons. * Reinforced concrete in the structure, 1,100 cubic yards. * The approximate number of bricks in the building, 580,000. * The flooring is of selected kiln-dried hard wood and totals 40,000 lineal feet. * The dimensions of the Main Auditorium, 100ft by 86 ft, including the side promenades each 82ft by 13ft. *The Main stage, of reinforced concret with parquette finish measures 62 ft by 40ft. *The floor area of the Lower Hall is 74 ft by 38 ft, and has a stage dimensions of 40ft by 20 ft. * Each hall has independent heating and ventillating systems. Where possible the material in the building was furnished from local business houses. The public address installation, which provided for additional microphones, is on the main Stage. There is inter-communication throughout the building connecting the front office, with the bioscope box, the stages in both the large and lower halls, and the Hallkeeper's residence. Local craftsmen have completed the painting, plaster work, and the electrical installation; local produced materials being used in the construction of the buildings with the exception of the timber for the Main Floor, the roofing and the structural steel. The City of Ballarat Councillors in 1956 were Councillors N. T. Callow, F.J. Cutts, K.C. Webb, W.E. Roff, O.W. Curnow, F.T. Woodward, Allan C. Pittard, A.W. Nicholson, J.A. Chisholm, G.L. Scott, F.W. Oliver, A.D. Mason. The Town clerk was H.R. Maddern and the City Engineer was G. Murrowood. A City of Ballarat Council meeting of 25 September 2013 voted to demolish the Ballarat Civic Hall. The Council heard from nearly 50 members of the public during a marathon six-hour meeting. Councilors John Birt, Des Hudson, Amy Johnson, Josh Morris, Peter Innes, John Philips supported the motion to demolish Civic Hall. Councillors Samantha McIntosh, Vicki Coltman and Belinda Coates voted against the motion.Six page souvenir Program of citizens' entertainment on the occasion of the Opening of Ballarat Civic Hall on in August 1956. The front cover features the City of Ballarat Coat of Arms. The programme starts with a message from the Mayor, Cr Neil T. Carrow. It includes the Concert Programme directed by James H. Davey, an asrtist's impression of the Civic Hall from Mair Street, and information relative to the New Civic Hall. The programme features images of the City of Ballarat Coat of Arms, Cr N.T. Callow, , James H, Davey, and an artist's impression of the Ballarat Civic Hall. Mayor Neil Callow's Message: "To-day, our citizens witness the fulfilment of the most extensive Municipal undertaking in the City's period of recent prosperity and development. Their Hall now fills a requirement of which they have been deprived since the Coliseum building was destroyed by fire over 20 years ago. The building has been designed as an all purpose structure and I am hopeful the citizens will use it and enjoy it to its fullest extent. Your Council and its Architects have planned as broadly as possible for the benefit of all to-day and for years to come. We are proud of the work executed by a Ballaarat Master Builder whose work is a monument to the City's craftsmen. I feel I should also remind this assembly that the women of Ballaarat, back in 1951, provided funds which have been applied in the purchase of a Grand Piano and two Upright Pianos which are now installed in this building. The sincere hope of myself and your Councillors is that this Hall and its amenities will prove of immense value to the development of the cultural and artistic tastes of this community and that it will be freely used for these and many other purposes. From now on this magnificent building and its furnishings and equipment will be available to all. I strongly exhort you to use and protect it. My hope is that the citizens will, for many years to come, enjoy the amenities which it has to offer. ballarat civic hall, civic hall, architecture, finch, art deco, city of ballarat, coat of arms, city of ballarat coat of arms, callow, shugg, lemke, oates, gullan, tuuri, john, robertson, sorrell, antonio, gordon murphy, walter benbow trahar, trahar, coburn, h.l. coburn, l.j. coburn, n.t. callow

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club