Telegrams sent to Alva Bennetts on the occasion of her 21st Birthday. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts". 1. to 10. Rectangular cream coloured paper with title and text in blue type. Message details printed in black type. Date of issue stamp in purple ink. 11. Rectangular cream coloured paper with title and text in blue type. Message details handwritten in blue ink. Date of issue stamp in purple ink. 12. Rectangular cream coloured paper with title and text in blue type. Message details printed in blue type. Date of issue stamp in purple ink.1. to 12. Date of issue stamp in purple ink: "Carlton N., VIC, 31 AUG 1944.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, telegrams

Photographs taken/collected during Alva Bennetts' BCOF posting. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Colour photograph featuring two Japanese temple buildings within a forested area. Group of people in the foreground. White border around photograph. 2. Colour photograph featuring three people in traditional Japanese dress in front of a temple building. White border around photograph.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, japan, photographs, bcof

Diary belonging to "Alva Bennetts". Entries cover daily entries for 1944. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No.9726P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts. Soft blue coloured Buckram cover with black text on front cover. White coloured pages with cut edges. Red colouring on page edges. Handwritten diary entries in pencil, blue ink and black ink. Text on internal pages in black type. Owner's detail inside front cover.Handwritten diary entries in pencil, blue ink and black ink.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, diary, ww2

Colour patch worn by RAAMC personal whilst serving with BCOF post WW2. Part of the Bennetts collection. See Cat 9726 P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts.Rectangular brown felt patch sewn onto a grey felt background.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, colour patch, raamc

1. & 2. Relate to letter sent by Alva Bennetts which can be found in Cat No. 9872.3. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Cat No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Two page booklet with black and white illustrated front cover. Title and publishers logo in black. Text on pages in black type. Cover and pages fastened with a staple on top LH Corner. 2. A4 sized single page letter with text in black type. Australian Coat of Arms on top LH corner. Text below Coat of Arms in orange type.2. Handwritten signature in blue ink at bottom of letter.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, returned servicewomen, ww2

Envelope contained a letter written by Alva Bennetts and sent to her mother. Alva Bennetts was serving with BCOF at the time. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service "Alva Marie Bennetts".Brown paper rectangular envelope. Address handwritten in black ink. postal mark stamped on top RHC. No details on back. No letter inside.Handwritten in black ink: 'Mrs L. Bennetts, "Kadina", 99 Mount Korong Rd, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia." Handwritten in black ink on top LHC 'BCOF AIRMAIL'. Stamped on top RHC: ' Postal mark dated 19 AU 48'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, envelope, bcof

Photographs taken during snow skiing trips in Japan. Personnel in photographs include "Alva Bennetts" and her friends. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts.Series of eleven black and white photographs of people on snowfields. Photographs vary in size. Each photograph has a white border.Each photo has a number written on the back in pencil.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photographs, bcof, japan

2. The Ernie Pyle Theatre was named after the American War correspondent who was killed in action during WW2. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts"., 1. Colour photograph of a Japanese style building facing a lake, second building in the background. White border around photograph. 2. Colour photograph of a street scene. Pedestrians on road fronting a multi story building. White border around photograph. 3. Colour photograph of a Japanese style building within a garden which features a lake. White border around photograph. 4. Colour photograph of a rural scene. Deer grazing in an open field. Large tree on LHS. White border around photograph.1. Handwritten in black ink on back: "The Imperial Palace". 2. Handwritten in black ink on back: Information explaining the naming of the building (Ernie Pyle Theatre).bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photographs, japan, ww2, ernie pyle.

Autograph book belonging to Alva Marie Bennetts containing messages from late 1930's through the 1940's. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Brown coloured hard back book containing coloured paper pages. Pages have various handwritten messages and signatures in ink and pencil. 80 pages with cut edges. Cover has 'Autographs' embossed on it.Various messages and autographs handwritten on pages. Handwritten in black ink on inside front cover 'Alva Marie Bennetts', Kadina, 99 Mount Korong Road, Bendigo.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, autograph book

Form relates to the purchase of rationed motor spirit (petrol) during and after WW2 under the National Security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts"1. to 12. Blank proforma with text in black type. Form is on cream coloured paper.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, ration tickets.

The US 1st Marine Division Patch was created in 1943 to recognise the sacrifices and Victory of the Marines who fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. & 2. Diamond shaped shoulder sleeve badge. Features a red numeral 1 with 'GUADALCANAL' embroidered in white. Five white stars surround numeral. All on a blue background.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, guadalcanal, us marines

Text consists of a poem by Corporal J. Jelly, titled "Look Out Brisbane Here I Come". Poem was written to and about Alva Bennetts. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Cream coloured sheets of paper with text in black type on one side only.poem, corporal j. jelly, bennetts collection, alva bennetts

Photographs taken in the 130 Australian General Hospital, which arrived in Japan on 10 March 1946. It was established on the island of Eta Jima where Alva Bennetts served. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Cat 9726P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts.1. Black and white photograph featuring two nurses in uniform and a soldier in uniform. A patient in dressing gown is standing on left of photograph. Hospital beds in foreground and a decorated Christmas tree is in the background. Photo has a white border. 2. Black and white photograph of a group of five people standing in a hospital ward. Hospital beds visible. Photo has a white border.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, bcof, 130 australian general hospital

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of "Alva Marie Bennetts" service. Women in photograph belong to Inter Services Medical Wing Demobilisation Centre, BCOF. Dinner was held to celebrate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Phillip on 30th Nov 1947.1. Black and white photograph of women in uniform seated at tables arranged in a horseshoe formation. Tables et for a dinner. Streamers across the ceiling. British and Australian flags on wall either side of a photo of the King. 2. & 3. Photographs of the same dinner as 1. but from different angles.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, bcof

Letter and supporting articles written and collected by Alva Bennetts to Dept Veterans Affairs. Bennetts discussed the need for more government support for service women post WW2. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts", VFX 128835.1. Five page handwritten letter on white lined paper. Writing on one side of each page. 2. Magazine clipping with text in black type. 3. Newspaper clipping with text in black type. 1., 2. & 3. Secured together with a silver coloured metal pin.2. Handwritten in blue ink: 'March 85'. Some section of text underlined in blue ink. 3. Handwritten in blue ink: 'Mufti' '5/3/85'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, letter

The General Service Badge was issued to those who served full-time for a period of 28 days or more continuously or in aggregate, and we discharged without becoming eligible for the Returned from Active Service Badge during World War Two. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Bronze coloured badge featuring an Anchor, Rising Sun and Wings topped by a King's Crown. Words "Service' and 'Australia' embossed on badge. Pin and catch attached to back. Badge number stamped on back.Stamped on back of badge: '290107'. Stamped on back: ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT, SYDNEY'. general service badge, bennetts collection, alva bennetts

"Bernard Junck" enlisted No. VX21273 age 21 years in 2/2nd Pioneers on 3.6.1940. Embarked for the Middle East on 7.7.1941. Wounded in Action with GSW to the left foot 9.7.1941. Rejoined unit 4.8.1941. Embarked from the Middle East and disembarked at Batavia Java. Reported missing approx. 7.3.1942 then as POW. Transported to Japan on 15.1.1945, recovered at Omuta, Japan on 13.9.1945. Transferred to Manila then to Sydney and discharged from the AIF on 18.12.1945 with the rank of Private. Part of the Bennetts Collection.sepia toned head and shoulder photograph of an Australian soldier in uniform. Soldier is wearing an open neck shirt. Slouch hat unpinned. Back of photograph has postcard format in black. Handwritten details of soldier in black ink on back.Hand written in black ink on back of photograph: "VX212273 Pte B. JUNCK, B Coy, 2/2 PIONEERS, AIF ABROAD".bernard junck, pow, photograph, bennetts collection

1. Book No.731321, contains pay details for Alva Bennetts from 9.3.44 to 23.8.45. 2. Book No. 569342 contains pay details from 4.9.1945 to 29.5.47. 3. Book No. 602322 contains pay details from 12.6.47 to 24.7.47. 4. Book No. 722556 contains pay details from 4.9.47 to 27.5.48. 5. Book No. 602395 contains pay details from 10.6.48 to 20.4.49. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts". 1. Soft brown coloured buckram cover. Black text on front cover and on pages. 18 pages with cut edges. Handwritten details on pages in black ink. Stamps on various pages in purple ink. 2. to 5. Soft yellow coloured buckram cover. Black text on front cover with Australian Coat of Arms. 24 pages with cut edges. Owner's details handwritten on pages in black ink. Stamps on pages in purple and red ink.1. to 5. Handwritten on front in black ink: VFX128835, "BENNETTS, ALVA MARIE"bennetts collection, alva bennetts, paybooks, bcof

Alva Marie Bennetts. Alva initially enlisted as V515106 in the CMF, age 20 years on 19.2.1944 in the 4th Aust. AWS Training Battalion. From 23.3.1944 to 1.4.1944 she attended an Administration and Organizational Course and passed. transferred to LHQ Medical and Veterinary Stores. Transfers to No. 128 AGH QLD on 28.8.1944. On turning 21 she transfers to the AIF as VFX128835 on 1.9.1944 in AMC graded group 11. 12.11.1945 transfers to the Inter Services Medical Wing Demobilization Centre. promoted to the rank of Corporal on 24.9.1946. Embarks for Kure Japan with BCOF on 19.4.1947. Embarks for Australia 16.2.1949. Discharged from the Army on 13.4.19949 with the rank of Corporal in No. 130 AGH. Part of the Bennetts Collection - which also contains items of her father, William John Leslie Bennetts No.4433 1st AIF. Also her future husband Edward W Callaghan No. 147354 RAAF.Black and white photograph of a lady in uniform. She has a Corporal's rank insignia on her right sleeve below a Red Cross symbol. She is wearing a dark coloured beret with a Rising Sun badge attached. Mottled background to photograph.Handwritten on back of photograph, in black ink: 'Lots of love from Alva, Eta Jima, 18/8/48.'bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, aaws, bcof

"William John Leslie Bennetts". William enlisted as No. 4433 in the AIF on 7.7.1915 aged 24 years 5 months in the 14th Reinforcements, 6th Battalion. He embarked for Egypt on 28.1.1916 then for France on 29.3.1916. Appointed Acting Corporal on 3.8.1916. In hospital on 4.11.1916 with Trench feet, re-joined unit on 12.3.1917. Appointed Corporal 19.7.1917. Wounded in action 5.10.1917, GSW to the head. Re-joined unit 21.11.1917. Appointed Lance Sergeant 10.8.1918 then Sergeant soon after, Returned to Australia 1.9.1919 and discharged from the Army on 25.10.1919. During WW2 William enlists in the CMF as No. v362254 on 14.4.1942 and discharged on 8.6.1944 with the Rank of Sergeant. Sepia toned photograph of a soldier in Australian Army uniform. Sergeant stripes and two wound stripes visible. Photograph mounted in a dark brown folder. Photographic Studio name written on photograph.Handwritten in black on photograph: “JAWLEY BROS PF”william john leslie bennetts, bennetts collection, photograph

Part of the Bennettrs Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Black and white photographic postcard of an Australian soldier in uniform. Soldiers unit colour patch and white lanyard are visible in the photograph. Postcard configuration in black visible on the back of photograph. Hand written details in blue ink on back. White border around photograph. Studio logo in black on bottom RH corner of photograph.Handwritten on back of photograph in blue ink: 'Beyrouth, Syria, Feb 24th 1942'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, postcard, ww2, syria

Pale yellow receipt with red printing for Geo. Bennetts Arcade Stores for £1/17/4, No. 34. Receipt in the name of Mr Babbage, Campbells and signed by H. Bennetts.document, w. babidge collection - geo bennetts arcade stores receipt, h bennetts, lamson paragon limited

Invoice dated 27.1.1950 for hardware items purchased from Geo. Bennetts Arcade Stores, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. Invoice for £23.1.4, issued to Mr. Clarke.business, retail, geo. bennetts arcade store

invoice dated Nov 1955 for Mr. D. Clarke, from Geo. Bennetts, Bennetts Arcade Stores, 290 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo purchased for goods at £3.00.06. Paid 16/01/1956. Geo. Bennetts, Bennetts Arcade Stores, The Cash Hardware, Glass and Crockery Stores, 290 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.

Black and White reproduction (copy by scanning and reprinting) of a sepia toned image of an ESCo Bendigo Electric tramcar at the time of opening trails with many people on board, crews, a dog, in the Ball Mall area. Shows details of the car decoration, painting, crew uniforms, seating arrangements, truck arrangements. Information provided with photographs says "Trial run on route to Golden Square 8.4.1903", copied from Leonard C. Bennetts collection by William Scott. Shows edges and edge damage of original photograph. Two copies held.Copy 1 - has "20)" in the top left hand and right hand corners of the front of the photograph. On the rear "140)" in ink in the top left hand corner. In pencil and ink "Bendigo Tramways (Company electric) / Trial run on route to Golden Square 8.4.1903", "copies from Leonard C. Bennetts Collection" and a "William F Scott" address label in the bottom right hand corner. copy 2- has "12" in a circle on the top left hand front. Back has been covered by a sheet of paper, but has similar notes to copy 1 and cropping instructions.trams, tramways, bendigo, pall mall, golden square, trials, esco

Copy print of a sepia toned image of a Bendigo Tramways Co. Ltd steam tram motor (No. 2) and trailer No. 6, possibly on the depot access track. Shown as a W. H. Robinson photograph, was scanned from a block mounted print. Has in pencil "1892 - 1902" reproduced on the photograph. Trailer No. 6 has a roof advertising board "Drapery half price Beehive Sale". shows in detail the presentation of the trams, painting scheme, bogie arrangements. Two copies held. 4369.2 - Black and White copy print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Added 30/6/2013. Has 'WJ T168" written in ink on the front of the photograph. See item 9464 for a glass plate negative of this image and 987 and 1439 for other images.Yields information about Bendigo steam tram and their trailers.Black and White reproduction printCopy 1 - Has "17)" in the top left hand corner of the front of the photograph. On the rear "(8)" in pencil in the top left hand corner. In pencil and ink "Bendigo Tramways (steam system) 1892", "Copied from William H Robinson / Leonard C. Bennetts Collection" and a "William F Scott" address label in the bottom right hand corner. Also has cropping instructions and other marks. Copy 2 - In pencil "Bendigo / William H Robinson / Leonard C. Bennett Collection" 4369.1 - on rear in ink "Bendigo No. 2 Motor, No. 6 Car, Mollison St. 1895" Motor No. 2 by Baldwin B/No. 12242 of 1891" Has Wal Jack copyright stamp on rear and number T168 written in.trams, tramways, bendigo, mollison st, steam trams, trailers, tram 2, tram 6

Part of a collection of photographs donated by Bruce Bennett. Photographs from collections of: David Johnson, I Mannix, Legg, Charlie Blackney, Des Chilcott, Ted Walton, Len Bagley and Brian Davis.233-20. Black & White photograph of a postcard. The Pier Hotel and house set in paddock and surrounded by large trees and reserve at San Remo, Victoria. 233-21. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Bentons Guesthouse, San Remo, Victoria. 233-22. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Herbie Kirkland or Clive Fox?? on barge at Newhaven, showing cray caufs lined up on jetty in the background. 233-23. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo Hotel. 233-24. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Breakwater at San Remo circa 1940 with family on the beach (Bert Blackney & Violet) and people swimming. Wooden groyne in foreground. 233-25. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Building the slip at Newhaven, Phillip Island. 233-26. Black & White photograph of a photograph. House in the distance at Rhyll built by Johnson. Dan Patience lived there till 1950's then Ted Walton. 233-27. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo to Newhaven, Phillip Island punt with 3 cars on board. 233-28. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo jetty showing boats and sheds. Ivan Hayhow boat. 233-29. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Sailing boat on Westernport with Phillip Island Suspension bridge behind.233-20 The Rose Series P700. Pier Hotel, from the reserve, San Remo, Victoriahotels, pier hotel san remo victoria, san remo hotel victoria, bentons guesthouse san remo, guesthouses, san remo to newhaven barge, phillip island barge, newhaven barge, san remo beach, newhaven slip phillip island, rhyll phillip island, san remo punt, san remo jetty, phillip island suspension bridge, sailing boats, bruce bennett

Part of a collection of photographs donated by Bruce Bennett. Taken from different collections: Betty Kuc collection and Wal Steer. Most are photographs taken of postcards and photos.233-08. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes Pier with shed, cranes and old Moonah tree in the foreground. 233-09. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes Pier looking towards the east. Beach and foreshore in the foreground. 233-10. Black & White photograph reproduction of two young ladies in swimming costumes on Cowes Beach with pier in background. 233-11. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes pier and Jetty shed, showing post and rail fence around entrance to pier. Tall Moonah tree near Jetty shed. 233-12. Black & White photograph reproduction of Genesta House with "Welcome Home" sign and Union Jack flags flying. Perhaps a welcome for local ment back home from the war?? 233-13. Black & White photograph reproduction of Genesta House in Cowes, Phillip Island. 233-14. Black & White photograph reproduction of Gullifer's Corner Store on the corner of Thompson Avenue & Chapel Street, Cowes Phillip Island. 233-15. Black & Whtie photograph of a gathering at the Cenotaph in Cowes, Phillip Island. 233-16. Black & White photograph reproduction of the Butcher Shop, Thompson Avenue, Cowes, near the old Shire Hall. 233-17. Black & White photograph reproduction of the lady on the rocks at Erehwon Point. Coastal vegetation behind the beach and two boats on the sand in the distance. 233-18. Black & White photograph reproduction of the Cowes Pier with masted ship and small boat at the pier. 233-19. Black & White photograph of the Garage Tea Rooms in Thompson Avenue, Cowes, with young cypresses which were planted circa 1915.233-08. The Rose Series P659. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-09. The Rose Series P658. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-11. The Rose Series P672. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-16. Cowes - Jan. 1938 cowes pier phillip island, cenotaph cowes phillip island, gullifer's corner store cowes phillip island, garage tea rooms cowes phillip island, genesta house, genesta guesthouse, guesthouses cowes phillip island, erehwon point, cowes, a. smith garage tea rooms cowes phillip island, butcher shop cowes phillip island, bruce bennett, betty kuc collection, wal steer collection

Two items relating to the Robb & West family. Part of a collection of photographs and documents donated by Mary Karney450-02: Robb Brothers Invoice for Rent of a Cottage by Mr H Bennett 30th September 1930? 450-03: Alexander Robb (left) and Harry West (right) at family graves at Phillip Island Cemetery - 1918robb bros, harry west, alexander robb, mary karney

The history of spectacles The earliest form of spectacles are generally agreed to have been invented in Northern Italy in the thirteenth century. Over hundreds of years of innovation and refinement, they have been perfected into the stylish and functional designs you see today worn by millions of people to correct their eyesight. Here's a look at the key moments that defined the history of spectacles. Thirteenth century - Rivet spectacles The earliest form of spectacles was simply two mounted lenses riveted together at the handle ends. They had no sides and were secured to the face by clamping the nose between the rims, some of which had notches which may have been intended to improve the grip. Even then the wearer could only keep them in place by remaining relatively still and would normally support them with the hand. These spectacles contained convex lenses for the correction of presbyopic long-sightedness and were generally suited only to those few who lived beyond their forties and had the ability to read. Sixteenth century - Nose spectacles Nose spectacles were in more common use by the early sixteenth century. These often had a bow-shaped continuous bridge, almost of a modern appearance, that was sometimes flexible depending upon the material, for example leather or whalebone. The bridge was as much an area to be gripped as to rest on the nose. Spectacles were still usually held in place with the hand whilst being used temporarily for a brief period of reading or close inspection. By now the lenses could be used to correct both long and short sight. The general design changed little through the seventeenth century, though certain refinements increased the flexibility and comfort for some wearers. In some localised areas, notably in Spain, people experimented with ear loops made of string. This allowed them to walk around with their spectacles on. Eighteenth century - Temple glasses Only in the eighteenth century did the first modern eyewear, or ‘glasses’ as we would understand them, start to appear. The lenses might be glass, rock crystal or any other transparent mineral substance and were prone to smashing if the spectacles fell off, so there was an impetus to develop frames that could be worn continuously and would stay in place. London optician Edward Scarlett is credited with developing the modern style of spectacles which were kept in place with arms, known as ‘temples’. These were made of iron or steel and gripped the side of the head but did not yet hook over the ears because often the ears were concealed beneath a powdered wig, such as was fashionable at the time. As temples developed they were made with wide ring ends through which the wearer could pass a ribbon, thus tying the spectacles securely to the head. As spectacles were no longer primarily for use in sedentary activities, people began to be noticed out and about in their spectacles and might come to be identified as a ‘spectacle wearer’. By the end of the eighteenth century, people who needed correction for both distance and near could choose bifocals. Nineteenth century - Pince-nez Pince-nez were a nineteenth century innovation that literally translates as ‘pinching the nose’. They had a spring clip to retain the item in place under its own tension. Sometimes this clip was too tight and the wearer struggled to breathe. If it was too loose the pince-nez could fall off so, for safety and security, they were often connected to the wearer's clothing by a cord or a chain to avoid them being dropped or lost. Pince-nez were sometimes chosen by people who felt that large spectacles were too prominent and drew attention to a physical defect. They were also suitable for mounting lenses that could correct astigmatism. Twentieth century spectacles Spectacle wearing continued to become more widespread, key developments being the supply of spectacles to troops in the First World War, cheaper spectacles being subsidised through insurance schemes arranged by friendly societies, and the beginning of the National Health Service in 1948, when free spectacles were made available to all who might benefit from them. This normalised spectacle wearing and led to a significant increase in the scale of production. Entirely separate categories of women’s spectacles and sports eyewear both emerged in the 1930s. The latter half of the twentieth century saw spectacles become more fashionable and stylish as frames with different shapes, materials, and colours became available. Plastics frames, in particular, allowed a greater choice of colours and textured finishes. Plastic lenses were more durable and could be made lighter and thinner than glass, spurring a renewed interest in rimless designs. Designer eyewear bearing popular high-street brand names encouraged patients to regard spectacles as a desirable commodity, even as a fashion accessory, not just a disability aid. https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-british-optical-association-museum/the-history-of-spectacles These spectacles and case from F.G. and R.G. Bennett of Warrnambool were used by Dr. Angus to test his patients' eye sight. They were donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church in that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr L Middleton was House Surgeon to the Nhill Hospital 1926-1933, when he resigned. [Dr Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr Edward saw patients at his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2 bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1884-1902 . He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan work as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. Dr Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10am, 2-4pm, 7-8pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June, 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1941-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Spectacles and case, from the W.R. Angus Collection and used by Dr. Angus testing the sight of his patients. Metal case covered in blue leather, blue velvet lining. Orange/yellow rimmed spectacles, one lens covered with cardboard. White oval label inside case. Inscription on case with maker’s details in gold print.Inscription on case reads “F. G. & R. G. BENNETT / WARRNAMBOOL”. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, spectacles and case, optical testing, optometrist examination, f.g. and r.g. bennett of warrnambool