Showing 199 items
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Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - BOOKLET WW1, Dedication & Burial - Fromelles (Pleasant Wood) Military Cemetery, 2010
Soft cover, glossy paper. Black print on gold background showing soldiers in silhouette. Front cover to page 20 printed in English. Back cover to page 20 printed in French. 20 English & 20 French cut, plain, white pages. Illustrated black / white / colour photos & maps.Printed on front: “Order of Service Dedication and Burial Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery 19 July 2010” Printed on back: “Protocole de la Ceremononie Inauguration et Inhumation Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery 19 Juillet 2010”booklet, fromelles, dedication, pheasant wood -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH RAAF, FRAMED, C. WW2
Robert Charles Roberts No 3200 RAAF. Enlisted 17.1.1938, Rose to the rank of T/Sgt LAC 1.11.1939, transfer to Aircrew 26.11.1940, commissioned 29.7.1941, embarked for Canada 15.9.1941 then UK, posted to 455 Sqd (UK) 24.2.1942. Reported missing 10.4.1942 then presumed dead 11.4.1942.Coloured photo, cream background., head & shoulders portrait of Robert Charles ROBERTS in RAAF uniform. Peaked cap, white shirt & tie, Air Force wings badge on L breast. Brown wooden frame with gold trim, glass front, fawn cardboard backing.In black texta on back: Lyn Harrisonphotographs, raaf, framed -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter, Letters from Richard Squire to his son Tom 1935
In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age." He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failed. MINE MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION. Ballarat Branch. ... Mr R. B. Squire, manager of the West Berry Consols, at Allendale, submitted a paper detailing what he had done tor the betterment of ventilation in the alluvial mines of Smeaton and Mary borough districts- Members gave Mr Squire every credit for the results that he claimed to have effected; the adoption of his ideas had testified to their value to mine-owners. It was painted out, however, that for want of a thorough debate of the subject with experienced men the author had unwittingly included some general statements that required modifying in some points and extending in others, in justice to other workers among the earlier and the present day managers of mines. It was decided to invite the author to meet a sub-committee on this subject!Various handwritten Letters from Richard Squire to his son Tom 1935richard squire, tom squire, hazel squire, jack squire, jim squire, ned, mt mercer, basil, plant, skids, pump, c. hayes, illness, poppet, carburetor, shaft, balance weight, pearson, pulleys, syndicate, goon, suction, lease, reports, estimates, flat fields, reef, banagwanth, trucks, pipeclay, sandstone, suction pipe, valves, honeycomb rock, mr kermode, yarrowee, ballarat, reef combs, cheques, earthquake, yellow slate, leigh river, dyke, the madame bay coy, allendale, berry west, quartz, ballarat deep leads, ballarat deep leads extension, bore, reads, bedrock, j. hayes, harmen premier distributors, middletons, cemented sand, electricity commission, g m of a, gold mines of australia, dick harry, pearsons, hawksburn, crown wheel, rice's paddock, liz the car, volcanic ridge, lrg coy, mcnaughton's paddock, madison's lead, cameron & sutherland, crabhole, rokewood, glenfine, mrs gibbs, dobson, booth, shiels, thomas mitchell, mcpherson's reward, haddon, trunk lead mine, elaine, pitfield plains, mr clarke, daylesford, kuchel, shelford, geoff squire, lode, quartz reef, bladder attack, kidneys, income tax, reginald murray, grenville, blasting, john b. dennison, martin t. taylor, durham and buninyong deep lead, sebastopol plateau, mr wilkie, the premier petrol distributing agency of ballarat, lawaluk, ryan's western leads, mr nichol, mr hodge, knox schlapp and co., dr griffiths, state accident insurance office, magdala mine stawell, mining -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - HMAS MELBOURNE, FRAMED, c.1914
HMAS Melbourne was a light cruiser launched in 1912 & commissioned in 1913. At the start of WWI it saw action in the Pacific & was involved in the capture of the German colonies. From 1916 it saw action in the North Sea. It was scrapped in 1923.Black & white photo of HMAS Melbourne, 1914. Glass front, brown frame with a veneered timber mount.Bottom of mount in faded gold: HMAS Melbourne 1914photography-photographs, frame accessories, ran, hmas -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Band, Cap
An embroidered cap band (known as a tally band) worn by sailors to identify the vessel on which they are serving. This black silk tally band is machine embroidered in gold thread with the following inscription : "Kreuzer Emden" . Kreuzer Emden was the third vessel to bear the name Emden. A light cruiser built for the German Reichsmarine in the early 1920s, Kreuzer Emden was commissioned into the German fleet in October 1925. The ship served during WW ll, was scuttled in 1945 and broken up for scrap in 1949.embroidered with the inscription : "Kreuzer Emden" -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Their name liveth: some pictures of Commonwealth war cemeteries, 1914-1918 [and] 1939-1945. Volume VI Part 1, 1965
This volume covers descriptions and photographs of cemeteries in Gallipoli and Greece50 p paperback, text and black and white photographs, red cover with gold letteringworld war i, world war ii, war graves, commonwealth war graves commission -
Seaworks Maritime Museum
Shipbuilders model, MV Binsnes
BINSNES (3) 1974: Ordered by Dillingham, Jebsen Shipping Corp, Liberia, from Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., Uraga (Yard No. 986). 3.12.1976: Launched. 27.4.1977: Completed. (O.N. 6815). As built: 19,196g. 12,572n. 34,544d. 180.02(BB) x 28.45 x 10.891 metres oa. Post 1997: 20,589g. 11,810n. 34,545d. 7-cyl. 2 S.C.S.A. (760 x 1,550mm) Sulzer 7RND76 type motor engine, manufactured by the shipbuilder at Tamashima, geared to a shaft with a controllable pitch propeller. 14,000bhp, 15½kts. Bulk carrier with four 15-ton cranes capable of operating grabs carried aboard. Leased to the British Phosphate Commission. 1981: Transferred to Pacnorse Shipping International Ltd. 1982: Transferred to Sanders Shipping Ltd., (AS Kristian Jebsens Rederi, managers), Philippines, and renamed GENERAL ROXAS. 1986: Transferred to Pacnorse Shipping Nine Ltd., (same managers). 1986: Sold to the USSR-Black Sea Shipping Company, Russia, and renamed VASILIJ (VASILIV?) AZHAYEV. 1997: Hero Maritime Ltd., (Ocean Agencies Ltd., managers), St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and renamed KARAGOL. 1999: Sold to Flagship Company Ltd., (Barclay Shipping Ltd., managers), Malta, and renamed MILTIADIS M. Sold to Shandong Province Marine Shipping, named Shun Ying or Shunying (Apr 2008?). Ship builder's model of bulk carrier M.V. Binsnes IMO 7426203 built in Japan 1976, 19,196 gross tonnes. Model - Hull painted in burgundy and grey, with four cranes and detailed deck fittings with white and gold highlights, a Liberian flag flying from the stern, raised on a laminated wooden base (lacking perspex cover). Original ship 590.66' x 93.34' x 35.73' (180.02 x 28.45 x 10.89m). Original ship was built by Sumimoto Heavy Industries and leased to the British Phosphate CommissionPlaque at base: " M.V BISNES/ PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS OF 33,750 LTDW/ DIESAL BULK BARRIERS/ Length (overall) abt. 180.00 M/ length (between perpendiculars) 170.00 m, breadth (moulded) 28.40 M, Depth (moulded) 15.00 M/ Draft (designed loaded, moulded) 10.84 M/ Deadweight abt. 33.750 LT/ Gross Tonnage abt. 18,800 T/ Cargo Hold Capacity abt. 42,500 M/ Main Engine/ Type Sumitomo - Sulzer 7RND68 type main diesel engine/ Max Continuous Output BHP 14, 00 PSat 122 rpm/ Service speed at designed draft abt. 15.7 knots/ classification Lloyd's register of Shipping/ Keel -- Laying September 1976/ Launching December 1976/ Delivery April 1977/ Owner : Dillingham Jebsen Shipping Corporation, Liberia/ Builder: Sumitome Heavy Industries Ltd., Japan" second plaque: "MANUFACTURED BY/ FUJI BIJUTSU MOKEI CO., LTD/ TOKYO JAPAN" On model "Binsnes Monrovia" -
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Framed 'Appreciation Of Service' Certificate
Appreciation of Service received from Montmorency-Eltham Returned Services LeagueCertificate given to Montmorency-Eltham Returned Services League for commitment and support given to the Australian Army's Victoria Wing, Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.Cream paper with gold and black writing with Australian army emblem at the top and Chief of Army stamped in red in bottom left hand corner. It is signed by GA Van der Walt Major Officer Commanding Victoria Wing Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Dated 24 November 2014ga van der walt -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - HMAS Warrnambool, Early 21st century
HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB 204) was a Fremantle-class Patrol Boat. The Warrnambool was Launched in 1980 and Decommissionbed in 2005.Designs for new class of patrol boat began in the late 1960s, the HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB204) was launched on 1980 and de commissioned in 2005. The Warrnambool was built by North Queensland Engineers and Agents and carried a company of 22 personnel.A black and white photograph in a black wooden frame with a gold stripe on the inside edge of the frame. There is a presentation plaque on the glass of the frame.The presentation plaque 'Presented by the Officers abd Ships Company HMAS Warrnambool'hmas warrnambool (fcpb204), patrol boat, -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - HMAS Australia, No makers listed, Late 20th Century
The HMAS Australia (D84) was launched in March 1927, commissioned in April 1928 and de commissioned in August 1954. The HMAS Australia (D84) was a County-class heavy cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy. The HMAS Australia (D84) was Commissioned in 1928 and de Commissioned in 1954. These photographs show the ship during her service in the Leyte Gulf and Lingayen Gulf 1944 - 1945.A colour photograph of HMAS Australia (D84) in a gold colour frame. There are six (6) small photographs of the HMAS Australia during its period at sea at Leyte Gulf and Lingayen 1944-1945. There is a history of the dates/time the ship was attacked and the personnel losses per attack. The photograph has been signed by D E Shinkfield.hmas australia (84), ran, heavy class cruiser -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book- History of SEC at Kiewa x2, Technical History of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, circa 1960's
This book of planning and construction details covers the first detailed records the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme of 1919 (ORIGINAL), 1958 (2nd Modified Plan) to the last general plan of 1961. It is an excellent overview of one of Australia's greatest construction projects (along with the Snowy River Hydro Scheme). This book highlights in detail the planning, programming and construction phases throughout the life of the construction from 1919 onwards until the 1960's. There were a few copies made using carbon paper and a type writer on foolscap paper.This book with its Parts A to D, photographs and plans/tables is very significant to the Kiewa Valley region as it details "the bones" of one of Australia's greatest construction projects that was undertaken by Governments that had the foresight and the will to undertake such a costly and environmentally imposing project for the benefit of their states and their country. This project was at a time when financial and security pressures where at a high and fluctuating level. This project was the major contributor to the expansion and diversity of non rural activities within the region. It was directly and indirectly the cause of better transportation avenues, tourism and the lifting of the regions natural facilities to sustain an ever increasing long term and short term population.This large hard (thick cover) book has both front and back sides fastened to the spine by two brass screw on pins. The book title, author/compiler and the commissioning organisation (STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA) together with the SEC Vic emblem are all embossed in gold script.The spine is also embossed with the title. The book contains 396 pages consisting of the 390 pages which are the duplicate(carbon copy) of the original type written pages and 6 pages of site plans. Sprinkled throughout the book are 36 original photographs of various stages of construction. There are also 17 sketches/plans scattered throughout and 22 tables.Title "KIEWA HYDRO ELECTRICITY SCHEME TECHNICAL HISTORY" author and compiler "H.H.C.WILLIAMS" below this "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA"kiewa hydro electricity scheme, victorian state electricity commission, history, proposals, kiewa scheme's plans, book, h.h.c. williams -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower, Memorial Park, Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground Tower, 6 Aug 1996, 1996
On November 11th 1926 the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground was opened. It is regarded as one of Melbourne’s most outstanding lookout towers. It commands a magnificent 360 degree panorama from Kinglake across the Diamond Valley to Macedon and the You Yangs. It is built on a peak which was once a volcano, 237 metres above sea level. After World War one a memorial cairn was erected on the site, and in 1925 a committee of public-minded citizens began to plan for a tower. Many generous donations of material and money were forthcoming so that in 1926 the Governor General Lord Stonehaven was able to unveil the plaque before a crowd of 500 people. There was some concern in the 1960s when the Forests Commission wanted to build a firespotters cabin on the top. At first R.S.L. branches opposed the idea, but it was realised that this use could combine with its use as a tourist attraction, and would ensure its maintenance for the future, Today the Kangaroo Ground tower provides one of the best views around Melbourne and is a fitting memorial to those who died in two world wars. From: Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 (EDHS collection) Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 100-5garden hill, kangaroo ground memorial, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial tower, war memorial tower, war memorials -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Typewriter - Barlock
The Bar Lock typewriter is a patented design by the inventor and lawyer Charles Spiro in 1888. The keys are easily recognised and well spaced. Used by the typists working in the office for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric SchemeLarge, heavy black typewriter with white letters on the keys. Green matt finish with gold printing. c 1921 Model 22?Bar-Lock / Manufactured by / Bar-Lock Typewriter Co. Nottingham England/Supplied by / Richard Williams Pty Ltd. 193/197 King St. Melbourne At the back in gold print: "Serial / Number' rest too hard to read. typewriter, bar-lock, office equipment -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Pennant - Kiewa Scheme
Pennants are used to advertise events or places. This pennant includes all the main areas of construction done by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during their construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The pennant advertises the highlights in the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.A small triangular navy blue with gold printing fabric with a strip of woollen bias binding on the left side with a tab at the top and bottom for attaching to a rod to enable the pennant to hang. The background of the printing is of mountains with water flowing out of a dam and in the front on the left power poles and power lines.In gold - large letters"Kiewa Scheme" decreasing in size. On the top also in gold "Mt Beauty" "Clover Dam" and "Bogong Village" and underneath "Falls Creek" Rocky Valley"kiewa scheme, pennant -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Former Shire of Eltham President, Cr. Mary Grant with the Presidential Chain of Office
Cr. Mary Grant of Hurstbridge served as the North Riding Councillor for the Shire of Eltham. First elected in 1990 and required to retire by 1995. She was the Shire President at least 1992-1993. Source: Shire of Eltham 1993 Handbook. It is believed that this photograph was taken after Cr. Grant's term as President. EDHS Newsletter No. 216, May 2014, p4 Mayoral Chain of Office R.C. McLellan and family donated a Chain of Office to the Shire of Eltham to be worn by the Shire President on formal occasions. With the amalgamation of councils in 1994 this was transferred to the Shire of Nillumbik to be used during the mayoral year. Eltham had a Shire President whereas Nillumbik has a Mayor. Many municipalities have a collar or chain of office for ceremonial purposes. Traditionally these symbolise or denote the formal leadership role of office. This chain is part of the Visual Art Collection held by Nillumbik Shire Council and is now on display in the Council Chamber area in the Civic Centre at Greensborough. Matcham Skipper and Myra Skipper were commissioned by the McClellan family to create the gold-plated silver chain shown being worn by Eltham Shire President Peter Graham in 1990, with Bob McLellan and Matcham Skipper (centre). Nillumbik Shire Council has asked that the following credit information is used when the chain is displayed, or images reproduced. Matcham SKIPPER (1921-2011) and Myra SKIPPER (1920-1996) Mayoral (Presidential) Chains of Office 1976 Gold plated silver 60cm x 32cm x 1cm (variable) © The Estate of Matcham and Myra Skipper Donated by RC McLellan and Family Visual Art Collection: Nillumbik Shire Council [Picture: Nillumbik Mayoral Chain of Office] [Picture: Bob McLellan, Matcham Skipper and Eltham Shire President Peter Graham -1990]The Presidential Chain of Office is now a significant part of the Nillumbik Shire Council's art collection.Colour photograph Councillor Mary Grant in Shire President Regaliacouncillors, eltham shire council, shire presidents, mary grant, nillumbik shire art collection, presidential chain of office -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
TUNIC - RAAF (Blue Grey) Service Dress Uniform Jacket, Military Uniform, 1998
This item of military uniform was worn by Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Bernard Farley during his period of Full Time service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between 27 January 1976 and 02 March 1997. Bernard joined the RAAF as an Airmen was trained and employed as a Clerk Supply (CLKSPL) between 1996 - 1977. He undertook officer cadet training at the Army Officer Cadet School in 1978 and was commissioned into the Ground Defence Category on the 09 December 1978, where he served for 18 years and rose to the rank of SQNLDR. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 1A Service Dress Uniform 1A - Tunic (Jacket - Blue Grey). This uniform was in the period 1966 - 2001 as the primary uniform. Service Dress is approved for wear as either ceremonial dress or working dress when employed in office or business type environments. The Tunic consists of a jacket has a lapel collar, with two external chest pockets and exposed pocket flaps, two side jacket pockets with external flaps and two internal jacket pockets positioned just below the external chest pockets. There is a crescent shaped cloth badge 'AUSTRALIA' sown at the side/top of each sleeve and Squadron Leader - rank stripes sown around each sleeve on the upper wrist area. The Tunic is closed with four gold buttons down the front. Each button is inserted through a small round hole sewn into the right side of the tunic front and held in place at the rear with a safety pin. There are four corresponding button holes sewn into the left front of the tunic to fasten the jacket in the normal closed position when worn. Maker: Australian Government Clothing Factory (A.G.C.F.) - Coburg Victoria The Tunic has two military decorations attached above the exterior left chest pocket. The decoration are: 1. Conspicuous Service Medal - Yellow and Green right sloping diagonal strips 2.. Defence Service Medal (with one clasp) - Blue and Gold upright stripes and round metal clasp positioned centrally. The DSM is awarded for 15 years service and a clasp is awarded for each additional 5 years service. -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
JACKET - WORKING DRESS - RAAF (Blue Grey) Uniform Jacket, Military Uniform, 1990
This item of military uniform was worn by Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Bernard Farley during his period of Full Time service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between 27 January 1976 and 02 March 1997. Bernard joined the RAAF as an Airmen was trained and employed as a Clerk Supply (CLKSPL) between 1996 - 1977. He undertook officer cadet training at the Army Officer Cadet School in 1978 and was commissioned into the Ground Defence Category on the 09 December 1978, where he served for 18 years and rose to the rank of SQNLDR. Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Working Dress (Jacket - Blue Grey). This uniform was in the period 1966 - 2001 as the primary daily uniform in the office environment. Polyester working dress is approved for wear employed in office or business type environments. The short waist length jacket consists of a jacket has a lapel collar and zip front, with two external chest pockets and exposed pocket flaps, There are portlets on each shoulder that are fastened with a black plastic button. This button has a crown over eagle in flight on the front. Rank slides are slid onto these portlets and this jacket has Squadron Leader rank slides on the portlets. is closed with four gold buttons down the front. Each button is inserted through a small round hole sewn into the right side of the tunic front and held in place at the rear with a safety pin. There are four corresponding button holes sewn into the left front of the tunic to fasten the jacket in the normal closed position when worn. The waist belt is part knitted on the sides and cloth on the front and rear. There is also one interior pocket on the right side below the exterior breast pocket. Maker: Australian Defence Industries The Tunic has two military decorations attached above the exterior left chest pocket. The decoration are: 1. Conspicuous Service Medal - Yellow and Green right sloping diagonal strips 2.. Defence Service Medal (with one clasp) - Blue and Gold upright stripes and round metal clasp positioned centrally. The DSM is awarded for 15 years service and a clasp is awarded for each additional 5 years service. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Certificate, September 1867
... Following a Royal Commission in 1855, the Gold License... gippsland Following a Royal Commission in 1855, the Gold License ...Following a Royal Commission in 1855, the Gold License was changed to the Miner’s Right, which reduced the fee and required annual payment, rather than monthly or quarterly.The fourth Goldfields Act, passed in early 1858, gave increased privileges to holders of Miner's Rights. These included the right to make residential claims, allowing the cutting of timber on claims and giving the right to build races and dams on any crown lands for mining purposes. This certificate is in the name of Samuel Richardson who brought it to Orbost.This item is of historical significance as it is associated with positive outcomes for gold miners brought about by the Eureka Stockade rebellion and its subsequent democrat changes. It is also associated with the Richardsonfamily who were early settlers in Orbost.A certificate for a miner's right printed on paper. It cost one pound. It was Not Transferable. Details have been filled out in ink. At the top of the licence is an elaborate etching, under the heading 'Colony of Victoria'. Inside a shield is a young woman, crowned, seated, with shipping in the background. oO her left is a miner with hat presenting her with a gold nugget while on her right, a farmer presents grain to her. Mottoes include 'Honi Soit Que Mal Y Pense'; 'Dieu et Mon Droit' and 'Advance Australia' There are handwritten notes in faded ink on the back.miner's right, colony of victoria, samuel richardson, no 14, government act -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Boxed Gold Scissors, "Circa 1937"
Presented to Mrs. H.J.Wheeler with the compliments of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, Electricity Supply Department, Ballarat Branch, on the occasion of the "Switching On" of the Electricity Supply to Learmonth,19th March,1938.A pair of scissors that were used to "switch on" the electricity supply to Learmonth on the 19th March 1938. Gold Scissors in black box, with blue and white lining.Johns and Johnsonlearmonth, boxed gold scissors, electricity -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ceremonial object - Ciborium and Lid, Before 1855
Ciborium is the ancient Greek word for the cup-shaped seed vessel of the Egyptian water lily "nelumbium speciosum" and came to describe a drinking cup made from that seed casing. These vessels were particularly common in ancient Egypt and the Greek East. The word "'ciborium'" was also used in classical Latin to describe such cups. In medieval Latin, and in English, "Ciborium" more commonly refers to a covered container used in Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and related churches to store the consecrated hosts of the sacrament of Holy Communion. It resembles the shape of a chalice but its bowl is more round than conical and takes its name from its cover, surmounted by a cross or other sacred design. This ciborium is part of a Communion Set that was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg in 1975 after 120 years in the sea. Five years later during the cleaning of the ciborium, a diamond ring was found secreted in the underside of the ciborium's lid. This ring has since come to be called the Schomberg Diamond and is also on display as part of the Flagstaff Hill Museums Schomberg collection. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill (Peter Ronald, former Director of Flagstaff Hill, Colin Goodall and Gary Hayden), found an ornate communion set at the Schomberg wreck site. The set comprised a jug, the ciborium, a chalice and a plate. The ciborium remained untouched for a number of years before restoration began and the marine growth was removed. In 1980 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery at Flagstaff Hill. The collection also holds ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets as well as photographs from the Schomberg. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG (October 6 to December 27, 1855)- When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Baine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her for their fleet of passenger liners. The Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the clippers designed the three-masted wooden clipper ship to be fast. The timber used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury emigrant vessel was designed for superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first-class passengers. The master for Schomberg’s maiden voyage was Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes. He drunkenly predicted at her launch that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The poor winds slowed Schomberg’s sail across the equator. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the coastal steamer SS Queen at dawn and sent a signal. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers safely disembarked.This ciborium is significant as an example of an item in common use in the mid-19th century that is still in use today. It is also important for it relationship with the famous Schomberg Diamond that was discovered by accident, hidden inside it. The ciborium is particularly significant in that along with other items from the wreck helped in part to have the legislation changed to protect shipwrecks, with far tighter controls being employed to oversee the salvaging of wreck sites around our coast. This salvaged item forms part of the Schomberg collection at Flagstaff Hill maritime museum. The collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered Schomberg shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of additional significance because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes from society at the time of the wreck.Silver engraved Ciborium or chalice with lid, part of the five-piece Communion Set. The chalice is a round cup with a long stem and a floral-shaped base with embossed decoration. It has a matching round lid that comes to a rounded apex on top. Engravings on chalice feature flowers and a Fleur-de-lis pattern.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, schomberg, 1855, clipper ship, james baines & co, black ball line, luxury ship, emigrant ship, captain forbes, bully forbes, ss queen, peterborough shipwreck, communion set, religious service, communion service, ceremonial service, mass, ciborium, chalice, schomberg diamond -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Colony of Victoria, Gold License, 1852
From 1851 the Victorian government required all men on Victorian Goldfields to carry a Gold License. The fee was one pound per month, and was payable in advance. There was agitation surrounding the gold license which was thought to be an excessive fee and did not give the bearer right to representation. On 03 December 1854 the gold diggers on the Eureka Lead fought a short battle against the army and police troopers. A few months later a new system of taxing gold diggers was introduced - the Miner's Right. The Gold License c allowed the bearer to 'dig, search for, and remove gold on and from any Crown Lands' within the district specified on the license. The license was not transferable, and had to be produced on demand. This has resulted in most surviving licenses showing evidence of having been folded and kept in a pocket.The Victorian Gold Licence was issued from 1851 until early 1855. Every man on a Victorian goldfield had to carry a valid gold license, so few survived the harsh treatment of being carried around a working goldfield. There was much dissatisfaction about what was thought to be an unfair mining tax (or gold license). On 29 November 1854 Ballarat miners burnt their licenses on Bakery Hill. On 3 December 1854 the Eureka Stockade Battle took place, resulting in the Goldfields Commission. The first Miner's Right was issued in late June 1855, and in July the first Local Courts were elected by miner's right holders. This gold license was issued around one year after the issue of the first Victorian gold license in August 1851, making it a rare early survivor. This fold lines on this Gold License are evidence of being carried around by the bearer. A original Victorian paper gold license glued onto on old card poster. The original colour of the paper was pale blue. The license has undergone conservation treatment and has been removed from the card.'231', '9 Nov 1852', [name illegible], 'Lod dist [Loddon District?], [Commissioner illegible - probably M. Cohn]gold license, gold licence, mining, cohn, eureka -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat Victoria Australia: Gold Centenary, 1951
The book includes a brief History of Ballarat by Nathan Spielvogel.Soft covered book with many black and white images of Ballarat. It was the programme for the Ballaarat Centenary Celebrations in 1951.ballarat, centenary, ballarat state offices, ballarat art gallery, ballarat library, state electricty commission, water supply, myer woollen mill, wallace butter company -
Federation University Historical Collection
Print - Document, Group of Old Ballarat School of Mines Students in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, 1900, 1900
In 1900 a group of former Ballarat School of Mines students working in Western Australia commissioned and presented a bust of Professor Alfred Mica Smith to the School. The former students are Claude Maitland (CLark & Co.); A.L. Hay (Queen Margaret Gold Mine); A.S. Lilburne (Freemantle Smelting Works); Latham Watson (Golden Rhine Gold Mine); Arthur Kildahl (Ivanhoe Gold Corporation. Thomas Copeland (Associated Gold Mine); F.A. Moss (Kalgurli Hold Mine, Hainault Gold Mine); W.A. Hearman (New Arrow Propriety); Caradoc James (Golden Link Gold Mine); Alex Fraser (great Boulder Gold Mine); E.O. Watt (Kalgurli Gold Mine); G.M. Roberts (great Boulder Gold Mine); J.J. Dunstan (Chaffers Gold Mine); H.W. Moss, (Kalgoorli Gold Rec. Co); J.A. Hill (Kalgoorli Gold Rec. Co); John Dunstan (Associated Gold Mine); C.M. Harris (Hannans Propriety Development Co. Ltd); W.H. Cobould (Hannans Reward Gold Mine); John W. Sutherland (Golden Horsehoe Estates)The original photo was presented to Professor Alfred Mica Smith by the 'Old Boys' pictured.A printed image of former students of the Ballarat School of Mines, and donors towards commissioning a bust of their former lecturer Professor Alfred Mica Smith. ballarat school of mines, mining, western australia, coolgardie. kalgoorlie, maitland, hay, lilburne, watson, kildahl, copeland, moss, hearman, james, fraser, watt, roberts, dunstan, hill, harris, corbould, sutherland, william corbould, john sutherland, john w. sutherland -
Federation University Historical Collection
Plan, Creswick, Parish of Creswick, County of Talbot, 1928, 1928
Parish Plan of Creswick showing Slaty Creek, Old Gold Workings, Police Reserve, Railway Station, Public Gardens, Sawpit Gully, Hospital Reserve, Nigh Soil Depot, Eureka Terracotta Tile COmpany, Creswick Creek, Forest COmmission, Roycroft's Racecreswick, eureka terracotta tile co, parish plan -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Wood Sample, c. 1854
This sample of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample, wooden, varnished, from wreck the Lightning. Has a groove along one edge.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood sample from a ship -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Block (sailing), Burrows, Ship Candler, c. 1869
The Lightning was an American-built sailing ship and it is believed the rope block was part of the ship’s rigging or included as cargo. The plaque on the block mentions that the item was, “as supplied by Burrows Ship Chandlers” in 1869. The plaque could also mean that the rope block was supplied by the firm Burrows, Ship Chandler and Shipping Stock, as a replacement block for the Lightning. The American vessel named “Lightning” was a 3-masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her load listed on early consignments included livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria, where the challenging association between Australia's agriculture and the imported rabbits started. The Lightning was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, in East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable and regarded as one of the smartest ships of the time. The vessel set many speed records for her voyages and became one of the most famous of racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain 'Bully' Forbes and Mate 'Bully' Bragg, Lightning made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon after this record was established and was regarded as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright's innovations was to publish a ship's paper called "The Lightning Gazette". What is of additional historic interest is that captain "Bully Forbes" had left the Lightning to captain the ill-fated Schomberg. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the Lightning was used as a troopship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her normal route between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the Lightning was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of Lightning, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1 am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the vessel. Efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the "Lightning Shoals" in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The Lightning is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (Ref S 415). The vessel is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built. it was notable as the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and as a shipping disaster in Geelong's history. The Lightning spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia. Its documented voyages give us a snapshot into shipping history, not only of Australia in the mid-19th century but how the world's commercial transport functioned o promote trade and emigration during this time.Large ship's block, wood, with two wooden sheaves and fibre straps, eye and thimble. The metal plaque attached to the block has an inscription. The block was used on the ship "Lightning".Plaque inscription: "BLOCK OFF THE LIGHTNING / AS SUPPLIED BY / BURROWS SHIPS CHANDLERS / & SHIPPING STOCK CORIO BAY / 1863" (or 1869)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burrows and bascombe, burrows, ship chandler, corio bay, burrow's ship chandlers and shipping stock, -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, 31st October 1869
This photograph was taken at the scene of the fire on the LIGHTNING, in Corio Bay, Geelong on 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the clipper Lightning in Corio Bay Geelong, Sunday Oct 31st 1869. Photograph shows the Lightning in the process of burning, smoke billowing above the deck. Another sailing ship, plus several small boats, are in the bay, with a crowd on the pier.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clipper lightning, photograph -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, Lightning, 31st October 1869
This photograph shows the remains of the clipper ship LIGHTNING as it continues to burn to its end in Corio Bay, Geelong, 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the sailing ship LIGHTNING, 31st October 1869 in Corio Bay, Geelong. The photograph shows the ship with only 2 masts remaining, still billowing smoke. Below the photograph is the photograph's title.Title hand written 'LIGHTNING"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burning of the lightning, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Horse Brass
When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her to be built for their fleet of passenger liners. At a cost of £43,103, the Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. She was a three masted wooden clipper ship, built with diagonal planking of British oat with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury vessel was designed to transport emigrants to Melbourne in superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first class passengers. At the launch of Schomberg’s maiden voyage, her master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, drunkenly predicted that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The winds were poor as Schomberg sailed across the equator, slowing her journey considerably. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand-spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS Queen at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. After two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned.32 In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery.33 Flagstaff Hill also holds ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill. When the ship Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the most perfect clipper ship ever to be built. James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned her to be built for their fleet of passenger liners. At a cost of £43,103, the Aberdeen builders designed her to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. She was a three masted wooden clipper ship, built with diagonal planking of British oat with layers of Scottish larch. This luxury vessel was designed to transport emigrants to Melbourne in superior comfort. She had ventilation ducts to provide air to the lower decks and a dining saloon, smoking room, library and bathrooms for the first class passengers. At the launch of Schomberg’s maiden voyage, her master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, drunkenly predicted that he would make the journey between Liverpool and Melbourne in 60 days. Schomberg departed Liverpool on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. The winds were poor as Schomberg sailed across the equator, slowing her journey considerably. She was 78 days out of Liverpool when she ran aground on a sand-spit near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December; the sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS Queen at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. After two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned.32 In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including Peter Ronald, found an ornate communion set at the wreck. The set comprised a jug, two chalices, a plate and a lid. The lid did not fit any of the other objects and in 1978 a piece of the lid broke off, revealing a glint of gold. As museum staff carefully examined the lid and removed marine growth, they found a diamond ring, which is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery.33 Flagstaff Hill also holds ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photograph from the Schomberg. Most of the artefacts were salvaged from the wreck by Peter Ronald, former director of Flagstaff Hill. Heart shaped horse harness embellishment, brass, 1¾" x 1¾". Has encrustation and verdigris. Heart is cracked around the outside. Recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, horse brass -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Wood Sample, c. 1854
This piece of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample of wood from the wool clipper LIGHTNING, 1854-1869, The sample has a label and a card with information about the ship and a person. Card, typewritten, "PIECE OF TIMBER FROM FAMOUS WOOL CLIPPER / "LIGHTNING". BUILD IN DONALD McKAY'S SHIPYARD / IN BOSTON, U.S.A.. SHE WAS BURNT TO TOTAL LOSS / IN GEELONG IN 1869"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood sample from lightning