Small rectangle box (cigar box), with wooden roll, covered in copper wire,brass bar, with wooden peg which meets copper wire on roll, 2 metal pegs on outside of box, which could attach to power leads (could be crystal set) or something to do with early morse code transmission. There is a lever that can be disconnected from an electrical force, that could produce a morse code"EARTH" & "ARIEL" hand carved on one end "PHONES" (hard to decifier) on other endballarat, radio, inventions, inventor, ariel, crystal set, electricity, electronics

Pamphlet, yellow back with black printing titled "Beware" - 15 different languages and Morse code each featuring a rhino on a skateboard and noting that a tram weighs as much as 30 rhinos.trams, tramways, yarra trams, rhinos, safety

This is a small pocket sized book covered with khaki coloured buckram. Printed on front cover is the phrase "New Testament" under that in the entre is a coat of arms - British - under that are two shields with a symbol in each. Under those shields is a banner with the words "City of Malvern". The back cover has written "Souvenir of Peace" - "City of Malvern" crest and "The Great War 1914 - 1918. There are 462 pages. The printing is in black ink.On last page are the morse code symbols for name Leila Smith. Inside the rear cover is the name Leila Smith.bible, ww!, city of malvern

This is a WW2 Morse code Signalling Lamp B 5A/2334 in its original wooden box. It was probably manufactured by BTH (British Thomson Houston), who were manufacturers of the iconic ‘Aldis Lamp.’ It was used for signalling ship to aircraft and ground to aircraft using morse code.Timber transit box with with hinged opening top secured by non return catches containing black metal round lamp with glass face attached to a low square stand. There are two metal bars attached to lid.Inside lid - Ref No 5A/2338 or 0? Hand painted in white SOS …—-… Box front face - printed in white and barely legible “small lamp”

Khaki coloured soft cover with black print. At the bottom is a symbol of His Majesty's Stationery Office, London. 123 pages plus annexes. Illustrated advertising. Text regarding signals, morse code & message procedures.books-manuals/reference/military/signals, wireless

Olive drab metal case. Lunch box size. Contains ear piece on spiral cord and a bakelite morse code key. Lid lists antenna length and frequency channels. Base has switches, dials and battery.radio set an prc, sas

Metal Victory Pin from WW2. Morse code dots and dash for letter 'V" across centre. Pin is attached to piece of ribbon,striped red, white and blue to hang from safety pin. Victory Pin is upside down, presumably to represent Anzac badge.victory pin

An example of a Telephone Set D Mk V which was used by Australian forces during the Second World War for verbal and Morse code communications over short distances via a telephone line.An example of a Telephone Set D Mk V which was used by Australian forces during the Second World War for verbal and Morse code communications over short distances via a telephone line. Rectangular aluminum green painted box with broad canvas webbing strap secured to the side of the body through metal loops. Two vertical webbing loops are attached to the rear of the body. Stencilled in black on top TELE. SET. D. MK. V.'. The housing opens by a hinged fold back lid that is secured by a hook and eye closure. Attached to the inside of the lid are two metal plates. The first is a circuitry diagram, the second is the instructions for use of the set. The interior contains the phone assembly and is divided by a metal shelf. On the left is a bell with two screw terminal in front. At the center is the telegraph key and behind that is the battery box with a small metal plate with, 'TELEPHONE SET. D.MK.V To the right is metal box with two terminals in frontAttached to the bottom of the shelf is a slide out metal key Below the shelf is a compartment in which is stowed a black metal headset with provision for a bakelite handset with attached cord and four-prong plug.Tele Set stamped on outside of unit. Inside lid plaque - Telephone Set D MK V

Black and white photographs of Collingwood Technical School students manufacturing Morse code key and buzzer sets for the Defence Department. Some students are in Defence Force uniforms. Also photo of the key and buzzer sets being presented to the Defence Department representatives. Principal Strang at left with glasses. (Scott p46, and Harrison p.29)collingwood technical school, defence forces training, nmit

In 1914, Bendigo and Northern Victoria Citizens Force Unit was the 67th (Bendigo) Inf. Castlemaine and Central Vic had the 66th (Mt Alexander) Inf. The book was written by Lt.Col A. H. Sandford R.A.G.A.Cardboard cover booklet. The printing on front cover is black ink. Inside are 128 pages of drill movements. Illustrations. Semaphore, morse code signals and the magnetic variations for Aust and NE Capital Cities. Inside, Page 1 has the embossed stamp of "Bendigo Book Sellers & W. Hampton, Stationery. It has pages of pay for Commonwealth Citizen Forces.Inside written in blue pencil "Simon Auladell"passchendaele barracks trust, 738-i-t 73b, booklet, drill manual

This phone was used at the Mt Beauty Primary School.Historical: The SEC used a switchboard to connect people in Mt Beauty and their workers stationed throughout the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. This phone enabled the Mt Beauty Primary School to ring parents etc. and for them to ring the school. Also refer to article in "This Week" Newsletter 30th June 2023 and attached to KVHS 0050Black bakelite telephone used to sit on a bench or table. Hand piece attached by a coiled wire coated with rubber. Front of telephone, in the centre, is a small handle that can be turned around in a clock wise direction - used to connect with the switchboard or, in some areas, used to connect with others by way of morse code eg. 1 big wind and 2 short winds.telephone. communications. mount beauty primary school.

The Australian Scouts' First Book was produced in the following editions:- (1) Jan 1931, (2) Sept. 1931, (3) Jan 1933, (4) June 1934, (5) Sept 1935, (6) Sept 1938, (7) Nov 1939 and (8) Jan 1941.Joan Filbey Collection: The Australian scouts' first book : complete tenderfoot and second class test instruction - Pages 5 to 76 are intact - Cover and a few pages are missing. The book is a rule and guide book for boy scouts, for example, how to tie knots, how to wear the correct uniform, tests for tenderfoots, signalling, first-aid, Morse code and tests to be undertaken.history, bendigo, scouts, the australian scouts' first book, joan filbey collection

This is a 6 valve portable transceiver, made in Australia from a British design. It was only used for C.W. (morse code). Its frequency was in the range of 2.5-3.5MHz. Output power 0.5-5 watts. Use was for commando and infantry patrols up to battalion level. It had an external battery pack for low and high voltage supply. 1 man operation in Tropics. An image of this type of wireless set in operation can be found in the AWM Collection: P02952.012 081815 Aluminium box, cover missing. The top has various dials, jacks and one gauge. There is a small length of cable coming from the control panel to a 4 pin plug. On the outside of case is the phrase D (arrow up)D 208 MKIIPlaque on control panel "WIRELESS SET - ZAA 2088 SERIAL NUMBER 168 DATE = 1944"wireless, wwii

In rural Australia phone calls were made through the switchboard usually situated at the local post office. This book lists the residents of Kergunyah and their phone numbers. If you want to talk to a neighbour for example, you ask for that person or give the operator their number. The switchboard operator 'puts the caller through'. However some people shared a number and were therefore on a party line eg. in this book 6 people share number 3. The operator would then ring the individual's code, like morse code, eg. 1 long 2 short. Also ref. KVHS 0897 Mt Beauty SwitchboardThis book is a list of residents living at Kergunyah who have a phone and lists their phone numbers. Kergunyah is in the Kiewa Valley. The book also notes some problems with the line eg. 'suspect sheath damage'. Stiff beige cardboard cover bound by black tape "Subscribers' M.D.F. / Record" printed on centre of cover. 7 pages but only written on pages 2 and 3 with residents' names and phone numbers in columns."Kergunyah" on front coverkergunyah, telephone, kiewa valley, switchboard

The set consisted of a key battery and buzzer it was used for training potential radio operators in the Morse code. It was manufactured by blue point in the 1950s. The company was founded in the Sydney suburb of Erksville in 1936 by a German immigrant, Frederick Boyd Dirks who named his company F Dirks. The company produced Bakelite products such as ashtrays single strip heaters, and Morse key components, In 1946 the company named was changed to Blue Point products Pty Ltd. The name was inspired by the name “Blau Punkt” a German electrical supplier. in 1973 the company was purchased by Gerard Industries which was known for its line o Clipsal products, An item made in Australia for training purposes of new radio operators and is significant in that it is part of Australia's social history and shows the development of Australian electrical manufacturing. Australian blue point telegraph practice /training set XX20A circa 1950 Bakelite, stamped XX20A under, three terminals - two marked "+" and "-".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Stawell Post Office on corner of Wimmera and Main Streets. Erected 1875. Telegraph pole and streetlamp in foreground. Akins store visible at right of photo. The building has 3 arched doors & 6 arched windows on the ground floor and 8 square windows on the top story. Two chimneys on the roof and a wrought iron square fence on the roof. The outside of the building has not changed while the interior has been remodelled several times. The early Postmasters and their families lived upstairs. The main room originally included the Telegraph office where operators worked at machines, sending and receiving Morse code messages. Later alterations were made for a telephone switchboard room downstairs, with trunk line equipment upstairs. In 1965 the telephone system was converted to automatic.Black & white photo of a two story building on the corner of Wimmera & Main St. The building the Stawell Post and Telegraph Office. Out the front of the Post office is a telegraph pole and a light post. Next door in Main St is a single story building with a sign over the building Argus Australasian, underneath Akins, Age/Leader possible a newsagent. stawell

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson

The ceramic insulators were used by the PMG to insulate telephone lines connecting to the lightstation accommodation. The installation of a single galvanised wire telegraph line in 1873 provided the lightstation with a vital link to the outside world via Morse code. In 1875, the Australasian Sketcher reported on the new facility, writing that ‘the lighthouse on the extreme point of the promontory is connected with Melbourne by a line of telegraph, and as a large number of vessels pass in sight of the lighthouse, useful information is gained respecting their movements’.The system was immobilised in 1885 when a thunderstorm caused some of the poles to explode and connection wires to fuse and turn into molten metal. During WWII the lighthouse line was upgraded to four copper wires, and in 1971 a radio link replaced the line. The lines required constant maintenance. Some poles remain along the length of the promontory’s Telegraph Track as reminders of this former communication link. Insulators can also be found in the collections at Cape Schanck; Cape Otway and Gabo Island. Comprises a white ceramic insulator attached to a rectangular metal plate.

The lamps were pioneered by the British Navy in the late nineteenth century and introduced by the Royal Australian Navy after 1918, and continue to be used to the present day. Manufactured in 1960, the Wilsons Promontory lamp was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signalling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. This type of lamp was renowned for its brilliant light, and lightkeepers from the two lightstations ‘used to practice their signalling with each other, as its effective use was reliant on precise positioning of the scope which is located on top of the lamp’. The inside of the case is imprinted with ‘RAN (Royal Australian Navy), and details on the lamp include a serial number, the date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another Aldis lamp and case with a date of 1960 is held at Cape Nelson and third lamp and case is at Point Hicks; (date unconfirmed but possibly 1943). A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003.Aldis lamp and case (WPLS 0003.2; likely provenance) The lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Wilsons Promontory example has a confirmed provenance to the lightation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.1. Handheld black signaling lantern with trigger mechanism. Glass front with inner reflective disc. Black electrical cord is attached with a two pronged plug at the end. 2. Black painted wooden box for transporting lantern. brass catch, leather handle. Grey electrical cord inside plus transformer. Hinged lid. The Aldis lamp is portable, hand held visual signalling lamp with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk used for optical communication via Morse code. The concave mirror is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of the lamp are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the device that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Wilsons Promontory’s black metal Aldis lamp and attached electrical cord has a black painted wooden carrying case with metal clasp and leather hand grip.1. On trigger;"AP16413" Around V shaped protrusion attached to lamp "AP197873 / AEI .LTD 59" Beneath screw on face;"AD16415" Inside lamp, under glass;"ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / 5 INCH HAND SIGNALING LANTERN SERIAL No. 212 Year 1960 / AEI PTY LTD SYDNEY" •2. Box. On brass plate below handle."ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / BOX FOR TRANSPORTING LANTERN / PATTERN 16409" Inside box on side of metal insert attached to inside of box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER / MADE BY / M.Brodribb, Melbourne/ cat & APP / No v/QR / 1811A / 50 / 60 va / CONT. 55 c / RATIO 240, 12 V TAPS " Top of metal box on sticker;"C of A / D.O.T 143076 / 12 V 5A" On Bakelite plug on metal box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE"

This portable, hand held visual signalling lamp was used for optical communication via Morse code. It comprises the metal encased Aldis lamp with electrical cord and its associated green-painted, hinged wooden carrying case, which has a metal clasp and leather hand grip. Larger versions of these lamps are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters on the front that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Smaller hand held versions like the Point Hicks example have a concave mirror that is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals via a trigger. The lamps were pioneered by the British navy in the late nineteenth century and continue to be used to the present day.317 Details on the Point Hicks lamp include a serial number and other information. Another Aldis lamp and case remaining at Cape Nelson Lightstation dates to 1960 and has the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Wilsons Promontory also has an Aldis lamp and case that dates from around the same year. A lamp formerly at Cape Schanck has disappeared. The Aldis lamp and associated case at Point Hicks has first level contributory significance for its historic values and provenance to the lightstation. PHLS0007.1 Hand held signal light. Painted metal trigger with attached black electrical leads with battery terminals at end. Inscriptions on metal of lantern. PHLS0007.2 Hinged lid, wooden box painted army green to house signal light. Metal plate with inscription on front of box.PHLS0007.1 "D^D / LANTERN PORTABLE SIGNALLING / ADMIRALITY No 5110D / SERIAL No 5482 YEAR 943 / AMALGAMATED WIRELESS / A ASA LTD / 9792-100" •PHLS0007.2 "20 K4 transporting lantern / admirality pattern no 91108"

Used in WW2. Basically of german origin and manufacture but 'English' handset suggests capture and use by Australian forces possibly in Middle East Desert warfare.Black Rectangular Metal Box with Lid. Total Height 215mm (with lid closed), Body Height 140mm. Lid Height 75mm.Lid attached by full length Hinge on rear and locking Clip at front.Depth 90mm. Length 275mm. Lid Outside: has overlapping lip to body when closed.Reinforcing metal attachment on left side rolls over to inside of lid and is attached by two screws. Front locking clip is spring loaded and attached to lid by 3 screws. Lid Inside: Flexible metal plate to clip on handset. 2 inscription plates on left and right ends and telephone handset described separately Body Outside:Front: 2 Jack plug points, vertically aligned 85mm from left, 25mm apart either side of mid point of height of bodyprotedted by protective pivot plate. Air vent plate attached with 2 screws adjacent to Jack plug holes (same on Back). Left side at top; metal plate for carry strap (same on right side). carry strap not with item.Right side; hole covered by protective cover plate centred 70mm from base , Wind-Up handle attached (described seoarately. Body Inside: 2/3 filled with visible metal and bakelite components in separate compartment containing unseen working parts. Left side contains morse code key in canvas bag (described separately). Contents Inside Lid. Two schematics of wiring layouts attached to left and right ends. Removable Bakelite handset clipped into postion for carrying, attached cable has 4-pronged attachment connected to main section in body. Contents Inside Body. Most working parts hidden inside metal container. White plastic button 'Pruttaste' is a test button; threaded screws on top for attachments not present.Two pieces of loose wire purpose unknown. Canvas Bag with zip, labelled DD with arrow between (Department of Defence) containing Morse Code Key; wire with large jackplug attachment connected to MC Key through the bag. Jackplug connects via front of body of object. The whole of this item is stored in left inside of body.underside of handset says PRESS KEY WHILE SPEAKING and in smaller font size TELE HD NO 2

This portable, hand held visual signaling lamp, with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk, was used for optical communication via Morse code, with the concave mirror tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of these lamps are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the light that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Smaller hand held versions like the Cape Nelson example have a concave mirror that is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals, and despite their size the lamps were renowned for their brilliant light. Invented by Arthur C W Aldis (1878‐1953) and pioneered by the British navy in the late nineteenth century, they continue to be used to the present day. Details on the Cape Nelson lamp include a serial number, a date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another lamp of the same date which is held at Wilsons Promontory was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signaling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. Point Hicks also has an Aldis lamp and an associated case, which is painted an army green colour. A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003. These types of lamps are not rare in museum collections.These types of lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Cape Nelson example has a reliable provenance to the lightstation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.This object is comprised of a black metal encased Aldis lamp with electrical cord and associated wooden carrying case with metal clasp and red leather hand grip. yes

The Heliograph MkV is a fascinating piece of historical surveying and communications equipment. It was primarily used for visual signaling by reflecting sunlight with a mirror to send coded messages over long distances. This method was primarily useful in remote areas where other forms of communication were not available. The MkV model, specifically, was widely used by the British Army and other military forces from around 1906 until the mid 1960s. It remained in use with the Australian Army Survey Corps until the mid 1980s. The device typically included a 5 - inch mirror and was often mounted on a tripod for stability. Initially the instrument was used to communicate between survey stations using Morse code to coordinate their activities. Later when better forms of communication were available they were used for precise angle alignment where the sunlight reflection from the mirror was targeted between the survey stations to give very accurate results. The MkV was relatively light weight and portable, making it ideal for use in the field. It could be setup and adjusted quickly. The heliograph had an adjustable mirror that could be tilted to reflect sunlight towards a distant receiver. Surveyors could align the mirror using a sighting device. Whilst it was primarily used by the Military it was also used in civil surveying particularly in the remote areas of Australia. This instrument was used as a training aid to help teach surveyors at the Royal Australian Survey Corps School of Military Survey. Catalog item No 2009 is a tripod that was used to mount the Heliograph whilst being used for surveying.A Heliograph containing two mirrors with brass surrounds mounted on a wooden board as a Training Aid. Item has additional parts attached to the base board."Heliograph Mk V Training Aid"royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

Five 'Popular Radio Weekly Magazines. .1) Vol. 1, No. 1, 25 February 1925. (Purchasing a receiver, eliminating static, Morse Code, An Efficient one-valver, A Simple Crystal Circuit, Combining Valve and Crystle, the Alfred Hospital, Frank Tate on Radio. Images of Josie Melville, Alberto Zelmanm circuits) .2) Vo. 1, No. 14, 27 May 1925. (Purity amplifier, Popular Wireless, Oscillations, Marconi's Wireless Beam Transmitter, Resistance coupled Amplifiers, Condenser Losses) .3) Vol. 1, No. 2, 04 March 1925. (A Crystal Receiver, Medium Wave Four-Valver, The Harkness Circuit, A One-Valve Super, The Aerial Mast, The Police Patrol, C Batteries, A Two Crysal set, La Bela Lingvo, Plain Aerial. Images - Transmitting Aeroplace, A. Nicholson - Chief Commissioner of Police) .4) Vol. 1, No 15, 03 June 1925. (The Ham and Radiophone, A Good Circuit, How the Microphone Transmitter Works, A Reflex Circuit, A Millionaire's Radio Installation, Teh Deresnadyne, Crystal Detectors, Hints an Accumulators, 3LO, Selection Radio Parts) .5) Vol 1, No. 6, 01 April 1925. (The Renartz Tuner, A 600 foot aerial, Measuring your Receiver, Doctoring Your Set, Understanding What You Read, The Vernier Condenser, Radio and Railways, Who Can Build the Smallest Set.)radio, valve, electrical engineering, frank tate, alberto zelman

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Small, dark coloured rectangle, leather satchel with attached belt and ornate buckle. Satchel is made of four pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and one piece for the central strap. The central strap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Stitching is evident around the side seams, around the metal toggle and inside flap where strap is attached and has been reinforced. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather belt is attached to the back outside of the satchel with four metal press studs. The left side buckle also has reinforced stitching. Both sides of the buckle have decorative elements with the words Post Office / Communications/ Australia on the left side around outer circular edge. Underside of right side of buckle end has the words AROS pressed into it. Inside flap of satchel; Australia / Post / Telegram / Boys written in marker. Buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Underside of right side of buckle end; AROS Internal; Gold address sticker with Ted Rankins contact details.ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. Small, rectangle, leather satchel with attached shoulder strap and buckle. Satchel is made of five pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and two small pieces to hold strap ring. The flap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather strap is attached to the top of the side seams of the satchel with circular metal rings and two metal press studs. Inside flap: Sticker with '540B'bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, making a nation exhibition, post office collection

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This belt buckle was used on the leather satchels used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. The buckle is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted Rankins.Circular belt buckle from telegram delivery satchel belt. Inner buckle depicts the Greek deity Hermes who personifies the transmission of information and was adopted as an allegorical representation of the function of postal services. Outer buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Centre top outer buckle; emu, kangaroo and shield Inner buckle; Hermes (left facing)bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection