The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang How Cheng, visited Australia at the request of the Chinese Emperor for the purpose of establishing Chinese consulates in the Commonwealth. He visited Ballarat at the request of Ballarat’s Chinese community. The newspaper reported that it was hoped the Commissioner would visit the Ballarat School of Mines “where the knowledge he would get would probably be of the utmost usefulness in the development of the great resources of China.” The Commissioner was accompanied by interpreter Ah Ket (Melbourne barrister and solicitor), and met by members of Ballarat’s Chinese community, including Dr Wong Chock Son. Apparently the Chinese Commissioner wanted to visit SMB because of its international fame relating to education in mining. From the SMB Letter book (Cat. No. 436) comes the following which suggests the Commissioner was based in Adelaide) '17th November 1906 His Excellency, Hwang How Cheng Chinese Commission Adelaide May it please your Excellency By this post I have the pleasure in forwarding for your Excellency's kind acceptance (and one for Mr. When) copies of the photograph taken of your recent visit to the School of Mines. I trust they will serve a pleasing memento of what, I hope, was a pleasant visit to our Golden City. Yours Faithfully Fredk Martell Director' The visit was reported in the Ballarat Star in 14 November 1906:- The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang Hon Cheng, who recently arrived in Victoria on behalf of the Chinese Government, paid a visit to Ballarat last evening, and was entertained by his fellow countrymen at a dinner at the Bow Leong rooms, Main street. The commissioner, who came up by the express, was accompanied by his secretary and Mr Ah Ket, the well-known Chinese barrister, of Melbourne; but some disappointment was expressed by the fact that he did not wear his official robes, being attired in the more sombre European dress. Mr W. D. M’Kee presided at the dinner, on the invitation of the Bow Leong Society, and in addition to representative Chinese residents, three were also present the mayor of the city (Cr. J. J. Brokenshire), Crs. R. Pearse, G. Crocker (City), J. R. Elsworth, A. Mackenzie, J. A. M’Neil, A. Levy, G. Bunting, F. Penhalluriack (Town), Col. Williams, Mr. J. Gent, Messrs. F. J. Martell (director of the School of Mines), A. W. Hager (president of the Orphan Asylum), A. Kenny (superintendent), R. G. Fitzgerald (clerk of courts at Ballarat East), J. Trethowan, A. A. Buley, Serg Dalton, and others. Apologies were received from the mayor of the town Revs. J. West Lau, Dr Cairns, Hon. J. Y. M’Donald, L. Lederman, C. C. Shoppee and others. The gathering was a very cordial one, and the hospitality of the Chinese was greatly appreciated. After the loyal toasts, “The King” and “The Emperor of China,” had been honoured, the chairman extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the society and others to the commissioner. Mr M’Kee said he was privileged to speak in behalf of the Chinese. There was a warm feeling of friendship between them and himself, and his services were always at their command. If he were in China he would desire that a similar compliment would be extended to him. They were all pleased the Emperor of China had sent the commissioner to establish consulates in Australia with a view of the empire understanding the feelings of Australasia better than they did at present. He hoped the commissioner would have opportunity of visiting some of their industries, as they desired him to gain all the scientific and practical knowledge of those industries that he could. The toast of “The Commissioner” was proposed by Col. Williams who expressed pleasure at the visit of a gentleman of education and attainments to look into the condition of the scions of China in Australia. He hoped the commissioner would carry away a correct impression. In Australia they had nothing to conceal; they hoped to be understood. (Applause.) No intelligent man had the temerity to condescend to patronise China, one of the richest countries in the world, with a civilisation dating back thousands of years. In the matter of population alone it was equal to one-third of the world. They heard a lot about the “awakening of China.” They hoped it would be humane, just, and considerate if it had power. He hoped the commissioner would be satisfied with what he saw. The law of filial relation to the children was strictly observed in China, and he did not know whether it would not be a good thing if they had a little more of that religion here. It would be a fair thing to tell the commissioner that while he might inquire into the labour laws, the basis of these laws was not a desire to oppress but to enable every man to obtain the same conditions they expected from their own people. If he gained that impression he felt they would be fairly treated. (Applause.) Mayor Brokenshire supported the toast. They had, he said, in the Chinese a most law-abiding people. Their behaviour was an example to the British citizens. They were quiet, inoffensive men, and they toiled hard, even on Sundays. (Laughter.) Mr Ah Ket; That is what the government does with the railway employees. (Laughter.) The Commissioner replied through Mr Ah Ket, who in a graceful speech acknowledged the toast. The commissioner had, he said been delighted with what he had seen of the country – he believed it to be one of the finest in the world – and he greatly appreciated the hospitality extended to him. (Applause.) The Chairman proposed the toast of “The health of Mr Ah Ket,” and paid a tribute to his ability. It was satisfactory to see that he had risen to such a position, and it might be that in the future he would be asked to occupy a position on the bench. (Applause.) Mr Ah Ket, in response, said he had not come prepared to make a speech. He had come to Ballarat to have a quiet evening with his friends, and as soon as he arrived he had been whirled away in a motor car to a place where he found an aggregation of East and West. He was pleased to see them commingled at the festive board. That suggested the idea that East and West could meet together without friction. Misunderstandings arose only because men were superficial. If they threw off outer garments they would know each other better. He looked forward to the time when nations would understand each other. It was by an interchange of visits that such things could be accomplished, and nations would then live at peace with each other. (Applause.) Other toasts were also honored. Twelve men pose for a photograph on the stairs of a building at the Ballarat School of Mines. Back row left to right: A.D. Gilchrist (Prof. of Engineering), B. Whittington (Mathematics, Physics), Thomas S. Hart (Prof. of Geology and Mining), J.M. Sutherland (Electrical Engineering) Front row left to right: Dr Wong Chock Son (Ballarat), Fred. J. Martell, Alfred Mica Smith, Ah Ket esq (Melbourne Barrister), His Excellency Hwang How Cheng (Chinese Commissioner), Wen Esq (Secretary), Alderman Grase (mayor of Brisbane), Grase Esq (Ballarat).ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, fred martell, j m sutherland, a d gilchrist, b whittington, thomas hart, wong chock son, ah ket, hwang how cheng, chinese, chinese commissioner, international, new classrooms, administration building, a building

The tent model mentioned in the letters was displayed in the Ballarat School of Mines Museum. During the 1960s it was transferred to the Ballarat Historical Society. Two handwritten letters on paper with black mourning edge written by Walter M. Hitchcock to the Ballarat School of Mines, and another written by Walter's brother George M. Hitchcock.Letter transcription follow: Letter from Walter M. Hitchcock regarding the death of James Oddie and early gold mining at Ballarat, 1910 and 1911 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London Dec1/10 The Secretary Ballarat Museum Dear Sir, I am just now sending you this line, i anticipation of further correspondence later on, simply to forward you a Post Card of the 1st mining tent erected 1851 on the site of he then newly proclaimed Township of Ballarat, which, as the sole survivor of the party who built the original, I have had the pleasure in making, and have decided to present it to your museum, Sir Jno Lasenor out Agent General for Victoria came to a Bazaar recently held in London. where I had it on view in the museum from 3 days, - and desired I would allow its [ ? ] exhibited in the first large window of the beautiful new building of the Victoria Agency situate in the Strand. It is there for the past few days and he may wish it to remain a week or two longer, I know of no other exhibition of it to delay it being packed and shipped to my relatives in Geelong (Mr [?] Bright of Hitchock's Firm) who may wish to show it in one of their windows before forwarding it to your museum - I have had an itemised pane glass case made for it with drop down end and [?} it stands on a plateau of moss, to represent grass 32 x 13 x 13 high and chimney 14 1/2 - the case is made 34 x 26 x 20 high inside - I shall have it very carefully packed - tent emptied tools, beds, &c &c in separate packing and insured for 50 pounds - I will send you full details later on. I hope and believe your President will accept it in due time Meantime believe me to be very truly Cat Walter Hitchcock G.F.B. 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London March 15th 1911 The Secretary Ballarat School of Mines Dear Sir, Thanks for your letter received last week – I have unaccountably mislaid it, so cannot address you personally, shall no doubt find it among office papers. The model is being fetched today from Victorian Agent General’s (Sir John [Lavernor?] office window in the Strand where many thousands, he tells me, have stopped in passing to see it (their first peep of Ballaarat). It will be on view at Blackheath (Kent) for a week, then packed and shipped without further delay. I shall enclose in the glass case (which is 26 x 34 x 16 in high) some spare minced moss and gas (smoke) in case in transit the plateau suffers by shaking (though it is well glued down). All the tools, mining appliances, cradle, windlass, &c will be separately packed enclosed – which you can easily place in respective positions. HRH Prince of Wales has graciously accepted a photo of it – and in my letter to him when sending it for his acceptance I said – as he would probably ere long visit Australia as did his grandfather and father, which ought to (and certainly will) include at least a day or two in seeing your beautiful City, and also something of your mines &c instead of the hurried visit of his father (2 hours) when he, as Duke of York, unveiled a statue to the memory of those slain in the sad Boer War, which now is admitted by almost everybody to have been a big political mistake, - though in the future with England’s present wise policy towards that country it will prove for Africa’s welfare. It may interest you to know that when I ascertained that Geelong was not to be visited by the Royal Pair – I went up to St James’s Palace by appointed time the Duke’s private Secy Sir Arthur Bigge – taking with me a specially illustrated paper issued in Melb. showing many pictures of the beauties and industries of Geelong – Sir Arthur was impressed but said all the arrangements for the Royal stay in Victoria (10 days) were made locally, by Lord Hopetoun and collegues and committee, and were practically closed – which meant that only a brief trip to Ballarat to uncover the memorial was intended outside Melbourne. Perhaps if we were Melbourne residents we should have succumbed to the prevailing spirit of selfishness – forgetting (or trying to forget) that there are many beauty spots in Victoria and centres of great interest - Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, &c that ought to have been visited instead of Melbourne only. Finding Sir Arthur favorably impressed about Geelong I thanked him and returned to City work again. I at once called to Geelong whose mayor and friends had been twice unsuccessful in trying for the Melbourne functions programme being altered to include a visit to Geelong and lovely spots in the Western District, reporting my interview with Sir A B and his favourable reception of my representations, but that any alteration to the programme of engagements during the Royal visit must be made locally and by the local authorities. This had the desired success for on receipt of my message the Geelong mayor and colleagues again reopened the question and went to Melbourne, resulting in a concession (but what an altogether inadequate one) and they graciously ? consented to the train, on its way with the Duke and Duchess to your city, to stop at the Geelong stn (15 minutes) and so it came about that by a hasty local effort, 3,000 school children, and not a few of the leading people including the Mayor &c were gathered to welcome them in Geelong. The National anthem being sung, an Address read and presented and kindly replied to. Now Ballarat should doubtless has influence. See to it when our P. Of Wales visits Victoria – an unselfish ¬ programme is fixed up – and HRH afforded ample opportunity of visiting leisurely your city, Geelong, Bendigo and other centres of beauty and importance. The Prince himself will be the gainer by such an equitable and enlightened programme, - and come back with all the more favourable views of the marvellous development ever since our family first settled in Geelong in 1850. A far preferable result of such a visit than night after night having Melbourne Banquets and the visiting of its undoubted attractions - whilst all the rest of the State remained unvisited. Such an official mistake must not be made again. I will write you again, stating name of steamer of which the model is shipped and date of departure – it is firmly built on a backing of 3/8 in oak tall uprights so through the 7/8 in plateau and am entrusting the packing be very careful. I expressed firm – so that except possibly any breakage in glass case – it should reach you in due time all right. The top of case will be screwed so that it can be readily removed temporarily to enable my [ ? ] firm to show it in one of their windows. Believe me Yours very truly Captn Walter M. Hitchcock My brother will deliver it on my a/c – all carriage paid. Mt very kind regards to my friend since 1850 Jas Oddie. University of Ballarat Historical Collection Cat. No. 8133.3 & .4 Letter from Walter M. Hitchcock regarding the death of James Oddie and early gold mining at Ballarat, 1911 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London April 20th 1911 My Dear Sir, It is with no ordinary feeling of regret that I received the tidings of the death of my good friend, your fellow citizen for many years, Mr James Oddie. Living at Geelong from March 1850 I came to know him there as carrying on a foundry business in Ashby. With the discovery of gold at Ballarat started off almost of the working people, as well as of all other classes of the male population. Mr Oddie arrived in Ballarat I believe on or about September 1st 1851. My three comrades and I arrived October 1st 1851 – among the many thousands soon gathered within a mile or so of Golden Point – my friend Oddie and I often met. I returning to Geelong after a year mining – my friend on the other hand remaining at Ballarat ever since – a marvellous record, and I am sure his life has been one of unique value to your City in many ways, - his age (87) naturally prepared me for his call home – and only two mails before the news came I received from him on of his kindly chatty letters in which amongst other things – he referred with pleasure to having received from me two 10 x 12 photos – one being of my model and that he was arranging to have it placed in a shop window in your city. I am interested in the fact of your having known each of my three comrades of 1851/52. It was J.M. Garrett and I who got permission to conduct public Sunday morning service in their large Marquee – used all the week for issue of Licenses in the absence of any church buildings, and it being on wet Sundays impossible to have services as usual under the trees – Ballarat then was more like a Gentleman’s Park – than bush country – but the axe soon did its work – and all were felled for our cooking, and hencewith to make our kindling etc. Shafting of holes not being at first done because too shallow – our deepest (at Eureka) was only 115 ft. Bendigo I hear had now mines of 4,000 ft in depth (deeper than our tin or coal mines here). I fortunately have, in excellent state of preservation, my last of 12 licenses dated October 1 1852 and have recently purchased here a Miner’s Right dated 1864, to that when explaining on matters re Gold Licensing I can show sample of each. With kind regards Believe me Yours sincerely Walter M. Hitchcock Geelong June 20/11 Dear Sir, By rail to day through Messrs Bannister I send the model of miner’s tent packed in a case 50 donated by my brother Captain Walter M. Hitchcock of London. This model was made by my brother and represents the tent he worked in on the Ballarat Gold Fields in the year 1851 or 2. In a separate parcel a few extras omitted from the case. Please send me receipts in duplicate, one for my brother, the other for the Customs, Geelong, as being donated to your institution, after some little correspondence it was admitted [??] any payment for duty. You probably have my brother’s address and would like to acknowledge its arrival, direct. I hope it is in good order. I did not open it for show in Geelong, as there would be less risk of breakage on repacking. With kind remembrances. I am Yours Faithfully Geo. M. Hitchcock. A Mr G. F. B. Sharick who is living near my home called in to see my model – he said he knew FM [Fred Martell] and was lately at Ballaratballarat school of mines, frederick martell, fred martell, james oddie, walter m hitchcock, walter hitchcock, f m garratt, george hitchcock, hitchcock, golden point, gold discovery, j m garrett, gold license, j.m. garrett, t.m. hall, george m. hitchcock, f.m. garratt, walter m. hitchcock

Duncan McDougall was associated with the pioneering X-rays conducted by the Ballarat School of Mines in 1896. He was in the Mendelssohn Choir, and was associated with Professor Ross from University of Western Australia. The Ballarat Courier reported on 20 July 1896:"The Ballarat Courier reported on 20 July 1896 Thanks to the energy of the staff of the School of Mines Ballarat and particularly to Messers F J Martell and Duncan McDougall the assistance of Roentgen xrays will soon be available, for the relief of suffering at this institution. On Wednesday evening 22 July 1896 a number of ladies and gentlemen witnessed a series of experiments with the Roentgen x rays." Duncan McDougall later worked at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines as a lecturer in physics and mathematics. on 19 February 1905 the 'West australian' newspaper announced: " Mr Duncan McDougall, formerly of the Ballarat, and later of the Maryborough Schools of Mines, was appointed to succeed Mr. Hart. Mr. McDougall had also charge of the branch class at Midland Junction. In both cases his work proved thoroughly good. The alterations in the trades class regulations will cause all the students in these classes to take up the study of this subject. I have every confidence that Mr. McDou gall will handle these large classes as successfully as the classes he had last year." By 1925 McDougall is being reported in the Perth Daily News: "Duncan McDougall, lecturer on electrical engineering and physics at the W.A. School of Mines, put forward a scheme for reducing the cost of mining in Kalgoorlie. He contended it was the duty of the State and Federal Governments to establish a central electricity generation plant in Kalgoorlie and supply power to the mines at not more than 1/2d a unit, at 3/4d per unit for winding only, and at 2d per unit for lighting. He suggested, the transmission of this power over a radius of 25 miles from Kalgoorlie." (06 May 1925)Photograph of a man in a shirt, bow tie and jacket, holding a scroll and wearing glasses. He has two books beside him on a table. The man is Duncan McDougall, and is portrait was taken in the Charlie Farr studio at Maryborough, Victoriaduncan mcdougall, mcdougall, x-ray, xray, xray, ballarat school of mines, choir, mendelssohn, kalgoorlie

School Council, Members of Staff, Magazine Committee, List of Full Course Students 1938, Full Course Commercial Students, Editorial, Personal Column, Obituary - Roy S. Hall - F. J. Martell, S.M.B Old Boys' Association, The Literary Society, Centenary Jottings, Fumes from the Lab, Broken Hill, News from Papua, Sidelights on the B.H.P. Cadet Training Scheme, Arts & Crafts Gossip, Sport, Commercial Notes, The Junior Techs, Junior Technical SportingBlack soft covered magazine with yellow font, green and white images. 64 pages including advertisements. Artworks * Lino cut - By Maureen McRae * Lino Cut - By B. Delima * Lino Cut - By Bessie Martin * The dog you's like to kick - By Gordon Yorke * Harry - By Ernest Gribble * Digger - By Ernest Gribble * Lino cut - By Gordon Yorke * Our little girl - By Dorothy Woolcock * Miss W - By Ernest Gribble * Joan - By Ernest Gribble * Roma - By Gladys Bilney * Doing art for t'arts sake - By Gilda Gude * Una - By Dorothy Woolcock * My Bill - By Dorothy Woolcock * The Sec. - By Ernest Gribble * Hassell - By Dorothy Woolcock * Chief Engineer - By Dorothy Woolcock * Rusty - By Ernest Gribble * Lino Cut - By Jeff Wilkinson * Dick - By Dorothy Woolcock * Goosey - By Ernest Gribble * Pen Drawing - By Dorothy Woolcock * Parking 1 - By Max Coward * Miss King - By Dorothy Woolcock * Goal Umpire - By Ernest Gribble * To Prep Girls - Joe - By Ernest Gribble * Dreamy Dolan - By Ernest Gribble * Lino Cut - By Max Coward * Norma - By Dorothy Woolcock * Lino Cut - By A. Janetski * Dorothy - By Patsy Walsh * Jean - By Dorothy Woolcock * Lino Cut - By Joy Martin * Lino Cut - By Max Coward and A.2., * Ben - By Bob McHutchison * Polly - By Ernest Gribble * Dobber - By Ernest Gribble * Francies - By Ernest Gribble * Ad a line not a bite - By Dorothy Woolcock * Dulcie - By Dorothy Woolcock * Joan - By Ernest Gribble * Kitty - By Bob McHutchison * Stumpy - By Elva Brimacombe * Pegleg - By Dorothy Woolcock * Fat - By Gladys Bilney * Dawn - By Dorothy Woolcock * Joy - By Ernest Gribble * Nipper - By Ernest Gribble * Mac - By Ernest Gribble * Puss - By Bob McHutchison * Tinted Lino Cut - By W. Edward * Lino Cut by G.Day ballarat school of mines, magazine, maureen mcrae, b. delima, j. woolcock, herbert j. trevenan, n. palmer, olwyn williams, gordon yorke, bob mchutchinson, w. edward, keith heriot, sylvia wyres, jeff wilkinson, peter richards, d. gordon, f. morris, mr proctor, ernest gribble, dr. j. r. pound, muriel boyd, george downing, roy s. hall, f. j. martell, d. v. shore, ken wilkie, eoin macdonald, g. berriman, dorothy woolcock, russell h. s. ewins, v. e. greenhalgh, max coward, shelia moss, frank t. jelbart, neil crouch, graham white, mr cornell, francis hollioke, k. vaughan, david j. jelbart, arthur g. veale, bill walters, richard menhennett, james redford, w. monteith, mr hillman, john t. graham, james w. thomas, keith. walter, james m. martin, lyle s. dimsey, jean birch, margaret turner, lesley stapleton, marjorie day, una kersey, jean lonie, coral robertson, norma rowe, jean bridges, jean cox, a. janetski, d. ditchfield, j. harrison, gladys james, j. brimacombe, sheila moss, r. mathews, joy martin, joan ellsworth, e. salter, a. spence, m. may, f. coulson, i. clow, h. tonkin, l. taylor, s. harris, k. gingell, g. jones, william t. paterson, f. harland, w. harrison, j. pike, a. mcmillan, m. lee, e. mccann, j. harris, a. clack, f. osborne, e. stephens, s. nicol, d. eltringham, j. hosie, v. burt, w. rowe, wm. c. edward, j. donald, m. cox, n. dalton, gladys bilney, gilda gude, patsy walsh, elva brimacombe, g. day, francis hollyoake, centenary, betty brown, alan nye, victor greenhalgh, alan gilpin, george edward, e.h. schache, john dulfer, max bayley, eric rumpff, henry kum yuen, fred j. martell, old boys' association, literary society, j.a. wilkie, cyril callister, g. yorke, broken hill, papua, e. macdonald, j. wilkinson, bhp cadet training scheme, g.r. crouch, salt lake city, utah, photography, photographic class, r.h.e. ewins, f. jelbart, n. crouch, g. white, f. hollioake, p. richards, d. jelbart, a. veale, w. walters, e. gribble, r. mchutchison, r. menhennett, i. redford, k. heriot, j. graham, j. thomas, r. ewins, k. waller, j. martin, j. king, bena lamb, j. birch, m. turner, l. stapleton, m. day, u. kersey, j. lonie, c. robertson, n. rowe, j. bridges, m. mcrae, o. williams, j. cox, g. james, s. moss, b. martin, junior technical school old boys' association, des marks, cornell's little liver pills, ballarat wattle tea rooms, the modern dairy