Henry Sutton is a talented world-wide accepted inventor with inventions relating to the telephone, photography, wireless, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles as well as many more inventions. Henry was also one of four brothers that ran the Sutton's Music Store after the death of their Father Richard Sutton. Henry Sutton taught Applied Electricity at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1883 to 1886.Variety of French Newspapers/Journals informing the public about Henry Sutton's French Patent newspapers, french, henry sutton, patent

Australia's first telephone exchange was opened in Melbourne in August 1880. It was operated by the Melbourne Telephone Exchange Company. Owned by W. H. Masters and T. T. Draper, the Manager of the Company was H. Byron Moore. This was only two years after the world's first exchange in the United States, and just four years after Bell first spoke on a telephone. The exchange was located in the old Stock Exchange building at 367 Collins Street, a site now occupied by the Commonwealth Bank. In 1884, the operations of the Company, by then known as the Victorian Telephone Exchange Company, had grown considerably and were transferred to Wills Street, Melbourne. Private ownership of this company continued until 1887 when it was bought out by the Victorian Colonial Government. Other colonial governments followed this example. By 1910, the growth in telephone services made additional accommodation necessary. This could not be provided in the existing building in Wills Street and arrangements were made for a new exchange in Lonsdale Street. Alexander Graham Bell visited Australia in 1910 to advise the Federal Government's Postal Commission. Telephone exchanges were established in Adelaide with (48 subscribers), Hobart (10 subscribers) and Launceston (35 subscribers). The first exchange in Western Australia was established in 1887 and located in a small three-room cottage in Wellington Street, Perth with 17 subscribers. The year 1888 marked the opening of the Fremantle exchange in a small room at the rear of the Town Hall. There were nine subscribers. Australia's first automatic exchange was installed in the GPO in Sydney, in 1911, for internal use. But the first automatic exchange for public use was opened at Geelong in Victoria in the next year July 1912 with 800 subscribers. Melbourne's first automatic exchange was opened in the suburb of Brighton in 1914; the first public automatic exchange in NSW began operating at Newtown, Sydney in 1915; and Queensland's first was installed at South Brisbane in 1925. 1929 saw the opening of Tasmania's first automatic exchange in Hobart. an automatic telephone service. In June 1977, the manual telephone exchange at Swansea was replaced with an automatic service and made Tasmania the first State in Australia to have a fully automatic network. The half-century following Federation saw the growth of the automatic operation; a great extension of trunk line services; The automatic telephone contributed greatly to the early popularity of telephones in Australia. It was a quicker and more convenient way of communicating with another person on the same exchange — instead of having to go through tedious processes with the operator. From its introduction, the number of automatic telephones in operation grew to a remarkable extent. In 1886, the first trunk link of 16 km was connected to the exchanges of Adelaide and Port Adelaide in South Australia. Then, in 1907, the first inter-capital telephone trunk line was opened between Sydney and Melbourne. It was followed by a line between Melbourne and Adelaide in 1914. Sydney and Brisbane were linked in 1923, and Perth and Adelaide in 1930. In 1930, the first overseas calls from Australia came possible with the introduction of a radiotelephone service to England, and through there to Europe and America. A similar service opened to New Zealand in the same year. Initially, trunk channels linked different manual trunk exchanges. It was necessary for a succession of trunk operators to connect the appropriate channels, one after the other until the connection was made. As trunk traffic grew. the system became increasingly unsuitable. More trunk operators had to be employed and so labour costs increased. It was a tedious and slow way of making a long-distance call, and it was sometimes hard to hear, particularly when several exchanges were linked With technical advances, trunk switching moved from manual operation through a partly automatic phase. Automatic transit switching equipment was used and only a single operator was required to connect a trunk call to a wanted automatic subscriber. Until well beyond the middle of this century, the majority of trunk traffic went through this single telephonist control. In 1953, the number of telephones in use in Australia passed the one million mark. By then, the need for improvement in the automatic exchanges was becoming well recognised. The need was for a telephone switching system which would do a better job more economically than the conventional step-by-step ex-change. This led to the adoption of the Crossbar system as the standard in automatic telephone exchanges in 1960. The introduction of Crossbar switching was a big step forward in the automation of trunk calls. It substituted automatic switching and charging equipment for the originating trunk operator, and improved the quality of the system radically. Before the introduction of the Crossbar system there were often very long delays in obtaining a booked trunk call, and the quality of sound was often very poor. With Crossbar, Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) became a reality. A trunk call by STD was as easy to make and almost as fast to connect as a local call.The item was made around the 1940s and used up until the 1970s in manual cord telephone exchanges as a way to time and charge users for trunk calls made over the telecom system of the time. Post Master General dept. - Trunk Call Timer.Inscribed PMG, C. of A, 37. Bell chimes at 3 min increments.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, timer, trunk call, telephone, cord exchange

This pump is an Ajax Type L2 Series A model, made and sold by McPherson’s Pty Ltd of Melbourne circa 1930’s to 1940’s, is a mechanical, hand operated, constant flow pressure pump. It would have been used to pump fluids from one area to another, for example from a dam to a tank or used as a bilge pump on a small vessel, mounted on the vessel’s bulkhead, floor or deck. This type of hand pump is sometimes called a ‘Reciprocating Suction Pump’. It has a mechanical pumping action of the lever moves the piston inside the pump up and down. The water is lifted from below the pump through the inlet pipe and into the pump’s cylinder. This action causes the lower valve to close and the piston’s valve opens and the pressure within the pump forces the water out of the pump through the exit pipe. The limitation of this type of pump is that it can only raise the water a maximum of about 7 metres from beneath the ground and yields 24-26 Litres per minute. This type of pump could be used for many purposes such as pumping water or fuel. McPherson’s 1940’s advertisement proclaims “For all jobs on the land – irrigation, spraying, tank, plumbing, fire-fighting – there’s a suitable “Ajax” pump. Send us the details of you pumping problem. Our Expert’s advice will help you choose the right pump – the one that will give you most years of PROFITABLE PUMPING.” (The Australasian (Melbourne) Sat. 26th October 1940.) McPherson’s Pty Ltd, the manufacturer, advertised a similar pump to this one in The Australasian (Melbourne) in 1936, calling it the Ajax Double Acting Hand Pump. In 1942 another advertisement advised that a representative for a fire-fighting equipment supplier was visiting the western district of Victoria. The company could now supply double-action two-spray Ajax pumps at lower prices than similar pumps the district had recently purchased from Adelaide. McPHERSON’S FOUNDER and COMPANY TIMELINE 1860 – Thomas McPherson, a Scottish immigrant (c. 1853 ), founded McPherson’s in Melbourne, supplying pig iron (lead ingots imported as ballast in ships) to local manufacturers. 1882 – Thomas McPherson established a warehouse in Collins St Melbourne and included tools, steam fittings and machinery in his wares. The business expanded to include steam saw mills and became known as Thomas McPherson and Sons (William Murray and Edward). 1888 – Thomas passed away and his sons inherited the business. In 1896 William Murray became the sole proprietor after his brother Edward’s death. 1900 – The firm expanded, establishing Acme Bolt Company to manufacture nuts and bolts. 1912 – McPhersons Pty Ltd established a machinery warehouse and showroom in 554-556 Collins St Melbourne. McPherson’s went on to establish branches in Sydney (1911), Adelaide (1921) and Perth (1930) 1917 - McPherson’s supplied ‘dog spikes’ for the transcontinental railway, running from Eastern to Western Australia. 1918 – A tool works set up in Kensington, Melbourne, manufacturing Macson lathes and made machine tools that previously had to be imported. 1924 – The Bolt Works was transferred to a new building in Melbourne. McPhersons began making pumps. 1929 – McPherson retired. His son (Sir) William Edward McPherson (known as ‘WE’), was born in Hawthorne, Melbourne, in 1898. After his education he began work in his father’s Melbourne hardware and machinery business He took over as governing director when his father retired. 1929-1932 – McPherson’s supplied thousands of tons of rivets from its Richmond (Melbourne) Bolt Works for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 1936 – McPherson’s Pty Ltd is advertising Ajax Pumps in newspapers 1934 – McPhersons purchased the property adjoining the warehouse in Collins Street, and during 1935-1936 built a new office and showrooms on the site of 546-445 Collins St. 1939 - McPherson’s acquired the Tool Equipment Co. Pty. Ltd and Associated Machine Tools Australia Pty Ltd was formed to separate McPherson’s machine-tool manufacturing and merchandising interests. 1939 – Ajax Pump Works, a foundry and pump manufacturing plant, was established in Tottenham, Melbourne, and the Ajax Bolt and Rivet Co Pty Ltd began manufacturing in New Zealand. 1944 - McPherson’s became a public company, McPherson’s Ltd. 1948 - The Ajax Pump Foundry opened at Kyneton, Victoria and in the post war years it grew to became a large manufacturer. 1980’s – Ajax Pumps brochure lists the address as 6 Buckhurst St, South Melbourne, Vic 3205 with the Telephone number 03 669 3588 1988 - Ajax Pumps acquired the Forrers Company, which was established in 1921. Manufacturing in Ipswich, Queensland, specialising in submersible sewage pumps. 1991 – KSB Ajax was formed, bringing together the companies KSB and Ajax Pumps 1993 – Manufacturing was moved to state-of-the-art premises in Tottenham, Victoria 2001 - The Forrers facility was moved to Tottenham. 2007 - Company name KSB Ajax Pumps was changed to KSB Australia Pty Ltd. 2009 - KSB Australia opened a branch in Townsville, Queensland. 2011 - KSB Australia moved to its dedicated Water and Waste Water Competence Centre in Bundamba, Queensland. DISPLAY OF THIS AJAX PUMP This pump was installed at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village as part of a working display in the village by the Friends of Flagstaff Hill, in acknowledgement of the dedicated involvement of one of its long serving members, Bob Crossman. The display was officially opened 31st March 2018 and incorporates a restored Furphy Tank and Water Pipe Stand. The pump is used to draw water from the lake, through the water stand pipe and into the reconditioned Furphy Tank. This Ajax pump made by McPherson’s Pty Ltd is significant for its association with McPherson’s, a prominent manufacturer of hardware in Victoria. McPherson’s is famous for supplying ‘dog-spikes’ for the transcontinental railway (eastern to western Australia, 1917) and rivets for the Sydney Harbour Bridge (1929-1932). The Ajax pump is also of significance because of its association with McPherson’s Governing Director (Sir) William McPherson, former premier and treasurer in Victoria 1928-1929. The former McPherson’s Pty Ltd building in Collins Street Melbourne is now on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR H0942 This pump is representative of mechanical pumps popular in the early to mid-1900’s and still used today. Hand operated pressure pump, double acting. Cast metal case, painted red, with steel hose attachments and long metal lever. Pump is bolted to wooden plank. Model of pump is AJAX, Type L2, Series A pump. Embossed on lower section of pump "L2 - 10", "L2 - -1", "AJAX" “(?) –2-1” Embossed on lower handle “3-7” “L – 4” Embossed on attached plate “FOR SPARE PARTS / TYPE L2 / SERIES A / PUMP ASSEMBLED BY T R” Manufactured by McPherson’s Pty Ltd of Melbourne circa 1930’s - 1940’s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ajax pump works tottenham melbourne, ajax pump factory kyneton, william edward mcpherson, thomas mcpherson of melbourne, mcpherson’s pty ltd melbourne, acme bolt company, tool equipment co. pty. ltd, associated machine tools australia pty ltd, ajax bolt and rivet co. pty ltd new zealand, forrers company ipswich queensland, ksb ajax pumps, ksb australia pty ltd, macson lathes, tool manufacturer early to mid- 20th century, ajax double acting hand pump, ajax type l2 series a pump, qisjax pumps, water pump 1940’s, fuel pump 1940’s, hand operated constant flow pressure pump, reciprocating suction pump, agricultural hand pump, plumber’s hand pump, portable hand pump

These theatre chairs had been used in the Mozart Hall in Warrnambool for many years but are now no longer required. They were about to be offered for anyone to take but just by chance Flagstaff Hill’s Manager heard about them from a friend in Melbourne. Our Manager thought it important to keep the chairs in Warrnambool as they were significant to our local history and could be incorporated in our Museum. He made arrangements to collect and install them in Flagstaff Hill’s Theatrette. Originally these theatre chairs belonged to Warrnambool Town Hall. When The Warrnambool Baths (or Swimming Pool) in Gillies Street closed, due to the Health Act of 1958, the changing rooms were taken over by the Mozart Group. The building was modified and set up for musical concerts with the name Mozart Hall. The seats were re-covered by Miss Eva Gaspar, Director of the Warrnambool Music Society, with assistance from group members. The material was order by W.C. James (Treasurer) in 1964, at a cost of 26 pound and 10 shillings (£26-10), and supplied by Jacka-Wortley Fabrics Pty Ltd, Upholstery and Furnishing Supplies, 157-163 Pelham Street, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria. The supplier’s telephone was “JACKAFAB” (5222 2322). The fabric was delivered to J. Hulin of 116 Belmore Rd, Warrnambool. The manufacturer of the chairs, Riddell & Preece Pty Ltd of Melbourne, also supplied theatre chairs for other public buildings including (1) the Ozone Theatre in Enfield, South Australia, in 1929, (2) the Gallery of the Horsham Town Hall in Victoria (at 26/6 each, that is 26 shillings and sixpence, approximate conversion in 2014 to $100.00au), (3) in 1927 in the Gallery of the Kyenton Mechanics’ Institute (4) in 1926, Horsham Theatre. (In May 2018 a transfer of three banks of chairs was made from Flagstaff Hill to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne.) The chairs are of local historical and social significance. Theatre chairs. The sixteen sets (groups or banks) of complete chairs, four seats per chair, give a total of 64 seats. Each chair has timber framed seats, with arm rests, upholstered in red vinyl. The seats are set into decorative gilt iron frames which incorporate five legs, all set into two timber floor rails. The seats are hinged to fold upwards and rest against the backrests. On ironwork "PTY. LTD"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, theatre chairs, theatre seats 1939, warrnambool town hall seats, mozart hall warrnambool, theatre furniture, mechanics’ institute chairs, j hulin warrnambool, mozart hall choral group, eva gaspar, warrnambool music society, w.c. james, jacka-wortley fabrics pty ltd

Business card of L.E. Curnow, Public Affairs Manager, Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria, 171 Flinders Street Melbourne, Telephone 630391. Hugh With Compliments and signature L.E.Curnow.business, retail, gas and fuel

Colour photographs of old telephone and post office infrastructure at Cressy, Victoria.cressy, telephone exchange, telephone, payphone, church, cressy public hall, post office

A black and white film about Legacy camps, made in the 1960s it shows the routine and activities for Junior Legatees at a typical camp weekend. There is an address by the then President Ian Anderson (1964). Commentary Geoff McComas, Photography Garry Jones. This film has been digitised to preserve its content. Melbourne Legacy gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making this possible. See also Cat No 00006 which is a second copy of the same film and has been digitised by DamSmart 6/11/2019.Rare footage of activities run by Melbourne Legacy for boys post WWII which indicates how many children Legacy cared for both in Victoria and nationally and shows the dedication of Legatees in providing this care.Blue plastic cover with 800 feet 16mm film inside. Paper classification on cover, taped on.Cover info is as follows: CINE SERVICE PTY, LTD. / Telephone 69 7346 / 235 MORAY STREET, SOUTH MELBOURNE TITLE "LEGACY" PRODUCED FOR MELBOURNE LEGACY COLOUR / BLACK AND WHITE (tick next to box) / RUNNING TIME 20 mins. Blue handwriting reads: Please return to Melbourne (Legacy) 293 Collins St, Melbournesomers camp, junior legatees

A recording of Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe, the Governor of Victoria to promote the start of Legacy Week in 1972. The tape has not been played so the content is not known. It would presumably be a promotion of Legacy to be broadcast to the general public during Legacy Week. The Governor of Victoria was the patron of Legacy and had a strong relationship with Legacy through the years, including Government House parties for junior legatees and inclusion of the Governor in many events that Legacy held.A record of a prominent Australian supporting Legacy during Legacy Week in 1972.A audio recording on tape of a Legacy Week broadcast by the Governor of Victoria in 1972.Klarion Enterprises Proprietray Limited Telephone 329 - 7900, 321 William St., Melbourne 3000. His Excellency The Govenor of Victoria, Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., K.St.J., 'Legacy Week" message for Broadcast on 27-8-1972. (Not Before 6P.M. On this date.)legacy week, legacy promotion, governor of victoria

Pocket size - folded - public transport map of Melbourne, printed in colours showing the bus, train and tram routes around Melbourne. Has a cover price of 10c. No printing date shown, but c1970 as distances are still in imperial, the West gate bridge is shown, though so is the Williamstown Ferry. Gives telephone numbers in 6 digit figures. Lists route numbers for trams, tramways board bus services and private services. Gives various telephone numbers for further information. Notes the map is a combined effort of the Tramways Board, Victorian Railways, Bus Proprietors' Association and the Transport Regulation Board. Single sheet of paper folded in 9 x 3 folds.trams, tramways, melbourne, map, public transport, routes

Diagrammatic poster or map of "The Met / tram system" showing a plan with route numbers, zones and peak system route numbers with an enlarged central Melbourne area. Date of map 1988c, shows the St. Kilda and Port Melbourne light rail, Bundoora and the "The Met" logo. Printed on art paper. Has a telephone number for further information. Stored rolled. St. Kilda and Port Melbourne light rail opened late 1987. The Met replaced by the Public Transport Corporation 1/7/1989 - See reference. Two copies held. See Time-line history of Melbourne's Government Cable and Electric Trams and Buses.trams, tramways, melbourne, map, the met, tram routes

Yields information how local shops reacted to proposed fare increases, by advertising alternative forms of transport - bicycles. Also yields information about Bruce Small and his cycle shops. Bruce Small became Mayor of the Gold Coast and was responsible for a lot of its development in the 1970's.Photocopy, of an advertisement in The Courier, 22/6/1951, at the time of the proposed SEC Tram fare rises, titled "Be Independent of Trams, Trains and Buses". Advertises Malvern Star bicycles, for Bruce Small Pty Ltd, gives address and telephone number. Bruce Small well known retailer of bicycles at the time, went on to become the Mayor the Gold Coast region.trams, tramways, public transport, fares, sec, malvern star bicycles

Former Buninyong Post Office opened in October 1873 and closed in 2000, converted to residence weel preserved C19th public buildingB/W photograph of L-fronted polychrome brick building, slate roof, picket fence, covered verandah left side, three arched windows right side, Post Office sign above, telephone booth to the right.streetscape, building, brick, post office, learmonth st, buninyong

The series from which the photograph is drawn provides a snapshot by a commercial photographic studio of specific street works in Kew as well as providing examples of public works infrastructure being commissioned by local government in the 1970s. The photos originally formed part of the Engineering Department's files in the City of Kew before being donated to the Kew Historical Society.In addition to its historic importance as a record of a particular streetscape in Kew in 1970, the photograph also provides an historic record of public works by local government during the period.Public Works Street Maintenance, Gellibrand Street, Kew, Company supplied photograph of measuring a tree root in Gellibrand Street. Inscribed above photo: "A tough dry root from a tree previously removed from alongside the drain. The root development inside the barrel had not caused the brick work to split. Gellibrand St. Drain 24.4.70." Company information: "General Descaling / Company / 1st Floor 66-68 Albert Road/ South Melbourne 3205 Victoria / Telephone 699 1455 / 699 1635."general descaling, drains, gellibrand street (kew)

Public Works Street Maintenance, Gellibrand Street, Kew, Company supplied photograph of root clearance from drains. Inscribed above photo: "Cable winch setup with 'snatch block' in manhole. Sample of roots removed on spoil. Gellibrand St. 24.4.70." Company information: "General Descaling / Company / 1st Floor 66-68 Albert Road/ South Melbourne 3205 Victoria / Telephone 699 1455 / 699 1635."general descaling, drains, gellibrand street (kew)

The series from which the photograph is drawn provides a snapshot by a commercial photographic studio of specific street works in Kew as well as providing examples of public works infrastructure being commissioned by local government in the 1970s. The photos originally formed part of the Engineering Department's files in the City of Kew before being donated to the Kew Historical Society.In addition to its historic importance as a record of a particular streetscape in Kew in 1970, the photograph also provides an historic record of public works by local government during the period.Public Works Street Maintenance, Gellibrand Street, Kew, Company supplied photograph of cable laying in Gellibrand Street. Inscribed above photo: "Boring through obstacles to pass cable. Cable extends from winch to cutting tool in both directions to permit a to and fro cutting motion. Gellibrand St. Drain 23.4.70." Company information: "General Descaling / Company / 1st Floor 66-68 Albert Road/ South Melbourne 3205 Victoria / Telephone 699 1455 / 699 1635."general descaling, drains, gellibrand street (kew)

The series from which the photograph is drawn provides a snapshot by a commercial photographic studio of specific street works in Kew as well as providing examples of public works infrastructure being commissioned by local government in the 1970s. The photos originally formed part of the Engineering Department's files in the City of Kew before being donated to the Kew Historical Society.In addition to its historic importance as a record of a particular streetscape in Kew in 1970, the photograph also provides an historic record of public works by local government during the period.Public Works Street Maintenance, Gellibrand Street, Kew. Company supplied photograph of cable laying in Gellibrand Street. Inscribed above photo: "Boring through obstacles to pass cable. Cable extends from winch to cutting tool in both directions to permit a to and fro cutting motion. Gellibrand St. Drain 23.4.70." Company information: "General Descaling / Company / 1st Floor 66-68 Albert Road/ South Melbourne 3205 Victoria / Telephone 699 1455 / 699 1635."general descaling, drains, gellibrand street (kew)

Construction on the Sydney Melbourne coaxial cable began in 1960 and was one of Australia's biggest and most important telecommunications projects of the 20th century. The laying of a coaxial cable between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, allowed people to direct dial long distance phone calls (rather than operator assisted), and supported simultaneous television broadcasts for the first time. It was officially opened on 9 April 1962 by the then Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies. This souvenir coaxial cable was presented to Mr Roy Kerr on his retirement. Mr Kerr was the Assistant Chief Engineer, Headquarters Customer Networks Branch, Telecom Australia.This cable has strong historic significance as part of the historic and technologically important Sydney-Melbourne coaxial cable. The cable represents not only a feat of technology but a shift in social engagement with telecommunication technologies, as it allowed people to direct dial long distance phone calls (rather than operator assisted), and supported simultaneous television broadcasts for the first time; it put the power of connection directly into the hands of the Australian public. This souvenir length of cable is well provenanced, and the details of the cables use and significance is inscribed on the steel casing. A 6 tube copper coaxial cable with lead sheath, quad 20lbs conductor cable (paper insulated), and a presentation metal collar and base. Inscriptions around the top of the metal collar and the base. "OLYMPIC CABLES PTY. LTD / AUSTRALIA" "6 TUBE COAXIAL CABLE / WITH 32 PAIRS 20LBS/MILE UNARMOURED / SYDNEY MELBOURNE 1960"coaxial cable, cable, sydney-melbourne coaxial cable, telstra, postmaster general's department (pmg), telecommunications, subscriber trunk dialling (std), television, telephone

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

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 the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office was designed by Public Works architect George W Watson and constructed between 1883 and 1887. The two story brick structure with basement has unpainted rendered facades and a 43m high clock tower complete with 6 bell carillon. The facades are elaborately decorated with Corinthian pilasters, balustrading, lions' heads and the state mansard roof with cast iron ridging and finials. (VHR #4739). Situated on Pall Mall it has always been called the Bendigo Post Office even though it was not until 1891 that the name Bendigo was given to the town. The Bendigo Post Office housed much more than just postal services and the building contained many early government departments and services needed for a growing district. The building celebrated its centenary on the 30th September 1987 to much fan fare with Ted Rankins, the then Postal Manager planning many of the week long events including tours of the post office, a grand parade with cake and staff in period costume, a ball at the Shamrock and a barbeque in Rosalind Park. The Post Office ceased providing postal services in 1997 after the privitisation Australia Post and Telstra but continues to play a central role for the community, providing important services to visitors and locals alike. Currently it is occupied by Bendigo Tourism and includes two exhibition spaces including the Living Arts Space and Djaa Djuwima a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery. Activities at the Post Office are supported by City of Greater Bendigo staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. These items are part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins. 0364.1: Single sided printed 'Order of Proceedings' flyer; Outlines the running of events for the celebrations on Wednesday 30 September, 1987 at the Post Office with the centenary logo centre top in crimson ink. 0364.2: Single sided, four-colour printed, DL size invitation for celebrations marking the centenary of the Post Office on Wednesday 30 September, 1987. 0364.3,.4,.5,.6,.7: Printed cake bag with centenary logo and image of Bendigo Post Office printed on front in crimson ink. 0364.8,.9,.10,.11: Square note paper with centenary logo and border printed in crimson ink. 0364.12 Envelope: Australia Post envelope with Bendigo 100th anniversary images. Date stamped and addressed to Mr Edmondston Postmaster, Elmore. bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection, city of greater bendigo volunteers

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

Highett railway station with crossing gates closed and traffic waiting.Black and white photograph of Highett railway gates. Gates are closed and a ute is waiting at the crossing.Stamped on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No H3985 / Enquiries C/- PIC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 519 1111highett, city of kingston, level crossing, railway station

One image from a collection of images produced by Public Transportation Corporation showing train stations and other public transport options around the (now) City of KingstonBlack and white photograph of Highett railway station and nearby shops, Highett Road, Highett.Stamped in blue ink on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No H3986 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 111highett, railway station, strip shopping

This image is part of a larger collection of images from the Public Transport Corporation displaying train stations and streetscapes in what is now the City of Kingston.Black and white photograph of crossed level crossing gates at McKinnon railway station. The image also affords a street view which includes the shopping strip where advertising signs abound.Stamped in blue ink on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No PR4764 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 111mckinnon, railway station, streetscape, shopping strip, suburbs

This image is part of a larger collection of images from the Public Transport Corporation displaying train stations and streetscapes in what is now the City of Kingston.Black and white photograph of level crossing at McKinnon railway station with crossing gates open. The image also provides a streetscape which includes businesses and signage.Stamped in blue ink on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No PR4762 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 111mckinnon, suburbs, railway station, streetscape, shopping strip

Moorabbin station sits on the Frankston line which first opened in 1882 when the line was extended from Mordialloc. Moorabbin station opened in 1881 and was originally called South Brighton station. It was renamed Moorabbin station in 1907. In 1958 the station was relocated below street level which coincided with other construction works on Nepean Highway and South Road. This image is part of a larger collection of images from the Public Transport Corporation displaying train stations and streetscapes in what is now the City of Kingston.Black and white photograph showing excavations for Moorabbin station to be moved below street level. Stamped in blue ink on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No M6004 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 111moorabbin, railway station, construction works, suburbs, nepean highway