In 1969 Private David Fisher, a national serviceman serving with 3 Squadron SAS, became the next soldier declared missing in action. In September 1969 Fisher was second-in-command of a five-man, long range SAS patrol searching for signs of enemy activity near the Nui May Tao massif in south-eastern Long Khanh province. After patrolling for seven days in persistent rain, on 27 September the Australians had a series of sharp contacts with strong groups of Viet Cong. Outnumbered and pursued through the jungle, they called for a helicopter extraction. The helicopters arrived within half an hour, just as the enemy were closing in on the SAS soldiers. During the hectic moments of the "hot" extraction, while under fire and surrounded by the enemy, the members of the patrol clipped on their karabiners and attached themselves to ropes dangling from a helicopter and were lifted clear of the jungle. As the helicopter gathered speed and helicopter gunships moved in to fire on the enemy on the ground, the patrol members suddenly noticed that Private Fisher was missing. He had fallen from his rope from a height of about 30 metres above the tree canopy. It was later suggested that, under pressure, Fisher may have attached his karabiner to the wrong loop on the rope. An air search began within ten minutes of the incident and a ground search began within five hours. A ten-man SAS patrol searched the jungle around the site, joined the following day by rifle companies who searched for the next six days. Fisher's body was never found, and he was declared missing in action, presumed dead. He had only two months remaining of his tour of duty.Stainless steel open-ended bracelet engraved with missing serviceman's full name and date missing. In a buff square velvet satin-lined box.David John Elkington Fisher 27/09/69mia, david john elkington fisher, trooper david john fisher, 2787344, australian national serviceman, royal australian infantry corps, 2nd special air service squadon, 3rd special air service squadron, sas

Bushfire behaviour is influenced by many things including temperature, relative humidity, forest type, fuel quantity and fuel dryness, topography and even slope. Wind has a dominant effect on the Rate of Spread (ROS), and also bushfire size, shape and direction. Fuel arrangement is as important as fuel quantity (tonnes/ha). Fibrous and ribbon bark, together with elevated and near-surface scrub fuels act as ladders which lead flames into the tree canopy. But the availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Since the 1930s foresters, firefighters and researchers have been working to develop quick and reliable techniques for measuring fuel moisture content. One of the most accurate methods is slowly drying a sample of fuel in a conventional oven for 24-48 hours to remove all the moisture and measuring the weight difference, but this takes time and is not practical in the field when rapid measurements are needed. But oven drying is often used as a benchmark to compare other methods. Microwave ovens are faster but can cause uneven drying and even char the fuel. They are also not very practical for use in the field. Some mathematical models rely on weather records such as rainfall, wind speed, evaporation, cloud cover, shading, relative humidity, slope, aspect and season of the year to predict soil and fuel moisture. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index of soil dryness is the most common. But complex fuels with leaves, twigs, grass etc make the predictive models often inadequate for fine fuels. The most common technique in Victorian forests until recently was the trusty Speedy Moisture Meter. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s (I think). Fuel was first ground using a Spong mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small sample placed into the Speedy together with a measure of calcium carbide and then sealed. A chemical reaction created gas pressure which was read on the external dial. There were important techniques with cleaning, mincing and using the chemicals with the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. But in about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance. Wiltronics is an Australian owned company operating from Ballarat. The final result was a kit that was portable, accurate and could reliably measure fuel moisture contents between 3% and 200%. Although expensive, it is now widely used by fire agencies around the world which has virtually relegated the Speedy to the back cupboard.Prototype Fuel moisture meterT-H Fine Fuel Meterforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement

In 1868 John Rowley opened a soda water manufactory attached to the Corio Brewery and this was renamed the Warrnambool Steam Aerated Works in 1872. By the 1880s his factory at the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets was occupying half an acre of land , employing 13 people and manufacturing 20 varieties of drinks. Following Rowley's death the factory and plant was sold but the cordial manufacturing business continued for some years. These labels are of great significance as John Rowley was a dominant name in the cordial making business in Warrnambool..1 Rectangular , red, green, blue and white label featuring text, two flags with lions, a sailing ship, a sheep and a sheaf of wheat. There is a scroll with text. A white decorative border surrounds the label. It is adhered to a piece of red thin cardboard. .2 Irregular shaped label with gold and green decorations on a white background and text. The decorative pieces include grapes, vine leaves, flowers, the profile of a wolf, and two medallions with the coat of arms of Warrnambool There are two scrolls with text The label is adhered to a piece of white card. .5 Rectangular Multi coloured label with text adhered to a piece of white paper .4 Rectangular green card with text .3 Hexagonal grey/green label with black and red text and decorative black dotted curls mounted on white paper .6 White rectangular label with blue text and decorative surround of leaves and flowers. It has damage to three corners. .7 White label with blue text and decorative border adhered to white paper. .8 Pale pink rectangular card label with rose coloured text and a decorative border. .9 Cream rectangular label with red text and decorative border adhered to a piece of white paper 10.1, 10.2 Cream rectangular labels with red text. .2 is adhered to white paper. 11.1, 11.2 Cream rectangular labels with red text and borders adhered to white paper..1 ROWLEY'S STANDARD CLOVES WARRNAMBOOL COLOURED WITH BURNT SUGAR .2 Warrnambool NULLI SECUNDUS BY THESE WE FLOURISH STANDARD ORANGE BITTERS J.S.ROWLEY .3 STANDARD HOP BEER J.S. ROWLEY AERATED WATERS & CORDIAL MANUFACTURER WARRNAMBOOL .4 Rowley's SPARKLING Ginger Champagne NON ALCOHOLIC AND INVIGORATING .5 WARRNAMBOOL J.S.ROWLEY'S GINGERALE. TO HIS EXCELLENCY LORD BRASSEY K.G.B. .6 ROWLEY'S LEMONADE MANUFACTURED WITH THOROUGHLY FILTERED RAIN WATER WARRNAMBOOL .7 ROWLEY'S LITHIA WATER .8 ROWLEY'S TONIC WATER .9 ROWLEY'S GINGER BEER .10.1 ,10.2 ROWLEY'S KOLA CHAMPAGNE A Most Highly Refreshing and Excellent Beverage. Its properties are unequalled for preventing fatigue. .11 J.S ROWLEY, MANUFACTURER WARRNAMBOOL & HAMILTON CONTENTS APPROXIMATELY 25 OZ. THIS CORDIAL DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY PRESERVATIVE .2 Warrnambool NULLI SECUNDUS BY THESE WE FLOURISH STANDARD ORANGE BITTERS J.S ROWLEY john rowley, cordial manufacture

Please find 5 photographs taken by me & my wife Brenda, at Ballarat, on 14 December 1993. Unfortunately, I did not take photographs of the building that housed the exhibit, probably because I thought just how sad and pathetic the entire memorial display looked. It comprised a reconstructed slab hut and nearby a partly-rebuilt fence that represented the hastily-built Eureka Stockade. The signage that detailed the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade was affixed to the hut wall beside the entrance to the interior diorama. In the first photograph, you can see the dark, bare timber colour of the slab wood that held the signage plus (on the left side) one of the numerous holes in the slab walls. This made the display very cold and draughty in its interior. Once inside, you were confronted with an earthen, gravel and leafy floor, which became muddy, after rain, as it was on the day of our visit. The diorama was held in a glass and cement display case. with no lights on. It was dark inside the hut so the diorama was not easy to see unless you inserted a coin into a metal pay-box. Then lights would turn on and a recording of shouting and gunfire (representing the battle noise) would play. I remember the whole experience to be short and underwhelming. To get an idea of the scale of the diorama, you can see Brenda’s elbow & part torso to the left of the photograph labeled “diorama- hut exit”. Once outside the diorama’s slab hut, you could walk across to a partial representation of the stockade’s fortifications, complete with two wagon wheels. This space was also graveled to distinguish it from the rest of the green-lawn park. Finally, you walked up the hill, from the hut and outside display, to visit the old Eureka Stockade monument & cannons. This is still in existence today. Digital photographeureka stockade, sign, diorama, jack ford, brenda ford, memorial

Please find 5 photographs taken by me & my wife Brenda, at Ballarat, on 14 December 1993. Unfortunately, I did not take photographs of the building that housed the exhibit, probably because I thought just how sad and pathetic the entire memorial display looked. It comprised a reconstructed slab hut and nearby a partly-rebuilt fence that represented the hastily-built Eureka Stockade. The signage that detailed the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade was affixed to the hut wall beside the entrance to the interior diorama. In the first photograph, you can see the dark, bare timber colour of the slab wood that held the signage plus (on the left side) one of the numerous holes in the slab walls. This made the display very cold and draughty in its interior. Once inside, you were confronted with an earthen, gravel and leafy floor, which became muddy, after rain, as it was on the day of our visit. The diorama was held in a glass and cement display case. with no lights on. It was dark inside the hut so the diorama was not easy to see unless you inserted a coin into a metal pay-box. Then lights would turn on and a recording of shouting and gunfire (representing the battle noise) would play. I remember the whole experience to be short and underwhelming. To get an idea of the scale of the diorama, you can see Brenda’s elbow & part torso to the left of the photograph labeled “diorama- hut exit”. Once outside the diorama’s slab hut, you could walk across to a partial representation of the stockade’s fortifications, complete with two wagon wheels. This space was also graveled to distinguish it from the rest of the green-lawn park. Finally, you walked up the hill, from the hut and outside display, to visit the old Eureka Stockade monument & cannons. This is still in existence today. digital photographeureka, diorama, 1993, jack ford, brenda ford, eureka monument, memorial, eureka stockade, eureka diorama

Program produced as part of the open air play peformed in Hurstbridge twice on the 4th and 12th of October 2024. Contents include: Allwood history - Allwood today - Construction of The Bridge - Cast - Synopsis - Directors - Crew - Hearfelt thanks and tribute to Pam Lawson. The Premiere of the open air play The Bridge performance at Hurstbridge was by members of the Allwood Neighbourhood House and the Hurstbridge Community. To commemorate 100 years of Hurstbridge township, the production was led by local historian David Kerrigan who co-wrote the play with Keira de Hoog. The quiet life of the Diamond Creek district was shattered on the 4th October 1866 when a visitor arrived seeking food and shelter. What followed has become part of the Hurstbridge story. The death of Henry Hurst by the bushranger Robert Burke and the subsequent inquest, trial and execution of Burke captured the attention of the nation. News of the event was reported nationally and in UK newspapers. Rain at sunset on opening night set the scene for the sombre story which opened with clap sticks and imagery as part of the acknowledgement of country. Attention to detail in Act One included the enactment of writing a letter that Ellen Hurst had actually written back to her family in England, days before the incident, which set the scene – and choreography of the “capture” of Burke immediately following the shooting as drawn by the engraver Robert Bruce and published in 1866. The cast, crew and audience moved around the actual physical site the altercation took place till the final act and judgement of Sir Redmond Barry to execute Burke. The souvenir program given to ticket holders includes photos and biographies of the cast taken in costume at Gulf Station, Yarra Glen, together with background information and the narrative of the play. Guests on opening night – 158 years ago to the day of the event included Dianne Switzer, descendent of pioneer Cornelius Hailley and Rob Fergusson, descendent of Henry Hurst. plays, hurstbridge, allwood neighbourhood house

Post Card: Melton Railway Station 1909 Mattie to Fred My Dear Fred I received your letter and the L2 10/- I was very pleased to hear that I could write again. You say you will come home after the last shead. I should think so. I had a letter from E Jenkins so I am going down to see her next week we call the baby Fernie now I hope you will agree. Dear Fern has got the whooping cough. Written on the side: I suppose you will be away four weeks yet. Love from Mattie will write on Sunday. This letter appears to be connected with the post card Barwonleigh Saturday October 1908 handwriting My Dear Mattie I received your letter and was sorry to hear of our dear little babys misfortune how did it happen do you know what was the cause of it Mrs Watts must be a blind old fool not to have known what it was when you took him to her the first time poor dear you must be worried to death with all this trouble tell me what the doctor thinks of the rupture. I do hope dear he will get over this all right you must be nearly dead going without sleep for so long I had a bit of misfortune myself on Thursday the machine locked and jumped out of my hand and stuck in my bone I kept on working but it was very painful as all the holding is done with the..next page ..knee the boss also has been chipping a good deal this week he says the next time he has occasion to speak to me I will have to go he is very particular. I would like to go through if possible even if I do a lot less. I have about sixteen hundred done up to now and would get another nine hundred if I was let alone but I suppose we will live lovie even if I go do you know if they are full handed at Eynesbury if I thought I could get a week there I would cut myself out here quick. Well dear lovie I am sending you a couple of pounds as I suppose you will want it to get a truss. I don’t think they are very expensive and hope things will find this better with you. Well my dear love I must close with fond love for you and baby from your loving Husband Fred Post Card: 16 Aug 1909 - Mathoura The card depicts a small sailing boat laden with blue flowers. Well Dear Wife you see I have kept my promise. I rode all the way up here and also carried all my luggage with me it came in handy as I had to camp on the road last night between Rochester and Echuca surrounded by water. I had to walk all the way pretty well from Rochester to Echuca. I am now waiting for the train to Deniliquin. Love to you and my little son Fred. From you loving Husband Fred Written along the top and side of the card. what do you think if the card comes in all right as I have been wading through water all day yesterday and this might be …? will write when I get to the Station, don’t forget to look after the little Freddie and remember me to mother. Post Card: 1909 - view across the Flat from the Creek looking to the Presbyterian Church in the distance with some small dwellings in the foreground. To Mr Fred Myers Wandook Stn Denniliquin NSW Dear Fred, received your letter I am sorry to hear you are having such wet weather I will write a letter tomorrow baby is better With Love from M Post Card: 1910 Postmark Stamp 1d Aug 12 1910 Moama NSW Melton postmark stamped Aug 25? Hare Street, looking south Echuca Mrs F Myers, Melton P O Vic Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got here all right I go to Pericotta tonight and to Cobran to morrow best love to all from yours Fred Letter Cobran Stn Via Deniliquin N.S.W. Sunday 21st Aug extract I am having a good time here, a good cook and the best of everything no fires to light or kettles to boil just get up and wire in… plenty hard work the sheep are pretty tough but much better than Wandook. I am well among them here we had a little rain on Friday but not enough to stop us so we have got one full week in .. the weather is lovely. I have been basking in the sunshine mainly in the morning and feel strong and fit a as fiddle, they are a grand lot of men here I only knew one out of the lots but know them all pretty well now, we have a bit of a concert here every nights almost there are a few good singers here and we also had a phonograph up from the station with all the latest records we have two dancers among ourselves very boisterous affairs indeed thy do make the dust fly. I have not ventured to take part in it and don’t think I will either. I get enough dancing all day long and besides I have to furnish the music you ought to see them going when I rattle up the concertina. Letter Cobran Stn via Deniliquin Thursday Sept 1st 1910 [abbreviated] My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today. I though I was never going to get one as it was Sunday fortnight when I wrote to you but we only the mail here twice a week so it takes a long time to write and get an answer. I also got a reply from Eynesbury and a favourable reply it starts on the 13th Oct. …. I have 800 sheep shorn up to date and am fifth among about 30 men. I am sending two more [Ls] this time which I drew on Saturday. I don’t like sending too much more this time as there is a chance of it going astray and it is not very easily earned…. Things must be humming in Melton with all them babies coming and people getting married… I suppose we will be having new neighbours soon. If Mr Watts is selling out he was getting more property then he could keep. I hope you will soon have rain…. you will have to watch our little boy the dear little rascal he must be getting very cute opening the gates he will be tumbling into the tank …. I love to think of the happy times we have had together and hope that we will love one another to the end .. the mail will not leave here until Monday Love to you dear wife and baby Fred Post Card: – I Cling to you like Ivy Cobran September 18th 1910 Fred awaits a letter from Mattie I still have three weeks here yet.. I am sending L2 tell if you got the other 1L 1911 Letters Fred to Mattie October Spring Plains Oct 1911 Mia Mia Post Office I had a great job to catch the train at Diggers Rest as after I turned off the Keilor Rd it was very way and muddy and I had to walk a lot of the way and got there just in time. I came right into Redesdale by the train and stopped there last night… they had heavy rain on thursday up here and a tremendous fall of hail which covered the ground over a foot deep. There are only 4 shearers here yet.. I saw some of the sheep they look very rough and big so there will be no big tallies done, the men are saying he is giving 2s per hundred extra, so that will help a little. We are going to start Cobran via Deniliquin. Post Card: three scenes of Mathoura 10/9/1914 EB on a photo copy 10/9/12 ? Mathoura Thursday Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. I rode the seat out of my trousers. I have done 100 miles on the bike. I met none of the old hands this time so will go out on my own… Your loving husband Fred, did Marjie miss me at all. Post Card: Cobran 15th Sept 1912 Hearts and intertwined flowers and little envelope he has written Marjorie …just a line to let you know I will cut out here Friday next in find, we have had two falls of rain since I wrote and it has bean blowing a hurricane for couple of days and may blow up again however if we are delayed I will send you a card Wednesday I am longing to see you and the two little kiddies again…. Fred Copy only Golf Hill Sep 26th Cut out 31 Oct Total 2332 1913 Post Card: Scene View Street, Bendigo August 1913 Mathoura Tuesday My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. Teddy Ginger and another couple of chaps on the way ……. Letter Cobran Sunday Aug 7th 1913 My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know that weather permitting we will cut out here about Thursday morning….I have not got any more shearing here. I have not heard from the other place…. Expect me about Friday …. I suppose Freddie and Marjie will be glad to see me, Marjie will climb all over me. I will be glad to se you all again you will have a fortnight before Golf Hill starts. I see in the Express you sent that Annie McPherson of (Dunvegan) is engaged to Len Farrell, she appears to be going to take no risks with him she wont let him slip through her hands like the banker did…… Fred Post Card: 1914 Garland of roses Warrambeen Stn Shelford PO October 14th 1914 Birthday wishes. Post Card: Love’s Golden Chain Golf Hill Tuesday Oct 17 1914 Birthday wishes [ this one might be a different year] Letter Cobran Wed 2nd Sept 1914 My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today and also the papers which were very acceptable as we don’t get many papers here we only get see one at odd times as we get none for the hut this year.. I have not seen a bit of butter since I left home as it is too dear for us for sinners here. Poor Marjie had a cold.. so the little kid wants to go to the war, she must think it is good like a picnic. We had light rain on Monday as usual only half a day’s shearing in the shed so that is all we done this week, we took a vote 9 to 6 no shearing so nothing till to morrow morning Thursday so there is still a good fortnights shearing to do, will do nothing Saturday polling day as we have to go 13 miles is near Services where I was last year so we will want the full day 50 men to vote and some will probably have to walk to get there, all solid for Labour. I have just had an interval for lunch, pudding, yeast buns and rock cakes… We are doing nothing but eating and sleeping this week. Fred I am sending L1 in this which will do you till I come back if I keep drawing up I will have none when I finish so make the most of it. Post Card: Two doves with violets 1915 Cobran Wed 18th Sept [could be 1912] Sorry to tell you we are delayed with rain so will not be home till next week… only 3 days of shearing to do…. expect me about the middle of next week….I wish I was with you now and the dear little ones Fred Post Card: Iris Flowers Barwonleigh Stn Tuesday Oct 14th 1918 Happy birthday greetings from Fred Post Card: Irrigation channel Swan Hill 5 Year not shown Swan Hill Tuesday night Just a few lines to let you know I got this far all right. I had to walk nearly all the way to Gisborne and got there last night and took the train here today. It has been raining all the way between Gisborne and here. Moulamein tomorrow. I think it will be another case of walking as it is wet here no metal roads all mud. best love to yourself and the little ones and also mother. will write Sunday Post Card: The White Man’s Burden.The writing on the back rubbed out Mattie has written, I was weighed and I am 8 stone 10 pounds. 14 Post Cards, some have the original dates, others have the date added later by Martha. Two envelopes, one with addressed to Melton postmark Moule, stamp torn off, the other Cards from my dear Fred. The letters and the notebooks can be cross checked according the their contents. Italics show the dates added by Mattie local identities

[article by Bettina Woodburn in EDHS Newsletter No. 105, November 1995:] EXPLORING THE UPPER YARRA - We enjoyed the Spring Excursion, this year "Exploring the Upper Yarra" - in spite of the constant rain and the countryside under the cloud cover, especially in the valleys, being mainly shiny shades of green. The occasional fields of buttercups, clumps of arum lilies and splendid rhododendron and other flowering bushes became very special. The Cobb and Co coach was warm and a cosy retreat as we zig-zagged on the highways and byways to glimpse the Yarra River, upstream and down, its secret places, and particularly the many bridges. Russell excelled as 'Poet Laureate', reading from Dacre Smyth's book. This 1979 publication includes paintings of all the bridges along the river with poems and brief descriptions of each one. Some of the bridges are in out-of-the-way places and are not very well known. We looked forward to hearing the poetry as much as seeing the 'constructions'… Big Pat (was he short or tall, lean or fat? - he did win the £200 reward for discovering gold and had the creek named after him), about the 'Eddies'?, and the disliked 'meccano' bridge in Warburton, etc. etc. The hot roast lunch in the old Reefton Hotel was also most welcome. It was easy to imagine it peopled by miners and early settlers. Starting by crossing the new (1974) concrete bridge at Warrandyte we headed through Wonga Park with views to the Christmas Hills and to the escarpment of the Yering Gorge, which causes flood waters to back up through the Yarra Glen plain, so avoiding disasters downstream. At the end of a long driveway we found the wooden, privately owned Henley Bridge (1935 after the 1934 floods). This facilitates access to different parts of Henley Farm and to Lilydale. Everard Park, named after Blanche Shallard's father, a State Member for 17 years, below the Highway Yarra crossing was in need of care. It is 10 miles from Yarra Glen by road but, as "Yarra Marra” canoeists well know, 32 winding miles down by water. After more delightful countryside scenes we joined the Warburton Highway at Woori Yallock. From the old Railway Station at Launching Place the Centennial Trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders has replaced the rails. The line from Lilydale was opened in 1901, and the last diesel freight train ran to Warburton in 1965. It continued to rain as we had morning tea in Warburton in a shelter between footbridges. From here we continued upstream past the Bridge to O'Shannassy Lodge and Reservoir, Starvation Creek, and the Peninsular tunnel (miners dug it as at Pound Bend) which we visited (scrambling down those steps!) on our return after lunch. Our furthermost point was the Upper Yarra Dam Reserve (and vast catchment area). Finished in 1957 after ten years' work and 100 years after Yan Yean, it supplies much of Melbourne's water. After crossing the 30m Launching Place Bridge to the Eltham side of the Yarra and Healesville, we saw in the distance the Yarra Glen Timber Trestle Bridge over the river flats "the longest for years in the land it was said!" Harry's dream of "better weather over the Divide" unfortunately didn't come true, but I'm sure we 36 members will retain happy memories of a day that was wet and green and filled with Bridges. Situated on the Yarra River, 5.5 kms south of Christmas Hills on private property. This timber trestle bridge is said to have been built some time after 1907 by Melbourne master-builder, David Mitchell (the father of Dame Nellie Melba), to connect his two "Henley Farm" properties with Lilydale. In earlier days, when the McPhersons owned the property, their children used a punt to cross the river to attend Yering Primary School. This private bridge is best viewed from the end of Wendy Way. - Source: Christmas Hills Past and Present, Yarra Glen & District Historical Society, 2004.Two colour photographsactivities, henley bridge, upper yarra

An early black and white photograph of the Big Tree in Cambarville in Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Big Tree in Cambarville in Victoria. It was, at one stage, known to be the tallest hardwood tree in the world standing at 92 meters (301ft, 6 inches). However, it was reduced to 84 meters by a wind storm in 1959. It is a mountain ash. There is a walking track through the forest that will take you to the Big Tree. This postcard was published by Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd. as a souvenir of Marysville.VALENTINE'S/ POST/ CARD A GENUINE PHOTOGRAPH Dear Mother & Dad I received your letter and/ was glad to know everything is OK at home./ The weather is still pretty good. Today is dull/ with a drop of rain every now & then but not enough/ to stop you from going out. Tomorrow we are going/ to the Eildon Weir so we are hoping it stays fine./ Had a letter from Mrs Thompson. She says Alison is/ doing fine. She has been playing with Judy/ You didnt way whether you were coming up here or/ not but I doubt whether you will get in after next/ week as it is the school holidays. Cumberland House/ seems to be very nice + it is on the main road let me/ know by return post & Ill see what I can do for you./ I think the tariff seems to be the same. Well dear thats all for/ now as I want to send a card to Auntie Love Ethel & Clarriebig tree, mountain ash, cambarville, victoria, valentine publishing co, postcard, souvenir

A black and white postcard of Cumberland House in Marysville. The postcard was produced by Valentine Publishing Co. Pty Ltd. as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white postcard of Cumberland House in Marysville. The postcard was produced by Valentine Publishing Co. Pty Ltd. as a souvenir of Marysville.VALENTINE'S/ POST CARD A GENUINE PHOTOGRAPH 29.8.50 Dear Wen & Seb/ just a big Cheerio from us all up here, we/ are having a lovely time very nice here lovely fires but/ it is sure cold at night but so far we kept warm/ with over coats & rugs Weather has been lovely although/ it rained shortly after we arrived on Sunday after/ a very delightful trip up. Even had Gosling for Dinner on/ arrival Meals are very nice & Crowd very sociable/ Here in the Lounge is a big scenic Window takes/ up the whole on the West wall of the lounge & outlooks/ the Tennis Court so we are fully entertained what/ with fireside Chatter & Tennis the other way./ Very sorry I never managed to write before I left, did/ so intend but never suceeded, but will endeavour to/ make up when I return Hope alls well with you all there/ Love from Mary & allmarysville, victoria, australia, cumberland house, the cumberland guest house, accommodation, valentine publishing co pty ltd, postcard, souvenir, v.1.

Zeehan & North East Dundas Tramway Bogie 1896 The North East Dundas Tramway (NEDT) was a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge tramway on West Coast Tasmania that ran between Zeehan and Deep Lead (now Williamsford). It was part of Tasmanian Government Railways. The line was opened in 1896 to carry ore from the Williamsford mines to Zeehan where it would be loaded onto another train for shipment to Burnie. The narrow-gauge (2 ft) was chosen because of the extremely difficult terrain that the railway crossed, requiring several big trestle bridges, including one at the foot of Montezuma Falls. After some rain the engine and carriages would get soaked by spray from the falls. There was a break-of-gauge with the mainline 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) system at Zeehan. The railway was closed in 1932. The rolling stock for the Tramway was built in the Launceston Railway workshops, and comprised twenty five eight-wheel low-side trucks, tare 3 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr., load 10 tons; six eight-wheel flat trucks, tare 2 tons 18 cwt. 1 qr., load 10 tons; two four-wheel bolster trucks, for carrying long timber, tare 1 ton 19 cwt., load 5 tons; and four passenger cars, each with six cross-seats with reversible backs, to carry eighteen passengers, also a locker for mails and parcels. All trucks and cars have cast-steel wheels 21 inches in diameter and are fitted with automatic vacuum brakes. The trucks have side levers and the cars have hand-screw brakes. The vacuum brake can be worked from the engine or from the passenger cars, which act as brake vans. When this brake was introduced, one effect was to accelerate the journey speed by about 10 minutes owing to more even running on down gradients. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge railway - Bogie used on the Zeehan & North East Dundas Tramway, Tasmania, Australia Bogie made from steel, iron and wrought ironZN & NTDS ML TRAM 1896 Griffinpuffing billy, bogie, zeehan & north east dundas tramway bogie, zeehan & north east dundas tramway, industrial narrow gauge railway, gauge: 2' (610 mm)

The Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance cross country ski race, and a member of the Worldloppet series of international cross country ski events. The first race at Falls Creek was held in 1979 under the name of “Australian Birkebeiner”. It was a 21km race with about 80 participants organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club of Mount Beauty. The course started and finished at Falls Creek Alpine Resort and took participants out into the Bogong High Plains. After running the event for 10 years, it was decided they should become part of the Worldloppet series of marathon ski races. Representatives from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club and the Australian Ski Federation attended the Worldloppet Annual Meeting in Finland in June 1990 to put the case for the acceptance of an Australian event into the Worldloppet series. Before being admitted, they had to demonstrate that the Birkebeiner Club could run a world class event, so three months later in August 1990 a 42km event named the Australian International Ski Marathon was held at Falls Creek together with a 21km Birkebeiner race and a 7km event called the Birkebeiner Lite. The event was approved by delegates from USA, Norway and Austria, in 1991 Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet, with the condition that there had to be a name change. After some late night discussion allegedly involving red wine from North East Victoria the main event became the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, with the minor events being the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, and 7km Joey Hoppet. In the winter of 1991, the first Kangaroo Hoppet was held. It was a great success and has been a regular fixture on the international ski calendar ever since. It features the main 42km event as well as a 21km event and a 7km event. The Hoppet brings the Australian snowfields to an international audience. Unfortunately due to rapidly deteriorating snow conditions on the course, combined with a weather forecast of warm temperatures and rain in the days preceding the event, the Kangaroo Hoppet was cancelled for 2024.This poster is significant because it documents an event which brings international attention to Falls Creek and the surrounding region.A poster featuring a variety of symbols representing the Falls Creek Hoppet within the outline of a kangaroo head. Logos of Worldloppet, AGL, Falls Creek, Alpine Shire Council, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Ski Classics and Kangaroo Hoppet are across the bottom of the poster. Text: KANGAROO HOPPET 24th August 2024 Australia's Premier XC Ski Race 7 km 21 km 42 km FALLS CREEK, VIC kangaroo hoppet, worldloppet events, falls creek, mt. beauty

Various short pieces of writing, some dated, earliest 1971, latest in 1997. Gwen Baker (1928-2005) was a foundation member of EDHS. See Also Newsleter 162, May 2005 GWENDOLINE MARGARET BAKER NEE BOWES 1928- 2005 Gwen Baker as we knew her, often used her full name in her writings and even acknowledged her maiden family name as a means of reinforcing her own personal identity. Gwen died on 28 Februrary 2005 and has been buried at Arthurs Creek Cemetery in accordance with her wishes. It is typical of her humour that after visiting the site she wrote: "I have seen the Cemetery, so if I wake in sleep it has a nice view" Gwen was a foundation member of our Society. We remember her mainly for her contribution to our meetings, her witty comments or questions to our speakers and, of course, her collection of plants that she contributed to help the finances of our Society. Her friends in the Society also remember her cards and brief letters on a wide range of subjects. Gwen's wide range of interests included pottery, poetry and of course her gardening. She was an active member of many organizations including the Red Cross, Catholic Church, Nillumbik Garden Club and the former Eltham Arts Council. Her small self- published booklet of poems and writings starts with tins item written at 2am on Easter Sunday 1975. THOUGHT The seeming steady stillness of this quiet night has varied sound to one who sits and thinks of life. Of times of your of pleasant things and if the future has in store a place to be - a reason to exist. One hears a bird upon the roof scratching at his mate while in the distance a car goes by returning home quite late. A neighbours dog goes forth and bark! then stillness once again, like sunshine after rain. and so the thinker having heard and thought, carefully turns out the light and goes to bed. 41 pages (20 A4 pages cut in half). Folder 76 from Harry Gilham Collectionpoetry, creative writing, gwen baker

The minutes book of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill are an important record of the beginnings of one of Warrnambool's major industries for close to one hundred years. They record the struggle in the early days of 1909 and 1910 to raise the capital. Also mentioned is the support which had been given by local people of small means who were prepared to back the enterprise while those with financial means had been rather more reserved. Apart from a Mr Vidler all the initial directors were initially working in an honorary capacity. They lamented the fact that local banks held half a million pounds on fixed interest so there was no shortage of money. The first directors were appointed in March 1909 : Jas. Worland, W H Philpott, G S Mackay, E H Price, S McDonald, J C Beeching, W Rogers ,J Marfell, J Deany, Jas Duirs, Jas. Ponting, H Jessen, S Nettleton, J Blain, J Gooden, Drs. Holmes, Henderson and Powell. Mr J E Bennett was secured as first manager of the mill in 1910 Over the ten year period of this book there is much discussion on possible returns and share prices as well as decisions relating to the operation of and production from the mill. Within four years they were using more yarn than they were producing. Electricity was connected around 1914 and by 1915 shareholders were receiving eight percent return on their investment and were also contributing to the first world War effort by supplying blankets. Assets continued to accumulate and building was also continued with sandstone being quarried from the site and rain water tanks and asphalt floors installed, all contributing to savings. By 1917 The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was considered to be one of the states best investments and it continued to prosper through the years. The second minutes book likewise records similar events and circumstances for the period 1933-1945. This like wise is an interesting period, covering the period of the second World War. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. These minutes books hold an important information regarding the establishment and early operation of one of Warrnambool's major industries. The mill itself has strong connection to the Warrnambool community and many of the names mentioned as directors and shareholders have held positions within the community as businessmen and city officials. These minutes add another dimension to their contribution to Warrnambool..1Navy blue hard card cover with cloth spine. White label glued to front cover.186 pages.There are handwritten entries in black ink which are interspersed with reports from newspaper. .2 Pale grey cloth cover on early Kalamazoo filing system 612 pages of typed minutes . .1There are dates from 1910 through to 1923. Minutes have been signed by chairman of directors, M Saltau.label on front cover has blue stamp, The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company. hand written above in black ink "opened 24th March 1909." .2 dated from May 1933 to September 1945. Signatures include M Saltau, James Disckson and Fletcher Jones.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, first minutes book warrnambool woollen mill, minutes book, warrnambool woollen mill 1909, minutes book warrnambool woollen mill 1945

The Hiawatha was a Norwegian windjammer sailing from Fredrikstadt. End of September 1910 the ship arrive nearly two weeks before its anticipated arrival date, making the trip in 81 days instead of a 100. Her arrival made the news in the Argus : SHIP HIAWATHA : A SMART VOYAGE. Seeing that she was not expected to arrive here for another couple of weeks or so the appear ance of the Norwegian ship Hiawatha at Port Phillip Heads yesterday morning caused some surprise. It was anticipated by shipping folk that her voyage from Fredrikstadt would occupy about 100 days which is a fair average passage but clipping a big slice off this allowance, the Hiawatha completed her long run from the Nor wegian port in the excellent time of 811/2 days, or within about 36 hours of the best effort previously made by a "windjammer" between these ports. An appropriate finish was given by the Hiawatha to this creditable voyage by a run of a little under three hours from the Heads up to Hobson's Bay, where she dropped anchor at about noon amid squalls of rain, which at times almost blinded her out from view. Few more 'racy' looking sailors than the Hiawatha have visited this port, and as she has proved on the present and many previous occasions sions, her looks do not belie her. Being laden with Baltic timber and in splendid sailing trim, the ship only required favourable winds to make a good voyage. These fell to her lot, and taking full advantage of every opportunity the vessel bowled across the ocean at steamboat speed. Reckoned from the time she cleared the English Channel, her passage occupied only 76 days. Her best work was performed after passing Tristan d'Acunha in the South Atlantic Ocean. From that stage to the meridian of the Cape of Good Hope she was only a week, whilst from the latter point to Hobson's Bay the ship made an equally capital run of 27 days, her best daily record being 29 knots, representing an hourly average speed of 12 knots. Several periods of exceptionally rough weather were passed through, but the ship suffered no ill effects. She will discharge at a berth up the river.One of the ships photograph that crew would leave at the Mission as a souvenir of their visit.Sepia photograph in cardboard frame of a three-masted full-rigged barque.On the photographic in white : Hiawatha On the frame in black: Ship Hiawatha - Oct. 1910hiawatha, windjammer, norway, full rigged barque, ships, crews and ships

The early settlers of Victoria depended on horse drawn vehicles to farm, make roads and railways, deliver produce and transport people. Horse harnesses were an important requisite for all drivers and could be found wherever there were working horses. Horse Harnesses have played an essential role in different cultures throughout history. Simple, utilitarian horse harnesses made of leather straps and iron rings were being used in early China before AD 500 as well as ancient Greece and Rome, allowing horses to pull chariots and ploughs. The Greeks and Romans were the first to use a "horse collar" which distributed the weight of the harness evenly across the horse's chest rather than relying on a "throat harness" that could damage a horse's throat or choke them. During the medieval period, European horse harnesses became more elaborate and decorative. Variations of different horse harnesses were also found in Native American and Middle Eastern cultures. Horse Harnesses usually have four basic components which include - 1. Communication - the bridle, bit and reins allows the driver to communicate instructions and commands to the horse, guiding its movement and direction. 2. Draft - the collar, hame straps, hames, traces and chains enables the horse to draw and pull the load efficiently by distributing the weight and transferring the pulling force to the vehicle. 3. Stopping - the breeching band, pole straps and breast strap helps to control or stabilise the horse and vehicle when moving downhill or stopping. 4. Support - the back pad, backband, belly band and back saddle keep the harness in the correct position and proper alignment. This show harness was used by Mr. Andy Bourke when showing his Clydesdales at shows or demonstrations. Although a more modern example with decorative embellishments, it still has many essential components traditionally found in an everyday working horse harness. The original purpose of the "housen" for example, was to run rain or drizzle off the horse's neck when they had to work in wet conditions - it was laid flat for this purpose on the top of the collar. Nowadays it is purely for show and is often used to advertise a business or stud. Horse brasses and fly terrets were fastened to various parts of a horse's harness. In the early days they probably began as amulets to ward off evil and to bring good luck and continued to be used as a festive decoration. The heyday of horse brasses was between the years 1851 and 1900. Horse brasses are fastened to various parts of the harness with many of their designs being symbolic. The ornamentation on this harness (although not authentic horse brasses) are based on the horse brasses that were popular in the 19th century. This horse harness is a significant example of the equipment that was needed wherever heavy horses were being used - particularly in the early years of Victoria's settlement by white settlers. Harnesses such as this example were used with stage coaches, drays, farming equipment, delivery carts and personal transportation.A leather and metal horse harness used when showing a Clydesdale (or other breed of heavy horse). It is made up of a number of components. 1. Decorative leather cart saddle with two large cloth pads underneath (which have a scalloped leather and stud border), a raised leather pommel and a silver and red coloured metal back strap holder across the top. It has two symmetrical sets of ornamentation (silver hearts and circles) in the front and a wide strap or girth (with a maker's stamp reading "R. Mitchell Saddler") and buckle which attaches the saddle to the horse. 2. Pair of steel hames which are gently curved (to fit on a horse collar) and are topped with steel knobs. They have several steel rings and lugs (to hold straps and chains) and a "Made in England Warranted Steel" stamp. 3. Breeching harness which consists of a number of leather straps, chains and metal rings including a wide padded leather strap with a scalloped edge that sits on the back of the horse and a thick leather strap that goes around the hind quarters of a horse which is joined to the back strap with four shorter vertical straps and buckles. These straps feature silver and red patent leather trim and silver heart shaped ornamentation. The strap also features the maker's stamp of "R. Mitchell". 4. Decorative leather bridle with blinkers featuring the same silver and red patent leather trim on the cheek piece, brow band and throatlatch. It has a stainless steel "Liverpool Driving Bit" with a curb chain, a variety of decorative silver ornaments (rosettes, diamonds plus a heart and two circles) on each end of the forehead band, dropper and strap as well as a silver metal bell (sometimes known as a "fly terret" or "swinger") that sits on the headpiece of the bridle. 5. Leather "violin shaped" dropper (or hanger) with two silver rosette shaped ornaments and a stainless steel clip on the top 6. Stainless steel "Liverpool Driving Bit" with a straight mouthpiece which is ribbed on one side. It has three rein spots (spaces) and a curb chain. 7. Leather arch shaped "Housen" covered in black and red patent leather and decorated with silver studs (some spelling out F H) and bordered with a red fringe. It has a leather strap at the back and two leather loops on the front. 8. Leather padded backband (Australian style "Stallion Draught Roller") decorated with two groups of nine metal "horse brasses" or harness ornaments displaying horseshoe, starburst and horse head designs on blue, red and white striped webbing. The backband has three notched straps at each end, a buckle near the centre and the initial B stamped in two places underneath. 9. Bellyband made of leather and red, white and blue striped webbing. It has a set of three buckles at each end (which correspond with the notched straps of the backband). 10. Wide, thick leather strap which has a buckle and notches at each end. It also has the maker's stamp of "R. Mitchell Saddler". 11.One pair of long leather traces - each with a buckle and notched loop at one end, decorated with a small silver diamond shaped harness ornament. 12. Length of stainless steel heavy duty chain with two swivel connectors.Saddle - "R.MITCHELL / SADDLER" Hames - "MADE IN ENGLAND / WARRANTED / STEEL" "MADE IN ENGLAND / WARRANTED / unclear" Breeching Straps - "R. MITCHELL / MAKER / R. MITCHELL MAKER" Housen - "F H" Backband "B / B' Wide leather strap - "R. MITCHELL / SADDLER"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, harness, horse harness, show harness, clydesdale horses, andy bourke, horse drawn cart, housen, bridle, hames, breeching straps, dropper, bit, liverpool bit, backband, harness ornamentation, bellyband, back saddle, fly terret

The donation was accompanied by the following letter from the donor: "Hi. I found these in with family photos. Taken by family as Mamie McLeod was living in Fellows Street, Kew, so would be near there. Retain (or discard) as you see fit." [Donor's name and address withheld from public view]. To gain an insight into the flood levels at Kew, it is worth reading newspaper accounts of the event. The Age published an article - Valuable Gardens Destroyed at Kew - on 25 September 1916: "VALUABLE GARDENS DESTROYED AT KEW. From the heights of Studley Park, Kew, a splendid view of the flood waters can be obtained, and yesterday afternoon, despite continuous rain, crowds of citizens assembled there to witness the spectacle. There is a vast stretch of water some 300 or 400 yards broad, above the foot bridge connecting Gipps-street, Collingwood, and Studley Park. The river is only about 3 feet from the top of the embankment connecting with the ramp of the bridge on the Studiey Park side. When the upper llood waters come down it is almost a certainty that tne embankment will be submerged and the bridge rendered impassible. Below the bridge the waters again stretch out, and have submerged all the low-lying land on the Collingwood side and invaded the back premises ot the Kodak Co., Phoenix Biscuit Factory, a tannery adjoining thereto, the Shamrock Brewery, and Chinese gardens in the vicinity. At Walmer-street-bridge, at the end of Studley Park, the low-lying land on the Kew side is covered with water to the depth of many feet. Tlie land in question is owned in a great part by Mr Frank Lavers who haa gone in for intense culture on a pretty liberal scale on both the slopes of the hill and on the river flat. On the latter he is cultivating many acres of asparagus, and has at a considerable cost spent three years in preparing the ground and installing an irrigation system, reticulated from the Yan Yean water supply. This year the asparagus was put down, and the plants were in a promising condition. Tlie flood waters are now flowing fast over the land. The crop is ruined, and three years' work and expenditure destroyed. Mr. Laver's private residence fortunately is high above flood level, but two houses he owns off Young-street have been flooded out. Having been warned in time, the tenants removed their furniture hefore the water came down to Mr. Laver's residence, where they themselves have been given accommodation in the meantime. All the river flats in East Kew are under water. One or two low-lying houses have been flooded. Chipperfield's boat shed at Willsmere is nearly covered, and some Chinese gardens in the vicinity are several feet under water."This, and the other three photographs donated of floods in Kew are believed to be the earliest in the collection. Together with our original MMBW River Yarra map showing flood levels, these items, when compared allow researchers to gain a visual perspective of the extent of the flood in 1916. Black and white photograph of flooded trees in Kew with rising dry ground in distance.Inscription on reverse in pencil: "Flood River Yarra Kew Vic"river yarra, kew, floods 1916

The donation was accompanied by the following letter from the donor: "Hi. I found these in with family photos. Taken by family as Mamie McLeod was living in Fellows Street, Kew, so would be near there. Retain (or discard) as you see fit." [Donor's name and address withheld from public view]. To gain an insight into the flood levels at Kew, it is worth reading newspaper accounts of the event. The Age published an article - Valuable Gardens Destroyed at Kew - on 25 September 1916: "VALUABLE GARDENS DESTROYED AT KEW. From the heights of Studley Park, Kew, a splendid view of the flood waters can be obtained, and yesterday afternoon, despite continuous rain, crowds of citizens assembled there to witness the spectacle. There is a vast stretch of water some 300 or 400 yards broad, above the foot bridge connecting Gipps-street, Collingwood, and Studley Park. The river is only about 3 feet from the top of the embankment connecting with the ramp of the bridge on the Studiey Park side. When the upper llood waters come down it is almost a certainty that tne embankment will be submerged and the bridge rendered impassible. Below the bridge the waters again stretch out, and have submerged all the low-lying land on the Collingwood side and invaded the back premises ot the Kodak Co., Phoenix Biscuit Factory, a tannery adjoining thereto, the Shamrock Brewery, and Chinese gardens in the vicinity. At Walmer-street-bridge, at the end of Studley Park, the low-lying land on the Kew side is covered with water to the depth of many feet. Tlie land in question is owned in a great part by Mr Frank Lavers who haa gone in for intense culture on a pretty liberal scale on both the slopes of the hill and on the river flat. On the latter he is cultivating many acres of asparagus, and has at a considerable cost spent three years in preparing the ground and installing an irrigation system, reticulated from the Yan Yean water supply. This year the asparagus was put down, and the plants were in a promising condition. Tlie flood waters are now flowing fast over the land. The crop is ruined, and three years' work and expenditure destroyed. Mr. Laver's private residence fortunately is high above flood level, but two houses he owns off Young-street have been flooded out. Having been warned in time, the tenants removed their furniture hefore the water came down to Mr. Laver's residence, where they themselves have been given accommodation in the meantime. All the river flats in East Kew are under water. One or two low-lying houses have been flooded. Chipperfield's boat shed at Willsmere is nearly covered, and some Chinese gardens in the vicinity are several feet under water."This, and the other three photographs donated of floods in Kew are believed to be the earliest in the collection. Together with our original MMBW River Yarra map showing flood levels, these items, when compared allow researchers to gain a visual perspective of the extent of the flood in 1916. Panoramic view, believed to be looking north towards Fairfield from the Zig-Zag Bridge on the River Yarra. The inscription on the reverese identifies it as taken before 1920.Inscription on reverse in ink "(pre 1920) Flood from Zig-zag bridge Yarra River, Kew Vic."river yarra, kew, floods 1916, zig-zag bridge

The donation was accompanied by the following letter from the donor: "Hi. I found these in with family photos. Taken by family as Mamie McLeod was living in Fellows Street, Kew, so would be near there. Retain (or discard) as you see fit." [Donor's name and address withheld from public view]. To gain an insight into the flood levels at Kew, it is worth reading newspaper accounts of the event. The Age published an article - Valuable Gardens Destroyed at Kew - on 25 September 1916: "VALUABLE GARDENS DESTROYED AT KEW. From the heights of Studley Park, Kew, a splendid view of the flood waters can be obtained, and yesterday afternoon, despite continuous rain, crowds of citizens assembled there to witness the spectacle. There is a vast stretch of water some 300 or 400 yards broad, above the foot bridge connecting Gipps-street, Collingwood, and Studley Park. The river is only about 3 feet from the top of the embankment connecting with the ramp of the bridge on the Studiey Park side. When the upper llood waters come down it is almost a certainty that tne embankment will be submerged and the bridge rendered impassible. Below the bridge the waters again stretch out, and have submerged all the low-lying land on the Collingwood side and invaded the back premises ot the Kodak Co., Phoenix Biscuit Factory, a tannery adjoining thereto, the Shamrock Brewery, and Chinese gardens in the vicinity. At Walmer-street-bridge, at the end of Studley Park, the low-lying land on the Kew side is covered with water to the depth of many feet. Tlie land in question is owned in a great part by Mr Frank Lavers who haa gone in for intense culture on a pretty liberal scale on both the slopes of the hill and on the river flat. On the latter he is cultivating many acres of asparagus, and has at a considerable cost spent three years in preparing the ground and installing an irrigation system, reticulated from the Yan Yean water supply. This year the asparagus was put down, and the plants were in a promising condition. Tlie flood waters are now flowing fast over the land. The crop is ruined, and three years' work and expenditure destroyed. Mr. Laver's private residence fortunately is high above flood level, but two houses he owns off Young-street have been flooded out. Having been warned in time, the tenants removed their furniture hefore the water came down to Mr. Laver's residence, where they themselves have been given accommodation in the meantime. All the river flats in East Kew are under water. One or two low-lying houses have been flooded. Chipperfield's boat shed at Willsmere is nearly covered, and some Chinese gardens in the vicinity are several feet under water."This, and the other three photographs donated of floods in Kew are believed to be the earliest in the collection. Together with our original MMBW River Yarra map showing flood levels, these items, when compared allow researchers to gain a visual perspective of the extent of the flood in 1916. Small black and white photograph of flooded trees in Kew.Inscription on reverse in ink "Flood R. Yarra Kew Vicriver yarra, kew, floods 1916

Greeting cards sent during WW1 - 1917, 1918. Owned and sent by R.T. Mitchell to his daughter Anne.Three silk embroidered postcards, sent from France during World War 1, from R.J. Mitchell to his daughter Anne. There are also two black and white postcards.1. Handwritten in grey pencil on the back of the Forget-Me-not card: 31/5/1917 'Dear Anne I got a letter from you a few days ago and am glad to know you are well and got plenty of work to do. How is school getting on, do you still want to be a teacher well if you do mind you are a good one. Your loving fatherr. 2. X-mas wishes: France 5th 1918. Dear Annie Received your birthday thank you very much How are you getting on with your scholarship. Hope you have a very happy christmas Lots of love your affe father R.J.Mitchell 3. handwritten in grey pencil on the back of the Happy Christmas card 'Somewhere in Belgium Oct 15th, 1917 Dear Anne Received your letter of July 3rd. Am sorry pearl has ben so bad, hope she is alright again now. Well I am keeping quite well we are having plenty of rain although it is fine today. Hope you have a veery merry Christmas Loads of love Your affec father R J Mitchell'. 4. Carte Postale - Postcard 5/1918postcards, greeting cards

Eureka is a significant event in Ballarat's History3 page handwritten document 3pm 3 December. Speak up, Mr Speaker ! Ballarat is calling! 100 years have gone by - Celebrations are at hand.. . but lo! there is no speaker 3 O'clock has past and gone, the official party to open the centenary celebrations of Eureka has not arrived. Of course the programme has been changed so often and so much that a little event like this wouldn't even matter. Only Peter Lalor might mind; he's been waiting since 18 to see this anniversary. He's not even cold but my, is he wet! Time 3.15 pm, still no sign of the elusive meeting and commemoration; only a few stalwarts are waiting now... What Rain! Plenty of it but just then a glimpse of brightness appeared under the western sky. Tho' warming up perhaps Peter's cold .... Its' Ballarat, we know , but are you referring to the weather or public spiritedness. Perhaps there have been too many partisan influences in the great Australian event at Ballarat and the tacit official attitude. Very hard for them to eat their cake and give it to us too! 3.30pm The appointed hour has dragged on... the possibility of paying a commemorative respect to a fine, hard thinking flesh and blood builder of Australia and particularily Victoria has lapsed. We wonder whether such things as races, the dogs and beer are worth more nowadays? Oh well got to push on , but we remebered at least Peter!eureka, centenary celebrations, peter lalor

Stevenson screens were first introduced in Australia in the 1880s and were widely installed by 1910. The screens have been used to shelter and protect thermometers and other meteorological instruments from rain and direct heat while the holes and double-louvre walls allowed air to flow around them. Sometimes other meteorological instruments were included in the weather stations, so there were different Stevenson Screen sizes. This authentic, original Stevenson screen was previously owned by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and was used for many years for weather readings at the Cape Otway Light Station in southwest Victoria. The Lighthouse Keepers recorded the readings for minimum and maximum temperatures at 9 a.m. every day from January 1865 until April 1994. The equipment was sheltered in a Stevenson Screen from 1902 until April 15 1994, when the mercury thermometer was replaced by a platinum resistance probe within an Automatic Weather Station (AWS). This Stevenson screen is one of the two screens that then became redundant. The other Stevenson screen was kept to display to visitors. Lightkeepers were no longer required at the Cape Otway Light station either, due to the automated system. The meteorological instruments donated with the screen were used for measuring temperature and humidity. They are mounted on a metal bracket that fits across the screw holes on the screen’s internal frame. The glass-covered Relative Humidity (RH) sensor was made by the renowned precision instrument maker, Rotronic AG of Switzerland, which was founded in 1965. The firm made its first electronic temperature and humidity instrument in 1967. Meteorological records have been collected in Australia from the 1800s. The records were collated, published and used as a basis for weather forecasts. Many sectors, such as maritime and agriculture industries, have relied on these figures for making important decisions. The quality and placement of the meteorological instruments used to measure temperature and humidity are of utmost importance for accuracy. In early colonial times, there were no national standards for meteorological instruments that would allow for accurate figures and comparisons. Once the Bureau of Meteorology was established (around 1908 to 1910) the department installed Stevenson screens throughout Australia, many at lighthouses and light stations, and the measuring instruments were standardised. The Stevenson Screen was named after its inventor, Scottish Civil Engineer Thomas Stevenson (1818-1887) who was also the father of Robert Louis Stevenson, author. Stevenson developed the small thermometer screen around 1867. It had double-louvred walls around the sides and a top of two asbestos sheets with an air space between them and was thickly painted with a white coating that reflected the sun’s rays. This design was modified in 1884 by Edward Mawley of the Royal Meteorological Society. Standards were set for the locations of the screens and instruments, including their distance above ground level and the direction the door faced.Stevenson screens played a significant part in providing a standardised shelter for all meteorological instruments used by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology from about 1910 until 1994. The readings from the instruments gave the meteorological statistics on which weather forecasts throughout Australia were based. This Stevenson screen was used locally at Cape Otway, along the Great Ocean Road in southwest Victoria, so contributed towards our local forecasts and weather warnings.Stevenson screen, original, from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s weather station at the Cape Otway Lighthouse. The screen is a white wooden cupboard with a slanted cover raised above the top. The top has ten drilled ventilation holes, and the sides and door are made of downward-slanting double louvres. Two brass hinges join the door to the lower edge of the screen and a metal fitting at the top edge allows for a padlock closure. The screen is supported on four short legs, each with a hole drilled from side to side for fitting to a frame. Inside the screen are two wooden frames fitted with hooks and screws. The floor has three boards; one across the back and one across the front at the same level, and a board wider than the space between these boards is fitted higher, overlapping them slightly. Inside the screen, a pair of electronic instruments with short electric cables is mounted on a metal bracket with drilled holes in it. One of the instruments is a Relative Humidity (RH) probe. It is 26 cm long and is a glass tube with a filter on one end and an electrical connection on the other. It has inscriptions on its label, showing that was made by Rotronic AG, Switzerland. The other instrument is a Resistance Temperature Device (RTD) thermometer. It is 22.5 cm long and has a narrow metal probe joined to a hexagonal metal fitting. A brass plate on the front of the screen has impressed inscriptions. The screen is Serial Number 01/C0032, Catalogue Number 235862.Stamped into brass plate "CAT. NO. / 253862 / SERIAL NO. 01/C0032" On instrument’s electrical fitting; “CD2” [within oval ‘+’ above S] “Serie693 op65 / 220/380V~16A” On instrument’s glass; “rotronic ag” “SWISS MADE” “CE / CH-8303 / Bassersdorf” Symbol for [BARCODE] “ART NO MP 101A_T4-W4W” “POWER 4.8.30VDC“ “OP. RANGE: 0-100%RH/-40+60° C” “OUT H 0-100% 0-1V” “OUT T -40+60°C -0.4..+0.6V” “SERIE NO 19522 009”flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, cotton region shelter, instrument shelter, thermometer shelter, thermoscreen, thermometer screen, measuring instruments, meteorological instrument, weather recording, weather station, lighthouse equipment, light station equipment, stevenson screen, marine instruments, mercury thermometer, platinum resistance probe, aws, automatic weather station, rotronic ag, swiss made, meteorological device, weather forecast, weather prediction, weather records, meteorological forecast, meteorological record, australian bureau of meteorology, bureau of meteorology, bureau, bom, relative humidity, rh, relative humidity probe, resistance temperature device, rtd, thermometer, temperature, humidity, cape otway, cape otway lighthouse, cape otway light station, rotronic, switzerland, swiss instrument, thomas stevenson, double-louvered walls, edward mawley, royal meteorological society, 01/c0032, serial number, cat. no. 235862, serial no. 01/c00323

This water standpipe is believed to be the only one of its kind in working order. It was originally located in Warrnambool, on the hillside at the corner of Mickle Crescent and Banyan Street, providing water for the Chinese Market Gardens below, on the flats. It was removed from this location on May 2nd, 1979, with the intention to relocate it at the new Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village. The standpipe lay in storage for years until the Warrnambool Company, Chemblast, offered to restore it for use as a working display. The display was officially opened on March 31, 2014. The water from the adjacent lake is drawn out with a hand operated water pump, and goes up into the standpipe, where flows through the canvas hose and into the top of the Furphy Farm Water Cart. The display is a visual acknowledgement of the years served by Flagstaff Hill volunteer and Friends of Flagstaff Hill Chairperson, Bob Crossman. Warrnambool’s early settlers had no water supply prior to the mid-1850s. They relied on rain water tanks, domestic wells and springs. The town experienced a huge, destructive fire in William Bateman Jnr. & Co.’s large produce store in November 1856, which highlighted the need for both a fire brigade and a good supply of water. In 1863 a volunteer fire brigade was established. In August 1880 the town celebrated the installation of its first water standpipe on the corner of Liebig and Timor streets. The water was pumped from springs at Cannon Hill through the connected pipeline to the standpipe, then distributed to households via horse and cart. Each of the licenced cart drivers were compelled by Council regulations to keep their carts full from sunset to sunrise, ready to cart water to outbreaks of fire. They received a fee for this service. In 1893 the town installed a water supply, sourced from the Merri River, stored in a reservoir basin and tower in north Liebig Street, and distributed throughout the town in a system of pipes. By late 1939 a reticulated supply was installed, with the water piped in under the Otway Scheme. Standpipes are still used in modern times in rural and remote areas for homes, farms, stock, agriculture and firefighting. Many commercial or government owned standpipes are metered, charging a fee for the quantities of water supplied. This water standpipe was made by Langlands Foundry Co. Limited, Melbourne, which was establish in 1842. It was Melbourne’s first foundry and iron shipbuilder, and one of the largest employers in Victoria at the time. Langlands was known for its high quality workmanship and wide range of goods for mining, engineering, marine, railway and other industrial uses. The company made the first cast bell, the first lamp posts in the colony, and the boiler for the first Australian train. In the 1860s it produced cast iron pipes for the Board of Works, which laid the pipes for Melbourne’s first reticulated water supply. The firm was bought by Austral Otis Co. in 1897.This water standpipe is significant historically as it is believed to be the only one of its type in working condition. The standpipe is significant for being manufactured by early colonial firm Langlands Foundry of Melbourne, which was known for high quality, cast iron products. The firm made the boiler for the first Australian train, assembled the first Australian paddle steamer and made the first Australian cast bell and lamp posts. Langlands was one of the largest employers in Victoria at the time. The standpipe is significant historically as it represents the evolution of water supply services in Australia. Standpipe; vertical cast iron water pipe, painted crimson, fixed in position, tapering inward from the round base to the rectangular joint near the finial on top. A hexagonal pipe extends at right angles from the joint, with an outlet fitting and flow-controlling wheel on the end. A length of canvas hose hangs from the outlet fitting. Inscriptions are on one face of the joint. The standpipe was made by Langlands Foundry Company of Melbourne. Embossed “LANGLANDS FOUNDRY CO. / LIMITED / ENGINEERS / MELBOURNE”warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, flagstaff hill, standpipe, stand-pipe, water standpipe, fire standpipe, firefighting equipment, water supply equipment, chinese market gardens, banyan street, liebig street, water tower, bateman’s fire, working display, water supply, town water, rural water, reticulated water, cannon hill spring, merri river, otway water, water carters, horse and cart water supply, volunteer fire brigade, langlands foundry, early melbourne, iron works, bob crossman, late 19th century water supply

"The fine structure of St. Peter's, with its prettily-decorated interior, which holds crowded congregations at Holy Mass on Sundays, is alone an eloquent testimony of the piety and devotion which permeates the whole parish. Attached to the church is a circulating library, and Catholic papers and other literature are distributed at the church door. Branches of the H.A.C.B. Society and Catholic Federation are doing much good work. (Melbourne Advocate, 17 January 1914) "OPENING AND CONSECRATION OF THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PETER’S, DAYLESFORD Cross on St. Peter'sNotwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the opening of the new Catholic Church of St. Peter’s, yesterday (Sunday), attracted a crowded congregation. Although the rain, which has poured almost incessantly for some days past, had left our roads and streets in the condition for which Daylesford is celebrated in winter weather, and although he storm and rain seemed to increase as the hour announced for the ceremonies approached, the church was filled by a large congregation, comprising all sects and denominations of Christians in and around the district. The beautiful edifice, erected mainly through the zeal, liberality and energy of the respected pastor, presented a most imposing appearance, and reflects infinite credit upon the Rev. Mr. Slattery, and the flock committed to his charge. The church was commenced in November 1863 and has been in the hands of the workmen up to the present time, work being uninterruptedly carried on. On commencing the foundations, it was necessary to excavate until solid clay was reached, which in consequence of the deep rich chocolate soil on the site of the building, had to be carried down to an average depth of 6 feet 6 inches. The foundations were laid with massive stones in courses of 12-inch, and four feet thick, reducing to 3 feet below the floor line. The style of the building is decorated Gothic, and consists of a nave, 80 feet by 30 feet in the clear, and a chancel 18 feet high; from floor line to apex of roof, 47 feet, which is elegantly constructed, consisting of six spans or frames with puncheons resting on carved corbels, low down between the windows. The north side consists of a handsome entrance, near the north-west angle, approached by nine steps of cut stone, and four bays of windows on nave, and a small door on side of chancel, intended as an entry from the sacristy. The south side presents a very handsome view to Victoria street, a beautiful porch entrance giving access to the building on the south-east end of nave; and on the south-west angle a handsome octagonal spire, terminating in an iron cross, with gilt floriations; the height of top of cross, from floor line, is 88 feet. A stone stairs gives access to the organ gallery and the belfry. The whole of the windows are of a handsome geometrical design, and carved in stone, with mullions and tracery, and glazed with amber-tinted glass, the chancel window being 15 feet high, and 8 feet wide. The chancel arch is unusually large, 27 feet St. Peter's interiorhigh and 18 feet wide, and handsomely moulded, and presents a fine appearance from the body of the church. The roof is stained a rich oak, with heavy cornice, and all the walls are smoothly plastered, and colored peach color, giving the amber-tinted glass a beautiful soft cathedral appearance to the interior. The altar is of a very chaste design, the panels being moulded with Gothic heads, and finished in white and gold; the altar rail was not completed, but is intended to be of polished cedar, with carved pillars. The interior fittings will be proceeded with immediately, and to complete the design, an organ gallery, with sittings for about 100 persons besides the choir, will be constructed on the west end. It is intended also to place pillar gaslights on each side of the main entrance, for lighting during vespers in winter. The style of architecture has been strictly carried out, and in the best and most substantial manner. The building has been erected under the superintendence of the architect Mr. John Townsend Brophy, a member of the congregation, and who has discharged his duty with great ability and care. The hour of half-past eleven has scarcely passed when from the sacristy entered His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Gould, Bishop of Melbourne, preceded by the Very Rev. Dean Hayes (Sandhurst), the Rev. P. J. Slattery, and a number of boys dressed in white surplices. The Right Reverend Prelate proceeded to the foot of the altar, the Very Rev. the Dean on his right, and the Rev. P. J. Slattery on the left. The prayers usual upon the occasion were read by the Bishop. A procession was then formed, and went around the church in the following order. Several youths bearing wax candles first, next the Very Rev. the Dean, then the Bishop and his train bearers, and following were the Rev. Mr. Slattery and acolytes. Having returned to the altar in the same order, the Deacon (Dean Hayes) and Sub-Deacon (Rev. P. J. Slattery) proceeded to robe his Lordship, who had taken his seat at the epistle side of the altar, for the solemn High Mass, at appropriate times wearing his mitre and bearing his crozier. The mass, which was chanted by the Bishop with touching simplicity and earnestness, was then commenced. The choir, under the direction of Mr. Meunsch, organist, was full and most effective. Mrs. Testar, of Melbourne, having generously offered her valuable services, took the leading soprano solos, and it is scarcely necessary to add, rendered them with exquisite taste and feeling – her beautiful voice being heard with great effect throughout the entire building. The choir consisted of the following ladies and gentlemen who volunteered to aid in the ceremonies upon this most interesting occasion. Ladies: Mrs. Tresar, soprano; Mrs. J.J. McCormick, alto; Miss Julia Conry, soprano; Mrs. Vincent, soprano; Mrs. Aitken, soprano. Gentlemen: H. Guthiel, tenor; Master John Murphy, tenor; James Knox, bass; J. M. Murphy, bass; Mr. Staunton, baritone; Mr. Sourby, alto; Mr. Short, bass. The chant, “Let us adore,” during the procession, was given by Mrs. Vincent with considerable power. The selection of the “Imperial Mass” (Haydn’s No. 3) was felicitous, and the highly artistic and finished manner in which the different parts were sustained, demonstrated that great and persevering care must have been bestowed on the preparation for “the opening day.” The “Kyrie” was given with the full strength and power of the choir. The swelling of the voices in complete harmony, and the pealing of the organ in the midst of incense and prayer, produced a most marked effect upon the congregation. In the “Gloria,” the solos of Mrs. Testar were really beautiful and Mrs. McCormick rendered the alto solos with considerable merit. Mr. Knox sang the part commencing with the words “Qui tolles” with much taste and power. The “Credo” than which we believe there is not a more magnificent piece of sacred music extant, was most successful in its rendering, nor do we ever remember to have heard anything more touching than the manner in which the line “Vetam Venturi in Seculi,” was given by Mrs. Testar. The offertory hymn “Come unto Me all ye that labor,” was given by Mrs. Testar with the most thrilling effect. The “Sanctus” having been sung, in which Mr. Sourby ably rendered an alto solo, the “Agnus Dei” was commenced with a solo by Mrs. McCormick and was given with great taste and feeling, Mrs. Testar, at the conclusion of the “Agnus,” taking up the soprano part. Mass being concluded, the Very Reverend Dean Hayes ascended the altar and proceeded to preach the opening sermon, taking as his text Second Paralipomenon [Chronicles II], 7th chapter and 16th verse – “For I have chosen and have sanctified this place that My hand may be there for ever, and My eyes and My heart may remain there perpetually.” St Peter's manseAt the close of the sermon a collection was made by the very reverend preacher, assisted by John Egan, Esq., Corinella, on behalf of the church, and about fifty pounds were contributed. When it is remembered that 500 tickets had been issues at 10s each, and the inclemency of the weather taken into consideration, the collection may be regarded as a large one. Benediction was sung by the Rev. P. J. Slattery, assisted by Dean Hayes, the choir singing the “O! Salutaris Hostia” and “Laudate.” Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus was sung at the termination of the ceremonies. The vestments issued at Benediction, as well as at the Mass, were of the most gorgeous and beautiful character. When the Benediction was over, the Rev. P. J. Slattery, standing at the front of the altar said– “I wish to say one or two words before the congregation leave. I feel most deeply indebted to all of you who have attended here today for the honor and glory of God, not withstanding the difficulties you had to encounter from this most inclement season. I am truly delighted at such a manifestation of feeling, and will not easily forget it.” The rev. gentleman having disrobed, thanked the members of the choir for their kindness in assisting at the ceremonies, and more especially Mrs. Testar, who had braved all the storm and rain to be present at, and give the advantage of her great musical abilities on, the “opening day.” (Daylesford Mercury, 15 May 1865.)A number of photographs of St Peter's Catholic Church, Daylesford, taken at the 150th anniversary celebration. st peter's catholic church daylesford, decoration, altar decoration, anniversary, daylesford, religion, painting, interior, slattery, gough, d'alton, mcmahon

1950 decade HAY FORK - A local invention. Bill and Arthur Gillespie and Bon Barrie In the early 1950’s Bill Gillespie of Bulmans Lane had been experimenting in developing a machine to improve the collection of hay sheaves at harvesting and stack building time. The ripened crop was cut by a reaper and binder which bundled the storks into sheaves tied with binder twine. The reaper and binder was towed by a tractor by the mid 1940s previously teams of draught horses were used to pull the reaper and binder. A photograph taken at the Barrie farm shows three binders the first being towed with a tractor and the others with horse teams. Two workmen were needed to operate the binder when cutting a crop. The sheaves collected on the binder and released onto the ground and were scattered across the paddocks. Using a conventional two pronged pitch fork the harvest hands collected the sheaves and placed each one cut edge on the ground in an upright position and layered with about 15 sheaves into an apex shape to form was is known as a stook. The shape of the stook allowed for drying and draining of water if rain had occurred. Prior to the invention of the mechanical hayfork this was a laborious task requiring each sheaf to be pitched onto a tray truck and moved to the location of the haystack. The mechanised HAYFORK was operated by one person on tractor greatly reducing the need for gangs of labourers. At harvest time farmers had relied on itinerant teams of workers descending on the district looking for work. The three Barrie brothers on their adjoining farms combined forces to cut their crop at its optimum time while the weather was in their favour. Up to many 20 workers at times formed a team in earlier times. Agricultural university students were also keen to gain practical experience in the field. Each of the brothers had a particular skill, and Tom Barrie was the expert on stack building. The district haystacks had a distinctive shape and could be recognised by their builder. Bill Gillespie’s first operational HAY FORK consisted of a large 13 pronged fork situated forward of the truck cabin. It was attached with iron girders and mounted on the rear of the cabin to the tray of his British Bedford truck. It was constructed in metal and iron and welded in the farmers work sheds. The mechanism was raised and lowered by the driver scooping along the ground to pick up a complete stook to raise high enough to deposit all the sheaves in one stook onto the stack or truck tray. The fork section was released by a rope and operated by the driver in the cabin. This model was trialled on the Barrie farm at Ferris Lane. It proved to be very successful and the Barrie/ Gillespie brothers went on to develop a HAYFORK which attached to a tractor and was operated with a series of levers and was raised and lowered hydraulically. It was detached from the tractor when stacking was completed. In its early days farmers travelling along the Western Highway called at the Barrie farm at Ferris Lane to inspect its construction and operation of the invention. It became a widely adopted by farmers throughout the State. It was being used on Wattie Palmer’s farm on Bridge Road Melton South in 1997. Farming in Melton, hay growing and stack building. agriculture, local identities

Contents: p.1-3; Origins, arrival in Australia; p.4-9; How they lived - camp sites, dating (including carbon dating); p.10-27; Physical appearance, skin colour, hair, clothing, body ornaments, cicatrization; exchange system, distribution of food, marriage &? sexual relations; the tribe - structure, relationship to land, territory, gives map showing locations of tribes, New South Wales, Victoria &? eastern South Australia, leadership, government, division of labour, status of women, estimated population at white settlement, density of population (Victoria); p.28-31; Language - names &? naming, reproduces Wembawemba vocabulary, notes use of secret languages, gives 12 rules for pronounciation; p.32-53; Religion, spirit beliefs, totemism, moieties, phratries, marriage rules; mythology, gives eaglehawk &? crow myth from Lake Victoria &? other myths illustrating origins of fire &? natural rock formations, mythical beasts (Bunyip, Mindie), stellar beliefs; magic, medicine men, powers, native remedies for sickness, describes ceremony held in Melbourne, 1847 to avert evil, sorcery, pointing bone, love magic, rain makers; messengers, appearance, etiquette, message sticks; p.54-71; Rock art, motifs, colours, decorative art, engraving of utensils, rock engravings, manufacture &? use of pigments, engraving techniques; trade system, objects bartered, meeting places for trade (Victoria), map shows possible routes (south east Australia); corroborees, purpose, body ornaments &? decorations, musical instruments; p.72-93; Ceremonial life, marriage, punishment for infidelity, birth, childhood, games &? amusements, initiation, etiquette of visiting tribes, details of ceremony, womens role, earth figures &? ground designs, bull roarers, female puberty ceremonies; p.94-133; Shelters, fire making, cooking, construction of canoes, wooden implements, use of reeds, animal skins &? sinews, shells; stone tools, cylindro conical stones, scrapers, knives &? microliths; hunting weapons, spear, other methods pits, nets; fishing methods &? spears, traps; food sharing, womens responsibilities for collecting, digging stick, cooking methods, insect foods, plant foods, water resources; manufacture &? use of spears, spear throwers, shields, clubs, boomerangs; inter- &? intratribal fighting; p.134-147; Death, disposal of body - eating of the dead, burial, cremation, platform exposure, dendroglyphs (N.S.W.), Aboriginal burial grounds (Darling &? Murray Rivers), mourning, widowhood, kopi caps (N.S.W.), causes of death, inquest ceremonies, revenge expedition, after death beliefs; p.148-157; The end of the tribes white settlement &? its impact on Aboriginal life, friction between natives &? settlers, establishment of Protectorates; copiously illustrated throughout.maps, b&w illustrations, b&w photographswemba wemba, murray river, darling river, lake victoria

Collection of personal effects that belonged to Private SIdney Spencer Plum, 3431 1st Pioneer Battalion. SIdney was born on 3/1/1894 at Dockers Plains via Wangaratta. He attended both North Wangaratta and Dockers Plains schools. He was a Blacksmith aged 21 years when he enlisted on 12/6/1915 and embarked on 11/10/1915 on board HMAT Nestor. He was wounded three times and was discharged from the AIF on 16/3/1919. Items include oval photo of Sidney Plum in the centre surrounded by four post cards, one embroidered post card of a dove with an envelope in it's beak with the Union Jack and French flag, a Greetings From The Front" booklet, "The Armour of Light" bible, "A Form of Prayer for open air services" book, Soldier's Pay Book, a "To my dear Mother" card, a black leather pouch, a rising sun badge, round gold medallion. A framed montage of personal items belonging to Private Sydney Spencer PLUM compiled by his family to honour his memory and service. In addition to general military issue the remaining items were most likely purchased whilst on leave in France and England during the first world war. Postcards particularly embroidered postcards were sent home to loved ones and friends.Framed Collection of personal effects - Private Sidney Spencer Plum, 1st Pioneer Battalion. Includes oval photo of Sidney Plum in the centre surrounded by four post cards, one embroidered post card of a dove with an envelope in it's beak with the Union Jack and French flag, a Greetings From The Front" booklet, "The Armour of Light" bible, "A Form of Prayer for open air services" book, Soldier's Pay Book, a "To my dear Mother" card, a black leather pouch, a risen sun badge, round gold coloured medalion. Frame has a donation plaque.Front: Pte Sidney Spencer Plum, 1st Pioneer Battalion. Donated by Max & Hilary (Plum) Ryan and Sylvia Reed (Plum) of Wangarattaa Back: Wangaratta Picture Framers 9 Oct 2003. Also has messages from front postcards; Dear Mother, Just a few lines to let you know that I am alright hoping that you and all the rest is well too. We have had three fogs over here and it is very cold at night. I was picked in Cairo and they had some Turkey Officers an a German spy in gaol there. I wrote to Aunt Nelline. I got two letters from Alf. Maude Saxby hasnt wrote to me since I was up there on final leave. I get the letters quicker. I got Alf photos all right. I will be having Christmas in London. Well I think this is all this. I remain you son Sid. Tell Alf to send me over the Age so I can see how the war is going. I suppose Dad and the rest is busy harvesting now. Glad to hear that you got the photos all right. I think this is all this time from Sid same address as before. Dear Mother, Just a few lines to let you know that I am keeping well hoping that you and every body is the same. We have some great fogs over here, it rained all one night. We had a very good Christmas we got a billy issued to us and it had every thing in it. The Captain of our company gave me a Christmas pudding. All the same I wished I were back in Australia again. I think this is all this time. Yours truely son Sid, 25/12/15plum, sidney, world war 1, postcards, embroidered postcard, soldier's pay book, leather pouch, bible, prayer book, sydney

THE WEEK REVIEWED (Article; Bush Fires: A pictorial survey of Victoria's most tragic week, January 8-15, 1939. Published in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund by the Sun News-Pictorial in co-operation with its newsagents, pp2-3) THE fiercest bush fires Australia has known since its discovery are quiescent at the moment, and Victoria, in the comparative coolness of the change which came with rain on Sunday night, has begun·to count its losses. In the fiery eight days, from Sunday to Sunday, at least sixty-six men, women and children have lost their lives in forest fires, or have succumbed to burns and shock; many others have died from heat; and several serious cases of burns are being treated in hospitals. Two babies in Narrandera district have died, and ten others are in hospital, because of milk soured by the record temperatures of those eight days. Forest damage totals at least a million pounds, and incalculable damage has been done to the seedlings which were to have been the forests of the future. Water conservation will be seriously affected by the silting-up of reservoirs and streams from which protective timber has been taken by the all-engulfing flames. More than a thousand houses have been destroyed, and these, with 40 mills, and schools, post-offices, churches, and other buildings, represent a loss of at least half a million. At least 1500 are homeless. For their aid, money raised in appeals has now passed the £50,000 mark, and the biggest relief organisation ever set up in peace time has swung into operation. The First Hint Victoria's first hint of what was to come appeared on Sunday, January 8, when most parts of the State awoke to find a blistering day awaiting. At 12.20 p.m., when the thermometer reached its highest for the day, 109.6 degrees, the first fire victims were at that moment going to their death on a bush track five feet wide off the main road to Narbethong. They were the forestry officers Charles Isaac Demby and John Hartley Barling, who went to warn Demby of his danger when he parted from his companions, and was himself surrounded by the treacherous fire. It was not until 8 o'clock next morning that the tragic news was flashed throughout the State. Searchers found the two charred bodies close together, one seeking protection in the nook of two logs. Barling's watch had stopped at 1.20. In the meantime, tragedy was spreading its cloak. By Monday, big fires were raging at Toolangi, Erica, Yallourn, Monbulk, Frankston, Dromana, Drouin South, Glenburn, and Blackwood, with smaller outbreaks at many other centres. In the ensuing week, while women and children were evacuated as fast as the flames would permit, Erica-scene of the 1926 fire disaster-thrice escaped doom by a change of wind. Indeed, those who have been in the fire country these past days say that the numbers of times a change of wind has saved towns from destruction is amazing. In the towns they speak of miracles. Monday's Miracles The escapes from Monett's Mill at Erica and from the Hardwood Company's Mill at Murrindindi, near where Demby and Barling went to their death, were Monday's miracles. Twenty came out alive from each mill. At the first a 60ft. dugout provided an oven-like refuge; at the second, 12 women and children survived in the smoke-filled gloom of a three-roomed cottage while their eight men, their clothes sometimes afire, poured water on the wooden walls. Three houses out of ten remained when the fire had passed. Record Temperatures Sunday had been the hottest Melbourne day for 33 years; Monday dropped to a 76.1 degree maximum; but Tuesday dawned hotter than ever, the mercury reaching 112.5. By now rumor was racing ahead of fact; whole towns were being reported lost; the alarm was raised for scores of missing persons. But fact soon overtook rumor, and within a few days the staggering toll began to mount to a figure beyond the wildest imaginings of the panic-stricken. Six died from heat on this torrid Tuesday, and the fires spread in a wide swathe from south-west to north-east across the State. Fish died in shallow streams. A curtain of smoke hid the sky from all Victoria, and hung far out to sea. It alarmed passengers on ships. On the Ormonde, on the voyage to Sydney from Burnie, women ran on deck, believing fire had broken out in the hold. Days later the smoke reached New Zealand. In Melbourne thousands of fire-volunteers were leaving in cars: vans, motor-buses-anything reliable on wheels-to aid the country in its grim fight. In the fires at Rubicon and. Narbethong, seventeen were facing death this day. But not till Wednesday, when Melbourne breathed again in a cool change, while the country still sweltered in temperatures up to 117 degrees, did the news come through the tree blocked roads. A woman and her little daughter, trapped on the road, were among those who died. Their bodies, and those of menfolk with them, were found strewn out at intervals along the road, where the furnace of the surrounding fire had dropped them in their tracks as they ran. Twelve died at a Rubicon mill, five on the road at Narbethong. At Alexandra, not far distant, a baby was born while the fires raged, and stretcher-bearers brought in the injured. On Thursday the State Government voted £5000 for the relief of fire victims. The Governor (Lord Huntingfield) and the Lord Mayor (Cr. Coles) visited some of the stricken areas, and dipped into their pockets personally. Later, the City Council, too, voted £5000. Friday, The 13th Friday, the Thirteenth, justified its evil name. A blistering northerly came early in the morning, presaging destruction, and forcing the mercury to a new record of 114 degrees. Racing fires killed at least ten in those terrible 12 hours. Four children were engulfed in the furnace at Colac. Panic drove them, uncontrollable, into the smoke-filled road when the fire raced down behind their home. They choked to death. In other parts fires were joining to make fronts of scores of miles. Kinglake was being menaced on two fronts, £60,000 worth of timber was going up in smoke in Ballarat district. Warburton was surrounded. Residents at Lorne, favoured resort, were being driven to the sea-front by a fire which destroyed at least 20 homes. Healewille. with flames visible from the town at one stage, was in a trough between two fires which burned four guest-houses, seven homes and left its surrounding beauty-spots wastes of bowed-over, blackened tree-fern fronds; with its famous Sanctuary, however, intact. Most of Omeo was destroyed this black day: Noojee. while 200 residents crouched in the river, was being reduced to a waste of buckled iron and smoking timber; Erica was once again saved by a change of wind. Beneath a pall of smoke, the Rubicon victims were buried at Alexandra. Friday night and the early hours of Saturday saw the streets of beleagured towns strewn with exhausted fire-fighters. Their flails beside them, ready for the next call, they lay where exhaustion overtook them-on footpaths, beside lamp-posts, in gutters, in cars, under trucks. Saturday's dawn brought clear skies and lower temperatures in many parts, and from the burnt-out areas came a great rush of tragic reports. The death-roll rushed past the fifty mark with incredible speed. Some had been trapped on roads, others at mills; some, after burying their treasures, had clung too long to the places they had made their homes for many years. Four men lost their lives because one went back for his dog. By Sunday, when the first of the saving rain came, nearly another score of names had been added to the list.Newspaper magazine, 48 pages (incl. covers). Fully digitised and searchable PDFPublished in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund by the Sun News-Pictorial in co-operation with its newsagents.bushfires, 1939 bushfires, black friday, warrandyte