The suggestion of an Avenue of Honour may have been originally put forward by Lady Irvine who was a member of the Welcome Home Committee. The Avenue of Honour was established to memorialise all those from Eltham who enlisted (some of whom were still fighting overseas at the time), similarly as the Shire of Eltham (Soldiers) Memorial Park was in tribute to all from the Shire who enlisted. The twenty-seven names of those killed from Eltham were engraved on the Eltham War Memorial Obelisk unveiled in 1919 at the corner of Main Road and Bridge Street. From an article in the Heidelberg News and Greensborough, Eltham and Diamond Creek Chronicle, September 22, 1917, p. 2, it was reported: Some few weeks ago a public meeting was held in the Eltham Rechabite Hall for the purpose of forming a committee to make necessary arrangements for the return of our brave lads from the front, with the result that the following officers were elected, viz., Sir William Irvine. president; Cr. R. D. Taylor, vice-president; Rev. T. W. Sapsford, secretary; Mr R. E. Gilsenan, treasurer; with a very strong committee of local residents. Lady Irvine then suggested that it would be nice to plant an Avenue of Honor, which was carried out in a very cheerful and spirited manner on Saturday afternoon. Cr Taylor and Mr R. E. Gilsenan occupied themselves during the fore-forenoon in getting the lining-out and other preliminaries ready, but shortly after one o'clock the willing workers could be seen wending their way towards the township, with picks, shovels. &c., on their shoulders, and in a very short time the gang at work was in appearance a very lively and pretty sight, the only thing that was missing was the camera, to have had a few snapshots taken. A little after 3 o'clock Sir William and Lady Irvine, and Mr W. Gray and family, arrived by motor. Cr Taylor then explained that their object in gathering together so hurriedly to plant the avenue was on account of the lateness of the season, and being offered 100 trees, free of charge, by Cr. Wm. G. Gray; of Allwood Nursery, Hurst's Bridge (for which the committee are deeply grateful to him and the public highly appreciate his generous offer). Sir Wm. Irvine then spoke at some length on the ravages of this cruel war, and the good that must result therefrom in bringing all closer together; he also referred to our brave lads who were fighting for us, and thought it was for those at home to show their appreciation by planting the Avenue of Honor. Lady Irvine thou proceeded to plant the first tree, which was an English oak: Sir William following by planting a Spanish chestnut; and Mrs W. G. Gray a sycamore. After that the gathering refired to the entrance of Mr R. E. Gilsenan's green paddock to partake of refreshments, which the ladies had kindly provided for the willing band of workers. Work was again taken to in earnest, and the planting finished, all being satisfied that they had done good work. At the Eltham Shire Council’s monthly meeting held May 6, 1918, Cr. Gray promised to give Council £20 to £25 worth of trees if the Council would plant and guard them. His desire was that a tree be planted in the name of every soldier lad who has gone to the front. Each tree was later adorned with a brass plaque with the name of a soldier and a wooden tree guard placed around them. Over the years many trees died, and following roadworks were replanted on a new alignment. Nillumbik Shire Council is continuing this process of replanting trees in a new alignment to move them away from overhead power lines and to clear the VicRoads reserve. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p119This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, avenue of honour, main road, eltham

Photocopies newspaper articles re pistol stolen from National Bank, Greensborough by Kay Arthur Morgan: The Argus 10 December 1949, The Age 16 December 1949, The Age 17 December 1949, The Canberra Times 14 February 1950, The Argus 23 February 1950, The Argus 23 February 1950. Newspaper article: Community's colorful shop, Diamond Valley News, 8 December 1951, agency of Heidelberg branch of Commercial Bank of Australia, built by Mr Stebbins, line drawing from pre-1900 photograph of building and streetscape. Photocopy newspaper article: Long golden history, Diamond Valley Leader, 1 August 1997, built by George Stebbing, currently an opportunity shop.main road, eltham, businesses, pistol theft, commercial bank of australia, kay arthur morgan, george stebbing builder, senior constable n forbes, senior detective m mcennamin, h d pettie, detective sergeant k hubbard, inspector f hobley, senior detective r newton, detective p pedersen, senior detective l dent, senior detective j oakes, l a spear

In 1855 the first post office opened in Eltham under the management of Thomas Hunniford. It was a weatherboard building located on the eastern side of Main Road just south of Bridge Street. During the 1880s under the managment of Hunniford's daughter, Anne, the building was modernised with a new awning and upper facade. In late 1925 a new brick building was erected immediately next door (820 Main Road). Following the death of Anne Hunniford in December 1928, J.N Burgoyne was appointed Postmaster. The extension to the right of the store was erected in 1939 for a new telephone exchange adjacent to the store and post office. A continuous telephone service operated by Mr Burgoyne and his family commenced operation 18 November 1939. Approximately 70 extensions were routed through the new exchange, 40 of which were transferred from the Greensborough Exchange. Entry to the exchange was via a separate door on Main Road or via the shop. The public telephone was initially mounted on the wall but later moved to the street. The present store is a barber shop and it remains, though heavily modified, one of only three remaining shop fronts from the early 1900s in Eltham. Comparison photo: SEPP_0700, 00140, SEPP_0701, SEPP_0702 Part of a presentation by Peter Pidgeon to the Society, 13 August 2022 showcasing a series of photographs taken by John Henry Clark over the period 1895 to 1930. John Henry Clark was the youngest of three boys born to William Henry Clark (1823-1877) and Maria White (1843-1914). He and his brothers, William Charles Clark (1872-1945), Clement Kent Clark (1874-1912) operated a photography business (Clark Bros.) from 25 Thomas Street, Windsor near Prahran during the period c.1894 to 1914. Following death of Clement in September 1912 and their mother in 1914, the Clark Bros business appears to have dissolved, the premises demolished, and a new house was under construction in 1915. John set up business independently in 1914 operating out of 29 Moor Street, Fitzroy where he is registered in the 1914 and 1915 Electoral Rolls. By 1916 John had relocated to Eltham where he continued his practice as a photographer and took many of the early images around the district of Little Eltham. Around 1930 John changed professions and opened a small cobbler's shop in 1931 near the pond opposite Dalton Street adjacent to the Jarrold family cottage. He never married and continued his profession as a bootmaker from this little shop, maintaining a close relationship with Mrs Jarrold for the rest of their lives. His bootmaker shop remains today beside the Whitecloud cottage and is one of only three remaining shops in the area from the early 20th century.Comparative photo taken 2022 with one taken from same location over 100 years earlier by noted local photographer J.H. ClarkBorn Digitaleltham, j.h. clark photo (2022), main road, 820 main road, burgoyne store

(Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Road) Realignment South of Alma Road, Panton Hill Opposite CA Sec., Parish of Greensborough March 1959Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, bridge construction, heidelberg-kinglake road, road construction, 1959-03, alma road, kangaroo ground-queenstown road, kangaroo ground-st andrews road, panton hill

Culvert at Patullo’s CA 34H1 Sec. B, Parish of Greensborough F. Wood Drott and truck Council crane August 1960Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, 1960-08, hurstbridge-arthurs creek road, bridge construction, bulldozer, cranes, drott, road construction

Contractor Hillgrove Curve improvement south of St Andrews opposite CA 41 Sec. C, Parish of Greensborough October 1960 (probably September)Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, bridge construction, road construction, heidelberg-kinglake road, st andrews, 1960-09

Reconstruction September 1960 Looking south towards Ironbark Gully and showing deviation on right – opposite CA 37 Sec. C, Parish of GreensboroughRecord of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, bridge construction, road construction, heidelberg-kinglake road, st andrews, 1960-09

Vol. 9, No. 1, Mar-Apr 2004 CONTENTS Comment 2 Coming to a festival near you 3 Eltham Jazz and Blues Festival 7 Marco Luccio - printmaker, by Clive Dickson 8 Easy Living at Dizzy's by Odette Kelada 10 Reading Arcadia by John Jenkins 12 Poetry News by Ian McBryde 14 Local Colour - photography by Bill Bachman 16 Tributes to Melanie Shanahan 18 Nel Douglas & the Murrumbeena Connection 20 Book Reviews 22 CD Review 24 War Memorial Sculptures 25 Artin' About 26 Wining & Dining 30 Art Services and Classes 32 "Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 36 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, city of whittlesea community festival, chris smither, mary coughlan, eliza carthy, alison brown quartet, music festivals, sushi wushi eltham, bundoora homestead, eltham jazz festival, marco luccio, warrandyte cafe, clive dickson, bahnhof cafe, montsalvat, eltham fullife pharmacy, nyora road gallery, john jenkins, latrobe university, poetry, ian mcbryde, potters, eltham gourmet poultry & game, eltham wiregrass gallery, bill bachman, melanie shanahan, neil douglas, murrumbeena collection, hurnall's decorative arts gallery, st andrews hotel, leigh conkie, greensborough war memorial park sculptures, il primo restaurant carlton, bulleen art & garden centre, northcote pottery, hurstbridge galleries, thompsons amcal pharmacy, bendigo bank, hurstbridge & districts community bank branch

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

The original bridge over the Plenty River was replaced by a single lane bridge each way fed by two lanes each way on either side. As traffic grew a second bridge was added to complete the divided road across the riverFilm - Kodak CM 400 5079 7 strips, 26 framesinfrastructure, roads, bridge construction, greensborough, main street bridge, road construction

Bridge over the Plenty River at Briar Hill before widening and alterations. The Plenty River at Briar Hill represented the boundary between the Shire of Eltham and the Shire of Diamond Valley. The bridge was known as the Carter Street Bridge as prior to 1969 Para Road, Briar Hill became Carter Street, Greensborough across the river. It was at this time that the name Para Road was continued and replaced Carter Street.35mm colour positive transparency blue Agfacolour Service plastic mount1969-07, briar hill, carter street bridge, para road, para road bridge, shire of diamond valley, shire of eltham, bridge, plenty river, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection

Brand new home under construction by Vizarje Homes, Greensborough at the launch of the Kinloch Gardens development, 12 new double and triple storey homes along a private road in the gardens of Kinloch, a mansion set on 2.4ha in Arthur St. The launch was attended by Planning Minister Rob Maclellan and Nillumbik Shire president Robert Marshall, Architects Graeme Gunn and Ian Jelbart and approximately 100 guests.7 images; digital file only; created from scan undertaken by EDHS of a set of 29 colour 10 x 15 cm prints vizarje homes, arthur street, jelbart property, kinloch, woodridge estate

Photo from G. Studley reproduced on p80 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979. "Interior of Saxam, Greensborough, 1896. Seated are Mr and Mrs Kaye. Standing is William Stanton, local footballer, councillor and later Mayor of Heidelberg. A Greensborough street is named after him. The house still remains and is now in the grounds of Churinga, Diamond Creek Road."Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmchuringa, diamond creek road, diamond valley story, fireplace, greensborough, groups, mr kaye, mrs kaye, saxam, william stanton

Photo sourced from Heidelberg Historical Society reproduced on p63 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979. "Willis Vale, Greensborough, situated on the north bank of the Plenty River at the end of Church Street. The home wasa built about 1840 by Jame Willis Mayger from bricks hand-made nearby. It was later passed to the Partington family and when this photo was taken the building was deserted. Vandals and finally a bushfire destroyed Willis Vale in the 1950s." Greensborough Historical Society has same image with more accurate information on the date/cause of fire damage https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/585b6c96d0ce2c1268f1c96b "House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough."Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmchurch street, diamond valley story, greensborough, james willis mayger, partington family, willis vale

June Meeting (Newsletter No. 228, Jun. 2016) Shortly after the First World War Ivan Thompson, a pharmacist in Fairfield, expanded into the Diamond Valley by opening pharmacies at Eltham, Greensborough and Watsonia. A small item in the Hurstbridge Advertiser on 20th July 1928 states that ‘Mr. Ivan J Thompson, well known chemist, has opened a branch at Eltham where all prescriptions will be dispensed.’ In the early 1950’s Norm Williams considered he was fortunate to be able to serve an apprenticeship with Ivan Thompson at his Eltham pharmacy. He was with the business when it moved in 1952 to the present site at 964 Main Road, Eltham, which was the first brick shop built in the Eltham Town Centre. In 1958 Ivan Thompson decided to sell his pharmacies. Harry Brown and Norm Williams were able to purchase the Eltham business and they continued in partnership until Mr. Brown’s death in 1971. By that time they had expanded with pharmacies in Fairfield and Lower Plenty. At our June meeting Norm Williams will speak about how Thompsons Pharmacy developed, while continuing to supply a range of services for generations of Eltham families. His stories, supported by a collection of personal photographs, will entertain as well as give an insight into how the Eltham shopping centre has changed over the years.0:46:09 duration Digital MP3 File 65 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, ivan thompson, norm williams, society meeting, thompson's pharmacy

Thursday, December 15, 1949, the quiet little bank was embroiled in an infamous wild shoot-out between a daring thief and two bank officers. Today, the building still carries the scars ; a bullet hole remains visible in a cedar bench testifying to the events that played out that day. 3.30 a.m., Friday, December 9. The manager of the Commercial Bank branch at Greensborough, Mr Harry Wallace and his wife are asleep in their bedroom of the little house behind the branch. Harry is awakened by a noise and sees an intruder in a corner of the bedroom. He calls out but the intruder who has switched off the power in anticipation flees through a side door and scarpers down Main Street. Harry summons the police but a search by First Constable Thomas of the Greensborough Police assisted by a wireless patrol car is unsuccessful. A report is filed noting the theft of a .25 calibre pistol from the wardrobe. Thursday, December 15th. It is 1pm and the Commercial Bank has just opened. The branch is only open Mondays and Thursdays from 1-3pm. The morning started off a little cool with some scattered showers but it has fined up and the temperature is now around 61 degrees (16 C). A new grey Singer sports car with soft-top pulls up on the opposite side of the road and a young man, neatly dressed in a dark blue suit, wearing a grey hat and carrying a brief case exits the vehicle. He looks around then crosses the road and walks up the steps and through the door into the bank. There are three people inside; Mr. Jack Burgoyne whose grocery store is situated just 50 yards up the road, Mr. Lindsay A. Spears, the Eltham Agency Receiving Officer and by chance, Mr Harry Wallace, manager of the Greensborough branch. Jack Burgoyne takes note of the young stranger; thinking to himself he appears nervous. The man approaches the counter and introduces himself as John Henderson of Greensborough and explains that he wishes to open a new account. He places his hat and £3 on the counter. Mr Spears attends to the paperwork. He asks the young man to sign two forms, which he does but then he withdraws from the counter and starts walking towards the door. Suddenly he spins around pulling an automatic pistol from his right-hand pocket. He exclaims forcefully; “The game’s on! I’ll take the lot!” Spears appears to comply by pretending to open a drawer. The man shouts loudly, “Keep your hand away from that drawer.” Spears instead reaches for a pistol in his pocket and challenges the man, “Here it is. Come and get it!” At the same time, Harry Wallace pulls a pistol from his pocket as well. The bandit fires a shot but misses, the bullet striking the counter. Both Spears and Wallace open fire and Jack Burgoyne ducks for cover. As the bandit turns and runs for the door leaving his £3 behind, he fires another shot, which strikes the ceiling. Spears fires back, and thinks he may have hit him in the foot. The bandit flees the bank and heads for the grey Singer car, registration NO-106, parked opposite. Wallace and Spears pursue him to the door and open fire again, striking the car three times around the driver’s door. Spears lets off eight shots and Wallace, seven before his gun jams. The getaway car initially heads slowly down Main Road towards Bridge Street. About 100 yards down the road, Dave Adams, a PMG employee, who has heard the shots, throws a steel manhole step at the driver. It hits the roof of the car nine inches above the driver’s head and tears the hood. Another witness claims to have seen the door blow open and the driver raise his hand. The car gathers speed and swings left into Bridge Street racing along at about 60 miles an hour careering recklessly past council employee, Mr. Percy Williams, who is driving a dray along Smarts Road [believed to be Bridge Street]. At the end of the road the Singer fails to get round the sharp turn and crashes into an embankment skidding to a stop outside the home of Mr John Clifford. One side of the car is wrecked. Mr Clifford, an aircraft engineer hears the fast travelling car bump heavily into the road bank at about 1.25 p.m. Hearing the whine of an engine he goes outside to find the grey Singer parked at the side of the road. Jack George also lives at the corner and hears the car crash. “The bandit opened the car door, ran 50 yards, and suddenly turned back,” exclaims Jack. “He took something from the car. It might have been a gun.” In his haste, the bandit drops his grey felt hat, size 6 7/8, on the road and dashes up Sherbourne Road for about 200 yards then disappears into the scrub carrying a brief case and a bundle in which a sailor’s cap can be seen. About 3 p.m., Mr H.D. Pettie of Mountain View Road, Montmorency is looking through his field glasses and notices a young man walking through thick scrub on private property some distance from his house. The man is wearing a sailor’s cap and disappears along the railway track toward Montmorency. As the day progresses, ten police cars, one motor cycle, and about 40 police led by Det. Sgt. McMennemin of Malvern CIB are searching for him. They believe he is hiding in thick scrub along the bank of the creek about half-a-mile outside Eltham township. Wireless patrol cars, four mobile traffic cars and the CIB area cars from Malvern and Kew are taking part. Police check the thief’s car and discover it was stolen from Helen Baxter, of Doncaster Road, North Balwyn from outside Victoria Barracks. Harry Wallace informs the police that he believes he recognised the bandit as the man who took his pistol from his bedroom the previous Friday morning. As night falls, armed police are posted at strategic points in the Eltham-Greensborough district. Police in cars are watching the roads. Others are searching the bush and checking passengers on trains. Little do they realise the young man has already slipped out of the net. SEQUEL YOUTH OF 19 CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY OF BANK AT ELTHAM Weekly Times, Wednesday 15 February 1950, page 6 Detectives who raided a house in Bell St., Coburg, Melbourne, charged a 19-year-old youth, of South Yarra, with attempted armed robbery at the Commercial Bank’s Eltham (Vic.) receiving depot on Dec. 15. Police say they recovered a loaded automatic pistol, diamond and signet rings worth more than £200, a complete set of house-breaking instruments, a sailor’s uniform, and chloroform gauze in the raid. The youth was charged that while armed with an offensive weapon, he attempted to rob Lindsay George Spears of a sum of money. He was further charged on six counts of breaking, entering and stealing. Police allege that the person who tried to hold up Mr Spears in the Commercial Bank receiving depot at Eltham on December 15. escaped in a stolen car, after Mr Spears and Mr Henry Wallace, manager of the bank’s Greensborough branch, had fired at him. After the car crashed, he escaped into thick scrub and is alleged to have changed into a sailor’s uniform. On December 9 an automatic pistol was stolen from Mr Wallace’s bedroom at the Greensborough bank. The chloroform pad recovered is alleged to have been stolen from the Dental Supply Company, Plenty Road, Preston. The rings are alleged to have been taken in a £513 burglary from the shop of James Paton. Sydney Road, Coburg. Det. Sgt. H. McMennemin conducted the investigations with Senior Dets. R. Newton and M Downie, Detectives l. Dent, R. Rayner, P. Pedersen and M. Handley and First Constable A. Thomas. The youth will appear at Eltham Court on February 22. Manager’s Gun Used in Holdup at Bank The Age, Thursday 23 February 1950, page 4 It was stated in Eltham court yesterday that a youth who robbed a bank manager of his pistol, later used it in an attempt to hold-up the bank. Kay Arthur Morgan, 19, draftsman, of Castle-street, South Yarra, was committed for trial on charges of breaking and entering, and stealing a pistol and attempted robbery while armed with an offensive weapon. He pleaded guilty. The manager of Eltham branch of the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd., Henry Clifton Cabot Wallace, said he disturbed someone in the bedroom, in which he and his wife were sleeping, at 3 a.m. on December. 9, 1949. Later he found that his automatic- pistol was missing. On December 15 a youth, who said his name was John Henderson, entered the bank and opened a new account. As the youth was leaving the bank he turned round with a pistol in his hand and said: — “I want the lot.” Spear indicated a drawer under the counter; and said.— “Here it is. Come and get it.” The youth said:— “Keep your hand away from that drawer.” Witness said Spear then drew his pistol from his hip pocket. The youth fired at them, and Spear returned the fire. “I pulled my pistol and fired, too” said witness. The youth fired again, ran out to a car and drove off. Witness and Spear fired several shots at the car. The youth was the accused Morgan, sitting in court, witness said. Evidence was given that one bullet was found in the celling and the other in the bank. Morgan was allowed £100 bail on each charge. Morgan ended up serving three years for the failed armed robbery and became a notorious criminal. He had twin sons, Peter and Doug and even though only ten years old, Morgan would get his sons to act as lookouts whilst he committed burglaries. The lads became building contractors but when the industry suffered a downturn in 1977 and they were short on cash, they returned to the family business. Over the following 23 months they undertook 24 raids on country and outer-suburban TABs and banks. Whilst robbing one country bank for the third time, just like their father, it all went wrong ending up with a police officer shot. They were nick-named the “After-dark” bandits and are considered to be Australia’s last bushrangers. They were convicted and served 17 years in prison.5 x A4 photocopied pagesbank hold-up, cba bank, det sgt mcmennemin, eltham, h.d. pettie, harry wallace, jack burgoyne, kay arthur morgan, lindsay a. spears, main road