Showing 5866 items
matching operations
-
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Keep Your Head Down by Nathan Mullins
Nathan Mullins deployed to Afghanistan as a Special Forces Commando. Spearheading Australia's Special Operations troops, he and other Australians like him sought the Taliban in the valleys and hills of Uruzgan through Afghanistan's harsh winter while at the same time attempting to bring a human face to the villagers caught in the middle of the fighting. They lived with the daily threat of roadside bombs, ambush and firefights, where survival meant learning to read the signs to determine friend from foe. And they did what they could to relieve the awful effects of war on the men, women and children of the civilian population caught in the crossfire. But these were not your regular soldiers. Sure, they had trained for years for the role but these were citizen soldiers, reservists who had put aside their usual jobs as salesmen, farmers, scientists, lawyers and students to fight Australia's 'war on terror'. Keep Your Head Down is a brutally honest, first-hand account that takes you into the centre of the action and asks some tough questions. What is Australia doing in Afghanistan? What would winning that war look like? What makes a man leave his family to go to war when he doesn't have to? Can there be such a thing as a just war? Nathan Mullins isn't a typical Special Forces soldier. In his day job he is the International Program Manager for Australian Aid International, a humanitarian organisation that responds to disasters and emergencies around the globe.soft cover bookaustralian special forces, australian commando, afghanistan -
Cheese World Museum
Licence, Pig Breeders Licence, 1903
The Uebergang family came from Silesia to Australia in 1848 and were early settlers in the Allansford area. The sons and other descendants also purchased farms in the area. The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992 after which the property was sold. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. The collection of items from their property was put into store for a number of years before being given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. The family often re-used, recycled and repaired items and examples can be seen in the museum. This item is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. The Warrnambool and District Pig Breeders', Agents and Buyers' Association was responsible for inspecting pigs. During the early 20th century the pig industry was included as part of the dairy industry. After milk was separated the cream went to the factory and the skim milk went back to the farm to feed the pigs. Early newspaper reports include information relating to the price of bacon in the list of dairy goods. Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory commenced a bacon factory in the early 1900s but it was a short-lived operation. This licence is significant as it assists in understanding the relationship between the dairy industry and the pig industry.A5 size paper with black printed details of the Warrnambool and District Pig Breeders', Agents' and Buyers' Association with the date of the licence, name of licensee and fee due.Warrnambool and District/Pig Breeders', Agents' and Buyers'/Association/Warrnambool, Oct 2 1903/To Mr C H Uebergang/Allansford/Sir,/I have the honor to inform you that the sum of £1-14 due by you for the inspection of your pigs, should be paid at once, and to request you to forward the same to me./I am, Sir,/Your obedient servant,/H.W. OSBORNE,/Secretary [on reverse in pencil] M Millard £20.16.0allansford, uebergang, pigs, pig breeders, dairy industry, agriculture, warrnambool and district pig breeders -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Jug, Hoffman Pottery Pty, Ltd, Circa 1929
The Hoffman company was established in 1870 to mass-produce bricks using the Hoffman patent kiln and the Bradley and Craven brick press. Once established the company entered a period of expansion aided by Melbourne's building boom from 1870 to 1890. During this time approximately ten brick machines were in operation producing some 18,000 bricks per hour. An extensive pottery works were established initially supplying mainly tiles and drainpipes and later domestic pottery such as the company's Melrose ware. The company even had its locomotive shunt the works siding which connected with the Victorian Railways at South Brunswick. By 1890 Hoffman was the largest brick and pottery works in Victoria, however, the 1890s depression halted company expansion. The company joined the Brick Co-operative when it was formed in 1896. The cooperative regulated prices and output from member brickworks. As the depression ended business picked up and the works were expanded to increase the production of stoneware pottery, especially domestic wares. The brickworks, however, never recovered the momentum of the early period. During the 1920s and 1930s, the works gradually ran down, and following the Second World War, production reached an all-time low. The No.1 works were stripped and sold. (For further information regards Hoffman Kilns see note section of this document.) An item made in Melbourne by at the time the largest pottery works in Australia making industrial and domestic wares for the home and building industries. Stoneware Demijohn jug with cream and brown glaze. Printed around base of jug, MELBOURNE, 1929"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jug, melbourne, 1929, stoneware jug, hoffman potteries -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Book - Local Government Act First Report of the Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges
This file contains 1 item: 1/The Local Government Act, First Report of the Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, printed by order of the Victorian Legislative Assembly on 08/03/1865. The document is the first annual report of John Steavenson, Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges under s330 of the Local Government Act no. 176 (1863), and relates to transactions which took place from 02/09/1863 to 31/12/1864. The report outlines operations carried out by the Department of Roads and Bridges in this period. In the Glen Eira area this includes: separating electoral subdivisions of single districts (Moorabbin), adding detached portions of territory to road districts and shires (Caulfield), appointing of and altering in polling places, appointing of polling places for ridings of shires and subdivisions of road districts (Moorabbin), preparing and transmitting of forms of books also of pro forma accounts for guidance of local bodies in keeping their accounts, appointment of main roads, construction of a main road, ‘Dandenong’, in the Caulfield and Gardiner districts, proclaiming of Common Toll Roads, names of and security given by Managers of Common Toll Roads. The report also gives some information about the Shire of Caulfield, which contained 24 road districts and 340 rate payers in 8¼ square miles, and the Shire of Moorabbin, which contained 62 road districts and 713 rate payers in 30 square miles.local government act, assistant commissioner of roads and bridges, legislative council, caulfield historical soceity, steavenson john, sullivan j. f. the honourable, caulfield, moorabbin, road districts, point nepean road, nepean highway, dandenong road, princes highway, brown edwin, osher joseph, cosgrove john, ferres john, roads and bridges offices, caulfield roads district, moorabbin roads district, road construction and maintenance, roads and streets, acts of parliament -
Federation University Historical Collection
Unknown - Object, Allan Mine Cage Safety Brake, c1873, c1873
A mining safety cage was used in a mine lift. It was fitted with mechanisms to prevent the cage from dropping if the lifting rope broke. In the 1870s in Victoria, deaths and injuries from falling cages in vertical shafts of gold mines were a major problem. The inventor of this safety cage was Robert Allan, a machinery maker of Creswick Rd, Ballarat. He said his cage featured a ‘dissolving’ fulcrum. Others called it an eccentric (off centre) system. Note the pair of clutch levers designed to grab the side guides if tension ceases in the suspending rope from the poppet head pulley. Also, the hinged ‘lids’; designed to protect miners trapped in a braked cage from falling rope, and to enable rescue of the miners. This model was presented to The Ballarat School of Mines Council in November 1876. This model was shown at the Smeaton Show in November 1874, Ballarat School of Mines Museum from 1876, and examined by the 1879 Victorian Board of Inquiry (Pg 15 of FedUni Catalogue 3437) From the Argus of 13 November 1874: At Smeaton Show, Robert Allan of Ballarat won 1st prize for a Model of a Mining Cage, a Butter working machine, a Cheese press and a Curd Mill. By 1878 an Allan Safety-Cage was in operation in the Number 6 shaft of the Band and Albion Consols mine in Ballarat. This cage was judged the best inspected by the Victorian Board of Inquiry by 1879, p. 39.Mining was a big industry in Ballarat in the late 1800s and a lot of deaths were recorded because of mining accidents, the development of the mining safety cage brake limited the deaths and injuries from falling cages in vertical shafts. The model also has links to the Ballarat School of Mines, being presented to the council in 1876. Ballarat School of Mines is the oldest Technical School in Australia and is a predecessor of Federation University. The model is significant to Ballarat's mining history.Model of a mine safety cafe. A grey painted wooden frame with metal model of cage and safety brake system. When tension ceases in rope a pair of crutch levers grab strongly onto the wooden guide strips which run down the sides of a vertical shaft. This safety cage was discussed in "Safety Mining Cages. Report of the Board of Enquiry on Safety Cages 1878-9; together with proceedings of the Board and Appendices".safety cage, mine cage safety brake, robert allan, model, safety cage model, machine maker, millwright, mining, gold mining, tools, equipment, victorian board of inquiry -
Federation University Historical Collection
Postcards - black and white, Saint-Omex, France, c1916
During the First World War on 8 October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in Saint-Omer and a headquarters was established at the aerodrome next to the local race course. For the following four years, Saint-Omer was a focal point for all RFC operations in the field. Although most squadrons only used Saint-Omer as a transit camp before moving on to other locations, the base grew in importance as it increased its logistic support to the RFC. Many Royal Air Force squadrons can trace their roots to formation at Saint-Omer during this period. Among which are No. IX Squadron RAF which was formed at Saint-Omer, 14 December 1914 and No. 16 Squadron RAF which was formed on 10 February 1915. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014) During World War II, the Luftwaffe used the airfield. When the RAF's legless Battle of Britain ace, Douglas Bader, parachuted from his Spitfire during an aerial battle over France, he was initially treated at a Luftwaffe hospital at Saint Omer. He had lost an artificial leg when bailing out, and the RAF dropped him another one during a bombing raid.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014)Four postcards of Saint Omer in Francechatham-holmes family collection, saint omer, france, ww1, postcard -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Major General, Sir Hector Archibald MacDonald - South Africa
In 1870 MacDonald joined the Inverness-shire Highland Rifle Volunteers and in 1871 enlisted in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders. He rose rapidly through the noncommissioned ranks. His distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy during the Second Afghan War led to him being offered either a Victoria Cross or a commission with his regiment. He chose the latter. He served in the First Boer War and at the Battle of Majuba Hill made prisoner. At the Battle of Omdurman (1898), the British commander Lord Kitchener was assisted by the skillful manoeuvring of MacDonald and his men in overcoming the Dervishes. Due to this MacDonald was promoted to colonel, appointed an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria and received a cash reward. In Scotland MacDonald was regarded the true hero of Omdurman, not Kitchener. In 1899 he was seconded to command a military district in India but with the outbreak of war in South Africa, he was ordered to command the Highland Brigade, under Lord Roberts and his Chief of Staff, Lord Kitchener. MacDonald arrived in Cape Town and assumed command of the Highland Brigade stationed at Modder River with rank of Major-general. He took part in the Battle of Paardeberg and later operations in Bloemfontein and Pretoria. In 1901 he was knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath In1902 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of British Troops in Ceylon with the temporary rank of major-generalIndividual image taken from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.hector macdonald, highland rifle volunteers, gordon highlanders, noncommissioned, second afghan war, victoria cross, first boer war, battle of majuba hill, battle of omdurman, lord kitchener, lord roberts, aide-de-camp, queen victoria, dervishes, cape town, highland brigade, modder river, battle of paardeburg, bloemfontein, pretoria, knight commander of the order of the bath, commander-in-chief, ceylon -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Newsletter CMHS Nov. 2014, Moorabbin Mirror Vol. 1 November 2014, November 2014
This is Vol. 1 of the Moorabbin Mirror produced by CMHS members Fran & Holger Bader November 2014 The Moorabbin Mirror reflects the history and heritage of the former City of Moorabbin — derived from Mooroobin, ‘a resting place’ in the Bunurrung spoken language. In 1994, the City of Moorabbin was integrated into the Cities of Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston and Monash. CMHS members are informed of the Local Government Mayors , CMHS Committee of Management Members, CMHS Operations & Projects and General Members Meeting Dates. Articles about the K.G Putt Memorial Centre Bentleigh Elderly Citizens Club 60th Anniversary Celebration and the induction of locally born Aviator Harry Hawker 1889-1921 into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame at Wagga Wagga, on 8 Nov 2014. Following our success in obtaining the PROV Grant in May 2014 Lindie Ward, Museums Mannequins Ltd, brought the new mannequin for the Mary Box Wedding Dress to Box Cottage in August and showed members how to present the dress. In September the new Museum Display Cabinet from TASHCO Pty Ltd, Corio was delivered.The unveiling of the Dress in the Cabinet was celebrated on September 10th by CMHS members with special guests Elizabeth Miller MP Bentleigh and Elizabeth Triarico , History and Heritage Co-ordinator GECC. Also notes of local interest regarding McKinnon Secondary College 60th Anniversary and the success of the Bentleigh Greens Soccer Club .This is Vol. 1 of the Moorabbin Mirror, Newsletter of CMHS November 2014 A4 x 4 pages in pdf and printed form of Vol. 1 Moorabbin Mirror, November 2014MOORABBIN MIRROR / NEWSLETTER OF THE CITY OF MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (CMHS)moorabin, ormond, public records office victoria, ward lindie, miller elizabeth mp, triarico elizabeth, box mary, box alonzo, early settlers, pioneers, putt k. g., hawker harry, tashco pty ltd, australian aviation hall of fame, bentleigh greens soccer club, mckinnon secondary college, cheltenham, moorabbin airport, museum mannequins ltd -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Print, 1943
During World War II, the city of Modane in the southeast region of France was bombed on 13 or 17 September 1943 by Allied aircraft. The objective of the bombing was the station, an important centre of transit between France and Italy. The bombing caused 60 victims and 100 houses were destroyed. A second bombing took place on the night of 10–11 November 1943. Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command.included: - 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944. The significance of this item records the names of the Lancaster aircraft flight crew which took part in the second allied bombing of Modane a small city in the south eastern region of France which was an important centre of transit between France and Italy during the second world war. The bombing took place on the 10-11 November 1943 killing five civilians.oval shaped copy of black and white photograph of a Lancaster plane above scroll containing names of servicemen.Modane 10/11.11.1943 Signatures of Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Tull and Flight Sergeant Boysdistinguished flying cross, world war two, air force, modane, france, pilot officer john hudson wilkinson -
National Wool Museum
Pamphlet - Newsletter, Invictette - Invicta's 40th Anniversary, 1986
Invicta Mills was one of final two remaining blanket mills of the forty that had been in operation in Australia when Invicta first began trading in 1946. This Newsletter chronicles many key milestones of this significant Textile enterprise that began humbly and grew to champion the Australian wool industry here and internationally. This typed internal company Newsletter included transcripts of the speeches made at the 1986 Annual Ball to commemorate the company’s achievements at the 40 Year mark. The Newsletter contains information about the history of the company; its’ owners, staff, wholesale customers, suppliers etc. This included the relationship with former Mayor Ron Walker. Also mentioned are the various international Wool Mark Awards the firm won for the blankets designed and produced over several decades. The Business Owner’s Speech at the Commemoration Ball “40 Years” by Mr Leon Korsica is recorded in the final pages. It tells the story of the beginnings and development of the business: its challenges, successes and some stories about key people. Invicta was a multicultural enterprise employing people from 40+ nationalities, many of whom were lifelong employees. It included former German soldiers despite the Company owners were Jewish, with much of the workforce being part of the first wave of post WWll migrants from all over Europe. Page 5 is typed in Vietnamese, a testament to the multicultural nature of the company.14 A4 pages make up the newsletter with printing on both front and back. Only black Ink has been used in the Newsletter with picture and words making up the contents of all these pages.invicta mills -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Bessibelle Drystone Sheep Wash, 2016, 24/04/2016
The Bessiebelle Sheepwashes and Yards complex is located on the former 14,000 acre Ardonachie Run, established in 1848 by pastoralist Samuel Gorrie, then carrying 6,000 sheep. In 1864 this run was subdivided into smaller runs, and the sheep washes were located within Mount Eccles and Lake Gorrie Run. The date of construction of the washes and walls is not known, although they were probably constructed within the period 1848-1864. The Bessiebelle Sheepwashes and Yards are probably the largest and most sophisticated surviving example of a traditional pastoral property sheepwash in Victoria. They clearly demonstrate the large network of races, yards and folds necessary for washing thousands of sheep over a short period of time. The Bessiebelle sheep washes apparently predate later technological changes and the necessity for hot water washing. The Bessiebelle sheepwashes and yards are of landscape significance as a cultural landscape which has been both modified by, and cleverly adapted to, an annual process that was of critical importance within the pastoral calendar. The drystone walls and races appear to evolve from the rocky terrain, and have a strong organic affinity with the prevailing harsh landscape. The drystone walls demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and skill in their construction, and reflect the extensive scale of pastoral operations across the landscape. The Bessiebelle sheepwashes and yards are of archaeological significance to the State of Victoria. The site has not been fully surveyed but its complexity strongly suggests a potential to reveal more about the washing processes and associated pastoral occupation and activity in the area.(Heritage Victoria)drystone, bessibell, sheep race, sheep wash, agriculture -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Photograph
John J. Huntly appears to have been the only licensee of the Royal Oak Hotel, built in 1858. He was a Councillor of the Municipality of Belfast at the time and later became the Secretary of the newly formed Minhamite Shire in 1872. By 1861 D. Smith appears as the licensee of the now named Commercial Hotel. In 1877 it was offered for sale—the building described as “Built of bluestone with slate roof, having a frontage to Bank street of 106 feet, 6 inches. Accommodation consists of twelve bedrooms, eight sitting rooms, bathroom, bar and cellar and detached kitchen also of bluestones, with outside offices. Around this time beside its usual business the hotel had various rooms for visiting doctors and a dentist. Dr. Berncastle, who was associated with the Sydney Eye Infirmary, performed several operations there on those suffering from cataracts. It was the meeting place for the Port Fairy Freemasons, before their Lodge was built in James street, and all the local sporting clubs, at one time or another. The sign on the hotel states "Fitzgerald's Commercial Hotel" more research is being undertaken as to this owner or lessee. The veranda was added in 1900. The name Royal Oak was restored this century, but the name Commercial Hotel can still be seen in the leadlight window over the front entrance. The hotel has now been transformed into apartments and a restaurant called the Oak and Anchor Image of the hotel at an earlier timeBlack and white photograph of Two story bluestone painted commercial hotel with large verandah car at kerbhotel, building, bank street, john j huntly, d smith, royal oak, commercial, fitzgerald, kemp, oak and anchor -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Flyer, Bolton Brothers Printers, J.H. Abbott & Co, c 1880
In 1867 J.H. Abbott established the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife Anne took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street and was successful in creating a successful business. In 1876, the leather business of T. Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J. H. Abbott & Co. A number of branches of the business had been established in the early 1900s. In 1959 the Pall Mall business relocated to 291 Hargreaves Street. The whole business was soon after consolidated and conducted from the Market Square branch (Lyttleton Terrace) as the Abbott Supply Company. Harold Abbott, the last of the family to work in the business, died in 1979. In 1980 the business shifted to a new purpose-built store and warehouse on the corner of Abel & Deborah Streets, Bendigo. Sandhurst Trustees administered the business from 1979 until its sale in 1986. He was elected to the Sandhurst Borough Council and in 1860 became chairman of the municipality.Two single colour printed gatefold flyer on green paper advertising J.H. Abbott and Co.'s boot and shoe store on Pall Mall Bendigo. Contains information on products and the fitting services provided in store for customers. chairman of sandhurst borough, anne abbott, city of greater bendigo commerce -
Parks Victoria - Gabo Island Lightstation
Insulators
Modern communications technology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. This type of insulator was usually used with radio antennae wires, telegraph and radio antennae equipment. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Five, knuckle-shaped white glazed ceramic examples are associated with radio antennae wires. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation, and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. .The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFive white glazed ceramic insulators. Knuckle bone sized, oval shaped with one opening at either end. All five are the same. -
Parks Victoria - Gabo Island Lightstation
Insulators
Modern communication tecnology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. These and other cylindricial insulators were associated with the original 1870 copper wire telegraph line and later the P.M.G. line. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Two bell-shaped insulators are made of clear glass, one with remains of wooden dowel inside. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of theseremain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened.The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,231 and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenance1. Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge. Has remains of wooden dowell inside. 2.Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge.Around lower edge on opposite sides,"C.C / 42" -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - David Naldrett and Rex McDonnell, 1982
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. The first railway union in the world was created in Melbourne in 1861 when twenty locomotive drivers banded together to form the Locomotive Engine Drivers Association of Victoria. The forerunner to the A.F.U.L.E., the Association continues today and is the oldest continuous railway union in the world.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.A photo of David Naldrett, AFULE Chairman and Rex McDonnell, Branch Secretary, conducting a meeting in Wodonga in 1982. AFULE is the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees.railways wodonga, fred rochow, afule, railways workers unions -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Members at A.F.U.L.E meeting in Wodonga
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community The first railway union in the world was created in Melbourne in 1861 when twenty locomotive drivers banded together to form the Locomotive Engine Drivers Association of Victoria. The forerunner to the A.F.U.L.E., the Association continues today and is the oldest continuous railway union in the world.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.A group members at a branch meeting of the A.F.U.L.E in Wodonga.Left to right: Mick Bergin, Mick Seymour, Mick O’Brien, Les Hallawell, John Wortman, John Hickey, Fred Rochow, Kevin Hammond, Ray Newton, Paul Hines, Peter Murnane, Paul Byrne, Keith Porter, Benny Hill, Mick Mathews, Keith Moore.fred rochow, victorian railways wodonga, railway employees wodonga, railway trade unions, australian federated union of locomotive enginemen -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - First standard gauge passenger train from Sydney to Melbourne, 13 April 1962
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. S Class Locomotives - The eighteen members of the S Class were ordered in two batches by the Victorian Railways from Clyde Engineering for express passenger and freight workings, with the final eight locomotives ordered specifically to work the North-East standard gauge line. Many were named after prominent Victorians.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.The first standard gauge passenger train from Sydney to Melbourne pulled by Locomotive S314. This was made possible when part of Australia's gauge problem was solved with the construction of a new standard gauge line. The new line was a 317 km long line running from Albury, NSW, parallel to the existing broad gauge line to Melbourne, connecting Australia's two largest cities by standard gauge. S314 entered service on 24 April 1961 and was named after Sir John O'Shannassy who was the second Premier of Victoria. The S314 pulled the first passenger train to travel straight through from Sydney to Melbourne on 13 April 1962. On the morning of 7th February 1969, the southbound Southern Aurora collided head-on with a northbound goods train near Violet Town, Victoria. The Locomotive S314 was hauling the goods train and was destroyed by the impact of the collision. On front of locomotive "S314" On banner below Coat of Arms "FIRST STANDARD GAUGE PASSENGER TRAIN / SYDNEY - MELBOURNE/ APRIL 13 - 1962"railways wodonga, fred rochow, walker rail motor vehicles, wodonga to tallangatta rail service -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Australians Advancing from Villers-Brettonneux. August 8th 1918, 1918
A greeting card published by the Australian Comforts Fund for Christmas and New Year 1918-19. It shows important battles involving Australians in 1918. A painting of Villers Brettonneux battle on 8 August 1918 by Captain Will Longstaff who was an A.I.F. War Artist with an explanation of the offensive. Also a painting of the capture of Hamel Village on 4th July 1918 where Australians were assisted by a detachment of Americans. The war artist was A. Pearse. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from J.B. McLean. Some of the text: 'On the night of 24th August 1918, the Australians made a daring and clever counter attack in the darkness, recaptured Villers-Brettonneux, stopped the German advance and saved Amiens. This, and the Battle of Hamel, were only a prelude to the smashing advance which commenced on 8th August. Extract from Australian Corps Order, issued on 7th August:- "For the first time in the history of this Corps all five Australian Divisions will tomorrow engage in the largest and most important battle operation ever undertaken by the Corps." 85,000 Australians were engaged (with Canadians on their right and British Divisions on their left), supported by powerful artillery, tanks and aeroplanes. In this battle 7,000 prisoners, 150 guns with an immense number of machine guns and war material were captured. On August 31st and September 1st and 2nd Mont St. Quentin and Peronne fell to the Australians in three days, defeating the flower of the Prussian Guard.'A example of publications made for the troops in World War 1.A greeting card published for the Australian Comforts Fund in 1918.Greetings from Billworld war one, souvenir -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - MEN'S BLACK WOOLLEN SWIMMING TRUNKS, 3/10/1943
Donated by the great niece of Richard Harry Adams Flight Sergeant Richard Harry Adams, Date of birth 6/2/1922. Place of birth, Brighton Victoria. Brighton State School and Hampton High School. Completed Merit Certificate on 18.12.1936. Enrolled in architectural draughtsman course at Melbourne Technical College May 1938 - May 1940. Occupation in civil life Architectural Draughtsman, applied for RAAF air crew 30.4.1940. Listed sports and games: running swimming, tennis, shooting, bicycle riding, cricket, camping, 8 years' scouting experience and a member of the YMCA. Enlisted 21.6.1941. Conflict/operation: 2nd World War,1939-1945, Height 5'11'', Weight 10 stone 5 lbs. NoK: Father Albert Ward Adams, Rate collector. Place of enlistment, Melbourne. Service No. 409012. Embarked at Sydney 2.11.1941. Service RAAF No. 1449 Flight (RAF). Date of death, 3.10.1943. Place of death Scilly Islands, Cornwall, UK. Aircraft: Hurricane WL BD 729 - Single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighters/fighter bombers. Casuality notification for ''P'' file. Name:409012 F/Sgt. ADAMS, R, H. Att. RAF U.K. Nature of casualty: Missing believed, killed air.ops from UK. Casualty Report No. 280. Date 3 October 1943. C.D. 155/43 ZMen's black woollen swimming trunks. Wide ribbed horizontal pattern. Front skirt panel over trunks. Decorative double line of black and white zig zag seams forming belt keeper loops at waist. Embroidered patch on lower front of LHS with a picture of a sailing yacht. White cotton woven belt with silver coloured clip fastener.costume, male, swimming trunks -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Plan, Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works : Borough of Kew : Detail Plan No.1296, 1904
The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria)This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey). This area was once known as O’Shaughnessy’s Paddock. O’Shaughnessy was the licensee of the Kew Hotel. The ‘Paddock’ or farm was for many years the closest farm to Melbourne. By 1903, when this plan was surveyed and lithographed, little of the farm remained. The area is dominated by a ‘clay hole’, on the site of the current Foley Reserve. It was used by Smart’s Brickyard from the 1880s until 1911, when the Council purchased it for a rubbish dump. It is notable as the site is one of the few industrial operations to have existed in Kew. By 1903, urban development was characterised by larger houses fronting Barkers Road and brick and weatherboard villas in Foley Street. Nearer the pit, weatherboard houses predominated. Foley Street bisected the triangular block and continued right to Denmark Street. At this stage, a house impeded the through road, only allowing access via a right of way to High Street.melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, mmbw 1296, cartography -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Administrative record - Mining Reports, Government Printer, Melbourne, Colony of Victoria quarterly and annual mining reports - 1860s 1870s & 1880s, 1865 - 1883
Colony of Victoria mining reports show any Ringwood mine references under Castlemaine District, St. Andrews Subdivision. Noteworthy for Ringwood: - Death of Pierce Boardman, mining manager at New Ringwood Mining Co., accidentally killed when he lost his footing and fell to a depth of 40 feet on 1st January 1879. - William White injured in truck accident at New Ringwood Antimony Tribute Company, 31st March 1882.Boxed collection of soft and hard bound reports including: 1. Quarterly Colony of Victoria reports of the Mining Surveyors & Registrars, Victoria, 1865-1881 - Summary of gold mining statistics for the quarter - Tables showing the yield of gold from certain parcels of quartz raised during the quarter in some of the deepest mines in Victoria with depth of the deepest shafts, levels, cross-cuts, etc. - Estimated yield of gold and quantity of gold exported during the quarter - Gold received and issued from the Royal Mint during the quarter - Summary of yield of gold from quartz, tailings, etc., crushed during the quarter - Summary of yield of gold from washdirt and cement washed and crushed during quarter - Number and distribution of miners on the goldfields of the colony. 2. 1879-82 Hard bound volume - Chief Inspector of Mines Reports to the Honorable Minister of Mines, Victoria. (Includes fatal and non-fatal accident reports, mining operations, and employment statistcs.) Noteworthy for Ringwood: - Death of Pierce Boardman, mining manager at New Ringwood Mining Co., accidentally killed when he lost his footing and fell to a depth of 40 feet on 1st January 1879. - William White injured in truck accident at New Ringwood Antimony Tribute Company, 31st March 1882. 3. Mineral Statistics for Victoria - annual reports for years 1867, 1871, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1878, & 1879. 4. Handwritten study notes.antimony, boardman, william white -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - COHN BROTHERS COLLECTION: DEED OF ASSOCIATION OF THE VICTORIAN ASSOCIATED BREWERS DATED 1916
Folded ten page 'Deed of Association' of the Victorian Associated Brewers dated First day Of June 1916, prepared by Pavey,Wilson & Cohen, Solicitors 360 Collins Street Melbourne. Breweries subject to the Agreement ; Carlton & United Breweries, Melbourne Co-Operative Brewery, Ballarat Brewing Company, Bendigo United Co-Operative Breweries, Fitzgeralds Brewing & Malting Co Castlemaine Limited, Cohns Bros Victoria Brewery, Bryant & Co Proprietary [Stawell] John James Breheny, Thomas Breheny, Peter Martin Breheny and James Patrick Breheny [Breheny Bros Sale] William Shiel and John Shiel Trustees of deceased elder William Shiel ,and younger William Shiel, Walter Garnet Bryant, William John Bryant and Cyharles William Bryant [Bryant & Shiel Bros Wangaratta] Isaac George Hodges and Harry Barkly Hodges [Hodges Bros Geelong] Bryant & Shiel [Shepparton] Breheny Bros & Kenna's Warrenheip , Elizabeth Chamberlain, George Nelson Chamberlain and Charles Cohen [Trustees of the Estate Charles Chamberlain dec and Thos Pritchard [Pritchard & Chamberlain] Francis Mary M'Gee [Sheldrick & Co, Warnambool] Murray Breweries [Beechworth],. Document outlines operation and conditions of Breweries listed. Retail Minimum Price List shows names of various alcoholic drinks and their recommended prices for 1916.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, recommended alcoholic drink price for 1916. the 1916 victorian associated brewers 'deed of association'. -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Gas X-ray Tube
The investigation of the x-ray appears early on to have been a priority research topic at the University of Melbourne’s School of Physics. This interest was sparked by the appointment in 1889 of Professor T.R. Lyle. Lyle, who was head of the school until 1915, is thought to have been the first person in Australia to have taken an x-ray photograph. A copy of this photograph can be found in the School of Physics Archive. For this particular experiment Lyle actually made his own x-ray tube. His successor, Professor Laby, continued to work with x-rays. During the 1920s Laby worked on the x-ray spectra of atoms and in 1930 he co-published with Dr. C.E. Eddy, Quantitative Analysis by X-Ray Spectroscopy. Also with Eddy, Laby produced the landmark paper Sensitivity of Atomic Analysis by X-rays. Laby went on to have an x-ray spectrograph of his own design manufactured by Adam Hilger Ltd. (see cat. No. 38). School of Physics, the University of Melbourne Cat. No. 22. Jacqueline Eager Student Projects Placement, Cultural Collections 2005 The original X-ray tubes relied on low pressure operation. The electrons and positive ions are produced in the residual gas. Positive ions are accelerated towards the cathode and release electrons which on hitting the anode produce X-rays. These early gas X-ray tubes operated satisfactory only over a narrow pressure range. Stamped Label: “NATURAL PHILOSOPHY LABORATORY/ No/ UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE” Stamped: “90268 M. No. 5171[??]/No. 2156[??]/ M. No. 346585.” x-ray tubes, gas x-ray tube, laby, spectroscopy -
The Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
Gas X-ray Tube, Victor
The investigation of the x-ray appears early on to have been a priority research topic at the University of Melbourne’s School of Physics. This interest was sparked by the appointment in 1889 of Professor T.R. Lyle. Lyle, who was head of the school until 1915, is thought to have been the first person in Australia to have taken an x-ray photograph. A copy of this photograph can be found in the School of Physics Archive. For this particular experiment Lyle actually made his own x-ray tube. His successor, Professor Laby, continued to work with x-rays. During the 1920s Laby worked on the x-ray spectra of atoms and in 1930 he co-published with Dr. C.E. Eddy, Quantitative Analysis by X-Ray Spectroscopy. Also with Eddy, Laby produced the landmark paper Sensitivity of Atomic Analysis by X-rays. Laby went on to have an x-ray spectrograph of his own design manufactured by Adam Hilger Ltd. (see cat. No. 38). School of Physics, the University of Melbourne Cat. No. 22. Jacqueline Eager Student Projects Placement, Cultural Collections 2005 The original X-ray tubes relied on low pressure operation. The electrons and positive ions are produced in the residual gas. Positive ions are accelerated towards the cathode and release electrons which on hitting the anode produce X-rays. These early gas X-ray tubes operated satisfactory only over a narrow pressure range. Manufacturer’s mark stamped: “PATENTED/ VICTOR/ TRADEMARK/ MADE IN BOSTON U.S.A./ TUNGSTEN” A white circular stamp, stamped near the manufacturer’s mark: “[illegible]TER WIGGH[illegible]” Stamped label: “NAT. PHIL. LAB./ No./ UNIV. OF MELB.” Inscription on the end face of the copper piece: “PAT. SEP 5’ 11 DEC. 30’13/ JUNE 23, 14 NOV. 30.15/ 43835” -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) and The Courier Ballarat, Bolte promise on trams, Mar. 1962
Yields information about the views of various letter writers, special trains for the Begonia Festival and issues re costs.Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with 7 newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 2 and 3 March 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. One cutting missing. 1 - "Tram Repairs" - 2/3/62 - Letter from R Courtney local Secretary of the Union, regarding the cost of new trams, tracks needed to and Geelong fares raised shortly before closure and then again afterward. 2 - Letter - 2/3/62 - signed by a tram driver regarding repairs of tram faults 3 - "Bolte re Promise on trams" - 2/3/62 - representations to Bolte by the Opposition leader Stoneham and protested to the Minister Mr. Reid 4 - "Special Train for Festival visitors" - The Mail, - 2/3/62 - re visit to Ballarat by the PMG Social club on 11/3 for the Begonia Festival 5 - "Sunday tour Festival City" - re a special train to Ballarat and being met by buses. 6 - "Trams Future" - 3/3/62 - 3 letters re costs of operations - two man trams, bus costs will be based on one man, trams are clean vehicles no emissions, Apex Club issues. 7 - "To Discuss Trams" - 3-3-62 - result of a Greater Ballarat Association meeting.closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, begonia festival, greater ballarat association -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Colour Print/s - set of 30, Carolyn Dean, 2004
Set of 30 colour prints, taken by C. Dean from 30/10/2004 to 2/1/2005 of the rebuilding of the sub-station and initial tramway operations. .1 - Interior view of substation after transformer removed - 30/10/2004 .2 - ditto .3 - ditto .4 - ditto .5 - G.Wood, A. Reither working on the re-building of the walls. .6 - Temporary door .7 - Sign on No. 39 - "There are no trams running today". .8 - COTMA Storage shed frame at Bungaree - 2/12/2004 .9 - 38 outside shed, pending delivery of the transformer - 17/12/2004 .10 - 38 and 1 ditto .11 - ditto .12 - The box arrives - with forklift and G. Wood .13 - unpacked .14 - ditto - with P.Mong .15 - ditto .16 - ditto .17 - P.Mong checking delivery .18 - moving into position - G.Wood and P.Mong .19 - ditto .20 - ditto with Pallet mover. .21 - In position .22 - ditto .23 - No. 40 being repainted .24 - 38 and 1 outside the shed .25 - framing the new walls .26 - ditto .27 - new device frame .28 - The BTM big band - re-opening day - 26/12/2004 .29 - ditto - Sam Boon .30 - No. 26 and that road traffic - cars! - Wendouree Parade - 2/1/2005Each photo has on rear in ink "date", "number" and "Photo by Carolyn Dean"btm depot, substation, wendouree parade, tram 38, tram 1 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Digital image Set of 10, Tony Smith, 19/09/1971 12:00:00 AM
Yields information about Ballarat Tramways and trams prior to the closure of the tramway system.Set of 10 digital images of Ballarat trams prior to closure, scanned from original slides by Tony Smith, 1971 prior to closure of the system. This set of slides appears to be the last day of operations - 19/9/1971 .1 - 40 in Drummond St Nth. near Macarthur St, showing Sebastopol. .2 - 35 turning from Drummond St north into Sturt St with the Southern Cross hotel in the background. Note the shoes in the overhead. .3 - 42 in Drummond St North, showing Special, nearing Sturt St. .4 - 42 turning into Sturt St, with the Shell Service station on the left. .5 - 42 reversing on the Lydiard St Nth crossover with the post office in the background. Tram showing Sebastopol. .6 - 39 reversing at Grenville St, tram showing Special. Has the Dickins and the Gasometer in the background. the conductor adjusting the trolley ropes. .7 - 39 running from Bridge St into Sturt St - as above. .8 - 34 and 39? parked in the City Loop. Has Patersons furniture, Gear Chemist and Edments stores in the background. .9 - 43 showing special at the Sturt and Lydiard St stop with 39? about to leave Lydiard St Nth. Has the post office in the background. .10 - 40 at the Lydiard St North terminus, with passengers boarding. Cemetery gates in the background.trams, tramways, drummond st nth, macarthur st, sturt st, closure, lydiard st nth, grenville st, city loop, closure, tram 40, tram 35, tram 42, tram 39, tram 34 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Container - CHOCOLATE BOX COLLECTION: PASCALL BOX, 1920s
Object.Pascall 1920s Yellow Chocolate Box. Design Flanged Sexangular Box with Curved Sectional Top, Sepia Photograph with Subject's Hat and Dress tinted in Pale Yellow in Centre of Lid. Photograph Surrounded by Gold Border. Subject Young Woman & Her Pet Cat. Photograph has White Mark PC Parts in a circle and the number 524 underneath. Inside Lid Pascall 1 lb Net. Contained in Box Labels Packers No 493 and Checkers No 476. Packaging Brown Paper and Fine Paper Shavings in Pale & Dark Colours. Also Another Tag Buff Paper & Red Text In Top Left Hand Corner is the Pascall London Trademark Purity & Sweetness Seal & In The Top Right-hand Corner is A Floral Emblem & The Words Furzedown. The Title On This Tag Reads Co-operation Between The Manufacturer & Consumer. The Remaining Text Reads: - These chocolates were packed with the greatest care and left in our factory in perfect condition. Extremely hot weather or contact with steam pipes may turn these chocolates grey. This is not an indication of age but of the temperature to which they have been exposed. Goods are all packed full weight; the paper shavings used are for packing and protection only. If any complaint necessary please return this ticket with the goods. James Pascall, Ltd London England. Chocolates are also still contained within the box all these years later.domestic equipment, containers, decorative chocolate box -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Photograph - John Meyer near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, 1949
MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of John Meyer skiing near Wilkie and Basalt Hill, Bogong High Plains. Wilkinson’s Hut (Wilkie) was built for the SEC in the summer of 1932-3 to accommodate the snow research program manager. The cottage was sited next to a hydro-meteorological station, set on stilts above the snow. It was not a refuge hut but a permanent residence for all of the year. The work carried out there included operation of a meteorological station at the cottage, measuring the snow depth and density along two pole lines, and operating stream gauging stations in the area. The engineers stationed there included Adrian Rufenacht (1934-6), and Norwegian Martin Romuld (1936-42) Romuld was a champion skier, constructing a ski-jump and a grass tennis court near the hut during his residency. Adrian was one of the founders of 'Skyline". The hut was sold in 1948 to the Victorian Ski Club and renamed Wilkinson Lodge. Robert Wood Wilkinson, best known as 'Wilkie, was the 'Father figure' of Victorian skiing. Robert Wood Wilkinson died on May 22, 1939. The hut was resold some 12 years later to the Melbourne Bushwalkers club. In 1983, the National Parks Service described the building as an old SEC hut which had been purchased and, afterwards, maintained and occupied solely by the Melbourne Bushwalking Club. Wilkie Hut survived the 2003 bushfires but burnt down one year later (January 2004) in a cooking accident.falls creek, ray meyer, skyline