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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - NEW CHUM MINE WORKINGS
black and white photo ; ( copy ) view from Chum Hill, poppet heads, buildings and chimneys in middle foreground, residential area in background. On front 545. Back ' mining gold Bendigo Vic. Mine workings - near New Chum Mine. ' not to be reproduced without permission from the National Library. James Lerk 18.2.2000 ; ' view from Chum Hill, left Lazarus Mine, right Lansell's 222 looking south 'organization, business, new chum mine -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - MINING EQUIPMENT, 1868
Photograph- black and white - large. Large steel looking mining equipment bolted onto huge timber.. Written on equipment ' R.G.Ford's Patent No.30. Wright & Edwards Makers Melbourne Victoria. After talking to Ralph Birrell, this is a Air Compressor, built in 1868 by Robert Grey Ford, first one built in Australia. Later on he became Chief Engineer of the Victorian Railway. James Lerk wrote a book on R.G.Ford.organization, business, mining equipment, mining equipment. wright & edwards makers. r.g.ford. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CENTRAL NELL GWYNNE MINE - MINE REPORTS FOR THE CENTRAL NELL GWYNNE MINE
Several typed copies of the Mine Manager's Reports and Financial Statements for the Central Nell Gwynne Gold Mining Company N. L. Dated from 9th February, 1940 to 31st May, 1940. Manager's report mentions work carried out in the main shaft and at the various levels and the mill working satisfactorily. The amount of ore crushed and how much gold was obtained. Reports signed by F. Chenhall, Mine Manager.mine, gold, central nell gwynne, central nell gwynne mine, mine reports for the central nell gwynne mine, f chenhall -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - NEW CHUM & VICTORIA LINES OF REEF - NOTES ON VICTORIA HILL FOR TOURIST ATTRACTION
Handwritten notes outlining a plan for Victoria Hill, Central Nell Gwynne and New Chum Hill to be the focal position for a tourist attraction. Outlines steps to be taken to do the work and a mining museum at the Central Nell Gwynne. On the back of the page is a sketch of Victoria & New Chum Hills. On the plan is the Battery, Rae, Rae's House, Rae's Open Cut, Wittscheibe, Midway, Victoria Quartz, Lansell's 180 Shaft and the Recreation Reserve.document, gold, new chum & victoria lines of reef, new chum & victoria lines of reef, notes on victoria hill for tourist attraction, central nell gwynne, new chum hill, bendigo and district tourist development association, victoria hill, lansell's big 180, victoria quartz, rae, rae's house, rae's open cut -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - DIOCESAN REGISTRY, FOREST STREET, BENDIGO, 22 February 1972
Document, Diocesan Registry Forest Street Bendigo, From the Archdeacon of Bendigo,Ven. C.D.Sheumack, H.L., Letter to Harry Biggs referring to Bendigo Trust for return of a small filing cabinet and a green covered book on mining called ''Resources of the Central Goldfield''.both of which were in Albert Richardson's Collection.All Albert Richardson's possessions are under control of the Sandhurst Trustees and the Bendigo Trust awaits advice on how to deal with them.Diocesan Registry Bendigobendigo, church, diocesan registry -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: NELL GWYNNE MINES LETTER
Letter to J.J. Stanistreet, Legal Manager, Monument Hill Gold Mining Co., Bendigo from Nell Gwynne Mines N.L., dated 26th September, 1934. Letter in connection with our request for the allotment to us of a section of the Monument Hill battery site area for use in disposal of mullock from our Nell Gwynne shaft. Mentions raising wall of existing wall of dam. Plan of the locality attached. See 2205.846.bendigo, business, nell gwynne mines n.l. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BENDIGO AND DISTRICT WALKING TOURS - THREE BROCHURES
Three walking tours ogf Bendigo Produced by Bendigo and District Tourist Association a Golden Tour - a two hour tour takes in a cross section of Bendigo's development from a booming gold field to a thriving provincial city (Fortuna to White Hills botanic gardens) b Blue Tour - an extension to the Golden Tour to include the mining areas of Eaglehawk c Walking tour - a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of Rosiland ParkBendigo and District Tourist Association -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - VICTORIA HILL - WITTSCHIEBE & CO'S CLAIM
Two copies ( a & b) of handwritten notes on Victoria Hill - Wittschiebe & Co's Claim. Notes mention names of owners: Messrs A Wittschiebe and two sons, A Sagasser, F Meison, A Urban, A Koch, C Killian and A Rudolf. Also mentioned are Area and title, workings, eight shafts were sunk, reef and yield, cost of works, contracts and remarks. Ref. Kickers Mining Record 23/11/1861 Page 11.document, gold, victoria hill, victoria hill, wittschiebe & co's claim, dickers mining record 23/11/1861, a wittschiebe, a sagasser, f meison, a urban, a koch, c killian, a rudolf, no 2 midway company, specimen hill company -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: DEBORAH UNITED GOLD MINING CO. NL - CORRESP. RE SHARES, 1957 - 1967
document: McColl, Rankin & Stanistreet: Deborah United Gold Mining Co. NL. Green folder containing correspondence. On front of folder ' New Moon 6 August Full Moon 21. 'Deb. United Records' Contains dissolution of company 14.4.1959, letter re voluntary liquidation 27 Nov. 1958, Directors report 31 August 1958 and 18th. October 1957. List of shareholders 31st August 1957 Shares.organization, business, deborah united gold mine nl, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet: deborah united gold mining co. nl, gold mining, shares, shareholders -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE NL: PROSPECTUS, 1939
Document: McColl, Rankin & Stanistreet Collection: Central Deborah Gold Mine NL - 4 copies of prospectus. Buff covered booklet. Written on front ' Prospectus of Central Deborah Gold Mining Company No Liability Deborah Reef, Bendigo. To be incorporated under the Provisions of Part II of the companies Act 1938. Victoria.' Details capital, proposed directors and manager. Contains map of Central and North Deborah mines and Monument Hill.organization, business, central deborah gold mine, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet collection: central deborah gold mine nl. gold mining -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: SOUTH WATTLE GULLY CO. N.L - CHEQUE BOOK, 11/10/1950 - 15/6/1956
Document. Cheque stubs 158641 11/10/1950 ES & A Bank Ltd. To 158790 15/3/1956. 4 cheques signed for South Wattle Gully Co. N/L by Leonard Dungey. Remainder stamped East Clarence Gold Mining Co. No Liability. Stamp, South Wattle Gully Company etc. 72 (Red Ink District ?) Stamp East Clarence etc. (Red Ink District ?)McColl, Rankin & Stanistreetorganization, business, south wattle gully co. n/l, mccoll, rankin & stanistreet, south wattle gully co. n/l, east clarence gold mining co. n/l, gold mining, cheque book. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - IAN DYETT COLLECTION: AUCTION CATALOGUE - GUILDFORD PLATEAU CENTRAL GOLD MINE
Auction catalogue with a pale blue cover for a sale on 20th January, 1938 of Mining Machinery, Plant, Equipment and Buildings of the Guildford Plateau Central Gold Mine, Guildford, Vic. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers. Catalogue has a column down the right side of the page to write in the price of each lot. Contains a description of some of the machinery and buildings. Bolton Bros. Pty. Ltd. were the printers of the catalogue.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - guildford plateau central gold mine, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, bolton bros pty ltd -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. GOLD, c1850s
Diggers & Mining. Gold. The Chinese soon became very unpopular with the white diggers on the goldfields. (1) Much of the hostility to them was the result of sheer prejudice directed against people who were alien in race, religion, and language; whose standard of living, by European criteria, was low; and who did not mix with other diggers, but lived - preforce - in separate camps in the diggings. Markings: 22 994.GOL. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. GOLD, c1855
Diggers & Mining. Gold.Picture shows John Alloos Chinese Restaurant, ? Always Ready, Booking Office for Melbourne Geelong Coache's. next door, Pipings General Store. Original writing on picture S.T.G. John Alloo's Chinese Restaurant, main Road Ballaarat, James Blundell & Co, Melbourne 1855. John Alloo's Chinese restaurant was one of the most ? Places in Ballarat. Markings: 21 994.GOL. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING: THE DIGGINGS - THE DIGGERS
Diggers & Mining: The Digging - The Diggers. Slide reads; One of the noisiest features of the nights on the diggings was the continual poping of firearms by the diggers to let it be known that they were well armed. The nest frame contains a quaintly written account of a night at the Ballarat diggings, taken from Samuel Sidney's book, ''The Three Colonies of Australia'', published in 1853. Black and white side. Markings: 35 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. STORES AT THE DIGGINGS, c1850s
Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. The pictures we have of the diggings stores show only individual stores of small groups of stores. But contemporary writers speak of almost continuous ''streets'' of hastily erected stores in the centres of most of the important goldfields - even before the establishment of goldfields towns. We have been unable to find a contemporary picture of these ''Canvas Towns''. Markings: 30 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - IAN DYETT COLLECTION: AUCTION CATALOGUE - MALLAKOFF ALLUVIALS SLUICING PLANT
Two red covered catalogues for an auction of Mining and Sluicing Equipment, Electrical Machinery, Buildings, Etc. held on the 17th December 1942 at the Mallakoff Alluvials Sluicing Plant at Landsborough, Vic. Sale by Order of Mr. D. P. Fletcher and Mines Department. Sale conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under the Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - mallakoff alluvials sluicing plant, mr d p fletcher, mines department, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, regulation 59 of the national security (general) regulations, the cambridge press -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. THE GOLD LICENCE, c1850s
Diggers & Mining. The gold licence. The Government Camp. Slide: Attached to a Commissioner's headquarters was a detachment to the special goldfields police. Besides the prevention of crime and the arrest of wrongdoers, it was their duty to move about the diggings, seeing that every digger was in possession of a current gold licence. A commissioner's staff also included several clerks, who kept the licence and gold escort registers. Markings: 13 994.LIF. 4. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING: THE DIGGINGS - THE DIGGERS
Diggers & Mining: The Digging - The Diggers. Slide reads: We must remember that each of the important goldfields on the 'fifties' consisted of several diggings. Along many creeks, gullies, flats and - later- shallow leads in the area, men found gold. Between the many diggings established on the sites of these discoveries, the diggers, acting on reports of the latest ''lucky strike'', were constantly moving. Markings: 8 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. DIGGERS AND MINING
Diggers & Mining: Diggers & Mining.Slide reads: And nearly all of the illustrations we have been able to find depict only the three main fields of this early period - Ballarat, Castlemaine, and Bendigo. However, the picture they give may be taken as fairly typical of the other diggings of the time, and, in some respects, of the early stages in the development of other fields later in the gold era. Markings: 55/ 994:LIF 1. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, diggers & miners -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. STORES AT THE DIGGINGS, c1852
Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. STG. From the original in the Mitchell Library. Stores in Iron Bark Gully, Bendigo, 1852. Hand writing on bottom right side of slide reads; Iron Bark Gully, Bendigo. Depicts store in Iron Bark with miners and some horses. There are still a lot of trees standing but some tree stumps can be seen in the picture. Markings: 6 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Kangaroo Flat Gold Mine Collection: Article, Facelift for Derelict Mining Sites, 6th November 1985
Newspaper article, (photocopied onto A4 paper) Bendigo Advertiser November 6th, 1985, headed '£100,000 facelift for derelict mining sites?' Article describes how the Bendigo Council were seeking a loan from the Goldfields Revolving Fund for the restoration of the Victoria Hill area and for the restoration of the relics and poppet legs of the Central Nell Gwynne, the Nell Gwynne Reef Mine, the North Deborah and the Big Deborah Mine sites.Written in black pen on right hand side: B'go Adv. Nov. 6th. '85gold mining, nell gwynne mine, north deborah mine, big deborah mine, poppet legs, bendigo, restoration -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Victorian Folk Music Club and Joh Ebeli (in beard), Eltham Festival Community Parade, 11 November 1989, 07/11/1987
The Shire of Eltham District Society's Parade float theme for 1989 was gold mining which, of course, was a most important aspect of our early history. Bruce Ness assembled the float with items loaned by Warrandyte Historical Society and quite a bit of his own ingenuity. Phyllis MacDonald also arranged for the Victorian Folk Music Club to provide us with appropriate musical accompaniment. To provide a level of authenticity, a present day prospector, Jack Hodson was in charge of the equipment on the float. The parade assembled in Youth Road and commenced at 10:30am.Colour photographeltham festival, shire of eltham historical society, main road, victorian folk music club, joh ebeli, 1989 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century
The hotel at Bonang was also known as Clancy's Hotel, Bonang, after its licensee, William Clancy. It operated from the late 1890s until early 20th century. William Clancy was aslo the postmaster at Bonang. A post office operated at Bonang from at least 1859. At the time Bonang was "a small, scattered collection of buildings marking the intersection of the Bonang Highway and the McKillops Bridge Road" ( from Regional Heritage Assessment 1996). As the mining activity declined the township became even smaller as many of the population moved to Orbost,, a larger settlement. This is a pictorial record of Bonang, a small settlement approximately 50 km north of Orbost. The buildings in the photograph no longer exist.A black / white photograph mounted on grey card. there are stains from water damage on the mount. It is a photograph of two single-storeyed timber buildings fronting a wide dirt road. On the right is the Bonang Hotel with four men in suits standing on a verandah. The building on the right is the Bonang Post Office and there are three men outside it. the photograph has been posed. on back - 'Grandma Clancy owned the hotel & Uncle Will had a gold mine which he worked"bonang bonang-post-office bonang-hotel clancy-william clancy's-hotel-bonang -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines, Student Magazine, Third Term, 1901
Articles include: Concentrating difficult silver-lead ores, Estimation of chlorine, bromine and iodine (by D.Runting. Summaries and notes from the technical journals, Notes upon the use and care of platinum ware, Common sense, The machinery at the Tasmania gold mine, Beacons-Field, Tasmanina, Mining at Walhalla - The long tunnel mine, Past students, Mapping out of agricultural areas &c., in dense vine lands, North Queensland (by R. A. Suter. Licensed surveyor, Queensland and Victoria), News and notes, Concert balance sheet, Editorial notices.Soft covered magazine of 16 pages. silver-lead ores, estimation of chlorine, bromine and iodine (by d.runting), platinum ware, tasmania gold mine, beaconsfield, tasmania, mining at walhalla, long tunnel mine, vine lands, north queensland, r. a. suter, photography class, boer war, alumni, thomas vincent, basil sawyer, o. e. jager, a. s. burdekin, t. phillipson, glen macpherson, tom uthwatt, marcus marks, r. j. allen, cecil eales, cecil wakley, adam morton, e.p. lewers, harry leggo, jack hill, berk, nickolls, h. burrows, percy osborne, j. brangan, chris evans, adamson, alford, r. evans, arthur "thomas" atkins, charles campbell, hardy, a. basil reid, h. l. krause, k. grant, m. gray, a.b. reid, h. alston, playford, j. a. reid, s. b. vial, f. a. marriott, f. lush, c. whyte, karl moore, r. robin, w. j. lakeland, e. trend, h. l. giles, r. mccracken, k. bryron moore -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Memorabilia - Event Program, City of Bendigo, Mayor Dinner, 1902
John Robert Hoskins was a Councillor with the City of Bendigo from1888 - 1902 and Mayor from 1901 - 1902. Hoskins' interests in the region included the mining company Hoskins & Co, which distinguished itself on the late Derwent Reef United Company's leased ground in 1868 by achieving a yield of over an ounce to the ton. In the late 1870s John R. Hoskins formed a estate agency in partnership with Frederick Illingworth. He was also manager of the New Nil Desperandum, formed to work the shaft of the old Raywood mine, from 1906 to 1908. Event program for the Mayoral Dinner July 25, 1902. Gold, green and brown ink on cream card. Half fold with menu printed inside and Toast List on back cover. Scalloped edges.Front cover: (Picture) Bendigo Coat of Arms / Mayoral Dinner / Given by / The Mayor / (Cr .J. R. Hoskins) / July 25, 1902 / Town Hall / Bendigo bendigo town hall, making a nation exhibition, c roberts caterer, mayor j. r. hoskins, councillor j. r hoskins, mayoral ball, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item -
Ballarat Diocesan Historical Commission
Candle holder, 7 branch candle holder (one of a pair)
This pair of 19th century candleholders were presented to Nazareth House Ballarat by J.A.Chalk one of Ballarat's richest 19th century gold-mining entrepeneurs. J.A.Chalk was a partner in the Madam Berry Mines together with Martin Loughlin and William Bailey and was Manager of the Buninyong Estate Co., the Band and Barton Co., the Sebastopol Plateau Co., and the Prince of Wales and Bonshaw Co. mines in 1887. Chalk was a Quaker and benefactor to many Ballarat institutions. He arranged for the Council Chambers to be made available for meetings of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in the mid 19th century.One of a pair of large 19th century ornamented candle holders for use in the Chapel at Nazareth House Ballarat presented by 19th century Ballarat philanthropist and gold-mining magnate.The candleholders are in two separate sections the heavy lead-filled brass base with demountable seven-branched candleholders surmounting the base. The lower portion or base form a single candlestick when the branched top section is removed. The branches are decorated with styalised rose petals and the tops of each base decorated with rims of neo-gothic coronas.Presented with King Regards By J.A.Chalk Ballarat.candleholders, candlesticks, nazareth house, ballarat. j.a.chalk, madam berry mines, goldmining, entrepenauer, buninyong, sebastopol, prince of wales, bonshaw co, quaker, society of friends. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Carl Walter 1831-1907, Coffer dam in the Yarra River at Anderson's Creek, 1864
1864 photograph of the Coffer Dam in the River Yarra situated (approximately) opposite Whipstick Gully. Remains of bridge built in 1860(?) wrecked by 1863 flood in background. Reproduced page 29 of ‘Pioneers & Painters’ Gold was first discovered in this area at Andersons Creek (Warrandyte) in June 1851 by Louis Michel. Discoveries north of the Yarra did not occur until about 1854. Although it took some months for a true rush to develop it was not long before alluvial workings were being carried on in most of the Shire of Eltham. The last area in which gold was discovered was Kinglake. As the gold became harder to find, deep mining took over from alluvial diggings in the gullies. Perhaps the most extensive of the deep workings was the Diamond Creek Mine just outside the boundary of the Shire. This form of mining was continued into the 1930s. There are believed to be some mines in the area still capable of producing gold but present prices make working these uneconomical. Some gold is still found by weekend prospectors. Photo: Carl Walter 1831-1907 – inscribed on tent “C. Walter Photo” The State Library of Victoria holds over 150 photos by Carl Walter, most of which are portraits of Aboriginal natives including William Barak.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg (2) Print 20 x 25 cmshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, anderson's creek, coffer dam, floods, gold mining, other areas, pioneers and painters, warrandyte, warrandyte bridge, yarra river -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Booklet - Fortuna Villa Tour Guide, abt 2013
In 1871, the Villa and the associated ‘180 Mine’ on the New Chum Reef was bought by George Lansell who had become successful in his gold mining interests and investments. With his continuing success in deep mining, Lansell undertook major extensions to his home, and in fact continued this expansion and decoration of Fortuna until his death almost 40 years later. Fortuna Villa remains remarkably intact as a house even though it has served as a busy workplace for 65 years. Stained glass, elaborate ceilings, grand cedar and blackwood staircase, solid marble baths, extensive acid-etched glasswork (conservatory) are some of the architectural features that contribute to the outstanding ‘feel’ of the structure. The Fortuna grounds cover some 7.57 ha. and feature an ornamental lake, garden, a ‘Roman-Bath’ and the ‘Pompeii Fountain’. The original quartz-crushing battery building, stables and coach house remain close to the main villa. The magnificent villa itself is the aspirational centerpiece to this remarkable property. It is set in botanic-style gardens featuring established trees. George Lansell’s historic talisman has hosted some iconic characters itself, including leaders and diplomats, Dame Nellie Melba and even HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.Fortuna Villa Tour Guide, seven pages - Photos, History and guide with description for each room or aspect. Chronology on back cover.history, bendigo, fortuna, george lansell -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Visit of the Chinese Commissioner to the Ballarat School of Mines, 13 November 1906, 23/11/1906 (exact)
The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang How Cheng, visited Australia at the request of the Chinese Emperor for the purpose of establishing Chinese consulates in the Commonwealth. He visited Ballarat at the request of Ballarat’s Chinese community. The newspaper reported that it was hoped the Commissioner would visit the Ballarat School of Mines “where the knowledge he would get would probably be of the utmost usefulness in the development of the great resources of China.” The Commissioner was accompanied by interpreter Ah Ket (Melbourne barrister and solicitor), and met by members of Ballarat’s Chinese community, including Dr Wong Chock Son. Apparently the Chinese Commissioner wanted to visit SMB because of its international fame relating to education in mining. From the SMB Letter book (Cat. No. 436) comes the following which suggests the Commissioner was based in Adelaide) '17th November 1906 His Excellency, Hwang How Cheng Chinese Commission Adelaide May it please your Excellency By this post I have the pleasure in forwarding for your Excellency's kind acceptance (and one for Mr. When) copies of the photograph taken of your recent visit to the School of Mines. I trust they will serve a pleasing memento of what, I hope, was a pleasant visit to our Golden City. Yours Faithfully Fredk Martell Director' The visit was reported in the Ballarat Star in 14 November 1906:- The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang Hon Cheng, who recently arrived in Victoria on behalf of the Chinese Government, paid a visit to Ballarat last evening, and was entertained by his fellow countrymen at a dinner at the Bow Leong rooms, Main street. The commissioner, who came up by the express, was accompanied by his secretary and Mr Ah Ket, the well-known Chinese barrister, of Melbourne; but some disappointment was expressed by the fact that he did not wear his official robes, being attired in the more sombre European dress. Mr W. D. M’Kee presided at the dinner, on the invitation of the Bow Leong Society, and in addition to representative Chinese residents, three were also present the mayor of the city (Cr. J. J. Brokenshire), Crs. R. Pearse, G. Crocker (City), J. R. Elsworth, A. Mackenzie, J. A. M’Neil, A. Levy, G. Bunting, F. Penhalluriack (Town), Col. Williams, Mr. J. Gent, Messrs. F. J. Martell (director of the School of Mines), A. W. Hager (president of the Orphan Asylum), A. Kenny (superintendent), R. G. Fitzgerald (clerk of courts at Ballarat East), J. Trethowan, A. A. Buley, Serg Dalton, and others. Apologies were received from the mayor of the town Revs. J. West Lau, Dr Cairns, Hon. J. Y. M’Donald, L. Lederman, C. C. Shoppee and others. The gathering was a very cordial one, and the hospitality of the Chinese was greatly appreciated. After the loyal toasts, “The King” and “The Emperor of China,” had been honoured, the chairman extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the society and others to the commissioner. Mr M’Kee said he was privileged to speak in behalf of the Chinese. There was a warm feeling of friendship between them and himself, and his services were always at their command. If he were in China he would desire that a similar compliment would be extended to him. They were all pleased the Emperor of China had sent the commissioner to establish consulates in Australia with a view of the empire understanding the feelings of Australasia better than they did at present. He hoped the commissioner would have opportunity of visiting some of their industries, as they desired him to gain all the scientific and practical knowledge of those industries that he could. The toast of “The Commissioner” was proposed by Col. Williams who expressed pleasure at the visit of a gentleman of education and attainments to look into the condition of the scions of China in Australia. He hoped the commissioner would carry away a correct impression. In Australia they had nothing to conceal; they hoped to be understood. (Applause.) No intelligent man had the temerity to condescend to patronise China, one of the richest countries in the world, with a civilisation dating back thousands of years. In the matter of population alone it was equal to one-third of the world. They heard a lot about the “awakening of China.” They hoped it would be humane, just, and considerate if it had power. He hoped the commissioner would be satisfied with what he saw. The law of filial relation to the children was strictly observed in China, and he did not know whether it would not be a good thing if they had a little more of that religion here. It would be a fair thing to tell the commissioner that while he might inquire into the labour laws, the basis of these laws was not a desire to oppress but to enable every man to obtain the same conditions they expected from their own people. If he gained that impression he felt they would be fairly treated. (Applause.) Mayor Brokenshire supported the toast. They had, he said, in the Chinese a most law-abiding people. Their behaviour was an example to the British citizens. They were quiet, inoffensive men, and they toiled hard, even on Sundays. (Laughter.) Mr Ah Ket; That is what the government does with the railway employees. (Laughter.) The Commissioner replied through Mr Ah Ket, who in a graceful speech acknowledged the toast. The commissioner had, he said been delighted with what he had seen of the country – he believed it to be one of the finest in the world – and he greatly appreciated the hospitality extended to him. (Applause.) The Chairman proposed the toast of “The health of Mr Ah Ket,” and paid a tribute to his ability. It was satisfactory to see that he had risen to such a position, and it might be that in the future he would be asked to occupy a position on the bench. (Applause.) Mr Ah Ket, in response, said he had not come prepared to make a speech. He had come to Ballarat to have a quiet evening with his friends, and as soon as he arrived he had been whirled away in a motor car to a place where he found an aggregation of East and West. He was pleased to see them commingled at the festive board. That suggested the idea that East and West could meet together without friction. Misunderstandings arose only because men were superficial. If they threw off outer garments they would know each other better. He looked forward to the time when nations would understand each other. It was by an interchange of visits that such things could be accomplished, and nations would then live at peace with each other. (Applause.) Other toasts were also honored. Twelve men pose for a photograph on the stairs of a building at the Ballarat School of Mines. Back row left to right: A.D. Gilchrist (Prof. of Engineering), B. Whittington (Mathematics, Physics), Thomas S. Hart (Prof. of Geology and Mining), J.M. Sutherland (Electrical Engineering) Front row left to right: Dr Wong Chock Son (Ballarat), Fred. J. Martell, Alfred Mica Smith, Ah Ket esq (Melbourne Barrister), His Excellency Hwang How Cheng (Chinese Commissioner), Wen Esq (Secretary), Alderman Grase (mayor of Brisbane), Grase Esq (Ballarat).ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, fred martell, j m sutherland, a d gilchrist, b whittington, thomas hart, wong chock son, ah ket, hwang how cheng, chinese, chinese commissioner, international, new classrooms, administration building, a building