Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts.Fire tool used before the introduction of RakehoesRakut - Fire Rake and cutting toolGreen and red coloured handle and 020 marking indicated which FCV District the tool belonged tobushfire

An Adze is versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the sharp cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. The wooden handle is straight and the blade has a slight curve. They are used for smoothing or carving wood such as sleepers An adz, with its long handle, cuts with the grain, and the nature of the chips is different from an axe. While they have a similar shape, they should never be confused with a hoe or mattock used for agriculture and horticulture. Adze - smalltimber tools

A mortising axe is designed for trimming or cutting notches in timber. It has a short handle and square cutting edgeMortising Axe - smalltimber tools

Gimlet - Small brass container that unscrews containing 4 pieces toolsstawell

Jane Annois had a long involvement with Potters Cottage in Warrandyte, where she taught for many years. Potters Cottage was established in the late 1950s in Warrandyte as an artist co-operative. Founding members included Reg Preston, Phyl Dunn, Gus McLaren, Artur Halpern, Sylvia Halpern and Elsa Ardern. These talented artists had the ingenuity and foresight to create a teaching studio, gallery shop and restaurant to experiment, make, promote and sell predominantly domestic wares of the time. These activities helped financially sustain each member’s individual creative practice. Potters Cottage was influential in the development of contemporary ceramics, building and developing practices that experimented with traditional ceramic processes, raw materials and locally sourced clay. The group mentored and nurtured many interested in the art of ceramics, producing alumni and teachers such as Peter Laycock, John Dermer, Greg Daly and Jane Annois. Jane Annois is a ceramic artist who has lived and worked locally in Warrandyte for many years. She focuses primarily on exploring the art of Japanese raku, adapting the technique to develop the typical characteristics of crackle glazes and lustres, with contrasting areas of black. Jane also applies a fine slip called terrasigillata which gives soft, warm ochre colours. This technique was once used by the Greeks over 2000 years ago to seal and decorate their pots. She is also strongly onfluenced by the French potters, particularly in the style of terre vernissee, a decorative form of terracotta tableware. Three piece stoneware and raku fired ceramic sculpture. The first piece is a hollow, dome shaped object. It is orange (terracotta slip) in colour with a copper metallic band and a black edge on one side with a small yellow glazed rounded triangle and metallic strip of colour on the otherside. The second piece is shaped like a traditional vase. It is orange (terracotta slip) in colour with white crackle on the inside. It has a yellow slip edge with a dark glazed square on one side and on the other side a black thick edge that mirrors the contour of this shape. The third piece is shaped loosley in the form of the letter 'z'. It compliments the second piece with a yellow slip edge and black glazed square to its lower left side and top right as well as on its' other side a black thick edge that mirrors the contour of this shape. This piece has a very small skewed square opening at its' top. All three pieces have elements of crazing and variations of colour and lustre, caused by the raku process. 2006.52.1VA has the artist name/signature 'J. Annois' inscriped small (with fine point ceramic tool?) on the front of the piece, bottom right; 2006.52.2VA has the artist name 'Jane'? inscribed (unlegible - with fine point ceramic tool?) underneath; 2006.52.3VA has the artist name/signature 'Jane Annois' inscriped (with fine point ceramic tool?) inside its hollow form. evolution, raku, stoneware, terrasigillata, terracotta, glazes, slip, terre vernissee

A porthole, sometimes called bull's-eye window or bull's-eye, is a circular window used on the hull of ships to admit light and air. Though the term is of maritime origin, it is also used to describe round windows on armoured vehicles, aircraft, automobiles (the Ford Thunderbird a notable example) and even spacecraft. On a ship, the function of a porthole, when open, is to permit light and fresh air to enter the dark and often damp below-deck quarters of the vessel. It also affords below-deck occupants a limited view to the outside world. When closed, the porthole provides a strong water-tight, weather-tight and sometimes light-tight barrier (not in the case however). A porthole on a ship may also be called a side scuttle (side hole), as officially termed in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. This term is used in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. It is also used in related rules and regulations for the construction of ships. The use of the word "side scuttle" instead of "porthole" is meant to be broad, including any covered or uncovered hole in the side of the vessel. This porthole is a useful demonstration of naval technology to give people an insight into life at see. Small windows such as this example could be all people would see on long see voyage across rough seas. Commanding officers scuttle made of brass with glass opening windowmaritime technology

NJ Phillips was the first Australian company to invent a drench gun that overcame the problem of drench going the 'wrong way' down the throat and onto a sheep’s lungs. This was the drench gun that they developed. It had an ingenious double action on the handpiece. The first squeeze projected a long nozzle that went right down the oesophagus before delivering the dose of drench automatically once this was in place. It also had a readily adjusted dose lever seen at left which minimised overdosing. This company dominated the market for many yearsSilver metal with black finishing drench gun. Minimal curvature tips on gun protrude from the body. Features a thin squeezable trigger to the rear of the body. The main bulk, which the trigger is squeezed towards, has badge which reads “Manufactured and designed by N.J. Phillips Pty Ltd, Sydney” in circular design. On top of this body is a large silver chamber in which both tips meet. This chamber is for the liquid to be transferred from the tube and into the tip of the drench gun for delivery onto the ewe’s tongue. The small section of tubing still attached has a yellow/orange appearance from remanence of drench which would have been this colour.Right circular lettering: MANUFACTURED/ & DESIGNED BY/ N.J.PHILLIPS PTY. LTD./ SYDNEY . AUSTRALIA/sheep drenching, veterinary instruments

There are several different designs of drench guns within the NWM Collection that show the change in their development over time. On the left side of this gun white paint indicates the adjustable dose lever. It is a sliding scale from 10 to 0 cubic centimetres of liquid (now typical measure in millilitres). It also has a small and straight tip suggesting this gun was typically used for dosing Lambs as opposed to ewes. The manual adjuster helped to minimise cases of overdosing which can be fatal for livestock while the additional curvature helped to ensure the liquid reached the desired location within the sheep’s mouth. This desired location is on the left rear of the sheep’s tongue (from the sheep’s point of view) as this is where the oesophagus is located. The main risks are that drench may be delivered into the lungs via the trachea or “windpipe”, which can also prove fatal. The opening to the trachea which leads to the lungs is in the middle of the back of the throat. Another risk is the throat can also be damaged due to rough handling.Silver metal with black finishing drench gun. Straight tip on gun protrudes from the body which feature a thin squeezable trigger to the front of the body. The main bulk, which the trigger is squeezed towards has silver cylinder on top of the handle where tubing carrying the liquid drench into the gun attaches. The small section of tubing still attached has a yellow/orange appearance from remanence of drench which would have been this colour.sheep drenching, veterinary instruments

This spinning wheel originates from New Zealand; however, it has no distinguishing features relating to its creator such as an inscription, so its exact maker is not known. Gill Stange remembers buying the wheel on Bridge Road in Richmond, approximately 30 years ago. Gill had joined her local Spinners and Weavers Guild after the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983. She was a then resident of Mount Macedon and lost everything in the fires. Moving to Melbourne to get away from the scene of much pain, Gill was also in need of a new hobby to help occupy her mind. That is when spinning and weaving entered her life. The local Spinners and Weavers Guild was a great support network for her and with their recommendation, she purchased her own spinning wheel. Her passion was started, and the wheel was to become a treasured item in Gill’s home. She had several spinning wheels within her possession over the years, however, this wheel was her first and always her favourite. When the time came for Gill to downsize, there was simply no longer room for her spinning wheel. This is when she decided to donate the wheel to the National Wool Museum. Gill remembers one highlight was weaving a tablecloth from a traditional German design. It took her two years to complete, with Gill spinning all the wool herself on this wheel. The tablecloth won the first prize in the Melbourne Show in 1987. Gill also used the wheel to teach programs to school children on how to spin and knit wool. She would take the easily transported little wheel, and its accompanying seat, with her to schools. Its small size enabled her to teach children to knit and spin, bringing others the joy that spinning had brought her. Not just limited to schools, Gill also taught programs with the wheel here at the National Wool Museum. It is a fitting home for the wheel, which Gill donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021.Dark varnished wood in a Castle style spinning wheel. The wheel has 8 small spokes which meet a thick outside rim. The outside rim has four golden disc weights on the bottom edge, to aid in the turning of the wheel. The spinning wheel has four legs of turned wood giving a sculptural form, a design pattern which is continued throughout. The wheel has a single medium sized foot pedal. This pedal is well worn with varnish missing from years of use. The wheel is completed with its accompanying chair. Made of the same dark varnished wood, its legs are also of turned wood, continuing the design pattern and uniting the two objects. The chair is very simple outside of the legs, with a medium size base and a thin backrest ending in a rounded head. The chair’s varnish is also starting to fade from years of use. The chair is small, designed to keep the spinning wheel operator at the appropriate height when spinning on the equally small and compact Castle style spinning wheel. Additional parts were donated with the Spinning Wheel. - 3 x Lazy Kates - Spare Maiden. - 450mm Niddy Noddy - Steel teeth brushspinning wool, spinning wheel, ash wednesday, mount macedon, textile production

The donor (Lynn Fitzpatrick) purchased these knitting needles 20 years ago from an opportunity shop. Aero Knitting Pins are a discontinued brand that were popular in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. They are made of smooth, aircraft-quality anodized aluminium. To this day, they are a popular and sort after knitting needle. Being a long-lasting product, they are often given as heirlooms. Abel Morrall was a major needle manufacturer from Studley, a town near Redditch. In 1785, Michael Morrall who was taught the art of needle making by a maternal uncle, moved to Studley. He founded the Abel Morrall company with his brother Abel, and another unnamed brother-in-law. Within five years the company was producing 40% of the 2.5 million needles that were made each week in the Redditch area. In 1811 the company introduced the concept of creating the eyes by using a stamping press. Additional machines were invented by them throughout the 19th century leading to major improvements in the way needles were produced. Abel Morrall demonstrated their needle making machinery at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and Queen Victoria personally inspected it. The company selected the demi-griffin for its trademark in 1861, which can be seen on older products produced by the company. Set of four knitting needles stored within paper packaging. Packaging features black, red, and white ink, detailing the selling points of the Aero Knitting Pins. The packaging folds with 3 main sections, each providing different insights into the knitting needles. Examples of this are " CANNOT SOIL LIGHT WOOL", "...SPECIALLY TAPERED POINTS WHICH WILL NOT INJURE THE FINGERS" and "RUSTLESS-NON-GLITTER FINISH". As the packaging unfolds, the grey knitting needles become visible. The needles can be removed from the packaging by sliding them through small bands of paper that hold the needles secure while in transportation. The four knitting needles are a “NEUTRAL” grey colour finished in a double point style.Printed. Orange, White and Black Ink Numerous, see multimediaabel morrall, knitting needles, knitting pins, 1960s home knitting

There are several different designs of drench guns within the NWM Collection that show the change in their development over time. On the left side of this gun white paint indicates the adjustable dose lever. It is a sliding scale from 10 to 0 cubic centimetres of liquid (now typical measure in millilitres). It also has a large diameter curvature suggesting this gun was typically used for dosing ewes as opposed to lambs. The manual adjuster helped to minimise cases of overdosing which can be fatal for livestock while the additional curvature helped to ensure the liquid reached the desired location within the sheep’s mouth. This desired location is on the left rear of the sheep’s tongue (from the sheep’s point of view) as this is where the oesophagus is located. The main risks are that drench may be delivered into the lungs via the trachea or “windpipe”, which can also prove fatal. The opening to the trachea which leads to the lungs is in the middle of the back of the throat. Another risk is the throat can also be damaged due to rough handling.Silver metal with black finishing drench gun. Large curvature tip on gun protrudes from the body which feature a thin squeezable trigger to the front of the body. The main bulk, which the trigger is squeezed towards, has badge which reads “Manufactured and designed by N.J. Phillips Pty Ltd, Sydney”. Behind this body is silver tubing featuring attachment point for the tubing which would have carried the liquid drench into the gun. The small section of tubing still attached has a yellow/orange appearance from remanence of drench which would have been this colour.Left lettering: 10CC 5CC 0/ 7.5 2.5/ Left rotated lettering: MANUFACTURED/ & DESIGNED BY/ N.J.PHILLIPS PTY. LTD./ SYDNEY . AUSTRALIA/sheep drenching, veterinary instruments

Variable speed cloth puller, used for tightening and smoothing blanket edges, prior to them being sewn or bound. Used at Collins Bros Mill.Textile finishing machine. Horizontal, made from grey steel with a small encased gear box and two attached rollers. Separate belt drive and nine other rollers. Enclosed in original brown cardboard box, used for shipping.SUISIE / VARIABLE SPEED / VERSATILE CLOTH PULLERtextile machinery, collins bros mill pty ltd, blankets

Mitcham resident, Adrian Pratt, has designed a pocket sized computer which enables trades people and small business people to give on-the-spot printed quotes and invoices.Mitcham resident, Adrian Pratt, has designed a pocket sized computer technology, pratt, adrian, parkhurst, ralph

Donated by Box Hill Historical SocietySmall metal ring with three pipe tools attached there is a hook attached to the ring to attach tools to belt. etc. Tamper used to push the tobacco down into the bowl of the pipe, this has a round disc on end of stem which is hinged. A knife like tool which is used to clean out the bowl of the pipe. A tweezer like tool possibly used to take the tobacco out of the pouchHallmarks on tamper and knifelike toolpersonal effects, smoking accessories

History prior to 1946 unknown. Camera etc was purchased by the donor in 1946 from Herbert Small Camera Supply then in Elizabeth Street Melbourne. Donor used camera regularly until recent years.'Etue' folding camera with accessories (camera, case, 3 negative containers in a imitation leather & cardboard container) and an additional slide tray. Camera can be used with glass plates, cut negative film and film packs. When camera is opened the lens, bellows etc slide into position. The whole lot slides on a rail system and can be locked in the position required. Item to be photographed can be viewed in a viewfinder which can be turned to a horizontal or vertical plane. In the viewfinder has a small bubble level. It includes an oblong chrome wire which is used to set the minimum distance from lens to object.|Camera is of steel covered and is covered with leather with a carrying handle. provision is made in the back to carry a film slide in a small envelope style pocket|Camera is made by Kamera Werkstatten of Dresden c1920.|It has a 'Zeiss Tessar' 1:4.5 lens of 10.5 cm focal length. Shutter is a 'Compur' with speeds of 1 to 1/250th of a second with Bulb and Time. It also has a delayed action feature. It also has a double extension for close up studies.|When folder it is a mere 4.5 cm from front to back, which cause it to be advertised as the slimmest camera made.|Camera case is made of brown tooled leather with a chrome clip and adjustable carrying handle - lid open upwards for the camera .Case is lined with a purple type of velvet material. 10 Items in total.photography, cameras, camera accessories

from the collection of Betty McPheeA small grey commemorative pencil with symbol and name of Needlework Tool Collectors Society of AustraliaNeedlework Tool Collectors Society of Australiadomestic items, writing equipment

Used by W.R. Cruickshank from 1920 -1970 in Albury, while at Nicholson & Smith, Watchmakers and JewellersSix small needle nose pliers. Precision tools as used in watchmaking. Steel pliers held in brass sleeve, bakelite handle. Stored in leather case with purple cloth lining and metal clasphorology, tools

Wooden block of wood with five semi-circular recessions graduated in size. Also four elongated wooden rods with round handle at top and a round shaped bottom approximately matching the holes in the block. Further wooden rod with elongated neck widening at the top with hole in top and a small pointed wooden rod with a round top. A total of 8 pieces in the set. Used for decorating leather. See sample in NA2849handcrafts, leatherworking, trades

Base and plane from Bruce Reynolds estate. Cleaned and assembled by Ted Arrowsmith and plane and tray joined together with a new fitted chrome rod for support.|Plane made during by a member of the R.A.A.F as a recreational activity using hand tools. Generally they were nickel plated on returning home.Small brass caste of an aircraft, hand finished and then nickel plated by a serviceman on active service. Silver in colour with red, white and blue R.A.A.F. roundals. Mounted on a chrome rod fixed to the ash traymetalcraft, electroplated nickel silver, personal effects, smoking accessories

On a small slip of paper is a note re general history of this edition of the English Reader 'Advanced Reader' published in England in 1873 and used by the Victorian Education Department until it began publication of its own 'Grade Readers' in the 1920s.Small book - Linen on board - binding dark red and embossed decorative border on front cover. Some gilt tooling and lettering. Cream colour lining. 400 pages, organised into five sections includes poetry and prose. Introduction by Sydney Smith.books, school/educational

Used by donor's husband in early 1940sSmall brass and steel compass for drawing circles/curves and measuring. Sharp steel point. School instrument, geometryinstruments, measuring, trades, drafting

An iron wrench used to tighten caps nuts of wooden wagon wheels. On the other end to loosen smaller nuts.trades, wheelwrighting

Terracotta pot, similar to a flower pot but without a hole in the bottom. Has two small holes drilled in the top for it to be hung.ceramics, terracotta

From the Betty McPhee sewing collectionSmall, spiked metal wheel on metal arm attached to a wooden handle. Silver coloured metal arm has a brass ring where it joins to the wooden handle. book binding tool.S Osborne & Co 6handcrafts, equipment

Used by donor for soldering spouting and downpipes on his home in McDowall Street Mitcham.Round metal cylinder with handle. Smaller cylinder attached to top.trades, plumbing

Used for cutting hoop iron straps on bundles.Small hammer head with hole formed for handle and thinned to a sharpened edge.trades, coopering