In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

Gratitude for contribution letters Dear Bon and Edna, The members of the Mount Cottrell Group wish to extend to you both their sincere gratitude for the dedicated service you have both provided to the Group Brigades whilst you operated the radio and phone from your home. It is thanks to people such as yourselves who, with foresight, pioneered the Group system and the communications that went with it, that has made the Country Fire Authority what it is today. Words can never express the sacrifices we know you have both made over the years to keep the radio and phone manned. We did try to leave your remote but the Authority would only allow one to Wayne’s residence. Once again many, many thanks to you Bon and Edna for your contribution to the Group, but know we can still look forward to your support in the future, Bon is still a deputy communications officer. Incidently our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th December at the Melton Fire Station, you are both most welcome to attend, our guest that evening will be Ken Coghill M. L. A. Yours Sincerely Darryl Wells Typed letter dated 17th September 1976, Group Secretary  Melton South Dear Mrs. Barrie, The members of the Group wish to extend to you their sincere appreciation for the magnificent job carried out by you in the diligent task of radio operations. It gives confidence and morale to all firemen to know that an any time the pressure’s on, and effective back-up force is readily available via Group Base, and your role in this respect is acknowledged with the highest the highest esteem. Yours sincerely A.J.Morris Group Secretary Copied June 2013 Note MOUNT COTTRELL FIRE BRIDAGES’ GROUP Incorporating the Brigades of Diggers Rest, Melton Rural, Melton Urban Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Werribee Rural, Werribee Urban.Edna and Bon Barrie's collection of invitations to fire brigade's eventsemergency services, local identities

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Service held at Melton Uniting Church local identities

Melton Fire Brigade history In a letter to George Minns of 24th March 1942 from the Forests Commission the brigade was registered Class ‘F’ with the certificate of Registration N. 425. In December 1935 a public meeting was held with the purpose of forming a bush fire brigade. Constable Roy Corbett was elected Captain a position he held until 1941 and 1945 –1949. 1942 EW Barrie. 1st Lieut 2nd Lieut TL Barrie 1943 EW Barrie 2nd Lieut 1944 : : MELTON RURAL FIRE BRIGADE Established under CFA act 1944 1945- 1953 EW Barrie Apparatus Officer 1951- 1965 EW Barrie Captain 1967- 1979 EW Barrie elected Group Communication Officer of the Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades. RADIO In 1954 the Fire Brigade introduced 2 HF (high frequency) radios, one was installed in the Fire truck and the other in the Captains utility. 1956- 16th March Licence granted to the County Fire Authority Melton to establish a MOBILE transmitting and receiving station. Area of operation, Melton and District on the frequency (kc/s) 3836 for the exchange of messages relating to the fighting and prevention of fires during actual fires or periods of fire hazard with the CFA Bacchus Marsh base station VL3OX. 1958- 22nd May Commonwealth of Australia, Postmaster-General’s Department Special Licence No H 702 under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1950 is hereby transferred to Mr. E.W. Barrie, Captain, Melton Rural Fire Brigade to establish a MOBILE transmitting and receiving station. Call sign VL3 OX 6 and VL 3OX 7Group officer Bon Barrie's invitation to a Fire Brigade formal dinner emergency services

"In April 1969, the first major residential development in Melton began with the release of 148 homes for purchase. This was the first stage of a staggered release of a planned 30,000 homes for 100,000 people by 1990. The development, called Westmelton Satellite City, was described as ‘a preview of tomorrow’.101 It was the first estate built in a ‘modern’ style, with curved streets, and dozens of culs de sac. Westmelton was also the first major development in Victoria to build all the supply lines to the houses – including electricity and telephone lines – underground. The six different home designs in Westmelton were ‘specially designed for the future’, and with allotments ten feet wider than regulations required, there was plenty of ‘space for gracious living’ and for a family swimming pool. The developers of this new estate were active in promoting Westmelton as a new community within the Shire of Melton. By 1971, the Westmelton City News reported that Ian McIntosh, General Manager of Westmelton, had given away $100,000 on behalf of the company ‘to aid community projects’. This included a $72,000 donation towards building a community centre in Westmelton, and $25,000 for the shire’s Olympic-sized swimming pool. Ian McIntosh and his family moved to Melton and Ian said he was ‘very much aware of the needs of [the] Westmelton community’. By the end of 1971, Westmelton was home to 100 new families. The modern residences were obviously an appealing drawcard, but so was the country feel that characterised Melton. Mrs C. Allen, described as a ‘housewife’, said she and her husband chose to move to Westmelton because of ‘the quality homes ... and we both love the clean, fresh, natural environment that surrounds us’. Similarly, Mr W. Coxhead, insurance consultant, moved to Westmelton because of the ‘clean, fresh country air’. Accountant Mr B. Swanton echoed their sentiments, describing Westmelton as ‘far enough away from the industrial pollution carried over Melbourne suburbs by prevailing westerly winds’. The new development attracted an increasing number of young, professional couples and families, representing the beginning of a significant shift from the predominantly rural and farming community of the district’s past. The Westmelton development had four different ‘neighbourhoods’ designed to cater to a variety of different lifestyle needs. Westmelton was the first to be established, followed by Brookfield, which offered ‘superb land in a rustic setting’. Brookfield Acres offered ‘wide open spaces with lots of room for a pool and even a tennis court’ on huge one-acre blocks, while Westlake was an innovative development with ‘different sized homesites’ and ‘lakeside living’.Westmelton was the first of many residential developments that would come to play a huge role in shaping the shire in the decades to follow".A marketing brochure for the Westmelton Satellite City developmentlocal significant events, council

SUMMARY – Uniting Church Op Shop Melton South Opportunity Shop – Brooklyn Road Melton South Est 1975 Former Methodist Church. The Opportunity Shop – Established 1975 by Edna Barrie 1992 Typed copy by Cath MacLean 2011 [Scots’ Presbyterian Church 1964] Additional information to the above summarised from Edna Barrie’s draft notes. Copied by Wendy Barrie January 2012, noting the information might be useful for future research. In 1985 the need for more shop space became apparent. Les [Bone] had plans drawn up (Surv 12/8/84) and approved by the Melton shire Council for a storeroom extension (17.800 x 9500) 1986 the small ancillary rooms at the rear of the timber church were demolished allowing the concrete slab to be laid. The building was completed in 1987. By the early 1990s the old timber Church had deteriorated, this lead to it being demolished in 2/11/1993. It was replaced with a new building containing a Pastoral Office, a meeting room and a furniture and homeware section. It was dedicated by Rev Ian Hickingbotham at 11am Sunday 5th June 1994. Service Awards were presented to 75 Opportunity Shop Volunteers by Rev Ian Hickingbotham. Funds have helped to pay for pastoral work, youth work and extra pastoral support. Lyrics for the Opportunity Shop which was located at the former Methodist Church. council, churches, local identities

Donald Mackintosh – notes from eeb notebook with re binding 1900 Games Shooting Donald Mackintosh Universal Paris Exposition pigeon shooting events won the Prix (Grand) de l’Exposition The grande Prix Centenaire 3rd de Paris tied ??? the Grand Prix Monte Carlo twice The London Gun Club Challenge Cup (3 times in a row) The Melbourne Gun Club Challenge (3 times in a row) The Gran Prize of Italy The Grand Prize Aix les Bains The Belgian Championship The Madrid Grand Prize as a result was declared the Champion of the World recorded Sydney Morning Herald and Australasian. Items of importance from Martha Myers/ Marjorie collection. Donald bought a freestanding gramophone to encourage Marjorie in her music studies to be able to listen to the great artists and composers and performers of the time He also bought an oil and watercolour paintings of the same scene at the Mitta Mitta river. The artist was Margery McCann sister of the well known artist (his work is in the State Library Gallery) Photograph of Donald and his friend Jock Lauder. Sheet music Francis and Day 4th Album if Harry Lauder’s Popular Songs. Roamin’ in the Gloamin Allans & Co. Christmas and New Year card signed From D & M Macintosh 1933- Melton Village of Stars – includes Marjorie Myers, twice winner of South Street Competitions, pianoforte Ballarat. May Ferris, Gold Medal for highest marks for L.L.C.M. Exam London College of Music in the Commonwealth. Telegram sent to Mrs Myers from McIntoshlocal identities

"Donald Mackintosh was born in Rockbank on 21 September 1866. He quickly proved himself as an expert shot, joining the Bacchus Marsh Shooting Club at the age of ten and the Melbourne Gun Club at 23. In 1890 he won the Melbourne Gun Club £1000 Cup Handicap.Donald represented Australia at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games. However, due to confusion at the time over whether this competition was an official Olympic event, Donald was not recognised as an Olympic medallist during his lifetime. In 1987 the IOC issued Donald’s gold and bronze medals. Donald continued to travel around Europe and won many other competitions, including the London Gun Club Challenge Cup three times in a row and the Grand Prix at Monte Carlo twice. As well as being an expert shot, Donald was also well educated and wrote poetry. Most astonishingly, he was also completely blind in his left eye".Document with a list of achievements by Olympian Donald Mackintoshlocal identities

Letter sent from L Cameron 'Glenhope' to Ednalocal identities

Donation made by Mrs C.E Barrielocal identities, churches

Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. Autograph was written in the inside cover of Plains of Promiselocal identities

Purchases made from Steele and Colocal identities, misc.

Thomas Bell Darling purchased 176 acres from the Toolern Creek to Ferris Road. A house and bluestone barn/stables were built. The property was owned by Ralph Parkinson, followed by Richard Manning. SUMMARY – Darlingsford – Auction 1910 Darlingsford – Auction 1910 Melton Express October FRIDAY, October 28th At Three O’Clock At the RAGLAN HOTEL, MELTON SUBDIVISIONAL SALE of the DARLINGSFORD ESTATE, MELTON. Having a long frontage to the TOOLERN CREEK. In the Estate of the late RICHARD MANNING’ W. S. KEAST and L.A. FAIRBAIRN & CO., Auctioneers (in conjunction). Have received instructions from R.F. and J.L. Robertson, executors of Richard Manning deceased to offer by Public Auction, property almost adjoining Melton township, and having a frontage to the Toolern Creek, subdivided in to four lots as under:- Lot 1. – The homestead block containing 176 acres, being portion A, section 11, parish Kororoit together with the improvements, which consist of a 6-roomed stone house, milking shed, dairy, U.G. tank. Lot 2 – 177 acres 2 rood 23 perches, being Crown portion B of section 11 parish Kororoit. This block adjoins the homestead and is partly fenced. Lot 3 – 187 acres, Crown allotment C, section 11, parish Kororoit. adjoining the above lot. Lot 4 - 157 acres 1 rood 27 perches, being Crown allotment 9, section 12, parish of Kororoit. This block is only divided from the above lots by road, and adjoining Messrs. McVean and Gaitskill’s properties. This is one of the best known properties in the Melton district as a cultivation an grazing form, and its close proximity to the township makes it a very valuable, and portion of which could be cut into township blocks and should command a ready sale. For absolute sale. Terms- one fifth cash, one fifth in eight years, balance in 7 years with interest a the rate of 4 1/2 percent. Plan on application For further particulars apply W.S. KEAST, 610 Collins street, Melbourne; and L.A. FAIRBAIRN & Co., St James-buildings, Williams street, or at Bacchus Marsh; and as to the title, Dugdale and Creber, St. James-buildings, William Street Melbourne. Express November 5, 1910 On Friday last, Mr W.S. Keast and Messrs L.A. Fairbairn & Co., in conjunction, offered at the Raglan the Manning Estate known as Darlingsford, comprising of 700 acres, divided into four lots. Lot 4 was submitted first and passed in at L8 per acre. Lot 1 was then put up and went up to L13 per acre, at which it was also passed in. Lot 3 was next offered, and there being no bid was also passed in. Lot 2 was not offered. Express March 18, 1911 The Manning Estate of Darlingsford 600 acres was sold to Mr. Ernie for an undisclosed price. Note: Map KOROROIT COUNTY OF BOURKE Crown Grant Section 11 Portion A Thomas. B. Darling 176 . 0 . 0 acres on 29.3.1853 Lot 1 Portion B A. Russell 170 . 0 . 0 acres on 29.3.1853 Lot 2 Portion C Peter Inglis 176 . 0 . 0 acres on 29.3.1853 Lot 3 Section 12 Portion 3 P. Inglis 157 . 1 . 27 acres on 17.17.1863 Total 176 170 176 157. 1.27 679 . 1.27 acres November 5th 1910 On Friday night last Mr W S Keast and Messrs L A Fairbairn & Co, in conjunction offered at the Raglan Hotel the Manning Estate known as Darlingsford, comprising of 700 acres, divided into four Lots. Lot 4 was submitted first, and was passed in at L8.0.0. per acre. Lot 1 was then put up and went to L13.0.0. per acre at which it was passed in. Lot 3 was next offered, and then Lot 3 was next offered, and then being no bid was passed in. Lot 2 was not offered. October 22nd Notice of sale. 700 acres of splendid land close to the railway station. Divided onto 4 Lots 3 of which are maiden land and the whole of the acres is chocolate soil. No 1 Lot belonged to the late Mr Ralph Parkinson, and for years was liberally supplied with manure and crushed bones, and is capable of producing many crops.. The property being sold to wind up the Estate. Gisborne Gazette Friday December 17th 1911 Mr Sharp has sold his farm at the back of the township to Mr. E Barrie; price L15/10/ per acre. Agreement between Thomas Bell Darling and Ralph Parkinsonlocal identities

Mr John Purchase came from Heidelberg, and was dairying on the east side of Melton, on the Footscray road, in the Braybrook Shire. His daughter married Mr Ralph Parkinson, J.P., Mr Purchase sold his farm to the late Sir William Clarke, and then went home to England with his wife; his son, John, stopped in Victoria.Copy of a William John Clarke's purchase of landlocal identities

A letter sent from Mount Morgan townshiplocal identities

Good luck card sent from E.Daleylocal identities

Ann, Henri and their sons Henry and Frederick are buried in the Melton CemeteryFor Ann Myer's buriallocal identities

SUMMARY - Schutt & Barrie Chaff Mills Partnership West Footscray, Parwan and Diggers Rest. Mary nee Barrie Robinson (1907 –1999) writes c1980 about her father Charles Ernest Barrie of Darlingsford Melton (1871 – 1931) Extract copied from her handwritten story - My father was born in Ballarat in 1871. … commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaffcutter in the St Arnaud district, a work the he became most success at and would continue in to the end of his life. He eventually became the owner of a chaff mill at Melton station with an access line to the railway. [1900] The Schutt & Barrie partnership ….Dad later became involved in a Chaff mill at West Footscray run by John Ralph Schutt who when he met Dad was a very sick man and had begged Dad to come into the business and help him. That began a very happy association, the business was put on its feet. An empty quarry across Geelong Road opposite the mill was purchased, the chaffcutters were set up in the quarry and that was the start of a very busy and prosperous period. A branch line was run into the mill. Dad spent some afternoons at the mill going by train, and spending some hours there at night, at the same time running the farm with full time help. Two full 8 horse teams were used to work the land, which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed ready for the men to commence the days work. Charlie Lowe and Murdock Davey were two of the men who worked for Dad in those years. The firm purchased a mill at Parwan and Dad spent a lot of time and energy getting it running to their satisfaction. Monday was the day he spent time there also round the district of Parwan and Balliang. He came to know many of the their names were well known in our household for many years. [1920] Later a flour mill was built beside the Chaff mill at West Footscray but it never thrived like the mill. The chaff mill had many loyal and good men employed there and there was never any trouble between men and management. Willie Walters and Miss Renyolds were some I remember, other names me, Joyce would be able to name them. [Sister of Mary born 1920] Sample envelope from the businesslocal identities

Arthur Watson, was a noted cyclist. ( He rode in three Melbourne– Warrnambool races ), oars man, and footballer in his youth. He was for many years in the office of the Queensland Commissioner for Railways.Four paged letter local identities

Letters sent to Martha (Mattie) dated from 1907 to 1920. Each letter is an edited version of the original pertaining to aspects of Fred Myers life as a shearer. Cobran Stn via Deniliquin Thursday Sept 1st 1910 …I got a reply from Eynesbury and a favourable reply, it starts on the 13th Oct so I will have plenty of time to get there, in fact far to much as we will finish here in a month full time so that will leave a fortnight to spare. We got rain here at last and it has put us back considerably as we only worked Monday. I have been idle ever since. We will probably start again Saturday. The weather has taken up nice and fine again…. I hope it will keep up to the cut out now I have 800 sheep shorn up to date and am fifth among thirty men so I’m doing well I think. Did you get the pound I sent? I’m sending two more this time, which I drew on Saturday. I don’t like sending too much as there is a chance of it going astray. Postcard Cobran Sept 18 1910 Just a note to let you know I am all right. I was disappointed not getting a letter yesterday, Saturday…I won’t get it now till next Saturday. We have three weeks here yet. I am sending 2 and tell me if you got the other 1. Cobran Stn via Deniliquin NSW Sunday 21st August (1911) ..I’m having a good time here, a good cook and the best of everything, no fires to lights or kettles to boil just get up and wire in but plenty of hard work. The sheep here a pretty rough but much better than Wandook. I am well among them here we had a little rain on Friday but not enough to stop us so we have got one full week in and the weather is now lovely I have been basking in the sunshine all morning and feel strong and fit as a fiddle. They are all a grand lot of men here I only knew one out of the lot but now them all pretty well now. We have a bit of a concert here every night almost. There are a few good singers here and we also had a phonograph up from the station with all the latest records. We have has two dances amongst ourselves, very boisterous affairs indeed they do make the dust fly. I have not ventured to take part in them yet and don’ think I will either. I get enough dancing all day long and besides I have to furnish the music. You ought to see them going when I rattle up the concertina they do make the dust fly. Sample of letters written by Fred Myers to his wife Mattie Myerslocal identities

MBA – Ward 6 – Cheltenham Dear Matty let you know this just that I am still alive and well considering my age and the cold weather we have had. I hope you are well and Fred is in work – is it still possible that they are grudging him work in Melton where he is much beloved and his Mother said that his Father was one of the best men in the world but the world is out if its mind I think but it will be allright when the war is over – have you heard from Arthur and Kath lately. I am longing to see them and the Page 1 dear little children. Please send me their address and I have also reverse taken a longing to see Eddie and Alick do you know if they are alive do try to find them and tell them that I am longing to see them before I die may God grant my desire – there are always some dieing and some coming but I have not seen one who does not want to get our of this place – come and see me and bring me some lollies and salts and I will give you 2/6 –my love to Fred and his Mother and the dear children and your dear self from Nana Watson do not forget to send me Arthur’s address Written in column Page 1 & do try to get my three sons to write to me – do write soon and tell them the news reverse side column I have not heard from Mrs Bartlette please send me the number of their houseLetter written from Robina Watson to her granddaughter Martha Mary Myers at Meltonlocal identities

Andrina Marshall was born on the 25th of June 18193 (Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, United Kingdom as the second child of Andrew MARSHALL and Barbara GROAT).She had one sibling, Robina. She passed away in 1866 in Shetland.Black and white copy of the documentlocal identities

The Willows homestead is "a scarce example of a reasonably intact building from the original era of farming in the Shire, and for its long association with the Minns family who were prominent in the local community and local government over several generations". History of the Willows by Edna Barrielocal architecture, local identities

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

In 1915, Barrie built a new mill at Melton Railway Station situated between Exford Hall and Dixon’s mill. It will be 40ft by 80ft with 18ft walls. Partnership with John Ralph Schutt–West Footscray Schutt & Barrie in 1916 1916 February Ernie Barrie has sold his recently erected chaff mill at Melton South Railway Station to Messrs Dixon at a satisfactory price. The mill recently purchased from Mr Barrie to be re-erected along side their present millPurchases for the Schutt & Barrie Chaff Mills, Meltonagriculture, local identities

Store opening at Bakery Squaremisc.

Letter from George Minns to his aunty

Edna Barrie describes the Darlingsford property. C.E. Barrrie Land developers bought the property from my husband’s brother. It was one big farm and they were a big family. When the father died he left it to be cut up for the family. The youngest son had to reach age 21 before the property could be divided and portioned out to the mother and children, but it was deferred until Jim returned from the war. Eventually it was cut up into two parts, we were married by then and so was Edgar. Part of the land included the block on the other side of Ferris road, which became the quarry, Edgar’s section was on the Toolern Creek end, he was the last one married and lived in the old bluestone house until 1974. The developers bought this section but they could not get permits due to the state of the old bridge due to the cost. Barries had built the bridge across the creek [1926]. It took the big loads of hay and the family kept it maintained. Once the Barries had gone it did not get any upkeep. The developers found the cost of replacing the bridge and developing site with sewerage and drainage power before they sell. The rural land itself is not worth much as the developer has to complete the subdivision before any blocks can be sold. The developer from Sydney had a man living in the house, who let it go the rack and ruin. He managed to buy from the developer 25 acres with the bluestone house. Bernard Coburn had it for a while but is was well out of our hands by then. There were various people who have bought into and tried to develop and have given up. There was a project sometime ago to save the buildings from ruin but nothing has happened as yet, they are six or seven years to late. The buildings continue to deteriorate and were badly damaged vandals and fire. The Shire bought all the rest of it from the developer, where the tip is now, that was also part of Edgars land. Article about a fire at Darlingsford Estate featured in the Telegraphlocal architecture, local identities, emergency services

Participated in the Formation of Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group in 1967Article featuring Stephen John Hirt, Captain of CFA Melton Urban and Rural Fire Brigades.local identities, emergency services

Melton S.E.S members in front of their truck, article featured in the Telegraph. emergency services, local identies