Information from title page: "THE WAR DEAD OF/ THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH/ AND EMPIRE/ The Register of the Names of those who fell/ in the 1939-1945 War and have no/ known grave./THE LABUAN MEMORIAL/ PART 11/ (Lab-2in)" Part of the William (Bill) THOMASON Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Soft cover book; Cover - light brown colour cardboard. Black colour ink print on front., 130 pages, cut, plain, off white colour paper. Register names have been listed alphabetically. Illustrated black and white photographs and a map.publications, books, memorial register, ww2, william (bill) thomason collection

Mid green buckram covers with light green dust jackets, several with plastic. Titles on front & spines. Illustrated with black & white photos & drawings. .1) Vol I The Government and the People 1939-1941,644 pages .2) Vol II The Government and the People 1942 -1945, 771 pages .3) Vol IV War Economy 1942 -1945, 817 pages .4) Vol V The role of Science and Industry, 738 pagesbooks - history, politics

Illustrated book with light green cover, title embossed in gold colour on frontnon-fictionA history of nursing in South Australia from 1837-1937.nursing-south australia-history, nurses-south australi-history, hospitals-south australia-history

The photograph is dated 1938 in the early LDHS "Index of Photographs". However a companion photograph showing the boys' group (Registration no. 2018-40 - shows same location) is dated 1937. Names in early "Index of Photographs" at LDHS: Back row (L-R): Violet Shepherd, Bertha Cluff, Eileen Barr, Mildred Shepherd, Esther Cluff, Ida Nelson, Joy Gillett, Eva Foster. Second row: Brenda Megee, Bertha Stratton, Doris Watson, Joyce(?) Uren, Doreen Keating, Gwen Smith, Mavis Gillett, Wilma Shields, Joy McCorkell. Third row: Dawn Witton, Joan Kerr, Joy Stratton, Ailsa McDonald, Betty Lancaster, June Emerson. Front row: Yvonne Cluff, Gracie Hearn, Myrna Howard, Nannette Hunt, Enid Shields, Beryl Shields, Dawn Lancaster, Lorraine Nelson, Margaret Gangell.Black and white copy of original photograph, mounted on white card, which shows a group of girls posed for a photograph under a tree. The school building and a picket fence can be glimpsed in the background.linton state school no. 880, violet shepherd, bertha cluff, eileen barr, mildred shepherd, esther cluff, ida nelson, joy gillett, eva foster, brenda megee, bertha stratton, doris watson, joyce(?) uren, doreen keating, gwen smith, mavis gillett, wilma shields, joy mccorkell, dawn witton, joan kerr, joy stratton, ailsa mcdonald, betty lancaster, june emerson, yvonne cluff, gracie hearn, myrna howard, nannette hunt, enid shields, beryl shields, dawn lancaster, lorraine nelson, margaret gangell

Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals the City of Moorabbin and she used these patterns to make clothes etc.for her family and the Choral Society. Madame Weigel who migrated to Melbourne in1877 with her husband Oscar; began publishing in 1878 and distributed paper patterns of the latest fashions, throughout Australia and New Zealand, She and Oscar became the first commercial manufacturers of paper patterns in Australasia, and to publish Weigel's Journal of Fashion (1880-1915) and Madame Weigel's Journal of Fashion (1915-1950). Madame Weigel had an enormous following of women who used her patterns across the generations, and across the life cycle from babies to 'matrons'. Madame Weigel died in 1940 aged 92 years. Finally, after 91 years of business and millions of patterns sold, Madame Weigel's paper pattern business closed in 1969.Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals in the City of Moorabbin and used these patterns for clothes etc for members of her family and the Choral Society. Madame Weigel was one of the most remarkable of early Australasian business women.A black and white booklet of 37 pages with advertisements, sketches, articles, photographs, knitting,crochet and tapestry instructions, dressmaking patterns and recipes. Volume LV111 pages 122 - 159 completeFront Cover ; Registered at the General Post Office Melbourne for transmission by post as a Newspaper / 4d / Published Monthly / MADAME / WEIGEL'S / JOURNAL OF FASHION / Vol LV111 No. 688 / A Delightful Home Journal / JUNE 1, 1937 / 58th YEAR OF PUBLICATION / Illustrated at Right - / Crocheted Cushion of / Unusual Design./popular Bed-Jacket. / ( Daisy Wheel Design) /Illustrated at Left - FREE Pattern ; / Lady's Costume Coat. / 34 Inches Bust Meas. Back Cover : Advertisement for Bushells Blue Label Tea / Printed and Published by Geo. Humphries for Madame Weigel Pty Ltd , Lennox and Rowena Sts., Richmond. Vic.haberdashery, cotton, lace, pillow cases, sheets, clothing, dressmaking, needlework, market gardens, dairy farms, lacework, craftwork, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, moorabbin, cheltenham,reed gladys, clark judy

Item carved by a German Internee who was held in Camp 1 in WW2. Came into the possession of one of the guards, whose nephew donated it to Tatura MuseumSandstone piece with carved map of Austraiia, Tatura 1939-1940, and a 1939 penny inserted in the stone."Tatura Vic.1939-40." Map of Australia/Bird.internment camp 1, tatura, german internee..

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.The Ajax Exercise Book, faint lined each page, 24 pages with handwriting in ink; last six pages blank"Eltham Hall" written in ink on top of pencil stating "Mrs Lyon"arthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, maria street, minute book

YOUNG, John Alexander V82835 LieutenantAustralian Service Medal The medal features an effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words "THE AUSTRALIAN SERVIE MEDAL 1939-1945". Ribbon The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes and edge stripes, one of dark blue and one of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian nature of the award and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Army, Navy and Air ForceJ.A. Young V82835

Black and white photographAccompanying sheet of paper reads- "Chrysanthemums. Inspecting chrysanthemums while sitting on the gate of the Floral Farm of Mr. S. R. Lutch at East Ringwood on 24th April 1939. Hazel Howship and Merle Purser, daughter of Cr. Purser." "This photo appeared in the 'Herald' on Saturday Nov. 8th, 1958."agriculture

A Control Joy Stick presented to Pilot Officer Eric V. Read in 1937 after it was recovered from an aircraft he was flying had crashed in the Brisbane Ranges in December 1936. Eric Read was a 21 year old RAAF pilot who was on a flight over the Bacchus Marsh region to make meteorological observations. Read's plane came down in bad weather and crashed into a heavily wooded area of the Brisbane Ranges between Staughton Vale and Mount Wallace. An extensive air and ground search was conducted and after 32 hours Read was located, alive, but badly injured and unable to get out of the cockpit of the plane. He was first located from the air and then a rescue party was able to reach him through rough country and bring him to safety. Read recovered from his injuries and many years later gifted the control stick of the aircraft he had been flying as an item for the collection of the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society.This item is of local historical significance as an object related to a notable aircraft accident and subsequent rescue of the pilot. It is also significant for its rarity as a surviving piece of aviation equipment from this era.Control or Joy stick mounted on a wooden base.aircraft, aircraft accidents, eric v. read

Hand written letters, and newspaper clippings.5517(a)- Letter of thanks to Ringwood Council for donation of 13/- to the Auxiliary. Dated 15/5/1929. 5517(b)- Letter of thanks to Ringwood Council for donation of £1 rebate for hire of Hall. Dated 6/6/1932. 5517(c)- Letter of thanks to Ringwood Council for donation of £5 to the Auxiliary. Dated 19/11/1935. 5517(d)- Letter fo thanks to Ringwood Council for donation of £5 to the Auxiliary. Dated 15/10/1937. 5517(e)- Newspaper clipping with details of the monthly meeting of the Ringwood Auxiliary of the Eye and Ear Hospital. Dated 3/5/1934. 5517(f)- Newspaper clipping with details of the monthly meeting of the Ringwood Auxiliary of the Eye and Ear Hospital. Dated 13/11/1930.

Celebration of coronation of George V1QLD Coronation Celebrations Medal 12th May 1937On the front is relief of King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth, the other has sheath around the edge with a gathered bands with a Maltese Cross in the centre. The inscription Queensland Coronation Celebrations 12th May 1937medal, commemoration, george v1, queensland

CLUNES BASKETBALL CLUB - 1939 TEAMCLUNES BASKETBALL CLUB - 1939 TEAMIDA HUTCHINS, AMY DUNN, JOAN MILGATE, BERYL TOLLIDAY, ILMAR ROBERTS, KAY JENKIN, LORNA ANNEAR, JUNE FAWCETTlocal history, sport, basket ball

Written on backing sheet, "St. Mary's School, Bedford Road, Ringwood. 1937-38. Back Row - K. Rodaughan, D. Hannan, ? Ellis, M. Maidment, J. Davern, D. Morphett, ??, J. Kiker, J. Nolan, F. Hardidge, A. Orr, W. Steeth. 3rd Row - B. Bates, W. Smith, K. Hardidge, J. Ryan, B. Byrne, P. Stratton, W. Davern, F. Barro, ??, J. Lindsay, A. Smith, ? Pratt. 2nd Row - Byrne, ??, G. Robinson, J. Grey, ? Brown, ??, G. Robinson, J. Grey, ? Brown, ? Brown, ??, ??, K. Ryan, W. Connell, W. Orr, J. Bowles, B. Grey, ??. Front Row - L. Hardingham, P. Gridley, ??, J. Orr, P. Alford, ??, P. Davern, V. Orr".

Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. House in Zollikon, 1937, Zurich, Switzerland. (Architect: Walter Moser.)Zurich (Zollikon) / House / Arch.W.M.Moser / 1937 (All Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide

Four trophies. Various sizes and shapes. All won by H. Douglas in 1936 and 1937 at the Geelong Guild Amateur Athletics Club.G/.G.A.A.C. (on all four cups). 1. Muir Cup 1937 - H.Douglas 2. J McDonald Cup 1936 - H. Douglas 3. B.E. Purnell Cup 1936 - H. Douglas 4. B.E. Purnell Cup 1937 - H. Douglastrophies, purnell, douglas, mcdonald, muir, geelong guild amateur athletics club, bradley's geelong

SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION IN CLUNES 1939 .DISTRICT FIRE BRIGADE DEMO 1939local history, photography, photographs, fire brigade

Darley football club was formed in 1919. Darley lies on the northern side of the township of Bacchus Marsh. It is part of the overall township of Bacchus Marsh but forms a distinct community within Bacchus Marsh especially in the early period of its history. The area is known as a football breeding ground and has produced many champion players at VFL and AFL level and the club has had sustained success over many decades in various competitions. For many years it played in the Bacchus Marsh District Football Association. From the mid 1990s it has competed in the Ballarat Football League.A black and white photograph print mounted on mounting board, showing a group of 19 players, 3 non playing officials and one child acting as the mascot arranged in three rows. A player in the centre holds a football with D.F.C. Premiers 1939 written upon it. Nineteen men are in football Guernseys, 3 are in civilian clothes. Two of these have towels over their shoulders and are probably trainers. In the centre is the third non-player who is presumably the coach. The photo is taken in an outdoor setting. The child is a young boy dressed in the clubs uniform and sits in the front row between the legs of another player. At the foot of the photo is, "Darley F. B. C. Premiers 1938-39". On the reverse are written some of the players names. Back row: 1. C. Lillburn, 2. ? Cook. 3 Skinner. 4 -----------. 5 Jimmy Younger. 6. Barry. 7. Albie Jones: Middle Row: 1. ----------. 2. McMahon. 3. Ray Closter. 4. Pop Closter. 5 ----------. 6. Mickey Dix. 7 ---------. 8. Densley. Front Row: 1. -----------. 2. Hartley Younger. 3. Whelan. Darley Football Club 1938-39. At to of reverse: 'Donated by the Wittick Family 12 - 1 - 2004. Marie Wittick'.darley football club, australian rules football

Dear old boy, the 24th annual reunion will be held in the town hall, Castlemaine, on Saturday ninth October, 1937 at 8 PM. You are earnestly invited to attend. And your subscription and tickets for reunion – the annual subscription 2/6 is now due. Members are urged to pay on before the night of meeting. Enclosed please find ticket (8/6) for the reunion. Change of address – members are asked to notify change of address age limit – the age of joining members is now 30 years. Extension of radius- the radius for membership is 7 miles. Members are urged to advise all of these to join and make the association one of the strongest in the state. Please try and secure new members. honor boards – 14 schools in the Castlemaine District have been presented with honour boards they are as follows – Fryerstown, Campbell's Creek, Chewton, Guildford, South Castlemaine, North Castlemaine, Woodbrook, Faraday, Elphinstone, Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Winters flat, St Mary's, Yapeen. School prize endowment – at the 1935 reunion

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Printed Junior Swimming Certificate. Education Department of Victoria. Awarded to G. Rogers in 1939. The certificate records that the swimmer passed the test for juniors in swimming, diving, floating, and methods of resuscitation. No. 147697. Date: 15 May 1939george rogers, swimming certificates

This is a photo of a display at the 1996 Wildflower Show. It was a replica of the Wildflower and Nature Show in 1937. Records # 455 & 457 show close-ups of the display. ** there are 3 originals of the photo (& no copies).This is a photo of a display of flowers, plants, photos and leaflets, laid out on a stage. Two landscape paintings and a framed wildflower painting can be seen on the wall behind the stage. Brown cloth covered by wooden trellis can be seen covering the front of a part of the display that extends beyond the stage. A sign in the centre reads "1937 Wildflower and Nature Show"."Wildflower Stage Replica of the 1937 Show" written in black ink on back of Copy 1.

This medal has been issued to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI of England in 1937. It was issued by a department store in Warrnambool, that of Cramond and Dickson. This business was established by John Glass Cramond and James Dickson in Timor Street, Warrnambool in 1855. It moved to Liebig Street at the corner of Timor Street and sold mens and ladies wear. It had its own tailors and milliners and the building was a landmark one in Warrnambool for over 100 years. It closed in 1973. In 1937 the business of Cramond and Dickson was 82 years old. This medal is of great interest as it shows the level of fervor for British Royalty and all things British that was prevalent in Warrnambool in the 1930s. The Cramond and Dickson business was one of the most important ones in Warrnambool’s history as it operated for over 100 years. This is a silver-coloured medal commemorating the Coronation of King George VI of England. One side has the heads of King George and Queen Elizabeth surrounded by wording and the other side has the name of the Warrnambool store issuing the medal. The medal is tarnished. A piece of green string is attached to the hook at the top of the medal. ‘King George VI Queen Elizabeth Coronation 1937’ ‘Cramond & Dickson Warrnambool 1855-1937’ ‘P.J.King’ cramond and dickson, king george vi coronation, history of warrnambool

In the collection of the Kew RSL (Cotham Road) there is a framed original certificate with information about Lillias Jerram. It includes the following information: Miss Lillias May JERRAM Commandant No. 323 Detachment, Victoria [Citation] Loyal and able leadership and service during World War II Service: Joined No.323 (Kew) Detachment in 1937. Commandant in 1944. Miss Jerram did voluntary duty in casualty and wards at St Vincent's Hospital regularly for 6 years. Also duty at the Eye and Ear Hospital and A.R.P. Duty. Helped No.323 Detachment to raise funds amounting to 400 pounds for St. John Theatre at 115th A.G.H., Heidelberg. Blood donor. [Courtesy: John Torpey representing the Kew RSL]Group portrait of Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.) nurses including Lillias Jerram who was a member of this group during 1939-46. The photograph was given at the same time as the embroidered V.A.D. tablecloth which also includes Miss Jerram's name (see 2002.0003)Inscription on reverse in inl: "Miss Lillias Jerram X. / V.A.D. Corp / 1939-46".voluntary aid detachment (kew branch), lillias jerram

Packet. Thesis;; 'Thank You' card and note from John Fraser to Ellie Pullen.;; Article from 'Mail' 25-Nov-1998 with photo of Richard Carter. +Additional Keywords: Fraser, JOhn / Pullin, Ellie / Carter, RichardPacket includes the following: . Thesis by John Fraser- "The decline of orcharding in the metropolitan area of Melbourne, 1920-1939." . Newspaper cutting from the 'Mail' 24/11/98 titled "Fruits of labor all gone", with a photo of Richard Carter, then President of Ringwood Historical Society, on site at one of the last orchards in the area near the Croydon Hotel. . Thank You card from John Fraser to Ellie Pullen.

This souvenir cup of the Coronation of King George VI of England in 1937 was the official design of the British Pottery Manufacturers Federation. Good quality souvenirs such as this one sold well in Australia in the Coronation year and are collected still today. The Coronation was held in Westminster Abbey in London on 12th May 1937 following the abdication of King George’s brother, Edward VIII, in December 1936. The Coronation was celebrated with the issue of medals, coins, stamps, official and unofficial gatherings and the production of memorabilia. The Coronation was the first to be filmed and broadcast on radio and the first to feature an outside television broadcast. This souvenir cup is of interest as an example of the type of souvenir sold in Australia in 1937 to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England. It is an attractive item and will be useful for display. This is a souvenir cup issued for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in May 1937. It is made of white china with the body of the cup tapering slightly to the top rim. One side of the cup features a colour image of a crown, a wreath and the initials ‘G’ and ‘E’ and the other side has a colour image of King George and Queen Elizabeth, with a crown on top and encircled by leaves and acorns from an oak tree. The names of the king and queen are printed around the rim of the cup and there are other phrases in French around and under the images of the couple. ‘Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth May 1937’ ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense’ ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’ coronation of king george vi and queen elizabeth of england, history of warrnambool

Produced for the Nov 1939 centenary celebrations.Pin from 1939 Liardet Centenary, gold enamelled in blue and red: "Liardet/Port Melb/Centenary/Nov 19 1939" with Liardet portrait. 5 copies a - e.celebrations fetes and exhibitions, wilbraham frederick evelyn liardet

THE WEEK REVIEWED (Article; Bush Fires: A pictorial survey of Victoria's most tragic week, January 8-15, 1939. Published in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund by the Sun News-Pictorial in co-operation with its newsagents, pp2-3) THE fiercest bush fires Australia has known since its discovery are quiescent at the moment, and Victoria, in the comparative coolness of the change which came with rain on Sunday night, has begun·to count its losses. In the fiery eight days, from Sunday to Sunday, at least sixty-six men, women and children have lost their lives in forest fires, or have succumbed to burns and shock; many others have died from heat; and several serious cases of burns are being treated in hospitals. Two babies in Narrandera district have died, and ten others are in hospital, because of milk soured by the record temperatures of those eight days. Forest damage totals at least a million pounds, and incalculable damage has been done to the seedlings which were to have been the forests of the future. Water conservation will be seriously affected by the silting-up of reservoirs and streams from which protective timber has been taken by the all-engulfing flames. More than a thousand houses have been destroyed, and these, with 40 mills, and schools, post-offices, churches, and other buildings, represent a loss of at least half a million. At least 1500 are homeless. For their aid, money raised in appeals has now passed the £50,000 mark, and the biggest relief organisation ever set up in peace time has swung into operation. The First Hint Victoria's first hint of what was to come appeared on Sunday, January 8, when most parts of the State awoke to find a blistering day awaiting. At 12.20 p.m., when the thermometer reached its highest for the day, 109.6 degrees, the first fire victims were at that moment going to their death on a bush track five feet wide off the main road to Narbethong. They were the forestry officers Charles Isaac Demby and John Hartley Barling, who went to warn Demby of his danger when he parted from his companions, and was himself surrounded by the treacherous fire. It was not until 8 o'clock next morning that the tragic news was flashed throughout the State. Searchers found the two charred bodies close together, one seeking protection in the nook of two logs. Barling's watch had stopped at 1.20. In the meantime, tragedy was spreading its cloak. By Monday, big fires were raging at Toolangi, Erica, Yallourn, Monbulk, Frankston, Dromana, Drouin South, Glenburn, and Blackwood, with smaller outbreaks at many other centres. In the ensuing week, while women and children were evacuated as fast as the flames would permit, Erica-scene of the 1926 fire disaster-thrice escaped doom by a change of wind. Indeed, those who have been in the fire country these past days say that the numbers of times a change of wind has saved towns from destruction is amazing. In the towns they speak of miracles. Monday's Miracles The escapes from Monett's Mill at Erica and from the Hardwood Company's Mill at Murrindindi, near where Demby and Barling went to their death, were Monday's miracles. Twenty came out alive from each mill. At the first a 60ft. dugout provided an oven-like refuge; at the second, 12 women and children survived in the smoke-filled gloom of a three-roomed cottage while their eight men, their clothes sometimes afire, poured water on the wooden walls. Three houses out of ten remained when the fire had passed. Record Temperatures Sunday had been the hottest Melbourne day for 33 years; Monday dropped to a 76.1 degree maximum; but Tuesday dawned hotter than ever, the mercury reaching 112.5. By now rumor was racing ahead of fact; whole towns were being reported lost; the alarm was raised for scores of missing persons. But fact soon overtook rumor, and within a few days the staggering toll began to mount to a figure beyond the wildest imaginings of the panic-stricken. Six died from heat on this torrid Tuesday, and the fires spread in a wide swathe from south-west to north-east across the State. Fish died in shallow streams. A curtain of smoke hid the sky from all Victoria, and hung far out to sea. It alarmed passengers on ships. On the Ormonde, on the voyage to Sydney from Burnie, women ran on deck, believing fire had broken out in the hold. Days later the smoke reached New Zealand. In Melbourne thousands of fire-volunteers were leaving in cars: vans, motor-buses-anything reliable on wheels-to aid the country in its grim fight. In the fires at Rubicon and. Narbethong, seventeen were facing death this day. But not till Wednesday, when Melbourne breathed again in a cool change, while the country still sweltered in temperatures up to 117 degrees, did the news come through the tree blocked roads. A woman and her little daughter, trapped on the road, were among those who died. Their bodies, and those of menfolk with them, were found strewn out at intervals along the road, where the furnace of the surrounding fire had dropped them in their tracks as they ran. Twelve died at a Rubicon mill, five on the road at Narbethong. At Alexandra, not far distant, a baby was born while the fires raged, and stretcher-bearers brought in the injured. On Thursday the State Government voted £5000 for the relief of fire victims. The Governor (Lord Huntingfield) and the Lord Mayor (Cr. Coles) visited some of the stricken areas, and dipped into their pockets personally. Later, the City Council, too, voted £5000. Friday, The 13th Friday, the Thirteenth, justified its evil name. A blistering northerly came early in the morning, presaging destruction, and forcing the mercury to a new record of 114 degrees. Racing fires killed at least ten in those terrible 12 hours. Four children were engulfed in the furnace at Colac. Panic drove them, uncontrollable, into the smoke-filled road when the fire raced down behind their home. They choked to death. In other parts fires were joining to make fronts of scores of miles. Kinglake was being menaced on two fronts, £60,000 worth of timber was going up in smoke in Ballarat district. Warburton was surrounded. Residents at Lorne, favoured resort, were being driven to the sea-front by a fire which destroyed at least 20 homes. Healewille. with flames visible from the town at one stage, was in a trough between two fires which burned four guest-houses, seven homes and left its surrounding beauty-spots wastes of bowed-over, blackened tree-fern fronds; with its famous Sanctuary, however, intact. Most of Omeo was destroyed this black day: Noojee. while 200 residents crouched in the river, was being reduced to a waste of buckled iron and smoking timber; Erica was once again saved by a change of wind. Beneath a pall of smoke, the Rubicon victims were buried at Alexandra. Friday night and the early hours of Saturday saw the streets of beleagured towns strewn with exhausted fire-fighters. Their flails beside them, ready for the next call, they lay where exhaustion overtook them-on footpaths, beside lamp-posts, in gutters, in cars, under trucks. Saturday's dawn brought clear skies and lower temperatures in many parts, and from the burnt-out areas came a great rush of tragic reports. The death-roll rushed past the fifty mark with incredible speed. Some had been trapped on roads, others at mills; some, after burying their treasures, had clung too long to the places they had made their homes for many years. Four men lost their lives because one went back for his dog. By Sunday, when the first of the saving rain came, nearly another score of names had been added to the list.Newspaper magazine, 48 pages (incl. covers). Fully digitised and searchable PDFPublished in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund by the Sun News-Pictorial in co-operation with its newsagents.bushfires, 1939 bushfires, black friday, warrandyte