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John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of Andrew Michelson, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat.andrew michelson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of Dr Zichy Woinarski, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. In 1882 he married Miss Dundas-Robertson of Mortlake.zichy woinarski, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of John Alexander McKenzie, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, and was prominent in the Ballarat Imperial Football Club. He was the landlord of the Imperial Hotel.john alexander mckenzie, john mckenzie, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club, imperial football club

Photographic portrait of Josiah Magor, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. He was associated with the Two Ton mine at Black Hill. He was involved with local charitable work, and was a life governor of the Orphan and Benevolent Asylum.josiah magor, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of Thomas Tuke Hollway, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. He was also president of the Wendouree Rowing Club.thomas tuke hollway, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Richard Bell was born in Dumfermline, Scotland in 1850, arriving in Victoria with his family as a child. He worked at the grocery store of W.L. Wilson, Skipton Street, Sebastopol for six years before opening his own grocery business on the corner of Drummond and South Streets, Ballarat. The business was successful and he retired 15 years later. He was elected to the Ballarat City Council in 1891, and in 1892 he started an auctioneering and sharebroking business in partnership with Mr Lambert. Organisations such as the Ballarat Woollen Company and the Ballarat Tramway Board benefited from Richard Bell's association with them, and he was the Director of many mining companies. He was a member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute and the Commercial Club. Richard Bell was interest in erecting statues in Sturt Street to the memory of the poets Burns and Moore, and served on the relevant committee to that end. He was a long term truster of the Miners' Association, and took a very active part in the South Street Debating Society. In April 1874 Richard Bell married Jessie Scott, and the couple had two sons and seven daughters. Portrait of Alexander Bell, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club, jessie scott, richard bell

James Bicket was a member of the Ballarat Mining Board and was a member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.Photographic portrait of James Bickett, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. james bickett, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

The Old Colonists' Association Hall opened in 1887.Photograph of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall taken on Christmas Day when there were no cars parked out the front. old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' club ballarat, ballarat old colonists' hall, lydiard street, shopfront, r.f. scott and son

Colour photographs of boxes and a barrell in the Items in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old identities, barrell, timber box

Colour photograph of an electric waiter call box in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old identities, waiter

Peter Leslie (Les) Sykes was born in 1896. When 14 years of age he worked as a waite of the Old Colonists' Club. In 1911 he started an apprencticeship at Wiles and Watts, electroplaters of Armstrong Street North, which he later purchased. In later years Les was a member of the club. The Waiter's Drink Tray was one of a job lot from teh Old Colonists' Club either left behind or given as part payment (pre 1940s). Colour photograph of a silver tray used in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old identities, silver tray, waiter's tray

Ballarat Old Colonists' Association rosette worn at funerals of members, and some social functions. ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, rosette

Black and white photograph of a number of men, some in cricket whites. ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat

This band sailed on 17 October 1914.Black and white photograph of a number of uniformed men, some holding bagpipes.Verso "Sailed 17th Oct 1914, Scotch Pipers for 1st Australian Contingent to European War.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, world war one, pipe band, bagpipes

The Guymer Cottage was built in 1956. Dr Edward Albert Howes Guymer was born in 1891 and died in 1962 In 1946 Dr. E. A. H. Guymer was Vice-President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. He served as President from 1948-1950.Colour photograph of a red brick cottage at the Charles Anderson Grove Retirement Villagecharles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, guymer cottage, edward albert howes guymer, dr guymer

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village at Charles Anderson Grove, off Gillies Street,Brick Cottage at Charles Anderson Grovecharles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, symons cottage

The Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove. The Titheridge home in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, titheridge cottage

Photographs of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall and the four associated shops. The hall is located at 20 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, and was built in 1887.ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' hall, shopfront

Photographs of the exterior of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. The hall is located at 20 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, and was built in 1887.ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' hall

The Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall is on the site of the former Government Camp which governed the goldfield. The bluestone used in the foundation of the hall was reused from a building demolished on the site. A number of colour photographs showing the interiors of the Old Colonists' shops in Lydiard Street before the replacement of floorboards. ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' hall, bluestone, government camp, lydiard street north, shops

Colour photograph of the coat of arms on the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hallold colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, coat of arms

Colour photograph of a room in the Old COlonists' Hall set up for the Old Colonists' Association President's Dinner.old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, presidents' dinner

Colour photograph of David Pratt (left) and Andrew Tweedie (President of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat )old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, presidents' dinner, david pratt, andrew tweedie

Colour photograph of Mary Batten."Mary Batten President Old Colonists' Club 2002-2003 Presented by the Council to the Old Colonists' Club at the Association's Annual General Meeting 20th November 2003 as a token of respect & in recognition of Mary's contribution as the first lady President of the Old Colonists' Club"old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, mary batten, club president

Colour photorgraph of the entrance Doors to the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall"Mary Batten President Old Colonists' Club 2002-2003 Presented by the Council to the Old Colonists' Club at the Association's Annual General Meeting 20th November 2003 as a token of respect & in recognition of Mary's contribution as the first lady President of the Old Colonists' Club"old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, mary batten, club president

Black and white photograph of the George Hotel in Lydiard Street, taken from the balcony of the Old Colonists' Hall.george hotel, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' hall, balcony