Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.This document is significant as a tangible link to a former crew aboard the RMS Remuera. The card also notes that this crew formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service for WWII. A number of servicemen who signed this card did not return from service. It represents the vital role of these men had in defending Australia. It also represents a tradition of Crossing the Line in RAN culture and has social value.Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.Hereunder are names of men who left Australia to join HMAS Perth on West Indies Station, forming Australia's first war contingent for active service. Mason, F. ... Henry (Printer), M. M. S.... (Printer's Devil), A.G.H. Foley A.B., L. H. Hughes E.R.A, M.G. Packer E.R.A, G.J. McKenzie, W.R. Birbich, R.A.A Shaw, R.de M. Baker O.D; J.N Taylor Ord Serv; R.W. Wilkinson ....; G.E Jones O.D; G.F. Bli... Ord Sea; E.E. Bird Ord Sea; V.L. Watson A.B; A.W. Newman; A.W. Graham O.D; L.P. Woolbrough; G.G. Kummins; H.W. Durham Sto II; R. McBryde Sto II; M. Gordon A.B.; F. Milner O.D; N.D. Coleman O.D; F. Norris ERA; M.J. O'Brien; E.R. Phillps Stok II; D.J. McPherson S.A; ....Liddell; L.E. Head A.B.; V.B. McGovern ERA; N. Leitch L/Sea; K.G. Stockbridge A.B.; F.W. Robinson (Master); C.H.G. John "Speed" Sto II; C.E. Ingram A.B. 64; E.V.W. Pockley Surg Lt RANR; George Christie A.B.; I.C. McLean.rms remuera, i.c. mclean, hmas perth, geelong naval and maritime museum, wwii, crossing the line wwii

The item is First Edition of publication. Material reprinted from the Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Victoria; author, George Hyam, horticultural supervisor; publication issued by direction of the Minister of Agriculture, W.G. McKenzie M.L.A. The booklet belonged to Mrs J. Adams who lived on the corner of Whitehorse and Springvale Roads.Fifty-seven page booklet on gardening by George Hyam; entitled, 'Vegetable growing in the home garden', put out by the Department of Agriculture, VictoriaDepartment of Agriculture. Victoriadomestic items, gardening

Light green program for the Bendigo North Primary School ball held on Thursday, 19th August, 1982 at the White Hills Technical School. Front page has drawings of a spider, moon, star, cat, bat, cooking pot, a witch on a broomstick above outlines of buildings. Name, venue, date and admission price on the front. The centre has the names of the dances and some information about the 'Danse Macabre'. The back has the Acknowledgements to: Judy Hasty, Graham Balaam, Lloyd George, Julie Gillick, Brian Hillman, Roger Hillman, Di Milich, Noel & Heather Ridge, David Tunley, Lexie Ottery, Ian McKenzie, Leslie Campbell, Jeanette Clancy, Merryn Gerrand, Mr & Mrs Ken Gilbee, Jenni Hillman, Janet Holland, Elizabeth Lakey, Val Lee, L Alyss Liiv, Jude Milner, Kerryn Monro, Ken Miles, Laurene Rothenberger, Ruth Roberts, Ruth Sloan, Kaye Trimble, Darren Eastwood, Olga Chafer, Coral McClure, Deanne McNeil, Jenny Mollison, Robyn Murphy, Jane Pattinson, Helen Penna, Neil Ross and Richardsons' Fernery.Bendigo North Primary Schoolentertainment, dance, ball, peter ellis collection, bendigo north primary school, white hills technical school, ridge, judy hasty, graham balaam, lloyd george, julie gillick, brian hillman, roger hillman, di milich, noel & heather ridge, david tunley, lexie ottery, ian mckenzie, leslie campbell, jeanette clancy, merryn gerrand, mr & mrs ken gilbee, jenni hillman, janet holland, elizabeth lakey, val lee, l alyss liiv, jude milner, kerryn monro, ken miles, laurene rothenberger, ruth roberts, ruth sloan, kaye trimble, darren eastwood, olga chafer, coral mcclure, deanne mcneil, jenny mollison, robyn murphy, jane pattinson, helen penna, neil ross, richardsons' fernery

Bendigo Operatic Society Programme Booklet 'Production Ánything Goes Capital Theatre Bendigo Opening, 6th April 1962. For Four Nights. Former Producer The Late Norman Lee, New Producer Miss Beatrice Oakley. Arrangement Samuel French Ltd. Lyrics & Music Cole Porter, Book By P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton. Musical Numbers Include: Ï Get a Kick Out of You' Ýou're the Top', 'There'll Always Be A Lady Fair, 'Ánything Goes' 'Gypsy in Me'' Cast: Denis Cremen, John Stephens, Ferd. Lorenz, Heather Lindhe, Margery Reed, Len Carr, Fred Trewarne, Carol McKenzie, Bernice Boromeo, Max Beckwith, Peter Unmack, Daryl Walker, Ian Beckwith, Rick Perry, Victor White, Roger Sprawson, Roy Cronin, George Steele, Joan Crane, Joan Heard, Alfred Annison, Kath Alexander, Reginald Boromeo, Ray Austin, Peter Houston.Cambridge Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/anything_goes

Bendigo Operatic Society White Paper Cover Black & White Text Programme Booklet Production 'South Pacific' Opening 10th August 1962 for six nights. Does not state where performed. With the permission of Chappells Ltd Bendigo Operatic Society presents 'South Pacific.' A Beatrice Oakley Production. Music & Lyrics Rogers & Hammerstein II. Book Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan. Musical Director Mr Max O' Loghlen. South Pacific's plot is based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific and combines elements of several of those stories. Rodgers and Hammerstein believed they could write a musical based on Michener's work that would be financially successful and, at the same time, would send a strong progressive message on racism. South Pacific focuses on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart. The issue of racial prejudice is candidly explored throughout the musical, most controversially in the lieutenant's song, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught". Supporting characters, including a comic petty officer and the Tonkinese girl's mother, help to tie the stories together. Because he lacked military knowledge, Hammerstein had difficulty writing that part of the script; the director of the original production, Logan, assisted him and received credit as co-writer of the book. Cast: Ray Austin, John Boromeo, Ruth Lyon, Carol Crane, Roger Sprawson, Patricia McCracken, John Stephens, Patricia Lyon, Kenneth Nicholls, Victor White, Alfred Annison, Brain Whetstone, Fred Trewarne, Peter Houston, John Gow, Ian Beckwith, Gerry Gleeson, John Reed, Roy Cronin, Reginald Boromeo, Len Carr, Denis Cremen, Daryl Walker, George Steele, Barry Washington, Joan Crane, Dawn Beckwith, Annette Wilson, Emily Houston, Jill Angwin, Carole McKenzie, Greta Smyth, Rhonda Scott, Lorraine Brennan, Mary Speedy, Katherine Alexander, Bronwen Townsend, Ferd. Lorenz. Songs Include: ''Bali Hai'', ''I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy,'' ''Younger Than Springtime,'' ''This Nearly Was Mine,'' '' Some Enchanted Evening,'' ''There is Nothing Like a Dame,'' ''I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,'' and many others.Arthur Hocking Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society

Captain Mackenzie Luckie was born in 1821. From 1853 he commanded eight ships. He died on board the Michael Angelo off the coast of New Zealand in February 1875. After the ship arrived in Nelson, The Argus (Melbourne) reported on 12 February 1875 that Captain Luckie was found dead in his cabin, from heart disease. His appointed Attorney Mr George William Knight selected land in Sunbury in 1860 and then arrived in Bendigo on 2 April 1870. For more information about George William Knight see https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227853797?searchTerm=george%20william%20knightCaptain McKenzie Luckie  a. Document appointing George William Knight of Sunbury or elsewhere in the Colony of Victoria as a lawful attorney to act for Mackenzie Luckie of 15 Tredegar Square, Bow in the County of Middlesex (now London), Master Mariner. Dated 18 February 1862. Witnessed by William Charles White. Five page document - two blue flimsy sheets, one light card sheet and two grey flimsy sheets. b. Transcript from The Age (Melbourne) 27 November 1937. The letter from H. Daniel, Monte Video, South America, is responding to an earlier letter from the grand daughter of Captain Mackenzie Luckie. It includes a record of the career of Captain Luckie from 1853. captain mackenzie luckie, master mariner

10559a Letter to Mr. G.V. Lansell, Mr. R.F. Hyett and Mr. G.R. Wheeler, authorizing the Trustees of the Bendigo Sub-branch of R.S.S.A.I.L.A. Building and Patriotic Fund to complete the purchase of a property in Mackenzie Street Bendigo, and authorizing the Trustees to borrow £2000 to complete the purchase. Dated 19 June 1950. Letter from Solicitors Hyett. Willis and Hyett. 10559b Indemnity agreement for five members of the Bendigo Sub-branch of The Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airman's' Imperial League of Australia Victorian Branch ( R.S.S.A.I.L.A.) dated 22 December 1950, in relation to the purchase of (11) McKenzie Street, Bendigo and borrowing £2,000 from the Commonwealth Bank to complete a property purchase. The members being Mr. George Victor Lansell, Mr. Frederick Eustace Jackson, Mr. John William Swatton, Mr. George Robert Wheeler, and Mr. Augustus John Skehan. r.s.s.a.i.l.a bendigo branch, mackenzie street

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W, 90 pagesarthur stanley, w. g. mcbeath, e. r. peacock, r. j. oehr, h. l. walters, m. l. miller, john higgins,harold w. bickford, george brown, a. macaulay caldwell, w. a. dickins, f. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff, h. sumner martin, g. g. mercy, m. l. miller, j. e. muir, george vial, tudor, ernest j. d. abraham, mrs e. j. d. abraham, mrs n. adams, r. dow, e. empson, l. fletcher, d, hickey, a. graham, mrs c. luke, mrs j. e. muir, mrs h. sumner martin, mrs c. robertson, mrs a. williamson, mrs a. wilson. w. j. craig, john cronin, john m. paul, alex williamson, adam c. muir, s. moss, m. g. b mortimer, blackburn, deaf workers club, ramblers club, j. johnston, m. maloney, lacrosse, cricket, t. a. nelson, a suthersland, w. a. paterson, n. amos, j. leber, j. cariss, c. hosking, williamson, oakley, kenworthy, mckenzie, connell, paterson

The Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria, now known as Vicdeaf, (the Victorian Deaf Society), was founded in 1884 as the Victorian Society for Promoting the Spiritual and Temporal Welfare of the Adult Deaf and Dumb. The provisional committee being Mr W Bates, Mr J M Bruce, Mr J D Gowan, Mr Edwin Newbiggin, Mr C M Officer, M. L, A., and the Rev. W. Moss. The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission's objects were: 1. To provide the means for religious worship and instruction for the adult deaf and dumb of Victoria 2. To visit the deaf and dumb in their homes, especially when sick or in distress 3. To assist the deaf and dumb of good character in obtaining suitable employment 4. To provide technical and other education for the adult and dumb 5. To give pecuniary assistance to adult deaf and dumb who are in needThe Annual Reports of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society are historically significant providing insight into the history of the evolving Deaf Community in Victoria. They are a annual 'snapshot' of the year with references not only to the progress of the Society but also to the significant people and events within the Deaf Community.Pink Cover, Size 21.5Hx13.5W,20 pagesdr j. f. mackeddie, e. r. peacock, r. j. oehr, j. dudley, m. l. miller, john higgins, harold w. bickford, f. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, r. h. luff,w. a. paterson, h. a. sinclair, george vial, ernest j. d. abraham, r. dow, e. empson, d, hickey, mrs w. a. paterson, margaret gibson, lydia sanders, mrs e. johnson, mrs a. wilson, mab dow, j. craig, john cronin, alex williamson, adam c. muir, w. taylor, s. moss, m. g. b mortimer, blackburn, deaf workers club, ramblers club, j. johnston, lacrosse, cricket, a suthersland, w. a. paterson, n. amos, mrs abraham, douglas abraham, a. mclellan, w. b. anderson, c. graham, d. white, j. m. jjohnston, h. mckenzie, v. tyzzer, n. webb, j. williams, o. tyzzer, d. m. kilpatrick, n. amos, a. williams, g. newnham, i. kennedy, a. tyzzer, a. stewart, j. mclean, r. durham, n. ormsby, mrs goddard, c. smith, h. taggart, mr brett,

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

Letter from George Minns to his aunty

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance

"Hannah ‘Grannie’ Wattsis one of Melton’s mostcelebrated and cherished pioneers. Born in Ireland in 1831, Hannah immigrated to Australia with her husband George Byrns in 1854. Moving to Melton, they built a wattle and daub hut home where they lived with their four children until George was tragically killed in 1860. Unusually for the time, Hannah purchased land in her own name in the Melton township in 1863. Later that same year she married William Watts and together they moved to Toolern Vale and built a bluestone and mud brick home. It is believed that while travelling to Australia, Hannah assisted the ship surgeon and demonstrated a natural aptitude for the tasks assigned to her. When she was living in Melton she assisted other women in an unofficial capacity as neighbourhood midwife, while also working on her farm and raising her six children. By 1887, however, her reputation as a midwife had grown to such an extent that she was able to establish her own practice. William Watts died in 1874, but Hannah remained in Toolern Vale for the next twenty years. In 1894, she moved into the Melton township and built Lynch Cottage on the corner of Yuille and Sherwin streets, near Toolern Vale Creek. There she assisted in the births of hundreds of Melton residents, as well as the laying out of the deceased. Meticulous in her record keeping, Hannah Watts recorded the details of a total of 442 births between the years 1886 and 1921. Lynch Cottage was officially registered as a private hospital in 1911 and Hannah was listed in the Victorian Register of Midwives in 1917. Hannah Watts died on 21 October 1921, a few months after she assisted with the delivery of her final baby, Thomas Watts Minns. She was 90 years old. Hannah was buried in Melton Cemetery and mourned by the Melton community. Her obituary in the Gisborne Gazette is a testament to how beloved she was by the people she served: ... while in the absence of medical aid residents looked to Grannie as their doctor, philosopher and friend. Hundreds, in fact we might say thousands of people held the deceased in veneration ... A woman of great energy and determination combined with superior intelligence, Grannie conquered difficulties that would have made many falter... Today Grannie Watts is remembered by her descendants and by many locals in the City of Melton. Created in 1985, Hannah Watts Park honours Grannie Watts’ pioneering work for the health and wellbeing of hundreds of Meltonians. Not only is the park a fitting tribute to the memory of an outstanding citizen, it also continues to provide today’s residents and visitors with a space to walk, relax, gather and celebrate in Melton" .Tom Minns holding Debra Wain, first hospital baby to be born In Melton since 1921. Article featured in the Herald. Mother Rhonda Wain is featured in the photo too. local identities, local significant events

Photo of the painting scanned by Morrie Forte 2011. "The Minns’ Hotel, the was originally a butcher shop, before owner George Minns transformed it into a hotel. It later became known as Mac’s Hotel, which remains a popular place in Melton today".Oil Painting by D C Power Minns Hotel Meltonlocal architecture

Fanny Elizabeth nee Minns Parker, daughter of George Minns was born in Norfolk c.1808, married Nicholas Parker in Melton 1874. They had two sons, John Nicholas. Father Nicholas died circa 1877. Their second son George Minns Parker was born 31st December 1876. Fanny’s house contained external decorative features and corner stonework which was also used in the Willows House. Fanny died circa 1919 Fanny Parker was a friend of Ann Myers. Their sons were born in the same decade. The rate books show her as a dressmaker. Parkeer's house was located on Mckenzie Street, Meltonlocal identities, local architecture

George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits

George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits

There were no high schools in the area pre 1975, and students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School. In 1975, Melton High School opened its doors. Coburn Road named after Coburns, early settlers family and George Coburn Councillor and 1935 Shire PresidentEarth works undertaken for the development of Melton High School, Coburns Road, Melton Westeducation

Minn's Hotel established by George Minns. In 1911 the late Mrs. Hay’s estate was in the preliminary stages of dispersal and the hotel known as Minns was sold to a Mr McDowell of South Melbourne. Mr. McDowell lived in Melton for five and a half years, and it was during this time that the cottage was erected in High Street and the hotel became Macs.Mac’s Hotel under demolition (Minns)local architecture

The Minns’ Hotel was originally a butcher shop, before owner George Minns transformed it into a hotel.Mac’s Hotel (formerly Minns Hotel until 1911), High Street Meltonlocal architecture

Alexander Blackwood original allotment owner. Other occupants include Chalmer, Wraith 1920, McDonald, Bardsley 1948. 1970 became Arnolds News Agent. It also operated as a State Savings Bank Agent. Demolished in 1974.Jean and George Arnold, and Martha Myers at the front of the news agency local identities, local architecture

David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

Murray Comrie Collection.Monochrome photograph of a group of children assembled in rows for a school photograph. Accompanied by two sets of handwritten notes (catalogued separately as a Research Notes) with children's names. Names of children combined from both set of notes are believed to be: Left to Right Back/4th row: Maurice Chambers, Alf Gedling, Bill Riordan, Les Williams, Wally Harwood, Len Smith, Les Caldwell, (at rear, Headmaster/teacher W.Carroll), Angus Comrie, Keith Comrie, Ken McKenzie, Bert Caldwell, Maurice Power. 3rd row: George Banks, Bruce Calder, J. Austin, Les Hutchins, Bill Gedling, Gilbert Ramm, Sydney Goltz, Murray Comrie, Tom Comrie, Bill Whimpey, Jim Duggan, Reuben Ampfer. 2nd row: Theo Riordan, N. Carroll, Andy Heraud, K.Calder, Keith Chambers, Harry James, Ron Heraud, Mal Ampfer, Stan McNamee, Bert Stevens (or Stephens). Front/1st row: _______ Calder, Rob Banks, L. Carroll, George Riordan, Bill Stevens (or Stephens), Len McKenna, A. Whimpey.tarnagulla, school, education, children, ampfer, banks, calder, caldwell, carroll, chambers, comrie, duggan, gedling, harwood, heraud, james, mckenna, mcnamee, riordan, smith, stephens, stevens, whimpey, williams

Currently the headquarters of the Melton Historical Society, the Willows was built in 1855 by a farmer called Ralph Parkinson. In 1867, it was purchased and extended by James Ebden Minns. His son, George Minns, was given the property by his father in 1903, George was a council member of Melton Shire for 37 years and after he eft the area in 1951, the property became derelict. Although due to the support of the community, Melton Shire Council purchased the property in 1972 and to assist with the restoration, a group was established called the Willows Restoration Committee. The members included Chairman Cr Ed Gillespie, Lorraine Gillespie, Mr & Mrs Alan Reed, Ken Young, Bill Amor, Edna Barrie, Max Watson, Cr Jeff Robinson and Wendy Barrie.Restoration was completed in 1982.The Willows before restoration in 1973. This is the view of the front of the house and part of side wire fencing.council, local special interest groups, pioneer families, local architecture, local identities

Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. Edna was also the co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970”, and assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. George Tinkler, Edna Barrie and Pearl Walker at First Hundred Years Celebration Melton State School 430. This event was held at Mechanics Hall, Melton.education, local identities, local significant events

Fred Myers, David Wilkie and Effie Wilkie are siblings. George Tinker married Pearl Wilkie and had a daughter called PamelaFred Myers, David Wilkie, Effie Wilkie and George Tinker at Melton State School's First Hundred Years Celebration, the event was held at Mechanic's Hall, Melton. local identities, local significant events, education

Melton State School Photograph Junior Classes May 3rd 1917 Thomas Lang was the Head Teacher from 1896 - 1917 Back row: William Kilpatrick Bill D Whiting John Flynn Archibald MacDonald Arch Edward Radford Ted John Radford Jack Keith Beardemore Second Back Row: Percival Cook George Nixon Frederick Myers Bill ? Coburn Jim Coburn Bill ? Coburn [Arthur 06 Geo, William 06 Frdk Thomas 06 F James F] Second Front Row: Rita Wilson Mary Coburn Frdk Ivy Prickett - Winifred Barrie Marie Jongebloed Mary Phyllis Pearcey E. Waller Front Row: Kenneth Beaty John Parker Margaret McDonald Mary Kilpatrick Greta Jongebloed .. Norman Minns Francis Shelly Juniors classes with headmaster Thomas Lang. education, local identities

Melton State School May 3rd 1917 Head Teacher Mr Thomas Lang Senior Class Back Row: Frederick Manning Arthur Pearce Augustus Jongebloed Donald Watson Thomas Walter David Dodemaide Henry Whittington Second Back Row: Rita Barrie Lilian Barrie Winifred Cook Olive Pearcey Dorothy Flynn Miss Cassy Dudley Third Front Row: Winifred Williams Myrtle Moulsdale Theckla Jongebloed Olga Raleigh Fanny Trewin (Alice?) Front Row: George O’Neil – George McDonald Eric Wilson Leopold McGuire Keith Beaty Alan Beardemore Eric Burton Black and white photograph of Melton State School Senior Class with headmaster Thomas Langeducation, local identities

Coburns Road - 19th c family descendents living in Melton. Coburn Primary School Cr George Coburn. 1930’s. December 1935 Shire President Cr Geo Coburn convened meeting to form the Bush Fire Brigade. Road construction of Service road and beginnings of West Melton subdivision. West Melton-Early Division View of Coburns Road. council, local significant events