Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

Holmes Family WW1 memorabiliaA number of people stand in a street surrounded by double storey architecture.Verso: "Dear Willie, I promised to drop you a line, so he goes. Well at present I am in france having -a-go-at the Germans, and so far out Battery is getting on alright. But I must say the Germans greet us know and again with a few shells, and I can assure you they are no friends of mine. I have just been out watching the German anti-aircraft Guns shelling our Aeroplanes. it is a very lucky shot that brings one down. i have seen a little bit of the World since I left australia, And I must say I like france better than egypt. The country at present is looking very nice, it being Spring time, The grass is about 6 foot high, and nothing on it to eat it as most of the people have cleared out from around here. I have not seen anything of Harry over this way as yet. Perhaps he is still in Egypt. Well Willie now about taking another cow to Clunes. Ay What. The name on the front of this card should be familiar to you in the War news. Well Willie Au revoir for present. remember me to all. Your fond cousin, Ron W." chatham-holmes family collection, armentieres, world war one, postcard, clunes, france

Harry Holmes was from Ascot and was a member of the 18th Company Australian Army Service Corps. Photographic post card of the troopship Bahara A41This is the old "Bahara", A 41, passing down the canal on the way back to Australia. bakara troopship, harry holmes, world war one, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes family collection, henry smerdon holmes

Harry Holmes was from Ascot and was a member of the 18th Company Australian Army Service CorpsPhotographic post card of a British Battleship sailing down the canal.A British Battleship sailing down the canalharry holmes, ship, canal, world war one, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes family collection, henry smerdon holmes

The Butcher Mr Bill Ellin delivering meat to Mrs J.L.Smith in front of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1915. Groceries, Ice, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Poultry were delivered to housewives by the traders in horse drawn carts, Also Hawkers and Pedlars plied their wares by visiting the cottages. John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.A Black and white photograph c 1915 showing the Butcher delivering meat to Mrs J.L Smith Bentleighsmith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, bent thomas, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, william ellin, butcher

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & White photograph of J L Smith Hay & Grain Store and Crushing Mill Jasper Rd / Centre Rd Bentleigh 1916. A veranda has been added to the store, new signage attached and a Gas light and hitching post are in foreground. 3 Horse drawn carts loaded with grain bags and drivers sitting on top of loadV. Smithgas street light, hitching posts, smith vic, photography, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Melbourne Hunt Club was founded by Mr George Watson in 1852 with hounds brought to Australia from Ireland and moved its headquarters a number of times as the city grew between 1897 and 1929, The kennels were originally at Kirk's Bazaar, in Bourke Street, Melbourne, subsequently they moved to St Kilda, Caulfield, Deer Park, Oakleigh, Cranbourne and finally to their current location in Packenham. Oakleigh was the favoured spot, mainly because of the railway and the unloading ramp at the station. Riders and horses arrived on special trains and hunted over the surrounding market gardens, but not without friction. After 1929, significant numbers of Hunt Club members had access to motorized horse transport and besides, Oakleigh was becoming too built up. The Hunt Club moved on to Cranbourne The club maintains the oldest continual pack of hounds in Australia. The Melbourne Hunt Club was founded 1852 by George Watson and imported foxhounds from Ireland. As the Melbourne suburbs spread the Club moved several times. 1920 it was in Oakleigh and now is possibly situated in Packenham Black & White photograph showing men riding horses with a pack of hounds coming down a dirt road . Houses and vacant land in backgroundwatson george, oakleigh, melbourne hunt club, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin shire, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 J L Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.2 x Black & White photographs showing horse drawn carts loaded with (a) Hay and (b) bags of grain outside J.L.Smith Grain & Chaff Store Centre Rd Bentleigh c1920smith frank, smith arch, smith tom, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Sepia photograph of a family. The mother & father are sitting on wooden chairs. The father is wearing a three piece suit and watch chain and has a young boy on his knee. The mother is wearing a dark dress, below knee length, and hat. She is holding a baby. Written on the back: Dear Kath & Harry, How are you all down there. All are well here. Am sending you a photo of the family group. Hoping all are well. Love from Nell.photograph, portrait, family, foster & wilson collection, photograph

Pencil drawing called Pall Mall Bendigo. The point of view is looking down the footpath in front of the law Courts and Post Office, these are on the right hand side. On the left of Pall Mall , Stonemans supermarket can be seen as well as the Myer store.W.C. Harrydrawing, pencil, pall mall, pall mall, drawings, stonemans supermarket

Etching of a group of large buildings laid out in roughly the shape of the letter ' Y ' . Underneath is printed ' Mullers Orphanages, Ashley Down.buildings, government, orphanage, mullers orphanages, ashley down

This photograph is from the Max Harris Collection held by the Ballaraat Mechanics' Institute. Please contact BMI for all print and usage inquiries.ballarat, fire station, sturt, east, town hall, harry davies, church, golden city hotel

Poor quality black and white photo of Boort Cemetery showing a grave head to the left and one in the foreground laying down. Photo shows a row of trees in the distance. Inscription on the back of photo 2400 415a. Graves inside the swamp (Lake Boort). G Campion - a young Englishman who came for Colonial experience 'on Boort' when it was held by Mr F. R. Godfrey (1846 to 1856?) also a child of the married couple on the station who died and was buried on the day Campion buried the child of H. Godfrey and another baby of a married couple.memorials, graveboards, boort cemetery, boort cemetery

Postcard depicting the opening of the first parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building Melbourne by HRH The Prince of Wales. Printed along the top of the card is ' Citizen's presentation to the Borough Council Eaglehawk. Down the sides and across the bottom is a list of about 60 names of citizens in Eaglehawk.postcard, opening of parliamenty, opening of the first parliament, exhibition buildings, borough council eaglehawk

Black and white photograph of Sun Loong at his first appearance at the Bendigo Easter Procession in 1970, proceeding down Mitchell St. In the background are Homecrafts, Maples and Collier's Bootery.organization, society, easter fair procession, sun loong, easter procession 1970, mitchell st. homecrafts, maples, collier's golden key bootery

Sepia photograph of the Township of Eaglehawk, looking down the hill from about Victoria St. Visible are the Victoria Hotel and the Exchange Hotel on the left hand side of the photo. At the bottom of the hill there is the old Town Hall and in the distance on the hill is one of the Virginia Reef mines.place, eaglehawk, streetscape, eaglehawk, victoria hotel, exchange hotel, virginia reef

Photograph of an artwork depicting and early mining camp. In the foreground there is a settlement consisting of tents and some wooden buildings, There are numerous people of all ages on the street and a trooper on horseback. The road through the settlement is running down to a broad valley with some low hills in the distance. There are several tents and rough dwellings at the base of these hills. Along the bottom of the picture is written The foundation of Eaglehawk in 1852.topic, mining, eaglehawk, mining settlement, eaglehawk, diggers, early bendigo

Photograph of a group of people, six males three females and three children, Botanical Gardens, Bendigo. Possibly 1860's ? The men are holding shovels or spades and two boys are carrying watering cans. A paling fence is running down the left hand side of the photo and there is a line of trees in wooden guards on the outside of this fence. In the background there is a greenhouse and to the right of this there is a bridge?. There are several houses visible in the far background.place, bendigo, botanical gardens, outdoor workers, botanical gardens

Photograph. Harry Biggs Collection. 1 black & white photo of HMVS Nelson as an original three decker. 1 black & white photo of HMVS Nelson in Alfred Graving Dock. March 1874 as cut down to two decker. 1 smaller black & white photo of HMVS Nelson as a two deck. 1 black & white photo of the HMVS Nelson Gun deck. Written on the back:- HMVS Nelson original appearance as three decker. -HMVS Nelson in Alfred Graving Dock March 1874 as cut down to two decker. - HMVS Nelson Gun deck. Written on a piece of paper:- HMVS Nelson gave Eaglehawk her cannons.organization, military, maritime, harry biggs collection, hmvs nelson, cannons

Photograph. Harry Biggs Collection. 1 black & white photo of a tram with 2 men at drivers end. 1 person is standing looking through a window. The other windows have their blinds down. Buildings can be seen behind the tram including a mans public toilet. Sign on top of tram reads 'Briquettes for a Real Fire'.organization, public utility, transport, harry biggs collection, tram

Photograph. Harry Biggs Collection. A black & white photo of three butchers standing in front of their butchers shop. Carcasses of meat are hanging down & many more displayed in the window of the shop. 'W. B. Gittins' Establishment. Robinson Photo. Plate 148 (printed at the bottom of the photo).organization, business, commercial, harry biggs collection, w. b. gittins' establishment, butcher shop

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.398.non-fictionIn the last winter of the Second World War, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin arrived in the Crimean resort of Yalta. Over eight days of bargaining, bombast and intermittent bonhomie they decided on the conduct of the final stages of the war against Germany, on how a defeated and occupied Germany should be governed, on the constitution of the nascent United Nations and on spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Greece. Only three months later, less than a week after the German surrender, Roosevelt was dead and Churchill was writing to the new President, Harry S. Truman, of 'an iron curtain' that was now 'drawn down upon [the Soviets'] front'. Diana Preston chronicles eight days that created the post-war world, revealing Roosevelt's determination to bring about the dissolution of the British Empire and Churchill’s conviction that he and the dying President would run rings round the Soviet premier. But Stalin monitored everything they said and made only paper concessions, while his territorial ambitions would soon result in the imposition of Communism throughout Eastern Europe.world war 1939-1945 - diplomatic history, yalta conference - crimea- 1945

Mr and Mrs Leggett's Fancy Dress "Cinderella" Harry and Emily Leggett shown second from right, founders of Leggett's Ballroom. Information on back of photograph: dances were transferred from Prahran TH when it was burned down in 1914.black and white photograph (copy?) unmountedHarry and Emily Leggett Second from right, founders of Leggett's ballroom. Mr & Mrs Leggett's fancy dress "Cinderella", Town Hall St Kilda. 23/6/15. Geo Walls Flashlight. Phone Windsor 3573.

Harry Gorry bid for & purchased on internet auction site. The seller's mother was putting these & other items up for auction. Her father/ the seller's grandfather was Dr. Bruno Koening, a German surgeon detained by Allied forces while fleeing New Guinea in 1941. He was detained & sent to be interned in Camp 3, Tatura. There he met the painter Cesare Vagarini & they became friends, thus 4 years later upon the end of the war Vagarini gave the surgeon the two paintings in thanks & in memory of their friendship. Dr Koening then passed the paintings down to his daughter, where they remained in the family for 60 years. The seller's mother decided it was time to sell & was happy that the paintings went to a good home, as the family was until now unaware of the connection between Vagarini and the Tatura Museum. Harry Gorry just happened to notice a familiar name in an auction that he came across by accident & purchased them for our benefit. (Most information copied from Tatura Bulletin article, April 2014).Watercolour painting, depicting barracks at Camp 3. Picture showing fencing posts & bare ground in foreground, and row of huts in background, with 4 trees behind them. at bottom left of picture.tatura, camp 3, vagarini

BACK TO CLUNES, 1981. SMALL GROUP OF SOME PAST PUPILS OF CLUNES HIGHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL..1 BLACK AND WHITE COPY OF PHOTOGRAPH OF PAST PUPILS OF CLUNES HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL, WITH SCHOOL IN THE BACKGROUND, BACK TO CLUNES 1981. .2 .3 ENLARGED BLACK AND WHITE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE ABOVEOn reverse; Back to Clunes Easter (March 1981) Front Row; Gordon McLennan, Jean Harling (Campbell), Theo Harden Left to Right (sitting down), Mavis Williams (Talbot), Bess Dolan (Pickford), Mary Barry (Pickford), Hebe Morgan (Cottrell), Back Row: Betty McKenzie (Morgan), Harry Toole, Brenda Trembath, Joy Lins Torney (Harden), John Hill, Charlie Morgan, Dolly Torney (May), Bill Birch. local history, photography, photographs, schools, 1552