Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This is an example of an implement used locally in the livestock industry.A branding iron with letter R on circular end. Handle loop is oval shaped. It has been painted blue to half way.branding-iron rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item is an example of a common implement used in the livestock industry in Orbodt.A long-handled branding iron with an S or 2 on the end. There is a loop at the top for hanging.branding-iron rural livestock-industry

Livestock bells were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries on farms, cattle stations, and rural homesteads to track and identify animals. The bell's distinctive sound allowed farmers to locate their livestock over long distances in open pastures, forests, or hilly terrain. This specific bell appears to be a heavier-duty variety, possibly used for cows or larger animals rather than small livestock. The rusted chain or strap loop suggests it was fastened with a leather collar or metal ring.The item is an old, rusted metal livestock bell, likely used for cattle, sheep, or goats. It consists of: A cone-shaped metal body, with a slightly flared bottom opening, allowing sound to resonate effectively. A small metal loop and a rusted chain or strap attachment at the top, which would have been used to secure the bell around an animal's neck. The surface is heavily rusted and weathered, indicating prolonged exposure to outdoor elements.bell, cow, bullock, farm equipment, livestock

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item was used in Orbost in the livestock industry.This item is an example of an implement once used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A branding iron with the letter W on the end. It has a long iron handle with a ring grip at the top.branding-iron rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This item was used in Orbost in the livestock industry.This item is an example of a common implement used in rural industry in Orbost.A branding iron with the letter J on the end. It has a long handle with a ring grip at the top.branding-iron livestock-industry rural-industry

Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This branding iron was used in Orbost. This item is an example of an implement commonly used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A long-handled branding iron with J H at the end. There is a hanging loop at the top.branding-iron rural livestock-industry

Nettleton creates an image of peace and tranquility after the violence felt from the 2009 Black Saturday bush fires / At the Arthurs Creek cemetery Nettleton found the grave of Reg Evans and Angela Brunton, friends who had perished in the fires / Nettleton sat on the edge of their joint grave and photographed their view / It was only after examining the photos more closely that she realized Mount Sugarloaf had burnt almost to the valley / Sugarloaf is always in an indigo haze. This work is by a local contemporary artist and encompasses themes dealing with the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Mixed media (acrylic paint, acrylic ink and indian ink) on board / Landscape painting of Mount Sugarloaf and green pastures after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires / Mount Sugarloaf is depicted in an indigo haze in the background / A line of trees bathed in light border the mountain's edge / Lines of trees parallel to each other jut out diagonally in the foreground / Framing this view of the landscape is a pattern (topographical maps of the Nillumbik area), which suggest the vast extent of the devastated area of landscape. In black marker 'LIZ NETTLETON' + artist signature '2011' on back - middle right side nettleton, respite and repose, landscape, painting, mixed media, black saturday, mount sugarloaf

Ratepayer information pamphlet issued by Eltham Shire Council. Gives details on shire boundaries and bushfire area, basic history, Councillors by Riding, meetings,office hours. Also information on the 1962 bushfires that raged throughout half the shire, 14-16 January 1962; local laws regarding dogs; Rates, Works Programme, Shire Offices and Town Planning The 1962 bushfire took two lives and caused damage to property approaching £1 million. Approximately 180 habitable dwellings were destroyed, hundreds of miles of fencing were burnt and thousands of acres of pasture lost.Colour bifold printed double sided (4 pages) councillors, dogs, eltham shire council, eltham shire office, infrastructure, rates, ridings, shire boundaries, shire of eltham, town planning, victorian bushfires - 1962, works programme

1 copy made by A.P. Winzenried as a possible inclusion in, "Green Grows Our Garden." Note by T.H. Kneen 16 March, 1992, The "Administration Building" referred to frequently in these photographs was the building erected to replace the old Pavilion which housed the School of Primary Agriculture & Horticulture and also the Pasture & Fruit Preserving Branches of the Department of Agriculture. The new building also provided for a future Plant Breeding Branch and some additional facilities such as the Assembly Hall, Library, two additional class rooms." Another comment on 8 April 1992, "The willow, a basket willow, was heavily pollarded annually."3 copies black and white photographs, different sizes. Photograph taken about 1960 showing Administration Building, pond, lawns and garden bed in foreground, student mowing in background. On reverse of 2 copies, "Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Department of Agriculture Ref. No. D1099C." On reverse of 1 copy, "from box the Garden/Land." On reverse, "The Main Building at Burnley photo taken winter approx 1960. This building replaced the original building - The Pavilion."administration building, pond, lawns, garden beds, students, mowing, a.p. winzenried, green grows our garden, school of primary agriculture & horticulture, pasture & fruit preserving branches, department of agriculture, plant breeding branch, assembly hall, library, basket willow, student working outside

Europeans arrived in the Kiewa Valley in the 1830s and 40s. Following the drought of 1838-44 seeking out the rich pastures in the fertile Kiewa Valley. . The next major increase in population was as a result of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. The beginning of construction of the Kiewa Hydro-electric scheme in the late 1940s introduced changes and led to the enlargement and improvement of local roads and the townships of Mount Beauty and Bogong Village were constructed by the SECV from the 1930’s to the 1950’s to house workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. At its peak the Kiewa Scheme employed around 4000 people from all walks of life and as many cultures.The influx of European migrants to work on the Hydro Scheme along with their rich cultural backgrounds, all played a major part in establishing the history of the area and in shaping the future character of the Mount Beauty, the Kiewa Valley and Falls Creek areas. Photographs may depict descendants, family or friends of early settlers or workers in the Kiewa Valley region.1. Sepia photograph, mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape across the bottom of the photograph. Photograph is of a group of nurses taken at the Sunbury Sanitorium 2. Sepia photograph mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape at top and bottom of photo. Mark from drawing pin in centre top of photo. Photograph is of a middle aged woman posing dressed in period costume 3. Sepia photograph mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape at top and bottom of photo. Mark from drawing pin in centre top of photo. Photograph is of an older woman posing dressed in period costume sepia photos; nurses; kiewa valley; sunbury sanitorium; period costume

11 of the 13 photos were taken by Tor Holth and used in his book "Cattlemen of the High Country" first published in 1980. Co writer was Jane Holth (Barnaby). Of the other two photos, one was taken by C. Roper (2 old gentlemen of the High Plains) and the other (Fred Roper, Tom Hollonds, Kyran Marum - early cattlemen) unknown photographer. The book tells the story of the lives of the mountain cattlemen of Victoria's high country, the harsh conditions and challenges they faced when they mustered their cattle before winter to bring them down to lower pastures. Huts were built of any materials available and were scattered about the high plains to provide shelter from the elements. Some are still standing despite the many bushfires that have ravaged the area.The photographs are of historic significance as they are of early pioneers in the cattle industry in the Kiewa Valley. The huts are of significant interest as they show different types of construction and materials as does the cattle yard at Bogong Jack's. All 13 photos are black and white and printed on photographic paper and are of varying size. 1.On the back, hand written in pencil - "Bogong Jacks hut on Fainter Spur". 2.15 in top right hand corner and 120% centre of photo and circled. 2.On the back a typewritten label cut out and fixed with sticky tape "45 b.&w. Cope Hut, known also as the Menzies of the high plains." Lower left corner is a handwritten label, written in red biro, COPE HUT (underlined) V circled and Journeys into History. 3. Top right hand corner '2.32(a) and across the back, written in pencil, 'Wallace's Hut 1976' and 'TOR HOLTH' in red biro on small sticker lower R corner. 4.2.32(c) in pencil top R corner. 'Wallaces Hut 1976' in pencil across back of photo. 5. '42.7a' in pencil top R corner. Written in pencil across back of photo 'Remains of the second Tawanga Hut.' 6. 'Jim Edmundson Mt. Beauty' handwritten in blue biro across back of photo. 7. '2.26' in pencil top R corner. 'Cattle yard at Bogong Jack's' handwritten in blue biro across back of photo. 8. 'Jim Edmondson of Edmondsons hut' written in pencil on back of photo. 9. 'Geoff Wallace Kergunyah' written in pencil on back of photo. 10.' Geoff Wallace Kergunyah' handwritten in pencil on back of photo. 11. 2.11 in pencil top R corner. 'Fred Roper & Jack Platt. Ph. C.Roper' handwritten in orange pen and under, in pencil, '2 old gentlemen of the High Plains.' 12. Written in black pen across back of photo 'Left to right Fred Roper, Tom Hollonds, Kyran Marum - early cattlemen' 13. Hand written on back of photo 'Sid Ryder' photos, cattlemen, high plains, huts

Ken Peeler (at head of horse), Ken's father, Ern Peeler and brother Don Peeler (sitting on load) with dray-load of 'five-foot wood'. Peeler's Road, Barkers Creek. Photographed by Alice 'Girlie' Adams, approx. 1942. Families living at Barkers Creek and Woodbrook obtained contracts to supply 'five foot wood' to Thompson's Foundry and Castlemaine Woollen Co. Rows of wood, neatly stacked, 10’ high X 5’ wide covered many acres at each factory, ready for use in firing the boilers. Much bushland was thus cleared for orchard or pasture. The horse depicted is fully harnessed with bridle, eye-winkers and reins, dray collar, hames, shaft saddle with girth & pole straps and breeching straps. Neatly stowed under the dray shafts can be seen the props, used to keep the dray horizontal when the horse was to be taken out of the shafts. The dray was almost entirely constructed of wood, with steel tyres on the wheelsA reminder of the significance of local sources of fuel to some of Victoria’s biggest manufacturing concerns as well as depicting a major source of employment involving minimal capital. A B&W photograph depicting 2 men and a boy with a horse-drawn dray filled with wood. Photograph taken by Alice 'Girlie' Adams in 1942. Ken Peeler, Ern Peeler and Don Peeler appear in the picture along with a horse with no known name.

Wooden framed 'Board of Examiners for Engine-Drivers' Third Class Certificate of Competency as Engine-Driver (pursuant to the FACTORIES AND SHOPS ACTS )awarded to Julius Cohn - entitling him to drive any engine used in or in connection with a factory or work room , the cylinder of which does not exceed six inches in diameter , or if a double cylinder engine is used , the combined area must not exceed that of a cylinder six inches in diameter . Certification that he had passed examination and entitled to fulfil 3rd Class Engine Driver conditions. Signed by Board on 8th November 1904. Signed by Robert Fulton, John Coats, and Benjamin Baruel members of Board.The certificate shows a crest on the top left corner with a Lion and Unicorn / crown /shield and a rural picture of sheep and pasture word Victoria underneathbendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, julius cohn engine driver certification 1904./ 'board of examiners for engine-drivers' third class certificate of competency as engine-driver /the factories and shops acts

The Australasian Wood Duck is commonly described as 'goose-like' in appearance. They reside throughout Australia and Tasmania in regions including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast and bays. Unlike some breeds of ducks, this species can walk on land with ease and can often be seen perched on logs and in trees. The Wood Duck eat grass, clover and other herbs. On occasion they eat insects. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This male Australian Wood Duck has a dark brown head with a pale brown-grey speckled body. The lower belly of this specimen is dark brown and the bill is a pale grey-yellow. The legs are a pale grey and stand upon a wooden platform. There is a paper tag tied to the upper part of the Wood Duck's right leg, a white label attached to the front right of the wooden platform and a grey label on the left beside the white label. 132. / Maned Goose / Male / 132taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, australaisian shovelor, shovelor, wood duck, male, male duck, australian wood duck

The Australasian Wood Duck is commonly described as 'goose-like' in appearance. They reside throughout Australia and Tasmania in regions including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast and bays. Unlike some breeds of ducks, this species can walk on land with ease and can often be seen perched on logs and in trees. The Wood Duck eat grass, clover and other herbs. On occasion they eat insects. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The female Wood Duck has a pale brown head with dark glass eyes. The head is looking backwards over left shoulder. The bill is a dull grey colour and the legs are a similar grey.The breast is speckled cream-grey with a white lower belly and under-tail. There is a paper tag tied to the upper part of the Wood Duck's right leg, a white label attached to the front right of the wooden platform and a grey label on the left beside the white label.....[missing] Goose / ....[missing] page 38. / 133 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, australaisian shovelor, shovelor, wood duck, australian wood duck, female duck, maned duck, female

Absentee landlords were common in Ireland and for many landlords the primary focus was income rather than the conditions of their tenants. Many landlords realized that they could get a higher income by turning their properties to pasture than to continue with the old practice of collecting rents from tenant farmers. Evictions was the most common way of getting rid of unwanted tenants. The tenant frequently built his cottage himself from local materials. However, his rent was higher if he had windows, if his door was over a certain height and if he made any type of improvements or enlargements to the dwelling. The landlords practiced "Rack Renting" in order to get rid of unwanted tenants. Rents were raised to the point that the tenant could not afford to pay them. The landlord then had the tenant evicted for non payment of rent. There were no appeals and no mercy shown. Although the only legal reason for eviction was non payment of the rent there were numerous examples of landlords who evicted tenants if they did not conform to the landlord's wishes.[http://www.maggieblanck.com/Mayopages/Eviction.html, accessed 13/12/2013] This image was also printed in he Illustrated London News, April 17, 1886, with the title 'all that is left, scene at a Mayo Eviction. A barefoot woman sits on a table in the rain, outside a cottage with thatched roof. She is surrounded by her possessions.ballarat irish, eviction, rent, cottage, tenant, homeless, mayo

The red-winged blackbird is native to North America. They live in a verity of places from southern Alaska at its northern most point, to the Yucatan peninsula in the south and covers the greater part of the continent reaching from the Pacific coast of California and Canada to the eastern seaboard. Populations that are most northerly migrate south after the mating season, but some of the populations in the central and western United States, Central America and the Gulf Coast are resident year-round. In the breeding season, Red-winged blackbirds are found in a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including in small trees and bushes along marshes and watercourses, in agricultural areas and dry meadows. During migration, they can be found in, pastures, prairies and cultivated fields. They are polygamous. The Red-winged blackbirds are known for their scarlet and yellow shoulder patches but on this specimen are rather dull and the feathers are not as glossy black as they are in other images. It is mounted accurately but the feathers appear to be ruffled. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Red-Winged Blackbird is one of the most common birds in North America and is the most boldly coloured one. The males are glossy-black with shoulder patches of scarlet and yellow which they are able to puff up or hide according to their level of confidence. Females look like a big, dark sparrow, being a subdued, streaky brown. The colouring of this particular specimen identifies it as male.[torn] page 58 / Tag: A. 4423taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, american birds, north america, red-winged blackbird, red-winged starling, migratory, alaska, canada, saltwater

John Griffin’s wool classing exercise books from 1941-1943 when he was a student at the Gordon Institute in Geelong. John and his father John Henry Griffin owned a farm in Dunkeld and bred fine merino wool. One year they topped the wool sales figures for the area, in the late 1940s. There are four books in total. One book is on the topic of Veterinary Science and is from 1941. It contains information on topics such as birth and early lamb life, bone structure and other internal organisms of a sheep, such as the heart. Another book is on Wool Classing with topics such as wool scouring, dipping, shearing and micron counts. The third book is on general shearing shed knowledge. This includes a diagram for rolling a fleece, correct method for stamping a wool bale and branding abbreviations. The final book is on the History the Merino Sheep. It is a long form essay answer booklet. The Gordon institute and wool are synonymous with one another, the first class in wool sorting was offered at the Gordon in 1891. With much of the wool clip sent directly to England at this time, The Gordon's focus soon shifted to wool classing and marketing. By the 1930s, The Gordon's wool school was renowned as the state's wool industry training centre. Early specialist short courses were offered around Victoria to assist wool growers in preparing their clip for market, with modules on sheep breeding and pasture development included in the programs. Anne Griffin’s, John’s daughter, donated the exercise books to the National Wool Museum in 2021. Book 1 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter mark. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. It also has four black ink markings Book 2 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Book has red tape across the spine. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 3 is predominately blue plaid cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter handwriting which has been crossed with the same colour, leaving the text unreadable. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 4 is predominately blue diagonal striped book with cream background. Middle of book has small picture of Australia. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 1. Front cover: “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin Grade Gordon Institute School of Technology(?) / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 2. Front cover: 2nd & 3rd / “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / Name Jack Griffin / Grade 2 / School the Gordon / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 3. Front cover: Embassy / EXERCUSE BOOK / Name John Griffin / Grade 1 / School (?) / APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 4. Front cover: EXERCISE / APPROVED BY EDUCATION DEPT. / BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin / GRADE 3 / SCHOOL Gordon Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1940s sheep farming, note book, study, student

Wallace's Hut is the oldest surviving cattlemen's hut on the High Plains, built in 1889 by the three Wallace brothers - Arthur, William and Stewart. Their father David bought land at Kergunyah as well as grazing land on the banks of the Kiewa River, North East Victoria. Once the boys were old enough, the family followed the local squatters’ custom of taking their cattle up to the mountains for the spring and summer to fatten the mob, at the same time resting their home pastures. They decided to build a hut where they could shelter from the extreme mountain weather. The timber was cut from the forest about four hundred metres east of the hut, and the hearth stone was dragged in from Pretty Valley. The chimney had a base of rubble and above this iron sheeting on a timber frame. The slab walls were lined with hessian and later with tar-paper, and inside there was a bush table, sleeping platform and a rustic fire-side settle. The hut nestled among snow gums sheltered by a rocky outcrop. The names of the Wallace brothers were burnt into the tie-beams of the roof and at the back of the mantelpiece. The Wallace family’s lease expired in the late 1930s and the hut was bought by the State Electricity Commission to house staff on the High Plains and it became the first home of Toni and Skippy St. Elmo. The SEC covered the old shingles with iron, and later on the walls and chimney as well, and they added a lean-to. Wallace’s Hut is now owned by the Crown and maintained by Parks Victoria. It is on the Historic Buildings Register and is classified by the National Trust.This image is significant because it depicts an important heritage-listed structure and refuge for cattlemen and other travellers in Victoria's High Country.A black and white photograph of a skier outside of Wallace's Hut. Several sets of skis and poles are standing around and other skiers are in the background.wallace's hut, toni and skippy st. elmo, high country huts

Small booklet titled 'Bendigo's Riches'. Reprint of a Special Series of Articles which appeared in 'The Argus' on the Potential Wealth of the Water Supply, Soil, and Sunshine of The Bendigo District. Printed by Wilson and Mackinnon, Printers, Collins Street. Booklet mentions the potential wealth of Bendigo's Water, Soil and Sunshine; Orchards, Dairying, Tomato Growing, Fruitgrowing, Land, and Water Supply. Also discussed are Antiquated Mining Regulations, City Trust suggested, and its Advantages, Opportunities, 'The Argus' suggestions endorsed, Mine-owner's Opinion, The Mayor of Bendigo's Opinion, Statement by Strathfieldsaye Shire Secretary, Locked-up Area Useless for Timber, Shire Appeals for Unlocking the Land, 'The Argus' Thanked, Bendigo Chamber of Commerce, Bendigo City Council and Preserving Factory at Bendigo. Photos include: Irrigated pastures, rye-grass and clovers on Mr James Cumming's Farm; Irrigating Tomatoes on Mr Elliot Borley's Farm, White Hills; Junction of Huntly and White Hills Irrigation Channels; Packing Tomatoes at Mr B. Puig Y. Ventura's Garden, White Hills; and Tomato Patch on the Holding of Mr T. L. Sweeny, Jun. Back of the booklet has subscription rates and price of The Argus. Missing 8/07/2021place, land, agricultural, book - bendigo's riches, the argus, wilson and mackinnon, councillor carolin, james cumming, dairying, mr elwood mead, tomato growing, mr b puig y ventura, mr elliot borley, fruitgrowers, bendigo fruitgrowers' co-operative society, mr w a hamilton ex-mla, upper coliban, coliban system, antiquated mining regulations, lands department, chaffey bros, mr g h crawford, mine-owners' association, councillor andrew, mr baillieu, miners' association, agricultural society, sir thomas bent, strathfieldsaye shire, mr r b brennan, mr t l sweeny jun, bendigo sewerage farm, councillor osborne, councillor lowndes, councillor t r long, bendigo chamber of commerce, bendigo city council, councillor andrew, councillor h a ross, councillor wilkie, h m leggo and co

The red-winged blackbird is native to North America. They live in a verity of places from southern Alaska at its northern most point, to the Yucatan peninsula in the south and covers the greater part of the continent reaching from the Pacific coast of California and Canada to the eastern seaboard. Populations that are most northerly migrate south after the mating season, but some of the populations in the central and western United States, Central America and the Gulf Coast are resident year-round. In the breeding season, Red-winged blackbirds are found in a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including in small trees and bushes along marshes and watercourses, in agricultural areas and dry meadows. During migration, they can be found in, pastures, prairies and cultivated fields. They are polygamous. In the north, the early arrival and tumbling song of these birds are welcome indications of spring's return. The Red-winged blackbirds are known for their scarlet and yellow shoulder patches on this specimen are rather dull and the feathers are not as glossy black as they are in other images. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This is one of the most common birds in North America and is the most boldly coloured one. The males are glossy-black with shoulder patches of scarlet and yellow which they are able to puff up or hide according to their level of confidence. Females look like a big, dark sparrow, being a subdued, streaky brown. This specimen has the colouring of the male Red-Winged Blackbird which helps to identify it as such.Swing-Tag: 137a. / Red-winged Starling / Catalogue page, 58 / Tag: A. 4429taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, american birds, north america, red-winged blackbird, red-winged starling, migratory, alaska, canada, saltwater

The Common buzzard, a medium-sized raptor, is found across Europe and Asia, and in Africa in the winter months. It is the UK’s commonest bird of prey, found in nearly every county. Due to their large size and their brown color, they are often confused with other species, especially the Red kite and the Golden eagle. They may look the same from a distance, but the Common buzzard has a very distinctive call, like a cat’s mew, and a distinctive flying shape. When soaring and gliding, the tail is fanned and its wings are often held in a shallow 'V'. The colour of individuals varies from dark brown to much lighter, though they all have a finely barred tail and dark wingtips. This species occurs across Europe and Russia, and parts of Northern Africa and Asia in the cooler winter months. It lives in a range of habitats, especially woodland, moorland, pasture, scrub, arable land, marsh bog, villages, and sometimes towns and cities. This particular specimen has been mounted in a correct stylised fashion. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Common Buzzard is brown in colour with lighter markings on the chest. It has a white patch of feathers on the back of its head and it has darker wingtips and yellow feet. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing tag: 30 / Buzzard / Catalogue page 52. / Metal tag: 4043 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, common buzzard, bird of prey

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Glen Eira Heritage Management Plan 1996 by Andrew Ward The 1857 rate book indicates that the major portion of the District was under pasture, although a considerable portion was cultivated. There were 159 houses, huts and tents whose occupants were mainly occupied on the land. If "Camden Town" was the principal commercial focus for the District in 1857, it was to remain so in later years, incorporated today in the Glenhuntly Road centre which extends more or less continuously from Elsternwick to Bambra Road. The Caulfield State School of 1877, the horse tramway of 1889 and subsequently the electric trams were all events confirming the importance of Glenhuntly Road and the fledgling community of "Camden Town" wherein the City's commercial centre has its origins. It is recalled, today, by their presence, and also by the "London Tavern" in Hawthorn Road, established by John Guess in 1873. Dr Geulah Solomon's 4 volume book "Caulfield's Heritage" Vol 1 p 93: "A modern hotel presently on the site continues the name of the London Tavern." That was true until recent years as the hotel is named The Camden Hotel now (2021).Page 81 of Photograph Album with one landscape photograph of the front of the London Tavern with handwriting on the edge of the photograph.Hand written: LONDON TAVERN HOTEL 1937 [on bottom edge of photo] / 81 [bottom left] trevor hart, caulfield, hawthorn road, london tavern, camden town, john guess, hotels, pubs, victorian, 1870's, 1930's, sycamore street, the camden hotel

The Australasian swamphen is a visually striking and socially complex bird found across Oceania. It can be found in eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, Aru, and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia. As a member of the rail family (Rallidae), it belongs to the diverse order Gruiformes, which also includes cranes and other rail species. Like other rails, it possesses relatively short wings and a strong, elongated bill, both adaptations suited to its semi-aquatic wetland habitat. This swamphen is easily identified by its deep blue-purple plumage, prominent red frontal shield, and sturdy red legs. It primarily inhabits swamps, marshes, and other wet lowland areas, though its range has expanded to include pastures, roadsides, and farmland due to significant landscape modifications over the past 150 years. Unlike many wetland birds, it is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and human-altered environments. Its diet is similarly flexible, consisting mostly of plant material such as grass stems, shoots, and leaves, but also including invertebrates and, on occasion, the young of other bird species. This specimen was misidentified as a Purple Swamphen in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This taxidermy specimen is of a Australasian swamphen which is mounted standing on a wooden platform and has a paper identification tag tied to its upper left leg. The specimen has dark colouring on its back and head with a purple-blue coloured neck, breast and belly. The bill is oversized and is orange/red which is the same colour as the frontal shield on the bird's face. The eyes are made from a red and black glass and the legs of this specimen are orange. The legs are elongated and the toes also long and unwebbed. 17e. / Purple Gallinule / Catalogue Page 35 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swamphen, moorhen, purple bird, hen, purple swamphen, water bird

Shepherding is among the oldest occupations, beginning some 5,000 years ago in Asia Minor. Sheep were kept for their milk, meat and especially their wool. Over the next thousand years, sheep and shepherding spread throughout Eurasia. Henri Fleisch tentatively suggested the Shepherd Neolithic industry of Lebanon may date to the Epipaleolithic and that it may have been used by one of the first cultures of nomadic shepherds in the Beqaa Valley. Some sheep were integrated in the family farm along with other animals such as chickens and pigs. To maintain a large flock, the sheep must be able to move from pasture to another pasture. This required the development of an occupation separate from that of the farmer. The duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact, protect it from predators and guide it to market areas in time for shearing. In ancient times, shepherds also commonly milked their sheep, and made cheese from this milk; few shepherds still do this today. In many societies, shepherds were an important part of the economy. Unlike farmers, shepherds were often wage earners, being paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds also lived apart from society, being largely nomadic. It was mainly a job of solitary males without children, and new shepherds thus needed to be recruited externally. Shepherds were most often the younger sons of farming peasants who did not inherit any land. In other societies, each family would have a family member to shepherd its flock, often a child, youth or an elder who couldn't help much with harder work; these shepherds were fully integrated in society. Shepherds would normally work in groups either looking after one large flock, or each bringing their own and merging their responsibilities. They would live in small cabins, often shared with their sheep, and would buy food from local communities. Less often shepherds lived in covered wagons that travelled with their flocks. Shepherding developed only in certain areas. In the lowlands and river valleys, it was far more efficient to grow grain and cereals than to allow sheep to graze, thus the raising of sheep was confined to rugged and mountainous areas. In pre-modern times shepherding was thus centred on regions such as the Middle East, Greece, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian Mountains, Scotland and Northern England. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The original name was Shetland Collie, but this caused controversy amongst Rough Collie breeders of the time, so the breed's name was formally changed. This diligent small dog is clever, vocal, excitable and willing to please. They are incredibly trustworthy to their owners to the point where they are often referred to as "shadows" due to their attachment to family. This breed was formally recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1909. Like the Shetland pony, Shetland cattle and the Shetland sheep, the Shetland Sheepdog is a hardy but diminutive breed developed to thrive amidst the harsh and meagre conditions of its native islands. While the Sheltie still excels at herding, today it is often raised as a working dog and/or family pet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sheepdog The Rough Collie (also known as the Long-Haired Collie) is a long-coated dog breed of medium to large size that, in its original form, was a type of collie used and bred for herding sheep in Scotland. More recent breeding has focused on the Collie as a show dog, and also companion. The breed specifications call for a distinctive long narrow tapered snout and tipped (semiprick) ears, so some dogs have their ears taped when young. Rough Collies generally come in shades of sable and white (sometimes mahogany), blue merle, tri-coloured, and colour-headed white. There is a smooth-coated variety known as a Smooth Collie; some breed organisations, including both the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs, consider smooth-coat and rough-coat collies to be variations of the same breed. Rough Collies closely resemble the smaller Shetland Sheepdogs or "Shelties", but the two breeds do not have an exclusive linear relationship. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_Collie This picture shows a typical Scottish scene with a shepherd in kilt and his two sheepdogs.Picture, print of old Scotsman sitting on a stone slab with his dogs nearby. Framed, glass covered colour print. Marked "A SHEPHERD AND HIS FRIENDS", "1897" , "Drummonds" (on picture). Marked "A SHEPHERD AND HIS FRIENDS", "1897" , "Drummonds" (on picture). flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, print, picture, wall decoration, shepherd and dogs, a shepherd and his friends, shetland sheep dog, rough collie

Designed to be used with a Sun Sculpture viewfinder.A collection containing 3 stereoscopes from the Underwood and Underwood brothers Ottawa, Kansas. depciting images of Australian sheep stations and the Dalgetty's wool sales floor. Copyrighted in 1908 by Underwood and Underwood. Each item consists of two identical photographs, side by side on a grey backing card with rounded edges.Wording: Underwood & Underwood, publishers. / Ney York, London, Torronto - Canada, Ottawa - Kansas.;Method: Printed;Location: Left Hand side of card perpendicular to the image. Wording: Works and Studios ~ / Arlington, N.J. Westwood, N.J.;Method: Printed;Location: Right Hand Side of card perpendicular to the photograph Wording: Sun Scultpure /Trade Mark. ;Method: Printed;Location: Right hand side of card. Wording: (27) - 10255 - Dalgetty's Sales Rooms where wool-buyers came from all parts of / the world - Australia. Copyright 1908 by Underwood & Underwood. U-113253.;Method: Printed;Location: Bottom of card. Wording: (57) - 10285 - Drink for 5000 thirsty sheep on a big ranch at Warrah, Australia. / Copyright 1908 by Underwood & Underwood. U-113324;Method: Printed;Location: Bottom of Card. Wording: (29) - 10257 - four thousand sheep changing pasture during a dry season - / Australia. Copyright 1908 by Underwood & Underwood. U-113121.;Method: Printed;Location: Bottom of Card.stereoscope, photographs, sun sculpture viewfinder, sheep, wool, station, underwood and underwood, dalgetys, warrah

One of Eltham's earliest settlers was James Orford. Born 1804 in Bedfordshire, the son of George, a carpenter and Lydia Barret, he and wife Sarah Amelia nee Moull (1807) arrived as Assisted Immigrants aboard the ship, ‘Orestes’, November 28, 1839 accompanied by their children, George (14), Mary Ann (11), and James (2). Originally settling in New South Wales, daughter Sarah Amelia was born at Braidwood in 1843 and son, Thomas Henry at Pambula in 1847. James was a carpenter who is known to have built the original gates to Eltham Cemetery. He died in 1869. Around 1890, his son Thomas Henry Orford was living in Pitt Street. Following the death of his wife Helen in 1899, Thomas was appointed by Joseph Panton to look after ‘Panton Park’, a 429-acre bushland property at the fork of Reynolds and Laughing Waters Roads, extending down to the Yarra River. His work entailed ringbarking the manna gums on the property to clear the land for pasture. Thomas lived in a slab hut with his son Ernie, who helped with the work. When Gordon Lyon purchased Panton Park in 1908, Thomas then worked for Lyon at both Panton Park and at ‘Banyule’, Lyon's stud farm at Heidelberg. In 1915 Lyon gave Thomas six acres of land in Reynolds Road with a two-roomed cottage. Thomas died in 1944 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife and his parents. Another of James Orford's sons was James Matthias Orford. He tried to grow food on land at the end of Laughing Waters Road, but without success. Reputedly the Wurundjeri taught him to swim. He was once imprisoned; when his friend Constable Lawlor invited him to inspect the new bluestone lock-up, Lawlor locked him in and wouldn't release him until he was promised two gallons of beer! ORFORD In Memory Of James 1804 -1869 Sarah Amelia 1807 - 1897 Their son Thomas Henry 1847 - 1944 His wife Helen Amelia 1854 - 1899Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9eltham cemetery, gravestones, helen amelia orford, james orford, sarah amelia orford, thomas henry orford, cemetery gates

One of Eltham's earliest settlers was James Orford. Born 1804 in Bedfordshire, the son of George, a carpenter and Lydia Barret, he and wife Sarah Amelia nee Moull (1807) arrived as Assisted Immigrants aboard the ship, ‘Orestes’, November 28, 1839 accompanied by their children, George (14), Mary Ann (11), and James (2). Originally settling in New South Wales, daughter Sarah Amelia was born at Braidwood in 1843 and son, Thomas Henry at Pambula in 1847. James was a carpenter who is known to have built the original gates to Eltham Cemetery. He died in 1869. Around 1890, his son Thomas Henry Orford was living in Pitt Street. Following the death of his wife Helen in 1899, Thomas was appointed by Joseph Panton to look after ‘Panton Park’, a 429-acre bushland property at the fork of Reynolds and Laughing Waters Roads, extending down to the Yarra River. His work entailed ringbarking the manna gums on the property to clear the land for pasture. Thomas lived in a slab hut with his son Ernie, who helped with the work. When Gordon Lyon purchased Panton Park in 1908, Thomas then worked for Lyon at both Panton Park and at ‘Banyule’, Lyon's stud farm at Heidelberg. In 1915 Lyon gave Thomas six acres of land in Reynolds Road with a two-roomed cottage. Thomas died in 1944 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife and his parents. Another of James Orford's sons was James Matthias Orford. He tried to grow food on land at the end of Laughing Waters Road, but without success. Reputedly the Wurundjeri taught him to swim. He was once imprisoned; when his friend Constable Lawlor invited him to inspect the new bluestone lock-up, Lawlor locked him in and wouldn't release him until he was promised two gallons of beer! ORFORD In Memory Of James 1804 -1869 Sarah Amelia 1807 - 1897 Their son Thomas Henry 1847 - 1944 His wife Helen Amelia 1854 - 1899Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, helen amelia orford, james orford, sarah amelia orford, thomas henry orford

Study of Winter's Swamp commissioned by BEN and completed by BHS. The swamp was named after one of the first European settlers in the district. Winter Swamp LAT -37 32 LONG 143 47, Parish of Dowling Forest, County of Grenville Winter Swamp, on the southwest corner of Ballarat West Town Common, was not included in the original proclamation of the Common in 1861. However, being marshland, it was not considered suitable for grazing, so was added to the Common soon after 1861. Winter Swamp is a large wetland with native and exotic pasture significant for wildlife. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery.The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Digital images of Winter's Swampwinter's swamp, ballarat, john winter, ballarat environmental network, mullawullah

The original Shire of Eltham was founded in 1871. Prior to its founding, the district was managed by the Eltham District Road Board, which was established in 1856. The initial rate assessment commenced in 1857 for the year ending October 14, 1858. The honour of being recorded with the first assessment went to a farm of 110 cultivated acres at Lower Plenty, owned by John Porter and occupied by Albert Baines. It was assessed at 6d/acre providing for a rate income of £2 15s. In July 2017, officers at Nillumbik Shire Council discovered some early Eltham Road District Assessment books and donated them to the Eltham District Historical Society. The seven volumes were the district’s first six years of rate assessments. This was a unique and significant record of early settlers in the pre-Shire of Eltham. They immediately became one of the oldest and most valuable items in our collection. An article on page 5 in the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Friday, 21 November, 1941 titled: ‘District’s Early History‘ states: “The first rate book which is still in existence at the Shire Office is for the year ending October 14, 1858 and is probably the best record possible to indicate the development of the district. At the time properties were rated as follows: Cultivated land. 6d. per acre; pasture land, 1d. per acre: estimated annual value of buildings, etc., 6d in the (pound). The total amount of rate recorded for the year was £153/14/8. Properties were described as being situated at Lower Plenty, Yarra Yarra, Eltham, Lower Eltham, Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Flats, Diamond Creek and the Yarra.” Given the precious nature of this collection, priority was given to digitise the rate books and place them in suitable archival storage to minimise further handling. Subsequent discussion amongst our Collections team arrived at the conclusion that the most appropriate home for this valuable record was the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), the archive of the State Government of Victoria and who are charged with archiving and caring for all Government related records. An approach was made to PROV who confirmed these records would complete their collection of rate assessment books for Eltham. At a small ceremony held Friday, April 20 at the Local History Centre, Eltham, members of the Society and our Collections team, along with Ms. Vicki Ward, MP for Eltham, presented the seven volumes for 1858-1863 along with the complete set of digital files to Mr. David Taylor, Community Archives Manager and Mr. Charlie Farrugia, Senior Collection Advisor, Public Record Office Victoria.Born Digitalassessment ledger, donation, eltham courthouse, eltham road district, local history centre, public records office victoria (prov), rate books, eltham district road board