When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established and the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. This stamped, addressed Commemorative Pictorial Postmark envelope celebrates the 1951 Bendigo Gold Centenary Philatelic Exhibition. Registered, postmarked 02 July 1951. Printed and stamped envelope featuring an image of a poppet head on the left and four commemorative stamps celebrating 100 years of gold top right. Letter is addressed.Obverse Top left; $30 Centre top and bottom; various pencil markings Lower right; T. Clark / 5 Princes St / Oakleigh s.12 / Vic Reverse- Two red pencil lines Centre - postal stamps bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, making a nation exhibition

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This belt buckle was used on the leather satchels used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. The buckle is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted Rankins.Circular belt buckle from telegram delivery satchel belt. Inner buckle depicts the Greek deity Hermes who personifies the transmission of information and was adopted as an allegorical representation of the function of postal services. Outer buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Centre top outer buckle; emu, kangaroo and shield Inner buckle; Hermes (left facing)bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection

Until 1960 there were no telephones in Falls Creek. The only access to a phone was at Rocky Valley Camp where the State Electricity Commission (SEC) had an extensive network to Mount Beauty, Bogong and the other camps such as Clover power station and Howman's Gap. There were test points with a phone beside the road where contact could be made to the office in Mount Beauty. The SEC was unconcerned about Falls Creek, so no power was connected until 1960 when Tom Mitchell aired the matter in parliament. Tom was a keen skier. He applied to the Post Master General who was then responsible for telephones as well as mail. The PMG staff came up from Bright and installed an exchange in Diana Lodge. There were only about 15 lines to a post across the road uphill about 20 metres. It was from here that you could put a line from the building into a box where connections were possible. You had to buy a cable from the disposal store. It needed to have an alloy of copper and steel in the wire similar to what the army had used during the war. If the phone failed the owner would have to find the break in the wire, not an easy task in the heavy snow. Then came the telephone itself. Falls Creek was given old-fashioned sets with a hand wound magneto to ring the bell at the exchange. When the operator answered she could then plug a line into another phone line or the exchange in Bright. In the phone were two dry cell batteries that carried the spoken word to the other phone connected. Trunk lines were expensive then, so each trunk call was timed by the minute. The operator would disconnect you after a minute if you did not reply to her question "are you extending?". These telephones were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Julian's Lodge Arundel was known as Falls Creek 11.These telephones are significant because they illustrate the earliest form of technology available to connect Falls Creek Village to other areas.Telephones constructed of polished wood, brass bell, handles and cabling. Designed to operate through a telephone exchange. They operated on two dry cell batteries.Attached to front of telephone: Instructions on how to make or receive a call.falls creek village, falls creek communicaton

Known to have been in use in 1909, when there were sixteen subscribers. Decommissioned in 1968.With a timber polished frame with 20 incoming lines, a clock timer and glass fronted notice board on top with various operator instructions this stands nearly two meters tall. Indicators, patch leads and sockets are in left and right banks, with the call/speak toggles in front of them. A small timer to the right is turned on or off when required.

A manual telephone exchange, manufactured by British Ericson, History Originally in use at Cohuna. When Cohuna was converted to automatic dialing this exchange was relocated to Harcourt, to become the third and last in a bank of three exchanges. At this time Harcourt exchange was expanded to 260 lines. It was connected to the district central exchange at Castlemaine. Operated by mains power with battery back-up. Harcourt exchange was operated by Betty McLean, Miss Mitchell, Josie Hogarth, Mr. & Mrs. Heighway, Bill & Valerie Milford, Irene Bolitho and others. Decommissioned approx. 1970. Incoming calls prompted the fall of a shutter. The operator made the connection by plugging the line into the number requested. While responding to calls the operator needed her hands free to jot down the billing particulars or to write out each telegram. Nearby stood pigeonholes with various items of stationary. Many telegrams were received each day, particularly advising fruit growers on interstate markets. Most telegrams were phoned through by the operator. This exchange was restored in 2004 - 2005 by Trevor Grant.. Many people relate to this exchange. It is a survivor of the pre-electronic era when ‘telephonist’ was a common occupation. A vital element in the communications between households and between district orchardists and their suppliers and clients.A manual telephone exchange, manufactured by British Ericson complete with operator hands-free headset/earphones and speaker mouthpiece. Wooden case with one hundred shutters and sockets. Accommodates twelve lines with extension leads with associated switches. Operated by mains power with battery back-up. Decommissioned approx. 1970. Incoming calls prompted the fall of a shutter. The operator made the connection by plugging the line into the number requested. This exchange was restored in 2004 - 2005 by Trevor Grant.

This image explores the relationship between the train lines and community development. Cheltenham's retail centre is connected to the train station.Black and white image of Charman Road, Cheltenham, depicting a car and truck travelling toward the level crossing near the train station. There is another car already waiting at the crossing gates. Cars are parked on either side of the road along a shopping strip.Black printed text on a white round sticker adhered to the reverse: 141 Handwritten in red ink on reverse: 50% Black typed text on a white strip of paper adhered to reverse: Charman Road, Cheltenham / circa late 1920's/early 1930's / $50 reproduction fee applies Blue ink stamped on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative ADV 485 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 1111cheltenham, trains, railway, railway crossing, shopping strip, cars

Demonstrates how the SEC used signage to confirm procedures for Tramway Crews. A metal, brass coloured sign originally etched and painted with black for the lettering and border lines. The sign has been overpainted with green paint. The sign gives detailed instructions to Tram Crews who may be involved in an incident which delays the service. The plate has a hole in each corner to enable attachment to the tram cab. The reverse has some black paint splotches from the painting of the lettering.tramways signs, etched tramway signage

Letter to John Wilson from Colin Trumble accompanying an agreement between the Association and Mrs Parkins over the 'Last Line' competition and advising of taking additional precautions to ensure its success. 2 page typed letter in response to queryOn top left hand side: Malleson Stewart & Co Solicitors & Notaries Tom Compson Trumble Roy James Mc Arthur Herbert Fitzgerald Walsh Richard Francis Maplestone Clark Frank Stewart Dethridge Ross Morton Macdonald Maxwell Rupert Ham Peter Campbell Trumble Colin Campbell Trumble William Gerson Shmith Roy Ernest Ricker Bernard James Walter Sydney Bruce Powell Telephones 61 3431 (8 lines) 62 3594 (4 lines) 62 3111 (3 lines) Telegraphic & Cable Address: Mallesons, Melbourne On the top right hand side: 105 King Street Melbourne C.1. Victoriaassociation for the blind, fundraising, john wilson, emma parkins

Book - 11 foolscap pages, stapled within Manila card folders with a label glued to front cover titled "MMTB Service of Track Telephone Locations and Numbers". Has a hand dated date of "Oct 1977" on the bottom of the right hand corner of cover. Gives instructions for the usage of the phones and how the individual track phones may be contacted. Gives plans for Brunswick, Camberwell (including Bullen bus), Carlton Control, Essendon, Footscray (using PMG lines), Glenhuntly, Hawthorn, Head Office (all PMG), Kew, Malvern, Nicholson St, North Fitzroy, (some PMG), East Preston, and South Melbourne Depots.In pencil on top right hand corner "Engine House"trams, tramways, mmtb, telephones, depots, head office

Folder of Memos and directions (htd3207i1> htd3207i8) - Air raid precautions, covering painting, respirators, sheds, tools, kits, shelters, stacks , blackouts, trenches, emergency, air raid shelters (htd3207i9> htd3207i16) - Accidents, covering accidents and derailments, (htd3207i17) - Bridges – inspection of Victoria St bridge (htd3207i18) - Cable tracks, covering tarring, patching, top dressing of cable tracks (htd3207i19> htd3207i21) - Cartage, covering hired trucks, cartage of wood blocks, spoil, sleepers (htd3207i22> htd3207i23) - Contracts, blank page (no image) - Councils, covering track opening, storm water drain, bad roads (htd3207i24) - Costs, covering maintenance costs, construction costs, wet weather (htd3207i25> htd3207i26) - Depots, covering inspections, storage, paving, telephones, mail (htd3207i27> htd3207i30) - Derailments, covering controls, reports (htd3207i31) - Drainage (htd3207i32) - Eastern Lines, covering loading platforms, crossovers, work orders (htd3207i33> htd3207i34) - Eastern Lines Reconstruction (htd3207i35> htd3207i37) - Eastern Line Maintenance (htd3207i38> htd3207i40) - Estimates (htd3207i41) - Employment (htd3207i42) - Footscray Lines (htd3207i43) - Instructions (htd3207i44) - Journals, covering Engineering Journal and magazines (htd3207i45) - Materials – General, covering frames & covers, unloading stores, packing plates, petrol allowance, ashes at Preston workshops, electrodes, sleepers (htd3207i46> htd3207i50) - Maintenance – General, covering loading platforms, inspections, work orders, paving (htd3207i51> htd3207i57) - Northern Lines, covering greasing of curves, crossovers, loading platforms (htd3207i58> htd3207i61) - Northern Lines – Reconstruction, covering crossings, welding machines (htd3207i62> htd3207i64) - Northern Lines – Maintenance, covering repairs, crossings, lifting programme, fencing, curves, track inspection, repairs (htd3207i65> htd3207i70) - New Lines (htd3207i71> htd3207i80) - Plant – General (htd3207i81> htd3207i94) - Plant – Concrete Mixers (htd3207i95) - Plant – Motor Vehicles (htd3207i96> htd3207i100) - Plant – Rollers (htd3207i101> htd3207i103) - Plant – Grinders (htd3207i104) - Plant – Grinders & Scrubbers (htd3207i105> htd3207i110) - Plant – Compressors and Tie Tampers (htd3207i111) - Plant – Cleaner Cars (htd3207i112> htd3207i114) - Plant – Loaders (htd3207i115) - Plant – Tools (htd3207i116> htd3207i117) - Plant – Miscellaneous (htd3207i118) - Per Way – General (htd3207i119> htd3207i121) - Public Utilities (htd3207i122> htd3207i123) - Reconstruction – General (htd3207i124> htd3207i126) - Railways (htd3207i127> htd3207i129) See \dbtext\hawthorn\photo_collections\3207_Folder for scanned images.trams, tramways, instructions

Series of 15 colour route maps for various tram lines or groups of tram lines for the MMTB. Some have the Transport Information Centre telephone printed on them, others have a label stuck on. Some are finished with a plastic laminate finish on either one or both sides. Show the major cross streets, parks, schools, other tram routes, major stop numbers and railway lines. Two copies of each held unless noted otherwise. .1 - Mont - Albert City - R11/77, shows routes 43. 47. 45. 44 .2 - Malvern, East Malvern, Carnegie and East Brighton Tram Routes (from St Kilda Junction) - R1/79 - shows routes 5, 3, 67, 66, 61, 62 and 64. .3 - Swanston St tram guide - R1/79 - lists all routes and route numbers that branch or cross Swanston St between Grattan St and St Kilda Junction. .4 - St Kilda Rd Tram Routes R12/77 - details South Melbourne Beach, route 1 and route 2 and St Kilda Beach routes 15, 16 and 55 otherwise shows were the various routes branch off St Kilda Road. Copy 1 has "P14909" in pencil in the bottom right hand corner. .5 - Kew - St Kilda Beach - R1/79 - Route 69. .6 - Footscray - Moonee Ponds - R3/81 - Route 82 .7 - Flinders St tram routes - R5/78 - North Balwyn, East Burwood, routes 48, 40, 41, Hartwell, 28, 74 and 75 .8 - William St tram routes - Route 55, 56 and 63 - South Melbourne Depot and Domain. copy 2 has "P14913" in bottom right hand corner. .9 - Toorak Camberwell and Glen Iris tram routes with Camberwell Junction and Malvern Town Hall, R1/79, routes 8, 7, 6, 72 and 73 shown. .10 - Swanston St tram routes - R12/77 - shows all the Swanston St routes, including East Coburg and Moreland. .11 - Bourke St tram routes - R4/77 - East Brunswick Blyth St and East Preston Tyler St and intermediate routes, routes 95, 96, 97, 90, 89 and 88. .12 - as for .11, dated 1/85, showing extension to La Trobe University - has Metropolitan Transit logo. Only 1 copy held. Also shows route 92 and 87. .13 - Batman Ave tram routes - R9/77 - Wattle Park, North Richmond and Prahran - routes 70, 71, 78 and 79. .14 - City route guide - R9/77 - showing all route numbers and destinations that passed through the CBD. .15 - Elizabeth St tram routes - R12/77 - Essendon Airport, West Maribyrnong, North Coburg lines, routes 50, 58, 60, 54, 57, 52. 49, 59, 18, 20 and 19. Copy 1 has "P14905" in pencil in bottom left hand corner.trams, tramways, maps, route guide, route numbers, routes, mont albert, route 43, route 47, route 45, route 44, route 42, malvern burke rd, east preston, carnegie, east brighton, south caulfield, route 5, route 3, route 67, route 62, route 64, route 66, glenhuntly tram depot, swanston st, st kilda rd, south melbourne beach, st kilda beach, route 1, route 2, route 15, route 16, route 55, kew- cotham road, route 69, route 79, route 82, footscray, moonee ponds, flinders st, north balwyn, kew, east burwood, burwood, hartwell, richmond, route 48, route 40, route 41, route 28, route 74, route 75, route 56, route 63, william st, west coburg, toorak, camberwell, glen iris, malvern town hall, route 72, route 73, route 7, route 8, bourke st, route 6, route 95, route 96, route 97, route 90, route 89, route 89, east preston, east brunswick, la trobe university, clifton hill, route 92, route 87, route 70, route 71, route 78, route 79, north richmond, prahran, wattle park, essendon airport, west maribyrnong, north coburg, route 50, route 58, route 60, route 54, route 57, route 52, route 49, route 59, route 18, route 20, route 19, batman ave

Series of colour route maps for various bus or groups of tram lines for the MMTB. Some have the Transport Information Centre telephone printed on them, others have a label stuck on. Some are finished with a plastic laminate finish on either one or both sides. Show the major cross streets, parks, schools, other tram routes, major stop numbers and railway lines. .1 - Box Hill bus routes to Templestowe - R38/82, Heidelberg and East Kew, includes Doncaster, Shoppingtown and Newmans Road. .2 - Clifton Hill - R2/79 - Elsternwick, Point Ormond and St Kilda Junction .3 - Footscray, Sunshine, Deer Park, Nth Altona, Fishermen's Bend, Highpoint and Williamstown Road - R2/79. .4 - Bulleen - City - Port Melbourne - Garden City Bus Route, including Kew, Collingwood - R6/78 .5 - City - Warrandyte and East Doncaster including Newmans Road, Templestowe, East Doncaster, Donvale, Shopping town, and Kew. R3/82. .6 - West Heidelberg, La Trobe University, Northland - R3/81 .7 - Box Hill, Ringwood to East Doncaster and Warrandyte, Park Orchards, North Blackburn R3/82. .8 - Geelong - Herne Hill, Rollins Road, Donnybrook Rd, North Shore and Corio Villagetrams, tramways, maps, route guide, route numbers, routes, buses, box hill, templestowe, doncaster, east kew, heidelberg, clifton hill, point ormond, elsternwick, footscray, sunshine, deer park, north altona, fishermen's bend, highpoint, williamstown rd, bulleen, kew, collingwood, port melbourne, garden city, warrandyte, donvale, la trobe university, northland, ringwood, park orchards, mitcham, blackburn, geelong

Set of Notices to crews associated with the opening of the Port Melbourne Light Rail Line, following its conversion from a Heavy rail line. Signed by Dennis Griffiths, Manager Tram Operations - Western. C5043 - gives details of the route, tram stops, route numbers, traffic signals and T lights, running times, toilet facilites, time clocks and track telephones. Dated 16/12/1987 C5044 - details the new types of automatic points at Flinders and Spencer Sts and Clarendon and Whiteman streets - their operation, associated signals and a layout plan. Dated 22/12/1987 C5046 - Installation of automatic points - Whiteman St Y Junction - later known as Port Junction - St Kilda - Port Melbourne lines - dated 22/12/1987 Interoffice memo to Conductors - Preston and North Fitzroy depot routes - regarding section points on the Port Melbourne and St Kilda light rail routes. Dated 25/6/1987 - signed by Ray Stock, Manger Revenue Systems.Yields information about the opening of the Port Melbourne line in 1987.Set of 7 A4 sheets stapled in top left hand corner.tramcars, tramways, port melbourne, opening, new tramway, points, operations, fares, signals

Series of colour maps for various tram and bus routes, dated 1979. Also contained, not scanned are letters, reports, and specifications for printing these maps for use in shelters etc. Some have the Transport Information Centre telephone printed on them. Some are finished with a plastic laminate finish on either one or both sides. Show the major cross streets, parks, schools, other tram routes, major stop numbers, and railway lines. See also item 3909 for another example of these. Trams 1 - City route guide - R9/77 - showing all route numbers and destinations that passed through the CBD. 2 - Bourke St tram routes - R4/77 - East Brunswick Blyth St and East Preston Tyler St and intermediate routes, routes 95, 96, 97, 90, 89 and 88. 3 - Malvern, East Malvern, Carnegie, and East Brighton Tram Routes (from St Kilda Junction) - R1/79 - shows routes 5, 3, 67, 66, 61, 62, and 64. 4 - Elizabeth St tram routes - R12/77 - Essendon Airport, West Maribyrnong, North Coburg lines, routes 50, 58, 60, 54, 57, 52. 49, 59, 18, 20 and 19 5 - Flinders St tram routes - R5/78 - North Balwyn, East Burwood, routes 48, 40, 41, Hartwell, 28, 74 and 75 6 - Kew - St Kilda Beach - R1/79 - Route 69. 7 - Mont - Albert City - R11/77, shows routes 43. 47. 45. 44 8 - St Kilda Rd Tram Routes R12/77 - details South Melbourne Beach, route 1 and route 2 and St Kilda Beach routes 15, 16, and 55 otherwise shows where the various routes branch off St Kilda Road 9 - Batman Ave tram routes - R9/77 - Wattle Park, North Richmond and Prahran - routes 70, 71, 78 and 79. 10 - Footscray - Moonee Ponds - R3/81 - Route 82 11 - Swanston St tram guide - R1/79 - lists all routes and route numbers that branch or cross Swanston St between Grattan St and St Kilda Junction. 12 - Toorak Camberwell and Glen Iris tram route with Camberwell Junction and Malvern Town Hall, R1/79, routes 8, 7, 6, 72, and 73 shown. 13 - West Preston - Beach tram routes - R12/77 - routes 10, 11, 9 and 12, 14 - William St tram routes - R12/77 - Route 55, 56, and 63 - South Melbourne Depot and Domain. Buses 1 - Footscray, Sunshine, Deer Park, Nth Altona & Fishermans Bend - R2/79 2 - Box Hill bus routes to Templestowe, Heidelberg & East Kew - R6/78 - notes superseded by R3/82 3 - Plan of Russell St Melbourne bus departure bays. 4 - Box Hill, Mitcham & Ringwood bus routes to East Doncaster & Warrandyte - R3/82 5 - City - Warrandyte & East Doncaster bus routes - R3/82 & R6/78 6 - Bulleen - City - Port Melbourne - Garden City Bus route - R6/78 7 - North Altona - City bus route - 11/78 8 - Clifton Hill - Elsternwick - R2/79 9 - La Trobe - Northland - West Heidelberg - City Bus Service via East Freeway - 11/79 and R3/81 10 - Box Hill, Mitcham & Ringwood Bus Routes to East Doncaster & Warrandyte - R10/84 - with the Metropolitan Transit logo.Yields information about tram and bus routes in late 1970s early 1980s.Book - brown comb binding, card and clear plastic covers containing both bound and unbound maps and documents.K C Painter on front cover in ink.tramways, mmtb, tram routes, maps, bus routes, route numbers, routes, route guide

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This book was issued to Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to guide them in the delivery of telegrams and designed to fit into their delivery satchels and carried while on the job. In the early years telegrams were delivered by bicycle and this manual is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Small, blue, vinyl covered manual. Contains thirty printed pages covering all aspects of how to correctly deliver telegrams. Topics include 'Loss of telegram', 'Undelivered Telegram', 'special Delivery' and 'Beware of Dogs'. Bound with two ring metal clip. Front cover; Australian Post Office / Telecommunications Division / Telegram / Delivery / Instructions / Headquarters / 1962 Various annotations and updates throughout. ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection