Handwritten notes from the North Old Chum Mine Manager, J. Tregear's Report. Report details measures and recommendations taken to close the mine. Mine Manager is of the opinion if their crushing is not payable, they will abandon their tribute.document, gold, mining reports, north old chum mine manager's report 16 - 8 - 1900, fortuna, water dept., c anderson, j tregear

Handwritten notes from Mine Manager's Reports. Notes mention water baled fortnight ended 27-2-1896, 25 - 1896 and 9 - 4 - 1896. Also, crushings and gold yield 30 - 7 - 1896 and 17 - 12 - 1896.document, gold, mining reports, mining reports, old chum mine shaft no 131, gold yield, water baling

Keith Edwin Palmer V65246 enlisted in B Coy 38th Bn CMF on 17.3.1941 age 24years. Discharged rom the Army on 11.6.1945 with the rank of Sergeant. Certificate - paper, red and black print, illustrated in colour with scroll work, foliage, flags, King's Portrait. Shields of various countries and states and red seal. Damaged by water and dirt. Handwritten owner's name and signature on Certificate. Frame - timber, with gold colour stipple finish, many sections of paint missing. Glass front and cardboard backing. Sections of the certificate are adhered to the glass front.Handwritten in very faded black ink; "Sgt Keith Edwin Palmer/ 38th Battalion" "16th/ November/ 5/ E.E. Rochester" illegible signature. Certificate No. 55255.ww2, certificates, framed accessories

A “Bill of Fare” is a menu or list of food offered for a meal. This Bill of Fare from the sailing ship Schomberg is handwritten in pen in hard-to-read script on the printed pages specifically for the Schomberg ship, of the Black Ball Line of Australian Packets. (‘Packets’ were vessels that had a regular trade run of cargo, passengers and mail; the sailing ship Schomberg was designed for long voyages between England and Australia.) These menus posed a puzzle as they have the handwritten dates of, May 10 and 12, 1856, by which time the Schomberg had sunk (she sunk on December 26, 1855). The donor of these pages of Bill of Fare is a stamp collector from Melbourne. He came across the menus in a package that he bought in 1980 at a stamp auction in Tasmania. He decided to give the menus to Flagstaff Hill this year during his annual family holiday in Warrnambool. A 1981 newspaper article about this donation included an interview with Flagstaff Hill’s curator Mr Peter Ronald, who said that the stationery of these menus is genuine. He went on to say that there would have been much stationery printed for use on the Schomberg although she sank on her maiden voyage. These menus could have been written at a dated late because the surplus Schomberg stationery could have been used for menus on other ships. We will probably never be sure of the answer but none-the-less the pages are still connected to the Schomberg. Below is what we believe the menu consists of although some of the writing is indecipherable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (first menu) Roast Mutton Boiled Mutton? Ox Tail Mulligatawny? Or possibly Ox Tail Vegetables? Mutton Pies? ------------------------------- Vegetables Potatoes ---------------------------------- Dessert Fruit Puddings? Saturday May 10, 1856 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AND - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (second menu) Boiled Mutton Roast Mutton? Roast Geese? Ox Tail?? Calves Head Broth? ------------------------------- Vegetables Potatoes ------------------------------- Dessert Tarts? Rice Pudding? ?...Maids?? Monday May 12, 1856 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Background of “SCHOMBERG” When SCHOMBERG was launched in July, 1855, she was considered the “Noblest ship that ever floated on water.” SCHOMBERG’s owners, the Black Ball Line (one of three companies by that name), commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. She was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen, UK at a cost of £43,103. She was constructed with 3 skins: one planked fore and aft, and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw threaded trunnels (wooden rails). Her first class accommodation was luxurious: velvet pile carpets; large mirrors; rosewood; birds-eye maple; mahogany; soft furnishings of gold satin damask; an oak-lined library; and a piano. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. SCHOMBERG’s 34 year old master, Captain James ‘Bully’ Forbes, had promised Melbourne in 60 days at the launch, "with or without the help of God." James Nicol Forbes was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships MARCO POLO and LIGHTNING. In 1852 in the MARCO POLO he made the record passage from London to Melbourne in 68 days. There were 53 deaths on the voyage but the great news was of the record passage by the master. In 1954 Captain Forbes took the clipper LIGHTNING to Melbourne in 76 days and back in 63 days, this was never beaten by a sailing ship. He often drove his crew and ship to breaking point to beat his own records. He cared little for the comfort of the passengers. On this, the SCHOMBERG’s maiden voyage, he was going to break records. SCHOMBERG departed Liverpool on her maiden voyage on 6 October 1855 flying the sign “Sixty Days to Melbourne”. She departed with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway as well as a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, and 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. SCHOMBERG also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and cargo was insured for $300,000, a fortune for the time. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing SCHOMBERG’s journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, and Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the Third Mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off. Due in large part to Forbes regarding a card game as more important than his ship, SCHOMBERG eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26 December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to SCHOMBERG and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the steamer SS QUEEN at dawn and signalled it. The master of the SS QUEEN approached the stranded vessel and all of SCHOMBERG’s passengers and crew were able to disembark safely. The SCHOMBERG was lost and with her, Forbes’ reputation. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the SCHOMBERG. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot! Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864 salvage efforts were abandoned after two men drowned when they tried to reach SCHOMBERG. Parts of the SCHOMBERG were washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand in 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck. The wreck of the SCHOMBERG lies in almost 9 metres of water. Although the woodwork is mostly disintegrated, the shape of the ship can still be seen due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen surrounding the wreck, by divers. Flagstaff Hill holds many items salvaged from the SCHOMBERG including a ciborium (in which a diamond ring was concealed in concretion), communion set, ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photograph from the SCHOMBERG. These Bills of Fare are significant due to their connection to Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg, which is significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck S612. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The Schomberg collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger ship. The shipwreck collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be fastest and most luxurious of its day. The Schomberg collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Menu, or Bill of Fare, on cream coloured stationery from the sailing vessel “Schomberg”. Two rectangular pieces of paper, each bears the printed words “Black Ball Line of Australian Packets, Bill of Fare, Ship, Schomberg”, a printed symbol of the Black Ball line (a black ball on a red flag) and a decorative border. Both pages are handwritten, in similar but different sized writing, with a Bill of Fare and a date, Page (1) dated May 10th 1856 and (2) dated May 12th ’56, (Both dates are AFTER the Schomberg sank in December 26th 1855.) Both pages have three fold lines spaced across their width. To be used for the return voyage.Printed on the pages ““BLACK BALL LINE OF AUSTRALIAN PACKETS.” “Bill of Fare, / SHIP / “SCHOMBERG”.” Handwritten list of food, and on one page “Saturday May 10 1856” and on the other page “Monday May 12” warrnambool, peterborough, shipwrecked coast, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, great ocean road, flagstaff hill, sailing ship schomberg, shipwreck schomberg, black ball line of australian packets, bill of fare schomberg, menu schomberg 1856, food mid-1800’s, food on ships mid-1800’s, menu, may 10, 1856, may 12, 1856

In 1975, 120 years after the sailing ship Schomberg was wrecked, Flagstaff Hill divers (Peter Ronald, Colin Goodall and Gary Hayden) found an ornate communion set amongst the wreckage. The set comprised a jug, ciborium, lid, chalice and plate. The items, apart from the lid, were then displayed at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The lid had etchings that did not match the chalice and sat in storage for several years. Then in 1978, while the marine concretion inside the lid was being examined, a surface layer came loose and revealed a glint of gold that was assumed to be a piece of brass. The layers of concretion were carefully removed and a ring-like band emerged. Further treatment exposed a 'large faceted stone in an intricate gold setting. Weeks later a detailed examination estimated the value of the ring, known as the Schomberg Diamond, to be $7000. When the Schomberg was launched in 1855, she was considered the "Noblest” ship that ever floated on the water. Schomberg's owners, the Black Ball Line had commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. She was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen at a cost of £43,103 and constructed with 3 skins. One planked fore and aft and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). Her First Class accommodation was simply luxurious with velvet pile carpets, large mirrors, rosewood, birds-eye maple and mahogany timbers throughout, soft furnishings of satin damask, an oak-lined library with a piano. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. At the launch, the Schomberg's 34-year-old master, Captain 'Bully' Forbes, had promised to reach Melbourne in sixty days stating, "with or without the help of God." Captain James Nicol Forbes was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships; Marco Polo and Lightning. In 1852 in the Marco Polo, he made the record passage from London to Melbourne in 68 days. Unfortunately there were 53 deaths on the voyage, but the great news was off the record passage by Captain Forbes. In 1854 he took the clipper “Lighting” to Melbourne in 76 days and back in 63 days, this record was never beaten by a sailing ship. He often drove his crew and ship to breaking point to beat his previous records. He cared little for the comfort of the passengers. On this, the Schomberg's maiden voyage, he was determined to break existing records. Schomberg departed Liverpool on her maiden voyage on 6th October 1855 flying a sign that read "Sixty Days to Melbourne". She departed with 430 passengers and 3000 tons cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. She also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and cargo were insured for $300,000 a fortune for the time. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing Schomberg's journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the third mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off. Due in large part to the captain's regarding a card game as more important than his ship, it eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26th December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes's map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to Schomberg and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted the SS Queen at dawn and signaled the steamer. The master of the Queen approached the stranded vessel and all of Schomberg’s passengers and crew disembarked safely. The Black Ball Line's Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers' baggage from the Schomberg. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864 after two of the men drowned when they tried to reach Schomberg, salvage efforts were abandoned. In 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck parts of the Schomberg had washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand. The wreck now lies in almost 9 meters of water and although the woodwork is mostly disintegrated the shape of the ship can still be determined due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen scattered about nearby. The actual lid in which the ring was found has not yet been completely identified and could belong to a coffee pot, sugar bowl or maybe a jug or something similar. Although all survived the wreck no-one came forward to claim the valuable diamond. The Schomberg Diamond is currently on display in the Great Circle Gallery. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village along with the rest of the communion set. Other artefacts salvaged from the wreck include ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and photographs from the Schomberg. One of the Schomberg bells is in the Warrnambool Library.The Schomberg Diamond is particularly significant in that it played a crucial part in having the legislation changed to protect shipwrecks, with far tighter control over the salvaging of items from wreck sites. This ring is registered as Artefact S/105 in the Schomberg collection, the Schomberg collection as a whole is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is also significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck (VHR S 612). The collection is of prime significant because of the relationship between the objects salvaged, as together they help us to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The collection as a whole is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria's maritime history and its potential to interpret social and historical themes. A mid-Victorian gentleman's solitaire diamond dress ring with a Brazilian cut diamond (cushion cut), one and one-third carat set within an 18 carat yellow gold ring consisting of four claws within an open scroll setting and a divided scroll shank. Colour is classified as 'J', clarity SII. The setting is handmade. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, ciborium, ring, schomberg-diamond, schomberg-ring, gentleman's ring, dress ring

Victorian Municipal Directory 1972 94th Publication State Guide and Water Supply Record for 1972Dark blue book with gold writing " Victorian Municipal Directory 1972". State Guide and water supply record incorporating part of southern NSW. Published by Arnall & Jackson Pty LtdAs abovevictorian municipal directory 1972, water supply record

Copy and a photocopy of notes titled 'The rich Victoria Hill and its Historical Associations. The photocopy does not have copies of the photos. Notes include Introduction, directions for getting to Victoria Hill, North Old Chum Mine 2310 ft deep, Ballerstedt's First Open Cut, Geographical Features, Lansell's Big 180, Crushing Battery, Lansell's Cleopatra Needle type chimney, Victoria Quartz Mine 4613 ft deep, Victoria Reef Quartz Company, Victoria Quartz Company, Victoria Quartz Dams, Rae's Open Cut, Quartz Roasting, Floyd's small 5 Head Crushing Battery, Great Central Victoria (Midway) Shaft, Ballerstedt's Small 24 yard Claim, The Humboldt, The Adventure, The Advance and Luffsman and Sterry's Claim. Copies of photos include: Victoria Hill from Rae's Open Cut, Looking North from Old Chum Hill to the Victoria Hill, the Victoria Quartz Mine and Wm. Rae's Crushing Works.document, gold, victoria hill, the rich victoria hill and its historical associations, j n macartney, quartz miners' arms hotel, ironbark methodist church, john brown knitwear factory, little 180, george lansell, conrad heinz, british and american hotel, victoria reef gold mining company, manchester arms hotel, housing commission homes, the ironbark, hercules and energetic, midway, wittscheibe, great central victoria, wm rae, mr & mrs conroy, moorhead's shop, central nell gwynne, gold mines hotel, david chaplin sterry, new chum & victoria, old chum, burrowes & sterry, rotary club of bendigo south, big 180, north old chum mine, ballerstedt's first open-cut, lansell's bit 180 shaft, victoria quartz mine, victoria reef quartz company, a roberts & sons, mr e j dunn, h harkness & sons, new chum drainage scheme, eureka extended, new chum railway, the pearl, inrush of water, shamrock, shenandoah, victoria quartz dams, rae's open cut, floyd's small 5 head crushing battery, great central victoria (midway) shaft, midway no 2, midway north, the humboldt, the adventure, the advance, luffsman & sterry's claim, chinese joss house, fortuna, p m g repeater station, bendigo and vicinity 1895, j n macartney 1st edition 1871, mr rae anderson, 'gill family, annals of bendigo obituary notices 1904, mining records and australian mining standard special edition 1/6/1899, bendigo advertiser 22/6/1871, b m l records mines department, patterson's goldfields of victoria, dickers mining record 23/11/1861, annals of bendigo, bendigo advertiser 24/7/1933, 27/8/1908, 30/6/1910, 16/6/1910, 17/6/1910, mining reports for 1910, australian mining standard special edition 1/6/1899 p40, bendigo mines ltd, mines department records, the bendigo goldfield 1851 to 1954, the victoria hill 1854 to 1949, wm rae's crushing works

Handwritten notes suggesting some spots for marking at Victoria Hill. Notes mention spots and give a description, amounts of gold, price of gold per ounce and geological features. Signed by A Richardson.document, gold, victoria hill, a few suggested spots for marking at victoria hill, north old chum mine, john wybrant, ballerstedt's first open-cut, theodore ballerstedt, lansell's big 180, ballerstedts' second open cut, george lansell, crushing battery, new chum syncline mine, the victoria quartz mine, influx of water, rae's open cut, wm rae, e j dunn, whip shaft, lava dyke, anticlinal arch, a richardson

Handwritten excerpts from Mine Manager's Reports from January 1880 to May 1884. Mine Manager Mr. J Alderson. Items mentioned: telephones, mechanical breakdowns, air supply, trouble with flat ropes, water problems, leaning and testing boiler engines.document, gold, new chum & victoria lines of reef, new chum railway mine manager's report 1880 - 84, mr j alderson, o'rourke and henderson, allingham, aitkens, pandora, richard heals, flat ropes, young chum co, horwood's, old chum, harkness, crushing mill, g armstrong, roberts & sons, eureka coy

Handwritten notes on New Chum & Victoria Mine Manager's Report. Dates 1878 and 1879. Wm. H. Grainger Mine Manager. Items mentioned are: amount of firewood, winding engine, mishap towinding gear, winding engine driver mistake, flat ropes, rope breaking, Directors deciding to replace flat ropes with round ropes, water laid on from main to mine, Directors decided to throw out present winding gear, old machinery being pulled down and all work stopped except repairs to shaft and alterations to pithead pulleys.document, gold, new chum & victoria lines of reef, new chum & victoria mine manager's report, wm h grainger, messrs mitchell of melbourne, north old chum, mitchell & osborne, middleton safety hooks, ar

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations extensions to the building and remained in the Lansell family until 1935Plan shows front and side elevations only for the addition of a two storey lacework verandah to Fortuna Villa for George Lansell Esq. Black ink hand drawn plan for verandah elevations Plan badly damaged with water damage, flocking, tears and a hole in the paper plan. Hand drawn additions to the plan with pencilbendigo fortuna villa, george lansell

BHS CollectionDiggers & mining. The gold era. In 1857, the Yan Yean reservoir was opened, and Melbourne was ensured of a good water supply. Slide shows a good picture of the lake with a couple of people in the foreground. Markings 55 994.031 GOL:5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Six page document plus map, dated 21st September 1940, between the Crown and Herbert Jackson Leed, for the land shown on the accompanying map 'indicated by yellow colour' Depths indicated on lease document. On map: Mining District of Bendigo, County of Bendigo, Parish of Sandhurst. No. 11081. Net Area 24 acres, 3 roods, 3 perches. Signed by Herbert Leed and ?Walsh, Warden Clerk, Bendigo. Map shows lease holding 11081 coloured yellow. Other leases: no's. 9882 11081, 11034, 11080. Streets: Fletcher Street, and Belle Vue Road. Gullies: Derwenters Mistake Bully and Pig Face Gully on lease 11081. Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve marked and some residential allotments. Water race indicated on map. On back of document: ; Deborah United Gold Mining Company No Liability of Charing Cross Bendigo is now the proprietor of the within described estate by transfer registered on 21st November 1940 and numbered 1795202.bendigo, mining, deborah united gold mine, herbert jackson leed, deborah united gold mining. major general sir winston joseph dugan

The painting is of John Henry Lockett (Jack) Refer Cat No's 8143, 8144, 8145.10P for awards and service history.Framed water colour portrait painting showing a man sitting with walking stick, in the background is a frame with a soldier in. The frame is gold with a black streak, painting is set in a white backing with a gold edge. under is a brass plaque with details.On plaque, "John Henry (Jack) Lockett OAM - 1891 - 2002 - On loan courtesy of the Lockett Family"brsl, smirsl, painting lockett

PASTEL PAINTING BY MRS, HOLLY BARKELLGOLD FRAMED & GOLD MOUNTED PASTEL PAINTING, SHOWING TREES WITH WATER IN BACKGROUND.local history, illustration, pastel, barkell, harris family

The letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth recognised the significance of William’s brave and courageous lifesaving act to the people of Australia; “They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The story of that brave rescue follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, The company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person has washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with the manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This letter is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament commending him on his bravery. The printed letterhead includes a coat of arms in the top centre and the official address. The letter is very neatly hand written in black pen and includes 4 signatures of Members of Parliament. The rectangular paper is cream coloured with some yellow/brown discolouring. It has the letterhead on the right hand side of it and the written letter begins below the letterhead. The paper has been folded so that the right side becomes the cover page of the letter. The writing is continued onto the inside right hand page of the folded paper and the writing ends here. There is more recent writing on the bottom right hand corner of the back page. The paper has been officially folded in half a total 3 times and there is heavy discolouration on the sections that form the front and back of the folded letter. There is a 4th fold line that is less pronounced that the other folds and would make the paper the size to fit into a pocket. At several fold creases the paper has worn through. The edges of the paper have minor tears. The printed coat of arms is that of the House of Representatives. Underneath is printed “The Parliament of the Commonwealth, / Parliament House / Melbourne”. The hand written, letter is dated “14th November, 1905” and addressed to “Mr. William Ferrier / South Warrnambool” The letter begins “The Speaker, the Prime Minister and Members of the Ministry and its supporters, the Leader and Members of the Opposition, the Leader and Members of the Labour Party, being all the Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Australia” … It continues “desire to express to you their appreciation of your bravery in skulling out to the wreck of the “La Bella” at Warrnambool on Saturday, 11th November, 1905, and recovering therefrom two of the crew who were in imminent danger of their lives. They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The letter is “Signed on behalf of the Members – Speaker (Frederick Holder ), Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Joseph Cook ), Prime Minister (Alfred Deakin), Leader of the Labour Party ( J.C. Watson)” On the back of the letter is blue ink handwriting “OWNER / G. FERRIER / TO. BE. PHOTOGRAPHED / 27-4-76”la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village

The certificate commemorates the official opening of the Shrine of Compassion, which houses the large statue of Kwan Yin, carved from marble in Vietnam. The statue was especially chosen by Ven. Thich Phuoc Tan and sponsored by Quang Minh temple. The Shrine of Compassion is located in the Great Stupa's Peace Park. Kwan Yin (also known as Quan Yin or Guanyin) is revered as the Goddess of Mercy in Chinese Buddhist tradition. Depicted holding a vase containing sacred water, symbolising compassion and healing, she is believed to hear the cries of the world and respond with kindness and guidance.The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion (logo); the text: "The Shrine of Compassion was officially opened by Ven. Thich Phuoc Tan June 4 2006".holy objects, buddhist art, statues

Unknown.1 Pastel drawing in timber frame with gold edging on frame. Subject: drawn on a pale brown background a man and woman standing on a wooden bridge, another man in a boat on the water and another standing in the water. Trees in front of buildings in the background. .2 Pastel drawing in timber frame with gold edging on frame. Subject: 2 people in a boat , stone arched bridge and trees in front of tall buildings in the background .1 Signed at bottom right hand corner "Pollie Price"landscape, buildings

This certificate was awarded to news photographer Denis Gibbons to mark his time on USS New Jersey BB62. Gibbons spent 5 years in Vietnam, and photographed the tours of nine Australian infantry battalions for Fairfax press and United Press International. This is a non-official certificate signed by the commanding officer Edward Snyder Jnr.Paper with hard cardboard backing of under water scene-white with blue and gold writing. Banner heading in gold writing. Picture of a battleship top LHS, mermaids x2 holding a painters pallet, Anchor with chain. Emblem of battleship bottom RHS. Swordfish and sharks depicted.Battleship Brethren heading. USS New Jersey BB 62 Firepower for Freedom. Denis Gibbonsdenis gibbons, battleship brethren, march 1969, crewmember certificate, uss new jersey, gibbons, honorary certificate, us navy

This item was in a cabin trunk that belonged to Henry Frencham which also included his Petition to Parliament and the findings from the Parliamentary enquiry into his and other claims to be the first to find gold at Bendigo. Scalebuoy. Invented by Hartley Abbott and patented under the name of the Bendigo Electronic Company, made in various sizes & for different applications, such as to prevent scaling in the boilers at mines. When shaken in water, frictional forces between mercury and were said to activate electronic energy. Invented by Hartley Abbott & patented under the name of the Bendigo Electronic Company, made in various sizes & for different applications, such as to prevent scaling in the boilers at mines. Made up of a sealed glass bulb containing mercury and gasses enclosed within a chromed wire cage & with a chromed handle. The one shown being a hand held shaker model.henry frencham, scalebouy