Part of a railway collection from the closed Numurkah Railway StationSilver plated spade with wooden & plastic handlesee photo

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

World War One vintage personal entrenching tool carried by a soldier. Probable German issue.Metal entrenching tool with spade end and pick end, wooden handle.world war one, wwi, german, trench

Small axe, metal head with one bladed end and one spiked end. Wooden handle. Probably World War One (WWI) German army issue.world war one, wwi, german army

World War One individual trenching shovel probably issued by German Army. Small shovel with wooden handle. Blade is worn.1915world war one, wwi, german army

During World War One poisonous gas was used as a weapon. When gas was detected or suspected an alarm was given in the trenches so soldiers could put on masks and protective gear. The gas rattle was a simple and effective method of raising the alarm. Gas precautions were taken in World War Two but gas was not used. This rattle might be WWI vintage or it might be from WWII era.A wooden box incorporating a toothed cog attached to a 'swing' handle. When swung the toothed cog engaged with a wooden flap enclosed in the box causing a loud noise. world war one, wwi, gas

Tool for creating butter curls from a larger block. It has a wooden handle and a serrated metal blade which curves in a semicircle at the end and which has a sharp point.

A trenching tool used in Vietnam war, carried by soldiers with their kit. This tool had multiple uses including digging in-field trenches, disposal of human waste, and an an improptu weapon in hand-to-hand combat.This trenching tool is representative of filed kits issued to Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War. Length of handle suggests it was used by Sappers or Artillary.A portable folding shovel with a rivetted lip attached to a wooden handle. A metal tube is atached to the end of the handle. The metal blade is hinged by rivet to the metal tube on the end of the handle. A circular steel tube is on the metal tube.trenching tool, field shovel, vietnam war, military kit, shovel

A hand tool used with a bit to drill holes, usually in wood. Pressure is applied to the top and the tool is rotated with a U-shaped grip. This example has two wooden handles.On the metal pipe says "Stanley". On other side is No,144 10in.carpentry, tool

Black and White photo on a brown cardboard mount, showing a large group of men (about 30) and children (about 6) in front of and on the wooden frame of the partially constructed Belgrave Catholic Church Hall, Austral Hall, corner of (now) Reynolds Lane & Burwood Highway. The men are dressed in various combinations of hats, ties, shirts, jackets, trousers and work aprons. Some have tool belts or are holding hammers and other tools. Two small girls are seated on their fathers' laps. A man is sitting on his haunches at the front. He is wearing a suit and loose bow tie and holding a hat. He appears to be an official. Another man is patting or holding a dog. The building seems to have two walls partially constructed. There are trees visible in the background which are on the high side of the main road of Belgrave. A moulded brown cardboard mount measures 24.7 X 20.00. On the reverse side is written in pencil, 'Building Church hall/ at/ Belgrave/ Saturday 11th Dec 1920.' There is a stamped business name which reads 'Watson's/ photos/ Belgrave.' The Hall was built by largely volunteer labour as the Austral Hall, financed largely by Harry Luscombe's dances and functions. The land was donated by the Buckley Family. On the reverse side is written in pencil, 'Building Church hall/ at/ Belgrave/ Saturday 11th Dec 1920.' There is a stamped business name which reads 'Watson's/ photos/ Belgrave.'

Sextant used by J P Larken, Government Marine SurveyorThe sextant has been the primary position fixing tool of the marine surveyor for 200 years used to measure angles between beacons or points for hydrographic surveys. A sextant in its own wooden box.On inside box lid; 'A. E. Parson surveying and scientific instrument maker, Queen Street, Melbournesextant, jp larken, marine surveyor

Started way back in the mid sixties, Malcolm Barlow first started to build BARLOW winches in a small garage in Sydney. Even though, or maybe because of the uncanny resemblance of those early winches to the American manufactured BARIENT winches, they have stood the test of time.Australian made yachting winch equipment made in the 1960sA wooden box containing 3 winchesBarlow, Australia yachting, barlow winches, winches

White ceramic mortar and a pestle with wooden handle, makers markes unreadable, numbered 29 & 6medicine, pharmacy, mortar & pestle

Wooden instrument for winding wool with circular base, a detachable top section which spins with four concertina arms.handcrafts, wool work equipment, wool winder

Wooden mushroom used for darning socks, stockings, etc, timber turned in shape of a mushroom with removable top.handcrafts, needlework equipment, darning

Button press and buttons, for covering buttons with fabric. 2 small cardboard boxes with tools plus large quantity of uncovered buttons & disc shaped wooden block.handcrafts, dressmaking, buttons

Gold scales, wooden box with white marble top and hinged brass and glass top, 2 small dishes with arrows for weighing, mechanism for scales inside box, knob on front. Partial paper label inside reads S. R. Bark Resident Phone 34weighing, weights & measures, scales

Black cast iron coffee grinder with pull out drawer for catching ground coffee, gold coloured funnel on top for beans and a handle with wooden knob for turning grinder, brass screw & name plate on front, square base with holes for securing, hand made lid possibly cut from motor oil can.T & C Clark & Co Ltd Wolver Hampton Druertons improved Clark & Co Manufacturersdomestic equipment, food preparation, kitchen, k182

A line firing rifle used in rescue training by the lifeboat Queenscliffe crew from 1926 to 1976.A rare representation of old life saving line throwing mechanisms in use up to the 1970s. Metal breech loading gun with wooden stock and rope canaster for attaching rescue line Trade Marks, B.S.A., [three rifles leaning together].lifeboat, rescue, line firing, queenscliffe, rifle, bsa, birmingham small arms company

Sewing implements and crochet hook date pre 1950. PArt of Jan Barrett's mother's sewing kit.Sewing Implements: 2 wooden cotton reels one with mercerised cotton, linen thread on green card, tortoise shell spindles, iron crochet hook with wooden handle, "C 1'0 The Mer-Surah, Mercerised Cotton, machine twisted on narrow reel. Superior Linen Thread No 32 2 cord Linen thread: Lindsay Thompson (Threads) Belfast - 50 yards on backing card.sewing implements, crochet hook, cotton thread, linen thread, tortoise shell toggle

A gift from Shipwright Laurie DilksIn 1965 the current wheelhouse was built on the Plover. While fixing a leak in the starboard window we found an inscription “This wheelhouse was built by C. Barnard and L. Dilks”. Laurie Dilks has been a wonderful source of information about Plover’s time with Ports and Harbours. The photos attached are from his personal collection. Around the same time, the bulwarks on the bow of the vessel were also built. The Plover was the first AWB to be enhanced. Others in the photos are the Ibis, Hydra and Murray.A wooden display board holding shipwrights toolsDonated by Laurie Dilks Shipwrighttools, shipwright, shipwright tools, plover

Brace for holding drill bits for drilling holes in wood or steel, with wooden handles.tools, multipurpose, drill

Cast iron food mincer for seeding raisins, with handle & screw attachment for securing to bench or table, black wooden handle. Marked Landers Frary & Clark New Britain Conn. USA. Pat Nov 24.96 Wet the Raisins No 4 Crown.Landers Frary & Clarkdomestic equipment, food preparation, raisin seeder, k195

Hand operated metal apple coere & peeler with screw attachment for mounting on bench or table, black wooden handle.Little Star Patented June.9.85domestic equipment, food preparation, kitchen, k205

Hand operated cheese shredder, red cast iron, tin mill & wooden handle & press, with a screw attachment for mounting on bench or table.Tala England No 664domestic equipment, food preparation, kitchen, k207.1

Printers plate for Lincoln Stuart & Co Pty Ltd Flinders Street Melbourne, shop by post catalogue, metal on a wooden block.commerce, advertising, printing

Roller used for applying ink to printing blocks, metal with wooden handle.trades, printing, tools

Earth Scraper with wooden handle and metal scraper on one end and bolt through the handle to hold metal scraper on.wood, metal

Albert Martin and Company were manufacturers in London and they held the patent for these clippers. They were advertised for sale in Bendigo in 1898 for 4 shillings a pair and in 1914 they were priced at 4/6 (4 shillings and sixpence). They were sold by various ironmongers. Metal clippers, used for clipping horses. Wooden handle. Quite dirty.A. MARTIN & CO MANUFACTURESmetal, wood