One of 6 photographs donated by Z CoxBlack & White photograph of Erehwon Guest House, Cowes, Phillip Island.On back: Erehwon in the 1940'serehwon guest house cowes, guest houses cowes phillip island, cowes, phillip island, z cox

One of 6 photograph donated by M. BattyBlack & White photograph of South Coast of Phillip Island with rocky outcrop.phillip island coastline, coastline - south coast, rocky outcrock phillip island, phillip island, m batty

One of a collection of 9 photographs donated by F. WinnSepia photograph of the South Coastline of Phillip Island with waves crashing on the rocks.phillip island coastline, south coast phillip island, coastal, f winn

Photograph of early Cowes. Pier as seen through the trees.Valentine Collection. A glimpse of the Pier through the trees, Cowes Phillip Island.local history, documents, postcards, phillip island, jetties, sepia postcard, mr bernard grayden, cowes

Captain Charles Ferguson was born in Scotland in 1813. He was the Master of the "Rajah" from 1838 to 1850 on voyages from England to Australia and vice versa. He became the First Chief Harbour Master for the port of Melbourne in 1852 after being the first Harbour Master and Water Police Officer in Geelong for 12 months. On the 5th of April 1841, the Rajah sailed with James Donovan M.D. as Surgeon Superintendent, and the Rajah sailed from Woolwich with 180 female convicts. The Rajah arrived on the 19th of July in Hobart, with 179 females (one died during the voyage) and 10 children. Miss Kezia Elizabeth Hayter was the matron on board. On page 28 of the "Sailing directions for Port Phillip, in the colony of Victoria including the ports of Melbourne and Geelong", a mention is made of the Mariner's Hospital and Floating Church soon to be established. There were discussions to built the hospital in Williamstown but instead the Government decided to build it in Melbourne. The Harbour Master and a commiittee decided to use the water police hulk, Emily, left unsold in 1856, to create a floating church: the Bethel was open in July 1857 with Reverend Kerr Johnston as Chaplain. Latrobe wrote a letter to Captain Cole in 1869, a few months after learning his death : "To Captain George Ward Cole † [from a draft in another’s hand] Clapham House, Lewes, Sussex, January 28th, 1869. My dear Captain Cole, Last mail will have taken out the sad intelligence of the death of our excellent old friend, Captain Ferguson. This will have been a terrible blow to his children and to his friends in the colony, who may have held reason to expect his early return to his home, with a not unreasonable prospect of ultimate restoration to health and activity. In the course of last October I went up to town with one of my children, mainly with the purpose of finding my way to Pinner, where he and Mrs. Ferguson were staying with an intimate friend. I found him in excellent health and spirits, and enjoying the prospect of a speeding resumption of the service to which he had devoted his best days, and upon the furtherance of which his entire energy was still directed. A week or two later Captain and Mrs. Ferguson went to Dover for change of air, and being still under the impression received from the advisers by whom they had been guided during their residence at a hydropathic establishment at Matlock, felt encouraged to plan almost immediate return to the colony by the Jerusalem early in December. However, certain misgivings in the mind of a medical gentleman, then in England, under whose care Captain Ferguson had at one time placed himself in Williamtown, led them to consider it judicious before departure to take the advice of some surgeon of eminence in London. Accordingly they came up to town at the close of November. The first London practitioners they consulted shook their heads, and advised consultation with Sir Wm. Ferguson. The result was that amputation, without loss of time, was pronounced necessary. The rest is soon told. He received the painful intelligence with calmness and full resignation to God's will, and underwent the operation at King's College Hospital with exemplary firmness and Courage on the 28th of November. Perfect success seemingly attended it, and there seemed, humanly speaking, to be every prospect of a prompt cure and early convalescence; everything seemed in his favour. A few days later, however, all was clouded by symptoms of hospital fever (pyoe æm ia). This resisted all control, and finally carried him off on the 27th of December, just one month after the operation. He had lived a Christian life, and his death was the peaceful and resigned death of a Christian. It was a melancholy satisfaction to me to be able to join a few friends in following his remains to their resting place in one of the outlying London cemeteries on the last day of the year. You know Mrs Ferguson well, and will be prepared to hear me say that her whole conduct and demeanour throughout this period of suspense and bitter trial has been worthy of her high character and steadfast principle. Come what will, and happen what may, I have the fullest conviction that neither the widow nor the children will be forsaken, however doubtful and clouded the future may appear, in consequence of the irreparable loss which, they have sustained. And now, dear Captain Cole, it is possible that you may already have heard all this from other sources, but I have dictated it to you under strong impulse, for I feel assured that there is no member of the community in which you live who will more sincerely deplore the loss of Captain Ferguson on private grounds; at the same time that there is no one who, from long acquaintance with his official character and services, will be in a better position to estimate their real value or the loss which the colony has sustained. The circumstances in which Captain Ferguson's family are left not only demands the utmost display of sympathy and interest on the part of friends, but may call for decided and prompt action; therefore I cannot rest satisfied without discharging what I consider my duty, and seeking to strengthen your hands as far as I may in bringing the character of his long services before the existing colonial authorities. Of his private career previous to his entering the service of the Colonial Government in 1851 nothing need be said. Captain Ferguson was appointed as the Harbour Master at Geelong in April, 1851 – a few months before the separation of the colony from New South Wales. He there did excellent service in a variety of ways calculated to advance the interests of the port, and to introduce www.latrobesociety.org.au 27 order, where, from circumstances, but little order had hitherto prevailed. His was the first appointment of this class in that locality. The separation of the colony from New South Wales took place in the month of July following. Shortly after, the late Captain Bunbury resigned the Harbour Mastership of Port Phillip. Captain Ferguson was at once (February, 1852) appointed to succeed him, and from that time performed all duties of Chief Harbour Master of the colony. The previous year (May 1851) the first gold discoveries in New South Wales had taken place, and in the month of August those of our colony followed. At the time of Captain Ferguson’s taking charge of the Port of Melbourne their influence had begun to be fully felt, and in no department more seriously than in that of the Harbour Master. This is no place for statistical details, but they must bear me out in reminding you of a few facts connected with our late friend’s career. At the time of separation that department comprised only 30 individuals of all ranks, and when he took charge the number was much reduced. There were at that time, according to the returns, no fewer than 54 vessels, registering 26,785 tons, in Hobson’s Bay alone. The crews on arrival numbered 1,235 men. Of this number only 463 remained on board, 500 having deserted, and the rest having been discharged by arrangement or pure necessity. For the first six months after Captain Ferguson’s assumption of office as Harbour Master the duties of Police Magistrate and Chief of the Water Police were superadded, and how much labour they involved may be surmised from the fact that from 1st of April to the 31st July, 1852, four months only, no less than 236 marine cases were brought before the bench at Williamstown - sometimes as many as 30 in a day. A year later (March 1853) the returns show that the number of vessels in the harbour in Hobson’s Bay alone were 91, tonnage 43,754; and passing on to the still later returns of May, 1853, two years after Captain Ferguson’s assumption of office, we find from the records that the number of ships in port had increased to 129; tonnage, 63,292; crew on board on arrival, 2872, and at the date of report, 1628; the amount of desertions at that time having, however, proportionally diminished, in consequence of the abatement of the gold fever, caused by the non-success attendant upon the labours of thousands at the goldfields. The above numbers take no account of the large number of vessels and amount of tonnage lying at the wharves at Melbourne or elsewhere. From these figures alone it may be judged what must have been a struggle in which the Chief Harbour Master was engaged from the very outset to secure order, and answer the innumerable calls on every branch of his department, at the same time that there was for many months an almost complete impossibility of securing subordinate agency, such as boatmen, pilots, and police, at any price. But I may bear witness to the untiring diligence, energy, and self-devotion with which Captain Ferguson grappled with the difficulties of his position, and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles which stood in his way. Ashore and afloat he was always ready, showing the same directness of purpose, intelligence, and forgetfulness of self. He shunned no responsibility, and turned his hand from no work, whether within or beyond the ordinary scope of his duty, which the hard necessity of the times forced the Government to bring under his notice. Already in 1852, when the overflowing of our gaol and stockade rendered the adoption of other methods of restraint absolutely necessary, and addition to the existing buildings could not be thought of, it was Captain Ferguson who first suggested the employment of hulks; and it was with his personal assistance and supervision, and under his unflagging energy, that the three first of these – the Success, the President, and the Sacramento – were purchased, fitted up, and made available for the purpose in view, and the rules and regulations for the employment and safety of the men afloat and ashore prescribed and carried out. He carried the same energy into every branch of his department, and his influence was soon apparent. His subordinates of every class became actuated by his spirit. As time moved on, the range of his duties, both ordinary and extraordinary, increased. In the formation of the quarantine station at the heads, in the management if not the erection of lighthouses, sailing directions, port and wharf regulations, buoys, signal stations, www.latrobesociety.org.au 28 steam dredging &c., he was the main and most active agent. The whole pilot establishment and regulations, men, and vessels, were under his charge; and when I left the colony in May, 1854, the entire range of ports outside Port Phillip Heads from Point Lonsdale to Portland, as well as that of Geelong had felt the influence of his intelligent supervision and care. The entire department of Chief Harbour Master, which I have numbered at the period of separation about thirty individuals, then numbered 230. The character of Captain Ferguson’s unbroken service during the fourteen years which have elapsed since I left the colony must be well known to the Government and the people he has served so long and so faithfully. I confine myself to recalling to mind those earlier, and what must have been the hardest and most difficult, period – none can know how difficult but those who were in that fierce struggle for the maintenance of order under so many disadvantages; and on this subject I have spoken advisedly and with reason, for I may truly say he worked under my own eye. I had sincere regard for the man, and just pride in the qualities of his heart, head, and hand. Whatever mistakes may have been made by the Government of the colony in those hard and difficult times (and I am quite ready to admit that there were many, especially if the past is to be judged by the light of the present), I never have hesitated in believing that, in appointing Captain Ferguson to the office he has so long filled, it was the right man in the right place. I shall be heartily rejoiced to find that the Government and inhabitants of the colony admit that this has been the case, and to learn that they have not forgotten the strong claims of one who has served them so long and so faithfully, and who, removed by God’s providence, so to say, in the maturity of his powers, has left a widow and young family behind him. I have done, I leave you to make use of this communication, or any portion of it, which you may think judicious and called for. There may be among Ferguson’s friends those who may not be sorry to be reminded of facts. By-the-bye, I may mention as a proof how completely Captain Ferguson’s mind was engrossed by devotion to his public duty, that while in Dover, only ten days before the operation, he took an opportunity to drag himself up into the lantern of the S. Foreland Lighthouse, and made a most careful scrutiny of the whole apparatus and arrangement, with a view of the adoption of any hint for the perfection of those under his charge in the colony. And now, goodbye. I trust this will find you in good health, and in comparative vigour. Believe me ever, dear Captain Cole, Yours very truly, C. J. La Trobe"The attempt for a floating church was made as early as 1853 following similar examples in London like the Seamen's Hospital. Captain Ferguson was instrumental in the foundation of the Bethel Church.Digital copies of the 37 pages ; 22 cm.1854, hobsons bay, geelong, melbourne, williamstown, sandridge, mariner's hospital, floating church, seamen's hospital, captain charles ferguson (1813-1868), kezia elizabeth hayter (1818-1885), rajah quilt, prison hulks, water police, harbour master, harbor master, gaols

One of a collection of 11 postcards donated by M. TrottSepia postcard of The Pinnacles, Cape Woolamai , Phillip IslandThe Rose Series P 10455. The Pinnacles, Cape Wollomai, Phillip I., Vic.the pinnacles cape woolamai, cape woolamai rock formation, phillip island coastline, coastline cape woolamai, m trott

One of a collection of photographs donated by Mr J. W. Gliddon and used in his book "Phillip Island in Picture and Story"Photograph of Surgeon George Bass who came ashore on Phillip Island on the morning of January 5th 1798At seven o'clock on the morning of January 5th 1798 the famous British navigator Surgeon George Bass stepped ashore on Phillip Island and became the first known white man ever to do so. He had sailed from Sydney in an open whaleboat with six able seamen. Of this voyage by Bass, Matthew Flinders said, "It had probably no equal in the annals of maritime history."

Selection of 6 photographs and postcards of The Nobbies, A Seal and the SS Killara, donated by D Reid.A selection of postcards and photograph Black & White and Coloured of The Nobbies, a Seal and the SS Killara. Photo 1. View of the Nobbies with two people in the foreground. Photo 2. View of the Nobbies with a Horse and jinker in the foreground. Photo 3. A Seal resting on the rocks at Seal Rocks Phillip Island Photo 4. The Ferry steamer S. S. Killara arriving at Cowes Photo 5. Coloured view of the Nobbies looking across breakers on the rocks. Photo 6. Coloured coastal view looking towards the Nobbies in the distance.Inscriptions on the front of postcards Photo 2. The Rose Series. P 666. Looking to The Nobbies, Phillip Island, Victoria Photo 3. The Rose Series. P 747. A Seal on the rocks, Phillip Island, Victoria Photo 4. The Ferry Steamer S. S. "Killara" arrives at Cowes. Photo 5. The Nobbies, Cowes Photo 6. Coastal Scene Cowes. Nobbies in Distance.the nobbies phillip island, wildlife - seals, seal at seal rocks, ss killara, ferries

As on back of photograph. "A Phillip Islander goes to War. Corporal Frederick Edward Woodley, No. VX24588 of 2nd/10th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, with his wife Ruby, eldest son Arthur and John, pictured beside the shed on Cowes Jetty prior to his departure for active service overseas. January 1941. Fred subsequently voyaged from Sydney to Singapore (via Western Australia) on the troop ship Queen Mary. He was taken prisoner-of-war by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore and imprisoned at the Changi P O W Camp. Later, after being on the missing list for some two years, it was learned that he was imprisoned at the most infamous Sandakan P O W camp in North Borneo from where he did not return. Fred was 37 years of age when this photo was taken. With compliments, Arthur E Woodley, 34 Park Road, Crib Point. 6/8/1995" Arthur claims this is the only photo of the family together.HistoricalBlack & White photograph of Corporal Frederick Edward Woodley (Royal Australian Engineer) with his wife Ruby, eldest son Arthur and John, standing beside the Cowes Jetty shed, Phillip Island.Detailed inscription on back - see Historical Information below.corporal frederick edward woodley, royal australian engineers, wwii, arthur e woodley, military

The Speke was an all steel ship of 310 feet, beam of 35 feet and weight of 2,712 tons and triple masted. She was built in 1891 at Carnarvon in Wales for a cost of 22,000 pounds. The wreck of the Speke was purchased for a mere 12 pounds after it went aground in 1906. The Speke had come from Peru to Sydney. She was then on her way to load wheat in Geelong when she ran aground on the 22 February 1906. Captain Tiltson confused a bushfire, near Cowes, for navigation lights. The ship drifted close to shore in Kitty Miller Bay and was eventually holed at 3 pm on the rocks. Life boats were immediately lowered and the ship’s crew all made it to shore except Seaman Frank Henderson, who lost his life.Black & White photograph of The Speke running aground on the south coast of Phillip Island.wreck of the speke, the speke, jack loney

Photograph donated by John JanssonBlack & White aerial view of the Cowes Township and jetty area, Phillip Islandcowes phillip island, aerial view of cowes, cowes jetty, cowes pier phillip island, john jansson

Photograph donated by Alice Robinson.Black & White photograph of the Phillip Island Seconds Football Team - Premiers 1946.Names on back of photograph as follows: Back - L to R. Doug Morrison, Bluey Love, Hull, ----, Des Cartwright. Mid - L to R. Rupert Harris, Bern Denham, Russel West, Neil Grayden, Ken Clark, John Justice, Leslie Jones, Nic Regos. Front - L to R. Dennis Harris, Harry Harris, Billie Trew, Roy Anderson, Jack McFee, George Murdock, Bobby Cartwright, George Goodall. phillip island seconds football team, alice robinson

One of a collection of 18 photographs & postcards donated by Jill YeomanBlack & White photograph of a lady holding a Mutton Bird at Summerland, Phillip Island.Cowes Feb 1939mutton birds, wildlife - mutton birds, summerland beach phillip island, jill yeoman

One of a group of photographs from the Bryant West Collection donated by Mary KarneyBlack & White postcard of the S. S. Genista arriving at Rhyll, Phillip IslandS.S. Genista calling at Rhyll. H. Malouf, Cowes.ss genista, ferry "genista", rhyll jetty phillip island, bryant west collection, mary karney

Original painting artist is Charles Bennett circa 1880. Photograph was taken in 2012. Colour photograph of an old painting of Cowes Pier and Isle of Wight HotelCowes Phillip Island - on the painting.painting of cowes phillip island, charles bennett artist, rob & wendy syme

Possibly one of the Murray Views series of postcardsSmall black & white photo os Pryamid Rock and surrounding sea.Pryamid Rock, Phillip Islandpyramid rock, photographs

One of a collection of photographs donated by Bruce Bennett.Sepia copy of a photograph of a rock platform on ocean beach."near "The Nobbies" Phillip Island"rock platform phillip island, phillip island coastline, bruce bennett

One of a collection of 15 photographs/postcards donated by Lois MullinsBlack & White photograph of The Blowhole with The Nobbies in the background. "The Blowhole and The Nobbies, Phillip Island"the blowhole phillip island, the nobbies phillip island, rock formation phillip island, rock formations, phillip island coastline, lois mullins

Part of a collection of 'Rose & Valentine' series of Post Cards. Copied by John Jansson 1984Black and white postcard. View of Erehwon Guest House on the Esplanade Cowes. (Later burned down)"Erewhon", Cowes, Phillip Islandlocal history, photography, photographs, postcards, cowes, phillip island, black & white postcard copy, guesthouses, erehwon guesthouse, the esplanade cowes

The Official Opening of Phillip Island's 2nd Bridge on November 21st, 1969. The photographs were donated by the Country Roads Board, Melbourne.Seven photographs of the Opening Ceremony of the Phillip Island Bridge on the 21st November 1969. 291-01. Photograph of Cr Bill Papworth addressing the crowd with Official party in the background. 291-02. Photograph of Hon. M. V. Porter & wife cutting the ribbon. 291-03. Photograph of official cars crossing the bridge. 291-04. Photograph of the crowd on the bridge. 291-05. Photograph of Official party and speech by Hon. M. V. Porter. MLA 291-06. Photograph of Mrs Porter cutting the ribbon. 291-07. Photograph of Official Party and speakers.opening of 2nd phillip island bridge, official bridge opening, crb

One of a collection of photographs donated by Shirley PetersonSepia postcard of people at Forrest Caves, Phillip Island."The Rose Series P. 671" "Forest Caves, Back Beach, Phillip Island, Victoria"forrest caves, phillip island, phillip island coastline, phillip island, shirley peterson

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PORT PHILLIP MINE TAKEN IN THE 1860'SCLUNES IN THE SIXTIES, SHOWING THE WORKS OF THE OLD PORT PHILLIP AND COLONIAL GOLD MINING COMPANY.local history, photography, photographs, mining

View of the Nobbies. To right of the photograph Seal Rocks. To the left only just in evidence in the foreground are white frothy breakers over rocks.The NobbiesThe Nobbies and breakers, Phillip Island, Vic. Murray Views No. 17. The Nobbies and breakers, Phillip Island Vic.local history, photographs, the nobbies, coastline, phillip island, black & white photograph, mona condrick

A collection of 7 photographs donated by Helen KoralewskiSeven photographs of Phillip Island including the Suspension Bridge, The Blowhole, Pyramid Rock and The Nobbiessuspension bridge san remo/phillip island, pyramid rock, the blowhole phillip island, the nobbies phillip island, helen koralewski