Rev. Ronald B. Sparks, B.A. Ordained 1953. (WA) Maylands 1953–57; Canning Bridge 1957–62; AIM Kimberley Patrol 1962–65; Asst Superintendent AIM 1965–70; Mosman 1970–76; Parramatta 1976–.Head and shoulder portraits of a minister in clerical garb."Rev. R. B. Sparks"sparks, r. b.

This tea spoon is from the wreck of the LOCH ARD, a Loch Line ship of 1,693 tons which sailed from Gravesend, London, on 2 March 1878 with 17 passengers and a crew of 36 under Captain George Gibbs. “The intention was to discharge cargo in Melbourne, before returning to London via the Horn with wool and wheat”. Instead, on 1 June 1878, after 90 days at sea, she struck the sandstone cliffs of Mutton Bird Island on the south west coast of Victoria, and sank with the loss of 52 lives and all her cargo. The manifest of the LOCH ARD listed an array of manufactured goods and bulk metals being exported to the Colony of Victoria, with a declared value of £53,700. (202 bills of lading show an actual invoice value of £68, 456, with insurance underwriting to £30,000 of all cargo). Included in the manifest is the item of “Tin hardware & cutlery £7,530”. This teaspoon is one of 482 similar items of electro-plated cutlery from the LOCH ARD site, comprising spoons and forks of various sizes but all sharing the same general shape or design and metallic composition. 49 of these pieces display a legible makers’ mark — the initials “W” and “P” placed within a raised diamond outline, which is in turn contained within a sunken crown shape — identifying the manufacturer as William Page & Co of Birmingham. An electroplater’s makers’ marks, unlike sterling silver hallmarks, are not consistent identifiers of quality or date and place of manufacture. A similar line of five impressions was usually made to impress the consumer with an implication of industry standards, but what each one actually signified was not regulated and so they varied according to the whim of the individual foundry. In this case, the maker’s marks are often obscured by sedimentary accretion or removed by corrosion after a century of submersion in the ocean. However sufficient detail has survived to indicate that these samples of electro-plated cutlery probably originated from the same consignment in the LOCH ARD’s cargo. The following descriptions of maker’s marks are drawn from 255 tea spoons, 125 dessert spoons, and 99 table forks. These marks are clearly visible in 66 instances, while the same sequence of general outlines, or depression shapes, is discernible in another 166 examples. 1. A recessed Crown containing a raised Diamond outline and the initials “W” and “P” (the recognised trademark of William Page & Co) 2. An impressed Ellipse containing a raised, pivoted, Triangle in its lower part and bearing a Resurrection Cross on its upper section (a possible dissenting church symbol reflecting religious affiliation); OR a rounded Square impression containing a raised, ‘lazy’, letter “B” (possibly mimicking sterling silver hallmark signifying city of manufacture i.e. Birmingham) 3. An impressed rounded Square filled with a raised Maltese Cross (the base metal composite of nickel silver was also known as ‘German silver’ after its Berlin inventors in 1823) 4. A recessed Circle containing a Crab or Scarab Beetle image; OR a recessed Circle containing a rotated ‘fleur de lys’ or ‘fasces’ design 5. A depressed Diamond shape enclosing a large raised letter “R” and a small raised letter “D” (mimicking the U.K. Patent Office stamp which abbreviated the term ‘registered’ to “RD”, but also included date and class of patent) Suggested trade names for William Page & Co’s particular blend of brass plating are ‘roman silver’ or ‘silverite’. This copper alloy polishes to a lustrous gold when new, discolouring to a murky grey with greenish hue when neglected. HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only seven in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register most valuable. The LOCH ARD shipwreck is of State significance – Victorian Heritage Register S 417. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD 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 LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Unrestored teaspoon from the wreck of the Loch Ard. 65% of original plate remaining, with 10% encrustation on handle of spoon. Layer of copper alloy (brass) electroplated onto nickel-silver base metal. Design incorporates fiddle-back handle, thin stem, flared collar, and elongated bowl. Exposed surface of spoon covered by dull silt-grey film and the bowl is bent. flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, electroplated cutlery, loch ard shipwreck, nickel silver, william page & co, birmingham brass plating, makers marks, teaspoon, william page & co

Paradise Pictures, looking towards Luna Park, c1914black and white photograph, unmounted copy, good conditionMelbourne -Suburbs St Kilda Upper Esplanade with Luna Park in the Distance. St Kilda by the Sea Annual Season 1915/16 p.16 F600:65 c1890

A blue covered document published on white paper outlining changes to rates on Victorian Railwaysnon-fictionThis is a manual issued by the Victorian Railways to all railway stations to outline changes made to passenger and freight rates to operate in Victoria as of 14th February 1966. These changes were significant as it itemised the first rates after the introduction of decimal currency to Australia.victorian railways, victorian railways -- rules and practice., public transport victoria, victorian railways fares and rates

Typed below both pictures, 'Major General Beavis placing new plaque on Memorial Tree, North Ringwood State School 1965'. Printed on backing sheet, 'North Ringwood State School. Major Gen. Beavis and new plaque to tree 1965. North Ringwood State School 11/11/65. See Mail 18/11/65'. (Mr. A. Moten, Headmaster)

Sent to a parishioner at Christ Church Mitcham, by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel in Mitcham in 1952-54, where her husband did development work with the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of Christ Church, Mitcham in Edward Street, looking from Whitehorse Roadchrist church anglican church mitcham, edward street, mitcham, whitehorse road

Sent by a parishioner at Christ Church Mitcham, by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel in Mitcham in 1952-54, where her husband did development work with the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of Rooks Road looking south towards the Migrant Hostel in c1952rooks road, mitcham, eastbridge migrant hostel

19 Page photocopy of a brochure -The History of Hotel Shamrock by Frank Cusack Inside title page shows - 'The Shamrock Hotel 1850's - Drifting about An autobiography' New York (published 1863 ) By Stephen C. Massett -Inside cover ( 8232a) 'First building top left is the original Shamrock hotel built in 1853-54'bendigo, history, shamrock hotel

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.School 54 in practical room at Lister House with "Bedford" Doll. Six nurses and turor standing around the doll who is in a hospital bed. From Rear of Photo: L-R Lyn Mann, Sue Brown, Helen Tyers, ?, Glen Gardner, Bev Code The tutor is Betty Miller, School 64 and 63 (1964-67) nurse training, ndsn, lister house, school 54, school 64, school 63

Postcard - full colour, Divided back type of former Melbourne tram 512 running in Seattle, show destination of Main St, route 99 with the Pier 54 building in the background. At the Madison St stop. The rear has details of the location of the publisher (Smith Western Co. of Tacoma), photographer Charles Van Pelt and where printed - Singapore.trams, tramways, seattle, w2 class, tram 512

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. An exercise book, the Pencraft exercise book, handwritten on the front cover: Town Planning address to Rotary July 27 1954 by Cr N. J. Oliver. Contains handwritten notes in blue ink.bendigo, council, speech notes, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. rotary club.

Document: Letter to Central Napoleon Gold Mines N.L from Dickson & Tadgell Chartered Accountants and Company Managers on behalf of North Nell Gwyne Company making an offer of £65 for Central Napoleon Company's Vertical Boiler, letter found in the Central Napoleon GM N.L Minutes Book No 2 now numbered 2205.712a.organization, business, industry - mining, mccoll rankin & stanistreet, mining, gold mining, central napoleon

Demonstrates an aspect of tram operations and yields information about the accidents that some trams suffered and how this was presented following the reconstruction era by the SEC of the Ballarat Tramway system.Set of six black and white prints of accidents to trams 20 and 27, mounted onto a grey light cardboard sheet. Each photo about 65 x 90. Marked as "Series D4" in ink. Produced by the SEC c1936. See Reg Items 1364 and 1367 for larger prints of these photographs of these photographs and further details. trams, tramways, tramcars, accidents, collision, tram 20, tram 27

Gravel Hill Primary School No. 1566 replaced the Sandhurst School. It was designed by H R Bastow, the chief architect of the Education Department and was opened in 1875 at 65-71 Mundy Street, Bendigo.The school closed in 1992 and the site was taken over by the Salvation Army.Gravel Hill School - Centenary Back-To Souvenir Program. Dates on front cover: 28th & 29th June 1975 Cover made of light cardboard, black & white with a drawing of the school Inside pages of program are printed on white paper with black & white photos on some pages Autographs in blue ink on back cover Small writing on back cover at the bottom states that 'Printed Offset by Cambridge Press, Bendigo' souvenir programme, gravel hill school

The shoes are part of the Rev Dr Alan Watson's regalia. The Rev Dr Watson was Presbyterian Moderator (1953-54) of the General Assembly of Victoria and moderator-general (1959-62) of Australia. CL017.1 and CL017.2 black leather slip-on shoes with metal decorative buckle on the top. The shoes have leather soles.regalia, presbyterian moderator general of australia, presbyterian moderator

Sent to a parishioner at Christ Church, Mitcham, by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel in Mitcham in 1952 -54, where her husband did development work under the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of Mitcham looking east from opposite Albert Street. Note the two lane road with trees each side of the road. Christ Church Mitcham in Edward Street can be seen on the left.whitehorse road, mitcham, christ church anglican church mitcham, grant, phyllis

Sent to a parishioner at Christ Church Mitcham, by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel in Mitcham in 1952-54, where her husband did development work under the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of Mitcham shopping centre looking east from Edward Street - although it was only a two lane road at Mitcham, Whitehorse Road had its service roads well developed. Note the early Holden in the foregroundwhitehorse road, mitcham, holden, grant, phyllis

Sent to a parishioner at Christ Church Mitcham by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel Mitcham in 1952-54 where her husband did development work under the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of the front of Christ Church, Mitcham, in Edward Street in 1952. Mrs. P. Grant in front with her baby, Paul following his christeningchrist church anglican church mitcham, edward street, mitcham, grant, phyllis

Sent to a parishioner at Christ Church Mitcham, by Phyllis Grant who lived at the Migrant Hostel in Mitcham in 1952-54, where her husband did development work under the P.M.G.Black and white photograph of road signs in Rooks Road. Note spelling of Rookes which is incorrect and Henry Street which no longer exists. It is presumed that it pointed to a street which lost its identity with the development of the Migrant Hostelrooks road mitcham

Shows the decorations applied to the tram. Photographed on the Bendigo tram depot access track with a crewman standing inside the drivers door. Black and White prints contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details.Yields information of a decorated tram for the 1954 Queens visit.Photograph of No. 22 decorated for the Queen's visit (Royal visit) at the depot 7-3-1954. Printed on Ilford paper. See Reg Item 5779 for a photo of the same tram on the depot access track. See image i2 for rear of photograph. On the rear in blue ink "SEC Bendigo No 22 decorated for Queen's visit, outside depot 7-3-54" with Wal Jack copyright stamp in the top right hand corner.trams, tramways, bendigo, royal visit, decorated trams, depot, tram 22

Yields information about Ballarat Trams and streetscapes, the scrubber tram and the Bell Street loop, early 1960's.Black and white print of Ballarat of No. 38 in Sturt St, just to the west of Lydiard St with No. 19 in the background. Tram has the destination of Gardens via Drummond North, No. 19, Sebastopol. IN the background is the Waldorf shop premises, tram stop signs. Photo by Doug Colquhoun 27/4/1954. Two copies. Photo print courtesy of Port Dock Railway Museum, now the National Railway Museum. See worksheet 4311 for letter and details of prints sent to Bill Scott, 19/10/2001. Any photo credit to mention NRM Collection.On rear of copy 1"SEC Ballarat / 38 / Sturt St / 27/4/54 2118 / D A Colquhoun " Copy 2 "DAC" in ink, bottom right hand corner.trams, tramways, sturt st, city, tram 38, tram 19

Photo of No. 6 outside the depot with the bridge and depot building in the background. Has a driver standing by the front of the tram. Tram has the destination of Eaglehawk. Taken by Wal Jack on 7-3-1954. See image i2 for rear of photograph. Two copies held. See image i3 for hi-res scan of negativeYields information about Bendigo tram No. 6Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details.On the rear in ink "SEC Bendigo, No. 6 outside depot 7-3-54". Has the Wal Jack copyright stamp in the top right hand corner with number "T69PC" written in.trams, tramways, bendigo, depot, tram 6

Folder no 65 of the Harry Gilham collection. Reminscences writiten by Peter Sawer, also known as Peter Sawer about living in Eltham after the war from 1945 in the development west of the railway station known as Highbrow Hill. Preface written by Diana Bassett-Smith5 pagesharry gilham collection, reminiscences, derek sawer, peter sawer, diana bassett-smith, john harcourt, housing

The book belonged to Lawrence Vernon Andrews VX114736 2nd AIF (V13289) He initially enlisted in the CMF then transferred to the AIF on 16.4.1941 age 21 years, He was discharged with the rank of Pte on 31.10.1945 serving in No 65 Mobile Search Light Artillery Battery RAA. Red buckram cloth cover, “The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book”, black print, 126 pages, white paper.Font cover, “Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund”pocket books, comforts fund