James migrated from Scotland and was elected as a member of the Belfast Road Board in October 1857 and continued in office as Chairman of the Board until 1863 when the Shire was proclaimed. He was accordingly the first Belfast Shire President for 2 year. Cr Duffus was the original owner of the property Known as “Naringashern” (not sure of the spelling)Black and white portrait belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, belfast district road board, narigashern

Councillor William Anderson lived at his property “Rosemount” Yangery. he’s was elected to the Legislative Council and represented this district for a number of years.Black and white portrait of a male with white beardCouncillor W Anderson 1865-1866president, belfast, portrait, council, shire, government, municipal, local-government, rosemount, yangery

Cr J Ritchie came from Scotland at Hobart in 1833 having been 9 months on the outward journey. he took up land at South Esk and remained there for 6 years.later on advice of the Henry brothers he came to Victoria and after a preliminary inspection of the land charted the brig “William” and with all of his possessions, including 2000 sheep and two servants he arrived in Portland Bay in January 1840 and as he already held a squatting licence No 230 became a settler in the district. he moved along the coast toward Goose Lagoon but due to a drought the water had dried up and forced him to move further eastward to the Upeer Hopkins but the lack of any but brackish water he was forced to return to Aringa. Aringa comprised of 26,000 acres between the Shaw and Moyne Rivers, 640 acres became freehold at one pound and acre with the right to take up leasehold at a low rate according to the number of stock. At Aringa he designed and built his first home part of which still stands today. He married Sarah Elizabeth Davis in 1852 at Weerongurt Station (Mr John Cox’s property). Mrs Ritchie died in 1920. he was elected Shire of Belfast President for the periods of 1866-67 and 1869-70 John had originally chosen to practice law as his vocation in Scotland but abandoned law for the open air life and died at the age of 86 years in 1887 elected Shire of Belfast President for the periods of 1866-67 and 1869-70Black and white portrait photograph Cr J Ritchie 1866-67 1869-70belfast, president, council, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government

Councillor Samuel Baird’s residence was the property known as ‘Warrong Station” north of Kirkstall. During the last year of his presidency he played an important part in obtaining the severance of the Shire of Minhamite from the Belfast Shire. Councillor Baird was the first president of the Minhamite Shire.Black and white portrait president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, minhamite shire, shire of belfast

Councillor James Jellie came to Melbourne from Ireland in 1841 and moved to Belfast in 1843. he then relocated to Warrnambool in 1849 where he worked as a farmer. He later entered into business as an auctioneer, loan and estate agent and valuation and several large properties passed through his hands. He was one of the partners in the auctioneering firm that sold Atkinson’s Crown Special Survey. His municipal activities extended to the Shire of Warrnambool as well as the Borough of Belfast.Black and white portrait government, belfast, president, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, auctioneer, james jellie

Councillor George Haynes a native of Staffordshire, England settled in Belfast in 1854 where he carried on the business of Draper and general merchant. George was also one of the original founders of the Mechanics Institute in Port Fairy. He was also a member of Belfast Municipal Council (later Borough of Port Fairy) for 18 years and was it’s first Mayor. he was President of the Hospital Benevolent Asylum Committee and for some years a member of the School Board of Advice.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, george haynes, mechanics institute

He was chairman when the ill fated fire occurred at the Shire Office in Sackville Street, and which later led to the conviction of the Engineer, Mr D.J.Howes who was soon after reprieved, upon a potion by 758 ratepayers and residents of the district.Black and white portraitbelfast, meagher, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, howes

George Lydiard occupied the station “Korongah” and with Mr J Knight carried out extensive drainage works from Tower hill to the Belfast Lough. This drain was constructed over a period of two years, is six miles long and some of it still exists.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government, korongah, g.lydiard

Councillor P.McGrath lived on the Koroit-Woolsthorpe Road and engaged in farming pursuits. He gained fame by his masterly handling of the subdivision of the Shire into 3 Ridings practically of equal valuation and they remained that way until the amalgamation of the shire and the Borough council.Black and white portraitgovernment, belfast, president, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government

Councillor J. Gibson on leaving to sail to Australia from Ireland was shipwrecked two days out and most of the passengers were lost. He owned the property at Clonlara, and bred horses. He was a native of Cavan Ireland. Black and white portrait belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, clonlara

Councillor William Leddin resided at Yambuk.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, yambuk

Councillor William Boyd was the son of Alexander Boyd who emigrated from Scotland and purchased the property known as Tarrone station in 1884. William managed the station grazing cattle and sheep. The area was later to become part of the Soldier Settlement land after the Second World War.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, government, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government, tarrone

Councillor AF Molan owned land in Crossley close to where the Shamrock Hotel was built. The Council held it’s meetings at this hotel for some time.Black and white portraitgovernment, belfast, president, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, cr af molan

Councillor Geoff Ritchie was the son of John Ritchie who had been one of the early Presidents. He lived on a station called “Boodcarra” and was engaged in pastoral pursuits.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, cr geoff ritchie

Councillor John Cox Ritchie has the distinction of being in the chair for 4 consecutive years. He lived on his father’s property “Aringa” station and was the brother of Councillor Geoff RitchieBlack and white portrait of Councillor J.C.RitchieCr JC Ritchie 1996-97-98-99 1900belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, aringa

Councillor J Cruikshank. Owned “Terka” station near Kirkstall. The property had for some years sheltered and fed a number of kangaroos and he expressed the wish that they would be given a home there. The homestead is a bluestone building with a shingle roof, built by Robert Ireland of Port FairyBlack and white portrait of a male with a beard and moustachebelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, terka, kirkstall, cr j cruikshank

Councillor M Scott was a butcher in Koroit and his fame spread as a trainer of several good race horses. At the time racing was prospering in the district and it was a very rare occasion that Councillor Scott’s horses did not win a race at the local meetings.Black and white portrait president, belfast, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, m.scott

John McInerney was a native of Yambuk and represented the Yambuk Riding. He engaged in dairying and pastoral pursuits.Black and white portraitCr J McInerney 1905-06,1913-14belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, j mcinerney

Councillor D Carroll was President of Belfast Shire Council in the Years 1907,1908,1909 and 1918-1919Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government

Councillor Lane carried on agricultural farming activities at Killarney on part of the Special Survey. His last term as president was during the Great Depression of the late 1920’s when there was a considerable amount of unemployment in the district Black and white portraitCr D Lane 1911-12,17-18, 29-30government, belfast, president, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government, d.lane

Councillor Riddell’s property on Riddells Lane, Kirkstall was mainly used for grazing. He was actively associated with all types of sport and was a judge at Kirkstall and Koroit race meetings.Black and white portraitportrait, belfast, president, shire, government, municipal, local-government, kirkstall, riddells lane

Councillor Conheady occupied a farm at Rosebrook. Cr P Conheady Shire of Belfast President 1919-20 1928-29Black and white portraitpresident, government, belfast, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, conheady

The curved path through the Botanical Gardens at Port Fairy. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black & white panoramic landscape of the paths and garden beds of the Botanical GardensPort Fairy Gardens W. Scottbotanical, garden, paths, trees

One of the large cannons located in Port Fairy in reply to the threat from foreign invaders. Originally located in the fort on Battery Hill they migrated to various destinations around the town. One of the two originally located at King George Square found its way to the gardens where it occupied several locations before resting at the car entrance to the Gardens - possibly when the Avenue of Honour was planted in Bourne Avenue. A great favorite with the kids of the town, both have now been returned to their original location where they are currently having their carriages refurbished. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black & white photograph of the Large cannon situated in the Botanical GardensBotanical Gardens Port Fairybotanical, garden, cannon

Entrance to Port Fairy Botanical Gardens. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Sepia landscape of the gates to the Botanical Gardens (taken on a slant)Post card - correspondence-Addressbotanical, garden, park, griffith street, gates

Original gates to the Botanical Gardens. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. A visual description of earlier Port FairyBlack & white landscape of the gates at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens with people and dog botanical, garden

pedestrian entrance to Botanical Gardens . The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Nature of the visual information contained from early timesBlack and white photographic postcard taken from the north toward the Botanical Gardens gatesValentine Series 545. Entrance to Gardens, Port Fairy botanical, garden, gate, path

This building housed the Telegraph Office circa 1858 now a private residenceColoured photograph of bluestone buildinggovernment, building, cox street

St John's Church of England interior celebrating Easter and its first 50 yearsBlack and white photograph of St John's Church of England Interior decorated for Easterchurch, sunday-school, building, easter

Caledonian 1847-53 D McLaws LicenceeBlack and white photographbuilding, inn, hotel, caledonian, d mclaws, agnes gourley