This plate is one of a collection of plates with the Asiatic Pheasant design from recovered from the wreck o the Loch Ard. A brief history of the Loch Ard (1873-1878): - The sailing ship Loch Ard was one of the famous Loch Line ships that sailed from England to Australia. Barclay, Curdle and Co. built the three-masted iron vessel in Glasgow in 1873. It had sailed three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its fateful voyage. Loch Ard left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of recently married, 29-year-old Captain Gibbs. It was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. Onboard were straw hats, umbrellas, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionery, linen and candles, and a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. Other cargo included items intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. The Loch Ard had been sailing for three months and was close to its destination on June 1, 1878. Captain Gibbs had expected to see land at about 3 am but the Loch Ard ran into a fog that greatly reduced visibility and there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. The fog lifted at 4 am and the sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast were much closer to them than Captain Gibbs expected. He tried to manage the vessel but failed and the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. The top deck loosened from the hull, and the masts and rigging crashed down, knocking passengers and crew overboard. The lifeboat was launched by Tom Pearce but crashed into the side of Loch Ard and capsized. He clung onto its overturned hull and sheltered under it. He drifted out to sea and the tide brought him back to what is now called Loch Ard Gorge. He swam to shore and found a cave for shelter. A passenger, Eva Carmichael, had raced onto the deck to find out what was happening and was confronted by towering cliffs above the ship. She was soon swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He swam out and dragged her to the shelter of the cave. He revived her with a bottle of brandy from a case that had washed up on the beach. Tom scaled a cliff in search of help and followed some horse hoof prints. He came from two men from Glenample Station, three and a half miles away. He told the men of the tragedy and then returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. They reached Loch Ard Gorge and took the two shipwreck survivors to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome and was presented with a medal and some money. 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 her family in the tragedy. This plate is significant for its connection to the potters Minton. It is also significant for its connection with the wreck of the sailing ship Loch Ard. The Loch Ard shipwreck is significant for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register (S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulations of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The group gives a snapshot of history, enabling us to interpret the story of this tragic event and the lives of the people involved. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allow us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collection's historical significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history.China dinner plate, scalloped rim. Floral arrangement with Asiatic Pheasant design, made by Middleport Pottery. Recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard. Within cartouche "B & L / MIDDLEPORT POTTERY" and an 'L" handwritten in black pen.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, plate, minton, loch ard, asiatic pheasant design

Colour photograph of a Cowley's Eureka Ironworks name plate.cowley's, cowley's eureka iron works, eureka ironworks, foundry

Convalescent but weak, Erin is asleep in the sapling and bag bed in the corner of Pulcherry's slab hut when O'Day finds her. Wakened by his voice she momentarily thinks he is a hallucination, but the touch of his hands sends her own arms reaching up to claim him as her own.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 37des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Changing at the hotel from his wet formal suit into his usual clothes, a sad and tired O'Day is riding out past Barmagulla when he is stopped by Tommy Yarramin with the news that Erin is alive and hidden in the Yarramin hut.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 36des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

With Federation all but a fact Alfred Deakin is again in the Overton area but his meeting has been cancelled. While Montieth is getting some stores he and MacLough observe the drama on the bridge from the nearby Post Office verandah. Coming on top of the deaths of the O'Haras these scenes appal Deakin. In reply to MacLough he says that Federation will do away with the border, and bring free trade between the states of the new Australian Commonwealth. This will permit O'Day to come home as a free man. MacLough queries the fine and Deakin says that it must be paid, but he will have it reduced to £200. On hearing this MacLough declares he will pay the fine himself, and give O'Day a half share partnership in Gooloora as well.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 35des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Plunging into the deep water O'Day swims with his horse to the colony of New South Wales where he may live as a free man on his property Brightons. However he has already been convicted, in absentia, of evading customs duty. Since the cattle were not impounded this tax could not be calculated, but O'Day is now a wanted man in Victoria with a fine of £1000 on his head.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 34des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

The bodies of mother and son are driven side by side to burial while the shops shut down and all Overton turns out for the funeral. Ellen's elder son Con O'Hara, and Sean O'Day ride as outriders to the hearses. Sgt. Baker and his men arrive at the church, the Sgt. approaches Con, declares that no police action will be taken before the town re-opens, and asks if he can provide an escort for the cortege. The funeral over O'Day tarries till after the shops have opened and Sgt. Baker sets a trap for him on the bridge over the Murray. Cornering him on the bridge he says it will give him great pleasure to personally escort him all the way to the police station. "All the way Sergeant?" asks O'Day. "Then come on!" With which he jumps his horse over the rail of the bridge. D.J. Martin on Pampas Air.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 33des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Advised of the tragedy by one of the stockmen Ellen O'Hara drives the gig towards Overton, but meets Klinberg who tells her the police have found a body near Nugent's place. Ellen gets there as Nugent is pulling Keiran's body from the river. Shock grief, and old bitternesses unhinge her mind. Seizing Trooper Ryan's pistol from on top of his clothes she shoots Nugent dead, and bolts up a rough back track towards her home with the police in pursuit. Her pony falls while belting along a narrow, dangerous piece of the track, and the gig goes over a cliff. Ellen is killed.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 32des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Tommy Yarramin and his sister Ruby see Erin's exhausted body in the head of a tree near Barmagulla in the morning. Tommy brings her to the bank and they take her to their hut where their mother, Pulcherry Cherry, cares for her. Wary of white men's ways the aboriginals keep her presence a secret. P. "Darby", Ketchup as Tommy Yarramin.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 31des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

When morning comes all the cattle have struggled back to N.S.W. and the Victorian police find their trap is empty. O'Day, though he has lost his horse, makes it to the far bank some 400 yards downstream. Of Erin and Keiran there is no sign.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 30des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

A flash flood caused by the cloudburst upstream catches them all in the river and Keiran is drowned.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 29des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Refusing to risk bloodshed in a clash with the police, O'Day decides to swim all the cattle back to N.S.W. before the storm breaks. He and Erin are the last to enter the water. Before they do so he reaches out for her, asks her to marry him, and kisses her fiercely before the horses plunge apart.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 28des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin swims the river when she finds herself too late to reach the drovers before their crossing; and amazes O'Day and Keiran when she arrives with the news that the police have them cut off. Behind her a major storm up river is causing the water to rise.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 27des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin O'Hara is buying material at Rosenthal's store in Overton when she learns that a special police party has come off the afternoon train to trap Daylight and Keiran with the mob of cattle they are bringing across the river that day. Margaret Wehner as Miss. Rosenthal.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 26des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Without knowing anything about the ring-in O'Day turns up at the races. Discovering a hidden brand on Smokey that could only have been burnt into Grapeshot's hide, and holding no belief for the crook administration at Nuggety Flat, he canters smartly down to the home of an old Chinese whose life his father saved during the Lambing Flat riots. Chin lends him 500 sovereigns. Waiting till O'Hara and Co. are "set" O'Day cleans up for himself and Chin, and quietly heads for home. Later he corners young O'Hara who confesses to the job, says Grapeshot is safely back in his paddock, and that Smokey has been sold to a Sydney show team owner and is well out of the district. O'Hara takes his money to the Camoola banker Redfern, who has befriended him, and clears up all his financial affairs. W.O. Tom Foster as Redfern.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 25des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

One of the big things in their plan is the fact that Keiran knows about an old cattle duffers' track through the ranges. When the time comes the conspirators swim Grapeshot out and O'Hara leads him on over the ranges to hide him at a friend's home near the Nuggety Flat racecourse.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 24des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Keiran, Artie Klinberg, and an old horse trainer named Tim Byrne combine to make friends with Grapeshot. Nightly they row across the river, feed him on oats, and train him. Their intention is to ring Grapeshot in for Smokey at the Nuggety Flat meeting where Klinberg will punt him well. Des Martin as Byrne. Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 23des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Sometime later Clarrie Rickards rides the noted outlaw, Brin Bandit, to a standstill at the annual Camoola horse sale. Keiran O'Hara spots a horse that is the living image of Deakin's imported stallion Grapeshot, now spelling in Barmagulla's back paddock, and buys him. Naming this horse Smokey he enters him for the coming miner's meeting at Nuggety Flat goldfield. Les Mann as Rickards.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 22des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

But O'Day, the general, has chosen this particular time to ride up river and meet a mob of cattle that Charlie Clowes is bringing down for him from Camoola. In the first of many such successful operations the cattle are swum across to Victoria at the point where O'Day's run, Brightons, comes down to the river.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 21des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Though Keiran, as winning rider, brings Susan Bundy forward to receive her trophy at the Picnic Race Ball that night, O'Day, who won the Cup on Oliver's horse, is conspicuous by his absence, though few people other than Oliver give much thought to the matter. Heather Jervies as Susan.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 20des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

In the jockey room after weight is declared correct an infuriated Nugent accuses O'Day and O'Hara of deliberately "taking him on" for no obvious reason. Calm as ever O'Day prevents action between the other two, and the three of them are called before the steward. Nobody "splits", and, though he declares himself dissatisfied with the explanation that Nugent tried to get through where there was no room and just had to pull out and go round, the stipendiary steward closes the incident. All of which adds fuel to a fast growing feud between Nugent and the O'Haras.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 19des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

During the running of the classic weight for age race, the Bracelet, that afternoon Keiran seems a chance to "have a go" at Nugent. Moving out a trifle at the home turn he lets Crobe think a split is opening. When Nugent tries to come through O'Hara squeezes him in behind O'Day, who is leading on the rails, and then goes on to win in good style. Jim McGrath as Nugent.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 18des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On the morning of the Piney Creek Picnic Race Club's annual meeting Squire Pilkington of Piney Creek Homestead, President of the Club, draws the Calcutta Sweep. Graeme Oliver nominates his horse for the Ladies' Bracelet in the name of Elaine Montieth and O'Day, as Manager for MacLough gives his nomination to her friend Penny Sefton whom Reg Apperton is sparking. With Keiran O'Hara for his rider, Squire Pilkington nominates in the name of his pretty niece, Susan Bundy. Harry MacLean as Squire Pilkington. Bill Tenteye as the Hon. Secretary Jim McGrath as the Hon. Treasurer.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 17des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Klinberg and his men stand trial in Overton in a courtroom packed with sympathisers. Both Justices of the Peace assisting the Police Magistrate are members of the Cattlemen's Association, and manage to keep the sentence down to a heavy fine. Henry MacLean as the Police Magistrate Maj. Hardwick and James McGrath as the Justices of the Peace Bill Tenteye as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 16des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Half an hour later her brother Keiran gallops up with the news that Artie Klinberg's mob has been ambushed by police. All the cattlemen other than he had been caught. Keiran escaped by jumping fences and coming home across country. Soon after Sergeant. Baker and Trooper Ryan arrive, and are refused entry by the widowed Mrs. Ellen O'Hara whose husband, some years previously, had been shot by police in mistake for a wanted bushranger. As he is acting mainly on presumption the chagrined Sergeant has to leave, warning O'Day to watch his company. Realising someone has "dobbed them in", Keiran decides it has to be George, "Microbe" Nugent, an unpopular fellow - traveller at loggerheads with Klinberg, and vows vengance. Maj. John Hardwick as Sgt. Baker. Mrs. Kerry Hardwick as Mrs. O'Hara. Bill Tenteye as Keiran.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 15des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Daylight O'Day swims the river alone and, instead of going straight back to Gooloora, rides up-river a little to call at O'Hara's slab homestead where he is given a very warm welcome by young Erin O'Hara. Ellen Tenteye as Erin O'Hara.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 14des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Through his position as a stockagent's clerk Billy, a proper dingo if ever there was one, is able to learn that some of the cattlemen intend to beat the duty by swimming their newly bought cattle back to Victoria. Sneaking down the back alley to the Police Station he sells this information to the authorities. Only Lennie, the halfwit roustabout from the store, follows and observes him, and, by riding O'Day's horse out of town, prevents his friend from travelling with the drovers who get caught in the police trap. W.O. Tom Foster as a N.S.W. trooper.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 13des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Meantime back at Camoola "Top Or Nothing" Price, known to stockmen as "Old Stop At Nothing", and his shifty ex-jockey clerk Billy Matthews, have been stunned by the Victorian customs duty of 30 shillings per head on cattle, and 50 shillings per head on horses, suddenly promulgated just prior to a very important sale. Caught with a lot of cattle he cannot unload, and a property sale that has gone astray, Price accepts offers for both from O'Day, who thus sets himself up cheaply with a good holding that runs down Barmagulla's back boundary to the Murray River at the point where he often swims across.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 12des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Down at the horseyards Edmund Montieth introduces his overseer, Arthur Lark, to his guest, statesman Alfred Deakin. Deakin is having a short holiday at Barmagulla before the pre-Federation conference of 1892. Jim Lempriere as Deakin Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Lark Alan Hayes as Montieth.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 11des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

A short time later Elaine and Graeme Oliver, a young station owner, prepare to ride from Barmagula homestead down to the horse yards to assist in bringing in the "grasseaters". These are racehorses that have all been paddocked together for some weeks prior to the forthcoming Piney Creek Amateur Picnic Race Club's annual meeting. Paddocking ensures that every horse has the same training period before the private meeting at which members only may race or ride a horse, and attendance is by invitation. Tony Conway as Oliver.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 10des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories