William Alexander Rain was Secretary and Shire Engineer for the Ballarat Shire Council in 1934-35,and this photo forms part of a composite photo of all Councilors during the year 1934-35.Original Historic Photo of Councilors for the financial year 1934-35.Photo of William Alexander Rain,on grey mount,who was Secretary & Shire Engineer,1934-35.It is situated bottom right hand corner of composite photo of Councilors for the year 1934-35.Collection of council photos for the year 1934-1935.shire, ballarat, william, engineer, council, secretary, rain, alexander, 1934 35

Early vase made by Doug Alexander, who started Springmount Pottery in 1970.A rare early piece, possibly made before he actually started Springmount Pottery. Doug Alexander became one of Australia's most respected potters.Pottery vase made by Doug Alexander about 1970.Potters impressed mark of "A"doug alexander, springmount pottery, creswick, ceramic, potter

Hall Wedding 1930. John Alexander Hall & Margaret Mary Frawley 1930Shows a Bride and Groom in Studio SettingOn Rear: MARGARET MARY ( FRAWLEY) {13.12} with a line through the numbers. JACK { MAY } Ccrossed out (JOHN ALEXANDER) d. 13 /12/1980 Married 1930stawell portrait

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. As Sarah is in her dressing gown and slippers these photos could refer to a note on an envelope left by Frank which says 'Mother taken on the first day up out of bed - at Lauls on 13th May 1928'. .1) black and white photograph of a man and a woman sitting on a wicker chair which is on a tessellated floor of the front porch of a brick building. The woman is wearing a dressing gown and slippers. The man is Frank Wright and the woman is Sarah Wright, his mother. .2) black and white photograph of a woman sitting on a wicker armchair with a pillow behind her back. The chair is on a tessellated floor on the front porch of a brick building. The woman is Sarah Wright. .3) black and white photograph of a man, two women and a child sitting on a wicker chair which is on a tessellated floor on the front porch of a brick building. The man is Frank Wright and the older woman is his mother Sarah Wright. The younger woman is his sister Laura and her son, Frank Ritchie is sitting on Frank's lap.On the left hand side of the porch are ornate columns and on the right hand side is a potted plant.frank wright, sarah wright, laura wright, tessilated floor, wicker chair, ornate column, child

Early vase thrown by Doug Alexander who began Springmount Pottery in 1970.A rare early piece, possibly made before he actually started Springmount Pottery. Doug Alexander became one of Australia's most respected potters.Pottery vase, sloped, made by Doug Alexander about 1970.Impressed marker's mark "A".doug alexander, springmount pottery, creswick, ceramic, potter

Alex Wright was the brother ofFrank Wright who was a renown resident of Smeaton. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia..1) Black and white photograph of a man and a woman standing in front of a picket fence, with a large tree in the background. The man is wearing a suit and is Frank Wright. The woman is wearing a long dark skirt and long sleeved blouse with a brooch at the neckline. She is his mother Sarah Wright. The man is wearing a suit and is Sarah's son Alex. The picket fence surrounds "Laura Villa". .2) Glass plate for this photographPrinted on the back - Post Card, Kodak Australiafrank wright, sarah wright, picket fence, laura villa, smeaton, cornet

Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick had a questionable character even before being posted to Greta Police Station in 1878. He made an attempt to arrest Dan Kelly but did not follow correct procedure. He went by himself and had also been drinking beforehand. While Fitzpatrick stated that he was assaulted and suffered a minor gun show wound at the hands of "Ned" Kelly and other family members, his claims were disputed by them. The Kellys "went bush" after this incident and two police parties - one led by Michael Kennedy - were sent in pursuit of them.Sepia toned photograph on cardboard showing Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick holding a riding crop with left elbow resting on a pillar."J.E. Bray, Photo Beecworth" (underneath photograph). "Portrait & Landscape Photographer J.E. Bray Beecworth, Victoria. Negatives kept, copies 1/. each, may be had by forwarding name and address accompanied with remittance to the amount of the order. Photographs coloured in water colours" (on reverse of carte de visite)alexander fitzpatrick, edward kelly, ned kelly, kelly gang, arrest, greta police station, 1878, bushrangers, carte de visite, bray, beechworth

In the words of the donor, Betty Stone, "This gown was originally made by my great grandmother Sarah Ellis (nee Chamberlain) Lees of Wangoom, Warrnambool. Later, the gown was altered by her daughter Ann (nee Lees) Dale who also used it for the christenings of her five children in the 1890's, and later still, for some of her grandchildren. Sarah Ellis Chamberlain, born in Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, England on 31 July 1844, sixth child of Joshua and Susan Chamberlain, was ten years old when she arrived in Australia with her parents and siblings in January 1855. Ten years later, in 1864, Sarah Chamberlain married Lees Lees, a skilled stonemason who had migrated from Saddleworth, Yorkshire. Lees Lees purchased land in McGregors Road, Wangoom, Warrnambool where he operated a successful stonemasonry, contracting business until his death in 1912. The Lees farm, which eventually consisted of about fifty acres, was situated adjacent to both the Chamberlain and Dale farms. Sarah Lees was a meticulous homemaker who also fashioned and sewed clothes for her seven children. A photograph of the eldest child, Anne, taken in 1868, depicts her wearing a dress and pantaloons sewn by her mother. Sarah also crocheted lace curtains for her home in addition to large tablecloths and other articles. According to family legend, the skirt of this christening gown was part of the original gown hand-sewn by Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees which was used for the christening of her children. The gown was later passed on to her daughter Anne (nee Lees) Dale who, also an expert needlewoman, replaced the bodice and used it for the christening of her five children born between the years 1890 and 1899. Still, later, at least two children of the third generation (Sarah Lees' great-grandchildren) also wore this gown when christened at Christ Church Warrnambool. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees died in 1932, aged 87 years, at her daughter Anne Dale's home in Latrigg. Anne (nee Lees) Dale died in 1948 aged 83 years, at her home in Latrigg." (Note: For additional information please refer to Betty Stone’s book “Pioneers and Places - A History of three Warrnambool Pioneering Families” ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees Families)This item is associated with the families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the "Pioneers' Register" for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of late-19th-century needlework and handmade domestic items.Christening gown made by Sarah Ellis. White with unusual Broderie Anglaise yoke. The long-sleeved garment has a gathered waist and a long skirt. The front centre of the skirt has a floral Broderie Anglaise and cut work panel insert.Circa 1860's. From the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection’, donated by Betty Stoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, sarah ellis, hand sewn, christening gown, baby wear, clothing, 19th century

This patchwork cushion section was handmade in 1898 by Sarah Jane Jones (nee Emerson) and donated by her Great-Granddaughter. It is an example of needlework created in the late 19th century. It is believed that the note was added to the cushion at a later date and incorrectly refers to a different item.The cushion section is significant for is example of handmade craft and needlework used in the late 19th century for home decor.Patchwork; a square and a rectangular shape of p patchwork prepared for making into a cushion. Shaped patches of a variety of design and fabric. The pieces are roughly joined together with visible cross stitches. Handmade by Sarah Jane Jones (nee Emerson) in 1898.Pinned to the underside is a note on a piece of fabric.Handwriting reads "Patchwork done by my mother in 1898" flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, soft furnishing, 1898, victorian, handmade, patchwork, craft, handcraft, sewing, hobby, needlework, cushion

Sarah Wright was married to a gold miner named William. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a woman in a long dark skirt and white blouse standing in front of steps leading to the verandah of a weatherboard cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is Laura Villa, SmeatonWritten in pen on the back - Mrs W. Wright, "Laura Villa", Smeaton, March 1923, F.W.sarah wright, frank wright, cornet, smeaton, laura villa

Sarah Wright was married to a gold miner named William. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a woman in a hat and fur coat, standing next to a park bench. A palm tree is behind her and in the background can be seen town buildings. The woman is Sarah Wright.sarah wright, frank wright, cornet, laura villa, smeaton

Alex Wright travelled to England in 1930 and was known as the Prince of Mimic although his stage name was Navarre. He died in an air raid in the Hippodrome Birmingham in 1940. Alex was the brother of Frank Wright who was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a man in shirt, trousers and braces hugging a woman in a dark frock. They are standing in front of a fence with trees and a paddock in the background. They are Sarah Wright and her son Alex?.Printed on back - Printed at Scott's, Veloxsarah wright, alex wright, frank wright, navarre, smeaton, ballarat

Dr Alexander Parktatura, doctors, locals, park dr, costume, male

Councilor Alexander Findlay was elected to council in 1873 and again in 1879-85.He did not serve as President during that time.He resided at Ercildourne.This original photo forms part of a collection of photos showing all councilors for the year 1883-84.This oval sepia photo is of Councilor Alexander Findlay,set in a "light tan" mount with gold around edge of "cutout". A fine black line surounds the photo linking it to the next.It forms part of a collection of photos of all councilors for the year 1883-84 and is second from the top,left hand side. PRESENTED by the PRESIDENT J.DALGLEISH ESQ.To the BALLAARAT SHIRE COUNCIL 1883-84.ballaarat shire council 1883 84, alexander findlay, ercildourne

William Wright was a gold miner and his wife's name was Sarah. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. Three photos showing the same couple and cottage taken at the same time - .1) Close up black and white photograph of a man wearing a dark suit and light hat and a woman in a dark skirt and cardigan standing beside a car in front of two weatherboard cottages. The man is William Wright and the woman is his wife Sarah. .2) Black and white photograph of a man wearing a dark suit and light hat and a woman in a dark skirt and cardigan standing beside a car in front of two weatherboard cottages. The man is William Wright and the woman is his wife Sarah. .3) Black and white photograph of a man wearing a dark suit and light hat and a woman in a dark skirt and cardigan standing on the front verandah of a weatherboard cottage. The man is William Wright and the woman is his wife Sarah. william wright, sarah wright, frank wright, cornet, laura villa, smeaton

An unsuccessful attempt was made to set up a silkworm industry at Mt Alexander, to be an occupation for ladies of the district as well as to introduce the silk industry to Victoria. An attempt by women to enter the business world was beaten by difficulties: (1). Road access to the property (2). Heavy frost damage to mulberry plants. (3). Disease of silkworms. (4). Lack of quantity of leaves. (5) drought and rabbits. Experiments proved silk harvested and woven was superior to overseas products, but the venture was defeated by the climate and the surviving trees were relocated to Corowa NSWA relic of the far-sighted venture by the Victorian Ladies Sericulture Co, promoted by the charismatic Mrs Bladen Neill , who was anxious to generate employment opportunities for women..A dead branch from a mulberry tree grown at Sericulture Farm, Mt Alexander, in the early 1870s. This long limb's bark has cracked with age, forming a pattern of brown cracks. Remnants of smaller branch axilla are clearly visible. An inscription on paper is pasted around the branchTyped: "Part of a limb of a mulberry tree from the Sericulture Farm on Mt Alexander which was started by Mrs Bladen-Neill in early 1870s, finally closing in 1878. Mrs Bladen-Neill died in September 1884 at the residence of Dr Barker, Melbourne" "Courtesy of Keith Henderson, Harcourt"

WW1 Memorial Plaque presented to his mother, Elizabeth McCleery.Eric Alexander McCleery

Sarah Wright was the mother of Frank Wright who was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a woman in a dark dress and hat and carrying an umbrella. She is standing on a path set within the grounds of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with the Statue Pavillion, a statue, shrubs and large trees in the background. The woman is Sarah Wright.sarah wright, frank wright, ballarat botanical gardens, statue pavillion

Reproducation of a image of Alexander F. Fullerton. portrait, a.f. fullerton, alexander fullerton

Alexander Carroll married Ellen Carroll/alexander thomas carroll

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia..1) black and white photograph of a woman dressed in a dark ankle length dress with a scalloped overskirt, wearing beads around her neck. She is standing on the steps of a cottage "Laura Villa" with a shrub to the left of her. The woman is Laura Wright. .2) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa". .3) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa"..1) Handwritten on back - Laura Wright, aged 25 years. Taken at Smeaton, January 28th 1922, by Frank Wright .2) Handwritten on back Mrs W. Wright, "Laura Villa" Smeaton. Taken by her son, Frank Wright on January 28th, 1922laura wright, sarah wright, laura villa, frank wright, smeaton

Sarah Wright was married to a gold miner named William. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. Laura Ritchie was his sister.Black and white photograph of a woman in a long dark skirt and light cardigan sitting on a chair with a pillow behind her back. The chair is on the verandah of a brick house. The woman is Sarah Wright and the house belongs to her daughter Laura Ritchie at 214 Armstrong St Nth, Ballarat.Written in pen on the back May 1928. Written in pencil 214 Armstrong St Northsarah wright. frank wright, laura ritchie, armstrong street, ballarat

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

Drinking glass with pictures of Prince Andew and Sarah Ferguson on front with both Family Trees on back. Made to celebrate their wedding on 23rd July 1986.Nil.glass souvenir, prince andrew, sarah ferguson

Bette brown studied art at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School.Conte sketched portrait of Dr David Alexander of Ballaratbette jones, jones, alexander, david alexander, artwork, portrait