From the late 1920s several brands of irons, including Hotpoint and Light' N Easy were manufactured in Australia by the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd. Light' N Easy irons were marketed as a versatile iron, small and light enough to be taken with you if you needed to travel away from home.This iron is representative of electrical appliances developed under licence in Australia from the late 1920s onwards.Small yellow steam iron. There are controls and a water level indicator on the side of the iron. There are 25 steam vents in the base. Steam and dry iron with surge of steam. A 3 metre electrical cord is attached.Label: " General Electric Housewares Pty Ltd. Vic/ Nottinghill Melbourne 3166/ 700 Watts/ APP NO. V79008 Cat 04/06 240 Voltsdomestic appliances, light 'easy irons

This is the MINJAH telephone exchange testing unit. The exchange was adjacent to the property of MINJAH which is situated near Hawkesdale in Western Victoria. The exchange operated between 1955 and 1985. The testing unit was used for detecting and testing faults in the telephone system. The keys along the front were called "Hospital Keys" and were used to give subscribers a temporary connection in the event of a break down. The telephone exchange was replaced by an automatic exchange.This is a good example of a manual telephone system in Western VictoriaThis is a rectangular polished wooden box with a telephone mechanism on the side connected by a hook. On the front right is a dialling system which has been detached. On the front left is a volt meter. At the front bottom are seventeen switches. In the middle front are twenty keys which can flash up in various colours. There is writing on the side . There is a black metal label with writingAVD HAND SET S314470 c 7060 H/56 LINE & SELECTOR TEST SET HT& Co. Ltd. LIVERPOOL ENGLANDtelephone testing, minjah, manual telephone exchange

Item looks to have been adapted for bench top use Sindanyo high temperature insulation boards are manufactured from cement based products, reinforced with selected fibres. They have been specifically designed to provide excellent service under demanding thermal and electrical applications. Sindanyo is a non-asbestos, non-combustible product that is easily machined. This insulation board is a popular option when a high quality, strong and rigid material is required.400/500 Volt, 5 amp, 50 Hz 3-phase balanced load. Circular scale with lead and lag markings and graduations. The 22cm diameter meter rear-mounted to black sindanyo board, supported by wood brackets on wood base. Five terminal posts on panel below meter. Wire connections at rear. No maker's name Patent Number: 162471/20 Serial Number 263475scientific instruments, power factor maker, lead and lag markings, terminal posts, power factor meter, wire connections, sindanyo board, non-combustible, insulation, electrical applications

c1881 Henry W Seely, of New Jersey, USA, designed and patented an electric sad iron for pressing and smoothing material. He continued to modify and improve his designs, with his partner Richard Dyer, and other electrical appliance firms, e.g Hotpoint, began producing these flat irons that could provide continuous heat by connecting via an electrical flex to a light socket and hence without the need for hot fires, ash, or burning hot handles. Women with access to an electricity supply were delighted and their ironing chore became much less arduous No heat was felt at all from the iron as it is all concentrated on the bottom surface. By the early 20th century enthusiasm was building for the new electric smoothing irons: clean, powerful, adjustable, and labour-saving. This c1935 Premier System 'Smoothwell' flat iron was used by a resident of City of Moorabbin and is an example of the progress made from the sad irons used by the pioneers that are displayed beside it.A "Premier Smoothwell" electric flat iron with switched control lead and original box, c 1935 On plate of handle attached to Iron ' HARRODS Ltd. / LONDON On attached plate at rear of iron ' The "SMOOTHWELL" / "Premier System" /......... Plate on cord Plug " PREMIER/ FLAT IRON CONNECTOR/ THIS SIDE OUTWARDS/ (2 columns) 1) FOR 100-125 VOLTS/ USE THREE TERMINALS/ THUS ..... 2) FOR 200 - 240 VOLTS/ USE TWO RIGHT/ HAND TERMINALS/ ONLY/ THUS......seely henry w., sad irons, electric flat irons, dyer richard, edison thomas, hotpoint pty ltd., premier electric company birmingham england, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, laundry, sewing, craftwork, table ware, irons

Photograph of Cooper shearing plant.Photograph of Cooper shearing plant.Cooper Model "A" contractors portable electric shearing plant capable of operating up to 4 stands of 220 volt D.C. electric shearing gear circa 1948shearing machinery

Photograph of Cooper shearing plant.Photograph of Cooper shearing plant.Cooper Model "A" contractors portable electric shearing plant capable of operating up to 4 stands of 220 volt D.C. electric shearing gear circa 1948shearing machinery

BY THE time the FJ Holden was replaced with the FE in July 1956, Australia’s own had taken many steps forward. The six-volt electrics were replaced with a 12-volt set-up, the two-piece windscreen was replaced with a single curved item and the skinny 15in rims were replaced with 13x4.5 steelies. Unlike the FX-FJ, the FE was designed locally by an Australian team. The resulting car was much sleeker than the earlier models, being two inches longer in the wheelbase, four inches longer overall and slightly heavier than its predecessor. To compensate, the 132ci grey motor was blessed with another small dose of horsepower thanks to larger valves and improved cylinder heads. Other mechanical improvements included pendulum-style brake and clutch pedals, hydraulic clutch actuation, larger brake drums and recirculating ball (rather than worm and sector) steering. Other great leaps forward included optional heater, indicators, reversing lights, windscreen washers and demister. In knocked down form was the first model to be exported to New ZealandBlack painted special sedan. Added accessories include exterior sun visor, headlight protectors, and on the interior grab handle mounted across the back of the front seatDiecast special sedan badge on rear quarters. Number plate club permit 63450 Hfe special, holden, sedan, car

This tester was used between 1950 and 1980's. As part of the Occupation, Health and Safety requirements, equipment used to monitor the performance of electricity producing generators, regularly, hand held testers were used to check the insulation and the "earth" pin were up the the required operational levels. As the generators and their ancillary monitoring equipment was spread over a large area and cumbersome to service small hand held devices were required. These had to always be safe for the user to operate. A selected range of high quality meters were recalibrated every two years in the Meter and Calibration Laboratory at Yarraville(near Melbourne) This meter is very significant to The Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme because it was an integral part of maintaining the electricity producing water driven generators of the power stations. The reason why this meter was so essential is that provided the safety check on equipment used to monitor each Hydro Generator that they were complying within the grid network parameters. Grid parameters are set so that if there is an electrical fault on the system, that fault can be attended to with a very small change in the output stability of each generator. It is essential that the voltage of the network remain within the set limits. Generators are at Dartmouth, Mackay, Clover, West Kiewa, Yarrawonga, Cain Curran and three Power Stations in the Thornton area.This hand driven current generator produces 500 volts by winding the handle(on funnel curved side) to keep the voltage constant(one minute per test). The whole body is made from caste aluminium. One of the functions of this meter is to test the isolation resistance of any equipment being tested. This is to see if that equipment is safe to handle(no electrical shocks). The second function is to test the earth pin of any portable electrical equipment. The turn key on one side can direct which function is required(marked insulation or continuity). On the top side(enclosed in a glass fronted marked scale) is a continuity scale(top) and an insulation scale(bottom). This is covered , when not in use by "flip up" lid with manufacturer's details and name of the instrument. Opposite the winder are two screw tight knobs. One marked earth(left side) and one marked line(right side). On the top and next to the glass windowed scales in a post manufacture SEC Vic equipment equipment ID number. For carrying purposes there is chromed steel (fold together) handle.The bottom of the unit has two metal "feet" 150mm long by 114mm wideManufacturer's details on top side "MEG" underneath "INSULATION AND CONTINUITY TESTER" below this "constant 500 VOLT pressure" below this "REGISTERED MEG MEGGER TRADE MARK" below this "REG DESIGN NO. 690326" below this "UNITED KINGDOM PATENT Nos. 193746, 197178, 198182, 202062, 202398, 204649, 350715" below this "SUPPLIED BY THE GENERAL ELECTRIC Co. Ltd OF ENGLAND" below this "MAGNET HOUSE, KINGSWAY LONDON W.C.2" 'sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine feasibility studies temperature, rainfall

This milli-volt meter was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England.This milli-volt meter is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it was used by those electrical technicians, who were part of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. An "off spin" from the Scheme was the beginning of an explosion in "human" resources into the Kiewa Valley. This influx of population transformed the region from that of a basically quiet rural region to one which evolved into both industrial and larger residential community. This evolution in the Kiewa Valley created a change, not only in the "physical" landscape(better roads and infrastructure), but also the socio-economic growth within the Valley allowing other "tourist" based industries to expand within the valley and Alpine areas.This millivolts DC meter was used in the 1950's. It is contained in a wooden box and has two coloured (red/black, positive and negative) screw tight knobs which have bake-lite connections. It also has a covered (black tin) view meter marked from zero to 10 millivolts. Underneath this and within a round bake-lite is a small adjustment screw. The top of the box is fastened onto the main structure by six brass screws. The back of the structure is fastened by eight brass screws and there are four small bake-lite rest knobs.On the face of the millivolt compartment , and at the top "TO BE USED WITH DIAL HORIZONTAL TEMP. COEF. +- .08 % PER oC. Underneath the scale "MILLIVOLTS D.C. F.G." (LEAD RESIS. .05 OHMS)" underneath and to the left "MADE IN ENGLAND BY" "EVERSHED & VIGNOLES Ltd" and to the right "No. 857842" underneath Regd. TRADE MARK MEGGERkiewa valley tourism, victorian alps, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

Vacuum cleaners have been part of the household for many years. Beginning as simple tools blowing the dust to the current sucking up the dust and being powered by electricity. From the shape of a barrel to those that stand upright, from being fitted onto a 'sled' to those with wheels and from heavy to light.Used by a resident in the Kiewa Valley Electrolux cannister steel vacuum with leather handle at the top, the electric socket (and cut power cord attached) at one end and the cloth covered hose at the other end. Two steel extension handles, hose and cord works. Parts with combination dusting and upholstery tool and hardwood floor dust mop and refrigerator crevice tool. The cannister sits on a 'sled' of two long rods on each side.Hand written on the cannister "1932 Model" "Electro / lux / Made in Sweden / Design Nr B156 Registered" on top On bottom "Ser 1234 No. 1456 / Volt Watt" ....(not legible)electrolux, vacuum cleaner 1932

In times past the only way to measure a ship’s speed was to throw a wood log into the water and observe how fast it moved away from the ship. In the 16th century, the log was fastened to a rope knotted at set intervals. The log was thrown over the stern (back) of the vessel and a crew member counted the number of knots that were paid out in a set time. From this, they could estimate the vessel's speed through the water. This was known as streaming the log and is also the derivation of the knot as a measurement of nautical speed. Various manufacturers of nautical equipment had sought over the years to perfect the operation of determining a ship's speed and it wasn't until Thomas Walker and his son Ferdinand developed a mechanical system that eventually made this task became easy for marine navigators. Thomas Walker & Son were internationally renowned in the manufacturing of ship logs the founding father, Thomas Walker (1805–1871), an engineer in Birmingham, patented his mechanical log in 1878 which was a recording instrument that attached to a rail at the stern of a vessel connected by a long cord with a rotor which was towed behind the ship. The instrument dial then recorded the distance travelled. Thomas Walker first went into business to manufacture stoves at 58 Oxford Street Birmingham. Walker’s self-feeding stove was widely lauded at the Paris Exhibition of 1855, winning a prize medal and kickstarting the first of many notable innovations for the Walker family's manufacturing business. However, it wasn’t until working on an earlier ship’s log model invented by his Uncle that Thomas Walker became interested in the further development of this device, used to ascertain a ship’s speed. Walker continued to improve on the common log for the company of Massey & Sons and these improvements were deemed revolutionary. This log became a firm favourite of the West India Association (a British-based organisation promoting ties and trade with the British Caribbean), being the most common log in use for two generations. It took until 1861 for Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker (1831-1921) to patent the first Walker log of many. Together, with the introduction of the A1 Harpoon Log two years later, they established the Walker Log Business as a force to be reckoned with. By his passing in 1871, Thomas Walker Snr had not only founded a family business with considerable staying power but also instilled a tradition of public service. Having sat as a representative on the Birmingham Town Council for 15 years and played an active role in public works, he was soon given the nickname of ‘Blue Brick Walker’. Much like his father, Thomas Ferdinand Walker changed the face of the maritime industry. His patent of 1897, the ‘Cherub’ log, was a notable departure from the past providing a far more accurate reading and replacing the majority of logs of the age. They were the first to produce an electric log (Trident) and the Walker factory was one of the first to introduce the 48-hour work week for employees.The ship log was invented and made by a significant marine instrument maker and innovator of machinery. It demonstrates the huge leap taken to improve navigational accuracy at sea with an instrument that was in use for decades.Ships Log, Walker Trident electric motor, in wooden box with instructions inside box. The motor dial with electric cord is still inside box.Inscription "Admiralty patent number 3332" and "Walker Trident Electric Ship Log (Mark III), 15-25 volt". On top of lid, hand written, is "G TAYLOR"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ships log, thomas walker & son, electric ships log, marine navigation, thomas ferdinand walker, ship log

Vintage SVE Picturol Model Q Film Strip Projector with case and 3 film strips. Circa 1940. Film format 35mm. Projector includes cord with bakelite switch (Garling Hartford Conn) and plug - made in Australia.On side: "PICTUROL PROJECTOR MODEL Q 120 VOLTS 100 wATTS NO 26999 MANUFACTURED BY Society for Visual Education Inc. Lens - S.V.E. Special Series 00-3"film strip, projector

Notes written on paper with printed letterhead of Scott's Hotel, Collins Street, Melbourne, C.1., dated 31/3/44. Notes mention an experiment where a Scalebuoy was put in a lathe and the Electro Static Volts were measured at 46, 76, 131, 235 and 600 Revs per Minute. Tests were at the Radio School of Science, Melb. Technical College.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, scott's hotel melbourne, radio school of science, melb technical college, squadron leader mackay, burton, mackenzie

Australian bakelite valve tube radio. Type: Broadcast receiver or past WW2 Tuner. Valves 4:6A8G 6G8g 6V6GT 6x5GT. Principle: Super Heterodyne ZF/IF 455 KHz 1AF stage. Tuned circuits: 6AM Wavebands: Broadcast only (MW) Power: 200-230; 230-260 Volt AC. Loudspeaker: Electro Magnetic Dynamic LS Front Dial: AWA Radiolette / Radio stations for each stateradio, radiolette

Belonged to Elsa Ardern, mother of donor, well known potter who stared the Potter's Cottage Warrandyte. Elsa also taught pottery at the Arts Association.A metal (silver coloured) coffee percolator with glass removable dome in hinged lid. Black plastic handle. Metal plunger and 'beans' colander inside. BIRKO signature on black plastic base and a metal tag:|VOLTS/BIRKO/WATTS|240//400|CAT NO X5/|MADE BY BIRKO ELECTRIC PTY LTD|Submitted to electrical approvals board|Reference No. VC\0\X5See above descriptiondomestic items, cooking, food & drink consumption

Electric fans were used for cooling rooms prior to air conditioning.This fan was used by S.E.C.V. office workers working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Small electric swivel fan. This heavy black metal fan has 4 curved 'wings' covered by protecting wire consisting of 2 wire rings joined by 6 curved pieces of wire covering the sides and front. Attached to the motor that can swivel and to the base is a black rubber covered electric cord. The base forms a stand with a control knob for speed and swivel options. On a plaque: Menominee / Fan Motor / 55182591 Serial No. 200 volts / ACC current 6 cycles / Menominee Electric Mfg. Co. / Menominee ..? Control knob: 0,1,2,3 along slotelectric fan; state electricity commission of victoria; kiewa hydro electric scheme; office furniture

Haminex C Flashgun (code 14-009) in its original box. The flash Gun uses Flash Cubes (no sample) and can be fitted to camera via together with a short cord and plug to connect to the camera shutter. It has a exposure table for distance and film speed, and a lever to turn the cube around to one of its four surfaces. The unit uses a 15 Volt No.404 battery for the flash.Hanimex C 7 Exposure Tablephotography, cameras

metal square tub with wringer. Instruction sheet enclosedHoover mode lApp marking N/27 type 0343 .240 volts 3.8 amps 50 HZ AC only motor 350 watts serial No 0343 107 10499hoover, washing machine, electric, washing, clothes

"Marvel" Electric Food Mixer - two beaters affixed to cylindical component that encases electric motor with cord attached - this component attached to metal stand with swivelling device - all metal painted pale green including rotating stand for placing mixing bowl on - black plastic? handle on moveable top section and circular open holes on top and around the sides.Plaque affixed to cylindrical section reads "75 watt/VOLTS AC DC 25 STYLE 21 No 1304082/MARVEL/Electric Food Mixer/Licensed under United States Patents/No's......

Heating unit.Labec Selbys Scientific Instruments Chemicals Laboratory Apparatus Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane-Perth-Adelaide Made by Lsboratory Equipment Pty. Ltd. Sydney Volts 240 Serial 4798 Watts 1200

Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla. This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Large electric heater with two radiator bars and a protective grille at the top and false coals at the bottom.Replacements for this fire - Elements No. F314 - Illuminators No. 3P. Berry's Electric Ltd - Volts 230 - 240 -Watts 2000 V/AD/Cat No. 454 . Made in Australia by Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd Melbournedomestic items, heating

Projector was used at Christ Church Anglican Church Mitcham (now All Saints Mitcham) for showing film strips to the congregation, Sunday School and youth groups.Early 'Shelton' film strip projector in a steel grey painted and hinged metal case with carrying handle. Projector has been finished in a 'hammered' meta paint with a large transformer as its base. It is a 240 volt projector. The film strip is manually rolled through the slots of the projector to show each frame separately. Project lens is adjustable for focus and it has a small angle of adjustment foe aligning the image on the screen.Shelton Projector Made in Australiaphotography, projectors

Horace Darwin, youngest surviving son of Charles Darwin, was a founding partner of the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company in 1881 (http://www.museumoftechnology.com/cic.html).Composite object with three feet supporting two squared cylinders attached to a clamping device and metal block with four current terminals. Cylinders are covered with red leather. Metal block and clamp base appear painted.Engraved on terminal block: 'No 15548 / THE CAMBRIDGE SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT CO LTD. CAMBRIDGE. ENGLAND' Engraved on side of terminal block: 'To be excited from 200 volts circuit / with coils in series. Connect terminals 2 & 3.'cambridge scientific instrument company, electro magnet, electrical equipment, electrical instrumentation

This case is for a testing voltmeter recorder. The last time it was certified by SEC Vic laboratories on the 17/4/77. It was used extensively in the transportation of the mobile recorder which was sometimes placed for periods of one month at locations experiencing unacceptable fluctuations of power. These locations would cover the North East regions of Victoria. They cover voltage drops at domestic and business properties especially those that were experiencing regular fluctuations(daily) at approximately the same time of the day. As the electrical network is required to operate within a set level of voltage, fluctuations outside of this has to be investigated and necessary remedial action taken. This is especially so for rural properties where power "drainage" can occur through animal/bird and tree interference. See KVHS 0302 (A) for the instrument.This case for a mobile voltage recorder is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the difficulties that can occur in maintaining a power supply that experiences fluctuating power demands by the rural industries that it supplies. The requirement of a mobile testing apparatus to cover the various sections in the Kiewa Valley and other rural areas in the northeast region is one of necessity as electricity once connected to a rural property is a labour saving supply as generators on rural properties require a higher degree of maintenance an ultimately at a higher cost. The testing of the SEC Vic supplied electricity to rural properties,those who had previously run on generators, had to be quick and unassuming with certainty of correct supply levels.This heavy and thick all leather case for the "easy" transportation of the Volt meter recorder has a opening top which pop riveted to the main body(rivets are aluminium). The all leather top has a shaped carrying handle which is also riveted on. There are two straps on the side of the top which can be fastened to the main body by metal "shoe" buckles. The bottom end is secured to the main bag by large rivets.Tick grade stitching is on all corners.Nilsec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine growth in electricity consumption

From c1950s electrical irons were used. The thermostatic iron followed the electric iron used with a container that enabled water to be sprayed onto the cloth. Damp cloth was more easily pressed. This thermostatic electric iron was one of the early models.This iron was used by residents of the Kiewa Valley including those living at Mt Beauty where there was electricity and an SEC shop from c1950.This is a "General Electric" iron. It has a steel base with a chrome upper and black plastic handle. It is thermostatically controlled with water spray. The electric cord is permanently attached, at right angels, to the handle base. A red button activates the water spray when pushed. A white button slides to enable fabric selection. A metal hole in the front of the handle is used to fill the iron with water.General Electric; Wash and Wear / Wool / Cot / Lin; Australian General Electric Appliances Pty Ltd.; Notting Hill Victoria. 1100 Wats 240 Volts AC only. V/A2F Cat. No. 10 FS10iron;, electrical appliance, laundry, domestic, pressing clothes

This burgundy coloured, portable electric belt sander is stored in its own heavy duty cardboard box. It was made in England and, according to the label on the lid of the box, it is a Portrix Sander-Polisher, all-electric, portable, sands wood metal and polishes. Its uses include decorating, carpentry and polishing. It has a complete with electric unit with flex. The price of 75/- (75 shillings) is printed on the label of the box. The model and the brand of the sander have been removed from the manufacturer’s information embossed on the side of the sander. The sander is part of a collection of objects used by Jim Williams, maker of fine ship models from about 1930-1955. Most of the components for the models, as well as many of the tools, were handmade by Jim Williams. Jim’s family has donated the ship model “Sovereign of the Seas” and many tools, accessories and documents used in the making of this and other ship models have been donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Please see our record 3732 of the mode Sovereign of the Seas for further details of the ship and the maker.This vintage Portrix sander-polisher represents tools used for the hobby and skill of ship model making that has been carried as a leisure activity out for generations. Ship model making was also a pastime for sailing crew, who often made a model of the ship in which they were sailing. This sander was used by local Warrnambool man, Jim Williams, who was employed at Cramond and Dickson clothing store, and then at Fletcher Jones menswear for 27 years. It was used in making components for the model of the historic ship, the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas was a historic 17th century English war ship with important maritime heritage.Belt sander, electric. Portable power tool, Portrix model Sander–Polisher, burgundy coloured body with swivelling, black electric cable, 250V 1 / 4 amp. For sanding wood and metal, and for polishing. (Stored in original box.) Made in England. Part of a collection of tools and accessories used by Mr. Jim Williams to build ship model of the “Sovereign of the Sea” and other models. c. 1930-1955. Moulded into body “ - - - SANDER –POLISHER / 1 / 4 amp. PRODUCT OF - - - MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. 50 CYCLES / MADE IN ENGLAND PAT. PEND. 200/250 volts A.C.” (the Brand and Manufacturer’s name have been removed)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, portrix sander-polisher, portrix power tool, portrix belt sander, woodworking equipment, ship modelling equipment, jim williams, james bernard williams, ship model, hobby, ship model tool, sovereign of the seas, english war ship

Volt-Meter from'Plaza Theatre', Mitchell St. Bendigo. A tag attached has the numbers 1-4-78 and says ' This meter was ''.(illegible!)' The scale goes from 0 to 120volts. And was manufactured by 'Nalder Bros & Thompson Ltd London.. It also measures both DC and ~ 50 (50 cycles per sec alternating current) Case is circular and made of a dimpled metal. With a 'half moon' shaped display. Case is approx. 200mm in diameter and 60mm deep