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matching w. gibson
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Melton City Libraries
Letter, Letter from Margaret B Gibson, 1928/2014
... Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle... Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul ...David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Report, National Trust, "Friends of the W class Trams Policy Statement", c1991
Report - 10 A4 photocopied pages titled "Friends of the W class Trams Policy Statement" undated, signed by Don Gibson. Looks at the fleet after the delivery of all the B class trams, numbers of cars required for service, issues, a requested approach, equipment and their request - continue to run W class trams, store Z1 and Z2 trams. Provides a statement of the trust's policy - classification, present threat, Met Proposal, comparison with Z class trams, tables of costs for each type of tram, options, power consumption, ride, life span, crew costing, public support, views on upgrading, conclusions. Notes that Mr. Peter. Spyker was Minister for Transport at the time and that B class still being delivered - completed 1994. Mr Spyker was Minister from 1990 to 1992 - document c1991.trams, tramways, w class, b class, z class, national trust, the met -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Age, "Tears and fond farewell to the conductors who fare not so well", "Not everyone is happy as the last tram conductors are put out to pasture", "Dispute a threat to services", "Not everyone is happy as the last tram conductors are put out to pasture", 25/05/1998 12:00:00 AM
Two newspaper cuttings from The Age, Monday 25/5/1998 following the withdrawal of all conductors on Melbourne tram services. .1 - "Tears and fond farewell to the conductors who fare not so well "written by Paul Heinrichs, the story about the last Malvern conductor signing off , Bernard Lamberty with Z98 in the background. Photo taken in Swanston St by Luis Ascui. Also discusses the dispute over W class trams and the move to ticket machines. Continued on page 4 as "Tracks of tears as connies go" with a photo of Norm Maddock with part of the collection at Malvern. .2 - "Not everyone is happy as the last tram conductors are put out to pasture" and "Not everyone is happy as the last tram conductors are put out to pasture", written by Rachel Gibson about the industrial dispute over the removal of conductors and safety on W class trams. Quotes Lou Di Gregorio.trams, tramways, ticket machines, conductors, safety, malvern depot -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Age, "History back on the tracks", "Trams out as talks continue", 3/08/1987 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping, from The Sun, 3/8/1987 titled "Trams out as talks continue" and a second heading "History back on the tracks". Item about industrial issues for maintenance of trams and trains, or wages supplements, Has photos of Mr Roper, Transport Minister and Peter Parkinson of Trades Hall. Notes that old trams, such as W and Y class were back in service. Has a photo of Y1 612 in service on Wattle Park. Story by Jane Gibson and Jim Nevein. Attached to the item is a cartoon, 4/8/1982 by Jeff of a man digging a hole around the tram tracks and finding a cable tram.trams, tramways, cable trams, strike, unions, w class, y class, wattle park, cartoons, tram 612 -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Press Release, National Trust, "National Trust media release - Independent report favours retention of W-class trams", 18/08/1993 12:00:00 AM
Press Release - 12 A4 photocopied pages, stapled in top left hand corner, titled "National Trust media release - Independent report favours retention of W-class trams", dated 18/8/1993. Press release supports the retention of W class trams over Z class trams, references a report by Ove-Arup and Cam Com. Provides quotes from Simon Molesworth, Chairman of the Trust's W Class Tram committee, Don Gibson. Provides copy of Report - looks at cost of maintaining and operating W and Z class trams. No reference to other types of trams. Gives history of the trams, notes withdrawal from service, spare parts, storage in North Melbourne. No mention of low floor trams or disability access.In top Right hand corner in ink "KS 9-9-93"trams, tramways, w class, scrapped trams, national trust -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Age, "Police will investigate export of old trams", "Protected trams went to US without permits", "Police probe export of trams to the US', 2/1992 to 7/1992
Set of four Newspaper clippings from The Age about the sale of tram to the USA and police investigations. Written mainly by Jacqui Macdonald Transport Reporter .1 - 11/2/1992 - "Police will investigate export of old trams" - details the export of trams to the US and whether the necessary permits were issued. Notes Gales Creek Enterprises, Paul class, Bill Hardwick, National Trust Chairman Don Gibson. .2 - 10/2/1992 - "Protected trams went to US without permits" - details the situation, also quotes David Clark and Michael Norbury (Hawthorn Tramways Trust), Alan Brown Opposition Transport Spokesman. Application had been made. Law changed in 1988. .3 - 21/7/1992 - "Police probe export of trams to the US'- quotes PTC spokesman Pat Wilson, does not believe it has broken the Law, gives details on the number of trams sold over years, quotes Alan Brown. .4 - 25/7/1992 - two items in the same cutting: (a) - "Delay will spoil tram sales says US buyer" written by Christopher Reed Los Angeles - quotes Paul Class, Alan Brown, details some of the cities the trams have been sold too. Also notes the trams in Werribee owned by Pat Keogh. (b) - :Historic trams rot as committees ponder their export" - with a photo of many trams and Pat Keogh - seems that they inadvertently owned them when the formal owner went bankrupt and owed them money. Notes the Federal Heritage Committee yet to make a decision. Includes tram W5 756.trams, tramways, sale of trams, w class, national trust, police, scrapped trams, tram 756 -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Age, "State accused of campaign to run down heritage trams", "Historic trams to go into permanent storage", "Trust furious at plans to mothball old trams", 2/1992 to 4/1992
Set of three Newspaper clippings written by Jacqui Macdonald, about the withdrawal and storage of W class trams. ,1 - The Age 11/2/1992 - titled "State accused of campaign to run down heritage trams", quotes Don Gibson Chairman of the Friends of the W class at the National Trust and Minister Peter Spyker. Comments around the cost of maintenance. .2 - The Age 27-4-1992 - titled "Historic trams to go into permanent storage", includes a photo of SW5 758, to a North Melbourne warehouse in Alfred St, about 50 trams, without bogies, PTC spokesman said to secure storage. .3 - The Age 28/4/1992 - titled "Trust furious at plans to mothball old trams" - Quotes Don Gibson, not happy, more trams than needed, space issue, cost of overhauls, compared to new trams. Has a photo of Mr Brown, opposition transport spokesman, policy to keep as many as possible and run them.trams, tramways, w class, maintenance, national trust, withdrawn trams, stored trams, tram 758 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Desk, Foy & Gibson, Circa 1880s
The design of this small disc is from the Australian Colonial period. The cedar wood desk was made in Australian by Foy & Gibson in the 1880s, most probably in the business’s works in Collingwood, Victoria. The heavy brass locks fitted into the desk drawers were made by the famous Hobbs & Co of London, mid-late 19th century. In 1860 the business changed hands but the locks were still branded Hobbs & Co. The desk is branded with the symbol of Victoria’s Public Works Department. There is currently no information on when, where and by whom this desk was used. However, a very similar desk with Hobbs & Co. locks is on site at the Point Hicks Lightstation in Victoria and was formerly used by the Point Hicks head light keeper there. Other light stations also have similar desks from the P.W.D. (see also ‘Desk, Parks Victoria – Point Hicks Lightstation, Victorian Collections’.) HOBBS & CO., LONDON Alfred Charles Hobbs, 1812-1891, was American born. He became an executive salesman in 1840 for renowned lock manufacturer Day & Newell. His technique of exposing the weaknesses of people’s current locks was very successful in generating sales. He represented Day & Newell at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, competing with other lock makers. Through the Exhibition he became famous for picking the best trusted Bramah and Chubb locks. Hobbs’ fame led him to found his own company in 1851 then register it in 1852 as Hobbs & Co., London. Hobbs was awarded the Telford Medal by the British Institution of Civil Engineers in 1854 for his paper 'On the Principles and Construction of Locks'. In 1855 the very successful company added partners and became Hobbs, Ashley and Co. In 1860, it traded under the name of Hobbs, Hart & Co. and was based in Cheapside London, where the business remained. Hobbs then returned to America, having sold the complete company to John Mathias Hart. He briefly returned to attend the 21st anniversary celebrations of the successful business in 1872. Hobbs kept himself busy in America, inventing and manufacturing firearm ammunition, for which he held several patents. He passed away there in 1891, a month after his 70th birthday. FOY & GIBSON Mark Foy wan an Irish draper who migrated to Bendigo, Victoria in 1858, attracted by the gold rush. He lived and worked in the area, establishing a drapery business. In the 1870s he moved to Melbourne where there were better prospects for expansion. He chose a place in Smith Street, Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, and started his business at the rear. In 1883 Foy retired, bringing in William Gibson as a partner, and then transferred his own share of the company to his son Francis Foy. Not long afterwards Francis sold his half share to Gibson, and the business continued under the name of Foy & Gibson. Francis Foy and he and his brother Mark Foy (junior) moved to Sydney. They established a business there in 1885, named after their father, Mark Foy. Gibson added to his business by starting his own manufacturing works from 1887, producing clothing, millinery, furniture, bedding and hardware for his stores. The factories, warehouses and stores complex became one of Victoria’s largest employers. He set up branches of his stores in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and two more branches in Melbourne. Foy & Gibson (usually referred to as Foys) became one of Australia’s largest retail department stores. In 1931 Foy’s little house in Collingwood was still part of the entrance to Foy & Gibson Emporium. In 1955 the company was bought out by Cox Brothers. Later on the stores were sold to various businesses such as David Jones, Woolworths and Harris Scarfe. In 1968 Cox Brothers went into receivership, ending almost 100 years of the business known as Foy’s. The former Foy & Gibson Complex is registered by Heritage Council Victoria. “Designed by William Pitt, this magnificent 19th and early 20th century complex of factories, warehouses and showrooms saw the production of a remarkable range of goods for Foy & Gibson, Melbourne’s earliest department store chain”. (Quoted from the Plaque erected by the Collingwood Historical Society 2007) P.W.D. – Public Works Department, Victoria The desk is stamped “P.W.D,” signifying that it is from the Public Works Department in Victoria, which operated from 1855-1987. The department was responsible for, among other things, the design and supply of office furniture and equipment for public buildings and organisations. This desk is significant historically as it originated from Foy & Gibson, a colonial Australian company that had a positive and strong impact on employment, manufacturing and retailing in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. The significance of Foy & Gibson to Victoria’s and Australia’s history is marked by the Collingwood Complex being registered in both Heritage Victoria Register (H0755, H0897 and H0896) and National Trust Register (B2668). This locks on this desk are significant for their connection with their manufacturer, Hobbs & Co, who invented a lock that surpassed the security of any other locks produced in the mid-19th century. Desk; Australian Colonial cedar desk, honey coloured. Desktop has a wooden border with a rolled edge and a fitted timber centrepiece. The four tapered legs are tulip turned. Two half-width drawers fit side by side and extend the full depth of the desk. The drawers have dovetail joints. Each drawer has two round wooden knob handles, a keyhole and a fitted, heavy brass lever lock. Inscriptions are on the desktop, drawers, desk leg and lock. Made in Australia circa 1880 by Foy & Gibson, lock made by Hobbs & Co, London.Impressed into timber frame of one drawer “FOY & GIBSON” Impressed into lock “HOBBS & CO / LONDON”, “MACHINE MADE”, “LEVER” Impressed along the front edge of the desktop [indecipherable] text. Impressed into the timber of right front leg “P. W. D.” below a ‘crown’ symbol Handwritten in white chalk under a drawer “206” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, desk, cedar desk, colonial desk, 1880s desk, australian colonial furniture, furniture, office furniture, office equipment, australian made furniture, colonial furniture, colonial hardware, foy & gibson, alfred charles hobbs, hobbs & co london, hobs & co lever lock, cabinetry lock, machine made lever lock, p.w.d., public works department victoria, day & newell, great exhibition of 1851, bramah lock, chubb lock, telford medal 1854, cheapside london, mark foy, mark foy – bendigo draper, smith street collingwood, william gibson, foy & gibson emporium, foy & gibson complex, cox brothers