Set of 4 digital images of W6 1000 on the opening day of the service in Bourke St via High St Northcote to East Preston on 26/6/1955. .1 - 1000 (East Preston route 89) at Spencer St, note the sign behind the tram and the newly painted safety zone. Has the Mail Exchange in the background. .2 - ditto at Spencer St with Carlyon's Hotel and the Spencer St Railway station in the background. .3 - tram arriving at the East Preston depot leads - has adverts for Milo, Kiwi boot polish and Pleshur's shoes. .4 - ditto with a Book Repairs Shop, R. P Evans, Goweville Hotel advertising Fosters Lager, and the Melody Picture theatre, In the background is Bell St with a set of clock traffic lights and two tower wagons and a Pura Milk truck just behind the tram.trams, tramways, w6 class, opening, route 89, bourke st, east preston, high st, northcote, tower trucks, traffic lights, bell st, tram 1000

Photograph of the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Sts featuring the Flinders St Station building - c1926?? features a very busy intersection cable trams (No. 17 west bound in Flinders St), tram 160 north bound in Swanston, two W class trams, other cable trams, many motor cars, horse drawn vehicles, cyclist and pedestrians. Note the standing zone in Flinders St. In photo are Young and Jacksons Hotel, Bacchus Marsh Concentrated Milk table cream, and numerous signs on the railway station. See Reg Item 5272 for the photo on a Greetings Card and 103 for a framed photographic print.Yields information about the intersection of Flinders and Swanston St c1926 - after the conversion of Swanston St.Black and white photograph with notes on the rear. Two copies held.Has "1926 Brimson VicRail" in ink along lower edge on rear and "H4505" in the middle of the print back.trams, tramways, flinders st, swanston st, cable trams, flinders st station

.1 - Black and White photo of W 324 passing under the rail over bridge in Racecourse Road Newmarket between July 1925 and Nov. 1929. Tram was converted to a W2 in November 1929. The Doutta Galla Hotel in the background. On the left of the bridge is Newmarket Station and on the right of the photo is the fence of the stockyards. The bridge has an advert for Wolfes Schnapps and Blue? Label Tea. On the embankment is a sign for Life Guard Life Insurance? A lady is waiting at the tram stop. The photo is part of the VR Advertising series, made to show advertisers where signs could go. image i2 - cropped image showing the tramcar by itself. .2 and .3 - Z3 class 209 in about the same position, with a large KIA motor vehicle advertisement. The yellow crash beams and truck parking bay are a result of too many large trucks hitting the bridge. Photo by Warren Doubleday 26/4/2021On rear in ink "ADV 202"trams, tramways, newmarket, racecourse road, flemington, w class, tram stops, advertisements, z3 class, tram 324, tram 203

Used as a destination or auxiliary board on Sandringham trams and buses that operated from the Sandringham railway station tram/bus depot. Tram and bus services were operated by the Victorian Railways. Have been letter Beaumaris Express and Beaumaris Express Black Rock which indicate more bus rather than trams.Demonstrates destination signs used by the Victorian Railways on their Sandringham services. Sign - plywood - 3 ply with a rebated timber section at the top of the sign, painted black with white letters. tramways, vr, sandringham, vr buses, buses, signs

Rose Series postcard No. P 206, titled "Flinders St Melbourne" with W2 class tram 412 (Spencer St, route 40) westbound in Flinders St with Flinders Street Railway Station in the background. A group of ladies has alighted from the tram at the Safety Zone near Queen St. Note the "Do not park here" sign placed behind the pole on the right side of the photograph.Yields information about Flinders St late 1930sPostcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear. Two copies held.tramways, w2 class, flinders st, tram 412, safety zone, trams, route 40

Rose Series postcard No. P 3034 titled "Flinders St Railway station Melbourne" - with a W2 class tram about to cross Swanston Street. Some motor cars are in the view, some waiting to do their hook turns. A Policeman on point duty can be seen. The station has a large sign advertising Springtime at Mt Buffalo National Park.Yields information about the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Sts.Postcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear.trams, tramways, w2 class, flinders st station, flinders st, swanston st

Rose Series postcard No. P 1701 titled "Elizabeth Street from Lonsdale Street Melbourne". Has a number of cable trams in the view, the closest one being a Brunswick tram. There is a policeman on point duty. In the view are signs for G A Grano Mantle manufacturers, Smiths Pawnbroker, State Savings Bank, one horse-drawn cart, and motor vehicles. On the west side footpath under an awning is a "Keep to the left" for pedestrians. Flinders St Railway Station can be seen in the far distance. The Brunswick cable tram line was closed Sept. 1935.Yields information about Elizabeth St, c1930Postcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear.On rear in pencil "KM-M-076" and a Ken Magor stamp.trams, tramways, flinders st station, cable trams, elizabeth st

Submission from Australian Electric Traction Association (AETA) dated Jan. 1990 about public transport options to Victoria Harbour, Melbourne docklands. Gives options for extension of Flinders St (tram route 48) or Collins St. Includes notes on La Trobe and Bourke St routes and suggestions re the Webb Dock railway line, ferries, monorails, and car parking. Signed by Ken Craven. Includes two diagrams.Yields information about the AETA's work and a 1990 submission re Victoria Harbour Docklands.Photocopy of a 5 page A4 document, was stapled in top left hand cornertramways, trams, aeta, docklands, new tramways, submissions, victoria harbour

Originally dated in pen on reverse as 1920 then crossed out to 1925 but it must be post August 1926 due to presence of an electric train. However no sign of the Sunnyside Estate development (1926?) although most of it could be over the hill out of shot. The furrows suggest that the paddock had been an orchard (probably apple).Digital copy of black and white photographelectric train, hurstbridge railway line, railway line, wattle glen, pepper's paddock, lesley mitchell (nee pepper) collection

Used by the Victorian Railways in their tramcars to advise passengers re payment of fares, standing in gangways, alighting and not leaving the tramcar on the wrong side.Demonstrates the method of advising passengers re their behaviour or duties.Sign - enamel white letters on a black background with screw holes in each corner.signs, trams, tramcars, victorian railways, behaviour

Presented by the Victorian Tramway Football Association to Mr Norman Charles Boucher, Victorian Railways, Tramway Motorman for his long service to the Association. Dated 18 March 1947. Hand made with ink and water colours, with VFTA logo. Signed by C A Peterson as President, L Montgomery as Hon. Treasurer and R Hodder as Secretary. See item 7056i3.pdf for his story prepared by Noelle Jones. See item 7057 for a football team photograph which included Mr Boucher.Demonstrates a hand made illustrated Life Membership certificate.Wooden framed illustrated certificate glazed secured with nails on rear. Hand made with ink and colour wash. Has two screws in the top corners and a section of string for hanging. The wood frame is machined carved.sports, vfta, football, certificates, vr trams, motormen, n c boucher

Colour postcard of VR53, Latrobe St Melbourne, Oct. 2006. Tram showing Special. Buildings in the rear have a Hoyts advertising sign. Postcard produced by Association of Railway Enthusiasts, ARE No. 14/07. Has Railcard copyright and phone number of rear, ARE shop details and hours, space for small message, address and stamp. Two copies held.trams, tramways, melbourne, vr, are, latrobe st, tram 53

Sign regarding the operation of a Melbourne suburban train door that has been fitted with power closing doors, three colours, adhesive back with the name of the manufacturer "JBC" on the rear. Has two sheets of paper split in the middle that protected the sign until use. Possibly dates from the time of the introduction of power doors on Harris Trains.trams, tramways, victorian railways, melbourne

Framed, glazed, black and white photograph of the intersection of Flinders and Swanston St Melbourne, looking towards Flinders St railway station. Timber frame, painted brown and gold, with brown paper lining on rear. Has brown string stapled at rear on both sides for hanging. In the central bottom of the rear is "Glen Waverley Picture Framing, sticker, 698 High St Road, Glen Waverley with a 7 digit phone number. Photo c1926?? features a very busy intersection cable trams (No. 17 west bound in Flinders, tram 160 north bound in Swanston, two W class trams, other cable trams, many motor cars, horse drawn vehicles, cyclist and pedestrians. Note the standing zone in Flinders St. In photo are Young and Jacksons Hotel, Bacchus Marsh Concentrated Milk table cream, and numerous signs on the railway station. See Reg Item 5272 for the photo on a Greetings Card and 5217 for a photographic print.on rear top "Donated to Hawthorn Tram Museum Feb 1912 Ron Scholten" in ink.trams, tramways, flinders st station, swanston st, flinders st, melbourne, cable trams

Black and white photograph of W5 No. 779 inbound to the City and Domain Road on route 56, on the open ballasted track just before passing under the railway line at the Zoo gardens area. Shows the open doors with the bars down. Photo of the tram slightly out of focus. Taken early 1950's by an unknown photographer. In the overhead shows a sign black cross in a circular disc and behind the tram a incandescent light suspended in the middle of the overhead. The photo shows the construction of the track at this location, dog spiked sleepers, the rail supports for the inner check rail. In the background behind the tram is the lever for the points of the crossover.On the rear in red ink "Melbourne tram shows use of Off-street tracks in an outer suburb"trams, tramways, zoo tram, reserved track, track construction, w5 class

Report - 40 pages, green card cover, centre stapled titled "Metplan Draft Strategy - Metropolitan Public Transport Industry Plan - May 1988", looking at Melbourne's transport needs over the next 15 years. Comments were to close on 15/8/1988. Produced by the MTA, signed off by K. P. Shea as Managing Director. Has an index, looks at the Task, heavy, light rail, tram, bus, taxis, ticketing systems, management, and the various regions including funding and budget.trams, tramways, discussion paper, transport, light rail, tramways, railways, road transport, minister for transport, mta, metplan

Report - 64 pages, green card cover, centre stapled titled "Metplan Metropolitan Public Transport Industry Plan - September 1988", looking at Melbourne's transport needs over the next 15 years. Produced by the MTA, signed off by Jim Kennan Minister for Transport . Has an index, looks at the Task, heavy, light rail, tram, bus, taxis, ticketing systems, management, and the various regions including funding and budget.trams, tramways, transport, light rail, tramways, railways, road transport, minister for transport, mta, metplan

Men of Faith and Vision. Archdeacon Archibald Crawford, Dean John Christian MacCullagh. Publisher Keith Cole Publication. Printed by D G Walker Pty Ltd, Railway Place, Bendigo Victoria 3550. 52 pages. Photographs and illustrations. Signed by Keith Cole. With Indexchurch, history, anglican church, archdeacon archibald crawford, 1815-1890, ministry in ireland, migration to australia, castlemaine, john maccullagh

HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. 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 all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Ladies fob watch, gold, covered in encrustation (small section has broken off to reveal the engraved surface). Face and hands are missing, revealing the workings. Found in the Loch Ard gorge and said to have been from the Loch Ard.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, ladies fob watch, gold watch, fob watch, pocket watch, horology, accessory, time keeping, scientific instrument

Won by Michael Taffe at the Flinders St station Ballroom in October 1924. Michael Taffe had been the Australian Junior Cornet Solo Champion four years earlier.This certificate is an example of the support the Victorian Railways Institute, and other government and corporate staff organisations gave to their employees in a range of cultural fields from the nineteenth to the late twentieth century. Small certificate with Victorian Railways Institute seal.Details provided in copperplate writing - M. J. Taffe, First Prize 82 Points Instrumental Division Cornet Solo Institute Event , signed by president and secretary and dated Melbourne 18th October 24.victorian railways institute, cornet, taffe, melbourne, central station.

Photograph of cable tram trailer 202 after a bad accident where the side of the vehicles has been very badly damaged. The tram has a sign "for the hospital' attached to it. Destination signs are Studley Park, Botanical Gardens, Johnston St, Lygon St, Swanston St and Chapel St. Photo appeared in an article on Melbourne cable trams published in 1896 in Street Railway Review - See item 6444Yields information about severity of damage to a cable tram trailer 1890s.Copy photograph - Cable tram trailer 202 after a bad accidentMelbourne “A bad wreck” – Trailer No. 202. Copy neg Mark Plummer collections ex late John Alfred collection. cable trams, tramways, accidents, nicholson st workshops, articles, tram 202, trams

Set of six photographs taken by George Bishop on 24-2-1995 1 - A 296 (Route 109) at Port Melbourne terminus 2 - Z3 197 at South Melbourne Beach, advertising MBF (Medical Benefits Fund) on an East Coburg service - note the "temporary" sign in front of the tram giving the destination. 3 - Z2 2119 (Route 96) at the former St Kilda Railway Station 4 - Z2 2028 (Route 96) St Kilda beach, The Esplanade 5 - Z2 2058 (Route 96) St Kilda beach, The Esplanade 6 - W7 1021 (Route 15) St Kildas beach, The EsplanadeYields information about the operation of Melbourne trams during early 1995.Set of six colour prints printed on Kodak paperDetails of the photograph and photographer on the rear in ink.trams, tramways, st kilda, south melbourne, port melbourne, a class, b2 class, z3 class, w7 class, tram 296, tram 197, tram 2119, tram 2028, tram 2058, tram 1021

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signHelp Prevent Bushfiresbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs

Black and white photographs - 2 copiesTyped below photograph, "Boiler explosion at Ringwood station 20/6/1894. Heard in Box Hill". Article from newspapers:- Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 21 Official enquiry. The Board of Enquiry appointed by the Railway Commissioners to enquire into the causes of the boiler explosion which shattered the locomotive at Ringwood on Saturday night, assembled at the Railway department on Wednesday to commence its deliberations, The board consisted of Mr R. Fulton, engineer, C. W. McLean; engineer to the Marine Board, and Mr Mephan Ferguson, iron-founder. There is some difficulty at the outset about the constitution of the board; It was suggested that the Apt of Parliament contemplated that boards of experts, after the manner of the present one, needed, to have their appointments confirmed by the Governor-in-Council. The point, however, was not considered sufficiently important to prevent the board from proceeding with evidence. Robert Greyford, stationmaster at Ringwood, was the first witness. He said he saw the explosion on Saturday night at about twenty minutes to 8. There was a rush to the engine to see what had happened, and the driver and fireman were both found on the platform of the engine. The driver seemed badly hurt, but the fireman, to all appearances, was not so badly injured. They were both attended to and sent up to Melbourne by the last suburban train. Witness had a look at the engine and found the dome and all the plates round the boiler blown clean, away. The springs were also blown clean away. The Chairman (Mr Fulton) : Did you measure the distance ? Witness: Yes; one of the plates was 209 yards away. A piece from the top of the boiler 15 pounds in weight he found driven into the hard beaten track 410 yards away. Several pieces of boiler plate were found scattered at various distances. The buildings roundabout were injured. The Chairman; Did you notice anything peculiar about either of the driver or the fireman ? — No ; nothing wrong, with either of them. If the engine was blowing off at all, it must have been very light. In your opinion, were they perfectly sober ? — Perfectly. In approaching the station, is there a down or an up grade? — A very slight down grade. How is the road from Healesville ? — Up and down all the way. It is down, grade for about 200 yards coming into Ringwood station. They shut off ; steam about a quarter of a mile away, and come in at a good pace. They generally put on 15 pounds of steam while they are in the station. Mr Ferguson : Had the driver the usual load on ? — Yes ; about the usual load. Witness added that he had known the driver personally for about 10 years, and he had always been a careful, steady, sober man. He did not know the fireman so well. John Palmer, porter at Ringwood station, also saw the explosion. He was attending to the train on its arrival. He was knocked down by the force of the explosion. When he got up he saw the engine driver being carried into the office covered in blood. He noticed nothing peculiar about the driver and fireman, nor about the engine. Mr McLean : How far were you from the engine when you were knocked down ? — From ten to fifteen yards. William Paul, the guard of the train to which the injured locomotive Was attached, said he was looking at the engine at the very moment the explosion occurred. It seemed to come from exactly under the dome. The force of it took him off his feet. He was about 15 yards from the tender. When he rose he tried to reach the engine, but could not do so on account of the steam and coal dust. He called out to know whether any of the passengers were injured, and got no response, so that he concluded they were all right. All the lamps but about half dozen were extinguished by the force of the explosion, although the glass was not broken. He could testify most distinctly that the driver and fireman were both sober. The driver was a man who never drank. The steam started to blow off about a minute and a half before the explosion took place. The last place at which the engine took water was Healesville. The Chairman : Do yon know anything of the quality of the water there ? Is it creek water ? — Yes ; it comes from the Graceburn River. You never heard of its quality ?— No. How long have you known this engine on the road— About 13 months. Hew long have you known the driver on this line ? — About six weeks. I have known the fireman several years. The driver was a strict teetotaller, and I never saw the fireman take anything to drink in his life. Mr T. H, Woodroffe, chief mechanical engineer of the Victorian Railways, produced a report he had written to the secretary, about this explosion. The document gave facts concerning the engine and the explosion. It stated that the rapture seemed to have occurred at the rim of the plates adjoining the fire box. The engine was built at the Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat, in 1883. It was repaired at various times, the last time being in July of last year when it was sent to the Port Melbourne shops, and was then tested to a cold water pressure of 195 and found all right. It was the custom to overhaul all locomotives about every five years. The Chairman : There were no very heavy repairs in July, 1893; were there? — Not to the boilers. The shop manager's report says that the plug and safety tap holes were repaired, five new copper studs put in firebox, ash-pan door repaired, tender cleaned and overhauled, and studs re-rivetted, and boiler tested to pressure of 195, cold water. Mr Woodroffe read the report of the repairs effected to the boiler in December, 1888. That would be the time the plate was put in the boiler. On that occasion three new plates were put in the bottom and the boiler tested up to 195. The Chairman: Do you keep a record of the water used ?— Yes, the water in this case, I think, came from the Maroondah scheme. Mr Woodroffe said boilers were examined front time to time in the running sheds. In his opinion every possible care had been taken to keep the engine in proper care. There might, however, be lessons learnt from this. The Chairman: No doubt. From his examination of the plates [the] witness did not think the state of them could have been detected from the outside. There were no signs of leakage or sweating or anything of that sort. The next witness- was Walter Stinton, workshop manager at Newport and he said that the injured engine had been repeatedly repaired under his charge. He gave a technical account of the repairs effected on various occasions. The testing of locomotives was under his special notice. They had a high pressure pipe running; round the works, and a pump set at 2001b. When the boiler was pumped full of water the pressure when applied up to 1951b. The board appointed by the department to inquire into the Ringwood locomotive boiler explosion sat again at Spencer street on 25th inst. Mr R. Fulton presided and the other members of the board were. Mr Mephan Ferguson and Mr C. W. McLean. Charles Grubb, foreman of the boiler-makers at the Newport workshops, said he had inspected the pieces of plate that had been blown out of the engine, and after examining them, pointed out to the Chief Mechanical Engineer the portion where the plate had started to burst. It was under the lap, on the right hand side of the boiler. The grooving might be accounted for by bad water. During the past twenty years he had examined all the boilers that came into the Williamstown workshops, and while some were hardly marked at all, others were very badly eaten away. The practice was to cut out the defective portions. In this case the boiler was repaired in a similar manner. The Chairman : Can you suggest any other way of repairing so as to prevent accident ? — No, unless by taking out a plate on one side from the joint, and carrying it further up so as to avoid the joints meeting, or by taking out the plate altogether. What would.be the cost .of putting in a new " plate I—Perhaps about double the price; but I wouldn't recommend that course. It would be putting a new plate against plates that have been in use ten years or so and that would not be advisable. I think the present system better. I consider the present system of repairing the best. This is the first we have had so bad like that, to my knowledge. You attributed this to bad water. Is there no other probable cause ? — Well; unless the iron be bad. This was Lowmoor iron. I think this accident was caused by the eating away of plates. This one was the worst I have seen, for the short time it had been running. We use three classes of iron — Lowmoor, Monkbridge and Bowling. By Mr Woodroffe (Chief Mechanical Engineer) ; There are engines still running that were repaired at the same time as this one, in 1888, and. in the same way. These are engines 339 and 333. They have been recently examined and are in splendid order. What in your experience, is the age of a boiler on the Victorian railways? — From 17 to 20 years our earlier boilers stood. The later boilers don't stand so well. How is that? — There is difference in construction, and the material is lighter. The old boilers had thicker plates. Have you been asked in any way to curtail boiler affairs? — No, sir; nor in any way. You have never hesitated to carry out any necessary repairs? — Never. Our orders have been to exercise every care in examining, repairing and renewing boilers. Witness said that his practice was when an engine came into the workshop to find out how long she had been running. If over five years, he informed the workshop manager, and they thought it necessary the tubes were taken nut. If everything was in good order witness reported to the manager. The cost of taking out the tubes and putting them in again was about L20. Mr Woodroffe : Have you ever hesitated to repair a boiler on the score of expense ? — No, never. Mr McLean : Hew do yon ascertain whether a boiler requires repairs?— I keep a record of every boiler examined. From every boiler that comes in I have the dome covers taken off, and when it is practical I get inside. l can almost tell from the top of a boiler what the bottom is like. If there is any doubt about it I have the tubes taken out. If I have suspicion of defective plate I cause to have bored a triangle in the plate at the point where there is the most wear. There is a travelling inspector who visits all the running sheds of the colony except Port Melbourne and tests the boilers. He reports to us and we note what he points out. Alfred Thompson, locomotive inspector of the eastern section, said he knew this engine, 297R. He read a list of her repairs. He heard of the accident on Saturday night and went up to Ringwood. The Chairman : Did you ever notice anything peculiar about the engine? — No, I considered her A1 and would not have hesitated to have put on 140lb pressure owing to the repairs she had undergone. Witness considered that the explosion was caused by the expansion and contraction of the plates ; and, no doubt, the plate had been eaten away through bad water. The other side of the boiler showed: signs of corrosion: By Mr Woodroffe ; Is every care taken with the boilers ? — Yes, every possible care is taken for the safety of boilers, Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 7 EXPLOSION OF A LOCOMOTIVE BOILER, NARROW ESACPE FROM FATALITIES. THE DAMAGED ENGINE. [See drawing of loco – saved in “Railways” folder] The explosion of a locomotive boiler at Ringwood on Saturday evening, formed the subject of much discussion in railway circles on Monday. The Minister arrived at the office at an unusually early hour and immediately entered into a consultation with the acting chairman, Mr Kibble, and Mr Commissioner Murray. As the result of the interview it was resolved to ask three gentlemen of acknowledged engineering experience to sib as a board with the . object of inquiring into the cause of the accident and furnishing a report. Mr Richardson and the Commissioners are tally seized of the importance of having a searching investigation into the accident, and, with Mr Murray, the former went to Ringwood to inspect the scene of the disaster. They will he accompanied by Mr Woodroffe. During the morning no official report had come to hand from the driver or fireman of the engine in reference to the accident, but that is thought to be due to the circumstance that they have not sufficiently recovered to be able to give a circumstantial account of what occurred. The engine was one of the old R's, and, Mr Kibble pronounced them to be about the best class of engines used. So far nothing can be said as to the probable cause of the accident, as the broken plating of the engine has not been submitted to the inspection of experts. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 7 STATEMENT BY THE FIREMAN. This morning Thomas Miles, fireman on the engine the boiler of which exploded on Saturday night, is suffering from an injury to the spine, as well as a very severe shaking to the system. He states that he was fireman on the engine attached to the train which left Healesville on Saturday evening, at ten minutes to 8. Everything went all right until Ringwood was reached, when, .just as the train was about to continue its journey, a load explosion took place and Miles remembers nothing more until he was picked np on the platform ; and found himself suffering from a pain in the back, and an injury to his arm. He cannot think of any reason which could have caused the explosion, as there was plenty of water in the boiler, and everything seemed working all right. Mr R. Fulton, consulting engineer, of Queen street; Mr McLean, a member of the Marine Board ; and Mr Mephan Ferguson, engineer, have consented to act as a board to inquire into the cause of the engine boiler explosion at Ringwood on Saturday evening. The board has been appointed under section 117 of Act 1135, which provides that the Governor-in-Council may direct the taking of a such a step. Mr1 Fulton will act as chairman of the board, which met for the first time at the railway offices, Spencer street, this forenoon. Before separating the members of the Board paid a visit to the Prince's Bridge locomotive sheds in company with Mr Woodroffe, the chief mechanical engineer, for the purpose of inspecting the shattered boiler. It has been stated that the explosion is known to have been caused by a flaw in a plate which was put on the boiler about four years ago, but enquiries have tailed to elicit anything in support of that view. The engineers connected with the department are not inclined to say anything on the subject. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 14 April 1894, page 20 The Ringwood Boiler Explosion, The Minister of Railways has received the supplementary report of the board appointed by him to investigate the circumstances connected with the explosion of a locomotive boiler at Ringwood. In their first report the board did not attach blame to anyone. Mr Richardson felt satisfied that the responsibility of having the engines properly inspected and overhauled periodically could be fixed if the inquiry were extended. He therefore referred the matter again to the Board, who took further evidence. In the report now furnished, the Board hold Loco. Inspector Thompson blameable, but point out as a mitigating circumstance that he had not received "written instructions" respecting inspections and overhauls. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 7 July 1894, page 32 The Ringwood Boiler Explosion. The Minister of Railways takes exception to the tone of a paragraph appearing in a morning contemporary respecting the Ringwood boiler explosion. It makes it appear that Mr Richardson has referred the report of the board which considered the facts connected with the explosion to the Crown solicitor simply because he differed from the finding of the board. The Minister explains that when he received the report he found that the responsibility for having boilers properly inspected and overhauled had not been clearly fixed. He personally obtained farther evidence on that point, and arrived at a conclusion, from which the commissioners differed. As he did not like to take upon himself the responsibility of deciding upon the effect of the evidence, he submitted the matter to the Crown Solicitor, but that officer did not furnish him with the information sought. He has, therefore, referred the question to the Attorney-General, together with the draft of a regulation respecting boiler inspections and overhauls in the future. Mr Richardson says that his whole aim is to have the responsibility positively fixed. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 28 April 1894, page 23 The Minister of Railways has completed his consideration of the supplementary report received by him from the Ringwood Boiler Explosion Board. The report, it will be remembered, held Loco-Inspector Thompson blameable for the non-inspection of the boiler, but considered there was extenuating circumstances. There was a certain amount of doubt as to the absolute instructions given for overhauling engines periodically. Mr. Richardson is sending the report on to the Commissioners with instructions that the responsibility respecting inspection of boilers shall be made clear for the future.

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signProtect your forests from firebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs