The photo shows a woodchopping competition in an unknown location in the Grampians. The identity of the people in the photo is unknown.The photo shows a large group of men standing in a clearing, around a cut log. One man has his foot on the log and is holding an axe and a crow bar which are lodged in the log. There is a man holding a book standing on a rock in the centre.recreation, woodchopping competition

Photo shows two adults with four children among frens. One group appear on higher ground near the top of the photo, while another group of a woman, a small child and a todller are pictured among the ferns lower down."Among the Ferns. Grampians." inscribed in lower, left of photo.recreation, bush-walking

Some of the people in the photo are said to be members of the Balmain family. James and his wife Amy Sophia (nee D' Alton) had three children. Amy died suddenly in 1902 at the age of 37. See p45 Bridging the Gap.Photo shows group of people seated and standing by a waterfall,three men seated on top of waterfall, next level a man and a young woman ( who is holding a hiking stick), top level a man and woman both holding hiking sticks. In front of them seated on a rock is a woman holding a hat. on her lap Waterfall is split into three and they flow over a larger rocky platform.Balmains c1900recreation, bush-walking

This historical family photograph spans three generations of the Cooper Family, a pioneer family, still residing in the Kiewa Valley. The large axe held by Pat was a handy tool for pioneer families to chop down trees for land clearing, building sheds and fences, outhouses and fire wood. This photograph was taken during a time where both male and females did some heavy lifting and processing. The rural sector at this point in time was physically a hard location for both sexes. The segregation of the sexes into specific job categories was some times non existent although household "chores" was in the main a woman's domain. The rural sector was in this point of time one which women were highly respected and the unwritten law of providing "assistance" and "reverence" by men in such actions as, socially opening doors, tipping the cap, offering a sturdy arm for support and refraining from doing or saying anything "uncouth" in a woman's presence. It was in a time when women's liberation was just starting to grow strength. Rural areas, on the hole, took longer to interfuse "city" hatched norms of behaviour. This photograph of a pioneer family still residing in the Kiewa Valley demonstrates not only the close protective environment that the valley has on all its inhabitants but also the close bonding that neighbors have towards each other. The term "God's gifted country" fits warmly with all the settlements in the valley. The relatively isolated (physically, visually and communications wise) has since post World War II been whittled away by faster and vastly improved communications with "the outside" world. The strength of commitment to the rural life can be seen in the faces of the family members in this photograph. The proud heritage is displayed without any external pressure. This large black and white family photograph is a reproduction on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper manufactured by Fujifilm. It is 200gsm matt finished paper with no borders. On the reverse side, written in pencil "Ted Cooper sitting aged 24-25, Pat Amery (Ted's youngest sister) holding Ted's eldest son Doug and Ted's father John Franklin Cooper(22-8-1892)"john cooper, ted cooper, pat amery, doug cooper, pioneer family kiewa valley

This type of "stone" jar drinking container was used before glass and later plastic material made it "out of date" as a drink container. The qualities of the glazed pottery (stone) drinking containers made from this natural thermal insulation material was to contain the liquid to a prescribed temperature either hot or cold, as required. This was particularly important in rural environments that lacked adequate refrigeration means. The rural regions where the last areas in Australia where this type of drinking container remained in use. The late 1960's saw a revival of the basic rural ethos by the "hippie" culture of going to basic survival non "commercial" living.This particular stone jar drinking container was also a method of advertising for a Wodonga Stone masonry manufacturer. It is both relevant and significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the type of industry that has breached the evolutionary trend for cheaper "throw away" drinking containers. Although this particular type of container is limited to quality liquids and it is still available in most rural sectors of the Australian "bush" environment.This stone/earthenware jar has a lip 250mm in length and 150mm thick. This lip will allow the thumb and forefinger to be used to grip the container for either pouring its contents out or securing it for any movement. The external glazed surface may become slippery when wet. The jar is heavy even when empty and would be too heavy for small children to carry. By using a cork seal the jar can be reused and therefore become more economical for the longer term. The thickness of the vessel provides a good insulation for the liquid contained. Most of this type of container would have contained ginger beer.Within two elliptical circles are painted (in freehand) "S. MASON" in the top half and "WODONGA" in the bottom half.These are separated by an asterisk on both sides. A large "S" overlaid by a similarly large "M" is within the inner circle. Stamped into the jar when still wet during manufacture is "PINNACLE BRAND" in 5mm lettering.drinking container, stone jar, ginger beer container, s. mason, wodonga earthen ware

This raker/jointer/guage set is a sharpening tool for cross cut logging saws. The logging saws used in the early 1900's for the clearing of forests required constant sharpening of their "cutting teeth". The logging of forested areas during these times was very much a "hands on" method of either one or two men by the use of saw or hand axe. Chain saws, chain and ball(clearing) and bulldozing methods came in the mid 1900's.This particular saw sharpening method was used by surveyors laying down boundaries for the S.E.C. Victoria Hydro Electricity Scheme (1920's). This item was given to a local Kiewa Valley lad who accompanied the initial surveyors. The lad was responsible for the tendering and feeding of the surveyors "pack horses". Surveys during this period and in the dense mountainous terrain of the Victorian Alps was both exhausting and hazardous. Overnight accommodation at various log cabins was not always possible and swag/tent alternative was the "fall back" This raker/jointer saw sharpener was made in the USA (DISSTON) from cast and flat iron. The main body has been painted in orange. It has three adjustment screws on the top horizontal bar and one bolt on(adjusting) leveling platform on the bottom. The small size and weight of this saw sharpener was ideal for the travelling/mobile logger or surveyor(as in this case). The main frame resembles two towers connected by two horizontal bars and the top of the towers has a horizontal bar with adjustment screws. See KVHS 0090 (B) for setting stake wedge adjusting the rake and cutting angle and KVHS 0090 (C) for a small spanner (for adjustments).On one inner supports is stamped "DISSTON" and on the other "U.S.A."hand tool, saw, sharpening method, tree felling.

This is part of a crosscut saw raker/jointer/guage set used to bend the tip of each cutter tooth for cross cut logging saws. The logging saws used in the early 1900's for the clearing of forests required constant sharpening of their "cutting teeth". The logging of forested areas during these times was very much a "hands on" method of either one or two men by the use of saw or hand axe. This item was used by the surveyors commissioned by The S.E.C. Victoria Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme project mapping the relevant Alpine region. Chain saws, chain and ball(clearing) and bulldozing methods came in the mid 1900's.This particular saw sharpening method was used by surveyors laying down boundaries for the S.E.C. Victoria Hydro Electricity Scheme (1920's). This item was given to a local Kiewa Valley lad who accompanied the initial surveyors. The lad was responsible for the tendering and feeding of the surveyors "pack horses". Surveys work during this period and in these dense mountainous terrain of the Victorian Alps was both exhausting and hazardous. Overnight accommodation at various log cabins was not always possible and swag/tent alternative was the "fall back".This cast iron Spring Setting tool has a main body of angle iron contours with one end tappered into a flat circular extension with a slit (3/32" wide) running from the top to nearly the centre(15mm). This slit is to allow the bending of each "cutter tooth" of the cross cut saw. The "bottom of this slit has a semi circular ending. Protruding from one side of the bar body, and close to the "slit" is a tounge like extension (wedge) to fasten the spring set tool into a tree stump. See KVHS 0090 (A) for its Raker/Jointer saw sharpening guage set partner. Also see KVHS 0090 (C) for the associated wrench. On one side of the bar "DISSTON U.S.A."hand tool, saw, sharpening method, tree felling

The period when kerosene was extensively used for indoor lighting was before electrical reticulation was installed in rural areas. In remote areas this was up to the mid 1900's. The kerosene lantern however was still in use, for camping and outdoor activities, well beyond this period and was eventually replaced by LPG and battery powered lighting. The transition phase to "modern" outdoor and domestic lighting lingered on the rural areas where the electrical reticulation suffered from reliable constant supply.In the Kiewa Valley, being a rural region, had reliable electrical domestic and farm supply only after the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme had been fully operational. The supply was relative to how close the homestead was to the major electricity substation. This kerosene lamp was in use during the period when it was the only reliable source of domestic night time lighting. The strength of refractive light produced by this lantern/lamp hinged upon the size of the lamp(wick and glass bowl). The small size of this lamp suggests that it was for use in a small room(children's bedroom) or as providing a light for a safe walk to the outside ablutions (toilet) area. This small kerosene lamp has an enclosed "cup" body which would have contained the kerosene fuel. The top wick holder, made from brass, has an extended enclosed spout which raises the wick approximately 20mm from the bottom of the holder. The wick holder screws into the the top of the kerosene reservoir bowl and has a wick adjustment screw (light control) at one side. The small white glass light reflector bulb nestles securely onto the wick holder and is kept snug by snap designed extending "fingers". The section between the bottom of the refractive glass "light" bowl and the top of the kerosene bowl has perforations to allow air passage to feed directly to the wick.The light refracting bulb is open at the top to allow heat and smoke from the burning wick to escape upwards.On the wick control screw "CWB BRITISH MADE"kerosene reading lamp, domestic lighting, bedside light

This biscuit/tea caddy was probably targeting the "theatre going" family or those who liked looking at the colourful shakespearian scenes. This item however demonstrates that the rural (Kiewa Valley) appreciation of classic English plays was, in this time period (early 1900's), just as strong as in the larger towns and cities. This item also presents the period in which the "olde" Elizabethian phrases and words were taught in regional high schools. Although this speech pattern and phraseology was of a specific time period and going out of fashion when Australia was first settled it was an inherited form of communication(higher social/economical level). In the context of the rural Australia "scene" and in this time frame of the elite "boarding school" generation this item was a visual reinforcement of the education level and position of the family who owned this tin.This item is highly significant because it not only presents the social aspects of early life in the Kiewa Valley but also the variety of educational levels and economical variations of the rural population within the Kiewa Valley. The egalitarian perception of the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley was still at the infancy of early Australian social interactions. This biscuit /tea container was however a leveling of the socio-economic playing field of the time.This biscuit or tea tin, has besides having an outer lid (hinged), it also has an internal lid(with a circular finger grip). Although the shape is rectangular it has a slight concave bulge at each side of the centre of each of its main frame. It is made of pressed light steel and has a raised floor. The corners are bevelled and the outer lid has a bevelled slope ridge in parallel to the extremities of the main tin frame. There are painted scenes from the following Shakespearian plays on each side of the tin; "As you like it", "Hamlet" and on each of the bevelled corners are the portraits of Shakespeare(in the middle), the caricature mask faces of "the theatre" above and on the bottom section the "Director's chair"food storage, kitchen table container, domestic educational storage, shakespeare illustrations

This cigarette or pipe lighter was in use in the mid 1900's when the majority of users were men. Ladies did smoke but mainly not in "public" The activity was still regarded as a male activity. Middle to Upper "Class" of women nearly always had a gentleman "at hand" that would "light up" her cigarette. This was seen as a "social" activity only but later in the mid 1900's onward it was quite acceptable for both sexes to "smoke" at anytime.This type of lighter was male orientated due to the degree of lighting the flint with the horizontal movement required a strong thumb action across the lighting wheel. It is significant to rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley as the majority of men (especially during and after World War II) regarded smoking as a way to ease off the "tension" of hard work. The socio-economics of the Australian work place changed after the emancipation of women in the "workforce" after the World War II depleted the male workforce for the duration of the War and changed the Australian ethics of women in all aspects of both city and rural working "so called" male only occupations.This Roller Beacon lift arm cigarette/pipe lighter has a chrome plated brass shell and is fueled by petrol. To operate this lighter you lift the "snuffer" arm(long roller lift arm) exposing the horizontal external flint tube, then scrape the flint wheel to create a spark (to light the wick) from the adjacent flint(resting on the brass ignition wheel).At the base to the left of the "filler" screw "PATENT No. 485037, 818155" underneath "REG. DES. N" on the filler screw "ROLLER REG" underneath "TRADE MARK". To the right of the "filler", "THE ROLLER BEACON MADE IN ENGLAND"early hand lighters, smoking in the 1930's, cigarette lighter, cigarette, tobacco

This item has historical value as it shows part of the importance of fashionable money containers specific to a more affluent rural family. The period when sheep properties producing high grade wool were providing Australia with the high yield capital return to sustain an ever growing population. This was an era where most of the manufactured goods were imported from England and the European continent.This has relevant significant value as it portrays the earlier reliance that the growing Australian population had from the rural sector. The wealth capital was from the rural sector and the elaborate fashion accessories, such as this money purse, shows how that wealth was utilised. The Kiewa Valley was part of the "rich" farm regions of Victoria and besides gold mines and tobacco plantations, dairy and cattle properties provided for not only the needs of the Victorian region but also the rest of Australia. This gold plated filigree money purse has a clasp on top for fastening purposes and has on either side inside a small extension frame which would have contained a felt/silk padding buffer. The buffer would have highlighted the intricate pattern of the filigree metalwork.hand purse, money purse, filigree women's accessories

This particular glass bowl was a favoured ornamental type room "brightener" in the early 1900's. Although referred to as a "nappy bowl" this bowl has not the capacity for nappies but for nappy pins. This was a period in time before the nappy ties and instant nappy covers.This has relevance as an object that was both practical for the early 1900's nappy changes and provided some visual relief for any "drab" household ambience, especial in rural homes. The early to mid 1900's, rural households, on the whole, were more practical and not designed for entertainment. This reflected the more serious nature which were governed by aspects of providing a living from the land and unreliable weather. By placing visually attractive ornaments within various rooms (lounge/living rooms) the transformation from a stark external environment to a more warm and friendly area was achieved. This dark amber (Marigold) carnival glass 5 inch nappy bowl has a Kookaburra press molded base and wattle blossom with waratah and flannel flower sides. The bowl has a twelve scolloped rippled rim. Initially this type of bowl was reintroduced(from Roman times) into the 19th and 20th Century (modern age) by a United States glass manufacturer..Manufacturer's mark at the base illegible nappy bowls, nappy pin holders, visual mood changing ornaments

This photograph frame with its decorative dragon and bamboo shoots was typical of the early 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist. It was in a period before the "instant" photo and required a dark room and processing liquids for development. It was therefor in a time when photographs were "shot" only at important events, be they family or public occasions. Good quality picture frames such as this item were a part of the "reverence" of photographs per se.This photograph frame holds and protects, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch of one of the founding families within the Kiewa Valley. The frame therefore has historical significance.This silver painted aluminium photograph frame has a glass front pane within a formed inlay and a formed inlay at the back. The anchor points, at the back, for securing toggles are in place but not the toggles. These toggles were installed to allow the photograph to be securely positioned within the correct alignment of the the frame.The metal front plate has seven rivets holding the cloth covered cardboard back frame to the metal front cover. The front part of the frame has sculptured dragon and wild bamboo shoots and is boarded with a plain border pattern. The back panel to secure the photo and hold the stabiliser flap is missing. See also KVHS 0092 for a more complete frame.photograph frame early 1900's, the roper family

This manual telephone exchange console is an important piece of equipment which provided the most efficient method of long distance communications in the 1950's to the 1980's. Communications were critical, not only for the regional Hospital, but also for large construction sites i.e. the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, especially if they are in dense rugged mountainous regions. The degree of Occupation Health and Welfare on industrial sites were at a bare minimum compared to the work scene after the 1980's.This telephone exchange console is highly significant to both the Kiewa Valley and Mount Beauty region because it was so important in the communications field relating to operational safety and work related controls. The success of any large undertaken relies heavily upon good communications. In the hospital this method of communications is still used i.e. patient to ward station. This flag system link a patient's room to the controlling nursing station. Identification of the patient needing help is crucial for swift action from the available medical staff. Similarly in large construction sites such as the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, successful instant communications was also essential. This switchboard required a 50 volt supply to successfully operate and was in use when both telecommunications and postal were under the one Federal Government carrier i.e. The Post Master General. A benefit with a line communication system (such as the one that fed this console was that interference from atmospheric conditions did not impede the connection.This console telephone switchboard (manual) unit has a shutter operation (precursor to the light indicator) to identify the caller to the telephone switchboard operator. This switchboard has a ten point indication shutter system allowing the operator to clearly identify where the caller is located. The console has a 44 connection point holes with their configurations in a triangular shape. The shutters are held closed by a small lever at the top which is opened by a small electrical charge from the incoming call. The operator uses a wind up handle to power a magneto connector(handle on the console's right side). The telephone hand set is located on the left side of the console. sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth and communications

This "camp fire" hot plate has been used from the early 1900's on camp drafts /droving cattle onto and from the Victorian high plains. The size of "camp" kitchens would depend on the amount of "cattle" men required to collect and move the "herd" to and from the "lush" high plains.This "camp fire" hot plate is significant because it was donated by a member of the Roper family (the Roper's of the Kiewa Valley) a "pioneer" family. This particular camp fire hot plate originated in Tasmania however the Victorian Alps are very similar to the Tasmanian mountain regions and this type of cooking utensil was, and still is, used in isolated regions e.g. large cattle properties in the Northern Territory. This Camp Fire hot plate was used on the High Plains at the Roper Hut for approximately 35 years.This open fire hot plate is made from caste iron. It has a circular flat (cooking) base, ideal for a few thick pieces of prime steak, a high semi circular handle with a large circular carry ring, to apply a thick stick or rod through it as an insulated handle (to position the hot plate where required over a fire). The "handle" can be folded down to save space when packing it in the saddle bags. The handle has a strong metal rivet on each end (is loose enough to allow it to be moved to either side e.g. flattened). One end, of the handle, has a movable sleeve to fasten the the handle in an upright positioncamp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen, cattlemen

This Pie Iron was used in the mid to late 1900's when stock, both cattle and sheep, were grazed on the Bogong High Plains. Providing meals for stockmen over open fires, even in log cabins in the Victorian Alpine region, was usually by a "camp cook" or a stockman designated "cook" from the Valley station/property. The use of "camping cooking utensils were a necessity and not a "weekend" affair. Stockmen could spend up to six weeks on the plains and all their cooking needs required had to "pack horsed" from the valley below. A scientific study started in 1947, to study the impact of grazing cattle on the natural Alpine and sub Alpine vegetation found grazing cattle had an adverse affect on the natural Alpine and sub alpine vegetation, and grazing on the plains was stopped by the Victorian Government in 2005.This item is highly significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates the kind of cooking utensils that were required for camp drafts in the Bogong High Plains environment. As the control of cattle and sheep in the High Plains was very demanding upon horse and rider, good "tucker" was a pre- requisite for a successful operation. As the time spent in this remote location was governed by the climatic condition maximum utilisation of the very good pastures in the High Plains was crucial to a successful and profitable season.This pie iron has two pie forms in horizontal configuration and both top and base rounded forms are connected at one end (Top) with pop rivet application. This application allows for the "opening" up of the two halves. The bodies are made from cast iron in a "cup" form and a metal rod and wooden handle extend to permit the opening of the two sides. The inner side of the "cups" are smooth which relates to pie requirements and not the jaffle/sandwich irons. A clasp metal "D" ring is installed at the end of one wooden handle (to keep the iron in the close/cooking position).camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliances, pie irons, jaffle irons, drovers kitchen

These long handled "V" shaped tongs were used late 1800's to mid 1900's by a blacksmith within the Kiewa Valley. During these times blacksmiths would regularly visit "remote" rural properties and work on any "hard to manufacture" items. A few properties had either stockmen,farm hands, or owners able to do "minor" blacksmith work. The ability to undertake blacksmith functions was sometimes "by necessity" handled by a local "jack of all trades" person. During this period however demand for rural based blacksmiths was very high. The rural store, however was usually very small and many "off" the shelf rural appliances and apparatus available in the larger rural towns were not available to the semi remote rural areas.This long handled "V" shaped nipper tongs is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it represents one of the essential mores relating to isolated rural regions as was the Kiewa Valley at this period in time. This "ingrained " more was the ability to achieve anything that was required to maintain a living standard or survival in a remote grazing, mining and farming region. The remoteness was due to the small population, poor transport routes and flood prone roads and lower flat plains of the Kiewa Valley. Any blacksmith work whilst grazing Cattle on the Bogong Plains had to be done in situ.Long handled tongs with "V" shaped ends on the nippers (used by blacksmiths)I.T.O.C.tools, blacksmith, horses, wrought iron tools

Historically this item was used before the spirit and the electrical iron took over Circa 1930s -1950s. The main body of the iron was placed on a flat heated surface of a stove (wood, coal or gas fired). It was mainly used by women in their domestic role, ironing the family clothes and linen. In the Kiewa Valley the supply of coal or gas was not available or too expensive than the locally cut hard wood trees. This particular iron was an improvement on the fixed handled iron because it allowed (by use of its easily detachable handle) to use multiple bases and thereby allowing a constant heat supply to be maintained and not having to waste time for a base to reheat to the required level of application.The significance of this item was that it allowed for a faster method of ironing clothes and linen. It's invention was a progress towards reducing the time it took to undertake a very labour and intensive domestic function. The reduction of time taken for this household duty provided women great flexibility to undertake other activities. These type of improvements to basic domestic tasks liberated housewives not only physically but also mentally from the isolation of the home environment.This flat iron has a removable, clip-on handle. The handle and its release knob are of wood. The base of the handle together with the heavy flat body are made of cast iron. The body of the iron is oval shaped tapered at each end and is 40mm thick.Underneath the handle frame and on the main body, on one side, in raised lettering is "Mrs Potts" and on the other side "Iron". Both are clearly visible when viewed from an aerial position. Under removable handle and on a plate (screwed onto the main body) is "No 2"iron, antique, household, pressing clothes, domestic, laundry

This item (tobacco plug, as it was referred to) was used as a smokeless digestion of nicotine from the tobacco leaf. It was harvested by the tobacco growers before tailor made cigarettes became available. It was mainly regarded as more of a male item as it required to expectorate unwanted mouth juices. Ladies rarely used chewing tobacco. Most hotels and drinking rooms (men only in this era) had special spittoons to catch the waste.This item was used at a time when it was socially acceptable to chew tobacco (1800s to early 1900s). The associated health problems (lung and other related cancers including emphysema) eventually became the social and political incentive to curb the tobacco industry in the Kiewa Valley. Harvesting tobacco also had extreme risks such as "Green Tobacco " sickness. In Victoria the economical viability of the tobacco industry was extinguished in 2006. The tobacco drying sheds are still standing in the Kiewa Valley and in nearby regions. This item was also used by miners underground retrieving gold.This work environment was strictly a non smoke one.Square (small corner cut off) of compressed tobacco leaves, brown in colour and dried. Known at the time of use as a Plug.tobacco, chewing, plug, nicotine, smokeless, rural industry

This item predates the change of Imperial measure (England -1824) to decimal measure (Europe) in Australia (1970 to 1988). This item was manufactured in England as, was the majority of measuring tool and equipment. It was not until the late 1950s that other countries e.g. United States and Europe provided the same type of manufactured tools for the Australian market. World War II, when Australia had to defend its own boarders that the political push for self sufficiency of manufactured goods started local production. Workers in the Kiewa Valley had always relied on the high quality of tools and manufactured goods coming from England. From the middle to late 1950s migration by skilled workers from a war torn Europe provided the source of manpower for the expansion of the manufacturing industries in Australia.The requirement of an accurate measuring tool has always been critical. This item was used at the time when Australia was using the British Imperial measurements. Accurate measurements by carpenters and other trades people for both town and rural needs was just as critical as for the larger cities. The transition period from Imperial to metric was a period of over four years but it still presented those who had used the Imperial measurements for a longer period in their trades with a dual system of measurement for a longer time(usually up to their retirement) Other nations still using Imperial measurements kept the transition from Imperial to metric alive (the UK and USA still uses Imperial measurements in 2012)Retractable metallic wired tape measure within a leather casing. Length of tape is 66 feet. Brass fittings on casing(winder and back plate)Tape on one side marked in inches and feet and on the other in links. Winder lever marked "66ft No 401" on front and arrow with"wind this way". Leather cover marked "John R A Bone & Sons Birmingham England" on reverse side "Metallic wired tape R A Bone & Sons"wired tape measure, tool, mobile tool, construction tool

This item wasused before diesel, electric and battery drilling apparatus were used by farmers, and other trades requiring a portable yet reliable method of drilling holes. As this item is a 3/4 inch hole drill it would be suitable for fencing and providing holes for structural studs. As with all outdoor farm equipment, man power was required (be it the farmer or farm hands). Fitness of the operator was at a high standard but protective gloves were not highly thought of as it was before occupational, health and safety regulations became mandatory over all manual handling activities, be they on rural properties or town/city factories. This period was one where the male ego was at its pinnacle i.e. the harder the tasks the more of a man was required. Hard manual work was not only the "way to go" but also a necessity. Evolution of cheap portable electric/battery powered tools opened up a more efficient method available, especially to those with less muscle strength. This item personifies the rugged environment of the rural workplace. The Kiewa Valley with its main emphasis on farming and grazing provided ample opportunity to use this construction implement. The manufacturer being a Scottish tool company is very significant in the era when this hole maker was in high demand. British steel products were of high grade and had a good record of reliability. The reliability of any tool was a solid factor for farmers and tradesmen in this semi-isolated region (Circa early 1900s) within the Kiewa Valley and its regional area. This factor,although not as crucial, post 1960s, when Asian manufacturers entered the market place and produced cheaper tools and transportation and supplies was more frequent and reliable, the need for the more expensive British made tools diminished considerably. After the influx of tradesmen from war torn Europe (post 1945) and the increased availability of tradesmen in the Kiewa Valley and its region the price of tools was and still is not as crucial and the cost of all required tools has become a minimal part of the equation. It is only with the emerging younger trades person, farmer and grazier, who have more, "one eye on production costs" and no "old ties to the motherland" inert mind set that quality tools such as this auger and other hand tools "must be made to last a life time" is no longer part of the modern work environment.This cast iron, hand operated Auger has a short barrel shaped cylinder at one end (known as the "Eye") and at the other end a Helical screw blade (screws the cutting edge into wooden material, thereby creating a hole 3/4 inch diameter in the wood) . The barrel section at the top permits a metal or wooden leverage plank to be inserted. The main rod has a 180mm long cutting/screw blade running from the bottom up towards the "eye" end. From the end of the screw blade to the handle is 380mm and cylindrical, but this changes at 550mm from the "eye" end to a 14mm x 10mm rectangular shape shaft.This shaft end is welded to the "Eye".On the shaft below the "eye" is stamped " MATHESON GLASGOW" on the front side and a spade (cards) symbol on the back.auger, hand drill, fencing, tool, rural trades, brace & bit

This particular brand of tobacco (State Express 555) was first made in 1915, and was most popular in Asia and China. The number triple 5 was mooted as a sacred number, and may have contributed to its high level of demand by Asian smokers. This would have been a favourite "smoke" for the Chinese emigrants, and especially those who settled in rural areas of Australia. In the era where 'male' type of activities such as motor racing, were sponsored by tobacco companies, roll your own cigarettes was ingrained as a macho male requirement. It was only in the early 2000s, when cigarette advertising had greater restrictions attached to the product, that the roll your own, and cigarettes in general, became less "cool". This particular cigarette tin would have also been useful for roll your own (ready rub tobacco)The significance of this particular Qantas cigarette tin to this rural region is that it demonstrates that overseas travel by plane was not only for the affluent city dweller but also available, and not impossible to the inhabitants of the Kiewa Valley. This cigarette tin also may hint that the influx of Asian immigrants into this region where able to visit relatives back in Asia without too much effort. The use of a Qantas cigarette tin in the Kiewa Valley also suggests a degree of affluent there or tourists from elsewhere. This tobacco tin relays a long ago era, when personal contact, and not something that has been written down by some "unknown", was valued as the true appraisal of a member of the community. This was especially relevant in a small regional area such as the Kiewa Valley. Although social networking was not as fast then as the internet provides now, appearances, manners, fashion and etiquette with first impressions high on the order of evaluating someone in the community. Pointer such as the brand of tobacco smoked was part of the rural assessment method. Up until the demise of the Australian Tobacco Industry, circa 2004, the Kiewa Valley and surrounding district was part of a vibrant producer of tobacco leaves. The remnants of this industry still remain today but the drying sheds (for tobacco leaves) are now used to store hay for the valley's dairy and beef cattle industries.This tobacco/cigarette tin is constructed from tin plated thin rolled steel. The lid is attached by two pressed and formed (from the main frame) hinges using the nip and tuck construction method.The outside lid and frame has a yellow colour anodised to the metal.On the front of the lid are the following printed: "STATE EXPRESS" ,in yellow print, and below this are two horizontal lines in brown and central to these are the numbers "555" . Below this appears and within a 'royal' crest, in yellow writing on a brown circular background "STATE EXPRESS". Below this, in brown print, "PICCADILLY, LONDON". On each side of the tin are printed in brown colour: front side" ARDATH TOBACCO CO. LTD. PICCADILLY, LONDON" . On the left and right sides are printed in brown colour "20 STATE EXPRESS 555". On the rear side is with smaller print "MANUFACTURED UNDER ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POPRIETORS". On the inside of the lid printed in red colour, are the following words, the royal crest and sketch of the winged kangaroo(symbol of the QANTAS logo). Within a red elongated square border, are the Royal Crest and in very small red print "BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN" underneath in slightly larger print "STATE EXPRESS" The print underneath this and in smaller print is "CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS ARDARTH TOBACCO CO. LTD." Next to the royal crest and in much larger print is "STATE EXPRESS" and underneath this ,the numerals 555 with the words "CIGARETTES" below. The lower half of the inside lid has the following words and the "flying" kangaroo(winged). These words in written (running free hand) style "Specially packed for QANTAS(in red print). Underneath and in smaller print is "AUSTRALIA'S OVERSEAS AIRLINE". On the bottom of this tobacco tin is stamped into the metal surface, the number"704"qantas supplied cigarettes, roll your own, cigarette tins, smoking accessories, personal effects, tobacco containers, tobacco

This handset appeared via Australia Post Office and was to some degree manufactured in Britain just prior to 1939. During and after World War II these handsets were made in Australia. The handset belonged to the SEC Victoria and later the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. As this unit has a winder arm (to notify the switchboard) it would have resided in a workshop/machine shop and not in an office. The durability of the bakelite covering gave good protection in any environment. In years later the bakelite came in colours. This type of handset being able to endure rough handling was ideal for the surroundings of the alpine terrain. It would have been at the various outside outposts or foreman posts as swift communications was essential and communications with all sectors of work in the Hydro Electricity Scheme was mandatory, not only for safety reasons but also for efficient operational day to day progress. Also refer to article in "This Week" Newsletter 30th June 2023. Article attached to paper copy.This Australian Post Office 184 black coloured bakelite wall mounted phone was initially developed by Ericsson Telephones Ltd Britain. It was used by the SEC Office based at Mount Beauty and therefore has a winder (for power and notification to the switchboard. The hand piece (large ear and voice receptors)is placed vertically above the dial up winder.On the winder plate in hand writing is" turn handle lift handset" and below the handle "when finished replace handset turn handle"sec communications, wall telephone, internal communications kiewa hydro electricity scheme

This product was introduced in an era where the "silky smooth" look was in vogue. From the 1920s on, American and British film stars set the tone of how clean cut (hero type) masculine look attracts the opposite sex faster and in greater quantities than the "unkempt" or natural maintained look. This look was bold and "polished" and had the intended projection that the hair matched the character of "I look after myself and have a high opinion of physical appearances". As fashion goes this slick and well maintained look has circled many times, in and out of history and in Australia in the 1950s this was a prime example. The liberation of the stereo type of both sexes occurred in the 1960s when the freedom loving "hippie culture" had a marked affect upon the city inhabitants but not so strong among rural males. Sexism was still rife in that time frame.This jar of Brylcreem was a part of the (masculine) rural scene for a longer period than that found in the larger towns and cities. The long held "men are men" and "women are women" distinction between the sexes lingered on more in rural areas because of the perceived physical differences, mainly "strength" and perceived tasks such as "men only" activities (heavy farm/mining/construction). The jar of Brylcreem maintained the respectable male look for those special occasions when males "dressed" up and looked clean physically and well behaved (to show respect to the women folk)This glass jar with a glued on,red background, label detailing the product Brylcreem (a men's) hairdressing ointment is empty of its original product. It has been contoured on each side to allow for a man's fingers to comfortably and firmly grip the jar. This form would allow even "greased up" hands to maintain control. The glass thickness is far greater than needed and also added the extra stability to the standing jar. The shape of the jar is a latent attempt to emulate the physique of a fit young man (small waist, expanded and muscled mid rift and large shoulders). The jar does not distract from viewing its contents (clear glass). It has a black gloss screw (on/off) lid made from mild grade steel. The jar holds approximately 200 grams of a thick molasses textured product. On the front red Label; in large white letters "BRYLCREEM" underneath this is in smaller silver print "THE PERFECT HAIRDRESSING" underneath this is a banner type motif with a crown at the top and a black letter "B"in the centre. Below this and in much smaller print are printed in black script "BEECHAM (AUSTRALIA) PTY. LTD. MELBOURNE VICTORIA M A Imen's deportment, toiletries, men's hair styles, physical appearances

The 1950's saw a revolution in small appliances for use in the average household. This hand held self heating(kerosene) iron was introduced as a time saving and more convenient iron for pressing clothes and other cloth fabrics. It replaced irons needing a separate fire source to heat the ironing plate. These irons continued to be in service, even when electricity was available in cities and larger rural towns (domestic electric steam irons were invented in 1938). This item was used before and during the electricity supplies available from the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. These irons remained in use within regional rural areas that had limited or unreliable electrical reticulation.In the 1950s and later the Kiewa Valley was still a relatively isolated region which was home to rural properties and small settlements. The availability of electricity and or the financial means to afford new types of electric hand irons ensured that older and sometimes less efficient ironing remained for an extended period covering the 1960s to 1970s. Kerosene products, such as this kerosene iron was a cheaper method for farm based domestic and other rural activities requiring a heat source. The use of kerosene as a heat/light source was able to be supplied in bulk and able to be used when floods severed vital roads into this region. The supply of electricity was in summer time subject to interruption from bush fire damaged wooden poles carrying the electrical cables. Self sufficiency by rural populations was the backbone of survival and the ability to store energy sources "on the farm" was a prerequisite of isolated regions, such as the Kiewa Valley, circa 1950s.This Coleman kerosene iron has a solid steel chrome plated(press) base with a painted (blue) wooden handle. The handle is stud fastened onto an oblong shaped rolled steel handle frame and screwed (two screws) onto the base plate. Both the heating plate and the top securing plate are shaped similar to a river boat. The main housing enclosing the heating element is enamel coated(blue in colour) steel and has a half hole for lighting the kerosene at the rear end. Behind the handle and protruding upwards is a stainless steel fully enclosed container (bowl shaped) for the main supply of kerosene to the burner or generator(enclosed within the main body of the iron. The bowl has an air valve and inlet for pressurised air intake (hand pump) On the bottom rear of the fuel bowl there is a screw regulated fuel pump. The fuel heated base plate provides the heat for this advertised "self heating iron(instant lighting). See KVHS 0347B- Instruction sheet; KVHS 0347C- Wrench; and KVHS 0347D Fuel can.Stamped on the base plate of the handle, front region "COLEMAN LAMP & STOVE CO." below this "WICHITA KAN" below this"TORONTO CAN". In the middle of the handle base and in larger print "COLEMAN Instant-Lite" At the rear location in large print "MODEL 4" in smaller print below "MADE IN U.S.A." below this "PAT#1718473"household appliances, alternative non electrical ironing appliances, domestic appliances, kerosene appliances