This honour board commemorates Victorian Postmaster General's Department workers who served in the First World War. A total of 3,726 employees of the Postmaster General's Department enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. This represented about one in every five of the total number of men employed by the Department. Many other employees volunteered, but were rejected for health or other reasons, whilst men in key positions could not be spared. This board was displayed at the Spirit of ANZAC Centenary Experience, Melbourne, in February 2016.This honour board was produced by the Postmaster-General's Department and passed through its successor entities until donation to the National Communications Museum in 2018. Its provenance is further supported by the supplementary photograph (VH256) held by the Museum which shows the board in production. The board provides a comprehensive list of the names of Postmaster-General staff across various departments, constituting an important resource for genealogical or social history researchers and a focal point for remembrance by fellow communications workers. The style of the board itself is rare, as it was an unusual practice for honour boards to be hand-lettered on paper.Handpainted paper on linen honour board, perspex glazed with a wooden frame."POSTMASTER GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT / VICTORIA" "ROLL OF HONOR / 1914 1918" "FOR / GOD / KING / AND / EMPIRE"|Headings that precede list of names: "CORRESPONDENCE / BRANCH" "CENTRAL EXCHE" "SUBURBAN AND COUNTRY / POST OFFICES" "TELEGRAPH / BRANCH" "ELECTRICAL ENGINEER'S BCH" "MAIL / BRANCH"pmg, postmaster general's department (pmg), world war 1, ww1, postal workers, honour boards, first world war

This van was used in Western Australia by linesmen and for mail pickup between 1972 and 1991. When transferred to the collection, it was the very last surviving vehicle of its type owned by the company. Despite its age, the van is in excellent condition having been reconditioned in 1987.This Volkswagen Transporter, 2nd generation, is commonly known as a kombi van; named as such after the German word Kombinationskraftwagen, meaning multi-purpose vehicle. This van is believed to have been used by linesmen and for mail collection from 1972 to 1991 in Western Australia, before being donated to the, then, Telstra Collection. Conflicting accounts from John Moynihan, PMG Engineer and author, suggest the van was used by cable jointers from the 1960s. Owing to this unclear use, the van’s historical significance is low though provenance from the Postmaster General’s Department to Telecom, then Telstra, is established. In 1987, the vehicle was extensively reconditioned and some original parts were presumably replaced. It is not, however, in working order or in good condition; the body carries several areas of rust, rubber seals have suffered plasticiser migration, a mirror is missing and there are marks from use. The hand lettered “P.M.G.” inscription is indicative of a Postmaster General fleet vehicle, as is the red colour of the vehicle paint. Though it is in poor condition, the van’s aesthetic style is of some significance. The van is representative of the type of Volkswagen vehicle used by the Postmaster General’s Department and other private businesses and government branches of the era. The vehicle may, therefore, carry social significance for those that lived in this era, where their communication service provider travelled in a Volkswagen van. Indeed, Volkswagen vans were used into the Telecom era, as evidenced by an image (6681153) in the National Archives of Australia collection. While many of these vehicles may exist today, there are few to no examples which survive in museum collections. In 1966, the Post Office (Postmaster General’s Department) had the largest fleet in Australia, totalling nearly 11,000 vehicles (The Canberra Times, 29 September 1966, p. 34). Though in the late 1960s Volkswagen vehicles accounted for just over 500 of these vehicles, with the remainder represented by Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, and others, the multi-purpose nature of the van is significant as a metaphor for the multi-directional services of the Postmaster General’s Department. Archival images show a variety of models and adaptations including roof racks, bull bar and door configurations. Its conflicted history of use may in fact attest to the vehicles variety of application in the duties of the Postmaster General‘s Department.Red Volkswagen Kombi van with stencilled gold lettering on doors. Scratches on bumpers indicate duck-egg blue undercoat. Single sliding door on left side of vehicle body with secondary opening at rear with horizontally divided doors. Mirror missing on right front. Western Australia registration sticker in front windscreen..1: "PMG" .2: "ROYAL" .3-.4 "PMG" .5-.6: "MAIL" .7,.8: "ER" .9: "C OF A / ZEH 622"transport, kombi van, linesman van, postal van, postmaster general’s department

This tape is from the first telegram ever sent in Western Australia. This important event occurred on 21 June 1869. At this time the transmitted message was received on paper tape and later transcribed onto a telegram form for delivery. The original tape was presented to the Honourable Frederick Palgrave Barlee, Colonial Secretary of Western Australia, as a souvenir. "FPB" appears on an engraved shield on the lid. James Coats Fleming, the first telegraphist and later Superintendent of Telegraphs, sent the telegram. During 1875, Colonial Secretary Barlee transferred from Perth to Belize and then to Trinidad where he died in 1884. The fate of the case and spool, souvenir of that first telegram, was unknown. In July 1940, the WA Agent-General in London advised the Premier's Department in Western Australia that a Mrs EW Hillyer of Hertfordshire had the spool and case and was willing to sell it for ten guineas ($21). The Postmaster General's Department agree to the purchase and it duly arrived by registered mail. As a communications museum was planned in Melbourne, it was sent there to be included in the collection. Nothing more was heard until early 1980s when the relic arrived at the Post and Telecommunication museum in Perth. The case had been found in an old Melbourne strongroom where it had apparently been placed for safe-keeping and then forgotten. Initial attempts to decode the message on the tape were unsuccessful. Eventually, it was discovered that the Western Australian Telegraph Company, responsible for that first transmission, had devised its own code. A copy was obtained from the Battye Library and the message deciphered.This Morse tape is of historic significance as the first telegram ever sent in Western Australia. The occasion was momentous as the transition point between isolation and ease of connection for business and personal communications. The case is of aesthetic interest for the craftsmanship involved in the engraved text. Further, the tape has research potential owing to the unique information contained within this tape; that is, the code of the Western Australian Telegraph Company. This tape, may in turn be used to decode further messages sent by the Western Australian Telegraph Company. As the first telegraph message sent in Western Australia, this tape is rare. Despite a tumultuous journey from 1869 to the early 1980s, the tape's ceremonial wooden case provides provenance information which supports the tape's historic importance.Small wooden case (.1) holding a length of morse tape (.2) which was the first telegram ever sent in Western Australia . Wound onto a mother of pearl reel (.3). Accompanying signs and decoded message (.4,.5)..1 engraved on a metal shield shaped plaque on the lid: "WESTERN AUSTRALIAN / TELEGRAPHS / FPB" Inside: 'TRANSLATION OF REGISTER / TO THE CHAIRMAN OF FREMANTLE TOWN TRUST / His Excellency Colonel Bruce heartily congratulates the / inhabitants of Fremantle on this annihilation of distance / between the Port and the Capital, and he requests that this, / the first message, may be made publicly known. / GOVERNMENT HOUSE, / PERTH, June 21, 1869 / Transmitted 11 am / J.C.F."|.2: "Instrument Register / of the First / Telegraphic Message / in / Western Australia"|.3: "The first Telegraph Pole / in / WESTERN AUSTRALIA / was erected by / The Hon. Frederick P. Barlee / Colonial Secretary / on 19th Febr. 1869"telegram, commemorative item, morse inker, morse tape, morse code, code, postmaster-general's department

William Jackson Thomas is credited with making the first ever telephone call in Victoria. Thomas was a customs inspector at the Geelong Customs House and a keen amateur scientist, astronomer and woodworker. He experimented with electricity and induction to develop his own telephone soon after its invention by Alexander Graham Bell. He built most of the experimental telephone equipment himself – right down to the screws. According to the Geelong Advertiser, on 27 December 1877, Thomas held a telephone conversation with friends in a summer house 40 metres away.This instrument is of great historic significance as the instrument which made Australia's first telephone call in 1877, between two houses in Geelong. Although predated by Alexander Graham Bell's invention, this instrument is an example of Australian innovation and design; characteristic of Australian communications history. The instrument has excellent provenance, carrying a descriptive plaque about the use of the item. As an early prototype of a telephone, it is an incredibly rare example of communications technology.Stained wooden rectangular box containing mechanism with circular turned section at one end being the receiver and transmitter. There are 3 metal screws at the rear and a leather strap running from one of these to the transmitter/receiver. A label is on the base.On label: "First telephone made in / Victoria 1878 / Used experimentally between / Geelong and Ballarat and Geelong Queenscliff. / Maker WJ Thomas Esq. / Late H.M. Customs Geelong / Certified by A.C. Thomas For the above W.J.T."telephone, inventions

It took just six weeks in the spring of 1891 to collect nearly 30,000 signatures on the ‘Monster Petition’ for women’s suffrage. Dedicated suffragists collected an average of 5,000 signatures a week (over 700 per day) before the petition was presented to the Victorian Parliament in September 1891. The six-week drive proved the determination of the suffragists, and was one of first major steps along the road to 1908 and the achievement of women’s franchise. Now a prized possession of the State of Victoria, the petition itself was truly a ‘monster’, running 20 centimetres across and 260 metres in length. Several men were required to carry it into Parliament. Its sheer size and unique shape make it a marvel; a stack of paper with an equal number of signatures would not be nearly as impressive as the huge, winding roll presented to Premier James Munro. Quoted from the article ‘The “Monster Petition” and the Women of Davis Street’ by Brienne Callahan, in Provenance: The Journal of Public Record Office Victoria, issue no. 7.

Issued as a uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This uniform belonged to CPL K. Howe, the donor providing good provenance. In conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. Item can be to tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familySingle breasted hip-height jacket in khaki fabric, fastened with five buttons down the centre of the chest. Two pleated breast pockets with triangular flaps fastened with two buttons. All buttons plastic and khaki green in colour. Jacket is fastened around the hips with a belt, attached on left hand side and buckled in a rectangular metal buckle on right hand side. Both left and right sleeves bear two patches, a double chevron and red rectangular patch rounded to follow the seam of the shoulder, with embroidered text. Navy lanyard looped around right shoulder, held in place by epaulet and tucked into right side pocket. Red patch reads "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS" Internal left chest label reads "A.G.C.F./VIC. 1981/[broad arrow symbol]/6405.66.025.6408/SIZE OF CHEST/SIZE 99-102R/MACQUARIE 80/BATCH J/DRY CLEAN ONLY/CREASE UPPER/HALF OF/LAPELS ONLY/No. 3144504 [handwritten]/NAME/CPL K. HOWE [handwritten]"jacket, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, royal engineers

This lanyard attaches under the right shoulder epoulette of a jacket issued as a Royal Australian Engineers uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was a standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This lanyard is a component of a uniform belonging to CPL K. Howe, the donor provided good provenance, in conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. The Uniform can tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familyA length of thick, navy blue, cylindrically shaped fabric. Knotted in two locations to create two loops at either end. One loop is 270mm long when outstretched and the other is 82mm long when outstretched.royal engineers, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, lanyard, royal australian engineers

The telescope is original to the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and was provided by the Department of Shipping and Transport in about 1900. The device magnifies images of distant objects through its curved interior mirrors, and lightkeepers used this telescope to monitor and record the names of ships, the time they passed, and their direction, as well as read meanings of flags and other visual signals communicated by vessels. The telescope is similar to Cape Nelson’s two metre long telescope, which is included in the VHR registration for the Cape Nelson Lightstation. It is particularly important for its good condition, completeness and confirmed provenance and has first level contributory significance to the cultural heritage values of the lightstation..1 Brass telescope, cylindrical tube shape with mobile interfolding sections. Middle section of tube has been covered with textile or leather and painted black. Narrow plaited rope fixed as a border to this section is also painted black. .2. The telescope is attached by a brass fitting to a wooden tripod on a three legged triangular ply wood base with three castors.

The brass wall clock retains its key. It was provided by the Department of Shipping and Transport in about 1900 and is original to the lightstation. It was mounted in the watchroom, a small extension at the front of the lighthouse (later radar station), where lightkeepers completed many of their reports and recorded radio schedules, weather observations, distress calls and other data. Good, reliable clocks were also essential for maintaining a strict roster of hours for winding the clockwork mechanism that kept the lens active. The name of the clock’s manufacturer has not been determined. More specifically it was used for logging radio schedules that were made at five minutes to midday, everyday, and for recording the times of weather observations, distress and any other calls that came in. AMSA notes that ‘Lightkeepers who used this clock were said to have polished and wound it every week while it was in use until the 1990s when its otherwise impeccable time keeping mechanisms finally became inaccurate’.The brass clock at Wilsons Promontory illustrates the importance of timekeeping in a nineteenth century lighthouse. Despite its slightly chipped face, the timepiece has first level contributory significance for its historic association with the watch room and confirmed provenance. The significance of this clock also lies with its complete provenance..1. Brass clock with a circular white face and black roman numerals. Three brackets at back to attach to wall. Face of clock is covered by a hinged glass cover with a fastener. .2. key. Roman numerals on face of main clock. "1-12" On inner dial "10-20-30-40-50-60"

The lamps were pioneered by the British Navy in the late nineteenth century and introduced by the Royal Australian Navy after 1918, and continue to be used to the present day. Manufactured in 1960, the Wilsons Promontory lamp was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signalling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. This type of lamp was renowned for its brilliant light, and lightkeepers from the two lightstations ‘used to practice their signalling with each other, as its effective use was reliant on precise positioning of the scope which is located on top of the lamp’. The inside of the case is imprinted with ‘RAN (Royal Australian Navy), and details on the lamp include a serial number, the date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another Aldis lamp and case with a date of 1960 is held at Cape Nelson and third lamp and case is at Point Hicks; (date unconfirmed but possibly 1943). A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003.Aldis lamp and case (WPLS 0003.2; likely provenance) The lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Wilsons Promontory example has a confirmed provenance to the lightation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.1. Handheld black signaling lantern with trigger mechanism. Glass front with inner reflective disc. Black electrical cord is attached with a two pronged plug at the end. 2. Black painted wooden box for transporting lantern. brass catch, leather handle. Grey electrical cord inside plus transformer. Hinged lid. The Aldis lamp is portable, hand held visual signalling lamp with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk used for optical communication via Morse code. The concave mirror is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of the lamp are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the device that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Wilsons Promontory’s black metal Aldis lamp and attached electrical cord has a black painted wooden carrying case with metal clasp and leather hand grip.1. On trigger;"AP16413" Around V shaped protrusion attached to lamp "AP197873 / AEI .LTD 59" Beneath screw on face;"AD16415" Inside lamp, under glass;"ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / 5 INCH HAND SIGNALING LANTERN SERIAL No. 212 Year 1960 / AEI PTY LTD SYDNEY" •2. Box. On brass plate below handle."ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / BOX FOR TRANSPORTING LANTERN / PATTERN 16409" Inside box on side of metal insert attached to inside of box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER / MADE BY / M.Brodribb, Melbourne/ cat & APP / No v/QR / 1811A / 50 / 60 va / CONT. 55 c / RATIO 240, 12 V TAPS " Top of metal box on sticker;"C of A / D.O.T 143076 / 12 V 5A" On Bakelite plug on metal box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE"

The seven weights (0008.4 and 0136.3) are circular in shape with a hole in the centre and a groove cut across the radius. They were specifically designed to fit into a weight tube, which allowed movement of the weights that were used for driving the clockwork mechanism for turning the lighthouse lens. They are most likely original to the Chance Brothers system installed in 1913, which was originally equipped with a set of ten, each weighing around thirty kilograms.The weights were moved vertically in similar fashion to the way weights move on a grandfather clock. As the weight fell, the optic clock was driven and the lens was turned. To keep the clock turning, the weight needed to be wound back up to the top of its travel. Lighthouse keepers had to constantly wind the clock to keep the light active, and at least two keepers needed to observe a strict roster of hours. When electric motors were invented, weights became obsolete and the motors were able to turn the optic for as long as there was power to drive them. Wilsons Promontory’s Chance Bros. kerosene operated light, which was turned by a clockwork mechanism, was replaced by small electric motor in 1975, reducing the number of keepers and eliminating the need for weights. Cape Schanck has a set of fourteen weights remaining in situ in the lighthouse weight tube as well as another four detached weights, two of which may be associated with the 1859 mechanism. A small number of detached cast iron weights and two associated rods remain at the Point Hicks Lightstation and one weight is displayed in the lantern room at Cape Otway.The Wilson Promontory weights have first level contributory significance for the insights they provide into the technology and operations of a late nineteenth/early twentieth century lighthouse which has since been superseded. They are well provenanced and are significant for their historical value as part of the lightstation’s Chance Brothers optical system installed in 1913.Four circular disc shaped lead weights, all with a narrow section cut out to the middle of shape. (as in slice of cake)

The rectangular weight is rectangular in shape and made of concrete and metal. A closed metal hook is attached to the concrete block, which is encased in metal, and a section of rope is attached. It was used as a counter weight on a canopy that operated as part of a winch located at the [east] landing deck … Originally there were four weights that formed part of a fibreglass canopy which consisted of a staunch, pulley and a rope so when you lifted the canopy up, the weights on either side countered the weight so objects could be moved. The weights were installed in the 1970s and were dismantled along with the winch in the following decade.The weight has first level contributory significance for its provenance and historical value as a component of an earlier apparatus that was used for hoisting goods at the lightstation sea landing.2 x Rectangular shaped weight with with closed hook embedded in concrete surrounded by metal. A section of rope is attached to the hook.

The grey painted heavy wooden, homemade box has a freehand inscription in black on outside, which reads ‘LEVINGS To MAAT IS’. The writing refers to Alan and Marlene Levings, who began their twenty-two year career in lightkeeping with a posting to Tasman Island, off Port Arthur, in the 1960s. After four years they moved to Maatsukyer Island off south-west Tasmania, Australia’s southern-most lightstation, followed by postings to South Bruny, Eddystone Point and Wilsons Promontory. The robust box journeyed with the Levings through their postings to five lightstations and came to rest at Wilsons Promontory when Alan retired. It is not known whether the box was used in an office or domestic context. The movement of people and objects is a significant and unique theme that runs through the history of Australia’s lightstations. This historical process relates Victoria to the much bigger story of Australia’s network of lightstations. Alan Levings has been described as an extremely interesting character and artist. When Levings was a lightkeeper at Wilson’s Promontory, delivery of goods was by boat, then off the boat by a winch and onto the back of a truck. For this reason, packing boxes in earlier years had to be extremely robust. Today, anything that is not carried into Wilson’s Promontory Lightstation by foot, comes by helicopter, eradicating the need for heavy packing boxes such as Levings’. This humble box has first level contributory significance for its reliable provenance which traces its journey through five lightstations; for its association with a former lightkeeping family; and for contributing to an understanding of the pattern of lightstation life.Wooden box, light blue/grey painted. Made of horizontal pieces of timber with some tin reinforcment on the sides. Writing in black on side of box.On side of box in freehand,"LEVINGS To MAAT IS"

Used as display in AMSA workshop foyer, Moorabbin, Vic. Nautical charts x 2 , The framed and glazed chart identifies strategic points in the notorious Bass Strait passage, which in the nineteenth century was known as the ‘Eye of the Needle’. It covers the whole of Tasmania, Bass Strait and the islands, and the lower part of Victoria with its coastline between Cape Otway and Gabo Island. The chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.. While it is not known if it is original to Wilsons Promontory, it certainly elates to its location. A similar chart at Cape Otway shows less of Tasmania and is not electrified. Gabo Island Lightstation has two large framed charts; one is the same as the Wilsons Promontory example but without the lights and the other is entirely different, focussing on the east coast between Point Hicks and Montague Island. The Wilsons Promontory chart is unique as an illuminated version of the other charts and has first level significance if its provenance to the lightstation can be confirmed.The framed and glazed chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.Yes

Given to Box Hill RSL as part of a fathers RAAF Uniform from Bomber Command. Uniform worn by Flying Officers from Australia. This hat has strong provenance as the name of the owner is written on the hat, with service number, and the family connection to the donor. Navy Blue/Black Band and Gold Emblem with name and number written on brim of hat. Leather binding. The number written on the hat is the service number for Maurice Anthony O'Keefe.Hand written on Brim: O'Keefe, MA/428470headwear, ww2, uniform bomber command

This portable, hand held visual signaling lamp, with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk, was used for optical communication via Morse code, with the concave mirror tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of these lamps are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the light that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Smaller hand held versions like the Cape Nelson example have a concave mirror that is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals, and despite their size the lamps were renowned for their brilliant light. Invented by Arthur C W Aldis (1878‐1953) and pioneered by the British navy in the late nineteenth century, they continue to be used to the present day. Details on the Cape Nelson lamp include a serial number, a date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another lamp of the same date which is held at Wilsons Promontory was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signaling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. Point Hicks also has an Aldis lamp and an associated case, which is painted an army green colour. A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003. These types of lamps are not rare in museum collections.These types of lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Cape Nelson example has a reliable provenance to the lightstation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.This object is comprised of a black metal encased Aldis lamp with electrical cord and associated wooden carrying case with metal clasp and red leather hand grip. yes

The cabinet has a curved back and would have been custom‐built to fit the dimensions of the lantern room interior. It is likely to date from when the lighthouse was built in 1884 and may have been among the items delivered by the government steamer dispatch early in March which included ‘the lantern and other fittings for the Cape Nelson Lighthouse’. The Public Works Department provided a range of lightstation furnishings including office desks and cabinets, and domestic settings for keepers’ quarters, with nineteenth century items often stamped with a crown motif and the PWD monogram however the curved cupboards installed in Victoria’s lighthouse lantern rooms do not appear to display this small feature. Further research may reveal more about their manufacture and it is tempting to think that they were perhaps even supplied by Chance Bros as part of the entire lantern room installation. The company usually provided the timber battens for the lantern room paneling, and a cabinet may have been included in the assemblage. Another possibility is that the specially designed cabinet was made on site by carpenters along with other fittings. It is not known whether it is attached to the wall or movable; if attached it is considered to be a fixture and included in the Victorian Heritage Register listing for the lightstation (VHR H1773). Its location, when identified in the CMP of April 1995, was on the ‘lower lantern level’, where there was also a ‘timber step ladder’ (Argus, 6 March 1884, p6. nineteenth or early twentieth century), ‘timber framed lighthouse specification’, ‘timber framed chart’ and telephone .Residue on the furnishing indicates that it was formerly painted green, the colour of some of the other fixtures in the room, such as the original cast iron ladder. It is now partially varnished and the corner to the top’s edging on the right side has been cut off. The lighthouse also has a large curved back, two‐door cupboard. Other similar cabinets with curved backs survive at Cape Schanck, varnished wood cabinet with brass door knob, no drawers; Point Hicks, painted green with silver doors, no drawers and Gabo Island, bench top, 2‐door, no drawers, green paint removed to reveal cedar timber). Cape Nelson’s curved cabinet is unique among these examples for having drawers. The cabinet is a unique, original feature of the lantern room and has first level contributory significance for its historic values and provenance.The bench top cupboard has two drawers, each above a door, and each door is framed and beveled around a central panel. The cabinet has a curved back.

The tall, two‐door cupboard with curved shelves is without a back and is taller than the bench cupboard on the lower lantern room of the lighthouse . The curved shelving suggests that this practical storage cupboard was custom‐built or adapted to serve in this location on the landing level below the lantern room. It is not known when it was provided to the lightstation. It shares the structural features of this furnishing as well as other nineteenth century utilitarian cabinets that were made for Victoria’s lightstations, such as those fitted beside fireplaces in the keepers’ quarters (for example CNLS 0016) or serving as lantern room cupboards. They have doors simply framed and bevelled around central panels. This particular cupboard, which is painted grey with four white panels, is unusual both for its height and the four doors, with the twin top panels taller than those underneath. This panel arrangement repeats the design of the lightstation’s door cases. Further research may reveal more about its manufacture. It is not known whether it is attached to the wall or movable; if attached it is considered to be a fixture and included in the Victorian Heritage Register listing for the lightstation (VHR H1773). Other similar cabinets which have been constructed to fit the curved wall of a lighthouse survive at Cape Schanck, varnished wood benchtop, 2‐door cabinet with brass door knob, no drawers); Point Hicks, benchtop, 2‐door, painted green with silver doors, no drawers) and Gabo Island bench top, 2‐door, no drawers, green paint removed to reveal cedar timber), and Cape Nelson, benchtop, 2‐door, 2‐drawer, partially varnished). Cape Nelson’s tall cupboard with curved shelves and back profile is unusual among the lighthouse furnishings. The cabinet is a unique, original feature of the lighthouse and has first level contributory significance for its historic values and provenance.The tall, two‐door cupboard with curved shelves is without a back and has curved shelving. Painted grey with four white panels, on the four doors, with the twin top panels taller than those underneath.

The two‐door cabinet with a bench top is a simply made nineteenth century utilitarian cupboard. It is similar in style to cupboards that were built into spaces either side of fireplaces in keepers’ quarters. All have two doors simply framed around recessed central panels, which are sometimes bevelled. They are opened with a key, or by a basic knob made of metal or turned wood. Most also are made from a light‐coloured wood, which in this case is possibly Huon pine. Some are painted, others show evidence of paint which has since been removed in an effort to restore the surface, and a few retain their original wood finish. This cabinet, which has plain recessed unbevelled panels, has one internal shelf and stands on the floor without a plinth base. The bench top has basic squared edges, and a low backing with curved ends extends around one side. These features suggest the cabinet was fixed and originally built into a corner. The Cape Nelson CMP identified a similar but slightly different cabinet in one of the assistant keepers’ quarters which is shown with shelves added to the top. Other similar two‐door, benchtop cupboards that were probably built‐in include those at Cape Otway and Cape Schanck , which have since been moved out of the residences. Built‐in cabinets were standard fittings in lightkeeper quarters as illustrated by the Point Hicks Lightstation CMP, which shows a built cupboard beside a fireplace. The Cape Nelson cabinet, an original domestic furnishing provided by the Public Works Department, has first level contributory significance for its historic values and provenance to the lightstation.Two‐door cabinet with a bench top. The doors are simply framed around recessed central panels.Light coloured wood.

The cedar sideboard has two cupboard doors below two corresponding drawers. The style is in keeping with the completion date of the lightstation in 1884, when furniture in the late nineteenth century had squarer, more defined lines and angles, and ornamental features. This sideboard is a modest version of this trend combining a pediment‐shaped back board with turned side columns and finials, rectangular mirror, decorative drawer pulls and door handle, as well as cupboards and drawers with bevelled, raised panels. The initials ‘PWD’along with a crown motif and letters are inscribed on the side indicating that the furnishing was the property of the government and made in its workshops. The Public Works Department, which operated in Victoria from 1855 to 1987, was responsible for the design of Victoria’s major public buildings and provision of furnishings to its offices as well as residences where the need was required.301 The keepers’ quarters at Cape Otway Lightstation were supplied with two of the same sideboards, which remain there today; on is intact (COLS 0001), the other missing the backboard (COLS 0015). Two similar but plainer examples, which are probably earlier in date, also remain at Cape Schanck (CSLS 0007.3; CSLS 0009.3). The Cape Nelson sideboard has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the good quality domestic furnishings made by the Victorian Government and provided to lighthouse keepers and their families in the late nineteenth century. It is also significant for its provenance to the lightstationThe cedar sideboard has two cupboard doors below two corresponding drawers with pediments‐shaped back board with turned side columns and finials, a rectangular mirror, decorative drawer pulls and door handle, as well as cupboards and drawers with bevelled, raised panels.

The desk was used by the head keeper and supplied by the Public Works Department, and possibly dates to when the lightstation commenced operations in 1884. Closer inspection of the wood may reveal the Crown motif and PWD monogram on the side or underpart of the furnishing. The PWD operated in Victoria from 1855 to 1987 and was responsible for the design of Victoria’s major public buildings and infrastructure as well as the supply of stores, furniture and equipment. The desk is identical to the large example remaining at Point Hicks. A smaller version, which is at Cape Schanck, has two sides stamped with the crown motif and PWD monogram. Another of the smaller desks formerly at Cape Schanck is now missing. Gabo Island has a small cedar desk or table in the same style, but with one drawer. There are also c.mid‐twentieth century desks remaining in the collections at Wilsons Promontory and Gabo Island. The Cape Nelson desk has first level contributory significance for its provenance and historical value as a government issued furnishing that is original to lightstation’s head keeper’s office.The large, late nineteenth century cedar desk has two drawers, leather inset top and sturdy turned legs. The drawers each have a pair of wooden knob pulls.

The items include one intact brass clip and sections of others. They were used for hoisting visual signalling flags and relate to the use of the forty‐one flags (CNLS 0004.41), which were used to convey messages to passing ships and which are included in the Victorian Heritage Register listing for the lightstation (VHR H1773) . They have second level contributory significance for their provenance to the lightstation and association with its set of navigational flags (CNLS 0004.41), which were a major part of the communications system formerly used at the lightstation.Twenty one flag clips, some are intact others partial. One intact brass clip.

Telephones x 3 (GILS 0001, 0038, 0070; attached fixtures) There are three, black Bakelite, wall mounted, crank handle telephones across the lightstation; one in the former assistant keeper’s quarters, and two in the former head keeper’s quarters. The phone has instructions for its use on the crank dial. Two have acoiled handset cord, which dates the phone to just after 1949 when these came into use. The third has a smooth cord and must pre date 1949 (GILS 0070). Another much older wallmounted phone remains in the lighthouse (GILS 0041; attached fixture; see above 6.1). The four telephones at Gabo Island formed an intercom system that facilitated communication between the lighthouse and lightstation buildings. They demonstrate the necessity for employing various methods of communication in a remotely located lighthouse as well as communication between the lightstation buildings. Telephones of the same wall mounted, crank dial type remain at Cape Otway and Point Hicks As fixtures, the telephones belong to the building fabric and are included in the existing listing of the Gabo Island Lightstation in the Victorian Heritage Register (H1773). These intact items of equipment have first level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance.Black bakelite telephone, wall mounted with reciever/ handset on spiral cord attached to the body of the phone. There is a crank handle attached to the front of the telephone.On dial under crank handle. Outer perimeter of circular LABEL,"TO CALL:-TURN HANDLE & LIFT HANDSET / WHEN FINISHED PEPLACE HANDSET & TURN HANDLE"

Cupboard is original to Lighthouse. This nineteenth century cedar furnishing has two doors and one internal shelf. It remains in the lighthouse although its original location was probably the lantern room, where similar surviving cabinets are more typically found. It was purpose built for the lighthouse with a curved back to fit the proportions of the tower interior with the wood reputed to have originated from a partition in the assistant lightkeepers’ houses, and the cupboard doors possibly crafted at a different time. Curved cabinets similar to this example can be found at three other early lighthouses investigated by this study. It is possible that these specially designed cabinets were included in the standard complement of furnishings provided to the colony’s lightstations by the Victorian Public Works Department. Other similar cabinets with curved backs remain in the Point Hicks Lighthouse and at Cape Nelson (two examples )and Cape Schanck, which has a curved front as well as back .The Gabo Island cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value, uniqueness, provenance to the lightstation and clear association with the functions of the lighthouse lantern room.Two door wooden (cedar) cabinet. One internal shelf, panelled, curved back. Doors are attached. Frame has been stripped, doors are unpainted.

Commonwealth government issue. This nest of tables are currently in use by the lighthouse staff.The set of three tables of descending size are designed in the same distinctive style as the bookcases and share the same wood type and finish (GILS 0012.2). Information on the underside of the tables indicates they were purchased by the Commonwealth through the Department of Transport for the CLS. The design bears the stylistic marks of the easily recognisable furnishings produced by the Kalmar firm, Sydney. Steven Kalmar (1909-1989), who migrated to Australia in 1939 and opened his own interiors business in 1949, played a significant role in popularising modernist design concepts in Australia drawing his ideas from Scandinavian and American trends. Born in Hungary, he trained as an architect and his contemporary affordable furnishings were especially suitable for the open-plan houses built in Australia’s new post-war suburbs. He closed the retail side of this in 1957 and concentrated on commissions, some for large-scale orders. One of these bulk orders came from the Commonwealth Government sometime between 1957 and the early 1970s, with several examples of light, compact and functional domestic furnishings supplied to lightstations in Victoria. Because the order was placed by the CLS, it is possible that Kalmar furnishings were also provided to lightstations in other states. Additional examples at Gabo Island include three bedside tables (GILS 0042.2 & 0076.10), chest of drawers (GILS 0077) and two bookcases (GILS 0012.2), with the backs of at least two of the furnishings bearing the Kalmar label. Kalmar furnishings in the other Victorian lightstations investigated by this study include bookcases at Cape Otway, Cape Nelson (3 examples) and Point Hicks (2 examples); two bedside tables at Cape Otway, and a long coffee table at Wilsons Promontory. The set of tables has first level contributory significance for their clear provenance, completeness and association with Steven Kalmar whose functional designs introduced modern, low cost furnishings to a number of Australia’s lightstations.Nest of three Scandinavian style tables, solid wood. Curved U shaped legs, one bar at base of table.Underside of GILS007.3:"C of A / D.O.T 1444248" (Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Transport.) •All tables have "16" on underside.

This device was used to measure surface wind speed and direction. This anemometer was located on a concrete pad outside room 2.15 on a steel pole. The pole was considered unsafe and the anemometer was relocated to it's current position. When lowering the pole it fell over and was badly damaged. The Bureau of Meteorology donated it to the museum. It was then repaired and restored. The central pole on which it is mounted is galvanised iron pipe painted black. The anemometer, a portable device that manually measures wind speed, was a necessary instrument once common to all weather stations. The arms are attached to a vertical rod and as the wind blows, the cups rotate, making the rod spin. The stronger the wind blows, the faster the rod spins. The anemometer counts the number of rotations, or turns, which is used to calculate wind speed, surface wind and direction. They were designed to be durable to withstand the corrosive environment and strong winds expected at coastal sites such as those at Gabo Island. Anemometers existed in the nineteenth century and their design was improved by various experts including John Robinson in 1846, John Patterson in 1926, Brevoort and Joiner in 1935 and Derek Watson in 1991 who added wind direction measurement to its functions. This example was made for the Bureau of Meteorology by the Melbourne instrument company, Synchrotac, which became registered and incorporated on 26 July 1966. It is now displayed inside the building. A good example of its kind, the anemometer has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Anemometer and tripod stand. Three cupped brass discs on rotating arms fixed to turned brass cylinder shaped shaft. Beneath discs is a lead directional wind arrow attached to a rotating arm. A wooden three legged stand with central supporting pole of black painted hardwood and attached to a white painted marine ply circular base.Under wind cups: " SYNCHROTAC / MELB. / ser.no.70/372 / MADE IN AUSTRALIA." Above wind direction arrow: "C.OF.APT..../ SYNCHROTAC / MELB ? MADE IN AUSTRALIA / ser.no.70/372"

Modern communications technology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. This type of insulator was usually used with radio antennae wires, telegraph and radio antennae equipment. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Five, knuckle-shaped white glazed ceramic examples are associated with radio antennae wires. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation, and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. .The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFive white glazed ceramic insulators. Knuckle bone sized, oval shaped with one opening at either end. All five are the same.

Modern communication tecnology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. These and other cylindricial insulators were associated with the original 1870 copper wire telegraph line and later the P.M.G. line. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Two bell-shaped insulators are made of clear glass, one with remains of wooden dowel inside. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of theseremain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened.The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,231 and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenance1. Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge. Has remains of wooden dowell inside. 2.Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge.Around lower edge on opposite sides,"C.C / 42"

Modern communication technologyarrived on gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. The insulator is associated with the telegraph station. Used at the H.F Radio Beacon. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line (0044). Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,and these were seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFour armed cross shaped insulator with two holes through diagonally opposite sections. It is ceramic with a clear glaze.

Ornamental drop finials x 4 from the lighthouse staircase.The four cast iron drop finials are decorative architectural features that were appended to the underside of the original lighthouse staircase, which was built between 1861 and 1862.The Conservation Management Plan prepared by Australian Construction Services in 1992 states that the original stair ‘was probably the first cast iron spiral stair to be built in an Australian lighthouse.’ From about 1978 to 1988 the tower’s original staircase was gradually removed and replaced by an iron replica and by 1992 the dismantled staircase had been shifted to the old jetty storage building and was ‘awaiting disposal’. Fortunately, it was not trashed but accessioned into the Eden Killer Whale Museum where it has since been incorporated into a recreated lighthouse.The staircase was removed from the tower prior to the lightstation’s inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register in November 1999 (H1773). which may be the earliest cast iron spiral stair built in an Australian lighthouse.The four baluster drop finials are of first level contributory significance to the Gabo Island Lightstation for their historic value and clear provenance to the tower’s original staircase erected in 1862, which may be the earliest cast iron spiral stair built in an Australian lighthouse.4 x Cylindrical shaped finials. Threaded inside. Cast iron. tapers to a point. 1. & 2. have residue paint.