In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

ESCo Employee Hours Work Record book that has been used by an ESCo/SEC inspector, H. P. James as a record / note book for his personal collection or papers or journal titled "Out of the Past". Book sewn with string in 36 page sections, blank end papers, board covers with stipple paper out sides and Rexene cloth binding. Comprising plain paper end papers and 104 printed pages (52 leaves), with each sheet printed in black on feint ruled paper for recording the hours worked and other details of drivers and conductors employed by ESCo. Printed for daily use, with Day and date page headings - made out for the 1930's. Images: Book - i1 Inside front cover - i2 Members Certificate - i3 Has been used to gather mementos such as photos, articles, newspaper clippings, letters and other miscellaneous documents on Ballarat local history. Newspaper cuttings etc often have side notes written by Mr. James. Inside front cover has certificate recording Mr. James membership to the Ballarat Historical Society for 1940. Receipt signed by Edward Crimmins. Also a newspaper cutting on the cost of pensions to Lord Nelson's family. On facing page a photo of Queen Elizabeth, a printer colour cover or sheet about Walt Disney's "Pinocchio", a newspaper cutting regarding Father's Day and a black and white photograph of a young girl in a hospital carriage being pushed by a man. Pages numbered odd numbers only in the top right hand corner in pencil. Primary items are: 1 - Coloured cover to a writing tablet, titled "Australian Birds". Underlying this on the back of the writing tablet is two newspaper cuttings: the Ballarat Historical Society - reports on the 6th Annual meeting of the Society. 3 - Photo of the pattern Ballaarat Horse Tram company tram outside the Duncan and Fraser's Carriage Works in Adelaide with hand written notes underneath, including a sketch of a horse tram drivers seat - see Reg. Item 2527. 4, 6 - Group of nine black and white printed cards (15 illustrations) of early Ballarat pasted onto the sheet - see Reg. Item 2528. 5, 7 & 9 - Printed notes titled "Valedictory to Bob Haines" - see Reg. Item 2529. On page 9 in the left hand margin, a printed list of Church Officers; Church of England. 8 - Newspaper cuttings titled "The Heralds Man's Quiz" and the answers adjacent. City of Ballaarat - Public Inoculation Depot - Influenza form for HP James of ESCo - See Reg. Item 2530. Page Numbering from this point changes - even numbers in top right hand corner of folios instead of odd numbers. 9A - Newspaper cuttings about a Theatre Show, 54 years service of Mr. E. R. Bodycomb (Ballarat Gas) and planting of trees in the Avenue of Honour - with a red line around H. P. James names and a reproduction of the opening photograph of ESCo Electric Trams - noting 30 years ago - See Reg. Item 310.2. ESCo 4d Ticket - Purple - Grenville St to Sebastopol Terminus - See Reg Item 2531. ESCo 3d Adult Transfer Ticket - See Reg. Item 2532. Illustration - cartoon - H.P. James - See Reg. Item 2533. 10 - Newspaper cutting "From Horse Tram to Trolley Bus" - See Reg Item 2534. Newspaper cutting "Melbourne's First Tramcars" - See Reg Item 2535. An inscription or written note from T. Thomas etc. on lower edge of the sheet. 11,12 - Newspaper cuttings about the Passing of Melbourne's Cable Trams, including a photo of cable trailer No. 1 - See Reg. Item 2536. Other cuttings about early residents of the Ballarat district. 13 - Newspaper cutting dated 2/5/1936 about the donation from the CTA to the Ballarat Hospital. 14 - Newspaper cuttings - Photo of Ballarat Bicycle and Tricycle Club in the Gardens, the issue of a stamp to commemorate the Centenary of Ballarat, radio stations in Sydney, Ballarat Choirs and fire brigade demonstrations trophies. 16 - Copy of the "City of Ballaarat Regulation No. 13" concerning Hackney and Stage coaches working within the City - See Reg. item 2537. 18, 20 - Newspaper cutting - "The Working Classes in Early Ballarat" - Nathan Spielvogel 21 - handwritten note on "Doctor" Thomas Blackett who died during 1940. 22 - Miscellaneous cuttings from the Melbourne Sun. 23 - Newspaper cuttings "Story of South Street", Show Grounds, and "The Alfred" Hall and a photograph of the 1938 Floral Carpet at Alfred Hall. 24 - Newspaper cutting - obituary and hand written note on Ballarat identity Mr. J. P. Bourke. 25 - Newspaper cutting - cartoon "Tiddley" Winks and Wally - Stan Cross (later "Wally and the Major" 26 - Newspaper cutting - "Ballarat in the sixties" - General R.E. Williams and "Early Recollections" - Arthur Reid. 27 - Handwritten note re Mrs. Bill Danks, dated Jan. 1941 - Tobacconist in Bridge St. 28 - Newspaper cutting - "First Town Hall" and note on "City Hall". 30 - Newspaper cuttings - "Good Friday, Now and Then - T.P. Long, Mont Albert and "On Fashions" James R. Pound. 32 - Newspaper cutting "School and School life in old Ballarat" - Nathan F. Spielvogel. 34 - Newspaper cutting continued from page 32 and Obituary - Mr. Archie Dawson and Tom Blackett. 35 - Newspaper cutting of Ballarat - 4 photos - include Bridge St. with a tram. 36 - Newspaper cutting - "Ballarat - Pastoral and Industrial Resources" from a Melbourne paper, 17/2/1940. 38 - Newspaper cuttings - obituaries - Mr. R. E. Tunbridge, Graeme Dowling and Thomas Crosthwaite. 39 - Illustration - black and white - Late Mr. P. J. Pringle - See Reg. Item 2538. 40 - Handwritten notes on Ballarat Trams and the power station staff - See Reg. Item 2539. 41 - Handwritten notes on Ballarat Pie Stalls 42 - Newspaper cuttings - cartoon "Professor Nimbus", photo of the Norwegian town of Hell (Railway station); bicycles on a Copenhagen bridge following German occupation and dragon flies in Melbourne. 43 - Newspaper cutting on the official opening of the Ballarat Historical Society's Museum. 44 - Newspaper cuttings and associated handwritten notes on a fire in Ballarat, poultry fanciers, historical dates for August. 46 - Newspaper cuttings - "Victoria's first profitable goldfield" - Ballarat and the unveiling of the Sovereign Hill direction pillar. 48 - Newspaper cutting - "Worked 27 years without holiday" - See Reg. Item. 2540. - Other newspaper cuttings - thoughts of a visitor to Ballarat from Sydney and H.P. James - Liquor control in Ballarat and "This Week at the Zoo". 50 - Handwritten notes on clothing. 51 - Handwritten note on a visit to W. H. Middleton 52 - Newspaper cuttings "The Kings Empire", "Ballarat Birthdays" for Sept and Oct and an obituary on Mr. W. H. Middleton. 54 - Newspaper cuttings "Richmond has Links With Early Goldfields" - Malcolm McCullum and "England's Greatest Battle" 55, 56 - Newspaper cuttings - "Ballarat Birthdays" for November and December, a photograph of Nick Oliver - former Ballarat fireman and "Railway Birthday" - birth of the VR. 57, 58 - Handwritten notes on Ballarat tram timetables, weekly tickets, motorman's record cards, tourist tickets and sample tickets or cards, See Reg. Item 2541. Lunch Hour Weekly Ticket - Reg. Item 2542 Morning and Evening Weekly Ticket - Reg. Item 2543 Motorman's Record - Reg. Item 2544 Tourist Ticket - 1/- - Reg. Item 2545. 60 - Newspaper cuttings - parts 1 and 2 - "The Two Ballarat" by Nathan Spielvogel. 62 - Newspaper cuttings - continued from page 60, the death of comedians Sam Mayo and Gus Bluett and some handwritten notes on comedians. 64 - Newspaper cuttings on cricket, choir rules, a Methodist ladies function at the home of H.P. James, Footballer Percy Beames and entertaining air force recruits at the showgrounds. 66 - Newspaper cuttings - "The Anvil Chorus" - Hitler and Mussolini and "Strength against Nazi Threat". 68 - Newspaper cuttings - 50 years ago in Ballarat, Social function at H.P. James house, coldest morning in Ballarat and the death of Col. A. W. Bennett. 70 - Newspaper cuttings - about the sale of spirits in early Ballarat, the first motorcars in Ballarat and handwritten note about Mr. Jago. 72 - Newspaper cuttings - misc. about horse racing, trainers and racing. 73 - Newspaper cuttings and handwritten notes about Ballarat Schools. 74 - Newspaper cuttings - Bruno Hauptmann (Charles Lindbergh) and the death of actor Darcy Kelway. 75, 76 - Newspaper cuttings - Rail services to and from Ballarat, effects of the war and Ballarat 70 years ago, the invasions of Britain and "A stroll down Memory Lane" - T.P. Long of Mont Albert. 77,78 - Newspaper cuttings - Lake Wendouree - Nathan Spielvogel, the opening of the new Ballarat Historical Society's Museum and farewell function of Mr. James Shannon. 79 - Newspaper cuttings - about boats on lake Wendouree. 99 - Obituary and hand written note re Mr. Arthur M. David. 100 - Newspaper cuttings - cartoon "Wally and the Major", Dr William Maloney, Gus Bluett and "Old Rowley" - in connection with the Melbourne Cup of 1940. 101 - Cartoon advertisement for Kolynos Dental Cream Inside rear cover - Programme for the Centenary of Thanksgiving Service - Back to Ballarat 1934, dated 4/11/1934 (has been affected by other sheets of paper due to their acidic nature), printed notes titled "A ramble on stilts with Freddie" written by Baker James. Many in pencil and inktrams, tramways, h.p. james, esco, horse trams, ballarat, civic history

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

Letters of Sympathy from RAAF Units for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend" lost on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter on white paper. Paper headed with RAAF stamp and name of Military Base. 2. Handwritten letter on cream white paper. Royal Australian Air Force stamp in top left corner and name of RAAF Unit in right corner. 3. Handwritten letter of cream white paper. Stamp at top of bird with outstretched wings with crown at top.1. Listed from RAAF Station, Nhill, Victoria and dated 3/12/41, signed by “Edward Campbell”. 2. Listed No. 1 School of Technical Training, Radio Mechanics Course, Dated 1st December and signed “Allan Davis”. 3. Listed No. 2 METO Course, School of Technical Training and dated 3/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

This one appears to be Model 27 from the early 1950's. This radio was last used in the Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute most likely pre 1990's.Radio, ASTOR brand, brown Bakelite frame, the glass face has two control knobs. The top line of stations covers Victoria to Tasmania followed by NSW, QLD & SA. At the bottom is 3 bands in red, blue, light green which cover Europe, USA. On the rear are two stickers relating to power, patents, use and licencing.1st sticker on rear, "Selex Decal Pty Ltd - No 5 - 217540", 2nd sticker, "Danger"brsl, smirsl, radio, astor

In 1985 an association known as Community Radio Endeavour Warrnambool (CREW) was formed. Following many "test" broadcasts, a licence was granted in September 1990. 24 hour broadcasting commenced with over 100 volunteers. The station ID 3WAY (standing for Warrnambool And You) was adopted.A common object linked to a community organization.Clear stemmed glass with white lettering.3 Way FM 103.7 Great Ocean Radio.warrnambool community radio, 3way radio history

Combination of three movie films. Movie One (1950s): 00:00 – 13:14 Black and white footage of Diamond Creek firemen practising in Diamond Street in the 1950s for forthcoming demonstrations of abilities. Mentions of Gordon Brandy and Joe Hislop Running out hoses from old hose reels along Diamond Street, Diamond Creek Displays from various brigades running out and connecting hoses. Also scenes from the 1950s of Diamond Creek Fire Brigade competing in various locations around Victoria and Tasmania. Mentions of Brigade members Dave Kidd, Bruce Hackett, Ron Kirkbride, Jack Marks, Graham Upton who are prominent in these events. Members of Kyneton Fire Brigade also present. Members competing in running out hose reels, connecting hoses togethers and to hydrants then climbing towers to direct water from hose or at a target hanging above the road. Diamond Creek members identified wearing a diamond on their chest and back. Includes scenes of Scottish pipe bands at the events and significant crowds of spectators. Footage of Mel Stone and Beryl Marks, Stan Redpath and Ron Kirkbride, then Ron Kirkbride and Eric Holt viewing flower displays. Film changes to colour at Diamond Creek oval for practice with fire engine entering oval. Members depicted include Bill May, Jack Sinclair, Jim Cox, Bob Beale, Dave Kidd, Bruce Hackett and Captain Clarrie Stone. Reverts to black and white in the 1950s where the Brigade joins forces with the Diamond Valley Community Hospital for a Gala Day on the Diamond Creek Oval. Changes to colour again, possibly same event and scenes of children on bikes and scooters or with prams and carts racing around the oval. Mention of young lad Brian Laurie who has his own fire truck. Dart throwing, pony rides. Scenes with Dr Don Cordner, Gus Lyons, Vic Cohn (?) and spinning wheel and Diamond Creek School children entertain a large crowd with Maypole dancing. Movie Two (1950s): 13:25 – 19:00 This black and white film was taken by a TV film crew in the 1950s depicts a typical call out for the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. In this case the careless action of a member of the public throwing a lighted match from a car, which can cause extensive damage. Footage features the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower at Kangaroo Ground before it was modified with a fire spotter’s cabin. Discusses fire spotting operations from the tower. Shows a fire spotter walking around the top of the tower. A fire is detected, and the information is relayed to the nearest fire station, in this case, Diamond Creek. The telephone call is received, and the alarm sounded. Captain Clarrie Stone and firemen May and Shaw leave their workplaces and prepare for action. Scenes of running across the Main Hurstbridge road showing the shops (Shell service station and Chemist prominent). Scenes entering the fire station which has a pictorial warning covering the entire door “Only you can prevent forest fires – If you’re careless – we’re homeless!” Eric Holt pinpoints the location of the fire while Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw take note. The advance vehicle (an FE Holden ute, rego GTE-696) leaves to assess the extent of the fire. Having assessed the fire, Fireman Shaw communicates with base showing radio with call sign VL3JZ. Eric Holt takes the call. In the meantime, Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw undertake some limited action to address the fire. Firemen Bill May, Jim Bates and Hugh Bar (?) man the tanker. A photo portrait of Queen Elizabeth is visible hanging on the wall. They are later joined by Firemen Jim Cox, Eric DeBuse (?) and Jack Marks. The tanker is seen departing the station and diverging off before the bridge. Captain Clarrie Stone and Fireman Shaw are seen pumping water on the flames with hand pumps when the tanker arrives. The hose is unreeled, and water turned on the flames. Jack Sinclair joins the action. Jim Cox directs water to the high stuff. The fire put out, Jack Marks and Eric DeBuse wind in the hoses and the team head back to town. It’s peaceful again at the memorial tower. Movie Three (1969-1987): 19:14 – 34:34 Colour film “Fired with Dedication”, Country Fire Authority Victoria, produced by I.L. Wadeson, Commentary by A.M. Hem. Credits with CFA Victoria emblem and then placed over a view of an old-style ladder engine. Opens with the scene of a fire engine outside the Diamond Creek Fire Station then various trophies reflecting the competition success of the brigade in various track and disciplined events. Two trophies shown of particular pride to the brigade were for first place in the Torchlight Procession at the State Championships in Mildura in 1986 and also at Swan Hill in 1981. Still photo scenes of ex Captain Clarrie Stone, Brigade Captain for 21 years; ex Captain Jack Marks, 10 years; ex Captain Ian Douglas, 10 years. Cuts to scene of radio control room, January 1969, and news of a fire on the northern side of the township of Diamond Creek. With scenes of flames in bush, the narration explains that until the early 1960s the area was an orchard district which protected the town against the savagery of bushfires. But due to competition from other areas more suitable for orcharding and easier transport to Melbourne the district could no longer remain competitive, and orchards were replaced by grassed areas, which together with the bush areas were a feeding ground for fire. On 8th January 1969, high temperatures and strong north winds, were, with the carelessness of some individual all that was necessary to produce the worst fire the district had seen. Cuts to scene of blackened fields and cattle - Hundreds of hectares of grass land were blackened, and cattle had to be transported to other areas for agistment. Scene of destroyed buildings in the township – 13 houses and the public hall in the town were destroyed as was the theatre equipment which was owned by the fire brigade. The Church of England Hall and bell tower were badly damaged. The whole town could have been burnt out but for the determination, skill, and courage of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Scenes of all that was left of the home on the hill on the west side of the Church of England. Also, the remains of the old Pisy (?) home on the top of the same hill near Lambert Street, and the ruined Crocker home. Cuts to a scene in the mid-1970s to mid-1980s of a house fire in Haley Street attended by the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Although the house was severely damaged, it was saved. Mentions that whilst assistance is appreciated, in some circumstances, those doing so are not properly dressed for fighting fires. Breathing apparatus is a must in structure fire attack. Next scene (either on Mangarook or Coventry oval) showing off four Diamond Creek Fire Brigade efficient and very expensive firefighting units. Features a forward control vehicle Toyota 4WD used for conveying task force personnel to the required areas; a Hino Model 3.2 tanker, diesel powered and carries 3,000 litres of water and has a 16 HP petrol driven pump which delivers 900 litres of water per minute; an International tanker (registration TCM-418) which carries 3,000 litres of water with pumping capacity of 600 litres per minute. The Ford diesel powered pumper (registration MXE-754) is a well-equipped vehicle with a water capacity of 1,000 litres and capable of pumping 1,900 litres of water per minute from the main pump, has many lockers which hose equipment such as breathing apparatus and various types of hose nozzles and foam making equipment. The vehicle carries 360m of 64mm diameter hose which can be laid out from the rear lockers and a portable lighting plant, an Oxy Viva resuscitator to revive smoke inhalation victims and forcible entry tools to gain access to structure fires. Views of the main pump and control panel on the vehicle. As well as the main pump, the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary pump which allows the facility to pump whilst moving. Fire fighters must undergo constant training and hone their skills, Scenes of a training exercise using the pumper to pump from static water. First, the short lengths of suction hose are coupled, a strainer fitted to ensure debris does not foul the pump. Gauges must be constantly monitored to ensure manageable water pressures are maintained. Pressures are normally controlled to allow two fire fighters to work at each nozzle outlet. Two nozzles are tested, one adjustable jet fog type which is used on flammable gasses or within a structure fire to absorb heat. A straight jet nozzle to project water long distances to protect exposed surfaces close to a fire radiated heat. The pumper is quite a versatile vehicle in handling structure fires, but it also carries specialist equipment needed in containing hazardous chemical incidents. Cuts to scene of parade – the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade has with other neighbouring brigades participated in most town fairs and earns the respect of the watching public. It can be seen why this brigade has been so successful at disciplined contests. Views of Plenty Fire Brigade Road Rescue unit which is equipped with the “Jaws of Life” Scenes of athletic competitions – many neighbouring brigades indulge in friendly but keen competition at the Diamond Creek Town Fair. The young are also encouraged to participate in all aspects of Junior Fire Brigade activities and become tomorrow’s generation of volunteer fire fighters. Scene of the 1986 Diamond Creek Town Fair which was the last time veteran Captain Clarrie Stone BEM marched with the brigade. Clarrie was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service to the Country Fire Authority. Also, scenes of vehicles in the parade. Cuts to scene of brigade members in drill formation for inspection by Acting Chief Harry Rothsay (?) on the occasion of the opening of the new fire station extensions on August 29, 1987. Rudy Libel (?) Captain at the time. Scenes of crowds including many dignitaries of neighbouring brigades present including Lieutenant Gordon Grandy (who came down from Queensland for the occasion) and ex-Secretary David Kidd and wife Betty, also ex Captain Clarrie Stone and Mrs Nel Stone, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary, the Reverend Jock Ryan, son of J.L Ryan, founder of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, Foundation Captain of the fire brigade, Keith Bradbury and Mrs Bradbury. Pauline Dick accepts a community service award for services to the CFA. Recognising over 47 and a half years of service, a presentation is made by Mr Neil Marshall, Acting Chairman of the CFA to ex Captain Clarrie Stone with response by Clarrie. Other members of the official party include Cr. Martin Wright, Shire President Wayne Phillips and local Member of Parliament, Mrs Pauline Toner. Ex foreman John Bennett is presented with a life member’s awards by Captain Rudy Libel. The camera also catches Gwen Cox, Jean Ryan and Bessie Layton (?) Provides historic footage of people, places and equipment and a record of the worst fires expoerienced in Diamond Creek in 1969BASF Standard Quality SQ E-180 VHS dubbing (poor quality) of three films Converted to MP4 file format 0:34:38, 1.85GBOn label: "Donation - August 2000 Diamond Creek Unit Old films made up from Fire Brigade shows at competitions - also Kangaroo Ground Tower being used"video recording, diamond creek fire brigade, 1986 diamond creek town fair, a.m. hem, acting chief harry rothsay, athletic competitions, beryl marks, bessie layton, betty kidd, bill may, bob beale, brian laurie, bruce hackett, captain clarrie stone, chemist, church of england hall, clarrie stone, clarrie stone bem, country fire authority victoria, coventry oval, cr. martin wright, crocker home, dart throwing, dave kidd, david kidd, diamond creek, diamond creek fire station, diamond creek oval, diamond creek school, diamond creek town fair, diamond street, diamond valley community hospital, dr don cordner, eric debuse, eric holt, fe holden ute, fire damage – buildings, fire spotter, fire spotter’s cabin, fire station extension, fired with dedication (film), firefighting units, fireman shaw, firemen jim cox, ford pumper, foundation captain, gala day, gordon brandy, gordon grandy, graham upton, gus lyons, gwen cox, haley street, hino model 3.2 tanker, house fire, i.l. wadeson, ian douglas, international tanker, j.l ryan, jack marks, jack sinclair, january 1969, jaws of life, jean ryan, jim bates and hugh bar, jim cox, joe hislop, john bennett, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tower, keith bradbury, kyneton fire brigade, lambert street, main hurstbridge road, mangarook oval, maypole dancing, mel stone, mildura 1986, mrs bradbury, mxe754 vic registration, neil marshall, nel stone, orchard district, oxy viva resuscitator, pauline dick, pauline toner mp, pisy home, plenty fire brigade road rescue unit, pony rides, radio control room, reverend jock ryan, ron kirkbride, rudy libel, shell service station, shire of eltham war memorial, shire president wayne phillips, spinning wheel, stan redpath, state championships, swan hill 1981, tcm418 vic registration, torchlight procession, toyota 4wd, trophies, vic cohn, victorian bushfires - 1969, vl3jz

Fred looks back; Report: Linley Hartley, Picture: Ron Grant Teaching himself German again after 70 years is just one of the many tasks Fred Golgerth, of Greensborough, has undertaken and succeeded in during his lifetime. As the two year old tenth child of a German descendent, Fred learnt to speak German from an Aunt. But World War 1 was raging. Fred’s older brother had gone to Europe with the Australian forces, changing his name … to ….. to sound less German. “I used to get my bottom slapped for speaking German at home,” Fred said. Even his name was changed from Otto to the more anglicised Frederick. Fred claims his involvement with Eltham started two years before he was born! His sister, two years older than him, was a babe in arms when his parents bought a piece of grazing property in Mount Pleasant Rd. “It was about 24 acres on a spur of Mt Pleasant,” Fred said. “My parents bought it from Mr and Mrs Hughes. There was a two-room mud hut in wattle and daub that we lived in from time to time. “My parents had a dairy farm and dairy in West Coburg, and they bought the Mt Pleasant land to put the dry stock on. “At one stage my mother got very ill and my older sister took my younger sister and myself to Eltham for four or five months. I went down to Eltham Primary School then.” That wasn’t the only time Fred stayed in Eltham. His sister, Wilhemina, known as Willa, married Jim Watson who had the Eltham hotel for some years from the end of World War 1. Pillar to post living was the way Fred described his youth, when he stayed with one married sister after another. “After a while Will and Jim lived in the big house at the top of Pitt St, next to the Council depot, and the hotel was managed by Fitzsimmons who had a big place near the river down there on Fitzsimons Lane. There was no bridge in Fitzsimons Lane but we used to cross the river at a ford, rolling up our trouser legs so they wouldn’t get wet, and carrying our shoes. I’d o down to visit some friends I had in Templestowe. And sometimes Jim Watson took his horse drawn lorry across the ford on his way to the brewery, instead of going don through Heidelberg.” “The bridge across the Yarra in Fitzsimons was not built until 1961.” Fred Golgerth, was only a teenager when he was rolled off his pushbike under a car on the bend between Mt Pleasant Rd and the Diamond Creek bridge. He was hospitalised in the little hospital on the east side of Eltham village that served the district in those days. He still carries the scars of the burns he received from the exhaust pipe and recent x-rays have revealed several broken vertebrae. At the time of the accident he was treated for a dislocated neck and was in plaster from his hip to the base of his head for about seven months. But nothing daunted Fred. Bouncing back he began work as an apprentice to a motor mechanic in Bell St, Preston, a man who is still living (at 90) in Queensland and who still communicates with Fred frequently. “He was like a father to me,” Fred declared. He was a marine engineer as well, so I …. that as well as blacksmithing. They taught us properly then.” After finishing his apprenticeship, Fred bought himself a 30 hundredweight Fargo truck and began his own contract carting business, doing most of the work for a firm called Carnegie’s and a subsidiary of that, Howard Radio. It was in the office Fred met his wife. “He taught me to drive the truck giving me lessons in my lunch hours up the Bourke St and Flinders St extension,” she said. “After work I’d have a driving lesson and all the girls from the Howard Radio would pile in the back to get a lift to Richmond Station.” In the 1939 bushfires, the Mt Pleasant Rd property was burnt out and the hut raised. Two years later, Fred and Dorothy were married. Fred paid £7.15.0 ($15.50) for the suit in which he was married. Dorothy had pulled out of the Women’s Air Training Corps to be married. Others with whom she trained went to Darwin and were in a convoy that was bombed. Fred went into the garage business in Brighton and continued his cartage business for a while. His company was employed to do all Brown Gouge’s motor repairs and factory maintenance. Because Fred had a certificate to do steam repair work he often got jobs maintaining industrial boilers. While he was in Brighton, Fred bought an eight-seater 1925 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce from Sir Keith Murdoch. When the couple moved to Rosanna in about 1943, it became a delivery van for the dairy they operated. “I thought I’d like to get back into a dairy business” Fred said. “We used to deliver the milk in the Rolls. “But it was hard work. We couldn’t get the labour and we’d drive to the farm and pick up the milk cans, take them back to the dairy, cool the milk, bottle it and deliver it. The inspectors would come regularly and the walls for bacteria.” Fred was exhausted. The couple gave up the dairy and moved to Eltham to live on the old property where a weatherboard house had now been built. It wasn’t a big house and the glassed in Rolls Royce limousine became the daytime nursery for the Golgerth’s second daughter. We’d put her in there to sleep during the day.” “Dorothy Golgerth was known to drive the Rolls at breakneck speed along Mt Pleasant Rd. Fred took some time off work then began driving a little local bus run by the Lyon Brothers before taking a maintenance job at the Athenaeum Club in the city. He’d ride an old Harley-Davidson to the station and travel into the city by train. Later, when the family moved to Pryor St. (their house stood where McEwans car park is now) Fred could walk to and from the station. “There was no resident doctor in the early days of Eltham,” Fred said. “Dr Cordner used to come from Greensborough to a room in the old house next to the old grocery shop on the corner of York St and Main Rd, Eltham (the grocery shop is now the Eltham Feed and Grain Store). The Golgerths lived in Eltham until “Dollar Day” – the day decimal currency became official. They eventually moved to Greensborough, when they have lived since. Fred has had his share of interesting jobs since then, retiring at 65 seven years ago when he was working in the engineering department at Larundel. Recently, two of his older sisters and a brother died, within a month. They were all in their 80s. They all had a profound influence on Fred, especially during his youth. His sharp wit and amusing anecdotes are the richer for his having been the youngest of a family that made the best of every circumstance. And now, as he enjoys his retirement, he is concentrating on relearning the language of his infancy; teaching himself German from tapes and a ‘teach yourself’ manual. He is fiercely proud of his German ancestry and treasures the diary, written in German in Gothic script, kept by his grandparents during their journey to Australia. On the inside in blue pen: "To Sadie, Wal Margaret & Elizabeth with lots & lots of love & best wishes from Mother"marg ball collection, eltham hotel, herbert james watson, otto (fred) golgerth, wilhemina watson (nee golgerth)

This is an issue of a weekly staff newspaper that was for employees of the Public Transportation Commission. .It features an article on Theo Tzaros the then Watsonia Station Master who was a guest radio announcer on the Plenty Valley Community Radio station 3PVR.A black and white 8 page newsletter with orange highlighting.Nil3pvr, plenty valley community radio, watsonia, station master, watsonia railway station

Radio Telephone was minuted during the war. It was approved in 1944 for State Electricity Commission of Victoria use only. It was completed by the end of 1946. Used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria at Bogong during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme to connect with head office in Melbourne. It allows one conversation at a time using traffic controls in an unusual system of radio telephone providing communication. At the time it was unique in Australia and installed by the S.E.C.V. technicians. It provided an unattended shortwave radio link between two ordinary telephone switchboards, connecting any of the S.E.C.V.'s internal lines with the telephone system at Bogong and the construction camps beyond. From Bogong, radio phones connect to the outpost stations on the High Plains far above the snow-line. In operation, the service is similar to a normal telephone system but dispenses with the physical connection of wires and poles between the main terminals. Historical: This type of headphone was recommended for amateurs. It may have been used by operators on the Switchboard at Bogong or one of the construction camps on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The S.E.C.V installed this unique system of communication to operate their branches especially at Bogong and beyond where the distance was great and often limited by the terrain and weather.Used for a transmitter radio or Radio Telephone as installed by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria 2 round ear pieces. Outside of ear piece has the brand inscribed and 3 points where wires are attached. On opposite edges of the earpieces a metal piece with handle is attached from which the 2 earpieces are connected with curved wire covered by leather to fit on top of the head. Each earpiece has a cord hanging from the middle attachment (on the outside) which joins and then continues as one to 2 metal pins that would fit into holes in the switchboard. On outside of each earpiece - 'Brunet & Co. / Paris' in oval 'Type f' underneathradio telephone. ear phones. head phones.communications.state electricity commission of victoria. kiewa hydro electric scheme. bogong. switchboards.

Radio Telephone: Minuted during the war. It was approved in 1944 for State Electricity Commission of Victoria use only. It was completed by the end of 1946. Used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria at Bogong during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme to connect with head office in Melbourne. It allows one conversation at a time using traffic controls in an unusual system of radio telephone providing communication. At the time it was unique in Australia and installed by the S.E.C.V. technicians. It provided an unattended shortwave radio link between two ordinary telephone switchboards, connecting any of the S.E.C.V.'s internal lines with the telephone system at Bogong and the construction camps beyond. From Bogong, radio phones connect to the outpost stations on the High Plains far above the snow-line. In operation, the service is similar to a normal telephone system but dispenses with the physical connection of wires and poles between the main terminals.Historical: This type of headphone was used by operators on the switchboards at Bogong, Mt Beauty or on one of the construction camps on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The S.E.C.V. installed this unique system of communication to operate their branches especially at Bogong and beyond where the distance was great and often limited by the weather and terrain.Used for a transmitter radio or Radio Telephone as installed by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria 2 round ear pieces. Outside of each ear piece has the brand inscribed, 4 screws and 1 small piece of metal. The metal has 2 screws attaching the the cord that goes to the 'switchboard'. On opposite edges of the earpieces is a thick metal piece that curves up to which the curved metal headpiece is attached and therefore connecting the earpieces. Each earpiece has a cord hanging from the small metal piece of earphone. This cord joins and then continues as one to the end where there are 2 metal pins coming out of the soft cover.'C-LR ST & C of Sydney'radio telephone. ear phones. headphones. communications. state electricity commission of victoria. kiewa hydro electric scheme. bogong. switchboards.

Radio Telephone was minuted during the war. it was approved in 1944 for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's use only. it was completed by the end of 1946. used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria at Bogong during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme to connect with head office in Melbourne. It allows one conversation at a time using traffic controls in an unusual system of radio telephone providing communication. At the time it was unique in Australia and installed by the S.E.C.V. technicians. It provided unattended shortwave radio link between two ordinary telephone switchboards, connecting any of the S.E.C.V.'s internal lines with the telephone system at Bogong and the construction camps beyond. From Bogong, radio phones connected to the outpost stations on the High Plains far above the snow-line. In operation, the service was similar to a normal telephone system but dispensed with the physical connection of wires and poles between the main terminals.Historical: This headphone set superseded headphones with two earpieces and those without a microphone. This one may have been used by operators on the switchboard at Bogong or Mt Beauty or one of the construction camps on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The S.E.C.V. installed this unique system of communication to operate their branches especially at Bogong and beyond where the distance was great and often limited by the terrain and weather.Radio Telephone for SECV switchboard. Black plastic earpiece with microphone. Ear side circular with inscription on outer side then formed into elongated shape narrowing to the curved speaker piece at the narrow end. On top of the narrow end a long rubber cord is attached to a thick brass pin. On top of the wider end a thin stiff wire is attached to curve around the head to a blank rubber earpiece. This head piece has a piece of rectangular rubber attached at the top for comfort.'4408A IW61 / 1'radio telephone, ear phones, head phones. head set. communications, state electricity commission of victoria. kiewa hydro electric scheme. bogong. switchboards