This toy rabbit was part of the cargo from the Fiji and amongst the articles salvaged from the wreck. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Carkland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryans Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to Rivernook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the captain being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to Rivernook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967. Amongst the artefacts salvaged from the Fiji are bisque (or china) toys, (including miniature animals, limbs from small bisque dolls), rubber balls, a slate pencil, a glass bottle, sample of rope from the distress rocket and a candlestick holder. These items are now part of the Fiji collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, along with Captain Vickers’ pocket watch and Julius Gebauhr’s sheath knife This toy rabbit is classified as Fiji 4 on the SWR Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The Fiji collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. China toy rabbit salvaged from the wreck of the Fiji. The rabbit is in a lying pose. This solid, moulded toy is made of bisque (sometimes described as bisque or porcelain) and the material is an orange-sandy colour with darker orange markings. The surface is slightly pitted.1891, china, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwrecked artefact, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, porcelain, moonlight head, wreck bay, cargo, bisque, toys, miniature animals, rabbit

White catalogue with dark blue printing titled Chinese Treasures. Sale held in the Malvern Town Hall on 17th October, 1944 under instructions from The National Trustees Company as Trustees in the Estate of the Late Mrs. W. T. Liley . A Rare Collection of Chinese Objects d'Art which were brought to Australia by the Late Capt. W. T. Liley who was a resident in China for many years. The Antiques, China, Furniture and Drapes were removed from 'YOU-MA-TI', Morris St., Williamstown for Convenience of Sale. Auction held by F. J. Andrew Pty. Ltd. In conjunction with J. H. Curnow & Son. (H. J. Lowe, Auctioneer). Front page has a blue shade photo of a statue of a man. Also a black & white photo of Lot 47 - one of a set of 6 Old Chinese Painted Lacquer Chairs, Another page has black & white photos of Lot 72 - Carved Coconut and Pewter Wine Set of 6 pieces, Lot 43 - Famille Rose Wine Bowls, Lot 168 - Cloisonne Vase, and Lot 179 - Pair of 16th Century Flower Vases. The next page has a black & white photo of Lot 42 - a Hand Carved Chinese Rosewood Writing Table.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - chinese treasures, chinese objets d'art, f j andrew pty ltd, j h curnow & son, the national trustees company, mrs w t liley, you-ma-ti, capt w t liley, h j lowe, stillwell & stephens pty ltd

Large newspaper with colour church group photographs on front and back covers, multiple monochrome pages.chinese, city light methodist church, interest group

Trifold document, white with red print. ( 2 copies of same ) On front ' 100 years Loong' Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Fair. Dates 18 - 20 April.bendigo, chinese, bendigo easter fair

Bendigo Joss House. Altar in main temple.Nucolorvue Productions Pty Ltd.chinese, altar in main temple, altar in main temple at the bendigo joss house.

Brochure: Dai Gum San Wax Museum. Temporary premises: Temperance Hall View Street, Bendigo. Admission: 60cents, children 20 cents. Open daily 10am 4pm or by special arrangement: phone 438117. on the inside a description of the collection.bendigo, chinese, dragon museum

The National trust of Australia (Victoria) and the City of Bendigo request the pleasure of your company at the Official Opening of the Bendigo Joss House by the honourable R. J. Hamer deputy Premier and Chief Secretary of Victoria on Sunday, April 2nd, 1972 at 5.15pm. Mr. Randall.bendigo, chinese, joss house

Brown paper packet of Esther.K.Soong's special Formosan tea, full flavoured, unscented, economical 1/2 LB nett. Brown paper with blue lettering.Imported and distributed by Esther.K.Soong 528 Collins St Melbourne MB2376commerce, advertising, chinese

Bendigo's first ceremonial dragon, the "Duck Bill" dragon appeared in Easter parades 1892-1898. "Moon face" only appeared in 1900. "Loong" paraded from 1901-2019 before being retired due to it's age and fragility. In the meantime "Sun Loong" was seen from 1970-2019. Bendigo's newest dragon, "Dai Gum Loong",(Big gold dragon) , is a water dragon and began service in 2019.From the Bendigo Advertiser, Wednesday September 28, 1988. Six loose pages. The articles related to the history of the Dragon in Bendigo. dragon city, bendigo advertiser, chinese

The Little Candlemaker and His Dragon - copyright 1985 Lamplighter Books (J.A.H. and M.A. Kenney Pty Ltd); 13 Earlsfield Rd, Hampton, Melbourne. Colour printed - Illustrations of Bendigo throughout; 26 pages National Library of Australia car and ISBN number 0 9595967 5 5John Kenney and illustrated by Tom Bishopchinese, ted beattie, childrens' literature

Chinese section of Bendigo Easter Fair parade. A. Showing Chinese banners and drum cart, corner Mitchell Sts & Pall Mall; b. Showing Loong Dragon. On reverse sides: a.: handwritten - '1055b Pall Mall Corner where Lansell Statue now stands (mine in background); b.: 1055a Pall Mall where Lansell Statue now stands (mine in background).place, bendigo, pall mall

Chinese Cemeteries in Australia Volume 4 Chinese Graves in Cemeteries in New South Wales: Albury Pioneer Cemetery, Wagga Wagga Monumental Cemetery, Braidwood Cemetery, Tumut Pioneer Cemetery, St Johns Anglican Cemetery, Bolong, Jerilderie Cemetery. Publisher: Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo. ISBN: 09578013 7 8. 106 pages. Black and white illustrations & map.Dr Kok Hu Jinhistory, australian, chinese cemeteries, cemeteries nsw, chinese graves, genealogy

Newspaper articles - Chinese quarter/Charles Douglas Richardson, sculptor 1. (Bendigo Advertiser?? No date) photo of area between ''the Showgrounds and Bridge hotels'' (Chinese quarter in Bendigo) purchased by the Bendigo City Council. 2. Article from The Age (4/8/1973) re life, painting and sculpture of Charles Douglas Richardson. Sculptor of the Bendigo Gold Jubilee memorial.document, newspaper, bendigo theme, charles douglas richardson, sculptor, chinese quarter.

China Cabinet Designed and made by R.L. Hendersonstawell

Previous number PWO 0358.Plate Shard, china dinner plate segment with scalloped rim, floral arrangement with Asiatic Pheasant design, crazing. Recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, plate, loch ard, asiatic pheasant design

Bristile Hotel China Made in Australia. Plate oval shaped with a painting of a three masted ship, signed and dated. Norwegian flag painted above ship. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

China souvenir plate of Bendigo, off white fluted with holes around edge showing a sepia scene of miners panning for gold Bendigo 1800's.Norwood Ceramics Bendigo 1985 RWdomestic equipment, table setting, plate

a. Receipt for purchase of one large camphorwood trunk purchased by Miss Curnow from 'The China Camphorwood Trunk Co', Hong Kong; b. carbon copy of a.person, individual, curnow collection

China shaving mug ('Empire'; 'Ivory Ware England' marked on base)). Flower and bird motif on mug sides. Inscribed with catalog number U2-232.1.personal effects, shaving, mug

2 white china cups from Tennis sets decorated with blue and yellow crested bird perched on pink blossom twigs and gilding around edges.domestic equipment, table setting, cups

Small white china jug with hand painted floral decoration of Lilac & Lily of the Valley in tones of Lila and green, fluted bottom & gold on handle & rim.domestic equipment, table setting, jug

Domestic - Tea Cup made by Mr Len Collins at Stawell Brickworks during WW2 shortages of china. Project not an unqualified success as Saucers tended to warp.)stawell, ww2

Article on Chinese temple gong used in opening of 1967 Nunawading Arts Festival. Copy from Jessie Williams, Nunawading Gazette 4 October 1967.chinese temple gong, nunawading arts festival, williams, jessie, sutherland, leslie j, kathy