This Wertheim Sewing Machine accessory box was donated with twelve accessories, the instruction book and the receipt for the purchase of a Wertheim sewing machine. the box's construction includes a coloured printed label and strong stitching on the joins of the edges. The receipt was written on July 23rd 1891 by the Wertheim distributor in Melbourne, Hugo Wertheim. His business was the Wertheim Sewing Machine and Hapsburg Piano Depot, trading at 173 Williams Street, Melbourne. The purchaser was Mrs Burrowes from Burrumbeet, Victoria, a district northwest of Ballarat. She paid £6-6 (six pounds and six shillings) in cash. The receipt was signed by H. Wertheim and the other signatory looks like John A. Cherry. Hugo Wertheim (1854-1919) was an agent for his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim, a well-established sewing machine manufacturer in Germany. He was born in Lispenhausen, Germany, and migrated to Melbourne in October 1875, where he opened a merchandising business at 39 Flinders Lane East. He returned to Germany in 1885 to marry Joseph Wertheim's daughter Sophie Emilie. The couple came back to Melbourne, and Hugo quickly established a substantial business selling sewing machines, bicycles, pianos and other mechanical devices, under brands such as Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin and Hapsburg. He exhibited at agricultural shows and in 1901 at the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, United States of America. One of his staff was O. C. Beale, who later set up his own piano business in New South Wales. Hugo continued to own 25 per cent of one of Beale's companies, which became Wertheim's Queensland business. In 1908 Hugo Wertheim opened a piano factory in Richmond, Melbourne, aiming to produce 2000 pianos and player pianos a year, predominantly using Australian materials. In laying the foundation stone, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin observed that “few men with such opportunities for a life of ease would have embarked on such an enterprise” Hugo died of chronic hepatitis in 1919 at his home in South Yarra. His eldest son, Herbert Joseph (1886-1972), continued the business. The piano factory closed in 1935, becoming a Heinz food processing plant and in 1955, GTV Channel 9 studios and offices. The Wertheim Sewing Machine Company – Joseph Wertheim (1804–1899) founded the company in 1868 in Frankfurt, Germany. At this time Joseph was the Frankfurt city delegate for the Democratic Party. At its height, the Wertheim factory employed approximately 650 workers. The company used a trademark of a dwarf holding a hammer which is known to have been used until at least 1925, however in 1909 a Star of David was also registered. In 1870 a Wertheim subsidiary was formed in Barcelona, Spain. The business imported and sold complete machines, including the English Jones machine. Locals began calling the sewing machines “las rapidas”, and the business became known as “las casa de las rapidas”. In 1915 production began of a totally manufactured Spanish Wertheim machine. Wertheim in Germany continued manufacturing machines until 1932 when the Wertheim family fled to Spain. Despite converting to Christianity from Judaism, they feared the political unrest in Germany during that time. Wertheim Spain became Rapida SA and was then the sole manufacturer of the Wertheim machines. The factory was managed by Karl Wertheim under the alias Carlos Vallin. The box is part of a donation that connected to domestic life in 1891 during the Victorian era. It is significant for connecting the Melbourne distributor of Wertheim sewing machines, Hugo Wertheim, to Victoria’s northwest district where the purchaser lived. It is also significant for connecting the Melbourne distributor to the importing of goods from the well-known German manufacturer of early domestic sewing machines, Joseph Wertheim.Cardboard box, rectangular, with coloured printed labels. The top of the box has a city scene on it, depicting buildings, factories and figures. Made by Wertheim Sewing Machine Co. of Germany. The Box has been sewn around the edges. There is a handwritten pencil inscription on one of the sides (difficult to decipher)."Manufactured in Germany" "WERTHEIM" "The Wonderful Sewing Machines" Handwritten "Ste - - - B - - - - Wbool"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, wertheim, sewing machine, victorian era, sewing machine accessories, sewing machine instructions, wertheim instruction book, wertheim sewing machine and hapsburg piano depot, 23-7-1891, £6 6/-, mrs burrowes, burrumbeet, h. wertheim, wertheim sewing machines, hand-stitched box, accessory box, domestic machines, dressmaking, home industry, fashion

Born in 1883, Herb Medhurst was the eldest of David and Martha’s 8 children. He moved to Greensborough with the family at age 17. He was a good sportsman, playing cricket and excelling at wood chopping winning many ribbons at shows. He moved to Brunswick after his marriage in 1917 where he worked as a carter. He had many jobs and moved around Victoria finally settling in Brunswick. In this photograph neither the group nor individuals are identified.Digital copy of black and white studio photograph.herb medhurst

Cheltenham Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1883, which was situated in the Cheltenham Park Reserve, described in its time as one of the most commanding and beautiful spots south of Melbourne. The program of a nights "Grand Entertainment" by the Cheltenham Lawn Tennis Club, held in the Mechanics Institute Cheltenham on Wednesday Evening, 3rd May 1893. Instructions for resurfacing the tennis court with colasmix and the cost associated with it. Cheltenham Lawn Tennis Club had its courts resurfaced for the Jubilee in 1887.Cheltenham Tennis Club 1883 was one of the first Tennis Clubs established in Melbourne.A Programme on a single sheet that lists the entertainment for the evening. Instruction for using Colasmix on tennis Courts and associated costs - three pages.tennis, entertainment, cheltenham lawn tennis club, cheltenham mechanics institute, charman road, cheltenham, 1920, keys john, shire of moorabbin, cheltenham park melbourne, colasmix

Flemington Wesleyan Methodist Church, Mount Alexander Road built in 1865. A Wesleyan church of which the nave of 1865 is typical in its use of brick and contrasting dressings and is a minor variant in the Methodist tradition of token Gothic, with pointed windows and brittle detailing; the spiky octagonal turrets and classical finial being somewhat novel, the porch and the transept (1883) being later additions. Classified: 18/09/1975 Demolished: 07/1999. [http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/65363]Flemington Wesleyan Methodist Church brick. flemington wesleyan methodist church

Land, bordered by Brougham, Havlin and Mundy Street was purchased in 1911 and the distillery onsite was modified to suit the needs of the Rosella Company. Renovations and additions, including a 21 metre high steel chimney, were completed in time for the 1911/12 tomato season. First manager was Owen WIlliams (1883-1948), a Welshman. He was married to Amy Price (1882-1949). Full history available "Bendigo's once flourishing tomato industry" by James A Lerk. Item 5985sepia photograph. Interior at workshop - anvil at back left., centre, drum standing on bench, used as small furnace ? Portion of man wearing work apron at back right. On back in ball point pen 'Rosella Preserving Factory, Brougham St. 'organization, business, rosella factory

One of a collection of 6 photographs donated by Anne Grayden. The Speke was the third largest 3 masted ships built in 1891. It was wrecked in 1906 near Kitty Miller Bay due to a navigational error. One man drowned but the rest of the crew reached safety. Remains of the hull are a tourist attraction now over 100 years later.Black & White photograph of the wreck of the Speke. The shop is listing but still in one piece. It is in the water seemingly stuck on rocks.the speke, wreck of the speke, phillip island ship wrecks, anne grayden

Founded in 1891, the Ellams Duplicator Company produced drum and flat duplicators that copied a stenciled sheet and allowed multiple copies to be made. Considered desk top, this rather heavy machine was operated by turning the handle and could turn out 100 copies a minute. This would have been useful for donation request letters or large print newsletters.1 black case holding a black drum and metal platesEllams Rotary Duplicator Self Feeding Ellams Duplicator Co Ltd 12 King Street London E.C. Alfred Street, Brisbane, Australiaoffice equipment, ellams

This book by Jack Gorman contains articles on horse racing in Australia, and in particular, Victoria and the Western District in the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes articles on the 1891 Melbourne Cup, the Casterton Centenary Cup of 1961, the champion horse ‘Waranton’, hunting in the Casterton district, the 1922 Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool and many people associated with horse racing in the past. This book is retained as it contains articles on various horse races and people associated with horse racing of the past in the Western District of Victoria, including accounts of Warrnambool races. It will be a useful addition to our local history library. This is a soft cover book of 52 pages. The cover has brown and white colouring and has an image of the finish of a horse race and black printing. The pages contain printed material, black and white photographs and sketches. The book has been stapled but the staples have been removed.western district horse racing, grand annual steeplechase, history of warrnambool, casterton centenary cup, jack gorman

Teacher Ellen Sweeney at rear. A former student of the school from 1879 (age 4) to 1889, Ellen was a teacher at Eltham State School from 1891-1898. She returned in 1915 until her marriage to William Hooley of Casterton at St Marys, Eltham, Tuesday, April 24, 1923. Based on Ellen Sweeney's hairstyle, the date is more likely to be in the earlier 1890s Thomas Tennant, photgrapher operated from 116 Johnston Street, Collingwood from c.1891 through to 1900. PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1891-1898, 1894, class photo, ellen hooley (nee sweeney), ellen sweeney, eltham primary school, eltham state school no. 209, thomas tennent photographer 116 johnston st collingwood

This book belonged to Mary Norman- Bail (1883-1962). She came to Warrnambool in 1901 and studied art and became an art teacher and artist. She moved to Echuca and then Ararat where she set up a school called The Pathfinder. She became well known as an artist and exhibited her work in the Victorian Artists Exhibitions. In 1922 she married Jesse Bail and had one child named Jessica . Several of her paintings are in the Warrnambool and District Historical Society collection.This book is of considerable interest because of its connection to a Warrnambool artist.This a soft covered book of 88 pages. It has a blue cover with black printing and an image of a weaving loom. It contains printed material and many illustrations and diagrams. The Pathfinder School Ararat St. Andrew's M NORMAN - BAIL Principal and Proprietormary norman- bail, warrnambool

This item is the financial statement of the Warrnambool Young Men's Club In 1882. The Young Men's Club situated in Kepler Street was formerly the Warrnambool Club Hotel building which had opened in 1873 by John Amon Smith. In 1877 it was renamed The Union Club Hotel but it closed in 1879. The Young Men's Club took over the building and incorporated a temperance hotel which opened in 1879. In 1883 the Warrnambool Young Men's Club and Temperance Hotel Company building was sold because of financial loss. This item is of interest as a memento of the 19th century Warrnambool Young Men's Club. The temperance establishments were popular during this century.A sheet of with paper with black printing on both sides.It is slightly creased and torn.The Warrnambool Young Men's Club AND TEMPERANCE HOTEL COMPANY, LIMITED BALANCE SHEET for the half year ending 31st December 1882.warrnambool young men's club, john amon smith

L-R: Mary, Carrie and Lizzie Shillinglaw Yeoman & Co operated from Prahran between 1883-1923 PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1883-1923, 1900, caroline (carrie) watson (nee shillinglaw) 1876-1956, elizabeth (lizzie) ann shillinglaw (1879-1972), mary ann shillinglaw (1880-1963), yeoman & co photographer prahran

Dr Alexander Gosman: born 27/06/1829 at Crail, Fifeshire. Hon. D.D. from St. Andrew's, Scotland. Secretary of the Congregational Union of Victoria 1867 - 1868. Chairman of the Congregational Union of Victoria 1869 - 1870, 1883 - 1884, 1895 - 1896, 1904 - 1905. Chairman of the Congregational Union of Australia and New Zealand 1904 - 1907. Principal of the Victorian Congregational College. He was involved with the Anti-Sweating League 1895 - 1902. Died 15 January 1913.Copy of original B & W gloss studio portrait of the Rev. Alexander Gosman, dressed in academic robes, seated at a desk.alexander gosman, congregational union, congregational college, anti-sweating league

Dr Alexander Gosman: born 27/06/1829 at Crail, Fifeshire. Hon. D.D. from St. Andrew's, Scotland. Secretary of the Congregational Union of Victoria 1867 - 1868. Chairman of the Congregational Union of Victoria 1869 - 1870, 1883 - 1884, 1895 - 1896, 1904 - 1905. Chairman of the Congregational Union of Australia and New Zealand 1904 - 1907. Principal of the Victorian Congregational College. He was involved with the Anti-Sweating League 1895 - 1902. Died 15 January 1913.Sepia toned seated studio portrait of a man tentatively identified as the Rev. Rev. Alexander Gosman. Cabinet card formatalexander gosman, congregational union, congregational college, anti-sweating league

The first successful stripper harvestor ,a Nicholson & Morrow harvestor invented by James Morrow appeared at the Victorian Government trial at Dookie Experimental farm on Dec 27th 1883. Although the stripper harvestor was being manufactured in small numbers by the mid 1800's it did not take over from the tripper until 1904. Hugh McKay soon became the most successful manufacturer of stripper harvestors under the "Sunshine " name and by 1940 over 40,000 harvestors had been produced.This 1916 H.V. McKay harvestor Serial No.102736. The first machines looked like strippers ,but had a fan, sieves, elevators and a small grain storage bin.. The McKay Stripper Harvestor Sunshine

Robert Clark was a self educated man who had arrived in Australia with his step father to take up mining in 1854. He worked in several local mines and being familiar with the hardships associated with mining life helped to establish the eight hour day for miners. Robert married Sarah Jane Kernaghan in 1862 and together they had nine children. Robert Clark was first elected in 1872 and remained a councillor until his death in 1883. He died aged 41 years. 180.1 Donated by Jenny Taylor; 180.2 Organisational created.Photograph mounted on card. Front facing, 3/4 length portrait, wearing mayoral robes with bicorne hat on stand.mayor city of sandhurst, councillor robert clark, mayor clark, mayor of the city of sandhurst

Photocopies of entertainment tickets. There are two different tickets, one for a Grand Euchre & Dance held at the Manchester Hall, Long Gully on Wed February 25rh. MC Mr E Rosewall. Ticket No 324. A Truscott and H Dennis, Supervisors. James, Printer, Eaglehawk. The other is MUIOFF Loyal Albert Lodge No 4774. The Anniversary of the Lodge was celebrated by a Soiree & Concert at the Manchester Arms, Long Gully on Friday 7th October 1891. Ticket no 388. J Brockley, Printer. This ticket has a ribbon and bouquet border. There are two pages of three copies of each ticket and an enlargement of each on lemon paper with a piece of white paper with Concert Tickets printed on it stuck to it.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - entetainment tickets, manchester hall, mr e rosewall, a truscott, h dennis, james, muioof, loyal albert lodge no 4774, manchester arms, j brockley

Document. Various legal papers. 1 - 1856? - Petition for Vesting Order in the matter of Diviney Michael, late of Sandhurst. Mentions Hughes Joshua and Freame H S? for Flegg Wm Sandhurst. 2 - Hughes J. Application for Vesting Order. Mentions Doran Joseph Christopher & Diviney. 3 - 1878 - In the matter of the Hope Tribute Mining Company Reg and in the matter of the Mining Companies Act 1891 between the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd. (Appellant) and the Hope Tribute Mining Company Reg (Respondent). Appeal case. 4 - 1889 - Transfer of Land in Kerang from Ellis Asher (Postmaster) to Victorian Railways Commissioners. Contains map of said land.cottage, miners, connelly, tatchell & dunlop, diviney michael, hughes joshua, freame h s?, flegg wm, doran joseph christopher, hope tribute mining company, commercial bank of australia, ellis asher, victorian railways commissioners

Photocopies of some pages mentioning the Museum. Part of a letter by P H MacGillivray, President, Report on the Botany Class, Report on the Chemistry and Metallurgy Classes, The Museum, including what exhibits, attendance of visitors and opening times. A number of pages of Donations to the Museum from 1/7 1891 to 30/6/1892, including the names and address of the donors. There is a list of the Classification of Specimens (received during the year). Also mentioned is Botany - Lecturer - J B Lillie Mackay and Zoology - Lecturer - J B Lillie Mackay. There is also a part of the printing about Architectural and Geometrical Drawing, Machine and Building Construction - Teacher - W H E Nicolai.museums, peter ellis collection, bendigo school of mines, dr macgillivray, rev j garlick, dr colquhoun, mr g alec thomson, mr j eardsley edwards, dr quick, j m harcourt, j robshaw, r bloomfield rees, j d crofts, w h carwardine, dr dendy, professor marshall hall, professor baldwin spencer, department of education, sir frederick mccoy, baron von mueller, j w faul, john robshaw, henry jackson, j b lillie mackay, melbourne university, mr a south, department of forestry, mr perrin, the pharmacy board of victoria, education department

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah HallThis item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Two copies of a program for the 90th Orbost annual Show. It has a yellow paper cover with black print. On the cover is a black/white photograph of a man on a white horse with a rug printed with the names of the sponsors of the event.program-orbost-annual-show agricultural-society

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.1944.1 is an Orbost Agricultural Society Member's Ticket No. 484. 1944.2 is an Orbost Agricultural Society Lady's Ticket no.484. Both are white cardboard edged in gold. The tickets are joined. There is a blue cord attached through a hole. The print is blue.Orbost Agricultural Society John Lynn President Member's Ticket E.H.D. White Secretary 1959 £1orbost-agricultural-society

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah HallAgricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A booklet which is a schedule of the Orbost Show 2010. It has a coloured cover and has 32 pages.Orbost Agric. Soc. Inc, 101st Annual Orbost Show Monday, March 8th 2010document orbost-show agricultural-societies program

Richard Jennings was a native of Cambourne, in Cornwall, born c. 1831. He arrived in Victoria in 1851, returned to Cornwall and then came back to Bendigo. He was the manager of several mines in the Bendigo goldfields and retired from these posts in 1891. His home "Helston" is in Backhaus St. Long Gully. Richard died in Feb. 1917 and was buried at the White Hills Cemetery.10563.5 Home of long serving Cornish Mine Manager Richard Jennings, who died at his residence "Helston" at Back Street, Long Gully. He was aged 86 years, and was one of the pioneers of the localityrichard jennings, long gully, "helston"

David NEWBURY (1925 - 2003) Born Eltham, Victoria David Newbury was the son of artist Albert Ernest (Pater) Newbury (1891-1941). He studied at RMIT and taught at Melbourne Teachers' College and Melbourne State College, This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.art, artwork, david newbury, newbury, oil, oil painting, albert ernest newbury, pater newberry

East Charlton Hotel built in 1875 by John Flug to replace his original log and bark inn built 1863. The first inn was about 100 metres behind this building and it was Charlton's first commercial building. The hotel was rebuilt by C. Klug in 1891. It was rebuilt as a two storey building in 1925. Part of a streetscape series done for the Shire of Charlton in 1987.Colour photograph of Spanish mission style, two storey white building. Arched verandah on lower level. Signage above veranda reads EAST CHARLTON HOTEL. Tree in front of building. and several parked cars. Yellow panel van in lower RH corner. Single storey pale brick building across the drive way on LH side. Red and white sign for SUPERMARKET on RH side.east charlton hotel, john flug, c. klug, charlton, business

"Potential blockage in the Fallopian tubes was assessed using this apparatus. It was developed by American gynaecologist Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958). It blows carbon dioxide, via a cannula, into the uterus. The ease with which gas escaped through the Fallopian tubes was reflected by pressure changes on an instrument called a manometer. Blockage of the tubes is often due to previous infection or surgery. It is a common cause of infertility. Rubin’s test formed a standard part of infertility investigations for many years. It was gradually replaced by an X-ray technique involving radio-opaque ‘dye’ injected into the uterus." Source: Science Museum Group. Rubin’s apparatus for uterotubal insufflation, New York, United States, 1928. A639503Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed 12 June 2024. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co96774/rubins-apparatus-for-uterotubal-insufflation-new-york-united-states-1928-tubal-insufflator. There is no manometer to monitor gas pressure on this model so it is either incomplete or a manometer was not available in this possibly early model. This device may be dated c1919, 1920s, or 1930s. 1919 was the year Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958) introduced this apparatus. Rubin's tubal insufflator apparatus. Consists of a large cylindrical glass canister, with three glass nozzles at top with long rubber tubing attached to each. The device is inside a portable plywood box with two door. One surgical steel introducer, and one glass introducer, are also attached to the device.

"Potential blockage in the Fallopian tubes was assessed using this apparatus. It was developed by American gynaecologist Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958). It blows carbon dioxide, via a cannula, into the uterus. The ease with which gas escaped through the Fallopian tubes was reflected by pressure changes on an instrument called a manometer. Blockage of the tubes is often due to previous infection or surgery. It is a common cause of infertility. Rubin’s test formed a standard part of infertility investigations for many years. It was gradually replaced by an X-ray technique involving radio-opaque ‘dye’ injected into the uterus." Source: Science Museum Group. Rubin’s apparatus for uterotubal insufflation, New York, United States, 1928. A639503Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed 12 June 2024. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co96774/rubins-apparatus-for-uterotubal-insufflation-new-york-united-states-1928-tubal-insufflator. Model may be dated c1919 or 1920s or 1930s. 1919 was the year Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958) introduced the apparatus. Instrumant has a label with Cyrus Jones monogram " Donated by Dr Lorna Lloyd Green, 1986/ Rubin's Insufflator/ NB "sparklet holder separate" missing?Rubin's tubal insufflator apparatus, large cylidrical glass canister inside a portable carry box with two doors with three glass nozzels at top with long rubber tubing attached on each. One surigical steel introducer, one glass introducer attached. A blood pressure manometer is fixed on the inside door. infertility

The rope was part of the distress rocket used during the time that the sailing ship Fiji was in distress, before it became a 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 distress 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 Cartland, 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 Ryan's 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 River nook, 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 last man 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 River nook 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.This rope is part of the collection of artefacts from the wreck of the Fiji. 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).Rope, plaited, brown in colour, cut straight at one end, and the other end is separated into 3 pieces, from distress rockets used during the wreck of the sailing ship Fiji. Rope was in envelope printed with an address, and a description, and there was a display card with further details on it. Printed on the envelope: "Shire of Hampden / PO Box 84, Camperdown 3260" Hand written "rope of wreck of Fiji / 7cm / Mr Wm "Boyce" Display card with rope includes words "Piece of Rope from the Fiji distress rockets and was donated to Flagstaff Hill by a private donor in 1989"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rope, the fiji, william boyce, distress signal, rocket rescue, life saving equipment