The most common technique to measure fuel moisture content in Victorian forests until recently was the Speedy Moisture Meter. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s. Fuel was first ground using a Spong mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small sample placed into the Speedy together with a measure of calcium carbide and then sealed. A chemical reaction created gas pressure which was read on the external dial. There were important techniques with cleaning, mincing and using the chemicals with the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. In about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance.First reliable tool for measuring bushfire fuel moisture content in the fieldSpeedy Moisture Meter in wooden boxmanufactures marks and instructions on usebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Rose Series postcard No. P 14227 titled "The City of Melbourne", with Flinders St and Princes Bridge station buildings, St Paul's Cathedral, Gas and Fuel and Ball and Welch buildings in the view. There are some 10 trams in the view. There is a Craven A cigarette advert on the south end of the station buildings. See also item 8058 for a similar photo.Yields information about Flinders Street Railways Station and the Melbourne skyline, late 1950s.Postcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear.trams, st kilda road, swanston st, flinders st station, princes bridge station, tramways, princes bridge, w2 class

Gas&Fuel Corporation newsletter, with the photos of the managers of the newly acquired country branches. Mr. Jim Coventry, Ballarat - Mr. Pat Adair, Bacchus Marsh - Mr. Charles (Charlie) Anglin, Ararat/Stawell - Mr. Ray Clegg, Portland - Mr. Ralph. Cockle, Colac - Mr. Frank Dart, Warrnambool - Mr. Jim Franklin, Wodonga - Mr. Laurie Franklin, Hamiltonbusiness, retail, gas and fuel

Photo envelope ''Strath 1 hour photos, shop 26 Strath Village, Edwards road Bendigo 3550 ph:418289. on the inside pocket an address: No 2 Orana Ct Bendigo, Home 421193, Geoff Beack, Gas and Fuel 419268. Also inside 16 plastic photo holders. The envelope contained photos catalogue number from 11518.426 to 11518.454business, retail, photography

Likely used in the early to mid-20th century for pouring petrol from large fuel tins into vehicle tanks or smaller containers. The design suggests it was a utilitarian tool for garages, farms, or early motoring enthusiasts. The screw-thread and frame indicate it was meant to be secured to a canister to prevent spills and ensure steady pouring.A vintage metal petrol pourer with a spout designed for controlled fuel pouring. The main body consists of a curved metal pipe leading to a nozzle. A screw-threaded metal fitting is attached near the spout, likely for securing it to a fuel can. A metal plate with a pointed tip is part of the assembly, possibly for piercing or securing into a container. A rectangular wire frame extends from the main body, likely for stability or support while pouring.petrol, gas, kerosene, fuel, can, container, farm equipment, motoring, vehicles, tractors

The cast iron combustion stove is significant as part of the evolution of domestic cooking. Previously, cooking was mostly carried out in the outdoors on open fires, and later in fireplaces indoors. The cast iron combustion stove is significant as part of the evolution of domestic cooking. Cast iron stoves burn solid fuel such as wood or coal, and are used for cooking and warmth. The stoves have a firebox with a grate where the fuel is burned. The hot air flows through flues and baffles that heat the stove top and the oven. By the 1920s gas cookers were being introduced for domestic use, and by the 1930s electric home cookers were being offered to householders. A vintage cast iron kitchen stove set in the back wall of the Mont De Lancey Slab Kitchen. It has two steel decorative hinged doors with a handle to open and close. There is one pull out metal shelf in each compartment. Between the two doors is a round door which opens to reveal the wood box with a slatted base. This allows the ash and small coals from the fire to fall though to a pull-out tray below to be emptied outside when cooled. There is another lift-out kid to clean the ash and coals underneath.On the chimney plate 'Andrews, Patent Non Pariel' On the front of the stove below the round wood box 'C Andrews Geelong'cooking equipment, cooking stoves, fuel cooking stoves, domestic ovens

This type of portable kerosene pressure stove was commonly used for camping, outdoor cooking, and military applications in the early 1900s to mid-century. It operates by pressurizing liquid fuel (such as kerosene or methylated spirits) using the pump, which is then vaporized and burned to produce a strong, hot blue flame. These stoves were popular with travellers, explorers, and rural households before the widespread availability of electric and gas stoves.This is an antique portable kerosene or spirit stove, likely from the early to mid-20th century. The stove consists of a circular metal fuel tank at the base, which is darkened and aged, possibly made of brass or iron. A raised burner assembly sits atop the fuel tank, enclosed by a metal wind shield, which appears to be stamped with a manufacturer's name or logo. The burner head is centrally positioned, with a control valve and a pressurizing pump extending from the tank’s side. The top of the stove features a circular cast-iron trivet or pot stand with multiple supports, allowing pots or kettles to rest above the flame. The trivet has a well-worn patina, with visible signs of heat exposure and rust. It may indicate a well-known brand such as Primus, Optimus, or another vintage stove manufacturer.cooking, gas, kitchen, household item

Framed photograph Malvern Driver Ron Scholten's driving W6 917 on a route, East Malvern Darling Road, route 3, in St Kilda Road, c1990. Has St Patricks Cathedral and the Gas and Fuel towers in the background. Has a tram stop sign on the right hand side of the photograph. The tram has two advertisements on the side. Photograph by David Featherston. Received with a broken sheet of glass.On rear in pencil "Photo David Featherston"trams, tramways, swanston st, st kilda rd, tram stops, tram 917

The photo shows the intersection of Collins and Swanston Streets looking south. It shows an early version of the City Square. In the photo is the Town Hall, the Gas & Fuel buildings, St Paul's Cathedral, and in the top left-hand corner an advertisement for "Qantas". Several trams are in the view plus the Tram Recovery Vehicle parked alongside the City Square on stand-by. See reference for the Square History - based on the paving, late 1970s,Yields information about the City Square,Colour postcard by Sandscene International, No. V36 with a serrated edge - No. JSC1219postcards, collins st, swanston st, city square, tramways, r10 vehicle, w2 class, trams, melbourne town hall

Bushfire behaviour is influenced by many things including temperature, relative humidity, forest type, fuel quantity and fuel dryness, topography and even slope. Wind has a dominant effect on the Rate of Spread (ROS), and also bushfire size, shape and direction. Fuel arrangement is as important as fuel quantity (tonnes/ha). Fibrous and ribbon bark, together with elevated and near-surface scrub fuels act as ladders which lead flames into the tree canopy. But the availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Since the 1930s foresters, firefighters and researchers have been working to develop quick and reliable techniques for measuring fuel moisture content. One of the most accurate methods is slowly drying a sample of fuel in a conventional oven for 24-48 hours to remove all the moisture and measuring the weight difference, but this takes time and is not practical in the field when rapid measurements are needed. But oven drying is often used as a benchmark to compare other methods. Microwave ovens are faster but can cause uneven drying and even char the fuel. They are also not very practical for use in the field. Some mathematical models rely on weather records such as rainfall, wind speed, evaporation, cloud cover, shading, relative humidity, slope, aspect and season of the year to predict soil and fuel moisture. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index of soil dryness is the most common. But complex fuels with leaves, twigs, grass etc make the predictive models often inadequate for fine fuels. The most common technique in Victorian forests until recently was the trusty Speedy Moisture Meter. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s (I think). Fuel was first ground using a spong mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small sample placed into the Speedy together with a measure of calcium carbide and then sealed. A chemical reaction created gas pressure which was read on the external dial. There were important techniques with cleaning, mincing and using the chemicals with the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. But in about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance. Wiltronics is an Australian owned company operating from Ballarat. The final result was a kit that was portable, accurate and could reliably measure fuel moisture contents between 3% and 200%. Although expensive, it is now widely used by fire agencies around the world which has virtually relegated the Speedy to the back cupboard.Prototype Fuel moisture meterT-H Fine Fuel Meterforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement

Blow torches like this one were widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before modern gas torches and propane burners became standard. Operated by pressurizing liquid fuel (kerosene or gasoline), which was vaporized and ignited to create a high-temperature flame. Commonly used for: Soldering and brazing in plumbing. Heating and softening metal for shaping. Thawing frozen pipes in cold climates. Industrial applications requiring direct flame.This is a vintage kerosene or gasoline blow torch, commonly used in soldering, metalworking, and industrial applications. The torch has a cylindrical metal fuel tank, which appears to be made of brass or steel, with signs of oxidation and patina. Attached to the top of the tank is a pump handle, used to pressurize the fuel inside the tank. The burner assembly extends from the top of the fuel tank and includes a fuel control valve (a round, serrated metal knob). The burner nozzle is housed inside a silver-coloured metal casing, likely made of cast iron or aluminium, which serves as a heat shield. A wrapped cloth insulation is present around part of the handle, likely to protect the user from heat. It could be from a well-known maker such as Turner, Clayton & Lambert, Bladon, or Sievert, which were among the leading manufacturers of blow torches in the early to mid-20th century.blow torch, welding, farm equipment, commercial equipment

Date and Location Unknown - Photo of an Office with from Left to Right: Jim Holland (Ledgers Head on phone) - Bob Palmer (Cashier Foreground) - Judy Browell (Ledger Keeper looking up at J.Holland) - Jennifer Trimble (Typist ) - Tony Smith (Junior Clerk) - Bob Hillman (Sales Representative at Rear Sitting at Desk) - Bill Fuzzard (Sales Representative Standing far Right). On Back Stamp: Photography by Gas & Fuel Corporation Printing Section.business, retail, gas and fuel office

The photographs shows MMTB track renewal work in Flinders St during 1971. The first photo shows W2 tram 408 and a wide body tram behind running while work is being carried out, with several workers standing clear. The second photo shows a replacement cross over installed near Queen St. In the background are Flinders St Station and the Gas and Fuel buildings. Fletcher Jones building is on the left hand side of the second photo.Yields information about undertaking trackwork while running trams and the minimal closing of the roadway to motor traffic.Black and White photograph with photographer's notes on rear"Flinders St 1971" and "Dave Macartney"trams, tramways, trackwork, flinders st, w2 class, tram 408

Photos of abseiling training in preparation for abseiling down the Gas and Fuel buildings in Flinders St with Ron Barassi in August 1989 - see 00508 and 01409. The event was for Legacy Week 1989. Details of the event said Ron Barassi abseils for Legacy joined by Carol Shaw and Legatee Peter Heeney. Media team watching them were Fox's Wally Weissel and Ken Kavanagh and Triple M's Andy McLean. Aided by Williamstown Commando Company with training at Nidrie Quarry.A record of a promotional event.Colour photo x 4 of training for an abseiling event.legacy promotion, legacy week

A photo of Ron Barassi training in preparation for abseiling down the Gas and Fuel buildings in Flinders St in August 1989 for Legacy week - see 00508. Aided by Williamstown Commando Company with training at Nidrie Quarry. Ron Barassi was a Legacy boy after his father died in Tobruk. He donated a lot of time and was involved with Legacy in many ways over the years. Including being personality of the year in 1989 and his photo featured on the presidents highlight report in 1989.A record of a promotional event involving Ron Barassi.Black and white photo of Ron Barassi training for an abseiling event.legacy promotion, ron barassi

Branch and area managers meeting held on the 21st September 1981. Outside Labour Order and Expenditure Procedure. The document outlines the Levels of Authority to be followed. By the managers for: General work - Appliance Installation and Schedule of rates Main laying and Service laying. Attached are 2 copies of quotation forms, 2 copies of OL5 Outside Labour procedure exemption request and 2 copies of a contractor form that the contractor must sign to indemnified Gas&Fuel against loss or damage caused by contractordocument, memo, minutes

Yields information about one of the two visits to Melbourne for the Australia Day Parade of one of the Museum's trams.Black and White photograph of BTM No.27 operating in Flinders St. near intersection with Exhibition St. Melbourne during Australia Day 1981, 26/1/1981 - see March 1981 issue of Fares Please!. Carolyn Dean driver. Photo John Phillips. Tram has destination of "Mt Pleasant" and an auxiliary board "East Melbourne". In the background is the Gas and Fuel buildings and the Forum Theatre. See Reg Item 3085 for another photo of the tram in Flinders St. trams, tramways, btps, flinders st, australia day, tram 27

Laminated paper poster titled "Salute to Australia Pageant", for the Australia Day Holiday 1/2/1982, to be held in the Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens. Features numerous silhouette out images of people, various Victorian and Edwardian transport equipment on a colour background. On the bottom edge has the sponsor names, The Age, Ansett Airlines, Bank of New South Wales, Coverlid and Davies, Gas and Fuel, State of Victoria, Heinz, Myer, State Insurance Office, Qantas, and the Public Transport Corporation.trams, tramways, australia day, pageant, btps, melbourne

Set of 2 Colour slides- Anscochrome plastic mount taken on 9-3-1970 of the shunting of trams for the Moomba Parade Flinders St with the Flinders St Station in the background. .1 - W5 815 (East Kew, route 40) shunting alongside the Gas and Fuel building. An inspector is standing behind the tram. .2 - SW6 939 (North Balwyn, Route 48), shunting in Flinders St with many people alongside. Has adverts for Astoria Rental cars and Houghtons blinds.Has slide number written on itemtrams, tramways, w5 class, route 40, east kew, flinders st, moomba, parades, flinders st station, route 48, north balwyn, tram 815, tram 939

The kerosene lamp is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may used for portable lighting. There are three types of kerosene lamp: traditional flat wick, central draught (tubular round wick), and mantle lamp. The screws on the side adjust the flame and hence the strength of the flame produced. Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps provided lighting in all householdsPioneers and early settlers in Moorabbin Shire relied on kerosene lamps for lighting their homes after sunset.This kerosene, flat wick, banquet lamp has a clear glass shade chimney with a frilled rim, a reservoir of plain yellow glass and a metal engraved base . 1 side screw to adjust the flamelights, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham. lamps, kerosene, paraffin, oil

Coleman, originally known for making lanterns, made over 30 different models of irons from 1929 to 1948. They generally came in an enamel coloured finish. The best known and most commonly found today is the “Cool Blue” enamel Coleman’s 4A gasoline iron. The Coleman 4A gasoline iron was much lighter than the previous ‘sad irons’ and no longer required to be heated on the stove or by charcoal. Instead, the pump was used to build up pressure in the fuel tank and a match was lit underneath the iron, making a flame inside the iron that would distribute the heat on the surface. Despite these benefits, fuels irons made ironing a potentially dangerous job. They had a very real possibility of causing a fire or exploding. Gas-pressure irons, that had been manufactured as early as 1900, were eventually replaced by electric-powered steam irons, in the 1970s as an affordable and safer alternative.This item is significant because it is an example of domestic appliances used widely throughout the Wodonga District.A self-heating iron which made from metal and enamel plate which included a small tank for fuel which powered the unit. A small wooden pump was used to build up pressure in the iron’s fuel tank. It has a wooden handle.domestic appliances, coleman fuel irons

The kerosene lamp is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may used for portable lighting. There are three types of kerosene lamp: traditional flat wick, central draught (tubular round wick), and mantle lamp. The side screws adjust the length of the wick and hence the strength of the flame / light produced. Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps provided light in households after sunset.Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps provided light after sunset for the early settlers, as they established their farms and businesses, in Moorabbin Shire.A Victorian kerosene banquet lamp, with a gilded metal quad footed base, cranberry glass oil reservoir with geometric patterns, original etched, yellow, glass globe shade and clear glass chimney. There are 2 side screws for adjusting the flame.early settlers. pioneers, follett w, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, ormond, market gardeners, kerosene, paraffin, lights, lamps, candles

The kerosene lamp is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may used for portable lighting. There are three types of kerosene lamp: traditional flat wick, central draught (tubular round wick), and mantle lamp. The side screws adjust the length of the wick and hence the strength of the flame/light produced. Prior to the introduction of gas and electricity these lamps were used for lighting in all households after sunsetPioneers and early settlers relied on kerosene lamps for lighting their homes after sunset.A 19th Century kerosene chamber lamp, with clear, plain glass shade and reservoir, circular metal base and 1 side screw for adjusting the flameearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, ormond, cheltenham, candles, lights, lamps, kerosene, paraffin, oil

Rose Series postcard No. P 14226 titled "The Yarra, Princes Bridge & City Skyline, Melbourne", with the Flinders St Station main concourse buildings in the view along with Princes Bridge Station, Batman Ave. Tram terminus, St Paul's Cathedral, Gas and Fuel and Ball and Welch buildings in Flinders Street. There are some 8 trams in the view including several W2 class. There is a Craven A cigarette advertisement on the south end of the station buildings. See also item 8059 for a similar photo. The 1959 extension to the T&G building in Collins Street is well in hand. Yields information about Flinders Railways Station and the Melbourne skyline, late 1950s.Postcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear.trams, flinders st station, princes bridge station, st kilda road, swanston st, tramways, w2 class, batman ave, princes bridge

This 1941 Reo bus was owned by the Mylon Bus Company in Wodonga. The gas bag was used for fuel to compensate for the shortage of petrol during World War II. The Reo, powered by gas, could run 40 miles on 1,100 cubic feet. Albury and Wodonga Councils pruned back the trees so the bus could pull into the kerbs without tearing the gas bag, and the Albury Council put in a special gas pipeline to the corner of David Street where the bag could be refilled. Street lights could also cause a problem for the bag's safety. The driver in this image is Alf Jackson pictured with the Mylon boys, Phillip, David and Bernie. In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and Tourism. On 2nd July 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members, were transferred to the Dyson Group.This image is significant because it captures innovations made to cope with fuel scarcity during World War II and represents an important Wodonga business.A black and white image of a Reo gas-powered bus owned by Mylon Bus Lines Wodonga. The driver and a group of boys are standing beside the bus.mylon motorways, patrick mylon, wodonga transport

The artefact is a short cross-section of part of a functional part of a brass fitting that suspended a gas lamp, providing structural support, and internally, supplying the gas for its ignition. It combines elegant design with the elements required for safe and efficient delivery of gas. It was recovered from the LOCH ARD shipwreck site. There are similar artefacts in the Flagstaff Hill collection. The LOCH ARD left Gravesend (London) on 2 March 1878, bound for Melbourne, with a crew of 37, 17 passengers, and a diverse and valuable cargo of manufactured goods, luxury items, and refined metal. Some of the cargo was intended for Melbourne’s first International Exhibition to be held in 1880. At 3 am, 1 June 1878, the ship was wrecked against the high limestone cliffs of Mutton Bird Island on Victoria’s south west coast near Port Campbell. Only two people survived the disaster — Tom Pearce, a male crew member, and Eva Carmichael, a female passenger. The cargo proved too difficult to salvage in the vessel’s exposed condition and was largely written off. The manifest of goods in the LOCH ARD’s holds included “Fittings gas (4 cases)”. The gas lighting of streets, public buildings, and the dwellings of wealthier private citizens, was already well advanced in the cities and major towns of the Australian colonies. In 1841 Sydney was the first to be gas lit with 23 street lamps, 106 hotel lamps, and 200 private residences connected to the Darlinghurst “gasometer” by an underground network of metal pipes. “The dim days of oil and tallow are gone by!” pronounced one newspaper, flushed with civic pride. The 1850s Gold Rush promoted a similar attitude of confidence and affluence in the Colony of Victoria. In 1855 Melbourne was connected to its own system of subterranean gas pipes despite the same high rates of 25 shillings per 1000 cubic feet being charged, (reduced to 15 shillings in 1865 with cheaper sources of coal). By1858 Kyneton had its own gasworks to light the town (fuelled by eucalyptus leaves) and Geelong followed suit in 1860. Had the LOCH ARD reached its intended destination in 1878, it is probable that the 4 cases of brass gas light fittings on board would have found a ready market.The gas fitting is significant for its association with the LOCH ARD shipwreck, which is of State significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register S417. The fitting is an example of a late 19th-century plumbing and light fitting.A pressed brass gas light fitting, recovered from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. The elegant and functional fitting extends from an ornate 8cm diameter ceiling flange, and comprises two short lengths of fluted column pipe with a brass joiner that are severed (cut off) at the end. Within this decorative outer layer of 3cm diameter is a full length brass tube liner, which is in turn protecting a narrow 0.75cm copper gas pipe that also runs full length. The artefact is generally unrestored with reddish/cream sandstone concretion, but is in good condition.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck artefact, maritime museum, gas lamps, gas lighting, gas works, brass fittings, gas pipes, loch ard, 1878 shipwreck, victorian affluence, colonial gas lighting

This artefact is a functional, non-decorative fitting that essentially transports gas from a wall attachment to a lamp. It is a brass and copper gas lamp fitting, designed to direct and control the flow of gas from a flanged wall fitting to an exit nozzle that was lit. It was raised from the LOCH ARD shipwreck site by Flagstaff Hill divers in 1972. Related pieces can be found in the Maritime Village collection. The LOCH ARD left Gravesend (London) on 2 March 1878, bound for Melbourne, with a crew of 37, 17 passengers, and a diverse and valuable cargo of manufactured goods, luxury items, and refined metal; some of which was to be on show at Melbourne’s first International Exhibition in 1880. At 3 am, 1 June 1878, the ship was wrecked against the high limestone cliffs of Mutton Bird Island on Victoria’s southwest coast near Port Campbell. Only two people survived the disaster — Tom Pearce, a male crew member, and Eva Carmichael, a female passenger. The cargo proved too difficult to salvage in the vessel’s exposed condition and was largely written off. The manifest of goods in the LOCH ARD’s holds included “Fittings gas (4 cases)”. The gas lighting of streets, public buildings, and the dwellings of wealthier private citizens were already well-advanced in the cities and major towns of the Australian colonies. In 1841 Sydney was the first to be gas-lit with 23 street lamps, 106 hotel lamps, and 200 private residences connected to the Darlinghurst “gasometer” by an underground network of metal pipes. “The dim days of oil and tallow are gone by!” pronounced one newspaper, flushed with civic pride. The 1850s Gold Rush promoted a similar attitude of confidence and affluence in the Colony of Victoria. In 1855 Melbourne was connected to its system of subterranean gas pipes despite the same high rates of 25 shillings per 1000 cubic feet being charged, (reduced to 15 shillings in 1865 with cheaper sources of coal). By1858 Kyneton had its gasworks to light the town (fuelled by eucalyptus leaves) and Geelong followed suit in 1860. Had the LOCH ARD reached its intended destination in 1878, the four cases of brass gas light fittings on board would probably have found a ready market.The LOCH ARD shipwreck is of State significance — Victorian Heritage Register S417. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing 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 collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. This pipe is a gas lamp fitting. This extensively corroded fitting is made of brass and copper alloy. It comprises a 31 cm copper pipe of 1.5cm diameter which is connected to a 6.5cm diameter wall flange (via a flow tap and an adjustable swivel valve) at one end, and to a screw-in square coupling with a nozzle or gas jet at the other end. The copper pipe is dented and corroded and has three holes. The brass attachments are a more robust cast metal but the adjustable mechanisms are concreted into immobility by ocean sediment. No discernible maker’s marks. In unrestored but fair condition. The pipe with the fitting was recovered from the wreck of the LOCH ARD.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, gas lamps, gas lighting, gas works, brass fittings, gas pipes, loch ard, 1878 shipwreck, victorian affluence, colonial gas lighting

This particular specimen is found in Wolgan Valley, New South Wales. It could be linked to the abandoned oil shale mining sites in Wolgan Valley such as Newnes. Newnes was an industrial complex operational in the early 20th century is now partly surrounded by Wollemi National Park. It produced motor spirit, kerosene, and gas oil. Newnes's Torbanite oil shale rock contained around 350 litres of oil shale per tonne. The Torbanite was mined by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation Ltd. Oil shale is a sedimentary rock and also a form of fossil fuel. It is often formed millions of years ago and usually contain fossilised remains of plants and/or animals. Oil shale is rich in kerogen that releases hydrocarbon when heated. These hydrocarbon can be used as an alternative petroleum or natural gas. The oil-shale rock was converted into oil by "destructive distillation"; the rock being heated until it broke down to form an oily vapour and an ash residue. Oil bearing shale is one of Australia's national assets. There are many oil companies established in Australia. It reflects Australia's rich natural resources as well as connection to the Australia's engineering and oil industry. The booming oil shale extraction businesses can be traced as far back as 1920s. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Piece of dark gray oil bearing shale with shades of light brown and fossilised leavesExisting label: OIL BEARING SHALE with / FOSSILISED LEAVES / Locality: Wongan Valley, NSW / Donor: Miss M. Cambell geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, oil shale, shale, fossil fuels, alfred selwyn, wolgen valley, 1868 geological survey of victoria, rocks, sedimentary rocks, newnes, torbanite, commonwealth oil corporation ltd

861 John Benn Locomotive - in active service - Emerald Station Built in 1886 by Société Anonyme Usines Métallurgiques du Hainaut - Locomotives Couillet for the West Melbourne site of the Metropolitan Gas Company, as a four-wheel tank locomotive similar to 986 and named “John Benn”. The West Melbourne gas works sourced its coal from Maitland, New South Wales, and the coal was brought by ship to a wharf adjacent to the West Melbourne gas plant. John Benn and Carbon were used to haul the coal over a 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) gauge railway from the wharf to the gasworks, a distance of about 450 metres (500 yards). It was withdrawn from service in the 1930s and stored until sold privately in 1962. It was rebuilt by its new owners in the style of an American locomotive of the 1880s and was used for some years at Walhalla. It currently has the name “J.C. Rees” and is used in active service for the 861 Footplate Experience. Wheels: 2-4-2ST Builder: Couillet Build Date: 1886 Construction No.: 861 Empty Weight: Unknown Weight on Drivers: Unknown Driver Diameter: Unknown Tractive Effort: Unknown Boiler Pressure: Unknown Cylinders: Unknown Fuel: Coal Gauge: 30 inchesHistoric - Industrial railways - Metropolitan Gas Company Ltd, Melbourne Steam LocomotiveDecauville Steam Locomotive 861 John Reespuffing billy, narrow gauge, industrial narrow gauge railway, metropolitan gas company, decauville 43, steam locomotive, john rees, john benn, 861 locomotive, couillet, 861