After the death of Stan Savige this address was given at the Canberra Conference in October 1954. It is tribute to his life. Sir Stanley Savige KBE : Commemorative Address Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra : October 1954. On the 15th of May this year Legacy learned to its enduring sorrow of the death of its Founder, Lieut. General Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, for more than 30 years affectionately known to us all as Legatee Stan Savige. He was the embodiment of all those things for which Legacy stands, and each one of us who knew him and worked with him feels a great and abiding sense of personal loss. It is proper, therefore, that those of us at this Conference, the first after his passing, representative of Legacy throughout the Commonwealth, and comprising so many who were his friends, so many who knew the depth of his love for Legacy, should acknowledge our debt to our Founder and ensure, so far as we may, that the inspiration of his life and work in this Cause shall not be lost to those who follow after. It was not ordained that Stanley George Savige - should enjoy a long life, but it was to prove a life of outstanding service. Born at Morwell in Victoria some 63 years ago, he received with his brothers and sisters such education as was then available to a lad in a mining district. He had no particular opportunities of advancement, but from his early days he cherished a strong ambition to make a success of his life, and with this in view he lost no opportunity of adding to his knowledge. Always a lover of the open country, a good bushman and a fine shot, he became as a young man, a Scoutmaster with a keen following of boys. Even in those early days he attracted youth and showed undoubted promise of the quality of leadership which later was to make him famous. Opportunity came with the first World War, and he took his place as a private soldier in the original 24th Battalion AIF. Followed Gallipoli and Anzac where his marksmanship and bush craft stood him in good stead. Conscious that his early training was not sufficient to secure the promotion he desired, he set himself to enlarge it. Only a man of fine fibre and rare determination could apply himself to study on that war torn Peninsula, where our men, hitherto untested, suffered every known hardship and no man knew, from hour to hour, whether he would survive. But Savige achieved it. Himself then a Corporal he found another Corporal who was a former Schoolmaster and learned from him all that he had to teach. Savige was on his way. He was commissioned on the Field and allotted the heroic task of leading the last party off that desperate coast during the famous evacuation. In France he became the Adjutant of his Battalion and one of the best known officers in the 6th Brigade. He won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. Early in 1918 he received a signal distinction, He was included in a small but distinguished band of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the British and Dominion Forces most carefully selected for individual courage and proved qualities of leadership, and was sent to Persia, under the command of Major-General Dunsterville, Kipling’s famous Stalky, to assist and mobilise the friendly tribes with a view to protecting the road to India, left wide open by the withdrawal of Russia. The story of the Dunsterforce, its suffering and achievements in the face of incredible hardships and difficulties, was later to be told by Savige in his book “Stalky’s Forlorn Hope”. He emerged, finally, unscathed, despite his active participation in several of the bloodiest battles of all time, with the rank of Captain and a DSO and MC to his credit, to say nothing of three mentions in despatches. In later years, further decorations were to be conferred upon him, but I believe he valued none of these so highly as his awards for outstanding personal bravery won in the Field when he was an Officer of comparatively junior rank. Such was the man who in August 1923, at the instance of his former Commander, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand, gathered around him a handful of men who had fought and laughed with him over four well remembered years. This small band adopted the name of “Legacy”, but its purpose then was, in the main, to assist in safeguarding the interests of ex-servicemen in this country. Worthy although the case undoubtedly was, the conception and ideal which was to distinguish Legacy from all kindred post-war movements did not emerge until two years later. The torch had not been lit. Legacy had not yet found its soul. What has been achieved since then is known to you all. The Legacy ideal, unique in its conception, with no known counterpart elsewhere, is now accepted, welcomed and honoured throughout the Commonwealth and abroad. But in those early days the achievements of our Founder in the face of all manner of difficulties and frustrations are worthy of our lasting memory and thankfulness. As the source of every river lies in the hills, so must the inspiration from which stems a great conceptions of service to one’s fellow men be lofty and above reproach. Savige was the embodiment of this new expression of comradeship, as he was the central figure and driving force of the little group that sponsored it. But for his zeal, his faith and determination, it is likely that the flame, newly kindled, might have flickered and died. The idea of men returned from active service pledging for the sake of their former comradeship, their personal assistance to the widows, and above all, to the children of those who had fought beside them and paid the full price of War, was so completely new and unexpected that it was by no means readily accepted. There were no funds, no precedents to guide the new adventurers, only the clear bright flame of an ideal just envisaged, and the conviction that the Cause was unassailable. Nor were there lacking many who said that the community held no place for Legacy, that it was born of sentiment only, and would quickly pass. The scoffers are gone and one since forgotten, but the torch remains and burns brighter than ever. Down the years of Legacy there are many names deserving of honour, men from all States and all stations of life, but no name stands out in such clear and bold relief as does the name of our Founder. By his works you shall know him. He was, in truth, the Soul of Legacy. He sought no office and preferred to work as one of the team. Six years went by before he accepted the Presidency of Melbourne Club, and then only because his fellows would book no further delay. “The Spirit of Legacy is Service” - so runs the Charter, and that was Savige’s Creed. By virtue of his attainments he was called upon to take a leading part in the administration of Legacy, first within his own club and later, as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Council of Legacy in Australia. But always it was the essentially human character of the work which enthralled and upheld him, and the tasks which gave him most joy were those which brought him into close personal contact with the youngsters and their home life. Like their elders they recognised his goodwill and his leadership and responded to it. It was Savige who made possible the first camps held for the boys and girls by Melbourne Club. These were erected on his own seaside property, and were originally conducted under his personal direction and largely with the aid of funds he had collected. There was hardly an important post in his own Club that Savige did not at some time occupy and adorn. He was happiest in the company of those men with whom he had served in the field, and cherished always the comradeship born of active service which is of the essence of Legacy. He was a man of strong convictions but attentive always to another’s point of view. As a Legatee he played a leading part in bringing hope and encouragement to many a mother on whom the whole responsibility of a young family had been suddenly and tragically laid; in the attainment of the ambitions of many an orphan child, which not so long since had seemed to him or her to be mere dreams, impossible of realisation. Comfort for the bereaved, new hope for the children’s physical and educational welfare, assistance with the home, aid for the sick, money for the needy and a new courage to face a future that hitherto had held no promise, all these facets of Legacy endeavour combine to present a living and enduring memorial to the man we honour as our Founder today. Between the two World Wars in addition to establishing himself successfully in civilian life and answering the constant calls of Legacy on his energy and time, Savige maintained an active association with the Army. He was convinced that a Second AIF would one day be urgently called upon, and as a Battalion Commander he spared no effort to train the Officers under his charge during the uneasy years of peace for the trial that he felt must come. These men have all subsequently had distinguished military careers, their names are well known and many of the serve in Legacy today. When the second crisis came, Savige himself was one of the first to offer, and although his youth was spent, he proudly carried the number VX13 throughout the terrible years that followed. This time he was to command, first the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade in the first action of the Second AIF against the enemy at Barida, and subsequently at Tobruk and Derna - all famous names now. It was his patrols which gave the warning - unheeded at the time - that Rommel’s reinforcements were reaching North Africa far earlier than was expected. Then followed the grim days of Greece and Crete when the fine qualities of his leadership were put to the utmost test. I have been told by those who were closest to him it was typical of Savige that when his convoys were on the move back and were being blasted from the air by the unopposed Luftwaffe, he should sit by the side of the open road, wearing his red banded cap, to steady the morale of men who had then no chance of hitting back at the enemy. Unorthodox no doubt, but here was a man indeed. Throughout the whole campaign and later when he commended the 3rd division in New Guinea and later still when with the rank of Lieutenant-General he became a Corps Commander in New Guinea and Bouganville, it was at all times characteristic of him that he should see for himself the situation in the forward areas. He dealt personally with his subordinate commanders whenever it was possible to do so. No one says his G.S.O. 1. understood better than he did the importance of front line troops seeing their G.O.C. frequently, and knowing that he was aware of and prepared to share their hardships and dangers. He took many risks that he should not have taken, exhausted himself physically and mentally times without number, and considered himself not at all in order to secure the success of his operations. Finally, in Bouganville, he brought his campaign to a victorious conclusion and accepted the personal surrender of the Japanese Commander. Savige is known as one of Australia’s most human military leaders, but let no one believe that he did not ask and receive the utmost of his men. He trained them in a hard school but he was ever conscious of their needs and observant and thoughtful of their welfare. Fearless and untiring under conditions which brought younger men down, he asked nothing that he was not himself prepared to give and do. The close of the Second World War left him with the same brave heart; but a vitality greatly impaired. He was called up again and again to perform important national tasks, notably that of Co-ordinator of Demobilisation and Dispersal. But his interest in Legacy never flagged it was in fact more personal than ever, for under his command many junior legatees, sons of former comrades had proved themselves worthy of their Fathers in war and in peace. In the bearing and achievements of the young men of the Second A.I.F. he took a particular and justifiable pride. He applied himself to the Extension of Legacy to areas where it had not previously been practicable to operate. His record of service and close personal contact with the men of both wars made him a most welcome pioneer and many new Clubs and Groups resulted from his efforts. He founded, and I doubt whether any one else could have done so, the Club in the great Capital of our Empire. His reputation and obvious sincerity surmounted obstacles that might well have daunted lesser man. Legacy’s debt to him visibly increased. But he was ever a simple man, with a great love and understanding of his fellow men and a true Legatee at heart. Much that he did will never be known or recognised, save by those who benefitted. His service in Legacy ranged from the humble kitchen of cottage and farm to our representation in Westminster Abbey itself. A knighthood set the seal upon an outstanding career. None the less when upon the death of Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, Lieut. General Sir Stanley Savige became the Patron of the Melbourne Club, he retained at his own express desire, the title of Legatee Savige, and when on that final day we bade him farewell, when the Flags he had served so well were lowered and the guns which had formed a grim final salute, it was apparent to all who had eyes to see that this great and simple man had won such a place in the hearts and affection of his fellow country men as is given to few men indeed. From the packed Cathedral, escorted by his fellow Generals, followed by men of his own Units, by Legatees and a great company of others who had cause to honour and esteem him, he made his last journey. But that is not the end. His voice and presence are lost to us but his memory and inspiration must ever remain. As he has bequeathed to the National War Memorial yonder his diaries, records and battle plans, so he has bequeathed to us his fellow Legatees his greatest achievement and his trust, Legacy itself. Never was the Torch passed by worthier hands. Now it is ours to hold it high. Whatever material memorial the future many hold for him, Legacy owes its Founder a livelier recompense. It is within our power to implement what I believe to be his greatest wish, that Legacy and its ideal of comradeship and service shall flourish and endure. Let each one of us then resolve that we shall, within our Clubs, in all tasks to which we are assigned, both great and small, keep in our minds the life and spirit of Stanley George Savige, so that we may be proud at all times to say of Legacy to those who follow after - “If you would see his memorial - Look around you”.The tribute to Stanley Savige shows how greatly he was regarded by the Legatees.Off white quarto paper with black type, address given about Stan Savige to the Canberra Conference, x 12 pages.savige, speech, obituary

A paper which was delivered to the Legacy in Victoria Conference in 1980, detailing Melbourne Legacy's involvement in housing the children of Legacy widows since 1942. By 1950 Melbourne Legacy administered four houses - Holmbush, Stanhope, Blamey House and Harelands - and cared for approximately 100 children. The houses were designed to be as homely as possible, and each one was largely autonomous. Children, many of whom came from country Victoria, would go to their own homes during school holidays and the Christmas season. The stated objectives were to 'pass out into the world young men and women with high ideals of citizenship, who are self-reliant and self-supporting.' Also 'to provide affection, security and a future goal and essential discipline.' The country Clubs and Groups would send provisions such as preserved fruit, cheese, eggs, honey, citrus fruit, butter, and potatoes throughout the year to support the residences. Numbers of residents declined during the 70s, and in 1975 a Residences Committee recommended that Blamey House and Harelands should be closed, leaving only Stanhope in operation, the first Blamey House having closed in 1955 with Holmbush being renamed the second Blamey House. By 1980 the only remaining house was Stanhope with an average occupancy of 20. See Cat. No. 00785 for a first hand account of being a resident at Stanhope.Melbourne Legacy established residences to aid children of deceased servicemen complete their education, take further education and find employment. The document reveals details of the residences through the years. It shows the effort the Legatees invested in looking after Junior Legatees and how seriously they took this responsibility.White foolscap paper x 3 pages, with black type.Some pencilled ticks and bracketing, W.T. Lewis handwritten in blue biro on last page.residences, conference

Navy blue book with a blue dust jacket, published about the history of Legacy, including photographs of activities and early members. Incudes a newspaper article stuck on the rear flyleafs about singer Dame Gracie Fields.non-fictionhistory, mark lyons, 50th anniversary

Instructor Jim Tierney and a group of boys in a boxing class in the 1940s. The boys are wearing singlets with a DS logo, showing that they were in the Don Esses club. Young men that had outgrown the activities that Legacy provided for junior boys formed the Intermediate Legacy Club (ILC) and they were active from 1929 to the 1970s. One of the activities the ILC undertook was to provide classes for children of incapacitated ex-servicemen. They called it the Don Esses which came from the signallers’ code, Disabled Servicemen’s Sons.An important photographic record of the work of Legacy in the 1940s.Black and white photo of an instructor and boys in a boxing class. From an album with blue leather look back and front cover. One of 20 pages with black and white photos attached to both sides of the pages.junior legatees, boys classes, jim tierney, don esses

A class photo of a group of young legatees at a gymnastics class in Kew. There are 15 boys, of various ages, in gymnastics gear, and 4 men who are instructors and Legacy members. The caption says 'This photo was taken during school holidays, hence the small attendance. Front: Eddie Robertson, Sitting: Lohn LInton, Bob Bateson, Robin Broderick, Michael Johnson, Tom Olsen, Graeme Murray, Douglas Govey. Centre: Mr Tom Mann (instructor) Legatee HJ Martin, Legatee A R Beattie, Mr J Costello (Instructor). Back: John Barker, Kerry Wisdom, Garry Thomson, Gerald Brown, Rod MacKinnon, John Shaw, Graeme Withers. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. The skills they learned were show cased in an annual demonstration usually at the Melbourne Town Hall. It appears to be photo taken professionally, as there are several photos of different classes (see 00862 - 00867) perhaps to record Legacy classes for promotion purposes.A record of a way Legacy provided classes for junior legatees.Black and white photo of Legacy boys posing for a class photo.Printed on the back 'Kew'. Stamped 'S5337/1--' and '531' in blue ink.junior legatee, boys' classes

A class photo of a group of young legatees at a gymnastics class in Auburn. There are 31 boys, of various ages, in gymnastics gear and 5 men who could be the instructors and Legacy members. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. The skills they learned were show cased in an annual demonstration usually at the Melbourne Town Hall. It appears to be photo taken professionally, as there are several photos of different classes (see 00862 - 00867) perhaps to record Legacy classes for promotion purposes. The photo featured in the September 1953 Newsletter.A record of a way Legacy provided classes for junior legatees.Black and white photo of Legacy boys posing for a class photo.Printed on the back 'Auburn'. Stamped 'S5324/1--' and '531' in blue ink. Handwritten 'Same size' in pencil.junior legatee, boys' classes

A photo of a group of young legatees at a swimming pool in 1953. There are 8 boys, of various ages, in swim gear and 2 men who could be the instructor and a Legacy member. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years, such as gymnastics and swimming classes. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. The skills they learned were show cased in an annual demonstration usually at the Melbourne Town Hall. It appears to be photo taken professionally, as there are several photos of different classes (see 00862 - 00867), a note of thanks was included in the Newsletter to Mr John Beckett of 22 Kirkwood Ave Sandringham for taking the photos and donating them to Legacy. This photo was published in the Legacy Newsletter Vol. 6 No 2 in September 1953. The names are, at rear: R. O'Farrell. Back row: T. McGowan, Bill Spendlove, G Spong, Charlie Maynard. Front row: Sammy Wheeler, J Alford, Arthur Spendlove In front: M Hoffmann Instructor: Junior Legatee Ian McDonaldA record of a way Legacy provided classes for junior legatees.Black and white photo of Legacy boys beside a pool.Stamped '531' in blue ink. Handwritten 'P4 Legacy' in blue pen and 'Same size' in pencil. Pencil notes detail the boys' names.junior legatee, boys' classes, swimming

A photo of a class of young legatees in 1951, in a garage, called the East Brighton Group. There are 29 boys, of various ages, in gymnastic gear with the Legacy logo on the chest and 4 men who could be the instructor and a Legacy member. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years, such as gymnastics and swimming classes. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. The skills they learned were show cased in an annual demonstration usually at the Melbourne Town Hall. It appears to be photo taken professionally, as there are several photos of different classes (see 00862 - 00867) perhaps to record Legacy classes for promotion purposes. The notes on the back mentioned there are 6 other groups of boys (perhaps those in Kew, Fitzroy, Footscray, Malvern and Auburn in the other photos mentioned). The names are: From the left, rear: L/. W Blackall, Bob Watson, Leon Wicks, L/. Evans, Bill Luck, Kev Gleeson, David Endean, Rex Mason, Douglas Grigg, Don Paulson, Bernard Hubbard, Bob Lancaster, Neville Trevena, Alan Barrett, Bob Gleeson, Eric Scott, Doug Wylie, Bill Gleeson, Mr G. Nelson Instr., Mr H. Singleton Instr. Front: Don Scott, Peter Luck, Tony Minogue, Gavan Carr, Warwick Leeming, Peter Marsh, John McLennan, Bruce Grigg, Robin Barker, Stephen Westcott, Barry Larkam, Roger Falahey, Tom Cocksam. Absent: J. Paulson (Capt.)A record of a way Legacy provided classes for junior legatees.Black and white photo of a class of Legacy boys in a garage.Handwritten in blue ink "East Brighton Group 7 Dec 1951. There are 6 other groups for boys". Stamped '2668' in grey ink Handwritten 'P4 Legacy' in blue pen and 'Reduce to 6 and half " wide' in pencil. Blue ink notes detail the boys' names.junior legatee, boys' classes

Funeral procession of Francis Thomas Le Page leaving Church of Christ, Chesterville Road, Cheltenham. Minister of church lead procession followed by members of the Star of Moorabbin Order of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society wearing broad collars. F.T. Le Page was a councillor for 25 years and served as president of the Shire of Moorabbin in 1902/3. He died on 12 December 1927.Nicholas and Rachel (nee Addy) Le Page migrated from Geurnsey to Australia in 1852 with their young son Francis, who was less than a year old. They first lived in Prahran, setting up their own business and after about two years decided to move to Cheltenham and take up market gardening. The Le Page family has been associated with region ever since and have taken on many roles of prominence including local politics. Black and white image of a group of men, standing in two lines, all with hats off. They are standing in front of a line of cars. The first car in the line appears to have flowers on the roof which possibly indicates it is carrying the coffin in this funeral procession.

The photo in .2) cylinder is an original of the top photo in .1) in front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. Even though it says 1951 this is not a certainty for both. It has not been taken out for proper photography due to its fragile state. There are a few that have been identified in both who were well known. Top photo. Standing 2nd from the left is Jack Swatton, next to him is George Lansell, further along standing at rear is a tall man Les Morey with black hair and greyish suit. Bottom photo. On the far right standing is Jack Swatton, in the front row sitting central is possibly George Lansell, two men to his right are looking at him, in the rear 8th from the left is Les Morey. There is one very tall man in the rear central which his identity is being checked. Refer also Cat No 8229P. .1) Photographs B & W panorama, two laminated together. The top photo shows a large group of men and some ladies lined up in front of the Soldiers memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo, there are 5 large wreaths and a big white Cross central. The bottom photo shows a larger group of men and 3 young lads on the "Upper Reserve" in Bendigo. .2) Shows a cardboard photo cylinder with address paper around with text showing a section the rolled photo out at one end of the cylinder.On .1) written over in black is hand written, "1951 ANZAC DAY", on .2) hand written, "G.B. ... 541 High S.....et Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, anzac day

The Davis family are the group in the photograph. The two young boys standing in the back row are identified as Alfred Davis and Percival Davis on RHS.A photo of a family posed in a garden setting. The group comprises a man & woman, 3 young women, 3 young men & 2 girls. The dress is consistent with the late 19th century.The photo is mounted on a grey cardboard matt with areas of foxing, 2 top central pin holes and an area of residual staining from sticking tape.Matson and Frazer 264 Collins Street Back cover: Eric Boardman Collectiondavis family, davis, alfred, percival, george evans collection

James Reid was born in Scotland near Glasgow and came to Victoria as a young man in 1854. Shortly after arriving he came to Bacchus Marsh where he lived until his death in 1902 at the age of 74 years. For most of these years he conducted a wheelwrights and coach builders business in Bacchus Marsh. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, wheelwrights and blacksmiths played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, wheels and other components of vehicles for transport, all metal objects, including farm implements, building requirements and domestic utensils were made by hand. As mechanisation of industry increased, the smith commonly performed the role of farrier in the times when horse power was pivotal to all aspects of society. Complementing this work, the forge was often allied with a wheelwright's shop. These premises also acted as a meeting place for the men of the town, where news was shared and friendships forged.Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. An image depicting a wheelwright and blacksmith's shop, with a group of men, boys and a woman shown in front. Two men are wearing the work clothes of the blacksmith, including the split leather apron worn by farriers to enable them to work on the hooves of the horses needing shoeing. Two young boys are standing by the door. A portly gentleman in formal clothes stands before the shop. The house shown at the rear was James Reid's residence. Two people, an elderly gentleman and a younger woman, are seated in a jinker on the road to the side of the shop. A collection of wheels and farm tools leans on the walls. A triple-tiered sign above the shop reads: JAMES REID WHEELWRIGHT BLACKSMITH. TIMBER - YARD PAINTS, OILS & GLASS.Printed On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE.wheelwrights, james reid 1828?-1902, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

Sepia photograph of a group of six young men in uniform two standing at back, three seated, one seated on floor."Don't know identities of these taken about 1887. Linton Fire Brigade" / "Mrs E Monti 56-58 Rea St, Shepparton 3630".linton fire brigade, fire fighters

In July 1840, Glenfine, consisting of 31,440 acres, was acquired by Thomas Downie. In March 1842 the 'Right of Run' was taken up by Thomas Chirnside who with an imported stallion 'Delapre' ran a horse stud. He apparently lived here for ten years and employed a gardener with a wife and five children from Hobart, Tasmania. Only some blocks of stone and a few trees remain of their homestead. In 1853 the property was transferred to Dr. John Chirnside, an elder brother of Thomas. I, 1857, William Rowe of Naringal purchased Glenfiine where he and his family lived until 1904 when it was bought by Richard Howell's estate. It was then 39,000 acres. The present house was built by the Rowes in 1872 of bluestone quarried on the property with a cement render overall. The architect was H.R. Casselli. In 1911 R.C. Howell, son of Richard, became the owner, followed by his son in 1960. Gold was found on the property and by 1898 the township of Hollybush was first reported, situated at either side of the front entrance, on the Cressy Road. The land for the township was given by William Rowe. By 1990 Hollybush had a population of 426 persons. All of the early history of Glenfine, documents etc., were destroyed when Naringal homestead was burnt down in 1944. Glenfine was classified by the National Trust in 1974 and is on the Heritage Commission Register. Mounted black and white image of a large group of men and boys in front of a weatherboard shearing shed. The men are each holding a pair of hand shears. One young man is kneeling on top of a wool bale. A small blue biro 'x' identifies W. Todd. Glenfine was a pastoral station. The original homestead still stands.shearing sheds, shearers, rural activity, william todd, glenfine pastoral station, thomas chirnside, thomas downie, richard howell, william thomas rowe

The Rob Roy Hill Climb originated in 1935 on the property of former Heidelberg Mayor, William Clinton, where he reared the Rob Roy breed of miniature ponies. He established Pleasure Grounds on part of the property attracting groups of Sunday visitors from Melbourne's inner suburbs. Visitors enjoyed a picnic area, pony rides, a dance hall and a tap room. Young men would ride their BSA or Harley Davidson motorcycles to the property which led to regular club-organised hillclimb meetings between 1930 and 1936. In 1935 Clinton offered the use of his property to the Light Car Club of Australia for their hillclimbs. The track was sealed that same year and the hillclimb at Clintons Road was one of only three specially designed bitumen surface hillclimbs in the world, the others being Shelsey Walsh and Prescott Hillclimbs in the UK. The first Light Car Club of Australia hillclimb was held at Rob Roy in February 1937. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p133 About six times a year the unlikely sound of car engines emerges from deep in the heart of Christmas Hills.* Usually a quiet retreat, the Hills are home to one of the world’s oldest purpose-built motor sport venues - the Rob Roy Hillclimb. When sealed in 1939, the hillclimb at Clintons Road was one of only three specially designed bitumen surface hillclimbs in the world, the others being Shelsley Walsh and Prescott Hillclimbs in the UK.1 The Rob Roy Hillclimb originated in 1935 on the property of former Heidelberg mayor, William Clinton, where he reared the Rob Roy breed of miniature ponies. Rob Roy was the Scottish folk hero and outlaw. On part of his property Clinton established Pleasure Grounds, attracting Sunday parties from Melbourne’s inner suburbs. Visitors enjoyed a picnic area, pony rides, a dance hall and a tap room.2 Young men riding on their BSA or Harley Davidson bikes led to club-organised regular hillclimb meetings, between 1930 and 1936. In 1935 Clinton offered his property to the Light Car Club of Australia for their hillclimbs. In February 1937, the first Light Car Club of Australia hillclimb meeting was held at Rob Roy. Jack Day achieved the fastest time that day for the 760 yard (695m) track at 36 seconds in a Ford V8 engined Bugatti Special. At first the climb was just a dusty gravel track, but in 1939 it was up-graded and bituminised. Today the 695 metre track begins on a slight incline, proceeds through a sharp right turn, which formerly passed a rusty iron shed, now remembered by the name Tin Shed Corner. The track continues down a slight incline to a level stretch along the top of an embankment holding back a half-acre (0.2ha) dam, then up to a one-in-three gradient. The track then winds uphill through several left turns to the finish line. In 1939 Frank Kleinig reduced the record to 29.72 seconds in an MG Hudson. Throughout World War Two the Rob Roy Hillclimbs were suspended, but were resumed in 1947. The hillclimbs consistently attracted crowds averaging 500 to 600 people, peaking at 2000, until the hillclimb was destroyed by the 1962 bushfires. The meetings included nine Australian Hillclimb Championships, with the first in 1938 won by Peter Whitehead in his ERA. Eight of the Outright and Class record holders were Australian Grand Prix winners including Jack Brabham, who became a triple F1 World Champion. The Light Car Club of Australia held 61 meetings at Rob Roy. Events usually included Touring, Gran Turismo, Production, Sports, Racing and Vintage cars and in the latter years Go-carts. These meets suddenly stopped after the 1962 bushfire destroyed the access bridge on the property leading to the track area, although fortunately Clinton saved his home. The club then established the Lakeland Hillclimb venue close to Lilydale.3 From 1979 to 1987 the MG Car Club ran hill climbs at the Templestowe Hillclimb until the land was to be sub-divided. In 1991 the MGCC approached the Shire of Nillumbik about using the derelict Rob Roy venue. In 1992, after much lobbying, the club signed a ten-year lease from Melbourne Water, which has been renewed. The original track was faithfully reconstructed. Access roads were improved and guard rails were installed on the causeway. Permanent structures were rebuilt and tonnes of rubbish removed. This was made possible by an immense amount of voluntary work by MGCC members and financial support from the newly formed Friends of Rob Roy. In February 1993 the first Return to Rob Roy Historic Meeting was run with a huge spectator attendance of around 1000 enthusiasts. In September 2007, the Nillumbik Shire Council gave the hillclimb heritage protection. This acknowledged the property’s significant contribution to early Australian motor sport with its social connection to William Clinton and the local community.4 *Christmas Hills was named after emancipated convict and shepherd David Christmas, lost in these hills.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, rob roy hill climb, clintons road, light car club of australia, william clinton