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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Silver Tray from John Kenneth Darnton Watson, Wodonga
This silver tray was donated by the family of John Watson and was used when they lived in de Kerilleau Homestead for three generations. de Kerilleau Homestead was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA circular silver tray with an embossed design around the outer edge.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Falkiner Electric Road Train in front of George Leighton's Wodonga Store and Bakery Wodonga 1914
This image of the Ralph Falkiner’s Mueller Petrol-Electric Road Train was taken in Wodonga in February 1914. Imported from Germany by Mr Ralph S Falkiner in late 1913, the train’s inventor, Major W A Mueller with two assistants, came to Melbourne to assemble then commission the train. The train cost Mr Falkiner about £13,000 plus £4,591 import duties. The Falkiner family were sheep breeders in the Western Riverina and he hoped to use the road train primarily to convey wool to the railways for despatch to Sydney. The train was 216 feet long, weighed 43.5 tons with a top speed loaded of 6-8m/h and petrol consumption up to two gallons per mile. Its first Australian journey was to haul 50 tons of cargo to Edmondson & Co at Wagga Wagga, 277 miles away. The journey from Melbourne was plagued with problems including broken cylinders and crank shaft and overheating as it was not designed for Australian climatic conditions. Three months after leaving Melbourne it arrived in Wodonga. A series of problems between Springhurst and Wodonga, including broken cylinders and valves caused an eight day delay. Some of the cargo was off-loaded in Albury, then after repairs the train continued on to Wagga where it arrived in May 1914. After unloading there, the road train was taken to Mr Falkiner's Groongal Station, near Hay and subsequently made several long trips into drought-stricken areas or the Western Riverina. Eventually the dream collapsed when the engines gave out after the train bogged in the sticky black soil of the Hay plain with 251 bales of wool on board. The train was finally railed back to Melbourne and stored but destroyed when the warehouse burnt down. In this photo, the road train is drawn up outside the Wodonga Stores and Bakery owned and operated by George Leighton. Mr Leighton began his business opposite the Terminus Hotel in Sydney Street, Wodonga in 1885. His business included a general store, stocking groceries, ironmongery, drapery, crockeryware, boots and shoes as well as a bakery. He was very actively involved in the community and served on the Wodonga Council for 18 years including three terms as Wodonga Shire President in 1901 – 02, 1910-11 and 1913-14. He was also Chairman of the Wodonga Waterworks Trust for several terms. Mr. Leighton also took a prominent part in the movement to establish a Public Library in Wodonga. His other involvements including being a Founder of the Wodonga Lodge of Freemasons, Honorary Treasurer of the Wodonga Bulldogs Football Club and Secretary of the Wodonga Racing Club. Mr Leighton passed away in Wodonga in 1916.This image is significant because it records a rare event in Wodonga and an experiment in Australian road transport.Black and white images of the Falkiner Road Train in Wodonga and on its first journey from Melbourne to Wagga, NSW It is taken in front of the Wodonga Stores and Bakery operated by George Leighton in Sydney Street, Wodonga.falkiner electric train, early road transport, high street wodonga, george leighton -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Sign - Name Plate E. Lemke Wodonga
The dairy farm of Eric Lemke and family was located on the Wodonga flats on the Murray River flood plain, west of the Union Bridge. The property was named "Waterford". They ran a large dairy herd (250 cows) and ran five milk carts to Albury to service their customers. The family bought a second property at Wodonga West, on Felltimber Creek, where herds could be rested before calving, and also as an emergency location for milking during times of flood, which sometimes lasted for several weeks at a time. At other times when the cows finished their lactation period at "Waterford" they would be walked to the Lemke property at Wodonga West, for a rest before calving. When the calves were drafted it was a matter of gathering the cows and calves and walking them back home which was an all day job. During the Depression Mr. Lemke took milk to the out-of-work men who slept under the bridges on the causeway and Mrs Lemke would make bread for them. The men would often work on the farm without wages in return for the Lemke's kindness. The Lemke Family are ranked amongst the top early settlers of the district for their perseverance during the hardships of the early days and during the Great Depression. Lemke Road on Gateway Island, Wodonga is named in their honour.This item has local significance because it came from a prominent Wodonga family business.A small metal tag used to label dairy cans on the property of Eric Lemke.E. LEMKE WODONGAe. lemke wodonga, lemke family, wodonga dairy industry, ernie lemke -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Sister Hughes' Private Hospital in Wodonga
Sister Hughes’ Private Hospital on the corner of High and Stanley Streets, Wodonga operated between 1922 and 1938. The building was constructed as a family home for Albert Schlink, a storekeeper in 1909. The building was first used as a private hospital in 1919 starting with Nurse Eliza Browne. It had six or seven rooms, one of which was an operating theatre. There was a walkway, then three bedrooms and a bathroom that belonged to the hospital all in the one area. A small building at the back served as a self-contained flat. Catherine Josephine Hughes' sister Mabel earlier married into the Schlink family and came from Bendigo to take over the Lease on the hospital in 1922. Apart from Sister Hughes, there were Nurses Poyntz and Costello. Three domestic staff were also employed – a cleaner Elsie Enever, the cook Mrs Baker and Mrs Kimball who did the laundry. Nurses Poyntz and Costello took charge of the hospital in 1938 and Catherine Hughes continued to be listed as a nurse on the electoral roll until 1954. In the early 1940s she conducted a business in the “lolly shop” in High Street, south of St Augustine’s Church. The Private Hospital in High Street possibly closed in 1954 with the opening of the Wodonga Hospital in Vermont Street. The images are significant because they represent a building and nurses who served an important role in the Wodonga community in the early 20th century.A set of black and white photos of Sister Hughes Hospital in Wodonga and some of the staff. The architect's plans of the original house, designed for Albert Schlink are included.sister hughes wodonga, hospitals wodonga -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Settings
Image 1: "de KERILLEAU" - Alongside Wodonga, home of the Watson family, was built by Charles Huon de Kerilleau, founder of the Wodonga Run. Huon took up his country in 1836, living then about 13 miles from the present homestead, the front portion of which was built about 1870. The actual age of an earlier portion is not known. Excellent for "Barmagulla". Image 2: "THE HERMITAGE" - Home of the Taylor family, is 13 miles from Wodonga. It was begun in 1852 and finished in 1854, and is the oldest occupied home in the area. The original atmosphere of the interior is maintained. As "Gooloora" its little balcony would provide a splendid vantage point for MacLough's speech. Image 3: Murray River Country above Granya, Victoria Image 4: Looking over Murmungee from the Buckland Gap near Beechworth, VictoriaThe album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Coloured photos of venues suggested as settings for filming of the series. des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 37 - Reunion
Convalescent but weak, Erin is asleep in the sapling and bag bed in the corner of Pulcherry's slab hut when O'Day finds her. Wakened by his voice she momentarily thinks he is a hallucination, but the touch of his hands sends her own arms reaching up to claim him as her own.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 37des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 36 - Receiving good news
Changing at the hotel from his wet formal suit into his usual clothes, a sad and tired O'Day is riding out past Barmagulla when he is stopped by Tommy Yarramin with the news that Erin is alive and hidden in the Yarramin hut.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 36des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 34 - Fleeing to New South Wales
Plunging into the deep water O'Day swims with his horse to the colony of New South Wales where he may live as a free man on his property Brightons. However he has already been convicted, in absentia, of evading customs duty. Since the cattle were not impounded this tax could not be calculated, but O'Day is now a wanted man in Victoria with a fine of £1000 on his head.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 34des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 33 - Escaping the Police
The bodies of mother and son are driven side by side to burial while the shops shut down and all Overton turns out for the funeral. Ellen's elder son Con O'Hara, and Sean O'Day ride as outriders to the hearses. Sgt. Baker and his men arrive at the church, the Sgt. approaches Con, declares that no police action will be taken before the town re-opens, and asks if he can provide an escort for the cortege. The funeral over O'Day tarries till after the shops have opened and Sgt. Baker sets a trap for him on the bridge over the Murray. Cornering him on the bridge he says it will give him great pleasure to personally escort him all the way to the police station. "All the way Sergeant?" asks O'Day. "Then come on!" With which he jumps his horse over the rail of the bridge. D.J. Martin on Pampas Air.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 33des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 31 - Rescuing Erin
Tommy Yarramin and his sister Ruby see Erin's exhausted body in the head of a tree near Barmagulla in the morning. Tommy brings her to the bank and they take her to their hut where their mother, Pulcherry Cherry, cares for her. Wary of white men's ways the aboriginals keep her presence a secret. P. "Darby", Ketchup as Tommy Yarramin.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 31des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 30 - Cattle cross the river to New South Wales
When morning comes all the cattle have struggled back to N.S.W. and the Victorian police find their trap is empty. O'Day, though he has lost his horse, makes it to the far bank some 400 yards downstream. Of Erin and Keiran there is no sign.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 30des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 29 - Keiran drowns
A flash flood caused by the cloudburst upstream catches them all in the river and Keiran is drowned.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 29des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 28 - Proposal and escape
Refusing to risk bloodshed in a clash with the police, O'Day decides to swim all the cattle back to N.S.W. before the storm breaks. He and Erin are the last to enter the water. Before they do so he reaches out for her, asks her to marry him, and kisses her fiercely before the horses plunge apart.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 28des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 27 - Erin swims the river with a warning
Erin swims the river when she finds herself too late to reach the drovers before their crossing; and amazes O'Day and Keiran when she arrives with the news that the police have them cut off. Behind her a major storm up river is causing the water to rise.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 27des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 26 - Erin learns of Police party arriving
Erin O'Hara is buying material at Rosenthal's store in Overton when she learns that a special police party has come off the afternoon train to trap Daylight and Keiran with the mob of cattle they are bringing across the river that day. Margaret Wehner as Miss. Rosenthal.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 26des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 24 - Following the cattle duffers' track
One of the big things in their plan is the fact that Keiran knows about an old cattle duffers' track through the ranges. When the time comes the conspirators swim Grapeshot out and O'Hara leads him on over the ranges to hide him at a friend's home near the Nuggety Flat racecourse.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 24des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 23 - Plans for a ring-in at Nuggety track
Keiran, Artie Klinberg, and an old horse trainer named Tim Byrne combine to make friends with Grapeshot. Nightly they row across the river, feed him on oats, and train him. Their intention is to ring Grapeshot in for Smokey at the Nuggety Flat meeting where Klinberg will punt him well. Des Martin as Byrne. Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 23des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 22 - Clarrie Rickards at the Camoola horse sale
Sometime later Clarrie Rickards rides the noted outlaw, Brin Bandit, to a standstill at the annual Camoola horse sale. Keiran O'Hara spots a horse that is the living image of Deakin's imported stallion Grapeshot, now spelling in Barmagulla's back paddock, and buys him. Naming this horse Smokey he enters him for the coming miner's meeting at Nuggety Flat goldfield. Les Mann as Rickards.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 22des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 21 - Swimming cattle across to Victoria
But O'Day, the general, has chosen this particular time to ride up river and meet a mob of cattle that Charlie Clowes is bringing down for him from Camoola. In the first of many such successful operations the cattle are swum across to Victoria at the point where O'Day's run, Brightons, comes down to the river.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 21des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 20 - O'Day missing from the Picnic Race Ball
Though Keiran, as winning rider, brings Susan Bundy forward to receive her trophy at the Picnic Race Ball that night, O'Day, who won the Cup on Oliver's horse, is conspicuous by his absence, though few people other than Oliver give much thought to the matter. Heather Jervies as Susan.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 20des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 16 - The trial takes place
Klinberg and his men stand trial in Overton in a courtroom packed with sympathisers. Both Justices of the Peace assisting the Police Magistrate are members of the Cattlemen's Association, and manage to keep the sentence down to a heavy fine. Henry MacLean as the Police Magistrate Maj. Hardwick and James McGrath as the Justices of the Peace Bill Tenteye as Klinberg.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 16des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 14 - O'Day visits the O'Hara's homestead
Daylight O'Day swims the river alone and, instead of going straight back to Gooloora, rides up-river a little to call at O'Hara's slab homestead where he is given a very warm welcome by young Erin O'Hara. Ellen Tenteye as Erin O'Hara.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 14des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 12 - A positive result from the customs duty
Meantime back at Camoola "Top Or Nothing" Price, known to stockmen as "Old Stop At Nothing", and his shifty ex-jockey clerk Billy Matthews, have been stunned by the Victorian customs duty of 30 shillings per head on cattle, and 50 shillings per head on horses, suddenly promulgated just prior to a very important sale. Caught with a lot of cattle he cannot unload, and a property sale that has gone astray, Price accepts offers for both from O'Day, who thus sets himself up cheaply with a good holding that runs down Barmagulla's back boundary to the Murray River at the point where he often swims across.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 12des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 11 - A visit from Alfred Deakin
Down at the horseyards Edmund Montieth introduces his overseer, Arthur Lark, to his guest, statesman Alfred Deakin. Deakin is having a short holiday at Barmagulla before the pre-Federation conference of 1892. Jim Lempriere as Deakin Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Lark Alan Hayes as Montieth.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 11des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 9 - O'Day meets Elaine and Ruby
Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 9 Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime. Geni Dynon as Ruby and Joan Lehmann as Elaine.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 7 - O'Day takes new purchases home
O'Day, however, is a very smart operator indeed. After selling all his surplus cattle to the buyers whose market he has thus cornered, he heads for home with all of his bargain purchases that he needs for MacLough's annual restocking.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 7des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 6 - O'Day succeeds at the cattle auction
Big Gun auctioneer Bernard Price makes the mistake of his life when he knocks the first pen of Boondangies down to O'Day at a minimal price, thinking him to be a kid "buying a few for mother". O'Day promptly takes up the option of the whole draft of 4000 head of top class stores. His telegram to this effect leads MacLough to believe his new manager will ruin him.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 6des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 5 - Queensland cattle from the Gulf Country at auction
Baldies! Baldies! Baldies!. Thousands of Queensland cattle fill the yards at Camoola for the great store sale to which all the big Victorian buyers will come. Clients may purchase one pen with the option of the whole draft concerned, and the best of these cattle is the mob Danny Knowles has walked down from Boondangie Station in the Gulf Country.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 5des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Plate 4 - O'Day's appointment announced
Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 4 Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Album - Ringer's River by Des Martin - Cast, Credits & Introduction
Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television seriesdes martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories