Black and white photograph showing entrance to Gippsland Lakes from ocean - Bass Strait. Photo shows rebuilt western pier with crane on end of pier, loose rocks. Launch - possibly Peels 'Blackbird' in the entrance. Lakes Entrance Victoriatownship, jetties, islands, boats and boating

Girls in water are in neck to knee swim suitsBlack and white photograph showing twin gable Carpenter House on dunes at New Works. Nine girls at waters edge preparing to swim, and two men and child on rocks. Picket fence across front of house. Lakes Entrance VictoriaSite 8 1916 (John Carpenter's house 1889) photo: W. Thomson, Clydebank, Sale.topography, houses, fences, waterways

One black and white enlarged copy 19.5 x 25.5Sepia photograph showing New Works cottage Sea Shell on dunes, people on verandah, shed back left of house, rocks and wooden groynes along beach front, fence and track down side of house. Vegetation on dunes. Lakes Entrance Victoriawaterfront, houses, vegetation

Black and white photograph showing, Schnapper cottage on western side of entrance. Dark weatherboards, front partially screened in, picket fence along front, rocks along shoreline, thick vegetation on dunes, tall century plant at rear of house. Lakes Entrance Victoriaboats and boating, jetties, machinery, waterfront

Black and white photograph showing rocks, jetty and crane west of entrance piers. Peel's launch Blackbird on left and Bellbird at jetty at Lakes Entrance, Victoriaboats and boating, jetties

Black and white photograph showing rough water lashing foreshore west of entrance, walings and crane middle distance on right, waves splashing on rocks in foreground, photo taken near Schnapper Cottage, Hopetoun channel, Lakes Entrance, Victoria.jetties, roads and streets, aerial photograph, township, waterways

Date made January 2009Colour photograph showing western side of western pier. Rocks extend from end of pier along base of sand dunes, some vegetation on dunes. Signs and lights on piers. Lakes Entrance Victoriajetties, topography, transport

Date made January 2009Colour photograph showing old tramline and remains of old wooden western pier reinforced with rocks and sand build up - western pier. Lakes Entrance Victoriajetties, ocean, safety

Date made January 2009Colour photograph, closeup view showing old tramline and remains of old wooden western pier, reinforced with rocks, and partly covered with sand buildup, at Lakes Entrance, Victoria.fishing industry, jetties, shipwrecks, ships and shipping

The date on the photo 1.11.1904, appears to identify this as the 'Hero' aground October 1904 when her cables parted while sheltering from a gale near Cape Woolamai, Victoria. Reference 'Wrecks along the Gippsland Coast', 8th Edition p84, Jack Loney.Black and white photograph mounted on card, of auxiliary ketch Hero on rocks as seen from the water. Two men on boat, one man and dog on rocks. Lakes Entrance VictoriaThe Hero in trouble as seen from the water. (Snapshot by T Bergin) 1.11.1904boats and boating, shipwrecks, coast

Rose Series post card # P. 90. Sassafras Creek near The Crescent Bridge. View of water and ferns. Post 1920.Rose Series sepia coloured post card showing a small creek running through the centre of the photo edged by rocks and tree ferns.On front: The Rose Series, P. 90. SASSAFRAS CREEK NEAR CRESCENT BRIDGE. VICTORIA.sassafras creek, crescent bridge, creek, bridge, tree ferns, rose series, post card

Canoeing on the River Yarra at Melbourne was an important and widespread recreational pursuit for Melbournians, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. The Victorian Canoe Club was formed in 1912 at a meeting in Melbourne and its first committee elected in the same year. Records indicate that the Club continued into at least the 1950s .The photos in this album are historically and socially significant as a record of recreational activities in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of photographs in the album provide views of sections of the Yarra, as well as areas in regional Victoria, that may otherwise be unavailable.One of 12 sepia [faded] photographs of members of the Victorian Canoe Club. This photo shows members of the club relaxing on the rocks near the Pound Bend Tunnel at Warrandyte."Pound Bend Tunnel"victorian canoe club, travel -- 1930s, canoeing, warrandyte, yarra river

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.Views of Victoria (General Series) No.23 / ‘Waterfall scene on the Coliban River, near Elphinstone’ / Albumen silver photograph mounted on boardOn reverse: ‘The scene this illustration presents is but one of the many that exist along the course of this shallow River, which, like its parent the Campaspe, abounds with rocky and romantic scenery. The fall of the River at this place is over one hundred feet, but is broken by a long course of rocks to the lower bed; the actual fall as seen is about forty feet. The Coliban, though only a branch of the Campaspe, derives its name from the fact that its course runs through the Coliban Park. Gold is found in considerable quantities along the banks and in the stream, but at the present time these diggings are worked only by Chinamen.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), australia - landscape photography

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The fountain is located on the southern side of the ornamental lake and was erected to celebrate the jubilee of the municipality (17 March 1906). Controversy surrounded the commission for the design and construction of the fountain, as it was originally assigned to a contractor in Carlton. Williamstown residents insisted the fountain be designed and constructed locally, and on December 1906 the fountain was tendered by local firm Bliss and Sons and opened for public use in 1906. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of fur granite columns supporting a granite canopy and is fully operational following restoration work in 2013. The idea for the fountain came from an elderly resident of Williamstown who suggested the council follow the example of Ballarat’s gardens with its many statues and monuments. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. The significance of the fountain is its reflection of how Williamstown people felt for their Gardens and the importance placed on investing in locally operated business. It was noted in the Brief Jottings column of the Williamstown Chronicle, February 24 1906, the fountain is a “We favor the erection of the jubilee fountain in the Giffard-street (Williamstown Botanic) Gardens. Ornaments of that kind there will make that beauty spot even more attractive.” Sepia scene of a fountain situated on paths bordered with rocks. The fountain in on a plinth and the postcard shows the plaque and two of the four drinking stations. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of four granite columns supporting a granite canopy. Front: VALENTINE’S, M.355 THE FOUNTAIN, WILLIAMSTOWN GARDENS MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. REAL PHOTO. Reverse: vertical on left side of card and underlined: ‘Published by the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd. / Queen St, Melb’. Top centre of card: Contains logo of ‘VALENTINES / REAL PHOTO SERIES’. The postcard is addressed to ‘Dear Agnes’ from ‘Una’. Marked in pencil on to right hand corner ‘1920 / $8’ believed to be put on the postcard by the vendor. postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, jubilee-fountain, fountain drinking-fountain, 1920, granite, bliss-and-sons, 1906

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. This postcard is evidence of the location of one of the cannons relocated from Fort Gellibrand in 1906. They were removed from the Gardens in the 1960s. These same cannons remain a feature on the Williamstown waterfront in 2013. A sepia postcard depicting a winding path lined with rocks. There is a cannon on the right hand side of the card beneath a spreading palm tree. There is a tall pine and a cypress tree in the background. The cannons were relocated from Fort Gellibrand to the Gardens in 1906. Front: ‘THE ROSE SERIES, P. 1030 THE GARDENS, WILLIMASTOWN, VICTOORIA / copyright’. Reverse: Left side vertical ‘Published by the Rose Stereograph Co. / Armadale, Victoria’. Across the top of the card: ‘POST CARD / The “Rose” Series A Real Photograph / De Luxe Produced in Australia’. There is an image of a rose and stem with three leaves in the centre of the card. In pencil on top right hand corner: $5 [believed to be inserted by the vendor of the card]postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, garden-path, cannon, rose stereograph, rose-series, 1906

This cricket ball is made of cane wicker and was used in cricket games with visually impaired players by people who lived or were educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind from the 1920's through till 1972. It is a circular shape made of plaited strips of woven natural cane and is lighter than a conventional cricket ball. The hollow center of the ball contains pieces of twisted metal pieces which rattle as the ball is moved to aid players in tracking the ball's movement. The stumps also had bells attached so fielders knew when the batsman was out. Blind cricket was invented in Melbourne in 1922 when two blind factory workers started playing a game using a tin can containing rocks. The game soon gained popularity and the Victorian Blind Cricketers' Association was formed. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in acquiring and developing the sports ground and clubhouse in Glenferrie Road Kooyong, Victoria on behalf of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now called Vision Australia). In 1928 play began on the world's first sports ground for blind cricketers, in the first official blind cricket match. Blind cricket is now played internationally. This particular cricket ball was awarded to William Paterson Esq in 1928 in recognition of his support in establishing the world's first blind cricket ground in Kooyong. On the front of this ball is attached a small metal crest with an inscription: 'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq as a token of esteem for his interest in Blind cricket being the first ball bowled on the cricket ground for Blind Kooyong 7. 4.28'.1 wicker cricket ball with metal shield attached and metal bells in the hollow centre'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq / as a token of esteem for his/ interest in Blind cricket/ being the first ball bowled /on the cricket /ground for Blind /Kooyong / 7. 4.28'. recreation equipment, awards

Unsubstantiated photograph of the Asylum for the Blind in 1875. The four storey bluestone building rises above a group of trees planted in the garden. A picket and wire/string fence border the unpaved circular driveway. 2 black and white images of the Guiding Light at Elanora Blind Asylum School, St Kilda Road Victoria c. 1875 Charles Nettleton 1826-1902 Spencer Scott Sandilands 546 High Street, East Preson, 3181 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Tel: (03) 529 8011 Fax: (03) 521 1754 33 George Street, The Rocks, 2000 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Tel: (02) 241 4251 Fax: (02) 2414535 Rare Prints, Antiquarian Books, Old Maps, Australiana, Antiques, Photographs, Framing c.1875 Charles Nettleton School from the Blind Original Photograph $65 Guaranteed over 100 years oldroyal victorian institute for the blind, buildings

Black and white photograph of craggy outcrops with turbulent seas washing into a bayThe Rose Series p. 1133 the Crags near Port Fairy Victoriabeach, sea, seascape, rocks

Black and white photograph of a rocky outcrop with two large holes through, sandy dune and sea in backgroundThe Rose Series p. 1132 The Crags near Port Fairy Victoriabeach, sea, seascape, rocks

The jug and cup were purchased from a second - hand shop in Bairnsdale. Jug is older than cup as the chalet is represented as a single storey structure. The cup is later as the second storey appears in the illustration. 'Souvenirs in relation to the Chalet and Mount Buffalo wee first mention in December 1912... A large range of souvenirs has since been associated with the Chalet and Mount Buffalo from crafted wooden items, silver spoons, cups etc... The collection includes a broad selection of products that have been sold throughout much of the Chalet's history, each representative of the transient fashions of their period.' (Pg. 114. Historica) 'A group of tableware items is notable for its black transfer printed decoration, which features the Chalet building. Interestingly, the printed designs represent the Chalet at two different stages in its building history under the Victorian Railways, in 1926 after completion of the north wing, and 1937-39, after the second storey is added to the front.. manufactured in England by A.B. Jones and sons, a Stoke on Trent pottery firm which operated under the trade name of Grafton China between 1900-1972.' (Pg. 114. Historica)Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection Items . Appendix A.3. Souvenirs. (Pg 168. Historica)..1] Ceramic jug. Souvenir of Mt Buffalo. White ceramic squat milk jug with a black transfer illustration/drawing on front side. Picture is of the MtBuffalo Chalet from the front. Some worn gold glaze detail. It appears to be a single story building with a planted garden at the front with a fence. Trees to one side and people walking up steps. "THE CHALET, MT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA." is written under the illustration. Jug has a faint crack. .2] White ceramic cup with gold edging around top of cup. Black transfer drawing of the chalet with a second storey. Rocks and tree in foreground and "THE CHALET. MT BUFFALO." underneath transfer. .1] "THE CHALET, MT BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA." is written under the illustration. On the base of the jug, with sun motif, "ENGLAND / GRAFTON CHINA /A / B J / & SONS / LOFTUS MORA / PTY. LTD" .2] "THE CHALET. MT BUFFALO." underneath transfer. Under cup, "A.B.J. / GRAFTON / CHINA / MADE IN / ENGLAND"

A brown hardcover book with the title 'Gibraltar and it's Sieges' in gold and black lettering with a black lined drawing of Gibraltar, rocks and the English flag below. The spine has the title, two crossed flags, the words - Montis Insignia Calpe and Nelson and Sons publisher printed in gold and black. There are lined illustrations and maps inside. There is a Contents page and list of Illustrations. At the back is a ten page list of books to read, including - The World at the Fireside, Stories of Travel, New and Favourite Tales and more, all published by Thomas Nelson. Pp.158. Attached by paperclips to the front right endpaper is a Yeoman's Numurkah, Victoria photograph of Linda Fairless whom the book was presented to as an award.non-fictionA rare antique non fiction book about Gibraltar and it's Sieges published in 1884. It includes a description of its natural features, British colony, Mediterranean scenes and history with black lined ilustrations. gibraltar history, gibraltar sieges

Stainless steel brackets off the wreck of the Gypsy Moth V, wrecked near the lighthouse on 19 December 1982. These brackets were used to hold wire stays to the mast or bowsprit. The comparatively recent relics have a reliable provenance to the yacht Gipsy Moth V, which ran ashore on rocks under the lighthouse on 18 December 1982. It was the yacht that carried Sir Francis Chichester (1901-1972) on his second world voyage in 1971. While sailing the 19m (63.5ft) vessel in the 1972 Transatlantic Race, Chichester became weakened by cancer and had to abandon the competition and died two months later. His son Giles sailed the yacht back to England. In December 1982 British skipper, Desmond Hampton chartered the yacht for the around the world, single handed race. He had been running second and was nearing the end of the second leg of the competition from Cape Town, South Africa to Sydney when the accident happened. After going to bed he set the yacht on self steering and it wedged itself into a crevice just below the lighthouse and broke up. Everything was salvaged except for the masts and the engine. Twenty five years later, in 2007, items salvaged from the wreck surfaced in regional Victoria in a display of the ‘Gipsy Moth V Collection’, which included wreckage as well as photographs. The information from the ‘Sail World’ website did not provide any further details about the exhibition or its organisers.Two similar stainless steel brackets; half tubes with diagonally protruding flat section with hole at end. End is rounded.

non-fictionA scientific analysis of the development of the sequence of geological events and processes which contributed to the building of southeastern Australia landforms as part of the Tasman Fold Belt System.geology victoria, landforms victoria, tasman fold belt

significant as a work of art by local Pyrenees artist, locally significant to the Central Highlands Region of Victoria as a representation of local landscape and/or culture painting of large rocks in Australian desertSigned: Adams (lower left)

Half horse, half human bronze sculpture, the work has a circular formation of rocks as a base and incorporates a water feature. Water slowly cascades from a bowl held by the human and offered to the horse. The work has a circular formation of rocks as a base.Half horse, half human bronze sculpture. The work incorporates a water feature, and water slowly cascades from a bowl held by the human and offered to the horse. The work has a circular formation of rocks as a base. The “bowl” part of the base for this work was relined with concrete pavers in 2004 in an attempt to minimise maintenance.

This is a photograph taken in the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park near Chiltern in Victoria. On this day, the Wooragee Landcare Group was in the national park looking for signs of the tiger quoll. Tiger quolls can be found in few places with the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park being one of them. This photograph is of a tiger quoll nesting site as tiger quolls often nest between large rocks. This image also shows the damage caused by the 2003 bushfires. These bushfires happened at the same time as the 2003 Alpine bushfires. This bushfire started by lightning and quickly became the largest fire in Victoria since the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. The Alpine bushfires destroyed 1.3 million hectares and burnt for 59 days before it could be controlled. The 2003 bushfires severely damaged the environment and concern was raised about the safety of tiger quoll. This photograph displays how the nesting site was damaged by the fire. This meant that the quoll itself could have also been impacted by the fire. Hence why the Wooragee Landcare group went for a search for signs of the quoll.This photograph is significant because it shows a tiger quoll nesting site. Tiger quolls are a highly valuable species because they live in very few places. This, in turn, makes their nesting site valuable. This photograph also signifies the impact of the 2003 bushfires on the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park. The image displays burnt trees which makes it clear that the fire was deeply damaging. The fallen log over the nesting site demonstrates how the bushfire must of put the tiger quolls at risk because of how the fire damaged their nesting site. Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA 0ANA0N0 NNN+ 1 1636 / [PRINTED] (No.9) / 923bushfires, mount pilot chiltern national park, mount pilot, chiltern, victoria, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare, wooragee, national park, tiger quoll, 2003 bushfires, beechworth, rocks, nesting site, photograph, 2003 alpine bushfires, 1939 black friday, 2003, hectares, fire, damage, burnt, burn

PHOTOGRAPH, GROUP OF PEOPLE, PICNICKING AT MT. BECKWORTH, THREE LARGE GRANITE ROCKS IN FOREGROUND. MOUNTED ON BEIGE CARDBOARDOn Front: Handwritten in black ink, OUR PICNIC MT. BECKWORTH VICTORIAlocal history, mount beckworth, picnic at mt beckworth

CEMA Art Collection Previously located in History HouseThe painting depicts a large body of water surrounded by hills and mountains. The work is predominantly grey with the calm grey water of the lake opposed by by the ominous cloudy grey sky. In the foreground is a grassy hill top with several large rocks. The background features a line of distant grey mountains. The work has a gilded ornate frame with no mount and exposed canvas.Front: A. S. Murray Plaque attached to frame: THE GREAT LAKE (TASMANIA) Back: W. HAMER 189 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VICTORIA BUILDINGS OPPOSITE CITY FIRE BRIGADE

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution meant that shipbuilders could build ships using iron. These iron ships could be much larger, with more space for cargo and they didn't need as much work to keep them in good condition. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's "Great Britain" built in 1843, was the first ship to be built entirely of wrought iron. In the 1880's steel began to be used instead of iron. Ships also began to be fitted with steam engines although a great deal of coal was needed to travel even short distances. For this reason, ships continued to be fitted out with sails even though many came with engines. The iron-hulled, four-masted barque, the Falls of Halladale, was a bulk carrier of general cargo. She left New York in August 1908 on her way to Melbourne and Sydney. In her hold, along with 56,763 tiles of unusual beautiful green American slates (roofing tiles), 5,673 coils of barbed wire, 600 stoves, 500 sewing machines, 6500 gallons of oil, 14400 gallons of benzene, and many other manufactured items, were 117 cases of crockery and glassware. Three months later and close to her destination, a navigational error caused the Falls of Halladale to be wrecked on a reef off the Peterborough headland at 3 am on the morning of the 15th of November, 1908. The captain and 29 crew members all survived, but her valuable cargo was largely lost, despite two salvage attempts in 1908-09 and 1910. ABOUT THE ‘FALLS OF HALLADALE’ (1886 - 1908) Built: in1886 by Russell & Co., Greenock shipyards, River Clyde, Scotland, UK. The company was founded in 1870 (or 1873) as a partnership between Joseph Russell (1834-1917), Anderson Rodger and William Todd Lithgow. During the period 1882-92 Russell & Co., standardised designs, which sped up their building process so much that they were able to build 271 ships over that time. In 1886 they introduced a 3000 ton class of sailing vessel with auxiliary engines and brace halyard winches. In 1890 they broke the world output record. Owner: Falls Line, Wright, Breakenridge & Co, 111 Union Street, Glasgow, Scotland. Configuration: Four masted sailing ship; iron-hulled barque; iron masts, wire rigging, fore & aft lifting bridges. Size: Length 83.87m x Breadth 12.6m x Depth 7.23m, Gross tonnage 2085 ton Wrecked: the night of 14th November 1908, Curdies Inlet, Peterborough south west Victoria Crew: 29 The Falls of Halladale was a four-masted sailing ship built-in 1886 in Glasgow, Scotland, for the long-distance cargo trade and was mostly used for Pacific grain trade. She was owned by Wright, Breakenridge & Co of Glasgow and was one of several Falls Line ships, all of which were named after waterfalls in Scotland. The lines flag was of red, blue and white vertical stripes. The Falls of Halladale had a sturdy construction built to carry maximum cargo and able to maintain full sail in heavy gales, one of the last of the ‘windjammers’ that sailed the Trade Route. She and her sister ship, the Falls of Garry, were the first ships in the world to include fore and aft lifting bridges. Previous to this, heavily loaded vessels could have heavy seas break along the full length of the deck, causing serious injury or even death to those on deck. The new, raised catwalk-type decking allowed the crew to move above the deck stormy conditions. This idea is still used today on the most modern tankers and cargo vessels and has proved to be an important step forward in the safety of men at sea. On 4th August 1908, with new sails, 29 crew, and 2800 tons of cargo, the Falls of Halladale left New York, bound for Melbourne and Sydney via the Cape of Good Hope. The cargo on board was valued at £35,000 and included 56,763 tiles of American slate roofing tiles (roof slates), 5,673 coils of barbed wire, 600 stoves, 500 sewing machines, 6,500 gallons of oil, 14,400 gallons of benzene, plumbing iron, 117 cases of crockery and glassware and many other manufactured items. The Falls of Halladale had been at sail for 102 days when, at 3 am on the night of 14th November 1908, under full sail in calm seas with a six knots breeze behind and misleading fog along the coast, the great vessel rose upon an ocean swell and settled on top of a submerged reef near Peterborough on the south-west Victoria’s coast. The ship was jammed on the rocks and began filling with water. The crew launched the two lifeboats and all 29 crew landed safely on the beach over 4 miles away at the Bay of Islands. The postmistress at Peterborough, who kept a watch for vessels in distress, saw the stranding and sent out an alert to the local people. A rescue party went to the aid of the sailors and the Port Campbell rocket crew was dispatched, but the crew had all managed to reach shore safely by the time help arrived. The ship stayed in full sail on the rocky shelf for nearly two months, attracting hundreds of sightseers who watched her slowly disintegrate until the pounding seas and dynamiting by salvagers finally broke her back, and her remains disappeared back into deeper water. The valuable cargo was largely lost, despite two salvage attempts in 1908-09 and 1910. Further salvage operations were made from 1974-1986, during which time 22,000 slate tiles were recovered with the help of 14 oil drums to float them, plus personal artefacts, ship fittings, reams of paper and other items. The Court of Marine Inquiry in Melbourne ruled that the foundering of the ship was entirely due to Captain David Wood Thomson’s navigational error, not too technical failure of the Clyde-built ship. The shipwreck is a popular site for divers, about 300m offshore and in 3 – 15m of water. Some of the original cargo can be seen at the site, including pieces of roof slate and coils of barbed wire. This particular artefact was one of many found by John Laidlaw (a local Warrnambool diver) when diving on the Falls of Halladale in the 1960's. In August 1973, John Laidlaw and Stan McPhee went on to discover the underwater location of the Schomberg - a passenger ship that ran aground on December 26th 1855 near Peterborough and which now lies in 825 metres of water. When John Laidlaw died, his family donated a number of artefacts to Flagstaff Hill. The brass finial may have been part of a larger decorative item such as a lamp or clock bracket.This item is significant as it was taken from the Falls of Halladale shipwreck which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (No. S255). She was one of the last ships to sail the Trade Routes. She is one of the first vessels to have fore and aft lifting bridges. She is an example of the remains of an International Cargo Ship and also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping industry. The wreck is protected as a Historic Shipwreck under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976)A brass, bell shaped object with a body approximately 3 cm high. It has an outer lip, straight sides that taper in and a flat "cap". The inside of the object is plain with evidence of vertigris. It has a decorative topping almost 2 cm high which has a double concave hollow neck.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill divers, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, warrnambool, falls of halladale, falls of halladale wreck, shipwreck artefact, artefact, brass artefact, brass finial, brass fitting, shipwreck coast, diver, john laidlaw, finial, brass decoration, handmade