Mrs J.L.Smith and Ada Smith in the backyard of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1910. . The early settler women usually devoted a whole day to washing as it was very labourious. A fire was lit in a stone pit and a large tub of water boiled. Soap that had been made, usually in the previous Autumn, from fat drippings and caustic soda, was flaked into the tub to form suds. The clothes were moved around in the tub with a long wooden paddle that was also used to lift the clothes out of the tub into another tub of cold rinsing water..Stains were removed by scrubbing soap on the cloth against a scrubbing board. Clothes were wrung by hand or a mechanical wringer and hung on the clothes line to dry. Mary Ann Smith was married John Logan Smith 1860-1932 who at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Photograph, Black & White, showing 2 women washing clothes in a large tub, set over a fire in a stone pit, in the back yard. Clothes are hanging from a rope line strung between 2 trees and held up with a wooden 'prop'

Gasometers resulted from complex engineering design evolving from primitive gasholders first used in 1824 in England to power street lights. The 20th century gasometer, (as used at the Highett Gasworks), was comprised of a series of large interconnected, telescopic, cylindrical vessels or lifts, which rose and fell depending on the volume of gas stored. The gasholder operated on a basic principle of a gas-filled floating vessel, rising and falling in a seal of water. The Highett Gasworks had its beginning in 1939 but its beginnings commenced sixty-two years earlier when the privately owned Brighton Gas Company was floated in 1877. By 1880 the company was performing well and making excellent profits. The company was welcomed by residents wanting to replace the shadowy light of a kerosene lamp with the bright luminescence of "modern" gas lamps. The land developers of the day were also keen supporters. But by 1884 people became disgrunted because either the gas had not reached them yet or because the quality of the supply had diminished due to the increasing use. In 1885 a second private gas company, the Central Brighton and Moorabbin Gas Co, Chaired by "Tommy" Bent was floated and for many years the two gas companies enjoyed a shared monopoly in supplying gas from their New Street Works. In the 1930s the company expanded its gas production facilities to Highett where it had purchased 45 acres of land adjacent to the Melbourne-Frankston railway line. A gasholder with a capacity of 750,000 cubic feet was erected on the Highett land in 1927 and connected with high pressure mains to the Brighton works. Three years later the company directors decided to proceed with the construction of a vertical retort house and coal store. Following a "lull" during the Great Depression work recommenced in 1936 and by 1939 the first complete gas-making plant was completed, and gas making commenced. Over the next twenty one years other significant extensions occurred, including an amenities block to accomodate 100 workers. In 1969 Esso commenced the introduction of natural gas to residents homes and the gradual decommissioning of the Highett Gasworks commenced. Part of the old Highett Gasworks site is now a council owned parkThe photos of the Higett Gasworks, now demolished, recall their long history, that originated in the 1800s with the production of gas to supply homes with a new, much improved light source, and later it's other applications such as for stoves etc. The arrival of gas in the Shire of Moorabbin was a huge step forward that encouraged further building and development in the area.Three Photographs of the Highett Gasworks. Two are coloured photos taken in 1974, and one is black and white taken in the 1960s. All are in good conditionOn the back of the two coloured photographs "Highett Gasworks 1974" No inscription on the black and white aerial photograph.brighton, moorabbin, highett, bent thomas, gasometer, highett gasworks, engineering design, brighton gas company, central brighton and moorabbin gas company, great depression, lamp kerosene

This flat hinge was recovered from an unknown shipwreck in the coastal waters of Victoria in the late 1960s to early 1970s. It is part of the John Chance Collection. The size of the hinge indicates that it was used for a large item such as an entry door, gate or perhaps a ship fitting. The blue-green patina on the metal is caused by a reaction from its exposure to external elements such as the sea water. The hinge is likely to have been in the water for over 100 years, as the more widely known shipwrecks along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast date from 1837 to 1940. Before the Middle Ages metal was expensive and took a lot of effort to work with As time went on, methods were discovered for working more easily with metals, and ways were found for combining different metals to make alloys that made the metals stronger and more durable. Hinges forged by blacksmiths began to be common in homes. In the Victorian Era steam power was introduced and manufacturing boomed. Hinges could be made by machines quickly and in great number. All sorts of applications were found to take advantage of the features of hinges. They continue to be developed and used in a huge variety of ways. Although the hinge is not linked to a particular shipwreck, it is recognised as being historically significant as an example of hardware either as part of the ship’s fittings or imported for use in Colonial Victoria in the 19th to early 20th century. The hinge is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver in Victoria’s coastal waters in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. Hinge; heavy bronze flat hinge, hand forged. Flat with narrow, arrow shaped end that lares outward to wider straight end. Attached to the wide end is a rectangular, upward curved knuckle. There are five formed holes along the hinge, two are oval shaped and three are round. The hinge has a blue-green patina.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, hinge, hardware, flat hinge, door fitting, ship’s fitting, 19th century metalwork, forged hinge

Two letters (stapled together) from T H Williams, Country Organiser from the Federated Municipal and Shire Council Employees' Union of Australia - Victorian Division, one to The Town Clerk (pink copy) and the other to J Richmond. The Town Clerk's letter, dated 21/12/1978 refers to the replacement of a 20' extension ladder, electric power leads, and new oilskin wet weather gear. Signed by T H Williams. The letter to J Richmond, dated 20/12/1978 mentions Service Grants to the workers. Quoted are payments made by the Geelong Water & Sewerage Trust to their workers at the end of the First Year, Third Year, Fifth Year and Eighth Year.bendigo, council, cattle markets, bendigo saleyards collection - letters, city of bendigo, j richmond, norm harris, t h williams, federated municipal and shire employees' union of australia - victorian division, the geelong water & sewerage trust

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Twenty one pages of typed speech notes for 'my policy speech on the occasion of this 1955 election for the Legislative Assembly of the State of Victoria'. Corrections and additions in black ink. Topics and policies mentioned in the speech include : Rotary, Housing, old people, gaols and institutions, roads and motor cars, parking and traffic confusion, education (university for Bendigo), industries, libraries, power and transport, water supply, sewerage, swimming pools, and the dangers of Communism. Norman Oliver was standing as a candidate for the Country Party. There is a front page with '1955 Election' written in blue pen.bendigo, hospital, speech notes, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. victorian state election 1955. country party.

Photocopied plan of power points for a recreational area, possibly Eppalock foreshore recreational area?. No title, and undated. With other Eppalock documents.state infrastructure, water supply, coliban system, state rivers and water supply commission. coliban system. eppalock.

Farm pumps were used to drain or raise water in a variety of situations. The belt mechanism of this pump was a flat band encircling two pulleys which drove the pump. Belt driven pumps were easy to maintain. They did not need lubrication or collect grime and they did not rust. Their operation was relatively quiet with less vibration, again reducing maintenance. The engine would be powered by kerosene or petrol.Green pump with a white exhaust pipe angled vertically. Mounted on an untreated wooden stand.farm machinery, pump, belt driven

Ill, map, p.352.non-fictionJim Molan is the Australian General who served in Iraq with the Coalition during 2004-05. Initially, under General Ricardo Sanchez, he worked on infrastructure: trying to restore/maintain the provision of water, power and rail services. Under General George W. Casey, he became Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Operations with the Multi National Forces Iraq and ran the operations for all the US and Coalition forces assigned to the Iraqi area of operations. He had to interact with the new interim Iraqi government, bringing the political, diplomatic, information, economic and reconstruction sectors into line with the military side. In this book he describes his background and military career, but focuses on describing key aspects of his time in Iraq.australian army - iraq war - 2003, iraq war - personal narratives

A Cohn Brothers Calendar for December, 1935. The Calender has a painting by H.S Power (Harold Septimus Power) of two Cocker Spaniels, Companions of Quality, sitting next to each other in the grass outside together. below the painting is the following text "6 0'clock Lager C.B. ginger Tonik COHN BROS. LTD. BENDIGO . MELBOURNE . SWAN HILL Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturers Wine and Spirits Merchants"bendigo, history, cohn brothers

Pump - Billabong Ram Pump Size #5 Based on available historical data, the Australian-made Billabong Hydraulic Ram is one of the oldest rams produced anywhere in the world The Billabong Hydraulic Ram was first introduced into Australia in 1855 by John Danks and Son Limited, John Danks & Son Pty Ltd began as a plumbing business in 1859, established by brothers John and Samuel. It occupied a prominent site in Bourke Street, Melbourne, for 100 years. The business quickly grew to include factories in Melbourne and Sydney which manufactured and supplied a variety of plumbing and engineering products such as brassware, pumps, windmills and bells. The company was registered in Victoria on 25 January 1889 to continue the hardware manufacturing and supply business founded by brothers John and Samuel Danks in 1859. The head office was based in Bourke Street, Melbourne while another branch was established in Sydney in the 1880s. The company had factories in Melbourne and Sydney. The John Danks and Son Limited catalogue published in 1890, listing Billabong Hydraulic Rams as one of its major machinery products. The catalogue also provides reference to the company’s ram experience and manufacture, beginning by stating that in 1890 they already had 35 years of experience with Billabong Hydraulic Rams. The Hydraulic Ram has stood the test of time and it remains one of the few really practical and efficient uses of natural energy today. It operates without almost any cost, will last indefinitely and, with only two moving parts, is simplicity itself. It requires minimum maintenance and minimum replacement of parts. It is not uncommon to find rams working continuously for many years without any attention. • The Rams do not require electricity, fuel or steam to operate. • They possess simplicity of construction and operation – only 2 moving parts. • Powered only by running water. • Require very minimal or almost no maintenance. • Heavy duty cast Iron base and Dome. This Pump recovered from the Clematis Creek in the Mid 1970's Used to pump water from the creek to the Paradise (Clematis) Hotel. Historic - Farm Equipment - Used to pump water from the creek to the Paradise (Clematis) Hotel.Cast Iron Bronze valveBillabong 5billabong, puffing billy, ram pump

Malcolm Moore No. 1015 One of a Batch of 92 such rail tractors built. Builders Number 1015. Built for the Australian Army in 1943 Built for the Australian army - delivered to Army on the 3 March 1944 and was sold to the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Red Cliffs, Victoria. - used at the Red Cliffs Power station to haul briquettes from the rail siding Red Cliffs to the Red Cliffs Power Station and also used for shunting and some haulage from the Red Cliffs siding.. This rail tractor was originally powered by a Ford side valve V8 petrol engine. It arrived at the Museum from Red Cliffs in 1977 and is operational. Originally equipped with a Ford side valve V8 Later replaced by a Fordson Major diesel tractor engine.Historic - Narrow Gauge Industrial Railway - used by the Australian Army, and the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Redcliffs, Victoria, AustraliaMalcolm Moore No.1015 - Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor 0-4-0 Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor - Steel (Painted)Malcolm Moore Rail Tractor 0-4-0 Malcolm Moore 2' Gauge 1015puffing billy, malcolm moore, ford v8, rail tractor, fordson, australian army, state rivers and water supply commission, 2' gauge, industrial narrow gauge railway

Portable Compound Engine - Marshall & Son's. Builders Number 48317 Built by Marshall Sons & Co., Ltd., Gainsborough, England (Builder’s Number 48317 of approximately 1908/1909), to the order of Robison Brothers, Engineers, South Melbourne. It was used for operating a pump to supply irrigation water at Robinvale in Northern Victoria. Robison Bros & Co. P/L was founded by James McFarlane Robison and his brothers in 1854, initially as plumbers and coppersmiths, the firm expanded into general engineering, boiler-making and brass, iron and steel founders and became one of Melbourne's most important engineering firms. They constructed railway bridges, gold mining equipment, railway locomotives, pumping stations, brewing vessels, abattoir machinery, amongst much else and including the first turnstiles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A portable engine is either a steam engine or an internal combustion engine, that remains in one place while operating (providing power to machinery), and can be easily moved from one work site to another. Mounted on wheels or sometimes skids, it is required to be towed between work sites.Historic - Industrial Portable Compound Engine - steam engine - Marshall & Son's. Marshall & Son's Portable Compound Engine - Builders Number 48317 made of steel Marshall & Son's. Builders Number 48317puffing billy, state rivers and water supply commission of victoria, portable compound engine - marshall & son's., portable compound engine, marshall sons & co., ltd., robison bros & co. p/l

Cocks Pioneer Power Station No 1. Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold & Tin Mine Company was formed in 1899. The company's first power station, located at the eastern end of the valley began operating with its 340 Kilowatt steam-powered generator. By 1909, from 2 500 000 cubic yards worked, reported recovery was 17 284 ounces of gold and 224 tons of tin ore. By 1909, Cocks Pioneer’s power plant had become inadequate and uneconomical. The barge was floated downstream about a mile, but lost time caused the operations to cease. Following testing, a new mine was established by diverting Reid's Creek at a cost of £25 000. Settling dams were built, one of which held 1 935 900 cubic feet. Sold earth banks, built against a wall of stringy bark saplings constructed and laced with vertical props, were built. In 1914, the company was reformed as Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL, another power station was constructed at the western end of the township, near the junction of Clear and Reid's Creeks. From 6,800,000 cubic yards of material processed, the returns were 64 397 ounces of gold and 855 ton of tin. Cocks Pioneer mine then moved the barge downs stream and continued sluicing. In 1929 Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold and Tin Mining Company ceased operations due to a drop in values. Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL carried on large-scale hydraulic sluicing operations until 1941. Handrwitten on right side of image: PIONEER MINE ELDORADO Handwritten on left side of image: AJ EVANS PHOTO / WANGARATTAmines, mining, gold, tin, gold mining, tin mining, sluicing, hydraulic mining, energy, power station, cocks pioneer, el dorado, eldorado

Riffle Boards on Barge, c1934. In sluicing, riffles are used to trap heavier gold particles as water washes over them. Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold & Tin Mine Company was formed in 1899. The company's first power station, located at the eastern end of the valley began operating with its 340 Kilowatt steam-powered generator. By 1909, from 2 500 000 cubic yards worked, reported recovery was 17 284 ounces of gold and 224 tons of tin ore. By 1909, Cocks Pioneer’s power plant had become inadequate and uneconomical. The barge was floated downstream about a mile, but lost time caused the operations to cease. Following testing, a new mine was established by diverting Reid's Creek at a cost of £25 000. Settling dams were built, one of which held 1 935 900 cubic feet. Sold earth banks, built against a wall of stringy bark saplings constructed and laced with vertical props, were built. In 1914, the company was reformed as Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL, another power station was constructed at the western end of the township, near the junction of Clear and Reid's Creeks. From 6,800,000 cubic yards of material processed, the returns were 64 397 ounces of gold and 855 ton of tin. Cocks Pioneer mine then moved the barge downs stream and continued sluicing. In 1929 Cocks Pioneer Electric Gold and Tin Mining Company ceased operations due to a drop in values. Cock’s Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL carried on large-scale hydraulic sluicing operations until 1941. mines, mining, gold, gold mining, barge, riffles, sluicing, men, cocks pioneer, el dorado, eldorado

The story of the most fertile regions of the Victoria: the Goulburn Valley and North Eastern Victoria, the adjoining territory of the Riverina district of NSW and the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric and Irrigation Scheme.Hard Cover. 2 Burgundy blocks and 2 photographs of mountains and water storage on front cover. "Liquid Gold Australia" in gold lettering and map of Australia. 2 Plain burgundy blocks, photograph of power pole and peach trees on back cover.irrigation, water, goulburn valley, north eastern victoria, snowy mountains hydro electric scheme

Water colour painting of the Alcoa Anglesea coal mine. Painted by Jan Robley.Signed by artist Jan Robley.jane robley, alcoa power station, painting

The mounted photograph is one of a series used for display purposes. The water tower at Sunbury Station was built in 1861 by J. Bett. it is of state significance and is an indicator of the importance of the railway to Sunbury's expansion in the Nineteenth Century. Steam trains needed sufficient steam power to climb the steep gradients over the Great Dividing Range and the water tower at Sunbury was used to replenish the trains' water supply for the remainder of the journey.A black and white photograph of the water tower at Sunbury Railway Station. The base of the tower is a brick construction with an arched doorway and two bricked in arched windows at either side of the doorway and a further two bricked in arched windows on the side. Above the base is a large square iron water storage tank with two downpipes at the side. There is a picket fence either side of the building. Mounted on board.sunbury railway station, water towers, victorian railways, bett, j., george evans collection

One black and white copy 17 x 25Black and white postcard showing North Arm Bridge, Bullock Island and foot bridge northern end of piers at entrance to Bass Strait and sand dunes. Left foreground shows power pole and water bore and telephone poles along Princes Highway Lakes Entrance Victoria.The Entrance, Bullock Island, Lakes Entranceislands, bridges, waterways, topography

Joseph Chamberlain was was an important businessman and a politician. He worked to improve education, and cities. He was a Member of Parliament from 1876 to 1914, and Colonial Secretary (controlling British colonies) from 1895 to 1903. His son Austen won the Nobel Peace Prize and another son Neville was Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940. (Wikipedia) Chamberlain was a Unitarian, a Christian who believes Christ was an example of the way to live life, but was not divine (not a part of God). Unitarians try to work to help society. There were many problems in Birmingham after the industrial revolution, and many men were not allowed to vote. In 1868 Chamberlain helped a liberal man to become the Member of Parliament for Birmingham. In 1869, he started a group working for free primary education for all children. In November 1869, he became a member of Birmingham City Council. There he worked for cheaper land prices for rural (countryside) workers, and became very popular. In 1873 he became the Mayor of Birmingham. He bought the gas companies and water companies for the city, so people were able to have clean and safe water. He made parks, roads, schools museums and built new houses for poor people. In June 1876 he became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham. In parliament he worked to unite radical M.P.s (MPs that wanted change) against the Whig party who were in power. His work helped William Ewart Gladstone to become Prime Minister in 1880. Chamberlain often spoke about education in parliament. (Wikipedia)Image of a man called Joseph Chamberlain.ballarat irish, chamberlain, joseph chamberlain

The vessels boiling electrical was used by soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles when it was equipped with Centurion tanks 1966-71. A boiling vessel fitted to British armoured fighting vehicles that permit the crew to heat water and cook food by drawing power from the vehicle electrical supply. It is often referred to by crewmembers (not entirely in jest) as the most important piece of equipment in a British armoured vehicle. The "Vessel Boiling Electric" or "BV" was an innovation at the very end of World War II, when the Centurion tank was introduced with the device fitted inside the turret. Previously, British tank crews had disembarked when they wanted to "brew-up" (make tea), using a petrol cooker improvised from empty fuel cans[4] called a "Tommy cooker". Use of the BV enabled the crew to stay safely inside the tank and reduced the time taken for breaks. The first version, known as VBE No 1, began to be replaced in the early 1950s by the stainless steel No 2 version. A VBE No 3 had improved electrical sockets and was less prone to leakage. The principal use of the BV is to heat ration pouches or tins; the hot water is then used for making drinks or washing. The BV is cuboid and accommodates four tins; typically matching the crew numbers of an armoured fighting vehicle. Ration tins are supplied without adhesive labels so the surrounding water is not contaminated. A vehicle with a defective BV is declared unfit for purpose. It is common practice for a junior member of a vehicle crew to be unofficially appointed "BV Commander", responsible for making hot drinks for the other soldiers. Example of article which improved efficiency and well-being of tank soldiers.Cilinderical metal vessel with close fitting lid, folding handle and electrical socket on side.military, tank, centurion, meals, boiling

3 photographs showing Carome at Mernda dated mid 1960's. CAROME In 1840 Arthur Sergeantson purchased Section 19, Parish of Morang, a total of 842 acres. He named the property `Sergeantson Hall’ but the portion between the Plenty Road and Plenty River soon became known as Carome, the name of a flour mill he established in 1841. In 1843 Sergeantson leased the mill to a miller named Anderson, who operated it until 1850. Anderson was followed by Robert Charles. The present dwelling date back to at least 1850, and possibly earlier. In 1857 Sergeantson’s remaining 411 acres and Carome Mill were purchased by Abraham Willis and William Hardesty, who refurbished and upgraded the mill at the enormous cost of 1,200 Pounds. In 1868 the Mill was destroyed by fire. Willis continued farming at Carome until 1899 when he leased the farm to his son Robert and retired to Carlton. Little of the Mill remains. It was set just downstream from the deep rocky waterhole which formed a natural dam. Local folklore has it that this waterhole was used for water games by the Aborigines. Europeans certainly swim there now, and locals refer to this area as Power's hole, named after the previous owners the Power family. Such a prominent waterhole is likely to have been well known to the Aborigines. (Reference: City of Whittlesea Heritage Study) 3 colour photographs.mernda, carome mernda, bluestone, power family, willis family, abraham willis, isabella willis, carome mill, powers hole

5 photographs showing Carome homestead and property at Mernda dated 2006. 1. Carome homestead. 2. Carome, looking southward down old rail line. 3. Carome homestead. 4. Dairy/feed sheds at Carome. 5. Carome property. CAROME In 1840 Arthur Sergeantson purchased Section 19, Parish of Morang, a total of 842 acres. He named the property `Sergeantson Hall’ but the portion between the Plenty Road and Plenty River soon became known as Carome, the name of a flour mill he established in 1841. In 1843 Sergeantson leased the mill to a miller named Anderson, who operated it until 1850. Anderson was followed by Robert Charles. The present dwelling date back to at least 1850, and possibly earlier. In 1857 Sergeantson’s remaining 411 acres and Carome Mill were purchased by Abraham Willis and William Hardesty, who refurbished and upgraded the mill at the enormous cost of 1,200 Pounds. In 1868 the Mill was destroyed by fire. Willis continued farming at Carome until 1899 when he leased the farm to his son Robert and retired to Carlton. Little of the Mill remains. It was set just downstream from the deep rocky waterhole which formed a natural dam. Local folklore has it that this waterhole was used for water games by the Aborigines. Europeans certainly swim there now, and locals refer to this area as Power's hole, named after the previous owners the Power family. Such a prominent waterhole is likely to have been well known to the Aborigines. (Reference: City of Whittlesea Heritage Study) 5 colour photographs.Printed on Kodak Royal Digital Papermernda, carome mernda, bluestone, power family, willis family, abraham willis, isabella willis, carome mill, powers hole, william hardesty, arthur sergeantson

A photograph of Alfred Arnold his wife Lucy (nee Willis) and their children Florence and Charles. Lucy is the daughter of Abraham and Isabella Willis of Carome in Mernda. CAROME In 1840 Arthur Sergeantson purchased Section 19, Parish of Morang, a total of 842 acres. He named the property `Sergeantson Hall’ but the portion between the Plenty Road and Plenty River soon became known as Carome, the name of a flour mill he established in 1841. In 1843 Sergeantson leased the mill to a miller named Anderson, who operated it until 1850. Anderson was followed by Robert Charles. The present dwelling date back to at least 1850, and possibly earlier. In 1857 Sergeantson’s remaining 411 acres and Carome Mill were purchased by Abraham Willis and William Hardesty, who refurbished and upgraded the mill at the enormous cost of 1,200 Pounds. In 1868 the Mill was destroyed by fire. Willis continued farming at Carome until 1899 when he leased the farm to his son Robert and retired to Carlton. Little of the Mill remains. It was set just downstream from the deep rocky waterhole which formed a natural dam. Local folklore has it that this waterhole was used for water games by the Aborigines. Europeans certainly swim there now, and locals refer to this area as Power's hole, named after the previous owners the Power family. Such a prominent waterhole is likely to have been well known to the Aborigines. (Reference: City of Whittlesea Heritage Study) Copy of black and white photograph.Printed on Kodak Professional Endura Papermernda, carome mernda, bluestone, power family, willis family, abraham willis, isabella willis, carome mill, powers hole, william hardesty, arthur sergeantson, alfred arnold, lucy willis, lucy arnold, florence arnold, charles arnold

A photograph showing Carome homestead in Mernda dated 1972. CAROME In 1840 Arthur Sergeantson purchased Section 19, Parish of Morang, a total of 842 acres. He named the property `Sergeantson Hall’ but the portion between the Plenty Road and Plenty River soon became known as Carome, the name of a flour mill he established in 1841. In 1843 Sergeantson leased the mill to a miller named Anderson, who operated it until 1850. Anderson was followed by Robert Charles. The present dwelling date back to at least 1850, and possibly earlier. In 1857 Sergeantson’s remaining 411 acres and Carome Mill were purchased by Abraham Willis and William Hardesty, who refurbished and upgraded the mill at the enormous cost of 1,200 Pounds. In 1868 the Mill was destroyed by fire. Willis continued farming at Carome until 1899 when he leased the farm to his son Robert and retired to Carlton. Little of the Mill remains. It was set just downstream from the deep rocky waterhole which formed a natural dam. Local folklore has it that this waterhole was used for water games by the Aborigines. Europeans certainly swim there now, and locals refer to this area as Power's hole, named after the previous owners the Power family. Such a prominent waterhole is likely to have been well known to the Aborigines. (Reference: City of Whittlesea Heritage Study) Colour photograph.Printed on Kodak Professional Endura Paper.mernda, carome mernda, bluestone, power family, willis family, abraham willis, isabella willis, carome mill, powers hole, william hardesty, arthur sergeantson