non-fictionThis book is about the life and times of Doug McLaggan starting with the vanished era of the 1920s and 1930s, which led up to the Second World War in which so many youngsters eagerly enlisted. McLaggan among them, saw action only briefly before becoming a POW after the fall of Singapore. It shows the young private soldier's viewpoint of the POW experience; of the mateship, humour and above all the courage and determination and willpower to live under circumstances ranking among the the most appalling of the 20th century. Even during the most trying periods, McLaggan risked his own security by keeping a meticulous diary. From these diaries emerges an extraordinary account of one man's will to survive when men unfit to work on the railway were so cruelly treated by the Japanese engineers in charge of its construction. The story of the POWs under the Japanese has been told before, but McLaggan's account, simply and honestly told, combined with his often forthright views makes this a fascinating and moving story of an ordinary man faced with an extraordinary test of body and mind. (Back cover)doug mclaggan, world war 1939-1945, prisoners of war

non-fictionFamily Life in Stoke Newington, 1923-1955 Gaslight on the Cobbles reveals the everyday life of Stoke Newington people as seen through the eyes of a young girl. The daily lives of the people that she knew - their tears and laughter, their courage and determination to survive all that life could throw at them, are recalled with love and humour. "The people were always busy! Scuttling around shopping, cleaning windows, putting out washing, laughing or fighting! Children running around with great big slices of bread and jam - with the jam mixing with nose drippings and all going down the same way."stoke newington, childhood, the blitz

non-fictionAlexandra Hasluck is well-known as one of a distinguished group of female historians who have done so much, by their perceptive biographies, to enlarge our knowledge of the characters of our history. In her autobiography she brings her discerning eye to bear on her own ancestors, and with vivid sketches of her English, Irish and Scottish forebears portrays what she regards as the typical experiences of British settlers. The same observing eye and mind follow her basically happy childhood and youth in Western Australia to becoming herself a 'Governor's Lady'. She married Paul Hasluck, then sub-editor on the West Australian newspaper. When he entered the diplomatic sphere she moved with him to Canberra and her descriptions of life in war-time Canberra and later in America, are enlivened by humorous sketches of people and events which few people have been fortunate enough to experience. These opportunities increased when, on their return to Australia, her husband became a member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister in Sir Robert Menzies' Government, first as Minister for Territories and later as Foreign Minister. Both positions provided them with many new experiences: of journeys to the remoter parts of Australia and New Guinea in his responsibility for Territories and, later, as Foreign Minister, of visits to the capitals of the world, meeting most of the great men of our time. Even wider vistas opened when her husband became Governor General of Australia and the observing historian was able to record characteristically life at Government House with its constant stream of visitors colouring its own equally interesting inner life. Portrait in a Mirror is not only a fascinating story but also a remarkable self-portrait, told through letters diaries and speeches as well as her own commentaries ot a watching woman: a dispassionate observer of the famous people and great events of her time, who was unaffected by her varying environments and remained, as she had begun, a typical scion of that early colonial stock - intelligent, literate, strongly-opinioned - and staunchly Australian. (Cover)autobiography, alexandra hasluck, paul hasluck, governor-general

Manufacturing History Museum Victoria|Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen|Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla. This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good.'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good.'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Large electric heater with two radiator bars and a protective grille at the top and false coals at the bottom.Replacements for this fire - Elements No. F314 - Illuminators No. 3P. Berry's Electric Ltd - Volts 230 - 240 -Watts 2000 V/AD/Cat No. 454 . Made in Australia by Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd Melbournedomestic items, heating

Used by Colin Sach during his employment as Manager of the Chemistry Dept. at the University of Melbourne over a period of forty years.Manufacturing History Museum Victoria Commentary: Australian manufacturing history Philip Wollen Many years ago, when I was an ambition young man, I took over a company called Hecla.|This business was formed in 1872, long before Federation was even contemplated. The company established a rich tradition in the Australian manufacturing industry. The prodigious product range included kettles, mixers, toasters, hairdryers, urns, pie warmers, bain maries, and electric blankets for the domestic and commercial market. During the war it even manufactured parts for aircraft. It was one of Melbourne's largest employers.|Hecla was one of the pioneers in TV advertising, led by icons like Bert Newton, Bobby Limb, Evie Hayes and Graham Kennedy who ad Jibbed his way through irreverent and unscripted naughtiness about Hecla electric blankets and foot warmers. The slogan was 'By Hecla, its good1'. One can imagine the fun Bert and Graham had with their double entendres.|In the 60's Hecla entered into a partnership with General Electric and expanded rapidly. The massive factory, on the corner of Alexandra Parade and Chapel Street overlooking the Yarra River was a Melbourne landmark.|The business was formed by one of the scions of Melbourne industry. Mr Marriott was a metal worker of some repute, building the lights in front of Melbourne's Parliament House, the first steam car, the sideboard at the RACY Club, and the first factory to run on electricity.|By the time I acquired the company it was a shadow of its former self, incapable of competing with cheap Chinese imports. Wandering around the warehouse late one night I discovered a large, boarded up storeroom which appeared not to have been opened in decades.|Over several months I combed through the room, unearthing a treasure trove of products from a bygone era. Dusty files, engineering drawings, wooden prototypes, patent records, and correspondence from distributors on every continent.|I decided to track down an old man, Ray, long retired after 50 years with Hecla. He was not well off financially and welcomed the paid work. It turned out that he had done his apprenticeship with the company and there wasn't much he didn't know about it. He had been personally involved in the manufacture of almost every type of product on the Hecla smorgasbord's of products.|So for over 2 years he methodically assembled a mini museum of Hecla products, painstakingly polishing them and ensuring they were in working order. He attached the original brochure of each product and their respective warranty cards. For him it was ,a labour of love. For me it was a fascinating, if vicarious journey, into Australia's manufacturing past.|My colleagues complained that I was wasting money on his salary, our time and factory space on stuff that should have been dumped years ago. I tried to explain that I was merely a steward of the Hecla tradition, not merely an owner. Besides, the look on Ray's face convinced me that there was another dynamic at work. One I could see, but didn't really understand.|After he Passed away I faced a dilemma. What to do with this 'museum' of Hecla history. Nobody was interested.|So I kept the 'stuff' in private storage, hoping that same day someone would be interested in it. And the years passed.|Finally, I had a brainwave. Perhaps the Melbourne Museum would be interested. It was a long shot but I made the call. I had a nagging suspicion that they would think I was simply trying to get them to relieve me of paying for this huge collection to be taken to the tip.|To my surprise they said they would be willing to take a look, I secretly hoped that they would take the whole collection and not leave me with an incomplete jumble of appliances that I would indeed have to take to the tip.|On the appointed day, four serious looking young people showed up. Armed with digital cameras, note books and poker faces they spent four hours analysing the goods and the supporting materials. I asked them if they had any interest and their response was decidedly non-committal. It depends on the acquisitions committee, I was told. I was disheartened and packed up the exhibits to go back into storage.|Imagine my surprise when months later they telephoned to say that they had researched the history of the company, and yes, they would like to take the whole collection. And a truck with 'handlers' would arrive the following day to pick it up. Two years ago all Hecla's archives left me forever and went to the Museum's warehouse.|Well, to my delight I received a call yesterday inviting me to a private viewing of the exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. These young historians had meticulously assembled an impressive display of Melbourne's industry and technology going back to the 1800's. They thanked me like a significant benefactor when it is I who should have thanked them.|I saw the excitement in the eyes of these young people who had somehow managed to dig out and assemble memories from Australia's past. If this is the standard of care that the curators of the Melbourne Museum show all their exhibits, our history is in safe hands.|Their meticulous work took me back to those years long ago when I saw an old man lovingly assembling and cataloging a lifetime of his work.|It took me back to the day when Australians actually made things. Long before we became a nation of quarrymen. Before we became animal-factory 'farmers'. Of a time when products didn't break down, or dumped and replaced before the warranty expired. When men like Mr Marriott cared deeply about what their hands produced.|It reminded me of the call I received from an elderly lady in Tasmania asking for the electrical element for a Hecla K7 kettle. I searched the archives and called her back. The K7 was produced decades earlier and we no longer carried that spare part. She was quite disheartened and told me her kettle had finally 'given up the ghost' and she couldn't bear to part with it. It was a present from her husband on their wedding day 45 years ago. Her final words were 'they don't make them like that, do they? By Hecla they were good1'|I'm glad I followed my instinct and put Ray back on the payroll all those years ago..|I like to think Mr Marriott would have been pleased.Square metal box with electrical elements inside. Used to stand on or to put feet on when sitting. Elaborate pattern in centre with inscription.Hecla Foot Warmerdomestic items, heating

Flower shows or Horticultural exhibitions were a popular form of entertainment and scientific pastime in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and were widely reported on and followed. Ballarat was a major centre for nurseries and prided itself as a garden city promoting many shows at all levels including grand national exhibitions. Exhibitors ranged from professional hybridists, nurserymen and florists to amateur growers. This award represents the cottage or amateur class in flower shows and was awarded at St Andrew's Jubilee Exhibition and Flower Show. It is one of many in the Taffe family collection won by members of the family between 1899 and 2004. The collection covers three generations of amateur growers and showers across three different centuries.This collection also highlights one of the interactions between members of different religious faith communities in Ballarat in the early twentieth century as this Roman Catholic family were exhibiting at Church of England and Presbyterian functions as well as other shows across the community. An example of the popularity and social significance of flower shows in the early twentieth century. Such items also demonstrate social cohesion and the spirit of interfaith relations before the First World War. It also highlights the importance of gardening in the early twentieth century, the excellence of the gardens at Hymettus in Ballarat and the spirit of self reliance of Australians.Class B, No 14. 57, Six varieties of pansies, Miss Taaffest andrew's, jubilee, jubilee exhibition and flower show, ballarat, pansies miss taaffe, taffe, baxter & stubbs., roman catholic, church of england, presbyterian, interfaith.

Book with green text on cover and spine and red image on coverfiction'Dora Elizabeth Burchill was born in Hawthorn, Victoria and trained as a triple certificate nurse in Melbourne and London. Proving that nursing is the best passport for travel she subsequently travelled widely and became registered as a nurse in seven countries of the world. Cherishing the ideals of Florence Nightingale in peace and war, Sister Burchill volunteered to serve in Ethiopia during the Italian-Abyssinian War in 1936, nursed refugee children during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 and served with the 2nd AIF in Palestine and Egypt in 1940. Following six years as a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service, she took another challenging path, becoming involved in radio broadcasting [Working for 3SR Radio Station, Shepparton p185], writing and lecturing for the Commonwealth Institute in England. Six years later she returned to nursing and started the first full-time infant welfare clinic in Darwin for the Northern Territory Department of Health and remained in this important post of increasing development in post-war Darwin for five years. Sister Burchill continued this work in Thursday Island and the Sepik District of New Guinea into the 1960s. Many published articles in magazines and newspapers and five published books testify to her skill and determination as a factual writer. ?Innamincka?, is her best-known book. Seeking further worthwhile challenges in the 1970s, Sister Burchill studied for the Higher School Certificate which resulted in her earning a place in the Faculty of Arts, Monash University. She graduated as Bachelor of Arts in 1981. In 1986, she graduated as Bachelor of Letters at the University of Melbourne. Includes index. Bibliography: p. [249]-250. Medicine. Nursing. Burchill, Elizabeth, 1908-. Australia. Biographies (ANB/PRECIS SIN 0516392). Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-250) and index.' From Trovenursing in warfare, elizabeth burchill, world war two, wwii, ww2, china-ethiopian war, spanish civil war, australian army nursing service

Book with brown text on cover and spine and brown image on coverfiction'Dora Elizabeth Burchill was born in Hawthorn, Victoria and trained as a triple certificate nurse in Melbourne and London. Proving that nursing is the best passport for travel she subsequently travelled widely and became registered as a nurse in seven countries of the world. Cherishing the ideals of Florence Nightingale in peace and war, Sister Burchill volunteered to serve in Ethiopia during the Italian-Abyssinian War in 1936, nursed refugee children during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 and served with the 2nd AIF in Palestine and Egypt in 1940. Following six years as a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service, she took another challenging path, becoming involved in radio broadcasting [Working for 3SR Radio Station, Shepparton p185], writing and lecturing for the Commonwealth Institute in England. Six years later she returned to nursing and started the first full-time infant welfare clinic in Darwin for the Northern Territory Department of Health and remained in this important post of increasing development in post-war Darwin for five years. Sister Burchill continued this work in Thursday Island and the Sepik District of New Guinea into the 1960s. Many published articles in magazines and newspapers and five published books testify to her skill and determination as a factual writer. ?Innamincka?, is her best-known book. Seeking further worthwhile challenges in the 1970s, Sister Burchill studied for the Higher School Certificate which resulted in her earning a place in the Faculty of Arts, Monash University. She graduated as Bachelor of Arts in 1981. In 1986, she graduated as Bachelor of Letters at the University of Melbourne. Includes index. Bibliography: p. [249]-250. Medicine. Nursing. Burchill, Elizabeth, 1908-. Australia. Biographies (ANB/PRECIS SIN 0516392). Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-250) and index.' From Trovenursing in warfare, elizabeth burchill, world war two, wwii, ww2, china-ethiopian war, spanish civil war, australian army nursing service

Red paperback book with colour drawings on cover and white and blue text on cover and spinenon-fiction'War memorabilia with a difference. The spirit of pariotism and self sacrifice which gave birth to an organisation such as the V.A.D. and allowed it to function, initially as a vouluntary unit in the early years of the war and later, through integration, as the Australian Army Medical Women's Service, is recorded for all time in this beautifully presented book. Accounts of service throughout Australia, in the Middle East and the S.W. Pacific, exhibit the particular brand of good humour and comradeship which was so much a part of service life. These personal experiences have been skilfully combined by Mary Critch (who herself saw service in Australia and the Islands) with photographs and official documents to create an absorbing story of both historical and human interest. The foreword is by Miss May Douglas, M.B.E.' From back cover 'Contents: Who Were the V.A.D.'s? Suitable Capable Women of the A.M.F. V.A.D Service Overseas 1941-1943 The Australian Continent Finding Our Bearings 1941-1942 The Australian Connection Reorganisation of the Service of the V.A.D. Training the A.A.M.W.S As Nurses The South West Pacific 1943-1946 Service With Occupational Forces and Demobilisation'australian army voluntary aid detachments, australian army medical women's service, mary critch, history of vad, history of aamws, australia

Gordon Spittle was the youngest of Three brothers. He grew up in Creswick and attended Creswick Grammar School. Gordon purchased 'Mt Cavern' in 1912. It had 4 years of a 10 year lease to run. His mother and father took delivery of it on 1 April 1916. They lived there and farmed it until Gordon returned from active service in May 1919. S. Gordon Spittle married Violet Holmes and both lived at "Mt Cavern" until their deaths. Gordon died in 1942 aged 51. Violet Holmes-Spittle died in 1949 aged 56. Handwritten lower front 'Do we look down hearted?' Handwritten verso 'Egypt, March 23rd 1916. Dear Mrs Troup. Your very fine and interesting letter dated Feb 15th came to hand to-day and needless to add was delighted to receive it, and can promise you that I'll answer it at my earliest opportunity. We are now having a better time since we came to this part, as we are able to enjoy a little of city life, although we have a good deal more work to do, & which is mostly carting goods to & from the ships & railway stations etc, all of which is interesting & quite a change from our life on the Desert. Hope this card finds you in good health. I will now have to say au revoir for the present with kindest regards to Mr Troup, self and family. From your very sincere friends, A. Gordon Spittle."Two uniformed Australian soldiers pose for a photograph during World War One.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, spittle, gordon spittle

The photo was taken on 'Oxi' Day 28 October 1951 which is commemorated throughout Greece and Cyprus and world-wide Greek communities. The day commemorates the rejection by the Greek prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum presented to him by the Italian ambassador on the 28 October 1940 to allow the Axis forces, namely Italy, Germany and Bulgaria to occupy strategic locations of Greece or face war. A black and white photograph of a crowd of people - men, women and children - gathered around a Greek flag in an open area. A church is visible in the background. High mountains are also visible across the skyline.The original is handwritten across the bottom of the photo in Greek which translated reads: PLATRITHIA. ITHACA 28 OCTOBER 1951.world war 2

The wedding of Diamando and Yianni Raftopoulos (Bourlotos)which took place on the island of Ithaca. Kalypso Sofianos (nee Raftopoulos) can be seen standing between the priest and the bridegroom.The Greek Orthodox wedding is filled with symbolism. The stefana or wedding crowns, joined by a ribbon, symbolize the unity of the couple. The crowning ceremony establishes the couple as the King and Queen of their home, which they rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity. The stefana also denote the crown of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves self-sacrifice on both sides.A faded black and white photograph of a Greek wedding. The young boy in the foreground is carrying candles and the wedding crowns that will be worn by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony and the candles. The priest and the bride and possibly the groom or bride's father are standing behind the young boy.

A book of 224 pages including maps, illustrations and photographic images, both black and white and colour. It includes a bibliography.The lives of the mountain cattlemen of Victoria's alpine country revolve around the annual muster held before the first snowfall of autumn, when they bring their cattle down to lower pastures for winter feeding, or consign them for auction at the annual calf sales in Omeo or Myrtleford. The close-knit communities of cattlemen share the common hazards of this mountainous region, enduring the snow and freezing conditions of winter and the threat of ravaging bushfires in summer, finding shelter from the harshness of the environment in little huts which they built from the rough materials available. But the dangers of steep slopes and rocky terrain, in which more than one drover has lost his life, hold no terrors for them. These tough and resourceful cattlemen are self-sufficient and skilful in everything they do, whether it is bushmanship, horse-riding, or telling tall tales. In this book their yarns and reminiscences about their mates, their horses and Hereford cattle, and their indispensable dogs, reveal a characteristic courage and endurance, and an indomitable sense of humour. This book provides an enduring record of a vanishing breed of Australians, folk heroes in their own right, whose lives form the basis of verse and legend.mountain cattlemen, cattle breeders victoria, australian cattlemen, bogong high plains history

A publication of 358 pages including 16 pages of illustrations, maps and photographs. The front cover features a photo of the author in front of a flock of penguins. The back cover includes a synopsis and photographs.non-fictionDiana Patterson was searching for her path in life when she was bitten by the Antarctic bug in her late twenties. With dogged determination, she set her sights on becoming the leader at one of Australia's Antarctic research stations - a lofty aspiration, considering this was definitely a bloke's world. She was knocked back four times, but it didn't deter her - and at the age of 38 Diana became the first woman in charge of Mawson, a small, mostly male community of scientists and tradies living in each other's pockets 24/7, thousands of miles from the comforts of home. The Ice Beneath My Feet is an intimate and riveting account of Diana's Antarctic dream. The day-to-day reality of life in this frozen environment and the adventures of the delightful, vital characters we meet along the way (men, huskies, penguins!) are utterly captivating, and a must-read for anyone with a love for adventure. diana patterson, women scientists

Ill, maps, index, p.358.non-fictionOriginally published in 1960, the author of this book is one of the planners of the Imperial Japanese Army's invasion of Malaya and the capture of Singapore-Colonel Masanobu Tsuji himself. In it, he "unreservedly attributes Japan's victory in Malaya to the patriotic fervour and self-sacrifice of the frontline officers and men of her 25th Army, which, in advancing six hundred miles and capturing Singapore in seventy days, achieved one of the decisive victories of World War II and accomplished a feat unparalleled in military history. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - singapore, world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - malaya