In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failed.[5]Handwritten document outlining Specification for buildign in One Cornish Flue Boiler for the West Berry Consolsrichard squire, one cornish flue boiler, specifications, west berry consols

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failed.Hand written report on Cause of Gas or foul air innundating mines during periods of low atmospheric pressure.Royal commission stamp to right hand corner dated 22 Jun 1903richard squire, report, cause of gas or foul air innundating mines during periods of low atmospheric pressure, royal commission, ventilation and sanitation of mines

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedSeveral papers from Leigh River Mine including Proprieetary Mining Syndicate, Prospectus and Report on the Leigh River plateaurichard squire, leigh river mine, prospectus, syndicate, preliiminary syndicate, report

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedHanwritten document of 16 pages outlining the rule of Glenfine richard squire, glenfine, rules, mines, mining

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedVarious documents relating to Leigh Creek Mine, which include documents related to the wages for a Mr Trenerry, Leigh Creek Mine No Liability Report , A Letter to Mr Squire and other correspondence both typed and Handwrittenrichard squire, leigh river mine, j. trenerry, ewen tierney, mount mercer, j. bowston, w. dickson, a.j. peacock, m.j. mcmanus, geo e. deeble, r.t. squire, r.b. squire, albert kuchel, h.y. peacock

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedHandwritten letter from the Donnelly's regarding the stoppage of the Mount Mercer Mine with smaller piece of George Hotel Letter Head stuck on the front.richard squire, donnelly, mount mercer mine, mt mercer mine

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedHand written letter from R.B. Squire to J. Barragwanath regarding financer.b. squire, letter, j. barragwanath, finance

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedCertificate from State Accident Insurance Office Victoria, Mines Policy, Letter regarding compensation and receiptsstate accident insurance office, mines policy, receipt, paul & gray ltd., department of mines melbourne, w. baragwanath, mr e. woodlock, mt mercer, lawaluk, richard squire

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedHandwritten document title specifications West Berry Consols richard squire, specifications, west berry consols, west berry consols mine

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedPrinted foolscap size document titled The Goldfields of Victoria Monthly Return May 1899Calculations in blue ink in several places and the words Mt Mercer South Bores also Hoods Boresrichard squire, the goldfields of victoria, monthly return, mt mercer south bores, hoods bores, james travis, henry foster, minister for mines, mining

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedHandwritten document of 10 pages on the requirements to start at the old LRG Shaftrichard squires, old lrg shaft, requirements, federal bore

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedTyped Report and Memorandum relating to The Ararat Grand Junction Deep Leads Gold Mining CompanyCopy written in top lefthand corner.richard squire, ararat grand junction deep leads gold mining company, t.h. thompson, t.g. grane, mining

The Ballarat School of Mines is a predecessor organisation of Federation University Australia.Black and white photographThis building was officially opened on 4th July, 1978 by E.J.T. Tippett, M.B.E. in whose honour the library was named thus commemorating dedicated service since 1934 as a member of the Council of the School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Stamp Battery The stamp battery for treating gold ores was first intriduced in California. A heavy iron stamp is raised on a cam and let fall so that its weight causes the quartz which is held in the mortar box. This three head battery was installed in the mining laboratory of The School of Mines, Ballarat in 1898 and crused many hundreds of tons of quartz. It was reected on this site to commeorate the centenary of the School of Mines in 1870. School of Mines & Industries Ballarat Established - 1870 Stage one of The Vocational Skills Centre was officially opened by The Hon. Robert Fordham M.P. Minister of Education on 29th April 1983 P.R. Shiells K.J. Flecknoe Principal President The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Established - 1870 This plaque commemorates the opening of the Hairdressing School on 9 March 1983 by Peter Cutter, B. Comms, M. Ed. General Manager - Programs, TAFE Board School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Ltd Land Laboratory officially opened by Dr D.F. Smith Director of Agriculture on 12th November 1980. School of Mines & Industries Ballarat Amenities Building was officially opened by His excellency The Hon. Sir Henry Winneke K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., O.B.E.. K. St. J., O.C., Governor of Victoria on 7th October 1981 G.H. Beanland K.J. Beanland Principal President This room is known as the Yates Geological Centre in recognition of a professional lifetime of service from 1920=1962 as' head of Geology in The SChool of Mines and Industries Ballarat by Harold Yates M.Sc Plaque presented by former students This stone was laid by The Hon. Alexr J. Peacock Minister of Public Instruction April 14th 1899 Abdrew Anderson, Presidentbuildings, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, premier of victoria, plaque, e.j.t. tippett library, tippett learning research centre, smb library, ballarat school of mines library, e.j. tippett, smb foundation stone, smb stamp battery plaque, geology centre - yates, yates geological centre, smb amenities building opening, smb land laborarory opening, smb hairdressing school opening, smb vocational centre (stage 1) opening, smb e.j. tippett library opening, former ballarat gaol national trust plaque, former ballarat supreme court national trust plaque, smb buildings - administration national trust plaque, foundation of technical education in australia, ballarat school of mines foundation stone, yates geology centre, amenities building, land laboratory, former ballarat gaol, former ballarat supreme court, courthouse theatre, stamp battery, stamper battery, centenary, anniversary, mortar box, peter shiells, ken flecknoe, vocatonal skills centre, haidressing school, peter cutter, museum building, former wesley church, henry winneke, graham beanland, harold yates, alexander peacock, andrew anderson, a building, administration building

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University. VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. Photographs show Dennis Else and other outside Ballarat School of Mines buildings on 3 February 1984. VIOSH would have been at Ballarat Collegeof Advanced Education at that time.Colour photographs of group outside School of Mines Campus, 03/02/1984viosh, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, smb, school of mines ballarat, dennis else, bcae, ballarat college of advanced education

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University. VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. In 1964 the Victorian Government announced that a committee be established to plan for the establishment of a Victorian Institute of Colleges. Eight Technical colleges would be raised to the level of university colleges. Ballarat School of Mines was on the list. Plans were also underway for the development of a new campus at Mount Helen. The Mount Helen Campus was officially opened on 30 October 1970 by the Hon Sir Nigel Bowen, Minister for Education and Science. It was at this Campus, in 1977, that VIOSH was conceived and from 1979, when the first intake of VIOSH students started, it became a significant course at Ballarat College of Advanced Education and continued to recent times.Colour photograph showing the Mount Helen Campus buildings.viosh, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, victorian institute of colleges, ballarat school of mines, university colleges, hon sir nigel bowen, minister for education and science, mount helen campus, ballarat college of advanced education

School of Mines Ballarat is a predecessor of Federation UniversityFive handwritten memorandums by Geo Ruffle F.I.A.A. Legal Manager and Accountant, Equitable Buildings to F. J. Martell Esq. at School of Mines Ballaratschool of mines ballarat, geo ruffle, f.j. martell, equitable buildings, memorandum

Ballarat School of Mines is a predecessor of Federation University.Two handwritten letters from Bethanga Gold Fields Limited to School of Mines Ballarat. signed Harris and Field General Managers. Dated 11th October and 13th October 1898bethanga gold fields limited, harris and field general managers, school of mines ballarat, f.j. martell, letters, harris and field, frederick martell, bethanga

Gold was found at Club Terrace in 1896. One of the best finds at Club Terrace was the 'Ace of Clubs' mine which was later sold to the Mallina Gold Mining Company. Syd Cadwallader was appointed manager of the company. The gold was smelted and brought to Orbost on horseback. The only protection against thieves was a revolver and riding crop, which the manager always carried. The 'Ace of Clubs' was eventually closed as the company was unable to cope with the rising water problem. (information Newsletter February 2011 - John Phillips)This is a pictorial record of mining methods in East Gippsland in the late 19th century to early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a mine. It is in a bush setting. Men are standing in front of timber mine constructions. Some wooden buildings can be seen behind the structureson back - "Cadwallader's Malina Mine"mining-gold mining-east-gippsland cadwallader-malina-mine gold-mining-battery

Typed below picture, "Self portrait of Mr. Pierce Boardman, Manager of Ringwood's main antimony mine. Killed in mine, 1879".

SMB Magazine Committee, 1905. Standing : Edgar J. McConnon (Mining Engineering); C. Macginnis (Hon. Treasurer); S. Hepburn (Hon. Treasurer); G. Evans (Metallurgy); William Figgis (Geology & Sports Editor); J. Grant (Electricity); G.V. Anderson (Chemistry). Sitting L-R: H. Eklund (Metalurgy), N. Buley (Business Manager); J.R. Reid (Editor), J. Adam (Editor); P. Pratt (Sports)(Cat.No.5754) According to the report on the Students' Annual Re-Union, 1905, (p. 13) "The annual smoke-night and presentation of prizes won at the sports took place at Craig's Hotel on May 14th. Although the attendance was not as large as on former occasions, the function passed off very successfully, under the presidency of Professor A. Mica Smith, who was supported by Mr. F. J. Martell, and several members of the staff, including Professor G. J. Dawbarn, Mr. H. R. Murphy and Mr. E. J. McConnon. Mr. E. McConnon gave a rollicking rendition of "The Three Jolly Smiths" during the night. E. J. A. McConnon was a sub-editor, along with W. Figgis, G. Evans, H. Eklund, V. G. Anderson, J. Grant, P. Pratt and L. Seward. J. A. Reid and J. Adam were editors of the magazine, while C. McGennis was treasurer and N. Buley the business manager. The Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine was published about the middle of each term. Subscriptions were two shillings per year or two shillings and threepence posted. A single copy was sixpence. Scan of image of the committee and officers of the "Students Magazine" Ballarat School of Mines, showing 5 men sitting and 7 men standing. All men are wearing hats. smb magazine committee, smb, ballarat school of mines, mcconnon, macginnis, s. hepburn, evans, figgis, grant, anderson, eklund, buley, reid, j. adam, pratt, gln evans, h. r. murphy, e. j. mcconnon., f. j. martell, william figgis, j. grant, g.v. anderson, p. pratt, j.r. reid, n. buley, h. eklund, alfred mica smith

Candolle was one odf the earliest supporters of Linnaesus' classification. The donor of this book, Rivett Henry Bland, was the Manager of Clunes Port Phillip Mine, and an original trustee of the Ballarat School of MinesHardcovered half leather bound book with marbled paper cover and deckle marks on the paper. The book included a gloassary and index. This book was no 860 in the Ballarat School of Mines Library and was donated by Rivet Henry Bland on 07 October 1887.Book Plate "The School of Mines Ballarat No 860. presented by R.H. Bland. Date Oct 7th 1887rivett henry bland, r.h. bland, port phillip mine, linnaesus' classification, a.p. de candolle, botany, ballarat school of mines library, bookplate, ballarat school of mines library no 860

The booklet comprises of a series of papers published in the Ballarat Star, with some revisions. The Administrative Council hoped the publication would increase interest in Technical Education, especially the Art of Mining. He would also hope the public would recognise the Ballarat School of Mines as an institution adapted to supply technical education. The Ballarat School of Mines Council listed at the front of the book includes: Redmond Barry (President and Trustee), Judge Rogers (Vice-President), Somerville Livingstone Learmonth (Trustee), Rivett Henry Bland (Trustee), Charles Gavan Duffy, John A. MacPherson (MLA), William McLellan (MLA), Duncan Gillies (MLA), F. McCoy (University of Melbourne), John I. Bleasdale, W.H. Barnard, James M. Bickett, Henry Richards Caselli, P. Chauncy, J.M. Davey, Joseph Flude, R.F. Hudson, Robert Lewis, James Oddie, Robert M. Serjeant, J. F. Usher, John Walker, J. Williamson, Mayor of the City of Ballaarat, chairman (for the time being) of each of the seven Mining Boards of Victoria. The President of Examiners was Judge Rogers, and the Honorary Auditor was Richard Ford.Stapled, brown soft covered booklet of 48 pages. Section I outlines the establishment of the Ballarat School of Mines, the buildings and land used by the school, describes in detail the former Ballarat Circuit Court and describes the lecture rooms. Section II describes the Ballarat School of Mines Museum, including a description of exhibits. Section III describes the lecture hall, and the apartments on either side of the hall, including the office of the registrar W.H. Barnard, mathematical classroom, chemical laboratory, and metallurgical laboratory. Section IV outlines the subjects offered by the Ballarat School of Mines, including Mathematics taught by John Victor of Grenville College, who had been educated at Trinity College Dublin. Mining and Land Surveying was taught by C.W. Thomas. Mr Croll taught mechanical drawing, followed by Jonathan Robinson of the Union Foundry, and finally S. Keast. It then lists some text books used in the school. Section V mentions the School Council, lack of funds, future directions, mining laboratory. Vi- Describes the land and out buildings, and the proposed building for metal and wood turning, brass foundry, blacksmith, working engine, etc. This section describes some large donations to the school - 50 pounds from the Misses Meglin of Melbourne, 10 pounds 10 shillings to the 'Pyrites fund' by the Walhalla and Long Tunnel Companies in Gippsland. Section VII covers the teaching of chemistry by Joseph Flude. Section VIII outlines the metallurgy classes and the process of assaying. Section IX covers telegraphy taught by Mr Bechervaise Section X describes the examination process at the Ballarat School of Mines. Examiners in mathematics were G.J. Russell (Buninyong) and John Lynch (Smythesdale), mining and land surveying John Lynch and P.C. Fitzpatrick (Ballarat), Principles and Practice of Mining R.M. Serjeant (Band and Albion Consols), Mechanical Engineering John Lewis (New North Company Clunes, Mineralogy and Geology G.H. F. Ulrich, Assayign and Chemistry J. Cosmo Newberry, and Telegraphy R.L.J. Ellery (government astronomer) and Sam W. Macgowan. Underground managers and captains in quart mining was examined by Henry Rosales (Walhalla Company), and alluvial mines by Messrs Bockett, Kent, Martin and Mitchell. Engineers and Engine driving was examined by W.H. Keast,Peter Matthews, Jonathan Robinson and J.M. Troup. Section XI - Covers Annual reports of the school, and honorary correspondents of the school including: John Day (Geelong); R. Evan Day (London); W.W. Evans, M.J.C.E. of New York; J.Y. Fishburne, M.B. of Ararat; Felice Giordano, Inspector of Mines, Italy; Julius Von Haast, Ph. D.F.R.S., Government Geologist of Canterbury; James Hector, M.D., F.R.S., Government Geologist of Wellington, New Zealand, W.F. Hopkins (Grant); Charles A. La Trobe, C.E. (Engineer-in-Chief International Railway Plant, London); Archibald Liversidge, F.G.S. (Professor of Mineralogy and Reader in geology at Sydney University; J.J. Macgregor, M.D. (Creswick); J.T. McKenna (1st class of SMB underground management - Northern Territory); Henry Rosales, M.E. and M. (Walhalla); Harrie Wood (SMB founder and Under-secretary for Mines, Sydney); John Walthew (Stockport, England) .2) Signed 'E.J. Tippett', former President of the Ballarat School of Mines Council melbourne, mla, ballarat school of mines, redmond barry, j f usher, james bickett, w f hopkins, rivett henry bland, s m b, judge rogers, somerville learmonth, charles gavan duffy, gavan duffy, john macpherson, william mclellan, duncan gillies, f mccoy, university, john bleasdale, henry richards caselli, henry caselli, p chauncy, j m davey, joseph flude, r f hudson, robert lewis, james oddie, robert m serjeant, john walker, j williamson, richard ford, ballarat court house, assay, john victor, grenville college, trinity college dublin, c w thomas, jonathan robinson, union foundry, s keast, blessdale, john day, r evan day, w w evans, j y fishburne, felice giordano, julius von haast, james hector, charles a la, trobe, archibald liversidge, j j macgregor, j t mckenna, henry rosales, harrie wood, john walthew, fees, frederick mccoy, w.h. barnard

This photo is thought to have been taken at the time of Alfred Mica Smith's retirement from the Ballarat School of Mines. It is most probably also the unveiling of the Max Meldrum portrait of Smith. Alfred Mica Smith retired from the Ballarat School of Mines in 1922 after an association of 41 years and aged 78 years. At the August meeting of the Ballarat School of Mines Council in 1881 it was resolved that 'Alfred Mica Smith Esq., B.Sc., be appointed Professor in Chemistry and Metallurgy and be Superintendent of the Laboratories, for the period of twelve months at a stipend of five hundred pounds per annum, and to commence duty as soon as possible'. (signed: James Oddie, Vice-President) Smith played a major role in the years of 1887-1893 when SMB was affiliated with Melbourne University. In 1912 he became Professor of Metallurgy and received an annual salary of 250 pounds. Alfred Mica Smith presented many scholarly papers, gave evidence at government enquiries into the safety of mines and became an authority on mine safety and ventilation. He was on the Mines Ventilation Board. Professor Smith was the public analyst for the City of Ballarat and Town of Ballarat East, as well as to a number of other boroughs and shires. He was also Chief juror to the Adelaide International Exhibition, chemical section. He provided information to the Royal Commission on gold mining (1889, 1891), and was President to the chemistry section of Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, Associate of American and Australasian Institute of Mining Engineering, Member of the Science Faculty Melbourne University, and Hon. Life Member of the Miner Managers' Association of Australia. He also was involved in many educational and community affairs such as President of the SMB Students' Association, President of the Ballarat Science Society, first President of the Ballarat Camera Club, Vice President of the Field Naturalists' Club, and he presented Ballaarat Fine Art Gallery with his collection of paintings and porcelain ware. His legacies include the mutual regard between him and his students, the many tributes by former students, the Mica Smith scholarship (established in 1923) and now known as the Corbould-Mica Smith Travelling Scholarship, his portrait in oils by noted artist Max Meldrum, and the marble bust of Smith sculptured by Paul Montford. Money for a scholarship in sanitary science at the University of Manchester in the name of his uncle R. A. Smith was left being set up in 1928. Smith died of cancer on 14 May 1926 and his remains, cremated at Springvale, were interred in the Ballaarat New Cemetery. See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/curator/honour-roll/honourroll_Smith,%20Alfred%20Mica.shtml Black and white mounted photograph showing a number of men sitting around two dining tables at Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat. Professor Alfred Mica Smith of the Ballarat School of Mines is standing 15 from the left, and is the subject of the painting on an easel to the left. The painting was presented to the Ballarat Fine Art GalleryLower right of mount 'Victa Studios Ballarat' Verso (typed and glued on): Presentation to professor Mica Smith, Craig's Hotelballarat school of mines, craig's hotel, craig's royal hotel, alfred mica smith, art gallery of ballarat, ballarat fine art gallery, portrait, frederick martell, daniel walker

Staff Members of the Ballarat School of MinesA black and white photograph showing 18 men. Standing L-R: S.B. Vial (Chemistry); W. Doepel (Clerk); Alfred E.C. Kerr (Mechanical Engineering); Arthur Garrard (Battery Manager); Henry Hall (Drawing); W. Kerr Grant (Mathematics); C.E. Campbell (Photography); J.M. Sutherland (Electricity); H.R. Murphy (Assayer); Charles A. Dean (Cyanide Works). Sitting: Daniel Walker (Chemistry); Thomas S. Hart (Mineralogy & Curator); Fred. J. Martell (Registrar); Alfred Mica Smith, Senior Professor (Chemistry, Metallurgy, etc); J.S. Dawburn (Engineering & Surveying); Dr J.F. Usher (Materia Medica). Seating (Front): P.A. Osborne (Assistant Assayer); Godfrey Hart (Museum). .2) is a framed copy of the photograph in a carved timber from from Peake's BallaratFramer's plate 'Peake's Ballarat' Framed mount 'The Ballarat School of Mines, Staff 1900'ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, daniel walker, thomas hart, s.b. vial, w doepel, alfred kerr, arthur garrard, henry hall, w kerr grant, ce campbell, john sutherland, hr murphy, charles dean, fred martel, j.s. dawburn, j.f. usher, p.a. osborne, godfrey hart, c.e. campbell, w. kerr grant, kerr grant

Dick Richards joined the Ballarat School of Mines in 1914, and soon afterwards was granted leave to join an expedition to Antartica. In 1915 he sailed from Australia with the Antartic Exploraton Expedition, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. Most Antarctic enthusiasts know of Ernest Shackleton's attempt to cross the continent, only to be thwarted by the sinking of the ship 'Endurance'. Dick Richards was the physicist and sled manager for Shackleton's Ross Sea Party - with the task to meet Shackleton on the other side of the continent. When Shackleton planned his transcontinental crossing he decided to use supply depots as loads of supplies were too heavy to pull. The depots would enable Shackleton's party to carry just enough to reach the Pole, relying on the depots which were to be left by the Aurora's crew every 60 miles, stowed in 2 sledge journeys in 1915 and 1916. Dick Richards spent 3 freezing years in Antarctica between 1914 and 1917. Richards' worst experience was when his ship Aurora, tethered offshore, was blown away in a gale leaving Richards marooned for two years with nine other men on the ice floe. The expedition, consisting of two teams, were attempting to cross Antarctica from opposite sides, linking up somewhere near the middle. "That was with pretty poor equipment by today's standards, and we did not make it." (Dick Richards) The Ross Sea Party arrived in McMurdo Sound aboard the Aurora in January 1915. The men planned to make two sledging trips to leave supply depots every 60 nautical miles to Mount Hope about 400 miles away. The going was tough as the sledges were overloaded. Temperatures were as low as minus 68F. In June 1916 the party crossed on foot to Cape Evans, occupied Scott's Hut (from his Terra Nova Expedition, erected in January 1911) in May 1915, for two months. On 10 January 1917 Richards was hunting for seals when he saw a ship on the horizon. It was 'The Aurora'. Picking up the relieved survivors 'The Aurora' arrived in New Zealand on 9 February 1917 to a hero's welcome. Joyce, Wild, Hayward and Richards later won the Albert Medal for their heroic devotion to duty. Later an inlet on the Antartic continent was named after Richards. Dick Richards wrote the following years after the ordeal "To me no undertaking carried through to conclusion is for nothing. And so I don't think of our struggle as futile. It was something the human spirit accomplished." Prime Minister Bob Hawke wrote in 1984 'Your incredible journey of almost 2000 miles across the Antarctic Wastelands - involving some 9 months in the field with makeshift equipment - and you're adherence to duty in the face of enormous difficulty, suffering from scurvy, and the death of comrades, will; be an inspiration to your countrymen of the future as it is to us today." After returning to Australia Dick Richards resumed his work at SMB as Lecturer in Physics and Mathematics, and developed many pieces of experimental equipment. During World War Two he acted as a scientific adviser in the production of optical apparatus in Australia. In 1946 he was appointed Principal and twelve years later he retired after a total of 44 years service. Dick Richards has been honoured through the naming of a Ballarat School of Mines prize - The R.W. Richards Medal. This medal later became a University of Ballarat prize. It has been awarded annually since 1959 to the Bachelor of Applied Science graduate considered to have achieved the most outstanding academic performance of their course. (See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_Richards,Dick.shtml )A man and lady inspect a bust of Richard (Dick) Richards by sculptor Victor Greenhalgh. The scultpure is at the Ballarat School of Mines. The man is Dick Richards, and the woman is his sister and wife of sculptor Victor Greenhalgh. Both Dick Richards and Victor Greenhalgh were former students and teachers at the Ballarat School of Mines. The bust of Dick Richards was Victor Greenhalgh's last work and was cast in bronze after his death. The bust was presented to the Ballarat School of Mines by Mrs V.S. Greenhalgh (widow of the sculptor and sister of the subject). At the presentation Victor Greenhagh's son said "the two men had been friends as well as brothers-in-law, were of similar age, both enjoyed red wine, beer and cricket and both were educationalists, one an artist the other a mathematician."dick richards, r.w. richards, richards, richard w. richards, victor greenhalgh, bust, sculpture, ballarat school of mines, antarctica, ross shore