The letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth recognised the significance of William’s brave and courageous lifesaving act to the people of Australia; “They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The story of that brave rescue follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, The company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person has washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with the manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This letter is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament commending him on his bravery. The printed letterhead includes a coat of arms in the top centre and the official address. The letter is very neatly hand written in black pen and includes 4 signatures of Members of Parliament. The rectangular paper is cream coloured with some yellow/brown discolouring. It has the letterhead on the right hand side of it and the written letter begins below the letterhead. The paper has been folded so that the right side becomes the cover page of the letter. The writing is continued onto the inside right hand page of the folded paper and the writing ends here. There is more recent writing on the bottom right hand corner of the back page. The paper has been officially folded in half a total 3 times and there is heavy discolouration on the sections that form the front and back of the folded letter. There is a 4th fold line that is less pronounced that the other folds and would make the paper the size to fit into a pocket. At several fold creases the paper has worn through. The edges of the paper have minor tears. The printed coat of arms is that of the House of Representatives. Underneath is printed “The Parliament of the Commonwealth, / Parliament House / Melbourne”. The hand written, letter is dated “14th November, 1905” and addressed to “Mr. William Ferrier / South Warrnambool” The letter begins “The Speaker, the Prime Minister and Members of the Ministry and its supporters, the Leader and Members of the Opposition, the Leader and Members of the Labour Party, being all the Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Australia” … It continues “desire to express to you their appreciation of your bravery in skulling out to the wreck of the “La Bella” at Warrnambool on Saturday, 11th November, 1905, and recovering therefrom two of the crew who were in imminent danger of their lives. They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The letter is “Signed on behalf of the Members – Speaker (Frederick Holder ), Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Joseph Cook ), Prime Minister (Alfred Deakin), Leader of the Labour Party ( J.C. Watson)” On the back of the letter is blue ink handwriting “OWNER / G. FERRIER / TO. BE. PHOTOGRAPHED / 27-4-76”la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village

This letter holder could have been used in the past in an office or business or even in the home. It could have been used to hold letters that were to be answered or posted. Its size made it suitable for a small office. The item is of interest because of the testimonials on the label pasted on the base. One is from the British Prime Minister, William Gladstone and the other is from another British Prime Minister, the Marquis of Salisbury. Both testimonials indicate that they were written when the men were in office as Prime Ministers. This item has no known local significance but it is retained as an interesting example of office equipment in the past. This letter holder has a rectangular piece of wood acting as a base with a small hole at one end. The bottom of the base has a paper label pasted on. The label, a little torn, has black and yellow printing with details of the manufacturer. Affixed to the top of the base with metal clips is an arched piece of metal in a spiral shape. The spaces between the rings on the spiral metal piece are sufficiently taut to hold over 30 letters. The spiral rings are a little rusty.‘Iles’ Patent Premier Letter Rack’ office equipment, history of warrnambool

Scarf was a souvenir of Churchill's time as Prime Minister of England during WW2.Scarf with various images of Sir Winston Churchill in his role during WW2. Images on both sides. Predominately brown with white backgrounds with images in black, yellow and red. Also written onto the scarf are extracts of some of his speeches.Written on the scarf are extracts of many of his speeches.souvenir, scarf, ww2, churchill

As can be seen this roll was unveiled in 1917 by the Prime Minister Billy Hughes.White Hills Baptist Honour Roll WW1 Frame: glass front, a strong hook is mounted on each side. NB: There are a few hard to read notes written on the back in pencil, one of them is 'J Smith 1917'memorials-honour boards, military history-service records, church

Brass plaque mounted on a wooden back boardTo commemorate the oversubscription of the allotted quota of the this loan by the Borough of Rutherglen . J. Burch Mayor, W.M. Hughes Prime Minister, W.A. Watt Treasure. J. Marriott. Melb.peace, loan, wwi, commemoration, plaque

Prime Minister John Howard opened the brewery Complex on 29 January 1997.Four page booklet containing information on the Ballarat School of Mines Brewery Complex.ballarat brewery, ballarat brewing company, brew, ballarat technology park, ballarat school of mines, john howard, s.j. weir, cox sanderson, brewing

A black and white photograph of Townsville, Qld 18/08/1968. The Trooping of the 6 RAR Colour past the Prime Minister The Right Honourable John Gorton MP. The Colour is followed by number 1 Guard consisting of Delta Company 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regimentphotograph, battle of long tan, 6 rar, d company, townsville, john gorton, gibbons collection catalogue

Contains the original signature of Robert Menzies, then opposition leader. Later to be Prime Minister of Australia.Document addressed to Mr. Knyvett Signed by R.J. Menzies.House of Representatives, The Parliament of the Commonwealth. Leader of the Opposition, Canberra, A.C.T., Dated 28th March, 1946. Dear Mr. Knyvett, Thank you for your letter of the 25th instant. I will give consideration to the proposals you have put before me and I appreciate your very real interest. With all good wishes to you, I am yours sincerely, signed (R.J. Menzies).

110-page illustrated soft cover book 'The 38th Battalion AIF' by Eric Fairey The story and Official History. Foreword by Rt. Hon. W.M.Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia. Printed by the Bendigo Advertiser Pty Ltd and the Cambridge Press 1920 Appendix includes lists of Officers and Personnel.non-fiction38th battalion aif, eric fairey, wm hughes

The book was launched at Buna Barracks Albury 1999 by Hon Tim Fischer Deputy Prime Minister.Hardback book titled "My Corps Cavalry: history of the 13th Australian Light Horse" by Doug Hunter 1999.Signed on fly leaf by author and launcher13th, light horse, book, cavalry, world war one, wwi

Certificate awarded to H.M. Day.Certificate - heavy paper. Original document. Black print with Australian Coat of Arms at top and "AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS/ 1945 - 1995" emblem below print. Signed by Prime Minister, Minister for Veteran Affairs and Federal Member. Print on beige background with decorative edge and emblem in green and gold colours.On certificate - On the 50th Anniversary/ of the end of the Second World War/ a grateful nation expresses it's thanks to/ H.M. Day/ for contributing to the war effort and the coming peace.certificate, ww2, anniversary

An invitation to Mr & Mrs J B Young to the 1901 opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth from Edmund Barton Prime Minister, framed under glass in an ornate gold frame, showing a female figure on a white horse & other figures in period costume. Printed by Sands & McDougall Limited Melbourne.event, official, civic

Magazine published at the time of Elizabeth II's visit to Australia. The Rt Hon R G Menzies was the Member for Kew.Single issue of the Australian Women's Weekly, published on March 10, 1954, picturing Queen Elizabeth II and the Australian Prime Minister, The Hon Robert Menzies, on the cover. This 63-page edition was published during the Royal tour of Australia. It contains photographs, articles, stories, letters, advertisements etc.australian womens weekly - 1954, royal tours - 1954

Copy of film of celebrations of the opening of Heidelberg Golf Club by Stanley Melbourne Bruce, Prime Minister of AustraliaDVD-R 120min. 4.7GB in plastic envelope. 30 mins.heidelberg golf club, stanley melbourne bruce

Joseph Cook became Australia's sixth prime minister after the Liberal Party won the 1913 election.Photohraphic Portrait of Joseph Cookjoseph cook, prime minister

Certificate awarded to "MR K N BANNON" Keith Noel Bannon No. W3081 RAN Enlisted 16/1/45 aged 18 years Discharged 25/12/46 Rank Stoker 11 on HMAS Lachlan.Certificate - heavy paper, original document. Black print with Australian Coat of Arms on top and " AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS/ 1945-1995" emblem below print. Print on beige background with decorative edge and emblem in green and gold colours. Certificate signed by Prime Minister, Minister for Veteran Affairs and Federal member.On certificate "On the 50th Anniversary/ of the end of the Second World War/ a grateful nation expresses its thanks to Mr. K.N. Bannon/for contributing to the war effort/ and the coming of peace.certificate, ww2, framed item, 50th anniversary, k. n. bannon

black and white photo: collage of images relating to the visit to Bendigo of The Prince of Wales in 1920. Prince of Wales, Prime Minister Billy Hughes, Poppet legs, soldiers. In image - across top printed ' around the famous Golden city Bendigo. On back ' Bendigo Vic., the Prince of Wales at Bendigo 1920'person, group

A black and white photograph of Major Harry Smith MC Officer Commanding D Company, 6 RAR at the Battle of Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, 18/08/1966 talks with the Prime Minister of Australia, The Right Honourable J G Gorton in Townsville, Queensland 18/08/1968photograph, maj harry smith mc, d coy, 6 rar/nz, battle of long tan, john gorton, gibbons collection catalogue

To finance the war the Commonwealth had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. All were over-subscribed. This plaque was made and presented to the Shire of Orbost in recognition of the Shire residents' contributions to the Peace Loan at the end of World War 1.A rectangular brass plaque with raised lettering and raised borders.Commonwealth of Australia / Peace Loan / A.D. 1919 / To commemorate the oversubscription of the allotted quota of this loan by the Shire of Orbost / R.P. Cameron ? W.A. Watt Treasurer, W.M. Hughes Prime Ministerplaque civic-memento orbos-shire peace-loan

Document describes the Japanese surrender and announcement by the British prime Minister. Alan Mason collection, refer cat No 3979.2Document, rectangular shape, off white colour, all print in black, Coat of Arms at top followed by text.“JAPAN HAS SURRENDERED”japanese, surrender 1945, documents