This book contains a history of the Shire of Heytesbury from 1921 to 1987. It is written by Jack Fletcher and follows on from his book ‘The Infiltrators’ which is the history of the Heytesbury region from 1840 to 1920. The Heytesbury area in the Western District of Victoria was named after the village of Heytesbury in England and the first Baron Heytesbury, Sir William A Court, who purchased the village in 1828 and was a distinguished public figure in Great Britain at the time. The area, largely forested, was cleared in 1960 to establish the Heytesbury Soldier Settlement Scheme and is today an important dairying area centred around the town of Simpson.This book is of some interest as it details a history of an area adjoining the Warrnambool district. The Heytesbury Settlement farmers are predominantly dairy producers, similar to those in other districts around WarrnamboolThis is a hard cover buff-coloured book with a dust cover sealed down onto the hard cover. The front and back covers have a sepia coloured photograph of the Heytesbury Settlement Park.Front of dust cover – ‘And We Who Followed - A History of the Heytesbury 1921-1987-Jack S. Fletcher Spine – as above (plus a library classification) heytesbury region, victoria, heytesbury soldier settlement

Pocket Gospel of St John, issued to 'Men of H.M. Forces' on active service in 1914-1916. Contains a message from Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, VD, PC, FRSGS, at that time retired after his distinguished military career yet still active in public life, and less than three months before he died of pneumonia when visiting troops in France. Includes some hymns and music as well as the passages from the Gospel of St John. Brown coloured booklet of multiple white pages, discoloured by age.Handwritten notes on title page written in red ink that are no longer decipherable.wwi, scripture gift mission, naval and military bible society

Locomotive Head Board - 50th Anniversary Opening to Emerald used on 6A locomotive To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the re-opening to Emerald, a special train was run from Belgrave carrying distinguished members of the Puffing Billy Preserv ation Society. At Emerald a special event was held in the local RSL, which in addition to celebrating the re-opening also acknowledged the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, and was used to launch "Saving Puffing Billy, Volume 1" - a beautifully composed book documenting the first ten years of the society's history.Historic - Puffing Billy Railway Locomotive Head Board used on 6A for the Celebrating 50 years of trains running to emerald since the railway was closed.Locomotive Head Board - 50th Anniversary Opening to Emerald Circular steel sheet with vinyl stickers.50th Anniversary 1965 - 2015 Opening to Emeraldpuffing billy, 50th anniversary, head board, emerald

Empire research/service history of Major Herbert James SHANNON 2314 8th Light Horse AIF - Enlisted 21/6/1915 aged 40 years 9 months - Served Dardanelles, Egypt, Palestine and Sinai - Batles Gallipoli, The Nek, 2nd Gaza, Beersheba, Tel El Khuweilfe, At Huj Led Charge during the Es Salt Raid, Tiberias, Damascus. Awarded Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Dispatches VD 1914/5 Star British War Medal Victory Medal. Discharged 6/10/1919. Two pages of cream coloured paper with black typing below rising sun crest centred in ornate border.Service No 2312h j shannon, 8th light horse aif, wangaratta rsl

This item was donated to the museum by Joseph Dallimore. Dallimore was brought up at Lake Gillear, and as a young man he left Australia to travel overseas both to help his parent's business in the wool trade and for pleasure. He wrote many letters to his parents keeping them updated with the prices he received from selling wool and on his travels. Later in life Dallimore enlisted in the Australian Army and went on to have a distinguished career during the Boer War. He would have collected this piano whilst on service in South Africa.South African thumb piano from the Zulu culture. It is a wooden panel board with 15 iron finger keys in it. They are stuck onto the wood at one end with some sort of glue and also held in place by an iron rod passing over the top of them. At the bottom of the board is a metal panel and attached to that is a small circular cymbal. There is a string tying the metal panel to the wooden board.There are no original markings on this although the original museum label is still stuck to the bottom which says, ' Native piano ( Mashona)' on it in script.south africa, joseph dallimore. war, boer war, zulu, finger piano, music

A function to launch Legacy Week in 1989. It is possibly the guest speaker Sir William Vines. The lectern has a poster showing the slogan 'Lest You Forget'. One photo is of Captain Bert Billings. A photo from the event (00825) appeared in the President's Highlights Report in 1989, the caption said 'A distinguished cross section of the Melbourne community joined for the official launch of Legacy Week. A group of Vietnam Veterans were among the guests to listen to the address given by the Guest of Honour, former Chairman of the ANZ Banking Group, Sir William Vines, A.O.'A record of a launch of Legacy Week by a prominent Australian. Colour photo x 5 of the launch of Legacy Week in 1989.legacy week, speakers

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew in 1979-80. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created.Colour positive transparency (slide) of the the fountain and garden of Derham House, formerly 'Mount View', 8 Selbourne Road, Kew. The house wa designed in 1888 by the architect Frederick de Garis as his home. Prue Sanderson, 'Kew Conservation Study: Vol.II" wrote about Mount View that: "The house is typical of the late Victorian period in it being clad in render and styled in the Italianate. It has an asymmetrical composition with polygon bay windows extending up both floors, to each of the main facades. The ground floor is heavily incised with banded rustication, while the first floor is distinguished by the cast iron balconettes to each window. The fountain and pond in the garden appear to be those depicted in the 1903 MMBW plan of the property.""Fountain Ruyton in front of Derham House"historic houses -- kew (vic.), ruyton girls' school, derham house, mount view, italianate architecture, fountains

Letter dated 16/5/1945 from Pilot Neville Sparks to Mrs Wilkinson informing her of the possible death of her son when his plane was shot down. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Photocopy of a handwritten letter. Single page.Rear - Mr Neville Sparks (John's pilot when they were shot down) wrote this beautiful letter to John and Hud's parents.pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

During World War II, the city of Modane in the southeast region of France was bombed on 13 or 17 September 1943 by Allied aircraft. The objective of the bombing was the station, an important centre of transit between France and Italy. The bombing caused 60 victims and 100 houses were destroyed. A second bombing took place on the night of 10–11 November 1943. Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command.included: - 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944. The significance of this item records the names of the Lancaster aircraft flight crew which took part in the second allied bombing of Modane a small city in the south eastern region of France which was an important centre of transit between France and Italy during the second world war. The bombing took place on the 10-11 November 1943 killing five civilians.oval shaped copy of black and white photograph of a Lancaster plane above scroll containing names of servicemen.Modane 10/11.11.1943 Signatures of Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Tull and Flight Sergeant Boysdistinguished flying cross, world war two, air force, modane, france, pilot officer john hudson wilkinson

Is one of 4 certificates framed together in a frame 55cm W x 55cm H belonging to Bdr. Joesph Moore.Photocopy of original certificate of despatchThe War of 1914-1918/ Australian Imperial Force/ 1272 Gnr. (A.Bomdr.) J. Moore, 51st By Field Artilery./ was mentioned in a despatch from/Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. KT., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.J.E./ dated 7th April 1918/ for gallant and distinguished services in the Field/ I have it in Command from the King to record His Majesty's/ high aprreciation of the services rendered. (indecipherable signature)/ Secretary of State for War.1918, moore, joseph, world, war, 1, despatch, field, marsh, sir, douglas, haig, ioffice, 1914 1918

McLaughlin, Frederick Arthur Service number: 10307 Australian Imperial Force Ranks held: Sapper, 2nd Corporal Service: Australian Imperial Force Unit: 10th Field Company, Australian Engineers Recommended for Military Medal, 13 September 1918 'Distinguished himself by gallantry and devotion to duty in bringing up material for a bridge urgently required East of Vaux. Lance Corporal McLaughlin was in charge of the wagons conveying material for this purpose and led the way over a road under heavy shell-fire in full view of the enemy. The determination and judgement shown by this N.C.O. in this, as in earlier operations, have shown him to be an excellent soldier'. first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

"The Board, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to blind and vision impaired people in Victoria. This exceptional contribution was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner and continues Vision Australia's tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell in the presentation of the John Wilson Award on 6th October 2000." Signed by John Cook - Chief Executive Officer, ? Chairman, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Malcolm Daubney, President.1 white A3 page with blue border around edgevision australia foundation, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

A function to launch Legacy Week in 1989. The photo appeared in the President's Highlights Report in 1989, the caption said 'A distinguished cross section of the Melbourne community joined for the official launch of Legacy Week. A grow of Vietnam Veterans were among the guests to listen to the address given by the Guest of Honour, former Chairman of the ANZ Banking Group, Sir William Vines, A.O.' More photos of the event are at 01644. Four men are seated at a numbered table and others are behind. The banner in the background says" Lest we (crossed out) You Forget. Legacy Appeal. Terry Walsh in second from the left in the back row. Other names not known.A record of a function for Legatees.Colour photo of 8 Legatees at a launch of Legacy Week in 1989.Hand written on back "6" in blue pen".legacy week, vietnam veterans

The portrait was commissioned after Higinbotham's death in 1893. A committee was appointed to investigate the making of a portrait and they appointed Mr L Bernard Hall, instructor and later director of the National Gallery of Victoria. George Higinbotham (1826-1892) had a distinguished career as a newspaper editor and politican before becoming a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1880 and the third Chief Justice in 1886. Higinbotham was a long serving attorney-general in the 1860s colonial administration. Higinbotham was active in the education, land and constitutional debates of his time. He played a prominent role through his chairmanship of the of the Royal Commission into Public Instruction with regard to the introduction of the free and secular primary school education.The portrait of George Higinbotham is of historic significance as the depiction of an important public figure in 19th Century Victoria. The painting is also of interest as an early example of L Bernard Hall's Australian works. Portrait in Oils of George Higinbotham. Higinbotham is seated at his desk, pen in hand. He is dressed in his judicial robes, ready for Court.Signed Lower right B Hall 95. Plaque on frame : The Hon. George Higinbotham Judge of the Supreme Court 1880-1886 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 1866-1892supreme court, higinbotham george, hall bernard

Keith Charles Hofmaier (1927 - 1994) was one of Ballarat College's most distinguished sons. He attended the school from 1941 - 1945 serving as librarian, school prefect (1945) and member of the Rowing Firsts (1945). After school he became a successful farmer, well-known historian, organist, Freemason, philanthropist and community worker. He continued to give generously to the school and the Weatherly Library throughout his life. He endowed poetry and music prizes in memory of his daughter Ann who died in an accident. The Students' Representative Council gave a clock tot he school library in memory of his contribution to the school in 1994. Wooden surround, glass front roman numerals on pale yellow face, battery operated; clock accompanied by frame description. Plaque on clock glass: Keith Hofmaier 1927 - 1994keith charles hofmaier, weatherly library, ballarat college

This book is a collection of the essays written by Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970), a distinguished Australian writer and academic. He is probably Australia’s best-known essayist and became a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated literary columns in several Australian newspapers. He came to Warrnambool in 1901 and operated a private school in the town. In 1904 he became a lecturer in English at the University of Melbourne and went on to be the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest as it was written by Walter Murdoch who was not only an important figure in Australian literature but also has a place in Warrnambool’s history. In 1901 he went into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and headmaster of the college. While in Warrnambool Murdoch wrote the Australian school history book, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’, a book which sold 10,000 copies in its first year. In 1904 Murdoch left Warrnambool. This is a hard cover book of 904 pages. It has a plain buff-coloured cover with gold printing on the spine. It is a fifth edition and contains a preface, 186 essays by Walter Murdoch and an index. The cover and pages are slightly faded and the cover is a little marked. australian literature, walter murdoch, history of warrnambool, warrnambool college (early 20th century)

This is a paper back book with a plasticized cove which has an image of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (reproduction of Daniel Clarke’s Studio) in the background in muted colours, photographs and paintings of Thomas and Susan Lawson in colour on the front cover and a photograph of and information on the author on the back. It has 37 pages, a Lawson family tree at the back and an introduction by Helen Jones. The book included printed material, black and white photographs and illustrative material.non-fictionFamily history of Thomas Lawson (1831-1907) and his descendants lawson family, warrnambool, cobden, camperdown

The School of Mines Ballarat began in 1870. It's location was the south end of Lydiard Street. Ballarat Junior Technical School began in 1913 and was boys only until 1951 when girls were included. They were under the control of the School of Mines Council. In 1967 the were three divisions. Each was internally distinguished. Ballarat School of Industries, Ballarat Technical School and Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education. In 1976 B.I.A.E. merged with State College of Victoria Ballarat - formerly Ballarat Teachers' College to become Ballarat College of Advanced Education, later to become Federation University. Correspondence between SMB and The Institution of Engineers, Australia relating to students' applications for membership of the Institution.Twenty-one letters, typed and hand written.Letterhead of The Institution of Engineers, Australia. Samuel Jaboor, Printers' Representativeschool of mines ballarat, institution of engineers, membership, letterhead

Letter dated 7/1/1945 from Wing Commander ???? 83 Squadron RAF in Lincolnshire to Mrs Wilkinson acknowledging her letter dated 30/11/1944 seeking names and addresses of members of her late son's crew on the night they went missing. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Original letter in black type Single page with embossed crest letterheadpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

Pat Grainger (1930-2023) had a distinguished career as a graphic designer. In the 1960s she lived in Brighton and was working with her husband Les Mason in the influential Les Mason Graphic Design studio in South Melbourne. This was one of three Norma Tullo outfits she owned at the time; she believed it would have been around 1967. Pat was a founding member of Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society and was active in local history and environmental and social justice causes. Norma Tullo (1936-2019) was an influential Melbourne fashion designer circa 1960s-1980s, part of a new wave of younger designers creating youthful, modern and affordable styles for a young market.Black and white paisley nylon hot pants dress (.1) with collar. Front button fastening with seven fabric covered buttons; short sleeves and accompanied with short red wool scarf (.2).Label, white text on black: "TULLO".pat grainger, paisley, melbourne designers, pat mason, norma tullo, 1960s

"The Committee, Blind Members and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to the blind people of Victoria by (blank) This exceptional contribution, which has enriched the quality of their living, was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner in the Association tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Katharine Margaret Rose in the presentation of the John Wilson Award." Signed by Diana J. Jones (President), John Cook (staff representative), B. J. Sittlington (Chairman, Blind Members Council) on 16th October 1967.1 cream A3 page with tan border around edgeassociation for the blind, katharine (kitty) rose

This document was written to celebrate the 60th birthday of Legatee Leigh Johns in 1983. It is a collection of poems written about L/ Johns by different authors as a tribute to him reaching 60 years of age. Leigh Johns was born in 1923, the date of the founding of Melbourne Legacy, and became a Legatee in 1956, serving on 15 ML Boards and as an executive member of the Legacy Co-ordinating Council . He had a distinguished war record in the RAF during WWII and survived 32 bombing raids over France and Germany. He was an enthusiastic contributor of poetry to the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin which explains why this document is in the form of a poem. He was granted Reserve status in 2001 and died in 2008.The tone of the document reveals the affection with which Leigh Johns was regarded amongst his peers, and illustrates the collegiality which existed in the organisation during his membership.White A4 photocopy paper with black type x 13 pages.'Box 16' on title page. Typed title 'Leigh F Johns / 60th Birthday / 10 February 1983'.legatee, birthday

This 1935 Coronation medal was awarded to individuals for distinguished Citizenry. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the coronation of King George V, a commemorative medal awarded to citizens who had made contributions to their community, as recognised by their local council. The silver medal has the profile of the King and Queen Mary on the front, in their crowns and robes. Around the edge in raised letters is written 'George V and Queen Mary May VI MCMXXXV'. On the reverse are the letters GRI (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre, with the outline of a crown directly above the letters and the words 'May 1910' and 'May 1935' written either side of GRI. A red ribbon with blue and white edging attaches the medal to a pin. 1937 Coronation medal was awarded to individuals for distinguished Citizenry. To celebrate the coronation of King George VI, a commemorative medal was awarded to citizens who had made contributions to their community, as recognised by their local council. The silver medal has the profile of the King and Queen Elizabeth on the front, in their crowns and robes. On the reverse are the letters GRI (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre, with the outline of a crown directly above the letters and the words 'Crowned 12 May 1937' below. Around the edge in raised letters is 'George VI Queen Elizabeth'. A garter blue ribbon with red and white edging attaches the medal to a pin. Awards presented to males consisted of a single piece of fabric hanging from a metal bar, whilst awards presented to females had the fabric tied into a bow with the medal hanging below the centre. 2 silver medals hanging from a blue ribbon with red and white edging. 2 silver medals hanging from a red ribbon with blue and white edging.1935 - 'George V and Queen Mary May VI MCMXXXV' around the edge of the front of medal. On the reverse are the letters 'GRI' (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre and 'May 1910-May 1935'. 1937 - 'George VI Queen Elizabeth' around the edge of the front of medal. On the reverse are the letters 'GRI' and 'Crowned 12 May 1937'. tilly aston, tom marks, medals

Harold Bertie Chatfield No 401493 enlisted in the RAAF on 28.2.1941 age 20 years. Embarked for for Southern Rhodesia for training with No 26 Flying Elementary Training School. Promoted T/Sgt - Airman Pilot 28.2.42, embark for England for more training 9.4.42, 16.6.43 posted on strength of the RAF, promoted Flt Sgt 19.7.43, posted in Burma with 615 Sqd RAF flying Spitfires 16.10.43, hospital 2.1.44 for 3 months, promoted to Flying Officer 30.12.44, discharged from the Airforce at RAF Station Poona 14.12.45. In 2016/17 a recommendation was put forward for Chatfield to be awarded the DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal) relating to 2 actions in Burma. This was downgraded to a Commendation for Gallantry. Refer 196.2, 197, 2331.Copy of B & W photo of Harold Bertie Chatfield, RAAF, in uniform, wings & ribbons. Photo is in plastic stand."To my little Heather". The rest is unreadable.photography - photographs, raaf

This a school text book edited by Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970). He had a distinguished academic career and is regarded as one of Australia’s best essayists. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated literary columns in several Australian newspapers. He was in Warrnambool early in the 20th century as the proprietor of a private school. In 1904 he left Warrnambool to take up a lecturing position at Melbourne University. He went on to become the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him. He was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest because it was edited by Walter Murdoch, an important figure in Australian literature and a man who played a part in Warrnambool’s history. In 1901 Murdoch came to Warrnambool, going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School. When Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor of the school. While in Warrnambool Murdoch wrote a school history textbook, ‘The Struggle for Freedom’. He left Warrnambool in 1904This is a hard cover book of 448 pages. It has a dark red cover with gold printed letters on the spine and the printing on the front cover is etched into the cover. It has a Prefatory Note, a Contents page, Sections Three and Four containing extracts from English Literature (the book is the Part Two volume) and advertisements at the back for other books published by Thomas Lothian. The book is bound with glue.On the first page: ‘Ada Sheen, State School Fryerstown’.walter murdoch, warrnambool college (early 20th century), history of warrnambool

This is a collection of essays written by Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970). He had a distinguished academic and literary career and is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest essayists. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated literary columns in several Australian newspapers. Murdoch came to Warrnambool in 1901 as the proprietor of a private school. He left Warrnambool to take up a position at Melbourne University as an English lecturer. He went on to become the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and was later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest as an example of the literary works of Walter Murdoch, a distinguished literary figure in Australian history and a person who has his place also in Warrnambool’s history. He came to Warrnambool in 1901, going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and Headmaster of the school. While he in Warrnambool Murdoch continued to write and published in Warrnambool the school text book, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’. He left Warrnambool in 1904. This is a hard cover book of 186 pages. It has a blue cover which is slightly faded at the top of the spine. It has a dust cover in beige tonings with the title of the book and the author’s name on the spine and the same details on the front cover (beige printing on a maroon background). The front cover has a thin maroon line as an edging and the back dust cover features an advertisement for another Walter Murdoch publication. The book has a Preface, 31 chapters of short essays and an Index. The dust cover is frayed at the edges and discoloured on the spine. walter murdoch, history of warrnambool, warrnambool college, (early 20th century)

This book contains a collection of essays written by Walter Murdoch. Most of them were originally published in the Melbourne Argus newspaper. Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970) had a distinguished academic and literary career. In addition he was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated columns in several Australian newspapers. In 1901 Murdoch came to Warrnambool as the proprietor of a private school. In 1904 he became a lecturer in English at Melbourne University and later the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia. He was later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest as it was written by Walter Murdoch who was not only an important figure in Australia literature but also he played a part in Warrnambool’s history. He came to Warrnambool in 1901, going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and Headmaster of Warrnambool College. Whilst in Warrnambool Murdoch wrote the school history text book, ‘The Struggle for Freedom’. He left Warrnambool in 1904. The original owner of the book, Mary Minkwitz, may have had some connection with Warrnambool as a member of the Minkwitz family lived in Warrnambool in the 1950s. This is a hard cover book of 240 pages. It has a dark green cover with the name of the book and the author printed in gold lettering on the spine. It has a Preface, 35 short essays by Walter Murdoch and an Index. The spine lettering is faded and the cover has some slight rubbing. It is bound with glue and reinforced inside the cover with tape. ‘This book belongs to Mary D. Minkwitz’.walter murdoch, australian literature, history of warrnambool, warrnambool college (early 20th century)