On the 29th July 1962 at about 2.30am fir broke out at the Bendigo Advertiser building. It was two hours by the time the fire was noticed and as a result the building, all its equipment, paper stores and files were beyond saving. In all its history the "Advertiser" had never missed an edition and this was no exception. An emergency edition was printed in Echuca and other regional papers assisted with printing until the "Advertiser" equipment could be replaced.Copy (excerpt) of Bendigo Advertiser newspaper, dated Monday 30th July 1962 8 pages Main article on Page 1 concerns a fire at the plant & premises of The Bendigo Advertiser newspaper, bendigo advertiser

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Two cream coloured charters with blue and gold print and handwritten information. E3094.2.1 Traralgon No 148 and E3094.2.2 Traralgon No 404.E3094.2.1 "TRARALGON NO 148 - LINARIA 26th AUGUST 1946 Joyce Edgcumbe Charles Gallacher" E3094.2.2 "Traralgon Junior Rays Branch No. 404 "Linaria" 24th October, 1966 Barbara Brown Joan M. Williams State Chief Ray"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, charters, methodist church of australasia, youth groups, traralgon junior rays branch no. 404 "linaria", traralgon no 148 "linaria, barbara brown, joan m williams state chief ray, joyce edgcumbe state superintendent, charles gallacher chief director

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".E3094.3.1 and E3094.3.2 - bifold white paper with blue ink. The front has the Methodist Girls' Comradeship ivy leaf with an R in the centre. Their is also the Uniting Church in Australia logo on the front.E3094.3.1 has a name and address written in pencil on the back.methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, joy menhennet

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest". Buff envelope with the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Order of Knights symbols and the words "WELCOME TO MELBOURNE"methodist order of knights, methodist girls' comradeship

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".White and blue paper folded pamphlet/poster with information about the Methodist Girls' Comradeship and Methodist Order of Knights. Information includes their laws, promises, pledges, mottos, sections and uniform. The pamphlet/poster has two posters showing members' uniforms.methodist order of knights, methodist girls' comradeship

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest". Navy blue wool blazer with a pocket on the left breast with an appliqued Victoria Tasmania Methodist Girls' Comrades emblem. The blazer has yellow grosgrain ribbon at the cuffs and the top of the three pockets; it has two buttons and a button hole on the left lapel. It has a black half lining and cream lined sleeves.On breast pocket: "MGC VICTORIA TASMANIA"methodist girls' comradeship

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Cream coloured Charter with blue and gold print and handwritten information.."Ivy Leaf Branch No 396" "Beverley J Lowe" "Bruce Rollins"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, methodist church of australasia, ivy leaf branch no 396, beverley j lowe state supt., bruce rollins chief director

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of Christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Cream coloured Charter with blue and gold print and handwritten informatiion.."Barkly St. Ballarat Rays Branch No. 197 "Cinararia"" " 4th Dec. 1950" methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, methodist girls' comradeship barkly street ballarat, methodist girls' comradeship "cinararia" no 197"

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Six cream coloured charters with blue and gold print and handwritten information. E3094.19.1 Fawkner No 337; E3094.19.2 Snow Myrtle No 369; E3094.19.3 Traveller's Joy No 292; E3094.19.4 Box Hill No 391; E3094.19.5 Ivy Leaf No 396 and E3094.19.6 West Newport No 325.E3094.19.1 "Fawkner No. 337 Red Tulip 3-5-61 Barbara Brown State Chief Ray Dorothy Waod John W Goodluck" "E3094.19.2 ""SNOW MYRTLE" BRANCH NO 369 12th march 63 S.P.Arhur S.C.R. Margaret Nevitt John W Goodluck" E3094.19.3 "Traveller's Joy Branch No 292 6th May 58 J Green" E3094.19.4 "Box Hill no.391 "Sunflower" 26th March 65 Norma E Pearce STATE CHIEF RAY Beverley J. Lowe" E3094.19.5 "Ivy Leaf Branch No. 396 26-4-65 Beverley J. Lowe Bruce Rollins" E3094.19.6 "Chrysantemum Rays' Branch Wes Newport No.325 24-5-60 Barbara Brown State Chief Ray Dorothy Wood Graeme W Speedy"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, charters, methodist church of australasia, youth groups, barbara brown state chief ray, graeme w speedy chief director, beverley j lowe state supt., bruce rollins chief director, ivy leaf branch no 396, chrysanthemum west newport no 325, norma e pearce state chief ray, sunflower box hill no 391, traveller's joy no 292, j green state supt., snow myrtle no 369, s p arthur state chief ray, margaret nevitt state supt., john w goodluck chief director, dorothy wood state supt., red tulip fawkner no 337

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".MGC071.1 and MGC071.2: A pair of wooden, dark stained booked with a metal Methodist Girls' Comradeship badge on the front of each. "MGC"methodist girls' comradeship

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Grey covered 12 page booklet. Methodist Girls' Comradeship Rays' Section Ritual and installation ceremony 1957.methodist girls' comradeship, methodist youth of australasia

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Yellow covered 12 page booklet. Methodist Girls' Comradeship Rays' Section Ritual and installation ceremony 1960.In pencil on front cover: "G Morgan"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist youth of australasia

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Cream coloured charters with blue and gold print and typed information and handwritten signatures."Lilydale Rays Branch No. 403 "Cymbidium"" "12th October 66methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, charters, methodist church of australasia, youth groups, lilydale rays no 403 cymbidium, barbara brown state supt., joan m williams state chief ray

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Blue velvet cushion with gold and white twisted cord edging. methodist girls' comradeship

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Triangular blue and gold felt screen printed pennant."RAYS Merit Badge Award 1968"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section

ANZ Savings Bank showbag. Blue and yellow design on a white background. Top left hand side in a blue circle the words ANZ Saving Bank. At right a cartoon character of smiling man with body shaped as a passbook. At bottom right a money box with several coins falling into it. At bottom left two smiling children (a boy and a girl) holding passbooks and the words: watch your savings grow at ANZ Savings Bank. Both side are the same. There are two identical bags.business, retail, advertising, business advertising usually found at agr icultural shows and other promotional activities.

Documents, Bert Graham Collection, Bendigo East Swimming Club, affiliated with V.A.S.A. & C.V.D.A.S.A., Royal Life Saving Society. RE: Bendigo East Swimming Pool, 5th June 1985. Bendigo East Amateur Swimming Club Inc., annual report to Members 1991 - 1992, Presidents reportSecretary's report, Annual report for Kiosk, Pool Directors Report, Swimming Directors Report, Publicity Officers Report, Annual report for the Teaching of Learners, Coaches report, all for season 1991-92.bendigo, clubs, bendigo east swimming club

Township of Lakes Entrance from Jemmys PointColour tinted postcard of township showing bridge across North Arm; town buildings including Club Hotel, Methodist Church, Maranui Guest House; tower of Central Hotel; jetties in Cunninghame Arm, and sand dunes. Caravan parked beside concrete brick constructed toilet block opposite road to Bullock Island. Footbridge across Cunninghame Arm in distance, also lookout tower on Esplanade, and Life Saving tower over hummocks. Lakes Entrance VictoriaNorth Arm Bridge and Town, Lakes Entrancetownship, jetties, guesthouses, islands, hotels

A speech and slideshow given by Councillor Joseph Haweil to a Legacy Comradeship Luncheon on 27 June 2023. Cr Haweil is Mayor of Hume City and a member of the Assyrian community in Melbourne. He spoke about the actions of Stanley Savige during World War 1 that lead to him saving over 50,000 Assyrian refugees in Persia. After the speech he presented President Kerry Jenke with a portrait of Stan Savige by Mr Furat Yosip (item 03004).The speech shows the bravery of Stan Savige and that the Assyrian Community are grateful for the life of Stan Savige.Printout x 9 pages of a speech by Councillor Joseph Haweil, Mayor of Hume on 27 June 2023.stan savige, assyrians

Was one of a number of trophys won by the brigade at the jubilee competition which would have been held to celebrate Geelong Brigades 50th anniversary in 1904Silver platedd shield mounted on wooden board. Shield depicts 2 firemen, 1 standing on a ladder the other on a balcony saving a baby from a building fire. On the upper level of the burning building is a woman waiting to be saved. The centre part of the shield is oval in shape 170 mm W x 230 mm H. there is a ribbon (silver) at the top of the shield & a small oval disc at the base. Shield was won by Ballarat Fire Bigade at the 1904 Geelong Fire Brigade Jubilee competition. Shield is seen on the table in item #017Geelong Fire Brigade Jubilee Competition / 1904 / Won by / Ballarat / Brigadeballarat fire brigade, 1904, geelong fire brigade jubilee competition, geelong fire brigade

Illuminated address enclosed in a brown leather folder, embossed with gold leaf pattern. Letter on RH page, photo of Mr. Joseph Davies (The hero), photo of Goldfields Consolidated Mine, and diagram of mine shaft showing location of rescue on left hand page of address. Address to Mr. Joseph Davies, resolution moved by Sir John Quick, congratulating him on his heroism in saving the life of his mate, Mr. J. Allan, at the Goldfields Consolidated mine last Friday, Dated 14th October, 1909.person, mining, joseph davies, joseph davies, illuminated address, sir john quick, mining, goldfields consolidated gold mine

War Savings Cards were a popularist and accessible means of encouraging the ordinary citizens and children to contribute to the war effort by buying stamps to adhere to cards such as this. The stamps were valued at 6d and were of a blue and white image of a WW2 Spitfire plane. In addition there were war savings certificates, a type of promissory note, which were sold to hundreds of thousands of Australians during World War I and World War II.A beige card (unfolded and unused) printed in navy blue. The front is illustrated with the Australian coat-of-arms, space for the owner's personal details, information about the collection of war saving stamps, and the words "Sixpence a day keeps invaders away". On the back is "Don't be an onlooker - be in the fight". There are 32 spaces in which to adhere a war savings stamp and 3 illustrations - a plane in battle, search lights and a soldier in profile wearing a tin hat. The spaces each contain a letter - SPEED / VICTORY / BUY WAR / SAVINGS / STAMPS. Nilww2, mrs kate brennan, mrs kathleen brennan, war savings cards, l f johnson, commonwealth government printer, war savings stamps

Refers to a collection of Bendigo Voluntary Aid Detachment. See Cat No 7028 for all the collection.1. This is a pocket sized bank book. Printing on front is in a dark blue ink. The cover is blue buckram. inside are bank, branch details and hours, plus a line by line bank financial record of deposits and withdrawals. The first record is a deposit of 35 pounds in April 1943. The last balance is shown as 3 ponds 5 shillings and 10 pence. 1 June 1955 Interest. 2. This is a stout khaki bank book holder. Printed articles on it are: - "State Savings Bank Victoria" plus seven reasons for saving money.1. Inside the book is No. “S1287” written in ink. The depositors title written in ink is :- Bendigo Voluntary Aid Detachment No. 352 stamped inside back cover is number “C968324” 2. Nil.ww2, bank book, vad

This large bean slicer was first manufactured in the late 1800's in England and exported to Australia. Due to the transportation costs it was not used in many Domestic kitchens. This slicer would have been in a kitchen of a higher socio/economic family within the Kiewa Valley. In the 1930's the manufacturer traded this slicer as "domestic labour-saving slicers". This was the beginning of new generation of the kitchen "gadget". The introduction of the Asian "gadget" manufacturer from the late 1950's saw English export diminish by the cheaper Asian products.This item has great significance because it demonstrates that even "remote rural" locations, such as the Kiewa Valley in the early 1900s still were able to optain "state of the art" labour saving "kitchen" appliances. It was these English and European goods that were made "to last" which brought the mind set "British is best" This mindset was only altered by periods of Australian economic down turns and the cheap Asian product availabilityThis bean slicer is made from cast iron with a round body housing three rotating blades screwed into a riveted spinning base plate. The whole body of this slicer is green with a "natural coloured" handle. A "G" clamp is part of the main frame to fasten the slicer onto a table/counter top (when in use). On the side of the handle and along the top plate "SPONG & Co Ltd" and opposite "BEAN SLICER" below this "No 633"domestic kitchen time savers, food processors, bean slicers

When this Charter was issued in 1958 J Green was the State Superintendent. The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest".Cream coloured charter with blue and gold print and handwritten information.."Traveller's Joy Branch No 292" "J Green" "6th May 58"methodist girls' comradeship, methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, methodist church of australasia, j green state supt., traveller's joy branch no 292

The Methodist Girls' Comradeship was formed in 1918 with the first Branch being in Bondi, NSW. There were three sections: Junior Rays, 8 - 11 years; Senior Rays, 11 - 15 years and Comrades, 15 years and over. The aims of the MGC was to "challenge young people with the saving power of Jesus Christ and provide avenues of christian service" and "to provide for the spiritual, social, physical and educational welfare of the members". The MGC's motto was "The Utmost for the Highest". A gavel was part of the MGC Branch equipment. Small wooden handmade gavel.methodist girls' comardeship

A copy of an article from the Bulletin written by Legatee Rogers to inform Legatees about the unveiling of a bronze bust of Stan Savige in Morwell. During the event he discovered more about the events surrounding Stan's role in Dunsterforce in Persia. It describes his role in saving Assyrian refugees from the Turks. For this action Stan Savige was awarded his DSO. Document was from a folder of documents donated to the archive by Legatee Bill Rogers that related to his time as President (March 2006 - March 2008).A record of Stan Savige's war service in WW1.Two A4 page photocopy of an article published in the Bulletin 5 October 2006 about Stan Savige in WW1.stan savige, assyrians, refugees, dunsterforce, persia

The rope was part of the distress rocket used during the time that the sailing ship Fiji was in distress, before it became a wreck. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and distress rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Cartland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryan's Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to River nook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the last man being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to River nook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967.This rope is part of the collection of artefacts from the wreck of the Fiji. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes).Rope, plaited, brown in colour, cut straight at one end, and the other end is separated into 3 pieces, from distress rockets used during the wreck of the sailing ship Fiji. Rope was in envelope printed with an address, and a description, and there was a display card with further details on it. Printed on the envelope: "Shire of Hampden / PO Box 84, Camperdown 3260" Hand written "rope of wreck of Fiji / 7cm / Mr Wm "Boyce" Display card with rope includes words "Piece of Rope from the Fiji distress rockets and was donated to Flagstaff Hill by a private donor in 1989"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rope, the fiji, william boyce, distress signal, rocket rescue, life saving equipment

The light line or rope used to construct this Turk’s Head knot was part of the line line-throwing apparatus used by the Rocket Rescue Crew. In normal operation a rocket carrying the line was fired over a ship, fastened to the ship, then hauled by the crew to pull a heavier rope from shore, which would have a canvas ‘breaches buoy’ attached to it. A tripod or triangle would be used to keep it free from breakers and rocks. One by one the crew on the wreck would sit in the buoy and be hauled safely back to shore. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Carkland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryans Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to Rivernook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the last man being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to Rivernook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967.This rope is part of the collection of artefacts from the wreck of the Fiji. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The Fiji collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Rope salvaged from the distress rocket rope line used in the rescue of the crew of the sailing ship “Fiji”. The light-weight brown rope has been crafted into a decorative 'Monkey fist' or 'Turk’s head' knot using three interwoven strands. 1891, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwrecked artefact, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, rope, moonlight head, wreck bay, distress rocket, line, light line, rocket rescue apparatus, rocket equipment, rocket line