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Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Lieutenant-Colonel Alderson - South Africa
Edwin Alderson was born in 1859 and served in several campaigns of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He saw service in the First Boer War in 1881 in the Transvaal. In 1896 he was sent to Mashonaland as a commander of a regiment of local troops during the Second Matabele War. In 1900 shortly after the outbreak of the Second Boer War he returned to South Africa to command the Mounted Infantry against the Boer forces. Alderson also served in the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, Mounted Camel Regiment during the failed expedition to relieve Khartoum and rescue General Gordon. At the outbreak of the First World War, Alderson was in charge of the 1st Mounted Division. He retired from active service in 1920 aged 61. In 1901, as a result of Alderson's contribution to many campaigns he was rewarded with confirmation as a Brigadier General, appointment as a Companion of the Order of Bath and to receive the ceremonial post of Aide-de-Camp to Queen Victoria, who died the same year. He also received the Queen's South Africa Medal. He died in 1927 aged 68. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards. alderson, campaigns, first boer war, transvaal, mashonaland, south africa, second boer war, first world war, anglo-egyptian war, mounted camel regiment, second matabele war, general gordon, brigadier-general, companion of the order of bath, aide-de-camp, queen victoria, queen's south africa medal -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Colonel Baden-Powell - South Africa, c1900
Robert Baden-Powell was born in 1857. After school he joined the British Army as an officer and was posted to India. In the early 1880s he served in the Natal province of South Africa amidst the Zulu He learnt advanced scouting skills during his time in South Africa where knowledge of countryside was vital for gaining information. In 1896 he returned to Africa and served in the Second Matabele War in the expedition to relieve British South Africa Company personnel under siege in Bulawayo. From 1899 to 1900, Baden-Powell commanded the garrison at Mafeking during the Second Boer War. The siege of Mafeking lasted 217 days and the successful defence of the town raised his national profile. In 1900 Baden-Powell was promoted to Major General. In 1901 he was invested as Companion of the Order of Bath by King Edward VII. After some controversies he retired from the Army in 1910. At the beginning of the First World War he put himself at the disposal of the War Office but no command was given to him. Awards obtained include Ashanti Star (1895), British South Africa Company Medal (1896), Queen's South Africa Medal (1899), King's South Africa Medal (1902), Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, plus numerous Scouting Medals. Baden-Powell married in 1912 at the age of 55. He and Olave had three children. Baden-Powell died in 1941 and buried in St Peter's Cemetery, Nyeri, Kenya. Olave died in 1977 and her ashes were sent to Kenya to be interred beside her husband.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards. See 09350.baden-powell, british army, natal, south africa, zulu, india, officer, scouting, second matabele war, british south africa company, bulawayo, mafeking, second boer war, major general, companion of the order of bath, ashant star, british south africa company medal, queen's south africa medal, king's south africa medal, knight grand cross of the order of st michael and st george, knight grand cross of the royal victorian order, knight commander of the order of the bath -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Sir Alfred Milner - South Africa
Alfred Milner, 1st Viscount Milner was a British statesman and colonial administrator. He played an influential role in the formulation of foreign and domestic policy from mid 1890s to early 1920s. In 1897he became High Commissioner for South Africa and Governor of Cape Colony. He pushed the Transvaal Republic to war, oversaw the war and organised the reconstruction after the war. Milner left South Africa in 1905 after being involved in many of the changes that took place while he was there. Honours Awarded: Companion of the Order of the Bath (1894); Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (1895); Knight GrandCross of the Order of St Michael and St George (1897); Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1901); Knight of the Order of the Garter (1921). Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cardsalfred milner, 1st viscount milner, statesman, colonial administrator, high commissioner, governor of cape colony, transvaal, south africa, companion of the order of the bath, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, knight grand cross of the order of st michael and st george, knight of the order of the garter -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Seymour Rawlinson, 1st Baron Rawlinson - South Africa
Rawlinson served with distinction in a field command in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902. He was in Western Transvaal during early 1902 and led a column taking part in the Battle of Rooiwai, the last battle of the war. Following the end of hostilities he returned to England. Rawlinson, for his commands and the battles and wars he was engaged in during his career was awarded many times. Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, 1917; Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, 1918; Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, 1919; Baron Rawlinson, of Trent in the County of Dorset, 1919. Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour of France, 1916; Order of Danilo, 1st Class of the Kingdom of Montenegro, 1916; Obilitch Medal in Gold of the Kingdom of Montenegro, 1917; Order of St George, 4th Class of the Empire of Russia, 1917; Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold of Belgium, 1917; Croix de Guerre of Belgium, 1918; Croix de Guerre of France, 1919; American Army Distinguished Service Medal, 1919; Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India, 1924. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.rawlinson, second boer war, western transvaal, battle of rooiwai, 1st baron of trent, dorset, knight grand cross of the royal victorian order, knight commander of the order of st michael and st george, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, grand officer of the legion of honour france, order of danilo 1st class of the kingdom of montenegro, obilitch medal in gold of the kingdom of montenegro, order fo st george 4th class of theempire of russia, grand officer of the order of leopold of belgium, croix de guerra of belgium, croix de guerra of france, american army distinguished service medal, knight grand commander of the order of the star of india -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Right Honorable Cecil John Rhodes - South Africa
Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman, mining magnate and politician in South Africa. He was Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. He believed in British Imperialism and he and his British South Africa Company formed the territory of Rhodesia in the early 1890s. He was forced to resign as Prime Minister in 1896 after the disastrous Jameson Raid, an unauthorised attack on Paul Kruger's South African Republic (Transvaal), which sent his brother to prison convicted of high treason and nearly sentenced to death. This event contributed to the outbreak of the Second Boer War. Rhodes went to Kimberley in a political move. During the war the military felt he was more of a liability than an asset and found him intolerable. The officer commanding the garrison of Kimberley, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kekewich, experienced serious personal difficulties with Rhodes because of the latter's inability to co-operate. However, he still remained a leading figure in the politics of southern Africa. Rhodes was dogged by ill health his whole life. He died in 1902, aged 48, at his seaside cottage in Muizenberg. He was cared for by Leander Starr Jameson during his illness, becoming a trustee of his estate and residuary beneficiary of his will, which allowed him to continue living in Rhode's mansion after his death. His final will left a large area of land on the slopes of Table Mountain. Part of the estate became the upper campus of the University of Cape Town, another part became the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The rest was spared development and is now an important conservation area. His will also provided for the establishment of the Rhodes Scholarship. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.cecil rhodes, mining magnate south africa, politician south africa, prime minister cape colony, british south africa company, rhodesia, jameson raid, paul kruger, south africa republic, transvaal, second boer war, kimberley, robert kekewich, leander starr jameson, muizenberg, table mountain, university of cape town, kirstenbosch national garden -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Modder River - South Africa
When war broke out in 1899, and early target for the Boers was the diamond-mining centre of Kimberley. This was located near the point where the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Cape Colony met. General Sir Redvers Buller detached the 1st Division under Lieutenant General Lord Methuen to relieve the Siege of Kimberley. This decision was made partly for reasons of prestige. To capture Kimberley (which contained the famous imperialist and former Prime Minister of Cape Colony, Cecil Rhodes) would be a major propaganda victory for the British. Methuen's force advanced north and won two engagements against the Boers of the Orange Free State. Reinforcements from Transvaal under General Koos de la Rey arrived and he convinced the Boers to follow his plans for attacking the British. Instead of relying on the hills for protection and missing their targets, de la Rey proposed they make use of the flat veld and introduced them to the Mauser rifle with its flat trajectory. Trenches were built in the banks of the Modder River from which they could sweep the veld for a great distance. The trenches were built on the south side of the river and on the smaller Riet River where they meet at Modder River Station. Methuen's force began advancing towards the Modder planning to cross the river. The Boers opened fire and the British troops were unable to find cover on the veld. They had to lay flat so as not to be seen or hit. The British guns pounded the buildings near Modder River Station and the north bank of the river, missing the trenches on the south bank. The battle became a stalemate. The British found an opening on the Boer's right flank at Rosmead ford downstream and drove the Boers out of Rosmead. De la Rey drove them back into a small insecure bridgehead. The Boers feared they were vulnerable and withdrew during the night. Methuen reported that the battle had been "one of the hardest and most trying fights in the annals of the British army". Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.boers, diamind-mining, kimberley, transvaal, orange free state, cape colony, sir rdvers buller, lieutenant general lord methuen, siege of kimberley, cecil rhodes, general koos dde la rey, mauser rifle, veld, modder river, modder river station, trenches, riet river, rosmead -
Federation University Historical Collection
Costume - Nursing, Nurses uniform and cape, 1970s?
This uniform was worn by student nurses at the Hillcrest Psychiatric Hospital in Adelaide in the early 1970s. In 1964, Northfield Mental Hospital was renamed Hillcrest Hospital. .1) Mid pink waisted and darted uniform with a front pocket (with H H embroidered) on left breast and side pockets on skirt. Buttoned up the front, with three buttons on top and a placket with four hidden buttons on skirt. There is a hook and eye at the waist and a separate belt with two buttons and buttonholes. There is a collar and cuffed short sleeves, a back yoke and a center inverted pleat. .2) A lined (double layer) woollen royal blue cape with collar and neck tie and a hook and eye clasp.Embroidered on top pocket - H Hnursing, hillcrest hospital, student nurse uniform, nurse cape, costume, textiles, cape, uniform, hillcrest psychiatric hospital -
Federation University Historical Collection
Drawing - Drawings, Geoff Biddington, Engineering Drawings, Early 1950s and Early 1960s
Produced by Geoff Biddington during his early years as drawing and design lecturer at SMB to show students by example how drawing and design conventions are to be implemented.Illustrative drawings of various Mechanical Engineering items. Ink and pencil on tracing paper.engineering drawings, machine components, design -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Black and White, Ballarat College of Advanced Education, Mt Helen - 1985, 1985
Photograph of the early years of the Ballarat College of Advanced Education at Mt Helen. On the left is the first stage of the student accommodation with a bridge connecting it to the campus. The car park located near the lakes is next to the Physical Education building. This is before the swimming pool has been added. The building with large white external structure is the E.J.Barker Library before the top floor has been built. This floor is where the Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre is housed.Photograph mounted on heavy white card which is then mounted onto black board. Aerial photograph of Ballarat College of Advanced Education at Mt Helen.ballarat college of advanced education, student accomodation, physical education, swimming pool, e j barker library, geoffrey blainey research centre, student residences -
Federation University Historical Collection
Newspaper Supplement, Cook and After: A Bi-Centenary Look at Early Australia, 1970, 21/04/1970
Eight page broadsheet supplement relating to the bi-centenary of Captain James Cook sailing along the Australian coastline. It was published by the Australian on 21 April 1970.james cook, captain cook, btany bay, first fleet, alcan, francis greenway, matthew flinders, william dampier -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, The Beagle Press, Kenneth Jack - Printmaker, 1998
Large book with buildings and country side of Clunes 1971 on front and back cover.120 pagesnon-fictionkenneth jack, lou klepac, etching, printmaking, ben crosskell, harold freeman oam, jack courier, foreword, introduction by lou klepac, my early printmaking days - kenneth jack, exhibitions, bibliography, catalogue raisonne, lithographs, linocuts, serigraphs, stencils, engravings, david jack -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment, Elwell-Powell, Elwell-Parker AC Generator
This AC generator operated for the State Electricity Commission in the Ballarat North Power Station prior to World War Two. James Oddie of Ballarat has an association with Thomas Parker of Elswell-Parker. In early 1887 Oddie arrived in England seeking information on electrical knowledge and its developments. At this time Henry Sutton was teaching Electricity and Magnetism at the Ballarat School of Mines. Oddie stayed in the United Kingdom for around three years and during that time became a close friend of Thomas Parker and his family. The two first met at the first official running of the Blackpool tram, and Oddie was invited to visit Parker at Wolverhampton. Over the years Thomas Parker kept newspaper cuttings (mainly Australian) relating to James Oddie and his work. The following article is a description of the Wolverhampton works by James Oddie, and was collected by Thomas Parker. After the dinner at Blackpool, Mr. Parker visited me, and cordially invited me to see his extensive works at Wolverhampton, an invitation I was not slow to avail myself of. This was the keynote of the best friendship I made in England. I went shortly afterwards and stayed several days, visiting the works daily, as Mr. Parker gave me the run of the whole works. There I ordered the installation of a 60 light dynamo, with a 28 cell storage battery and paraphernalia, now doing duty at the Observatory. I subsequently visited the works frequently, sometimes for a week at a time, and I regard it as the brightest spot in my English constellation. Mr. Parker started his works in 1880, with one man beside himself. He never had a single day’s instruction in electricity in his life; now he daily instructs between 300 and 400 employees, who worship him as a father. He is said to be now the most practical electrical engineer and mechanist in Europe. During one of my visits I took with me an artist, who is painting for me a portrait, 6 feet by 5 feet, of Mr. Parker, surrounded by dynamos, secondary batteries, measuring instruments etc. Electric tram cars are going to be a big thing in England. Parker’s Company Limited, is now, with three other companies, in the hands of the Electric Construction Company, with Mr. Parker as manager of the lot. The whole of the works will be taken to Wolverhampton. Before I left, a tender for £50,000 was accepted for the construction of new works.AC Generator painted read and black on a stand. This AC generator operated for the State Electricity Commission in the Ballarat North Power Station prior to World War Twogenerator, ac generator, elwell-parker ltd, state electricity commission, sec, ballarat north power station, james oddie, wolverhampton -
Federation University Historical Collection
Newspaper, The Ballarat Star, 10 May 1885, 19/05/1885
The Ballarat Star was an early Ballarat broadsheet newspaper.6 pages, middle page is missing half a page, pages yellowing, folded in two volume XXX number 117ballarat, ballarat star, john noble wilson, old white hart hotel, calcutta exhibition, john hickman engineer -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Image, Buninyong, 1859 - Looking North, 1859
Buninyong was Victoria's first inland town, and is in close proximity to Ballarat. The fledgling township of Buninyong. Early buildings line the streets, and horse drawn carriages are evident. buninyong -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Northern Territory of South Australia Report Resulting from the Explorations by the Government Geologist, 1906, 1906
Pale blue soft covered geological and general report. It includes a chapter of Bathurst Island and Melville Island, Primitive Methhods of Chinese Mining, Early Days of Mining in the Northern Territory Images include sandbank at low tide, Douglas River, Granite at Union Hill, Night Cliff, East Point, union hill, zapopan gold mine Brook's Creek, Blow Gold Mine Yam Creek, Daly River Copper Mine, Mount Ellison Copper Mine, Point Charles Lighthouse, Blacks Camp near Point Charles Lighthouse, The Venture Stranded on a Daly River Sandbank, Hyland Bay Natives, Boabab Trees at Blunder Bay, The Wai Hoi, Mouth of Fitzmaurice River, Point Blaze Natives, Fort Hill and Old Gulnare Jetty Port Darwin, Large Anthill, Daly RIver Natives, Wargie Natives, L.C.E. Gee, H.Y.L. Brown, H. Basedow. F.J. Williamson, Aboriginal crew (Pedro, Peter, Tobatchie, Bubs, Loman), Henry Roberts, Schollert's Grave It also includes a large folder Geological Map of the North-Western District Northern Territory of South Australia. northern territory of south australia, geology, l. o'loughlin, douglas river, bathurst island, melville island, apsley straight, chinese, aboriginal -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Music Score, Music for a Graduation, 1997, 01/1997
This work was commissioned by the University of Ballarat (later Federation University Australia) at the suggestion of University lecturer Janice Newton.The composers brief was to provide fanfare/processional - type music that reflected both something of the early history of Ballarat and something of the goldfields. 'Look Out Below' and the medieval university tune 'Gaudeamus Igitar' has been incorporated into the body of the music. The discerning ear may pick out these tunes being played independently or together, in snatches or longer segments, throughout the piece. Rosalie Boninghton (9.4.1946 - 21.12.2011) was born in Ballarat. She studied composition under Keith Humble, Ian Bonington, Theodore Dollarhide and Lawrence Whiffen from the University of Melbourne and completed her Master of Arts (Music) at LaTrobe University in composition with a thesis on 'Contemporary Liturgical Music and the Composer. In 1967 Rosalie was awarded the Coutts Memorial Prize for Composition from the University of Melbourne. She has also won the national Song of Jubilee competition (1999), and was co-winner of the national Competition for Liturgical Psalm-Setting (1983). An A3 score of fourteen A3 pages for brass, woodwind and timpani. The pages have been inserted into an A3 display book. An collections of A4 scores for each musical instrument is also located in the A3 display book. The music has been designed for flexi-length options to suit each particular occasion, ranging from approximately 2 minutes and 35 seconds minimum length to approximately 3 minutes and 37 seconds maximum, and including a range of intermediate lengths possible. graduation, music, music score, rosalie bonighton, processional hymn, janice newton, fanfare -
Federation University Historical Collection
Journal, The Mechanical World and Steam Users' Journal, 04/12/1884
the magazine describes some of the earlier equipment used in mining8 pages of the journal, some edges are torn, pages are discoloured, contains images of mining machinerymining, mining equipment, weston-capon friction clutch, steam engine -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Berry Anderson & Co, Ballarat School of Mines Sign
Printed sign relating to Ballarat School of Mines fees. School of Mines. Ballarat Students in ARREARS with their CLASS FEES are reminded that all fees are PAYABLE IN ADVANCE and they are requested to effect a settlement as Early as Possible. Fred. J. Martell, Directorballarat school of mines, fees, frederick martell -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, John F. Cleverley, The First Generation: Schools and Society in Early Australia, 1971, 1971
The book was part of the Ballarat Teachers' College Library.Green hard covered book of 168 pages, with index. penal settlement, education, colonial education, public education, government teachers, public school education, school administration, missions, child welfare, colonial orphanages, aboriginal education, private education, convict colony -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, The School of Mines and Industries, Annual Report, 1914, 1914
The School of Mines and Industries Annual Report 1914 from the President, Part of the Report includes: 'Early in the year it was felt that the School was passing through a somewhat critical period. The increasing number of departments of instruction had correspondingly added to the responsibility of management, and it was found that the old system was not elastic enough to deal with the new situation'. 4 page booklet, Annual Report of the School of Mines and Industries in the year 1914. school of mines and industries, w. h. middleton, c. fenner, h. h. smith, fred martell, harold g. cornell, revill tinworth, francis c. hall, victor e. millington, ernest s. anderson, john adam, frank v. retallack, william kingston, alex. geo. campbell, f. mcgarey, a. whalebone, c. berryman, j. n. montgomery, j. friend, a. tweedie, c. a. hoadley, milton williamson, r. m. sergeant, e. siemering, carew smythe, f. cannon, kenneth moss, harold brown, rex cutter, f. king, h. elliott, n. montgomery, r. w. richards, d. walker, j. m. sutherland, donald clark, j. m. bickett, j. y. mcdonald -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Sepia, Bardwell and Beauchamp, State School No 2103, Ballarat, c1878
Urquhart Street Primary School was opened on 09 December 1878 by the Minister of Public Instruction, Major William Collard Smith. The school originated from Errard School no 227 which was extablished by the Presbyterian Church as early as 1860.Brick School building with bell tower known as Urquhart Street Primary School. Llewellyn and Edwards were the contractors. The photograph shows a brick building on a corner behind a picket fence. ballarat, school, education, llewellyn and edwards, urquhart street primary school -
Federation University Historical Collection
Object - Candle Remnant, Candle remnant from early Ballarat mine
Lard candle mining, lard candle -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instument, Daystrom Limited, Oscilloscope, c1960
Any early acquisition y the Mount Helen Physics Department. Oscilloscope user assembled supplied by Dystrom Limited, Gloucestor, England, under the Heathkit brand. Grey ripple finish sheetmetal case, with ventilation slots. Leather strap carry handle. Specifications not attached. scientific instrument, ballarat school of mines, bill durant, physics -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Scientific Instrument, J.L. William Instruments, Kelvin Bridge
In 1993 this item was held in the Mt Helen Physics Department Optics Laboratoryc1870 as SMB start date but could be much earlier Student's type Kelvin Bridge Type KB/3R mounted on polished wood, with a range pf 0.000010HM to 0.1 OHM.scientific instruments, kelvin bridge, optics laboratory -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Telescope Mirror, 1929
Probably made and used by Dick Richards, who lectured in Physics at the Ballarat School of Mines, and later became the principal. Earlier Dick Richards had been a member of Shackleton's Antarctic Exploration Expedition. A 15cm diameter glass disc, 2.3 cm thick. ONe side is ground concave to 7'=5" (s s7 cm) radius. Rough-hewn circumference. Stored between a pair of 5cm thick 16 x 20 pieces of polystyrene slab, hollowed to accomodate mirror.scientific instruments, mirror, telescope mirror, dick richards, r.w. richards -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Scientific Instruments, Flash-Point Tester, 1898, 1898
Probably used in the Ballarat School of Mines Chemisry Laboratories, at that time led by Professor Alfred Mica Smith, with lecturer Daniel Walker. From W. Watson & Sons, Block Arcade, MelbourneAn early model of a flashpoint apparatus, of mainly brass construction, heated by a spirit lamp. Complete with two mercury-in-glass tfermometers (50 degree to 70 degrees celcius x 1 degree, 10 degrees to 50 degrees celcius c 1 degree), and lamp-stand. Serial Number 1786.scientific instruments, chemistry, alfred mica smith, daniel walker, ballarat school of mines, w. watson & sons ltd, thermometer -
Federation University Historical Collection
Costume Accessories, Noone Imagewear, University of Ballarat Ties, c2000
These ties were made as merchandise for the University of Ballarat in the early 2000s..1) & .3) A cream box with University of Ballarat and the Emblem printed in red. Inside is a polyester black tie woven with a small diagonal band of three stripes (top is blue, middle is gold and bottom is red) and a small emblem of the University of Ballarat on the right side. It has a navy blue lining. .2) A cream box with University of Ballarat and the Emblem printed in red. Inside is a multi-striped silk and polyester red, blue, gold and black tie with heraldic device of the University of Ballarat on the right bottom corner. It has a black lining..2) woven - University of Ballaratuniversity of ballarat, ties, merchandise, costume, uniform, textiles -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photographs, Three Reproductions of Early SMB buildings, 01) - .2) 1872 .3) 1948
Three mounted black and white reproduction photographs depicting early SMB buildings .1) View of Ballarat Gaol, Old Court House and Wesley Church .2) Lydiard St South .3) SMB buildings 75 years laterblack and white photography, smb campus, lydiard street south, ballarat old court house, former wesleyan church, ballarat school of mines, dana street hill -
Federation University Historical Collection
Plan, Dunn's Map of Early Gold Diggers at Golden Point, Ballarat, not dated
Hand drawn map in colour showing Yarrowee River and claims including James Oddie and Highett.dunn, dunn's map, comissioner's tent, oddie's claim, highett's claim, macdonald, suter & co claim, james oddie, golden point, gold discovery -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Colour, Jarrod Watt, Hong Kong Street Flyer by an unknown artist, 2019, 06/2019
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, had plenty of political support in the territory’s pro-Beijing legislature to pass a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China. The legislators were set to begin discussing the bill in early June, and intended to vote on it just weeks later. A series of protests took place, and after a June 16 protest saw the largest turnout yet, Ms. Lam made a major concession: She postponed the bill, at least temporarily. It was an undeniable victory for the protesters — but it did little to quell the unrest. Since the bill could later be reintroduced, protesters felt they remained in danger. The police tactics to break up the demonstrations on June 12, including the use of more than 150 tear gas canisters to push protesters far away from the government office, created a new set of demands from the protesters. Now, instead of just calling for the withdrawal of the bill and Ms. Lam’s resignation, they said they wouldn’t be content unless there was an independent investigation of officers’ conduct. They also wanted the release of protesters arrested on June 12, and for the government to rescind its description of the demonstrations as a “riot,” a designation that carries legal significance. None of that has happened. Many analysts say Ms. Lam is unlikely to step down, nor would Beijing accept her resignation if she offered it. She has more wiggle room on the other demands, but has not indicated any willingness to budge. The Hong Kong Protests are a leaderless, digital movement.There is no single leader or group deciding on or steering the strategy, tactics and goals of the movement. Instead, protesters have used forums and messaging apps to decide next steps. Anyone can suggest a course of action, and others then vote on whether they support it. The most popular ideas rise to the top, and then people rally to make them happen. At its best, this structure has empowered many people to participate and have their voices heard. Protesters say it keeps them all safe by not allowing the government to target specific leaders. Their success in halting the extradition bill, which was shelved by the territory’s chief executive, speaks to the movement’s power. Despite the lack of a clear leader, protesters have shown extensive coordination at the demonstrations, having planned the specifics online beforehand. Supply stations are set up to distribute water, snacks, gloves, umbrellas and shields made of cardboard. Volunteer first aid workers wear brightly colored vests. People form assembly lines to pass supplies across long distances, with protesters communicating what they need through a series of predetermined hand signals. Anyone walking in dangerous areas without a helmet or a mask is quickly offered one. No individual can speak on behalf of the protesters, which makes negotiations difficult, if not impossible. (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-explained.html, accessed 07/07/2019) Hong Kong’s amended extradition law would allow the extradition of suspects to mainland China for the first time. Supporters say the amendments are key to ensuring the city does not become a criminal refuge, but critics worry Beijing will use the law to extradite political opponents and others to China where their legal protections cannot be guaranteed. The government claims the push to change the law, which would also apply to Taiwan and Macau, stems from the killing last year of a Hong Kong woman while she was in Taiwan with her boyfriend. Authorities in Taiwan suspect the woman’s boyfriend, who remains in Hong Kong, but cannot try him because no extradition agreement is in place. Under the amended law, those accused of offences punishable by seven years or more in prison could be extradited. The new legislation would give Hong Kong’s leader, known as the chief executive, authority to approve extradition requests, after review by the courts. Hong Kong’s legislature, the legislative council, would not have any oversight over the extradition process. Many Hong Kongers fear the proposed extradition law will be used by authorities to target political enemies. They worry the new legislation spells the end of the “one country, two systems” policy, eroding the civil rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents since the handover of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997. Many attending the protests on Sunday said they could not trust China as it had often used non-political crimes to target government critics, and said they also feared Hong Kong officials would not be able to reject Beijing’s requests. Legal professionals have also expressed concern over the rights of those sent across the border to be tried. The conviction rate in Chinese courts is as high as 99%. Arbitrary detentions, torture and denial of legal representation of one’s choosing are also common. Many in the protests on Sunday 09 June 2019 said they felt overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness in the face of mainland China’s increasing political, economic and cultural influence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s top political leader is not elected by ordinary voters but by a 1,200-strong election committee accountable to Beijing. Half of its legislature are chosen through indirect electoral systems that favour pro-Beijing figures. Many Hong Kongers also cited the jailing of leaders and activists from the 2014 Occupy Central movement– a 79-day mass civil disobedience movement – as well as the disqualification of young localist lawmakers as signs of the erosion of civil freedoms. Resentment towards China has been intensified by soaring property prices – with increasing numbers of mainland Chinese buying properties in the city – as well as the government’s “patriotic education” drive, and the large numbers of mainland tourists who flock to Hong Kong. Many Hong Kongers are also concerned about China’s growing control over the city’s news media, as they increasingly self-censor and follow Beijing’s tacit orders. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/10/what-are-the-hong-kong-protests-about-explainerPhotograph of a street art poster taken on the streets of Hong Kong during the protests against legislation to allow Hong Kong suspects to be extradited to mainland Chinese carrie lam, hong kong protests, extraditions, poster art, posters