Arthur Allsop went into the business office at Bendigo (Vic.) of the late Mr. Alfred Joseph. He later operated as an independent bookmaker. Arthur Allsop was a partner in the firm of Kelly and Allsop and was involved in mining and speculation in Bendigo. He was elected as a member of the Bendigo Stock Exchange in 1906. He started his athletic career at picnic sports and was a fine athlete winning many foot races. For 15 years he acted as secretary of the Sandhurst City Fire Brigade, he was captain of the Bendigo lacrosse team. He was a fair cricketer, and played against the English and Australian Elevens. He played football, and acted as secretary to the Bendigo Football Club. In later years he played bowls and captained pennant teams. He was a Past District- Grandmaster in the M.U.I.O.O.F. Allsop eventually moved to Melbourne and then Sydney working as a bookmaker. He died in Sydney in 1921. His wife Belle died in Bendigo in 1914 and is buried in the Bendigo Cemetery.Bank account book used by Bookmaker Arthur Allsop. Cream coloured hard cover. Written on the front Messrs. Allsop & Coy. No 2 Account. Printed on the first page The Commercial Bank of Australia Limited Sandhurst Branch in Account Current with A Allsop and Coy Bookmaker. Pages have ruled columns. Records payments and withdrawals from the account. Dated from August 1889 to May 1891. Final balance £6039.9.4bookmaker, arthur allsop, bank account

Edgar Edwardes Walker was the first manager of the Australia Tesselated Tile Factory. Then in 1922 he bought the company which he ran until he was 73 years old.Black and white photograph of Edgar Edwardes Walker in Pitt Street, Sydney in 1936 See also ND22walker, edgar edwardes, australian tesselated tile co. pty. ltd

Edgar Edwardes Walker was the first manager of the Australian Tesselated Tile Company. Then in 1922 he bought the company which he ran until he was 73 years oldBlack and white photograph of Edgar Edwardes Walker, owner of the Australian Tesselated Tile Co., Mitcham See also ND22walker, edgar edwardes, australian tesselated tile co., pty. ltd

William Robert Manning enlisted in the 24th Batt AIF on 12.3.15. Hospitalised at sea with Pneumonia followed by Debility and Diarrhoea he was returned and discharged on 9.2.16. He re enlisted on 22.3.16 No 1760 in the 38th Batt AIF. He was WIA on 22.7.17. He was KIA on 7/9.6.17.Medal set, court mounted, set of 3 re WR Manning. 1. 1914-15 Star, brass colour, replica not engraved. 2. War Medal 1914-1919, silver colour. 3. Victory Medal, gold colour."69, Cpl WR Manning, 24 BN AIF"numismatics- medals - military, ron mills collection

District Police Office Sandhurst Court records. October 1857 - October 1858. Brown ledger containing the records of the District Police Office Sandhurst. Cover has linen like covering with suede leather corners and spine. All have decorative scroll and pattern work. Dates written in ink on the spine. Remnants of an adhesive label on the spine. Inside covers lined with red, green and gold patterned paper. Entries include names of judges, solicitors, witnesses, accused and plaintiffs, Each record include descriptions of charges and the rulings. Most of the sittings were conducted by police magistrate Lachlan McLachlan. Notes Philip Barton inherited the book from his father Russell Barton who died in 2002. Russell Barton was a barrister who practised on the Supreme Court Circuit in Bendigo from 1960 - 1975. He was interested in history and it is assumed that he was given the book by the Bendigo Court officials. Philip Barton gave the book to Dennis Johnason on the understanding that it be given to the Bendigo Historical Society. See Donor.government, local, court records

Apprenticeship Indenture made on the second of February 1878 between Thomas William Orr and Charles Stoneman commencing 20 July 1878 for the terms of five years ending 19 July 1883. Indenture between 'James Orr, father of Thomas William Orr ( now employed as a blacksmith with Mr. Charles Litchfield Stoneman, Coach Builder) of Sandhurst. The said James Orr (father) agrees to allow his son Thomas Orr (unclear) to ecome an apprentice to the said Charles Litchfield Stoneman to the trade or business of a blacksmith.' Pinned to front of indenture is a newspaper article, no date, re the conditions for apprentices 'have certainly changed in the last 60 odd years' and details the conditions of a coachbuilder apprenticeship in 1889. 'Taverns , inns, or alehouses he shall not haunt' and 'matrimony he shall not contract' are some of the terms of apprenticeship. Original envelope, enclosing indenture, has written on the front 'Apprenticeship Indenture, Thomas William Orr to Charles Stoneman, 1878' Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch, stamped on front of envelope.document, memo, apprenticeship indenture

George Norman Pockett, who was awarded the certificate was the son of George Pockett , who with his brother designed a number of public parks in Melbourne. George Pockett Snr. was the first curator of the Alexandra Gardens in Kew. (see Comment below)Rolls of Honor were awarded to returned soldiers at the end of the First World War by many towns and cities. This framed certificate awarded to George Norman Pockett by the Town of Kew is one of two held in the Collection. The item is well-provenanced, and through the formal use of emblems and images in the design allows us to make judgements about social and cultural values in the period.Framed Illuminated Certificate: A commemorative certificate documenting the war service of George Norman Pockett of 18 Cobden Street, Kew. George Pockett enrolled at the age of 23 on 5 October 1915, as an engineer in the Australian Army. He embarked on HMAT Wiltshire A18 on 18 November 1915. His rank was that of Warrant Officer Armament Artificer in the 4 FAB [Field Artillery Brigade]. The website of the Australian War Memorial records that he was mentioned in dispatches. The formal certificate records that ‘George Norman Pockett served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country’s Call his name is inscribed on the Roll of Honor of the Town of Kew’. The then Mayor and Town Clerk signed the certificate. [Kew did not become a ‘City’ until 1921]. The certificate highlights emblems and symbols of Australia and Great Britain, and includes the coats of arms of the allies in the war. The certificate is customised with two black and white photographs of Kew: the rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens at left, and boating on the Yarra River at right.George Norman Pockett served Australia and the Empire in the Great War and in grateful recognition of his voluntary response to his Country's Call his name is recorded on the Roll of Honor Town of Kew on behalf of the Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses. 1.8.18. E.P. Wynne [Mayor] H. Harrison [Town Clerk]george norman pockett, first world war - memorabilia - certificates, town of kew (vic), kew war memorial - roll of honor, wwi

The architect, Edward Kilburn designed Byram in the Arts & Crafts style for the industrialist George Ramsden. Construction began in 1888 and was reputed to have lasted three years. The mansion had frontages to Studley Park Road and Stevenson Street, including gardens laid out with great taste, including pleasure grounds, tennis lawn, fruit and flower garden, and paddock.The size of many of the trees in the garden indicate that many survived from the garden of Clifton Villa, the previous single-storeyed house built on the site by the Stevenson brothers. Byram had views to Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. The house was demolished in 1960, despite opposition from the National Trust (Victoria), and its gardens subdivided into residential allotments.An early photograph of Goathland (also known as Byram, Lowan and Tara Hall). The photo shows the front of the building during the period of Sir Malcolm McEacharn’s occupation of the house (1901-11). Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, had originally designed the house for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. When Sir Malcolm McEacharn purchased Byram, he was to rename it as Goathland. This has led to some confusion, as Goathland was also the name used for McEacharn’s other home in St. Kilda. The period of McEacharn’s ownership represented the high point of the mansion’s history. 'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author."'Goathland', The Residence of Sir Malcolm D McEacharn"byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park road -- kew (vic.), melbourne mansions, e g kilburn - architect

Quartz Hill is situated on the Sheephead line of reef and is situated just south of where the Red, White and Blue Consolidated Gold Mine operated. Two newspaper cuttings affixed to lemon backing sheet. Written on top in black pen: 'Quartz Hill Working Bee, Bdgo Adv. 11.12.67' Cutting one, 'Working Bee on Mine Site' with 7.12.67 written across the top, describes an appeal to get volunteers to clear the site of former mines on Quartz Hill. This is anticipated to 'clear the site of accumulated debris and clean out the two large adits driven into the hill and thus make the site a 'tourist visiting spot'. Cutting two, 'Many Miss Mine Working Bee' dated 11.12.67, describes the poor response to the working bee. ' Members of the Tourist Development Association and the Town Clerk, Mr. A.J. Watts, cleared 175 feet of the Northern tunnel and cut an entrance way and steps in the Southern tunnel of the New Blue Mine area in the first stage of the mining project. Mr. J. Stanistreet said last night he was most disappointed. He said: 'apparently we picked the wrong time of the year'.mining, sandhurst, new blue consolidated gold mine, red white and blue consolidated gold mine, quartz hill, sheepshead reef line, a.j. watts, j. stanistreet, bob long

The Australian Natives Association (ANA) was founded in Melbourne in 1871. Its membership was restricted to white men born in Australia and its aim was to benefit them.Certificate issued by the Australian Natives Association. Portland Branch's ex President's certificate. Issue to Mr W.A. Mills. Occupied the position from 16 May 1938 to 15 May 1939. Signed by the President and the Secretary (illegible, faded). The certificate has the Australian emblem at the top under which is an orange banner with the words ' Australian Natives Association' across. Under this is a woman in classical style dress holding an Australian flag in her right hand and a document in her left which reads, 'Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth'. A circular frame states the owner of the certificate and why it was issued. On the other side of the circle is a man. He wears leather riding boots, cream trousers and a blue shirt. He is holding something in his left hand. Under is a central star in which is an image of Australia. Either side is a picture of the sea with an Aboriginal man standing at the shore by some boats. The other side has an image of white buildings. Wattle is depicted around the entire certificate.certificate, ana, australian natives association

Keith David Livingston No VX136969 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 21.6.43 age 20 years. At discharge from the Army he was a Pte in 173 Aust Field Ordnance Depot. He enlisted in Mataranka Northern Territory. He often told the story that he was in Darwin at the bombing and they moved them down to Katherine and then it was bombed so he was either in the CMF or working up there at the time and then enlisted in the AIF. B & W photo re group of soldiers - "FIRST MEAL ON THE BEACH" after landing Labuan 1945. Keith Livingston 2nd from the left "FIRST MEAL ON THE BEACH"photographs, photography, military history., labuan

Samuel Keam (1851-1928) was the son of John Keam and Mary Truscott of Eaglehawk. He was a keen bike rider who challenged many other riders to races in the Bendigo area. He also rode in professional races. He eventually opened his bicycle shop in Williamson Street. He married Mary Jane Wheatley in 1873. They eventually moved to Spotswood where he died.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Thursday, February 12, 2004. Sporting times: S. Keam Importers and Manufacturers of Bendigo proudly display their collection of late model penny-farthings, alongside a treadle sewing machine, bicycles and other wares. The side wall of the firm's store is also advertising perambulators (prams) and bicycles, circa 1890. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Lachlan Maclachlan was born in Argyllshire, Scotland in 1808. He initially travelled to NZ before coming to Melbourne in 1852. In 1853 he became the Police Magistrate at Castlemaine and then transferred to Bendigo in the same position. After his retirement he removed to Melbourne where he died in 1885.The Sovereign Of Sandhurst by Marjorie Petterson, 150 pages of history of the Maclachlan clan including Lachlan Maclachlan, with black & white photographs.Marjorie Pettersonbook, bendigo, lachlan maclachlan

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few. This letter relates to lease details of Coomete from Mrs Bayles from whom he leased Coomete for many years. This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. This letter shows the friendly terms which lessee and leasor enjoyed.Cream paper with black handwriting. Written on front and back.augustus bostock, warrnambool, coomete

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few. Augustus was the son of Robert and Rachel Bostock. He spent the first 17 years of his life in Tasmania before living in Victoria for 70 years.This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. This death certificate of Augustus provides family history informationRectangular white paper overprinted with light green pattern stating State of Victoria. Blue stamp dated 16 Mar 1989. Dated 1920 in top left corner. Typed form filled in, in black handwriting.Registered by Robert R Macfarlane, date stamped 16 Mar 1989. Extract no 12644augustus bostock, margaret aitkin, warrnambool

Edward Blatchford Wright was born in 1894 in Birmingham, son of Edward Wright and Florence Emuss. It is not known when he migrated to Australia but he served in the AIF during WW1, seeing action in France. On enlistment aged 20 years 9 months, he gave his occupation as farmer. He married Gertrude Matilda Wain in 1919. He came to Surrey Hills c1924. He was a grocer in the area for several decades with shops in Canterbury Road. In 1942 he is listed at 235 Union Road. This was a residential address. Alan Holt's Surrey Hills property register places him at 365 Canterbury Road (c1920-1930) and 359 Canterbury Road (c1930-1940). He died in 1972 in Mont Albert. His last electoral roll entry in 1968 gives 18 Serpentine Street, Mont Albert. He and his wife are buried in Burwood Cemetery.Black and white photo of the exterior of Edward Blanchford Wright's grocery shop in Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. The screen door is open and William Reynolds stands in the opening, dressed in a long white coat. The window displays are stacked high with cans and packages and large signs advertising the prices of goods. There is advertising on the windows for Marmite, Glen Valley tea, Preservene soap and Brockoff's biscuits. advertising, shops, grocers, businesses, union road shops, edward blatchford wright, william reynolds, burwood cemetery, world war 1, canterbury road

This is a book containing early 20th century photographs of the town of Terang in the Western District of Victoria. Most of the photographs were taken by Robert Frederick Scott (1877-1953). He was born in Koroit and came to Terang in his early years. He took up coach building and in 1906 he moved to Cobden where he continued coach building with W.J. Silvester. He was regarded at the time as a clever mechanical engineer and was a pioneer in the motor garage business. In the 1930s he was a representative for the Melbourne firm of A.H. McDonald & Co. in the machinery business. He installed milking machines in the Western District and Gippsland. His hobby was photography and he took many photographs in the Western District and supplied photographs to the Victorian Railways for inclusion in the train carriages. This book is of considerable interest as a record of the town of Terang in the early 20th century. The photographs are of high quality and the book will be useful to researchers.This is a soft cover book of 52 pages. It contains black and white photographs of early 20th century Terang and district. The photographs are set in a grey-coloured frame and on the page opposite the photograph is a description of the photograph. The cover is made of lightweight cardboard and the front cover has the title of the book and a black and white photograph of the town of Terang. The book is bound with plastic spirals.history of terang, robert frederick scott, history of western district, warrnambool history

Rev Thomas Williams (1815 - 1891) went to Lakeba, Fiji as a missionary in 1839. In 1843 he went to Somosomo, and in 1848 to Bua. When his health failed, he was sent back to the colonies, and did circuit work in Adelaide 1854 - 1856. In 1857 he was transferred to Victoria, where he was stationed in Melbourne, Brighton, Creswick, Colac, Ballarat East, Castlemaine and Melbourne South. He became a Supernumerary in 1878. He was elected president of the 18th and last Australasian Conference held in Sydney in 1873.B & W head and shoulders image of the Rev. Thomas Williams.Revd Thomas Williams President of the Australasian Conference 1873.rev thomas williams, fiji, missionary, lakeba, somosomo, bua, adelaide, president of the australasian conference

Rev. Dr. William Morley (1842-1926) was born in Notting-Hampshire, England where he received early ministerial training. He was twenty when he arrived in New Zealand, where he was twice President of the Methodist Conference and then President of the General Conference. In 1902 he was called to Australia to take up the position of managing treasurer of the Supernumerary Minister's Fund. In 1891, Morley was a member of the second Methodist Ecumenical Conference at Washington and President of Queen's College Council 1909 - 1925. He died in Kew, Victoria.Matt, sepia, three quarter studio portrait of Rev. W. Morley on card.Rev. W. Morley D.D.morley, w. d. d., wesleyan, new zealand, methodist conference, general conference, queen's college, supernumerary minister's fund

Rev. Dr. William Morley (1842-1926) was born in Notting-Hampshire, England, where he received early ministerial training. He was twenty when he arrived in New Zealand, where he was twice President of the Methodist Conference and then President of the General Conference. In 1902 he was called to Australia to take up the position of managing treasurer of the Supernumerary Minister's Fund. In 1891, Morley was a member of the second Methodist Ecumenical Conference at Washington and President of Queen's College Council 1909-1925. He died in Kew, Victoria. A black and white A4 copy of a notice to an afternoon with friends at Queen's College.An invitation to an afternoon with friends. William Morley, President of Queen's College Council, 1909-1925, by Bill Thomas, Sunday 361 October 2004 at 3.00p.m. in the junior Common Room at Queen's College.morley, w. d. d., wesleyan, new zealand, methodist conference, general conference, queen's college, supernumerary minister's fund

Thomas Langdon (1832-1914) was born in Somerset, England and came to Australia in 1853. He started in Bendigo as a miner and carter before beginning farming at Laanacoorie. He married twice; Esther Temlett in 1855 and Sarah Coventry in 1862. He was elected to the Marong Shire Council in 1871 and went on to become a member of the Victorian parliament. He was the Member for Avoca and later Korong. In 1907 he was the Minister for Labour.Black leather folder, 5 pages inside. On front of folder in gold print ' In Memoriam. The Honorable Thomas Langdon, Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly' Inside, first page: In Memoriam, The Honorable Thomas Langdon, M.L.A., member of the Legislative Assembly for - The Avoca District from 1880 - 1889; The Korong District from 1892 - 1914. Died 27th May, 1914. Following pages cite extracts from the minutes of the Lagislative Council that discuss Thomas Langdon's passion and significance in representing his constituents in Parliament. His passing is noted. 'Wednesday June 24 1914' The One. W.L. Baiullieu ' it is with much regret that I have to propose the following motion 'that this House desires to place on record its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Thomas Langdon .....'person, government, thomas langdon

It was donated by Clive Marshall after his stay in the repatriation hospital after he came home from Vietnam. He served from 1967 to 1968 He was apart of 2 squadron Tea cup ceramic with two green lines wrapping around the top one in the middle of the cup with a code of arms this a shield saying repatriation It has a shield with repatriation in the middleraf, 2 squadron, vietnam war, repatriation hospital

It was donated by Clive Marshall after his stay in the repatriation hospital after he came home from Vietnam. He served from 1967 to 1968 He was apart of 2 squadron Saucer ceramic with two green lines wrapping around the top one in the middle of the saucer with a code of arms this a shield saying repatriation It has a shield with repatriation in the middle2 squadron, vietnam war, repatriation hospital

Black and white photographs - 2 copiesTyped below photograph, "Boiler explosion at Ringwood station 20/6/1894. Heard in Box Hill". Article from newspapers:- Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 21 Official enquiry. The Board of Enquiry appointed by the Railway Commissioners to enquire into the causes of the boiler explosion which shattered the locomotive at Ringwood on Saturday night, assembled at the Railway department on Wednesday to commence its deliberations, The board consisted of Mr R. Fulton, engineer, C. W. McLean; engineer to the Marine Board, and Mr Mephan Ferguson, iron-founder. There is some difficulty at the outset about the constitution of the board; It was suggested that the Apt of Parliament contemplated that boards of experts, after the manner of the present one, needed, to have their appointments confirmed by the Governor-in-Council. The point, however, was not considered sufficiently important to prevent the board from proceeding with evidence. Robert Greyford, stationmaster at Ringwood, was the first witness. He said he saw the explosion on Saturday night at about twenty minutes to 8. There was a rush to the engine to see what had happened, and the driver and fireman were both found on the platform of the engine. The driver seemed badly hurt, but the fireman, to all appearances, was not so badly injured. They were both attended to and sent up to Melbourne by the last suburban train. Witness had a look at the engine and found the dome and all the plates round the boiler blown clean, away. The springs were also blown clean away. The Chairman (Mr Fulton) : Did you measure the distance ? Witness: Yes; one of the plates was 209 yards away. A piece from the top of the boiler 15 pounds in weight he found driven into the hard beaten track 410 yards away. Several pieces of boiler plate were found scattered at various distances. The buildings roundabout were injured. The Chairman; Did you notice anything peculiar about either of the driver or the fireman ? — No ; nothing wrong, with either of them. If the engine was blowing off at all, it must have been very light. In your opinion, were they perfectly sober ? — Perfectly. In approaching the station, is there a down or an up grade? — A very slight down grade. How is the road from Healesville ? — Up and down all the way. It is down, grade for about 200 yards coming into Ringwood station. They shut off ; steam about a quarter of a mile away, and come in at a good pace. They generally put on 15 pounds of steam while they are in the station. Mr Ferguson : Had the driver the usual load on ? — Yes ; about the usual load. Witness added that he had known the driver personally for about 10 years, and he had always been a careful, steady, sober man. He did not know the fireman so well. John Palmer, porter at Ringwood station, also saw the explosion. He was attending to the train on its arrival. He was knocked down by the force of the explosion. When he got up he saw the engine driver being carried into the office covered in blood. He noticed nothing peculiar about the driver and fireman, nor about the engine. Mr McLean : How far were you from the engine when you were knocked down ? — From ten to fifteen yards. William Paul, the guard of the train to which the injured locomotive Was attached, said he was looking at the engine at the very moment the explosion occurred. It seemed to come from exactly under the dome. The force of it took him off his feet. He was about 15 yards from the tender. When he rose he tried to reach the engine, but could not do so on account of the steam and coal dust. He called out to know whether any of the passengers were injured, and got no response, so that he concluded they were all right. All the lamps but about half dozen were extinguished by the force of the explosion, although the glass was not broken. He could testify most distinctly that the driver and fireman were both sober. The driver was a man who never drank. The steam started to blow off about a minute and a half before the explosion took place. The last place at which the engine took water was Healesville. The Chairman : Do yon know anything of the quality of the water there ? Is it creek water ? — Yes ; it comes from the Graceburn River. You never heard of its quality ?— No. How long have you known this engine on the road— About 13 months. Hew long have you known the driver on this line ? — About six weeks. I have known the fireman several years. The driver was a strict teetotaller, and I never saw the fireman take anything to drink in his life. Mr T. H, Woodroffe, chief mechanical engineer of the Victorian Railways, produced a report he had written to the secretary, about this explosion. The document gave facts concerning the engine and the explosion. It stated that the rapture seemed to have occurred at the rim of the plates adjoining the fire box. The engine was built at the Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat, in 1883. It was repaired at various times, the last time being in July of last year when it was sent to the Port Melbourne shops, and was then tested to a cold water pressure of 195 and found all right. It was the custom to overhaul all locomotives about every five years. The Chairman : There were no very heavy repairs in July, 1893; were there? — Not to the boilers. The shop manager's report says that the plug and safety tap holes were repaired, five new copper studs put in firebox, ash-pan door repaired, tender cleaned and overhauled, and studs re-rivetted, and boiler tested to pressure of 195, cold water. Mr Woodroffe read the report of the repairs effected to the boiler in December, 1888. That would be the time the plate was put in the boiler. On that occasion three new plates were put in the bottom and the boiler tested up to 195. The Chairman: Do you keep a record of the water used ?— Yes, the water in this case, I think, came from the Maroondah scheme. Mr Woodroffe said boilers were examined front time to time in the running sheds. In his opinion every possible care had been taken to keep the engine in proper care. There might, however, be lessons learnt from this. The Chairman: No doubt. From his examination of the plates [the] witness did not think the state of them could have been detected from the outside. There were no signs of leakage or sweating or anything of that sort. The next witness- was Walter Stinton, workshop manager at Newport and he said that the injured engine had been repeatedly repaired under his charge. He gave a technical account of the repairs effected on various occasions. The testing of locomotives was under his special notice. They had a high pressure pipe running; round the works, and a pump set at 2001b. When the boiler was pumped full of water the pressure when applied up to 1951b. The board appointed by the department to inquire into the Ringwood locomotive boiler explosion sat again at Spencer street on 25th inst. Mr R. Fulton presided and the other members of the board were. Mr Mephan Ferguson and Mr C. W. McLean. Charles Grubb, foreman of the boiler-makers at the Newport workshops, said he had inspected the pieces of plate that had been blown out of the engine, and after examining them, pointed out to the Chief Mechanical Engineer the portion where the plate had started to burst. It was under the lap, on the right hand side of the boiler. The grooving might be accounted for by bad water. During the past twenty years he had examined all the boilers that came into the Williamstown workshops, and while some were hardly marked at all, others were very badly eaten away. The practice was to cut out the defective portions. In this case the boiler was repaired in a similar manner. The Chairman : Can you suggest any other way of repairing so as to prevent accident ? — No, unless by taking out a plate on one side from the joint, and carrying it further up so as to avoid the joints meeting, or by taking out the plate altogether. What would.be the cost .of putting in a new " plate I—Perhaps about double the price; but I wouldn't recommend that course. It would be putting a new plate against plates that have been in use ten years or so and that would not be advisable. I think the present system better. I consider the present system of repairing the best. This is the first we have had so bad like that, to my knowledge. You attributed this to bad water. Is there no other probable cause ? — Well; unless the iron be bad. This was Lowmoor iron. I think this accident was caused by the eating away of plates. This one was the worst I have seen, for the short time it had been running. We use three classes of iron — Lowmoor, Monkbridge and Bowling. By Mr Woodroffe (Chief Mechanical Engineer) ; There are engines still running that were repaired at the same time as this one, in 1888, and. in the same way. These are engines 339 and 333. They have been recently examined and are in splendid order. What in your experience, is the age of a boiler on the Victorian railways? — From 17 to 20 years our earlier boilers stood. The later boilers don't stand so well. How is that? — There is difference in construction, and the material is lighter. The old boilers had thicker plates. Have you been asked in any way to curtail boiler affairs? — No, sir; nor in any way. You have never hesitated to carry out any necessary repairs? — Never. Our orders have been to exercise every care in examining, repairing and renewing boilers. Witness said that his practice was when an engine came into the workshop to find out how long she had been running. If over five years, he informed the workshop manager, and they thought it necessary the tubes were taken nut. If everything was in good order witness reported to the manager. The cost of taking out the tubes and putting them in again was about L20. Mr Woodroffe : Have you ever hesitated to repair a boiler on the score of expense ? — No, never. Mr McLean : Hew do yon ascertain whether a boiler requires repairs?— I keep a record of every boiler examined. From every boiler that comes in I have the dome covers taken off, and when it is practical I get inside. l can almost tell from the top of a boiler what the bottom is like. If there is any doubt about it I have the tubes taken out. If I have suspicion of defective plate I cause to have bored a triangle in the plate at the point where there is the most wear. There is a travelling inspector who visits all the running sheds of the colony except Port Melbourne and tests the boilers. He reports to us and we note what he points out. Alfred Thompson, locomotive inspector of the eastern section, said he knew this engine, 297R. He read a list of her repairs. He heard of the accident on Saturday night and went up to Ringwood. The Chairman : Did you ever notice anything peculiar about the engine? — No, I considered her A1 and would not have hesitated to have put on 140lb pressure owing to the repairs she had undergone. Witness considered that the explosion was caused by the expansion and contraction of the plates ; and, no doubt, the plate had been eaten away through bad water. The other side of the boiler showed: signs of corrosion: By Mr Woodroffe ; Is every care taken with the boilers ? — Yes, every possible care is taken for the safety of boilers, Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 7 EXPLOSION OF A LOCOMOTIVE BOILER, NARROW ESACPE FROM FATALITIES. THE DAMAGED ENGINE. [See drawing of loco – saved in “Railways” folder] The explosion of a locomotive boiler at Ringwood on Saturday evening, formed the subject of much discussion in railway circles on Monday. The Minister arrived at the office at an unusually early hour and immediately entered into a consultation with the acting chairman, Mr Kibble, and Mr Commissioner Murray. As the result of the interview it was resolved to ask three gentlemen of acknowledged engineering experience to sib as a board with the . object of inquiring into the cause of the accident and furnishing a report. Mr Richardson and the Commissioners are tally seized of the importance of having a searching investigation into the accident, and, with Mr Murray, the former went to Ringwood to inspect the scene of the disaster. They will he accompanied by Mr Woodroffe. During the morning no official report had come to hand from the driver or fireman of the engine in reference to the accident, but that is thought to be due to the circumstance that they have not sufficiently recovered to be able to give a circumstantial account of what occurred. The engine was one of the old R's, and, Mr Kibble pronounced them to be about the best class of engines used. So far nothing can be said as to the probable cause of the accident, as the broken plating of the engine has not been submitted to the inspection of experts. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 27 January 1894, page 7 STATEMENT BY THE FIREMAN. This morning Thomas Miles, fireman on the engine the boiler of which exploded on Saturday night, is suffering from an injury to the spine, as well as a very severe shaking to the system. He states that he was fireman on the engine attached to the train which left Healesville on Saturday evening, at ten minutes to 8. Everything went all right until Ringwood was reached, when, .just as the train was about to continue its journey, a load explosion took place and Miles remembers nothing more until he was picked np on the platform ; and found himself suffering from a pain in the back, and an injury to his arm. He cannot think of any reason which could have caused the explosion, as there was plenty of water in the boiler, and everything seemed working all right. Mr R. Fulton, consulting engineer, of Queen street; Mr McLean, a member of the Marine Board ; and Mr Mephan Ferguson, engineer, have consented to act as a board to inquire into the cause of the engine boiler explosion at Ringwood on Saturday evening. The board has been appointed under section 117 of Act 1135, which provides that the Governor-in-Council may direct the taking of a such a step. Mr1 Fulton will act as chairman of the board, which met for the first time at the railway offices, Spencer street, this forenoon. Before separating the members of the Board paid a visit to the Prince's Bridge locomotive sheds in company with Mr Woodroffe, the chief mechanical engineer, for the purpose of inspecting the shattered boiler. It has been stated that the explosion is known to have been caused by a flaw in a plate which was put on the boiler about four years ago, but enquiries have tailed to elicit anything in support of that view. The engineers connected with the department are not inclined to say anything on the subject. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 14 April 1894, page 20 The Ringwood Boiler Explosion, The Minister of Railways has received the supplementary report of the board appointed by him to investigate the circumstances connected with the explosion of a locomotive boiler at Ringwood. In their first report the board did not attach blame to anyone. Mr Richardson felt satisfied that the responsibility of having the engines properly inspected and overhauled periodically could be fixed if the inquiry were extended. He therefore referred the matter again to the Board, who took further evidence. In the report now furnished, the Board hold Loco. Inspector Thompson blameable, but point out as a mitigating circumstance that he had not received "written instructions" respecting inspections and overhauls. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 7 July 1894, page 32 The Ringwood Boiler Explosion. The Minister of Railways takes exception to the tone of a paragraph appearing in a morning contemporary respecting the Ringwood boiler explosion. It makes it appear that Mr Richardson has referred the report of the board which considered the facts connected with the explosion to the Crown solicitor simply because he differed from the finding of the board. The Minister explains that when he received the report he found that the responsibility for having boilers properly inspected and overhauled had not been clearly fixed. He personally obtained farther evidence on that point, and arrived at a conclusion, from which the commissioners differed. As he did not like to take upon himself the responsibility of deciding upon the effect of the evidence, he submitted the matter to the Crown Solicitor, but that officer did not furnish him with the information sought. He has, therefore, referred the question to the Attorney-General, together with the draft of a regulation respecting boiler inspections and overhauls in the future. Mr Richardson says that his whole aim is to have the responsibility positively fixed. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 28 April 1894, page 23 The Minister of Railways has completed his consideration of the supplementary report received by him from the Ringwood Boiler Explosion Board. The report, it will be remembered, held Loco-Inspector Thompson blameable for the non-inspection of the boiler, but considered there was extenuating circumstances. There was a certain amount of doubt as to the absolute instructions given for overhauling engines periodically. Mr. Richardson is sending the report on to the Commissioners with instructions that the responsibility respecting inspection of boilers shall be made clear for the future.

Rev. Dr Andrew Melville McMaster, B.A., B.D., was born in 1922 at Mataura, New Zealand, where his father was the Presbyterian minister. The McMaster family came to Victoria in 1924. Rev A. M. McMaster entered the University of Melbourne in 1941, and after graduating Bachelor of Arts, studied at Ormond College, obtaining his Bachelor of Divinity in 1947. In 1947 he married Jean Langdon Buller, and in 1948 he was ordained and inducted into the Presbyterian Charge of Newtown, Tasmania. In 1951 he was called to Oatlands, Tasmania, where he served until 1956. From 1950 - 1952 he was Moderator of the Tasmanian Assembly. He was called to Swann Hill in 1956 and Croydon in 1962. From 1970 - 1972 he undertook post graduate studies at the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was awarded a Doctorate of the Ministry in 1972. In December 1972 he was called to Kew Presbyterian Church. He was called to Noble Park in 1979 and to Wesley Church Shepparton in 1981. Hi retired in 1988 and died on 5th September 2009. B & W head and shoulders photograph of the Rev. Andrew Melville McMaster dressed in an academic gown, mounted on cream card.Rev Dr A. Melville McMaster B.A., B.D. 1972 - andrew melvill mcmaster, presbyterian, minister, new zealand, ormond college, moderator, kew, mccormick theological seminary