John Watson's story shows insight to the families that moved to Beechworth and the motivation behind this. It showcases the nuances of life in the district and the day to day ways of living. This history speaks of land cultivation and the innovation of industry in the region, in particular cattle farming and butchering. Watson's account speaks of the way that the practice of breeding cattle effects the rural lifestyle, and the hardships that come with working on the land. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Watson's account is historically significant due to its ability to illustrate the lifestyle and industry of those in Beechworth during the twentieth century. It is a rare insight into the the practices of residents of this time. This oral history also shows deep insight into the social structure of the community. It describes the family and community dynamics over a long period of time, the motivations behind behaviour, and the greater community fabric. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.John Watson1800s beechworth, 20th century beechworth, beechworth, farming and agriculture, farm, farm work, farmers, farming, cattle, industry, oral history, john watson

John Watson, and his son Albert John Watson, were butchers in High Street, Kew.They were the grandfather and father of the donor, Mrs Joy Ivory. John Watson Snr was a Steward of the Kew Methodist Church for 22 years.Small sepia photographic positive showing John Watson Snr standing at the gate of his house. In front of his house, an unidentified man is sitting in a horse and buggy. John Watson was a local butcher and a longstanding steward of the Highbury Grove Methodist Church."John Watson senior at gate. Butchers High Street Kew. Albert John Watson January 10th 1898 / John Bee, Avonville, Albert Street, Kew"john watson, butchers -- kew (vic.)

Albert John Watson was a son of John Watson Esq, Steward of the Kew Methodist Church.Studio portrait on a Paris Panel (Cabinet Card) of John Watson playing a cello. Joh Watson was the father of Mrs Ivory, the donor. Annotations on reverse: "Reg. No. KH.134. Albert John Watson, aged 21. Donated by Mrs Ivory, 1979. daughter and member Kew Historical Society."coles studio (melbourne), mrs ivory, albert john watson

Studio portrait in Cabinet Card format of John Watson, the father of Mrs Ivory.Reverse: "Donated by Mrs Ivory / taken approx 1890s / Albert John Watson aged 12 / Hawthorn College"albert john watson

Account rendered by Connelly, Tatchell & dunlop to the trustees of the Estate of John Watson deceased and Mrs. Watson & others. For services given in 1901, account for 63.0.0.business, legal, john watson, john watson, connelly, tatchell & dunlop

de Kerilleau was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. The magnificent two storey brick homestead is built on ground above Wodonga Creek. The home of Georgian style consists of eleven rooms and a spacious cellar. At the rear of the main house in a separate single storey building was a large kitchen, pantry and accommodation for a cook and a housemaid. A feature of the homestead is the cast iron lace on the veranda and upper balcony, both supported by caste - iron pillars. The granite foundations of the home were quarried from the hill above the homestead. The enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree which stands to the side of the home was planted when Sir Charles Bowen visited de Kerilleau to mark the opening of the rail line that connects Victoria with New South Wales. Planted in 1873, it is still standing today. This painting was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by George, Digby & Dugald Watson on behalf of the late John & Chris Watson. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill ‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA coloured portrait of John Kenneth Darnton Watson and a painting of de Kerilleau Homestead, the Watson Family home for three generations. The portrait was taken by Peter Charlesworth. The painting is the work of D.K. Ross in 1991.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria. First child of Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON. He married Mary June BATTYE on 18 September 1948 in Victoria, Australia. He died on 07 February 2001.Photos of Frederick John Watson Myerslocal identies

"METHODIST CHURCH. In 1881, during the ministry of Rev. W. H. Fitchett, B.A., at Hawthorn, a number of members of the denomination living at Kew considered that the time was opportune for founding a local Church. The Superintendent of the Circuit, the Rev. W. A. Quick of Richmond, met the members and formed them into a society class under the leadership of Mr. A. Brown and a Church was formally instituted at the house of Mr. T. J. Eaton, of Eglinton Street, in December, 1881. Services were regularly held for some time at the same place, and funds for purchasing a block of land were gradually collected, resulting in the present site in Highbury Grove being purchased for £350. Messrs. W. Cleverdon, A. Money, T. E. Serpell, and T. Vasey, of Hawthorn, and Messrs. A. Brown, R. Eyre, and T. J. Eaton of Kew, were appointed trustees. A public meeting was held a the Town Hall, when over £100 was raised. The Rev. John Harcourt, who had just been placed on the supernumerary list, was persuaded to undertake the charge, and commenced services in the Town Hall on 29th April, 1882, which were continued for eighteen months. A Sunday School was started, and altogether the effort progressed so satisfactorily that in October, 1882, the foundation and memorial stones of the present Church were laid by Mr James Huddart. At the tea meeting held in connection with this event nearly £200 was raised and a few months later £250 more was obtained by means of a bazaar. The contract for building Church was let for £1,200. The Sunday School celebrated its first anniversary in June, and the Church was opened on 7th October 1883, the preachers on the occasion being Revs. E. J. Watkin, S. Chapman, and John Harcourt, the collections amounting to £230. Towards raising these sums of money the ladies of the congregation helped very materially. In 1886 the foundation stone of a Sunday school, to cost about £900, was laid by Mrs. H Berry, the building being opened in April 1887. During the same year the Church was enlarged. In 1889 parsonage was erected, and again arrangements had to be made for a further enlargement of the Church, at a cost of nearly £2,000. The foundation stones of the tower were laid by Rev J. Harcourt, and of the transepts by Mrs. Job Smith and Mrs. John Watson. These additions were made during the ministry of Rev. P. R. C. Ussher, the first minister appointed to Kew by conference. He has been succeeded by Revs. Henry Howard, J. de Q. Robin, J. J. Brown, J. G. Wheen, A. E. Albiston, M.A., and F. J. Nance, M.A., who is at present ably filling the pulpit. For the musical portion of the services, the Church has been greatly indebted to the enthusiasm of Mr. C. Gardner, the leader of the choir, and Mr. C. E. Gardner, the organist. The Sunday School has had a number of excellent workers, among whom may be mentioned Messrs. Burchett, Allum, Hillard, Tonkin, Dent, Avery, McDonald, Green, and B. Hoadley, who have acted as Superintendents, and Messrs. Arnall and McCaghern as Secretaries. The present trustees are Messrs. H. Berry, Job Smith, A. Hoadley, F. Vial, C. Powers, H. L. Carnegie, C. H. Green, W. R. Rylah, E. M. Tonkin, S. Gaylard, J. Gregory, J. R. McDonald, T. J. Eaton, F. S. Fitchett, and S. Lamble; Society Stewards, T. J. Eaton and B. Hoadley; Poor Stewards, G. Hinchliffe and G. Fraser; Church Stewards, C. H. Green and G. Hinchliffe; Treasurer, F. S. Fitchett; Secretary, S. Lamble." Source: FGA Barnard, Jubilee History of Kew, Victoria, 1910Commemorative tributes were regularly produced in the 19th and early 20th Century to honour community service. Most were adapted from traditional lithographed models. This example, while created within a formal lithographed border has been transmuted into the equivalent of an illuminated document, hand-painted, and therefore rare. The use of flowers in the design emphasises the sentimental and spiritual aspects of the certificate. The document is a rare unique record of the Kew Methodist Church's history.A hand written testimonial for John Watson Esq from the Trustees of the Kew Methodist Church. The customised colour lithograph includes, at lower left, a turn of the century photograph of the Kew Methodist Church in Highbury Grove. The entire certificate is surrounded by floral art and scroll work. The central text uses neo-gothic lettering.‘Dear Sir … in view of your compulsory retirement on health grounds, from the position of Church Steward, [the Trustees] desire to express their great appreciation of your long service of over 22 years, in that and other offices in the Church. They trust that you will yet be spared many years in fellowship with our Church, and that God’s richest blessing be on you, and your family. We remain, Yours sincerely A. E. Albiston (Minister), S. Lamble (Secretary), F. S. Fitchett (Treasurer), T. J. Eaton (Trustee), C. H. Green and Hubert S. Howell (Church Stewards); March 28th 1907’. john watson esq, kew methodist church, highbury grove, certificates, tesimonials

This silver tray was donated by the family of John Watson and was used when they lived in de Kerilleau Homestead for three generations. de Kerilleau Homestead was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA circular silver tray with an embossed design around the outer edge.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This John C Watson (Chris Watson) 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate important figures in Australian politics. He was the first Labour Prime Minister elected forming a minority government in April 1904, aged 37, after the ALP withdrew its support from Deakin. He was one of the first socialists to head a government in a parliamentary system, attracting international attention, and remains Australia's youngest prime minister. After less than four months in office, the Watson government lost a confidence motion and Watson was succeeded as prime minister by anti-socialist George Reid. The original reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series included Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Watson.Glazed ceramic flask in the shape John Watson. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; John C Watson / Prime Minister / of Australia / 27.4.1904 / To / 18 .08. 1904 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 55/1200 /Australia Signed lower centre; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery

John Christian 'Chris' Watson, Australia's 3rd Prime Minister and the first Labor Prime Minister, held office for only four months in 1904. The Prime Ministers Avenue is a collection of bronze bust portraits of the Prime Ministers of Australia, located at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in Ballarat, Victoria. The Prime Ministers' portraits are commissioned after the incumbent term of each Prime Minister by the City of Ballarat. The City of Ballarat has taken responsibility for commissioning the busts after funds set aside by politician Richard Armstrong Crouch were exhausted in 2014. Crouch originally donate money to pay for six busts, the first of which was unveiled in 1940. The collection of prime ministers' busts are unique in Australia, representing the only sculptural portrait collection of all past Australian Prime Ministers. The different styles used reflect the unique artistic practices of the selected artists; textures, sizes and features and proportions are used by the artists to interpret the characteristics of each of the subjects.The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratBronze bust cast on granite plinthJohn Christian Watson Prime Minister 1904prime minister, australian pm

(Copy of ) photo of John Boyd Watson. On reverse, detail of birth and death (Place & date) and reference ''Town and Country Journal 15/6/1880, p. 19) Handwritten also on reverse: Frank Cusack, 75 Russell St Bendigo. Newspaper clipping from The Bendigo Advertiser, Date Unknown, 'The Way We Were'. Grand. John Boyd Watson made a fortune from gold in Bendigo, but he is less well known than George Lansell for two reasons. He died well before Lansell and he invested his money outside Bendigo. His Home on the corner of Rowan and Wattle Streets, 'Kent House', is about to be restored and the owners want to put back the veranda the way it was before this photo was taken. If anyone can help, please phone John Launder on 0438 544 268or email [email protected], individual, john boyd watson

Rob Upson became a volunteer at the Bendigo Visitor Centre in 1998. The Staff produced a monthly newsletter called ‘The Grapevine’. Being reasonably new to Bendigo, Rob became interested in its history and began writing articles to share with the volunteers. He called them ‘Grapevine Cuttings’ under the pen name of ‘Merlot’. Rob wrote about 90 articles over a period of 12 years until ‘The Grapevine’ was finally pruned and shutdown. Rob is a valuable volunteer for the Bendigo Historical Society.Article 85 of 65 Newsletters in PDF format from the Grapevine collection. history, bendigo, grapevine cuttings, john boyd watson

John Smith WATSON was born in 1821 in Bedrule, Roxburghshire, Scotland, United Kingdom as the first child of William WATSON and Agnes Nance SMITH. When he was 43, he married Robina MARSHALL, daughter of Andrew MARSHALL and Barbara GROAT, on 30 November 1864. John Smith WATSON and Robina MARSHALL had the following children: 1. William Andrew WATSON was born on 19 June 1865. 2. Robina (Ruby) WATSON was born on 27 December 1866 in Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia. She died on 08 September 1903 in Ballarat, Victoria. Australia. 3. Barbara WATSON was born in 1871. She died about 1873. 4. Adam Arthur WATSON was born on 19 June 1874 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. He died on 12 July 1954. 5. Alexander WATSON was born about 1877 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. 6. George WATSON was born in 1880. In February 1895 John Watson died. He had been a member of the Ballarat Fire Brigade. His photo is included amongst the early members of the Ballarat Fire Brigade. His name is also inscribed on the marble board at the fire Station.Portrait of Watson at the 'new' Ballarat City Fire Station, 1112 Sturt St, relocated from original Ballarat Fire station, 702 Sturt St, Ballarat. pioneer families

BENDIGO GAS CO COLLECTION -re proceeds of the Estate of the Late John Locke Watson / two unsigned documents / one document which is signed has a share Dividend pinned to it ' Bendigo Gas Company , Bendigo 16.8.1940 The bank of Australasiabendigo, business, bendigo gas company, bendigo gas company

Copy of photograph. On bottom: Bartlett Bros, Sandhurst. In blue handwriting: ' John Boyd Watson (standing) - Basil Watson's uncle, and James Isaac Watson (sitting) Basil Watson's father.person, bendigo, basil watson

John Watson moved his fishing camp to this site after he was paid by the Department of Defence to leave Point Franklin in 1880.Watson's fishing camp situated where the present club houses of the Sorrento sailing Club now stand. Donated by V. Keatingjohn watson, fishing, sscbc, sorrento sailing club

These certificates were given to John Richard Watson, the son of Thomas and Eliza Watson of "Gracedale," Yendon. He was their 5th child of 11 children, the first to be born at Yendon. A large printed certificate given to State School students in the 1880's. Beige background with gold, red and blue lettering. Personal details hand written in black ink..1 Department of Education, Victoria. Certificate of Progress. This is to Certify that John Richard Watson has been Examined in the Third Class at Yendon State School, and has Passed in every subject. Dated at Yendon this 30th day of July 1885 (Signed) Samuel Summons MA LLB Inspector of Schools John Kemp Head Teacher .2 As above except "Fourth Class" and "Dated 10th day of August 1886" Letters after inspector's name not added. certificate of progress, department of education victoria 1880's, state schools victoria 1880's, yendon, yendon state school, samuel summons, jonh kemp, john richard watson, gracedale yendon

Articles in annual report include: branch committees, President's report, finance report, balance sheet, auxiliaries, volunteer service groups, in answer to your questions, senior staff, life governors, building of Katharine Rose wing at Bendigo, donation by G.W. Vowell of a 20 acre farm at Mt Eliza, new auxiliaries formed at Brighton, Kooyong, Bendigo and Mt Eliza with Guiding Light Group comprised of solely men, thanks to Flora Douglas for use of her home at Frankston and Audrey Moffat accepting responsibility for volunteer recruitment, and John Watson, a resident of Elanora, turned 100. 1 volume of text, photographs and illustrationsassociation for the blind, john watson, sir rohan delacombe, h.m. lightfoot, mirridong home (bendigo), kelaston home (ballarat), elanora home (brighton), annual reports

Arundell's Shoe Shop and Dalgety's Agency , centre of High St Charlton, north side c. 1987. Corner of High St and Williams Ave (now John Curtin Drive). Right hand building built by William Williams as a saddlery c. 1910. Arundell's Shoe Shop formerly ANA Boot and Shoe Shop established by John Arundell in 1901. The shop was sold by Vic Arundell in 1980 and closed. Next door was John Watson's Stock & Station Agents which later became Dalgety's. The end shop was the saddlery and then Bullock's grocery 1930's to 1970's. In 1957 became Charlton's first self service store. Became Australian Estates late 1970s. The shops were later demolished to make way for the Traveller's Rest. Part of a streetscape series taken in 1987 for the Charlton Shire.Colour photograph of three single-storey shops with corrugated tin verandahs. Signage on the buildings reads Arundell's SHOE STORE and ESTATES. Partially obscured by tree in front of the buildings. A red station wagon is parked on the LH side of the picture and a boy on a bicycle on the RH side. arundell, dalgety's, williams saddery, john watson stock & station agent, bullock's grocery, australian estates, arundell's shoe store, business, industry, charlton

This secretaire once stood proudly in the de Kerilleau homestead at Wodonga. The homestead had been built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill ‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA secretaire with bookcase made of cedar. The bottom section has two cupboards with shelves. These doors support the desk when it is fully opened. Above this section is one large drawer, the front of which opens by pressing a small internal button on each side. The open drawer reveals a desk with a leather writing mat and several compartments. The desk is topped by a book shelf with 3 adjustable shelves. It has lockable glass doors.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 129 of Photograph Album with three landscape photographs of Labassa. One of the photographs is of Labassa's drive and gates.Handwritten: 4 JUNE 1910 / SALE JUNE 28 1910 "LA BASSA' / "AUSTRALASIAN" FORMERLY "ONTARIO"/ RES OF JOHN B WATSON / 15 ACRES 3 ROADS [under bottom left photo] / 4 JUNE 1910 [under bottom right photo] / 129 [bottom left]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, intricate lacework, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, gates, cast iron work, richard billing, architects, john koch, electrification, victorian style, drives, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

The Sulieman Pasha is possibly named after the most important Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman One, or Suleiman the Magnificent, when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. Or potentially a number of Ottoman governors, statesmen and military commanders with the same name after, however the spelling is slightly different to the mine name. No Turkish connection was found relating to the formation of the company, and remains unconfirmed. The mine operated from two shafts; No. 1 near the corner of Humffray and Mair streets, and also near where the Welcome Nugget (2217 ounces) was found years earlier; and the controversial No. 2 shaft several blocks south bordering the northern side of the main highway through Ballarat. The company produced 62 666 ounces of gold, the twelfth highest quartz reef gold production for any mine on the Ballarat goldfield. Some crushing figure examples are January-June 1881: 3674 tonnes 1085 ounces; January-June 1885: 2949 tonnes 1281 ounces; July-December 1885: 4459 tonnes 1119 ounces; January-June 1887: 1869 tonnes 730 ounces; July-December 1892: 1450 tonnes 771 ounces; July-December 1896: 4365 tonnes 1372 ounces. Like many mines in the area, gold grades were low. John Watson was noted as mine manager in the 1880s, and John Williams 1890s. The company was re-organised twice increasing the number of shares from 4000 to 24 000, and increasing the capital available. The Sulieman Pasha Company was formed in 1878. David Fitzpatrick was given the honour of turning the first sod of both the No.1 and later No. 2 shafts. The first dividend was given to shareholders in July 1881. The company obtained a prospecting vote (government grant) to start, and was very proud to be the first Victorian gold mining company to pay the funds back to the government. The event was marked by a lavish banquet laid out for ministers and government officials by the company. Leases were purchased to the south in 1885 to the Llanberris Mine boundary, after poor results began accumulating from the small No. 1 shaft. To take advantage of this new land the company planned to sink a second shaft. Initially this was to take place on government land, but the uproar from nearby residents caused the company to purchase land along the Main Road (now Western Highway), and the old Yarrowee Hotel which had occupied the site since the alluvial digger days of the 1850's was demolished. The area had since those days become heavily occupied with a number of shops, houses, a post office, church and two schools in the immediate area. The thought of an underground mine next door drew considerable opposition. The company (before the days of public relations departments) wrote 'most people would have thought that progress as vital as mining would be supported by tradesmen whose business rely on the mining industry. It seems when it comes to mining they are bereft of their senses, and considering the low ebb of mining in Ballarat East, the action of our opponents are unaccountable. (Sarcastically) There are certain engineering difficulties in moving the quartz reefs to a new location, but if we could to appease our opponents we would'. The company also wanted to take over 4 acres of the St Paul's school oval for machinery, but accused the St Paul's Church of wanting extortionate amounts of money upfront, and on a yearly basis for the privilege. It stated the church could not be opposed to mining when several years earlier it had formed its own company to mine the land, only for shareholders to lose their money. In 1886, the company approached the Minister for Mines, and attended heated public meetings on the matter. The local residents, shop owners, and church submitted a 60 person petition to the local council and government authorities. They stated the shaft contravened the mining statutes, which stating no mining could take place within 150 yards of a public building or church. A speech by a resident stated 'mining always comes with glorious pictures of the great benefits which would accrue all parties concerned if their request is granted, but if property is destroyed or depreciated in value, no-one then comes forward and compensates them'. The No. 2 shaft was approved including taking over part of the school oval. In 1888, workers at the company's No. 2 shaft went on strike to try and bring their wages in line with other mines in the district (the No. 1 shaft was operated by tributers). William Madden (26) was killed from a fall of earth underground the same year, while a year later his father John Madden (70) was similarly killed in the Madame Berry Mine elsewhere in the district. In 1897 as the amount of gold being found fell away, it came to light part of the deal to purchase the Yarrowee Hotel site was a 5% royalty on gold found. Shareholders could not understand why they were paying a royalty to the former owners of the property. The mine closed in 1898 due to a lack of gold. In 1902 a boy (age unknown) called Charles Lee was killed from a fractured skull while working to dismantle the Sulieman Pasha plant. The fuss over the No. 2 shaft had a sequel. On the company winding up, the land was purchased by J.S. Trethowan who built a house next to the shaft. In 1907, the shaft caved-in creating a sinkhole immediately at the back of the house. A Mr Chamberlain heard a deep rumbling sound at 5am, and looked out the window to see his fowl house and thirteen chickens disappear down an expanding hole. He then went back to bed, and called the police later in the day. The shaft was 1050 feet deep, and the hole at the surface that developed was 20 feet by 17 feet across, and 20 feet depth. In 1930 it is reported a syndicate had been formed to clean out the old shaft, and re-open the mine. It is assumed this was the No. 1 shaft but no more was found. (https://www.mindat.org/loc-304239.html, accessed 07/08/2019) A transverse section plan of the Sulieman Pasha Mine.sulieman pasha company, plan, mining, united black hill mine, victoria united mine, victoria street, britannia united mine, last chance mine, llanberris mine, ottoman empire, john watson, john williams, david fitzpatrick

Entry No. 621 on page 856. Entry is a list of the Catherine Reef United Claimholders Gold Mining Company Shareholders with their address and the number of shares they hold. Manager was Thomas Eyre and the Company Office was at Peg Leg Gully, Eaglehawk. Names of Shareholders are: John Abern, Simon Albert, James Allen, William Allen, Alexander Anderson, William Anderson,Harry Leigh Atkinson, William Bannerman, Adolphus Barnett, Adolphus Robert Barnett, Alexander Bayne, Adam Beattie, Robert Bell, Gottfried Bermann, William Boncher, James Branagan, Carl Brecht, Frederick William Brinkmeyer, William Ruthford Brown, Joseph Burgoine, Thomas Burgoine, Thomas Burrows, Joseph Butler, John Thomas Caldwell, Philip Carr, Mary Jane Chantler, James Cobb, Edward Cook, Edward F Cooper, James Crameri, George Cudden, Jacob Ludwig Culmsec, Gustav Damkohler, Ellen Dithmer, William Dixon, William Doig, Robert Campbell Dow, Adam George Dunlop, Andrew McBride Dunlop, Hugh Ellis, Thomas Eyre, Richard Philip Eyre, William Farnsworth, Matthew Fawcett, Frederick John Fleming, John Forrest, Andrew Frei, Robert Gilmour, James Gray, Fordinand Gremelsbecher, Robert Grieve, John Grieve, William Grose, George Hagger, Andrew Hamilton,Hans Truchen Hansen, Thomas Harding, Abraham Harkness, Alexander Hay, Joseph A C Helm, John Hoole, George Hoole, Edward Hunt, Thomas Huston, Henry Jackson, Samuel Jackson, Eli James, Robert Jeffrey, Carl Heinrich Jensen, George Foster Johnson, Richard Kevern, William Kimber, Martin Kircher, Hay Kirkwood, Henry Koch, John Lamperd, Mary Anne Lawley, Charles Letheby, Joseph Lowery, Ninjan Mailor, William Marshall, Robert Marshall, Henry Adolphus Medlicott, John Mitchell, William Moore, Susan Murray, Andrew McGrigor, John Steele McNair, Thomas McCormack, Peter Nielson, William Parry Nicholls, Henry Boyns Nicholas, George Nicholson, John Noble, Daniel Noonan, John O'Keeffe, David Purves, William Rea, William Usher Reavely, Francis Robinson Reay, John Bellew Richards, Samuel Richardson, William Robinson, Henry John Rowe, Thomas Ruberg, John Rule, Thomas Rule, Joseph Rutherford, Edward B Ryal, John Snaith Rymer, Philip Seeber, Ferdinand Sahlberg, John Thomas Sanders, Edward Saunders, Charles Selwyn Savage, Charles Sayer, John Scanlon, William Schafer, James Sherson, William Simpson, Antony Smith, Samuel Snowdon, Peter Sorensen, Anders Neilsen Sorensen, Frederick Stahl, David Chaplin Sterry, James Steward, Louis Straub, Robert Suggett, George Suggett, John Talbot, Marion Taylor, John Thomas, Joseph Thomson, Thomas Treloar, William Trimble, George Turner, Alfred Wainwright, Charles Wallin, John Watson, Joseph Watson, Richard John Webb, Frederick Whitaker, John William Williams, Henry Williams, Robert Wills, Christian Weiss, John Wilson, William Winter, George Wisemann, Joseph Wood, James William Wood, Edward Wrixon, Thomas Young and Henry Young. Witness to Signature was J D Crofts.mining, business, shareholders, catherine reef united claimholders gold mining company shareholders, thomas eyre, mining partnerships limited liability act 1860, john abern, simon albert, james allen, william allen, alexander anderson, william anderson, harry leigh atkinson, william bannerman, adolphus barnett, adolphus robert barnett, alexander bayne, adam beattie, robert bell, gottfried bermann, william boncher, james branagan, carl brecht, frederick william brinkmeyer, william ruthford brown, joseph burgoine, thomas burgoine, thomas burrows, joseph butler, john thomas caldwell, philip carr, mary jane chantler, james cobb, edward cook, edward f cooper, james crameri, george cudden, jacob ludwig culmsec, gustav damkohler, ellen dithmer, william dixon, william doig, robert campbell dow, adam george dunlop, andrew mcbride dunlop, hugh ellis, thomas eyre, richard philip eyre, william farnsworth, matthew fawcett, frederick john fleming, john forrest, andrew frei, robert gilmour, james gray, fordinand gremelsbecher, robert grieve, john grieve, william grose, george hagger, andrew hamilton, hans truchen hansen, thomas harding, abraham harkness, alexander hay, joseph a c helm, john hoole, george hoole, edward hunt, thomas huston, henry jackson, samuel jackson, eli james, robert jeffrey, carl heinrich jensen, george foster johnson, richard kevern, william kimber, martin kircher, hay kirkwood, henry koch, john lamperd, mary anne lawley, charles letheby, joseph lowery, ninjan mailor, william marshall, robert marshall, henry adolphus medlicott, john mitchell, william moore, susan murray, andrew mcgrigor, john steele mcnair, thomas mccormack, peter nielson, william parry nicholls, henry boyns nicholas, george nicholson, john noble, daniel noonan, john o'keeffe, david purves, william rea, william usher reavely, francis robinson reay, john bellew richards, samuel richardson, william robinson, henry john rowe, thomas ruberg, john rule, thomas rule, joseph rutherford, edward b ryal, john snaith rymer, philip seeber, ferdinand sahlberg, john thomas sanders, edward saunders, charles selwyn savage, charles sayer, john scanlon, william schafer, james sherson, william simpson, antony smith, samuel snowdon, peter sorensen, anders neilsen sorensen, frederick stahl, david chaplin sterry, james steward, louis straub, robert suggett, george suggett, john talbot, marion taylor, john thomas, joseph thomson, thomas treloar, william trimble, george turner, alfred wainwright, charles wallin, john watson, joseph watson, richard john webb, frederick whitaker, john william williams, henry williams, robert wills, christian weiss, john wilson, william winter, george wisemann, joseph wood, james william wood, edward wrixon, thomas young, henry young, j d crofts