Small pale blue booklet titled Memorandum and Articles of Association of The Bendigo Chamber of Commerce and Industries which was founded in April 1913. The Memorandum of Association states the Objects of the Association, dated 8 August 1913 and has the names James Henry Curnow, Henry Madren Leggo, Arthur Leon Bolton, Robert Oswald Henderson, William James Campbell and Frederick Conrad Niemann. Witness: E. S. Cahill, Solicitor, Bendigo. Articles of Association are also printed in the booklet and signed by the same people and has the same date. Also printed in the back of the book is a Certificate of Incorporation with the name T. P. Slattery, Deputy Registrar-General.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - memorandum and articles of association, the bendigo chamber of commerce and industries, bolton bros, james henry curnow, henry madren leggo, arthur leon bolton, robert oswald henderson, william james campbell, frederick conrad niemann, e s cahill, t. p. slattery

Councilor J.P.Slattery (J.P.), was elected to council in 1943 until 1955.He served one term as Shire President, 1949 - 50.This photo,which is part of a collection of photos, was taken to commemorate the 1954 visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, and was presented by the Shire President, G.A.Fraser, to mark the occaision.Section of the Original Historical Photo of Councilors for the financial year 1954.Sepia/brown photo of Councilor J.P.Slattery,(J.P.).Situated second from right, middle row, of composite photo of Councilors for the year 1954.PRESENTED TO BALLARAT SHIRE COUNCIL BY SHIRE PRESIDENT TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH 11 1954ballarat shire council, visit of her majesty queen elizabeth 11 1954, j p slattery jp

Program for the Bendigo Thousand, dated Monday, March 12th, 1951. It has a pale blue cover with a map of Australia and some foot runners on the front. Inside the map is a sketch of Pall Mall showing the Post Office and Memorial Hall. Contents include the names of Officials, the contestants in the races, 130 Yards Time Chart, Honor for Champion, Bendigo's Gift Track, Bookmakers' Names and Stand Numbers, a Trotting Race, Scratchings and Red Cross Emergency. Photos include Lloyd La Beach - Competitor, Mr. J. J. Fewster - Secretary, and S. P. Baldwin Winning 1950 Thousand. Included are advertisements: Romney Tailored Knitcraft for Men and Boys, Hearn's Newsagency, Hanro, and B.C.X. Commonwealth Athletic club brochureevent, sports, athletics, bendigo thousand program 1951, commonwealth athletic club, lloyd la beach, albert matthews, barney ewell, j j fewster, hon l w galvin, a e matthews, a j wearne, a w hogben, c michelsen, g wearne, m spencer, the rt hon mr w j mckell, w tovey, a grierson, j trengrove, c hall, w exelby, b pierce, a monagan, l white, b d mcfadyen, b frayne, e johnson, n l hammill, m spencer, j bull, j baker, h leed, j lonergan, j leslie, j mcgregor, g daniels, f porter, w rodda, a graham, l vernon, w foley, r c graham, f marchingo, r conolan, j scott, j hart, red cross emergency service, l killian, d pain, e killian, w beckwith, v a l board, j a troup, dr g p jeffrey, n mcl young, r mcgann, f mccarthy, b monaghan, l harris, j schafe, w bowtell, j hadlington, w g hampton, f price, b ashford, k grose, p slattery, h sandiford, f schilling, l hindson, w mcgrath, a farrar, w l lamers, george pethard, albert matthews, hanro, bcx, s p baldwin, hearn's newsagency, romney tailored knitcraft, paterson laing & bruce ltd, w p lamers, lamers' foot parlors, complaints, ed sayer, cambridge press

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from 2002. All dressed up: St Liborius'ball, circa 1940. From left to right, front row: E. Cooper, J. Dwyer, C. Pianto, P. Pianto, M. Slattery, T. Crawford, B. McGaum, D. Mylon, M. Mc Gaum, E. O'Briar, M. Bengough, J. Seram, M. Murphy, G. Bengough, E. Fitzpatrick and H Metcalf. Centre Cr. And Mrs Jenkins. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

The Gothic church designed by the architect William Wardell (1823 – 1899) in a manner strongly influenced by the English architect Charles Hansom, but later degraded by the rebuilding of the west end after the collapse of the west wall and turret. The church is a simple form with a five bay gabled nave containing geometric decorated gothic windows and stepped buttressing. The gable roof is covered in slate and the sidewalls constructed of rough-hewn local stone. Originally, the church had a tower in the southwest corner but this was demolished due to earth movement resulting from tunnelling for gold in the town. Originally part of the Melbourne Diocese, St Peter’s Parish Daylesford become part of the Ballarat Diocese February 1992. Priests (from Wikipedia with corrections such as adding Fr Humphrey Moynehan) Years Name Annotation D.o.B D.o.D 1861 - 1862 Father John Galvin Williams 1892 1862 - 1871 Father P. Slattery 1903 1869 - Father Timothy M. O'Callaghan applied for leave 1878 1903 1871 - 1874 Father David Barry 1872 - 1874 Father Nicholas Bassetto Italian Augustine 1884 1875 - 1899 Father M. C. Gough 1845 1923 1877 - 1879 Father P. Quigley 1879 - 1880 Father D. Nelan 1880 - Father D. O'Callaghan 1881 - 1889 Father D. Quilter 1884 - 1884 Father J. V. Grant 1903 1884 - 1885 Father T. J. Egan 1888 1886 - 1888 Father W. Hartnett 1932 1889 - 1890 Father Malone 1890 - 1892 Father Michael P. Curran 1892 - 1893 Father Thomas S. Collins 1924 1893 - 1895 Father James Bryne 1938 1895 - 1896 Father Matthew Brady 1896 - 1899 Father P. M. McGee 1944 1899 - 1899 Father Thomas Considine 1931 1899 - 1900 Father M. Heaney 1900 - 1903 Father W. Hartnett 1932 1900 - 1913 Father James J. Malone 1948 1907 - Father John Joseph Cusack 4 months 1917 1913 - 1917 Father James Byrne 1936 1916-19 - Father Humphrey Moynihan Assistant 1892 - 1967 1918 - Father Michael P. Curran 1933-1967 - Father Humphrey Moynihan Parish Priest 1892 - 1967 1955+ - Father F. Nolan Asst 1961+ - Father T. Murray 1962+ - Father Patrick Maye Asst 1967+ - Father Gregory Patrick Handley Administrator 1996 1968+ - Father Joseph Petrauakas Asst 1968+ - Father T. Murray 1977+ - Father W. O'Halloran Asst 1978+ - Father Clem Cafarella 1987 - 1993 Father Peter Priestley 1993 - 1993 Father Dan Torpy 1994 - 2003 Father John Fitzgerald 1899 2004 - 2012 Father Kevin Maloney 2013 - 2022 Father Gary Jones 2022 - 2024 Father Justin Driscoll 2024 - Father Marcello Colasante Colour photographs of St Peter's Catholic Church, Daylesford. Church plaque: Church of St Peter, Prince of the Apostles The foundation stone was laid on November 29th 1863 and the church was blessed and opened on May 14th 1865 by Most Rev. James Alipius Goold O.S.A., D.D. Bishop of Melbourne This stone was blessed to commemorate the 125th anniversary by Most Rev. Sir Thomas Francis Little, D.D., K.B.E. Archbishop of Melbourne May 20th 1990.catholic church, st peter's church, daylesford, daylesford, john mcmahon, catherine d'alton, avelino morganti, mary hetherington

"The fine structure of St. Peter's, with its prettily-decorated interior, which holds crowded congregations at Holy Mass on Sundays, is alone an eloquent testimony of the piety and devotion which permeates the whole parish. Attached to the church is a circulating library, and Catholic papers and other literature are distributed at the church door. Branches of the H.A.C.B. Society and Catholic Federation are doing much good work. (Melbourne Advocate, 17 January 1914) "OPENING AND CONSECRATION OF THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PETER’S, DAYLESFORD Cross on St. Peter'sNotwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the opening of the new Catholic Church of St. Peter’s, yesterday (Sunday), attracted a crowded congregation. Although the rain, which has poured almost incessantly for some days past, had left our roads and streets in the condition for which Daylesford is celebrated in winter weather, and although he storm and rain seemed to increase as the hour announced for the ceremonies approached, the church was filled by a large congregation, comprising all sects and denominations of Christians in and around the district. The beautiful edifice, erected mainly through the zeal, liberality and energy of the respected pastor, presented a most imposing appearance, and reflects infinite credit upon the Rev. Mr. Slattery, and the flock committed to his charge. The church was commenced in November 1863 and has been in the hands of the workmen up to the present time, work being uninterruptedly carried on. On commencing the foundations, it was necessary to excavate until solid clay was reached, which in consequence of the deep rich chocolate soil on the site of the building, had to be carried down to an average depth of 6 feet 6 inches. The foundations were laid with massive stones in courses of 12-inch, and four feet thick, reducing to 3 feet below the floor line. The style of the building is decorated Gothic, and consists of a nave, 80 feet by 30 feet in the clear, and a chancel 18 feet high; from floor line to apex of roof, 47 feet, which is elegantly constructed, consisting of six spans or frames with puncheons resting on carved corbels, low down between the windows. The north side consists of a handsome entrance, near the north-west angle, approached by nine steps of cut stone, and four bays of windows on nave, and a small door on side of chancel, intended as an entry from the sacristy. The south side presents a very handsome view to Victoria street, a beautiful porch entrance giving access to the building on the south-east end of nave; and on the south-west angle a handsome octagonal spire, terminating in an iron cross, with gilt floriations; the height of top of cross, from floor line, is 88 feet. A stone stairs gives access to the organ gallery and the belfry. The whole of the windows are of a handsome geometrical design, and carved in stone, with mullions and tracery, and glazed with amber-tinted glass, the chancel window being 15 feet high, and 8 feet wide. The chancel arch is unusually large, 27 feet St. Peter's interiorhigh and 18 feet wide, and handsomely moulded, and presents a fine appearance from the body of the church. The roof is stained a rich oak, with heavy cornice, and all the walls are smoothly plastered, and colored peach color, giving the amber-tinted glass a beautiful soft cathedral appearance to the interior. The altar is of a very chaste design, the panels being moulded with Gothic heads, and finished in white and gold; the altar rail was not completed, but is intended to be of polished cedar, with carved pillars. The interior fittings will be proceeded with immediately, and to complete the design, an organ gallery, with sittings for about 100 persons besides the choir, will be constructed on the west end. It is intended also to place pillar gaslights on each side of the main entrance, for lighting during vespers in winter. The style of architecture has been strictly carried out, and in the best and most substantial manner. The building has been erected under the superintendence of the architect Mr. John Townsend Brophy, a member of the congregation, and who has discharged his duty with great ability and care. The hour of half-past eleven has scarcely passed when from the sacristy entered His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Gould, Bishop of Melbourne, preceded by the Very Rev. Dean Hayes (Sandhurst), the Rev. P. J. Slattery, and a number of boys dressed in white surplices. The Right Reverend Prelate proceeded to the foot of the altar, the Very Rev. the Dean on his right, and the Rev. P. J. Slattery on the left. The prayers usual upon the occasion were read by the Bishop. A procession was then formed, and went around the church in the following order. Several youths bearing wax candles first, next the Very Rev. the Dean, then the Bishop and his train bearers, and following were the Rev. Mr. Slattery and acolytes. Having returned to the altar in the same order, the Deacon (Dean Hayes) and Sub-Deacon (Rev. P. J. Slattery) proceeded to robe his Lordship, who had taken his seat at the epistle side of the altar, for the solemn High Mass, at appropriate times wearing his mitre and bearing his crozier. The mass, which was chanted by the Bishop with touching simplicity and earnestness, was then commenced. The choir, under the direction of Mr. Meunsch, organist, was full and most effective. Mrs. Testar, of Melbourne, having generously offered her valuable services, took the leading soprano solos, and it is scarcely necessary to add, rendered them with exquisite taste and feeling – her beautiful voice being heard with great effect throughout the entire building. The choir consisted of the following ladies and gentlemen who volunteered to aid in the ceremonies upon this most interesting occasion. Ladies: Mrs. Tresar, soprano; Mrs. J.J. McCormick, alto; Miss Julia Conry, soprano; Mrs. Vincent, soprano; Mrs. Aitken, soprano. Gentlemen: H. Guthiel, tenor; Master John Murphy, tenor; James Knox, bass; J. M. Murphy, bass; Mr. Staunton, baritone; Mr. Sourby, alto; Mr. Short, bass. The chant, “Let us adore,” during the procession, was given by Mrs. Vincent with considerable power. The selection of the “Imperial Mass” (Haydn’s No. 3) was felicitous, and the highly artistic and finished manner in which the different parts were sustained, demonstrated that great and persevering care must have been bestowed on the preparation for “the opening day.” The “Kyrie” was given with the full strength and power of the choir. The swelling of the voices in complete harmony, and the pealing of the organ in the midst of incense and prayer, produced a most marked effect upon the congregation. In the “Gloria,” the solos of Mrs. Testar were really beautiful and Mrs. McCormick rendered the alto solos with considerable merit. Mr. Knox sang the part commencing with the words “Qui tolles” with much taste and power. The “Credo” than which we believe there is not a more magnificent piece of sacred music extant, was most successful in its rendering, nor do we ever remember to have heard anything more touching than the manner in which the line “Vetam Venturi in Seculi,” was given by Mrs. Testar. The offertory hymn “Come unto Me all ye that labor,” was given by Mrs. Testar with the most thrilling effect. The “Sanctus” having been sung, in which Mr. Sourby ably rendered an alto solo, the “Agnus Dei” was commenced with a solo by Mrs. McCormick and was given with great taste and feeling, Mrs. Testar, at the conclusion of the “Agnus,” taking up the soprano part. Mass being concluded, the Very Reverend Dean Hayes ascended the altar and proceeded to preach the opening sermon, taking as his text Second Paralipomenon [Chronicles II], 7th chapter and 16th verse – “For I have chosen and have sanctified this place that My hand may be there for ever, and My eyes and My heart may remain there perpetually.” St Peter's manseAt the close of the sermon a collection was made by the very reverend preacher, assisted by John Egan, Esq., Corinella, on behalf of the church, and about fifty pounds were contributed. When it is remembered that 500 tickets had been issues at 10s each, and the inclemency of the weather taken into consideration, the collection may be regarded as a large one. Benediction was sung by the Rev. P. J. Slattery, assisted by Dean Hayes, the choir singing the “O! Salutaris Hostia” and “Laudate.” Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus was sung at the termination of the ceremonies. The vestments issued at Benediction, as well as at the Mass, were of the most gorgeous and beautiful character. When the Benediction was over, the Rev. P. J. Slattery, standing at the front of the altar said– “I wish to say one or two words before the congregation leave. I feel most deeply indebted to all of you who have attended here today for the honor and glory of God, not withstanding the difficulties you had to encounter from this most inclement season. I am truly delighted at such a manifestation of feeling, and will not easily forget it.” The rev. gentleman having disrobed, thanked the members of the choir for their kindness in assisting at the ceremonies, and more especially Mrs. Testar, who had braved all the storm and rain to be present at, and give the advantage of her great musical abilities on, the “opening day.” (Daylesford Mercury, 15 May 1865.)A number of photographs of St Peter's Catholic Church, Daylesford, taken at the 150th anniversary celebration. st peter's catholic church daylesford, decoration, altar decoration, anniversary, daylesford, religion, painting, interior, slattery, gough, d'alton, mcmahon

J.P.Slattery, (J.P.),was elected to council in 1943 serving until 1955. He served a term as Shire President in 1949-50.Original Historic Photo for the year 1942-43.Rectangular Sepia photo on brown mount of Councilor J.P.Slattery,(J.P.),situated middle of top row of collection of photos of all councilors for 1942-43.Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by Councilor R.T.White,(J.P.),President 1942-43.slattery, j p j p councilor, ballarat shire council 942 43

Life, family and career of John Samuel White (1837-1926), Greensborough resident, politician and long-time municipal councillor. Additional information from D. Slattery: "John Samuel White Family issue daughter Elizabeth Ann b 1863 Kyneton died 1896 South Yarra aged 30 BDM3867 Married 1891 Robert John Smith issue Victor Robert b 1892 d 1892 2mths, Elizabeth Ann b 1896 d 1898 2yrs "5 p., typescript, one sepia photographjohn samuel white, politicians

Description of bush fires in Victoria on Black Saturday 7 February 2009267 p., [16] p. of plates : ill. (chiefly col.), maps, ports. ; 25 cm.ISBN black saturday, bush fires victoria

This souvenir was organised by H.M. Leggo & Co. and presented to the citizens of Bendigo to honour men from the factory who enlisted. It also pays tribute to Prime Minister William Morris Hughes (The Little Digger). The photograph on the back features the first group of volunteers to enlist in WW1 from H M Leggo & Co. On the inside, an Honour Roll lists the following men from H M Leggo & Co who joined the AIF: A.R. Hall *, W. Smith *, R. Hart *, W. Inglefinger *, E. Dumble, J. Hanlon, V. Jeffrey, A. Bolitho, E.P. Bazeley, H. Moffatt, A. Rogers, T. Morley, G. Hargreaves, H. Ruff, J. McGibbon, R. Davies, E. Slattery, H. Berry, H. Jason, T. Edwards, Bert Molloy, P. Phillips, R. Henley, E. Teague, J. Doddrell, W.P.C. Leggo, E.G. Leggo, P. Prince, W. Lienhop, J. Cavannah, W. Dobbin, A. Elliott, A. Hocking, D.H. Holden, A. Harris. Names with * made the Supreme Sacrifice.Four page printed document with photographs. Printing in blue ink. Front page features a photograph of the Prime Minister of the day, W M Hughes. Internal two pages feature texts titled 'The Creed of the Digger', 'The Man of the Hour: William Morris Hughes'. An honour roll of enlistees from H.M. Leggo & Co. lists 35 names including 4 who did not return. The back page features a photograph of 15 men from Leggo's who enlisted. Men in the photograph are not named.h.m. leggo, william m. hughes', little digger, ww1, souvenir, bendigo, honour roll

ill (b/w), p.628.non-fictionAustralian servicemen have long been renowned for their unfaltering courage, sense of mateship and strength of character--the same values that are so apparent in our national game of football. In 'Harder than football' stories of courage, resilience and survival shine through like beacons, along with acts of bravery and sacrifice that so succinctly display the 'Aussie spirit'. Of course, there is the odd larrikin, too, whose often humorous acts of disobedience include smoking on parade, changing pay books, 'accidentally' falling out of a train and 'being improperly dressed on the line'. Within these pages you'll find the stories of the 2494 men who played at least one senior game from 1897 to 1972 and fought for their country in every major conflict from the Boer War to the Vietnam War.australian football - history, australian football players at war

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. Flag-bearers: the Sandhurst Football Club reserves premiership side of 1952. From left back are: L. Laity, K. Carr, J. O'Brien, R. Lee, T. Owens, M. Mummery, E. Sanders, J. Hunt, R. Slattery, K. Slattery, V. Hussey, J. Pollock. Centre: G. Roberts, G. Leonard, H. Mathers, J. Hartney (coach), H. Winfield (captain), k. Clohesy, P. Houston, D. Bartram, S. Yorston. Front: G. Arthur, W. Roberts, m. Rayner, D. Nuttall, J. Shephard, D. Casley, g. Mathews, M. Molloy, G. Bridgland. The team scored 5.8 (38) to defeat Eaglehawk 2.10 (22). The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

A black and white photograph of Bendigo Teachers' College students in Group B in 1955. They are A. Sexton, B. Sheen, J. Sherlock, J. Slattery, W. Thorsen, J. Toey, I. Ward, B. Winzar, B. Edwards, E. Hannan, J. Jennings, G. Mackenzie, J. Northy, W. Olsen, P. Phelen, H. Potts, K. Anderson, B. Arblaster, W. Arblaster, G. Brown, R. Christopher, J. Darling, P. Dinsdale. See 3320.100bendigo, education, bendigo teachers' college students, la trobe university bendigo collection, collection, bendigo, education, bendigo teachers' college, photo, photos, photograph, photographs, students, history, teacher training, tertiary education, miss j.c. burnett, mr. geoff pryor

Yellow covered booklet titled 'Gold Nuggets of Australia'. Information obtained from every Mines Department in the Commonwealth of Australia. Information includes the name of the nugget, who found it and where. Also included is the weight of the nugget in ounces. Book compiled and written by Harry Ware and printed by Williams Boardley Print Kalgoorlie. The names of the large nuggets are: Welcome Stranger, Welcome, Bullock's Tongue, Curtis, Lady Bowen, Kerr's Hundredweight, Brennan, King of Water Worn, Blanch Barklay, Precious, Canadian, Lady Hotham, Sarah Sands, Viscount Canterbury, Little Hero, Big Ben, Joker, Monarch, Bobby Dazzler, General Gordon, Coolgardie, Friendly Creek, Daisy and Golden Eagle.book, book, gold nuggets of australia, harry ware, williams boardley print kalgoorlie, hargreaves, lister, tom, hotermann, byers, star of hope gold mine, mcginty & party, griffen & party, mcintyre, johnson, ah loy, geo curtis, dr kerr, guiness book of records, richard oates, john deason, red hill mining co., hall, slattery, yilgarn goldfield, arthur bayley, william ford, a villars, doyle & party, peterkin, mcpherson, perriman, pearce, dawson, john dunne, williams & party, anderson, p martin, summons, hart, millar, byrne, dawson, rampling, cole & party, woodall, dawkin, grant, roche, corry, sheehan, thompson, d mcintosh, hurstj, muir, a clive, w mcphee, h mcphee, j simmonds, w eddy, moran, s dighton, w abbott, sam wood, hogan, o'connor, c woods, s willcocks, gessner, huffa, w j murphy, jack legge, micky larkin, jack hehir, paddy hehir, joe matheson, dan browne, jim browne, mcwhinney & party, james larcombe jnr, james larcombe, zuegg & party, f h leach, newman bros

Photograph of the Smeaton State School World War One Honour Board on display in the Smeaton Primary School in 2013.world war one, smeaton state school, smeaton state school honour board, smeaton, nurse anderson, nurse redman, w. anderson, j.l. archibald, e.o. archibald, j.e.b. archibald, w. bridgeford, l. brooks, v. brooks, g. buchanan, a. barnes, t. barnes, t. bourke, w. boadle, j. boadle, b. branagan, w.s. bell, w.t. bell, j. bourke, d. curran, c. curran, s. curtis, l.e. coulson, r.e. carling, j. dean, c. daniels, f. daniels, l. davies, w. davis, e. davis, r. forrester, t. flanagan, p. fullarton, a. goodlet, a. goddard, a. hurn, e. harris, j. haris, g.c. hurley, w. jeffrey, a. kilfoyle, r. kirkpatrick, h. kuring, w.e. mitchell, f.t. mitchell, c. mehlert, n. mckenzie, h. mcleod, d. mcalpine, j. mcalpine, j. mcmahon, j.g. o'halloran, p. o'dea, p. pollard, w.h. richards, w. risk, r. risk, l.r. sheehan, m. stewart, f.x. slattery, g. spring, g.e. waggingham, a. boyes, r. dilena, t. dilena

ill, maps, p.208.non-fictionThe Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age. commonwealth railways (australia) -- history., central australia railway -- history.