Coloured portrait of A Watson by W B McInnes (copy)a watson, w b mcinnes

The artwork undertaking at the Ballarat School of Mines was found in a folio on top of wardrobe at the nursing home where Edith Watson lived. It is assumed that the artworks were quite precious to the maker.A number of certificates awarded to Edith Alice (Alice) Watson. .9) Blue print on cream card, black ink hand writing with purple director's stamp. Certificate No. 166936 Awarded to Edith A. Watson"ADVANCED" stamped in purple ink. "Ballarat School of Mines No. 10" stamped in red. Edith A. Watson Pass in Drawing Ornament from a cast in Light and Shade, 1931. art, technical school certificate, edith a watson, m p h ansen director of education, edith watson, drawing from the antique, m. p. h. ansen, certificate, alice watson, alumni

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

Nunawading Council has issued a permit allowing Club 25 in Thornton Cres, Mitcham to operate as a brothel for 18 months. Pastor Al Watson is threatening militant action.Nunawading Council has issued a permit allowing Club 25 in Thornton Cres, Mitcham to operate as a brothel for 18 months. brothels, club 25, city of nunawading, thornton crescent, mitcham, watson al, pastor, brothel action reform group, alfred street, blackburn no. 1, roberts, bruce, yarrramalong valley pty. ltd

Studio sepia photograph of Basil Watson as a youth, possibly in school uniform. Aged about 12 years. 'Basil Watson' handwritten in biro on back.Melba & Co., Melbourneperson, individual, basil watson, melba photography melbourne

No. 1630 Trooper Richard Watson, 8th Light Horse, killed in action Egypt 23 December 1916. Part of a collection of photographs taken by an unknown photographer serving with 8th Light Horse Regiment in Middle east 1916-1918.The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Black and white photograph of wooden cross marking desert grave of Trooper R Watson" Trooper R. Watson "

Hilda Horne (b 06/05/1888 in Yendon) was the 10th child of Thomas William Watson and Emma Eliza Jane Phillips (who was one of the first white children born in the Barrabool Hills area (Geelong). Thomas worked on the Victorian Railways and was stationed at Yendon where they acquired a small farmlet named Graceland. Hilda married George Horne in. They lived in a small cottage in Windermere Street, Ballarat.Three black and white photographs of the Horne family .1 Hilda Horne b Watson 06/05/1888 at Yendon, the daughter of Thomas William and Emma Eliza Jane (b Phillips)Watson. .2 Three Watson sisters - Emma Jacka b Watson 30/08/1866 - 03/04/1904, died in childbirth in South Africa (standing); Hilda Horne b Watson 06/05/1888 (seated L); Eva Watson b 4/06/1890 - 08/07/1959 (seated R) married Leo Wise. .3 George Horne aged 6 months, married Hilda Watson..1 Verso: upper Hilda 1910 Horne; Jack in pencil (her brother John Richard Watson) .2 Verso: upper L - The Yeoman Studios ; C- POST CARD; R - postage stamp outline. CORRESPONDENCE / ADRESS ONLY LHS - handwritten "To Jack with love from Eva"; All Watson sisters; RHS Emma Batt( believe incorrect surname) Eva Watson Hilda Horne .3 Verso: Upper L - Eden Studios; C POST CARD; R - postage stamp outline CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY LHS - EDEN STUDIO Sturt Street Ballarat; handwritten in biro -George Horne; in pencil - Georgie 6 months hilda horne, hilda watson, eva watson, emma jacka, emma watson, eden studio, the yeoman studios, yeoman & co

Betty WatsonMrs Betty Watson. Church and Nation n.d. p.8

Betty WatsonBetty Watson. Church and Nation 11 April 1979 p.1

"Dear Alice" Is a collection of 142 Postcards from Australia and around world, almost all of which are addressed to Miss Alice Evans, No. 2 Cox Gardens, Williamstown, dated between 1905 - 1909. These postcards form part of a collection found in the ceiling of No. 2 Cox Gardens by a local builder and carpenter Gordon Peterson. Peterson was contracted to demolish the house in the mid 1970's. The cards were held in the Estate of Gordon Peterson, along with a photo of the cottage, before demolition until donation to the historical society by his descendants in 2024. Alice Edith Evans was born in Williamstown in 1885 to parents Benjamin Samuel Evans (1833-1900), a bootmaker from Ruabon, Denbighshire, Wales and Catherine (nee Jones) (1850-1915) from Eaglehawk, near Castlemaine. Alice had three older step sisters, and two younger brothers, Benjamin and Samuel, who sadly died in infancy. Alice’s father, Benjamin, had been married previously, his wife dying during childbirth, leaving him with three daughters to care for. After leaving school, Alice was employed as a clerk with Trevor Jones & Co. (real estate agents), until her declining health prevented her from working. She was an active and well known member of the Welsh Church and Sunday School on Ferguson Street and enjoyed singing and playing in local concerts. Well known in the community, a Grand Benefit Concert was organised in her honour on 9th April, 1910, at the Mechanics Institute, Williamstown. Hosted by Mayor Cr. Wymark, the event featured a delightful program of musical performances, showcasing both individual talents and the Carlton Club Choir. Tragically, Alice passed away due to the effects of her illness on 3rd December 1910, at the age of just 25. She is buried in Williamstown Cemetery. The postcards, written between 1905 to 1909, illustrate the social history of residents and everyday life at the turn of the century, using postcards as a means of communication.This postcard forms part of the collection of 142 Postcards. This coloured postcard is of Watson's Bay, SydneyWatson's Bay, Sydneyalice evans postcards, watson's bay

Rev Prof Nigel WatsonNigel Watson Church and Nation 2 November 1977 p 5

Rev Dr Gordon WatsonDr Gordon Watson Church and Nation 24 June 1987 p 12

The first cricket club in Kew in was formed in 1863, and played its matches in Wellington Street, and then later in O’Shaughnessy’s Paddock. In the early 1870s, a second club was formed and played at Victoria Park. The Kew Cricket Club gained its permanent name in 1888-89. One of the named players in the photograph - Albert Watson - was the son of the local Methodist Minister. The photograph entered the collection within a donation of items by Mrs Joy Ivory, a descendant of the Watson family, and a member of the Society.The photograph, dating from 1911 has local significance as an image of participation in sport and recreation.A monochrome photograph, mounted on card of the Kew Cricket Club's first XI cricket team in 1911. Annotations on the reverse identify three of the players: Standing left with bat: George Twycross; standing right: Albert Clements; Seated third on right: Albert Watson.Presented to Kew Historical by Mrs Ivory (nee Watson) Kew Cricket Club / Standing left with the bat Mr George Twycross / Standing right Mr Bert Clements / Seated third on right Mr Albert Watson / Year 1913kew cricket club (vic), sport - kew - victoria, albert watson, albert clements, george twycross

The Hollywood film stars pasted on to one side of this paper are of no historical interest to our Society. The four paper items attached to the other side relate to the pioneer aviator, Basil Watson. He flew the first aeroplane to come to Warrnambool in January 1917. Watson flew from Point Cook to Warrnambool in one hour 55 minutes, an Australian cross-country flying record at the time. He had built his own aeroplane which was 18 feet long with a wing span of 26 feet and it had a 7 cylinder 50 H.P. rotary Gnome engine. In Warrnambool he amazed the crowds with his dare-devil aerial acrobatics, looping the loop 14 times over the Warrnambool Racecourse. Watson also brought several letters with him, making him the bearer of the first aerial mail to Warrnambool. Sadly Basil Watson died when his plane crashed at Point Cook in March 1917, just two months after his record-breaking flight to Warrnambool. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has in its collection the small galvanized bucket seat which came from Watson’s plane and the original first air letter written by the Mayor of Melbourne to the Mayor of Warrnambool. These four items are of considerable historical interest as they are souvenirs issued at the time of Basil Watson’s aviation exploits in the early 1900s and Watson is of great importance in the aviation history of Warrnambool.This is a piece of paper (possibly from a scrapbook) with one torn edge. Pasted on to the paper on one side are newspaper photographs of early Hollywood female film stars. On the other side are four items relating to the pioneer aviator, Basil Watson – an airmail post card, a newspaper black and white photograph, a souvenir black and white photograph and a card with an illustration of an early aeroplane (pictured upside down). ‘The Aerial Postman Basil Watson’ ‘Official Souvenir Australian Aerial Mail’ basil watson, pioneer aviator, aviation in warrnambool’s history, history of warrnambool

B & W photograph of Heather Joan Watson sitting at a desk at Rolland House."Heather Joan Watson Rolland House student"watson, heather jones, roland house, deaconess

Family photographs from Edith Emma Watson's collection involving Watson, Smith, Yung and extended families. .1 Army photo WW1 of Jack Rutherford 1914. Florence (bYung) and Tom Rutherford. .2 Edith Alice Rutherford's Memorial Card .3 Photo of Edith Alice Rutherford .4 Family photograph taken on the occasion of Clara Emma Yung's 90th birthday in Murtoa. People in photograph: Back row L-R Peg Watson, Jack Watson, Harry Watson, Beryl Cox, Jeff Cox, Lance Yung. Front row :Alice Watson seated on the ground, Edith Watson nursing Alison Watson, Clara Emma Yung, Annie Bolte? nursing Helen Cox, ?, Grace Watson kneeling. Front row L-R: Alice Watson, Edie Watson nursing Alison Watson, Clara Yung, Clara's sister Annie Bolte ? nursing Helen Cox, Jeanette Watson, Grace Watson. Alf Watson was the photographer. .5 Edith (Alice) Watson - artist and dressmaker. Photo taken in the garden of the family home 47 Cromie Street Murtoa, Victoria. Jack Rutherford was born in 1892 at Smythesdale. Killed in action 12/10/1917 in Belgium.Two sepia photos, two black and white photos and one memorial card .1) Jack Rutherford 1914 .2) Black and gold Memorial Card for Edith Alice Rutherford .3) Alice Rutherford. Born 09/1876, died 20/10/1902 in childbirth, aged 26. Alice was the daughter of George Godlip Yung and Anna Christina Weller and a sister to eleven siblings. Her baby son "Little Joe" is buried with her in the Smythesdale Cemetery. .4) Clara Emma Yung 90th Birthday Family Group. .5) Edith Alice Watson.1)Front under photo - Handwritten -'Jack Rutherford 1914'; handwritten - 'Grandpa Watson's nephew {inscription incorrect; should be (Grandma Yung's nephew)}'. Professional stamp - The Model Studios 328 Smith Street Collingwood. .3) Nadar Studio; Coat of Arms ; Photographer' Address .4) Verso: Handwritten - 'Grandma Yung's (Clara Emma's) 80th B'day; Alf took Photo; Chn. Alison (Watson) Jobe, Helen (Cox) Sampson .5) Edith 'Alice' Watson. garden. 47 Cromie St Murtoayung, rutherford, jack rutherford, watson, cox, alice watson, clara emma yung, alison watson, helen sampson, harry watson, john richard watson, family history, german, german australians

Advertisement in the local paper for A.B.Watson Pty Ltd of 108 Main Road Greensborough 1967Digital copy of newspaper advertisement.a.b.watson pty ltd, main street greensborough

This photo was taken in 1985. Alf Watson, a descendent of settlers of the district - the Smiths and the Yungs whose children attended this school, is standing to the right of the building. The history of Happy Valley State School 1863 The school opened as Lucky Woman's in 1863. The school was located in the Linton area, a small mining township. The first head teacher was Thomas Lea. 89 students had enrolled. 1883 The name of the school changed to Happy Valley. The brick school building was built in this period. 1920s Enrolment declined in the 1920s to around 10 students. 1932 Enrolment continued to decline and the school was closed. 1933 The school reopened briefly under head teacher Selina McFarlane. 1936 It closed again at some stage before reopening in 1936 under head teacher Maxwell Brown. The school was closed finally in 1936. 1940 The building was sold. 150 years: Happy Valley State School Learn about the history of Happy Valley State School, one of Victoria’s oldest public schools. Key information Address: Ballarat, 3350 Opened: 1 February 1860 Closed: 31 December 1940 School type: Primary School number: 376 Other names: Lucky Woman's Common School, Lucky Woman's State School Search for more school profiles The history of Happy Valley State School 1863 The school opened as Lucky Woman's in 1863. The school was located in the Linton area, a small mining township. The first head teacher was Thomas Lea. 89 students had enrolled. 1883 The name of the school changed to Happy Valley. The brick school building was built in this period. 1920s Enrolment declined in the 1920s to around 10 students. 1932 Enrolment continued to decline and the school was closed. 1933 The school reopened briefly under head teacher Selina McFarlane. 1936 It closed again at some stage before reopening in 1936 under head teacher Maxwell Brown. The school was closed finally in 1936. 1940 The building was sold. Can you help us find records for this school? The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) only hold historical correspondence records for this closed school. If you have any, or if you know of any, please let us know by emailing [email protected] Updated 19 May 2022.1 Happy Valley State School photographed in June 1985. Alf Watson observing the building. .2 View from the back and side of the Happy Valley State School.1 Verso: Grandma Watson's school Happy Valley June 1985 (Grandma nearly 97 years) Alf in bacckground. Edith Emma Watson b Yung. Alf - son of Edith and John Richard Watson. .2 Verso: School where Grandma Watson eudcated. Happy Valley. June 1985happy valley state school, lucky womans, lucky woman's common school, lucky woman's state school

Alice Watson completed a course of work at the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. Her complete folio is held by Federation University Australia. Nine works were undertaken at the Ballarat Technical Art School by Edith Alice (Alice) Watson. Seven pencil sketches on paper. Two black ink drawings on paper .1 has sketches on both sides; .2 pen and ink table and chair design; .3 pencil sketch of a castle; .4 sketches on both sides - pen and ink doorway and on reverse pencil and water colour (partly coloured) wallpaper border design; .5 pencil sketch of a well and a church; .6 two pencil sketches of bridges; .7 three pencil sketches - two of partial rooves and one of a bridge drawn from a photo; .8 three pencil sketches - a window, a doorway and a thatched roof cottage; .9 pencil sketches on both sides - a village scene with gateway, church and cottages on one side and trees on the reverse. .3 lrs "A. Watson Pencil Sketch" .4 ink sketch tr "New Door" .5 lrs "Pencil Sketches A. Watson" .6 lrs "Pencil Sketches A. Watson" .7 rs" Pencil Sketch", under bridge drawing "Pencil Sketch from Photo", lrs "A. WATSON" .8 lrs "Pencil Sketches A. Watson .9 Village scene - lrs" A.Watson Pencil Sketch" ballarat technical art school, ballarat technical art school number 10, ballarat school of mines, alice watson, edith alice watson, artwork, architecture, alumni, pencil sketches, sketches of buildings

Image taken of the Geelong Lawn Tennis Association Junior D3 Grade Premiers for Season 1977.1 photograph of Premiership tennis teamStanding: C. Thomson, M. Wheeler, A. Watson, T. Southern (Capt.) Seated: Miss N. Sofio, Miss L. Wheeler, Miss S. Campigli, Miss K. Van Galenleopold tennis club, geelong lawn tennis association, c thomson, a watson, t southern, l wheeler, s campigli, k van galen, nicole sofio, mark wheeler

This booklet relates the life of Basil Watson. It tells in detail his early life, background, his home built aeroplane, his display flights and his tragic death and the story since. This year marks 100 years since one of Australia’s pioneering aviators, Basil Watson arrived in Warrnambool and delivered the first airmail to the town. Basil Watson was born in Bendigo in 1894. His interest in aviation which began at a young age, took him to England at the commencement of WW1 where he worked at Brookland in aviation workshops and as a test pilot. Despite crashing and suffering injuries he was not deterred. He returned to Australia and by 1916 Basil had built his own plane. He soon took to the air performing tricks and barnstorming to the delight of onlookers. His connection to Warrnambool lies with his delivery of the first airmail to the town, an event which was filled with much excitement. Basil Watson, pioneer aviator landed his 50hp home built aeroplane on the racecourse on Saturday January 27th 1917, after a flight from Point Cook. The trip of 166 miles took just under two hours, and set a record non-stop cross country flight for Australia. Watson was heartily welcomed by the Mayor, to whom he delivered three letters, the first aerial post to Warrnambool. One of the letters, from the Mayor of Melbourne Sir David Hennessy to the Mayor of Warrnambool is now in the W&DHS collection: I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we, over the Commonwealth, will be able to fly from one State to the other. With best wishes for the New Year. Yours truly, DV Hennessy. Basil Watson was unfortunately killed two months after his historic visit to Warrnambool. While participating in an air show at Point Cook, the plane he was flying that day crashed into the sea. This booklet tells the story of an interesting part of Warrnambool and Australia's aviation history. It has special significance as it enlightens two significant items in our local collection, namely the letter which he delivered and the seat from his aircraft.A small 29 page booklet with blue and white photograph of Basil Watson in his aeroplane. It contains a number of black and white and some colour photographs. Introduction from the author, "This small booklet recognises the short career of Basil Watson. He came to my attention when researching the French aviator Maurice Guillaux who carried the first official air mail in Australia, Melbourne to Sydney in two and a half days 16/18 July 1914..... Tom Lockley 1 June 2017. Handwritten inside front cover,"These items may be of interest to add to your material about Basil Watson. Its a pity that the 100 year anniversary of his flight was not more widely recognised but thank you for mounting some of his records. Tom Hockley."warrnambool, basil watson, first airmail flight, aviation career of basil watson

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

This cup was awarded to Kenneth Darnton Watson when he was a boarder and competitive rower whilst completing his secondary education. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau Homestead, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land Kenneth worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. he was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver mug awarded to K D Watson as a rowing trophy in April 1909. It features the shield of Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (M.C.E.G.S.), as well as his name and the event for which it was awarded.View 1: M.C.E.G.S. April 1909 Regatta View 2: Crest of MECEGS featuring motto "Ora et Labora" View 3: BOARDERS FOUR K. D. WATSON 3kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

Black and white copy of original photograph, which shows a woman wearing a skirt and jacket, and a white blouse with high collar. Subject is identified by inscription as Mrs Watson, nee Ching."Mrs Watson nee Minnie Ching"minnie ching, mrs watson

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

Watson Class lifeboatLifeboat designPhoto of Watson Class lifeboat section & plan drawingsReverse " NIL "historical references

This is the seat from the aeroplane of Basil Watson. Photographs held by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society confirm that this was Watson’s aeroplane seat. He was a pioneer aviator who had built his own plane which was 5.5 metres long with a wingspan of 8 metres. It had a 7-cylinder 50 HP rotary Gnome engine. Basil Watson flew this aircraft to Warrnambool in January 1917, becoming the first person to fly to Warrnambool, coming from Point Cook in one hour 55 minutes – an Australian cross-country flying record at that time. Watson amazed Warrnambool crowds with his dare-devil flying, looping the loop 14 times over the Warrnambool racecourse. He also brought with him the first aerial post to arrive in Warrnambool and the Warrnambool and District Historical Society has the letter he brought written by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne to the Mayor of Warrnambool. Two months after he was in Warrnambool Basil Watson was killed when his plane crashed near Point Cook in March 1917. Parts of the plane were salvaged and the seat was donated to the old Warrnambool Museum in 1918. It remained there until the museum was dismantled in the early 1960s and it was later passed over to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. The tag on the seat today is an old Warrnambool Museum label. This is a most significant item as it is the original seat from the aeroplane of Basil Watson, an important early aviator in Australia’s history and it is also an early 20th century memento of the many treasures from the old Warrnambool Museum (1883-1963). The seat shows the primitive nature of early 20th century aeroplanes in Australia. This is a metal (galvanized iron) seat with a semi-circular base and a curved back stretching around from one end of the base to the other end. The back has a rolled metal edging on the base and the top. On the sides are two slots with a khaki-coloured cloth strap passing through the slots. This strap has a metal buckle at the end. The metal in the seat is somewhat blotched and discoloured. A luggage label is tied to one of the slots and has a name typed on it.Mr Watsonbasil watson, aviator, old warrnambool museum, history of warrnambool