During World War One, to finance the war the Commonwealth Government had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. To recover the cost of the war and fund soldier pensions the government launched 'Peace Loan' campaigns after the war. The various Shires in each State were given quotas that they were expected to raise. The Central Peace Loan Committee endorsed the issue of a metal tablet to each district which secured its quota. The tablet was made of bronze, and it was to be fixed on the wall of the local municipal building. It bore the name of the town, borough or shire to which it was awarded, and the name of the mayor or president. The inscription explaining the object of the award appeared over the signatures of the Prime Minister and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth. In the case of districts which secured double their quota the tablet also included the Commonwealth coat-of-arms. This plaque was presented to the Shire of Wodonga for exceeding its allocated quota which had been set at £10,000. The Wodonga community subscribed more than £12,845 to the Peace Loans which was acknowledged with the presentation of the plaque.A bronze rectangular plaque with raised text and an border. A hole in each corner allowed the plaque to be secured to a wall. COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA / PEACE LOAN/ A.D. 1919/ TO COMMEMORATE THE OVERSUBSCRIPTION / OF THE ALLOTTED QUOTA OF THIS LOAN / BY/ THE SHIRE OF WODONGA/ W. TWOMEY PRESIDENT / W. A. WATT TREASURER/ W. M. HUGHES PRIME MINISTER"ww1, peace loans australia, shire of wodonga peace loans

Commonwealth War Loan application form for amount of £1000 dated 4th June 1940 signed by F Levy Cohns director. Securities maturing in 1950-56 appear not to have been collected. Details of loan outlined on application form.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

Australia, like many countries involved in both the First and Second World Wars realised that they would need more funds to resource their campaigns, so war loan programs were developed. These programs encouraged the population to purchase government war bonds which would be repaid with interest at a later time while immediately assisting the war effort. Post WW2 the government continued to encourage citizens to save money in an attempt to curb inflation. Security loans formed part of this countries economic program from the 1940's onwards. Districts were allocated a quota for which they encouraged citizens to subscribe and pennants were awarded for the highest per capita payment amongst the town population. In 1946 Bendigo was the first country city in Australia to record a quota success for the Second Security Loan, raising £260,480 from 1953 subscribers. Triangle felt screen printed pennants, various colours with two ties along left side. Pennants range in date from 1942 until 1963. 253.1 Blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Gold printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, cream printed text and one star top left of crest. Dimensions: 1010mm W x 355 H x 3mm 253.2 Blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Gold printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed cream, red and blue coloured text . One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 985 W x 367 H x 3mm 253.3 Blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Gold printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed cream, red and blue coloured text . One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 955W x 355 H x 3mm 253.4 Green felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Gold printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed cream, red and green coloured text . One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 970 W x 367 H x 3mm 253.5 Green felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Gold printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed yellow, pink and green coloured text . Two cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. Dimensions: 975 W x 370 H x 3mm 253.6 Red felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side and remnants of bronze ribbon stapled to long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed white, yellow, cream and light blue text . Two cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. One light blue star centre right. Dimensions: 1055 W x 355 H x 3mm 253.7 Light blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side and bronze ribbon stapled to long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed red, white and dark blue text . One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 966 W x 355 H x 3mm 253.8 Green felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms, printed pink, white and yellow text . One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 970 W x 350 H x 3mm 253.9 Red felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side and remnants of bronze ribbon stapled to long side. Yellow, blue, red and cream printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with printed black, white and light blue text. Additional text on long side of pennant adjacent to ties. Three cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. Dimensions: 965 W x 350 H x 3mm 253.10 Blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side and remnants of bronze ribbon attached to ties. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with printed dark blue, cream and red text. Two cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. Dimensions: 930 W x 365 H x 3mm 253.11 Red felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow, blue, red and cream printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with light blue and cream text. Three cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. Dimensions: 1025 W x 355H x 2mm 253.12 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with light blue text. Additional text on long side of pennant adjacent to ties. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 920 W x 338 H x 3mm 253.13 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with maroon text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 930 W x 360 H x 3mm 253.14 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with yellow text. Two cream coloured printed stars top left of crest. Dimensions 910 W x 345 H x 3mm 253.15 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with light blue text. one cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 905 W x 345 H x 3mm. 253.16 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with brown text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 930 W x 360 H x 3mm 253.17 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with blue text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 915 W x 350 H x 3mm 253.18 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with blue text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 950 W x 355 H x 3mm 253.19 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with blue text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 950 W x 355 H x 3mm 253.20 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with cream text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 965 W x 360 H x 3mm 253.21 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with blue text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 950 W x 365 H x 3mm 253.22 Dark blue felt triangle pennant with two ties on long side. Yellow printed Commonwealth of Australia Coat of Arms with cream text. One cream coloured printed star top left of crest. Dimensions: 940 W x 365 H x 3mm 253.1 Austerity /War Loan / Nov - Dec 1942 / Honour Pennant 253.2 Second / Security Loan / Oct - Nov 1946 / Honour Pennant 253.3 Third / Security Loan / April - May 1947 / Honour Pennant 253.4 Fourth / Security Loan / Oct - Nov 1947 / Honour Pennant 253.5 Fifth / Security Loan / April - May 1948 / Honour Pennant 253.6 Seventh/ Security Loan / March – April 1949 / Bendigo 253.7 Eighth / Security Loan / Sept – Oct 1949 / Honour Pennant 253.8 Ninth / Security Loan / March 1950 / Honour Pennant 253.9 Special Award / Tenth / Security Loan / August 1950 / City of Bendigo 253.10 Eleventh/ Security Loan / Nov-Dec 1950 / Honour Pennant 253.11 Special Award / 12th Security Loan / may- June 1951 / City of Bendigo 253.12 Sixteenth / Security Loan / Nov-Dec 1952 / Honour Pennant 253.13 Eighteenth / Security Loan / Sept – Oct 1953 / Honour Pennant 253.14 Nineteenth / Security Loan / March 1954 / Honour Pennant 253.15 Commonwealth / Security Loan / August 1954 / Honour Pennant 253.16 Commonwealth / Security Loan / august 1954 / Honour Pennant 253.17 Commonwealth / Security Loan / August 1956 / Honour Pennant 253.18 Commonwealth / Security Loan / August 1957 / Honour Pennant 253.19 Commonwealth / Security Loan / May 1960/ Honour Pennant 253.20 Commonwealth / Security Loan / September 1960/ Honour Pennant 253.21 Commonwealth / Security Loan / February March 1961/ Honour Pennant 253.22 Commonwealth / Security Loan / February 1963 / Honour Pennant commonwealth loan scheme, city of greater bendigo awards, flags, bunting

Application form for Commonwealth 6 per cent loan for states. The sum of two hundred pounds of inscribed stock of the Commonwealth 6 per cent loan has been applied for by Mrs. Jane Adler of 123 Gladstone Street Quarry Hill. The stamp of Michael Kelly, Bendigo at top right.application form, commonwealth loan, michael kelly

Receipt for instalment, or loan, repayment. Dated 7th January 1943Text: " Commonwealth 1942 War Conversion Loans / (FILL IN RATE AND FULL TITLE OF LOAN.) / RECEIPT FOR INSTALMENT. "colin kerr, commonwealth war conversion loans

Brass plaque mounted on a wooden back boardTo commemorate the oversubscription of the allotted quota of the this loan by the Borough of Rutherglen . J. Burch Mayor, W.M. Hughes Prime Minister, W.A. Watt Treasure. J. Marriott. Melb.peace, loan, wwi, commemoration, plaque

Copy of a cheque celebrating the final repayment by R. S. & S. Woollen and Worsted Co-operative of a Commonwealth Government loan.Copy of a cheque mounted on cardboard with white and black printed text.GEELONG R. S. & S. / Woollen & Worsted Co-operative Manufacturing Co. Ltd. / £50,000 / Commonwealth Government Loan. / Repayable in 10 Years / Granted by Special Act of Parliament 20th Dec. 1922. / Rt. Hon. W. M. Hughes, Prime Minister -- Hon. Arthur Rogers Minister for Repatriation / Final Repayment by above Cheque -- 20th Dec. 1932.

Two receipts. One from the State Savings Bank of Victoria acknowledging receipt of 10 pounds from Ada Baggaley for purchase of Commonwealth govt. treasury bonds, the second for advance subscription to Commonwealth loan received from the estate of Charles Baggaley the sum of 300 pounds.baggaley family, state savings bank, - receipt

1. Agreement between Herbert Jackson Leed/South Wattle Gully dated 14.9.1936. 2. Agreement between Herbert Jackson Leed/John Jepson Stanistreet 24.7.1936. 3.Agreement Norman Loder/Herbert Jackson Leed 9.3.1936. 4. 23.9.1939 insurance policy (State Accident Insurance). 5..Hire agreement Miller & Co machinery & mine 6.9.1937. 6. Receipt for advance subscription to Commonwealth Loan 13.9.1946.7. Certificate inspection of boiler 19.11.1936. 8. Donation. 9. Purchase wire rope. South Wattle Gully Coy .N.L. (50).MCCOLL RANKIN & STANISTREETorganization, business, gold mining contracts, mccoll rankin & stanistreet

Uncompleted pledge to purchase Fourth Liberty Loan Bonds from a representative of the Commonwealth War Loans Organisation or through a bank, stockbroker or post office. The bonds would mature with interest after the war. Twelve major Government war loans (called Liberty, Austerity, Special or Victory loans) were offered during World War II. The Fourth Liberty Loan was launched in October 1943 to support war expenditure.Pink coloured card printed in browncommonwealth war loans organisation, liberty loan bonds

Uncompleted application form to purchase Fourth Liberty Loan Bonds and mark the application 'credit City of St Kilda'. The bonds, which would mature with interest after the war, were administered by the Commonwealth War Loans Organisation. Twelve major Government war loans (called Liberty, Austerity, Special or Victory loans) were offered during World War II. The Fourth Liberty Loan was launched in October 1943 to support war expenditure.Grey coloured card printed in browncommonwealth war loans organisation, city of st kilda, liberty loan bonds

McColl Rankin & Stanistreet, Deborah Extended GM Co NL, Commonwealth Bank of Australia Loan for 1,000 pounds. Dated: 2 Oct 1947. Markings: stamp for Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Bendigo, VIC.organization, business, mine, mccoll rankin & stanistreet, deborah extended gm co nl, commonwealth bank of australia loan

Uncompleted application form to purchase First Victory Loan Bonds and mark the application 'credit City of St Kilda quota'. The bonds, which would mature with interest after the war, were administered by the Commonwealth War Loans Organisation. Twelve major Government war loans (called Liberty, Austerity, Special or Victory loans) were offered during World War II. The First Victory Loan was offered on 28th March - 9th May 1944, with a target of 150 million pounds.Yellow coloured card printed in brown on both sides.commonwealth war loans organisation, city of st kilda, victory loan bonds

To finance the war the Commonwealth had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. All were over-subscribed. This plaque was made and presented to the Shire of Orbost in recognition of the Shire residents' contributions to the Peace Loan at the end of World War 1.A rectangular brass plaque with raised lettering and raised borders.Commonwealth of Australia / Peace Loan / A.D. 1919 / To commemorate the oversubscription of the allotted quota of this loan by the Shire of Orbost / R.P. Cameron ? W.A. Watt Treasurer, W.M. Hughes Prime Ministerplaque civic-memento orbos-shire peace-loan

This newspaper was sent by the Shire President Cr F. Deery from Bairnsdale to P.C. Cameron, Orbost Shire President. It was sent on the first aeroplane to arrive in Orbost. The Commonwealth plane in the charge of Lieut. Oakes landed in Mr McPhee's paddock at Newmerella. It left for Sale on the same day.The purpose of the plane's visit was to raise subscriptions towards the WW1 peace loan. There is a plaque commemorating the oversubscription to the peace loan by the Shire of Orbost by 1919.A yellowed Herald newspaper from September 9 1919. It has the brown paper packaging in which it was sent. It is tied with string.newspaper document herald-melbourne first-aeroplane-orbost peace-loan

Rationing regulations for food and clothing were gazetted on 14 May 1942. Rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. It aimed to curb inflation, reduce total consumer spending, and limit impending shortages of essential goods. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans. Australians were never as short of food nor rationed as heavily as civilians in the United Kingdom. Rationing was enforced by the use of coupons and was limited to clothing, tea, sugar, butter, and meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage.Motor Spirit Ration Tickets and Clothing Ration Cards: Three of tickets, Commonwealth Liquid Fuel Control Board, Issued under National security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations, Valid only until 30th Sep. 1946. 2 of Clothing Ration Cards, 56 tickets issued to Emily Hall, 112 Collins Street, N17 and 56 tickets issued to John Hall of the same address. Also a Clothing Ration Card for Child Under 6 Years issued to Ian Hall at the same address.history, bendigo, ration cards

Fortuna Villa was initially commenced as a modest single storey home in 1861 next to the 180 Mine by Theodore Ballerstedt, who sold the mine and house to George Lansell in 1869. Lansell already owned the adjacent Fortuna Mine, and through deeper mining techniques greatly expanded the mine's operation, his personal wealth, and the house and grounds. Lansell was soon known as the 'Quartz King', Australia's first gold mining millionaire and credited as the driving force behind much of Bendigo's prosperity. He continuously added to and expanded the villa, decorating it extravagantly with the finest of artworks and materials, into a sprawling mansion with extensive landscaped grounds, to create a house and grounds of a size and grandeur with few rivals in Australia. After his death in 1907, his second wife Edith carried on with improvements, creating a house and grounds developed over 50 years. The attached mine also contributes to its significance, being one of the richest mines in Bendigo, and at one stage probably the deepest gold mine in the world at 3176 feet. The 1875 crushing works are attached directly to the mansion, and the mine's tailings and settling ponds (turned into ornamental lakes) represent a direct link between George Lansell's wealth and its source. Fortuna was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth in 1942 as the Cartographic Headquarters of the Australian Survey Corps during World War II, and many ancillary structures were added while preserving the main house and ornamental grounds. Victorian Heritage Database Report https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/68334/download-reportMinutes of Army Survey Regiment Unit Historical Fund, Fortuna Villa (28 Aug 1991 - 25 Nov 1992) 28 August 1991 - cost of construction of base of the fountain, and letter to Bendigo Art Gallery to follow-up loan of the "Venus" statue for display in the RM's office and resurfacing of marble baths in the CO and adjutant's offices. Single undated page from Unit Historical Fund Committee in 1991. 11 Nov 1992 - discussion of Christmas tours and a plaque for hallway. 25 Nov 1992 - lights for the Company's office, and a discussion of five tasks for next year. Lansell's Fortuna flyer for tour.fortuna villa, minutes

This 64 page booklet was first issued in 1958 and distributed free of charge to customers. It contained such interesting snippets as a list of Kings and Queens of England to population lists and information about the planets. This was a popular item amongst school children.The State Savings Bank of Victoria existed until 1991 when it was taken over by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. It was a major provider of home loan in the post war period.A 62 page booklet issued by the State Savings Bank of Victoria. The outer cover has a dark olive green background colour and has some yellow detail in the design.Some pencil scribbling on inside covers.state savings bank of victoria, ssb

Melbourne Annual Stud Sheep Fair, 1948 Catalogue of Merino, Corriedale and Polwarth Rams and Ewes. Owned by donors uncle, J.P. Swanton, who ran a small merino stud called 'Spring Hills' at Koriella.agricultural shows merino sheep corriedale sheep polwarth sheep, dalgety and company limited goldsbrough, mort and company limited australian mercantile land and finance company ltd new zealand loan and mercantile agency co. ltd commonwealth wool and produce co. ltd, agricultural shows, merino sheep, corriedale sheep, polwarth sheep

Melbourne Annual Sheep Fair, 1949 Catalogue of Merino, Corriedale and Polwarth Rams. Owned by donors uncle, J.P. Swanton, who ran a small merino stud called 'Spring Hills' at Koriella.F0404agricultural shows merino sheep corriedale sheep polwarth sheep, dalgety and company limited goldsbrough, mort and company limited australian mercantile land and finance company ltd new zealand loan and mercantile agency co. ltd commonwealth wool and produce co. ltd, agricultural shows, merino sheep, corriedale sheep, polwarth sheep

During World War 1, to finance the war the Commonwealth Government had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. To recover the cost of the war and fund soldier pensions the government launched 'Peace Loan' campaigns after the war. The various Shires in each State were given quotas that they were expected to raise. As part of the efforts to gain support for the Seventh War Loans for the Commonwealth, an Australian military tank launched an "offensive" throughout Northeast of Victoria, visiting several towns finishing at Wodonga on Saturday 5th Wodonga and staying on the Sunday before continuing on its tour. In response to this and other fund-raising efforts, the Wodonga community subscribed more than £12,845 to the Peace Loans which was acknowledged with the presentation of the brass plaque.This image captures an important event in Wodonga in response to World War 1.A black and white photograph depicting crowds gathered outside the Shire Hall in Wodonga. Flags are flying in the street. People are looking at a war tank on display towards the right hand side of the image.TANK DAY WODONGA has been hand written on the middle of the image.peace loans australia, world war 1, social response world war 1

Document used prior to computerisation. Customer completed the form, then presented it to the bank teller, who then passed over money to customer. Form allowed customers to withdraw money from passbook account, statement account or home loan/MISA a/c.Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Pink on white background. Red logo and writingcommerce, banking

Bound copy of the Victorian Municipal Directory and Gazetteer: Also Commonwealth Guide and the Water Supply Record for 1928. The volume contains 846 pages and includes sections on: - Comparative table – Municipal Returns for Twenty-one Years. - Index to Townships, Parishes and Railway Stations. - Changes and appointments. - Commonwealth of Australia (Constitution, Parliament, Departments and Officers). - State of Victoria (Parliament, Departments and Officers / Boards, Institutions, Trusts and Loans). - Municipalities in Victoria (Cities and Towns, Boroughs, Shires). - Water Supply (State Rivers and Water Supply Commission).non-fictionThe Victorian Municipal Directory provided annual details, and later bi-annual details, of all councils. Published by Arnall & Jackson (Printers and Stationers), copies were published in 'cloth' for sixteen shillings and 'half roan' for eighteen shillings. This copy was owned by Cr C.S.Parry. Elected to the Kew City Council as a representative of North Ward, Cr Parry was elevated to the position of Mayor in 1931. It, together with five other editions, was presented to the Kew Historical Society in 1987 by his grandson. victoria -- registers -- periodicals., victoria -- directories., water-supply -- victoria -- directories., municipal government -- victoria -- periodicals., cities and towns -- victoria -- directories.

Set of 9 notices and other documents concerned with the issuing of "Tramway Board War Loan 5% Bonds, Repayable in 1927". by the Commonwealth Government. Signed W. O Strangward Secretary. .1 - Notice - setting out the conditions, the need, payments - dated 26/2/1918 - 2 copies held. .2 - Notice - application notice - dated 6/3/1918 giving conditions - 2 copies held. .3 - Memo dated 11/4/1918 - on half foolscap, carbon copy, address to all stations regarding extension of the closing date. .4 - Gestetner printed notice dated 27/2/18, forwarding copies of the notices and conditions of the loan and documents. .5 - Quarto printed sheet - Memorandum of Agreement for the employee to signed, giving conditions and signature lines. .6 - Sheet, headed "Tramway Board Melbourne Commonwealth 5% War Bonds" - for each car or power house, listing the names, number of bonds, applicants signature and the amount paid. Double sided, Nos. 104 and 105 .7 - Poster or notice - printed foolscap sheet - advertising the Bonds, and conditions and asking employees to consider. .8 - Memorandum to the Officer in Charge of a particular location, dated 19/9/18, advising of the war loans and associated paperwork. Two copies held. .9 - Form to record payments for the war loans for a particular person, three copies, numbered 496, 497 and 500. Pink cloth back recording the location, name and application number - form No. 530. See also Reg Item 3924 for other documents.trams, tramways, tramway board, world war 1, finances, bonds

A framed Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster by Richard Haughton James (source AWM). The poster is an offset lithograph on paper framed by a blue border, mounted in a black frame. It is an early example of the work of the Commonwealth Advertising Division, set up in 1941 within the Department of Information, primarily to advertise recruitment drives for men's and women's services, munitions work, war loans and national savings campaigns.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Black and white sketch of a wartime lady holding a soldier's hat used as a recruiting poster in a black frame.Test of the poster "Mister, here's your hat! JOIN THE AIF NOW!"world war two, recruitment, aif

In 1984 the Commonwealth Government made available to Flagstaff Hill a collection of lead ingots and copper sheets recovered from the wreck-site of the LOCH ARD. They were presented to the Warrnambool City Council by the Hon. Tom Uren MHR, Minister for Territories and Local Government: “The Commonwealth recognises that shipwrecks like the LOCH ARD are our national heritage with important educational, recreational and tourist applications” (The Standard, Tuesday 8 May 1984). The LOCH ARD was wrecked in 1878. Unsuccessful salvage operations were then undertaken with the 90 ton paddle steamer NAPIER. In sudden bad weather this vessel too was sunk. The precise position of the LOCH ARD in the exposed and dangerous waters off Mutton Bird Island became lost to memory. The underwater location of the LOCH ARD was rediscovered in 1967 by a Warrnambool skindiver, Stan McPhee. In the two years following his find, the vessel was systematically pillaged by unauthorised salvagers. This led to the State and Federal Governments’ intervention in 1969. A roundup and seizure of recovered lead ingots and copper sheets was conducted by Commonwealth and Victorian Police. Offenders were charged and convicted. The “repossessed loot of the Tassie Boys” was placed into secure storage (Jack Loney, 1978, Wrecks & Reputations). The LOCH ARD manifest of cargo lists “Pig lead 50 tons, 994 pig & 37 rolls” and “Copper 33 plates, 53 bolts”. While the lead ingots have been subsequently described as “ballast”, the copper sheets are unlikely to have been associated with the ship’s normal complement in that way. Similar product lines in the cargo manifest are “Bar and rod iron 102 tons”, “Plate iron 3 tons” and “Zinc 12 tons”. These raw materials were used by colonial artisans such as blacksmiths and metal smelters to fashion, and repair, agricultural implements and industrial machinery. Copper was valued for its non-corrosive properties and its malleability, or ease of working. Both these qualities were useful, for example, in laying underground gas pipes that supplied lighting to residences, businesses and streetscapes in the mid-nineteenth century. As the nineteenth century progressed, the metal was also increasingly valued for its conductivity, with copper wiring linking colonial communities to each other, and the wider world, via the Telegraph system. The average weight of the copper sheets is 216 kilograms, calculated by "volume 0.1936m³ X Cu density 8930kgs/m³".The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collections historically significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Large heavy sheets or panels of copper metal raised from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. The 10 sheets are of roughly similar dimensions and rectangular shape. They bear signs of prolonged submersion in seawater, with various degrees of limestone accretion, adhered marine growth, and green oxidisation. Three of the sheets are severely buckled, demonstrating the force of underwater explosives used in their salvage. One sheet appears cut or severed in a diagonal line downwards from its top left hand corner. One sheet has a 10cm X 10cm square cut out of its top right hand corner. All sheets are in sturdy, stable condition. No maker’s marks are visible. Kindly on loan from the Commonwealth of Australia.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, sailing ship, copper sheet, manutacturing materials, metal imports, muntz

History of the Loch Ard: The Loch Ard was named after ”Loch Ard”, a loch which lies to the west of Aberfoyle, and to the east of Loch Lomond. It means "high lake" in Scottish Gaelic. The vessel belonged to the famous Loch Line, which sailed many vessels from England to Australia. The Loch Ard was built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873. The vessel was a three-masted square-rigged iron sailing ship that measured 79.87 meters in length, 11.58 meters in width, and 7 meters in depth, with a gross tonnage of 1,693 tons. It had a mainmast that measured a massive 45.7 meters in height. Loch Ard made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its fateful voyage. Loch Ard left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of 29-year-old Captain Gibbs, who was newly married. The ship was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. Onboard were straw hats, umbrellas, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionery, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. Other items were also included, intended for display at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. Then, at 3 am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land. But the Loch Ard was running into a fog, which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4 a.m., the fog lifted, and a lookout aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head-on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp, and Loch Ard's bow swung back towards land. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time, the ship was among the breakers, and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves subsequently broke over the ship, and the top deck became loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down, knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of Loch Ard and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then, on the flood tide, came into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging, but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael, a passenger, had raced onto the deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved, Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke the open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later, Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station, three and a half miles away. In a complete state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom then returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached Loch Ard Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the Loch Ard tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged, and some items washed up into Loch Ard Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced in March 1982. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton majolica peacock- one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne 1880 International Exhibition. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck, it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artifact and is one of the very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register.The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collections historically significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Lead ingots, also referred to as ‘lead ballast’ or ‘lead pigs', retrieved from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. Grey metal bars with a flat base, rising in a curved moulded shape to form a smooth, rounded upper face. The imprint of the maker runs along the upper surface in clearly legible capital lettering (height 3cm). The artefacts are stacked on wooden pallets and found in a number of locations at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. They are durable and heavy, with some dents and marine staining from their century of submersion, but generally in good condition. They are on loan from the Commonwealth of Australia.Impressed into the top face “PONTIFEX & WOOD. LONDON”.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, lead pigs, lead ingots, lead ballast, pontifex and wood, london lead smelters, ingots

This letter of sympathy is written to the widow of William Ferrier who rescued Captain Mylius and another seaman from the shipwreck, La Bella, at Warrnambool. Leonard Robertson, from Auckland, was II Mate of the La Bella. The letter was written from the Marine Dept. Queensland. Many newspaper accounts narrate the rescue and evidence given at the Marine Court of Inquiry. A book "Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella"/Jack Churchouse was printed. William Ferrier was born in Warrnambool and it is reported that he was a member of the lifeboat crew and served some years in the lighthouse service. During the La Bella rescue Ferrier used his dinghy, as he was an experienced fisherman of 25 years old. Ferrier, moved to Queenscliff at some stage and died at the Geelong hospital after having a seizure at sea. Ferrier's 15 years old son was having his birthday and fishing with him at the time. He was survived by his widow and 13 children. Otto Bayer who had informed Robertson of Ferrier's death was a crew member of the lifeboat. The site of the La Bella wreck lies in Lady Bay Warrnambool, at La Bella Reef - named after the fact. Transcript: Marine Dept Queensland 5.1.38 Dear Mrs Ferrier, Please accept my Sincerest Sympathy with you and your family in the loss of your husband. Mr. Otto Bayer advised me of the sad news and as I was II Mate of the La Bella when she was lost at Warrnambool I feel that I should write this short note and express my deep feelings in your loss. It is now 32 years since the wreck of which your husband was the hero. It is sad to think that we are all fading away and looking back I can see Bill Ferrier out in his boat at the La Bella it brings it all back to my mind as I write. A good man, and sailorman, is gone but never forgotten. Again expressing my deepest sympathy to you all Believe me, Yours Sincerely Leonard Robertson.This item is of historical significance in relation to the La Bella shipwreck as it is written and signed by a survivor and witness of the rescue. It is a single letter to the wife of the hero William 'Bill' Ferrier. The Ferrier family have a long social history with Warrnambool and Ferrier Drive is named in honour of the hero. The letter front is written on a lined and yellowed paper that has been repaired. The repair runs from top to bottom and has been done with cello tape. A small repair runs across the middle a couple of centimetres from the top and for approximately four centimetres down the middle. There are some small tears to the edges, particularly on fold creases. There are small brown age spots to peripheral areas. This is a sympathy letter from Leonard Robertson, II Mate and survivor of the La Bella to the widow of William (Bill) Ferrier rescue hero on his death. Inscribed in blue ink: "OWNER. G. FERRIER / LOANED. TO. BE / PHOTOGRAPHED / 27/4/76"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, leonard robertson, rescue, frank ferrier, la bella reef, otto bayer