Ron Bridger was an avid collector of items related to transport, predominately Trams. These items include newspaper cuttings, pamphlets, reports, timetables, fare prices plus special items relating to events. Items from Melbourne and regional Victoria, interstate - Adelaide and Sydney, plus overseas, make up this collection. The article shows the tram that ran when they officially returned to the rails in Ballarat. SEC Chairman Mr J.C. Trethowan returned to Ballarat to officially open the Ballarat Tourist Tramway. Representatives of transport preservation and Historical Societies Australia wide were present for this celebration.Newspaper article with black and white photographtrams, melbourne, victoria, sec, j c trethowan, official opening, celebration, shake rattle roll, ron bridger collection, as box 48a

Black and white photograph showing group posing in front of construction works of dam.Written on back of photograph: "J. C. Allan, Joan Miles, Gwen Miles nee Trethowan, A.jT. Miles, Mrs. Trethowan, man unknown. June and Paddy in front. Maroondah Dam about 1923-24."

The Pioneers of Ballarat may have been created to the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association and the reunions held by the early Ballarat pioneers. The dates given after the pioneers time is their date of arrival into the colony.Photograph showing numerous portraits of men who were considered Pioneers of Ballarat as complied by R. Walker and produced by Chuck Vice Regal Photo. The men depicted are: J. Smith; W. Gay; W. Downie; G. Goddard; B. Varcoe; A.F. Seidal; Loius Balhausen; J. McKenzie; William irwin; M. Box; Thomas Bath; James Oddie; William Tulloch; J.W. Graham; J. Ward; W. Curnow; R.J. Binder; F.J.L. Turner; W. Eyres; C.A. Welch; B. Welch; G. Welch; J. Lake; H. Smith; J. King; R.T. Wreford; Ernest Balhausen; J. Ward; T. Trengrove; J. Truswell; J. Taylor; W. Seeley; J.P. Murray; Hon. David Ham; Andrew Anderson; E. McCartney; J.H. Smith; Joseph Edward Cowley; A. Jones; W.H. Furness; F.N. Martin; James Anderson; G. Becher; James Meek; T. Hawkins; P. Drummond; C. Barker; J. Malcolm; R. Brown; G. Tupper; A. Rose; W. Pinkerton; A. Clinton; A. Sheppard, F.C. Downes; J.A. Blight; J. Blight; T. Blight; J. Richardson; C.W. Toy; W.C. Elder; E. Towl; S. Walker; W.P. Martin; J.T Langley; J.A. Abramowitch; R, Allan; S.W. Woodward; G. Hunt; J. Bishop; F.L. Graham; R. Graham; W. A.G. Fraser; J. Davies; J. Paterson; B.G. Tucker; E. McElroy; W.H. Burton, T.C. Coates; J. Williams; J.P. Roberts; J. Ritchie; T.W. White; J. F. Harvey; Natale D'Angri; D. McCallum; W. Chisholm; P. Kohl; J. Moncrief; J.P. Marshall; R.U. Nicholls; G.L. Holthouse; C. Gray; W. Gale; James Long; Theo Williams; J.R. Ellsworth; W. Scott; Henry Josephs; D. Cooke; William Little; T.H. Thompson; E. Morey; J.G. McDonald; C.C. Shoppee; G. Douglas; W. H. Ellis; W. Hicks; J. Cameron; W. B. Koppers; F. Marendez; G. Herrmann; J. Kelly; E. Jermyn; P. Murray; P. Gay; D. McNaught; T.D. Wanliss; G. Lord; H. Glenny; J. Trethowan; J. Blandford; J. Goujon; W. Coad; A. Colliver; J. Nunn; J. Munro; W.C. Burbidge; J. Jarvie; C. Ferguson; C. Morris; J. Russell; J. Phillips; J. Coghlan; R. Clark; Thomas Stoddart; M. Wasley; B. Retallack; John Reid; M.C. Carey; P. Maloney; E. Newman; J. Lamb; J,. Pryor; J. Gibson; James Mitchell; J. Rowe; James Vallins; A. Roxburgh; A. Cant; O. Thomas; J.Y. McDonald; W.M. Acheson; A. Jack; R. Gibbings; E.W. Chamberlain; J.H. Ellsworth; J. Falconer; G.G. Lorimer; James M. Bickett; T. Sayle; Andrew McIntyre; W. Hambley; K. Coutts; T. Muir; R. Scott; G. Leach; E. Richards; R. Hearn; J. Hughan; D. Miliani; E. Parr; J. T. Irving; W.G. Williams; J. Marks; J. Darby; T. Ray; D. McKenzie; James Robson; J. Robson; J. Moore; J. Murphy; Robert M. Serjeant; C. Ford; E.E. Campbell; P. Folland; P.J. Rickard; A. McVitty; B. Angwin; J.T. Sleep; M.P. Whiteside; W. Curtis; H. Crisp; E. Major; R. Pearce; J. Waller; G. Waller; G. Abrams; J. McIntyre; J. Johnston; W. Johnston; W. Taylor; J. Knoth; J. Davey; G. Smith; N. Kent; E.O. Witherden; J.B. Cathcart; W.H. Harrow; G. Evans; L. Ure; W.T. Glen; T. Dickinson; D. Hughes; J. Strickland; J. Hillman; E. Jackson; R.J. Walker; D. Gunn; R.J. Gullan; T. McManamy; A. Gray; James trembath; W. Porter; J. Showman; C. Walker; J. Bowman; W.B. McDonald; P. Jago; J. Stout pioneers, ballarat, chuck, chuck vice regal photo, r. walker, ballarat pioneers, pioneers of ballarat, j. smith, w. gay, w. downie, g. goddard, b. varcoe, a.f. seidal, loius balhausen, j. mckenzie, william irwin, m. box, thomas bath, james oddie, william tulloch, j.w. graham, j. ward, w. curnow, r.j. binder, f.j.l. turner, w. eyres, c.a. welch, b. welch, g. welch, j. lake, h. smith, j. king, r.t. wreford, ernest balhausen, t. trengrove, j. truswell, j. taylor, w. seeley, j.p. murray, hon. david ham, andrew anderson, e. mccartney, j.h. smith, joseph edward cowley, a. jones, w.h. furness, f.n. martin, james anderson, g. becher, james meek, t. hawkins, p. drummond, c. barker, j. malcolm, r. brown, g. tupper, a. rose, w. pinkerton, a. clinton, a. sheppard, f.c. downes, j.a. blight, j. blight, t. blight, j. richardson, c.w. toy, w.c. elder, e. towl, s. walker, w.p. martin, j.t langley, j.a. abramowitch, r, allan, s.w. woodward, g. hunt, j. bishop, f.l. graham, r. graham, w. a.g. fraser, j. davies, j. paterson, b.g. tucker, e. mcelroy, w.h. burton, t.c. coates, j. williams, j.p. roberts, j. ritchie, t.w. white, j. f. harvey, natale d'angri, d. mccallum, w. chisholm, p. kohl, j. moncrief, j.p. marshall, r.u. nicholls, g.l. holthouse, c. gray, w. gale, james long, theo williams, j.r. ellsworth, w. scott, henry josephs, d. cooke, william little, t.h. thompson, e. morey, j.g. mcdonald, c.c. shoppee, g. douglas, w. h. ellis, w. hicks, j. cameron, w. b. koppers, f. marendez, g. herrmann, j. kelly, e. jermyn, p. murray, p. gay, d. mcnaught, t.d. wanliss, g. lord, h. glenny, j. trethowan, j. blandford, j. goujon, w. coad, a. colliver, j. nunn, j. munro, w.c. burbidge, j. jarvie, c. ferguson, c. morris, j. russell, j. phillips, j. coghlan, r. clark, thomas stoddart, m. wasley, b. retallack, john reid, m.c. carey, p. maloney, e. newman, j. lamb, j, . pryor, j. gibson, james mitchell, j. rowe, james vallins, a. roxburgh, a. cant, o. thomas, j.y. mcdonald, w.m. acheson, a. jack, r. gibbings, e.w. chamberlain, j.h. ellsworth, j. falconer, g.g. lorimer, james m. bickett, t. sayle, andrew mcintyre, w. hambley, k. coutts, t. muir, r. scott, g. leach, e. richards, r. hearn, j. hughan, d. miliani, e. parr, j. t. irving, w.g. williams, j. marks, j. darby, t. ray, d. mckenzie, james robson, j. robson, j. moore, j. murphy, robert m. serjeant, c. ford, e.e. campbell, p. folland, p.j. rickard, a. mcvitty, b. angwin, j.t. sleep, m.p. whiteside, w. curtis, h. crisp, e. major, r. pearce, j. waller, g. waller, g. abrams, j. mcintyre, j. johnston, w. johnston, w. taylor, j. knoth, j. davey, g. smith, n. kent, e.o. witherden, j.b. cathcart, w.h. harrow, g. evans, l. ure, w.t. glen, t. dickinson, d. hughes, j. strickland, j. hillman, e. jackson, r.j. walker, d. gunn, r.j. gullan, t. mcmanamy, a. gray, james trembath, w. porter, j. showman, c. walker, j. bowman, w.b. mcdonald, p. jago, j. stout, john smith

The Ballarat Junior Technical School was established in 1913 as a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. It is a predecesor institution of Federation University Australia.Black cloth covered foolscap book with red leather spine and corners. The book is filled out by hand and includes the name of each student, the subjects they studied, their grade for each subject and a total. Each page is signed by Principal A.W. Steaneballarat junior technical school, exams, examinations, a.w. steane, steane, a.e. williams, a. northcott, r. borradale, h. wakeling, r. mcvitty, e. embling, w. skilbeck, c. brittain, r. bath, john dulfer, r. luikeis, allan bernaldo, a. whitla, r. hauffman, n. ellis, a. cutter, h. dodds, h. edmonds, j. deautschmann, j. landvogt, george leech, guido brelaz, roy kauffman, baily leslio, henry dodds, john landvogt, e. adamthwaite, alan billman, william deveux, thomas fry, ernest towsell, thomas wesley, h. barraclough, william baragwanath, rex kitchen, matt moralee, john breen, john garner, g. quigley, h. o'bern, sid chambers, frank prout, reginald crick, f. leask, v. coates, a. butterworth, claude gunnell, eugene lowe, cecil hart, thomas rees, sam prout, charles strachan, thomas stubb, fred ellsworth, cecil hood, vivian taylor, thomas wasley, william shattock, harry o'bern, victor coates, albert anstis, alex amiller, jospeh minster, h. hammer, l. featherstone, j. penhalluriack, r.j. selkirk, j.d. chard, a.s. begg, r. caldwell, w. lepp, arthur coates, hector gay, w.c.f. almeida, arthur pearce, john trethowan, john cowan, ivan ditchburn, a. boyce, a. pattendon, s. rowe, h. corne, j. skilbeck, e. wyatt, e. birt, r. young, lyle eves, hubert lazarus, harry david, john jude, raymond proctor, gustave j. zilles, david flockhart, richard j. young, alfred e. boyce, l. curnow, p. dance, e.f. rowe, h. holmes, c. hiscock

The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang How Cheng, visited Australia at the request of the Chinese Emperor for the purpose of establishing Chinese consulates in the Commonwealth. He visited Ballarat at the request of Ballarat’s Chinese community. The newspaper reported that it was hoped the Commissioner would visit the Ballarat School of Mines “where the knowledge he would get would probably be of the utmost usefulness in the development of the great resources of China.” The Commissioner was accompanied by interpreter Ah Ket (Melbourne barrister and solicitor), and met by members of Ballarat’s Chinese community, including Dr Wong Chock Son. Apparently the Chinese Commissioner wanted to visit SMB because of its international fame relating to education in mining. From the SMB Letter book (Cat. No. 436) comes the following which suggests the Commissioner was based in Adelaide) '17th November 1906 His Excellency, Hwang How Cheng Chinese Commission Adelaide May it please your Excellency By this post I have the pleasure in forwarding for your Excellency's kind acceptance (and one for Mr. When) copies of the photograph taken of your recent visit to the School of Mines. I trust they will serve a pleasing memento of what, I hope, was a pleasant visit to our Golden City. Yours Faithfully Fredk Martell Director' The visit was reported in the Ballarat Star in 14 November 1906:- The Chinese Imperial Commissioner, Hwang Hon Cheng, who recently arrived in Victoria on behalf of the Chinese Government, paid a visit to Ballarat last evening, and was entertained by his fellow countrymen at a dinner at the Bow Leong rooms, Main street. The commissioner, who came up by the express, was accompanied by his secretary and Mr Ah Ket, the well-known Chinese barrister, of Melbourne; but some disappointment was expressed by the fact that he did not wear his official robes, being attired in the more sombre European dress. Mr W. D. M’Kee presided at the dinner, on the invitation of the Bow Leong Society, and in addition to representative Chinese residents, three were also present the mayor of the city (Cr. J. J. Brokenshire), Crs. R. Pearse, G. Crocker (City), J. R. Elsworth, A. Mackenzie, J. A. M’Neil, A. Levy, G. Bunting, F. Penhalluriack (Town), Col. Williams, Mr. J. Gent, Messrs. F. J. Martell (director of the School of Mines), A. W. Hager (president of the Orphan Asylum), A. Kenny (superintendent), R. G. Fitzgerald (clerk of courts at Ballarat East), J. Trethowan, A. A. Buley, Serg Dalton, and others. Apologies were received from the mayor of the town Revs. J. West Lau, Dr Cairns, Hon. J. Y. M’Donald, L. Lederman, C. C. Shoppee and others. The gathering was a very cordial one, and the hospitality of the Chinese was greatly appreciated. After the loyal toasts, “The King” and “The Emperor of China,” had been honoured, the chairman extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the society and others to the commissioner. Mr M’Kee said he was privileged to speak in behalf of the Chinese. There was a warm feeling of friendship between them and himself, and his services were always at their command. If he were in China he would desire that a similar compliment would be extended to him. They were all pleased the Emperor of China had sent the commissioner to establish consulates in Australia with a view of the empire understanding the feelings of Australasia better than they did at present. He hoped the commissioner would have opportunity of visiting some of their industries, as they desired him to gain all the scientific and practical knowledge of those industries that he could. The toast of “The Commissioner” was proposed by Col. Williams who expressed pleasure at the visit of a gentleman of education and attainments to look into the condition of the scions of China in Australia. He hoped the commissioner would carry away a correct impression. In Australia they had nothing to conceal; they hoped to be understood. (Applause.) No intelligent man had the temerity to condescend to patronise China, one of the richest countries in the world, with a civilisation dating back thousands of years. In the matter of population alone it was equal to one-third of the world. They heard a lot about the “awakening of China.” They hoped it would be humane, just, and considerate if it had power. He hoped the commissioner would be satisfied with what he saw. The law of filial relation to the children was strictly observed in China, and he did not know whether it would not be a good thing if they had a little more of that religion here. It would be a fair thing to tell the commissioner that while he might inquire into the labour laws, the basis of these laws was not a desire to oppress but to enable every man to obtain the same conditions they expected from their own people. If he gained that impression he felt they would be fairly treated. (Applause.) Mayor Brokenshire supported the toast. They had, he said, in the Chinese a most law-abiding people. Their behaviour was an example to the British citizens. They were quiet, inoffensive men, and they toiled hard, even on Sundays. (Laughter.) Mr Ah Ket; That is what the government does with the railway employees. (Laughter.) The Commissioner replied through Mr Ah Ket, who in a graceful speech acknowledged the toast. The commissioner had, he said been delighted with what he had seen of the country – he believed it to be one of the finest in the world – and he greatly appreciated the hospitality extended to him. (Applause.) The Chairman proposed the toast of “The health of Mr Ah Ket,” and paid a tribute to his ability. It was satisfactory to see that he had risen to such a position, and it might be that in the future he would be asked to occupy a position on the bench. (Applause.) Mr Ah Ket, in response, said he had not come prepared to make a speech. He had come to Ballarat to have a quiet evening with his friends, and as soon as he arrived he had been whirled away in a motor car to a place where he found an aggregation of East and West. He was pleased to see them commingled at the festive board. That suggested the idea that East and West could meet together without friction. Misunderstandings arose only because men were superficial. If they threw off outer garments they would know each other better. He looked forward to the time when nations would understand each other. It was by an interchange of visits that such things could be accomplished, and nations would then live at peace with each other. (Applause.) Other toasts were also honored. Twelve men pose for a photograph on the stairs of a building at the Ballarat School of Mines. Back row left to right: A.D. Gilchrist (Prof. of Engineering), B. Whittington (Mathematics, Physics), Thomas S. Hart (Prof. of Geology and Mining), J.M. Sutherland (Electrical Engineering) Front row left to right: Dr Wong Chock Son (Ballarat), Fred. J. Martell, Alfred Mica Smith, Ah Ket esq (Melbourne Barrister), His Excellency Hwang How Cheng (Chinese Commissioner), Wen Esq (Secretary), Alderman Grase (mayor of Brisbane), Grase Esq (Ballarat).ballarat school of mines, alfred mica smith, fred martell, j m sutherland, a d gilchrist, b whittington, thomas hart, wong chock son, ah ket, hwang how cheng, chinese, chinese commissioner, international, new classrooms, administration building, a building

A large collection of Sunshine Technical School Sports Trophies 7 Shields650.01 - Cross County Boys Trophy|650.02 - Year 9 Sport 1980 - 1981 Trophy|650.03 - Cross Country Girls Trophy|650.04 - Boys Cross County 1970 - 1982 Trophy|650.03 - Circular Relay Team 1958 Trophy - P. Sertori, L. O'Brien, B. Taylor, K. Stephens, N. Carter, J. Gorrie|650.05 - Girls Technical Schools Sports Association Junior Cup Grade B Inter Schools Championships Trophy|650.06 - 1952 - 1981 Boys Athletics House Competition Trophy - 1952 Capt B. Lewis, 1953 Capt R. Clifford, 1954 Capt G. Urwin, 1955 Capt J. Camfield, 1956 Capt J. Bradbury, 1957 Capt B. Ross, 1958 Capt S. Launikonis, 1959 Capt K. Davenport, 1960 Capt G. Murphy, 1961 Capt M. Charenko, 1962 Capt D. Dobson, 1963 Capt R. Hawkins, 1964 Capt H. Stiegber, 1965 Capt E. Moore, 1966 Capt E. Meilak, 1967 Capt B. Nowell, 1968 Capt G. Cottee, 1969 Not Awarded, 1970 E. Locs, 1971 E. Locs, 1972 H. Geerling, 1973 F. Bondin, 1976 N. Durham, 1977 M. Macdek, 1978 D. Nicholls, 1979 D. Nicholls, 1980 G. Parkes, 1981 L. Kirk|650.06 - 1952 - 1981 Girls Athletics House Competition Trophy - 1952 Capt. N. Woodman, 1953 Capt M. Knight, 1954 Capt J. McClure, 1955 Capt B. Boyer, 1956 Capt N. Need, 1957 Capt V. Willis, 1958 Capt L. O'Brien, 1959 Capt H. Dodd, 1960 Capt L. hodgson, 1961 Capt H. Bell, 1962 Capt S. Woodgate, 1963 Capt L. Lyall,1964 Capt H. Scanlon, 1965 Capt J. Twaites, 1966 Capt O. Tereschenko, 1967 Not Awarded, 1968 Not Awarded, 1969 Capt D. Fletcher, 1975 D. Crick, 1977 T. Stewart, 1978 T. Stewart, 1979 J. Carey, 1980 K. Dyke, 1981 M. Hockey|650.07 - Athletics House Aggregate Shield|650.08 - Sunshine R.S.L. V's S.T.S. 1981 Trophy|650.09 - Ten Pin Bowling Trophy|650.10 - The Beaver Cup For House Competition 1969 - 1981 Trophy - 1969 D. Fletcher, 1970 R. Nadolski, 1971 A. Branch, 1972 M. fogarty, 1973 J. Trethowan, 1976 D. Crick, 1977 J. Harvey, 1978 T. Stewart, 1979 J. Carey 1980 K. Dyke, 1981 M. Hockey|650.11 - Collection of 4 Indoor Cricket Champions Trophy Allan Pamintuan, Graeme Bury, Shane Thompson & Aaron Grima|650.12 - Rugby Union Football Westgate Junior Union Under 16 Shield|650.12 - Forge Handicap 1949 - 1951 Trophy - 1949 R. Stein, 1950 C. Burgoyna, 1951 F. Butterey|650.13 - The Ivy Sorenson Memorial Trophy House Aggregate Points Shield - J. Robertson|650.14 - Model Of The Year Award Instructors Association Woodwork 1973 Form 3|650.15 - Model Of The Year Award Instructors Association Woodwork 1973 Form 2|650.16 - House Marching 1951 - 1967 Cup|650.17 - Net Ball Seniors 1985 - 1986 Trophy|650.18 - Net Ball Junior 1986 Trophy (5 of)|650.19 - Netball Seniors 1986 Trophy (2 of)|650.20 - F.Y.M.C.A. 1980 Summer Comp C-Grade Runners-Up Netball 1980 Trophy|650.21 - Western Region Net Ball Runners Up Sec A 1987 Medallion - S. Tippett|650.22 - C.T.T.W. Senior Soccer 1961 Trophy|650.23 - M.T.S.S.A. Section 5 Soccer 1965 Trophy|650.24 - M.T.S.S.A. Section Winners 1968 Soccer Trophy|650.25 - V.T.S.S.U Soccer Challenge Cup|650.26 - M.T.S.S.A. Section 5 Softball Trophy|650.27 - Squash Champions 1967|650.29 - Western Suburbs Swimming Championships 1972 Trophy|650.30 M.T.S.S.A. Volley Ball 1969 Trophy|650.32 - The Vado Lizier Award Aggregate House Competition 1970 - 1982 Trophy - 1976 M. Pocock, 1977 T. Tedesco, 1978 D. Nicholls, 1979 T. Coombs, 1980 T. Coombs, 1981 J. Robertson, 1982 G. Simpsons|650.33 - Collection of 3 Volleyball Trophies - Vinh Du|650.34 M.T.S.S.A. Volley Ball 1964 Trophy|650.35 M.T.S.S.A. Volley Ball 1965 Trophy|650.36 - G.T.T.S.A. "B" Division Aggregate Senior & Junior Shield - D. Crick, W. Ormston, s. Buttsworth, Yvonne Crick, J. Stewart, M. Barley, M. Wallace, J. Marlow, J. Meyer, W. Nagle, K. Milne, K. Bradbrook, J. Zatylny, W. llen, T. Stewart, L. McContric, K. Hawkins, S. ?, J. White, M. Duhau, M. Driz|650.37 - Swimming House Competition Shield - G. Coombs, D. Dean, L. Amur, J. Robertson, M. Hockey|650.38 - Western Region Volleyball Competition Shield|650.39 - Metropolitan Tech Schools Sports Association Section Championship 1960 - 1968 Trophy|No Numbers as yet|Soccer Trophy|Swimming 1967 - 1983 Trophy - 1976 G. Browne, 1977 A. Ellis, 1978 L. Barrow, 1979 T. Coombs, 1980 T. Coombs, 1981 T. Robertson, 1982 C. Barry 1983 A. Heehansunshine technical school, technical school, sunshine, memorabilia

Marble Honour Boards listing benefactors to the Ballarat Old Colonists' Associations. The name was added to the boards the year of the donors death. 1912 G.F. Tippett H. Ben Jahn C.E. Grainger F.A. Ham Sir W.A. Zeal Joseph Curthoys J. Latimer J.L. Harvey C.C, Shoppee A. Dickman Andrew McIntyre J. O'Shea Matilda Bruce C.E. Davies J.S. Trethowan h.J. Thwaites M.L. Matthews J.W. Nicholls C. Robinson W.H. Barrow J.R. Elsworth W.D. McKee Christina Hull H.B. Chalmers James Darby Sir Matthew Davies W. Symonds g.f. tippett, h. ben jahn, c.e. grainger, f.a. ham, sir w.a. zeal, joseph curthoys, j. latimer, j.l. harvey, c.c, shoppee, a. dickman, andrew mcintyre, j. o'shea, matilda bruce, c.e. davies, j.s. trethowan, h.j. thwaites, m.l. matthews, j.w. nicholls, c. robinson, w.h. barrow, j.r. elsworth, w.d. mckee, christina hull, h.b. chalmers, james darby, sir matthew davies, w. symonds, old colonists' association, marbles