Edith (Alice) WATSON (1914–2010) Murtoa | Australia Alice Watson studied at the Ballarat Technical Art School (at the School of Mines, Ballarat) from 1930 until 1933. Watson sat several departmental exams, including drawing and painting plant forms from nature, lettering, Composition of Form and Colour and advanced General Design, as well as dressmaking and embossed leatherwork. General Design examinations required only designs on paper, and not the full execution of an object (which was the case for Applied Design exams). Watson's folio applies many Australian native floral elements to design. Upon graduating, Watson taught at the Murtoa High School, living with her parents until their deaths in 1972 and 1988 when she was 74 years old. Alice Watson died in Ballarat, aged 95, having conserved her beautiful student folio, which was generously gifted to the Federation University permanent Historical Collection by the Watson family. A folio of thirty three drawings and paintings undertaken by Alice Watson at the Ballarat Technical Art School. The works include including the application of Australian flora to designs, including for pottery, leather and applique. .2) is a design for a table runner to be executed in richelieu work .3) frieze including fish .4) "Design for a border to be executed in stencil". 1932 .12) "Design on the waratah for a bowl to be executed in clay". 1932 .14) "Time test" .12) .17) .15) .18) show the combination of Australian flora with Art Nouveau-inspired designs .9) is a design for a wallet to be executed in raffia showing elevation, side elevation and plan views .11) is a design for a prayer book carrier to be executed in leather work .10) is an example of pencil transfer method of design seen on .11) .18) Design for a fan, image of birds and berries on a blue ground. .25) landscape illustration .27) "development" design based on a correa .29) "Design for a tea cosy based on the Cobia-Scanden to be executed in applique. 1931 (see also .31) .30) "Design for a writing tablet to be executed in embossed leather work and based on the native fuschia" (correa). 1931 .31) a completed doily holder: applique workMost are signed A. Watson 1931 .2) Paper is embossed with stamp of 'Goodall's Bristol Boards' stamp. (Crown depicted in centre) .20 and .22) Paper is embossed with 'Windsor & Newtons Bristol Board' stamp.(Griffin depicted in centre)ballarat technical art school, alice watson, flora, design, artwork, folio, art nouveau, alumni, leather work design, richelieu work, applique, doily holder, doyley holder, general design, edith alice watson

Ronald G. Thorn was a cadet engineer with the SEC on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The SEC employed young engineers as cadets to gain experience in their profession. As a cadet he took notes on his work for future reference. Refer to KVHS 1148Ronald George Thorn cadet engineer with the SECV on the KHES 1948 - 1950 doing overhead line re-construction and maintenance plus electrical design and drawing work.Leather cover with 2 silver rings. Pages A-Z with additional fold out pages of diagrams. Some pages have handwritten notes.Inside on front cover "R.G.Thorn / H.V. Section/ Yarraville Lab/ SEC / OE Section Y.T.S. R.T.S./ N.P.S. / Stamped 'Bogong" / N.P.S. / Sub/E / E.P.E."kiewa hydro electric scheme, r.g.thorn, cadet engineers, electrical design

This camera was designed by William Johnston in 1904. Production began in 1905. There were many versions, the number indicated the length of film which corresponds to the width of the panorama. Originally designed for photography of large groups of people. Later it was used for landscapes. This camera was used by the local Lorne photographer William Anderson who took photographs of visitors and local scenes. William purchased Norman Brown’s photographic business in December 1899 and worked in Lorne until his death in 1948It is a large format rotating panoramic camera. A concertinaed fine leather tube with the adjustable lens is contained in a black wooden leatherette covered rectangular box. On the top is a metal winding handle, a series of weights and a carrying handle. The lens is a Gundlach - Manhattan rapid recto graph. The camera rotates on a geared tripod through 360 degrees with the film driven past the exposure slot by a clock work motor.cameras, lorne, william anderson,

E. R. Watts and Son, makers of theodolites and other surveying instruments, of 123 Camberwell Road, London. The company was established in 1856 by Edwin Watts at twenty-three he had saved £100 from his earnings to start the business with his staff consisting of one boy and later Alexander Clarkson as an apprentice with the workshop a small room over a Bemondsey stable. Watts' first order was from Negretti and Zambra for a mining dial Alexander Clarkson In the early days the firm worked mainly on marine compasses. Edwin Watts would go down to the Docks to adjust the compasses once they had been installed on the ships. In May 1873 the business moved to larger premises a house with a garden. The workshop was also the home of Mr and Mrs Watts and their five sons and three daughters. By now there were fifteen to twenty men employed by the firm. The company were commissioned to supply the Theodolites and Levels for the construction to the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881. Towards the end of the century, the firm began to make heliographs continuing to produce them for the government until just before the Second World War when by agreement assigned their manufacture to another firm. 1904 The first dividing engine was completed by George William Watts. It was so remarkable an instrument at the time and for years afterwards, In 1907 Arthur Ames went to Canada and started an organisation in Winnipeg in 1909 this became a separate company called E. R. Watts and Son Ltd. of Ottawa. This firm developed considerably and was eventually with the co-operation of three other instrument companies (Cambridge Instrument Co, Ross, and Negretti and Zambra), were reconstituted as ”Instruments Ltd” of Ottawa and Toronto. During the next ten years, the firm expanded greatly to include glass grinding, leather work, dividing and engraving, testing, adjusting and packing. This expansion was continued during the First World War when workshops were completed and the machinery installed and running within eleven weeks from the start of construction. During the war, a Sergeant Coles, among the rats, lice and mud of the trenches, fitted various bits of scrap into his cocoa tin and made the first Flash Spotter for plotting the positions of enemy guns. Coles was rushed home to the firm's factory where he and George William Watts designed a spotter not made out of a cocoa tin and as a result, the Watts Vertical Force Variometer was developed during WWI. Other Watts instruments made in the First World War included the Light Mountain Theodolites which were taken on Mt Everest expeditions. In 1919 ER Watts and Sons was incorporated as a limited company and in 1939 G. A. Whipple joined the Board of Directors. Shortly afterwards, Frank Charles Watts died having been Chairman of the firm for over 37 years and seen it through the First World War with all its expansions and difficulties. He was succeeded by his brother George William Watts with the vacant post of Managing Director being filled by G. A. Whipple. During the Second World War, the company expanded further and the number of employees rose to well over 1,300. In 1946 Watts acquired 78% of Adam Hilger and the microscope maker James Swift and Son Who were Manufacturers of Theodolites, Levels, Alidades, Meteorological Instruments, Variometers, and many other types of scientific instruments Then in 1948 the company amalgamated with Adam Hilger as Hilger and Watts which was then incorporated as a public company.Naval Rangefinder with a vertical wooden handle, and an arrangement of optical lenses. Three reversible brass inserts calibrated on both sides in yards, correspond to various base heights, (20 and 25 feet, 30 and 35 feet and 40 and 50 feet). They are fitted along the axis of the instrument. When the scale for the appropriate base height is selected and inserted, the carriage can be slid for coincidence and the distance read at the index mark on the sliding carriage.inscribed "Rangefinder Cotton Type Mk II" Calibrated scale up to 5000 yds (50 ft), 5000 yds (35 ft), 4000 yds (25 ft) made by E. R. Watts & Son.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rangefinder, cotton type, e r watts & sons, naval range finder, marine equipment

The Robex traveller’s pouch may have originally contained men’s grooming set or toiletries such as shaving accessors and soap. The leather strap inside the lid was designed to hold items like a toothbrush, comb or razor. The owner, Dr W.R. Angus, had used the pouch to store his personal memorabilia including epaulettes and various Australian Army-issued items from WWII. It seems likely that he wore the epaulettes on a uniform when he worked his passage to or from the UK as a young Ship’s Surgeon, with the purpose of furthering his studies overseas in 1927-1928. He travelled outward on the SS Banffshire and homeward on the Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. The pouch dates from 1946 at the earliest. The Robex leather accessories brand was made by Lyall Robertson Pty. Ltd., Sandringham, Victoria. Robertson established his home business in the 1940s and went on to be a leading firm with over 200 staff. The Robex trademark was registered on July 5th, 1946. The leather pouch is now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II Dr Angus served as a Military Doctor. He was a Surgeon Captain for the Australian Defence Forces, Army Medical Corps, stationed in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W. He completed his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This traveller's pouch is significant for its connection with the firm Lyall Robertson Pty Ltd of Victoria, a home-based enterprise of the 1940s with quickly grew to employ much staff to make its good quality goods. It is also connected with the local doctor, W.R. Angus and Warrnambool's Medical History. Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist, collected a range of military objects including those he personally used during his time as Surgeon Captain in the Australian Defence Forces in World War II. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Traveller's pouch; tan water buffalo calf leather with brass zipper closure, cream-coloured fabric lining, and leather straps inside the lid for securing items. A silver embossed logo is on the lining of the base of the pouch. The Robex brand was made by Lyall Robertson Pty. Ltd in Victoria. The pouch belonged to Dr W R Angus and is now part of the W. R. Angus Collection.Stamped inside the base “ROBEX / WATER BUFFALO” and a silver logo [shield] flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, dr w r angus, w.r. angus collection, australian army, world war 2, second world war, ww 2, army issue, wwii, traveller's pouch, personal grooming accessory, robex, buffalo calf leather, lyall robertson pty. ltd, ss banffshire, t.s.s. largs bay, leather goods, travel goods

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water.This MMBW briefcase is of historical significance for its association with the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). This item is perfectly intact and a rare surviving object of standard Board issued accessories. The briefcase is significant for its representativeness of the theme Staff and in building Victoria's industries and workforce, which continues to resonate strongly within Melbourne Water today. The style of this briefcase also demonstrates early 19th century design. MMBW brown leather briefcase with MMBW gold embossed on the lid.mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, melbourne water, briefcase, staff, people, work, water supply

The name of this chair, Lepidoptera, refers to the insect species of moths and butterflies as LeAmon drew upon the anatomy of a butterfly to develop the concept of the chair?s structure, colour and pattern. Another key feature of the design was the use of textile remnants from automotive textile manufacturer Autofab,recalling LeAmon's redeployment of leather offcuts from the manufacture of cricket balls to make her 'Bowling Arm' series of bangles.industrial design, furniture

An early wooden lawn tennis racquet, with: tilt-top head; solid convex throat; and, a leather collar.The racquet features a customised handle, with intricate inlay work on both faces. On the obverse are inlays comprising of what may be two lavender buds. On the reverse is a decorative design incorporating the initials 'ESA'. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Gut, Leathertennis

A set of laminated A3 sketchbook pages depicting designs for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Village/Travel Uniform designed by Wendy Powitt. On the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The village clothing was designed to be a highly visible garment meaning that it was easy to "Spot the Aussies" and helped to contribute to a good team spirit. Blocks of contrasting colours were a feature of the pure wool shirts. A newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.8118.1- A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic women's Village/Travel Wear Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a pair of yellow shorts with a yellow and green printed, striped shirt, cinched at the waist by a brown woven belt. At the bottom of the page is a detailed drawing of the weave of the belt with an Australia shaped belt buckle. A small drawing to the right of the main image also details a small bag/pouch that attaches to the belt. 8118.2- A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic women's Village/Travel Wear Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a pair of yellow shorts paired with a block colour shirt in green, red, white and yellow with a symbol in the shape of Australia on the right side of the shirt. There are small detail images of shorts and a skirt to the left of the main image and a detail drawing of a brown leather shoe to the right.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, artwork, drawing, uniform

A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Men's Village/Travel Uniform designed by Wendy Powitt. On the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The village clothing was designed to be a highly visible garment meaning that it was easy to "Spot the Aussies" and helped to contribute to a good team spirit. Blocks of contrasting colours were a feature of the pure wool shirts. A newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic men's Village/Travel Wear Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a pair of yellow shorts, a green and yellow striped shirt with the Australian emblem on the right breast of the shirt and a brown leather woven belt. The top of the page shows a detailed drawing of the belt weave with a symbol of Australia as the belt buckle. To the right of the main image is a detailed drawing of the shorts as well as a drawing of a leather pouch that is attached to the belt.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, artwork, drawing, uniform

A set of laminated A3 sketchbook pages depicting designs for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Opening/Closing Ceremony Uniform designed by Wendy Powitt. On the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. Opening Ceremony Uniform included a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy.8120.1 - A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Opening/Closing Ceremony Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a dark green skirt, a yellow printed sleeveless button up shirt, a matching headband and scarf, yellow gloves and brown leather shoes. To the right of the main image are five detail drawings of the skirt, gloves, shoes and scarf as well as a depiction of a brown leather bag. 8120.2 - unnumbered- mounted on green card this sketchbook page depicts a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Opening/Closing Ceremony Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a dark green skirt, a yellow printed sleeveless button up shirt and yellow gloves. 8120.3 - unnumbered- A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Opening/Closing Ceremony Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a dark green skirt, a yellow printed sleeveless button up shirt, a matching headband and scarf, yellow gloves and brown leather shoes. To the right of the main image are five detail drawings of the skirt, gloves, shoes and scarf as well as a depiction of a brown leather bag.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, artwork, drawing, uniform

Uniforms for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games were designed by Wendy Powitt in conjunction with the AWC. Doug Pleasance, donor of these items, worked for the AWC and closely with Wendy Powitt, obtaining these uniform examples. About the Olympic Uniforms Doug wrote- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by T D Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Women's left black leather heeled shoe, manufactured by Hush Puppies. Simple and unadorned in style with a rounded toe. Only the left shoe.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Uniforms for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games were designed by Wendy Powitt in conjunction with the AWC. Doug Pleasance, donor of these items, worked for the AWC and closely with Wendy Powitt, obtaining these uniform examples. About the Olympic Uniforms Doug wrote- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by T D Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Men's tan coloured shoes with appliqued leather design attached to the laces creating a wave-like point on the sides of the shoes.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Uniforms for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games were designed by Wendy Powitt in conjunction with the AWC. Doug Pleasance, donor of these items, worked for the AWC and closely with Wendy Powitt, obtaining these uniform examples. About the Olympic Uniforms Doug wrote- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by T D Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Men's black leather brogue shoe. Leather detail stretches around the bottom of the shoe and the toe as well as around the opening of the shoe and the laces.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Uniforms for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games were designed by Wendy Powitt in conjunction with the AWC. Doug Pleasance, donor of these items, worked for the AWC and closely with Wendy Powitt, obtaining these uniform examples. About the Olympic Uniforms Doug wrote- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by T D Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Men's brown leather shoe with a different coloured leather around the upper part of the shoe and laces. Only the right shoe.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Whittaker's improved edition of Pinnock's Goldsmith's History of England, from the invasion of Julius Caesar to the death of George 11., with a continuation to the present time; also, a dictionary, biographical, historical &c. explaining every difficulty, and rendering the whole easy to be understood; and questions for examination at the end of each section: besides a variety of valuable information added throughout the work....Brown leather-bound hardcover book, very worn extremities, tear to upper spine. Embossed cross-hatch design on leather with embossed border. Staining lower right front, loss of colour back & front. Scored damage to front. Flyleaf torn with piece missing upper right. Front hinge separated, binding loose. 2nd flyleaf stained. Foxing and discolouration of page edges. 519 pp. Poor condition.Inside front cover, label advertising Fulton & Knight's Pronouncing Dictionary, 'T & C Buck/1846'. Front flyleaf, ' [missing] Buck/ [indecipherable] school/1846'. Front 2nd flyleaf, 'Thomas Buck/Mounted Constable/Kilmore District/June 1856'.history of england, thomas buck, mounted constable, kilmore

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. This leather beater was based on a century-old stockman's design which used green cow hide leather lashed to a broom handle. It's recommend that users lift no more than above knee height to conserve energy and let the beater to the work. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts and later RakehoesEarly firefighting toolBushfire beater - Leather with wooden handlebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

These boots were manufactured by Oliver Stevens in Ballarat to the Forests Commission's own specification. Safety boots were a bit "hit and miss" back in 1981. As well as the steel toe caps these boots had a screwed, glued and stitched Sherpa-pattern rubber nitrile sole. The sole was oil resistant and didn't melt on hot coals. The yellow heels signified safety boots. There were two styles with different leather and staff were all personally fitted and given their choice of style. The only thing that has fundamentally changed over 40 years is there is much more choice and comfort in boots today. These boots proved to be the catalyst for boot manufacturers realising there was a market outside of the armed forces not being served. Ankle injuries along with elastic sided boots were virtually eliminated by these boots. The iconic Tasmanian company, Blundstone, had a work boot called "Forester" at the time. It had won an Australian Design Award and had a bonded Sherpa sole. Unfortunately, the soles tended to separate from the boot under field test conditions. Eventually they perfected the process Oliver Stevens' main issue was not being able to recruit enough workers to meet the increased demand. Info: Trevor Brown.First safety boots issued to Victorian forest firefightersYellow Back safety boots with leather laces. FCV marked on the heel fire fighting, bushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing

This Minnitt machine was owned by Dr Mary Clementina DeGaris. Dr DeGaris qualified from medicine, MB BS, at the University of Melbourne in 1905. She continued her studies, becoming only the second woman in Victoria to qualify MD, in 1907. With the outbreak of war, DeGaris attempted to enlist as a doctor with the Australian Army but was refused. Undeterred she travelled to England, where she joined the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service, a medical group made up entirely of women. After the war, she returned to Australia and set up practice as an obstetrician in Geelong, Victoria. Subsequently, the Geelong Hospital named a wing after her, "DeGaris House", which is now part of Geelong Private Hospital. DeGaris was awarded the St Saba medal, 3rd class, for her work during WWI. Robert James Minnitt introduced the concept of self-administered analgesia, using an apparatus designed and built in conjunction with London scientific instrument-maker, Charles King. The Minnitt apparatus met with considerable success and led to further modifications, including the introduction of the Queen Charlotte gas-air analgesia apparatus in 1936.Brown leather suitcase with brass locks and leather handle. Inside the case is metal equipment, with arms for attaching cylinders. On top of the case, located underneath the handle, is a small brass plate, bearing the name of the owner in black printed script on a piece of card or paper held inside the plate.Printed in black ink on name plate: Dr Mary C. De Garis.minnitt, geelong, scottish women's hospitals, world war i, obstetrician