This large wooden sign was originally attached to the barge D26 which was one of the 4 barges used to carry logs behind the PS Adelaide. The D indicated that it was the fourth barge to be built in 1926 by Murray River Sawmills. The number represented the year it was built.This original timber piece, salvaged from the D26 barge is an important relic from an original outrigger logging barge from the early 20th century, one of the last logging barges built as the Murray River timber trade was declining. The barge was restored by the Port's chief shipwright Kevin Hutchinson with assistance from Laurie Rendle and Alan Battsch. and the PS Adelaide is also a significant feature in the Port's collection. Large red gum timber signD 26d26, barge, logging industry, murray river sawmills, ps adelaide

The old brick office buildings of the Murray River Sawmills were demolished around 1975. This photo relates to the series P000105-P000107. Sawmills in the Echuca area were historically and socially significant being a large employer in the area. The Murray River sawmill was one of the biggest and longest operating sawmills in the area. Black and white photograph of the old Murray River Sawmills, showing rear and side of the building with doorway and window. Lumber is piled at left front of photograph and other material (wire?) has been dumped in front of and along the side of the building.On reverse, in pencil, " M. R. Sawmills office or other old building, demolished". In pen "c.1975". Printed "Kodak paper". Blue ink"0932"murray river sawmills, echuca, echuca, victoria, pullicino, j

The brick old Murray River Sawmill office was demolished around 1975. This photograph is of the side of the building taken from behind. It shows a corrugated lean-to and a window or door way that appears to be blocked off. There is a large crack in the brick work wall beside this doorway. Part of the back of the front brick facade is visible behind a brick chimney. This relates to photographs P000106, P000107.Sawmills in the Echuca area were historically and socially significant being a large employer in the area. The Murray River sawmill was one of the biggest and longest operating sawmills in the area.Black and white photograph of the old Murray River Sawmills building, taken from the road. Shows view from a rear side, with a window and corrugated iron lean-to. Part of back of facade can be seen as well as the chimney.On back of the photograph in pencil "Old Murray R Sawmills bldg, in from road." In black pen "Old office demolished c.1975" stamped in blue ink "0932"murray river sawmills, echuca, sawmills, echuca, vicotria, pullicino, j

The old brick Murray River Sawmill office was demolished around 1975. This appears to be part of one of the office buildings associated with the sawmill, taken in shadow, with the building well back on the block, on the bridge side. There is a dirt driveway in front of the building and stacks of timber next to the chimney side of the building. Trees are visible behind these stacks of timber. Two stacks of timber (1x 4 blocks high, 1 X 3 blocks high) are in front of the building between the window and the chimney This relates to photographs P000106, P000105 Sawmills in the Echuca area were historically and socially significant being a large employer in the area. The Murray River sawmill was one of the biggest and longest operating sawmills in the area. Black and white photograph of an old Murray River Sawmill building with the chimney to the right and a door and window on the left. Two stacks of timber planks are against the wall between the window and the chimney. A dirt driveway is in front of the building with timber planks edging the driveway.On the reverse in pencil "Old M. R. S. Building well back on the block on the bridge side. Near old offices, also demolished about 1975??" Kodak, , in blue ink "0932"murray river sawmills, echuca, echuca, victoria, pullicino, j (unconfirmed)

The D26 is an authentic outrigger logging barge - one of four that were towed by P.S. Adelaide for 80 years of its working life. In March 1987 Council purchased the barge from Deakin Shire in South Australia for $15,000. However, its restoration was put on hold until the crew had completed work on the P.S. Enterprise, eventually beginning in 1988 using local red gum. The barge was relaunched at Echuca East on Australia Day, 1990. The D26 remains at the Port of Echuca and on special occasions can be seen being towed by the P.S. Adelaide for demonstrations. The restored D26 outrigger barge is an example of early 20th century boat building technology developed for transporting reg gum logs downstream along the Murray River, often from the Barmah Forest to the Murray River Sawmills at Echuca. It shows the resourcefulness and manual transport techniques for a timber that does not float and had to be chained to the outrigging logs laying perpendicular to the hull. These outrigger barges could be let go to float with the current downstream with a bargeman onboard. Often there was no tiller or helm, but a chain was tied to the ballast at the back to keep the barge in the centre of the river channel. This allowed the Murray River Sawmills built 4 barges to go behind the PS Adelaide, the A11, the B22, the C24 and the D26. Timber outrigger logging bargeD26d26, p.s. adelaide, logging industry, murray river sawmill

P. S. Adelaide was a logging steamer operating between Echuca and Barmah forest. It was built in 1866 by G. Linklater, Echuca. Original owner J. G. Grassie, Poon Boon Station & S. H. Officer, Murray Downs Station. In June 1891 she was purchased by Murray River Sawmills and spent most of her working life on the Barmah Forest run. In 1960 she was purchased by Echuca Apex Club and steamed to Echuca. Installed on a bed of cement in Hopwood Gardens, Echuca before being restored to be refloated as a significant addition to the Port of Echuca maritime fleet (Parsons, R. Ships of the Inland Rivers. 2005. p.46)The P.S Adelaide is extremely significant as it it the oldest known wooden hulled paddle steamer in the world. She was built in Echuca in 1866 and still operates on the Murray River today. She has worked in the Wool Industry, the Timber Industry and the Tourist Industry.Colour (hand painted?) postcard and colour negative f P. S. Adelaide towing an outrigger barge. Three men can be seen on the lower deck and one on the top deck.on the front of the postcard:". Log barge & steamer Echuca" On the bow of the steamer: "Adelaide". On reverse of postcard, in blue pen:" PORT 16.3.82 COL NEG 13x18x1." In black pen encased in a square:"396.1" In blue fountain pen. Letter addressed to "Mrs. J. Robertson 37 Roxburgh St. Ascot Vale." " Your letter to hand(?) Sat. I am much better since my trip away. Was sorry to hear Jess(?) was not well. Hope she is better again. Hoping all are well. Love to all H." Postcard stamped: "Echuca Victoria Ap 6 08" Printed in green "Post W.T.P. Card". In has a red one penny postage stamp in top right hand corner.p. s. adelaide, echuca, port of (riverboats), echuca - history, post cards, echuca, paddle steamers, timber barges

This photograph of the plaque on the side of the P.S Adelaide while she was a stationary exhibit in the Hopwood Gardens from 1963 until 1984 tells the story of her manufacture and her work life up until 1963. The P.S Adelaide was launched on 21st July 1866. It was owned by J.G.Grassie from Poon Boon Station and the Officer Family of Murray Downs Station Swan Hill. The Adelaide was named after the niece of the Officer Bros, Adelaide Blackwood. The shipwrights who built her was George Linklater. The Adelaide brought wool and passengers from the wool stations on the Murray and Darling Rivers down to the Echuca Wharf. In 1872 she was sold to David Blair & Sons. She was used to bring timber from the Barmah Forest to the Echuca Wharf. She did this work for the next 80 years. In 1953 she was tied up near the Mill and left In 1958 she went to Paringa South Australia to work in the sawmill industry again. In 1960 the Echuca Apex Club and The Echuca Historical Society raised enough funds to buy the P.S. Adelaide and return her to Echuca. In November 1963 she was lifted out of the water and placed in Hopwood Gardens as this was thought to be a way of preserving her. In 1984 it was decided to return her to the water to resume work as a passenger vessel. In that time the Port of Echuca and the Echuca Wharf had been restored as a Tourist Precinct. The P.S Adelaide is extremely significant as it it the oldest known wooden hulled paddle steamers in the world. She was built in Echuca in 1866 and still operates on the Murray River today. She has worked in the Wool Industry, the Timber Industry and the Tourist Industry.Coloured photograph showing the information sign which was attached to the side of the P.S Adelaide whilst she was a stationary exhibit in the Hopwood Gardens from 1963 until 1984.On the sign is written; " P.S Adelaide/built on the Murray at Echuca for Officer Grassie &Co. Of Poon Boon and Murray Downs stations. Launched 20th July 1866. The vessel is typical of the steamers trading in the era of the Riverina and Darling River trade of 1853 to the early 1900's and which had by 1872 established aEchuca as the second busiest port in Victoria. Worked in the Red Gum logging trade until 1958 under the ownership of the Murray River Sawmills Co. She was purchased by that company from David Blair Saw Miller of Echuca in 1861. 75ft. 4 inches X 12 ft.5 inches X 3 ft. 6 inches built of 3 inch red gum planking on an angle. Iron frames 2? X 2?5/6. 30 H.P. Nominal arc original and made by Fulton & Shaw of Melbourne. Twin cylinders. 14 bore. 16 stroke Stephenson's reversing gear controlled by Captain from the wheelhouse. Locomotive type red gum wood. Master, Mate, Engineer, Fireman, Cook, and Deckhand. p.s. adelaide, port of echuca, grassie, j.g, linklater, george, poon boon station, blair, david, murray river, darling river, logging industry, officer brothers., barmah forest, fulton & shaw, hutchinson, kevin, adelaide blackwood, murray downs station

The Ada is a barge made of a composite of wood and iron. it was built at Echuca in 1899 to carry wool and cargo from station properties on the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers to the Port of Echuca . It was towed along the river by paddle steamers, mainly The PS Pevensey. The Ada could carry 350 tons of cargo and was originally owned by The Permewan and Wright, Murray Shipping Co. In the late 1930s she was bought by the Evans Brothers' Red Gum Sawmill. Two bulkheads were removed to enable the logs, to be placed inside and transported to the mills. Road transport overtook the use of the river barges, and The Ada was left abandoned on the banks of the Murray River opposite the sawmill until it was purchased by the Port of Echuca in 1974 and refloated in 1979.A barge with a composite hull of steel and timber which was built in 1898ADA signage on port and starboard bow

Original held by Mr. Mike Rosel. Relates to series of images, reg. No P000027, P000028.2, P000029.3, P000030.2, P000031, P000032Photograph shows Port of Echuca from a slight height looking lengthways (north ward) with the steam train carriages and the wharf dominating the view. Murray river on the right, Murray esplanade on left with Star hotel visible and Federal Ale sign of the northern fence beyond the hotel. Sawmill is a commercial concern (steam visible above roof). Steam train marked A2 and 996 on the front of the engine. Various equipment , including manual cranes, visible on and around the wharf. Cargo shed is clearly visible on the wharf.Black and white photograph of the Port of Echuca from a slight height looking lengthways, (north) with steam train and wharf dominating the view. Murray river on the right and Murray Esplanade on left. Cranes and cargo shed clearly visible with other wharf machinery running along the side of the wharf. Star Hotel visible on the far left of the photograph. Saw mill (in background) is still a working operation.On train "A2" and "996". "Federal Ale" sigh on the fence beyond the Star Hotel.port of echuca, sawmill, steam trains, echuca wharf, rosel, mike

Discussed in book : Echuca: A centenary history by Susan Priestley, pp.21, 38, 45, 66, 114-123, 126, 174 R.J.Evans established this mill on the banks of the Murray River, Echuca in 1923 & it operated until 1980. The mill later became a tourist attraction, Red Gum Works, continuing to cut timber until it was taken over by The Port of Echuca as a display (Port of Echuca booklet, 2005 ed., p. 32)Sawmilling was a very important industry for Echuca. At its peak in Echuca in about 1877 there were between 1000-1500 men employed in the industry (Priestley, Susan. 1965, p.118). Red gum was sourced from the forests along the Murray river. It is a very strong timber suitable for bridge & wharf building, construction works as well as housing and especially for sleepers for the railways. Mills relied on government contracts especially for the sleepers. Colour photograph (post-card size) of red gum sawmill on the Port of Echcua. Photograph is taken looking north.Printed on reverse: "this paper manufactured by Kodak."echuca, port of echuca, sawmilling, evans, r. j., red gum works

The P.S Adelaide was launched on 21st July 1866. It was owned by J.G.Grassie from Poon Boon Station and the Officer Family of Murray Downs Station Swan Hill. The Adelaide was named after the niece of the Officer Bros, Adelaide Blackwood. The shipwright who built her was George Linklater. The Adelaide brought wool and passengers from the wool stations on the Murray and Darling Rivers down to the Echuca Wharf. In 1872 she was sold to David Blair & Sons. She was used to bring timber from the Barmah Forest to the Echuca Wharf. She did this work for the next 80 years. In 1953 she was tied up near the Mill and left. In 1958 she went to Paringa South Australia to work in the sawmill industry again. In 1960 the Echuca Apex Club and The Echuca Historical Society raised enough funds to buy the P.S. Adelaide and return her to Echuca. In November 1963 she was lifted out of the water and placed in Hopwood Gardens as this was thought to be a way of preserving her. In 1984 it was decided to return her to the water to resume work as a passenger vessel. In that time the Port of Echuca and the Echuca Wharf had been restored as a Tourist Precinct. This photograph shows the beginning of the task to return her to the river. It took several weeks in March 1984.The P.S Adelaide is extremely significant as it it the oldest known wooden hulled paddle steamers in the world. She was built in Echuca in 1866 and still operates on the Murray River today. She has worked in the Wool Industry, the Timber Industry and the Tourist Industry.This is a coloured square photograph of an orange front end loader clearing a track from Hopwood Gardens down to the river. The track was used to bring the P.S Adelaide from the gardens back into the river. The P.S Adelaide is in the background. The paddle steamer appears to be up on a trailer of some sort and is surrounded but plastic orange temporary fencing. There are small mounds of soil in the foreground.On the orange front end loader are the numbers "5900" and the word "case." p.s. adelaide, grassie, j.g, port of echuca, linklater, george, poon boon station, blair, david, murray river, darling river, logging industry, officer brothers., barmah forest, fulton & shaw, hutchinson, kevin, murray downs station, blackwood, adelaide

The P.S Adelaide was launched on 21st July 1866. It was owned by J.G.Grassie from Poon Boon Station and the Officer Family of Murray Downs Station Swan Hill. The Adelaide was named after the niece of the Officer Bros, Adelaide Blackwood. The shipwright who built her was George Linklater. The Adelaide brought wool and passengers from the wool stations on the Murray and Darling Rivers down to the Echuca Wharf. In 1872 she was sold to David Blair & Sons. She was used to bring timber from the Barmah Forest to the Echuca Wharf. She did this work for the next 80 years. In 1953 she was tied up near the Mill and left. In 1958 she went to Paringa South Australia to work in the sawmill industry again. In 1960 the Echuca Apex Club and The Echuca Historical Society raised enough funds to buy the P.S. Adelaide and return her to Echuca. In November 1963 she was lifted out of the water and placed in Hopwood Gardens as this was thought to be a way of preserving her. In 1984 it was decided to return her to the water to resume work as a passenger vessel. In that time the Port of Echuca and the Echuca Wharf had been restored as a Tourist Precinct. This photograph shows the beginning of the task to return her to the river. It took several weeks in March and April 1984.The P.S Adelaide is extremely significant as it it the oldest known wooden hulled paddle steamers in the world. She was built in Echuca in 1866 and still operates on the Murray River today. She has worked in the Wool Industry, the Timber Industry and the Tourist Industry.Colour photograph of the P.S Adelaide, having been hauled out and dry-docked. The P.S Adelaide is resting on a log platform with a winch attached to the front.p.s. adelaide, grassie, j.g, port of echuca, linklater, george, poon boon station, blair, david, murray river, darling river, logging industry, officer brothers., barmah forest, fulton & shaw, hutchinson, kevin, murray downs station, blackwood, adelaide, 1866, 1984

The barge 'Ada' was built in Echuca in 1899. It was 33 metres in length and 6.9 metres wide and was made from timber and iron. It's design was unique as it was half-timber, and half-iron- the iron featured above the water line to prevent the wool bales from getting wet. The 'Ada' was used to carry wool from sheep stations on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers down to Echuca Wharf for distribution around the world. The Permewan Wright, Murray Shipping Company, owned the 'Ada' and in the1930s the barge was sold to the Evans family who used it to transport timber to it's Echuca sawmill. The 'Ada' was purchased by the Port of Echuca in 1974 and is seen here on the Moama slipway undergoing restoration for Port of Echuca in 1979 to 1980. The remains of the 'Ada' still lie on the banks of the Moama slipway but it has fallen into near complete disrepair.The barge 'Ada' is very significant due to the uniqueness of her design. The hull is timber, up to the water line, then iron from the water line up to protect the bales of wool bales that it transports from water damage. The P.S Pevensey, within the Port of Echuca collection, has the same design feature.The barge 'Ada' in dry dock, on a slipway with a 4 knot marine sign is next to it. The barge is surrounded by trees and has since fallen into disrepair. Verso: 'Ada Barge'murrumbidgee river, wool, ada, murray river, barges, evans saw mills, timber industry, port of echuca, echuca wharf, permewan wright co.

Macintosh's sawmill was on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca east where the Banyule State forest is now located. A tramway ran out to it from the main rail line near the iron bridge. Macintoshes Sawmill was one of the largest in the area. (Ref. Clare Jackson. )Macintoshes sawmill was set up by James Macintosh in 1868 in Echuca East. His sawmill prospered and in 1878 was "equal to five normal sawmills" (Ref; Coulson, Helen, "Echuca Moama On the Murray." P.158) He also owned 2 paddle steamers and 8 barges. The Macintosh Family contributed substantially to the development of Echuca East, but by 1901 the Family was in severe debt and were forced to sell the sawmill to the Nicholas Family.A black and white photograph of a large group of men outside a sawmill, reputed to be Macintoshes Sawmill in Echuca East.On the back of the photograph written in pencil are the words "Believed to be workmen at McIntosh's mill (Charlie Dowell says)macintosh's sawmill, sawmill industry, echuca east, banyule state forest, macintosh james, dowell, charlie, logging industry, jackson, clare

The Paddle Steamer Etona was named after Eton College in England. In its earlier days it served as an Anglican Mission boat closer to the mouth of the Murray River. It ended up being bought by two Echuca businessmen, Ian Stewart, a solicitor, and Phil Symons, a chemist. They spent a couple of weeks steaming it up from Goolwa to Echuca where they placed it on the slipway to undertake restoration work. Ian Stewart's Holden is seen alongside the boat. The Moama Slipway was located on the NSW side of the river directly opposite Evans Bros. Sawmill. The boats would be pulled up the slipway on cradles (visible under the boat) by the steam winch seen in the foreground. George Coop had a minor role in assisting with the restoration of the Etona. New redgum planks were bolted to her underside and these were sealed (or caulked) by Phil Symons and Ian Stewart by ramming bitumen soaked rope into the gaps. Other volunteers on hand such as George would apply a putty mixture of bitumen and cement dust over the bolt heads (resulting in the loss of two very nice khaki shirts).Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, echuca, ian stewart, moama slipway, phil symons, ps etona, river boat

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

In the post-war era from 1947 to the mid-1980s, the Forests Commission sponsored Australia's only military sawmilling unit, the 91 Forestry Squadron. It was a special reserve unit of the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). Established and commanded by Commission forester and WW2 veteran, Major Ben Benallack, the "Woodpeckers" as they were known comprised a small pool of specialised soldiers capable of rapid mobilisation in the event of need. Several other Victorian departments such as the State Electricity Commission (SEC) did the same thing who supported a construction squadron based at Newborough in the Latrobe Valley. The scheme created a very active and capable part-time military group that completed many worthy projects across the State. In addition to their military training, the Woodpeckers operated bush sawmills, built timber bridges along the Murray River, the Snake Island Jetty, forest roads and performed various demolition tasks.Presentation plaque from the "Woodpeckers" Mounted on polished wooden burl forests commission victoria (fcv)