non-fictionA geography, description and travel guide to the "Big Rivers" of the Murray- Darling basin, including many photos of the region.murray river (n.s.w.-s.a.), murray river valley, darling river, murrumbidgee river, description and travel nsw, description and travel south australia

This image shows Bethanga Bridge, which was constructed between 1927 and 1930 in Albury, NSW. The bridge was a necessity due to the building of the Hume Dam (Wier), 1919-1936. Bethanga Bridge is a long, nine-span, riveted-steel, variable depth, Pratt Truss road bridge of nine principal spans of 82 metres and a total length of 752 metres over the flooded valley of the Murray River, now part of Hume Reservoir. Because of its unique location, over the waters of a dam with the border running down the centre of the body of water, the Bethanga bridge is the only built structure shared by both New South Wales and Victoria. It was built 1.6 kilometres upstream of the dam and in 1961 was raised 300mm, with a concrete deck replacing the original wooden deck. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria and the New South Wales Department of Public Works were responsible for the construction works for the Hume Weir under the River Murray Waters Agreement. It is apparent that a similar joint arrangement was made for the construction of the Bethanga Bridge as part of the Hume Weir works.This photograph of the Bethanga Bridge is of historical significance as it showcases the architectural skills of Percy Allen and Vincent Packer. Additionally, it reveals the environmental landscape of the 1920s-1930s, is linked to the Hume Dam and both New South Wales and Victorian heritage. Unmounted black and white rectangular photograph. Reverse: 1997.3196 84-20-3bethanga, bethanga bridge, hume dam, pratt truss, murray river, hume weir, transportation

Water For the Thirsty Inland was published by The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association as a case for diversion of part of the Snowy River waters to the Murrumbidgee. In 1950 The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association and the League established the Murray-Murrumbidgee Development Committee to ensure the Snowy Scheme was completed.This book is a significant research tool for the history of the diversion of the Snowy River.A 44 pp book, titled Water For The Thirsty Inland. On the front cover is a coloured print of a painting of a river (Snowy River?) from the mountains to the flats. The text of the title is white with a black shadow. The book contains b/w photographs and the print is black and green.Some pencilled notes on back.snowy-river murrumbidgee-valley-water-users' irrigation

Lake Mulwala is a man–made reservoir created through the construction of the Yarrawonga Weir across the Murray River, is located between Bundalong and Yarrawonga in Hume region of Victoria and Mulwala in the Riverina region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The weir was constructed in 1939 to provide water for irrigation of the surrounding district. The weir also serves as a crossing of the Murray between the two towns. It is a popular tourist destination for boating, fishing and other water recreation.Photographs demonstrate local Kiewa Valley residents enjoying a visit to the picturesque area of Lake Mulwala. Also provides a pictorial history of 1973.3 black and white photographs mounted on buff card. Photographs of a cruise on Lake Mulwala 25th Feb. 1973 1. Photo of unidentified man standing on the shore of Lake Mulwala beside cruise launch. 2. Group photo of people standing by cruise boat as others disembark. Woman in centre holding handbag may be Clare Roper (unconfirmed) 3. Photo of 2 men aboard cruise launch looking out over Lake Mulwala1. Handwritten at bottom of photo in black ink. 'Cruise on Lake Mulwala. 25th Feb. 1973' 2. Painted sign above cruise launch- Scenic Lake Cruises 3. No markingsclare roper

David Reid (1820-1906) was a pastoralists and politician. He left school at 16 and after meeting the overlander John Gardiner he decided to look for land south of the Murray River. Equipped by his father with some 500 head of cattle, 2 bullock wagons and teams and 6 assigned servants, he reached the Ovens River on 8 September 1838. David settled at Currargarmonge, near Wangaratta. At the end of 1843 he took up land near Yackandandah. In 1847 he took up a section of the family run of which Woorajay (Wooragee) formed a part. He built the first water driven flour-mill in the district on his Yackandandah run in 1845; his woolclip of 1848 was one of the first to be handled by R. Goldsbrough and was claimed to come from sheep descended from stock imported in the 1820s from George III's flock. Going into politics, he held the Legislative Assembly seat of Murray from October 1859 to May 1862. David Reid was a highly regarded grazier and local politician who was significantly involved in settlement around the Yackandandah area. Photo demonstrates ongoing interest in the local history of the area and its early residents2 colour photographs mounted together on buff card 1. Man and 2 children (unidentified) standing outside the remains of the Reid home. 2 Dec, 1973 2. Group of unidentified people on a tour of the old homestead of D. Reid. 2 Dec, 19731. Handwritten in black ink under photo 'D. Reid's home 1845. At Mill Park. 2 Dec 1973 2. Handwritten in blue ink under photo 'Snapshots Clare Roper"clare roper

Albury is in NSW on the Murray River across the border from Wodonga. From 1839 it has grown and has a population of c8000 in 1919. Many of its buildings are grand and include 'Mates' a 'progressive up-to-date' Department Store.Residents of the Kiewa Valley shop in Albury and Wodonga as together these are their closest main cities.Cream cardboard cover with reddish print inside rectangular border with grape decoration in each corner. 20 pages held by 2 staples. Each page has 1 or 2 black and white photos. Photos have their title printed underneath.On cover - "in 1919"albury, shopping, murray river, mates department store, grand buildings

The Port Phillip Gazette was the second newspaper published in Melbourne, in the then Port Phillip district, now Victoria. In 1948 it was published bi-weekly.The map shows the original names of squatters along the Kiewa River. The names of the district are mostly current today although some are spelt differently.2 copies - 1 laminated & 1 paper of the map of "Squatting Runs of the Murray District 1848." The area is recorded (eg. Tawanga, Dederang, Gundowring, Kergunia, Merrimarenbung all along the Kiewa River) under which the names of the squatter is recorded, the number of acres and the licence number. Scale is 8 miles to the inch.squatting runs; kiewa valley; port phillip district;

Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley News, 27 May 1980, Exhibition, Peter Accadia, pottery, and Helen Webber, tapestries. Newspaper article: Five for the price of one, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, July 8, 1986, p27; exhibition of five artists at Eltham Gallery. On reverse, numerous advertisements for food and entertainment Newspaper advertisement: The Age ,17 June 1989, Exhibition, Donald Ramsay "Watching the river flow". Newspaper article: Landmark gallery says goodbye, Diamond Valley Leader, 24 November 2004, Gallery site sold to Sentinel Equities, present tenant Julie Skate, quotes from former part-owner Val Murray. Newspaper article: Rift over gallery plans, Diamond Valley Leader, 21 February 2007, purchasers Jethro Tull and Suzanne Still plan to build offices, gallery and cafe; Eltham Gateway Action Group objected while supporting need for a gallery elsewhere. Newspaper article: New try for gallery-cafe ready soon, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 April 2007, purchaser Jethro Tull to have a new plan ready in two weeks for gallery and cafe. Newspaper article: Gateway for artists, Diamond Valley Leader, 25 May 2007, Jenni Mitchell opened a new gallery pending decision by Nillumbik Council. Newspaper article: Art gallery proposal rejected, Diamond Valley Leader, 30 May 2007, Nillumbik Council against planned new building. Newspaper article: Artful win for gallery, Diamond Valley Leader, 30 January 2008, VCAT approved mudbrick art gallery. Newspaper article: Rocky road to create a landmark, Diamond Valley Leader, 13 February 2008, VCAT approved Robert Marshall's design, artists's impression, Eltham Gateway Action Group opposed.main road, property, businesses, eltham gallery, wiregrass gallery, eltham gateway action group, robert marshall, mud brick building, eltham (vic), 559 main road eltham, artists, bernhard rust, bob smith, jan neil, john adams, marian sussex, michael wilson, tony dopheide, 47-55 main street diamond creek, 50 were street montmorency, 55 rattray road montmorency, 410 main road lower plenty, abbey of diamond creek, adams north riding restaurant, advertising, eltham barrel, montmorency, mustard seed restaurant, peking house restaurant, st andrews, tamara's

An early black and white photograph of the view of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville in Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria. Murray Pass is located on the Lady Talbot Drive. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908. This postcard was produced by the Rose Stereograph Company as a souvenir of Marysville.POST CARD The "Rose" Series/ De Luxe A Real Photograph/ Produced in Australia Published by the Rose Stereograph Co./ Armadale, Victoria. Dear Harold/ This is the prettiest card I/ could get for you. Probably we will/ go this trip in a day or two./ Yours Nance xxx xxxmarysville, victoria, photograph, taggerty river, murray pass, lady talbot forest drive, 2309, postcard, souvenir, lady talbot drive, sir reginald talbot, sarah elizabeth talbot, rose series postcard

A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria. Murray Pass is located on the Lady Talbot Drive. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908. This postcard was produced by the Rose Stereograph Company as a souvenir of Marysville.POST CARD. Correspondence Addressmarysville, victoria, photograph, taggerty river, murray pass, lady talbot forest drive, southern cross series, 2309, postcard, souvenir, lady talbot drive, sir reginald talbot, sarah elizabeth talbot

An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria. Murray Pass is off the Lady Talbot Drive. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908.The photograph was also used to produce the Rose Series postcard P. 2309.marysville, victoria, photograph, taggerty river, murray pass, lady talbot forest drive, p. 2309, rose series postcard, souvenir, rose stereograph company, sir reginald talbot, lady sarah elizabeth talbot

Frank Hurley (1885-1962) was an Australian photographer and adventurer. He participated in trips to Antartica and was an official photographer with the Australian forces during both world wars. This book was first published in 1955.Photographs include the Hume Reservoir, Mt Buffalo and the Alpine High Country of Mt Kosciusko. (pages 140-144) All are associated with the type of country at each end of the Kiewa River. The Kiewa River flows into the Murray River just below the Hume Dam and Mt Buffalo and Mt Kosciusko are part of the Alpine High country near the Bogong High Plains. Clare Roper lived on a farm in the Kiewa Valley.Blue hard cover, bound book with the title in gold at the top. 208 pages. Mostly Black & white photos but some coloured.Inside back of first page - written 'Clare Roper'frank hurley photographer, australian photography, clare roper

These reels where used by a local family in catching Murray Cod and trout in the Kiewa Rivers and Murray River. This old Pilot side cast fishing reel was made in the late 20's & early 30's They were used in the mid 1950s. Although the original inhabitants (Aborigine tribe) would have used spears for fishing the use of reels and rods by non indigenous fisher persons are also very effective especially if raised in the valley.These items are significant because they demonstrate the harvesting of fish from valley rivers and streams is one of continuation from the first human habitation of this region. The ability to harvest the natural food source of the valley's rivers and streams has come from earlier survival requirement to one of recreational pleasure. Brass & Wooden Frame Side Casting Fishing Reel. This reel has 2 winding bakelite handles.Pilot, Tag states W. Davies Please return.recreation, river, kiewa, fishing, industry, reel, side, casting, davies

An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria. Murray Pass is off the Lady Talbot Drive. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908.The photograph was also used to produce the Rose Series postcard P. 2309.marysville, victoria, photograph, taggerty river, murray pass, lady talbot forest drive, p. 2309, rose series postcard, souvenir, rose stereograph company, sir reginald talbot, lady sarah elizabeth talbot

An envelope with 12 black and white photographs of scenic attractions taken in and around Marysville in Victoria. The photographs were used for a series of photographs and postcards published by the Rose Stereograph Company in Armadale, Victoria.An envelope with photographs of scenic attractions taken in and around Marysville in Victoria.12 Real Photographs/ For Your Snapshot Album PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA/ BY The Rose/ Stereograph Company PRINTERS & PHOTOGRAPHIC/ PUBLISHERS/ Armadale, Victoria PRICE/ 1/6keppel falls (image 1), cumberland falls (image 2), track to cora lynn falls (image 3), nichol's lookout (image 4), cameron cascades (image 5), stevenson falls (image 6), taggerty river (image 7), main street (image 8), glover walk (image 9), from murray pass (image 10), cora lynn falls (image 11), taggerty river (image 12), rose series postcard, rose stereograph company, souvenir

A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River from Murray Pass near Marysville, Victoria. Murray Pass is located on the Lady Talbot Drive. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908. This postcard was produced by the Rose Stereograph Company as a souvenir of Marysville.SOUTHERN CROSS SERIES 2309/ COPYRIGHT/ AT MURRAY PASS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. POST CARD. Correspondence Addressmarysville, victoria, photograph, taggerty river, murray pass, lady talbot forest drive, southern cross series, 2309, postcard, souvenir, lady talbot drive, sir reginald talbot, sarah elizabeth talbot

An early black and white photograph of the Steavenson River in Marysville, Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Steavenson River in Marysville, Victoria. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victorian Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson who arrived here in the early 1860s. This photograph was published by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland, as a souvenir of Marysville.marysville, victoria, photograph, murray views, souvenir, steavenson river, john steavenson

An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River in Marysville, Victoria. An early black and white photograph of the Taggerty River in Marysville, Victoria. This photograph was produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville.taggerty river, marysville, victoria, murray views, photograph, souvenir

A fold out postcard of 12 colour photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria.A fold out postcard 12 colour photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria. These photographs were produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville.Marysville/ 12 VIEWS PRODUCED BY MURRAY VIEWS./ GYMPIE./ Q COPYRIGHT SAMUEL LEE & CO., PRINTERS. STEAVENSON'S FALLS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TOURISTS AT MARYSVILLE, VIC. "FRUIT SALAD FARM", MARYSVILLE MAIN STREET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. ROAD SCENE, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE CROSSWAYS, MARYSVILLE, VIC ROAD TO CUMBERLAND VALLEY, MARYSVILLE PANORAMA FROM BLACK SPUR, MARYSVILLE ROAD, MARYSVILLE, VIC. NICHOLL'S LOOKOUT, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TREE FERNS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE BRIDGE, MARYSVILLE, VIC.steavenson falls (image 1), tourists in marysville (image 2), taggerty river (image 3), fruit salad farm (image 4), main street marysville (image 5), road scene marysville (image 6), the crossways (image 7), cumberland valley (image 8), black spur (image 9), nicholl's lookout (image 10), tree ferns (image 11), bridge (image 12), marysville, victoria, postcard, souvenir, murray views

A fold out postcard of 12 colour photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria.A fold out postcard 12 colour photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria. These photographs were produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville.Marysville/ 12 VIEWS from Mrs Mary Keneally/ Marysville/ 28.11.91 PRODUCED BY MURRAY VIEWS./ GYMPIE./ Q COPYRIGHT SAMUEL LEE & CO., PRINTERS. STEAVENSON'S FALLS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TOURISTS AT MARYSVILLE, VIC. "FRUIT SALAD FARM", MARYSVILLE MAIN STREET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. ROAD SCENE, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE CROSSWAYS, MARYSVILLE, VIC ROAD TO CUMBERLAND VALLEY, MARYSVILLE PANORAMA FROM BLACK SPUR, MARYSVILLE ROAD, MARYSVILLE, VIC. NICHOLL'S LOOKOUT, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TREE FERNS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE BRIDGE, MARYSVILLE, VIC.steavenson falls (image 1), tourists in marysville (image 2), taggerty river (image 3), fruit salad farm (image 4), main street marysville (image 5), road scene marysville (image 6), the crossways (image 7), cumberland valley (image 8), black spur (image 9), nicholl's lookout (image 10), tree ferns (image 11), bridge (image 12), marysville, victoria, postcard, souvenir, murray views

A fold out postcard of 15 colour and black and white photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria.A fold out postcard of 15 colour and black and white photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria. These photographs were produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville.Pictorial Souvenir/ of/ Marysville, Vic./ 15 Favourite Views PRODUCED BY MURRAY VIEWS. GYMPIE. Q. COPYRIGHT SAMUEL LEE & CO., PRINTERS Serial No. R 4152 NICHOLL'S LOOKOUT, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TAGGERTY RIVER, MARYSVILLE, VIC ROAD SCENE, MARYSVILLE, VIC. MAIN STREET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE CROSSWAYS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. FRUIT SALAD FARM, MARYSVILLE, VIC. ROAD TO CUMBERLAND VALLEY, MARYSVILLE, VIC. CROSSWAYS CABARET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TREE FERNS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. STEVENSON'S FALLS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. Looking towards Marysville, Vic. Tourists at Marysville, Vic. Taggerty River, Marysville, Vic. On Buxton Road, Marysville, Vic. Panorama from Black Spur, Marysville Road, Marysville, Vic.marysville, victoria, souvenir, postcard, nicholl's lookout (image 1), taggerty river (image 2), road scene (image 3), main street marysville (image 4), crossways hotel (image 5), fruit salad farm (image 6), cumberland valley (image 7), crossways cabaret (image 8), tree ferns (image 9), steavenson falls (image 10), marysville view (image 11), tourists marysville (image 12), taggerty river (image 13), buxton road (image 14), black spur (image 15)

A fold out postcard of 15 colour and black and white photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria.A fold out postcard of 15 colour and black and white photographs of scenes and landscapes in and around Marysville in Victoria. These photographs were produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville.Pictorial Souvenir/ of/ Marysville, Vic./ 15 Favourite Views PRODUCED BY MURRAY VIEWS. GYMPIE. Q. COPYRIGHT SAMUEL LEE & CO., PRINTERS Serial No. R 4152 NICHOLL'S LOOKOUT, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TAGGERTY RIVER, MARYSVILLE, VIC ROAD SCENE, MARYSVILLE, VIC. MAIN STREET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. THE CROSSWAYS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. FRUIT SALAD FARM, MARYSVILLE, VIC. ROAD TO CUMBERLAND VALLEY, MARYSVILLE, VIC. CROSSWAYS CABARET, MARYSVILLE, VIC. TREE FERNS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. STEVENSON'S FALLS, MARYSVILLE, VIC. Looking towards Marysville, Vic. Tourists at Marysville, Vic. Taggerty River, Marysville, Vic. On Buxton Road, Marysville, Vic. Panorama from Black Spur, Marysville Road, Marysville, Vic.marysville, victoria, souvenir, postcard, nicholl's lookout (image 1), taggerty river (image 2), road scene (image 3), main street marysville (image 4), crossways hotel (image 5), fruit salad farm (image 6), cumberland valley (image 7), crossways cabaret (image 8), tree ferns (image 9), steavenson falls (image 10), marysville view (image 11), tourists marysville (image 12), taggerty river (image 13), buxton road (image 14), black spur (image 15)

Double Headed Rail from Ravenswood Station Siding which was dismantled circa 1987 the two rails were stored for a time at Maldon before being donated to Puffing Billy Museum Bearing makers marks of Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield, North East Derbyshire, England from 1872 - 1883 Double-headed rail In late 1830s Britain, railway lines had a vast range of different patterns. One of the earliest lines to use double-headed rail was the London and Birmingham Railway, which had offered a prize for the best design. This rail was supported by chairs and the head and foot of the rail had the same profile. The supposed advantage was that, when the head became worn, the rail could be turned over and re-used. In practice, this form of recycling was not very successful as the chair caused dents in the lower surface, and double-headed rail evolved into bullhead rail in which the head was more substantial than the foot. Info from Wikipedia - Rail Profile https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_profile The first records of double headed rail being used In Victoria by Victorian Railways was in 1859, the rails, chairs, oak and trenails were imported from UK. After the 1870’s the Victorian Railways went over to using flat bottom rails, but they still needed replacement double headed rail for lines already laid and this continued up to at least 1883 Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield- Steel works Wilson & Cammell made Steel rails at their Dronfield Steel Works, in Dronfield England from 1872 - 1883 Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway The Melbourne, Mount Alexander & Murray River Railway Company received parliamentary assent in February 1853 to build Victoria's first inland railway from Melbourne to Williamstown, and Melbourne to Bendigo and Echuca. Construction commenced in January 1854 with work on a pier at Williamstown but lack of funds slowed progress, eventually prompting the company to sell out to the government. The 100-mile (162 km) section to Bendigo opened in October 1862. Its cost of £35,000 per mile made it the most expensive railway ever built in Australia. In 1864, the line was extended to Echuca, tapping into the booming Murray-Darling paddlesteamer trade. info from Museums Victoria - Victorian Railways https://museumsvictoria.com.au/railways/theme.aspx?lvl=3&IRN=450&gall=456 1863 Ravenswood Station open on the 1st Feb 1863 Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Ravenswood Siding When the Victorian Railways were established in 1856 they adopted one of the popular British permanent way standards - heavy 80lb (36.3kg) double-headed rail held up right in cast iron chairs attached to transverse timber sleepers by wooden pegs called trenails. The Ravenswood Railway siding was constructed in 1862 with 12 feet wrought iron double-head rail held in cast iron chairs with Ransom and May patent compressed keys. Trenails held the chairs to the sleepers and the joints were secured in joint chairs. Joints were subsequently joined using fish plates. It formed part of the Melbourne to Echuca rail line, initially known as the Melbourne, Mt Alexander and Murray River Railway. George Christian Derbyshire, the first Engineer-in-Chair of the Victorian Railways was responsible for the design and construction of the works. No new lines were built in Victoria using double-headed rail after 1870. The siding was disconnected from the main line in 1988. The Ravenswood Railway Siding demonstrates the original 1856 philosophy of the Victorian Railways to adopt British permanent way technology. The siding demonstrates significant aspects in the development of permanent way technology in England and Victoria over the period from the 1830's to the 1880's. The chairs in the Ravenswood siding are physical evidence of early railway technology rendered obsolete 120 years ago, namely joint chairs at rail joints and trenails to secure the chairs to the sleepers. The double-headed rail demonstrates an important stage in the evolution of British rail technology in the 1830s. The old fish plates, square headed bolts and square nuts demonstrate the success of fishing the rail joins. The Ravenswood siding demonstrates the earliest form of rail joint technology developed in England, and existing in Australia, the joint chair. In part of the siding the sequence of joint and intermediate chairs is consistent with the 1856 specifications, that sequence is rare with the joints secured in joint chairs. The survival of chairs in this sequence is rare and almost certainly demonstrates that they remained in continuous use at the same location from 1862 to 1988. This remnant of the Ravenswood siding has survived 126 years. The siding has proved to be the most significant of extant remnant double-headed sidings in Victoria, containing a rare combination of early permanent way technologies. Construction dates 1862, Info from Ravenswood Railway Siding Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/4693/download-report The remaining section of this siding is significant at the State and National levels in that it demonstrates the use of chaired rail by the Victorian Railways Department for the Trunk Lines and, more particularly, the following stages in the evolution of this long obsolete method of permanent way construction: a) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs at regular intervals inferring that the original wrought iron rail lengths were 12 feet, as is known through documentary sources to have been the case. The survival of chairs in this sequence is unique and almost certainly demonstrates that they have remained in continuous use at the same location and in the same sequence from 1862 to 1988 . b) The use of joint chairs and intermediate chairs designed for use with trenails. c) The use of later intermediate chairs designed for use with steel pins and the use of fished joints with steel double head chaired rail, representing a second method of constructing the permanent way using chaired rail technology. info from Ravenswood Siding - Melbourne/Echuca Railway Line - Victorian Heritage Database Report http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/70103/download-report Addition to Citation for Melbourne to EchucaRailway Line 1/10/1990 Double Head Rail The surviving lengths of double head rail with chairs on this railway compare with one surviving similar remnant on the Geelong to Ballarat railway and are representative of permanent way construction techniques applied exclusively to the two trunk railways of the 1860's. In this respect they are rare survivors and may be unique at the national level and of technical importance at the international level to the extent that they enhance contemporary understanding of early railway building technology. Surviving lengths of chaired double head rail survive at Kyneton, Ravenswood and Bendigo on this railway and include a number of different types of cast iron intermediate and joint chairs with hardwood keys and metal pins. The Ravenswood siding is of special significance for the diversity of chair types and for the sequence of chairs recalling rail lengths known to be associated with construction of the line in 1862. Construction of the Railway Tenders closed on 24 March 1858 with no less than 133 tenders being received. A contract was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937 to commence work on 1 June 1858 and complete the line by 31 July 1861. Cornish and Bruce made quick early progress with the Melbourne to Sunbury section being officially opened on 13 January 1859. The line was officially opened to Bendigo (Sandhurst) on 20 October 1862 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly. A great banquet was held for 800 guests and this was followed by a grand ball. The extension of the line to Echuca was a relatively simple matter as that part of the line was across plain country without any significant engineering challenges. Tenders were called for the work in 1863 and the work was completed in 1864 by contractors Collier and Barry Apart from the line contractors, other firms directly involved were J Shire law and Co (sleepers), R Fulton, Langlands Brothers and Co, William Crossley (water supply), B Moreland, Langlands Brothers and Co (platelayers lorries), E Chambers (iron pins, traversers), Miller and McQuinstan (luggage vans and steam engines) and various contractors for building works. Info from Engineers Australia Engineering Heritage Victoria Nomination for Recognition under the Engineering Heritage Australia Heritage Recognition Program for the Goldfields Railways - Melbourne , Bendigo & Echuca Railway Page 25 - .2.9.2 Statement from National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Listing number B5323 for Mt Alexander/Murray Valley Rail Line: Page 69 - Theme 3 https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/system/files/engineering-heritage-australia/nomination-title/Melbourne_%20Bendigo_Echuca%20Railway%20Nomination.pdf The Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company was a railway company in Victoria, Australia. It was established on 8 February 1853 to build a railway from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian-NSW border and a branch railway to Williamstown. The company struggled to make any progress and on 23 May 1856, the colonial Government took over the Company and it became part of the newly established Department of Railways, part of the Board of Land and Works. The Department of Railways became Victorian Railways in 1859. Construction of the Bendigo line commenced in 1858, but this private consortium also met with financial difficulties when it was unable to raise sufficient funds, and was bought out by the Victorian colonial government. The design work was then taken over by Captain Andrew Clarke, R. E., Surveyor-General of Victoria, with bridge designs completed by Bryson and O'Hara The contract for the first stage of the line from Footscray to Sandhurst (now Bendigo), was let to Cornish and Bruce for £3,356,937.2s.2d ($6.714 million) with work commencing on 1 June 1858. Completion of the permanent way was to be by 31 July 1861 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne,_Mount_Alexander_and_Murray_River_Railway_Company Victorian Railways - purchased and imported the Rail and Chairs from Raleigh, Dalgleish, White and Co. London Importation of railway plant : abstract of a return to an order of the Legislative Assembly dated 27th June 1860 for - Copies of the advertisements calling for tenders, the names of the tenderers and the accounts and correspondence with Mr Brunel relating thereto GP V 1859/60 no. C 15 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoC15.pdf Report from the Select Committee upon the Importation of Railway Plant : together with proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence and appendix GP V 1859/60 no. D 38 (2.9 MB) http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1859-60NoD38.pdf Victorian Railways : report of the Board of Land and Works November 1862 GP V 1862/63 no. 21 (2.8 MB) https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1862-63No21.pdfHistoric - Victorian Railways - Double Headed rail Ravenswood Railway Station and Siding Victorian Heritage Database Reports Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1100 Victorian Heritage Register VHR H1786 National Trust VHR H1100 Mount Alexander and Murray River Rail way Line National Trust2 rail lengths of Double Headed Rail made of Iron makers marks : Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel and 20 joint chairs with metal rail pins Makers mark Wilson & Cammell - Dronfield - Steel (possible date 187? very hard to read ) puffing billy, double headed rail, wilson & cammell - dronfield - steel works, ravenswood station siding, melbourne to echuca rail line, initially known as the melbourne, mt alexander and murray river railway.