Made by internee camp 3 Tatura & played with by children in camp.Model of 2 horses on a base with 2 sets of wheels, painted brown; upper side of base green. Handmade.toys, toy horses, toy horses on wheels, camp 3, children, internee woodwork

Handmade by Carl Heinrich Alfred "Carl Alfred" Ziebell (1867–1940), great-grandson of Westgarthtown pioneers Christian and Sophia Ziebell, this toy horse is an example of the skilled craftsmanship practised within the Ziebell family. It was made for the children of his eldest son, Alfred Ziebell, and remained within the family until donated by Joan Morris (née Ziebell).Handmade wooden toy horse known as Pearly Bridge, constructed and painted white with a dark painted saddle and mounted on a rectangular wheeled base with four red-painted wheels. The horse features a stylised carved body with a flat, shaped head and simple painted details

The collection of thirteen horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Hampden Buggy replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public from c.1800's. It came in various types.A model of a Hampden buggy, c1900. The body is low to the ground, making it easy for passengers to board and disembark as well as allowing for speed and is lightweight for one horse to pull, making the journey cheaper than using four horses. It has four spoked wheels, two large and two small which have gold painted mudguards. It has brown padded seating, gold painted armrests and two coach lamps. There are two long shafts on each side to surround the biscuit coloured horsel with a white tail and mane, which has the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horse. The original Hampden buggy was the inspiration of K.Booth, an American coach maker. It was designed for the ladies to show off their finery. Keep Bros. and Wood of Melbourne built many variations of buggies for wet or dry conditions.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Rosa Buggy replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's. There were four horse drawn models as well.A model of a Rosa Buggy which is a lightweight two wheeled two passenger open horse drawn carriage where the driver sits behind. It has two large gold painted spoked wheels with black rims, brown padded seating and silver painted armrests. There are two long brown wooden shafts on each side to surround the horse. It has a model of a cream coloured horse with a white tail and mane, which has the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horse. It was designed by Duncan & Fraser of Adelaide initiated by the wife of one of the company's directors who gave it her name. It was a hybrid of the Dog Cart and Ralli Trap, a fair weather vehicle favoured by ladies of refinement. It was mounted on Brewster Gear and was inclined to bounce, so was driven gently.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Baker's Cart replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880 and early 1900's. A model of a single horse drawn red enclosed Capital Bakery Cart which is a lightweight four wheeled one passenger horse drawn carriage where the driver sits behind. It has two large and two smaller gold painted spoked wheels with brown rims, grey and black painted seating two gold coach lamps and a sloped red and tan footrest for the driver. There is a brake lever on the right side of the cart which activates the brake on the back wheel. At the rear are two ventilated gold doors and cupboards underneath the seat. There are two silver metal tubular shafts on each side to surround the brown horse which has a black tail and mane. It has the necessary horse tack for cart use to help the driver communicate with the horse. These carrier carts or vans were four wheeled medium weight Commercial Vehicles which were a very familiar sight in the horse drawn era. Every kid 'whipped behind' bread carts. The first models were imported from England around 1870 and later the local coachworks built many models. The biggest producer was Flood in St Kilda Road until 1926.CAPITAL BAKERY is painted in white lettering on each side of the cart.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, early commercial vehicles, bread cart

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Cobb and Co coach replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's. There were four horse drawn models as well.A model of a red Cobb and Co enclosed coach which is a four wheeled passenger horse drawn vehicle where the driver sits at the front behind the two light brown and grey horses. The name ROYAL MAIL COBB.CO is painted in white lettering on both sides. It has four gold painted spoked wheels with black rims, two gold painted coach lamps, black padded seating and four open windows with blinds that are rolled up. There are 2 doors with a drop-down step for easy access into the coach. A long brown wooden shaft separates the horses which also have black leather shaft style straps on both sides as well as the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horses. There is a black wooden slotted luggage rack at the back held on by gold chains. On top of the coach is a decorative gold painted luggage rack. Freeman Cobb established Cobb and Co in Australia in 1853 to operate horse drawn mail and passengers between Melbourne and the Victorian Goldfields. It expanded to Queensland in 1865. ROYAL MAIL COBB.COreplicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, postal services, road transport, goldfields, coaches

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a three horse drawn enclosed coach replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's. There were four horse drawn models as well.A model of a black enclosed coach which is a four wheeled passenger horse drawn vehicle where the driver sits at the front behind the three brown horses. It has two large and two smaller gold painted spoked wheels with black rims, two gold painted coach lamps, black padded seating and four open windows with blinds that are rolled up. There are two doors with a step for easy access into the coach. A long brown wooden shaft separates the horses which also have black vinyl shaft style straps on both sides as well as the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horses. A hand operated brake is next to the driver with the brake pads attached to the back wheels. There is a brown wooden slotted luggage rack at the back held on by two gold chains. On top of the coach is a decorative gold painted luggage rack. replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, road transport, coaches

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Dairy Cart replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880 and early 1900's. A model of a horse drawn black open Davis Dairy Buggy or Cart which is a lightweight two wheeled one passenger open horse drawn carriage where the driver sits behind. It has two large gold painted spoked wheels with black rims and mudguards, blue painted seating and gold painted armrests, two gold coach lamps and gold patterned footrest in front of the driver. At the rear are three silver milk cans with two taps to dispense the milk. There are two long brown wooden shafts on each side to surround the horse. It has a model of a brown coloured horse with a black tail and mane, which has the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horse. These carrier carts or vans were two wheeled medium weight Commercial Vehicles.DAVIS DAIRY painted in white lettering on each side of the cart.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, early commercial vehicles, milk cart

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Piano Box Buggy replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880 and early 1900's. A model of a red and black Piano Box Buggy c.1860 which was a lightweight two wheeled one passenger open horse drawn carriage with a black canopy roof where the driver sat behind. It has two large and two smaller gold painted spoked wheels with black rims, brown painted seating, two gold coach lamps and a black patterned footrest in front of the driver. The canopy has thin gold struts to open and close it depending on the weather. There are two long brown wooden shafts on each side to surround the horse. It has a model of a biscuit coloured horse with a white tail and mane with the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horse. It was also known as the 'Bonner Buggy' and had many variations. Coach builders designed and made their own style, giving it their own name. There could have been scores of different Piano Box buggies.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Canestoga Wagon replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's. A model of a long covered Conestoga Wagon with two horses, brown and tan. The cream fabric covers curved shaped metal bands and is laced with string around the base to attach it to the wagon.It has a green base, green wooden seat and footrest. There are two wooden barrels attached by wire on one side and the other side has a luggage box. It has two small gold painted spoked wheels with painted black tyres at the front and two larger ones at the back. The forerunner of the Conestoga Wagon had its origin in Europe as a mobile home for shepherds and nomads in the early 1800's. The east coast of America became home to people from all over Western Europe so the old wagon designs were carried to the New World. The wagons were named after a river in Lancaster County Pennsylvania where the Stutz family built them for the western treks of history. Fondly known as the 'Prairie Schooner', the cost in 1840 was $48.00, unpainted spare wheels $8.00, Lawson axles $12.00. They came in 12 and 14 feet beds.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, drays

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Small Wheel Lorry replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's and early 1900's. A model of a Small Wheel Lorry with a long four spoked wheeled wooden flay tray drawn by a brown horse. The wooden shafts are to control the horse whilst working. It has a grey wooden ice box with a metal lid with ICE painted in black letters inside a black lined outline on the side. On the side of they lorry or dray is painted WOOD - COAL - COKE - C. MEE LA1271 in black paint. These are long strong carts or drays without fixed sides for carrying heavy loads. They were the truck of the horse drawn era, from the large wool bale lorry to the suburban ice and wood lorry. It has been said they had their origins in the German farm wagon.ICE is painted in black capital letters on the side of the ice box. On the side of the lorry is painted - WOOD - COAL - COKE - C. MEE LA1271replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, drays, carts

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a horse drawn Small Wheel Lorry replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public during the 1880's and early 1900's. A model of a Small Wheel Lorry with a brown short two spoked wheeled wooden tray with low sides drawn by a cream coloured horse. The horse has reins and a simple noseband.There is a single seat and footrest at the front for the driver. The wooden shafts are to control the horse whilst working and they have a silver chain attached on each side. It has four replica brown wooden wine barrels with silver rims in the cart.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, drays, carts, lorries

The collection of thirteen horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a one horse drawn buggy replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public from 1833 until 1935. It came in four types.A model of a black enclosed buggy and horse, with two doors and two tinted windows. It is a two wheeled two passenger horse drawn carriage where the driver sits behind on the high seat with silver armrests. The body is low to the ground, making it easy for passengers to board and disembark as well as allowing for speed and is lightweight for one horse to pull, making the journey cheaper than using four horses. It has two black spoked wheels with silver rims, brown seating, silver handles on the doors and two black coach lamps at the back. There is a silver step on the side of the body near the footrest to aid alighting and disembarking.There are two long shafts on each side to surround the horse. It has a model of a brown coloured horse with a white tail and mane, which has the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horse. replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. This model of a two horse drawn enclosed Hansom Cabriolet replicates the vehicle that enjoyed respect from the public from c.1833 until 1935. A model of a black enclosed coach which is a four wheeled passenger horse drawn vehicle where the driver sits at the front behind the two white horses. It has two large and two smaller gold painted spoked wheels with black rims and gold mudguards on the rear wheels, two gold painted coach lamps, red vinyl padded seating and four open windows with rolled up blinds. There are two doors with a step for easy access into the coach. A long brown wooden shaft separates the horses as well as the necessary horse tack for carriage use to help the driver communicate with the horses. A hand operated brake pad is on the rear wheels. The first Hansom Cabs were clumsy, dangerous awkward vehicles. The drivers were suspected of 'Rude Bohemia'. It took the refinement of Joseph Aloysius Hansom himself to clear airs and remodel the cab to a safe vehicle. It enjoyed respect from c.1833 until 1935. It came in four types.replicas, models, scale models, vehicles, carriages, horse drawn vehicles, toy horses, road transport, coaches

Play group inside St. Matthew’s Church Sunday school hall, Scallan Street Stawell.Black & white photo of 4 children on toy horse, bikes & car. They are in a church hall area with arch windows.Inside St Matthews Sunday School Hall, Scallan St.stawell religion

Studio Portrait of Baby in a Wheeled Cart drawn by a toy horse.stawell

A yellow covered paperback English school reader with the title printed in red lettering at the top: Here we Go with an illustration in red of a girl and boy sitting on an inflatable toy horse and the series is written at the bottom: The Janet and John Books. It is stapled together and is in very bad condition, due to use over time.non-fictionAn English Primary School early reader about two children, a brother and sister named Janet and John who have simple outdoor adventures. The reading scheme used the 'Look and Say' Method of teaching reading in the 1950's and 60's where the language is repetitive for easy learning and memorisation of vocabulary. It has coloured illustrations of the children at play.schools, textbooks, school equipment, readers

Toy Rocking Horse: Rocker painted green, horse painted white with black tail & mane, red & gold saddle, red bridle toys, presents, children, rocking horse

Toy wooden pull along horse on wheels. Features painted on sides.toys, general

Wooden toy of soldier riding a horse, on 4 wheels. Body of horse painted white; soldier has red jacket, blue trousers and black boots and hat; wheels painted red; fibre mane and tail. Soldier's limbs are jointed at body, so soldier appears to be riding horse when toy is pulled along by cord at front.wooden toy, pull-along toy

The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objects. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. There were clearly a huge range of toys produced for the Australian and International children’s market in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. The examples of toys in the collection include examples of alphabet toys, arcade toys, baby toys, construction toys, dolls, doll accessories, educational toys, soft toys, tin toys, toy animals, toy blocks, toy machines, toy typewriters, etc. Carnation of Cumberland Ltd (UK) produced toys and sporting goods including toys, games, playthings, toy wheelbarrows, rocking horses, play apparatus, etc. The company was liquidated in 1991Box of coloured carnation chalks. Complete contents although some chalks are broken."Carnation CHALKS / SIX of the BEST!"carnation chalks, drawing materials -- chalk, carnation toys

Child-size rocking horse made and sold by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. Purchased in 1978 and used by a family for generations.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A small wooden rocking horse painted in green, white and brown, with carpet lining on seat.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, rocking horse, children's toys

This edition includes a report on the Progress Association's April 1975 meeting, Have you ever admired our trees? Stop press: purchase agreement for a 413 acre park in Diamond Valley [from Mr. and Mrs. Young's combined properties], Diamond Valley Repertory, From the Council Chamber, Letter to the Editor, In memoriam: Gertrude Kerry, Jack Moncrieff, This and that, Kinder news, Meet the natives, Half a horse. Is it better than no horse? A digital copy of this Newsletter is available from Greensborough Historical Society.Newsletter, 23 p., illus.greenhills and north greensborough progress association, greenhills

Globe Hotel High St Charlton c. 1891. Proprietor William Fowler. Photo taken for Charlton Lithograph 1891 (P1437) . Sepia photograph of the Globe Hotel. Large group of people standing outside the hotel; four women, one holding a baby and four men. There is a little girl pushing a toy pram and a boy sitting. There is also a horse and buggy and the driver is standing up in the buggy holding the reins. globe hotel, william fowler, charlton, lithograph, business, industry

Tim Walker’s work is an eye-catching array of shipwreck artefacts and associated items. They help tell the story of the 19th century ships that travelled across the world full of people and cargo that are now part of our history. The work was commissioned especially for Flagstaff Hill and highlights the famous story of the 1878 ‘Loch Ard’ shipwreck. The images also include two small items from the 1981 ‘Fiji’ shipwreck. Local professional artist Timothy “Tim” Walker was born in Britain in 1970. He was self-taught had the desire to use his talents for full-time work. He specialised in painting local scenes, landscape and people of Warrnambool and district after he moved there in 1990. As he worked at the location of his subjects, people often told him interesting and amusing stories. He soon became involved in the Warrnambool and District Artists’ Society, where he has served for a period as President. In 2010 Warrnambool Art Gallery hosted an exhibition “Nine Lives” with works from nine local artists including Tim Walker. The ‘LOCH ARD’ 1873-1878 - brief history The clipper ship ‘Loch Ard’ was a built in Scotland in 1873. In 1978 the ship was sailing to Melbourne with 54 people on board as well as a mixed cargo of items, some of which were bound for the 1880 International Exhibition in Melbourne. On June 1st 1878 it was very close to its destination when it crashed into Mutton Bird Island, east of Port Campbell. Only two people survived. The wreck was re-discovered in 1967, almost a century later, and the site continues to provide evidence of the range of goods imported into the Colony of Victoria in the post-Gold Rush era. Flagstaff Hill divers in the 1970s reported finds of “Bottles of champagne, window panes, rolls of zinc, barrels of cement, iron rails, clocks, lead shot, corrugated iron, lead, marble, salad oil bottles, ink bottles, copper wire, gin bottles, rolls of carpet, floor tiles, copper rivets, gas light fittings, pocket knives, toys, crystal chandeliers, beer mugs, cutlery, candles sticks, wick scissors, cow bells, and sauce bottles.” The famous Loch Ard Peacock was also on board. The ‘FIJI’ 1875-1891 – brief history The barque ‘Fiji’ was built in Ireland in 1875. The sailing ship left Hamburg in May 1891, bound for Melbourne with a crew of twenty-five plus the captain. The ‘Fiji’ had almost reached her destination after a trip of 100 days at sea when, on September 5th 1891, she struck rock 300 metres from the shore at Moonlight Head, near Cape Otway. Eleven men lost their lives but with the help of locals including members of the Rocket Rescue Crew, the rest of the men were saved. In anticipation of Christmas, the cargo had included a wide variety of children’s toys, amongst which were dolls with china limbs, wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, and red and white rubber balls. There were also cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits, sailcloth, tobacco, fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos, concertinas and other musical instruments, artists’ supplies, porcelain, furniture, china and candles. This artwork has historical significance as it shows a small sample of the variety of items on board the late 19th century ships bound for Australia in the Colonial and late God Rush period. The cargo contained personal luggage, items intended as gifts, and goods ordered for domestic, commercial or industrial use. The wreck sites of both vessels, ‘Loch Ard’ and ‘Fiji’ are classified on the Victorian Heritage Register as significant and are now protected by government law. The sites are popular with divers and provide interpretive material regarding social and maritime history. Framed poster of a watercolour painting by Tim Walker, gilt frame, behind glass. Subject is a group of objects, most of which are connected with the 1878 shipwreck Loch Ard, such as items recovered from the shipwreck and the famous ‘Loch Ard Peacock’. Two items are from the wreck of the ‘Fiji’. Inscriptions on ingot, a handwritten letter, bell, clear bottle, and small plaque.On ingot: “PONTIFEX & WOOD. LONDON”. On letter: “Presented to Mr. Thomas Pearce”. On small ingot: “TIM WALKER”. On bell: “LOCH ARD”. On clear bottle “THE SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY“. On plaque: TIM WALKER”.warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, flagstaff hill, loch ard, fiji, watercolour, timothy walker, tim walker, warrnambool & district artists’ society, warrnambool art gallery, poster, henna street picture framers, cargo, print

The artefact is a damaged brass cow bell recovered from the 1878 shipwreck of the LOCH ARD near Port Campbell. It was raised by Flagstaff Hill divers in 1973 and is in storage at the Maritime Village. The LOCH ARD was constructed on the Clyde in 1873 for the prestigious Loch Line of colonial clipper ships, designed for the Australian run. She sailed from England on 1 March 1878 carrying 37 crew, 17 passengers and a diverse general cargo ranging from luxury items to bulk railway iron. On 1 June 1878, emerging from fog and hearing too late the sound of breakers against the tall limestone cliffs, the vessel struck the southern foot of Mutton Bird Island and sank in 23 metres of water. Of the fifty-four people on board only two survived, one young male crewman and one young female passenger. A century later, despite the pounding seas and the efforts of looters, the wreck site continued to provide ample evidence of the extraordinary range of goods being imported into the Colony of Victoria in the post-Gold Rush era. Flagstaff Hill divers in the 1970s reported finds of “Bottles of champagne, window panes, rolls of zinc, barrels of cement, iron rails, clocks, lead shot, corrugated iron, lead, marble, salad oil bottles, ink bottles, copper wire, gin bottles, rolls of carpet, floor tiles, copper rivets, gas light fittings, pocket knives, toys, crystal chandeliers, beer mugs, cutlery, candles sticks, wick scissors, cow bells, and sauce bottles.” From this array of objects on the ocean floor emerged the humble brass cow bell. Cow bells were common to colonial agriculture and transport, used wherever animals were turned out to graze overnight and had to be rounded up again next morning. Bells were fastened around the necks of household milking cows, domestic goats, bullock teams, horse teams, and camel teams, to help find them in the pre-dawn light. Station shepherds and cattle drovers also used them to warn of any disturbances to their flocks and herds overnight. The bells were a necessary item in a largely unfenced continent. So important, that Anthony Mongon began making his pot-bells at Yackandandah from 1861, August Menneke produced the “Wagga Pot” from 1867, and Samuel Jones started manufacturing his distinctively shaped “Condamine Bell” in 1868. However, these deeply resonant Australian bells were made from iron — Mongon and Jones were blacksmiths who simply beat old pitsaw blades into shape. Few genuinely brass cow bells were made here, the vast majority being imported from Britain where the industry of brass founding was already well established. (Some bells were also imported from the United States, but these too were nearly all of iron).This bell is historically significant as typical of a cow bell used by farmers and herdsmen in Colonial Victoria. It was included in the cargo of the Loch Ard. Its significance is increased by being one of a collection of artefacts recovered by the Flagstaff Hill Divers from the wreck of the Loch Ard in the early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have also been recovered for Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection under a Government permit, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The cow bell is also significant for being part of Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD, which is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best-known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history.Cow bell; a small brass bell, blunt-wedge shaped. The sides expand outwards from the smaller rectangular roof of the bell to a larger open rectangle or bell mouth. The handle, now missing, was fixed in two places at the top. A neat half-circle piece has been cut from the base on a long edge. Recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, eva carmichael, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, brass cow bell, colonial cow bells, 1878 shipwreck, shipwreck artefact, flagstaff hill divers, cow bell

The rope was part of the distress rocket used during the time that the sailing ship Fiji was in distress, before it became a wreck. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and distress rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Cartland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryan's Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to River nook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the last man being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to River nook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967.This rope is part of the collection of artefacts from the wreck of the Fiji. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes).Rope, plaited, brown in colour, cut straight at one end, and the other end is separated into 3 pieces, from distress rockets used during the wreck of the sailing ship Fiji. Rope was in envelope printed with an address, and a description, and there was a display card with further details on it. Printed on the envelope: "Shire of Hampden / PO Box 84, Camperdown 3260" Hand written "rope of wreck of Fiji / 7cm / Mr Wm "Boyce" Display card with rope includes words "Piece of Rope from the Fiji distress rockets and was donated to Flagstaff Hill by a private donor in 1989"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rope, the fiji, william boyce, distress signal, rocket rescue, life saving equipment